Trials, Tribulations, and Transformations
XX - Zero Hour, Part One
Autobot Outpost Omega One - Jasper, Nevada - May 8th, 2011 - Sunday, 5:30 am
"Is that everything?"
"Yes Arcee, every bit of equipment, with the exception of the groundbridge obviously, has been packed and bridged to another location."
"The location of our new base?" Arcee asked.
"No," Ratchet said, shaking his head. "Just a safe location until we can confirm the security of the new base."
"What does that mean?" Bulkhead asked. "Why wouldn't it be secure?"
"Because Bulkhead," replies a booming, authoritative voice, "we must consider the possibility that MECH may already be privy of our plans to relocate the base."
"What?!" Bulkhead cried in shock.
"How is that possible Optimus?" Arcee asked.
"Several possible locations have been determined: all of which are warehouses, military bunkers, underground storage facilities. The one thing all of these locations have in common is that they're all well-hidden and are high-security clearance only."
"Some of which would constitute certain MECH agents," Ratchet said.
"Precisely," Optimus agreed. "However we do have a contingency plan."
All present Autobots, with the exception of Bumblebee who was still in power-down, looked up at their leader with grim anticipation.
"Agent Fowler, Dr. Sumdac, and myself have deliberated and concluded three other locations which may be efficient as a base for us."
"How will these be any safer?" Bulkhead asked unconvinced.
"Because," Optimus said, "these locations are not on governmental or military record and only three persons know of them: myself, Agent Fowler and Dr. Sumdac. The good doctor especially because he owns these properties."
Bulkhead scoffed. "Another generous donation. How do we know we can trust him? Why shouldn't Sumdac be leading us into a trap?"
"Bulkhead…" Arcee said pointedly.
"No, hear me out!" Bulkhead snapped. "This guy, we haven't known him a month and he just comes on the scene and offers us all this free tech and now he's giving a base free of charge? How do we know he's not secretly working for MECH?"
Optimus' face was unreadable. "Because Agent Fowler has confirmed that covert action has been taken in order to abduct Dr. Sumdac's daughter. Method of operation matches that of MECH. This action was attempted roughly less than an hour before they departed in Dr. Sumdac's private jet."
Bulkhead shuffled uncomfortably. "Still seems rather convenient to me."
Optimus' eyes became severe but he remained resolute. "I understand your suspicions Bulkhead, but you needn't worry. Other contingencies have been prepared for such risks."
"Full-proof contingencies?" Bulkhead asked.
"We're working on them," Ratchet answered as though it disappointed him. "But we haven't much choice now. The longer we wait here, the less time we'll have of getting a headstart before MECH finds us."
"I thought Fowler was on their trail," Bulkhead said.
"He is," Ratchet replied, "And he has already uncovered and arrested over two dozen MECH agents and collaborators already. Not just enlisted military personnel but businessmen, politicians, and…" Ratchet paused and he began to shake with barely-reserved rage. Through gritted teeth, he said, "And physicians."
Bulkhead and Arcee were taken aback by this. The good doctor they all knew and loved was certainly the irritable sort but it is not often that he ever lost his temper like this.
"Ratchet, you alright?" Bulkhead asked nervously.
"Since I've taken up studying and learning human medicine, I've come across something they call the Hippocratic oath, which if taken, you must, and I'm quoting, 'keep them [your patients] from harm and injustice.' And these...these humans," Ratchet growled, "grossly misused their medical skills and knowingly and deliberately falsified death certificates of high-risk inmates, criminals so that they could escape justice for their crimes and become MECH's pawns."
Optimus said nothing. He understood that for any medical practitioner to violate their sworn duty in such a vile manner was more than just an intolerable, personal insult to Ratchet, but an affront to the very pillars of everything he stands for as a doctor.
"How many criminals have these physicians smuggled out of death row?" Arcee asked, clearing dreading the answer.
"We do not have a definite number but we estimate at least two dozen," Ratchet said gravely.
Arcee gasped in horror. Bulkhead clenched his fists and looked ready to break a piece of equipment, but after a seething glare from Ratchet, he thought better of it.
