…11…

Raoul scowled as he thought about his car. Blaster took it as his altform, turning it metallic red with yellow lightning bolts streaking the doors. He didn't mind the golden grill as much as he did the bolts. When Blaster transformed, he filled out. The grill of the car covered the lower half of his face and the wheels replaced his knees. The yellow concave still filled his chest and random parts of the car covered his arms and legs. The speakers still lined parts of his body.

He was sure of three things: Marcio Laurentin was a bad father, an even worse man, and he wanted out. Raoul didn't know how he felt about standing, on Blaster's shoulder, in Autobot HQ with his background. Blaster assured him it'd be fine and he'd do the talking. When they arrived at the base, a small lithe mech greeted them.

"I am Prowl, leader of the East Coast Autobot Operations. State your designation."

"Autobot Blaster."

Prowl eyed Blaster, and then his optics focused on Raoul. There was something familiar about this mech. "We weren't aware of you entering Earth's atmosphere."

"Funny story," Blaster said. Raoul snorted from his spot on the mech's shoulder.

"I doubt it," Prowl said, still staring at Raoul.

Raoul's face paled as he finally recognized the voice. His eyes studied Prowl's body as he placed the parts of a vehicle back to the cop that had pulled him over. This was the cop that Alexis knew, which meant that the rumors about her car were true. It also meant that this mech knew him, and already didn't like him.

"Listen 'ere, I was jus' tryin' to be a good citizen," Raoul said, his nerves making his accent thicker.

"You know Prowl?" Blaster asked as he studied Raoul's nervous form.

"We are acquainted," Prowl said.

"Ah, man." Raoul leaned against Blaster as he sighed.

"Indeed," Prowl drawled.

It had to be karma, or something. They were led deeper into the Autobot base; he caught sight of a few other mechs wandering around. The room they entered was no doubt a conference room. There was a large screen on the wall. Prowl took a seat at the table and went still. In those moments, the screen activated and Raoul was gazing at a mech with a silver face and metallic blue helm.

"Optimus, I hope this is a good time," Prowl said.

"There is always time, Prowl." Optimus glanced over Blaster and Raoul. He brightened at the Autobot, but looked confused at the human.

"Time is always negotiable, Optimus." Optimus sighed at Prowl's words and offered Raoul a nod.

"Why doesn't someone explain the situation, if there is one," Optimus said.

"Ya' ain't gonna like my words, sir," Raoul said. Blaster helped him onto the table as he faced Optimus.

Raoul swallowed his fear as he introduced himself as Raoul Laurentin, son of Marcio Laurentin. It was no surprise when Optimus admitted to knowing of the man. Much to Raoul's surprise, he discovered his father was doing business with Japan's Division 9, a sector which dealt with Cybertronians. Raoul explained the operations of his father, stressing that he didn't want to be a part of the situation. Who his father was, Raoul didn't want to be. He saw his best opportunity as Blaster to make a difference.

"This is very disconcerting." Optimus looked to Prowl as he stated, "We must discover where Marcio is getting the arriving mechs from."

"This explains the disappearing energy signatures," Prowl said as he scowled. "This doesn't explain how they are being captured."

"When I received your beacon to Earth, I set my course for your coordinates. As I was breaching the atmosphere…I blacked out. When I awoke I was in the factory with humans ready to disassemble me."

"My father don' have that type of power."

"I shall assemble a team to investigate this," Prowl said as he stood.

"Hold up!" Raoul shouted. "If you go after Marcio now, he'll cut ties quick. You'll lose leads. I know he's not working for Megatron or Soundwave…so if you lose 'em, ya' lost everything."

"Raoul." Optimus' voice was commanding, but calm as he focused on the human. "What do you want?"

"I want out." Raoul said. There was no doubt he wanted out of this life. The guilt he felt was overwhelming. His father took many lives, and he just stood by. Then there were the few that he helped rebirth as well. "If there's anything I can do, I'll do it."

Optimus smiled. "We appreciate your help."

"Jus' name it, sir."

There a buzzing in the back of Alexis' head that started the moment she got in Raoul's car.

I can't get a break. Dad, Sam, was being overprotective again. The doctors strapped a heart monitor to her. The small black bag held the monitor with wires attached to various points on her body. Her instructions were clear: don't raise her pulse or sweat.

"Stop sulkin' and com' on!"

