Evelyn's p.o.v

I ran a brush through my hair as the song 'Awake and Alive-Skillet' blared from my iPod. I managed to untangle the knots and tied it up in my signature messy low ponytail once again.

I cheerfully skipped down the stairs and entered the kitchen. I was surprised to see Ed and Aunt Selina already there. Looks like they've started to wake up earlier too.

"Morning, Ed. Morning, aunt." I chirped.

"Morning, Eve." Aunt Selina greeted with a slightly tired smile. She's been a bit tired lately considering how she's been working double shifts at the station. According to her, she's taken on a case about a purse snatcher that's been at large for a while now, with assault and drug smuggling on the list of charges to boot, and is trying to hunt him/her down. I hope she's having luck with her investigation.

"Morning, sis." Ed greeted me. He raised an eyebrow as he saw the bright smile on my face. "Well you've been awfully jolly lately. What's the occasion?" he asked.

"I made a bunch of new friends so of course I'm happy!" I said before digging into my cereal.

"Can you tell us about these new friends of yours?" Aunt Selina asked then a mischievous twinkle, one I was familiar with, entered her brown eyes. "Any interesting boys?" she asked in a dramatic stage whisper that wasn't exactly soft.

Ed who was checking his phone looked up when Aunt Selina stated the latter part. "I'm curious to know too." He said.

I swallowed my cereal. Calm down, you know what to say. "They're really cool and fun to hang out with. One of them is a girl; she's older than me and really likes motorcycles." 'And she can literally turn into one.' "There's also our teacher, he's really cool. He's always so calm and collected. The lad seems to have infinite patience." 'Cool still doesn't even scratch the surface.' She mused to herself.

"Considering how he can tolerate both you and Miko, that's understandable and unbelievable at the same time." Ed said taking a sip out of his coffee.

"Whatever, you just can't stand our awesome fun." I said.

"At least I stay out of trouble." He retorted.

"And where's the fun in life if you always do that?" I said before finishing the last of my cereal and drinking the milk from the bowl. I put the bowl down and took a sip out of my orange juice.

"Gotta fly, bye!" I said with a two-fingered salute and walked out.

"Bye, stay safe!" Aunt Selina shouted after me as I closed the door. I was halfway through my walk to the house when Smokescreen pulled over in front me, saving me the trouble.

"Need a lift?" he asked as the door popped open.

"Do you even have to ask?" I said with a smile and got in.

"Ready for school, partner?" Smokescreen asked as the seatbelt wrapped around me.

"Yup, I'm ready to face the torturous lectures and the hard assignments on the horizon." I said dramatically and we both laughed.

I took my iPod out and without even asking, I played 'Hero-Skillet' and we sang along to the lyrics.

It's been two weeks. Two weeks since I've found out about the Autobots; Two weeks since I've been brought into the loop; Two weeks since I've learned about a centuries war from out of this world taking place on Earth and two weeks since Smokescreens been assigned as my guardian.

We've fallen into a routine of sorts. Smokes would pick me up for school and along the way we'd listen to songs and sometimes sing along to the lyrics as though we were in karaoke, it would be any kind of song from heavy metal to classics to pop songs, then Smokes would drop me off at school, ugh, and then he'd pick me up and bring me back to base with Miko, Jack and Raf.

In those two weeks, Smokes and I have gotten closer and we've gotten to know each other a bit more. Smokes also seems to like heavy metal and classic songs now too thanks to me.

I was snapped out of my daydreaming when Smokes pulled over outside the school's gate, Bulkhead and Bumblebee beside us with Arcee at the rear. "Here we are." He said. "Welp, have a nice day."

"When is there ever a nice day at school?" I said with a shake of my head.

"Okay then, may you survive the battlefield, soldier." He said jokingly. "Bye, Eve. I'll catch cha later." Smokes said.

"Bye." I said and waved at him as he drove off. The others bid their guardians goodbye and we entered school.

*sigh* As interesting a turn my life has taken, it isn't always interesting 24/7. And now, it was one of those times where it was dull.

"Time to endure the 7 hours boredom death sentence." Miko said.

