Trials, Tribulations and Transformations

XIX - Reminiscing

Nemesis Warship - Undisclosed Location - May 7th, 2011 - Saturday, 4:30 pm

"Lord Megatron, you summoned me?" Knockout asked, a slight tremor in his speech.

Megatron, Leader of the Decepticons, stood upon the bridge of the Nemesis. He stood unmoving, his hands folded behind his back. It was only when he spoke that he showed any sign of acknowledging the presence of his acting Medical Officer.

"Attention!" Megatron commanded. "All but Knockout, leave this room immediately and relay that none may enter until I bid otherwise!"

Every Decepticon officer present wasted no time and obeyed their master's command.

With the door shut and now alone with the Leader of the Decepticons, Knockout trembled but steadied himself "You...you were saying?" Knockout stammered.

"You lost the data cylinder," he said flatly but there was a certain bite in his tone that indicated his displeasure.

Knockout was stricken but he stood his ground. Any sign of fear or any attempt to flee would be useless. "The data cylinder was beyond recovery Lord Megatron. After what Prime did to Breakdown, and with such relative ease, neither myself nor any of our soldiers had the spark to challenge him."

Megatron turned to face Knockout. The doctor shuddered upon seeing the face of his leader twisted with rage.

"So..." Megatron exclaimed. "You fled with your tails between your legs?! Why did you not attempt to contact me so that I could dispatch Prime myself?!

Knockout smiled nervously. "Ah...well, the thought had occurred to me to contact you but-"

"But what?!"

"There wasn't time. And if any attempt to call for reinforcements was made, there's no way the Autobots wouldn't notice and Prime would have killed us all. You'd have lost your medical officer, one of your best soldiers, and the data cylinder. It was because we stood down that Prime allowed us to leave quietly."

Megatron advanced on Knockout, snarling like a wild beast that has been denied its prey. Knockout cried out in fear, cowering and covering his face with his arms as though it might shield him from the savage onslaught that was to come from his master's wrath.

Megatron stopped just a mere finger's length from his physician, shark-like teeth bared, and his mighty hands clenched into fists. But he did not strike Knockout or take him by the throat as he intended.

He stepped back and composed himself. "The loss of the cylinder will be a tremendous stroke to the Decepticon cause," Megatron growled. "Whatever wisdom of the Ancients that the cylinder's contents contained is now at the disposal of the Autobots."

Knockout quivered but managed to stay put. "We'll get it back."

"Will you?" Megatron said skeptically. "Do you have the location of their base? The location of anyone of their human allies that we can use to barter for the cylinder?"

"Well, no. But Soundwave-"

"Until Soundwave uncovers their base," Megatron interrupted, "which shouldn't be much longer now, we have no substantial way of drawing out the Autobots!"

"Why don't we target the human populace? Rain fire on their beloved vermin until they surrender?"

Megatron snarked menacingly. "And provoke retaliation from Earth's military? They may not have the advanced defense system to match this warship and whatever onslaught it can deliver, but if they decide to rise against us, or Primus forbid, if the planet combines their forces, they could deliver a devastating blow to our ranks, one which we may not recover from."

Knockout recoiled as if he was struck. He wasn't sure if he heard correctly. "The humans? But they're vermin! Inferior! What harm could they possibly do us?"

Megatron stood up, folded his hands behind his back and returned to his station. "Not one human can ever match our strength Knockout, not even one of them. But an army of them could cause problems. Remember Knockout, we have limited ordinance, limited soldiers and only one warship and a limited range of communication. If any of our forces are taking refuge among the stars, they are far from here. We haven't an inkling where they are and haven't any way of how to find them. We are not prepared to take this planet with a full-frontal assault. Why do you think we are hiding ourselves aboard this ship with a cloaking device?"

"What about the Cybertronian colonies? The hundreds of systems our people have made in the Golden age? Archon? Gigantion? Aquatron? Neutronia? Why don't call for reinforcements?"

Megatron shook his head. "Have you forgotten of the Plague of Rust? What few worlds that have survived, we have made contact since Sentinel Prime destroyed the space bridge network." The mention of the late Prime's name caused Megatron's ire to rise.

