What? You guys actually want me to update! Alright I will! Oh who is going to Charticon?! I am going, if you are, then maybe I might see you *wink wink*! BTW Peter Cullen's birthday was July 28 so this is dedicated to him I guess! Happy Birthday Peter Cullen! You are my hero!
*sobbing* and it is dedicated to a tv series that filled me with so much hope and happiness! Thank you Transformers Prime for always being there for me!
I do NOT own Transformers
THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW; AT THE BASE
Bumblebee quietly followed his girlfriend, trying to keep pace with the questionable limp of his own, and holding back talking to Airreon about what had happened that previous night, when finally Epps appeared.
His NEST camouflage jacket was charred and hung limply around his waist. His white underlying US Air Force shirt was drenched in sweat from his dark skin. The modified stinger missile launcher loaded with sabot rounds that was slung over his back was all banged up, similar to the way Airreon's body was.
"Oh Epps," Arcee smiled, stopping in her tracks, "I am so glad I found you!"
"Likewise," he mumbled, a little less pleasantly. "Hey, I need to talk to you about some certain Decepticons, and I am talking about the Dreads."
"Joyous," she clapped, pulling out a sheet of paper. "I too must speak with you," she then turned to the naïve yellow mech who was attempting to walk beside her. "Hey Bee, can you give us a second?" She chirped.
The scout nodded. "I will…catch up with you later," he breathed, relieved to finally have a break as the femme and her human friend walked off.
As soon as the almost completely opposite life forms got a far enough distance away into an excluded area Robert Epps freaked out. "What the hell was that?" Epps yelled in a similar manner as to the way he had to Lennox so many years ago when the F22 Raptor, who they now know to be Starscream, shot at them in mission city.
"What in Primus' sweet name are you talking about?" The femme questioned him in response with a frown.
"You mean you really don't know? You didn't see me? Well Arcee, take a good look at me and guess what I did to save your metal tail end!"
Airreon put the pieces together in her processer then quickly in took air through her ventilation system, "It was you? You save- well helped me against Starscream and his minions?"
"No, it was the Tooth Fairy with a sonic blaster," he retaliated with bitter sarcasm, but she did not seem to understand. "Yes I helped you, but, if I may ask, why were you even there?" he probed, trying to learn more about the events leading up to her confrontation with the Decepticons.
This is what Airreon had been waiting for. She pulled out a sheet of paper. It was crumpled, and still very large, particularly to the human weapon's specialist, but he was able to interpret what it had written on it, mainly due to the fact that Arcee had ever so kindly translated it to English.
"Statistics?" he asked, fairly baffled at her accomplishment.
"Possible location with Decepticon activity," she beamed.
"Did Starscream really spill all this information?" he asked, still shocked. In one outing she retrieved more data than they had in months.
The purple femme moved her large shoulder plates up and down in a shrug, "Not directly, it is all just probable information, but I fear that we are looking in the wrong places."
"I hope for your sake it is accurate information, but overall, nice work," he complimented her, patting her leg.
"You too…with helping me that is." The humans have never ceased to impress and fascinate me, she thought.
"Yeah well, it has me thinking," Epps started in solemnly.
"What about Bobby?" Arcee asked with puppy-bot optics using the sergeant's nickname, for she knew that it was his soft spot.
Epps put his arms up defensively and shook his head. "Ohh noo! Don't you make me feel guilty about what I need to tell you," he spoke.
The expression upon her face plates immediately changed. "Guilty? What are you going to tell me? I did good like you said, yes?" she asked with much innocence.
"That's not it! I should have told you before, but I was not certain until now. I need to retire from this particular job," he blurted out, trying to avoid eye contact with her.
"What!? Why?!" She cried.
"Well, I am not fully retiring. I was offered a job at the air base where we keep the ship from which the second wave of Autobots arrived," he stated when he noticed how hurt she looked. "Listen, I can still visit, but my family is closer that way and fighting as hard as we do has taken a toll on my body. I am getting older you know, and I need a more relaxing job."
