Hey, I'm back! This story has been on my mind a lot so I decided to keep working on it. I think its because I'm coming close to the chapter where Stormracer meets Knock Out lol. Super excited to type that one out.
For those of you reading my other story, TFA: Different Angle, know that I haven't given up on it. I have most of the next chapter typed out, but have it on hold because of my focus on this story. Hopefully I will post it soon.
Anyway, here is chapter 12! I hope you enjoy it!
Transformers Prime: The Medic's Assistant
Chapter 12: Con Job
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime
(Autobot Base - 2:17 am)
Creak!
Stormracer bolted up wide awake in the dark, her glowing blue optics frantically scanning her hangar. Once she saw it was nothing, she calmed down and flopped back down on her berth, releasing a vent. Ever since the scraplet infestation, she was having trouble recharging. Every time she heard a creak or any other sound it would wake her, making her think there was still a scraplet around.
She tried going back into recharge, but found it difficult as she stared up at the ceiling. After a while, she reached over and grabbed her data pad. She scrolled through it in hopes of finding something that will help get her mind off of scraplets. It wasn't until she stumbled upon something in her personal file that she stopped. An old video recording.
She stared at it for a while, a part of her wanting to play it as her digit hovered hesitantly over the screen. Feeling like she couldn't do it, she vented and turned off her data pad, placing it back on her stand.
Deciding she wanted to listen to some music instead, she turned on her radio at low volume and found a station playing soft music. Once she was set, she laid back down on her berth and got comfortable. She glanced over at the data pad, making her think about the video. Trying to ignore it, she rolled over onto her other side and shut her optics, letting the music lull her into recharge.
(The next day)
Stormracer carried on her day in her usual positive manner. She was talking with Bumblebee and Arcee when Ratchet got everyone's attention.
"Optimus, I'm receiving a signal on a restricted band," the medic said as everyone made their way over to the computer, "it appears to be coming from a starship inside this solar system. Its an autobot identification beacon."
"So there are other bots out there?" Jack asked.
"The masses scattered to the galaxies when Cybertron finally went dark," Arcee said, "but cons have been known to bait traps with false beacons."
Optimus turned to the screen. "Unknown vessel," he said, "this is autobot outpost omega one. Identify yourself."
"I've had warmer welcomes from decepticon combat brigades," a mech's voice responded.
"Wheeljack?!" Bulkead exclaimed as he made his way over with Miko on his shoulder, "you old con crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?!"
"Bulkhead? That you?" the voice asked, "what's with all the security?"
"The rock we're on is crawling with cons," the green mech told him, "how soon can you get here and even the odds?"
"Sometime tomorrow if I put metal to the pedal."
"Another bot is coming here," Miko said excitedly, "how cool is that?"
"Wheeljack. I know of him by reputation only," Optimus said before looking at Bulkhead, "can you verify his voice print?"
"He is 1,000% the real deal, Optimus," Bulkhead said.
Optimus looked back at the screen. "We will send landing coordinates, Wheeljack. Safe journey."
"See you soon, buddy. I'll make sure you get a proper welcome," Bulkhead said before the call ended.
"So who's the boyfriend?" Arcee asked him.
The green bot laughed. "Me and Jackie go way back," he told her, "we were part of the same war unit, the Wreckers, which means the cons are gonna wish he never found us."
"Sounds like a real tough guy," Stormracer said.
Bulkhead laughed again. "He's as tough as they come. I can't wait for you guys to meet him."
(The next day)
"Wheeljack's ship is approaching the landing zone," Stormracer reported as everyone waited for their fellow autobot to arrive.
"You think he's here to visit?" Raf asked.
"Maybe he's here to stay," Miko said, "Hmm, have to find his own human though."
"I'm sure Ratchet will like having another human around," Sierra said jokingly.
