"Ok man. I get it. This is all you. Right. We made a mistake. I don't know who you are or why you needed to sneak out of town and I don't care. Just drop us off here and we'll call it even." Marshal said in a steady voice.

"Be silent you arrogant flea." the car replied as the speed increased.

"He's not arrogant, he's scared!" Cindy said.

Marshal glanced over at her with a venomous look but he didn't shut her up either.

"We're all scared. Just let us out, okay?" she pulled her feet up and hugged her knees.

The deep voice chuckled evilly from the dash.

"Scared. That's delicious."

"What are you going to do with us?" Marshal growled.

"I would suppose something along the lines that you get out and I eliminate the three of you before I go home."

Cindy whimpered, a few tears were running down her face. High-side looked as pale as a sheet, his eyes as big as plates.

Marshal slowly took his arm from around Cindy's shoulder and put both hands back on the wheel.

"Do not attempt to interfere with my driving, fleshling. It will avail you nothing."

"So will eliminating us."

The car scoffed.

"Look man, if it was so important that you sneak out of town, how much heat do you think it'll bring down on you if you and yours kill us? Whoever you are hiding from will surely notice that."

"It will be completely irrelevant by the time they do so." The car sounded absurdly pleased with itself but also morbidly delighted, as if it was enjoying the questions.

"You were smart enough to use us to get out of town back there. Seems to me someone like you would be smarter than that." Marshal tried to keep his voice steady as he looked down at the dash.

"Is that so fleshling? And what would you know about it?"

"You're one of those forms aren't you? The robots." It wasn't a question.

Cindy and High-side looked over at Marshal.

"What would you know about it fleshling?" Burnwheel said again after a moments hesitation. His voice had changed a note.

"I know enough to keep my mouth shut about it." Marshal replied.

Burnwheel was slightly startled.

This fleshlings announcement was a surprise. So was his own enjoyment of bantering with the human. It had been something he had thought on before, that the Decepticons were foolish to ignore the human equivalent. The Autobots did not. And time and again with their fleshling allies they had thwarted Megatron's plans. And now here was one who appeared to have some knowledge that Transformers even existed on this world at all. And Burnwheel couldn't resist speaking with him.

He drove on for a moment in silence though, thinking.

Such astute observation from these apparently useless creatures was proof that there was more to learn. They might not be so useless after all.

Burnwheel slowed down suddenly and pulled to a stop.

The humans grip tightened on the wheel and the female cried harder. The little one looked like he could faint. A moment passed.

"Who else have you told, fleshling?"

"My name is Marshal.

"I said...who else have you told, fleshling?"

"No one."

"Am I to believe you?"

"Would you believe me?" Marshal replied. He indicated the other two humans sitting next to him with a tilt of his head.

"We're not exactly the reputable type among our own kind."

The car sat still, the deep power Marshal could feel through the steering wheel hummed through his fingers where he gripped the wheel.

"How do you know about us?"

"There are things that get said. Stuff that has been seen. Rumors. People talk sometimes. At least the people I know. And they don't really know what they're talking about."

"And you're smart enough to know better, eh?"

"I am. And I know to keep it to myself."

"So you've said."

Burnwheel continued to enjoy bantering and mocking the human, but he was giving it some serious thought now. It wasn't that the Decepticons cared that the humans knew they existed, it was just intriguing to realize that on their own some humans could be so observant. And that there were different kids of humans and not all of them were law abiding. Like this one and his apparent anti-social demographic. And yet he was still prudent enough to keep what he knew to himself? Hmm. That must be true for his companions reacted as if they didn't know what it was he spoke of. This one was clever. Maybe ruthless.

Was there some advantage to be gained here for the Decepticons?

But it was all a matter of ratios. Did he eliminate these three humans along this dusty country road and bring down unnecessary attention? It was as the human said. Contemptible or not, the one called Arcee might investigate and she could trace it back to Burnwheel and his appearance in town. The Autobots scrutiny of such things was tenacious. Burnwheel could reveal himself completely if he acted rashly, for it would be obvious to the Autobots that these humans were dispatched by Cybertronian weaponry.

Unless he spent more time tonight disposing of the remains more thoroughly. And this displeased his sense of dignity. He was no ghoul, and he couldn't resist being curious once he was intrigued. The human had been clever enough to point this all out to him as well.

Burnwheel could respect cleverness.

"What advantage could you possibly offer me for your continued existence?" Burnwheel asked him. The humans were nervous and his sudden question made them all jump.

