Massive apologies, its been so long! My brain has just kicked in again so I've been able to put this together. A bit of back story here just something to move it along really. More updates coming, I promise.
The mechs were growling and shoving each other as they entered Darkmount's central hall. Droids buzzed around them with energon cubes. Each mech took one as they settled down and relaxed. The weather outside was stormy; the acid rains had driven them off the training field and into the shelter of the citadel.
Barricade slumped onto a bench followed by Misfire, Stormcloud and Blackout. Tracer stood beside the door, his sharp optics roving the room, making sure no trouble was about to erupt. Assured that the peace was going to be kept this time he settled into a seat with his own cube.
The door slammed open, bringing with it a blast of acidic wind. Firefly stood framed in the doorway. As soon as she stepped through, the doors slammed back into place. She stalked stiffly through the hall towards her quarters, limping as one of her legs was locked straight.
Barricade's group noticed that she was steaming as she walked, the acid rain had burned holes into her armour and seeped under some plating, it was eating away at her. Barricade gulped the rest of his energon and rose; snagging a second cube he followed Firefly.
A grin lifted Stormcloud's face-plates as they watched Barricade disappear. Blackout lounged against the back of his chair sipping at the energon.
"Are they together? Firefly and Barricade." Blackout asked slowly.
"I've already told you, no." Stormcloud shot his brother a glare.
"Your opinion doesn't matter. I'm asking someone who doesn't hero-worship her."
Stormcloud sent Blackout a darker look and sank further into his chair, muttering threats under his breath.
"So Misfire, is he greasing her axle?"
The purple mech laughed, Stormcloud buried his face in his energon.
Blackout frowned. "You didn't answer, what does that mean?"
"It means it's none of your business." Stormcloud declared.
Misfire hushed him with a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down 'Cloud." He looked at Blackout. "Firefly and Barricade have been together from the beginning of her career. As far as I know he recruited her and they've never been more than comrades."
Blackout nodded. "How did you meet her?"
"Mining operation." Misfire shrugged one shoulder and looked to the closed face of Stormcloud. "I know how Blackout met Firefly, but not you. Share with us Stormcloud."
He eyed them suspiciously before removing the energon cube from his face. "I was sent to her base for training."
"You're an Imperial?"
"Yep. She made sure of it, I wasn't allowed off the base until I passed RCT."
"What's an Imperial and an RCT?" Blackout asked.
"It stands for Rigorous Combat Training. The ones that pass the training are called Imperials."
"Anyway," Stormcloud continued. "I was shipped there with a bunch of other recruits. Some brand new, like me, and some fresh from the frontlines, like Shank."
"I remember him. Cocky glitch, on and off the field." Misfire said sourly. "He had less honour, on a good day, than Starscream."
"I heard about him, wasn't he one of Firefly's guards?"
Stormcloud nodded. "But that was after he tried to deactivate her."
Blackout frowned. "How does that work? Wouldn't he have been deactivated if he tried to destroy Firefly?"
"It was Firefly's form of punishment. He didn't even realize that he was being punished."
"Wait, I'm confused. How could he not know he was being punished for almost deactivating his commanding officer?"
"Let 'Cloud start from the beginning Blackout. A good story always has a beginning." Misfire leaned back on his elbows and nodded at Stormcloud to talk.
"I'm not sure how good a storyteller I am, but I'll give it a shot."
Stormcloud walked through the guarded gates of the training compound. His optics ran over the groups of mechs crowding the open areas. Some were training, others were talking. Behind a set of large bolted gates, the sound of gunshots could be heard.
A red and orange mech flew over their heads. "Keep it moving. All new personnel report to training ground C."
"'New personnel'" A blue mech next to Stormcloud sneered. "I've been fighting for three days straight, I ain't new."
"Three days? Where was the fighting?"
The unknown mech looked up at him. "Seven kilks east of Polyhex. We drove the Autobots into the dirt, sent them packing with their tailpipes burning."
