I must confess, I am a tad iffy on the pacing of this chapter, but I didn't want to do more prologue before the first epsiode, so I hope you guys don't find it too bad.

Anyway, this got a review! Yay! :)

I'm going to take a second to reply to it before we get to the chapter.

TheGhostWriter710: Thank you for the review! Glad you like my fanfic! I hope you enjoy the rest of this season and the other seasons to come! I went to go see Rise of the Beasts last night and man it is still just barely beneath Bumblebee for me, but it's closer than it was. I hope everyone gets an opportunity to see it! :)

Now, let's get into the story!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

In the months that followed the Autobots' arrival on Earth, we learned a lot about them after we (or rather, our cranky commanding officer, General Bryce) agreed to not only let the Autobots stay and not shoot them, but give them an old missile silo no longer in use as their base of operations on Earth.

One, that they are fully sentient and can feel pain. (Poor Bulkhead walked right into a powerline soon after I talked Uncle Will and the military down. It took Ratchet pulling him off the lines to get him to stop wriggling. Uncle Will and I had to explain what power lines are.)

Two, that they can transform into vehicles. It was a shock, to be sure, but we helped them get Earth-based vehicle modes so they won't stand out quite so much. They just scan the cars and can subtly reconfigure their bodies to look like whatever vehicle they scan.

It's really cool to see it in person!

Bulkhead is an SUV, Bumblebee is some kind of sports car (I wish I could remember what it's called, but alas), and Mayfly ends up scanning my car (a Chevy Sonic hatchback that happened to also be iridescent green, which I now just use if Mayfly can't give me a lift).

Ratchet serves as the team's medic so it seemed appropriate for him to scan an ambulance, but he just grumbled about how he so rarely leaves the base that he may as well not have a disguise.

Optimus found an eighteen-wheeler that suited him and the team is set.

Three, we learned that they have no means of going home, as their ship was beyond repair after the crash (Ratchet ended up using the ship's computers and tech to augment the technology currently in the silo, plus build a very unique and amazing machine called a Ground Bridge that could send the team anywhere on Earth, provided he has the coordinates).

Four, that there's a potential for more Autobots to come to Earth! Once Ratchet had established a 'proper' communications hub (according to his standards, anyway), Optimus had sent a message out to anyone in range, giving them coordinates and asking for their help.

Finally, as we learned not long after the Autobots fully settled in the old missile silo (Ratchet truly showed his worth on that project, completing it nearly single-handed), the Autobots have powerful enemies.

The enemies are called Decepticons, and they are out to kill the Autobots and anyone in their way. They're led from an intimidating warship by someone named Megatron, a powerful and ruthless warlord bent on not only killing the Autobots, especially Optimus (I'm told they share a complicated history), but world domination on Cybertron.

Go figure.

Because Optimus feels that if the Decepticons find out I'm allied with the Autobots I'd be in danger, I'm usually at the Autobot base (Uncle Will and I got assigned to be the Autobots' government liaisons, which means I'm the one filing reports on their activities while Uncle Will makes sure they don't make national news every other week) hanging out with whoever is there while I file reports, which usually means Ratchet or Optimus.

It's an interesting life I now lead, but I can truly say I wouldn't have it any other way.

My life had gotten dull, so this is a welcome change.

I wish Ratchet would loosen up, though. Despite all his amazing feats of engineering in getting the Autobots settled on Earth, he still all but ignores me unless I get insistent. Usually, I don't bother him too much, but sometimes I just have to ask questions for reports or for help moving things so that we humans can also use the base more comfortably. He snaps and grumbles, but usually acquiesces.

Ratchet actually chuckled, though, when I complained about my archivist job and when I asked what was so funny, he just said I'd 'be surprised what can become of an archivist'. He refused to elaborate even when I pushed him.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee, on the other hand, are happy to welcome me when I pop into base nearly every morning, but Bulkhead says he always gets nervous when I walk on the ground floor too much. He's concerned he'll squish me, but I reassure him otherwise.

