Swiped Away Chapter 4 (Casey figures out how to make a public alliance. Dolce and Swipe verbally parley. Engagement ring from a spark chamber?)
Ironhide silently takes her to the dock side ware house temporary base, blacking out the windows so she can't see the location. He unfolds next to a high tech work table. Then he reaches over and shoves a Genilift for her to stand on. The table had only been intended for the Autobots. With a swipe of his hand he clears the board. Then he turns to her directly. Eye to eye.
"So help me if you betray us, you won't have to worry about Prime's ion cannon. I'll take care of you myself. And if I miss, which I won't, NEST has plenty more who will find you."
"I have no place to go. I have a price on my head!" She is not scared. She is angry.
"That makes you all the more dangerous. The worst. Nothing to loose but all to gain."
"Then why did you bring me here?" She plants her hands on her hips. "If you don't trust me…" "You could still be a prisoner. For all our sakes." She hears the click of him firing up his gun. She pulls her Glock out and aims it directly at his right optic.
"I can't miss from here. Even if I don't destroy your eye, it will still sting like hell." He snaps his fingers and the weapon is magnetically ripped from her hand. He chuckles. She is clearly infuriated. He didn't see her next move.
With a flick of her wrist she flips a Cybertainuim blade from her wrist and it stabs Ironhide right in the tip of his chin. He narrows his gaze at her directly. She reaches forward and goes to pull it out but he straightens up quickly.
She crosses her arms over her chest triumphantly. "Are we done with the interrogation? I'm certain you are done doing your back ground check on me by now. Do I rival your NEST friends? Or are you just going to make me your prisoner? How are you going to explain this to your silver buddy?"
Ironhide carefully plucks the splinter from his chin. He laughs heartily. He drops the blade back into her hands. "You'll do." Then smirks, "He's under my command, not the other way round. Don't forget that. Nice move, by the way."
She secures the blade back in her wrist. "Are you cracked?"
"No. I needed to see how much tenacity you have. Because what you are going to face is going to feel like walking into the … the gates of hell, I believe is term you use."
She growls, "Show me." He can see she is not amused. He better get down to work. Pulling up the screen, Jolt and Wheeljack come over. She looks up to them both skeptically. "How many of you are there?"
Ironhide makes it clear, "Classified. Worse, we don't know for sure how many of are enemies, human or Decepticon are here." She can only nod to that.
They show her the molecular properties of Cybertainium. Then they pull up another list. "These are what we can figure out is Earth based minerals that can be used to construct an alloy close enough to do damage. We managed to get our hands on a small piece. But we know that was just his test run."
She steps back and ponders what is going on. "I don't remember everyone who is coming to this party tonight. I know this is the welcome mixer. Tomorrow he is going to be having a meeting. I was supposed to sit in on the meeting. Anyone who did not want to join was supposed to be dealt with. I was either supposed to blackmail them into complying or to eliminate them. I had no idea what the meeting was about. I all knew was that is was for new "investors." They are supposed to be here until Saturday. Dolce figured it would take that long to get it all synchronized. I was supposed to sit in on all the meetings. I may look like the bimbo blond on the outside to most. To others, the assistant. And to the rest, security chief. But let's make one thing clear, I was not his interest! And I know there is stuff he was hiding. I'm pissed, and I want answers. I don't know who is supposed to take my place. But as you can see, he doesn't take disloyalty kindly. This is more serious than when I babysat presidents and ambassadors during hostage negotiations." Casey and Ironhide stare each other down. Finally Ironhide gives her a curt nod to go on and she turns back to the table.
Jolt taps a stylist, "Make a list of who you do know is going to be at the meeting." She does as he says. As soon as she writes a name down a bio comes up on the other side of the table. She comes up with twenty names. Ironhide organizes them by the mineral companies they own.
Then Casey scratches her head. "I know there are ten more. Dolce was contacting them himself. I was supposed to spend yesterday and today getting the final bio's and blackmail preparations done." She sets the stylist down and rubs her head. "How could he dismiss me so easily?"
Ironhide looks worried, "Do you really want to go work for my enemy? It can be arranged."
Wheeljack puts his hand on Ironhide's shoulder, "That's not what she meant."
Casey looks up at them. "If I had been on the inside, I could have easier access for you. He could have even stuck with telling me he was trying to make stronger metal to make better buildings, safer buildings for the world. That's what he lured me into this business for, away from the NSA. But he wanted tight security so inferior products weren't made and he wasn't stabbed in the back like his last partners."
