Disclaimer: Is this thing even necessary? I do not, nor shall I ever own the transformers…unless I win the lottery…I do and shall forever own Jaime and the plot of Free Falling.
Thank to so much you awesome reviewers: JetCycle, RiverOfTheWolf, Hawkie-Chan, heavenslilagl420, DragonRiderWarrior, Lynn Kinght, MidnightDarkskiesbluemoon, Jazz's lil ninja, AfterShock35, ForgotMyName2Day, Jazzfan0217, and Guest!
Jazz's POV
"Do you have…a seven?"
"Go fish."
"…Do you have a two?"
"Go fish."
"Hmm…do you have a Jack?"
"Go fish."
"Gah! I can't take this anymore!" Jaime threw her cards down. "If I hear go fish one more time, I'm gonna…"
"Chill girl," Jazz chuckled. "Ah though' tha' was the poin' of the game."
"It is," Maggie grinned. "But I guess it does get to be a bit repetitive after a while." Jaime was in the cafeteria with Maggie and Jazz, who was in his holoform. They were gathered at a table playing a variety of card games, the current one being "Go Fish."
"How about a game of speed?" the blonde Australian suggested.
"Naw, you guys go ahead," Jaime shook her head and turned away from the table. She didn't see the worried glance Jazz and Maggie shared.
"Whatcha want t' do?" Jazz asked her. Jaime shrugged her shoulders. She'd been withdrawn for the past couple of days and it was bugging the pit out of the saboteur. "We c'n play one of 'em video games, or play a prank…" Jaime still didn't answer. Trying to get a response out of her, Jazz gasped overdramatically. That got her attention. When she gave him a weird look, he clutched his chest in horror and leaned over the table. "Don't tell me…you want to play the silent game!" She snorted and rolled her eyes at him. Jazz allowed himself a small grin, proud that he got her to laugh. Jazz opened his mouth to say something else but stopped. Jaime noticed.
"What is it?" she asked.
"They're back." Jaime leapt from her seat and bolted out of the cafeteria.
She knew she'd been a little reserved late, and she knew that Jazz wanted her to tell him what was bothering her. But she didn't want to risk losing control again, in case she wasn't supposed to tell anyone of the Allspark's intelligence. It hadn't tried speaking to her since her encounter a couple days ago, which was a huge relief. And although she didn't feel its overbearing presence, she couldn't quite forget that she wasn't alone. She raced down the halls, flying past NEST personnel. She passed by the Autobot Hangar and dashed into Hangar 3, which housed the Twins new alt forms. They had finally come in yesterday and were waiting for the twins to scan them. She finally reached the edge of the tarmac outside to see the soldiers exiting the planes. She peered into the crowed of marching soldiers and was relieved to see Will and Epps striding side by side, with Ricky toting his gun behind Epps. Behind her, the base's speakers crackled to life. "Autobot Twins: Report to Hangar 3." Jaime patted the ice cream truck as it passed by. She ignored their babbling, about their new alt forms most likely, and took a few steps closer. Optimus rolled onto the tarmac, closely followed by Sideswipe, the Arcee triplets, Ironhide and Ratchet. Jaime waved as each one passed.
"How'd it go?" she asked when Ironhide passed. All she got was a grunt as an answer. The girl frowned. That didn't sound good.
"Present…Arms!" Jaime gasped and whirled around to see the soldiers begin to unload caskets that were each covered by the United States flag. Jaime quickly went through a mental list of the soldiers she'd seen to determine who were in the caskets.
"Who—" the words died in the girl's throat. She couldn't get them out, afraid to hear the answer.
"Benson, Jones, Grippe, Fajhi, Sal, and…Jimmy." Jaime glanced behind her to see Ironhide's holoform.
"Jimmy?" she repeated, tears pricking at her eyes. Benson made the best lemonade on base, and he'd only taught Jaime after she swore not to tell anyone his secret ingredient. Jones was a bookworm, always taking advantage of the limited library NEST had to offer. Jaime hadn't really known Grippe, Fajhi, and Sal, except she'd sometimes pass them in the hallways. And Jimmy, she'd really liked Jimmy. He was always telling jokes and would even act as lookout during some pranks.
