The Next Morning

Jack and the others were at base waiting for Agent Fowler while doing some activities. OPtimus was disappointed that Nova was not in the base, Arcee explained that she needs some time to think about it due to her discovery.He was saddened that she would not be remaining close. Ever since the incident, he had gotten accustomed to her constant presence.The loss of it would undoubtedly feel rather queer. After hours, they received a call which Agent Fowler appeared on the screen as everyone gathered around in the main room. Agent Fowler asked, "Prime....do you recall when you told me to do some research about this Agent Reaper? Well, I found some files about her and it turns out she did killed 12 targets from every nation. She was a master of assassin who never leaves evidence. The camera footage also showed that she was able hack through computers and steal classified data and illegal weapons as well. I'm sorry.....it comes to show what Silas said, Nova was a former Agent Reaper working with Mech."

They were shocked to hear what Fowler said. The fact about Nova being Agent Reaper was alarming. OPtimus was disturbed that her charge was once an agent and he couldn't believe she was capable in doing such a thing. Miko said, "WOah, Nova being an Agent......Mind blow." Everyone were startled by the fact except JAck who seems something wasn't right. Arcee notice his expression and asked, "What's the matter, Jack?"

"That's strange.....Silas mentioned she killed 13 targets, why only 12?"

Fowler said, "Well, that's thing....you see 2 years ago, The victim of Agent Reaper who was from New York, was under our protection since he was being threatened and spared."

They got confused of what he said. Ratchet questioned, "What do you mean?"Fowler cleared his throat and explained, "According to our victim......we arrested the ones who threatened him to create a disk that can grand access to any organization. During that night, he told that she came to the steal disk that was suppose to destroy and kill him just to get rid of witnesses. She was about to terminate him until she stopped when the moment she saw his daughter."

"His Daughter?" Raf asked with puzzlement

"For some reason she became hesitant that she spared his life and told her to leave the state before leaving without the disk."

Miko said curiously, "I wonder what made her change her mind?"Jack said realization, "Forget that.....Don't you see, NOva was able to spared his life."

"Still.....she did committed a crime in the past if she might be working with MEch....."

"No she's not."

They turned to see Raf who seems disbelief as he said, "Nova would never betray us. She always helped us all week." Jack turned to him, "I don't wan to believe it either......We just want to know about Nova's past." Miko said, "YOu really think NOva did work for Mech?"

  "I do not know, but maybe we can get answers is from NOva  herself." Ratchet explained looking down at her. OPtimus agreed, "It is our only option." They decided to get NOva to get some answer as they arrived at the constuction site. They noticed everything seems quiet, they head towards to where the cabin. However, all they see is Campy in the seat, crooning sadly. Raf said worriedly, "Guys I don't think Nova isn't here." Miko said confused, "If she's not here.....then where is she."  Arcee contacted OPtimus that she was not in the site that she stayed. 

  "Autobots, roll out and begin a search parameter. Radio if you find any sign of Nova."  He said into the comm link. Ratchet began to notice OPtimus worried look, he hasn't seen him worried in eons. "Optimus...are you alright?" He looked at the medic, worry filled his very being, "Ratchet, we must find her. she's been hurt for far many times and I don't want anything happen to her." Ratchet nodded, understanding now, then began searching through the map.

The autobots and the children split up to find her in every streets, alley and nearby shops unfortunately they couldn't find her everywhere. Jack said, "Well did you found her?"

They shook their heads. They contacted the base that they couldn't find NOva everywhere as if she was no longer in town. As they returned along with Campy in Raf's arm, Optimus grown concerned that his charge was not found. Ratchet tried to track down her energy signature since she is part cybertronian but no sign of it. Jack said, "Where could Nova been?" Miko turned to them, "Maybe she ran away and left town...."

"HOw? She doesn't have a vehicle....."

While they stood around, searching for NOva through wide search Parameter in the map. Raf was hugging Campy who seems worried about NOva. She's been here for so long since she met the autobots. After learning about her being an agent, he wouldn't believe that she would never hurt anyone. He recalled when they were in trouble as Nova came in to help and even protect them, He only wonder if they could find NOva. As hours passed, Ratchet wasn't unable to locate NOva. The autobots were helpless that they couldn't find NOva. Miko said, "Not even Ratchet's computer couldn't find her. How we suppose to find Nova?" 

There has got to be something that can do to find NOva. Raf then began to notice Campy had a concerned look but for some reason it seems to know something. Raf hold Campy in front of him and said, "YOu know where Nova is, don't you?" 

Campy crooned sadly which led Raf knew he was right. "Can't you tell us where she is?" The autobots notice Raf speaking with the scraplet that NOva took care. Miko said, "UH.....Raf I don't think a NOva's pet can't tell us." Campy seems to struggling not to tell them where Nova might be.

 "I understand your worried about NOva...I know I find it hard to trust anyone to be honest.....but Nova risked her life and been hurt far too many times...So....please help us find NOva.....ok?" Raf said, with pleading tone. Campy was silent for a moment, he did swear to not tell them where Nova is but he did worry about his master and couldn't bear to leave her so he decided before nodding at Raf.  Campy closed its optics tightly and began to shake its head. Ratchet said doubtful, "Rafael, I don't think that thing isn't going to....." before he could finish, Campy let out a projector ray from its eye which shows a screen on the wall. THey were surprised of what Campy did. Ratchet said disbelief, "What in the Allspark......?" 

