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Characters: Bumblebee, Open Location: Old Decepticon mine, Rocky Mountains, Canada Content Warnings: N/A, depends on what happens Plot Summary: Needing some time away from his leadership duties, Bumblebee decides to do some scouting of an old mine, but he may not be alone as he thinks.
Crown City seemed peace for the present moment; no Decepticon activity had been detected, from prisoners or otherwise.He had triple checked the sensors and even asked Fixit throughout the morning, but so far there had been nothing. Though this made Bumblebee a little on edge, it also gave him an opportunity to finally have some downtime from actually leading some missions which he occasionally welcomed.
In fact, it gave him the opportunity to do what he really loved: some scouting. The yellow mech took an available energon radar before heading out to a known Decepticon energon mine that hadn’t been tapped for a few weeks now. He bridged there to cut some time, just within the tree line where he could remain hidden just in case there was activity after all. Slowly, Bumblebee stepped through the trees, peeking from behind one of the larger trees and scanning the area several times. He didn’t want to miss a thing, even scanning the nearby ledges of the Rockies before he was certain it was safe. Sometimes even Vehicons could pull a fast one one unsuspecting visitors.
Face guard in place, Bumblebee took out the energon radar and finally headed for the cave, pausing at the entrance and raising the device. Faint readings could be found, but nothing of note. ‘Probably just faint traces in the rock.’ He thought, walking further into the cave system that would no doubt be deep and a maze. To avoid the chances of getting lost, the yellow mech drew his Decepticon Hunter which extended into its spear form, using the blades tip to cut small notches into the rock to mark his path before continuing.
Though he probably should be in a rush, Bumblebee was gladly taking his time. He needed the downtime at the moment and he wasn’t too far down someone could com him just in case or vice versa. But, he probably could be a little more cautious as he moved, not knowing what sort of company awaited him, much less may be following him.
If there had been anything Sari had wanted to do for quite some time, it was help the Autobots out on an actual mission. It was something she hadn't been able to do, but had heard so often the number of times Russell had helped them out. It just wasn't fair.
Sure, she'd get to tag along for joyrides and stuff, but that was really about it. The red-head really wanted to see what all the cool missions were all about, though she did know that they were dangerous and weren't to be taken lightly.
On this particular day, she had spotted Bumblebee use the ground bridge in order to go somewhere, and that was when she decided that she'd had enough of sitting around. She sort of knew how to work the thing by now, but even now she really wasn't sure of how she was doing it. It was like she just knew what she needed to do. Sari found herself at the control panel for the bridge, her fingers once more transforming without her notice. Within seconds, the portal opened and her fingers reverted right back to normal.
With a grin on her face, she went right on through. She didn't, however, expect to find herself near a cave. Maybe he'd gone in? Oh she hoped that he had..
As Sari went in, she noticed the notches that had been made on the cave's rocks. Had that been Bee's markings? She'd find out as she went on deeper into the cave, especially after accidentally kicking a small rock and sending it into the cave's depths. Bumblebee certainly would have heard it, but there was no way for the girl to know that.
It was cold, dark and rocky. Perfect for a few incognito business transactions. The mine's energon deposits had been drained dry years ago, but Swindle wasn't in the business of energon, at least not at the moment. Old and abandoned venues were ideal for an enterprising arms dealer to set up shop at, but in this case it was for a 'social' call.
He'd reconfigured the foreman's platform in the center of the mine to receive long range transmissions, as well as a set of jamming equipment to dissuade any eavesdroppers.
"Like it? Of course 'ya do," he boasted. Swindle extended his arms out to give a view of the mine shafts behind him, looking back at his caller. They were concealed by the effects of the jamming equipment, obscuring both their image and voice; you could never be too careful in this business. "It's nice and out of the way, no Decepticon or Autobot foot traffic whatsoever!"
The image on the other side of the holoscreen bumbled something in an inhuman language, prompting Swindle to respond.
"Oh really? Well don't you worry; in case this isn't rocky or dreary enough, the Decepticons popped open a few other veins of Energon... and left all their equipment intact for 'ya."
Something inside Swindle's head beeped just as he was about to continue, to which he turned his head around to peer into the tunnels leading to the main platform. It was one of the proximity sensors; it had just been activated.
"'Fraid we'll have to cut this short. I've gotta go see a Sharkticon about a Nauticon, catch 'ya later!"
As soon as his 'guest's' image departed, Swindle frantically shut off all the powered equipment, shrouding the mine in darkness again. The Decepticon then transformed and drove off the platform, waiting behind a natural obstruction to get a view at the less-than-empty mine shaft...
Bumblebee was nearing the heart of the once busy mines, occasionally seeing the mining equipment left behind by the Decepticons. 'And I thought the humans were bad at littering. Maybe I can drag some of this home to salvage some things from. Never know what Fixit could...' Bumblebee's thoughts quickly cut off. He thought he heard a voice up ahead, one that sounded vaguely familiar but he wasn't entirely sure who it was. Perhaps the mine wasn't nearly as empty as he expected.
