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Cover Me	By : Huronoryu Category: S through Z > Transformers (Movie Only) > Transformers (Movie Only) Views: 71978 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own the Transformers movie, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Cover Me
By The Black Dragon Queen
Author's Note: Oh yeah! 178 was suppose to be called "Land Ho" wasn't it? And THIS one was suppose to be the "Road Home"... ... ... I think it's best if everyone just ignored my author's notes regarding chapter titles. Sorry. I keep re-writing my outline. LOL. Anyway, as I edited last time, it seems my alerts were set to default so for the past 6 months or so I never received e-mail notifications of any reviews so I've spent the past week going through 10 pages of reviews! Sorry to all!

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Nine: Problems At Port
"Of all the- irresponsible- stupid! Idiotic! Just how- what would possess-? Argh!"
Optimus sighed quietly to himself. It had been twenty minutes and Ratchet still had yet to properly articulate a complete sentence. Optimus wondered briefly if he should smack him on the back of the head again but on purpose this time. "Ratchet. Will and Sam are fine. You need to calm down-"
"Calm down? Calm down?" Ratchet hissed at his friend. "How can anybody calm down? They practically gave him poison!"
"Poison!" Ironhide burst out alarmed and Optimus hid a wince. So far Ironhide had been content to let Ratchet let out his ire on the group in general. The last thing he needed was a pissed off gunner on, what was for them, a tiny ship. "Damn it, I'll kill them!"
Optimus winced openly now. 'So not good,' he thought and tried to come up with something to say that would diffuse the situation or at least bring the boil down to a simmer.
"You're going to have to get them back up here to do that," Barricade drawled. "And I doubt Rumble and Frenzy are going to come up any faster hearing you're out to scrap them both."
Optimus sent a glare Barricade's way. "Not. Helping!" he hissed. Barricade just shrugged indifferently.
"Energon! They gave them Energon!" Ironhide hissed furiously.
"A mouthful at best," Ravage drawled from where he sat at Soundwave's feet. He himself had nothing to fear from the gunner or the medic. In fact, Ratchet applauded the cat for bringing it to his attention.
"Aged Energon, Optimus. Aged!" Ratchet got out before his fury finally stole any capability of articulating actual words and he settled for snarling his irritation.
Optimus shook his head as he could practically feel the fury radiating from Ratchet and Ironhide both. Jazz and Barricade were actually taking bets on who would blow his top completely and finally fall off the edge of ship from stomping about. Optimus was on the verge of reminding the two about the other humans running about trying to get the ship ready to dock. It wasn't their fault that the two humans they actually wanted on the deck were sequestered below.
Sam himself had been pulled back down into the interior of the ship by a guilty Rumble and Frenzy the moment Ratchet had had his little freak out, pissing the medic even more as he couldn't check the boy first while Will hadn't even responded to the medic's summons and according to the animal mimics, he had drunk an entire glass of their glowing drink. Instead, Epps had appeared above deck to assure everyone that he would keep an eye on Will and that Ron had promised to do the same for Sam.
Ironhide didn't seem pleased with the idea but thankfully didn't say anything. Optimus could tell that he was more than likely worried about Will and just covering his anxiety with bluster. While Epps' confirmation that they would watch out for the two calmed some down, others were still not happy with idea of either of them out of their sight; specifically Ratchet who's speaking ability had dissolved even further into small animalistic growls by this point.
"They'll be fine," Jazz assured his friend.
Ratchet whirled about to point at Jazz but all he managed to get out were a few more half-words, sputters and snarls. Wheeljack took it upon himself to ask his partner's questions. "How can you be sure of this?"
The other mech shrugged. "Speaks to Primus, has a Link-" Barricade made an indigent squawk, "and he can use the All Spark," Jazz finished.
"That's just Sam though!" Ironhide cried out. "Will can't do any of that!"
"Can't he?" Optimus frowned. "I mean, we never tried to have him or any of the others contact Primus and that's simply because we just assumed only Sam could."
"What else were we suppose to assume? The shard only activates in Sam's hands," Prowl insisted.
"The All Spark!" Bumblebee cried out triumphantly, completely ignoring the Link statement and turned to Optimus. "Do you think that has anything to do with Sam's ability? That he can use the All Spark means he can stomach to our Energon?"
Optimus considered it momentarily. "It is possible but that doesn't explain Will."
"It might," Ironhide countered, looking deep in thought himself.
"What do you mean?" Wheeljack asked curiously.
"Back in Mission City, Will did pass the Cube to Sam at one point when there was an argument, remember?" he directed the last part towards Ratchet who growled but nodded in agreement. "He told me later that the cube was warm."