I wish I could understand Bumblebee's beeps and whirring, but I can't. Ratchet sometimes looks at his neck (had Bumblebee sustained some injury to his neck at one point? If so that's terrible!) but can't seem to make any progress on improving the scout's voice. So if I need to ask Bumblebee anything or he wants to talk to me, he unfortunately has to write or type everything out. He's very friendly toward me, though, which is nice.

A miracle happens one day when two new Autobots just show up out of nowhere in response to Optimus' message.

In fact, they're the ones that warned us of the approaching Decepticon warship, reporting that they'd been captured by Megatron's Second-in-Command, a piece of work named Starscream, but had escaped after learning of a space bridge (basically a more powerful ground bridge, if such a thing is possible) on Cybertron, which they disabled, stranding some of the 'Cons on Cybertron before jumping through it to arrive here.

Thankfully, it seems the space bridge going down took the coordinates Optimus included in his message with it, since the 'Cons haven't managed to find the base yet, which is probably also due to shielding Ratchet cooked up.

The newcomers are a male and female, Cliffjumper and Arcee.

Arcee is nearly as uptight as Ratchet, but when she's around Cliffjumper she's more laidback. She's the smallest Autobot, but she can handle anything the others can. She's mostly navy blue with some pink accents. It's a nice look for her, but she just shrugs when I compliment her.

Cliffjumper, a red bot with horns of all things, is chatty and went out of his way to say hi and talk to me, and ask a good amount of questions about Earth and human culture, picking it up fast.

I like him.

Arcee starts to warm up to me eventually (we're not close, but she at least tolerates me a little easier), which is nice after she kinda rudely questioned my involvement, which is minimal.

I wish I could do more, but they (probably wisely) refuse to let me go out with them, since it usually ends in a fight and they don't want me hurt or targeted. It's sweet, but I still can't help asking once in a while if I can go with them.

Mayfly will sometimes let me go with her on patrol, and she answers some questions about Cybertron, which leads us to become great friends, Mayfly even calling me her partner, which made me glow with pride.

I learned that Cybertronians aren't born the way we're born, they're made in something called the Well of Allsparks, and that sadly her and Bumblebee were some of the last Cybtertronians to ever come out of the Well before it started to fade because of how badly the war had ravaged the planet.

I also learned that 'Prime' is a title, not just Optimus' last name. It meant that Optimus is not only the leader of the Autobots, but of Cybertron as a whole, but his rise to being Prime is what pushed Megatron to start the war.

Mayfly admits she wasn't around for the start of the war and that by the time she and Bumblebee came to join the Autobot cause, hundreds of years into the war, there were only stories of how the war started as it continued to decimate the planet.

As I learn more about them, I feel immense sympathy for the Autobots and respect for Optimus, leading his people through a war that destroyed his planet, only to have to leave it and hope for the best.

He seems to have adjusted to life on Earth fairly well, all things considered, but sometimes I see the way he slumps when he thinks no one is around, his eyes sad and lonely. I start talking to him more, but he doesn't seem to know how to talk to me, which is fine, but I still want to help him.

He's been through a lot…they all have.

Before I know it, life settles into a routine of Energon (Cybertronian fuel that apparently was stashed here toward the end of the war) patrols and avoiding 'Cons and humans.

The Autobots establish rules, primarily 'Keep a Low Profile', among other things like 'don't let courage be the enemy of reason' and other wise sayings Optimus imparted on the regular.

Arcee and Cliffjumper get their vehicle modes (motorcycle for Arcee and sports car for Cliffjumper) and all is quiet.

Megatron, we discover, isn't on the ship, and hasn't been in a while. He's off in space, doing Lord knows what, but that only adds to the near peaceful life we lead. The 'Cons pull back and it soon becomes years since we've seen any real activity.

I guess we should've known the peace could only last so long…

It starts when the team is all out on Energon patrol, like normal.

