a/n: Sorry for the long wait. Life happens. Enjoy
One Secret Too Many
011
Optimus pulled Miranda down the hallway and toward a set of stairs that descended to the lower level of the main hangar. Just as she took the last step, Prime pushed her around the stairs and into a corner that had been surrounded by shadows.
With a low umph, Miranda felt her back come flush against the wall. Prime's hand dug into her brown waves before his mouth covered her own. He groaned against her as he slowly teased her lips, pulling them between his own before nipping softly. Miranda moaned softly as she opened, her own tongue slipping forward to run over his own before he decided to dominate the kiss. "I have miss you," he mumbled against her lips.
Prime's free hand pulled Miranda's body hard against his own. He slowly allowed the heat of his body show her what he wanted, what he wish he could give to her. It wasn't enough that Miranda wanted him just as much. She pressed her hips against his own. Too much, it felt like a need that neither could find an end to. Optimus groaned before pulling his lips away and latching them against her neck. His free hand roamed around her before dropping to her jeans.
Miranda felt as he undid the button and stretched the zipper. She pressed her body against the wall, rising herself on her toes as fingers dusted over a warm intimate area. "O…Optimus," she hissed against him, her hands grabbing onto his hair as his lips nipped on her neck and soothed it over with quick kisses.
His lone hand teased the sensitive flesh, a finger probing and circling. A flush of heat dusted over Miranda's face as she tried to push against the hand. It burned within her, a certain want that she felt only one time. Their separation strong upon her. She felt lost and confused. Why hadn't he tried to reach for her? Didn't she mean anything to him? It all disappeared as he slipped two fingers into welcome wet heat.
Miranda gasped and pressed her head back against the wall. Optimus brought her head forward to stare into his eyes. She saw as he watched her as she gasped and moaned as he thrust his fingers. She lingered her eyes for a second on his face before trailing it down his chest to his own hips. Optimus nudged her head to face him, a quick kiss to her lips.
"Not here," he rumbled as he returned to kissing her breathlessly. "Tonight. After all of this. No more waiting."
Miranda could only nod as Prime retracted his fingers. He helped her stand before placing one more lingering kiss upon her lips. Grabbing her hand, he brought her before Ratchet and Ironhide.
"Fleshy with a Secret has finally returned," called out Sunstreaker as he rolled over with his brother. Prowl stood behind the twins as Ratchet and Ironhide stepped forward.
"Enough. Miranda is my intended and you all know what that means," barked Prime. The twins along with Prowl stared eyes wide at Prime's holoform. "Ratchet, Ironhide, you are to keep Miranda at your side till I come and retrieve her. Do you understand? Miranda does not leave your side for no reason."
Both Ratchet and Ironhide nodded. Ratchet dropped a servo allowing Miranda to crawl upon it. She turned around upon Ratchet's servo and watched Prime release the holoform and roll the Peterbilt forward before transforming. Prime's optics burned brightly, and Miranda had to turn away as her face heated up. It was probably plainly obviously what had happened between her and Prime just before she arrived.
"Relax, your pheromones can only be smelt by a medic or an intended mate. I do not plan to let others know your business," murmured the Autobot medic, a slight amusing hum to his voice.
"He was certainly in a mood," whispered Miranda as she glanced up at Ratchet.
Ratchet nodded, "You are his intended mate. He desires you and distance can cause any mech to show that intensity."
Miranda swallowed hard and nodded as she watched the Autobot leader as he walked into the main part of the hanger. Inside the main hangar, she finally saw what was planned. Sitting on a yellow raising platform laid a red and black mech. Her eyes roamed the room. Colonel Lennox and Director Mearing stood behind some protected glass. Lennox's lips moved, but she couldn't hear what had been said.
"Who is that?" asked Miranda. Her eyes widen as she watched Prime separate his chassis. A strange bright crystal emerged to land in his black servo.
Ratchet nodded towards the black and red mech, "That is Sentinel Prime, leader before Optimus and a mentor to him. Prime plans to revive him with the Matrix of Leadership."