"It was warm?" Optimus gasped in surprise. This was the first time he was hearing about it. "Why?"
"Maybe from when Sam was running and activated those few machines into mechs?" Jazz asked curiously.
"No, that was later," 'Bee refuted.
"But why was the Cube warm then?" Optimus questioned the youngest mech. Out of all of them; he had the most knowledge of what was going on that day in regards to Sam.
"Maybe from when I had it shift into it's smaller form?" 'Bee shrugged. "It hadn't had any contact with us in centuries."
"What? The Cube was just happy to see you?" Barricade asked doubtfully.
"It was just an idea."
"It is a possibility," Wheeljack announced, a pensive look on his face. "Perhaps after coming into contact with one of us after so long only to be put into the hands of a human once again it may have taken matters into its own hands. So to speak."
"What? Are you saying it's turning them into one of us?" Ironhide yelped.
"I'm not at all! They're not suddenly going to grow twenty feet tall and sprout metal skin," Wheeljack's optics darkened somewhat indignantly. "I'm just saying that it is possible that they're… changed somewhat."
"Changed how?" Bumblebee demanded and even Barricade got up from his corner seat and made his way over, taking a fearsome stance behind 'Bee's left shoulder and glared at the Engineer. Wheeljack took a step back and hesitantly gave a small shrug. Bumblebee, Barricade and Ironhide now all glared at the mech.
"Prolonged exposure may also have something to do with it," Perceptor spoke up as Wheeljack smartly took cover behind his still agitated mate. "I mean no one has taken a study on how our simple presences on this planet is affecting it or them have they? Not to mention the All Spark being here and the Energon crystals. Who knows what any of that has done to the human race over the years?"
"Are you trying to tell me that just us being here is harming them?" Ironhide demanded as he turned his glare towards the other scientist and Perceptor sent him an exasperated look.
"I'm just saying it hasn't been studied."
"Until now," Skyfire spoke up, turning to Optimus. "With your permission, I shall look into it. It should be a fascinating study as we've never truly had any encounters with other major planetary species."
"Oh yes! You field of expertise is in Xenomechanics, isn't it?" Prowl brightened. "Or… what would humans call it?"
"Xenobiology," Barricade supplied.
"Out of anyone here, he would be the best to look into it," Perceptor nodded. "Being an interplanetary scientist, he is the most qualified."
"But not without me!" Ratchet confirmed. "We need to assure their health first and foremost. We owe it to them."
"If you wish to look into it," Optimus told the larger mech. "But you will have to get permission from the humans themselves and perhaps put in a request with John for any necessary paperwork."
"Ah paperwork. Can't do anything without those," Wheeljack snickered. Everyone except Prowl who seemed to unable to comprehend the joke shared laugher all around. Jazz would explain it all to him later.
"The mystery is more why Will can tolerate the Energon," Skyfire announced. "It seems as if you have plenty of hypotheses on why Sam can drink it but Will is the outlying factor. Why can he drink it?"
"Who knows at this point," Ironhide sighed. "I'll agree it more than likely stems from the All Spark and his brief encounter with it."
"The moment we're back at the base they're going straight to my med bay!" Ratchet declared before he turned to send a scowl towards Optimus. "Pardon me, the main hanger as I don't even have a med bay!"
"You don't have a med bay?" Skyfire asked surprised.
"Clearly our safety is not a high enough priority!" Ratchet snapped, his gaze never straying from Optimus.
"Oh will you give it a rest!" Optimus retort, frankly getting fed up with Ratchet's attitude towards the med bay situation. "Did you want to re-outfit one of the already existing hangers or have one built from scratch to your specifications?"
Ratchet opened his mouth on what was more than likely a scathing argument when what Optimus actually said sank in. "He look like fish," Jetstorm announced with a small giggle.
Barricade, Soundwave and the rest of the first team all burst out laughing at his expression and Ratchet huffed but smiled nonetheless. "You're all jerks, you know that?"
"Aww, we love you too Ratch'."
"Shut up Optimus." Ratchet was loosing the battle with his own snickers. "Or I'll tell everyone about your 'all power commander pass code'."
Optimus faked a gasp. "You wouldn't!"
"What code?" Prowl asked alarmed that only sent Ratchet laughing harder.
Optimus finally made a small ah-hem noise and gained everyone's attention as the laugher died down. They would be pulling into port soon and they had to get things situated as it was. "All right everyone, calm down! We're going to have to figure out how this is going to work once we hit port."
"How what is going to work?" 'Bee asked clearly startled. "We're going home, aren't we?"
