Author Note: Many thanks to LGTracy, guestnobody, Robo Reader 21, Telron and ww1990ww for leaving reviews. I'm always looking forward to receiving your feedback.
– chapter five –
Aftermath
The teen stood rooted to the spot, gasping and shaking like a leaf in the wind, then he sank to the ground in a graceless heap, exhaustion written all over him. Sam rushed to his side to see whether he was fatally harmed. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed the soldiers carefully converging in on them, though Lennox held out his hand and said, "Hold up."
"I'm okay," the boy told her when she crouched down in front of him. He sounded shaky and weak but otherwise seemed indeed all right. At least Sam couldn't find anything that would make him drop dead the next moment.
A mechanical rumbling to her left caught Sam's attention; the semi robot was slowly climbing back to its feet before coming closer. It was huge! Truly a giant worth of that title. Being that close to it Sam grew very wary of the danger it posed – friendly or not. One wrong step and they would be goo on the asphalt. But the robot stopped at the head of its dead combatant, looking at it with a… forlorn? … expression. That brought her up short.
"You left me no choice… brother," the robot then said quietly but loud enough for her to hear.
Brother. If the dead alien and the semi robot were related like Sam was with her brother Marc, it created a whole new dimension to these… beings – both in regard to their species as well as to the battle they had been fighting.
The semi robot turned toward Sam and the teen before crouching down to be more on eye level. "Sam, I owe you my life," it said to the boy. "We are in your debt."
Its response was a shaky exhale.
Sam got back to her feet, then held out her hand to the kid. The boy looked at her curiously for a moment before taking it to be pulled up. "Thanks," he said quietly.
Just then, from all directions, more robots were converging in on their current position. The teenage girl with the tow truck and the yellow alien named Bumblebee were there, as well as the aliens posing as Search & Rescue and black pickup vehicles. The latter was carrying their silver comrade. Sam could barely stifle a gasp; the silver robot was ripped in half. "Prime, we couldn't save him," the black one was addressing the semi just then.
"Oh Jazz…" Pained grief flickered across the metallic face before it became solemn. Panels moved and a gush of air rushed out of the robot's body. The semi turned toward Lennox, his men, the kids, the other robots and, finally, Sam. "We lost a great comrade but gained new ones. Thank you, all of you. You honor us with your bravery."
What did someone say to that? Sam got lost in thought, hardly hearing the yellow robot, Bumblebee, asking for permission to remain with Sam, the teen.
Lennox caught her eyes before stepping up to her. "Thanks for the help, ma'am," he said, dutifully handing command back to her now that the battle was over.
Sam took a deep breath. "My thanks to you, Captain. Without you and your men, I wouldn't have had the slightest idea where to begin."
"Yes, ma'am, thank you."
She nodded, then gestured over her shoulder at where the semi and pickup robots where standing, watching them, whilst the Search & Rescue was crouching next to the yellow robot to inspect the damaged legs. "If you could introduce us?"
He straightened a little. "I would if I knew them myself, ma'am." He looked over to the teens as if wanting to ask for their help, but the semi robot took the initiative.
"If I may?" it started, taking a step in Sam's and Lennox's direction before once more crouching down to be more on eye level. "My name is Optimus Prime, and I am the commander in charge. We are Autonomic Robotic Organisms from the planet Cybertron." He paused for a moment, then added, "You may call us Autobots for short."
Sam narrowed her eyes pensively; apparently, there was more to the title 'Autobot' than it just being an acronym. She made a mental note to ask the aliens later, leaving it be for now. "And they are?" she then asked, pointing at the dead alien's frame a few feet away.
Optimus Prime didn't even look at the other robot. "They are Decepticons, our enemies."
"Are they from Cybertron too?"
"Yes. We are of the same species." Sam merely nodded in acknowledgement and gestured at him, wordlessly asking him to continue the introductions. "That is Ironhide, my weapons specialist," Optimus Prime promptly said while pointing behind himself to the black robot. He then called Sam's and Lennox's attentions toward the Search & Rescue and yellow robots with another gesture. "And these are my Chief Medical Officer Ratchet and one of our scouts, Bumblebee."
Sam's lips twitched at the introduction of the CMO; he was currently loudly cussing out his smaller comrade while rendering first aid with sure swift movements. Apt name, Sam thought, amused. Whatever Bumblebee had done, he had the decency to look chastised at the strong-going tirade.
Turning back to Optimus Prime, Sam introduced herself, "Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter, United States Air Force. Nice to meet you." She then gestured at the soldier next to her. "And this is Captain William Lennox, US Army Rangers."
"What she said."
"The pleasure of your acquaintance is mine," the leader of the Autobots replied.
Lennox pointed at the dead silver robot in Ironhide's arms. "He gave his life to save ours." It was a statement and query at the same time.
The bot's expression became wistful. "My first lieutenant and very good friend, Jazz. He did what he had to do." That confirmed Sam's earlier suspicions that the silver robot had been a commanding officer. She made another mental note to dig for more details on their hierarchy.
