Woo! This chapter was twenty pages long! I remember when writing seven pages was a lot for me! Not anymore. Anyway, I just wanted to apologize for the long waits. I imagine each chapter will either come out once a week, or every other week. It really just depends on my schedule and how much homework I have. College is fun guys, lol. Anyways, get to reading!
Disclaimer: I still no own.
Chapter Four:
It was probably another twenty or so minutes before I got a call from Arcee, asking me to open up the Groundbridge. I opened it to the same place they had gone through earlier and watched as the Autobots ran in, carrying the humans who'd been with them. I grinned when I saw that all four of the humans were there and accounted for.
"So… how was the Decepticon warship?" I asked Jack when Arcee sat him next to me. Jack gave me a look, clearly unhappy with whatever had transpired on the other side. "What? What did I miss?" I asked with a frown.
"They're lucky to be alive. Bulkhead, you shouldn't've let them go with you." Arcee snapped at him. Cliffjumper was laying Fowler on a cot, and I quickly ran over to help.
"Aw Arcee, nobody got hurt. No need to live in the past." Cliffjumper tried defending him, but I saw the troubled look on his face. Cliff knew the dangers the Decepticons posed, they all did. But Cliff had literally just come back from the dead, so I can only imagine what was running through his head at that moment.
"There is a need when it involves endangering children, Cliff. What would Optimus say if he knew about what had happened?" Arcee rounded on him, her hands on her hips. Cliff rose his hands up in surrender, but was saved from answering when Optimus himself called for a Groundbridge.
We turned to face the portal, Arcee activating it to allow the leader and medic of the Autobots in. Miko and Raf moved to stand beside Raf and I, while Bee, Cliff, and Bulkhead stood beside Arcee. Not even a second later, they came through the portal. I was slightly shocked by their battered appearances. Something more than recon had certainly happened to them.
"What happened to you guys?" I asked wide eyed. It was clearly something bad, given the grim looks in their optics.
"We engaged an army of undead Cybertronian warriors." Ratchet explained. Miko's jaw dropped and I face palmed, knowing she was about to say something stupid. "Zombies! They fought zombies and I missed it?" She exclaimed, proving my point.
"Bulkhead, you exercised extremely poor judgement in allowing the humans to accompany you." Optimus scolded the green mech. Bulk hung in head in shame. I wondered how Optimus found out, and figured one of the bots must've explained the situation when I wasn't paying attention. Bulkhead quickly promised it wouldn't happen again.
"But it wasn't Bulkhead's fault!" Miko protest, much to Bulk's surprise. He tried to get her to shut up, but she ignored him. "And check it out! Recon!" Miko grinned proudly, showing Optimus her phone screen. Optimus looked at it curious and hummed.
"Ratchet, have a look. It could be of importance to Megatron." Optimus ordered softy. I gasped in surprise, having sworn they said Megatron wasn't here on Earth. "Wait, wait, wait! Megatron is back? As in, here, on Earth." I gulped.
Optimus nodded grimly. Ratchet was looking at Mikos phone with a frown. "I don't understand…" He trailed off confused.
Miko looked at the screen. "Oops! That's the can that tried to blow Raf away. At least that's what he looked like before Bulkhead rearranged his grill." Miko cheered, punching the air. I did not share in her enthusiasm.
I quickly went to Raf's side. "Are you okay?" I squealed, looking him over just in case. Raf just smiled sadly. "I'm fine, I swear. The bots wouldn't let anything happen to me." He assured me. I pulled him into a hug, happy he was fine.
"Miko! Raf was almost killed! This isn't a game! When are you going to get that into your thick skull?" Jack growled, unimpressed with her behavior. I had to admit, I felt the same way.
"Umm, we were all almost killed, Jack. You, me, and Raf! Even them!" She bit back, pointing towards our Autobot friends. "Not to mention we almost lost Jessica when she decided to follow the Autobots the other day. Nobody's yelled at her for that."
