It was Monday night and I was still wondering what to do about Amy. We'd spent most of Sunday together, carefully avoiding what she'd admitted the night before. So far, all I'd been able to do was leave her and Rung in a room alone together while I made us lunch.

I'm not sure what they talked about, Rung would never break a confidence after all, but she did take his contact details and he'd asked if I could upgrade his vocal systems. Jack was working on the parts now and I'd perform the upgrade tomorrow night.

Sighing, I put the issue to the back of my mind for now and focused on what I was doing. Vista, Gallant and I were heading for the standard meeting point on a rooftop just west of the Rig. Steeljaw and Ravage were following along behind me while the Protectobots were helping Dragon make some last minute changes to her new base.

She'd told me the whole thing would be finished this week, and that she was looking forward to showing it to me.

Tonight was our first joint patrol with Concert. There was going to be two patrols, one with the Wards and one with the Protectorate, three times a week for the next month or so.

Miss Militia and Battery, who I guessed were representing the Protectorate, were already there when we arrived. Nobody looked particularly happy to be here tonight.

"Concert not here yet?" Gallant asked.

"No, Bass called ahead to say there was a problem and they'd be late. We'll hold here for a while and if they don't arrive we'll patrol as usual," Miss Militia said, annoyance creeping into her voice. Ravage walked over to her and stood quietly by her side until she idly reached out to stroke his head.

With nothing else to do, we spread out a bit and made ourselves comfortable. Gallant 'locked' the legs of his armour, letting the suit hold him up so he could relax, and even pulled his phone out of a compartment on his armour. Vista hopped up on a nearby ledge and Steeljaw padded over to keep her company.

Lacking anything better to do, I decided to test a new system Jack had added to my armour.

He'd upgraded my suit's sensor suite to the point where it could now generate an accurate 3D model of the surrounding area, with a maximum range of about a block. Any larger and it would strain my suit's hardware.

Calling up the image of the roof we were currently standing on, I noted the positions of the others. My bots all had locators installed, so their positions were represented as red Autobot symbols.

The Wards and Protectorate capes, likewise, had locators built into their radios, so I had an accurate fix on them as well. They showed up as green Protectorate icons. Rotating the model, I was able to see the people in the building below, represented by yellow icons.

Switching image modes on my helmet, I was able to see the nearest person and confirm their location was accurate. The same mix of sonar, thermal imaging, lidar and simulations that let me create the model also provided me with a limited form of 'x-ray' vision.

It only worked through low density materials and over short distances, but tests in the workshop showed I could spot hidden weapons on people or get a rough idea of where people were even if I couldn't see them.

"What are you doing?" Vista's question caught me off guard and made me jump. The imaging system was built into my suit's augmented reality system, so while I could 'see' and 'interact' with them, to everyone else I was just waving my arms.

"Just running a few system checks, want to see?"

Vista was wearing the visor I'd built her. It was tougher than her original, with a built in display for the forcefield generator she was wearing, but it should also be compatible with my AR system. Rewind uploaded the software to her visor so she could see the model.

"Oh wow! Is this how everything looks to you?"

"Not quite, yours is a bit more simplified," my AR system included updates and messages from my bots, information on objects around me, the status of my armour and a direct feed to Teletraan. Most of it was transparent, and I'd gotten so used to it I didn't even notice it any more.

While Vista looked at the model, I contacted Wheeljack.

"Hey Jack, is the data coming in okay?"

"Heh, of course. Ready to test the targeting system?"

"Sure. Target set." Switching on the targeting laser we'd built into my helmet, I pointed it at a point a safe distance from anybody. There was a blue flash and Waspinator appeared exactly where I'd been aiming.

The little bot was huddled in on himself and was trembling slightly. A status screen popped up on my HUD, showing he was unhurt.

"Did it work?"

"Yeah, he's fine," hearing my voice, Wasp's eyes lit up and he took a careful look around.

"Wazzzpinator izz alive?...Yay!" Taking off, he flew in a couple of quick loops before Vista grabbed him and hugged the little bot close.

"Matrix! You shouldn't experiment on Waspinator!"

"I didn't!" I protested, "He volunteered! Besides, I already knew it was safe. Wheeljack spent most of the day playing with Kid Win's teleporter and sending himself from one side of the base to the other with it."

The teleporter wasn't intended for large or organic objects, as Kid Win had intended to use it to send gear to himself in the field. That made it perfect for getting my bots where I needed them and the upgraded targeting system made sure they wouldn't appear halfway through a wall.

That reminded me, I'd traded Kid Win a VI - based on the same source code as Teletraan- for free access to the teleporter.

Taking a small metal pouch from my belt, I opened it up and pulled out a glowing purple stick. Breaking it in half, I offered a piece to Wasp, who quickly grabbed it and started eating it with every sign of enjoyment.

