#rolling jacks

[standesignca]

A Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up a Leveled Truck

Trucks come in all varieties and sizes. So, lifting them for undercarriage maintenance and repairs takes some prior planning. And when it comes to lifting leveled trucks, you got to be careful. Leveled trucks are unique in that they have suspensions modified to give them a level stance. Trucks in stock condition have a slightly downward slope from the rear end to the front to adjust for suspension sagging due to heavy loads.

However, some truck owners prefer their trucks leveled for aesthetic reasons.

Any kind of heavy-duty truck jack will work just fine with leveled trucks. You can use floor jacks, bridge jacks, rolling jacks, and such for lifting them for undercarriage jobs. But safety should always be your top priority when working with leveled trucks, or any kind of vehicle for that matter.

In this guide, we'll explore the step-by-step process of safely jacking up a leveled truck, using bridge jacks or rolling jacks.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Equipment

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. For lifting a leveled truck, bridge jacks or rolling pit jacks are the best tools. These specialized jacks provide stability and mobility during the lifting process. Sure, you can use hydraulic floor jacks or bottle jacks with jack stands for added stability. But bridge jacks are purpose-built for lifting bulky vehicles and it’s best to rely on them for heavy lifting.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Location

Select a flat, level surface for jacking up your truck. This helps prevent any accidents and ensures stability during the lifting process. Make sure the area is clear of debris and obstacles. Workshops working dedicatedly on trucks have service pits with bridge jacks installed for smoother and more efficient lifting. If you are a workshop owner, ensure that the service pit is clean and safe before lifting a truck or other heavy vehicle.

Step 3: Position the Bridge Jacks

Place the bridge jacks under the designated lift points of the truck. Consult the vehicle's owner’s manual to identify the recommended lift points. These points are often located along the chassis and are designed to bear the vehicle's weight safely.

Step 4: Adjust the Bridge Jack

Before lifting, ensure that the bridge jacks are properly adjusted to match the extra ground clearance of a leveled truck. Use stackable adapters to match vehicle specifications. Double-check the tightness of all bolts and connections. This prevents uneven lifting and provides a stable platform.

Step 5: Engage the Bridge Jack

Use the controls on the bridge jack to raise the lifting arms slightly so that they touch the truck’s lift points. Make adjustments if required. Using wheel chocks to hold the rear wheels in position is always a good idea. It prevents the chances of the truck rolling back while the front end is being lifted.

Step 6: Lift the Vehicle

With the bridge jacks in place and adjusted, carefully lift the vehicle. Use a slow and controlled motion to avoid any sudden shifts. Regularly check for stability as the truck is lifted. You can never be too cautious when working with heavy vehicles!

Step 7: Conduct the Necessary Maintenance

Once the truck is safely elevated, you can perform the required maintenance or repairs. Ensure you follow safety guidelines for any specific tasks you undertake.

Step 8: Lower the Vehicle

After completing the maintenance job, gradually lower the truck back to the ground. Use the same slow and controlled motion to avoid sudden drops. Disengage the bridge jack carefully.

Step 9: Conduct a Final Check

Inspect the area around the vehicle and check for any signs of damage or issues. Confirm that all tools and equipment have been removed or disengaged from underneath the truck before driving or moving it.

Endnote

Jacking up a leveled truck safely is an essential skill for any DIY enthusiast or professional mechanic. By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing bridge jacks or rolling jacks, you can ensure a secure and stable lifting process.

Always prioritize safety and consult your vehicle's manual for specific guidelines on lifting points and procedures. Safe lifting leads to successful maintenance and repairs while keeping both you and your vehicle unscathed.

[rrat-king]

the dice wealth disparity this episode is so fucking funny to me i'm gonna be real

[tinyfantasminha]

guys unfortunately ace trappola has to die I have to kill him

[edwire]

like clockwork

[lordprettyflackotara]

make a move || eyeless jack

SMUT MINORS DNI 18+. tw: aggressive smut, size kink to a scary extent, eating ass but not in the traditional way? idk if you don’t like ass stuff don’t read this, breeding, squirting, passing out, brief descriptions of gore , slight cnc if you squint, cock drunk reader if i’m being honest

Jack knew something was wrong.

He hovered over his fallen victim, a jogger who decided to be a little too adventurous. He was crouched beside the woman, a liver in his hand. Crimson red blood stained his chin and lips, his mask tilted up just enough for him to eat. Somehow he could still hear a heartbeat. It was a singular one, but it had assumed it belonged to the jogger. Humans were known to have uncontrolled racing hearts when exercising. Yet he knew hers to be stopped, having ripped it out first to ensure she wasn’t suffering through death. It was unlike Jack to be unaware of who was around him at all times. Humans had very distinct scents. He could hear their heartbeats and the blood running through their veins. He only smelled the victim below him, yet he still heard a heartbeat.

It was faint but it was there. Jack lifted his mask just above his nose, inhaling deeply. He was searching for the scent of a deer, but instead all he smelled was blood and the forest around him. He frowned, looking around. The trees above him ruffled, his eye sockets narrowing. He hadn't felt breeze whisk past him, meaning that somehow, something living had caused the trees movement. Jack paused for a moment, focusing on listening to what was around him. He pulled his scalpel out of his hoodie, the blade still coated with fresh blood. His ears twitched at the sound of a twig snapping, causing him to abruptly turn around. What he hadn't anticipated was being face to face with the barrel of a shotgun, a shaking detective on the other end.

Being the newest detective in your office, meant you got the worst jobs. In a field dominated with men, you were determined to solve every last once. When you were tasked with finding and killing a mysterious cannibal who had slaughtered quite a few locals, you weren't quite sure what you were expecting. You had anticipated a homeless person gone mad, not a eyeless demon who fed on organs. You didn't tell your team, afraid no one would believe you. Describing eye sockets with dripping black ooze and dark gray skin would land you not only out of a job, but in an insane asylum too. You decided to take matters into your own hands, stalking the tall demon in front of you now. It was obvious his senses were heighted, so you prepared accordingly. It was a tiny sacrifice, turning the sign for joggers to go right instead of left at the local nature trail. You knew it would be perfect bait for the demon. You had covered yourself with dirt and leafs long before you settled into the trees above.