All the Autobots laugh in a non amused way. She is skeptical to their reaction. Jolt answers for them all, "He betrayed us. He worked on our fuel supply. Until the Decepticons made him a deal. He poisoned us and started this. Now he is trying to built more of our enemies. Or help the humans take us down. Foolish humans, he plans to enslave you all like the rest of us Cybertronians."
Casey sinks to sitting on the table top. "I worked for the enemy of my own planet? What a fool I have been."
Then she hears his voice, "No more than us." She looks down at her phone. She didn't even hear it ring. Her face beams at his voice. "How is the lesson going?"
She nods, "Just fine."
"Remind them to feed you. The Energon fuels us longer and they forget how often humans need to be replenished." He laughs. He can't decide if he should refer to himself as a human or a bot.
She smiles with him. He's the only friend she has right now. She really would like to go back to that dinner they had. Was that just last night? Too bad she hadn't met him earlier. She could have helped his brothers …
"I got it!" She jumps up and they all turn to her. "What would really mess up Dolce's plans?"
Jolt grows, "Other than an Ion blast to the back of the head?" They glower at him.
"If he lost an ingredient?" Ironhide tires.
"If he lost the shipment?" Wheeljack tries.
The heavy footsteps are heard coming in. Casey can only gasp as the largest 'Bot comes into the room, "No. He looses his alliance." Casey can only swallow at the huge Autobot with the soft voice that brings everyone quickly to attention. She knows that reaction, he must be commander even over Ironhide.
Sideswipe hears the silence, "Casey, this is Optimus Prime. Our commander. He is the leader of the Autobots."
Casey tries carefully and respectfully, not sure what kind of a leader he is, "Hello."
Prime smiles, "Hello Casey Jones. Please, continue."
She turns back to her phone, "He's right. There is no way for him to reorganize this group of people again. And I heard he in under a deadline to someone else. These companies are the best of the best when it comes to mining operations, production facilities, shipping lines, and scientists." Prime clearly sees where she is going. The others do not. "Dolce thinks I have been turned against him. Why not confirm it? Why not make it look like I have joined his enemy?"
She turns to Ratchet who seems to recognize human behavior the most, "How do we do that in human terms in front of all his contacts? What is the tightest human contract that reveals every personal aspect?"
It clicks in Ratchet head, "Contract? Human loyalties? A marriage contract?"
"Exactly. I have been in contact with these companies for weeks. How is he going to explain me suddenly not being there? It will look suspicious. But what if I was to merge with his enemy?" They all start pondering the thought.
"Besides, what normally happens at weddings? Family feuds?"
"Not funny!" Prime barks and turns his back.
Casey is scared. She already pissed off one alien, doesn't sound good to piss off the other alliance too. She knows that bark meant more than Dolce. She looks to the phone, "Did I hit a nerve?"
"THE nerve," Sideswipe whispers.
Casey gulps hard. The other Autobots give her a look to tread carefully. "I'm sorry. I had no idea. Look, here is my thought. What if at this party tonight, I make it known I have decide to join with Sideswipe in front of his investors? Dolce knows he is the enemy. Dolce will be back peddling so hard. Meanwhile, Sideswipe and I are making connections and confirming who the parties involved are. Either for them to join you and against Dolce or Dolce has to admit an alliance with me. Then we could pull off a wedding this weekend. Before Sideswipe has to return to his…"
"Protoform," Prime finishes softly.
"Right. Protoform. At that meeting, we can figure out who allies with whom."
Ratchet leans in, "You can't pull off a high society wedding in three days."
She lean into him, "Wanna bet? I still know my contacts."
Jolt asks, "An still make it inside the meetings…. Alive?"
"I'll take Sideswipe as my bodyguard."
Ratchet looks up to Prime, "Optimus?"
"Risky. Brazen to walk directly into the enemy's lair and commit deceit."
Ironhide turns to his commander and friend, "Any worse than when we were stabbed in the back?"
"No." Prime turns to the phone, "Just make sure you turn the blade twice." Prime walks away. Casey looks over to Ironhide who noticeably cringes at the image of Prime doing it personally.
She looks back down to the phone. He clarifies, "I'll explain later. Just be back here on time." She nods. "Give the phone to Ironhide." She does as he says.
Ironhide walks away. A few minutes later, he comes back and hands the phone back to her, disconnected. "Come on. Lets go over this plan of yours."
They go over the plans for gathering of information. She tells him, "I know to most it looks like Sideswipe has only been in town for a few days. So we have to make it look like he is some kind of political mover and shaker."