"You look fine to me!" Airreon exclaimed, putting on a fake smile.
Epps chuckled, "Thanks, but look at me. It is better this way."
"But what about-"
The human cut the Cybertronian off, finishing her sentence for her, "-Intel, computer relations, human weapons? I have found that my contributions have become obsolete, especially with Doctor Kaminari Ishihara and Petr Andronov around. However, I spoke with Lennox and Optimus, your father, and they agreed that you would be best for my position and that you could really prove yourself, you know, you could go places with his opportunity."
"You talked to the others and not me? So this whole time was all training! Everyone knew that you were going to leave! Are we not REAL friends?!" she fumed, anguish visibly showing on her face.
"No I- THIS ISN'T ABOUT YOU! This is my problem! Besides I thought Autobots sheltered their emotions, for their own protection that is," he argued, raising his voice at her.
"And look where that has gotten them," she snapped. In the world of humans, she would be considered hormonal due to the changes she was going through.
Realizing that he was truly right and she was being a priss, Arcee got down to his level on her servos and knees, similar to the way Optimus did to Seymour Simmons when they had their first encounter. "Epps, I truly want you to be with your family and be happy. I know what it is like to be separated for, literally, millions of Earth years. Furthermore, I am being selfish and open a spark-felt apology. It's just that-" the she paused and he turned to look at her in the optics urging her to continue. "It's just that I am scared. Most of the other Autobots would take the job instantaneously, thinking that it is more efficient to have a Cybertronian do the work. A lot of Decepticons are after me though, this I know to be fact. What if I fall? Who will cover it? Am I-"
The more mature fleshling grabbed her check plate, his dark skin contrasting against her lustrous metal body. "Would I let you take my place if you were not fit for the job?" he asked, causing her to smile. "And you will not die. Not a femme like you." She started to overheat, the human equivalent to blushing, because of his compliments. "And you know as well as I do that help is needed to keep the Wreckers in line."
"And there is no one better to keep them straight than you," she laughed in return.
"Indeed. Just wait until they get a taste of my gun," he joked back, gesturing to his stinger missile launcher.
"As if!"
A grin appeared on Epp's face, "I am sorry to leave you Arcee, but," he handed Airreon her paper back, "from now on the mission will be your own."
The Autobot was momentarily stunned, hearing those words, and the enthusiasm spreading through her circuitry. "Oh thank you Epps! Thank you for coming to my aid, believing in me, and this…as you said earlier, opportunity. I will try not to let you down. Oh! I could just hug you right now, but I am afraid to injure you further, if not permanently," she exclaimed.
"Yes, no squashing me please…but here," in a spirit of the moment gesture, he leaned in and kissed her on the side of her much larger face.
Arcee jumped back, quite dismayed. She had been kissed before, sure, but the feeling of human lips was completely different. They were softer and warmer, and the way his moist brown lips pressed against her check put tingles down her spine. It was something most Cybertronians, Autobot and Decepticon alike, would find repulsive. She couldn't decide if she like or hated it. This was nothing compared to Bee, but was something she couldn't put her digit on that made it quite exhilarating.
"Umm…Epps?"
"That is how humans say goodbye, or at least thank you in some cases," he spoke, "but go talk to Ironhide about weapons and suck things. I will still be here for a while."
Airreon got back onto her feet, shaking the ground as she did so. "Glorious!"
"Now go! We do not have all day," Epps commanded playfully, as the fembot ran off. He then put his fingers up to his lips. Did I really just? He thought, sweeping his fingers over the fleshy surface. Do NOT tell your wife, he decided, blowing the thing off and walking the opposite direction as Airreon went down the hallway.
Arcee was excited out her mind, but she skidded to a halt once she got into the lounge. Everyone was in there, walking, talking and carrying on, except for Optimus Prime, Elita One, and Ratchet; they always had something better to do than just hang out.
