Here we are once again at the start of a new chapter. Sadly it is the very last for Cameron. She probably won't be making an appearance again anytime soon. I say 'probably' because knowing me I'll get a bunny and have to write something down.
I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but the phone I used as a basis for Slider recently died. Just a bit of wacky trivia for you.
Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me as I tried to get this story out of my head. When I finally wrote that last word I was so ecstatic, it felt so good to have this come to a completion…and for some reason I couldn't quite leave Barricade alone. *shrugs*
Enjoy the last chapter of Allspark Reborn.
Chapter 42
The air rushed out with a loud hiss as the locks on the stasis chamber released. Cameron lifted a hand to her head, pushing away the grogginess from her mind. Inside her head she felt the active energy signatures of Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Ratchet and Barricade. They were all in separate parts of the ship. Prime and 'Hide were on the bridge, Barricade was on the cargo deck and Ratchet was two levels above her.
She squished her irritation that he had left her in stasis alone. He no doubt had an excuse that would mean nothing to her but he would expect her to accept it anyway. Men!
Shaking her head, she exited the stasis chamber; she walked past the other mechs still locked in stasis. Jazz and Bumblebee slept next to each other while the Decepticon Seekers rested at the other end of the room. With a glance back at her friends, she left the stasis bay.
The deck was cold under her feet as she made her way through the ship. Ratchet wouldn't be expecting her to be awake yet; a smile appeared on her face as she thought of how she could surprise him.
Keeping her energy close to avoid alerting him, Cameron hurried through the ship. It wouldn't take her five minutes to navigate the corridors and reach Ratchet.
She stared at the mech, this wasn't what she had been expecting. Instead of finding her bonded she saw a white mech in his place. She stood in the doorway and watched as he tinkered with something on the desk. She could feel the concentration roll off of him in waves. Whatever he was doing, it had his complete attention.
Sneaking up behind him she released her energy field and watched as he jumped as the surge reached him. Amusement filled her face as he turned around.
"Knocking would have been just as effective."
Cameron tapped a finger against her chin. "He sounds like my bonded, his energy signature is the same as my bonded's but he doesn't look like my Ratchet."
The white and red head shook. "Like I said, knocking would have been effective."
"But not nearly as entertaining." She winked.
"I'll give you entertaining." He grumbled under his breath and turned back to the bench.
"What are you working on?"
He leaned down to pick her up. "Bits and pieces that I put on hold when we reached Earth."
"Are they important?"
"They might be. They have the potential. This one for instance," He picked up something that looked like a demented coffee plunger. "Could possibly mean the end of long-distance communications delays."
Cameron eyed the weird-looking machine and nodded. "Okay then. What about that one?" She pointed at an oval stone the size of her head.
"I'm not too sure. It's one of Wheeljack's, he asked me to run some tests on it."
"Isn't he the mad scientist?"
"Yes, he is a bit eccentric. I don't know if 'mad' is an appropriate word though."
"He blows himself up regularly."
Ratchet paused then nodded. "Mad, but only in the most affectionate meaning."
"Of course." She nodded. "I'm actually really excited to meet all of these mechs. I hope they like me."
"They'll worship you." He smiled.
Cameron's eye's widened. "I don't know if I particularly like that idea."
"Too bad." He winked. "You're the Allspark and your power gave life to thousands of robotic beings. Only a handful of mechs have been spark-born, and there was something wrong with all of them."
"Really? Like what?"
Ratchet pursed his lips as he thought. "There's a mech called Blurr, he was a problem slowing down. The Twins, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, are mental. They are constantly in my medbay because they've done something stupid, usually throwing themselves at Decepticons. They have a particular fondness for flying mechs. Wheeljack is spark-born as well."
"Looks like I'll be meeting some very interesting mechs. Especially those twins."
"It is my every hope that you don't meet them."
Cameron smiled and watched as he continued to tinker. She waited a few minutes before asking. "What's with the new look?"
He glanced down at her. "This design is more suited to the environments of Cybertron. The others will eventually have to revert back to the previous modes or modify their current forms."
"Is Cybertron really all that different from Earth? Organic features aside."
