Charlie Tupac was a woman who prided herself in being able to read, adjust and compromise with others no matter what type of person they were. In fact, she took a lot of pride in not freaking out when her group of hired mechanic's boss turned out to be an alien diplomat from another planet. While most freaked out, she remained calm, well as calm as a mechanic could, her mind was eyeing her boss especially the complicated yet beautiful work of art that Cybertronian bodies were. It was not just her though, Cade and a young woman called Mikaela was just as interested in the beings that had now hired them. The pay was great and the eye candy for them was definitely worth all the NDAs they had to sign as the newly minted helpers at the army base.
Ha! If only her parents saw her now, they would never believe that she Charlie Tupac previously Brown was now part of a huge international secret. What really caught her attention however was the youngest among them, Raphael, the teen who had joined them and was apparently very close to the Cybertronians. Raphael was also the go to whenever the Head Medic became furious and needed to be calmed down to do the job instead of just bashing the heads in. She would never say it out loud but sometimes Head Medic Ratchet reminded her of the female lead in that one alchemist anime she used to watch as a teen. Charlie was truly enjoying her job and she even made friends she could actually get along with but she knew the peace would not last.
Optimus thundered as he returned from his latest mission, 'How dare they!'
Ironhide, -Don't do anything you will regret Prime. I understand you are furious.-
Optimus, -I am fine, Ironhide.-
Prowl answered, -No, you are not, sir. We can make a detour instead of heading straight to the lion's den, as the humans say.-
Ironhide, -Yes, wasn't Sam joining the neutrals because the Allspark was getting overly active. Do you think the sparklings are ready to join us?-
Optimus rumbled, -Perhaps but I would not want to ruin a special occasion like that with my anger. So, I think I will burrow your training grounds first Ironhide.-
Ironhide, -You don't even have to ask Prime, it's yours for the next few cycles. Knowing you, I bet you will have calmed down in time for the birth.-
Optimus, -I hope so. I just pray Elita is having a better time than I am.-
Prowl, -We should be getting a report soon from the group we sent to Mars. None of the Earth scientists were happy when they realized their drones on Mars were missing.-
Optimus sighed, -I should have considered going myself. At least, I would not have to deal with this.-
Scattershot, -I don't think Elita would have been happy with you dumping this on her, boss. She and Sentinel never actually knew each other.-
Optimus, -Right! Well, I am heading to the training grounds.-
Ironhide, -Ratchet will join you in a bit. I just pinged him. He is not happy you are skipping the check up.-
Optimus, -I will meet him there.-
"Autobots on base!"
Epps was surprised to see Optimus was missing, "Where is the big boss?"
Ironhide, "He has gone to cool off. Ratchet went out to check on him."
Epps, "Cool off? What exactly happened?"
Prowl transformed, "It seems certain humans in certain positions have been lying about a lot of things."
Epps frowned, "Is this about that rumor where some humans actually support Decepticons? Because that is treason and suicidal. I mean the Cons have shown they do not care about humanity."
Mearings entered, "Agent Fowler, I am sure I can deal with this myself."
Fowler, "Ma'am, I have been the American representative for two years now. After the blunder Galloway did, I would be more comfortable being present during these meetings of yours."
Mearing, "Fine! Where is he then?"
Ironhide, "If you are looking for Optimus, he has gone to calm down."
Mearing, "Calm down? Calm down from what?"
Prowl, "From learning there are humans who would openly betray their own planet. Who would betray our agreememt. Not to forget humanity itself."
Mearing, "I see, well, I am not surprised but we as humans will deal with it."
Prowl, "Please do so. We have our servos full with Decepticons trying to take over Mars of all places."
Mearing would have stumbled if she were anyone else, "I see, that is a development I was not expecting."
Prowl, "That's how Decepticons work. Or to be more specific that is how the third in command works. He is hard to get a read on unlike the others."
Mearing sighed, "How long will this take?"
Prowl, "Ratchet is probably bringing him in now. There he is."
"Optimus Prime in base."
Mearing, "Finally, the man deigns to show himself. I wondered if I had to return empty handed."
Optimus was quiet however, 'I should just head to where the neutrals are.'
Mearing looked around, "What's this? The silent treatment?"
Ironhide, "Oh no! This is worse. That's enough Prime. Make something of yourself."
