Mikaela POV
I woke up to someone shaking me awake. Turned out to be Kinetica's holoform. She's the one who just up and out of the blue decided to adopt me as her daughter. That really means a lot to me, but I'm still not sure what to think about it. Kinetica's holoform looks just like her normal body except it's a lot smaller.
"Wake up and come on. It's a new day that we can experience together!" She tells me cheerfully.
Oh my God! Mom is a serious morning person! I know I need a mother in my life, but I don't know if I can handle this!
I got up and Mom set my backpack on the floor next to me along with the two suitcases I'd brought with clothes for the summer. I quickly stripped off my nightgown and put on a bra, denim jeans, a black T-shirt, and a pair of high wedged sandals. I ran a brush through my hair, used a compact to apply a little makeup, Put on some deodorant and I was ready to go get breakfast. I planned to brush my teeth, floss, and use my mouthwash after I ate.
"Ready when you are." I said as I looked up at Mom and Autumn.
Before Autumn could reach down and lift me up Ravage grabbed the front of my jeans right at the belt line and tossed me onto her back. I scrambled around for a few seconds while I got into a riding position and she stayed perfectly still the whole time. Looks like she plans to carry me.
I glanced up at Autumn because I know she's really attached to Ravage. She has this wide, bright smile on her face that tells me she just loves the idea of me riding Ravage!
"I think Ravage likes you almost as much as she likes me… at least I hope she does!" Autumn said brightly.
"All I know is, I'm not gonna argue with her!" I retorted instantly.
"I can't say that I blame you Mikaela. You and I both know that's an argument you would lose." Mom told me while smiling.
"I don't think arguing with someone who has missiles is good for my health." I replied.
Autumn burst out laughing and Mom chuckled at that. Ravage was making a weird chuffing noise that I figured was her laughing too.
Since we were all ready, we went to the Rec Room to get some breakfast. Coffee sounds sooo good right now!
When we got to the Rec Room, Ravage walked up to a table before crouching down. I figured that she wanted me to get down but I heard this hydraulic noise behind me and glanced back. Those missiles were raising up out of her back and I immediately ducked down. That's when I felt one of those missiles push against my back a little while the base for them was right up against my crotch. Before I could say anything, Ravage took a huge leap and landed on top of the table with me still on her back. As soon as she stood up from her landing, she put her missiles away.
"I guess next time you crouch down like that, I need to get low and hold on, huh?" I asked with a wry chuckle. I swear Ravage started laughing.
Sunstreaker POV
I was having a cube of energon with Bluestreak when I heard his name shouted. I look up to see Autumn, and Kinetica, accompanied by Mikaela sitting on top of Ravage who was already on the table.
It was pretty clear when I landed that Blue was interested in Autumn, I just didn't think he was so serious about it. I'll say one thing though, those two were built for each other. It doesn't matter which one you're talking about, when they're excited about something, it shows… big time!
Right now they are both excited because they are happy to see each other. There is a resounding crash as their frames collide into a mutual hug.
"I'm very glad I'm not in the middle of that because I don't even think you would be able to survive." Mikaela said as she leaned forward and tapped Ravage on her head.
"I don't even think I'd emerge intact, and I'm bigger than they are!" I growled as I looked at what was happening in front of me.
"Well you have to keep in mind that they were spark-bonded at one time. There is also the fact that even though neither has actually experienced the pain that the other has, each is able to understand that pain! That draws them together as well. They'll bond again, and when they do, they'll both be ready for it, and they'll both know what to expect." Kinetica said with a small smile while she sat down.
"You think they'll bond again?" I asked.
"Oh I know they will." Kinetica said like she was stating a fact. "Bluestreak is actually in the process of making a courtship token."
I frowned at that. "Praxians don't make their courtship tokens, they find them."
"Usually that's true. The mirror that Bluestreak gave Autumn for their previous bond is going to be so hard to top, that he has to make it!" Kinetica said with a smirk.
PROWL POV
I was sitting next to my younger brother enjoying a cube of energon with him when Kinetica entered accompanied by Autumn, Mikaela, and Ravage. He jumped up and hugged Autumn when she called his name. I watched as the two embraced rather enthusiastically. It was clear that Autumn was happy to see my younger brother. Even though they had seen and spoken to each other only yesterday, Autumn acted as if she hadn't seen the mech for several vorn. I was quite surprised to hear Kinetica tell Sunstreaker that Bluestreak was actually making a courtship token for Autumn. To my knowledge, that has never been done before! I made a mental note to request a look at what my brother was making.
