Disclaimer: I only claim ownership to my OC's and any other non-canon material.

The Transformers® franchise is owned by Hasbro...sadly.

But you know how cool it would be if it was owned by me? Oh the things I would do...

Legend

"Normal"

Thoughts

"Phone"

::Comm-link::

(Flashback)

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Δ I: Misconceptions Δ

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Things are not what they always seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden." ― Phaedrus

Prologue

First of all, let's get a few things straight. You don't know me, and you never will. You will deny knowing me and my actions...unless you have a death wish. And if you don't, then I suggest you keep your mouth shut. If you don't keep your mouth shut then you will pay for it. Seeing as that you may not know about me (at all), let me jog your memory for you. I am that one hacker who exploited that one mafia gang. I was also the one who hacked into that one multi-millionaire's account and uncovered all that counterfeit money. I'm also the one who will kill you if you dare say one word about this. Remember me now? If you still don't, then read on.

My name is Lexi Brevard, I am a 19 year old; high school graduate, and am currently dwelling in an apartment by Warner Robins. As you know, I'm a hacker. I spend most of my day typing away at a computer, creating DDOS systems with my friend 73rr1fy1n6_r4p70r (Terrifying_Raptor) or searching around the internet for those alien conspiracy sites. Honestly, where do they get all that information. I think it's all made up, maybe some high-tech animation or something. Nicole says that I like to put my hand in the cookie jar... A lot. To be truthful, I think people are just asking for it.

Now, what you're about to see is top secret. If you tell anyone about this, I will send my personal assassin (I don''t have one, so I'll just use Number One's) to hunt you down. So sit back, relax, and view at your own risk.

{San Diego, CA}

{Monday, June 2, 2008, 3:00 P.M.}

"That scoundrel!" Number One shouted as he banged his fist on his table.

Everyone who was sitting at the table, visibly flinched. They had never seen Number one this angry. Never. Countless thoughts ran into their minds on what Number One would do to them if they failed him.

A brave scientist spoke up, "S-Sir, we tried our best to-"

"-To what? Fail?!"

The scientist quickly cowered down. He nervously adjusted his glasses and took a sip of water. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed.

"That hacker has infiltrated our database twice! Not once, but twice! I thought I had told you all to upgrade our security?"

"Y-You did, sir." This time it was one of the engineers that had spoke up. He was seated at the far end of the table, looking even more pale than the scientist.

"Then, pray tell, how did that hacker manage to hack our database again?" To emphasize his point, Number One slammed his fist on his table again. The people that were seated at the table visibly squirmed in their seat. He had no doubt that if they saw his face while he was fuming, they would run out of the room crying. It was one of the very reasons of why Number One showed his shadow instead of his face. That, and because he didn't want to become a target.

"He left a false trail, sir." The scientist said.

"And you fell right into the trap." Number One concluded.

"Y-Yes, sir."

"Hmm..." Number One mused as he relaxed back into his seat (not that the people could see him do that), "did you find out who the hacker was?"

"Only a nickname, sir. It is r45p83Rry_ko0L41d." One of the hackers replied as he looked over his notes.

"Hmm... Find out who this 'Raspberry Koolaid' is."

"Yes, sir."

The familiar silhouette of Number One disappeared, and the screen fizzled black.

{Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory}

{Monday, June 2, 2008, 3:50 P.M. (PST)}

The Main Hanger was buzzing with activity as the solders were striding around to finish their duties, while the construction workers were finishing their work. Every once in a while, you would hear yells from the construction workers as they ran around trying to complete the roof and some of the layouts for the base. But... It was no match for a blonde Australian who had driven all the way from the Tech Department, and was now currently making her way to Lennox.

"Lennox! Wait up! Lennox!"

Lennox gave the construction workers one last glance before he turned around to find a blonde Australian running as if the devil himself was chasing her.

"Lennox...security...has been...breached..." Maggie panted as she handed him a file and a bunch of papers that were filled with data.

"Yeah...it's...really, really...bad..." panted Glenn as he caught up with her.

"What?!" Lennox exclaimed as he ignored Glenn's remark. He gave the file a quick glance before he moved on to do the same with the papers.

"I said that-"

"I know what you said, but... How?" asked Lennox.

"i don't know! All I know is that it was someone called Raspberry_Koolaid." Maggie replied as she threw her hands up in exasperation.

"It was all her fault!" Glenn yelled as he pointed a finger accusing Maggie. "She distracted me from the monitor and I didn't realize that we-"

Maggie gave a irritated sigh, "-Glenn..."

"Sorry." Glenn replied meekly.

Maggie shook her head. "Point is, whoever it was, they must have been very skilled. They managed to break through our firewall in seconds!"

"Was any information stolen?" inquired Lennox.

"From what I can tell? None. But I'm sure something must have been taken, if not looked at." Maggie said as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears.

"Galloway's not gonna be happy about this." mumbled Lennox as he threw the file on his desk. He ran a hand through his hair, glaring at the file. It would be catastrophic if the Autobots' presences was revealed to the public eye.

