Twist of Fate
Chapter 2 – Guardianship

With the 15-hour long drive from Mission City to Tranquility, it was good to have the catastrophic fight far away from the rear-view mirror. When returning to hometown, Sam suggested perhaps the Autobots could hide out in the local abandoned junkyard. Ratchet thought it was a good idea. He was quick to open his web browser and searched google maps to find its location. Unfortunately, it was on the far side of town, which meant another half hour drive, but would be worth it. According to the map, the land was large. It would be a good place to take refuge. Deep within, would be safe enough for the Autobots to not have to remain in their alt mode.

While driving, Optimus did some research on the property. It didn't take long for him to learn all he needed to know. The land once belonged to a man named Jake Johnson, who passed away a couple years prior and now the property was left unattended. Johnson's surviving relatives had put the land up for sale, but no one had dared to try and buy it. Near the center, there were two buildings; one was a large garage and the other an old farmhouse.

Upon arriving at the property was a blackened sign saying, 'JJ's Salvage'. Just below the sign were locked up gates. Obviously, the sign used to light up.

"We've made it," Optimus announced. "Ratchet, send a coded signal for Ironhide to locate us. At the center we'll set up base camp."

"Yes sir." Ratchet answered.

"Bumblebee, can you get one of the teens to pry these gates open?" Optimus commanded.

He only had to wait a moment as Mikaela made her way passed the Peterbuilt, with a set of vice grips. Silently, she went to work on the dead bolt. Once done, she walked over to the truck, only to witness the driver's door swing open. With a slight smile, she climbed in, setting the tool on the seat.

Optimus carefully nudged the gates open, making his way through. He wasn't going to stop until arriving where the buildings were located. With all the car parts and other debris, it would provide great parts needed to do the repairs on the Autobots. And perhaps in time help bring Jazz back online.

Once Optimus stopped, Mikaela got out. There was hissing sounds before the noise of gears and metal shifting. Ratchet was quick in doing the same.

"About time. Wasn't sure how much longer, I was going to be able to handle being in vehicle mode." Ratchet slightly whined as he flexed his joints."

"At least you can transform," Bumblebee groaned as Sam stopped and got out of the tow truck.

"You can scope out the house," Optimus replied to Mikaela, "which belonged to the owner."

"Yeah, I remember," Sam answered. "Old Jake was always tinkering around. People would buy parts from him all the time, but when he died, his daughters had no use for the property."

"The house was built in 1900," Optimus added. "Jake's grandmother was born here. Over the years, the house was remodeled."

"The size of this place looks like it was a farm at one time," replied Ratchet, as he set to work to unhook Bumblebee.

"It was," Optimus answered. "Sometime during the 60s when the family no longer could afford the farm, they started an autobody shop, transforming the old barn into a garage. Once Jake's grandmother passed away, he began buying junk cars and selling them for parts."

"When did you find time to search all that up?" Sam asked.

"In the past half hour." Optimus turned towards the roadway back to the street. "I'm going to keep my optics out for Ironhide. Ratchet, start working on Bumblebee. When Ironhide arrives, our repairs will need to be done first." Transforming back into his alt mode, he carefully drove around everyone and left to wait for his weapons specialist. Sam and Mikaela went into the old house to tour around, while Ratchet continued to disconnect Bumblebee so the mech could relax easier.

Only one hour away from entering Tranquility, Ironhide and Lennox had a nice quiet drive. The whole time Katherine had slept. Lennox wasn't surprised how much she had exhausted herself. Ironhide, on the other hand, was tense, hoping to reach the others before the wailing human woke.

"Something's coming in on a coded channel," Ironhide suddenly announced.

Lennox lifted his head from the light sleep he was in. "What's it say?"

"It's from Ratchet. He's given me coordinates of where they are located. They've made it to Sam's hometown."

"Where's that? And why give a coded message?"

"Tranquility. You do realize the fight with the Decepticons is far from over? Any surviving ones won't be able to pick up the signal. Oh, they can try, but they are never successful."

