A/N WARNING - i apologize in advance for the sudden dark tone of this chapter so just so you know...there will be blood.

also to put it out there Jack and Ellen make there friendship stronger when sharing stories...and no, not in that way ;p

also i'll sometimes title the chapters with the episodes name even if it has no relation whatsoever to the chapter just to say that its taken place during that episode :)

Operation Breakdown...Mom my savior

i was in town picking up some supplies so it makes it liveable back at base, i knew Jack would be in town too since he was working and so i decided to swing on by the drive thru. After he had served the customer at the window i went on over to talk to him. Even if it wasn't the most best hang out to get to know him it was still an opportunity, i mean i know Jack and we're so fluent when talking to each other but i didn't know about his family, history, favorite color that sort of thing, maybe even share some of my history.

"Hey Jack." I greeted.

"Ellen. What you doing here?" he asked though he sounded pleased to see me.

"Just grabbing some things to fill up the empty cupboards." I said laughing. "i could go if I'm interrupting your work."

"Oh no. It's pretty quiet on days like these so you're not interrupting anything, plus I'd love some company since standing around all day is a mental exercise all on its own." He laughed. "Plus Mom rings me every hour so that's another task on hand."

"That comes to mind, you said your Moms a nurse right?" i asked as he nodded. "I think i met her at the hospital."

"What were you doing at the hospital?" Jack said concerned.

"Oh no, no! It wasn't me; i was helping out this other guy who was in need of medical attention." I explained.

Jack exhaled and put his hand on his chest. "Okay I'm fine, I'm cool. So, what makes you think it was her?"

"Er, her name tag might be a hint." I said talking like an idiot.

"Oh yeah." Jack said scratching his head.

"Well she has black hair like yours, she had like blue-greyish eyes, she spoke very firmly in fact in a very lecturing voice even before i could explain what was happening." I said.

"That sounds like Mom, it's because she worries, plus she's a single Mom and a nurse so that's double the worry. Raising me and seeing all kinds of things at the hospital you can't really blame her." He told me.

"Single Mom?" i slipped in.

"Yeah, my Dad up and left, and she was left alone to raise me." Jack said with slight guilt in his voice.

"Have i said too much?" i asked.

"No, it's about time we tried to get to know one another and not in blocks at a time or trying to guess." He said. "Q&A time perhaps?" he suggested.

"Sure i don't think there's anything i wouldn't tell." I said. "Okay i call shotgun." I pushed in, "Okay, I'm curious now but... do you know why your Dad left?"

"You know, i have no idea. Mom has never told me why." Jack said he said with a puzzled face. "one morning i came downstairs to see my Mom pouring her heart out as i saw Dad on his motorbike outside... i tried to stop him but he was already down the street before i could make it off the porch...but i remember running non-stop even when he went out of sight i kept running...until my Mom came out to stop me." He finished sadly.

"Maybe she doesn't want you to have to judge him." I said.

"Maybe still, I've always wondered what it would be like to have a Father...i don't remember many memories of him or I've been blocking them out all these years." Jack said his eyes half closing. "When i was younger I'd see lots of kids laughing with their Dads, holding hands with them, being lifted up on their shoulders."

"I used to do that." I said leaning my head in my hand

"When Optimus was out fighting Decepticons?" Jack asked.

I shook my head. "No i mean before Dad. When my biological Father left me with...well with a friend of the family. I'd often watch children be with their Fathers too, it makes you feel jealous and frustrated...and lonely." Jack nodded at me in agreement. "i started trying to teach myself things...you know, stuff your parents normally teach you. And i did fine, even though i had to do it a hundred times before getting there. But then Dad...as in Optimus started teaching me things too. And i was stubborn to start with because i had it in my head that i could do anything without anyone else's help...but it was nice."

"Yeah i taught myself how to ride a bike; my Mom was busy with work so she couldn't teach me. I got many bruises and cuts but i got there in the end...but my Mom still praised me for being able to teach myself in fact she got a little teary...but i had hoped my Dad would have praised me too." Jack said sadly.

"I'm sure he would've." I said trying my best to smile for him.

