This one I have to admit is one of my favorites of season one. Sorry it took so long. Here is Scrapheap.
This girl does not own Transformers, (but the OC's are mine bwahaha! The realm of Cybres is mine) but she wishes she did, because, frankly, that'd be awesome!
My Characters-Trans Counterparts Mentioned in this chap.
Dusk Greyman (Skyfyre Ivorra/Prime)- None
Karrick- Bumblebee
Silver Greyman (Silverstar Ivorra)- Arcee
Healer- Ratchet
Tomosal Ivorra- Optimus Prime
Nightiron-Bulkhead
(Human Counterparts: Same first, different Last)
Jack Wheeler- Jack Darby
Miko Tanikawa-Miko Nakadai
Rafael Cortez-Rafael Esquivel
Chapter 7
Baby Its Cold Outside
Dusk POV
"Ow!" I yelped, jumping up as Ratchet poked my side, "Watch where you poke that thing, Hatchet!"
I had gotten myself injured in a little spat with 'Bee…
Ok, maybe not so little.
Needless to say…
He thoroughly kicked my aft.
I tried shifting back to human form…but I couldn't do it. Something was wrong…so I went to the Hatchet to have him take a look.
"If you'd stay still, I wouldn't have to worry about it!" he snapped, "Aha…there's the problem."
"What?" I asked, craning my neck to see.
"Your, for lack of a better term, T-cog is fried," Ratchet said, "It's too strained."
I looked down at my Autari form.
"You mean…I'm stuck like this?!" I cried.
"For the moment, yes," he sighed, "and until I tell you that you can, Dusk, no transforming. Human form or otherwise."
I groaned.
This was not going to be fun.
Not fun at all.
I hopped off the berth and growled darkly to myself as I stalked off.
Luckily the kids weren't here…
I'd hate for Miko to learn some more new cuss words from me.
Bulkhead POV
The snow whirled around 'Bee and me, sending icy shudders through us. 'Bee shielded his eyes and looked at me.
"Are we there yet?!" he whined.
"No," I almost snapped, "We're not there yet. But it should be just past this ridge, Bumblebee,"
I leaped down a hillside, my pedes skidding on the ice. 'Bee followed closely behind, landing more gracefully than me.
"And who's better at landing?" he teased.
I ignored him.
"I don't get it," I whispered, "These readings are off the meter!"
I shook the meter, it had to be broken again.
"Bulkhead…look over there!" 'Bee chirped.
I looked…and put a servo to my comm. link.
"Ratch…we need a bridge," I said.
...
Back at Base, I pulled the heating wires off my chassis.
"I told you, Doc, we're fine," I growled.
Ratchet did not look amused.
"The only way to be certain that you're 'fine', Bulkhead, is to endure standard defrosting procedures!" he snapped, waving a finger in my face.
I glared at it, wondering how Ratchet would take having one less finger.
The Hatchet continued his rant.
"You know that prolonged exposure to subzero conditions can cause permanent system damage!"
"Ratchet," Optimus asked, "Have you learned anything more about our Arctic find?"
"Not yet," he replied, "The pod cannot be opened while it is frozen solid."
I groaned.
Patience was not one of my virtues.
June POV
I walked into my son's room and noticed he was still asleep.
I shook my head. He reminded me of his father more and more every day.
Jack could stay up into the wee hours of the night, but for some reason…he had a hard time waking up early. Just like his father did…and then the war started.
Sometimes his father would lose many nights worth of sleep because of the constant fights.
"Jack," I started, gently shaking his shoulder.
He grumbled something and waved me off, his hand shifting slightly before settling back to its human form.
"Jaaack," I repeated.
Still nothing.
I sighed…and ripped off the blankets.
He hunched up, shivering slightly.
"Up, sleepy head," I ordered.
"But it's Saturday!" he moaned, burying his head in his pillow.
"Didn't you tell me that you, Rafael and Miko were going to hang out with Mr. Castora today?" I asked.
He cracked open a bright, electric blue eye and sighed heavily.
"Five more minutes?" he asked tentatively.
I crossed my arms.
"Three more minutes?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"One more minute?" he asked in a last ditch effort.
I tapped my toe on the floor impatiently.
"Grr, fine," he grumbled swinging his feet over the side of the bed.
I kissed his head and ruffled his dark hair.
"I love you too," I cooed as I started out the door.
"At least she didn't use the ice cube," I heard him say.
"That is still an option!" I warned, laughing as he gave a groan.
Jack POV
I walked out of the house and into the garage.
"Morning Ar…" I stopped dead.
Arcee wasn't there.
"Where is she?" I asked myself…right as a bright, sunny yellow Urbana with black racing stripes pulled up.
'Bee's passenger side window rolled down and Raf's head peered out.
"Morning, Jack!" he called.
"Morning, Raf," I replied, walking to the waiting car and sliding into the driver's seat, "Uh…where's…"
A series of beeps and whirrs cut me off.
I looked to Raf for explanation.
The twelve and a quarter year old boy stifled his laugher as he answered.
"'Bee wants to know if we're ready for school,"
"Um…'Bee?" I started, "It's Saturday…no school,"
The mute mech was silent for a moment…and then let out what suspiciously sounded like laughter, before chirping something else.
"Yeah…" Raf said, rolling his eyes, "Ratchet's going to love that,"
I inwardly groaned. Few things scared me…
And the Autobot medic was definitely one of them.