A basketball game between Mirage, Sideswipe, and a few others was taking place in the far corner.
"Hey Arcee, want to join my team?" Sideswipe called out, lobbing the ball at Skids.
The purple Prime giggled as the green twin went flying through the air from the force of the throw. "No, I have some business to attend to," she shot back.
Sides smiled warmly. "Wow, you sound just like you father. Okay, well if you change your mind, Skids' spot is up for grabs," he replied, jogging back to the court.
"Hey man, that hurt," she heard Skids yell angrily at the Corvette Stingray Concept, causing her to laugh once more.
As she tried to make her way over to Ironhide and Chromia who were on the other side of the large room, Sunstreaker walked by, a new set of cuts and bruises on him. Arcee strongly glared at him, but he only frowned and lifted his arms in a way that said 'the hell did I do?' before continuing to close in on the game.
What I do to deserve their kindness? I thought they would all be furious with me for my actions, though my injuries and faults were not as bad as I think Chromia made them out to be. They act like nothing has even happened at all.
Airreon approached her best friend and the best friend's mech meekly. The two were whispering to each other, their faces only inches apart. After Chromia's reaction last night there is no way she is not the least bit upset, the young Prime thought. Her pace slowed, but still not long after, she was only a few feet away from the couple, and they did not even seem to notice.
"Umm," she coughed, clearing her pipes.
Chromia spun around quickly. "'CEE!" she exclaimed, tearing herself away from the Black Topkick's arms in favor of the El Camino's. Arcee picked her up into the air, before putting the cycle down, and looking her dead in the optics, her own shinning with guilt.
"I am sorry…for everything, particularly how I acted out last night," Arcee confessed.
Chromia raised an optic ridge and looked at Ironhide. "I have no idea what you are talking about," she replied, with a subtle hint of hesitation that went unnoticed. The younger femme tilted her head in confusion, causing Chromia to laugh. "I may get mad at you sometimes, but there is no doubt in my mind that everything you do is for the greater good of the Autobots," Ironhide's partner stated with a smile.
The gruff mech snorted, causing Arcee to snap her head in his direction, wondering intently on what that meant. "The only bot you seem to put before the 'greater good of the Autobots' is Bumblebee," he smirked.
"I uh, well you see…hmm….we-" Bumblebee's nervous femme stuttered when she was cut off.
"Yeah it's that obvious," Chromia finished for her, "or at least to us, since we know ya'll so well, though I do not know why you would want to keep it a secret. Don't tell me now though, how about later?"
"Umm okay, yeah where is Bee anyway?" Arcee Asked.
"I think I saw him go toward the med bay," Ironhide answered.
"Hey 'Hide, Epps wanted me to talk to you about my new position."
"He finally talked to you about it? I wondered when he was going to spill. He was worried that it would hurt you and gave me strict orders to talk to you myself. He really must like you a lot," The weapons specialist commented.
Airreon put her hand up to her left cheek plate, thinking back on how Robert had kissed her earlier. "I guess," she agreed with a shrug.
"Come on, let's go somewhere private," the mech of the group said, placing his right servo in a fatherly way on his leader's daughter, and holding his femme's servo in his left hand.
IN THE MEDICAL BAY; THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW
Ratchet scanned Bumblebee over and over again, but still no problems seemed present.
"Are you sure that your leg is hurting? I am finding nothing on my scanners."
"Yes…..Ratchet….I am..positive," Bumblebee answered, applying pressure to where the throbbing was coming from near his joint, where his left leg met his hip unit.
"Hmm, well your energon tests appear normal, your reflexes are still optimal, and the scanners are not picking up anything. The only other thing I could do is open up your helm and check your central processor because I think I may just all be in your head," The medic informed the scout.
"Oh..okay…..And what about…..Airreon?" Bee asked, a concerned tone clear in his voice.
