Transformers Rise of the Beasts

Chapter 9, Part One: Ray

Noah brought up the point that we would need to go undercover to the lab or else security would recognize Mirage from the police chase.

Mirage stated he had that covered-and he did....sort of.

From where I now stood on the back of the garbage struck, I clung tightly to the bar as we paused at the security gate. Of all the cars he could have switched into for a disguise, Mirage had to have chosen a dump truck.

Noah was sitting up front and I had agreed to stand on the back, outside-where the fresh air might help with the garbage scent (apparently when he scanned the dumptruck to transform into he also scanned the trash inside the truck too!)

I was almost thrown off as Mirage started moving forward again. Pulling my brown cap down, I looked away from the security booth as we rolled over the bridge.

Mirage pulled into the empty parking lot attached to the large lab guide. I hopped down with a sigh of relief and walked around the edge of the dump truck to meet Noah.

"Okay you stay here Mirage," Noah told the autobot. "We'll be back in just a few minutes. He turned and nodded at me. Then we both jogged over the grass and towards the back entrance to the building.

Noah paused in front of the backdoor. A safe-lock keypad secured the door.

"We can't just break in, we'll have to unlock it or else the alarms will go off," I said thoughtfully.

"Let me take care of that, you keep an eye out for the night guard," Noah pulled the cover off the keyboard.

I kept my eyes peeled on the area. "So...you know a lot of stuff about electronics, huh?"

"Yep, that was my field in the military," Noah said.

"What made you decide to leave the military?" I asked.

"Family," Noah pulled his hand back as a wire sparked. "My brother was sick and my mom was working night shifts-they needed the help."

"Oh," I shook my head sympathetically. Then I had another thought. "What made you decide to help Mirage?"

Noah was silent for a moment, then turning back to the keypad he shrugged. "He's going to help me get some money so I can make sure my brother get's the medical care he needs."

This time I did not ask another question. I had a feeling from Noah's evasive answer that he did not want to speak further on the matter. I also wondered if that was why he had tried to steal Mirage-for money. Knowing I should not pry further, I nodded and returned to keeping watch.

Abruptly, I saw a sudden flash of light, wavering around the corner of the building. "Noah-security guard is coming!" I hissed.

"Almost...done..." Noah held the wires together. There was a clicking sound and a buzz.He hastily slid the cover back onto the keypad. "Come on," he grabbed my hand and pulled me through the door.

We pressed ourselves against the wall as the security guard paused for a second at the door. 

Would he discover the lock had been tampered with? The flashlight wavered over the door, then faded off as the guard walked away.

Noah and I both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay, so which room is the Key in?" I asked as we began making our way down the hall.

Noah frowned, "Arcee said she was getting readings from the front wing of the building, so we should start checking there."

"I'll take the left side, you take the right," I began running. 

"Why are you in a rush?" Noah asked, catching up and meeting my stride.

I shook my head. "I just have a bad feeling is all." Something felt weird in my gut and I had a hunch that time was of the essence.