Chapter 4

Autobot Base….

"Stasis," said Ratchet, looking at Arachnid through the glass. "She deserves worse."

"I intended worse," replied Arcee. "More times than you know."

"You are stronger for the choice you made." Stated Optimus walking up behind her.

A sudden honking drew their attention as Bulkhead sped through the entrance into the main hangar, transforming and waving his arms in excitement.

"Guys, you are not gonna believe the day I had…" he began.

He paused when he spotted Arachnid's frozen expression through the pod glass and turned to look at Ratchet and Arcee, receiving blank looks from them.

"You too, ha?" he remarked.

"Bulkhead, please keep your voice down. We do not wish to wake our guest." Said Optimus.

"Who? Arachnid?" asked Bulkhead, who obviously seemed confused.

"It's okay, I'm awake." Said a voice behind them.

Turning to the raised level behind them, they saw the human was leaning on the safety rail, using it to support himself. How he had got from the bed to the side without making a sound was a mystery. Looking at the pained expression on his face, it was evident that his leg was still hurting.

"I assume I have Jack's mother to thank for the bandages?" He enquired, carefully choosing his words as he would have to from now on.

"Who's that?" asked Bulkhead.

That set the rest of questions off.

"Good, you're awake." Said Arcee, eager to get answers. "Who are you and how do know about us?"

Ratchet was just as eager. "Where did you hear the name Orion Pax?"

"Okay, maybe you will believe the day I had." Commented Bulkhead, who just stood there wondering why the kid was dressed in black. Was he going to a funeral or something?

Alex remained calm during this barrage of questions. When the Autobots were finally silent, he looked at Optimus and stated, "Optimus is there somewhere we can talk in private?"

The Prime looked at Alex for a few seconds before walking up to the rail and extending his servo for the human to climb up on. When he saw that the boy was having trouble standing up on his own he offered his other servo to help him up. Alex thankfully accepted the help and proceeded to stand awkwardly in the giant's hand, clinging onto a digit to balance himself. Optimus then headed to the elevator that would take them to the top of the base. Once there he set the human on top of the huge rocks that allowed him to be at waist height with Optimus.

"We shall not be disturbed up here." Assured Optimus.

Alex looked at the view around him. The view from up here was spectacular. He could even make out the two rock formations in-between which he had materialized.

"Be calm." He thought. "He won't hurt me, I hope."

"Optimus Prime," he began. He had had a few hours to think about he was going to do this, and hopefully he would be clear enough.

"You need to understand that what I am about to tell you is completely true. It is the situation as I see and understand it. I do not have physical evidence to support it, but I ask to please believe me when I explain.

The Autobot nodded.

Alex took a deep breath. "The last time I checked, you were a story. The story of Transformers Prime. A show chronicling the adventures of the Autobots led by their leader Optimus Prime in their battle to protect planet Earth from the Decepticons led by Megatron. An animated TV series created by Hasbro, the owners of the Transformers franchise, a toy line created in Japan more than 20 years ago. The franchise growing from toys to kids cartoons to even 3 full length films, with a fourth being produced right now. Do you still follow?"

A calculated frown had appeared on Optimus's brow.

"Continue." He said simply.

Alex continued. "While the show was intended for kids, I must admit I was a fan. I watched every episode when they came out. The last episode I watched was the 7th episode of season 3. The conversation you just had with the other Autobots tells me that we are between episodes in the middle of season 2, which means if this world is mirroring the events in the show or vice versa, I have detailed knowledge of events to come." Alex took another deep breath. "And I think that's why Megatron wants me."

Alex looked to the ground, unsure of the next part.

"One moment I am walking along the waterfront, the next I am falling through what I can make out as a groundbridge portal. When I woke up, I was lying next to that road." Alex pointed in the direction. "I walked to Jasper where I managed to work out where I was. That's when I saw Megatron's approach and had to attract Arcee's attention. I hoped my message would get through to you. I apologize if I upset Arcee with my remark. I needed her to believe me."

His story finished, Alex waited for a response. Optimus remained silent for a few moments.

"What is your name?"

"Alex. Alex Matthews."

The prime looked at him. "It would stand to reason that Megatron was somehow responsible for your arrival here, Alex. It is imperative that we find out how, as to attempt to send you back home. I will not deny that if in Megatron's control, you are a dangerous weapon. I also see that you were wise to inform only me of this, as it would cause issues to arise with the others. I will keep your secret, if you promise to keep it alike. As I understand it, your existence was never noted in this 'TV show?'"

"No." confirmed Alex. "Therefore I ask you go about your business without getting me involved. For instance, you will soon launch an attack on the decepticon warship, due to what Bulkhead will tell you shortly. I cannot interfere with that in any way. I cannot provide details either. I hope you understand my reasoning."

"Somewhat." Replied Optimus. "I will come up with a lie about who you are to tell the others, as well as ask Agent Fowler to assist me in the cover story."

"Thank you." Said Alex, glad that that had gone well. "Oh, and Optimus?"

"Yes?"

"You forgot to give Raf that snowball you promised him."

To be continued….