Hello Dear Readers! I am back after hiding in my little corner and here's a decent sized chapter for you! Sorry it took me so long to get this out. Outside of this story, all my writing is academic and dry, so adjusting the tone can take me a while. This chapter in particular went through many different revisions. It also ended up twice as long as I originally planned.
Also, I am open to ideas for one-shots! Writing them helps keep me fresh, even when having writer's block for the main story. I actually have several already written that haven't been published in Freedom One-Shots because they take elements from further in the main story's timeline. Feel free to either write your idea in a review or PM me.
A big thank you to all my wonderful reviewers; TomRiddlesTwin, LoveToBake, ScarletSea, lostariel0716, THE Ellie, .Princess, Spoffen, Becka3490, and PocoS.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 45
"Where the frag does that scrap heap keep hiding?" Ironhide muttered to himself while scanning the area. Jazz hadn't been anywhere in the autobot hanger or the training grounds. The island was small, but it wouldn't be difficult for a master saboteur to remain hidden until he wanted to be seen. So, that left Ironhide with no choice but to drive at random and keep his scanners active.
The black mech didn't exactly want to hunt down his Third in Command, but he was left with little choice. Ironhide sympathized with Jazz, he knew the 'bot was struggling and he wanted to help. But he scared Annabelle. That was something the weapons specialist couldn't allow. If the mech slipped any further, Ironhide was willing to take drastic measures to protect his charge.
It had been nearly five meta-cycles since Jazz lost control after being revived by the All Spark. Ironhide remembered the disaster that was left in his wake. The autobots had been lucky, being able to play it off as an explosion from a damaged All Spark. The few human witnesses were friends who swore themselves to secrecy. All had eventually moved on, though the event was never forgotten. At first, they thought Ratchet put a cap on the problem, but it had long become evident Jazz was slowly degrading. Ironhide worried what would happen if he stayed on this path. Would he attack his friends again? Would he offline anyone while in this haze where he seemed to exist now?
Ironhide was concerned about Jazz, but his priority was ensuring the safety of Annabelle. So, when he picked up on Jazz walking in the open, Ironhide didn't hesitate to confront him.
"Jazz!" he called while transforming. The silver 'bot was evidently tense. His visored stare gave nothing away, but a deep frown told plenty. Jazz's servos were clenched and creaking, overtaxing the fresh weld lines Ratchet put there. It was no secret Jazz had taken to punching any available non-sentient object enough to damage himself further. Ironhide had seen the toppled trees and newly shattered walls in the cityscape training grounds. The new welds crossed with old ones, never healing. He looked like a corpse.
"What?" Jazz replied, void of his formerly trademark accent.
"What was that slag at the Lennox dwelling?" He gestured in the general direction of the structure. Though he was fragged about what happened, he tried to keep his tone down.
Jazz scoffed, his visor dimming in disinterest. "You're mad I didn't like the femme's pit of a song?"
"You scared Annabelle!" Ironhide bellowed, thin patience quickly fading. A hint of indignation burned within the black 'bot when he heard Jazz's tone at the word 'femme'.
The smaller mech turned away and waved off Ironhide. "The pest will survive."
White hot fury took over his higher processing. "What did you just call her?" Ironhide didn't wait for an answer before he lurched forward and gripped Jazz's shoulder plating hard enough to dent it.
With hardly a moments hesitation, the silver mech whipped around, a sweeping leg catching Ironhide's heel strut and knocking it from under him. Before he hit the ground, Jazz's claws were digging into his neck plates.
"You wanna fight?" Ironhide roared, swinging a left hook that was easily dodged. At least it got Jazz's servo away from his energon lines.
Ironhide tried to stand but a silver pede smashed down on his helm, crushing his nasal plate and releasing a stream of energon. The black mech growled as he rolled forward, trying to pin his small target. Jazz again evaded before rounding another kick to the side of Ironhide's faceplates, cracking an optic with a reverberating crunch.
The saboteur was putting everything into his attacks and he easily outmatched Ironhide for speed. Still, the weapons specialist knew not to draw a cannon on a comrade, so instead he tried to swing a leg between Jazz's pedes, needing to trip him up.
Jazz jumped to dodge and landed directly on Ironhide, one servo clawing into his chassis armor and the other slashing down Ironhide's right cannon, drawing out wires and jagged chunks of metal. Ironhide used his free arm to grab Jazz by the helm. Before Ironhide could throw him, the silver mech gripped the servo holding him and wrapped his legs around Ironhide's arm. A hard back kick cracked Ironhide's shoulder joint. More energon painted his frame. His arm went slack and Jazz pulled himself free. Ironhide wasn't given a reprieve as Jazz slashed again at his faceplates, offlining the already damaged optic. Low energon warnings started popping up on Ironhide's HUD. The fragger had been cutting him up slowly just to leak him out.
A harsh blue glow alerted Ironhide that Jazz transformed his arm into a cannon. "Jazz, stop!" Ironhide yelled, not seeing any recognition in his comrade's expression as he pointed the weapon at Ironhide's damaged faceplates.
Still unwilling to pull a weapon on Jazz, he used his mobile arm to guard himself. Just as the cannon fired, the silver mech's weight was pulled off Ironhide by a flash of yellow. The shot hit just next to the Ironhide's helm. When he looked, Bumblebee was leaning over him, defensively standing between his frame and Jazz.
'Bee warbled at the smaller mech but got little in response. Jazz stood to his full height, surveying the two mechs before him. After a tense moment of silence, he scoffed and turned away. Neither Ironhide nor Bumblebee gave chase. The former sent an emergency comm to Prime and Ratchet.
Prowl rubbed his helm, sore from his latest episode. He's managed to go a few orns without his processor glitching. It helped that he hadn't seen the twins in a while. As worried as he was about his fellow autobots, Prowl was secretly relieved to have his temporary exoneration from their antics. Of course, it had to be that same pair of troublemakers that led to his latest glitch.
His couldn't have his usual scans with Ratchet, but Prowl still followed protocol to the best of his ability. After onlining, and finding there were no witnesses, thank Primus, he commed the medical officer.
