Chapter 2: Tension Part 1
System-wide transmission of the United Nations of Sol detected:
Office of the President:
(An image of the President in his office appears.)
"My fellow citizens of the United Nations of Sol. Today, I come to you with historical news that will forever shape the future of our species. I have no doubt many of you have heard about the rumors of strange events happening around Luna. Of battles against fleets of unidentified ships. Those who reside on Earth and Luna have even claimed to have seen flashes of light across the night sky."
"Today, I will be laying those rumors to rest."
(President Blum taps some controls)
(Images of a green vortex appearing near Luna flash across screens across the UNS. Then ships of unknown design come out of it.)
"Your eyes are not deceiving my fellow citizens. These ships are not of UNS design, nor are they ships coming from the League of Independence. They are, in fact, not of any human design. On June 3rd, 2674, at 18:37, the forces of the Lunar Defense Fleet, under the command of Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell, made first contact with an alien race known as the Cybertronians."
(Images of the Cybertronians flash across the transmissions. The citizens are at first excited, then surprised as they are treated to the images of the living machines.)
"Again, your eyes do not deceive. The Cybertronians are a cybernetic race who are not simple machines built by another organic race. They are living machines who evolved on their homeworld of Cybertron."
(Images of the metal planet are then shown. At first, an overview of the planet is shown, a shining grey metal ball in the night. Then, images of some of its most iconic sites are shown. The Crystal Seas, Icon, and many other sights are shown. They are breathtaking in their beauty and scale.)
"This is truly a momentous occasion in our history as a nation and as a species. For the first time ever, a question that has been asked since the dawn of time has been answered. Are we alone? I am pleased to tell you today that the answer is no. There are others out there, we are not alone. However,"
(The images of a pristine Cybertron are replaced with what it looks like today. Humans everywhere are shocked by what they see. Cities were left in ruins, once breathtaking landscapes were reduced to wastelands, and the glowing planet they saw was now a dull, lifeless grey ball.)
"While this is a moment to celebrate, with it comes tragedy. The Cybertronian people, like us, are a people divided."
(Images of the two Cybertronian factions fighting are shown.)
"As you can see, the fighting left their homeworld lifeless, and its people scattered to the stars."
(The Autobot ship Ark is shown fleeing Cybertron, pursued by the decepticons.)
"One of their factions, the Autobots, attempt to flee their dead homeworld. With them, they carried a precious cargo that would be the salvation of their species. However, they were pursued by their enemies, the Decepticons."
(The fleeing battle between the Ark and the Decepticon warships is shown. Then, a green vortex appears in front of the Ark, identical to the one that appeared near Luna. The Ark is shown going through it, with the decepticon warships following close behind.)
In an act of desperation, the Autobots used what they call a Spacebridge, in laymen's terms, a wormhole. By mere chance, they appeared over Luna.
(Once more, the Cybertronian ships are shown approaching Luna.)
"From there, our forces contacted the two factions of Cybertronians. Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell attempted to mediate the situation, fearing a possible battle in our solar system."
(Admiral Cartwell's message is broadcasted, and with it, the responses from the Autobots and the Decepticons. Many are relieved that the Autobots were willing to listen to reason. The Decepticons, however, are a different story.)
"While the Autobots were willing to hear the Fleet Admiral out, the Decepticons proved to be a different story."
(The conversation between Fleet Admiral Cartwell and the decepticon calling himself Starscream is shown. Many are put off by the decepticon's arrogance and dismissal of the Admiral. Then came the moment that would forever be seared into the minds of the humans across the United Nations of Sol. One of the decepticon warships turns to face the Lunar Defense fleet and fires its weapons. Billions gasp in horror as the cruiser Resolute is destroyed.)
"Without provocation, the deceptions fired on the fleet, destroying the cruiser Resolute. It is with a heavy heart that I must report that all hands were lost. With the destruction of the Resolute, hostilities were initiated between the forces of the Lunar Defense Fleet and the decepticons."
(Horror is replaced with crowds cheering as the Decepticon warship is obliterated by several UNS warships. Then more images of the battle are shown, Human warships going toe to toe against their decepticon counterparts. UNS fighter craft ripping apart the vehicon fliers. With the destruction of each decepticon warship, cheers erupt, and each UNS warship down is met with somber silence.)
"Through the brave actions of the people of the Lunar defense fleet, the aggressors from the Decepticons are repulsed."
(Two deception warships are shown limping back through a green vortex.)
"But not without a cost. Six warships were destroyed, and five others were heavily damaged. More than two thousand lives were lost due to the actions of the Decepticons. But this would not be the last time that human blood was spilled by the Decepticons."
(The Autobot ship is shown crashing into the Lunar surface.)
Due to the damage, it sustained, the Autobot ship was forced to make a controlled crash landing on the surface of Luna. Thankfully, no one on the ship or Luna was killed or injured by the crash. From there, our people made official contact with the Autobots."
(The people of UNS are treated to the sights of their first autobots. Of the interactions between humans and autobots, who looked like titans.)
"But this peace would last for a short while."
(The attack of the Decepticon strike on the Ark was shown. Once again, people are horrified to see squads of soldiers vaporized by the decepticon weapons.)
"But once more, through the efforts of our brave soldiers, this time aided by our newfound Autobot allies. The Decepticon assault was quilled, and a prisoner was taken.
(UNS soldiers are shown fighting alongside their Autobot counterparts. One by one, the decepticon soldiers are cut down until only one remains who surrendered.)
"Because of this battle, much trust was earned between our two peoples. Through this trust, the Autobot Leader Optimus Prime entrusted to us the secret of why the Decepticons pursued them, even to Luna. While I won't go into detail at this moment, I was convinced that whoever controls the Ark controls the fate of the Cybertronian people. To this end, the forces of Luna prepared for another assault from the Decepticons. Which did, in fact, come a week later. This time, the leader of the Decepticons was at the head of the attack."
(The interaction between Megatron and Fleet Admiral Cartwell is shown. Instantly, the Decepticon leader's appearance causes fear, and no one believes his honeyed words. They are proven right when the decepticon fleet attacks the Lunar defense fleet.)
"The Decepticons believed they would be fighting our fleet alone. That they could break through our lines and seize the Autobot ship Ark. They thought we were weak."
(The battle is shown, UNS warships fighting back valiantly against the decepticon warships. On the surface of Luna, UNS soldiers and Autobot soldiers fight together against an endless tide of Vehicon soldiers. Hope seems lost. Until now, spacebridges are seen opening, and from it pours out the rest of the Autobot fleet. Cheers erupt across the inner solar system as hundreds of new ships enter the battle and the combined fleets drive off the Decepticon fleets.)
