Sideswipe, "Simmons and his team are landing."
Glenn, "Landing dock clear!"
Sideswipe, "Wheeljack is coming with them."
Glenn visibly brightened up, "Awesome, my conspiracy theorist buddy is back."
Sideswipe snorted, "Sure."
The ex - gladiator watched as the dark skinned human vibrated in his seat with excitement at the thought of sharing conspiracies with Wheeljack. That scientist really loved to throw around theories and chase them to see if they were right or wrong or just because it was a curious interest. Sideswipe still remembered when Wheeljack started to study humans calling it 'humanology'. Ratchet was worried it would make the humans feel insulted or something, only for Glenn to mention the study was called anthropology not humanology. That had made every Autobot pause for a minute while Wheeljack asked if humans actually studied humans for science. Glenn just shrugged and said humans are complex creatures and many have tried studying themselves and still have not grasped everything yet. Wheeljack was more then welcome to join in as long as he did not break any laws. Wheeljack had agreed and when he searched for it on the internet found hundreds of papers on the subject. The Mech looked like Cyber solstice had come early for him and Ratchet had been worried but eventually let it go.
Leo the youngest joined the older man looking just as excited. Sam had recommended the young man saying if the army had not been paranoid about social media sightings Leo would have found them. It made Prowl keep an eye on the human but he never intervened in the selection process. But just as they expected the stubborn human was hell bent on proving aliens existed and pushed and pushed till he got in. The look of absolute delight on Leo's face when he saw the Cybertronians for the first time was completely worth it. The shock on realizing Sam, Raph and Miles knew about the Cybertronians from the start was hilarious. Leo however just went with the flow and had a good laugh as well and then joined in with the chaos that was the human department of the Cybertronian group. Sideways hummed as the human scientists enthusiastically greeted Wheeljack making the older Mech return the greeting happily.
Sideswipe, "Hey Prowl, any news from the big boss?"
Prowl sighed, "For the fourth time today Sideswipe, Prime is busy with his Sire. I know you do not like him but Sentinel still holds a huge sway among the nobilities."
Sideswipe grouched, "Do these nobilities even have any standing anymore? Especially after our planet has fallen."
Prowl looked around, -Look, I hate to say this but unlike human nobility, Cybertron nobilities live longer making it possible for them to come up with contingencies. If we want to change anything, we have to be patient.-
Sideswipe fumed, -He does not respect us though. He looked at us like we were worth less then cyberplox.-
Prowl, -I understand how you feel but as humans say, this is the adult world where you will run into people you will hate.-
Sideswipe snarled, "Oh! For the love of sanity, why do we have to bend down for those old bolts? They do nothing but hide away in their luxury ships pretending the war is not their problem."
A brunette blinked hearing that and muttered, "Hey Rosa, did you hear that?"
Rosa nodded, "Sounds troublesome to me. Do not get involved these guys live longer then us Juli. Who knows what happened."
Juli huffed, "Aren't you the least bit curious?"
Rosa continued typing, "I am but I have no interest being kidnapped by the cons because I knew too much."
Juli paused her typing, "I thought Witwicky wanted to offer a truce?"
Rosa shook her head slightly, eyes on the screen, "That is what they say but here's my question. Why take him to an undisclosed place? Why not have the truce signed with others around?"
Juli pouted, "Fine, I will not snoop but you can't stop me from gossip."
Rosa sighed, "Just be careful. They have been tense ever since that red Cybertronian woke up. Something is up with him and I do not like it."
Juli nodded mumbling, "Yeah, he even attacked the two leaders. Who does that? He is cray cray."
Blacklight got up discreetly and walked away from the group of human ladies who were gossiping about the events earlier. He had his own reservations about Sentinel and it looks like his actions had not endeared him to the humans. His twin and himself were outliers, they had always been outliers, especially with their ability to minimize and maximize themselves effortlessly unlike others. An ability that was deemed worthless by those in power. It had been a curse to them, being ignored, forgotten, treated like air and then their Prime, Elita found them. That was the start of something different for him and his sister, it was the start of a hopeful future. Then things became worse, they had to fight for their lives and more then once almost got killed in the process more then once. It was only due to sheer dumb luck they were alive though his sister insisted it was their skills not luck hat saved them.