Ratchet scoffed, "Do you really think she would visit me? She is too stubborn for that! Even from what I have heard about the injuries from her journey being overly extensive. I would like to take a look, but I do believe she can take care of herself, and she is going through a hard time enough."
Arcee's mech looked down and to the left, a sad gesture.
"I know none of it is true." Ratchet stated, but from the look in his optics, it was more of a question.
Bee looked up with surprise. "The rumors?...No, none of it….is true," he responded.
"It shocks me that the Autobots could act like petty teenage humans. We have a war going on and they are worried about our girl's social life! It disappoints me," the elder of the two grimaced.
Bumblebee nodded in agreement, "Though that is true….I do believe that….a lot of her acting out…..is a response to stress….the upgrade…..her age….rage at the rumors….she has never felt so much confusion….all at once."
The green and red mech raised an optic ridge. "Okay, I will inform Optimus later. And how come you know all that?" he asked with skepticism.
Bee shrugged, "I guess…I just….know her well."
"Okay well you are free to go," The grumpy medic told the young yellow mech, but upon noticing the kid wince when he jumped down, he added, "just try not exert yourself too much, and rest that leg, but not too much."
"Okay…Ratch'….Thank you," the Camaro beeped, walking off, leaving the Doc Bot shaking his head and smiling.
EARILER THAT DAY; IRONHIDE'S POINT OF VIEW
I couldn't recharge like I had planned on. I just could not get the idea of everyone, particularly my love and her best friend who was like my daughter, being hurt so bad like they were. I had to set some things straight.
I went around the entire Earth morning waking the majority of the bots up, except for Prime's family, Ratchet, and Bumblebee. This was a talk not meant for their audio receptors.
I felt particularly horrible about waking Chromia up. Besides the fact that she was so peaceful and quite adorable when she slept, but she really need her recharge, but at the same time, she also really need to hear what I had to say.
I knocked lightly on her door. "Chromia," I called out as sweetly as I could.
I heard her jump down from her berth, and trudge over with heavy steps. When to door slipped open she stood there in front of me with hunched over and squinting optics. "It is 4:30 in the Earth morning. This better be damn important," she hissed.
I couldn't help but to chuckle. "You are lucky; the others had to wake up at four. I let you sleep in. Not morning person though, are you?" I asked.
She snorted, "Not in your life. What is this even about?"
I gently placed my hands on her face plates, discovering that my diagnosis earlier was correct and all she needed was a recharge, because she was cold no longer. "My love, it is about Airreon. I feel it is time to finally set things straight with the others. They are all waiting on you now."
"Fine fine," she moaned, then suddenly, Chromia grabbed me hard on the back to my helm, and pushed my lips into hers, holding me there, like I was her slave. She furiously pressed her gorgeous lips harder, sucking all the life out of me until she couldn't any longer and had to pull away.
"I am not complaining, but why did you just?"
Chromia looked at me and smirked, "It helps me wake up," then started to walk away.
"Oh no you don't," I retaliated. I wrapped my big, black, and muscular arms around her tiny waist, picking my femme up and swinging her around.
"Put me down you brute," she cried with laughter, a blue and silver blur in the air.
Finally, at her request, I put her down. She playfully smacked me and I pretended that it hurt. "You are an idiot Ironhide," she muttered, a lazy smile appearing across her beautiful blue faceplates.
I grabbed her delicate, yet strong, servo and slipped my digits in between hers. Optimus always used to tell me about the true love he felt with Elita, how all he wanted to do was spark bond, and have her sparklings, and hold her forever in his arms. I always used to laugh at how naïve that notion was, particularly for the Autobot leader to say. I did not really understand or believe that could happen, especially to me, until now. There was nothing I wanted more than to spark bond with Chromia and make her mine forever. To feel what she is feeling. Anything could happen, and I want her to know how I feel too, but not today. It needs to be special.