"At least we'll be going through this he!l together." I said.

"I just hope the Satan Vince isn't here." Raf said half-jokingly. I notice that that scoundrel hasn't been bothering Raf that often lately, at least to my knowledge. I hope it stays that way.

Over the two weeks, Raf has even come over to my brother's lab three times. They've gotten along well and Raf even admitted that Ed was starting to become like another brother to him.

"Looks like God isn't on our side today." Jack said and nodded his head in the direction of Vince's car.

Vince did a J handbrake turn and rolled down the window. I rolled my eyes heavenward when I saw him lower the pair of sunglasses he wore and wink at a group of girls. Ugh, cliche much?

"That guy seriously needs to get a life." Miko said in disgust.

"That scoundrel seriously has to learn to be a decent human being." I said.

"Here here." Raf agreed.

"You'd think he would've learned his lesson after that encounter with Knockout." Jack said with a shake of his head in a slightly lowered voice so the other students wouldn't hear, if they even bother to listen that is

Another thing I've learned is that while Raf was the shy, introverted but friendly tech expert of out group, Jack was evidently the mature responsible one. He was like Ed in a way, always looking out for us like a big brother. He also seemed to be a bit of a reluctant hero.

But it was good to know that someone like him would have our backs, especially Miko's.

As usual, school seemed to drag on forever. The only silver lining was that it was Taco Tuesday in the cafeteria, I got an A on my Literature test and......that's about it.

So when the bell rang gleefully signalling the end of this horrendous torture, my cousin and I booked it. We stuffed our books into our lockers and met up with Jack and Raf at the doors before heading off.

I hopped inside Smokes and sighed in comfort as I sat in the comfy leather seats. Miko and I had to stay back for an extra hour today to get extra credit on our Math. My grades weren't bad, they were average unlike Miko's but I'll take whatever bonus I can get.

Jack had to stay back an extra hour too to catch up on his Civics while Raf, who's grades were the best among us stayed back to help the computer teacher get rid of some kind of virus on the schools' computers.

All in all, we were sick and tired of school for today.

"You look half dead." Smokes commented.

"I am on the inside." I deadpanned. "Gosh, my brain's chock full of numbers and algebra. *massages head* If I had to spend another minute in Math I'd vomit numbers out."

"Is that possible? I thought humans vomited food out." Smokes said. I rolled my eyes, sometimes he took things a tad bit too literally. "Oh, you were being sarcastic."

"What gave it away?" I asked.

"Hey, I can still see you, you know." He said and adjusted the rear view mirror until it showed my reflection fully for emphasis.

"So, you have any plans today?" I asked. If I already finished my homework, and sometimes if I'm lucky didn't have any, and Smokes was free, we'd normally go out for a drive and chat. We'd chat about things from the way our lives are, past mistakes and experiences, past missions and sometimes just random things or nothing in particular.

"Not sure. Maybe we'll go check out an energon mine but I'm not sure." Smokes said.

I've learned that energon was not only their food but also, like Optimus said, literally their life fuel. It was their medicine and it was their version of blood. It was a biological thing for them. It'd make sense that they were fighting over it since it's also their fuel and their most valued resource. It's their version of solar energy, blood and fossil fuels in a way.

"Got room for a plus one?" I asked.

"Sorry, but I doubt Optimus will let you come. Sorry, I can't let you come either, it's too dangerous." Smokes said a small serious edge to his voice now.

"Just a quick peek?" I asked again. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see it. What can I say? Like Miko, I'm a thrill-seeker and I've always been curious. I've always wondered what an alien mine would be like.

"No, but if it helps, maybe I can snag a small souvenir back for ya. That cool?" Smokes asked.

"Sure, definitely cool." I said with a smile. I was slightly disappointed that I couldn't tag along but then again, I've seen the cons with my own eyes. They could honest to god crush me with a single 'digit' as they call their fingers.

Soon we arrived at base and I did my usual routine. I did my homework with Miko, Jack and Raf and played video games after that. We were playing 'Mario Kart' today.

"Boost!" I said as I got a boost pushing me ahead of Miko.

