Chapter 25:
Maeve woke to find herself sprawled out on a dark rural street in a small town surrounded by mountains. She groaned as she lifted her head. A tall single streetlamp lit the night, soft yellow-orange rays of light pitifully illuminating the narrow street around her.
Snow was falling all around her, the cold flakes melting on her skin. At least half an inch had already accumulated on the ground. As she gazed around her, she knew she was utterly alone.
Nothing moved, the few ramshackle wooden Victorian homes were dark and solemn, their curtains drawn in the small windows, the old wood creaking softly. The brutal wind whistled through old mining equipment further up the road, creating a strange soft wailing sound.
Goosebumps rose upon Maeve's skin, and she felt her heart sinking. This town was so... eerie. She didn't know what town she was in. She hoped it was close to the other Autobots.
She hoped that they would help her.
Yeah, in my dreams. You're a "traitor" to them, remember? Why would they want to help you?
Twin sets of jet engines roared above her, and Maeve instinctively cringed as her back gave off a particularly painful spasm from the metal device cruelly implanted within. Thundercracker's warning echoed within her mind, and an involuntary shudder grasped her for a moment. How was she going to be able to get that thing out of her without it killing her?
At least the Seekers were gone, even though she knew her problems were just beginning.
Struggling to get up, she fell forward more than a few times, scraping her hands and knees on the asphalt, already battered from her previous misadventures. Shivering, she was finally able to stand, though she wobbled quite a bit, unsteady on her feet. Slowly, but surely, she began walking down the side street, hoping against hope someone would be awake in this blasted little town and tell her where she was.
In moments she had reached what could be described as Main Street, and blinked her eyes at how dark it was. Every light seemed to be off, except for the single stoplight down the road a few yards and the dismal streetlamp behind her.
She swallowed hard and wiped errant little snowflakes from her face as she gazed about her. Her still healing bruises stung as her hand brushed her face. She winced, and was glad she couldn't look at her own face. She knew her skin was probably a canvas of blue, purple, green and black.
Shaking her head, Maeve concentrated on what to do next. She knew who she wanted to contact, but was fearful it would set off the little Decepticon scout within her. Shivering, knowing it could bring her own death, she chose her course of action.
Here goes nothing...
:Barricade... are you there?:
Silence. Nada, nothing, zilch echoed back from his side of the bond. None of his emotions, none of his words; it was as if he had completely blocked their bond... or something far more devastating than she wanted to think about. A rather unhealthy dose of fear settled upon her. She wanted to hear his voice.
The only positive thing was that the Decepticon scout hadn't zapped her for trying to contact Barricade. She startled when she realized it very well could have been dampening their bond. She grimaced at the thought of that prospect.
A tingle crept up her spine that felt wholly alien. Maeve tried desperately to ignore it as she trudged along the main street in this unknown little town, the grey and brown slush at her feet soaking her boots and jeans.
Bright halogen lights interrupted her vision, causing her to squint and place a hand in front of her eyes as the lights barreled in her direction.
Nice, can you turn off your effing brights now, please? I already have a freaking headache from hell! Maeve thought to herself angrily.
What she did not expect, however, was the sudden stop of the lights, and the attached SUV, just in front of her. The lights blinding her flickered to darkness, and she tried to blink away the lingering effects on her vision while she tried to identify the SUV in front of her. A door slammed, the sharp metallic noise echoing through the silence of the little town, as a dark shadow with black boots walked in the slush towards her.
"What in the blue blazes are you doing out here?" A female's voice, an eerily familiar voice, echoed towards her sharply, with more than a hint of concern in the tone.
Maeve's mouth dropped open in surprise, her eyes widening, as she finally realized that Kay and her 1980s green Jeep were right in front of her. Kay was bundled up in a black heavy winter coat, her hands within the warm fleece coat pockets, staring at Maeve with burning curiosity.
"Now, miss, I swore I left you down in Silverton at the clinic. Care to explain how you're all the way up here in Lake City? And why in the hell are you dressed like that in this weather? Have you looked at a damn thermometer lately, and oh, I don't know, the snow falling?"
Maeve managed to look sheepish as she shivered, yet again, in the freezing air. "It's a long story. And I don't have any other clothes. Like I said, long story."
Kay shook her head with a sympathetic air and motioned for Maeve to step towards the Jeep. "I have an extra coat. You look like you're battling hypothermia already. Get in."
Maeve took one step before she was nearly scared out of her wits.
A soft baritone male voice spoke, coming from the Jeep. "Miss Kay, we should take her with us."
