Chapter 16-Introductions.
Bumblebee refused to look back as he sped away from the dam as quickly as he could, as he didn't want to encounter Megatron, and most likely Starscream too as Bee doubted the Decepticon would be hiding away when his master was almost revived, until he had the other Autobots with him for back up; as Bee knew he didn't have the strength in his spark to face them right at this moment. The events of the night before and his capture had taken it out of him, and Bee was really starting to feel the strain on his spark, and he knew once he got onto the open road he'd have to let Sam take over the driving for a while so he could rest, as although the All-Spark had eased his aches and pains that the experiments had caused, it had only temporarily erased the deep tiredness that he could feel running through all his circuits.
From inside, Mikaela felt Bee's slight shudder and gently ran her hand over his dashboard, "Whats up Bee?". Bee voiced a soft chirp before his radio softly flared, "I'm fine beautiful, just very tired". Mikaela could hear the tiredness in her 'bots 'voice', as could Sam; "Want me to drive for a bit Bee?". Bumblebee chirped gratefully, "Please Sam, if you could. I just need to rest for a while, as I have a feeling keeping the cube safe isn't going to be as easy as the other humans think it is". Sam patted Bee's steering wheel reassuringly when he heard how worried Bee sounded, "Its okay Bee, you deserve a rest. We've got Lennox and Epps with the other soldiers on our tail, and I'm pretty sure Optimus and the others will be with us soon, so get some rest while you can". Bee chirped happily and relinquished driving control to Sam, which allowed him to partially recharge his spark; 'What I wouldn't give for a proper recharge right now', Bee thought to himself as Sam carefully took charge, however Mikaela began to chuckle when she saw the look of concentration on Sam's face.
"Whats so funny". Mikaela heard the defensiveness in Sam's voice and swallowed back her laughter, before turning to look at Sam, "Nothing really, it's just you look so worried to actually be driving your car". Sam quickly glanced at Mikaela and she saw the amusement sparkling in his brown eyes, "Yeah well most people don't have to contend with their car being a better driver than they are, or having to face the wrath of their cars girlfriend if they hurt their car in any way". Mikaela lightly slapped Sam's arm, but she did so with a broad grin on her face, and although Bee didn't reply with one of his usual chirps, Mikaela knew he was listening when her seatbelt tightened round her. Sam heard her soft chuckle and rolled his eyes, "Remember the rule, no flirting while we're all in the car". Unwilling to move her head from where she was resting it against the window, tracing her fingers over Bee's upholstery, Mikaela just smiled to herself and whispered to her Bee, who she knew was listening, "Could we get him out if we tried?". As she felt the engine rev slightly in reply, Mikaela laughed quietly and flicked a look over at Sam, "Best leave him where he is, we've kept him safe this long between us", before she went back to gazing contentedly out of the window, safe with her Bumblebee.
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Bumblebee had been right to not look back as he'd left the dam, as the jet that had blasted from out of the rapidly collapsing chambers inside, would have looked horribly familiar to the young Autobot. The Cybertronian jet flew to the top of the dam where it was joined by a F-22 Raptor, which quickly transformed into Starscream; who quickly bowed before the jet transformed into an invigorated Megatron, who scanned the dusty landscape with a disgusted look through narrowed red optics, before he turned to look at Starscream, his optics narrowing even further, "Where is the Cube?"
"The humans took it, assisted by the young Autobot". Megatron felt a deep rage fill his spark, as not only had the spark been lost once more but yet again he'd been outwitted by a sparkling, one who he thought he had taken care of before he'd left Cybertron. "Obviously Prime and Ratchet saved the irritating little spark".
"Did you speak Master?". Megatron glared at Starscream, "Nothing for you to worry about. What you need to worry about is the fact that the cube is now in the hands of our enemies. You have failed me yet again Starscream". Starscream cowered slightly which just increased Megatrons fury, and he had to stop himself from lashing out at the Raptor. Instead he ordered Starscream to go and find the humans and the Autobots, whilst Megatron concentrated on reestablishing his links to the few Decepticons he could sense were here on this planet named Earth. He, the mighty Megatron, would not be stopped from getting the All-Spark again.
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As Sam raced through the winding desert, Bumblebee was still quietly resting as best he could but he was unable to fully recharge as he was still feeling far too unsettled. However he no longer felt the numbing tiredness that had almost crushed his circuits earlier, and because of this he slowly onlined all his systems again although he left Sam in control of driving. Bee chirped softly, and from his position in the driver's seat, Sam smiled, "Feeling better after your nap?". Bee heard the teasing tone in Sams voice, and although he didn't reply Bee couldn't help thinking, 'At least I don't snore when I'm napping". Sam continued to watch the road before he spoke in a quiet voice, "Can I ask you something Bee?". Bee chirped questioningly, and Sam quickly flicked a glance at a sleeping Mikaela, and rushed ahead with his question before he could change his mind about asking it; "Promise me you'll look after her?. She needs someone to take care of her properly, and to not treat her like dirt. She's always protected me, now its my turn to try to repay that favour". Bumblebee remained silent for a few minutes and Sam began to worry that he'd offended the Camaro. However as the radio flickered, Sam let out a relieved breath as he heard music filter through the speakers, "I would give it all, I would sacrifice... I'd fight... Walk the wire... Everything I do". Sam smiled quietly in response, and gently patted Bee's dashboard, "I thought you would, just wanted to be sure". Bee chirped embarrassedly, and Sam chuckled as he felt the heat coming from Bee's vents, "You blushing Bee?. Seriously though, I know you'll be good for her, you're just what she needs".