Ratchet nodded. "Yes. Cybertron's terrain is dramatically different to Earth's. the only city even minorly similar to Earth is Simfur."
"That's where the Cube's temple is." Cameron said proudly.
He nodded. "It's beautiful city. At least it had been before the Decepticons destroyed it."
"All of Cybertron is beautiful."
"That's the Allspark in you talking. Personally I never found Helex or Polyhex even vaguely attractive."
Cameron smiled softly as images swirled through her head. "They have their own charms. Like you. In spite of your sometimes prickly nature, I still love you."
Ratchet looked like he wanted to protest her comment. She grinned when he didn't say anything.
"Prime, we have a signal." Jazz said suddenly.
Cameron froze halfway across the room. A signal? That meant an Autobot, right? Her spark began to pulse faster as excitement flooded through her. This was way more interesting than returning to stasis lock. It didn't seem fair that she had to spend half of her first (and most likely only) trip on a space ship in stasis lock.
"How long until they're aboard?"
"With a slight deviation in our course, we can reach them in a matter of minutes."
"Do it."
Cameron crept closer to the two mechs. "Have we found an Autobot?"
Optimus looked down at her. "I hope so. It's a Cybertronian signal but they haven't identified themselves yet."
"Maybe they can't." Bumblebee said entering the bridge. "Maybe their communicator is damaged."
"Whatever the reason, I don't want to take any chances. Bumblebee find Barricade and wait in the landing dock for them. Jazz, keep us on course and inform me when they're within close communications range." He turned and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Cameron called.
"I going to wake Ratchet from stasis." He disappeared. Cameron winced, that wasn't a job she would want. Ratchet could get very cranky right after waking up, then again he was cranky fairly often.
"Who do you think it could be?" Bumblebee asked, leaning over Jazz's shoulder.
"Could be anyone we dropped along the way. Arcee, Cliffjumper or Air Raid are my guess. They were the last to go."
"I hope it's Air Raid. I wouldn't want to be in close quarters with Barricade when Cliffjumper or Arcee saw him."
Jazz chuckled and brought an image up on the screen. The dark oval-shaped pod was similar to the others Cameron had seen.
"I could come with you." She offered. "I could help if there's trouble."
The couple looked at her and Bumblebee nodded. "I won't say no to divine help."
She climbed up to the yellow shoulder with the aid of a helping hand. "How far away is the pod?"
"By the time you hustle Barricade down there we'll be within range."
He was right. Barricade had balked at being part of the welcoming party. He'd practically ran out of the room when Bee had told him why they'd tracked him down.
"C'mon 'Cade. This'll be a good chance to be seen as an Autobot."
"I'm not an Autobot." Barricade growled.
Cameron pointed to his shoulder. "That badge says differently."
A black hand went to the red symbol. "I didn't ask for this."
Bumblebee grinned. "But you haven't taken it off yet."
Barricade snarled and Cameron broke in. "Let's go, boys. We don't want whoever it is to turn up without a welcoming party."
Barricade growled unhappily but followed them down to the landing bay. Cameron kept her eyes on the open doors. She could watch the stars forever, they burned so softly and beautifully in the endless dark.
The comet-pod was still an astoundingly long distance away. It glowed slightly as it rocketed towards them.
"Who do you think it is?"
"It could be anyone." Bee replied.
"That's a comforting thought." Barricade said dryly.
"Don't worry." Bumblebee smirked. "I doubt Prowl will be cruising thus far from Cybertron."
Cameron watched as tension filled Barricade's frame at the mention of his brother. Jeez, what would he be like when they finally faced one another?
"Would you stop talking about him. I don't care about him or his opinions." Barricade turned his back to them, glaring at the wall instead.
Cameron shook her head and put sorting out the problems between Barricade and his brother on her to-do list.
#Contact in four minutes.# Jazz's voice came over the ship's speakers.
Transferring her gaze back to the open hatch, Cameron saw that they were considerably closer to the pod then they had been minutes before.
"Do you want to see anyone in particular?" Cameron asked Bumblebee.
