Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Siren and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Transformers One: Siren Chapter 3
The revelry is abruptly cut short as an announcement is suddenly made over the intercom system that Sentinel Prime wishes to address all of Iacon in a live transmission.
Excitement strews throughout the entire barracks as everyone is eager to hear what Sentinel Prime has to say, and what news he has to bring.
"He's back? He's back already," said D-16, taking Siren's hand and pulling her with him.
"Maybe he's found the Matrix," said Orion, excitedly.
D-16's always been an avid admirer of Sentinel. To him, Sentinel Prime is the symbol of everything he and every other citizen of Cybertron strives for.
Ever a loyal fan and follower of Sentinel's, D-16 is amongst the first to reach the holoprojector. Therefore, getting all three of them in good positions to view Sentinel.
Turns out the news Sentinel possesses is both good and bad. The bad news is that this most recent search to locate the missing Matrix of Leadership has been a failure. Although efforts to find it are going to be increased they're not going to give up retrieving the sacred relic and getting energon circulating heartily across the planet once again. The good news is that the Iacon 5000 race is tomorrow, a high-octane race that stretches across all of Iacon City.
It's a crowd-favorite event that everyone looks forward to whenever it comes up even though only bots with T-Cogs can compete in it. Still, it's a sport that carries many dangers, and not all come out unscathed in the violence. But that's what brings on the thrill. Something many have and would risk for an opportunity at glory. It's a chance where competitors can prove they are more than meets the eye.
Because of that, all work is put off for everyone to enjoy it.
A prospect alone that is cause for celebration.
As the merrymaking commences and people head to their bunks everyone is so preoccupied that no one notices the speculative look on Orion's face as he seems to dive into major contemplation.
Many were turning in early so they didn't risk sleeping in and not being able to get seats at the racetrack stadium.
Siren is one such female.
Just as Siren is powering down, she spots Orion and D-16 doing something strange. Instead of settling down in their own bunks the two are heading out of the barracks.
"D, Orion, what's going on," called Siren.
Quietly shushing her, moving over to her bunk, Orion said "Nothing for you to be concerned over. Go back to sleep."
Reproachfully, Siren said "You guys better not be up to something tonight. I so don't need that right now."
"I promise you nothing like that is going to happen tonight. D and I are just going up top to talk for a couple of minutes. Go to sleep," said Orion, stroking the top of her helm gently.
Yawning with extreme tiredness, lovingly, Siren said "Good night. I'll see you guys in the morning."
"Night, Siren," said D-16, leaving with Orion.
The next morning everyone can hardly contain their excitement.
Droves upon droves of bots beeline it toward the racing stadium to watch the show in earnest.
Raising his arms in jubilation, D-16 said "The Iacon 5000 is finally here."
Tapping D-16 on the shoulder, Orion said "I have a surprise for you. Come with me."
Incredulously, D-16 said "Where are you going? The stadium is that way."
Nonchalantly, Orion said "Yeah, yeah, I know. Follow me."
"What the…Orion," called Siren, baffled.
Raising a hand in reassurance, Orion said "It's okay. We'll meet you in the stadium. Save us some seats."
"You're going to miss the opening ceremony," warned Siren, chastisingly.
Orion said, "We'll be there."
"Stupid," said Siren, sticking her tongue out at him.
Luck is on Siren's side. Thus, she snatches three seats at the front near the finish line.
As more and more people pile inside the stadium, Siren is getting even more concerned. Orion and D-16 still haven't shown up. She can't see them anywhere.
All the racers line up at the starting point. Once everyone is in place Sentinel Prime makes the usual grand entrance to his adoring subjects.
Landing on the hover platform raised for him, Sentinel said "Yes, it feels so good to be here with you all today."
The crowd roars with cheers.
"Come on, you, guys. Where are you," muttered Siren, anxiously bouncing her leg a little the closer the race got to start.
If Orion and D-16 don't hurry, then they'll miss the entire thing. Which makes no sense since both of them love watching this.
With Sentinel now present it's bound to begin any minute.
Benevolently humble, Sentinel said "My friends, my Cybertronian family. It has been precisely 50 cycles since the Quintessons attacked our home. Approximately 50 cycles since we lost the Matrix of Leadership and our Energon supply dried up. 50 cycles since the battle that killed the other 13 Primes, my brothers and sisters in arms. Today, we honor the Primes who gave their lives for ours. We show them that the strength of Cybertron will never be diminished."
One by one enlarged holographic images of the late Primes appear in the pinnacle of their glory and renown.