Bumblebee felt his spark swell with pride at Sam's words, and he knew Sam had asked the questions he had because he cared about Mikaela. 'I'm pretty sure my girls going to get the same grilling from 'Hide at some point', Bee thought to himself with a chuckle. Sam felt Bee's chuckle and decided he didn't want to know what the Camaro was thinking, but found himself chuckling at the fact he'd never managed to talk to any of Mikaela's human boyfriends, but a giant alien robot he could. Mikaela shifted slightly and Bee chirped softly, which woke Mikaela with a smile, "Hey big guy, how you feeling?". Bee revved his engine enthusiastically, and Mikaela found herself laughing; not only because Bee seemed to have recovered slightly, and was back to the cheerful 'bot she loved so much, but also because of the yelp she heard from Sam, "Not while I'm on driving duty please Bee?". An apologetic chirp sounded through the speakers, although Mikaela could feel the faint shakes of the laughter she knew Bee was holding in, and when she looked at Sam, she saw he was chuckling too before he handed driving duty back over to Bumblebee, who instantly sped up, the feel of the warm desert air flowing over his bodywork energizing his spark just as much as his 'nap' had.
A short while later Bumblebee smiled to himself as he finally heard the deep tones of Optimus's voice over his comm-link informing Bee that they were almost with him. Bee quickly replied to his leader, and was about to switch the comm-link off when Ironhide's gruff tones reached him. Bumblebee felt a surge of joy when he heard the weapons specialists voice questioning if he was okay, and it wasn't until that moment that Bee realised how scared he'd been of never seeing Ironhide or any of the others again after his capture. Replying quickly to Ironhide that he was more or less okay, but very glad to be back with Mikaela and Sam, Bee couldn't help the forlorn chirp that echoed through his speakers. Mikaela heard it, and instantly knew something was wrong, "Why so sad big guy?".
"Its okay beautiful, Ironhide asked me if I was okay, he can get a little over protective. It just made me think how much I would have missed you all if you hadn't been able to save me". Mikaela heard the fond chuckle in Bee's voice as he spoke of Ironhide, but she could also hear the sadness there. Sam also heard it and squeezed Mikaelas hand when he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes, which Mikaela accepted gratefully. Bee had also noticed his girls tears and quickly flicked through the radio til he found an appropriate song, "Please don't cry, I know how you feel inside". Mikaela smiled softly at the quietly playing radio, "I know you do big guy, I just wish there was more we could have done to help".
"You came back for me, that was more than enough". Mikaela smiled softly and Sam did too as they heard the quiet conviction in Bee's words, and it was Sam that spoke first, "You protected us, so we protect you. It's what best friends, and family, do for each other". Bee chirped softly in reply to Sam, and in that moment Bumblebee knew Mikaela and Sam were very much part of his family, just as Ironhide and the other 'bots were, and he couldn't help thinking to himself with a smile, 'Not bad for an abandoned sparkling".
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However a few seconds later the three of them were shaken out of their thoughts by the arrival of the other Autobots, which caused wide grins to appear on Sam and Mikaela's faces, and a stream of happy chirps to issue from Bumblebees radio. The happiness was not however shared by Lennox, Epps and the other soldiers in the vehicles behind. Sam could hear their concerned shouts as Optimus spun round in the road far more easily that an eighteen wheeler should have been able to, and shared a concerned look with Mikaela, "How are they supposed to know they're the good guys?". Mikaela saw the worry in Sam's eyes and could see his point, the soldiers who had obviously had a bad experience with a Decepticon at some point, were not to know that the selection of vehicles around them were on their side. She quickly tapped a finger on Bee's dashboard, "Hey Bee, can you get a message to Optimus?". Bee chirped in agreement, which gave Mikaela an idea; "Cool. Can you tell him to ease back a bit as I'm thinking Lennox and the others might need a proper introduction to you guys, save them trying to shoot at the wrong side if things get heated later. Plus it'll give you a chance to catch up with the others". Sam looked at her with an impressed look, which was backed up by an impressed chirp from Bee's radio, "The force is strong with this one". Sam laughed at the movie quote and Mikaela slapped Bee's dashboard, "Not funny". She felt Bee's chuckle before the radio flared again, "Optimus says that will be fine though we may need to act quickly as apparently the soldiers are looking a little edgy". Sam and Mikaela looked out of Bees windows and saw that they did indeed look very unsettled, and were training their weapons on the approaching vehicles.
