Authors Note- At long last I have once again returned with an update to An Unlikely Friendship. Sorry it took me forever and a half to get around to this fic, life you know? Well, anyway as you can gather I only own Audrey and the plot. Everything else belongs to Hasbro. Now, that we got that out of the way here is Chapter Five.
While Breakdown had followed Optimus into the Autobot base with a very reluctant Audrey in tow. Starscream had returned to the Nemesis. A scrap eating grin on his faceplate. Ever since he had seen Breakdown ground bridge off the ship he had been curious where the bulky blue Decepticon had gone. Starscream wouldn't lie, ever since Breakdown had been liberated from the clutches of MECH he had been rather distant. Something even Knock Out had noticed. So, suffice it to say that Starscream had been... let's say concerned for his comrade.
And what had he seen when he followed Breakdown to a heavily wooded area, watching as he plopped down, obviously lost in thought as he hadn't seemed to notice that Starscream had followed him, or that he was close by. Something, that if Starscream had been an Autobot, would be fatal to Breakdown if he managed to catch him off guard. But, instead Starscream had only watched as Breakdown sat in front of a small body of water, when a lone human female appeared.
And from then on things seemed to get interesting as Breakdown actually conversed with the human, once he captured her, that is. Funny, Starscream had thought for sure he would have crushed the girl into a fine paste, he almost looked like he was about to, but seemed to think against it, and instead had a long conversation with her. The girl, who Starscream learned was named Audrey, not that it really mattered to the seeker, one human was very much like the rest of the vermin. But, that was not all when Breakdown did something Starscream never thought a Decepticon would do. Just as Optimus Prime appeared, now Starscream didn't hear everything the two said to each other, but he was shocked when Breakdown went with Optimus willingly, Starscream watched as the two stepped through the ground bridge. Which to Starscream, only meant one thing. Breakdown had deserted the Decepticon cause.
Anger swelled in Starscream's chest at this. Ungrateful. As he returned to the Nemesis, stalking through the halls. After I had defied Lord Megatron's orders to rescue him from the humans. And he chooses to abandon us. Abandon me. Starscream growled, flexing talons. If he ever saw Breakdown again he would rip his spark out. If Knock Out didn't get his hands on him before then. And speaking of Knock Out. Starscream's optics settled on the door that would lead him to Knock Out's quarters. He knew that the doctor had to be wondering about Breakdown's whereabouts too. And not only that but poor Knock Out would be absolutely devastated when Starscream broke the news to Lord Megatron about Breakdown's betrayal.
Starscream smirked as he walked towards the command room. Entering the command room, his optics settled on the Warlord, Megatron's hands were clasped behind his back as he ordered his troops around. And lo and behold Knock Out was here too, no doubt giving Megatron his report. What great timing! He would be killing two birds with one stone.
"Lord Megatron." Starscream spoke, drawing Megatron's attention. "I have some...disturbing news."
Megatron arched an optic brow at his SIC. "And that is?"
"Breakdown seemed to have deserted us, and joined the Autobots."
"WHAT?!" Was Knock Out's exclamation, as the medic looked to Starscream optics wide, beside him Megatron looked unsurprised by this, more angered by this than anything. "S-surely you're mistaken." Knock Out spoke, moving towards Starscream.
At Knock Out's little outburst Starscream had to suppress the grin that threatened to creep to his faceplate. "I'm afraid I am not I witnessed Breakdown accompanying Optimus Prime to the Autobot base. With a human female in tow."
"Perhaps Breakdown is acting as a spy for us." Knock Out said, nervousness tinting his voice. Of course Knock Out would try and come up with excuses for Breakdown.
Megatron growled, red optics flashing as Starscream looked from Knock Out to Megatron. "Whatever the reason Breakdown has deserted the Decepticon cause." Megatron looked to Knock Out. "And you know well that no one leaves the Decepticons."
Starscream chuckled, moving to his masters side, casting Knock Out a sideways glance, the corner of his mouth turning upwards.
