CHAPTER 11 - GREEK AUTOBOTS
NO ONE'S P.O.V
School may've been finished for another day, but some, their day was yet to conclude. That included a young student named Miko Nakadai, who was pushing a book titled 'World History' onto her desk with a scoff of disinterest.
"Detention… ugh." She rested her head onto her desk in a huff.
That was Miko's reason for still remaining at the school, as she had yet to complete a project on Ancient History. Not just because she had been busy with prior commitments with her friends at the Autobot base, but simply because she just didn't want to… that, and because her best friend and fellow classmate Carly didn't want to share her answers with her and end up in detention like the last time.
Loud music, followed by the screeching of tires turning a corner sharply caught the girls attention. She glanced out the window beside her, an expression of happiness sweeping away the gloom that had just been there. Pulling up just outside the school was her new best friend and guardian Bulkhead in his off-terrain vehicle form.
Miko looked over to the teacher running detention, who had a newspaper of The Jasper Daily pulled up to her face and reading it so intently, it was unaware of the loud rock music outside. She pulled a face that suggested she was thinking of an idea, looking back out the window.
Outside the school, Bulkhead was enjoying his listening to his music, the outline of his Autobot logo on his steering wheel flashing blue in time with the beat of the song and humming along happily. He had time to relax and enjoy it after all, for he knew his charge still had a bit of time in detention before leaving…
...Supposedly.
His charge suddenly appeared at the door and jumped into his vehicle form, immediately getting into the music, "I love this song!" She was humming along and rocking out to the song as it began reaching a climax.
The music suddenly died down, "Miko, I thought you had a history report to do." The girl in question sat down in her seat quietly. "Did detention end early?"
Miko clicked her seatbelt smugly, "It did for me." She rested into the seat lazily and spared a glance at the side mirror where she spotted something that had her moving closer to it. "Uh oh, here comes teacher, and she doesn't look happy." One look outside the window had her scrambling down into her seat. "Step on it Bulkhead!"
"Ohhh, Miko."
Despite knowing very well his charge should be returning to detention, he pulled down his gear lever and squealed the tires before pulling out of the parking spot, around the corner towards the Autobot base.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"After sticking with Wheeljack for a while, we found another life signal on Cybertron. Unfortunately for us, it just happened to be her of all 'Bots."
"Ya love me truly Sourshine. I know ya do."
Sunburst and Aquastrike were detailing how they had met up with Wheeljack and each other after it was called to leave Cybertron. It turns out that Sunburst had been left behind when the Wreckers either teamed up with other Autobot factions, or left in their own starships to the galaxy. So he had tried to get back to Iacon, though as far as I was aware, we would've all likely fled by the time he would've got there. But he had gotten lucky with running into Wheeljack.
My friends were telling the stories of their travels to me, Starlight, Jack and Carly. Bumblebee was still at the high school waiting on Rafael, and Arcee was somewhere in base, probably doing combat training in the training area. Optimus had recently departed for a brief patrol… though if I remembered correctly, one of us was meant to be. I guess he didn't want to interrupt us from Sunshine and Aqua talking to us.
"Why were you still on Cybertron?" Starlight's tone was full of interest and confusion. "You didn't flee with the rest of us?"
"Ol' Prime offered me a spot on the team. I turned it down."
I still couldn't believe that Aquastrike could've been on Earth from the start.
"But why?"
Aqua shrugged at Star, "Didn' wanna leave without makin' sure everyone got out safely. B'sides, y'all never know whar's still out there… Ahh, didn' exactly find much durin' t'ose times, 'cept for the lil' creepy crawly hangin' round 'ere 'nd there. But then, outta nowhere, this massive Insectacon jumped me. Low on 'nergon so ah was in some real trouble, had nothin' against that lil' scrap."
"You're calling an Insecticon little?!" I could Ratchet scoffing from the monitors.
"They're not little?" I looked over at Carly's curious face.
Beside her, Jack was also giving the same expression, "It's an insect, right? So it'd be… what, the size of a Scraplet?"
Aquastrike snorted, "If it was a whole pod 'n half of 'em, sure."
"How do these guys know about Scraplets?" Sunburst asked with obvious concern.
"Don't ask." I think everyone here joined me in declining to explain how the humans knew about those little pieces of scrap.
Sunshine gave us a look like he was tempted to ask… but then he looked like he decided against it. Fair call. "Anyway… thankfully, we picked up Aquastrike's signal when we did." He was obviously sighing in sarcastic relief, but he was still giving Aqua a pat on her shoulder plating. "She was almost offline when we reached her."
She patted him back, but harder… nearly sending up to the ground, "I knew ya cared." He rolled his optics at her. "They came 'nd knocked down that 'Con long enough to drag ourselves to the Jackhammer. As we was leavin', ol' Jacky-bot gave him a lil' goodbye pressie."
Sunburst was chuckling, "In the form of a grenade."
"You two were stuck together under one roof for that long?" Starlight wondered.
Those two could barely stay in one room together without calling each other names back on Iacon. Primus… I could remember when Aqua first came to join us. She was young, like a lot of us, but skilled and eager to defend her team… even if she was a little clumsy doing so at times. Her way of working with us rubbed Sunburst the wrong way. He's more of a precise, careful Autobot, and he's incredibly smart; very particular with the way he plans. And Aqua just loves to just go in with no idea of the situation… basically just 'hope for the best' kind of approach.
Starlight was really Aquastrike's only reason why she would ever hold back at times. Star was precise like Sunburst, but her calm demeanor was what was able to keep Aqua collected. Their opposite approaches made for a great partnership.
I would admit to anyone that Sunburst wasn't always as cautious… and stuck-up nowadays; war can do that to you. He wasn't ready to accept me into Iacon when I found my way there, but it was perfectly understandable why when you hear his story…
"Wait, wait. W-What's that word again?" We looked over at Bulkhead pulling up.
