A Spark of Sand
I didn't grow up with the "Transformers" franchise, mainly because I was born in 1989 and my parents didn't get major cartoon channels until I was 3 or 4. Even then, little kid me would stumble across something I ended up enjoying and then fixate on it and ignore everything else for a good while. And, for whatever reason, I always felt as though I was locked out of the loop; my classmates and friends seemed to know all the latest cartoon, toy, and music trends LONG before I did and I ended up getting into whatever was popular either in the middle of or near the tail end of its current popularity. Something that hasn't really changed, if I'm being honest.
A shame, really, because if I had been introduced to "Transformers" early on, I probably would have really liked it. Growing up, I didn't really watch a lot of the "girl" shows and preferred stuff with spooky or more fantasy/action themes. And even if I heard about certain cartoons in passing, I wouldn't have known where to begin watching or what channel to look for (no internet then)! Plus, my TV time was limited and my mother was a bit strict on what my sisters and I were allowed to watch. So sadly, "Transformers" flew under my radar until I saw the 2007 movie.
Yes, my introduction to the series was the first of the Michael Bay movies and say what you want, but I still think "Transformers" is a really good movie, with the first sequel, "Revenge of the Fallen," being something of an occasional guilty pleasure. I didn't see the other movies, though; I may in time, but I will always consider the first movie to be one of my favorite films. And I went in blind; I knew nothing of the characters except they were giant robots who could turn into vehicles. But my best friend wanted to see it and I was happy to join him because, well, it made him happy. And then... I saw Optimus Prime for the first time and I was blown away by how kind and gentle this giant robot was. The minute I saw his face and heard his voice, I knew this was a character I would love. And I was right!
Sadly, life got in the way me exploring the franchise further and I was dealing with a LOT of personal issues for the following few years, so the only series I really saw was part of "Transformers Animated" with only a few clips of Generation 1. But I DID know of the 1986 movie and... yeah, I probably would have been heartbroken if I saw that as a child. I should also point out that the original "Land Before Time" was also a movie I loved as a child (and still do), so I was no stranger to horrifically sad scenes leaving an impact in the best and worst way.
But getting back to "Transformers," after seeing the first movie, my brain did what does best when I fixate on something new: come up with new scenarios. And I started making up my own stories that, sadly, I never wrote down until now. I recently bought the MLP/Transformers crossover books (sidenote, I enjoy MLP, but have yet to finish the series) and my youngest niece ended up LOVING the pictures of the characters and asking me about them over and over again. For the past few days, I have been compelled to write the origin story of the OC I came up with years ago, so here you are. Feel free to apply this to ANY of the continuities you see fit. And if you want to see more, well, I'll have to do my best in the future. But for now, here's my tiny contribution to the fandom of this beloved franchise.
~
"I think that should do it."
Wheeljack stepped back from the refurbished spacebridge with a satisfied look. The structure sat bolted in place by thick metal rods with an equally sturdy metal grill over its faintly glowing platform. A keyboard and screen were attached to the front of the bridge, awaiting an input of coordinates that would take any Autobot of Cybertron to some distant planet nestled among the stars. A daunting prospect, yes, but a necessary one.
A sadly necessary prospect, Optimus Prime thought with regret. The war with the Decepticons had been raging far longer than anyone would have liked and would likely continue until either Megatron opted for a truce (unlikely) or was taken offline. And even that was no guarantee for peace because the other Decepticons would likely continue the war until either they were destroyed or all of Cybertron was. And as it stood, the second scenario was looking more and more likely.
"Prime?"
Snapped out of his thoughts, Optimus looked at the Autobot who had spoken. Prowl was frowning at the spacebridge, his optics narrowed in suspicion.
"Are you certain about this?" he asked.
"We have no choice," Optimus replied. "The energon crisis in Cybertron is getting worse; our people are suffering. If we are to have any hope of defeating Megatron, we need a steady supply of energon."
"Of course, that's not what worries me. I'm more concerned about what we'll find on the other side of that bridge. We could end up with more enemies."
"We could," Optimus agreed. "Or we could find new allies who are willing to trade with us. If we can establish a relation with another planet, another race, we might be able to negotiate an exchange of goods from Cybertron in exchange for energon."
"What are you planning on offering them?" Ironhide asked, a small smile twitching across his battle-hardened face.
"That will depend on what they need and if they are open to such a trade. But we need to make this attempt if we are to have any hope of obtaining a steady supply of energon."
"Let's just hope Megatron doesn't have the same idea. He won't bother with trading."
"I know and I refuse to put other planets in danger. We must be discreet in our attempts and make sure the Decepticons cannot track us."
"No worries about that, Optimus," Wheeljack called. "I think this coordinate system will work. It's a fair distance from Cybertron, but there seems to be something on the other side that's responding to the bridge. You should be able to get there and back no problem."
"There better not be a problem," Prowl muttered. "The last thing we need to is get stranded."
"You'll be fine. And I'll be monitoring everything from this end."
