Chapter 36

Ascending from the ravine, the eighteen-wheeler rumbled across the road and were it was soon joined by as peculiar and unrelated a trio of vehicles as one could expect to find gathered together in the same place. There was a beautiful sports car, an emergency vehicle, and the baddest-looking pickup truck he'd ever seen. That's it, he decided suddenly. Earth's being invaded by alien car buffs.

Optimus Prime's transformation from his 1997 Peterbilt 379 EXHD.

The transformation begins with a simple yet satisfying motion as the engine cover is pushed down to hinge open, revealing the intricate machinery beneath. The sides of the truck swing outwards as the halves of the front section separate, laying the groundwork for Optimus Prime's legs.

The halves of the truck's front section continue to separate, forming the legs of Optimus Prime. The rear wheel assembly also splits apart, with the front and back pieces swinging down towards each other. As the transformation progresses, the hood pieces fold in half and swing up to lock in the shins, forming the knee plates. The bumper bar sections slide outwards and around, automorphing into the feet with a cool yet simple mechanism that adds to the excitement of the process.

With the lower body now in place, attention turns to the cab of the truck. The back of the cab is separated, and using multiple hinges, the side body panels are swung around behind the back to fold together into a backpack-like structure, completing the robot mode's silhouette.

The forearms are disengaged from the shoulders and swung down, with vent panels opening to reveal the hands. After rotating the hands out, the vent panels close to lock them in place, while the rear chassis pieces close up beneath the forearms. The shoulder armor is rotated into position, and the shoulder locks are rotated upwards to break up the flat expanse of the cab top. The hips are locked into their forward position, and the final automorph is engaged, splitting the windshield in half and raising the head up out of the cab, accompanied by flashing lights and laser blast noises.

Optimus Prime is shown with a complex mechanical structure, predominantly in blue and red, with silver accents that highlight his design. His head features a silver crest and small protrusions on the sides, resembling ears. The torso reveals intricate mechanical elements in silver and grey, simulating the machinery beneath his armor, with a central red section and a silver Autobot insignia.

His arms are layered with armor, with wide red shoulders and blue lower arms detailed in silver. Each hand is articulated, capable of movement. Notable on his back are wing-like structures near the shoulder blades, blue with silver edges, and additional mechanical details below that resemble vents or machinery components.

The waist is covered in armor plates in blue, grey, and red, with the legs following the same design pattern. They are sturdy, with heavy plating in red and blue, and exposed mechanical workings in between. Optimus Prime's feet are large and designed for stability, with overlapping plates and mechanical elements in blue and red.

Alexander and Mikaela watched in awe, while Alexander thought,"It is awesome to see Optimus Prime upclose."

As the three new arrivals simultaneously transformed into upright robotic shapes. He stared harder. Something was happening to the machines' eyes. Or perhaps what he and Mikaela were seeing was the reflection of some complex inner process. Standing in a silent semicircle, the alien quintet picked up the nearest Wi-Fi broadcast from town and went online en masse. As the two teens looked on, the towering machines proceeded to download nothing less than every piece of information available on the entire Internet.

It did not take them very long at all. When they had finished absorbing everything there was to know, the monolith that had been the diesel inclined toward the two teens and said something. While not an electronic squeal or an edited radio broadcast, Mikaela and Alexander was able understand some of jt reflected.

"Was that—Chinese?" she suggested.

"Classical Mandarin? I dunno, but it would make sense," he agreed. "If I was a new arrival on a new world, I'd start by trying to speak the language used by the largest number of people."

Their brief conversation was all that Optimus Prime needed to identify their modulated verbal exchange as English. He lowered his head farther toward them. Since it was a good deal bigger than the two of them put together. The voice that emerged from the massive head was carefully muted, designed to reassure and not frighten." So you are Alexander Morozova, Bumblebee told me you have retrieved Archibald Whitwickys glasses?

Alexander nodded and replied, "Yes, I have it safe in my home."

Optimus Prime's deep, resonant voice hummed with authority as he said, "My name is Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."

Ratchet, the team's medic, chimed in, "Bee told us everything. Thank you for helping us."

Alexander nodded again, a sense of duty and resolve clear in his eyes. Beside him, Mikaela held his hand tightly, her anxiety palpable as she took in the imposing figures before her.

Jazz, exuding his characteristic swagger, broke the tension with a grin. "What's crackin', little bitches?" he greeted, his tone light but confident.

Jazz was primarily silver with sleek black accents that highlighted his athletic form. His chest was made up of the Pontiac's front chassis, and his feet incorporated the wheel wells, giving him a distinctive, sturdy look. His face, a blend of black and silver, featured a retractable blue visor that added to his futuristic appearance.

Optimus gestured towards him, introducing, "My first lieutenant. Designation: Jazz."

With a burst of agility, Jazz executed a flawless flip and landed smoothly on an old junk car. He looked around, assessing their surroundings with a critical eye. "This looks like a cool place to kick it," he declared, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.

Mikaela was curious questioned," What is that? How did he learn to talk like that?"

Optimus answers, "We've learned Earth's languages through the World Wide Web." He then gesturing towards Ironhide, who stands tall and imposing in his formidable robot form. With his body having dark, with shades of black and silver, accented by metallic blue.

His chest is broad, resembling the front grill of a truck, indicative of his alternate mode.

Head is Proportionally small compared to his body, with glowing blue eyes and mouth-like ventilation grills. With pronounced brow-like structures that contribute to his stern expression. With protective head plating with sharp angles and edges, indicative of a battle-hardened warrior and cheeks with streamlined armor plating that contrasts with the more intricate machinery of the face.

Nose Area is prominent vertical ridge replaces the nose, leading down to the upper lip area and mouth composed of segmented parts resembling a grille or vent.