Kay's soft brown eyes widened as she shot a glare at the Jeep. "Shut up, Hound!" She hissed, with an anxious tone that Maeve couldn't miss.
The Jeep called Hound shifted on his shocks. "Miss Kay, I am certain she is aware of my species. She has Cybertronian radiation all over her, which I was aware of when we first picked her up. We must take her with us."
Kay shook her head, sighing softly, her dark eyes sparkling as she shot a soft glare at the Jeep. A sheepish look followed as she gazed back at Maeve.
Maeve had watched the quick conversation with surprise, and then amusement. She smiled at Kay.
"He's right, I do know. It's okay, I won't tell your secret. Besides, you don't even want to know how I know about Cybertronians."
"Uh... yeah, why don't we leave before we attract any attention? And let's get you warmed up; you look frozen half to death." Kay muttered, embarrassment echoing through her voice, and Maeve quickly nodded. She stepped into the Jeep's passenger seat, shutting the door as quickly as she could. Kay reached behind the driver's seat, and came up with a warm fleece coat, shoving it into Maeve's hands. Shakily, the police officer put it on.
Warmth! She nearly wept with relief as Hound's tires began driving over the wet slush and out of town.
The Chief Medical Officer of the Autobots was in turmoil. Ratchet sat upon a slight bench in Fireflight's cargo hold, between the two injured mechs, Prowl on his right, and Barricade on his left. They were both as stable as he could get them, even after Barricade's little magic act of breaking through a very deep stasis lock.
It was that very act that had him so conflicted. He gazed over at the Decepticon's broken frame, a mixture of sympathy and suspicion emanating from his azure optics. He had become even more suspicious that Barricade, with his Guardian bond to the human femme, had crossed into the realm of the taboo.
If he were honest with himself, he was almost certain that the Decepticon had. He could see Barricade's pale blue spark beating within the cracks to his spark chamber. Ratchet had done what he could, but those pale blue pulses still escaped the cracks Ratchet couldn't repair.
Ratchet clutched his hands together tightly, as he let his helm fall forward to his chestplate. He cycled his vents softly, shuttering his optics as he allowed his memory banks to recall the very memory he had squashed back in the deserted ghost town in Colorado. He shuddered as the violence surrounded him once again, the screams tormenting him.
An abhorrent massacre which should never have happened. One which he had been involved in, no matter how he had wished to stay neutral. His spark twisted with deep regret. He had been one of the diplomats to visit that planet, to try and urge the Cybertronian inhabitants to obey their Prime's directive and abandon their disgusting bonds with the organics; long before the great war, before he had turned to medicine, before he had become the medic who was famous, or rather infamous, for his rather relentless and terrifying bedside manner. Back when he had been a soft-spoken and idealistic politician, deeply concerned with keeping Cybertron free from war and saving his people from what he believed to be sin.
He recognized now how naïve he had been, so many eons ago. Even then, so long ago, evil forces had been massing secretly to bring down the blissful peace their world once knew.
It was only now that he realized that the massacre was just one piece of the puzzle enemy forces had used to their advantage in sparking dissent and quiet rebel whispers. That long ago massacre on that far away and distant world, and the motives for it, had been used as propaganda for both sides. The seeds of destruction had been sown in other horrific crimes, but the one in which he personally had participated in snagged at his spark more than any other horror unleashed before the final breakdown and inevitable war.
He still saw the young femme's face, placing herself before her very young organic charge, and her desperate pleading, her energon tears streaming down her faceplate.
The talks on that colony had broken down, and security forces had invaded the colony planet. Every Cybertronian not compromised with what had been politically viewed as an atrocious virus were called into violent action. Even diplomats.
Even him.
He remembered the femme's terrified optics, the young organic's horrified screams from so very long ago. Energon spilled that never should have been. Organics murdered for simply having the audacity to be a Cybertronian's charge. Sudden painful guilt overwhelmed Ratchet and nearly overloaded his circuits.
His lime green frame trembled as quiet sobs shook him.
Maeve didn't know where they were going. It could have been in any direction, and she would have had no clue. She recognized nothing in the darkness. Her teeth had stopped chattering, but she was still cold. Not as cold as she had been, but her body still felt frozen.
It had been silent in the Jeep for a long while, before Maeve had finally gotten the courage to speak up.
"So, uh, where are we going?"
Kay shrugged. "Wherever Hound's taking us. I usually let him drive. We live down in Silverton, but he had been adamant that tonight we head up to Lake City. Now I'm starting to wonder why."
