alcesverdes | [Crossover] Transformers: Prime / Fringe III & Epilogue

PG-Rated
3350 words
Timeline: Early second season for Fringe. Around the middle of the first season for Prime.
Part I | Part II

"Peter Bishop? I'm agent William Fowler. We talked over the phone."

Peter rolled his eyes and fought the urge to hit the car. It was rented, after all. He had just discovered his father wasn't where he left him, and, judging by the lack of any other set of footprints, he did it by his own accord. After venting verbally his frustration, Peter was about to go looking for him when this happened.

"Great. Now you show up," he mumbled, turning around carefully, his hands on the air. He dropped them when he saw Fowler wasn't holding a weapon. Besides, even though he looked like someone used to be in charge, there was nothing overtly threatening about his body language. Still, Peter thought it better to play it safe. "Listen, Walter is just an old man, and not exactly one right in the head. I made him come here. He has nothing to do with this."

"Quite the contrary," Fowler said. "He has everything to do with this. If you follow me, I can show you—"

"Please, don't tell me he broke the universe again."

"Excuse me?"

"In-joke. Don't mind me." He began walking alongside Fowler. "What is going on, agent? Where is agent Dunham and what did my father do?"

Fowler breathed deeply. "Doctor Bishop hasn't done anything. But the enemy who kidnapped agent Dunham wants something from him."

Peter stared at Fowler with his mouth open for a long second. "Kidnapped?" he asked. "What— Why didn't you tell me that over the phone?"

Right that instant, before them opened a huge gate to a tunnel that lead to the interior of the mountain. "What you are about to see, Mr. Bishop, is top secret. I hope that a) you understand fully what that means, and b) you're not easily impressionable." He went into the tunnel.

"I've seen some weird things in my time. Most of them since the FBI hired me," he replied as the gate closed behind them.

"Good. Look, usually these guys leave us humans alone while they handle their own business, and they have way better technology. We can't even begin to understand what they want from doctor Bishop."

"Wait. Wait. Wait. Are you saying that aliens have agent Dunham and they want my father?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying," Fowler said without hesitation. That only made it worse. "And doctor Bishop already agreed to the exchange."

No, wait. Now it was worse. "What?"

"It isn't as bad as it sounds. We have alien enemies, but also alien allies." They took the last turn in the tunnel and stood in what should be the old silo, the heart of the mountain. "Welcome to the Autobot base on Earth, Mr. Bishop."

The first thing that caught Peter's eyes when he stepped into the silo's main chamber was the yellow car that the Fringe team followed when they arrived to Jasper. Then, the car promptly transformed into a humanoid robot. One with very big eyes. Peter gaped and turned around, only to see more of humanoid robots in different shapes and sizes.

Walter clung to his arm. He was bouncier and happier than Peter had seen him before. He took a lollipop out his mouth to say, "Look, son! Look! Isn't wonderful? Giant robots from outer space! And they're alive!"

* * *

"It's good you came here," Mrs. Darby said. She dialed a number in her cell phone after Olivia told her what had happened. "Raf and Miko's parents don't know anything about the Autobots. I only do because one of them kidnapped me once."

"Do they do it often?" Olivia asked.

"Not that I know of. And I want to believe that's something my son won't hide from me now that I'm in," Mrs. Darby replied in a stern, mom-like tone. "Hello, Ratchet," she said to the phone. "Yes, I know, but this is important too. There's an FBI agent in my house who wants to talk to Arcee. Just a second, please." She put the speaker on, but passed Olivia the phone nonetheless. "Direct line to the Autobot base."

Olivia had to smile at the matter-of-fact way of Mrs. Darby. That is what regular meetings with the strange do to you, she thought.

"Mom!" was the first thing she heard. It was Jack. He sounded like he was having a panic attack. Olivia didn't blame him. "Are there 'Cons in the house too?"

"No, they're not, Jack," Mrs. Darby said.

"Don't worry, kid, I gave them the slip," Olivia said.

"You gave them the slip?" asked another voice, a very old voice that sounded incredulous. "To Starscream and Megatron?"

"Knock Out and Breakdown, actually, but yeah," Olivia replied. Next, she gave them a summarize account of what had happened after Starscream kidnapped her.

