⌗𝟏:𝟎𝟒 ── 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐎 - 𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐆
❝ damn, look at his thighs! ❞
▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂

ELIZABETH SPUN AROUND and saw Raf with Jack standing by a big tree, "Hey, Raf." Jack leaned down, "Look... about yesterday. Let's just keep this between us, okay?"

Raf gave a little gasp and pulled the older boy's arm, "Jack... look!" The yellow muscle car pulled up beside them, and the door swung open.

"You want us to get in?" Jack gave him a bizarre look, Raf looked up at Jack and Elizabeth, "No, just me. Both of your rides are over there, I think." He pointed across the street towards Arcee and Cliffjumper

Jack groaned at the idea of riding on the robot motorcycle, "I don't think... huh... Raf!" The boy jumped into Bumblebee's car. Elizabeth watched Bumblebee drive off.

Jack looked across the street towards the bike. The black-haired boy nodded his head towards the back of the school, as Elizabeth followed him. They were unaware of an Asian girl, who was chasing after them.

Both teens walked down the alley, and the transforming motorcycle drove in front of them, "Relax. I just want to talk to you." Her voice was calm.

Jack scoffed, "Are you gonna threaten me again?" as Elizabeth walked towards the red car, ignoring the two. She observed the red 1970s Dodge Challenger, and she noticed one of the horns missing, ' so it's the same robot from the forest '

" How come you're stalking us? " Elizabeth questioned, as the car's wheels turned towards the girl, " Optimus wants us to bring you in for your safety since you have seen us " He watched the girl's brows furrow in thought before signing.

" Sure, it's not like we have much of a choice anyways" Elizabeth shrugged, she had an alien parasite living in her, but nothing surprised her anymore. " Did Eddie ever tell you stranger danger!? Who jumps into a stranger's car! " Elizabeth internally rolled her eyes at Venom's snide remark.

Cliffjumper was surprised at how nonchalant she was unlike the teen boy who was talking to Arcee " Okay and as well, I wanted to say that ... I owe you my life. You saved my aft back there " Cliffjumper said as Elizabeth looked at him surprised. " And the name Cliffjumper "

Elizabeth slightly smiled at the alien car, " Elizabeth Brock "

Their conversation ended when the pink-streaked girl appeared from around the corner, "Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!" 

Everyone stared at the newcomer as Arcee huffed, "Scrap."

Soon Elizabeth agreed to go to meet their leader and the next thing she knew, she was sitting in the front seat of the red muscle car, they were driving towards the mountains that surrounded Jasper.

Behind them was a motorcycle carrying Jack and another girl, who was named Miko which they had to bring her as well.

The yellow and black Camero was named Bumblebee. That was when she noticed Cliffjumper was driving off-road, straight towards the side of a mountain.

"Uh, Cliffjumper?" Elizabeth said, worry clear in her tone as she saw where they were heading.

" Don't worry Elizabeth, just trust me " the mech reassuringly said, and the raven-haired girl visibly relaxed. The side of the mountain we were heading towards clicked and a part of it slide up, kind of like a garage door. It revealed a long road that lead to a main area. Once Cliffjumper pulled to a stop, Elizabeth climbed out, taking in the scene around her. Two more robots, who I assumed were Autobots, stood before us.

Behind one were three large monitors and a platform that lead to them. Bumblebee and Arcee transformed into their Autobot forms and joined the other two.

"I thought there were three," The orange and white one, said. "Haven't you heard?" Acree replied. "Humans multiply."

Raf looked right up at the Autobots. "I'm Raf."

"And I'm Miko!" Miko exclaimed before running up to the other Autobot, the bulky, green one. "Who are you?"

"Bulkhead," The green Autobot replied, sounding surprised at her excitement.

"Are you a car?" Miko asked without pause. "I bet you're a truck, a monster truck! Do you like heavy metal? How much do you weigh? Ever use a wrecking ball for a punching bag?"

Bulkhead looked a little overwhelmed as Miko fired off her questions. Elizabeth noticed it so she saved him from answering Miko. " Wow girl, hold your horses, let the poor guy breathe for a second "

Jack looked up at the bots, " So if you guys are robots," he started. "Who made you?"

