Transformers Prime: Bio-Tech

Chapter 2

"And since you know of our existence," Optimus continued, "I fear that as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours." "Got it," Jack said, "If we spot any strange vehicles, call 911. Can we go now?" "Are you insane?" Miko asked, "I'm living a dream here in 'Bot'-swana. And I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!" "It is best that you three remain under our watch," Optimus claimed, "At least until we can determine our enemies intentions." "Optimus, with all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere," I argued, staring at them with supreme distaste. "Children?" Jack questioned, insulted. "I'd take what you can get. Being called a child is less of an insult from Otto than being called a human," Bulkhead told him quietly, Arcee nodding in agreement, "Your kind are scum to him." "No, humans are worse than scum," I retorted, having heard him, ignoring Optimus' warning glare as I continued, "We have dangerous, experimental technology here and they have no protective shell. If they get under Autobot foot they will go, squish," I said bluntly as Ratchet stomped his foot for emphasis, causing the three to flinch. "Then for the time being, Otto, you will be careful with your experimental technology. And we will watch our step," Optimus advised after sending me another glare. An alarm began blaring. "What's that?" Jack asked. Bumblebee buzzed a reply. "Proximity alarm," I translated, "Someone's up top." "It's Agent Fowler," Ratchet reported, causing me to groan. "The second most annoying human in the federal system, the first being Galloway," I groaned. "I-I thought we were the only humans that knew about you guys? Besides him," Jack nodded to me. "Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison with the outside world," Optimus explained. "Otto could have taken the position," Ratchet muttered. "I told you I hate all that bureaucratic nonsense," I replied, "And I despise working with humans." "As he tends to only visit when there are issues, it may be best if you do not meet him at this time," Optimus advised.

"7 wrecks, 34 fender benders, a three hour traffic jam," Fowler noted as he came in, "And of particular note, numerous reports of a white haired boy on a speeding motorcycle of unknown make." Optimus looked over at me and I only shrugged. "And a black and yellow custom muscle car," Fowler added, "So, anything you'd like to get off your tin chest, Prime?" "Technically it's not tin..." I replied snarkily, earning a glare from Fowler as Bulkhead sniggered while Arcee and Ratchet struggled to suppress grins. "We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler," Optimus explained. "They're back, aren't they?" Fowler questioned. "If you are referring to the Decepticons, I doubt they ever left," I replied, "The energon deposits on Earth are too valuable to them." "Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon," Fowler said, causing me to sigh. "Agent Fowler, with all due respect, the American military does not currently possess the technology to combat the Decepticons," I replied bluntly. "Says you," Fowler replied. "Huh, and this is why I hate bureacrats," I sighed, "You humans never listen, especially followers of Galloway." "Hey, Fleshy, did anyone get splattered on that freeway?" Bulkhead asked, "Team Prime knows when to use force," he grabbed one of Ratchet's tools, "And how much," he broke it. "Bulkhead!" Ratchet and I shouted, "We needed that!" "Enough!" Optimus told us, "Military involvement will only result in catastrophe. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot." "Then do us both a favour and handle this, Prime, under the radar. Or else I will have to return Subject 0110 to Government control and handle this myself," Fowler warned, getting back in the elevator. I balled my hands into fists as the lights began to flicker. "Pretty big bearings, for a human," Bulkhead muttered. "Agent Fowler is concerned for his world Bulkhead, as he should be," Optimus replied. I scoffed, "So much that he'll allow a clone to be placed in government hands for more experimentation? Or even the meat locker basement Simmons calls his office?!" "We will not let that happen," Optimus reassured me.

A ping sounded from Ratchet's computer. "Blasted Earth tech!" Ratchet growled, "Cliffjumper's life signal just jumped back online!" "Who's Cliffjumper?" Miko asked. "How is that possible?" Optimus asked. "It isn't," I replied, typing furiously on my computer, "Must be another bug, the system may still have a few that I haven't had time to deal with. The humans left it chock full of them just to spite us." Ratchet nodded in agreement, glaring at the screen in front of him. "If there's any chance Cliff's alive..." Arcee said. "Ratchet, prepare sick bay," Optimus ordered, "We may need it." "Hey! What can we do?" Miko asked. "Remain with Otto and Ratchet," Optimus ordered. "Aw," Miko and Ratchet whined as I opened the Groundbridge. "Autobots, roll out!" Optimus ordered. "What just happened?" Jack asked.