Miko said in awe, "Woah." 

Bulkhead said confusely, "Uh it can't do that, can it?" they watched the projector screen which shows where Jack and Arcee brought NOva back to her site and assuring that OPtimus contacting Fowler, researching about Agent Reaper.  

"Are you going to be alright?" Jack asked.

"Um...yeah I need some time to think about it. Maybe I might regained some of my memories. Whatever it was in my memories, is preventing me from getting them. I'm still going to find out about myself. "

"Well take care yourself. "  

They stared at Campy with surprised that he was showing his memory about yesterday as if they're looking through his eyes or optics. Ratchet couldn't explained how is a scraplet capable in projecting a video, he wonder if it must be Nova's power that upgraded it. THey turned back to the screen to where Arcee and JAck left the site as she head back to the ferris cabin. THey began to notice that Campy jumped out of her arms and skittered into the cabin then float on top of the seat, revealing the package inside the cabin. Arcee and Jack recognized the package which led them to suspicion.

Nova said, "Strange, I didn't notice it was there since I left." She picked up the package and grabbed something inside which shows a strange communicator(from CrissCross; Mech Comunicator). Nova had no idea how it work and tried to figure it out until the screen turned on that revealed a voice which made her blood boiled in anger. "Hello.....Nova, so good to speak with you again."

Everyone were shocked that Silas send a communicator to Nova. Arcee sneered, "MECH" JAck said disbelief, "They even know where she was." No one notice the angry look on Optimus as he curled his hand into a fist while watching the feed.

"Leland?!"She growled.

"Now now Didn't I tell you I abandoned name already? I go by the name SIlas....."

"How did you find me?"

"Let's just say I have my own ways.....let's get down to business, shall we?"

"What do you want?"

"NOw that I know your alive.... What I offer is a place in MECH, you will be directly under my orders. When MECH becomes the new world you will have a place in our society, you will be of part of the higher ranks. If you work hard enough I can make you the captain of your own squad. How does that sound?"

"You expect me to join you?! Fat chance.....after what you did to June and Arcee, I'm not impressed."

MIko said, shake her hand in the air, "Yeah, NOva you say it?!!!" THey were glad that NOva refused to accept it however something change. 

"I take that as a no. You sure are hard to convince, What if I have something that might change your mind?"

"You have some nerve trying to contact me, whatever it is I'm not interested......I don't think I'm not in the mood to listen."

"Really, Too bad....then I guess you didn't want to know about your origin."

OPtimus noticed she had a surprised and interested look as if she wanted answer before seating with Campy watching on her shoulder

"What do you know about me?" 

 "THat you were once an ex agent known as Agent Reaper and you were wondering who was the researcher I was referring to. Who would have thought you lost your memories and forgotten someone important to you after you disappeared?"

Nova said angrily, gripping at the communicator, "Get to the point, Silas.....Who am I? Why am I called Agent Reaper? What do you mean the researcher looked like June Darby?" Silas replied, "If you wish to learn about your past, I have the GPS coordinates that will guide you there. I'm sure you might find some answer but you might also not like what you see.

"YOur just going to give me the coordinates just like that, how do I know if you didn't sent those Mech soldier just to ambush me and capture me?"

"No need to worry.....I won't be sending them; in fact you might come to me once you know the truth. So do you want them?"

They saw Nova hesitant at first but seems very desperate in discovering her past. They hoped that Nova should refused but they were wrong.

"Yes, I want the coordinates." Nova said admittedly. 

They were shocked to see NOva accepted as the communicator was switched to coordinates on the screen. They knew where she was going but what they don't understand is why she didn't tell them.

"I'm glad you accept.....oh I left a little parting gift just for you." Nova got confused as she came out of the cabin and went behind, only to see a black motorcycle (Suzuki GSX-R black Motorcycle)

"This used to be yours before you were Agent Reaper.....I figured you wanted to find out yourself instead of asking your metal friends. Just so you know, my offer still stand and I'll be waiting for your answer. Once you do, you can call me through this communicator......Enjoy searching the truth." With that, he cut the line and leaving only the coordinates. 

Optimus stared at Nova on the screen as she seems in thought then placing the communicator in her pocket before turning to Campy's optics.

 "Campy, I know I'm not suppose to leave without telling the autobots but this is something I need to do by my own. I'm sorry but you can't come with me. I'm not sure if Silas kept his word but If I let you come, I'm sure they're might be Mech agents and they might dissect you. Same goes for the Autobots either."

  Everyone were surprised by her statement as she stared at Campy's optic with a concerned look.   

"I...I saw how hurt everyone was after that incident with them. All of you were so willing and happy to believe that I might find out about my origin. I didn't want them to get their hopes up only to get hurt again if they come with me. They have been through enough hardship as it is, and I didn't want to see any of them go through that pain again as I do."

She hugged Campy in her arms before staring at him and added, " Hope on their team is fragile enough as it is. I do not want them to break completely. So, if it means taking a risk and putting my own life in harm's way to protect you and the Autobot's from harm, then to me, there is only one logical choice left. You see? That's why I did it; in order to protect them. So that none of them would get hurt."

