Transformers: The Cyborg Series

Christmas was a holiday that Beta was familiar with. Spending as much time as she had around humans, it was impossible to avoid such an iconic holiday. Sure, there was the trashy, ultra-consumerism part of it, but at the heart of it – the magic of Christmas, appreciating your loved ones, celebrating family. 

That was something she could understand. 

Beta had never celebrated Christmas. Not in the way humans did. Not in a long, long time. When she had first arrived on earth, the Addair family had made her a part of their own. Or they tried to, in their own way. She was utterly alone in the whole world, and they tried to make her feel like a part of the family as best they could. 

Granted, Beta could barely understand them. She was learning the human language the hard way, since there wasn’t any internet in 1841. Or any form of technology. At all. 

Regardless of the lack of well . . . anything, Beta still had some fond memories – hunkered down in that rickety barn with the cows and the horses. Listening to the Addairs sing christmas carols while snow piled thick outside. She remembered the smell of cooked poultry and potatoes, remember the bitter taste of hard liquor on her glossa. 

Edward had insisted she try some – much to her regret. 

Beta never really thought about them much, until the holidays came around. When the radio hosts would start playing Christmas music, and when she'd start to see lights go up on neighborhood homes.

That's when she would think of those simpler times. 

Beta hadn’t truly celebrated Christmas since those early days when she was lost and confused. Hell, she had no reason to. She had . . . nothing. For such a long time. And she was okay with that, it never really crossed her mind. 

But now, she had a lot more than she had ever had. She had a home at the Saint Helena Augusta Base, she had a family in Bee, Jazz, Prowl, Ironhide, Ratchet and the others. 

And she had a partner in Optimus. Well, partner was the understatement of the fucking century. 

He was so much more than just a partner. 

Beta-04 was quickly realizing that Optimus was . . . her everything. It felt weird to admit that to herself, but it was the truth. 

“Y’know . . .” Beta finally spoke up, as she leaned against the door to the main hangar, “I’ve seen some crazy stuff. Fucked up stuff.” She pointed ahead of her, “But that is the most bat-shit crazy thing I’ve ever seen.” 

Ratchet looked up at her, giving her the most dead-eyed glare imaginable. Which was in stark contrast to the rather jolly and comically small santa hat that was perched on one of the points on his helm. 

“You think you’re funny?” 

“I think I’m fucking halarious.” Beta walked further into the space, dusting the snow off her body, “You lose a bet?” 

Ratchet ‘humrumphed’ and turned back to the monitors, “Optimus has encouraged us to embrace this ‘Christmas’ and . . . get into the holiday spirit.” 

Beta smiled fondly at the medic, “Can’t say no to those puppy eyes, can you?” 

“I fall for it every time.” 

Beta pat Ratchet on the shoulder, “The others coming back soon?” 

“Yes, yes.” Ratchet replied, “Apparently the government gave us quite the budget for Christmas decorations. Jazz is being put in charge of that.” 

“Won’t pay for anything else, but at least we get to be festive.” Beta chimed as she placed a pain regulator between her dentals. 

There was a pause, before Beta spoke, 

“So . . . who’d you get for -?”

“Nice try.” Ratchet said over his shoulder. 

“Augh!” Beta threw her hands in the air, exasperated, “Give me one hint! Is it me? Did you get me for secret santa?” 

“For the 100th time, I’m not telling you.” Ratchet said, “Neither is Rung, or the Twins, or Ironhide or Chromia or–” 

“What about Prowl?”

“Prowl didn’t put his name in the hat.” Bumblebee whirred as he walked over to the two larger bots, “Said it was a waste of time.” 

Beta shrugged. Pretty on brand for Prowl honestly. It was surprising enough that he was allowing the bots to decorate the base without putting up too much of a fuss. 

Jazz must’ve said something to him. 

Beta glanced at Bee, “I also objected to doing secret santa. But Optimus said it was good ‘team building’ – so . . . why does Prowl get a pass and I don’t?” 

