The Human Prime
Chapter 5: Taming a Wrecker
Artemis tapped two fingers against Sam's cheek. She only groaned slightly, but then began snoring again. Artemis attempted to wake her again, but had similar results. She left her to sleep for a bit longer and filled her own backpack with all the materials she would need then returned to wake her up. Tap, tap, groan, and then snore.
"Sam, wake up." Artemis shook her violently, but still heard snorts and snores. She began to grumble underneath her breath for every shake, growing increasingly frustrated. Ratchet looked over his shoulder at Bulkhead who was standing near the entrance of the base.
"Shouldn't you be at Miko's house?" He looked at Bulkhead with the oddest concern for Miko's punctuality, in which she had none.
"Not yet, but I have to take Sam to school now too." Bulkhead watched Ratchet groan and shake his head.
"Don't remind me of their presence. They were a constant pain in my circuits yesterday. How small beings can make so much noise is beyond me. It is a relief that I'll at least get rid of one of them this morning." Ratchet shuttered simply recalling the other night which unfortunately for him was moving in night.
"Come on doc, there not all bad. Even Optimus likes the company of one of them. Maybe you should give them a chance." Bulkhead thought in his head that Sam would drive him up the wall since she is almost a replica of Miko. Before he could say anything more, he heard a thud and then screaming. Both bots looked over at the stairs where Sam was lying at the bottom of, screaming up at Artemis who resided at the top. Artemis tossed down the backpack to her.
"There you go Bulk, finally up and ready for school." She bent down and opened a box, rummaging through its contents.
"You don't have to be so rough." Sam growled back, but then saw Artemis pull out a frame welder.
"I didn't have ice water. Now go! You'll be late for school." With that, Sam and Bulk took off to pick up Miko for school. Artemis gave off a heavy sigh then looked at Ratchet who was rubbing his brow. "I'm sorry this must be…infuriating. I promise once things get settled that it will be more discreet." He looked up at her and grumbled.
"I doubt that." He waved her off then went off to the back somewhere. She sighed at the lack of progress and looked up into the rafters. Noticing a metal walk way she put down her welder on the coffee table and went into the elevator. Artemis noticed several buttons and pressed the one above the current level. When the door finally opened she stepped out and found herself high above the ground floor.
She looked around and noticed it was more of a lookout post for watchmen and probably a popular place to go on lunch break. Artemis jumped and found the metal platform sturdy, it didn't budge at all. She shook on the railings and found that they were sturdy as well. Walking the length of the platform, it only ran along the diameter of the main room. Examining the walkway more closely, Artemis also found that it was recently repaired and several bit marks, but nothing that would lessen the strength.
"I guess this is where I can set up a bedroom. Just a little reinforcement and we can sleep up here where we won't be disturbed and won't disturb others." She particularly thought of Sam's snoring and Ratchet's reaction to her guaranteeing silence. "Good thing I keep a sheet of metal around for quick fixes." She headed toward the elevator to get started.
Back Rooms of the Autobot Base
Optimus noticed Ratchet as he was heading back to the main room. He was mumbling to himself as he carried various objects in his servos. It was obvious that his old friend did not feel comfortable with the arrangement he had developed with the new female children.
"Ratchet." He watched as his friend abruptly stumbled and clung to his parts. Before responding to Optimus' call he cleared his throat.
"Yes, yes what is it Optimus?" His attempts to keep all his repair materials I his metal arms failed as one part hit the ground and he let out a groan.
"You seem troubled." Optimus asked with one raised eyebrow before picking up his friend's part.
"Forgive me I'm just a bit…flustered with how things are right now." Ratchet pinched his brow and pondered before saying what he said next. "Must these humans live here with us? I mean perhaps they would feel more comfortable at one of the other children's homes or even with Agent Fowler. This is not a children's home." They began walking together back to the main room.
