When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 18

Azura leaned against the railing, staring at the elevator door as she waited for Agent Fowler to reach them. She wasn't sure if she should be worried for him or not. She knew Optimus was angry that the man had a hand in housing her for the last three years and never said a word to them. She did not know if he would really confront him about it today, but Azura couldn't be sure of how often Fowler even visited the base. She knew he didn't much when she had been here, but she didn't know if that changed when she had left, so she could not be sure. Nonetheless, it was going to be good to see him again.

The doors of the elevator opened, and Fowler stepped out with a frown. "Seven wrecks, thirty-four fender benders..." The man walked towards the railing and did not notice Azura leaning nearby as Optimus stepped forward listening to him. "A three-hour traffic jam, and a particular note, numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make and a black and yellow custom muscle car." Bee and Arcee glance at each, seemingly unphased by the dripping disrespect coming from the man. "So, anything you care to get off you tin chest, Prime?"

"We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler," Optimus responded calmly, though he did not hide his displeasure at this time, though Fowler did not seem to pick up on it straight away.

"They're back, aren't they?"

"If you are referring to the decepticons, I have doubts that they ever left. Your planet is much too valuable. Plus..." Optimus glanced towards Azura briefly and Fowler followed his gaze and widened his eyes when he saw her. "They have another reason to remain on this world...those it is more against me than anyone else."

Fowler stared at Azura in shock as she gave him an innocent wave. "Azura? W-When did you get back?"

"Yesterday. After I was followed home by one of the cons." The man was shocked as he listened to her tell him what happened. "Unfortunately..." She shifted and grimaced with a light groan, placing her hand on her back from feeling a pinch of pain in her back. "I cannot go back to that unit. I...there are some things I left behind."

"Right..." The man turned his head slowly and looked at Optimus. "That means...you know I have been helping her."

"Yes." Optimus narrowed his optics slightly. "It would have been appreciated if you had alerted us to her location, Agent Fowler. You left us without knowing for years, even if Cliffjumper had known of her location and knew that she was safe this entire time."

The man grimaced a little, knowing he was now in front of an angry father who easily pummel him with a single punch. "Yes...well...uh, there is a good reason for that..." He stepped back slightly as Optimus leaned closer to show he was listening. Azura was not sure if she should be amused since Fowler was keeping her location hidden from the autobots by her request. "I was just doing what I thought was right for her, Optimus. You didn't see how she was affected..."

"I saw very clearly, Agent Fowler," Optimus interrupts bluntly. "I am thankful that you kept her housed and safe, but her safety changed yesterday. The decepticons know the location of the unit she has been living in. If she were to return, they will find her again."

"I am a little concerned that they were driving around Jasper in the first place," Fowler said thoughtfully with a slight frown. "They must have had some reason to be driving around in Jasper for them to spot and follow Azura home."

"Oh, don't you dare try to pin this on us!" Arcee snapped, making the man flinch a little from Arcee's anger. "In case you have not noticed, we are one autobot down." Fowler glanced around and noticed there was indeed one member of the autobots who was not there. "Cliffjumper perished yesterday..." Azura glanced down at the ground sadly. "And I needed to go for a drive. I did not think they would be waiting in Jasper, but that is not the point. The decepticons could have patrolled Jasper without their boldness of targeting us."