Optimus started to transform after Ironhide tapped him on the hood and to say he was angry was an understatement. But after spending time at the training fields shooting a few targets he calmed down a bit and though he was snippy he did not loose his temper nor raise his voice. Mearing would never ever admit it but dealing with Optimus sometimes, well most of the time felt like she was dealing with her father. It was both very endearing and frustrating especially when she needed to focus and get answers to the questions the government was demanding from her. Honestly why did she have to be the one to clean up Galloway's little fuck up act? Mearing had to deal with a grumpy but calm Optimus for a whole week while introducing him to astronauts.
Optimus, "I am going on my rounds. Ping me if anything comes up."
Prowl, "Of course sir. Your schedule has been cleared for the day."
Mearing, "If I didn't see it, I would not believe it."
Epps smirked, "The transformations? Yeah, it is always a spectacle to watch."
Mearing, "No, not just that. That young man they were talking to earlier on the screen."
Epps, "Ah! You mean Sam? He has known them the longest among us. His family has apparently been hosting the Cybertronians ever since King Arthur's time."
Mearing, "I still cannot believe King Arthur was a real person."
Epps, "Believe it! They have the plaque and everything that has been proven to be the genuine thing. It gives them carte blanche to provide protection and a home to any of the Cybertronians."
Mearing, "I see. I cannot deny that I am very curious about this plaque now. Have you ever seen it?"
Epps, "Once when there were questions about the Witwickies and their relationship with the Cybertronians. Turns out the old saying, Knight in shining armor, was actually very literal in it's meaning."
Mearing snorted as she got ready to answer a few questions later on. Optimus had been kind enough to give her a few direct answers though the Autobot looked less angry and more exasperated. Optimus headed towards the flight hanger where Jetfire was situated, the flyer had made himself very comfortable among the pilots. Optimus had noticed Jetfire more than once joined the pilots during the flight drill conducted above the coast line. At the moment however Jetfire was expecting him, they had decided to meet with me neutrals together especially since they were expecting new sparklings.
Sam was honestly exhausted, 'Who knew natural birth for Cybertronians were just as if not more tense then humans?'
Cyclonus, "How are you feeling, my spark?"
Tailgate, "Tired, but fine. Sam? Are you alright?"
Sam looked up from the triplets who were just born, "I am alright. The Allspark is just purring and cooing inside my head. They have not shut up."
Tailgate, "Oh! Umm... I would like to thank the Allspark. I was able to become a Carrier to these three beautiful sparklings."
Nautica, "No, don't get up. You need to rest, I am sure the Allspark understands."
Sam, "As she said, get some rest. Do not fret about formalities. As long as you care for these little ones, the Allspark is satisfied."
Arcee cooed, "You did a great job, my dear little sibling. Do not worry, I, we Arcee will make sure everything is provided for."
Nautica, "Please, rest for now. You are not alone."
Tailgate, "Okay, okay, I am going to recharge."
Nautica, "Cyclonus, why don't you leave Tailgate to me and Blades here? Spend time with your sparklings."
Blades nodded, "I... I know I am new at this medic thing. But... But I promise Tailgate will be fine."
Sam pat the Rescue Bot's pede, "You are doing great Blades. Trust yourself more."
Nautica, "Indeed young medic. You certainly have proven to be a better medic than most of the bitlets at the Academy."
Blades, "Chase had mentioned I should try for a medical but I really wanted to become a Rescue Bot."
Nautica, "Well Rescue Bots should have medics too. It is my personal opinion, of course. You are the first ones to reach victims after all."
Blades, "Yes, thank you for agreeing to teach me. I appreciate it."
Sam smiled seeing Blades and Nautica get along and bond over being the medics for their neutral teams. Meeting the Rescue Bots had been a very big and pleasant surprise for Sam, especially considering how his Uncle had sheltered them for years before finally introducing them. His cousins Cody and Dani had been wanting to share that news for years now but since Heatwave was not ready they had stayed quiet. Unlike the show, it seems in this universe, Rescue Bots were hunted and forced to join one side or another by certain individuals. It had taken a considerable amount of reassurance and talks to even get Heatwave to watch how the other Cybertronians who were on Earth behaved.
The leader of the Rescue Bot team had been skeptical. None of them could blame him especially after how they were treated after one of their rescues that involved a very dangerous Decepticon. On Earth, the nurses and doctors were strictly ordered to keep their prejudices and judgements at the door or quit, but that was apparently not the case on Cybertron. They did not have a no prejudice rule and that made things very complicated which was ironic when you realize Rescue Bots were fine tuned to help others regardless of their origin. Now, Sam had read his fair share of dark Cybertron fanfics before but hearing it from first hand experience source was a different matter.
