Saiyan Prime
"C'mon Raion." Arcee pleaded.
"No." Raion said.
"C'mon, why not? You used to love doing it."
"When I was little." Raion stated. "I'm too big and too old for you to be doing that with me now."
"What's going on?" Miko questioned, coming to be the peace broker between the mother son argument, as Raion was sitting on the couch in the bunker, with Arcee in her hybrid form in front of him.
"I'm trying to get Mr. Sourpuss here to do some of the bonding we used to do before his coma." Arcee said.
"She's been at it all morning. You're not even in your robotic form." Raion said.
"What are you trying to get him to do?" Miko asked.
"I'm trying to convince him to let me put him in my chassis, like I used to do with him when he was younger. I'd have to wait for Jack to return with my other half obviously, but I think it'd be fun to do it again." Arcee smirked.
"Whoa, dude you know what would happen if you did that?" Miko asked. "Your moms Cybertronian belly would be huge."
"I don't even wanna think where you're going with this Miko." Raion groaned.
"Seriously, you'd make her look like she was pregnant with at least four Cybertronian babies." Miko said. "Please Raion? I'd really like to know what a pregnant Cybertronian looks like."
"Miko… That's not how Cybertronians pro…" Raion was at a loss for words groaned, at the face she was giving him. "Fine, I'll do it. But only after Jack goes home, while mom still has her other half with her."
"Alright." Miko cheered.
"Wow, I've been trying to wear him down all morning to agree to it, yet you ask once and he instantly says yes." Arcee said with an amused smile. "What kind of powers of persuasion do you have over my son?"
"Never underestimate the power of a girlfriend." Miko said.
"We went on one date, we are not a couple." Raion argued.
"Hey, where are Bulk and Bee?" Miko asked.
"They're scouting out an energy signature found in the arctic." Raion said. "It's unclear when they'll be back."
"Bulkhead to base. I'm needing an immediate Ground Bridge. We found something."
~Later~
"I told you Doc, we're fine." Bulkhead stated, pulling one of the sensor cords from his body.
"The only way to be certain you're fine Bulkhead, is to endure standard defrosting procedure." Ratchet said, forcing Bulkhead to remain seated. "You know prolonged exposure to sub-zero conditions, can cause permanent system damage."
"So, why are they fine in the vacuum of space, but they freeze up in the arctic?" Miko asked.
"Space is an endless void, devoid of any oxygen." Raion said. "The oxygen within earths atmosphere, is what allows the cold to take hold of the Cybertronians bodies, and freeze them up like they're freshly caught fish. But without oxygen for their bodies to cling to, they don't run that risk while in the void of space."
"Oh I get it." Miko said. "So it's like how fish still need air to pass through their gills to swim, but when you put them in water without any oxygen, they just die from drowning."
"You get the gist of it at least." Raion chuckled.
"Ratchet." Optimus said, coming to the medic. "Have you learned anything more about our arctic find?"
"Not yet." Ratchet stated. "The pod can't be opened while it's frozen solid."
"Then open up a ground bridge back to the arctic." Optimus said, Arcee coming up next to him in her Cybertronian form. "Arcee and I will search for any clue, which might explain the origin of our arctic find."
"Only until your sensors sound." Ratchet said. "Remember, once your core temperatures drop into the blue zone, system failures are likely."
"Mom's one third Kryptonian now." Raion said. "She should be able to survive the cold of the arctic no problem. The only thing she needs to worry about with her body, is when she'll get to eat or use the bathroom next."
"Wasn't expecting to be pulled onto this mission." Arcee said, before looking to Raion. "Sorry kid, looks like your chassis time will be put on hold until I get back."
"The longer you're out there, the better." Raion sighed.
Arcee looked a little hurt hearing this, before Optimus put a hand on her shoulder.
"You're going to the arctic?" Raph asked, coming up next to Raion and Miko. "I've always wanted to see snow."
"Sorry little man, but that's a no go, on you go." Raion said. "You'd die of hypothermia within minutes. The conditions there are too extreme, even for someone like Optimus, or any Cybertronians really."