If any Decepticons were here, it seemed he would have to be prepared after all. "So much for some simple scouting. Its never that simple." He muttered softly, a bit of static lacing his words as he spoke, reading his spear to attack before a new sound caught his attention. But it came from behind this time! A little further back from some tunnels he had passed.
Was there two possible Decepticons down here? The worst thought that crossed his mind was an ambush, and possibly walking right into it. He would have to handle the closest sound, a rock being kicked and causing him to immediately turn back around the corner, "Stop right the...Sari!" Bumblebee's demand quickly turned into a shocked surprised, his voice going out when he spoke the young human's name, causing him to rub his throat while trying to clear it. Of all times for his vocalizer to go on the fritz...
It took a few times to clear it but finally, Bumblebee could speak normal without the static being laced in his words. "Sari, what are you even doing here? This isn't a place for a human to be wandering around on their own. I wouldn't even allow Russell and Denny come to one of these mines." Bumblebee scolded lightly, retracting his face guard and immediately glancing back down the cave system. It seemed she was alone. "How did you even get here? The ground bridge closed behind me when I arrived."
A sheepish blush formed on Sari's face as she was caught by Bumblebee. He seemed so frustrated, almost like her dad any time that she snuck into his lab (though to her defense half the time it was because he skipped breakfast again).
"I wanted to tag along~. I never get to go on your adventures and I wanted to see what it was like." The girl smiled innocently enough, though she didn't realize exactly how dangerous some of these escapades were. She knew that there was fighting and such, but nothing that would put her in imminent danger or anything. She walked closer to Bumblebee, figuring if she stayed closer it would ease his mind a bit.
"Uhhh... Internet?" Sari chuckled a bit, but then gave her real answer. "Honestly, I'm not really sure. One minute I'm by the controls, I press a few random buttons and poof! I've.. done it a few times actually to see the other base in Jasper. I hear you guys talk about it a lot. No matter what buttons I push.. it always sends me to the right location. I want to say it's luck, but.. maybe it's just luck." At this she smiled brightly.
"I'll stay close if it makes you feel better, Bee. We can call it a learning experience."
There were voices, but they still hadn't found the main chamber just yet. Swindle took the chance to fire up one of the nanocams placed around the tunnels, in position for just such an occasion. It took a few seconds to pick up just which tunnel had all the apparent action, but the Decepticon eventually found it. It was Bumblebee, and his little tag-along Sari. But... what was this? A pristine Decepticon Hunter being carried by our daring hero? Such a device was absolutely priceless to Swindle, and awfully pricey to certain bots he knew. He absolutely had to have it.
Swindle knew better than to fixate on just one shiney object when there was money to be made elsewhere, however. The Decepticon hunter would be the perfect bonus for a job well done, but he knew the real money lay elsewhere. He continued to sit in wait, ready to strike...
“And of all places you decided to follow me to an energon mine. This isn’t exactly a place for any human Sari. It could be unstable in here, Decepticons waiting in ambush, it could be a number of things that could go wrong.” Bumblebee didn’t lose his scolding tone. He couldn’t believe his luck of yet again one of their human allies being in danger. Well, someone he suspected was human that is. But knowing their human allies well enough, she would probably think of some way to allow her to stay. And she did just that.
The yellow and black mech sighed, facepalming at the fact he was fixing to agree to this. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but there’s no really turning back now. Make this learning experience of actually asking where we’re going before you go jumping into a space bridge. Or somehow getting it to work.” Bumblebee grumbled, nodding his head for her to follow as he began to walk towards the main chamber again, “But if I tell you to hide or run, you better do it got it? I won’t have you hurt because you wanted to come here out of a necessity to fulfill your need for adventure.” Okay, Bumblebee wasn’t one to talk sometimes, but even he knew better than to let humans come on a mission such as this.
But, he did wonder how she just knew where to go. It would have to be a mystery for another day. Right now, he had to focus on what he heard earlier, pausing at the corner of where he had been before Sari caught his attention all of a sudden. “Stay behind me.” He whispered, activating his face guard once more as he stepped around the corner and into the main chamber, Decepticon hunter ready.
Realization hit Sari as Bumblebee scolded her on how dangerous it had been for her to follow him into an Energon mine. She'd thought it just another mission, but if there were really as many things that could go wrong as he was saying..
"I promise I'll go hide or something, Bumblebee. I wouldn't want you to worry." The teenager smiled in a relaxed manner, but mostly she just wanted to reassure Bee that while she could be a troublemaker at times, she wasn't going to just ignore his requests for safety like that. Maybe she really should have just asked to tag along on a mission or something, but it was a bit late for that now.
Now she just had to stay out of harm's way for the yellow bot's sake.
