Chapter 51: Runaways, Part 4

"We've looking for hours!"

Laura glared at Ashley.

"Knock off that whining, or I'll knock your teeth out."

The blond 12-year-old glared at her older compatriot.

"Look, we've gone over this neighborhood with a fine toothed comb- and we still haven't found Deirdre and the others!"

"We've got to keep looking. Otherwise, Jessica's going to have both our heads."


"How many times do I have to spell it for you? Her name's Roxanne P-e-l-l-i-g-r-i-n-i — what do you mean, you still didn't get it? IF I HAVE TO SPELL IT ONE MORE TIME-"

"Pizzazz, your blood pressure-"

Pizzazz began foaming at the mouth.

"SCREW MY BLOOD PRESSURE!" she screamed.

"Clash, get our imperious leader her beta blockers, would you kindly?" Stormer asked.


LATER:

"Aaah! Happy pills are happy!" Pizzazz chirped.

"You sure those were the beta blockers?" Stormer asked.

Clash shrugged.

"Well, at least we don't have to hear her get her nark on." Jetta snarked.


THE ARK:

"Attention, Autobots! You are probably wondering why I have called you here." Optimus Prime began.

"You got that right." came a reply.

"It is with a heavy spark that I inform you all that Grimlock has apparently run away out of his mistaken belief that due to his illiteracy, he is not worthy of my attention."

There was a mass silence.

"Seeing as how Grimlock is a dear and beloved friend and comrade, as well as one of our most potent weapons against Decepticon and Inhumanoid alike, we must find him! Bumblebee, Swoop, Powerglide, and Wheeljack- you will lead the search."

The four Autobots transformed and left the Ark.


"I think we should stop for the night." Deirdre piped up.

"Best idea you've had all week." Krissie retorted.

"Me Grimlock think stopping for night very good idea! Maybe we stay at YMCA!"

"You mean YWCA." Deirdre retorted.


A FEW MINUTES LATER:

"May I help you?" the receptionist asked.

"Yeah- we need some beds for the night." Roxy answered.

"These kids yours?"

"They're traveling with me of their own free will, if that's what you mean."


"Kimmy, I can still see the bottom of the glass." Jessica groaned.

"Big sis, you've had enough-"

"I'll tell you when I've had enough! If I want to drink myself blind, that's my decision!"

Kimber rolled her eyes and left the kitchen. Once out of Jessica's earshot, she turned to Aja.

"Do you think she'll find out that we switched the wine out with carrot juice?" she whispered.

"Maybe." came the reply.

"Kimber, you should check the vintage on this stuff. Tastes like carrot juice."

Aja turned to Kimber.

"You owe me ten bucks."


THE NEXT MORNING:

"Well, I think we found Roxy." Stormer announced.

"Finally. Where is she?"


"So, what are you in for?" Pizzazz asked as she approached Roxy's jail cell.

"Disturbance of the public peace. Apparently, one of my travel buddies woke up in the middle of the night and accidentally smashed stuff up."

"Just that?" Stormer asked.

"Yeah. My compadres got sent off to Haven House…"


"Me Grimlock not wayward youth! Me Grimlock am mightiest Dinobot of them all!"

Danse pinched her nose in an attempt to avert a headache.

"So, where'd you say you ran away from?" she asked.

"Starlight House For Foster Girls." Deirdre answered.

"Why?"

"Deirdre wanted attention, and Ba Nee and I followed her to try and talk some sense into her." Krissie replied.

"And the robot dinosaur?"

"We found him when we were running away from an angry farmer." Ba Nee answered.

Dance cradled her head.

"You know what- I'm sending the four of you back to Starlight. I've got enough on my plate as it is."

Danse shooed the trio out of her office and reached for the phone.

"Miss Benton?"


"They're safe?" Jessica asked.

"Yes, they're safe and sound. Probably could do with a bath, a change of clothes, and a light meal- but they're fine." Danse answered.

"I'll send someone to pick them up right away."

"Oh, and they've got something else- a giant robot T. Rex that calls himself Grimlock. I don't know what to do with him, so if you'll take him-"

Jessica hung up.