"So why don't you go since you're a Kryptonian, and you can handle those conditions?" Miko asked.
"I'm only one third Kryptonian, same as mom." Raion said. "But I can't go, because mom grounded me from missions for a while, after the whole Skyquake fiasco. She says she'll only lift my grounding, if I choose one of the colleges that offered me a scholarship. But since it's Saturday, I'm not gonna decide just yet."
"Yeah, all day to relax." Miko cheered. "Who wants to hit the hot springs in Tokyo?"
"Not gonna happen." Ratchet stated. "We're already running low on Energon as it is. We can't afford any needless expeditions."
"I've actually been working on something at my ship. I could hitch a ride to the arctic with mom and Optimus to go there and save some time." Raion said.
"You're grounded from missions."
"Am I grounded from conducting experiments in my own ship?" Raion asked.
"Stay in the bunker." Arcee stated.
"Fine." Raion huffed. "I'll just fly there when you're gone."
"What was that?" Arcee asked.
"Nothing." Raion said before walking off.
"Raphael." Optimus said. "You might not be able to come along, but I will bring you all back a snowball."
"That would be awesome." Raph smiled.
With their piece said, Optimus and Arcee went through the Ground Bridge, before it closed on them.
"Transport complete." Ratchet said, turning to the controls, before pulling back as they practically exploded. "By the All Spark."
"So, what do you think we should do?" Miko asked.
"I'm heading out for my ship." Raion said. "I stashed it in the arctic, so I'm going there to work."
"Not happening little man." Bulkhead stated. "You're staying put."
"Oh come on you to?" Raion questioned, before he huffed in frustration.
"Arcee asked me to make sure you stay." Bulk said. "An' don't even think about using that secret to blackmail me."
"Fine." Raion huffed.
"Bulkhead, Bumblebee. Here, now." Ratchet called to them.
"So, what happened in the fight against Skyquake?" Miko asked while Raph and Jack played video games.
"I used a new transformation I had scanned." Raion said. "Thing is, when I scanned it I was practically his size."
"Seriously?" Miko gasped. "What did you transform into?"
"A gorilla."
"An' did you scan, a Cybertronian sized gorilla?" Miko asked.
"No, I scanned the Silver Back Gorilla we saw at the zoo during that class field trip." Raion stated.
"Hmm, that is weird." Miko said.
"Do you think the size change is just an affect of your Cybertronian power?" Raph asked.
"Possibly." Raion said, getting to his feet. "I'll have to go up top to test out what this may mean. If possible, I could probably become as tall as Optimus, or remain as small as the animals I scan, at will."
"Wow, he really is a scientist if he's gonna perform an experiment with only one transformation." Miko said.
"Actually Miko, Raion isn't like the other Cybertronians." Jack stated. "He can scan as many animals, and different species as he wants, without losing any previous scans."
"What, how do you know this?" Miko asked.
"It's not actually a secret. Ratchet explained this when Raion got back to the base, after scanning the gorilla." Raph stated. "All he has to do is access the file he has on that animal."
"Oh, I missed that because I was in stupid detention." Miko sighed.
"Bulk, Bee, Ratchet." Raion called out, instantly flying through the base an extremely worried expression on his face. "We've got a problem."
"What's go you so spooked little man?" Bulk asked.
"Scraplets." Raion stated. "They've eaten quite a bit of the base already."
"Scraplets, are you certain?" Ratchet questioned.
"Yeah, I'm certain." Raion said, showing them his tail, revealing there was a Scraplet there, trying and failing to eat it.
"Scraplet." Bulkhead cried out.
"The hell are Scraplets?" Miko questioned as Raion destroyed the one chewing on his tail, with a Ki blast.
"The most dangerous vermin ever known to Cybertronians. Cybertrons equivalent to cockroaches and termites." Raion said. "Difference is, they can easily be killed, so long as you can find them. The only problem with that, is they're never alone."
