HOME | DD

Description
I hurried into the grocery store and reached into my pocket to make sure my money was still there. Three dollars and seventy eight cents. That was all I had today. I was lucky enough that I had even that much. With what little money I was able to save, I could buy something to eat today without having to worry about going hungry for awhile. I might even be able to stretch it out for another day or two if I was lucky. Grabbing a box of granola bars I noticed a sign that said that the bananas were half off. Snatching one I hummed to myself with happiness. I could save some for tomorrow and not have to worry about food in the morning.

Walking up to the register, there was an older woman working there finishing up with a customer. When it was my turn she grabbed my two items and rang them up before looking at me with a concerned expression. She seemed to know something was off about me. Ducking my head down, I pretended count out my money. Hopefully she would just ignore and go back to her job again. It was rare but sometimes someone would notice my appearance.

For a seventeen year old I was small and skinnier than a stick; probably from not getting enough nutrients I needed as a kid while I was growing up. My hair was black and short. It wasn't shiny like mosts girls since it was rare when my house had shampoo I was aloud to use. I had on an old black baggy long sleeved sweatshirt to hide my appearance. One of my sleeves had slid up and exposed my skinny arm. Quickly I pulled it back down. I had one one of my moms pair of jeans I had found up in the attic from years ago. With all the use I had gotten out of them, they were now worn and ripped up here and there. I had also found her old black tennis shoes and luckily my feet fit.

"Your total comes up to four dollars and ten cents" The womans voice gerked me out of my thoughts.

Tencing up, I looked at the total before turning my attention back to her. "The bananas were supposed to be half off." I quietly said, my eyes darting back and forth as I tried not to look her in the eyes.

The woman frowned before reaching up to the little walky talky thing that was attached to her shirt. A minute later she replies to the person on the other end before turning back to me. "I'm sorry dear but someone must have forgotten to take down the sign."

Sadly I knew I would have to go without it and just eat the granola bars. "Oh ok....I-I really don't need it anyway." I said barely above a whisper. Staring at the floor, I couldn't look at her as my cheeks flushed with embarrassment and shame. It was silent for a moment before I saw her hand put the granola bars and banana into the bag.

Gasping I hurriedly tried to stop her. "Mame! I-" I was cut off as she shushed me. Reaching into her pocket she took out five bucks and put it into the cash register. My eyes went wide and my voice stopped working as my mouth opened and closed.

Shoving the bag into my hands, I tried to protest and give it back. I flinched away from her as she gave me this stern glare. "Now I know you weren't telling the truth. Just think of this as a favor to me. I can't stand to see anyone go hungry." she determinedly said.

Bowing my head, I held on tightly to my bag. My face was beet red now and I hurriedly said my thanks and bowed before rushing away.

~~~~~TF~~~~~~

A white and red ambulance with a strange symbol on the hood drove down the highway. Unknownst to the people he had passed though it wasn't just a normal ambulance. The ambulances was actually an alien and his name was Ratchet. As he stopped at the red light he thought back to how he had been forced into this situation.

He had been cleaning some medical tools on the table beside the medical berth when he had seen Optimus walk in. Optimus kept a straight face, making sure his emotions where hidden when he came through the doorway. With being friends with Optimus for lightyears, I had learned to read the emotions that were hidden behind the mask he wore most of the time now as a Prime. There was a slight tightness around his eyes and I noticed the slight tenseness in his frame as he walked up to me. Anyone else would have missed it but not me and from what I could tell I was not going to like what Optimus had to say.

Glancing up at him I let out a sigh. Putting down the last tool I had been cleaning into its proper place, I sub spacing the rag I was using and turned to Optimous. "I know you're not here for an early exam so what brings you here Optimous?"

I saw the slightest flash of amusement in his eyes and he let himself simile one of his rare smiles before he continued spoke up in neutral tone. "You are right old friend, I have been meaning to talk to you and now seems like the best time." Raising a optic ridge I waited for him to continue. Frowning, he said in a serious voice "As you know I have been sending out everybot so that they may learn what they can about the humans on this planet. Almost everyone else has gone and since no one is in need of medical service I thought that you should take this opportunity to go."

Annoyance flared throughout my processors as I let out an aggravated growl "I have more than enough things that need to be attended to here Optimus! If I don't finish getting everything organized what am I supposed to do when we have an emergency and I can't find the right equipment? I'm sure there is some other mech that would be more than willing to go."

Optimus let out a sigh as he shut off his optics and pinched his nose with his fingers in aggravation. "Ratchet I'm sure that we can spare an hour of being without our medic and the equipment isn't going anywhere. I will personally make sure that I have somone guard the medbay so that no one will go in our out and it will be exactly like you left it."

I tried the last thing I could think and practically growled out "Optimous I see no need to go wandering about aimlessly when the humans have this internet we can access. It offers significant enough information about this planet and its inhabitants. "

Crossing his arms Optimus comley replied "As useful as that information is Ratchet there are just some things that you can not learn through reading as well as what you can learn by experience. You more than anyone should understand this being a medic. Its only a matter of time until we are discovered. I would like for each of us to be prepared for when that happens."

"But-!"

"Ratchet!" Optimus's voice rose before continuing in a lower tone. "Please, just this once, do it for me. I do not want to have to make this an order."

My shoulders slumped and I hung my head before I let out a long vent "Ok Optimous just this one time...." I said as I gave in. I felt a servo on my shoulder. Looking up, Optimus smiled and patted his shoulder "Thank you old friend. I know how much you dislike leaving your medical bay or the base for that matter. But I feel it is necessary to get used to this new world as quickly as possible."

And so thats how it went and here I am! Driving down the road freezing my tail pipe off.

Turning a corner I slammed on my brakes as a green sports car cut me off. Slagging humans! Can't even obey their own traffic laws! I thought as he continued down a road that led to a human housing district. Checking my internal clock I saw that I still had half a milla cycle. I revved my engine in frustration. Like everything else on this planet the human houses would almost be all the same if it weren't for little details and the colors. House with fence. House without fence. House with driveway. House without driveway. House with organic plants. House without. Not only was there any humans around it was starting to getting really boring.

I couldn't blame them though, no human in there right processor, would be crazy enough to go out in this temperature. It was just a waste of time to be driving around out here. Since I had nothing better to do I ran a scan of the area just to see what I could pick up. I sputtered in surprise and my brakes squealed as I came to a complete stop. There was a strange signal on my radar, that hadn't been there a klik ago, now just a couple blocks away from my position. Confusingly it almost read as energon signal but didn't quite match. If I hadn't ben nearby it probably wouldn't have shown up on my sensors at all. Curious I started driving towards it to find whatever was giving off such a signal. I picked up speed as I drove deeper into the housing district as quickly as possible.

