Chapter Text
The night was cold and dark, the stars shone above the waters as fishermen were getting ready to head back to shore. They packed their quota in ice and mopped the deck of fish guts and blood. Nothing unusual ever happened on the seas of the Atlantic, well nothing too unusual on a regular basis, the fishermen minded their business before hearing sounds of an aircraft that wasn’t familiar to them. They all looked at the sky and found nothing until one of the men started screaming and pointed at the water as he looked pale as a ghost. Everyone stared in awe as a tall metal contraption arose from the waters. When the fisherman flashed fog lights at the metal being did it quickly go back underwater to stay hidden.
The news spread like wildfire across the country as news reports retold the story of what happened at the Atlantic. Scientists came to do an underwater study of where the being emerged and where it disappeared to. It wasn’t long until a certain spunky teenage girl saw the news report while surfing the web on her cellphone. She showed the video to her friends which attracted some unwanted attention as they currently watched the report as one of their friends got nervous upon seeing the being emerge from the water.
“What’s the matter Raph, scared of a little sea monster” a certain blonde mocked as the other frowned making his friends glare at him
“Knock it off Vince, it’s probably some joke made by the locals” A raven-haired boy said as he rolled his eyes
“Whatever, but if it was real. I would go head to toe with that thing!” Vince cackled as his group of friends laughed alongside him
“Oh sure, you probably will get squished like a bug before you even make a move” a Japanese girl mocked making her friends and a few other students laugh
Vince turned red and tried to mutter a comeback but he instead huffed in anger and stormed off. Everyone watched him leave the cafeteria as they either chuckled or laughed at him as his friends followed behind. Jack chuckled as he gave his friend a high-five for defending Raph from the school’s bully.
“Thanks, guys” Raph said gratefully as his friends smiled “and nice burn Miko” he chuckled as said girl laughed
“No problem squirt” Miko said with a smile as she ruffled Ralph’s hair
“Besides we all know Vince will be too chicken to actually go up against an imaginary monster” Jack laughed as he took a bite of his pizza
They laughed and ate their lunches before the next class of the day began. Meanwhile, in a secret high facility base, you can hear the sounds of someone grumbling and muttering to himself as he works the console and monitors for any strange activity. Soon large but soft steps were heard as they came into the main room at the base.
“Ratchet, has there been any progress on locating any energon?” A deep voice asked as the other sighed
“No, and I’m afraid our energon reserves will be gone before the end of this orn” Ratchet reminded before turning to look at his friend “Optimus if we don’t find energon soon we will be offline before we know it”
“Don’t worry old friend, Luck will be on our side soon” Optimus reassured before the sudden beeping of the monitor alerted them to a new energy source
“That’s strange, the system is saying there is a new spark signature here on earth” Ratchet informed as he began to check the system for any viruses
Optimus frowned upon seeing where the location of the spark signature originated from. "it would seem that the spark energy is coming from the Atlantic Ocean, where humans are most likely searching for the source themselves”
Ratchet huffed before calling in the others. “Bulkhead, Arcee. Come in bulkhead and Arcee”
/Bulkhead here. What’s up Doc?/
/Arcee reporting in. What’s the matter Ratchet?/
“Come back to base so I can brief you in on the situation. Ratchet out” he said before ending the call
“And what of bumblebee?” Optimus asked as he quirked a brow at Ratchet as said bot sigh in frustration
“Before you arrived, I’ve been trying to get bumblebee to answer his commlink but I’ve received no answer” Ratchet informed as Optimus sighed
“He must be out of range…” Optimus said as he looked back at the monitor
“Probably, but bumblebee is still a young mech, he’s more likely to be off somewhere and doing his patrol right after” Ratchet huffed as Optimus smiled
It didn’t take long for Bulkhead and Arcee to arrive at the base, the two transformed back into their bi-pede mode and walked into the main room. Bulkhead was the first to notice that a certain yellow scout was missing.
“Where’s bumblebee?” Bulkhead asked as he searched the room once more
“He’s off somewhere, he hasn’t answered any of my calls” Ratchet huffed before getting back at the situation at hand “Now as to why I called you both back from patrol, there’s been a spark signature located in the Atlantic Ocean”
Both bots froze before they rebooted their audial sensors and had to blink a couple of times at the news. “Is it an autobot or decepticon?” Arcee asked as ratchet frowned
“Now that is a question I wish I could answer” Ratchet sighed as he turned to look at the monitor “but for now I’ll bridge you to the coordinates of the last time the spark signature was last recorded”
“While Ratchet bridges you both to your destination, I will search for Bumblebee” Optimus said as Ratchet frowned
The old medibot didn’t say a word but created the groundbridge for Arcee and Bulkhead. The two warriors walked through and began their mission while Optimus waited for ratchet to put in a new set of coordinates.