Stormcloud stepped back a bit, the look on the mechs face was feral. The blue face closed down and red optics roved over Cloud's chassis.
"You're a newbie. I bet you've never even seen any action."
Stormcloud bristled; this mech was rubbing his circuits all wrong. "Whether I have or haven't isn't any of your business, what matters is if I decide that you're not worth having around."
The mech laughed. "Good. That's the attitude you'll need here. My name's Shank."
"I'm Stormcloud." Behind them mechs jostled them forward. Stormcloud waited until they had more room to manoeuvre before looking around. The compound was larger than any he had ever seen, it was divided into several fields, and each had its own purpose. The gates he had seen earlier were now closer and he saw that they were guarded by multiple mechs. Beyond that a massive complex spread out and surrounded the training fields.
"What's so special about this place?" He asked as they were herded towards the back to the open area, towards the guarded gates.
"You've heard of the Imperials right?"
"Heard of them? I saw one right before I joined, they're amazing."
Shank nodded. "They get trained here, behind those doors, by Firefly."
Stormcloud looked at the gates in awe. "I've heard of Lord Firefly, do you think we'll get to meet him?"
The blue mech laughed. "I think you'll be getting a shock when Firefly appears."
Stormcloud shot Shank a confused look as they stopped. A large dark-armoured mech stood infront of them, his red optics roved over them assessingly.
"Who's that?"
Shank sneered. "Barricade, Firefly's right hand. He does most of the dirty work. Watch out for him and Gale. They say Gale used to run a black market scheme back in Helex but now he works for Firefly."
Stormcloud nodded and faced the officer, his impressive physique and powerful aura demanded respect. Cloud wondered what Firefly looked like, would he be big like Barricade or more wiry? Stormcloud jerked himself to attention as the Decepticon officer began to speak.
"Recruits, this is the Decepticon's major training complex. While you are here you are expected to obey all orders, insubordination will not be tolerated. Above all you must obey Commander Firefly, Security Director Gale and myself. Should you refuse to follow any orders we give you, you will be removed from this facility. Throughout your training you will be exposed to multiple environments and threats, those who pass these tests will be rewarded. A select few may even be chosen for exclusive attention to become part of the Imperials. This chance will only be given if you show enough potential, should you be chosen and then fail you will be returned to your original status as recruit."
Stormcloud felt anxiousness build in his chest. Was he capable of passing the tests? What did they do with the mechs who failed? His processor began working over-time as he imagined all different kinds of punishments.
His attention was soon caught by as anticipatory hush went through the crowd. Following the gaze of the mechs around him Stormcloud saw that the large gates were inching open. Excitement pooled in his chassis as he tried to see who would be appearing through those doors. Would it be Lord Firefly or one of his officers?
The anticipation Stormcloud was feeling died when a slender femme emerged from the gates. A black Decepticon sigil on her shining red chassis declared her allegiance. What was a femme doing in the Decepticon army, let alone being inside the Imperials section of the base? Stormcloud dismissed the femme as unimportant and returned his attention to the black mech. Barricade stood straighter as the femme approached, giving Stormcloud the impression that she was important. Maybe she was Firefly's femme.
The smile on the red femme's was smug and sent unexpected tremors through Stormcloud's chassis. Who was she? Cloud let his optics rove over her frame, around him he heard other mechs exchanging opinions on the femme. Her body was slender with enticing curves, places that would comfortably fit in a mech's palm; she walked with a confidence and assurance that Stormcloud wanted to posses. His processor catalogued her angles and features, committing them to his memory banks for later study.
"Any potential?" Her voice was soft and husky. Her optics roved over the mechs.
"Some. They'll need to do some basic training before I can split them." Barricade replied.
Her lips pursed. "Make it quick. I want more playmechs. The next batch are ready."
Barricade nodded and faced the group. "Recruits. Into lines."