"It would be complicated to explain to the families of the situation. In addition, it would be wrong to impose them or Agent Fowler to look after a human that the Decepticons are restlessly searching for. I have a feeling that the two girls would not react lightly to being under government protection." He put a hand on Ratchet's shoulders. "Perhaps it would be best to learn the experience Ratchet. I believe that you would have a lot to gain by giving these children a chance."
"What could I gain from humans, much less human children?" Ratchet sighed after thinking it over. "Maybe I am letting my pride blind me of my ignorance again." He frowned when he thought about how defenseless he felt when Rafael was dangerously ill.
"I have had the privilege of having a conversation with Artemis. I find her quite intelligent and eager to learn. I think you would be wise to have a similar conversation before determining if you can or cannot learn from them." When they returned to the main room, they could not find a trace of Artemis. All of a sudden they heard a crackling noise above them. There was Artemis, welding a sheet of metal to the railing of the upper level.
On the Nemesis
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT YOU LOST HER?" Megatron screamed at his subordinated who returned from their mission.
"She was not at the hanger Lord Megatron." The grunt Decepticon bowed his head lowly and looked back at his master. "My guess is that the Autobots have brought her with them on our last encounter."
"Are you telling me vital intelligence is in the hands of Optimus Prime!" Megatron grew more furious towards the young warrior who retreated away from him.
"Forgive me Lord Meg-" He didn't get a chance to finish before his master took his mask in his claws and threw them across the room. The purple spider-like femme bot walked towards Megatron with her head low.
"Lord Megatron, I could locate the human and bring her back. My trapping skills surpass those of all other Decepticons." Airachnid saw another bot walk up next to her, his larger form more impressive than that of hers.
"My lord I can bring the human back without fail." Dreadwing bowed to his master, but Megatron growled and looked over at his screens.
"Silence!" He thought for a moment as his subordinates fell silent. Megatron looked over at Soundwave who was waiting for his Lord's command. "Soundwave, monitor the area. Take Knockout with you. I'm sure our little friend will show her face sooner or later."
Autobot Base
"Why are you moving all of your stuff way up there?" Ratchet asked, watching Artemis moving boxes to the elevator.
"Not all my stuff. Just clothes and such, all my other things are staying down here." She kept moving things into the elevator avoiding his true question.
"But why?" He asked again getting a little aggravated. Artemis paused, holding a box in her hands. She bit her lip and looked down.
"So we won't bother you." There was a long pause where Ratchet was just staring at her in disbelief to what he heard. "Anyways, this way we both don't have to suffer the horror of Sam's unbearable snoring." She gave him a smile then pressed the elevator button. When she got to the next level she could hear Ratchet yelling below her.
"Yes, well, is it really safe for you to be sleeping up there?" He sounded genuinely concerned. It was a true development in their relationship.
"I reinforced the railing with metal sheets so we can't roll off the side." Artemis yelled down the looked at the little corner of walk way that she made into a haven. She had already brought up the mattress and blankets so it looked like a bedroom. She put the boxes of clothes in a row behind the bed as if it were a dresser. A bucket of water on top of an empty box with toothbrushes next to them lied a few inches from the foot of the bed which marked the makeshift sink.
"Hmm." Ratchet watched her moves boxes toward the fenced off area of the upper level. "Hey, um, could I speak with you for a moment?" Artemis was taken back and looked down at him.
"Alright." By the time she got down there he was over near sick bay. She hung on the railing as he attempted to find words.
"Well, I was, I mean, if you want to talk you can talk." He said awkwardly and at first she just stared at him.
"You were a field medic…during the war for Cybertron, right?" She bit her nail wondering if it was appropriate to bring up such a subject.
"Yes, yes I was." Ratchet raised his eyebrow suspiciously.
"So…you must have seen a lot of good bots…decease." She walked over to a box of books, ones she all owned, and brought over a journal.
"Yes, I did." He said with a depressing tone. Opening her journal, Artemis opened up the journal a few pages in.
"Primus sends memories to me and not all of them are very…exciting. Some are painful and saddening. This book I filled with the names of the Autobots I saw K.I.A." Folding the cover of the journal to the back, she read off a few names then stopped. "I get other memories of them, good memories, before I see them pass. I get attached to them before I see them die." Artemis stopped trying to remember her point. "I want to know more. I want to know they didn't die in vain."