"Let's just get it over with," I sighed, shaking my head.
And the three of us raced towards the Base.
Ben POV
"It's too bad about you not being able to transform," I said, looking up at Dusk, "Bet it's not fun,"
"You have no fragging idea," she growled.
"Language!" Amber snapped.
Dusk shot her a dark cobalt glare before crossing her arms and leaning against the wall.
"Lucky you, you get to go to the Arctic," Dusk mumbled.
"What can I say?" Amber smirked, "I'm the good kid here,"
"Sometimes I wonder," I muttered, making Dusk laugh and Amber scowl.
I heard the sound of engines roaring into base.
"Miss us Doc Bot?" Miko asked as she poked her head out from the green, SUV-like alt mode of her guardian, Bulkhead.
Ratchet groaned, his blue optics glaring at the ceiling. Jack got out of Bumblebee's alt mode and watched as the confrontation went on between the foreign exchange student and Ratchet.
"This ought to be good," Dusk snickered, "Shame we don't have any popcorn,"
"Shouldn't they be in school?" Ratchet asked.
"On a Saturday?" Miko snorted, as Bulkhead and Bumblebee transformed behind her, "We've got the whole weekend off…to spend with you!"
I saw Ratchet shudder slightly.
"I wasn't expecting to carpool," Jack said, "What gives Arcee?"
"Tag-team, Jack," the blue femme replied, "It's my turn for exploration duty,"
Jack's eyes lit up and an innocent look crossed his face.
"Uh oh, I know that look," I started, "He wants something,"
"And you know this look how?" Dusk demanded.
"Easy…you pull it off very well,"
"Aw too bad," Jack pouted, looking to the side, "It's a beautiful day for a ride…Would hate for you feel guilty for leaving me indoors…"
"Arctic exploration," Arcee said.
"Indoors where it's warm!" Jack replied hurriedly as he pointed to the couch and headed in that direction.
"The arctic?" Raf asked, eyes wide, "I've always wanted to see snow!"
Poor kid, never seen snow.
"I'd invite you to join us Rafael," Optimus said, kneeling, "But the conditions are much too extreme, even for we Autobots,"
"Oh," he mumbled, dejected, as Optimus stood, "I…understand."
The Prime stopped and looked back at the young boy.
"But…I will bring you back a snowball," he said.
"That'd be awesome!" Raf cried, his eyes lighting up.
I heard Ratchet and Jolt say something to Prime and Arcee and they pointed a remote at them.
"Amber?" Arcee asked, "You ready?"
"Heck yeah!" she chirped, pulling up the hood of her coat and walking towards the Groundbridge.
"Remember, you're only staying for an hour tops," Arcee said.
"No problem, 'Cee," Amber grinned, turning to wave at Dusk and I, "See ya later!"
And they left.
Jack POV
"Sooo…" Miko said, "What do you guys think we should do today?"
Bumblebee let out a few chirps and whirrs, mimicking playing a videogame.
"Video game tournament!" Raf cried, as Bumblebee gave another happy chirp, "last one standing wins!"
"Sweet!" Dusk cheered, "I've been working on Modern Warfare for a long time just to kick your aft, Ben,"
'Bee gave a sharp chirp and Dusk stuck out her tongue.
"You wouldn't stand a chance against me," Ben snorted.
"Bulkhead! Bumblebee! Dusk!" Ratchet yelled, "Here, now!"
Dusk groaned and Bumblebee let out a series of chirps as he, Dusk and Bulkhead went over to the CMO.
Raf waved and reached for the controller…right as Miko snagged it and presented it to me.
"Prepare to be destroyed," she cackled.
I yawned and stretched, "Yeah, not really my thing, Miko."
"Oh?" she said, a malicious glint entering her eyes, "Scared of losing to a girl?"
Ouch, that hurt.
I sighed and snatched the controller.
"Bring it," I growled as I began.
"No mercy," she replied.
We began playing.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Raf's expression. I paused and looked over at my friend.
"Hey, Raf," I started, "Wanna take on Miko for me?"
The younger boy sighed, "Nah, I've got stuff to do,"
And he walked off.
"Hooyah!" Miko yelled.
The game was on.
Dusk POV
"You can't boss us around just because the boss is out," Bulkhead growled.
"Yeah!" I agreed, "What he said,"
"I need some heavy lifting," Ratchet replied, smacking the Groundbridge controls, which were sparking, "The Groundbridge is down."
"Down…but…DAD!" 'Bee whirred worriedly.
"And Arcee and Amber!" I cried.
"Optimus, Amber, and Arcee made it through just fine it's bringing them back that worries me," Jolt tried to placate me and 'Bee.
I wasn't reassured.
"Now remove those panels, chop chop," Ratchet growled.
Raf POV
I wandered the Hallways, pretending to be stuck in a blizzard.
"Temperature's sub-zero and dropping," I said, shielding my eyes from the 'wind', "Gotta…get back…to base!"
I stumbled backwards.
A clanging noise snapped me out of my fantasy.
I spied a screw that had seemingly popped out of nowhere. I picked it up and studied it.
A soft clinking noise sounded from the rafters above me. I looked upwards. Nothing.
Then it was in front of me.
Still nothing!
I pushed up my glasses.
"H-hello?" I asked, timidly.
A bang sounded behind me.
I let out a gasp and turned around, nothing.
I started walking backwards and tripped.
