A/N getting settled into a new place always takes so long...so yes you can probably guess that I've been pretty distracted via moving. i did feel a little out of sorts and didn't feel comfortable enough with the new place I've moved to for...1...2...3 months and a couple of weeks...whoa thats pretty long and i've most likely beaten my own record again on updating this story...yay? but as usual for long updates i hope this has been worth waiting for :)
I've made some small changes as well, i think...can't remember its been a while since i've watched the episode so i may or may not have :P...oh wait i remember now.
So apologize and i ask for forgiveness :) and enjoy.
Deadlock
It was mere moments, not even that before they were through and found themselves outside on top of the Nemesis itself, and only less still until they were found, "Keep a tight formation!" Ultra Magnus declared as flyers were raining projectiles upon them and retaliating with their own.
"Ratchet what's your position?" Arcee asked through her comm as her Bumblebee, Smokescreen and Ellen took cover on the wall of the ship as Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack and Bulkhead came in from the other side to make their way to the inside of the ship.
"The Omega locks controls station is located on the lower deck." Ratchet replied vice versa.
"Come on." Arcee ordered to her group pushing their way through.
"I am making my way there now." Ratchet informed.
"Copy Ratchet we will rendezvous at the objective." Optimus replied over the open comm. "Arcee lead stealth team to secure the Omega lock. Ultra Magnus, you and the Wreckers storm the bridge. Prevent the Decepticons from targeting the device if stealth team is delayed."
Ellen's pov
We were heading for cover when it presented itself, we heard Arcee speak into her comm, "Optimus, if we fail to secure the lock before its ready to deploy, do we destroy it?" she asked.
"I do not intend to squander a second chance to restore Cybertron." he replied.
Finally getting inside and dealing with a few Vehicons inside, we spilt off instantly in a single file formation Arcee leading, then Bee, me and Smoke. It was definitely something I had to adapt to quickly, after all this was my first er...final battle I guess? Can that be technically said as a first?
"Bee, Smokescreen, Ellen with me." Arcee ordered as I looked back, getting used to the sound of each of their footsteps one had definitely stopped.
"Smoke, Come on." I called as said bot stood there completely still staring out at something.
"Smokescreen, Ellen." Arcee called as I cringe slightly, Smokescreen looked back again before heading back to the mission.
"What's wrong with you? You getting stage fright?" I asked him running besides him, though I think I was dragging a little. I wanted to know what was so interesting to be looked at anyway but easing it into a different way as I didn't want to seem too predictable of being nosey all the time, n-not that I am, I mean I'm never interested in other people's problems and personal business…w-what?
"I just saw Megatron, he has the Dark Star Saber." Smokescreen grimaced.
I looked ahead, "He'll head straight for the Omega lock as well, and Dad will probably be there before even us."
He looked at me seriously, "El, I got hit by that thing I know it packs a mean right hook…" he then lowered his head, "even meaner than yours…" he muttered as I caught a weak grin, I rolled my optics to the 'haunting guilt' that Smokescreen on occasion reminded me of as he shook his head, "We need to equality match that. Optimus is probably fighting him now." he said the two of us trying to catch up with the other two.
"So without the Star Saber the fights lopsided in Megatron favour." I said, wow, I just realised how bored I am in saying that or hearing it... "So…I guess you're thinking-"
"Smokescreen, Ellen hurry it up!" Arcee called with frustration in her voice.
We doubled the pace of our running as I watched my footing, it wasn't to watch where I was going or anything, my optics were flickering and I heard a struggled sparking sound too, being foreign to this biology I couldn't really tell what was wrong with this body like I could if It was my human body that If I felt I was coming down with something, my vision then went a certain purple shade, it happened so briefly I-I didn't have time to comprehend what was happening, i was shown the hallway ahead of me, as though time slowed down to a dying pace, my very vision moved like an eagle, past Arcee, past Bumblebee, until i saw the positions of several Vehicons moving towards us from the crossroads before they were even at that point, i…hmm… "Arcee." I called. "Vehicons, two hundred feet ahead of us, eight at nine o clock, six at three o clock."
"What?" she called.
"Trust me." I retaliated, well practically yelled as I was pretty much freaked out myself. I watched on as Arcee took a long moment, even looking me over, before I saw her nod deploying a weapon, maybe she saw how freaked I was or to not take any chances either way, I'm being reluctant or something with everything that's happened but I know Arcee is still a little reluctant herself in letting kids blurt out stuff and just run with it, that is I know it's just that she fears for our lives…maybe I have a little more in common with her then I think, it's just too close that we repel, like magnets, Hm…
But with her action, Bee deployed his weapon as well, as did Smokescreen. Maybe I used the right tone, you know the 'some force of the universe that I'm not entirely sure is screwing with me or not but sometimes it feels right but I'm still freaking out' look. "Their coming up, just half a click." I said.
Again a series of stares were given to me, "Stealth team, backs to the walls." Arcee said. "You better have a good reason for this, i am risking our Energon here, no one has that high enhancement of sensors." she warned but I guess that was a yes, maybe it was just how out of the blue I had called it that she must have thought why I would even say such a thing...then again I do that a lot of the time.
"I don't." I simply said there was no reason to lie, (that time), it would just make me lose whatever faith Arcee was having in me in that moment, and yes I was very sure of what I saw, you can ask why…even I'm doing the same…but I'm not getting an answer, I just am. But I will say that, this eerie method that I took, naturally, I'm waiting for the consequences.
So now, after a given countdown Arcee and Bee were swift in getting to the middle, I had sent Arcee the exact degree of angle of how her shots should follow the same with Bee as what came to me, (Though er, I hope they don't take offense, telling them how to suck eggs and what not.) They were both assassin like with how much of a silent termination they both made, other than being provoked, they are hypnotic to watch when focused...take note that you should know by now that I am a huge dork.
Though despite what I said they were confused to say the least, Arcee briefly looked me over before we carried on, the look alone was intriguing like almost for a very moment I was not who I said I was. "How did you know they were there?" she finally said interrogating in tone. "Even if Ratchet managed to give you advanced scanners, predicting accuracy of their movements, even In large units is even difficult for experienced bots." she finished while we ran.
"I don't know myself, I know that's a vulgar explanation but I can't explain it in detail. but all I know Is that a certain material did this to me and now it won't leave but it's not optional either that warning only just came to me I can't switch it on and off." she told her.
"Material?" Bee inquired. "Ellen don't use riddles to hide things, it's becoming a really bad habit."
"Let's just keep moving." Arcee frustrated. "Whatever gave you that weird foresight just give us another warning if you can?" she looked at me again, "Just…don't just announce it ominously, I always found you strange, in fact you were my first impression of the human race in general." She said with weak humour as I just nodded, compliment? Boost of morale? I have no idea, but I'm going to grab any positive reinforcement, even if it's misunderstood as an insult! "Let's roll." She then said as we all transformed.
A little further along the way Smokescreen transformed as did we to his sudden action, he had been quiet for a while, which in itself is a requiem bell…Hmm, scrap, I should have said that out loud. "Go on without me." he said.
"That isn't the mission." Arcee reminded.
"Good title though." I said.
Smokescreen activated his phase shifter, "there's something I need to do." he said suddenly disappearing through the wall.
"Hmm..." I said flipping my arm compartment to show a scanning detector, everyone's had trouble keeping up with Smokescreen, and myself, disappearing and reappearing ever so casually, and on occasion giving everyone heart/spark attacks, I will keep up, he might be brash but I'm stubborn as pit. "We'll pair off." I said to Arcee as she made a frustrating sound, well surrounded by the younger generation doing whatever that's no surprise.
"We can't all just wander off like this, I took a chance to believe you about those Vehicons but the second time? You're pushing your luck, both of you. The chain of command isn't there to be recognised when you feel like it." she argued.
I tapped my arm, "I put my cell phone just under his arm plating I can track him through that signal…" i said tapping my helm as I was checking said place, "plus I think I know where he's headed." i clasped my hands bowing slightly, "One more time, with the greatest respect Commander Arcee?" I said to her letting a grin escape me with an added wink.
Arcee rolled her optics pinching her fore-helm, "we'll meet you at the Omega key." She said with fatigue, "Just...be safe!" she snapped turning in the direction they originally took, tapping Bee to follow.
Despite facing me in saying that, the obvious care for concern was there, I think…I think for me that I don't have any indifference with any of my bots anymore.
