CHAPTER 9: SUNNY JOB
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"Alright! Chores are done! Now can we do some dune bashing?"
"I don't know, Miko. Last time, I spent a lot of time picking sand out of my articulators. But there's a monster truck rally in town."
Everything that needed to be done in base had been done as Miko had said. Bulkhead, Starlight, Carly, Miko and I had worked on keeping the hallways tidy and restacking our Energon cubes while the others had been in the main room keeping things tidy there.
It wasn't as messy or difficult to complete as we'd only just fully cleared up all the leftover Scraplets from last week's infestation. It had truly been fun kicking around the offline scraps and clearing the base from them once we all fully recovered. But we had to go back to the Arctic and get rid of the rest of the ones that had frozen up, which hadn't been a fun mission…
At least the Scraplets are gone for good!
…Hopefully.
"What's a monster truck rally?"
I gave a half shrug. I didn't know either, but whatever it was, it sounded dangerous…
"You're missing out Star! You gotta come and watch with us!"
"Watching cars with overly large tires racing over who can jump over dirt hills the quickest isn't as exciting as you'd think."
"Just for that, I'm not coming to your next family fiesta!"
I rolled my optics at Carly and Miko's playful banter. Truthfully, both of them enjoyed the activities the other liked. Neither of them would admit it because the 'banter' is part of their close friendship…
…I had that relationship with someone once, at Iacon. He was very careful in following rules when necessary, but when the moment allowed it, he was witty and actually pretty entertaining depending on who he was bantering with…
Primus, I missed him…
"Optimus." I looked up at Ratchet's call for our leader. "I'm receiving a signal from a restricted band. It appears to be coming from a starship inside the solar system."
I stood beside Optimus and watched him enter more commands into the system. The centre monitor above us showed a blue identification symbol flashing in Earth's orbit…
Blue?!
"It's an Autobot Identification Beacon!" Ratchet revealed in a surprised tone.
Jack turned to us, "So there are other bots out there?"
"The masses scattered to the galaxies when Cybertron finally went dark. But… 'Cons have been known to bait traps with false beacons."
"Am I just an exception?" Starlight was facing Arcee with an offended look.
…Both weren't exactly wrong. Yes, Star had turned out fine when she arrived two weeks ago, but Arcee had also been initially reluctant to believe she was truly the real deal at first. She had trust issues though, which was fair.
"Unknown vessel, this is Autobot Outpost Omega One. Identify yourself," Optimus requested.
"Me and my comrades have had warmer welcomes from Decepticon Combat Brigades."
"Wheeljack? You old 'Con Crusher!" Bulkhead suddenly barged past us, "What are you doing all the way out here?"
"Bulkhead? That you?"
"Security seems tight around here. What's the story?"
…That voice! I know that voice!
Primus…
"Sunburst!" I cried happily.
Sunburst was the strict, but witty 'Bot I had been thinking about earlier… It's been so long since I've heard that voice. My close, brother-like partner who I had spent a long time at Iacon with, he was put there to help protect Alpha Trion post Elite Guard… we went through so much together…
…Until things got worse on Cybertron, when he disappeared without a trace… we all thought he was offline…
"'Swept? Is that you?"
"Sure is, Sunshine!" His nickname was used more often than his actual name because… well, he was a sunshine colour! "We thought you were a goner when you left Iacon!"
"It's a long story 'Swept."
I bet it was.
"Hurry up and get down here then so you can tell us!"
"Us?"
"'Swept's not the only Iacon member here," Starlight piped up.
"Ah cain't b'lieve it!"
No way!?
"Aquastrike?!" Star and I recognised that southern voice immediately.
Aquastrike was a tough-as-bolts 'Bot who was initially slated to join the Wreckers, but when the sub-group were given a proper lieutenant to… control them, he thought she was better off serving at Iacon. Jokes on him though, because Aqua was an amazing addition to our group, especially when she paired up with Starlight. They were near polar opposites yet still the best fighting combination out there in my optics.
"Oh man, Aquastrike, it's been a long time!"
Bulkhead knew Aqua?!
Maybe they interacted before she was moved to Iacon, and before he went to serve under Optimus' command?
"Y'ain't wrong, Bulk'ead! Now, ah'm with Ol' Sunshine 'ere; whar s'with all he's talkin' about?"
"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons. How soon can you guys get here and even the odds?"
"Sometime tomorrow, if I put metal to the pedal," Wheeljack responded to Bulkhead's question.
"More bots are coming here! How cool is that?" Miko gushed excitedly beside Carly on Bulkhead's shoulder.
"Wheeljack, Aquastrike and Sunburst," Optimus hummed, "I know of them by reputation only." He looked down at me, Starlight and Bulkhead, "Can you verify their voice prints?"
"Jacky's one thousand percent the real deal, Optimus."
"Sunburst and Aquastrike don't sound different to me!" Starlight nudged my shoulder plating.
"Or me!" I wanted to burst out laughing in disbelief because it didn't feel real.
"We will send landing coordinates, Wheeljack. Safe journey to you and the others,"
"See you soon, guys! I'll make sure you get a proper welcome!" The radio transmission was cut after Bulkhead spoke.
Arcee walked up to us, "So who's the boyfriends and girlfriend?"
Bulkhead chuckled, "Me, Aqua and 'Jacky go way back. We were part of the same war unit: The Wreckers." He slammed his fists together. "Which means the 'Cons are gonna wish they'd never found us!"
Aquastrike was a bit of a loose one who didn't really care about following orders depending on the situation. It put her at odds with Sunburst on occasion, because as I said, he was strict and cared about following the rules.
I can't believe they're back together again.
"I wonder how long Sunburst and Aqua have been together for." I think Starlight was having the same thoughts as me. "The last thing I remembered was her committing to stay on Cybertron."
…I wasn't aware of that.
"From my past known records, Sunburst joined the Wreckers late in the War for Cybertron." He what?! "Cybertronians began leaving our home world a short time after, and it was believed he was left behind." Poor Sunburst… "Aquastrike remained on Cybertron. She denied the request to join our team prior to our departure."
...She could've been here the whole time?!
"They must've found each other again," Starlight mused.
Sunburst left us to go to the Wreckers? But why? What was there that he needed to be at for? And Aquastrike could've been on the Ark with Optimus and the others, but declined? Why?
There was no doubt I was gonna be questioning them about it when he got here…
Primus, it didn't matter because it's happening! Sunburst and Aquastrike are coming home!
NORMAL P.O.V
Wheeljack? …What are you doing all the way out here?"
"Bulkhead? That you?"
"Security seems tight around here. What's the story?"
"Sunburst!"
"'Swept? …It's a long story."
"Hurry up …so you can tell us!"
"'Swept's not the only Iacon member here."
"Ah cain't b'lieve it!"