Optimus gestured vaguely in Skyfire and Sunstorm's direction who looked surprised to be singled out. "Planes are faster than cars," he stated the obvious.
"Well duh," Barricade snorted as he turned and went back to his corner, leaving the group to it.
"Is this a problem?" Skyfire asked alarmed.
"No, of course not," Optimus was quick to assure him. "It's just that we don't want you reaching the base and giving Red Alert a nasty surprise."
"In other words, Optimus doesn't want him to shoot you both before we get there to explain the situation," Jazz snickered good-naturedly.
"Shoot us?" Everyone looked down surprised at the young twins startled though not as alarmed as small jets seemed to be.
"And just who said you would be flying the whole way there?" Sunstreaker yelped aghast.
"You said no water below we go above, no?" Jetstorm challenged.
"When there are no buildings or people!" Sunstreaker pointed towards where port was just beginning to take shape. "And look! There are both!" Jetfire pouted and Jetstorm huffed again but neither said anything and Sideswipe patted Jetstorm's shoulder in appreciation for not making a fuss. Sunstorm just gave them both an approving nod.
"Clearly Sunstreaker has taken on the role as the responsible parent in charge of ruining any and all fun," Jazz snickered at Barricade.
"Eh," Barricade shrugged not caring one way or the other. "He's an artist. Any excuse for drama."
"So what shall we do about Skyfire and Sunstorm?" Perceptor asked, getting the group back on track. "And him I suppose," he waved towards Scorponok who was snapping his pincers at any deckhand that came too close to him.
"Well I don't think we can pack him in Optimus' trailer, that's for sure," Ironhide smirked and Optimus too a swat at him though he was more than twice his arms length from the gunner. Ironhide still ducked.
"How large do you suppose your cargo bay is?"
Skyfire startled at the sudden question and glanced at Optimus uncertain. Optimus nodded for Skyfire to answer Sideswipe's inquiry. "I don't know. I suppose I could carry one or two mech if the need arose."
"What about a scorpion and two sparklings?" Sideswipe persisted. Sunstreaker broke out into a large smile and turned to Skyfire to await the answer eagerly.
Skyfire looked at the twins who were still sulking, which seemed like it would be their perpetual state until they were allowed to fly, and the scorpion. "I think that would be acceptable."
"Are you sure that Scorponok will fit though?" Perceptor asked dubiously as he looked between the two as if trying to fit two completely unrelated puzzle pieces.
"He fit in that chopper 'Con, didn't he?" Ratchet spoke finally though he still looked rather put out at the whole Energon issue.
"Blackout," Soundwave supplied.
"Blackout," Ratchet nodded in thanks. "He must be able to transform into a smaller form."
"I'll ask him!" Sunstorm announced cheerfully and wandered over to the 'Con.
Optimus' optics blinked in surprise as he wondered briefly how that was going to happen before turning back to Skyfire. "It probably would be a good idea if someone were to travel with you as you do not know where it is exactly that we're going."
"Could we not just follow your signal?" Skyfire asked perplexed.
"He says he can shift!" Sunstorm announced firmly as he re-joined the group.
"Er…" Optimus shook his head slightly trying to clear his thoughts a bit before turning back to Skyfire. "That was my thought at first but you also do not know the terrain and we can not risk you flying into restricted airspace or alarming any of the human's pilots should you cross paths."
"The last thing we need is a military scramble," Ironhide nodded. "Someone should go get Epps. He should probably go with you. He has the authority when it comes to the air force and us. If something does happen, he can more than likely get you out of it."
"Okay. So the plan so far is Epps, Scorponok and the Jet twins with Skyfire and Sunstorm," Optimus began. "It would probably be best if you were to meet up with us just outside of Tranquility. By then, we should be able to get in touch with Red and the others and you can head on ahead to the base proper."
"This no fair! We suppose to fly!" Jetfire stomped his foot.
"We no do anything but what adults say and we still punished!" Jetstorm agreed, his optics flashing under his visor.
"Look, lets just get home first shall we? Then you two can fly for an entire week straight, all right?"
"Ratchet!" Sunny and Sides' gasped horrified while the younger two cheered triumphantly and danced about, Jetstorm almost pulling Sideswipe over as he pulled on the leash the red twin held in his hand.
"Just," Optimus shook his head. "We'll deal with those things later. Let's just deal with one problem at a time."
"There's a problem?" Manning asked surprised as he made his way towards the group, Eddie and Knight trailing behind him. "Not with my ship, is there?"
"Oh! No," Prowl was quick to reassure the man. "We're just trying to get all our birds in order."