"Oh no you don't!" Miko said as she got a boost herself. We gritted our teeth and willed our avatars to go faster.

"C'mon, Eve! You're almost there!" Raf cheered.

"Come on, Miko. You can do it!" Jack cheered.

We groaned as we got a tie. Again.

"Damnation! It's always a tie!" I said and dropped the remote onto the table.

"At this rate, we'll never get to decided who's better." Miko agreed glumly.

"Whatcha guys doing?" Smokes asked peering at the game curiously. "What's so nice about this?" he asked.

"It's fun and entertaining." Miko said.

"How? I mean you're just making a car on the screen move around. Why do that when you guys can experience it in real life already?" Smokes continued gesturing to him and the others.

"Good point, oh yeah speaking of which. Bulk, we gotta go now if we wanna make it in time for the monster truck rally!" Miko said as she got up.

"Oh, right. Sorry guys, hope you don't mind." Bulk said.

"Just keep your comms on and stay alert for trouble." Ratchet said.

"Sure you don't wanna come?" Miko asked me. I waved her off.

"Nah, I don't wanna intrude on your bonding time. Have fun, cuz." I said. Miko smiled and gave me a quick hug before entering Bulk and driving off.

"Smokes, what do you do during your free time?" I asked. I realized that while I've talked about my hobbies and interests, Smokescreen hardly does.

"I train, go for patrol, wait for a mission, go for a drive and of course I chat with you." Smokes said.

"What about before I came, what did you do before you began to have chats with me?" I asked.

"Um......just wait for a mission, I guess." Smokes said with a shrug.

"Seriously? Aw c'mon, mate, you must do something! What about watching TV or playing video games or reading or even eating food for fun?" I asked. I find it hard to believe that such a fun-loving bot like Smokes could not have a hobby of sort. I could never picture him sitting around waiting for a mission to come up.

"I guess we could watch some TV." He suggested.

"Smokescreen, did you ever have a hobby? A hobby where you did something for fun?" I asked him.

He opened his mouth and shut it as he thought it over. "I'm.....not sure. I watch the others play video games sometimes if that counts." He said.

I looked at him for a while then I remembered that while he jokes around and acts like any other teenager, he was in reality, a soldier fighting a war. A war that has taken his family and home from him when he was just a kid, a war that took away his whole bloody planet for god's sake! He probably never had anything near to a normal childhood, much less a hobby he does for fun.

It's time to change that.

"C'mon, mate. I think it's time you've gotten a hobby and by hobby, I mean something you do for fun and isn't related to war." I said.

"Like?" he asked.

"Why don't we try watching TV? It might have some interesting shows." I suggested waving the TV remote. Smokes shrugged and came over to the rec-center.

I turned the TV on and flipped through the shows. After a while, I settled on watching Johnny English. Jack, Raf and even Bumblebee watched with us and we laughed as the movie went on. Bumblebee's laugh sounded more like beeps and chirps but I found them rather cute rather than annoying.

It was hilarious to think that Johnny English was a spy of all things considering how it's a miracle he doesn't blow his kitchen up when he makes coffee.

After the credits were rolling we were still clutching our stomachs and wiping away tears of laughter from the corner of our eyes.

"Oh man, that was hilarious! Did you see that guy's face when he kicked him in the nuts? Ha ha ha!" Smokescreen said before laughing again.

"See? You ought to watch some telly every now and then. It's nice to relax and unwind." I said.

"We should have movie nights." Raf suggested.

"Great idea." Jack said and soon we were discussing and planning away.

I looked at Smokes who looked back at me and smiled. I then looked around and saw how we all still acted so laid back like normal teens. The half-British half-Japanese gymnast, two alien robots, a nerdy tech expert and the responsible reluctant hero brother-figure.

I really could get used to this.

No one's p.o.v

Optimus was making his way back to the main room after doing a quick training exercise. As he drew closer, the sound of laughter hit his audio receptors. He was slightly surprised but it was soon replaced with happiness and gratefulness.

