This was one was rather slow. I had to really sort out my thoughts on this one. Please keep the reviews coming. Knowing that these stories bring you happiness and hope makes it all worth while.
Trials, Tribulations and Transformations
IX - Lockdown
Autobot Outpost Omega One - Jasper, Nevada - April 23rd 2011, 7:30 pm
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at the Autobot base. Ratchet was at the main computer surveying all Autobot activity and communication. He also maintained the readiness of the medical bay in the event that it would be needed, for Autobots and humans alike. Despite his meticulousness, Ratchet was at a disadvantage due to the shortage of resources as well as his lack of knowledge and experience in the science of human anatomy and medicine.
And worse yet, in less than 24 hours, things have gone from bad to worse. MECH making their move, in Jasper of all places, with such methodical and brutal execution that it was a miracle that Fowler escaped with only a stab wound, an uncritical one at that.
And he brought two human children with him and left them here. As if having three humans wasn't enough.
But it was necessary he supposed, considering that MECH seemed to be closing on the Autobots and everyone that associates with them.
Agent Fowler theorized, which Optimus had already considered, that MECH has people, perhaps, in certain levels of government as well as in certain federal agencies. MECH sleepers is what they were referred to.
Meaning that MECH has access to many governmental secrets, among other things, which would make them all the more dangerous. Perhaps now the most dangerous organization on earth.
And now until further notice, Sierra and Vince, and perhaps Nurse Darby, will remain at the base under the Autobots' protection. At least until it can be determined the exact extent of MECH's reach and who can be trusted to protect those who are associated with the Autobots so that immediate action can be taken against those who are confirmed to be MECH agents.
As for their families and anyone else close to them, they would have to placed in safe houses under the pretext that the town is under threat by terrorists (which is technically the case).
Hopefully, this will blow over without further casualties. I've only, since yesterday, began to study human medicine. If someone is severally hurt, I may not be of much help.
And of course, there may be worse to come. If MECH managed to close in on Agent Fowler, it may be only a matter of time before they determine the location of our base, our only base for the moment. And if MECH has managed to pick up the trail, then the Decepticons will not be far behind. Their tracking capabilities are just as effective and advanced as MECH's.
Which means there is a very real danger that our base will be discovered and we'll have no choice but to flee and find a base elsewhere, if that is even possible.
Plus, the entire town of Jasper will be in just as much danger as we already are. I will have find considerable locations that would serve as an effective substitute should it ever come to relocating.
"Hey Ratchet, are you ok?"
Ratchet didn't have to turn from his work station to know who was speaking. He has become quite accustomed with that little voice.
"I'm fine Rafael, just pondering is all," Ratchet answered, albeit glumly.
"On where to go if the base should ever be compromised?" Rafael asked.
Ratchet stopping typing with a start and turned to look at Rafael.
"How do you know that?" Ratchet asked astounded by the boy's intuition.
Raf looked sheepish. "Call it a hunch."
Ratchet noticed that Raf was quite busy as well, typing sporadically at his laptop.
Bumblebee was kneeling behind Raf so he could see what he was working on. The expression on the scout's face showed that it must be interesting.
"Rafael, may I ask what project you are working on?" Ratchet asked with interest.
"I'm searching for possible locations that would be suitable as a plan B if we ever have to relocate the base."
Ratchet smiled but it was a grim smile.
"Rafael, your efforts are appreciated but it is not that simple. It was difficult enough for your nation's government to find this base for us. Agent Fowler had to pull some serious strings in order to find this abandoned missile silo for us and for us to even be allowed to use it, even if no one was using it."
"Then why not use land that isn't even being occupied?" Rafael asked. "A location with an environment that has access to a natural power source like a massive waterfall or even a volcano."
"A natural power source?" Ratchet asked.
"Yes. For example, the incredible heat of a volcano could be used as a source for geothermal energy. Hot groundwater from such an area can be converted to steam to power turbines, thus the resulting electricity can be used to power up the base," Rafael clarified as though giving a simple lecture.
Ratchet listened intently, rubbing his chin. "Have you found any suitable locations?" he asked.
"A few but one is particularly promising. It's in Hawaii. Here, let me just pull it up on your computer," Raf said, tapping a few keys and in mere moments, a map of the world appeared on the Autobot main computer, with certain locations marked across the globe: one in Brazil, one near the border of Canada and the US, two in Washington state, and one in Hawaii, which was highlighted.
