Swiped Away: Chapter 5 (Swipe and Casey face the day at merger meetings and then full size 'Cons in battle.)

The elevator took them to the ground floor. Swipe grabs her arm and pulls her away from the main door. "Get us to the back of the building." Casey looks to him confused. But he smiles, "Trust me."

"Your car?" She asks him.

"Has a target painted on it right now."

She understands clearly now. She weaves her fingers into his and leads the way to the loading dock. They make it out the back door when one of the crew is taking the trash out. Sideswipe sees the flash of head lights down the alley. Now it is his turn to lead her. They move quickly and reach the big rig with blue running lights. She looks back at him skeptically. He inclines her head to remind her who is in charge right now. He opens the passenger door and helps her into the rig. Then the rig dashes down the alley at a dangerous speed.

"How did the mission go?" She recognizes the voice instantly as Optimus Prime.

Sideswipe answers his commander, "The enemy is very angry and caught in a political trap. Saturday is a go. On top of that, Casey has now secured us inside the meeting for the next few days."

"Well done, Casey. But keep in mind, now it becomes very deadly. You must watch yourself at every step."

"Yes sir," Sideswipe carefully answers. But there is something in his tone.

"What is it, Sideswipe?" Prime asks him.

"Who is Dolce?"

"I have my suspicions, but no confirmations. That's what I need you to confirm."

The ride back to the dockside warehouse is tense and silent. Casey reaches over and slips her hand into his. Without saying anything and staring straight ahead, Swipe soothers her hand with his thumb. For the first time in a very long time, she feels the need to be held. Brian was the only one who she ever needed to console her. Security stress had never needed physical relaxation before, but this time, there was so much about trust going on here. She never had anyone directly target her before. It was a frightening thought for a change. She just couldn't separate her self and look objectively at it. She needed Swipe and Ironhide's input this time. Not to mention the fact that Brian's death was now coming back to her as a huge backwash of overwhelming emotions. This is a fake wedding, why is it effecting her so badly? Looking up to Sideswipe, he catches her movement and turns to her. His expression drops from analyzing to compassion for her. That did her in, and pressed her head to his shoulder. His hand comes up and soothes the back of her neck, kneading it like he had seen Sarah do for Will.

But all too soon, they were at the temporary location. Casey and Sideswipe quickly exit then make it to the building. Several of the NEST members take a double take at the bombshell walking beside Sideswipe in the stunning silver gown. She can't help but blush. She looks up at him. His smirk is somewhere between jealousy and pride. He knows after this he will go back to his protoform and she will go on with her human life. But there is this pull towards her. It's more than protection duty. He looks over at Ironhide, then Ratchet, then Optimus and lastly Bee sliding in late. Each of them had been in this situation. Sideswipe has to rub a hand across his brow, Primus where is Streaker when I need him most? What is happening to him? Is it a curse of the serum that makes them act like this? Or is this real? He shakes his head to get it clear.

She touches his arm tenderly, "Swipe? Are you alright?"

He yanks his head up clear, "Yeah! Fine. I just have to get these contacts lenses out. My optics are burning."

She smiles, "So that's how you did that. You knew he would try that stunt."

"Never hurts to hedge your enemy's actions. I had nothing to loose if he didn't try that stunt. I really wanted to yank his off, but it would have just made things worse for all of us. I'll be back." He gives her hand a squeeze to reassure her that he was fine.

"Casey, over here." Prime calls to her. She meets some of the other members of the NEST, EMC team and Autobots at the planning table around a specialized platform. Ironhide sets another crate next to her, covered in a wool blanket. She smiles up at him with gratitude. Prime begins explaining what is going on. Casey easies her stilettos off and rubs her feet.

Sideswipe comes up behind her and whispers in her ear, "Sorry if I chose badly."

She casts a smile up at him, "It's not easy keeping up with you." He understands her jest towards his height and abilities. He smiles. She doesn't turn back to the meeting.

"Casey," Prime's call breaks the moment. Embarrassed, she whips back to the meeting. "What did you learn at the meeting tonight?"

"I think I know some of Dolce's additional partners. He had ten. I recognized two of his engineers from his west coast lab. Two were his accountants. One was the company lawyer. But the other five weren't here tonight. I'm sure they will be at the meeting tomorrow. I had a chance to talk to Carla about the meeting room set up. I should be back at the office by seven to ensure everything is ready when they arrive at eight."

