Chapter 25
"I don't fragging believe it." Someone muttered and Evelyn gave a low groan, rolling over from her position finding herself trapped between familiar talons. It wasn't uncomfortable, rather securing as she realized that it was preventing her from falling off whatever thing she had fallen asleep on.
"Someone should get a picture of this." A separate voice snickered and Evelyn frowned. It sounded suspiciously like Sideswipe. She rolled over again, feeling the gentle hum of whatever was under her. She didn't want to get up. Evelyn was warm, not particularly comfortable but not uncomfortable enough to force herself to move. "Hey Hide, you owe me your collection of high grade." Sideswipe continued and already Evelyn knew that there was something very wrong with that last sentence.
Hide, or rather Ironhide was dead. He had been killed; shot in the back by none other than Sentinel Prime, the mech that he tried to protect. Again Evelyn found her mind trying in vain to wrap around the concept but still she found a blank.
"What?" A distinctively and painfully familiar voice boomed sounding tired despite the usually mixed accent. "What are you on about?" The voice grumbled and Evelyn opened her eyes, facing a metallic wall. Suddenly she could hear a shuffling before what she assumed to be a recording.
"The day I see a Decepticon cuddling with a human is the day I give Sideswipe my high grade!" It ground out, distinctively the voice of the weapon's specialist.
"Slag it! You can't be serious!" The voice spoke and there was no denying it, It was Ironhide, though how, Evelyn didn't know. As far as she knew a dead mech was a dead mech. They didn't just come back alive.
"They are talking about us aren't they?" Barricade growled sounding rather hung over if a mech could be.
"Yeah." She whispered.
"Why are you sleeping on me, fleshling?" He growled and Evelyn groaned rubbing her head.
"Why is your hand on me?" She retorted, rising as he lifted his hand off of her, Evelyn using the moment to pull her sore body off his metal chest. She sat up yawning widely as he rubbed his own head. "Geez, your bloody well as comfortable as a rock… or a cactus. A metal cactus." Evelyn growled before turning her head wincing at the audience that they had seemed to accumulate. She gave a half smile more because she was nervous at the set of eyes watching her. Slowly she looked around, aware that she was still in the clothing that she wore yesterday and probably the day before. She meant to speak but stopped as her eyes met the familiar form of the black mech, minus the scars.
Evelyn blinked, her mouth opening before she blinked again, trying to force her mouth to move but finding the inability to do so. She stood, slowly sliding off of Barricade's chest, landing onto the very edge of berth, meeting the eyes of Optimus, Ratchet, Sideswipe, and Knock Out. They watched her back, none making a noise. She raised a finger, pointing to Ironhide.
"You're dead." Evelyn informed rather unintelligently earning a slow chuckle from the weapon specialist. She turned to Ratchet, her finger still pointing at the mech. "How, you psychotic bastard?"
"Oh don't let the doctor take all the credit." Knock Out intervened with a sly yet somehow still smug expression as he leaned next to Ironhide's berth.
"Anyone care to explain this to me?" Evelyn stated crossing her arms over her chest and Ratchet stepped forward.
"On Cybertron this was this scientist, a Decepticon scientist." Ratchet began. "His designation was Flatline and he discovered a way to create a sort of generic protoform in hopes of making an army of easily replaceable soldiers."
"It's like a mass of liquid metal." Knock Out interrupted while wiggling his talons. Ratchet gave the red medic a glare but continued.
"The problem was that without a spark, the protoform would remain as liquid metal. Well he discovered that if a mech is destroyed but the spark remains he could implant the spark into the protoform and to everyone's surprise, it didn't just take on the form of the previous mech but instead was them, completely restored. Now I had heard of this but I never got a chance to read the notes. Knock Out," He paused gesturing to the red medic.
"Happened to be in a certain laboratory while a certain mech was working and may or may not have accidently copied his notes." Knock Out chimed in with a grin, examining his talons as a human might examine their nails.
"And though Ironhide's frame was completely destroyed, I was able to salvage the spark and keep it stable."