"But he could come back, he could find out where the Autobots are and tell us." Knock Out protested. This had to be a dream, Knock Out thought, red optics wide.
"Or maybe poor Breakdown realized he was of no use to the Decepticon cause, and deserted." Megatron snarled, glaring at Knock Out. "It matters not, Breakdown is dead to us. Whether he returns or not..."
Knock Out opened his mouth to argue further. But thought against it, arguing with Megatron was never a good idea. Mouth snapping shut Knock Out bowed to Megatron, optics downcast as he turned on his heel, and walked out of the command room, and towards the med bay. Thoughts of Breakdown invading his troubled thoughts. Why would Breakdown just up and suddenly leave? Sure, he knew Breakdown had been troubled after his ordeal with MECH, and perhaps a little troubled that Megatron had been intent on letting him suffer at the hands of humans no less.
But to full on desert the Decepticons, and join the Autobots? Breakdown wasn't that crazy, was he? Knock Out stepped into his med bay, grateful for the silence it provided. Hands resting on the table he usually had his tools on when he was working. This had to be a dream, Breakdown would never abandon him, would he? Knock Out didn't know the answer, but he did know one thing. Is that he wasn't going to let Breakdown go. He would bring Breakdown back one way or another.
So, this was the Autobot base, huh? Breakdown thought as he stepped the ground bridge, looking around the area. This is NOT what I was expecting... Breakdown was so used to the Nemesis that finding himself in a human made structure was odd. An old orange and white 'bot glared at Breakdown from over his shoulder. An Autobot he didn't recognize, but it didn't matter as Breakdown continued to look around. A worried look etched on his faceplate, as he continued to look around.
"You, uh, mind putting me down?" Audrey asked, as she looked up at him.
"Oh, uh, right sorry." Breakdown muttered as he placed Audrey on the stairs that would lead to the mezzanine, before looking around.
"Bulkhead's not here." The unnamed Autobot said. "I assume that's who you're looking for?"
Breakdown said nothing, as he turned to look at Optimus. The Autobot leader looked to Audrey, as the woman got to her feet, and climbed the stairs, plopping down unceremoniously on the couch, kicking her legs up on the table as she too looked around. Well, as long as she wasn't whining Breakdown really didn't care what she did. But for him, that uncomfortable feeling returned, as he looked around the base once more. His optics settling on various tools laying about. Absent-mindedly Breakdown began to fiddle with them. A habit Knock Out had always nagged him about, when he would spend time with him in the med bay.
Knock Out.
A faraway looked fell over Breakdown's faceplate as he thought back to him. What was Knock Out thinking? Did he know that Breakdown was gone, and wasn't coming back? A pang of sorrow gripped Breakdown's spark as he thought that. Maybe he should have talked with Knock Out one last time? Sure, Knock Out would have tried to stop him, and sure, he would have tried to convince Knock Out to come with him, but he knew Knock Out was loyal to the Decepticon cause. And would never dare leave.
After all...one never left the Decepticons. A shudder ran down his spinal strut at the mere thought of Megatron. Now Breakdown wondered how the rest were taking his absence, he knew Megatron would be furious at his desertion, and was no doubt vowing to make Breakdown pay for his insolence. Soundwave, well who knew what Soundwave was thinking. And then there was Starscream. Breakdown scowled, though he never said it out loud to anyone, but he never really cared for the seeker. Starscream was an slimy and ambitious seeker, who would use anyone he could to be in command of the Decepticons once again.
And when Starscream had come for him that day he actually expected Breakdown to choose between him or Megatron. Well, now Breakdown wouldn't have to worry about that anymore. And he knew Starscream would just find someone else to use to help him overthrow Megatron. Breakdown knew that more than a few Vehicon troopers were on Starscream's side. But, other than that most were happy living under Megatron's rule that they never dare defy him. And there are a few others that would rather lead the Decepticons than join Starscream. Airachnid being one of them.