-So, what caused it this time?- the medic asked after checking over the self-scans Prowl sent him. It was just a precautionary gesture. Prowl's glitches had never been severe enough to cause damage.
-I don't think you'd believe me it I told you.- The black and white mech replied. His answer was uncharacteristically cryptic, in truth he didn't want to repeat what he had heard.
-Try me.- Ratchet challenged, sounding somewhat amused.
Prowl had, in the past, glitched for quite ridiculous reasons, not that he found any of those events humorous. It's not his fault his processor worked with strict logical protocols and life was, well, illogical at times. It wasn't anything unusual that the twins were involved though. In the vorns he's known them, they caused 82.56% of his glitches. Sideswipe's pranks, their ridiculous aerial acts when fighting seekers, and the mere fact Optimus Prime asked them to join Team Prime and receive special privileges were all absurd enough to make the mech crash repeatedly.
But what he heard most recently was something completely different. -Bluestreak commed me earlier and said he witnessed the twins and Ms. Brook engaging in… osculation.-
Ratchet paused for a moment; the silence felt heavy. -I'm guessing you are talking about courtship and not mathematics.- Prowl was immediately put off by Ratchet's seemingly calm reaction. The mech continued, -So the twins finally put the moves on her? Looks like Ironhide wins that bet.-
-You were expecting this?- The Second in Command asked incredulously.
-You weren't? - he retorted. -They've had their optics on her for over a stellar cycle now. Do you really think those fools wouldn't try something this strange?-
Prowl was at serious risk of glitching again. -I thought Sunstreaker barely stood the presence of humans.-
-You, my friend, must be need your optics checked.- Ratchet deadpanned. -They've been close for a while now. Ironhide said they'd act on it before the end of the calendar year, I said it'd be next. Mrs. Lennox thought they'd make a move in at least three orns. Que guessed we wouldn't find out until the femme's contract was over or she transferred away.-
-I don't see how this is possible.-
-Well, it is- the medic stated plainly- and its none of our business to judge. Worry, yes. But not judge. Although, now that they've taken another step in their relationship, I will need to track them down for a lengthy lecture. Primus knows those two are reckless. There's a lot they'll need to know before attempting copulation with the sparklet.-
-I think I've heard enough.- Prowl stopped what would be a thoroughly disturbing conversation.
-One more thing,- Ratchet added, unfazed- you said Bluestreak told you this?-
-Yes, he was… confused.- Prowl explained, happy for the slight shift in subject. -And he wanted to ask if this relationship was known.-
-I'll find the youngling and talk to him. He's probably overwhelmed.-
Prowl appreciated Ratchet's foresight. With Smokescreen MIA, Prowl was technically next in line to take over the youngling's guardianship. -How's his condition?-
-His processor and frame are all healed.- Ratchet explained. -I just need to cancel the medical codes I used on him. He has enough data space to access the internet for language and get an alt mode. Medically, he's doing well. Socially, even more so. He's already making friends with humans, even with the language barrier. The other autobots have received him well. He does look forward to seeing you, though.-
Good. Bluestreak needed friends. -I've been speaking with him through comm. I'll be back in a few weeks to greet him.-
-He's already lost his creators and guardian.- Ratchet grimly reminded him. -You are the last close relationship he has, Prowl. Keep that in mind. He's young and needs all the support he can get.-
-I… I know. Am I cleared for duty?- There was little he could do for Bluestreak until the building project was done. Samuel Whitwicky was fairing surprisingly well in his role, ensuring the Cybertronians' needs would be met in the new facility. Prowl knew it was a test for the human as a future Autobot ambassador, so he remained in a strict advisory role. With everything going smoothly in D.C, Prowl knew his time would be better spent back at Diego Garcia. Once the security systems were in place, the boy wouldn't need a full time autobot guardian while supervising there.
-Yes, but as your medical officer I am ordering you to take it easy for the day. Contact me if anything…-
Prowl felt confusion worming its way in as the medic's silence lengthened. -Ratchet?-
-Prowl, I have to go. I'll update you on the situation later.-
The comm ended like that. Something was wrong. An urgent comm request came from Optimus Prime, amplifying his concern. What was happening at base?
Erin followed her usual pre-mission routine, studying maps and making mental plans, or at least she tried to. They were headed to the Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands. The local military's sensors picked up an energon signal resembling that of the Jackhammer's power core. It was a grim reminder that Mirage was still out there and Wheeljack was not.
Erin felt terrified. Last she knew, Mirage had delivered the core to Division as a peace offering. It was possible they sold it off to the highest bidder, meaning anyone could be in possession of it. But what if it was Division drawing them out? She hadn't received word from the organization of any plans against to autobots, only that new orders were coming soon. Could that mean they learned of her treachery? Did one of her new spies give her away? Every part of her wanted to warn the 'bots, but she knew as soon as she revealed the truth, they would lose their trust in her. It was too soon.
They all expected a trap regardless, thinking Mirage was luring them out. Prime must know better. When she sent Prowl the Division files under the guise of Adam, the mech received evidence of where Mirage had gone to. The Second in Command must have shown that to Prime. But the twins were still unaware. They didn't know Mirage was working with humans. They could be going into battle blind.
Even worse, their numbers were sharply reduced. Of the ten Autobots still online, two were considered non-combative unless in dire circumstances, one was on extended medical leave, and another was on the other side of the planet. Erin was grateful Bluestreak wasn't brought along; something about the idea of taking him just felt wrong to her. But that didn't explain why both Bumblebee and Ironhide were left on base. Sure, one warrior was needed to watch the base, but in a pinch the other autobots could help defend it alongside N.E.S.T. Suspiciously, Optimus Prime avoided the subject when he gave the mission brief. Erin had a feeling there was another reason more autobots were remaining on the island. The twins and Prime himself were all that remained for the mission. Even worse, the first task to complete was putting up a search grid, meaning they would be spread out. If Mech managed to overpower Sideswipe and drive away Sunstreaker once, then Division certainly could do much worse to the pair. They had saw how two autobots weren't always enough when Wheeljack was decapitated next to Ironhide.
