Hello everyone~ This is your captain speaking~ I want to thank 99luftballonsx.o.x for letting me to write the next chapters of this story^^ I planned this chapter to be longer, but since this a sample I thought it should be shorter :) The first ten chapters are on 99luftballonsx.o.x's profile.

''Time
Is the reason why we fight to stay alive''

―Amaranthe, Amaranthine

I must admit, Optimus' holoform was like nothing I expected. He was tanned, his skin appearing to have been sunk in sunshine for a long time until it got a very nice gold colour. Blue eyes which glowed with kindness and sadness studied every move I've made. He had sharp cheekbones and jawline with a little bit of beard. Unlike Ironhide, his muscles weren't huge or gigantic.

''Brooke,'' Optimus spoke in a baritone tone, getting my attention to him, ''I know it's must be hard to get settled here, but if you are willing to try…'' He continued in a very low and optimistic tone, as if this problem could be solved fast with only one discussion.

''No, I won't get settled here no matter how much I try. As a note, I am not willing to try to befriend any of you.'' I stated in a harsh tone, giving him my best 'you don't know' look. ''You don't really know how it's feels.'' I told him in what can be described as not very nice tone. He doesn't know, they don't know how it feels to have the only person who made a difference in your life locked for something they did and regretted. They don't have a freaking idea how it feels to be kept here, with the enemies, while your guardian and friend is locked away from you. I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. I refuse to back down until Barricade is freed.

For a second, I could see disappointment in his eyes. Why was he disappointed? I didn't know nor care. Maybe, he expected me to bow down to his will, to act more friendly towards the others, but I won't. I don't have a reason to play the role of a lamb as long as they are the big wolf. Two can play this game and I want to win.

''Brooke, I am willing to give him a chance. I am willing to give both of you a chance.'' He stated, trying to sound very reasonable. I threw him a glare, again, knowing how reasonable are the autobots. They locked us here and expect us to act like we are willing to be here? How much hypocrisy can they hold? Of course, I didn't tell him in the face. I need to pursue him to let Barricade free, not to put more autobots on my head.

''You can start from freeing him.'' I spoke with my nicest tone I have. My first plan was to came here and plead for Barricade, but seeing the direction where this conversation is going, the plan had fallen. I need another plan and fast. Another week here and Barricade would need to free me from an asylum because there would be the only place on Earth where I could go after all this is done.

''I can't.'' He gave me a very clear response. ''This war' length is stretching across millenniums and the lines between good and bad are very clear drawn. Barricade is and will be a decepticon until we find a clear evidence of him defecting.'' He stated, explaining me the reason behind Barricade's lack of freedom. ''I know, Brooke Reynolds, that you believe in Barricade's good side,'' he continued after a small pause to let me digest the information, ''but believing is not enough. The both of you had formed a very close relationship and getting between Ironhide and Barricade demonstrated that us, but we are talking here about lives. It's not your life or mine, it's about thousands of lives here.''

''But he is not a terrorist!'' I snapped at Optimus, leaving the nice façade behind me. ''Yes, he was a decepticon, but that was long before our meeting. I know he has changed because I know him. I spent years with him and I know what is he thinking, how much he despises some humans and this planet, but he is not dangerous for the others anymore.'' I stated while tears were almost running down my cheeks. Seeing how many chances Barricade had to be free has stuck a very sensible chord inside me. He is my guardian and protector, the only one who believed in me when none did. I don't care about his past because I know he wouldn't hurt anyone. But, apparently, our words are not enough.

''Brooke Reynolds, I know this too. I must do what it's necessary for everyone. Our meeting is not about you or Barricade, but about a guardian for you.'' Boom! He dropped another bomb on me while I was still trying to digest the information.

''W-what?'' I stuttered. For the first time since I came here I was left speechless by them. How could they just change Barricade without asking me? Us? How could they just take a decision on my behalf without telling me? Who did give them the right to do so?

''We think it's in your behalf to have another guardian who is an autobot. There will be more autobots coming here,'' he explained, ''for whom you and Barricade can be seen as enemies. This decision it's made to ensure your safety for as long as the Barricade's status remains unsure.''

''Who? Also, should I expect your autobots taking Frenzy away from me?'' I inquired quietly.

''Brooke, no. Frenzy will remain to your side.'' He answered in a calm voice. ''The discussion is between Sideswipe and Jolt.'' HE continued after a small pause, but the names went by my ears. I was still numb after the bombs he dropped.

''May I go?'' I asked with a small drop of sadness in my voice. He gave me a small nod. I raised up and ran out of the room, letting the door to close behind me. A small sob escaped my lips before I could stop it. How can I get out of this situation is beyond me.

And now, I have to find Frenzy to tell him the news. This thing won't end very well for us.

Ironhide didn't wait for me next to Optimus' office, in order to offer me some time to get the things settled. No matter how much I thought about it, the decision of having another guard while Barricade was there, didn't felt right. I tried to see the good part, but it always came down to the same conclusion. It was like betraying Barricade and a part of me if I 'd accept the idea of having another guardian.

The road between Optimus' office and my room was very short. I had no time to think about what I am supposed to do right now. I should try to search for Frenzy or see Barricade and tell him the news, but how the heck can I do this without breaking down?

I got in, trying to stop the tears. Their decision felt like a big betrayal I should have seen coming. There, on the bed, was Frenzy. Inhaling, I whispered.

''Frenzy?'' The small decepticon onlined his optics, looking at me very worried. How I am supposed to told him about that?