The sun was barely up when Optimus set off in search of Faera. To his surprise, however, he couldn't find any trace of her, though his sensors clearly indicated that she was close by. In fact, none of the Autobots that circulated at this time of day had seen her, and Red Alert's security cameras couldn't locate her either. Unsure what to make of things, the Autobot leader decided to contact Jazz, so he opened his communication frequencies.

"Yeah?" sounded Jazz's voice from the other side of the link.

Optimus winced to hear the saboteur so sleepy. Jazz was obviously still resting, just like Ratchet had ordered him to.

"I'm sorry to wake you, Jazz, but it couldn't wait," he said apologetically. "Do you know where Faera is?"

"Last time I saw her, she found a ledge inside the crater and meant to sleep there," Jazz answered. "She's gone then?"

Optimus picked up the slight tone of concern in Jazz's voice, and he noted it as a good sign. It meant that at least one more Autobot was slowly befriending the Sadjen.

Even so, this wasn't the time to ponder on that. If Faera had been in the crater, there was only one out of two ways she could have gone. And since she wasn't inside the Ark, Optimus was sure she had climbed up the crater to go outside.

"Prime?"

"Don't worry, I know where to look for her now," Optimus answered. "Thank you, Jazz."

"Any time, Prime. Jazz out."

Optimus nodded absentmindedly, and ended the transmission to head for the exit. He stepped out of the Ark and looked everywhere for any sign of Faera, but he couldn't see her anywhere. What made things even stranger was the fact that, according to his scanners, Faera was… up. As a suspicion formed in his processor, he looked upwards, in the direction of the crater.

The Sadjen was indeed there. Optimus clearly saw her sitting on a rock on the top of the slope. She had her eyes closed, letting the sunbeams bathe her with their warm light. Optimus supposed he should have expected it, for Perceptor had already informed him that her exoskeleton didn't only serve as armour to protect her vulnerable core; it also absorbed solar energy to sustain her. So, when the sun rose, it was only natural that she wished to feed. Feeling quite curious, the Autobot leader couldn't help but watch her for a few moments, and he registered the calm expression on her features. It was a pity that he had to call her down, but Optimus knew that there was nothing for it.

"Faera!"

She barely flinched. She just opened her eyes and looked at him.

"You have to come down," Optimus explained. "We need to talk."

She nodded and got back on her feet. She slid down the slope with experienced ease, her steps sure and steady, and she walked up to Optimus.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Two things, actually," Optimus said. "It would be best if you informed someone about your whereabouts next time. One of my officers doesn't like it when members of the Ark just disappear." He pointed meaningfully at the security cameras.

Faera nodded her understanding. "I'll choose a more visible spot next time," she said.

"Good." And yet, Optimus was aware that the problem remained. The Autobots needed some kind of means to stay in touch with Faera even if she wasn't within hearing or visual range. Optimus hoped that Wheeljack would think of something when the Autobot leader talked to him about it.

Faera regarded him curiously, arching one of her eyebrows. "What was the other thing?"

Optimus remembered himself. "I spoke with the mayor of Portland yesterday," he said. "I had to make sure that the humans knew about you before any of them jumped to unwelcome conclusions."

She snorted. "Conclusions such as that I'm going to open my big bad jaws and eat every last one of them?" she asked wryly.

"Indeed," Optimus answered, accepting her humour with grace. "He also suggested a meeting about a mile outside of Portland in an hour. He said he wanted to speak with you personally."

"Why?" she asked, genuinely perplexed.

Optimus's optics dimmed slightly. "I think the mayor wants to discard some of his own fears first."

Faera sighed. "I hoped your word would be enough for him. I suppose it can't be helped." She checked herself. "That means I can't change to my battle raiment either, can I?"

Optimus shook his head. "I'm sorry."

She waved her hand dismissively, another small smile crossing her features. "It's fine. It's just that I move faster on four legs rather than two."