"So you've got an infestation of mechanical roaches, what's so bad about that it would cause Bulk to scream like a girl?" Miko asked, coming to the conversation with Jack and Raph.
"Scraplets are dangerous to Cybertronians Miko." Raion stated. "They eat metal, the Cybertronians, myself included, are comprised of metal."
"The metal comprising your body is just armor covering your actual flesh. But is doesn't seem like the Scraplets can pierce your armor. Must be your Kryptonian biology at work." Ratchet said. "How many more of them are there?"
"Enough to completely fill that hunk of space junk Bulk and Bee brought back. Because that's where they came from." Raion stated.
"Scrap." Bulk cursed.
"By the All Spark." Ratchet gasped, looking at one of the monitors, to see the ice had completely melted around the container, and there was a giant hole in it. "How could I have not noticed sooner? If we don't get the Ground Bridge up and running again, Optimus and Arcee could die."
"Mom will be fine, she's got Kryptonian genetics now." Raion said. "But Optimus is a different story."
"What are we gonna do?" Jack questioned.
"I'll act as bait for the Scraplets, and lead them away from the Ground Bridge controls." Raion said. "Problem is, they've probably gotten to the Energon fuel line at this point."
"So how do we fix it?" Bulk asked.
"Unfortunately, it's too small for Cybertronians to fix." Raion said. "Scraplets have no interest in flesh and blood, so you three should be able to fix it with Ratchet's instructions, without much trouble, while he fixes any damage caused here. Scraplets only target metal."
"So we're the sacrificial lambs for this project?" Miko asked.
"No, he's right." Raph said. "We're not made of metal, so the Scraplets won't be interested in us at all. We just gotta be sure not to draw their attention to us, while we're doing the repairs, otherwise they'll go for the Energon fuel line again."
"Ratchet?" Raion asked.
"It's risky, but we don't have any other choice." Ratchet stated. "The Scraplets have already managed to cut our communications off from Optimus and Arcee."
"I think I might have an animal for hunting down these pests." Raion said. "Trouble is, I won't be able to defend myself right away once we find them. I gathered quite a few scans from the zoo during the field trip."
"I've got your back Raion." Miko said.
"That leaves Raph and I to do the repairs." Jack stated.
"Alright, if you're sure you can handle it." Ratchet said. "I'm patching into your phones now, so I can guide you through the repair process."
"Alright Raion, do your thing." Miko smiled.
Raion nodded, before he concentrated on his body, and began to transform. Jumping back through the air, Raion landed on all four paws, as he transformed into a robotic cheetah, big enough for Miko to ride on like a horse.
"Whoa." Miko gasped.
"That is so cool." Raph smiled.
"Amazing. Now you'll be able to run away from the Scraplets once you find and draw their attention to you." Jack stated.
"Nice transformation there kid." Bulk stated.
"Buzz, beep, bop, boop." Bee said.
"Not quite." Raion said. "I might be faster then the average cheetah due to my size and super speed, but even I will have a hard time outrunning a whole swarm of Scraplets, even in this form."
"Well like I said, I got your back." Miko stated, mounting Raion's back like he were a trust worthy steed.
"Ratchet, as soon as you get the Ground Bridge up and running, open it to mom and Optimus's current location, I have an idea on how to get rid of all of the Scraplets, for good." Raion stated.
"Be safe you four." Ratchet said.
"Alright, Team Prime…" Raion began heading in the direction of the hall, leading to the Energon Pipes. "Let's role out!"
~Arctic~
Things were quiet in the arctic tundra, as Optimus and Arcee both made their way through the snow and ice. The wind howled, yet Optimus could tell there was something wrong with Arcee.
"Is there something troubling you, Arcee?" Optimus asked.
"It's Raion." Arcee sighed, knowing she couldn't hide this from a Prime. "It's just… I feel like he's pushing me away, like he's not wanting to be as close to me as he used to be. An' it kinda hurts."
"Arcee, the boy is simply growing up." Optimus said. "He'll act like he doesn't care, but deep down he will always see you as his mother. Because you are his mother."