She turns her head back over her shoulder, "I like these duds, but I really need my suits for the meeting."

"You can't go back," Swipe tells her softly.

Then one of the NEST teams pipes up, "Sideswipe told us you were going to join us. We went back to your apartment to search it. Someone else had been there. The place has been destroyed. Your neighbor, Mr. Simmons had one suitcase of clothing." Then he points to a series of cots lined up against the wall. One has her suitcase.

She nods, "That's my flight bag. I always have it packed. I forgot the airline had lost it and was going to have it delivered to my apartment. It must have arrived while I was out." She remembers fondly, "Mr. Simmons signs for some of my packages. Like a surrogate father. Normally it is in my car. Thank goodness. God must have been watching over us," Casey looks like she is going to cry. "Thank you Lord," she prays softly, the rest look at her curiously. "I have files in the case from this latest endeavor." She turns back to Sideswipe, "Dolce and I had just come back from Nicaragua about this merger. That must have been when you moved in." Sideswipe nods that her assessment was correct. "Let me get the file." She starts to get up, but he puts a warm hand on her bare shoulder. It sends a warm shiver through her spine. She smiles up at him quietly, "You won't ever find it." She steps down and slips on the high heals. She walks over to the cot. All heads follow her. Sideswipe most of all. She quickly flips the case over and unzips a side panel. She reaches in up to her elbow. Her movements cause the slit in the skirt to part over her thigh. The two foot sword is clearly exposed on her well muscled leg. The Autobots turn to Sideswipe, they know that is his and he would never part with it. The human males are clearly enamored by her physique and other thoughts going through their heads. She picks up the file and faces the table. She can see they are all watching her, some even oggoling. She looks down and sees her thigh exposed nearly seductively.

Instead of blushing, she readjusts the fabric and turns to Sideswipe, "Why don't you look over this file while I change into something more appropriate." He can't speak. He just curtly nods. Every one turns back to the table. Prime just shakes. But his command team clearly gives him a smirk of amusement. Another Autobot taken down by a female human. Casey returns quickly. Now she is dressed in jeans, a hooded sweatshirt that states brazenly across the front: Quantico, VA

The NEST team straightens up respectfully. They clearly have respect for her now. She's not just beautiful. She's deadly. She joins in on the meeting. They all go over the players of the party. She goes into detail what she knows about each of them. Then she turns and looks between Lennox and Prime: "I need to know from you: Do you want me to sabotage this alliance or do you want me to encourage it and take out Dolce later so you can move in a assume the contracts?"

Prime and Lennox share a look. She's not afraid to remove a threat or take over. Prime turns back to her, "Before we make that decision, I need to know for sure who Dolce is. We also need to know who the other five players are. I don't want to make a move until we have all the information."

She nods. "Alright. Then we will go to the meeting and report back tomorrow. Where do you want to meet? I'm afraid of coming back here and being tailed."

"The apartment could be bugged. It is directly across the hall from Dolce," Sideswipe answers.

She smiles over at Sideswipe, "What about the restaurant?" He knows, he got under her armor there. He just nods. Then looks up at the command team and explains where it is located.

He turns to Ironhide, "I need the Stingray searched. It's still in the garage, but I don't trust them. I'm sure it has been tampered with."

Lennox leans in, "Wouldn't it just drive Dolce crazy to see you leave in a new one? We could have one delivered just as the meeting is breaking up."

"The art of deception," Prime rubs his chin. He smiles turning the deception against the Decepticon. "Do it."

The meeting breaks up shortly from there. Casey looks up to Sideswipe, "So what now?"

"We bunk here tonight. Tomorrow we will see." He can't help but touch her cheek. He can't get enough of touching her soft skin. Ratchet calls to him. Sideswipe lets him know he will be there in a moment. "I should go check in with the doctor. Why don't you hit the bunk. I'll be there shortly." He motions to the bunk next to hers, with a change of military clothes and an expensive suitcase at the foot. He strokes her cheek once more, "We will be fine here among my brothers"

She nods, "I know. I have no doubt of your abilities." He smirks and Ratchet bellows again. She goes and lays down on the bunk. She is asleep before her eyes even close.

She wakes up to the sound of his voice, "Casey come on. It's o' six hundred. We have to get moving." She opens her eyes slowly. She feels like she had just laid down. Not much rest at all. But she has to admit, he is a good sight to wake up to.

She gets up and gets her clothing together. Then she sees the area for her to change in. When she comes out, she looks like the fierce business/secret service person Sideswipe had first met. Was that really only a couple days ago?