"Man, our histories seem to be downright depressing." He laughed weakly.

"You need your pain though, don't you think? It makes you for who you are now." I said.

Jack nodded as another order came in, i stepped to one side as i let him do his job. "That will be 5.95 sir." He said as a car pulled up to take away his order.

"So, we might as well get all the depressing stuff out of the way." Jack said. "I had a cat once he got shot by one of our drunken neighbors." He said with no sugar on top.

i let my mouth hang as he said that without ease, "How horrible! I couldn't imagine one of my animals getting killed; i just want them to die naturally...though if it were up to me i wouldn't have them die at all." I said, i was one of those people that loved to point out how cute every Dog or Cat was walking down the street but not a really obsessed one don't worry.

"You got any animals?" Jack asked.

"I got a Dog and a Cat back home. My Dog is 4 years old and my Cat believe or not is 29." I said.

"29! Is she on life support?" Jack said.

"Yes actually!" i had a pretend fit of anger, Jacks face was so full of guilt right now.

"Kidding." I said smiling. "But she's in alright health at the moment; hopefully she might go for a few more years."

"Mind if i ask you a serious question now?" Jack asked hesitantly.

"Shoot. I can take it." I said.

"H-how erm, how did your parents die?" Jack asked hesitantly again.

I hadn't heard that question in a while so i was quiet for a moment...then Jacks face showed worry so i answered quickly "Don't be so nervous Jack, i don't mind telling you." I said as i placed a hand under my chin thinking how to start.

"Yeah but it must feel horrible explaining it to people who ask." Jack said.

"Actually no one has asked, after both their funerals no one discussed the matter any further...like we were supposed to move on that quickly...well i lie it was one person that specifically told me to forget about them and move on but he was very bitter about it." I explained.

"Who would be so bitter about someone's death?" Jack said.

"My uncle, he is very bitter, in fact he scolded my Dad for dying whilst bidding our farewells and called my Mom a dozy cow for getting killed...it was brief but those kind of things stick with you. But i digress, one thing at a time." I said shaking my head before i started to ramble. "Now I'll start with my Mom, for some reason i have no idea why but i was with both my parents at the Soccent base in Qatar, maybe they couldn't leave there duties but at the same time didn't want to leave me, but raise me in a war zone? I'm not sure why they didn't want to leave me with someone else and the fact they could bring me there is beyond me but I'll never know."

Jack leaned over the counter to listen, "must've been pretty dedicated to duty to bring their Daughter along." he said.

"well I'll never know why...anyway I was about 4 years old at the time, and bringing me there it turns out and heres a surprise, was a big mistake because the base, it seems was being attacked...from the inside. There was a traitor amongst the soldiers and no one knew who."

Flashback...

My Mom was cleaning me up as i had gotten real dirty. She placed me on top of a counter, you see i had a growth deficiency at the time, some were even asking my Mom how i was walking at such an early age, that's how short i was.

"Hopefully, you won't get as dirty when we get home." Mom said gently as she brushed off the last bit of dirt from my face with a face cloth.

I just giggled as i was known to do at that age. "Then i won't be dirty cos the grass will clean me." I said kicking my legs over the counter. "Mommy? Where's Daddy?" i asked.

"He's out, but he'll be back soon. Then we can leave tonight, finally give you your own room, would you like that?" Mom asked me smiling and sighing happily.

I nodded and grinned. Then i started holding out my arms to her. "You want to be picked up?" she asked.

I shook my head wildly. "Nooo, i want Simba."

"Oh Simba, I've got him here don't worry." Mom said going through a small rucksack. She then pulled out a yellow lion cub and handed it to me. I cuddled him quite hardly, looking like i was suffocating him. I then looked around my surroundings, there were many soldiers, and at the time other things i couldn't comprehend at that age...things Mom tried her best for me to avoid, Weapons and injured soldiers mostly. I looked on as a soldier then approached us; i flailed my arms wildly at him making 'uh' noises.

"Hey Jess, i found those tablets you wanted." He said.

"Thanks Will, Ellen's no good at flying." Mom said stroking my hair, i continued to flail my arms at him.

