Transformers Prime: A New Beginning

Chapter 23: Rock Bottom

Normal Perspective:

About two weeks had passed since the fiasco with the Polarity Gauntlet. Michael had learned how to use his new assimilation ability and had also assimilated another ability from his Groundbridge remote, adding 'Internal Groundbridging' to the list. The Techno-Organic found that it worked similarly to Soundwave's relocation trick when he was able to open Groundbridges by himself with just his servos. When he used it, he found that the ability came with a map of Earth that acted in a similar way to Google Earth, but was far more advanced and precise. This made the young teen happy since he now had his own version of Soundwave's trick to balance things out, as well as a new way of escape if things ever went downhill. Of course, he still kept his Groundbridge remote with him, for he felt that it was a treasure that led him to life he now had. Plus, he thought that having an external fast-travel source would prove helpful if a situation ever came down to needing it.

One day, Miko was at the base talking excitedly to the others about a Slash Monkey concert that was in the U.S. for a world tour, and she planned on going, not wanting to miss out on such an opportunity to see her favorite band. Michael, Jack, and Jessica also decided to attend, seeing that it would be a nice change of pace from what they usually did and thought that it would be nice to hang out together, even if the three didn't like the band's music as much as Miko did.

Unfortunately for the Japanese girl, her hopes of getting to the concert early had been dashed as Bulkhead and Arcee had been assigned to recon at an abandoned Energon mine. They decided to bring the kids with them since they would be heading to the concert right after, and while the two 'Bots investigated the signal in the mine, the four humans waited outside, with Miko complaining endlessly to the others. The three teens just ignored her, as they enjoyed the warm sunlight.

"We're supposed to be at a rock concert!" Miko complained to the others. "But all I see is rock!"

"Too much rock and not enough music for you?" Michael chuckled. Miko just glared at him as Jessica giggled from his joke.

"Relax, Miko." Jack chuckled. "The show doesn't start for two hours."

"Do you know how long I've waited to see Slash Monkey?" Miko asked.

"Uhhh...." "FOREVER!" Miko yelled in frustration, cutting Jack off. "And it's their only U.S. date!"

"There's a shock." Jack said. "I mean, who doesn't love obscure Bulgarian shriek metal?"

"Miko does, apparently." Michael said with a smirk.

Miko was about to retort when the sound of beeping caught their attention. Bulkhead and Arcee walked out empty-servoed apart from the scanner.

"By all appearances, the mine's been stripped." Arcee said as they exited the mine, having found nothing.

"But I'm getting a signal." Bulkhead said, knowing that the scanner wasn't lying. "It's faint, but it's definitely Energon."

"Woah...!" Miko said in awe, completely forgetting about the concert. Jack immediately knew what she was thinking of doing, but couldn't say anything, for he knew that she would just do it anyway.

"Doesn't make sense..." Arcee said in confusion. "This operation's been abandoned four, maybe five years? And Decepticons never leave Energon behind."

"Uh, guys?" Jack interrupted, and pointed at the mine. The two 'Bots looked back to see Miko running into the mine.

"COOOOOOOOLLLLLL!" She yelled in excitement, her voice echoing off the walls.

"She went in!" Arcee said in annoyance. "Unbelievable!"

"Really?" Jack asked rhetorically. "Have you... met her?"