Siren feels so bad for D-16 and Orion. Seeing the Primes of Old is always their favorite part of the opening ceremony and they just missed it.
"I can't believe they missed it," she whispered, stunned.
Continuing where he left off, Sentinel said "Without further ado, racers, on your marks." The racers transform into their alternate vehicular modes whether they are grounders or flyers. "Get set…Go!"
The horn blares and the racers take off amidst cheers from the crowd.
But not all is as it seems.
For in the race have joined two individuals who weren't on the last.
Flying on jetpacks are two miners. Everyone is left dumbfounded when they learn this. None more so than Siren.
"Oh my Primus," gasped Siren, eyes huge.
Those aren't just any miners. They are Orion and D-16.
Such a feat like this has never once been attempted before in the whole of the Iacon 5000's history.
Idiots! Siren can't believe those two are pulling such a chaotic stunt like this.
Siren spends the entire race curled into a ball, hands covering her face, occasionally peeking through her fingers before covering them again. Siren keeps telling herself that she doesn't need to watch, she can learn everything she needs to from regular updates from the person narrating the race the entire time.
Siren prays that her friends make it out of this alive…so she can kill them herself!
Then when the announcer blares out that the racing miners are in first place position Siren can't not watch any longer. She watches in amazement as Orion and D-16 are so close to the finish line ahead of the pack, spark frantically pulsing in her chassis. She felt so helpless.
Just when it appears like victory is assured a curveball is thrown into the mix.
A loose piece of armor from an ensnared racer breaks free and shoots toward her friends. D-16 ends up getting hit and is sent rolling onto the track.
Orion stops to help him, but from what everyone can see it doesn't look like D-16 can continue. One of his legs had gotten damaged.
Unable to contain herself anymore, Siren jumps the protective fencing and bolts over to their side.
Exclamations of alarm erupt from the crowd.
D-16 said "Siren, what are you doing here? Get back in the stands!"
"Not when you're like this! Orion, go! You still have a chance to win this! Go," said Siren, giving Orion a hard shove toward the finish line.
Orion obeys, making a break for it.
Siren assists D-16 to his feet and hurries him to the side while supporting him as he's limping on his damaged leg.
"I don't believe it! This is remarkable! A third miner has left the stands to pull the 2nd to safety while the 1st continues toward the finish line! This is unbelievable! In the most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-waving, exciting, and thrilling finish in the history of the Iacon 5000!"
Yes, it is.
Siren doesn't know how she did it, but she pulled D-16 off to the side just in time.
More racers made it through the magnetic top field trap.
Being much faster with their T-Cogs a handful pulled ahead of Orion with a femme going by the designation Chromia wins the event.
"And we have a winner! Chromia comes from behind to take the prize! Talk about an Iacon 5000 for the ages!"
It is going to be one to remember for cycles to come in more ways than one.
Since he was already so far ahead when others were passing him, Orion placed 10th in the lineup.
A triumph for them and all miners watching.
With the race now over and done with, Siren's concern for her guys morphs into sheer anger.
Orion and D-16 had taken Siren from levels of frenzy, panic, and distress, and now that she knows they're okay…rage.
Undeniable age that is all too clear in Siren's face and language as she rounds on them for some well-deserved payback.
"Uh oh," said D-16 and Orion in unison.
There's no escape for them. Even if they ran, Siren would just catch them.
D-16 decides to tactically save himself in the face of Siren's wrath toward them.
Hastily pointing at Orion, D-16 said "It was him. It was Orion's fault. It was all his idea! He planned the entire thing!"
"What," exclaimed Orion.
Rapidly shaking his head in outright refusal, D-16 said "I am not taking the fall on this for you."
"Orion," growled Siren, redirecting her fury onto him.
Holding out placating hands and backing away, Orion said "Now, Siren, I had very good reasons for doing this. I thought that maybe if we'd beat a couple of the racers then we could show that miners are worth so much more than just drilling underground and things could improve for all of us. And just look at what happened. We got 10th. That's good, right?"
None of that matters to Siren. Not in the state they'd put her in.
"I knew you were up to something! You two could've died! You almost did," said Siren, raising her hand. "You are so dead! Do you have any idea what you did to me!"
Already knowing what's coming, Orion braces for impact by crouching on the ground with arms covering his head for protection. Orion doesn't bother begging for mercy because figures he won't get any.
Siren repeatedly slaps Orion and over again on any part of his upper body that she can reach to get the message across that under no circumstances does he or D-16 put her through that again.