~~~~~Lexi~~~~~

I hurried home, through town, as I got closer to my neighborhood. The temperature was dropping quickly now that the sun had set. Storm the clouds gathered overhead and a harsh cold wind tore through my sweater, making me shiver. The storm wasn't what I was worried about though. I needed to get back before Dad noticed that I was gone. If I didn't I knew what the consequences would be. Befor I had left my Dad had passed out drinking and I had taken this opportunity to go get food for myself. All day yesterday he had been away and he had eaten out all day long. That meant that there would be no food for me to eat in the mean time. I dared not touch anything in case he noticed something had gone missing. If he didn't eat that meant that I didn't get to eat. I was only allowed to eat whatever was left over after he had finished his meal. That was if anything was left over.

There weren't many cars on the road as I made my way home. Most people would be taking shelter now since we were preparing for a bad snowstorm. I was halfway home and was making good time when I heard a engine revive behind me, making me jump. "Hay whats a pretty girl like you doing out this late? Shouldn't you be inside?" Glancing over my shoulder I spotted an orange truck driving up next to me on the wrong side of the road. The man drove at a pace to match mine, his buddies in the back of the truck drinking and laughing. I tried to ignore them as I continued walking hoping that they would just go away.

"Whats the hurry sweet stuff? You in a hurry because of the cold? I could give you a ride and warm you up reeaally fast!" he laughed. His friends snickered in the back and one even hooted. I flenched away from the truck and my face drained of its color. Go away! I thought. I tried to put distance between them as I walked on the grass instead of the sidewalk; picking up my pace. My arms and legs started to shake as I hurried along. These guys weren't going to let me go and there was no one around.

"Aww come on now dont be like that." He pouted. "We just want to help you out...and maybe have some fun too." He said as he drove his truck onto the sidewalk. Some of his friends jumped out of the car and started walking behind me.

Not knowing what to do I took off running. Please God help me get away from these jerks! I prayed. There was a woop behind me as one of the guys yelled out "There she goes!" Another yelled "I always love it when they run" Footsteps pounded behind me as I tried to get away.

My heart pounded in my chest as I hung on to my grocery bag like it was a life line. My eyes darted here and there as I looked for an escape. Something caught my foot as I was looking, causing me to trip. Regaining my balance I ran on. My lungs started to ache and my breath became short. I wasn't a runner and my body was to weak to handle what I was pushing myself to do. I couldn't concentrate anymore and I started to panic. There going to get me! There right behind me! All of a sudden the panic left my mind and I felt calmer. Someone grabbed my arm tightly. I felt a strength in me that was impossible for my body and I easily ripped my arm away from the tight grip. The new strength gave me a burst of energy to continue running, this time faster than before. For some strange reason I felt prompted to look to my left and when I did so, my eyes zeroed in on something I had missed.

There was an alleyway and I quickly darted down it. I ran to a door to one of the buildings and tried to open it only to find it locked. Quickly I continued running when I heard my pursuers. Thinking fast I grabbed a few trash cans that were lining the ally pulled a few over hoping it would slow them down enough to let me get away. As I turned back to continue running my eyes met what was in front of me making my eyes widened. There at the end of the alley was a tall wooden fence about eight or nine feet high. Fear started to take control of me again but it was suddenly brushed aside once more. Running up to the end of the ally it was like I knew what I had to do. I jumped off of the ground and placed a foot on the side of the building and push upward on that. Grabbing the top of the fence I launched myself over it with the momentum and landed on both feet on the other side. Panting I slid down to the ground in exhaustion. Muffled voices approached the other side of the fence until I could here them. "Where'd she go?!" "She couldn't have gotten over the fence! That things way to high!" "Check the door we passed she might have locked it from the other side!" I sighed in relief as I heard the footsteps fade away.

