Autobot HQ. Midnight. Carbine and I had a nice, civilized conversation all the way to the base. I was quite surprised that we didn't start fighting like I had figured we would have.
I stopped just outside the base and asked Carbine to get out so I could transform. She did so, then I transformed.
As we started walking into the base, the alarms started going off. I sighed and told Carbine to stay outside 'til I let everyone know that it's just her and I. She nodded then I headed deeper inside the base.
I had just made it into the control room when maybe ¼ of the Autobots were running out. I stopped right in the middle of the doorway and asked what was going on.
They all stopped just short of running me down like an animal. "The alarms went off as soon as you and whoever else with you were in range of the outer perimeter", Prowl said.
"If this is how you treat friends, then I'd hate to see how you treat your enemy, Prowl. Why would you guys think that Carbine and I are intruders, anyway? I came back to have Ratchet and Wheeljack put me back into my Martian Mouse body", I said.
Everyone looked at each other, then to Prowl, who looked at me. I narrowed my optics at him. "What happened?", I asked.
"There…there was a big explosion in med bay yesterday afternoon", said Prowl.
"And…?", I asked.
"Ratchet and Wheeljack didn't survive the blast. After we cleaned up med bay and whatnot, we also searched for your Martian Mouse body. We didn't find it", Prowl said, shaking his head.
"That's because its in storage, Prowl. I started using Sunny and Sides' room for storage. That's where I put it 'til I was ready to come back for it. Have Ratchet and Wheeljack been laid to rest yet? And does my dad know what happened?", I asked.
"No and no. I'm so very sorry. I know they were your good friends", said Prowl.
"Thanks. When I come back in with Carbine, I'll go get my Martian Mouse body and take it to med bay. I'll set everything up and have one of you throw the lever that will transfer me back to where I belong", I said. Then I turned around and headed for the outside of the base.
"What is taking so long? She said she would be right back", Carbine said to herself.
"And I did come right back, Carbine. I just got some upsetting news about a couple of friends of mine", I said.
"What happened?", asked Carbine.
I sat down and leaned up against the base. I cast my optics downward. My spark really feels empty now.
"Two of my really close friends, Ratchet and Wheeljack, were killed in an explosion yesterday afternoon in med bay", I said with sadness in my voice.
Carbine walked up to me and put her hand on my leg. She knew what it was like to lose someone you love.
"I know what you're going through, sweetie. I lost my father about 8 years ago. He died of old age. Died in his sleep", Carbine said, patting my leg.
"I lost 6 loved ones. Ratchet, Wheeljack, Little Throttle, Little Modo, and Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. They were my twin brothers. And if I lose any one else, I'll give myself up to either the Decepticons or the Plutarkians. They can do with me as they please", I said.
Jazz was standing in the entry way of the base when I said that. He picked up a small rock and chucked it at my head and hit it directly in the back.
I looked his way and threw it back at him and nailed him in the face.
"That's what happens when you throw things at me, J-dog. Why did you throw that at me, anyway?", I asked.
"After what you said, do you think I was going to let you do something stupid like that?", Jazz replied. Then he walked over to us and sat down next to me.
"You're like a sister to me, Wolf. You're always there for me and Blaster. We were there for you when your son was shot and killed. I'm sorry no one got a hold of ya to let ya know what happened", said Jazz.
I put my hand on his and patted it a bit. "Thanks, Jazz. I just wish the killing would stop. I don't care how, I just want it to stop. Period", I said.
"One of these days it will. Maybe by then, Mega-rat will have learned that killing won't solve the problem back home. It's cause of him we're in this stupid war", Jazz said.
"How true, Jazz. But as long as we function, he'll never give up", Prowl said, walking out.
"Hmmph. So you say, Prowler. If I had it my way, this war would be over now", I said.
"I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but I'd like to go inside. I'm not prepared for the cold weather here on Earth", said Carbine, freezing.