Optimus chuckled. "I agree; though, personally, I prefer to roll." With that, he transformed to his vehicle mode and opened the door of his trailer. "Hop on."

Faera quirked an eyebrow and looked at the Autobot leader in disbelief for a few moments. Finally, after deciding to trust Optimus's judgement, she crouched and carefully stepped inside the trailer. Her eyes immediately caught sight of the various controls and relays, so she made sure that she didn't touch any of them as she settled down on the floor. She crossed her legs and rested her elbows on her knees, resembling those large statues Optimus had seen in India once.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked via the controls on his dashboard.

"More comfortable than I expected," she answered truthfully.

Just then, Optimus felt a curious sense of apprehension washing through him. He stiffened for a moment, and heard familiar clicking sounds from inside his trailer – fearful sounds.

"I believe you've met Roller before," he said, aware that it was the small mechanism that was regarding Faera with such a feeling of dread.

"Yes, and not under the best of circumstances," Faera said with a sigh. "Is he yours, then?"

"Affirmative," Optimus said. "He goes where I can't, serving as my optics and audios."

Faera frowned. "So, basically, you're able to sense what he does?"

"Yes," Optimus said.

"Even pain?"

Optimus understood where the Sadjen was going with this. "Affirmative. I felt it when you attacked him."

A sad expression formed on her features. "My apologies... to both of you."

"You were only trying to protect yourself, Faera. Forget it," Optimus said kindly. Roller, on the other hand, let out another series of clicks, and even Faera could tell that they sounded wary.

"Your friend doesn't agree," she noted in a wry tone.

"Just give him time," Optimus said reassuringly, before starting his engines with a roar. "We should go."

She nodded her agreement, and rested her head against the wall as Optimus drove off westward. She didn't seem to mind Roller's inquisitive looks; she just closed her eyes and lost herself in thought. She only stirred when Optimus came to a halt, and she cautiously stepped outside the trailer so that the Autobot leader could transform back to his robot mode. Beckoning her to follow him, it didn't take long for the two aliens to find the mayor already waiting for them a little further away. The mayor himself, James Powel, was standing close to his own car with quite the number of escorts to his left and right.

The old, white-haired man had a good, honest face, and he smiled in a friendly manner when he saw Optimus and Faera approach. His two bodyguards and his entourage of assistants, on the other hand, couldn't help but look at the Sadjen, regarding her curiously.

"She looks like she's stepped out of a bad b-movie," one of the younger assistants murmured close to his colleague, chuckling.

Optimus's expression clouded, for he had heard that – and so had Faera. She locked her gaze on the human, pride burning so strongly within her eyes that Optimus expected the assistant to burst into flames at any moment. The young man certainly felt that way, for he swallowed hard, shifted his legs nervously and finally averted his eyes. Faera snorted subtly, considering the matter taken care of, and she faced the mayor again.

"So," Powel addressed Optimus, a bit unnerved after the Sadjen's display, "I believe this is the friend you spoke of?"

She raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at the term the mayor used, but she said nothing. Still, Optimus could tell that she was touched; her gaze softened momentarily and he detected the beginnings of a small smile tugged on her lips. To Optimus, it meant Faera now knew that she did well in trusting him. It was something she needed, even though she would probably never admit it openly.

"Indeed, Mayor," Optimus answered and motioned his hand in her direction. "Her name is Faera."

"Mayor," she said, nodding her head in polite greeting. "Optimus Prime told me you wished to speak with me."

"Yes, I did," Powel said. He straightened his glasses and cleared his throat. "I… was hoping you could tell me some things about yourself and your home."

Faera nodded her understanding and sat down on a nearby rock, crossing her legs in a relaxed manner.

"I'm at your disposal."

The mayor followed her example and took a seat on a smaller rock nearby, while Optimus sat beside Faera and listened with interest to her talk with the human.

