Ensconce Transformers Prime AU (Book 2) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Twenty Three

Bumblebee laughed happily as Grimlock ruffled his hair furiously. They were walking back into the building of their headquarters after another successful mission. Sideswipe had joined their team not long after he watched them fight. Strongarm didn't like the idea too much but didn't say anything.

"How did it blow- flow- go?" Fixit asked as he frowned. He hated it when that happened, especially after Sideswipe teased him about it.

"It actually went really well." Jazz said and grinned. Fixit smiled slightly and wheeled next to them as they walked. Knockout walked in as he wiped his hands from cleaning his station.

"Everyone alright?" He asked ready to help someone if they were hurt.

"Only one who needs help is Sideswipe." Strongarm smirked as she glanced at the young man.

"What's wrong?" Knockout asked as he furrowed his brow.

"He took a blow to his ego." She said as she fought back a smile. Sideswipe glared at her as Grimlock chuckled quietly. Bumblebee and Jazz exchanged looks as they tried not to laugh.

"I'm sure we can find something to repair it." The medic smirked as he folded his arms. They laughed quietly as the young man glared again.

Bumblebee stopped suddenly as he heard someone come inside the building. He looked over to see Chief Burns and smiled more.

"Hello Chief." He said as he smiled slightly. The man didn't return the smile and nodded sadly. Everyone stared at him as their smiles faded.

"What's wrong?" Jazz mumbled and furrowed his brow. "Is Cody hurt?" He asked as his eyes widened.

"No. He's alright." Burns said and sighed forcefully. "Bumblebee... I hate to inform you... but... and I've been fighting this for a few days... the mayor is blaming your father for destroyingthe city." He muttered. The room fell silent and they looked at their leader. Bumblebee narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists tightly.

"What?" He seethed angrily through gritted teeth. "How can they say that?" He asked.

"They say... that the crime activity is greater than it was. That Optimus was working with Megatron and this was their plan from the beginning. Their way to destroy the city and it's convenient because they can't defend themselves. All a master plan to rule the city." He muttered bitterly. Jazz frowned deeply and looked at his friend.

"That's a lie and everyone knows it." He said seriously. Bumblebee was shaking with rage and trying not to lash out.

"How dare they." He seethed angrily. "How dare they think my father planned on destroying the city. He swore to protect it every day of his life. He died to save it for crying out loud!" He shouted. "They're just now bringing this up after nine years?!" He yelled angrily and shook his head as he walked around to cool off.

"Bumblebee I know you're upset." Burns said seriously. "We're all angry about this and what they're saying." He muttered.

"Oh I'm beyond angry." He seethed darkly and clenched his fists tighter. "I'm not going to wait for them to decide things. I'm going to defend my father." He said seriously and walked to the door. The chief gripped his shoulder as he stopped him.

"You aren't doing this alone." He said seriously. "A bunch of the cops on the force want to help." He muttered.

"Then meet me at the city hall." He growled lowly and walked out.

By the time Bumblebee got to the building, there was a big group of angry people there. He had managed to cool off and sighed forcefully as he walked over. He stopped and took time to see who all was here. Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Arcee, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Chief Burns, Ultra Magnus, Ironhide, Heatwave, Chase, Boulder, Blades and his team. He smiled gratefully for their support and they all walked into the building. Bumblebee stopped at the receptionist desk and calmly asked for the mayor.