Ironhide smiles, "Oh I know a few politicians who owe us some favors. I can do that. How about a few politicians and some generals or admirals thrown in?"
She smiles, "I do like the way you think. Yeah, I think that will work."
Casey spends the rest of the time going over the details and making some strategic arrangements for a wedding outside in Central Park. She has a great time planning a wedding with a battle-like twist. She just hopes Sideswipe is alright with this plan.
Then the time comes for Ironhide to return her to Sideswipe. He pulls up to the lobby of the sleek twelve story building of glass and steel. "Not the tallest but certainly pretty secure," she mentions to Ironhide.
"Kind of reminds me of Icon," he says it with respect and longing.
"You'll have to tell me more of Cybertron."
"Will you come with us when this is over?" Ironhide sounds hopeful.
"This won't be over. This is just a small splinter in Dolce's plans. I would be honored if you would let me join your fight."
"I will talk to Prime. Just keep Sideswipe from getting shot. Alright?"
She laughs, "And I thought he was going to be my bodyguard."
Before anything else can be said, the passenger door is opened by Sideswipe. He is beaming. She takes his hand and leaps down from the tall truck. Ironhide drops his glove box. Sideswipe sees the box and palms it before Casey sees it and he closes the door. She places a warm hand on his door. The engine reves in reply and takes off into traffic. Sideswipe looks at her curiously.
"I'm starved. Got anything to eat?"
"Didn't they feed you?" he laughs.
"I kind of forgot. I ran on adrenalin." He shakes his head and takes her inside. Upstairs in the suite, he makes her a turkey sandwich while she goes over the plans. He nods in agreement which surprises her.
She downs her glass of iced tea, "So what is our back ground? How did we meet, fall in love and all that junk?"
He leans over the bar counter and wipes the mustard from her mouth with a cloth napkin. "I came to Dolce looking for supplies for my family business. I met you when I first walked into Dolce Designs. I was enraptured by your brains and beauty. Dolce asked you to show me around New York. Instead, I showed you around my heart. In turn, you showed me yours. It was love at first fight." He continues to trace her chin with a single long finger.
"You are good," she whispers looking up into his electric blue eyes feeling like his story has more truth than deception to it.
"Stick to the truth. It's the easiest," he nearly whispers curling his finger under her chin and moves even closer then kisses her so sweetly yet warmly. If she didn't know better, she would swear this kiss was the truth too.
Then ever so slowly he pulls back. Her eyes remain closed and even quieter she breathes against his lips, "You are very good." He just smiles. The phone rings and he pulls back further, taking it from the counter.
"Hello? Ah-ha. Mmm, I see. Yes? Alright. Will do. Out." He turns to her. "That was Prime confirming our plan." She has gotten a chance to regain her composure. "Why don't you head up to the loft and get ready. I'll get ready here."
Silently she nods and does as he says. The hot shower seems to wash away what fears and resentments of the past she had. It seems to rejuvinate her into her future. She has just made a new alliance. She has just made a new future for herself far beyond her NSA career, Brian would have been so pleased that she was moving forward. Yes it was dangerous and daring, but then again, Casey Jones wouldn't have it any other way! Smiling, she steps out of the shower and continues to prepare herself in the bathroom. When she unzips the dress bag, she is stunned. She knows how much this dress costs. She recognizes the label from targets she has protected. Never in a million years did she think she would be wearing one of these designer gowns. She steps into it and zips it up the side. Then she turns to the floor length mirror on the back of the door and gasps at the sight. She does not know this woman. Her hair is completely slicked back. But it looks very modern yet conservative. She finds on the counter a jewelry box. She opens it. Simple topaz drops in platinum fastenings. There is a matching bracelet. The topaz are the same color as his eyes. Very simple and clear to anyone who she is with. She finishes her make-up, and stiletto heels. She is going to need them to meet with his height. She turns to the mirror for final inspection.
Casey Jones is drop dead gorgous. The strapless platinum gown looks like one piece of fabric that meets in the center of the chest with a swag slit to the knee. The fabric is trimmed in glass beads. Simple, elegant, deadly. She notices the garter holster at the bottom of the bag and straps on his dagger to her thigh. The dress conceals it yet the slit will make it accessible in a swish. Then she bravely steps out of the room. Her first trick will be to get down the stairs without breaking an ankle.
Sideswipe comes from the cabinets under the loft and freezes when he sees her. "Oh wow." She smiles. Then she carefully places a hand on the plexi railing. Very carefully she makes her way down the steps. He reaches a hand out for her, "I'm sorry if the shoes are too difficult."