 Now Optimus knew why she didn't tell them becoz she didn't want them to get hurt, it was the first time to see her being concerned. They watched Nova promised to Campy that she' ll return and stayed with the autobots as she placed Campy on the ground and patted him, telling him to be good which let out a crooning sound before the screen ended.

Everyone were silent at the moment due to Nova leaving without telling them. Optimus turned to Ratchet, "Ratchet, Can you set the coordinates to where she is?" Ratchet nodded as he began typing the coordinates and activated the groundbridge. Optimus told Bumblebee to be in charge of the groundbridge since they might need Ratchet's expertise. He ordered his team that they're going to bring NOva back. The 3 humans (Plus Campy) wanted to come along, Optimus wanted to protest however he decided they should come since Nova is their friend. AS they arrived in their destination, they found an abandoned and burned facility. The humans got out of their guardians as they wandered around. They didn't understand why would Silas brought Nova to a deserted place and a facility.

While they were searching, they saw her motorcycle that was parked outside. Ratchet guesses that Nova is inside the facility as they entered through the door. When they entered, all they see what seems to be some kind of main room although everything was burned and was covered in broken buildings and crates. Miko looks around fascination before tripping over. She looked down only to see a part of a broken gun handle. Bulkhead said, "Huh, this is a strange place for Nova to be here, everything seems......messy." Arcee said, "I agree.....from the looks of it, this place has been abandoned for 10 years." Which made Jack, Raf and MIko surprised.

Miko said, "Woah woah wait 10 years!!!! Wouldn't that make Nova older?" Jack said disbelief, "How? SHe looks like a teenager....." Raf pointed out, holding Campy in his arms, "Maybe it has something to with her being part cybertronian." AS they were searching around, Optimus stood there with a thought, he wonder why NOva would be desperate in finding her answers and  whoever this 'researcher' that Silas refer to, she had obviously meant something to his charge. As Ratchet scanning the area until he notice the security room which happens to be online. Everyone head to the security room which was surprisingly they saw the security monitors were fixed as if they are new. Arcee said, "IT doesn't make sense....I thought the computers were destroyed and this place has been abandoned." THey had no idea how the monitors are working.

However, Optimus suspect it must have been NOva's power that was able to restored them. Raf wonder if they kept some files. He went over to the computers before placing Campy on the desk and began typing, he couldn't find anything becoz most of them were corrupted except he found a few security footages and images from a long ago. Raf pressed the files which the monitor began to lit up, showing the image. The pictures shows about a space pod in the classified file. 

  "It can't be." I turned and saw Optimus with wide optic as he saw the pod in the image. 

  "What's wrong?" Jack asked.  "Optimus, this is..." Ratchet began looking shocked.

"A stasis pod, one that was once contained a protoform."

 "What's a protoform?" Raf  asked.

"Protoforms are first stage to a Cybertronians life cycle; they wait for a life-giving spark and alt mode to transform into fully functional living Transformers." Ratchet explained.

"So a protoform is like, a baby transformer?" Jack said to clarify it.

"Close but, that's saved for another time." Arcee said.

"What was a stasis pod doing here on earth?" Raf asked.

"During the great war before Cybertron went dark, many protoforms in stasis pods were sent far out into space out of enemy hand and hope that when the war is over at least we can have hope for a new future." Bulkhead explained.

"But some were destroyed and some were taken for scientific purpose. It also as the ability to create a Cybertronian by using energon or form ones spark to take it in a new form." Ratchet added. 

  "Cool, so that's the pod Nova came out of?"   Miko said amazed. Jack asked Raf if they found any files that occurred about the pod. Raf checked and found a report that a female researcher name, Dr. Login snuck into the restricted room and investigated the pod. It also says that she touched the pod that shocked her which Nova came out of it. The autobots were startled of what RAf read on the file.

Ratchet said, "Just I thought....."    Arcee asked, "What do you mean Ratchet?"

"Well from my theory I think that when Dr. Login touched the pod, her DNA was accidentally merged with the protoform, and Nova is the result." Ratchet concluded. Miko said, "So that's how she came to be..." Bulkhead questioned, "So....what its got to do with NOva being here?"

Raf was looking through the file and found some footage as he clicked it which began the video to play. The screen quality became clear until it showed an image. They were shocked of what they saw....Nova inside a test tube with cords attached to her. Two scientists were at the computers, doing something to her.

Miko said surprised, "Is that....Nova?" Then, man came to the view which made the autobots glared on the monitor; Silas.

Silas questioned, "How is the project: Agent Reaper going?"

One of the scientists answered, "Slowly progressing....we're making sure her memory is wiped out."

"Good....She was the strongest but the most unfocused, always distracted and questioning everything. Even though she accomplished any mission yet she didn't succeeded one mission. If it weren't for Dr. login, she taught her how to defy orders from me and becoz of that she's change. Disappointing, Make sure her mind is erased everything except following orders, Understood."

They understood as Silas left the room while they were doing to NOva.

"Cursed those MEchs......What are they doing to her?" Ratchet said angrily. Optimus who had furious look on his face that Mech tried to erased her memory, making her a weapon. He won't forgive them for what they do to her and he began to wonder who is DR. Login. They watched the footage where the scientists began to reprogram her when something happen. They notice the computers let out an alarm. BOth of them tried to regained control but the computers went haywire.

"What's happening?!"