"Our condolences for your loss," Lennox said before Sam could.
"Thank you." Optimus Prime nodded solemnly. "And thank you for all that you did for us, all of you. I can possibly never repay you for that, especially in light of the destruction our fight brought to your city."
Lennox dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "After the Decepticons destroyed Soccent, it got personal. I'd do it again in a similar situation." Sam found she couldn't but agree to that attitude.
The robot nodded solemnly. "We would like to offer our help in rebuilding." He hesitated for a moment before adding a touch more softly, "We would also like to ask permission to remain on your planet."
That took not only Lennox and Sam by surprise; Optimus Prime's comrades looked up startled at that. "But, Optimus, we —" Ironhide began but was cut off with a sharp gesture of his leader's hand.
The captain glanced in Sam's direction. "I'm afraid that's not my call to make," he told the bot before deferring to Sam. "Colonel?"
Sam didn't offer a verbal reply right away. She pulled out her cell to call General O'Neill, but she still got no reception. She sighed. "It's not my call either. Unfortunately, as long as there's still the blackout, we can't hope to communicate with the higher ups that do have the say whether or not your request for staying is granted."
Optimus Prime nodded once. "I understand." He regarded Sam's cell closely for a moment, then said, "If you allow, we might be able to help you with your communication system's shutdown."
Lennox looked like he was about to blurt out an enthusiastic 'Yes!' before remembering Sam had command now. "Please," she agreed much more dignified, glad to get this problem solved. Turning to the captain, she then said, "We should get the… what were they called, Decepticons?" Lennox nodded, so Sam continued, "We should get them transported to Nellis as quickly as possible. The Autobots too." She looked at Optimus Prime. "No offence, but I'd rather have you under cover before more civilians start getting involved and we have a mass panic on our hands."
"No offence taken," the robot responded gently. "I fully understand your position."
"Good. As soon as we've removed the extraterrestrials, we'll start cleaning up the place. In the meanwhile, we should see to the injured civilians and get medical treatment for all of them." She pointed at the teens hovering over Bumblebee. "They too. And while you're at it, make sure the boy gets checked for head trauma."
"Yes, ma'am." Lennox stood at attention, acknowledging her orders, then he called toward the teens, "Hey, Sam!"
Both boy and girl turned at the address and came over upon request. "Yes?" the kids asked in unison.
Lennox gestured at Sam. "I'd like to introduce you to Colonel Carter from the US Air Force."
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," the girl greeted quite formally. "I'm Mikaela Banes."
"Likewise," Sam returned and shook her offered hand.
The boy nodded his head in agreement. "Samuel James Witwicky. Call me Sam please, Colonel."
Shaking his hand as well, Sam flashed him a brief smile. "That'll cause quite a confusion; my friends call me Sam too."
The kids chuckled at that, relaxing marginally much to Sam's relief. She didn't want them to be afraid of her. It would make later meetings much more awkward and unnecessarily difficult.
"You two will come with me," Lennox then told the adolescents. "I'll get the both of you to be seen by a doctor." The kids grimaced at that but didn't object when the captain shooed them toward where the dark-skinned tech sergeant stood, waiting for Lennox's orders.
Before Sam dismissed the man, however, she said, "As soon as we have reception again, I'll call General O'Neill. He'll cover the political side."
"He's Air Force, ma'am?" the captain asked.
"Yes, and one of the best for the job ahead of us."
"Which is…? If I may ask?"
Sam grunted. "Dealing with unusual occurrences." She received a baffled look at that comment, but didn't react to it. "You have your orders, Captain. See to them."
Lennox smartly saluted. "Yes, ma'am." Then he headed back toward his men to set things in motion.
Optimus Prime was regarding her thoughtfully, the plates at the sides of his helm where human ears would be slowly rotating. "We are not the first extraterrestrials you come across," he eventually stated quietly so that only she could hear, yet Sam had the feeling it was supposed to be a question.
Before replying, she subjected him to a similar scrutiny. "No, you are not." She couldn't quite keep the defensive tone out of her voice, wondering how the alien would react to that.
The only reaction was the bot's blue optics brightening significantly at the revelation. "It seems there is more to your race than meets the eye," was his response.
Sam sent him a mysterious smile. "If only you knew, Optimus Prime."
His engine briefly rumbled in what she thought was a chuckle, though if it was in response to her tone or words she couldn't fathom. Then he said, "Just call me Optimus, Colonel Carter."
"All right, if you call me Carter."
The metallic face shifted into what Sam thought was supposed to be a smile. "I believe that can be arranged." Optimus then carefully backed off to stand. "Whatever you want us to do, we'll do it. You just have to say it."
In that moment, two of Lennox's men returned with two trucks, each pulling an empty container. Sam turned toward the Autobots. "Could you please help us with loading the Decepticons?"
