So in this chapter I will have both Convoy and Deus Ex Machina... I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter Eleven: Memories Of You
"So would that be everything from your list?" Nightshade asked as he looked over at the notebook in the buggy.
"Just got a couple of things that I need to find on the other side of the store then we can go check out and head back." I told the mechs that were behind me as I turned towards the Pharmacy section of Walmart.
Nightshade had asked if he could join Cliffjumper and I when he heard that we were going to the store, which we had no problem with. Plus it would allow him to interact with more humans. Also gave him a chance to try out his holoform. Dark brown hair and slight tan skin, looking to be in his mid to late 20s.
We just finished getting things on the grocery side and I needed to get a few things that were on the opposite side.
"So what else do you need to get?" Cliffjumper asked from behind me and I glanced at the list.
"All I need to get now is some Allergy pills and some feminine products... and perhaps a large thing of duck tape to tape Miko to a chair the next time yall go on a mission so she don't follow." The two behind me laughed at the last part.
Yeah, Me and Blade had given Miko a lecture of suspicious behavior and how easy it is to become a hostage, as we all witnessed with what had happened to me. I even told her that it would have been her had I not shoved her out of the way. Highly doubt that she really listened to either of us but did threaten to knock her upside the head the next time she pulled any more of her stunts.
As we got to the Pharmacy area I made my way to the Allergy section before going through each box looking for the one that I usually take. "Ha, there you are." Picking up two boxes of Allegra and placing them in the buggy before crossing it off the list.
"So, what are these Allergy pills?" Cliffjumper asked curiously as he glanced at the boxes I had placed.
"It's a medication that helps people who are allergic to certain pollen and plants. It helps relieve excessive sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, plus other symptoms people may have. I have to take Allergy pills because during certain seasons I can feel a change in my sinuses and I will have a hard time breathing through my nose and will start sneezing more often. It can also trigger if I go to different states within the U.S. It all depends of what is around me." I explained as I also grabbed a bottle of Advil.
Turning to the two behind me I can clearly see the worry in their eyes.
Chuckling at the looks, I patted their shoulders. "Ain't nothing to worry about, It isn't something that I could be hospitalized for. Plus, there are a whole lot of people that have Allergies like me. The worst seasons for allergies are Spring and Winter. Winter mostly because of the weather changes." They seemed to relax a bit at that as they continued to follow me to the Home Improvement aisle.
"Oh slag, you're actually gonna do it huh?" Nightshade snorted as I grabbed a large thing of duck tape. I gave him my best innocent smile. "Whatever do you mean?"
He rolled his eyes and shook his head in amusement before smirking. "Better let me help if you do it."
Returning the smirk. "Deal."
Making our way to the checkout area I decided to go to the self checkout since I find it better for me since I am a bit of an introvert and not too much of a fan of interacting to a lot of people. Also cause I am pretty fast of checking myself out.
The mechs handed me the food first and I would scan and bag them and Nightshade would put the full bags into the buggy. With the three of us doing this, we were finished in a couple minutes. Paying for the stuff, we headed out towards the two familiar Dodges.
We placed the bags in Nightshade before Cliffjumper ran the buggy to the cart return and back. I hopped in Nightshade as we headed back to base.
On the half an hour drive back as we jammed out to music and talked about different topics, and of course this bot decided to bring up a topic that I was hoping to avoid.
"Oh yeah? So are there any mechs that you are interested in Shadow?" He smirked as my eyes widened at his question as Cliffjumper came to mind.
"O-oh, uh n-no! W-what would make you think that?" I sputtered like an idiot as I became very interested in the passing trees and buildings.
"Because your face is red." Primus, frag it!
"I don't know what you are talking about." I muttered as I rested my head on the window. How did we even get onto this subject in the first place?
"You should tell him how you really feel."
My head snapped to his as he kept his head facing the road. Don't tell me he knows that it's Cliffjumper.
Eyes downcast as I hugged myself. "Ain't like it would do any good. I'm human and he's Cybertronian. There's no way he would share my feelings. And even if he does, I won't live long enough." Saying it out loud makes it feel so much more painful.
His hand squeezed my shoulder but I didn't move.
"And I have reason to believe that you are wrong. On both accounts. So you need to tell him. I want you to follow your Spark, Shadow." I wanted to believe that he was right but all I can think about is getting laughed at and being rejected... or worse, the two of us actually getting together and I remain human. I don't want him to go through that pain. "Ok." I said just so he would drop it knowing he more likely didn't believe me but I don't care at the moment.
The base finally came into view. As we went through the open door I saw that the kids and bots were in the command center doing various things. We stopped by Windblade as he stepped towards us and Nightshade rolled the window down.
"Need any help with the bags?" He asked as I shook my head "Nah I think we got it but thank you." He nodded as Nightshade got as close to the steps as he could, Cliffjumper stopping right behind us.
Getting out I opened the back door and started loading as many bags as my arms could take. Jumping though when I turned around to see Cliffjumper nearly chest to chest with me.
"Yeah, no, I'll be taking some of those so you don't end up falling down the steps." He then proceeded to grab half of the bags on each arm before he started up the steps. All I did was gawk at him before following with the few bags he left for me.
"Uh, excuse me sir, but I always do that." I retorted as we entered the kitchen with Nightshade behind me with the rest of the bags.
"And how often do you lug all these bags up this many steps?" He retorted with a grin. My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Damn Fragger.
"Ok, fine, you got me there. Mom had a ramp built on the porch since her, my step dad, and Aunt were fall risks. Still had steps on the porches though, but we hardly used them." Sitting the bags on the table, we started taking everything out of the bags.