"But they were wrong. The armed forces of the United Nations of Sol and the Autobots worked together to defend Luna. With our combined might, we drove off the attackers."
(The Decepticon fleet is shown fleeing from the battle. With many of them being destroyed before they could reach their spacebridges. Then Megatron's flagship is shown being fired on as it enters a spacebridge and vanishes as the vortex collapses.)
"With this victory, Luna was secured, and we proved to the Decepticons that we can defend ourselves. That any offensive against our forces will be repelled and come at a great cost to them."
"But even though we found victory. It did not come without a cost."
(The Spinning wrecks of UNS warships are shown. On Luna's surface, the recovery of the dead is shown. One image that sticks in the minds of the people across the UNS is an Autobot soldier mourning over the body of his fallen companion.)
"Many ships were lost in the battle. While we have yet to have an accurate account, it is believed that more than five thousand UNS military personnel lost their lives in the battle, and the Autobots lost hundreds of their own. To the families and friends of the deceased, you have my deepest condolences. As the President of the United Nations of Sol, I am issuing a system-wide day of mourning for the lives lost in the battles for Luna. They may be lost, but their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
"To the Autobots, you to have my condolences for your losses. I honor the sacrifices that your people made in the last few days. Not just for the future of your people but also for mine. Without your aid, I may not be giving this address right now."
"To this end, I welcome the Autobots and any Cybertronian that would join them as friends and allies. Considering the circumstances of the Cybertronian people, I will bring before the Senate a proposal to grant them refugee status in the Sol system. I implore the Senate to consider the proposal's humanitarian nature and pass it as legislation."
"More information on the Cybertronians and details on the battles will be released on the data nets shortly after this address. I will be holding a special press conference tomorrow to answer any further questions."
"Once again, to families and friends of the lost, you have my condolences. They died as heroes, and I will honor them as such. To my fellow citizens, I bid you farewell and a good day. As we navigate through these uncertain times."
Transmission terminated.
Earth, New York:
Even as the President gave his speech, events on Earth were at play. In a park in New York, a funeral service was being held for the service people who lost their lives in what was quickly called the War for Luna.
Thousands of people, families, and friends had gathered here today to mourn. Thousands more were watching through holo displays. It was a somber affair but by no means a quiet one. Many were openly weeping over the dead as the service went on.
In front of the massive crowd on a raised platform was a single coffin with flowers adorning its side. On top of the Coffin was a holo display that flashed through the deceased's faces. Priests, monks, and other holy figures from several religions recited their ritual words for the dead.
In this sea of mourning, Jack Witwicky did his best to hold back his sobs. It was a vain effort as tears were streaming down his eyes, and his face was red and swollen. Then Conner's face flashed across the display, and Jack let out a choked sob as he almost broke down.
One question was playing through his mind. Why?
Not far from the proceedings was an unusual site. Several vehicles of unknown make sat by watching the service. They were there when the service began, but no one could say how they got there. Few knew why they were there.
Optimus Prime watched the service with a growing weight on his spark. It pained him that so many lives had been affected. He wished he could do something, say something to ease the hearts of the thousands of people attending or watching the service. To tell them that the sacrifices their loved one made were not in vain.
But Optimus knew no amount of words or comfort would ever bring the lost back. There would always be that emptiness in the heart. An emptiness with which he was familiar.
Optimus's attention was partially taken off the service when he saw a familiar figure approaching them. Admiral Cartwell stopped beside Optimus, took a hat off, and held it over his chest. A while ago, the man had given a moving opening speech in honor of the dead.
The man had an impassive expression on his face, one the Optimus noted was forced. "These kinds of services are never easy," he said in a somber voice. "No matter how many times you see them."
Mentally, Optimus nodded. "They never should be," he said.
Cartwell nodded but did not turn his head away from the service. "I was a little surprised that you wanted to be here," he said. "We're still strangers to you."
Optimus turned his attention back to the service. "It did not feel right to stay on the Ark," he said. "These people died not just in defense of their homeworld but also for the future of my people. It felt like it would have been a disservice if I had stayed." Others felt the way he did and wanted to come. Wheeljack, Bumblebee, Hotrod, and Elita-One were with him. He wished he could have brought everyone that wanted to come, but that might have been hard for the human government to hide.
"I wish I could say something," he said, looking at the thousands of mourners. "Offer them something to comfort them."
Looking at Cartwell, Optimus noticed a faint smile. "That might not be the best thing to do right now," he said. "People haven't had much time to process that fact we are no longer alone in the universe. But later, when things have cooled down. Then you can say something."
Admiral Cartwell put his hat back on as droplets of water began to fall from the sky. Rain, the humans called it. Optimus noticed that the service was starting to wind down as it reached its end. A song was being played, a beautiful one that sounded somber to Optimus's receptors. But at the same time, felt hopeful.
"Uhh, Mister Cartwell, Sir," a new voice said. "Can I ask a question?"
Optimus shared the look of surprise Cartwell had as they turned their attention to Bumblebee. A door swung open in the young autobot's alternate form, and a minicon poked his head out.
Cartwell looked over at Optimus with a raised eyebrow. "He is a minicon," Optimus responded. "And no, I did not know he was here."
"Sorry, Prime," Bumblebee said. "Jix insisted on coming. I thought it would be okay if he stayed in my alternate form."
"Please don't be angry, Bee," Jix said as he stepped out from Bee. "I was the one to convince him to let me come. I wanted to see this service. A friend of mine died in that battle. At least, I think he was a friend."
In his alternate form, Optimus smiled at the minicon. "It is alright," he said. "I understand why you wanted to come," he saw the human Admiral sharing a smile.
Cartwell knelt in front of the Minicon, coming face-to-face with him. "You had a question for me?" He asked.
Jix nervously held his arms behind his back. "Y-yes, I did," he responded. "Do? Do humans have an Allspark?
"An Allspark?" The Admiral repeated with a raised eyebrow.
"It is where the spark goes after we die," Optimus explained. He was curious about what Cartwell's answer would be. He had wondered the same question.
Clarity came over the human's eyes. "I see," he said. "You're asking if we have an afterlife."
"Afterlife?" Jix questioned.