A slight chuckle vibrated their seats. "Just a hunch, my dear." His warm voice responded to Kay, and she slapped the steering wheel.
"A hunch? Really? And we just magically find... uh, okay, now I feel bad. What's your name, sweetheart?" Kay said, her tone turning quickly from lightheartedness to serious.
Maeve gave a sideways glance and couldn't help the quirky smile that escaped her. "Senior Patrol Officer of Tranquility Police Department Maeve McWilliams, at your service." Maeve did a mini bow, then a salute, and Hound and Kay both laughed at her antics.
"That's a mouthful of a title." Kay said between hearty giggles.
"Yeah, just call me Maeve." Maeve responded with a goofy smile. Here was a woman she could see as a friend. Maeve found herself enjoying Kay's company; at the very least, it was far better than the previous Decepticon company, Barricade mostly excluded, that she had found herself in. Maeve also found herself extremely curious on how a Cybertronian had evaded notice from the Autobots and Decepticons. She wondered if Hound was hiding like Barricade had.
As Maeve looked around her, at the dark wilderness surrounding the one-lane dirt road, she found herself thinking it wouldn't be too hard to hide out here in this desolate place. She shivered.
"To answer your query, Miss Maeve, we are heading back to Silverton. I have received some very interesting messages that I am positive pertain to you."
Maeve stiffened, a worried look appearing in her eyes. "What... kind of messages?"
Hound chortled softly. "Don't worry, nothing atrocious. It appears that the Autobots are looking for you, and they are simply worried about your health and well-being. I am taking you to them."
A relieved sigh couldn't help but escape from Maeve. That certainly took away at least one problem. She still didn't trust the Autobots, but they were the only ones who could help her now. "Thank you, Hound."
The drive was rather silent after that, as Maeve gazed out the passenger side window at the night-lit mountainous landscape around her. Lost in her thoughts, Maeve chewed on her cheek, contemplating if Barricade was all right and how in the world she was going to get that demon Decepticon scout out of her before it killed her.
She scowled. Thundercracker had earned her hatred, and Skywarp was quite close behind. She was, at the very least, grateful they had left her alive. That was as far as her gratitude extended. Her hands clenched into fists as her anger overtook her. Her back still ached where Thundercracker had inserted the little demon, and she could still feel the warmth of her blood dripping down her back. Shutting her eyes tight, she took a few deep breaths and forced herself to concentrate on something else.
Her eyes shot open as she contemplated asking Hound a question that was bothering her.
"Hound?" She spoke quietly.
"Yes?" The Jeep answered her, his tone jovial.
"Why aren't you with the Autobots?"
Kay turned to stare at her with surprise, mouth gaping, her eyes wide. Maeve ignored her, waiting for Hound to answer.
"Ah," Hound muttered. He wondered how he could answer her. He should have expected her questioning. Hound guessed her to be a shrewd and intelligent human. From what he had seen of human law enforcement, limited though that contact had been, he knew that the more experienced ones such as she could guess lies simply from how one spoke. Granted, he was a Cybertronian... still, he chose the truth. No need to arouse unnecessary suspicions, especially with what she had been through.
"They know I am here, but when I landed I wasn't in the best shape. That damn Asteroid Belt of this system was not very kind to me. Kay found me and cared for me until Ratchet was able to arrive to fix my errors. After that... I chose to stay with Kay. I am deeply interested in this planet, and this state caught my interest the moment I was able to function after landing, as did Kay." Hound's tone reflected happiness at the mention of Kay's name, and Kay smiled warmly at the dashboard.
Hound continued, "Your species is so interesting! And the landscape and history here is so intriguing! At any rate, Optimus allows me my dalliance, as long as I keep watch for any Decepticon activity. Which I have done faithfully."
"Oh." Maeve mumbled and started chewing on a fingernail nervously.
Hound cycled his vents very softly. This one was very strange to him. He had registered her accelerated heartbeat and clenched fists before she had asked him the question about whether the Autobots knew of his presence on Earth.
Poor girl. Those bastard Cons must have done something. He spoke again, softly, "Optimus sent me a datapack on you; as well as your estimated coordinates that he received from our communications specialist. I know who abducted you. I know every road and back road in these parts, and that is why he sent me to find you."
"I knew it wasn't just a hunch!" Kay said loudly, causing both Maeve and the Jeep to jump in surprise. Hound barely missed a large rock as he bounced on the dirt road.
Slight vibration echoed through the Jeep as Hound's laughter burst from the stereo speakers. "Why yes, Miss Kay, I figured you would guess that."