Nightfall was your perfect cover. You were almost surprised that Jack hadn't spotted you. You almost assumed the creature to far more intelligent than you could comprehend. "Is this supposed to scare me?" Jack asked. For someone with a gun pointed at their head, he didn't seem fazed. "No, it's only going to blow your head off," You snapped. Jack raised his eyebrows, examining your uniform. "Aren't you supposed to read me my rights, detective?" He asked sourly. You gritted your teeth, keeping your aim steady. "You're a cannibal with no eyes, extreme measures are more than appropriate," You replied coldly. Jack examined the dirt and grim you had covered yourself with. He knew then you had somehow been smart enough to stalk him and not get caught. You were now a danger, one with too much knowledge to simply let walk away. "So what are you waiting for then?" Jack questioned. Humans and their theatrics. If he had eyes he would've rolled them. When you hesitated the demon seized the opportunity, grabbing the gun and yanking it away from your grip.

The metal crumbled under his grasp, the demon bending the metal in half before tossing it away. He grabbed you by the collar of your uniform, shoving you against a nearby tree. You gasped as the air was knocked out of your lungs, your eyes widening in fear. Jack lifted his mask over his head, his eye sockets boring into your eyes. "How do you know who I am?" Jack snarled. His grip was tight and threatening, his rows of razor sharp teeth revealed when he spoke. You had only seen him once without his mask, but only from far away. Up close it was terrifying, unidentified black ooze dripping from his eye sockets. "I got tasked with finding the cannibal whose been killing our towns people. They think the killer is uh, human," You tried to explain, unsure if the demon would be insulted or not. Jack's face hardened, listening to your heart begin to race. "How long have you been stalking me?" Jack asked. You gulped nervously, your memory suddenly becoming hazy from fear. "I-I don't know, maybe a month?" You replied honestly. Normally Jack would have called it a done deal right there and then. He wasn't one to usually play with his food, yet he knew he needed more.

"Who else knows about my existence?" He hissed. You shook your head, your feet kicking the air helplessly. "No one. I haven't told anyone," You answered. A low growl rumbled in his throat. "Liar," He snarled. He bared his shark like teeth, causing you to squirm under his grasp. "No one would believe me if I told them about you. So I-I didn't tell anyone about my leads or anything at all," You rambled. You swallowed hard, trying to refrain from crying. You didn't want to die. You had watched Jack slaughter dozens of creatures from deer to humans. He was merciless, like a rabid starved animal. "Y-You have to understand. I've only been with my force for a couple of months. If I told them about you no one would believe me," You rambled. Jack seemed to pause for a moment, processing what you were saying. He could hear your pulse staying steady as you rambled. Most humans pulses sped up when they were lying. "So your plan was to kill me and bring my corpse to your 'force'?" Jack confirmed, tilting his head to the side curiously. He had to admit it wasn't a half bad idea, although he thought it was rather idiotic that you wanted to shoot him in the face and not the chest. You nodded in agreement, silently praying your truth telling would result in mercy from the demon.

"You humans are always so naive. This isn't the movies kid," Jack grumbled. He grabbed your chin, forcing you to move your face side to side. "I must say, even with the filth you've covered yourself in, you look quite delicious," He grinned. The chunks of flesh and fresh staining of blood on his teeth sent shivers down your spine. He leaned in close to you, goosebumps spreading across your skin as he inhaled deeply. "You smell good too," Jack chuckled darkly. Your eyes were widened with fear, your legs kicking in the air as he leaned in towards your neck. You were panicking, your heart pounding so loudly you were afraid it would bounce out of your chest. Your hands held onto his wrist, trying to pry away his grip from the collar of your uniform. His breath was hot against your skin, one of his slimy tongues emerging from his lips. You felt him lick the side of your neck, your heart skipping a beat as you froze. Jack noticed your tenseness, but not from the fear that had been boiling. Curiously he lapped at your neck again, your legs no longer kicking but instead glued together.

A devilish grin spread across Jack's lips as he pulled away from your neck. "You can't be serious," He said. Your realization caused you to thrash under his grip once more, your face scrunching up in determination. "I don't know what you're talking about," You lied. Jack frowned, bringing you towards him before slamming you against the tree again. "I can smell you whore," He spat. You stared at him, a weird mixture of desire and fear washing over you. "Getting all hot and bothered over a demon? You don't have many suitors, do you?" Jack asked mockingly. Your face hardened, your jaw clenching. "Oh yeah i'm sure you're one to talk. A cannibal with no eyes? I just know you're a hot commodity," You barked. Jack tilted his head to the side, before his gaze went up and down your body. "Feisty. I like that in a mate," He mused. Your eyes widened so much so you feared they may pop out of your head. "Mate? Absolutely not. Eat me and get it over with," You snapped. Jack brought himself closer to you, the smell of flesh and metallic blood hitting your nose. "I think i'll have fun knocking you down a peg. Seems like you need this more than I do," Jack snickered. You blinked, his nose brushing against yours.

"I'd like to see you try," You challenged. You could feel your stomach stir as he grinned his hand releasing your collar and grabbing your throat instead. He squeezed at your airway, causing you to whimper. "Don't worry pet, I don't plan on being gentle," Jack informed you. Your hands clawed at him as he choked you, nudging your legs open. With his other hand he palmed at your cunt through your uniform, grinning as your legs spread open wider. "See? That's what I thought. Whores like you like to pretend to be all big and bad. When really all you need is to be humbled," Jack rambled. In a swift motion he shoved you onto the forest floor, the joggers corpse only a few feet away. Your back collided with the dirt, the monster above you ripping the buttons off of your uniform top. You gasped as the buttons flew in the air, the demon carelessly ripping your bra in half with its teeth. "Y-You want to do this here?" You sputtered. The idea was so dangerous, getting caught would be humiliating. Yet the prospect of someone catching you entangled with a demon was so thrilling. "What? Did you expect a luxury hotel with rose petals pet? I'm just going to fuck you," Jack responded. He brought his mouth to your left breast, sucking on its nipple.

