The Flaming Dawn
by Zaru
Summary: A year has passed by quickly. The government has funded a special team just for the Autobots to help keep track of the Decepticons still roaming on Earth. When Starscream returns in full force, how will everybody deal with another event just like Mission City?
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. I do own Zaru Kiys. I own Club Kunoichi. Leiana Lopez belongs to Ninjalala. Rose Connelly belongs to BlackwingRose. Jade Rivers belongs to Icarian Angel Wings. Kia Hawkins belongs to weapon13white fang. Piper Somoon belongs to BlackHealer222. Erin Timmons belongs to Strawberrytop007. Bethany King belongs to Mrs. Optimus Prime. I own characters with small/very minor roles as well. Songs sang/mentioned belong to their writers/singers/creators.
A/n: Hello, everybody! And welcome to the sequel of Illusions of Love! I really hope you enjoy this prologue! XD
Prologue
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
The 23-year-old adjusted the black swivel chair she sat upon to the perfect height but pulling herself back under the desk. She sighed in despair at the stack of papers sitting high in front of her. It was going to be a long night. She knew that much.
Rose Connelly wanted nothing more than to leave every single sheet of paper behind and run out the doors to bask in the high sun bringing tons of heat to the Earth. It was early August and the weather said it was going to be around the high 80s. Remembering that, she realized just how lucky she was to remain in the office and go through all that work. An air conditioning was set inside bringing her office marked as a chill zone. But she did reach a limit of coolness when only wearing a black tank top and a red, plaid miniskirt with boots tying all the way up to her knees.
Sighing once again, she reached her long fingers up to snatch the first few papers that were ready to fall on her lap anyways.
Every time she worked this hard, the question of why she kept doing it always came to her mind. Why do I do this? Why do I work my arse more than anybody? Because this was my first job when I came to this country that's why.
It only seemed like yesterday, which she wished it was, that she was able to gain this position at the club even without proper prior experience. Zaru was kind enough to give her a shot, seeing how she would do in the position of a financial advisor. Seemingly, her boss, although young and somewhat inexperienced in business matters herself, liked what she saw from the British woman. Right away they became friends and did everything together. Zaru's grandparents even helped invest for Rose to go to a local college to get her degree in accounting while using her current position at the club as practice. And everyday, the goth was getting better and better.
Zaru was always so kind to her. Always ready to lend a helping hand whenever she needed it. It was one of the reasons why Rose enjoyed a friendship with Zaru. In times of need, she knew there would always be at least one person she could count on. And that was Zaru.
But she couldn't continue to think about other things at that time. It was a bit trifling that her mind was set on work most of the time. Especially within the past year since she's been with Ratchet. The personal time she was able to get free from her job pulled her into Ratchet's waiting embrace. The couple was spending plenty of time together. It was a healthy relationship built on trust and loyalty. Not to mention a friendship that would last lifetimes over. Perhaps it was because of the bond they shared with one another. Or it was just their own feelings allowing themselves to meander throughout their daily lives and learn about one another by free will.
I wish Ratchet was here to keep me company at least. Then this paperwork wouldn't be as annoying as a gibbering, idiotic wanker.
As much as work did bother her at times, she was just grateful to be where she was. And glad, as always, she was able to stick with it after almost five years.
Suddenly, not a moment too soon, her phone rang.
She picked it up. "Hello?"
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Zaru Kiys, like always, had her nose in her own paperwork. This time, it was inventory and daily reports. The young woman's auburn hair held just a few green streaks now. It was free-styled, cascading halfway down her back with just a white headband to keep strands of hair falling in her eyes while she was working. Her daytime outfit of capris and halter top was simple as it helped her to keep cool while working within the club.
Her ocean eyes skimmed through several lines of text from the daily reports of club activity during that week. It was tiresome, yet thrilling at the same time. Sometimes the reports were filled with bizarre notices that made the female want to laugh out loud. But what else should she expect from Leiana whom she made a shift manager in charge of the work schedules while also supervising the other waitresses and waiters working nights.