"How…" Arcee began with growing fury and disbelief. "How could Fowler's government allow this to happen?! Not only does his government have traitors secretly working among them, but now we have at least twenty-four dangerous criminals who slipped out of death row and now all on MECH's payroll and they're practically running free! HOW THE SCRAP DOES THAT HAPPEN?!" Arcee roared slamming an open hand on a metal crate and shattering the vial injection device on top of it, causing its contents to spill all over.
"ARCEE! I NEEDED THAT!" Ratchet cried.
Arcee scoffed. "Why wasn't that packed with the rest of all our equipment?"
"I was going to test it before we made our departure," Ratchet grumbled.
"Enough."
Both Arcee and Ratchet halted in their bickering upon hearing the commanding voice of their leader.
"Bulkhead, Arcee. Rouse the children from sleep and prepare for departure," Optimus commanded.
Without saying a word, Bulkhead and Arcee transformed into vehicle mode and made their way towards the human barracks where the human children currently slumbers.
Optimus turned to his Medical Officer. "Ratchet, we must be quick. Is Bumblebee prepared for departure?"
Ratchet nodded. "He is and though his injuries were severe, he should be well enough for the trip."
"Why hasn't he emerged from stasis?" Optimus asked.
"It is mostly likely due to the severity of his wounds. His systems have put him in an emergency power-down so that his body may repair itself more efficiently."
"And it cannot be interrupted?"
Ratchet scoffed. "Not unless you want to risk aggravating the healing process."
Optimus closed his optics and sighed severely. "Can you manually transform him for transport?"
"Yes, but I must do so carefully or-"
"Never mind that, just do it," Optimus ordered.
Ratchet was slightly taken aback by the Prime's curt reply but he did as was told.
6:00 am
"You're splitting us up?!" Raf cried.
"We must divide our numbers to avoid capture," Optimus said gently but sternly. "With MECH on the move and their numbers dwindling, they will act with greater ferverence."
"Where will we go?" Miko asked.
Ratchet pressed a key on the groundbridge terminal, opening up a holographic map of the United States. There were certain points which were highlighted on the map.
"These will be your destinations of which you'll be sent," Ratchet said.
"And where do we go from there?" Vince asked, somewhat surly.
Ratchet frowned at him. "Your impromptu guardian knows the way."
Vince scoffed. "And that would be?"
"Me," Bulkhead snapped.
Vince's eyes nearly bugged out. "You?!" he shouted.
"Yeah, got a problem with that?!" Bulkhead said with his massive arms crossed.
"No! Do you?!"
"Nope!"
Neither of them sounded sincere.
Optimus had enough. With his right arm, he reached across his chest and then, with controlled strength, he brought his fist down on the wall to his right behind him, creating an incredible explosion of sound and a considerably deep crater in the wall. The base seemed to tremor from the impact.
The action has its desired effect for both Bulkhead and Vince ceased their hostilities and gave Optimus Prime their full attention.
In fact, the entire base was dead silent at the Prime's sudden aggression.
"That is enough," Optimus said firmly. "We are all targets now. This is not only a manner of life and death for all of us, but also your nation and beyond. Only through cooperation can we hope to survive."
Optimus turned his sights on both Vince and Bulkhead, giving them both a most severe look.
"Do you understand?"
Both Bulkhead and Vince opened their mouths to speak but it seemed like their words died in their throats, so they simply nodded.
Optimus nodded in approval before turning to his lieutenant. "Arcee," he began with a most serious voice. "You will take Jack and Miko. Your destination will be Santa Fe, New Mexico."
"I beg your pardon?!"
Optimus turned to see June approaching him, her hands on her hips and her face betraying that she was not impressed.
"Optimus, do you really think it's appropriate for two teenagers of the opposite gender to accompany one another...alone?"
"Mom!" Jack cried, his face going red.
Miko simply crossed her arms and turned her face to hide the color swelling up in her cheeks.
"June," Optimus said gently. "Nothing of what you fear may happen will happen under Arcee's watch. Jack and Miko will be sleeping in separate rooms wherever they will be staying. The same will go for everyone."