"I told you she was tough," Arcee said somewhere in the background.

"Olivia! Are you alright?" That was Peter.

"So, I won't have to be exchanged to an evil overlord from outer space anymore?" Walter.

"Yes, I'm alright. What are you two doing there?"

"Long story," Peter said. "The ones who held you captive wanted to exchange you for Walter."

"Not that I was looking forward to it. Not at all," Walter chimed in.

Olivia sighed. She'd get the full story out of Peter later. "Then you already know. Good."

"But didn't Megatron say he would try to capture doctor Bishop regardless?" asked another voice. A girl. It had to be Miko.

"That would be terrible!" Walter.

"Don't worry, Walter, they won't get you," Peter.

"Of course they won't," Olivia said. "But I'm still worried about what they might want with Walter."

"Mr. Bishop," said yet another voice. "When you said your father broke the universe, how literal did you mean it?"

"Quite literal, agent Fowler." Walter replied instead of Peter. "I mean, I made a tear in the fabric of space to a parallel universe which may have caused some consequences here and there… But they've already been dealt with!"

There was a tense silence broke only by a "Walter…" by Peter.

"Don't get upset, son. While I do have an impressive record of scientific achievements, this is the only thing I can think of that could attract the attention of an alien with superior technology."

"Our civilization does have technology for instant travel even between planets," said one of the first voices, the one to show amazement at Olivia's escape. "But to think about going to another universe…"

"If that is indeed Megatron's plan, then he must be stopped before he can even start," said a new voice. The tone made obvious that it belonged to the one in charge.

"I'll go back," Olivia said. "It will be easier to get information with someone inside."

"What? Olivia, no!" Peter said.

"Agent Dunham, this is agent Fowler from the US Army. I happen to know first hand how ruthless the Decepticons are. As such, I strongly advice against this route of action."

"Agent Fowler, they have an army up there," Olivia replied. "I didn't see the extent of it, but if I got one thing clear, is that they are dangerous. If they manage to open up a portal, what are the chances of the people in the parallel universe to have the friends you do to help them?"

"The 'Cons have shown no interest in attacking or conquering Earth. They dig up in mines to get fuel, but—"

"Then, they'll get access to more resources. Which is also bad, don't you think?"

"Agent Dunham, my name is Optimus Prime." said the one in charge. "While I am unwilling to risk the loss of even one human life, you raise fair points. Megatron should not be allowed the opportunity to find a way to a different universe, if that is indeed his plan. And even if it's not, his interest in one who can do such thing should be discouraged. Agent, you succeeded escaping the Decepticon warship alive and well, something not many have been able to do, specially alone and without aid. That alone proves you are brave and resourceful."

"Thank you, sir," Olivia said out of reflex. Something in that voice made her feel proud of herself after listening to that praise.

"We will pretend to continue with the negotiations," Optimus continued but Walter interrupted.

"You can use me as bait," he said. "It would look more real, wouldn't it? And you keep quiet, Peter, I want to help too. I'm sure you can find something to do as well if you put your mind to it!"

Peter didn't say a word, but Olivia pictured him either facepalming or raising his hands in defeat. The task ahead looked hard, but the familiarity of those gestures brought some light to the present.

Olivia listened to the rest Optimus had to say. It was a sound plan. They could do this.

Breakdown and Knock Out were the only cars frantically coming and going in the area, which made them easy to spot. Olivia came out from an alley behind them, hitting trash cans on her way down to the floor.

Both vehicles turned around to her, pointing their headlights at her. "Well, well. What do we have here?" Knock Out said. He sounded happy in a way that helped Olivia to fake fear.

"I—I'm sorry…" she mumbled. She made herself smaller, and pretended to look around to find a way to escape. She saw several, but that wasn't part of the plan.

Knock Out moved toward her slowly. If he was in his robot mode, the effect would've been worse, but it was still creepy. "Of course you're sorry, human. But you'll be even more sorry when I'm done with you."

"Knock Out," Breakdown intervened, "didn't you say lord Megatron wanted her in one piece?"

