Chapter 2
Darkness closed in by the time the trio reached Knock Out's medical centre. Violetwind had insisted that Smokescreen came to get his shoulder fixed up. She refused to take no for an answer.
Punching in the key code, she led the way inside, the lights already on. She'd commed Knock Out earlier so he would be ready when they arrived, which he was.
"Couldn't keep out of trouble, rookie?"
He smirked, settling himself on a berth. "If it means I get to see your ugly mug more often, all the better."
Knock Out's optics darkened. "Careful or I might have to do something to permanently wipe that smile of your faceplates."
Violetwind rolled her optics at the mechs. "I suppose it could be worse."
'Yeah, can you imagine the trouble if they were actually friends,' Windy chuckled with a touch of sarcasm.
"Primus forbid," she muttered with a wry smile.
Letting the medic get to work on her sparkmate, she motioned for Hubcap to jump onto the next berth. Obediently he did so, but titled his head with confusion.
"I know you think you're invincible but there's a few scratches I'd like to repair. Nothing to be worried about," she assured him.
The Predacon rumbled in annoyance but submitted to her welding. But per usual, he wouldn't let her anywhere near his neck or chest. He growled, showing denta any time she got close to his old scars.
It wasn't long before Hubcap was taken care of and he retreated to the side. So Violetwind turned her attention to Knock Out as he welded a metal plate over Smokescreen's exposed wound. He was just putting on the finishing touches when a bang came from the front door.
"Hey, Doc! We know it's late but we need ya help!"
"Kup?" Violetwind raced to the door, letting it slide open. She gasped at the sight before her. "What happened?"
Outside stood Kup and Hot Shot. Both were covered in dents. Deep gashes ran along their frames energon leaking from the horrific wounds. It was as if they'd been torn up, chewed on and spit out.
"We're alright. Just a regular night out," Hot Shot joked as they walked in.
Kup nodded. "Nothing we couldn't handle."
Helping them each to a berth, Violetwind frowned, her optics narrowed with concern. "Getting into fights where you get wounded this badly, should not be a 'regular night out.'" She wagged a scolding finger at Kup, "Especially at your age."
He just laughed. "Ya worry too much, Missy."
"Seems it's been a busy night all round," chuckled Smokescreen, slipping off his berth. He rotated his arm, happily finding it to be without pain.
"Interrupting my peaceful evening, is what it is," Knock Out scoffed, moving onto the next patient. "Can't any of you stay out of trouble longer than five nano kliks."
"It wasn't our fault," protested Hot Shot.
Off to the side, Hubcap snorted.
"See, even the Predacon doesn't believe that," said Knock Out.
Kup slipped the cy-gar from his mouth as Violetwind picked up a scanner and checked the mech's injuries. "He's not wrong this time. It weren't all our fault. We were just tryin' to help a mech out. He found himself in a spot of trouble is all."
"Yeah," agreed his companion, "All those mechs ganging up on one guy. It wasn't right. Even if he was a Con."
Violetwind and Smokescreen shared a glance. Twice in one night? Was it really possible? Surely it was a coincidence. It had to be. Didn't it?
"What started the fight?" asked the mech slowly.
Hot Shot turned to Smokescreen and shrugged. "What always starts a fight, I guess. Someone threw a punch."
"Who threw the first one?" asked Violetwind, her spark catching in her chest.
"The Con," said Kup. "But it weren't his fault. The other mech was pickin' on him. You've only got so much metal that can be scratched before ya react, ya know."
A sick feeling rose up in Violetwind's tanks. Two incidents in one night, both brought on by those who claimed to be Autobots. Something wasn't right. Not right at all.
~oOo~
"So what are our plans for the growing population?"
"Shall I take that, Bulkhead, or shall you?"
"Go right ahead, Greenlight."
The thirteen members of the council had gathered around a table. The council was now located within the Celestial Spires, which used to house the old government. The place wasn't fully fixed up yet but in time they would each have an office and expand the number of bots under their employ.
