The Complications of Life

By: Nightelfcrawler

Disclaimer: I do not own, merely covet adoringly.

Authors' note: Yes, once again I'm being slow. Apologies. You know how it gets, inspiration to write dies off though you have tons of ideas, you just don't feel like writing. Well out of that phase now (for the time being, who knows how long twill last)

Warnings: Contains a background of slash relationships.


Chapter Twelve

When Optimus said that their operation would begin at the break of dawn, he hadn't been exaggerating. A tone sounding at her door informed her that it was time to rise, and Alexis only groggily was aware of turning on the lights and dressing as she stumbled outside. By now she was used to walking through the halls and avoiding being stepped on, but the traffic this morning was exceptionally dangerous. Eventually, she made her way outside to find most of the rest gathered already preparing to depart. The variety of trucks, cars and other motorized objects was varied and colorful. High above, she noted with some amusement that the three fliers were having fun chasing each other across the sky. She could distinctly see Starscream's sleek silver body twisting through the clouds in the form of an F-22 Raptor, his offspring following him closely in an F-15, and swooping behind them like a bird of prey was an enormous SR-71 Blackbird.

"Yeah. Not going to draw any attention at all." She muttered. "I swear this is going to be like the RV scene straight out of Independence Day."

"Ya ready, my human dancin' friend?" Jazz grinned down at her as he stepped up to her side, almost bouncing on his feet with excitement.

"Ready as I'll ever be. I take it you're my escort?"

"Nah, Optimus insisted on that himself. Feels that he's the best suited to defend you if ya need it. Besides, he's the most impressive, ya gotta give that to him."

"True."

Alexis made her way past two flashy Lamborghinis, a police cruiser, several other rather expensive cars, and a couple emergency vehicles, past a large black truck she correctly identified as Ironhide, until she reached the idling semi-truck, minus it's trailer. The door popped open for her unprompted, and she slid inside the cool and very plush leather interior. "Nice." She commented, buckling up behind the enormous steering wheel. "You don't do anything halfway do you, Optimus?"

"Of course it is required to keep up appearances."

"Sure it is." She smirked. "No real trucker would oil their seats or polish their rims."

"We all have a few indulgences."

The trip across the open desert was long, hot and extremely interesting. One would have thought it a boring trip, so long as one wasn't traveling with an envoy of a dozen sentient vehicles flanked by three colorful jets that kept performing impossible aerial feats in the air in an attempt to amuse themselves while they kept pace. Considering the three could have closed the distance to the base in easily a fourth of the time the ground troops could, they were being exceptionally patient. Still, Alexis found her heart speeding up in anticipation for what had to be done. This was not their negotiation, but hers. She was going to have to talk her superiors into listening, and that was not going to be an easy task. They had explained what they had in mind to her, and to be frank she agreed that the most simple approach often was the best one, but it still didn't keep her from wondering if this wasn't some kind of massive suicidal move. After all, while the Autobots claimed mere bullets were not an issue against their specially crafted alloy armor, she still didn't like the idea of being caught in a firefight between aliens and humans.

Lets just hope it doesn't come to that, she thought as she shifted in her seat, watching as the base's perimeter gate grew larger on the horizon.

Unsurprisingly, the guards were expecting them. It was a little hard to hide dust trails from the massive group of vehicles, let alone ignore the bright paint jobs. Therefore, when they finally pulled up to the armed guardhouse, she wasn't surprised to see several weapons vehicles and a full squad of soldiers waiting for them behind the fence. Optimus stopped several feet short of the guardhouse, as they had agreed upon, giving her the cue to act. As the semi came to a stop, dust wafting around the dry desert, Alexis opened the door and stepped out, closing it smartly and approaching calmly to the guard post where an armed soldier stood, staring at her with a blank expression. There was no surprise at seeing her. "I'm sorry ma'm, but we have orders to take you into custody."

Alexis smiled, calm and casual. "I'm sure you do. And I would be willing to submit, under normal circumstances. Fortunate for us all, this is not one of those times."

"I have my orders ma'm." the soldier said, frowning. "Please don't make this difficult."

"Well the difficulty depends on you." She said, crossing her arms in front of her chest, fixing him with her best FBI stare. "Before I agree to surrendering myself, I need a favor. Get Banacheck out here. I need to speak with him in person."

"I can't do that ma'm." With a sharp motion of his hand, the gate began to open, and two armed soldiers began to make their way through, heading her way.

"Oh but you can." Alexis said quietly. "Because you see, my friends here aren't about to let you simply take me into custody without carrying through with my request first."

The soldier's blank expression was promptly replaced with a wide-eyed look of alarm, as the three fliers that had been hovering back out of sight suddenly appeared on the horizon, split into three directions and came in a direct beeline for the base. The soldiers didn't even have enough time to sound the alarm before they changed direction and did a three-way cross over their position, something only the most experienced aerial acrobats would attempt as they flashed overhead, did tight circles and slowed down, transforming in mid-air, weapons out and locked at the same time that the entire rest of the Autobot fleet began their transformations. Weapons clicked, loading and arming, aimed directly at the astonished soldiers who stared up at them with absolute shock, not daring to move as it was very obvious they were outnumbered and outgunned. Though the situation was clearly unlike ANYTHING they had prepared for, Alexis was impressed when none of them turned tail and ran, but held their ground, weapons up, though their faces clearly terrified.

