Before the rescue:
Sam, "Mediplus, Thruster, Rhobust, come here. It is time for your recharge,"
Knockout watched them zealously, "Do you need some help?"
Sam looked at him then nodded, "Could you grab the toy they dropped?"
Knockout took the large turbo toy, "Tell me, Sam. Why don't you hate me?"
Sam, "Do you want me to?"
Knockout's mouth plates became thin lines before pressing, "Not what I meant. It is just, you have been kidnapped more than once now. I have been involved in your kidnaping more than once. I have seen you humans hate each other for lesser reasons. Even the dumbest reasons, while at it."
Sam hummed, "I suppose it is my choice whether I should hate you or not."
Knockout, "Is that all it is? Your choice. Truly?"
Sam struck his tongue out, "Power of Freedom, on this planet mostly translates to have the ability to make your own choices, no matter what happens. I choose not to hate you. I am not explaining beyond that."
Knockout chuckled, "Sassy little thing. How do you plan to get them to recharge.... Oh!"
Sam, "Yeah, the stress eats at their energy levels pretty fast. I appreciate that you made the sparkling energon for them."
Knockout, "You were the one who shared it with us, little one. We should be thanking you."
Sam, "The Allspark plans on creating new flier sparklings soon. And since most fliers are with Decepticons, we decided to share it with you. I know you are very strict about sparkling care and will not allow anyone to hurt them."
Breakdown spoke up quietly from the corner, "One of our bitlets was a triple changer and last form was a flier. Unfortunately, they were offlined before we could figure out even the first one. Does that mean?"
Sam, "The Allspark has located their spark, Breakdown. They will be one of the first fliers born, in fact I believe, that will be the first transformation they receive."
Knockout, "That is relieving news."
Sam smirked "Better start preparing your sparkling chassis."
Breakdown spluttered, "Wait, what? You mean.... "
Sam giggled, "The Allspark has been pretty obssessive while studying the organic reproduction abilities. While it cannot be replicated the Allspark believes there is a way since certain Cybertronians who grew up on other planets developed a chassis specifically for sparklings."
Breakdown, "Like Knockout and myself you mean? We grew up on Velocitron before the rust plague broke out forcing us to evacuate."
Sam frowned at that, he recalls that was an ongoing event in many of the Transformers storylines though the place changed. However before Sam could say anything Knockout was called away making Breakdown hum like he knew why. Sam decided he would just get comfortable in the mean time with three sparklings, who were clinging to him for familiarity and comfort. Frankly speaking, he was pissed off at Sentinel for kidnapping the kids all of a sudden away from their Sire and Carrier. Sam heard a crunch and saw Breakdown crushing a vial, before getting up and leaving without another word to them. Sam hummed mentally while the Matrix was giving a by to by detail about the battle between Elita and Sentinel. Sam was surprised Optimus was not the one fighting Sentinel but the Matrix explained, since Sentinel insulted her before she got first pick in a battle.
Miles burst in at that, "Sam!"
Jazz followed, "Bitlets!"
Prowl spoke calmly, "It is time to leave this place."
Sam, "Do you two have sparkling chassis on you?"
Jazz nodded, "Both of us do."
Sam, "Alright, let's go. Are you three the only ones here?"
Jazz, "Not really! Worry about that later."
Chase, "Barricade, you do realize we cannot help in the war. Fighting and killing goes against everything we worked for."
Barricade, "And if you stay here you will be expected to."
Breakdown, "They have to leave, don't they?"
Boulder, "For now yes, but hopefully things will get better."
Blades, "We are leaving for now. Next time however I expect you to join us."
Breakdown, "Get out of here."
The Rescue Bots knew they could not linger despite the bond between siblings had snapped back and demanding they stayed. The spark pull was demanding and the Rescue Bots hoped things will get better. They were not the only ones with family on both sides of the war. The four Bots rushed outside though they wondered why the corridor was empty when they heard an explosion. Prowl's voice came through the comm advising them to leave the ship. They left in the direction of the blast and saw a side of the wall was blown open and followed through jumping out. Jazz and Prowl were already waiting for them while Miles was comically piling warm clothes on Sam who was taking it with exasperated grace.
Jazz, "Everyone is here. Let's leave this joint!"
After the rescue!
Miles, "Are you sure you are unhurt?"
Sam, "Miles, the Decepticons know the Allspark is sentient and capable of holding grudges against them. So, they did not hurt me at all. Sentinel was very rude but I am sure Elita would have kicked his aft for me."