Bee shrugged haplessly, “I have no idea. Probably cause he thought you’d warm up to the idea, Prowl would just be a party pooper.” 

“And yet I somehow got dragged into this insipid tradition as well.” Ratchet bemoaned, before his optics flickered up to the monitors as a ping came through, followed by Optimus’ voice. 

“Optimus Prime to base, we have the necessary items. Ratchet, can you bridge us back?” 

“Coming right up.” Ratchet said as he opened up a portal. 

Beta turned, watching the familiar alt modes of Jazz, Crosshairs, the Lambo Twins and Optimus Prime rumbled through, coming to a halt and transforming. Optimus having to detach his trailer first before doing so. 

The others – Chromia, Rung, Wheeljack, Ironhide, Perceptor and Prowl all made their way into the main hangar with several of the soldiers who called the base home. 

Jazz beamed at the others, his visor shining, “We’re back!” He grins, “We got all the things!” 

Beta put her hands on her hips, watching as Jazz moved over to Optimus trailer, reaching inside and producing a few boxes, full of Christmas lights and decorations. The femme then looked to Optimus, the two of them meeting eyes. Optimus’ audial finals twitched forward upon seeing her. 

“How was shopping?” she asked him softly. 

Optimus walked closer, “Good.” he said gently, “I rather enjoy this . . . ‘holiday spirit’, humans adopt during this time of year. Reminds me of simpler times.” He had a look of fondness in his optics. 

Beta smiled, “I know . . . me too.” Her servo gently grazed over his. 

Optimus moved a bit closer to her, “This will be our first Christmas together.” He said softly, “I’m looking forward to it.” 

Beta turned fully to face him, tilting her head, “Yeah?” She smiled up at him, her spark fluttering in its chamber. 

“Yeah . . .” he reached forward, his digits just grazing hers. 

“Hey, Beta!” 

Beta’s helm snapped over, seeing Bee holding a handful of Christmas lights, “You gonna help us decorate or what?” 

Beta laughed quietly, “I already said yes to secret santa, now you want me to decorate?” She walked over to them. 

“Actually, we just need you cause you’re tall.” Jazz grins. 

“Ahh, yes, that tracks. Just abuse me for my physical prowess.” The femme chuckled, following Bee to a section of the rafters. She grabbed the scout around the waist and with ease, picked him up and placed him on her shoulders so he could reach. 

Bee giggled, “Thanks! You’re the best, Beta!” 

Beta held his lower legs in place, shaking her helm, “Y’know you can get Ironhide to do this.” 

“He’s too busy hanging the swags we got in the front.” Chromia added with a smirk. 

Bee began to hang up the lights overhead, “Have you ever celebrated Christmas before, Beta?” 

Beta looked up at Bee as he shifted on her shoulders, “Not in a long time. The Addair family would bring me into their celebrations. Bring me to church services. Taught me some carols, even offered me their food.” Her gaze fell, “But that was a long time ago.” 

“Maybe you could sing some carols for us.” Optimus offered with a smirk. 

Beta wheezed a laugh, taking a beat to steady herself so Bee wouldn’t fall, “How bout we just let Nat King Cole do the singing?” she replied. 

“I’m sure you have a lovely singing voice.” Optimus replied. 

Sideswipe raised his hand, “I’d also like to hear Scary Beta sing Jingle Bells.” He had a shit eating grin on his face. 

“Seconded!” Ironhide called from outside the hangar. 

Beta shot Sideswipe a withering glare, “I’m not singing anything.” 

“Beta, can you move over?” Bee asked. 

Beta obeyed and side stepped, so Bee could string up the next section of lights, “I’m not singing – end of discussion.” she said. 

Jazz snorts – you could see the eye roll under his visor, “Killjoy.” 

“I am so not a killjoy!” Beta barked back, “I am very joyful! Anit-killjoy. Un-killjoy.” 

“Beta, those aren’t words.” Chromia giggled. 

“Oh, shut up!” 