She comes to the main floor. Eye to optic with him, grins nearly purring, "No, they are perfect." She straightens his topaz blue bowtie. He has his glasses on, ready to go. But yet he doesn't move right away.
"There is one more thing before we go," he actually sounds nervous. She steps back wondering if she has gotten too close. He takes her hand and leads her over to the kitchen counter. There's a black velvet box on the counter. She knows what it should be. He looks up to her, "I'm sorry if it isn't your style, but it had to be this way for many reasons." She looks confused and he opens the box. The ring is stunning. She gasps. He smiles at her pleasure and pulls it out. He holds it up for a moment for her to examine it. The metal looks like titanium but slightly different hue. The stone is a cube on it's point. A thin band goes across it from each direction holding it down to the ring. He slides it onto her left ring finger. She looks from him carefully tenderly putting it on her hand, as if for real.
"It's so warm. What…"
"It comes from me." She looks at him curiously. He actually blushes. "It comes from my chest."
"You mean… from your…" she is shocked at the enormity of what he is saying. It actually is a pain to her chest to remember, this isn't his real body standing before her. But on the other hand, he just wrapped piece of his own body around her hand.
"It comes from my protoform chest. In case Dolce scans it, I need to give him every reason to believe this alliance is real. If he looks too close, he will see it has my spark signature. So you have a piece of Cybertanium on your hand. Mine." He shows her a symbol engraved into the side. Tiny, but she had seen it on all the Autobot's bodies. "Our shield."
She strokes the band then steps closer to him, "You gave me a piece of your own body? Don't you need….?"
He smiles tenderly at her concern for him. He strokes her cheek softly, "I'll be alright. I would gladly sacrifice a limb for the sake of the mission." He leans in closer, almost touching his lips to hers, "Keep it. To remember this time you helped my family." With that he steps back, she wills him to come back an touch her again. He goes to the closet and pulls out her wrap of fine silk. He comes back to her seeing she is still in shock by the tenderness of the moment. Trying to shake off his own desire to stroke her face again, he drapes her cloak around her. "Ready?"
"The stone?" She swallows hard regaining composure.
He smirks and waves a hand away, "It was a chip I found wedged deep in my audio processor. It think it came from the last explosion I was in just before we left home."
She sees his lightness of mood, "You mean to say you so elegantly took a spare piece from your chest and a rock from your ear to give me as a promise to ally with the Autobot faction?"
He waggles a finger at her, "Well when you say it that way it doesn't sound so endearing." He points his elbow out, "So are we ready to go crash Dolce's party and throw a wrench into his plans?"
She slips her hand through his elbow letting the engagement ring sparkle. She taps her thigh, "I'm ready." He laughs and escorts her out the door.
They pull up to the office building. The valets are taking cars. He grumbles, "I hate letting others drive me around." She looks over and laughs softly. He gets out and narrows his gaze carefully at the valet. The kid gets the point with a frightened look. Sideswipe makes it around the car and takes her hand helping her from the car. He slips his arm around her waist protectively. He leans into her ear, "What do you see?"
"I see my snipers on the opposite roofs."
"Why aren't they taking the shot?"
She grins with an extra swing to her hips, "They don't recognize me. At these functions, I wear a black suit. Fierce but all business."
His hand grips her hip a little tighter tugging her closer to his side, "So, I'm the lucky mech- uh, guy tonight, huh?" She just laughs with him.
They come to the door and see Carla is checking the invitations with two bodyguards. He reaches inside his tuxedo jacket and withdraws a card. He hands it to Carla. She looks at them both carefully. Then she takes a second look at Casey. "Casey? What are…?"
"Carla, my fiancé. Swipe, my dear, this is Carla. We work security together."
As always the gentleman he bows his head and shakes her hand, "Very pleased to meet you, Carla."
Carla still doesn't know what to believe or what to do. So Casey helps her out, "Did the ice sculpture arrive? I do hope Dr. Dolce is pleased. Swipe, I must show it to you." She steps forward and keeps chattering all the way into the elevator. As soon as the doors shut she stops talking and leans against him tipping her head up romantically yet nervously, "Kiss me. There's cameras here." Cupping the back of her head, he does as she asks. This time more warmly than the kitchen. His kiss seems to set her mind in a completely different direction than she wanted. As her mouth molds and warms to his curious ones matching her, she has almost forgotten why she was here. Or care. His warm long fingered hand supports her lower back as she grips his lapels for stability.
Then the elevator dings. They step back only a hair's breath. "Thank you," she some how says.