"What you want squeaker?" Will said teasingly.

"Hug! Whill hug!" i said.

"Oh, still having problems with her 'W's' Jess?" Will said as he picked me up.

"Yeah, I'm constantly showing her how it's said, we'll get there, but if she still gets some of her words mixed up I'll see about a speech therapist but i don't think it'll have to come to that." Mom said folding her arms.

I leaned my head on will's chest as i buried Simba into his face though i don't think he minded well i hope he didn't. "Whill? Are you coming home too?" i asked hopeful.

"No got a while yet kiddo." He said tiredly and yawned. As he yawned a tear had formed in his eye, i remember that i reached out and wiped it off his face; i then stared at it for a while with a serious look on my face, then wiped it on Wills shirt and grinned at him.

"E-Er thanks squirt. Anyway better go, i still have reports to hand in as well as sort out the new units." He said with a laugh, he then placed me on the floor before leaving; Mom performed a short wave at him.

I stared at him blankly for a while, before playing with my Simba doll. "I lauwgh in the face of danger ha-ha-ha!" i said grinning evilly. My earliest memories was living at the base, and have never known the comforts of a quaint little home, though i was happy enough living at the base, at the time it was home i didn't know any different, in fact i remember thinking if we were living at a gym...i was a dumb kid at the time.

I heard Mom zip up a bag from behind me. "All done, come on Ellen, I'm going to leave these bags outside ready for your Father to deal with." Mom chuckled. I looked at the big pile of bags that Mom had packed in awe, at the time i thought it was the biggest load of bags ever...in reality there were only seven.

"i wanna help." I griped.

"Ellen these are too heavy for you to carry, in fact there bigger then you." Mom explained calmly.

"i wanna help!" i stomped my foot, before attempting to drag a bag outside.

"How about you carry this for me." Mom said handing me a very light plastic bag.

"Kay!" i said excitably proudly carrying my bag outside. Mom was swift in carrying those bags outside, while i tripped over many times just handling a plastic bag.

"Your father should be here soon...better say my goodbyes to some friends." Mom said to herself taking a hold of my hand; i dropped Simba by the bags and i attempted to reach for him.

"Mommy, no." I said trying to release my grasp from her hand.

"You can't wander around here, stay with me." She said firmly.

I slightly pouted my lip and dragged my feet with every step. Then my Mom went into friendly rambling mode with her friends...not interested in the conversation i got restless as i started swinging on Moms arm.

"Oh you know the one with...oh what's his name...Ellen don't swing on me like that you'll make me fall." My Mom scolded me lightly. "But yeah he was in there all day." My Mom said laughing with her friends. "But you should come and stop by to see the place when you come home for the holidays. she continued as i merely started daydreaming hearing her friends continue to talk.

"its a nice area, very close to the school." i heard one woman say.

"Oh i already have so many plans for the garden, a little area for myself and of course a little area for Ellen." Mom said rubbing my hair.

"Rob said the fencing needs some work." said this man, there were so many people there i couldn't remember them all because i barely saw them.

As i stood there kicking my feet i suddenly felt nauseous, and i had an earache. I held my ears and moaned from the pain. "M-Mom?" i said starting to weep...as the colors of a sunset engulfed my vision...

And from what i can remember, Mom suddenly grabbed me and held me close as she tightened up in a ball...from the corner of my eye i saw fire and heard screams...then sudden darkness, as the roof came down on us.

Temporal end of flashback

"Turns out someone had targeted that building at random to explode they never told us the identity of the culprit, the explosion itself was purposed to make the building collapse on itself." I said to Jack.

I then breathed in, as i hadn't told this to anyone in years and it was pretty hard describing the details. "You don't have to tell anymore if you don't want to Ellen." Jack said and by the sound of his voice he sounded frightened for me.

"No, i want too. Your one of those friends i feel i could tell anything to without hesitation." I said very confidently.

He did his signature scratching of his head thing again as he leaned over the counter. "You feeling ready to continue?" he asked.

I nodded and then continued with my story.