Erin's worries were not helped by Sideswipe, whom she could feel bore his optics into her side. It was evident he wanted to talk about what transpired between the three of them. She hadn't spoken a word to the twins since Bluestreak found them. Personal concerns aside, they respected her need for silence before a mission. She, after all, had the self-appointed job of getting the twins back with all their limbs attached. That took studying the maps and learning what she could about the situation on the ground.
Sideswipes would usually read his data pad, only stealing occasional glances at her. This time, however, he was simply staring like a puppy locked outside. And he wasn't the only one abandoning their usual routine. Sunstreaker, who normally put a cloth to his armor during the flight, was sitting in his alt mode. All three were off their game, a dangerous situation to be walking into a firefight with. She knew the they needed to have a talk, but it wasn't the right time.
Sideswipe didn't seem to have the same thoughts, though. "Rin, you haven't spoken for a while. Is everything alright?" The look he gave her was clear. He was searching for affirmation that something was different between them.
Christ, she wanted to give that to him. To say 'fuck all' and kiss him right there, even with Prime himself in his alt a few meters away. But she couldn't.
She'd allowed herself to get starry eyed and let her guard down. Preparations against Division were going well. She'd overseen the recruitment of several agents that could help her at least take out the facilities in the Eastern half of the United States. She was enjoying video games and comics with Sideswipe. Sunstreaker started showing her how to draw like a real artist. Ironhide was supportive like no mentor she'd ever had before. She even enjoyed watching Bumblebee and Bluetreak's antics, acting like kids and not products of war. She was getting comfortable. And the mission they were going on put everything back in perspective.
But when looking into Sideswipe's optics, she couldn't tell the mech that she was having second thoughts.
"Everything is fine." Her reassurance was only surface level, but Erin hoped it would convince the mech. "I just want to focus on the job at hand. One thing at a time, right?" She forced a small smile.
The silver mech looked unsure, but nodded regardless. "Right." He opened his mouth as if to add something, but closed it without uttering another word.
Erin looked back to her map. It wouldn't be long until they landed and she'd been too distracted to form a comprehensive strategy. It didn't help that there were only three Cybertronians going. She circled the broad radius where the signal was located. Prime had assigned search quadrants for each team, two human teams, Erin with the twins, and Prime himself. Erin guessed that Prime wanted to deal with the possibility of seeing Mirage with his own servos. He was the leader of the autobots, and he wanted to handle the traitor personally. As such, his quadrant was the widest and closest to the original signal. Erin didn't doubt the mech could take down Mirage, but what if Division was there as well? She didn't know of any developed weapons that would give them an edge over the 'bots, but she was the one who gave them enough intel to create one. And with Mirage's information, she had no doubt they already developed a vast array of dangerous tools.
Erin closed her eyes. It might be time to reveal her intentions to Division. When she exposed how the information she provided was filled with lies, everything they had would become financially ruined. They prided themselves on their solid intel during espionage missions and she was compromising that by casting doubt on its validity. It might even be enough to get them to leave the project, not wanting to use any more of their precious resources. But that would mean her farce would have to end. Division would send assassins for her, and she wouldn't be able to hide on Diego Garcia. They'd probably sell her identity to the U.S government and all nations where she was wanted for various crimes. There would be nowhere to hide. Taking a breath, she refocused on the maps. She had to be prepared for whatever came her way.
The plane banked as they neared their destination, the only American military base in the Netherlands: Schinnen. Their landing was quick and bumpy. It was in a secluded area of the base. Only a few were privy to witnessing any of N.E.S.T's assets. Sideswipe joined his companions in their alt modes as soldiers and Autobots alike deboarded the plane. Immediately next to it was a smaller aircraft. Combatants quickly boarded it while a small group remained behind. Since they weren't sure how long they would be there, the base had given them access to a secure hanger away from prying eyes. A small command center would be set up there. It also had enough room for both autobots and soldiers to rest, if need be.
Once they boarded a local military plane, it was only be twenty minutes until they reached the target point. The three mechs transformed immediately after deboarding. All looked ready to spill energon. Erin had to suppress a shiver at the dark looks they gave the forest. It didn't take long for the search parties to separate into their respective quadrants.
The air was misty and cool in the forest. A heavier rain was inevitable, much to the chagrin of the twins. Erin had other worries on her mind. The woods put the twins at a distinct disadvantage. Sideswipe didn't have enough room to do any sweeping attacks on his wheels, and Sunstreaker's broad shoulders could barely fit between some patches of trees. Each of their pede steps was followed by the sounds of crunching leaves and twigs. Birds from miles around announced their presence with panicked squawks.
Humans, on the other hand, could hide among the trees, setting up an ambush. They could even attack from above. Meanwhile, Mirage, if he was really there, could stay hidden and silent thanks to his upgrades. It was similar to the method used by Mech when they tried to capture the twins. Confine them to a small enough space and wait for an opportune moment to strike. As much as she prided herself on finding methods to defeat the Decepticons, she remembered other humans were also learning Cybertronian weaknesses as well.
Sideswipe and Sunstreaker at least seemed aware of their situation, as they remained hushed, their optics constantly sweeping the area. Every so often, Erin could feel their gazes turn to her, gauging what she's thinking. They communicated with hand signals; ones she knew her fellow Division agents wouldn't be able to decipher. Just like the written language Division used, their hand signals were constantly updated. It was difficult, since she had to make sure everything could be done with Sideswipe's four digited servos, but they managed to maintain their unique form of communication.
Fanned out, the twins walked on the perimeter, communicating over their bond, and Erin remained in the middle, maintaining visual range. They had been combing their assigned section since before dawn. When Erin last glanced up, the sun was hanging low in the western sky. Cybertronian vision was superior to humans in the dark. Even with the aid of night vision goggles, it was unlikely Division would attack that night.
Right as Erin thought that, the hairs on her arm started to rise. She paused, remembering the sensation; it had been a while. The air around her shifted, a combination of barely perceptible strobing and another slower force. Mirage was directly behind her.