“Did the Addair family ever give you anythin’ for Christmas, Beta?” Jazz suddenly asked. 

Beta glanced over to the shorter mech, “Heh .. . they really didn’t know what to give a giant alien being.” She smiled fondly, “But . . . I remember the first Christmas I spent with them . . . their daughter, Eva – she gave me a wreath.” She smiled fondly at the memory, “It was simple – mostly made of fir tree branches and some holly, but I hung it up in the barn where I stayed. It was nice.” 

“That’s actually really stinkin’ cute.” Sideswipe grins. 

Beta nods as she adjusted her stance to stabilize Bee overhead, “Yeah . . . it was . . . simpler times back then.” 

-----------------------

As evening came over the base, the air of holiday festivities really seemed to set root. The base was modestly decorated, with the white Christmas lights illuminating the darkest corners of the base. Christmas music carried on the cold wind, and the overall air of the base was lighter. Some of the bots were dancing to the music, others were drinking some high grade. Crosshairs was already feeling a little buzzed, Beta could tell. He was laughing a lot more than he usually did. 

Beta stood near the door, leaning against it as she sipped some regular warm energon from a make-shift cup, made from an old storage barrel. Jazz was playing the music, shimmying and dancing next to Prowl who didn’t dance, obviously. But he rolled his eyes good-naturedly, with the ghost of a smile crossing his lips. 

It was nice to see Prowl ease up, if but for a little while. All that stress couldn’t have been good for him. 

Beta turned her gaze to the other side of the hangar, seeing Ironhide and Chromia sitting on some makeshift seats. Chromia had her helm resting on Ironhide’s shoulder, the pair of them swaying gently to the music. 

The twins, Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Crosshairs were dancing and singing – very out of tune – to the music. 

Ratchet, Optimus, Perceptor and Rung were off to one side, sipping their drinks and quietly talking with warm smiles, and gentle voices. Beta snrk'd into her cup at the sight of Optimus also wearing a comedically small but festive Santa hat -- perched on his audio fin.  

Beta took a deep breath in, letting her head rest on the threshold of the door. She stared at her new found family with fondness in her eyes. Her spark was at ease, warm and swelling with joy. The simple joy of watching those she had come to hold dear enjoy the evening. Watching them smile, watching them laugh. 

She finished off her energon and set it aside, licking her derma. 

“Ok, ok, everyone!” Jazz crowed, “Lets do this secret Santa!” He chuckled, “C’mon!” 

Beta chewed the inside of her cheek, reaching into her subspace and producing a small package. She had gotten Ratchet of all people for Secret Santa. She had tried her best – hopefully he’d like what she got for him.  Everyone placed their gifts on a crate in the center of the room, and one by one each bot came up and picked up the gift with their name on them. 

Each gift was perfect for the bot it was intended for. 

Wheeljack got a new set of tools for his projects.

Rung got a miniature set to build in his office. 

Perceptor got several books about earth science. 

Chromia got polish for her axe. 

Ironhide got high quality gun polish for his ion canons. 

Crosshairs got a new, custom sight and scope for his beloved rifle. 

Jazz got the newest album from one of his favorite artists. 

Sideswipe got a subscription for one of his favorite tv shows. 

Sunstreaker got wax for his alt mode. 

Prowl didn’t get anything – since he didn’t participate. 

Bumblebee got tickets to a local car race. 

And Optimus got a photograph of all of his team. Beta could have sworn the Prime was about to cry. 

When Ratchet got to his gift, Beta tensed up, fiddling with her hands quietly. The grumpy medic opened the package and halted. He reached in, and produced one of his most frequently used tools when it came to repairs. One of his welders; used to seal bleeding wounds. 

“I was looking for this-” Ratchet looked up, “Seriously? Re-gifting one of my tools?” 

Beta looked down, “Uh– loo-look closer, Doc.” 

Ratchet looked at the tool. And indeed, the tool was decorated. Beautifully engraved with ancient Cybertronian sigils, turning it from just a tool to a work of art. 