Knock Out sighed loudly. "Fiiiiine," he whined. "But when lord Megatron is done with her, if there is something left, it's mine." He opened his trunk and turned to Olivia, who hadn't moved from her place. "You, get inside. I'll make sure you won't get away again."

Olivia complied.

Soon, she was back to the Nemesis. Everything was according to plan.

Olivia spent the next couple of hours inside a big metallic box in what she guessed was the medical bay. At least, it was clean and had some holes on the top. As sad as it is, she'd been caged in worse places. Still, she didn't forget to whimper once in a while, just to make Knock Out happy.

Eventually, Starscream showed up. "It is time. I will deliver the prisoner to lord Megatron personally," he said as he picked her up from the box.

"Yeah, whatever," Knock Out replied.

They left the medical bay. Breakdown followed them.

"You didn't run into too much trouble, I'm sure," Starscream said.

"Oh, please. How much trouble can a small human be."

Olivia stopped herself from smiling with the corner of her mouth. How much trouble indeed. Yet, the way Knock Out said it, if she hadn't been there causing the trouble, she would've probably believed him.

"You know, Starscream?" Knock Out continued casually. "You even could've even it all by yourself." He sang-song the last three words.

Judging by the low hissing sound Starscream made, he got the message. "For your information," he said, remarking every word, "I had important matters to attend, thank you very much."

Knock Out snickered at the same time they went in to the control room.

"Good. Right on time," Megatron said. "Soundwave, open the ground bridge."

The other side of the portal opened to a canyon. Where exactly in the world, it was impossible to tell.

More than a handful of troopers remained besides their commander while the rest —most of them, actually— hid behind rocks on either side.

"How brave of you," Olivia mumbled, although loud enough to be heard.

Starscream shook her. "Watch your mouth, human."

"Careful, Starscream," Megatron said. "We still need her." He turned to her. "So, you are one of those noble creatures who want everything to be fair? Well, I have to inform you that I am here to win."

"To win what?" Olivia replied. "You're after one old man who needs a caretaker around day and night to remind him about most basic tasks."

Megatron laughed. "Where did you get the idea that I need him doing basic tasks? Do you pretend to make me believe you don't know about his life's work."

Olivia gasped.

Megatron continued gloating, one hand behind his back and the other one raised up high, moving like if he was a politician giving a speech. "So, you understand now. We Cybertronians have mastered the technology for instant travel even between planets. Yet, to go to another dimension… All the advantages that could give us!"

"But what if you find another you on the other side?" Olivia asked.

Megatron turned sharply toward her, his eyebrows raised. Even Starscream and Knock Out were gaping at her when moments ago they were in awe of Megatron's plan.

Olivia got a hold of the momentum. "Just think about it. What would you do if another Megatron came here for the resources you have?"

Megatron closed his fist. "There's no guarantee—"

"There's no guarantee you'll find one or not, I agree. But also there's no guarantee either that he's even more prepared, with a better army. Or that you won't find a universe where the Autobots won the war."

"Master," Knock Out interrupted. "Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to reconsider—"

"Quiet!" Megatron yelled.

Everyone did. Even Olivia. Her point had been made.

Megatron was having a battle with himself —metaphorically. At least so far. Or maybe he was trying to find a way to cancel his plan without losing face. However, in the end he didn't have to make any public statement on the matter.

A new ground bridge opened on the other side of the canyon, and the Autobots entered the scene. It was the first time Olivia saw any of them, besides Arcee, and she liked what she saw. It was easy to match the voice of Optimus Prime with the huge and grave figure who walked in first. Behind him, came Arcee, a yellow robot and a green one. The one they chased and the one she nearly shot at. Olivia still had to apologize for it. Walter was sitting down on the green robot's shoulder; he looked as delighted as Olivia thought he would. She was only happy that he got to be with the good guys in this.

Megatron turned to the newcomers acting like if doubt had never crossed his mind. "Ah, Optimus. So glad you could join us. And I see you found the one I wanted."

"Against my better judgment, Megatron," Optimus accepted. "Even if he agreed to help his friend. Now, let the human go."

Megatron made a sign to Starscream, who lowered Olivia to the ground, although he still didn't release her.

"In the count of three," Megatron said.