"The place we go to after death," Cartwell responded. "That's a hard question to answer, and it depends on who you asked. But I suppose if you were to ask others, most would say yes. However, what form or shape they take can change from one person to another. We have a lot of faiths, as you can see."
Optimus mentally nodded as he looked on at the service. It was strange to see a species with so many different religions. There had only ever been the Covenant of Primus or the Cult of Unicron on Cybertron.
"But again," Cartwell said. "If you were asked, most would say that there are two different places one would go after death."
"Two?" Jix asked curiously. Optimus was listening closely to the conversation, and he knew the others were as well.
Cartwell nodded. "One place is believed to be an eternal paradise," he said. "Where we can live eternally and unburdened. It is where the good and righteous go to after death."
"And the other place?" Jix asked.
"A place of eternal damnation and suffering," Cartwell said. "There, the wicked and evil shall burn for all eternity. With the deepest depths being reserved for the very worst of humanity."
"I see," Jix said. He looked over at the service. "I hope it's the other place they went to. T-the good one, not that bad place you described."
Optimus shared the thought. The place Cartwell described sounded very much like the Pits of Unicron. "Whatever form it takes," Optimus said. "I pray that they will find comfort there."
Cartwell smiled and stood up. "Amen," he said.
United Nations Senate building
President Blum turned the projector off as the service ended. The man wished he could have offered his own words for the dead. But as the President of the United Nations of Sol, he had other responsibilities. His address from earlier today will have to suffice.
Blum stood from his chair, stretching out his back, ignoring the protest it offered. He turned to his secretary. "Davis handle my calls for the day," he said. "I'll be retreating to my study for the day. I have a big day tomorrow. Notify me if something important comes up."
"Yes, mister president," Davis said.
Blum nodded and left the room. Stepping out into the main senate halls, the head of his protection detail stepped beside him. "Sir?" he questioned.
"I want to head for my personal study in the presidential residence," he said.
The man nodded. "Of course, sir," he said. "I'll have a route ready by the time we get to the car."
Blum nodded, satisfied by his guard's work effort. "Then let us be on our way," he said, walking down the hall.
A moment later, his guard spoke. "Mister President, I've been informed that a large group of people is gathering outside the senate building."
"Protesters?" Blum asked, a little worried.
His guard shook his head. "Not as far as we can tell," he said. "They appear to be people who have questions, and a lot of them." Blum nodded, he expected as much, just not them gathering in front of the Senate building like this. "Should I have them disperse?"
Blum thought about it for a moment but shook his head. "No," he said. "So as long they are peaceful, they have a right," he said.
His guard nodded. "Then I will see about clearing a path for you, mister president," he said. "What will you do when you go outside, and they see you?"
Blum already had a plan in mind. "They will have questions," he said. "I will try to answer a few of them," his guard nodded at him.
"I'll let my people know," he said.
They walked through the halls in comfortable silence. They were greeted by the passing-by, senators, staff members, and others. Blum gave his usual greetings and small words.
"Mister President, Sir," a man said, walking up and saluting him.
Blum eyed the man carefully, seeing he was dressed in a Navy uniform. He recognized him as one of the Fleet Admirals from the meetings. "Admiral Colson," he greeted the man. "Please be at ease."
Admiral Colson nodded and relaxed. "If I may be allowed to walk with you?" He asked.
Blum nodded. "Please go ahead," he said, gesturing for the man to walk with him. "It sounds like you have something important to talk to me about."
"I imagine a lot of people do," Colson commented, eyeing the people around them.
"Mister President!" They heard a voice say from across the halls.
"Speak of the devil," Blum said dryly. Then he turned to face the source of the voice. He saw an angry-looking man walking up to him. His guards around him tensed and stepped forward to stop the man.
Blum signaled for his guards to relax. The man didn't have a weapon on him. He got a better look at the man as he got closer. He wasn't a military officer, as Blum could see no uniform on him. Instead, the man has a fine-looking suit on him.
The angry-looking man stopped in front of Blum just as one of his guards held their hand out. "Mister President, I always knew you were a fool," the man said. "But this is something else."
Blum raised an eyebrow at the man and exchanged a look with Admiral Colson. He seemed to be at as much of a loss as him. But the man did strike Blum as familiar. He looked at the man. "I'm sorry you appear to have me at a disadvantage," he said carefully.
"I am Senator Oliver Herman," the balding man said. "And I represent a group of concerned citizens about your policy making. Especially of recent events."
Blum represses the wince he felt coming on. Now he recognized the man, and his group of 'concerned citizens' was a very vocal opposition against him. Chief among them was Senator Herman, a man Blum for a long time never had the pleasure of meeting in person until now.
"Senator Herman," Blum greeted the man. He noticed his guards had become more tense at the introduction. "It appears you have some concerns. But you have me at a loss for what they are. Might I ask what about my recent policymaking that concerns you and your people?"
Herman gave him an annoyed look. "Don't play games with me, Mister President," he spat out. "They won't work on me. What I'm talking about are these aliens you're allowing to stay on Luna," he pulled out a datapad and showed Blum an Image of the Autobots and their ship. "About these so-called Cybertronians."
Blum saw Colson's eyes narrow dangerously as the man. "Senator Herman, might I ask where you got that image," he asked.
Herman looked up and down at the man, seemingly unimpressed with the man. "Who are you, and how dare you interrupt my conversation with President."
"I am Fleet Admiral Vector Colson, in command of the 1st Fleet. Otherwise known as the Earth Defense Fleet. Now again, I ask where you got that image?"
Herman snorted and put his pad away. "That doesn't concern you," he said. "But it does affirm my belief that you," he looked at Blum. "Have gone over the constitution and allowed a significant threat to humanity to reside on our moon."
Admiral Colson looked like he wanted to press the issue. But a gesture from Blum stopped him. He then looked at the Senator. "Senator Herman, I still fail to see what you are getting at. How have I gone beyond the Constitution and put humanity in danger?"
Herman narrowed his eyes at him. "First off, you hide a significant event from the general population and from the Senate," he said. "The instant that first contact was made with an alien race, the people of the United Nations of Sol should have been informed. Especially when it turned hostile."
Blum remained calm. "Senator Herman," he addressed the man. "For reasons of national security, I had thought it best to keep the situation under wraps. I wanted to learn more before I addressed the Senate and the people of UNS."
"Yes," Herman said evenly. "And because of that decision, thousands of our people are dead, and the defenses of Luna left diminished. If the League were to attack, I doubt we would be able to hold Luna. Then it is just a straight shot to Earth."