Violetwind glanced around at each of those gathered there as she took notes. Ultra Magnus took his place at the head of the table with Prowl sitting to his left. At his right was Elita One then Chromia her personal aid. Smokescreen and Coriolis were next, followed by Grimlock and Swoop. The opposite end of the table to Ultra Magnus was empty. Beside Prowl sat Arcee and Greenlight, followed by herself, Bee and Bulkhead .
Greenlight took the floor. "The aim is to return to Crystal City and rebuild there. Not only will it provide more homes but also jobs in the science sector. We hope to return it to the thriving science community it once was."
"A most noble endeavour," replied Ultra Magnus.
"We're gonna send a team to scout the location before we move in for the construction," continued Bulkhead. "Greenlight and Coriolis are gonna lead the them."
"Yeah, we'll got see what's left of the place. Hopefully we won't have any trouble with bots having moved in already," the silver and blue trimmed seeker added. Though secretly she was hoping for some action.
"I don't think they could protest too much since you're planning to make them free houses," said Bumblebee.
Shrugging Coriolis smirked. "Well, ya never know."
Greenlight shot her a warning glare before speaking, "Nevertheless we shall be taking stock of the situation and shall report back within a few orns."
Crystal City? You used to work there right? Weren't you a scientist or something? Violetwind asked her other half.
'Engineer,' Windy corrected. 'And, yes, I did.'
Would you want to go back?
Windy sighed, 'Not if I can help it. The place hold a lot of memories. I... I'm not sure I want to see it in such disrepair.'
Fair enough.
The meeting continued in its usual orderly fashion. Nothing terribly exciting being discussed, at least not to Violetwind. The workings of keeping a new planet running became rather boring after a while and she had to hide a yawn as they kept going. But as Prowl reported in, she perked up.
"The crime rate in Iacon, and across the other settlements, is on the rise. Law enforcement is finding it difficult to keep atop of."
"How's the recruiting been?" asked Elita One.
"Difficult," he replied. "We must screen bots before entry, lest we allow corruption within our ranks. The force is still young and I will not allow hooligans to be my officers. Unfortunately, it means that it remains quite small, even here in Iacon with the largest police force."
"Crime was expected to rise with the increasing population," commented Greenlight.
"I realise this, but it is higher than your scientists predicted," Prowl huffed, glaring at his notes.
The femme grunted. "Well, as much as I wish it was not, sometimes the predictions are wrong. It happens. We cannot create a model that accurately predicts the future due to so many unforeseen variables."
"But it should have been closer than this. It is currently fifteen percent higher than the predicted levels and shows no signs of slowing," he argued.
"I am sorry, Prowl but sometimes we do not get it right. You cannot blame us for not doing your own job properly. It is your responsibility to keep the populous in check. Perhaps you are the variable we could not account for."
The mech scowled and raised his voice, "You dare blame me for this-"
"Guys!" Elita One shouted, interrupting the argument before it had time to properly manifest. She glanced between them. "Now is not the time for disagreement. And throwing blame around won't solve anything."
The pair slumped back in their seats like scolded children.
"I apologise for my behaviour, miss."
"Sorry, Lita."
"Good," the femme nodded. "Now may we please continue this discussion in a more civilised manner?"
They both nodded in agreement.
"Very well," she leaned back in her chair. "Proceed."
Prowl cleared his vocalisers, "As I was saying, crime is unfortunately on the rise."
"What sort of trouble is being caused?" asked Arcee. "And is there a way to curb it?"
Consulting his data pad, the mech frowned. "Thefts, civil disturbances, assaults, etcetera. I believe a larger police presence may slow it, but I am afraid something else must be done to get to the root of the problem. Though I am hard pressed to know what it is."
He continued silently reading and his frown deepened.
"Is there something else?" prompted Bumblebee, not liking the look on his faceplates.
He hummed in agreement before answering. "There have been an usually large amount of assaults recently. I somewhat expected fights to occur as what may happen should we bring Autobots and Decepticons together..."