"I need all the cold stuff together." Grabbing the milk, cheese, and lunch meat, I went to put them in the fridge while the other two searched for other cold foods.
Then I started on the dry stuff, with Cliff putting some of the snacks where he knows that it goes.
"So, what's your go-to meal to make?" Nightshade asked as he handed me a case of Jack Daniels wine coolers. Yes, I had to buy myself a case since it's been a while since I had a drink. Plus they are really good.
Placing the case on the counter for a second before thinking. There's a lot that I have made thanks to Pinterest and Renee.
"I would have to say my favorite would be the Korean Beef and Rice. It's an easy meal and tastes so good. In fact some of the groceries I got today were so I could make it tonight."
Grabbing the case again I decided that I would put it on top of the fridge, though lifting it up over my head proved to be a slight challenge until a pair of arms suddenly came over mine and lifted the case the rest of the way. Looking over my shoulder I felt my face heat up when I saw just how close Cliffjumper was to me.
"Thanks Cliff." I offered him a small smile. He flashed me his signature grin. "Anytime Shadow."
I proceeded to pretend that I couldn't see Nightshade smirking at me.
"Prime! PRIIIME!"
The three of us jumped at Fowler's yelling. Wait, don't tell me we're already jumping straight into Convoy?!
"What does he want now?" Cliffjumper whined as he and Nightshade peek out the door. Sighing, I went and grabbed a bottle of Root Beer.
"You and Shade are about to be needed, better go join them while I make myself a snack." I told them as I started to turn back around only to freeze half way before groaning, holding my head in pain.
'Don't watch Shadow! Run! Run, and don't look back!' A femme voice shouted in my head, the same one from my nightmares and repressed memory.
'There's nothing that you could have done, just know that they are no longer in pain.' Nightshade?
"Shadow, what's wrong?" Cliffjumper spoke as both mechs were suddenly by my side, my guardian holding me upright.
Taking a few more deep breaths as the pain subsided I finally looked up at their concerned faces.
"Heard the same voice from the repressed memory from the Scraplet infestation." Sighing as I rubbed my temples. Before any of them could say anything I walked past them and towards the door.
"Come on, let's go. We got a fun day ahead of us." I said sarcastically as I made my way down the steps, Both mechs transforming in front of me while giving me pointed looks.
"I'm fine, really." I told them as I made a straight beeline for Windblade, who lowered his hand down for me.
"-smash and grab for the D.I.N.G.U.S." Fowler voiced as Blade lifted me to his shoulder, sitting in my usual spot.
"The what's-it?" Arcee stood by us confused.
I snickered as I leaned closer to Windblades head. "At least it not called a Dingaling." Mech nearly snorted as he brought a hand to his face. Shaking his head before smirking at me.
"That's just not right."
"Dynamic Nuclear Generation System. Aka, D.I.N.G.U.S." He pushed a button and the screen switched to show the big metal cube strapped down before it went back to Fowler.
"It's a prototype energy source I'm transporting to the Coast for testing." The agent explained before Ratchet scoffs.
"Pff, that's absurd. Why would Starscream bother with such primitive technology?" I rolled my eyes at that as I leaned forward a bit to where I could see the doc better. "Not everything that humans make is weak and useless, especially if it's something made by the Government." I retorted as Ratchet raised a brow at me.
"She's right. I'm guessing to make a big fat primitive weapon of mass destruction. If this baby were to melt down, it would irradiate this state and the 4 next door." Didn't realize that it would feel good to have a mostly angry government agent actually agree with me.
"Uhhh, did Agent Fowler say what state he's in?" Raf looked at all of us nervously. When his eyes met mine I gave him a reassuring smile. Not to worry, none of that will be happening.
"I'm a sitting duck here Prime. I need you to spin up your bridge and send the D.I.N.G.U.S to its destination before the Con's come back for it." He demanded. Boss bot shook his head.
"I'm afraid that sending such a volatile device through a ground bridge is out of the question. If there were to be an accident during its transmission, the radiation of which you speak could propagate through the ground bridge vortex and harm all 50 states, and beyond." Optimus explained as Fowler gave him a look.
"Ya got any better ideas?"
"We will deliver the device in vehicular mode." Optimus stated as a thought popped up. "So how long of a drive will that be?" I asked out of curiosity as Windblade sat me down on the platform near the console.
"From here to the West Coast will be roughly a 7 hour drive." Nodding as I looked at the bots with a smirk. "Have fun."
The bots, minus Ratchet, transformed and sped through the vortex. Cliffjumper gave me a salute before joining. I decided to sit against the railing while scrolling through Pinterest.
Ratchet I can hear telling Optimus that he's locked on their location and should arrive by sundown. Yeah, probably not.
Not twenty minutes later I got a message from Cliffjumper that nearly had me laughing. 'It just hit me that Fowler said a 7 HOUR DRIVE!'
I just sent him the face palm emoji. Then, 'That's what happens when you don't pay attention.' He responded with a glare emoji to which I actually did laugh at.
"What you laughing at?" Raf asked as he sat next to me. I showed the boy the conversation.
"Oh, just the fact that my lovely guardian wasn't paying attention to the fact that it's gonna be a 7 hour drive." He chuckled as he saw the emoji's sent between us.
"Oh, no, Bee just messaged me saying that he not liking the whole 7 hour drive doing the speed limit behind Optimus and Fowler." I burst out laughing at that. Of course Bee would be hating this like Cliff is.
