Hot Rod, "Hey Vivian , are you sure about this?"
Vivian, "I am completely sure. I have been studying the maps for months now.. Well, almost four years but details."
Hot Rod sighed, "My sweet girl, you are too stubborn. You really believe this, huh?"
Vivian read through her papers and notes, "Sam mentioned the Cube and the Matrix confirmed the Staff of Merlin exists. So, I am going to find it."
Hot Rod, "That cannot be the only reason. What is going on Vivi?"
Vivian sighed, "The Staff while not exactly that impressive to look at can be used to stabilize Cybertron. And I really want to see your planet. The only way to do that safely is to quickly stabilize it first. I know it will take years but I am not giving up."
Hot Rod stared then shook his head, "Fine! I will help but only if you promise to rest. I worry for you, my little spark."
Vivian, "Okay, but we are heading out to meet Subzero tomorrow. I finally have a location and I am not losing it."
Hot Rod, "Of course, of course. Now, for the love of Prime get some rest. Even Sam is resting after being rescued from the kidnapping."
Vivian, "Fine! I guess I should call him first, shouldn't I?"
Hot Rod, "Yes, you should but tomorrow."
Vivian agreed as she started to eat, "I swear you sound more and more like a father rather than a Guardian sometimes."
Hot Rod watched her amused, "I will take that as a compliment then, my little spark."
Vivian muttered biting the bread, "That's what Tailgate and Cyclonus call their kids."
Hot Rod, "Do you mind?"
Vivian, "Well, not really. I mean, I have known you since I was a child. After dad died, you were the one who took care of me. Sent me to therapy, to school, made sure I ate properly, and all that."
Hot Rod grinned, "You calling me your Dad?"
Vivian smirked, "Mom is more like it."
Hot Rod was about to protest but then, "Well. I certainly look far better than any mommies out there."
Vivian snorted, "Yeah, yeah." *yawn* "I am gonna sleep now.'
Hot Rod looked smug as Vivian fell asleep, 'I did say you were overworking yourself.'
Vivian woke up the next day in a blanket burrito, 'Ah! Right, I have to call Sam today. Hopefully Ratchet has let him go by now.'
Hot Rod, "Good morning, I got you breakfast."
Vivian, "Thank you, I appreciate it. Oooh! Toasted bread with scrambled cheese eggs, my favourite."
Hot Rod, "After breakfast call Sam first, then we will go meet Subzero."
Vivian, "You better keep your promise, Hot Rod."
Hot Rod waved his servos as he recalled the last few years. After Vivian lost her father he had been the one to take up the role of one. He was not planning on becoming a Guardian to any human to be honest. Their lives were too short for his taste but seeing the little girl huddled in the corner as she watched her father's funeral proceed made something stir in his spark. He could not ignore the little one and had contacted her mother introducing himself as an old family friend. Vivian had ignored him the initial month but slowly, he had encouraged her to open up and trust him. Vivian had looked at him suspiciously and had called him a haunted armor which honestly made him want to laugh. He was older than any ghost or ghouls out there, thank you very much but it had been a start of her opening up. It was completely worth seeing her come out of her shadow, make friends, play and laugh again.
Sam, "Do you three need a moment?"
Elita, "I.. I think we do, Sam. We have been here for a few hours now. While that is nothing to us, humans need to eat and drink."
Heatwave, "Perhaps have a late lunch, if I recall you missed it."
Sam grinned, "Okay, I will go grab lunch. Call me if you need anything or have more questions to ask. I will do my best to answer without compromising others."
Optimus held a servo to help Sam get off the table and watched him leave with Bluestreak who Elita had called a few minutes ago. The young sniper greeted Sam very joyfully and was telling him about the latest show he had watched. It was something called the Addam's family, a very old comedy show. Elita and Heatwave looked lost in thought as they processed what they just learned when Optimus realized none of them had asked for the Unicron's location. Then again, he doubted Sam would have told any of them the location, even if they asked. The young man took his job as a host very seriously and refused to always tell the location of anyone under his protection. He certainly kept the information about the Rescue Bots under lock and key, even his parents did not say anything though they have monthly chats with Bumblebee.
Elita, "Is this what you had to deal with after you became a Prime?"
Optimus snorted, "Tis is just the beginning. Wait till the fights over control of Earth starts."
Heatwave, "They would try to control the Unicron, won't they?"
Optimus, "Power hungry politicians are a dime and a dozen as the humans say."
