The Complications of Life

By: Nightelfcrawler

Disclaimer: I do not own, merely covet adoringly.

Authors' note: And here it is. Questions answered, more emerge. Now that this chapter is out, I will begin posting the very long side-story that is a companion piece to this fic and a prequel. Obviously you will understand why after reading why it is I had to keep it on hold until now, heh. Anyway, enjoy.

Warnings: Contains a background of slash relationships.


Chapter Eleven

The days passed uneventfully. For Alexis, she began to become increasingly antsy the longer she stayed at the base. She knew there was no hope to go to her home, and while she missed her cat, her friends and her life, the rational side of her told her she might very well have to kiss that all goodbye, until she could negotiate a first-contact situation for the Autobots, and from what she learned from Optimus and some of the others, such a first-contact was not high on their priorities, until they found their relic they would prefer to remain discreet. Starscream was not the best company either, unfortunately. He kept his word and reprogrammed the nanites, uploading the software through a wireless connection and promising her she shouldn't overhear any private chatter, though she might feel a slight tingle if they initiated contact. She was a bit conflicted about the news, and wanted to ask him further about the unique contact they'd shared, but was afraid of intruding on something personal.

One thing she did find interesting was learning a bit about the history of their race. Starscream had told her the generalities, but she had plenty of time to read up on a more intricate history of their world and people. It made for very engulfing reading. While she spent her time reading, Starscream had actually struck off quite a good working relationship with Wheeljack and Perceptor. It had started off rocky, but the three had surprised themselves by uncovering their similarities. Alexis had been very amused when she'd witnessed the two cornering him in the lounge one morning. He hadn't been amused, but she certainly had.

Wheeljack had strode into the room specifically searching for him. Upon spotting the silver seeker situated in the back of the room enjoying his breakfast, he made an immediate beeline. "Star!" He greeted warmly using the short-hand that everyone know knew their visitor by thanks to Skyfire's little slip-up, sitting down uninvited across from the rather grumpy mech. "I thought you might be here." He nodded cheerily to Alexis who raised her cup of coffee in return. "Perceptor and I thought you might like to spend the day hashing ideas with us. We would LOVE to have new input… I'm afraid at times we butt heads and often come out with less than we anticipated… to have new optics on our projects would be greatly welcome."

Starscream looked greatly reluctant. He'd been wary of the scientist ever since he'd met him, and this was explained to Alexis in private at a later time. Apparently Wheeljack was a very renowned mech, and not in a good way. Starscream hinted briefly that his facemask was thought to hide a grievous injury he'd received while playing with unstable chemicals. No one thought to ask, since they were worried what the answer would be. Still, the inventor was incredibly friendly to everyone, including a rather grumpy seeker. "What exactly are you working on?" he asked softly, his hoarse voice sounding far less raspy than it had the first few days.

"We're trying to create a warp gate." Wheeljack said cheerily.

Starscream stared at him with disbelief, and concern. "You're what?"

"You know, short distances, long distances… we're starting small, just across the lab will do. But if we can get it working, then we can send mechs across the planet in seconds, or even all the way to Cybertron, wouldn't that be something!"

"Warp fields are highly unstable." Starscream protested. "I've known two mechs who've dabbled in it… one has the brains of an ant, but made it work… the other was never found after a lab explosion."

"Oh we're not putting THAT much power into it, don't worry." Wheeljack laughed. "If anything it will just take a finger or two, easily replaced." Starscream didn't look convinced. "Perceptor mentioned he would love to get to know you. He's a bit too jittery to come and meet you directly, but if you were to join us in the lab I'm certain he would open up. It would be wondrous to have another scientist to interact with, even if you don't wish to assist our research, simply talking would be pleasant."

Starscream seemed to consider the offer carefully, weighing the thought of whether he wanted to spend his day bored as he had the last few, or if he wanted to risk losing a limb or two in Wheeljacks' lab. At last he seemed to reach the conclusion that while losing a limb was irritating, being alone and bored was the worst of the two. "Very well. I will join you."

"You will? Wonderful!" Wheeljack said enthusiastically, before turning to Alexis. "Would you also care to join us?" Starscream blanched at the idea, shooting the human a worried glance that said he obviously didn't think it was a good, or safe, idea.

Alexis however smiled, setting her data-pad down. "Sure, I'd like that. It's been entirely too long since I stared at something through a microscope, I'd like to polish my skills a bit."

"Oh you are a scientist as well!"

"Micro biologist and infectious diseases." She clarified with a smile. "I was also top of my class, if we're comparing credentials."

"Wonderful. Perceptor will be delighted. He's the one studying the intricacies of organics on this planet. I do believe he will be thrilled to know you better."

Starscream sighed slightly, though his azure optics twinkled with amusement. Be careful, or you might end up the experiment.

Oh like you haven't done worse.