"Uhhh, college?" Miko leapt out of his vehicle in what was evident frustration, "Ugh, you sound just like my parents!"
"Aren't they Japanese?"
"They may speak a different language, but you say the same things!"
"Because we want the best for you, and that means making sure you go to school! Not jail!"
"Uh-oh, what'd you do?" Jack teased.
"Rob a store?" Carly's voice was dry amusement.
"Ya better listen ta Bulk'ead now, Miko. He means well, ya know."
"Whose side are you on?!" There was more frustration coming from Miko. "You told me yesterday that I don't have to do something that I really don't wanna do, so I didn't do my history paper. I'm just following your advice!"
She what?
"Why would you tell her that?" Sunburst disapprovingly questioned.
"You know we don't get involved in their school lives, Aqua." It was a mutual agreement throughout the team to try and not influence their works, projects, and more school related decisions - especially after the school project fiasco thanks to Ratchet…
…Though, Miko 'skipping' detention and not doing the work that had been assigned to her was becoming a concern, but that was mainly because she was becoming more interested in what we do, both in and out of base…
"Ahh was jus' givin' her some advice!" Aquastrike was shrugging. "Ya cain't force someone ta do what they don' wanna do."
"Seriously, who's side are you on?"
Bulkhead bent down as if he was trying to get Miko's full attention and not be distracted by Jack, "Look Miko, before I became a warrior, I was a labourer – construction. I can build stuff, I can break stuff. And that's it!"
Miko looked as if she was seriously considering his words, "I like breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you, Bulk!"
…I don't think she understood the point he was trying to make.
A sudden beeping sound made me look up at the green monitors above Ratchet. He looked like he was honing in on a new signal.
"Ughh… why do you wanna be like me when you can be a… medic like Ratchet?"
"I'm detecting a fresh Energon pulse from the nation called Greece." I would've thought Ratchet would be more concerned about the idea of Miko turning out to be more like him. "An ancient city. Quite historic, I believe."
"Ancient Greece, huh?" Bulkhead was humming like a brilliant idea came to his mind, and looked up at Aquastrike, "You thinking what I'm thinking."
"Ahh might be… Ohhh Missy Miko!" She was smirking and glancing down to her. "Time for a lil' field trip!"
Sunburst and I shared a look of uncertain amusement. My intuition suggested they were going to try and convince that girl to do her history work; his was likely the same. Primus, good luck to them…
NO ONE'S P.O.V
Thunder clapped. The lightning flashed. Dark clouds covered the sky above as the Decepticon Warship flew at a fast pace. The tone set by the sky was full of anger.
"I do not enjoy being kept waiting, Slipstream. Where are they?"
Much like the other half of a Seeker twin inside the Nemesis.
Slipstream was rolling her eyes at her twin's frustration, "Have patience Starscream, they will show." A door slid open behind her. One brief look over her shoulder had the Seeker turning to the person who had entered. "It is about time, Knock Out."
A red Decepticon walked into the room, with a calm sigh, "It was a long drive, Slipstream. I'm still picking bugs out of my grill." He picked one off his chassis and flicked it away to prove his point.
Disgust was evident on Starscream's features, "Yes, right… you're one of those."
"Come again?"
The silver Seeker circled the new arrival, "Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose auto-mobile as his vehicle mode when he could have flight."
"I like the way I look in steel-belted radials."
Slipstream chuckled at Knock Out's honesty, "You have not changed." The Seeker threw a glance over her shoulder, moving towards the doors Knock Out had just walked in through. "Now come, we have more important matters to discuss."
"I take it Megatron needs a laboratory assist?" The new Decepticon questioned as he followed the twins to the end of a long hallway.
"You… might say that."
Starscream pressed a command at the door, making it swing up to reveal the situation to Knock Out. Before them lay the Decepticon Warlord lying still on a medical berth, multiple tubes connected to him from high above. His form remained littered with scars and smoke from the destruction of the Spacebridge weeks ago, with a gaping hole in his chest from where his Dark Energon shard had been pulled out from not long after.
"Woah." The vain Decepticon began to realise he was going to be needed for more than just an 'assist'.
A green and blue portal swirled to life in the Ancient City of Greece, where evening had befallen the city. Two vehicles drove out of the portal, one being an army green off-terrain vehicle and the other a metallic teal Subaru Sedan. Almost as quickly as it had appeared, the portal disappeared, leaving the pair of vehicles to pull up and survey the location.
"Here we are!" The off-terrain vehicle opened its door, allowing their passenger to leap out.
"Sweet!" Miko immediately raced to explore their new surroundings, while the vehicles transformed into Bulkhead and Aquastrike. "So what are we doing in Wreck-O-Ville?"
"We're scouting for Energon," Bulkhead began replying, holding up a scanner that was immediately beeping at a nearby signature.
Aquastrike smirked, bending down to Miko, "You, lil' missy, are doin' research for a history thang ya didn' finish."
"What happened to being on my side?!" The teenager looked up at the Autobot with her hands firmly planted on her hips. "You know? 'You don't have to do something you don't want to do'?!"
"Even ol' Sunshine could tell y'all ta never listen ta me."
A pout formed onto Miko's face, "You guys punk'd me? Not cool!"
Bulkhead followed the rapidly intensifying beeping of the scanner towards the edge of a cliff, opting to ignore the complaints of his charge. "Hmmm… signal's strong." He lifted his head towards what appeared to be a dug-up pit, with orange construction vehicles surrounding it. "An excavation sight?"
"Woah…" Miko gasped in wonder at her guardian's knowledge.
"I know construction." The former Wrecker returned his attention to the area. "According to my scanner, humans hit Energon veins."