Elita, "We cannot let this information out. It is too risky. Some fool might try to wake up Unicron and I do not think the God of destruction would be happy."
Optimus, "Indeed, that is why I had this place secured first."
Heatwave leaned back sighing, "Wise decision, doubt Sam will say anything about this to anyone though. That young man holds secrets better than some high security vault, that is till he decides it is time to shock people."
Elita murmured, "I think the Allspark might be acting mischievous too actually. I mean it is sentient after all. I can imagine they are not happy with us."
Optimus, "I will grab some energon for us to take."
Heatwave, 'I have a feeling this is not over.'
Sam meanwhile was listening to Bluestreak chatter, 'He really is like his G - 1 version. It is kind of nice.'
Bluestreak, "FRIENDS is such an awesome series. I miss my late friends and watching the show feels very comforting. I am talking too much again, aren't I?"
Sam, "Oh no! I enjoy listening to your talk and the Allspark too."
Bluestreak's door wings fluttered at that, "Really? I am not being annoying?"
Sam, "Really truly, want to talk to the Allspark?"
Bluestreak, "After you finish eating, yes! I would love to. I have so many questions to ask them. That is if it is not too much trouble."
Sam, "Of course not! The Allspark is very fascinated by your growth too. They were expecting you to be more reserved and opposite of what you were before."
Bluestreak, "Oh! I will try to answer any questions they have."
Sam grinned and after finishing his food agreed to let him and the Allspark talk making Bluestreak beam happily. He had a feeling he needed to give the three leaders a break before talking to them again about other facts and lore. Sam had always found Bluestreak to be a sweetheart despite his gossipy nature to talk and blabber all day and everyday. Sam noticed the Allspark answered the sniper's questions even though it was short answers which was already more than what Sentinel got. Sam let them be and floated in the shared mind space towards the area the Matrix resided. The Matrix hummed in greeting and sent out a soft pulse to show they were very pleased by the events the last few hours. Sam made himself comfortable as the soft warm pulses was felt by him not physically but mentally. It was honestly like being hugged by warmth that was just comforting and homey. Sam made himself comfortable as the chatter surrounded him, as he waited for Bee to return or be called by Optimus again.
Sam startled hearing a phone call, "Hello?"
Vivian, -Sam, I heard you are back. Are you ok?-
Sam, "Vivi, I am alright. They did not hurt me, promise."
Vivian was quiet for a while, -Sam, your definition of alright and not getting hurt is completely different from the rest of us.-
Sam, "You too?"
Vivian, -Me too? So, Ratchet lectured you already. Will you listen?-
Sam, "I always listen, but things happen sometimes."
Vivian, -Thing happen, huh? Fine, I will not scold you cousin. For today, at least.-
Sam, "Thank you for your mercy."
Bluestreak watched as Sam chatted away, his comm flickered, "Hi Bluestreak here."
Bumblebee, -Blue, Ratchet says Sam is with you.-
Bluestreak, "He is talking to cousin Vivian right now. She sounds like she just woke up."
Bumblebee, -Stay close to him. I will be there in a few minutes.-
Bluestreak, "Of course Bee, you can count on me, bro. We are a family unit."
Bumblebee, -I know, it does not stop me from worrying though. He was captured twice right under my sensors.-
Sam was finishing the call, "I will call you back, Vivian. I promise I am fine."
Bluestreak, "Oh? Done?"
Sam, "Yeah, who were you talking to?"
Bluestreak smiled, "Bumblebee is returning home. He finished with him mission."
Sam, "I see. Was he alright?"
Bluestreak, "He sounded fine... Maybe a little weary and tired but missions like these can be draining emotionally as the humans say."
Sam, "I can imagine. Should we wait for him here or go to the office?"
Bluestreak, "Um... We could wait here but, don't you have to got to office again?'
Sam, "You got me there. Let's go!"
Bluestreak, "We don't have to, if you don't want to. Ratchet did say you need to recover peacefully."
Sam smiled, "You really are a sweet Mech, Blue. Never change, okay?"
Bluestreak grinned, "You got it."
Vivian meanwhile got ready to meet Subzero, "Alright let's go to the port, Rod."
Hot Rod opened his door, "Sure hop in."
Vivian watched the road and scenery pass by, "Okay, I already talked to a few people I know about diving gears. Just in case we need to dive."
Hot Rod, "My girl, you really resemble your Uncle Archibald right now. I wonder if this is what they mean by genetics."
Vivian simply grinned, "Well I hope I can do my Uncle proud by finding the Staff then."