"Senator Herman," Admiral Colson said. "To do that, the League would have to break through the Martian defenses. We still have them bottled up in the belt. Not to mention it would take a massive force to do what you're entailing."
Blum nodded, appreciative of the support from the Fleet Admiral. "I might also add that I doubt the Autobots would sit idly by while Luna was being attacked. They have a stake there, too," as far as Blum was concerned, Luna was now the most secure position in the entire solar system.
"Which brings me to my other point," Herman said dismissively. "You have allowed an alien armada into our territory without challenge, and now Luna is occupied by an alien force."
"Senator Herman," Blum said. "Calling it occupation would be an extreme stretch of the word. The Autobots kept to their crash ship on Luna. Aside from authorized departures, we have detected no other Autobots leaving the sit or their fleet."
"Are you certain about that?" Herman said. "We know they have transformative abilities. What makes you think they haven't infiltrated any of the cities on Luna or on Earth?"
Before Blum could counter the man, Admiral Colson stepped in. "Senator," he addressed the man. "While they do have the ability to transform into perfect copies of our vehicles. They cannot hide the one thing that makes them Cybertronian. Energon."
"What?" Herman questioned.
Colson hummed and rubbed his chin. "I see," he said. "You didn't read everything provided. So, I'll be short. Energon is their lifeblood, a substance that, as far as we know, we have never encountered. Of course, we are going through all our records to be sure. Getting back on topic, this substance causes the Autobots and, by extension, the Decepticons to give off a unique energy signature. Something that our sensors can detect. If the Autobots did try to do as you suggest, we would know about it."
Herman did not look pleased by the Admiral's assurances. "Even still," he said. "That does not preclude the possibility that these machines are a threat. As a Senator of the United Nations of Sol, I demand that you give the order to evict the autobots off Luna and that they leave our Solar system."
Blum allowed a frown to form on his face for the first time since the conversation started. "I'm afraid that is an oversimplification of the issue," he said. "The autobot ship Ark cannot leave the surface of Luna, and its FTL drive is beyond their capacity to repair or manufacture."
"Then they should abandon it," Herman dismissed. "Preferably leaving it intact so we can study its technologies."
Blum took a short breath. "Again, you are missing the point, Senator," he said. "The Ark contains a piece of technology that is beyond estimation. They will not and cannot leave it behind. It is, in fact, the reason they fled their homeworld and the reason the Decepticons assaulted Luna. You did read the information provided, correct?"
"Yes, some hogwash about some birthing chambers," he said. "Frankly, I do not believe any of it. They're machines, mister President, not living beings. They should be able to build more of themselves, not grow them. So, what is your response?"
Blum took a deep breath, trying to think of a way to put this mildly. "Think you, Senator Herman," he said. "I will take your advisement into consideration. You will have my response by the next session of the Senate," then he gestured for the man to move out of the way. "Now I must go. As you can imagine, I am a very busy man, and you must have your duties to address as well."
Blum and the rest of his group left the scrolling Senator. A short distance away, they heard the man shouting. "You won't get away with this, mister president. What you are doing is reckless and irresponsible. By allowing these machines in our solar system, you are putting humanity in danger. You are risking the extinction of the human race."
Blum tuned out the rest of the man's ramblings. He sighed and began to rub the temples of his head. "That was something," Fleet Admiral Colson comments.
Blum repressed a snort. "Unfortunately, it is something I have to deal with every day," he said. "Whenever I put a policy forward, there is always someone who disagrees with me. Although perhaps not as spirited as Senator Herman was. All things considered; I think I handled that quite well."
The Fleet Admiral let out a snort. "Frankly, mister president," he said. "If it were up to me, I would have had that man tossed out an airlock."
This time, Blum allowed a ghost of a smile to pass his lips. "Then perhaps it is a good thing it wasn't up to you," he said. "But Herman does have legitimate concerns. The Autobots can be a threat if they choose to be."
He saw the Fleet Admiral giving him a questioning expression. "You don't trust them?" he asked.
Blum closed his eyes to collect his thoughts. "I would like to," he said. "And they have already proven themselves. But as the President, I have a responsibility not just to the UNS but also to humanity as a whole. These are dangerous waters we are navigating. We must be careful."
Admiral Colson nodded. "I agree with you, mister president," he said. "But I believe these Autobots can be trusted. They're good people who have some rough times. I hope we will be able to pursue closer relationships with them."
Blum nodded. "That is my hope as well," he said. "Now, I am certain you came to me for more than just our views on our new friends. You have something to report?"
Admiral Colson nodded. "Yes, mister president," he started his report.
New York
The funeral service had ended, and much of the crowd had dispersed. Some were staying around in small clusters around the park. Jack was standing in front of a display on the platform. Names were spread across the display in clear white text. The names of everyone who died in the battles over Luna.
Jack's hand hovered over one name in particular. Conner O'Neil, he read the name once, twice, hundreds of times. Willing it not to be there. But the name was still there.
It was days after the battle, and the service had ended. But Jack still felt so numb. He wasn't sure if he would ever feel anything else again.
"Why?" Jack whispered to himself. "Why Conner? Why?" He barely noticed the droplets of water rolling down his cheeks.
"It's never easy losing someone," Jack jumped at the sound of the voice. Jack spun around, surprised to see Fleet Admiral Cartwell behind him. "Especially when it is someone you care about."
Jack stood at attention for the Admiral and saluted him. "Fleet Admiral," he said, keeping his voice even. What was he doing here?"
The man waved him off. "At ease, airman," he said. "Neither of us is on duty right now. Nor is this the time or place for such formalities," he walked beside Jack as he relaxed his body. The man looked over the long list of names. "I know what it is like to lose people."
"You do?" Jack questioned. He turned around to look at the display.
Cartwell nodded. "I've been in the Navy for a long time," he said. "Ever since I was old enough to sign up. Service in the armed forces is one of distinction and valor, but it can take a lot from you. I've lost crewmen, friends, and even a couple of times family. And most times, it was because I was powerless to stop them. I've been in the same position you are in now. Looking at a list of names and wondering if I could have done something else."
Jack nodded, understanding how the man felt. "Does it get any easier?" he asked.
Cartwell looked at the list of names, to take in everyone. "Not really," he said.
Jack nodded. "So, what are you doing here?" he asked the man. "As a Fleet Admiral, I thought you would be busy with other stuff."
Cartwell nodded. "I am," he said. "I mostly came here to pay my respects and for this." He pulled out what looked like a data slat. "This is for you."