I looked at Carbine and saw that she was shivering. I felt like an idiot for not thinking.
"I am so sorry, Carbine", I said, then looked to Jazz. "Could you take Carbine to the lounge, Jazz? Then go get Modo and Charley please? And make sure one of them brings a jacket for her?", I asked.
"Sure, no prob, chica", said Jazz. I got up and walked a short distance to him. I kissed him on the cheek to thank him.
"You're welcome, girl. You're my best friend. I'd do anything for you", Jazz said.
Back in Chicago. Vinnie had heard about what happened to Throttle and told his sister about the shooting. She was shocked that Throttle was even still alive after getting shot.
"I've known him for a long time, sis. He's a fighter, no matter what the circumstances are. Why don't you come with me to go see him before they discharge him from the hospital?", Vinnie asked.
"Sure, bro. I'll go with ya. We should really catch up sometime. But I have to ask. How did you find out what happened to Throttle? Who told you? Was it Stoker who told you?", replied Vanessa.
"Nope. I found out from his father-in-law. He called me about 2 hrs. ago, letting me know that Throttle was in the hospital due to a shooting in a warehouse 2 blocks from the Last Chance", said Vinnie.
Vanessa looked at her twin brother strangely. "There's a bar called the Last Chance?", Vanessa asked.
"No. It's a motorcycle and vehicle repair shop. Our human friend, Charley, use to run the place. She gave it to Harley before she left for Oregon with Modo", Vinnie said, getting on his bike.
His sister got on shortly after he did. He started the bike, put the shirt in between his bandoleers, made sure his sister was holding on tight, then they both left the scoreboard.
"What hospital is he at, bro?", asked Vanessa.
"He's at Chicago General Hospital in room 110. I was suppose to be there yesterday with a change of clothes, including this shirt for him, and I totally forgot. I was at the Last Chance with Harley all day", said Vinnie, pointing to the shirt in his bandoleers.
"Weren't you going out with Harley at one time?", Vanessa asked.
"Yeah, before she was taken by Mace. But now that she's here on Earth, I know she'll be safe. I want to get back together with her, but she's seeing someone right now", Vinnie said.
Before he knew it, he had pulled up to the hospital. Vinnie parked his bike, got off, helped his sister off, then they both walked into the hospital.
Vinnie and his twin sister walked up to the receptionist desk and asked to see Throttle.
"May I ask the nature of your visit with the patient? Are either of you related to the patient?", Stacy asked.
"I'm a long time friend of his. As is my twin sister. Are we able to visit with him?", asked Vinnie.
Vinnie totally forgot that he hadn't taken the shirt out of his bandoleers, so his sister quickly grabbed it before the receptionist said anything.
He looked at his sister and she held up the shirt. Without saying anything, he knew why she had it.
After the receptionist got off the phone with whoever was in his room, she addressed Vinnie and his sister.
"You both may go see him now. Do you know what room he's in? Should I ask someone to take you to him?", asked Stacy.
"We're fine. I think we can find it, but thank you, ma'am", said Vanessa.
"Hey bro. How you feeling?", Vinnie asked, as he and his twin sister walked in.
Throttle looked their way and smiled. "Hey Vinnie. Hey Vanessa", said Throttle.
"So, what exactly happened, bro?", asked Vinnie.
"Both Optimus and I arrived in time to stop some crazy guy from nearly shooting Wolf. I wanted to shoot the guy myself, but Optimus stopped me. So, instead of shooting him, I ran at him to tackle him down and that's when he shot me. It also triggered her memory. She ran to me and stopped the bleeding temporarily until she could get me to the hospital. Wolf saved my life, bro. I wouldn't be here talking with you and your sis if it wasn't for Wolf", Throttle said.
"Damn, bro. You are one lucky SOB to have someone like her. I doubt even Carbine would have done anything like that for you. Screw what Stoker has said about Wolf. It's like you said. Cause of her, you're alive", Vinnie said.