"Sentinel Prime, we bid you to return," spoke Optimus as he slammed the Matrix into the black and red mech.
Blue optics quickly turned on before Optimus went quickly to the floor. Miranda gasped as Ratchet brought a hand before him almost as if to protect Miranda. The red and black mech had a double-bladed sword pointed at Optimus' throat.
"Hold your fire," yelled Lennox. Miranda watched as soldiers moved around and the remaining Autobots transformed and came running over. She quickly returned her attention to Prime, though.
"Stop Sentinel," exclaimed Prime as he tried to dodge the blade that placed against his helm. It moved, to slam against the ground.
Lennox screamed again, "Hold your fire."
Miranda watched Lennox for a few second before looking at Prime. She heard as Optimus spoke gravely, "It is I, Optimus Prime. It is alright you are safe."
"There is nothing to fear," spoke Ratchet as he slowly took a step forward. Ironhide held out his metal servo to prevent the Autobots from marching in. Most had weapons ready and stood alert.
"We are here," spoke Optimus once more. "You are home, Sentinel." Miranda felt as Ratchet moved and took a step back. She watched as Optimus slowly moved upon the ground.
"The war… the war," cried out Sentinel as he looked around the room. His blue optics looked scared and lost.
Prime moved upon the ground. Miranda watched as he reached for the Matrix. "The war was lost," he returned. Optimus picked up the object and moved to a bent knee before continuing, "Cybertron is now but a barren wasteland. We have taken refuge here on planet Earth." He used a fist to push himself up to a standing position. "Its human race is our ally."
Sentinel glanced around the area making Miranda curious what he was looking for. The black and red mech looked at Prime with fear in his optics, "My ship. We came under fire. The pillars. Where are the pillars?"
"You saved five of them," pointed out Prime, "including the Control Pillar."
"Only five?" questioned Sentinel. "We once had hundreds."
Miranda looked at the mech curious on what he was talking about when Ratchet turned away. "Come Miranda. Let's get you settled. Prime and Sentinel can continue without the need of us."
"He wanted me to stay."
Ratchet shook his head, "No. Prime wanted you with me till he came to retrieve you."
"Fine, but can we find somewhere for me to sleep. I am exhausted."
Ratchet chuckled as he walked over to a smaller room which separated into different hallways. "You can sleep on the medbay berth. I will wake you when Prime arrives to retrieve you."
.:%:.
Optimus never came to retrieve Miranda that night, and after two days staying on base, something started to feel off, almost as if something was waiting to happen. Miranda never left Ratchet or Ironhide except when she needed human necessities. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe spoke with Miranda during off periods, still joking and teasing her regarding her first initial meeting with Prime especially since now everyone knew that she was his intended. For some reason, the real secret still haven't been spilled, but almost all the Autobots knew that something close happen between their great leader and the young woman.
During the third day almost within the late parts of the afternoon when most of the Autobots besides Ratchet and Ironhide remain within the hangar did Miranda finally found Lennox talking with a few of his soldiers. Most stood and disappeared when she arrived at his side.
"How you holding up?" asked Lennox as Miranda took a seat beside him in the mess hall.
Miranda shrugged, "Alright, I guess. Why didn't you guys come looking for me?"
Lennox sighed as he sat his fork down. "Director Mearing forbid it. Somehow Prowl spoke with her without Prime's permission, and she worked around that topic preventing any one of us from reaching out to you."
"How did Optimus take it?"
Lennox shook his head, "Not good. He actually got into a fight with Prowl. Ironhide actually had to step in and stop it. Ratchet explained that Prowl had been his second in command before Jazz."
"Jazz?" asked the woman with a curious tone. She watched as Lennox would curl his hand and then release it to rest his hand upon the table.
"He was a member of their team during Mission City before Megatron killed him."
Miranda gasped before quickly looking towards the door that lead to the main hangar. So much pain and suffering. She kept wondering when it would finally be finished.
