I have some exciting news! The rewritten version of The Time of Night is Midnight will be coming out on Friday!

The cool breeze of Maine gently blew my hair out of my face. It was about mid day on this lovely afternoon, barely a cloud in the sky and the sun shining down on us. Bumblebee and I have been driving around my section for most of the morning and checking out for anything out of normal. Nothing, completely silent too.

One of the things I hated about this job, it can be a crazy day before and the next is silent. I stood outside of my truck and watched the cars pass by me on the road. Bee had parked himself to the right of my truck, on the higher side. There were large potholes in the little hide-away spot that the Camaro had trouble going over.

With the twins out of commission until Sides is healed enough for Ratchet's liking, they'll be stuck at the base. So Bee took up the offer to become my temporary guardian. The scout is fun to hang around and likes to crack jokes when the time calls.

"Squirrel! I like… Squirrel!" Bee began a conversation and drew a laugh from me. I peered over the robot in disguise and noticed the animal he was talking about on his hood. It was a simple Eastern gray squirrel, native to Maine.

Since winter has came, I surprised to see the little guy there. The squirrel should be back its nest, not out here. Seeing them at this time was leaning more on the uncommon side but isn't completely out of the ordinary. "It's an Eastern grey squirrel, Bee. He shouldn't really be out and about. He seems to be in great health so nothing to be worried about," I educated the young mech.

"He's a… cutie! I wanna, I wanna keep… him. What do you say?" Bee seemed to raise himself higher on his wheels as if he was showing the squirrel off. It froze, tail no longer flickering, and waited a few moments. He's going to scare it by moving if he keeps that up.

"Sorry, Bee. He's in great health, no reason why he should be taken from his home," I disagreed with Bee and leaned against the push bars on the front of my forest green truck.

Bumblebee lowered his front to the ground and made a sputtering sound, as if his engine failed to start. The squirrel froze once more at the movement before jumping off and heading into the forest behind us. "Squirrel! Why have… you done this?" I stepped up to the sadden mech and patted his hood in sympathy.

"You'll live without your squirrel. You ready to hit the road?" It was time to head back out, there wasn't anyone here wanting to break the law. Not that I'm saying to do so, but give me something to do.

"Hit the road Jack and don't you come back. No more, no more, no more, no more." The song 'Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles' filtered from his speakers. A smile graced my lips and I laughed in reaction.

"Good one, Bee. Let's get going!" The scout revved his engine and lurched forward, showing his readiness for the road. I hopped into my patrol truck and headed onto the road with Bee in tow.

There was nothing going over on the radio and no calls coming from dispatch. Three days back after my long vacation and I thought it would be hectic. Yet, there was barely anything happening in any part of the state. With nothing to keep me busy, something either extremely good or bad is going to happen, no in between.

The light in front of me was red and forced me to stop and wait for it to turn green. That's when I got a call on my phone and answered it nearly the second after. "Hello, this is Officer Lambert speaking."

It was silent. I became irritated quickly from the call not being important on any level and was about to hang up. "Hang up, fleshie and I'll blow you and the scout up," a dark, sinister voice rang from the speakers of my truck. One I remembered from my time with him, it wasn't a pleasant time.

"Try me and I'll have the entire squadron of Game Wardens on your ass." Anger overtook the fear of Barricade and what he could do. I took on three Decepticons and wasn't after of his single self. I scanned the area around us for any sign of the cop car in disguise. No sign of him anywhere.

That's when the light turned green and forced me to go through. "I'm afraid of you or your meat bag friends. I…" he trailed off and sounded like he was having trouble saying what he was going to say. "I didn't call to threaten you, I need your help." I raised an eyebrow at his response and snorted.

"Why in the world would I help you? You drug me into something I should have never been part of." Yes, it was partly my fault for sticking my nose in where it didn't belong but he didn't have to kidnap me.

"I've heard you where a femme of your word and respect you for that. Do you remember the deal the Autobots and I made for your return?"

Energon and to leave him alone. "Yeah, why? I haven't been chasing you nor do I have energon. You're out of luck there." I was about to hang up on this conversation when he stopped me.

"Wait! Hear me out. The Autoscums have gone against their word and are chasing me. I've heard from a source you are close with them and thought you could tell them to back off. It's worth a try, or I could kidnap you this time and keep you." A shutter raked my body at the thought of being kidnapped by him again. Last time wasn't fun.

What caught my attention was Lennox and Optimus have gone against their word to leave him alone. "Have you done anything to hurt any being on this planet?" This wasn't just about humans but also animals.

"No, I went to a different state to get away but they sent their human soldiers after me. I promise I haven't done any wrong to anything living thing on this disgusting planet. It would draw attention to me and I have enough to worry about." His voice was sincere and held no lies to it by the sound of it.

