Hey everybody, Lilac here! This is my first Transformers fanfic, so I'm worried about both whether people will like my OCs and characterization of the characters. Which is odd, because when it comes to Super Smash Brothers, I just go for it rather than worry this much. Oh well.

Anyway, this fanfic was actually inspired by/based off of WolfSpiritFlower's fanfic, Soul of Music and its sequel, Heart of Music. So you're likely to find similarities, like how both my six OCs and her four OCs are musically-inclined... I just loved the idea, because music is awesome and it seemed so brilliant!

Also, besides human OCs, I guess you could call the characters in this chapter Vehicon OCs. Except for Steve. But everybody loves Steve. I was actually happy to find out that Steve is an option in the character filter. xD

My reasons for rating this T, though...it's mainly a just-in-case thing. There's cursing, but it's censored (unless it ends up being robo-curses), most likely some violence coming up later (they are in the middle of a war, after all!), and probably other stuff that would prefer to be T-rated coming up, as well. And the reason is says it's a somewhat AU in the summary is because Breakdown is alive, Dreadwing is here (except Skyquake's still a zombie), and Airachnid and Starscream are there at the same time. I tried to find a spot in canon where they could all be there, and just when I find an okay one for Airachnid and Starscream where Breakdown is alive, I realize that Dreadwing wasn't there. So, somewhat of an Alternate Universe.

Miscellaneous Warnings: probably some OOCness even if I try to keep them in character, there's a small chance there might be romance at some point but it won't be the center of the story, and though there won't be any actual robo-slash (as in, me writing about Knock Out and Breakdown on a date or whatever, for instance) it will be joked about at some point.

Plus, this isn't written all the way through yet so some things might be added or change. Now, without further ado, enjoy the story! :3

Prologue

Humans are a Hobby

H4-RR7—or Harry, as his friends called him—almost couldn't believe what he had gotten himself into. Ground Bridge operator? He was the Ground Bridge operator for this unofficial mission?

Even though backing out was the last thing on his mind, for Harry kept his word and confidence, he silently wondered just what he and his six Vehicon friends were getting themselves into. Humans were extremely odd and as such, interesting creatures. But getting some for the Nemesis crew—and to befriend nonetheless—had a slim chance of being successful.

Harry was among the faction of Vehicons that were very interested in humans. He hadn't seen the Autobots' humans during battle or mining like his friends Steve (ST-3V3), Derek (D3-R3K), and Shane (2H-4N3). Conner (C0N-N3R) once even had a teasing conversation with their human femme, Miko, when the two coincidently hid behind the same large rock during battle.

Harry, though, had often seen the images that Soundwave had somehow gotten. As one of the Vehicons curious about humans, Harry also volunteered for clearing out and cleaning the lowest levels of the Nemesis as often as he could with his friends in order to discuss human-related things in a more secluded area (as rarely anybody ever goes there other than to store what they don't need…or to lock up Starscream and Knock Out for the humor of it).

It was Sharon, designation 2H-4R0N, who often brought a—quote, unquote—"borrowed" Cybertronian equivalent to what humans might call a "laptop" for them to search through the human internet. She was probably the most enthusiastic—and crazy without a glitched processor, since she was the one who eagerly declared that they should befriend humans just as the Autobots had. Her friends, including Harry, had actually taken her seriously because she most likely would plan to do something like that, whether they liked it or not. Later, Derek apparently decided it was a good idea because next thing Harry knew, a plan was being hatched to actually get some humans.

In said plan, Harry had a combination of volunteered himself and appointed nonetheless as the one to operate the Ground Bridge as he had best knowledge of it due to his general work station on the Nemesis. Conner was voted to be look out for Harry just in case unwanted company might discover what they were doing. Harry wasn't too sure a lookout was necessary, but nevertheless he figured Conner would take up Shane's advice and start doing the jobs of his friends just to pass the time. If that was the case, once the five Vehicons left to their destination through the Ground Bridge, Harry planned to help Conner out until he received a comm. from Derek to pick them up.

Harry thought over this information until a servo rested on his shoulder, courtesy of Derek.

"Harry," Derek addressed him, "are you sure about doing this?"

"You're the one who appointed me," Harry responded, turning to face him. Derek gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

He replied simply, "It only made sense."

"Yo, Derek," said Conner as he walked up to the two mechs. "Make sure to get a fun group. Buuut, preferably ones that don't like jumping into sudden-death situations like Miko." He glanced Sharon's direction. "Or anyone like our resident psycho, Sharon."

"Hey!" shouted Sharon, holding an indignant pose to match her tone. Conner just laughed in response. Derek shook his helm before turning to the four who would be going with him.

"Everybody ready?"

"Yeah!" chorused Sharon, Steve, Shane, and the shyer Vehicon, Rosie (R0-S13).

"U-um, wait," Rosie spoke softly, causing the others to look at her. She looked up at Derek. "From where are we going to get them, exactly?"

Derek thought for a moment. "…Good question," he sighed.

"How about Jasper?" Steve suggested whilst raising his servo. "That's where the Autobots got their humans."

"Yeah!" exclaimed Sharon.

Derek and Harry exchanged glances. "That works," Derek finally said. "Harry, fire up the Ground Bridge."

Harry nodded before turning to the Ground Bridge controls. After typing in the coordinates, he pulled the lever for starting the Ground Bridge. Soon a swirling green vortex appeared before the five Vehicons that were to be finding humans.

"Remember," Derek called over his shoulder before transforming into a snazzy purple car, "no bipedal modes in public areas!"

"Gotcha!" Conner replied. Unfortunately for him, Harry caught his arm before he could take another step. "Aw man…"

Sharon briefly waved at the two staying behind. "Don't worry, Conner. We'll make sure to get one that'll hate your guts!" she said a moment before transforming along with the other three Vehicons.

If he had the optics, Conner would've rolled them. Instead he semi-rolled his neck, servos on his waist. "Oh, gee, thanks!" Conner answered sarcastically. "Jokes on you, Sherry, I don't have guts! I'm full of energon and metal, girl."

"Yeah, a whole load of scrap metal!" Sharon called as her group drove into the 'Bridge.

"Would you two give it a rest?" Derek ordered, currently the farthest car in front.

"Sorry!" Sharon shouted.

"See you guys on the flip side!" Conner gave one last yell. Soon the group was far beyond their sight, and Harry turned off the Ground Bridge. He then turned to Conner.

"On a scale of one to ten, how likely do you think it is someone overheard the shouting?" Harry asked. Conner shrugged.

"Eh, is zero an option? I mean, it's not like there was anybody else around to hear us using the Ground Bridge anyway, right?"

The two Vehicons thought about this for a moment. Then they both froze and proceeded to gradually turn towards the room's entrance.

Lo and behold, once they fully faced the entrance they saw none other than the Decepticon officer, Soundwave, standing right there.

Harry and Conner stared back at Soundwave's black visor for a moment. After that, Harry simply nodded in acknowledgement to their officer. Arms folded, Conner then gave a short wave and casually leaned against the Ground Bridge controls.

"Heeey. Uh, what's up?"

Real smooth, Conner. Real smooth.

Note: the next chapter will be focused on the unsuspecting human girls.

I'm both kind of glad and surprised that the prologue ended up being shorter than the other chapters. So, you guys, review and tell me what you think so far. Is the prologue good? Which Vehicon do you think you're going to like? Do you think Harry and Conner are gonna get scrapped off-screen or be A-okay? And who here wants to facepalm at Conner's attempt to act casual? xD