Chapter 48: Jeopardy
Councilor Kaido Beta might have seemed like a sweet old Mech, but his quarters spoke volumes of him. The room was large, even more so then Alpha Trion's, decorated with slabs of metal on the wall on which Cybertronian script had been branded. They were beautiful scripts, but they were very cold looking, very colorless. One wall resembled something of a bookshelf with loads of data pads neatly organized and there was a section of storage bins and drawers next to it. The far wall was occupied by a giant monitor, in front of which sat a metal chair. A large Autobot logo graced the screen. The lights were vaguely dim, slightly darker then the light in the hall. A low slung metal table, large enough to sit easily 6-7 Mechs, was positioned near the last wall. The wall above the table was adorned with various weapons from guns of all sizes and varieties, spears, and swords, to maces, clubs, and quarterstaffs. Madelyn surmised that they must be a sort of collection of Kaido's after she realized some of the weapons were quite old, some even looked rusted to uselessness.
"Please," Kaido motioned for her to sit, "Make yourself comfortable."
Madelyn slowly lowered herself to the floor and sat cross legged in front of the table. She rested her arms on the low surface while Kaido glided over to the storage area, opened a drawer, and extracted a sort of metal canister and two cubes. He ambled back over to the table and sat his burden down.
"This High grade was fashioned from the last of Cybertron's native ore," Kaido explained proudly as he opened the canister and began to pour the liquid. Much to Madelyn's surprise, the High grade wasn't purplish pink like Energon; it was yellow. He slid a cube over to Madelyn and took up his own. "Very rare, very precious…"
He took a healthy sip, "…and very delicious."
Madelyn starred at the liquid, memories of her fist refueling that very day making her squeamish. She didn't want to be rude. So she took up her cube and took a small tentative sip. Just to taste. There was no sudden shock, but a slow buzz. The flavor was peculiar. It wasn't bad, but at the same time it was hardly good either. She decided to fake it.
"Good?" He asked.
Madelyn nodded, "Yes. It doesn't have the same bite as Energon."
The Councilor laughed. "Am I correct in assuming you have had your first fueling?"
She nodded, "Everyone thought it was hilarious."
"I might seem quite insensitive of them, but please be assured it is simply part of tradition. In fact, it is considered quite a millstone in a Mech—or Femms' life-cycle."
When she thought about it, Madelyn supposed that first fuelings were like when a human baby eats by itself for the first time. She remembered how they had laughed at her little cousin Felicia when she had her first plate of spaghetti. It had been messy and very funny. Still, she couldn't help but feel some slightly bitter about the whole thing.
"Maybe," She conceded, "But they still could've warned me…"
"And where would the fun be in that?" Kaido asked with a gleeful grin and he took another long sip of his High-grade. He placed his cube down and folded his hands in front of him. "I did have an anterior motive for bringing you here, Madelyn. I wished to discuss the incident with Turnpike before any formal summons were issued."
Madelyn felt her inside drop. Oh great…
"I am aware you have received and carried out the assigned punishment," Kaido said, "But the Council has been discussing the possibility of issuing a summons to further investigate the incident. I felt as though you should be heard fairly and I fear you may not get such a chance in the council room. Optimus Prime has told me that Turnpike offended you and that was the reason for you're…reaction, but did not elaborate further."
"Turnpike made an offensive comment about one of the Keys," Madelyn replied tastefully, "When he refused to take the comment back, I attacked him. I was…under a lot of strain at the time and I think I was venting my frustrations out on him rather then a place when it would have been more appropriate."
Kaido nodded, "I don't believe Turnpike will be making such comments any time soon."
"I should hope not," Madelyn replied. "I have fulfilled the punishment handed out for my indiscretions. I don't see a reason for the Council to press the matter ay further."
"Unfortunately, my dear," Kaido chuckled, "Pressing matters that have already been dissolved is our job. It shouldn't be anymore then a glorified recount of the event."
"If you say so, sir," Madelyn replied, not feeling entirely convinced and politely took another sip of High-grade.