"Do you trust Sentinel?" asked Miranda after a few minutes of silence.
Lennox glanced at her for a second before facing forward. "I don't know what to say about him. Prime seems to trust him, so that is all I can base it off."
After the conversation went silent, Miranda stood and walked out of the hangar. She noticed Director Mearing standing before some stairs, her arms crossed over her chest. Miranda didn't stay long enough for the Director to speak with her. She walked down another hallway, one wide enough for the Autobots. She found Ratchet and Ironhide in the medbay, but once again, there was no sign of the Autobot leader.
"Have you guys seen Optimus?"
Ratchet shook his helm, "He left yesterday evening with Sentinel. I wouldn't worry, Miranda. He will return and find you when he has time."
Miranda smiled just as loud alarms started blasting throughout the hangar. Miranda looked up at Ratchet and Ironhide before she quickly ran down the hallway. Soldiers were packing and moving quickly. She pressed her body against the wall just as Ironhide drove by swiftly. He disappeared up a ramp with Lennox quickly following behind him. Ratchet approached from behind. Miranda looked over shoulder before quickly running.
"Miranda," yelled Ratchet. Miranda shook her head, ignoring the warning behind Ratchet's tone.
The ramp led outside of the bottom half of the building. Lennox stood out in the middle directing soldiers. She quickly had to press her body against the cement wall just as Mirage came flying by, disappearing down the ramp. She quickly turned noticing Bumblebee as he spun to a stop.
Sam jumped out of the vehicle and ran over to where Lennox stood directing his men. Miranda watched as a red and black truck followed by Ironhide drove pass before running over to the men. "Lennox," yelled Sam, his hands waving around. "Decepticons are everywhere."
"I've got my whole team deployed. We will find them," stated Lennox in a calm tone as he stared at Sam. "Ironhide! Protect Sentinel! Get him inside!"
Miranda spun watching as Ironhide and Sentinel both transformed. "Consider it done," nodded Ironhide. His optics narrowed when he noticed Miranda, but Miranda wasn't paying attention to the weapon specialist. She kept her eyes narrowed on the older Prime.
"What are you doing here?" yelled Lennox. He grabbed Miranda's shoulder and spun her to face him.
Miranda shook his hand off and turned back to face both Ironhide and Sentinel. "Trying to figure out what is going on. Something doesn't add up."
"What do you mean?" asked Lennox.
"Sentinel." Interrupted Sam forcing Miranda to glance at the young man before looking over at the red and black mech. "You need to guard him. He is the key to this whole thing,"
Sentinel slowly stood as his transformation finished. He spoke gravely causing the Miranda's eyes to widen. "Indeed, I am. What you must realize my Autobot brothers, we were never going to win the war."
Miranda watched as Lennox moved to stand beside her as Sam turned towards the older Prime. Sentinel slowly walked to stand behind Ironhide.
"For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made," continued the older Prime.
Taking a few steps forward, Miranda eyed the red and black mech carefully. Something about him, it kept bothering her. Ironhide took a small step forward. Miranda glanced up at the black mech before stepping to the side. Sentinel had his back towards them. She watched as his arm rose before he was turning quickly.
"A deal with Megatron," growled Sentinel deeply as he pulled out a cannon from his subspace.
"Ironhide, watch out!" yelled Miranda. She rolled to the ground just as Sentinel fired his cannon. Ironhide fell to the side just as the blast passed his shoulder to hit the ground. Sentinel growled before aiming his cannon once again. Ironhide rolled once more before pulling his own blaster out and firing back at the older Prime.
It was an all-out battle. Bumblebee ran forward, pulling Ironhide behind some containers just as Sentinel's cannon went off again. This time everyone watched as a metal container slowly disappeared. It was enough time, though. Sentinel transformed and quickly disappeared down the ramp and back into headquarters.
Ironhide dropped down to where Miranda sat. Scratches littered her body where she fell when the Autobots engaged Sentinel. She smiled seeing that the Weapon Specialist was safe and alive.