Your back arched off of the ground as his teeth grazed your bud, causing you to audibly whine. Jack grinned as he began to suck the other one, purposefully sucking as hard as he could. His large hands began to pull your pants down, your head tilting back from the pleasure. You could feel that Jack had at least three tongues, all of which were focused on assaulting your skin in one way or another. You whined as he kissed down your stomach, allowing the very edges of his teeth to graze your skin. Cool air hit your cunt as he tossed your clothes aside. You were unsure if they were even wearable anymore, the demon not caring to preserve them. Jack could smell the fear and arousal dripping off of you. You were so cute to him, practically trembling under his touch as he settled in between your thighs. He looked up at you, watching your mouth fall open as he revealed his three black tongues. You swallowed nervously, watching one of them slide into your cunt with ease. You groaned as it curled upwards, stroking your g spot. The second began to lap at your clit, causing your hand to fly down to his hair. You tugged at the roots, earning a groan from the demon in between your legs.

The third tongue, went directly for your ass. You could feel it teasing the rim, causing you to rise up on your elbows. “W-Wait i’ve never-” You began, gasping as Jack abruptly shoved his tongue inside of your unexplored hole. It curled just like the one in your cunt, his tongues abusing both of your holes. You fell back onto the forest floor, in a hypnotic state of foreign euphoria as Jack’s warm tongue made up for the stretch of your puckered hole. You were grinding on his face, your eyes rolling into the back of your head. His tongues were relentless and never seemed to tire, continuously fucking into you. You could feel your orgasm coming closer, your thighs tightening around his head. Jack's large hands pried them open, staring up at you as you moaned curses. Your noises were intoxicating. Jack could feel both sets of your walls squeezing at his tongues. He could tell you were about to cum, your back arching off of the dirt. "Fuck d-don't stop," You pleaded, your voice echoing through out the trees.

You were right at the edge when Jack suddenly pulled away from you. You whimpered at the loss of touch, your pleading eyes meeting his evil gaze. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you pet?" He snickered. He nipped at your plush inner thighs, watching you squirm. Jack rose to his knees, shoving his pants and boxers down. He grabbed your legs, tossing them over his shoulders. “There’s no position I love more than the mating press,” He chuckled darkly. You rolled your eyes, before gasping as he tapped his large cock against your slick. “I’m not quite sure that’s gonna fit,” You say weakly. His cock was bigger than you could’ve imagined, your heart racing with fear and arousal. “You can take it. After all, you don’t have much of a choice kid,” He countered. He rubbed his length up and down your folds, attempting to lubricate his cock as much as possible. He had been put the head in when you whined, pain striking you down. His girth made you feel like you were going to split in half, your eyes screwed shut. He was going to break you. He was going to break you and split you in half, before devouring your organs.

“You humans are always so fragile. All bark no bite?” Jack asked mockingly. He could feel your cunt struggling to take him, your walls squeezing him tightly. He brought his hand down to your clit, rubbing small circles to help your body relax. “You know you look kinda pretty like this, being held down and eager to take my cock,” Jack snickered. Your walls began to relax, the pain slowly mixing with pleasure as he brushed against your g spot. You could feel yourself giving in to the demons will, your brain slowly turning into mush as he picked up the pace. His thrust went from agonizingly slow to inhumanly fast, your nails digging into his arms for support. “All of you humans are the same. Someone gives you good cock and you become a numbed out slut,” Jack chuckled darkly, grinning sadistically as he plowed into you. You thought you were going to fall apart, all thoughts and fears washing away with each thrust. “Awe what’s wrong detective? No fight left in ya?” Jack taunted. He grabbed your face, his long fingers digging harshly into your skin. He pushed the back of your skull further against the dirt, your hair promised to have dirt and grim in it by the time this was over.

Yet none of that mattered, your body falling limp and gladly at the mercy of the horny demon. “Good slut, just shut up and take it,” He groaned, watching your eyes roll into the back of your skull as he fucked you. He could feel his animalistic primal urges arising, the desire and need to breed you overriding any human characteristics. Your walls were commanding him to, milking him so right. “Such a tight cunt,” He groaned, a low growl forming in the bottom of his throat. His filthy words only brought you closer to the edge, your thighs trembling. The pleasure was too much, too much for you to handle. Your moans were strangled and sinful, echoing throughout the trees as you cried out. You were unable to stop yourself as you came on his cock, his lower half now covered in your juices. “You’re a squirter huh? How cute,” Jack chuckled. You whined as he began to speed up again, his hips snapping into yours. “Let’s see if I can make you do it again,” He growled: He roughly brought his fingers back to your clit, rubbing fast and uncontrolled circles.

“I-I don’t think-, fuck, too much,” You slurred. Jack grinned devilishly at your protest, his hips only fucking you faster. You saw black spots beginning to cloud your vision, your heart pounding against your chest. Stars were dancing over your head, your body falling limply against the forest floor. Before you could process what was happening, you slipped into unconsciousness.

\/

“Detective?”

“Detective?”

“Detective?”

“Detective wake up!”

You were startled awake by your commanding officer, who was looking down at you with a concerned expression. You blinked a few times, grabbing the back of your head as it throbbed. You cringed at the feeling of your fingertips, the sun brutally bright. “What the hell?” You murmured, your commander staring down at you: He pushed his hat back, camera flashes going off behind him. You had been redressed, sat up against the tree you had been hiding in. “You took a pretty nasty hit to the back of the head champ,” He said. A news reporter pushed past him, a small notepad in his hand. “Detective can you tell us what you saw?” She asked. You felt overwhelmed, your pupils dilating as you stared up at them. What the hell happened? Did you pass out? Maybe it was all a dream or some sort of psychotic break.

An EMT was by your side, examining your scratched arms. “Piss off lady, with this kind of head trauma it’s a miracle she remembers who she is,” He barked. He slung your arm over his shoulder, helping you to your feet. “Cmon, just gotta get you into the ambulance,” He grunted. You struggled to keep your eyes open, the bright sun causing you to squint to see. Cops and officers were littered all through out the woods, examining the managed corpse of the jogger. You thought over your encounter with Jack, almost ruling that none of it was real: That was until you felt his warm cum leaking out of your cunt, soaking your panties.