I let out a yell and came face to face with the biggest set of violet eyes I'd ever seen.
"Ah!" I shouted, stumbling back.
The little creature cocked its head, and came towards me.
It was about the size of my forearm.
I gave a nervous laugh.
"W-where did you come from," I asked.
The little creature cocked its head.
I gave a laugh.
"The Autobots didn't say anything about pets," I said smiling.
The little guy blinked, looking up at me.
I pulled out the screw.
"You wanna play fetch?"
The creature hopped up and down excitedly and pranced in a little circle.
I laughed and threw the screw.
"Hehe, good boy!" I said, "Go get it!"
The little creature leaped upwards and began to chew on the screw.
"No! Don't eat that!" I yelled, worried, "You're gonna choke!"
The tiny thing turned around, screw gone, and blinked at me.
"Or…not?" I asked.
The little guy pranced up to me, clicking and whirring, rubbing up against my pants leg like a cat.
"I've got to show you to Jack and Miko and the others!" I said, "Come on lil guy!"
Jack POV
We were in the third turn of the first lap…when Miko started playing dirty. The Japanese girl started nudging me, causing me to swerve.
"Hey!" I growled, "Not funny!"
And I nudged her back.
She returned it.
"C'mon bookworm, show some backbone!" Miko taunted as she elbowed me again.
"'Least my eardrums are intact!"
"What's that supposed to mean, wimp?"
"Exactly that…" I smirked as I got ahead, "Clotpole,"
"What was that you just called me?" Miko demanded, "That's not even a word!"
"Want me to define it in two words?" I asked.
"That'd be nice,"
"Miko Nakadai,"
And with that, the trash talking came to a stop as Miko punched me in the arm.
I focused on the screen.
"Alright, come on…!" I growled, nudging Miko's car, "Come on, you want some?"
I pulled a fast one, knocking Miko's car off the track.
"YEEESSS!" I crowed, "OH! IN. YOUR. FACE!"
I did a happy dance while Miko rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Suddenly, the lights flickered out.
"Whoa! What the…?" I asked, "Great, power failure."
"Awww," Miko said in a mock baby tone, "It wiped out our game,"
"You…but…" I stuttered, "I was winning!"
"Bummer," Miko stated, walking off the ramp, Ben and I following.
"We are so having a rematch," I growled.
"What? Just so I can beat you?" Miko sighed, "Not gonna happen!"
"Kids," Ben warned.
Ben POV
"We most definitely have a problem," Ratchet breathed holding up what looked like a motherboard with…
With teeth marks in it!
"But what could have caused this?" the CMO continued.
The lights flickered again.
"Or that?" Bulkhead asked.
"Likely the main grid," Jolt explained, "Hopefully it isn't a substation malfunction…"
"That'd be bad…right?" Dusk asked.
"Hey guys!" Raf called, "Look what I found!"
"We're busy…!" Ratchet started…
He let out a sharp scream and all four Autobots jumped to their pedes, yelling and onlining their weapons. Dusk looked at them like they were crazy.
"What in Primus' Core is the matter with you guys?" she asked.
I turned around to see Raf with a very cute-looking creature nestled in his small arms.
"Hey! HEY!" Miko shouted, we put ourselves between the spazzing Autobots and Raf, "What's with you guys?"
"Scraplet!" Bulkhead shrieked, "SCRAPLET!"
"What's a Scraplet?" Raf asked, standing on his tiptoes to see the Autobot's faces.
Dusk raised an optic ridge at 'Bee…and then her gaze snapped back at the Scraplet as she slowly got up and backed away, standing next to 'Bee.
"The most dangerous vermin ever to crawl upon the face of Cybertron…" Ratchet shuddered.
"Uh, this?" Jack asked, letting out a small laugh, "Are you kidding me?"
"You're giant robots!" Miko said, "Scrappy here is…teeny,"
"You have no idea the damage that teeny thing can do!" Bulkhead hissed.
"Aw, he wouldn't hurt anything," Raf cooed, petting the Scraplet.
The Scraplet blinked open its huge purple optics. I watched as Jack stiffened, his eyes turned a lighter shade of blue and I saw his body give an almost imperceptible shudder.
I looked back at the Scraplet.
"Aw, isn't he cute," I smiled.
When it opened its maw and dozens of rows of spinning incisors made themselves known!
The Scraplet leaped out of Raf's arms and made a beeline towards…well, 'Bee. It latched onto the poor scout's leg and started chewing up it. And we humans couldn't help but stare.
'Bee's optics were rimmed with black in terror as he frantically tried to knock the creature off.
He managed to grab it…and then it chewed right through his servo.
Dusk screamed and fell back, right as 'Bee knocked it off of him.
"KILL IT!" Dusk shouted, "WITH FIRE!"
I flicked out my whips and was just getting ready to smash…when a crowbar came smashing down on top of it.
And again.
And again…
Raf was pounding the Scraplet into the ground furiously. Jack went over and grabbed the crowbar right as the twelve and a quarter year old gave another shout and reared back for another hit, prepared to bring the hurt once again.
"Easy there killer," Jack said, trying to calm the boy down.
"Hey, Raf…?" Dusk asked shakily, "what about the Scraplet do you think is adorable? The metal rending incisors…or the demon-like body when they see metal?"
Raf glared at her…and then gave a short gasp and ran over to his guardian.
"Whoa," Miko breathed, "I did not see that coming."
