A little bit after the last chapter. June has finished her therapy at the Cybertron Infirmary, and has settled in with Team Prime, living at Outpost Omega One.

"So, it'll be four orbital cycles before you can enter the Academy?" said Ratchet.

"That's right," responded June. "The next series of classes won't begin until that time. But that's a good thing as it turns out. I've got lots of defensive and offensive training to learn, and Optimus has agreed to let Arcee be my tutor. I guess Jack and I will be learning side by side!"

"I've got a more severe problem of my own to deal with," she sighed.

"Oh! You mean about Jack."

"Yes. You see, he's only 16, and legally, he's a minor. He can't live in our old house alone – and obviously, I can't live there either - not anymore. I tried explaining things to the authorities, but they won't recognize me as his mother! Can you believe that?!" she said angrily.

Ratchet sighed. "It's a terrible thing, these isolated planetary civilizations with their ancient legal systems."

"Luckily, I've got two people going to bat for me: Agent Fowler and Isaac. Bill contacted Unit:E, and they dispatched a team of government attorneys to Jasper to argue my case. And Isaac said he's willing to step in and be Jack's guardian in my absence while I'm at the Academy. Isn't that wonderful?"

"You've got some good friends!"

"The hearing is tomorrow. I'm so worried! If the judge rules against us, they may place Jack in foster care!" June's face and optics betrayed her anguish.

Ratchet put his servo on her shoulder. "We're all here for you June," he said.

On the day of the hearing, a special Autobot-sized tent was erected outside the courthouse with audio-visual equipment, so June and her bot friends could participate. June sat in front, with Optimus by her side. Arcee, Bumblebee, Ratchet and Bulkhead where there also (Smokescreen was still in recovery). Inside were Jack, Sari (both in "human" mode), Isaac, Agent Fowler, and the Unit:E attorneys. Representing the other side was the state attorney and Child Protective Services.

"All rise!" said the Sergeant At Arms, announcing the entrance of the judge.

After the customary formalities, the judge read the briefs that had been prepared by both sides. "Where is the…Autobot called June?" he asked.

"I am here, your honor," she said from the video feed, standing up.

"According to the papers filed by the Unit:E attorneys, you were formerly the human mother of Jackson Darby; that you were abducted by the alien robots known as Decepticons, operated on, and turned into a cyborg, and due to the imminent death of your human organs, have been transplanted into an Autobot body?"

"Yes, your honor."

"And as an Autobot, it is your intent to reclaim your rights as Jackson's mother."

"That is correct, your honor."

"I see from the arguments filed by the state, parental rights can only be claimed by a living parent." He took off his glasses. "The papers say you were operated on, and all of your human organs have died. You are now a robot. Are you, as defined by the law, alive?"

The Unit:E lawyer stood up and was recognized. "You honor, if I may: Unit:E has been in contact with the Autobots for over five years now. They define themselves as 'Autonomous Robotic Organisms from the planet Cybertron'. Since the official definition of an organism is 'any contiguous living system', then I would posit that the Autobots are, indeed, alive."

"Objection!" said the state attorney. "We are to limit ourselves to official legal definitions here, not pseudo-scientific speculation!"

"Sustained," said the judge. "Mrs. Darby – or, how shall I address you?"

"Mrs. Darby is very acceptable, your honor, thank you," she replied.

"Mrs. Darby, please answer my question. Are you, as defined by the law, alive?"

"Yes, your honor."

The judge sat back in his chair. "I'm afraid, according to the strict definition of the law, when your organs died, an argument can indeed be made that you died as well. Secondly, the case put forth by your attorneys notwithstanding, I do not see how it can be proven that Autobots are alive."

The Autobots gasped! Ratchet was about to say something, but Optimus turned and told him to be quiet.

The Unit:E attorney replied: "Your honor, if we adhere to the strict definition of the law, then it can also be argued that Jackson Darby is not alive."

"I beg your pardon?" the judge asked.

With your permission, I would like to prove my statement."

"Proceed." And the Unit:E attorney turned to Jack. "Jack, please approach the bench, and transform for the judge." And Jack got up and stepped in front of the judge. A flash of blue, and he transformed into his "bot" mode. The state attorney and the representative from Child Protective Services both gasped!

The judge stared at "bot" Jack. "Is this some kind of parlor trick, young man?"

"No, your honor," answered Jack in his metallic voice.

"Jack, perhaps you can demonstrate some of your mods for his honor," said his attorney – nothing threatening, mind you." And Jack stepped to the right and held up his left arm. There were clicking sounds, and he revealed his Skyboom Shield. He showed the judge how he was able to hold it in his servo, and how he is able to alter its size.

Retracting his shield, he faced the judge again. "With another of my mods, I can see your fraternity medallion, your honor," Jack said, using his X-ray vision. "Phi Alpha Delta" – it's on a chain around your neck."

"How can you see that?" he asked, putting his hand over his chest.

"In my Cybertronian form, I have X-ray vision."