"Bet'cha they don' even know it."
They continued to scout the area with their eyes, making sure there were no other humans or unwanted visitors around before they decided on if they should move closer. However, something soon caught their attention on a mural nearby the construction site: a Greek God showing off an item in his hand. The pair gasped at their discovery, and focused their eyes closer on the object the God was holding up…
"That's Cybertronian!"
"Sadly, our inevitably former lord Megatron has been like this for some time… But the crew-" A look of indifference was directed to Slipstream. "-took a vote. And it was decided that an expert might put him on the road to recovery." It was obvious that it had been more than just the Decepticon crew that swayed the decision on Megatron's health, as had Starscream been silently suggesting through his frustrated glance at his twin.
A small figure floated into view on their hoverboard, moving around the new Decepticon as if she was inspecting him, "I hear you're not just an expert." The human folded her arms with uncertainty. "Slipstream must rate you very highly to consider you an old acquaintance."
Slipstream reacted to Rebecca's appearance with her usual roll of eyes, "It is nice of you to join us, Rebecca Rose, though it would be much appreciated if you held back your tongue for a change."
A mixed sigh of boredom and disappointment was let out in response, before the superhuman dressed in black returned her attention to Knock Out, "Can you fix him?"
"First off, I am very honoured to be given the title of old acquaintance by yours truly." His response was a nod by the Seeker. "However, I've done plenty of body work, Slipstream, but I'm better at breaking them-" He activated his drill and spun it. "-then fixing them." He folded away his medical tool with a sigh. "It would help if I had my assistant…"
"I summoned the pair of you, where is he?" Slipstream questioned.
"We were hot on a fresh Energon trail when you called, Slipstream. Breakdown will show when he's through scouting it."
A light snort broke the silence, "Your partner better, or else we'll be stuck with dumb and dumber for a looong time to come."
Starscream turned towards his twin, "Perhaps, you should've suggested we would consider ripping her tongue out instead."
For once, Slipstream was in agreement with her twin.
"Why would Ancient Greeks paint an Energon Garvester?"
"You know what that round thing is?"
"Wreckers don' jus' fight, Miko," Aquastrike began, watching the human pull out her phone, "B'sides, everyone knows what that thang is… Cain't not do a lot more damage than a usual gut punch."
"You guys are smarter than you let on!" Miko snapped a picture of the mural on her phone.
"Bulkhead's even dumber than he looks."
The trio turned around at the tough, masculine voice behind them. Walking towards them from another cliff was a bulky blue, silver-gray Cybertronian. His eyes were yellow, face orange and blinker lights on each side of his hips. It was someone who Bulkhead could recognise almost immediately.
"Breakdown."
Breakdown chuckled, "Miss me?"
"Like rust in my undercarriage," Bulkhead retorted, holding up his fist.
"You know this lunkhead?" Miko asked
"We have a history."
"And you have a pet," Breakdown spat, leaning to his left where a pillar stood. "Does it play catch?" He pulled the pillar into his grip. "CATCH!"
The Cybertronian swung the pillar towards Miko, who was quick to react by attempting to run away from the incoming weapon. But the pillar was quickly closing in, and would've crushed her had she not been saved by Aquastrike scooping her off the ground in a forward flip.
The pillar was left to crash onto the ground near Bulkhead, "Stay down!"
"Gotta get outta 'ere, missy!" Aquastrike transformed into her vehicle, spinning her rear tires enough to kick up dust that would be able to cover her as she drove away from the scene.
But the dust that had been kicked up, combined with the dust still lingering in the air from the pillar's initial crash to the ground had meant that Bulkhead was unable to see Breakdown… until he suddenly appeared in his view and tackled him hard towards the construction zone. The pair of enemies slammed onto the ground, bouncing up and allowing Breakdown to get a good grip on Bulkhead. He threw the former Wrecker towards the mural he, Aquastrike and Miko had been discussing prior to his sudden arrival.
Bulkhead crashed into the mural, sending another large wave of dust up around him. Breakdown leapt closer to the crash sight, where the Autobot was groaning from the impact.
"Oops, hope the pretty picture wasn't too important." Blaster fire interrupted him from his next movement.
He glanced towards the incoming teal Subaru with her triple-barrelled blasters activated and targeting him. WIthout a second wasted, the Decepticon began fleeing the scene on foot before transforming into another-army like vehicle. It had appeared he had decided against taking down another Autobot, as he had already given his old foe a 'warm' hello… along with the fact that he was needed back to the Decepticons.
Aquastrike returned to her Cybertronian form, with Miko secure in the palm of one of her hands as she wandered over to check on her teammate struggling to sit up. He was rubbing the side of his head from his hit on the mural, which was now in ruins around him.
"Told you I'm good at breaking things."
"We always have your back, Bulk." Miko pulled out her phone. "Got us a picture of the picture." On the girl's cellphone was an image of the mural, only mere moments before its destruction.
Aquastrike shook her helm, "So much for ya history lesson."
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
Bulkhead, Aquastrike and Miko had returned with intel of an ancient artifact that required all of the team's notice. Ratchet had everyone return to the main room of the base as quickly as possible - he even got Optimus to come back from patrol, and he'd only just left the base before Bulk and Aqua had!
…However, because of an 'incident' at the site, we only had a photo - thanks to Miko - of what the others found, which Rafael, Carly and Ratchet all worked together on to put up on the monitors for the rest of us to see.
Optimus was pointing at an area of the wall an image of a human figure holding something out. There was also a large circle on it to highlight exactly what we were looking at. "It is indeed an Energon Harvester. A powerful tool created by the Ancients."
…It wasn't the first time any of us had heard the name of that weapon…
"Alpha Trion once said it can remove raw Energon straight out of any nearby source," Sunburst revealed.