"If you're one of the ones I think you are, well, we know things. We know the right people. We can work something out that would benefit us both. Because in our own way we both want to keep a low profile while working towards a common goal."

"Your goals are not our goals." The car said with a sneer, smugness creeping back into it's voice.

"I know that. I said a common goal, not a shared goal. It's not you I'm thinking of. We have our own reasons for doing what we do."

"Like stealing automobiles?"

"Exactly. And right now I'm just trying to keep us all alive."

"You're a very plain spoken human."

"Maybe that's what you need. A liaison between our two groups. They call it keeping like company. And our groups can only benefit from sharing...less reputable information."

"And a diplomat too!" The car actually chuckled.

"What makes you think any of this is of any interest to my kind?" Burnwheel added.

"Because you're listening. And because you haven't 'eliminated' us yet."

Burnwheel put himself back in gear and pulled up onto the road, accelerating fast.

"That remains to be seen." he said.

ooo

The dark desert country zipped past. Marshal didn't move or look at the others. Cindy was calmer, sniffling quietly and keeping still. High-side kept glancing at them, his adam's apple bobbing up and down and he seemed to be getting more edgy now that his terror was wearing off. Marshal felt he had to say something.

He turned and slowly reached over to push Cindy up off his shoulder. Then he reached behind her and tapped High-side on the back of the head.

"Relax. You two just relax. High-side. Relax." He said. High-side looked over and nodded. He started chewing on his dirty fingernails.

The car chuckled.

"You're a nervy one, I'll grant you that."

Marshal looked down at the dash.

"Drive." the car said suddenly, and taking the meaning immediately, Marshal grabbed the wheel. The tires only screeched a little but he kept the car steady.

The car chuckled at him again.

"Where are we going?" Marshal asked.

"You tell me. You have an immediate superior, don't you fleshling?"

Marshal thought for a moment.

"Yeah. I guess I do."

"Don't guess."

"Yes I do. His name is Markus."

"Marshal." Cindy said in a small voice.

"Shut up." He told her as he drove.

The lights of the dash turned on her.

"You, the female. It was your role to circumvent my alarm wasn't it?"

"Yes." Cindy sniffed and wiped the back of her nose with her denim jacket.

"So you profess to be skilled at such technical matters? Computers?"

She straightened up a little.

"Yeah. I am. Always have been." A note of pride entered her voice.

"Good!" the car encouraged her. "I can sense your bio-functions are calming down. There is one among my kind that would be intrigued to learn just how skilled you are."

"What's his name?" Cindy asked. She sounded genuinely interested, but then she always got over shock quickly. She was precocious and tough despite the tears and besides, she could keep still for only so long.

"Soundwave." the car replied.

"What's your name?" High-side blurted out.

"Burnwheel."

"Cool."

"Excellent, little human. You're the mechanic yes?"

High-side nodded.

"Good. For the moment you have no need to fear me. There is one who would be intrigued to learn just how skilled you are as well. I am sure he would be interested to hear about your mechanical prowess."

"Is it you?"

"No. His name is Knock-Out." Burnwheel replied.

"Cool."

Marshal felt sick as they drove. Cindy and High-side were to nervous to realize that Burnwheel was saying he wished to learn just how skilled they were...not how useful. He was getting them to relax and they jumped at the chance to convince themselves everything would be 'ok'. He just hoped it would. He had no idea what Markus would do. He was just buying time. He didn't know who he feared more, Markus or this 'Burnwheel' dude.

The dash lights turned on him next.

"And you. Being the leader, you make sure these two function at peak capacity, hmm?"

"Yes."

The car laughed.

"You needn't worry. All the leaders I have known had others work for them. Their skill set shows through in other ways."

Burnwheel was attempting to calm the humans to maximize their co-operation so he didn't add that if it hadn't been for this 'Marshal's' quick thinking cleverness, they would all have been dead by now.

Personally he liked this one for those traits and he was curious as to who this 'Markus' would prove to be.

ooo

"Just up there." Marshal indicated.

"You. High-side. Crawl into the back. Cindy move over. When we arrive you will call this Markus out to us and indicate he should drive."

Marshal winced at how eagerly Cindy and High-side obeyed the car. But Cindy's eyes were wide and she turned to just stare at Marshal. She knew Markus. Hell, they all did. And it was at least sinking into her head that this could easily go from bad to worse. Worse than before. Markus was brutal. He looked in the rear view mirror. Yeah, even High-side was still and quiet. They weren't out of this yet and the Scrappers were all smart enough to know just how volatile the situation was about to become.