"Aquastrike?!"
"Ah'm with Ol' Sunshine 'ere; whar s'with all he's talkin' about?"
"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons."
Inside the Decepticon Warship, three of its occupants stood with interest at the transmissions their silent soldier Soundwave had intercepted between the Autobot base and an Autobot starship.
"War heroes, hmm?" Starscream hummed.
Slipstream recognised two of the three voices in the recordings Soundwave had brought to their attention. Two voices she hadn't forgotten from past encounters on Cybertron. A small, amused smirk settled on her face, remembering the occasions she had come across them, along with how they had ended…
"We haven't much time. Makeshift!"
A tall and lithe Cybertronian began walking down the bridge of the Nemesis' main room, shadows masking his features and colour scheme. Soundwave stuck out a clawed cable from his chest and allowed it to snake towards the shape-shifting Decepticon before them. Having identified the voices on the Autobot starship and matching them with their physical profiles, Soundwave allowed his screen to swap between each Autobot, undecided on which one he should select.
Slipstream turned a floating figure between herself and Starscream, "It would appear it is your lucky day, Rebecca. You get the pick of the litter."
The enhanced superhuman clasped her hands together with a sly grin, and with the use of her hoverboard, moved over to Soundwave to make her decision. After a moment, she held her hand up as if she controlled the movement of the silent Decepticon's screen.
WIthin moments, Makeshift was shifting his armour, stature and features all over his body to mirror the one on Soundwave's screen.
Slipstream nodded in approval, "A fine choice."
"See you soon, guys! I'll make sure you get a proper welcome!"
Rebecca beamed at the transformation with glee, "Autobot Bulkhead may know how to give a proper welcome, but so do we."
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
I couldn't stop the excitement building inside of me. I was pacing backwards and forwards around the Groundbridge tunnel, just waiting for the confirmation of Wheeljack's ship at the landing zone. Bulkhead, Star and I had been pretty disappointed that he wasn't going to be landing closer to the base, but it made sense. The 'Cons could've be tracking them too, and that was something we couldn't risk with bringing them here.
"Wheeljack's ship is approaching the landing zone." I glanced at the monitor at Arcee's announcement. The blue beacon on it was moving closer and closer to the landing coordinates Optimus had given them.
They're so close!
"You think they're here to visit?" Rafael asked the other humans excitedly.
"Maybe they'll stay!" Carly suggested with a similar tone.
I hoped so. Starlight and I were strong together, but we were stronger with our other halves of our partnerships. And besides, we needed the extra firepower in the team. The Decepticons were still growing - during one of our Energon scouts during the week, we'd caught wind of yet another addition to their cause, but we didn't get to find out who as we had downed them and gotten the Energon we needed before being discovered.
If Wheeljack could stay too, then the tide of the war could certainly balance back into our favour!
"Hmmm, they'd have to find their own humans though," Miko hummed.
Starlight leaned closer to me and giggled, "I don't think Ratchet would approve."
…Ratchet still wasn't exactly fussed on our recent additions as it was, despite the fact they'd done so much for us already…
Speaking of, he typed some commands in the Groundbridge controls, "Groundbridge cycling up." Sparks suddenly erupted from the controls, which caused him to slam his fist onto them. I could see the small monitor reactivate, "Blasted Scraplets! The equipment hasn't been the same since the infestation!"
He wasn't totally wrong… much of our electronic equipment was still faulty. We just hadn't had the chance to do a proper systems reset on anything because there's been scouts and patrols that've stopped us from doing so.
"So… Wheeljack and the others are gonna land halfway around the world and then you'll bridge them here?" Jack was obviously confused.
"We can't risk revealing the location of our base just in case the Decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship."
Miko and Carly left the others to come closer to me, Bulkhead and Star near the 'Bridge. I stopped pacing before I could bump into Bulk; he'd taken to also pacing now.
"Dude! I've never seen you so stoked!" Miko seemed really happy for him.
Carly grabbed the railing and pulled herself up to dangle her feet in the air, "You guys looked so hyped!"
Starlight was beaming so much, I thought for certain the wind might blow through and may as well mold her faceplates to stay that way forever…
...Or was that when you had a frown on your face…? Human sayings are weird…
Bulkhead stopped moving to face Miko, "You're gonna love Wheeljack! We were like brothers!"
"I didn't think I was gonna see Sunburst ever again," I admitted, "I just wanna find out everything about why he left." Sounded depressing, but it was the truth.
"I'm sure Aquastrike has a bunch of stories to tell!" Starlight gushed to bring up the mood.
"Tonight, we are gonna party!" Bulkhead threw his fist up in the air.
Starlight and I shared a high-servo in agreement. We could all do with letting ourselves go for the moment, because these kinds of things occurred not very often…
"Sweet!" Miko cheered.
"Heck yeah!" Carly bounced up and down.
The familiar alarms suddenly sound in base. I looked at the monitor, where five red signals were heading straight towards the blue. My excitement ebbed away
"Bogies! Closing fast on their position!"
"Con scum!" Bulkhead growled.
I couldn't help but smirk; the 'Cons were only asking for trouble if Sunburst and Aquastrike were still in fighting shape…
NORMAL P.O.V
Pastel pink and yellow colours began blending into the blue sky, while white, fluffy-looking clouds floated in small clumps. A large starship soon flew into sight, a mostly grey Cybertronian ship highlighted with blacks and reds. And it wasn't alone.
An army of Decepticon fighter jets flew after it, firing shot and shot in an attempt to take the starship down. It flew left and right, avoiding each shot with intentions to land at precisely the coordinates that had been given. One of the Decepticon jets flew closer to the Autobot ship, and fired a powerful blaster shot that caught the left corner of it. Grey smoke and orange flames poured out in an instant, sending the ship flying in an out-of-control manner into the desert sand.
The Decepticons followed the skids marks the ship had made in the sand, and one by one, each jet transformed into their Cybertronian form. The first one line activated his weapons, stalking up to the damaged ship and ready to fire. A blaster shot suddenly appeared through the smoke, hitting the head of the soldier and sending back to his teammates. In reaction, the rest of the Decepticon fighters activated their weapons at who had made the first shot.
Three Cybertronians appeared from the smoke, with the centre one's blaster weapon smoking like he had fired first. The others stood on either side with their own weapons drawn.
"If you're trying to ruin our day, you're gonna have to try harder."
The centre Cybertronian slid a grey mouth guard across his mouth, the colour matching his head features as his turquoise eyes stared menacingly at the enemy. His primary colour of his bulk, but fitting armour was white, with red and green stripes intertwining on his lower leg armour and on his chest plating. A bright red Autobot logo sat in the centre of chest, confirming his status on which side of the war he was. On his back stood two place holders for his other weapons.