He snorted aloud, offering her his hand as usual, before the three rose and made their way through the Ark's corridors and to the lower levels where the laboratories were. As they entered the lower levels, Alexis was quick to note the carbon scoring, numerous dented panels and rows of replaced panels. Clearly no one had been exaggerating Wheeljack's abilities. As they entered the lab, she was more than a little impressed. The lab was one enormous room partitioned into sections with complex and intricate machinery lining all the walls and piled onto every available table space. The room practically hummed with electricity, small zapping and snapping sounds making her wonder how well wired the room was. Still, the scientist part of her itched to explore the rooms' fascinating secrets.

"Well, here it is." Wheeljack said enthusiastically. "I must admit, Perceptor and I don't get many visitors down here, heh. I'm rather proud to show it off… especially to a practiced eye. So feel free to roam around, ask any question you'd like!"

Starscream examined the room curiously, his optics keen as they studied the various inventions and half-finished projects. "Impressive… and just as messy as Skyfire's lab."

"Well, as much as we try, I'm afraid we just can't keep it clean." Wheeljack said with an embarrassed rub of his head.

"You mean YOU can't keep it clean." Came a disembodied voice. Alexis blinked, staring around the room in surprise, not having realized someone else was there. She spotted no other mech, but as she scanned the room, motion caught her gaze immediately. Directly in front of them a small red microscope had moved all on it's own, it's lenses shifting without prompting. "YOU are an insufferable mess, 'Jack. I TRY to keep it clean, but you seem to always bring more clutter into the section I just finished tidying up."

"Eh heh… well, at least you tolerate it." Wheeljack chuckled, giving them an apologetic shrug. "Oh forgive me for not introducing you. Perceptor, this is Star and the human scientist Alexis."

On the table, the microscope shifted it's lenses back to the lowest setting, before a strange digital sound vibrated in the air indicating the incoming transforming sequence Alexis had come to recognize. Sure enough, the microscope began to shift, change and twist, taking a bipedal shape, though not gaining much size in the process. A very small mech stood up, brushing dust off his shoulder and reaching up to remove a slide that had remained lodged beneath the viewing tablet, placing it primly back in an open box. He seemed a very pleasant sort, as he smiled warmly up at them, a pair of half-moon spectacles perched on his nose much like a librarian, his lenses folded back to form what appeared to be an intricate equivalent of a hairstyle. All in all, he stood perhaps ten feet tall, still towering over her, but nowhere near as large as most of the other mechs she had encountered to date. She supposed being that he was a microscope, albeit a large one at that, he had only a limited amount of mass to work with. Still, he was definitely not as intimidating compared to some of the others. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, both of you." He said genuinely, walking to the end of the table and inclining his head to the both of them. "Ever since I heard you were here…" He blinked up at Starscream, blue optics curious and inquisitive. "…I was very curious to speak with you. Your story alone is filled with fascinating facets, but to know you also are a scientist is quite a surprise."

Starscream blinked, and then his face shifted to an expression of tired resignation. "You know." He said simply, glancing between the two.

"Ah, yes sorry." Wheeljack said looking suddenly apologetic. "I did a little research after seeing Skyfire, and after hearing what he called you, it only made sense. It was actually quite difficult to unearth, most of the data was apparently purposely deleted regarding your scientific work." Starscream just grimaced, sitting down slowly on a stool with a tired posture. "I suppose that was intentional though, considering your later experiences. They probably felt slighted how someone with such a brilliant mind decided to side with the ones causing the dissention."

Starscream smiled tightly, but nodded in agreement, indicating that was exactly what had happened.

"Still, that doesn't really matter anymore does it? I mean, that's over a millennia ago and you've left that life behind for good from what I hear. What matters is right now and your interest in science. Percy's a bit of a recluse, but he's energetic. He's been pestering me non-stop to introduce you." Wheeljack chuckled. "He's been quite insistent. I keep telling him that all he needs to do is visit the upper levels now and then…"

"I am not comfortable mingling among those who do not watch where they step." Perceptor said primly. "I only have so many replacement lenses with me, and last time that clod Ironhide didn't so much as apologizing for shattering my highest power focus!" Alexis couldn't help but hide a smile. Wheeljack and Perceptor seemed to be entire opposites of one another. How they could stand working together was obviously a mystery only they knew. "Nonetheless, I am pleased you saw fit to finally visit our lab." Perceptor offered, blinking owlishly up at Starscream. "It is quite a pleasure to meet a fellow scientist. We have far too many warrior-types up there for my comfort."

"You really should get out more, Percy." Wheeljack chuckled, taking a seat at the table beside Starscream as the jet set Alexis down off his shoulder by Perceptor. "It's not as bad as you think."

"Says you who at least don't have to stand on a table to see eye to eye. Hmph." Perceptor turned, regarding Alexis with clear interest. "I'm certain you understand my dilemma at least."

"Not really." Alexis said smiling despite herself. "Starscream is usually kind enough to ferry me around."

"And I keep telling you, I don't mind doing that." Wheeljack added, propping his chin in his hand. "You're simply too stubborn to be seen riding around on MY shoulder."