3rd Person pov
Following the path where she knew he'd go, her vision now and then turned a shade of purple as her movements or anything ahead of her was shown to her ten seconds ahead before even reaching it. She shook her head as each time it wasn't mentally pleasant as it came to her randomly, Vehicons were everywhere as she took them out, though limited to time as she were only one person…bot. "Wow…first time to not get badly hurt and or killed." she grinned looking herself over as she moved past Vehicons frozen in place.
Turning around another corner she found the room she was looking for as she brushed herself down briefly and straightened her posture so not to show that she had been tired out by a load of cons. With doors opened on approach she saw Smokescreen with his back to her as she reminisced about the room they were in.
"I was hoping you'd still be here." Smokescreen said in the direct sight of a particular relic encased in its pod.
"Funny, how this thing looks like something you can talk to huh?" Ellen said entering the room as Smoke looked to the wall mouthing about how she got here quickly as well as be able to follow him. "huh, they cleaned up." she added looking around, frowning at certain areas.
"What the- how did you get here seconds after me?" he finally said scratching his helm.
"First, I've been here before as well, second check your arm compartment." she said slightly proud of herself as he did. He lifted his arm compartment to show a small cell phone wedged between his circuits, though he didn't see it Ellen started to snicker. "You got trolled." she announced.
He sighed humorously, "I thought I was imagining that." He said referring to the slight irritation like an itch that needed to be scratched though in reality that was mainly due to her phone being set on vibrate every five minutes, "Er…you have a few missed calls." He said to her tapping the small item humorously.
She folded her arms, "Snuck it in there before you went to get a new paint job." she explained slightly pleased with that intent, "you can't shake me, if something doesn't feel, especially the 'going solo' thing in this sort of place, I make it, my business…and also that you think you're so slick I just wanted to do something that is a way of competing with that." she told him as he punched through the container, "call it a pet peeve, for other people."
"Competing huh? If that's what you want to call it. I thought it was called 'stalking'." He teased sliding the hilt of the Saber down over his shoulder acquiring himself to the new-found weight. "Well, I was going to tell you that you may want to take it easy on sticking your nose in and all, but you know you're pretty sensitive about that sort of thing." He continued as he heard a sort of grinding sound coming from her face. "Hey and besides I just wanted to make sure that no one else got hurt. That's why I went solo." he finished telling her grinning.
She looked up, "Wow, foiled by my intent and words. Yeah well even if I am a hypocrite you have the processor of a giant Insecticon turd, so there was kind of more of a risk." she argued huffily stating it as law.
He looked at her lightly before shrugging, then remembered the little time given, "Just cover me while I get this to the Omega lock." he said seriously as he activated the phase shifter.
As she did with the Immobilizer, "Let's hit it." she said.
"Grab my arm, we'll make a quicker exit." He said taking an abrupt hold of her arm anyway and aiming for the wall that he had entered on.
"E-Eh S-Smokescreen? If you keep going through walls at this swiftness eventually-" On the other side they were met with a large unit of Vehicons as Ellen pulled a face and Smoke coughed a nervous laugh, "So…a quick exit huh? I...I got nothing dude." she said her optics half closed and if logic applied a sweat drop on the side of her helm to the typical situation that they landed themselves in.
Smokescreen only grinned as he spoke through his dentals, "So walls all look the same who knew?" he argued with a hiss as the Vehicons (who took moments to comprehend and respond to the appearance) started firing both doing Ellen froze them with the Immobiliser while Smokescreen spun around the Star Saber knocking them unconsciousness. "Let's head back while I can still remember which way I came in from." he said as they ran.
the ship made a creaking sound all of a sudden as Ellen looked Smokescreen over slightly disgusted, "Nice..." she said sarcastically.
He took note of the sound as it came to him in an instant, "That wasn't me!" he protested, "A-At least...at least i think it wasnt." The creaking turned louder as the ship started to move, the hallway slanting as did they and losing their footing in the process, "Well obviously the ships moving sideways on its own."
"Unless someone's intoxicated at the helm." she said.
His expression suddenly darkened as he saw more Vehicons coming around from the corner, "Ellen, Vehicons." Smokescreen told her.
"I've got optics, i can see." she responded with. as she held up the immobiliser.
"Just play along will you." he said giving direction. "Left. Right. Right again, watch that guy, bluffer! Bluffer! And that one's! ...running, away." he said. "Alright nice, I think you got them all." he said still clutching the sword easily as Ellen performed the gesture of panting, indeed strained from the sudden onslaught of run and shoot but still not a required action but she had to keep the habit up for when she forgot to breathe when human again.
"You know…it's a good thing…b-bad guys are such…lousy shots." she panted. "And, why were you giving me directions?"
"You know you can stop trying to breathe and fyi, I want to look active." He jested looking ahead as she pulled a face, "We're almost there." he said.
"Yeah thanks for the help by the way." She said with light sarcasm.
"What are talking about? You can handle it without me no problem." He said.
"Oh don't give me the self-confidence speech just to make me feel better about myself." She declined.
He made a slight chuckle, "Fine, I was really just staying out of your way because you had that crazy look in your optics and I thought you might yell at me again or something."
She made a crooked smile, "Since when can you tell what sort of 'look' people have in their eyes I-I never really understood that." She questioned making him sigh.
A few minutes later and they had come in sight of Bee and Arcee, "Special delivery." Smoke announced to Arcee passing her by, "that way right?" he asked her.
Ellen stopped besides Arcee, as she shook her head at her, "Lot of lack of communication going around lately." she said to her trying to exchange mutual understanding, seconds passed and a startled scream was heard from Starscream; Smokescreen passed through him like a samurai sword through tissue paper.
"We need to get to those doors, Saber or not he'll still need back up." Arcee said.
Ellen looked towards a slightly startled Starscream and four seekers, then to Arcee with a charged Immobiliser, "Bee, shield." Arcee said as the three of them got behind it. "Can I trust you with one last thing?" she said to Ellen.
"You mean my aim?" she jested. "No worries, I've had some advice and a little practice. Plus some first person shooters experience nine years running." she added.
She raised an eyebrow, "Don't push it, 'Yes' would've worked just as well." She replied.
"Let's go!" Bee said charging towards the Cons with his given shield covering the two as Ellen shot the immobiliser at the nearest two Vehicons who froze in their place, with Arcee bringing up the rear taking a shot a Starscream.
"Bee, we have this, cover Smokescreen." Arcee said as Starscream shot at them both who had to take cover, the other two seekers ran after Bee.
Arcee uppercut Starscream in the chin, "you again? you don't seem to die." he then looked at Ellen, "And why are you still alive?" he demanded.
Ellen tutted, "Humans, always the weak link." she told him obnoxiously.
He scoffed, "Oh that's funny do you always wait for cruel irony?" he said with cold amusement as she brought herself closer to his face.
"Get your aft up." Ellen said tapping the immobiliser on his chin. Though he grinned as she felt his foot tap up against her torso, the bottom of his feet acted as blades. "So, they aren't just accessories…and here I thought you just wanted to feel pretty." he dug in deep as Arcee pulled her back, though as he ran towards the door Ellen fired again though his movement was spontaneous and hard to hit. "Slag it all." She hissed.
"Don't let your guard down now, we have to move." Arcee told her as the two followed the direction Bee had gone.
Finally reaching the Omega lock, Ellen slightly froze in awe not to the lock itself but to the shimmering aura of glow that the surface of her planet gave off just off the corner of the platform they stood upon…seeing Earth from this perspective was a lot of things she loved all rolled into one and again irony was high on her list when she was witness to such things…as a projectile flew past over her helm, "good grief!" she exclaimed looking to the side of her to the Seekers that Bee was in confrontation with. she started to sprint towards them with Arcee ahead of her.
"Smokescreen!" was heard from Ratchet as the young Elite Guard was sent flying back with a burn on his shoulder from a projectile from Shockwave, in the process the Star Saber was sent across the platform. Arcee looked briefly to Smoke before she did to the Saber, Starscream had the same idea in his processor as he stood behind a seeker then pushing the said seeker into Bee and Ellen as he ran off towards the relic. Gaining himself a few seconds in the race.
"No, not this time." Bee said running ahead.