Blavkracer jumped on to his back, "There you are, brother dearest ~"
Blacklight grunted. "Hey sis, I am surprised you are here. Weren't you going to head out with Chromia?"
Blavkracer, "I am in a bit. Just thought I would check in on my dear twin and make sure he is doing well."
Blacklight, "I am okay, sister. Do not worry about me. I was just requested by Knight Bumblebee to join him in training."
Blavkracer, "You are heading to Castle Aln, I am jealous. You will get to spend time with the sparklings."
Blacklight, "I am sure they would love it if you visited too sister. They certainly adore the nickel chips you make. I think Sam once mentioned those chips for sparklings was what potato chips were for human kids."
Blavkracer beamed, "Ooh! Then I will make a ton of those chips. I noticed Ratchet ordered a few unprocessed nickel ores. Those are the best to make those chips."
Blacklight hummed nodding as Blavkracer went off on a tangent about making it in different flavors just like that one human potato chips company. Blavkracer still remembers when her human partner brought multiple chip packets in different colours and sizes. Blavkracer had become very curious and had requested for an organic flavor sensitive glossa and after a month of waiting, her world opened to new possibilities when it came to taste. Despite the wariness from her teammates, Blavkracer was determined to re - create those flavors for Cybertronians and hopefully more future sparklings to come. Blacklight left after a bit to head out towards the castle where the sparkling were being housed. It would be a day long travel especially with all the custom checks they had to do with the bases in between but it was better and faster then what the civvies deal with. After a whole day of travelling he finally reached the castle that was built to hide the Lost Light in plain sight.
Bumblebee waved him over with his tail lights, -Over here.-
Blacklight, -Knight Bumblebee, greetings. I would have met up with you at the castle.-
Bumblebee, -Just Bumblebee please, and I can clear all your papers now and create less headaches for us. Come on.-
Blacklight, -I appreciate this. It has been too long since I had the chance to take care of younglings let alone sparklings.-
Bumblebee, -I know that feeling. Here we are.-
Sam, "Bee and Blacklight, how have you been?"
Blacklight transformed, "I have been well. So, I get to watch over them by myself?"
Sam sighed, "I.. Yes, we were invited to a high - class party and I can't keep saying no."
Blacklight, "Like a noble high - class party?"
Sam shook his head, "Worst, it is a party for people to talk about money, deals and other stuff. The big wigs are going to be present, nobles or not."
Blacklight tilted his helm in curiosity, "That is a curious difference between Cybertronians and humans. In Cybertron, unless you were a noble yourself you were not allowed to hang around other nobles."
Sam, "Seriously? That is very pretentious of them."
Blacklight, "Just ask Mirage, his Sire would make him attend those types of parties."
Sam, "Ah! I will have to invite him some time to talk then. Sparky misses his tower Guardians. Sad he is one of the few left."
Blacklight, "Tower guardian? Never mind, tell me after you return."
Sam grinned, "Sure, shall we go Bee?"
Bee, "Yeah, let's go."
Sam sat back on the passenger's seat while Bee's newest holoform, a tanned man with slick platinum blond hair, took place of the driver and started to head towards the party area. Sam had been thinking about the third movie and while the Allspark did not hate, they did hold a petty grudge against Sentinel for various reasons. Number one, delaying the naming of Optimus as a Prime. Number two, throwing away sparklings just because they were different from others. Number three, ignoring the threat the increasing civil war could be to the sparklings. There were more but those were the biggest reasons and as the say, three strikes, you are out. Allspark hummed inside his mind in agreement as they start to show images in Sam's mind about loud and very much packed parties that took place in Cybertron. The shortest Cybertronian parties lasted for half a month of Earth's time, something that made Sam stare blankly, a little terrifies to ask how long the big parties were.
Bumblebee, "We are here, Sam."
Sam blinked, "Oh! Thanks for accompanying me, Bee."
Bumblebee, "No problem, now come on. Let's deal with this first and then we can head back home. It is only a few hours."
Sam muttered, "Sparky told me about how long your parties last."
Bumblebee offered his arm, "Exactly, compared to that this will be over quickly. You enjoy parties though. So, why the reluctance with this one?"
Sam sighed, "I found out some of the people attending are the ones Miles is doing an espionage on. I do not want to mess up his investigation by accident."