'It is nice that moments of happiness can still occur in times like these.' He mused. The laughter was clearly coming from the children and....Smokescreen and Bumblebee?

He entered the main room and sure enough, the newest addition to Team Prime and the mute Autobot scout were laughing away as they watched a movie with Jack, Raf and Evelyn.

Optimus smiled ever so slightly. It hurt him that such young bots had to fight in such a savage war. He was glad that they could still smile and laugh and find happiness in their lives.

"I see you all had a good laugh during the movie." Optimus remarked.

"I didn't." Ratchet grumbled. "It was distracting."

"Aw, c'mon doc, d'you hafta be such a grumpy bot all the time?" Smokescreen asked.

"Don't call me doc." Ratchet said.

:When was the last time you did anything fun?: Bumblebee asked.

"Sorry, what?" Ratchet asked as he paused typing on the computer counsel.

"As in, have you ever done anything that is fun, like outside of the war and fighting and stuff?" Smokescreen asked. "C'mon doc, you can't be that much of a wet blanket."

:Yeah, you don't have to be shy.: Bumblebee encouraged.

"Does throwing a wrench at annoying bots count?" Ratchet asked as he held said tool of doom in one servo.

Smokescreen and Bumblebee instantly shut up at that.

"Never mess with Ratchet, especially of he has a wrench at hand." Raf whispered to Evelyn with a serious face. It was funny on the 12 year old but his more than dead serious tone made Evelyn take his advice seriously.

"Noted." Evelyn said.

They heard engines coming and soon Arcee came back from patrol while Bulkhead came back with Miko from the monster truck rally.

"That was so rad, Bulk! Did you see that guy crush the others like they were paper mache?" Miko said enthusiastically as she got out of Bulkhead, she was obviously still pumped from the monster truck rally.

"Yeah, Miko. Boy, that guy could put Breakdown to shame." Bulkhead said as he transformed back.

As Miko and Bulkhead happily chatted away about the monster truck rally, Evelyn took her phone out and when she turned on the screen, she noticed, for the first time, that there was no signal.

"Um, Optimus? Sorry to be a bother but, why are there no bars?" Evelyn asked waving her phone in his direction. She hadn't really noticed this until now.

"The silo walls isolate all radio waves, a precaution." Optimus explained.

Evelyn frowned she's made it a habit to message her brother or aunt to let them know that she's fine and normally it was easier to do so out in the open. Then she realized that in the past two weeks, she'd sent her texts while she was out with Smokescreen. While the signal was weak, she could still reach a bar and get the message through.

She shrugged and pocketed her phone. One missing text wouldn't hurt.

"Hey, Optimus, what kinda movies do you like to watch?" Evelyn asked, attempting to strike up a conversation with him.

"I'm afraid I do not have enough time to consider watching movies." Optimus replied. "I do however, have an affinity for Nashville music." He admitted.

"You do?" Evelyn said surprised and intrigued by this new information. Optimus nodded.

In the past two weeks, Evelyn has also gotten to know the other members of Team Prime more and she got along well with all of them.

First there was her cousin's guardian, Bulkhead. He was still more or less the same. Sure he was a huge wrecking ball of a bot but he was friendly, caring, fun, nice and peaceful. Though he was a bit of a klutz much to Ratchet's obvious chagrin. If memory serves, Evelyn has seen Bulkhead break/destroy at least two wrenches and four of the devices they've used and tripped on wiring at least once every day....accidentally of course. He was many things but careful and graceful were not one of those. He was like the big brother of the group.

Then there was the Autobot's scout, Bumblebee. He seemed to be just slightly younger than Smokescreen and although he was fighting a war as well, he seemed to have a mindset of a 12-16 year old, seeing as to how he loves playing video games and even watch cartoons. He was very quiet and playful and never bothered anyone. He was the kind of silent but fun and likable type. Until now, Evelyn still didn't know how he ended up as a mute but hasn't been able to work up the nerve to ask him. She was worried that she might be crossing a line if she did. He was Team Prime's youngest kid.