[cinemaocd]

Jack Rackham is my favorite character in Black Sails because Toby Schmitz is the only actor who realizes he is in a prequel for Muppet Treasure Island...

[boltlightning]

"By remembering that I serve others, Mr. Sparrow, not only myself." ↳ jack davenport as commodore james norrington, the curse of the black pearl (2003)

[minty364]

DPXDC Prompt #58 Part 1

His parents studied ghosts. Danny didn’t understand as a kid why everyone made fun of his parents. Now that he was 12, the thought was ludicrous and yet his parents continued their work on the portal. Danny had his sister Jazz though and the siblings were rather close. 

Jazz had spent a lot of time studying lately stating that she wanted to get into a good college. Danny understood he did, but being alone sucked and he couldn’t help it as he sighed kicking a pebble down the sidewalk. 

It was a nice hot summer day, the kind of day you’d want to spend at the beach or a pool. Danny however had other ideas. He was on the way to the local library. If Jazz was going to spend her summer studying for the ACTs then Danny was going to study what he wanted, Space. He quickly found a few books and got settled into a chair as he read. Space really was fascinating, he hoped one day his dream of becoming an astronaut would come true. 

An hour or so passed before Danny was interrupted, “what are you reading?” The voice started Danny out of his trance as he looked up at his interrupter. A boy about the same age as Danny with the same black hair and blue eyes that Danny had. His skin was more tan than Danny’s own pale white. 

Danny fidgeted in his seat for a moment before answering, “Astronomy: guide to the stars” Sure, Danny knew the text was college level but he already read all the ones for high and middle school. 

Damian seemed to hum thoughtfully with a hand on his chin before speaking again, “the book you're reading seems advanced, you seem smarter than your age would dictate. Father has requested that I visit the library and try to ‘make a friend or two’ in his words. I don’t see the need for companionship but if I must I’d rather it be with someone intelligent. My name is Damian.” It was a bit much but Danny guessed from what Damian said that he was complementing Danny. 

“Uh, Danny… I guess most of the people in my family are pretty smart.” He replied after a moment. 

Danny thought it was odd that someone wanted to be friends with him. Everyone at the public elementary school he went to knew who his parents were so they wanted nothing to do with him. It was lonely but Danny didn’t mind it too much, but Damian didn’t act like he knew Danny’s Parents. The thought of having a friend that didn’t judge him for who his parents were made Danny a little excited. 

“What occupation do your parents have?” It was a simple question with a not so simple answer. 

Oh, Danny’s heart stuttered a little bit at the thought of Damian knowing anything about. He didn’t want to lie, especially to his new friend but he didn’t want to tell him the truth. 

“Uh, they’re scientists but I don’t really know what they do…” Danny said carefully and slowly. He was sure Damian bought it. 

The two spent the next couple hours just talking in the library. It had started to get late and Damian needed to head back home. 

“Do you own your own phone?” Damian asked, it wasn’t uncommon, for most kids in his class had a cheap hand me down phone for emergencies. Danny unfortunately didn’t as his parents probably didn’t care where he was.

Danny shrugged, “not really, I could borrow my sisters but it really only gets used for emergencies.” 

Damian seemed to frown at this thinking for a moment before nodding as if he came to a conclusion, “my brother Todd has mentioned that it’s hard for low income houses to afford something I’d consider a necessity in this city. You do know how high the crime rate is, yes?” Danny nodded but he didn’t know what that had to do with having a phone Damian cleared his throat before continuing, “as you are now my friend I’d like to offer to purchase one for you.”

Danny hadn’t owned anything like a phone before, “a-are you sure? I don’t really need one, my parents don’t really… care?” He felt uncomfortable with his new friend spending money on him, Damian seemed like an important person especially with the clothes he wore and how he carried himself. Danny felt like he’d be taking advantage of his new friend if he bought Danny a phone. Danny closed the book he was holding and took a breath before speaking again, “I appreciate the offer but I wouldn’t have anything to offer you in return.” He let his gaze fall to the cover of the book, a swirling galaxy on a black background and bold yellow text. 

“I would not have offered it if I wasn’t sure.” Damian stated firmly causing Danny’s head to snap back up, “I do not need anything in return, however if you really intend to pay me back, Father has insisted that I bring a friend home sometime. Since we have established that we are friends I insist that you come visit every so often to, as Richard puts it ‘get him off my back’.” It sounded like a simple request but Danny was unsure. If Damian was someone important then his family was bound to be even more important. 

He took a moment to think about it, but Jazz would be happy Danny finally made a friend…

“Alright, I accept,” Danny said as they shook hands. It might have been a little childish but he could tell he made some sort of bond with Damian. 

After that they had quickly become friends. Once Danny had become accustomed to being in the Wayne house he basically became family, and was often visiting, especially to eat Mr. Pennyworths cooking. Mr. Wayne also seemed fond of Danny, he even offered to pay for Danny to go to Gotham Academy along with Damian. Danny had been hesitant at first but Damian quickly wore him down. Tim eventually wormed his way into the group as he and Danny bonded over the latest video game releases. Soon Jazz got roped into the group too as she started to visit the manor to get away from how noisy the lab got. 

A couple years had passed since the day that started the road to their friendship and the four of them had really bonded since then. Unfortunately their parents had finished the portal and its here where things go downhill for Danny.

In the next one Danny dies and all 4 of them are deeply traumatized.

Damian saw his dad doing research on the Fenton family, Bruce is just looking out for potential rouges and Damian took the opportunity to become friends with Danny. He figured that he could just bribe Danny into being his friend like all the kids at his school try but Danny is a lil cinnamon roll. Taken aback from how sweet Danny is Damian decided that Danny really was smart and worth being a friend. Tim has the same thoughts especially as Danny starts visiting the mansion more. Jazz loved that Danny had a spot to go where people seemed to actually care about him and she eventually gets dragged into the group. You can only drop off your brother at the Wayne’s so often before you get dragged into the group as well and I thought Tim and Jazz can be the same age and can bond over being older siblings.

