Chapter 4
I reappear in my barracks room. It was the only safe place I could think of to go to. No one would see me there. I begin pacing. If that bot says anything, I'm done. I don't know what people will think. I might become a test subject. I may even disappear for good. The disastrous thoughts running through my head make me want to explode. I've kept this secret for a year, I can't let it all go to waste. I haven't even figured out why I'm still here yet.
I stop pacing for a moment to look at myself. I don't look at myself too much in the mirror. There isn't much to look at. My features never change. My long blonde hair stays up in a tight bun on the back of my head, covered in gel that never hurts anymore. I have hooded deep blue eyes I got from my mother. A pointed nose that is now crooked from a fight I was in at my last unit. I'm the same height of 5'6" since I was in high school. My body stays in shape, never gaining or losing weight. I'm skinny but have some muscle. You got to when you're in the military. My looks haven't changed in a year, I look the same boring way I always have. My army uniform always looks neat and pressed as well.
The commotion outside my door starts getting louder, shaking me from myself and brings me back to the trouble brewing outside my door. They must be coming back with the bot. I want to go watch, see if they need help. But what if he recognizes me? What if he tries to get answers? I can't have him questioning me in front of everybody. Then again, if it is Sideswipes twin, I want to see them reunite. I am so conflicted right now. I groan out loud. Then I turned around and stare at the door. I can't keep my thoughts straight. Then something happens. I flicker. I've never flickered before. It felt empty for only a moment. The fear of vanishing for good hit me like a truck. Maybe it's a sign. I wish this out of body experience came with a manual.
I shake my head and decide to leave the comfort of my room. I want to know who the bot is. I'll just have to stay out of his eyesight. I carefully open my door and walk out. Soldiers are running down the halls in full gear. I chose not to put my gear on. There is no need for me to put it on. As I get into the hanger, I see Sideswipe being held back by Ironhide and Mirage. Soldiers stand in formation, hands on their weapons. I stand off in the back, partly hidden by crates and more soldiers. Optimus stands towards the entrance of the hangar. Hands on his hips, waiting. Mudflap and skids are towards the back, attempting to stand still.
"It's him. Let me go to him!" Sideswipe calls out, struggling against his hold.
"Ratchet, Jazz and the triplets are bringing him in. You will get to see him soon. Calm down." Ironhide growls, tightening his grip on Sideswipes arm.
It's only a few moments later that Jazz walks in, followed by the rest. Walking behind Ratchet is a bot with similar height and build to Sideswipe. I didn't get a good look at him before, besides his face. Though, instead of a surprised look, this time it's a scowl. He hasn't scanned a vehicle mode yet, so his armor is sleek, rounded, more like a knight's armor. It's gold with silver undertones. I'm sure his look will change once he scans. I wonder if he will choose a lambo, like his brother. His optics search around the room. Not sure if he's taking it all in or looking for someone.
"Sunny!" Sideswipe yells excitedly as he is finally let go.
Sunstreaker's optics go wide at the silver bot now racing towards him. Sideswipe wraps his arms around his twin. I've never seen the bots show any kind of affection towards each other. So, seeing a trained killer turned lovable puppy, is a sight to see. Sunstreaker doesn't react at first but is soon hugging his brother back. Then he pushes him lightly away and starts checking him out. Like he's looking for injuries. When he doesn't find any, he punches Sideswipe in the gut. Everyone gasps and the room falls silent.
"That's for calling me Sunny and leaving me behind." His eyes go from angry to soft, "But I'm glad you're still alive."
"I missed you, Sunstreaker." Sideswipe admits.
"I missed you too." Sunstreaker says quietly, putting a servo on Sideswipes shoulder.
"I am happy you two are reunited, but there will be more time later for you two to catch up. Sunstreaker, we need to discuss rules for Earth and this base, as well as learn of your travels." Optimus walks up to the twins as he talks to them.
"You can speak to him in the medical bay. I still need to run scans on him." Ratchet grumbles.
Optimus nods and starts to head towards the medical bay. The twins and Ratchet following. Lennox and Epps don't take long to follow as well. I move more out of the way as they walk towards my direction. I can see anger boiling in Sunstreaker's optics. The scowl he wore when he walked in is back and looking more intimidating the closer, he gets. All I want to do is pop out of there, but even though no one is looking directly at me, I can't risk it. So, I duck down behind some crates as they walk past.
"I can't wait to help you pick out a vehicle mode. You can scan the same one I did." I hear Sideswipe start to ramble.
They disappear down the hall and everyone starts to go on about their day. Not without the enormous chatter about Sunstreaker, of course. I relax a little, but I'm not in the clear yet. I'm honestly not too sure what to do about this. There is no way I can stay out of view from Sunstreaker forever. My only hope is that he forgets about the whole scenario. Maybe he won't care at all and will leave it alone. While thinking, I hadn't realized I started pacing behind the crates.