Around the half hour mark we finally hear Fowler over the com-link. "That's the one! The Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?" At this point Raf and I were snickering at the ridiculous names Fowler threw out. I would feel sorry for the poor Cybertronian that had those names.
"Check your rear views." Bulkhead spoke through. "Feeling a little constricted without the use of my fists here Boss."
"Remain in vehicular form until absolutely necessary." Optimus orders.
"I really don't like being surrounded like this." I can hear Cliffjumper groan in irritation, Ironhide agreeing.
"A whole team of Con's." Fowler commented, causing Ratchet to stare up at the monitor.
As we looked at the screen, nothing changed and there weren't any enemy pings. "What? I'm not picking up anything. They must be utilizing cloaking technology." Ratchet commented in thought.
"Did the Vehicons get a cosmetic upgrade or something?" Windblade asked before we could hear a muffled voice.
"Well I'll be dipped." What kind of saying is that Fowler?
"Our assailants are not Decepticon's, they are human." Optimus' voice rang throughout the command center.
"What?" Ratchet and the boys questioned simultaneously in shock.
"Oh please! Taking on our bot's? they're road kill!" Miko exclaims with a grin. Shaking my head I stood up along with Raf.
"Not this group." I got up closer to Ratchet so I could see the screen better. All the while getting looks from said bot and kids.
"I assume you know what group we are dealing with?" Ratchet inquired as I looked up at him.
"Unfortunately, yes. They refer to themselves as M.E.C.H. And on a scale of 1-10 on how dangerous they are? They a solid 50. With their leader Silas hell bent on creating his own army with the latest most advanced technology. Meaning M.E.C.H will become a common and VERY dangerous enemy to both Bots and Cons." I explained as I turned back to the screen when I heard a crash then an explosion.
"Autobots, maintain your cover and apply minimal force. Disarmament only." Optimus instructed. I shook my head.
"They're relentless." I muttered under my breath. It's very difficult to out smart them, and I can't tell them too much info on how things play out.
More metal on metal sounds can be heard over the com before we heard a man's voice comm over Fowler's walkie, even though we couldn't make out the words clearly I knew that it was Silas. Fowler was not a happy camper as he demanded information from the terrorist leader.
"Arcee, you're about to be up." Heard Cliffjumper say as a small explosion followed by Cee's rev shortly before a slightly bigger explosion was heard.
"That car exploded a bit too close for comfort." Bulkhead grunted. "Yeah, no slag!" Nightshade exclaimed.
"Think the humans inside survived? '' Bee wondered. I huffed.
"In all honesty, I hope not. The less of them, the absolute better." I turned to Miko who whistled. "Like the way she thinks." She comments with a grin.
"Optimus, prepare to enunciate phase 2. 5 miles ahead to the south you will reach the rendezvous point." Ratchet instructed.
"Understood."
At this moment I realize that Soundwave is more than likely to come across our conversation and reporting to Starscream this minute.
"There it is! " Bumblebee beeped. They must have reached the train. Won't be long before the Con's come to say hi with their fists.
Wasn't long before they moved the D.I.N.G.U.S and exited the tunnel. "Air support?! Ours or theirs?" Fowler questioned, confused.
"Neither." Was all I said as 6 blimps blinked on screen.
"Optimus, you got company." Ratchet warned.
"Please tell me that we are not still under the 'Stay in vehicular form' order, cause I believe that this would be that 'until absolutely necessary' moment." Ironhide growled.
"Agent Fowler, I'm afraid that if you and we are to survive, It has become absolutely necessary to drop our cover." I smirked at the image of the man freaking out as transforming can be heard.
"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tail pipe!" Of course we got Bulkhead being one of the many masters of one-liners.
"Time to get the horns!" I burst out laughing at Cliffjumpers line before the sounds of battle began.
The only thing that has me curious is how long this battle will be since it's 6 vs 8 instead of the original 6 vs 4.
Suddenly there was a loud bang and a grunt from Optimus before he became unresponsive. I threw my arms up in shock.
"HOW?! There's 8 of y'all!" I shouted, wishing that I was there to see JUST how the frag O.P. managed to let one sneak up on him.
"Optimus is down!" Miko stated the obvious.
"M.E.C.H's gonna grab the D.I.N.G.U.S! We need to think of something quick!" Jack stressed.
"Like a phase 3?" Raf asked at the computer he was sitting at.
"Okay... Come on... Think!" Jack paces a little. "Alright, if M.E.C.H wants the D.I.N.G.U.S then they must get on the train first." Jack turned back to us.
"Then we get on first." I declared as Miko's face lit up. "Yes! Run some human-on-human interference."
"Absolutely not!" The medic instantly objects.
"Yeah, that'll be suicide." Jack agrees. I gave the 16 year old a pointed look. "Then how else are you planning on getting to the damn thing first?" He just opened and closed his mouth.
"Hello! The United States of total meltdown! Lives are at stake!" Miko snapped from beside me.
"Yes! Yours!" Ratchet raised his voice. "Not only do you want me to bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 mph? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong- mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!..." He started listing off before trailing off when he noticed the looks he was getting for the last one. "Well, maybe not the last. Regardless, it is nearly impossible to fix the ground bridge coordinates on something moving at that speed!"
"Would it help, if we had access to the train's coordinates?" We turned to see Raf typing away on his laptop before projecting the train's location on the monitor above. "Well..." Ratchet trailed off still unsure.
"Ratch, trust me, it will work." I said, giving him a reassuring smile. Ain't no way i'm telling them that the tracks get blown, but we still make it out unharmed.
Finally he sighed before punching in the coordinates and activating the bridge.
