Transformers: Honor and Loyalty

Chapter 7: The Wrecker's Tale

[Cybertron's Upper Atmosphere]

[Refugee Ship]

[10 years before Deadlock's defection]

Brawn feels the ship shudder as the boarding tube attaches to the portside entrance.

"Oh, Primus." He grumbles, moving to put himself in front of the refugees, prepared to fight if need be. He turns to the gathered bots behind him, trying to put on a brave face as worried murmurs ring around the room. "Alright, listen. I'll handle the Cons and try to detach us, so just stay put. Shouldn't take long."

The group moves backward into the open area they'd gathered in, but there is nowhere else for them to go, Brawn realizes as he moves further into the ship. There was some distance between him and the breached entrance, but he couldn't go too far from the refugees. They're target practice if anyone gets past him.

So, I won't let 'em past me. No matter what. Brawn decides grimly as he settles in a good spot, an intersection between a few hallways so he could tell where the Cons would come from. Unfortunately, it was a straight shot down the hall to the room.

He's surprised when only one mech comes down a hallway a few painfully long kliks later, glancing around and moving as if ready to be attacked at any moment.

Brawn readies a blaster.

The mech is a black and dark blue Decepticon Brawn had never encountered before, one who wields swords instead of blasters. He takes in the situation at a glance, hand ready on a sword hilt on his shoulder, but he doesn't say anything.

"Yer not getting past me." Brawn warns, blaster aimed right for the Con's Spark Chamber.

The Con tilts his head, eying the gathered refugees behind Brawn. "Are you the only warrior on the ship?" He asks, his voice just a little condescending.

Brawn tightens his grip on the blaster, annoyed at the Con's arrogance. "I'm enough."

"I'm certain." He says in an almost monotone voice Brawn finds insulting, proceeding to walk in the direction of the cockpit without acknowledging Brawn further.

"Hey, don't ignore me!" Brawn snaps, keeping the blaster pointed at the retreating Con.

The Con spins on his heel. "If you want these refugees to survive, do as I say." He snaps, eyes narrowed.

Brawn does a double-take, the blaster dropping a bit in shock. "What?" He moves forward to demand straight answers, then stops as one of the Con whirls on him, hand reflexively pulling out a sword, the point inches from Brawn's chest.

"I am not here to fight. We don't have much time." He says, glancing around as if to confirm they are alone. "I will confirm your route, then leave." He explains, letting go of the sword.

Brawn splutters a bit as he once again approaches the confusing Con. "And why in Primus' name would I let you confirm our route?"

"So that I know I'm sending you to safety."

"Why would you care about our safety?" Brawn presses

"There are only innocents here, and I have no interest in cold-blooded slaughter. It is dishonorable to attack those who cannot fight back." His voice and eyes show sincerity, but Brawn grits his teeth.

"I can fight back." Brawn defends himself.

"But then who would lead the refugees to your destination?" The Con points out.

"Look, I don't know what you're playing at-"

"I assume you intend to follow the Prime. Correct?"

Brawn takes a step back, still wary, but something in his Spark said he could trust this Con. After all, he had made no move to summon any Vehicons that were surely with him, and he seems genuinely concerned for the refugees. "...Yes."