He shrugged. "Cliffjumper, maybe. We're the same model so we're kind of related in a way."
Cameron smiled. That's cute.
"Jazz, any clue who's in there?" Bee asked.
#Nope, they're not responding. I do have confirmation of an Autobot signal though.#
"Excellent." Barricade growled. "I would have preferred a Decepticon."
Bumblebee clapped his shoulder. "Cheer up 'Cade. It'll be over quickly."
"When they try to shoot me, I'm going to use you as a shield."
"If they shoot at you. If."
Barricade sent them a look. "When they shoot."
#Brace for containment.#
Bumblebee carried her to the side, out of the way of the incoming mechanoid. Cameron felt the heat roll off the pod as it floated past them to land awkwardly on the floor. The back section of the pod was steaming while the front was coated in ice. Bizarre.
Lines of silver began to liquefy, running along the seams of metal towards the back. Bumblebee moved back to the middle of the hanger, Barricade joined them. Both held weapons aimed at the new arrival.
Arms and legs separated from the bulk. A head emerged and the body twisted until it was fully standing. It's grey and black coloring was scorched in places. It looked around before turning to face them.
Bumblebee exclaimed happily. "Bluestreak!"
Blue optics widened. "Bumblebee." He laughed a little before freezing.
Cameron followed the wide stare to Barricade. The dark mech was also watching the new mech with an uncertain expression.
Things clicked in Cameron's mind. This was Bluestreak, Prowl's bonded. The same mech Barricade had used to severe his connection with Prowl. Bluestreak looked like he expected to be shot. Barricade looked the same.
"Blue, you remember Barricade." Bumblebee said breaking the silence.
"Very well." Cameron felt the fear in his spark.
"He's joined the Autobots."
The bright optics sparkled and a smiled lit up his face. "Really? That wonderful!" His fear apparently forgotten, Bluestreak took a step towards them. "Prowl's will be so happy. He's been worried about you for so long. He hasn't said it but I can tell, whenever he heard your name he'd get real sad. I never thought this would happen. I'm so happy."
"I'm not an Autobot." Barricade snapped.
Bumblebee and Bluestreak look at his questioningly. Cameron wasn't surprised, Barricade had looked increasingly uncomfortable as Bluestreak spoke.
"But you have the patches." Bluestreak sounded confused.
"I only wear them so you stupid Autobots don't shoot me."
Cameron rolled her eyes. "Sure, 'Cade, we'll believe that." She smiled at the new mech. "Hi Bluestreak, I'm Allspark."
They had discussed it and decided it would be easier on everyone if she was now referred to herself as Allspark instead of Cameron. In public anyway.
Blue optics locked onto her face. He smiled. "Hello. Your name is Allspark?"
He looked both curious and scandalized.
Cameron's smile widened and she reached out with her power. Shock covered the silver face.
"Allspark. The Allspark?"
"It's a long story." Bumblebee replied.
Bluestreak nodded, his startled optics never leaving her face. She read his intention before he'd properly computed it.
"Don't bow and please don't kneel." Cameron still wasn't sure where she stood on that sort of behavior. It freaked her out slightly.
He blinked and nodded, optics occasionally darting to Barricade.
"Good. Now that we're all reacquainted, why don't we get you to the medbay. I'm sure Ratchet is more than eager to examine you."
At her request, Bumblebee transferred her to Barricade's shoulder then led Bluestreak to the medbay. Cameron and Barricade followed slowly.
"'Cade, I know you don't like to talk about your feeling, or talk at all, but I want you to try, and I think Bluestreak would be a good starting point."
He frowned. "That might be hard since I'm going into stasis as soon as I deliver you to the medic."
Cameron raised an eyebrow. "Really? I was there when they organized the roster and I'm fairly sure you don't go back for another two or three joors."
Barricade grumbled but didn't say anything.
"I want you to be the one to show him around."
"He's an Autobot. I'm sure he knows the layout of an Ark."
"That's not the point. What's a better way of being accepted by the Autobots?"
"Dropping Megatron's head at their feet?" He suggested.