"I'm sorry Bumblebee!" Raf cried.
"It's ok, I'm fine," 'Bee whirred softly.
The boy turned to Ratchet as the CMO checked the scout over again, "Is he gonna be ok?"
"Only a mesh wound," Ratchet confirmed, "He'll live,"
"Now do you believe me?" Bulkhead asked, "All Scraplets do is dismantle machinery and eat anything metal! Especially living metal!"
"Well…" Jack started, "Bug squashed…game over, right?"
"No!" Ratchet growled, "When it comes to Scraplets...there's never just one…and I fear I know how they got in here,"
Dusk POV
I trembled as we stood before our arctic find. I grabbed 'Bee's arm for reassurance. Never in my whole life, have I ever felt vulnerable in this form.
"It's a trap," Ratchet confirmed as he gave it a closer look, "A Scraplet trap."
"Ah…an empty Scraplet trap," Bulkhead whimpered.
'Bee grabbed Ratchet's arm for reassurance just like I did with him.
"Most likely ejected into space eons ago," Ratchet said, "Only to wind up in the arctic, where the temperature kept them in stasis."
"Until we brought the thaw," Jack muttered, shaking his head.
"Now they're wide awake and ready to brunch," Miko said.
"So…how many are we talking about?" Raf asked.
"Thousands," Ratchet said, "The power malfunctions and Groundbridge damage…are sure signs that their infestation is well under way."
Amber POV
"O-Ok," I shivered, "I'm ready to go home n-now,"
It had been a few hours since we got here…we had a snowball fight of epic proportions…started by yours truly.
I hit Arcee, she threw one at me and accidently hit Optimus…he got this weird look in his optics…
And he nailed her right in the faceplates.
Who knew Boss 'Bot had a fun side?
And then the sun had gone behind some clouds and the wind picked up.
Arcee looked down at me, "Don't worry Amber, just a few more minutes and we'll be don't, I promise,"
"S-sure,"
"Arcee, what's your status," Optimus asked.
The femme looked at the 'Bot insignia just as it flashed blue.
"My sensor's going off..." she said, "Guess we should call for pick up before things get chilly?"
"Optimus to Base, core temperature readings have reached the blue zone, prepare to activate Groundbridge,"
He paused…
"I am not getting an answer," he finally said…a touch of worry entering his tone.
Well, this wasn't good.
Jack POV
We made our way back into the main hall, Ratchet and Jolt went to the consol and tried to reach Optimus and Arcee.
"Ratchet to Optimus! Do you read me? We have a situation!" Ratchet started.
But when he got nothing but static, he slammed his fist into the consol.
"The Scraplets have gotten into the comm. link system!" Jolt shouted, "If we don't eradicate these creatures immediately…they will reduce the entire Base to a scrapheap!"
"I say we bug outta here, and let 'em keep it!" Bulkhead cried, trembling.
Bumblebee nodded, showing his enthusiasm.
"Evacuation is not an option," Ratchet growled, "If we don't get the Groundbridge back online stat…Optimus, Amber, and Arcee will perish,"
"They…will?" I asked, my voice going up at the end.
Dusk closed her optics and buried her helm into 'Bee's shoulder, shaking as 'Bee gave a mournful wail.
I felt for them, I really did. Amber was Dusk's best friend, Optimus was hers and 'Bee's adopted dad…
Arcee was my guardian…but there was something about her that made me think that a guardian wasn't all she was to me.
Miko frowned and stormed over to Bulkhead.
"Bulkhead , you never run," she snapped.
"Miko, you haven't seen a swarm of these things devour a 'Bot," Bulkhead growled, "I have."
He shuddered.
"They pick you apart from the inside out, going for the small, juicy bits first, fuse by fuse, circuit by circuit, until there is nothing left, and I mean, nothing!" he paused, and looked up cringing, "Not even your optics!"
Dusk both let out a small squeak as 'Bee shuddered.
"You have to let us help!" I pleaded.
"We're not made of metal," Raf continued.
"Yeah! The Scraplets can't hurt us," Miko added.
"And basically, we're all you've got," Ben finished.
"Typically, I find your fleshiness your least engaging quality," Ratchet grumbled, "But it seems it would appear to provide an advantage under these extremes,"
"Ratchet!" Dusk protested.
"You can't exactly help right now, Dusk," he retorted, "Seeing as you are stuck in one form at the moment,"
"Ok good," I agreed, "So we pair off, one 'Bot, one human. I'll watch your back while you repair the Groundbridge."
"I'll stay with you," Ben nodded, "Jolt can't exactly go fight Scraplets…so he'll help Ratchet. Plus…he's my guardian…it'll be nice protecting him for a change,"
"And we," Miko added, "Go on a bug hunt,"
Bumblebee, Dusk and Bulkhead looked at each other...and shuddered violently.
Ratchet went over to the Groundbridge control panel and began to work.
Dusk walked off with 'Bee and Raf while Miko went with Bulkhead.
"Good luck," I called as the others went away.
Arcee POV
"S-so c-cold," Amber stammered, before falling to her knees.
I picked her up and held her close to my spark, hoping to keep her warm.
"Amber?" I heard Optimus ask, turning around.
"She's fading fast," I said, "If we don't get her warm…she'll die. And if we don't get warm…we'll die,"
My brother in law came closer, taking Amber from me and holding her close to his much bigger, much warmer spark.