"Hmph." Perceptor sniffed, seating himself on a smaller rolling stool placed on the table near a raised work area obviously built for his size. "We can discuss this later. I would not wish to put our guests out due to our disagreements." Wheeljack simply shot them a hidden grin, shrugging a little in apology for his partner. Perceptor turned to study Starscream curiously. "I must ask, as I am quite curious by nature obviously, why did you abandon the ways of science to fight in the war? You obviously enjoyed it, and from what records we were able to uncover, you were very good at it. Yet you gave it up to enter a realm of death and destruction, then ventured back after leaving said field."

"It's a complicated issue." Starscream admitted with a small sigh. "And one I would not care to go into in depth. Let us just say, I had my reasons… and now, my only focus is science. I want nothing more to do with the war. I am a neutral now, and plan to stay as such."

"Fair enough." Perceptor said evenly. "I would not think to pry into your personal lives. As with all scientists, most of us have very complex stories to tell, no matter what side we adhered to."

"True enough." Wheeljack said, some of the jovial attitude he usually held dying out. "Science sadly is both the front lines and the rear when it comes to the war."

Perceptor sighed, pushing his spectacles back on his nose a bit. "Indeed. We create things meant to cause devastation at some times, and things to help… we are a double edged sword meant to serve two functions, yet none of our findings and creations could ever be heralded as something 'great' when it comes to using it for warfare." He shook his head glumly. "If only our research turned up more as to the location of the Allspark, perhaps we might have a chance at ending this feud once and for all."

The moment the word had left Perceptor's vocalizer, Alexis felt a wave of shock trickle through the link, despite the muted change since Starscream had altered the nanites. Glancing sharply over at him, she saw his optics were wide, hid body unnaturally stiff and still, and his face frozen in shock. No one else noticed, as Perceptor continued to ramble. "It's too bad Hound lost the trace he'd been tracking when he did… We nearly had it pinpointed, only to have it snatched out from under us. I wonder if the alterations I made to his tracking software have led him to any new leads since then."

"Wait." Starscream said suddenly, surprising the two mechs as their optics trained on him. "What did you say? Did you say you came here looking for the ALLSPARK?!"

Both mechs exchanged a puzzled and slightly worried expression. "Yes…" Wheeljack said slowly. "It is not exactly a secret among our ranks, but I imagine word would not have gotten out. We tracked it to this world, but have been unable to pinpoint it's exact location."

"We know it's here, just not where." Perceptor said, frowning. "We've sent teams all over the planet in search of it's location."

Starscream looked suddenly decidedly uncomfortable, and even slightly panicked. This gave Alexis the chance to ask something she'd been dying to ask for a while now. "Is that this relic that Optimus is always talking about? The Allspark?"

"Yes." Wheeljack added, obviously eager to enlighten her further, leaning down to address her properly. "The Allspark is a relic of our past. No one is exactly certain where it came from, nor how it was created. All we do know is it holds incredible power: the ability to heal, to create life, and to end it. It is the one thing that the two factions from our world have been fighting over for the entire second half of the war. Historically the Prime protected it, but when Megatron revolted, he got it in his head that the Allspark was an easy path to success when most of the war up until that point had ended in stalemates. Optimus decided it was not worth the risk in keeping it near, after learning of his plan to steal it, so he sent it away through an unstable warp gate. No one knew where it ended up, and the Allspark was kept out of Decepticon hands. The war raged on for some time, but eventually we ran out of resources and Megatron turned his attention to trying to find the Allspark. Optimus sent his men out to find it as well, and fortunately we were the first to track it to this planet. Unfortunately, we've yet to find it's exact hiding place. We know it's here, we just don't know where."

"So whoever gets this Allspark…?" Alexis asked curiously.

"Wins the war." Perceptor agreed with a nod. "Optimus would use it's power to rebuild our world… to fix what we destroyed. Megatron would use it to destroy his opponents, to control the rest of our people under his reign. We obviously cannot allow that."

"Unfortunately the clock is ticking, as you humans say." Wheeljack offered solemnly. "We've been lucky in avoiding Decepticon activity as of yet, but they have the same tracking software as we do. If they get a hint of it's trail, they'll follow it here just the same, and then your world will be in dire jeopardy." His optics turned serious. "They care nothing for species they see as lower life forms… they would destroy human lives to get what they want without so much as a second thought."

Alexis felt a raw shiver run down her spine. If this was true, then it was inevitable that one day the Decepticons would come. It was just a matter of how much time it would take for them to follow the trail here. She swallowed hard, and turned her gaze back to Starscream, who hadn't moved, and was still staring at the two mechs with a rather horrified expression on his face. "Starscream?" She asked quietly, feeling his distress transmitting thorough the link. "What's wrong?"

Both scientists turned their attention to the flier, just now noticing his expression. Starscream lowered his optics to the table, staring emptily at nothing, though his fist tightened on top of the metal surface. "The Allspark… is here?"

"Yes…" Perceptor said, frowning at him. "I do believe we established that. What is wrong?"