Back at Iacon, Alpha Trion taught us his knowledge of Ancient weapons and relics that were kept deep below the surface… underneath the Hall of Records. It was to ensure that Decepticons forces would never get their dirty servos on them… Though, as the days got darker, and when it became clear that evacuating Cybertron was starting to become a reality, he began sending relics off-world in hopes that the 'Cons still wouldn't be able to find them…
Only he knew where each relic went.
"Greek Gods knew Autobots?" Rafael looked amazed at the prospect, even sharing intrigued looks with the rest of our humans.
"Not quite, Raf." I could hear the apology in Starlight's smile.
"The Ancients often used the art of a given era to conceal messages. This fresco was likely a signpost indicating a Harvester's location hidden somewhere on this planet."
…If this weapon was here, on Earth… was it possible that other deployments of Alpha Trions' were here?
"Uh Optimus? If the harvester removes Energon from anything, and you all have Energon pumping inside you…"
"In Decepticon hands, the Harvester would be a devastating weapon."
We couldn't allow them to get the slightest hint of it… who knows what Starscream and Slipstream could do with that thing!
…Apart from the obvious, of course.
"See?" Miko was looking at Bulkhead, "You were a genius to destroy that painting!"
Aquastrike squeezed his shoulder, "Even if you was helped inta it."
"Miko's not wrong," Arcee agreed beside me, "How can the 'Cons find the harvester without the fresco?"
"There is one option, which is high-speed Internet." Carly was typing away on Rafael's laptop. "If you input an image search for 'Greek God' and 'golden orb', you get this." She picked up the laptop and moved it closer to us.
It was an image of a statue, most likely another Greek God, holding up a golden orb… Like the one from the fresco.
"It's in a museum," Rafael identified.
Carly nodded eagerly, "Coincidentally, a museum in Jasper."
There was no way that any of this was pure 'coincidence'.
"That the real deal?" Arcee was looking up at Optimus, clearly waiting on his next word… like the rest of us.
…But if this was the 'real deal', then we needed to do something about it… now.
"Contact Agent Fowler."
Ratchet immediately began doing so.
"You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday."
…Not the answer we were hoping for.
"I hate talking to machines," Ratchet grumbled.
"Without Agent Fowler's direct aid, we will have to confiscate the harvester on our own."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Jack suddenly protested, "'Confiscate?' As in, steal museum property?" He looked rather astounded at Optimus' decision, resting his head in his hand.
Even Miko looked a little concerned…
Confusion was spreading inside of me… what was the big deal?
"That sounds… illegal."
"Ay, ay, ay, that's because it is illegal, Raf!" Carly looked… furious…
"I'm sensing this is a problem for you guys?" Sunburst said probably what the rest of us were all thinking.
Carly held a frustrated look on her face, "It is! It's called 'breaking the law'!"
Sunburst looked at me, his faceplate showing sudden concern - trust him to start being worried the nanoklik the situation involves breaking laws…
"I do not wish to break human law, but once the Decepticons learn of the harvester's location, they will not hesitate to obtain it by any means necessary."
I turned to the humans, "We need to move covertly as quickly as possible, even if that does involve breaking your laws."
"Okay, n-no offence, Optimus or Windswept, but covertly and giant robots don't really go together." …Jack probably had a point on us there. "Museums are public. A-And they have guards and security cameras."
"No problem!" Miko leapt to his side. "We're small enough to sneak in!"
"I'm doing this again…" Jack didn't look pleased at Carly's admission. "To add to Miko's point, we're not a government secret."
"Wh- weren't you just on my side ten seconds ago?!"
Jack's argument was becoming a losing fight. Both Miko and Carly made excellent points for our argument… shockingly. They should be able to sneak in, grab the Harvester and get out without another nanoklik wasted… as long as they don't get caught… hopefully.
"Forgive me, 'Swept, Optimus, but are we certain about this?" Please don't tell me Sunburst was still on his 'no breaking the law' train of thought.
"I agree with Sunshine. I'm not sure what Miko and Carly are suggesting is wise," Bulkhead piped up, rubbing the side of his helm.
Starlight shrugged beside me, "We could've worked out another option by now if there was one."
This was probably our only option anyway… unless Agent Fowler suddenly answered his phone. "Sorry guys, this is probably the only way."
Bulk and Sunshine gave me a defeated, but understanding look
"The longer we debate, the more time we give the Decepticons."
Optimus was right - it was time to move.
NO ONE'S P.O.V
The silent Decepticon known as Soundwave displayed an image of the Energon Harvester in a museum that had been destroyed in the battle between Bulkhead and Breakdown, with the latter quickly letting his Decepticon leaders know of his find as soon as he had arrived at the Warship.
"Mmm-hmm. That's definitely it."
"What's the play?" Moonlight wondered, eyes scanning from the twin Decepticon Seekers to the new arrivals, "Megatron, or the Harvester."
Confliction was evident in Slipstream's facial expressions. The entire reason she had scouted Knock Out was because of his advanced medical skills, which were to help in Megatron's recovery - as well as to bring along Breakdown because they were considered a 'package deal'. However, the Energon Harvester was a weapon that could easily turn the tide of the way into their favour…
"The wellbeing of our Master will have to wait for now," the Seeker eventually relented.
Starscream smirked at his twin's decision, "It's harvest time…"
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
To say it had been a while since I was out here at night and cruising around Jasper for the first time in months was a mere understatement. Nighttime in Jasper was so pleasant back when my patrols were scheduled at this time. Apart from enjoying the peacefulness, and being able to escape my thoughts, it was also fun to test out my speed and perform solo drag races down the local streets…
…Even though it disrupted the humans to the point where multiple complaints were laid against the local authorities...