"What happened?" Jaime cautiously asked, eyes glued to the caskets in the distance.
"There was more than one Con," Ironhide grumbled, "We were caught off guard." Jaime swallowed. So it had been true. She'd had valuable information and hadn't shared it. And now people were dead.
"Oh." The sound was soon filled with copter blades. Jaime squinted and was surprised to see an approaching helicopter. Strange, she mused to herself. We don't normally get helicopters. It was true. The main transportation used by the base were the cargo planes which would deploy to either take the NEST teams on missions, or for the once a week supply run. She watched as two figures emerged from the helicopter. She tilted her head as they approached. Who were they? The one in the lead reached a checkpoint and shoved a paper in the guard's face. Well that was unnecessary, thought Jaime. The girl felt the air shift behind her. Glancing back, she saw that Ironhide had disengaged his holoform. Did he know who it was?
She saw Will move forward to meet the two visitors. She frowned when she saw the leading man slap the same document onto her adopted father's chest. What was the guys' deal? He was almost as bad as…no…it couldn't be…Jaime felt dread well up in her stomach at the possibility. Who could possibly be stupid enough to give clearance to that guy? But it was! Galloway had somehow received authorization to tour the base!
"Hey Jaime." The girl turned around to see Will's third, Ricky.
"Hey Ricky," she mustered a smile—although it looked more like a grimace—for the man. "I…I heard you guys had it pretty rough out there." The man's face changed.
"Yea," he sighed. "It's…it's part of the job…but it's still tough…" They stood there and watched Will give Galloway a short tour of the base, pointing things out like the Autobot Hangar.
"How'd he get here on base?" she lowered her voice so only Ricky could hear her.
"He's apparently here by special order by the Big Chief himself." Jaime looked at him. "The president," Ricky clarified.
"No way," she gaped.
"Way," Ricky nodded.
"Secure link to JCS is up Major!" came a shout from the catwalk. Ricky and Jaime found an out of the way spot by the stairs where they could still hear what was going on.
"General," Will faced the screen that displayed General Morshower.
"Will…saw the Shanghai op. We had a rough day out there."
"Yes sir. We have intel that I believe warrants an immediate debrief. Now with your permission," Will glanced off the catwalk to look at the patiently waiting Optimus in his vehicle mode, "I can't let you see him, but I would like you to hear from the leader of the Autobots."
"Proceed." Even though she'd seen it over a dozen times, Jaime couldn't help but feel a touch of awe as she watched the Peterbuilt semi split apart into numerous whirring metal pieces. They clanked and fluidly slid over each other to form Optimus Prime. Jaime glanced across the hangar, and was pleased to see Galloway's reaction. No amount of beforehand knowledge could prepare anyone when seeing the majestic giants for the first time. And although she could tell he was trying to contain it, she caught a glimpse of wonder in the man's eyes.
"You gotta wonder," she heard Epps say to the politician, "If God made us in His image, who made him?" She grinned. Leave it to Epps to try to say something so profound. And yet sometimes he tended to state the obvious. It amazed the girl how he could go from saying something so deep to make everyone think, to saying something that would make everyone roll their eyes.
"General," the Autobot leader's baritone voice broke the silence. "Our alliance has counter-matted six Decepticon incursions this year, each on a different continent. They're clearly searching around the world for something. But last night's encounter came with a warning."
"The Fallen shall rise again." Jaime's breathing hitched upon hearing the familiar words, spoken in the exact same voice from her dream.
"The Fallen shall rise again." Those red optics glaring down at her…peering into her soul…
"The Fallen shall rise again." The Decepticon stepping on one of the hunters…tossing aside another human so easily…
"The Fallen shall rise—"Jaime! Snap out of it," Ricky hissed in her ear.
"Huh?" she dazedly blinked her eyes.
"What's wrong," he asked, looking down at her. "You just…froze."
"Oh…um…sorry," she mumbled. She glanced up at Optimus and noticed that he was examining her, apparently overhearing Ricky. They did have excellent hearing after all.
"The Fallen…meaning what?" the general asked.