"Even If any Decepticon stragglers have taken refuge among any of those planets that still live, we have no way of contacting them. Our communication relay is limited and we can't get a fix on those planets unless we know exactly where they are. Our star maps are outdated and any data we possess concerning the colonies have been either lost or corrupted. Besides, even if we could make contact with them, we have no space bridge to bring any reinforcements here."

Knockout was almost speechless. "We're on our own?"

"Not quite," Megatron said smiling. "I've managed to make contact with a reliable cohort of mine."

Knockout snorted. "You mean Lockdown? He's a self-serving mercenary. He serves no one's interests except those who pay him the most."

"He's a rogue to be sure and that is precisely the thing that makes him so reliable," Megatron said. "He's exactly the sort of person he appears to be. He does not pretend to be anything else."

"Point taken," Knockout said. "We've had enough pretending from Starscream."

Megatron turned his crimson eyes on Knockout. There was a glint in them. "Starscream," he snarled.

Knockout gasped. "Right, of course. Apologies my liege. I'll remember to not speak his name in your presence."

"See that you do," Megatron said. "Ever since my former second-in-command deserted us, I've had to take some precautions to counteract any damage he might do with whatever intelligence he chooses to leak to the Autobots."

"Indeed," Knockout agreed. "With what he knows, he may very well be the most dangerous Cybertronian in the galaxy."

"Perhaps. But he has no army, no resources, and no allies to fall back on."

"Of course," Knockout said. "But he's still dangerous."

"Indeed. Now then, how is Breakdown faring?"

Knockout grimaced. "Thankfully, none of his wounds are critical so he should make a rapid recovery. I haven't seen injuries from such a thrashing since...well…" Knockout trailed off.

"Since Starscream?" Megatron asked as though he were reminiscing on a pleasant memory.

Knockout seemed uncomfortable. "Well, yes my liege. But not so slow and not so creative, but not any less devastating."

"I've seen it myself, courtesy of Soundwave. And I must say," Megatron said sounding impressed. "It's been a long while since I've seen Optimus engage in combat with such...ferocity."

Knockout nodded in agreement. "I think I might've leaked some transmission fluid."

A series of rings emanated the main computer of the Nemesis bridge, indicating that someone was sending a message. Megatron answered the call.

"What is it?" he said impatiently.

"Lord Megatron. Lockdown has arrived."

Megatron grinned. Knockout however looked desperately uncomfortable.

"Excellent. Send him to me at once."

"Well Lord Megatron...Lockdown has already entered the Nemesis. He's on his way." The caller's speech betrayed anxiety.

Megatron frowned. "Then I suggest you do not obstruct him then."

With that, he ended the call and Megatron growled. "Impertinent as ever."

Megatron then executed a number of holographic keys and made a call of his own. In a matter of moments, a display page opened that showed the image of Soundwave, indicating that he answered the call.

"Soundwave, your presence is requested immediately."

In under a minute, the faceless Communications Expert and Spymaster of the Decepticons arrived and stood by Megatron's side as he always did.

No sooner that he did, the Nemesis' newest arrival had made his way to the bridge.

The automatic doors opened to reveal a most ominous figure. He was about the same height as Breakdown but much slimmer. He bore a jet-black/venom-green color scheme. His most distinct characteristics were the spikes on his shoulders, the black markings along his optics that gave him a sinister look, and the massive black hook that replaced his right hand. Perhaps the most distinct characteristic of them all were instead of the standard blood-red optics of nearly all that served the Decepticons, Lockdown's optics were bright-green and they were a caricature of cold, calculating intelligence and greed.

The bounty hunter stopped just a few kliks from Megatron, where he was just out of his reach, and he spoke in a deep, raspy voice. "Megatron, it's been a long time."

Megatron bristled. Few have the temerity to address me without my title. "Indeed Lockdown, a very long time."

"You have an assignment for me then?"

Megatron almost smiled. "Straight to the point as always. Very well. I need you to track a party of Decepticons for me. I need you to capture one and escort the rest to me."

"One search and capture. And the rest, search and escort. A simple yet unorthodox job." The bounty hunter sounded less than pleased.

"I understand that this is different than your usual work Lockdown, but this is important and you will be paid well for it," Megatron said.