It hadn't taken that long for Agent Fowler, Ratchet and Optimus to realise who was causing the sensation… Next thing I knew, my patrols were being swapped with Bumblebee, and I was now doing the day time shift. Though, it was just on the outskirts of Jasper - meaning that there still wasn't much in the way of humans out there - it just wasn't as thrilling and peaceful as it was at night.
Things changed, as you would expect, when we got our human friends. However, there was no way I was leaving my charge at night just to cause a scene up the road… I was much more mature than that… and I didn't want Optimus on my backside again.
I hated disappointing him.
Optimus lead Arcee and I, Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Sunburst down a narrow road towards the museum. In my rearview, I could see Sunshine pull up at the drive-in road. I moved out towards one area of the large car park while the others began setting up spots around the area. We were all going to be protecting ourselves along with maintaining surveillance on the museum while Aquastrike and Starlight stayed at base as our back-up in case something went wrong.
It was already going to be suspicious enough with all of us here!
"Autobots, confirm position," Optimus requested over the main communication link.
"Westward ho."
"I got east side."
"South side covered."
"Parking lot secure."
"Drive through entry exit all clear."
"Maintain your guard." Based on the sound of Optimus turning off his engine, he was also secure in his position at the front of the museum.
NORMAL P.O.V
"Jack, Carly, Miko, Rafael, Windswept and myself will have clear views of you." The four humans stood, or sitting in Miko's case, on a motorised scissor lift before the Groundbridge tunnel, listening to Optimus' plan. "Once you secure the harvester, I will contact Ratchet to bridge you back to base."
Ratchet pulled down the lever for the Groundbridge to activate, switching his attention to the lift, "Now since you'll bypass all points of entry, you won't need to worry about setting off the alarm. But take care to avoid any security guards."
Green and blue swirls formed the portal inside a narrow hallway of the Jasper museum. The motorised lift carrying the four young humans drove through. After the portal closed, the group looked around the room in view. In front of the large glass window showing the Autobot leader and Carly's guardian in the positions they reported they were in, a large, life-sized dinosaur made from bones stood tall and proud. Beside it was a Hawaiian rock statue, and beside that, the statue of Poseidon holding the exact item they had arrived to collect.
"Opa!" Miko whisper-cheered.
The group's heads turned to Optimus' truck semi form, headlights flashing to confirm they wear clear to continue onwards. Jack gave a nod in response, and pressed a button that sent the lift towards the roof where a security camera was.
Miko pulled out and flipped her phone open with an idea that had her smugly smirking. She lifted her phone to the statue, and turned the small device upside down to take a picture. Pressing two more buttons, the teenager placed the phone onto the camera with her screen in front of its lenses. She was ensuring that had a security guard been watching, the picture would show there was nothing worrisome to suspect.
…That was, if he was more concerned about doing his job than reading the weekly newspaper.
Miko held her thumbs up in confirmation, making Jack direct the scissor lift towards the statue.
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
It felt like the plan was running smoothly. The humans were doing well, and no one from around here or base was saying anything concerning.
"Optimus, we have a vehicle incoming."
So much for no one saying anything concerning.
"Hostile or friendly?" Arcee asked.
Lights suddenly appeared from the entry and exit road. The car engine noise was next… followed by a car, similar size to Bumblebee, drove in. I scanned the car into my human database quietly - an Aston Martin…
Slick.
"Uncertain. Be cautious, Optim-"
Sunburst?
I wanted to move and check on him, but I didn't activate my holoform before this car arrived… If they're human, I don't want to get any extra attention.
The vehicle suddenly wolf-whistled.
They certainly weren't human.
"Sweet rims. Twenty-four gauge. You're real heavy-duty." Why did that voice sound eerily familiar? "Just like my friend here."
Another set of lights shined onto them. A blue army-like truck suddenly drove past and activated some weapon pointing straight towards Optimus. It suddenly sent off a missile.
A heatseeker…
Optimus suddenly transformed and grabbed the missile. The force and speed it was carrying began pushing him towards the museum. But he was keeping his pedes glued onto the ground in what was obviously an attempt to try and slow down the missiles' pace. It did work… despite it sending Optimus closer and closer towards the windows… He was able to stop it in time… even though the missile had left an obvious crack in the windows.
The red car transformed into a Cybertronian… quietly pulling out a weapon…
"Heads up!"
Something hard slammed into the side of me… sending me flying in the air. I transformed and returned to my senses enough that I was able to land back onto my pedes… albeit, a bit roughly. I looked up Sunburst now fighting a blue Cybertronian.
A loud crash caught my attention. I looked back at Optimus… now on the ground.
Scrap!
Sharp… stabbing… electricity… coursed through me. I couldn't help the scream of pain I released.
It was never-ending…
…Until I felt the sharp stabbing disappear, the electricity going with it…
NORMAL P.O.V
"It's 'Cons!" Raf gasped at the sight of the Autobot leader being electrocuted by the Decepticon.
"They got Optimus!" Jack realised.
Carly narrowed her eyes at one particular Autobot on the ground struggling to stand. Upon recognition, her eyes widened in fear, "'Swept!"
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
My body felt sluggish and my vision was blurry. But I had to move. I had to do something to save Optimus.
I struggled to my pedes, looking up at the 'Con on top of Optimus.
A cold wave crashed over my form…
"You," I gasped angrily.
Knock Out glanced at me like realisation also hit him, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the enemy of my fellow acquaintance." His expressions turned into smugness. "Heard from your sister lately?"
Anger crashed over me. He had some nerve-
Something hard smacked into the back of me. I tumbled onto the ground loudly. My helm ached in the additional pain - it was already sore from the electric prod Knock Out must've hit me with before. I reopened my optics at Sunburst's form in front of me, his groans of pain quiet, but letting me know he was still online.