Hot Rod, "You can do anything you want, my girl. You have my full support."
Vivian saw the port gates, "Is this the place?"
Hot Rod, "Yes, do not worry about entry. It is covered for. I have a reputation with these guys as that one car."
Vivian paused, "What have you been doing during your free time? Saving drowning people?"
Hot Rod, "Ehhh... "
Vivian, "Merlin! You have! That is very impressive."
Hot Rod, "Thanks! I mean, I help if I see someone needs help but I try not to interfere too much if they have things under control."
Vivian smiled then looked ahead, "Is that Subzero?"
Hot Rod, "Nope! That is the latest submarine. Subzero is more of a classic look lover."
Vivian furrowed her eyebrows in confusion looking around, "Okay then.... Is she further in?"
Hot Rod, "Yes, you will love her. She is as the humans say, the mom figure of the friend group."
Vivian, "You mean the mom friend."
Hot Rod, "Potato, potato. Same difference. Here we are!"
Vivian, "Is that the Antiope? I thought she sunk back in 1946."
Hot Rod rumbled, "It takes more than a war to bring the big girl down."
Subzero, "Hot rod, little Vivian, look at how much you have grown. You were just a toddler the last time you came here with your father."
Vivian startled at that, "You knew my father."
Subzero opened her hatch allowing her inside, "I was his most trusted babysitter whenever he had work at the docks. You probably do not remember much but I still have those little drawings you made."
Vivian blinked, "Drawings? I mean I recall spending time with my Dad at the docks but I do not remember meeting you. I am sorry."
Subzero, "Bah! Do not apologize for something like that. You were just a kid happy to spend time with your Dad. Who was I to butt in and interfere between your father - daughter time."
Vivian's lips twitched into a smile, "This place does look familiar.... That bed... Are these the?"
Subzero, "Yup, kept all of them."
Vivian looked through the drawings and sketches, "I barely recall doing these. I can't believe you kept them."
A red head man walked in, "I think those are adorable."
Vivian, "Hot Rod, is that a tattoo?"
Hot Rod, "Yup, it was a symbol I earned on Cybertron, figured I would incorporate it into my human look too.'
Vivian, "Suits you. Ack!"
Hot Rod steadied her by the shoulder, "Easy my girl. What happened, Subzero?"
Subzero, "Just a giant wave. Do not worry about it though. We are doing a slow dive in a few minutes. Brace yourselves the pressure change can be a doozy."
Hot Rod, "Let's get comfortable, shall we, my girl?"
Vivian, "Sure dad, will you make my bed too?"
Hot Rod, "Gladly!"
Vivian, "You are enjoying this a little too much."
Hot Rod, "Maybe, now, get comfortable and enjoy the sights, my girl. I get the feeling we are going to enjoy this."
Vivian snorted as she lay back trying to ignore the slight pressure she was feeling in her ear from diving deeper into the ocean. Hot Rod took out more of the drawings and started asking questions about it making Vivian's ears burn from embarrassment. After a while however she started to recall a few snippets from her childhood about her time at the dock and let out a nostalgic mile. Outside they were travelling across, corals and pools of fish minding their own business. Vivian after a while cuddled up to the Hot Rod in his holoform while being joined by another holoform of a navy woman. The holoforms were in Vivian's humble opinion were aesthetically pleasing to the eye and she enjoyed he lunch prepared by Subzero. Apparently she learned to cook human food during her down time but there was no sushi only cooked fish.
Subzero, "Doctor's orders, no raw fish."
Vivian sighed and muttered, "Fine, I will eat at one of the high end restaurants."
Hot Rod, "Only the ones that are approved."
Vivian, "You are taking this Dad thing, too seriously."
Hot Rod, "Shush! And let me take care of you, my girl."
Subzero chuckled, "You claimed her as your sparkling, didn't you?"
Hot Rod, "My programs did before I even realized I was a Guardian. I just could not ignore her, especially when she was so tiny and grieving. I just knew that had to care for her and make sure she grew up well no matter what."
Subzero, "I feel the same way about my sailors."
Vivian simply sank into the pillows feeling warm yet embarrassed by the parent talk between the two, 'Well, it could be worse.'
Subzero looked up, "I cannot go further than this."
Vivian, "We reached the area, it is okay. Now, the medallion my Dad has been studying."