She meets him next to the mess line. Some of the soldiers part so she and Sideswipe can head out quickly. They both nod their gratitude to them. They eat quickly and silently then they head towards the door. She pulls out her Glock she had left with Ironhide. She checks the magazine and tucks it into her waist band holster. Then she slips on her business jacket.

Sideswipe smirks, "He's never going to let you into the meeting with that."

"Want to place bets. I was his security officer. And the others know it."

~~Ironhide takes them to the office building drop them off at the main entrance. She strides up to the door like she owns the place. Sideswipe by her side looks just like her security partner. They arrive at the front door. She is not surprised to see it is unlocked. She is surprised to see the man in her seat at the security station.

He is burly. Looks like a rock. The suit looks all wrong on him. He looks like he would fit better in a leather gladiator uniform. But always the professional she strides up to him, "Hello, I don't think we have met."

He doesn't stand or smile, "Casey Jones. Dr. Dolce said to meet him in the conference room."

Casey wipes the smile off her face and leans on the counter, "No. He can meet me down here with the rest of his guests." She turns her back and strides over to the Plexiglas benches beside the glass doors. She takes a seat and expertly crosses her knees. Then she pulls out her portfolio and begins flipping through it like she is going over her notes. Sideswipe stands beside her being a body guard. He is eye to eye with this burly guard. He is sure he knows this 'Con.

As Sideswipe ponders this 'Con, he also ponders: How did this all begin? Oh yes, now he remembers. The NEST team had gone to Florida to take on a barrage of Decepticons. They never expected to see the flat black SUV's start firing missiles at them. But they weren't missiles. They were spikes. The spikes went through the vehicles. Then the spikes pierced the Autobots. It took them so off guard, that they were easy pickings for the mini cons. But the Autobots got it together quickly and exterminated the mini cons. The SUV's escaped.

But now they were up against a new enemy. Humans with Decepticon traits and weapons. Had they teamed up with the Decepticons or pretending? One NEST member did say he saw the driver with glowing red eyes. Like when the Autobots blue ones when they were human. Now that scared them even more. 'Con-humans?

One spike retrieved from Bee's arm showed it was Cybertainium. But no know Decepticon fired spears like this. That could only mean one of two things: Humans were melting down Transformers for warfare, or someone was manufacturing Cybertainium here. They had to know and soon. Sideswipe had one mini con pinned by his sword. Prime and he were able to get little information before his head was disconnected.

What they were able to get was: Dolce, New York, and Ratchet's serum.

Then volatile conversations ensued. NEST vs. Autobot. Autobot vs. Autobot. Autobot vs. Prime. Everyone had their own idea what should be done. And what action should be taken. Sideswipe took the debate off the table quickly by quietly walking over to Ratchet's table. There was an explosion and then all that was heard was a human voice standing beside Sideswipe's fallen shell, "I'm going. End of debate. Ratchet, help me."

After Sideswipe got done hearing from Ratchet how stupid it was of him to ever take something from his lab without talking to him and this was one prank just gone way too far. Sideswipe surprised them all by barking, "THIS was NO prank! Action needed to be taken, I took it. Now deal with it!" Everyone just stared at one half of the prankster team. Sideswipe promising never to do it again. They got down to business.

Within a few hours, Sideswipe felt so guilty for not even considering his twin's feelings before he did it. And now, he realized how alone he was. Not hearing his brother's nagging thoughts. Could be just the vacation they both needed from each other. After all, wasn't it Streaker who volunteered to check out the strange readings on Neptune with Skyfire and Hound after their latest fight about staying out of each other's business? Now it had been nearly four days of mental silence. It was about to drive him crazy. Glancing away from Casey, at least he had someone else to worry about and keep his mind of his brother. Yeah, but this worry for Casey lit a completely different kind of feeling in his spark. Oh Primus, was he falling for her? That's just plain stupid. Isn't it?

Sideswipe turns back to staring across the lobby at Breakdown. They both had a grin of satisfaction. Sideswipe drummed his fingers on his thigh. Breakdown patted his shoulder holster. They couldn't wait for this meeting to be over. Toe to toe they were ready for a fight.

But that would have to wait. The rest of the guests started arriving. Sideswipe never left Casey's side, but stayed quiet. Dolce came down and greeted his guests. Sideswipe and Casey joined the rest of the guests in the conference room. A large room that could hold all twenty of the guests around an oval table. Casey sat at the foot with Sideswipe behind her. Dolce at the head with Breakdown behind him. The rest of the guests looked like regular business men.