Then Arcee calls and reports that not only are the Decepticons back, but they may have engaged Cliffjumper.

Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead immediately head for base, where Mayfly (left to man the comms and ground bridge) coordinated their arrival and activated the ground bridge before transforming to roll out herself.

"Mayfly, you will remain here. Ratchet, prepare a medical kit, in the event Cliffjumper is injured." Optimus orders instead and she reluctantly resumes robot form and salutes.

"Yes, sir."

"Good luck!" I call, as usual, biting my lip a bit as they all go through the portal.

They can handle it…right?

Just because the 'Cons are back doesn't mean they're gonna have to fight, right?

"I don't know. I just hope Cliff is ok…" Mayfly muses and I realize I said all that out loud.

"Me too." I mumble. "Maybe you guys can get some Energon, too."

Mayfly sighs, her door wings twitching anxiously. "Wouldn't bet on it. Scanners picked up an explosion…"

I gulp. I really hope Cliffjumper didn't get caught in the blast…

Maybe he blew the mines and it'll all be ok! Maybe Cliff didn't need the backup after all…

But my hopes are dashed soon after when Optimus requests a ground bridge and Cliffjumper is nowhere in sight as the 'Bots return, all of them dragging their feet.

It's when I see what Arcee holds that I know for sure why.

She's holding one of Cliffjumper's horns…

If Autobots could cry, there wouldn't be a dry eye in the base. As it is, I alone shed tears for them and their loss.

Cliffjumper had always been nice to me, including me and making me feel less like an outsider, joking and laughing, always with a quick retort or witty comment.

Now…he's just gone.

Optimus clenches a fist, but turns to me kindly. "I know Cliffjumper was your friend as well as ours, Ms. Burns. If you'd like, you can join us on the top of the silo for a memorial. It is all we can do for him now…"

I nod, throat too constricted for speech.

We all wordlessly file into the giant elevator and emerge into the sunset, no one daring to break the heavy, almost oppressive silence.

On impulse, I put my hand on Arcee's knee, the highest place I could reach. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

She merely shifts my hand off her and nods gruffly.

She and I aren't friends, but I wanted her to know I was here if she wanted someone other than the team to talk to.

Before I can voice that, though, Optimus speaks up.

"We must not allow our anger over the loss of Cliffjumper to impair our judgment." I nod. As usual, he made a good point, even if it did sound a little harsh. "As of today," He continues, "only we five Autobots remain on this earth. We owe it to ourselves, to the memory of Cybertron, to any Autobots in any galaxy seeking safe harbor," He surprisingly turns to me, "to humankind, and we owe it to the memory of our fallen comrade, to survive."

Arcee comes forward and places the horn on the ground somberly, then we all stand respectfully silent for a long few moments.

She then turns and starts walking away.

"Arcee?" Optimus asks.

"If Cliff's gone, standing around here sulking won't bring him back." She grumbles. "So, unless anyone minds, I think I'll go back to protecting humankind."

Mayfly steps toward Arcee. "Want me to go with-"

"No thanks, Mayfly." With that, Arcee's gone, transforming and rolling away.

Ratchet walks closer to Optimus. "Optimus, helping humans will only result in more tragedy."

I wince, tears stinging my eyes again. What he said is right, but that doesn't mean it isn't harsh.

I back away, leaving the Autobots to talk. Clearly, I'm not wanted here right now.

"Your opinion is noted." Optimus replies as I get into the elevator.

It feels thrice as big as it heads down.

I move into one of the side rooms no one uses and let it all out.

Even after these last few years, even after getting to know Earth better, Ratchet still hates humans and humanity.

He doesn't even seem to want me around! He only tolerates me because Optimus says he has to and he's usually 'stuck' with me in the base.

And to make matters worse, the only real friend I have in the Autobots other than Mayfly is gone, just like that.

I feel more lonely than ever as I try to pull myself together.

I move to the couch in the main area, flopping on it and trying not to sob out loud.