Her shudders died down a little, and I could still see her misty breaths coming out.
And my legs gave out from underneath me, plunging me headfirst into the snow.
Optimus came over to me and helped me up while still holding Amber.
"Are you sure a nice long drive wouldn't help?" I asked, "I heard Miami's beautiful this time of year."
"The nearest temperate climate is too distant, Arcee," Optimus said, "attempting to reach it would expend too much energy, and hasten the freezing process."
"You sound like Elita," I chided, "Always picking on me,"
He raised an optic ridge but stayed silent…his optics betrayed his hurt and sorrow.
"I'm sorry," I sighed, "I still feel bad about it too. I only hope she's still alive…and the sparkling too,"
"I never even got to name the little one," he muttered, standing back up and continuing onwards, "I cannot even feel her anymore,"
I closed my optics for a second.
Losing Elita and the sparkling she carried, the last of our kind maybe, was a major blow to the both of us. My sister and niece/nephew, his sparkmate and sparkling.
"Until Ratchet sends for us…and he will," Optimus said, changing the subject, "Our best option would be to seek shelter…and insulate ourselves and Amber."
Miko POV
"I get to be your bodyguard for once," I said, excitedly, "How cool is that?!"
"Raf found the first one here, right?" Bulk asked.
The lights went out.
The only thing that could be seen was the light from Bulk's optics.
I heard a girly scream.
The lights flickered back on.
I turned to Bulk.
"Did you just scream like a little girl?!" I asked, trying to hold back my laughter.
"No!" he snapped, hastily, "maybe…uh can we talk about this later?"
I shrugged and we continued on.
Oh my gosh, my big strong guardian…screams like a little girl. Ah, the blackmail I can get from this…
We walked down another hallway…and Bulkhead was still as jumpy as ever.
"Taker 'er easy Bulkhead," I assured him, "Just stay focused. Everything's gonna be…"
I heard a tinkling sound and Bulkhead open fired, making me shriek and dive forwards, ducking my head.
Bulkhead's girlish scream rang out again. I looked up, fearing to see Scraplets…
And my big strong guardian was being attacked by a bunch of terrifying…cables.
"AHHH! THEY'VE GOT ME! GET 'EM OFF!" he screeched in English before switching to a bunch of screeching whirrs and other synthesized sounds…I'm guessing Cybertronian.
"Ok…wish I hadn't seen that…" I muttered before raising my voice, "BULKHEAD! You're fine! It's just a bunch of cables!"
"YEAAARGH!" he screamed…and then cut off mid scream, looking at the cables, "Oh… right…cables. Hehe,"
He yanked down one of said cables…
And Scraplets poured out of the hole.
Bulkhead gave another girly scream and I rushed forwards, smacking the little creepy crawlies off my friend.
Raf POV
I heard a girlish scream and stopped.
"What was that?" I asked.
"Bulkhead," both Dusk and 'Bee said at the same time.
"That means the Scraplets must have found him f-first…"
"He's ok…I think…right?" 'Bee asked.
Dusk shrugged.
"I dunno, 'Bee," she answered.
'Bee, Dusk and I started down the hallway...stopping at an intersection.
"D-down th-there?" 'Bee whirred worriedly.
Dusk gave a soft whimper of fear as she clutched 'Bee's shoulder.
I've never seen the Halfling scared out of her wits like this…it was kinda unnerving.
"Agh!" I said, "Don't these things ever stop eating?"
I started down the hallway…and 'Bee and Dusk followed slowly.
'Bee turned around and Dusk's blaster shifted out, shaking nervously.
I stood at the edge of a ventilation shaft, 'Bee gently nudged me out of the way, and ripped off the grate.
Dusk, 'Bee, and I raised our weapons…
Nothing but the whirling fan in front of us.
"No Scraplets here," I shrugged.
There was a tinkling sound and Dusk froze.
"No," she squeaked, "they're b-behind us!"
She nearly climbed up 'Bee's frame, both siblings frantically shooting at the pests and screaming at the tops of their voices while I smashed the ones closest to me.
Jack POV
I sat on the steps and watched Jolt and Ratchet work. The CMO still scared me a bit, mainly because of the stories Bulkhead and Arcee had told me of the medic's infamous wrench…that even Optimus wasn't a stranger too…
Ratchet was one Autobot you didn't tick off.
Not unless you had a death wish.
But seeing the Medic afraid of something a lot smaller than he made him seem a little more…
Human?
I frowned.
I didn't know how to describe it.
Jolt on the other hand…was like Ratchet's opposite. I swear, that 'Bot didn't have a mean bone in his body. He did have a little pride problem (mainly 'cause Ratchet kept taking the credit) but other than that…I'd honestly have Jolt patch me up.
He was just nicer.
A sudden, girlish, metallic scream rocked the Base.
"Ratchet?! Jolt!?" I asked, standing up quickly.
"It's only Bulkhead," the red and white Medic sighed, but I could sense the hint of a smile.
"He does have a femmish scream, doesn't he?" Jolt snickered.
"Do you think he's ok?" Ben asked.
"I'm sure he's fine," Ratchet replied, albeit unsurely.
I tightened my grip on my crowbar.
I really, really didn't like this.
There was something about the Scraplets that put me off when I first saw the one Raf brought in…
Like…I knew it was bad. It felt like a natural fear, but…maybe I'm just paranoid.
I turned back to Ratchet and Jolt.
