These Paths We Tread (Autobot x OC)

LVII. Design in Malice

***Note: One Month has gone gone by

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"As we all know, the Decepticons have made attacks on multiple countries—specifically targeting NEST bases, so it seems, and incurring the loss of many lives and costing governments billions of dollars. Of course, the Autobots have taken action up against our terrible enemy, yet no Decepticons have been killed or captured. Tell me, Ms. Wolf, why are our 'protectors' slipping up on the job?" Theodore Galloway inquired, his ugly mug pulled back into an all-too-pleased smirk as he sat comfortably in his chair, hands clasped together on his knee. Around him, the other men and women glanced between his calculating gaze and the steadfast, cool one of Catherine Wolf, whom had her hands clasped in front of her, too, but kept them in her lap. While their word was of value at this political meeting, they all knew this was not their battle of wits to enter, and so let the redhead breathe in deeply before replying.

"Mr. Galloway, the Decepticons are conducting guerilla war-fare tactics. They appear, attack, and leave either before or just as the Autobots and back-up arrive. I'm sure you know how such tactics are written down, but I assure you it is very different on the battle field. It is not easy to hit a target that does not want to found," the redhead countered, the coolness to her tone not at all hidden. Neither was the blow to the man's lack of field experience, and his smirk faltered ever so slightly in response. Before he could open his mouth for a retort, however, she continued on, "Of course, we cannot allow this to continue. For that reason we already have our engineers working with the Autobots to create Energon detection units that will allow us to see the 'Cons long before they arrive—long enough for our troops to prepare and for Autobots to arrive."

"How long until they are ready, do you know?" another man sitting closer to her inquired, and she could tell it was out of curiosity rather than spite.

"As of right now, it should take only a few more weeks. Within the month we should be able to fit every NEST base with a set that will cover at least a one-hundred mile radius."

"I suppose that does help that problem, but what of the other?" Galloway spoke up again, leaning forward to flip through a few pages of his stack of papers. "It's been almost a month since you last acquired Cybertech technology, and I've gotten word you haven't found any leads on anymore shipments, where they're being hidden, or who has them."

"We have leads we are working on," a second man, this one at Catherine's right, spoke up. He was one of Morshower's aids, and the redhead was glad for their back-up and presence in general. "Also, we have been searching diligently for more shipments, but none have turned up. However, I can assure you that, if they were out there right now, we would be able to find them."

"But how can we—"

"Mr. Galloway, what has the national security office been doing, if I might ask?" Catherine asked loudly and suddenly, effectively cutting the man off and startling him a little—his eyes widened ever so slightly. His expression quickly turned into a glare as he opened his mouth, but again she cut him off. "Actually, you don't need to answer that. I already know. You've done absolutely nothing. And please, don't try to tell me you've been aiding the battle against the Decepticons, because NEST is well aware you have not. In fact, all you have done is attempted to subjugate our program and put us in a bad light. If I didn't know any better, I would say that you, Mr. Galloway, are working for the Decepticons."

Many faces of those against her became abashed, some even parting their lips as if her words were a taboo. Galloway, while not so willing to display his emotions, leaned forward and jabbed an accusing finger at her.