So, he had agreed to stay quiet about them though he did give them a timeline for how long it would be possible to stay quiet. The third in command of the Decepticons was in their solar system and if their was something he learned about Soundwave was that it was impossible to keep anything Cybertronian hidden from him. Heatwave had agreed if somewhat reluctantly to at least watch the other Cybertronians and then make his own judgement on the Prime. Then, in his last year of college, they finally agreed to meet with the Autobots and announce their presence on Earth. Optimus's shocked face had sent Sam into a fit of giggles and snickers which got a reproachful look from Bumblebee.
However Sam knew his Knight, the Mech was enjoying the surprise himself though maybe it was more his interest in one of the Rescue Bots. Sam recalled the fandom going crazy over the Bee x Blade ship before and half wondered if that would happen in this timeline. They certainly seem to get along with each other from what he had observed so far. During his reminiscing, a very familiar plane was seen landing on one of Edmund's runways. Optimus had arrived and was heading to the base of neutrals on Earth something that would not exist if this was Cybertron. They greeted Edmund who had come out to greet and welcome them along with Vivian and Hot Rod.
Hot Rod, "Prime, Jetfire, welcome."
Edmund, "It is wonderful to see you again."
Vivian, "Sam is with the sparklings. I see Raph and Miles did not join you this time."
Optimus, "Greetings Hot Rod. It is wonderful to see you doing well Edmund. I am afraid Ratchet and Jazz have become quiet attached to those two. I believe they have their hands and servos full the last few days."
Vivian, "I see, as long as they remember to take breaks."
Hot Rod, "We will take you to where Sam and the sparklings are. Chatter and Quickshot have take a lot of pride acting as older siblings to the triplets."
Optimus, "Triplets? Dear Primus!"
Edmund laughed, "Indeed, you old dog. It is triplets. No wonder Tailgate took more than a week to give birth. It was triplets all along."
Optimus followed Hot Rod to the medical station where triplets and the parents were staying at the moment. The last few years had been good for Hot Rod's crew, they still had to watch the Energon consumption but it was doable. Having triplets join them was a miracle in itself, considering the only other sparklings were Quickshot are Chatter. The Prime only hoped things would work out for them, he did not want to admit it but there were humans who as it turns out were actually supporting the Decepticons. He knew it was a big possibility that would happen even Edmund, Sam and Vivian had warned him of the possibility, though he was hoping that would not be the case.
Optimus, "Cyclonus, Tailgate greetings."
Cyclonus, "Greetings Prime."
Tailgate, "Greetings, I was told you were visiting."
Optimus, "I brought gifts for you and the young ones."
Cyclonus relaxed, "I see, it is very much appreciated, my Prime."
Tailgate, "Yes, is this sparkling grade energon? How? Where?"
Optimus, "The scientists from Sector Seven, they figured out the formula for it. They have been working on creating it while on the Moon base."
Tailgate would gape if he could, "I don't know what to say.... This is very much welcome."
Cyclonus, "Thank you. Please thank the human scientists as well."
Optimus smiled, "Of course, may I?"
Tailgate, "Of course, come. Mind you they just fell asleep."
Optimus nodded and looked into the nursery that was build for the sparklings, "Oh! They look adorable."
Sam, "Aren't they?"
Optimus turned to see the youngest man leaning against the wall, "Yes, they are. How have you been, Sam?"
Sam eyed him, "Well, I have been busy but I have been good. The Allspark keeps on complaining about how the Staff refuses to wake up but aside from that no complaints."
Optimus was confused, "Staff? The Allspark wants a staff?"
Sam sighed, "No, not a staff. They are actually you could say a sibling to the Allspark and if you had it... Well, you could start stabilizing Cybertron for real."
Hot Rod, "So you have told us before but the damn thing refuses to wake up. And ergo can't be used to restore Cybertron."
Optimus looked between the two, "Why was I not informed of this?"
Sam, "Because you gave the mission of finding the Knights to Hot Rod here."
Optimus, "Are you insinuating what I think you are?"
Bumblebee drawled, "Yup, find the staff, find the Knights. Or the other way around, find the Knights you find the staff."
