Chapter 7: The Truth Comes Out
Back at the Academy, Strongarm, having arrived there via the Space Bridge, was discussing the current issue with Heatwave and the other senior bots.
"So, what do we know so far?" asked Heatwave. "We know that the Matrix of Leadership was found in Whirl's quarters, but that alone is not enough to warrant a conviction."
"Yet you were the jackass who decided to expel her regardless..." Bumblebee grumbled to himself.
"Let's not forget the odd behavior Wrangle and the twins have exhibited recently." added Quickshadow. "Especially with that strange bundle I saw them carrying that they labeled as a "science project"."
"Then there's these." said Boulder.
Boulder then place the three gadgets that were used in the heist on Heatwave's desk.
"I found these in Wrangle and the twins' room." he said. "When I asked them where these came from and if they knew anything about them, they said that they didn't and that they have no idea where they came from."
"Hmm..." said Strongarm. "That sounds awfully suspicious to me."
Just then, Laserbeak flew in and perched on the desk.
"What is it, Laserbeak?" Heatwave asked.
Laserbeak squawked in response, and Perceptor translated.
"He says that everything Wrangle and the twins have said are nothing but lies." he said. "He also says that he knows they were the ones who stole the Matrix and framed Whirl for it. In addition, he says he has plenty of evidence to prove his claims. Furthermore, he requests to show his evidence in the briefing room."
"So be it." agreed Heatwave.
Soon, everyone, including Wrangle and the twins, was gathered in the briefing room.
"What's going on, Dad?" Hot Shot asked.
"Laserbeak may have all the answers we've been seeking regarding this whole "Matrix" issue." said Heatwave. "Laserbeak, if you would."
Laserbeak nodded, and then produced a small projector from his head, which he then used to play holographic footage of Wrangle and the twins using the Space Bridge to go to Cybertron, going to the Vaults, from where they were then seen stealing the Matrix and being encountered by the guards, then returning to the Academy with the Matrix. This was followed by Wrangle going into Whirl's quarters with the Matrix, then coming back out a short time later without it. As Wrangle and his friends watched the footage, they became nervous.
"How did that bird manage to get all that without us seeing him?!" Wrangle thought.
There was more to come. Laserbeak's evidence showcase also included audio recordings of Wrangle and the twins discussing their plans. As they listened, all the other bots looked at Wrangle and the twins with anger in their optics.
"Well, boys?" asked Heatwave. "What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Wrangle and the twins knew that the heat was turning up on them.
"Uhhh...well..." said Wrangle. "You see...it's not how it looks..."
Wrangle was too busy trying to come up with something to defend himself that he failed to notice the Autobot insignia on his right wing was starting to peel again. Laserbeak noticed this, and this prompted him to fly over to Wrangle and pull the Autobot insignias off of Wrangle's wings and the twins' chests. Everyone watched as the friendly red Autobot insignias came off to reveal sinister purple Decepticon insignias. As soon as this happened, gasps rang out throughout the room.
"You...you guys are Decepticons!" gasped Medix.
"Of course!" said Sludge. "That explains so much more than the stuff Laserbeak showed us!"
Laserbeak then squawked some more, and this time, Wedge translated.
"Well, it turns out that "Blinker" and "Ripple" aren't the twins' real names." said Wedge. "Their real names are "Blitzkrieg" and "Rippounder". Also, he actually eavesdropped on Whirl's conversation with Wrangle where he told her about being enrolled at the Academy of Cybertronian Law Enforcement after getting expelled from Kaon Police Academy and meeting the twins there. After he heard all that, he looked at the holo-net site of that school, but he found no mention of Wrangle or the twins on the student roster."
Hearing all this information caused a tsunami of anxiety to wash over Wrangle and the twins.
"Oh, shit, they figured it out!" gasped Rippounder.
"Welp, we're busted..." sighed Blitzkrieg.
"Not if they don't catch us!" said Wrangle. "Come on!"
With that, Wrangle ran off, followed by the twins. As Hot Shot watched them run off, a flame of rage had started to grow inside him.
"GET BACK HERE, YOU BASTARDS!" he shouted as he ran off after them.
Heatwave and the others watched as Hot Shot began chasing the three young Decepticons.
"Should we intervene?" asked Blades.
"Not this time." said Heatwave. "I think it would be best if we just let him get it out of his system."
"I actually agree with Heatwave." put in Chase. "Normally, I wouldn't condone physically attacking another bot, let alone another student. However, given the circumstances, I'd say in this case, his actions are justified."
"Well, if you say so." shrugged Blades.
But little did Blades know that Heatwave was actually a little worried himself.
"I just hope Hot Shot knows what he's getting himself into..." Heatwave said to himself.
End Of Chapter 7