"Ducks in a row," 'Bee corrected.
"Oh whatever," Prowl frowned.
'Bee stared at the mech in surprise as Jazz let out a peel of laughter. "It's finally getting to him!" the silver mech crowed.
"What is getting to him?" Knight asked curiously.
"Humanity," Ravage growled cryptically.
"He got the bug!" Jazz continued throwing an arm around his husband.
"He has a bug?" Sunstorm yelped aghast and took a rather large step away from the Autobot commander and closer to his friend.
"Don't pay any attention," Wheeljack assured the two. "They've picked up the human's strange speech patterns."
"Such as ensuring ducks are in rows?" Skyfire asked.
"Exactly," Wheeljack brightened.
"We're just trying to get ourselves organized on how to proceed home," Optimus was assuring Manning. "Who's going with who and how the air mechs will go so as not to startle any air control towers."
"Good idea," Manning chuckled.
"And I suppose we'll be saying good bye to you two," Ironhide turned to the other two humans. "Heading back to Alaska or…?"
"Definitely heading back to Alaska," Eddie chuckled, ignoring Knight's rather startled expression beside him. "Though my job will be better, that's for sure. John asked that I start getting an outpost ready for the group heading up to the old Seven base. Though I suppose all that will be hashed out when you get back."
"More than likely," Optimus laughed. "We'll have to make a few trips for not only Energon but to excavate the A.R.C. out of the ice."
"Sorry, but you're going to have to find your own ways back to Alaska," Manning apologized. "We're heading off on another assignment after we drop this lot off. Though I doubt it will be as exciting."
"What? You don't expect to encounter any giant alien scorpions?" Ironhide snickered.
"Or anyone suddenly going into labor," Manning laughed.
"I'm just glad Jazz didn't go into sympathy labor!" Ratchet chuckled.
"What?" Prowl yelped horrified. Ironhide showed his support by stepping away from Prowl incase he spazzed and toppled over. At least he wasn't by the edge of the deck.
"Aw, don't worry Prowl! I, at least, will wait until we're home," Jazz snickered.
"Like I had a choice on when these two decided to put in their appearance!" Sunny yelped irritably shaking Jetfire's leash for emphasis. Jetfire and Jetstorm glanced at one another puzzled at what exactly that statement meant but it didn't seem as if the adults were going to elaborate anytime soon. Jetfire went back to trying to get his own "harness" off while Jetstorm went back to watching the humans running about the deck.
Eddie shook his head as he turned back to Manning. "Don't worry 'bout me none, I've got a ticket at the airport waiting for me to fly back courtesy of the government."
"Well it was certainly nice meeting you," Optimus told him. "And it will be nice to see a familiar face next time we're up north."
"And what of you?" Barricade drawled, looking pointedly at Knight. "Back to Washington or is Alaska your home base?"
Knight actually looked surprised at the statement. "I thought I was returning to the base with you."
"What?" most of the mechs yelped, shocked by his statement. Ravage actually started growling a bit and Jetstorm looked at the cat in surprise at the sound he'd never heard before.
"Um… I'm sorry Knight if that's what you thought," Optimus began, trying his best to be diplomatic. "We all assumed you were returning to your previous post. John said nothing about meeting up with you and we believed you had actually been pulled from another job while we went on our supposed Energon wild goose chase."
"What is with the mentions of aquatic birds?" Skyfire asked Wheeljack perplexed.
Knight just looked up at Optimus, his gaze guarded. "That was the plan when we were in Alaska," he admitted slowly. "But since we're already here in California I thought it would be the best course of action to return with you to your base of operations. I could get my reports done a lot easier confirming events with all of you there and I can even give them to Keller himself right there in the base."
"Er… Keller probably ain't even there anymore dude," Jazz said with a quick glance at Barricade who sent him a suspicious look of his own.
"Truly?" Knight's disappointed tone sounded a bit forced and Soundwave sent both Jazz and Barricade a look himself as Ravage got up and headed towards the stairs to below deck, no doubt going to find Sam and stand guard. "However I think it will be best to accompany you to the base as it were. Since I have yet to receive any further instructions and considering I was never given a clear indication on where my duties to you were to end it's best to make sure I see it to the end. Once you're safe back at your base I shall call Keller for further instruction."
'But not before you poke your nose into everything I bet,' Barricade thought as he caught the panicked look Bumblebee sent his way.