"Ah...well, good," June said, slightly satisfied with the Prime's terms.
Jack said nothing. He covered his eyes, deeply embarrassed. Miko simply covered her entire face.
"C'mon mom! We've only been dating for two weeks now!"
"And yet I have never seen such synergy from any couple. And being so young, if left unchecked, you might get ahead of yourselves."
"How do you know?" Miko asked, still a bit crimson.
"How do I know what Miko?"
"How do you know that me and Jack have more synergy as...well you know?"
"Oh," June said, but then turned back to Optimus. "For that matter, why them? Why not let me go with him? He's my son!"
"Because you are already known to MECH. The two of you traveling will appear too suspicious. The appearance of a young couple traveling on a motorcycle will arouse less suspicion."
June had her hands on her hips still. And then she addressed her son. "Remember what we talked about Jack."
"Uggh," Jack said. "Yes mom, I know but please, not in front of the others."
"Hey don't sweat it frycook," Vince said with a lopsided grin. "Two things almost never change: it's never easy when we want something and we all get embarrassed by our parents. My mom's pretty much the same."
"Uh, Yeah...sure."
A burst of green light illuminated the entire command center which was now bare. The groundbridge was open but it would not be open for much longer.
"We haven't much time," Optimus said. "We're leaving now."
Arcee transformed and set herself before the portal, waiting for her regular charge and one impromptu addition.
June embraced her son and with tears in her eyes, kissed goodbye. "I'll see you soon."
"You too mom."
Ms. Darby then turned towards Miko and they embraced as well. When they parted, June planted a kiss on the girl's forehead. "Take care of him, please."
Miko smiled. "I will, I promise." There were tears in her eyes too but her smile was evidence that she was simply happy.
Jack handed Miko a helmet. She took it and looked it over. It was jet-black with a pink peony design on it.
"I figured you should have your own helmet and I hear you like peonies, so…"
"I love it! Thank you babe!" Miko cried as she threw arms around his neck, nearly knocking him down.
"Can't...breathe," Jack rasped.
Miko released him and gave Jack a light jab to the chest.
"Ow."
"Weakling," Miko said.
A high-pitched honk rang out. "Alright you two, saddle up!"
"I hear ya Arcee," Jack said.
With that, Jack took his seat upon Arcee and put his helmet on. Miko sat in back - with her helmet already applied - wrapped his arms around Jack's middle, and they sped away through the portal.
Ratchet executed a new command on the groundbridge terminal to set the transport range on a new set of coordinates. "Agent Fowler?"
"Just finishing up with packing," Agent Fowler said as he lugged a large duffel bag into Bulkhead's trunk.
"We gotta move dad!" Jon called out from the passenger seat.
"I know, I'm coming."
Jon turned to look at his fellow passengers. "You guys excited?"
Vince and Katie gave him a deadpan look. Sierra simply looked nervous, glancing aside as though she didn't hear him.
"You ok Siri?"
Sierra chuckled nervously. "Oh yeah, I am great. I mean it's not like I'm a little bit nervous about leaving the base in an alien robot car while being hunted by a rogue military organization."
"Siri," Katie said, taking her best friend's hands in her own. "We're ok. We're going to be ok. Bulkhead and Agent Fowler will be with us. And it's only going to be a few days."
"Yeah," Vince agreed. "Besides, I'll be there to protect you."
Katie raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't you mean we will protect her?"
"Uh Yeah, that's what I meant."
"Sure you did."
Sierra sniffled and rubbed her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. "Thanks you guys. This...all this...it's still sinking in."
"Hey hey," Katie said soothingly, rubbing her friend's arm comfortingly. "We're going to get through this together."
"All of us," Jon said firmly.
Fowler sat down in the driver's seat, buckled himself in, and after Bulkhead made sure all the kids were secure, they were off and proceeded through the groundbridge.
"Dr. Sumdac?"
The short man approached Ratchet with his daughter and bodyguard in tow. "Yes doctor?"