She punched his shoulder. "Stop being stubborn. Having Frenzy bonded to Slider may not be enough to persuade them all that you've changed. Becoming friends with your brother's partner, the mech you once targeted, could very well make them reconsider executing you."
Barricade was silent for a moment. "I think I'd prefer the execution."
"Too bad, I won't let that happen. Think of it as your punishment for all the things you did as a Decepticon, if you have to. But at least make the effort."
"I'm not friendly or nice. I'm not an Autobot!"
Cameron stroked the side of his helmet soothingly. "I know. I'm not asking you to completely change who you are. I just want you to try talking to Bluestreak…Think of the look of shock on Prowl's face when he sees you standing next to Bluestreak, it'll be hilarious."
A slightl grin appeared on the black face and Cameron smiled back.
His scowl returned quickly. "I'm still not an Autobot. Circumstance, and you, are forcing me to accept the badges. For the moment."
Cameron laughed softly, letting him know she was proud of him in an unspoken way.
They entered the medbay to see Ratchet looming over a cowering Bluestreak, a wrench in one hand and a scanner in the other. Bumblebee stood to the side watching the exchange.
"I didn't think you were stupid, Bluestreak, but this just proves that I can be wrong. Why, for Primus sake, didn't you insulate before entering your cometary mode?"
"I'm sorry."
"You will be. Not only do I now have to reassess every piece of circuitry in your body, but then I'll have to remove and replace anything that looks even vaguely like any of the rust viruses we've encountered, and you get to be online while I do it."
"Don't be too hard on him, Ratchet." Cameron said once he'd finished yelling.
His white face turned to her. "He willingly endangered himself just to cut a few orns from his trip."
Cameron slipped from Barricade's shoulder and moved to Ratchet's side. Really, the mech could be so domineering sometimes. "He's young and eager to get home. I hardly blame him for skimming through his preparations."
"Skimming through and completely ignoring are different."
"I protected my hard-drive and important systems." Bluestreak offered.
"Shut up." Ratchet growled. "I'm not finished with you yet."
"Leave the poor boy alone. He's probably exhausted from the journey. Bluestreak, go refuel and come back." Her eyes never left Ratchet's face.
Bluestreak looked between them before stepping back towards Bumblebee. "What's going on?"
"They have superiority issues. They're constantly wanting to be better than the other."
"How can Ratchet think he'd be better than the Allspark?"
"It's couple superiority that they're trying to prove." Barricade said from his other side.
Bluestreak jumped. Having Prowl's estranged brother next to him excited and confused him. For as long as he could remember, Barricade had defied Prowl every chance he got. When he had left them to join the Decepticons, Prowl had almost broken down. It had been Barricade's attack on Bluestreak that brought Prowl back to the world.
Now he stood next to the mech that had wanted to destroy him but couldn't summon any hate or anger. Instead it was happiness that made his spark pulse hot. Prowl would be so surprised when he saw his long-lost brother. His processor would probably stall.
"Couple superiority?"
Barricade looked down at him. He was so different yet very similar to Prowl. It was something in their optics. "They're bonded."
It took a moment for his words to register. "What?" Blue gaped.
"They're bonded." Barricade repeated.
He turned to Bumblebee. "Is that true?"
The yellow head bobbed. "Ratchet and Cameron have been together since she was still partly organic."
"Cameron?"
"Sorry, Allspark. Cameron was her organic name."
Bluestreak nodded and looked back at the medic and Allspark. Ratchet had activated his holoform and they stood close together, almost glaring at each other while they spoke. Now that he actually looked, the connection between them was noticeable.
Ratchet suddenly smirked and pulled Allspark against him. The Allspark struggled, her hands on Ratchet's chest. Bluestreak was about to step forward when Bumblebee's hand appeared on his arm. He glanced up at his friend and back at the pair. Allspark's frown turned into a grin as her arms wrapped around Ratchet's neck.
It was in Bluestreak to deny what he was seeing. Surely it was sacrilegious to touch the Allspark like that. Why weren't Bumblebee or Barricade doing anything? From sparklinghood they were taught that the Allspark was to be revered and cherished. Not groped.