Arcee had thrown another seeker forward aiming it at Starscream, her intention worked as Bee was swiftly catching up jumping over the fallen cons. before Starscream had a chance to get up, he looked briefly behind him as Arcee took a swing at him with her side blade on her arm.
despite the huge blow Starscream was by now brushing pain off in seconds as he shot back up, though gasped and wailed as Ellen started firing down on him with intentions of putting him in a form of stasis but his frame was built for dodging, "Screw this." she said locking fists with him though he grabbed it pushing it back. Arcee grabbed his other hand as they both pushed him back. "G-Get d-down…"
Bumblebee at this point has knocked back Shockwave shattering his optical frame as he leapt in the air to take the Star Saber. Arcee looked up catching a glint of Bee with said Saber. "Optimus you must use the Star Saber to destroy the Omega lock." Ratchet called. "It is the only way to save Earth!"
"The Star Saber." Megatron beheld knocking Optimus back as he raised his cannon at Bumblebee who leapt out towards the two to the reach the lower platform…
Mid-air…
And without a means of stopping or performing any manoeuvre…
Megatron fired three shots...three shots…
All looked in horror to the projectiles as they came into alignment with Bees range Optimus shoved Megatron to one side as he was about to make it four shots though regrettably it made no difference.
One shot...propelled Bee onto his back letting go of the Star Saber a shot of immense pain in his optics as his armour was broken away, alongside his torso chassis exposing his systems...second shot...tore and burned away at his body further exposing a part of his very source of life...third and last shot had fully exposed his Spark the sensitivity of his systems brought out in full light, glowing a bright blue colour, but it dimmed…
Struggling...the shock to his systems...then emergency life support...his optics flashing online...offline in a series of spasms.
The purple plasma almost eating away at his torso, the burning projectiles aiding it...and as he hit the pool of cyber matter his Optics as fast as they were bright…and young, were now gaping black holes...and was no more, as though he never ceased to exist.
All bots, were so encased in this unfolding tragedy didn't even care that they were in locked combat, and just stared out in shock. Optimus looked to Megatron as the tyrant merely grinned untouched by this. in a moment of this, Optimus heaved himself as he set himself on only one being, "Nooooo!" he cried with a strong hit to Megatron face, left, right, left upper cut with his leg knocking Megatron backwards out of balance, another hit was made to his face with a fist and then finally another straight dead centre to his face forcing Megatron to propel backwards.
He hit the metallic structure extension of the Omega Lock as he groaned falling to his knees, then onto his front, his arms spread either side of him. Looking up he noticed the hilt of the Dark Star Saber and his confidence had returned. Approaching from behind Optimus deployed a weapon aiming it at the fallen Decepticon leader, though during the process of charging Megatron cried out as he threw a wave of Dark Energon towards him throwing him over the edge, but Optimus clinged on with one hand.
Megatron approached the edge to a groaning Prime, "Prepare to join your scout in the Allspark." Megatron declared raising his Saber.
"Megatron!" a sudden cry was heard.
In turning it was already too late as Megatron made a hoarse sound with the combination of breaking metal sourced from his chassis. A look of denial was in his optics as he groaned deathly to acknowledge that the Star Saber was plunged deep into his Spark chamber and to acknowledge the one to deliver said plunge, Bumblebee. Whose deep fatal wound sealed up, above, Con and Bot alike were lost for words as they bared witness to Bee's return from the bridge that ultimately led him to the Allspark. "You took my voice." Was what Bumblebee said, clear in Earth tongue and very unforgiving. "You will never rob anyone of any-thing ever again." he told the dying Megatron.
Though still pushed by sheer will and hatred alone, lifted his arm that held the Dark Star Saber though his systems did not share that same will as the strength in his arm and fist failed to hold onto the Sword as it slipped out of his grasp and fell...plummeting to the Earth as it spiralled down.
Finally the fatal blow brought Megatron to his knees as Bumblebee held tight onto the Saber. Megatron's chest was emanating a purple glow that dimmed and finally with it being his last look onto the Autobots scout his Optics darkened and his systems shut down completely. "Lord Megatron..." Starscream uttered. "No!" his body fell limp, falling backwards as his hands slipped down the Saber as it was pulled away from his chassis leaving on it a large streak of his tainted blood, and alongside his weapon plummeted towards Earth as Optimus looked on as his body became fiery with the Earth's atmosphere.
The moment was a long inhaled breathe and they finally breathed as it was all over, Bumblebee knelt extending a hand to Optimus which he had no hesitation in taking as he helped him up.
Up top, all were still as they acknowledged what had happened, though Ellen's optics turned slightly empty as they were set on the Dark Star Saber and with everyone with her were more focused on Megatron's body hurdling towards the Earth, a simple nod of her head and a purple sphere like force field almost gas like in appearance engulfed the weapon and was suddenly gone. Her optics came back into focus as she acted none the wiser to what she just did.
Though none was more alert to Megatron's demise then Starscream as his mouth hung, "I will avenge you master!" he cried as he was fixed on throwing himself forward though was pulled back by Shockwave.
"Starscream, do not be a fool!" he told him as Starscream resisted the restraint he had on him though Shockwave was forced to instead carry him under one arm as he and three seekers retreated back into the ship.
"Curse you and your logic!" Starscream cried.
The others came too as they met up with Bumblebee and Optimus as they made there way back up, "Rikers Beard." Ellen awed.
"Bumblebee..." Ratchet said stunned.
"Your voice." Arcee added.
"My voice? What are you-?" Bee stopped, "My voice..." he awed holding his hands up as the small plating over his mouth retracted back. "Ratchet..." he started as he placed his arms around the medic, "I have my pipes back!" he announced with utter relief.
Ratchet chuckled barely able to move, "Ye-Yes, Yes! We noticed!"
Bee looked his hands over, "The Cyber matter." he said.
"It is the only possible explanation." Ratchet told him.
"It would seem that the old field medic made good after all." Optimus said as he turned around, "Optimus Prime to all units, Megatron is no more." he announced through the comm.
In Hanger E Raf and Agent Fowler heard the news as Raf smiled widely, Agent Fowler with a gravity defying leap in the air cheered, "Yes!" throwing an arm to the air.
At the same time on the bridge of the Nemesis, "Who-ah!" Wheeljack cheered also throwing a fist into empty space with Ultra Magnus and Bulkhead present.
"Wreckers. A job well done securing the bridge." Optimus continued.
"It wasn't us Sir." Magnus started lightly, "The credit belongs to the humans."
Miko inside the apex armour respectively performed a duo of rock signs, "Who-yeah!" she declared as Jack continued to navigate the Warship.
Ratchet face palmed again as he turned to Optimus, "The Omega lock is under our control I propose we put it to good use."
"Agreed old friend. Ultra Magnus, set course for Cybertron." Optimus ordered through the comm.
"Really?" Ellen said, "I'm still being a nerd about the Earth's surface..." she awed before looking at a particular spot, "I can see the great wall of...it is just a line." she looked back at Optimus as she lightly smiled, then less than subtlety stood beside Optimus as she started brushing off shrapnel from his armour, "Heh, j-just tidying you up a bit." she said reaching her arm to in-between his arm, though pulled back as she looked nonchalant about it all, "Nice...space weather we're having."
He took hold of her hand, she looked at the linked grip as she shuffled to make it hidden by her form, "This day is in our favour." he nodded looking out as the Spacebridge had been activated.
Ellen made a slight humming sound as an agreement and the Nemesis was moving through the portal at such a high-speed, to move from one planet to another so quickly Ellen tried to hide her fascinated look to not seem too alien, but it was too good to pass up being human at this point as she looked over the edge to see the surface of Cybertron. "Whoa." she awed, "its...it, I mean to see it from here instead of a screen." She explained pointing many fingers in no particular direction.
Ratchet folded his arms as he shook his head hopelessly, "Ellen, the planet is currently barren, you don't have to be impressed by that." he noted.
"Heh, er sorry it's just that despite its status it still looks amazing in appearance, I mean...oh, I don't know how to say it without sounding offensive." she said with slight embarrassment whilst scratching her helm. "Er, Primus is looking good with age?" the only response was a silent stare from the two, "No?"
Ratchet placed a hand on her shoulder sighing, "Good enough I suppose." she lightly smiled gawking over the edge again in a not so subtle way. Ratchet, noticing how dangerously close her feet were to the edge grabbed her by the scruff of metallic armour and pulled her back "Just because we're here now doesn't mean you can act like an idiot."
She grinned awkwardly, "Sorry Ratchet." she sung.
Both Mechs shook their heads as Ratchet turns to the console just behind them, "The Ship should be in correct range." Optimus said looking the surface over.
