Hello Readers. I hope you enjoy the story so far. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and followed. I'm glad some people enjoy the story, even though I am new to writing in general. I hope that I can improve as the story continues. Also, my knowledge of military stuff is about zero, so if anyone notices a glaring mistake or thinks there is a way to improve the story, feel free to message me. I am open to ideas and criticisms.

Ok, that's it. Thanks for reading.

I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 3

How did this happen? All Erin wanted was to go on a jog. Was that too much to ask for? Apparently. Because, at present, she was kneeling on a giant robot's lap, holding on to one of its abdominal plates for dear life, and hoping the other bot wouldn't mount another attack. Erin hated feeling helpless, but this brought helplessness to a whole new universe, being at the mercy of a cybertronian. She remembered the feeling when its hand wrapped around her and picked her up. She felt weak and pissed.

'Now is not the time to get emotional.' Erin scolded herself for the lapse. She needed to analyze, it was one of her strengths, after all. Neither cybertronian was moving. She could hear fan-like sounds coming from each of them, aside from that they were stalk still. They seemed to be in a mild state of shock, like the one she was in. The Silver one was staring at the ground in front of its feet, while the yellow one was gazing blindly past its twin.

After a second of thought she allowed herself to stand and jump off the motionless bot. Without another word, she walked away, slowly speeding up to finish her run. In reality, she was just trying to get away from those two as quickly as possible. Erin was relieved to hear no movement from either machine as she made her getaway.

As she ran, something deep and curious and dangerous urged her to glance back. Two pairs of glowing blue eyes watched her retreat. She sped her pace, rushing forward to be out of visual range. Her pace did not slow until she reached her barracks.

After Erin made it to her room, she grabbed her basic sanitary supplies and headed to the showers. It was just a line of seven stalls with three urinals, one walled-in toilet, and two hand-washing sinks across on one side. Erin pulled the thick, crinkly, yellow curtain to the changing part of the shower and proceeded to quickly pull off her sweaty clothes.

She was all too happy when she felt the hot water lather over her skin. The steam cleared her sinuses which had been assaulted by the cooled humidity outside and she breathed in a deep breath, trying to release all her stresses with it.

Her ears perked, checking for any missed signs that there would be someone else present. The only answer was silence and nearly still air. With no one around, she allowed her body to shake with an onslaught of emotions. Her own hands blindly reached up to create some kind of comforting embrace. Images of metal scraping on metal, giant hands and elbows swinging around her, the almost white eyes of a very furious front liner… It all crashed into her mind and brought tremors down to the base of her spine. Finally, her legs gave out and she crashed to the floor in a unceremonious heap of weeping weakness. It was all so sudden and too much. She was too weak to deal with this, especially alone.

Her self-pity did not last long, however. Now was the time to analyze what had happened, while it was still fresh in her mind. She had to let all emotions go.

Calmly, she replayed the day of alien interactions. She remembered when she first saw one of them The silver robot had seemed friendly enough, and when it was chucked over her, it even seemed mildly flirtatious by the way it looked at her.

It didn't mean to get her involved in the scuffle. After the fact, Erin remembered how it actively swatted the other bot's blows away from her. It even picked her up to pull her away from the danger.

Erin's heart lurched with an emotion she actively tried to quell, guilt. Even though she never said it out loud, she blamed the silver bot for making her feel weak while he was only doing his best to protect her. He didn't have to.

Wait… He? Yes, he. Erin always tried to keep detached from others and situations around her. However, Sideswipe was a living being- no matter how much that thought confused Erin. He was deserving of enough respect not to be called an 'it', even in Erin's mind.

The yellow bot, Sunstreaker, did not seem to give one shit about what happened to Erin. She knew he was Sideswipe's twin, that flashy paintjob had definitely caught her attention during the briefing. All the 'bots were shiny and had expensive vehicle modes. But the canary yellow Lamborghini required the attention of any room it entered. 'Maybe he's a pompous runway model.' She snorted to herself at the thought.

After a quick overheated shower, Erin quickly dried off and clothed herself before heading back to her room. She was tired from the day's events and hoped to get some extra sleep in before whatever the start of her training would bring.

One of Erin's weaknesses was that she liked to sleep, a lot. Usually she never got more than six hours, but she would happily rest for at least twelve hours each night if she could. It was a side effect of her chromic light sleeping. She could sleep through a hurricane, but if anyone were to approach her, she'd be awake and armed before the assailant realized what happened. It was part of her training, and would probably never go away.

She set her alarm for 0600 hours and effortlessly fell asleep.

-Scene Change-

A shadow lurked through the short halls, shifting weight in such a way that no sound could be heard with each step. Eventually, the form made its way to the communications room. A hand placed a code breaking device on the pin-pad lock to the door. Within seconds a small click sounded and the agent stealthily moved through the threshold.

Number 56 activated the nearest computer and plugged in a flash drive. This drive would not only activate a communication network for the agent, but also start the process of decoding sensitive N.E.S.T files and transmitting them. It was helpful for an agent who lacked finess in the world of hacking.