Subzero saw the medallion and her holo eyes sharpened, -Hot Rod, that is not an Earth medallion, it is Cybertronian.-
Hot Rod, -Yes, it is. We all know they have been in contact with Cybertronian tech since the thirteen Primes arrived here.-
Subzero, -I know that. What I mean is that medal belonged to the Knights of Cybertron.-
Hot Rod, -You sure about that?-
Subzero, -Yes, you know I was not always a submarine right? I was an information analyst before the war. Collecting data on our mission before heading out was my job.-
Hot Rod, -I know, but honestly speaking.... I am a little reluctant to find the Knights as it would mean we have to leave Earth and I would have to leave Vivian.-
Subzero, -I understand. It is easy to get attached to these chaotic gremlins, isn't it?-
Hot Rod, "Yeah, all of us got attached. I would not be surprised if the Knights were too."
Vivian came out in her diving gear, "Attached? To what?"
Hot Rod chuckled, "Not to what, my girl. It is to whom."
Vivian adjusted her meter, "Oh? Who is it then? Someone I know?"
Subzero grinned, "Yes, you know them very well."
Vivian, "No straight answers, huh? Fine, keep your secrets. Let's go get my treasure."
Hot Rod, "Alright, alright. But Vivian, are you sure this is the place? I honestly see nothing but debris."
Vivian took out the medal, "That is where this little baby come in. It is, I am pretty sure a relic from King Arthur's time. It is meant to summon help, at least according to the old texts and scrolls."
Hot Rod, "I see, well let's go, but you are sticking close to me. Got it?"
Vivian, "Yes dad, let's go already."
Hot Rod sighed still feeling reluctant to let her out in the middle of the ocean so many leagues away from the surface. Subzero was already instructing Vivian to step into the pressure chamber to help her adjust to the pressure outside. Vivian floated around the chamber for a few minutes getting used to the pressure on her body and gave a thumbs up after a while. Hot Rod waited patiently till Vivian joined his Cybertronian form and headed towards an area the medal was pointing it. Hot Rod eyed the medal that changed shape pointing at an area under the coral and he swam towards the spot as the medal got more excited. They stopped over an empty area and the medal slipped through Vivian's fingers under the sand and sea creatures that scuttled away at being disturbed. A few minutes later they felt a tremor as something started to rise from under the sand making them back up a bit. Hot Rod noticed an opening and went towards it, the area was Cybertronian sized and Vivian looked around excitedly as they came out of the water.
Vivian, "It is a spaceship, Hot Rod. It is a spaceship."
Hot Rod, "I can see it, my girl. Are you seeing this Subzero?"
Subzero, -Yes, I was honestly not expecting that. Do be careful, you never know what sort of defenses might be active.-
Hot rod, "We will be safe."
Vivian, "Hot Rod, Hot Rod, come here. Look at this. This is the symbol of the Knights."
Hot Rod, "I see it. We found it after all."
Vivian beamed, "Looks like it. Ha! Wait till that arrogant jerk finds out. His expression will be hilarious, too bad I won't be around to see it."
Hot Rod, "That blond one or the brunette?"
Vivian, "Both! Doesn't matter, this is mine to enjoy. I will leave talking about this later as anyone can tell this is Cybertronian and I need to research more. Ooooh! Hey, look at this mural."
Hot Rod, "Is that who I think it is?"
Vivian, "Merlin with his dragon. Well, of course, it turns out to be a Cybertronian native and not an Earth dragon."
Hot Rod, "That is not a bad thing though, is it?"
Vivian, "Of course not, though this raises the questions about how many places the Cybertronians visited and on how much they influenced Earth's culture."
Hot Rod, "I need to report this finding, my girl. The rest of the team will be excited we found another Cybertronian ship."
Vivian waved her hand, "Oh! Right, go ahead. I am going to take photos of these murals then moving in further."
Hot Rod hesitated, "Do not go anywhere without me. I mean it. It will only take a few minutes tops."
Vivian was checking the film, "Sure, sure Dad. Just go do what you need to."
Hot Rod went outside again, "Magnus, can you hear me?"
Magnus, -Loud and clear. What happened? You went missing for a while.-
Hot Rod, "We or rather Vivian found it."
Magnus, -Captain?-
Hot Rod, "The ship that belonged to the Knights. It is in bad shape though. It will require a lot of updating and maintenance."
Magnus, - ... Only you Captain, only you.-
Hot rod, "Hey, what does that mean?"
Magnus, -You should return to your sparkling, Captain. I have a gut feeling, as the humans say, she will be attracting trouble.-
Hot Rod, "You know, when I re - enter my signature will disappear again, right?"
