New Eye Resolutions

Date: December 31, 2012, Time: 9:10 P.M., Location: Autobot Base, Jasper, Nevada

The atmosphere inside the Autobot base was markedly different tonight. The usual tension that accompanied discussions of strategy against MECH* and the Decepticons had given way to an unfamiliar but welcome sense of relaxation. For once, war wasn't the focal point of their gathering. Instead, they had embraced a human tradition—New Year's Eve.

Recent shifts in team dynamics had prompted Optimus Prime to intervene before tensions escalated. Shadow-Hunter*, second-in-command of Nova-Strike Prime's* team and leader of the aerial sub-unit, had been at odds with Nova-Strike over the autonomy of his flyers. Seeking a resolution, Optimus proposed separating the aerial unit into its own team under Shadow-Hunter's command. To Optimus' surprise, Nova-Strike agreed, recognizing that their frequent clashes only distracted from their larger mission. In return, Nova-Strike requested the integration of most of Lightning-Striker's team into his own to maintain balanced numbers. After discussion, Lightning-Striker* consented, strengthening Nova-Strike's newly restructured team. With that settled, the Autobots could finally take a much-needed moment to reflect and bond.

Optimus Prime stood at the center of the gathered Autobots, his composed and regal stance exuding both authority and warmth. As his optics scanned his team, there was an unmistakable softness to them, a rare sight amidst the weight of leadership.

"In the centuries of war between Autobots and Decepticons, there has been little time for reflection," Optimus began, his deep voice carrying over the assembled bots. "However, if I were to make a resolution, it would be to strive for an end to this war—to see a Cybertron where Autobots and Decepticons no longer fight, but rebuild."

A solemn silence followed his words, the weight of such a vision settling over the team. They had all dreamed of a peaceful Cybertron, but reality often crushed such hopes beneath the boot of war.

Arcee, standing with her arms crossed, exhaled softly. "My resolution... is to make sure I don't lose any more partners." Her optics briefly flickered with pain as memories of Tailgate and Cliffjumper surfaced. She cast a glance toward Nova-Strike Prime, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they were forming—one she wasn't yet sure how to define.

Bulkhead, sensing the mood growing too heavy, chuckled and clapped his servos together. "Well, my resolution is to keep Ryu Senshi* from getting herself blown up while training with the Wreckers. Seriously, that kid—uh, bot—still thinks she's indestructible."

Bumblebee let out a series of rapid beeps and whirs, his voice box generating sounds that translated into an eager resolution of honing his combat skills and improving his speed.

Smokescreen grinned widely. "Mine? I want to become the best warrior I can be—maybe even a Prime one day!" He laughed, though the ambition in his optics was genuine. "And I'd like to finally beat Bulkhead in a sparring match."

Ratchet, who had been monitoring the base's systems, scoffed from his station. "My resolution? To get through a cycle without one of you requiring emergency repairs." He cast a pointed glance at Bulkhead and Smokescreen before adding, "And perhaps, to further develop Hack-Steamer's learning capabilities."

Hack-Steamer, the AI originally developed by Hardwire*, chimed in through the base's main computer. "I have observed that humans make resolutions to better themselves. I wish to do the same! My resolution is to learn more and assist in protecting this base."

Ultra-Aid* smiled at the AI's enthusiasm. "That's a good resolution, Hack-Steamer. Mine is to ensure no Autobot under my care is lost. We've all seen too much loss already."

The Autobots who had once been human—Nova-Strike Prime, Ryu Senshi, Serenity*, Shadow-Hunter, and the others—took turns sharing their own resolutions, many of which reflected their struggles in adapting to their new Cybertronian identities.

Nova-Strike Prime, once Jack Darby, spoke last. "If I had to pick a resolution, it would be to lead my team well and make sure that none of us lose our way. We're not human anymore, but that doesn't mean we stop fighting for them—or for each other."

The room fell into a contemplative silence before Bulkhead finally broke it with a hearty laugh. "Alright, enough of the sappy stuff! When do we get to the part where we count down and make some noise?"

Arcee smirked. "You just want an excuse to be loud, don't you?"

Bulkhead grinned. "Obviously."

Ultra-Aid chuckled. "At midnight. It's still a little while yet."

"Then we should make the most of it," Bulkhead said, placing a large crate in the middle of the room. "We've got plenty of energon treats."

Time: 9:20 P.M.

Ryu Senshi leaned against a console, arms crossed, her optics gleaming with mischievous excitement. "My New Year's resolution? To prove I can handle anything the Wreckers throw at me. And—" she cast a teasing glance at Bulkhead, "—to make sure Bulk doesn't go soft while babysitting me."

Bulkhead scoffed, a grin forming. "If you think you can keep up with the Wreckers, you better be ready to take some hits, Ryu."

Serenity, standing nearby, smirked. "My resolution? To perfect my flight maneuvers and prove I'm the best aerial fighter in this base."