"Hey, I did get in trouble with the boss bot. But you must have forgot the part where I mentioned I was an adult."
"Exactly." Jack scowled. "If this is just an average day with the Autobots, then I don't want to be a part of it, not anymore."
I didn't like that. Jack was my first friend here in Jasper, Nevada and I didn't want to lose him. But it was ultimately his choice. I looked at the ground sadly, wishing I knew what to say to convince him to stay here with us. Something told me I'd need the sense of normalcy soon enough. Especially with the voice that keeps talking to me.
"Jack, putting you in harm's way was never our intent. However, it is no longer the safety of you for that is at risk, but the safety of all human kind. We will respect your decision if you wish to leave." Optimus assured him, though I noted the small glimpse of sadness. He had come to care for Jack, despite their very short time together.
The Groundbridge opened suddenly, and we all looked over. Ratchet was the one who had opened. "No point in long goodbyes. Here's the door." He stated, almost coldly. I frowned, feeling slightly betrayed by Ratchets dismissal. I knew he didn't care too much about us, but to basically push us out the door… that hurt.
"Come on, Raf." Jack gestured, in hopes that the boy would follow his example. Both Raf and Miko were steadfast in staying. He turned to me, his eyes begging me to follow him. I shook my head though. I knew I needed to stay with the Autobots, they were the only ones who could help me now. Jack looked down sadly, before turning to Arcee, determination in his eyes. "I know, you don't exist."
"Don't make me hunt you down." Arcee said, her tone was sad. Jack nodded before turning away from us and walking through the Groundbridge, disappearing from view. Ratchet shut off the portal and we all stood there in silence for a moment.
Arcee turned around then and transformed. She sped out of the base. I looked up at Optimus, who had a sad look in his optics. "Arcee has gone out to patrol." Was all he said.
Miko frowned, and looked at me. "We should go talk to him."
I nodded in agreement. I didn't know what we would say, or how we could convince him to return, but I knew we had to try. If anything, I knew it would make Arcee happy if he returned. Whether or not she would admit to it was another thing.
"Cliff, you can take us to see Jack?" I asked my guardian. However, Cliff never had a chance to answer before Ratchet whipped his head around to face me and glared. "You're not going anywhere. We still need to figure out why you are filled with Allspark energy." He snapped.
I reeled back in surprise, having forgotten about that. I bit my lip nervously while Miko and Raf looked at me curiously. "What's an Allspark?" Raf asked curiously. Bulkhead and Bee both had expressions that clearly expressed shock. "The Allspark is what gives us life. It's not even possible for it to be on Earth." Bulkhead shook his head.
"Look, I don't know how or why I have Allspark energy in me." I huffed. Ratchet scanned me again, much to my displeasure. "I didn't do anything bad, you can't keep me here."
"It is not our intention to keep you here. However, if we can detect the Allspark energy within you, so can the Decepticons. They will come after you for its power." Optimus informed me gravely. I looked at my hands, slightly in a daze, realizing that what he said was true. I had powers that would be beneficial to the Cons. I didn't know why or how I got them, but I did. That meant I was in danger.
"What exactly am I supposed to do? I'm about to start college, I have a family. I never wanted any part of this Allspark or whatever." I sighed.
"Optimus, the power within her is really weak. I don't even know if she could really do anything with it. While it's changed some of her biological features, I don't think she'll have the true powers of the Allspark." Ratchet reported. "In fact, I highly doubt the signature is strong enough for the Decepticons to pick up unless they scan her themselves. I don't see any reason as to why they would do that. She should be safe. I would, however, advise that she has no contact with the Decepticons."
"That is good to hear."
At least I wouldn't be confined to the base. I couldn't imagine what I'd do if they deemed it too dangerous for me to be out in public, and keep me at the base. My parents would worry about me, and I really wanted to finish school. No, I couldn't stay here infinitely. "Wait…" I said when the rest of what he had said finally processed in my mind. "What do you mean it changed me biologically?"