The orange-white Autobot rolled his eyes and huffed, "Oh please." Large, metallic footsteps made the four of them turn to see the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime standing there.

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron," He said. "Also known as Autobots."

"Why are you here?" Jack asked. "To protect your planet from the Decepticons." Optimus replied.

"The jokers who tried to bump us off last night." Arcee added in the conversation.

"Okay....? Why are they here?" Elizabeth asked as her silver-grey eyes met with bright, blue orbs.

"A fair question Elizabeth," Optimus replied, kneeling down to their level. "In part, they are here because our planet is uninhabitable, ravaged by centuries of civil war."

"Why were you guys fighting a war?" Raf asked.

"Foremost, over control of our world's supply of Energon. The fuel and lifeblood of all Autobots and Decepticons alike." Optimus said. "The combat was fierce, and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother. But in war, ideals can be corrupted, and it was thus that Megatron lost his way." Optimus finished.

"Is there gonna be a quiz?" Miko asked, yawning. Jack just looked at her, annoyed by the question. Raf just glanced at her, while Elizabeth looked over at her with a simple deadpanned expression.

"So what does this 'Megatron' or any of this...have to do with us?" Jack asked the Autobot leader. "Megatron has not been seen nor heard from in some time, but if his return is imminent, as I fear, it could be catastrophic." The Prime said grimly.

"...and since you now know of our existence, I fear that, as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours," Optimus said, finishing his story.

"Got it. If we spot any strange vehicles, call 911." Jack said. "Can we go now?"

"Are. You. Insane?!" Miko whisper-yelled at him. "I'm living a dream here in 'Botswana, and I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!"

"It is best that you four remain under our watch," Optimus said. "At least until we can determine our enemies' intentions."

"Optimus, with all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here, as anywhere," Ratchet said, uncertain.

"Children?!" Jack and Elizabeth asked, offended, she was the oldest one here and she faced way more shit since she met the annoying, alien goo.

"They have no protective shell. If they go underfoot, they will go...squish." Ratchet added, taking a slight step forward for emphasis, making the three flinch.

Elizabeth, however, gave the bot another deadpanned expression, Ratchet would be lucky enough if he wasn't torn apart by the alien parasite living in her if the robot actually tried to step on them.

"Then for the time being Ratchet, we must watch where we step," Optimus replied. Venom was bored as he listen to the conversation and decided to cause some trouble, mostly for his host.

" Damn, look at his thighs and those sexy hips " Venoms suddenly exclaims in her thoughts which the poor girl let out a strangled choke as she coughs harshly.

The others look at her in concern, " You okay there Liz?" Jack as he was patting the girl's back. " What? It's true and don't you deny that as well " Venom cackled back, enjoying his host's embarrassment.

" I'm fine Jack, something just got caught in my throat," she says, trying to push back the blush fighting on her cheeks, ' that motherfucking goo is dead when we go home! '

Luckily for the embarrassed girl, the Proximity Sensor went off, and Elizabeth finched to the loud sound, it was irritating Venom. " What's that?!" Jack asked, surprised.

" : Proximity sensor. Someone's up top : " Bumblebee replied through his beeps and warbles.

"Proximity sensor. Someone's up top." Raf translated, repeating what Bumblebee just said. Ratchet went over and checked the visual feed. "It's Agent Fowler." He said, in a somewhat annoyed tone.

"I thought we were the only humans who knew about you guys," Jack said, surprised that they weren't the only ones who knew about them, as he referred to himself, Elizabeth, Raf, and Miko.

"Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world, as he tends to visit only when there are... issues," Optimus explained. "It is best if you do not meet him at this time."

Soon the four young humans ran to hide somewhere which the elevator lowered, and Agent Fowler stepped out.

"7 wrecks, 34 fender benders, a 3-hour traffic jam, and of particular note, numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle, of unknown make, a red 1970's Dodge Challenger, and a black and yellow custom muscle car." He finished in annoyance.

Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Bumblebee exchanged looks with each other. Jack, who was peeking out from their hiding place, looked back at them, as we also exchanged looks.

"So, anything you want to get off your tin chest, Prime?!"  Agent Fowler asked rudely. "We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler," Optimus replied.