Lockdown nodded curtly. "Sure, sure. As long as I am paid, it makes no difference to me."

"Soundwave has already deposited your down payment," Megatron said, motioning to his eyes and ears to his left. "You'll begin immediately."

Lockdown did not smile. He never smiles. But his optics glinted which at least showed that he was pleased.

"Good. Names?"

Megatron turned his head a fraction to the left. "Soundwave?"

Soundwave produced a cube, pulsing with energy, and it reconfigured itself into a datapad. With one of tentacles, he took the datapad and from where he stood, handed it to Lockdown.

Lockdown accessed the datapad and reviewed its contents.

Lockdown raised an eyebrow. "Starscream has finally gone rogue, has he?"

"He has," Megatron said. "I want him brought to me so that he may receive due punishment for his desertion."

"Understood. Alive then?"

"Preferably."

Lockdown nodded. He read further and he exhaled an intrigued breath. "The Autobots have been giving you so much trouble that you wish for these particular ones to be found and brought to you?"

"I do not wish to take any chances. Not now."

"It will take time."

"Do you see the requirements under Bonus?" Megatron said, pointing at the datapad.

Lockdown looked and his optics widened a fraction. "That much within this amount of time?"

Megatron gave the bounty hunter a wry smile. "If you think you're up for it."

Lockdown looked up from the datapad with a look of annoyance. "Consider it done," he said with determination.

"Excellent."

Lockdown turned to leave, taking the datapad with him.

"Knockout, see him to the door," Megatron said flatly.

"Yes maste-What?!" Knockout cried in disbelief. He nervously glanced at the back of the menacing bounty hunter, who just waved his hand dismissively.

"No thanks," Lockdown said. "I'll let myself out."

And with that, he left through the automatic doors, descending down the corridor towards the hangar bay. And the doors closed behind him.

Knockout grumbled. "Impertinent renegade. Lord Megatron, is this Lockdown really so unique that he can find what your looking for in so little time?"

"Rest assured Knockout," Megatron said. "Lockdown is a capable warrior but his skills as a tracker is nearly unparalleled. I'm confident he will succeed. After all, he has yet to fail me. I've used him five times in the past eight-hundred years, but only when I was certain that his services were required. And thus far, he has never disappointed."

Knockout scowled. "Who have you sent him find Lord Megatron?"

Megatron smiled. "Besides Starscream? Just some old friends who have served under my command until we left Cybertron. I'm sure you've heard of them, their efforts were vital in acquiring this ship."

Knockout raised an eyebrow as he absorbed what his master had said. And then his optics shot open as realization struck him.

"You can't possibly mean…"

Autobot Outpost Omega One - Jasper, Nevada - 5:00 pm

Ratchet had just finished his work and then proceeded to put Bumblebee in complete power-down so that he may rest and recover from surgery.

"Well?" Sari said anxiously, wringing her hands. "How's Bee? Did you fix him?"

"I've done everything I could," Ratchet said gravely. "I've managed seal the leaks and remove whatever fragments that MECH's harpoons had left. He's lost quite a bit of Energon, but he should pull through."

Arcee and Bulkhead slumped their shoulders in relief. Miko jumped in the air and gave a joyful whoop. Jack and Vince smiled. Jon, grinning ear to ear, did a fist bump. Sierra and Katie happily hugged one another. Rafael was openly crying and laughing. Sari did much the same.

"However," Ratchet said, immediately silencing everyone in the room. "Bumblebee has suffered considerable damage to a bundle of nerve conduits in the upper left region of his chassis. For the moment, I'm afraid a good deal of movement of the left side of his body, especially the arm, will be...out of use for the foreseeable future."

The entire room had fallen deathly still. Bulkhead scrunched his eyes. Arcee covered her mouth in shock. Miko started crying and Jack put his arm around her, and she leaned into his embrace. Sierra covered her mouth and Katie held her hand, trying to be strong for her friend. Vince crosses his arms, grimacing as he glanced at Sierra, who was now covering her face to keep from showing her tears. Raf just bowed his head, removed his glasses and covered his eyes with his arm.