"What's that?" Vista asked and carefully reached out for the remaining half.

I let her take it while I explained, "It's an energon cookie. Perceptor has been experimenting with energon, and he found that adding the correct mix of additives and isotopes can change the properties. This one is less efficient, so they don't get as much energy from it, but it 'tastes' sweet."

Vista rolled the glowing stick between her fingers, "So it tastes nice, but isn't as good for them… He's made robot junk food?" She asked with a laugh.

I gave her the box and she offered a stick to Steeljaw, who carefully took it from her before crushing it between his jaws.

Our conversation had attracted the attention of the others. "They have a sense of taste?" Gallant asked as he walked over.

"Sure. Certain things, like smells, tastes, locations or even people, trigger responses in their processors. These responses can be pleasant or unpleasant. Humans are no different."

Miss Militia looked up from her conversation with Battery. "Is that why I keep finding Ravage in my office?" Vista passed a cookie to Miss Militia that she fed to the feline bot.

I shrugged. "He likes you. I can tell him to stop if you want?"

"No, it's fine. I like cats and I enjoy the company. It can get a bit lonely when everyone is sleeping."

We were still talking when my suit flashed a warning, four people were climbing up the fire escape.

"I think Concert is here," I announced.

##

One of the things I noticed as Concert climbed onto the rooftop were the two small helicopter like drones that were following them. Rewind flagged the small mounted cameras fitted to each. It looked like someone had taken a leaf out of Leet's book.

Another was that Treble looked ill; what skin I could see was clammy and he looked disheveled compared to his teammates. What's more, Lightshow and Duette kept giving him dirty looks.

"I'm sorry we're late, there were some… difficulties," Bass explained, stepping forward to shake Miss Militia's hand and giving Treble a look.

"That's not a problem," she replied. "How do you wish to divide things up?"

Bass looked thoughtfully at his team before coming to a decision with a nod. "Lightshow and Duette will go with the Wards. Treble and me will go with you."

Hidden by my mask, I let out a silent sigh of relief. Vista meanwhile just stared at the taller woman, probably glaring behind her visor, and I couldn't help but notice that she was only chest high on Lightshow.

Miss Militia spared Treble a doubtful glance, and I didn't blame her, now he was standing closer there was a strong smell of alcohol coming from him.

"Very well, although I do have some questions. Are those cameras and do you intend to have them follow us?"

Bass nodded, "Yeah. The suits want some 'in the field' footage they can put on the website."

"I see," Miss Militia considered the situation before continuing, "I'm sorry, but you understand that you can't film the Wards, right?"

"Oh come on! You didn't complain about us filming on Saturday!"

"If we'd known ahead of time we would have," Battery pointed out, "as it is, we won't stop you filming us, but the Wards are minors. Footage of them is tightly regulated."

"Alright," Bass took a phone out of his belt and spoke to someone. As he did, one of the cameras moved off, flying slowly out of sight.

"But Bass!" Lightshow tried to protest, only to be silenced by Duette, who stepped in front of the taller woman.

"Quiet. Wasting Time." Duette's voice was harsh, almost gravelly. it sounded like she had to strain to talk.

"Duette's right, we've wasted enough time tonight," Bass said as he glared at Lightshow and Treble. "Now stop bit-complaining and do your job." He had to visibly stop himself swearing and glanced back at the camera. -Interesting, does that mean they can record sound as well?"

"Rewind, if that camera comes back or starts following us, take care of it," I muttered quietly.

##

With everything taken care of, we split up. Miss Militia and Battery going north towards ABB territory while we went south. Our patrol was going to skirt the edges of Empire Eighty Eight territory while sticking close to the safer areas.

Vista compressed the distance between one roof and the next so we could continue our patrol at roof level as Waspinator circled around us.

"S~o, if something happens, who's in charge?" Lightshow asked.

"Typically, in these situations the affiliated heros follow our lead," Gallant explained.

"Really? So which one of you is in charge?" she glanced around, giving Vista and me an appraising look. She wore a simple domino mask so we could clearly see her expression. I'd seen looks like that before, mostly from Emma when she wanted to give fashion 'advice'.

Gallant stepped around a broken AC unit, "I am."

"So, that make you the oldest... How old are you kids anyway?"

"Were not allowed to say," Vista snapped, her tone barely polite.

Besides me, Duette rubbed the forehead of her mask and made a sound of annoyance.

"Oh don't be so miserable," Lightshow stuck her tongue out at her teammate.

"Vista's right, to help protect our identities were not allowed to give that information out. I can tell you that I'm the eldest and will be joining the Protectorate soon."

Lightshow smiled, I'd seen that expression on Emma's face as well. Vicky is going to kill him.