"Y'all had thought we'd've gone a lil' rusty, huh?" A southern, feminine voice smirked on his left.
The Cybertronian stood slightly shorter than the one beside them, but their armour was slightly bulkier than his. There was extra kibble on their chest to confirm her feminine appearance. Five squared headed spikes formed an arch on her head, while her greeny-blue eyes showed amusement at what stood before her. Her armour was a metallic teal, with the exception of two thick black stripes adorning each outside of her arm plating. On her back stood doorwings from a previous Cybertronian vehicle form that were in the shape of dragonfly wings, with two small, black Autobot symbols on either door. Triple-barrelled blasters, similar to those of a Nambu type 90 pistol, were activated and ready for battle.
"Time to put that rumour to rest," A third voice suggested.
The Cybertronian's armour on the other side was a sunburst yellow, with bronze-colour highlights on his ankle and wrist armour. Like the first Cybertronian, his armour was also fitting, while he stood at the same height as him. There was also extra kibble on his lower arm armour as if they had been doors to a Cybertronian vehicle form. Black Autobot symbols also adorned the insides of his wrist armour. In each hand were large bronze-coloured battle axes, edges sharp and handles black, with one of them being twisted around in his grip. His sky blue eyes showed his eagerness to fight.
The first wave of Vehicons fired at the trio, splitting them up into different directions. The female Cybertronian began firing her weapons at the Vehicons, immediately downing two as more of them mirrored her movements and fired back. Nearby, the yellow Autobot swung a battle axe around, knocking down multiple Vehicons at once, catching the last dead one on his weapon. He lifted the axe high, bringing up the dead Decepticon with it, and immediately swung down fiercely, sending the latter into another bunch. The last Cybertronian leapt up and used one of the Vehicons as his landing pad, before grabbing another and throwing him into a nearby soldier.
The trio soon found themselves together again. Blaster shots were fired, weapons were swung and fists were thrown as they took down Decepticon after Decepticon with ease until only one stood in their way, trembling with fear at the downed soldier that had just been chucked at him.
"You 'Cons have grown soft on us." The predominately white Autobot pulled out two twin swords from their place holders on his back. They were red handled, with black and red long blades that were lined with white and grey. "This one's all mine."
As he charged towards the final Decepticon, raindrops of blaster fire began bucketing down on the other two. The teal Autobot dealt with the ones firing with the same strategy, while the other continued to swing his weapons at any of the ones that were missed by the former.
The trio of Autobots were unaware that they were being video recorded to the Decepticon Warship high above, the feed overseen by another trio of Cybertronians.
Starscream turned around to Soundwave, "Swiftly! Before the Autobots arrive."
Slipstream nodded in agreement at the decision, because if they didn't act soon, their planning would be all for nothing.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"Open the bridge, Ratchet! We're missing all the action!"
Bulk, Star and I had moved to the Groundbridge tunnel in a battle stance. We were ready to see our friends!
Ratchet pulled down the Groundbridge controls that activated the portal, and then turned to us, "I'll prepare sick bay!"
I couldn't help laughing out loud at the suggestion.
"Who for? The 'Cons?!" Bulkhead chuckled in disbelief.
"You don't know who you're talking about!" I meet Starlight's amused optics at the same time I spoke.
Bulkhead began running into the open portal first, prompting Starlight and I to follow after him.
This was it!
The portal opened up to the location, with Bulk jumping out first, Star next and me last. Our weapons were activated just in case, but honestly, why bother? Based on the mess of fallen Decepticon soldiers around us, it was clear Sunshine, Aqua, and Wheeljack could take care of themselves just fine.
I looked ahead of me where Wheeljack brutally stabbed his melee weapon through the last 'Con, pulling it out and letting him drop offline.
Bulkhead chuckled beside me, "I taught him that."
Hmm, where's Sunburst and Aquastrike?
"Ever think I might need a hand here?" Wheeljack asked as he returned his swords into his back.
"What? And spoil the show?" Bulkhead scoffed.
"Ya missed one, smartaft." That familiar voice appeared on the other side of Starlight, as the familiar 'Bot deactivated her blaster weapon and began walking to us.
A Decepticon soldier was on his kneepads getting ready to take another shot at Wheeljack… but his helm was sliced off before he could get a chance.
"Sounds like you need to get an optical sight check, cowbot."
"Ain't'cha funny, ya lemon?"
Those two sound like they haven't changed one single bit.
We all gathered closer to each other. Sunburst and Aquastrike joined Wheeljack one either of his sides as we faced them.
Wheeljack removed his mouth guard, "If this is all you got, then this planet is in bigger trouble than I thought."
Bulkhead charged up to his friend first, crying his name out in glee and nearby, Starlight also leapt towards Aquastrike. I turned my optics to Sunburst before I could see more from either of them.
He was really here…
Sunburst gave me a large smile and opened his arms… I wasted no time jumping into them and holding him as close to me as possible as if I was making sure he wouldn't leave again.
Primus I hope he won't… those days after he left were so hard.
"Watch the finish, you old wrecking ball!"
"Aqua, you're choking me!"
"I missed you, Windswept."
…I hadn't heard him call me by my full designation in stellar cycles… maybe it was just 'cause we hadn't seen each other in so long… it just felt different…
We couldn't stay out in the desert and celebrate the arrival of Wheeljack, Sunburst and Aquastrike for too long, so Ratchet got the Groundbridge going and 'bridged us back to base. One by one, we all filed through the portal back to base.
I saw something spark at the Groundbridge controls as the portal was forced shut in a cackle of blue electricity behind us. Ratchet groaned in obvious annoyance in response as he looked over to us like he was making sure we all got through.
I looked around me; Sunburst and Starlight were sharing a servo-shake, and Bulkhead and Aquastrike were bumping each other's fists in greeting. Wheeljack looked over at me and gave a nod in greeting, something I mirrored.
Everyone was certainly present and accounted for.
Suddenly, I felt myself being scooped up into the air and swung around so hard I felt like I was going to faint.
"Innit good ta see ya 'gain, Windy?!"
Aquastrike had a habit of creating nicknames for whoever and whenever she felt like it. Mine was Windy, Starlight's was Twinkle and Sunburst was whatever name she felt appropriate in the moment, but most of the time it was Sourshine.
"It's… good to… see you too…" I struggled out as her grip on me tightened before she placed me back on the ground.
…I saw it now… she was definitely a past Wrecker.
She turned towards the four humans standing on the balcony, and bent near them, "Wha're these?!"
I shook my helm. Aquastrike really hadn't changed at all.
Starlight appeared beside her, "They're the main species that live on this planet, Aqua. They're called humans."
"Ahhhhh. Helloooooooo humans!" I didn't think she could get any closer to them.
I laughed in disbelief of my friend, "They can understand you, Aqua."