Ratchet looked over his computer. "I'm showing that you have an increased immune system, and a phenomenal healing ability. You should also be stronger, and faster, than the average human." Ratchet continued to study his scan of me. "It's incredible. You have a strange combination of energon and blood in your body."
"Wait. Isn't energon your life blood and, essentially, your food… or drink, you guys drink it right? I thought that stuff was poisonous to organic life" I asked. I remembered reading a little bit on energon from the datapad Ratchet had me study.
Ratchet nodded. "Usually it would be. However, the Allspark energy somehow altered the energon in a way that it corresponds with your blood. I've never seen anything like it. How in the world did you manage to come a crossed Allspark energy in the first place?" He asked, but the question was more rhetoric. He looked away from me again and studied the computer again.
I thought about the dream I had the other night, the one from when I had found that strange shard in the blue lake. Sometimes I wasn't sure if it was a memory or a dream, I never really had the chance to ask Kyle before we separated. However, I knew it was after that that I had started having fits. Perhaps the two were connected in some way. It would explain a lot of things.
I looked away from Ratchet and noticed that the other two humans and their guardians were gone. I was so into my conversation with Ratchet, that I hadn't realized they left. Optimus stood to the side, watching Ratchet as he typed something in the computer. My guardian was looking at me as if I were a puzzle he was determined to figure out. I shrugged at the question he seemed to have in his optics. I really didn't know what to think about all this.
Before Ratchet could say another word, there was a beep from his computer. "It can't be Optimus! These are engineering specs for a space-time vortex generator." Ratchet gasped. I noticed that what he was talking about the notes Miko had brought in.
"Megatron is building a Space Bridge." Optimus frowned. Ratchet nodded, that added that he could've already have built it.
"The sooner he leaves, the better." Cliffjumper snorted. However, I was thinking about it in a more logically sense. "Wait, I'm assuming a space bridge works in two directions right? Like the Groundbridge does?" I asked, and the grave looks I received was answer enough.
"Megatron may not be using it to leave Earth. But to bring through his conquering army." Optimus revealed, darkly. I was again felt a shiver run up my spine. There was only six Autobots, something told me they might have a hard time against an army.
"The main event Megatron referred to." Ratchet whispered, his optics darkening. "But the only place Megatron could possibly recruit that many fallen warriors…"
"Precisely. Cybertron."
Those final words felt heavy in the air. Something told me a whole bunch of shit was about to go down.
It took a little convincing, but I finally got Ratchet to allow me to return home for the night. I knew he was worried about the Allspark energy I apparently held, but I had hope that the Decepticons wouldn't figure it out. After all, the bots hadn't until I was injured, and I supposedly had the energy for a long time.
Cliff was mostly quiet on the return trip. However, I knew he was just thinking about everything that had just been revealed. It was a lot to think about.
"So, the Allspark huh?" Cliff finally said after a good ten minutes of silence. I chuckled.
"Guess that explains how I was able to bring you back. I wonder though, if the power is so weak, how come I was able to do something like that? I mean, I imagine it takes a lot of power to bring someone's spark back from… what's it called? The Well of Sparks, right?" I asked.
"Yes, that's what we call it." Cliff confirmed before humming curiously. "I was wondering the same thing. At first I thought that perhaps bringing me back drained you. However, if that was the case, why hadn't we sensed the power beforehand? More importantly, why didn't they sense it when you came to the base the first time?"
"This is just all so much. It's only been a weekend, and yet so much has happened. It feels like it's been a life time!" I exclaimed.
Cliff chuckled. "That's what happens when you join up with us."
"I just have so many questions, Cliff. I guess the biggest one would be, why me? I'm not anything special. I'm just a regular girl, who's way in over her head. If my parents even thought something was happening, they'd have me committed again." I sighed. It was true though. If I wasn't careful, I knew my parents wouldn't hesitate to take me back to a mental facility. They always worried about me.
"Committed?" Cliff asked curiously.
