Autobot Angel

Chapter 19: Transform and Roll Out

Prowl transformed, reaching out even as Speed fell. The CSI thudded into Prowl's right hand. Thrusters snapped out as Prowl initiated the system in his doorwings. Energy beams shot outward, forming a pair of glider wings over Prowl's doorwings. The Autobot's fall turned into a smooth descent. Prowl grimaced; he didn't have enough altitude to avoid the water. His left hand reached down in subspace. Back when Wheeljack had first developed the hydro-foils, Jazz had termed them "Autoboards." Prowl grinned at the memory and pulled the board out. He let the board fall and killed the thrusters. The tactician landed on the board in a crouch, driving the board down a bit but, after a moment, it stabilized and he was surfing. Prowl shifted and brought his right hand up; letting Speed scramble onto his shoulder.

"Don't ever do that again."

"Worked out, didn't it," Prowl replied.

Out of the corner of his optic, he saw Speed glare. "On a wing and a prayer."

Prowl lifted an optical brow at the expression and turned the board toward dry land. Speed looked around. "What happened to Krane?"

Prowl tensed and activated his shields. Scanners swept the area behind them, pinpointing Krane's car on the bridge. Prowl hissed in dismay. Krane's car was there, but no Krane. The Autobot crouched, speeding the board up. After a moment, Prowl sprang forward, landing on dry land. He turned and knelt, scooping up the Autoboard. Speed slid down to stand on solid ground. "No sign of Krane on scanners," Prowl reported.

Speedle frowned. "What about his car?"

"It's on the bridge, empty."

"How'd he dodge patrol?"

Prowl shrugged. "They might have been distracted by our impromptu flight."

"Cute," Speed growled. "So we've got a psychopath loose in the city."

"We're close to the warehouse."

"What?"

Prowl looked down at Speed. "Backup," he said simply.

Ironhide chuckled. "Hope someone got that on tape."

Prowl hid his embarrassment. "You can look for that later."

"Yeah," Ironhide acknowledged.

"Let's get moving," Brawn rumbled, eager to try out his upgrades.

Prowl eyed the minibot. "Sorry Brawn. Only Wheeljack, Windcharger, and I are going."

"What?" Brawn cried, outraged.

Windcharger grinned at his friend. "Prowl is sayin' you're too slow." He dodged Brawn's swipe. Prowl glared and they settled.

"Speed?"

Speed looked up at Prowl. "'Til you go home, we're partners. And I don't leave a partner to fight alone."

Prowl gazed at Speedle a moment, then nodded. "The rest of you, meet up with Caine and the others. Let him know what's going on."

"Got it," Ratchet replied.

"Good luck, ya'll," Ironhide added. Brawn just snorted, still miffed.

Prowl turned to the others. "I'm not Prime but…Autobots, transform and roll out!"

The three Autobots transformed and Speed slid into Prowl's passenger side. Ironhide gave a nod and the other two Autobots shoved the warehouse door open. Engines rumbled and roared, their owners speeding out into the night.

Horatio stared at the black sedan, replaying what he'd seen.

Flashback

The black car rammed into the Datsun, sending it into the railing and out over the water. The car took flight and Horatio heard Eric yell over his headset. The Datsun's hood tipped down and its passenger door opened. Horatio saw Speed tumble and felt his heart stop. No… The Datsun twisted, transforming even as it fell. The massive right hand caught Speed as thrusters snapped out of its legs. For a split second the air hummed. Energy beams came online, forming wings on the robot's back. The robot caught the wind and glided down, throwing something, a board?, into the water. It landed and Horatio held his breath. Behind him, Eric swore and Horatio turned long enough for the black and white machine to disappear.

End Flashback

Krane was gone but he wouldn't escape them for long. Every cop and Fed in the city was combing the streets for him, furious that he'd managed to kidnap a cop. It was only a matter of time. Horatio frowned. That was the problem. They had no idea how volatile Krane was or how many people he'd take down with him. That robot was missing, so was Speed. Horatio had nothing but gut to tell him that the robot was Prowl. Top that with an angry Dave Turner currently heading in Caine's direction and it was shaping up to be an awful night.

"He got away?"

Horatio sighed and slipped his sunglasses off. "Everyone was distracted by the flying car."

"Funny. When do you deploy the divers?"

Horatio allowed a small smile. "No need, Agent Turner. Fortunately for whomever was inside the car, it was an Autobot."

Turner gaped. "An Autobot?"

Horatio nodded. "In the commotion, Krane got away."

Dave scowled and opened his mouth. A siren cut him off. Horatio turned and felt his eyes narrow. Three cars were bulling their way into his crime scene. One was the ambulance with the noisy siren. Beside the vanette was a second one, this one red. The third car was a gold and green military jeep. Officers were trying to cut the cars off but the three vehicles weren't stopping. Horatio spied an interesting feature on all the intruders. Autobot insignias.

He strode over and the cars halted. "What can I do for you Autobots tonight?"

Officers and bystanders gaped as all three cars transformed, becoming steel giants. The red one knelt and grinned at Horatio. "We look that different, Lieutenant?"

