Return of the Primes (2)

The shocked expressions displayed on the face plates of the other Autobots was enough to tell me they weren’t expecting that. However, Optimus’s gaze was steady, as if he knew all along I was a Prime.

Of course, that would have been the only logical reason for the uncontrollable tension between us. Primes generally didn’t get along very well. That is why only one Prime was permitted for each group of soldiers.

But it wasn’t exactly like I had an option here. There was small noise, and I looked down to see the same human as before, speaking in the same language as before. I glanced at Ironhide, hoping for another translation, and he opened his intake, only to close it again as Optimus shot him a glare.

He turned back to me, “If you are to stay here on Earth, you must speak in its native language, and abide by human rules.” I sighed, before searching the local data files, downloading and updating my information system.

With an encouraging nod from Optimus, the human began speaking again, only this time, I understood what he said. “If you follow us, we will provide you will suitable vehicle options…that is…if you are all done here…” he added the last part awkwardly, looking very uncomfortable.

I narrowed my optics at Optimus; “Yes, we are done.” I replied shortly, and Optimus’s own optics thinned, tension still thick between our two forms. The human coughed, before walking towards the giant building, “Well then, follow me.” I shot the tense Prime one last look, before whirling around, and treading stiffly behind the small being.

The Autobots began to dwindle away, muttering amongst themselves, casting wary glances after me. I stalked through the massive doorways, to find a line of cars parked in front of me. The small human gestured to the array of machines.

“These are all of the latest models, take your pick.” My optics briefly scanned the options, before I was immediately drawn to a particular one. Sleek edges, built for agility and speed, entrancing ___c___ that appealed to my tastes. I did a systems check on the vehicle, analyzing every feature and part.

With a whirr of gears and clanking metal, I bent down, morphing into the desired car. “The __(c/t)__, good choice.” I revved the engines, before transforming back again, satisfied with my new look. “Nice, I like it.” A deep voice complimented, and I looked back to see a silver Autobot roll in, glancing over my form with an openly admiring glint in his optics.

“The name’s Sideswipe, by the way. Glad to have you joining the team.” I scoffed, rolling my optics in disbelief, “If only that were true.” He winced visibly, knowing I was referring to my less than warm welcome.

“Don’t be too discouraged, Optimus might seem like a strict soldier, but once you get to know him, he is actually quite nice.” I snorted, “You must not know Primes then; there is no such thing as nice when another Prime is nearby. It’s in our coding.”

His puzzled look indicated he wanted to ask some questions, but seeing the expression I wore, he simply turned and rolled away, leaving me to my thoughts. There were a couple moments of silence, before an awkward cough cut through, and I glanced down with a start to realize that the human was still there.

“I realized I never introduced myself,” he attempted casual conversation, and for his sake, I decided to go along with it.

“My name is William Lennox, but everyone here just calls me Lennox.” I inclined my helm, “Would you like to meet the other officers?” He offered, and I was about to politely decline, when my backstruts stiffened, sensing an all too familiar presence, feeling those optics bore into my armor, as if trying to burn through to my spark.

“I would love to, Lennox.” I gritted my dentas, and motioned for him to lead the way, me following briskly, never looking back.




“And finally, this is my second in command, and friend, Epps.” I shuttered my optics, attempting to focus my attention on the humans. It wasn’t like I was trying to be rude, but my helm hurt like a Decepticon was using it as a hammer, and my spark was pulsing erratically.

‘What is going on?’ I stumbled slightly, causing the humans to look at me, worry present in their eyes. “E-Excuse, but I have to get somewhere…” I stuttered over my words almost incoherently, my processor feeling fuzzy.

I staggered away, doing a quick scan of my systems. Immediately I discovered the problem; low energon. I cursed, placing a servo against the wall to steady myself, searching through hazy optics for an Autobot to aid me.

I unfortunately, found one. A tall, red and blue one. Who was staring at me, yet again. He approached, and I attempted to ignore him, “_____ what is wrong?” His deep voice reverberated through my helm and I winced, trying to push him aside, only succeeding to bring myself to my knees, intakes ragged.

With much effort, I dragged myself to my feet, refusing to ask help from HIM. He placed himself in front of me, “Let me help you.” I growled, “I don’t need help from y-“ My audio was cut off as my systems began to shut down, my optics last, letting me view myself crashing into the Prime’s arms, before I descended into darkness.