“I presume bumblebee will be on monitor duty with me once again” Ratchet stated as Optimus frowned
“Though Bumblebee is a young mech, this is still a war and we must not get distracted along the way” Optimus said as he looked at the activated groundbridge “I will see you soon Ratchet” he said as he walked through the portal
The medic sighed as he monitored the screen and kept track of what was happening with Arcee and Bulkhead while checking on Optimus once a while. With Optimus, he was currently in his vehicle mode searching for Bee in Las Vegas city. Managing to avoid being carjacked and having nosey humans looking in his windows while he rested was not pleasant. After hours of searching, he finally found bumblebee near the mountain area, transformers into bi-pede mode he frowned and walked over to the young scout who seemed to be occupied with what he was doing to notice Prime walking towards him.
::Hey Blades nice to see you again after eight meta-cycles and sorry for not calling, I’ve been busy trying to-:: Bumblebee said before drooping ::That is the worst conversation starter:: before he continued ::Blades! Nice to see you! It’s been a while. How’s it hanging” he said before groaning into his two servos “that’s even worse::
Optimus starred quizzically as Bee talked to a rock and stood there for almost 4 groons until bumblebee turned around and made a noise of embarrassment as he saw his leader. Clearing his throat tubing he chuckled nervously and stared at the prime before him.
::How long have you been standing there?:: Bee asked as he rubbed the back of his helm in embarrassment
“Not long...I see you have, obtained feelings for one of out comrades back on the island” Optimus said as Bee became flustered
::NO! We are only friends and I haven’t kept in touch as I promised and I...I wanted to practice what I wanted to say...that’s it:: Bee explained but Optimus saw right through him
Optimus quirked his brow and found the entire thing amusing, he regained his composure and remembered as to why he went to find Bumblebee in the first place. He was going to say something until he received a call from ratchet but all he heard was static. Bumblebee groaned as he had to deal with the static once again for the past three cycles.
“I see I was correct on the lack of signal for any comm frequency to get through,” Optimus said as Bee looked at him in confusion “We should head closer to the city and check-in with Ratchet from there. It will be easier to send our location”
Bee nodded and transformed into vehicle mode as did Optimus and the two drove off into the direction of the city. When they were close enough Optimus pinged Ratchet and sent their coordinates to head back to base but Ratchet had other ideas as he informed them of the situation with Bulkhead and Arcee.
/I’ve already sent Smokescreen onto the scene and no doubt Wheeljack is already there providing aid/ Ratchet said once Optimus and Bee arrived at the coordinates that the groundbridge will appear
“We shall see them soon, Open the groundbridge” Optimus ordered as Ratchet complied and a green vortex appeared and the two bots entered the portal to arrive at their new destination.
When exiting the portal, Bee and Optimus were surprised as they saw their team fire upon the threat that none could quite make out due to the organic plants covering it’s entire being. Bee automatically returned fire and joined in the fight as Optimus made his way to Ultra.
“I didn’t expect to find this being still around this location when first appearing” Optimus said as he dodged the beings fist when it was brought down on the ground he once stood before returning to his friend’s side
“Arcee and Bulkhead had found the creature and then they called for backup when realizing how...large it was” Smokescreen said as he gasped in alarm as he pushed Optimus out of the way of a lone blast “WATCH YOUR AIM!” he bellowed as Bumblebee shouted an apology at the two before returning to battle
Optimus couldn’t help but laugh and Smokescreen stared at him in bewilderment as the prime laughed at the fact he could’ve been shot by one of his own. The prime quickly regained his composure but couldn’t help but chuckle some more. The two then focused back onto the battle and when Optimus managed to get a good shot at the metal being, he found something oddly familiar about it. It was then the creature froze when seeing Optimus and then all they heard was static before hearing the being bellow with laughter.
“By the ALLSPARK!, Who knew I would’ve met more autobots here!”
“What is going on?” Arcee asked she looked at Wheeljack who shrugged
“Don’t look at me. I stopped questioning a whole scrap of things a long time ago” Wheeljack said as Bulkhead sighed
“If it isn’t Team Prime. It is good to see more bots again”
::Optimus:: Bumblebee began but Optimus couldn’t help but smile
“It is nice to hear from you High Tide” Optimus greeted as the other bot removed the organic matter from its torso
The others couldn't help but stare as they realized it was armor they were fighting against the entire time. The being transformed causing team prime to be sucked into its transformation sequence and return to the surface. Optimus was the first to recover as the others groaned, he lifted himself off the deck floor and waited for his old friend. When High Tide emerged he wasn’t alone as his mini-con dog ran out to greet everyone.
Optimus smiled as he patted the dog on his head before it ran off to meet everyone else, Bumblebee was more than happy to play with the mini-con than any of the others. High Tide chuckled as he said his apologies on the scare as he took a look at Team Prime.
