Chapter 150

-0-Diego Garcia

They walked to the shuttle, Ironhide, Jazz, Bumblebee and Smokescreen. Cosmos would take them to Houston to interdict the transfer of the gun to Nast from Shockwave's intermediates, a gang of gun, drug and contraband mercs that operated out of Texas. If you wanted a job done under the radar, you sought them out. They were professionals for the most part and if caught, unwilling to give information.

They loaded up and the ramp closed as Cosmos rose into the air silently, then as swiftly disappearing into the heavens. Lennox and Epps were with them so they settled down into the cordoned off area for humans along the bulkhead that separated the hold from the flight deck. Lennox pulling out his Kindle glanced at Ironhide. "Ironhide, I heard something, a rumor."

Ironhide glanced at Lennox, his expression quizzical. "What did you hear, William?"

"I heard that you adopted the twins." He grinned. "Just a rumor."

Jazz snorted as he glanced at Ironhide with a huge grin on his face. "I heard that rumor, too, Ironhide. Wanna tell us the straight up?"

Ironhide took a moment to access the proper language file, then shrugged slightly. "Ratchet."

Epps grinned. "What Ratchet wants, Ratchet gets?"

"Pretty much," Ironhide said with a minuscule grin. "Got a sparkling."

"And a damned cute one," Lennox said wholeheartedly. "Now you have three sparklings."

"Sort of too big to be sparklings," Epps said. "What do you call over sized sparklings?"

"Son," Ironhide said with a straight face.

They chuckled.

"I'd think with all the hell that those two have given you over the years that you would be the last ones to adopt them," Lennox said as he settled in for the tale.

Ironhide shrugged. "Our race is filled with orphans. All of us are orphans. We're an orphaned race. The twins need something that's theirs. All they need is a firm hand. Ratchet has a great throwing arm."

"He does. I don't think there's anyone in the garrison that doesn't have dents in their helms or chassis that Ratchet hasn't put there," Smokescreen said amiably.

"Every dent was deserved, too," Ironhide said with a proud smile.

"How's the trine going?" Epps asked as his curiosity hoped to bridge the Autobot's legendary taciturn behavior about the personal, The Sexy or the intimate of any kind.

"You know about the trine?" Ironhide asked as his optics narrowed.

"Heard a rumor," Epps said casually.

"Rumors. Where do you hear them?" Ironhide asked.

"From the soldiers," Epps said. "I just … around. I don't mean to offend you, Ironhide. I just hear them around."

Everyone looked at Ironhide who regarded the soldiers for a moment. "The trine is good. The twins and Bluestreak are happy and doing well. All a genitor could hope for."

"That's nice. We don't have trines here. I mean, we have polygamy and polyandry but it's usually not legal where we live and very few do it," Epps said.

Ironhide nodded. "We don't have problems with it. It's sort of an old habit but it happens. Most of the Seekers are in trines. Trines are something Autobots usually don't do. The twins are a special case. They're split spark twins. They share one spark between them and when one falls for someone the other often does as well. Sort of a 'get one, get both' thing."

"Then its biology," Lennox said.

"We aren't organic," Ironhide replied. "It's hard to explain. It just happens and is."

Epps and Lennox nodded.

"Do you expect sparklings from them, too?" Epps asked curiously.

"Sparklings can happen," Ironhide said with images of Prowl and Ratchet coming to mind. "Probably will happen. We aren't so hard pressed here. Things are good for more sparklings than ours."

"That baby is the cutest thing ever," Lennox said. "If my wife saw him he'd be in her lap straight away."

Ironhide smiled. "He is rather awesome if I say so myself."

"And you do," Jazz said. "Often."

Ironhide who was considering how his sparkling and bond were disappearing behind him considered that. "I do," he agreed with a grin.

-0-Intel-Martin HQ Building, Houston, Texas

He stood on the platform with a clipboard in hand. A Ryder truck was pulling into the back of the skyscraper heading for the loading dock. He jumped down and walked toward the truck halting it before it came too far inside.

The driver rolled down the window and leaned out. "Hi. Have a delivery for a Mr. Nast."

"I know. There's been a change of address for the delivery. It's supposed to go to Alamo Storage instead. Do you know where that is?" The dock manager asked.

The driver nodded. "Yes. Across town."

The dock manager handed the driver a paper to sign. As they talked baseball and the weather, the weapon inside the truck was crated and ready for delivery.

To the Autobots.

He handed back the paper then waved as he backed to turn around before heading back outside to the highways and byways of Houston and the storage facility that awaited him.

-0-Investigation

They sat in the Administration Headquarters for the base, Colonel Fulton expediting their requests and access. Prime had allowed the trio to call upon the requested Autobots.