"It's sort of a long story. I don't really like talking about it." I replied, my voice dark. Cliff quickly caught onto that, and didn't ask any more questions. The ride was once again silent and remained so until we pulled up to my house.
"Well, umm, I start classes tomorrow so… yeah. I should be done about twelve. I only have two on Mondays." I told my guardian.
"I will follow you to school, unseen of course. I don't want to take any chance with the Decepticons. How will you get to and from school?" Cliff asked. I told him that my dad would be taking me, but then he had classes all day so it was expected that I would either walk, take the bus, or wait for him to get out at five. "No need for any of those, I will be around. Here, take these."
The glove box opened up, revealing what looked like an ear plug. It was small, and I knew that it wouldn't be detectable by human eye. "It's has a direct link to my comm systems, so you'll be able to talk to me that way. It's already switched on. Just talk, and I'll hear you."
"So does that mean you'll be listening to all my conversations?" I asked with a raised brow. However, my tone was joking and he laughed.
"I will try not to listen in to your conversations. No promises though." He joked back. I took the comm link and put it in my right ear. "Does it work?" He tested and I chuckled and nodded, telling him I hear him loud and clear.
After that, I got out of the car, and waved to my friend as I jogged to my front door. I entered my home and discovered my parents weren't home. So I decided to just go up to my room. I threw my things onto my bed and then went out to my balcony. Cliff was gone, but I knew he wasn't far. Climbing onto the railings carefully, I lifted myself up to get onto my balcony.
The sun was just beginning to set, but I couldn't help wondering what would happen tomorrow. So much had changed in just a short amount of time. I had so many questions about what was happening to me and what would happen in the future. Something told me I was in for a wild ride. But I was ready for it.
I was ready for anything.
Jessica was once again standing in front of the abnormally blue lake. Only this time, she wasn't a young child, but her actual age of twenty-one. This wasn't a dream; she was in a vision once more. So, with that in mind, she walked towards the lake, where a tall, metal figure stood.
First Aid looked up when she approached. He remembered the femme from a solar cycle ago. She went over to him and sat down beside him, gazing forward.
"Have you figured out if this is real or not?" First Aid asked after a breem of silence. Jessica hummed to herself and looked up at the Cybertronian. He was observing her curiously, waiting patiently for an answer from her.
She took a deep breath before answering. "I think it is. I don't know how, or why, but something tells me this is real." She paused, and once again, she looked towards the lake. "So many strange things have been happening lately. Sometimes, I'm not sure what is real, or what is just me imagine. But this, this feels real."
First Aid nodded. "I feel the same way. Before, the world was nothing but dark and empty. Then I was suddenly here, in this strange place and you appeared. Deep in my spark, I know this is true. The only question now is, why? Why do we share this vision?"
"Well, I think it has something to do with the Allspark." She replied. He perked up at the mention of such a treasured artifact. "You see, back in my, um… world, or whatever, I am filled with Allspark energy. It's very weak, but Ratchet says it's given me incredible abilities."
"Ratchet?" First Aid grinned at the sound of his mentor's name. "He is a dear friend of mine. He survived then?" Jessica nodded with a gentle smile. "That is wonderful. Hmm, the Allspark, you said? How did such a thing come to be? The Allspark had been launched to the stars. Very few people know of its location."
"I think it's more complicated than that. However, I think it all started here." She replied. They both looked around the lake and surrounding woods. "When I was about eight years old, my friend and I came to this lake. There I touched something alien. I think that was the Allspark, or at least part of it. Since then, I've had visions, and more recently discovered powers."
"Incredible." First Aid grinned, before it melted into a frown. "However, if that is the case, why are you here? What does the Allspark have to do with me?"
"Perhaps you're important? Maybe you're to teach me something. I'm really not sure. The voice doesn't tell me much." She replied with a shrug. First Aid mimicked the word voice curiously, to which Jessica shrugged helplessly. "I think it might be the Allspark talking to me, but I don't know. All it said was that it was my creator."