Kay crossed her arms and let loose a musical laugh that Maeve couldn't help but smile at.
Maeve felt relief that she had been found so quickly. A small part of her was also relieved that Optimus, whom she had guessed since their first meeting, was a noble and kind mech, had sent one of his own to find her and return her to the Autobots. While she still loathed some of their faction, Ironhide especially, for what they had done, and knew that she wouldn't trust them fully for a long time, she knew that she needed them – they had Barricade, and they had to fix him. They were certainly better than being stuck with Skywarp and Thundercracker, of that she was certain. No matter how much she loathed the Autobots, she needed their help, especially after what Thundercracker had done to her.
In between her shoulder blades, a sudden pain erupted, and she tried to hide the quick grimace which spread across her face as the Decepticon scout announced its irritating and deadly presence once again. Maeve bit her lip hard. A sudden realization hit her. She was to be a spy for the Decepticons, besides them keeping tabs on their "precious specimen", and she couldn't even alert the Autobots to what was soon to be an unwilling traitor in their midst.
Damn it all to hell and back!
At Animas Forks, the remaining Autobots and human soldiers were milling around, unsure yet of what to do.
Lennox had picked up Maeve's bags and set them next to him as he and Epps sat down next to one of the few remaining buildings in the small ghost town. The two humans were munching on MREs, and were quiet, lost in their thoughts. Lennox looked down at the bags at his feet and sighed. He would have just left the bags sitting at the road near Eureka, as he had completely forgotten about them, but a fellow NEST soldier had retreated and grabbed the woman's things.
This soldier had looked at Lennox pointedly upon his return, his blonde hair glinting in the moonlight, before quietly saying, "This is all that poor girl has left in the world. We can't leave it behind. Keep it safe."
Will had nodded, thoughtfully, before he placed the bags at his feet. That soldier had been with him four years ago, when all this madness had started. The soldier had been there when Megatron had offlined, and during the aftermath, including some of the many medevacs of civilians that had occurred after the battle of Mission City.
Lennox startled as he suddenly remembered the very first injured party they had secured after that notorious battle, of which that very soldier had notified him about.
"Epps," Will nudged the Air Force Master Sergeant beside him.
"Hmmm... what?" Epps muttered, happily munching on his rations and mostly in his own little world before Will had interrupted his daydreams.
"Remember that first medevac we did four years ago at Mission City?"
Epps raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, it was a cop with that weird left chest injury and some bruises who was totally out of it."
Will turned to stare at him intently. "Remember what she looked like?"
Epps brought a hand to his chin as his eyes looked upward, as he thought to himself. His eyes widened as he turned back to Will as he remembered the female rookie cop.
"It can't be her."
"I think it is." Lennox said somberly, and Epps took a deep breath.
"Shit."
"Yeah, that pretty much sums up the situation perfectly."
Epps motioned to the Autobots. "We gonna tell them?"
Lennox shook his head. "Not right now. We better make sure she's still alive first. Then we'll tell them."
"Your funeral." Epps muttered.
Lennox smacked him on the shoulder.
"What the hell! It's true!"
"Epps, I swear, one of these days you and Ironhide are going to have target practice. And you'll be the target." Lennox said, exasperated.
Epps scowled. "You're a dick, Major."
Lennox just smiled.
Across the field of alpine grass and still-smoldering craters, Optimus was silent, sitting on a very large boulder, his hands clasped together. Ironhide was glancing at him every few minutes, while Arcee was chatting with a few soldiers. They both looked up when Optimus stood suddenly.
A comlink message had grabbed his attention.
:Hound to Optimus.:
:Optimus, here. Hound, have you found her?:
:Yes, we are in route now. She's kind of strange, Optimus... seems very jittery, though that could very well be the result of what happened with the Seekers. Where should we meet?:
:I contacted Silverbolt after Fireflight left for extraction. He has requested we meet at Telluride Airport.:
:Hmm. All right. I'm sending you the exact route to take to Telluride, as it's not a straight shot from Silverton. And Optimus?:
Optimus felt a wave of apprehension at Hound's hesitant tone. :Yes, Hound?:
:Be careful in Uncompahgre Gorge and on Red Mountain Pass.:
Optimus wondered why Hound had sent him the worried warning, but he took it to spark. Hound knew this area far better than they did. Tiny snowflakes began to fall around the Prime as he gathered his remaining Autobots and the human soldiers. He swiftly told them of what they were to do, and everyone gathered their gear.