Bumblebee looked around the parking spot, "Ah! I see, that Gould corporation Jazz was talking about."
Sam finally got out, "Let's get this over with and avoid blowing his cover. Especially, if my suspicions are correct."
Bumblebee mused, "Or we could give him cover. Not the first time I did that."
Sam hummed, "I see what you mean but.. He has his pride."
Bumblebee looked down at Sam with mirth, "What's pride? Can we eat it?"
Sam snorted, "Yeah, he will survive."
Their arrival were announced by the Master of Ceremonies, "Announcing, the youngest Witwicky, Samuel James Witwicky and his Guardian, a newly minted Knight, Berkley Espionge."
Sam, 'Espionage? A little on the nose Bee.'
The hostess, a Miss Leighton greeted them, "Ah! Young Witwicky and the mysterious new Knight. I must say young gentlemen, I was expecting you to turn down this invite like the last time."
Sam kissed the back of her hand as etiquette demanded, "Of course not, Madam. I was merely busy before after rejoining the Witwicky main brunch. Uncle Edmund insisted I learn at least a quarter of the family history and lessons at least, before letting me run wild on unsuspecting folks. Bee here is a very old friend who refused to leave my side."
Bee nodded, "Hello ma'am, thank you for having me here."
Miss Leighton tittered behind her gloved hand, "Ah! There is that American attitude. It is a pleasure to meet such a loyal friend, Sir Berkley. Oh and call me Rhiannon, young man. I was the one to introduce your Uncle to your aunt. Bless her soul!"
Sam, "Very well, Rhiannon and I must say I am very happy to be here. A break from studying is always more then welcome."
Rhiannon actually laughed this time, "You cleared the college with three Masteries under your belt yet you are still studying. I would be grateful if you can impart some of that attitude to my grandchildren."
Sam grinned, "I am sure they will wish to be studying again once they realize adult work life is more grueling."
Rhiannon's eyes twinkled, "I have more guests to greet. Do enjoy the party, young men. I hope you will attend future ones too."
Bee watched her leave and whispered, "Kinda shot your foot with that one Sammy."
Sam, "I can always say I fell sick."
Bee, "People at six o'clock."
Sam smiled as a few older men and women greeted him politely making small talk and asking about the older Witwicky and his cousin Vivian. It gave Sam the impression that they were interested in marrying her and pressed for more details. After a while, Sam left the group with request of correspondence addressed to his cousin, he should remember to tease her about it. Bee grabbed them a drink each with alcohol content though it looked like Bee was burning the alcohol out using one of his abilities. Sam snorted at his protective attitude saying he could have picked the non alcoholic to which Bee mentioned they were being watched. Sam hummed and they agreed to observe and Sam headed to a secluded area from the party where he was very obviously followed.
Sam twitched, 'Not subtle at all.'
Allspark, 'Pretty sure it is because you were expecting it, my dear host.'
Sam, 'Wonder if they will have the guts to even talk though. They are just waiting in the distance.'
Allspark, 'I think they made up their mind.'
A young woman approached him, "Hello, Mr Witwicky. Who I am is not important, I just want you to know that my boss has gone mad over you. I do not know what he is planning but please be very careful."
Sam blinked at the blond woman, "Thank you for the warning Miss .... "
The woman smiled, "Carly Spencer. Call me Carly. I should go. My brother will get worried otherwise."
Sam, "Of course Carly. You better stay safe too. Since you warned me, I can guess your boss will not be happy."
Carly, "Oh I know he will be furious, when he finds out. I plan on staying with my brother till things cool down."
Sam was not expecting that to happen, then again the relationship between Earth and Cybertronians folk were much more positive and better then the one in the movies and comic book. Sam was about to head out when he saw another man approach him and he put on a polite smile as he made small talk. Looks like he would be here for a while talking with guests and rubbing shoulders with older folk. He did not enjoy currying favors but it was fun to see how much he could get out of these prideful adults who had more pride and money then self preservation. After around one and a half hour of mingling he grabbed a plate and filled it with food, intending to eat in a quiet corner, he was feeling exhausted after all the fake smiling and flattery. Just as he and Bee sat down to relax they were joined by a man who was familiar but Sam wish he was not.
The dark haired man looked nervous, "Hello Witwicky and Sir Knight, I am Wang, Jerry Wang. Yes, I am half Chinese and half American."