Ratchet didn't reply right away. He was a little lost in the names that were read off to him, matching the faces as they echoed in his head. Then he looked down at Artemis who looked almost gloomier then he. He realized then that she wanted answers and closure that perhaps he could provide.
"I can, I will, help as much as I can." Ratchet said sheepishly. She smiled and laughed nervously. Artemis was about to say something more, but then the others drove in from there day.
"Whew, that was tough." Sam groaned, pulling a full backpack over her shoulder. "I'm exhausted." Bulkhead transformed after Sam got out and rubbed his neck. Bringing Sam to Miko's then both of them to school, patrol, picking Sam up from school only to have to go back and pick Miko up from detention seems a bit too much for him.
"I feel bad for making you push yourself so hard Bulkhead." Artemis stood at the stairs in complete concern.
"Ah, I'm fine. Nothing a Wrecker can't handle." He laughed though he was noticeably tired.
"Wait, Wrecker! Bulkhead! I totally forgot! You should take us to see Wheeljack!" Sam shouted and looked over at Rafael who smiled at the thought.
"Wheeljack, he's here?" Artemis all off a sudden felt dizzy and held onto the railing near the stairs.
Artemis POV
I could see my eyes through the reflection of the machinery near the stairs, they were blue. The actual scenery around me became blurry and I could barely hear anyone talking anymore. Finally, I saw Wheeljack shooting at a Decepticon who was firing back at him. Everything went blurry again and then I saw him standing with all the bots. I could hear Wheeljack talking to them.
"Maybe I should explore, see if this rock suits me." He smiled at his partner Bulkhead which smiled at him back.
"You'll need an earth based vehicle form." Bulkhead gave a little laugh while Wheeljack pondered the suggestion then smiled. Before I knew it, I could see everyone staring at me, Sam particularly standing in my face.
"Artemis you okay? Was it a memory?" Sam knew all about my memories and by this time could tell the signs of when it occurred.
"I agree, I think we should go talk to Wheeljack." I said to them ignoring Sam's concern which she took as a sign that everything was alright. "We can ask him to be your guardian Sam."
"Wheeljack, be a guardian for a human? That'll be the day." Ratchet laughed sarcastically.
"I know Wheeljack's type. He craves excitement. I think after meeting Sam, he'd jump at the chance to be with her." I looked at Ratchet who didn't seem convinced then looked at Bulkhead who shared a similar facial expression.
"Well, alright, after I pick up Miko, we can go see him. I'm sure he could use a familiar face anyways." Bulkhead finally said reluctantly.
Canyon 10 Klicks North
Artemis stood in front of the others in her armor. She could not risk being out in the open without taking the proper precautions. In fact, she already felt as if earlier on the way here that she was exposed. Sam was so excited that Miko and Bulkhead together could barely contain it. It wasn't till she could see the Jackhammer in the sky.
"He's here, he's here." Sam ran up to join Artemis to watch Wheeljack land. They managed to locate a spot for him to hide his ship on his visit. When Wheeljack landed and exited the flyer, Sam was all over him. Circling him like vulture while talking so fast that her words were nonsense.
"Who's this kid?" He backed up when she stopped and began inching towards him. Miko wrapped her arms around Sam to calm her down which was a nice change of pace.
"That's Sam; she's living with us back at base." Bulkhead gestured for to his partner who came in a pounded his fist.
"You're Wheeljack! Oh my gosh, Artemis look it's his signature grenade!" Before Sam could continue, Artemis clamped a hand over her mouth and drew her back.
"She's a big fan of you. Your stories are what keep her going sometimes. Though she can be overbearing at times, so be patient with her." She screamed up to him which made Sam become extremely embarrassed. Wheeljack let out a laugh and brought his hand away from its place on his hip.
"I'll keep that in mind." He looked over at Miko who was beaming up at him as well. "You keeping my favorite Wrecker in one piece?"