Back to flashback

I must have blacked out as i awoke to the sounds of mom yelling my name. "Ellen!" she practically screamed. I was still nestled under her as i became aware of my surroundings...and i was scared. "M-Mom?" i said weeping again.

"Ellen...Baby are you okay?" Mom struggling to get her words out.

"Y-es, what about you Mommy?" i asked her wiping my face, i felt hot as i heard the sounds of crackling.

"I-I'm okay Ellen...i need, you to do something for me." she said breathlessly as i nodded slowly; she then set her gaze out in front of her. "Follow the light in front of you...I've held up some of the debris so you can get out." She choked as a line of blood trickled down the corner of her lip.

"M-Mommy your mouths crying red." I said moving from under her, i then wiped her mouth with my sleeve as i stood back slightly...Moms whole body was shaking as she struggled to keep the debris up.

I then gasped as i looked at her...she had been spiked in the back with iron poles and other inanimate objects not to mention the weight of debris she was able to keep up...her clothes were drenched in crimson red blood and there was more underneath her where i once lay...i looked at my own cloths briefly as they too were bathed in blood...I couldn't help but start to cry now...i held onto Moms face as i cried into her cheek.

"E-Ellen please...d-don't worry about me you have to g-go" she choked again as the debris was getting too much for her to keep up for long. "g-go to your D-Daddy p-please."

"N-No! M-Mommy!" i protested as i continued to pour my heart out.

She then shook her head wildly as she threw me off her; i was taken aback by this, "Dear sweet Ellen...don't be-don't be scared...i do regret i won't be there for you physically." she started as she let one shaky hand stroke my cheek though she groaned to the harsh weight she bared "...b-but I-I'm not worried...you're strong... you'll make it...I-I know you will..." Mom smiled, then choked again as blood and tears moulded in one as they dripped onto me.

She then flopped her head down as she panted consistently. "G-Go p-please." She said weakly.

I sat there in a state of shock, frozen. "Nowwww!" she screamed at me, i jolted as i crawled my way towards the light that she told me to go towards, "G-Good girl." i heard Mom whisper.

I felt a strong urge to look back...but i did what Mom told me to do as i did nothing but crawl for my life...the heat was so intense, and i choked a few times but i was full of so much adrenaline at that moment as i had to go to my Father i didn't care, not even for the debris that cut me from time to time. I cried harder with every step...then i heard my Father among other voices...calling my name and Moms...i heard his voice over anyone or anything else; i crawled faster and cried louder as i pushed my way through. "Daddy." I whispered. "Daddy!" i screamed as i had reached the source of the light, but i couldn't get out debris was blocking my path, i tried putting my hand through as i flailed it about hoping for someone to grab it.

Then someone was removing debris from on top of me, as someone took a hold of my arm and dragged me out of there. I kicked frantically and wailed harder as i was unfamiliar with who it was. "Ellen it's me!" came the voice of my Father as he held me close as soon as i recognised him i nuzzled into him and cried harder and louder, i heard slight hesitance in Dads voice as if he were crying too but was trying hard to hold it back.

I then spoke in a sobbed voice, my throat was so sore. "D-Dad, M-Mom she's s-still in t-there...you gotta h-help her!" i yelled digging my nails into him.

I looked up at Dad breathing heavily, he looked at me sadly and only a few tears fell from his face. "The team are doing everything they can." He simply told me. "Hush now, I'm here now sweetheart." He then held me close again as i continued to cry for what seemed like hours, Dad then took me to see a medic. I looked over his shoulders at the destroyed building...the smell of burning flesh was very potent, those who had survived were badly burned and there screams emphasized that...the black smoke that covered the sky above looked like a demon to me.

My sight was then covered by a hand. "Don't look Ellen." Dad told me, being the only child on base, i was granted priority when seeing the medic, with my eyes still covered all i heard were painful moans i remember thinking at the time that those other people should go before me, after all i had minor injuries...in comparison.

The doctor was very swift with me, poking and prodding, listening to my breathing that sort of thing, but he was so harsh i flinched many times. "Nothing too serious, she'll have a nasty cough for a while, I'll put something soothing for that burn on her arm and a few bandages for her hands but she'll live Robert." He put it bluntly, then he removed his glasses "Robert..." he then whispered something into his ear.