"They're back, aren't they?" Agent Fowler asked, mentioning the Decepticons.

"If you are referring to the Decepticons, I have doubts that they ever left," Optimus said grimly.  "Your planet is much too valuable."

"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon." Agent Fowler said, stressed about the whole situation.

"Hear me, Agent Fowler. We are your best, possibly your only, defense against the Decepticon threat." Agent Fowler snorted. "Says you."

That's when Bulkhead stepped up. "Hey fleshy! Did anyone get splattered on that freeway?" He grabbed some sort of device from the medical table. "Team Prime knows when to use force, and how much to use." He showed that by crushing the device he'd picked up.

"Bulkhead!" Ratchet scolded angrily. "I NEEDED THAT!!"

"Enough!" Optimus said sternly, silencing the two Autobots before turning back to Agent Fowler. "Military involvement will result in catastrophe. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot."

"Then do us both a favor and handle this, Prime!" Agent Fowler's whispered the last part under his breath. "Under the radar. Or I will." they all watched the human agent return back to the elevator.

"Pretty big bearings, for a human," Bulkhead said as he walked up next to Optimus. "Agent Fowler is only concerned for his world, Bulkhead. As he should be." Optimus replied. Then the four of the kids walked out of the hiding spot.

" Well ain't he a walking sunshine " Elizabeth commented as Miko couldn't help but snicker at the girl's response.

The monitor screen showed a strange energon signal, Ratchet quickly went forwards to check the source of energy. "Blasted Earth tech! The computer had detected some strange source of energon" Ratchet said.

"Understood, Old Friend. Autobots, prepare to roll out." He said and began walking towards the Groundbridge, deploying his mask as he did so when Miko spoke up.

"Hey, what can we do?" She asked.

"Remain with Ratchet." He replied before turning away. Elizabeth couldn't help but smirk when seeing Miko and Ratchet groan in annoyance. The medic activated the Groundbridge, and we watched as the Autobots departed.

"Autobots, roll out!" Optimus called, and transformed, the rest of them following suit. They drove through the bridge, and disappeared, much to the shock of Jack, Miko, Elizabeth, and Raf.

"What... just happened?!" Jack asked, astounded. "I transported them to the designated coordinates via the Groundbridge." Ratchet simply replied.

"What's a Groundbridge?" Raf asked. Ratchet sighed. "A scaled-down version of Spacebridge technology." The medic explained. "Since we don't currently possess the means, or the Energon, for intergalactic travel."

"You're stuck here.... on Earth," Jack said.

"With the likes of you, yes." Ratchet replied, a hint of disdain in his voice. "But I constructed the Groundbridge to enable travel from here, to anywhere on your planet." He added that the alien girl could hear a proud tone in his voice.

"Woah! Does it work for humans?!" Raf asked excitedly. "Naturally." Came Ratchet's reply.

"You mean... I could just shoot on over and visit my parents in Tokyo?" Miko asked.

"Within moments. In fact, allow me to send you there. All four of you." He said, smirking.

"Watch it Ratchet!" Miko said and a small chuckle escaped Elizabeth's voice, soon the four kids began to look around the base. Miko then approached a device on the floor.

"What is this anyway?" She asked as she went to poke it.

"Broken. Don't touch." Ratchet said as he passed her walking up to the console. She went to touch something else when Ratchet spoke up again. "Don't touch that either."

"Is there anything we can touch?" Jack asked as he walked up to Miko.

Ratchet was about to reply when an error popped up on the screen, making him scowl. "Blasted Earth tech!" He exclaimed in annoyance. "This system is chock full of bugs!"

"Why are you guys using human computers?" Raf asked.

"It certainly wasn't by choice." The medic said. "It was handed down from the previous tenants when we inherited this former missile silo. I make modifications where I see fit." Then, more errors popped up on the screen, and he groaned in annoyance.

"I think I can fix that," Raf said as he went to go get his laptop. Elizabeth decided to watch so she climbed up to the higher level and walked over.

"Really?" Ratchet asked disbelievingly. "You know that this is complex technology, don't you? I mean it isn't a child's toy." He chuckled.

"Now try it." Raf said, ignoring his remark. Ratchet did try again, and to his surprise, all the errors disappeared. He turned and looked at Raf in shock.