"I've just set in the coordinates for your destination. You will take your daughter, Captain Fanzone and Bumblebee to your safehouse in Denver, Colorado."
"Of course," Dr. Sumdac said. "But isn't your scout still...well...recovering?"
"He is," Ratchet replied. "But I managed to render him into his vehicle mode. I placed him on a flatbed truck, which you will be transported in. There's enough room for you, Sari and Captain Fanzone."
"A-oh, well...thank you doctor."
Ratchet smiled, but only a little. "You're welcome. Oh and here." Ratchet handed the good doctor a steel case. "Just in case you need to rouse Bumblebee from power down. I do not recommend using unless it is an emergency."
"Of course."
"Alright, time to saddle up," Captain Fanzone said gruffly and impatiently as always.
Dr. Sumdac and Captain Fanzone entered a flatbed Class-B truck which carried a large object which was covered in tarp and chained down.
"Does Bumblebee really need to be covered up like that?" Sari asked apprehensively. "And why is he chained up?"
"The chains are merely to keep him from moving around while the truck is in motion," Ratchet said. "The chains aren't strong enough to restrain him but just so to keep him from rolling off the flatbed. As for the tarp, it's to prevent him from being identified."
Sari raised an eyebrow. "Identified?"
"Ratchet nodded his head. "By the Decepticons. His thermal signature is masked but if they can get a visual through whatever surveillance technology is online, it won't matter."
Sari nodded glumly in understanding.
"Sari!" Dr. Sumdac called out. "We have to go now."
"Coming, just need to do one last thing."
Sari rushed to Optimus, who was watching her with interest. "Yes Sari?"
Without another word, Sari stepped onto Optimus' foot and with tears in her eyes, embraced his ankle.
Smiling, Optimus knelt down and placed a hand around Sari, returning the embrace.
"Thanks Optimus, for everything," Sari said.
"You're welcome."
Sari released Optimus' ankle and she rushed to the truck and got in. And the truck drove off through the portal.
Optimus watched them go.
"Nurse Darby," Optimus said. "You will go with Ratchet."
June was stricken with concern. "What about you?"
"I must remain here and make sure nothing that is left can be used to the enemy's advantage. I will cover our tracks and then I will make my way to our final destination."
"Which is where?" June asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Optimus said firmly. "But not now."
"But-"
"I'm sorry Nurse Darby," Optimus interrupted. "But we haven't much time. Ratchet?"
Ratchet immediately transformed and begrudgingly approached the active groundbridge.
And he opened his passenger door.
"June, we need to leave now!"
Nurse Darby looked at Ratchet and then up at Optimus sadly.
Optimus looked back at her with equal sadness.
June approached Ratchet and was about to get in before looking back at Optimus one more time.
"Goodbye June."
June turned away, got into the passenger seat and closed the door behind her.
Optimus turned and moved towards the groundbridge terminal.
"Optimus."
The Prime looked up to look at his Medical Officer.
"Till all are one."
Optimus nodded. "Till all are one, old friend."
And Ratchet was gone.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 7:00 am
"At least it's nice and cool out here."
"Miko, it's only an almost 2000 feet difference in altitude but yeah, it is noticeably cooler."
Jackson Darby and Miko Nakadai sat on a canyon cliff side which overlooked the small town of Santa Fe, the oldest capital of the United States.
"How long did Arcee tell us to wait here?" Miko asked, dangling her legs over the edge.
"Just a few minutes."
"What is she doing exactly?"
"She's setting up some kind of radio frequency receptor or something," Jack said. "I think it's supposed to intercept the communications of MECH. That way they won't get the drop on us."
"Nice."
"Yeah," Jack agreed. "But we're in hiding and only have one Autobot to watch our backs."
Miko frowned. "Don't remind me. Not used to any 'Bot but Bulkhead protecting me."
Jack put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Bulkhead will be ok."
"I'm not worried about Bulkhead, not really. He's dealt with MECH before but they could've taken him If Breakdown didn't beat him."
"But they didn't," Jack assured. "Do you know why?"
