Silence (TFP)

chapter 2

Chapter 2

Soon enough I knew everything about these transformers and the history that got them where they are today.

"That sounds really interesting," I said as I leaned against the railing and looked at all seven Cybertronians standing before me. They were all quite fascinating, but there was one in particular that I couldn't stop looking at. I don't know if it was the fact that he was right in front of me when I woke up or the fact that we had so many things in common. I watched him while Optimus was giving me information, and I discovered many of his traits. It was almost like we had the same minds, but different bodies. Unfortunately, it seemed that my looking at the medic did not go undiscovered. Optimus paid close attention to detail.

"Perhaps you would like to accompany me on the roof, Jessica?" he asked kindly in his baritone voice.

"How do you know my name?" I wondered as my eyes darted over to him.

"Rafael filled us in on information while you were unconscious."

"Oh. I guess I wouldn't mind."

"Good." The Autobot leader held his hand out for me to climb onto. I did so and he walked over to elevator, which lifted us to the roof. He stepped out of the elevator and onto the rocky surface of the roof. He sat on the edge and set me next to him.

"I've noticed that you have been watching Ratchet carefully."

I decided to act like I didn't already know. "Oh, you noticed that?"

He nodded. "It was not hard to pick up on. I doubt that the others did not notice."

"Well that's embarrassing," I muttered.

"There is no need to feel that way. My only question is this. Why were you watching him?"

There was a pause as I figured out how to put it in words. "I feel as though Ratchet and I are similar in many ways. It might be a crazy thought, but it's like we're the same person, except we're in different bodies."

"I see you have been making connections. I, too, have noticed the similarities. I feel that it is right that I notify you of something and make you an offer."

"Hit me," I said. I didn't like suspense.

He looked down at me suddenly. "I do not believe that would be the wisest choice."

"What? Oh! It's just a figure of speech. It means to go ahead and say what you have to say."

"I see. Anyway, since you are now with us, it is for your safety that you remain under Autobot protection. The Decepticons always keep an eye on our allies. I fear that without protection, you may be their next victim." I nodded in agreement. I didn't want to end up dead this young. "That leads me to the offer. How would you like for Ratchet to be your guardian?"

"I'd love it!" I exclaimed. The Prime smiled.

"Then it is settled. All that remains is to inform your guardian of his added duty. Although I must warn you, he isn't too fond of your species. He will warm up to you, though. In time."

He picked me back up and we made our way back to the main room.

"Is everything alright, sir?" Ultra Magnus questioned.

"Everything is fine. Ratchet, I am giving you the duty of being Jessica's guardian."

"Awe, man!" Smokescreen complained. "When do I get a human?"

The medic turned around from his monitor in shock. "Optimus, I hardly think that would be a good choice. Perhaps Smokescreen should do it. He has been eager to be a guardian for quite some time."

Optimus held up his hand to stop Ratchet's protests, which worked perfectly. "My decision has been made. You best suit Jessica's personality. You will come to realize the same in due time." Optimus held out his hand and I jumped onto the platform. Ratchet sighed. "Any progress on finding Jessica's mother?"

"You're looking for her?" I asked happily.

Ratchet ignored my question. "Some. I caught Decepticon activity this morning. I didn't report it because it was so insubstantial. They were on the ground for maybe two minutes. But since Raf reported her missing, I decided to do a bit of research. The touchdown of the Decepticon, also known as Soundwave, was ten meters north of Jessica's residence. Further analysis indicates that Soundwave moved around to the south side of the house, stayed for twenty seconds, then left."

"In other words, the Con took off with her," Arcee stated. "The only questions is why."

"That is what I intend to find out. Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, recon." The three of them transformed, and I watched as they drove out of the base.

"Ratchet?" I asked. He made no sign of acknowledgement. I decided to continue anyway. "Thank you for helping me find her."

He immediately stopped typing and turned his head in my direction "You're...welcome."

He must not get shown gratitude a lot around here. Perhaps he was warming up to me already. I just needed to keep it up.

Hours passed, and there was no sign of my mom, no Decepticon activity, and no word from Optimus and the others. That didn't stop Smokescreen and the other humans from being unnecessarily loud and giving me a headache.

"Whoo! Twenty-eighth time in a row!" Smokescreen cheered. He had just won yet another match of video game racing.

"You're so cheating!" Miko shouted with annoyance. Although, I suppose that was her normal inside voice. She tossed the controller next to her on the couch and looked over at me. "Come play with us! Maybe someone else besides Mr. Been Driving His Entire Life will win for once!"

"I'd rather not, actually," I responded quietly.

"Awe, come on!" she persisted.

I shook my head and got up from the chair I was sitting in and walked to the end of the platform where Ratchet and his computers were. I sat on the edge and rested my forehead on the railing. The others continued playing the game.

I looked up to Ratchet and saw that he was still diligently continuing watching for Decepticon activity. The noise from the others was making my head hurt worse and worse. I closed my eyes.

"How can you stand it?" I whispered.

"I've had months of practice. Although, it still gets to me sometimes," He answered without even needing to know what I was talking about.

A shout from Miko caused me to groan in pain. I heard Ratchet's footsteps as he walked to the other side of the room. A minute later he came back.

"Here." I opened my eyes and saw that his hand was in front of me. In it was an asprin and a bottle of water. "We keep some human medicine in the base in case of an emergency."

I thanked him as I took them from his hand. I put the pill in my mouth and washed it down by swallowing some water.

"You should get some rest," he said quietly. I'll get the others to keep it down."

I lied down and used my arms as a pillow as I curled up and, minutes later, fell asleep.