"That is odd. If I didn't know any better, I would say that was Primus. He is the creator of all." First Aid informed her.
"Primus? The others never mentioned him. Then again, I've only known them two days."
"As them about him. Ratchet can explain everything." First Aid advised. Jessica opened her mouth to reply, but did not have the chance to. Everything began to go black once more, and First Aid disappeared from view. She knew she was waking up, and hoped that she could somehow get answers the following morning.
I was woken up early the next morning to the sound of my dad banging on my door. I groaned and pushed myself up. "Jessica if you don't get ready in the next ten minutes, you're gonna walk to school." He warned through the door.
I huffed, but yelled my assurance back and got out of bed. I quickly changed into my outfit for the door. Then I went into the bathroom and brushed my hair and teeth. Then I went back into my bedroom and gathered my backpack, which had been packed the day before.
My dad was waiting by the door for me when I rushed down the stairs. He gave me a hard look, clearly annoyed. "Sorry, dad. I slept through my alarm." I apologized, then frowned realizing I had left my phone in my room. I didn't say anything though, knowing my dad would get upset. I'll just make Cliff bring me by my house later.
I followed my dad out to the car and then we were off to Jasper University. When we arrived, my dad and I separated to go to our classes.
"Good luck today." Cliff spoke in my ear when I finally settled in my first class room. I chuckled quietly and whispered my thanks to him. After that, I was lost in the world of college. The hours passed by quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go.
I walked into an area that wasn't as populated with students. "Hey Cliff, you there?" I asked the air. Though really, I was talking to the comm in my ear. Cliff gave me the affirmative and I told him I was ready to be picked up. He told me where to meet him and I headed off in the direction.
A minute later, I saw my guardian. I smiled and hurried over to him. When I sank into the front seat, I sighed in exasperation. "So glad this day is over with. I forgot how boring the first day of classes. Nothing but learning rules and what we'll be doing this semester. I almost fell asleep in both of my classes." I grumbled.
Cliff laughed. "Sounds like you had a fun day." He joked and I shot the dashboard an unamused glare. I lightly kicked the car. "Ow! Was that necessary." He grumped, but I could still hear the amusement in his tone.
"Yes. Yes, it was. Now, do you mind taking me by my house real fast? I left my phone at home this morning." I asked him sweetly. Cliff snorted, which sounded really weird coming from a radio. I didn't even know they could snort. Must be a habit they picked up from humans. "Sure thing kid." He said, and I could hear the smirk in his tone.
"Don't make me kick you again." I warned. He laughed, and I couldn't help but giggle with him. My guardian was such an asshole.
We pulled up in front of my house and I quickly ran inside. My mom was in the kitchen, humming to herself as she did the dishes from breakfast this morning. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn't ate that day yet. I made a mental note to have Cliff stop by K.O. before running up the stairs. My phone was on my bed.
I grabbed it and ran back down the stairs. I yelled into the kitchen to tell my mom I would be out late. She didn't care that much, though.
I went back outside and ran right for Cliff. As soon as I settled back in my seat, I turned my phone on to see if I had any messages. The only one there was from Miko. "Tried 2 tlk 2 Jack, no luck. :/ Mayb u shuld try?"
I winced slightly at the horrible grammar and spelling use. Miko was still really young so it made sense she would text like that. I quickly texted back and reply, telling her I would attempt, but no promises. Then I directed Cliff to K.O. I knew he'd be working today. They didn't have school today, for some reason or another. Unfortunately, I did. Lucky me.
When we arrived at K.O., I had Cliff go through drive thru. Jacks voices came over the speaker, his tone was bored as he asked me what I wanted to eat. "I'll take a number three meal, with a large coke. Oh, and I really want my newest friend to come back to base with me. It won't be the same without him." I said, careful not to say too much in case there were other workers.
"Jess?" He asked surprised. I giggled, and had Cliff pull around to the window. Jack looked suspicious. "If you're gonna try to get me to come back, don't bother. Miko already tried this morning." He tried to warn me.
