The Children of Solaris

Disclaimer: Transformers are the copyright of Hasbro and Takara. This work of fiction is written solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit.

Author's Note(s): This story picks right up after the events in my previous story, The Return of the Thylacine. Most of the locations mentioned are real places in Ohio.

This story follows Season 2 of the G1 Transformers, but should also be considered AU for several reasons:

1: The setting is modern day instead of the 1980s. Some liberties have been taken.

2: Some concepts from later renditions such as the All Spark and Primus will be acknowledged.

3: The elements and subject matter of the story will deal with mature themes that would not be found in a series targeted at children.

Chapter 2: Optimus Prime vs Big Riggs.

Prime traveled as quickly as he could, which proved difficult for a vehicle of his size. The country road winded around like a snake with its many curves and sharp turns. He dispatched Ratchet and Wheeljack to find and patch up Powerglide while he caught up to Ironhide. The old autobot was banged up, but could manage. The beast of a semi bore into him like a linebacker and pushed him off the road, but instead of another attack, it drove off. Prime locked onto it and told Ironhide to follow. His built-in GPS showed a nearby road that would serve as a shortcut to head it off.

He managed to increase his speed, although his trailer bounced around more than he liked. The other semi seemed like it was trying to get somewhere in a hurry. He was convinced it wasn't a Decepticon, but definitely one of his kind. He turned onto the road ahead of it and positioned himself so that the truck couldn't so easily plow through him. Ironhide was now in his robot form and crouched down in a ditch with his blaster readied.

Soon bright headlights appeared in the distance as the other semi made its appearance. It showed no signs of slowing down or stopping.

Prime tried to radio it. "I know you can hear me. I don't want to use force. I order you to stop!" he ordered.

No response came from the other truck as it kept its course.

"Stop right now!" Prime ordered once more as he prepared to stand his ground. He recalled the time he played chicken with Motormaster and won, and now he dreaded having to go through that again. The two trucks collided with one another, neither backing down. The purple one started to tire quickly and was forced to revert to robot mode. It was a massive purple robot with silver and indigo accents. It was kneeling down on all fours and panting.

"Uhhhhhhhgggggg," Prime groaned painfully. His chassis ached all over, but he was still standing and in alt-mode. Ironhide jumped out of the ditch with his blaster aimed at the purple Cybertronian. "Don't move!" he growled.

"Riggs!" a voice shouted as a motorcycle leapt up like a shooting star and landed in front of its companion. It converted into a feminine robot of around ten feet and pointed two long, sharp-looking blades at the larger robots. Although weak, she was willing to fight to the death if need be. Her giant companion summoned a rifle and aimed it directly at Prime.

"Get out of our way, Big Boy!" it said in a loud, but equally feminine voice. With a struggle, she stood up to her full height. She was the same size as Optimus, although her bulk was distributed evenly between massive shoulders and hips.

It was Optimus Prime's turn to transform. He could tell they were unwell. It puzzled him why they were willing to fight on in spite of their current condition. The larger one he guessed was an older, seasoned Cybertronian that had witnessed many things in her time. The smaller bot was younger and her face was curiously painted white with red markings.

Ironhide moved closer to Prime. "You're not going anywhere!" he growled.

"Wanna bet?" hissed the motorcycle.

Riggs clutched her chassis as she dropped to a knee. She realized she injured herself in the collision. The other truck was her size, but he was no ordinary Cybertronian and healthy. She set aside her rifle and dropped to all fours again. "Please…" she pleaded.

Before Prime could respond, Beachcomber and a Jeep Renegade came upon them. The dune buggy transformed and ran to Prime as fast as he could. He spoke with desperation in his voice, "Prime, you have to let them go!"

"It's Pixie," the Renegade cried. "She might not make it…"

"What!?" said an astonished Prime. "I understand now. Beachcomber, lead us to their friend."

The motorcycle sheathed her weapons and bowed before Prime. "Thank you," she whispered, with glints in her blue optics.

Prime transformed and allowed Beachcomber and his companion to lead the way. He turned to Riggs and said, "Can you transform?"

"I'll manage," she answered, and reverted to her semi. She would risk her own hide for her girls. "Stardust, you spot me."

Ironhide transformed. He was still bitter about the dents in his chassis, but he was willing to let bygones be bygones. These ladies weren't Decepticons, but who were they? The name Riggs sounded familiar, but he couldn't recall where he heard it before,

Tracks sat just inside the tunnel entrance. It was now dark outside and seemed to make the place appear as dreary as it smelled. He now held the robot named Pixie in both arms. She had fallen unconscious from her fever. He didn't know what else to do but tried to comfort her. The Decepticon symbol hadn't escaped his optics, but she didn't behave like one. He wondered if she was a defector. Although rare, it wasn't unheard of. He gazed out across the bridge ruins to see a party of headlights approaching, led by Optimus Prime, Beachcomber, and the jeep. Tracks secured Pixie in his grip and quickly jumped into the creek and scaled up the bank. He stopped in front of Prime. "She's lost consciousness," he informed.