Magnus, -Do not worry, I have requested a team consisting of three Rescue Bots and Elita Prime and her team to head to your location.-
Hot Rod, "Leave a mark. Okay, I can do that."
Magnus, -See you soon, captain.-
Hot Rod, "Right, Vivi? Where are you my girl? I told you not to go alone."
Vivian's voice came from another chamber, "I did not go far. Get over here and look at these chests. They are huge."
Hot Rod hurried over, "That was dangerous. And what do you mean..... Oh! Those are pretty huge chests."
Vivian, "Right? Think you can open it?"
Hot Rod, "I can try, though it may not... *click* .... It opened."
Vivian, "What's inside? Let me see too."
Hot Rod picked her up, "Weapons and from what I can tell, maintenance stuff for said weapons."
Vivian, "So this is the storage, got it. Let's go further. Come on!"
Hot Rod, "Alright, alright. You know I am supposed to be the leader who leads."
Vivian stuck out her tongue, "You are my Dad not my leader."
Hot Rod, "You know, that should make you listen to me more."
Vivian, "Maybe I want to be rebellious."
Hot Rod poked her head gently, "Brat!"
Vivian laughed then gasped, "Look at this place. It looks more regal than the previous chamber. Put me down. I want to have a closer look."
Hot Rod eyed the statues "Ah, I do not think that is a good idea."
Vivian noticed the tense posture, "What is the matter?"
Hot Rod, "Those statues are suspicious. Just be careful."
Vivian approached the middle of the room, "Right, ok, I will be careful."
Hot Rod, 'Why am I getting judgmental vibes from the one in front of us? You are just a statue, why do you look judgmental?'
Vivian, "Hot Rod, help me with this, will you?"
Hot Rod looked at the statues, "Alright but stay behind me please. It could be a trap."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, "You think so?"
Hot Rod, "This looks more important than other chests and it looks like a Cybertronian tomb actually."
Vivian, "Oh! I see. That is fascinating."
Hot Rod, "I am going to open it. Stay alert."
Hot Rod then opened the crypt like tomb in the middle of the room with beautiful Cybertronian engravings on it. Just as the tomb opened a burst of energy went out making the energon readers around the planet and solar system all the way to Cybertron flicker with alarm. He paused then jumped out of the way of a sword picking Vivian up and taking a battle stance. Vivian shrieked at the sudden movement then stared at the statues that turned out to be Cybertronians looking like Medieval Knights but alien in shape. Knights that had their huge swords drawn against them. Vivian gulped a bit and then tapped Hot Rod to place her down but the Mech refused growling a bit displeased holding her closer. For a split second Vivian thought one of the Cybertronians looked amused by the action but decided she did not want to ask about it yet.
Vivian, "I will be fine. They look like Knights to me."
The one in red chuckled, "Indeed, young one. We are."
Hot Rod froze, "Oh Primus! We found you. We found the Knights of Cybertron."
Vivian looked down, "Is that a human?"
A dark brown one spoke, "Yes, he was. Sadly humans cannot live long and he is the only one our strongest artifact reacts to."
Hot Rod, "Want to give it a try?"
Vivian squeaked, "Me? What do you mean try?"
Hot Rod, "I mean your cousin is adored by the Allspark and the Matrix. And if the gossip is anything to go by, they consider you and your baby cousin Cody secondary host options."
The tallest one interrupted, "What do you mean? The Allspark and the Matrix?"
Hot Rod grinned placing Vivian down, "This is Vivian Wembly, her cousin Samuel Witwicky is the host of the Allspark."
The red one nodded, "Figures the Witwiccans are still alive and playing hosts to Cybertronians."
A femme drawled, "They are not drunkards, I hope."
Vivian made a face at that, "I do not think Sam can get drunk even if he tried. The Allspark burns any poison and medicine that enters his body."
Hot Rod gave a sharp look, "Were you experimenting behind Bumblebee's back?"
Vivian, "It was before Bumblebee was Knighted by the Allspark and Matrix. He does not know and does not need to know."
The red one kneeled, "Did you say there is a new young Knight?"
Vivian, "Yes sir... um... "
The red armored Knight was amused, "You ay call me Dragonius, little one."
Vivian bowed, "It is an honor and pleasure to meet you."
Dragonius, "Likewise, now I believe you came here for the staff."
Vivian, "We did, but it belongs to you. So, we are not taking it. We only came here to make sure it was safe."
Hot Rod, "Besides, the ship is way more valuable from where we are standing."