When we got into the lounge, everyone stopped chatting among themselves and looked at me.
Sunstreaker was the first to speak. "Why the slag did you wake us up so early? What could be so important as the disturb my beauty sleep?" he complained. I could feel from Chromia's tightened grip on my servo. That must've pissed her off.
"Give my mech some respect you little slagger, or I will teach it to you!" she fumed. I rubbed her palm, a subtly way of willing her to calm down. Fortunately for us, Sunstreaker shut his trap after that, fearing what the femme might do to him. Though if she was using that tone of voice with me then I guess I would too.
"Go on 'Hide," she said pleasantly to me when she finished chastising the younger bot. I nodded.
"You all know about the situation with Arcee," I started in. My audience gave a big groan, but a hard glare from Chromia shut them all up again. "We need to get some things straight. Number one; who started it? Who started the rumors?"
All the other 'bots looked dead at Sunstreaker, who didn't try to hide the fact that he was guilty at all.
"Well, I only said what I saw," Sunny answered defensively.
"But you only exaggerated? It was like a prank! You knew better! It was only a lie! You are only jealous!" Sideswipe argued with his twin.
I almost, as the humans say, flipped out. "UGHHH," I roared, "Do I have to be a father to you sparklings?! Do I have to teach all of respect and responsibility? Do you even understand her?"
Sideswipe momentarily swallowed his pride and spoke up. "Well I did try to put the moves on her, but what I did was wrong. I did not mean for this to be blown out of proportion."
"But she should have been able to handle it," Mirage commented.
"And we cannot forget that she has her own responsibilities and expectations that she needs to live up too," Que interjected. "Not saying that she cannot live up to them, but she is not going about it quite right. Working with her now and then I believe she is fully capable of doing it, but not with her current mind set?"
I rubbed my helm. "That is what I am getting at. She normally would've blown the rumor off and have already beaten the scrap out of you two," I paused to point at Sideswipe and Sunstreaker and put my servo down and continued, "but, if ya'll haven't noticed, a lot has changed for her since her encounter with Megatron. She may have physically returned to normal, but mentally she may still be unstable. She has gotten an upgrade, an official job, new powers, and now this!" I looked around at their guilty faces, realizing that maybe I was being a bit too tough, one of my more common problems. "Look, we just need to start over. Go back to the way things were. Treat her like nothing happen. Let her sort things out on her own without extra pressure. We all still love her and want her to aspire to something great right?" I asked, and they all nodded. "Then….let's just," I sighed and Chromia rubbed my hand, she knew how hard it was for me to talk about Airreon like this. "We are treating her like our own personal drama? Why? Optimus wasn't ridiculed as much? Is it that she was a femme? Well all just need to stop! She is family, and we need to regain that family we once had! Am I clear?"
"Yes Ironhinde," most mumbled sleepily, the rest just acknowledged and accepted my speech through body language.
Soon the crowd started to break up and wake up, Sunstreaker included. "Oh no you don't!" I called out to him as he tried to slide away.
"What now?" I heard him mumble under his breath.
I grabbed him by his back, and started to pull him out to the sparring area, "I am not done with you yet! And do not try to struggle! It will only hurt more! Maybe it will remind you never to mess with my- I mean Optimus' little girl again!"
OH SLAG! SUNNY HAD THAT COMING THOUGH! I HAVE BEEN WATCHING TEEN TITANS RECENTLY SO THAT IS SORT OF WHAT INSPIRED AIRREON'S INNOCENT SEEMING LANGUAE IN THE BEGINNING. I ALSO MADE SOME REFERENCES THE TRANSFORMERS: THE VEILD THREAT! IT IS A GREAT BOOK, YOU NEED TO READ IT! AND I FEEL A SPARKBOND COMING UP! STILL SO MUCH MORE TO COME! THANKS FOR READING! LOVE YA'LL!
SHEABEE PRIME OUT (UNTIL CHAPTER 17)