One In A Billion | Transformers Prime [1]

𝟎𝟎𝟓

The yellow muscle car, army green military vehicle, and blue and pink motorcycle tear down the dusty desert road, kicking up clouds of sand in their wake. Wheeljack gaits right behind them, gradually increasing speed. I find myself riding him, the sportscar I was sure was stalking me for the past few days. 

As we approached a canyon, my skepticism grew. My instincts as a sleeper agent had always taught me to be cautious so I observed the canyon wall as it pivoted downward, revealing gigantic steel doors hidden beneath the desert surface. This was a base. And its disguise was nothing short of impressive.

The steel doors open with a low rumble, revealing the vast underground headquarters of what I was sure would be robots. Wheeljack and the other vehicles speed inside, their tires screeching against the smooth floor. I step out of the sportscar, instincts on high alert, as I soak in my surroundings.

In a very close second, I noticed the yellow muscle car, army green military vehicle, and blue and pink motorcycle all coming to life. Their metallic forms twist and transform, revealing their true identities—robots. A red-orange and white one with vital signs on both arms and a grumpy and disdainful expression walks up to us. Each of them stood tall and imposing, their optics glowing with a mix of curiosity and warmth.

The perks of team dynamics, I realized, looking at how differently they all seemed. The two-ton was the muscle, no doubt, and the grumpy one with vital stats on both limbs was obviously the medic. The female-looking robot fits the stealth, maybe first lieutenant category, and the yellow one was the scout. Wheeljack seemed like a cadet or the out-of-line type so that left the leader.

"Secret's out," I crossed my arms, turning to Jack. "Somebody needs to explain, because if we could just skip to the part where someone ascribes why there are a bunch of giant robots walking on the face of this earth possibly fighting a war and trying to get me killed, that'd be greatly appreciated." 

Jack shifted uncomfortably, exchanging a glance with the blue and pink she-robot. She nodded, making me raise a brow. 

Just then, thunderous footsteps came from behind all of the robots. In walked a red and blue mech with glowing cyan eyes. "She has a point," he said, baritone voice ringing throughout the silo. The mech knelt down so our faces were level-ish. "We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron, also known as Autobots. I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."

My eyes widened slightly as the truth sunk in. I had suspected the existence of extraterrestrial beings, but now it's confirmed. My mind raced with conflicting thoughts.

"You...you're real? Cybertron... Autobots..." I trailed off. For a moment, I let down my guard. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to maintain composure. My conditioning as a sleeper agent was urging me to take action, to fulfill my deadly mission. But I hesitated, torn by the realization that these are living beings, not mere targets.

Optimus sensed my inner turmoil and stepped closer, his voice gentle yet firm. "Yes, we are very much real. And contrary to what you might have been led to believe, we seek to protect life and preserve peace. We do not wish harm upon anyone," 

My eyes dart from Autobot to Autobot, trying to make sense of it all. A storm of thoughts and emotions swirled within me as I analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of each target. The weight of this mission bore down on my shoulders, but for the first time, I questioned it.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. On my right was Jack, who shot me a reassuring smile. Miko and the young boy were to my left giving me the same amount of reassurance, not like it helped. "I am curious, how did you know we were fighting a war?" Optimus asked. 

I took a deep breath, returning to my stoic expression. "In the purlieu," I shrugged. "Place was practically a battlefield. The conflict seemed longstanding, between Wheeljack and those fighter jets who evidently turn into drones. They all seemed to have some form of field experience, and if I'm not mistaken, the rest of you do as well."