TATSC! Episode 6~ the way it should be pt1

Episode 6~ the way it should be, part one.

Optimus stood in the base on monitor duty. It had been quiet the past few days. His run in with Astro Train was still fresh in his data banks. What had the con meant by retreating when Prime was vunerable? It didn't make any sense. Before Prime could think about it further, the monitor's incoming call light began to flash. Prime hit the button only to come face-to-face with Ultra Magnus.

"Ultra Magnus, Sir." Prime saluted cleanly to the Autobot high commander.

"At ease Optimus Prime." The old mech seemed to smile fleetingly as Prime obeyed. He then continued. "Optimus, your scheduled to be back on Cybertron to give a report on the census findings thus far. I expect to see the techno organic Sari Sumdac to help with the report."

Prime's smile fell. Sari was on an overnight field trip with her tutorbot and wouldn't be back until the night he was scheduled to be back on Earth.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid Ms. Sumdac is unavailable for the presentation." Annoyance began to creep onto Ultra Magnus's face. Prime thought fast. He had an idea. "Sir," He began. "Professor Sumdac has recently taken on a full organic intern. She's proven trustworthy and is slightly older than Ms. Sumdac giving her more amassed information of Earth. With your permission, I'd like to take her to Cybertron instead."

Ultra Magnus was silent for a few moments before he replied. "You are aware of the potential danger this could cause? The incident I was made aware of concerning Police captain Fanzone almost created widespread panic in the streets." His voice wasn't angry, it was more informative as he spoke to Optimus. He then sighed before he continued. "Normally, I would refuse such a request, but I trust your judgement Optimus. You have my full permission to bring the organic here."

Optimus gave a small smile and saluted his commander."Thank you Sir. We'll be on route tomorrow."

Alexa was slightly stunned at what she had just heard Optimus ask her. He wanted her to go with him to his home planet and help with a presentation for his leader. It was almost surreal. However, this was an adventure that she would be crazy to miss out on. She removed her hand from her chin and looked up at a Pleading prime. His optics were practically begging her to go. She smiled before saying anything. "It would be an honor Optimus. I'm sure the Professor would be alright with me taking a day off. Let me call him."

Alexa exited the room and returned a few moments later. Optimus could see her smiling. "He said yes?" Prime questioned.

Alexa smiled a little harder and nodded. "I'll be here first thing tomorrow."

Alexa left the base and went to her apartment. She packed a small day outing duffle for the trip. She went to her closet and pulled out a glass bead bracelet she had bought when she first moved to Detroit and put it on her night stand for tomorrow. She checked her wallet and pulled out a small photo. It showed her with about five other people that matched her age in the photo. "If only they knew..." she mumbled to herself as she slipped it into her night stand drawer. Alexa climbed into bed, her room mate, Natalie had left a note saying she went to a party. Natalie did this at least four times a week so Alexa wasn't surprised. Alexa fell asleep that night, thinking about her past and her future.

The next morning, Optimus briskly walked to greet Alexa at the front door. Ratchet was right behind him. He had insisted that he go to Cybertron to get his bonding date with Arcee official. Prime really had no say when it came to Ratchet in determined mode. While they were gone, Jazz was to be left in charge. Optimus allowed Alexa to enter his cab and they headed for Dinobot Island. After a twenty minute boat ride because Prime's cabin couldn't hold enough air to sustain the full organic passenger, they arrived.

Alexa had heard of the island, but had never gone; primarily because civilians were not permitted. Prime ordered Alexa out and he Transformed. Alexa didn't understand why until she heard a roar and the ground shook. Out of the surrounding trees appeared a trio of mechanical Dinosaurs. It appeared the lead one was a T-Rex.

"Intruder car bots and puny human! That make me Grimlock mad!" Grimlock thrashed his tail and cut a tree in half. Alexa backed up a little. Optimus quickly put himself between her and the dinobots and began the futile effort of trying to use reason.

"Grimlock! Where just passing through. We want no trouble. We're friends."

At the last sentence, Grimlock roared in burning anger.

"You bots no friends! Friends would no let me Grimlock's and dinobots friend, cycle bot die!"

Optimus and Ratchet were taken aback. No one on had told the dinobots about Prowl's sacrifice. No one. Guilt washed over Optimus again. He finally found his voice. "H-how do you know about what happened to Prowl?" His voice was a faint whisper, and full of self-failure.

"Ex traitor Snarl tell me Grimlock and Swoop what happened. He with green dumb bot when it happened. Green dumb bot and Snarl saw white car bot carrying him when he gray. Snarl attack dumb green bot when he said served him right. Snarl come back and we dinobots accept him now. It what cycle bot would want me Grimlock to do."

Optimus was stunned. He had been wrong about Grimlock being a savage mechanical animal. Grimlock had feelings; and was sad at the passing of a close friend. He didn't have time to ponder it, as now Grimlock bellowed and charged Optimus. Optimus scooped up Alexa and threw himself out out Grimlock's path. Clearly, the T-rex had no intention to forgive them for Prowl's fate.