As I recovered my breath I got back to my feet and continued making my way home at a fast pace. After awhile of traveling down alleys and though my neighborhood I started to wonder how did I get over that fence? And how in the world was I able to run like that? It should have been impossible now that I think about it. I wasn't paying attention as I crossed the street to my house and I jumped at what felt like a smack to my head. When I was brought out of my thoughts I heard tires screeching, causing me to look up in surprise. I saw an ambulance heading straight for me! I closed my eyes waiting for the impact.....and waited...and waited.

"Ms are you all right?" A male voice said worriedly. Slowly I opened my eyes and jumped back. The ambulance had stopped mere inches from hitting me.

"Y..Yes I think so." I stammered out as my heart felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. I was shaking all over at the realization that I could have died hit me. I tried to see the person that was driving but strangely the glass was too dark. I involuntary shuttered as a strange tingling sensation ran over me.

"I'm very sorry about that Ms! I was distracted and in a hurry and I didn't see you." he stammered.

"No I had a lot on my mind and I wasn't paying attention either." I apologized.

There was silence for a minute before he spoke again "It was neither of our faults but just as a precaution, when you get home you should eat and relax. Your fr-body seems to be lacking nutrients that it needs and you are very stressed probably from almost getting squished. It wouldn't be any good to have you faint from hunger after having a near death experience."

I looked at him strangely but chalked up his weird speech to being a doctor thing. Putting on a fake smile I replied "Thanks...I'll do that."

I about to continued on her my way when I was interrupted. "Ah Ms! You dropped your food." Turning around I grabbed the bag I had dropped and started to walk away. "Next time you try crossing the street please pay attention. It would be terrible if you were accidentally dama...Uh...hurt." He called after me. Waving a hand letting him know I heard, I huffed to myself in annoyance and quickly walked down to my house.

The ambulance sat there for a few moments taking note of what house she entered before driving off again.

As I closed the door and I sighed in relief. Now to get upstairs without waking Dad up. I thought. As quietly as I could I snuck down the hallway. The living room hallway was on the left and after that was the kitchen. I had to cross passt both of them in order to get to the stairs. Hopefully Dad would still be asleep in the living room chair. Peeking around the corner I saw bottles strone around the lazy boy chair as usual and the stains on the carpet that made the room stink. I was horrified though to find the chair empty. Dad was up! Did he know I had gone out though?

I quickly snuck past to come up to the next doorway. I heard rummaging around in the kitchen and I slowly looked in. Thankfully Dad had his back to the fridge and was getting more beer out. While his back was turned I ran passed and up the stairs as quietly as possible. Shutting the door I listened for footsteps. When I didn't hear him coming after me I sighed in relief. Walking to my bed I sat down, took out my food, and began eating.

My thoughts wandered back to the crazy day I had. As I ate I couldn't help but start to wonder. How did the guy driving the ambulance know I had food in my bag? Shrugging it off I got up and hid the bag and the rest of my granallas in the closet behind what little possessions I had. Exhaustion started to take over as I let out a yawn. Throwing off my shoes, I didn't care about changing into pajamas as I layed back down and grabbed a blanket. Today had been crazy and I felt like I was starting to get a bad headache. Growing from the pain I snuggled into my covers and hoped to fall asleep soon. I layed there and rubbed my moms necklace, I always wore, between my fingers. It helped calm me whenever I did. As I closed my eyes I felt affection brush against my consciousness as I finally drifted off....

Bang! I startled as a loud noise woke me up from my peaceful slumber. With heavy eyes I looked up to find my Dad standing in my doorway. He was a big man, muscles could be seen under his shirt and his black hair was cut short. He worked out as much as he drank and no one would have guessed his real personality from his looks. When I looked at his face I was shocked; he had a half smile half smirk and his brown eyes shone with happiness. Not once had I seen him smile in the last seven years.

Hurriedly I flung the covers off and jumped out of bed. Glancing at the clock I saw that it was twelve thirty four in the morning. "W-what's going on?" My question went unanswered as he ignored me and stomped over towards me. I scooted back against the bed and tenced. I raised my hands up to protect my face but yelped when my wrist was grabbed tightly instead. I struggled usually as he jerked me behind him down the upstairs hallway and stairs. I struggled to keep my balance as we descended. My heart was beating ninety miles an hour "D-dad! What are you doing?!" I cried.

When we finally got downstairs to the living room there were two guys there dressed in some kind of black ninja military gear. There faces where covered by masks and they each had orange goggles on. Dad through me in front of himself and I stumbled into one of the guys. I was pushed back to my feet as my dad said "Here she is. Do what you want with her, but you better hold up your end of the bargain."

Shaking in fear, I tried to back away but one of the guys grabbed my arm and I struggled uselessly against him. The other said to Dad "You'll get your money and what you asked for soon." My dad nodded in affirmation and smiled.