Next was the only female member of Team Prime, Arcee. She was very mature and calm most of the time. While she was also strict and serious, Evelyn has learned that she was also sassy, sarcastic, laid back in a way and even teasing to the other bots and even Jack, Miko, Raf and Evelyn. Evelyn chats with her every now and then and she's even given her some advice on how to deal with Vince who sometimes tried to flirt with her much to her annoyance. Well, if kicking said boy in the 'aft' and beating him into a pulp counted as advice that is. Arcee was the team's older sister figure. She also seemed to have quite the dirty mouth since she constantly says the curse words like 'frag' or 'scrap'.

Then if she ever had to guess, she'd say that Ratchet was the grumpy grandpa. He seems to be able to tolerate her, more or less. He spends most of his time fixing something or inventing something or typing away on the computer or simply stay on monitor duty which was most of the time. Seeing him invent and fix things reminded Evelyn of her Grandpa James but that's where the similarities between the two men/bot end. But even so, like she said before, Ratchet cares in a way and is sometimes even amused with their antics. You just have to look close enough.

Her guardian, Smokescreen was like another one of the youngest kid. She asked Smokescreen once and he'd admitted that he was only around 2 vorns older than Bumblebee so it's make sense that he can get along well with Bumblebee and why he still acts like a teenager. He was also fun-loving, friendly, laid-back, carefree and cheerful, constantly cracking jokes even though they weren't always that good. He can get a bit cocky but seems to know when to not go too far and when to put pride aside. Overall, he was also straightforward and simple, he wasn't picky and didn't mind letting others make a choice.

Finally, there was the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime. Evelyn respected and admired him. She won't deny that. In the short time she's known him, she's seen how he always kept his calm and cool no matter how infuriating the situation was or how petty, annoying or ridiculous it seemed. It's as though he had infinite patience, he's never once cried out or raise his voice. Optimus was the stern serious no-nonsense type of leader who didn't seem to take jokes. At the same time, Evelyn's also seen how he was kind and honest. He did after all once help with her Science's astrophysics assignment and she was surprised to learn that Optimus possesses a reasonable knowledge regarding Earth mythology from Science, law and history. He also seems to understand some Earth customs. Like right now.

"Yes, I do. What kind of pop culture do you enjoy, Evelyn?" Optimus asked.

"You can call me Eve, you know. No need to be so formal." Evelyn said.

"Very well, what kind of pop culture do you enjoy, Eve?" he asked.

Evelyn smiled. Another thing she admired Optimus for was that he was also sociable and a good listener.

Before she could answer the question, a loud 'beep' came from the monitors. Ratchet looked at it and his optics widened slightly as the Decepticon's logo popped up on the screen. "It's a Decepticon signal!" he said and began typing away on the counsel.

Everyone, bot and human alike stopped what they were doing and turned their attention towards Ratchet.

"Where is the signal coming from?" Optimus asked as the Autobots gathered around the computer while Jack, Miko, Raf and Evelyn craned their necks to get a better look.

"It's from one of the coordinates of the energon mines." Ratchet said.

"The cons are probably trying to snag all the energon for themselves before we can get em." Smokescreen said.

"Then we must get to it first. Ratchet, activate the groundbridge." Optimus ordered.

Ratchet typed in the coordinates and moved to another counsel with a lever on it. Evelyn looked at the screen but the schematics were Greek to her. 

"Groundbridge activated." Ratchet said.

He pulled the lever down and a there was a bright flash of light temporarily blinding Evelyn then she watched in awe as a swirling green and blue vortex appeared.

"Woah." She breathed in awe and took a few steps forward to get a closer look.

"Ep ep ep, stay back!" Ratchet said. "We don't need you getting in the way."

"What is that?" Evelyn asked pointing at the groundbridge.

"It's a groundbridge." Ratchet said.

"What's a groundbridge?" Evelyn asked again.

Ratchet sighed and Jack, Miko and Raf snickered as they recall the same thing happening the first time they were here.

"A groundbridge is a scaled down version of a space bridge. Since we currently don't have the needs or resources for intergalactic travel, we can only use a groundbridge for transportation. I don't like it but it certainly saves us time." Ratchet said.