It was a hard job. Sometimes even demanding extra hours as only there were only two supervisors at the club now. One of them, Diedra, had complained too much about the other employees' work habits to Zaru on several occasions. But Zaru never took no notice. It was only because Zaru was at the club all the time whenever it was opened to the public. She, herself, would watch from the shadows as her employees followed policy and rules regarding their jobs. And every time there was a simple complaint from Diedra, the club owner wouldn't listen. It was about time she was fired anyhow. The woman simply didn't know how to do her job so Leiana took over and was given the opportunity to do her first duty and throw Diedra out.
The dark-skinned female was only too happy to comply. It wasn't as though she had feelings for the former employee anyhow.
Zaru shook her head while chewing on the head of her pen. Leiana doesn't do bad with daily reports. Nothing's out of place. The employees are happy with the change of environment as well. Perks them up.
She smiled. Several months before, without spending too much money, she, her friends and a few of the Autobots along with Barricade, pitched in to give the club a makeover. Ironhide had to be persuaded somehow to help with the building. It wasn't that big of a deal if he didn't help, but Zaru liked muscle and Ironhide had it. He was used to dealing with heavy stuff. After all, he was the main heavy loader who built up the base from what she was told by Optimus.
The club expanded, bigger than before. Sadly, the parking lot had to be destroyed and built several feet back to accommodate the ever-growing expansion. Ironhide was nonetheless happy to oblige in firing his weapons at the ground, destroying her beautiful parking area. Mirage was happy, too.
But the blue mech made it up to her later one evening. The next morning, the young woman was more bouncy and cheerful than before. Everybody had an idea of what he did, but no one spoke a word.
Days later, while the renovations of the building and parking lot were taking place, Zaru learned some ghastly news.
Her grandmother had passed away in her sleep next to her grandfather. The poor old man woke up one morning to find his beloved wife not breathing, but with a peaceful-like smile upon her face. It saddened everybody.
The then 22-year-old was filled with sorrow and mourned with grief over the loss of the woman who was always there for her whenever she could be. Everybody, including the Autobots, showed up at her funeral, paying their deepest respects to her grandfather who deeply appreciated all they were doing for his granddaughter Zaru. Especially Mirage who he found out was a giant, alien robot less than a month after Zaru and Jade's kidnapping.
But now, things were all set and done. Zaru was doing much better and beyond hyper. Her heart was back in place, things running smoothly for her. The club, unfortunately, suffered for a month and a half before construction would begin again. But it was understandable with everything happening.
Now, Zaru was standing at the new bar reading the reports and doing inventory, keeping her occupied due to the summer weather. Boring as it was, she knew what needed to be done. After all, it was her club. And she was responsible for everything.
She sighed heavily. Then, her cell phone rang. Reaching onto the bar, she blinked when she saw the name and flipped it open.
"Hello?"
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Leiana Lopez sat on her bed taking notes from her textbook. The 19-year-old Latina was getting ready for her upcoming classes of the new semester which would begin in a week. Last year, she felt unprepared, but was able to catch up quickly. Her grade goal set to a 'B' rose faster than Sunstreaker's ego.
Sunstreaker.
The dark-skinned female couldn't help but think about her spark mate. It had been awhile since she had seen him. With the beginning of college coming up, it was hectic. Too much work had to be done. Her classes had to be rescheduled at least three times before it was flexible enough to work around her job. Then, it turns out, she came up shorthanded at work by two waitresses and one waiter, so it was extra hours for her.
She didn't mind working at all anymore. She still hated wearing the heels, but grew accustomed to her new responsibilities. So, with college and work, there wasn't much time to spend with Sunstreaker. Although he tried his hardest to pull some strings. Namely strings called Zaru. Since the woman was her boss, he would pull at the heartstrings while Leiana was working and ask if she could get off early to spend some time together. It worked about half the time. The rest of the time, Zaru would only shake her head and send him to sit down somewhere.
The woman would see him at the club a lot while she was working. He would stand there and smirk at her. She would smile back with a wink and a sway of her hips getting the reward of his goofy grin she grew to love.
I should make some more time for him. It won't be easy, but I'll do my very best.
Her head shook when the cordless phone next to her on the bed rang.
"Man, who's calling me now?" Seeing a telemarketer's number on the caller I.D., she ended the call.