"Well...Fowler said MECH most likely took Breakdown and left Bulkhead because they didn't have enough ordinance to take them both and because Breakdown won the fight."
Miko hugged her knees. "If Bulkhead had won that fight, MECH would've taken him. And the Autobots might not have gotten to him on time."
Miko was beginning to cry.
Jack immediately wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder, pulling her into a one-arm embrace. "Hey hey," he said soothingly. "The important thing is that he wasn't taken. Besides, if it was the other way around, the 'Bots would've fought tooth and nail to get him back. They weren't exactly in a hurry to rescue Breakdown so they might not have been doing their all, maybe."
"But it was Bulkhead who saved Breakdown in the end," Miko said.
"So I heard," Jack chuckled. "That was very...well...big of him."
Miko smiled at his attempt at humor, but frowned once again. "Well...I can't say he did it out of goodwill. He didn't go until I told him he'd have no rematch if MECH scrapped Breakdown."
Jack stared at Miko. "He...he saved Breakdown just so that he could scrap him later? Seriously?"
Miko sighed. "I don't know what Breakdown's done to make Bulk' hate him so much but...I was afraid if he didn't save him, Bulkhead might regret it for the rest of his life. So I gave him the best reason I could think of at the time that would appeal - is that the word? - to him. Was that the right word for it?"
"Yeah, that's right. Your speech has gotten more sophisticated Miko."
"Thanks. But my point is, while I am happy Bulkhead saved his archenemy, I'm not too happy for his motivation."
Jack leaned his head against Miko's and she lovingly nestled into his neck.
"Wars are terrible and whatever it is that happened between Bulk and Breakdown must've been terrible," Jack said.
"No kidding. It was pretty scary."
"What was scary?"
"When Sari went through the groundbridge yesterday and I chased after her. The groundbridge already closed so I couldn't drag her back. I tried calling Ratchet to open one but...umm...I stopped short, 'cause…" Miko stopped short, uncertain of what to say next.
"Because you got distracted when Optimus gave Breakdown the beating of his life?" Jack asked gravely.
"Yeah…" Miko replied anxiously. "I've never seen Optimus go full out like that."
"I'm sorry you had to see that."
"I'm sorry that Sari had to see that!" Miko exclaimed. "I have never seen her so scared in my life."
"We've only known her for a few weeks."
"Yeah I know," Miko said. "But since she first got here, I've only ever known her to be so happy and so full of life."
"You're telling me," Jack chuckled. "And what a coincidence, she has near the same do you did."
"Yeah, you said that already," Miko said slightly annoyed.
"Did I?" Jack said feigning ignorance.
Miko smirked. "Four times last I checked." She became serious again. "My point is that there has been a lot of bad blood between 'Bots and 'Cons."
"And humans," Jack agreed somberly.
Miko nodded. "Yeah, especially humans. MECH has really made a mess of our lives."
"At least our families are safe," Jack said.
"Yeah, but for how long?"
Meanwhile…
A few mere light minutes away, a small starship and a few smaller transports were making their way towards earth's atmosphere.
And their passengers, a most unusual band of rag-tag explorers and warriors were tuned into a most unusual radio setting during the long trip to their destination. The recording from a radio archive which originated from their destination: Earth.
Hand me down my walkin' cane
Hand me down my hat
Hurry now and don't be late
'Cause we ain't got time to chat
You and me, we're goin' out
To catch the latest sound
Guaranteed to blow your mind
So high you won't come down
Special Operations Autobot Jazz sang along with the catchy earth song. "Hey ya'll! Prepare yourself for the Rubberband man! You've never heard a sound like the Rubberband man! Kick it Blaster!"
"You're bound to lose control when the rubberband starts to jam! Ow! These acoustics are outta sight!" Blaster - Comms Expert - exclaimed with joyful abandon.
"I hear ya Blaster," Jazz said, grinning ear to ear. "These earth folk sure got good taste."
An audible sigh could be heard over the commlink. "What have I done?"
Jazz laughed. "Oh chill Wheeljack. We were going to get a hold of earth music one way or another. We ought to get accommodated with earth culture anyway. You did us and earth a service by introducing it."