"Hawaii is notorious for relying on renewable energy for their electrical grid. It has five active volcanoes and I read that their largest island get 50% of their power from their volcano alone."
Ratchet was awestruck.
That just might work. I could piece together a power grid and apply it to one of their volcanos in a way that won't be detected. If this works, we'll have all the electricity we'll need. Locating Energon sources will be all the simpler...but...
"Power may not be the issue here Raf, but the shortage of effective technology. Your earth's computers are primitive and their reach is limited. Even if we could secure these power sources as you suggested, we would need effective technology as well as a place to house them, someplace hidden," Ratchet said.
"Can't you just build a base of your own?" Raf asked.
"We don't have the means to build a base from scratch Rafael."
Raf said nothing as he looked downward as though he failed in some form or fashion.
Ratchet felt his spark aching. He knelt before Rafael so he could look at him at his level.
"Don't fret Raf. We'll figure something out. We always do."
"I know," Raf said smiling. "No matter how bad things get, we always manage to pull through."
Ratchet returned his smile.
"RATCHET!"
That's Arcee!
Ratchet jolted back to the main computer and answered the call.
"Arcee, what is it?!"
"MECH soldiers tracked us down! We need a bridge at a certain location! Sending coordinates now!"
"Arcee?" Ratchet examined the coordinates and for some reason, they baffled him. "These coordinates-hang on. You can't stop?"
"No we can't! Just open the bridge when I say! Trust me!"
"Alright...but you're closing in fast," Ratchet said forebodingly.
"Get ready Ratchet..."
Ratchet had his hand on the lever activating the groundbridge. He was shaking with anticipation.
"NOW RATCHET!"
Ratchet pulled the lever and the groundbridge sprang to life, and both Bulkhead and Arcee charged in in their vehicle modes.
"CLOSE IT!" Arcee screamed.
Ratchet did so and the groundbridge immediately vanished.
Arcee transformed and sat herself down on one of the crates. Arcee panted as though she had ran a mile. Not so far from the truth.
Bulkhead opened his doors to let his passengers out.
"What happened?" Ratchet asked anxiously. "How did MECH find you?!"
Arcee's eyes were downward. "MECH were already aware that Jack and June were involved with us. Remember when they abducted June to get to me and Jack? They took her as she was getting off work. And left a phone for us to answer in Jack's garage."
"I see, that is troubling. If MECH knew where they live, then why weren't they relocated?" Ratchet asked, deeply annoyed.
"Because..." Arcee began to say but stopped after giving it some thought. Why didn't she relocate? She then turned to June who was helping Sierra get out of the car.
"June, why weren't you relocated? Fowler did offer you the option to do so, right? Because he's usually pretty thorough," Arcee asked.
June looked slightly embarrassed. "He did but he gave me time to consider it. I still was pondering about it. But with the danger passed of my kidnapping and the revelation of your existence, I just thought..."
"That you would be safe under our protection and therefore relocation would not be necessary?" Ratchet asked.
"Yes," June said casting her eyes downward.
Ratchet immediately registered June's distress and said, "You mustn't blame yourself June."
"Why shouldn't I?" June asked with hurt in her voice at her oversight.
"You could not have foreseen what would've happened. Besides it would seem that even if you relocated, it may not have mattered."
"Why not?" June asked.
"Because it seems that Fowler's theory about MECH having people within your government was correct. He confirmed it less than an hour ago. MECH is not simply a rogue military force, they are a highly-organized force of terror with vast connections and influence that none of us could comprehend. MECH has become more than shrapnel in our sides, they are very grave threat that have the potential to stand just as tall as the Decepticons," Ratchet said grimly.
Before Ratchet could say anymore, the sound of someone vomiting filled the base. Ratchet looked down toward where Bulkhead was to see someone he didn't recognize: a young girl with blonde hair, dressed in a similar fashion as some of the female preps at the children's school.
She was keeled over, placing a hand on the door to her seat, purging the contents of her stomach.
Ratchet's optics widened and his mouth dropped open, his incredulity quite clear.
Arcee followed Ratchet's line of sight. Upon seeing what he was gawking at, she looked downward once more, attempting to avoid looking Ratchet in the face.
"Is this...some kind of joke?" Ratchet asked, not sounding pleased in the least.
"Ratchet, it couldn't be helped," Arcee said.
"Couldn't be helped?!" Ratchet shouted. "How many more of these humans do we have to safeguard?! Have we become a babysitting service all of a sudden?!"