"Really? With all that responsibility and so many patrols it must be murder on relationships."

"He has a girlfriend," Vista muttered darkly.

Still smiling, Lightshow crossed her arms under her chest and leaned forward slightly, "Lucky girl, is she pretty?"

[Gorgeous and liable to rip your spine out if you keep that up.] Not trusting myself to talk, I sent the message to Vista's display. She snorted as she tried to stifle her laughter.

Duette shook her head, "Ally Cat..."

Ignoring Lightshow's glare, Vista and I walked closer to Duette.

"Is she always like that?" I asked quietly as Lightshow went back to talking to Gallant.

"Yes… A Trouble Maker," as she spoke, I noticed her hands kept twitching.

"Are you okay?.. you sound like you're in pain…"

"Oh don't mind her," Lightshow interrupted. "Bass is the only one who understands that silly hand waving she does."

Hand waving? Oh!- "You mean sign language?"

The moment I asked, a loading symbol appeared on my display. Checking the status update from Rewind showed he was trying to build a translation subroutine for sign language. I wouldn't be able to sign anything, but Rewind could create subtitles for me.

"You okay Matrix?" Vista asked and I realised I had stopped walking.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I started walking and turned to Duette. "If it helps, I think I can translate for you?"

#Thank you, trying to talk is painful. And yes, she's always like that. Drives me bloody nuts.#

"Wait," Vista said in shock, Rewind must have shown her the translation, "You're English?"

Up ahead, Lightshow burst out laughing. It was kind of surprising, since everything about her appearance said 'Japanese'. Duette was short and slender with dark hair. Her outfit looked like it was taken from a pre-Kyushu comic and her face was covered by a white porcelain-like mask with red markings.

#Marketing# was all she said, her body language explaining the rest.

##

We were nearly halfway through the patrol when Lightshow's phone went off. She looked guilty, but that didn't stop her moving off for some privacy. Not that it stopped us from hearing everything she said.

"Hello? No, not yet. We are…," She moved to the roof's egde so she could see the street sign below, "Yea sure. I won't forget."

Hanging up, she walked back over, "Sorry, handler wanted an updat-" There was crash off in the distance and everyone turned to look.

"What was that?"

"Hang on, I'm checking now. Wasp?"

The moment he was close enough to the source of the noise, he started transmitting. I could see the broken remains of one of Concert's flying cameras.

"Rewind?" I asked quietly.

[You said take care of it, so I blocked it's signal...] -And without anything controlling it, it crashed.

"It was nothing, just a cat or something," I said while sending a message to the Wards and Miss Militia. [Concert tried to stalk us with a camera. It crashed.] It was hard to type with eye movements and walk at the same time.

Relaxing, we continued onward. We barely made it fifty yards when we heard gun fire.

##

Sprinting forward, we reached a small 7/11 with gas pumps out front on the corner.

There was a black van outside with a stylised E88 painted on the side. -Empire Eighty Eight. Fuck!

We ducked behind the raised edge of the roof.

*Console, Gallant. Robbery in progress and shots have been fired-*

"What are we waiting for?!" Lightshow hissed while Gallant dealt with the console.

"We can't just rush in!" Vista hissed back.

She was right. While the ABB's biggest threat was Lung, the Empire had numbers. They had connections to other supremacist groups including the Geselleschaft. This gave them access to weapons and capes and they often recruited people from out of state.

This meant there was a much greater chance of running into their capes.

"Matrix, can you see what's happening inside there?" Gallant asked as I directed Waspinator to get a closer look. The front of the building was glass, probably so the staff could see the pumps, but the store was so littered with shelves we couldn't see much.

"There is a driver in the van and possibly three people inside the store, but it's hard to see past the shelves.".

"We don't have time for this!" Lightshow jumped the edge of the wall and grabbed a lamp post that she used to slide to the ground. Her costume showed she was extremely fit, but I didn't expect her to be so agile.

There was a moment of stunned silence, broken only by a groaning noise from Duette before Gallant swore and then said, "After her! Matrix, deal with that van!"

Vista brought the curb up to meet us so we didn't have to worry about the drop as we charged forward.

The driver saw Lightshow coming and a spray of her fireworks blinded him long enough for me to get a shot in. The Null-Ray could disable electronics, so one shot was enough to kill the van. It must have had electronic locks as the driver tried and failed to get the door open.

Typically, cars weren't much protection against even low caliber rounds, but when I put my hand on the van to check that it wasn't going anywhere, I found that someone, probably the owner, had added thick metal plates to the inner structure.

Duette grabbed Lightshow and pulled her behind the van before the people inside could open fire.

"Idiot!" she shouted at her teammate.