"Hey," Blaster said. "You could some of these sick beats for your secret weapon."
"Hey yeah," Jazz exclaimed. "I totally could. Give the 'Cons a real headache."
"Jazz has a secret weapon?"
"It's new Wheeljack," Perceptor - Chief Mechanic - said. "And it hasn't been tested yet."
"No better way to test it than to let it loose on a couple of 'Cons," Jazz said.
"So how much sooner before we arrive on earth?" Sideswipe - Pilot/Frontliner - asked.
"You've been awfully quiet Swipes," Wheeljack said. "I'd say about three or four kliks, which would be three or four earth hours."
"Wonderful," Sunstreaker groaned tiredly. "I'm going to power-down so I'm turn off my comm now."
There was a static buzz which indicated a transmission channel closing.
"His loss," Blaster exclaimed. "Any more songs in mind Chief?"
"You bet!" Jazz cried as he prepared to execute a command on his holographic wrist computer. "In fact, I got just the-"
"WAIT!"
All communication halted for a brief moment before one spoke up.
"Percy? What's happenin'?" Blaster asked immediately concerned.
"I'm not getting any signals of any Autobot communications! No answer from their base either! It's as if their base has vanished!"
"Impossible," Jazz said softly, now alarmed. "Unless…"
"They've abandoned the base," Wheeljack said.
"Blaster, can you boost communication receptors, see if you can track their positions?"
"Let me see…"
All Autobots presently listening we're waiting with bated breath, anxiously waiting to hear but dreading grim tidings of their Autobot comrades.
"Five Autobot life signals, full-functioning," Blaster said with an air of relief.
A series of cheers and words of relief echoed through the comm system, until Blaster's next set of words cut over them.
"But they're scattered and are all on the move."
So they split up huh? Must be bad for the big guy to give such an order.
"Then we'd better do the same," Jazz said, his voice as hard as steel. "Perceptor, you well enough to go into the field?"
"Affirmative. My arm is fully functional and I'm locked and loaded."
Jazz chuckled. "You're a Wrecker through and through. Sideswipe, I suggest you and your brother stick together when we spilt up. I have a feeling in mah bones that your combined skill will be needed."
"Understood," Sideswipe said battle ready. "Bro? You get all that?"
"Loud and clear Swipes."
"Wheeljack?"
"I'll drop Perceptor off so he can pursue the nearest Autobot signal I can reach and afterwards I'll seek out another."
"Excellent, we're all clear then. Blaster, make sure we're cloaked. We don't need any 'Cons seeing us coming, you dig?"
"Already have Jazz."
"Very good. Be sure to set courses for each Autobot life signal, doesn't matter which."
"Got it."
With that, all thrusters of every single Autobot vessel changed course, all heading towards the continent of North America but going in different directions towards it, each homing in on their selected Autobot signal.
"Good luck boys," Jazz said as he watched his brothers-in-arms fly out of sight as they all entered earth's atmosphere.
Hang tight O-P, we got your back and always will.
To be continued…
Voice Cast:
Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen
Ratchet - Jeffrey Combs
Arcee - Sumalee Montano
Bulkhead - Kevin Michael Richardson
Jack Darby - Josh Keaton
Miko Nakadai - Tania Gunadi
Raf Esquivel - Andy Pessoa
June Darby - Markie Post
Agent Fowler - Ernie Hudson
Dr. Isaac Sumdac - Tom Kenny
Captain Carmine Fanzone - Kurtwood Smith
Sari Sumdac - Grace Rolek
Jon Fowler - Shameik Moore
Katie Seinfeld - Hailee Seinfeld
Sierra Krosney - Alexandra Krosney
Vince Raider - Brad Raider
Jazz - Khary Payton
Blaster - Bumper Robinson
Wheeljack - James Horan
Perceptor - Jim Ward
Sideswipe - Travis Willingham
Sunstreaker - Vic Mignogna
NOTE: I updated the voice actors of course (because they were either too unrecognizable or unrealistic to do the parts [Dr. Sumdac, Jazz and Blaster])