Autobot Angel

Chapter 18: Promise Kept

Elektra gazed down at the spark in her hands. She hadn't expected this. Krane had managed to outmaneuver her, but she wasn't done yet. Her power had kept the Autobot alive. She looked up, smile fierce. She was a Guardian and this Thomas Krane had just ticked off the wrong woman.

The form before her was an upgraded version of Prowl. His alt mode was still a Datsun, his color scheme and basic look were the same but there the similarities halted. This robot was armed with explosive missiles equipped with onboard targeting systems that Prowl could tap into, enabling the shot to be pinpointed and adjusted, even allowing Prowl to change his target. His acid-pellet rifle had been given a larger clip and could fire smart bullets in addition to the acid pellets. Rate of fire had been upgraded as well. The robot's armor was gundanium alloy, a high impact resistant metal. The doorwings had been fitted with an energy beam system that, when activated, would allow Prowl to glide. The effect was increased with the thrusters that had been added to Prowl's leg components. The thrusters would remain hidden when not in use, active, they would snap out and into position. For close combat, a beam saber was attached to Prowl's left hip. Everything was ready. All the robot needed was a spark.

Elektra sprang up and opened the robot's chest panel. With gentle, nimble fingers she opened the spark compartment. She placed Prowl's spark in the compartment and smiled. It was time. She closed the compartment and the panel, then leapt up to her computer.

"Activate Autobot Prowl."

"Activation code?"

"Ten Break Alpha. Strike, Strike, Strike."

"Code accepted. Activating Autobot Prowl."

Systems whirred to life, pumping energy into the robot. Sapphire optics lit and Prowl gave a soft groan. He shifted, then halted as his CPU began accessing the upgrades. Elektra waited as he stood, absorbing the information. After a minute, he turned to her. "Elektra?"

"Yes." She gazed up at him for a moment. "You don't have much time. I'm calling your fellow Autobots in for their upgrades…" she paused as he glanced around, taking in the five other robots in the warehouse, "…but by the time I'm done, it will be too late. You're on your own for this one."

Prowl scowled. "How am I supposed to find him?"

"Go to Sara's house, you will find them."

Prowl snorted. "And what do I do when I get there? I'm a bit big to fit inside that house."

"Use your holoform." Elektra leaned forward. "Aslan bless, Autobot Prowl."

Alexx knelt next to the fallen robot. Following Ratchet's instructions, she opened a panel on Prowl's chest. Numb, she opened the 'spark compartment.' As they had all expected, it was empty. Prowl was dead, Timmy taken. She had grown to like the Autobot, with his business-like manner and that rare, sparkling smile. Beside her, the gruff medic was trying not to cry. The other Autobots had left as soon as they'd seen the gray, lifeless body. Calleigh, Delko, and Horatio were processing the room, trying to find a clue to Speed's location. Tripp and Dave were questioning the FBI agents.

"Everything was quiet until we heard a yell."

Tripp scowled. "What happened next?"

Travis sighed. "We grabbed our guns but Krane was smart. He blocked the door. Then…" the agent shook his head.

"There was this awful scream. Almost…electronic." Ratchet looked up. "It got higher and higher and then, it just cut off. We kept trying to get the door open but by the time we managed it, Krane and Speed were gone."

"Honey?" Alexx asked, seeing Ratchet's face contort with fury.

"A disrupter scream. That's what they heard. This…slagger tortured Prowl. Somehow…" Ratchet trailed off.

"What?"

"There." Alexx looked.

"Horatio."

Horatio came over. "What is it Alexx?"

Alexx looked near to crying. "Horatio, Krane hit him with a taser."

Horatio frowned. "That shouldn't have been enough to kill him."

"If Krane managed to get that thing's power jacked up, it sure would kill an Autobot," Ratchet snarled. "This guy is mine!"

"Not if ah get there first, Ratch," Ironhide rumbled. "There's some lady out there."

"Her?"

"Yep."

"Wonderful. What's she want now?"

Ironhide sighed. "Sorry, guys. The lady that sent us t' help you is pullin' us out."

"She can't be serious," Ratchet protested.

"I am." Ratchet glared at her. "You can glare all you want, now come."

Ratchet looked back at Alexx and sighed. "When you catch this guy, just shoot him for me, okay?"