Shadow-Hunter, never one to back down from a challenge, let out a chuckle. "I think you mean second-best, Serenity. After all, I'm still the one leading the aerial team." He shot a confident look at Nova-Strike Prime. "What do you say, Nova? Care to bet on who's got the sharper reflexes?"

Nova-Strike crossed his arms, shaking his head with an amused sigh. "You always want to one-up me, don't you? Fine. We'll see who outperforms who in the next aerial training sim."

Hardwire* adjusted the data pad in his servos. "My resolution is simple: to improve my cybersecurity skills and ensure MECH or the Decepticons never get the upper hand on us through tech warfare."

Ratchet, who had been listening, gave a gruff nod. "That's a resolution I can get behind. You've been making progress, Hardwire, but there's still plenty to learn."

Quick-Dodge* and Quick-Step*, the twin Cybertronians, exchanged knowing glances before Quick-Dodge spoke first. "We're setting a goal to improve our teamwork in battle—"

"—and prove we're the best evasive fighters in the Autobot ranks," Quick-Step finished with a cocky grin.

Long-Rifle*, the quiet but ever-watchful warrior, finally spoke up. "My resolution is to perfect my long-range marksmanship and cover my team better during combat. We're all in this together, and I don't intend to let anyone down."

Nitro-Smoke* rolled her shoulders, cracking her knuckles. "I plan to push myself in close-quarters combat. If I can't outgun my enemy, I'll outmaneuver them."

Scatter-Shot*, who had remained relatively quiet, finally chimed in. "I just want to be more than 'the rookie.' I know I've got a lot to learn, but I won't let anyone down."

Lighting-Striker, now third in command of Nova-Strike's team, looked around at her teammates. "I'll make sure this team stays strong and united. We may have started in different places, but now we're one unit."

Razor-Edge*, standing near Ratchet, nodded in agreement. "And my resolution? To make sure this base stays functional. With all the damage you bots take, it's a miracle we aren't buried under rubble already."

Time: 9:30 P.M.

Ninja-Knight* stood at the edge of the gathering, her optics scanning the faces around her. Though she had been with the Autobots for some time now, part of her still struggled to fully embrace her new Cybertronian existence. Once, she had been Elizabeth Williams—a human with dreams, ambitions, and a future that was stolen from her the day MECH took her. Now, she was something else entirely. A warrior. A machine. A soldier in a war she had never asked to be part of.

But despite everything, she wasn't alone.

Nova-Strike Prime caught her gaze and offered an encouraging nod. "You've been quiet, Ninja-Knight. Got a resolution for the new year?"

The entire room turned its attention to her, waiting. She hesitated for a moment, then exhaled and stepped forward.

"My resolution..." she started, her voice steady but layered with emotion. "Is to figure out who I am now."

A silence fell over the group. Some exchanged glances, understanding the weight of her words. Others simply listened.

"I didn't choose this body. MECH forced it on me, stripped me of my humanity, my past—" Her optics flickered slightly, betraying the emotions she still struggled to process. "But I can choose how I move forward. I want to prove that I'm more than what they tried to make me. That I can be strong—not just in battle, but in purpose."

Arcee, who had been leaning against the console, uncrossed her arms and took a step closer. "You're not alone in that, Ninja-Knight. The past... it never really leaves you, but it doesn't have to define you either."

Bulkhead gave her a supportive grin. "Yeah! Besides, you're already proving yourself out there. You train hard, you fight with us—you've got our backs, and we've got yours."

Ninja-Knight's optics softened. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."

Ratchet, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a thoughtful nod. "It is not easy to adapt to change, especially one as drastic as yours. But you are not just a product of MECH's experiments. You are an Autobot now, and that is a choice you make every day."

Smokescreen grinned. "And hey, if your resolution is about figuring out who you are, why not start by kicking some Decepticon tail? Nothing says 'self-discovery' like a good fight."

The tension broke as laughter rippled through the room. Even Ninja-Knight chuckled, shaking her head. "You know what, Smokes? Maybe you're onto something."

Nova-Strike Prime clapped a servo against her shoulder. "Whatever path you take, you won't be walking it alone. That's what being a team means."

She looked around at the faces of those who had become her new family. For the first time in a long while, she felt... hopeful.

Date: December 31, 2012, Time: 11:50 P.M.

The final minutes of the year ticked away. The main control room, usually reserved for mission briefings and tactical planning, had been transformed into an informal gathering space. The overhead monitors displayed a countdown timer, steadily decreasing toward the new year. The warm glow of the base's lighting reflected off metallic plating, casting soft shadows on the gathered Autobots.

Bulkhead leaned back against a console, arms crossed, a contented grin on his face as he watched Smokescreen animatedly retell a training mishap from earlier in the year. "And just as I thought I had it under control—BAM! Right into the rock face. Took me three hours to buff out the dents."

Arcee smirked. "Sounds about right for you, rookie."

"Hey! I've come a long way since then!" Smokescreen defended, though the laughter around him showed no one was buying it.