[slickricklj]

Resident Evil 4 Remake: The Mercenaries - Special Victory Poses

[seafoamdew]

“Your hands are cold. Let me warm them up.”

“Right… I’ll give you a minute to think about what you just said.”

[kulturegroupie]

David Bowie spotted in the streets of Valencia

[stiltmanday]

more sg1 textposts.. no comment

[lets-try-some-writing]

Emergency Protocols

Cybertronians cannot be alone. To be alone is a death sentence. There is a reason they travel in groups, and with the war in its last gasp, their numbers are dangerously low on both sides.

Faced with a fate far worse than mere death, things are tense. Unfortunately, both sides are forced to endure a rude and horrific wakeup call when the first of many falls victim to the process they had all hoped to escape.

(Big warning for robogore.)

━━━━━━ ⊙ ❖ ⊙ ━━━━━━━━━━━━

“I apologize, Mrs. Darby. I am afraid I cannot abide by your wishes.” Optimus stood firmly, his expression dark in a way Jack had never seen before. Next to him, Ratchet watched the scene like a hawk, his eyes bright and intense to such a degree that Jack involuntarily felt himself shuddering. The rest of the Autobots also seemed frozen as they observed in quiet grimness that was so unlike them that it was almost frightening.

Something had changed over the last few months. Ever since the Darkmount incident, the team had been… off. Jack didn’t claim to be any sort of expert, but it didn’t take a degree to see that the bots were more somber. Even Smokescreen, the most excitable of the group, spent more and more of his time pacing. Every single bot was out of sorts, always hanging around the main part of the hangar and never wandering far unless directly ordered by Optimus. Arcee wouldn’t even drive Jack home anymore. Jack, Miko, and Raf were almost always taken home by his Mom or by Fowler.

The worst part, at least in Jack’s opinion, was the way the bots always stopped to stare whenever he and his friends left. Whatever they were doing halted immediately and they all paused, watching critically as they left the hangar to get a ride back into Jasper with Fowler more often than not. It was a small detail, but oftentimes they seemed twitchy when it came time for Jack, Miko, and Raf to head to and from school.

They were almost upset by it, if Jack had to guess.

“You are NOT taking the kids to go talk to Megatron of all people! What the hell is wrong with you?!” Jack wanted to flinch as his Mom screamed, her face contorted in rage so bright it almost had Jack wishing he could shuffle away. But of course, he knew that wasn’t an option. The situation was tense enough that even Miko was quiet as she held Raf’s arm, trying to find some comfort as the scene unfolded.

“You already keep them here overnight whenever you can! And now you want to bring them out to face the giant metal beacon of DEATH that almost took over the world?!” His Mom’s voice echoed in the base, but not a single one of the bots moved. They all stood quietly, stiffly, even as they observed. All that could possibly be picked up from them was the faint sounds of their engines running and the ever-so-slight twitching of their eyes.

The bots had always been clingy. Jack had never been able to figure out why they’d tried to shoo him and his friends away only to then refuse to let them go anywhere when they had a say in things. Looking back, it was like a switch had been flipped. The bots never let him or the others wander far. They were always observed and always requested that they stay at base longer whenever it was feasible. It almost seemed desperate now that Jack thought about it. The way Arcee seemed reluctant to let him go when she drove him home. The look Bulkhead shared with Bumblebee when Miko and Rafael were similarly ordered to be brought back to their families. The strange expression of terror on Smokescreen’s face whenever Jack and his friends left for the evening…

Whatever was going on was finally about to reach its peak. Jack could feel it.

“I apologize, Mrs. Darby. We need the children. We cannot allow them to leave unless they are traveling with us.” Optimus’s voice was surprisingly quiet as he finally spoke up. Almost too quiet. A faint rattle in his words left Jack nervous more than anything else. How often had he ever seen Optimus upset? Once maybe? Even then, it was moreso a look of surprise. 

“What in heaven’s name could you possibly need my son and two innocent kids for? Bait?” His Mom’s retort was venomous, so much so that Raf stepped close to Jack on instinct. He didn’t think too hard about holding the younger boy’s hand and pulling Miko slightly behind him as Optimus’s eyes shrank down, the tiny pinpricks of glowing blue becoming smaller than ever before.

“We need the children. They are of us now. We cannot allow even one of our number to leave our sight, not like this, not right now.” Optimus twitched violently. His entire body seemed to lurch as he gripped the railing of the platform, putting Jack and the rest on the Prime’s level. The metal creaked, groaning under his strength as Optimus’s head tilted ever so slowly, his antennae drawn back in an almost aggressive manner.

Jack fought back the urge to run as he watched the rest of the bots crowd around, each of them staring quietly and in obvious agreement with their leader’s words. What was going on?

“Optimus, what’s going on?” Miko finally spoke up, her voice shaking with a hint of a whine as she looked between the Prime, Jack’s Mom, and the rest of the bots. He almost wanted to smack her for speaking up and possibly drawing more attention to them, but he couldn’t find the strength to do anything other than pull Miko closer to himself proactively. Whatever was going on here was beyond them.

“Miko, Jack, Rafael… I am sorry you were the ones wrapped up into this… but I will not risk my people dying. I refuse to condemn one of my own to the fate that awaits us if we are left alone.” Optimus twitched again, this time so violently that a crack echoed in the base. Jack winced but didn’t dare to move as Ratchet pulled Optimus back, his eyes never once leaving Jack and his friends.

“June, give them to us now. We aren’t asking, this is a demand.” Jack’s heart beat faster in his chest as Ratchet took Optimus’s place, holding out a hand and glaring at all of them like they’d personally offended him. Jack paused, too afraid to move, until Rafael tugged on his arm, gesturing toward Ratchet’s waiting hand. Miko seemed hesitant, but she was the first to obey and hurry over to the team medic. Jack didn’t have enough courage to tell her not to.

“Jack, Miko, Raf, don’t you three dare.” His Mom’s eyes were wide and filled with fear. Jack wanted to run, he wanted to scream. But what was he supposed to do? The bots were all so much stronger than them, and from the looks of it, they were willing to do just about anything to get their way.

