Sorry for the long wait. I have been planning to make this longer, but I kept you all waiting for the next chapter.
So here's the new chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Chapter 33: Mrs. Neederlander
There was a soft chuckle coming from Heatwave. Soft enough to not wake Sam up. Since he agreed to let Sam sleep in his vehicle mode, he had not moved an inch. What's worse is his constant snoring. Probably a bit louder than Kade's and the Chief's combined. But it's not all bad, as long if he's doing it for Sam. Which is why he had devised a plan to prank Sam once he wakes up. But something in his processors tells him not to do it, but he's one to take action and worry about the consequences later.
He looks at the time and saw that it is almost time for the younglings to wake up. By this time, the Chief is up already and making breakfast for the kids. He would also come down and wake Sam up for breakfast. But not before Heatwave pulls a prank on Sam. Carefully and quietly he opens his doors and waits for the big hand to hit six. When it did, he let out a very loud horn followed by a very loud siren and yelling.
"WAKE UP, SAM! RISE AND SHINE!"
Sam was extremely startled by the loud noise and was completely disoriented. He started screaming and flailing around which only got his legs wrapped around the sheets. He tried to use his legs, but he ended up falling to the ground on his back. While Sam is still in a daze, Heatwave transforms back to his Bot mode and began laughing like crazy.
"Sam, you should've seen the look on your face! It was priceless!" His laughter was too much for him and he fell to the ground on his side. "Thank the Primes for having the cameras installed around the house! Everyone's gonna have a good laugh when they see the surveillance footage!" The last thing he saw was a furious-looking Sam and a fist coming right towards him.
Once the family had eaten their breakfast, the gang went to the bunker to greet their partners. Kade went to where Heatwave was leaning against the wall while acting cool. Once he got closer, he got a real good look at Heatwave's face. It looks like someone just mugged him.
"What happened to you?" Kade asked after seeing a dent on Heatwave's face.
"I could say the same thing." Heatwave pointed at a red mark shaped like a hand on Kade's cheek.
Kade touched the right side of his cheek, but regretted it when the painful sting returned. He let out a muffled cry at the touch. He took a deep breath and tried to ignore the pain, but it still lingers. "Let's just say this is what I get for waking up a sleeping bear."
"That makes two of us." Heatwave carefully and lightly touched the dent that is below his optic. Like Kade, even the slightest of touch really stung him.
"Sam did that to you?" Kade was quite surprise that someone younger than him could actually hurt a giant robot made out of hard metal.
"Yep. That's what I get for pranking him while he's asleep." And also for forgetting the last time he did that to Sam. He pulled the same thing back on Cybertron with the other Sam and got the receiving end of Sam's fist. "Woke him up making lots of noises and he was terrified from it. That kid could punch hard. And I take it Sam gave you that mark."
Kade groaned from the pain. "Guess you and I have something in common. I did the same thing you did, but I got slapped across the face instead of getting punched." His father had told him to wake Sam up for breakfast. For some reason, Sam had relocated to his dad's bedroom. When he got there, he came up of a way to wake Sam. So he woke him up screaming and shaking the bed, which he was rewarded with a slap. Just remembering it made his cheek throb in pain. "I would prefer getting slapped than getting punched in the face, because this face is all I got."
Heatwave just scoffed at him. "It wouldn't change the fact on how ugly your face truly is." With that comment, the two went back to their usual bickering.
Once everyone is all geared up, the three eldest siblings all said goodbye to their dad and Sam. The only ones stayed behind are Sam, Cody, Chase, and the Chief.
"Sam, would you be so kind as to take Cody to school with Chase?" Chief Burns asked.
"What about you, sir?" It's not like he minds the task, it's just that ever since he paired up with Chief Burns, he has enjoyed his presence and feels protective of him. Being separated will only cause him to be antsy.
"I have an appointment that I need to attend. So while I'm away, after dropping of Cody, why don't you take Sam on a tour around town."
Chase was hesitant at first, but agreed nonetheless. "Alright. But promise me you'll remain safe, and contact me if you need my assistance."
"Don't worry, Chase. I'm definitely gonna be safe." Chief pats Chase's leg reassuringly.
Somewhat please with that, he transformed into his vehicle mode and opened his two doors. Sam and Cody entered and took their seats with Sam at the driver's seat. The two waved at the Chief and left the firehouse. As he waves them goodbye, a thought came into his mind. Does Sam has a driver's license? The officer in him wants to go after them and ask Sam for his license. But he remembers the part where Sam basically doesn't exist to the world. Getting him to go to school is hard enough. So he decides to let them be.
