Autobot Angel

Chapter 16: Autobot Ghosts

Frank Tripp glared at Horatio. "You knew about them?"

"Only two. The other four…"

"Hold on. There are six altogether?"

Horatio nodded. "One of them, Prowl, was here with Speed during the shooting."

"So, we had a ghost walking around a crime scene and you didn't tell me?"

Horatio eyed Frank, amused. "First of all, I only knew he was there because Alexx and Delko said he was there. Secondly, how is a ghost going to contaminate a crime scene? Thirdly, if he and his friends hadn't been there, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Tripp scowled but Horatio was right. "Wait, how come you couldn't see him?"

Horatio shrugged. "I don't know. We're all out of our league with this case."

"The case with Sara Turner?"

"Yes."

Tripp paced. "When did the first ghost appear?"

Horatio leaned back in his chair. "According to Speedle; the jewelry shop about three weeks ago."

"Three weeks ago?" Tripp's eyes narrowed. "What was a ghost doing there?"

Horatio's smile was thin. "Speedle told me the ghost stepped in front of a bullet for him."

"But Detective Speedle was hit," Tripp protested.

"True. But the bullet lost critical velocity when it hit the ghost. Tripp, if the ghost hadn't been there, Speedle would be six feet under and we'd still be reeling."

Tripp gaped at Horatio, numb. Maybe Speed, like the rest of the CSIs, was a bit nosy but Tripp liked him nonetheless. The CSI's sarcastic wit and humor were appreciated throughout the station. If this ghost had saved Speed's life, then Frank Tripp was prepared to accept him.

"I've asked my team and our 'guests' to come in here for a chit-chat. We need to know if anymore ghosts are coming."

Tripp nodded. "Horatio, you know who two of them are, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Before they get here, what's your best guess on the four new ones?"

Horatio grew thoughtful. "The first one is Prowl, the second one, Wheeljack. Both names I've gotten from a friend of mine in the FBI."

"Names from what?"

"The list of casualties at Autobot City."

"Casualties?"

"Yes. Apparently, about five weeks ago Autobot City was attacked. Four Autobots died when their shuttle was ambushed in space. Three others at the City itself; including the Autobot commander, Optimus Prime."

Tripp stared. "And you think all six ghosts came from that battle?"

Horatio nodded.

Alexx was still shaking at how close she'd come to dying. Speed had an arm around her shoulder, letting her know he was there for her. Behind them, two ghosts leaned against the wall. One was the black-haired Prowl. The other was Ratchet. He was watching, sapphire eyes curious. The medic tilted his head, ignoring the gray hair that flicked in front of his eyes. Prowl was keeping an eye on Alexx and Speed and inspecting Ratchet with the other eye. The tactician hid a grin. Of course Ratchet would have gray hair as a human. The clothes were interesting though. Ebony boots, light gray jeans, and a white t-shirt with red crosses on the shoulders. Prowl looked back at Alexx, thinking. From what he could tell, the clothes the Autobots wore resembled their robot forms. Ironhide had all red clothes, except of course for his boots. Even Ironhide's hair was red. Windcharger had a red shirt and black jeans and a head of black hair. Brawn had dark yellow hair, dark green jeans and a golden shirt. All of them had their insignia on necklaces. The tactician was beginning to think someone beside Elektra had planned all of this. Oh, she was involved. But the whole thing just seemed too big to just be her. Ratchet's sigh interrupted Prowl's musing.

"Isn't there a meeting to get to?" the medic inquired.

"Give Alexx a few moments, Ratch. She's not used to being shot at."

Ratchet muttered under his breath and looked around. "What is this room anyway?"

"The morgue."

"Morgue?"

Alexx heaved in a breath and turned to Ratchet. "This is where I figure out how people died. The body is how the victim speaks to the investigators."

Ratchet cocked an eyebrow. "Interesting. Shall we go?"

Alexx folded her arms. "Haven't you heard of a little thing called chivalry?" she demanded.