“Mom, calm down. The bots have always brought us back from dangerous situations safely. This is pretty much the same, right?” Jack tried to soothe his Mom, but he felt a deep dread settle in his stomach as he finally got onto Ratchet’s hand, soon sitting with Raf and Miko pressed up against his sides as the tower giant that called himself a medic began to step toward the rest of the bots. 

Jack was only given a moment to see his Mom’s terrified face before Ratchet’s fingers curled enough that he couldn’t see. He wasn’t sure he wanted to.

“Jack, do you think we are going to be alright? The bots… aren’t going to hurt us, are they?” Rafael clung to Jack’s side like a little kid, which he arguably was. Jack wrapped an arm around him in what he hoped was a comforting manner as he felt Ratchet begin to walk. 

“They haven’t hurt us before. I don’t think they are going to start now. Besides, this whole thing seems off. They seem to just want us around like some sort of good luck charm.” He attempted to comfort the younger boy, but Raf didn’t seem all that at ease. Jack couldn’t blame him, especially when Miko was sitting quietly for once, her eyes glued on the light of the groundbridge.

“They will be returned safely once talks with Megatron have concluded.” Optimus reassured Jack’s Mom again, but it did little to ease her. Jack could still hear her crying out as the team stepped through the groundbridge, Ratchet still holding all three of them protectively.

The moment they arrived on the other side, Ratchet’s fingers parted just enough that Jack could see through the gaps.

“Prime! You’ve finally arrived.” Megatron stood on top of the nearest rock formation, a legion of Vehicons all around and on the ground beneath him. Soundwave and Starscream stood at his sides, both watching with grim expressions. What happened to all the vicious eagerness Jack had witnessed time and time again when he’d gotten wrapped up in the bots war?

“Megatron, I appreciate your cooperation.” Optimus stepped forward, speaking for the entire group. Oddly enough, the entire team of Autobots huddled close together, each of them looking a second away from surging into action or having a panic attack. Smokescreen and Bumblebee seemed especially stressed, both hovering near one of the bigger bots for support. Ultra Magnus became a bit of a beacon as Optimus left the group. Arcee, Bulkhead, Bee, Smokescreen, and even Wheeljack all crowded around the Commander.

Ratchet remained about a foot or two away from the Autobot huddle pile, for which Jack was grateful since it gave him a good view of whatever was going on.

“Doc, what’s happening?” Miko called up to Ratchet, looking far more terrified than Jack had ever seen her. Miko was always one for battle and excitement, but the strange, unsettling aura of trepidation was evidently getting to her. Rafael wasn’t much better as he clung to Jack’s side, not even adjusting his glasses as they slipped down his nose.

Ratchet did not see fit to answer Miko’s question.

“Have you come to surrender at last?” Megatron cackled, his evil grin on full display. Jack personally wanted to cringe at the sheer ego expressed in Warlord’s tone, but he was more worried about how the bots were reacting. There was no anger, not even a hint of combat readiness. They just… huddled.

“No. But I come to bargain for peace.” Optimus raised his hands, not in surrender, but something more… friendly? Jack didn’t really have another way to describe it as the Prime kept his back to the team, watching Megatron like a hawk.

“There is no bargaining to be done here, Prime. I will accept nothing less than complete and total surrender.” Megatron raised his blaster, his grin unwavering. Again, Jack wanted to cringe or scowl, maybe both. But looking at Starscream and Soundwave had him even more concerned. They seemed nervous, and looking at the Vehicons, they also huddled together in a very similar fashion to the team.

This was wrong. Something about all of this was wrong. 

“Megatronus, enough. You and I both know that we are out of time. There are too few of us left. We cannot continue as we are. Sooner or later, one of us will succumb.” Succumb? Jack felt a hint of fear begin to seep into his body as he looked up at Ratchet, then at his friends, and then back to Optimus. All of them were afraid, at least to his eyes. Ratchet’s expression was sharp, his eyes wide and glowing in a way he’d never seen before. Optimus was unnaturally twitchy, scratching at his armor periodically as he spoke. Rafael and Miko were unusually silent, seemingly copying the team as they huddled against Jack’s side.

He didn’t stop them, instead holding them close as things continued to play out.

“You underestimate the fortitude of the Decepticons. We do not need your Autobots to ensure our survival.” Megatron hissed, anger blazing in his eyes. Those around him flinched, even Soundwave. Survival. This was about survival. That meant that something serious was on the line that Jack did not yet know about.

Why would the Autobots want to ally with the Decepticons for the sake of survival? They’d only ever done that when Unicron woke up. And even then, that was just Megatron, not the entire faction.

“You lost most of your Vehicons to the virus that plagued your ship, and many more fell during the battle at Darkmount. You know as well as I do that your numbers are dangerously low.” Optimus’s voice continued to rattle, his fingers digging into his shoulders as he clawed at his armor. The team made worried noises, but they didn’t dare move. Ratchet’s eyes widened even further as Jack momentarily looked up at him.

Numbers. Was this about the survival of the species? Last time he’d checked, Optimus had said Cybertronians were on the verge of extinction. But again, why ally with the Decepticons? Had Optimus finally cracked? But if that was the case, why did the Decepticons, minus Megatron, look so eager to accept the offer. The Vehicons kept edging closer, their weapons lowered as they fidgeted in fear.

“They’re scared. The bots and the cons are scared of something.” Rafael’s voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief in his tone. He hugged Jack’s arm tighter, prompting Miko to do the same. They were way out of their territory here.

“Not low enough to bring us to our knees. We will never bow before a Prime.” Megtron’s retort came spitefully. His words turned into a strange mess of sounds Jack couldn’t pick out as he ranted for a while longer. Jack assumed he must have been talking in Cybertronian, but it certainly still seemed to make Optimus more and more agitated.

“You are a fool! We are out of time, Megatronus! None of us are safe! Not you, not me, and not any of those under our command!” Something seemed to snap in Optimus as he threw his arms up, gesturing to everyone and everything with such energy that Jack had to blink a few times to see if he was seeing things right. Miko and Rafael physically recoiled as they watched Optimus start to claw at his armor again, creating deep indents as he grunted, bordering on a growl.