A few minutes after Chase and the kids left, a giant red truck parked right in front of the house. He recognized the red truck from anywhere.
"Good morning, Optimus." He greeted.
"Good morning to you, too." Optimus opens his door to allow Chief Burns to enter. "My apologies for the unexpected call."
"No apologies necessary. I'm glad to be of service to you. It's hard to believe that an alien robot would be interested in shopping in a jewelry store." He playfully teased.
"I trust you know someone who can fashion this into a ring." Optimus opened his glove compartment to show the Chief a small gemstone that seems to shine brightly under the sunlight.
"What is it?" He asked in awe. He carefully picked up the tiny stone and examined it closely. Never has he seen something like it before. It is extremely beautiful.
"It is something I forged during my stay here. I used some of the materials I could find in one of your abandoned mines and fused it with Energon I managed to mine."
Chief Burns returned the stone back in the compartment and closed it carefully. "I think I know someone that can turn it into a beautiful ring. After all, he's the one who made my engagement ring that I gave to my wife." After saying that, the Chief's eyes went wide. "Optimus, are you planning—"
"Can you take us to him?" He interrupted.
Chief Burns is smart enough not to ask him any more questions. So he just nodded and was allowed to drive him to the store. The only thing going on in his mind was, is he going to propose to someone? Does he wants to turn that little gem into an engagement or a wedding ring? Or does he plans to turn it into a regular ring to give it to someone as a gift? Or a birthday presents for one of Sam's friends. Sam did told them he has friends his age. Maybe it's for them. Yeah, that sounds about right.
They arrived at the jewelry store. It was small, nothing fancy or expensive. It sells good jewelry at a fair and decent price. Which is why the Chief recommended this place. He grabbed the gem and placed it safely in a small black box that Optimus provided for safety. Next to it was a piece of paper written in a weird language.
"Can you tell the shopkeeper to turn it into a wedding ring? I promised a friend of mine from the military that I will help him with the ring. Along with inscribing the ring."
So Chief Burns was right at first. Optimus wanted to make it into an wedding ring. But it's not for him. He's just doing this for someone in the military. With a nod, he exited Optimus and entered to the store. He was greeted by an old man cleaning the glass case.
"Ah, Chief Burns! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Mr. Anderson, I have a friend that would very much like your help."
"But of course. I'm more than happy to help out."
Chief Burns took out the small black box and opened it to show the man the small gem. "My friend was wondering if you can make this into a wedding ring."
The shopkeeper let out a loud gasp at the sight of the most beautiful thing he has ever laid his eyes upon during his career. He carefully grabbed the box and took out his monocular magnifying glass. Through it, he tried to inspect the beautiful-looking gemstone, but he can't really describe what materials were used to make this mysterious gemstone.
"Where on Earth did you find this?" He asked, his eyes never removing itself from the gem.
"Even I don't know it. My friend wanted to make it into a ring, so I told him you're the best person for the job, and to keep this a secret from everyone."
The man was disappointed. This would've made a great gift for his wife. Oh, well. "I would definitely make this into a wedding ring. And just for you, I will make this free of charge."
"No, no! You don't have to do that. I'll gladly pay for your service." Chief Burns said as he's already taking out his wallet.
"It's alright, Chief. It's my way of saying 'thanks' after you stopped those no-good brothers from robbing my store." He grumbled as he mentions about the twins.
Chief remembers that incident. The brothers, Evan and Myles, are the town's thieves, known for their excellent hacking skills to steal from others. They once made an attempt to steal the poor man's store and they would've made out with half a million dollars of jewelry if it wasn't for him. But still, that's no reason for him to get out from paying the man.
"I'm still going to pay you—" He stopped abruptly when he saw the man is no longer in front of him.
"Too late, I'm already crafting the ring." He calls from the opposite side of the room. The man is already sitting down and working.
Chief Burns laughs and shakes his head. There's no changing that man's mind. But before he forgets, he placed the piece of paper on the counter. "He would also like to have the ring engraved. I'll be waiting outside inside the big red truck."
The shopkeeper went and grabbed the piece of paper left by the Chief. When he looked at it, he had a puzzled look. He couldn't understand what he's looking at. But he just shrugged and went back to work.
"How did it go?" Optimus asked as soon as Chief returned.
"He's making the ring as we speak. I told him we'll be waiting just outside."