"But...?"
"But I am disturbed by the data." He looked to the council. "Over half have been committed by the Autobots."
A mutter of shock went around the group, many voicing their concerns.
"This doesn't make any sense."
"What happened to our peace?"
"Are they attacking Decepticons?"
"Me like to get in on some that action."
"That's not helping Grimlock."
"Sure it will. Me show all who boss."
Meanwhile, Violetwind shared a wary glance with Smokescreen. It certainly fit with what they'd come across recently. Autobots picking fights... It wasn't good. Optimus would be disappointed to hear what was going on.
"Should I say something?" Smokescreen mouthed across the table while everyone was distracted.
The femme nodded, encouraging him to do so through their bond.
Ultra Magnus raised a hand, "Silence! Idle speculation is of no use to us." He waited until everyone was quiet before lowering his hand and continuing, "Prowl, if you'll please. Tell us all you know about these incidents."
He nodded. "Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much. Many of the incidents go unreported by those involved. Most of what I know is through a few witnesses. I wish I had more information."
"I might be able to help out with that."
He frowned and turned to Smokescreen. "Have you seen this for yourself?"
"Been involved, actually," he smirked.
"What?"
"Smoke, you didn't..."
"No," the white and blue mech chuckled, "Not in that way."
He quickly explained what happened the previous day with the fight he and Hubcap interrupted, plus that which Kup and Hot Shot were involved in.
When he was done, Prowl grunted, "How have you not reported this earlier?"
Smokescreen shrugged nonchalantly, "Wouldn't have done much good."
"Nobody was wiling to talk and they all ran off anyway. There wasn't anything you could have done," Violetwind added. Staring at the metal table, she trailed a finger along to smooth surface. "They were so hostile. It's like we were on opposite sides of the war..."
The police mech sighed, rubbing his helm. "This isn't good. These sorts of attacks could be happening even more often than first thought. Especially if everyone responds this way."
"Me say we send Cons away. Banish lot. That stop attacks," Grimlock grinned, leaning back in his seat.
"This is unlikely to solve our problems," Chromia sighed.
"Besides, our goal is to unite Cybertron, not tear it apart," added Bumblebee, resisting the urge to run a hand down his faceplates.
Swoop rested a hand on his friend. "Grimlock, please don't start this again."
"Harumph," he grunted and crossed his arms.
Ultra Magnus thanked Swoop with a nod. "Now, if we could get back to business..."
~oOo~
The apartment was quiet. Violetwind sat on the couch reading a data pad as she used the sleeping form of Hubcap as a pede-rest. They were alone in the apartment, her sparkmate not yet back for the evening. Smokescreen was out helping Prowl, with Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Wheeljack. The police bot needed some extra muscle against a rowdy crowd of Decepticons causing trouble on the other side of the city. However, they were only there to add numbers and hopefully bring the situation to a peaceful close. They weren't there for a fight. Though, were one to arise, they would be instrumental.
But the femme wasn't worried. Prowl was a good peacemaker and no pain had come through the bond, so things must have been going well. Plus it was nice to be at home, mostly by herself. No work. No chatty patients. No grumpy medics. She enjoyed the chance to relax.
A buzz came from the doorbell.
Unfortunately, peace never lasted long. Something always came along to break it.
Hubcap's optics flickered online, his head rising from the floor.
Lifting her pedes from his back, Violetwind sat up with a groan. Why couldn't they just leaev her alone to her peace and quiet.
'Well, don't just leave them waiting,' grunted Windy.
Getting up she headed towards the door as it buzzed again. Hubcap stuck close to her side as the panels slid open. Her optics widened. Rather than someone she knew as she had expected, a young mech stood before her, one of the new generation. He stood looking down at her with yellow optics, his armour orange in colour with red highlights.
What surprised her most were the Autobot symbols on his shoulders. He shouldn't have had any faction symbols. The new generation were born without them and none she'd ever seen chose to have them engraved. There was simply no need.