"Um hello?"
Ratchet looked down to see the new newcomer standing below him, with her hands on her hips, looking up at him with scorn.
"Care to explain to me who you people are?" Katie asked impertinently. "Or more importantly, what you are? And how did we get here?"
Ratchet spluttered at the girl's impudence.
This presumptuous girl is not here for five minutes and I already can't stand her.
"I beg your pardon?" Ratchet asked in a dangerous tone.
"Whoa Ratchet," Arcee said placing a hand on his chest. "I know you're upset but right now, we need to keep a cool head."
"Explanations," Ratchet demanded, his brow ridges narrowing. "Now!"
Arcee sighed. "Alright, let's see-"
"Excuse me?!" Katie shouted. "Aren't I due an explanation too?!"
"Jack, if you would?" Ratchet said, clearly annoyed by Katie's haughtiness.
"Sure Ratchet," Jack said. He got Katie's attention and motioned to the massive hallway of the base so they could talk.
With a grimace, Katie followed after him.
Miko crossing her arms, frowned as she watched Jack and Katie go.
"We never did have that talk," Miko said, more to herself then to anyone else and then she walked away towards the hallway in the opposite direction.
"Now," Ratchet said, relieved at least that two of the more annoying humans have left the room. "Explanations please."
Arcee frowned at Ratchet's usual grump. "Well, we groundbridged into Jack's home in order to intercept that girl," she said pointing in the direction Katie just went.
"But we had company, unexpected company..."
Meanwhile...
"Remember Vince, it was either them or you."
Vince had his arms crossed, his head bowed. Having found a trucker's cap in the glove box of Optimus' cab, Vince wore it and used it to cover his eyes, so the Prime couldn't see that he had been crying.
It didn't work but Optimus showed no sign of noticing as he did not want to make the boy insecure and be less receptive to his counsel.
Vince Raider was still coming to terms of the fact that in order to survive his encounter with MECH, he ran two MECH soldiers off of a cliff, killing them both. Knowing that he took two lives, justified or not, was taking its toll on Vince's mind and heart.
Optimus was all too familiar of such sorrow as a warrior himself. He remembered taking a life for the first time in his life when the Great War of Cybertron began. He remembered that day in the Hydrax Plateau as clearly as it was yesterday, remembered how the Decepticon blew to pieces when he blasted him. The Decepticon who's name he never knew. Taking a life for the first time was what sealed Optimus Prime's commitment to the Great War.
"I know Prime," Vince said. "But I've never killed anyone in my life. I mean, how can people live with something like that? I know they were trying to kill us, but still...how do people go on after that?"
"This is war Vince, and whether you like or not, you're part of it now," Optimus said firmly but gently. "This is no longer between Autobots and Decepticons. It is between those who wish to live and those who are at war with life itself."
Vince looked downward but nodded in understanding. "Does that mean I might have to kill again?" he asked dreading the answer.
"I won't lie to you Vince but that is a definite possibility but only as a means to defend yourself or someone else, if you have no other choice. If MECH managed to pull you over, Fowler would be in their hands and you and Sierra might've been killed or kept as hostages."
Vince said nothing except nod.
"But it was not your own life alone that you were trying to preserve Vince, but you were also trying to protect someone else correct?" Optimus asked.
"Yes sir," Vince answered.
"And you acted without hesitation."
Vince shrugged. "I panicked really. When that guy in the mask pointed his gun at Sierra...I just lost it. It was as if my hands moved the steering wheel on their own."
"But you acted all the same as if it were natural for you," Optimus said gently. "Because deep down, you were willing to do what needed to be done in order to protect those who are important to you."
Vince chuckled mirthlessly. "You make it sound like I'm some kind of hero Prime."
"Because that is exactly the truth Vince," Optimus said firmly. "You may not have chosen to be in this situation but you did not allow yourself or your friend to be captured. You fought valiantly and at a terrible risk to yourself, made a daring escape and evaded a dangerous enemy just long enough for me to arrive and head them off."
Vince said nothing. His mind understood why he did what he had to do and that he was not to blame for it. But doubt still lingered like a shadow on his mind and his spirit.
Sensing that Vince was not entirely convinced, he continued. "Those men were responsible for their own deaths Vince. They attempted to kidnap you, Sierra and Fowler. They murdered police officers for no other reason than that they were in the way. Then they tried to do the same to you and Sierra. It was either them or you Vince...and Sierra."