"Optimus I..." Ratchet than started to say slightly sceptical, "Was never able to learn Shockwaves side of the Cyber-matter equation. This may be all we ever have and Cybertron is a much larger planet then Earth."
"You don't say." Ellen thought with signature sarcasm.
"Then we must launch the Cyber-matter at Cybertrons very core." Optimus said.
"Into the heart of Primus himself?!" Ratchet exclaimed.
"Ultra Magnus." Optimus then said through the comm, "Change course for the Well of Allsparks."
"Understood Prime." he replied as from the other side of the lock, Arcee, Bumblebee and Smokescreen thought to head inside the ship to the bridge itself, Smoke made a quick wavering hand to them as Ellen made a swift shake of the head at him. Making him shrug.
Optimus saw the small gesture from behind her, he then lay a hand on her shoulder with a small bit of force behind it intending encouragement. "It may be a better alternative to view the planet surface from the bridge." He suggested to her quick decline.
She put on a face as she felt she was being pushed forward, "Trust me, the views better from up here." she told him scanning his face. "Well…almost." The ship came to a stop as they were now looking at a large, deep, hole. "Erm, Dad?" she then said shyly pointing to below them. "That's...er- the entrance?"
"Commander, we've arrived at the Well of Allsparks." Wheeljack informed over the comm.
She pulled another face, "Yeah that was a no brainer." she said.
"Yes." Optimus told her anyway with slight humour.
"Huh, upstaging me now are you?" she said staring at the entrance, it and its massive diameters making the Nemesis appear microscopic in comparison, "you know...what if someone accidentally fell into that? You got yourself a law suit there straight away." she then slightly shuddered.
Ratchet face palmed, "Its Sacred ground Ellen, No one comes here except on rare occasions, as history has shown an audience with Primus or to define it in Optimus' case to heal the core and receive the Matrix." he told her.
Her optics strangely looked surprised as they diverted to Optimus' torso, Ratchet continued to speak over her sudden thoughts, "The Matrix…"
It was a brief stare but a locked one, though she just acted as though she had lost focus and was just slightly startled, though unknowing to her, that stare may have been brief but Ratchet had been speaking for over a minute, but she found herself smiling to look as though she was following him as he continued to speak. "But only during the Golden age it was said that he was still communing with Primus…" he stopped to the too obvious grin on her face, "Were you even-?!" he stopped again as she tilted her head.
"What?" she said.
"I was just giving a brief summary of how the 'Thirteen' begun to divide, and how some even sided with Unicron…" he said a little wary in tone. "Another explanation of origin which you've never heard." He said.
"I like those, I guess you only bring it up now because of the age rating for the tale?" she lightly jested. "So er, wha-what about the Thirteen?"
Both Mechs slightly frowned, "Hmph, so you're tired of our lore now? Well I always considered you premature to outgrow phases." He said lightly.
She blinked, "Seriously, did I miss something here?" to not look too dumbfounded she took lead of the conversation, "No, no, I still love those stories, it's just the scenario is a little out-of-place don't you think?" she said stepping back to be between them both. "You know, this is not so bad." She acknowledged the short trip from Earth to Cybertron, "maybe it was just the illusion of distance between us but I mean with a Spacebridge and you guys are only second's away." she said coming to terms with it. "I can't believe how much of a big deal I was making of it."
Ratchet lightly patted her shoulder, "If it's less alienating to you, I would have felt a sudden absence and anxiety being away from Earth, I have found myself accustomed to the ignorance and crude existence of organic inhabitants." he said lightly. there was a sort of glinted shine in her optics as she took a hold of his arm and rested her helm on his shoulder which Ratchet swiftly tried to shake off, "E-Ellen...Off...Off." he hissed as she involuntary let go. Being so accustomed to the expression of disappointment she would often use it as a means for the 'sad puppy' look, Ratchet grinded his jaw as he mumbled something as he tried to stay strong, then patted her on the helm, "Not now." he told her quietly.
"Okay." She shrugged.
Ratchet placed a flat palm out in front of him, "A-And it would have to be a long amount of time before any kind of anxiety set in."
"I-I didn't argue against it Ratch." She said awkwardly.
He silently looked away and checked the Omega lock over, setting up the ready controls as he pulled Ellen back again with a free hand as she looked over the edge…again. Then he tapped the screen activating the Omega lock as it charged up almost swirling like a whirlpool before shooting straight down into the core.
The intensity of itself had gotten Ellen to hold Optimus' forearm as she looked slightly startled, "Holy cow." she could only say. As all bots and humans on board watched on...and waited. Ratchet gazed at the gaping hole, Optimus felt anticipation though only looked on seriously. Then within moments the core started to glow intensely and that glow started to spread through the entire planet lighting up the dull lifeless areas of destroyed cities, highways, and civic buildings until the planet swelled with a luminous glow. "Wow...I'm saying that a lot in a total of four minutes but..." she said looking to the both of them. "This is my official visit to Cybertron..." she glanced up to Optimus, "It's radiant." she told him softly. I-I know that line sucks but I'm no Shakespearean actor."
Optimus felt a twinge in his spark as he looked up, "I often feared this, you were on Cybertrons surface once and I had expressed its former glory on many occasions when you would ask, granting you high expectations." He told her seriously. "Neutral descriptions would have been more appropriate."
Ellen looked to planets surface, "There was a lot of, death. I'd…come to expect that. But I didn't have a good look at Cybertron itself there was too much particles in the air, it was too thick to see past on the plain field. It was only clearer when we reached Kaon." She said lightly smiling. "It's your home of origin. Our place is a dump but it's also pretty to look at too, you just need to look at it from a different angle and er, needs a little restoration itself." she said to him as he lay a hand on her helm. "Anything else?"
"How about silence?" Ratchet commented.
"If I were to muse accomplishments." Optimus added. "I would hope human upbringing would be listed." He lightly smiled, "I hold no doubt."
Ellen scoffed, "Oh come on don't patronise me." She folded her arms as she looked at the planet once more, "Well, are we going to go down there?"
Ratchet looked to Optimus who spoke through the comm patch once more, "Ultra Magnus, set us down." He said as the ship started to descend almost immeditely.
"You get a better view of the planet and the lighting." she said as they heard a loud screech overpass, and that light had briefly passed by a large shadowed silhouette. "Predaking." she said quietly recognising the figure.
"He lives." Ratchet said noting that the being was free and wandering Cybertron.
"It seems Cybertron still holds many dangers." Optimus added.
"The guy must feel pretty lost, who does he have?" she said as he looked at her, "and I'm speaking neutrally, it doesn't mean I'm dismissing his aggressions against you guys."
"I doubt he has any warm feelings towards our race be it Autobot or Decepticon." Ratchet said.
"Definitely aware of deception now, with all this hatred he feels he might not advance but instead revert." Ellen said.
"A fatal path that may affect all of us." Optimus said.
"Well, we can't do anything about the Predaking at this moment." Ratchet said. "Let's make our presence known to our home." He said starting to walk in the direction the others had went.
The Wreckers remained on the bridge with the children (And a restrained Knockout) and took the time they had to seal off certain sections on the ship that still occupied Vechicons and Seekers. The others had got themselves to the hangar entrance, with the platform lowering to the planet's surface Ellen stuck an emphasised leg out as Optimus took a light hold on her arm as she blinked at him confused. despite the unreadable expression he gave her, she patted his hand and nodded, "I won't run off." she jested.
he let her go as she followed Bumblebee, Ratchet and Smokescreen. she stopped at the edge of the platform as she placed a foot out and hovered it against Cybertron surface, "You've been here before." Arcee said from behind her. "Remember?"
Ellen stood shakily trying to keep her balance, "Yeah but this is different, all that dust that remained has finally lifted and I can see as far as the optics can allow." she said placing a foot down finally as she sighed.
Arcee raised an eyebrow looking her over lightly, "Overdoing it a bit, monologuing I mean?" she said.
"It's the symbolism that I'm thinking about, touching my foot to the floor in the literal term is just…wow…I am really sad." she said as she took a step forward.
"True, but you have always been odd." She said watching her get ahead of the others, "Where are you going?" she asked.
"Exploring?" she said.
"Ellen..." Arcee started solemnly, as Ellen suddenly realised the events happening around her.
"A-Already?" she said as Optimus watched her anxious, confused expression and approached her.
"Cybertron cannot repair itself on its own." He explained.