"You saved me," commented Ironhide, his voice holding shock and aww for the young woman.
"You would have done the same for me," replied Miranda with a soft smile.
Ironhide nodded before laying his servo out flat. Miranda sat upon it. Ironhide rose and followed all the humans down the ramp and back into the headquarters. Miranda gasped, a hand flying to her face as Ironhide came to a stop. The hangar sat like an explosion had been fired.
Aircrafts sat split in two. Fire licked from some of the broken beams. A yell from a single soldier explained that the vault had been hit, and Sentinel drove off with the pillars. Lennox slam his hand upon the wall before turning and yelling towards a few soldiers. Miranda could only watch as he ran off leaving her with Ironhide.
It was moments later when Optimus Prime rolled into the base and slowly transformed. Miranda watched as he looked over the damage of the base with a disappointed and confused look upon his face. Mearing stood on one of the catwalks and yelled at him.
"Yeah, take a look, Optimus. This is all on you."
Optimus narrowed his eyes as he stared at the wreckage. His eyes followed the destruction before he finally saw Miranda standing upon Ironhide's servo. Ratchet had also approached to stand near the black mech. Miranda cautiously reached her hand out towards Optimus, but he ignored her. He quickly transformed and drove out.
"What just happened?" asked the Autobot medic. Miranda couldn't look up at either mech. Her eyes remained fixed on the hangar and the disappearance of the Autobot leader.
.:%:.
Ironhide had explained what had happened to Ratchet as both him and Miranda were taken care of. Director Mearing stood pacing outside watching as soldiers and Autobots moved back and forth. Miranda learned that Sam had disappeared, worried about Carly and everything that was happening. She couldn't blame the young man.
"I know you don't want to wait, but stressing yourself out will not help the situation either," spoke Ratchet.
His human holoform had already finished patching the scratches on Miranda's arms. She stood within the human's hallway dressed in shorts and a t-shirt watching the ramp and any of the other doors, waiting almost impatiently for Optimus to return.
Miranda turned to the older man. She tried smiling before it slowly disappeared. "Something doesn't feel right. I just want him back, safe and sound."
Ratchet wrapped his arms around the younger woman. Miranda leaned her head against his chest. "We don't always question Prime on his discissions, but we can trust him. He will return."
Miranda allowed Ratchet to lead her to one of the human's living quarters. She bid him goodnight and laid down upon the small mattress. Sleep felt impossible for the young woman. She rolled constantly throughout the night before loud noises finally echoed throughout the building.
Ignoring her shoes, Miranda ran out of the room and down the human hallway. She saw Colonel Lennox walk over to the stairs that lead to the offices. He looked exhausted and completely drained. Miranda followed the wall watching as Bumblebee and Mirage rolled in and drove down a different hangar. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were soon following along with Arcee and Chromia. Prowl came next. He saw Miranda and transformed.
"You should not be here," spoke the second in command. Miranda crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "I don't care if you are his intended mate. This is not for you to be concerned with. Staying here will only cause more problems for the Prime of Cybertron, something he doesn't need especially with a human."
"Prowl, leave her alone," yelled Ironhide. His bulky mech form stood outside the Medbay with Ratchet standing right beside him.
Prowl growled before transforming back into his black and white vehicle. He drove down the hallway that Mirage disappeared into.
"Miranda." The young woman turned and glanced up. Colonel Lennox stood leaning over the rail. He slowly waved for the young woman to join him.
Miranda took the stairs quickly stopping by his side. "Is something wrong?"
Lennox started shaking his head before stopping. "It's a mess right now. Optimus went on his own. Right now, it would be best if you try to remain hidden. A lot is going to happen and unfortunately, with you not being a soldier, it would be wise to remain out of the way."
Miranda nodded and allowed Lennox to lead her to another room where she could sleep. Curling her arm under her head, Miranda allowed the few tears to flow before sleep finally claimed her.