As soon as he asked for her to come closer, Sari quickly nodded and ran up to him, staying as closely behind him as she possibly could without the risk of him suddenly backing up and squishing her. She didn't have any means of defending herself against a Decepticon, but she'd do what she could. However, if the right situation presented itself, perhaps something would awaken in her if pressed hard enough. Something she'd be forced to notice this time.
Swindle refocused his nanocam on Bumblebee, this time looking at the little figure standing just behind him. Well well, it was Sari Sumdac! He remembered from somewhere that those two liked to team up on occasion, but he just couldn't put his servo on it. Last time he checked, humans were considered a delicacy on Kiros; double jackpot. The Decepticon was practically gleeful at the chance to snag two expensive little trinkets, but kept in mind the possibility of having to make a hasty retreat. It'd been a while since he had to burden himself with combat, but he was a Decepticon Commando, after all.
Come on you little sparkdrinkers... just a little bit further...
Bumblebee still was skeptical of his decision to let her tag along, despite her attempts to calm his anxiousness. 'I should have just told her to wait back at the entrance.' He thought, mentally shaking his head since he wasn't sure what this little outing would bring. So far it had been relatively quiet, a little too much for his liking. But then again, he had heard a voice earlier before Sari had captured his attention. Now, it was quiet again.
The young mech stared into the chamber for a moment. It was empty. Perhaps he had just been hearing things for all he knew. Sometimes the tunnels could play tricks on your audios after all. But, for safety's sake, he made a motion for Sari to stay back, grip tightening on his Decepticon hunter as his door wings flared up in anticipation.
He had to be missing something, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was. Experience told to not go any further, that it may be a trick. But, if he didn't go forward he would never get a certain answer. 'Little at a time Bee, little at a time.' He told himself to calm his nerves as he came full into the chamber, optics scanning around. It didn't look to have been used for a while, but it was hard to say with how dim lighting got in the caverns, causing Bee to switch on his head lights to get a better look.
Part of Sari was a bit worried that Bumblebee was actually mad at her that she'd tagged along without asking anyone, but it was something they'd just have to deal with later. She followed behind Bumblebee, doing her best to stay as remotely quiet as possible. Swindle still remained an unknown threat to her, so he would have the upper hand should he decide to pounce.
As Bumblebee motioned for the teenager to stay back, she simply nodded and took a step back before crouching down on the cave's floor. At least this way she wouldn't be spotted as easily, but would actually stay there unless her friend called for her or she felt she had to step in.
Do what when and if she stepped in, she didn't know, but only if she couldn't see any other way. Bumblebee didn't want her to get hurt, but she didn't want him to get hurt either.
Depending on how sneaky he was feeling, it was a completely legitimate option for Swindle to just sneak out the way Bumblebee had come in; but he was anything but legitimate. Direct combat wasn't a preferable option either, nor could he let the Autobots dig up just what he'd been up to in the middle of a dry energon mine. No, Swindle was going to have to use some of that trademarked Swindle finesse. He activated a set of commands from his internal HUD, before transforming.
The Decepticon let loose a sharp whistle towards the two interlopers, fully intending to betray his position.
"My my, if it isn't sweet Sari Sumdac and the bombastic Bumblebee! Tracking another insecticon through a cave system, old sport?"
And there was why Bumblebee had wanted Sari to hang back. The young mech turned to where Swindle had whistled, rolling his optics, "Swindle...fighting hostile space barnacles is more entertaining than dealing with your antics." Bumblebee responded, before he did a double take. Wait, where had that come from? Since when had he fought a space barnacle?
No, that wasn't important right now. It was probably just a figure of speech he had heard once in his travels. For sure. Either way, the lieutenant narrowed his gaze where Swindle seemed all for hiding rather than coming out to face him, "Come on out now Swindle, nice and easy. No need to cause any unnecessary risks for any of us." Bumblebee said calmly, reaching at his hip with a free hand, letting it hover over some stasis cuffs he usually had on his person. Even if Swindle wasn't any fugitive he had been tasked to take in that didn't mean he wasn't a known criminal. Heck, he was well-known for his arms dealing.
But, as a precaution, Bumblebee stepped forward another step or two. "What do you say Swindle? We can leave this mine without a scratch." Peaceful talks first. Had to be worth a shot. At least, that was what he recalled from his times under Optimus' command.
Sari stood back up after Swindle called her out, but there was something that struck her curiosity. How had the Decepticon known her name? She hadn't remembered meeting him, but at the very same time.. there was something horribly familiar about him too. As if she had met him in the past, but she honestly felt that she hadn't. Was this what deja vu was like?
She'd stay quiet for now, at least for Bumblebee's sake, but there wasn't too much point in her hiding anymore aside from having a quick place to take cover if a fight broke out.
Sari certainly hoped that Bumblebee knew what he was doing.