Welcome to another chapter! Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you enjoy the story :)


Chapter 9

The movie ended and the bots started to disperse, heading back to their apartments.

"I'll take you home. Wouldn't want you to meet any of your old 'friends' again, would we?" Smokescreen said, standing next to Violetwind as they said goodbye to their friends.

"Thanks, Smoke. I'd like that," she gave him a grateful smile.

Stepping up to the pair Prowl nodded at each of them. "Violetwind, Smokescreen."

"See you later."

"Actually, miss, I was hoping you would speak with me. In private," the police bot said.

"Could it wait, Prowl?" she asked. "It's late, and I'd really like to go home for some recharge."

"Of course," he replied politely. "I ask that you might come by my office in the morning. I wish to talk with you."

"I'll be there," she agreed. "See you tomorrow then."

He nodded and thanked her before moving off.

"What do you think he wants to see you about?" Smokescreen questioned, watching the mech leave.

"It's probably got to do with that incident earlier," she whispered. "Bulkhead and Wheeljack must have mentioned something about it to him. They said I should let Prowl know who they are so he can keep an optic on them in case they caused more trouble."

The mech frowned, but was glad the policebot was taking it seriously. "Probably for the best."

"Anyway, I'll deal with that tomorrow. For now, take me home, my prince." Slipping an arm around his, Violetwind put on a smile to hide her worry.

Smokescreen forced a smile onto his own face, "Anything for you, darling."

~oOo~

"Come on, Ratchet, pick up already. Our internal clock says it's only one in the afternoon there on a school day so you've go nowhere else to be..." Violetwind muttered standing in the Hall of Records communication room.

Long distance communication was set up in the top floor room so they could contact Earth from there. It was the closest place for her to get in touch with the medic, and for now, the still early hours of the Cybertronian day, it was quiet. She would have the place to herself for a few more mega-cycles.

'Maybe he's busy,' suggested Windy.

"With what?" The femme tapped her fingers impatiently against the edge of the keyboard.

'Ratchet stuff! Whatever it is Ratchet gets up to all day. I bet he's got this secret life we know nothing about.'

Letting out a huff, Violetwind rubbed a hand over her face as she leaned against the console. It was way to early to be doing this. She would much rather still be in recharge, getting some much needed rest. The lack of sleep was making her irritable, as she wanted Ratchet to answer so she could get back to her berth for a few more winks.

The beeps of an accepted call broke the silence. Immediately her head whipped up to see the orange and white medic on the screen.

::Hello, Violetwind, Windy,:: he greeted, ::How are things going?::

"Hi, Ratchet. What took you so long? I've been waiting for ages," she snapped at him.

A frown crossed his features. ::I have working on replicating the Apex Armour. Is something wrong? My slight delay would not ordinarily have earned such a hostile response.::

"I'm sorry. I'm just tired. It was a long day yesterday, with checking through data pads, helpful Knock Out repair bots from stasis pods and then a late night as a bunch of us gathered together for a movie night, and well, right now it's a little too early for my tastes..."

::You should have some more rest then. Of course, after you tell me how things have been going.::

"Things have been good, um, mostly. Things have been moving along lately but there was an explosion at one of the construction sites not long ago..."

::What happened? Was anyone injured?:: he leaned closer to the screen in his concern.

"No, everyone's fine. Only one person was injured but I took him to Knock Out and he was fixed right up. But we don't know what caused it. Prowl's looking into what happened."

The mech relaxed, ::I see. Glad to hear no one was seriously injured. Then what is the reason for your call? Am I correct in assuming it was not just for a social catch up?::

::Slag right, it ain't! Ratchet we just want you to check some scans.::

::Has something happened to you?:: he asked his expression of concern returning.

"We're fine. It's- well, it's just a precaution..."

::A fragging mech, called Hot Shot, ran into us yesterday and we hit the ground and blacked out.::

Ratchet nodded, ::Send them over.::

Tapping a few keys she sent the files of her scans over. "We just want to be sure nothing's wrong."

::Or if there is trouble, we'd like to know about it right away. We ain't having a repeat of last time when we almost lost our lives.:: Windy added.