Lennox grabbed Maeve's things and placed them in Ironhide's truck bed. The Topkick grumbled some at that, but Lennox shot him an irritated glare and Ironhide promptly fell silent.
Lennox was the only human that could ever get Ironhide to shut his trap. Well, besides Lennox's ex-wife, that is. Ironhide shuddered when he remembered the pink paint that Sarah had plastered him with after Annabelle Lennox had learned some rather crude Cybertronian and human curse words from the Autobot weapons specialist.
Ironhide cycled his vents with determination. That was neither here nor now. He had to concentrate on their current mission. As long as I don't get painted pink again!
The rag-tag crew of Autobots and human soldiers left the smoldering battlefield of Animas Forks, and headed down the road to Silverton, and then north on to Telluride.
In Western Utah, every Seeker except Starscream had fallen into recharge. Starscream was still pacing along the deserted ranch. He was no longer infuriated by Skywarp and Thundercracker's absence. By now, he worried more that they had been offlined by those despicable Autobots. Starscream's spark squeezed painfully.
Where are you? Starscream asked himself yet again as he cycled his vents heavily.
Starscream grumbled to himself as he sat heavily upon the ground. He was finding it harder and harder to ignore his increasing worries of Skywarp and Thundercracker's possible demise. Their friendship was dear to him, and frankly they meant more to him than just that. As much as he loathed to admit it, their loss would heavily hurt his chances for leadership, particularly Thundercracker's. That mech was easily his second in command of his Seekers, and more Decepticons respected Thundercracker and his intelligence than they did Starscream.
Rather than viewing Thundercracker as a threat, Starscream knew that Thundercracker was one of his most loyal mechs and Seekers.
Hmph.
A deep sound to the west caught his audio inputs, and suddenly his missing Seekers' energy signatures were visible in his internal screens.
He gave a relieved sigh. They were alive! A slight scowl flitted across his mouthplate, as he contemplated then the alternative of his fears. Had they become traitors?
He was determined to find out, as he stood, staring into the distance.
I shouldn't be so paranoid. I know they are loyal. But still... He shook his head, ridding himself of his thoughts. Time to focus on Thundercracker and Skywarp, and their excuses for worrying him. Rage built within Starscream. He never could hold back his anger.
The errant Seekers landed beside him in a few moments, a near-silent oomph against the dirt announcing their presence.
:WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?: Starscream shrieked, piercing the two Seekers' audio inputs. They winced as they stared at each other.
Skywarp managed to look sheepish, as Thundercracker shrugged his shoulders slightly before staring at Starscream with a nonchalant look.
:Skywarp had one of his 'explosions are fun' glitch moments after you left, we retreated to a safe area until he recovered. It's nothing. No one saw anything.: Thundercracker muttered, as he shoved Skywarp to the ground. Skywarp squawked indignantly, giving Thundercracker a deep glare.
The two errant Seekers hoped Starscream would believe them. Lucky for them, he did.
Starscream grumbled to himself a bit, before he gave a short, irritated nod. Of course, he thought to himself, Skywarp had gone crazy. He should have known. Starscream quickly woke the other Seekers from their recharge, with Ramjet giving a particularly aggravated grunt at being woken from their needed recharge, and all headed back to Idaho.
Skywarp and Thundercracker gave each other a knowing look before transforming to their jet modes. They could not allow Starscream to know of their traitorous nature. Soon it wouldn't matter, but they both valued their hides, and no matter what, they could not let Starscream know of what they had done with the human femme. What they had done, by leaving the woman alive in a mountain town outside of Decepticon hands, was treason. Starscream could never know.
The Seekers rose into the sky and rocketed towards the Decepticon base.
Optimus Prime shivered within his alt mode as he and his remaining Autobots struggled to reach the tiny town of Telluride. Hound's warning was echoing deep within his processor as a spring snowstorm bore down upon them as they drove upon the Colorado highway. Heavy snowflakes fell around him, as he cursed, for the fiftieth time, as his tires nearly ran off the icy road.
:You know, Optimus, the humans have this wonderful invention called chains. Perhaps you should try it sometime.: Ironhide said wryly over the com-link.
A string of low curses erupted from Optimus, and Ironhide's giggles were cut short as he nearly ran off the road from the deadly ice.
:You were saying, Ironhide?: Arcee's tone was playful, even as she slowed her speed down. Her motorcycle mode was having just as many issues as the larger mechs' forms, but she couldn't help the sarcastic comment from escaping her. Annoying Ironhide was one of her enjoyable pastimes.