Starscream rose to his feet suddenly, stool clattering loudly behind him as he swiftly turned and strode out of the lab without a second glance, as fast as his silver legs could take him, leaving the three behind to stare baffled at his retreating wingspan. "What is that all about?" Perceptor asked puzzled.

"I'm not sure…" Alexis said quietly. "But I think whatever this Allspark is… it has something to do with it." She turned her attention back to them. "What else is it? Why would it frighten him so?"

"It has a myriad of stories attached to it." Perceptor said, frowning. "Most of them associated with mysticism and archaic religions that have no solid fact backing them. Some say it's a gift from Primus, some say it's actually a part of him. Others think it's a tool Primus used to give us life, some think it's all just pure luck, and the Allspark was a creation from a distant world and were a careless by product. The truth I'm afraid may never be uncovered, as we have no lasting records of it's true origins."

So then why would Starscream be so alarmed by it's presence, she wondered? She sent a brief nudge, but was met with nothing but a solid mental brick wall blocking her. He'd carefully shut her out. Whatever this was, it was serious.

The quiet was broken by a sudden electronic chime. "Wheeljack, Perceptor, you are needed topside. Please come to the control room."

"Oh dear." Wheeljack murmured. "That can't be good."

Alexis was no les puzzled by the time the three of them arrived at the control room. Starscream was there, but he appeared distracted and concerned rather than afraid as he had when he'd stomped out of the lab. He ignored their arrival, instead intent on pacing worriedly. Optimus Prime was giving orders to Red Alert who nodded primly and set off, as Prowl took his side. When the three of them arrived, the Autobot leader straightened and faced them. "Ah, good. We need your assistance preparing to expand our matter generator to encompass a new ship arriving." Alexis blinked. So, Skyfire must be arriving. She glanced at Starscream to see his face furrowed with a frown, distracted. "If you could work on the schematics presented on Teletraan, it should give you the dimensions of the ship in question. Please let us know where the best place for it to set down will be, and make your manipulations accordingly."

The two scientists got to work, after placing her in the welcoming hands Prowl offered. "Your friend is certainly worked up."

"I'm not sure what it is. Wheeljack and Perceptor were talking about the relic you're looking for, the Allspark, and he got very upset."

"Hmm." Prowl murmured in a low voice, watching the pacing flier. "That's peculiar. To my recollection of events, Starscream was out of the picture before Megatron started looking for it. Why would he be so worried?"

"I'm not sure." Alexis said quietly, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "This Allspark is powerful, right? Maybe he's just worried what will happen if Megatron finds it."

"So are we all." Prowl said seriously. "This world would be in danger, let alone all of us. It is not a good thing to think about. Still, the knowledge should not send him into panic. It is common knowledge here that we are searching for the relic. Why would he be concerned about something that he was never involved with in the first place?"

Alexis couldn't help but agree with Prowl. There was something more here, but she had no clue what. For what had to be the hundredth time since she'd arrived at the Autobot's base, she felt completely and utterly useless. What could she possibly offer these alien beings whose lives were just as complex as any human society? She was a third wheel, and a rather useless one at that.

It didn't take the scientists long to reconfigure the matter-generator, and upon hearing that they were finished, Starscream finally stopped his fevered pacing to look hopefully to Optimus Prime. The Autobot leader studied the designs then approved them, typing in a code into the console and hitting send before nodding to Starscream. Alexis felt a tingle in the back of her head, but heard nothing. She frowned, having the sneaking suspicion that Skyfire and Starscream were having another private chat, this time without the aid of the communications frequency. And given the slight vibrating rumble that was growing stronger beneath their feet, she guessed why. Optimus punched up the display to show an exterior view of the Ark, shrouded by blowing dust and wind as something shadowed was lowering down directly beside it. Alexis leaned forward in fascination, watching as massive thrusters of burning blue light became visible as a rather strange distortion made it's way into the viewfinder. It was invisible, yet not quite. She could see SOMETHING there, but it was like looking at a room through a fishbowl, it was distorted and bent. The blowing dust didn't make it easier to see clearly, but she got the impression that the ship was far larger than the small one Starscream had crash landed in. It was much smaller than the Ark, but still big enough to be called a ship rather than a shuttle or escape pod. As she watched, there was a solid 'thump' that shook the control room slightly before the dust and wind began to settle, the brilliant blue light from the thrusters dying away to nothing, and the strange distortion stopped moving entirely, making it much harder to see the shape of the ship.