Marcio Laurentin was out on business, leaving his son in charge. How such responsibility fell to a kid, Alexis didn't understand. Her father wouldn't even let her stay home alone without Bluestreak or Wheelie. She rolled her eyes as she stopped gazing at the random cars littering the lot. It was like car purgatory.

"I'm coming!" Alexis shouted.

"It must be nice, owning a car shop and being able to upgrade at any time." Kevin's comment as he shut the new Chevelle's door caused her to blink. The Chevelle was metallic red with a dark golden grill, and yellow lightning bolts running along its sides. The car would look better without the gaudy bolts. Alexis traced the bolts with a finger before she grinned.

"Hey Raoul! These bolts look gaudy and obscene!"

Raoul was on the second floor of the office, glaring down at her and Kevin.

"If I want opinions, I'll ask."

Kevin chuckled as he said, "She's right."

"Whateva', get up here so you can work."

Alexis rolled her eyes as she and Kevin moved to follow Raoul. Slowing her pace, she let Kevin go ahead while she looked at Raoul's car; there was something about it. It couldn't be, could it? Of course, it didn't have to be Autobot, possibly Decepticon. Her eyebrows furrowed, she needed to find a symbol of allegiance.

"Alexis, come on!"

Pausing, she glared at the car in suspicion before she turned to follow the boys. When she reached the top of office building, Raoul was staring at her with a raised brow and Kevin was somewhere inside. The office building smelt stale with the lingering scent of oil.

"So," Raoul filled the silence, "you feelin' alright?"

She'd passed out at school on Thursday with a weird memory, maybe flashback, that became self-aware. Already, she'd passed out at home and doing it again only strengthened her family's worry. Worrying was the last thing Carly needed to do what with being pregnant.

"I'm fine…just tired," Alexis said, but the lie felt weak even to her.

"I see. Well, don' go passin' out here."

She rolled her eyes as she bumped her shoulder into him. Raoul chuckled as he reached out and pulled her under his shoulder. He held her for a moment before he pushed her away and messed up her hair before walking away. Alexis sighed, running her hands through her hair as she followed him. He was still chuckling to himself as he threw smirks over his shoulder.

When Raoul ducked into a small conference room, she followed. Kevin was studying a map on the wall, ignoring them as they entered. Alexis placed her bag on the table as Raoul clapped his hands.

"You can go anywhere on the grounds, but avoid the factory cause it's dangerous. I'm gonna go work on my car."

With a wave, he left as he whistled to himself. When the song faded, Alexis looked to Kevin and shrugged. It seemed they had free rein.

"So, let's work on our English assignment and then our suit designs," Kevin suggested.

"That works."

Alexis ignored working in groups, thinking it inefficient. She didn't need the socializing experience nor wanted it. A part of her was glad that Annabelle forced her to get together with Raoul and Kevin. They weren't bad people. As she worked with Kevin, she discovered there was a brilliant intelligence. He was shy, soft-spoken, and just needed a chance. They worked seamlessly on their English assignment and excitedly moved onto jet repairs and the suit.

Raoul drove them home, teasing them mercilessly about their suit idea. He kept asking if he could become some type of bionic man. Kevin's house was closest and he got dropped off first. Alexis wasn't expecting anything, but was surprised at the apartment he lived in. They were run-down, old, and she wasn't sure if the locks on the doors worked. With a gentle smile, she promised to see him at the air show tomorrow.

His face brightened, the car door shut, and then they were backing out of the drive.

"He's never mentioned much about his life," Alexis said. Her eyes focused outside the windows, brows furrowed as her thoughts raced. Did Bobby and Crystal know about his life?

"Kid's got it rough, but he's good." Raoul said as he kept his eyes on the road. "He does what he can with what he got."

"I don't understand why he's never said anything."

"Kid's got pride. He don' want pity, just a friend."

"I get it…here's my stop."

"Why's I'm leavin' you on the side of the road?" Raoul asked as he pulled off the road and next to the forest. The sun drifted lower in the sky making his unease that much more prominent. "You live in a shack or somethin'?"

Alexis punched him the shoulder, causing him to yelp and shy away from her.

"My house is fine…I just need the exercise." Raoul glared at her as she opened the door. "I also have my phone plus a few hours of daylight." When she was out of the car, she held up her arms and spun around. "See! Perfectly fine!"

Raoul sighed and shook his head, choosing to watch her as she ventured into the woods.

"I don't like this," Raoul grumbled.