Hound and Trailbreaker walked across the tarmac to the communications hanger where the humans would interview them. They stood outside chatting to the humans who worked there, some of whom were outside for a smoke break. When the investigators left the admin building and headed their way, the effect was the same as it was with everyone who saw a Transformer in the metallic flesh for the first time.

The two in their view were immense bots. Hound and Trailbreaker were extremely well liked and respected by just about anyone who met them. Hound loved the Earth and liked to map and chart the area. He loved the ocean and had charted it long range for 300 miles in all directions of the island. He would turn those over to the base when he finalized them which would be a huge assist given the ships that came into the harbors.

Trailbreaker was a really sweet guy, a big mech who had a slight inferiority complex that had only been addressed in the recent past. He was a high energetic load mechanism. He was massive, bulky, brave and well loved. He also required a lot of fuel to be at peak. Until he'd been modified by Ratchet and Wheeljack, he was concerned about his ability to contribute to the common good. Now, he was relaxed and much happier with his lot. Since both had come together again, they'd been inseparable. With the inclusion of their daughter, Silverbow, life had opened up in the most unexpected and delightful ways.

They were kneeling as they talked together with human soldiers and as their sensors registered Fulton, they arose and turned together to look at the small group as they approached. It was amazing how menacing that motion and their size made the humans feel. The two mechs silently watched them approach, their casual appearance belying the ferocity of their capabilities on the battlefield.

They were two of the bigger mechs among the Cybertronians that weren't titanic frames with Trailbreaker slightly bigger at twenty-seven and a half feet. Hound coming in at twenty-five feet was square and heavily armed. They were big like all warrior-class mechanisms of their generation. Both carried shoulder modifications that were subspaced when not needed and both used a heavy truck model in alt vehicle form. Trailbreaker also had a weapon rather than a servo at the end of one arm which made him stand out from the crowd.

Fulton upon reaching them began introductions. "Hound, Trailbreaker, this is Mr. Warren Roberts, an investigator from the State Department and his assistants, Ms. Lawton and Mr. Swarner. They're here to investigate the hit-and-run incident."

Both Autobots nodded noting the organics nervous silent reaction to them.

Hound knelt down and extended his servo. "Mr. Roberts."

Roberts, hesitating, extended his hand to grip one of Hound's digits. "Mr. Hound."

Hound smiled at the extra name as he glanced at the other two. He then stood. "What do you need?"

We'd like to interview you separately," Roberts began. Then he waited as a hummer drove up and Jase Daniels stepped out. Walking toward them, he stopped before Roberts to extend his hand. "I'm Jason Daniels. I carry the brief for the Autobots and the treaties."

Roberts shook his hand. "We're here to do this investigation and right now we're going to interview these two Autobots, Hound and Trailbreaker."

"Good," Daniels said glancing at them with disdain. "I want to be present."

"You can't be," Roberts said firmly. "We're investigating you as well, Mr. Daniels. That would be impossible to do right with you listening in."

"Why are you investigating me?" Daniels asked incredulously.

"Because these mercenaries are here at your request and they're under your supervision and therefore, by the allegations participants in these alleged incidents. We also have to ascertain if you're negligent in this matter as well."

It was silent a moment, then Daniels pulled out a phone. "We'll see about that."

Roberts, an older civil servant with a tough veneer looked at him. "Go ahead. In the meantime, we'll proceed without you present. I'd like to interview Autobot Hound if I may." He looked up at the green Autobot.

Hound nodded as he grinned broadly. "Sure," he said as both Autobots stepped back so the humans could move forward toward the platform organics used to speak with the Autobots inside the hangar.

Trailbreaker moved slightly to stand by the doorway out of the way of the foot traffic that was chronic for the facility. He looked at Daniels who was arguing quietly on the phone. He dialed in. Daniels was talking to the Majority Leader of the Senate.

Running to family to bail him out.

Again.

Crybaby, he thought in the manner that those who could pull their own weight felt about those who couldn't or wouldn't. He shook his helm slightly wondering what it would be like to live a life of cowardice. He personally would never know and that was just fine with him.

-0-Inside

Hound walked in to stand in front of the structure that held organics, equipment and the investigation team. Fulton who was sitting on a chair nearby watched as the investigators organized at a table and chairs provided for them. Hound who watched them for a moment, turned his helm toward Fulton. He grinned slightly.

Fulton grinned back and shrugged in helplessness. He liked Hound a lot. He was one of the most accessible and well-liked Autobots in the garrison. That this had happened to these two Autobots and had involved two little children had infuriated Fulton more than he'd ever felt before. He was going to be present at every interview. He would advise the Autobots himself to insure that their interests and well-being was truly represented and protected. Their alien viewpoints and ideas about things and how they went wouldn't be held against them by anyone who might not understand. If they didn't explain their words as fully as he thought the investigators would understand, then he would. He knew exactly where the blame belonged.

Finally, Roberts walked to the edge of the platform with notebook and pencil in hand. "Please state for the record if you may, sir, your name, your rank and your point of origin."