The judge reached down and held up his attaché. "What do I have in here?"

"Some papers, your car keys – for a Cadillac Escalade, and your cell phone – a Blackberry. You'd better charge it soon, it's currently at 15%." He opened his attaché and examined his phone. Stunned, he put it back and closed the case.

"So Mr. Darby is also from this robotic planet?" he asked the Unit:E attorney.

"Yes, your honor. He is what is known as a Technorganic. Our agency is familiar with his type. He came from the planet Cybertron sixteen years ago. His normal form is that of an Autobot, but because of his contact with humans, he is capable of assuming human form."

"Very well," said the judge. "The court recognizes that you are not fully human, Mr. Darby." He turned to the both sets of attorneys. "If we are to deny that the current incarnation of June Darby is alive, then it is the opinion of this court that we cannot at the same time allow that Jackson Darby is alive, notwithstanding the fact that he can at times represent himself as human."

"Court will recess for one hour, while I make my final decision." He struck his gavel.

During the recess, everyone met in the Autobot tent.

"That decision of the judge sounded good," said Isaac. "I am so hoping for the right outcome, June."

"As am I," said Optimus.

"I was ready to say something when he said that we're not alive!" said Ratchet.

"That wouldn't have been a good idea, Ratchet," said June. "It would be against court decorum."

Ratchet scoffed. "Decorum! I'd like to give him a piece of my decorum!"

Eventually, the bell sounded, indicating the resumption of the hearing. "Here goes," said June, nervously. Everyone went to June and wished her well.

"All rise!" said the Sergeant At Arms again.

The judge sat down. "I have read and considered the arguments of both sides very carefully," he began. "The state presents a compelling case that June Darby is no longer alive, and with the father of Jackson Darby in absentia, he should be put into the custody of Child Protective Services pending transfer to Foster Care."

June sat up in her chair! Optimus put his servo on her arm.

"However," he continued. "the attorneys for the Autobot who represents herself as the mother of Jackson Darby have also demonstrated to this court convincing evidence that he himself is not completely human, and is in fact from the same alien race as the robot June Darby."

"If we are to interpret current law to mean that June Darby is not alive, then we must also interpret it to mean that Jackson Darby is not alive, which would by all appearances be a factual contradiction. Therefore, it is the opinion of this court that the Autobot June Darby, and by extension all Autobots, are indeed alive."

"If therefore, June Darby is alive, then she has the ability to petition this court to reclaim her rights as Jackson Darby's mother. And I hereby grant those rights, effective immediately."

June fell back in her chair, relieved! Everybot reached over and patted her on the back!

"Now, moving on to the next part of this hearing. I understand that June Darby can no longer live in their current house, given the fact that as an Autobot she is now…25 feet tall." [There were a few chuckles from the audience].

"Jackson needs to live in the same domicile as his mother. Where will that be?"

The Unit:E attorney stood up. "Your honor, we have made appropriate accommodations for Jack to live at the Autobot headquarters. That is where his mother currently resides."

"Very well. Let it be known that effective immediately, Jackson's home address will be at…Autobot Outpost Omega One."

"Finally," said the judge, "there is the matter of a guardian for Jackson while June attends the...'Protihex Medical Mechanics University' on the planet Cybertron, which is a 2-year program."

"Isaac Sumdac, please stand," the judge requested.

"I am here, your honor," Isaac stood up.

"Professor Sumdac, you have filed papers to be Jackson's guardian during this 2-year period."

"Yes, your honor."

"And your qualifications have been attested to by the Federal Government, courtesy of Unit:E," the judge continued. Does Child Protective Services have any objections?"

"No, your honor."

"Very well. This court grants guardianship of the minor Jackson Darby to Professor Isaac Sumdac, to begin immediately following June Darby's departure for Protihex Medical Mechanics University. Guardianship will last until her return, or Jackson's 18th birthday, whichever comes first."

He struck his gavel. "That will be all for now. This hearing is adjourned."

Everyone got up and cheered, both inside the court house and in the Autobot Tent! Jack ran outside and went to his mom. He fired up the plasma boosters on his pedes and flew up to her helm, then transformed just his head so he could plant a big kiss on her Autobot cheek. "Congratulations, Mom! We won!"

"We were always a family, Jack, you and I, she smiled, "it just took the courts a little while to figure it out!"

Sari came up. "Congratulations, you two!"

Bill and the Unit:E attorneys came out to wish the Darbys well. "Glad we were able to be of assistance!"

Finally, Isaac said to Jack, "Looking forward to helping out as soon as June heads to school, Jack! You and I can be trans-dimensional commuters, eh?" he smiled.

The Darbys thanked everyone for their support!

"Well, gotta get all my stuff moved," Jack said.

"Hey, Jack! There's one thing you're not gonna need!" said Bulkhead.

"Oh? What's that?"

"A moving company!" Everyone laughed.