Optimus, "I see."
Sam, "You look distracted. What's bothering you big guy?"
Optimus, "Can't put anything past you, can I?"
Sam smirked, "Blame the Allspark for always showing you favouritism. If they were not your parent, I would have told them to give you privacy."
Optimus, "Why is my privacy being brought up?"
Sam sweated, "Forget I said anything."
Optimus, "Sam, please!"
Sam sighed, "The Allspark chose you as their Prime."
Optimus, "You told us this before."
Sam, "They love keeping tabs on you, like an overprotective mother hen."
Optimus, "I see... That's something new I learned today. So, they saw everything that has happened to me?"
Sam :3, "Everything! Even you painting your Guardian's quarters neon green with your siblings."
Ultra Magnus who just joined them, "You told Sam about all that? I thought we agreed not to say anything."
Optimus, "It was not me."
Sam chuckled lightly, "I will stop teasing you now. So what happened exactly?"
Optimus looked at Sam, "You once warned me there will be humans who support Decepticons. You were right, there are humans who do that."
Sam nodded, "Figured they would start appearing soon. You okay big guy?"
Optimus sighed, "I was hoping it would not be the case but.... Honestly I should have expected something would give at some point of time. Earth has been kind to us for so long now."
Sam, "Well that's life for you. Good follows bad and bad follows good. Treat it as a cycle and try not to fret too much over it."
Ultra Magnus, "Like a seasonal cycle? You humans certainly have an interesting way to see things. Sometimes I really wonder about your true nature."
Sam, "Most humans are simple and straight forward beings. Just make sure we are fed, clothed, secured and bam. We are loyal to the person who provides the necessities."
Optimus, "I don't think the Decepticons would do all that."
Sam, "No, but they could offer other stuff like, first pick of alien technology or if they are smart, ores of metals like silver, gold and platinum."
Bumblebee nodded, "Humans do love their jewelry a lot."
Sam, "If not that then promises of grandeur like becoming the one and only leader of humans after they take over. Yes, some humans can be that dumb."
Optimus, "Of course they would be. Truly, sometimes I forget humans are known for their ridiculous actions."
Bumblebee, "That's because Lennox is very competent and knows how to get things done without any mistakes. Pity that his promotion ended with him becoming the Head Leader of the moon base team. We could have used his expertise in waving through the political waters."
Sam sweat dropped, "Some of the countries governments are demanding weapons?"
Optimus nodded, "Worse, they have been hoarding Cybertronian technology."
Sam blink, "Ah! So that's why I could not find some of the things grandfather said human had discovered over the years. The higher ups had been hiding them. Makes sense!"
Bumblebee, "Whatever you are planning, my answer is no."
Sam, "I was not planning anything yet."
Bumblebee sighed, 'Thank Primus! I am tempted to lock him up.'
Sam, "Bee seriously I already have my hands full with the Allspark's request to watch over the sparklings. I am not getting involved with anything I swear."
Bumblebee, "I certainly hope so. But the thing is I know your nature. You are too curious for your own safety. Even if you do not get in trouble unintentionally. I get the feeling you will be in the middle of it all."
Optimus interrupted before the two could get into another bickering session over Sam's safety, "I must inform you. The technology that the higher ups as you put it hid were the ones that belonged to my teacher and Guardian Sentinel Prime."
Sam frowned, "Allspark says he is not a Prime despite being chosen as one by the people."
Optimus looked uncomfortable, "Perhaps but he has raised me and ruled over Cybertron fair.... Sam?"
Sam shook his head, "Sorry, but I think the Allspark has a grudge against your teacher."
Ultra Magnus looked bewildered, "A grudge against Sentinel? Why? I understand he was not the best leader perhaps but for the most part he lead us well."
Sam, "Um ... The grudge is not about the leadership skills."
Sam, "What did he do?"
Optimus, "They refuse to tell?"
Sam, "They say, it is between them and not to worry about it. They will deal with the trouble maker once he kicks the bucket."
Bumblebee, "That is some grudge."
Sam rubbed his temples, "Tell me about it, I got a headache though I wonder... "
Optimus, "It will be handled by me."
Sam, "Eh?"
Optimus, "I plan to pick up Sentinel Prime."
Sam blinked, "You know where he is?"
Optimus, "General Lennox contacted me a few minutes before I arrived here. There is another Cybertronian ship on the moon."