"Ms. Burns, I apologize if Ratchet's comment upset you." Of all the Autobots, I did not want Optimus to catch me crying. The only one worse would have been Ratchet.

I sit up, wiping my eyes. "N-no, I'm-well, I guess we're all not doing great, but he's not strictly speaking wrong."

"He should have been mindful of your presence all the same, and kept such comments to himself until you were not there to hear."

I sniffle and manage a small smile. "Thanks, Optimus." I sigh. "I think I'll head home. I need to eat dinner and shower."

"Very well. I will ask Mayfly to take you home."

I blink. I hadn't even thought to ask, but…yeah. That sounds great. I move to head to ground level as Mayfly comes up from a side hall of makeshift vaults.

"Thank you."

Optimus crouches down to address me closer to eye level. "Ms. Burns, I do not wish for you to feel we regard you as inferior."

"I know. But there are limits to how I can be involved." I shrug. "That's just how it is."

"I cannot argue with that, but know that you and your uncle are welcome here."

I pat his leg as I pass. "I appreciate that."

Mayfly comes into the main area and transforms, opening the door for me.

I sigh heavily as the door closes and we pull out.

"You alright?" Mayfly asks.

"No. No one is." I mumble, slumping in the chair dejectedly. "And to make matters worse, Ratchet thinks you all should stop protecting humanity."

"That's not what he meant. He just had to get that off his chest. Optimus talked to him. I wanted to yell at him, but he seemed cowed enough. Don't worry, Robyn. Earth is our home, too, now."

"Thanks, Mayfly."

"Anytime, partner." Silence falls over us, but not unpleasantly, before Mayfly asks a question. "I don't mean to pry, but…did you spill water on your face?"

I blink. "What?"

"Your face. It's wet."

I have to take a few moments to realize what she's asking. "Oh…that. It's something humans do when they're upset. It's called crying."

Had the Autobots really never seen me or any human cry? Had I never shown them a movie where a character cries?

To be honest…I haven't really shown them any movies, or other kinds of entertainment. I've been so focused on trying to help them and filing reports I haven't shown them anything.

I had explained family dynamics and what family is to the Autobots, who seemed to really like the idea, forming their own kind of family in their group, but other than that…I really haven't done much to really show them the human experience.

Might have to change that...

"Oh…I'm sorry."

I smile a little. "It's ok."

Soon, I'm at home, turning a key in the lock as Mayfly heads back to base. I try to pull myself together but it's hard.

So it's no surprise when I break down again in the shower.

I know death is always a risk when you fight against things like the Decepticons, and, statistically speaking, this should happen more frequently, given the number disparity, but it still feels like someone gut-punched me. A few times at least.

I pull myself together and manage to make myself eat half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before I can't stomach anymore.

Surprisingly, I then get a call from the base. I have my number patched as a line into their comms so if they need me they can reach me and vice versa. Same for Uncle Will.

"Hello, Robyn Burns speaking."

"Ms. Burns."

Well, this is a surprise. Ratchet's calling me?

"Hi, Ratchet." I try not to be short with him, but it's hard.

"Firstly, I was told my comment on the roof was ill-timed and insensitive with you still in hearing range. I…apologize. I did not intend offense."

If Ratchet was going out of his way to apologize, the least I could do is accept it. Maybe this is the start of…not quite a friendship, but a better understanding between us at least.

"Apology accepted, Ratchet. Did you need something?"

"Well, I could use some assistance identifying a pair of humans who accidentally saw Arcee and Bumblebee and Decepticons."

"Wait what?!"

"I'll forward you their report, but if you would be so kind?"

I reign in my shock. "Of course. I assume Optimus wants to talk to them?"

"Indeed, despite my misgivings about bringing children here."

I roll my eyes. "Ok. Do you have anything to go off?"

"One boy works at a local fast food restaurant, KO Burgers." He makes a disgusted noise. He didn't understand the concept of eating. "The other I managed to pull a photo of from surveillance cameras."