Lennox and Epps were holding on for dear life inside Ironhide's cab, as the Topkick slid all over the icy road. The three soldiers in the backseat whimpered.
"This freaking sucks!" Epps wailed, as they hit a particularly icy spot.
"Stop being a cat!" Ironhide snarled.
Lennox and Epps gave each other a look, and then promptly burst out laughing.
"You mean pussy, Ironhide." Lennox gently corrected him.
"WHATEVER!" Ironhide snarled loudly as he struggled to keep his compensators working. "Damn this ice! Damn this weather! DAMN IT ALL to the Pit and back! I HATE this planet sometimes! Why does Primus hate me?" He wailed.
William Lennox couldn't help it. What started as a giggle turned to hearty laughter he couldn't stop. Epps soon followed, even though he had been complaining just minutes before. Ironhide's whiny childish tone was enough to send them over the edge into fits of deep laughter.
Ironhide's irritated grumbles echoed through his cab in response.
The three soldiers in Ironhide's back seat had enough sense to keep quiet.
After what seemed like hours, the Autobots had finally reached the tiny town of Telluride. Ironhide, in particular, had vowed he'd never take the damnable Highway 550 in the winter during a blizzard ever again.
Optimus was inclined to agree with him. Still, they had all arrived safely, and now waited at the airport for Hound to arrive. Silverbolt had already landed, silent as he contemplated his comrades and their incessant complaining about the weather.
Silverbolt smiled inwardly to himself. Even Optimus had been complaining about the small white moisture falling around them. That was the only surprising thing so far for Silverbolt.
Optimus had never been one for complaining before he had landed on this planet. It amused Silverbolt how many of the humans' antics, and his fellow surviving 'Bots, were rubbing off on the young Prime. A short burst of laughter erupted from his large frame, causing Ironhide and Ratchet to stare at the C-5 Super Galaxy with confused looks.
A few miles away, Maeve was jarred awake as Hound increased his speed on Last Dollar Road.
"Where are we?" She asked, rubbing her tired eyes. Kay roused beside her, equally tired, and moaned quietly at being awoken.
"Looks like Telluride... well, Deep Creek Mesa to be precise. We have to be close to the airport." Kay muttered as she looked outside.
Maeve stared at Kay curiously. How the hell she could tell when it was so dark outside was beyond Maeve.
"Correct, Kay, we are heading to the airport." Hound responded.
"Why the hell are we in Telluride? I thought we were going back to Silverton." Kay asked what Maeve was thinking.
"Optimus and the others are heading to one of their bases via one of the Aerialbots. Maeve, you are to go with them."
"Yeah, I figured that." Maeve muttered softly. She didn't particularly want to go with the Autobots to their base, but what choice did she have? At least Barricade would be there. She winced as she thought of the injured Decepticon. She rubbed her chest as pain rippled through her.
God, or whoever's up there, you better keep him alive.
Suddenly the airport was in view. Maeve shrank back into her seat, as she saw the large C-5 Super Galaxy cargo plane resting on the asphalt, with the other Autobots surrounding it. Snowflakes twisted in the wind around them.
Maeve was astonished to find out how terrified she really was at being left alone with all of the Autobots and the soldiers. Would they hurt her? What would they do? A soft whimper escaped her. An electric twitch coursed through her spine as the Decepticon scout within her woke.
Hound could see her fear in how her body reacted as they drove upon the road next to the runway. He unhappily sighed.
"Miss Maeve, I promise you they won't hurt you."
Maeve snorted. "Yeah, well, after what I've been through, I wish I could believe you." She tried to hide her terror of the Decepticon scout being found.
She startled as a soft hand landed upon her shoulder. She looked up to find Kay's sympathetic eyes upon her.
"Hound doesn't lie. If he says they aren't going to hurt you, they won't. Hound's been the only stable thing in my life for years. Trust us, even if you don't trust them. You'll be safe."
Maeve settled unhappily back into her seat as Hound rushed towards the huge military cargo plane. Kay was busily scribbling something on a piece of paper with a pencil that she had grabbed from the passenger side glovebox.
"Hey, if you ever need anything in this part of the country, you can always get a hold of me through Hound. The Autobots know how to reach us." Kay said quietly, setting the paper down. Maeve was startled by the offer, but then smiled softly at her.
"You know I can't thank you enough for what you've done. If you hadn't found me when you did..."
Kay patted her hand. "No worries. Also... take this. Just in case." She shoved the piece of paper into Maeve's hand, the paper crinkling sharply.