Then, her comwatch beeped. Sunny! She mentally smiled. "Yeah, Sunny?"
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
It was a sight to see. That's for sure.
The 19-year-old blonde-brunette female shook her head while flipping her cell shut. She covered her mouth hoping to keep in the oncoming laughter. But it wasn't so. Within seconds, she was doubled over, tears retreating from her chocolate eyes from laughing so hard.
Jade Rivers knew laughing wasn't the right thing to do, but it couldn't be helped. Just the way he was laying was enough to get anybody going. Especially when they were hanging upside down.
Hound didn't think it was funny.
The green mech looked down at his charge standing just several feet under him.
"You think this is funny?" He questioned while pointing to the strong rope holding his legs.
She shrugged. "I'm sorry, Hound, but it's hilarious. Who would have thought you would be pulled in by a prank done by Sideswipe and Sunstreaker? I thought you knew how their processors worked, Hound?" A grin was plastered on her face.
Hound folded his arms, not amused by his current situation. "I, for one, Jade, do not find this funny!"
"Awe. I'm sorry, Hound. But, I mean, come on!" Her hands gestured to the rope. "You were the one who went exactly where they told you to go! And you're supposed to the do the opposite of what they tell you! I learned that the hard way, remember?"
She was right. The twins, in the past year, have pulled several pranks on the Autobots and humans. Since Decepticon activity was down, with no sign of Starscream, it was boring. With nobody to fight against, what else was there to do? "Still, this doesn't amuse."
"Well, it might amuse a lot of people since I called for help."
Hound shut his optics tightly. An even more embarrassing situation I have gotten myself into.
Jade leaned against the tree patiently awaiting the arrival of Mirage. He was the only one she thought of calling to lessen the humor for Hound. They were both best friends and she knew he wouldn't make fun of her guardian. At least, she hoped he wouldn't.
Thinking of how Mirage and Hound were reminded herself of how much she loved her own friends. To her, they would always be like family. Actually, now that she thought about, they were her family. Jade never really knew her mother. The only one who raised her was her great-aunt who passed away less than a year and half ago. From then on, Jade lived in the small house given to her by her aunt from the will she left behind. It was a good-size house, but she felt something smaller like an apartment would suit her better. Alas, none came her way and the house was where she still resided. She wondered on several occasions of asking Leiana to move in with her lessening a burden of paying rent and bills which both of them could work out together.
But working for Zaru allowed her to make friends like Leiana, Rose and Mikaela. Things were going great with their friendship and she couldn't be happier.
Now, several minutes passed before quite a few vehicles made their way down the deserted road leading toward the Autobot base. Leading them happened to be Blurr escorting Rose as usual.
Her eyes widened. "Oh no!" Her insides were bubbling with laughter ready to come out once more. If her friends saw her guardian now, there would be no containing of anything.
The green mech craned his head to stare over at his charge who continued to appear upside down to him. "What is it?"
"Um, Blurr's coming. And so are Mirage, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe and Ironhide." She didn't dare tell him about the humans each were escorting within.
He sighed heavily. "Great. Just my luck." He wished the twins weren't there. They would only add to his trouble by making an appearance at their small prank. Not to mention pushing his buttons.
All the vehicles halted, allowing their passengers to exit. Jade blinked. She recognized a few of her friends, but there were two faces unfamiliar to her. She wondered who they could be.
Mirage transformed quickly, eyeing his friend's predicament.
"What in primus happened to you, Hound?" He headed over, walking a circle around Hound.
Jade shrugged her shoulders. "Hound listened to Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. That's what happened."
Mirage glared over at the twins who were now transformed themselves. They were unable to contain their laughter while high-fiving one another.
"You two will receive the consequences of your actions with Ironhide in the training chamber."
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe's mouths gaped open.
"No, Mirage! Anything but that!" Sunstreaker pleaded. The last time he was in the training chamber with Ironhide, the old mech ruined his paint job. It took two days for him to perfect it and it got ruined within minutes of entering the chamber.
"Yeah, Mirage! Have a spark!" Sideswipe moved behind one of the unfamiliar figures standing with the other humans.
Leiana folded her arms across her massive chest. "That's what you get for pulling pranks, Sunny. Take it like a mech."