Stormcloud, like any half-competent soldier, knew what that meant. His position near the front of the group him caused him to be in the front line, almost face to face with the femme. She was more commanding up close, her face was silver and Stormcloud could pick out tiny scratches in the metal that hadn't been buffed out yet. Who let the femme fight?
Stormcloud didn't get much time to ponder this. The femme dropped to the ground infront of the platform. Her gaze went up and down the line, judging. Stormcloud stood taller, hoping to catch her attention. When her optics roved up and down his body before locking with his Stormcloud was sure she would single him out. Disappointment flooded his processor when she moved on. The thrusters in her feet ignited and she hovered, looking over the other recruits. After a thorough study, she settled back on the podium next to Barricade.
"You're right, they're pathetic. Do what you can with them and let me know if any turn out to be worth my time." She turned away from them and disappeared into the nearest building.
The disappointment Stormcloud felt turned into anger at the femme's casual dismissal of them, of him.
Barricade separated them into groups. A hand appeared on his shoulder, distracting him from his budding anger. Shank stood at his side.
"You just met Lord Firefly."
Stormcloud gasped. "That femme is Firefly?"
"Watch your tone, recruit."
Stormcloud jumped and spun around, Shank melted into the crowd. Barricade glared down at him. Now, Stormcloud was a fully mature Cybertronian but he was still several feet shorter than the dark mech in front of him.
"Firefly is a seasoned warrior and your commanding officer. Don't make the mistake of underestimating her. Now get moving, you're in section C."
Stormcloud saluted sharply and hurried to his appropriate field. Embarrassment and anger burning in his core.
"So, what happened?" Blackout asked as his brother swallowed more energon.
"Well from then we trained. Like we did today. Weapons, hand-to-hand, tactics, history. Everything you would ever need to know if you wanted to rise through the ranks. I hated Firefly. She was always strutting around and shouting at us. The occasional beating would be handed out but otherwise it was pretty basic."
"How did you become an Imperial?" Misfire asked.
"Shank." The two mechs looked at him quizzically. "It was because of him that I got noticed. He played upon my anger over Firefly's dismissal and encouraged my hate. Well, cut a long story short, I ended up on a recon mission with Barricade and a handful of others. We just had to spy on an Autobot outpost. We were supposed to find out why they were there and how many there were. Needless to say, they caught us and we had to fight out way out."
"You got your aft kicked." Misfire said with a smile.
"I did. It was because of me that we got found out."
"What did you do?"
"Tripped a security trap. They came at us breems later."
"Then what?" Blackout demanded.
Stormcloud cringed. "Then I got my aft kicked by Firefly."
"Why?"
"Because I did it on purpose."
Blackout and Misfire stared at him. Probably in shock. He thought. Who would have guessed that I started out trying to destroy Firefly?
"Shank's plan was to get Barricade and Gale out of the way before going after Firefly. I helped him."
"That sounds very unlike you." Misfire said slowly.
Stormcloud shrugged. "I changed. Firefly beat the loyalty into me."
Blackout grinned eagerly. "Tell us everything."
Storm's shoulders slumped. This was going to take a while.
He walked into the office fully expecting the dressing down he deserved. What he didn't expect was the fist pounding into his faceplates or being slammed up against a wall before his stabilizers had a chance to react.
The face that glared into his was beautiful and terrifying.
"This is the mech that fragged up my recon?"
Barricade nodded. The smirk on Gale's face boded ill for Stormcloud's continued good health. This was proved moments later when Firefly's fist plowed into his midsection. He doubled over as pain lanced through him. Electrical surges ricocheted through him.
"What was going through your malfunctioning processor?"
Stormcloud cringed at her harsh tone. He slid to the floor holding his middle. "I'm sorry, Lord Firefly."
Her foot repeatedly slammed into his chassis and head. He didn't try to protect himself, that would have just made her hit him harder.
"Apologies won't get me the information I wanted. Information you cost me."