Starscream was gone before anyone could say a word, walking quickly down the corridor, heading for the exit. The rest didn't take their time waiting about, but filed down the passage heading after him. On the way Alexis found herself being passed over to Jazz with apologies from Prowl who informed her he had security duties to perform. They emerged from the ship into the sunshine, and Alexis found it was a strange experience seeing the sun through the distortion, as it dimmed the light and made it slightly blue in appearance. Starscream had made his way down the ramp and was carefully walking towards the ship. Alexis leaned forward, curious to know how he could possibly tell where the desert began and the ship ended. If it had been her, she believed a good solid smack to the head would have been her first indication, yet he walked effortlessly if cautiously, as if sensing where the ship was parked. She imagined he was able to sense something she probably couldn't, perhaps the wind-currents against his wings guided him. Whatever the reason, he stopped abruptly just in time for a small crack of light to appear out of nothing, the hiss of hydraulics and whine of a motor breaking the silence as a ramp began to descend out of thin air, unfolding into a metal catwalk suspended from a door hanging in mid-air. Leaning forward on Jazz's shoulder, Alexis couldn't see beyond the entrance. It was dark, with no light spilling out other than the one single rather dim bulb above the corridor's exit. However, it only took a few moments for dull echoing steps to reverberate on the metal before a white mech with medium wingspan emerged.

Correct that, a very LARGE mech with a rather medium wingspan.

She'd seen him on the view screen before, so she knew that this had to be Skyfire, however Alexis was entirely unprepared for just how BIG he was. He had to hunch over to fit through the door, and even then he looked decidedly uncomfortable as he straightened up to his full towering height. And here she'd thought Optimus Prime was tall… Skyfire towered over him by a good twenty feet or so. He was nothing impressive to look at, if you placed size to the side, however. His paint job was white and simple, scuffed and dingy with bits of red and blue dappled here and there. However, the most intriguing thing about him were the pair of azure blue and extremely piercing optics that scanned the desert floor with an almost desperate need before fixing themselves upon the mech standing near the end of the ramp. Relief washed over his proud face in an instant. "Star." He said in a soft mellow voice that nonetheless boomed clearly to the gathered Autobots.

"What took you so fraggin' long?" Was the rather grumpy response from the flier as he crossed his arms over his chest in a small display of irritation. "Did you stop for some sightseeing along the way?"

"Did you know this solar system has ringed planets?!" Skyfire eagerly asked, quickly making his way down the ramp. "I was very tempted to stop and take a look! There was one with vertical bands, and another with horizontal! Composed of ice crystals and crushed rock, if I'm not mistaken. We must find time to go back there."

Starscream sighed, shaking his head. "You are such a geek."

Skyfire smiled as he stopped in front of his partner, not looking the least bit embarrassed. "I know. It's good to see you too. I'm glad someone took the time to make you presentable. It's an improvement over my shoddy work."

Starscream smirked, seeming quite pleased as he extended a hand which was immediately grasped by his partner in a firm elbowed shake before the two pulled into a quick and platonic embrace, lightly patting each other's back before stepping away, conscious of their audience. "So, tell me… what's with all the secrecy?" Skyfire asked, glancing up to the gathered Autobots. "I'm fairly certain I was not followed, but would it be a severe issue if I were?"

"I'll explain later." Starscream sighed, looking suddenly drained. Abruptly he lifted his head. "Where's Eclipse?"

"Oh, finishing the manual shut-down." Skyfire said, turning around to peer up the ramp, giving a sudden electronic warble in their native tongue.

Curiously, Alexis peered up the ramp not having expected a second mech to arrive. From the shifting of the Autobots around her, she guessed they hadn't known this either.

What happened next surprised everyone.

Footsteps sounded from within the ship, announcing the arrival of one more, but it was the appearance that sent ripples of surprise and shock through the crowd. Alexis stared around at the others, noting their astonishment, before turning back to study the newest arrival with some curiosity. It was clear it was a flier, as the wings spreading from it's back were just as wide as Starscream's though a slimmer and more aerodynamic design. There were similar design features there too, from the vents on it's shoulders, the thrustered feet, and the overall schematics which matched the seeker limb for limb, only there was a more compact fluidity about it. This mech was smaller, slimmer, and curvier, and it was only when the sunshine fell on it's face that Alexis understood.

It was a woman.

Up until then, she'd no clue that there were any robot women. After all, it wasn't as if physical sexes held any function. From what she knew, reproduction involved sparks and building bodies to house them. So what need was there for a different and more feminine design? Apparently she'd been wrong. This transformer was curvy, elegant, and actually quite beautiful, given the differences in their race. She had a strange air about her that was very feminine, right down to the way she walked down the catwalk, lightly stepping rather than stomping. Her design was sleek enough, but as she moved and the sun fell upon her chassis Alexis could see she had a very unique paint job of a deep rich violet and smooth cool turquoise, complimenting the silver in her inner workings well, set off by the pair of brightly glowing violet optics that scanned the crowd cautiously.

All around her, whispers were being shared among the mechs, whispers of awe and wonder, a few rude but flattering comments, and utter surprise at seeing her arrival. "Dear Primus… a femme…" someone was whispering harshly. "And LOOK at that chassis!"

"I thought they were all offline! How'd she survive?"

"She looks young… maybe she was able to hide through the purge."

"Whatever, man. I call first dibs."

"Oh HELL no."

Alexis sighed and shook her head. "I guess it's a universal concept to oogle at women no matter what planet you're from."

