A/N: Hey guys! Hope you like the chapter, please R+R! I do not own Transformers, only Katie.
XXX
"C'mon, Kate, hurry!" Jack urged, his emerald eyes shining with urgency as he clutched the three year old's hand tightly in his own, larger one. Katie giggled slightly, grinning widely as she stumbled along, clutching a few of his fingers as best she could.
"Why?" she asked in a cheerful tone, trotting along beside him as she ever so slightly picked up her pace.
"Remember what I made you promise about yesterday?" he absently asked, looking around the high school's front lawn for the small boy. Katie's blue eyes widened in horror, and she tensed, frowning as she suddenly turned frighteningly serious.
"Never tell anyone!" she chorused, seemingly having memorized the phrase. Jack smiled, reached down and teasingly flicked her tiny pigtail.
"That's right!" he enthusiastically encouraged. "Well, we need to make him promise it, too!"
"Oh," Katie replied, rocking on her heels as she sighed.
"Hey, Jack!" a familiar voice called over the crowd. Both turned, searching the area for who had called them, and were pleased to find Raph lazily leaning against one of the few trees that dotted the courtyard, sitting on the tall concrete blocks that surrounded it. Jack's eyes lit up, and he quickly stooped down and yanked his sister into his arms. She squeaked slightly at the sudden movement, instinctively wrapping her small arms around his neck.
Approaching, Jack moved Katie to sit on one hip and placed his free hand sheepishly behind his head. "Hey, Raph! Uh, about yesterday… Let's just keep it between us, okay?" Raph was about to reply, but paused as he looked to the side. Eyes widening in shock, his jaw dropped and he raised a shaky hand.
"Jack, look!" he managed to gasp out, breathless as he jumped off of the ledge and landed with a solid 'thump'.
"Wh-" his sentence was cut short as his eyes fell on the all too familiar black and yellow Urbana that was casually rolling up to the curb. Kate went rigid, eyes widening in panic as it pulled to a stop in front of them, gaining the attention of more than a few car-crazed teenage boys. "Not again," he moaned. All three warily watched, ready to bolt at any given second, as the passenger door slowly rose, lifting up instead of swinging out sideways like normal. "It wants us to get in?" Jack hesitantly asked as an urgent warbling echoed through the radio, more of a question than a statement.
"No, just me," Raph replied, grinning slightly as he stepped forward, shifting his backpack slightly. "Yours is over there," he suddenly responded, turning half-way around and calmly pointing towards the steps of the school. Jack dreadfully turned, and gaped slightly as he caught sight of the blue and pink motorcycle leaning innocently in the parking space with wide eyes. Kate, recognizing the vehicle as well, nervously shoved her small fingers into her mouth and gently chewed on them; it was a nervous habit they had yet to kick.
"Hi, how's it going?" Jack wheeled back around in panic as the twelve year old casually spoke to the 'car'. His green eyes flashed in alarm as he climbed in, the door falling shut behind him.
"Raf? Wait, stop!" the teen hurriedly jumped out onto the street, chasing the Urbana a few steps before stopping as he realized it was no hope. He stopped, clenching his jaw as he glared back at the motorcycle and quickly marching away from the scene, shifting Katie to his other hip and tightening his grip. Frowning around her hand as her eyes dulled, the small child cautiously, almost fearfully, lifted her free hand and gave a small good-bye wave directed to the 'cycle.
XXX
Gently side-stepping into an abandoned alleyway, Jack absently kicked at an old, soggy cup, scowling as he lost himself in his thoughts. Sitting Katie on the ground and taking her unoccupied hand, he absent-mindedly started following the route home that had, over time, been etched into his brain. He jolted, glaring in pure hatred as the robot-motorcycle he had been working to avoid shot out of an adjoining passageway, this time with a female rider, effectively cutting him off. Without a second thought, he forcefully yanked his sibling into his arms and turned on his heel, eyes stony as he ignored their pursuer.
"Look," the familiar voice growled out, patience thin. "I just want to talk to you," she reasoned, speeding up slightly to match their pace. Jack bit his lip slightly; eyes flashing as he once again sat Kate back on the ground before spinning to confront her.
"You mean you and your new friend," he maliciously spat, pushing his sister behind him to shield her from the robot.