"I don't know I'm getting a very high radiation level, unlike anything I have ever seen! Radiating from-"

It was interrupted when the screen went gray. "Dude, What just happened?" Miko asked. Raf typed in the computer and told her that the camera must have been destroyed the moment something happen to the lab. Jack asked if there's other footage that still working so Raf pressed the another video, only to show the devastation and destruction of every lab, room and the hallway. Bulkhead said surprisingly, "WOah.....who caused that commotion?" The video switched to where 3 dead bodies were sprawled on the ground along with a girl who is destroying the computers. Jack managed to cover Raf's eyes to avoid it. They were shocked to see that it was Nova who caused the destruction. Optimus said stunned with a tone, "By the Allspark....What have they done to you?"

Her body was glowing brightly and eyes burning with rage as she destroyed the computers with her gun which was now engulf in flames before it was out of bullet. She clattered the gun into the ground as she let out a cry of anger. Until, they saw the door that is behind her opened, revealing a blonde lady in lab coat which surprised Jack and everyone. Miko pointed and said, "JAck....Isn't that...?"

JAck exclaimed, "Mom?!"

Arcee said, "THat's not her, JAck......but she looks exactly like her."

Jack now knew what Silas meant she looked like JUne Darby. No wonder why Nova seems protective and fond of his mother. They watched the blonde lady called to her and gave a horrified look when she saw Nova's bloodlust look.

"you must have been scared, you poor thing." She said sympathetic. As she went closer to NOva only to grabbed her on the throat and tightening her grip. She struggled, feeling her throat tightened.

The three humans were horrified of what they saw. Nova's bloodlust look felt like she has the urged to destroy anyone. They watched helplessly when Nova began tightening her grip on her throat.

"I'm sorry that I was powerless to stop Silas but I want to help you. Please trust me. Please give me just one more chance. Please. "She begged before she notice her gripped is slowly tightened. "I wanted to save you because I have known from the second that we met that you are special, that you deserve to be who you are. I care about you because your my family and....I love you, NOva."

The moment she said that, they were surprised that Nova released her and her body seems to wavered from the respond. Optimus saw how hesitant she was what the blonde lady told her. She tried to touch her but Nova seems staggered back. They saw how frightened she was.

"How cruel.....they did terrible things to you and trying to remake you. Let me get those things out of you." She said to her. She gently raised her right hand and placed it on her face. Nova watched as she slowly removed the collar around her neck which releases the cuffs from her wrist and ankles. The moment it was removed, Her eyes stop glowing as she calmed down.

They were surprised that the blonde lady freed her from her binds and made her calm down. When she regained herself, she notice her surrounding and saw blood on her hand, even her face and outfit. She realized the damaged she caused as she stared at the blonde lady with a terrified look. Optimus now realize that the blonde lady was actually Dr. Login whom Silas was referring to when Nova said her name.

"Login.....I...I" She said feeling terrible. Before Nova suddenly found herself being held close to Dr. Login as she embraced her. The emptiness she had felt was gone with her return. She could feel her love and relief flood through her mind, causing her to slowly wrapped her arms around her waist as she returned her hug and buried her face into her chest. Nova felt one of her hands being placed on the back of her head, her fingers weaving themselves through her hair.

"Its alright.....everything is alright. Your just scared and you only did it to survive." Before releasing from their hug as Dr. LOgin knelt to her eye level and said, "But don't worry. I will protect you No matter what happens. I'm going to get you out of this awful facility so that no one will hurt you again."

Before the video was cut off when they see the scene fell into the debris and was destroyed. They wanted to know what happened as Raf began to search for another a video which shows Dr. Login and Nova in the elevator.

Nova asked, "Tell me....you went back to save me, Why?" Dr. Login lowered her head then let out a sincere smile on her face. "Every life is important...no matter who they are or what they are. Never leave a life to perish, there is good in anything."

"But I'm not really human. Not many humans can use energy."

Dr. Login places a hand on her shoulder and said, "You are different. That's what's so amazing about you. You don't have to be like Agent Reaper, SIlas or me. You can be someone even better. You can be you. A healthy and carefree girl."Nova felt touched by her words but she recalled the damaged of what she did in hallway.

"But I hurt many people.....Silas trained me to be a weapon of destruction. It is not something I'm not proud of."She lowered her head in shame.

Dr. Login then grabbed both her hands and lifted to show her. "You know something......instead of using them, why not used it to help them? Protect those who cannot protect themselves. Instead of feeling bad for the life you took, you should probably think about the ones you saved. Beside, You have a big heart. That goes beyond any human or creature that I know.""

"Back there, Is it true of what you said?"  

 "yes, Nova. My words were true......its just like the ugly duckling who was lost and now found by a family. Look at that, it seems I found you since your awakening and became a part of mine. YOur my family, Nova and I will do whatever it takes to protect you."

The next thing she knew, Nova hugged her, much to Dr. Login shocked then a warm smile at her. She wraps her arm around her, hugging her back and patting her back gently. Breaking the hug, Nova look up at her, Dr. Login pats her head.

Dr. Login said, "I see.....your beginning to learn about our earth culture."Nova replied, "I learned it from a great teacher."

"And Don't worry NOva. Once we leave this place, I'm going to show you the world, the places you've never been unlike the mission you were sent. YOu will see how beautiful this planet is.Trust me."