"Ya gotta admit it… she's one smooth lookin' bot." Jazz murmured. "If I weren't bonded, I'd definitely see what she likes."

"Bonded?" Alexis blinked, the term unfamiliar, and oddly enough she had the feeling she knew what it meant.

"Er, well it's similar to your concept of marriage, only it's on a more permanent level." Jazz offered helpfully. "Two sparks make the decision to bond and are permanently linked together. It offers some benefits, aside from being close on an intimate level you can communicate without the need for comms, sense the feelings of your mate and more. Bonding is permanent, mostly. I hear there are ways of breaking them, but it's not easy and can drive a mech to insanity. But bonds are the closest form of love and loyalty that you can form."

Sudden understanding hit Alexis like a load of bricks.

Starscream was bonded to Skyfire.

THAT was why they were so close. That was why she felt the strange tingles when they communicated. That's why she felt that strong sense of loss and loneliness when he spoke of Skyfire.

She felt a strange sense settle in her chest as she stared across the desert, watching the three mechs conversing quietly in the shadow of the ship. Suddenly, she felt very small and insignificant, as if she'd been a part of something great and grand for just one fleeting moment, only to have it shattered before her very eyes.

She didn't even realize Jazz was still talking, oblivious to her state, until he laughed, shaking her a bit from her perch on his shoulder. "And so I find it very curious that there's a femme here... especially being so young. Makes ya wonder."

"Why?" She asked, blinking out of her daze to stare down at the silver mech.

"Why? Cause." Jazz grinned. "She's obviously his offspring. I mean, only fliers spark fliers, and it's obvious from their designs that they're both seeker models. They ain't formed any other way, and seekers are real rare to begin with. Only a few dozen survived the war, and most of 'em ended up as Decepticons."

"But..." A thought tickled into her mind suddenly as her cheeks heated. "They're both guys." Bonding she could handle, but reproduction was a whole other matter.

"Huh?" Jazz blinked up at her, confusion evident from the expression on his face beneath his visor. There was a long pause, during which she had the sneaking suspicion he was doing some wireless research. "Oh! I see. You're thinking in your human reproduction terms?" Wordlessly, she nodded. "It's different for us. A spark is a spark, ya see. Femmes are a BIT different, in the fact that their sparks are more prone to be able to produce multiple offspring easily. Historically they take those shapes, to attract those wanting to spark offspring. Not all of 'em do it, but most of em did. Unfortunately, in the war most of em were killed since Megatron wanted to control reproduction, and the fact is while creating sparks can be done with mechs, it's harder and has a higher failure rate. 'S why most of us haven't tried it. But as for the same differences that separate your species, the biological differences in male and female where males and females can't reproduce without another of the opposite, it's not the case in our situation."

Alexis blinked. Boy was that more than she wanted to know. Ever.

Skyfire and Starscream were moving to join the rest of the Autobots, Eclipse in tow. "Optimus Prime." Starscream said formally. "May I introduce my partner Skyfire." He inclined his head upwards to the large mech who smiled warmly in response. "And Eclipse." There was the briefest of pauses. "My daughter." The purple and teal femme briefly acknowledged the group with a firm sweep of her violet optics, and a touch of curiosity in her gaze.

"It is my pleasure to welcome you both to Earth." Optimus said solemnly. "I welcome you here as long as you need refuge."

"Thank you for your kindness. I'm sure we won't need to be here long." Skyfire said warmly. "I must thank you for taking care of Star. I'm not sure what we would have done if you hadn't found him."

"For that you have one of the planet's natives to thank." Optimus said smiling, inclining his head right towards Alexis who felt her face heat immediately. "Alexis is the one who deserves the credit for helping him break free of where he was being held."

She felt a strange tingle at the back of her mind, and knew instinctively that the two mechs were communicating in private, out of range of her awareness. It irked her a bit, but she also felt better knowing WHY they did it. A private link was meant to be such, private. Nonetheless, Skyfire's gaze was warm as he regarded her. "You have my eternal thanks, Alexis Parks." He said formally. "From what Star tells me of what you've done, you are a tribute to your race and should be applauded for your bravery. I would be honored to consider you a friend."

Blushing, Alexis felt a warmth spread through her, and realized that it was partially Starscream's feelings of pride sweeping through her that had suddenly instigated the feeling of happiness. Smiling, she nodded. "I'm glad to be here for him."

"I've arranged separate quarters for you if you'd like…" Optimus was saying cordially.

"No need. I'll stay with Star." Skyfire said warmly. "If there's room of course."

"It's a tight fit, but its no worse than the ship." Starscream grumbled. "But I'm sure Eclipse would like her own room, she's not had that chance yet. Our ship is a bit limited for quarters."

"Actually…" The femme's voice was soft and very smooth, sultry and instantly drawing every mech's attention. "I'd like to fly around for a look. It's not often we get to stretch our wings."

Starscream immediately tensed. "No."

"Oh for Primus' sake, you can't keep being so protective forever." Skyfire nudged gently. "Let her have some fun."