"Oh!" She gasped and stepped back suddenly, "Mah bad."
"D-Don't worry about it," Jack shrugged off.
"Hey, Jacky! Come here!" I looked over at Bulkhead pulling Wheeljack over to the stairwell, "Meet my other best buddy, Miko! She can wreck with the best of us."
Miko waved, "Hiya!"
Wheeljack walked up to her, "You keeping Bulkhead out of trouble?"
"I try, but trouble finds us anyway."
Wheeljack grinned and looked at Bulkhead approvingly, "We're gonna get along just fine."
I looked over at Carly smiling at their interaction, and grabbed Sunburst's wrist, "Hey Sunshine." He turned at his nickname, "I want you to meet Carly. She's… someone important to me." I looked at my human friend. "Carly, this is Sunburst."
Sunburst overlooked Carly as if he was uncertain about interacting with her at first. I didn't know why he would be, seeing how Wheeljack and Aquastrike seemed okay, but he could be a little reserved at times when needed.
"You must be special if Windswept is calling you so."
Carly showed a smug grin and half-shrugged, "What can I say, except I must be."
I could see the corners of Sunburst's optics look my way, "I get why she likes you."
I think there was a little bit of relief in the smile I gave.
There were footsteps approaching us, so we turned around to Optimus coming up to probably greet the newcomers.
"Optimus Prime," Wheeljack greeted.
"It's a privilege, sir," Sunburst immediately saluted to him.
"Likewise soldiers. What have you to report from your long journey?"
"Been bouncing from rock to rock searching for signs of friends or foe," Wheeljack reported and glanced at Sunburst and Aquastrike "Before, I found some, and now we find both." He looked on his other side where Bulkhead was.
"We are few but strong. We have suffered losses, but we have grown." I was pretty sure I wasn't the only one looking at the humans. "And we would relish welcoming three new members into our fold."
Sunburst's strict stance didn't let up, "We would be honoured."
"Then let's get this party started!" There was a loud slam of metal behind me. I turned around at Wheeljack standing back up like Bulk had knocked him over; they chassis-bumped with a warrior cry.
"Oh joy."
I smirked in excitement. There's no way you're gonna dampen our mood, Ratchet! Let's get this party started!
NORMAL P.O.V
"The moment Makeshift passed through the Autobot's Groundbridge, we lost his tracking signal," Slipstream noted as she walked down the corridor of the Decepticon Warship with Soundwave beside her, "As was expected, of course. There is no doubt the Autobot base is heavily shielded to prevent us from locating it..."
Their mission of infiltrating the Autobots had gone off without a hitch, despite the risk of being caught in the process. However, having lured their target away for the briefest of moments, the swap had been performed near perfectly.
Slipstream hummed smugly, "It should not matter, as long as Starscream-" The Seeker paused to roll her eyes as she and Soundwave approached a guarded room. "-has faith in his only loyal soldier, we will find it soon enough." The doors of the room slid open. "For our 'inside man' is already inside."
The room was revealed to be the brig, as shown by the captured Autobot being held up helplessly by the electric purple, cackling bonds off the ground. He looked up slowly at the Decepticons with unamusement, "Didn't peg Megatron to be dumb enough to believe that 'Swept and the others won't figure out your plans, Slipstream."
"I would be quiet if I were you," The Seeker immediately snapped, "After all, the last time you were in this predicament, you had a friend that I chose to sacrifice." She stopped in her walking to bask in the familiar sight. "This time Sunburst, you are all alone."
The Autobot scoffed, "Well, at least something's stayed the same; Megatron's still getting you to do his dirty work while he walks around all high and mighty."
"It would appear you have not heard the news," Slipstream growled immediately, "Starscream and I lead the Decepticons now."
"Oh mercy, help the Decepticons."
A frustrated growl came from the blue and purple Cybertronian. Time had certainly not changed the ever witty and stubborn Autobot foe. Clutching her eyes shut, she took in and released a calming intake, piercing eyes narrowing onto her prisoner, "Makeshift excels at keeping up appearances, Sunburst. His only mission is to fool your friends long enough to open their Groundbridge from within, so we may finally identify their location, and send in our team to stain the floors with the spilled Energon of Optimus Prime and Windswept."
Despite his predicament, Sunburst's facial expressions were still smug as he watched Slipstream and Soundwave begin their leave, "This is the same 'Swept we're talking about, right? She'll have everything figured out before you get the chance!"
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
The vibe inside our base was alive and thriving with positivity. With Miko providing her rack - I mean, music from playing her guitar - it truly felt like a party with everyone split up and doing their own thing. Star and Sunburst were catching up near the Groundbridge, 'Bee and Rafael were with Miko, and me, Arcee, Jack and Carly were watching the boys and Aqua get reacquainted.
"Come on, Jacky. Show me what you got!"
And by reacquainted, I mean throwing a giant metal ball between the three of them.
Bulkhead skated across the floor to stop the metal ball from heading down the hallway, chuckling when he stopped. "Nice lob." After complimenting Wheeljack, he flung it to Aquastrike near the portal tunnel.
"So what's this about?" Carly asked.
"It's called lobbing," I answered as the ball continued to be passed around.
"A favourite pass-time on Cybertron," Arcee elaborated, "Especially among the warrior class."
Lobbing was common at Iacon too. Sunshine, Aqua and a few others loved throwing something similar around when we were off-duty.
...Those were the days.
"Come on, Raf!" My optics went down to Miko and Rafael, "Show us some moves!"
"Oh, alright." Adjusting his glasses, Rafael stood up and began dancing, much to Bumblebee's curiosity.
Jack instantly broke out in laughter at his movements, "Of course! The Robot!"
Carly cheered, pumping a fist in the air, "Go hermano!"
Bumblebee watched him for a moment, "Lemme try!" Soon enough, he was mimicking his movements… much to Ratchet's non-amusement.
Jack began looking around, "Where's Optimus?"
"Went for a drive," Arcee responded quickly before moving closer to Jack, "Primes don't party."
…It wasn't that Optimus didn't party… he was just wired a little differently. He didn't want us to miss out on the entertainment and relaxation of a party, so he volunteered himself for a night of patrol without anything more. Of course, we all would've liked him to hang out with us, but it wasn't his thing, and that was okay. Besides, Arcee and I were here to manage the team in his absence. There was nothing to worry about.
"Coming at ya!" Bulkhead's lob swung the ball over to Wheeljack once more, but the throw was too high for him to catch, the ball slamming into the wall high above and landing on the Groundbridge controls.
"You know, I am attempting to perform sensitive calibrations here!" A furious Ratchet yelled as he stood back up from ducking away from the ball.
"Sorry, Doc. Guess we're a little charged up," Wheeljack apologised with a shrug.
"Maybe that's enough lobbying for now," Sunburst suggested as he walked over to grab the ball.
