"Do you have any idea of how slagging inefficient a Topkick's fuel conversion is?... The design team and manufacturers should be shot"

Hehehe, that goes for most, if not all, American cars. If you want good fuel econo coupled with reliability buy a German car (for example, a 2500cc, 150 HP Mercedes C-Klasse W202 has average consumption of 7 liters/100km (33 mpg) in the city. Newer models have even less. Have driven in a 2003 Merc E200 Kompressor that used up only 6 liters at 230 kmh) or a Toyota.

Just a thought though: since they're aliens and have only copied the alooks of vehicles, who says they're also running with the same engines (disregarding of course the fact that they don't really exist and that regular cars were used in their stead).

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"Good thing, 'Bee opined. You're hardly the easiest thing on the road to handle!
I'm a lot slagging easier than Ratchet's alt-mode!"

Have to say, it's refreshing to meet someone who has no problem pointing out the flaws of vehicles that are the american trademark and pride to many Americans, beucase usually one can read/hear only praises of these cars.

-

Okay, as for the story: it was a good story and certainly with a unique plot, though at times there was too much musing and too much internal thoughts and flashbacks. This can become overwhelming and stiffling quickly, especially since there was no action in this fic and very little dialogue to break up the musings. Since I made the same mistake before in my fics I am writing this as a constructive review (which was the way I took the reviews for my fics that pointed this out to me), so I hope I did not offend with this observation. As my reviwers told me before: use more dialogue and less narration.

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"though hanging back still at about his rear wheel-well – standard covering position."

Yup, bodyguard teams take this position. Usually the protected vehicle is on the left lane, while the protecting vehicle drives behind, half on the right and half on the left lane, preventing anyone from overtaking.

Actually saw that in action here last month.

Another good chapter.

Planning a sequel? The dinner could be...interesting.

Wow. Very good chapter.

Different and intriguing, you gave Mikaela far more credit and development then any scripter writer could.
Oh, and every Ironhide scene was absolutely priceless.

wonder how dinner will go!!

WOW. I like. A lot. You did good, deary. Keep it up!

That was really an exceptional piece of writing there. All the characters were as accurate as I've seen them, your grammar was solid, and both the introspective and dialouge voices were consistent and appealing. It was also a wonderful plot line, unexpected and sweet. Thank you for sharing this, and I look forward to reading more of your work.

I really liked this, but at the same time, I am a bit confused as to what exactly happened with Mikaela and her dad. =P

And now we get the Autobot side of things :) You write these relationships with such authority, they really are a joy to read. Simply based on the movie you would have expected Mikeala and 'Bee to be the close ones, having fought together. But the way she connects to Ironhide through their unexpectedly similar experiences is both fascinating and refreshing. I love that you took the opprotunity to expand on your cohort idea here, 'hide's story was heartbreaking but entirely relevant and meaningful to Mikeala. True friends don't just tell you want you want to hear all the time, somtimes it's what you NEED to hear, and she needed that kick in the butt to be honest with her dad.

Hehe and 'hide and 'Bee are very cute on patrol. I am curious, though, how does Ratchet explain away not always being at the fire house, unless they know what he actually is? I smell a vignette ;)

Wow, just...you've really amazed me with this one. I think what strikes me most about this two-parter so far (I have read both parts, but I always a do a re-read for yours before reviewing) is just how very human it is. Which perhaps sounds odd, but I what I mean is the amazing depth and detail you've poured into Mikeala's character, her life growing up and details about Tranquility like the drive-in. There used to be one in Cincinnati, sadly it finally went under a few years ago. I'd only been a few times with friends, but your description felt so familiar it made my heart ache a little. You've beautifully pegged moments in this story that everyone can relate to, especially long, awkward country drives with relatives you don't know as well as you realize you should.

I think the only complaint I would make is your use of present tense in some sections, as I can't quite figure out why you have it. Most of the scenes, whether taking place now or in the recent past, are in past tense, so why the switch? It makes sense for Mikeala's italicized memory of her father's ill-fated trip, but not for the prose around it.

On to part 2!

Interesting piece, though it might have disappointed those that were looking for a 'meet the Autobots' fic.

Style and theme fit together, and it has quite a ring of truth to it.

ohh Topkicks are not fuel efficient
lol Hide needs to burn some oil

I thoroughly enjoyed your insight into the characters of this story. Mikaela interacting with her father, and with Ironhide, and even being annoyed with Bee was very true to life. She is much more than eye candy to this universe. Excellent job.

A slightly dark comfort fic that flitted to WAFF. Even though if Ironhide doesn't quite do WAFF. ;)

Not a oneshot after all :P Serves me right for just assuming and not looking up top.
*winces at fuel efficiency* I don't even want to know how much that was costing them...*shakes fist at oil companies*

I love your characterizations,they're alien, but INTERESTING.