"Thank you, Wheeljack." Optimus nodded at the inventor. "I know we can count on you." Turning to look at his assembled team, the Autobot leader called out,
"Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironide, Jazz and Prowl, you're with me. Wheeljack, keep the lines of communication open and if anything changes, report immediately."
"Yes, sir."
"Mirage, Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker, patrol the area and keep watch for any incoming Decepticons."
"Will do, Prime. Good luck."
"Autobots, roll out!"
The spacebridge glowed to life, pure white radiance emitting from under the grate as the machine began to softly hum. Optimus led the way, shutting his optics against the blinding light. He heard his team gathering behind him as Wheeljack pressed a few last buttons on the control board. The soft hum became a high-pitched drone and the light flashed around the gathered Autobots as the spacebridge activated, sending them to a world unknown.
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The world had turned to crystal.
The glow of the spacebridge faded, but the radiance remained. Opening his optics to view the strange planet, Optimus was momentarily stunned at the sight that greeted him. He and his fellow Autobots were standing in a large cavern composed of crystal. Everything- the floors, the walls, the ceiling- was a mass of gleaming stone throwing off bright colors as far as an optic could see. Across from where the Autobots stood, the gleaming floor curved to the left, where a dull light was spilling into the cavern and making the colors reflected in the walls seem to dance. For a moment, Optimus was reminded of Cybertron in the days before the war, when the great metallic city shone as brightly as the crystals in the cavern, promising light and hope to all who saw it. Perhaps, then, the Autobots' emergence into this shimmering splendor was a good omen.
"Oh, wow, can you believe this?" Bumblebee was staring at the crystals in awe. "What kind of planet is this?"
"I am not certain, but I must admit, these crystals are indeed a welcome sight." Optimus reached out a finger to touch one of the softly glowing shards. Under his metallic finger, the crystal seemed to hum, sending soft vibrations through the Autobot leader's hand. "They must have been what the spacebridge was reacting to."
"I feel it as well." Ratchet was already examining the crystals lining the opposite wall. "There's a power here, but I wouldn't advise converting the crystals to energon."
"Considering we'll need them to return to Cybertron, I should think not," Prowl agreed. "But maybe we should take one or two back with us. Wheeljack'll probably want to get a look at them."
"Get a look at what?" Wheeljack's voice crackled through the Autobot's communicators. "Is all well, Optimus?"
"Yes, Wheeljack, we made it safely, thanks to you," Optimus assured him. "And we have found ourselves in a cavern of crystals that are giving off the same energy as the spacebridge."
"Really?" There was no mistaking the interest in Wheeljack's voice. "Well, I would like to get a look at them, yes, but I also don't know how much of their power you would need to get back to Cybertron."
"Hence why we cannot risk converting them to energon," Optimus said with a nod in Ratchet's direction. "But I do think we should take a small sample back."
"Got it, Prime." Optimus looked over at Jazz, who was retrieving two small crystals from the floor. He held them out for the others' inspection, explaining as he did,
"These two look like they already snapped off from the wall." Jazz pointed to the jagged edges near the crystals' bases.
"That should suffice for a sample, then. But now we must see what lies beyond the cavern." Optimus gestured to the walkway curving around one of the shimmering walls. "With any luck, the rest of the planet will be just as splendid as this cavern. But we should take caution. Follow me."
"Hey, maybe the residents of this planet will be made of crystal."
Ironhide rolled his optics at Bumblebee's remark. "Yeah, beings of crystal. Sure."
"Hey, you never know." Jazz flashed a grin at the older veteran. "Maybe everything on this planet's made of crystal."
But the grin on Jazz's face faded as he and the others stepped out of the cavern. Indeed, all of the Autobots felt the awe of the crystal cavern leave them as they took their first proper view of what this strange planet had to offer.
Or rather, what it didn't offer. Because stretched out ahead of Optimus and his team was nothing, but sand.
In every direction, no matter how far they looked, only sand awaited the Autobots. Flat dusty terrain stretched out under a dull lavender sky where a bloated orange sun cast limp rays over the land. There were no buildings, so statues, no sign of life anywhere. A soft wind stirred the light brown particles, making them shift in small ripples, but other than that, the whole world was still.
"Is anyone but me getting a bad feeling about this place?"
"You're not alone, Prowl." Optimus peered through the dusky light. "Something about this planet doesn't feel quite right."
"Listen." Ironhide was glancing around, his arm cannon in firing position as he scanned the area.
"I don't hear anything," Bumblebee protested.
"Exactly. This kind of silence is unnatural. Something happened here and it wasn't pleasant."
"Ironhide makes a good point. Even if the inhabitants of this planet sensed our arrival and are in hiding, there should at least be some indication of their presence. But I can see no evidence that anyone has passed through this area."
"Maybe this part of the planet is unexplored."
"I don't think so. Look over there." Ratchet gestured to the right. The cavern the Autobots had emerged from was set into a range of stony cliffs that stretched out behind them in the distance. Set along those cliffs, however, were rounded holes that stretched nearly halfway up the stone, but the entryways were covered in some kind of dark brown paste which had been engraved with various symbols.
"Someone did that," the medic noted. "But when? And why?"