"He won't like that. Maybe I should go in and talk to him. Give me a chance to explain."

"No. You will call him out to us." Burnwheel's voice had an edge to it.

Just before they had arrived, Burnwheel had pulled over and made them all wait for a length of time. The lights on his dash had moved around quite differently this time and they had a feeling that he had been talking to someone.

Maybe even taking orders.

ooo

"You did what? You're where?" Starscream growled as he leaned over the communication console. Soundwave was one pace behind him and was monitoring the situation.

"It was unavoidable, commander. The Autobot Arcee was nearby and the parameters of my orders were to avoid contact."

"I know what the parameters were, Burnwheel. But now you're trying to tell me there's a reason you still have three humans with you?" Starscream huffed.

"Dispose of them immediately and return to base." He said, sounding bored.

"Commander." Burnwheel continued. "I believe there is a rare opportunity here."

Starscream jabbed a key.

"Explain!"

"The humans proved invaluable to my situation. They made it possible to drive right past the Autobot. They co-operated then and they are co-operating now."

"Co-operated because they were afraid. End this foolishness and return to base, Burnwheel."

"Commander the hologram's passability was questionable. I believe Soundwave would agree. It was the weakest link in the whole experiment."

"Are you suggesting we get our own humans to replace it? They are co-operating now but what's to insure they will continue to do so?"

"They have given me reason to believe they are not like the Autobot's humans. Not at all. They are a criminal element. One we can learn from on many levels. And once we discussed the situation, even they can see the benefit of sharing mutual interests. Naturally it took them some time to see the wisdom of my words." Burnwheel deliberately didn't mention it was the humans idea. Starscream was touchy about such things.

He went on.

"And knowing you would have already easily drawn the same conclusions yourself, I took the liberty of allowing them to live until you can question them further."

The flattery worked. Back on the warship, Starscream tapped his chin with one razor sharp talon.

"Criminals eh?" He muttered, turning to look back at Soundwave.

"A rare insight. And we can easily dispose of them if they bother you." Burnwheel added over the com system. Soundwave stepped forward and replayed Burnwheel's voice.

"I believe there is a rare opportunity here."

Starscream looked thoughtful. Burnwheel was good. It's why he was chosen for this mission. He was akin to Soundwave in that respect that he never did anything impulsively. And he had rightly informed his commander Starscream, disclosing full details.

Interesting. Perhaps it was time the Decepticons plumbed out this human factor. And besides, if Megatron hated the idea, he had someone to blame. And it was delightful that they snubbed that wretched Arcee and she was none the wiser.

Starscream face lit up at that. He nodded his head.

"Yesss, I agree Soundwave! A rare chance indeed while Megatron is away. And who knows? Perhaps these human will come to serve the Decepticons as readily as those others fawn over the Autobots!"

He turned back to the console.

"Proceed Burnwheel. Seize this other human and then call for a spacebridge!"

"Understood commander."

ooo

Marshal pulled up outside the old warehouse and brazenly honked the horn. He couldn't think of anything else to do. Burnwheel wouldn't let him get out and there was just no way around this no matter how he tried to explain it about keeping a low profile.

To his relief, Grift came out almost immediately through a smaller door set in the warehouse's large overhead. A fat bastard in his late forties, he was just thick headed muscle with old tattoos and to much bullshit.

"Marshal? Kid. Damn. What the hell are you doing?" even his slow witted brain wasn't to pleased as he walked over. "Let me get the door up and get this thing inside!"

Grift paused.

"This is my new ride." Marshal smirked. Ralph appeared in the door behind him.

"Hey Ralph, come on over here and check this out." Marshal called.

Luck of a particular kind was with Marshal when it came to Ralph and Grift. They liked him. Marshal was charismatic and always made sure to have some whiskey or weed for them on the weekends. But they feared Markus just as much as he did, and while this gave Marshal some leeway, they would still take a pat on the head from Markus over a bottle of whiskey from the kid.

"Dammit kid." Ralph sighed, looking back up the road for any lights. He shouldered Grift aside where the old man was admiring the sleek new car. Ralph was a tall lanky fellow, same age as Markus with a bad eye.

"Have you gone stupid or what, Marshal?" He asked as he leaned down and took in the car. It wasn't without kindness, but he was a bit smarter than Grift and a little pissed.

"Is he in a good mood tonight?" Marshal asked.

"He was. After you pull and honk your damn horn like this? For cryin' out loud." Ralph looked back at the door.