Lennox sighed as he leaned back. "I feared you were going to say that." He glanced over to his sister. "I hope she will be ok. The last 24 hours has been very taxing on her."

"Her heart rate is normal and is in a very deep stasis."

"Stasis?.. Oh, you mean sleep."

Inside of the cab became quiet again as Ironhide continued on his track, keeping his sensors on the alert for when they'd reach the exit sign to get off the highway.

When Ironhide made it to the junkyard, Captain Lennox was radioed that he was needed as soon as possible back in Mission City. Lennox asked for a chopper to come and get him. With Katherine still sleeping, Lennox gently pulled his sister out of the truck and made his way to the house. As soon as Katherine was gone, Ironhide transformed and allowed Ratchet to work on him first.

Katherine woke an hour later only to learn her brother had to leave again. She was too distraught to do anything else other than turn away from everyone, attempting to go back to sleep. With her brother being in the army, he had a job that took presidency over family.

Just as soon as Optimus and Ironhide were repaired, Ratchet then worked on himself before attempting to reattached Bumblebee's legs. With the severity of the damage the young robot sustained, he wasn't going to be the same Camero as before, he was going to have some adjustments. While Bumblebee was being fixed, Ironhide offered to take the teens home so they could get some supplies. Sam knew his parents were released from Sector Seven custody, but it would take them a few days to be home.

When they returned to the junkyard, Ironhide took them right to the house. Katherine had woken at one point again but had disappeared upstairs into one of the three bedrooms. With Sam picking another room and Mikaela taking the last, they decided to let the Autobots know they were going to turn in. Other than the long drive, the kids didn't have much sleep in the last 48 hours and were exhausted.

Two days went by since Mission City and Katherine had remained completely silent. She barely ate and that was starting to worry Optimus. The teens tried coaxing her to eat but wouldn't budge. When no one was looking, she often would nibble on something, but wasn't much. Whenever one of the Autobots would try to approach her, she would just turn away and walk to another spot in the junkyard. She wouldn't even shower or change into something that Mikaela brought with her.

"This is getting too much," Ironhide snapped a little too loudly for everyone to hear, including her who was nearby, listening. "I mean, here we are laying low, wanting everything to calm down, which I don't mind, but she won't let us help her."

"Ironhide," Optimus hissed. "She has lost a great deal."

"And like we haven't. With all do respect sir, we fought the Decepticons for countless years and we have lost much, friends, comrades and even mates. We've even lost our home planet, which is now a waste land."

"Don't talk about me, like I'm not here."

Everyone stopped, turning to the woman. It was the first time she spoke since the day of Mission City and finding her boyfriend, dying in front of her. To Optimus's relief, at least it was a start.

"You want to know why I'm feeling like this?" she asked to no one in particular, but her eyes gazed to Ironhide. "You say you've lost loved ones before and been fighting for millions of years…well that's just great," she threw in sarcastically. "But, how did you feel when you lost your first friend, your first comrade, your girlfriend? And don't tell me that you don't remember because I know you do. I've been listening this whole time. I know you have thoughts and feelings like the rest of us. The only things that off sets you to being human is obviously your height and the fact you're machines."

She saw Optimus and Ironhide give a blank look. But there was also something else as well. Anguish.

"So next time you go asking me what the hell is wrong with me, think back to the first time you felt like that." She glared at all the Autobots before turning on her heel and leaving, heading back to the house.

Everyone was too shocked to say anything for the first several minutes after she left. Optimus was the first to respond.

"She is right," he agreed. He looked at Ironhide. "How did you feel when Chromia lost her life?"

"Furious," he answered after a few moments to think. "And I made the Decepticon who pulled the trigger pay. He was in the repair bay for years after that."

"Yes, but she can't do that. She can't make Starscream pay for his repulsive attack. The only thing she can do is mourn and then go on with her life like the rest of us. And in most of our cases when we've lost comrades in arms, we've never had the chance to mourn. We all know what we are fighting for. War leads to death."

"Mikaela," Sam interrupted. "Perhaps you could talk to her?"