Siren lost count of how many times she came close to having a spark attach.
As she paused to catch her breath, beaming, a mischievous look on his faceplates, unashamedly unable to resist the temptation, Orion said "I take it you're mad at me?"
That did it.
Orion's insensitiveness toward how she's feeling right now blew her off the deep end.
Siren knees him hard in the stomach for that little tidbit and continues hitting him.
Not wanting to be on the receiving end of this, D-16 wisely keeps silent.
The spell around them is broken when a massive wave of roaring laughter hits the air. Loud enough that it snaps all three of them out of it and awareness hits that they are not alone. They are in a stadium with hundreds of bots watching them. Spectators and racers alike.
Bots that just witnessed Siren's temper tantrum in full force.
Like a deer caught in headlights Siren freezes, a horrified expression on her face.
That's not all. On the screen, they can see cameras are completely focused on them which means all of Iacon saw this. Her rampaging emotions put on the show.
A mixture of embarrassment and humiliation replace Siren's anger as she stares at the stands in horror at not only what she did to Orion, but the very fact that she'd ran onto the track to try and pull D-16 out of danger when he'd been hurt. Siren hadn't even thought about it, she'd just reacted.
Now everyone is staring at her and Siren with nowhere to go.
It's all too much for Siren as she hides behind Orion, burying her head against his shoulder, an overwhelming blush on her face.
A second round of laughter erupts from the crowds, this time at Siren's expense, volume increasing ten-fold.
Siren is left incredibly mortified by this.
How is she ever going to live with making such a spectacle of herself down?
Siren highly doubts she ever will.
Orion and D-16 are taken to the infirmary with all the other injured bots from the race. Of course, Siren accompanies them, feeling like she's unable to show her face after that scene she caused in front of everyone. From fear of the response being negative, she doesn't even want to imagine what the reactions of all the other miners are going to be back at the barracks. Siren doesn't think she could live with the shame and endless teasing that's bound to be inflicted upon her.
Once Orion and D-16 got treated for their injuries they were advised to sit and wait for reasons no one would explain.
So they were left to sit there brooding, contemplating what their fate would be, dreading the expected repercussions they're bound to face.
Orion and D-16 more than Siren.
Breaking the awkward atmosphere, Orion said "So…how long do you think we'll be here?"
Rolling his newly repaired shoulder, dryly, D-16 said "I'm not talking to you."
Orion sighs, falling silent once more.
The quiet doesn't last long.
Angrily, D-16 exclaimed "You know what? I can't believe you made me do that. We are so screwed!"
"Thought you weren't talking to me," joked Orion.
"Orion, if you don't want me to slap you again then please no jokes," pleaded Siren, a complete wreck inside.
Not in the mood either, D-16 said "Hey, look, I know it's all a big joke to you, but not me. I was paying my dues. I was going places and now they're going to bust me down I don't even know how many tiers."
"I'm sorry, D," said Orion, regretting making his best friend so upset but not the actions that brought them here. "But come on, didn't you feel it? Even for just a second, didn't you feel liberated? Didn't you feel like you were something else? Like you could be more than what they say you are."
"Yeah, I felt it," admits D-16, genuinely. "I did. But it doesn't matter. We're going to be punished and demoted. Sentinel Prime saw the whole thing. This is so embarrassing."
"Want to know how I felt," said Siren, voice cracking with an onslaught of emotions. "I felt like I was about to lose the bots dearest to me. My best friends. I didn't know if you'd make it out alive and now you sit here talking about it like it was nothing. Because of what you did I made a fool of myself in front of all of Iacon. I've been turned into a laughingstock."
"Siren," said Orion, solemnly. "I'm sorry. I should've given you fair warning about my intentions for the race and I didn't. It's completely my fault."
Wrapping an arm around her, tenderly, D-16 said "Hey, it's okay. We're okay."
Their sweet moment is interrupted when they receive a visitor.
Sentinel Prime's righthand bot Arachnid.
Arachnid examines all three of them intently with her grand multitude of eyes.
Backing away into the hallway, Arachnid said "All clear."
Sentinel Prime himself then enters the examination room.
The moment Sentinel Prime stepped through that door Orion and D-16 shot to their feet out of respect, but Siren instantly jumped behind D-16, clinging onto his arm.
Hands on hips as Sentinel looms stoically over them, Sentinel says "Orion Pax. D-16. What you two did today was one of the craziest things I've ever seen."