Ratchet looked up at Beta, “Did you do this?” 

The femme shrugged, “It used to be a tradition amongst the House. You engrave your weapons with mantras and good prayers – to ensure you strike true.” She wringed out her servos, “You’re weapons are the tools you use to mend us. To . . .to heal us. So I thought . . . etching them with prayers was something you may like.” 

Ratchet looked at the tool, an air of fondness overcoming his features as he looked up at Beta, “Thank you . . . this is . . . really sweet.” 

Beta looked down, “Didn’t know what else to do for you. You’re a hard Bot to read, doc.” 

Ratchet walked up to her, staring up at her taller frame, “You’re really something else, woman.” He pat her arm, 

Beta snorted, “Yeah, yeah –” but she smiled all the same, “I’m glad you like it.” 

“There’s still one more!” Sideswipe pointed to the package on the table, “I think it's yours, Beta.” 

Beta walked past Ratchet and picked up the package. It was beautifully wrapped, with her name written in Cybertronian on the side. She slowly opened the package with delicate hands, revealing it to be a Cybertronian Data Pad. 

She tilted her head, as she turned it on, the screen coming to life. Beta began reading the contents, and as she did, the team watched as a thick tear formed in the corner of her one good eye and rolled down her cheek. 

“ . . . What is it?” Jazz asked, walking up to her. 

Beta blinked hard, taking a deep breath, before looking up to Optimus, knowing it could have only been him, “How did you even -?”

Optimus smiled gently, “I still have memory chips from when I was an archivist. And I remember reading those old stories you told me about once upon a time. . . They are all there, whenever you need them.” 

Sideswipe held up a servo, “Is anyone seriously confused?” 

Beta cleared her throat, sniffling a bit, “After I was rescued from Shockwave’s labs . . . there was a lot of healing that needed to happen . . . a lot of time spent laying on a recharge berth, watching the world go by.” She looked down at the text on the data pad, “Stormcharger would come in at least once a day and tell me stories from the old world. A Cybertron of myths and magic – it was fairy tales, but . . . they helped past the time and kept my mind occupied. Made the pain easier.” She shook her helm, “I told Optimus about this once, I – I thought I’d never get to read these stories again.” 

Optimus moved closer, “Now you can revisit those tales whenever you wish.” 

“Thank you.” Beta looked up at him, “Thank you.” 

-----------------------

Snow was now falling outside, and the party had begun to wind down. Bots peeling off to go to bed. The lights were still lit, creating a wonderful ambience in the hangar. Even as Crosshairs staggered off to bed, thoroughly hammered, one Bot remained. 

Beta sat on one of the makeshift seats, sitting crisscrossed, the datapad in her lap reading through the old stories her father used to tell her all those eons ago. She felt like she was back in the safety of the temples, listening to his soft voice spin the most fantastic yarns. 

She scrolled slowly, her optics reading over the texts with a fond smile on her lips as she read in the quiet. 

Her reading was suddenly interrupted by an odd sound outside. It made her pause, lifting her head to make sure she did hear what she thought she heard, or not. Maybe it was a trick of the wind? The sound of the metal chassis of one of her teammates? 

She heard it again. 

Bells. 

“What the hell -?” The femme uncurled from her spot, stashing the datapad into her subspace and walking across the hangar and pulled the door open, greeted with the snow covered base. She stepped out, her pedes crunching against the snow. 

“Hello?” The femme called, “Sideswipe, if this is some sort of prank, I swear to Primus-” The femme stopped short as her optics drifted down to the ground. 

A package lay at her feet, larger than a normal human package. Beta knelt down and picked it up in her hand. 

“Someone order something?” she wondered, before she noticed what was written on the brown paper. 

To: Beta-04. Merry Christmas!

Beta tilted her head again as she opened the parcel, peeling the paper back and opening the delicate cardboard. An audible gasp tore from the femme’s throat as she covered her mouth. 

