CHAPTER 9
And So It Begins

Trevor was glad to have Bumblebee, because the tension in the room could have been cut with a butter knife. For the most part, the men other than Bannacheck and Prior were beyond suspicious. But given Bannacheck was the big boss, there was no sign of anyone disobeying orders. Just in case however, Bumblebee did not let Trevor down from his shoulder, having decided it wasn't a safe move. Trevor had to admit, the action reminded him oddly of a father protecting his child. But he tried to push any thought of that to the back of his head. Even if Bumblebee intended it that way, he would be gone from Earth soon if all went well, nothing like that was happening.

Even if a part of him had to admit, it wasn't the worst idea in the world. In fact, a part of him liked the idea of living under the care of Bumblebee once it was all over. It was better than going into foster care, and living with people he knew nothing about. He chewed his lip, of course, he didn't know Bumblebee that well either he guessed, he'd only known the mech for two days. Even if it already felt like a lifetime with how close they were getting. "Hey," Trevor turned as Bumblebee grabbed his attention. "Energon cube for your thoughts?"

"Nothing," Trevor shook his head, taking a deep breath. "It's just, nothing."

Bumblebee didn't believe him, not even for a second. If there was one thing Trevor seemed to have, it was a tell when something was on his mind. But given they were approaching their destination in the Hoover Dam, he decided to put it out of his processor for now. "I'm sure you're wondering how we already knew you existed," Bannacheck began, staring up at the scout. "Well it's all thanks to Mr. Witwicky's great-great grandfather, actually," He motioned to Sam for emphasis. "Back in Archibald Witwicky's journey to the Artic Circle, he brought back two important artifacts, the first of which..." He began. "Stands before us now."

Bumblebee nearly stopped in his tracks, his optics wide. It was IMPOSSIBLE, after all this time, could he still be alive? He looked over the frozen body of Megatron quietly, and took a few steps back. "Sir, you were worried about the wrong mech here," Bumblebee shook his head, pointing up at his frozen foe. "Do you have any idea who this is?"

"We call him NBE-01."

"His name is Megatron," Bumblebee replied, causing Trevor to tense up. "A warlord who started the very war which has hit your planet. He has killed countless of my kind, and caused those of us that are good, the Autobots, to fight back," He explained, turning to Bannacheck. "You said he was only one of the things Witwicky found?" The man nodded. "If the other item is the Allspark, then we're in more trouble than we thought."

Trevor looked at Bumblebee, fear in his eyes. Bumblebee was right, after all, Megatron had gone after the Allspark. "What is an Allspark?"

Trevor looked over, it was not any of the agents who spoke. But rather, it was one of the military men, who seemed to be the leader. He'd heard the others call him "Lennox", and thus spoke up. "Well, uh, Lennox, right?" Trevor asked, the man nodded. "According to Bee, it's this giant cube that gives life to them. Or at least helps them to when it comes to their young." He explained. "It's apparently the only thing that can bring life to their world again too."

"But that's not all it does," Bumblebee explained. "The reason it would give life to our planet is because it's a machine of its own. More specifically, our "god", Primus. If it makes contact with non-sentient machines, it makes them one of us." He explained. "Since bonding, true procreating was difficult during the war. This is how we brought life to the frames of our sparklings."

"So, what? The cube creates infants?"

"Yes, and no," Bumblebee explains. "That is how it worked with Cybertronian technology, or with the built body of a Cybertronian youth."

Bannacheck gave a look that seemed somewhere between guilt, and uncertainty. Clearly, it was there, Trevor could tell that much from the way he looked. "The cube doesn't create babies," Bumblebee looked at him. "You're right, it's here. And we've tested it, and trust me, the results weren't pretty," He explained. "Unless your "sparklings" are supposed to have built in weapons and try to attack anything in sight."

"That's what we were afraid of," Bumblebee explained, crossing his arms. "Before we left Cybertron, we attempted this on a planet not too far from ours. When we tried it on the technology of the peaceful species we had an alliance with," He shook his head. "Whatever it was, was no sparkling. It reacted negatively to it, and nearly wiped out everyone there." He shook his head. "The Allspark was not built for anything other than Cybertronian technology."

"So the creature reacts to it like a virus," Trevor guessed. "It can't handle its sentience and just, loses control?" Bumblebee nodded his head in response. "Imagine if the Decepticons know that. If they got it, and used it on human technology," Trevor shuddered at the thought.

"It'd be catastrophic," Lennox agreed, shaking his head. "Our whole world runs on technology."

Bannacheck nodded slowly, crossing his arms a little. He looked back up at Megatron, then around at the rest of them. "I don't suppose using the same principals we've used to develop tech through studying him counts?" Bumblebee shook his head, and his face fell slightly. "Then we need to get that cube out of here. Take it somewhere safe."

"The only safe place is back on Cybertron, with us," Bumblebee replied. "But we're not leaving here without a fight. It's only a matter of time before our enemies, the Decepticons, find out what we know."