"I'll remain here to monitor the location and to hack into the tracks if I need to." Raf tells us as my phone rings. Seeing that the caller I.D. says Home. Looking at Ratchet in confusion.
"So we can communicate with you once on the train." Nodding, the three of us made our way to the open bridge before running through. Yeahhh, sticking to landing was never an option as I fell between Jack and Miko.
Standing up I brought the phone up and pushed the speaker. "We're in."
"We read you Shadow, the comlink- cell phone patch works." Raf confirmed as we heard the loud sounds of a helicopter above. Jack opens the doors and looks up as the noise gets even louder to the point I almost dropped the phone in favor of covering my ears.
"Raf, M.E.C.H is landing on top of the train." Jack calls out.
"In about 20 seconds you're gonna come to a fork, brace yourselves." I barely heard him but knew exactly what he was saying.
"Hold on tight!" I shouted as I grabbed a handle on the opposite side of the train cart just in time for the train to take a sharp and sudden turn, nearly flinging the phone out of my hand. When the train straightened out I heard Raf shout in surprise. Welp, no more help from Raf.
The sound of the helicopter landing had us looking up. "What did that buy us? 10 seconds?" Jack looked defeated.
"Rafs losing his touch." Miko commented as I shook my head.
"Ain't Rafs fault, we ARE dealing with a military terrorist group." I defended the young boy. The moment the saw started cutting through the roof I ran for the Ax on the wall. I'll be more intimidating than Miko.
The other two followed me as Jack grabbed the fire extinguisher and I passed the phone to Miko. Winching as the sound of the metal roof hit the floor.
Looking up we see 3 masked men come into view as I narrowed my eyes and took on a fighting stance, tightening the weapon in my hands. "I highly suggest you gentlemen get back on the chopper, or else there will be bloodshed. And it won't be ours." You could hear some of the southern oozing out as I noticed the two beside me give me looks before Jack raised the extinguisher.
"What she said!" Trying to maintain a dark murderous look I had taken all the inner strength I had to not burst out laughing at the poor un-intimidating teen.
The men seemed to be whispering something before retreating back.
Jack and Miko looked confused as I dropped the Axe and went to the door. The two soon joined me as we saw the chopper lift off the train. "Wow, we're pretty fierce." I snorted in amusement. Yeahhh, sure we were.
Then what I was waiting for came into the form of a rocket missile flying over us and hitting the tracks with a loud boom.
"Whoa!" Jack exclaimed in horror before he went inside the cart with Miko while I stayed at the door.
"Ratchet, M.E.C.H blew the train tracks! You need to bridge us outta here, the soldiers too!"
"We lost access to the train data. I can't bridge you back without your coordinates!" I can hear Ratchet start to panic.
"Maybe we should jump..." Miko suggested as Jack looked at her as if she grew another head. "At 90 mph!" The boy exclaimed.
"Don't give out the will just yet. Prime's here to save the day." I said as Optimus started to speed buy.
"Everyone hang on!" I warned as I grabbed Miko and the door while Jack grabbed the other side of the door. Jolting hard as the Prime grabbed the front of the train, but something didn't seem right, It didn't feel like we were slowing down fast enough.
My heart rate skyrocketed as the thought that the train won't stop soon enough flooded my mind. No, this can't be how it ends!
Another sudden jolt had me screaming in fright as the train started slowing drastically till it finally came to a halt and I felt myself drop to the ground with my eyes closed and a hand over my heart, ignoring the two now bickering teenagers.
"Shadow! Are you alright?" Cracking an eye open to see Nightshade peering into the cart worriedly. Grunting as I sat up before taking a deep breath and nodding.
"Yeah, thank Primus you helped Optimus cause the train didn't seem to be slowing down fast enough." I stood up on slightly shaking legs as I made my way to his waiting palm.
Turning to the sound of engines we see the rest of Team Prime arriving. Everyone transformed, Ironhide waiting till Fowler got out to join.
"Shadow, why in the name of Primus were you three doing on that train?" I grimaced as I saw how upset Cliffjumper was.
"To, um, stop them from getting the device. I knew that nothing bad would have happened to us." Mumbled as I glanced at Windblade who was also upset.
"You say that but things can still change." Windblade pointed out as he crossed his arms.
Nightshade sighed as he lowered me to the ground. "I just thank the All Spark that the three of y'all are alright." He motions to a now open ground bridge.
I look over to see Ironhide loading the D.I.N.G.U.S onto the back of Optimus before he turns to the rest of us. "I will escort Prime and Fowler the rest of the way to the destination." Nodding, I followed everyone into the bridge.
As the others took the children home, I made a beeline for the kitchen, ready to make me some Korean Beef and Rice.
*The Next Day*
"Remember that time the four of us almost got trapped in that shack in the Sea Of Rust chasing after those twin Keishans?" I smirked as Bulkhead groaned.
"Only cause my clumsy aft tripped and hit the trap switch." The mech rubbed his face at the memory as I chuckled.
"I will say, those two would have had us if not for the hidden key Blade found. At least that was better than what Jacko planned to do." Now it was my turn to rub my face remembering how the Wrecker suggested that he could blow up the door.
"That small of a space would have done more damage to us than that fragging door!" Bulkhead exclaimed in disbelief causing me to laugh.
When I woke up this morning I decided that I was gonna spend some time around Bulkhead since I have been juggling the three mechs that seem to always hover over me, not that I'm really complaining. Cliffjumper I love being around... which doesn't help the damn feelings I've developed for the red bot. Windblade is my partner who's also like a protective brother. And Nightshade? Well I really enjoy being around him, even if I don't remember him yet, though if I did then that would help me figure out just why he's so fragging protective of me.