"Uh…how's it going over there?" he asked.
Ratchet sighed.
"I've repaired the damage conductors and rerouted the central conduits but the Groundbridge still won't receive power!" he snarled, pounding his fist into the floor.
"Easy, Ratch," Jolt soothed, "We'll get it up again…we just need to think,"
"WHAT DO YOU THINK I'VE BEEN DOING!?" Ratchet snarled.
Jolt shrank back and Ratchet sighed, putting a servo to the bridge of his "nose".
"I am sorry, Jolt…I'm just…on edge,"
"I think we all are," Jolt replied, with a nervous laugh.
A light clinking noise caught my ear. I turned around…
And spotted a swarm of Scraplets crawling down the wall.
"Uh oh," Ben started.
"Ratchet, Jolt…" I whispered.
"Yes, yes, what is it n…" the CMO froze as he spotted what was on the wall, "Primus, help me,"
Jolt gave a soft whimper of fear and a soft squeak escaped him.
Apparently the Scraplets heard them…'cause they looked at them.
"Scrap!" both medics yelped, getting up to their pedes.
The Scraplets leaped off the wall and flew towards them.
"They fly?!" I demanded, "You never said they could fly!"
"You never asked!" Ben replied.
Ratchet and Jolt fell backwards as the Scraplets attacked, making them yell in pain and fear.
"RATCHET!" I shouted.
"JOLT!" Ben screamed, charging forwards and smashing any Scraplet that came near.
"Jack! Ben!" Ratchet howled, "The Fire Extinguisher!"
I tried to move…but I couldn't. My heart beat frantically in my chest…
Ben POV
"GET THE FRAGGING FIRE EXTINGUISHER NOOOOWWW!" Jolt shrieked, writhing on the floor in pain.
"I don't see it!" I shouted, looking around.
I noticed Jack standing stiff as a board…eyes wide and bright light blue.
"JACK!" I yelled, grabbing his arm and dragging him towards the last place I'd seen the fire extinguisher, "What the Pit is wrong!?"
"I-I d-don't know…" he started, shaking bad, "S-so many…"
"Never mind," I said, "Where's the fire extinguisher!?"
He raised a shaking finger towards the wall. Aha! There it is!
Two of them!
I grabbed one and tossed it to Jack.
"You take Ratch, I'll take Jolt!" I ordered.
He didn't move.
"JACK!" I snapped.
He shook his head violently.
I grabbed him by the shoulders.
"If you don't help him, both of them will die, do you understand me?" I hissed.
His eyes darkened and he gave a slow nod.
I shoved him towards Ratchet while I headed towards Jolt and started spraying him with the liquid nitrogen.
Jolt moaned in pain and relief as the Scraplets dropped like flies from his armor.
Some of the remaining Scraplets retreated to the air.
"Ratchet," Bulkhead yelled as he, Dusk, and Bumblebee limped in, "Get the patch kit, we're leaking energon like...WHOA!"
My eyes shot up and looked at the Scraplets that had escaped mine and Jack's first onslaught. I looked at Miko and Raf.
"Get 'em!" I shouted…
Right as the swarm attacked.
Bumblebee, Dusk and Bulkhead shot at the Scraplets, desperately trying to keep them away. Bulkhead switched his servo for his mace and pounded it into the swarm.
"Eat this!" he snarled, bring his mace back up, looking at it, then his Scraplet covered self…
And he let out another girl-ish scream.
Arcee POV
"Arcee, Amber, wake up," Optimus ordered, lightly nudging us both.
Amber shuddered, her green eyes fluttering open as she groaned. My optics onlined and I rubbed them.
"Just…resting my eyes," I mumbled.
"Same here," Amber stuttered.
"The longer we remain alert," Optimus started, "The longer we remain alive,"
"What do you suggest?" I growled, "Wait…how 'bout a game?"
"The last time you decided to play a 'game' Elita and I ended up being glued together if I remember correctly," Optimus growled softly.
I shrugged innocently.
"How else were we supposed to get the two of you together?" I asked.
"A g-game…?" Amber murmured, "We're freezing to death and all y-you c-can think of is p-playing a g-game!?"
"Let's play…who screwed things up back at Base," I replied dryly.
"Our predicament could be the result of a simple malfunction," Optimus stated
"Caused by…Bulkhead," I said, thinking, "Let's see…no comm link, maybe even no power…the big lug probably tripped over a cord! He's never been too graceful."
I gave a soft smile.
"Remember when we first arrived on Earth…and Bulkhead walked into those p-powerlines?" I gave a weak laugh, "Who knew he could dance like that?"
"Like a ch-chicken with it's h-head cut off?" Amber supplied.
"Bulkhead may be to…large…for this world," Optimus started, "But his inner strength is without bounds. One should not be measured by size alone,"
"Easy for y-you to s-say," Amber grumbled, "Y-you're th-three stories t-tall,"
Optimus shook his helm and looked out on the storm.
Jack POV
"We get 'em all?" I panted, looking at my friends.
The sound of tearing metal reached our ears.
"Hardly," Ratchet groaned, "these were just scouts,"
Bumblebee gave a weary moan and his helm smacked up against the pillar against which the four Autobots and Autari lay.
"So…the…rest of them know we're in here?" Bulkhead asked, shakily.
"And if we allow ourselves to become their next meal…" Jolt added, "Optimus, Amber and Arcee will never make it home. We must get the Groundbridge operational."