"Yes. That ring is most important. We need to keep an eye on the place."
Chief Burns agreed and both fell in silence, staring at the store to keep an eye on anyone that might steal the place. As he does so, his mind wanders to Chase and Sam, wondering how are they're doing on their little tour.
Chase, Cody, and Sam arrived at the school. Kids are already entering to start their boring day. As Cody got out, he was greeted by an African-American girl.
"Hey, Cody." The girl waved at him. She looked at the car, expected to see the Chief, but saw someone else at the driver seat. "And who's he?"
"He's…" Cody looked at Sam and gave him a look that says he requires help to fill in the blanks.
Sam understood the signal. He got out of the vehicle to greet the little girl. "The name's Sam. I am the inventor of these Rescue Bots."
"Francine Greene. But everyone calls me Frankie. And I don't believe you're the one that made those robots. They look far too advance for someone like you to invent. No offense."
Sam smirked at her. "None taken. What can I do to convince you?"
Frankie hummed in thought. She looked at the police car and smiled. "I was told that the robots only responds to the Burns Family. If you really invented these robots, then try giving that," Frankie pointed at Chase, "an order."
"Aright." Sam clears his throat and looks at Chase. He hopes Chase would follow along. "Robot, transform." To his relief, he does. Now Chase is standing in front of them. Sam gave Frankie a triumphant smirk. "Does that pleases Her Highness?"
Frankie was surprised that the robot actually obeyed. But she need a little bit of convincing. "Does the robot knows your name and that you're his creator?"
"Of course he does." Sam clears his throat again. "Robot, who am I?"
"You are Samuel Witwicky, my creator." Chase spoke in an emotionless robot voice. "Sam, for short. And you are also known as Mr. Snore-a-lot, Mr. Snores-like-a-bear, Mr. Nags-a-lot—"
Sam quickly silenced Chase with a karate chop on the leg. Chase wanted so much as to rub his bruised leg and yelp in pain, but he needs to act like a robot with no feeling towards pain. So he clenched his hands and tried to hold in the pain.
"That's enough, robot. Go back to your vehicle mode." Sam gritted through his teeth in annoyance. He then smiles at the smirking Frankie. Sam tries his best to keep his composure up and not make a scene. He needs to get Frankie away so he can scold Chase. "Guess it needs work. Hope that convinces you that I invented them."
"Very." She nodded with that smirk still on her face. "Ready to go, Cody?"
"I'll meet you inside. I gotta talk to Sam for a bit. He's leaving today."
"Oh, I see. If that's the case, it's very nice to meet you, Sam. I hope you can come back and visit soon."
Sam shook Frankie's hand. "I will. For when it's time for another routine inspection, or whenever I have some free time."
The two waved goodbye and went inside the school. Once she is inside, Sam turns to give Chase his scowls. "What was that about?"
"I don't understand. Heatwave was the one that gave you those names in the morning. Aren't we supposed to call you that?" He asked with such innocence.
Sam pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed loudly. Of course it's Heatwave. If he didn't lean his lesson from that punch, then a surgical treatment is the best course of action. "Alright, Chase, you're forgiven. But from now on, just call me Sam. And by the way, I don't snore, or nag a lot."
Both Chase and Cody looked at each other. They both wanted to comment on that last statement, but it was best to keep their mouths shut. They saw that dent on Heatwave's face and that mark on Kade's, as well. They do not want to make him mad. That was a lesson taught by Heatwave and Kade.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, Sam." He gave Sam a handshake. "I really do hope you'd stay a bit longer." He looked down disappointed. He really loves having him around. He's the only one who doesn't treats him like a child.
"Don't look down. I will come back to hang out with you guys. Right now is just introduction. The next time will be hanging out and spending time with the Rescue Bots. I'll even teach you how to repair them whenever they're injured in during one of their rescues."
That seems to cheer Cody up. If he does learns how to repair the Bots, it would make him feel like he's part of the team. "I'll hold you up on that." Cody started running towards the school. "I'll see you later!" He yells. He enters the school and away from Sam's sight.
"What's on the agenda?" He asked Chase as he got in.
"I promised a tour, so it's time I hold up my promise."
Chase and Sam started driving slowly around town to allow Sam to enjoy the scenery. At the same time, Chase starts to tell Sam some of their moments on the island. Like the time they had to stop a malfunction T-Rex, or like the time when everyone worked together perfectly when trying to stop an active volcano that threaten to destroy the town and the firehouse with Cody in it. Since then, the team have been working together and getting to know one another. As they were talking, Sam spots an elderly woman waving frantically at them.