"Oh, i-i know..." she said bowing her head. "Y-You know me, i...i've got issues." she said with a stammering smile.
"I would never intentionally because you pain, but that never works in either of our favour." he told her with realism.
"I know..." she weakly laughed. "It's always the risk."
"But some risks are worth taking." he argued.
"Yeah…" she sighed, "I'm glad of my curiosity…without it I probably wouldn't be here at this point." She looked over her shoulder to the planet with that reflective shine that was shown on the surface, "I need to think about this."
"Think about?" he said.
"Let's just head back..." she said lightly smiling as he looked on curiously.
Returning, they were all welcomed back by Agent Fowler and Ms Darby who made her way over when she was told of the news, guardian and charge talking about recent events, Agent Fowler was soaking in every detail from Ultra Magnus with Wheeljack bringing his own description of the visuals, and Ellen had returned to her human body, watching briefly the others around her, she thought to head outside but was briefly met by Agent Fowler. without a word just a nod gave her a piece of paper, folded. she let her mouth open to ask but he was all over the place himself, so she took herself for a stroll around the area fixed on the paper.
The weather that day was her perfect type of weather, the sunlight provided just the right amount of warmth along a small breeze to balance that, it wasnt silence around her, but more a very distant sound of traffic coming from town. she looked up to the closest hangar near the fenced entrance as she climbed the side ladder, then perched herself on the ledge as she swayed her legs back and forth, "...Ah nuts, i never got to send Vince the 'bill' for vandalising my bike, a confidence boost for him the jerk." she looked at the paper slightly worried what was inside, Agent Fowler wouldn't give her anything bad right? then again previous liaisons have been known to be upfront about things, which made her wary. "Lets see, possible content. federal prison for life? banishment to a classified piece of Earth? Termination perhaps? Or maybe I'll end up working at a deli." she joked finally unfolding the letter.
The Great Seal of the United States came to no surprise as she looked over the rest of the content, "Huh...there is a-lot of filler here." she said, "Hmm..." she then said a little surprised, "Civil service test...nu-nu-nu-nu-nu, need for a college degree before, nu-nu-nu-nu-nu, then you may consider or otherwise decline...the position." she folded the paper again as she furrowerd her brow. "Well damn...i didn't even think they'd allow me to work, let alone give me an oppurtunity...Did Fowler...?"
"Higher levels for the use of solitude?" she heard below her.
She smiled nodding, "Hey there light stepper, how did i not hear you coming?" she puffed a laugh as Optimus blinked his optics as a 'not sure' gesture, "High places are less crowded, but yeah, sometimes solitude is better." she replied twiddling her thumbs as he spotted the paper in her hands. "Dad?" she then said tapping the tin roof, "What would you say to me if this were goodbye?"
His expression hardened to the thought. "Words would be hard to express." he told her solemnly, "That being said they do not need to be..." he cupped his hand slightly as he reached it up to her, she took a light grip on one of his fingertips.
She smiled the best she could without turning it into a quivered lip, "Ditto." she said her voice slightly breaking as he helped her down from the roof. brushing herself down she saw his curious look on her piece of paper, "I...got a piece of paper." she said.
"I can see." he said as she grinned to the mockery.
"Alright, alright specifically a letter from Fowler, for when I finish school...and college...and have a little more experience." She started. "It's, pretty big. Like something I wouldn't expect from the outside world." she randomly sitting herself on the floor as she felt light-headed all of a sudden.
"Are you going to tell me?" he said amusingly watching her fan herself.
"It's a place, the role of Am-Ambassador." she said shyly, "Extra-terrestrial relations between your world and ours." She started playing with her fingers, "I-I won't give the job description or the conditions that have to be met, i-it's not that interesting, but I think I might annoy a few people over thirty-five who have been aiming for a similar position." She chuckled.
"Recognition." He said lightly.
"I know." She said in a startled tone. "My only guess is that Agent Fowler has recommended us to his superiors, I guess they took a chance this time." She laid back on her hands as she looked up.
He looked up also, "Between our worlds…it would be beneficial and in a way, both are meant to exist together." He said.
"Y-Yeah, H-Heh I-I'm suddenly nervous as pit." She admitted holding her stomach.
"You do not have to accept the role." He reassured, "Your planet offers different roles."
She played with her thumbs, "It's not that, it's just one minute you're hiding inside an empty storage crate used by the military to play hide and seek with Bumblebee the next you have opportunity thrown at you out of nowhere. I've never had anything like this before, only questions of my existence and general threats from government officials to take me away…it's weird to suddenly be, seen, especially by your own race who thinks your potentially a threat to national security you know."
"I know."
She scratched her head, "Wow, there are a lot of people in the world." She said as she slightly imitated hyperventilation, "Y-You know I can perform plays in front of hundreds but e-er speaking to higher powers a-aren't my strongest points, I mean I-i mumble and I-It doesn't help when I get nervous like this and then i ramble like to a point that it's a seven lined paragraph and-"
"It is your choice Ellen. You can pursue in a career you want to be in. however as you have suggested, you have to take into reason that Jack, Miko and Raphael will also be involved." He looked on lightly, "and that this opportunity has not even come to pass, unlike before you have time to recollect."
She made humming sound picking up a bit of concrete debris and throwing it across the base, "I could do it, but not yet i know now that i shouldn't be afraid to go for opportunity and change because i waste time when i could be using it to be with you and the others, my life span is brief in comparison to you guys and i have to make it fulfilling." She continued to throw debris, "So that's what i want to ask, because it can't wait." she said looking for confirmation. "Well I...Can i…come with you?" she asked.
He stared at her with an unchanging expression, "You, want to?"
"Just for a little while." she said shyly, "I've talked about it with Jack and he says to seize the moment when you can, because opportunity only comes around once and you might regret it in years to come at least with my career I still have a few years to think about it." she said.
Still with an intent almost interrogating stare, "You have thought of this before." He stated.
"Yeah and well Jack didn't really say it like that in fact i added a couple of words in there just to be dramatic but well he really told me this."
About Nine Days Before.
Ellen sat on the couch with a gaming controller in her hand as she put the game on pause, she had laid back as something dawned upon her as she looked flatly on, her and Jack were having a discussion about the inevitable that the others would eventually leave, "you know it's not a funeral El, if they ever go." Jack said, but even so sounded sceptical with his own words.
"Yeah, but, parting is still pretty sad." Ellen said slouching into the couch.
Jack tapped his fingers against the arm, "you know, Cybertron is much larger then Earth."
"Yeah..." she sighed.
"What could you find?" he said in a hinting tone, "Famed locations you could see?" he continued with lack of subtlety.
"Oh come on Jack, what are you turning into a wizard you are way over the border of a little dramatic." She said as she looked at the screen, the image of a well-known retro Sci fi game had intrigued her a little, "Hmm…wonder if Crystal City would be re-built? You know Dad says it was one of Cybertrons most spectacular structures, he sometimes was able to see it over the Communication Grid." She hummed oblivious of what was around her.
"Communication Grid?" Jack inquired humoring her with conversation.
"Oh, well Dad said in a way of speaking, that it sees all and hears all on Cybertron'." Jack raised an eyebrow, "He's lacking in detail lately." She shrugged.
Jack placed a hand around her shoulder, "You have Starlight, you can see for yourself."
"But…what about you guys? That technology Fowler gave us was limited, i-it wouldn't settle right that I'd go and you guys couldn't, screw that." She argued.
"You think we'll just curse you forever?" he laughed though she suddenly looked terrified. "B-Besides, it'll most likely be hard labour and Arcee would be pushing me further. With that into the mix, I think I'll take my chances with Math...without a Motorcycle." He shook it off, "Besides you said if you went it would just be short visit, with the Spacebridge it's just like going down the street." He lay back against the couch, "you think way too much into some things."
She placed the controller onto the table in front of them, "Jack, i-i can't just up and leave, I have other ties here as well, it'll just be selfish...not to mention rude."
"Just think of it as, an expedition. Not leaving." He said going with that idea. "Besides, we do Macbeth in just over two weeks, if they left then and you stayed, i…wouldn't want to see Mom with a camcorder and an empty seat beside her." He scratched his head, "That sounds pretty cold but, I'd rather have you go with him. We both know right? We have to make the most of it...look at it this way, we have only two maybe four years before they kick us out of the house anyway." He jested lightly.