"Excuse me?" A voice spoke, jerking him from his thoughts. Looking up he saw the orange and white Autobot standing there, glaring at him. "Do you mind not handling my extremely fragile tools? I need those." Breakdown muttered an apology as the medic snatched the tool from his hand, and placed it with the others, before looking to Breakdown once more. "In fact I want you to come with me." He beckoned Breakdown over, the blue Decepticon arching an optic brow as he complied.
"Why?" He asked.
"Just a precaution, I want to make sure you aren't being tracked, the last thing we need is Megatron finding out where we are."
"I assure you I'm not here to spy on you." Breakdown protested.
"It's just a precaution, Breakdown." Optimus interjected, stepping forward. Placing a hand on Breakdown's shoulder. "You may be tracked whether you know it or not."
Well, Prime had a point there. Snapping he mouth shut Breakdown nodded, and moved to follow the other Autobot, whose name he had yet to learn.
As Ratchet and Breakdown disappeared further into the med bay, Optimus then turned to where the human woman sat, watching the entire thing. The woman tensing as his optics settled on her, as he drew closer.
Audrey watched as the one called Optimus looked in her direction, she had hoped that with them being distracted by Breakdown's presence she would be able to find away out of here, without them noticing, but alas that didn't seem to be the case.
"What's you name?" He asked.
"A-A-Audrey." She managed to choke out, getting to her feet, and taking a few tentative steps towards him. "C-can I go?" She managed sounding pathetically meek. But, hey she was standing before a giant metal alien that could turn her into paste without a second thought if he wanted to.
Obviously this Audrey had suddenly found herself involved with Breakdown, by no choice of her own. And as much as Optimus was sympathetic to what Audrey was feeling he knew he just couldn't let her go. Much like with the kids he knew there was a good chance the Decepticons would find out about her in their search for Breakdown. And would target her, something he could not allow. Optimus gave her a sympathetic look. A look was all Audrey needed, even as Optimus spoke. As he told her this he watched as a look of disappointment fell over her face. Shoulders slumping, head down.
"So much for spending a quiet evening at home after work." Audrey grumbled.
"I am truly sorry Audrey." Optimus said.
Audrey shrugged. "I guess I have no choice." She turned fully towards him. "But, uh, I guess I want to say nice to meet you but, uh..." She toyed with her braid. "I'm kinda at a loss in regards for all of this. One moment I'm off work, and wanting to unwind. And next giant, alien robots. You might see where I'm coming from, right?"
Optimus nodded. "I do." He said.
"And because of these Decepticons I just can't go on with my life. Decepticons... Cyclops over there said he used to be one..." Audrey looked to where Breakdown had disappeared.
Again Optimus nodded as Audrey looked to him.
"And you guys are apparently the good guys, right?" Though Audrey did know how good they really were though. They were giant alien robots, for all she knew was that the moment the got rid of the Decepticons there was a good chance these Autobots would turn on humanity next.
A chill ran down her spine at that thought. "So," she spoke, shoving these thoughts from her head. "Are there more of you?" she asked. She might as well learn all she could about them if she was going to be stuck with them.
Optimus nodded. "They're currently on patrol. Searching for energon."
"Energon?" Audrey tilted her head to the side.
Optimus looked to her once more. She was curious, despite her obvious fear of them. The corner of his mouth turning upwards. He might as well ease some of her fears by conversing with her further. Until-
"Prime!"
Optimus looked up as the elevator doors that lead to the roof slid open, and out stepped Agent Fowler. A dark look on his face. Audrey got to her feet as she looked at the new comer, blinking a few times as the older, heavy set man with a stern scowl marched up to the railing that surrounded the mezzanine. Stopping in front of Optimus.
"Just what is going on?" The man asked, seeming unafraid of the giant robot before him.
"To what are you referring to Agent Fowler?" Optimus asked.
"I have just received various reports of an armored truck trying to drive a civilian off the road. Reports describe it as the Decepticon Breakdown."
That got Audrey's attention, moving towards this Agent Fowler. She listened as Optimus calmly explained everything to him, a look of surprise on the mans face as Optimus had informed him that, yes there was a Decepticon in the Autobot base. Silence permeated the command room as Fowler let this all sink in, his brow furrowed.