The yellow Lamborghini looked down at his spark mate. His optics pleaded for her help, but she offered none. If he wasn't in the pit at that moment, he would have said something perverted as she was cute standing there acting all big and bad against him.
"That's not fair, Lala!"
Zaru grinned as she headed over to Hound. "Hound, how could you listen to them? You know better." She shook her head, her auburn hair moving gently with the breeze, hands on her hips.
The mech dangled helplessly, fingers almost touching the ground. "I should have gone with my better judgment. But of course, I was excited when they told me of new terrain they found behind the base."
Rose clasped her hands together behind her back as she leaned against Blurr's leg. "Live with your actions, love. It's your own fault for listening. Especially when it's them." She nodded her head to the twins.
Blurr folded his own gigantic arms across his spark casing. "Guess we need to cut you down, don't we, Hound?"
"That would be helpful, yes." He stated.
Nodding, Ironhide took a step forward, his cannon appearing on his right arm. "Get to it, Ironhide."
Hound's blue optics widened in fear. "Not that helpful, Blurr!" He put his hands up in defense, but it was too late.
Ironhide blasted, cutting the rope holding the captured Autobot. He fell to the ground with a resounding thud, shaking the earth under him. Dust rose all around him and Jade coughed.
"Damn!" She wiped the dust away from her and coughed again. "Maybe you should think about losing some weight, Hound. You land pretty hard when only a few feet from the ground." When the dust settled, she could see him glaring at her with narrowed optics. "I'm just kidding." Shaking her head, she walked over to her friends. "So, hey, guys."
"Hey, Jadie." Zaru embraced her friend tightly. "Still coming to work tonight?"
"Hey, Zaru, and yes I still am coming to work. Think I'd want to skip a night of singing?"
"Well, of course not. You love singing. You wouldn't give it up. I know you too well, Jadie."
Leiana stepped forward. "Besides, the club isn't packed over the limit unless you make an appearance anyway, Pixie."
The blonde-brunette nodded. "Right. Pixie's the moneymaker huh?"
"But that's not the only reason why you're still around, Jadie. It's because you're our friend and we love you." The girls all pulled together into a tight group hug.
Zaru was the first one to pull away. "Speaking of friends…" The club owner moved to one of the figures. "Who are you?"
"Pleasure to meet you. I am Captain William Lennox and this is my wife Sara. We're here visiting."
The two figures, a blonde female and slightly spiky-haired brunette male, walked over greeting the other females.
"Hello. It's so nice to meet you." Sara smiled small while glancing at Zaru who smiled back.
"So, you're the Lennoxes that Ironhide guards?" Leiana asked, staring up at Ironhide who had become like a father-figure for her over the past year since she met him.
"Yes. He actually tells us a lot about you." Will smirked and shook her hand when he offered his own.
Leiana raised a dark brow. "Oh, really? And what exactly does he say about me?" She scowled. He better not have been saying stupid stuff.
"Well, he says how it's nice to have a fresh mind to speak with. At least one that actually will listen to him and his advice." Sara assured her.
"That's really nice of you, Ironhide." Leiana was slightly surprised that her secondary guardian would speak so nicely of her.
"But anyways, we were heading to the base with Ironhide when a call came in through Ironhide's link that Hound was in trouble."
"Yes. And it was a simple situation that even a simpleton could have managed without my help." He put his cannon away, transforming into his alt mode. "Come. Let us get to the base. I tire of these younglings too easily." He sighed heavily. "And you two." He growled. "I will see you in the training chambers in three earth hours. Do not be late." As Sara and Will got inside Ironhide's cab, the engine turned over and bolted the rest of the way to the base.
"Well, that was kind of a turn of events." Jade blinked. "At least we were finally able to meet others who know about the transformers."
Rose nodded while staring at her watch. "Oh, dear! We have to get going, mate!" She set a hand upon Zaru's shoulder. "Otherwise we're going to be late for your grandfather's business lunch."
Zaru rose an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? That's not until tomorrow." At least I think it's not until tomorrow. She sweat dropped. "It is tomorrow, isn't it, Rose?"