"It's seems there's trouble." Sam tells Chase.
Chase lets out a sigh. "That's Mrs. Neederlander. Her cat is probably stuck on the tree, again." He said with a bored tone as he pulled over the curb.
"How do you know?"
"Ever since we started working with the Burns Family, this has become a daily routine."
This should be fun, Sam thought to himself as he got out. "Hello, Mrs. Neederlander. I'm Sam Witwicky, and I'm here to help."
Mrs. Neederlander looked over Sam's shoulder to expect the Chief to come out, but there's no one at the seat. "And where's the Chief?" She asked suspiciously. "Only he's allowed to drive that robot."
"I'm actually the one who created the Rescue Bots. And the Chief has other business to attend."
Mrs. Neederlander wasn't buying it. She walked closer to Sam, narrowing her eyes to inspect Sam while circling around him. "Alright, prove it. Save Mister Pettypaws." She pointed up at the tree.
Sam assumes Mister Pettypaws is the name of the cat. He looked up and saw a cute white puffy cat with a purple collar around its neck. Like last time with Frankie, he gave Chase orders to transform into his Bot mode to get the cat. But the cat seems to be stubborn as it hisses and slashes at Chase. Those scratches doesn't even hurt Chase, but he understands delicate creatures should be handled with care.
Sam sense Chase's predicament, so he stepped in to help. "Give me a lift." Sam climbed on Chase's hand and was lifted to where the cat is. "Here, kitty-kitty." He extended his arm and started blowing kisses.
It didn't take long for the cat to jump on Sam's arm and curled around Sam's shoulder, letting out loud purring and nuzzling. Mrs. Neederlander was surprised to see Mister Pettypaws getting close to a stranger. He always hisses at people he didn't know. This is the first they met Sam, and yet, he's over there rubbing his face all over Sam's. A small smile appeared on her face. Soon later, Mister Pettypaws ran up to her and she picked him up.
"Thank you for saving Mister Pettypaws. Would you like to come in for a moment? I've baked some cookies."
"Oh, no thanks. I don't want to be much trouble." Although he declines her offer, Mrs. Neederlander grabs his arm and pulls him towards her house. He looks at Chase and tells him to transform back to his vehicle mode.
Sam was taken into what appears to be the living room. Nothing fancy. There's shelves, pictures, an old time radio. He sat down on a couch wrapped in plastic. From there, he could see Chase through the window. All in all, this is quite a cozy place. Mrs. Neederlander arrived with fresh cookies and coffee at hand.
"So you created those machines?" She asked as she mixed in the sugar and cream, and gave it to Sam.
Sam accepted the drink and took a sip of the hot drink. "Yes I did, ma'am. Although, I can't take all the credit. There is someone who's involved in the project. He's the one in charge of everything."
"Then what's your part on the project?"
"I'm mostly responsible for the designs, models, programming, and repairs." Sam finds himself to be quite the excellent liar. Always making things up on the spot. He could fool anyone with his lies. But if that's the case, then why can't he fool Ratchet?
"Is that so?" Mrs. Neederlander took a sip from her coffee. "Then I think you might need more work on that firetruck. I feel its more of a teenager with attitude."
"I'll make sure to fix him up. Real nice and slow. If that thing could feel pain, then he will feel the most excruciating pain." Sam can really hold grudges. And what he did to Heatwave was just the appetizer.
"Good." Mrs. Neederlander seems pleased with the idea as she took another sip from her drink while smiling evilly.
There was total silence until Sam spoke up. "When is Mr. Neederlander be arriving home?" Mrs. Neederlander was quiet. Sam could tell he asked a sensitive question. He was about to tell her not to answer, but she did anyway.
"Mr. Neederlander was killed in a line of duty." She replied with such sadness in her tone, staring at her coffee and stirring.
Yeah, Sam regrets ever asking that question. He coughed awkwardly. "Then what about your children? Son, daughter?"
"Only one daughter. Her name is Judith, but we all call her Judy."
Hearing that name reminded him of his own mother. But she was not called Judith. She was simply Judy. "My mother was also Judy."
That perks her interest. "Really? How's she doing?"
"She passed away when I was still a newborn."
"Oh." That was all she said before the room fell silence. "What about the people that took you in? Are they nice to you?"