The video showed where Nova and Dr. Login left the elevator, the scene was switched to where the main room are. DR. Login asked Nova if she can used her power to start the vehicle. Nova placed her hand which shows a tron-line spreading the vehicle then let out a rumble sound. 

Miko said, "So, all this time, Dr. Login was trying to free Nova from Mech."

Ratchet said, "Indeed.....but the question is what happen to her?"

They wondered what happened to her and why Nova didn't remember. They turned to the monitor only to see NOva and Dr. Login were not alone. Silas and his men appeared in the main room with their Mech guns pointing at them. 

"Dr. Login, Didn't I have you detained? Look at what she has done here. And yet you still defend it? Well, no matter I'll just....have to take things into my own hands." Silas said. Dr. Login went over to the front and raised both her hands at Nova, showing she was protecting her. "No, you won't. I'll do whatever it takes! I am going to protect Nova! " She said to them.

"This is truly annoying. Very well then, if that's how you want it to be....."

Bang!  

Everyone were shocked when they saw Silas pointed his gun at Nova instead Dr. Login shielded her from the shot before she fell on the ground unconsciously which Nova screamed. Raf was terrified of what he saw as he turned his face away with his eye shut. Arcee saw how NOva reacted when she saw Dr. Login was shot. 

She rushed over to her side and turned her body only to see a large red splotch forming on the front of her chest, staining her lab coat. Her features were pale and sickly. "Login?!" She said with concerned. She swear her tiny heart nearly stopped until she realized that the blond-haired lady was still breathing, albeit barely. 

"Login?" Nova tried timidly, voice shaking. Her eyes fluttered open, taking her awhile to focus on Nova."N-ova?" she gurgled in surprise before coughing a bit and causing blood to dribble down from her lips then fainted.

Silas took a step forward while 4 soldiers still pointing their guns at her. Silas said disappointment, "how foolish she was? Teaching a machine how to defy orders, if you hadn't obey my orders then she would have been dead. This is what happens to traitor. Now you will come with me and we will make sure you obey my orders."

The 4 soldiers were about to get NOva when they saw her hair glowed then out of nowhere, a glass of shards that was scattered on the ground began to float and stabbed the 4 soldiers from their body, arms and legs as they were dropped dead, dropping their weapons on the ground. She also make sure she destroyed 3 Mech guns except one save for last. Silas saw what happened as he turned to see Nova stood up in front of Dr. Login's body as she glared fiercely at him with a murderous look and got into her fighting stance.

"So this how it suppose to be.....you have so much potential yet you know so little." Silas said as he got into his fighting stance as well. They lunged each other and began to fight in a fierce battle. Nova throw some punches but Silas manage to evade her attacks. Silas was about to do a roundhouse kick however Nova anticipate his move as she did roundhouse kick as well, colliding each other before skidding them back each other. Every time both of them fought each other, Nova was still able to anticipate his move.

THe battle was so fierce that they were amazed of Nova's agility and her speed. Her fighting skills proved to be impressive. Between Nova and Silas, both of them shared the same attributes. The autobots notice how she was able to anticipate Silas move. 

Both of them breathed heavily from their fight, Silas was impressed by her anticipation that he taught her. Silas regained his posture and said, "I'm amazed you were able to anticipate my move. Perhaps I taught you quite well as an assassin. YOu would make great agent if you hadn't been wasteful with a traitor."

Then, Nova's blood boiled with anger when she spoke badly about her. "WASTEFUL?!"She said angrily. Nova's eyes snapped open to reveal that her pupils were gone and her irises were glowing brightly same goes with her hair that reacted to her emotions, she pointed her open hand at him as bunch of cords and wire appeared beneath him. Silas was wrapped around by cords and was squeezing him tightly. She slowly curled her fingers as though she was squeezing him. She picked up the Mech gun that didn't destroyed yet as she walk towards him.

"How should I use this, Silas? Should I use it to take revenge on you, the monster who hurt many people and Login?! Is that what I should do, Silas?! Is it?!"

Optimus could tell from her anger that she wanted to make Silas suffered for what she did. However, he didn't want his charge to be succumbed by anger and hatred.THey watched Silas being suffocated by the cords that is beginning to tightened. 'Nova......No.....you are better than this.'  He thought worriedly. She was about to kill then began to notice she was looking over her shoulder to where Dr. Login body was. Nova's hair stopped glowing as she lowered her hand, releasing Silas from the cords. Silas breathed with relieve before she punched him hardly in the stomach instantly bringing him to his knees. Jack hisses in a sharp breath at her blow.

He coughed with blood as he looked up at NOva who was glaring at him and holding the gun. He said weakly, "Are you going to shoot me with that weapon? THat Dr. Login made....." Nova's body flinched when he mentioned that. She took a deep breathe then let it out as swing her gun at his face which rendered him unconscious.

She loomed over to his unconscious body said, "No, That's not me. I wanted to.....but not like this. Even I wanted to kill you, but it will only make things worst. Beside we're beyond sympathy at this point,......" She lifted the MEch gun as she adjusted something into the device then pointed to the direction to where all the computers and weapons are before she added, ".....we're beyond humanity." 

They watched Nova destroyed every computers and every weaponry before it exploded and leaving it in flames. She breathed heavily before staring the gun then tossed at the flames. She stared at Silas then run back to Dr. Login.