"Origin unknown," Optimus continued facing forward once more, but not before scrutinizing her one last time. "The only recorded history of our race was contained within the Allspark, and lost with its destruction." Jaime managed to grimace at the Prime's words. Although she shared a connection, the Autobots had soon learned that Jaime was unable to consciously access things such as Cyberton's history. She got snippets from her dreams, but that was it. Although, that may not be a problem now since the Allspark was apparently self-aware.
"Excuse me!" Jaime resisted the urge to groan at the sound of Galloway's interruption. "With this so-called Allspark now destroyed," the arrogant man climbed up the latter, "why hasn't the enemy left the planet like you thought they would?"
"Director Galloway, our National Security Advisor," Jaime heard Will say. "The president just appointed him liaison." Since she'd known him so long, she could hear the hidden annoyance in his voice.
Galloway made it to the top of the catwalk and made his way to Will, brushing past several NEST operatives. "Forgive the interruption General, excuse me, coming through, excuse me, excuse me soldier." The man finally stood next to Will and frowned at Morshower. "After all the damage in shanghai, the president is um…hard pressed to say the job's getting done. Now," he turned his sights on the Autobot leader, "under the classified Alien Autobot Cooperation Act, you agreed to share your intel with us, but not your advancements in weaponry."
"Is he serious?" Jaime hissed to Ricky.
"That man…" Ricky shook his head in reply.
"We've witnessed your human capacity for war," Optimus answered, unfazed by Galloway's attempt to assume a semi-threatening stance, pointing a digit at Galloway who leaned away from the near proximity. "It would absolutely bring more harm than good." Will uncrossed arms, struggling not to glare at Galloway. However the impatient man was not to be deterred so easily.
"But who are you to judge what's best for us?"
"With all due respect," Will spoke up, coming to the aid of his longtime friend and ally, "We've been fighting side by side in the field for two years."
"We've shed blood, sweat and precious metal together," Epps added from down below. The Autobot liaison bent over the railing to look at him.
"Soldier, you're paid to shoot, not talk." His body language and voice screamed snob. Epps frowned and decided he was no longer needed. Jaime didn't blame him. Galloway was being an absolute jerk. As Epps left the hangar, he passed by Jaime and Ricky's position, and they could both hear him muttering.
"Don't tempt me." Optimus looked down, overhearing the man and pointed at his passing figure.
"Easy…"
"I'm not sticking around if he's gonna be in here. I'm gonna get me one of them ice cream sandwiches," said Epps, momentarily pausing next to Jaime and Ricky.
"They restocked them?" Ricky's eyes widened. Jaime nodded. "What are we waiting for? Let's get some before they're out again!"
"I'll catch up with you guys later," Jaime murmured.
"Suit yourself," Ricky shrugged before he and Epps left the hangar. Jaime tuned back into the conversation, disappointed to see that Galloway was still speaking.
"…newest members of your team. I understand they arrived here after you sent out a message into space, an open invitation," he spread out his arms in a mocking manner, "to come to Earth, vetted by no one at the white house." Thankfully, General Morshower stepped in this time, coming to the defense of the Prime.
"Let me stop you right there Mr. Galloway," he leaned forward in his chair. "It was vetted right here, and in my experience, the judgment of both Major Lennox and his team has always been above reproach." Jaime smiled. From what she'd heard and seen, she knew that he could be strict and a bit difficult at times. But the general was fair.
"Well be that as it may General," Galloway responded, not one to allow another to have the last word, "it is the position of the president that when our national security is at stake…no one…is above reproach." Jaime swallowed at his tone. She briefly wondered how he'd react if he learned of her true connection to the Autobots.
The only humans on base who knew Jaime's true reason for being on the island were: Will, Epps, Ricky, and Maggie. "Now what do we know, so far," Galloway turned on his heel and began pacing. "We know that the enemy leader, classified NBE One AKA Megatron, is resting in peace at the bottom of the Laurentian Abyss, surrounded by SOSUS detection nets and a full-time submarine surveillance." The girl tilted her head and glanced around the hangar, gauging other people's reactions. Should he be speaking aloud such sensitive information? She was no expert, but if they were going to review such classified information it shouldn't be in this hangar. Not when it was so easy for someone to enter and eavesdrop, like her for example.