I had a whole ass lecture from Nightshade last night as I was eating my dinner. Which triggered some more memories of the bot during the night.
The memories, however, hadn't revealed if he was a friend or actually family, but it did show that we were close. But I decided that until I am 100% sure on just who he is to me, I wasn't gonna say anything. I don't want to get their hopes up anymore.
So I sought out the green Wrecker this morning while being thankful that I didn't run into Cliffjumper only to see his disappointment when I told him that I won't be with him today.
I, however, did see Windblade. Told him that i'll be hanging out with Bulkhead, to which he understood. Pretty sure it was 30 minutes later that I got a message from Cliff with just a smile emoji that had the tear. I responded back reminding him that I did say that I wanted to spend time with EVERYONE when I first arrived at the base.
We spent the first few hours dune bashing, which was actually really fun, and I'm sure Miko will be pissed if she finds out we went without her. The last couple hours we just been driving around town blasting music and talking about different missions that we've been on.
"Hey, so what time do you think Miko will get out of detention? I think she said that it usually lasts an hour." Bulkhead looked at me unsure before glancing at the time on the dash. 3:32pm.
Pulling my lips into a straight line I shrugged. "Don't get me a lyin." I said as he started for the direction of the High School while a familiar song from Slash Monkey came over the radio and Bulk started jamming.
Wait a minute... Don't tell me...Are we gonna have a surprise field trip to Greece today?
My body started moving to the beat of the song as we parked, and of course not 2 minutes later a familiar Asian girl made a beeline for us.
She must have noticed me in the front seat cause she hopped in the back before leaning between me and Bulk, whom I might add was giving her a look.
"Miko, I thought you had a history report to do. Did detention end early?" He sounded like he already knew the answer to that.
"Did for me." The girl grinned while putting on her seat belt as I shook my head.
"Ah oh, here comes teacher, and she doesn't look happy. Step on it Bulkhead!" I grunted as the little fucker kicked my seat trying to hide but gave the wide eyes mech a nod to pull away.
"Awe, Miko." He groaned as he hit the gas. When we got out of city limits I turned to the trouble child.
"Miko, you can't be skipping detention." she turned away from my stern look.
"Miko, I'm your guardian, not your getaway car. I agree with Shadow. What if your parents found out?" Bulkhead questioned thinking that would get through to her. If Only.
"They live in Tokyo, remember? And don't even worry about my host parents, I think I scare them." Yeah nope.
The wrecker sighs as he looks at her through the rear-view. "Listen, if you fail High School you can't go to uh cesh- casha-" I had to look out my window to hide the ever growing grin at his stumbling over the word 'College'.
"Wait wait wait, what's that work again?" He asks us as we pull into the base.
"'College' Bulk, the work you're looking for is college." I told him as Miko and I got out so he could transform.
"Yes! Thank you!" He said as he gave the girl another look, who in turn groaned in frustration.
"Ugh, you sound like my parents."
"Aren't they Japanese?" Bulkhead looked at us confused as Miko started to walk away. "They may speak a different language, but you say the same things."
"That's because we want the best for you. And that means making sure you go to school, not jail."
"Ah oh, what ya do?" Jack questioned from his place on the platform, slightly amused. I looked up at him with a small smirk.
"Decided that she would have a short detention." I then looked around but the only other bot that was in the room was Bumblebee, who waved at me when we locked eyes. I returned the gesture. "Hey Bee, where are the others?"
"Optimus and Ironhide went on patrol. Arcee, Cliffjumper, Windblade, and Nightshade should still be in the training room. Also Raf had chores to do at home but i'm about to go get him." Bee beeped.
"Thanks Bee." I nodded before I glanced back at the scene near me all the while wondering how that training session was going with the other 4.
Bulkhead knelt down. "Look, Miko, before I became a warrior I was a laborer. Construction. I could build stuff. I could break stuff. And that's it." Who wants to bet that the only word she heard was 'break stuff'?
"I love breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you Bulk!" She looked determined as I tried not to laugh at the mental image of Miko trying actual Construction. What she doesn't realize is that most of these companies require some sort of college degree, whether from a university or a community college.
That was the moment the monitor started beeping. "Why would you wanna be like me when you could be a medic, like Ratchet?"
"I'm detecting a fresh energon pulse, from a nation called 'Greece'. An ancient city, quite historic I believe." Ratchet interrupted as I couldn't help the smile at the fact that Ratchet was listening in on Miko and Bulkhead's conversation. So he does care about the children's futures.
"Ancient Greece huh? Ohhh Field trip." Bulkhead caught on pretty quick with a grin and Miko gasp and bounced excitedly, oblivious to the real reason.
Ratchet handed Bulkhead a scanner before activating the ground bridge. "Mind if I tag a long?" I asked as he transformed.
"Sure, the more the merrier." Laughing as I got into the back seat this time before driving through.
"We're here!" Bulkhead announced as we got out and he transformed. Miko ran towards the edge of the stage looking area we are at.
"Sweet! So what are we doing in Greck-O-Ville?" I raised a brow at the ridiculous name. Bulkhead comes up beside us. "Shadow and I are looking for Energon. You're doing research for your history report."
"You punked me Bulk? Not Cool!" The look of disbelief she gave him finally caused me to break out laughing as I followed the Wrecker. "You were in on this too, weren't you Shadow?"
"Well, of course." I looked at her over my shoulder before winking and sticking my tongue out.
The scanner started beeping faster. "Hmm, the signals strong." We looked out to where we saw a bunch of construction equipment. "An excavation site."