At those words I stopped struggling and stood there shocked. My face went pain and I gasped at I was hearing. When I spoke it was like someone else was talking. "M-money? You're selling me?!" I half cried half whispered. I felt my eyes get wide and I barely noticed when tears start to fall down my cheeks. Jerking my arms I was dragged out the front door. "Dad! You cant do this! I'm your daughter! Dad please!" Something covered my mouth and I felt myself getting sleepy all of a sudden. A car door was opened and I was thrown in the back seat. Blinking I barely kept my eyes opened as I started to drift off. Pain, hurt, and brokenness echoed off of the raging anger that wasn't mine. Whats going to happen to me? was my last thought before my consciousness was drug into darkness.

~~~~~TF~~~~~~

I drove around the human femmes house a few times trying to decide what to do before eventually parking a block away. Usually I would have been more careful driving around human housing units but the closer I got to the signal it started to put out a distress call before slowly vanishing altogether off of my radar altogether.

I was very confused and frustrated as I speed along. I was so close to finding the source and it just upped and stopped broadcasting. Scanning the area over and over again I didn't pay attention to the human crossing the street. When my optics landed on the femme I slammed on my brakes as my tires slid against the pavement causing them to burn in pain. When she glanced up I saw the horror on her face as she through her hands up.

It took everything I had not to transform right then and there when the signal blasted fully against my sensors, screaming at me in distress. To my utmost shock the signal was emanating from the small human in front of me. I asked her if she was unharmed as I shut down most of my sensors I was using to track the signal with and bough up my medical program. Quickly I scanned the femme only to become confused. The girl in front of me seemed human enough (one that was in poor health I might add) but she also read of something cybertronian that I couldn't identify.

With some mistakes with almost using cybertronian terms I quickly corrected myself as I told the girl that she should eat and get some rest before she left with her bag of fuel. As I had watched her enter her house I contacted Optimus. ~This is Optimus~

~Optimus I found something strange I think you should know about. While I was driving I was scanning the area and came across a faint distress signal and followed it to its source.~

~What did you find Ratchet?~

~....A human femme. For some odd reason she was the source of the signal. My scans couldn't find any reason as to why she was producing this signal and it would appear and disappear without a trace like it was never there. She is certainly human and from what I could tell didn't have anything cybertronian on her but to make sure I would need a closer examination~

~For now observe and protect the human. We need to find out where this signal is coming from and protect her from any Decepticons that might harm her. Keep running scans if you can and do not engage. If there is a chance that we can remove the source of the signal without her knowledge that would be best~

~Understood. Ratchet out~

I sat there for a couple hours not picking up the signal again. I scanned the house to find the femme quickly going upstairs. To my pleasure she had taken my advice and refueled but to my dismay though I found that half of what she consumed was less than healthy for her. Grumbling to myself about humans and bots alike not taking care of themselves properly, my attention turned back to the femme. Mostly it was boring until after awhile she seemed to start showing signs of a processor ake to my concern. Quietly she drifted off into a peaceful recharge without to much trouble and I felt somewhat relieved. Hoping that I wasn't the cause for her condition, I quickly looked up human symptoms and causes for such a illnesses.

After a couple of hours of research I moved on to looking up information about this human. My search came up for a young human femme by the age of seventeen, soon to be eighteen, called Lexi Lockheart. Her sires name is Daryl Lockheart; age fifty six, currently looking for work. I would have frowned if I was in my bipedal form as I read about her other creator. Her carriers name was Cindy Lockheart; age forty nine, current whereabouts where unknown, possibly dead. Concerned I tried to find out more about her human carrier until I was pulled out of my thoughts as a dark green sports car drove up and parked in front of her house. My interest peaked as two strange men, completely covered in garments, walked up to her door. To my surprise the man who answered the door, quite possibly Daryl, seemed unconcerned as he let the two strange men into his house.

Turning my sensors to the people inside I found Lexi to have been awoken and was highly stressed. After while there were a few noises and yelling and all of a sudden the door opened and Lexi was being dragged out of the house by one of the men as he put something over her mouth. I revved my engine angrily and quickly scanned Lexi to find she had been drugged and had fallen unconscious. Befor I could react she was thrown in the back of the car and the two humans speed away. Quickly I took off after them determined to rescue Lexi and find out what was going on.

~~~~~Lexi~~~~~

I had a major headache as I groggily woke up to the smell of leather. As I opened my eyes I found myself laying down in a small sports car. Where am I? I though before it all came crashing back to me. My eyes got wide as I remembered. Falling asleep in bed, my Dad, the men! I spotted the guys in the front of the car as we drove along. I didn't get up and they didn't seem to realize I was conscious so I was careful not to move. I closed my eyes, barely peeking out of one as we drove along.

"Are you sure she's ok? You know what will happen to us if she isn't!" The guy driving stated.

"I made sure to use the right dosage! She should be asleep for hours. Way after the time we get back to base." The guy beside him argued back angrily. He must have been the one who knocked me out. He glanced back at me just to be sure and I was glad I had closed my eyes again.

My heart pounded in my chest as I pretended to be asleep. I was sure that they knew I was awake because they must be able to hear my heartbeat as loudly as it sounded to my ears as it thumped rapidly against my chest. I opened my eyes carefully again to find he turned away.

He continued talking to his partner as she watched "Besides once we get back to base she will be someone elses problem."

Driver guy sighed "True and we are almost half way to the base. But why would the boss want this brat anyway?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought back to how I had gotten into this mess. I knew that Dad didn't like me but to go so far as to sell me! And who was this boss guy and what did he want with me? I bite my lip to keep myself from crying. There has to be a way to escape, but how? I layed there for what felt like ages. As I thought I glanced out to window to see that snow was falling down hard outside. The trees we passed by where already covered in a thick layer. I didn't see any buildings or lights as we drove along what seemed to be a long road though a forest. I was definitely in deep trouble all right. How was I going to get out of this mess?

Hope you enjoyed reading my story! Tell me if you liked it. Remember comments help the author to keep writing. I do not own any of the transformers only Lexi and the plot. Thanks for reading chapter 1!