Moving to take the full blame for that escapade, contritely, Orion said "Sir, this is all my idea and we're so sorry-."
"I loved it," stated Sentinel Prime, gleefully.
Say what?
"Excuse me," said Orion, not sure he heard correctly.
"You did," said D-16, confused, openly gawking at him.
Ecstatically, Sentinel said "How could anyone not love it? You gave my best racers a real run for their money."
"So, we're not getting demoted," ventured D-16, cautiously, rigid posture easing up.
"Demoted," repeated Sentinel, erupting into laughter after finding the suggestion to be very humorous.
Relaxing a little bit, ascertaining that they're not actually in trouble, Orion and D-16 join in.
"The fact of the matter is, we're halfway into the first shift since the race ended. And that the mining crew has already reached 150% quota. You inspired them to work harder," elaborated Sentinel, shaking hands with both of them.
That explains things. If the public's reaction had been the opposite, Siren doesn't think Sentinel would be acting so positively toward her guys right now. They would've been severely reprimanded for sure.
Delighted over this reversal of fortune, Orion said "Sentinel Prime, Sir, we joined the race to show everyone our potential. That weak bots can do more than just mine energy."
Not contesting it, Sentinel said "You succeeded in that."
Siren shifts on her peds, and Sentinel's attention is drawn over to where she's cowering.
"Ah, the young femme from the audience," said Sentinel, tilting his head, and peering around the boys to get a better look at her.
Siren cringes further into D-16's back to avoid display, trembling from fright.
"Sorry, she's a bit shy," said D-16, turning to lightly bump heads with Siren to comfort and encourage her.
"Shy," guffawed Sentinel, amused at her behavior. "Certainly didn't seem like it when she was beating you up, Orion."
Ducking his head, Orion rubs the back sheepishly.
Gently taking Siren's hand and easing her out from behind them, softly, D-16 said "Hey, it's okay. Don't be afraid."
Upon D-16's urgings, Siren reluctantly steps forward with tentative steps to where Sentinel Prime can see her.
Releasing a low whistle between his teeth, Sentinel said "My, my, my aren't you a beauty."
Siren's face turns an even deeper shade of silver at the flattery.
From behind Sentinel, Arachnid aims a heated glower of contained jealousy at Siren. Arachnid is known to be one of the most beautiful femmes on Cybertron and she doesn't like the idea of competition in that regard.
Addressing Siren, Sentinel said "That was quite a thing you did out there. Running out onto the track like that."
"I'm sorry, Sir, I don't know what got into me. I know the rules, and the safety measures in place to keep spectators from getting into trouble, but I just reacted. It won't happen again, I promise," said Siren, babbling nervously.
Waving a dismissive hand, Sentinel said "No need for that. You simply saw your friends hurt and reacted. I respect that."
Siren shakily exhaled in enormous relief. She wasn't going to be punished. That's good.
"The fact remains that the two of you inspired the others to work harder and I've got to say it is outstanding," said Sentinel, smiling broadly. "I love bots who can think for themselves. Perhaps, you two could tour the mines, speak to your brethren, and help them see their potential. Afterward, I'd love to have bots like you on my team."
Filled with even more hopeful expectations for the future, Orion said "Wow. Great. That sounds incredible. We would love to be-."
"Sir," interrupted Arachnid, set on keeping Sentinel on schedule. "It's time."
"Ah, yes. I'm sorry, friends. We're preparing our next travel to the surface. The Matrix of Leadership isn't going to stay lost forever," said Sentinel, rising to depart.
A thought suddenly comes to mind.
"Uh, Sir," said D-16.
"Yes," said Sentinel.
"If I may, Sir, Orion and I have known Siren for a long time, and she's wasted down in the mines. Is there any way she can be given a chance at a job as an entertainer," said D-16, warily.
"D," said Siren.
"Shh," hushed D-16.
Turning toward her, brow quirked, Sentinel said "You can sing?"
"A little," said Siren in quiet apprehension.
"Sir, she's just being modest," said Orion, fondly, seeing what D-16 was trying to do for her. "Please believe us when we say that it is no exaggeration that Siren here has the best voice in Iacon."
"Well, let's hear it then," said Sentinel, invitingly.
Siren wanted to curl up somewhere in the dark and die.
"Go on," said D-16, spurring her forward.
"You can do it," prompted Orion.
Swallowing thickly, Siren gathers herself, steeling her nerves. She shuts her eyes and begins to sing directly from her spark.