"Whoa." Miko breathed as we looked at each other. "I know construction. According to my scanner, humans hit energon veins, and they don't even know it." He looked around. "Whoa." I followed where he was looking before I saw it in the distance.
The Energon Harvester.
"That's Cybertronian." Bulkhead breathed in disbelief. "Why would ancient Greeks paint an Energon Harvester?"
"You know what that round thing is?" Miko snapped a picture of the painting. "You're smarter than you let on."
"Bit even dumber than he looks." Shit, nearly forgot about Breakdown. I thought as we turned around to see the blue Con.
"Breakdown." Bulkhead glared as said con laughed.
"Miss me?"
"Like rust in my undercarriage."
"You know this lunk head?" Miko asks, bringing his attention to the two of us, and it may have been my imagination but I could have sworn he faltered for a second.
"We have a history." Really Bulk? We gotta be throwing puns out at a time like this?
"And you have a pet. Does it play catch?" Say what now? There's two of us humans! Not One! My eyes widened when he broke off a large pillar and brought his arm back.
"Catch!" Fuck! Frag! Shit! He launched the pillar, and though it seemed to be aimed a tad bit farther above us I still grabbed Miko's wrist and pulled her towards the left as Bulkhead blocked the pillar from hitting us.
"Miko, Shadow! get down!" Doing as he said I led us to a stone step that we knelt behind and looked up in time to see Breakdown and Bulkhead go flying over our heads. Miko and I got up and started running after them as they tumbled a bit before Breakdown yeeted the Wrecker into the painting of the Harvester.
"Oops, hope the pretty picture weren't too important." The Con mocked as he looked over his shoulder at us. We slowed in our step, wondering if he was gonna try anything else towards us, but instead he just transformed and sped off.
When we reached Bulkhead he groaned.
"See? I told you I was good at breaking things."
"No, that was Breakdown yeeting you into a wall and the force causing it to break. Him, not you." I grinned as Miko came up beside me. "I always got your back Bulk. Got us a picture of the picture." She showed him the photo on her phone.
"Good thinking Miko, now we just need to report back to Optimus." He got up and called for a bridge.
Once through I saw that everyone was in the command center, except for Cliffjumper and Arcee. Glancing at the nearest bot to me, who happened to be Nightshade, I was about to question their whereabouts when said bots walked into the room. Arcee seeming neutral while Cliff seemed to be in deep thought.
Making a beeline for the red mech he finally snapped out of whatever he was thinking about when I got close enough. Smiling, he lowered his hand to me.
"Hey, have fun today?" Raising me to his shoulder I got myself situated as I held on to a piece of metal. And there's that damn humming sound again, where the frag is that coming from? But instead of questioning the strange sounds I chuckled with a 'yeah'.
"Though we all are about to have some more fun here in a bit." The sarcastic way I said I had him grunting.
"Ohh, Primus, what happened now?"
"Walk closer to the group and you'll find out." He sighed in defeat as he made his way over to the others.
"-indeed an Energon Harvester, a powerful tool created by the ancients. To remove raw energon from any source." Optimus explained.
"Greek gods knew ancient Autobots?" Raf looked between the other two beside him in confusion.
"No. The ancients often used the art of a given era to conceal messages. This Frisco is likely a signpost, indicating the harvester's location. Hidden somewhere on this planet."
Jack looked up at the Prime in worried realization. "Um, Optimus? If the Harvester removes Energon from anything, and you all have Energon pumping inside you..." The teen trailed off.
"In Decepticon hands, the Harvester would be a devastating weapon."
Miko turns to her guardian. "See! You were a genius to total that painting." Breakdown threw him into it!
"Miko's not wrong. How can the con's find the Harvester without the Frisco?" Arcee agrees with the girl.
"With high speed internet, if you do an image search for 'Greek God' and 'Golden Orb', this pops up." Raf shows us the picture of what looks to be a statue of Poseidon holding the Harvester. "That the real deal?" Arcee glances at the now worried Prime.
"Contact Agent Fowler."
This is Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday.
"I hate talking to machines." I wanted so badly to pop off and say 'but technically y'all would be considered machines'.
"Great, so that means we gotta do this ourselves huh?" Cliffjumper muttered as I nodded. "Yup."
"Without Agent Fowler's direct aid, we will have to confiscate the Harvester on our own." Optimus declares as Jack's eyes widened.
"Whoa whoa whoa, Confiscate? As in steal museum property?"
"That sounds... illegal" Raf sounded unsure.
"I do not wish to break human law, but if the Decepticons were to learn of the Harvesters location, they will not hesitate to obtain it by any means necessary. We must act covertly." By this point Jack looked like he was about to die of stress overload as he scratched the back of his head.
"Okay, no offense Optimus, but covertly and giant robots don't really go together. Museums are public and they've guards and security cameras."
"Noo problem! We're small enough to sneak in! And we're not a government secret!" Miko leaps between the two boys.
"Miko, I'm not sure that's wise." Bulkhead remarks uncertainty, Cliffjumper and Nightshade agreeing.
"How else are we gonna beat the cons to getting it?" I questioned as my guardian glanced at me and looked like he was about to say something before Optimus beat him to it.
"But it may be our best option, Bulkhead. The longer we debate, the more time we give the Decipticons." Optimus told the Wrecker.
"Still don't like this." Cliffjumper told me as I gave him a reassuring smile. "I know you're worried for me, but we will be just fine. We got this."
The Prime explained the plan to us. Two bots will cover each side of the building before they will send us inside. Bumblebee went to retrieve the yellow lift that we will be using. I had Cliffjumper set me down on the lift as I looked at the controls, the other three soon joining me. Ratchet activated the bridge for the bots.