Lennox seemed to tense at the thought of this, his eyes traveling up to the scout. "You're telling me more of those things are probably coming?" Bumblebee nodded his head slowly, to which the man grimaced. "How many of your group are on Earth?" He questioned.

"Five, including me."

"You'll need back-up if this turns into a fight," Lennox stepped forward. "My men and I make up forty. It's not much, but we can help if it comes to that," He then turned to Bannacheck. "So long as you have a weapons storage room."

"Of course," The man nodded, then turned to Bumblebee. "We'll need to move fast if what you say is true." He added, pointing towards the left. "You'll find the cube this way."

Bumblebee hadn't taken a single step before the ground shook slightly. His optics widened, and his cannon came out, panic entering his optics. Trevor gripped the mech's shoulder, fear entering his body almost at once. It was clear that the Decepticons were here, if Bumblebee's reaction was anything to go by. "You might want to make it double time," Bumblebee told him. "I think we've got company."

The panic that was shot through everyone at that moment was far from unexpected.

...

Trevor watched quietly from the sidelines as Bumblebee approached the Allspark several minutes later. The cube was definitely not what he had expected, it was massive, big enough that it took the whole hangar to contain it. Yet, all it took from Bumblebee was two hands in the right place, and everyone was watching as, to their surprise, the cube began to transform. Slowly growing smaller and smaller until it was small enough to fit in Bumblebee's hand, or under a human arm, he surmised. It was a bit of a shock, but one he was pulled out of as a hand settled itself on his shoulder.

Trevor turned to see the military man, Lennox, standing behind him. The man was now fully armed, and clearly ready for a battle that most there was sure was coming. "So, you really think these guys can be trusted?" Trevor nodded his head, to which the man nodded his head. "You realize if this is all an act, more people are going to die today, a lot of people."

"Trust me," Trevor commented. "The Decepticons killed my parents yesterday. If he was lying? I wouldn't be defending him." He explained, running a hand along his hair. "If anything, I wish I could arm myself with you guys. I wouldn't mind taking down a few of them." He added.

Lennox gave a look of sympathy, but nodded his head. It definitely was not an argument that he could find a flaw behind. He knew with so many of his friends dead, if he were in Trevor's position, he'd feel the same way. "Can't let you do that," Lennox shook his head. "But I'll get an extra shot or two in for you." Trevor nodded his head, with a sigh. "Listen, your job's going to be to get the cube to Mission City, it's not far from here. They're working to get in touch with the Air Force, so we'll use this as a rendezvous point. Hopefully with more firepower we can easily get it out of the city and to... Wherever he wants this thing."

"They got communications here?" Trevor asked.

"Short-wave radio," Lennox nodded. "It's not much, but it's the best we've got."

Trevor didn't like the sound of those odds, but still sucked in a breath. They didn't have much of a choice at the moment, or any options for that matter. As Bumblebee approached, Trevor stared up at him. "We will follow your lead then," Bumblebee replied. "I've gotten a hold of the others, and they will not be far behind. Prime says to move now though."

The ground shook again, causing Trevor to nearly fall off balance. At this point, Bumblebee wasted no more time, transforming into his vehicle mode. As he did, he deposited the Allspark into Trevor's hands. "And if that didn't already make it clear, we need to move, now." Bumblebee commented, popping open his front doors. "Lead the way, sir."

"Captain, the name's Captain Lennox." Lennox offered, then turned to his men. "Alright boys, you heard the mech! We escort them to Mission City, our main priority is to protect that Cube, and hide it in the city. At least until we can figure out the best way to get it off-planet." He then shouted. "Let's move out!"

Trevor wasted no time getting into the driver's seat of Bumblebee. Slowly, Sam approached the Camaro, leaning down and looking inside. "I'm staying behind. They're going to need help defending this place while they get the radio going," Sam explained, looking at Trevor. "You're really going with them? In the middle of what's about to become a war-zone?"

Trevor was silent, knowing very well that Sam made a point. He was driving right into the heart of danger, with the chance that he might not come back being very high. And yet, he knew that despite what Sam was saying, he had to help. He wasn't about to abandon Bumblebee through a whole battle, not after everything they'd been through together. "I'll be okay," Trevor finally managed. "I've got Bumblebee. And either way, we're going to be in battle." He nodded at the chaos that was running through the entirety of Hoover Dam. "Just promise me that you won't die on me too."

Sam shook his head, giving Trevor a fist bump, the closest thing to comfort he could give in the chaos. "And if you don't come back in one piece?" His friend retorted. "I'm going to bring you back just so I can knock some better sense into you."

Trevor nodded as Bumblebee's door slammed shut. With a look of worry, Trevor took one last glance of Sam before they were following a row of military vehicles out of the Hoover Dam. Trevor sighed, leaning back, and watching as the world zoomed past him at expectedly high speeds. It was clear that no one wanted to take this slow, they were short on time, and they were all on edge. "Trevor," Trevor looked down at the radio. "You could have stayed behind with Sam, you know."

"I know," Trevor muttered. "But I meant what I said, Bee. We're in this together. Start together, finish together." He said firmly.