She couldn't just react. She needed to analyze fast. What were his intentions? If he wanted to harm the them, he would have started with a sneak attack on one of the mechs. Unless he planned on grabbing her to make the twins compliant? No. He would remember she could sense him. He wanted her attention and hers alone. It must have been to communicate the change in orders Franky warned her about. Still, she had to fight off the urge to turn on her heels and drive her arm blade deep into his circuitry. Or, use her newly added mid-range cannon. She'd only practiced with it a handful of times since Que upgraded her favorite weapon and she'd been itching to give it real action.
Nodding for the attention of her twins, Erin motioned for them to spread out. (Mirage- less advantage- dark. Spread and search for trails).
Sideswipe signaled a quick (no) but looked up to his twin. When Erin whipped her head around, she saw him staring back at Sideswipe. They were communicating over the bond. After a moment, Sunstreaker gave her a nod and fanned further away. She marched forward, not slowing her pace until the twins were out of sight. Then, she turned around to head away from their path, needing more space if she were to speak with Mirage. The sensation his upgrades gave off followed her, sticking behind her shoulder. As she retraced her steps, she saw leaves recovering from the weight of his silent pedes.
After she felt they had enough space, Erin turned sharply to where she knew the mech stood. "Talk."
Mirage appeared in front of her. Erin had wondered if the mech would be auctioned off and taken apart by scientists, but that didn't seem to be the case. His armor was well kept and there was no signs of scarring or rust. The only noticeable difference was the color of his optics. They were a bright emerald green, a sign of his betrayal to the autobots. If she remembered right, green was the color associated with nobility on Cybertron.
"Per prima cosa, ho una domanda per te." He stated, expression flat. "Are you loyal to Division?"
Shit. Erin suspected Mirage had been shown her reports. Division could have used him to verify her disloyalty. But it had been a while since he left, Division would have had her killed long before had they found out. What angle was he playing? She tried to read his faceplates, but got nothing, a departure from how he used to be. Perhaps his time with Division hardened the mech. Who knows what actually happened? She needed to gauge him more.
"They had you read my reports?" she asked calmly, trying to sound more knowing than she was.
He nodded. "Sì."
That answered one question. She would have to go on instinct. "Then you know where I stand with Division. And since I'm not dead, I'm guessing we're on the same page." Vague as shit, but it was her best bet. She tried to appear relaxed, rather than ready to shoot him in the faceplates.
"Buono." Mirage said with satisfaction. More expression graced his faceplates as he gave her a condescending glare. "But why send me there when you show no loyalty? They wanted to use me as target practice and made terrible energon."
So, he didn't like Division. What's more, it sounded like he was used to train either Division agents or they sold his services to foreign countries. Likely a bit of both, that was the most profitable outcome. "I still work for the assholes and had to make them happy." She waved his questions off, faking her confidence as she had when they last spoke. "Besides, there was nowhere else to send you after you were nearly caught swiping those autobot files. I knew you'd get along fine. But what are you doing here? Is this a Division plan?"
"No, they wanted me to be an intermediario for them and the Decepticons. I'm here on the behalf of Starscream."
Erin tried not to blanch. Division was working with the Decepticons? No. The 'cons were already with Mech. And Mirage seemed to hate Division. Or were all three organizations working together? If so, the autobots wouldn't stand a chance.
"I told you Division would be useful. They got you the connections you needed." She said with a loaded smirk. "With me on the inside, we can take the autobots down a peg and end this war." She prayed Mirage was as impressionable as he was last time.
"I knew you understood our causa." The red mech seemed to relax a bit. "Come, Starscream is waiting for us."
Oh shit. The 'cons were already there.
A whirring sound caught both their attention. Erin had heard it once before and dread pooled in her stomach. She couldn't see it through the tree line, but knew it was coming close.
Mirage growled in frustration. "Cosa sta facendo quella cosa disgustosa? It was meant to distract the gladiatore spazzatura."
The twins? Did it attack? Where they hurt? She wanted to comm them, but couldn't risk it. They had to be fine. They weren't so far away she wouldn't have heard a battle.
She only saw it for a second before the insecticon was right over her, knocking Mirage out of the way. The red mech went invisible right as he crashed into a line of trees, splitting them in half. The spray of dirt and bark hit Erin in the face and her eyes closed on reflex.
"Human will pay for Shrapnel and Kickback!" it bellowed over her before she was gripped tightly around the ribs and lifted. Within a moment, the trees were far below her and she felt her stomach clench.
Erin struggled for breath, her vision blurring as she looked down to the distant ground. Adrenaline made blood pound in her ears, barely overtaking the whipping wind. Focus! She had to focus. She activated her blade looked at the servo gripping her. Right before striking she paused. If she attacked and was dropped, she'd die and the insecticon would have a minor wound. Don't rush. Don't panic. She and the twins already studied insecticon anatomy.
Erin forced herself to breath deeply as her eyes scanned the creature holding her. Fight back, but don't fall; that was the goal. Why did she never ask the twins for more details on their jet judo?
Most of the outer armor was impenetrable. That's why Sunstreaker, who could hit hard and do internal damage, was the best match for them. There wasn't a clear enough shot of its optics for Erin to risk it. Besides, partially blinding the creature would only make it angrier. There were minor weaknesses at the joints, but hitting those would only cause it to drop her. Its chassis armor was too thick for any of her weapons. She needed to open the opportunity for an internal attack.
She activated her new cannon, the rotating barrel extending over her prized wrist mount blade. Aiming for where the insecticon's mandible met it's helm, she fired a shot. It tore through the appendage, forcing a screech from the creature as it began to descend. At the same time, heat seared her arm. The weapon left scorch marks on her sleeve and glove. It was more powerful than in practice; the settings were off.
She couldn't focus on that, though. All her attention was pointed towards the new gap in its mouth, where there would be little to no armor protecting its processor. Just wait for it to get lower, then fire.
The insecticon jerked her towards its faceplates and screeched at her, bits of energon flinging from its wound. There wasn't time to wait, it was ready to kill her. With her angle gone, she fired into the mouth anyway, unable to hit the roof.
It roared as fire burst from between its jaws and energon spattered its faceplate.