Alexa was wide eyed as she sat in Optimus's hands. The thing called Grimlock seemed hell bent on trying to kill them. Ratchet was trying to push the triceratops back with his magnets while at the same time trying to hit the flying one with his EMP generator. Alexa quickly weighed the odds; they weren't good. Then, the ground started to shudder, and a deep boom that sounded like thunder was heard repeatedly. 'Oh great, probably a Brontosaur with our luck.' She thought tragically to herself. She looked towards where the sound was and prepared for the worst.

As the trees parted, Alexa's eyes grew wide and her jaw went limp. There stood the biggest robot she had ever seen. Ratchet looked over at the giant transformer and smiled. "Perfect timing Omega!" He called up to what appeared to be a friend.

Omega didn't waste time. He quickly used his laser gun to scorch a line between the Autobots and the Dinobots in the dirt. Grimlock cowered a little before turning on his heels and running into the forest; Snarl and Swoop right behind him.

Alexa sat in Prime's servos, completely stunned. Prime saw her expression and gave a slight worried expression. "Uh, Alexa... I'd like you to meet Omega Supreme. Our transport to Cybertron."

Omega walked forward a step. "Ratchet, nice to see you my friend. How is Arcee?"

"She's just fine Omega. I'm going to Cybertron to get our bonding ceremony official."

Ratchet had told Omega about his engagement to Arcee via comm link last week. Omega was happy his friend had finally found someone. He then noticed Alexa. "Who is this?"

"Her name's Alexa, old friend. She's helping Optimus give the report." Ratchet responded.

Omega nodded and transformed into ship mode. Much to the shock and awe of Alexa. Prime transformed around her and she then sat in his cab as they boarded the giant Autobot. When they reached the command deck, Prime and Ratchet reverted to bot mode. Optimus set Alexa gingerly on the floor and told her to sit in Sari's normal seat for blast off. As the intern sat down, she heard Omega Supreme's voice echo throughout the room.

"Are you comfortable Alexa?" He asked her.

"Perfect Omega, sir. Thanks for asking." Her voice full of respect for the Goliath of Autobots.

Optimus strapped himself into his seat as Ratchet did the same. Omega spoke again.

"Launch sequence; initiated. Exiting planetary atmosphere in T- minus two cycles." With that, Omega's thrusters roared to life and they began the ascent.

Alexa was a little surprised how little G-forces were present. She had expected quite more. 'Chalk one up for alien tech.' She thought to herself. Within three minutes, they were in space. Alexa marveled at how the universe looked like velvet studded with diamonds. It was truly awe inspiring. Optimus spoke up.

"There's artificial gravity Alexa. You can get up if you want."

Alexa quickly unfastened the straps of the chair she was in and began to walk around. Omega commented that the trip would be five megacycles long before he allowed Teletrann-1 to take over as to conserve energy. So, they had some time to kill. Optimus gave her a tour of the ship for starters, impressed that she could easily follow how their technology worked. Then when they made it back to the observation deck, Prime noticed her bracelet.

"That's quite a nice piece of jewelry Alexa." He commented. For it was. The bracelet had multiple organic material beads that were constructed of wood and shells. The centerpiece however, was the most optic catching. In the center of the bracelet was a painted stone shaped like a crystal shard. It was painted primarily white, with a gold swirling pattern on it. Something about it made prime feel like he had seen it before; but he couldn't remember where. The rest of the trip was quite as Alexa had brought an old fashion paper book entitled 'The Outsiders", and had read it for the remained of the trip.

A few hours later, they had reached Cybertron. As Omega touched down, Alexa noticed a blue and orange mech waiting for them. Prime saw as well and let out a small groan from his lip plates. He leaned down to Alexa.

"Whatever you do, don't try and shake his servo. Sentinel isn't a fan of Organics."

Alexa nodded to Prime thinking it was probably an over statement. She would sadly be mistaken. For as they left O.S's ramp, Sentinel walked forward, refusing to look down.

"Well, well, the big hero finally returns. What? Think you're above us making it O.K to fraternize with organics and bring techno-organics to Cybertron like Sumdaaaac!" Sentinel had looked down when he said Sari's last name, expecting to see the filthy half bred. Instead, he saw a full organic creature. The mech jumped back and let out a girly screech. He quickly recovered his composure and switched it over to anger.

"OPTIMUS! Just what in the name of Primus do you think you're doing letting that...thing here? !"

Alexa's temper flared a little. "Excuse me. I may be organic, doesn't make me deaf." She crossed her arms in defiance of the big chinned Autobot's comments.

Sentinel ground his dental plate at her and was about to say something, when he got a private call. He returned his attention to the Earth Autobots a moment later. "You're in luck. Magnus just stopped me from putting you in court martial for contaminate war fare." He coldly said to Optimus.

Optimus just rolled his optics. "The sooner the report is done, the sooner we can all leave." Prime replied; trying very hard to be diplomatic about it.