Miles sighed, "Fine! Are you cold?"
Sam, "No, these blankets are fine. How did you even get these here?"
Jazz opened his door, "You'd be amazed by what we can store in our subspace kiddo."
Sam sat on the passenger seat, "Somehow, I think I am not surprised. How are the bitlets?"
Prowl, "Sleeping like a baby, as the human saying goes."
Sam, "Are they fighting over there?"
Jazz, "Frag!"
Miles, "What's happening there?"
Blades said from above, "Megatron just eliminated Sentinel."
Chase, "Oh dear!"
Miles, "What does that mean in the light of everything?"
Jazz, "Megatron cemented himself as a Prime and not just any Prime but a Head Prime."
Sam started to giggle, "So that is what he was up to. I was wondering why he was so quiet lately. Well played Megatron, well played. No one saw that coming, not even his followers I bet."
Heatwave, "That's a fool's bet. We should leave now."
Jazz, "Lead the way, leader of Rescue Bots."
Heatwave, "I am not.. That's not... Oh frag!"
Miles, "Why is he freaking out?"
Prowl, "This is the only Rescue team left alive Miles."
Jazz chirped, "Which means Heatwave here is the leader of all Rescue Bots now."
Heatwave cursed under his denta then spoke solemnly, "This is not how I wanted to become the Head of all Rescue Bots."
Jazz sighed, "I know. Sam, get some sleep. I will wake you up when we reach base."
Sam, "Thank you Jazz."
Prowl spoke after a while, "Is he sleeping?"
Jazz moved as smoothly as he could in order not to jolt Sam awake, "Yup, out like a light. He most likely has not slept properly the last eighty eight hours."
Miles grumbled, "This is the second time the Decepticons kidnapped him. I am not surprised he is unable to sleep. I bet he will have insomnia episodes all over again."
Blades hummed, "I read those reports before. Sir Rung allowed me access to it just before we departed. Perhaps I can come up with a coping activity later."
Boulder, "You mean after Ratchet let's him out."
Jazz, "Optimus, Elita."
Bumblebee, "How is he? Are the bitlets okay?"
Prowl, "Calm, dear one. Sam is sleeping now and the young ones are safe too. We are heading to the Russian base for a check up. It is closer and Ratchet said he would meet us there."
Blades, "I am sharing notes with him too. I read Ratchet is one of his main Doctors."
Bumblebee, "Really? I appreciate it."
Blades, "Of course, no problem."
Jazz, "Are you alright Elita Prime?"
Elita sighed, "I am alright."
Chase, "You do not sound alright. Blades can give you a check up now if you wish."
Elita, "I appreciate it but it is alright. Let's get to safety first. Then I shall be at your gentle mercy medic Blades."
Blades, "Avoiding Ratchet are we, dear Prime?"
Elita, "I am not really in the mood to listen to his berating, is all."
Optimus, "Elita, do not take what Sentinel said to spark, my dearest friend. You have grown and become stronger than before. That old Mech was just too blind to see it."
Elita would grimace if she was not in vehicle mode, "And this will not be the only time someone looks down on me, will it? Those old nobles will do so too."
Optimus, "Afraid so, my friend."
Elita somehow made her SUV look like it was scowling, "That does not bode well with me at all, Optimus."
Optimus recalling his own experiences, "Trust me, Elita! You have not seen the worst of it yet. Just wait till a Council meeting among the Elites are called. Then you really have to find a way to keep calm."
Heatwave shuddered, "Ugh! Those are the worst sort of meetings. I never attended them but the recordings were enough to make me want to punch someone through the screen."
Elita groaned, "And when Cybertron is revived, I have to start dealing with those, don't I?"
Optimus rumbled amused, "Comes with the territory of being a leader, my dear friend."
Elita grouched, "Can I give it back? Is it too late to change professions? Being a medic does not sound so bad."
Ratchet greeted them, "About time you got here. I am afraid it is too late now and too early till the Academy of medics open for you to start studying. Where is Sam? Give him to me. Do not fight with me on this Bumblebee, unless you want a wrench to your head."