Erin's stomach tightened as she dropped out of the creature's grip. Not enough time to balance herself. Not enough time to land right. Not enough time to think. A fog of panic filled her mind. Didn't she get over this? She knew how to land. Knees bent, absorb the shock, fall to the side!
Her body felt like it was crushed against the ground. All air painfully forced from her lungs as she floundered for a recovering breath. When she managed to gasp inwards, her lungs stung as dirt flung down her throat. Erin had to look up to realize she was half covered in earth as another mound was just falling over her, covering her head.
Lungs screaming, she clawed against the soft wet earth, unable to find purchase to pull herself up. She was surrounded. Her eyes burned as she squinted through the dirt to see walls of the hole she'd been dumped in. A pain made itself known in her leg as she struggled to hold herself up in her desperate attempt to escape.
Panic doubled as what was surely another mound of earth weighed her down. She had no air and no strength left. But she couldn't die yet. The twins were still at risk from her mistakes. She had to finish the job.
The fog nearly took over her mind as her senses began to fade. Scent and sight were overtaken easily. Pain was the last thing to flow out from her body, leaving a numb ache. Her thoughts reduced to basic emotions. Regret, fear, and anger all jumbled together with no source and no direction.
So that's what dying felt like. Sound was nothing but the background of her heartbeat and that lasted the longest. Soon, a shifting noise was all that remained as the remanence of Erin's consciousness held onto anything to persist in the present.
Then, the pressure all around her started to lessen as a stream of light irritated her eyes. Suddenly, there was air.
She coughed up dirt and gulped for clean air, desperate to fill her lungs. Her body was pulled from the hole she'd been buried in. The twins, they came for her.
Erin took a moment to enjoy the air, barely caring for the dirt deep in her throat. As her senses started to fully return, she registered the pain in her leg once again. Her eyes, watery and stinging, were clamped shut. She started to hear the voices around her, marred by a horribly pitched noise.
What were they saying? Her adrenaline dropped in relief, as she swayed on her ass for a moment. Then, the voice became clearer. It was screechy, not anything like her twins.
With a new rush of panic, she tore at her eyelids with dirty fingers, trying to clear out as much debris as possible before forcing her eyes open. She blinked rapidly as grit blurred her vision and stung like hot pokers. She could see colors first, blurred too much to get a general shape, but color was all she needed. Silver and red. No autobot was both of those colors. But she had seen images of a Decepticon with them.
The sound finally cleared as the ringing in her ears subsided; it was clearly Cybertronian, "online and undamaged you pathetic excuse for an attack drone!"
Erin managed fix her vision enough to stare at the large pede before her. With strain, she looked forty feet up to see the Decepticon Starscream, screeching at her attacker. The creature's faceplates leaked heavily with energon and it seemed unable to answer back, only warbling and grunting in response.
Erin's instincts wavered between fight or flight. But she knew neither would work. Steadying her breath, she managed to stand on her feet. The erupting pain in her knee nearly made her collapse again. Somehow, she managed to balance her weight and ignore the throbbing as she tried to nonchalantly brush off the wet soil that covered her body. The seeker was still chewing into the insecticon, but she decided to speak over his whiny tantrum. "I doubt you drew me all the way out here to let some bug burry me," she paused, seeing the seeker turn his attention towards her, "so why am I here?" Her voice was scratchy and sore, but she hoped it seemed more in control than she felt.
Starscream's bright red optics were appraising, seeming to find her entirely lacking. "Watch the way you address your new master, human." He sneered at her.
"Oh, new master?" she shrugged, giving off an air of arrogance. Hopefully he wasn't scanning for her heart rate. "Considering Mirage is here, I take it you are in contact with Division?" The aching in her bones almost became too great so she stopped trying to brush off the muck, and let her arms rest at her sides.
"Yes, and I was pleasantly surprised when I heard what they had to offer;" His tone switched erratically between his namesake and a low growl. That expressiveness made him easy to read. And he was quite entertained with what he was saying. "the very organic that has been disrupting my plans."
So that was their play. He gives something to Division and they repay him with their agent on the inside. "You aren't bitter about those bugs and Skywarp?" she tilted her head innocently as she reminded him what she's done to his forces already. It was a gamble, but she needed to live up to whatever reputation Division may have touted. Just keep acting confident and probe for information. "It was nothing personal for me. But I'd say Silas would be pretty offended if he knew you were working with his rivals."
The seeker's scoff made it clear what he thought of Mech's leader. "Silas failed at every turn in our dealings. But you would know all about that, wouldn't you? Poor Silas had no idea who you were?"
Silas must have told Starscream he intended to recruit her. Too bad for him. "Of course not." Seeing Starscream fully face her, Erin realized she had the mech's full attention. Time to start earning his trust. "You know, he tends to take things personally. He may not have as much power as he used to, but he can be tenacious."
"I couldn't care less," he waved the warning off, "besides, with the information I gave Division, Mech will be wiped out. What's far more interesting, is what you can do for me now." He turned his glance to the insecticon. "Why don't you make yourself useful and tack down those twins. Call Thundercracker and Dead End when you do. Shockwave requested them online."
No. She couldn't let them take the twins. Images of Skywarp flashed in her mind. Did Shockwave want to do to them whatever he did to that seeker? Erin tried to look in control, despite being covered in dirt, her hair a clumped mess, and the burning pain in her leg and eyes. She needed a plan that would get her out of there alive and keep the 'cons from getting whatever they wanted. Yet again she'd have to play the pawn, but how was she meant to sell it? She didn't have much to go on in terms of what Starscream would believe.
"I wouldn't engage the twins now, unless you are ready for a full-on battle." She warned. There was no way of knowing what kind of scouting the 'cons had already done, but she could try to tout their numbers. Starscream fixed her with a steely glare, as if ordering her to explain. She obliged, "This forest is filled with autobots and a sizable portion of well-armed N.E.S.T soldiers. They also had to cooperation of the Armed forces of the Netherlands. You have what, five mechs with you? Six? They are ready for you."
Starscream seemed to take a moment to absorb the information. His optics were challenging, as if he would order his bug to continue just to show who was in charge. But instead he let out a short vent and grinned. "Would one of those mechs happen to be Jazz?"