The gothic woman shook her head. "'Fraid not, love. We best get going to help please those bloody wankers called investors."
"Shit! Okay! Let's get going! I'm sorry, guys! We'll see you later at the club tonight! Mirage!"
"Blurr!"
Both guardians picked up their charges, running while transforming around them leaving Jade, Leiana and a few Autobots.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Damn this stupid laptop!
She cursed under her breath as she hit the keyboard several times before a variety of screens popped up on the monitor. Seemingly satisfied, she moved the mouse with her finger exiting a few screens before clicking in another.
If it wasn't her laptop having trouble, it was her computer or her cell phone. Plenty of things seemed to go wrong these days as though she had horrible luck.
Maggie Madsen typed swiftly and eloquently on the laptop keyboard with her long, manicured fingers. Her charm bracelets clinked against one another as she moved.
It was hard doing government work at times, but somebody of her stature was used to it. Especially when having been in a secret field for almost a year now. But this time, the work was extremely important, harsh and boring.
Ever since finding out about the transformers and the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, Defense Secretary Keller managed to pull funding together for a new secret program imploring help for the Autobots. As Sector Seven was disbanded, plans for Autosect was born. It was a program ran by former Sector Seven agent Seymour Reginald 'Reggie' Simmons along with Maggie Madsen, the specialist who detected Frenzy's hacking from onboard Air Force One a year before.
Maggie never liked Simmons. Never liked working with him either. But for the sake of secrecy and honor, she would work through the situations with the man together as best she could without gagging herself to death.
Now, as she continued working on her assignment, the phone at her desk rang disturbing her.
Not now! Not while I'm in the middle of this!
She ignored the ringing for as long as she could. The sound was getting annoying and she ground her teeth together. It was more than she could take.
Slamming her hand on the oak desk, she picked up the phone.
"Hello?" She asked coldly. "This had better be good."
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Zaru and Rose sat quietly at the restaurant table with Grandpa Sakauchi. He was debating with the investors of Club Kunoichi. It seemed because the club was doing so well, a couple more business men wished to have an opportunity of joining in the investing for the club. To say Zaru should have been pleased about it. With more money she would be able to make the club even better. But she was far from it. The club had been going strong for four and a half years with just her, her grandparents and the four investors who gave her a chance. Now they wished to add on others who most likely will make ridiculous requests. It's happened before. The young woman heard of too many investors all making certain decisions without the consent of the original owner and the business was destroyed.
It was not going to happen to her club.
"Um, Mr. Williams, please. If we bring in anymore people, it could spell disaster." Rose sipped the glass of wine she held in her hand. "Not to mention too many people of doing business with. It's hard with just the six of us."
Roy Williams, a handsome man with graying hair slicked back sighed. "Miss Connelly, surely you, as the financial advisor and accountant for Club Kunoichi can understand that the more money we are able to get, the more beneficial it will be for the club."
"Certainly, Mr. Williams, you are not suggesting we allow others in just for the moneymaking."
He shrugged his shoulders. "They are in it for the money. They were honest to me about that."
Zaru averted her gaze. "Mr. Williams, Club Kunoichi is a big part of my life. I never thought I would own a club when I was younger. But as I grew up and went clubbing myself as a teenager, I knew I wanted to own something like that when I grew up." She shook her head, her auburn hair now in a messy bun. "I will not allow others to drive, what I worked so hard for, into the ground just because they wish to make a profit."
The man glanced over at Sakauchi hoping he would help make up his granddaughter's mind.
"Mr. Takigawa, I'm sure you understand what we are in for."
"Hai, Williams-san. But my granddaughter does not wish for more investors. You and your partners are more than enough help." Sakauchi took a bite of his ribs in sauce before continuing. "Besides, the club is already beneficial with the amount of money it makes in just a single week. It gets by just fine."
Mr. Williams nodded and leaned over to whisper to one of his partners. Mrs. Keegan, the only woman on the board of investors smiled at Zaru. It held a warmth letting Zaru know everything would be okay.
"Zaru, I'm sorry that Thomas made you feel uncomfortable about new investors. He thought it would be nice to have extra money on hand in case it was needed." She sipped her wine in the goblet slowly. Out of all the women she knew in her life, Mrs. Keegan and her grandmother were the only two ever to drink very feminine.