"Corporal Hart? Is everything alright?" A soldier asks, staring at me with a puzzled look.
I stop in my tracks and stare back at him, "Yes, I'm fine."
"They are looking for you at the command center." He speaks. He looks unconvinced of my answer but doesn't press.
"Good to go." I say quickly and book it from this awkward situation.
I walk briskly out from behind the crates and head to the other side of the hanger. A group is formed around the controls. Jazz and Ironhide are at the head of the formation. I line up with the rest and await orders.
"We need to cover the scanners to keep watch of any Decepticons coming this way. In case any had tracked the pods signal. I ain't seen any yet, but if we all get on it, we can be sure." Jazz explains.
"Yes, Sir." We all shout.
All of us tech guys get to our computer and get to work. I don't see any signals right off the bat. That doesn't mean they aren't cloaking or maybe not in range yet. Decepticon activity has been down as of late. My thoughts are Megatron is attempting to come up with a plan. A huge one. He always takes me for a 'go big or go home' type of guy. It's his underlings that wreak havoc everywhere else.
"Hart." I hear someone say my name behind me.
I turn around and see Jazz looming over me.
"Can I speak to ya for a moment?" He says calmly.
I nod my head and he motion to follow. My nerves start to get the better of me. Sideswipe is usually the only bot that talks to me. He is the most social out of all of them. Especially with the ladies. Jazz heads towards outside the hanger. He stops just before exiting. Then he drops to a knee coming closer to my level. I am very confused on why he walks to talk to me. I won't lie, I am a little scared.
"You're not in trouble." He starts.
I'm sure I looked confused, so he continued.
"I am curious on why you tried to change the course on the pod." He speaks.
"I... I uh..." I begin to stutter.
"It was already to land on the island, but you attempted to move it closer to base. Why?" He continues.
"It seemed like it would have ended up partially in the water. After the explanation of Sunstreaker. I felt he may have not been happy about that." I say, making it up as I go along. I pray he doesn't call my bluff.
"You probably right about that." He agrees after a moment. Probably thinking what I said over.
I let out a breath and relaxed a little. I feel bad lying but no one can know my secret.
"Next time please say something before interfering with the trajectory of a falling space craft." Jazz suggests before standing up straight.
"Good to go, sir." I say under my breath.
I slowly follow him back to the computer stations. A part of me feels guilty for lying, but I have too. No one can know my secret. As long as Sunstreaker keeps his mouth shut. I get back to my computer and go back to work. It's not long after I hear large footsteps making their way into the hanger. Then Sideswipes voice explaining things starts to carry throughout. I don't turn around and keep staring at my computer. This would be a time I wish I was towards the wall. My station is in the last row, my back towards the empty hanger. First thing you see when you walk in from the opposite side.
"Now we just got to get you a vehicle mode." Sideswipe says excitedly.
"Why?" Sunstreaker asks unamused.
"To be on Earth, you must be able to blend in with the humans here. We are to be disguised if we need to leave base." Optimus informs.
"So, I have to hide because of these...these fleshy things?" Sunstreaker scoffs.
"We protect 'those fleshy things,' Sunstreaker. If you are here, you will follow my rules as well as theirs." Optimus reminds him.
I am trying not to look, unlike everyone else. It's silent for a moment. Making me all the more curious. I need to stay focused. I can't let Sunstreaker see me. After a minute or two, the new bot speaks.
"What's your alt mod?" I'm assuming he asks Sideswipe.
"The best-looking car there is." His hydraulics hiss and he shifts into his silver alt mode.
This I turned around to watch. His gears move his body around as he transforms. In a beautiful sequence. I love watching them. Sideswipe always has some form of elegance to him when he does. I wonder if Sunstreaker will too. I look up to him and his eyes are glued to his brother. He gives a nod of approval before scanning Sideswipes alt. I've only seen this be done once. So, I'm excited to watch this happen.
Once he's done scanning, his armor begins to change. The round smooth edges point and shift. Plates move around syncing to his form. His golden color brightens. The silver accents turning to black. The fins on the side of his head jet out pointing higher to the sky. He looks almost identical to his twin, even down to the wheels as his feet. Once his plating stops moving, he gives a smirk, then he transforms. With precision and poise, his body transfigures itself, landing on four wheels. Sitting in front of us is a golden Lamborghini. My jaw drops as I take in what I witnessed. He is gorgeous.
"Let's test out your new wheels." Sideswipe spins his tires and does a burn out before racing out of the hanger. Sunstreaker isn't slow to follow after him.
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