"and I," Knock Out interjected again with a smug grin. "Just happened to know where the scientist might have hidden a protoform canister. I thought that it would do the Neutrals good to smooth out any bumps in our relationship with the Autobots." He finished and Evelyn nodded.
"Good call Knock Out." She praised looking over his expression. She knew that he would not have given it away so easily if not for the fact that there were more and he knew where they were. Evelyn gave him a look that only he would recognizes and his lip plate curved in the slightest, acknowledging her.
"Friggin' punk." She heard Ironhide growl from his position on the berth. She met his gaze which was directed at her. "Didn't you promise to train with me?" He continued to rumble and Evelyn couldn't help but take as step back, trapped between Barricade. "Four year?' He scolded like one might yell at a soldier.
"Well you see…" She began but the weapon's specialist cut her off.
"and if I had died? Hmm?" Ironhide continued and Evelyn gave a groan.
"Now that makes me feel bloody terrible." She muttered rubbing her forehead with her hand even though the mech look rather amused.
"It damn well better." He snorted.
XXXX
Walking beside the large Autobot leader was rather intimidation but Evelyn did, adorned in her trench coat that had the Neutral's symbol braded into the thick leather. The emblem consisted of half the Decepticon's symbol and the Autobot's merged with four slashes across it.
Evelyn nodded as Optimus asked her another question. Her eyes raked from the large leader to Ratchet who stood to Optimus's left, to the several soldiers, including Will and Epps as they walked along the perimeter of the island. It was such beautiful weather that Evelyn had suggested that they have their meeting outside rather than cooped up in a cramped stuffy hanger.
Almost suddenly a siren sounded off and the soldiers that were walking around tense before rushing around gather weapons. Evelyn paused, reaching for the Cybertronian pistol that had finally been released back to her. Beside her Will talked frantically on a cell phone before turning to Optimus's firm gaze.
"We got an unknown air craft approaching." He stated rather seriously and Evelyn looked to the sky. Sure enough a large black streak was approaching making absolutely no noise. Everyone watched it before Epps took a step closer a look of shock tainting his face.
"Fuck." Was all he said causing everybody to turn to him. "It's a stealth bomber." He turned to the group. "There is no way in hell that we will be able to withstand an attack from that in our current position if it decides to unleash hell on us." Epps growled.
"Are you serious?" Will asked incredulously.
"They're called Stealths because you don't know they're there until their fucking on top of you." He retorted before turning back to the approaching aircraft. Sure enough it was close enough to see the strange markings etched into the pitch black metal. Optimus tensed as it dropped in altitude slightly, flying way too low for any human aircraft. It was silent as the Stealth approached before it began to detach, metal rearranging as it dropped, landing on two lanky hawk like feet in a crouch, clawed hands digging into the soft sand. Nobody moved and the air was thick with the tension. Slowly the large metallic being raised his head, four crimson eyes distinctively locking on the leader of the Autobots before the mech grinned rather sadistically as it gracefully rose to its feet. The seeker was more than a head taller than the Autobot leader.
"Optimus Prime." The mech greeted with a swoop of his clawed hand and a bob of his head. His metallic voice very fitting to the nightmare of a mech. He took a step, mindful of the many soldiers who were too shocked to move. The mech angled his four eyes down, studying the many human's before stopping at a certain small figure.
"Ah, Evelyn Grey!" He stated closing the distance. "I've found you." He stated simply before crouching down to her level. Evelyn approached him, a smug lopsided smirk tainting her mouth as she placed a clawed hand on her hip.
"Nightstorm." She greeted very aware of the awed looks she was receiving. "They certainly don't call you a seeker for nothing." She joked earning a humored grunt from the mech.
"I have obtained a location like you requested and legally." He said his voice sounding more like a static hiss.
"Legally? How did you obtain it legally?" Evelyn asked as she raised one eyebrow. The mech simply grinned before pulling out a stack of paper work that was tiny compared to his large talons. Sure enough the mech had the deed to the land and sure enough it was in his name.