Sam sighed internally, 'This was the unlucky guy who killed himself. What to do?'
Bee, "Pleasure to meet you Mr Wang."
Sam, "How are you enjoying the night?"
Jerry, "Oh! It is great so far. Um... You two seem very close."
Sam, "We have known each other since teen years. So, yeah we are close."
Jerry, "Of course, you do. Anyway I was tasked to give this to you. Have a great night."
Bee raised an eyebrow as the man left, "Should I worry?"
Sam looked at the pen drive, "For now, let's just observe. Keep that with you."
Bee grabbed the pen drive, "Right! Jumping to conclusions causes more harm then help."
A shriek sounded across the hall, "THAT MAN JUST JUMPED OFF THE WINDOW!"
Sam paused eating getting up, "For sanity's sake. One night without drama. Just one relaxing night. Is that too much to ask?"
Bee held his arm, "Wait, he is alive. Hurt but still alive."
Sam nodded feeling his mind go numb, "Who was it?"
Bee hummed, "It was Jerry, Carly was outside and she saw it. Poor girl looks like her heart stopped."
Sam muttered, "Just be careful no one catches you hacking the cameras."
Bee, "I am the best in my field for a reason. Not hungry anymore?"
Sam, "Appetite is kind of ruined."
Bee, "Let's go. I do not think anyone would mind if we leave now. He was talking to other people before he did that. So we are technically in the clear."
Sam sighed, "Seriously though what in the ever loving name of sanity was that?"
Bee shrugged, "Don't ask me. I am a Knight. Come on. Let's get out of here."
Sam agreed and went to meet the hostess who apologized for the drama but hoped she would see them again. The two of them were a delight to have according to her and she would love seeing them again. Bee nodded in agreement just to make the niceties move faster and Sam smiled sweetly as he waved goodbye. The brunette sighed as he sat in the car, the pen drive looking like an eyesore now. At least he would not be accused of having a gay relationship this time around. While it was hilarious in the movies, he just might punch someone in real life. He has nothing against gays but he had his hands full as it was and had no time for something like romance. Not to forget the dark theories of Mikaela and Carly being killed in the previous life, he was not getting anyone's blood on his hands if he could help it, especially a potential lover.
Optimus, "Sentinel, today I got permission to take you to the Lost Light."
Sentinel harrumphed, "Never did I think a cycle would come when I the Sentinel Prime would require approval."
Optimus, "I understand this does not please you. However, Knight Bumblebee has made Castle Alnwick and the ship his personal territory to protect. Also he is very ruthless when it comes to safety of his multiple charges."
Sentinel, "And the human allows it? I was under the impression humans preferred their freedom."
Optimus, "Sam allows it as long as Bumblebee does not get caught in his act and it does not interfere with daily life. Two things that would gain attention which would go against keeping them safe."
Sentinel, "How pretentious!"
Optimus shook his head, "No, we mingle among civilians in disguise. It works out fine for us."
Sentinel, "Very well. When do we leave?"
Optimus, "Now, of course. It would take two days travel by ourselves. Longer if we follow the traffic."
Sentinel, "We shall go by ourselves."
Sentinel grumbled inside is helm in irritation, 'Of all things for the Allspark to choose as it's vessel. It had to pick a human. A disgusting organic being.'
Sentinel had been in contact with someone over the past few days he had been at the farm and it made Optimus a little wary. He wanted to trust his Sire, despite all the red glaring warnings he was seeing from his Sire. It had taken years but Optimus had eventually admitted his Sire may love him but he was not exactly the best parent out there, though it could have been worse. A good parent did not lock up their sparklings in a castle like tower away from everyone else, including their siblings. A good Sire, did not stop a sparkling from making relationship with others, relationships which would help in the sparklings growth. Most importantly a good Prime did not abandon his people when things get rough for them all. That was what Sentinel had done, although Optimus acquiesced there was good reason for it, he still could not help his doubts which made him feel a little reluctant when it came to those he considered his charges.