Hearing that, the medic groaned in annoyance as he prepared the groundbridge. "Groundbridge cycling up," he said, only for the controls to spark. He slammed his fist down on the console, making the screen work properly. "Blasted scraplets! Equipment hasn't been the same ever since the infestation."
"So, we're having him land on the other side of the planet then bridging him here?" Jack asked in confusion.
"We can't risk revealing the location of our base," Optimus told him, "just in case the decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship."
Stormracer glanced over to see Bulkhead pacing back and forth out of anticipation.
"Bulkhead, if you keep pacing like that you're going to make a ditch in the floor," she said jokingly.
The green mech laughed. "I can't help it," he said, stopping in place, "I'm too excited."
'Dude, I've never seen you so stoked!" Miko said as she made her way over to him.
"Oh, you're gonna love Wheeljack," he told her, "we were like brothers. And tonight, we are gonna party!"
"Sweet!" Miko exclaimed excitedly.
Just then an alarm sounded, revealing trouble.
"Uh oh," Stormracer said, looking at the screen, "Wheeljack has bogies heading straight for him."
"Con scum!" Bulkhead exclaimed angrily.
Stormracer watched the screen. "He's on the ground. The cons are closing in."
Bulkhead, Arcee, and Bumblebee raced to the groundbridge. "Open the bridge, Ratchet!" the green mech said, "we're missing all the action!"
Immediately Ratchet opened the groundbridge. "I'll prepare sick bay," he said.
"For who? The cons?" Bulkhead said with a laugh, "this is Wheeljack we're talking about."
The three ran through the bridge. Once it closed, the remaining bots plus humans waited. It wasn't long until they called for a bridge back. Soon as Ratchet opened the groundbridge, the bots, plus Wheeljack, ran right in. The groundbridge controls then crackled with electricity as the portal disappeared, the bridge even sparking itself. Ratchet let out a vent of frustration.
"Everyone okay?" Stormracer asked as she approached the bots.
Bulkhead laughed. "Wheeljack took them all down without a scratch on him." He looked at Wheeljack and gave the introduction. "Jackie, this is Stormracer. And over there is Ratchet," he said, pointing at the medic, "he's our medic and Stormracer is his assistant."
"It's nice to meet you," Stormracer said to Wheeljack.
"Likewise," he said, giving her a nod.
"Jackie, come here," Bulkhead said, taking his friend over to Miko, "meet my other best buddy, Miko. She can wreck with the best of us."
"Hiya," she said with a wave.
"You keeping Bulkhead out of trouble?" Wheeljack asked her.
"I try," she said with a smirk, "but trouble finds us anyway."
Wheeljack smirked as he looked at Bulkhead. "We're going to get along just fine." Seeing Optimus approaching him, he turned to face him. "Optimus Prime. Its a privilege."
"Likewise, soldier," Optimus said, "what have you to report from your long journey?"
"Been bouncing from rock to rock searching for any signs of friend or foe," Wheeljack said, "now I find both."
"We are few, but strong. We have suffered losses, but we have grown. And we would relish welcoming a new member into our fold."
"I would be honored," the wrecker told him.
"Then lets get this party started!" Bulkhead exclaimed happily, slapping Wheeljack hard on the back. The wrecker staggered a little before turning around, both him and Bulkhead chest bumping each other.
"Oh joy," Ratchet groaned.
(Later)
"Come on, Jackie," Bulkhead said, "show me what you got."
Both Bulkhead and Wheeljack were throwing a big metal ball around while Miko played her electric guitar. Arcee and Stormracer were standing off to the side with Jack and Sierra while Raf and Bumblebee sat on the floor. Ratchet was nearby working on the groundbridge, trying his best to ignore the party. Since he had no need for assistance, Stormracer was able to hang out with the others. The only one not present was Optimus who had stepped out for a drive.
"So, what's all this about?" Jack asked as he and the others watched the two mechs throwing the ball at each other.
"It's called lobbing," Arcee told him, "the favorite pastime on Cybertron, especially among warrior class."