It must've been Knock Out's partner that took him out, and sent me with him.
I looked up at the 'Con still on top of Optimus. He was flashing his headlights in his partner's direction. The 'Con transformed into his army vehicle and raced towards us… towards the museum.
Scrap!
"Windswept to Team Prime, we're in need of an assist! Now!" There was no way I was going to be able to do much to stop him, let alone my weak self being able to. Calling for the others was the best play.
I heard a familiar revving sound behind me - it was Bumblebee being the first to respond. He was charging towards the army vehicle when he suddenly leapt up in an orange and black ball of smoke, and began tumbling down the carpark… crashing into Arcee.
That's it.
I started getting onto my knees. Suddenly my helm was pulled back, and something sharp appeared at my neck cables, "Move, and get sliced."
Where the frag did Moonlight come from?!
Large footsteps from high above made me look up. Bulkhead leapt off the museum roof and charged at the other the 'Con. He stopped and transformed, swinging his fist at Bulkhead and sending him straight into Knock Out and a pillar of the museum behind them…
…A loud ringing noise signaled immediately…
This mission was turning into a disaster!
NORMAL P.O.V
Alarms blared loudly throughout the building, much to the confusion of the security guard in the camera room. He turned to the camera feeds and found something immediately amiss with one of them…
Unaware of the guard catching onto the situation, the Esquivel siblings were using all of the strength they had to push the golden orb out of the statue's hand. One giant push from the pair sent the orb rolling into the scissor lift between Miko and Jack.
Carly slid down onto the lift, reaching out for her brother to help him down, "Let's get out of here!"
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
I could see Optimus reawakening in front of me… but there was nothing I could do to physically get over to him and check if he was okay. He took a lot of electrocution from Knock Out's prod, but I wasn't willing to get my neck sliced off by Moonlight.
Something red caught the corner of my optic, running quickly… towards my leader.
"Optimus!" I yelled, "BEHIND YOU!"
Knock Out leapt up with his prod activated. Optimus heard my call to him, or heard him coming, because he lifted his arm up to smack him away. Relief washed through me for a moment… until I felt the blade of Moonlight's knife press closer to my neck cables.
"Breakdown." The blue 'Con faced us. "Would you like the honour of doing something Slipstream would kill to have the chance to do?"
Breakdown activated his shoulder cannon… towards me…
All the team was down, either knocked out or still coming to…
How was I going to get out of this?!
NORMAL P.O.V
"Come on!" Miko urged once the motorised lift had returned to ground level. She pointed down the hallway. "Time to make our exit, guys!"
The two female teenagers lead the way for the group to ensure there was nothing heading their way, while the lift controlled by Jack and carrying him and Raf trailed behind them. Miko slid to a stop, and looked down the hallway where a large door blocked their exit. She raced to the toggle switch and activated it, the door loudly and slowly rising up to open. With Carly in tow, she ducked under the door, looking around when a bright light shone onto her face…
At the sudden light, Carly gasped and braced herself against the wall and out of the spotlight. She was aware that both Miko and herself were only going to worsen the trouble her friend had just found herself in if she were caught too.
Miko looked away from the guard glaring at her, "Uhhhh, wassup?"
The guard switched off his torch and shoved it in his back pocket before reaching for the teenager's wrist, "Better come with me, miss." He dragged her to his office and swung the door open. He threw her into the room, with himself not far behind.
Around the corner, Carly, Jack and Raf held expressions of concern, with the former sighing at the turn of events.
"Not good."
There was a distant sound of footsteps from the other side of the garage door… soon followed by a pair of legs walking closer to the building.
"Arcee!"
The trio raced towards the door to greet what they presumed was Jack's guardian. However, the Cybertronian on the other side bent down and pushed the door upwards… halting the trio in their tracks in fright.
"It's Soundwave!" Raf recognised.
"Awhhh, a present for us?" Another figure appeared beside Soundwave, the familiar face showing off a smug but gracious smile, "You shouldn't have."
At the familiar, preppy voice, memories of Carly's first encounter with Rebecca returned to her mind. It caused a sneer to appear on her features, "We didn't, Rebecca."
Soundwave removed himself from the door with the Energon Harvester in hand, overlooking the golden orb to confirm it was definitely the item they had been looking for. Feeling confident, he motioned for Rebecca to return to him.
"I'd love to stay and rub our victory in your scared, little faces, but we have some Energon to harvest." Using her hoverboard, the enhanced human floated up to Soundwave's shoulder. "Farewell for now!"
The silent Decepticon transformed into his aerial form with Rebecca in the cockpit. With the Harvester safely in his clawed grip below his form, he hovered upwards to the air…
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
My optics focused onto Optimus standing up. He looked over to me - it probably didn't take him too long to realise our situation.
Breakdown suddenly looked away from me at something behind the building. I followed his optics, where a Cybertronian jet was floating in the air. It turned around and sped off into the sky, leaving behind a trail of vapour smoke in its wake.
"Rebecca Rose?"
Primus, the whole Decepticon show had turned up.
"We have the Harvester. Retreat."
Scrap.
"Hmmmm…" I faced Knock Out's direction. He was putting away his Energon prod. "That would be game."
"You get lucky today, Windswept." I felt servos on my back before being shoved hard to the ground. "Say hi to my dear sister, won't you?"
Sounds of transformation noises made me look up at Moonlight, Knock Out and Breakdown all fleeing in their vehicle forms, despite blaster shots being sent their way to try and stop them. Arcee suddenly appeared in view, racing after them in her motorcycle form with Bumblebee in tow.
I climbed up my knees just as I felt someone's servo on my shoulder. I glanced up to Sunburst's face staring back at me. Relief washed through me - he was okay too.