"Look, kid, there's a lot you don't understand." She forcefully, though not yet angrily, replied, keeping her temper in check.
"No, we get it! First rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club!" he reassured her, turning once more and speed-walking away. Kate jumped at the sudden turn, squeaking and tearing her hand from her mouth as she struggled to keep up, clumsily sprinting after him. "What you need to understand is that I don't want a bunch of talking vehicles following me around and trying to get me and little Katie killed!"
He paused in his tirade as the tell-tale grinding, screeching and whirring reached their ears, and he partially twisted to view her. "Look, Jack, is it?" she questioned, uncaring as she glared down at him. "Your personal safety is exactly why Optimus Prime has requested your presence, as well as hers!" she explained, voice strained as she attempted to relay the urgency of the situation.
"Optimus who?" Jack asked, baffled as he narrowed his eyes. Kate hesitantly toddled forward, eyes wide in curiosity as she approached the femme, who spared her a curious glimpse. "Katie!" he reprimanded, easily snagging her arm and gently tugging her back to himself. Ignoring his question, she continued, optics brightening.
"You two may be in danger because you are one of the few- one of the only- who have ever seen us," she rapidly informed, not bothering to sugar-coat it as she glared at the teen.
"Dude! What are you waiting for! Go with!" An exited, feminine voice loudly advised. All heads snapped towards the teenage girl hanging around the corner. Her black pigtails with pink highlights bounced as she jumped fully into view, and her eyes shimmered with excitement as she grinned. Arcee froze, optics dimming in frustration as she resisted the urge to groan.
"Scrap,"
XXX
The small three year old giggled as the rambunctious teenager let out an excited whoop, clutching Jack's waist as she rose higher on the seat to feel the wind. Jack grumbled under his breath, his frustration shining in his eyes as he wrapped one arm around his sister and placed the other on the handlebars. "Why do we have to bring her again?" he asked in exasperation.
"Rules," came the equally irritated reply as they accelerated, the Urbana behind them. All three gasped slightly as they plummeted off of the edge of the pavement, engines roaring dramatically as they drove straight for one of the larger rock formations dotting the desert area.
"Jackie!" Kate yelped, leaning back against her brother as she cringed. His grip around her tightened, eyes cold as they drew nearer to the rocky cliff.
"Wait, look!" Miko, as she had introduced herself, squealed in amazement as she pointed to the structure. The front of it was splitting open, revealing a spiraling tunnel leading into it.
"What's that?" Katie questioned, confused and shocked as Arcee chuckled, though remained quiet. Both robots in disguise slowly pulled forward, exiting the short tunnel and rolling into the main room.
A hostile red and white bot glared down at them, turning away from what seemed to be a giant computer to watch as they pulled to a stop with cold optics. Lines similar to what you would see on a heart monitor were stretched across the armor on his arms in red.
A bulkier, dark green robot also turned to look, though he seemed friendlier as his own optics brightened, armor loudly clanking as he moved forward. Sliding off of the motorcycle as the Urbana's door swung open once more, Jack easily lifted Kate off of the leather seat and gently placed her beside him, and she willingly wrapped her small hand around a couple of his fingers, too small to do otherwise. Raph appeared beside them, eyes wide in amazement as his mouth partially opened.
"Whoa," Miko breathed out, vibrating slightly in her excitement as the two vehicles behind them flipped and twisted upwards into their robot selves.
"I thought there were three," the red and white one groused, voice mildly surprised though laced with annoyance as he glared down at the four of them and walked over to stand beside the other.
"Haven't you heard?" Arcee deadpanned, crossing her arms and shifting her weight to one side. "Humans multiply,"
"I-I'm Raph," the small boy piped up in an even smaller voice, smiling slightly as his eyes brightened.
"I'm Miko!" the teenage girl excitedly introduced herself, suddenly lunging forward and skidding to a stop in front of the large, olive green one, who stared down at her in shock. "Who're you?" she questioned, nearly jumping up and down.
"B-Bulkhead," he stammered out, uncomfortable with her bluntness.
"Are you a car? I bet you're a truck! A monster truck!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air and hopping slightly. Kate giggled lightly as she watched the interaction with interest, a hand still in her mouth as she laughed.