"Ok ok, what is it with you making connections between me and Sierra like she's something special to me?" Vince asked annoyed.
"Isn't she?" Optimus asked.
"That's none of your business," Vince said impertinently.
"Very well Vince, I will not pry any further on the specifics of your relationship with her," Optimus said simply.
"There is no relationship!" Vince almost shouted.
Optimus could detect the rise in Vince's body temperature but decided to say nothing about it.
"We should head back to base now," he said, making a soft u-turn. It was already dark and Optimus was sure Vince will need plenty of rest after such a hard day.
"Good idea, 'cause I could use some sleep-wait!" Vince shouted. "My mom! I gotta make sure she's-"
"Safe Vince," Optimus said, interrupting him sharply. "Your mother has already been taken into protective custody. Agent Fowler saw to it himself. He has already confirmed to me via what you humans call 'texting.'"
Oh...good," Vince said relieved until a terrible thought entered his mind. "What about MECH?! They have people everywhere, including our government and their agencies! You said it yourself!"
"Agent Fowler placed your mother in a safehouse, which will be under his supervision and mine. She has been placed there on the pretext of the possible threat of terrorist attacks in the area. She has already been notified of your safety so you needn't worry about her fearing for your life."
He laid back in his seat as though some weight has been lifted from shoulders. "Why didn't you say so?"
"I was getting to it Vince. I thought it better to tend to the more urgent matter of helping you come to terms of what happened today," Optimus said.
Vince grimaced.
This guy, this alien robot hasn't known me for a day. Why is he so nice? No one is that nice!
"Do you actually care about me?" Vince asked in a cynical tone.
"Yes Vince," Optimus said genuinely.
While Vince could not see Optimus' face (being in vehicle mode), he could not detect anything ulterior or dishonest in his voice. Being a bully, Vince became adept in knowing a lie when he hears it, and for the life of him, he could not hear it from Optimus.
Cripes, I think he actually means it...but why?
"Th-thank you Prime," Vince said, truly touched but struggled to get the words out. "I...I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to thank me. It is my pleasure and privilege to fight for and defend those in need," Optimus said.
Ha, he sounds like my dad.
Vince flinched at the thought and he covered his eyes further with the cap.
"Are you alright Vince?"
"Yes sir, I'm fine," Vince said, trying hard to hide his sniffling. "Are we almost back at the base?"
Optimus chose not to probe further of Vince's sudden sign of distress.
"Yes Vince," Optimus answered. "It's right up ahead. I'm sure Sierra must be back from Nurse Darby's and is awake and quite well by now."
"Hope so, I've never seen her so upset."
Hopefully, the rest of the evening will be a breeze.
"What was his name again?!"
"Megatron," Jack said.
"Megatron?" Katie asked incredulous. "That's his name?"
"Yeah, what's so weird about that?" Jack asked.
Katie tried very hard not to laugh, despite the situation being so dire, especially since she has now become aware of just how dire.
Megatron? Certainly sounds like the kind of name for an insane megalomaniac.
Kaitlyn Steinfeld had just listened to Jack give his story of how he and his friends met the Autobots and got caught up in their intergalactic war, among other things: meeting Arcee at K.O. Burger, meeting Optimus Prime, his first experiences with the groundbridge, as well as their past adventures with the Autobots, including the ones involving MECH.
"MECH kidnapped your mom?!" Katie asked, quite shocked.
"Yup," Jack said grimly, not at all fond of that terrible memory. "A plot which was incited by Airachnid."
"That spider psycho you out-foxed in the woods?" Katie asked.
"The very same," Jack laughed.
"You know, this is all very hard to believe," Katie said.
It was true. It hasn't even a day and already, Katie's world had been turned upside down.
Alien robots who can transform into vehicles? A rogue military group who aspire to bring about a new world order? A war that has spread across the galaxy that just so happened to find its way here? It was like something straight out of a cheap science-fiction movie or tv show.
It's like Star Wars or Star Trek, only...not.
"I'm inclined to feel the same way Katie but you did see them right?" Jack asked. "You saw them transform. You saw Bulkhead driving without anyone needing to steer the wheel. And the groundbridge? That green portal we went through? We all went through it, you practically lost your lunch afterwards."
Katie scowled, crossed her arms and turned away. "Don't remind me."
"Do you need some time by yourself?" Jack asked.
"I don't even know where I am. And if I'm not home by 10, my parents will ground me," Katie grumbled.