"'Cons have the Harvester!" We looked at the museum where Jack, Carly and Raf were appearing from.
"And security has Miko!"
"WHAT? I'm going in after her!" Bulkhead was curling his fists.
"Bulkhead." Optimus put his arm out to stop him. "Miko may be detained, but she is safe from harm."
He was right - our concern now was the weapon that just fell into our enemies servos…
NORMAL P.O.V
In the office room where Miko was detained, the teenager could do nothing but watch as the security guard tapped away impatiently for an answer from her.
"Look, kid. If this is some kind of prank, you need to know that the authorities are on their way. It'd go a whole lot easier for you if you just told me what happened to the sphere."
"I was researching my history report. I just lost track of time and got locked in here after closing," Miko whined in an attempt to lie.
"So what's your history report about? I'd love to know." The security guard smirked knowingly.
Miko gaped at his question, "Uh…"
If only she had done the history report she had been assigned…
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
"In all likelihood, Starscream and Slipstream will use the harvester to gather as much Energon as quickly as they can, from the planet's otherwise un-mineable Energon deposits. Approach with extreme caution." Optimus switched on the Groundbridge tunnel. "Starscream and Slipstream will not hesitate to turn the harvester on any one of us."
The next best course of action for us was to try and locate any Decepticon working on Earth, so Optimus deployed Bumblebee, Arcee, Sunburst and Starlight separately to find them. He was the next one going to be heading out.
"Bulkhead, it is best that you remain here."
"So I can bust Miko out of the museum?" Bulkhead asked eagerly.
"So you can help Ratchet," Our leader corrected, "You may be Miko's guardian, but she requires human assistance. Agent Fowler remains her best option." He turned to Aquastrike and myself. "If back-up is required, be ready."
I was too distracted by Bulkhead's face of shock at Optimus assigning him to base to nod at his instruction. He was frozen, jaw metaphorical nanokliks away from hitting the floor as our leader left base in his vehicle form.
"You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday."
"Still no answer." Raf's tone was apologetic. He had been trying to reach him since we got back.
"Fowler's lounging around some poolside cabana." Bulkhead walked up to an Energon crate, lifted up his fist and slammed it down hard…
"Bulkhead, I NEEDED THAT!"
…onto Ratchet's frame welder.
"We can free Miko if we can just return that harvester to the museum!"
"So the Decepticons can steal it all over again?"
Bulkhead looked away at Ratchet's retort and looked ready to smack himself upwards in anger, "I am so dumb!"
"Don'tcha be slammin' ya head on that wall! Y'ain't stupid," Aquastrike scolded.
"How are we going to get Miko out?" Carly asked worriedly.
"By returning this replica to the museum." Ratchet held up the replica orb he'd been working on. "The construction of which would be going a whole lot faster if Bulkhead hadn't just mangled my FRAME WELDER!"
"We're already trespassers and thieves," Jack noted.
"Let's add forgery to the list while we're at it!" Carly was obviously still unhappy with how everything had gone this evening.
Bulkhead groaned in frustration, "I wish I had never taken Miko to the…" He suddenly froze in Aquastrike's direction. "The painting of the harvester isn't the only thing we found at those ruins!"
"I'm sorry?"
Bulkhead looked at Ratchet, "Starscream and Slipstream aren't dumb! No matter what kind of tool they have, they're gonna take the easy route!"
…By taking the easy route… he meant going back to the site of the initial location!
"Told ya y'ain't stupid," Aquastrike grinned, "Now let's go on 'nother field trip!"
NORMAL P.O.V
Vehicon scouts guarded the area of the excavation site, where many of the Decepticons stood and waited for their next move.
Starscream smirked victoriously, "Why move mountains when we have a motherload of Energon right here for the taking?" He proudly lifted up the Energon Harvester.
"Courtesy of Ancient Autobots," Slipstream smirked.
"Uh… actually, Commander Starscream, Slipstream." The twin Seekers turned to the pair of Knock Out and Breakdown. "It was a gift from Breakdown and myself."
"Excuse me, Mister 'I-do-nothing-but-check-myself-out-five-times-in-a-day', it's actually a present from Soundwave and I." Knock Out glared at Rebecca Rose floating into view between himself and Breakdown. "Don't get your well-rehearsed grovels mixed up."
"Watch the tongue or we'll have you as a new science project," Breakdown warned.
"Newsflash lugnut, I already am one!"
Annoyed at the unnecessary squabble that was erupting, Slipstream snatched the Energon Harvester out of her unsuspecting twin's grip and held it out threateningly towards Knock Out, Rebecca and Breakdown. It caused the trio to move away in fright, because when push came to shove, they knew that on a regular day, the Seeker wouldn't hesitate to cause serious damage to them.
The Energon Harvester activated in her grip, shining the same blue as the Energon they were fueled with. A bright blue beam suddenly began shooting in the direction of the trio of Decepticons Slipstream had been threatening. They were able to get out of the way of the beam, leading it to an innocent Vehicon guard, and immediately draining the poor soldier of its' Energon, much to their horror.
Slipstream and Starscream watched with matching and menacing smirks as the Vehicon fell to the ground, his lifeblood sucked out of him and into the Harvester. The beam eventually retreated back into the weapon once every last drop of Energon had been pulled from him.
Starscream reclaimed his hold on the weapon proudly, "All that Energon in such a tiny vessel."
"Those Ancient Autobots never missed a trick, Lord Starscream!" Knock Out exclaimed once he, Breakdown and Rebecca returned their faces towards their leaders.