56 waited for base to respond. Within seconds, a blue screen illuminated a portion of the room, on a separate computer from the one 56 was using. This extra data stop would help confuse the target. The coded message appeared on the second screen,

TAKA SHE NES? (How's it going?). The coding was one that took years to develop and understand. It was like a language that evolved constantly. Even alien beings with computer-like minds would not be able to decode it if it changed too rapidly. 56 had enough knowledge of the coding to predict the next two years of changes that may occur. Throughout those two years, hints for future coding will be present, allowing for an endless cycle of sypher.

56 wrote a response. UOI BLU EVE. (How do you think?).

ATE KESTROV NEBURE WES GLOK? (Are they big).

Well that was a stupid question. 56 was started to lose patience. The agent knew 25 was a bit too fascinated by the autobots.

FUTSU! (Focus!)

ISU METSU TUKI FIKSU ? YOIH WEY RUPTROV SOIPTSEN ! BLULU NOS DES TROIK SPESEREN ? GLEVLEN NOS DEFRE SAKROV. (You are telling me to focus? You are the one who's been going off the plan. What are you trying to do, pick up a date? You are on a mission!)

KESRE HES NECROK HEBEN YOS JLEV. TEK JES NESBEV GLEVE SINKRU NIKI TROV, TROV BLUVU KOKROK TEKE QUESTIVFRIK FLEB. REV FLEB RUPTROV SIPTOSEN, RERVLER KOISEN TUKI SUJET TROV. BLEK FLERVER YES NET HASPBAN SI ZEZ FRER COISEN. (Yes, a long term one. If I show off some of my skills and play them off right off the bat, there will be less risk of suspicion than if I get exposed later. I'm good, but we don't know how long this mission will be. If I'm in for the long haul, then there is no way I can act normal the whole time.)

SEKREV FRI TRUSTUI. (This was not according to plan.)

IKREI TRI FRIBLUBU? NES IKRI, SUES BLEK ? (Which do you trust more? Me, or the plan?)

YESTEV HES GLOBERVET NES, CONSTROI TUVU LES MAKKA SESTRUI KOFROBTRV! TUTSU. (You better not mess this up, otherwise you will be in for the biggest reformatting of your life! End transmission)

56 signed yet again. A small light shown on the flash drive, signaling that the download was complete. The initial phase was done, so it was time for part two; a few weeks of radio silence, gathering intel and waiting for contact from Division. Phase one was the make it or break it for the mission. Infiltrating the base without alerting N.E.S.T that there was a spy among them, or that Division even existed. It's bad enough that MECH was after the same target. Phase two would be far easier, disappear among the base and gain their trust. The agent was already making headway on that. In fact, there were some interesting people that the agent was getting more acquainted with or at least planning on such.

Although, 56 dreaded what came next. Flash drive in hand, the agent needed mental preparation before painfully swallowing the not-so-small object. It had been designed to be digestible, but that did not make it easy to shove down one's own throat. 56 silently left the comm room and went on through the N.E.S.T base like any other soldier.

-Scene Change-

Erin woke, ears filled with the silence of the early day. A soft light snuck its way between the aluminum blinds of her window. How aggravating. Her crusty eyes twitched at the assault of the unknowing sun. Even though it was early, Erin felt the heat of the day press down on her. A thin film of sweat made her starchy covers stick to her skin. It felt gross. Erin was not a morning person. While she whole heartedly disliked being up early, what she hated most of all was the obnoxious sound of an alarm. It was for this very reason that she learned to wake up exactly two minutes before her alarm went off, no matter what time it was set for, or what time zone she was in.

Before the unholy noise could come from her clock, she switched off the alarm and let out a half-relieved sigh. With a quick swing of her legs she untangled herself from the sheets and got so she could prepare for the day. She never took long, after all, why bother with things such as hair or make up when she was going to spend half her day working out?

With a straight uniform, Erin headed over to the mess hall, only half looking for Francis while she skipped the hot line to get oatmeal, a banana, and water. Before she could reach her intended seat, she caught the excited waving of none other than Franky. He was sitting at a table with Adam Walker. Erin sat down and curtly introduced herself to the curly haired man. He only nodded and continued to eat his meal, Erin got the impression that he did not mean to be rude. His eyes said 'hello', even though his mouth only lifted for a soft smile. She considered whether it was worth the effort to befriend him. Something about both Adam and Franky seemed… off.

Nevertheless, she and Franky began to chat amiably about whatever crossed the male's mind. Movies which Erin had never seen, places they both have gone, they even got into a mild debate about whether bacon is the best food. Erin admitted to being a heathen that would take a peach over bacon any day. Adam seemed to enjoy listening to them bicker. His eyes shone and he would nod along with whomever he seemed to agree with, which was mostly Erin. After about a half hour of talking under Adam's silent observance, they parted ways until their first training session.

Erin had no problem finding the hanger where they were to train. Especially with a giant black robot standing next to it, rolling his cannons threateningly at all the recruits. Erin could see who she recognized to be Captain Lennox near Ironhide, laughing at his antics. Ironhide rolled his eyes, optics? And shot Lennox a quick glare before he continued his intimidating.