"I transported them to the designated coordinates via the Groundbridge," I explained. "What's a Groundbridge?" Raf asked. Ratchet sighed, "A scaled down version of Spacebridge technology. Since we do not currently possess the means, nor the energon required for intergalactic travel-" "You're stuck here... on Earth," Jack finished. "With the likes of you, yes," Ratchet said. "Hey!" I said annoyed, "If it wasn't for me you wouldn't even have a Groundbridge!" "They wouldn't?" Raf asked. "No," Ratchet sighed reluctantly. "I was the one to reverse engineer the Spacebridge schematics in order to create the Groundbridge, allowing for instantaneous travel anywhere across the globe," I explained proudly. "Wow," Raf muttered, "That's incredible!" "I try," I said modestly. "Does it work for humans?" Raf asked excitedly. "Naturally," I said. "You mean, I could just shoot on over and visit my parents in Tokyo?" Miko asked. "Within moments," I said. "Yes, in fact allow me to send you there immediately, all three of you," Ratchet said as we sent the trio a pair of nasty smirks. "Why does Otto get to stay?" Jack asked. "He is my ward, and helpful in dealing with this blasted Earth tech," Ratchet replied, "It's thanks to him that most of our systems can actually work with Earth technology." I smiled as I opened my computer to see if there were any bugs in the system. I had a faster way of doing it, but didn't want to worry the three children.

"So what's your story?" Jack asked. I looked up to see that all three humans were looking at me. "My story?" "How did you get involved with the bots?" Jack asked. "And what did he mean by Subject 0110?" Miko asked. I blanched, my mind going back to the old lab where I was created, remembering the scientists continually poking and prodding me while examining my brain patterns. "Otto?" Raf asked worriedly. I shook my head to see all eyes and a pair of optics looking at me worriedly... I closed the lid of my laptop. "I need some air."

"Ratchet! Otto!" I heard over the comms as I came back inside, "Bridge us back! Use the arrival coordinates now!" I raced over to the controls and opened the Groundbridge, allowing the team to drive in. "Cutting it a bit close," I noted, "How about Cliffjumper?" I looked down sadly as the team remained silent, an answer that required no words. "What was that explosion? Was there a fight?" Miko asked excitedly, "Can I come with next time?" "Look," I started, getting annoyed by the pink haired girl. "H-hey, Miko, let's go see what the bots hide in their sock drawers," Jack said as he led Miko away. "Seriously?" Miko asked. "Arcee, what did you see?" Optimus asked. "Not Cliff- at least, not anymore," Arcee replied, "He was mutated, butchered, like something from those 'Con experiments during the war. Oh," she fell. "Arcee," I said worriedly as I hurried over to her. "I'm fine," Arcee told me,"Just dizzy." "Robots who get dizzy?" Miko questioned. "Robots with emotions," Raf said. "Robots who can die," Jack said. Ratchet walked over to Arcee, scanning her. "Hmm," Ratchet noticed a purple splotch on Arcee's hand, "What is this?" "Don't know," Arcee admitted, "Cliff was covered in it, leaking it." Ratchet scraped some off onto a scalpel. "Go take a decontamination bath, now," Ratchet ordered.

"We'll need to study that," I said, "I want to make sure my suspicions are correct." "Agreed," Ratchet nodded. "O-Optimus, I-I hate to bug, but no bars," Jack said. "A security precaution," Optimus explained, "The Silo walls isolate all radio systems." "Well, if I don't call my mom, like now. I'm pretty sure the cops will be out looking for me," Jack said. "Why? Have you broken the law?" Optimus asked. "Uh, curfew. It's after 10:00 PM," Jack explained. "I'd better get home too, or I'll be grounded for a year," Raf said. "Earth customs - I hadn't considered," Optimus said, "But the issue of your safety remains. Bulkhead, accompany Miko home." "Awesome! My host parents will freak!" Miko exclaimed. "And maintain surveillance in vehicle mode," Optimus ordered. "Curbside duty. Got it," Bulkhead replied. "Aw!" Miko whined. "Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raf," Optimus said, "Ratchet..." "Taken, I need his help in examining that purple goo," I told Optimus as Ratchet looked at me over his shoulder, smiling in thanks. "Arcee, you'll accompany Jack," Optimus ordered. Arcee sighed dramatically. "Still dizzy." "You're fine, says your physician," Ratchet said as Arcee looked to me for help. "Can't argue with Ratchet," I shrugged.

Later on, Ratchet and I were busy examining the purple substance we had gathered from Arcee. "The base elements of this goo are like nothing I've ever encountered," Ratchet murmured. "It must be extremely concentrated to have affected Arcee so rapidly," I noted. "Unfortunately, complete results will be slow coming without the right diagnostic tools," Ratchet said. "Thank you, Bulkhead," I said, annoyed.