"The wildlife in this area is limited to possums and raccoons." Blaster's voice echoed from the speakers. "I don't detect any humans nearby but…"

"What?"

"It's nothing…I detected an energy signature, but my scanners must be wrong."

"A Decepticon or somethin'?"

"Or something, she emits a strange signature."

"Well, let's go."

Blaster took control of the radio, allowing the smooth, low flow of a saxophone to fill the air. The twang of strings caused Raoul to smack the steering wheel.

"Why do ya' always pick jazz and blues?"

"Cause the radio's part of me and it's in my spark."

Raoul snorted as he shifted the wheel and pulled back onto the road.

…

Alexis waited in the woods until Raoul left. She didn't miss him talking to his car. The thought that his car may be a Decepticon bothered her. Surely, Prowl would've let her know if another Autobot was around. She'd just outright ask an Autobot about it; if Raoul was with the Decepticons, it would be better to know sooner rather than later.

"You've come back again."

Lost in her thoughts, she hadn't realized that she'd reached Starscream yet. The mech remained in the same area with the same amount damage. The BRAS helped stimulate his nanites' natural healing mechanisms, but they wouldn't be able to heal such damage without help or more Energon.

Alexis dropped her backpack on the ground and grinned as she opened it. Her smile brightened when she withdrew a pair of gloves. Starscream's optics focused on the gloves. His scanners picked up components of familiar materials, but he couldn't identify what the purpose of it was.

"And you've brought something of interest," he mused.

The gloves were skin tight, a bit darker than her flesh. The bottoms of the gloves were lined with upraised metallic ridges.

"These gloves will allow me to manipulate your nanites, stimulating them in areas to perform repairs. I also have some tools to help correct damages that are too severe for the nanites."

"You're not Cybertronian. You don't know…"

Her throat was going to hurt but in Decepticon she said, "My knowledge is vast."

Starscream tensed as his optics focused on her, glaring. Military builds spoke the Decepticon dialect, so he understood it. There was no question about it. A foreign species speaking his language was suspicious, but he would get over it. He had to because, she was willing to bet, his systems were damaged enough to cut off power to his weapons.

"I don't like mysteries," Starscream said.

"You don't like an intellectual challenge?"

Starscream's scowl deepened. "Insufficient data causes misunderstandings and sometimes, termination."

"I'm not here to terminate you, so you can sit here and rust or let me help you."

Starscream motioned for her to come closer, holding out his hand he made the first move. Alexis knew that he could easily kill her. She wasn't stupid, but if he was willing to trust, then she was going to be willing to trust.

"I promise to help you, not harm," Alexis said as she moved forward.

There was hesitance, but Starscream eventually spoke, "No harm will befall you on my account."

Once she was in the palm of his hand, he lifted her to the damaged site. Remembering the procedures she went through with Wheeljack, she began to question him about the area. Rubbing her fingers together, she activated the gloves while silently praying Wheeljack's prototype wouldn't blow up in her face. No explosion occurred and she figured they were off to a good start.

Human medics could repair Cybertronians to a certain degree. They could repair cosemetic damage and reconfigure the electronics, but there was one thing they couldn't do. Ratchet discovered that once a human repaired an injury, it disabled the nanites in the area. The nanites in the area died, leaving the Cybertronian unable to self-repair a scratch. In hopes of correcting this problem, Wheeljack had taken Ratchet's proposed theories into his lab and created these gloves. They would generate vibrations that would stimulate the nanites while the humans worked.

Alexis gazed at the wound in wonder. Touching the cosmetic damage, she noted that his internal wiring and mechanics seemed to be close to repaired. When injured, the Autobots' systems repaired cosmetic damage before internal.

"The damage that was present in your wing is almost healed," Alexis said.

His wing lifted slightly higher, and then settled back down.

"Seekers don't suffer the same problems as other builds," Starscream answered. "We were created to be efficient war machines."

She ran her fingers along the edge, feeling his nanites react. That must be a horrible thing to know, that his life was meant for nothing more than battle. Reaching into her back pocket, she withdrew one of her few tools before she reached into the torn metal.

"Were you created for the Decepticons?" Alexis asked, and then slammed her lips together. He didn't know about factions.

"That must be a faction. I remember discord among the Council of Elders and between the different classes, but Seekers were created long before whatever war you speak of. Seekers were created as the first aerial defense of Cybertron. There are mechs that can fly, but none that fly like a Seeker."