That was oddly specific. Mirage left before Jazz really started to degrade, but after he was sidelined. Was he gauging their forces? Calling her bluff? It would be a shallow argument, since he likely knew of six or seven other autobots that could possibly be in the forest. So why single out Jazz? Was he a target like the twins?
"No." Erin answered shortly.
The seeker seemed disappointed by her answer. "Stay, Hardshell. Let us hear what this insect has to say."
"Now," she moved on, hiding her relief, "why exactly should I follow you?"
"Because," Mirage's voice made him known before he appeared off to the side, "the Decepticons align most with your goals." The red mech appeared mostly uninjured from the insecticon's strike. Only some paint was missing from the proud mech's chassis.
"Mirage said all you want is for this war to end." Starscream stated in the most sickeningly sweet tone she'd heard from the mech. "Only the Decepticons can do that."
"Are you asking me to betray Division?" she copied the seeker's demeanor.
"I already know your loyalty does not lie with them." He said with a knowing smirk. "Besides, this war is ending one way or another. You want to be on the winning side, don't you?"
She feigned consideration before giving him a convinced look. "In that case," she answered slowly, "I'll make sure our side wins." Erin wanted nothing more than to slice off Starscream's victorious and condescending grin. "But that can't start with the autobots. Division is a far greater threat."
"Oh?" The seeker replied, disbelieving. "How so?"
"They have been growing resources for energon-based weapons and training agents like me to take out your kind." She explained like she would a mission report. "Yet, they never offered any of that to you. It shows they don't plan on a long-term alliance. Further, they warned me that you would approach me." Hopefully Mirage wasn't privy to the messages Division sent to Erin or Franky. "They said to look for your weaknesses and ascertain the location of your base. They plan on backstabbing you and wanted me to spy on your ranks. Luckily for you, I always hated those bastards. Take them out first and you'll neutralize a threat while gaining access to the resource they've been stockpiling, including energon."
"So, a preemptive assault. I never planned on trusting Division anyway." He said, looking thoughtful, as if already planning an attack.
"Yes." She nodded encouragingly. I already have a network of spies on the ground. With them and Mirage on the inside of Division, I can help you take out a third of their operation in the US. I also have plans to weaken their financial backers, the backstruts of their operation."
"You've premeditated this." Mirage stated, looking surprised.
"I plan for every possibility. You think there was only one reason why I sent you their way?" It was a lie of course. She hoped to never see Mirage again. "Mech might be a problem as well. If Silas isn't already tracking you down."
"I don't worry about him." Starscream scoffed.
"Does he know you went to Division?"
"Doubtfully."
That was something she could work with. "My network would have informed me if there was a Division attack on Mech, so they are probably sitting on the information you gave them. If Mech doesn't know you plan on betraying them yet, they may still be of use. Leak information about Division to Mech and Silas wouldn't hesitate to attack."
"Have them battle each other and take on the weakened victor." Starscream concluded, a wicked smile crossing his narrow faceplates. "You think like a Decepticon."
She tried not to dwell on the uncomfortable comparison. "Meanwhile, I deal with the autobots until the time is right." And buy time to prepare them for whatever the seeker had planned. "Mirage, what facility were you kept in?"
The red mech started at being singled out. "They called it NavDet."
"In Virginia? Good. I have a friend from there. She's called 14, full code 373714. She's crazy, but useful." A bit of an understatement on the former, but that was beside the point. 14 was someone she'd been having trouble getting in contact with. "Tell her you are working with 56, she'll do whatever you ask. Once you've done that, have her get you in contact with agent number 25, full code 373725. He's my man on the inside and he'll set up a secure line between us."
"And in the meantime, you follow MY orders in order to take out the autobots." Starscream quickly directed the conversation back to his authority. His voice screamed a challenge. In response, Erin gave a humble nod. "All I require is the All Spark."
Erin paused. "It was destroyed five years ago." She let her façade drop for just a moment to show genuine skepticism.
"Ah, yes." The seeker stated haughtily. "The files you took for Division claimed it detonated after reviving Jazz, correct? Well, the autobot files Mirage uncovered showed their medical officer studying the All Spark while still contained within Jazz's frame. Your task will be simple; lure him out for capture, and we will have the All Spark."
Oh shit. So that's why Starscream was probing his location. "He hasn't left the island in a year; it won't be as easy as you think." How long could she delay the 'cons? She couldn't just hand the mech over to them.
"Then offline him yourself and take the All Spark." Starscream sneered.
"Jazz has been under close medical observation for some time now." Erin explained, knowing that argument wouldn't last for long. "It may take some time to get him alone."
"Just get it done." he ordered, optics narrowing in challenge. "Succeed and you'll be rewarded. Fail, and I'll make you regret your very creation." He ended in a low growl.
What a fucking drama queen. "Of course, Lord Starscream." She said, using the very title Sideswipe had laughed about while regaling her with stories of past battles.
"I expect results when I next contact you." Without another word, he jumped and immediately transformed, the force of his wings caused a gust of air to nearly knock her over. He rocketed off, noise and pressure making her ears pop painfully. The booming thrusters quickly faded out of hearing range. Hardshell's wings, unable to keep up with the seeker, buzzed in the air a moment longer before he too was gone. Mirage merely turned invisible and walked off.
Erin felt as if a weight was lifted off her. She fell on her ass, gulping down air, fighting fits of coughing as grit scratched her throat. She could barely focus as a burning pain reminded her of numerous injuries. She managed to hide it while facing Starscream, but with no other distraction, she refocused on inspecting all of her wounds.
She could hear a pair of familiar pede steps quickly approaching but ignored them until the twins burst through the tree line. She was too tired try to stand for them, and instead lazily waved from where she sat.
Sunstreaker, his cannon ready, patrolled around her while Sideswipe rushed to her side. His optics spent a moment scanning their surroundings, glancing back and forth between her and the upturned pile of dirt.
"What happened, are you injured?" His optics were pale blue, a sign of activated gladiator programming.
Luckily, there wasn't anything left to fight. "Yeah, I'm fine. I found Mirage but before I could call you, the insecticon had me."
"The dim spark really is working with the 'cons." Sunstreaker snarled, still prowling the perimeter.