It was time for Erin to pass the two on her way to the hanger. She gave a respectful nod to both and ignored the growl from Ironhide. Before she made it through, though, a giant foot/pede, stomped down in front of her. The ground shook slightly and dust kicked up into the air. The vibrations from the earth wracked her body as she tried desperately not to shake with fear. Ensuring her heart rate was normal, she looked up at the behemoth standing before her, mildly worried about what associating with the autobots would do to her neck. How did the other soldiers deal with always looking up like that?

"Is there something I can help you with?" Erin asked with a quirked eyebrow. 'Keep calm'.

Ironhide rolled his cannons and gave a low growl. "I've hear you femme fleshies are considered weak among your species. Unfortunately for you I am of a different opinion, I expect you to prove me right."

Erin did not know whether that was an insult, a compliment, a threat, or all three. She gave a quick glance to Lennox who shrugged his shoulders with a smile. Erin returned her gaze to Ironhide and saluted. "Yes, sir."

He trained his optics on her for a few more seconds. "Good," he said with a nod, "now get your aft inside! I expect all you cog-suckers to be ready and at attention a breem ago!"

With one last salute to Lennox, Erin jogged inside and lined up with the others, between Adam and Franky at the latter's behest. She half listened, half observed while Ironhide spouted out threats and demeaning comments she did not entirely understand. After a long lecture that meant nothing more than 'don't annoy me', the soldiers began a brisk jog to the designated training grounds.

On the way to the courtyard where they would begin basic self-defense, against Ironhide, a huge city-scape came into view. Erin knew from the map she studied that it was a fake city street designed for autobots and more advanced soldiers to train in. It was a huge construction. The buildings were at least forty feet high, not skyscrapers, but still impressive for training grounds. She must have looked there for too long because Ironhide stopped the group and stared menacingly at her.

"Is your programing so basic, you can't keep that pit brained processor of yours focused?" he hounded out.

Erin chanced another glance at the group of soldiers outside the city scape. Among them were the 'bots Erin recognized as Arcee and Sideswipe. The latter was looking bored as he aimlessly glanced around. Erin remembered the night before and the scuffle between him and his brother. Her heart lurched a bit in fear.

"Are you listening, cannon-fodder?"

Erin glanced back to the now fuming autobot, trying to hide her disinterested look.

"If you are so fascinated by the thought of playing with the big 'bots," he quirked his head in the direction of the city and the soldiers getting ready to enter, "then let' see what you've got." He finished with a dark smirk.

Ironhide then dragged his pede over the ground, creating a line. The sound of metal scraping against hard earth was not too pleasant but Erin managed not to wince. He stepped in front of it and made a 'come here' motion with one of his fingers. "Get past this line and I'll let you take a little field trip, fail and you'll do double all exercises today. Refuse and it'll be for the week!"

Well crap. Erin knew that, despite his large size which would normally be cumbersome, he was used to working with humans and would easily be able to stop one. She got in a ready stance while Ironhide patiently waited for her. She studied his form, ready and crouching low. He was most likely going to try and catch her as she passed. She looked at how he balanced his hips and shifted slightly on the ground. She looked at his optics and saw where he expected her to run. Erin even noticed how he favored his right side, even though he did well at hiding it. She remembered her observations from the day before. Looks like those will come in handy.

Quickly, Ironhide's hand transformed into a gun and shot at Erin. She skillfully rolled to the side, dodging the beanbag which skidded past her. She waited two more seconds before making her move. She veered in a slight curve towards his left and waited for the moment just before he moved… There! She jumped farther left. Ironhide anticipated the attempted dodge, quickly adjusting to meet her new destination. Exactly what she was planning on.

In battle, anticipating the opponent's move is critical. Knowing how the opponent might adjust is a well-earned skill. However, in reaction to a change in the opponent's trajectory or goal, there is a moment in which the opponent may change again while the other is still adjusting. Trusting this principal, Erin again changed her trajectory making a sharp hook and headed straight for Ironhide. With a leap, she flipped over his sweeping hand and landed on his left pede. She quickly jumped off and ran between his legs to skid over the finish line. Rather than taking the moment to revel in her victory, she got back in a ready stance, prepared for any form of retribution.

Ironhide quickly turned around and assessed her. He gave a guttural growl before nodding. He liked to nod. "Very well then, a deal's a deal." He glanced at the other recruits among him. "What are you waiting for cog-suckers! Move to training ground four!"

The group continued their jog, this time heading towards the mock city. Erin could feel the stares of the others boring into her from all sides. Once they reached the buildings they were greeted by the group of advanced soldiers and two autobots, apparently she had a larger audience than first anticipated.

Well, there was no sticking to the crowd now, was there? A plan started to form in her head. If she was going to be noticed, she had to make it big. Erin smiled to herself when she saw the interested look in Sideswipe's optics. That would do.

So I decided to make the main character strong, She would have to be if she'll eventually catch the twins' attentions, especially Sunstreaker. This is a fanfiction so just imagine there is a human with the ability to take on cybertronians in some capacity, besides using advanced weapons. What's the point of all the training if they never use it? Also, dun dun dun! Our main bad guy is here! There identity may or may not have been revealed already. As the story progresses, please feel free to make guesses as to who it may be.