Optimus nodded. "Of course." He gestured at Ironhide who laid down Jazz's dead shell next to Sam, then the two aliens quickly took care of rounding up any incriminating evidence of giant alien robots fighting in a human city. Ratchet too assisted, apparently having completed his field repairs.
Once the container doors were closed, Optimus went back to Sam. "Anything else we can do?"
Glad to have gotten the Autobots' cooperation without a fuss, she first thanked him and then said, "Resuming your… vehicle forms would be nice, to diminish the chance that any more civilians catch sight of you." She paused for a heartbeat, pensive whether or not she could properly explain her reasoning for that request, then said, "Trust me when I say we know how people react when possibly facing an alien invasion."
Optimus nodded. "Understood." Then his frame started shifting and seemingly bending in on itself until the blue semi with flames on its sides stood before her. Sam watched in fascination, intending to ask about that ability the first chance she got. Ironhide stepped forward a moment later to pick up Jazz, then changed back into his pickup form, the dead frame miraculously coming to lie in the pickup's bed. It would be easy to simply conceal the mortal remains with a tarp – if they found one that was. Lennox's men proved resourceful, however, and the pickup's bed was soon covered, Jazz's shell perfectly hidden beneath.
When Lennox walked up to Sam's side again, the semi's engine's purr intensified. "You said you wanted us to retreat to Nellis Air Force Base," came Optimus' voice from the truck. "Would you like me to take you along?"
Sam blinked in bafflement. It was one thing to have friendly aliens willing to submit to her command. It was another story entirely to be offered to hitch a ride in them! "Thanks, but no. I'll remain here to start cleanup."
"If you don't mind, we'd take you up on the offer," Lennox said. His response was both the semi and the pickup opening their doors wide to allow for soldiers to climb in. Lennox grinned and turned to the tech sergeant. "Epps, take them to Nellis and get them into one of the aircraft hangars. We'll meet you there in a while."
"Yes, sir."
"Thanks," Lennox said.
Once everyone was seated, Optimus replied, "You're welcome, Captain." Then both he and Ironhide headed off, closely followed by Ratchet who was carrying one more soldier and the tow truck, driven by Mikaela with Samuel on the passenger seat. To Sam's surprise, Lennox's men had even found a tarp big enough to fully cover Bumblebee. It wasn't perfect, the bot's frame causing an interesting shape, but it would be enough until the aliens were under cover at the base.
With three soldiers gone, eight – discounting Sam and Lennox – remained to see to the cleanup. Sam quickly gave everyone directions, using the shortwave radios the tech sergeant had left behind to communicate – at least until her cell vibrated in her pocket, announcing an incoming text message. Sam fished out the device and stared in wonderment at the screen.
The virus having caused your communication system's shutdown has been fully eradicated. You are now free to use proper means of communication again. OP
"These guys are awesome," Lennox mumbled next to her, having read the message over her shoulder.
"Indeed. That was fast." She pulled up her contacts list and dialed the SGC. "Colonel Carter here," she said when Master Sergeant Harriman picked up, surprised that they got reception again. "Put me through to General O'Neill please."
…
About an hour later Daniel and Teal'c finally found her. From afar, both looked unhurt, but once close enough, Sam noticed bruises on either of them. Apparently, neither had walked away unharmed from the battle. At least they were all still alive. Sam introduced both to Lennox before the captain headed back to oversee the cleanup crews that arrived in just that moment.
Daniel took in the destruction of the intersection with wide eyes. "That must have been a helluva battle," he commented after a few moments. Teal'c took in the scene quietly, saying nothing.
Sam took a deep breath before exhaling again, releasing the last tension from her body and mind. "It was," she then admitted. "I'm glad that's over, but I feel there's so much more ahead of us."
"The aliens?" Daniel asked.
"Yes. I had them brought to Nellis and out of view for the time being. It's been enough that civilians got caught in a battle that should never have been fought in a city."
Daniel briefly touched her arm. "No need to explain yourself to us, Sam."
"Daniel Jackson is correct, Colonel Carter," Teal'c agreed.
Sam sent them a small smile. "Thanks, guys. Their leader, Optimus Prime, resolved the issue with the blackout for us. I already contacted General O'Neill. He said he'll take things up with the proper authorities. We are to head over to Nellis at our earliest convenience and try to get on good grounds with our extraterrestrial visitors."
Daniel glanced over to where Lennox and his men were busy helping the cleanup crews. "Well then, hand command to someone else and we can be off. I'd like a long nap before meeting this Optimus Prime and his robotic comrades."
"Indeed."
As Sam couldn't but agree to both her teammates' assessment, she did as suggested and handed command back to Lennox. The captain seemed surprised at first, but quickly stepped up to the task. "If I may, Colonel," the soldier said before Sam could leave, "but you should get some rest. You look about to fall asleep where you stand."
"That bad, huh?" was Sam's reply. She didn't wait for the captain's response before heading to the car where Daniel and Teal'c were waiting for her.