Hound thought a moment. "I'm Autobot Hound. I'm a scout and reconn expert among other things. I am a mid rank Autobot, perhaps a commander if you had to use your terminology. I'm uncertain how that relates comparably to rank in your army. I came to sentience on Cybertron, my home world in the city of Helex."

"I would like you to explain in your own words what happened on the day that the incident in question happened. All that you can tell us will help greatly in piecing this matter together."

Hound nodded and thought a moment. "Trailbreaker and I finally had a day off together. Our daughter, Silverbow asked to be taken to the beach with her little friend, Spirit, a small mech. They're best friends."

Roberts nodded. He smiled slightly as the calm gentle energy of this agreeable bot began to reach him. "You're a parent to this child, Silverbow?"

"Trailbreaker and I have assumed permanent care of Silverbow. She's an orphan and refugee of war. Spirit is the youngling of another pair of mechs but I don't have liberty to tell you which ones. Our orphans are all now members of families."

Roberts nodded. "Continue please."

Hound did. "We walked to the beach, the one over that direction," he said nodding toward the east, "near to the runways where the Aerialbots are staged. You saw them when you came in."

Roberts nodded. "Those beautiful white jets with the logo ... your logo on the side."

Hound nodded. "We stepped over the fence the way we always do and walked down the hill and up the stretch to the place we all use. The two kids were playing and I was stretched out reading my stories and making additions to the underwater maps I'm making of the area for the Navy. I want to make the most detailed maps possible for Diego for the ships, to protect the reefs and underwater life against accidents and such. Trailbreaker was relaxing, too. It was beautiful and peaceful for all of us. The kids were really happy, playing in the sand and along the shore. We don't have oceans on Cybertron like this so its a new thing for the babies. Both of us watched them but let them play together. They love each other, those two."

Roberts nodded. He was becoming mesmerized by the peaceful recitation of this mech. "It sounds like it."

"They came to us from war and starvation. They were together with others, nine in all. Spirit is a brother to two others. The oldest, Rambler, he had to take care of them for a long time since their parents were killed. He had to scavenge food and protect them against 'Con hunters. It was terrible for them, those babies. Silverbow saw her mother murdered after her father disappeared to get them food. Her mother tried and was killed in front of her and then she was alone for a while. It hurt them, all of them so we work hard to improve things and let them have all the love they need and want from all of us. It's the Cybertronian way, all of us together raising up the infants. They're precious to us all."

Roberts sobered. "I can see why. Please continue, sir."

"We were having a good day and when they were too far into the surf we called to them to come back. They like to collect things. Silver Bunny has a great shell collection. They did and were standing next to the tide when we heard an engine gunning. A vehicle was heading our way at a frightening pace."

"What did you do then?" Roberts asked.

Behind Roberts, taking notes and manning recording devices as the military staff filmed the deposition as they listened, his aides worked furiously.

"We looked down the beach to see a hummer coming full speed. We jumped up and lunged for the infants. We're pretty battle hardened, both Trailbreaker and me. We have really fast reflexes and you learn not to fear the hits. You just move on instinct. We caught them and fell forward to land in the surf.

"The hummer caught my ped and spun me completely around, breaking and smashing my ped ...foot and landing us both, Spirit and I into the water. I remember falling into the water and it closing around me. The pain in my ped was terrible. But I rose up and saw that Trailbreaker had Silverbow. He'd gotten up faster than I had and had pulled a weapon. He fired upon and hit the hummer. Then it was gone and we were alone."

"What happened then?" Roberts asked.

"We signaled Ops Center at our embassy. Both of us sent distress signals at the moment we stood up and by the time we were crawling out of the surf our people were there."

"Who were they?" Roberts asked.

"Prowl, our Second-in-Command to the Prime, Ratchet, our medical officer, Prime and the soldiers. There could be more but it was hazy for me. I can't remember if Colonel Fulton was there or not but I remember Major Lennox and Sergeant Epps."

"They should be interviewed," Roberts said turning to his aides. "Make the appropriate appointments if you will."

"Epps and Lennox are on assignment but should be back shortly," Fulton said.

Roberts nodded, then turned back to Hound. "What did you see of your attacker?"

"I saw a hummer coming but the sunlight on the windshield hid the driver. They flashed past, then they hit me. I was so busy trying to save the infants that I didn't look at them. By the time they were driving off, I was hurt. I had a terrified child to think about first and I didn't know if either Trailbreaker or Silverbow had been hit. I remember being filled with terror and rage."

Roberts nodded. "Who do you think is responsible for this?"