Sari, tears rolling down her cheeks, looked up at Ratchet pleadingly. "Will he recover?"

Ratchet avoided looking Sari in the eye. "Difficult to say. I'm afraid it is too soon to tell."

"Can't you fix his...nerve conduits?" Sari asked.

Ratchet looked unfathomably sad. "Repairing nerve conduits aren't as simple as replacing an arm Sari. Replacing limbs requires parts which, even with the new technology your father provided, still falls short of the Cybertronian biology that what would make Bumblebee whole."

"Can't you build a new nervous system for him?" Miko asked hopefully.

Jack looked forlorn. "Miko…"

"What? Ratchet can do that. Can't he?"

"Miko," Ratchet said gently. "A Cybertronian's nervous system is biology, not a scrapyard find." Ratchet's voice became grim. "If it were that simple, don't you think I would've repaired Bumblebee's voice box already?"

Miko looked stricken. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Jack said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "We know you meant well."

Ratchet bit back a retort, knowing full well that such a comment would be uncalled for and inappropriate, especially in such a time as this.

"Wh-What about the data cylinder?!" Raf said almost desperately, pointing to the massive object laying down in Ratchet's workspace. "Maybe it contains something that can help Bee's recovery!"

"Rafael, we don't know what intelligence the cylinder contains. Even if it contains medical science that can provide the know-how of repairing Bumblebee's nervous system, that would require spare parts which we simply do not possess in abundance, unlike the Decepticons, who possess a near endless supply."

Ratchet looked at the cylinder with anger and sadness. "Besides, given the damage inflicted by MECH during its extraction, whatever data the cylinder contains may be incomplete or corrupted."

"Damage?" Miko asked. "What damage?"

"Look at the cylinder Miko," Ratchet said annoyingly. "Look at it very closely."

Miko observed the data cylinder and once her eyes adjusted, she saw that there were several scotch marks on the cylinder's surface.

"What are those burn marks?"

"Those are from a potent electrical shock delivered from an advanced projectile weapon, courtesy of MECH," Ratchet grumbled.

"But Bulkhead was carrying that cylinder," Sari exclaimed.

"Yes, but fortunately he, like the rest of us, has been fitted with a device - made available by your father Sari - a device which equalizes and cancels out electrical currents, therefore protecting Bulkhead from the shock."

"And the cylinder? Can you recover the data?" Jon asked optimistically.

Ratchet nodded. "It will take time but yes, I think I can." He then looked crestfallen. "But there's no guarantee that the data cylinder will help. For now, there's nothing more I can do for him."

With that, Ratchet had Arcee and Bulkhead escort the children back to their respective rooms, with the exception of Raf and Sari who wished to remain by Bumblebee's side.

"Raf, Sari," Ratchet said. "I don't think it's wise to-"

Ratchet was silenced when a large servo placed itself on his shoulder. He saw that it was Optimus Prime, who had just emerged from his personal quarters.

"Ratchet, it's time," the Prime said.

Ratchet blinked but nodded. "Very well."

And they both swept out of the command center, leaving both of the youngest and smallest of their human charges with their youngest and perhaps bravest soldier.

6:30 pm

"Man, I can't believe we're abandoning the base!"

"We have no choice Miko and we're not abandoning it, it's just being moved."

Miko Nakadai had her arms crossed, leaning up against the rock wall by the entrance to the barracks, which was currently being emptied out for transport.

Miko sighed. "This is a mess."

"I hear ya," Jack agreed. "But we need to keep our heads."

Miko moved some hair out of her face. Even though it was a little over a week since she had it cut, it grew quite a bit since her first date with the boy she was conversing with.

"Your hair looks good by the way," Jack said with a smile.

Miko smiled but didn't return his gaze. "Thanks, even the new highlights?"

Ever since Miko had her hair cut and had her first date with the young man whom she adored since they first met, her self-confidence had experienced an immense boost, so much so that she took to giving herself a makeover every now and then.

In this case, she had added an electric-blue highlight to her hair, where her signature pink highlight used to be.

"What did you say that hair-style is again?" Jack asked.

"Pixie style, I think that's what Sierra called it."

"You are a little pixie, aren't you?" Jack chuckled.