Description
I hurried into the grocery store and reached into my pocket to make sure my money was still there. Three dollars and seventy eight cents. That was all I had today. I was lucky enough that I had even that much. With what little money I was able to save, I could buy something to eat today without having to worry about going hungry for awhile. I might even be able to stretch it out for another day or two if I was lucky. Grabbing a box of granola bars I noticed a sign that said that the bananas were half off. Snatching one I hummed to myself with happiness. I could save some for tomorrow and not have to worry about food in the morning.

Walking up to the register, there was an older woman working there finishing up with a customer. When it was my turn she grabbed my two items and rang them up before looking at me with a concerned expression. She seemed to know something was off about me. Ducking my head down, I pretended count out my money. Hopefully she would just ignore and go back to her job again. It was rare but sometimes someone would notice my appearance.

For a seventeen year old I was small and skinnier than a stick; probably from not getting enough nutrients I needed as a kid while I was growing up. My hair was black and short. It wasn't shiny like mosts girls since it was rare when my house had shampoo I was aloud to use. I had on an old black baggy long sleeved sweatshirt to hide my appearance. One of my sleeves had slid up and exposed my skinny arm. Quickly I pulled it back down. I had one one of my moms pair of jeans I had found up in the attic from years ago. With all the use I had gotten out of them, they were now worn and ripped up here and there. I had also found her old black tennis shoes and luckily my feet fit.

"Your total comes up to four dollars and ten cents" The womans voice gerked me out of my thoughts.

Tencing up, I looked at the total before turning my attention back to her. "The bananas were supposed to be half off." I quietly said, my eyes darting back and forth as I tried not to look her in the eyes.

The woman frowned before reaching up to the little walky talky thing that was attached to her shirt. A minute later she replies to the person on the other end before turning back to me. "I'm sorry dear but someone must have forgotten to take down the sign."

Sadly I knew I would have to go without it and just eat the granola bars. "Oh ok....I-I really don't need it anyway." I said barely above a whisper. Staring at the floor, I couldn't look at her as my cheeks flushed with embarrassment and shame. It was silent for a moment before I saw her hand put the granola bars and banana into the bag.

Gasping I hurriedly tried to stop her. "Mame! I-" I was cut off as she shushed me. Reaching into her pocket she took out five bucks and put it into the cash register. My eyes went wide and my voice stopped working as my mouth opened and closed.

Shoving the bag into my hands, I tried to protest and give it back. I flinched away from her as she gave me this stern glare. "Now I know you weren't telling the truth. Just think of this as a favor to me. I can't stand to see anyone go hungry." she determinedly said.

Bowing my head, I held on tightly to my bag. My face was beet red now and I hurriedly said my thanks and bowed before rushing away.

~~~~~TF~~~~~~

A white and red ambulance with a strange symbol on the hood drove down the highway. Unknownst to the people he had passed though it wasn't just a normal ambulance. The ambulances was actually an alien and his name was Ratchet. As he stopped at the red light he thought back to how he had been forced into this situation.

He had been cleaning some medical tools on the table beside the medical berth when he had seen Optimus walk in. Optimus kept a straight face, making sure his emotions where hidden when he came through the doorway. With being friends with Optimus for lightyears, I had learned to read the emotions that were hidden behind the mask he wore most of the time now as a Prime. There was a slight tightness around his eyes and I noticed the slight tenseness in his frame as he walked up to me. Anyone else would have missed it but not me and from what I could tell I was not going to like what Optimus had to say.

Glancing up at him I let out a sigh. Putting down the last tool I had been cleaning into its proper place, I sub spacing the rag I was using and turned to Optimous. "I know you're not here for an early exam so what brings you here Optimous?"

I saw the slightest flash of amusement in his eyes and he let himself simile one of his rare smiles before he continued spoke up in neutral tone. "You are right old friend, I have been meaning to talk to you and now seems like the best time." Raising a optic ridge I waited for him to continue. Frowning, he said in a serious voice "As you know I have been sending out everybot so that they may learn what they can about the humans on this planet. Almost everyone else has gone and since no one is in need of medical service I thought that you should take this opportunity to go."

Annoyance flared throughout my processors as I let out an aggravated growl "I have more than enough things that need to be attended to here Optimus! If I don't finish getting everything organized what am I supposed to do when we have an emergency and I can't find the right equipment? I'm sure there is some other mech that would be more than willing to go."

Optimus let out a sigh as he shut off his optics and pinched his nose with his fingers in aggravation. "Ratchet I'm sure that we can spare an hour of being without our medic and the equipment isn't going anywhere. I will personally make sure that I have somone guard the medbay so that no one will go in our out and it will be exactly like you left it."

I tried the last thing I could think and practically growled out "Optimous I see no need to go wandering about aimlessly when the humans have this internet we can access. It offers significant enough information about this planet and its inhabitants. "

Crossing his arms Optimus comley replied "As useful as that information is Ratchet there are just some things that you can not learn through reading as well as what you can learn by experience. You more than anyone should understand this being a medic. Its only a matter of time until we are discovered. I would like for each of us to be prepared for when that happens."

"But-!"

"Ratchet!" Optimus's voice rose before continuing in a lower tone. "Please, just this once, do it for me. I do not want to have to make this an order."

My shoulders slumped and I hung my head before I let out a long vent "Ok Optimous just this one time...." I said as I gave in. I felt a servo on my shoulder. Looking up, Optimus smiled and patted his shoulder "Thank you old friend. I know how much you dislike leaving your medical bay or the base for that matter. But I feel it is necessary to get used to this new world as quickly as possible."

And so thats how it went and here I am! Driving down the road freezing my tail pipe off.

Turning a corner I slammed on my brakes as a green sports car cut me off. Slagging humans! Can't even obey their own traffic laws! I thought as he continued down a road that led to a human housing district. Checking my internal clock I saw that I still had half a milla cycle. I revved my engine in frustration. Like everything else on this planet the human houses would almost be all the same if it weren't for little details and the colors. House with fence. House without fence. House with driveway. House without driveway. House with organic plants. House without. Not only was there any humans around it was starting to getting really boring.

I couldn't blame them though, no human in there right processor, would be crazy enough to go out in this temperature. It was just a waste of time to be driving around out here. Since I had nothing better to do I ran a scan of the area just to see what I could pick up. I sputtered in surprise and my brakes squealed as I came to a complete stop. There was a strange signal on my radar, that hadn't been there a klik ago, now just a couple blocks away from my position. Confusingly it almost read as energon signal but didn't quite match. If I hadn't ben nearby it probably wouldn't have shown up on my sensors at all. Curious I started driving towards it to find whatever was giving off such a signal. I picked up speed as I drove deeper into the housing district as quickly as possible.