"I tried it once," Stormracer said, "though it didn't go so well."
"What happened?" Sierra asked.
"I got injured," the teal femme said.
"Ouch! By the ball?"
"No," Stormracer said sheepishly, "I tripped."
"I believe it," Arcee said with a smirk while Jack and Sierra tried to not laugh out loud.
Miko kept playing her guitar as she looked at Raf. "Come on, Raf!" she said to the youngest boy, "show us some moves!"
"Oh, all right," Raf said as he got up and started dancing, doing the robot.
"Of course," Jack laughed, "the robot."
It wasn't long until Bumblebee joined his friend, copying his dance moves. Stormracer laughed as she made her way over and joined them, the three now doing the robot.
"Come on, Arcee!" the teal femme said, looking over at the two wheeler, "Join in!"
"I'll pass," she told the assistant.
Jack looked around. "Where's Optimus?"
"Out for a drive," Arcee told him. "Primes don't party."
Seeing how much fun the others were having, Sierra got up and looked at Jack. "Come on, Jack," she said to him, "we can't let them have all the fun."
Immediately the teenage boy got nervous. "Wh- you mean dance? Heh, I uh, don't really do that sort of thing."
"Suit yourself," she said as she made her way down and joined the others.
Jack groaned a little as he watched her dance. Glancing over to see his guardian giving him a look, he looked away and frowned. "Not a word," he told her.
Stormracer soon started acting silly as she made faces and funny gestures while dancing. This caught the others attention as they started laughing.
Ratchet looked over at his assistant and groaned, shaking his helm at her.
"Coming at ya!" Bulkhead yelled as he threw the lob ball at Wheeljack. Wheeljack tried to catch it, but it was too high as it grazed his digits and bounced off the wall. Ratchet shielded himself as it fell on the groundbridge controls, causing it to spark.
"You know, I am attempting to perform sensitive calibrations here!" Ratchet exclaimed in frustration.
Grabbing the ball, Wheeljack talked to Ratchet while Bulkhead made his way over to the others.
"Guess we got carried away," he said with a light laugh, "so what do you guys think of Wheeljack?"
"I like him," Stormracer said, "he seems like a good bot."
"Just wait until you hear the war stories we have," he said with a grin.
Sure enough, it wasn't long until the green mech started telling everyone his and Wheeljack's adventures.
"So there we were," Bulkhead said, "no communications, low on energon, surrounded by cons. So what does Wheeljack do?" he looked at his friend, "tell em, Jackie!"
Wheeljack, who was distracted, snapped out of it and looked at the others. "Uh, what I do best," he said.
Bulkhead continued. "He chucks his only grenade right smack into the primary heat exchanger."
"Seemed like a good idea at the time," Wheeljack said.
"The joint went supernova!" Bulkhead said, gesturing with his arms.
"Awesome!" Miko said, loving the story.
"Yeah. I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside," the green mech said.
"I'm not surprised," Arcee said, "given the size of your backside."
Stormracer and Bumblebee couldn't help but laugh at the femme's joke. Stormracer looked over at Wheeljack, noticing he was looking at the groundbridge. Her smile was replaced with a look of confusion. It was the second time she caught him looking at it, and she was beginning to wonder why.
Bulkhead pointed at the grenade on his friend's side. "There it is. Jackie's signature. One grenade, one shot." He looked up and noticed Wheeljack wasn't paying attention. "Hey, you alright?" he asked him.
Snapping out of it, Wheeljack looked at the bigger bot. "What?"
"You don't seem like yourself," Bulkhead said.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. You seem quiet."
"Aw, I've been stuck in a can too long," Wheeljack said, "I should go topside before I get stir crazy."
"I have patrol in the morning," Bulkhead said, "you can come with."
"Lets go now."
"And break up the party? Come on, the gang's loving you! You gotta tell them about the battle at Darmount Pass!"
