turn on your electric heart

[ There's a clatter as the phone is knocked off the hook. Another as Jolt tries to pick it up you can hear him muttering: ]

I'm back- it can't be true, it can't-- I'm back.

[ A final scramble for the phone and he manages to grab it. There's no mistaking the urgency of his tone ]

Sideswipe-- I need to talk to Sideswipe!

[ When Jolt wakes up in his bed, disoriented and frightened, but whole and safe and very much alive, his first impulse is to call Sideswipe. And he does, only to discover the other Autobot has been droned.

That frightens him more than he cares to admit.

He just curls up in the blankets, barely listening to the phone. Only when Hughes asks for him directly does he snap out of it enough to finally pick up the phone, and softly announce: ]

It's... It's Jolt. I'm here. I'm fine.

I'll be fine.

(( ooc; )

)

[ There's a laugh, though it's a bit strained, a bit forced. ]

I think I've got whiplash from how fast I got yanked from the past into the future. Everyone okay?

... Speaking of whips, these would've been nice to have a couple of weeks ago. [ deadpan: ] Thanks a whole slagging lot, Mayfield.

[ private to Flora | unhackable ]

Uh. Flora? I know we haven't... been officially introduced, but I owe you. You... probably saved my life. I- um. I know you've gone through a lot lately. Are you- is there anything I can do for you?

[ private to Harley | action, since they're in the same house ]

Harley? You around?

[ there is a long silence, then a groggy groan-slash-yawn ]

Guys? Did- did it work? I- wait. This isn't right. Ratchet-? Hello? Ow. Primus, my head. Ratchet said I might be sore, but...

[ a yelp, followed by the distinct sounds of someone falling out of bed ]

Ow. W-what's going on?! Where- what- my body--

Okay, Jolt. Let's think about this for a second. One klik I'm in the desert. On my right, Optimus. On my left... that... one mech. I never got his name. Anyway, I'm positive I did everything right, so how did I wind up here?

Frag it, I better be dreaming. Dreaming that I'm a human. In a house.

...

Forget dreaming. Maybe this is really a nightmare.

...Guys? Autobots- tell me I'm not the only one here. Please tell me I'm not the only one here.