"Then we can use it to send the Scraplets anywhere on Earth!" Raf exclaimed.
"Why not back to the arctic? Jack asked, "We already know they don't do cold!"
"Sw-eet!" Miko chirped, "One stop shopping!"
"Given the body mass of the Scraplets…" Ratchet started, "Subzero temperatures should freeze them on contact…so think, Ratchet, think! "If the Groundbridge is still down…then there must be a breach…in the energon fuel line!"
Dusk tried to get up, but fell back down again with a moan.
"Ugh, if we weren't breaching," Bulkhead muttered, "One of us could get back over there and fix it!"
"Where can we find it?" I asked.
"And how do we fix it?" Raf added.
"D-down the hallway, to your left, Ben…you know where it is," Ratchet sighed, "But be careful! Energon is extremely flammable…you must make sure that not even a spark hits the energon, or the whole Base will go sky high!"
"Thank you for that lovely picture, Ratchet," I muttered, grabbing the tool box, "C'mon guys, let's go!"
The four of us ran down the hallway swiftly, turning left just as Ratchet told us…
And I froze.
"Uh oh, Scraplet alert!" Miko whispered.
"Remember," Ben said, trying to calm everyone down, "We're ok…we're not metal,"
We continued down the hall…until I spotted the slightly glowing blue liquid leaking from a large metal pipe.
"There's the breach," I muttered, "C'mon, we've got to work fast!"
I slid under the pipe and pushed on it.
It wouldn't budge.
"C'mon, c'mon…" I thought, pushing harder.
I felt a sudden surge of strength...
The pipe clanged into place.
"Miko! Hand me the welder!" Ben ordered, "Jack, hold the pipe in place!"
"But I wanted to…!" Miko protested.
"You'd blow us sky high," Ben muttered to himself as the Japanese girl reluctantly handed him the welder.
Dusk POV
"So if we get…when we get the Groundbridge open," Bulkhead started, "Do we send the creepy crawlies out…or bring our 'Bots in?"
"Optimus and Arcee will be fresh meat," Ratchet groaned, "If we bring them in first, the Scraplets will have no reason to leave…"
"Amber'll die if we don't get her in," I protested.
Jolt looked at us, seriously.
"We'll need bait,"
"Where're we gonna get bait!?" Bulkhead snapped, "The Scraplets already helped themselves to everything in here!"
I closed my optics and leaned against 'Bee.
What are we going to do?
Ben POV
In no time, the bottom half was welded shut.
"Now for the top," I muttered, as Jack slid out from underneath the pipe, "Raf, can you hold the plate in place?"
The smaller boy nodded and I lifted him onto the top of the pipe.
"Dude, you've got energon all over the back of your shirt now!" Miko snickered.
"Scrap, Mom's going to kill me," Jack growled as I began welding the patch shut.
Right as soon as I got finished, the Scraplets went into action.
"They're getting ready to feed!" Raf yelled.
"Run for it!" Jack shouted, picking Raf up and setting him on the ground.
And we all ran towards the main hall.
Dusk POV
The Scraplets came pouring into the room.
Bulkhead yelped and sat back down, optics wide.
'Bee started shaking and I tried my best to comfort him…but that didn't work. I was just as scared as he was.
Optimus POV
Amber started nodding off more and more frequently and Arcee and I prodded her awake each time she fell asleep.
Arcee looked up at me.
"You wanna know the worst part?" she asked.
I looked at her.
"After battling 'Cons all these years…" she continued, "Getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, this is how our lights go out?"
"I'm with ya there," Amber sighed.
"Arcee, Amber," I finally said, "This might not be the finish that we had planned…but if this indeed the end…if we are to become one with the All Spark…"
I felt her servo touch mine and I held it.
"It's been an honor serving with you…Optimus Prime," she whispered, "Brother,"
I gave a nod.
"And with you as well, sister," I answered.
If we were to die here…I wanted to do one last thing.
"Elita…" I sent out through bond, "I hope you are listening…wherever you are. I do not have much time left, I fear. I want you to know, that I will never forget you. I hope that this finds you at peace, and our sparkling is well. I beg of you, please, be safe."
I waited patiently for a response…but I received none.
Bumblebee POV
"Ratchet! All systems go!" Jack yelled.
"Fire it up!" Miko cried.
The CMO stood up shakily and put his servo on the controls.
"Groundbridge…activated," he stuttered as he fell to the floor again, turning on the Groundbridge in the process.
Arcee POV
A faint green light suddenly burst into being a few hundred meters away from us.
"Optimus…" I started weakly.
He lifted his helm…right as Amber woke up.
"Am I dreaming?" she asked, "Or is this real?"
I blinked.
"Definitely dreaming," Amber babbled, "Dream, dream, dreeeam when I feel blue! In my arms whenever I want you all I have to do is dreeeam!"
Oh boy.
"Ok, that's got to be the cold talking," I stood, picking Amber up, "Come on, Am, let's get you warmed up…before you go offline,"
"To what do I owe the honor, your majesty?" Amber giggled, "WHAT!? 'Twas not I who hath broken the vase! Thou art mad! Off with their head sayeth the Queen! Thou art dead!"
And she slipped into unconsciousness. I fought back the laugh…I really did.
Optimus looked like he was trying not to give a facepalm.
And we staggered towards the light.
"Not dead yet," I heard Optimus growl.
Bulkhead POV
I looked towards the open Groundbridge.