Miko gave the former frycook a coy look. "Little pixie eh?" She cracked her knuckles. "Well this little pixie is about to inflict some magical pain on you."

Miko grabbed Jack by the arm and proceeded to give him a few light jabs in the ribs.

"Ow ow ow ow! Ok ok ok! Miko, stop! That hurts!" Jack exclaimed but he couldn't seem to keep from laughing.

"Oh ho ho, you think this is funny do ya?" Miko cried with mischievous delight.

She then proceeded to wrap her arm around Jack's neck and rubbed her knuckles against his scalp, the juvenile action known as a noogie.

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow! Miko! Quit it!" Jack cried, seemingly in distress and yet smiling.

"HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW JACKRABBIT?!" Miko screeched. "HOW DO YOU-WAHHH!"

Miko shrieked as she was hoisted up in the air by her leather jacket - which Sierra let her keep as a gift of goodwill - and she turned her head to see Arcee, Jack's Guardian, looking at her with a lop-sided grin and a quirked eyebrow.

"Who said you could torment the Jackrabbit?" Arcee asked with mock anger.

Miko shrugged comically. "Girl's gotta have fun, especially in wartime."

"I agree," said another voice, this one female and more mature. "But at another person's expense Miko?"

"Oh," Miko said sheepishly. "Hi Ms. Darby."

"Hey Miko, love your hair."

"Oh, thank you." The teen rocker look towards Arcee, who still had her by the jacket. "You gonna put me down or do you attend to suspend me ten feet off the ground all day?"

Arcee looked upwards, as though she were in deep thought.

"Arcee?"

"I'm thinking," Arcee said.

"Hey 'Cee," said a deep, booming voice from behind the two-wheeler.

Arcee didn't need to turn around to know who it was. "Yeah Bulk?"

"We're kinda on a tight schedule," Bulkhead said, slightly annoyed as he carried a massive steel crate.

"Right," Arcee said, putting Miko down but not taking her optics off her. "Girl's gotta have fun, right?

Miko smiled.

Arcee returned her smile and then turned serious. "Is that everything Bulk?"

"I think so."

Arcee nodded. "I'll do a quick sweep just to make nothing was missed." And she made her way towards the female barracks.

"You do that," Bulkhead said as he descended down the hall towards the command center.

"Alright then," June Darby said. "I'll just get back to cleaning out my office then."

"You have an office?" Miko asked.

"Had an office Miko," Nurse Darby said pointedly. "And a medical lab. But as less than an hour ago, we need to evacuate the base."

"Yeah, we know mom," Jack said.

"Make sure you leave nothing of consequence behind sweetie, ok?"

"Of course."

Nurse Darby then turned towards Miko. "And you too baby."

"No problem," Miko said smiling.

Returning her smile, Nurse Darby swept down the hallway in a brisk jog.

With both Jack and Miko alone again, they said nothing. They made momentary glances towards each other, only to immediately look away in bashfulness.

"Sooooo…." Miko said.

"Soooo?" Jack returned.

"Your mom's awesome."

"Yeah, I know."

Miko frowned sadly.

Jack took notice. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Miko sighed sorrowfully. "Poor Bumblebee."

"Oh...yeah. And poor Raf," Jack said equally as sorrowful.

"And poor Sari, I hope Optimus wasn't too hard on her."

Jack dismissively waved a hand. "I'm sure Optimus did fine with her, he always does."

"That reminds me, I never asked how your talk with him went after he found out you went racing," Miko said.

Jack groaned. "Why do you want to know that now?"

"Just curious. I'll tell you how me and Raf spilled our guts when Optimus asked where you were."

"Ummmm," Jack said. "Ok, but you go first?"

"Sure," Miko chimed. "Optimus asked me and Raf where you guys were. We tried to play dumb…"

"Why no sir, we do not know," Miko said in a robotic, staged manner.

"Miko is correct," Raf said in much the same way. "We do not know."

"Why would we know?"

Optimus raised an eyebrow. "Hmm."

Rafael shuffles uncomfortably in his chair, trying to avoid the Prime's gaze.