The remaining five men were introduced as supervisors. Sideswipe recognized them instantly. They were not supervisors. They were enforcers. They were human-Decepticons. They were here to hold Sideswipe at bay and to make sure the business associates followed through with the plan. They did not smile. They did not speak. They observed. The same thing that Sideswipe was doing. Casey was picking out the weak ones. She was also lining up the power hungry ones. She knew which ones would turn on Dolce. She knew where Dolce would send his enforcers to keep them in line. Or replace with his own facility heads.

Lunch break was held across the hall in the beautiful glassed in observation deck from last night's party. The lunch was a buffet, which made it safe for Casey and Sideswipe to eat from. Sideswipe really wanted to get closer to the "supervisors" but he didn't dare leave Casey's side. They shared a glance that reminded them never to be too far from each other's sides. Casey noticed the short conversation Dolce had with his supervisors. She knew who the target was. It wasn't her. She slipped her hand into Sideswipe's. He glanced down at her curiously. He actually saw fear cross her face for a moment. But only briefly. He squeezed her hand back tightly and gave her a reassuring smile. Then back to the meeting.

The meeting consisted of time lines, production facilities, and destination points. Good questions came up regarding strength and purity of products. Other questions came up regarding trade laws and custom issues, and political clout. Casey joined in on the Q&A session. Dolce, for a moment, regretted making her an enemy. She is very smart and certainly made his business successful. Not to mention the times she took out assassins. Sometimes through delegation but no doubt she did it herself most successfully.

At the end of the meeting with plans to meet the next day, Casey got very brazen and stood up, "Dr. Dolce, I just wanted to ask you a personal favor. Since my father passed away many years ago, and you were so kind to introduce me to Swipe, would you do the honor of walking me down the aisle Saturday?" Dolce is notably shocked. What was she up to? Even Sideswipe was shocked.

"I really don't think I should. Shouldn't your brother or uncle…" he tries to get out of it. He wasn't even planning to be at the wedding.

She steps to his side. She loops her arm through his, "Look, I've worked for you for over five years. We have been through hell and high water together. I've always saw you as a father figure. I would really like you to do this for me."

She locks her gaze with his. He is reading her. She is letting him know perfectly well she does not appreciate his betrayal to her loyalty. She is daring him, in front of his alliance, to break that trust. She dares him to show he will turn his back on them as well in a few years.

He swallows hard, "Yes, of course, Casey. It would be my pleasure." She steps back and lets him go to his office. Even though it was one floor above, she could clearly hear him throwing things around. She hit his hot button. She turns to Sideswipe and smiles broadly. He had to cover his mouth or else his smile towards Dolce's anger would clearly be seen by the remaining "supervisors". They are all curious about the noises.

Casey and Sideswipe are escorted to the main lobby by Breakdown. The supervisors expect Casey to head for the garage. But Sideswipe holds the front door open for Casey. They stride down the steps as another silver Corvette sides up with the yellow Camero right behind. The driver (Lennox) exits the convertible and hops into the passenger side of the Camero without a word to Sideswipe. Sideswipe holds the passenger door for Casey and then turns to the supervisor guards who are left with their jaws dropped. Sideswipe two finger salutes them off the brow. Then dashes into the driver's side and tears off down the street. Followed closely by the Camero.

The supervisors have to scramble to the garage. It takes them a good few minutes to find the Camero and Stingray. But now that they find them, what do they do? The plan had been to blow up the last car with them inside. So now what? They weren't used to this human terrorism. They decide to slide in behind the Camero and just tail them. The Camero and Stingray make it to the Italian restaurant. Then the Camero pulls away leaving the Stingray alone in the parking lot. The Decepticon-humans hang back and wait. Casey and Sideswipe enter the restaurant.

The Decepticons contact Dolce and find out what he wants done. It is decided to make this look like a mugging or kidnapping gone bad. But wait until they exit the restaurant. The meal should slow them down.

They were so wrong. They never saw it coming. Even with their regular Decepticons for back up. Sideswipe and Casey walk out of the restaurant. The first thug, Crankshaft (human) comes up to Swipe's back with a gun.

He freezes. "You should have just shot me." A second gun man comes to Casey from the front. She doesn't move. She doesn't squeal. She just asses these guys. One of them is bold enough to remove his glasses showing his red eyes.