When Siren first started to sing it began quiet, frightened, and reserved. But closing her eyes and pretending it was just Orion and D-16 with her did help. As it slowly went on the nerves went away and by the end of it, each note elegantly flowed from her in delicate beauty.
Siren's voice thoroughly enthralled all who were listening, especially Sentinel. Of course, Orion and D-16 had listened to it plenty of times already, but for Sentinel, this was his first time hearing her voice. As soon as Sentinel started listening to it he became entranced. By the end of the song Sentinel recomposed himself and there was a gleam in his eyes. One minute it was there and the next it was gone in a flash.
Upon singing the final note in the melody, Siren opened her eyes to find Orion and D-16 looking at her with pride and the latter warmly squeezing her hand in silent praise and commendation to her.
"Whoa, now, your friends here weren't kidding. That's quite a voice you have on you. I can see why you're called Siren," said Sentinel, impressed. "I must say that brought you out of your shell."
"Thank you, Sir," said Siren, politely, blushing.
Arachnid aims a 2nd envious glare in Siren's direction.
Stroking his chin thoughtfully, Sentinel said "You know what, I know of some establishments that can use a budding singer like you. Can't guarantee they'll take you, but at least my recommendation will get you an audition that could potentially open some doors for you. Looks and talent, you're the complete package. These two are right, you're wasted down in the mines. What do you say?"
All Siren can manage is a small squeak in reply. She's too shocked to do anything else.
Chuckling in amusement, Sentinel said "I'll take that as a yes. But you're gonna have to get over that shyness if you're going to make it on the stage."
Enthusiastically, Orion said "We'll work on that with her, Sir."
"Good," said Sentinel, approvingly. "And I'll do you one better. Next Iacon 5000 I want you to sing in the opening ceremony. It would be great for morale, and I just know the masses would love it."
"Me? Sing…at the Iacon 5000," gasped Siren, already getting dizzy at the mere thought.
All of this was happening so fast. Siren can hardly believe that all her dreams are about to come true.
Feeling lightheaded from all of this happening, wobbling a little on her feet, Siren said "I think I need to sit."
Orion and D-16 both caught her arms at the same time and eased her into a seat between them.
Chortling at the display, Sentinel said "Don't faint just yet. I have a surprise for you three. Call it a little treat. In the meantime, hang tight. Arachnid, have someone escort these heroes to my personal service facilities. The best care in Iacon. Until next time, Legends."
With a final farewell wave, Sentinel Prime leaves with Arachnid to prepare for the next expedition to the surface.
All was silent for a couple of seconds until D-16 couldn't contain himself any longer.
"Sentinel Prime," said D-16, grin nearly eclipsing his entire face. "Ha! Ha! Ha! The Sentinel Prime!"
Joshing him, pleased that they accomplished what he set out to do, Orion said, "You still mad at me?"
D-16 said "I am less mad at you."
Bumping his elbow against D-16's, seeing the bright side of everything they've gone through this day, confidently, Orion said "I'm telling you, D, I've got a feeling that everything's going to change. And we're going to go places. I guarantee it."
Siren's still in a state of shock.
"This can't be happening," breathed Siren in disbelief, exhaling heavily to keep her rapidly beating spark under control. "I'm imagining things. This is all just a dream. There's no way this is real."
"Oh, it's real alright, Siren. And soon enough you are gonna be a star up on stage just like you've always wanted," said Orion, softly. "D-16 is going to join the Guard and I'll be helping Sentinel Prime find the Matrix of Leadership. No longer will we be subservient and seen as nothing."
Siren smiles at Orion in appreciation with happy tears glistening in her eyes as she leans on D-16's shoulder. All her hopes, dreams, desires, and aspirations are now within reach right around the corner.
"So, who do you think is going to be escorting us to Sentinel's service pod," inquired D-16.
Shrugging, Orion said, "I don't know, but I bet it's going to be someone awesome."
Loud and thundering footsteps outside the room announce the guard's arrival.
The smiles the three of them have immediately vanish after they identify who it is.
Darkwing.
"Miners," growled Darkwing, furiously clenching his fists.
Oh, scrap.
Authors Note:
I HAVE TRANSFORMERS FEVER!
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY SUPPOSED TO BE TWO SEPARATE CHAPTERS BUT I DECIDED TO COMBINE IT INTO ONE.
The song Siren would've been singing here is Vanessa's Trick from The Little Mermaid 2023.
The reason why Siren's not singing a full song here is because Sentinel's presence has put her so out of sorts that she couldn't think of one on the spot. So she just improvised.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.