"He was auctioning it off and I showed up." He replied simply. "None of the other buyers were interested in it after that." Evelyn couldn't help it, she slammed her palm onto her face. "It has a wonderful area for a med bay and a lab." The seeker finished with an enthusiasm that did not suit him. "Very large. Though it is in a state of disrepair at the current moment but with the few recruits we have it should take a month or two to make it habitable." Evelyn nodded at this. "And I hope you don't mind but I have added a few recruits to the list." He stated and Evelyn locked her eyes with him.
"Are they trustable?" She inquired and the mech nodded his large head.
"I would trust them with my very spark." Nightstorm rumbled and Evelyn found herself nodding again. The large mech stood after that, looking at the group of mechs and humans that had accumulated. He bowed slightly, sweeping his arm under him in a over exaggerated motion before pulling back.
"Gentleman." He rasped before turning to Evelyn. "Ladies." She rolled her eyes. He took yet another step back before leaping and doing a partial back flip, transforming in the process. He was gone in a matter of seconds leaving Evelyn alone to the strange looks she was receiving from the group.
"Seekers." She explained with a wave of her hand and a nervous chuckle. "What can you do?" Will looked at her before shaking his head.
"Evelyn." He grumbled incredulously and she answered with a small smile.
"Yes?"
"You are unbelievable." Evelyn grinned at this giving him a cheeky smile.
"I was gunning for crazier than a shit house rat, but that'll work." Evelyn retorted before winking.
XXXX
The door to the room opened and Buzzsaw tensed before transforming into the harmless laptop upon the ruined bed that looked like some large tiger had attempted to make a nest out of it. Evelyn walked through the door before gawking at the damage. She placed a hand on her head in exasperation before quickly shutting the door and locking it. The bird transformed ivory black feathers glinting in the artificial light.
"Bad news." Evelyn informed deciding to deal with the ruined room later. "We got new Autobots chilling around." She growled and the bird tilted her head, wings stretching.
"Who?" The bird hissed out silkily before setting down in a comfortable position, partially curled.
"A police car, very strict and authoritative from what I could tell." She stated with a shrug.
"That would be Prowl. Avoid him." Buzzsaw grumbled before seemingly recalling something as she perked his head up. "He is a brilliant tactician but it is rumored that he has a weakness." Evelyn stopped leaning in.
"Weakness?" She purred and Buzzsaw seemed to grin.
"A glitch." The metallic raven continued, stopping to examine her sharp talons. "He apparently has a faulty logic processor and has been known to shut down if something is too illogical." Evelyn grinned at this looking all too like the Cheshire cat.
"Is that so? I must say Buzzsaw this is some impressive intel you have brought me. You are an awesome spy." Evelyn stated as she turned back to the door. She paused briefly as she bit her lip, chewing it. " I also wanted to inform you that we will be leaving soon. I feel terrible with you cooped up in here."
"How?" The bird asked and Evelyn gave a shrug.
"Clever lies and right timing." She stated simply and the bird actually chuckled.
"Sounds like you have experience in this." Evelyn grinned.
"Story of my life."
XXXX
The air was tense in the high ceilinged hanger and Evelyn felt it as she slipped through the two doors that were barely open. She paused, apprehension filling her as she walking into the crowd, slipping past the soldiers and the mechs who were watching something. Slowly she came to a stop, eyes taking in the scene. Of course.
Barricade stood smugly, with his usual cocky but sadistic grin, one hand placed casually on his hip as he literally looked up at a much larger mech. The other police mech with the two shoulder mounted cannons. Prowl, the hard ass.
"What's going on?" Evelyn whispered leaning over to the red mech Mirage even though she didn't like him and she knew he didn't like her. He looked down at her.
"Those two, thick as thieves a long time ago till Barricade betrayed him." He stated casually and Evelyn nodded slowly.
"Now they hate each other." Evelyn grumbled not really asking but the red mech nodded anyway. "Of course." She couldn't help but mutter under her breath before she continued on, walking closer and getting a full view of both mech. They looked so much alike.