Optimus frowned at the covered caves. Had these once been dwellings for whatever lived on this planet or where they a protection from some kind of misfortune? And if so, had that misfortune come to pass?
"I think I see something."
Optimus looked over at Bumblebee, who was peering into the distance. "Look, there's some kind of fissure in the land not far from here. See it?"
"No... wait, there it is."
"I see it too." Optimus peered out in the direction Bumblebee was indicating. Under the shimmering sickly light, the trench in the sandy ground had merely looked like the endless shifting sand. But as the limp sun grew closer to the horizon, the deep furrow became clear, stretching out like a gaping wound against the smooth unbroken ground.
"Bumblebee, you, Jazz, and Ironhide go and investigate. However, should anything- and I do mean anything- seem like it could cause you harm, report back at once."
"Yes, Optimus."
"Right, let's go."
Optimus watched as the three Autobots quickly reverted to their vehicle forms and set off, their wheels sinking slightly into the sand as they did. At least they wouldn't have to go far, Optimus noted, and he and the other could easily reach them should trouble arise.
"Ratchet, do you think you could take a sample of energon from this terrain?"
"I can try." The medic was already kneeling down, his kit of medical tools already open. Selecting a clear container, Ratchet set it into the sand and selected a small pump with a rubber hose. Optimus and Prowl watched as the medic inserted the pump into the sand and held the hose over the container as he worked the handle, drawing forth a small sample of the planet's life force.
"What?"
Ratchet gasped at the sight of the energon and Optimus could see why. Instead of the rich pink liquid energon usually displayed, the fluid inside the container was yellowish-green, shot through with an oily black film. Ratchet held up the container, scanning it carefully.
"It's... it's tainted. I don't know what happened here, Optimus, but whatever it was, it's corrupted the energon. We can't use this; no one can!"
"No wonder there's no one in sight," Prowl said softly. "No one can live here."
"At least not in this area." Optimus shook his head in sorrow. "I'm not sure how big this planet is, so we have no way of knowing how far the corruption has spread. But we will find neither allies nor energon here and I don't think we should risk-"
"Prime! You need to get over here!" Ironhide's voice crackled through Optimus's radio.
"Are you alright?"
"We're fine, but... it's bad, Optimus."
"We're on our way. Prowl, Ratchet, roll out!"
The three Autobots quickly shifted to their own vehicle forms and sped off toward the trench. Ahead, Optimus could see Ironhide, back in robot form, waving to him. Bumblebee and Jazz were standing next to him and Optimus noted the two were trying very hard not to look down into the gorge. The Autobot leader transformed back to his normal form when he was a few feet away and ran the rest of the distance.
"What's happened?"
"Look," Bumble said softly, head hanging as he pointed into the gorge. Optimus stepped up to the edge of the trench, peered down...
...and saw.
Piled inside the trench, in various states of decay, were hundreds of bodies. Their mouths gaped open and their eyes- those that hadn't fallen in- were glazed. Dried lips were pulled back from sharpened teeth, leaving each mouth locked in an expression of pain and horror as the sand blew over what remained of their sunbaked flesh. Optimus stared at them, unable to tear his optics away. He was no stranger to war and death- the Decepticons had seen to that- but this? This mass grave was beyond horrific and the Autobot leader wasn't sure he would ever be able to forgot the gruesome sight.
"Oh, Primus." Prowl covered his face with a hand. "There's so many of them."
"What... who could have done this?"
"And to leave them out in the open like this too!"
"I... I don't..." Bumblebee kept his optics averted. "I'm sorry, Optimus. I just..."
"Don't apologize, Bumblebee." Optimus laid a gentle hand on the smaller Autobot's shoulder, causing Bumblebee to look up at him. "Never apologize for feeling grief at the sight of death. The fact that you mourn for these poor creatures without even knowing them is something to be proud of."
"Prime's right, Bumblebee. It's when you can't feel anymore that you should be worried." Ironhide shook his head at the sight. "I don't know who or what these creatures were, but I can't believe they deserved this!"
"Whatever they were, they were organic." Ratchet was scanning the bodies with a trained medic's optic, but his mouth was set in a grim line. "Males and females are here together. And... oh Primus, I can see offspring here."
Sadly, Optimus could see the smaller bodies as well. The poor things; he only hoped that their deaths had been quick and they hadn't suffered. That none of the creatures, whatever they were, had suffered. The Autobot leader knelt at the edge of the gorge, peering out into the mass of bodies to get a better look at the former occupants of the planet. All of them had slender, streamlined bodies and all of them had been covered in dark brown fur. True, on a good many of the dead, their fur had become ragged and brittle, but there were some fresher corpses where the fur was still thick and shiny. Their limbs looked a bit on the short side, but they were sturdy and their hands hand not only opposable thumbs, but each finger boasted a short, but sharp claw. Their feet were webbed and each only had three toes, but the creatures' toe-claws were longer and sharper than the ones on their hands.
"Notice their tails?"
"I don't think we can miss them."