"'An 'ere he is! Good ol' Sourshine 'ere to be a spoilsport!" Aquastrike folded her arms sulkily. She was looking at Wheeljack, "Ahh told ya he's no fun!"
…I mean, she was wrong, but neither was Sunburst to be fair…
Sunburst turned back to us with an unhappy look, "Come on guys, Ratchet probably spent a long time building the technology and everything for the Groundbridge." He stopped beside a smug Ratchet, who was without doubt agreeing with him. "You built this from scratch, right?"
"I did."
"That's quite a feat of engineering."
I could see Ratchet's mood perk up, "Yes, it is."
The others were gathering around like they were planning on telling old war stories, but I chose not to. I was far more interested in Sunburst and Rachet's conversation.
"You seem concerned. Is there something wrong with it?"
"I didn't care for the way it sounded this last jump. I put it in shutdown."
"And if you need to use it?"
"Oooh, I can't disrupt the defrag process without causing irreparable damage."
Sunburst took a few steps, "So… how long will the process take?"
"A few hours if we're lucky." Ratchet briefly turned to Sunburst. "Maybe longer."
Sunburst seemed chatty… maybe he was chatty enough that he might be interested in telling me why he left Iacon? I wanted him to settle in first and get comfortable along with Aqua but if he already seemed at home, then maybe it was time to get into it.
He did leave without saying goodbye… all this time I thought he was offline. I deserved an explanation, so did Starlight. Aquastrike if she hadn't already heard it.
NORMAL P.O.V
The moonlight shone down upon the Decepticon Warship as it silently flew through the night of the sky, while deep inside the bridge of the Warship, all was not silent.
"Makeshift still hasn't opened their Groundbridge! Or otherwise transmitted their coordinates!"
"Thought he was your 'ever loyal soldier'," Rebecca snorted on the control panel with a fold of her arms.
Starscream sneered down at the human, "Nobody spoke to you!"
"Makeshift's disguise may be flawless, however it will not fool the Autobots forever." The squabbling duo turned behind them at Slipstream's return, "I sincerely believe he is waiting for the right time." The Seeker stopped beside her twin with an unamused expression. "Though, he may want to consider wasting no more of it. The Autobots are not as idiotic as you have previously suggested."
Starscream looked away with a snarl of disappointment. He knew very well his twin was still unhappy with his attempt to end their Master's life, but despite that moment, she was not willing to simply remove him from his position yet… all because she enjoyed seeing what his next failure would bring.
She was simply along for the ride.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"'An' t'ere we were. Ain't no comms, down on 'nergon, whole loada 'Cons 'round us. So whar does Jacky 'ere go on 'nd do?" Aquastrike was laughing happily, jumping to Wheeljack's side and bumping his shoulder. "Tell 'em Jacky!"
Bulkhead and Wheeljack had been telling old war stories from their time in the Wreckers together for a while now, but the majority of them had been after Aquastrike had been shifted to Iacon. They must've noticed she was feeling left out because they had just started their next story and it was when she was still with them, so she was more than happy to tell her side of this one.
We were all gathered around the boys and Aqua, some of us like me and Starlight on the ground, the humans on the crates, and the rest of the team standing as we waited for the end of this latest story.
Wheeljack smiled at her eagerness and held a thumbs up, "What I do best."
Bulkhead was also chuckling, "He chucked his only grenade smack into the primary heat exchanger!"
"Yeah." I looked up at the distant tone Wheeljack held. He was looking over at Sunburst leaning against the Groundbridge tunnel. "Seemed like a good idea at the time."
Sunburst was strangely quiet all throughout the story telling. Now and then, he looked between us and the Groundbridge controls, but he wasn't in a rush to go anywhere.
"Dang join' went supanova!"
"Awesome!"
What was keeping Sunshine's mind so occupied?
"Yeah. I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside."
"I'm not surprised, given the size of your backside," Arcee zinged.
I could feel Bumblebee's form shaking in obvious laughter near me, "Ouch Bulkhead, are you okay after that burn?"
Bulkhead moved beside Wheeljack, who still seemed distant, "There it is; Jacky's signature. One grenade, one shot." He looked up at his friend's distracted face. "Hey, you alright?"
"What?" Wheeljack seemed to recognise Bulkhead talking to him. "Oh, relax Bulk." He stood and faced Sunburst, "It's him we should be asking." His tone was low like he didn't want him to hear.
Bulkhead seemed confused but then he looked at Sunburst like everyone else.
I stood up to walk over to him. He's been way too quiet for too long. "Sunburst? Are you okay?" I waved my servo in his faceplates, and he still seemed zoned out.
"Hey ol' Sourshine, wake up!"
"Huh?" Sunburst came out of his own world at Aquastrike's yell. "What's happening?"
"You don't seem like yourself," I told him truthfully.
"What do you mean?" He pushed himself off the wall and stepped close to me.
I couldn't help taking a few steps back… his atmosphere seemed off.
"You weren't this quiet on the flyover," Wheeljack piped up, "All good?"
Sunburst looked away like he was becoming self aware of himself, "I've-uh, probably been stuck under a roof for too long. Maybe getting outside might do me some good."
That sounded like a good idea, "I have patrol tomorrow, You could come with!" I offered.
"Let's go now!" Sunburst grabbed my wrist and practically dragged me towards the exit tunnel.
This was abnormal behaviour for Sunburst. He would never grab me like this in a regular space.
"Sunburst." Starlight's bemoaning made him halt. "Do you really want to go now?"
I removed my servo out of his loosening grip, "Yeah Sunburst, and hey, don't you have something you want to tell me?" I placed my servos on his hip plates. "Maybe some more stories or how about why you le-"
"How about you tell them? Clearly, everyone else loves telling stories more than I do," I could feel his tone leaving no room for argument. "The humans can show me around the base while you do." He was indicating to Miko and Carly.
Don't let them go with him. Something's wrong.
I couldn't exactly say no in front of the others despite my true feelings. It wouldn't make sense. "Well, yeah I guess, Sunburst." …Perhaps this is what he needs? Just to clear his helm? It is a big deal what's happening, with arriving suddenly and becoming part of the team immediately… hmm. "Go ahead."
Miko leaped off the crate and pulled Carly with her, "Tour starts now! Do you play any instruments? Can you fly? Have you thrashed more Decepticons than Bulkhead?" The further into the corridor they went, the further away their voices sounded…
I felt a servo on my shoulder plating, "Are you alright?"
I nodded slowly at Arcee, "Yeah… just concerned I guess."
"Don't tell me you're jealous," Arcee lightly teased.
I gave her a stunned look, "Jealous of what? If Carly and Miko are making a new friend, then big deal." Everyone was giving me a concerned look, so I let out a sigh of defeat, "Something's not right with Sunburst." There, I finally said it.