I pull up my email and see two emails from the address I set up for the Autobots (despite Ratchet complaining about how 'slow and primitive' the email system is) are waiting.

One is the report, and the other contains some slightly grainy surveillance photos.

I add them to an I.D. query and let it run.

"Um…looks like one Jack Darby and Rafael Esquivel, both high school students at the local high school, and Jack does in fact work at KO Burger. I'll reply with the address to the school." I send it moments later.

"Thank you, Ms. Burns."

I smile. Maybe Ratchet isn't so bad…after all, I installed the I.D. software in the computers at the base. I technically didn't need to be called, but I can appreciate Ratchet involving me in this as his own version of an olive branch.

Or at least, I hope it's his version of an olive branch.

"Not a problem, Ratchet. Happy to help."

He grunts and ends the call. I sit back and sigh.

Well, at least I'll have a distraction tomorrow.

=#=#=#=#=

Turns out, I had a good amount of files to log for General Bryce, so I'm kept busy until it's time to pick the boys up.

I wave Arcee and Bumblebee off (it was decided that the boys could meet me at the base to avoid confusion and in case of Decepticon involvement) and sigh.

"It'll be weird, having boys here."

"They're just coming to meet us. They're not staying." Ratchet grumbles.

I smile half-heartedly. "Sure."

An air of anticipation mounts til I hear the sound of approaching engines.

Soon, I see Bumblebee and Acree drive in, and then I see pigtails behind Jack.

Wait…what?

There's a girl behind Jack on Arcee sure enough, but who is she? She's got pink dye in her hair and a braid down her back with cute bangs. She looks Asian but I can't be sure.

I wave and smile down at the kids from the platform near the main computers and ground bridge.

They all make some exclamation of awe at the sight of Ratchet by the computer and Bulkhead standing nearby to see the newcomers.

"Welcome!" I call as the kids get out or off their rides so the Autobots can transform.

"I thought there were two." Ratchet muses, not terribly grumpily, as he walks over.

Arcee rolls her eyes, hand on her hip. "Haven't you heard? Humans multiply."

I laugh, nodding at the girl. "Let me guess; you caught her talking to Jack?" I all but slide down the ladder and walk over to the humans. "Hi. I'm Robyn Burns, one of the Autobots' liaisons with the government. Welcome to the base."

Jack shakes my hand when I offer it. "Uh…yeah she did. So what do you do for the Autobots?"

I shrug. "Mostly file reports and archive data on them or about their missions. I actually helped I.D. y'all so the 'Bots would know where to pick you guys up. Not to sound stalker-y, but…"

Jack chuckles a bit nervously, so I turn to Rafael and he politely shakes my hand. "Sorry you got caught up in this, kid."

"No worries! I'm just excited to see cool robots!"

I chuckle. "They're more than that."

I know strictly speaking I'm not that much older than these kids, but I can't help viewing them as just kids.

I turn to the girl and she shakes my hand eagerly. "I'm Miko! Do you get to go on missions with them? Do you have a gun? Are you-"

"Easy, Miko. I just file reports. They don't let me go on more than patrols for my safety. My Uncle is more directly involved."

"If you don't mind my asking, how did you and your Uncle get involved?" Jack asks.

"I was the first one to find them." I reply, enjoying their shock.

"No way! That's so cool!"

"That must've been crazy!"

"Was it scary?" Rafael asks, eyes wide and curious

So I wink. "Nah, they were cool." I see Ratchet shifting in impatience to get this over with, so I clear my throat. "Now, enough about me. May I introduce the team," I indicate each of the Autobots as I say their names, "medical officer and engineering whiz, Ratchet, heavy hitter Bulkhead, scout Bumblebee, and the one and only Arcee."

They all politely nod as the kids take it all in.