"Yeah, he is." Erin sighed. Mirage had been willing to go down this path, but she was the one who showed him the way. How much blame was on her shoulders?
"I'll hunt that fragger down." The yellow mech started stalking to the tree line. Erin couldn't see his faceplates, but the rage was clear in his voice.
"Wait, it's too dangerous to go alone." Erin tried to reason. "Starscream is with them as well. We can't take on all three. Mirage left a while ago; we won't catch up. Let's regroup with Prime for now."
There was a pregnant pause before Sunstreaker turned back towards her. His optics were near white. Despite that, his tone evened out. "We'll do it your way, squishy."
"Are you hurt?" Sideswipe brought back Erin's attention as he lightly scanned her.
Erin knew the data he could get was only basic like temperature, respiration, and open wounds. "My knee's busted, that's the worst of it." A fit of coughing proved her wrong.
"Your helm's leaking." Sunstreaker deadpanned, an accusing digit pointing at her. The color of his optics seemed to be returning to normal.
She ran a finger over her forehead, coming up with a few drops of muddied blood. "It's just a scrape. Won't even scar."
"You look like a slagging mess." Sunstreaker continued as if she said nothing. "What happened?"
"Apparently Hardshell remembered me from when we buried his buddies." She explained with a tight grin. "He wanted to return the favor."
"Primus, sweetspark." Sideswipe muttered, still looking her over. His servos hovered around her.
"Any of you got water in your subspace?" she asked wearily. "I need to wash the mud off my eyes." Sideswipe didn't hesitate to produce a wrapped 24 pack of water bottles. Convenient. As she got to cleaning herself up, she continued, "I managed to get a couple shots in at the insecticon. She motioned towards the pile of energon he leaked after their encounter. "Stopped him long enough to get myself out of there. That's when Starscream arrived to yell at the inseticon before the pair flew off. He didn't seem to notice me."
Sideswipe sighed resignedly. "It's a good thing a 'con wouldn't think of looking for human threats. You're lucky sweetspark."
"It's not just luck." Sunstreaker argued, motioning towards the energon pile. "Insecticons have few weaknesses. That was a good shot, squishy."
The praise warmed Erin. She couldn't see the mechs faceplates while she washed out her eyes, but it wasn't hard to imagine a faint smile. "Thanks."
While Erin cleaned up, the twins sent a message to Prime. After Starscream took off so loudly, he already arranged their search party to investigate. That was how the twins ended up walking into her. Despite N.E.S.T's best efforts, there was no sign of the 'cons after Erin's encounter. She was sent back to be evaluated while the twins begrudgingly returned to patrol without her. By the next morning, they came back empty. Erin knew the 'cons would be long gone; their only goal had been to contact her.
After being checked out by a human medic, it was found she had a broken kneecap. Her less severe injuries included bruising along her ribs where Hardshell squeezed her, a minor concussion, and second degree burns on her arm. The last of which was caused by her own weapon. She wanted to ask Wheeljack to recalibrate it once she returned, but it would probably be a pointless request anyway, considering what she would have to do soon.
When questioned by Prime, she told him the same half-truth she gave the twins. He wanted to know everything that was said. The lack of details was helped by the fact she claimed they only spoke in Cybertronian. Erin couldn't tell whether he believed her. He then decided they would continue to patrol the area in case the 'cons returned. Of course, the Jackhammer's power core was never found.
Prime ordered her to remain at their temporary base of operations while she recovered. Seeming to know Erin wouldn't do well sitting on her hands, he made her the point of contact for all patrols, monitoring their situations and consolidating reports. It was grunt work, but at least she wasn't lying around in a hospital bed. Instead, she was sitting at the edge of said bed with a crate to use as a desk. The monotonous job gave her plenty of time to think.
The Decepticons, however odd it seemed, were a questionably welcomed addition to her plans. Not only could she take down Division from the inside, but with Mech on the attack, her chances of success increased. She also had the opportunity to ascertain the 'con's strength and base of operations. The opportunity to take out all three threats back-to-back was too valuable to disregard. If she succeeded, the autobots, and most importantly the twins, would be safe.
Reports from various patrolling groups came in every fifteen minutes, leaving Erin to spend most of her time staring at a wall, not only contemplating her next moves, but enduring some introspection.
She had been forced into so many roles; it was making her mind spin. A Division agent ordered to spy on Mech and N.E.S.T. An individual found by Mech, secretly recruited to spy on the Autobots. A N.E.S.T soldier meant to work alongside the Autobots in fighting the Decepticons. A Decepticon tool, used to take out the Autobots and organize the demise of both Division and Mech. And a traitor, focused on taking out Division, Mech, and the 'cons.
It was too much. She had no choice but to warn the autobots of Starscream's plan to take the All Spark from Jazz. She would be forced to reveal her true identity. Damnit. Her time with the twins was going to end too soon.
Tears pricked at her bloodshot eyes. It burned, but she wanted that. It was a physical manifestation of the pain worming through her heart. The twins were going to find out and they'll inevitably reject her. They'll hate her.
A message popped up on her data pad, breaking through Erin's dark thoughts. Wiping the tears away, she looked at the screen. It was the twins checking in. Sideswipe sent it.
'Still no sign of Mirage. Just finished checkpoint 32. Heading back now.'
She sent an affirmative and logged the information. After a moment, another message came through, still from Sideswipe.
'We missed you today. How are you feeling?'
His concern cut her like a dagger. Why did that crazy alien have to be so sweet? She wrote a clinical response, 'I'm feeling fine, no changes.' After a few seconds of overthinking, she added, 'Missed you too.' And send it before she could change her mind. He had made her soft.
Sideswipe replied with, '3'. Erin felt increasingly guilty for encouraging him. Hell, she instigated it! But when it came to the twins, she was weak.
The mechs returned, along with the other patrols, all with no news to report. The process continued for another five days. Erin held up the base, while the twins went out and patrolled. Each day, Sideswipe would send her increasingly cute texts.
'Miss you'
"Remember Hatchet wanted you to keep your leg elevated.'
'You must be bored without your favorite mechs!'