Optimus nodded to the robot carrying Walter. The old man jumped into his hand of his own volition, and thus he was also took to the ground gently.

"One," Megatron said, "two… THREE!"

Starscream opened his hand releasing Olivia at the same time Megatron began shooting at his enemies, surprising everyone. Except for maybe Olivia and the Autobots. Even the Decepticon troopers took their time to react, and when they did, they didn't have a clear target anymore.

The green robot immediately took Walter behind the rocks to their right to provide him with cover as the yellow one and Arcee shot back. Optimus transformed into a semi-trailer truck and drove toward Megatron, deftly dodging enemy fire.

Olivia took advantage of Starscream's state of surprise and ran away as fast as she could. No one was aiming at her, but that didn't mean she couldn't get hurt. She had to trust her instinct and her ears to make turns to avoid debris.

When she was close to Optimus, he transformed back to his robot form and leaped over her. Olivia cringed out of reflex. She felt surrounded by Optimus's hands and, one second later, she was on the passenger seat of his truck mode, with no clear idea of how it had happened. But she was fine. That much she knew.

"Autobots, retreat!" Optimus ordered.

Their ground bridge opened again and the other Autobots —presumably with Walter— crossed through it, followed by Optimus Prime and Olivia, who for the first time was engulfed in the green buzzing of the portal to safety.

She felt herself taking a very deep breath.

Epilogue

"It was the most amazing adventure I've ever had and I can't even take a picture with me!" Walter said, frowning.

"Hey, don't worry," Miko said, holding up her cell phone. "I'll take them and you can come back and see them whenever you want."

That soothed the old man. "You promise?"

"Of course! Now say cheese!"

Walter combed his hair with his hand and straightened his shirt before smiling and saying 'cheese' as he stood next to Ratchet, who rolled his eyes but remained quiet while the photograph was being taken.

"Agent Dunham," Fowler was saying on the other side of the room, "your efforts won't be neither forgotten nor overlooked." He reached out his hand. "Rest assured that you and your team made good friends here."

Olivia shook his hand. "Thank you, agent Fowler. But," she turned her head to include Optimus, "are we sure Megatron won't go after Walter again?"

"Megatron was forced to acknowledge the fault within his plan," Optimus said. "He has enough self awareness to realize the disaster he would bring upon himself if he were to follow that curse of action." The big robot smiled a little. "I am certain he will leave your friend alone."

Olivia smiled back. "I believe you," she saluted, "sir."

"To be honest," Peter said to Raf, "I'm a fan of how you've been misleading everyone."

"Well, I created the game, after all," the boy replied. "And I have a couple sockpuppets in the forum with different opinions. I have a lot of fun."

Peter laughed. "Kid, you have a lot of potential. Stay in touch and I'll help you reach it."

Raf laughed as well. "Maybe I will."

"Are you sure you can't stay? It would be nice to have someone around who can keep my pace for a change," Arcee said to Olivia, followed by a 'Hey!' by Jack.

"I'd love to, but I have my own battlers to fight. Besides, I can't leave those two unsupervised," Olivia answered, followed by a 'Hey!' by Peter.

Both Olivia and Arcee chuckled. "Keep in touch," the later said.

Olivia nodded. "I will." She turned to Peter. "The car you used to get here is still out there?"

"Yep. Or at least I very much hope so."

"Good. We'll going to need it. The van is out of commission."

"Great! Now that the FBI is going to pay, I'll give you the bill for the car's rent later."

Olivia shook her head.

After saying their final goodbyes to team Prime, the Fringe team got ready to get back to Boston and report that they had found nothing.

"Astrid is not going to be happy about this," Peter said.

"Neither will be miss Sharp if they already found something," Olivia said.

"I'm sure they can keep a secret if we ask nicely," Walter replied.

"I think we better pick up some flowers on the way from the airport to the lab," Peter said.

"But flowers could cause Gene an indigestion!" Walter exclaimed.

Peter rolled his eyes as he drove the car into the sunset while Olivia made her best to keep quiet and Walter looked from one to the other worried about his cow.

None of them saw the Observer looking at them leave Jasper from a nearby hill.

[Crossover] Transformers: Prime / Fringe III & Epilogue

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