"So a groundbridge is basically a teleporter?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes." Ratchet answered.

"And all you have to do is type in some coordinates and it can sent you anywhere on Earth?" Evelyn asked even further in barely contained glee at the prospect of such advanced technology existing.

"Yes." The Autobot medic replied. 'At least she knows how to catch up fast.' He thought.

"Does it work on humans too?" Evelyn asked curiously.

"Pfft, of course it does." He scoffed as though Evelyn had just asked if food was made to be eaten.

Another thing she's learned about Ratchet was that he had a sassy side to him. He was cranky and sassy, a combination she never expected from a bot like him. But right now she was too in awe to acknowledge that fact.

"So you mean, I could hop inside that portal and pop back outside in England and have tea with my parents back there as simple as going out the door?" she asked already imagining it.

"Yes, you can. In fact, maybe I should do just that." Ratchet grunted.

Before Evelyn could retort, Optimus gave the command. "Autobots, roll out!" he said. They all transformed into their alt modes and drove off.

"I'll try to snag a souvenir for ya, Eve!" Smokescreen called back before disappearing into the vortex.

"So, have you guys been through a groundbridge before?" Evelyn asked Jack.

"Yeah, it's kinda weird though." Jack said. "I mean, it doesn't hurt us or anything." He added.

"But it feels like your bones are shaking." Raf chimed in.

"Yeah, it takes a while to get used to." Jack said.

"So it's like one roller coaster ride, huh Mik-" her question died in her throat as she turned her head and noticed that Miko was no longer standing beside them. "Miko?" she called.

Ratchet, Raf and Jack noticed she was gone too and began to panic a bit.

"Ma-maybe she went to the toilet." Raf suggested.

"I doubt that." Ratchet said as his optics darted around the room searching for Miko.

"Miko? C'mon, cuz this isn't funny!" Evelyn said as her panic began to rise too. It was though her cousin just disappeared into thin air! Jack looked at the deactivated groundbridge and the answer clicked.

"Oh no." Jack said. "Oh no, oh no she did it again!" he said frustrated.

"Did what?" Evelyn asked. Then she followed Jack's eyes and it clicked into her mind. "She pulled a Miko didn't she?" she asked dreadfully praying that she was wrong.

Jack looked at Ratchet and they nodded. Evelyn's and Raf's hearts dropped.

"We have to go after her!" Evelyn said. "Ratchet, activate the bridge, I'll go get her."

"What?! Don't be ridiculous, you could get killed!" Ratchet said in genuine worry. He may not like humans but he wasn't heartless/sparkless and though he'd rather knock himself out with his own wrench than admit it, the human children have begun to grow on him, even Evelyn and Miko.

"I'll go. Raf, stay here and monitor the groundbridge for me." Ratchet said. He internally sighed; he can never get a break can he?

"Ratchet, with all due respect, you're a medic not a fighter. And I highly doubt stealth is your forte. If you go in there, you could get hurt in the crossfire or get captured by the cons and add more onto our plate." Evelyn argued.

"And you won't?" he retorted.

"She's right, Ratchet. We should go. We're smaller and the cons won't be expecting us. It'll be easier for us to find Miko." Jack said.

Did Jack want to head into the warzone? No. Was he asking for a death wish? Definitely not. Did he want to save his friend? Yes.

He was a reluctant hero but he was also a loyal friend with a sense of duty.

Did Raf want to get into a crossfire between the cons and the bots? No. Did he want to go squish under one of their pedes? Absolutely not. Did he want to save Miko and help Evelyn do that? Yes.

Raf will always put his friends safety above him own.

"But you're even more vulnerable to injury!" Ratchet argued. "You could get hurt by a stray shot or crush under rubble!"

"Then can you send us some ways away from the battlefield?" Evelyn asked.

Ratchet frowned and looked at the coordinates on the computer screen. He brought up the mine's schematics and cursed when he realized the only alternative entry point away from the mine was a hole that was too small for him. But it was big enough for Jack, Evelyn and Raf.