" Don't underestimate us humans Ratchet " she said, smirking. He just glared at her. " Oh, he got his metal as served by a 12-year-old " Venom cackled which made her almost laugh as well.

Optimus's voice could be heard through the comms"Ratchet! Bridge us back! Use the arrival coordinates NOW!" He yelled above the sound of explosions in the comm.

Ratchet tapped on the coordinates and activated the bridge. Soon, all the bots came back, followed by a blue fireball. Jack, Miko, and Raf stared in awe as Optimus transformed, flipped, and landed on his knees.

"Cutting it a bit close." Ratchet said as Optimus recovered from his landing. "What was all that about?"

"It was a mine that the 'Cons were already working through when we arrived." Cliffjumper replied. 

"What was that explosion?! Was there a fight?! Can I come with next time?!" Miko kept asking.

"Look!" Arcee said sternly, but before she could continue, Jack stepped in. "Hey, hey Miko, why don't we go see what the 'Bots keep in their sock drawers?" He quickly said as he pulled her away.

"Seriously?" She replied in a 'really' tone. Elizabeth's eyes widened when Arcee almost dropped to the floor.

" : Arcee! Are you okay?!: " Bumblebee asked, worried for his teammate. " I'm fine, just... dizzy." She said as Cliffjumper helped her sit on a crate.

"Robots who get dizzy?" Miko asked. "Robots with emotions," Raf stated.

"Robots, who can die." Jack realized.

"Robots, who have a soul." Elizabeth finished, it reminded her how Venom was a living being with a soul as well. 

Ratchet scanned Arcee before coming across what looked like a purple sludge on her servo.

"What is this?" He asked as he used a small scalpel to scrape it off. "I don't know. Some of the 'Cons were covered in it. Leaking it." She said.

"Go take a decontamination bath, now!" Ratchet ordered as Bee and Cliffjumper helped her over to the decontamination room.

"O-Optimus, I hate to bug, but, no bars," Jack said as he held up his phone. "A security precaution. The silo walls isolate all radio waves." Optimus answered the teen.

"Well if I don't call my Mom, like, now, I'm pretty sure the cops will probably be out looking for me," Jack said, to which Elizabeth agreed knowing how his mum was when worried.

"Have you broken a law?" Optimus asked as he leaned down closer to them. "Curfew. It's after 10 PM." Jack answered the Autobot leader.

"I better get home too, or I'll be grounded for a year," Raf said, concerned as well.

"Earth customs. I hadn't considered." Optimus realized. "But the issue of your safety remains." Optimus then turned to Bulkhead as he walked up. "Bulkhead, accompany Miko home."

"Alright! My host parents will freak!" She yelled excitedly.

"And maintain surveillance, in vehicle form," Optimus added.

"Curbside duty. Got it." Bulkhead replied. Miko groaned in annoyance, as Optimus turned to Bumblebee.

"Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raf." Bumblebee nodded, while Raf smiled.

"Ratchet-" "Busy." The medic interrupted.

"Arcee, you'll accompany Jack." Said Optimus, as Jack scratched the back of his head sheepishly. 

"Still dizzy..." She said, trying to sound tired, but then Ratchet cut in. "You're fine. Says your physician."

Arcee just sighed defeatedly and walked away.

"And Cliffjumper you will take Miss Elizabeth home," Optimus said. Cliffjumper grinned.

"You can count on me, sir." He replied. She just smiled at the red-colored mech.

Elizabeth got into the passenger side of the car and he pulled out of the base. They spent most of the time in silence, with me staring out the window at the night sky and Cliffjumper just driving. 

 " Oh Elizabeth, I saved your bike that day, it's at the base so come any time if you want to pick it up," Cliffjumper said as he watched her smile grow which he found himself smiling.

" Thanks, Cliff," Elizabeth said. " Cliff? " he asked about the nickname.

" Yeah a nickname since we might as well know each other better " she replied as her hair danced in the wind and the moonlight made her skin glow. " You can call me Liz if you want "

" Okay Liz " Cliffjumper somehow couldn't get the image of her in the moonlight out of his thoughts, ' what am I thinking? we just met ... then why can't I get her out of my processors? '