"Glad to hear it," Ratchet said, giving Jazz a side glance, "But from the look of them, I would guess that they functioned almost as a fifth limb. Despite the decay, they appear very muscular and given that their lower limbs are on the shorter side, I would guess that they would have used their tails for balance when standing upright."
"Interesting. But what kind of creatures are they?"
"No idea and sadly, we won't get any answers from them, Prowl," Ironhide noted. "What I want to know is who killed them all?"
"From what I can tell, no one." Ratchet tapped a finger against his chin in thought. "I don't see any wounds on any of the bodies. No cuts, no burn marks, nothing. Really, there's no reason I can see they should be deceased."
"And yet, they are." Optimus crossed his arms in thought. "And some have been here longer than others. This mass grave may not have been out of cruelty, but out of necessity."
By this point, Bumblebee had seemed to compose himself enough to look back down into the creatures in the trench. "What are those?" he asked Ratchet now, pointing at the creatures' heads. From every skull, long curved appendages trailed over their shoulders. At first, Optimus would have guessed that the race had been endowed with horns, but now that he scanned some of them, said horns actually appeared to be made of the same flesh as their bodies.
"I can't say," Ratchet replied. "I would have to get closer to examine them and with all due respect, I would rather not."
"Agreed," Optimus replied. "Let them rest in peace."
"Should we perhaps bury them?" Prowl asked.
"I think that would be best."
However, before any of the Autobots could move, the deathly silence was suddenly shattered by a high keening wail. Optimus looked up sharply, focusing in on the sound until he was able to pinpoint its location in one of the caves that lined the cliffs.
A cave that had not been sealed.
"What is that?"
"Sounds like someone in distress."
"Ratchet, Bumblebee, with me. Ironhide, stay with Prowl and Jazz and keep a lookout for any survivors. If there's one still alive, there may yet be others. And in the meantime, try to bury the dead."
"Yes, sir!"
The cave was only a short distance away, so neither of the three Autobots bothered transforming. The mouth of the cave was tall enough to allow the three to enter, but the ceiling dipped sharply almost immediately upon their doing so. Bumblebee managed well enough, but Ratchet had to lower his head while Optimus was bent nearly double. All three hurried along as best they could until they stumbled into a roomy cavern with a high ceiling and a smooth sandy floor. Unfortunately, the scene that met them was less gruesome, but no less tragic than the bodies in the trench outside.
The cave was clearly an occupied dwelling. The rock walls had been cut and carved to make rough shelves, upon which glass jars- many of them empty- rested. Slabs of rock were piled into a square chamber in a corner of the, the surface burned black and what looked like ash spilling out of the opening onto the floor. A curved path led further into the cave, its surface decorated by polished stones and lined with what looked like tiny specks of crystal. And in the center of the room was a large woven mat upon which one of the planet's native creatures- a female, by the shape- was laying. And beside her, a small wiggling form.
One glance at the adult female was enough to tell Optimus that she was dead. She lay unmoving and unresponsive, her eyes wide open, but seeing nothing. All the same, Ratchet dropped down next to her, quickly scanning the body for any trace of life. He looked up at Optimus and slowly shook his head. Optimus nodded and knelt down to turn his attention to the smaller creature, the source of the wailing. No bigger than the palm of the Autobot's hand, the infant's frightened cries more than made up for its size.
"Shhh, easy, little one," Optimus whispered, trying to pitch his voice low enough so as not to startle the poor thing further. Reaching out with a single finger, he carefully brushed it against the tiny creature's furry cheek. To his surprise, the infant's wails tapered off as it gazed up at the Autobot leader.
"There now, no need to be frightened. We won't hurt you." Despite the situation, Optimus couldn't help himself from smiling as he studied the small form. The little creature was laying on its back, its whole body curved in soft brown fur with a small tuft of darker fuzz on the top of its head. Its optics- no, eyes, organic creatures had eyes- were a deep brown, almost black. Its tail twitched from side to side, the tip curling slightly as it did. The curved appendages on the side of the creature's head seemed to cock forward at the sound of the Autobot's voice. Then, to his surprise, the little creature gave a soft squeak and reached out with its clawed hand to grasp the tip of Optimus's finger.
"There, see? You're among friends."
The infant gave another squeak, nuzzling its velvety muzzle against Optimus's finger.
"I think it likes you," Bumblebee noted as he leaned forward to get a closer look at the tiny form.
"Indeed," Ratchet agreed with a small smile. "If nothing else, it appears reassured by your words, Prime."
"Yes, I can see that. Now if only we-"
"NO! DON'T HURT HER!"
The three Autobots looked up to see a silvery-white figure streaking toward them on all fours. Before any of them could react, the figure had snatched up the infant and backed away, now on two legs. The baby, losing its grip on Optimus's finger, started to cry again, but the creature- an elderly male- cradled it close as he stared warily at the much larger Autobots.
"It's alright, my friend." Optimus held up his hands in what he hoped was a calming gesture. "I promise we mean no harm to you or to the child."
The creature paused at Optimus's words, his thin hands stroking the fuzzy head of the whimpering baby. Despite being fully grown, he would have barely reached the top of Optimus's lower leg. His face, framed by silver drooping whiskers, was lined and his back was stooped; those traits combined with the creature's ragged white fur radiated not just age, but exhaustion. Even with his tail aiding his balance, the creature's legs trembled slightly and his breath was labored.