"Organic lifeforms are so complicated." Arcee stated.
"Just as you and I are." Optimus said. "All species and races have their troubles, and we can't expect to know right away, the solution to problems that may arise."
Arcee smiled when Optimus said, that before they both took notice that Optimus's Autobot Emblem flashes blue, indicating their time in the arctic is up.
"Optimus to base, core temperature readings have reached the blue zone." Optimus stated, accessing his intercom. "Prepare to activate Ground Bridge." All the Autobot got in response was static. "No response."
"That's bad." Arcee said. "But there is a solution to the problem. Raion's Kryptonian ship is stashed here in the Arctic, so we can hide out there and figure out how to get in contact with the base. However…"
"However?"
"I'm not certain how long you'll last before we get there." Arcee stated. "We're quite a ways away from the ship. I'll be fine thanks to my new Kryptonian biology, but you're still pure Cybertronian, so I'm concerned we might night make it before you freeze up."
"Then we'd best make haste." Optimus stated.
~Raion~
"You know… if it weren't for the fact that these things eat Cybertronians, they'd make for some great pets, they're pretty adorable." Miko said, examining a Scraplet that was currently biting on Raion's jungle cat ear.
"There might be a way for me to domesticate them to live peacefully with Autobots, but that'd be a bit of a stretch." Raion stated, prowling through the hall, with Jack and Raph by his side, while Miko still sat on his back.
"How would you do that?" Raph asked.
"I'd need the lab on my ship to do it, but I think I can make them hostile towards Decepticons only." Raion said, before stopping. "We're here."
Raph, and Jack turned to see the leak that Raion had been looking for.
"Alright, let's get to it. We gotta work fast." Jack said.
~Ratchet~
"Does anyone else find it strange, that none of the Scraplets have attacked us yet?" Bulkhead questioned, guarding Ratchet as he repaired the damage.
"That thought had crossed my mind." Ratchet said. "Maybe they found something that's keeping them preoccupied, and away from us."
"Or maybe they're just waiting for the…"
"RATCHET!" Raion shouted, his voice echoing through the base as he came racing through the halls, still in cheetah mode, with Miko still on his back. "OPEN THE GROUND BRIDGE NOW!"
"Scraplets on our tail." Miko shouted.
"Literally." Raion said, showing there were some Scraplets on his. "Open the Ground Bridge then hide. The swarm's right behind us."
Punching in the coordinates, Ratchet activated the Ground Bridge, before the three Cybertronians moved down the tunnel, out of the Scraplets sight. No sooner had they left the main chamber of the base, did the entire swarm of Scraplets come flying through the air, giving chase to Raion.
"Miko, stay here." Raion said, sliding to a stop, allowing for Miko to hop off. "You won't survive in the cold of the arctic without proper equipment."
"But what about you?" Miko questioned.
"I'll be fine. Just go." Raion stated, before he went running towards and through the Ground Bridge.
~Arctic~
"We're almost there big guy." Arcee said, as they neared the hidden location of the Kryptonian ship. "It's just a bit further, you can make it Optimus Prime. You're not one to ever give up when the odds are stacked against us."
Optimus was having trouble staying conscious, as he was beginning to succumb to the harsh weather of the arctic. Just as Optimus had reached his limit, falling to his knees, the light of the opening Ground Bridge brought their attention to the open rift through the fabric of space. It was still a good distance away from them, but they knew Optimus's salvation was at hand.
"They managed to fix what was wrong." Arcee smiled, before her eyes widened, when Raion came running out of the Ground Bridge in his cheetah form. "Raion?"
"Down, get down!" He shouted, before diving into the snow, and covering himself in it.
Before either Arcee or Optimus could question what Raion was doing, their optics widened in horror, when the swarm of Scraplets came flying through the air, straight for them, as they lost sight of Raion, while having locked their optics on the duo of Autobots.
"Scraplets?" Arcee questioned.