Sam, "Right! They were more focused on securing the moon as a strong hold instead of exploring it."
Optimus, "Indeed, I just hope things turn out well. Should I keep Sentinel away from here? Especially if the Allspark is not pleased with him."
Sam, "I am not sure.... I mean I don't know him to give you a proper answer to that question. The Allspark refuses to influence my answer as well. I guess you could inform him about this. He can decide what he wishes to do."
Optimus, "But the Allspark is angry at him, yes?"
Sam, "I wish it was just anger. There is a lot of disappointment there."
Optimus huffed snorting, "Is that supposed to sound better?"
Sam ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, "I mean, who knows what he did to anger the Allspark. But he raised you so let's give him a chance, yeah? Who knows maybe he changed after all these years and time."
Optimus, "I certainly hope so. It would make things awkward if he keeps angering the Allspark."
Sam, "It will depend on what he does to redeem himself. No, you must not interfere in this Optimus. Redemption is something we must do ourselves."
Optimus, "Of course, I understand that but well.... "
Sam, "He is your parent and you feel loyal to him. Yeah, I get it. Filial piety is not a strange concept to humans."
Optimus, "Things are complicated in a way."
Sam, "Well, if making a move is difficult then it is always a good idea to wait and observe, right? It can't get worse."
Optimus, "I pray it does not."
Before Ultra Magnus could reassure them Chatter walked in and demanded their attention and dragged Sam into the room to sit with them. Sam just followed the first born sparkling making himself comfortable on the large bed with the five of them. The second sparkling, Quickshot cooed happily at Sam making space for him on the bed while the triplets stared at Optimus with wide eyes. The triplets had not seen such an optic catching Mech before. Whenever Optimus left the base to meet friends or family he would wear some of the accessories Sam, Raph and Miles gave him. Especially the ones for the collar plates and the wrist bands which had very shiny stones that sparkled in the light.
Sam, "Looks like they like you Optimus."
Optimus rumbled, "Happy to hear that. Hello little ones, my name is Optimus Prime."
Tailgate, "Their vocal boxes are not fully developed yet, my Prime. If they could they would answer."
Optimus, "Nautica informed me. As long as they are healthy and growing well. I have no complaints."
Cyclonus, "I just wish we could raise them on Cybertron. Do not get me wrong. Earth is beautiful but well... "
Sam, "No place like home."
Cyclonus, "Yes, no place like home."
Hot Rod, "I am working on searching for the Knights. You are sure they have the staff."
Sam, "Positive. On Earth the staff of creation is called Merlin's staff."
Vivian, "Seriously?"
Sam, "Like a heart attack."
Vivian frowned, "Hot Rod, I think I know where to start looking."
Hot Rod, "No, leave this to me. I am not having you get in danger."
Vivian snorted, "I was going to suggest going to the old castle with the stuff from King Arthur's era. It is down the road."
Hot Rod, "Fine! Let's go."
The next few days was seen with Optimus cooing over the young sparklings and Hot Rod following Vivian around as she pulled out scrolls and books. Edmund popped in telling her to put the things back where they were after she was done reading them and Hot Rod assured him they would. Soon enough Optimus received a message about a group being ready to go pick up Sentinel Prime from the dark side of the moon. They had to wait before they could bring Sentinel home as the Matrix was with Elita Prime who had been focusing on securing Mars from the Decepticons. It had taken months to even get a footing on the planet considering the advantage the seekers had compared to them.
Elita, "So, it is really Sentinel?"
Optimus, "Yes, the presence of the pillars confirm his identity. Only he can activate them without any backlash."
Elita hummed, "I have a few questions for him. Well a lot of questions."
Optimus, "So do I. There it is Sentinel's ship. With the pillars activated we could start rebuilding Cybertron."
Elita nodded, "Yes, the sparklings deserve to know the original home. It is their right."
Optimus, "You seem tense, my old friend."
Elita sighed, "It was the last mission. The Cons are planning something but I can't really tell what. I have my reservations about Sentinel but help would be more than welcome."
William's voice came through the comms, -We have visual on you, Primes. Get me a visual on the ship.-
Simmons, -Aye! Aye! General, you got it. Ah! There she is. She's a beauty.-
Optimus, "Sentinel was proud of his ship. Shall we Elita?"
Elita, "Let's go. Though... "
Optimus, "What's wrong?"
Elita, "I have this irritated feeling we are being watched."