Laying in the box was a Christmas wreath, just like the one she had gotten from the Addair family all those years ago. A simple wreath of pine branches, and swags, adorned with holly, and tied up in a bow. She looked around again, 

“Optimus do this? No--" she mumbled to herself, "There is no way he found the exact wreath--” She stopped herself, seeing something in the distance.

She walked out of the hangar a bit more, narrowing her eyes against the heavy snowfall. 

In the distance, close to the edge of the base, a man walked through the snow. He wore a deep red cloak that billowed in the wind, and carried a single lantern that was like a beacon in the cold night. 

Beta blinked again, “Hey!” Her voice carried over the wind. 

The man stopped, and turned to face her, briefly. But he was too far away for Beta to make out any distinct features. All she could see was a big, white beard, and the glow of his lantern. 

The man was silent, as he held up his free hand, and waved to the femme, before a gust of wind blew up the fresh snow, concealing the man fully. Beta blinked hard against the wind, cradling the wreath to her chest. 

As fast as it came, the wind died down and the snow settled once more, revealing the man was gone. The only sound in the darkness was the distant sound of jingling bells. 

Beta looked down at the wreath, slowly pulling it out from its packaging and holding it in her huge hands. She then looked to where the man had gone, and in that moment, she didn’t try to understand. The soldier part of her CPU didn’t try to figure out how it all happened. 

She didn’t want to. She didn’t think she was supposed to. 

“Beta?” 

The femme looked up, seeing Optimus approaching her out of the snow, “Are you alright, my love? I heard you shout.” 

“Huh?” Beta blinked, almost having to reset her CPU, “Oh!” She turned her gaze back to where that mysterious man was, “Yeah, I’m ok.” she looked down at the wreath, “I think . . . I think I just saw . . .” she blinked hard, then laughed gently, “I think I just saw a little bit of magic.” 

Optimus gave his love a mildly perplexed look, before a fondness washed over his features as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, “Magic, you say?” he peered down at the wreath, “What happened?” 

Beta let her head rest on his shoulder as the pair of them walked through the snow, heading back to their shared living space. Beta looked up at his profile as they walked, 

“ . . . Just the universe letting me know that . . . it's looking out for me, I guess. Looking out for all of us.”  

Optimus’ smile grew at her cryptic answer, “Keep your CyberNinja secrets.” he chuckled, as they came to the entrance to their shared hangar. 

Beta snorted and laughed, looking up at him, seeing some snow accumulating on the flat planes in his armor. The same happening to her frame, too. She reached up and playfully nudged the Santa hat with her finger "Very cute." 

Optimus leaned down, "I thought you'd like it." tilting her helm up and kissing her derma. Beta gently kissed back, rubbing up and down his arm. The kiss was gentle and loving. 

The pair parted and Optimus pressed his forehead to hers, “Merry Christmas, my love.” 

Beta smiled, her cheeks flushing an energon blue, “Merry Christmas.” She replied back. 

Optimus then opened the door to their room, “Ready for bed?” he asked. 

Beta paused, looking down at the wreath in her hands, “I’ll be right in. Just wanna hang this up.” she said. 

Optimus nodded, slipping inside and vanishing from view. Beta quickly hung up the wreath on the sliding door to their hangar, staring at it with her hands on her hips. The tall femme then turned her gaze up to the sky, seeing a few stars peeking out from the thick clouds. 

“Thank you.” She whispered into the cold air, before she slipped into her room, into the embrace of the mech that loved her more than anything.

The Saint Helena Augusta base was silent, all Autobots and humans sound asleep as the snow cocooned them. The only sound – like a whisper on the wind – was the sound of jingling bells across the heavens. 

FIN~

-----------------------

​​​​​​​Like I said, SUPER cheesy and hallmark-esque, but it made me happy to write it. I always get sappy and whimsical for the holidays. 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays everybody! Stay warm, stay safe, tell your loved ones that you love them and enjoy spending time with your family. Whether that family is blood related, chosen, or found. 

Family is family.