Jazz stretched his limbs with a purring rev of his engines, resembling at that moment a very large cat. To say that he felt, as humans put it, on top of the world, would have been an understatement. Now that his self-repair systems fixed some minor tweaks and scratches too, Jazz's former strength returned, and he couldn't wait till he had a rematch with Megatron.

That, however, would have to wait. He checked the time reading on the computer screen to see that he had some time to spare before taking up his duties for today, which meant he could take a stroll around the Ark to catch up with any piece of interesting news. So, he got off his berth and walked out of his dorms, his step brisk and light. He found it a bit strange when he saw Cliffjumper walk down a corridor, then run in the complete opposite direction upon seeing Hoist; still, he decided that he shouldn't interfere in their matters.

"Hey, Jazz, got a sec?"

Jazz turned around, recognising Beachcomber's voice. To his surprise, however, the minibot was beckoning him from the shadows, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.

"Uh… Sure, Beachcomber. What is it?"

"Did you see any Autobots walking down this corridor?"

Jazz blinked. "Well, I saw Cliffjumper and Hoist just a minute ago, but no one else."

"Okay. Thanks!" With that, Beachcomber rushed down the corridor and headed to Perceptor's laboratory.

What in Primus' name is goin' on? Jazz thought, more than just a little perplexed. If he didn't know any better, he'd say Beachcomber was trying to avoid someone.

Hoping that some energon would clear his head, Jazz walked towards the common room. It didn't take him long to get there, and a quick scan inside showed Jazz that the place was far from empty. Mirage was sitting on the couch with an energon cube in his hands, drinking the rejuvenating liquid in small sips.

"Hey, Mirage."

The Ligier turned around, startled, but he quickly calmed down when he saw it was only the saboteur. "Hey, Jazz. Good to see you up and about again."

"Yeah, I figured I should jus' stretch my legs before I start workin' on my report," Jazz answered with a broad smile, and he casually leant against the wall. "How about you?"

"I have patrol with Hound at one o'clock," Mirage said. "But, for the moment, I'm hiding."

Jazz cocked his head in a curious manner. "From who?"

"Anyone who wants to talk to me about Faera," Mirage answered. "For the last twelve hours I had about a dozen Autobots over my head asking me things such as what race she is, what she can do, if I've seen her transform and if I think she's okay or not." He sighed and rubbed his temples in a tired manner. "And I'm not the only one who had to go through that, I assure you. Almost everyone who's been in Santorini has been bombarded with the same questions."

Jazz frowned as Cliffjumper and Beachcomber's behaviour finally made sense.

"Now that's jus' the wrong way to go about things," he noted with a shake of his head. "If they want to know about her, why don't they ask her and judge for themselves?"

"They can't. She's not here," Prowl said. Indeed, the tactician had walked into the room with a couple of datapads in his hand to pick up an energon cube from the dispenser, when he overheard the conversation. "The humans had to be informed about our non-Cybertronian ally, so Optimus had her meet the mayor of Portland."

"Oh." No wonder Prime was lookin' for her so early in the mornin', Jazz mused inwardly.

It was also then that the saboteur remembered something just as important.

"Hey, hold on a minute… Bluestreak and Tracks are still in Philadelphia, aren't they? And the Aerialbots are in South America. They aren't goin' to shoot her or anythin' when they see her, right?"

"No, Red Alert has already dispatched a radio transmission to all Autobots and told them the news," Prowl answered dryly. "Besides, judging by what Skyfire has already told me, laser-fire has no effect on her kind."

"None whatsoever," Mirage replied. "It just ricochets off her."

Prowl took a sip of his energon thoughtfully. "I see."

The tactician exited the room without another word, but Jazz noticed a strange glint in his optics. Aware that that meant Prowl was carefully considering something, Jazz waved Mirage goodbye and rushed after his friend.

"Prowl!"

Though he kept walking down the corridor, Prowl faced Jazz nonetheless. "Yes?"

"Come on, man, I know you! You're contemplatin'," Jazz exclaimed. "So what's in your mind?"