Jack took the data slate and examined it carefully. "What is it?" he asked. He felt an odd sense of nervousness creeping up in him.
"It's a message from your boyfriend," Cartwell said, his eyes briefly going over to the list of names. "It was marked to be delivered to you should anything happen to him."
Jack gasped and held onto the data slate more tightly. He looked at it like it was precious gold. And to him, it may as well be. These were quite possibly Conner's last words to him. He looked up at the Admiral in surprise. "You didn't have to deliver this to me yourself. Someone else could have done it."
Cartwell nodded. "I felt like I had to," he said. "The Armstrong is my personal flagship, and both of you were stationed on it. I felt like I had an obligation to deliver this message to you in person."
Jack nodded. He still didn't get why the man was doing this. He looked back at the data slate in his hands. A wave of nervousness washed over him. He wanted to view the contents of the message. But at the same time, he didn't and wondered if he could bring himself to do it.
Two halves of him were warring internally. On the one hand, he desperately wanted to view the message, to hear Conner's voice one last time. On the other, he didn't want to listen to it, didn't want to see it. He wanted to hide it somewhere safe and out of sight. That way, the reality of it all would never hit him.
What the Admiral said next broke Jack out of his thoughts. "Plus, you are the son of a man who I consider to be a friend," he said. Jack looked back at the man in surprise. This man knew his father. Jack really shouldn't have been surprised by this. Both were fleet Admirals. They must have met each other once or twice. "Or at least I would like to think we're still friends. We had a falling out some years ago."
"You know my father?" he asked.
Cartwell nodded. "We used to be good friends," he said. "He was stationed on the ship I was in command of. I was something of a mentor to him. I was even the best man at his wedding." Cartwell had a fond yet sad smile on his face. "He used to get into quite a bit of trouble in his youth. There were times when I thought he was just one court martial away from being thrown out of the service."
Jack felt his eyes widen. He never knew that about his father. For most of his life, Jack's father had always been a strict, stern man. He could never imagine him as a troublemaker. "I c-can't imagine it," he said.
Cartwell nodded. "He was a different man back then," he said, rubbing his chin. "Before your mother passed.
Jack nodded that much he could remember. He remembers his father being brighter and warmer before his mom was killed. Come to think of it, that was when he stopped smiling.
He saw the Admiral looking back at the display. "I'm sorry to say that he couldn't be here today," he said. "But the war with the League continues, and the belt is as active as ever," he looked back at Jack. "I imagine he will call you sometime to convey his condolences for your loss."
Now Jack had a rueful smile on. "I highly doubt that, Sir," he said evenly. "He never approved of my relationship with Conner."
The Admiral raised an eyebrow at him. "Really now?" he said, walking away from the display. He gestured for Jack to follow. Jack gave the display of names one last look before he went after the Admiral. "Any particular reason?" the Admiral asked. "From what I read of your boyfriend's service record; he was a fine, upstanding man."
"Nothing like that, sir," Jack said. "He just believes that I shouldn't have anything to do with the Marines," he saw a surprised look on Cartwell's face. "He even tried to set me up with the sons of other high-ranking officials."
"Funny that," Admiral Cartwell said. "Your mother was in the Marines."
Jack nodded. "I think it's because of that he doesn't like the Marine Corp.," he said. "I think he may blame them for what happened."
Cartwell shook his head. "He really shouldn't," he said. The two walked up to where the Autobots were waiting. "Your mother passed in the line of duty."
Jack nodded. That was what he told himself whenever he thought of it. It wasn't as comforting as he would have hoped. "I know that," he said. "But I'm not sure if my father can accept that."
Cartwell gave him an understanding nod. "Michael was always the stubborn one," he commented. "Next time you see him, remind him of that."
Jack nodded. He wasn't sure when he would get that chance. He and his father didn't talk much anymore. "I'll try that," he said.
"Something going on here?" One of the Autobots asked Wheeljack.
Jack spared a glance over at the bot in his vehicle form. The Autobots had scanned human vehicles so they could blend in on Earth for the moment. Wheeljack took the form of a red and white sports car. Hotrod had taken a similar form while his brother Bumblebee was a muscle car. Optimus Prime, however, had taken the form of a large tanker truck.
"Just some family stuff," Jack said to the Autobots. He kept his eyes away from Hotrod. "Nothing that you should be concerned about," Jack didn't know why, but he got the impression that Wheeljack was nodding at him.
"Speaking of," Cartwell said, looking at Jack. "Perhaps you would like to join me for lunch. It would be nice to get to know one of the people under my command, especially since you are the son of an old friend. I can even regale you with tales of your father's youth."
Jack thought about it. Torn between wanting to go and fingering at the date slate in his pocket.
Cartwell noticed his trepidation and gave him an understanding look. "Or perhaps you would rather be alone," he said. "I can understand that."
Jack appreciated the man's understanding. He fingered at the data slat for a few more seconds before he decided to take the Admiral up on his offer. Conner's message could wait. "Actually, sir," he said, taking his hand out of his pocket. "I think I would like that."
The Admiral looked at him for a second, scanning him with a critical eye. It took all Jack had not to squirm under the man's gaze. "Alright then," he said. "I'll call for a transport."
"Uhh, actually, sir," Bumble said, driving up to the man. "If you don't mind, my brother and I can take you wherever you want."
Then they heard a small sound coming from Bumble. "Can I come too?" A door swung out from Bumblebee, and the Minicon Jack and Conner met days ago came out. He had an excited look in his eyes. "I want to see more of what this human city looks like. You call it New York. Wonder what happened to the old one."
Cartwell looked at Optimus. "Are you okay with this?" he asked the Autobot leader.
"It is," he said. "So as long as it is okay with you."
"If they stay in their vehicular forms," Cartwell said. "Then I see no reason they shouldn't. Remember, most people still think you're on Luna. We would like to keep it that way for the moment."
"Right," Hotrod said. "So, no stretching my legs. Hey, Prime and Wheeljack, would you two like to come?"
"Don't think so, kid," Wheeljack said. "Prime and I have some stuff to take care of back on the Ark. Plus, I imagine that the Admiral here would like to keep our group here as small as possible."
Cartwell nodded. "That's right," he said. "Even if you are in vehicular form, some of you stand out," he eyed Prime. "So, I would like to keep it to these two," he pointed at Hotrod and Bumblebee. "As for the minicon."
"Jix," Said minicon supplied.
"Jix," Cartwell corrected himself. "We can just say he's a personal mech if anyone asks."