"We know that the only remaining piece of your alien Allspark—"Jaime shifted uneasily at the mention of the Allspark. She could feel Optimus' attention shift to her, and he asked over the bond if she was alright. She sent him back an affirmative. The Prime didn't look at her though, most likely to avoid directing Galloway's attention on her, which she was grateful for. "—is locked in an electromagnetic vault here on one of the most secure naval bases in the world. And since no one," Galloway let out a little scoff, "can seem to tell me now what the enemy is after, there's only one clear conclusion."
Jaime got an uncomfortable feeling upon seeing the man's expression when he faced Optimus once more. "You…the Autobots…They're here to hunt you." He pointed an accusing finger at the silent Prime. "What's there to hunt for on Earth besides that? The Fallen shall rise again?" Galloway turned away from the Autobot leader as Jaime shivered at the reminder of the creepy voice. With the man's focus no longer on himself, Optimus glanced down at Jaime, no doubt sensing her distress. "Sounds to me like something's coming." Galloway mused. He turned towards Optimus again, who redirected his attention to the man.
"So let me ask, if we ultimately conclude that our national security is best served by denying you further asylum on our planet," Jaime gasped, "will you leave peacefully?" No! She screamed in head. They can't do that! The Autobots had already stayed for two years. Jaime had grown even closer to them in the short time she'd known them. Besides, they wouldn't stand a chance against the Decepticons without their allies. She stared at Optimus—glared at him even—willing him to put this insolent man in his place. She waited for him to list the reasons why that was such a terrible idea. The Prime tilted his helm in thought.
"Freedom is your right. If you make that request, we will honor it." Jaime's stomach dropped. No…they couldn't leave her. Not now! Jaime's hands trembled at the thought of being left alone with the Allspark in her body. Before she could go into a full-blown panic, she felt a large wave of calm wash over her. She looked up to see Optimus glancing down at her, with some kind of indiscernible emotion in his optics, as if he was trying to convey an unspoken promise to her. She soon felt reassuring emotions flood her from the other bonds. Jazz had promised her that he'd never leave her. He'd said that he was her guardian, which was a big deal to them. That was why Bumblebee had refused to leave his charge, Sam Witwicky, when NEST relocated. Galloway allowed himself a self-satisfied nod upon hearing the Prime's words. But Optimus was not done.
"But," the Prime's deep voice rang out, "before your president decides…please ask him this." He had everyone's attention now. What would he be asking of the president? "What if we leave," he leaned forward, carefully grasping the catwalk railing, "and you're wrong?" The question hung in the air. Optimus leaned back, effectively getting his point across. Galloway turned away with a frown, apparently done with the conversation. Jaime knew the answer to the Prime's question. She knew how hilariously outclassed they were by the Decepticons.
"Let me get this straight. This…Barney…is a purple dinosaur that can sing and talk… " Arcee began.
"Yup," Jaime nodded.
"…and it's a children's show?"
"Uh huh."
"…I thought dinosaurs were extinct."
"They are," Jaime chuckled at the femme's confused expression. "It's just some guy who gets paid to wear a purple suit and dance around and sing with kids."
"That sounds a bit creepy and…suspicious." Arcee tilted her helm.
"I know right?" Jaime grinned.
"Creators allow their offspring to view such a program?"
"Well, yea…although it's not as popular anymore. The guy who played him actually got fired awhile back," Jaime shrugged.
"Why?" The girl wasn't given a chance to answer.
"A word, Jaime?" She turned to see Optimus in his vehicle form.
"Sure…" The Autobot leader silently popped his door open and Jaime climbed into the semi cab. She sat quietly in his driver's seat as Optimus drove to the South section of the base where they could talk privately. Optimus eventually reached his destination and stopped. The sun was setting, bathing the sky a deep orange color.
"Jaime," the Prime finally spoke.
"Yea?" The Autobot leader paused, as if choosing his words carefully.
"Before we left, you implored that I take Sideswipe along. Why?" Jaime frowned at his question. She should have expected it. From the moment she had seen Optimus earlier that day, she knew he'd want to speak to her. It had only been a matter of time.
"I guess you could say that this…feeling…told me he needed to go," she gazed out the window.
"Did you have any…premonition concerning the events that were to take place?" the mech prompted.
"I didn't know what was going to happen," she sighed. "If I did I would have warned you guys before you left."