I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "Oh Jack, do I look like Miko? No. Well then, just listen to me. You were the first friend I made here in this barren wasteland of a city. This won't be the same without you." I spoke gently.
Jack huffed a sigh and looked away. "I don't want to be a part of all that danger. It's just me and my mom, I don't want to risk dying and leaving her all alone."
"The bots will take care of us. I have faith in their ability to protect us. But Jack, being a part of their world is a once in a lifetime deal. We have a chance to do something more with our lives. Maybe we'll even save the world. I believe with all my heart that the four of us were meant for something more. And that something is with the Autobots." I attempted to persuade him genuinely. I really felt like it wasn't a coincidence that we found them. We were meant to be a part of their world.
Jack hesitated a minute more. Then he disappeared to grab my food.
"Think he'll listen to you?" Cliff asked me, sounding slightly impressed. I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe, maybe not. Either way, we can't give up hope."
Looking behind me, I saw a blue motorcycle pulling up. I grinned at the sight. "There might just be hope yet." I chuckled, knowing almost immediately it was Arcee. Jack reappeared with my food and I paid for it. "Think about what I said Jack. Oh, and there's someone else here to talk to you. Looks like Miko and I aren't the only ones who want you back. See you soon." I grinned before Cliff took off.
I had every faith that it would work out now. Arcee would convince Jack to come back with her and we would all be whole once more. Until then, though, I had a burger and fries to eat. Which I gladly did as soon as I could.
Five minutes later, I looked behind me and saw Arcee and Jack. I grinned victoriously. It all worked out after all.
We pulled into the silo. Everyone had already beaten us. Miko ran over to me when she saw me get out of Cliff. "You did it!" She squealed, giving me a high five. Jack climbed off of Arcee and grinned sheepishly at all of us. "I had some help." I winked at my younger friend.
"Hey everyone, I'm back." Jack said. Arcee and Cliffjumper transformed while everyone welcomed him back. The atmosphere was a happy one for like fifteen seconds, before Optimus' grave voice resonated around the silo. "Autobots, prepare for departure."
"Where are you guys going?" I asked, looking up at my guardian. He grinned down at me, while Miko informed me they were going to the final frontier. "Space? I thought you didn't have a way there?" Jack asked, something that was news to me. When had they told them that?
"They don't… really…" Raf trailed off, looking upset.
I bit my lip and retuned my gaze to my guardian. "Be safe up there, Cliff. I didn't… I mean… um, you weren't brought back from the dead to just die again. I'll be super pissed if I lose you." I warned him, though I nearly tripped up and spilled my secret. I felt someone staring and me, and looked over to see Ratchet's suspicious glare. I quickly looked away and back to Cliff.
"No worries, I can handle a trip to space." He winked. Winking was weird with Cybertronians. They basically just shut off one optic and then immediately turned it back on. I smiled sadly and nodded. "Good." I whispered.
The others were saying goodbye to their guardians, but I wasn't paying attention until Miko shouted out, "I'm so jealous!"
"Don't even think about following me." Bulkhead warned her seriously. Miko looked saddened, but I knew she wouldn't try. There was no way we could survive space, and she knew that. But still, I knew she wanted to be with her guardian/ friends as much as I wanted to be with mine.
"Optimus, if you leave me on a planet teeming with humans, I will never forgive you." Ratchet cautioned the Autobot leader.
Optimus simply nodded, but I could see the slight amusement in his optics. "Until we meet again, old friend." Optimus said, his battle mask sliding into place. "Autobots, transform and roll out!" He ordered and they did as he said. We watched them until the disappeared on the other side of the Groundbridge. I sent a silent prayer, hoping they'd be okay.
"Do you think they made it?" Raf asked, concerned. I wrapped a comforting arm around his shoulder, but did not reply. I didn't want to give him any false hope, not until I heard for certain that they made it through okay.