"Then with that settle," Prime said. "We will be seeing you off. Hotrod. Bumblebee. We expect you to be back on the ship when Cartwell and Jack are done with their lunch.
"Yes, sir," Bumblebee said.
Then Prime and Wheeljack drove off. Blending in with the stream of vehicles leaving the park. Doors swung open on Bumblebee. "So, where to?" he asked as Jix stepped into the backseat.
"I know this quaint little café shop," Cartwell said, going over to the driver's side. "I can give you directions.
Before Jack could join the Admiral, he heard Hotrod speaking behind him. "Hey, Jack," Jack pressed down an unpleasant feeling in his stomach and turned to face the Autobot. He noticed the sports car had driven up a little closer to him.
"What?" Jack said carefully.
"Can I Say something?" Hotrod's voice sounded hesitant. Like he was unsure what Jack's response would be. Jack nodded slowly. "I'm sorry. About what happened to Luna, I didn't mean for things to turn out like that. If I had known if I had just been more careful." The Autobot trailed off for a moment. "I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, your mate would still be here."
Jack had the impression that Hotrod was staring at him, looking for a response. Jack was rapidly grasping and ungrasping his hands, feeling his breath getting shorter. Then he stopped, took a breath, and turned away from the autobot. "Don't worry about it," he said curtly.
Before Hotrod had the chance to respond, Jack got into the passenger side of Bumblebee. The ride through the city would be awkward, to say the least.
Unknown to them, they were being watched by parties unknown. A man watched on as Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell left with some pilot. Seeing which vehicle, they were leaving in, and activated a comm link.
"The target is leaving the sit," he said. "He is accompanied by a fighter pilot. Both are leaving in a yellow and black muscle car."
"Follow them," his benefactor said. "Then, when the opportunity presents itself, take the Admiral. We must know what he knows about the aliens."
The man nodded, motioning for his driver to follow the muscle car. "What of the fighter pilot? What do we do about him?" he asked.
"Take him too."
Bumblebee knew when his brother wasn't in a good mood. It came with the territory of being brothers, and the two have always been close.
Bumblebee knew the moods and swings of Hotrod like he knew the back of his hand. Most people would look at his brother and see an excited hothead young meche who was often in over his head. Most days, they would be right. But Bumblebee knew his brother better than that. Sometimes, what most others saw was an act to hide his deeper thoughts and feelings. Bumblebee could always see right through that act. He knew when he was happy or trying to keep back a loud laugh. He knew when he was angry and when he was trying to keep a hold of himself. And he knew when something was troubling his brother.
Right now, his brother wasn't acting like himself. He was silent and more than a bit melancholy. That told him just how much whatever his brother was thinking was weighing on his mind. Bumblebee had his suspicions when he saw Hotrod talking to Jack.
Now the question was, how should he handle this? Bumblebee thought of a few ways. In a few moments, he settled on what worked most of the time. The direct approach.
He opened a private comm link with Hotrod. "Hey," he said softly.
He felt a moment of surprise from the other end of the link and could feel his brother's gaze on him. "Bumblebee?" Hotrod said.
Bumblebee smiled to himself in his alternate form. "I thought I would check in with you. You're not acting like yourself."
"Oh," Hotrod said, trying to mask his surprise. "Am I? I-I was just thinking, that's all."
Bumblebee would have shaken his head if he were in his normal form. "Hotrod," he said carefully. "You can't hide anything from me. Remember, I'm your brother."
There was a moment of hesitation on Hotrod's end of the link. "I really am thinking," he admitted. "About a lot of stuff."
"Like what?" Bumblebee pressed.
"About home," Hotrod said. "About the war, about our future, and" he trailed off. "And other stuff."
"Like what happened on this world's lunar body?" Bumblebee said with a knowing tone.
Bumblebee could sense that his brother was smiling, a gesture that was anything but happy. "I really can't hide anything from you, can I?" he said.
Bumblebee smiled. "Brothers," he answered. "I can't hide much of anything from you either."
"Yea, well," Hotrod started. "You're still better at it. I tried apologizing to him," Bumblebee turned his gaze to Jack. He was sitting at a table talking with the Admiral. "He didn't seem all that forgiving. He said not to worry about it. But,"
"But you still are," Bumblebee finished for him. "You can't blame him. The loss is still fresh on his mind. The battle was only a few days ago." From what he had seen, the human mourning process was very similar to the Cybertronian way and was just as varied.
"I know that," Hotrod said. "Primus sake, this wasn't some close acquaintance he lost or just some friend. Conner was his mate, and it's my fault that he's gone. You remember when Sapphire died, right?"
In his alternate form, Bumblebee nodded. "Of course, I do," he said. The deceased Femme had been on his mind lately as well. How special she had been to his brother.
"Then you remember how devastated I was," he said. "What I went through and look what I did. I just put him through the same thing I went through. All because I got impatient."
Bumblebee sighed. "You can't keep blaming yourself," he said. "You did what you thought you had to. There was no way you could have known that was going to happen."
He heard Hotrod snort. "Yeah, well," he said. "Maybe I should have tried listening to you."
"Just give him time," Bumblebee said. "And give yourself time, too. He can't forgive you if you can't forgive yourself."
His brother was silent for a moment. "I know that," he said. "I guess we'll just have to be there for him. Like you were there for me."
Bumblebee smiled. "It still hurts, doesn't it?" he asked.
"I think it always will," he said. "But I think that's a good thing. It means I can still feel. That I'm still alive."
Bumblebee mentally nodded. Then he looked around at the city around them. "It's quite the city they have here," he said, changing the subject. "A historic one, too, if I read the data files right."
He could sense the appreciation from his brother for the change of topic. "It's got nothing on what we had on Cybertron," he said. "But I suppose it's nice enough. The fact that it is not in ruins doesn't hurt, either."
Bumblebee nodded. Looking at the human in a pristine state, and with so many people in it. It made the young autobot wonder if this was a small glimpse of what Cybertron looked like before the war. "And there are so many humans, too," he said, looking at all the humans walking by. There must have been hundreds or even thousands walking by.
"Yeah," Hotrod said. "It's kind of like seeing a swarm of insects moving by."
"Didn't the records say that fifteen million of them live in this city?" Bumblebee said.
"I thought they were exaggerating," Hotrod said. "But looking at these people crammed into one place. I'm wondering if maybe they understated it a little. And think about this: that is a tiny portion of the population on this planet. Not to mention throughout this solar system."