"Firefly, perhaps you should question him before you deactivate him."
The kicking stopped and Stormcloud hazarded a glance up at the femme. She still glowered down at him but allowed Barricade's hand to ease her away.
"What do you have to say for yourself, scraplet?"
He didn't move from his position on the floor. "I should have known that the Autobots had defenses. I was over-confident and foolish."
"Admitting to your mistakes is commendable but it won't get you out of being punished."
"I understand."
She sighed harshly. "Stop cowering and get up, you're not a sparkling so don't act like one."
Stormcloud quickly climbed to his feet. Firefly now leaned against a wide desk, running her fingers over a row of large spikes covering her knuckles. No wonder her punches had hurt like slag. She was wearing an electro-gauntlet.
The earlier fury was no longer in her optics but there was now something in her gaze he couldn't read. "Do you know why I called for you?"
"Because I failed you, my lord."
"That's true, but there is something else. I've been watching you for quite some time, Stormcloud. Barricade had reported that you have made favorable advances and are, usually, a very diligent soldier."
Pride swelled his spark at the unexpected praise. It was quickly over-ridden by the shame of his betrayal.
Firefly continued. "You have leadership potential. It is because of this potential that I am disappointed at your behavior during this mission. Had you paid more attention you could have easily succeeded. That said, it is my opinion that you tripped the alarm purposefully."
Stormcloud's optics widened. How could she have known that? "I-I…" Something started to leak inside of him.
Gale grinned nastily. "That's treasonous behavior, and all traitors are deactivated." He stepped forward and Storm felt fear cascade through him. Deactivation at Gale's hands wasn't the most desirable end.
"Gale, wait." Firefly didn't even look at the hulking mech. "I want to hear his reasons. Tell me why you betrayed the Decepticons?"
"Your mercy is going to haunt you one day." He sneered back.
"My mercy is the only thing that keeps you functional." Her superior smile obviously rubbed Gale's circuits the wrong way because he snarled and returned to his chosen corner. Firefly turned back to Storm. "Go on."
Stormcloud opened his mouth but nothing came out. All the reasons he'd had now seemed petty. Yes she could be a bitch but hadn't she just proved she could be fair. She had spared his life…so far. He closed his mouth and dropped his head. "I can't. I have no reason except a poorly based anger."
He heard Gale chuckle darkly and Barricade sigh.
"Good."
Stormcloud's head snapped back up and he stared at Firefly in confusion. Behind her Barricade and Gale looked equally unsure at her reaction.
"I take it that you no longer feel this anger towards me. I knew, of course, that you felt that way. Your face is very easy to read, especially that first day."
Stormcloud could do little more than gape. The sensation that something was leaking inside of him continued.
"I had hoped that your anger would make you try harder to gain my attention. I did not however anticipate this unfortunate turn of events." She leaned forward and tapped the energon-stained spikes against her chin. "I promise you right now, Stormcloud, that if you ever sabotage another mission and place your team in danger again, I will personally dismember you while you are still active."
"I would happily rip him apart now and save you the trouble." Gale offered.
"No." She slanted a look at the purple mech. "I have plans for this one, so don't be petty just because Barricade found him."
Gale sneered but remained silent.
"Stormcloud, the rest of your punishment goes as follows; half-rations until I say, double sentry duty, you will also be required to see me before and after every training session. Understood?"
Storm did the calculations quickly. He would only get half of his required recharge, and on half energon ration, he would have barely enough energy to avoid falling into stasis.
"Yes, sir."
"Good." She strode past him. Even though he was taller than her, she terrified him. "Barricade, escort him to the medbay and then to his quarters."
The black officer nodded and stepped forward. Stormcloud suppressed the urge to sigh in relief.
"Oh, and Stormy."
He turned and caught another punch across his faceplates. He fell under the unexpected blow.
"Welcome to the Imperials." She left with Gale, leaving Barricade to pick up the fallen mech.