Bumblebee was silent for a long moment, but felt bad. What would Trevor be doing if he hadn't screwed things up at Bobby Bolivia's? He imagined him safe at home, with his family, not a care in the world. But now, he was anything but: he was homeless, orphaned, and about to charge into a battle he was too young to be a part of. "I'm sorry you had to even be a part of this," Bumblebee finally spoke up. "If I could go back and change things, I would."

Trevor swallowed, unable to say that he wouldn't. He would change things, he would save his parents, he would stop Bumblebee from being tortured, he'd change a lot of things. Yet, even with all that had happened, he could say one thing. "I would too," Trevor replied quietly. "But there's one thing I wouldn't change, and that's meeting you," He explained. "I'm glad I bought that old clunker from the scrapyard."

Bumblebee was silent again, though it made him feel good in some ways. He couldn't deny he wished he hadn't. He may never have met the boy that he'd come to care about as much as he did, but at least he'd be safe. And not orphaned, not alone like he was until Optimus found him when he was ten vorns old and living on the streets. He knew what this felt like, and no matter how much time passed, unless he figured out a way to help him; he'd feel guilty. Maybe, if he stayed on Earth he could help him. But what would the human government say? Would they let a giant robot take responsibility for a human boy? Let alone a giant robot that was one of the youngest of his kind?

And could he even be a father? Was he even ready? That was a very good question, one that he wasn't sure of the answer to. Especially when in truth he hardly knew the boy. Only enough to know that he liked him, and wanted to see him given a good home and life. One like he was allowed when a young Optimus Prime had taken him off of the streets and into his home. "Here they come," Trevor commented, turning around and watching as Optimus and the other Autobots drove down the line of military vehicles. "I don't think the 'Cons are anywhere around though, so that's a good sign."

"Not entirely," Bumblebee replied. "It's never good when they're quiet. That usually just means more trouble."

Bumblebee pulled off onto the interstate, and was not far from the city before all hell broke loose. Trevor was the first to notice Barricade, his mouth grimacing and hatred boiling in every bone in his body. He wanted to leap out of Bumblebee, he wanted to storm over there, and jump on Barrciade, and rip him apart. But of course, he was human, and, as if reading his mind, Bumblebee forced him to stay in his seat by tightening the seatbelts. "Come on, kick his aft," Trevor craned his neck enough to see the Autobots block his path. "Kill him twice for me!"

"Trust me, give me five seconds alone with him," Bumblebee growled. "There won't be enough left of him for his carrier to recognize."

A second later, Optimus was transforming as a large Decepticon tackled him over the overpass they were on. Trevor's eyes bulged, uncertain of how that would end up. "That guy just smashed into Optimus like a linebacker!" Trevor shouted. "Shouldn't we stop? Y'know? Help him?"

Bumblebee chuckled, the boy had a lot to learn about the strength of their "fearless leader". He turned into the city quickly, speeding up a bit. "Trust me, kid, Prime can take care of himself," Bumblebee told him with a chuckle. "He's suffered worse, and quite frankly, he'd not be happy if we went back for him. Our job is to keep the Allspark safe."

Trevor nodded, taking a deep breath, as he fumbled with the cube. It was only now he was feeling the true weight of holding the fate of two worlds in his hands. Silently, he swore he wouldn't take the task lightly. Fate had given him this task for one reason or another, and he would not let the Autobots down. Bumblebee slowly stopped and popped open the door, allowing Trevor to climb out so he could transform. Bringing his cannon out for battle as Trevor kept firm hold of the Allspark. The military vehicles stopped quickly in response, with several of the men, including Lennox getting out.

"I take it the other vehicles are the rest of these," Lennox began.

"Autobots," Trevor nodded his head. "I'd give introductions, but I don't think we're going to have much time. So, what do we do? Hold off whatever's coming until we get the air force down here?"

The African American man directly next to Lennox, who he'd heard called "Epps", seemed to look up at the comment. "That was fast," Trevor's head shot up, noticing the large jet that was flying low over the city. "Nah, that's flying way too low, way, way too low." He muttered, then began to speak into a radio. "Raptor, do you copy?" The static spoke volumes.

"It's STARSCREAM!" Trevor heard Ironhide scream behind him.

Upon instinct, Bumblebee leapt forward, swooping up his charge and rolling to the side as a barrage of bullets shot at them. Most of the military group was able to get out of the way in time to avoid Starscream, though one or two, Trevor noticed, went down. "You okay?" Bumblebee asked, looking down at the boy in his right hand.

"Fine," Trevor shook his head. "Please tell me that was a mistake, and not a 'Con. You guys can't fly, can you?" He asked nervously.

He was answered when a large helicopter flew over head, transforming in mid air and transforming some feet in front of them. The hulking Decepticon sent chills up Trevor's spine, this was looking worse and worse by the minute. As he held the cube close, there was only one thing he managed to say out loud. "We are so majorly screwed," He muttered under his breath.

Bumblebee hoped he was wrong.

...

A/N: And so begins Mission City! WOOT! :D