He grabbed the shirt from his sister and handed it to Throttle. "Here's the shirt I was suppose to bring by yesterday. I was talking with Harley all day yesterday. Sorry", said Vinnie.
"It's cool, Vin. Wanna see my scar? Or as Wolf called it last night, my badge of honor", said Throttle.
"Sure. She really called it a badge of honor?", Vinnie asked.
"Yep. Check it out", Throttle said, pulling the hospital gown down to show off his scar.
"Does it hurt if it's touched?", asked Vinnie.
"Naw. Go ahead and touch it. There's no feeling where the scar is", said Throttle.
Both Vinnie and Vanessa ran a finger down the scar. It weirded Vanessa out, but Vinnie thought it was cool.
"That's weird, but at the same time, it's kinda cool. Aren't you upset that you had to have your chest shaved?", Vanessa asked.
"Nope. Wolf did what she had to do in order to save my life", Throttle said, pulling the hospital gown back up.
"And I'm glad she did. I already lost one son, I'm not about to lose you too", Tredz said, standing in the doorway.
All 3 mice looked towards the older tan furred mouse standing in the doorway.
"What do you want?", snarled Throttle, crossing his arms over his bare naked chest.
"Is that any way to speak to your father?", asked Tredz.
"You stopped being my father after you raped Charley. Now, I suggest that you leave before I have Vinnie forcefully escort you out", Throttle said. Then he turned his head away.
Tredz got the picture. He turned around and walked away.
After Tredz was out of sight, Vanessa asked what that was all about.
"He raped my ex-GF, Charley. I found out from Wolf after it happened. She went to confront him, but found out that he's working for our enemy, Lawrence Limburger, who is a Plutarkian disguised as a human", said Throttle. Vanessa was shocked to hear that there was a Plutarkian in Chi-town.
"Hold on. Are you saying that there's a Plutarkian here in Chicago?", asked Vanessa.
"Yep. In fact, there's two. Limburger here and Brie in Detroit. We don't know much about him other than he's been at odds with 'ol lard butt for sometime, otherwise, we know nothing about Brie", Throttle said.
Limburger Tower. Tredz had just gotten back when he was approached by Karbunkle. He didn't look too happy with Tredz.
"I told you not to leave unless I said so, rodent!", Karbunkle yelled.
"S…sorry sir. I was visiting my son in the hospital. He was shot in the chest", Tredz said.
"Really? I've been trying to think of a way to get rid of him and his friends", said Karbunkle.
"Don't even think about hurting my son or his friends! I can't believe I even came to your boss for work! I quit!", yelled Tredz. Then he turned around and stormed out of the lab.
Autobot HQ. The former room of the Infamous Lambo Twins. And the brothers I loved dearly.
I still get teary-eyed when I think about them. Troublemakers, always, but the best brothers I had in the universe.
To this day, I still wish they were alive. Especially, when I open the door. I wish I could see their smiling faces or the twinkle in Sides' optics when he has a prank in the woodworks. Or Sunny getting ready to pummel his brother for scratching his beautiful paint.
The last thought brought a smile to my face. Then I remembered that he was bonded to Prowl. My smile faded then. They were so happy together, then Sunny went nuts after his bro had died.
I had this feeling Prowl was taking it real hard and I knew what it was like to lose loved ones. I've lost 2 sons cause of the Decepticons. The only one remaining is Little Vinnie. I know he's alone and that I should be spending time with him, but I've been completely wrapped up in my new life.
I grabbed my Martian Mouse body from the room, took it to med bay, got things ready for the transfer, then asked someone to throw the switch.
Before I knew it, I was back in my Martian Mouse body and trying to walk around. I didn't have very good luck with that. I fell down several times until I was told to sit still so the spinning would stop.
About an hour later, the spinning stopped and I was released from med bay. I went looking for my dad so I could talk to him about maybe the 3 of us spending time together. Dad and I made a promise to each other not to let our kids know that their father is also their grandfather.