"I still have some things i want to ask him." She said before solemnly looking at Jack, "But, you guys...Raf and Miko, and, you Jack…you've been well more than a friend, but like a sibling, you annoy me with some things you do, but we defend one another, we comfort each other, but we also get into fights." She rubbed her palms as he watched her, "I-I guess I don't really know what having a sister or a brother is like, but I like to think it's like this…well, B-Besides the kissing thing of course." She added awkwardly ruining any kind of sentiment to that speech.
"Any-way..." Jack said moving the subject forwards, "I guess if we look past that…it's been alright, despite you know all the bad stuff."
She shuffled up to him as she slightly nudged him, "Jack. Let's make a little theme going on. And don't cringe because its full of corny cliché but, you know be it here or another state, country, planet wherever, you better look at the sky on more than one occasion." She started seriously. "A-And, l-let it be thoughts of each other alright?" He couldn't help but puff out a soundless laugh not the corny speech itself but just how serious she was making it. "Jack." She protested.
"No-no, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, really." He said. "I don't look up as much as I should." Ellen held her hand out as he took it, then she shook it up and down into a handshake, Jack made a soundless laugh, "I thought you would like to know, but, Miko, …well, us. Have engraved your alt form. I-Its not really anything special just our names and…Miko added some squiggles and stars, you know the ones I mean."
She slightly looked to her hands, "Thinking ahead of me huh?" she said lightly, "B-But there's a lot of things i need to take care of."
"I'll deal with it." He swiftly said.
"B-But t-there's my friends and family to inform of my whereabouts, it's not like I'm vacationing to another country, no…I need to tell them." She said getting her phone out from her pocket.
"You can give me your phone and I'll tell them." Jack said taking a reach for it though she pulled back, "You won't have the time to do it." He reassured.
"Hmm….n-o." she muttered reluctantly clutching her phone.
He leant over again as it became a game of tug of war as he clasped a hand around her closed fists, "Would you just…" he struggled to say.
"Stop trying to take my stress away." She protested.
"W-Why would that…be a bad thing?" he argued.
"It's…the…principal." She said pulling his hand off.
Jack sighed, "Ellen." he said seriously.
She looked her phone over as she finally gave it to him, "I feel like such a mooch, I want this on record I tried to fight off your hospitality."
"Fine, we were both at near death alright?" he jested snapping the phone shut as he placed it in his pocket. Again he looked at her, but she still looked intensely concerned, "Stop thinking." He scolded.
She placed her hands on her head, "My-my fury companions w-what if they feel abandoned? I've been away from them longer than I expected to be, I left them with a friend but, they'd know…I-I'd feel terrible."
"El I'll take care of it, the co-ordinates should still be in the control panels." He sighed flatly.
She started to count her fingers, "My Sci-fi collection. My house, my school work, i can't just...my body, what about my human body? I can't just wheel it around on a table." She started to breathe fast paced.
Jack pinched the bridge of his nose as he shook her shoulder slightly, "Ellen. Calm down. For the last time I'll take care of it, trust me." he said. "You're just going on a little trip. a couple of weeks, a month whatever, you can come back finish school and…well it's, it's up to you then." He finished with slight regret in his voice.
She lay her forehead into her hand as she looked him over, she then slapped a hand over his face and left it there, "Seriously, I don't care if there is a thousand ways to communicate better, you're looking at that sky." She said.
"Well…at least it's not live long and prosper." He shrugged.
End Flashback
Ellen leant her head on her knee's, "I've always wanted to see Cybertron, ever since I was a little girl, and even though it's not looking great now I'd still like a tour, I bet you could point out the cities by the rubble alone." She told him.
He pondered that thought letting a smile appear, "If i re-call the Celestial Spires should still be standing." he told her watching her reaction.
She bit her lip, "The description being awe in inspiring? Where the high council housed at?" she held her head, "Call me a nerd i don't care i like me some historic buildings and monuments, I don't know there's something about them that seem 'epic'."
He tilted his head, "'I like me some'?" he questioned.
"I like historic buildings and monuments." She repeated taking certain words out with a conducting finger, "Every place we go, I pick up on some habits from the local youth." She slipped a small laugh before letting her face rest again. "I didn't know how to react when you mentioned the Omega Lock, I just went nuts, thinking back I still don't know why. I hate it when I go full-out 'dumb'."
"You feared to lose any of us, it may not have been death but it was still another form of absence, it was understandable. try to remember that, it's never healthy to hang on certain things that...you cannot help." he argued.
"I don't know, maybe." She puffed.
"I know your fears Ellen, and hopes, I know you." he said.
She started shifting again not being able to keep still, "But Jacks right I should go just as a last trip and I thought you could use an extra hand." she said shyly looking at him from the corner of her eye. "But then again, the Spacebridge uses a lot of power-"
"The Decepticon ship has much of its resources to last us." He interrupted. "Enough to bring Cybertron to at least half of its former self until the core can start providing Energon again...never think of yourself as a liability." he told her as she rubbed her hands, "You are aware of the dangers, the possibilities of Decepticons now on the planet surface, perhaps even Autobots?"
"Yes." She said standing up, "Do...do you think that there might be others that come back to Cybertron?"
He nodded, "Our first order of business when we arrive, I have already sent a transmission."
"So there could be a lot of you." she said. "With that being said, are you okay with me coming?"
"Yes." He merely said though she expected a longer explanation. "Remember that Cybertron will still be barren and is still hostile in some areas." He reminded.
she sighed moaningly, "D-ad, You just...you just basically repeated yourself." she moaned drooping her arms.
he held his hands up in a peaceful way, "I only want to be sure." he assured.
she shrugged, "I'm not delusional Dad, I know what I was looking at before." She slightly laughed. "But its still nice when you sound parent-y."
He nodded before falling concerned, "And you have considered your education thoroughly?"
She gave a single nod, "Yes, my exams aren't here for a few months yet, I can cram it all in when it comes closer to the time. but you might get a letter of complaint from the school with my absence." she said. "See? I have thought into it, despite it being briefly mentioned."
Looking a little unconvinced, nonetheless he took her word for it, "May i speak honestly?"
"Sure." She shrugged.
"Without any thought on the consequences, it has crossed my processor to bring you with me." he humoured.
"No thought on the consequences? Not even to ask if I'm able to breathe? Wow, bold." she humoured, "But hey, you've thought like that before, and you went through with it too."
He blinked slightly confused, "Hmm, you may need to specify." He said making her chuckle.
"I was talking about me." she said huddling her knees, besides herself she felt a certain excitement and a nervous feeling caused her stomach to tense up again, "So? What's the final verdict jury?"
he lay his arms beside him, "To consider all factors, to one being, a difference can be fearful but for others, fascinating but also deniable of reason." he said, and if an invisible question mark could appear above her head it would to how cryptic that sounded to her. "For you that is the likely reason, Cybertron is undiscovered land and to either of our races it's instinct to explore and discover."
She grinned in understanding at that last part, "Is not." she immaturely argued.
"I would just prefer that you behave as you would on base." he said.
"Right" she stated confidently. "A smart-ass."
Fighting the overbearing urge to face palm he merely averted his optics upwards, "Collective, be aware of your surroundings, this is not a leisure trip."
"Okay, okay." she said thinking, "But how can i not look? Here's the scenario, we're having a serious discussion but i can't concentrate because there is a future-rific city sur-round-ing me, h-how can i even attempt to think? Or think of discipline or reason...or even acknowledging any of you at that point?" she snickered.
He placed pinched fingers onto his helm, "I will watch you." he concluded lightly.
"Watch closely." she added tapping the side of her nose as she inhaled and exhaled with a certain nervous feeling. "So." she started swinging her arms back and forth, "What now?"
he took the time to acknowledge the sun, and his surroundings, "We would need to depart soon." he told her.
"Ah..." she said hitting a road block as she felt her stomach twist. "I…should be used to goodbyes, but the longer the relocation lasts it gets harder." she told him, "I don't want to lose contact, not with them. I-I'll contact them so much they will have to get a restraining order!" She said looking ahead as he followed her gaze. "That…That sounded better in my head." She admitted estimating the distance from where they were to the hangar. "So are you going to transform?"
He knew the distance as she never failed to confuse him, "The hangar is walking distance." He reminded.
"Just…" she looked up, "Just, one more ride."
Optimus took note of his perspective of her, fond thoughts of how small she is, how she always has been and possibly the only time to see her like this, for a long while at least. He nodded stepping back as he transformed, the driver's door swinging open as her eyes lit up, "I think you're the one hit kill on potholes." She said making it sound like a compliment before melodramatically climbed into the seat.