"The methane gas is in my trailer," said Riggs.

Prime transformed. "No, that gas belongs to the humans. Tracks, bring the little one to me. Ironhide, help me administer an emergency infusion."

"I'm on it!" said Ironhide, as he summoned one from his own reserves. "She's tiny. I just hope we're not too late."

"So do I," responded Prime, as he personally injected the unconscious Pixie with the infusion. He entrusted her back into Tracks' care for the time being. He contacted Omega Supreme to return to headquarters for energon, extra supplies, and a few extra autobots to lend them a hand. They would need to set up a temporary base until everything was resolved. The group of newcomers needed medical attention and at least one was still at large.

Riggs transformed and walked up to Prime with an angry look on her face. "Now you listen to me, Big Boy! I'm grateful for you helping the baby, no one tells me and my girls what to do!" Sick as she was, she was a mama bear when it came to them. She wasn't about to let the large autobot come between them and their needs. They didn't harm the wildlife and she was worried about Road Rage.

"Mind who you're speaking to, lady!" growled Ironhide.

Prime's optics narrowed slightly. He wasn't the least bit intimidated. "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. While I emphasize your plight, I cannot condone your stealing from the humans. Many of them are my friends and allies. You have put yourselves int a dangerous position."

Beachcomber and Trailhawk approached their respective leaders. The latter spoke up, "Riggs, he's right. Beachcomber told me the Autobots and some of the humans are working together. There are Decepticons on this planet too. If they find out about Pixie, we aren't strong enough to take them on. I think we should return the fuel and let the Autobots help us. And what about Road Rage? If she's wandering around scared…it might cause a lot of dangerous misunderstandings."

"Road Rage?" questioned Prime.

"She's the missing of our group of five," Riggs explained.

Stardust, who had been silent the whole time, kept eyeing Tracks suspiciously. At length she walked up and poked him in the side with the hilt of one of her swords. "Hey Riggs, doesn't this pretty boy remind you of her?"

"I beg your pardon!" huffed Tracks. He did not appreciate being poked and prodded.

Clearing his throat, Optimus Prime said, "We can discuss this in detail later. The little one's needs take precedence. We need to head back to base where you can rest and be treated by our medical officer. I will send some of my team to go out looking for her."

The small group of female Cybertronians fell in line and transformed. There were still feelings of distrust towards the Autobots, save for Trailhawk. She stayed close to Beachcomber and was the most willing to follow Optimus Prime. Pixie was laid inside of Tracks. It was too early to tell for sure, but she appeared to be resting easier. Prime led the group back to their basecamp. Ratchet and Wheeljack set up a makeshift hospital. It was really just a large canopy tent-the kind used for revivals. Two were on loan from a nearby country church. Sparkplug agreed to make a reasonable donation in exchange for their uses.

The gas collected from Riggs' trailer was transferred to one of Hope Iron's own tanker trucks. Then she and her companions were led inside the canopy and made to lie down next to each other. They were greeted by Ratchet who gave each a single infusion, and a second to Pixie. It would have to do until Omega Supreme returned.

Beachcomber was in there sitting beside Trailhawk. She and her companions were in stasis. Tracks and Ironhide were sent on patrol. Wheeljack traveled back with Omega Supreme. Ratchet and Prime were standing over Pixie.

"She's a Decepticon," the medic said quietly.

"Former I would guess," remarked Prime. "They seemed adamant about protecting her from them. I've never seen a Cybertronian of her make before, She must be very young."

"And very cute," added Ratchet. His optics scanned her from head-to-toe. Her chassis was thin and petite, and all black, save for her gray face, servos, and feet. Her oval head was crowned with two antennae, and the four wings with propellers gave her an almost butterfly-like appearance. "Wheeljack has a hunch that she may be some kind of high tech drone."

'I sent Wheeljack with Omega Supreme. He's going to see if Teletraan 1 can tell us anything about her."

Magenta eyes opened up to blurriness. The fever persisted, but the Pixie was free of delirium. She woke to the sound of strange voices talking around her. A large silver and white head gazed at her with surprise. "You're awake," it said. The tiny robot tried to scream, but her vocals came out like a shrill whisper. She was too weak to move, save for closing her eyes and shaking like a leaf. The head smiled gently, "Easy now. You're amongst friends. I'm a doctor. I'll make you something to help with that pesky fever."