"Perhaps you should sit down." Ratchet said softly. "You appear in serious need of recharge."
The long curved appendages on the side of the creature's head, obviously his ears, twitched a bit as he glanced at the medic, but he gave a shuddering sigh and allowed himself to sink to the floor beside the dead female, settling the infant in his lap.
"You... you promise you mean us no harm?" he asked, his voice noticeably weaker.
"I give you my word. We are Autobots and we do not harm innocent creatures. My name is Optimus Prime and this is Ratchet and Bumblebee." Optimus gestured to his companions. "What are you called?"
"I am Solero." The creature looked down at the baby in his arms. "This is my granddaughter, Miara. And she-" Solero's eyes watered as he looked over at the unmoving female. "She was my daughter, Liara."
"Your daughter? Your... offspring?"
"Yes. My only child."
"I am sorry for your loss, Solero."
"Thank you." Solero's voice shook as a few stray tears dripped down his whiskered face. Reaching out, he gently closed Liara's eyes with his palm. "I... I had hoped Liara wouldn't... but there was nothing I could do."
"What happened here?"
"You saw them?" Solero turned a dull gaze in Ratchet's direction.
"Wish we hadn't," Bumblebee said.
"I'm sure." Solero shook his head. "So many lives lost. And more will follow, I'm sure."
"Could you tell us what has happened to your people?"
"If you wish me to."
"Please. But if you don't mind, I'd like to call the three other members of my team in."
"Where are they?"
"They are by the gorge, burying those within."
"Your people are... burying mine?" Solero looked up at Optimus with wide eyes. In his arms, Miara's eyes traveled back and forth between Solero and the Autobots, watching them intently.
"Yes. We wanted to give them some semblance of dignity. Unless it is preferred for your dead to be exposed to the elements?"
"No. We prefer to be buried in the sand, but with so many..." A few more tears traveled down Solero's face. "Thank you for showing such kindness to my people. I am truly grateful and I would like to meet the ones who did this."
"One moment." Optimus tapped into his radio. "Ironhide? Can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear, Prime. Did you find anyone?"
"Yes. Have you made progress on the burial?"
"Yes, most of them are under the sand."
"Good. Come meet us in the cave. There's someone who wishes to meet you."
"On our way, Optimus."
"Would that.. I could... repay you... somehow."
"You need not worry about such a thing," Optimus assured him. "Rather, I'm more concerned about you and Miara. You don't sound well, Solero. Ratchet, could you-"
But the medic was already scanning Solero. Miara wiggled slightly in her grandfather's arms, but she seemed content in the presence of the much larger beings. Ratchet, however, looked worried.
"Your body appears to be in serious distress. Have you no way to replenish your energy?"
"Food and water... is scarce here now and... what I could find... I gave most of it to my daughter... and granddaughter." Solero glanced down at Miara. "Thank goodness... she no longer relies solely... on her mother for nourishment."
"Is there anything we can find for you?" Bumblebee asked. "We could bring it to you, couldn't we, Optimus?"
"We can most certainly try. What is it you need, Solero?"
Solero shook his head. "Nothing here now. Nothing left."
Optimus thought for a moment, then turned to Ratchet. "Have we any energon with us?"
"Some, but not much."
"I'm not sure if it will work, but pure Cybertronian energon did nourish organic life once, even if it was so long ago. Perhaps it would help you."
"Well, there's only one way to find out." Ratchet was already drawing out a tube of energon from his kit, its contents glowing a healthy pink. His optics moved from the energon to Solero and then back again.
"Hmmm, it might be best if you ingested this orally. I don't think our infusers are compatible with your body."
Solero frowned, cocking his head in confusion, but his whiskered nose twitched when Ratchet poured a small amount of energon into a small vial and held it out to him. Solero took it carefully, mindful of Miara's tiny hands as she tried to paw at the shiny substance.
"It smells... sweet. Like the starfruit."
"Starfruit?"
"Yes. One of my favorite foods." Solero put the vial to his lips and drank half of it down. He shuddered as the liquid ran down his throat, but from the expression on his face, the sensation was clearly pleasant. Taking a deep breath, Solero smiled at at the Autobots.
"Thank you," he said, his breathing easier and his voice stronger. "That does feel better. And, I must say, this energon of yours tastes quite like a starfruit."
"And it's clearly done you some good." Optimus felt relief surge through him as Solero took another small sip of energon before pouring a small bit of it onto one of his clawed fingers.
"Here, Miara, try some."
The baby's nose twitched excitedly, but she turned to glance up at Optimus, cocking her head as she did.
"Good ahead, Miara. You'll like it," the Autobot leader encouraged, too bemused to do otherwise.
Miara blinked, then her little face split into an obvious smile. With an excited squeak, she opened her mouth and began sucking on Solero's energon-covered finger, her tail wagging in obvious enjoyment.
"You were right, Optimus. She does like the energon."