“Let’s talk over a nice glass of energon, We’ll do formalities there” High Tide said everyone agreed as the sound of energon made their tanks rumble making High Tide frown “I see energon is hard to come by here”
“Nothing we can’t manage old friend” Optimus reassured as High Tide didn’t look convinced
When they were led below deck High Tide turned and pressed a few commands to order his ship to go underwater. The others relaxed as they were hidden from prying optics or eyes in human terms, the team were then led to the ship’s lounge as High Tide prepared energon for them all.
“Where’s Hatchet? Haven’t seen him in eons” High Tide asked as he served everyone
“He is back at base monitoring things, I’m sure he’ll want to hear from us soon” Optimus informed as High Tide smiled
“It’s good to know the old bot is still functioning. I’ve been alone with servo so long I’ve begun to almost understand him” Tide laughed as his mini-con barked happily
Optimus smiled before he became concerned for his friend. “High Tide what has happened to you since Cybertron went dark?” he asked as the blue bot frowned
“After hearing about the massacre to all rescue bots over the radio, I returned to cybertron from a rescue back on Helix. I found everything destroyed and I laid low to prevent any cons from getting the chance to finish the job” Tide began as he sighed “they were so young”
The room was grim as Bumblebee struggled to keep his intake shut as Optimus cast him a glance when the rescue bots were mentioned. High Tide then looked up and noticed the yellow scout’s discomfort but didn’t call him out on it.
“Now enough with the grim tales, how have you all been?” High Tide asked as everyone looked at each other before becoming more relaxed they had been in a very long time.
The room was soon filled with laughter as they told stories of their adventures and what has so far happened on earth and High Tide’s low profile back in space. Smokescreen and Bumblebee were occasionally petting the mini-con as he growled in content and occasionally would jump on the two to ask for more affection.
“Servo, down boy. They’re not going anywhere” HighTide chuckled as the dog only barked and continued to run around the room
Optimus looked at the mini-con in surprise as he turned to High Tide. “Servo? I haven’t seen him since he was a cyber pup”
HighTide chuckled as he gave servo an affectionate scratch behind his ears. “Servo and I have been together since the whole...affair,” he said not choosing to retell dark times
“So what brings you to earth? Rarely any bot would even come close to an organic planet” Arcee asked as HighTide starred at the femme
“I was minding my business when the monitor picked up a few spark signals, couldn’t quite get the name of the place before my ship decided to hit rock bottom...literally” High Tide informed as he recalled the stressful memory
Optimus and Bumblebee tensed and hoped that High Tide meant their sparks but they both knew better than to hope for the best. Before anyone could say a word an explosion was heard and they looked at the culprit and found Wheeljack frozen in place as he held what was supposed to be a cup of energon.
“Uh...Wheeljack, how-” Smokescreen began but wheeljack cut him off
“Don’t, like I said before I stopped questioning these things a long time ago” Wheeljack said as Bulkhead slowly took the cup from him as everyone took at least one step back from the wrecker except for Bulkhead
“Jackie, I sometimes wonder how but I know I won’t get a straight answer” Bulkhead sighed as the other wrecker smiled cheekily
Optimus smiled before he was being pinged from Ratchet who demanded their whereabouts as they hadn't called back to base for over six groons. Quickly reassuring the medibot about their location and safety did Ratchet relax somewhat. Until he heard High Tide over the commlink did he remain silent before demanding explanations. It was already dark when they returned to the surface for Ratchet to come and greet High Tide personally as Raphael managed the groundbridge back at base. When seeing the bridge open did they then see Ratchet walk out with his arms crossed and a scowl on his faceplates.
“Do you have any idea how worried you all made this medibot!” Ratchet snapped as the younger bots flinched while the older bots frowned
“We’re sorry Ratchet, we didn’t see how time has passed so quickly” Optimus apologized as Ratchet sighed before turning to High Tide
“It’s nice to see you again High Tide” Ratchet greeted with a rare smile that had Bumblebee smirking as Smokescreen and Arcee groaned
Wheeljack held back chuckles as Arcee and Smokescreen both handed bumblebee two shanix each from their little gamble. As Bulkhead gave them a glare as High Tide gave Ratchet a glass of energon as the two bot’s walked back into the ship to get better acquainted, Smokescreen stared at the two bots in question before turning to Optimus.
“Was there any ‘history’ between those two?” Smokescreen asked as Ratchet spat out static at the innocent question he obviously heard
Optimus sighed as he facepalmed while Bumblebee couldn’t help but laugh at the situation as Arcee decided not to add fuel to the fire. Bulkhead and Wheeljack stayed quiet knowing that a certain sword-wielding spiritualist would not take kindly to an old flame of Ratchet’s. Arcee decided to head back to back to base for some recharge as she had patrol in the morning, Smokescreen followed suit as did Bulkhead as their tired frames caught up with them. Only Optimus and Bumblebee remained on the ship’s deck as the cold air hit their plating.
::We have to tell him:: Bumblebee said as Optimus frowned
“When the time is right. Now is not the time, they don’t know he’s here and the decepticons are surely monitoring the strange spark energy that has appeared here” Optimus informed as Bee didn’t look convinced