"Please, for the love of Primus, do not get caught." Cliffjumper pleaded as I gave him a lopsided grin before saluting.
"Aye sir."
He gave me a pointed look before transforming and driving through. I'm not the one you need to worry about getting caught. I glanced at the Asian who seemed way too excited for this mission.
It didn't take long before Optimus' voice came over the com. "Jack, Miko, Raf, Shadow. Ironhide and I will have a clear view of you. Once you secure the Harvester, I will contact Ratchet to bridge you back to base."
Ratchet changed the coordinates and activated the ground bridge. "Now, since you'll bypass all normal points of entry, you won't have to worry about setting off the alarm. But do take care to avoid any security guards." We nodded before Jack took to the control panel and sent us through.
Raf and I looked around fascinated, but I will say that I like the museums in Dallas better.
"Opa!" Miko whispered as she spotted the Orb'. All the while I'm over here amazed that she even knows how to perform a 'whisper'. Looking up we saw O.P. and Ironhide flash their light at us, signaling that they can see us.
Jack then rose the lift up to the camera above us, careful to not get in front of the device.
Miko brought out her phone before taking a picture of the statue and placing her phone screen in front of the lenses. After that was done Jack brought us up to the Harvester. And by Primus it's huge!
Jack and I lifted Raf up onto the hand and we started to try pushing the thing... key word being 'try'. Fragging thing weighs a ton!
A sudden crack of glass had us turning towards the window to see Optimus and Ironhide looking back at us with a missile in their grasp. The moment the two of them turned back we could see electricity shooting up Prime before quickly moving to Ironhide, causing them both to collapse. Then we see Knockout jumping on top of Optimus and jabbing the pole into his neck.
"It's Cons!" Raf gasped.
"They got Optimus and Ironhide!" Jack stated the obvious worriedly.
"Come on stop gawking and lets get this fucker down." I urged them as I climbed up to join Raf. "You and I push." I instructed as we both used our bodies and all our strength against the Harvester. Loud pounding can be heard across the roof and I still to this day wonder how in God's green Earth that ceiling didn't collapse nor that damn security guard heard it!?
With the two of us pushing we noticed that the Harvester was starting to move some, however we gasped when a broken pillar flew through the windows triggering the alarms and the jolt that followed allowing us to successfully push the Orb onto the lift. I quickly grabbed Raf and the stone hand so we didn't fall 50 feet to the ground. Jack and Miko helped us down to the lift before Jack lowered us.
"Come on guys, time to make our exit." Miko jumps off the lift and starts running back the way we came. Rolling my eyes because I know for a fact that she's not gonna pay attention and get caught. Jack followed after her until I told him to stop at the next corner.
The boys jumped off to peak around the corner when we saw part of a flashlight beam. Busted!
"Not good." Jack said quietly before suddenly calling out Arcee's name and both boys ran forward.
My eyes widened. Scrap! That's not Arcee guys! I thought panically as I threw the lift in reverse back into the main room where the sound of the bots fighting can be heard.
Looking around frantically for a place to hide this thing only to realize just how small this Goddamn place is. Absolutely no other hallways except the one I just came from.
"Damn it! Damn it all to Hell!" I whispered yelled before my breath hitched in my throat when I heard a noise behind me.
Slowly turning around I came to face the hovering tentacle. He didn't immediately go for the Harvester. Only seemed to be watching me as I slowly sidestepped with my back against the railing, ready to leap over and make a run for it if he made a move for me.
What felt like forever the tentacle slowly moved down to grab the Orb and retreat back, finally allowing me to release the breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Slag." I cursed as I got down from the lift and beelined it for the broken window, seeing as that is the closest way out. Careful not to cut myself I made it out just as Knockout started to turn around and leave. He hesitated when his eyes landed on me before blaster fire forced him and Breakdown to retreat with Arcee and Windblade hot on their afts.
"Con's got the Harvester!" I yelled out, causing the rest of the bots to turn towards me. That is when Jack and Raf came running from behind the building.
"And security has Miko!" Raf called out as Bulkhead's eyes widened. "What? I'm going in after her." The green bot was, thankfully, stopped by Optimus from raiding the already damaged building. "Bulkhead, Miko may be detained, but she is safe from harm." He reassured the worried guardian.
Hearing footsteps beside me I turned to see Nightshade giving me a slightly concerned look. "You good?"
"Yeah, place so damn small, there was nowhere that I could hide the Harvester." I sighed irritated as he gave me a small smile. "At least he didn't do anything to y'all." He looked like he wanted to say something else when the ground bridge appeared near us and we all filtered in.
Prime and Ratchet didn't hesitate in sending everyone to as many unmineable Energon hotspots as possible.
"In all likelihood, Starscream will use the Harvester to gather as much Energon as they can from the planet's otherwise unminable Energon deposits. Approach with extreme caution. Starscream will not hesitate to turn the Harvester on any of us. Bulkhead, Windblade, you will remain here." Kinda surprised that he would order Blade to remain behind, but now that I'm thinking about it now the two of them can double team the cons instead of just Bukhead. There might actually be a chance that we will bring the Harvester back to base.
"So I can break Miko out of the museum?" I nearly facepalmed as Bulkhead asked eagerly. No Bulkhead, you won't be able to help her this time.
"So you can help Ratchet," Optimus corrected him. "You may be Miko's guardian. But she requires human assistance. Agent Fowler remains her best option." Bulk watched as he disappeared into the bridge while Windblade handed Ratchet some more metal for the sphere.