"It seems an unjust prejudice of us to single you Keys out," He continued. When Madelyn merely looked at him he continued, "That is what the summons will be about. The Council is very hesitant of you and your friends."
"You don't have to be," Madelyn said, "We are all working for the same goal aren't we?"
"If only we saw the world in the same way," He replied, sounding wistful. "Unfortunately free-will and opinions dictate otherwise. Some see close up and some are more broad minded. It causes problems. Some feel that your powers are too great and you need to be under surveillance, or even imprisoned. Desperate times make even the most amiable Mechs turn egocentric and anxious."
"What do you think Councilor Kaido Beta?" Madelyn asked.
"I have advocated many a time to my fellows that your presence should be welcome, not reviled. As you say, we are all working for the same goal, are we not?" He said, "But formalities do tend to cause us trouble."
"How do you mean?" She asked.
"All the Keys are now Autobots," Kaido said, "And each of you are assigned under a commander. You, Daiga, and Zandrex are all under Optimus Prime's command while Groove remains under Ultra Magnus's. The Council, myself included, feels that many problems could be avoided if you four were re-assigned to the elite guard."
Madelyn drew a blank and was about to reply when something inside her head buzzed and an angry voice growled at her.
: Madelyn! Daxon just said he saw you with Councilor Kaido Beta! : Ratchet's voice snapped at her.
It took all her wit not to jump at the volume.
: What? He invited me in for some High-gra—I mean…uh…oops…:
: High-grade? Did you say High-grade? :
: I only had a sip! Geezus. Cool your thrusters nanny-bot. : Madelyn sent back. : I think he's trying to recruit me or something. :
There was a pause at the end of the line.
: Recruit? What do you mean? :
: He wants me and the guys to join something called the elite guard…or something. :
Ratchet sounded oddly urgent when he responded. : Are the others with you? :
: No, they're in their quarters as far as I know. :
A thoughtful pause.
: Alright, : He said at last, voice having lost all it's grumpiness and replaced with urgent concern, : Don't agree to anything he asks of you. Just smile and nod. Try to make small talk or something. I'll be there in a moment. :
His tone made Madelyn wonder if she should be worried. The connection severed and Madelyn looked towards Kaido Beta. He seemed to be studying her, but it didn't look as though he was aware of her communication with Ratchet. He looked as though he was expecting an answer and his expression was borderline anxious.
"It is an interesting proposition," Madelyn said at last, "But I will have to decline the offer. I've just started my duties and I don't think switching so soon would be too good for me. I would prefer to stay with Optimus Prime's detachment."
A wave of something past over the councilor's face, but it was too brief for Madelyn to interpret. The councilor merely smiled and nodded. "I understand. Loyalty is a very desirable attribute. Optimus Prime is quite lucky to be surrounded by such warriors who have so much faith in him."
Madelyn nodded. From the edge of her peripheral vision she saw a flash and she glanced towards the weapon covered wall where the light beamed off the handle of a rifle. When she turned back around Councilor Kaido Beta was smiling at her.
"My obsession," He explained, "A morbid one perhaps, but there is a distinct art to weaponry that fascinates me."
Madelyn took the explanation as permission to glance back at the wall, looking at its possessions with more scrutiny. It was an extensive collection. A good few of them looked as though they were still operational while a good many others looked as though their days of use were long gone. "It is an impressive collection. How long have you been collecting?"
"Oh, many many Vorns," He replied with a smile, "I started when I was a soldier. At the time, it was a trend to commandeer the weapons of your enemies and it simply grew from there. I collected every type of weaponry from every planet. The ones displayed are my favorites. Come, let me show you."
The old Mech rose to his feet and almost skipped giddily over to the wall with Madelyn following him belatedly. Councilor Kaido Beta studied the wall thoughtfully before reaching out and plucking one from the wall. "Ah! Here we go! This is my favorite piece. It has a fascinating story behind it."
When he turned around he held, not a gun, but what appeared to be the hilt of a dagger. The blade was missing. Madelyn stared at it.