Starscream frowned, but glanced over at Optimus who smiled gently. "I have no protests. Providing she accepts a terrestrial alt form and does not draw the natives' attention."

Something seemed to amuse the femme for she smirked in an eerily familiar way reminiscent of her sire. "I will not be seen."

"Very well." Starscream growled in a disapproving tone. "We have matters to discuss. But don't stay out long."

The femme said nothing, merely smirked as she turned on her heel, igniting her thrusters and spiraling up into the open blue sky before simply vanishing with no warning. Everyone stared, then shifted their gazes towards Starscream for an explanation. The seeker sighed, rubbing his face. "Don't ask. Her ability is rather… difficult to explain."

"Unless you understand quantum physics." Skyfire offered helpfully. Starscream just shot him a sharp glare. "What? It's easily explained by the theories of sub-levels of motion and parallel fields."

Starscream just sighed again, then turned to face Optimus, his expression sobering. "We should speak in private."

"As you wish." Optimus inclined his head, turning towards the Ark as the gathered mechs began to disperse.

Alexis shifted on Jazz's shoulder, watching as the two fliers followed the Autobot leader up the ramp into the ship. "I suppose I'm rather insignificant in comparison to all your problems." She sighed slightly. "It makes you feel so small, knowing what's going on out there in the universe."

"Don't take it personally." Jazz grinned at her. "Your people are way ahead of ours at your stage. Jus' cause we're a bit farther ahead in tech doesn't mean we know more, after all. Take your music for example."

She blinked. "Music?"

"Hell yeah!" The mech grinned, and suddenly loud music exploded out of his head, a grooving techno beat. "LISTEN to that! We ain't GOT that kinda sound!"

Alexis couldn't help but laugh, as she plugged her ears. Fortunately, she was rescued by a rather disapproving Prowl who smacked Jazz across the shoulder with a clipboard, effectively shutting the music off with a rather sore look from the saboteur. "No sense of humor. Really got work him a bit." Jazz muttered.

Alexis wasn't invited into the private discussion with Optimus, and it lasted far longer than she expected. However, as she sat relaxing with a TV-dinner that someone had thoughtfully snagged for her from somewhere, and she was sure she didn't want to know where, Prowl entered and informed her she was needed in Optimus' office. Abandoning her meal, as it wasn't very tasty to begin with, she consented to being taken there, where she found Skyfire and Starscream sitting in plush chairs in Optimus' sitting portion of his office. The Autobot leader was standing facing the window, deep in thought. Starscream nodded to her as Prowl deposited her on the arm of his chair, but said nothing as he turned his attention back to Optimus. The silence was almost painful, but she wasn't about to break it first.

At last, Optimus turned from the window and faced them. Though she was not completely skilled in reading mech expressions, it was not hard to determine just what kind of feelings were crossing over the Autobot leader at that moment. His optics were dim, his face drawn, mask retracted, and posture slightly hunched. At last, he seemed to realize Alexis was there, and approached the group. "Alexis." He said in a deep rumbling voice. "Thank you for coming. I fear that things have become a bit complicated. While we are very grateful for your assistance with Starscream, I'm afraid the time has come when we must ask for you to return to your own people."

Alexis blinked. Well, it wasn't like she hadn't expected that. She knew she couldn't keep hiding out among giant robots her whole life. But there was still the matter of being a fugitive. "Erm. Well your hospitality has been very kind, but I'm not exactly the most popular person among my military right now. The moment I show my face, I'm going to be taken into custody."

"Yes, we know." Optimus said quietly. "And we are actually depending on that."

Alexis stared at him, and then smiled. "You have a plan then?"

"We do, or rather, Starscream does." She glanced over at the mech in question who nodded slightly in response. "Perhaps you should bring her up to date with what you have in mind."

"Of course." Was the quiet response. His optics swiveled down to stare at her, and she smiled tightly, preparing herself for the unexpected. "I have a plan on how to get you back onto good terms with your superiors. If this works, you will not only be dismissed of the charges likely piling up against you, but hailed as a hero."

"That works for me. What's the plan?"

Starscream's lips quirked in amusement, and Skyfire smiled approvingly from the side. "You are going to lead us to your military base. All of us in a convoy. And they're going to listen to what you, and we, have to say. We have much to offer them in the way of technology, and in return we are seeking their aid in finding the Allspark."

Alexis chuckled, the image not hard to picture. She could see herself surrounded by an armada of cars and jets, all facing a few confused soldiers who had no clue what was going to happen. "Simple and straightforward. You think they'll agree?"

"They won't have much choice." Was the smug reply. "They may be capable of containing one mech on his own, but not all of us."

"Good point." She paused briefly. "This Allspark is really important to you all, isn't it?"

"It is." Optimus was the one to answer this time. "It is the key to ending this war, and fixing the damage that has been done. As we have been unsuccessful in finding it to this date, my thought is and these two agree with me, that it's possible your people might know more. We all would benefit from an alliance. If we can combine forces, we can recover the Allspark before Megatron arrives."