Another head peered down at Pixie. She tried to tuck herself into a ball. There were autobots everywhere she looked. The doctor's hand stroked her back with reassurance. "We're the good guys. I need you to calm down and lie still. Can you do that for me?"

"I'll try," she whispered. With a little effort, she rolled onto her back. The doctor placed a thin strip of flowing energon over her forehead. Its cooling effects felt nice. He gave her a kind smile and said, "Is that better? You're being very brave."

Pixie nodded. Her optics glanced at the larger robot. He was as massive as Riggs, but his shape suggested a more masculine design. Although too ill to use her scanning software, Pixie got a sense he was someone of importance. The cyan of his optics were piercing, but not cruel. The doctor smiled again and placed a hand on the larger bot's shoulder.

"This is Optimus Prime," the doctor introduced. "He is our leader."

"You and your friends are under my care," a deep voice murmured from within the large Autobot. "I have energon and more medicine arriving for all of you."

From her peripherals, Pixie could see three of them resting to her left, but Road Rage wasn't among them. Upon this realization, she began to cry. Optimus Prime's hand was placed over one of her own tiny ones. "You're safe now."

She whispered. "Where's Roadie? Why isn't she here?"

Prime gently patted Pixie's hand. "I have some of my team out looking for her. For now, you should focus on getting well. My medical officer, Ratchet, will be here if you need anything."

"I'll try, but why are you being so nice to me? I…you probably know?"

"Know that you were a Decepticon? Actions are what defines us, not symbols. A simple act of kindness can sometimes change a life."

Glints steamed down Pixie's optics and she hugged Prime's hand. "Thank you so much." She lay back down to rest as he suggested.

Prime gently caressed Pixie's head before standing up. He reminded Ratchet to rest when Hoist was off duty at Hope Iron. He stepped outside the canopy to find Sideswipe and Bumblebee returning with the Witwickys. He greeted them and briefly filled them in on the new developments. Sideswipe looked at the canopy and remarked how crude it was. He peeked to get a look at the group. He whistled at the lot. It had been eons since he had seen a bunch of female Cybertronians. Bumblebee just shook his head.

Bumblebee marveled at the large one. "I never thought you'd have to play chicken again, Optimus. Are you okay?"

"I'm a bit achy from the ordeal, but I'm okay," he reassured the young autobot.

Spike was busy building a fire. "But she wasn't a match for you, Optimus Prime. Why didn't she back down?"

"Because they were all low on energy and the youngest was in danger of shutting down, Spike."

"You mean they were starving? So that's why they stole the gas, right?"

Optimus nodded affirmatively. "Exactly. At least one of them is unaccounted for and may be in trouble."

Sparkplug unloaded firewood for the fire. "No doubt we're talking about the red corvette."

"Her name's Road Rage," said Beachcomber as he walked out of the tent with Sideswipe following close behind. They joined the others around the fire.

"That's a telling name," Sparkplug remarked.

Beachcomber had a somber look on his face. "More than you know."

"What do you mean?" Bumblebee inquired.

"It was something Trailhawk said earlier: If she's wandering around scared…it might cause a lot of dangerous misunderstandings. It's been on my brain module all evening. I can't be certain, but that and her name might suggest that she could be unpredictable and dangerous."

"Sounds like my kind of lady-bot!" Sideswipe asserted.

"Would you be serious," retorted Bumblebee, frowning. "These Cybertronians aren't Decepticons, but we really don't know much about 'em. They know nothing of Earth. We all know how easy it is to be fearful of something we don't understand. It happens with humans all the time."

"Ain't that the truth. I might." Sparkplug muttered.

Optimus was deep in thought for a while. At length, he radioed Tracks and Ironhide. "This is Optimus Prime. Have either of you found any sign of Road Rage?"

Ironhide was the first to respond. "I ain't seen any sign of her, but I've heard about a car fitting her description stealing gas and frightening humans up in a place called Nelsonville and surrounding areas. I tried going up there, but my damn chassis started aching something fierce. That lady truck really did a number on me."

"Come on back and take a rest, Ironhide. I'll send Sideswipe up there to investigate, and I mean just investigate," Prime responded and gave the lamborghini a sharp glance.

"I'm not tired, I'll accompany Sideswipe," said Bumblebee.

"Very well, but be careful," said Prime. He immediately radioed Tracks again. "Tracks, this is Prime. Do you copy?"

The voice of Tracks came over the frequency. "Sorry for the delay. Tracks reporting in."