"What is it?"
Kaido Beta grinned. "A ceremonial Yasurrian Energon dagger."
He pushed a clip on the side and a stream of bright energy burst out into the shape of a blade. Sparks and flashes cracked and sparkled around it.
Yasurrian? Madelyn marveled at it, interest peaked. "Really?"
"Indeed," He replied. "It was a gift."
"From who?"
"A Yasurrian law enforcement official. He gave it to me not long before Megatron took over the planet," He said. "He was a good friend. A great Mech. He was ruled by law and did everything in his power that order was kept. Even though I was quite older then him, I still looked up to him as a hero of sorts.
"This dagger belonged to a criminal who was due for execution but…escaped due to extenuating circumstances. My friend died during the occupation, before he could bring justice to the criminal."
"Criminal?" Madelyn asked. "Was he a Decepticon?"
"Not at the time he wasn't, but he did wear their brand until recently," He replied, something in his voice changing. "He masquerades under our sigil now and I have striven to see that he is rightfully punished for his deeds, but once again, formalities have hindered me. Optimus Prime has enacted his rights as Prime and overthrew the Council's decision to have the criminal imprisoned."
Madelyn felt uneasy as the Councilor's tone changed from the cheerfully excited to peevishly hostile. His optics dug into her.
"Madelyn I must tell you, you're friend Zandrex is a criminal," He said flatly and almost accusatorily, "And his past will never escape him. Optimus Prime can protect him all he can but retribution will come to him eventually."
Madelyn felt herself heat with ire.
"Zandrex isn't a criminal," She insisted, "He's done more for me and then anyone! If it weren't for him I would still be Megatron's prisoner. I might even be dead."
Kaido Beta scowled, "He is a crafty one, but do not be fooled by him. He is a killer. The incident on the red planet proves it. Criminals never change."
"You don't know what happened," She sneered. She couldn't believe she was hearing this talk from him. He had been such a nice old Mech naught barely a breem ago and now he was declaring that Zandrex should be imprisoned; "You have no right to judge him. Or anyone. If you think he should be imprisoned for whatever the hell he did then you're a shortsighted fool who has no business being on the council. There's no way in hell I'd ever join your elite guard. I'm not your lackey. Optimus Prime was right to warn me to be carefully about you guys and I—"
It only took a moment for it to happen. In a flash of motion, Councilor Kaido Beta reached out and grabbed Madelyn's hand, shoving the handle of the Energon dagger into her palm, before pulling on her wrist and thrusting the blade into his shoulder. He cried out in agony as Energon and the fluids, bright pinks and purples, spurted out of the wound. Sparks flared and flashed. Energon flowed from the wound and coated her hand…
Madelyn stared in absolute horror as the old Mech tumbled backwards to the floor, clawing at the wound in his armor. His wails echoed through the room. Madelyn stumbled backwards, hand still clutching the dagger, until she bumped against the wall, causing several guns and spears to topple to the floor. Her body seemed numb and weak.
"Guards!" Kaido Beta screamed in agony. "Guards! I need you!"
The door to the room opened and several of the black and purple Mechs filed in, arms at the ready. They took one look at the Councilor on the floor and then glared up at Madelyn.
"Assassin!" One of them yelled. Two of the guards rushed in to tend to the Councilor while the rest rushed towards Madelyn. She panicked, dropping the dagger. She ran around them, dodging as they tried to grab her. She stumbled as she ran out of the room but recovered before they could gain on her. Despite her size, Madelyn was much faster then the guards were. Sprinting down the hall as fast as she could Madelyn took as many strange turns and side corridors as she could in order to loose them. And then the alarms went off. The halls were doused in red light and it only succeeded in causing her panic stricken mind to panic even more. Curious Mechs appeared at the door ways of their quarters to peer out. Madelyn took no chances and continued running down the hall.
She turned one such corner and hit something…hard. She felt herself falling backwards when two arms reached out and steadied her.