"'Swept, really? He's traveled galaxies. You both haven't seen each other for centuries, and maybe even longer than that," Arcee pointed out, "He could just be rocket lagged or… well." She folded her arms at me. "'Bots do change, you know?"
I shook my helm at the thought, "Ohhh no, not Sunburst." He'd been through a lot that could've turned him into a different 'Bot, but nothing had changed him. He was still Sunburst no matter what. "Something is wrong with him."
NORMAL P.O.V
Sunburst groaned and mumbled as he began fighting the bonds keeping him chained in the brig of the Warship. It had become a growing concern to him that his friends, and any other Autobots there were with them, hadn't figured out what was really going on. It was time to find his own way out.
The noise did nothing but grab the attention of his Vehicon guard, who was obviously fed up with the noise and stormed up to the prisoner, shoving his activated weapon of choice in his face, "You're not going anywhere, Autobot."
Sunburst only smirked - his plan had worked.
Just as the Vehicon turned to move back to his initial position, the yellow Autobot swung his legs around the soldier's neck tightly. Unable to see, the soldier could only fire rapidly in hopes he could somehow hit the Autobot attacking him.
"Do you drones ever shut up?" He kicked the Vehicon in the helm, and guided his firing line upwards towards the control panel holding him. Still shooting at a quick pace, it didn't take long before the blaster shots hit the panel, deactivating the bonds and allowing him back onto his feet.
While the Vehicon fell to the ground dead, Sunburst was already moving to kick off his escape.
"And that's it! Energon stockpile, power-board generator, armoury-"
"Everything you need to blow the joint sky high."
Sunburst nodded at the ending announcement, but despite now knowing every area of the base, he still didn't know the one important detail he seeked, "Where's this bunker located exactly?"
"If I told ya, I'd have to rip out your spark chamber." Miko turned with a threatening expression and a closed fist.
The Autobot wasn't sure whether he was supposed to be unimpressed or threatened by the warning.
Carly glanced over her shoulder, laughing nervously, "Don't listen to her. We're just outside of Jasper, Nevada. I'm not sure that'll help you with anything."
"Can't say it does…" Sunburst muttered, before following after the girls, "I presume there's another way out of here when you don't need the Groundbridge? If something drastic happens?"
"Why?" The Cybertronian was forced to pause in his step at the question, looking down at the curious and sad eyes looking back at him. "You're not planning to leave already, are you?" A grin formed on Miko's face before she began walking back the other way. "Come on, I'll show ya!"
Carly trailed after the pair of them cautiously. Having seen her own guardian be concerned over the Cybertronian already had her on edge, however, the constant questioning over certain things made the girl even more wary…
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"If it helps you, Sunburst wasn't out of it on the Jackhammer." I looked at Wheeljack curiously. "Especially since yesterday after speaking with you."
"Boy has he been waitin' ta tell ya 'bout why he left Iacon and all." I don't think I could've whipped my helm towards Aquastrike any faster. "Won' tell me scrap, 'nd ah've annoyed him 'bout for a long time now. I reckon he don' like me very much."
Starlight giggled beside me, "Look who finally noticed."
I shook my helm, "See! This proves it! Something's wrong with him!"
"Are you su-"
"Listen to me," I interrupted Bulkhead to plead, "I know Sunburst better than all of you combined. This isn't the real him."
I could feel someone's servos on my arms before I was turned to face Starlight, "Calm down, okay? We haven't seen him since Iacon. It's okay to be concerned, but you need to tone it down. He'll tell us when he's ready."
Starlight could be a voice of reason at times, but this time I wasn't listening. He needed to tell us what was wrong now.
"Hey." I turned around with everyone else at Sunburst's re-entrance with Miko and Carly. He paused when he saw Starlight's servos on my arms, "What's going on?"
I had to get him to talk about why he left Iacon. He dodged the question once, and once too many. He was not walking away from it this time.
I brushed Starlight away, "Sunburst, I think we need to have a talk."
Sunburst glanced at the others and then back at me, "About what?"
"Oh, I don't know, how about why you left Iacon."
I could see the tension in his posture, a servo moving up to his forehelm, "I don't know, Windswept. I just got here an-"
"Stop dodging the question and tell me." My voice was sharp and clear.
"Talk, talk, talk! How about after we do some off-roading?!"
"Miko, stay out of this," Bulkhead suggested with concern.
"Windswept…" I heard Ratchet warn behind me.
I wasn't finished, "You told us it was a long story." I waved my arms around. "We have time!"
"There's nothing to tell, all right?!" He looked angry; it felt unfamiliar. I've seen him mad before, just not like this.
What was he hiding? What was making him act like this? Why?!
"Why don't you want to tell me?" I asked angrily.
Sunburst lifted his helm up, his optics looking into mine…
There was nothing familiar about the look in his optics… There was always a fondness for me within them. He never spoke about how much he cared about us, but he showed it in his facial expressions… his optics…
…There was nothing to show what happened to him… As if he knew nothing.
I could feel my optics widening in realisation, "You don't want to tell me… because you can't…"
"'Swept?" Carly's voice sounded so distant, yet so close.
The look on Sunburst's face was hardening… like he knew I knew…
"You don't know anything," I whispered, "Because you're not the real Sunburst."
There were gasps from all directions that I couldn't figure out who it was who.
"'Swept, that doesn't make sense. How-"
"Each 'Bot has a public service record showing each and every movement we made on Cybertron, all uploaded by our superiors," I interrupted Arcee to explain, "But if you don't know where Sunburst went, it's because Alpha Trion never uploaded his mission on his record." …No one was meant to know… "Because no one was supposed to know where he went." I stepped up to the imposter before me. "So tell me, 'Con, where's the real Sunburst?"
"Wait, 'Swept, he's a De-"
I felt myself being slammed out of the way, into someone else behind me. I looked up at the Decepticon in front of the Groundbridge controls, holding something in the air at th-
"CARLY!" I screamed.
"Stay back! Or I'll squeeze her into pulp!"
I was helped back on my pedes from Aquastrike. We and Ratchet were on one side of the 'Con, while everyone else was on the other. There was nothing we could do but wait. One wrong move… and I could lose Carly…
My Energon curled with rage. I had to save my friend.
"Sunburst! What are you doing?" Miko demanded.
"Ain't Sourshine, girlie!"
"Decepticon coward!" Wheeljack growled.
"Let the girl go and face us!" Bulkhead challenged.
"Don't fret. Plenty of fighting to come." His voice was certainly not Sunburst's.
"Is there a REAL Sunburst?" Jack was looking up at us in panic.
"Of course there is!" Wheeljack scoffed, "Our boy must've been caught and replaced by this phoney when we got here."
"And I expect Lord Starscream and Lady Slipstream to be making sport of him."