Cameron looked up from Ratchet's optics. On the other side of the room Bluestreak looked very uncomfortable. She could feel his confusion.
"Honey," She whispered against Ratchet's audio. "I don't think Bluestreak is ready to face this."
Ratchet turned to face the trio. "Go refuel. I'll deal with your problems when your energy levels are stable."
Bluestreak was hustled out of the medbay by Bumblebee, Barricade following.
"I think Ratchet won that one." Bee said amused.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later." Barricade replied.
"Doesn't that seen wrong to either of you?"
Barricade shrugged. "You get used to their affectionate displays."
"Not that, well yes that, but the Allspark is sacred."
Bumblebee and Barricade exchanged a looked. The darker mech shrugged again.
"I guess it should have bothered us but she was never really like the Allspark to us. She has a heart and soul; she's not just a powerful cube." Bee answered.
Bluestreak stared at his friend, still unable to wrap his processor around what he'd learned.
"Just be grateful the medic will be in a good mood when you go back in." Barricade muttered as he stepped past them. He stopped several meters away and turned back. "The mess hall is this way."
Cameron traced her fingers along the lines of Ratchet's helmet; she never tired of touching him. His new white paint gleamed under the bright lights.
"You are so handsome." She said softly.
He smiled and drew her closer. "You're blinded by the lights."
"Not true! I know exactly what I'm talking about. I'll probably have to beat everyone away from you with a stick."
Ratchet pushed his nose against her neck and kissed her shoulder. "The only person you'll have to beat away is me."
Cameron giggled and ran her hands down his back. "I'm looking forward to spending eternity with you."
"Considering the reaction we just saw from Bluestreak, I don't know how easy it will be."
"We'll find a way. It's not as if anyone can force me to give up my powers and I refuse to give you up."
His optics shone and love spread through their bond. His lips pressed down on hers tenderly. Cameron sighed as she melted into his arms. It never ceased to amaze her how good they were together. The embrace ended far too soon in Cameron's opinion and she pouted.
Ratchet grinned and kissed her puckered lips. "You should be in stasis."
She groaned and dropped her head on his shoulder. "I don't want to. This is exciting and I don't want to miss any of it."
"I promise that you'll get plenty of chances to fly around space in the future, but right now I want you to focus on conserving and building you strength. There's no telling what will happen when we reach Cybertron. It's been a dying planet for hundreds of thousands of years."
Cameron smiled sadly as she thought of the once beautiful planet. It would be hurting a great deal. "You're right. I'll go back into stasis and program my release for when we get close to Cybertron."
He held her close until Barricade returned with Bluestreak.
Cameron woke abruptly. Thoughts whirled through her head too fast for any of them to be fully understood. The only thing she could be sure of was that something wasn't right. It was nothing definite, just an overall sense of agitation.
The stasis pod's cover hissed open and Cameron stepped out. She looked at the control panel and frowned, she wasn't supposed to be awake yet. What had disrupted her stasis?
The room in front of her seemed out of place, the edges of the things around her were all blurred. It was like she was seeing everything through a haze.
The unfathomable unease continued to plague her as she moved closer to the other energy signals on the ship. For some reason she couldn't distinguish one from the other. The faces of the mechs she'd come to love barely registered in her mind as she aimed for the bridge, pulled by an invisible force. She could hear them speaking to her but their voices were too vague; she couldn't make out any of the words.
Finally she reached the foremost window. Star speckled darkness stretched out in front of her, each point becoming less interesting as her eyes sought one in particular. It was too far away for her to see but she could feel its pull.
The odd sensations now made sense. Cybertron was calling to her. The Allspark's greatest creation knew its maker was close and it was using the last of its power of summon her. It needed her desperately
A presence pushed against her mind. It felt very familiar but everything else had paled in importance next to this ache caused by Cybertron's pain.
#Cameron, please speak to us. Are you all right?#
She knew that voice. It spoke to her spark.
#Ratchet?# Cameron wavered as she came out of her trance.
Relief flooded their connection as red hands wrapped around her and lifted her into the air. Ratchet's presence engulfed her and the pain eased.