"You have ball bearings, kid."
"Thanks, I think."
Barricade snorted. "I suggest you stock up on energon and get as much recharging done as possible. You won't get much of either once Firefly gets started on you."
"Why are you so concerned?" Storm asked suspiciously.
Barricade flicked his helm, Storm winced. "I'm not, I'm a medic and I'd like to see as little of you as possible. Understood."
They left the office and started towards the medical lab.
"Was she serious, I'm in the Imperials?"
Barricade nodded. "Yeah, but don't screw up. The last thing I need is one of mine being sub par."
"What exactly do you mean by that?"
"As of now you're Firefly's pet project. I get extra privileges for bringing you to her attention, plus now I don't have to deal with your bad attitude. She'll be in charge of your training. Prepare yourself for a lot of aft-kicking. Screw up and she'll only beat you harder."
Stormcloud rubbed his jaw and felt the movement in his damaged chassis. "I don't think I'll be able to handle too many more sessions like that. I think she dislocated my jaw. I may also have some internal leakage."
"You'll have more than that before she's finished with you. Don't worry we'll get you fixed up in time for her to beat the slag out of you again." He chuckled darkly.
"That doesn't explain how Shank got close enough to try and deactivate Firefly." Blackout said.
"That was my fault. I let him persuade me that Firefly was unacceptable as a leader."
"You were her Starscream." Misfire chuckled.
Stormcloud nodded. "It's nothing I'm proud of."
"What happened?" Blackout stressed. "Where's the good part?"
"Eventually I agreed to his plan."
"A plan to kill her?" Misfire asked.
"Of course, what else?"
"Just clarifying."
"What was the plan?" Blackout asked eagerly.
Stormcloud sighed. "Once I was Firefly's main project I got the codes to the officer's compound. I was expected to deliver reports and other bits and pieces to her quarters so it wasn't unusual to see me there. The night that we agreed to implement the plan I gave Shank the codes and met him outside her door."
"Are you ready?" Shank asked as Stormcloud approached him.
"As ready as someone about to deactivate their commanding officer can be."
"She deserves this, you know she does." A long bladed knife appeared in his hand.
Stormcloud nodded and typed in the pass for Firefly's personal quarters. He had some reservations about this, so many things could go wrong. But 8 vorns as Firefly's bitch had taught him not to back down.
The door slid open with a quiet hum and Shank moved infront of him. Despite the darkness, Stormcloud could see well enough to pick out Firefly on her recharge berth. Offline, she seemed so far removed from the heinous bitch she was during training.
They crept closer to the berth. The shadows stretched around them. The expression on Shank's face became more manic. He approached Firefly with his knife raised.
Tension clogged Stormcloud's throat. Did he have the courage to do this?
Shank was just out of reach when Firefly's optics lit up. The tension tightened the cables in his body.
She rose on her elbow. "Well this is unexpected. Why are you visiting me so late?"
"Your day of reckoning has come." Shank snarled.
She yawned. "That's a very dark topic for this hour. Come back when it's not my recharge cycle."
"Don't dismiss me!"
He jabbed the knife towards her. A hand appeared out of the darkness, catching Shank's wrist before he could plunge the blade into her chassis. Stormcloud's gaze darted to the side. Barricade held Shank unmercifully. Gale appeared on his other side and Storm brought his gun up.
"I should have known you were too much of a coward to face me alone." Shank sneered.
Firefly smiled lazily. "Considering the situation, you are the coward, Shank, not me. Who but a coward would try to deactivate a mech while they recharged. Megatron doesn't even stoop that low."
The mech lunged at her but was caught by Gale. "You won't win. I will succeed."
One of Firefly's brows rose. "How? It's you against my mechs. You're defeated, Shank. Admit it."
"Hah!" He cried. "I didn't come alone. Stormcloud now!"
Storm stepped forward, there was a light click as his gun touched a helm.