"My god you two could be twins!" Evelyn stated once close enough. Both of them turned their heads, slowly, hatred evident on both of they're faces. Evelyn gave a sheepish grin, taking a single step back. "I've hit the nail on the head, haven't I?" She continued still feeling the hatred redirected at her. Barricade sneered while the other mech just looked down at her with a look of contempt. Evelyn raised her hands in defeat. "I'm gonna go hide behind Optimus's legs before those two temporality work out their differences and play a bonding game of, 'punt the squishy'." She announced while walking next to Optimus, casually leaning on his leg. He looked down at her and she smiled giving a grin.
"Hey Optimus, just wanted to hang out with one of my favorite Autobots, no ulterior motive at all." Evelyn stated while patting his shin, earning a humored smirk from the large bot.
"So this is the one that started the Neutrals?" Prowl asked crossing the distance. Evelyn frowned watching as Barricade gave a low growl, his talons flexing at being ignored.
"I am." Evelyn answered standing tall and meeting the mech halfway. He looked down at her, not bothering to hide his distain. She met his blue optics with a frown of her own.
"Do you know what you are doing?" He growled and behind him a second unknown mech approached, his arms raised in a placating gesture.
"Come on Prowl." The tan and purple mech pleaded, long rotor blades swept back and twitching. "This could be a good thing! Helping both sides." The mech tried to reason earning a reproachful glare from Prowl.
"Are you doubting my ability?" Evelyn snidely remarked with a laugh. He kneeled down to her level but not out of respect but to rather intimidate her.
"How will you lead them with your tiny organic body? The Decepticons will tear you apart." He sneered and Evelyn merely took a step closer to him.
"I don't lead them." She growled but stopped and smiled. "I could easily best you will out even straining myself anyway." Evelyn retorted turning her attention to her talons, moving them so the light reflected of the smooth metal flesh. Prowl pulled back laughing as he took a step back. "That is if you doubt me." She baited and the mech just glared at her.
"If you are challenging me than I accept." Prowl snarled and Evelyn grinned. He truly was bitter. Evelyn only grinned watching as both human and mech moved back giving her and him room. She looked around, watching as a familiar bird sat perched on one of the rafters, smooth black metal blending in. Evelyn gave Buzzsaw a grin before turning her attention back to the mech.
Prowl was moving before anyone could do anything and Evelyn swiftly dodged, using her small size to her advantage as she drug her talons across his smooth metal, relishing in the sparks that flew off. He struck out again and she ran between his legs. This was just like training with Barricade just not as deadly, she couldn't help but think as she jumped away from accidently being trampled.
"Hey Prowler." She called out ducking out from under him so she was standing directly under him. He glared at her as she continued. "Got something interesting to tell you."
"What?" He snarled as he walked closer aiming to pin her. She grinned placing a hand on her hip smugly.
"This sentence is false." She called out. Prowl paused, his hand still held in the air. It was silent for less than a second as he tilted his head, the metal plates above his eyes furrowing as he thought about what she just said. For a brief second all was still and she was worried that it wouldn't work but as the realization showed on the mech's face. His eyes widened before a small fizzing almost popping sound echoed throughout the hanger and Prowl's optics dimmed black before he began to fall. Evelyn turned her back to the falling mech, her clawed foot gripping the floor as the ground trembled from the large mech impacting. Evelyn sauntered past the shocked shoulders giving a smug grunt.
"Bitch didn't know who he was fucking with." She growled. Ratchet stormed by her giving her a glare that could kill.
"Of all the deceptive, fragging tricks, Evelyn!" The medic roared as he kneeled, placing a cord into the other mech. Evelyn threw her arms out defensively but with cocky grin.
"Trained by an ex-con." She reasoned. "Of course I'm going to use trickery and as far as I'm concerned battles are never fair." She retorted only gaining harsh look from the medic. If he had any items nearby, Evelyn knew he would be throwing them at her. Epps gave her a look before shrugging.
"You got a death wish, girl." Evelyn laughed nodding.
Author's note: Ironhide is alive! Thanks to a lovely little discovery in one of the transformers comic books. :)