A cold swell of fear clutched at her. "He's coming here?"

"He will." Starscream said quietly. "We have no way of knowing when until he is near, but he WILL come."

"Therefore, its' critical that we find it before he does." Optimus said firmly. "For all our sakes."

Alexis glanced up at Starscream, noting that he seemed unusually quiet and withdrawn. His wings were held at a lower angle than she was used to seeing, and though he had locked her out as tightly as possible, she nonetheless had the distinct impression that he was very concerned and more than likely upset. Given what he'd shared with her, she couldn't blame him. The center of his nightmares, of the torture he'd endured was on his way here. She would have been terrified if she were him. "I'll be glad to do anything I can to help. When are we doing this?"

"Tomorrow, first thing." Optimus replied with a curt nod. "I see no sense in delaying it. We will give everyone a chance to recuperate from their respective journeys, formulate a plan of action and implement it. With luck, we will pull this off without much complication."

"Right. Just waltzing into Area 51 and telling them that it's time to form a truce with an alien race. They're going to LOVE that."

Optimus smiled mildly but nodded, indicated the meeting was at an end. Starscream scooped her up carefully and exited the office with Skyfire in tow. "This will be interesting." The white mech commented, sounding curious. "I don't suppose you have an earth alt available in schematic form that would fit my size? I'm quite sure that our cover might be blown if I show up as I am."

"What's your alt?" Alexis asked, curiously peering at him.

"A Cybertronian shuttle." He replied, sounding a little humble. "I was designed for large shipment cargo transport."

"That explains the size."

"That's a polite way of saying he's fat." Was the snide response from Starscream followed by a rough jostle as he elbowed his bondmate, much to the other's obvious amusement. "I took the liberty of uploading a few choices for you." There was silence for a moment before Skyfire's optics brightened considerably as he received said schematics. "I personally favor the second one."

"Very sleek." Was the approving response. "But they're both black."

Starscream just smirked smugly. "I like you in black."

They entered the rec room to find it completely and utterly packed. Unsurprisingly, this was because Eclipse was lounging on the sofa, surrounded by every single available mech not on duty. The young femme was seated between two similar built mechs, both of which were doing their very best to flatter her. The most amusing thing of all was that she seemed very satisfied with the attention, and was smiling in a familiar sultry way that was eerily reminiscent of her sire. Glancing quickly at Starscream to see if he was concerned, Alexis was amused to see him mirroring the smirk.

"So what's a pretty femme like you doing in a roughed up bachelor pad like this?"

"I've heard Seeker wings are incredibly sensitive… I'd love to test that theory."

"Hey, I've got some high-grade back in my quarters…"

"There's some beautiful cliff-side formations that you might want to see…"

Alexis had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Oh god, are they always going to be this bad around her? She sent across their link.

Probably. Was the amused response.

And she's totally ok with it.

She's never had anyone fawn over her before… of course she is. She knows she can have any mech she wants.

Alexis lifted her eyes, seeing both fliers were grinning in amusement. "I take it you're not going to warn them then?"

"Frag no." Starscream snorted. "They deserve the fallout that comes after she turns them down."

"She takes completely after Star." Skyfire chuckled. "Manipulator to the core."

"You think so highly of me."

"Just speaking the truth."

Alexis chuckled to herself. She had to admit, she found herself wondering how it was possible. Even after Jazz's 'mechs and the femmes' talk, she found her mind swirling with the realization that robots procreated in similar terms to humans. While she would never pry into their business, as it was very clearly THEIR business, she couldn't help but marvel at how the mechs all flocked to the femme like magnets. She did notice there were some exceptions. Jazz and Prowl were there, but talking quietly in the corner, observing with some amusement, but not involving themselves. Wheeljack and Perceptor seemed in good spirits, sipping high-grade and watching attentively off to the side. The only other mech distinctly absent from the scene was Optimus, who likely was busy with more important things.

Oh yes, Eclipse was loving the attention.

"They act like they've never seen a femme before." Starscream snorted.

"And here you were worried she wouldn't cope well with others. Seems we raised her better than you thought."

"Bah. She's just got too much of ME in her to be daunted by a bit of attention."

"She's soaking it up. Her ego is going to surpass her head soon. Like another mech I know."

"Oh stuff it up your servos."

Alexis was perfectly content to let them wander off, as she knew they had much to catch up on after being apart for several months. She was content to watch the courtship rituals, noting how similar the Cybertronians were to humans. Flirting was the same, fake compliments the same, the ability to impress and exaggerate the same. It was really quite fascinating. Eventually the crowds began to filter out, and the final cinch to the gathering was when Eclipse rose and excused herself, sauntering out with a swagger of teal and violet hips, much to the appeal of hungry optics following her. Alexis decided it was a good time to retire after that, considering she couldn't laugh any harder without hurting herself.

However, beneath the laughter, she couldn't help but feel as if she'd been cheated.