Yes, I was a femme of my word and didn't like anyone who went against theirs. It didn't make sense that Optimus who I have great respect for would do that, he didn't seem like the kind of being to do that, so why? Anger grew slowly inside of me at the thought. "I'll have a chat with them after my shift. Duty comes first but I won't promise that it'll work. Just promise you'll keep your word and not hurt any being on Earth."

Barricade was silently, the only thing I knew he was still there was the hum of an engine. "Thank you. You're an okay human." A smirk grew on my lips at his words.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Since I'm in law enforcement, I must make sure everyone is safe. I would say you would know that but…" It was somehow easy to talk with him even though he did kidnap me and hold me against my will.

"Yeah, yeah. Make sure to watch out for the scout." With that said and done, he hung up. So I need to talk with Optimus and Lennox after my shift, lovely.

Next, I called Bumblebee to message Optimus for me. "Hey, Bee. Don't question this but after my shift, I need to talk with Optimus and Will. If you could, pass the message along to him when they are free."

"Anything for the pretty lady!... But man!... What's this for?"

"I need to discuss something about a special person. What did I say about questions?" He made a sputtering engine sound before hanging up.

I drove around my section for a while longer until something came up on the radio. Finally! Something to do. It was a deer that got hit by a car with minor injuries from what the caller said. Decker was also called to the scene and already made it since he was the closest.

Since it was my section, I was called to go there and take over for Zeke so he could go back. After having my talk with Will and Optimus, Zeke, Dom, and I have to hang out. Even if it meant having a fire out in the fire pit, we needed to catch up on each other's lives. We haven't had the opportunity to talk with one another and it's long overdue.

Due to the accident not being major in need of my immediate presences, there was no reason to use lights or sirens. I drove through the streets of Maine to reach the highway where the accident occurred. Bee easily kept up with me, barely letting any cars get in between us. He's a good guardian, but I'll have to stay with the Terror Twins.

On the way to the scene, the road continued to get slicker and made the progress slow substantially. Behind me, Bumblebee nearly spun out and ended up in the ditch. The poor bot needs to get winter tires to deal with this kind of weather. Luckily, I already got winter tires for my truck with the combination of four wheel drive, I was doing fine.

The two of us pulled to the side of the road, behind Zeke patrol truck and Jazz's alt. mode. I put on my lights before hopping out and strolling over to where Zeke was speaking with two occupants. He noticed me coming up on them and excused himself from the two. We wrapped our arms around each other and hugged. "Brey, I thought you died and they didn't say anything."

"Decepticons were sighted and since I've had two run in's, on I was kidnapped, the twins dragged me to the base without permission from the higher ups. Sides got severely hurt while out and was stuck in the Med. Bay until Ratchet released him. He's confined to the base, waiting for Ratchet's say," I explained and released my hold on him. He did the same thing and stepped back.

Zeke pointed over at Bee parked behind my patrol. "Is he your temp.?"

"Yeah, Ratchet doesn't have a set date until Sides is healed to his liking so I got the scout. I've gotten nothing against though, he's fun to hang around with. And he likes squirrels." At the mention of the animal, the hidden mech raised himself on his axels. My partner in crime laughs at his antics and knocked his shoulder against mine.

"We've missed you. I was about to strangle Jazzy for anything about you. Then after three days, he alerted me you were fine and going home. Dom and I would've stopped by and seen if everything was alright but we've been busier then Hell." A kind smile grew on my lips at the hidden caring side he showed.

I glanced over to the silver Pontiac Solstice who looked like he was trying to stop from shivering. My long sleeve, under armor shirt and uniform was keeping me warm against the cold elements. Bee was also shaking in the slightest from the cold. I felt guilty and wished there was something to help them stay warm.

"Yeah, that's the life of a Game Warden. I should've read the fine print." Zeke tsked and placed his hand on my shoulder with a look on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I've missed you too and Dom, wherever he is. Anyway, what do we have?"

Two seconds later, an ambulance pulled up on the right shoulder behind Bumblebee. Three medics jumped out with gear and came up to us. The two of us nodded our heads at them once they passed us.

"Welp, we don't have to worry about that right now? They've got them covered. But I need to go and do some actual work because I'm consistent with my job." Zeke gave me a playful expression and scurried away before I could hit him. I would've if we weren't on the job with people around, not including the bots.

Zeke waved to me once last time. I returned the gesture and stood there. Then he pull back onto the icy highway and his guardian followed suit. Jazz did have trouble getting up to speed, both of the bots are in need of snow tires, bad.

My eyes scanned over the scene and found the culprit off to the side of the road. It was still moving around but couldn't get back up. Most likely a broken leg or two and some other broken bones. The victims didn't seem to be going fast by the looks of the tire marks in the snow. I strolled over to the deer and cringed at the sight.