"You had me worried there for a minute. Where are you?"

"I'm headed back from some human college town-Athens I think. I haven't seen any sign of…" The corvette's voice choked up.

"It's okay," Prime said empathetically. "I'm beginning to wonder, myself. Even if Road rage is in fact, Sol, you must exercise caution. We don't know what she's been through nor what condition she's in."

"Very well. I'm in need of sustenance. I'm on my way back."

"Omega Supreme should return soon. Be safe."

Ironhide was the first to return. He brought more news with him. He visited a gas station on the way back that had been vandalized by a red corvette. It stole gasoline and inflicted damage on several vehicles, and nearly ran over several customers as it sped off. The manager also relayed that it was seen targeting two other gas stations within the past twenty four hours. Both county sheriffs and state highway patrol tried to apprehend the vehicle, but their vehicles couldn't keep up with it, and at least one witnessed it take off into the air.

After checking in with Prime, the autobot leader made him go into the medical tent to be looked over by Ratchet, who was now restocked with the medical supplies. Ratchet greeted and led him to the examination area. The medic worked out the dents in the old autobot's chassis. It proved to be a tedious job. After an application of ointment for pain, he secured an energon bandage around it. "You're one tough Autobot," he remarked.

"I'll say," a bellowing voice laughed. It belonged to Riggs, who was now awake. Her chassis was also bandaged, but the infusions and energon were helping her on the road to recovery. It would still be a while before she would be back on her feet. "Sorry for running you down."

The old van took a seat beside her bed. "I'm still plenty sore about it. You were desperate to save the little one. How is she doing anyway?"

"Her fever's going down," replied Ratchet. He was preparing another compress for her.

Riggs bowed her head. "Thank you for helping that baby. I love my girls and would do anything for them."

The medic nodded. "It's no trouble really. I'm turning in soon. A bot named Hoist will be around if you need anything."

Ironhide took another look at Riggs. "Pardon me, Ma'am, but did you ever frequent an establishment called Maccadam's Old Oil House back on Cybertron?"

"Maccadam's? Now talk about a blast to the past. I probably spent half of my reward energon in there." Riggs said with a laugh.

"I knew you looked familiar. You're that bounty hunter that was always beating 'ol Thunderfist at arm wrestling."

"Those were fun times," she reminisced. "But that was millions of years ago. Nowadays I spend most of the time just trying to survive and protect these ladies I've taken under my wing."

The old autobot nodded with understanding. "Must be tough going. Don't you worry none. Prime's got you covered."

"Riggs, you're awake?" whispered Trailhawk. " Have they found Road Rage?'

Ironhide turned his head towards her. "Sorry Ma'am, we haven't, but I found sightings of her. I had to turn back on account of my injuries, but we have two scouts on the job."

A short while later, Beachcomber and two humans walked inside. Beachcomber went straight to Trailhawk's bedside.

Trailhawk made a cute face. "Aww. Are these your pets?"

"Is she trying to talk?" Sparklug inquired curiously. It was the first time he heard native Cybertronian. He couldn't even begin to describe it, except that it sounded electronic.

Beachcomber explained, "They spent so much time just trying to survive, some of their systems are still shut down to conserve energy, including their built-in translators. She asked if you were our pets…"

Sparkplug walked up to Trailhawk and laughed. He patted Beachcomber on the arm and said, "Tell her we're friends, not pets."

The renegade tilted her head, She was confused. She couldn't decipher the sounds the human kept making. He was definitely a male and very intelligent. He was communicating directly with Beachcomber, who was now translating exactly what he said in Cybertronian. Trailhawk nodded. Beachcomber blushed and took her hands into his. "We all make mistakes. I'll be happy to teach you more about humans and the Earth. When you're fully functional again, you'll be able to communicate with him directly. He also told me to tell you his name is Sparkplug Witwicky and that the smaller human is his son, Spike."

Unlike the other humans who ran away, these two showed no fear. In fact, they appeared friendly towards the Autobots. Trailhawk smiled weakly. She wanted to properly greet them, but her body had resigned itself to resting. Fortunately, Beachcomber was there to help bridge the gap in communication. The human he referred to as Sparkplug appeared to display empathy. He spoke something in a gentle tone that she couldn't understand.

Beachcomber smiled. "He's saying he wishes you ladies a speedy recovery."

Trailhawk expressed a thank you. She closed her eyes again. Beachcomber remained by her side.

Ironhide yawned. "I think a nap's in order. You ladies should get some more sleep yourselves."

"Good idea," Riggs agreed. "If you're all going to sleep, who's going to stand watch? Little blue over there?"