The mech took some time to look over the scans they sent, Violetwind and her inner companion waiting in anxious anticipation.

::There is nothing wrong, as far as I can tell. Your scans show the usual. I do not believe you have a reason to worry,:: he told the pair.

Violetwind let out a breath of relief. "Thanks, Ratchet."

::You were wise to have me check it, though. Make sure you let me know if anything unusual at all comes up.::

::We will, Doc,:: Windy assured him, ::We learnt our lesson last time.::

"No worries, Ratchet," the femme smiled, her stance relaxing. While she had him on the line, she decided to ask about more pleasant things. "So how're the kids? Still coming by every so often?"

Nodding he huffed in amusement, his gaze turning away from the screen. ::Yes, they still come visit, though it is less often. Mostly on weekends now, perhaps once or twice during the week. I believe they miss their partners, finding it hard to be here without them. Rafael still helps me with projects though. He is instrumental in any developments that are made. Miko continues to abandon her school studies.::

The femme rolled her eyes with a smile.

::No surprise there.::

::And Jack just tries to keep her out of trouble. A full time job I believe. Oh, Miko recently tried to take me to monster truck rally.::

::Did you go?:: Windy asked eagerly.

::No!:: he replied quickly, narrowing his optics in the femme's direction. ::I have no interest in blood sports. I also fear I would be no substitute for Bulkhead and we would both be miserable.::

"Perhaps..." the femme slowly let her thoughts settle as she tried to bring up an idea. Lifting a hand to her chin, she tapped her cheek with a finger, "Perhaps, we shall have to come by for a visit ourselves. I'm sure the others would be willing and it would be a nice surprise for the kids."

Ratchet smiled, ::That would be most welcome. It can get lonely here, for me too, you know.::

She smiled, "Of course, I meant visit you too, Ratchet. I think a holiday would be nice too. We've all been working so hard."

::Other than the times we have parties,:: teased Windy.

"We don't have those that often."

::Well, I know you will be most welcome.::

"I'll see if Bee and Arcee can organise it with you and Agent Fowler.

The mech nodded in acknowledgement. ::I shall alert Agent Fowler of your plans.::

::Alert me of what?:: barked a familiar voice.

::Of a possible Autobot arrival,:: Ratchet told him happily.

Violetwind waved as the special agent came within view. "We're thinking of having the team come down there for a small reunion soon."

The pot bellied man nodded, absently adjusting his tie. ::As long as it gets cleared with me before you arrive, we'd be happy to have you come back. It certainly had been a lot quieter around here without you and the Con's running around Earth.::

::Is that you're way of saying you miss us, Agent Fowler,:: Windy snickered.

The man rolled his eyes and grumbled, ::Miss taking care of children, hmph.::

The femme hid a giggle with her hand over her mouth. Stifling her amusement she addressed the pair, "It was nice to see you Agent Fowler, but we'd best be going. I'd like to be out of here before anyone comes by. Thanks for the help, Ratchet. Hopefully we'll see you guys soon."

::Keep quiet about it to the kids too. I'd love to see their faces if we surprised them.::

"Oh yes! That would be wonderful!" Violetwind clasped her hands in slight excitement.

Ratchet grinned, ::We shall keep them from the news. I am glad to have been of help, even if there was nothing wrong.::

"You put our fears to rest, that's help enough," she assured him.

::We shall be seeing you soon enough then, Violetwind. I wish you well with Cybertron's affairs,:: Agent Fowler dipped his head in goodbye.

"Bye Agent Fowler. Bye Ratchet," the femme waved to her friends on the other side of the screen.

::See you later!::

::Goodbye, ladies.::

The comm link clicked off and Violetwind was left in silence.

When she didn't move, Windy spoke, 'Come on, let's go see of we can get some more recharge.'

"Alright. I could really do with some more sleep." Turning from the console she headed our the door and back to her room.

She didn't notice a small figure hiding around the corner until she left. Stepping out into the hallway, it frowned, tilting its head. "Ladies...?"