"Tell him to come out here and see this baby."

"Man...Marshal, you should have called." Ralph turned back with a shake of his head. "We would have been ready and you could have just pulled..."

Cindy half fell over Marshals lap.

"Are you kidding me you guys? Look at it! You know Markus will take this one right back out for a spin!"

Ralph and Grift weren't looking at the car now, they were looking down Cindy's tank top. That cinched it and they grinned, whistling and starting praise Marshals new acquisition.

"What the fuck? What the fuck are all the morons doing out here!? Let's stand around outside s'more!" Markus was suddenly in the door.

"Switch places with me!" Cindy hissed. Marshal shook his head. He knew she felt she could run interference better but he had better explain himself first.

Marshal paused, and then on an inspiration, as Ralph and Grift spun around and backed away from each other, he whispered to Burnwheel.

"I'm going to get out. Cindy is going to sit next to him. We gotta make this a present or he'll kill me."

Burnwheel was following every detail and he had long noted the apparent fear in these two goons for this new human. It was all fascinating.

"It's simple fleshling, if you move one hair out of line..."

"I know." Marshal said and popped the door.

As he got out and shut the door, Markus came up, bald headed, with a goatee and no eyebrows. Shaving them, along with his head, gave him a mean unnatural look with his coal black eyes, well muscled build and tattoos. Thirty eight years old and an ex con, he was shorter than lanky Ralph and stronger than big ol' Grift. The two other men almost seemed to wilt in front of their boss. Markus dressed like a skinhead because he enjoyed the boots and showing off his arms. And Marshal had seen him use those boots to stomp people who had annoyed him before. Marshal was one of his favorites but this would burn up a lot of tolerance.

Pulling up outside and just honking? Oh man.

"Well, well the prodigal bitch returns." The taller man came up, fuming.

"Kid, what the fuck are you doooing?!" Markus said in a sing song voice as he pushed a finger into Marshals forehead and backed him up against the car. He was angry.

He dropped his hand.

"The fuck you too idiots lookin' at!? Get back inside!" he looked over and snarled at Grift and Ralph before Marshal could answer. Ralph and Grift practically vanished. Markus spun his head back around like an angry bull, inches from Marshal's face and held his arms out wide.

"Look like I'm running a drive in here, kid? The fuck?!"

"You gotta see try this one." Marshal said.

"I see it!" the hardened criminal snarled without looking, his eyes boring into Marshals. It had to be a good sign though, that he didn't order the car inside immediately. Markus was known to take some swipe-jobs as his own.

"So will everyone else. Honk honk!" Markus added as he dropped his arms and reaching up he slapped Marshal on the cheek twice, not painfully...and not playfully either.

"You graduate to cars and then pull this shit? What's the rules hmm?" he said as he stepped back and finally took a look at the cars lines.

"Come on, pop. I wanted to surprise you. And I didn't have time to paint it." Marshal put a mewling tone in his words.

Markus's eyes locked on his. Every now and then Marshal would call Markus 'pop'. It tended to drain away most of his venom at a time like this and they both knew it was a soft spot Marshal could exploit from to time to time. He had always been a good earner and had a little more leeway with his boss than anyone else.

This was a bad breach of rules right here, but last week it had been Markus's birthday and the word 'surprise' softened his legendary anger.

"Oh yeah?" He said, not quite ready to relent and still glaring daggers. But he ginned a little.

Cindy, beautifully timed, dropped over the drivers seat again and popped open the door. She sat on her elbows looking up at Markus, giving him the full view that she gave Grift and Ralph earlier.

"Hey come on, top dog. We sat on this one all day because Marshal wanted to be sure. He knew you'd like this one." And she pushed herself back up a little and patted the seat.

Markus finally thawed and grinned down at her. He bent at the waist a little to look inside the car.

"You're a fuckin' tease you know that? You been good to my boy, here?"

"You know it." she replied.

Markus put his hands on his hips as he straightened and gave the car another once over.

"I wanted my first one to be the right one." Marshal added, taking a step near Markus and nudging him with a shoulder. Not even Markus was immune to that 'good kid' act once he had been played. Markus looked at him and finally shook his head with a laugh, nudging him back harder.

"Come on! Take us for a ride, you studs!" Cindy called out from inside the car.

"Go on, get in ya little fucker. I'm driving. But only for ten minutes!" Markus smiled, genuinely warming to the kid as he held up a warning finger.

Marshal felt the tiniest stab of regret as he went around the back.

Things were still going to get worse.