Transformers Regenerated: Unicron Saga XII, Chapter Five

EDITED 8/24/2016 Changed Spike's real name since I'm working on a backstory for the Witwicky family

EDITED 2/13/2024 Changed Sparkplug Witwicky's profession from oil rig to salvaging company.

CHAPTER FIVE

    "Name?"

    "Hunter O'Nion," the red-haired teen said, straightening his green "Alien Death Ray" shirt. "That's 'oh-nigh-on', not 'onion.'"

    "Where are your parents?" Agent Fowler asked.

    "Both gone. I'm living with my uncle in Portland."

    "How did you come to be involved with the Autobots?"

    "I saw two driverless cars going down the highway and wanted to show my friend Spike. So we went to Jimmy's shop and... stuff happened."

    "Yes, Mr. Pink gave me a full rundown of what happened," Fowler murmured. "Thank you for your cooperation. Any questions?"

    "Can I--"

    "Too bad." Fowler started to rise from his seat but then stopped. "Wait... what were you going to say?"

    "Can I-- I mean, may I use the restroom?" Hunter smiled weakly. "I... kinda need to go."

    Fowler stared at him blankly before saying, "Down the hall, third door to the right."

*  *  *

    "Name?"

    "Verity Carlo." The black-haired girl folded her arms across her chest, looking as if she had better things to do.

    "Where are your parents?"

    "No idea."

    Fowler raised an eyebrow. "Any guardians?"

    "Nope."

    "I see." Fowler tapped his lips with his pencil, looking down at his notes, before saying, "How did you come to be involved with the Autobots?"

    "I found this device thing and wanted to show it to Jimmy. Then all heck broke loose."

    Fowler nodded. "Thank you for your cooperation. Any questions?"

    Silence.

    "Very well. Wait outside the hall."

*  *  *

    "Name?"

    "Spike Witwicky," the dark-haired boy said, looking around nervously.

    Fowler lifted his gaze to him. "Birth name."

    Spike sighed. "Steven Witwicky. But my friends call me Spike."

    "I'm not your friend. Where are your parents?"

    "In Portland. My dad runs a salvaging company."

    Fowler nodded. "Mr. O'Nion told me that he took you to Mr. Pink's repair shop to witness two driverless cars going down the highway. Is that true?"

    "Yup. I mean; yes, sir."

    "Very well. Thank you for your cooperation. Any questions?"

    "Does this place have air conditioning?" Spike fanned himself with his hands. "It feels humid in here."

    "Take it up with the big giant robots. Dismissed."

*  *  *

    The shock he had felt earlier beginning to fade away, Jimmy Pink looked on in fascination as the Autobots moved about their base.

    Two of them- one red, the other yellow- were playing catch with a giant metal ball. Nearby, stationed at a large monitor, was a white and red robot, who was clearly perturbed by the sport. Lastly, standing off to the side, were two bots both colored in white and black, though one sported blue and red stripes. They appeared to be deep in conversation.

    Jimmy broke away from the sight when a door opened behind him and Hunter, Spike, Verity, and Agent Fowler stepped out. The latter bushed past Jimmy and walked up to the railing that overlooked the first floor.

    "Prowl!" he called to the stripeless white and black Autobot. "I need to speak with Prime."

    Prowl nodded and pressed a button on the side of his head, speaking into a built-in comlink. Moments later, Optimus Prime emerged from his office, Bumblebee right behind him.

    "Yes, Agent Fowler?" the Autobot leader asked.

    "I've spoken with the kids," Fowler said. "I can safely say that they are not sleeper agents for Sector Seven or any... rival organizations."

    Hunter looked at him aghast. "What made you think we were?!"

    Fowler ignored him. "However, unlike most agents in my field, I do not like the idea of erasing their memories. I propose an alternative solution."

    Optimus nodded for him to continue.

    Fowler took a deep breath, prepared to have his idea shot down. "I suggest that four Autobots be assigned to them as guardians."

    "What?!" the tall yellow Autobot exclaimed in disbelief, dropping the metal ball.

    "It's too dangerous to just send them back to their homes without any protection," Fowler went on. "Even if we put them into custody, they'd be at risk and the Decepticons- if they are indeed back- could easily track them down. So they will need Autobot guardians to protect them from such attacks."

    The same yellow Autobot scoffed. "Since when did we become pet-sitters?"

    "Quiet, Sunstreaker," Optimus said sternly. To Fowler, he said, "Your idea is sound, Agent Fowler. I shall assign them guardians immediately."

    "Good," Fowler said. "I'll let you handle things from here. I still need to come up with a cover story for the incident."

    With that, the special agent left, leaving the four teens alone with the Autobots. After a bout of awkward silence, Jimmy decided to break it.

    "So, uh, do we get to pick our guardians, or...?"

    "We aren't exactly automobiles you can browse at a car lot," Prowl said stiffly. "I'm sure Prime will assign us as he sees fit."

    "Actually," Optimus said, "I think this is the perfect opportunity to get to know these humans and them us."

    Prowl opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by the blue-striped Autobot. "I'm all for it. Earth is pretty groovy, so I'd love to get to know it better."

    Verity's mouth fell open. "Did... did he just say 'groovy?'"

    The Autobot chuckled. "Sure did. Name's Jazz. Probably explains a lot, I know."

    "Were you always called that?" Hunter asked. "Even on your homeplanet?"

    "Well, technically, my name's translated from Cybertronian, which you guys probably can't pronounce... but yeah, it's always been Jazz."

    A wide grin broke out on Spike's face. "I think I'm going to like it here."