I scoffed smugly, "You don't know how far Sunburst would go to get home."
Because truly, the only person that knew that was me…
NORMAL P.O.V
Unaware of an incoming threat in the form of an Autobot scaling the Warship, an army of Vehicon soldiers stood and waited for the signal from the Decepticon superiors before them.
"Are you certain we are at the coordinates you supplied to Makeshift?" Slipstream asked Soundwave, his response only a nod from the silent Decepticon
"What's taking him so long then?!" Rebecca whined with a yawn of boredom, turning to Starscream.
"'Swept and the others probably gave him such the hero's welcome, he got the warm fuzzies and decided the Autobots were the better side." The Decepticons turned to the voice.
Sunburst, their prisoner, was stalking up to them.
"How'd you get out of your cell?!" Rebecca demanded.
"Do you not see you are vastly outnumbered?" Starscream tormented, indicating back at the large army of Vehicons.
"Do you not see the dumb Decepticon drones who might vastly enjoy me putting some dents into you?"
At the retort, Slipstream angrily waved an arm to the Autobot, "Destroy him!"
Waves of blaster fire flew towards the Autobot, who only pulled out his twin battle axes in preparation for the upcoming fight. With a warrior's cry, he charged towards the incoming army, using the axe part of his weapons to reflect the firepower back on the soldiers, the powerful shots taking them down one at a time…
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
The 'Con was typing in commands on the Groundbridge controls. There was no way he was going to be leaving in a hurry though. He could tamper with the controls all he wanted, but there was no way the process Ratchet set it in was going to mo-
"About time." He pulled down the lever…
The Groundbridge tunnel came to life…
How?!
Curse the advanced Decepticon technology!
NORMAL P.O.V
The army before him was large and ready for battle, but Sunburst was even more prepared to take on the challenge. His axes were able to hold off as much fire power as possible, but as he moved closer towards the Vehicons, he knew he was going to have to change his tactics.
Meanwhile, an enraged Starscream watched in growing frustration, and without warning, set off a missile aimed straight for the escaped Autobot prisoner ahead.
The missile landed directly in front of Sunburst, the force sending him away from the through the black smoke and orange flames. He landed safely onto his feet just as a wave of Decepticon troops arrived to take him face-to-face. Immediately, Sunburst was dispatching them one by one with his axes. The dropping bodies caused a pile in front of him, so he stepped onto it and propelled himself off the heap towards the Decepticon who dared to stop him in his quest.
He used him as a landing zone, slamming him onto the ground before turning his attention to Slipstream preparing her own missiles for her own attack. Suddenly, there was a whirring noise behind him, looking back to find an opening green and blue portal behind the strewn Decepticons bodies around him.
A smirk gracing his face, he looked at Slipstream mockingly, "You should know better than to ever doubt my friends."
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
The imposter was slowly moving backwards into the Groundbridge… and he was taking my human friend with him. I felt so helpless. There may've been a whole bunch of us, but it wasn't worth the risk of pulling a move to help Carly. He could really hurt her…
The 'Con waved his arms, his face beaming in pride while my friend struggled in his grip, "Let's get this party started!"
A figure suddenly appeared from the Groundbridge, knocking down the 'Con in front of him. The force made him release Carly, who was falling into the air until someone's servo reached out to grab her… It was Wheeljack returning back to the others while the imposter landed hard nearby.
I looked at the figure who arrived… he looked exactly like Sunburst… maybe it was Sunburst… is it… Sunburst?"
"You may want to close that portal before the others file in."
NORMAL P.O.V
The twin Seekers struggled to their knees after being knocked down by the Autobot, who had now fled through the open Groundbridge portal… while behind them, their Vehicons waited for their next move on behalf of their leader's orders.
As Energon pooled at the corner of his mouth, Starscream weakly watched the portal swirl temptingly before him, "Enter their Groundbridge now!"
At the command, the Vehicons charged towards the open portal ready to attack…just as it swirled shut…
…Leading the Decepticon Seeker to scream in frustration at the missed opportunity.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
With the Groundbridge now shut, there were now two Sunbursts in our base, circling each other with their battle axes drawn… we knew that at least one of them was a fake… but I still couldn't keep the wariness of the other one away…
Regardless… this 'Con tried to mess with Carly… and if they mess with her, they miss with me.
I punched a fist into my open palm to prepare myself for a fight when a familiar weapon blocked my view, "He's mine."
The two Cybertronians swung their weapons at each other, their axes clashing in a shower of sparks. Over and over their weapons clashed so fiercely, so quickly, that it was easy to lose track of who was the supposedly real Sunburst.
"Which one's the real Sunburst?"
"I lost track!" I guess the humans were having the same issue.
Their fighting led them closer to the Groundbridge controls where one of them lost a battle axe. But the other fought right back and made the other lose his before grabbing his wrist and pulling him forward. He kneed him in the stomach plating, which made him lose grip of his last axe. He took advantage of his predicament and slammed him to the ground with his weapon.
The victor had to be Sunburst. This imposter 'Con probably wasn't as skilled with his weapons of choice like him. He held the blade of his axe close towards the other's neck cables.
"He's the real Sunshine, alright," Aquastrike smirked.
Sunburst warily returned his axes back into his back, and looked beside me at Ratchet, "Open the portal, the Decepticons are missing their 'inside man'."
"Allow me." Wheeljack reached for the imposter.
NORMAL P.O.V
Frustrated by the way his plans had turned, Starscream paced across the deck of the Nemesis, debating on his next move while once more, his Vehicon troops stood with wait for his command.
A Groundbridge portal suddenly swirled into view before them, members of his army backing away from it as if they feared what would come through.
"What are you doing, you incompent fools?!" Much to the frustration of the recovered Slipstream. "Charge!"
One by one, the soldiers filed into the portal…
…But they were soon running back towards the way they came when a large, yellow Cybertronian flew their way… straight over them… into Starscream and Slipstream.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"Nice." I looked up at the yellow figure complimenting Wheeljack.
There was only one way to know for certain if this 'Bot was really Sunburst… I didn't want to take any more risks, and I certainly didn't want to wait around for another incident like before…
I grabbed his wrist, and it was like as soon as he could feel my touch, he was turning to face me… his hardened optics softening at me.
"'Swept, I-"
"Why did you leave Iacon?" I asked him before he could get another word out.
He grabbed my arms, "I left because Alpha Trion found her." The grip on me was tight. "Whirlwind's alive."
…What…?
…She…
"Who's Whirlwind?" Miko's voice sounded so distant…
"'Swepts twin sister." So was Starlights'…
After all this time… she really was alive…
But if she wasn't with Sunburst, where was she now?!
NORMAL P.O.V
The Groundbridge portal swirled shut before Starscream and Slipstream could stand and order their soldiers back through.