Two of her legs were broken for sure. There cuts along her side from both the road and car. The chances to rehabilitate this deer where close to zero. In this area also, we do have overpopulation of deer so it wouldn't be a huge impact against the population.

The best option was to put her out of her misery. Her body won't go to waste though, I'll ask if they want her, if not then I'll take her to a nearby shelter that takes in deer. I glanced over to where the medics were looking over the two for injuries.

Shock can be a dangerous thing. Sometimes you won't even notice you have a broken bone or torn a muscle and continue damaging yourself because of that.

They might have said no to an ambulance but Zeke thought it was best to have one to check them out. It doesn't cost the people any money unless they are taken to the hospital, now that's a whole different deal. That's where the bills start staking up. Plus, it's below freezing right now and doesn't settle well for people.

Due to the severe injuries to the female deer, I would be forced to put her down. I jogged over to my truck carefully and grabbed my pistol from the back. My sides were still giving me some trouble and turning was painful at different angles. It was best just to have my gun in the truck.

I carried the gun over to the deer, said a small prayer, and pulled the trigger. The bullet passed through her brain and killed her instant. She stopped struggling in pain and lied there peacefully on the side of the road. This was the down side of my job but it had to be done. Her chances were close to zero and no reason for her to suffer.

The medics were wrapping up checking up on the two when I stepped up to them. One of them turned to me and hoisted a bag of some sort onto his back. "They were mostly shaken up but besides that, they're fine," he reported. I nodded my head to acknowledge his words and in appreciation. They left the two alone and left in the ambulance.

The male of the two person group turned to me. "Hi, my name is Officer Lambert. I'm glad both of you are okay and only a little shaken up. I know this might sound strange after having a car accident but would you guys like to have the deer?"

"We can?" He gazed at me confused and turned to his partner.

"Yes, you can. All I need to do is sign some papers, get a specialized tag for her, and you're good to go. Well, you'll have to call a tow truck to pick up your truck and have someone to pick you up after. I can't let you walk either, especially in this kind of weather."

"Cool! Yeah, I'll take up the opportunity. I've only had deer once and it was the best I've ever tasted."

"I have to agree with on that." Then I noticed they were shaking and their car was too damage to start. It didn't look safe to start anyhow. "You guys cold? I can start my truck and let you stay until the tow truck gets here."

This caught the woman's attention and she nodded her head. "Please, I'm freezing my booty off!" I lead over to my patrol truck, started it up, and moved some stuff in the back for one of them to sit there.

For insurance and security reasons, I cannot let them sit in the driver seat with keys in. We've had too many criminals escape from their handcuffs and steal a patrol car. The dash cam's are always fun to see unless the vehicle gets total.

She alerted me that she already had called a tow truck and were waiting for them to arrive. This was going to be a long wait then. The icy conditions have probably caused some accidents with other cars and they were going to be busy.

Since this was going to take a little longer than I wanted, I jogged over to the silent Camaro. His holoform materialized before me with a cheery smile on his features. I gave him an apologetic look. "This is going to take a bit longer. The tow truck is coming though but I'm guessing it's going to take thirty minutes or so to arrive. If you want to, you can drive around to stay warm. I'll-" I offered.

"'No. Thank you." Is what I should've said, I should be in bed but temptations of trouble on my tongue," his radio played. I knew that song from AJR, a great band.

"Seriously? AJR? You're freezing! It's not like I can't see your frame shivering. I'll be fine," I insisted and suppressed a shutter. The cold was starting to get to me even.

"An it's a cold day, it's a continental drift. I said this traffic is hell." I glanced behind me and saw there were barely any cars going both ways. "When shit hit the fan. Sides… and… Sun…streaker… said not to let you… out of sight."

Those two, I swear they think I can't handle myself. That was proven wrong with the run in with those jets. I'm still call red shooter around base because of that. "You'll be waiting here for another thirty or so minutes until then."

"Cause if that's what I am, so be it. Know when I say, I'll be." That was a song I didn't know but understood what he wanted to say himself. It seemed it was useless to argue with him. I knew when to pick and choose my battles. The scout was adamant of staying right where he was at.

I used my note pad to write something's down about the accident and took some pictures also. Right when I was putting down a few last things, a silver Chevy Silverado pulled up behind the two car line. Out hopped a young man wrapped securely in a jacket. This must be their ride and luckily it was truck unless they want deer blood in their car.

He came up to me and put his hand to shake. "Hey, I'm here to pick up Sam and Jessie. And how are you out here in just a long sleeve shirt. It's cold!" he stated. I shook his hand and motioned towards my truck.