Bumblebee grumbled about just getting him back but surrendered his charge to the medic for a check up. Elita went with Blades who was joined by Chromia who looked pretty stoic and judging the dents and scrapes visible on her SUV. The blue femme clicked her tongue and ordered Elita to transform so she could check the damage and assess her health better. Elita half wondered who was worst Ratchet or Chromia but did not say it out loud as Blades introduced himself making Chromia's optics glow. It has been a long time since another medic joined them, the Decepticons seems to have taken everyone under Shockwave when he was still a Senator. Ratchet returned Sam to Bumblebee only after giving the Knight a thorough check as well. The medic did not put it past the short tempered youngling to not jump into battle. Knight or not he was still the same hot shot bitlet who had a fuse shorter then Ironhide, it was only tempered by his Scout training.
Ratchet, "Get in here, Prime."
Optimus, "Of course Ratchet. No need to tell me twice."
Ratchet, "What happened out there? With Sentinel."
Optimus sighed, "You know how Primes can defend their honor against those who question their worthiness as a Prime, yes?"
Ratchet, "It is one of the oldest teachings, Optimus."
Optimus, "Yes Ratchet, and Elita challenged Sentinel to a fight for her honor after he slighted her. He said some things which were truly hurtful."
Ratchet, "Let me guess, he insulted her background and right to call herself a Prime?"
Optimus, "That is the gist of it, yes. I recall when I faced the same judgement. It made me question my own worth for vorns."
Ratchet grumbled, "Don't remind me. I had to hold Ironhide and... Megatron back from murdering those old coots. It was not easy mind you especially with Chromia being a protective mother hen, as the humans say over you."
Optimus smiled, "I think she might turn into one again after she learns what happened with Sentinel."
Ratchet, "I am not stopping her this time."
Optimus, "Also Megatron killed Sentinel Prime."
Ratchet paused before continuing, "Of course he did. He has been nursing a grudge against Sentinel ever since what happened to Shockwave."
Optimus, "They were friends, dear friends, almost Amica before it happened."
Ratchet, "You would have become Conjunx with him if not for Sentinel. Megatron knew that, everyone with optics worth their Energon could see it."
Optimus vented sadly, "I know, the bond just snapped cold. Like it never existed in the first place."
Ratchet, "Sam and the bitlets are unhurt. The British Government is requesting you to verify his safe return. The American Government is demanding answers. The Russian Government is enjoying holding them back."
Optimus snorted, "Honestly, politics never changes no matter what species it is."
Ratchet, "No, it does not. Alright, get going, you big lug. Unlike last time, you have less scrapes and dents, so as Raphael would say, it is progress."
Optimus, "How is young Raphael doing?"
Ratchet, "You know how close the boys are. He insisted on coming with me to check on Sam as well. They are with Bumblebee, him and Miles."
Optimus nodded, "I see. I am glad Sam has such dear friends. I pray and hope he does not loose them."
Ratchet, "I am going to check on Elita now. See you later, Optimus."
Optimus grumbled as he got up, "I will get working on the reports then, I will send the demands last of course. Far be it from me to deny someone their fun."
Ratchet, "And people wonder how you and Megatron are siblings. Chaotic Scraplets, both of you."
Optimus's optics twinkled in mirth at that as he left for his designated office in the base that the Russians set aside for him. For all their reputation about being terrifying in the social media, you could not deny they were fantastic hosts. Optimus sat on the Cybertronian enforced chair and got to work explaining what happened and what led to the international incident. The Prime half wondered if he should mention the inter Galactic repercussions Megatron's actions would have. After contemplating it a little, it was decided to be added to strictly confidential, need to know basis. Ratchet on the other hand, checked up on Elita ensuring she was alright then dragged Chromia and Blades for an impromptu medic meeting with Nautica and Rung on video call. The two were helping repair the castle and the ship Sentinel had destroyed and were relieved to know everyone was alive and okay.
Sam woke up to being snuggled by Raphael and Miles, 'Right, I am back.'
Miles' head popped out of the blanket, "You are awake. Sam's awake!"
Sam groaned, "Too early to be loud Miles."
Raphael, "You slept the whole day and night. It is the next day and you need to eat. You lost weight."
Sam, "What can I say? The Cons are not exactly great cooks. No there were no other humans on board. Just tasting the food was torture."
Raphael winced at that, "I can imagine. Remember when Bee tried to cook for us the first time? He used too much oil making it very oily and the food was still under cooked despite the high heat."
Sam giggled, "He has gotten better and in his defense, Cybertronian senses are much more different then human senses."
Raphael, "Point is, I bet the food the Cons made was like the first few batches Bee made."
Sam, "They were. I think Makeshift was the only one who could make anything edible and that's because boiling something is not that hard."