"I think there might be more humans than there have ever been cybertronians," Bumblebee said.
"In other words, they outnumber us by a lot," Hotrod said. "The Decepticons really did make a mistake when they chose to attack them. And they're not stone-throwing primitives like we would have been led to believe. Just look around."
Bumble did. Everywhere he looked, he saw signs of an advanced civilization, from the metal spires that reached out into the sky to the small handheld devices that every human seemed to carry. Even the stream of vehicles that rolled down the streets of the city showed that humans had advanced past anything cybertronians thought organics were able to.
"Makes you wonder," Hotrod said. "If we underestimated organic life. Or maybe the humans are an odd outlier."
Bumblebee was just thinking the same thing. Somehow, he felt it was a little bit of both. Then he thought about the ruins of Cybertron. He tried to picture what it looked like before the war, the kind of civilization it had. He tried to compare it to what he was seeing. Pristine cities filled with people and not rubble. Sparklings running between the legs of the older cybertronians, laughing as they enjoyed a carefree life.
He really couldn't picture it. So, instead, he looked to the streets and, in his mind, replaced the humans with cybertronians. For a moment, he found himself envious of them. "They're lucky he said," pushing the unpleasant feeling down.
He felt an acknowledgment coming from his brother. "I know what you mean," he said. "Their homeworld, I mean, it's no Cybertron. But it is nice, and they still have it. Plus, they manage to spread themselves out and establish colonies."
"So did we," Bumblebee said. "And much more so, before we lost it all."
"That was because of the cosmic rust," Hotrod said. "Without it, we might still be spread out across the galaxy. The great war might have never happened."
"Or maybe it would have been on a much larger scale," Bumblebee thought. "Maybe," he said. "They're not bad people, the humans. I hope nothing like that ever happens to them."
He could feel the mental shrug coming from his brother. "Well, they have access to our history now," he said. "So maybe they can learn to avoid what happened to us." Then, there was a moment's pause. "Hey Bee, what are those?"
If he had been in his regular form, Bumblebee would have looked at his brother questioningly. "What?" he asked, trying to look around for what Hotrod was looking at.
"Those," Hotrod with empathize. "Those little things running around. They look like miniature humans."
Bumblebee started to look around for what Hotrod was describing. It took him a moment, but his vision focused on a group of tiny humans. They were laughing with high-pitched voices and seemed to be doing something. It looked like they were playing.
"Some kind of sub-species of human?" Hotrod asked. "Like the minicons?"
Bumblebee brought up the data files on the humans and began to look for anything relating to tiny humans. Then he looked on at the small group with wonder. "No, they're not," he said softly. "They're children.
"Children?" Hotrod asked.
"They're human sparklings," Bumblebee responded. "That's what they look like before they mature."
"Really?" Hotrod said. "They look so much smaller than the other humans. Softer too. You are sure they're the same species?"
Bumblebee mentally nodded. "They are," he said.
"So those two over there," Hotrod said, sending a ping towards Jack and the Admiral. They were still having their conversation. Jix was sitting between them, listening in, and asking questions whenever they came to him, which was a lot. "When they were children, they were just smaller?"
"I think there's a little more to it than that," Bumblebee said. "Buy, yeah, something like that." It was hard to imagine miniature versions of the two humans. He even tried to picture a smaller version of Conner. It just looked funny.
"They're kind of cute, though," Hotrod said. "Makes me wonder if we looked something like when we were sparklings."
"We'll find out soon enough," Bumblebee said. "I heard the first batch of sparklings is close to coming out of the PFC. They'll be running around the Ark soon."
He heard a chuckle coming from Hotrod. "I pity whoever has to keep an optic on them," he said.
Bumblebee smiled. "Knowing our luck, it would probably be us," he joked.
"Don't say that," Hotrod said. "They know we'd be better off doing something else. Like fighting the cons. Besides, I don't think I would be good with sparklings."
"I don't know," Bumblebee said. "I think you would like it. You're loud, boisterous, and more than a bit of fun to be around. I think sparklings would love you."
Hotrod snorted. "Easy for you to say," he said. "You're the one who would be good with sparklings. With how much you had to look after me, you had to be."
Bumblebee conceded that point but couldn't help getting off the counter. "You looked after me, too," he said.
"True," Hotrod said. "We had to have each other's backs. Until we joined up with the Autobots, no one else would. You think those sparklings will have a better life than we did?"
"Of course, they will," Bumblebee responded. "So as long as we keep them out of the Decepticon's hands, they won't have to grow up on a battlefield," he was sure of that much.
He got a mental nod from his brother. "I suppose you're right," he said. Then he groans. "Primus, dammit, how long do you think we have to stay in our alternate forms? I want to stretch my legs."
Bumblebee chuckled. "I imagine we won't have to do this too long," he said. "Got to give the humans time to get used to us. Once they do, we'll be able to walk out in their streets in our regular forms."
"But I want to do that now," Hotrod whined. Bumblebee chuckled to himself as he listened to his brother rant on. Their first conversation was long forgotten.
If the two had been paying any attention, they would have noticed a black van driving up in front of them.
Jack was smiling when he put his cup of coffee down. "I don't think I ever saw a superior officer so mad before," Admiral Cartwell said with a laugh. "His eye must have been twitching for weeks."
Jack was barely holding back a laugh himself. "How is my dad still in the Navy after a stunt like that?"
Admiral Cartwell started to rub his chin. "Honestly, I don't know," he said. "But back then, he was something of a smooth talker. Probably helped that he had someone like me to bail him out of trouble. But even then, he had to clean the ship's restrooms for three months. Suffice it to say he didn't try pulling something like that again."
Jack started to shake his head with a smile spreading across his face. "Honestly, I can't imagine my father ever getting into that kind of trouble."
Cartwell nodded. "As I said, he was a different man back then," he said. "Plus, he was younger back then. But your old man was different back then, kinder, and more open. Granted, he wasn't always the best with other people. But at least he tried. The fact that your mother stuck around him was proof of that. Though I suppose that could be down to the fact she was a very patient woman."
Jack felt a bit uncertain. A part of him was glad he had learned a little bit about the man his father was before mom died. Looking back into his memories, he could see parts of that man in his father, in the rare moments where he allowed himself to slip. At the same time, though, he was glad he had never gotten to know what his father was like. It would have made the distance harder than it was already.
"What was my mother like?" Jack asked, hoping to change the subject.