"Thank you, Mrs. Keegan. I appreciate your help in these matters." Nodding, she set a hand upon her grandfather's. "Jii-san, I think it is time to go now."
Sakauchi looked over at his granddaughter with black eyes. "Are you certain you must leave now? It is in the middle of lunch and you have barely eaten off your plate." He gestured to the almost full plate in front of her.
She shook her head. "No, jii-san. I'm not hungry right now. Besides, I still have to finish inventory at the club. I had to leave in the middle of it due to a personal situation with one of my friends." The look in her eyes told him it had to do with the Autobots.
"I see. Well, my lovely granddaughter, I shall walk you out." Standing, he pulled out Rose's and Zaru's chairs before excusing himself for the moment from the table.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Mirage and Blurr were in recharge, waiting the return of their charges. They hoped it wouldn't take too long for the lunch meeting. It was hot outside and their armor was overheating. Even with the air-conditioning they were built with, it only cooled their interior, leaving the exterior to sop up the ultra violet rays of the sun. But while waiting, it was tiring and both blue mechs fell asleep.
Two girls were heading out of the restaurant. Both had blonde hair and were carrying a few shopping bags with them. They giggled as they gossiped about rumors heard from others. As they were heading through the parking lot to their car, one of them noticed Blurr and Mirage.
"Oh, Stacey! These cars are, like, totally awesome!" She set her bags down and ran a hand across Mirage's hood. "It's so sleek and such a gorgeous blue!" She whined a little. "I'm telling daddy to get me this car!"
Her friend nodded. "You mean, you're going to get one just like it?"
"No. I mean, I'm going to find out who owns this car and buy it from them. I mean, just look at it." Her fingers ran across Mirage's paint job, waking him up to the new sensation.
He shuddered. This femme is touching me. And it is irritating. Where are you, Zaru? Rose?
Sakauchi walked his granddaughter and her friend to the door.
"Gomen, my dear. I wish you would stay longer."
She nodded. "Yes. Gomen nasai, jii-san. But I really do have important things to do before the club opens for the long weekend."
"Of course I understand." He smiled that bright smile of his. For an old man of only 59 years of age, he was good-looking. He was tall, built and had a handsome face with barely any wrinkles showing. Zaru felt it was all because of the exercise he continued doing daily. His black, Japanese eyes shimmered. "I will see you tomorrow, ne?"
"Mm. Of course, jii-san. We'll make sure to come to the house for your barbecue. Don't you worry about that. We all love coming to the house for a visit."
Rose smiled warmly and hugged the old man. "It was great seeing you again, Grandpa Sakauchi." She leaned over to whisper, "And please keep that bloody wanker Williams in his place."
Sakauchi chuckled. "I will do my best, Rose. Until tomorrow." Nodding, he turned heading back to the lunch table with Mr. Williams, Mrs. Keegan and the other two investors.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Stacey leaned against Mirage, not caring about the intense heat radiating from him. He was furious with this human. How dare she think of leaning against his alt mode while he was in recharge. If anything, he should do something to make the human not come near him, but Zaru would scold him if he did.
Zaru felt something wrong with her spark mate right away. Her body temperature rose several degrees and she fanned herself with a paper fan she made.
"Boy, it's hot. And Mirage isn't happy right now."
Rose peered over at her friend. "What's going on?" Looking out the window of the exit door, she noticed the females hovering around Blurr and Mirage. Oh, boy, this isn't going to bode well with Zaru. That's for sure.
"Come on."
Both the women exited the restaurant, heading over to their guardians. Glaring, Zaru folded her arms across her chest.
"May I help you?"
Zaru's here! Thank primus! Get this femme OFF of me! Mirage was glad she was there.
"Hi. I'm Stacey. Um, do you own this car?"
Tilting her head to the side, she replied with a smile. "Why, yes. I do own this car. Why?"
"Well, I was wondering if you would consider selling." The blonde smiled so big, Rose thought her face was hurting.
"Sorry, love, but the car's not for sale. It's Zaru's pride and joy. Now, if you'll excuse us, we really must be going." Pushing Zaru toward Mirage, she walked away to Blurr's driver seat and threw her purse through the window. "Come on, Zaru. Let's get going."