"Well, you certainly made an entrance," Rebecca quipped in an annoyed tone, adjusting the items on her belt loops to return back to their normal placement.
Slipstream began standing, "I plead you to tell us that you learnt the location of the Autobot base, at least."
"Indeed, Lady Slipstream." Makeshift wiped his mouth from Energon as he stood. "It is in a hidden bunker just outside of-"
As he spoke, something on his form began beeping, causing Starscream to search his figure to see what was causing the noise, and indirectly stopping Makeshift from saying any further in confusion of his actions. The Seeker spotted the item on his side beeping, immediately backing away in fright.
"Back, back, BACK!" He was scrambling away as quickly as he could.
Slipstream looked at what Starscream had found, and in horror, immediately grabbed a confused Rebecca, following her twin's footsteps, "RETREAT!"
As the pair and Soundwave transformed and flew away, they left behind their even more confused army and Makeshift, the latter looking down at his side to figure out what had his leaders running away at a rapid pace.
He soon found it in the form of a live grenade planted on his hip, "Oh no."
The Decepticon exploded in a ball of blue, destroying himself and the remaining troops on the Warship.
"Makeshift! YOU FOOL!" Much to the dismay of Starscream.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
It took all into the night and well into the new solar cycle, but now I knew everything. From why Sunburst left to how he knew Whirlwind was alive.
My twin sister - split spark if you will - and I were young when we were prisoners of the Decepticons, our minds manipulated enough to be coerced willingly onto their side. When we finally had come to realise the deception, we both escaped together… but with so many Decepticons on our backs, we thought it was best to split apart with hopes to reunite on the other side…
...We never did.
Alpha Trion had uncovered her signature under the Wrecker sub-faction, and wanted Sunburst to find and bring her to Iacon for us to meet. It was the reason why his mission wasn't on his public service record - because if Megatron ever got word of Whirlwind's location, he would've done every single thing he could to recapture her, just like he had sent Slipstream after me over countless stellar-cycles.
Sunburst had found her, only in enough time for them to get to know each other before the call to evacuate Cybertron had come through. But he was left behind during the skirmish and had tried to come back to Iacon… when he ran into Wheeljack also fleeing. He told me it took some time for him to be trusted, but they've been together ever since… and somehow they found Aquastrike too.
Whirlwind was out there… somewhere…
That's all I needed to know. Primus please, keep her safe.
The strums of a guitar pulled me out of my thoughts. The humans had all collectively agreed to come up with some excuse to stay here for the night… at least it hadn't been a school night otherwise they wouldn't have been here. They all seemed to be in good spirits even after that close call with that 'Con, dancing away to Miko's music playing… along with 'Bee, Star and Aqua.
Arcee looked highly amused for someone pretending not to be.
I was with Sunburst, Bulkhead, Wheeljack and Optimus. Our leader had come back shortly after the incident with Sunburst, so he was filled in on it instantly, but that was when Sunburst and I had gone to talk about my sister, so we were only seeing him now.
"It's like a recurring nightmare." I couldn't disagree with Ratchet any more.
This was home… This was perfect... well, as perfect as it could be...
"Now that you guys are part of Team Prime, we need to pick out a vehicle mode for you." Bulkhead bumped Wheeljack's shoulder. "I have some ideas."
"Uh… about that, Bulk." His tone sounded uncertain. "Now that my ship's repaired, I'm itching to know what else I might find out there." He'd taken the time out of the night to repair it from crash damage after the 'Cons downed them.
"Wait! You're leaving?" Miko exclaimed, running up to us with the rest of the team. "Why?"
"Because some bots never change," Bulkhead chuckled.
Wheeljack probably wanted some time on his own again anyway. He's spent so much time with Sunburst and Aquastrike… I'm sure he'd like some peace from those two bantering all the time…
"Either of you coming with?" Wheeljack was looking over at Aquastrike and Sunburst.
Huh, maybe he did like their company after all.
"Much as I like ya, Jacky-Bot, think it's time ta settle down a bit." I could see Starlight's beaming face at Aqua's words. "Don'tcha come back empty-handed now, alright? I want souvenirs next time!" She punched Wheeljack's shoulder affectionately.
I smiled softly at her before I looked up at Sunburst… who was already looking down at me.
"You're on your own, Wheeljack." My smile disappeared when he looked at Wheeljack. "I promised myself back on Cybertron that if I'd ever find 'Swept and the others, there would be no way I'd leave them again."
Wheeljack sighed sadly, but nodded in what looked to be understanding, "Yeah, I get you Sunburst. If it wasn't for the curiosity to see what's out there, I'd stick around too." He waved an arm towards Aquastrike. "You two look after each other for me, huh?"
Sunburst rolled his optics but there was a deep fondness in them, "I don't know… that cowbot still gets on my nerves."
"Love ya too Sourshine." I could tell on his faceplates that the feeling was somewhat mutual, even if he'll likely never admit it verbally.
There was still a feeling around Sunburst that he hadn't told me everything when he found Whirlwind, but I wasn't going to press him any more on that matter. He'd been through too much for one solar cycle - he and Aquastrike needed to rest before becoming more acclimated to this place.
"Wheeljack, know that you always have a haven here," Optimus reminded.
He nodded politely, suddenly bumped forwards by Bulkhead. "Jacky never stays, but he always comes back." They shared a fist bump of no doubt respect.
When Wheeljack signaled he was ready for departure, myself and everyone, except for Optimus and Ratchet, returned back to the desert where his repaired ship was sitting and waiting for his return.
"There's room for two, Bulk. Even with a backside like yours. Who knows what we might find out there? Some of the old crew?"
Bulkhead looked to be seriously considering the offer Wheeljack had presented to him. But then he looked down at Miko… she looked to be despondent at the thought of him leaving.
If I were in his position, I don't sure I could leave Carly behind willingly. I know it hasn't been long, but she's one of the best parts about living on Earth now. She's one of my favourite friends.
"Hah, sounds like fun, Jacky. But my ties are here now… with them… with her."
I think Bulkhead held the same feelings about Miko.
Wheeljack gave a respectful nod at his choice and looked down at the human girls, "Anything happens to my favourite Wrecker, Aqua or Sunshine here, I'm coming after you two."
Carly beamed and swung an arm around Miko, "We'll take good care of them on your behalf."
Miko pulled out her phone and indicated Aqua and Sunburst closer to Bulkhead and Wheeljack, "Now say cheese!"
Starlight, Aquastrike and Sunburst. All within a matter of weeks were here. It eased the pain of Cybertron, but not all. There was closure in the knowledge that Whirlwind was out there in the galaxy… who knows, maybe there were more friends of mine and everyone else's out there too.
Destiny had a way of making things happen. Maybe one day, Whirlwind and I will be reunited too.