The young mech shuffled on his pedes and cleared his vocalisers. He glanced down at Hubcap with worried optics, clearly uncomfortable with the Predacon's presence.
Confused, Violetwind wasn't sure what to make of the situation, processor stumbling to address him. "Um, was there something you wanted?"
"Y- yes. I need to speak with a femme, designation: Violetwind."
"That would be me," she replied guardedly.
A nervous smile flashed across his faceplates. "I need you to come with me."
"And why would I do that?"
"Well, um, you see, it's my femme-friend. She's been injured."
Violetwind's head perked up at this. Even if something didn't feel quite right, she couldn't neglect her medical training. "Where is she? What's wrong?"
"She- uh, she can't move. Her leg's been hurt."
'I don't like this. I don't like it one bit,' muttered Windy as the femme's sense of unease grew.
"Surely there was another medic you could have called? Perhaps one that's closer? I know the med centre down on the lane way is still open at this time of night."
"Uh, yes, well she gets nervous around bots she doesn't know very well. And I don't know any medics, and your the only femme medic I know of. And she um, she specifically asked for you. So, um, here I am."
'I think he's lying.'
I wouldn't be surprised. He does seem rather nervous.
'His story seems a bit thick too. But I say we go with him. Find out what he's up to.'
Violetwind hesitated, but stepped forward. "Alright, lead the way."
He didn't move, earning a confused look from Violetwind. The mech glanced down at Hubcap. "I-it'd be best if he didn't come with us."
Her optics narrowed.
'That doesn't sound suspicious, at all. What the frag is going on here?'
"Hubcap comes with me everywhere."
Despite his slight trembling, the mech stood his ground. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that. Th- She was very insistent upon that. You're friend frightens her."
The Predacon growled, stepping towards the stranger. His back plates shifted slightly as if they wanted to rise.
The mech back up a little.
'Now I really want to know what he wants. It's going to bug me all night if we don't go. I might die of curiosity,' whined Windy.
Heh, sure you would, she replied, having to hide a grin.
Glancing down at her four-footed companion, Violetwind tilted her head, silently asking what he thought. Hubcap looked back at her, optics narrowed. Slowly he shook his head, warning her against it.
'Course he'd say that. Let's go with the kid anyway.'
Her mind made up, Violetwind turned back to the young mech. "Alright, I'll come with you."
He smiled, visibly relaxing. "Thank you."
Glancing at her companion, she tapped two fingers against her leg. "Hubcap, stay here. I'll be back soon."
The Predacon let out a small grunt but nodded. He didn't like this. The mech was shifty. he couldn't be trusted. But Violetwind was in charge. Well, for the most part. He suspected Windy was the reason she was going.
"So, uh, we'd best be going," the young mech gestured down the hall. "This way."
With a nod, Violetwind followed him, giving Hubcap a final glance as she left.
He waited until the pair were out of sight before running off down the hall in the other direction. Stopping at a door, the Predacon transformed and beat his fist against it.
"Alright, alright. I heard you," a voice grumbled from inside. A moment later the door opened to reveal Arcee. She frowned up at the beast. "What do you want?"
He glanced at the small femme, waving his arms down the hall. "Vi-let, help. Need. Gone with. Follow."
"Frag, Hubcap. Slow down. I can't understand you."
The Predacon huffed. He didn't have the time to waste trying to communicate with her. He and words didn't get along well enough to explain the situation. While they stood there talking, the mech and Violetwind were getting away.
With no other choice, he picked up the femme. Arcee shrieked in surprise before she realised what was happening. Slinging her over his shoulder, Hubcap jogged down the hallway after his friend.
"Put me down you stupid beast," yelled Arcee as she threw her fists against his back plates. "Put me down or I swear, I'll fragging kill you!"
Rolling his optics, he shook his head. She was an excellent fighter and if she really wished to escape, he was sure she would find a way. So he ignored her insults. "Quiet. Me tell, on way."