"What are you doing? Shoot her!"
Firefly's husky laugh filled the room. "You're a fool, Shank. Did you really think I would let Stormcloud come and go as he pleased without having him completely under my control? He's been passing information to me for orns. I know all about you're pathetic plans to destroy me."
Almost faster that Storm could see, Firefly snatched the knife from Shank's hand. She tapped its tip once against his nose before burying it in his chest. Shank gasped and slumped in the combined hold of Barricade and Gale.
"Get this piece of filth out of my quarters. Put him on display in the marching grounds." Gale nodded and dragged the limp mech from the room.
Firefly handed the knife to Stormcloud and turned to her second. "Make sure he doesn't deactivate Shank. I have plans for him." Barricade nodded and left the room.
She turned and faced Storm. "Well done, Stormcloud." She prowled forward until they were feet apart. "You have a unique opportunity here, Stormy." Her fingers closed around his on the knife's hilt and brought the pinkened blade to her neck. "You could kill me right now and take all the glory of Shank's plan and some of my power."
She pushed the edge against her main energon line. "What will you do?"
Stormcloud's processor stalled. If he took what she was offering he could take her place and lead the army and, better yet, the Imperials. His dreams of glory would be answered, his ambitions realized. His internal encouragement stopped there. If he did use the knife and slice through her neck, he would be a traitor. A Decepticon who gained his power by spilling the energon of his superiors was likely to meet a similar fate.
He withdrew the knife. "When I deactivate you it will be when you are willing to fight."
Her laughter flowed over his audios like liquid. "A very good answer."
A silver hand flashed in the dark before wrapping around his neck. Warm air brushed over his cheek as Firefly came even closer.
"What are you doing, sir?"
Her smile sent shivers through his body. "Rewarding you."
Stormcloud had stopped cycling air by the time she kissed him. Heat shot straight through his body to leave a tingling sensation in his extremities. His hands closed around her waist automatically as he opened to her. Storm wasn't sure what was going on, Firefly had never encouraged this sort of behavior before and he was fairly confused.
"What are you doing? Don't stop." Blackout demanded as Stormcloud claimed another energon cube.
"I agree." Misfire added. "Details, Stormy, details."
Stormcloud smirked at the mechs but didn't continue. Let their overload-starved processors conjure up what happened, it wouldn't be close to the truth. She'd given him his full Imperial badges that day. They hadn't interfaced, only Primus could have saved him if he'd dared that, but she'd kissed him royally before attaching the sigils to his chassis.
Storm still considered that the best day of his life.
Barricade grinned as the two soldiers tried to get Stormcloud to talk. Firefly flinched under his hands.
"Don't move or this will take longer. As it is, you'll be off active duty for an orn."
She glared at him. "I can't do that 'Cade. Elita-1 is out there somewhere and I will find her."
"Not if you lose the majority of your circuitry to acid rain. When did you last get your chassis reinforced?"
Her answering silence sent an annoyed surge through him and he removed some damaged wires roughly. Her yelp wasn't satisfying enough.
"As an aerial and a leader I expected better from you."
"Stall it Barricade. I didn't get a chance at upgrading while offline."
"I should leave you with your components exposed so everyone can see what acid erosion looks like." He growled as he started soldering.
Firefly smirked but remained silent as Barricade continued his repairs. A little acid damage wouldn't stop her, not now. Elita-1's escape from Tyger Pax was unfortunate but not disheartening. She had expected the Autobots to do something to protect the femme leader.
Her failure to capture Elita-1 wouldn't be repeated, not now when she had other plans that waited to be implemented.
"What are you cooking up now?" Barricade asked.
Firefly mused for a moment. "Once I have Elita and her femmes, how do you feel about visiting Earth?"
"Why do you want to go to that mudball?"
"Megatron. Staking my claim here will mean nothing if he returns and Starscream is in my position. I must renew my claim on our mighty leader."