Once Autumn completed her excited greetings, she sat down directly across from Bluestreak while smiling at him. Aquamarine optics were shining very brightly with Autumn's excitement as she spoke with him. I was observing quietly because I had never seen Autumn this exuberant before. Both Autumn and my younger brother were quite animated while speaking with one another. Both were smiling and apparently happy to be spending time with the other. I didn't fail to notice that the two were not disturbed by either Mikaela or Kinetica.
Mikaela was quite surprising in that she was speaking with none other than Sunstreaker. The normally surly mech was not displaying his typical attitude towards others, instead, he was actually being civil to Mikaela. I was unable to calculate any possible reasons for this change in the mech's behavior. Kinetica retrieved a small cube of energon for herself and simply watched Autumn with a pleased expression on her face.
Kinetica POV
I watched quietly while Sideswipe led Autumn around a track painted on the tarmac that was only one point five miles (2414.016 Km) in length. It wasn't meant for any type of high speeds because only one single straight was five hundred yards in length, (457.2 meters) the rest was mostly ninety degree turns, although there were some one-hundred-eighty degree turns as well. This track was meant for teaching Autumn to drift and Sunstreaker followed Autumn while giving her precise instructions. It was clear that Autumn was heeding those instructions because she was doing quite well. She was doing her best and I was proud of her for that.
I'm quite happy to send my feelings to Autumn via her spark. It lets her know that I am proud of what she's doing, and that I am very glad that she's able to enjoy herself. She's having fun for a change. That's not something that has happened very often, and there are only three previous occasions where Autumn was able to have fun while in the company of others who were also having fun. Sadly, each time has been while she was driving. Somehow, I will have to fix things so that she can enjoy other times as well. It won't be easy, but I will not be alone in my efforts. I am well aware that both Mikaela and Ravage are enjoying their ride with Autumn, and I quite pleased with that fact. It's not even necessary for me to encourage those three to interact with each other. I know that Autumn is obsessed with Mikaela right now, but that will change. It will be a slow process, but once Autumn gains her self confidence, she won't be so desperate for her sister's companionship.
The sound of several helicopters draws my attention away from Autumn's display to the helipads. There are three large vehicles touching down, and I know good and well that what is about to happen will please almost everyone on this island! The rotors are still turning when Optimus and nearly every bot here exits on to the tarmac. There are quite a few humans running to be in attendance as well.
My attention is drawn back to Autumn who has stopped her driving lessons and is now trying to hide behind my left leg with Mikaela and Ravage in her arms while Director Galloway and many others approach us.
"There's the damned machine that issued the ultimatum!" Galloway bellowed angrily while pointing at me.
"I did no such thing Director. I merely informed you of the consequences of declaring a war of extinction." I replied calmly as I lifted Autumn in to my arms and held her against my left side while placing Mikaela on her right shoulder.
"I never declared any war, you idiotic toaster!" Galloway yelled.
"I am neither a toaster, nor am I an idiot. You were extremely hostile when demanding the immediate execution of a civilian child. The only child in existence for our entire race! By making such a demand, you made your position clear in that you want the extinction of my species. You have never uttered a single civil or even polite word to any of my kind! Your hostility and arrogance towards the leadership of Cybertron alone would constitute an act of war, yet you had the unmitigated gall to repeatedly demand the execution of one who is a minor even by your laws!" I retorted firmly.
"Excuse me Ma'am, my name is Martin Slaghters; I'm the Senior Advisor to the President of the United States. May I ask what you mean when you say 'even by our laws?"
"Autumn is only sixteen Terrestrial years of age. The next youngest member of our species is more than sixty-thousand of your years old! Director Galloway has belligerently bellowed his demands for her death repeatedly while addressing several of us. Yesterday morning, he made the mistake of demanding my daughter's death to me! His belligerence has caused Autumn to be fearful of humans in positions of authority such as his. He is the one who stated an ultimatum by saying that Autumn would either be killed immediately by melting her down, or we would no longer be allowed on this planet. He actually said that she would be killed while he watched or our amnesty would be over. I replied that since he made that position unmistakably clear, that the Autobots would no longer defend humans from the depredations of the Decepticons and leave while informing the Decepticons that they would be free to destroy or enslave the human race as they choose. Those are the repercussions of the ultimatum that he delivered!" I answered angrily.
"Is this true Director?" Martin Slaghters demanded.
"Of course it is! These worthless machines need to be taught their proper place!" Galloway growled angrily.