"Login," She called holding her, not noticing how much blood she was getting on her. "Login! please, get up!"

Groaning she looked over at her, her eyes a bit widening when she saw her.

"Nova," she greeted weakly before coughing up a lot more blood than last time, the force of her hacking shaking his entire frame. Even with her meager medical knowledge that she learned from the book, Nova could see that she was having trouble breathing. She hugged the blonde-haired lady not even caring about getting blood on her as the lady emitted a slight hiss.

"L-Login, I'm sorry I wasn't able to save you! If I had knew he had gun, I....."

"Shhhh, It's alright. You tried your best. All will be well," she soothed, hugging Nova despite the pain she was likely in and stroking her head. She could hear an odd ragged sound emanating from her chest as she breathed. Gently, she drew Nova away, and looked her right in the eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'm afraid this is as far as I can go.....Nova, once your far away from here, I want you to explore new things and see the world."

Nova shook her head frantically. "No! I'm not leaving you! You taught me how to be loyal to others! I'm not gonna leave you!"

A soft smile crept across her face as a fond light entered her eyes. "I know, but I also taught you to trust your those who helped you and have faith in them, too. Can you have a little faith in me right now and trust me to make the right decision?"

Shamed, Nova nodded mutely. Nova didn't realize that she was so close into feeling sad until she blinked when a single droplet made its way down her cheek. Something she never experience before; Tears.

Dr. Login was relieved that Nova understood when she felt something wet in her face. She looked up only to see NOva crying in her face.

Everyone was surprised to see her sad and grief look on her face with tears streaming down her eyes. Miko asked, "Have you ever seen Nova cry before?" Jack replied, "No, I haven't seen Nova cry when we first met." The autobots wondered as well that NOva hasn't shown any emotions before.

"Login," Nova sobbed.

"Your crying......I'm proud you were able to learn how to feel by your own. It's a shame I can't became your family but you won't be alone. One day you might find another family who cared for you."

"But Login, I'm scared," She whispered. "What if those bad men might hurt me or if there's more of them out there?"

"Nova," she said. "I know the world outside this cage is scary but—" she coughed some more though it wasn't as bad as the previous time, but that somehow didn't make Nova feel better. "—you need to remember that there are both good and bad people in this world. Don't look at them or Silas and think that the rest of the world is like that. Not everyone acts like they did today."

"But how do I know if they aren't like these guys?"

She smiled softly her unfocused eyes twinkling and said, "You've got to have faith, Nova. Faith and trust. Promise me you'll remember that."

Nova hadn't understood what she had meant then but she promised her anyways. "I promise."

"Shhh...don't cry," she said softly, reaching out with one of her hands and wiping away her tears. "Don't cry, Nova. No matter how far I am wherever I go, I'll always be a part of you. Even though you cannot see me but I'll always be with you......in your heart."

Nova felt her warmth hand that soothed her.

"Live on.....Nova...."Dr. Login said, smiling one last time before shutting her eyes and moving no more, dropping her hand from her face. Nova noticed she wasn't waking up as she tried to shake her but no response. She realized that she was no longer alive.

Tears immediately filled her eyes once more as she hugged the blonde-haired lady not even caring about getting blood on her as she finally let out an agonizing scream. "LOGIN!!!!!!!" She cried as tears streamed down her face. 

  She was crying non-stop while hugging Dr. Login in her arms. Her feelings of sadness and grieved, grow so intense that it pained to see the one who taught her to live is gone. She stayed in that position and bringing their foreheads together, grieving the loss of someone important to her. Before the building fell on top of it, where the camera was destroyed.

The moment they saw the end of the footage, Optimus now understand about Nova's origin. Looking back on it, part of her standoffish demeanor now made sense. Dr. Login was the first person who is meant important to NOva, and subsequently his death had had a great impact on her. Therefore, when he had died, Nova had not reacted like most people would have and instead closed herself and her emotions off from others in order to protect herself. It made sense to him now that he knew it was the full story. Arcee felt saddened as well when she knew what it was like when she lost two partners but Nova's case is different. That is why she didn't want to open to others. She didn't want to feel responsible and sometimes protective around her. BEcoz of Mech, it made her lost the will to trust anyone anymore. 

Jack said sadly, "So that explains......why NOva is being protective? She didn't want to feel responsible if something to us." Miko said, scratching her head, "Yeah....I can't believe they do this to her." Everyone were silent at the moment before Campy heard something that no one could hear it. Campy lifted itself from the desk and began to float away to another hallway. Raf yelled, "Campy! Where are you going?!" which caught their attention. THey began to follow Campy through the hallway until it reached the broken lab room. 

They entered the lab room where they found NOva sitting beside the pod. Her head on her knee in a sitting position and her hair covering her face. She had felt this way before when she battled depression; it made her feel hollow and empty, like something tearing her heart apart. She had spent many a night alone for an unknown reason, praying that this senseless emptiness that caused her pain would cease. Her hair was down in front of her face so they couldn't see her facial expression, though if he could it was one of deep pain, but you could hear her labored breaths, like one trying to suppress tears. They all simply stood there for a minute in silence.

Campy flew over and nudge her leg. Nova slowly lifted her head as she turned to see Campy, much to her surprise. "Campy.....How did you get here?"Nova questioned. Campy lifted his head, which Nova looked up to see the autobots and the 3 humans. She knew that Campy must have led them to her.