Maeve stared at the blonde woman with questioning eyes, but Kay just shook her head before speaking, "In case you decide to split from the Autobots'. You can find me with what's on that paper."
With a nod, Maeve shoved the paper into the warm coat that Kay had given her. It was silent in the Jeep's cab for a few moments before Hound settled to a stop in front of the large gray plane.
Time to face the music, girl. Maeve cringed.
The passenger door creaked open, and she stepped warily from the Jeep. She could feel Kay's eyes on her and had the uneasy realization that the rest of the Autobots were also staring at her beneath their vehicle disguises. The large blue and red Peterbilt semi was directly in front of her.
Optimus. Their leader. Fan-freaking-tastic. Hope he's as noble as I thought. Maeve thought, grimacing to herself.
:She is terrified you're going to hurt her.: Hound said quietly to Optimus and the others. Ironhide rolled uneasily on his tires. He was at fault for the woman feeling that way, and he knew it.
:She does know that we won't?: Optimus responded, his tone heavy with worry.
Hound cycled his vents softly before answering, :Kay and I both told her that you wouldn't dare. I don't think she believed us. Tread gently; I have a feeling she'll run the second she gets the chance if you give her any indication that she's a prisoner.:
:That's comforting.: Arcee muttered.
:Arcee, enough. Hound, thank you for bringing her, and for the warnings. Dismissed.: Optimus' voice was low, his tone still saturated with worry. Hound dipped on his front tires in an imitation of a nod, and then quickly left the runway.
Maeve was silent as she stood in front of the Peterbilt, standing still as Hound left behind her. She was alone now. The tiny snowflakes had turned to wet heavy flakes which gripped the runway and stuck to her eyelashes. She blinked them away.
Optimus stared at the woman in front of him. She exuded uncertainty, fear and... guilt. The Prime wondered why, but let it be.
"Maeve McWilliams?"
Maeve sighed and nodded sharply. Her auburn hair fell in front of her eyes. She didn't bother moving it behind her ears.
"You are to come with us. Ratchet has landed with Barricade and Prowl and are working on them at our secondary base as we speak. They both will survive."
Maeve breathed in sharply at that. Barricade was going to live. Thank you god. As she looked around her, she noticed the other Autobots were driving towards the large gray plane. They disappeared within, and soon Maeve was left with Optimus as her only companion in the snowy night.
Without saying a word, Maeve turned on her heel and walked to the plane, Optimus following her slowly. Staring up at the C-5 as she stood at the end of the plane's ramp, its tail lifted into the air, she couldn't believe at how large the plane really was. An uneasy feeling flooded through her. She hated flying. She gulped, and nervously shoved her hair behind her ears finally.
I'll be with Barricade soon.
Maeve swallowed her fears and stepped onboard. Optimus followed her, and the ramp and tail began to close together. She was amazed as she stared into the cargo bay. The Autobots were parked within. She could feel Optimus bristling behind her.
Lennox and Epps were standing beside Ironhide, and both gave her wary looks as she looked around the inside of the cargo bay, wondering where she should go. All of the soldiers had disappeared, except for Lennox and Epps.
Lennox sighed, finally taking pity on her and the lost look she had on her face. She was way out of her element, and it showed.
"Hey."
Maeve startled as the Major named Lennox stared down at her with a merry look.
"Uh... yeah?"
"We've gotta go upstairs to the passenger cabin. You can sit next to me and Epps." Lennox said with a cheerful tone, as he waved towards the Air Force Master Sergeant. Epps merely grunted in response as he crossed his arms.
Better than sitting by myself and being treated like I have the plague, I guess... Maeve thought to herself, and nodded. She followed Lennox upstairs, Epps behind her. When they got to the passenger cabin, her cheeks flushed bright red. The few soldiers in the cabin had stopped what they were doing and glared at her with unchecked hostility.
Trying to stand tall, she ignored them and followed Lennox to a row of blue seats. He sat down and looked up at her with a smile as he patted the seat next to him.
"I don't bite. That's Epps' job." Lennox's brown eyes sparkled with warmth, as his smile turned into a sharp grin. Maeve couldn't help but return the smile as she sat down on the surprisingly comfortable seat.
"Shut up, Major." Epps grumbled before plopping himself down next to Maeve.
Maeve smirked at the disgruntled man beside her, who had placed his arms over his face as he struggled to get comfortable.
"You bite me, I'll bite you back." She said, a mischievous look echoing through her hazel eyes. Epps dropped his arms to his sides and stared at her with incredulity. Then he looked at Lennox, who was struggling to hide his laughter.