Despite the short drive inevitably was going to end in no longer then seconds, Ellen lay back nonetheless and remained silent. Looking over the inside of the cab, she didn't even have any thoughts. She lazily gripped the steering wheel as it continued to move under Optimus' control. The drive was significant to her, as it was always the start of something or the end of something, be it school, or when getting into trouble with her social life, one of their search for anything significant to Energon or Cybertron trips, or when she experienced the longest drive of her life when she was five years old…
And then, he stopped as the sudden halt had raised her heartbeat. Opening the door, she put her foot out in front, hesitantly stepping out again, "Thank you." she simply said as he transformed again. "Sometimes I'm a little cryptic when i do stuff like this huh?"
"Then we are a match." He said starting to walk inside the hangar as she looked on blankly.
She scratched the back of her head, "H-Heh, I get it. I'm cryptic and you're the decipher." She said awkwardly. "I-I'm ruining it aren't i?" She added jogging after him. Of course with him now in the hangar the usual attention was given by the bots, and he gave a nod as a greeting, though everyone had mixed expressions of what was going on. "Where's Agent Fowler?" she asked him.
"On communications with his superiors." He informed looking to across the room, "This may be the only chance you have to give a farewell, it may be more familiar to appear human to them at this point." He said noting the grouped together humans.
She looked at her feet, "Good grief…I'm in the middle here." She muttered.
"Sometimes, choices only appeal to you." he told her as he looked towards Fowlers office, "Fowler will not be long, then he will ask of our future plans. No doubt on behalf of your government."
"Right…so, keep it short right?" she said regrettably as he expressed a sympathetic look.
"I will…" he started, "Create a diversion." Ellen expressed a fond but weak smile as she carried on her route to the group of humans, behaving as they did naturally to their personalities. Though Miko stood out the most from her intensely frowning face. "Hey guys." she started with, "So, I heard you sent Soundwave 'back to the shadows'." She stated eerily, Miko wasn't impressed as Jack observed her behaviour for any sudden outbursts, but it seemed to get a small notion of a laugh from Raf. "Whoa, guess I got the Monday crowd-"
"You're not a stand up!" Miko barked.
Ellen stopped any gesture of a nervous twitch as she let her arms slip to her side, "Are you alright?" she asked seriously, "Vehicons, Soundwave, they didn't-"
"What do you think?" Miko hissed. "Do we look hurt? You're just stalling."
"Miko…" June started to calm her down.
"Mom." Jack said shaking his head at her calmly. "We're fine El, what about you? Arcee was a little vague on the details." He asked placing a grip on her arm. She looked down to Raf, she highly doubted anyone to mention that Bumblebee literally died, then came back just like that. At his age, soon to be a teenager, death at this point is the most difficult to grasp and come to terms with as it raises questions and is frustrating, confusion like that, confusion that she was confronted with. She hates to admit it but it got into her head on a mental level. "Ellen?" Jack said watching her stare.
"Fine." She said.
Jack looked her over, "This is it…isn't it?" he asked as the mere hinting tone made Miko clench her fist.
"Yeah…can you tell?" she said lightly.
"It's a little obvious." He replied.
"You could've said." Miko interrupted.
Ellen looked blank, "You mean the obvious?"
"You know what I mean." She snapped folding her arms, "I-I'm sorry it's just…I still can't help but feel jealous." She admitted.
"I…mmm." Ellen muttered looking over her shoulder to look at Bulkhead, "Maybe I could-"
"You don't have to be dramatic." Miko interrupted again. "Just…would've been nice if you told us as well."
"Y-You upset with me?" Ellen asked hesitantly, after all Miko had a mean hit for the stomach.
"Frag yeah!" she blurted, "But I guess you're not a total jerk." She approached as Ellen slightly tensed coming to expect physical interpretation, and well, it was physical but not what she expected admit ably. It was a hug of all things despite how annoyed she was with her, Ellen looked Miko over as she leant her head on her shoulder, it was small but she noticed her eyes were quivering from tightening so much as a slight glaze between her eyelids were present also.
"Miko…you…"
"Y-You say…anything a-and I'll kick you someplace I've never kicked before." She sorely threatened.
Ellen grit her teeth, "O-Okay but I might have to fight back, I have some form of dignity you know." Miko let go as she brushed a hand over her face swiftly, "Miko, I know how much you want to come, and I'm sorry it had to be like this…but please don't make me say it."
Miko nodded slowly, "I'm not asking you to, lucky for you we both know. So you can keep up your 'nice' guy act." She said.
"'Act'?" Ellen muttered as Miko lightly punched her.
"Joke." Miko said. "Just make sure you get a good look of the place, then when you come back I bet Raf can bring up the imagery from that things processor." She winked making Ellen cringe. "And get some of those 'illusion' pictures, ones that look like your holding up a building or hold up their moons with two hands."
"Er, I-I'll just bring you back a souvenir." she said.
"And, you'll be…you know, 'safe' when you're up there?" she asked.
Ellen pointed her thumb at herself, "Sure...we are talking about the same word right?"
"Y-es." she edged herself forward, "So no worries then, don't know why I even brought it up." She joked.
Ellen slightly nudged Miko, "see you later." she told her before stepping up to Jack, "It's been intense right?" she quickly got to.
Jack shrugged, "Not exactly my words but, sure."
"Any-way. Er, you know something is at the peak of event when...Raf is getting a lower pitch in his voice, you know what I'm saying'?" she said.
"No." Jack said lacking tone.
"Good. Let's keep it that way." She replied folding her arms proudly.
"You make me pretty tired El, like math, confusing. Except you're not dull." He said, "Mm, mostly."
Ellen raised an eyebrow, "Wow poetry, I hear people try it when courting." She scratched the back of her head again, "But I prefer Haiku heh." Her face slightly dropped, "Man…" she sighed.
"Your taking things way too serious, you'll be back" Jack stated confidently, "You…will be back right?"
"Of course, short trip but, it's kind of like one of those how long is a piece of short string…lets say back in time for summer I-I mean exams." She chuckled, "Now who's being serious?" she showed him her fist, clenched and hanging. "Dude, come on where's my fries?"
"I get the bumping fists, but fries?" he said lifting a fist.
"Look." She said tapping her fist slowly against his, "Potatoes…" she started as she opened her fist twinkling her fingers, "Fries…"
Jack looked blankly at her, "Er, yeah…so you mentioned something about not going out much?" he said making her pull a face, "I'll be seeing you." he then said.
"Sure." She said lightly looking down slightly then raising a flat palm up as a short greeting, "Hey Raf, your schedule has been off the charts off late right?" she said as he shuffled his feet looking very distracted.
"Grades are no problem." He muttered. She didn't say anything else to how distracted he was, of course everyone was, but him the most so she didn't want too much, so took a step back as she nodded. "You know, i don't think we got round to that extended commentary." he added.
"Sounds good." she said.
"Ellen." June then said.
"S-Sorry?" Ellen spouted nervously.
June shook her head lightly as she took hold of her hand placing some paper into it, she then pointed to certain lines of numbers, "Work, Home, My Cell phone and if you can't get through use the last, that's my back up cell phone." She winked.
"Thanks…But, what's it for?" Ellen asked.
"Raf and Miko have them too, it's for just in case situations." She then spoke more quietly, "And if you're feeling suddenly homesick, anxiety is common when relocating." She said.
"Ms Darby i-it's not really relocating and I don't think the signal will reach…" she said.
She placed her hands on her hips, "Oh it will, I'll be having words with Ratchet if it doesn't." June then looked her over with that worried expression she was known for, "You...shouldnt really be going at all."
"...i know...but i need to." she said a show of desperation in her eyes.
"Be careful." June only said, "be careful." she repeated firmly.
At this point Agent Fowler emerged from his office, a quiet word with Optimus and he had made his way down the stairs to join the group of humans. "Will?" June said.
He placed a hand in his pocket, "My superiors are up to date with recent activity, they have also informed me that there will be a search for Megatron's rusting husk and the Dark Star Saber if either has made itself present on public ground." He said.
"I'd like to see the guy who comes across both." Miko grinned imitating the said 'guy' by pulling on the bottom of her eyelids.
