Tough Love

DILEMMA

A sudden jolt brings Thunderhoof back to consciousness. The last thing he distinctly remembers was being rescued by some mechs he didn't recognize, and he couldn't pick out any details other than their size and coloration.

There is a commotion in the background. Thunderhoof can't make out any words, but based on tone alone, the speaker doesn't sound pleased. The whole thing is making his helm ache even worse, souring his already foul mood. He forces his optics open, and the moment his vision clears, what he sees does not surprise him in the least.

"Autobots. Of course it's fragging Autobots."

He catches flashes of movement from around the Autobots' legs.

"And humans. Great. You do know I'm a Decepticon, right?"

The Autobots and humans are quiet by now, and the looks in their eyes speak volumes.

"Why'd you help me?"

"We're a rescue team. It's part of the job description," one of the Autobots – a red mech with amber optics – responds, taking a step forward.

"Rescue..." Thunderhoof gave his helm a little shake. "I's thought you were extinct."

"You wouldn't be the only one to think that, believe me. Now, why is a Decepticon all the way out here?"

Thunderhoof kept quiet.

"Whatever. Guess we'll call Cybertron and have someone come grab you."

"If yous gonna call anyone, make it Bumblebee," Thunderhoof vented.

"Bumblebee?" An orange and white mech exclaimed. He immediately covered his mouth when all gazes turned to him.

"Uh, I mean, why Bumblebee? That seems awfully specific."

"'Cause we have history," Thunderhoof rumbled. "I's expect him to hear me out."

The Autobots formed a huddle and discussed what to do. The humans jumped in to add their collective two cents. Although, the smallest human seemed more interested in Thunderhoof than anything else. Just at a glance, Thunderhoof can tell that this kid is different, at least compared to the one he was used to seeing back in Crown City. The face, the eyes; this human appears more open-minded and curious, wanting to know who he is, not just taking him at face value.

"Then it's settled," a law enforcement bot said. "The humans and I will return to the firehouse and get in contact with Bumblebee."

"And the rest of us will stay here to keep an eye on him," a green mech added, politely gesturing to Thunderhoof.

The kid was still staring at Thunderhoof when the sound of transformation broke him out of his trance. He shook his head and looked over at the Autobot the other humans were entering.

"Wait!" The kid cried out, dashing over to the driver's side window. "Dad, I want to stay here!"

There was an instant uproar of protests from both the Autobots and the other humans.

"Cody, having any one of you around a Decepticon, albeit a tired and injured one, is a terrible idea!" The red mech reprimanded.

"I know, but..." Cody hesitated. "I think he might need some company, and I know you won't hold a very friendly conversation. No offense."

That came as much of a surprise to Thunderhoof as it did the other mechs, rendering them speechless.

"Are you sure, son?" The white-haired man in the driver's seat asked.

"Don't worry, dad, I'll be careful," Cody reassured.

More words were exchanged, but Thunderhoof didn't hear any of it. What that older human just said triggered a reminder.