Miko's eyes gravitate to Bulkhead. "So, Bulkhead, are you a car? I bet you're a truck! A monster truck!" She waves her arms to indicate how big a monster truck she thinks he is, "Do you like heavy metal? How much do you weigh? Ever use a wrecking ball as a punching bag?"

Bulkhead is taken aback by her immediate interest and interrogation.

Rafael frowns a little. "So if you guys are robots, who made you?"

Ratchet splutters. "Puh-leease."

"Be nice." I tease.

Optimus walks up behind the humans before Ratchet can say anything else.

I chuckle at the kids, who turn and stare in awe at the Prime.

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron, also known, as Ms. Burns said earlier, Autobots."

Jack steps forward. "Why are you here?"

I step back, letting Optimus take the lead.

"To protect your planet from the Decepticons." And because your ship crashed here.

At the kids' confused look, Arcee pipes up. "The jokers who tried to bump us off last night."

Jack frowns. "Ok…why are they here?"

"A fair question, Jack. In part, they are here because our planet is uninhabitable, ravaged by centuries of civil war."

"Why were you fighting a war?" Rafael asks.

"Foremost, over control of our world's supply of Energon, the fuel and lifeblood of all Autobots and Decepticons alike. The combat was fierce and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother, but in war, ideals can become corrupted, and thus it was that Megatron lost his way."

"Megatron being the leader of the Decepticons." I muse idly.

"Is there gonna be a quiz?" Miko asks.

I frown. "You could stand to pay attention." I grumble without thinking, but luckily she didn't hear me.

"So what does Megatron, or any of this, have to do with us?" Jack asks and I sigh.

They are just kids, but still. Put two and two together.

Optimus frowns. "Megatron has not been seen nor heard from in some time. But if his return is imminent, as I fear, it could be catastrophic."

"Also, if the Decepticons know you know the Autobots they won't hesitate to use you to get to them. This is about your safety, so you understand the world you inadvertently entered." I chime in, coming closer. "Which is why I don't go on normal missions with them. We're not asking you to get involved, we just want to make sure you understand what's going on."

"Ms. Burns is correct. And since you now know of our existence, I fear that, as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours, as well." Optimus adds.

"Got it." Jack replies. "If we spot any strange cars, call 911. Can…we go now?"

"I'm sorry if this is a lot, Jack, but I promise everything's fine." I reply. Kid probably needs time to process everything.

"Yeah, are you insane?!" Miko asks incredulously. "I'm living a dream here in Bot-swana! And I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!"

I roll my eyes. "Miko, this isn't an after-school club. This is serious."

"Yeah yeah, whatevs."

"It is best that you three remain under our watch-at least, until we can determine our enemies' intentions." Optimus decides before I can get a word in.

Ratchet turns to him. "Optimus, with all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere."

I sigh. Here we go… "The silo has shielding and it's hidden. They're perfectly safe here." I mumble. "It's no different for them than it is for me, Ratchet."

"Hang on. 'Children'?" Jack protests.

"You are all children, yes. None of you are 18." I reply without thinking.

"They have no protective shell." Ratchet continues. "As I've brought up numerous times on the matter of Ms. Burns' involvement. If they get underfoot, they'll go 'squish'."

"Ratchet's a little cranky and uptight. He doesn't mean it personally." I murmur conspiratorially.

The kids snicker.

"Then, for time being, Ratchet, we must watch where we step." Optimus retorts to which Ratchet looks ready to reply when the proximity sensor goes off.

I move back up to my previous position on the shelf as Ratchet and the others investigate.

"What's that?" Jack asks fearfully.

"No need to panic. It's fine." I call back. Looks like Uncle Jack is up top.

Bumblebee gives off his usual whirring and beeping and, surprisingly, Rafael nods. "It's the proximity sensor. Someone's up top."

"You understand him?" I ask, curious.

"Yeah. Don't you all?"

Before I can reply that Uncle Will and I are the only ones who can't understand the unfortunate scout, Ratchet sighs.

"It's Agent Fowler."