"Whoa! Easy there kiddo," a familiar voice said, righting her. "What's got you so spooked?"
Madelyn looked up to see Sideswipe with Sunstreaker behind him, both looking down at her.
"Nice make over Maddie," Sideswipe smirked, his optics trailing down her new form. "You look good in pink."
"No one looks good in pink," Sunstreaker quipped. "But you' got close. And Ratchet's lookin' for you squirt."
Sideswipe looked at Madelyn and his expression turned concern, "Maddie? What's wrong?"
"I didn't do it!" She said, "He made me! We were just talking and he got mad and made me stab him and I—"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa there," Sideswipe said, muffling her mouth with his hand. "What are you talking about?"
"They think I tried to kill Councilor Kaido Beta!" Madelyn cried, pulling his hand away. "The guards are—"
Madelyn was interrupted by the clamor of foot steps and someone yelling, "This way!"
She looked back around the corner and saw the guards running up the hall. Had she the ability, she would have blanched. Her insides turned cold and she whirled around to face the twins, pleading. "You have to believe me I didn't do it!"
Sideswipe glanced over to see the guards and snarled. He grabbed Madelyn by the shoulder and pulled her behind him, passing her to Sunstreaker who did the same thing and pulled her behind him. "Go on, we'll stall 'em."
Madelyn stared for a moment, feeling immense gratitude towards the two. She was snapped back to reality when Sunstreaker snarled at her, "Go!"
Without another word, she ran.
Time seemed to pass like a blur and the images of what had just happened flashed through Madelyn's mind like some morbid Nickelodeon. Over and over it played, until she began to feel ill to her nonexistent stomach. She had no idea how long she'd been in the storage room, curled in a pathetic ball of wires and metal. The room was dark and small; a perfect hiding place. She crouched behind a large crate in the back, pressed tightly into the small wedge of space, hugging her knees. She wanted to disappear, so badly did she want to just disappear.
She had never been in this much trouble. She'd been hunted down by Decepticons before, but she always had friend to back her up. Now it looked like she may loose them now. What did Autobots do to traitors and murderers?
She began to wonder what would happen if she was caught. Would anyone believe her? The twins had, almost immediately. And she was sure everyone else from the crew would…but…what if they didn't? Kaido Beta had…stabbed himself and blamed in on her. Why? What did she do? It was her word against his and he was a councilor and…she was…nobody.
There had been a few times in which several people had tried to contact her via comm but in her panicked state she either severed the connection before they could finish calling her name or just simply didn't answer. She couldn't even remember who had tried to call her. Beyond the door she could hear Mechs rushing about and yelling. It was if they whole base was on the hunt for her. The door opened once or twice, sending her mind into panic spin, but every time whoever had opened it seemed to only glance inside. No thorough search of the room had been conducted. And then…
The door to the room opened and a moment later it closed like every time before. And then a voice called out to her softly, sending her fuel pump racing, "Madelyn?"
The voice was familiar but she couldn't recall the name in her state of mind.
"Madelyn, it's me," The voice called. "Mirage. I know you're in here, little one. Come out."
Madelyn waited. She heard faint wisps of foot steps wander around the room from her little hole. The crate beside her shift aside and she jumped, pressing herself against the wall and away from the approaching Mech. But there was no one there…
"Don't be frightened, Madelyn," Said Mirage's voice. And just like that, he appeared out of thin air, "I'm not here to turn you in."
"You're not?" She asked, voice riddled with fear.
He reached out his hands and gently padded her on the head and took her hand in his. "No."
"I didn't do it…" Madelyn sobbed. She lowered and shook her head. "I didn't…"
Mirage smiled warmly and placed a hand on her cheek, startling her into looking at him.
"I know you didn't," He pulled her to her feet, "Come on, we're gonna get you out of here."
Madelyn shook her head, pulling away from him and making a dive for the safety of the crates, "No! I'll be caught!"
Mirage reached out and pulled her back, scooping her up into his arms. He smirked at her. "Not if they can't see you."