"Nova."

She flinched and looked up at OPtimus. She realized this was the first time her own guardian had looked into her eyes. "Yes Optimus?"

"You have much explaining to do."

She looked at the ground in shame. She can only imagine how this is going to go. She stood up from her place as she placed her hand on the pod, tracing it. She began to explained everything about her past and how she decided to spare 13th target, even learned to defy orders the first time. Arcee said, "We know about how they tried to reprogram instead....."

Nova finished, ".....I went berserk and attacked them just to survive. It turns out the reason I couldn't remember is due to the side effect of the reprogramming. Now that my memories returned, I guess your upset about not telling you."

Everyone was silent at the moment before Nova added, "Silas taught me to kill but......Dr. Login taught me to live, she is not like the others who didn't treated me as an object. She is the reason who gave me to leave."

Jack said, "Is that why your so protective of my mom?"

"*chuckle* WHen I looked at her, she reminded me of Dr. Login. She had her kindness, her gentle smile and her warmth feeling."

Arcee asked, "Nova....Does Dr. Login really meant important you?"

"Well....The first time I met her, she was no different from them but she was the only one who understand me. Whenever she's beside me, I felt like she was the one that filled my hole and I felt whole." Nova said before her expression changed to sadness. "But now.....she's gone and I felt empty without her."

She stood with her back turned from them. "I thought I forget about it and then what do you know? Months later I get caught up in an alien war." Nova said, tightening her arms.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ratchet asked, hurt and anger evident in his voice.

"I didn't want you to think of me any different. I only wanted you to see me as Nova. Not as the girl with powers. Not as a freak. Not as a monster. Just Me."

"And also because Fowler is with the government. Being experimented on a second time wasn't on her to-do list." Jack added.

"Exactly.....I was an ex agent in the past but I was able to spare one of my target yet I wasn't able to save the person who gave me life and reason to live. I was given a power to fight but couldn't save one. " NOva said feeling upset. She placed her hand on her chest where she finally remember how she got this burnmark from. 

They were silent before Arcee asked, "Your last name....that wasn't yours, isn't it?"

"Yup maybe that's the reason why I had that last name....becoz I kept repeating her name, Login. THat's why I couldn't remember except my name and I even used her name as mine."

Everyone felt pity that she may have powers but couldn't save the one important to her. The reason why her last name isn't hers but DR. Login's. "When I get my hands on those MECH scum again..." Bulkhead trailed off, letting the angry threat hang in the air.

"Nova."

Nova looked up at Optimus, feeling very pitiful after imagining what happened to her and Dr. Login in the past and what Mech did to her. "MECH will never lay their hands on you again." Optimus rumbled, seeming as close to angry as Nova probably would ever see him. "And we will protect you until we join with the Allspark. This I vow on my own spark."

Raf said, "ANd your not alone, Nova.....We're all here for you."

Arcee said, "BEside, your one of us now."

Nova blinked at what Arcee said to her, she lowered her head and said doubtful, "YOur going to....accept me, just like that? You do know I hurt innocent lives."

"You didn't kill them......Silas did, it was before you didn't have emotions and you were following his order forcefully. Dr. Login didn't help you just to make you suffer, she wanted you to live."Jack said to her. Optimus stepped forward and said, "Jack is correct, you may have committed crimes but that is all in the past. You can always choose who you want to be. Your experiences don't shape who you are. Only you can do that. What you go through will only challenge who you are and what you become."

As Nova stared at them, She understand what Dr. Login meant to have faith. At first she didn't believe they're is no good people in this world but she was wrong, who would have thought they're are those who cared. Her throat tightened a bit as she suddenly felt something wet slide down her cheeks and realized she was crying. Like a wave all her emotions came at her at once, but the ones she never felt the most for a long time were sadness, regret, slight relief, and touched. She hasn't cry or shed tears ever since then. 'They weren't lying to me. '  Nova thought as tears kept streaming down her eyes. She knows that she can only cry when she's sad but this is different. Her wall around her was slowly breaking through, filling them with emotions that she's been holding back. Nova tried to wiped her tears but they just kept going.

Everyone was surprised the first time to see NOva cry in front of them. They didn't think someone could just cry like she was and not show so many emotions in her eyes, especially when every time she wanted to cry she usually held back. They knew she's been bottling up her feelings for so long that she didn't want to show it. Now she was able to cry and her feelings is slowly coming back to her. Raf walk towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Nova looked up with a sad look stained in her face before hugging Raf close to her. JAck and Miko joined in and hugged her as well along with Campy, just to comfort her. Bulkhead was about to go to them but Arcee stopped him, letting him know that they should have their moment. As they watch the entire time, NOva crying and being embraced by 3 humans and her pet.

Nova dried her tears up and whispered, "Thank you. ALL of you. This means a lot to me. And I swear from now on there will be no more secrets." There was an awkward silence for a minute before Ratchet spoke.

"But that still doesn't explain how a stasis pod ended up on Earth."

"Another mystery yet to be solved." Arcee remarked.

Later, everyone are outside the facility and told them it is time to go back. They decided to bring the space pod back into the base. As the portal opened, Nova stared back at the abandoned facility once more, the place where she had memories of DR. Login and the traumatize she shared. Those were the day she'll never forget, the memories she had was now replaced with no memories where she met the autobots. Jack called, "Hey Nova, Your going to bring the bike, are you?"