"Now what?!" Vista shouted, "Empire capes are probably on the way!"

"What were you thinking? The staff are probably still in there, you just turned this into a hostage situation!" Gallant shouted at Lightshow, who glared back mulishly.

"Wasp has found a back door," I called out, "Ravage, go make sure they don't get out that way."

Duette slapped Lightshow on the shoulder and then shouted, "Cover!"

Taking a hint, she set off a wide spray of fireworks. Duette ran off to follow Ravage.

The gunfire stopped and, acting on a hunch, I created a hardlight copy of my helmet at the end of my arm. It wasn't perfect, for one thing it was glowing, but when I carefully poked it out of cover, another bullet pinged off the van and made me jump.

"Just checking," I said when Vista snickered.

##

Sneaking into the building, Ravage ignored the raspy-voice'd one behind him. She was quiet and that's all that mattered. The noise was coming from the front of the building, but he ignored it for the smell of blood from a nearby room.

Nudging the door with his paw, it swung open and he found the source of the smell. A noisy one was sitting on the floor, clutching at its shoulder.

Raspy-one followed him in and quickly knelt by bleeder.

Bleeder tried to move, but raspy-one quickly stopped him with a quiet whisper, "Shh. Help. Others?"

##

We were still hiding behind the van when the worker Duette had found quietly explained that he was the only one in the building.

"The building's empty," I told Gallant, "Duette is looking after the cashier."

"Right… Matrix, you take point, I'll follow behind you. Take it aisle by aisle." As he spoke I turned my HL-Shield on, "Lightshow, you stay here with Vista while she locks the area down."

Lightshow was still frowning, but she nodded nonetheless.

"Okay, 3… 2… 1… Go!"

At Gallant's shout, I spun out from behind the van and charged the door. Gunfire slammed into my sheild, but I've tanked a lot worse.

The Empire banger at the entrance dived out of the way just as I crashed into the door, forcing it all the way open. Skidding to a stop, I stunned him while using my shield to block the nearest aisle.

Moving between aisles, there were three other thugs armed only with knives. A fourth tried sprinting for the back room, but the moment he vanished from sight there was a growl followed by a scream.

Once we were sure they were all taken care of, I moved to the back area. The final ganger was on the floor with Ravage sitting on his back, growling at the occasional movement from the man.

With everything under control, we waited for the ambulance for the cashier and started moving the gang members outside. We were just finishing up when the ambulance and police arrived. The cashier's injury thankfully turned out to be minor, looking worse than it was, and they insisted he would make a full recovery.

"Alright everyone!" Gallant called out, "not our best night." He looked in the direction of Lightshow, who was busy flirting with one of the officers. "But it all worked out in the end. Let's head home."

As we walked away, Lightshow kept glancing furtively up at the sky.

"Don't worry," I called out, following her gaze, "It shouldn't rain tonight."

"Oh!-what? No, I was… nevermind."

##

By the time we made it back to the meeting point, the others were already waiting for us.

Treble was sitting on the floor with what looked like a bruise forming on his jaw. Bass was talking to a visibly annoyed Miss Militia, and Battery was glaring at both men. There was a dark stain on one side of her costume, but it didn't look like blood.

Miss Militia nodded at our return and Vista and I walked over to Battery.

"Battery, are you okay? Did something happen?"

Battery ignored Vista's glance at her ruined costume, but still turned to talk to us "I'm fine. We had a run in with the Empire, but nothing too serious."

"Really? Then what happened to-oh!" There was a gust of wind at that moment, carrying with it a strong wiff of vomit and alcohol.

Concert's remaining drone was still floating nearby, so I had Rewind access the footage. He fast forwarded through the film till he reached what I was looking for.

They had just taken care of what looked like a fight club; I'd have to watch it in full later. After the fighting, Treble looked a bit unsteady on his feet. Battery walked over to check up on him when he -ugh gross-

A few more words were exchanged between Bass and Miss Militia and our groups went our separate ways. Before Concert left, Lightshow quickly jogged over to Gallant, adding a little extra 'bounce' to her step as she gave him a quick kiss on the helmet and muttered a quiet "call me" before following her team.

We were halfway back to the rig before Gallant spoke again. "Vista, Matrix? How much to never mention this to Victoria?"

Vista and I shared an amused look.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Vista pointed out, "If you hide it from her, it will just make it worse when she does find out."

"She won't if you don't tell her!" he protested.

"Two problems with that. One, you can't keep anything from Vicky," I gave him a pointed look. I liked to think he looked guilty under that helmet, "and two, that drone was still recording when she kissed you."

Gallant groaned in defeat, setting me and Vista off in a fit of giggles. it even drew a light chuckle from Miss Militia and Battery.


AN:To make up for the late chapter last week, have an early one.