“Would you like to see Soundwave succumb? Do you really want to potentially lose your last loyal ally? What about the rest of your troops? Do you want to watch them suffer as base coding takes over?” Again, Optimus spoke, his voice shaking in a way that was previously unimaginable. His movements were almost desperate as he continued tugging on and scratching his plating, almost like he had an insatiable itch. Jack couldn’t see much from where he was, but Optimus turned ever so slightly, letting him get a glimpse of the wild and crazed look in his eyes before he refocused.

The bots shifted all around him, huddling even closer and even going so far as to hold onto one another. Even Ratchet shuffled closer to the team, cradling Jack and his friends but not once tearing his gaze away from the scene.

“Your ridiculous chattering aggravates me. I need none of your Autobots to keep my troops secure. But you need us.” Megatron's tone was mocking, almost like he’d won some great battle. Optimus responded in short order, even more frantic than the first time, but in a quieter way.

“We need each other. This war has gone on too long, and if it continues as it has, we are going to fall.” Jack found himself more and more afraid just listening to the sheer amount of defeat in the Prime’s tone. He looked… scared. Well and truly scared as he started to hunch over a bit. 

“Then so be it! I will never succumb! I am Megatron of Kaon!” The leader of the Decepticons cackled, likely preparing to go on into another rant. But he was cut off by a choked sound from Optimus, one that left Jack fighting back the urge to close his eyes.

“You cannot-” Optimus lurched, his limbs twitching erratically as he continued to make an unsettling gagging sound. His antennae moved in unsteady motions, his armor rattled, and his fans blew open as he clutched his abdomen.

“Prime? Are you alright?” Bulkhead hesitantly called out, prompting Optimus to turn around for a brief moment. Miko looked like she wanted to say something, but she shut up the moment the Prime faced them. His optics were wider than wheels, and his jaw hung open in what looked to be a silent, horrifying realization. 

“Sir, step back. A retreat may be in order-” Ultra Magnus also tried to offer a comment, but Optimus just twitched again, his erratic movements turning into fullbody shaking as his voice became pure static for a long agonizing moment. He clawed at his arms, tearing off pieces of armor in terrified, desperate motions, almost like he was too hot.

“N-no…. This… this cannot be my end.” Optimus’s words were choppy and frantic, so much so that Megatron’s smile was wiped from his face. Jack felt his own expression fall as he pulled Miko and Rafael back, his hand coming to rest on their heads as he felt the instinctual need to prepare to cover their eyes.

This was bad. This was very, very bad.

“Everyone! Get back!” Ratchet all but shoved Jack and his friends into Arcee’s waiting hands. They all yelped, clutching Arcee’s fingers as Ratchet stood in front of the team, urging them back. Between the gaps in Arcee’s fingers, Jack saw a sight that would horrify him until the end of his days.

Optimus was still standing, but he was contorted in such a way that Jack wanted to feel sick. He was bent over, almost like he was trying to perform a gymnastics maneuver only to be stuck halfway. Metal-looking structures jutted out of his spine, possibly his version of ribs. They shone with a sticky substance that hung in strands, still connecting them to the Prime’s body. His expression was pulled taut in what Jack could only assume was pain as Megatron all but screeched for his soldiers to step back.

“Get away from him!” The Vehicons didn’t need to be told twice before booking it back to Megatron’s side. Jack took the chance to cover Rafael and Miko’s eyes as Optimus, usually so composed, fell to crying out in agony.

“H-Help me! I-it hurts-!” Optimus clawed at his armor, wailing as he grasped his head, pulling on his antennae and scratching at his face and neck like it would help him escape whatever was happening. He looked almost feverish as his armor flared and his fans roared.

“M-my spark! Hurts-!” Optimus’s words faded into a scream as he frantically tore off his own armor in a spray of energon. Anywhere he could reach, he dug his fingers under plating and ripped them off. It looked agonizing, almost like he was skinning himself to try and release some deep pain Jack couldn’t even comprehend. Wires were exposed, bright and scarred gray skin like surfaces bleeding as the Prime continued to tear at himself. Miko and Rafael shook against his sides, reminding Jack to keep his hands over their eyes even as he watched on, unable to look away.

“What’s happening!?” Miko whimpered into Jack’s shirt, but he didn’t answer her. Instead, he held her tighter, fighting back the urge building in his gut to vomit.

“PRIMUS HAVE MERCY! MERCY UPON ME!” Optimus screamed like a dying man, twisting like he didn’t know where he was. He flailed before falling to his knees, energon leaking from his mouth, his audials, his eyes, and his vents. He choked and gagged, trying to scream as his spine tore itself out of him, extending and spreading as small rib-like protrusions rose like wings, making room for strange bulbous masses to form all over Optimus’s back.

All over his body, the things Jack assumed were bones ripped themselves out of Optimus’s body in jagged, terrifying snaps. Any remaining armor started to melt, especially around his arms and legs, as more masses developed there. The masses were gray but had a strange hue-shifting look to them that made them glimmer like the world’s most messed-up rainbow, all accompanied by the agonized wail of the ever-stoic leader of the Autobots.

The whole scene looked like it crawled straight from hell, especially as gray looking sludge started to form around him as his armor continued to melt right off and pieces of what looked to be his version of skin began to warp.

“I knew one of us was going to bud!” Smokescream shrieked, covering his face with a sob as he stepped back, only stopped by Arcee who barked at him loud enough for Jack to wince as her voice rang in his ears.

“Shut up!” Jack only tore his eyes away from Optimus’s torture long enough to watch the team start to panic. Wheeljack and Bulkhead clung to each other like the Rapture was on the horizon. Bumblebee had fallen to the ground, watching in shocked horror as Optimus continued to wail. Smokescreen was only held up by Ratchet, who clutched his arm so tightly there had to be dents.

Only Ultra Magnus remained firm, but even that looked like a fragile façade.

“There’s nothing we can do now. Remain clear of the containment area.” Magnus stood firmly, placing a hand over his chest in what looked to be a salute of sorts as the horrific scene continued to unfold. 