~oOo~

Later that day, Violetwind walked into the police station. She felt much better after getting a few extra mega-cycles of sleep. Unfortunately it had also resulted in her sleeping in late, but Bumper had not been too bothered by her less than punctual appearance at work. But she didn't stay long, sorting out some data pads before heading out.

The femme made her way to the police station to see Prowl.

A bright opticked Firestar met her as she stepped in. "Hey, Violet. Prowl's been waiting for you."

"I know," she replied stopping beside the red and orange femme, "I just had to fix up a few things before coming and was already late to that from having an accidental lie in."

"Haha, tired from the night before, were you?" teased Firestar, leaning against the front desk.

"Must have been," Violetwind smiled back. "Well, I'd best go see Prowl then, so I'm not even more late. He is in, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he's in," she jerked her thumb out back, towards his office. "He's just been chatting with Bluestreak while he waited. Something about what the mech wants to do for a job."

"Oh, um," the purple femme hesitated, "You sure it's ok for me to interrupt that."

"Yeah," Firestar waved a hand dismissively, "He said to send you right in if I was still around. Actually, I was just heading out. Catch ya later, Vi."

The femme stood up and walked off with a wave, leaving Violetwind to go see Prowl on her own. Which she did.

Walking out the back she stepped up to the mech's office, the door already open. She could hear voices coming from inside.

"Um, hello?" knocking on the wall she peered in. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

"Miss Violetwind, you've arrived. Welcome," greeted Prowl with his usual formal politeness. "Come in."

Bluestreak sat on the chair opposite the policebot's desk. He merely nodded, not saying a word.

"Thank you," she uttered quietly as she entered. "I can wait for you guys to finish, if you want to continue. I don't mind."

"No, it is alright. We shall talk again another time, Bluestreak," Prowl looked over at the other mech.

"Of course," he replied. Standing he nodded at each of them with a small smile, "Prowl, Violetwind. Another time."

He quickly left and Prowl moved over to close the door.

"Please have a seat," he offered her the chair, which she took. Returning to his own, he rested his hands on the table and looked over at her in all seriousness.

'With that look, I'd almost think we were the ones on trial.' Windy chuckled.

"Violetwind could you please recount the events of yesterday, your hostile encounter with the four mechs in the alley."

Taking a deep breath she began. "Well, it started out when I was walking along and Windy spotted these four guys..."

She went on to tell him all that happened when the attacked her, even opening a comm link with Prowl so Windy could help too, giving a more detailed description of her old team mates.

When she was done, Violetwind slumped back on the chair. "So, what are you going to do now?"

Prowl placed down the pen he had been using to take notes on his data pad and leaned back in his own chair. "I shall be keeping an optic out for them, that is certain. If they cause you further trouble they shall be arrested, unless you desire to see them off the streets. I can do that if you indeed fear for your life."

"No, I don't think that'll be necessary. Bulkhead and Wheeljack's threats should keep them away for now. I'll just keep off the streets when it's dark unless I have someone with me. Besides I wouldn't want them to hate me more for having them arrested."

::I think we should string the slaggers up. Those idiots need to be taught a lesson in how to treat people,:: growled Windy.

Prowl looked over at her with a raised optic ridge, the tips of his fingers resting against each other in front of him. "And would I be correct in assuming you would have fought your way out of a situation, Windy?"

::Slag, right I would have! Those pieces of scrap from the pits of Unicron wouldn't have stood a chance.:: she declared.

"I don't think this is really the time to be saying such things..." Violetwind muttered under her breath.

The mech glanced down at his desk. "Perhaps I might have had four bodies on my hands then..."

::Too right! I- Oh...:: her inner companion settled down. ::That probably wouldn't have gone down well...::

"No," he replied, looking back at the femme. Standing up, he leaned against the desk. "Thank you for your help. I do hope Moscardo and his companions do not cause you further trouble but if they do, I am only a comm link away."

Also standing up, she smiled. "Thank you, Prowl. I'll try to remember that next time."

::Don't worry. I'll remind her,:: Windy assured him.

"Have a safe solar cycle," he dipped his head at her departure.

"Thanks again," she smiled as she paused at the door. "It's good to know we have someone to rely on to help keep the peace around here."