"Jeez, sorry! The intruder was well-hidden that we didn't find out he was there until our screens went black and a nasty message popped up!" huffed Maggie. "And it would help if we had another person in NEST's Tech Department!"

Lennox sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could tell that today was going to be a long day.

"Is there a problem, Major Lennox?" Optimus' deep baritone voice rang out as he came into the main hanger.

Lennox looked at Optimus's holoform, "Optimus, you are not gonna like what I'm about to tell you."

{Spokane, WA}

{ Monday, June 2, 2008, 4:00 P.M. (PST)}

I sighed as I relaxed back into the computer chair. I had just finished my last client's request: hacking into a government database and extracting all the files. it was worth while since my payment was two grand. It wasn't every day when someone offered you that much money to get a man caught by the cops. I snort, by now, the police must have already arrived at his house with the warrant at hand.

I was so absorbed into my thoughts that I didn't notice someone walking into the room. Suddenly, I felt a hand clasp my shoulder. I tensed, thinking they had found out. Maybe, I had left the door open or-

"So? Did "Raspberry Koolaid" succeed?"

I mentally relaxed as I recognized the voice.

"Well?" Nicole prodded as she poked my shoulder.

"Shut up." I say as I playfully swat her arm.

"Come on, Lexi. Your last job was to hack into some billionaire's database, and this one was to hack into a government database." Nicole shakes her head, "I don't even know how you do it."

Not bothering to correct her about the fact that it was a millionaire, and that I hadn't hacked a government database... Yet. Instead, I just give a lame reply. "I'm awesome, that's how."

"I'm gonna laugh if you get caught." Nicole says as she leans on the computer chair, staring at the computer screen.

"Uh, no, you won't. You'll probably be behind the bars, with me, as my partner-in-crime. Then you'll whine and make my ears bleed till I die." I pause for a moment before I seriously add, "But I never will. The way their security's built, they wouldn't even notice if some wannabe hacker got into their system."

Nicole just laughs. "Well now that you're finished, wanna go watch a movie?" her eagerness quickly comes in. This is the Nicole I know. The spunky, smart-assed chick that could win a Civil War with one arm tied behind her back.

"Sure." I say as I start to get up from my chair before being pushed down by Nicole's hand.

"Sweet! I know the perfect one!" Nicole says as she runs over to the TV.

Knowing I will not win this round, I just shake my head and follow her. Dreading the movie she will pick.

{Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory}

{Monday, June 2, 2008, 4:27 P.M. (PST)}

"I see..." was the Prime's stoic reply. He let his gaze wander to the the main room of the hanger. It was massive, the sheer size of it would make someone wonder why it was that big. It was the only room that was finished in the main N.E.S.T. base. It was also one of the first ones constructed, so the Autobots could transform and 'stretch their joints' as Sideswipe and Ironhide put it.

"So... What do you suggest we do?" inquired Lennox.

The Prime took a moment before replying. "Have we found any information regarding the hacker's whereabouts?"

"None." This time, it had been Maggie who had spoken up. "You'd think there would at least be a IP address or something, but nothing. That hacker was good. Real good."

"Hmm... Was any information stolen?" Optimus asked as his eyes narrowed.

"We're not quite sure. Glenn and I did see that the intruder had a peek around our database, but we are not sure if anything was stolen. However, the search is still ongoing. And it would help if we actually had someone who knew what-"

Glenn cut Maggie off in hopes of stopping her anger from rising, "-What Maggie is trying to say, is that it would help if we had some extra help."

"Very well." Optimus looked over to Lennox as he spoke, "Major Lennox, have we found anyone who would be willing?"

Lennox looked back to the Prime. "We have been looking over various civilian profiles, thinking on who would be the best one. So far, we haven't found anyone that passes. We are running out of people who would be willing. There are a few people left that we have yet to call, I think Epps gave us a—" He looked over to Epps, cupped his hands around his mouth, and gave a loud yell, "Epps! What was the phone number your wife gave us?"

Epps finishes talking to one of the construction workers and looks over to Lennox and starts jogging over to join them, "It's right here. One sec..." he fishes into one the pockets in his army greens and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper.

Quickly un-creasing it, he hands the piece of paper to Lennox. "Monique said she was the one to call."

"And how exactly does your wife know her?" inquired Lennox.

"Oh, she said she met her at a grocery store. The girl said she was looking for a job and I told Monique that we were looking for an expert in our Tech Department, so Monique told her and got her contact information."

Lennox gives Epps a wavering look, "How old is she?"

"19 years old; high school graduate."

"She'll work!" Maggie shouts as she practically jumps into the air. "She's perfect!"

"Calm down, grasshopper." Lennox says as he makes a motion with his hands. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a phone starts to type in the number. "Hopefully, she fits the bill."