A red light passed over her and Cameron waited until the medical scan was over before looking around her. The Autobots watched her warily; they didn't seem to know what to do.
"What happened?" She asked.
Ratchet held her up to his face. "You walked straight through the bridge and stood next to the window. You were muttering under you breath. We couldn't understand the language but you were very serious. What were you saying?"
Cameron shook her head. "I don't know. I wasn't aware I was speaking."
"Well, there doesn't appear to be anything wrong, but you're not due to exit stasis for another four orns."
"I know. Something…forced me out of stasis. I can't explain it but we need to get there now. Cybertron can't wait any longer."
Somber faces looked back at her and Cameron was sad that she couldn't give them better news.
Optimus turned. "Ironhide, push the engines as far as they can go."
Ironhide nodded and moved to a station. "At maximum capacity it will take us three and a half orns to reach Cybertron and that's if the Ark will hold up under that stress."
"With my help we can do it in two." Cameron's eyes locked with Primes' and he nodded.
"Take her down to the drive room."
Ironhide came closer and ratchet held her closer to his body. "I have to protest. Cameron needs to retain as much energy as possible. This could be highly dangerous."
Cameron reached up and stroked the underside of his jaw. "I have to do this. We have to get there now."
Reluctantly Ratchet released her into Ironhide's hands, his concern pushing against their bond. Cameron answered with a spark of reassurance.
Corridors flashed past as Ironhide's long stride ate up the distance between the bridge and drive room.
"Can you really pull that much power out of the engines?"
"Even if I can't, I'm sure as hell going to try."
The drive room was twice the size of the loading dock. The two twin-engines thrummed beastially as they pushed the massive space-cruiser towards Cybertron.
Cameron dropped to the ground and flitted between the engines, attaching cables as she went. Sitting in the very centre of the four large units, she connected the cables to her body and let her power flow out and into the engines. She heard Ironhide exclaim from the side.
Pulling her attention away from the regular pulse of the engines, Cameron eased her power back into her body and stood. The cables dropped to the floor. A wave of dizziness rolled over her and she had to focus on remaining standing. She accessed a reserve of energy and the world stabilized. Her hand rose to press against her chest, the ache that had urged her to hurry was now a sharp pain in her spark.
Ironhide appeared next to her and she staggered forward. "Need sparks." She gasped.
Black hands closed around her and Cameron felt comforted by the strong pulse of his spark. Air brushed over her face as Ironhide hurried through her ship. The pain eased slightly as she sensed that Ratchet and the others were close. He had been sitting at the edge of their bond during Cameron's excursion in the drive room; his loving, concerned presence keeping her anchored the entire time.
They joined the other Autobots on the bridge. A spattering of applause came from Bumblebee and Bluestreak as they entered. Surrounded by all these warm sparks, Cameron relaxed. She was tired and Cybertron's pain screamed at her but she felt better with nine pulsing sparks around her.
Her first sight of Cybertron left her gasping. The very first vision she'd received hadn't prepared her for this. The planet was massive, far larger than Earth. Its surface was a dull grey, marked and ravaged by the war; deep fissures ran across its surface like claw marks.
Her beautiful child! What had it done to deserve such treatment?
The Autobots were gathered around her, all peering down at their home, grief leaked from each spark.
"How did we let this happen?" Primes asked, mostly to himself.
"Wars have two sides, Optimus, and the Decepticons are responsible for the atrocities suffered by Cybertron."
"The blame lies with everyone involved." Cameron said. "I'm not sure if I can heal Cybertron fully. He has been hurting for a long time."
Cameron reached out and placed her hand on the window. Cybertron had indeed suffered brutally, but that was all over now. She sent a surge of energy towards the fading planet. It lit up in answer. Light covered the planet as it processed the energy. For several minutes they saw Cybertron the way it had been during its golden years. It's spectacular beauty illuminated two small moons that had escaped Cameron's notice.
Ratchet's holoform appeared and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Given time, we can fix it."
Cameron smiled as hope bloomed. "Cybertron will live again."
Fin.
I would like to say once again, thank you to everyone who stuck by me during this story. It means so much to me that you've taken the time to read and comment, fave and alert. My love to you all.