"So… If you guys are robots… Who made you?" Raph questioned from beside the small girl, tilting his head as he stared up at them all. The grumpy red and white robot snorted in disbelief.
"Please," he groaned out, rolling his optics. Before anyone could respond, the ground quaked, and loud, clanging footsteps resounded from the large tunnel that stretched out behind them. The older teens quickly spun around, alarmed, and Katie yelped in fright as she was knocked off her feet, landing on the hard concrete with a solid 'thump'. She pushed herself up slightly, though remained on the ground as she stared up in incredulity.
Looming over them, a colossal, regal red and blue titan stood, looking down with interest. Silence fell over the group for a second as one party observed the other. "We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron," the robot finally introduced, no hesitancy in his baritone voice. "Also known as Autobots."
"Why are you here?" Jack curiously asked, jogging forward a few steps before slowing.
"To protect your planet from the Decepticons," he replied, voice showing no emotions as he responded.
"The jokers who tried to bump us off last night?" Arcee offered, raising a hand slightly.
"Okay," Jack replied, tone wavering as he tried to absorb the information. "Why are they here?"
"A fair question, Jack," he replied. "Partly, because our planet is uninhabitable, ravaged by centuries of civil war."
"Why were you fighting a war?" Raph asked, innocently staring up as he attempted to understand. Kate blinked slightly, frightened, and clamored clumsily to her feet, stumbling towards her brother and latching tightly onto his leg. The leader looked down in curiosity as he observed the previously overlooked child, the sparkling, he realized, resisting the urge to shudder his optics. He had not expected her to be that young, and definitely not that small. She shyly glanced up to him, not releasing her brother's leg as she partially hid behind it. Making a mental note to speak to her later on, he returned his gaze to include all of the humans and continued.
"Foremost, over control of our world's supply of Energon, the lifeblood of all Autobots and Decepticons alike. The combat was fierce and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother. But in war, ideals can be corrupted. And it was thus that Megatron lost his way," he grimly replied, fighting back the sorrow welling in his spark as he optics spun outward slightly.
"Is there gonna be a quiz?" Miko sighed impatiently as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger. Jack shot a dry glare her way, before speaking.
"So, what does Megatron- or any of this- have to do with us?"
"Megatron has not been seen or heard from in some time, but if his return is eminent, as I fear, it could be catastrophic. And as you know of our existence, as of last night, I fear that the Decepticons know of yours."
"Got it," the teenager continued. "If we spot any strange vehicles, call 911. Can we go now?" he questioned eagerly.
"Are you insane?" Miko angrily hissed. "I'm living a dream in Botswana here, and I'm not gonna let you, or anyone else, shatter it!"
"For now, it is best that you remain under our watch, until we know our enemy's intentions." The titan finished as he searched each of their faces.
"Who you?" a small voice called out, confused. He looked down to find the smallest human looking up at him in a mixture of fear, excitement and curiosity.
"I," he answered. "Am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." She smiled slightly, but quickly turned and bounded after Jack as he stepped away slightly. He watched her carefully as she followed the teen, giggling gleefully.
"Optimus," the red and white Autobot protested, turning away from the screen he was staring at. "With all due respect, the children are in as much danger here as anywhere!"
"Children?" Jack lightly scoffed in disbelief, scowling slightly. His comment was ignored as the 'bot continued.
"They have no protective shell! If they get underfoot, they will go…" he paused in his tirade, searching for the right word. "Squish!" he finally completed with repulsion before moving his foot forward and stomping lightly, the ground quaking once more as Jack and Raph quickly took a few steps backwards. Squeaking slightly, Katie stumbled backwards, clanging into Arcee's leg and falling to the concrete. The femme looked down in surprise before kneeling and gently lifting the toddler onto her feet, shooting an annoyed, angered glare at the medic as she stabilized the girl.
"Then, for the time being, Ratchet, we must watch where we step." The Autobot leader calmly replied, slight amusement in his voice. Suddenly, a loud blaring resounded through the base, the lights flashing an odd green every other second. While the Autobots merely turned to the screens, the humans jumped slightly, looking around.
"What's that?" Katie cried out, startled as she looked down one of the many hallways. The Urbana turned, trilling slightly as he looked to her.
"Proximity sensors," Raph easily replied, smiling. "Someone's up top!"