"Well, we can give you a ride home, but it's probably too dangerous now that MECH knows you're involved with the Autobots," Jack said.
"So you're saying I'd be safer here than out there?" Katie asked. "That it is in my best interests to remain here in the presence of alien titans for my own safety, rather than under the human federal protection. Is that what you're telling me?"
Jack frowned. "Yes Katie and we can't get protection from the government because they're not equipped to handle the 'Cons. And even if they were, there's no guarantee we'd be safe because MECH has spies among their agencies. We can't trust them to protect us."
Katie's face became red with anger and frustration. She clenched her eyes shut as well as her fists. Then she quickly turned around, gripping her head, and gave a loud groan.
"So I have to stay in this giant tomb full of freaks for who-knows how long?" she shouted in contempt.
"This isn't a prison Katie, you can leave anytime. No one will stop you," Jack said starting to get annoyed. Jack was starting to really dislike this girl's flippancy.
"Do I honestly have a choice?"
"Of course you do," Jack answered. "But what are your alternatives?"
Katie said nothing as she looked downward, a look of defeat and hopelessness on her face. She laid against a concrete wall and slid down. She then laid her face in her knees, arms crossed.
Jack felt terrible. Like himself, Katie was plunged into a world she was not prepared, a world ravaged by centuries of war, a war that has brought earth into its crosshairs. And now those crosshairs have been focused on her as much as it has been focused on Jack and his friends.
Jack sat down next to Katie but not too closely as he did not want to make her uncomfortable.
"I know it's rough Katie, really I do," Jack said gently. "But we're safe here. The bots are going to take care of us."
"Are they?" Katie asked bitterly. "They're outnumbered and are in hiding. How can they protect us?"
"The 'Cons aren't exactly out in the open themselves Katie. They have their warship cloaked and everything because they know that even with all their power, they can't risk attacking the earth because they can't win. And the Autobots have always been outnumbered and yet somehow, for centuries, they are still here."
Katie looked up at Jack. There were tears in her eyes. She wiped them away. There seemed to be some hope rekindling in her eyes.
"I'm...sorry," Katie whispered.
"You're sorry? For what?"
"For being such a jerk since I got here," Katie said. "To almost everyone here, including you. I'm so sorry."
Her voice was breaking and tears formed.
"Ok," Jack said, standing up. "I don't want to see you cry anymore. Come here."
Katie looked up to see Jack standing with arms open.
"I...I don't..."
"It's ok, you're not alone in this, and I forgive you," Jack said, still holding his arms out.
Katie, keeping her eyes downward, stood up and walked into Jack's brotherly embrace. She did not return the embrace, she just laid her head on his shoulder and cried.
Jack didn't seem to mind.
Just from around the corner, out of Jack and Katie's line of sight, Miko Nakadai was walking along the massive maze which was the hallway circuit of Autobot Outpost Omega One. She had been walking for quite some time now, sorting out her thoughts.
Man, what a day! And it started off so well too. And then this happens: MECH steps up their game, we're on the run, hiding from MECH agents who are hiding in our own government, and we got some new human additions to Team Prime...hmm...doesn't seem all that bad now that I think about it.
Vince, Sierra, and Katie would have to get their own guardians but we don't have anymore Autobots to spare, except Wheeljack, but he's in outer space.
Miko was just about to walk around the corner when she-
Whoa, what the? Is that-?
Miko could've sworn her heart stopped.
Jackson Darby has his arms wrapped around Kaitlyn Steinfeld, who in turn was holding on to him for dear life and she was...
Is she crying? Since when does Sierra's shadow cry?
Miko quickly stepped back behind the corner of the hallway and pressed her back to it. She bit her lower lip, twiddling her forefingers, trying hard not cry.
What is he doing? I thought that they were just going to talk?
Miko began to hyperventilate, and then she immediately covered her mouth to stop any sound from escaping. The last thing she needed was to be discovered and appear to be snooping.
Why is this happening? Jack is all over Sierra and now he's moving on to her best friend?! Why?! They don't know each other!
Miko's eyes widened at the thought.
They...don't...know each other. Is it because he knows me, knows what I am that he has never shown such affection to me and yet he'll show such to a girl he doesn't even know?
A terrible suspicion enters Miko's mind, one she had never considered: does she mean nothing to Jack? Is she just-
NO!
Miko suddenly straightened herself out and dried her eyes vigorously. No longer did she look terribly sad, just terribly angry. Angry at herself for even entertaining such thoughts.