"In my opinion, there's only one who would do this. The mercs that Daniels has around him would. Before they came, there were no incidents between us and humans both civilian and military. We're a tight unit, N.E.S.T. and us. The rest of the base is good. The civilians and the military here are tight with us. Since they came, they've gone out of their way to provoke us. Even driving trucks into us. There's been nothing but trouble since they came. Prime ordered us to walk away and take video. Its a good thing this is under Prime's command. It might not go so good for the mercs if this was some outpost on a world somewhere."

"Have you gone through the other reports on other incidents, Mr. Roberts?" Fulton asked.

Roberts turned to him and nodded. "We have." He turned back toward Hound. "Is there anything more you can tell us?"

Hound nodded. "Our younglings are in danger. Before, they only harassed and attacked us. We can handle that easily because we're mechs and we're not afraid. Now they see our infants as targets and that makes us worry a lot. That's going to get someone killed. We don't intend that it'll be our children."

Roberts nodded. "Thank you, Hound. If we need more information we will call on you again."

Hound glanced at Fulton, then Warren. "Alright," he said, then walked down the open central corridor nodding to people who called out to him. He then paused by the door talking to someone they couldn't see in their own language.

Trailbreaker appeared as Fulton called him in over the P. A. system. Trailbreaker, an imposing and inscrutable mech whose optics were hidden behind a visor walked to them to halt before the platform, nodding to Fulton in his usual friendly manner.

Roberts scrutinized him with a deep appreciation of the incongruity of auto-mobilized mechanoidal humanoids. "Thank you, Trailbreaker, for coming here."

"Thank you for caring enough to come," Trailbreaker said quietly. "Our little femme could have been killed. As it was, they were both traumatized and my old mech, Hound, got a wound he didn't deserve. It frags me off, Mr. Warren."

"We're here to figure out who's responsible and if they can be identified they will face charges if the evidence warrants it," Roberts began.

"What do you want to know?" Trailbreaker asked, not mollified a bit by the assurance.

"What did you see happen?" Roberts asked.

"I saw a hummer coming over the hill bearing down on our kids who were playing without giving offense to anyone. It was their play day and Hound and I could be together with them. It fragged me off that their time could be spoiled like this and it awakened a lot of bad things in both for a while. Both Hound and I were off to one side and we rose as fast as we could and jumped as far as we could to grab Silverbow and Spirit. We landed in the water and I could feel the hummer going past. I also felt and heard Hound getting hurt. When I rose up from the water, I pulled a weapon and shot the hummer. I got a hit but it was over the next hill and out of sight right away."

"What happened then?"

"Everyone came. We sent a distress signal to the embassy and Prowl, Ratchet, Prime, Lennox and Epps were there almost immediately. There may have been others but I don't recall. I just was concentrating on Hound and the younglings."

Roberts turned to the aides. "Could you put in a call for Prowl and the Prime to come speak to this issue?" They nodded then turned to soldiers sitting nearby to page the two. Turning back, Roberts looked at him. "You shot the vehicle."

"Yes," Trailbreaker said. "I got a hit. I'm a slagging good shot, though not as good as Hound and Bluestreak. But I got the slaggers good. Too bad they were gone before I could blow them to bits. I never wanted to land a blast more."

"And the weapon?"

"A plasma gun. I can't tell you more beyond that. It's classified."

Roberts nodded. "Who do you think is responsible?"

"The mercs," Trailbreaker replied. "They tried to kill Ironhide. They've been provoking us more than usual lately. That little slagger, Daniels … I heard a rumor that he wants those slaggers to provoke us and make it hard for the treaties. He's a coward, Mr. Roberts. He hides behind hired guns and has plausible deniability but make no mistake, he orders this to happen. As for the mercs, they're drunk all the time so they don't give a frag what they're told to do."

"Told?" Roberts asked.

"The incidents before this were less and more stupid. They weren't organized. They were drunken stuff that you do when you don't have control of yourself and you see a bigger guy. You want to take on the bigger guy to prove something to yourself so you liquor up and give it a shot. I'm one of those bigger guys and I know a little slagger trying to make a mark or a name for themselves a mile away. These several incidents, the last half dozen, they're more organized. I think someone has told them to provoke to make us look in a bad light. I tell you that as a designated Autobot provocateur and saboteur of a lot of wartime experience myself. I know what I'm seeing."

"Who do you think did that?" Roberts asked.

"Daniels. He's undermined us since he came here. None of the slaggers who has his job were worth anything but they didn't make trouble or being gunsuls with them," Trailbreaker said. "He has no respect, not for us as soldiers and allies. Not for our Prime. Not even for our babies. It's all galling, especially the disrespect to our Prime."

Roberts nodded. "Can you tell us anything more that we should know about this matter?"

Trailbreaker leaned in, his normally easygoing expression filled with wrath. "Daniels is behind this. Prove it and get him out of here before someone dies because of him. I guarantee you that I won't miss next time." With that, Trailbreaker nodded then walked outside where Hound and now Prime and Prowl waited.

(gunsul: criminal carrying a gun or weapon.)