Alexis recalled Skyfire. He could fly, but he didn't look like he was built for battle.

"It must be amazing, being able to fly," Alexis said. She trimmed a frayed wire before rubbing her fingers along the edge. The nanites were reactivating in the area. "Humans have planes, but I don't imagine it's the same."

"The sky was our domain, the only true place of freedom a Seeker had. Seekers were considered no better than a common tool, meant to be used and discarded."

"You sound smarter than a tool."

"Every being has the capacity to expand its intelligence, but not every being is given that opportunity. There were many that opposed educating us and opposed our existence."

The silence was tense, causing her to pause in her work. The sneer on his face was enough to make her scowl. To have that much resentment over what people thought of you was ridiculous.

"Starscream." His optics focused on her, the sneer fading. "I can't understand how you exactly feel, but I can relate. I know what's like to have people oppose your existence." His face didn't show much emotion, but the tension seemed to be gone. "What was life like on Cybertron?"

"I've spoken too much…tell me about this planet." She laughed as she looked at him. "What is amusing?"

"It sounds like you non-directly asked me about myself."

"Take it as you will."

"Humans dominate the planet, but we share it with other animals. If you connect to the internet you can learn about history. Each culture has their own myths, beliefs, and faith…"

"A creator?"

"Some believe in multiple creators."

"Your planet's system seems stable."

"For the most part, weather varies but the different views are nice."

"Upon Cybertron, there were Crystal Gardens."

"There are mountains, caves, forests that are larger and greener than this. Earth is a beautiful place, I'd like to one day see as much as I can."

"Exploring is always fascinating. What do you want to see the most?"

"Most people think this is stupid, like my dad, but I'd like to visit tea gardens."

"If it makes you happy, then it's not stupid."

"Can you run a scan on this area and see if there's anymore damage."

"All major internal damage is repaired. My nanites are functioning at full capacity and will work on regenerating missing plating." Starscream went silent. "All other damage is cosmetic and will eventually heal."

"If you'd like to point out the areas, I could stimulate the nanites."

Agreeing, Starscream offered his hand. Alexis took note of the tips of his fingers. They seemed blunt, but upon closer inspection, she could see slivers of empty space. Not having the time to study them, she stepped onto his chest, where she took note of the damage around the edges of his cockpit.

"So, what made you happy on Cybertron?"

"I was always miserable." Alexis' brows lifted in surprise as she ceased working to stare at him. When he smirked, she sighed; he didn't seem like the type to joke. "I enjoyed exploring as well. During my first flight, I couldn't help but be amazed at the terrain and the life forms upon my planet. During a demonstration at Crystal City, I discovered there was a way to indulge my curiosities. I spent my days relentlessly searching for data to advance my intelligence. I wanted to be more than a machine."

"We all have a desire to be something more," Alexis said when he paused.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable as she worked. This was what he was before he was a Decepticon. He was an intelligent being with a drive to be more than what his people would allow him. She recalled his reaction to Skyfire, and the stolen paper. A familiar swell of anger reared in her heart, causing her to stop and glare at the memory of her mother. She couldn't figure out the connection, maybe anger stirred anger. She sighed.

"Your planetary cycles are so short."

Starscream's comment caused her to gasp and look to the sky. Smacking her forehead with her palm she cursed. The sunlight was fading and her father was going to kill her. Standing up, she grabbed her tool and scurried down his body, along a leg, and jumped to the ground. Throwing her tool and gloves into the bag.

"Dad's going to kill me!"

"Are you in danger?" Starscream questioned, his tone serious.

"Yes, no…my parents are going to kill me for not being home on time!" She took off running calling over her shoulder, "I'll see you later!"

Starscream watched her go, feeling mildly amused. As long as the female wasn't in danger, he was content to let her go. Flexing his wings, he silently praised the work she performed. Deciding not to waste energy, he let himself slip into stasis mode.

...TBC...

Author's Note:

A wonderful thanks to my Beta: Starfire201!

I glomp all you that have reviewed this story! All the positive feedback has kept me motivated to finish this story and get working on the spin-off (which Starfire201 is Beta'ing the already finished 6 chapters ^^). I enjoy entertaining you all!

I know I always have been the best at updating, but I'm moving this story along and have the next chapter ready to go!

This month I'm participating in Camp NaNoWriMo so I can finish another novel as I edit The Fragile, and work on this! If anyone wants to Word War with me, please join me :). You can find my info on profile!