Miles, "Makeshift? Who's that?"
Jazz was behind him, "Makeshift is on Earth?"
Sam nodded, "He was Professor M, back in college."
Jazz nodded though he cursed mentally, "I see. We had our suspicions someone of his abilities might be around. I need to warn Mirage. Anything else you noticed on the ship?"
Sam, "Nothing I can think of right now. Though it could be because I just woke up."
Jazz waved, "Alright eat up. Ratchet mentioned you lost weight. I will catch up with you later."
Sam snorted, "Well, we can't expect the Cons to be Master Chefs, can we? I will be fine, Jazz, promise. Thank you for the food."
Jazz, "You starved there... "
Sam shook his head, "I would not say starved more like my appetite was ruined most of the time. I mostly ate the boiled vegetables and eggs Makeshift made for me but you know... Those by themselves is not exactly a full diet."
Jazz grumbled, "Stop defending them, will you?"
Sam, "I am just stating facts. In fact, we should thank our lucky stars the Decepticons have not gone the charity route when dealing with humans. A lot of humans despite acting highly civilized are still influenced by their stomachs and basic needs."
Jazz, "Before I leave I should warn you Optimus has questions about the Rescue Bots."
Sam was amused now, "Yes, I figured he might. I will talk to him after this."
Miles, "Should you really be moving about so soon?"
Sam, "My muscles feel stiff, so yes, I would like to move around. How are your old buddies doing?"
Miles sighed at the subject change but did not fight over it. He told Sam about his friends, Agnessa was about to get married, Dorofey was getting a promotion, Albert was at another post and Filipp was with Red Alert. Sam did not recall these people existing in Transformers Universe and happily took the information in as Miles got more and more animated about his friends. Raph talked about his friends too and mentioned Mikaela seemed interested in Miles making the dark skinned man splutter looking embarrassed. Sam had chuckled saying Mikaela had grown into a very beautiful and confident woman and would be a good partner for Miles. Miles turned more pink at that, he always had a crush on her since high school, but with everything that happened, he had ignored those feelings. It did not mean the feelings he had for her disappeared however and when he saw her again in the program looking very proud of what she achieved those feelings came back.
Prowl, "Sam, are you ready?"
Sam, "Sure am, we were just telling Miles here he should ask Mikaela out. She is single and he likes her."
Miles grouched, "I will when I am ready."
Raphael sighed exasperated, "Miles, you are a man with many achievements under your belt. How much more do you need to be ready?"
Miles, "The best for the love of my life."
Sam, "Cute! Okay Prowl, let's go."
Prowl chuckled, "Of course and Miles, there is a festival going on in the next town. How about you ask her out there?"
Miles, "You too Prowl."
Prowl chuckled, "Well, I wish to see you happy, all of us do."
Miles smiled at that, "Thanks guy. I think I will."
Raphael, "I will help him."
Sam smiled then turned to leave, "So, we are back in Russia."
Prowl, "The American Government is upset with us as we busted a group there. They were working for the Decepticons and it did not look well in the eyes of International community."
Sam, "Did you do that when I was out?"
Prowl, "Yes, it is the reason Bumblebee is not here yet. Optimus sent him on a mission to drag out any hidden Decepticon supporters among humans to light. Bumblebee took the job a little too gleefully."
Sam, "Sounds like he was holding a grudge."
Prowl snorted at that, "They are the same people who had been asking Miles for information on you. Bumblebee will return tonight, I believe he has found most of them by now. He is the best Scout we have, Knight or not."
Sam nodded, "True, he is going to be protective over us again, ain't he?"
Prowl, "Here we are! He is inside with Heatwave."
Sam thanked him and knocked, "Optimus?"
Optimus, "Come in Sam."
Sam, "Good morning Optimus. Jazz mentioned you have questions."
Optimus, "A few, yes. How long have you hidden them? The Rescue Bots."
Sam, "As long as they needed time. The Allspark did not lie to them about what happened and they needed time to process."
Optimus, "So, they know everything?"
Sam, "Everything the Allspark told them. I was not actively involved in the history lesson myself but I reckon they were given the whole run down."
Heatwave, "We were very much in a state of shock so Sam offered a second choice to be our hosts. The Burns family have been very kind and forth coming plus they are rescue workers as well. It seemed like the best option back then."
Optimus smiled at that, "I am happy you found family and friends among humans as well, Heatwave."