Beachcomber laughed. "Goodness no. I'm a geologist, not a warrior. Aubots named Warpath and Jazz have the first watch. They're right outside the tent."

Riggs closed her eyes. A roly-poly robot with a mouthplate introduced himself as Hoist. He gave each lady an infusion mixed with nutrients and medicine. The latter had sedative properties. Ratchet had instructed Hoist the dose was so the ladies got the rest they needed in order for their bodies to repair as their energon levels replenished. Ironhide retired to a bed across from them.

Before drifting off, Trailhawk whispered, "Beachcomber, please stay with me." Her hand weakly tugged on his arm. The dune buggy blushed and complied. He lay down beside the renegade and wrapped his arms around her. "I'll be right here when you wake up," he whispered back.

Spike grinned. "Hey Dad, I think someone's taking a liking to Beachcomber."

The older man nodded as he pulled his son by the arm. "Maybe so, but I think we ought to let them be." They walked out and returned to the fire. Powerglide had been tending it. Prime was seated around, along with Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, Hound, and Mirage. Tracks, Ratchet, and Inferno were in stasis.

Wheeljack was in the middle of updating everyone. Teletraan 1 had no information in regards to the little drone, but did have some intel that Shockwave had used drone scouts to perform various tasks for years. These drones were non sentient creations, but it was evident Pixie had a spark.

Optimus Prime frowned."I fear only Pixie can give us answers. The poor thing is very sick." His mind was also occupied with many other things. He and Sparkplug spoke with the human representatives from the surrounding counties. They agreed to allow the Autobots to keep the robots in their custody on the conditions that they assisted with repairs and agreed to the terms demanded with the capture of the red corvette.

"Yeah," Wheeljack sighed. "I don't want to scare her, but what choice do we have? There's also some other news, Prime. The Decepticons are about again. Megatron's fully healed and what if he finds out about the ladies with that Road Rage still running around? We have to find her before they do."

"Have you heard from Bumblebee or Sideswipe?" asked Spike.

Prime gazed down. The blue of his optics glowed in the dark and were illuminated by the firelight. "Not for a while. Bumblebee said they found the trail she's left behind. That was hours ago. Nothing since."

"I don't like it," said Cliffjumper.

"Neither do I," Prime admitted. He groaned with pain.

Sparkplug placed a hand on the leader's side. "We're all worried, but you should get some sleep. You went through a lot today. I'm sure Jazz can take it from here."

"I'll watch his post," Mirage volunteered.

Optimus Prime relented. "Very well," he said while lying down on his back. "I shall get some sleep, but wake me if anything happens."

Miles away Bumblebee and Sideswipe drove through the outskirts of Nelsonville. It was a small town located in northwest Athens County with a population of 4512. It was mainly known for several things. It was home to Hocking College, Rocky Outdoor Gear, and the Hocking Valley Railway. It was also nestled on the outskirts of Wayne National Forest and the Hocking Hills. Both areas were popular destinations for outdoor pursuits. The two autobots were heading south towards the railway engine house and soccer fields. Both faced a narrow river.

"This blows. We've been scouring every alley of this backwoods dump with nothing to show for it. I'm getting tired," griped Sideswipe.

Bumblebee performed a scan. "This is the Hocking River."

Sideswipe snickered. "Figures they'd name a river after spitting."

"It's not the spitting river," corrected Bumblebee. "It's supposed to come from some Native American word meaning bottle or something like that. I think we're at a deadend. Let's head back."

"I'm still calling it Spitting River, but yeah. Let's get out of here," Sideswipe agreed. He drove off with Bee following close behind. They left Nelsonville behind them and traveled the backroads back to their base of operations. They turned onto Ohio State Route 356 and had reached the outskirts of Zaleski State Forest. A noise growled in the sky some miles away. The autobots at first dismissed it for a human aircraft when something alerted both on their monitors. It was two Decepticon jets: Starscream and Thundercracker. They were circling an area around a cemetery and appeared to be searching for something.

The two autobots transformed and darted into the dense woodland. Bumblebee opened the radio in his arm and proceeded to contact the others.

"This is Bumblebee, do you copy?"

"Bumblebee, it's Jazz. Prime's in stasis. What's going on?"

"We're hiding out in the woods. There's Decepticons in the area."

"We're a little low on power on top of it," added Sideswipe.

"Stay put. I'll wake Prime and send reinforcements."

"Okay," said Bee. He and Sideswipe lay down flat in the underbrush with their optics on the road. They kept silent and did their best to mask their presence as the jets circled around above like vultures discovering carrion. Above the treetops they could just make out a third object in the sky. It was shaped like a car and fired at the jets.