Casey grins, "Oh you will be sorry now. You are literally on my turf now." Two more come out of the car with their guns drawn. Casey lets Bruticus (human) get close enough and then whips a leg out catching the guy right under the chin. Swipe just slams his elbow into Crankshaft's face. Crankshaft recovers quickly and fires off a couple shots. Swipe skips to the side and then swings and arm out to catch him by the wrist. Crankshaft squirms. Swipe smacks the wrist down on his own knee. A dark blue suit comes over to help Crankshaft with the fight. Swipe lashes out a foot backwards sending the blue-suit flying back. Swipe can only glance over at Casey. But she is holding her own.

She pulls her Glock and fires a couple rounds at Bruticus. The guy must be on LSD because he continues to barge forward. So Casey rushes towards him. As he lunges, she crouches down and grabs his ankles continuing her forward momentum. He is caught like an anchor and falls flat on his face. Casey leaps to the balls of her feet and whirls around. She leaps onto his back letting the high heals dig into his kidneys. Bruticus growls. She only has time to smile when brown-suit grabs her around the waist slamming her to the ground. She ducks her head against his chest and fires two shots into his temple. He goes limp instantly. Bruticus is getting up. She glances over to see how Swipe is doing.

He gives her a gleam of support, before he takes a blow to the chin. Oh he's mad now. He whips out both swords and sets his wrist twirling, "Come on! You want a fight, I'll give it to you."

Blue-suit smiles, "You want ally with the humans? You shall die like one." He yanks out his numb-chucks. They both bend at the knees and get ready. Swipe takes the first lunge cutting the chain in half. Blue-suit just throws them at Swipe who bats them back into his chest. Crankshaft zips around trying to get Swipe from the back. Swipe turns to his side with one sword pointed at blue-suit and one at Crankshaft. He's ready to take them both on.

"Let's just crush them now." They all stop and look up at Starscream coming out of the eucalyptus trees.

A cannon is heard firing up, "That would be a bad idea." They see Prime come out of the water. Bee from behind the shed and Ironhide fishtailing off the main road. Two more of Starscream's minions come out from behind him.

"Well now. This looks like a good fight," Starscream smiles.

"Damn right," Casey barks and fires three more shots at Bruticus' chest. He has to stop this time. He hits the ground face first. She cackles over to Sideswipe, "Come on, I got my two." Starscream makes a move towards her, Ironhide fires off several shots hindering his advancement. Casey dashes over to Sideswipe, "Go help your brothers, I'll take these two."

And then all hell breaks loose. Casey has her hands full with these two. They had figured out how these human bodies move. Sideswipe was doing his best at getting in and cutting tendons and other vial functions to the legs of the full-sized 'Cons while the fire fight went on over head.

In the end it was Starscream flying erratically away with his ankle hanging at an awkward angle. The other two went off with smoking parts. The last two human-Decepticons went racing off into the van. Ironhide was brushing off a smoldering chest piece, Prime rotating his wrist tenderly, Bee was trying to get his face shield to stay retracted as Casey picked herself up off the ground again. She looks over a Swipe. He's trying to comb his hair back into place with his fingers. Then he sees the car.

"Oh slag!" The car had been pulverized. The only thing left was a strip of chrome stating a Stingray lays here.

Prime drops to his wheels, "Come on, I'll give you a lift back."

Casey looks up at Swipe and pats his shoulder, "Sorry. I know it's hard looking into a mirror."

He smirks to her, "Do I look that bad?" She can't help but nod. There was a gash above one eye, blood on the side of his mouth, and his suit looked like it had been through a Cuisenart. He makes it over to the semi and they climb inside.

Prime slowly drives them back to the apartment, "So who is Dolce?"

Sideswipe looks down at his tattered suit, "Mindwipe's clone-bot. Under the direction of Soundwave."

"Yeah, that's what I suspected."

"Well, is this over now? We certainly beat the scrap out of them today," Sideswipe groans.

"Not by a long shot! He won't give up that easy," Casey jests.

"She's right," Prime answers.

"Alright, back to the table tomorrow. But that chair is going to hurt. I think I have a shard in the back of my thigh." He turns carefully and shows her. She reaches down and yanks it out. He growls.

"Do you want a doctor?" She asks him.

"And have Ratchet poke me some more. Not thanks. I'll take my chances with infections!' Prime chuckles quietly.

Chapter 6 coming