Stupid. He told me we would talk. And when Jack says he's going to do something, he does it. I've never known him to back on his word. I just have to be patient. And when the time is right, I'll tell him.
Her ears became hot.
How do I put it when I do?
And then Miko walked back the way she came.
Optimus Prime returned to the base. He turned off his engine and let Vince out. As soon as he was at a safe distance from Vince, Optimus transformed.
"Thanks for the ride Prime," Vince said without looking up at the Prime.
"You're welcome."
Vince then walked towards to the human area without another word.
Optimus watched him go, both with sadness and pride at the same.
And then the proximity alarm went off.
Vince jumped from the couch with a start.
"What is that?!" he said. "Are we under attack?!"
"No," Ratchet said listlessly without turning from his work table. "Just the proximity sensor. Seems Agent Fowler is back sooner than expected."
"Is that a good or bad?" Rafael asked, who was at his laptop, sitting on the couch with Vince on the other end.
"Hard to say really," Ratchet answered.
The sound of the base's service lift could be heard descending and it stopped when it reached its set level. Agent Fowler emerged from the lift.
"What can we do for you Agent Fowler?" Optimus asked, curt and polite as usual.
"I'm simply here to deliver a report, among other things. Good news is that the families and close friends of your new human charges-"
Ratchet harrumphed.
Fowler gave Ratchet an annoyed look before continuing. "-have been relocated to safe houses for their own protection. The town of Jasper has been declared a high-risk area of possible terrorist activity. Today's incident will serve as evidence of such. This will sanction a military garrison. Procedures to deploy troops into the town are already underway."
"And a surveillance feed has been established?" Optimus asked.
"That's right. If any MECH activity turns up, we'll be ready for them."
"That is wonderful news Agent Fowler," Optimus said smiling.
"It gets better. I managed to find you bots some help," Fowler said. He was grinning, feeling quite pleased with himself.
"Oh really?" Ratchet said scowling. "And what did you find that could be of any help to-"
"Ratchet, please," Optimus said sternly.
Ratchet stopped talking and return to his work station.
"Agent Fowler, What have you found for us?" Optimus asked.
"An old associate of mine has agreed to grant you access to his company's technology and perform updates on them for you."
"Come again?" Ratchet said disbelievingly.
"He has agreed to give you his company technology for your operations. I told him your computers are...limited in their use. So he wishes to give his own so that you may work more effectively. He's even volunteered to come here himself to do updates on them."
"That is most kind of him Agent Fowler," Optimus said. "
"I'll see to his safety personally. Plus, he's bringing a man with him, whom he trusts wholeheartedly, a police chief who has volunteered to his security manager for the duration of his stay here."
"Would his tech really be any better than what we've got here?" Ratchet asked doubtfully.
"The man's a genius Ratchet, one of the finest minds of our time. He's specializes in robotics. His work has practically revolutionized the field. You're going to like him."
"And he's just giving his tech to us?" Ratchet asked.
"He is. Because he is aware of how serious the situation is and how little our government has been lending a hand in your operations. He knows who you are and what you're trying to do here," Fowler said simply.
"How's that Agent Fowler?" Optimus asked, raising an eye brow.
"Because he's the agency's top technological consultant. He has been assigned to invent and provide tech to our troops in order to counteract the Decepticon threat."
"And us?"
Fowler turned to look at Ratchet who was looking back at him suspiciously and scornfully.
"The good doctor is my friend Ratchet. He's a bit naive but he's a good judge of character and does not share the same prejudice most of our guys have against you."
Fowler turned to Optimus. "He's very much looking forward to meeting you Prime."
Optimus smiled. "Then I'll be looking forward to thanking him personally Agent Fowler."
"All he asks is that his daughter be allowed to accompany him when he meets you."
"His daughter?" Optimus asked.
Ratchet threw his arms up in anger. "By the Allspark! Will it ever end?!"
"Not to stay here as one of your charges, just to come see you. She is only coming along because her father is not comfortable about her remaining in Detroit by herself, especially now that MECH's spider-web of conspiracy has been revealed. She is only coming to visit, that's all."
"That can be arranged Agent Fowler but certain ground rules will have to be established," Optimus said.
"No problem."
"Now...what is the good doctor's name may I ask?" Optimus asked, genuinely curious.
Fowler smiled. "I've been saving that for this moment. He is known as Dr. Isaac Sumdac of Sumdac Systems."
To be continued...
Surprise surprise!