"You tell them," Wheeljack told him, "you're better at it." He looked down at Miko. "How bout if Miko here shows me the rest of your base?"
"Well, yeah sure, Jackie," Bulkhead said, "hey, go ahead."
Miko hopped up. "Tour starts now," she told Wheeljack. Immediately she started asking him many questions at once as they walked off.
Bulkhead watched them disappear down the hallway, slightly upset.
Looking at their friend, the other bots glanced at one another before walking up to him.
"You alright?" Bumblebee asked the green mech.
"Yeah," Bulkhead said, turning around to face the others, "just... out of sorts, I guess."
"Don't tell me you're jealous," Arcee said with a slight smirk.
"That Miko's making a new friend? Come on." Bulkhead looked back at where the two walked off, "something... somethings just not right about Wheeljack."
"Bulkhead, really?" the two wheeler said, "he's traveled galaxies. You haven't seen him for centuries. He could just be rocket-lagged or... well, bots do change, you know?"
"Not Jackie," the green mech said, "he loves talking about his war stories."
"Well, you did do a good job telling them yourself," Bumblebee said, "maybe he just wanted to hear them told by his best friend."
Bulkhead let out a vent, still feeling like something wasn't right.
Deciding to ask, Stormracer spoke up. "I know it's really none my business, but did anyone else notice Wheeljack looking at the groundbridge a couple times?"
Everyone looked at her questionably.
"What do you mean?" Bulkhead asked, turning to face her.
"When you were telling the stories," she said, "it was like that was the only thing he was focusing on."
"That's odd," Bumblebee said, "why would he be interested in the groundbridge?"
Stormracer shrugged. "I don't know. I just thought it was weird."
"He did say he was going stir crazy," Arcee said.
Listening to them talk, Bulkhead started thinking. It wasn't long until a frown made its way on his face.
The others looked at him, slightly concerned when they saw the frown.
"Bulkhead, what are you thinking?" Arcee asked him.
"I know Wheeljack better than anyone," he said, "and something definitely ain't right."
"What are you saying?" Stormracer asked.
Bulkhead was about to answer until Wheeljack and Miko returned. The green bot immediately hid his frown as he turned to face his buddy.
"Hey," Wheeljack said, "what are you guys talking about?"
"I was just about to tell the guys all about you and me at the battle of Darkmount Pass," Bulkhead said.
"That's a heck of a story," Wheeljack said.
"Yep," the green mech agreed before allowing the frown to return. "Tell it."
"Talk, talk, talk. How about after we go off roading?" Miko suggested.
"Miko, stay out of this!" Bulkhead said harshly.
"Bulkhead, easy," Arcee said, trying to calm him down.
Wheeljack tried backing out. "I'm not sure I-"
"Tell it!" Bulkhead exclaimed.
Wheeljack frowned. "Fine. You want to live in the past, Bulkhead?" Everyone looked at him as he told the story. "The wreckers were trapped between a decepticon patrol and the smelting pit. The cons were vicious, bearing down on us with everything they had. Me and Bulkhead engaged the enemy, left them for scrap, then I made us a way out using their backsides as stepping stones to cross the molten metal." He looked back at Bulkhead. "Isn't that how it happened?"
"Yeah," Bulkhead said, "That's exactly how it happened."
Wheeljack smirked.
"Except for one little thing," Bulkhead continued before glaring at him, "I wasn't there."
Wheeljack's smirk was replaced with a look of fear.
Optics/eyes widened as everyone, including Ratchet, stared at the impostor.
"I'd already left the wreckers to join up with Optimus," Bulkhead said, "But you wouldn't know that if all you did was access Wheeljack's public-service record."
Miko looked at her guardian questionably. "Bulkhead, what does that have to do with- Aah!" The impostor grabbed her and quickly made his way around the others towards the groundbridge controls.
"Miko!" Bulkhead exclaimed.
'Wheeljack' held Miko up, making everyone stop.