"More or less." Miko held one of her elbows and began swaying back and forth. Artemis stepped forward and let go of Sam. Wheeljack immediately took notice to that and became acutely aware of her threatening his personal space.
"I need to ask you something Wheeljack. Not to be disrespectful since we just met, but I need to ask a favor of you." She pointed up at him. "And I know that, being a Wrecker, you'll get the job done." He let out a small chuckled.
"What's the favor?" Wheeljack crossed his arms and noticed Bulkhead seemed aware of what the human girl was going to ask.
"I want you to be my Samantha's guardian." She stepped out on a limb, hoping that he would completely shoot the idea right off the bat.
"Do I look like a babysitter?" It was obvious that the job didn't appeal to him. Though, Wheeljack did not give a disgusted look but one of interest.
"Looking after two hyperactive teenage girls is too much for one bot, even for a Wrecker like Bulkhead. I feel bad for him to have to be both of the girls' guardian bot when he is only one bot." This was the part where she tied his connection with Bulkhead into perhaps guilt tripping him into doing what she wanted him to do.
There was a long silence in which Wheeljack was looking between Artemis, Sam, Miko, and Bulkhead. Artemis on the other hand kept her eyes on his expression. She could tell that he was mauling it over. Though, she wasn't certain what it was that appealed to him.
"Alright." Everyone's jaws just dropped when his words drifted in the air. Bulkhead was the one who was the most surprised with his partner's agreement. "On one condition."
"I'm listening." Artemis was relived he was being cooperative since his reputation was that he was a bit stubborn.
"Beat me in something." His smile was wide and opened his arms wide. "Anything, just do something better than me and I'll be the kids guardian."
"Anything hm?" Artemis looked around, but the others were a bit concerned.
"Forget it Artemis, I'll just walk to school. You can beat a bot; he's twice the size as you." Sam put a hand on her shoulder while Miko grabbed the other.
"Bulkhead can take Sam to school; I'll just get my host parents to take me to school. Sam just goes back to the base anyways so she only needs a guardian for the times between school." Miko looked over at Sam who nodded.
"It doesn't matter, I can handle it Artemis. It's fine, I'm fine. Just don't worry about it." Bulkhead insisted, but by then it was too late. Artemis already had an idea.
"Engineering." She announced in between the bickering of the others to her opponent. She pointed to the Jackhammer. "Bulkhead, blast both thrusters identically. Wheeljack, we're both going to repair the damage. Any good engineer can fix anything with a torch, a little sealant, and spare wire."
"Artemis, listen. Wheeljack is pro at engineering, especially on his own ship." Before Bulkhead could finish, he noticed Artemis' smile that was firmly planted on her face.
"I know what fun would it be if I tried to beat him at something he's NOT good at." She gestured toward Miko and Sam as she continued to speak. "Sam, Miko, go get my welder and tell Ratchet we need some supplies. We'll start as soon as we have enough supplies for the both of us."
Hours Later
Artemis and Wheeljack stood on opposite sides of the flyer. The damaged thrusters were almost completely identical. Bulkhead had spread the word to the others, minus Optimus who seemed to be out Energon scouting, and the joined to watch the match. Sam held a blow horn in her right hand looking between the two of them. Artemis was propped up on a lift so that she could get going with repairs right as the horn blew.
Wheeljack accepted Bulkhead to help pass her the supplies as long as he would stay silent as she worked. The rules, complete repairs to the thruster before the other, no sabotage aloud. Artemis looked over at Sam who was to start them by the horn.
"Alright, three, two, one." Sam blew the horn and the two opponents got to the grind stone. Wheeljack looked as if he knew what to do right away while Artemis paused for a second and reviewed the damage before starting. The humming sound of the welders against metal echoed in the canyon.
Bulkhead watched eagerly as she grabbed piece after piece from his hand with amazing strength. The most amazing part was that he had nothing to comment on, she was performing every step with correct precision. Wheeljack was working by himself and now and again looked over at the other side to find Artemis hard at work.