Hardwire, Ryu Senshi, and Nova-Strike Prime nearby, engaged in their own conversation. Ryu Senshi, as always, was the most enthusiastic of the trio. "I still say we need to start the new year with a proper rock concert. You bots have no idea what you're missing!"

"I'm pretty sure Ratchet would rather endure a Decepticon ambush than your music at full volume," Nova-Strike Prime quipped, earning a chuckle from Rafael.

Ratchet, overhearing, grumbled, "If it means avoiding another one of your so-called 'jam sessions,' I might actually agree with you."

Nova-Strike Prime walked up to Lighting-Striker, watching the countdown. Her optics gleamed with quiet contemplation. Lighting-Striker noticed his expression and nudged him slightly. "Thinking about resolutions?"

Nova-Strike exhaled. "Thinking about what comes next. We've survived another year with some changed more than others, but the war isn't over. MECH is still a threat, and the Decepticons aren't going anywhere."

Lighting-Striker nodded. "That's why we have to make every moment count. We fight, we improve, and we protect those who can't protect themselves. That's what being Autobots is about."

Date: December 31, 2012, Time: 11:59 P.M.

The room quieted slightly as the countdown reached its final minute. Even Ratchet, who normally dismissed human traditions as trivial, found himself watching with mild interest. The humans counted down in unison, and soon, the Autobots joined in.

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

Optimus Prime, standing at the edge of the gathering, allowed himself a rare smile as he observed his team. They had faced countless challenges, endured loss, and yet, here they were—together, strong, and determined. He knew the battles ahead would test them further, but for this moment, he let them have their celebration.

"Seven!"

"Six!"

Shadow-Hunter and Serenity exchanged a competitive glance. "You still up for that flight challenge next week?" Serenity teased.

Shadow-Hunter chuckled. "Wouldn't miss it. Just try to keep up."

"Five!"

"Four!"

Quick-Dodge and Quick-Step grinned at each other. "New year, new records to break!"

"Three!"

"Two!"

Ryu Senshi raised a fist in excitement. "Bring it on!"

"One!"

Date: January 1, 2013, Time: 12:00 A.M.

The room erupted with cheers, metallic high-fives, and engine revs as the new year arrived. "Happy New Year!" voices echoed through the base. Miko practically tackled Bulkhead in excitement, while Rafael and Jack exchanged grins.

Arcee offered a nod to Optimus. "Another year, another fight. But we'll face it together."

Optimus met her gaze with steady resolve. "Indeed, Arcee. The road ahead will not be easy, but as long as we stand united, there is always hope."

Ninja-Knight stood silently for a moment, letting the energy of the celebration wash over her. She still had much to figure out about herself, about what it meant to be Cybertronian, but tonight, she allowed herself to just be part of the team.

Ratchet shook his head, though a rare smirk tugged at his face. "Well, if we're going to celebrate, let's at least ensure no one damages the base."

"No promises!" Smokescreen called out, grinning.

As laughter and celebration filled the base, the Autobots and their human allies took a rare moment to revel in the camaraderie they had built. The war still loomed, but for this night, they embraced the hope a new year could bring.

*MECH: Mechanical Engineering Cybernetic Humans.

*Shadow-Hunter is formerly Jack Darby's childhood friend and High school rival High school: Vince Jones and now is an Autobot Ariel flyer and the leader of the Autobot Ariel team. His Ariel vehicle mode is that of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

*Nova-Strike Prime is a former the human Jack Darby, now the leader of Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Lighting-Striker is formerly a Human named Amber Martin that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer. She is as well the Leader of her own Autobot team: The Lighting-Strike Team.

*Ryu Senshi is formerly Team Prime's Human communication's expert: Miko Nakatia. She is as well a Wrecker in training.

*Ultra-Aid is formerly Team Prime's Human nurse and medical specialist: June Darby and the mother of Jackson 'Jack' Darby. She is now the Medic of the Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Hardwire is formerly the Human computer expert and hacker: Rafael Esquivel and he is an Autobot Ariel Flyer. His Ariel vehicle mode is that of a Northrop Grumman RQ Global Hawk.

*Serenity is formerly Jack Darby's High school crush: Sierra Michelson and is an Autobot Ariel flyer. Her Ariel vehicle mode is that of an F-35 Lighting fighter.

*Quick-Dodge is formerly a Human named Samuel Davis; He is as well the older twin Brother of Daniel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Quick-Step is formerly a Human named Daniel Davis; He is as well the younger twin Brother of Samuel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Long-Rifle is formerly a Human named James Miller that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Nitro-Smoke is formerly a Human named Alexandra Smith that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Scatter-Shot is formerly a Human named Nicholas Anderson that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Razor-Edge is formerly a Human named Ronald Thomas that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer. He is 1 of the new construction bots since he has experience in construction and was a foremen landscaper's apprentice. He is now Ratchet's apprentice and assist to help him in the base's repairs and upgrades.

*Ninja-Knight is formerly a Human named Elizabeth Williams that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.