"Yeah." Moving to the driver side door, she shooed the girls away from her car. "It was nice meeting you, but please do not touch my car again. He doesn't like strange women." Smirking, she pulled out a cigarette from her purse and lit it up, exhaling the smoke into their faces.
Stacey and her friend coughed, wiping the smoke away. "Geez, don't have to be so rude about it. I was just wondering."
"I wasn't being rude. I was just asking you to step away from my vehicle. I don't let anybody touch my vehicle unless it's getting detailed. Now, I gotta head out. Bye." Waving, she launched herself into the seat and Mirage started up the car, quickly moving away from the restaurant and two stunned females with Blurr on his bumper.
Mirage heaved a sigh of relief through the radio as Zaru took his steering wheel to help guide him back to the club.
"Sorry about leaving you guys out there for so long, honey. It was just a hectic meeting."
"Eh, it's all right. These things happen. Besides, if you didn't come when you did, I would have hit her in the aft with my door." He chuckled.
Zaru took a drag of her cigarette. "You could have. Then she wouldn't want a defective car."
There was silence before he answered, "I'm not defective!"
"You'd be a lemon to her and she would have no interest. I would rather that happen than somebody trying to bargain a sale out of me to buy you." Her words were accompanied by the smoke exhaling from her mouth and nostrils.
"But a lemon? Do you think I'm a lemon?" He asked.
"No, Mirage. I don't think you're a lemon. Just weird."
"Good." Finally, he asked, "Why am I weird?"
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Maggie and Simmons sat in the chairs facing Secretary Defense Keller. He, as usual, was dressed in a business suit, jacket off. His wrinkled hands were folded on his desk, staring at the two government officials before him.
"I believe you know why I called this meeting with the both of you." He asked.
Maggie nodded her head. "It's about the Autosect project, is it not?" The blonde crossed her legs, already bored.
"Yes. That is one of the reasons. But I also have a favor to ask of you, Miss Madsen, if you will accept that is." The old man sighed.
She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. What is it you need done?"
"As the superior officials of Autosect, I have decided to send one of you to the Autobot base in Tranquility to run a team there."
Her eyes widened. "You mean, actually relocate? To the Autobot's secret headquarters?" He nodded. "Mr. Keller, do you have any idea if that base is even livable? Especially when they are all machines and we are human?"
Mr. Keller sighed once again. "Miss Madsen, the base is livable for humans. Especially since the Autobots have taken it upon themselves to allow visitations from several new human allies around the area."
"I see. But have you notified the Autobots about your decision?" If they had no idea a team was being sent there, surely Optimus, the leader of the Autobots, would have some say regarding it.
"Yes. Over the past couple months, I have spoken with Optimus Prime regarding the situation of the remaining Decepticons out there who might attack on Earth once again. He believes it to be an excellent idea as ideal communication between the government and themselves." A smirk appeared. "And I have chosen you, Miss Madsen, to lead that team."
"Okay. So, when do I leave?" She smiled. It was all right with her to relocate. If she was able to get away from the hellhole that was known as the government capital, she was more than willing to do it.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Leiana glanced over at Sunstreaker. He was lounging on his huge berth, waiting for the time he would become dented from Ironhide's so-called training.
He deserves it after what he and Sides did to Hound. Although, it was kind of funny seeing him like that.
He wished his spark mate would defend him, but she declined. Already, she had spoken what was on her mind. Even groping her didn't help. It only made her worse in temperament and scolding. Finally, his holoform became the last resort. Using that, he attempted to seduce his spark mate in giving in and asking Ironhide to give him a rain check on the armor denting. It would have worked, too, if it wasn't for Jade who interrupted and reminded him of what Ironhide said.
Poor Sunstreaker.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
It had been quite a day for everybody. And now, as night was ready to come on, they only hoped the next day would even be more beautiful than the last.
TBC…
A/n: Well, how about that! I finally got the prologue to The Flaming Dawn out!! I hope you guys enjoyed it so far! I'm trying my hardest!! XD
Sweet Mech Dreams,
Zaru