Within a day and a half, his tact devolved.
'If there wasn't any gravity on Earth, I would still fall for you!'
That finally got Erin to respond: 'Was that a pick-up line?'
'Maybe...'
Then, from Sunstreaker, 'Ignore the idiot.'
While Erin had full faith that the yellow gladiator had smacked his twin on the helm, Sideswipe was undeterred. 'Can I borrow a kiss? I promise I'll give it back!'
Erin wasn't sure how to respond. And for some reason, she felt as if she had to. 'Only if you promise to share with Sunstreaker.'
It barely took a second for the more controlled brother to message her again. 'Don't get him excited.'… 'We'll see you soon, though.'
Cazzo Madre di Dio! She was head over fucking heels. The rest of that day left her with a warm feeling in her chest that swirled antagonistically with the cold sweeping down her spine.
When the twins retunred, they didn't kiss. There was no privacy and things felt awkward in public. At least Erin did while Sunstreaker kept his brother's enthusiasm under a tight leash.
She did sleep in their alt modes each night- after the medics let her go- alternating between the two. No one in their vicinity chose to comment on it, wisely avoiding eye contact with any of them, especially the 'yellow terror twin'. Erin wanted to relish the time she had left with the pair. She wished to give them more, to show what she felt for them. But there was no time.
Soon, they returned to Diego Garcia.
Erin had started deboarding the plane, slowed by the brace around her knee. Just her luck, she was stopped in her tracks by the steely glare of Ratchet. His optics shifted between her face and leg.
"Where are your crutches? I know you were assigned some!" His words were accompanied by the tingling feeling of a deep scan.
She'd been given crutches, but didn't feel the need to use them. "I'm fine walking on my own." She tried to state calmly. Her mind was focused on getting past the medical officer. She needed to see Franky before Prime tried to debrief her or Ratchet squirreled her away in the med bay.
"You are fine when I say you are." The bright yellow 'bot grumbled and pointed at Erin before hooking a digit towards the Autobot hanger. "You are coming with me for a full work-up."
Without hesitation, Erin turned to her silver friend. "Sideswipe, I need a getaway car."
The mech's beaming grin was his only reply before transforming, still in the plane. The passenger side door swung open for Erin. It soon closed, locking out the sputtering of an irate medic. Sideswipe took off down the ramp and shot away. From the rearview mirror, Erin could see Sunstreaker shaking his helm, a few amused smiles from human soldiers, and a confused Ratchet.
Sideswipes laughter filtered through the radio and was matched by his engine as he drove in a seemingly random direction.
"Primus sweetspark, you know Hatchet will dismantle us both!" He chuckled.
Erin couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I know but once I'm in his med bay I'll be locked in for a while, knowing him. I wanted to get to my room first. Could you drop me off?"
"As much as I like messing with Hatchet," he replied in a sobered tone, "you should get checked out by him sooner than later."
Of course, it had to be the one time Sideswipe was feeling responsible. Erin didn't bother to tell him she was doing fine, he'd still worry. "I promise I will. I just need to make a stop first. Then I'll head straight to the med bay."
"Alright. I'll wait for you and drive you over."
Erin couldn't think of a good excuse to divert him from that goal. It's not like she should be running to the Autobot hanger in her condition. She'd just have to be careful. "Could you run interference for a bit? I'll text you when I'm ready." She had already messaged Franky so he would already be waiting in her room.
"Are you gonna tell me what you're trying to sneak around for?"
"Nope." She replied with an exaggerated grin.
Erin waited for a moment, but Sideswipe never challenge her response. Instead, he turned and headed in the direction of her barracks.
The rest of the drive was only a few minutes, but it was enough time for her to waver back and forth. She knew what she had to do but felt nothing but apprehension and fear. She tried to block out those pointless emotions. They wouldn't change anything anyway.
Instead, she attempted to drown out her thoughts with other things. Like the ressonance of Sideswipe's tires over the ground. The loose pebbles that were scraped against the road created a familiar sound that she had begun to associate with her friends. Erin realized she could recognize each Autobot by not only the hum of their engine, but their tires as well. She also focused on the sky. It was a clear blue with only a few whisps of white, so far and expansive. Somehow Erin took comfort that her problems were insignificant in comparison. The color reminded her of the twins, wavering between dark and light shades. Only the white of the clouds were gentle in comparison to the front liner's optics. Erin felt a burn in her knee and the aching soreness of bruises hidden by her clothes. These things grounded her. They were real and physical and happening right now. The pain in her mind hadn't actually happened yet. All that she could control was the moment she lived in.
All too soon, Sideswipe pulled to a stop. "I'll distract the Hatchet, comm me when you're ready." His tone was too serious, void of joking irony. He must have picked up more than Erin thought she was putting out.
"Thank you." She said, giving him a quick glance before heading inside. Erin wanted to hold on to the peace she'd placed herself in. To just step back out and call Sideswipe to her side. But instead, she headed to her room, knowing her thin tranquility was already crumbling under apprehension.
Franky greeted her with wide fear-filled eyes. His arms were crossed protectively over his chest, his breathing ragged.
Once Erin closed the door he seethed, "What the fuck happened?"
The mask came back on. She needed to be strong to do her job and to reassure Franky. "Care to share some context?"
"25 told me you're working with the cons now!" His arms waved around manically.
"Quiet." She quickly hushed him. "They approached me. Apparently, Division tried to start an alliance with Starscream to get dirt on Mech. Offered my services in exchange." Once she recognized understanding in Franky's eyes, she continued, "Guess that's what they were warning you about."
It looked like her spies were making quick work of their new resources if 14 already got connected with 25. Erin wasn't surprised; they were all efficient in espionage and could work somewhat independently. Which was good, considering she could get cut down any day.
"So what happens now?" He asked, more composed.
"We make our move."
Author's Note:
English to Italian Translations
Per prima cosa, ho una domanda per te= First, I have a question for you
Intermediario= intermediary
Cosa sta facendo quella cosa disgustosa?= What is that disgusting thing doing?
gladiatore spazzatura= Gladiator trash
Cazzo Madre di Dio= fucking mother of god