Nova turned to her and stared at the bike that Jack just dragged beside Arcee. NOva said, "Well, it is mine after all and I can't just leave it behind." Everyone was back in the base and NOva brought her bike with her which she decided to keep it. Raf explained everything to Bumblebee which he was saddened and surprised about Nova's origin. Even Agent Fowler who was shocked about Nova being Agent REaper in the past and what Mech did to her. Optimus requested to keep a secret for her sake which Fowler oblige. NOva was sitting on the couch with her thoughts along with JAck, Miko and Raf who seems to notice her troubled look. 

"Are you okay?" Nova heard Jack asked as she felt the couch sag. She just close her eyes, put her elbows on her knees and her face on her hands. Taking a deep breath, She sigh tiredly."I'm just tired, I guess." She lied.

"But..." She can practically feel everyone watching her, waiting for her answer. "Do you recall back then when you said I look like a superhero, Miko? Well, I don't think myself as a hero... I think I am more like..." Nova trail off hesitating, wondering if she should even say the word.  straighten my back into the perfect posture that she have been taught to the point that it's natural for Nova to do it unconsciously.

"You're more like what?" Raf asked and Nova looked at him, Jack, Miko and Ratchet with an unreadable expression."I am more like an anti-hero." She replied emotionless.

"Anti-hero? Why would you think that?" Jack asks as he puts a hand on my knee. "The difference between heroes and anti-heroes is that anti-heroes will not hesitate to kill another human being when it comes to protecting the ones they hold dear or the innocent." She informed without meeting their gazes.

"Would you really kill another human if it means protecting us?" Raf asked as he stands in front of Nova. Nova grab both of his shoulders and look at him in the eye. "Yes." She said in her most serious voice and there is no hesitation. Raf's eyes start to water and he quickly hugs her around Nova's neck and she hugged him back just as fiercely. "You should know that I will do anything to keep all of you safe." She whispered and felt him hugging her tighter before releasing each other.

"Soooo," Miko said thoughtfully. "Now that we all know about who you are and your powers, how about you go kick Decepticon butt with the 'Bots?" An excited gleam appeared in her eyes.

"That," Nova paused. "Actually, Miko.....I hate to disappoint you but I only assisted them if I want to." which Miko gave a pouted look. 

 After that, the kids went back home while Nova and Campy was on the top of the roof, sitting on the cliff. The sun had finally set over the horizon, as the moon appeared, so did the stars across the night sky. She felt the cold breeze tickle her cheeks. She was relaxing to enjoy the view. She felt something in her pocket as she pulled out, only to have the communicator that Silas gave her. She recalled that Silas' order is still and was waiting for her answer. She gripped the communicator, knowing her answer as she turned to Campy. "I guess.....there is no reason for me to have this. HEre, you deserve a treat."She said before tossing the communicator to Campy which he delighted to devour it. Nova turned back to the sky to enjoy looking at the stars. That's when loud footsteps could be heard, and the robot who stood behind her was none other than the leader himself. He stood beside the femme, unsure of what to say.

"The stars look wonderful tonight. Wouldn't you agree?". His optics drifted down to her figure, yet her gaze was fixed onto the stars. Optimus replied softly, "Yes, it is."

Her eyes landed onto the leader beside her. The welcoming lights of the moon had shined down onto his armor, and the contrast from its original red and blue hue had been softened by the light.

"Optimus......I'm sorry I didn't tell you when I'm searching for answer. Through all the memories I experience was bit terrifying."Nova said apologetically.

"I too apologize if this experience has brought back bad memories for you. Knowing that you had to cause the death of someone must be a hard burden to carry." Optimus said to her.

"I guess....as for my name, I don't know if Dr. Login appreciated if I used her name as my last name."

An aching feeling rushed through his spark chamber. He didn't realize her expression change into that of sadness. The pain was written across her optics. He sat beside her and said, "I may not know about her.....but I do know she will be honored if you use her name. In order not to forget the deeds she has done, her good intentions guided you to choose who you were meant to be." He told her.

His alluring smile was enough to make Nova's cheeks heat up before looking away, feeling utterly embarrassed. She was all too overwhelming and it was causing her to have the butterflies tickling her stomach. He just stared at her with a smile on his faceplate. Nova know that Dr. Login may be gone but she did mentioned that she'll always be with her in her heart.

The girl's gaze was back onto the starry sky, feeling the cold breeze kiss her cheeks. Optimus straightened his face and turned back onto the stars. She was right. The stars really do look wonderful. He could feel the wind brushed against his armor leaving light tickles upon it. For the first time, he felt in peace. Being occupied around their HQ for such a long period of time, and never getting a good recharge had really taken its toll on him. He allowed his body to relax as he gratefully enjoyed the moment. Closing his optics and a shadow of a sly smile spread across his lips.

As the night went by, neither had spoken to each other. They didn't need to. The silence was their conversation and they were in complete contentment. He was glad to found her up here, and that alone had satisfied him greatly. As he was relaxing, he didn't saw Nova's noticeable smile spreading across her face when she saw Optimus felt at peace before staring back at the stars.

Did you see that? Nova just smiled for the first time......with no one around and not even  OPtimus noticed it. I wonder will she ever smile again? Who knows.....maybe next time on the next chapter.