Sentinel nodded. "Fine; but keep that thing off the floors. Janitor drones don't like the hazmat protocol."

Alexa's eyes narrowed a great deal. Optimus picked her up and placed her on his shoulder before they walked into Metroplex.

The hallways were clear. Probably at Ultra Magnus's request. They reached the front desk; Cliffjumper sat behind it. Ratchet spoke up as Cliffjumper opened the doors to the confrence room.

"Prime, you go ahead. I'll see you after your meeting." The medic walked down the hall and out of sight. Cliffjumper watched as Optimus Prime walked through the doors. As Prime past his desk, his optics grew wide as he saw an Organic sitting on his shoulder. The organic female smiled a little and waved at him in a timid 'hi' gesture. The red minicon stared dumbly and waved back. The door closed and he wondered how she could be dangerous.

Ultra Magnus sat at the end of the confrence table. He saw Optimus enter and salute cleanly as did Sentinel, who went in a few cycles ahead of him and began rambling that Optimus had some cast iron manifolds to even suggest bringing an Organic to Cybertron. He then spotted the Organic in question, sitting on the blue and red mech's shoulder. He reasoned it must have been Sentinel's orders. "Optimus, you may bring the Organic forward, and place her on the table." He said to the still saluting Prime.

Optimus carefully removed Alexa and placed her on the table a few Cyber meters from the Magnus. Alexa mustered all her courage to meet his optics. She waited for him to speak as was polite. He addressed Optimus first.

"So this is the Organic you speak with such high regard?"

Optimus nodded. "Yes sir. She has proven to be a great ally to our team."

Magnus looked at the femme creature. "Do you have a name?"

Alexa nodded. "My name is Alexa Johnson sir." She said as she kept optic contact.

The Magnus was surprised at how she was not shying away. Most earthlings he had encountered were afraid of him. She either wasn't, or hid it very well. He didn't show his surprise, he instead nodded straight faced and turned to Optimus. "Optimus, you may begin."

The meeting went for a good three megacycles. The team had amassed a great deal of info, and according to Optimus, it wasn't even a quarter of Earth's information. Ultra Magnus asked questions such as what game shows were, and how people could make machines with no thought or feeling. For the most part, Optimus answered the questions. There were a few he couldn't answer, one of the most notable being why people wrote jokes about a deceased mech called Chuck Norris. To those questions, Alexa answered straight forward and in a comprehending manner. Optimus was very well founded in asking his permission to bring her.

The meeting wrapped up and Ultra Magnus requested that they all follow him. Sentinel excused himself saying he would catch up in a few cycles. Ratchet was out side waiting. "Took ya long enough." He grumbled.

Magnus lead them down a series of corridors and eventually into a large round room with a blue glow in the center of it. Optimus immediately recognized it as the All Spark chamber. His guilt ebbed forth a little, and he set Alexa down. No one seemed to care until Sentinel walked in and began making a scene on how filthy organics shouldn't be allowed in sacred places.

"Admitt it Optimus. You've been completely processor washed by a slimy, disgusting Organic." The organic-iphobe poked Optimus in the chest plating as he said it. Optimus went to Alexa's defense, and they started arguing. Ratchet crossed his arms and shook his head as he watched the scene. He caught bits and pieces of the conversation ranging from, "One species can't speak for all", to "not my problem", and even to "how does twenty thousand credits dissapear from your salary account overnight?".

Alexa stood and watched the fight. No one noticed the All Spark glowing a little brighter; or the paint on Alexa's bracelet stone starting to slowly chip away by itself.

Magnus had finaly had enough. He slammed his Magnus hammer's handle onto the ground and barked "Enough!" The shockwaves, while minor to giant robots, sent Alexa stumbling forward a few feet. The All Spark glowed a brilliant blue and shot a beam of light out towards Alexa's wrist. The final pieces of paint peeled away revealing a glowing shard of crystal. The Autobots were stunned.

"A fragment." Prime stated in awe. "I thought we got them all."

The lightbeam connected with the fragment and pulled Alexa forward a few feet until the bracelet snapped; a few beads scattering. The fragment slowly floated towards the All Spark; and in a flash of light, melded.

Everyone thought that was it until they noticed another blue orb that was hovering next to the glowing crystal artifact. It slowly floated away and through a set of doors on the opposite side of the room. In a wave of curiosity, all the Autobots followed it. It floated down the corriders until it came to a set of doors which parted with no prompt.

"That's the Protoform chamber." Ultra Magnus said.

They hurried inside only to see the blue orb hover next to the latest protoform; the one that Optimus saw melted down himself.

There was a blinding flash of light that blinded Alexa and the Autobots. The protform began to take shape and the light dimmed. As the Autobots rebooted their vision and Alexa stopped squinting, they looked just in time to see something that almost made their sparks fail. There where the protoform rested a moment ago, stood the familiar black and gold cyberninja named Prowl.

A/N CLIFF HANGER! I know, I'm terrible.