Horatio gave a nod. "Count on it."

The Datsun police interceptor sped through the night, lights flashing and siren wailing. Prowl growled, gunning his engine even more. Every second he delayed was an opportunity for Krane to kill Speed. He'd already evaluated his holoform's battle worthiness and found it lacking. It would be enough to get Speed out of Krane's clutches but Prowl suspected (and rather hoped) it would come down to a chase. The Datsun turned the corner, nearly going up on two tires, and killed the siren. No good if Krane heard the siren and fled. A block down Prowl killed the lights and shifted his engine to stealth mode. The cruiser ghosted along, finally pulling in front of Sara's home. Prowl scanned the home and was pleased. Speed and Krane were on the first floor. That made things simpler.

Speed glared at his captor. The sight of Prowl lying there in the hotel room was burned into his memory. It was either stay mad at his captor or break down in tears for his friend. Speed was determined to deny Krane the satisfaction. Krane smiled and walked up to the handcuffed CSI.

"How are you doing Sara?"

"The name is Tim. Tim Speedle. You just made your last mistake Krane."

Krane ignored him. "You were so stubborn. If you'd only listened, I wouldn't have had to shoot you."

Speed felt chills crawl up his back. Krane had lost it and he was right in a lunatic's line of fire.

"I promised you, didn't I? I promised we would play again. Let's see if Dave can find you in time."

Speed hissed in anger. First chance he got, he would strike. H. Hurry.

Elektra eyed the ghosts before her. All of them were staring at their upgraded forms. She smiled. Soon. "Alright, are you guys going to gawk all night or are you ready to get back in action?"

Five pairs of eyes turned to her. "Good. Now, the computer can only handle one at a time. Ironhide, you're up first."

"Wait a second. Where's Prowl's new form?"

Her smile widened. "Why Ironhide, I do believe you've caught on." The smile turned devious. "My power kept him alive. He's off helping a friend of yours."

The Autobots looked at each other, then grinned. Elektra laughed as Windcharger let out a whoop. "Now then, Ironhide?"

The redhead turned. "Yeah?"

"Just touch your new form. I'll handle everything else." She eyed the others. "As for the rest of you, wait your turn. Understand?" They sighed and nodded.

Prowl crept up to the window and scanned it. Good. It was open and oiled. He opened it and slipped inside. He landed in a crouch and listened. He could hear Krane ranting above him but no footsteps toward the basement. The tactician slid up the steps, checking each one before he stepped on it. Noise was unacceptable at this point. He checked the door and frowned. Locked. Still, one learned a few useful skills in a war, especially when one's best friend was Jazz. Prowl picked the lock and pushed the door open. Krane was babbling on about Sara. Prowl ignored that and moved through the hallway. He used his scanners to pinpoint Speed's location. The handcuffs were a problem. However, Speedle's position was perfect. Prowl could slip up behind Speed and Krane wouldn't know the difference. Prowl crouched and moved forward. Once behind Speed, he gave a soft hiss. Speed twisted and his eyes widened. Prowl shook his head, warning Speed to stay silent. He gestured at the cuffs with the lockpick, then pointed at the door. Speed scowled but nodded. He faced forward as Krane turned toward them, still talking to Sara.

"Your sister was weak but you, even when the brat was dead, I could see fire in your eyes. That's what attracted me."

"You're sick," Speed spat.

Prowl shook his head, working at the cuffs. One came loose and he turned to the other. In moments it was off. Prowl slid to the side and lunged past Speedle, locking with Krane before the maniac could pull his gun. Behind him, Speed leapt for the door, yanking it open and running into the night. Krane let out a howl and kicked, forcing Prowl back. He aimed and fired as Prowl's holoform vanished.

Speed heard the shot but kept running. He saw the Datsun in front of him, door open and dove for it. He heard Krane's howl of fury as he landed in the front seat. The door slammed behind him and the tires gave a screech as the car peeled out. Speed sat up, confused. A seat belt lashed across him, buckling by itself. Speed looked at the steering wheel and saw the Autobot insignia.

"Prowl?"

The radio crackled to life. "Made a promise, didn't I. How do you like the new look?"

Speed grinned for the first time all night. "Nice."

"Thanks, but it looks like Krane is after us."

Speed looked in the rearview mirror and saw Krane's black vehicle in it. "What do we do?"