Bumblebee quickly hit the brakes causing Lennox and Epps' vehicles to roll past him, before stopping quickly when they realised the Camaro had stopped. Sam and Mikaela hopped out of Bee, and ran across to them. Lennox gave them a stern look, "Whats going on?". Sam looked back at him, "We thought you needed to meet the gang before going into battle?". Epps looked back at the teens, an uncertain look in his eyes, "What do you mean meet the gang?". Sam looked round at where Bumblebee was parked, surrounded by the others, "I mean those guys over there. We just thought it might be helpful if you get to know them a bit first". As the sounds of the five vehicles transforming filled the air, Mikaela was glad she had suggested the idea, before everyone met in the heat of battle. Lennox and Epps instantly aimed their weapons at the Autobots, as did the others. Sam held out his hands to calm the other humans, and Mikaela watched as Bumblebee hurriedly spoke to the other Autobots through his radio in a stream of chirps and clicks which seemed to calm everyone down, including the humans, although as she approached the 'bots Mikaela had to fight back the laughter as she saw Ironhide heading towards Bee with a determined look, accompanied by Ratchet.
As she heard Optimus talking to a still apprehensive Lennox and Epps, along with Sam, Mikaela smiled as she saw Jazz heading towards her, "Hey Jazz". Jazz looked down at Mikaela, before looking over at a squirming Bumblebee and sharing her laughter, "Oh boy, that's unfair. 'Hide and Ratchet?. Bee's been through enough already, without those two ganging up on him". Jazz then turned his blue optics back to Mikaela, "Thanks anyway little lady". Mikaela looked up at the silver bot, "What for?".
"For helping our little guy out". Mikaela blushed and looked over at Bee, who shot her a helpless look, before looking back at Jazz, "Its okay, I couldn't just leave him, not when he'd tried so hard to help us. Plus you do all kinds of crazy things when you're in love". Jazz grinned at the blushing Mikaela, and he was pretty sure if he looked over at Bumblebee, there would be a matching blush on the yellow 'bots face too, "Glad you finally worked it out, we guessed from the first time we saw you two together". Mikaela smiled as Bee somehow shook off the older 'bots and crossed over to where she and Jazz were standing; and she hopped up quickly onto his offered hand, before Bee placed her up on his shoulder. Mikaela then looked back at Jazz puzzledly, "Not wishing to be rude but how come you called Bumblebee little guy?. He's taller than you". Jazz chuckled, "Good point little lady, its cos Bee's the baby of the group". Bee chirped grumpily at Jazz, who took no notice, and Mikaela fought back her giggles, choosing to gently stroke the side of Bee's face instead, soothing Bee's spark immensely.
"Autobots, would you please join me here for a moment, I wish to introduce you to our human allies". Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet and Ironhide all walked over to stand beside Optimus and Sam. Sam looked up at Bee, and laughed as he saw Mikaela in her familiar place on Bee's shoulder. Optimus also smiled, "I have thanked Sam already, so now I would like to thank you too for your help in saving our young comrade". Mikaela blushed once more, "Its fine Optimus, it was nothing". Optimus smiled once again, and Mikaela saw Jazz quickly whispering something to Ironhide, which caused the weapons specialist to look over at the pair of them with raised eyebrows. As Optimus began to introduce all the Autobots individually to the humans, Mikaela quietly whispered to Bee, "I think Jazz just told Ironhide we're together". Bee turned to look at Ironhide and chirped quietly at him. Ironhide glared at the young 'bot for a second, causing Mikaela to shuffle closer into Bees warm shoulder, before 'Hide nodded slightly at them both with a small smile on his face. Bee stroked Mikaela's hair with a finger, "Don't worry so much beautiful. Ironhide's not as bad as he seems, trust me". Mikaela smiled back at Bee, "I'll take your word for it big guy", kissing him quickly on his cheek. Bee then held his hand up for her to climb onto, gently resting his lips on the top of her head before he lowered her to the ground.
"Think you passed the test with the in-laws". Mikaela looked at Sam, and grinned, "You think?". Sam grinned back at her, "Hell yeah, Ironhide didn't shoot you on sight for corrupting his little Bee, that's gotta be a good thing". Mikaela smiled back at Sam, "Hey there's no corrupting going on as yet". Sam crinkled his nose, and Mikaela laughed out loud, "Too much information Sammy?". Sam nodded and was about to reply when he heard the rapid transformations going on behind them. Sharing a concerned glance between them, they quickly crossed over to where Lennox was standing by his vehicle, Epps already sitting in his, looking impatient, "Whats up?". Lennox nodded towards Optimus, "Optimus here said the Decepticons are on the trail of the All Spark already, so we need to move and move fast". From behind them Bumblebee revved his engine, earning him an approving glance from Lennox, "Sam. Bumblebee has the right idea. We need to move". Sam and Mikaela ran over to Bee and quickly jumped in, their doors only just closing before Bee peeled out of the gravel pull in, followed by the military vehicles, with the other Autobots bringing up the rear as they all sped towards Mission City, together as a team determined to keep the All-Spark safe.
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A/N: Hey everyone, updated finally! This is the first time I've wandered slightly from the movie-verse as I just think it's slightly odd that the soldiers are suddenly bestest friends with the Autobots when they get to Mission City! So I thought they all needed some introductions, and as they already knew Bumblebee, it meant more time for some shameless fluff ;) Hope you enjoy, as the next few chappies are where the action starts!