"The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood. What is your point?"

Prowl rolled his eyes as Alexx stared. "Was that a dictionary definition?" Alexx managed.

"Yes."

Alexx glared at Ratchet. "Then here's the layman definition. Got your notepad ready, hotshot?"

"I'm not Hot Shot…"

"Ratchet, that's not what she meant."

Alexx eyed Ratchet. "Chivalry means when a woman needs something, like time to recover from almost getting shot, the male gives it to her."

"Within reason of course," Prowl put in.

Ratchet flushed. "My apologies, Ms. Woods."

Alexx gave him an approving nod. Speed grinned at Ratchet from behind Alexx's back. Alexx turned and smiled at the scruffy CSI. "Let's not keep Horatio waiting, Timmy."

Ratchet gaped as the humans departed. Turning to Prowl he asked, "Isn't that what I just said?"

Prowl grinned at the medic. "Yep. Just be a gentlemech and Alexx will be fine."

Prowl slipped out, leaving Ratchet blinking. The medic turned and scowled. "Just wait until I get my hands on you. I'll weld you to your bunk." Still grumbling, the medic followed Prowl and the CSIs to Horatio Caine's office.

Calleigh smiled, glad to finally be able to see Speed's guardian angel. She'd thank him for saving her coworker later. For now, six Autobot ghosts, one homicide detective, one ME, and four CSIs were squeezed into Horatio's office. The Autobots were all leaning against the wall, trying to stay out of the way. The rest, minus Horatio, were grouped in front of Horatio's desk while Horatio sat behind it.

Horatio turned to Prowl. "Who's in command?"

"I am." Prowl turned to his fellow Autobots. "Wheeljack you already know." Wheeljack lifted a hand. "This is Ironhide, former head of security." Ironhide snapped off a salute. "Windcharger, an Autobot warrior." Windcharger grinned and gave a wave. "Brawn, our demolitions expert." Brawn gave a grunt and straightened. "And last, but not least, Ratchet our Chief Medical Officer." Ratchet gave a nod.

"What were you?" Tripp asked, curious.

"Second in command and chief tactician."

Horatio gave a nod of his own. "Prowl, do you think any more ghosts will be arriving?"

"No."

"Will you bring your fellow Autobots up to date on our case after this meeting?"

"Of course."

Horatio turned to his team. "I'll introduce my CSIs. Alexx Woods, our Medical Examiner." Alexx smiled at the Autobots. "Calleigh Duquesne, our ballistics specialist." Calleigh smiled and gave a wave. "Eric Delko, our fingerprint and drug expert. Also the only CSI who can work an underwater crime scene." Delko smirked and gave a wave. "Tim Speedle, our trace specialist." Speedle gave a cocky salute. "And finally, Detective Frank Tripp, a homicide detective who often works with CSI." Tripp gave the Autobots a nod. "I'm Horatio Caine, head of the crime lab."

Horatio eyed his CSIs. "Did anyone in the media catch a glimpse of our friends here?"

Calleigh shook her head. "Ah doubt it Horatio. Media didn't show up until after the drive-by."

"Besides," Speed put in, "Alexx and I tried to get a photo of Prowl and he didn't show up in the picture."

Horatio nodded. "Alright, let's get back to work people. Just remember, we're the only ones who can see our Autobot guests so be careful."

Prowl looked over at Speed. "I'll come to the lab after I bring these guys up to date and hand out assignments."

Speed tossed Prowl a thumbs up.

Prowl grinned and gave a nod. "Come on, guys. Wheeljack and I have to get you in the game as quickly as we can. We've got a psychopath to catch."

A/N: I apologize if the chapter is a bit long and slow. I figured it was necessary to show the introductions and the info sharing. Comments, please. I'll rework it if it bogs the story down too much. Also, tell me how I'm doing with the Autobot appearances. That might have been a bit fast. Please Read and Review