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"How did you even come up with this thing?" Tessa asked, staring at the aerial drone in Jack's hand, her eyebrows raised in genuine surprise.
"Don't focus on the details," Jack replied, brushing her off with a smirk. "What matters is what it shows, not how it works."
He activated the drone, projecting its feed onto a nearby smooth rock wall. The image flickered to life—grainy but discernible. Several humans surrounded a struggling Autobot, cornering it like hunters circling prey.
"Wait a second... isn't that Ratchet?" Optimus's voice dropped, heavy with sorrow. His metallic frame tensed. "No… I can't believe this."
"They tore him apart," Hound growled, removing his steel helmet to reveal a gleaming iron skull beneath. "Savages."
"Look at that truck—'KSI' is written on it," Cade pointed out grimly. "That's the company—biggest weapons and space tech contractor on the planet."
"KSI…" Optimus muttered, recognizing the name. "They're based in Chicago, right? Then this confirms it… Our fallen brothers were handed over. Their bodies used for study—no dignity, just desecration."
Jack wiped at the corner of his eye with mock drama. "Tragic, truly. A noble warrior turned science project. My deepest condolences."
"Disgraceful!" Hound bellowed, temper flaring. "Humans—selfish, greedy parasites! We risked everything for them. And what do we get in return? Betrayal and death!"
"Sympathy's all we ever receive," Drift said coldly, unsheathing his blade and slicing cleanly through a nearby boulder.
"I vote for payback," Bumblebee said, raising a hand.
One by one, the Autobots followed—Hound, Drift, Crosshairs.
"No more tolerance," Hound barked. "They should pay for this outrage."
"Hold on!" Cade interjected, waving his arms. "You're rushing to conclusions!"
"I don't think so, Uncle," Jack snapped. "Humans betrayed the Autobots—those who bled for us. There's no gratitude—only bullets. I'm ashamed to be from the same species. From now on, I stand with the Autobots!"
"You damn traitor!" Tessa shouted.
"No, I'm on the side of justice," Jack replied grandly, almost comically heroic. Then he muttered under his breath, "Honestly, I'm just here for a big win, Autobots or humans… doesn't matter to me."
"You sound like a manipulative opportunist," Tessa grumbled.
"Manipulative? Perhaps. Opportunist? Definitely." Jack shrugged with a grin. "But efficient."
"Human," Bumblebee asked, tilting his head, "Are you truly with us?"
Jack nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. Been looking forward to joining your ranks."
"You know what?" Bumblebee said, "I used to hate you, But now… I kinda like you."
Jack held up his hand. "Let's not get weird. No robot romance, please. Beautiful imagery—completely inappropriate."
"WHAT did you just say?!" Bumblebee shouted.
Optimus raised a hand to calm them. "Silence. Autobots—I once vowed never to harm humans. I see now... that vow was a mistake. When I find whoever is behind this, they will die."
Jack clapped enthusiastically. "Yes! Now that's a speech! Ruthless, righteous, and leaderly. Love it."
"You trying to start a war?" Cade barked at Jack. "You'll doom us all!"
"Uncle," Jack said coldly, "You'd be dead if I hadn't helped you. Don't pretend you're in charge. Mind your own business—or you'll find yourself six feet under without knowing how you got there."
"You…!" Cade was so furious he couldn't form a full sentence.
"Oh, and by the way," Jack continued, "You're never getting your old life back. You're on the run. Your face is on a dozen most-wanted lists. And your little daughter? You think you can protect her on your own?"
"Damn you!…" Cade whispered, helplessly clenching his fists.
"I don't want to argue," Jack said, suddenly grinning. "We're on the same side. We should be friends! Just tag along. I know the folks chasing you—old friends. No hard feelings."
He patted Cade's shoulder like an old drinking buddy.
Cade forced a smile. "Fine. But don't go too far."
Tessa sighed in relief. The last thing she wanted was a full-on war between her father and this dangerous lunatic.
"Relax," Jack said, eyes gleaming. "I'm a modest man. I won't do too much damage."
Destroying everything in my path isn't excessive, he added silently.
Optimus turned toward Cade. "You saved me. I won't forget that. But I must find whoever is behind this. I believe they're connected to those who tried to kill you."
Cade nodded slowly. "Yeah… I believe that too."
Jack, standing behind them, rolled his eyes. You won't be deciding anything soon, buddy.
Suddenly, Jack clutched his stomach. "It's getting late. I'm starving. Tessa, be a dear and get some food, will you?"
"Huh?" Tessa blinked in confusion.
"No way," Cade snapped. "She's not going anywhere with you."
Jack feigned offense. "Tessa, you're not a baby. Or are you still drinking from a sippy cup? Want Daddy to change your diapers too?"
"You…!" Tessa's face turned scarlet with rage and embarrassment.
"Don't say stuff like that to my daughter!" Cade growled.
Jack threw up his hands. "Can't even joke around without getting yelled at. Tough crowd."
Tessa shoved past them both. "I'll get the food myself! I don't need either of you!"
She stormed off into the brush.
"Tessa!" Cade shouted, chasing after her. "Don't run off—it's not safe!"
"Kid, you're trouble," Hound chuckled, lighting a cigar. "I like that."
Jack smirked. "Trouble? Maybe. But at least life around me is never boring."
He started walking after the others. "Let's follow them. This area isn't exactly friendly. Can't have the drama queen and her dad getting ambushed by mountain lions or Decepticon leftovers."
Drift watched Jack's retreating form thoughtfully. "He is… unpredictable. But not without merit."
"Yeah," Crosshairs agreed. "For a human, he's not half bad."
Only Optimus stood in silence, his optics narrowing. Something about Jack didn't sit right. He'd seen many types of humans… but this one? Too clever. Too calm. Too dangerous.