"And she responded to you." Solero gazed at Optimus for a moment before pulling his finger free from Miara's mouth with a wince. "I must remember to be mindful of her new teeth."
"I'm guessing she likes starfruit as much as you do?"
"Sadly, friend Bumblebee, Miara has never tasted a starfruit. They... they were one of the first to go when-" Solero's curved ears perked up at the sound of heavy footsteps. Straightening up from their passage through the sloped tunnel, Ironhide, Prowl and Jazz entered the cave. All three of them halted at the sight of Solero, who was climbing to his feet and Miara, who had turned to view the newcomers with interest.
"You are the ones who buried my people?"
"They are. Ironhide, I'd like to introduce you, Prowl and Jazz to Solero and his granddaughter Miara."
"Granddaughter?"
"My daughter's daughter."
"Offspring of his offspring," Ratchet clarified as he nodded to the unmoving Liara.
"And one of many who suffered." Solero gazed at his daughter's body before turning his attention back to the three new Autobots. "But at least the ones in the gorge will no longer have to suffer the elements. Thank you for laying them to rest. I am truly grateful."
"We were glad to help, but what happened?" Prowl asked.
"Right," Solero nodded, leaning back on his tail. "I promised you an explanation."
"If you don't mind, Solero, could you tell us what you and your people are called and what the name of your planet is?" Optimus asked.
"Ah, of course. We are, those of us that are left, the Teron. And our home we call Holtus."
"So there are more of you?" Jazz asked.
"Yes, but not many."
"You mentioned more lives will be lost," Optimus said. "But by whose hand?"
"Not who, Optimus Prime, but what." Solero's eyes seemed to darken as he spoke. "The Great Sickness, we have taken to calling it."
"A sickness? You mean there was a plague?" Ratchet's optics widened. "Where did it come from?"
"I don't know. None of us knew. In fact, we didn't realize how dangerous the Sickness was at first. We Teron are a hardy species and we have dealt with illness in the past. One or two deaths from high fevers didn't raise that much cause for concern, but the Sickness spread so quickly that by the time we understood we were dealing with a plague, it was too late. Instead of two or three deaths a day, whole families would be gone before sunset and there would be fewer left to attend to the sick and dead."
"Is that why they were in the gorge?"
Solero nodded. "We tried keeping families together in the caves they had lived in at first. I don't know if you noticed a good many of them were sealed."
"So those were homes at some point."
"That they were," Solero confirmed. "And now they are graves. But that was earlier on. The Great Sickness could not be cured by any of our medicines; we could only keep the symptoms at bay for a short while. Soon, it just became easier for those affected to be taken to the gorge when they were in the final stages of the illness. Some even crawled there themselves once they knew they were infected." Solero bit his lip as a few more tears leaked out of his eyes. "That's what Miara's father did."
"What?"
"Oh yes." Solero met Optimus's widened optics with a flat stare. "Liara was still carrying Miara when her mate Bolario fell ill. Rather than risk her health or that of their unborn child, Bolario fled to the gorge alongside his siblings, who were also infected. He... he never got to meet his daughter."
Optimus looked down at Miara, who was nestling against her grandfather's fur. She noticed the Autobot leader's gaze and raised a hand in his direction. Without hesitating, Optimus reached down to allow the baby Teron to grip his finger once more. Miara cooed softly, an obvious smile on her face.
"At least Miara seems healthy."
"Yes. And there are others whom the Great Sickness did not affect. Liara and I were worried at first, given what happened to Bolario, but Miara has remained immune, as did Liara and myself. But it was not just us Teron the Sickness destroyed."
"It was everything, wasn't it?" Optimus allowed Miara to keep holding onto him as he spoke. "You mentioned starfruit being destroyed first and that food and water are scarce. I presume, then, that the plague affected the whole planet?"
"Everything," Solero confirmed. "The plants, the trees, even the springs and rivers where we fished and drew water. All of it withered or dried up and nothing new would grow. Even the sand in some parts of the world blackened and turned to ash beneath our feet. Every day we have to search farther and farther for food and every day, there is less and less."
"That explains the energon."
"What energon?"
Ratchet reached into his medical kit and brought forth the sample of energon he'd taken from Holtus and held it out for everyone to see. "I took this sample earlier and as you can see, there is no way we can use this. Who knows what this plague-infused energon could do to us?"
"That's not something we can risk." Optimus gently detached Miara's hand from his finger and stood up, tapping his chin in thought. "Much as studying it might benefit us, it's best to dispose of it as soon as possible. But in the meantime, how much of our own energon supplies can we spare?"
"We don't have much with us, but I did bring several samples with me."
Optimus looked down at Solero. "You mentioned others who were immune to your Great Sickness. I presume they are also in need of sustenance?"
"Yes. Many of us who survived the Sickness either died of starvation or had to watch their loved ones suffer from a lack of food. I... Liara was grieving her mate and couldn't journey far from our cave, so it fell to me to scavenge what I could to keep her fed. Often, I went without so that my daughter could eat. When Miara was born healthy, I thought the worst was over. But the birth was hard on Liara and with food becoming scarcer by the day..." Solero stifled a sob. "She held on long enough to nurse Miara for several moons, long enough for her to grow her first teeth and not rely solely on her mother's milk. She tried so hard, but..."