Megatron and his Decepticons just watched. They didn’t even try to fire as they watched Optimus cry out in agony, the masses all over him growing like tumors combined with the world’s worst allergic reaction. His face split like dried and cracked earth, letting energon pour from the wounds. The same happened all over his frame, internals falling onto the floor as his very body melted from the inside out. The grows just kept getting bigger, cracking and shattering whatever remained of Optimus’s skeleton. 

Jack had to swallow the bile building in his throat as Optimus’s limbs snapped, bending backwards and at odd angles the shouldn’t have been possible. His jetpack had long since been torn to shreds, clinging to the mass on his back like some sort of thorn. The Prime had another growth on his chest that left him breathing frantically as he choked on what Jack could only assume were his own fluids. Two more hung off his arms, each creeping along him like mold. Two others infested his legs, popping off Optimus’s tires and consuming whatever mass was there.

He never stopped screaming.

“By the Unmaker…” Megatron’s curse was just loud enough to hear over the cacophony of sobs mixed with howls of torment coming from the Prime. Jack hardly registered his friends shaking against him, crying softly as they listened. He was glad they couldn’t see. Good lord, he was so glad.

Optimus desperately tried to move with his shattered body, the Matrix shining through a gap in his chest where the growth had not yet infested. The thing shocked him relentlessly as he pulled himself along, trying to get to help. His eyes exploded like light bulbs, leaving him blind and in even more agony as his very jaw began to melt right off, unhinging as if someone had knocked the screws holding it in place clean off. His fingers swelled like grotesque sausages, the armor on them distending until they snapped and the fingers turned into nothing more than good and bits of wire.

The Prime kept crying, trying to reach but ultimately being forced onto his stomach as he weakly pleaded for aid.

“Help… me… please… brother…” Optimus lifted an arm, one almost entirely overtaken by the growth. He reached in Megatron’s direction, but the warlord merely shook his head in horror and disbelief. Not a soul moved, and even Smokescreen’s sobs when quiet as Optimus whimpered one final time before his throat caved in.

Jack wasn’t sure if he was dead or not, but he certainly hoped so, if only for Optimus’s sake, as his body continued to twist and be devoured by whatever was on him. The growths consumed almost everything, bulking and breaking off of Optimus’s mutilated husk once they’d eaten almost all of him. Jack couldn’t bear to look at the corpse as the growths started to squirm, warping and changing.

Forming limbs.

“Is… is Optimus dead?” Raf’s voice was soft, almost a sniffle. Jack didn’t dare move his hands away from his friend’s eyes, decidedly not acknowledging the way his hands shook or how sick he felt.

“I don’t know Raf.” Jack’s words were surprisingly calm, but he chalked that up to shock as each of the masses continued to shift and change, forming into... their own entities. One by one they came online, their eyes lighting up a brilliant blue as they stood on unsteady legs. There were six, five of which appeared to be of similar design. Only the largest stood out, its armor sharp and its body built with a degree of elegance in mind.

All six of the new entities assessed themselves, looking over their bodies. The five smaller entities all had wings, but more startlingly, they all had Optimus’s eyes, albeit with slightly different takes on the design. It was almost like they were related somehow.

Jack wasn’t given time to think much about it as the biggest of the six quietly moved to Optimus’s body, or at least what remained of it. The five followed, the whole group staring at the Prime’s body for a long moment before the biggest reached down, and pulled out the Matrix. The relic was covered in energon, and yet it still somehow looked innocent as the largest one held the relic up, presenting it to Autobot and Decepticon alike.

“Hot Rod of Optimus Prime.” The biggest one, Hot Rod, announced themselves with a stoic expression that rivaled the fallen Prime. The rest of the five soon joined in the chorus.

“Silverbolt.” One of the five presented themselves with a proud salute, their frame blocky and obviously still developing.

“Air Raid.” Another followed in their lead, copying the first.

“Fireflight.” Again, another of the five spoke out, and each voice that rang out seemed to make the bots and cons shrink in on themselves.

“Skydive.” 

“Slingshot.”

The last two exclaimed their names with both glee and a degree of solemn understanding. Jack finally released his hands from where they’d covered Miko and Raf’s faces, letting them see these new bots. They gasped, and Miko began to cry the moment she saw Optimus’s corpse. Jack didn’t try to comfort her. It was useless.

The six stood there, as if waiting for orders. They were without color, and their armor was still shifting like goo. However, they all looked up to Megatron; their actions synchronized as they spoke in unison, leaving Jack’s skin crawling.

“We are of Optimus Prime, and we desire peace.” They all spoke, but Megatron wasn’t having any of it. He shook his head, terror etched onto his features as he threw himself into the sky.

“Decepticons! Retreat to the Nemesis!” Without hesitation, all the Decepticons flew back toward the warship looming overhead, not even trying to take advantage of the situation.

The six, for their part, turned to stare at the team, Jack and his friends included. He could feel their eyes raking over him, assessing him like he was some interesting subject in a lab. He hated it. He wanted to be sick, to sob, and then to never emerge from his room again.

“We will continue our originator’s work in his stead. We will not allow his death to be in vain.” Silverbolt, or at least the one Jack assumed was Silverbolt, collected the battered remains of Optimus’s corpse. The broken thing was little more than a few pieces of melted metal smelted together into an unflattering slab. The only reason it could even be tied to Optimus at all was because of the cracked remnants of a face that stuck to it.

Jack wasn’t sure he would be able to hold back the bile any longer as the six all smiled, the biggest one who still held the Matrix, stepping forward like they were always part of the team.

“Shall we return to base?”

[mfdragon]

The Campaign

Just a fun little in-between moment cause I wanted to write some DnD stuff.

The way I see it, they’ve continued their old college campaign but Maddie updated it to include some 5e rules. The boys however kept their old character sheets, so they’re a little outdated but they hold sentimental value to them.

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(Weirdly enough, trying to come up with names and classes for them was real difficult, cause DnD for me is very personal and I put a ALOT of care to my own characters. So giving Vlad and Jack their own characters felt like I was overstepping? Maybe it’s cause in their own world Vlad and Jack might as well be DnD character lol)

[jonasiegenthaler]

[suntails]

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