Before Arcee or Optimus could move to avoid them, the Scraplets began freezing up, and just hit them like a bunch of flying stones that had been thrown at them. Coming out from the snow, Raion looked to Optimus and Arcee, sighing in relief when he saw they weren't being chewed on by the robotic parasites.
"I'm gonna need, a really good explanation, as to why you left the base, despite still being grounded mister." Arcee stated.
~Afterwards~
"So the item Bulk and Bee found, was a Scraplet trap huh?" Arcee sighed. "Guess I shouldn't be too upset with you for leaving the base then."
"You shouldn't be upset with me at all." Raion stated, looking over Optimus's vitals, while back to his normal hybrid form. "I left because it seemed they were more interested in me then the others. Which meant I was the only one who could have acted as bait to lure all the Scraplets away."
"Did you get rid of all of them though?" Bulkhead asked.
"I didn't destroy them, if that's what you're asking." Raion said.
"Why not?" Ratchet questioned. "Why keep them alive?"
"They're safely contained within stasis on my Kryptonian ship." Raion said. "The computers are running diagnostics, to see if we can't, use them to our benefit against the Decepticons. In fact I think one might be done right now."
Heading for the Ground Bridge controls, Raion put in some coordinates, before he flew through the open bridge, and a second later came back with a sleeping Scraplet in his arms, and two panels on his back.
"I'll hold Scrappy for you." Miko said.
Handing off the sleeping Scraplet to Miko, Raion set up the two panels, both of them set apart.
"What are you planning Raion?" Optimus asked.
"Well, it occurred to me Scraplets had to come from somewhere on Cybertron, and I realized they were created from excess energy Primus was unable to contain, and their original purpose was to devour that energy to make sure all of Cybertron remained safe." Raion said.
"What brought you to that conclusion?" Bulk asked.
"I ran a few tests on the Scraplet I destroyed when I notified you about them. The one that was biting my tail?" Raion reminded. "Anyways, I noticed that their matter converters, were originally meant for energy, but had evolved for solid matter, when I dissected it. That's when it clicked and I looked over some old legends about Primus after his battle with Unicron had ended."
"Uni what now?" Miko asked.
"A Cybertronian deity dating back to several millennia before Cybertron even existed." Raion stated. "Anyways, I found the Scraplets programming mainframe, and had the Kryptonian ship do the reprogramming, while keeping the Scraplets in stasis."
"What's that mean?" Ratchet asked.
"Watch this." Raion smiled, taking Scrappy back from Miko. "Wake up Scrappy."
The Scraplet began to power up, before it opened its eyes, spotting both the panels.
"Miko, mind removing the tarps over the panels for me?"
"Not a problem." Miko smiled.
Removing the tarps, Miko revealed that one of the panels had the Autobot emblem on it, while the other had the Decepticon emblem on it.
"Alright Scrappy, chow time." Raion said, letting the Scraplet go.
The Scraplet remained in the air, and with whirling teeth, flew straight for the Decepticon emblem. To the Autobots shock, the Scraplet devoured the panel faster then they'd ever seen a Scraplet eat anything before. When the panel was gone, the Scraplet landed on the ground, and crawled its way back to Raion, before hopping up on his shoulder, and nuzzling into his cheek.
"Remarkable." Ratchet said.
"Why didn't it go for the other panel?" Bulk asked. "An' why isn't it coming after us, not that I'm complaining."
"The panel with the Autobot emblem on it, was untouched because Scrappy here was repurposed to only eat not only non-living metal, but also anything with the Decepticon emblem as well." Raion said.
"Meaning these new Scraplets will only attack Decepticons." Arcee said. "That's why you gathered them all up in the arctic and took them into your ship. You plan on unleashing them into the Decepticon war ship."
"Only as a means, of last resort." Raion said. "Until then, most of the Scraplets are gonna remain in stasis, unless they're needed for something."
"Why most?" Bulk inquired.
"Because Miko's taking a liking to Scrappy." Raion sighed, as Miko was now cuddling the little Scraplet. "An' I have a feeling she's not gonna be letting him go, anytime soon."