Every Autobots assembled in a row as Optimus was up front to tell them of what was now to come. "Though our home world is once again capable of supporting life, we have much rebuilding to do. Alas, we will miss our home away from home…and the family we've made here." He said looking to the group of humans.
"If Cons are still out there, won't Earth be on their radar?" Raf asked with a slight shaken voice.
"Raf, if you ever need me, need us for any reason. We're just a Spacebridge away." Bumblebee reassured.
"Besides, we'll be in good hands with you, Jack, Miko and eventually Ellen, continuing to serve unit E." Fowler said, "In a semi-official capacity."
"Whoa…we're agents?" Miko said ecstatically.
"Consultants." June interrupted pointing a high raised finger to set that law, "Till your of age."
"I trust unit E doesn't have any forbidding the enlistment of rusty old Autobot consultants?" Ratchet said approaching the group.
"Ratchet?" Arcee questioned, "You of all-"
"Y-ep, ep ep." Ratchet interrupted, "I know where I am needed." He declared.
Most bots went their separate ways, dealing with their own business, packing up what was left to take with them and of course saying their farewells respectively, as for Ellen she was with Ratchet behind the Spacebridge console, "Thanks for helping me out here, I thought it would be a good time." She looked behind her as she cringed, "I-I can't watch the farewells…because, I'll know my turn will follow eventually." she muttered.
Ratchet mumbled something as he looked over Starlight on the med table, "Hmph, now I've seen some second rate mesh work in my time but, you are truly gifted in the skill of disaster." He scoffed amusingly.
Ellen set aside a med table for her to lie on, "Yeah thanks…" she said with light sarcasm, "Maybe when I get back I'll take it up as a hobby."
Ratchet turned an interested optic her way as he tidied up the robotic form up with his own wielding skill, "I'll hardly treat it as a 'hobby'. Besides there will be more prioritized subjects for you to focus on." He stopped wielding. "Besides everything else enrolling as guardian will take the spark out of me."
Ellen took a while before she let her mouth hang slightly, "Huh?"
Ratchet shook his head, "Is this what I have to give me a reminder of my old friend?" he sighed in an over the top fashion.
Ellen tilted her head, "Er, so, you're, staying? I get that but-" she blinked as she pointed herself, "Me?"
He sighed, "Yes, I spoke with Optimus a while back, you're a sensitive being and would most likely need ongoing support that you would lack with him remaining on Cybertron."
"Sensitive? Support? You?" Ellen questioned as she wavered a hand, "But seriously, you're not screwing around with me are you? I mean a humans for (partial) life not just for a convenient plot point."
He produced a small smile to himself, "I'm not. Ironically I wanted you out the door since our first contact on Earth." He said tapping away at a small console by the med table. "Now…not as much." He said looking at her. "I only need to keep you focused, you've worked out everything else by now and can give yourself, your own advice…you've turned out fine and there's nothing for us to worry about in the future…"
Her eyes brightened despite the rough edged comments here and there that made her day, "Thanks Ratch, you know sometimes I felt pretty lonely among you guys, I thought I only had him."
Ratchet gave a sympathetic look but also felt a little low, "You know that's not true." He said, "I think you'll find that, you were just captivated."
She lay on the table hooking up the patch to certain parts of her body and hummed fondly, "Probably, he had a lot to say, or maybe it's how lively his optics look, despite everything…he's still strong." She shut her eyes slowly, "What I wanted to be really…"
Ratchet activated the patch, "And you are." He said as Ellen's robotic forms optics came online, "There is always a reason to carry on in this life." He said helping her sit up.
"But before that, you have to have several breakdowns of fear?" she said. "Because, I pretty much crumbled."
Ratchet shrugged, "Well they do say that the only way to be brave is to be scared first."
Ellen spun her legs around as she stood up clenching her fists a little, "I don't feel tired at all." She said jumping up and down as a sort of warm up.
"Don't speak too soon." He said as he placed his hands on either side of her shoulder. "And don't get distracted, you seem to become oblivious with…'younger'… 'Faster' bots as well as your own personal flaws." He said looking to the side attempting to be subtle.
"Pfft, are you kidding? The 'energy' is fine in small doses, I like loud and fast, but I prefer steady action, just enough to keep things interesting." She said turning silent as she looked him over, "I'll see you later than? Guardian?"
"Where else? and don't call me that." he replied quietly. Without a sign of movement she suddenly sprinted forward into him taking a grip on his forearm, "W-Whats wrong now?" he questioned with a startled tone.
"j-just preparing you for what I will do when I get back." She said tightly shutting her optics, "To give you a heads up that you may want to send for all your dignity…" she trembled saying.
He placed a hand on her helm, "I lost that when coming here, I don't think there's any left now." He said lightly as he separated the grip she had on his arm, "N-Now, we're wasting time." He said making her move, he then looked past her shoulders to the others who also were saying there farewells, regretting the sight he looked to the ceiling, "As I've said we're wasting time, and the others have said their farewells." He told her in a strong way.
She dipped her head, "I know…being nosey, I've acquired good hearing." She told him softly. "It's really not the same though is it? Being here then there?" she shrugged, "I don't know, I guess it's like when people saw moving images for the first time, after a few decades, we got used to it." She looked to the med table again with the Immobilizer set to one side and picking it up she clenched her fist around it in a slightly frustrated way, "This is a very poor attempt at mimicry for time-lapse." she muttered to herself then relaxed as she looked up only half acknowledging him. "Wait for me, when I'm done with Cybertron." She said in a somewhat serious tone.
Ratchet shook his head to her known outbursts, "Just, don't be on bad terms before you leave, trust me…it can haunt you." he told her as she turned to walk up to the Groundbridge controls.
"Not this time." She said leaning her hand on the lever but was swatted at as she flinched.
"Now you're trying to take my post?" he said shooing her away as he input the coördinates.
With the order given and everyone confirming that they were ready to go, Ratchet pulled on the lever, opening the portal as the most of the group were now silent with nothing more to say after verbal farewells, it was better that way.
With a look upon the Bridge Optimus approached Ratchet both exchanged knowing optics as Optimus expressed fondly, "Until we meet again old friend." And offered his hand as a firm shake was met.
Ellen made herself a part of the group of Autobots as she kept looking at the members of her race, and made it known to make a small wave with her fingers, she felt a small tap on her shoulder as she looked up to Ultra Magnus, "Let's move." He told her.
"I…" she started as she tried to shift to one side.
"If you make yourself the last to go through, it will only be harder." He said giving her a light push in the right direction, "Don't look back, only forward." He added.
Despite instinctive protest in her head, he was right. She had said her goodbyes but it was only temporal after all but it still felt a little cold, "See you later guys…" she thought taking point with Ultra Magnus, though she had to focus on the portal to distract her still. "I don't like you…" she said to him without spite.
"Contradiction…" he said, "So you agree with me." He finished guessing she said that just for the sake of it.
She started mumbling, "I guess, but that doesn't mean you can get back up on your high horse."
He gave her a light push, "Get moving." He said as she was pushed through the bridge before even a motion of a bewildered 'hey!'.
Then with her through, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack, Smokescreen, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Arcee made their way through the portal, as the humans they were departing from watched on boldly. Lastly Optimus made his way towards the portal as he turned to acknowledge them all, met with fond smiles he nodded to them all before making his way through gradually, residing on Earth for many years, now returning to Cybertron, their human family counting down how many buildings it would take to rebuild until they were able to return…
A/N 10/03/14 I know Bumblebee's *Death* description wasnt necessary, but...i'm not right in the head okay? :P so, there might be a wth thrown in there maybe? now to continue on to the movie for the finale, of course it wil be in parts but may not be as long as the movie itself :P it was hard on deciding where and who she is with through it all but seeing how its the last part for her i thought i'd go for the more appropriate decision...well in my opinion anyway :)
so hope you find what i do next alright. please R+R, Follow, Fave...that is, if you like it :P
also check out this (minus some of the full stops but hey i didn't want to take any chances :P)
h.t.t.p.:././.a.n.g.e.l.w.i.n.g.s...d.e.v.i.a.n.t.a.r.t...c.o.m./.a.r.t./.B.e.c.a.u.s.e.-.w.e.-.c.a.r.e.-.a.b.o.u.t.-.y.o.u.-.m.i.k.o.-...437888439
if it doesnt work then you can find on my deviant page under favourites.
this was done by along with some other ones with Ellen or my other oc Eve, but check her page out for other artwork. angelwings5952 that was really cool of you so thank you for that :3