"Are you from around here?" I'll bet they aren't because they aren't use to the cold. Maine is up north and has harsher winters then some other states. The man shook his head quickly and followed me over to the patrol truck.

"No, we just moved here. I never knew it got this cold. Geez." We stopped on the passenger side of my patrol truck. I opened up the door and greeted the female who in return stepped out. She hugged her friend and he returned the gesture. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Same, it came out of nowhere and with the ice, we couldn't stop. Even though its spring, it's still freezing out!" she complained and stepped back from the male. The other male of the trine got out of my truck and greeted his friend.

"Did you know we can take home the deer?" the male victim questioned and acted excited. Hey, I would be to if I had the opportunity to take home some free deer meat.

"Really?" The first male nodded his head. "Luckily, I brought my truck." After that, I got them their papers and tag for the deer and sent them on their way. A few minutes later, the tow truck came and picked up the totaled car.

With everything settled at the scene, Bumblebee and I left to do the rest of my shift. I still had a good three hours and a half until my shift was over. Hopefully, Tipps didn't call me in for overtime, I had a meeting set with Optimus and Lennox.

That reminded me… How was I going to approach this situation? It's going to be clear as day that Barricade contacted me. There was no way for me to find this out without him as a source. This was going to suck to talk with them. Will's going to be worried over my safety and might force me to stay at the base again but that wasn't going to happen. I'm done with that bullshit.

What would Optimus think though? I haven't been around him enough to get a good read on him. He's a good per-being but everyone has their secrets. And he's not as good of a being as I thought; going back on your word is one of the first things that starts you down a bad road. I should know, my mother taught me that.

I needed to figure something out, at least there was a couple of hours left of my shift. It doesn't help, Dom and Zeke are coming over to catch up and probably have some beers and sit by the fire. I needed to get to the point on this and hope for the best. But now that I think about it, it wasn't my place to butt in. I barely knew anything about what's going besides that Decepticons were bad and wanted to kill humans.

What was I thinking?! Why do I get myself in these situations? Sometimes I was too dumb for my own good; and curious, yeah that too. Time to do something stupid, again.

Will gave me a puzzled look and declined my offer to sit down. Yep, I f-ed up. Now how to ease myself into the situation without causing too much of a frenzy. "I have a random question but before you interrupt me during said question, hear me out, please," I pleaded and folded my arms behind my back.

Nervousness was rising through me quickly for something so small. Was this small? If you looked at it closely, maybe, it just depends on the person.

"I'm glad you called me if you have a problem but why also request for Optimus?" Will questioned and glanced at said holoform next to him. Optimus was gazing at me carefully and studying me under a careful eye. He definitely noticed my nervous attitude but hasn't said anything about it.

"I'll answer that with what I'm about to say. Just hear me out." Okay, time to see how bad of a frenzy Will's going to into. "Have you guys been following Barricade?" Shock and complete confusion were written over both of their face.

Optimus was the first to snap out of his state. "Aubrey, why are you asking this question?" He actually sounded worried to be completely honest and it caught me off guard. I was suspecting he was going to freak out and interrogate me not be concerned.

Finally, Will got over his shocked self. I knew I was going to get an ear full from him and stopped him from speaking. "Wait, let me talk." The two of us stared at each other; me giving him a look and him glaring at me. "Okay, um. Well, fine. Barricade contacted me by somehow getting my phone number and told me a few things.

"I understand it's not my place to say anything but he wanted me to do this. So answer the question: have you guys been following Barricade?"

Will's jaw tightened and his glare deepened. "He contacted you?! He's a dead mech. He's not even in the state!" Optimus sighed at the Major's antics and placed his hand on Will's shoulder. The two gazed at each other, the holoform giving him a pointed look.

After a few more moments passed, Will backed down and let Optimus take the lead with a huff. Optimus turned me. "To answer your question, yes we have."

"Has he brought harm to any being on Earth after making the deal?" The answer to that was no. "So, you went back on your word?" Will tried to get a word in but was stopped by the towering male.

"I will be honest, yes I did. I will counter with he's an ex-con. Barricade's still dangerous to anyone that looks at him wrong."

"Optimus, you seem to be a mech that take great pride in leadership and respect. Take a look at the situation from the outside. I'm a woman of my word. If I say I'll get it done, I will if it doesn't harm anyone in the process or after. Do you understand why this slight angers me that a mech of you status and regal statue would go against what you said?"

"I do Aubrey. I thank you for bringing this up to my attention. 'If the enemy plays dirty, doesn't mean we should to.'" Perfect way of saying it. At least Barricade won't have a reason to blow Bumblebee or me up. Having this talk with him and ending it on a good note made me feel better.

But Will wasn't letting this go so easy. Let's just say, he wasn't pleased with me and I got in trouble for it. Worth it in the end for Barricade.