He saw a knowing look in the Admiral's eyes for a moment, but it quickly vanished. "I didn't know your mother as well as I did your father," he said. "But from what I did see of her, she was a good woman. As I said, she was patient, she had to be when it came to your father. She was also kind, caring, and more than a bit sharp-witted," the man chuckled. "I was on the receiving end of more than a few sharp retorts from her," Jack smiled at the image of the Fleet Admiral being cut down with just a few words. "And, of course, she was in the Marines, so that should give you an idea of what she was like."
Jack's smile grew a little. If Conner was any indication, then his mother must have been quite the woman. It seemed he inherited his father's taste in partners. A frown briefly appeared on his lips. He didn't like the thought of having gotten anything from that man.
It was then that he noticed the third occupant of the table was looking at him strangely. "Is something on your mind?" he asked the minicon.
"I'm a little confused," Jix said. "From what I can understand of human development, your parents, your creators, are supposed to look after you, right?"
Jack nodded. "Yes," he said. "For the most part."
Jix nodded, even though it seemed like he wanted to ask more. "But your carrier, that is your mother, died. So that only left your sire, your father, to raise you," again, Jack nodded. "So why do you seem so at odds with him, and why doesn't he seem to care about how you feel? Why disapprove of your mate? Shouldn't he be happy that you found someone?"
Jack opened his mouth to say something. Then he closed it as he struggled to think of anything to say. How was he going to put it to this guy? It was hard enough to describe it with other humans. So how was he going to explain it to an alien?
Jack would be indebted to Cartwell when he spoke up. "Jix, was it?" he asked minicon. Jix nodded, looking at the man strangely. "Those aren't easy questions to answer."
Jix tilted his head to the side. "Why?" he asked. "Shouldn't he have answers?"
"Not necessarily," Cartwell said. "There is a lot more going on here than you think. And, plus, there are a lot of emotions at play here. So, it makes answering your questions quite difficult."
Jix seemed to understand a little when he nodded. "I see," he said. "I didn't think about that," he turned over to face Jack. "I'm sorry if I brought up anything difficult."
Jack nodded at the minicon. "It's alright," he said. "I know you were just curious."
"But I do have to ask," Jix said. "Your father did look after you, didn't he? Does he care?"
Jack sighed and looked up at the sky. A part of him wished he were back up there. "He did raise me," he said. "But I'm not sure what else he could have done."
"Oh," Jix said as his head seemed to sink into his shoulders. "But don't you have any happy memories with him?"
Jack thought about it for a moment. A faint memory surfaced in his mind. His father smiled down at him as he handed him a book. On the cover was a fighter craft. "I do have some," he said. "But not many."
Again, Jix seemed to deflate. "That's sad," he said.
Admiral Cartwell sighed. "Unfortunately, that is how it is sometimes," he said. "Sometimes a parent and child don't always connect with one another. And sometimes, they just drift apart."
Jack nodded. "So don't worry about it," he said to the minicon. "I'm happy with my life. I don't really need my father in my life, and I doubt he needs me in his."
Cartwell was giving a strange look, a frown creasing at his lips. "Jack," he wouldn't be able to finish whatever he was saying.
First, he heard what sounded like footsteps running up to them. Then, it was followed by some clicking sounds that sounded too similar to weapons being loaded. The people around them began to scream and shout. "Hold it right there. You're coming with us."
Jack and Cartwell looked over in surprise to see several figures holding guns at them. "What is the meaning of this?" Admiral Cartwell said, standing up.
"I said you're coming with us," one of the figures said, holding his rifle out at the Admiral.
Instinct took over for Jack as he went to his feet. "Now, hold on, guys," Jack started. "I don't know wh," Jack barely had enough time to register the man raising the but of his rifle, before it slammed into his head.
After that, a lot happened. Hitting the ground, Jack heard people screaming and saw feet running everywhere. He saw two figures move to restrain the Admiral and felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders. At one point, Jack thought he saw Jix being shot and arcs of electricity course over his body, but he wasn't sure.
Darkness took him as what sounded like a door shutting reached his ears.
Hotrod sped into action as soon as the van took off. He didn't even hear his brother call after him. "Hotrod, wait!"
The young Autobot weaved in and out of the traffic, trying to keep up with the van. But the drivers of the vehicle knew the flow of traffic better than Hotrod, who was used to empty rubble-filled streets. Nor could Hotrod use his full speed as he constantly moved in and out of incoming traffic.
Hotrod saw the van getting farther and farther away. "Damn it," he said to himself. "There's no way you're getting away from me," he didn't know what all had happened.
All he saw were some humans coming out of the van and walking up to Jack and the Admiral, holding weapons out to them. Everything after that was a blur to Hotrod. Hopefully, once he caught up with them, he could get some answers from the scrappers. That is, if he managed to catch them.
The van came to an intersection. Hotrod smiled to himself, seeing this as a chance to catch up with the kidnappers. He sped out into the intersection, ready to follow them in whatever direction they would go. He was so focused on catching the fleeing kidnappers that he almost forgot to pay attention.
The sound of a loud truck horn tore Hotrod from his attention. An instant later, he screeched to a halt, swirling to his side, and almost getting hit by the incoming truck. The truck, too, came to a screeching halt, passing Hotrod by. Unfortunately, this one truck had a cargo trailer attached to its end, preventing Hotrod from being able to pursue the Kidnappers any further.
Hotrod cursed himself. He had just lost the kidnappers. "Can this day get any worse?" he asked. Then, he cursed again when he heard law enforcement vehicles.
"Did we lose them?" The man said, looking through the back window of the van.
"I believe so, sir," another man said. "We got lucky with that truck coming by. By the time that gets sorted out, we'll be long gone."
The man nodded. "Good," he said, looking over at their captured targets and the extra they picked up. "I'll inform our client we have the target," he activated the comm link, inputting the wave frequency given he waited for a moment.
The client picked up. "I hope you have an update," he said.
The man nodded. "We have the target," he said. "We also captured the fighter pilot that was with him and," he looked at the robot they offlined. "We captured what appeared to be a personal assistant robot."
There was a moment of silence on the client's end of the link. "I see," he said. "Bring them to the specified coordinates. From there, you can begin your interrogation of the Admiral. See if you can hack into the robot and find out if it knows anything."
"Understood, sir," the man said with a smile. He was looking forward to interrogating a Fleet Admiral. Especially one that betrayed his flesh and blood species. "We'll learn all we can about these aliens, Senator."
On the other end of the comm Link, Senator Herman smiled.