AN: Thanks so much to everyone who has read and reviewed! Your input is always welcome and appreciated. It helps me make changes where needed and improves the story! So please, review and let me know what you like, and what you don't. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC's.
Chapter 3: Of Partnerships
Axle's explanation was followed by a prolonged silence as Andrea contemplated all of the information that had been given to her. Her mind raced to sort out the facts. Autobots. Decepticons. Cybertron. Allspark. Slowly but surely, she managed to find a spot in her brain for each of the new terms.
"What do you plan to do now, Axle?"
"What I always do, I suppose. I will begin my reconnaissance by performing energon detection sweeps and then search your world wide web for any possible leads on Decepticon activity. Then, depending on what I find, I will go from there. My sensors can only reach so far."
"And what, you just plan to drive around, or find a place to park while you do this? I hate to break it to you, but if that's your plan you are going to need a new disguise. A dodge viper is a hard car to hide. You are going to be attracting a lot of attention and the last thing you need is for some carjacker to try and steal you or a cop to pull over a driverless car. It might raise just a few questions." She bit her lip before continuing. "I may have an idea that could solve your problem."
"What?" Axle's voice sounded cautiously curious.
"Let me help you. I can provide a place for you to stay for the time being, and I can help you with your search on the web."
"No, I don't think that would be a very good idea." An immediate reply.
"Oh, come on, Axle! Just hear me out. First off, you are going to need a place to lay low. I can provide you with one. My parents are rarely ever home. It wouldn't be hard to convince them that I was car-sitting, or something of the sort. There is plenty of room for you in the garage. It's better than having to find a place to hide when you want to rest. Secondly, if you are going to be using the web for some of your recon, I can help you in more ways than one. I'm a hacker, Axle. I can get you information from some rather restricted areas, with minimal risk of getting caught. I can help you."
"I don't know, Andrea. I don't want to get you involved in this war. It could be dangerous for you."
"That's sweet and everything, but I'm already involved. I became involved the minute you almost crash-landed on me. Besides, it isn't like this is a big sacrifice on my part. I enjoy hacking, and I'm good at it. I also like the idea of having a car to drive around in. As for keeping me out of danger, don't you think I'll be safest with you around?"
Axle was quiet for some time. She waited anxiously, hoping above all else that he would agree to her plan. She wanted to get to know him better. She still had so many questions that she wanted to ask. Yet, beyond wanting to get to know him better, there was something else that was calling to her. Something about the idea of Axle being on his own bothered her. She wanted to help him. The Axle she had gotten to know in the past hour was kind and soft-spoken; Andi didn't know how he would be able to handle himself out on the open road. This world could be cruel. Then again, another part of her brain scoffed at her and shouted 'HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS YEAR OLD GIANT ROBOT!' Was there anything he probably couldn't or hadn't handled before?
"Alright."
Andi jumped in surprise. "What? Really? You serious?"
"Yes, of course. Weren't you?"
"Of course. I just didn't think you would agree that easily."
"Well, you made valid points. Having a place to stay will make things easier for the time being. Also, while I would have no problem traversing your world wide web, you probably know more about it than I do, so your help will be appreciated."
She smiled. "Alright then we have a deal. I'll help you, and you help me. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. What do you say, partner?"
"Agreed."
"Excellent. Well, it's late, what do you say we head home? I'll show you where you'll be staying." Placing her hands on the wheel, preparing to take over, she paused, "Do you mind?"
"No, of course not. You know where to go."
She nodded, "Ok, let's go home."
Pulling into the driveway of a large two-story brick house, Andi directed Axle around to the back of the house where a three car, two-story garage was located. Andi's parents were well-off; they currently owned and ran their own software business. However, because of their work, they were often out of town on business trips, leaving her to take care of herself.
Pulling up to the garage, she exited Axle and punched in a code to the garage door. After the door opened, she gestured for him to pull in. He did so, coming to a rest next to her mother's Acura.
"So, what do you think? This look alright to you?"
"This is sufficient. Thank you."
"Alright," Grabbing her bags out of the passenger seat, Andi closed the garage door, turned and headed towards a set of stairs to the left of where Axle was parked. "I'll be upstairs if you need me. We can get started on our search tomorrow."
"You don't live in the house?"
"Hmm?" She stopped and turned. "No, my parents are out of town a lot, and the house is too big for just me, it's unnerving to stay there by myself. A few years ago, we renovated the second floor of the garage into a bedroom and bathroom. I live there. I still have to go into the house to use the kitchen and what-not, but I like having my own space." She proceeded up the stairs, "Goodnight, Axle."
"Goodnight, Andrea."
The first thing Andi did upon entering her room, was head to her bathroom and take a shower. She was covered in dirt from earlier in the evening, and as she washed it away, she used the time to plan what she was going to do next.
The first hurdle she'd have to jump would be her parents. She had decided on the way home, that she would tell them that she was car-sitting for a friend who would be away for a few months. She had no idea how long Axle would be staying, but for the time being, the excuse should work. The second thing she would have to take care of would be her job. If she was going to be helping Axle with his search, she wouldn't have time to work. She would have to quit, or take some serious vacation time. Mentally she jumped with glee at the idea of quitting. As much as she had liked and appreciated her job when she first started, now, it was more of a hassle than anything else. She was overworked and underpaid. She didn't really like her boss, anyway, so she wouldn't feel too bad about leaving. Besides, in a few more months, after she graduated, she had planned to quit anyway. That decided it, tomorrow she would call and quit her job.
Having finished her shower, she pulled on her pajamas and crawled into bed. Turning out the light besides her bed, she flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Today had been one of the longest days of her life. So much had happened in such a short amount of time, it was hard to process everything. The thought briefly passed through her brain that her world was never going to be the same, she was never going to be the same. Hell, she had a giant alien robot living in her garage. Pondering said giant robot as she slipped into sleep, the last conscious thought she had was 'I wonder if he even sleeps?'
AN: Well, here is essentially the second half of the last chapter. Things will start to pick up after this. Expect a little action within the next few chapters. I hope you enjoyed, and that you continue to read! Thanks for reading!
