Even with two Dinobots and four bags of Cool Ranch Doritos, Lyra was nervous to be back here.

Knock knock knock
Knock-knock

The monitor came on, with that same face. "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE SLAGGING ME."

She didn't even bother to smile. "I've come for Mercuria."

"WELL, SHE'S GONE. FRAG OFF!"

A mere gesture to her guards and the door became a doorway. She could hear Dauber and Waspinator shrieking.

It didn't take her long to condescendingly purr over their "stolen property." One energon dispenser, repossessed. Now for the worse area-

Clean as a whistle. Instead, the entire warehouse contained LEGITIMATE rental equipment. She was relieved and disappointed. "MERCURIA!"

"I told you, she's gone! Did you think I'd let her back in here after what SHE did?"

Lyra feared nothing. Her new job as a police officer digging up black market dealers was pretty nifty. Just ask the motor cycle gang she'd impounded this morning. The Dinos were for show, however. Most of the time she was underground or invisible.

"Where did she go."

He shrugged. "Don't know, don't care."

Lyra nodded to her companions. "Make him care."

"ARGH! SHE'S AT ARKVANDER'S! DON'T TOUCH US!" He was cowering in a corner, trying to shield Waspinator. She called off her goons and gestured towards what used to be the front door, pausing from carrying the energon dispenser to smile politely.

"Thank you. Try to keep your nose clean."

Earth cop shows were awesome. Their source of sarcasm alone was priceless.

Arkvander's store was a bit emptier but the person working the counter was a sight for sore eyes. "I see you got that tarnish taken down a few notches," she greeted her.

Mercuria nodded. Not really smiling. "You again. What are you doing here?"

So her cover hadn't been blown yet. "I never got to thank you for helping me." Snarl was handed the energon dispenser. "I came to offer you this." It was a badge. "It comes with a full pardon and a place to crash outside of the borders. The downside is, you're my partner. The upside is, there's a chance for promotions."

Mercuria glared at her. "Are you KIDDING ME? STAY in this fetid sewer but be on the side of the oppressors and have everyone I know hate me? Gee, thanks!"

Lyra knew it had been a long shot. "Everyone already hates you!" That didn't come out right. "At least you get days off from it this way."

She shook her slightly dull head. "You're a terrible salesperson." Was the scowl lifting. "Do I get free oil changes?"

Lyra's shoulders sagged. "Half off."

"No deal!"

Well, she tried. She bade her good day and let her sidekicks out the door first. "By now you should've somehow realized what you're NOT to do," she berated herself.

They got about halfway out of shouting distance when the sound of a car coming up behind them and transforming beside them erupted.

"Half off is fine!" Mercuria announced, giving Lyra an awkward side hug. "Now where's my badge and when do I start?"

No time like the present.

THE END.

(RIP Dick Gautier)