"You did not feel any…intuition after we left?" he tried again. Jaime swallowed, thinking of the Allspark's words.
"No…" she dragged out the denial, feeling bad for lying to Optimus. She resisted the sudden urge to tap her fingers nervously when he did not reply. Instead he sat in silence, as if he could sense she had just lied to him. He knows. He knows.
"Then why did you need to meditate, namely, in Prowl's office?" Jaime's jaw clenched. Oh, she thought. Of course Prowl had told his commander of her strange behavior. Tattletale. Knowing the SIC, he had also showed his leader a recording of the girl. She chewed on her lip, trying to decide whether to come clean or not. She could tell him about the Allspark right? He was a Prime after all.
~ Now is not the time, youngling. ~ Jaime flinched.
"Jaime?" Optimus' softened his voice. "Is everything well?" Jaime clutched her knees and drew them to her chest. No, everything was not well. She had an ancient presence residing in her body that could take control of her body, the monster from her dreams was a real threat, and the Allspark's energy was still changing her.
"No," she choked out. Through their bond, she felt like she was being pulled closer to Optimus' spark. She savored the warm embrace and she felt herself calm down.
"I am always here for you Jaime," he promised. "We would never abandon you."
"I know," she rubbed her eyes.
"Then what is troubling you?" he asked. Jaime pursed her lips.
"It's nothing."
"Jaime—"
"Just drop it Optimus," she grunted. When it sounded like he was going to persist, Jaime let out a groan. "Please?" she added. The Autobot leader's sigh reverberated in the semi cab.
"Very well…" They remained still, enjoying each other's presence until Jaime spoke.
"Did you really mean that?"
"What are you referring to?" the mech asked in reply.
"…Would you guys really leave if the government asked you to?" she reached out and grasped his steering wheel.
"Freedom is your right," the Prime sighed. "This is your planet."
"But you can't leave!" she implored, her grip on the wheel tightened. "You just can't! Not now!"
"Jaime, we will not abandon you. I will not abandon you—" he tried to soothe the distraught girl.
"—But what if they do ask you to leave!" Silence hung in the air.
"Jaime, there may come a time when we may not see each other for long periods of time, but understand this. We will never abandon this planet. And we shall never abandon you. You have my word." A small grin made its way on the girl's face.
"Really?" she asked.
"Really really." Jaime snorted at the movie quote.
"So what happens now?"
"I'm afraid I must go speak to Sam." Jaime tilted her head.
"You know he's in college now right? His classes start tomorrow."
"Yes, but your government believes we have brought vengeance upon your planet. Perhaps they are right. But that is why they must be reminded by another human of the trust we share."
"When are you leaving?"
"Soon," he replied. Optimus started his engine and began to make his way back towards base. They were halfway back when Optimus asked the girl, "Jaime…are you familiar with the term 'the Fallen?'" Jaime tensed.
"Why do you ask?"
"Because every time the phrase is mentioned, your stress levels spike." The girl procrastinated answering by rubbing the back of her neck.
"Mmmm…" The Autobot leader did not prod her this time. He waited for her to answer on her own time. "I've…had a few dreams about him…"
"Who is he?"
"He's a Decepticon. He was on Earth a long time ago—building something—but I don't know what. He's bad news though," she shook her head. Optimus let out a thoughtful hmm. "He's dangerous, Optimus," she felt the need to stress just how formidable this mysterious enemy was. Optimus' cab rumbled in…laughter.
"What's so funny?" Jaime demanded. The Fallen was no laughing matter.
"Jazz tells me that I must return you now. He—along with Sideswipe and the twins—are waiting for you to begin their casino night."
"Oh yea, I forgot we planned to have that the night you guys got back," Jaime grinned, temporarily forgetting about the Fallen. "Wanna join us?"
"I told you, I must leave soon." The base loomed ahead.
"Alright…I'll tell the others you were too chicken to join." Optimus didn't reply. "If anything, it'll really go the Jazz's head. Guess I'll have to teach him a lesson on by my measly little self…"
"…One round, then I shall go." Jaime grinned, marveling at the Prime's ability to still sound majestic even while he was grumbling.