Prowl stopped and regarded the saboteur with quite the calm expression. "Very well. I'll tell you," he said. "By accepting to join our ranks, Faera has automatically placed herself in the position of a recruit. As an officer, you are aware what that means, aren't you?"

Truth be told, Jazz didn't understand at first. But then, as realisation caught up with him, he felt his optics widening.

"You're gonna test her?"

Prowl nodded.

"Prowl… She's not an Autobot," Jazz said with a shake of his head.

"Yet," the tactician corrected. "If she's to be accepted as one though, she has to face what every one of us already has. You know that."

Jazz opened his mouth to object… but he couldn't. Prowl was right. They couldn't treat Faera differently just because she wasn't a Cybertronian and, come to think of it, that was probably something Faera herself wouldn't want either. Still…

"Some of the tests can't apply to her," he pointed out.

"Ironhide, Trailbreaker and Smokescreen are already waiting in my office so we can work around that problem," Prowl answered, holding up the two datapads in his hand. "Speaking of which, we'll need your help concerning some details. You're more familiar with her nature than we are."

Jazz chuckled in a wry manner. "I'm not sure how knowin' her three days more than you guys qualifies as 'more familiar', but count me in."

"Then let's go," Prowl said, beckoning Jazz to follow him. As they walked on, Jazz was mildly surprised to see a small smile forming on the tactician's lips; the mask of the cold, calculating second-in-command slipped for a moment.

"You know… Something tells me the next few days are going to be very interesting."

Jazz couldn't help it. He smiled as well. "You and me both, buddy."

You and me both.

-------------------

As Optimus listened on to Faera's conversation with Mayor Powel, he had to admit that the Sadjen was courteous in all her answers while telling about her life on Sherba, her former home; she didn't even shy from the truth when she spoke of her planet's destruction. She nevertheless chose her words carefully and didn't reveal anything of what she had so far only told Prime.

Optimus didn't say anything though. She had already taken the risk of confiding in the Autobot leader, and that was enough; he meant to respect her wish in that matter.

Besides, the mayor himself must have realised that Faera preferred not to talk about the demise of her kind, for he didn't pry any further than necessary. He asked her of the circumstances under which she found herself on Earth instead, and what she thought of the planet so far.

"It's hospitable," she answered diplomatically. "The colours that surround the place are pleasing to the eye."

"But what of its inhabitants?" Powel asked curiously.

Faera shook her head. "I'm afraid I didn't allow myself to interact much with humans until now. I didn't think a creature of my appearance would be welcome."

"You didn't trust humans?" the mayor insisted.

"I didn't trust myself among them," she replied. "I didn't want to cause any harm."

I've already caused enough. Optimus was sure that that was precisely what she was thinking. But that wasn't the time or the place to confront her about her self-blaming - the same self-blaming that made her choose exile as her proper punishment.

"And now that you've joined the Autobots?" Powel asked.

Faera didn't hesitate in her answer.

"You can have as much faith in me as you do in the Autobots. You can trust me to respect the laws of Earth and abide by them without objection. But you can't trust me to sit by when I'm required to do the right thing, whatever that entails."

Powel thought about her words for a few moments.

"Sounds fair to me." He smiled and extended his hand. "Welcome to Portland, uh… Miss… Ms?"

She understood and completed the handshake, holding the man's hand between her thumb and index finger. "Just Faera is fine by me."

"Ah, good," the mayor said with relief, then turned to the Autobot leader. "Thank you for arranging this meeting, Optimus Prime. It was most interesting."

"You're welcome," Optimus said. "Have a good day, Mayor." He calmly watched the humans get in their cars and, as soon as they drove away, he stood up.

"I believe that is also our cue to return to Headquarters. Will you go inside my trailer again?"

"Yes," she answered, standing up as well. "I'd rather not slow you down."

"As you wish." He paused for a moment and looked at her with the smile visible in his optics. "You did well back there. I could tell the mayor was impressed."