With Bumblebee fully repaired, Sam had returned home when his parents arrived. That was quite the adventure for the male teen. His parents knew everything he knew, even about his car, Bumblebee. But while explaining to his parents everything, they were visited by the military and were sworn to secrecy on the matter. If they were to breach the contract, they would be sent to prison.

Mikaela snorted. "I have and she won't even acknowledge me. I'm afraid the only person who can help her is her brother but he's tending to military affairs."

"Speaking of meetings," Ratchet said. "Isn't there going to be something on the news today about the attack. The military did say they would come up with something."

"Indeed," Optimus agreed. "I'll patch into the frequency of the television network so we may hear what the report is about."

Everyone waited as Optimus patched into the right frequency. It didn't take long before a news report was being radioed through Optimus's radio.

"We are sorry to interrupt your currently scheduled program. Three days ago, the whole planet had lost communications. The reasons to that are still unknown but two nights ago Mission City was ravished by what people were calling as giant robots. Many lives were lost and buildings were destroyed. The government has assured what happened was nothing more but an isolated incident. It was a top-secret military operation that malfunctioned. The military and government are willing to pay for any damages and help with the mourning families. The Secretary of Defence would like to say a few words."

A few moments of silence went by before another man was heard.

"The Giant robots that have been witnessed were nothing more than military officers going against their orders. They built these robots to switch the blame off themselves. The officers involved have been placed under arrest and will be tried for court marshal. The areas affected have been temporarily evacuated. All civilians have been given alternate homes and new jobs provided to all of them. For those who lost loved ones and friends in the attack, there will be a large public memorial service for them as well as for those who wish a more private service. Services will be paid for. In a few days, we will hold an official press conference. Thank you."

"That is such bull shit!"

Optimus disabled his connection as he turned his attention on the woman who came back. He guessed she decided to take a walk instead of going back to the house.

"The military are covering up what those enemies of yours had done. Every time we've ever had something go wrong, the army steps in and says it's something they were testing. Either it's them or it's the government. Many people are beginning to ignore the excuses."

Sam walked over to the woman. "We're not saying you can't be angry for what has happened, but you must realize that the Autobots…"

"Can be just as dangerous as the ones who killed Charles."

"I've had quite enough of this," Ironhide hissed. Before Optimus could make the command, Ironhide had his cannons out, aiming down at the woman. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't end your life and then you can be with your 'Charles'."

"Ironhide!" Optimus snapped. He was angry with his weapons specialist for threatening the woman. But he did have to marvel the woman stopped her ranting and coward in fear. "Leave and go cool yourself off."

Ironhide was about to protest But Optimus saw it. He glared, and then barked. "Now!"

Sam flinched at the tone Optimus used. The last time he had that tone it was when Sector 7 kidnapped him and Mikaela. The Autobots came to their rescue but Bumblebee was taken hostage in exchange.

Katherine watched as the robot who saved her life storm away. She didn't know what to say. She knew she was being a bitch and treated the robots, who saved her, with disrespect. But how does one react, when almost everyone she knew, died in an attack the government was covering up, like they always did.

Katherine's attention was brought back to the robots as the tallest bent to her level. "I do know how you feel. I remember the first time I was in battle and I lost my mate. Mind you, she was rebuilt into another Autobot. You also could say I too died. Well my former body was beyond repair. I was rebuilt to what I am now. When I left Cybertron, my mate was still alive. I do not know if she is still alive, but it is something I can't think about. My men need me as do you humans who need protection."

Katherine looked into Optimus's optics and could see the sadness reflecting through the blue orbs. She lowered her head, feeling bad from blowing up like she did. "I'm sorry," she answered softly. "My emotions are in turmoil."

"And it's very understandable. Why don't you go back and allow this time to grieve? Your brother should be back in the morning."

Katherine nodded in agreement and turned away, taking her time to walk towards the house. When she was gone, Optimus gave a heavy sigh and turned, heading in the opposite direction. When he was out of earshot of everyone else, he saw Ironhide standing as if he was guarding the junkyard.

"Optimus," he said. "I don't know what happened to me back there. I'm sorry." He knew his leader came up behind him. The great leader's presence was detected before the tallest Autobot got too close. Optimus Prime was the only bot who could... would attempt to see him when he was pissed off.