Vasdrkangel, StarSwoop, BreezesofSpring, ArmoredSoul, soaringphoenix86, inufreak831, Voodoo Queen, Hells Angel 101, jazzbot8907, Delphine Pryde, Tristone, Kiyoshi Kozue, Silver Ribbon, Moonpiper, Skyblade fighter angel, hecate-19, Julkat 007, decepticonangell, Drunken Lullabies, Eddi McCandry, Bella Cordelia, White-Witch-Sakura, Prairiefire, KalanSlytherin, Anita H, Lady Katana 4544, Quelara, Miss Hiss, Anime Crazy88, Death Phoenix, vadersbane, Dragonaia, CaveNymph, Ariannith, Dragonrosefang, Lliweel, PandylBas, LadyoftheDrow, DemonicSymphony, S. Phantom, Morbid Prism, Moonlight Eagle, Lashana and Telca, Frenzy-girl, thundercracker76, Big Boss Man, MelancholyRose611, Supermoi, RattlesnakeGoingBackwards, BadLuck 92, Nyghtshade, -SoulMama-, blackfox vixen, Alpha Dragon Wulf, LostSchizophrenic.
Now a treat for whoever stayed.
Just because I couldn't help myself.
Elita-1 rushed through the streets. Her spark pulsed excitedly as she reached the landing docks. Ever since everything had come back online for a handful of breems, the attitude of the Cybertronians had improved drastically. The transmission that followed had sent ecstasy through Elita's processors. The sound of Optimus' voice had almost floored her.
Now she had abandoned all propriety was running towards the ship, desperate to see her spark-mate.
The crowd around the cruiser was considerable. She saw Chromia up ahead, the blue femme was pushing her way through the crowd. Mechs filled the gap between them.
"Chromia!"
The stockier femme turned and searched the massing mechanoids, when she saw the femme commander she pushed her way through to her superiors' side.
"Come on, Elita. I didn't think you'd be late for this."
"I won't be if we keep moving." She said with a smile.
Chromia took the hint and started barging her way back through the crowd.
"I hope they're all alright."
"Well, we know Prime is. We all heard his voice." Chromia replied. "Ironhide had better still be in one piece though."
Elita-1 smiled. "I'm sure you would have noticed if he wasn't. The only ones we don't know about are Ratchet, Jazz and Bumblebee."
"We'll find out in a breem. Do you think they have the Allspark?"
"That would explain the power surge. I don't know anything else that could have brought the entire planet online, even for that short period."
Chromia stopped mid-stride. "The whole planet?"
Elita nodded. "I received reports from the Sonic Canyons and Helex just after the surge. It was world-wide."
"Helex contacted you? Shockwave actually went out of his way to get your attention?"
"Actually, it was Ramjet. I think he was as surprised as we were. The communiqué was a query disguised as prisoner demands."
"How is Smokescreen doing?"
"I'm sure he's fleeced them of their energon by now."
Chromia chuckled and pushed the last of the mechs out of their way. The Ark-13 steamed as it cooled, the metal groaning as its temperature fluctuated. The femmes stood tensely as the ships' door opened.
Elita rebooted her optics just to be sure she was seeing the truth. Optimus stood as the front of his team, Ironhide and Ratchet directly behind him.
"Gah!"
Elita turned her head to see Prowl frozen but twitching, his optics glued on the ship. She followed his gaze and stared. Bluestreak stood waving next to an uncomfortable-looking Barricade.
That bizarre appearance lost all importance as Optimus stepped forward. Before he was even halfway down the ramp Elita was in front of him, her hands reaching for him but not touching, almost afraid to believe he was there. Haunted, beautiful optics that could see straight to her spark locked on hers.
"Optimus." It came out on a breath.
A loud squeal caught their attention. Chromia had launched herself at Ironhide and the pair were now thoroughly focused on each other. A hand on her face brought her back to the most important mech in her world.
"Optimus, you're home."
He smiled. "I'm home."
All done, bye guys. I hope you'll stick with me on my next few projects.
Love,
TammyCat