She didn't expect that compliment, that was for certain. "I just answered his questions," she said.

"And your answers were good," Optimus replied. "You've just made your first step in settling down to a new home."

"The first out of many," she pointed out with a shake of her head. "I don't even know when I'll take the second one."

Optimus chuckled knowingly. "That depends on Prowl."

She regarded Optimus in a perplexed manner. "How so?"

The Autobot leader didn't get the chance to answer. At that moment, he caught sight of something glinting on a rock formation quite some distance away from him and Faera.

"Faera, move out of the way!"

She complied at once, jumping aside just as Optimus took out of subspace his rifle and fired in the direction of the rock formation. A metallic squawk of dismay pierced the air, and Laserbeak flew over their heads. Charging up his optics at full power, he opened fire at both Autobot and Sadjen and then fled westward as fast as he could.

"I'll take it that that was a Decepticon," Faera said, watching the robotic vulture disappearing in the horizon.

"Indeed. And one of the sneakiest ones, too," Optimus said with distaste. He turned toward her, his optics reflecting his concern. "Are you hit?"

"No," she answered, still looking in the direction Laserbeak fled. Her brows furrowed to a troubled frown. "How long do you think he had been there, watching us? I didn't hear him closing in."

"I didn't detect him either. He knew to keep his distance," Optimus said, putting back his rifle in subspace. "He saw what he wanted, after all."

"Which was?" Faera asked, facing Optimus.

Optimus locked his gaze on the Sadjen. "You."

Faera's eyes widened slightly at that and, for a moment, Optimus thought she would change to her animal form and bolt after Laserbeak. Her hands certainly curled to resemble claws, and her shoulders slumped forward as though she was about to crouch. He gently gripped her arm in a motion to stop her.

"Let it go, Faera. At least we know that theyknow."

"But there's something else we don't know."

She didn't have to say anything more; Optimus understood just by looking into her eyes.

"If he is with them, we'll find out sooner or later. For the moment, there's nothing you can do," he said, and transformed to his alternate mode. "We'd better head back to the Ark."

Faera could only nod her acquiescence and she stepped inside the trailer. As soon as Optimus felt her settle on the floor once more, he started his engines and drove towards the base, both of them silent.

Soundwave sat by the base of a mountain, giving the impression that he was alone in the vast rocky area that was unfolded around him. In truth, however, he was standing guard outside the Decepticons' temporary headquarters, and the mountain was no mountain at all.

A metallic squawk reached Soundwave's audios, and the spy looked up. Sure enough, Laserbeak was swiftly flying toward the spy, eager to return to his master. Soundwave opened his chest-plate, and the robotic vulture transformed to his cassette mode to land with a light thudding sound inside Soundwave. The spy closed his deck and cocked his head, listening carefully to everything Laserbeak had to report.

His visor lit up when he heard something that would certainly interest Megatron, and he instantly opened his communication frequencies.

"Soundwave to Megatron. Laserbeak has located the female Sadjen."

---------------

Megatron sat on his chair in the centre of the control room, a smirk forming on his lip-components as he listened to Soundwave's report. Starscream, on the other hand, didn't seem all that impressed. Indeed, the air commander was leaning against the wall at the other side of the room, keeping his arms crossed and his expression aloof.

"Are you sure she's allied herself with the Autobots, Soundwave?" Megatron asked.

"Answer: Affirmative. Both Optimus Prime and herself confirmed it to the mayor of Portland," Soundwave answered.

"Excellent," the Decepticon leader noted. "Have Ravage and Reflector spy on the Autobots. As soon as they locate her, they're not to lose sight of her. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Megatron," Soundwave said, and ended his transmission.

"You seem to be very pleased, considering an indestructible alien has now declared herself an Autobot soldier," Starscream pointed out, regarding Megatron with a raised optic ridge.

"Because I see much further than you will ever do, Starscream," Megatron said contemptuously. "She's not even close to becoming an Autobot before she's tested first; the Autobots will want to document her every skill and weakness. And when they do, we'll be there to get the results too."