"Thank you." My Dad said softly.

I looked at him in confusion as Dad picked me up again and went out the back, he just held me as we walked towards another building...the walk was long and silent until Dad finally broke it.

"Ellen?" he looked down at me and i looked at him my eyes felt as though they were burning. "You have to try to be strong now, like your Mother was." He said to me.

End of Flashback

"I didn't quite understand what he meant then, and all the tears and anguish had made me succumb to sleep...the next day i would truly understand what Dad meant." I said to Jack as i looked at him, his face looked heartbroken and his face was pale.

"Oh jack I'm sorry! I shouldn't have been so descriptive..." I said with instant regret.

"No Ellen I'm glad you did, friends should be able to share each others pain." He said in a slight shaky voice. Then he breathed calmly, "i get off in ten minutes you wanna have a movie marathon at my place?" he said calmly.

I smiled at him for the invitation, "Got any comedies? i could really go for comedies right now." I said laughing nervously.

"Of course i love comedies... even though you wouldn't think it when looking at me." He said also laughing. "Let's grab us a take out or something."

"Why not grab some food here?" i asked.

"Between you and me..." he said leaning in to whisper. "The foods terrible."

"Talk about loyal employees." I said sarcastically, Jack shrugged his shoulders as he took his hat off and went to clock out.

"Meet ya round the back." He said to me.

I nodded. After telling Jack of my Mom's death I'd have to give myself a few weeks before i can him of my Dad's death...but i think he already knew that. I still felt shaky inside...maybe because it's so fresh in my mind...or maybe because I've never found the person responsible...either way i felt...so angry, just raw anger that i keep dormant...i don't really like to talk about the past.

After clearing the subject from my mind we grabbed the spiciest take out ever as we enjoyed a few movies together like 'Superbad', 'Hot Fuzz', 'Tropic Thunder'. Though Tropic Thunder may not have been the best choice after the conversation we just had, then again Robert Downey Jr has me in stitches. Between films we would talk more about each other, he told me of this one time where he shot a nail gun in his foot, then when we finished watching movies we played some video games, the only awkward moment of the night was when Jacks Mom got home.

"Jack? I'm home." She called out.

Jack instantly face palmed and tried to hide behind a pillow. "O-Oh hey Mom, work okay? Just got a friend over." He choked out.

"Oh." She said as she walked into the living room and spotted me. "o-h" she then exaggerated...i could see where this was going.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" His Mom said fluttering her eyes.

"E-Er Ellen this is Mom, Mom...Ellen." he said motioning back and forth with his hand.

I stood up to shake her hand as she hugged me instead...awkward for me since i only hug those i at least have known for a few days. "E-Er hello Nurse Darby." I said i wasn't sure whether to call her 'Miss' or 'Mrs' so i went with Nurse.

"Call me June and aren't you polite, and already knowing my occupation gives me the impression that you and Jack know quite a bit about each other." She winked at me.

"Mom!" Jack said shocked.

"Well isn't that how close friends are differed from ordinary friends?" i said.

"Just friends?" she asked.

"I could see what she was doing; trying to imply something but then when i say otherwise she'll totally deny it resulting in humiliation." I theorized.

"E-r...Best friends then?" i said shrugging, she then raised an eyebrow at me, no doubt trying to trick me.

"Jack, it's a school night...give Ellen a lift home then straight to bed when you get home." June told him, i would've brushed a hand over my forehead to how relived i was that the awkward conversation was over.

"Mom. I'm 16 please talk to me in an age appropriate voice." Jack moaned.

"Okay, I'm sorry." June said rolling her eyes.

"No need for that ride, Nurse Darby I've got a ride of my own..." then my phone started ringing, "Sorry do you mind?" i said motioning to my phone.

"Carry on Ellen." June said smiling.

I flipped my phone and put it against my ear as i steered away into the kitchen to put on my small polite voice. "Hello?"