"Just doing my duty, ma'am," he replied humbly, albeit with a small smile.

~oOo~

Entering the Hall of Records, Violetwind was met by the short black and yellow mech. As usual, Bumper was all grins and pleased to see her.

"It all went well with Prowl, then?"

"Yes, everything was sorted out," she told him.

"That's good, cause you've got a visitor," he started walking off expecting her to follow.

"A visitor?" she muttered in surprise, not immediately going after him. Quickly realising he was leaving her behind, the femme ran to catch up. "What do you mean I've go a visitor? I don't get visitors unless they're my friends and even then they usually check to see if I'm here or at the medical centre."

"Well today you do. It's some older bot named Pianor. He was pretty insistent on talking with you but he didn't tell me why. So, I just let him wait in the reading room."

"I wonder what he wants," she muttered looking down at the floor in thought.

'I don't recognise the name. No idea why he'd want to see you.'

"Guess you'll have to ask him yourself," the mech stopped beside the door to the reading room and turned to face her.

"Guess I will," she replied with a nod. "Thanks, Bumper."

"You're most welcome," he grinned. "I'll leave you to it." With that he walked away, leaving her to confront the stranger alone.

'Well, what are you slagging waiting for? I wanna know what he's here for,' urged her impatient inner companion.

Alright, alright. I'm going.

Opening the door she stepped in, quickly spotting the single bot inside. He was metallic bronze in colour. He had a boxy appearance, nothing like the usual smooth lines of most other bots. His form reminding her of an upright piano and if his name was any indication, that might be his alternate mode.

Hearing her enter, Pianor turned around, letting his gaze rest upon her. "Miss, Violetwind?"

"Yes, that would be me," she closed the door behind her. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. Yes, I did. My name is Pianor and I work at Maccadam's Old Oil House. The owner Maccadam sent me with an invitation."

Moving closer, she noticed he was only about her own hight, quiet small for a mech, yet still not as short as Bumper. He also was much older than herself, possibly closer to Ratchet's age.

"An invitation?" she repeated.

"Oh, yes, yes," he shifted his weight between his pedes, "You've been invited along with the rest of the council, and any other friends you'd like to bring to the Oil House's reopening," the mech explained.

"That's very kind of you."

'By Primus, the Oil House! It's back! Slag, I never thought I'd be able to go. This is going to be great!'

"We do hope you'll make it. It's happening tonight actually."

"Tonight?" she repeated in surprise.

"Yes, well..." he glanced down at the floor, wringing his hands, "Maccadam is of course sorry about the short notice."

"No, don't worry about it," Violetwind tried a assure him, "Um, I'm sure it's fine. You, uh, have talked to the others, right?"

The bronze coloured mech looked back at her, "Yes. Oh yes! Yes, I have. They are most pleased by the reopening."

"Um, well I guess I can't really say no then."

'Yes!'

"Thank you! I am certain you will all enjoy yourselves. I will be providing the music, so if you have any requests, be sure to talk to me," Pianor smiled, visibly relaxing. "I'd best be getting on. There is still much to be done before tonight."

He headed for the door, which the femme opened for him. With a smile she leaned against the door frame and waved. "It was very nice of you to invite us. I'll be seeing you later."

"I'll keep an optic out for you, miss," he smiled back.

"Thank you Pianor. Have a good day."

"You too, miss," the mech nodded politely and headed off.

'Awesome! This is gonna be great! We're going to Maccadam's Old Oil House!' excitement rolled off Windy.

"I just have one question..." Violetwind tapped her chin with a finger.

'What?'

"What exactly is Maccadam's Old Oil House?"

'Oh, it was just this popular establishment before, and even during, the war. I never got to visit myself, but I'm eager to do so now!'

"So like a fancy restaurant?"

'Uh, yeah. You could say that...'


Pianor was one of the names suggested for the piano transformer that works at Maccadam's. Since writing this chapter he's officially been named Tusks. But I like Pianor better, it's cuter and I feel more befitting the character. (well the one in my story anyway :P)
And don't be fooled by the relatively peaceful past few chapters. Things are gonna pick up really soon.