Prime's office. The place where mechs go to either get reprimanded, promoted, or just talk about new plans of attacks.
I knocked on the office door. I was hoping that he wasn't real busy to talk with me. I am his only daughter, afterall. I doubt he would push me away. Even if he did, he would regret doing it cause I will make his life miserable, father or not.
"Doors open, sweetie", Prime said, still talking with someone on his computer.
The door opened and revealed my father, Optimus Prime. I love my father with all my heart. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. If I hadn't of known that he was my father, I probably would have bonded with him and maybe had more sparklings.
I walked in and waited for him to finish what he was doing before I could get up on his desk. Being small was a bad thing, but at the same time, it was a good thing. I could get into areas that someone tall like my dad couldn't get into.
"I'll get back to you as soon as I can, Magnus. Prime out", he said, turning his computer off.
"So, what were you and my ex-bondmate talking about, dad?", I asked, as I got up on his hand.
He put me down on his desk, then sat down behind it. "Just letting him know that I'm making a trip to Cybertron soon and bringing you and Throttle with me. I'm going to make sure that you get to see your daughter before we leave the planet", said Optimus.
"Dad, Magnus put a restraining order out on me. If I step foot on Cybertron, I'll get arrested on site", I said.
"I already talk to the chief at IPD. The restraining order has been lifted as has the one for being denied to see your daughter. Speaking of her. I got to talk with her before you knocked. She misses you. She wants to come live here on Earth, but I told her that it's up to you and not Magnus", Prime said.
"So, Magnus has no say in what his daughter does or what decision she makes?", I asked.
"That's exactly what I'm saying, sweetie. I also talked with the judge that issued the restraining order. Told him your current situation and that your husband is in the hospital. He awarded me legal guardianship of her. That's why I'm making a trip to Cybertron. The judge also wants you there to witness the signing. She will be a part of our family and our son will have a sister", said Optimus.
"Don't you mean that Little Vinnie will have a step-sister, dad? Same mother, different father", I said.
"That's what I meant to say. I'm sorry sweetie. Was there anything else you want? I have work to do", Prime said.
I was about to say something more, but someone knocked on the office door.
"Hold that thought, Wolf", said Optimus, as he buzzed the door open.
Both my dad and I were shocked to see the dean of the college I went to and taught at. Dad noticed the same resemblance I did when I first found out that the dean and Ratchet were related.
"This is an unexpected visit. What brings you here to Earth, Rusty?", Prime asked.
"I came to make amends with my son, Ratchet. Is he available?", Rusty replied.
"I think you arrived a little too late, Rusty. 'Chet is dead. So is 'Jack. Some kind of explosion a few days ago in med bay", I said.
"I haven't heard either nickname in a long time. Do you know what kind of explosion it was by chance?", asked Rusty.
"Sorry, I don't. I wasn't here when it happened. I heard from Prowl. You could ask him about the explosion. I'm so sorry, Rusty. I should have called you after I found out", I said.
"It's quite alright. We didn't part on very good terms. He's always been bitter towards me. It's probably better this way. Feel free to bury his body here, if you like", Rusty said.
My cell rang just before I tore into the dean. I was hoping he would want to take Ratchet's body back to Cybertron for a proper burial.
I answered my cell on the 3rd ring before it went to voicemail.
"Hello…yes, this is Wolf…Really? Great!….I'll come get him shortly…Good bye", I said. Then I hung up.
I looked at my dad. "Is there someone who can take me back to Chicago, dad? Throttle's ready to go", I said.
"I'll have Jazz take you. Go get some things ready and I'll have him stop by your room to get you", said Optimus. Then he put me on the floor and buzzed me out of his office.
As I was getting an extra pair of pants for Throttle, someone knocked on the door.
I heard someone walk in as I was putting the final item in a duffel bag.
"Hello, is anyone here?", Charley asked, closing the door behind her.
"I'll be out in a minute, Charley. I'm just finishing packing. Go ahead and have a seat", I said.