"She sacrificed for her child, as did you," Optimus said, his voice grave. "No one could ask any more from either of you. Do not blame yourself, Solero; you and Liara did all you could and because of that, Miara is alive and well. We do not have much energon ourselves, but we will give you what we can before we return to Cybertron. Perhaps you can share it with others in need."
"You... you would do that for us?"
"Of course. And if there is anything else we can do to help you, you need only ask."
Solero looked up at Optimus, then back down at Miara. His brow furrowed and he clutched the baby close to him. When he spoke, his voice was heavy, but his words were steady.
"Yes, Optimus Prime, there is something else you can do for me."
"What is it?"
"When you leave to return to your world, I want you to take Miara with you."
Optimus started, hearing a few gasps from his team as well. "Solero, my friend, surely you do not mean-"
"I do mean it." Solero met Optimus's blue optics with intensity shining in his own dark eyes. "Holtus is nothing, but a world of death and disease now. We have so little and we don't know how long it will be before whatever caused this plague is washed away. And even if that does happen, the Teron may not be here to see it. So please, take my granddaughter away from here and take to your world where she'll be safe."
"Solero, our planet is in the middle of a war. We face enemies every day, we-"
"Enemies you can fight, yes?"
"Oh, we fight them and what's more, we win."
"Not all the time, Ironhide. And it's not just Decepticons we need to worry about. We're facing our own energon shortage, remember?"
"Prowl speaks the truth. We originally came here to see if we would be able to trade good from Cybertron in exchange for energon. But even if the planet were not corrupted, I could not in good conscience take from those who have so little, especially when we can offer nothing in return."
"Are you... going to visit other worlds?"
"We plan to," Optimus admitted.
"Then you might find your energon there. And perhaps you'll find other foods for Miara. Teron can eat almost anything, though we do prefer meat. But I cannot provide that for her and you can!"
"Aren't there other Teron who could help you? Surely no one would turn away an infant."
But Solero was already shaking his head at Ratchet's question. "Under normal circumstances, I would have no trouble finding aid from my people. But these are not normal circumstances, my friend. Families can barely feed themselves; many even have to choose which of their children to feed. No one is going to want to take on an extra burden! I... I am old and I cannot keep searching so hard for so little. If Miara stays on Holtus, she will die. Please." Solero looked up at Optimus again. "Please, give her a chance at a future."
"Come with us," Optimus offered. "We would be happy to take you back to Cybertron with us if you are that desperate."
"I would, but..." Solero glanced behind him toward the back of the cave and then back at Lara's body. "Helping me would be a waste of your resources. I... I don't have long and there are others who could yet benefit from my help here. But I cannot do anything while I have to care for Miara and I have no one else to help me. For what little time I have, I will do what I can for those who still suffer, but I shall do so gladly if I know my granddaughter is safe."
"We know nothing about your people. We could not adequately care for Miara."
"Ahh, I can help you with that. Did you happen to see a cave made of crystal?"
"That's where we first came to your planet," Bumblebee said. "We think those crystals must have been able to grant us access through the Space Bridge."
"Those crystals are inscribed with the history of our people- our growth, our culture, everything. Every generation adds to it; there is plenty of information there. You could make rubbings or write down what you need or-"
"Forgive me, Solero, but we noticed no writing on the crystals."
"I can show you. Follow me to the cave."
"Wait." Jazz stepped forward, drawing the two crystals he'd retrieve earlier from a holster on his leg. "Would these help?" he asked, kneeling down to show Solero.
"Ah, yes. Watch."
Holding onto Miara with one hand, Solero picked up a handful of sand from the ground and sprinkled it over the crystals in Jazz's palm. The crystals glowed slightly and then, before the widened optics of the Autobots, strangle symbols began to form all over the polished surfaces. Optimus scanned the symbols as quickly as he could, running them through his translators.
The rockshells are bigger this season than the last. Perhaps the warm weather is responsible for the growth. Our young will-
"Amazing. And in order to obtain this knowledge, we only need to add sand to the crystals?"
"Yes. That is all you need to do."
"It... wouldn't take us too long to scan everything." Ratchet glanced at Optimus. "Especially with all of us able to compile the information later."
"I know. And... that knowledge should be preserved in the event a future generation may need it."
"If there is a future for the Teron and that future is looking less likely every day." Solero held Miara close once more , then held her out to Optimus. "Please, I beg you, give my Miara a future because I cannot."
Optimus Prime looked down at the infant in Solero's arms. Unlike her grandfather, Miara didn't seem the least bit distressed. And why would she, Optimus thought; she was far too young to understand what was happening or what had happened. For a moment, the Autobot leader's mind flashed back to the gorge, where so many Teron, both young and old, lay buried beneath tainted sand. The idea of Miara joining them was a thought to terrible to consider, but...
"Optimus?"
The others were watching him, waiting on his word. The life of another was in his hands now; his choice would determine an infant's future. Optimus allowed himself one last moment, one single moment of doubt, before making his choice.