Sentinel, -I still find it insulting we have to pay for these toll gates. We are Primes, Optimus.-
Optimus, -Calm Sentinel, there is nothing wrong with indulging in some of Earth's traditions and practices. We are travelling in disguise to avoid mass panic and suspicion after all.-
Sentinel grumbled, -I knew I should have been more strict back then.-
Optimus, -Ahem! This way.-
Sentinel saw a massive ship, -Now, can we transform, my dear Primeling?-
Optimus was feeling exasperated at this point, -Patience Sentinel, let us be at sea first.-
Sentinel, -What are we Primes who were venerated as Gods reduced to! Why this would not be tolerated in my youngling days.-
Optimus sighed and chanted patience multiple times inside. He was very amused when Sentinel almost jumped because of the loud warning horn the ship blared. It made the placation he had to give the older Mech throughout their journey worth it. He was honestly a little envious of Elita Prime as she did not have to cater to Sentinel like he did, since her Carrier was Aeroblade and the heavy tanker femme was currently on the moon. Optimus only hoped Sentinel did not insult Sam and in turn insult the Allspark who is very protective of his only mobile host. The two of the transformed once they were out of sight of civilian humans and surrounded by human soldiers who saluted them in respect and gave them space. Something Sentinel appreciated from the looks of it, Optimus decided to distract the Mech with knowledge and trivia about the things he had researched on Earth during his free time.
Sentinel visibly relaxed as Optimus continued to talk in Cybertronian, so that only only he and Sentinel knew what he was talking about. Sentinel eyed his Primeling and felt a little bit of guilt in his spark before he squashed it. What he was about to do or rather what he needed to do was important for the future of their planet. Sentinel looked around the hull of the ship and despite his dislike for organic beings, he had to admit they made good laborers. They did what needed to be done first before fooling around unlike certain bots he could name so perhaps he should consider keeping a few as laborers. Also the bot cleaners that Optimus had called for them a few days ago back at the farm, were very thorough in cleaning them making their armor shine like it was brand new. Yes, he should really make sure that particular group stays unscathed, they would be very useful in the future.
Optimus, "We are here. Follow me Sire."
Sentinel transformed, "Finally. Let's go."
Optimus guided them through cities and towns with more humans and civilians before it gave away to fields and trees. After a few minutes, they saw the castle towers and the outlines of the Lost Light came into view. Bumblebee was waiting for them at the gates and transformed into his Knight form when they got closer.
Bumblebee, "Welcome, Optimus Prime and Sentinel Prime to castle Alnwick."
Optimus transformed, "We greet you Knight Bumblebee."
Sentinel transformed as well and spoke sharply, "We greet you, young Knight."
Optimus gave his Sire a look but pressed on, "I am pleased you accepted our request."
Bumblebee ignored Sentinel's jab, "You can thank Sam for coaxing the Allspark. The Allspark was against Sentinel coming here."
Sentinel, "Why?"
Bumblebee, "I am afraid that is something you have to figure out with the Allspark, Sentinel Prime. Even Sam is unsure of what you did. The only thing he knows is the Allspark is not pleased with you."
Sentinel, "Very well, young Knight. If you would grant me permission to speak with your ward to clear the air. I would be grateful."
Bumblebee narrowed his optics, "That can be arranged, Sentinel Prime. But first I believe we should get you acquainted with the rest of the neutrals."
Sentinel paused, "Neutrals? They are still alive?"
Bumblebee, "Yes, the have survived under the leadership of Ultra Magnus."
Sentinel gaped, "My youngest sparkling is alive? where is he?"
Ultra Magnus spoke amused at the reaction from his normally stoic Sire, "Right here Sire, it has been a while."
Sentinel held him close, "You really are here. My little Magnus. Well, not so little anymore."
Ultra Magnus hummed, "Of course, I am the Captain of the Lost Light. Come in, I shall show you around. Also, we have named the three sparklings."
Optimus, "Really brother?"
Ultra Magnus, "Yes, Sam is with them currently. I believe the Allspark is ensuring their sparks are stable."
Optimus, "Perfect, we can meet all of them."
Optimus however came to regret taking Sentinel to meet Sam and the three sparkling a few hours ago as the older Mech transformed into flight mode and flew off holding Sam, Robust, Mediplus and Thruster. The three sparklings were screeching at being separated from their carrier and sire while Sam held them close inside the cockpit they were being carried in. Sam cursed under his breath as he realized they were leaving the European continent and heading somewhere else. Sam hoped it would not be another Chicago massacre, though he knew there was an Autobot base there run by Jazz so he hoped it will be fine.