Starscream held the weapon out threateningly in an eerily, similar fashion to his twin just moments prior, and once again causing the trio to cower in fear. But instead of activating like they had presumed, the silver Decepticon turned towards a rock cliff where unmined Energon deposits sat. He activated the weapon towards them and began sucking the Energon out into the weapon…
WINDSWEPT P.O.V
The Groundbridge portal had taken myself, Bulkhead and Aquastrike to the original coordinates Ratchet found earlier in the day. We had scouted for a bit to try finding any Decepticon, but so far we hadn't found anything… until we'd heard some noise over near what Bulk and Aqua believed was where the initial mural of the Harvester was.
Sure enough, here they were... using the Harvester to get the Energon out of an unmined Energon depot.
Bulkhead slid down the cliff first, Aquastrike next and me at the end. We quietly began to creep up towards them…
…Until Bulkhead stepped on something that broke so loudly, Knock Out, Breakdown and Rebecca were facing us in an instant.
"Oh scrap."
"Back for seconds?"
Knock Out and Breakdown activated their hammer and Energon prods almost immediately, charging towards us. One went to the right with his prod, the other held out his hammer ready to strike, and coming from straight in front were Rebecca's signature boomerangs.
Bulkhead and Aquastrike ducked. I jumped.
The boomerangs went flying by without laying a single scratch on us… while Knock Out and Breakdown crashed into each other. It sent Knock Out's Energon Prod flying. I reached and grabbed it, throwing it over for Bulkhead to use against Breakdown. My pedes placed me back onto the ground…
...Right in front of Slipstream's glaring smirk.
"Windswept. It has been some time."
"Not long enough," I snarled.
Something hit me so hard that I was crashing onto the ground suddenly. A loud scream made me look up… at Aquastrike being hit by the Energon beam from the Harvester.
"Aqua!" I climbed up my pedes immediately to run to her.
"Nah, uh, uh." Something slithered around my neck cables before I could move to her, pulling me backwards. "Hold still, and I won't give you a round two shock."
"Scrap you, Knock Out." I hated this 'Con so much.
Bulkhead suddenly raced into my view, heading towards Starscream. But he turned the Harvester beam on him and began absorbing Energon out from him, sending him to the ground like Aquastrike.
"You both are big ones," Starscream was smirking, "This could take a while."
Slipstream was helping Breakdown from the Energon prod he'd been struck with. I was stuck in Knock Out's grip. Aquastrike must've had a lot of Energon taken out from her as she was barely moving… There wasn't much hope for us… We were seriously outnumbered…
What could we do… What could Bulkhead do…
"Bulkhead!" I yelled, "Do what you do best!"
It seemed to get a rise out of him, because he slowly rose to his feet and took one step at a time towards Starscream, who looked panicked at the sudden turn of events.
"WAIT! What are you doing?"
"What I do best!" Bulkhead groaned weakly. He took hold of the Harvester. "Breaking things!" He swung a punch at Starscream that sent him back, letting him snatch the weapon out of the 'Cons servo.
He crushed it to stop it from taking out more of his Energon and stumbled before throwing it high into the dark sky. It exploded into waves of blue…
…While Bulkhead crashed onto the ground.
Breakdown, with his Energon prod, and Slipstream appeared before us.
"He's a glutton for punishment," Knock Out smirked.
Slipstream grabbed the underside of my chin, "Which one of you shall we start with?"
A Groundbridge portal suddenly appeared in the corner of my optic… no doubt that rest of the 'Cons heard it too.
"How 'bout none of us?" Aquastrike was standing weakly behind Slipstream and Breakdown.
Blaster fire rained down on us, more directed at the 'Cons than Aqua, Bulk or me. It was enough to have our enemies looking concerned.
"Fight?"
"Mmmm… drive," Knock Out's tightened momentarily. "Say a warm hello to Sunburst, won't you?"
What is it with these 'Cons grabbing me by the neck cables and asking me to pass on messages to my friends?
Knock Out and Breakdown fled in their vehicle forms. Slipstream and Starscream looked like they had considered staying and fighting back, but Optimus and the others were charging in fast… so they gave up and also fled to the skies…
We all moved to Bulkhead's side to check on his status.
"Hey."
He was going to be okay, Aquastrike too. All they needed was a little refueling and they'll be back to normal.
NORMAL P.O.V
"And, of course, there's the whole principle of deus ex machina, uh, the God from the machine. It's that part in Greek storytelling where some character shows up out of the blue to make everything right."
"That so, young lady? Well, I'm sure the police will want to hear all about your history report."
A large banging sound at the door stopped Miko from responding, as she watched a familiar face appear from the doorway with his badge in hand.
"Special agent William Fowler. The stolen property has been located and restored to museum premises." In disbelief, the guard looked at the security feeds, where the orb that had disappeared was now back in its original place, much to his confusion. "The girl comes with me."
The Agent pulled an item out from his jacket, "You dropped your cell phone. Found it on the floor, right next to your history report." With that, the pair walked out of the room, leaving a stunned guard behind, wondering what had just transpired.
Agent Fowler and Miko walked out of the building just in time for Bulkhead to pull up at the steps.
"Off you go." At the confirmation, the girl immediately raced to the open door of the army-terrain vehicle.
She leapt into the vehicle excitedly, "Good timing, Bulk! I was running out of history factoids, stuff I didn't even know I knew!"
"Looks like someone's a little smarter than they realise."
Miko turned to the back seat, where her best friend Carly was sitting proudly, "Under pressure."
"Me too." Bulkhead re-fired his engine and began moving out of the museum carpark.
"At least this time you can actually get a report done without using my completed work as a guide," Carly remarked smugly.
Miko was nodding excitedly, "Oh yeah! I can't wait to finish my history report! I'm gonna write all about how the Autobots interacted with ancient civilisations!"
"Uhh, I'm not so sure that'll get you into college, right Carly?"
Said teenager laughed in agreement, "Good luck passing history now, Miko."