Change of Law and Heart

Chapter 35: Off and Away

When Lennox had heard about his family friend of years, what was in his hands were dropped to the floor. At first, all he felt was shock. Aubrey, a woman he considered a sister had been captured by the Decepticons. Then a wave of forlorn hit him and tears welled up in his eyes. Rarely did he show emotion in front of his soldiers but this time, he couldn't hold it in.

Epps was standing next to him when the news was delivered. Him and Aubrey were good friends. Before the Autobots and Decepticons came, the two with Lennox and Fig would hang out regularly. Then the aliens had to come and shit on his plans.

Just like his friend, surprise was the first thing he felt. Epps had to lean on the railing in front of him, eyes wide as he stared down to the floor. Optimus continued to speak about what Jazz had explained but both of them tuned him out.

Moments passed, that's when Lennox snapped and no long could contain his anger. Many would name it unprofessional, especially in the military but his friends and co-workers would give him a pass this time.

Will threw his fist down on the closest table to him and created a loud bang. Optimus stopped relaying the details at the sound and silence over took everything. Epps shook himself free from him shock and gazed sorrowfully at his great friend. All he wanted to do was have Aubrey back here safe but that was the entire problem at the moment.

Then, the captain of the team below him turned back to his soldiers, rage evident on his face. "I want every, single person watching for Decepticons to try harder." Lennox now sounded scary by the tone of his voice and surprised everyone around him.

Optimus was now worried about the human and believed his anger would get the best of him. "William-" he tried and turned to face him on the catwalk.

"Don't! We need to find their ship and save Aubrey before they-" Will choked on his words, unable to finish his sentence. Everyone who knew the woman knew what would happen to her if they didn't reach her soon. The Decepticons are known for their death and destruction.

The leader of the Autobots didn't speak and understood the pain he was in. Optimus has been through it many, many times before.

Everyone, including the other Autobots in the hangar, was completely taken away by Lennox speaking that way to Optimus. Never have they heard him use that tone of voice towards Boss Bot. Many of the rookies were sure the big bot would crush him under his pede. The other Autobots weren't scared to threaten to do that, why would their leader be any different?

Lennox dismissed everyone from the relay of what happened and marched back to his office, seething in anger. What he would give to have the ability to tear Bucket Head into tiny little piece and use them to build a toaster. He has so much on his shoulders right now for a human; some of the bots knew it was time for him to blow a gasket.

The man slumped down in his chair as a few tears prickled his eyes. Would they be able to save Aubrey in time? When they got to the ship, would it be too late? Is she already dead?! Questions about his friend of years zoomed around in his mind.

Sarah and Anna didn't even know about this. He didn't know if he had the gut to tell his daughter that her aunt may never come back. That specially broke his heart. Both of them would be heartbroken. Yet that thought made him even more determined to fine Aubrey.

There was no denying it, Will was terrified of the end result of this. Time was not on their side as always, it never has been. The same question running through his head: would she survive?

Another question popped up in his mind: how would her sanity be? If they torture her like they usually do to other Autobot's, her sanity isn't going to last. They had to find her within hours and form a plan in less time to save her. God, what had he gotten himself into?