His grin is genuinely delighted, "Anytime." The doors part and she steps to his side. "Showtime," he grins. She slips her left hand through his arm to make the ring clearly visible against his black jacketed forearm. They proudly step off the elevator into. the observation room half full of the people she expected to see. Knowing Dolce, he will make a grand entrance later. She mingles with some of the people she had expected to see introducing Swipe and reconfirming past conversations about the up coming merger.
They weren't in the room more than five minutes when Casey sees Dolce stride into the room clearly angry. Casey grips Sideswipes arm tightly and leans into his ear, "Here we go."
She makes sure they are standing directly with the most influential mine holders he will need for his alloy when Dolce confronts them. He strides directly up to Casey and Swipe with his jaw clenched tightly. He has to tread lightly. He doesn't want to show any weakness with his security in front of these two mine holders.
With all the sweetness of a chocolate covered black widow spider he grips her arm tightly, "Casey Jones, what are you doing here?"
"Dr. Dolce! So good to see you. I wanted to thank you for introducing me to Mr. Sidle Swipe." All he can do is smile and act shocked. "I wanted to make sure you personally get an invitation to our wedding."
"What?" His high pitched voice gives away his true shock.
Sideswipe leans in, "Casey has truly shown me the ways of the heart."
"You haven't got one!" Dolce tries to make it sound like a jest. It fails and comes out more like an icy jab of evil.
Sideswipe enjoys the joke with a cloak and dagger fight, "So true, in the past. But Casey has shown me the error. I do have one that beats only for her. And a spark for my brothers."
Dolce swallows hard at the inclination. "You really shouldn't be here."
Casey steps closer to Dolce, putting her ringed hand on his chest. She can feel a change in the ring, "How thoughtful of you, Dr. Dolce. I already have the wedding all planned. Down to the very last detail. North entrance of the park. You can't miss the gazebo. I just wanted to let you know, I can still do my job with you this week. Darling Swipe dear, is even going to help with the merger."
Dolce takes her hand to wretch it away. Then he feels it, too. He looks closer at the ring. He looks up at Sideswipe quickly. Sideswipe grins with satisfaction. Dolce knows. They have him right where they want him. Dolce steps around her hand and reaches up ripping Sideswipes glasses off, "Has she seen your true face?" The miners all gasp.
Sideswipe's eyes look perfectly human. Dolce gasps again. Sideswipe takes the glasses back "Oh yes. She has even met my family. She know all about me. I don't hide from the ones I love. I find I don't get their respect. I'd have to keep watching my back if I wasn't honest." Then he replaces the glasses and looks endearingly at Casey, "But with Casey watching our backs, there can be no one against us. True?"
Dolce stares directly up at Sideswipe. Sideswipe has the upper hand here. He doesn't break the tension first. Casey decides to take care of the situation. She begins to chatter to the miners about this merger and the their wives about the plan for the wedding. She leads them away.
Dolce growls, "I don't know what you have planned, Autobot, but you won't win."
"Want to bet?" Sideswipe doesn't even flinch.
"Casey isn't going to be at tomorrows meeting."
"Trust is a powerful thing."
"She certainly won't be alive for a wedding. What a farce? How long do you plan to stay in this human form?" "How long do you?"
"Longer than you."
"Maybe. But be warned, knives twist easier in flesh than metal. Especially mine," he taps his wrist strapped with metal. "I was ordered to twist it twice for a traitor."
Carla comes over and lets Dolce know it is time for the announcement. Dolce is force to walk away from his enemy. Casey comes back to Sideswipe's side. He wraps his arm around her waist protectively. She can feel his fingers dig into her skin. She looks up to the concern on his face. He's holding her tighter than he should. "What did he say?"
"The ax over your head just got bigger."
"Good thing you have a bigger sword?" He warily smiles watching Dolce take his podium and declare his blah, blah, blah about this metal they will forge to make houses better for the environment and the world. Together they will make a new and better future for the world.
Neither Casey or Sideswipe eat anything that night. They don't trust Dolce. Dolce keeps a careful eye on them. Casey, always at Sideswipe's side, makes her connections and makes it clear, she will be at tomorrow's meeting. Also, the guest reciprocate that they will be at the wedding of Dolce's right hand person to his biggest client.
Dolce is fuming as Casey and Sideswipe leave. They can feel the lasers heating up the door. Dolce can't kill Casey or it will destroy his meeting. He can't keep her from the meeting either. Now, Sideswipe is a good target. And he knows exactly how to eliminate an Autobot. Especially one a vulnerable as a human.