"I freaking hate you, you know that right?"
Major Lennox smiled, "Every damn day. You like to remind me, remember?"
Maeve couldn't help giggling.
The giggles stopped when Lennox stopped smiling and stared at her with a deep questioning look. She knew that look. It was one detectives gave during interrogations.
She cocked an eyebrow, trying not to show her suspicions. "What?"
Lennox gave a look to Epps, who rolled his eyes. Epps knew exactly what Lennox wanted to ask her about: what they had realized back at the battle site.
"Don't. Not here, not now." Epps mouthed to Lennox, but the Major ignored him, waved him away. Epps shrugged before mouthing, "She won't say a thing."
The Major cleared his throat, staring at Maeve intently. "You were at Mission City."
Maeve clenched her hands, her fingernails creating half-moons in her palms as she scowled. Why the fuck was he asking that?
"I'll take that as a yes. Is that where you got the All Spark shard? Where you were injured, when you got that scar on your chest?"
Maeve breathed in deeply as her eyes narrowed. She glared at the seat in front of her, and her lips were pursed. She wouldn't tell him a damn thing. Not here, not now. Her back tensed as the demon scout twitched within her. It gathered information, while twisting within her. She struggled to hide the pain of its torture.
She could hear the whispers around her. Traitor. Whore. What's she doing here? Should have just left her to die. Spy. Decepticon bitch. TRAITOR. Cruel and crass words flying above her head, enveloping her with their hatred. They were right. That's what tormented her. They were right. She could taste blood within her mouth as she bit too hard upon her cheek.
I am a spy. I am a traitor. I am everything they say. And they don't even know the truth... The metal taste from the blood attacked her taste buds. She focused on it as she tried not to shake.
The Major wanted her to answer questions now? Surrounded by men who hated her? Who would probably trade her life for God knows what? Besides the fact she was infected with a Decepticon scout... She wouldn't answer any question. Not here, not now.
She set her jaw, a scowl crossing her lips, shut her eyes tight and crossed her arms. She completely shut down; her slow breath, pink cheeks, stinging purple bruises that twitched, and the rise of her chest the only indicator of life.
Lennox sighed as he recognized the signs of refusal. Maeve was completely shutting down. He also could hear the whispers. He turned his head and glared at every soldier he could. That shut them up, a few giving him sheepish looks.
Still, when he turned to Maeve, her eyes were closed, her jaw set. Only now her lips were quivering instead of set in the scowl they had been. He could see how she struggled to keep it together. The smell of booze still clung to her, unwashed clothes that smelled strongly of pine and dirt, and a faint smell of apple shampoo and lavender body wash.
He should have waited before asking her anything. Epps had been right. Dammit.
The rest of the flight was spent in silence. Maeve eventually fell asleep, inadvertently resting her head against Lennox's shoulder, and her hand grasping his tightly. He let her, even as she snored, and his hand nearly went purple from lack of circulation. He tried to ignore the whimpers during her dreams. He tried to ignore how tightly she squeezed his hand while whispering only two names. Pain saturated her voice.
Dead End. Tears escaped her eyes, staining Lennox's shirt.
Starscream. Lennox nearly leapt from his seat when she sobbed, and practically screamed in pain the evil Decepticon Seeker's name, clutching Lennox's hand in her sleep with intensity he had never seen. He winced as his hand nearly felt broken.
He pitied the poor woman as her nightmares overtook her. He tried to shake her awake. She wouldn't. While the rest of the soldiers slept, William Lennox watched the female police officer toss and turn in her sleep, clutching him, and alternately mumble, scream and cry.
Truth be told, Lennox was more than worried. He was fearful. What the hell has this woman gone through? Jesus!
He shuddered and tried his best to ignore it all and focus on what was ahead. Lennox didn't like those prospects at all. She would, essentially, be their prisoner, as would Barricade. Then, he was certain, he would learn why she had such horrific nightmares, what had happened to her, and why she was so damn important. The hard questions would be asked later, when they had landed. He wasn't looking forward to them.
William Lennox found himself never wanting to learn what the woman's demons were. He shut his eyes and sighed. He would learn her demons whether he wanted to or not.
Another scream, more of her fingernails digging into his hand, and he gritted his teeth as more tears ran down his shirt. Another nightmare.
Epps and the other soldiers snored and slept like babies while Lennox tried to comfort the sleeping woman next to him. Nothing could reach her in her terrifying dreams. God, help me.