Ratchet began typing on his computer, when a small screen with Optimus' face appeared. There was Cybertronian writing on it. I sighed in relief, somehow knowing that meant they were okay. Finally, one of them spoke, confirming they made it.
"It appears the Decepticons have sustained serious damage to their interstellar navigational system." Optimus spoke through the computer. Somehow I knew that meant that the Decepticons had no way to lock onto Cybertrons location.
"Huh, that's my handiwork." Bulkhead revealed proudly. I silently cheered for the larger mech. "Great job Bulkhead, without the dish, Megatron will be unable to aim the space bridge at Cybertron." Optimus praised him.
"Don't the Decepticons know where their own planet is?" Raf asked. I looked down at my friend and nodded. "I'm sure they do, but Cybertron is what? Many lightyears away?" I answered, and directed the question at Ratchet. He seemed slightly surprised at my knowledge, and to be honest I was too, and nodded.
"That is correct. Their aim must be astronomically precise in order to reach their target." He finished explaining.
"If Megatron went to the trouble of rendezvousing with his space ship, he must have an alternative system. A remote one." Optimus disclosed. I tried to think of an area that would have that advanced technology on Earth, but I honestly came up blank. Humans just weren't that advanced.
"From what I know of Earth's technology I doubt there would exist a single radio telescope dish on this planet to pinpoint Cybertron." Ratchet frowned. Raf pulled out his laptop and began typing. Then he suggested the giant size array in Texas, which happened to be a bunch of linked radio telescope dishes. That would probably work. "Zip-bup-bup-bup! This isn't child's play!" Ratchet scolded unimpressed.
"Good thinking, Raf." Optimus chimed in, and I had to admit the look on Ratchet's face was hilarious. "Ratchet, have Agent Fowler alert the array staff to the security hazard."
Everyone looked over to where Fowler was. He was still laying on a cot. He sat up, eyes mostly shut. "YOU, SOLDIER, you're out of uniform! PUT ON SOME PANTS!" He exclaimed before passing out once more.
"I don't think that's gonna work. He still kind of out of it, Optimus." I said, shaking my head. Miko and I exchanged looks, both of us slightly weirded out. I jumped though when Raf suddenly slammed his fist down on the table. "I can't get past the array firewalls! They're too thick." He growled in frustration.
"You actually think you can keep the Decepticons out?" Ratchet asked, unconvinced. Raf frowned slightly. "Maybe. If I can get in." He answered.
"What if we get you all the way in, like, in the building? Would that help?" I suggested. Raf's face split into a grin at the suggestion. "I could log into the internal network on the other side of the firewall!" He exclaimed, excited.
"The risk is too great. The Decepticons will be there, perhaps even on site." Optimus rejected.
I was about to speak up again, but Jack beat me to it. "Optimus, with all due respect, you said it yourself, this is bigger than the safety of four humans." He spoke boldly. I nodded in agreement. "The whole population of Earth is at risk. This is our home, Optimus. If we could do something to save it, then we'll do it. You would've done the same thing back on Cybertron."
Miko added, "Yeah! If we let the cons win, we're fragged, along with everyone else on our planet."
Optimus seemed to think about what we were saying before asking Raf what he wanted to do. All four of us exchanged looks, silently conversing. I knew it was what we all wanted. "I want to give it a shot." He finally replied.
Ratchet typed in the coordinates before activating the space bridge. "Be careful." He said, and I blinked in surprise when I realized he was mostly directing it at me. He was staring into my eyes, pleading with me to do as he said. I nodded, promising to do my best. "There could possibly be many securities on base."
"We'll be fine." I promised, and the others nodded in agreement. Then the four of us entered the Groundbridge, knowing there was a chance it could be our last time.
I was going to write more, but honestly, this seemed like a good place to stop. Next chapter will finish up the episode, and I imagine I'll add more fun stuff. This was a pretty fun chapter to write, I just love First Aid. His purpose will be revealed later on, so hold on tight, my friends. And thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter! I don't usually get a lot, but the ones I do make me smile! Until next time, my friends!