"Ellen, where are you? Its 22:47pm you have school tomorrow." ...It was Dad.

i turned around to face my back to Jack and Nurse Darby as i held a hand around my mouth and speaker on the phone, "I'll be home soon, just saying bye to Jack and his Mom." I told him in a gentle hiss.

"Were you watching horror genre again? Are you crying?" he asked in concern though i can't really say i appreciate the bluntness.

I sighed heavily "No I'm not crying." i said pinching the bridge of my nose, Jack started snickering under his sleeve until June nudged him.

"Should i leave your cotton filled Lion on your berth? You still experience nightmares all too often i do not want any contributing factor." He said in his serious tone then i heard roars of laughter on the other end from Miko. My face went red when i realized this wasn't a private call.

"No don't get Simba out!" i yelled then i put the phone down. I then turned to June and a snickering Jack. I scratched the back of my head laughing awkwardly "heh heh, my Dad...he worries...in the most humiliating way possible." I said.

June then clasped her hands together and placed them against her face. "i think it's sweet...now about you getting home." She then said in a concerned tone.

"It's fine I've got a motorbike of my own, my place is a ten minutes drive." I explained.

"Hmm, well...be careful, motorbikes can be dangerous and don't stop until you get home as well, for anyone who asks you for a ride and wear a helmet." She said sounding like a PSA.

"I will for the first and third and i wont for the second." I said smiling before escorting myself to the door.

"Jack don't be rude." June said motioning to the door.

Jack sighed. "There you go my lady." Jack said jokingly and only so that me and him can hear it.

I then pointed my nose in the sky as i blanked him "peasant!" i said also jokingly, "o-oh and for the record, i-i sometimes have problems with nightmares i..."

"its fine, who's to say i don't have mine either." he said.

"Still i may have to silence Miko." i stated seriously putting my gloves on, i then gave him a quick nod as i hopped onto my bike and put on my wireless headset and helmet.

"Don't be a stranger." June called out from the door.

"Sure thing Nurse Darby." I said back before driving off back home.

I then turned on my wireless and left a very brief conversation for Dad, "Don'tcallbackbuti'msorryforcuttingyouoffokayby e." As i came up to the rocky mountain face as usual i saw Bulkhead and Bumblebee leaving, no doubt taking Miko and Raf home, both cars sounded their horns at me as they passed and i in turn waved. Then i heard another ringing as i patched the caller through my headset.

"Hello?" i said.

"Hey Ellen just me again, Mom insisted i check you made it home okay." Jack voice rang.

"Just entering base now thanks for showing concern young man." I jested impersonating the voice of an elderly person.

He then laughed sarcastically. "But seriously hanging out today without the danger of Decepticons or M.E.C.H was pretty cool we should do more of it to keep our sanity." He laughed again. "Oh and sorry about Mom today." I couldn't see it but i can tell he scratched his head again.

"Jack its cool, but I'll have to set the record straight if she puts me in that awkward position again." I then jested, as I had already entered base and put my bike to the side.

"I hear ya, see ya tomorrow." He said.

"Kay bye." I said and cancelled the connection, so i walked into the main room as i was greeted by Arcee only.

"Ratchet and Optimus are out...so it just you and me and look what i have." She said in a baby voice as she waved Simba in front of my face.

I then stood up straight and put on a no nonsense face. "Femme, give me back Simba and i won't have to put you in stasis and mail you to Hong Kong again." I said blankly.

Arcee said nothing as she gave me back Simba and walked over to the computer screen shaking her head, "You know, i think you may be a psychotic killer."

I treaded casually to my room "sleep in fear tonight." I winked at her.

"Already do you little monster." She jested.

i scoffed, "Monster will do just fine."

A/N this is the longest chapter so far i used to have trouble coming up with 800 words for an assignment lol...anyway we'll get to Ellens Biological Father...but i thought i'd title it The Generals Daughter...thank you film4 :p

next chapter will be on a much lighter subject as Ellen and Raf nerd out on sci-fi...its her secret shame/pride! TT_TT yeah i like sci-fi but i made Ellen hardcore she makes references from time instead of it being in your face all the time :p