"Now." She said simply. "Are you going to fetch Banacheck, or do my friends have to make a mess when we clearly don't want to. Seriously, we don't want an intergalactic war starting here."

The man didn't hesitate. He was inside the guardhouse before she could blink. Only minutes later, a fast-powered jeep could be seen speeding their way from the base interior. Even from this distance, Alexis could see Bannacheck wasn't alone, Simmons was with him. She grimaced, but folded her arms, waiting between Optimus' tall legs for the men to arrive. When they did, she was satisfied to see Simmons gawking, and relieved that Bannacheck had a smile on his mustached face. "Parks." He greeted, eyes unable to tear from the scene of more than a dozen fully armed robots towering over them all in the middle of nowhere. "I knew you would return… though I hardly imagined you would be this dramatic."

"You know me, sir. I love to make an entrance."

"That is most clearly the understatement of the year." The man ran a hand through his hair, staring up at the mechs with a look of wonder. "One of these the one you escaped with?"

"Him." She nodded, pointing up at Starscream who was hovering between his mate and daughter, watching her with a keen edge to his optics. "And he's got a temper, so I wouldn't push him."

"I wouldn't dream of that." To his credit, Tom was able to tear his gaze away to focus on her. "What are your terms?"

"Full pardon." She said simply. "My record is clean, and no marks against me for this."

"Done."

"And an alliance."

Tom blinked. "An alliance?" His gaze shifted back to the group of mechs, now curious. "You mean that they aren't here to enact revenge for their comrade?"

"No, they're not." Alexis smiled, turning and gesturing to Optimus who stood behind her. "Tom Banacheck, meet Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."

Tom's gaze lifted to study the mech towering over him, and to his credit he only jumped slightly when the mech spoke. "Mister Banacheck. We have not gotten off to a good start, perhaps. However, our interaction with Alexis Parks has convinced me that sometimes first impressions are not to be trusted."

Tom Banacheck's jaw twitched as he desperately attempted to keep his calm as the mech spoke clearly to him in perfect English, something he obviously had not expected, but was taking well. "I ah… agree, sir. Allow me to extend my deepest apologies on behalf of my government for holding a member of your race against his will. We do not wish to instigate any intergalactic war based on a misunderstanding."

Optimus Prime inclined his head slightly. "And no ill-will is held. Indeed, were the situations reversed I cannot say I would not have acted in caution as you have. Let us consider the matter closed."

Tom Banacheck nodded, shoulders straightening slightly. "I would be most honored."

Optimus smiled and raised his hand. Behind him, all the mechs lowered their weapons, powering them down. Alexis noted with some amusement that Starscream shot a venomous glare towards Simmons, which unfortunately went unheeded as the man was far too fascinated at staring at the grounded mechs rather than the fliers. After a few moments of conversing, Tom Banacheck turned to his men and ordered them to stand down, and fetch the general. He then invited the mechs to enter the base, much to the horror of the soldiers, to which the invitation was accepted. Alexis could hardly contain her glee as all the mechs filed into the base one by one, the human guards all staring in awe up at them. By now, news had spread and nearly every battalion was piling out from their duties to see the news. Knowing protocol would be thrown out the window at the mention of aliens, REAL aliens, being on base, Alexis couldn't blame the crowds that began to form as the Autobots filed onto the open tarmac, the only area large enough for them to gather comfortably without being mixed between buildings. The commanding officers of the base were absolutely speechless when introduced to Optimus Prime, but quickly regained their composure as they found the Autobot commander approachable and much like themselves. Alexis was quite impressed to be fair, at how rapidly things progressed. An hour later, Optimus had spoken with the President and Secretary of Defense, had set a verbal peace treaty between the two peoples, and set up a meeting in person. Alexis, as she was considered the ambassador between the races found herself forced to listen as the two sides hammered out the details, but was really not a part of the negotiations. She did get a laugh when Starscream, who had obviously found the amusement of the internet quite to his liking, flashed a vague image of a cartoon character from a familiar television series snoring loudly in a chair. It took all her effort NOT to laugh in the middle of discussing peace terms.

"Christ, Parks." Simmons hissed in her ear from the chair next to her as they sat in the hastily cleared hangar where the negotiations were proceeding. "Maybe I didn't give you enough credit. You're a criminal AND an alien conspirator."

"Up yours Simmons." She replied cheerily.

"If it were me, I'd lock all these freaks up and see what makes them tick."

"Good luck with that." She drawled, pointing over to where Starscream stood, arms folded, watching with the others. "I'm sure he'd LOVE to get to know you better after you guys nearly dissected him before."

Alexis was quite thrilled to see him shudder.

The talks lasted well into the evening, and when finally Alexis saw Optimus straighten and walk out to the other mechs waiting, she knew that they must have reached an agreement. She approached Banacheck, and studied the papers on the table that appeared to be fully signed. "So you worked something out?"