"It's Agent Fowler," Ratchet replied in a less than pleased tone as he pulled up what seemed to be a live feed on the screen. It showed a helicopter sitting, blades still spinning slightly as the door popped.
"I thought we were the only humans who knew about you guys," Jack cautiously stuttered, peering at the screen with interest.
"Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world. As he tends to visits only when there are… Issues," the Autobot leader explained, "It is best that you do not meet him at this time." Nodding, Jack, Miko and Raph immediately scanned the room, locating a crook in the room invisible from the balcony and dashed off right as the man entered the elevator.
Confused, Katie glanced around, not seeing her brother or the other humans, and quickly, though extraordinarily clumsily, sprinted to hide behind Optimus's foot. He glanced down in slight confusion, resisting the urge to smirk in amusement as he located the small child bewilderedly peering around his pede. Without a word, he gently reached down and tenderly scooped the tiny girl into his much larger hand, hastily turning towards Arcee, who was the closest to the other humans.
Reaching out and taking the baffled girl from him, Arcee smirked down as Kate struggled to make sense of the turn in events. "It's probably not a good idea to hide behind somebody's foot, kid," she humorously explained before gently placing her with the others, straightening right as the door slid open.
The man stormed out, scowling as he stepped forward. "Seven wrecks, thirty-four fender-benders, and a particular note," he glared towards the scout and motorcycle, eyes glinting as they attempted a look of innocence. "About a speeding motorcycle of unknown make and custom-made black and yellow muscle car." He finished as he gripped the safety bars and tightened his grip to control his anger. "So, anything you'd care to get off your tin chest, Prime?" he spat, glaring up at the regal leader as he stepped forward.
"We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler," he insisted, tone neutral.
"They're back, aren't they?" he asked, voice suddenly calmer as his eyes brightened in realization.
"If you are referring to the Decepticons, I have my doubts that they had ever left. Your planet is much too valuable."
"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon!"
"Hear me, Agent Fowler," he demanded, optics brightening. "We are your best, possibly your only, defense against the Decepticon threat." He adamantly claimed, optics narrowing slightly.
"Says you!" he snapped back.
"Hey fleshy!" Bulkhead suddenly growled, optics glinting in anger. "Did anyone get splattered on that freeway?" he angrily questioned, stomping forward. "Team Prime knows when to use force," he suddenly lunged forward, grasping a complex-looking tool that was attached to the counter and ripped it off, the item sparking for a second before going limp. "And how much to use," he gravely finished, suddenly tightening his fist. In a matter of seconds, the item shattered.
"Bulkhead!" Ratchet irately exclaimed, charging forward with cold optics. "I needed that!"
"Enough!" Optimus finally demanded, patience wearing thin. Silence immediately reigned, and he continued. "Military involvement will only result in human catastrophe. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot." He persisted, optics hard as his gears creaked.
"Then do us all a favor, Prime, and handle this under the radar… Or I will," he venomously threatened as he closed the elevator door, the lights showing its progress.
"Pretty big bearings," Bulkhead commented. "For a human."
"He is concerned for his world, Bulkhead… As he well should be." Optimus mildly scolded, turning away from the balcony. Miko was the first to emerge from her hiding spot, quickly followed by Kate and Raph. Jack uneasily stepped forward, nervous as he ventured after the others.
"He's mean!" Katie blatantly exclaimed, looking to the older girl with a frown, childish voice squeaky and high-pitched. Miko rolled her eyes slightly, smirking. Suddenly, a loud, echoing beep resounded through the room, and Ratchet groaned in annoyance.
"Blasted Earth tech!" Ratchet shouted, angered. "Cliffjumper's signal just came back online." He informed, rapidly typing as he glared at the screen.
"Who's he?" Miko voiced, a hand on her hip as she stared up at the group.
"How is that possible?" Optimus questioned, ignoring the hyperactive teen as he moved over to the computer.
"It isn't," Ratchet testily replied. "Another bug. The system's chocked full of them."
"If there's any chance Cliff's alive…"Arcee hopefully trialed off, straightening as her optics brightened. The leader looked to her for a minute, seeming to weigh his options, before turning back to the medic.
"Ratchet, prepare sickbay. We may need it," he ominously informed, optics cold. Said Autobot gravely nodded, his expression void of any emotions as he moved to the control switch.