"Bait huh?" I asked, glaring at the Scraplets.
And I stood, limping over to the open Bridge, turning around and I waved at the swarm.
"Ready for the main course!?" I shouted, "Come and get it!"
And I went into the Groundbridge.
"Bulkhead! NO!" Miko screeched trying to run through after me.
"Not this time Miko," I growled as I went through…
I emerged on the other side, watching Optimus, Arcee and Amber staggering towards the open Bridge.
Oh no. Nonononononono!
"Down! DOWN!" I yelled, motioning for them to do so…
And I fell faceplate first into the snow.
Optimus POV
Was that what I think it was?
I zoomed in on what was coming out of the Groundbridge and…
I backed up unsteadily.
"Scraplets," I growled, fear gripping my spark.
I did not like Scraplets. Come to think of it…I doubt there was any Cybertronian that did. I had seen them take down a whole squadron within a few Earth minutes…
I had barely escaped with my life myself.
I put an arm in front of Arcee and she froze, seeing what was coming at us. I shielded my optics…
I looked up just in time to see the now dead Scraplets ping off of mine and Arcee's frame.
We both looked at Bulkhead expectantly as he lifted his helm from the snow.
"I'd invite you in…" he started, "But the place is a mess,"
Ben POV
"Report biocircuitry status," Jolt ordered.
"Levels are rising," Jack called.
"Excellent," Ratchet nodded, "Rafael, keep a close watch on Bumblebee's electro pulse monitor. Miko! Check Bulkhead's interface patch!"
"It's steady," Raf replied.
"Lookin' good!" Miko called, giving a thumbs up.
"Dr. Williams, how is Amber?"
"She's doing better," Mom replied, " She'll need to rest for a few days…lots of blankets and hot chocolate…"
"I hate hot chocolate!" Amber whined, trying to sit up.
"Hot tea then," Mom growled, "Now sit!"
"Ben! Check Dusk…"
"She's fine, Ratch," I said, smiling at Dusk who gave a weak smile back.
"Perhaps you should get some rest yourself, old friend," Optimus stated, "You saved quite a few lives today,"
"It wasn't all my doing," Ratchet replied, shrugging, "We are just lucky that this infestation happened…on a Saturday,"
"Our human friends may be small," Optimus said, smiling at the trio of teenagers, "But they are strong."
A piercing shriek cut through the serious air.
It was Miko!
"Scraplet?" Jack asked as he and Raf readied their crowbars.
"SPIDER!" Miko screeched, "Is it on me?! OOOO! EEEK! GET IT OFF!"
Bulkhead looked puzzled at Miko as she streaked around the corner trying to brush the spider off.
"Did…she just scream like a little girl?" he asked.
Ratchet POV
The next day, Dusk was able to switch between human and Cybreian again. She seemed a lot happier than she was.
But then she came to me complaining that her spark was hurting, so I did some tests on that…
I didn't like what I saw.
Dusk's spark was pumping energa like it should…
But it was also storing it, causing the spark to twinge as it filled with excess energy.
I didn't know what to make of it…until I talked with my counterpart.
What I learned shocked me.
Dusk wasn't just going through a phase of her life…
Dusk was dying.
I told Optimus what I had heard…and he said that the best course of action would be to tell Dusk.
I really did not like that idea.
"What's up Doc 'Bot?" Dusk asked as I walked up to her.
"Dusk," I stated seriously, "You remember when you came to me about your spark hurting?"
"Yeah…" she started, "Why?"
"I was simply worried about you…so I talked with my counterpart…Healer," I continued.
"Yes?" she asked.
"He…Dusk…I…" I gave a groan, "Primus help me,"
"What is it Ratchet?" Dusk asked, frowning, "What's wrong…is it about my spark?"
"Yes…"
"Then spit it out," she chuckled, "Ratch, I'm a big girl…I can handle it,"
"You're dying," I finally blurted out.
Dusk's pale face went even whiter, was that even possible?
"I'm…I'm what!?" she demanded.
'Your spark…it's not just pumping energy…it's building it up and storing it there," I continued, "When you are old enough…and when your spark has attained critical mass…you are to return to Cybres, and reignite the core,"
"Ok…"
"Dusk…I am afraid you will not survive that," I finished, closing my optics, "Once you return to Cybres…you will die,"
"And if I don't give my spark to the core?" she snapped.
"Then…then your spark will explode from the pressure," I stuttered.
Her eyes went unfocused…and then tears started falling.
"Ratchet…" she sobbed, "I don't want to die! Not again!"
I activated my holoform and sat down next to her, rubbing her back as she cried.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered, "If there was anything I could do…"
"Can you find a way?" she asked softly, "To siphon off the energa…and send it to Cybres so I don't have to die but I can still save Cybres?"
I bit my lip.
"I can try," I said.
A/N Multiple movie references here! Can you name 'em?
And now Dusk knows her destiny. I'm hoping to start Con Job sometime soon. Seeing as my other big fics are finished, but I'm warning you all, I've got a job and school and plus I'm doing some things with other authors, so updates will be when I can get them. Until next time!
Title from Frank Loesser's Baby It's Cold Outside
Anyway, hope you liked it. If you did, please R&R! :)
Qui vállë tóquetë, ván tecë (If no review comes from y'all; no story comes from me)
Máriessë ar mára tecië
Farewell and fair writing
Elhini Prime signing off.