"Why?" That question had so much power to it. It could just mean one or several questions.

"May I speak freely sir?" He turned to his leader.

Optimus nodded.

"Optimus, I feel like she has no regard for us. We saved her life... I... saved her life and all she can do is scream and yell at us for destroying her city."

"She is grieving."

"But that doesn't make it right for her to attack us like that. She should be more grateful the whole damn city wasn't destroyed. I guess you can say I lost it. I'm tired of listening to her whining and bitching."

Optimus raised a robotic eyebrow. "You've been learning more of the human colourful metaphors."

"Well listening to her and her brother, one can pick up such things. I thought she was going to blow my audio receptors when we finally got away from the massacre scene. She wouldn't stop screaming. She literally screamed herself into stasis."

"So, you became angry because of her screaming?"

Ironhide lowered his head, lightly leaning onto one foot while tapping his other. "I know it's not a proper reason, but you must understand she was in no danger. You already made it explicitly known we are not to harm the humans. She was in no immediate danger. The guns weren't even loaded. I just wanted to scare her...to shut her up."

"Well you did accomplish that. She did calm down and quite quickly I might add. Lennox contacted me a short time ago and told me he's on his way back. A couple of his men are bringing him here. You have been appointed to take Lennox and his sister back to his home. Once getting there, you will not be leaving unless I need you."

The weapons specialist raised his head, foot ceased tapping. "Sir?"

"Ironhide, you will have to get used to her whining and bitching, as you have been appointed as her guardian."

"What! But Sir…" This was a surprise.

"This isn't open for debate. What you did is wrong. I listened and understood why, but that doesn't mean you get off lightly."

"You know she won't like it."

"It wasn't up to her. It was Captain Lennox who requested you."

"Captain Lennox? He barely knows me."

"I would presume it because of his sister. You saved her."

Ironhide sighed. "When will he be arriving?"

"At first light. I already told Katherine to get some rest. I am now asking you to do the same. We all need rest right now."

Ironhide started walking back towards the back of the junkyard. As he past Optimus, Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder and walked with him.

"Who will be telling her of this unexpected team up?" Hints of displeasure was heard through Ironhide's vocal processors.

"Leaving it to Captain Lennox to explain it to her."

Early the next morning, before dawn, Katherine woke before anyone else. Upon exiting the backdoor, which was in the kitchen, she marvelled at how the sky was quickly turning from a darker blue to light, indicating the sun would soon appear over the horizon. She wouldn't be able to actually see the sunrise as there was too many junk piles of old equipment. As she walked away from the house the sky continued to get brighter. She soon came upon Optimus as he was silently waiting. But what was he waiting for?

Katherine slightly cleared her throat, getting the giant robot's attention. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

The Autobot leader, already had sensed her approach the moment she had stepped out of the building, looked down at the woman. She was still dressed in the blood and dirt stained dress, which made it nearly impossible to know the original color. Several tears were in the hemline. With swollen eyes, indicating she had shed many tears, he felt sympathy for her. Her entire appearance gave a constant reminder of the recent events.

"No, you're not. Listen, I spoke with Ironhide last night. He is sorry for scaring you."

"I'm sure he is," she said, slightly rude. "You said my brother is coming."

"He should be here soon." He stopped for a moment, looking up towards the entrance of the scrap yard and then back to her again. "In fact, I believe he's just arrived."

No sooner said, three military officers walked around a corner wearing formal attire. It was the first time she saw her brother wearing the uniform in a very long time.

"Oh good," Lennox spoke. "You're awake. Why don't you go and get freshened up? I was informed the old farmhouse has a working bathroom facility."

Katherine looked at herself. She could see Charles' blood all over her. The dress he had bought for her was completely ruined. She looked back at her brother before nodding her consent.

The two men, who came with Lennox, walked over to Katherine and handed her two duffle bags. One was full of her clothing that wasn't damage. But how was that possible? Wasn't her apartment in rubble?

"Will," she started. "These are my clothes."