************************************************************************************************************************************
"Make sure no one can find the coordinates, Wheeljack. I don't want risk the Decepticons finding Holtus. Tainted energon is a weapon that belongs in no Cybertronian's hands."
"Already done, Prime. Even if they do access this Space Bridge, they won't find any record of that place. I'll see if I can find another planet for us tomorrow."
"Yes. We'll be needing more resources soon."
A soft yawn punctuated Optimus's words. The Autobot leader glanced down at his hand, his optics softening. Nestled in his palm, Miara had curled herself against Optimus's chest and was gazing sleepily up at the Autobot leader. Unable to help himself, Optimus smiled and stroked the infant's furry stomach with the tip of a finger. Miara cooed, smiling at the Autobot's touch before she yawned again and allowed her eyes to fall shut. Her tail tip had curled closed to her face and she began to suck on it, one small hand curled around Optimus's finger as the little Teron drifted into slumber.
"You have to admit she's pretty cute."
"I don't think that was ever up for debate, Bumblebee. And I could not refuse Miara a place among us when she would not survive otherwise."
"How long do you think...?" Bumblebee's voice trailed off, but Optimus understood.
"The energon we gave him helped, but Ratchet is certain Solero will not survive more than a few of his planet's sunsets. We're all Miara has now and we must do our best by her."
"Does... does that mean she's an Autobot now?"
"In a matter of speaking, yes."
"She won't be able to transform."
"No, but look at this." Optimus led Bumblebee over to one of the numerous computer screens lining the ark. Tapping a few keys with his free hand, Optimus pulled up a wall of text taken from the Holtus crystals and gestured at a passage.
"There. Apparently, Teron have the ability to travel through sand almost as though it were a liquid. What's more, they can remain submerged in sand for as long as they please. While it's true we don't have much in the way of sand on Cybertron, I'm certain some of our lighter debris would have the same density and consistency. With any luck, she'll be able to learn that skill once she gets a bit older."
"It'll be a useful skill," Ironhide said as he and a few others passed by where Optimus and Bumblebee were standing. "Hey, Mirage, maybe you and Miara'll end up being partners when we need to spy on the Decepticons."
"It's possible, I suppose, but I do not relish the idea of Miara going to war. She is nowhere near as durable as we are and I cannot see the Decepticons showing her mercy."
"Still, if she's an Autobot, she'll probably want to join the cause."
"Whether or not she fights, Miara will always be one of us. But that is a conversation for another day. We know not what the future holds for us, but we must never stop fighting to make it a peaceful one. Although," Optimus glanced down at the Teron nestled against him. "Perhaps you are right, Ironhide. Something tells me this little one will want to help make that future possible."
"She certainly was fearless when she saw us for the first time," Prowl noted with a smile. "For something so small, she has courage."
"Of course she does. Like Optimus said, she's an Autobot."
"Indeed. And like all Autobots, she needs to recharge. We all do."
Optimus watched as the others trickled out of the room, either to recharge or to refuel, but knew that all would be ready to fight at a moment's notice should the need arise. From what Mirage had reported upon his and the others' return from Holtus, there had been a few light skirmishes some distance from the Ark, but it had resulted in several of the attacking Decepticons receiving notable damage. Megatron, of course, hadn't been among them, but with several of his soldiers needing repair, Optimus was hopeful that the Autobots would have time not just to recharge as needed, but to continue their mission of finding energon- and possible allies- on other planets.
In her sleep, Miara stirred slightly and Optimus glanced down at the little Teron. She was still nestled comfortably against the Autobot leader, her tail tip having slipped free of her mouth. Her eyes flickered, but she didn't wake, not even when Optimus ran a fingertip against her furred cheek.
"I don't know what the future holds for you, Miara, or what it holds for any of us. Like I told your grandfather, our world isn't exactly safe at the moment. But Solero was right about one thing: you will have a chance at life here and I promise that no matter what happens, you will always have a home with us. Whether you wish to fight or not, whether you can fight or not, I will never see you as anything less than one of my Autobots. "
Miara's ears twitched at Optimus's words. Her clawed hand still rested against the Autobot leader's chest and her tail moved in a lazy arc over his palm. It was hard to imagine, but Optimus knew that the sleeping infant he held would soon grow into a strong young Teron who could move undetected through sandy terrain and whose teeth and claws might give an unsuspecting Decepticon a good reason not to underestimate an organic being. Or perhaps Miara would favor a more scholarly and inventive life. After all, the Teron had developed an amazing method of storing their data; who was to say Miara wouldn't do the same one day?
But, Optimus mused, those questions were for another day. As he had said, he didn't know what the future held, but if there was one thing Optimus Prime believed, it was that a ray of hope could be found in even the darkest of futures.
"Miara of the Autobots." Optimus nodded as he spoke the words to the sleeping child. "Yes, I think it suits you well."
~
So there you are. As I said, feel free to apply Miara's origin to any continuity you prefer, but I will say that at the start of any series proper, Miara would be roughly 12, nearly 13, by human standards.