The minutes drag on into hours of vocal silence, only the sound of them working on the wiring of the thrusters. Sam was rather surprised to see despite Artemis' obvious disadvantage in size; she was working just as quickly as Wheeljack. The sun was running out of worth wile light so many of the Autobots turned their headlights on for the competitors to continue working. Wheeljack was finishing up the last wire when the blow horn sounded. He stopped and looked over at Sam.
"What's the big idea?" He huffed a little annoyed, but then saw Artemis standing next to her. His mouth parted in disbelief.
"Artemis is done." Sam smiled and hugged her tightly. Wheeljack looked at his own work before walking over to the other thruster. The panel that was removed in order to expose the damage was replaced marking completion. He looked back over at Artemis who was smiling at his reaction.
"Why don't you try it out?" She said which caused him to think she was toying with him. Despite that, he went inside to test the repaired thruster. To his surprise, it worked swimmingly. When he came back out, Artemis had pushed Sam closer to him. "She has to get at school before 7a.m and has to be picked up at 2:30p.m. Other than that, it's all up to you what you do with her, but she has to be back at base before 10:00p.m."
"Right." He simply said defeated, but then smiled which somewhat surprised everyone. "You got some real spunk, I never would have thought."
"Call me complicated." Artemis smiled, from the very beginning she knew that's what she would have to be, Unyielding, daring, and a little wild. Because that was how you dealt with a Wrecker. Wheeljack knelt down as far as possible and began to talk with Sam; they would be spending a lot of time together.
Aboard the Nemesis
"You located her?" Megatron asked his trusty spy as he walked into the control room. Soundwave brought up a photo he took of the human standing with a second human and the Autobot called Bulkhead in a canyon. "Which explains why you did not seize her, but why do you dare return to me empty handed regardless?"
"Megatron, I didn't think I would ever see such magnificence in my entire life." An unknown voice echoed from behind Soundwave, who stepped aside for his master to see. The voice belonged to a human suited up in black and purple metallic armor. Megatron believe the armor to remind him of a Decepticon, which made him curious of the human.
"How did you get on my ship?" He almost growled out. Something as lowly as a human to be on his ship disgusted him.
"I have ways, but the question you should be asking is why." The human removed the helmet that had covered her face till now. Megatron noticed a striking resemblance to the very human they were trying to track down with the human standing before him. "I request an audience with my lord."
"'My Lord'? You're bold to suggest that you have any affiliation with me, human." He looked at her for a long time and found that the markings on this one girl were different to those they were trying to find. "Proceed."
"For years I have been searching for you Lord Megatron. For the soul purpose of serving you; it is my destiny. As for how I would be useful, you may only need to look at markings on my face and arm." She removed her gauntlet to show him the markings that were on her arm. "Unicron was my teacher, but it is obvious that you are the one and only ruler of darkness since his passing. Allow me to use my gifts, my knowledge, and my resources to assist you in any way possible, my liege."
Megatron thought about her request deeply. The human had proven she was indeed advanced in her species by simply getting aboard the ship. The markings intrigued him and with her knowledge of Unicron, she must have some vital intelligence to offer. There was question she did not answer which gave him the most chance of allowing her to stay.
"You bare quite a resemblance to a 'guest' we had aboard the ship. She, too, had markings on her flesh. Do you bare a relation with her?" He noticed her body become tense for a moment then a smirk crawl across her face.
"She was once one I called my sister, but destiny had turned us enemies. I had her blood tinted on my fingers and thought her dead until ten years prior to our meeting today when I felt her presence." She bowed her head to him once more. "If you want her, I will gladly bring you her head."
"I am sure you are not suitable for such task, but I will allow you to attempt since you clearly bear scorns against her." Megatron could see he could gain a lot from the human and once she ceased being useful she would be easy to kill. "What is your name my new ally?"
"Mira. My name is Mira." Mira smiled up at her master then mumbled under her breath. "And so the curtain rises on me, and shall fall on my dear sister."