Lennox noticed the question she was about to ask. "Yesterday, we were inspecting the damages and came across your apartment complex. Surprisingly enough only the top of the building was demolished. You were living on the second floor. From the fifth floor and up was ruined. We've enforced the building and have evacuated everyone currently still living. Even your cat made it through the ordeal."

Tears formed as a faint smile appeared on her face. Her cat was ok. For the past few days, she had not thought of the feline. Quickly enough, she turned away, making her way to the house to clean up. She was hoping her brother was going to be taking her away from the awful place. She knew the Autobots were the good guys but needed to get away from them, to let everything she learnt and witnessed, fully sink in.

"Optimus," Ironhide said as he appeared from around another corner. He sounded groggy. "What's going on?"

Optimus turned to his weapons specialist. "Captain Lennox has arrived, and he's convinced Katherine to get cleaned up."

"Is this where you're going to lay low?" Lennox asked. He turned to his two men and they walked away towards where they came.

"No," Optimus answered. "We have been waiting for you to return. Bumblebee is going with Sam and Mikaela. Ironhide is going with you. I have yet to figure where Ratchet and myself are going. Until things calm down, we're going to separate."

"Well perhaps here is a good place to remain," Lennox suggested. "Even from the road, we can't see you. I've already been in contact with the owners of the property and they've agreed to allow us to use it for the time being."

"That's very generous, thank you."

"Anything. I'm just glad you were able to save my sister."

Ironhide perked up when he heard a noise. "What is that?" He brought out his cannons.

Lennox turned as one of his comrades brought some more of Katherine's things over. In his hands there was a small white fluff ball. The furball was handed to Lennox before the two gave one another a salute.

"Sir," he said. "The admiral has agreed to your request to put the remaining possessions of Miss Lennox's into storage. These are the things you asked for."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Remind me to ass kiss the admiral the next time I see him. He's doing something that is way beyond the call of the duty."

The Lieutenant smiled. "I'll do that."

"What is that?" Ironhide repeated when the other officer left still aiming his cannons at the furry creature. Optimus came up to him and laid a hand on his arm. One look and Ironhide knew Optimus meant business. In quick action Ironhide lowered his arms, disarming his cannons.

Lennox looked at the Autobot. "This is a cat and she's Katherine's pet. Her name is…"

"Persia!"

Optimus and Ironhide looked behind them and seen a cleaned Katherine running towards her brother. Her wet hair was flowing freely. She quickly grabbed the kitten from her brother's arms and began to pet the thing and rub her ears. A low noise was heard coming from the animal.

Ironhide groaned. "Optimus…"

"Ironhide," he warned. "You know your orders."

By this time, Mikaela, Sam, Bumblebee and Ratchet appeared.

"Oh, what a cute kitten," Mikaela smiled. "I always wished I could have one. But my father was never home to look after one and I was too young."

Katherine quickly looked up as she heard gears shifting around. She turned to see the Topkick truck in front of her. Confused, she turned to her brother.

"For the next while, you'll be staying at my place. Sarah would love to see you again and I'm sure you'll love my daughter Annabelle. I haven't even seen her yet since she was born. And we're going with Ironhide."

"What?" she jumped. "With him?!" She pointed towards the truck. "No way."

"Katherine Alice Lennox. This is not open for discussion. You are my little sister and you just survived what could have been the end of the world. I have been under orders to have one of these robots as your bodyguard in case the surviving Decepticons come back."

"But why him?" Katherine whined.

"Because he saved your life and I like him, that's why. Now, get in the damn truck. We have a long drive ahead of us."

Lennox watched as Katherine mumbled under her breath, calling him a jerk as she climbed in the passenger seat. Lennox picked up Katherine's bags and placed them in the truck before getting in. Ironhide quickly revved up his engine and pulled out.

The Autobots could easily see Katherine was not impressed of her bodyguard, but she needed one. Captain Lennox's superior was right about the Decepticons. The ones who fled the battle, could and probably would return. Where she was a reporter, it was a high possibility she could be a target for the Decepticons. And the further she was away from the rest of the Autobots the safer she would be.