"And why should her abilities matter to us?" Starscream asked in a snort. "Isn't it enough that she's a life-form powerful enough to destroy us? Or do you think we don't have our own test subject to experiment on if that's your real priority?"

Megatron curled his upper lip in distaste. "Do you mean him?" he asked, pointing at the darkest corner of the control room.

At first glance, it appeared like there was nothing there, but Starscream noticed a large rocky boulder hanging from several cables. And, when he looked hard enough, he managed to discern the shape of a male humanoid form, his head bowed and his dark strands hiding his face. Metal rods made of electrum alloy pierced the joints of his wrists and ankles, holding him in place and preventing him from moving even if he wanted to. Starscream realised with quite the satisfaction that Sadjens weren't entirely invulnerable as Ebon had wanted the Decepticons to believe at first.

"Hook has already informed me that this measure won't last forever; the heat of his core is such that it's slowly melting the rods. It won't be long before he'll be able to change to his animal form again," Megatron said. "This is where youcome into the picture, Starscream."

"Me?" Starscream asked, surprised.

"Yes," Megatron said. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're the best qualified for the job I have in mind; you know these creatures better than anyone else."

Starscream frowned. "And what job is that?"

"Make sure that our new pet never bites his masters' hands," Megatron replied. "Do you think you can do that, Starscream?"

It seemed Primus was smiling on the air commander. Starscream had wanted to get back on the Sadjen for his sneak attack back in Santorini, and it seemed now he had his chance. He locked his gaze on Ebon, a smirk forming on his lips.

He was going to enjoy this.

"It will be my pleasure, leader."

Optimus walked down the main corridor of the Ark, lost in thought. Faera wasn't with him anymore. She had asked his permission to retire to her resting place the moment she stepped out of his trailer. Optimus knew that rest was the last thing in her mind when she requested that sort of thing, and he'd rather she interacted with some of the other Autobots so she could familiarise herself with them. After what happened earlier today, however, he knew she needed some time alone to contemplate.

Besides, there were other matters to be taken care of. That was why he now pressed the call button to Wheeljack's laboratory.

He was quite taken aback when, instead of Wheeljack's usual cheery: "Step right in!", he heard a very, very angry:

"She's a Sadjen; a shapeshifter; yes, I've seen her transform; yes, it was impressive; and if you want to know more, just go talk to her!"

Optimus raised an optic ridge. Just what had happened while he and Faera were away?

"Wheeljack, it's only me."

There was silence for a couple of moments, during which Optimus was sure that Wheeljack winced visibly, and then the engineer opened the door in a timid manner.

"Hey… uh… sorry about that, Optimus. Some of my previous visits were kinda… trying," he said, scratching his head embarrassedly.

"I could tell," Optimus noted, mildly amused. "However, the reason I wanted to see you has to do with Faera. Do you have a few minutes?"

"Sure," Wheeljack said. "Step right in."

-------------------

Wheeljack leant against his desk with his arms crossed. Optimus could see that the engineer was deep in thought, considering the Autobot leader's request carefully.

"Well, Wheeljack? Do you think you can do it?"

"It will be tricky," Wheeljack answered. "Our standard radio transmitters can't work on her. Even if I manage to attach one somehow, it will get destroyed when she will change to her battle raiment."

Optimus frowned. He hadn't thought about her transforming ability. That certainly complicated matters even more.

"I didn't say it's impossible," Wheeljack added, seeing through Optimus's concern. "I'll just need Perceptor's help on this, as well as her own cooperation."

"Very well, I'll tell them to meet you here tomorrow," Optimus said. "As soon as you come up with something, let me know."

"Sure thing, Optimus," Wheeljack said, his smile audible in his voice.

That was all the reassurance Optimus needed. As Wheeljack returned to his work, the Autobot leader turned on his heel and went to his office to attend to his other duties. He had put them off for far too long.