"They're the greatest people I've met. They keep me safe and loved. I couldn't have asked for a better family." Sam smiles fondly of them. Even Mrs. Neederlander smiled on how Sam describes his new family. Then they some honks coming from outside. Sam took that as a sign for him to wrap it up and continue on with the tour. "I should get going. Thanks for the cookies."
"Just one minute." She tells him. She quickly went to her kitchen and returned with a small ziplock at hand. "Here, take some for the road." She grabbed the plate of cookies and poured it into the bag.
Sam waved his hand to decline her offer. "No, thanks. I'm fine." But it fell into deaf ears as she has already handed him the bag and is escorting him to the front door.
"Thank you for keeping this old lady occupied."
"It's no problem. Thanks for the cookies." Sam gave a hug to Mrs. Neederlander and she reciprocated. For some reason, this hug felt right for Sam. The two let go and Sam returned to Chase.
Mrs. Neederlander returned back to comfort of her home and into the living room where she sees Sam talking to the police car. That uneasy feeling that she has been feeling for so long has finally gone away. She went to her bookshelf and picked up a picture. It was a picture of her, looking years younger. Next to her was a younger lady wearing a graduation gown. She traced the picture of the younger woman with her finger as she remembers the last conversation she had with her daughter.
"Mom, I'm afraid this will be the last time we'll speak to each other for a long time."
"Sweetie, what's wrong? What do you mean?" Mrs. Neederlander asked frantically.
"It's Leland, Mom. He's gone mad and usurped control of Sector Seven and changed it to MECH. He's calling himself Silas now and he wants to take over the world using advanced alien technology. Ron and I were able to escape with some help from a new friend, so now we're on the run and they're hunting us."
"Then come hide with me in Griffin Rock. No one will come to look here."
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I can't afford to bring danger to the people or you. He WILL hurt anyone who gets in his way."
"But where will you go?" Mrs. Neederlander asked, her finger twirling around the cord with anxiety.
"Our new friend says there are a group of alien robots that will allow us to take refuge."
"Alien robots?!" She wasn't surprised to hear something about alien robots. Having a daughter working in a secret government facility really has its perks. There were theories about giant living machines, but for it to be true and for them to be walking on this planet is quite a shock. "Will they even allow you to stay in their hideout?"
"Our friend says their medic will not be hesitant to kick us out, but he knows their leader and he will welcome us to their place."
"That's… quite reassuring."
Mrs. Neederlander's daughter chuckled. "Hey, Mom. I would like to introduce you to someone. Mom, I would like you to meet your grandchild, Samuel James Witwicky."
Tears of joy were falling from Mrs. Neederlander as she heard some baby coos over the phone. "I'm a grandmother?"
"Yep. Congratulations, Mom. You're officially a grandmother."
"And you named him after your father?"
"The best way to honor Dad is to name our child after him." There were some talking coming from the phone until she returned with a sigh. "Mom, we have to go. This will be the last time we'll hear from each other. And remember, no one must know you're related to me or the baby. He's after Sam, Mom. He believes Sam has the power to build him an army of robots. So no telling anybody about us."
A small whimper escaped from Mrs. Neederlander. "Ok. But please be safe, all of you. And call me when everything blows over."
"Okay, I will. I love you, Mom."
"Love you, too, Judy."
With that, their phone call ended.
After their last conversation, Mrs. Neederlander waited patiently for her calls. But not one phone call from her. She suspects they're still being targeted by MECH, which is why she had not heard a word from her daughter. But when Sam came along, hope fills her chest at the thought of her daughter alive and yell. But when he told her his mother passed away when he was still a baby, that hope came crashing down. She just wanted to cry and cry over the boy's mother's passing. Luckily, he left just in time for her to let go.
She didn't cried as much as she thought she would. Although her daughter died, he lives. She will miss her immensely, but she will always be reminded of her whenever she sees Sam. Even if she can't tell him she's his grandmother. Silas is out there. If Sam were to find out the identity of his grandmother, Silas will find out about and she will be taken hostage to try to get to Sam. While she hides, she has someone on the inside feeding her information about his recent activities, in order to protect her somewhat peaceful town. Someone by the name of Robo-Warrior. Dumb name.
Mrs. Neederlander looks out the window again to see Sam leaving with the police car. "You and your friends better take good care of Sam, or else I'll kick that alien robot butt of yours." Honestly, those four alien robots are terrible actors. She sat back down and stared at the picture.
"Judy, I finally got to meet my grandson."