Given to Fly

Marty craned her neck as she looked up at Optimus. He was telling them of how their war came to Earth, and how they had been here for three years.

"And since you know of our existence," he said. "I fear that as of last night the Decepticons know of yours."

"Got it," said Jack. "we spot any strange vehicles, call 911." He pointed towards the drive out. "Can we go now?"

"Are you insane?" Miko snapped. "I'm living the dream here in Bots-wana and I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!"

"So, what do we do then?" Marty asked.

Optimius regarded her. "It is best that you four remain under our watch. At least until we can determine our enemies' intentions."

"Optimius," Ratchet's voice seemed to be a whisper, but it was still loud enough to hear clearly. "With all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere!"

"Children?" Jack muttered.

"They have no protective shell!" Ratchet said. "If they get underfoot they will go squish!"

"Then, for the time being, Ratchet, we must watch where we step." Optimius said.

Suddenly, an alarm with flashing lights went off.

"What's that?" Jack asked, worry filling his tone. Marty had never noticed how worrisome he was before.

Bumblebee buzzed in response.

"Proximity sensor." Raf translated. "Someone's up top."

Ratchet had turned to the computer screens. "It's Agent Fowler."

"I thought we were the only humans who knew about you guys." Marty asked. She wasn't jealous or worried. She simply wanted more information than she had.

Optimius turned to her. "Special Agent Fowler is our designated liason to the outside world, as he tends to visit only when there are issues. It may be best if you do not meet him at this time."

A four of the humans nodded and ran under the stairs, hiding against the wall. Marty could only see Bulkhead and Ratchet, the rest of the Autobots had disappeared out of her line of sight.

"Seven wrecks," said a man's voice above them. "thirty-four fender benders, a three hour traffic jam, and –on a particular note– numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make and a black and yellow custom muscle car!"

Marty cringed, knowing Fowler was talking about Arcee and Bumblebee.

"So," Fowler continued. "anything you care to get off your tin chest, Prime?"

"We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler." Optimius said.

There was a pause before Fowler spoke again. "They're back, aren't they?"

"If you are referring to the Decepticons, I have doubts that they ever left." Said the Autobot leader. "Your planet is much too valuable."

"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon." Fowler decided.

Marty peeked out from behind Jack to see Optimus stare down Fowler. His glare was enough to make a grown man shrink, but not Fowler.

"Hear me, Agent Fowler. We are your best, possibly your only defense against the Deception threat."

"Says you." Snapped back the Agent.

"Hey, fleshy!" Bulkhead said. Marty watched as he grabbed what looked like a tool. "Did anyone get splattered on that freeway? Team Prime knows when to use force, and how much to use." He crushed the tool in his hand with raw power.