"You mean to tell me that you allowed a Decepticon to come here?" Fowler said slowly, as if unable to comprehend what was going on. Audrey watching as he did. "And how do you know he won't blab to Megatron your location?" Fowler asked when Optimus was done explaining things to him.
Optimus was silent as he looked down at the two humans. He knew he was taking a big risk bringing Breakdown here even after he heard everything the former Decepticon had told him. He knew that, but never less Optimus chose to take a chance. He hoped Breakdown would not make him regret it. After all, even Decepticons deserved a second chance.
"So, what does Two Ton think of all this?" Fowler asked, jerking Optimus from his thoughts. That was another problem, Optimus thought as he looked to the entrance. Knowing that the rest of his Autobots would soon return, with the children in tow. And Bulkhead would be more than a little displeased when he returned and found his long time rival making himself at home in their base. He doubted any of them would be happy. But, Optimus hoped they would eventually understand.
"So, safe to say that when these other Autobots come home after a long day of patrols they're going to be none too happy, huh?" Audrey spoke up. Drawing Fowler's attention to her for the first time since he arrived.
"And who are you?" Fowler asked.
"She was with Breakdown when I met with him." Optimus said."
"Names Audrey, Audrey Simmons." Audrey said, holding out her hand to him.
Fowler seemed to mutter something under his breath, as he shook his head, ignoring her out stretched hand as he looked to Optimus once more. "Another civilian? Are you trying to draw unwanted attention to you, Prime?" Fowler fumed, hands clenched.
And Audrey had to admit as she watched him, this Agent Fowler? Had the balls the size of Texas if he could talk down to a being that was not only made of metal, but was far larger than the human. And far more capable of turning Fowler into a fine paste without a second thought. And yet, here he was scolding Optimus as if it was nothing. Even more surprising? Optimus just stood there and took it.
"D-don't worry..." Audrey interjected again, as Fowler looked at her once more. A disapproving frown on his face. "If you're worried bout me blabbing to anyone well, I won't. No one would believe me anyways. So, can you tell Optimus here to let me go? And you guys can deal with Breakdown, and any other stuff there is?"
Fowler sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he fully to her. "As Prime no doubt explained-"
"Blah, blah, blah, Decepticons, blah, blah, blah, my life in danger." Audrey rolled her eyes, a look of irritation on her face. "So, what?" she asked, plopping down on the couch once more, arms crossed. "I stay here now until you guys win your little war?"
Optimus shook his head. "No, we will appoint you a guardian to protect you." He told her.
The big question was who? And the bigger problem was possibly relocating her if need be. Before he could discuss this further he was greeted by the sound of both Ratchet and Breakdown approaching. Turning around Optimus looked to Ratchet.
"He's clean." Ratchet told him.
"And before you ask." Breakdown spoke up. Moving towards Prime. "Ratchet here was pretty through." He glanced at Ratchet, as the medic scoffed before returning to his lab.
Breakdown's single optic soon settling on Fowler. A dark look on Fowler's face as the moved to lean over the railing.
"So," Fowler started. "What's your story, Cyclops?"
Audrey watched as Breakdown's optics widened, he opened his mouth to come up with some retort for the human. But before he could get a word out they were interrupted by a screech of tires. All eyes looking to the source of the noise, where a large green truck, a yellow sports car, and a blue motorcycle sat. Audrey, however seemed to notice that all eyes were on the green truck, as a teen girl stepped out. The truck itself transforming into large Autobot. Blue optics narrowed as they settled on Breakdown, before looking to Optimus.
"The slag is this?" The green Autobot spoke in a deep voice, as the other two transformed after allowing their human passengers out. All optics were on Breakdown now as Audrey took a few steps back. Things were about to get ugly.
Authors Notes- And that's a wrap. I wish I had more to say but my backs hurting so I'm going to call it a night. I'll try and get the next chapter up soon, and with that this is The Exhausted Writer signing off, Have a good day!