"Stay back," the con warned, using his real voice as he held the girl up, "or I'll squeeze her into pulp."
Miko struggled in his grip. "Wheeljack, what are you doing?!"
"Decepticon coward!" Bulkhead yelled, "let the girl go and face me!"
The con evilly grinned. "Don't fret," he said, "plenty of fight to come."
"Is there a real Wheeljack?" Jack asked.
"Oh, indeed," the con said, "and I expect Lord Starscream is making sport of him."
Bulkhead glared at him. It wasn't long until the groundbridge computer made a sound, signaling the groundbridge was ready to be operated.
"About time," 'Wheeljack' said as he put in a set of coordinates and activated the ground bridge. He made his way towards it, still holding onto Miko as she struggled to free herself. He grinned at the bots as he stood in front of the bridge. "Let's get this party started."
Just then a bot came flying in through the groundbridge, kicking the impostor in the back and making him let go of Miko. The con slammed into the side of the platform while Bulkhead immediately caught the girl and set her on the ground, relieved she was alright. All optics/eyes turned to the newcomer.
The real Wheeljack looked over at Ratchet. "I'd shut that hole before the stink comes through."
Ratchet did so as the con recovered. Shaking off the pain, the impostor got up and glared at the wrecker while sliding his battle mask on. The two pulled out their swords and started circling each other. Bulkhead went to intervene, but his friend stopped him.
"Ugly's mine," Wheeljack told him, not taking his optics off of his opponent.
The two then fought while everyone watched. Sparks flew as swords clashed with one another.
"Which one is the real Wheeljack?" Raf asked.
"Uh, I lost track!" Miko said.
As they continued fighting, the real Wheeljack kneed the impostor and knocked him to the ground, winning the fight as he pointed his sword at him.
"That's my Jackie," Bulkhead said.
Wheeljack looked back over at Ratchet. "You. Hit the switch."
The medic nodded before making his way over to the groundbridge controls.
Wheeljack looked at the now unconscious con. "It's time to take out the trash," he said before looking at Bulkhead. "All yours, buddy."
Priming the grenade on the impostor, Bulkhead picked the con up and carried him over to the open groundbridge. With all of his might, he threw the con straight through the portal before anyone could get through from the other side.
"Nice lob," Wheeljack complimented Bulkhead as the portal closed.
Happy to have his friend back, Bulkhead smiled as he immediately picked up Wheeljack and gave him a big hug.
"Oomph!" Wheeljack grunted from the big bot's grip, "good to see you too, Bulk!"
Bulkhead let go of him. "Sorry I didn't figure it out sooner," he apologized.
Wheeljack just grinned as he folded his arms. "I knew it was only a matter of time. Who knows me better than my best buddy?"
The green bot smiled as they fist bumped.
"Aww!" Stormracer said out loud. Everyone gave her a slight look, making her sheepishly smile as she rubbed the back of her helm. "Hehe, sorry."
(The next day)
The party was back on as Miko played her guitar with Sierra, Raf, and Bumblebee dancing along. Watching them having fun, Jack took a big breath and made his way onto the dance floor. Walking up to Sierra, he started dancing... terribly. This caught Sierra's attention as she looked to see her friend's terrible dance moves. Snickering to herself, she turned to face him as they danced together, both smiling and having a good time.
Stormracer stood off to the side this time and watched the scene before her. She glanced over at Ratchet at the controls, seeing the sour look on his face. She couldn't help but snicker.
"Hey. Stormracer, right?"
Hearing her name, she looked to see Wheeljack walking up to her.
"You got it," she said with a smile.
"Bulk just told me that you blew up a lab on the cons' ship, and fought off Megatron with a smoke bomb," the wrecker said before giving her a thumbs up. "Nice," he complimented with a grin.
"Oh, that?" she said, rubbing the back of her helm, "That was just a matter of life and death... with a bit of sabotage." She let out a chuckle. "So how are you liking it here so far?"