Arms are Bulky and powerful, with visible hydraulics and integrated weaponry, one arm ends in a large cannon-like appendages. Also with claw-like with articulated fingers, suggesting combat readiness.

Lower Body has thigh armor with protective plating over jointed limbs, leading to substantial knee pads and heavy-duty boots.

Back showcases a complex network of mechanical parts, including cables and structural supports that hint at vehicle components like exhaust pipes, essential for his transformation ability.

Optimus Prime continued, "Our weapons specialist, Ironhide."

Ironhide, with a menacing grin, pointed his energy cannons that ignited on his arms towards Alexander and Mikaela. "You feeling lucky, punk?" he growled, his voice dripping with intimidation.

Mikaela, eyes wide with fear, stepped back and clung to Alexander, trying to hide behind him. The tension in the air was palpable.

Optimus quickly intervened, his tone firm and commanding. "Easy, Ironhide."

Ironhide chuckled, lowering his cannons. "Just kidding," he said, his voice losing its edge. "I just wanted to show him my cannons."

The mood lightened, though Mikaela's heart still raced. The Autobots, despite their intimidating appearances and powerful weapons, were here as allies. Alexander gave Mikaela's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Finally, Optimus Prime singled out the mechanoid that had morphed from an emergency vehicle. " "Our medical officer, Ratchet." he stands out with his yellow and green color scheme, which is symbolic of his role as a medic, reminiscent of emergency vehicles. His design is complex and mechanical, featuring gears, pistons, and paneling that suggest a sturdy build capable of withstanding the rigors of battle.

With the Autobots Insignia prominently displayed on his chest is the iconic, set against a silver grille, signaling his allegiance and his commitment to the Autobot cause.

His head is adorned with a combat helmet-like faceplate, with blue optical sensors that serve as his eyes. The silver and red accents give him a look that's both functional and intimidating. His arms are equipped with various tools and mechanisms, hinting at his versatility, whether it be for repair work or combat. The articulated fingers suggest a high level of dexterity, essential for his role as a medic. The large panels on his back resemble wings or storage for additional equipment, contributing to his imposing silhouette and readiness for any situation.

Ratchet's legs are designed for stability and strength, ending in heavy-duty boots, allowing him to move swiftly in rescue missions or battle scenarios.

Rachel gave Alexander a nod, while Optimus gesturing to bee added," You already know Bumblebee."

Alexander nodded and said," Yeah."

Emerging from Rachet, a holo-graphic medical beam passed harmlessly over Bumblebee and said,"His vocal processors were damaged in battle. But it seems, you did very good job of repairing it."

Alexander smiled and replied,"Thanks."

Optimus spoke up," Ypu already know from Bee we are here looking for the AllSpark. And we must find it before Megatron."

Alexander nodded and said,"Yes, I know the details. Bee explained everything to me"

Optimus nodded and continued, "Now we need the glasses to find its location before any of the Decepticons get there hands on it."

Alexander nodded as he watched all the Autobots turn into the vehicle form, Alexander and Mikaela jumped into Bee's Camaro. Bee raced forward leading the way, while other Autobots followed behind.

While in the interior of the C-17 was big enough to carry cargo as well as personnel. Among the latter were the remnants of a special operations team who were using the air time to contemplate anything other than their military specialties. Relieved of any immediate duties, at least until the plane landed back in the States, Lennox and his men sat resting or conversing quietly among themselves. Farther up the belly of the big military transport, a team of a different kind was laboring over a table that was half surgery, half machine shop.

The specialists in attendance were similarly equally divided between experts in repairing bodies and those who could take apart and put back together again everything from a muscle car to a microchip. On the table before them, a segment of mechanical tail that had once belonged to the alien creature called Skorponok was slowly but steadily repairing itself. Leaning slightly over the table, the leader of the research team was watching the process unfolding before him in utter disbelief.

"Unbelievable. It's some kind of self-regenerating molec-ular armor. A multiplicity of super-refined metals blended with ceramics and a few other components we still haven't been able to break down."

Drawn by the conversation, one by one Lennox and his men ambled over to observe the observers. As the ones who had recovered the tail piece in the first place, he and his men had been given unrestricted access to the dissection. Lennox was the first to arrive tableside. Intently, he scrutinized a torn edge where the artillery round had severed the tail from the rest of the body. "The scorch marks show where the sabot round hit," he pointed out. "Melted right through."

The research team leader nodded as he nudged a mag-nifier into position over the spot. Leaning close, the interested captain noticed right away how the burned edge was different from the rest of the slowly regenerating tail. The team leader confirmed what he was seeing.

"It's the only part of the severed appendage that isn't regenerating." Straightening, Lennox pondered the implications. "Aren't sabots hot-loaded for a six-thousand-degree magnesium burn?"

Epps watch in everything replies, "Close to it. It melts tank armor."

Lennox nodded and added," So this metal skin must react to extreme heat. An explosive round would generate similar heat, but only briefly. But a mag burn would linger on the site and stay hot for a lot longer. Maybe long enough to overcome the resistance of whatever this thing is made of."

Their exchange was rudely interrupted as the severed tail gave an abrupt, explosive twitch. The hypodermic-sharp tip slammed completely through the table just inches infront of Epps, who moved away in time.The guards and researchers leaped or stumbled backward. One woman fell down close to the table and had to be dragged into the clear, but the danger had already passed. The tail went limp again, and the convulsive reaction was not repeated. For the moment.

Epps in anger yelled,"Whoaaah! I thought you said that thing was dead, man!"

As Lennox and other soldiers came and held it down, Lennox immediately ordered, "Strap it down! Strap- this thing is wicked." he then came next to Epps and added,"All right, get on the horn with Northern Command. Tell them that our effective weapon is high-heat sabot rounds. Recommend we load them on all the gunships. Go."