~~~~~Lexi~~~~~

I hurried home, through town, as I got closer to my neighborhood. The temperature was dropping quickly now that the sun had set. Storm the clouds gathered overhead and a harsh cold wind tore through my sweater, making me shiver. The storm wasn't what I was worried about though. I needed to get back before Dad noticed that I was gone. If I didn't I knew what the consequences would be. Befor I had left my Dad had passed out drinking and I had taken this opportunity to go get food for myself. All day yesterday he had been away and he had eaten out all day long. That meant that there would be no food for me to eat in the mean time. I dared not touch anything in case he noticed something had gone missing. If he didn't eat that meant that I didn't get to eat. I was only allowed to eat whatever was left over after he had finished his meal. That was if anything was left over.

There weren't many cars on the road as I made my way home. Most people would be taking shelter now since we were preparing for a bad snowstorm. I was halfway home and was making good time when I heard a engine revive behind me, making me jump. "Hay whats a pretty girl like you doing out this late? Shouldn't you be inside?" Glancing over my shoulder I spotted an orange truck driving up next to me on the wrong side of the road. The man drove at a pace to match mine, his buddies in the back of the truck drinking and laughing. I tried to ignore them as I continued walking hoping that they would just go away.

"Whats the hurry sweet stuff? You in a hurry because of the cold? I could give you a ride and warm you up reeaally fast!" he laughed. His friends snickered in the back and one even hooted. I flenched away from the truck and my face drained of its color. Go away! I thought. I tried to put distance between them as I walked on the grass instead of the sidewalk; picking up my pace. My arms and legs started to shake as I hurried along. These guys weren't going to let me go and there was no one around.

"Aww come on now dont be like that." He pouted. "We just want to help you out...and maybe have some fun too." He said as he drove his truck onto the sidewalk. Some of his friends jumped out of the car and started walking behind me.

Not knowing what to do I took off running. Please God help me get away from these jerks! I prayed. There was a woop behind me as one of the guys yelled out "There she goes!" Another yelled "I always love it when they run" Footsteps pounded behind me as I tried to get away.

My heart pounded in my chest as I hung on to my grocery bag like it was a life line. My eyes darted here and there as I looked for an escape. Something caught my foot as I was looking, causing me to trip. Regaining my balance I ran on. My lungs started to ache and my breath became short. I wasn't a runner and my body was to weak to handle what I was pushing myself to do. I couldn't concentrate anymore and I started to panic. There going to get me! There right behind me! All of a sudden the panic left my mind and I felt calmer. Someone grabbed my arm tightly. I felt a strength in me that was impossible for my body and I easily ripped my arm away from the tight grip. The new strength gave me a burst of energy to continue running, this time faster than before. For some strange reason I felt prompted to look to my left and when I did so, my eyes zeroed in on something I had missed.

There was an alleyway and I quickly darted down it. I ran to a door to one of the buildings and tried to open it only to find it locked. Quickly I continued running when I heard my pursuers. Thinking fast I grabbed a few trash cans that were lining the ally pulled a few over hoping it would slow them down enough to let me get away. As I turned back to continue running my eyes met what was in front of me making my eyes widened. There at the end of the alley was a tall wooden fence about eight or nine feet high. Fear started to take control of me again but it was suddenly brushed aside once more. Running up to the end of the ally it was like I knew what I had to do. I jumped off of the ground and placed a foot on the side of the building and push upward on that. Grabbing the top of the fence I launched myself over it with the momentum and landed on both feet on the other side. Panting I slid down to the ground in exhaustion. Muffled voices approached the other side of the fence until I could here them. "Where'd she go?!" "She couldn't have gotten over the fence! That things way to high!" "Check the door we passed she might have locked it from the other side!" I sighed in relief as I heard the footsteps fade away.