"Yes." Tom agreed, sighing tiredly. "I must say, for the first alien peace treaty it went very well. The President is looking forward to meeting him to make this official. However, I'm satisfied that we've reached a good agreement." He glanced up at her. "By the way, congratulations Ambassador." Alexis blinked blankly at him. "You've been elected envoy between our two people, if you want the position."

She just grinned. "Like I'd say no."

"That's what we thought." Tom smiled slightly. "As you're already well familiar with them, it makes sense. They trust you, we have an invested interest in keeping good relations open between our people. It works for everyone." He ran a hand through his hair. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm rather exhausted." He shook her hand lightly. "I haven't said thank you, Parks. You knew what you were doing, despite the pending court-marshal."

She just grinned. "Sometimes doing the right thing means taking the difficult path. I'm just glad I'm not going to end up in maximum security." Tom smiled tightly, and turned to head back to his office, and she decided to go speak with Optimus about what had transpired. It wasn't hard to find them, as their voices rang loudly through the evening air. Most of them had retired into the hangars to relax, a few humans who were curious and unafraid had taken the opportunity to speak to some of them.

"No kidding?" a male voice rang out sounding interested. "So it operates without bullets?"

"You refer to projectile weapons fired at increased velocity?" Ironhide's voice rumbled out. "Such unsophisticated technology. We did away with that method of ammunition centuries ago."

Alexis grinned as she entered the hanger, seeing a group of soldiers gathered around the crouched weapons specialist as he displayed one of his fine cannons to them. "You've got to be kidding me." She laughed to herself, watching the scene. Glancing over to her right, she saw a flock of airmen trying to talk to Starscream, who looked disinterested and was clearly uncomfortable with the gathering of humans bothering him, but was doing his best to try not to sound TOO rude, as they seemed to be talking about methods of piloting in difficult weather conditions.

It was an eerie scene, and yet completely and utterly normal. Everyone seemed to have gotten over the whole 'Lord in Heaven they're aliens' problem.

"I take it you have finished your business?"

Lifting her head, Alexis smiled seeing Optimus Prime step carefully towards her, doing his best to make sure nothing small and organic was under his large feet. "Yes." She agreed. "I suppose for now. You'll have business here tomorrow I take it?"

"Yes. I will be remaining behind with a select detail to meet with your President tomorrow. The rest of you are to return to the Ark for the time being. We don't wish to cause any more uneasiness by overwhelming everyone all at once. I believe only a small detail will be sufficient to negotiate our needs." He knelt down near her, and she stuffed her hands in her pocket. "In the meantime, Jazz has agreed to see you to your home, being that you are now no longer a fugitive."

"Oh god, you have no idea how wonderful that is to hear." Alexis sighed, closing her eyes and letting it fall back with relief. "To have a shower… and real food."

Optimus smiled kindly. "Jazz is free to leave whenever you are ready. He also will remain nearby to keep watch just in case. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings occurring from other branches of your government that might not have been appraised of the current situation."

Alexis smiled. "You know our politics very well."

"It's my job."

The ride back to her apartment was nothing short of blissful. It was a warm night, the breeze felt glorious as Jazz pumped the volume on the swank stereo in his interior for her. She nearly fell asleep, exhausted from a long day. By the time he pulled up to the curb outside her home, she was ready to collapse in her bed. "Thanks Jazz. You're a real pal for doing this."

"Anytime, Alexis, anytime." Was the smooth response. "Ya need me, I'll be outside here keepin' watch."

"Thanks, Jazz."

She jogged up the stairs, and virtually threw the door open after unlocking it. Instantly she heard a loud angry meow, and her cat lunged at her, pouncing into her arms as she embraced him. "Sorry, sorry." She murmured. "Poor guy…" She glanced over at the kitchen, seeing a light on, and saw that someone thoughtfully had been there to feed him. Walking over to the counter, she picked up the note. "Sorry, Lexi, not sure where you are but Griff practically clawed my leg off when I came to check on you. I'll come check on him every few days. Call me when you get back, we're worried. Know it's probably work, but still call. – Sissy"

She smiled. "Well, seems someone was thinking about you." She quickly poured more food and water for him, and watched as he chowed down, purring loudly as she scratched behind his ears. "Sorry Griff. You wouldn't believe the time I've had." She wasn't even sure what day it was, or how long it had been exactly. Weeks, she knew, as much as a month maybe? She glanced at the clock and stared at the date. Jeeze… no wonder Sissy had been worried. She vaguely remember having a girls' night out with her scheduled for a couple days from the last day she'd remembered going to work. Giving Griff another scratch behind the ears, she made a bee-line straight for the shower.

Hot water had never felt so good.

Her mind felt foggy as she tilted it into the shower's stinging rain, washing her hair with deep slow scrubs of the shampoo. Everything seemed so surreal. Had the whole last few weeks truly happened? Somehow it felt as if it had been all a dream, just part of her mind, her weird job coming up to finally mess with her mind.

Another glance out her window as she slipped into her robe told her otherwise, as the Pontiac Solstice gleamed quietly in the evening light.

No, things were definitely going to change from here on out.