"See if he can outmaneuver an Autobot."

Prowl's siren cut through the night, the Autobot using it to clear out traffic ahead of him. He wove through traffic that refused to acknowledge the siren. Krane's vehicle was dropping back a bit but Prowl knew the chase was just getting started. The Autobot slid into a turn, heading for the warehouse district. Elektra would, hopefully, have the others ready before he got there. Krane managed to close the gap and tried a ram. Prowl activated his shields and pushed back, forcing Krane back enough for him to get ahead again. The Datsun slewed into another turn, getting set up for a straight shot to the target area. Prowl gunned his engine, giving it every bit of power he could. Krane fell back, then Prowl heard the other engine's growl. After a few moments the cars were even. Prowl tried to ram, to get ahead again, but Krane stepped on his breaks and Prowl accidently turned into the on-ramp for the highway.

"Prowl, the highway's under construction," Speed yelped.

"Can't be helped. He tricked me that time," the tactician replied. He roared ahead, realizing that now, he really was on his own. Krane raced after him, trying to catch up again. Prowl refused to let him, moving to block Krane's every attempt to pass. Warning signs were a blur as the two cars flew along. Prowl hissed, the chase could end very badly if it went on at these speeds. He hit the brakes long enough to get to the exit ramp. Krane's tires squealed and then the madman was right behind them again. Prowl turned and realized he was on another highway, this one leaping right along the ocean line.

Horatio Caine considered swearing. All available patrol cars were being called to the chase between a dark sedan and a Datsun police interceptor. The cruiser was not Miami-Dade, considering that Miami-Dade patrol cars were Ford Crown Victorias. The problem was that this chase meant Caine didn't have any uniforms to deploy in the search for his missing CSI. Dave's agents were already in the street but Horatio wanted, no needed, more.

"H!"

"What is it Delko?"

"Choppers are here. Dispatch said until the chase is over, choppers are all we'll get."

Horatio nodded. "Good work, Eric. Let's find Speed."

Prowl accelerated even more and tapped into the Miami-Dade frequency. Patrol cars were coming but it wouldn't be enough. Choppers were faster and Prowl needed back up.

"Speed, call dispatch and ask them where the choppers are."

Speed grabbed the transmitter. "Dispatch, where are the choppers?"

"Officer, please identify."

Speed groaned, frustrated. Prowl broke in with, "Speed, say Adam-Four. We'll worry about the repercussions later."

Speed nodded. "Dispatch, this is Adam-Four. Where are those choppers?"

"Adam-Four, choppers are assisting in search for missing officer."

"Slag," Prowl hissed.

Eric couldn't believe the voice he was hearing over the department frequency. "H! Speed's on the radio."

Horatio's eyes widened. "Are you sure Eric?"

"Yeah, he was askin' where the choppers are." Eric suddenly slapped his forehead. "H, I know this is gonna sound crazy but I remember Speed tellin' me Prowl was a Datsun police interceptor."

"Eric, he's dead."

"I know H! But where else could that Datsun have come from?"

Horatio thought for a moment, then turned to the pilot. "Head for the chase and tell the other choppers to follow."

"Yes sir!"

"Eric, tell Speed the choppers are inbound."

"Right!"

Speed stared at the radio as Eric's voice crackled through. "Adam-Four, choppers are inbound, I repeat, choppers are inbound."

"Yes!" Speed snatched up the transmitter. "Copy that, thanks!"

Prowl felt a tinge of relief but it wasn't over yet. Krane pulled up next to the Datsun and Speed ducked down. Prowl activated his shields and spotted the choppers. The cars shot onto a bridge, sirens from the patrol cars wailing behind them. Just then, Krane's vehicle slammed into Prowl and forced him into the railing. Frantic, Prowl shoved back but too late. At high speed he crashed through the railing and shot outward toward the water. Prowl unhooked Speed's belt and opened his passenger door. Speed's scream told the tactician that Speed wouldn't be able to see his plan. He sent the seat back forward and pushed Speed out…

A/N: --Gasps in horror-- Oh, the inhumanity. The ever dreaded, ever evil CLIFFHANGER!! What is Prowl's plan? Where is Krane? For that matter, where are the other Autobots? Stay tuned for the answers to these questions and more. Please Read and Review.