This is Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday. We turned towards Raf who had tried contacting said Agent again, unsuccessfully. "Still no answer."
"Fowler's lounging around some poolside cabana." Bulkhead growled before pounding his fist into the closest object, which happened to be Ratchet's tool that he had beside him, causing the medic and Shadowhunter to jump in surprise.
"Bulkhead, I NEEDED THAT!" Ratchet cried out. You know? I could probably get rich if I got a dollar for every time I heard Ratchet say 'I needed that'.
"Really Bulk!?" Windblade threw his arms up in defeat that nearly had me snickering.
"We can free Miko if we can just return that harvester to the museum." Bulkhead said as I now started to snicker at Windblade who now has his arms out gesturing back and forth between the partly built orb and the broken tool as if saying 'what do you think we are trying to do here?'.
"So the Decepticons can steal it all over again?" Ratchet looked like he was about to throw a wrench at the poor Wrecker.
"...I am so dumb!" Bulkhead moaned as he put both his hands on top of his head. Windblade huffed before leaning against the platform.
"So how are we going to help Miko?" Jack asks as Raf joins him.
"By returning this replica to the museum," Ratchet holds up the soon to be sphere. "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. Why not add forgery to the list?" Jack remarked sarcastically as I glanced up at him. "On the bright side, our list isn't near as long as the Cons list."
Bulkhead groaned. "I wish I never took Miko to the..." And now he's starting to realize it. "The painting of the harvester isn't the only thing we found at those ruins!"
"I'm sorry?" Ratchet asks, confused.
"Starscream's not dumb!" Uhm, I call bullshit! "No matter what kind of tool he has, he's gonna take the easy route!"
"Energon, that's right. That was the original reason for sending you out there." Windblade pushed himself off the wall.
Bulkhead told Ratchet to open a bridge to where we were earlier that day and at first Ratchet started to decline until Windblade piped up that he would go with Bulkhead so he wasn't alone.
After Ratchet bridged the two of them out he started bridging everyone else back, all the while I couldn't help the rising anxiety on the off chance that the harvester would be turned against Windblade instead of Bulkhead.
Don't get me wrong, I would rather neither of them get hit with it but due to Bulkhead's size he can withstand it longer than Blade would be able to.
Even though It didn't take long to get everybot back and out again, it still felt like forever.
Please be alright. I silently pleaded before Optimus' voice called out for pick up. I went down the ladder as Ratchet activated the ground bridge again and the bots came in, Bulkhead being supported by Optimus and Ironhide. Then I felt my heart skip a beat when Windblade came in being supported by Nightshade.
"Blade!?" I ran towards them as he gave me a weak smile. "I'm alright Shadow. Bulkhead jumped in front of the beam before the harvester could take too much." Sighing in relief that he was still alive I started to follow them to the Med-bay.
"Optimus, where do you want me to put this thing?" Turning around my eyes widened when I saw Cliffjumper holding the Energon Harvester. Holy shit, we actually got it!?
"In storage room A-1." Came the reply and my guardian flashed me a grin before heading down the hall. I joined the others in the med-bay as Ratchet hooked an Energon I.V. to the two while Bulkhead weakly told us what happened.
"-and I was about to throw and destroy it when you all showed up." It pays to have extra bots here. I thought as I made my way up the berth Windblade was on, which was one of the lowered ones.
"You did good partner, but please don't scare me like that again." Said partner looked at me as I gave him a knowing grin before he returned a grin of his own. "You know I try not to."
"Hey, Shadow?" I looked over at Bulkhead. "I have to ask. In the original timeline, did I actually destroy the harvester?" I had a feeling someone would ask me that. I nodded.
"Yeah, you did. You did great today Bulkhead. And thank you for making sure this one stays alive." Jerking my head towards the white bot as Bulk breathed out a chuckle. "Anytime, Shadow."
Suddenly a thought hit me as I made my way off the berth and back into the command center. Making my way up towards the platform and to Raf, who was still attempting to reach the Agent.
"Hey Raf, just wondering, what number have you been using?" I asked as the boy gave me a look of confusion before showing me the number. "This is the number that the bots have for him."
Taking out my phone I pulled up Fowler's contact and looked at the two numbers he provided me. Comparing the two my suspicions had been correct.
"That's his work number. It makes sense why he wouldn't answer that phone if he ain't there. Let me try his personal phone." Before I pressed the number I turned to see Optimus not far from us talking to Ironhide and Arcee.
"Optimus, I may have found a way to get ahold of Fowler." I called out to him. They stopped their conversation and approached us. "We have been trying his work number, but I just realized that I also got his personal number." I mentioned before calling that number and putting it on speaker. We waited anxiously as it rang. twice. three times. Finally on the fourth ring there was an answer.
"Shadow, this better be important."
Ignoring the slight irritation in his voice I sighed in relief. "We have been trying to reach you for hours. I'll let Optimus explain." I held up the phone as the Prime took that as his que to explain the day's events and the situation with Miko. The Agent was understandably agitated that we, mainly the cons, damaged a museum, but he did say that he will get the girl back for us.
Half an hour later after Bulkhead and Windblade were free to leave the Med-bay Ratchet bridged the former wrecker back to the museum to meet Fowler and pick Miko up. Me on the other hand decided to ask Windblade to do some training with me. I may not be Cybertronian but I do remember how I used to fight, now I just need to re-practice with my human body.
Due to family drama, I haven't been able to write as much as I have been wanting to. BUT I'm trying, so please stick with me.
Until the next update,
Shadowstalker Out!