The room became eerily quiet. Optimus did not speak and neither did the children. Miko stepped on her toes, trying not to look nervous. Raf looked up and almost shuddered to see Optimus looking at him with growing displeasure. Raf immediately looked away, adjusting his glasses as they became disheveled in the sudden motion of turning his head.

"Rafael," Optimus said in a commanding voice. "Where are the others?"

"I...well...they...they're-"

"Raf…" Optimus said warningly.

"They'resomewhereontheoutskirtsofJasper," Raf said very quickly. "Bumblebeecalledusearlierso-"

"Raf! Slow down, what happened?"

"Vince, the school bully challenged Jack to a race, again. Jack took Bumblebee and now they're being chased by Knockout. Arcee and Bulkhead went to go help."

Raf was out of breath when he finished. Miko put a hand to her forehead in exasperation.

"Coordinates if you please," Optimus said firmly. It was not a request.

Jack shifted nervously. "What did he do next? I mean besides leave to come find us?"

"He just told us to stay until he got back. And then he transformed and rolled out without another word."

Jack nodded. "Sounds like him alright. Now then…"

"How Optimus dealt with you after he saved Vince from Knockout?"

"Yeah, that's right," Jack said with heaviness in voice. "After talking to the 'Bots, one at a time, he called me into his office. He sat me down and asked for my part of the story. I told him basically how it lead up to this. From Sierra asking for a ride, Vince challenging me to a race, beating him, keeping it a secret from Optimus, accepting Vince's challenge a second time without Arcee's approval, taking Bumblebee, getting chased by Knockout and Vince getting caught in the crossfire…"

"...and then you arrived, Optimus."

Optimus Prime nodded. "Is that everything Jack?"

"Yes," Jack said, eyes looking downward.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir."

"Hmm," Optimus said before sighing. "Jack, what you did was very dangerous."

"I know," Jack said shamefully.

"Do you know why these rules were established Jack?"

Jack thought for a moment before answering. "Because we're supposed to keep a low profile?"

"Yes, but that is not the only reason. It is also because we Autobots are not like the vehicles you have on earth. We can perform feats that no ordinary vehicle can. Therefore, you had an unfair advantage in both races you partook in."

Jack recoiled. He hadn't thought of it that way. "I...I cheated?"

"Basically," Optimus said. "And worse, you put yourself, Bumblebee and those around you in danger. The Decepticons are hunting us Jack and both Arcee and Bumblebee are well-known among them. Do you understand?"

Jack lowered and covered his head with both of his hands. "Y-Yes sir," Jack said, his voice breaking.

Optimus looked at Jack with sad optics. He bent down on one knee and held out an open hand to Jack.

"Jack."

The boy looked up. There were tears rolling down his cheeks. "Huh?"

"Climb on," Optimus said gently.

Jack was anxious but he did not dare defy the Prime.

He stood up from his chair and he stepped onto the Prime's hand.

Optimus stood up and held Jack up until he was almost eye-level to him.

Jack did not have the heart to look Optimus in the eye as he felt so ashamed of his irresponsibility.

"Jack," Optimus said. "Please look at me."

With some effort, Jack did as he was told.

"Jack, I established those rules, not to keep you from having fun, but to keep you safe from harm."

"I...I understand," Jack stammered.

"And I want you to know that I'm not angry with you," Optimus said.

"You're...not?"

"No, but I was upset, not at you, but for the misfortune that occurred tonight."

Jack nodded. "So...what happens now? Will I be banned from the base?"

Optimus shook his head. "No Jack, but if you cannot act within the parameters for your own safety and the safety of others, I will have to take action. Do you understand?" he said with firmness.

"Yes, I understand."

Optimus nodded. "Good. And I want you to know something Jack."

"What's that?"

"I understand the desire to please a certain female peer whom you are attracted to."

That got Jack's attention. "You? There was a girl in your life?"

Optimus' optics became sad. "Yes, there was."

Jack inwardly gasped. "Oh."

"But that is a story for another day Jack," Optimus said.

"I understand. I'm sorry Optimus."

"Jack, I believe tonight's events and this talk have been lesson enough but I accept your apology."

"No, I mean I am sorry about that but I'm also sorry about...you know...her, whoever she is."

Optimus closed his optics. "Thank you Jack."