Jazz gave the younger 'Bot a small pat on his back trying to be reassuring even as it seemed his own mate was completely oblivious to the telling glances the others were sending each other as he smiled down at Knight. "We will still be happy to have you," Prowl told the human. "Perhaps he can help the group trying to decode Thirteen's computers." Jazz smacked a hand on his forehead. So far they had been able to keep that little tidbit a secret.
"Thirteen's computer?" Knight asked a bit too eagerly. "Did you find something of theirs?"
"After a fashion," Perceptor confirmed and Barricade dropped his head into his hand with a groan. "Some of their computers."
"I'm not a hacker but I can give it a try," Knight chuckled.
"Only if John doesn't need you somewhere else," Optimus insisted in a last ditch effort. "I'll have Blaster get on the horn right after we alert them to our arrival." Knight frowned but nodded in consent and Optimus let out a small sigh of relief. The Autobot leader didn't miss the looks between four of the mechs and Ironhide was scowling again. Doubtless Ravage was off to warn the other smaller mechs and the guard around both Will and Sam would be tightened, especially with Ratchet insisting on keeping an eye on the two.
"Of course after it's confirmed that I am not needed anywhere else," Knight agreed rather cheerfully. "And from what I've heard, Secretary Keller will be back at your base before we know it so I can just give my report to him in person anyhow."
Ironhide looked like he wanted to pitch the man overboard. With how close the agent had been trying to get to Will it was understandable. Clearly, many of the mechs were upset when they man accompanied them to California but now that he was insisting on going the distance as it were all the way to their own home. Optimus actually was a bit apprehensive now on just how much the man wanted to go.
It was one thing for him to be underfoot while they were on a "mission" but having him at their home rankled him a bit. It seems paranoia was contagious. He had certainly gotten it from 'Cade and 'Wave, not to mention Soundwave's team. However Knight's insistence was a bit alarming. It was like he was ensuring they didn't leave his own sight rather like how Ratchet wanted Will and Sam in his. Nerve-racking.
A deckhand approached Manning and after a quick exchange the captain smiled up at the group. "Glad you got it all straightened out and not a moment too soon. We'll dock in five minutes."
"Right," Optimus nodded and he turned to the group. "All right everyone. Lets transform and-"
"Don't say it!" Ratchet and Ironhide yelped and Optimus sent them a baleful look.
"-Get the heck out of dodge," he finished with a frown. "Seriously, what's wrong with 'roll out'?"
"Lame boss man. Really lame," Jazz snickered.
There was a bit of a shuffle as Skyfire transformed and they herded Scorponok and the twins on board. Ratchet insisted that since he could fit in his car mode, Sunny would be going as well. "He just gave birth a few days ago and I haven't been able to check him thoroughly!" the medic insisted. "I don't want him anywhere near those freeways!"
The humans appeared and bags were stowed in trunks and flatbeds. Will looked a bit green but he insisted it was do to the rolling wave's they were cresting when Ratchet panicked. Frenzy and Rumble stealthily made their way to Soundwave as Sam joined Jazz, still uneasy with Bumblebee and Barricade. Jazz was happy to have him and Miles.
Will clambered over to Ironhide and Epps joined Skyfire after a brief explanation of the possible flying concerns. Perceptor, still oblivious to the apprehension going on with half of his companions in regards to Knight offered him a lift with himself. Steve and Ron joined Prowl and the group was set. Sunstorm and Skyfire were going to wait a while before taking off from the military base they were arriving at and meet up with them later that afternoon.
Just a few more hours and they all would finally be home. That had never sounded so good to him as it did in that moment. He could go home and just relax…Unless Red Alert got another message from any of the other teams. Then it would be more questions and chaos and truthfully Optimus hoped anything of the sort would wait for a few weeks before surfacing.
All he wanted at that moment was to crash in his hanger and not emerge for at least a week. If Starscream appeared and attacked he doubted he would even wake up he was so tired from the trip. It had been a chaotic time that was for sure. He was looking forward to the peace the base offered.
"All right everyone! Let's-"
"You say 'roll out' and we're all going to throw you overboard!" Ratchet called out from the back of the line.
"-head on home," Optimus finished with a sigh. "Seriously guys."
There was a cheer from Sideswipe and Bumblebee and Optimus headed towards the makeshift ramp, the trailer with its precious cargo lumbering behind him. He swore if Ratchet weren't expecting a sparkling himself he would have hooked it up to the hummer emergency vehicle himself. Primus, how he hated that trailer.
-To Be Continued

Author's Note: Well, I realized I had to split "Road Home" into 2 chapter so you got this one. :P Sorry everyone. Join us next time for: I have no freaking idea because I keep changing things at the last minute so no one should listen to the rambling dragon. :P
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