{Spokane, WA}

{Monday, June 2, 2008, 4:30 P.M.}

Just as we were watching a movie, the phone rang. But, before I could reach over and grab it, Nicole jumps over the bed and plucks it right out of my arm's reach. "Hello? You've reached the B&D hotline. All our operators are tied-up right now, so if you leave a name, number, a list of transgressions and bark like a dog, we'll get right back to you with your penance."

"NICOLE!" I yell as I yank the phone from her hand. "Sorry sir." I mutter, expecting to hear some kind of yelling come from the other end. I turn to Nicole―who was busy laughing her ass off―and mouth with a whisper, "I hate you." I turn my attention back to the caller on the other end. "This is Lexi Brevard, how can I help you?"

Instead of hearing yelling and cursing, I hear a bark of laughter.

"It's alright. I can tell your friend has a good sense of humor."

Okay... That, I was not expecting to hear.

"Tell me, Ms. Brevard, are you interested in a job?"

"What kind of job?" I ask suspiciously. I finger my bangs and I look out the window, watching cars drive by.

"It has to do with computers, and our Tech Department doesn't have that many analysts. We are wondering if you'd be up for it."

By this time, Nicole had quieted down and was looking at me closely.

"I see." I reply. Now who the hell was it that gave out my info to that person. I don't just go around with a sign that says, "Hey, I'm a hacker! Hire me!"

"A friend of ours requested you as the perfect candidate. Perhaps you know her? Her name is Monique Epps."

Oh her! She's such a nice lady. I met her at a grocery store. We ended up talking about jobs, and she said that her husband worked for the military and they needed someone who was good with computers, so I gave her my name and number because I would not pass up such an opportunity for a job. Especially when we were due on rent.

"Oh yes! I remember." I say as I lean against the wall. "So what do I need to know?"

"Well, there will be a background check among other things. There will be also a few restrictions as this is a government base, but nonetheless, I think you will be fine."

I look over to Nicole who is nodding her head vigorously. I'm still a little suspicious about this whole thing because it involves the government. And with the government, things are never easy. But then again, even if they find out about the hacker that hacked all those businessmen, I have everything registered under a fake ID.

Having made my decision, I turn back towards the caller. "Alright sir, I'll take it."

Great! A truck will be up to pick you up tomorrow at 8:00. And the plane will leave at 9:00 Thursday morning, so pack your bags!"

"Thank you, sir. And you are?"

"Major Lennox. And thank you! Our Tech Department has been bugging us to get some extra help. Now if only we could get a secretary for our call center..."

I grin as I look over to Nicole who was now busy painting her nails. "Actually sir, I think I may have a friend who would be willing to give it a shot."

"Really? Well thanks, again. Alright, I'll see you on Thursday."

"You too, sir." I say as I promptly hang up.

I look over to Nicole and give a cheesy grin, "Good new, Nick'! You might be getting a job as a secretary for a call center!"

Nicole looks over in disbelief, "You're kidding... Right?"

{Diego Garcia}

{Monday, June 2, 2008, 4:45 P.M. (PST)}

"Autobots," Optimus addresses as he lets his gaze wander over his team, "as we all know that the current N.E.S.T base is undergoing construction, we are to remain in our alternate forms and have our holoforms initiated so that-"

"-But Prime~" Sideswipe whined. "I need to stretch my joints, they get cramped when I stay in my vehicle mode too long."

Unperturbed by the interruption, the Prime continues, "Whatever the case may be, we do not want to frighten the civilian workers that are working on base. We do know what happened last time." Prime said as he gave Sideswipe a pointed look.

"How was I supposed to know he was there? I thought no one would see me in the dark, so I transformed."

"You slag head! You were supposed to transform inside the hanger, not outside. He was on guard duty." Ratchet said as he hit Sideswipe with a wrench.

"Just be glad he was easily bribed." muttered Lennox who was perched up on the catwalk.

"But what about Lexi and her friend?" asked Epps. "Won't we have to tell them?"

Optimus heaved a sigh, "We do not want to endanger more humans in our war. We will try to the best of our ability to keep this from them."

{Los Angles, California}

{Saturday, May 31, 2008, 4:45 P.M.}

She rubbed her eyes as she relaxed back into her seat. Jillian got up from her seat and unplugged the flash-drive she had been working on.

"Ugh, I need a drink." Jillian mumbled.

She got up from her chair, and strode over to her refrigerator and got out a cherry Coca Cola. Jillian sat down on her couch and took a long sip from her soda. She ran a hand over her face and pushed her hair out of the way. She was exhausted, but the hack had been worth it. She had got the information she needed. Only now, her suspicions were confirmed.

"All in good time..." she mused.

...All in good time...

A/N: Just another plot bunny that popped up in my head. I'll be doing this story as I do Set in Stone. I just thought of it as a change for me and my brain.

Yeah...I guess you all thought I was dead or something. Disappearing for a month like that. What can I say? Life's busy.

As always, please review. I would love to hear your feedback on how this chapter was. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. :)

EDITED: 8/7/14