Horatio returned the grin. "Ironhide." He looked at the other two. "Ratchet and Brawn, I presume?" They nodded.

"Prowl, 'Charger, an' Wheeljack are lookin' for Krane right now," Ironhide informed Horatio. "Speedle's with 'em."

Horatio forebode to comment on Prowl's evident return from the dead. "And you three?"

Brawn snorted. "Prowl thought we were too slow."

Ratchet elbowed the minibot. "That's 'cause we are too slow, rustbolt."

Dave was still staring. Horatio took pity on the agent. "Agent Dave Turner, meet Autobots Ironhide, Ratchet, and Brawn."

Krane gasped for air. Sara had been his, but that meddling robot had interfered. Now it was over. Krane knew that but he was determined to take at least one of those CSIs with him. He skirted over his options. The African-American. She was important to Sara. He would have his revenge on the brat, even if it was for the last time.

Speed looked down at Prowl's panel. "Could we stop at the lab? I need to tell Alexx I'm alright."

"Sure. As long as you tell her I'm alright. Ratchet said she was crying at the hotel," Prowl returned.

Speed grinned. "No prob."

Prowl wheeled around the corner and set a course for the lab. "Change of plans guys. Quick stop at the lab, then we get this creep."

The others acknowledged, though they still kept an optic out for Krane.

Speed slipped into the lab, grateful it was almost empty. Prowl, 'Charger, and 'Jack had come along, wanting to say hi to Alexx. Of course, their holoforms were exact replicas of their ghostly forms. Speed headed for the morgue, then paused, spotting something on a security camera. He leaned in, then hissed. "Prowl, he's here. He's got Alexx."

"We'll need guns."

Speed sprinted for the elevator, the Autobots right behind him.

Krane smiled at his captive, delighted at her stubbornness. She would do. Sara would be very unhappy. "Soon," he whispered to the woman. "Soon Sara will be here."

"You're insane. Sara's dead."

Krane growled and hit the lying wench. "She will come," he snarled. "Then I will have my revenge."

"Krane!" Krane smiled. She was here.

"Sara. I've been waiting for you."

Speedle brought his gun up, aware of Wheeljack's stance beside him. Prowl and 'Charger were coming in through the back. "I told you once, I'm telling you again. The name is Tim. Tim Speedle."

"You can hide, Sara, but I'll always find you," Krane's eyes glittered. "I was glad you survived that fall, Sara. A guardian angel, eh?"

Speedle gave Krane a smile that was only technically a smile. "More like an Autobot Angel."

"Ahh. That sounds just like you Sara. Now then, what shall I do with my little hostage here? Your choice Sara."

Speedle aimed, praying his shot would be true. A shot rang out and Krane dropped, almost knocking Alexx down as he fell. Alexx ran to Tim, the CSI dropping his weapon to hug Alexx. He looked over Alexx's head as Prowl knelt next to Krane's body.

"Alexx, it's okay, it's okay. He's dead."

Alexx nodded, sobbing into Tim's shirt. "Timmy, I'm glad you're safe." She choked back further tears. "Timmy, I need to tell you something."

Speed shook his head. "No Alexx, you don't. Just turn around."

Alexx turned and gasped. Prowl gave her a crooked smile. "Hi Alexx. Looks like I had a bit of help too."

Windcharger grinned as Wheeljack chuckled. It was over. Krane was dead.

The Autobots all received awards from the city for their help in the Sara Turner case as well as honorary officer status. The CSIs received written thanks from the mayor and commendations in their files. Dave Turner completed Sara's last book and gave Speed the very first copy. Prowl got his copy in bookfile format. The book itself was dedicated to the Miami-Dade police department and the six Autobots who had worked the case. The Autobots decided to remain in Miami for the moment, refining their abilities and combat techniques.

Prowl could be found either drilling his troops or helping out the lab. Each and every week he bugged Speedle about his gun, forcing the CSI into the habit of cleaning his firearm.

Ratchet volunteered with the local hospital and could be found with Alexx in his off time. Neither CSI nor Autobot was quite sure what to make of the friendship between Alexx and the crotchety medic.

Windcharger hit it off with Calleigh and the two of them would often go for drives. Calleigh found it almost as thrilling as her favorite firearms. She could also be found forcing Speedle to practice with his gun.

Ironhide and Brawn found ways to help both Caine and Detective Tripp, often acting as transportation and backup. Caine learned to trust the old warrior with a Southern drawl and Frank Tripp finally met someone who could match him even on his worst day.

Wheeljack could be found pestering Delko about the equipment in the lab, though Prowl forbade the scientist from experimenting. Delko tolerated the scientist's curiosity, threatening to go to Ratchet when Wheeljack got too much on his nerves. Wheeljack learned how to curb his curiosity a bit and the two could be found driving in the Everglades when Delko was off-shift.

The six Autobots enjoyed their lives in Miami but knew, eventually, duty would call them back to Autobot City. Still, until it did, they were content to remain with the friends they had found.

A/N: Not the last chapter, though I wanted to close the curtains on Krane. What a psycho. Next chapter: Return to the City. Please Read and Review.