"Mr. Galloway… it is at once clear that you have deliberately exceeded the scope of your employment! You never had the authority to issuer that type of criminal demand! Because of the position you held, your actions constitute High Treason and you have forfeited all rights as a U.S. citizen, including the right to legal representation in your criminal trial. I don't think I need to remind you that if you are found guilty that you will be sentenced to death." Martin Slaghters stated before two other men placed Galloway in handcuffs.
"Ma'am… you have my sincere apologies. Any threats or ultimatums issued by former Director Galloway can be completely ignored. If you know of a human who is capable of reporting to the White House, dealing with your species, providing updates on current events about Cybertronians, and demonstrating a lack of hostility, I would be happy to give such a recommendation to the President."
I couldn't help but smile as I turned my head to my left. "Mikaela, do you think you can manage that?"
"Me?" Mikaela all but shrieked. "Hell… I'm not even out of high school yet! How can I work for the Government?"
"She has a point Mami!" Autumn said softly.
"Young Lady… your friend might indeed have a point. However, given the fact that she's sitting on your shoulder means that she holds no prejudicial beliefs towards your kind. Her youth would also be a benefit in that she would hold no prior obligations to others nor would she have a political agenda to fulfill. What's your name, so I can give it to the President?" Martin Slaghters said with a grin.
"Mikaela Banes." Mikaela said quietly. "Is this for real?"
"Aren't you one of the two civilians who was in first contact with the Autobots?" Martin asked suddenly.
"Yes Sir, I was. My boyfriend Sam was with me that night." Mikaela answered.
"That being the case, you wouldn't even need to be briefed on anything. Captain Lennox has my cell phone number. Unless you hear otherwise, the job is yours. 401k, supplemental retirement plan, full health benefits, paid vacation, and $260,000 per year. Does that sound okay to you?"
"That sounds… incredible!" Mikaela replied a little breathlessly. "When do I start?"
"How bout now?" Martin shot back with a somewhat smug grin.
"Okay… then I guess I should tell you that the leader of the Decepticons will be here in less than a week for peace talks." Mikaela answered.
The brown haired human opened and closed his mouth a few times while he tried to get control of himself. "Wow! Somehow I don't think a hostile individual would have obtained that type of information." Martin said finally.
"Actually Sir, I really doubt that Galloway knew anything about it, because this is the first I've heard about it!" Captain Lennox piped up.
"If that's the case, then we definitely have the right person for the job!" Martin said firmly before shooting Mikaela a curious glance and turning back to the helipads.
Optimus POV
"Why am I the new Liaison? What am I supposed to do?" Mikaela asked in exasperation.
"Well… if you don't go around acting like everyone's nothing but a puddle of smelly puke, then you'll be doing a lot better than Galloway ever did." Epps said with a grin.
"He's got a point. At least you know how to get along with people!" Captain Lennox shrugged.
"I don't think she'll be as mean as he was." Autumn said softly.
"No Autumn… she won't. Your sister isn't going to insist on having you melted down either!" Kinetica smiled.
I must admit, being rid of that particular human is of immense relief to me. There are several bots on this island who dreaded the arrival of that man, and I am only one of them. Being forced to deal with that human was a true test of my patience. There is no doubt that Mikaela will do much better without even trying. I know that I'll need to advise her on some of the duties that she'll need to perform, but that might actually be a pleasurable experience. Unlike Galloway, Mikaela is willing to listen to others and keep an open mind.
Due to her experiences in Mission City, Mikaela is not all that pleased with the Decepticons, but she also does not possess the festering hatred that most of the Autobots have developed over the course of this war. She should be able to see both sides of the problem and view things with a fresh perspective. She could very well be a critical factor during the negotiations to end this war. I will need to speak with her about that and find out if she is willing to try.
:This is Optimus Prime to all Autobots. Theodore Galloway is no longer our Liaison to the President of the United States. That position is now occupied by Mikaela. She is, for now, our new Liaison. Please provide her with any assistance that she might need to perform her job so that she can keep that position! If she is replaced, it could be with someone who is actually worse than Galloway!: I sent happily.
:How in the name of Primus did you manage that slagging miracle?: Ratchet demanded over the comms.
:Actually… you can thank Kinetica for that occurrence. She is the one who arranged Galloway's removal by challenging his attitude. She is also the bot who suggested Mikaela as Galloway's replacement. Her suggestion was readily accepted.: I answered.
:Are you talking about the same Mikaela who is friends with Bumblebee?: Wheeljack sent from his lab.
:That is the only Mikaela that I am familiar with, unless you know another?: I asked pointedly.
:No. She's the only Mikaela that I know as well. I was just trying to make sure that I knew who you were talking about.: Wheeljack answered.