Ruby - Origins - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Testing*

"Well," began Major Lennox, snapping out of his initial shock, "I think that concludes the basic tests. Strength and endurance seem to be up to scratch."

"Up to scratch?" said Tyrese, "She's like Superman!" the smile left his face temporarily, "But you know, a woman."

"So, what's next?"

Major Lennox looked down at his clip board and began to scribble something at the bottom of the page.

"Shall I take her to the autobots?" said Tyrese

Major Lennox surveyed Ruby for a moment, then said, "Yeah, that's probably the best idea."

The autobots were not in their hanger, but Tyrese and Ruby found them to the side of the air field. Optimus, Ironhide and Ratchet appeared to be having a discussion about something. The others were practicing. 

Jolt used his electric cables to catapult heavy objects at Sideswipe, who slashed them out of his way with his two massive kitchen knives. The metal hides of the autobots glinted brightly in the blistering sun. The air smelled of singed metal and petrol.

Ironhide ran over to them, causing the ground to quake under his heavy steps.

"What's up guys?" he boomed.

"Yo, it's going good!" replied Tyrese, "Just finished the obstacle course with Ruby"

"Er, you mean I finished the obstacle course," Ruby corrected, "You just stood there."

"And I enjoyed every second of it," said Tyrese sheepishly. "Anyways, we're handing her over to you guys now, test her, um, abnormalities."

Ruby wanted to point out that she was still there and could hear him, but then she reminded herself that he was right, she was full of abnormalities now, having all her insides coated in metal alloys and what-not.

"Optimus is going to see what you can do that is more similar to our kind than yours."

"Like what?" asked Ruby, "I don't think I'll be able to shoot lasers out of my eyes."

"That's not what we have in mind don't worry," chuckled Ironhide.

Ruby was worried. She was going to be put to work by giant alien robots for goodness sake.

The autobots had Ruby practice her jumping first. And it was like flying. Ruby ran at Optimus, coiled her leg muscles and sprung into the air. She completely overshot Optimus' shoulder, leaping straight over him and landing gently on the other side. She continued running for a few steps to retain her balance.

Ruby looked back over her should at her target, "Oh."

"Well," began Ratchet, "She can definitely jump up to things." He chuckled, "Just looks like we'll have to work on the aim."

"Sorry," blushed Ruby, "I didn't know what to expect."

Optimus was hollow of humour, "Do you want to try again?" he asked politely.

"Yes please," replied Ruby. The concern held by Optimus had spread to Ruby, and she felt the exhilaration dying in side of her. Ironhide stood behind Optimus, with Ratchet, and now Jolt and Sideswipe had stopped what they were doing to watch. 

Ruby set herself a different pace this time, going slower, and then she jumped lightly up twenty five feet to land on Optimus' shoulder perfectly. She slipped her feet down to sit with her legs dangling over his shoulder blade.