The final bell rang at Memorial High School. Jack, Raf, and Miko came out of the front doors and walked down the steps. Waiting for them at the curb was an ambulance. The doors opened as they approached.

"Hi, Mom!" said Jack, getting in the passenger side. Raf and Miko got in the back as the doors closed.

"Hi, Jack," said June from the dashboard speakers, the Autobot insignia lighting up with her words. "How was school today?" as the ambulance drove off.

"Great! Biology class was interesting. We had a discussion about what life is. The teacher argued that it was impossible for life to exist in metal! I transformed and asked 'Oh yeah? What about me'?

"Jack! I hope you didn't get in trouble!" she argued.

"Well, not too much." He ran his fingers through his hair.

"What do you mean, 'not too much'?" And don't think I can't see you running your fingers that way!" she said, turning her rear view mirror at him, "I know what it means when you do that."

He sighed. "He agreed to consider my point, but told me not to be so confrontational. Said he would have preferred that I talk to him outside of class. You may be getting a call from him."

June sighed. "Thanks for the warning. I'll…look forward to his call."

They turned a corner. "Well, here's your house, Raf!" He got out. "Thanks, Mrs. Darby! See you tomorrow!"

They came by Miko's house. "OK Miko, we're here. Miko? Miko!" June moved one of the examination lights in the back around and poked her. "Hey! Take the earplugs out and stop the game! You're home!"

"Whaaa…? Oh!" She got out. "See ya!"

June sighed. "That girl…" They continued driving, and turned down a familiar street. There was a "For Sale" sign on one.

Jack looked at it. "How's the sale going, Mom?"

"The real estate agent thinks we've got a good buyer. They actually want all the furniture too!"

"All except mine, of course!" he laughed. "I've got myself a really nice setup in that old commander's office. Agent Fowler said he's jealous!"

"Well, Isaac said he's taking everything from the sale and putting it into a good trust fund for you. He's a very successful businessman, so even though he's from the other dimension, he's been studying the market here and knows some good investments for the portfolio."

"So…? How much homework today?"

"Got a few things to do."

"Just how much is 'a few things'?"

Jack sighed. "Biology, Algebra, English."

"Well you do those first!"

"But, Arcee's got a training session for me! I told her I'd be ready for her as soon as I got home!"

"Too bad. You know the rules, homework first, training second. I've got training too! Arcee's my teacher also, you know."

Jack rolled his eyes. "I know, Mom."

"Oh! And don't let Arcee and me bend down and catch you playing video games instead of doing homework, like we did last night!"

Jack started laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"It's just that, a couple weeks ago, you and I were a normal, human mother and son, having regular mother and son arguments exactly like this one. Now, I'm a Technorganic half human Cybertronian and you're a 25-foot tall Autobot who's driving me home as an ambulance and talking to me through the steering wheel."

"Everything's changed, yet at the same time, nothing's changed!" They both shared a good laugh.

"So, Starscream, your ideas have yielded yet another miserable failure."

"Lord Megatron! The failure was not my fault! It was obviously the fault of that little butcher Scalpel! He's the one who created the Technorganic clone! He's the one who created the cyborg with the failed homing device!"

"All of these were done by your recommendations!" Megatron stepped toward Scream and towering over him, looked down and glared angrily. "Do you not accept responsibility for your failures, or do you only accept responsibility for your successes!"

"I…I"

"I am through with your ideas, Starscream!" said Megatron. "Get rid of your Doctor!"

Megatron walked away from the cowering Starscream. "There are other ideas I will pursue." He turned to his First Lieutenant for Scientific Endeavors. "Shockwave; this experiment of yours. When will it be ready?"

"I am nearing completion, my Liege. With your permission, I can show you its embryonic form."

"By all means!"

And the scientist led Megatron, Starscream and Knockout to the level of the Nemesis containing his laboratory. There, in a special work area, was a large monitor displaying an animated three-dimensional model of Cyber-Nucleic Acid.

Shockwave studied it. "That is extremely ancient!" he observed.

"Indeed," said Shockwave. "I have studied it from a specimen I found buried in the Sea of Rust, and it has yielded promising results. It is from this I was able to build my weapon." He pressed a key on his workstation and a door opened to reveal an enormous sealed cylinder, stretching from floor to ceiling, filled with green fluid. Floating in the cylinder was a huge, dragon-like Cybertronian beast. Still incomplete, it was yet to gain full consciousness.

Shockwave turned to his master. "I present to you, Lord Megatron, the ultimate Autobot hunter."

Thus ends this episode of "Sari and Transformers Prime". We will pick up episode 3 with Jack and June learning from Arcee and Sari (June before she leaves for University), and helping out Team Prime – but only in their capacity as trainees, of course!

Then there is the matter of rebuilding Cybertron, and mother and son can certainly help out there (Jack in "bot" mode gets to visit Cybertron before Miko!). But on the dark side, there is the matter of a certain Autobot hunter. Plus, there is interaction between the two dimensions.

Thanks for reading this episode! Please review.