As I recovered my breath I got back to my feet and continued making my way home at a fast pace. After awhile of traveling down alleys and though my neighborhood I started to wonder how did I get over that fence? And how in the world was I able to run like that? It should have been impossible now that I think about it. I wasn't paying attention as I crossed the street to my house and I jumped at what felt like a smack to my head. When I was brought out of my thoughts I heard tires screeching, causing me to look up in surprise. I saw an ambulance heading straight for me! I closed my eyes waiting for the impact.....and waited...and waited.

"Ms are you all right?" A male voice said worriedly. Slowly I opened my eyes and jumped back. The ambulance had stopped mere inches from hitting me.

"Y..Yes I think so." I stammered out as my heart felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. I was shaking all over at the realization that I could have died hit me. I tried to see the person that was driving but strangely the glass was too dark. I involuntary shuttered as a strange tingling sensation ran over me.

"I'm very sorry about that Ms! I was distracted and in a hurry and I didn't see you." he stammered.

"No I had a lot on my mind and I wasn't paying attention either." I apologized.

There was silence for a minute before he spoke again "It was neither of our faults but just as a precaution, when you get home you should eat and relax. Your fr-body seems to be lacking nutrients that it needs and you are very stressed probably from almost getting squished. It wouldn't be any good to have you faint from hunger after having a near death experience."

I looked at him strangely but chalked up his weird speech to being a doctor thing. Putting on a fake smile I replied "Thanks...I'll do that."

I about to continued on her my way when I was interrupted. "Ah Ms! You dropped your food." Turning around I grabbed the bag I had dropped and started to walk away. "Next time you try crossing the street please pay attention. It would be terrible if you were accidentally dama...Uh...hurt." He called after me. Waving a hand letting him know I heard, I huffed to myself in annoyance and quickly walked down to my house.

The ambulance sat there for a few moments taking note of what house she entered before driving off again.

As I closed the door and I sighed in relief. Now to get upstairs without waking Dad up. I thought. As quietly as I could I snuck down the hallway. The living room hallway was on the left and after that was the kitchen. I had to cross passt both of them in order to get to the stairs. Hopefully Dad would still be asleep in the living room chair. Peeking around the corner I saw bottles strone around the lazy boy chair as usual and the stains on the carpet that made the room stink. I was horrified though to find the chair empty. Dad was up! Did he know I had gone out though?

I quickly snuck past to come up to the next doorway. I heard rummaging around in the kitchen and I slowly looked in. Thankfully Dad had his back to the fridge and was getting more beer out. While his back was turned I ran passed and up the stairs as quietly as possible. Shutting the door I listened for footsteps. When I didn't hear him coming after me I sighed in relief. Walking to my bed I sat down, took out my food, and began eating.

My thoughts wandered back to the crazy day I had. As I ate I couldn't help but start to wonder. How did the guy driving the ambulance know I had food in my bag? Shrugging it off I got up and hid the bag and the rest of my granallas in the closet behind what little possessions I had. Exhaustion started to take over as I let out a yawn. Throwing off my shoes, I didn't care about changing into pajamas as I layed back down and grabbed a blanket. Today had been crazy and I felt like I was starting to get a bad headache. Growing from the pain I snuggled into my covers and hoped to fall asleep soon. I layed there and rubbed my moms necklace, I always wore, between my fingers. It helped calm me whenever I did. As I closed my eyes I felt affection brush against my consciousness as I finally drifted off....

Bang! I startled as a loud noise woke me up from my peaceful slumber. With heavy eyes I looked up to find my Dad standing in my doorway. He was a big man, muscles could be seen under his shirt and his black hair was cut short. He worked out as much as he drank and no one would have guessed his real personality from his looks. When I looked at his face I was shocked; he had a half smile half smirk and his brown eyes shone with happiness. Not once had I seen him smile in the last seven years.

Hurriedly I flung the covers off and jumped out of bed. Glancing at the clock I saw that it was twelve thirty four in the morning. "W-what's going on?" My question went unanswered as he ignored me and stomped over towards me. I scooted back against the bed and tenced. I raised my hands up to protect my face but yelped when my wrist was grabbed tightly instead. I struggled usually as he jerked me behind him down the upstairs hallway and stairs. I struggled to keep my balance as we descended. My heart was beating ninety miles an hour "D-dad! What are you doing?!" I cried.

When we finally got downstairs to the living room there were two guys there dressed in some kind of black ninja military gear. There faces where covered by masks and they each had orange goggles on. Dad through me in front of himself and I stumbled into one of the guys. I was pushed back to my feet as my dad said "Here she is. Do what you want with her, but you better hold up your end of the bargain."

Shaking in fear, I tried to back away but one of the guys grabbed my arm and I struggled uselessly against him. The other said to Dad "You'll get your money and what you asked for soon." My dad nodded in affirmation and smiled.