Barricade chuckled behind her as he reattached her armor. "Starscream won't give up his power without a fight."
"Starscream doesn't stand a chance. He can remain Air Commander for all I care. I just want the power to destroy him again." She looked over her shoulder at her most trusted ally. "I want the latest reports on Elita-1 asap, and tell Stormcloud that this is an army not a bonding-retreat."
As much as she hated to admit it, Firefly was bluffing her rank and power. She had no official status in the Decepticon army since she had been declared offline. Only Megatron could solidify her position.
"Firefly, sir, I have an incoming transmission."
Firefly twirled in her chair. "Origin?"
"Helex, sir."
Helex? Why was Shockwave contacting her? "Accept it."
The main screen filled with light. Shockwave's head and shoulders appeared. "Firefly."
"Shockwave. I assume this isn't a courtesy call. What do you want?"
"I would prefer to discuss this personally."
Firefly transferred the line to her private console. "The last time we were face-to-face you had me imprisoned. We'll talk now."
"I have reports that you have had contact with the Autobot rebels and they were not destroyed."
"Keeping tabs on me Shockwave? How sweet." She drawled.
"Those Autobots should have been deactivated. Why did you allow them to survive?"
She crossed one leg over the other. "It was my prerogative."
"It was treasonous."
"Actually, I believe imprisoning Megatron's first officer is treason. Something I would be more than happy to relay to our illustrious leader when I speak to him."
"Your threat doesn't concern me."
"I'm not surprised." She said dryly. "While you're here, I'll have Megatron's communication's code though."
"if you have a report to send; record it and I will add it to my next transmission."
Firefly smirked. "You don't think he'll want to speak to his newly reactivated first officer directly?"
"I believe you have overestimated you importance in this army."
Firefly thought back on her relationship with Megatron and smiled. "I don't think so. When you're willing to work with me in controlling this planet, contact me. Until then Shockwave, stay out of my way."
The screen went blank and she stretched. That one-opticed freak was a pain in her aft and would continue to be one until she established her superiority again. If she hadn't gone offline she'd be on Earth and wouldn't have to put up with this slag.
She contacted Misfire. "Report."
"No new leads, Fly. But we have discovered a pocket of rebels."
"Take them down. If any survive bring them here."
She turned to Stormcloud, who was always hovering somewhere nearby. "Have the brig readied for prisoners, and get me Barricade, I'll be in my office."
The red scout hurried away and Firefly headed for her secure hideaway. Barricade arrived shortly after.
"You needed something?"
"I want to know what Shockwave is up to. What do your mechs in Helex have to say."
He dropped into a chair. "Not much. Shockwave's increased his army but we knew that. He hasn't been testing any weapons recently, not that we can find evidence of anyway."
Firefly growled and smacked the desk with her fist. "What is he planning?"
"He might not be planning anything."
She threw him a look. "This is Shockwave. He's always planning something."
Barricade shrugged and offered nothing else.
"I think it would be best if we visited Helex." She said suddenly.
"Why?"
"Shockwave is off balanced by sudden changes in plan. I said I'm staying here and pursuing Elita and the Autobot rebels. If I suddenly show up at Helex he'll have to rewire his cerebros to keep on track."
Barricade nodded but stayed silent.
Content that her plan would be put into motion Firefly dismissed the topic. They discussed further advancements in troop training and the overall running of the fortress before Firefly released him and settled in to write and go over reports. Reports had never been a favorite activity of hers but it made keeping track of changes so much easier. Energon rations and ammo could be easily misplaced if it wasn't being monitored.
She was distracted breems later by a transmission on her private channel. Downloading the text message to a datapad she opened it. A grin spread across her face. Finally there was someone not completely incompetent on her side. There were no identifying marks to show who had sent her the information. Firefly was left to wonder who else wanted Elita-1 destroyed as much as she did.
Please Review. It'll encourage me to write more. Thank you xo