"All right! This is gonna be awesome!" Jaime pumped her fist in the air. Optimus chuckled at her. "Get ready to lose, because I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you're ancient."
"Ancient?" Optimus sputtered.
"Well yea. You're older than the Earth right?"
"…Yes…"
"Then you're ancient," she patted the dashboard with a smirk. Optimus merely sighed, more for Jaime's sake, to keep up the charade. He didn't mind really, especially since he had successfully distracted the girl from this dangerous "Fallen" figure.
Jaime lay in bed that night, wondering what woke her up. It had to be close to midnight. She scowled to herself. And she hadn't been having any dreams too! She grumbled to herself as she slipped out of her bed. If she had been awakened by Ironhide's cannons again, she was going to give him a piece of her mind, not caring about the fact that he towered over her. Too lazy to go down the spiral staircase that connected to her loft, Jaime decided to take the faster way down. She clung to the pole next the stairs and slid to the floor. Seconds later, she was in front of her door. At that moment, the Autobot-sized door whooshed open.
"Jazz?" Jaime rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She wasn't quite awake yet.
"Jaime!" Jazz quickly stepped inside the room and the door slid shut.
"Something going on?" she yawned. Jazz offered her his servo and she pulled herself up. He held her next to his spark.
"Shh, jus' go back t' sleep," he murmured, cradling her to his chastise.
"I thought I heard something," she muttered, leaning against her guardian.
"It's being taken care of," he answered, carrying her back to her bed.
"So long as it wasn't Ironhide again," she murmured, half asleep.
"No, it wasn't him," Jazz stroked her back, before gently setting her on her bed. Jaime cuddled to her pillow.
"Who was it then?" she asked. Jazz found himself wondering if she was even aware of what she was saying by now.
"Ah'll tell ya in the mornin'," he pulled up her covers to her chin so she'd be comfortable.
"You better," was the last thing she said before she was sound asleep. Her guardian watched her sleep for a few moments. Her face was so smooth and peaceful, not bunched up and stressed like it had been the last few days.
:: The fraggers got away! :: Ironhide commed him. Jazz sighed. Just moments ago, two Decepticons had snuck on base and successfully stolen the Allspark shard. It was good and bad news. Good, because it meant they weren't aware of Jaime's connection to the Allspark. Bad, because it meant they wanted the Allspark's energy for some dark deed. And if they did learn about Jaime…Jazz's engine revved. Nothing was going to happen to his charge. Nothing.
"Goodnigh' swee'spark," he whispered before quietly leaving the room.
Forgotmynametoday: It's okay. I'm not one of those people who gets offended by every little thing. I do hope you're having a better week. Happy reading! I'd still like to hear what you think of each chapter :)
Guest: Haha! Thanks! I wanted to try writing it from Prowl's point of view :)
Author's Note: Well there you go! Sorry, didn't mean to take this long on this chapter but well, a certain somebody wasn't cooperating. I won't name any names here *glances at Optimus* because that just wouldn't be very nice…and I don't want it to look like I'm blaming *glances at the Prime once more* them for the long wait.
Optimus: *Notices Hubero's not so inconspicuous looks* Do you need something?
Hubero: Me? Nope, I'm good. It's not like I really need your help anyways *mutters* not like you offered it this past week…
Optimus: *Tilts his helm* What was that?
Hubero: Oh nothing, nothing at all *turns to walk away*
Optimus: …are you being sarcastic with me?
Hubero: Gee, what gave me away?
Optimus: *Frowns* Are you angry at me?
Hubero: I…no…I just really struggled with your little interrogation while keeping you in character. I didn't want to post the chapter before I felt like I got it down.
Optimus: Er…thank you.
Hubero: …Don't you get tired of that?
Optimus: Of what?
Hubero: You're constantly nice and polite to everyone!
Optimus: *Tilts his helm* Not everyone.
Hubero: I wasn't referring to the Decepticons.
Optimus: Who were you referring to?
Hubero: Galloway.
Optimus: Oh.
Ironhide: *Barges in cannons blazing* Argh! Where's that little punk!
Hubero: *Screeches and sprints out of the room* AAAIIIEEEEEE!
Optimus: *Gives Ironhide a reprimanding look*
Ironhide: What?