I looked around my bedroom to see if there was an extra pair of underwear for him and I couldn't find any. There weren't any in the drawer, either.
I zipped the bag and carried it out to the living room.
"Wow! You got bigger since I saw you last. So, how are you and Modo doing?", I asked.
"We're doing good. He's been so patient with me. I don't know how he does it?", said Charley.
"Will power, Charley. Complete and utter will power", I said.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Hold on a sec, Charley", I said. I got up and answered the door. I was surprised to see my son at the door.
"What brings you to my room, Vince? Is everything alright?", I asked.
"Everything is fine, mom. I just thought that maybe we could go somewhere and hang like we use to when I was smaller. You know, like you and my bros. did", Vince said.
"We'll see after I get back from picking up your step-father from Chicago General Hospital, ok", I said.
"Throttle is in the hospital? What for? Is he alright?", asked Vince.
"He's fine and he was shot for protecting me. I was just going to go see if Jazz was ready to roll", I said.
"Does dad know that you're going to Chicago?", Vince asked.
"Yep. His idea to have Jazz take me. It's almost a day's drive to Chi-town. Throttle thinks of you as his son. He thought the same of your brothers, too", I said.
"I love Throttle like a father. Who do you think taught me to shoot a blaster? It wasn't dad. Why didn't you and dad stay together?", asked Vince.
"Don't take this wrong, Vince. I love your father, but he was always working or out on the battlefield, fighting Megatron. We had no time for each other. Especially, after I started working at the college on Cybertron. I'll never stop loving your father, Vinnie. Never", I said.
"I don't go by Vinnie any more, mom. It's Vince or Vincent. Vinnie sounds childish", Vince said.
I was shocked to hear that out of his mouth, but he was right. He's not a child any more. My son is an adult now, so if he wanted to go by Vince or Vincent, then who am I to argue that.
"I can live with that. The mouse you're named after still goes by Vinnie and he's an adult, like you", I said.
"That's him. He still acts like a child. I doubt he'll ever grow up mentally", said Vince.
Just as I was about to say something, Jazz walked up.
"Hey Vin-man. What's crackin'?", Jazz asked.
"Not a whole lot, J-dawg. Just talkin' with my mom, who you probably want to talk with, right?", Vince replied.
Jazz nodded, so Vince left.
I watched my son walk down the hall 'til he was out of sight before I addressed Jazz.
After I saw Vince turn the corner, I addressed Jazz.
"So, what's up, Jazz?", I asked.
"I came to see if you were ready to roll", said Jazz.
"Yep. Let me grab Throttle's spare clothes, then we'll hit the road", I said, as I turned around to go grab the duffle bag off the sofa.
After I grabbed it, I closed and locked my door.
"You afraid someone is going to break into your room and steal something, chica?", Jazz asked.
"No, but ya never know. It's a trust issue as well", I said.
"Has Sides ever broke into your room and stole anything?", asked Jazz.
"Not that I know of, why? Should I be concerned?", I replied.
"No, of course not. I was just asking", Jazz said.
I wasn't convinced at all. I had this feeling that he was lying. Sunny told me that he caught our bro trying to break into my room once.
"Are you lying to me, Jazz? Cause if you are, I'm going to go find someone else to take me to Chicago to pick up Throttle. Now, I ask again. Are you lying to me?", I asked.
"You got me. Sunny and I caught Sides coming out of your room with your guitar. Sunny and I looked all over the base for it. To this day, I still don't know where it is", said Jazz.
"The same guitar you got me for my 19th birthday? That guitar?", I asked.
Jazz nodded. I was shocked. I didn't know that it was missing from my room.
"I wish he was still alive so I can wring his neck. You had that custom painted to match my paint job. I was going to practice the song I wrote after I had gotten off duty. That's probably when he took it", I said.
"When we get back, we'll go look for it. So, what song were you working on?", Jazz asked.