"It's not bad," he said, looking at the party happening, "though I'm looking forward to heading back out now that my ship is repaired."
Stormracer's smile disappeared. "You're leaving?"
"You have a nice thing going here on this dirt ball," he said, "but I wanna know what else I might run into out there."
"What about Bulkhead?" she asked.
"He'll be fine without me. He's got a good team watching his giant backside. Besides, it's not like I won't come back to see my favorite wrecker again."
She looked over at Bulkhead talking to Optimus then back at Wheeljack. "Well make sure you do," she told him, "he's very lucky that he got the chance to see an old friend again. Not a lot of us get that chance."
The wrecker nodded before walking over to his buddy. Stormracer let out a vent as they talked. She still smiled a little, happy that Bulkhead was able to reunite with his friend after so long.
(Later)
A long while after Wheeljack left, Stormracer sat on her berth as she stared at the data pad on her table. Biting her lip, she finally picked it up and turned it on, revealing the video icon. She looked at it for a while before releasing a vent and selecting it. The video enlarged on her screen as it started playing.
"Is it recording?" a femme's voice whispered as the camera moved around.
"Yeah it's recording," Stormracer whispered as she turned the camera around to face her. She waved at it as a green femme came into view beside her, waving as well. "Heeey!" both said very quietly. "So here's what's happening," Stormracer whispered, both her and the other femme grinning from audio receptor to audio receptor. "It's morning right now, and Lancer is still recharging." She turned the camera around to show an orange femme recharging at a desk covered in data pads. She then turned the camera back around. "She was up all night cramming for today's exams and hasn't even left her desk. She's suppose to be getting up now, so Greenlight and I are going to wake her up." She looked at Greenlight with a big grin. "Ready?" she asked quietly.
"Let's do it," the green femme said, grinning back.
The camera back on Lancer, the two quietly made their way towards their sleeping friend, both trying so hard to keep themselves from laughing as they stood beside her.
"On three," Stormracer whispered off camera, "1...2...3" As loud as they could, both femmes shouted. "Wake up Lancer!"
Optics opening wide, Lancer screamed as she bolted up wide awake, nearly falling out of her chair as she looked up with wide terrified optics. Stormracer and Greenlight were dying of laughter as Lancer's expression turned into a look of anger. "You two are so dead!" she roared, throwing stuff at them before giving chase. The camera shook around as the two femmes ran for it, still laughing as their friend yelled at them.
Once things calmed down, they were back in the room as Stormracer filmed the orange femme who was giving her a look.
"Why are you filming me?" she asked.
"To make memories," Stormracer said, "anything you want to say to your future self?"
Letting out a vent, Lancer looked right into the camera with a deadpan look. "If you're still friends with these two weirdos, then there's something very wrong with you. Seek help immediately."
"We love you too, Lancer!" Greenlight said as she and Stormracer laughed, both giving their friend a big hug while the teal femme held the camera up to get all three of them in the shot.
Lancer rolled her optics, but still smiled as she hugged the two back. "Alright, alright," she said with a chuckle, "now will you please turn that off already?"
Stormracer chuckled. "Okay. But only because you said please."
She waved goodbye at the camera while Greenlight blew it a kiss and Lancer stuck her glossa out. The image remained as the video ended.
Tears were streaming down Stormracer's face as she smiled at the still image of the three of them. When the war got worse, she lost touch with both Lancer and Greenlight. She didn't know if they were still online or not.
"I miss you two," she murmured sadly. After a moment, she wiped away her tears and replayed the video, never wanting to forget the happy memories she made with her two friends.
I know, sad ending. I wanted to add a little something for Stormracer and decided to show a brief moment of her with her friends. Just shows how much the war has affected her.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter is Convoy, then after that... Knock Out and Breakdown show up! Yay lol! Hopefully I will update it soon. Until next time! God bless!