Optimus walked over to his door and opened it. He then placed Jack on the floor and was about to close before-

"Um Optimus?"

Optimus paused in his action to look at Jack. "Yes?"

"Well...if you don't mind me asking, what was she like?"

Optimus smiled and looked off in some unseen distance as though remembering a grand memory.

"If I told you all about her, we'd be talking until morning and you have school in the morning, Jack."

"Oh, ok. Some other time then," Jack said.

"But I can tell you her name."

Jack looked up, his eyes shining. "Oh ok. What is it?"

Optimus paused, his features sad and yet happy at the same time.

"Ariel."

"And then he wished me good evening and Arcee took me home."

Throughout the telling of Jack's story, Miko had been transfixed. Her eyes were huge and mouth was hanging open.

"Yeah, pretty crazy right?" Jack said.

"I'll say. I had know idea Optimus had a girl?"

"We'd better keep that ourselves," Jack said warningly. "I don't think Optimus would want us spreading that around."

"Why'd you tell me then?"

Jack paused and then mentally kicked himself. Man, I did not think that through.

"I guess I didn't think it through," Jack said, slightly embarrassed.

Miko shrugged. "It happens. We've all been under a lot of pressure lately."

"No kidding," Jack agreed. "It feels like we're being pulled in every direction, increasingly in the past month."

"At least we got some new friends," Miko chimed.

"New friends," Jack retorted. "Never thought that Vince would be among them."

"Me neither. And Sari," Miko said, "She is such a little sweetie."

Jack gave her a knowing smile. "Not just because she seems to share your signature hairstyle?"

Miko casually brushed her short hair. "I think I outgrew that fad. She doesn't have the ponytail to go with it though."

"Close enough."

"Sooooo…" Miko said.

"So?" Jack answered.

"Do you know where we're going?"

"No idea," Jack said shrugging his shoulders. "Probably best we don't know."

"Why?"

"So that if either MECH or the 'Cons catch us, we can't tell them where to find it."

Miko scoffed. "You...you think any of us would tell them anything?"

"If they have no qualms with torturing children, I for one do not want to take that chance."

Miko paused, thought for a moment. And then she nodded. "Good point I guess. Then shouldn't we undergo some kind of training so that we could take anything that they dish out?"

"Definitely, but who's going to agree to train a bunch of kids?"

"I don't know. But like everything else, we'll see."

9:00 pm

Despite the grave distress of seeing his friend in such a way, Rafael Esquivel managed to fall asleep. Sari Sumdac, who like Raf, had stayed by Bumblebee's side as well as the boy genius. She very gingerly removes his eyeglasses and put them aside to keep them from getting damaged.

Sari looked about her. She had just woken up from a short nap herself and she saw that during her impromptu siesta, nearly every bit of equipment in the command center had been dismantled and packed for transport.

All that was still in one piece and operational was the medical lab and the groundbridge.

Sari yawned, exhausted and worn out by the events of today. She looked up to see Bumblebee, still in power down. Fresh tears filled her eyes when she noticed the freshly welded marks that were once the fresh wounds of Bumblebee's latest mission.

Sari laid back down on Bumblebee's chassis. It was warm and steadily vibrating.

Must be his spark beats.

Sari nestled her head near one of Bumblebee's headlights, as she did so, the strange object hanging her necklace slipped out of the collar of her shirt, and laid against the chassis of Bumblebee.

He'll pull through. Somehow, someway, he will.

As Sari began to nod off, she failed to notice that the interstellar object hanging off her necklace was beginning to faintly glow.

And it was growing brighter.

To be continued…

Voice Cast

Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen

Ratchet - Jeffrey Combs

Arcee - Sumalee Montano

Bulkhead - Kevin Michael Richardson

Megatron - Frank Welker

Knockout - Darran Norris

Lockdown - Mark Ryan

Jack Darby - Joshua Keaton

Miko Nakadai - Tania Gunadi

Raf Esquivel - Andy Pessoa

Sierra Krosney - Alexandra Krosney

Katie Seinfeld - Hailee Seinfeld

Vince Raider - Brad Raider

Jon Fowler - Shameik Moore

June Darby - Markie Post