"Ratchet, please. We can't all go. We need you here to activate the groundbridge and we might need Raf for techy support stuff and I'll need Jack's experience. We're smaller, sneakier and faster, we can find Miko. We'll just get in, get out and you can bridge us back. Right now, she could be in danger and he!l will freeze over if I just lag around and do nothing. I. Am. Going. Are you with me or not?" Evelyn asked and crossed her arms and glared at him.

Ratchet, Raf and Jack were surprised at how firm her voice was and Ratchet was admittedly, impressed. He looked at them and saw the grim determination in their eyes and sighed.

"Fine." He grunted.

Evelyn, Raf and Jack smiled. "I'll go grab my laptop." Raf said and ran to the rec-center to get his bag.

Evelyn went to the rec-center and grabbed her bag as well. She opened it up and took out the slingshot and ammo she left in the hidden compartment. After getting into the loop and the 'shootout' at the warehouse, she wasn't taking any chances and carried her slingshot and taser with her most of the time now. She put them into her pockets and went back down with Raf who now had his backpack on.

"Jack, come here." Ratchet said beckoning said teen over as he took something out. "You might need this." He said and Jack's eyes widened as he handed him a gun!

"Is that a bloody gun?!" Evelyn said while Raf's jaw dropped open.

"Don't worry, it's just a stun gun. It'll hurt but it won't kill." Ratchet said. He always knew that trouble would somehow find the human children one way or another so he began to make small preparations for said encounters with trouble.

"It has a limit. If you shoot it too much, it'll take 10 minutes to recharge. See that line of lights?" Ratchet asked. Jack tilted the gun and saw four small lights on the side, two were green, the next was orange yellow and the last was red. "That will tell you how much it has left. The safety pin is at the side. Just press it once to release it and you can shoot." He explained.

Jack pressed the safety pin and looked around. His eyes fell on one of the empty boxes. He closed one eye, took aim and shot.

He lost his balance and staggered back from the recoil but the shot hit its mark and a burnt mark was left on it. There was a thin trail of smoke from the muzzle of the gun.

"Woah." Raf said while Evelyn whistled.

"You wouldn't happen to have spares, would you?" she asked.

"Sadly I've only prepared one so far." Ratchet admitted.

"You can build a teleporter but you can't build a stun gun?!" she said.

"I'd like to see you try to make these puny things with your own servos!" he retorted and put his servos up for Evelyn to see. Evelyn realized that he had a point considering how human weapons were probably puny toys to them.

"Alright, so we go in, grab Miko and get out." Jack said to himself as he attached the gun to his hip. "Piece of cake." He said more to himself.

"Activating the groundbridge." Ratchet said. They made a move to it but Ratchet stepped in front, blocking them.

"Let me make this clear. The three of you will go in, find Miko and come back here immediately. Is that clear? No playing hero, no crazy stunts, no snooping around longer than necessary. You will come back here as soon as you find Miko and you will only be going there to do that. Is that clear?" Ratchet said. He was no Optimus but he was definitely stern and strict in his own way.

The three of them nodded. "That's pretty much the plan." Evelyn said.

"If you three die and leave me to face the others' wrath, I will never forgive you humans." Ratchet said pointing a digit at them. "Stay safe and by the AllSpark, please, be careful and come back." He said. Evelyn noticed a rare crack of emotion in his voice.

"We will, Ratchet." Jack said.

"We all will." Raf added.

"And you can count your spark on it. Now then, to quote Optimus, let's roll out!" Evelyn said with a raised fist. Jack and Raf smiled, it was a wonder how she could still make light hearted jokes in moments before literally walking into life-or-death situations.

"Never thought I'd pull my first Miko with you mates." Evelyn said with a forced grin. 'And hopefully this won't be the last.' She thought grimly.

Jack took a deep breath and steeled himself. "Let's do this." He said.

Raf nodded and hitched his backpack up as he tried to stop his knees from trembling ever so slightly.

The three of them looked at each other and walked into the groundbridge.

Ratchet turned it off and looked at the deactivated groundbridge. He prayed with his entire spark that he didn't just send them to their deaths.

Now all he can do is the worst part.

Wait.