Sam, "I will apologize for keeping it from you, Optimus. However, I will not apologize for respecting another's wish for time and space to think."
Optimus relaxed, "Thank you for being honest with me on this, Sam. As peeved as I am about not being told, I do understand why. I would have practiced caution as well if I had been informed my home was destroyed upon waking."
Sam, "I am glad you understand, though it can be a little hard to accept."
Optimus stared at him hard, "The Allspark is hiding more of us, aren't they?"
Sam laughed, "Got it in one. They are being very protective over the minor groups who were on different planets when the war broke out. I really hope Cybertron can be fixed soon for everyone's sake however."
Heatwave, "What do you mean, Sam?"
Sam, "Earth is an organic planet but... Well, how do I explain this?"
Allspark, -Just pull off the band - aid, Sam. Tell them! They need to know why.-
Optimus, "Is it because of some of the human Government being hostile towards us?"
Sam, "Yes, for a minor part but no, for a major."
Heatwave, "Sam, what is it?"
Sam, "Call Elita over. She as one of the leaders deserves to know as well."
Optimus shared a look with the Rescue leader then spoke in his comm, "Elita Prime, please join us in the meeting."
Elita, [Did something happen?]
Optimus, "Sam has information for us that he insists you should know about."
Elita, [I see. Very well, I will be there in a minute. I was just catching up with the lovely Russian ladies.]
Optimus chuckled, "She sounds a lot better then before."
Sam, "Did something happen during your confrontation?"
Optimus, "Let's just say a lot words, hurtful ones were said and leave it at that."
Sam, "I am sorry to hear that."
Optimus, "Do not worry. Elita is a strong leader, even before she became a Prime, I trust her with my soldier's lives. She will not let a few words bring her down."
Elita knocked, "I am here."
Optimus, "Please come in, Elita. Have a seat. Now Sam, what is it you wish to tell us?"
Sam, "Alright, what do you know about the legends of Primus and Unicron?"
Optimus blinked but went along, "They were brothers. Lord Primus created us while Lord Unicron wished to devour and destroy us."
Elita nodded, "Lord Primus defeated Lord Unicron and cast him away from Cybertron to far unknown."
Sam, "That is where I will add on."
Heatwave, "Okay, let's hear it."
Sam smiled, "The Unicron travelled through the young, back then, Universe. It was mostly untouched by any other sentient form. After a long travel, the Unicron finally decided to rest joining a star system becoming one of it's planets."
Optimus looked at him suspiciously, "Do we know the star system?"
Sam, "Yes, yes you do. Really well I might add."
Elita catching on, "Do we know the planet?"
Sam, "Once again, yes, yes, you do."
Heatwave, "Wait, wait, wait, me too? But we were in a stasis lock."
Sam hummed, "You landed on that planet."
Heatwave's optics bulged in shock, "I... That's insane. It can't be.... You can't... But the Unicron is... You are.. "
Elita mumbled, "And here I thought nothing could shock me anymore... "
Optimus groaned, "I want to retire."
Sam, "Well that was not as bad as a reaction as I expected."
Heatwave, "As bad as.... Ugh! I can understand why humans look forward to retiring so much despite having a wonderful career."
Optimus, "Megatron can be the leader of Cybertron as much as he wants. I am retiring once this is all over."
Sam, "There! There!"
Elita, "Sam, is that all? Anything else we need to know?"
Sam, "Um.... I have a suggestion for when the governments turn on you. Mars is an open planet. And despite it's lack of organic life the Allspark insists there are four large veins of Energon. It was left by Quintus Prime."
Optimus, "Noted Sam! Sometimes I truly wonder about your species though."
Elita, "Indeed, I think I speak for all of us when I say your existence should not be logically possible."
Sam started giggling remembering a certain tumblr peeve, "I mean, once again, have you seen the planet we are on?"
Heatwave, "A literal death trap. Most Cybertronians would not even dare to step foot on this planet just getting the readings."
Elita, "The amount of moisture would be a pain in the frame to deal with. And the freezing temperature at the north and the high temperature in the middle is a big turn off for many Cybertronians."
Optimus, "If it was completely cold or completely heated it was one thing but we have to constantly adjust our bodies to the different temperature ranges here."
Elita, "I do not know how Nautica handles it. Ratchet and Chromia are always blowing a fuse everytime we get dispatched to a region with a drastically different temperature."
Heatwave, "Blades as well. He will sometimes refuse to let Dani out though she has experience."
Sam, "I understand. They are protective."