At those words I stopped struggling and stood there shocked. My face went pain and I gasped at I was hearing. When I spoke it was like someone else was talking. "M-money? You're selling me?!" I half cried half whispered. I felt my eyes get wide and I barely noticed when tears start to fall down my cheeks. Jerking my arms I was dragged out the front door. "Dad! You cant do this! I'm your daughter! Dad please!" Something covered my mouth and I felt myself getting sleepy all of a sudden. A car door was opened and I was thrown in the back seat. Blinking I barely kept my eyes opened as I started to drift off. Pain, hurt, and brokenness echoed off of the raging anger that wasn't mine. Whats going to happen to me? was my last thought before my consciousness was drug into darkness.

~~~~~TF~~~~~~

I drove around the human femmes house a few times trying to decide what to do before eventually parking a block away. Usually I would have been more careful driving around human housing units but the closer I got to the signal it started to put out a distress call before slowly vanishing altogether off of my radar altogether.

I was very confused and frustrated as I speed along. I was so close to finding the source and it just upped and stopped broadcasting. Scanning the area over and over again I didn't pay attention to the human crossing the street. When my optics landed on the femme I slammed on my brakes as my tires slid against the pavement causing them to burn in pain. When she glanced up I saw the horror on her face as she through her hands up.

It took everything I had not to transform right then and there when the signal blasted fully against my sensors, screaming at me in distress. To my utmost shock the signal was emanating from the small human in front of me. I asked her if she was unharmed as I shut down most of my sensors I was using to track the signal with and bough up my medical program. Quickly I scanned the femme only to become confused. The girl in front of me seemed human enough (one that was in poor health I might add) but she also read of something cybertronian that I couldn't identify.

With some mistakes with almost using cybertronian terms I quickly corrected myself as I told the girl that she should eat and get some rest before she left with her bag of fuel. As I had watched her enter her house I contacted Optimus. ~This is Optimus~

~Optimus I found something strange I think you should know about. While I was driving I was scanning the area and came across a faint distress signal and followed it to its source.~

~What did you find Ratchet?~

~....A human femme. For some odd reason she was the source of the signal. My scans couldn't find any reason as to why she was producing this signal and it would appear and disappear without a trace like it was never there. She is certainly human and from what I could tell didn't have anything cybertronian on her but to make sure I would need a closer examination~

~For now observe and protect the human. We need to find out where this signal is coming from and protect her from any Decepticons that might harm her. Keep running scans if you can and do not engage. If there is a chance that we can remove the source of the signal without her knowledge that would be best~

~Understood. Ratchet out~

I sat there for a couple hours not picking up the signal again. I scanned the house to find the femme quickly going upstairs. To my pleasure she had taken my advice and refueled but to my dismay though I found that half of what she consumed was less than healthy for her. Grumbling to myself about humans and bots alike not taking care of themselves properly, my attention turned back to the femme. Mostly it was boring until after awhile she seemed to start showing signs of a processor ake to my concern. Quietly she drifted off into a peaceful recharge without to much trouble and I felt somewhat relieved. Hoping that I wasn't the cause for her condition, I quickly looked up human symptoms and causes for such a illnesses.

After a couple of hours of research I moved on to looking up information about this human. My search came up for a young human femme by the age of seventeen, soon to be eighteen, called Lexi Lockheart. Her sires name is Daryl Lockheart; age fifty six, currently looking for work. I would have frowned if I was in my bipedal form as I read about her other creator. Her carriers name was Cindy Lockheart; age forty nine, current whereabouts where unknown, possibly dead. Concerned I tried to find out more about her human carrier until I was pulled out of my thoughts as a dark green sports car drove up and parked in front of her house. My interest peaked as two strange men, completely covered in garments, walked up to her door. To my surprise the man who answered the door, quite possibly Daryl, seemed unconcerned as he let the two strange men into his house.

Turning my sensors to the people inside I found Lexi to have been awoken and was highly stressed. After while there were a few noises and yelling and all of a sudden the door opened and Lexi was being dragged out of the house by one of the men as he put something over her mouth. I revved my engine angrily and quickly scanned Lexi to find she had been drugged and had fallen unconscious. Befor I could react she was thrown in the back of the car and the two humans speed away. Quickly I took off after them determined to rescue Lexi and find out what was going on.

~~~~~Lexi~~~~~

I had a major headache as I groggily woke up to the smell of leather. As I opened my eyes I found myself laying down in a small sports car. Where am I? I though before it all came crashing back to me. My eyes got wide as I remembered. Falling asleep in bed, my Dad, the men! I spotted the guys in the front of the car as we drove along. I didn't get up and they didn't seem to realize I was conscious so I was careful not to move. I closed my eyes, barely peeking out of one as we drove along.

"Are you sure she's ok? You know what will happen to us if she isn't!" The guy driving stated.

"I made sure to use the right dosage! She should be asleep for hours. Way after the time we get back to base." The guy beside him argued back angrily. He must have been the one who knocked me out. He glanced back at me just to be sure and I was glad I had closed my eyes again.

My heart pounded in my chest as I pretended to be asleep. I was sure that they knew I was awake because they must be able to hear my heartbeat as loudly as it sounded to my ears as it thumped rapidly against my chest. I opened my eyes carefully again to find he turned away.

He continued talking to his partner as she watched "Besides once we get back to base she will be someone elses problem."

Driver guy sighed "True and we are almost half way to the base. But why would the boss want this brat anyway?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought back to how I had gotten into this mess. I knew that Dad didn't like me but to go so far as to sell me! And who was this boss guy and what did he want with me? I bite my lip to keep myself from crying. There has to be a way to escape, but how? I layed there for what felt like ages. As I thought I glanced out to window to see that snow was falling down hard outside. The trees we passed by where already covered in a thick layer. I didn't see any buildings or lights as we drove along what seemed to be a long road though a forest. I was definitely in deep trouble all right. How was I going to get out of this mess?

Hope you enjoyed reading my story! Tell me if you liked it. Remember comments help the author to keep writing. I do not own any of the transformers only Lexi and the plot. Thanks for reading chapter 1!