CONSPIRACY

Enterance Cavern

Brawn pokes his head out of a pile of junk in the corner,
grinning from ear to ear.
Ellis grins widely. "Loser pays for a date of the winner's
choosing?" he offers cattily.
Candice returns from a walk within one of the adjoining
caverns. She looks over idly where Magnus had been digging
elarlier and frowns a little, not seeing him. No word from
Optimus and who knows when Magnus would really pay her mind.
Something needs to be done...and without any
misunderstandings like what happened earlier that afternoon.
She notices Brawn and gives him a wave.
Brawn glances over towards the young woman. "Oh hey Candi!
How's it goin?" with a grunt of effort and a small avalanche
of junk he pulls himself free, clutching a small part
of......something.
Finally seeing someone that's less likely to pounce on her
back or whip out a gun at an imagined offender, Candice is
more than relieved to see a friendly face as she trots over.
"Quieter than this afternoon thankfully." She steps back at
the small avelanche and blinks. "you?"
Hot Rod comes along the southeastern tunnel.
Hot Rod wanders out thoughtfully, checking over one of his
rifles.
Candice adds silently, "I just say quieter?"
Brawn blinks. "Uhhh...yeah ya did."

Hot Rod shoves his rifle back into subspace, peering
curiously over at Brawn and Candice before directing himself
towards the stone carving that could pass for a human
apartment complex if you have a good imagination. He pauses
in front of it, critically examining his work.
Candice throws a lopsided grin, looking over at the
avelanch. "Heh...guess it is." She then loses the smile and
steps closer, lowering her voice, "Brawn, I haven't really
been able to get in touch with *either* Optimus or Magnus
concerning the situation Trent and I are in. I mentioned it
a little to Flak and he outright tried accusing Ellis and
Lia about being spies."
Brawn leans down towards Candi, then scratches his head as
he thinks about her words. "Uhhh...ya tried Prowl?"
Hot Rod hmmmmms, crouching, then flexes his legs, leaping up
the 20 feet to the ledge above, though almost doesn't make
it. His arms wave wildly to flap him up and over and somehow
he keeps from falling back down.
Candice blinks. "Prowl? Uh...no I haven't. He's been
promoted or something?"
Brawn nods, "Yeah.....he's with the higher ups now."
Candice adds just then. "All I know is *someone* in your Top
Brass should be told. Brawn...would you...be able to come
with me again?"
Candice says, "If *he's* free that is? I don't really know
him."

Brawn nods quickly to Candice. "Hey, I'll go with ya. Ya
don't hafta worry none." as if by reflex he lifts his head
and glances about for said higher ranking bot.....
Hot Rod flops down to his usual seat, apparently not
planning on working today,
then peers out lazily over the entrance area to watch the
happenings.. happen.
Candice presses her lips together. "I don't see him here.
Guess I'll radio to
see if he's not tangled in something."
+radio Prowl=Uh, Prowl....this is Candice. *pause* You
recieving?

RADIO: <from Prowl> Yes, Candice. I am. May I help you with
something?

Candice seems to breath a sigh of relief when the radio is
answer.
+radio prowl=Yeah...there's something about a situation
Trent an I are in that I've trying to talk to you Bots
about. But I haven't been about to catch up with either
Optimus or Magnus. And Brawn just told me you were also a
part of the top brass.
Brawn sits back on the balls of his feet, setting the part
aside that he pulled out of the junk pile. "Hey.....we'll
get this fixed up." he grins reassuringly.
Candice pauses to pull down her radio. "I hope so. Flak
almost shot Ellis earlier."
Flak walks out of a tunnel, "Hello there..."
Hot Rod waves down at Flak from his perch on his favorite
ledge. "Hey, Flak. Whatchya doing?"
Candice is in bewteen talking with Brawn and inviolved in a
radio conversation over by some equipment.
Brawn blinks at Candice's statement, casting a glance in
Flak's direction...but not saying anything.
RADIO: <from Prowl> Unofficially, yes. Where would you like
to talk?
Flak huhs as he overhears Candice, "What did you say?"
+radio prowl=Makes no differnce to me. Uh...I asked Brawn if
he would come too. He knows the situation already. Where are
you? maybe we could meet...uh...halfway.
Candice looks up from her radio at Flak's inquery.
"Just...making mention of the misunderstanding from
earlier."
RADIO: <from Prowl> I am outside the mountain. At the lake
shore.
Flak says, "Ah... ok"
+radio Prowl=Ok...we're coming.
Candice looks back at Brawn. "Would you like to take a walk
to the lake? he'll meet us there."
Brawn stands up, then grins. "Let's go then."
Candice nods and scrambles down a small embankment heading
for the cave enterance.
Brawn plods right after her.
Candice mutters something about wishing Trent was here. He
has the evidence that proves all of this. Hopefully later...
Hot Rod kicks his feet out, sitting up a bit as he watches
Brawn and Candice leave. He smirks slightly at Flak, though
pleasantly. "You bored?"
Pacific Northwest

Candice continues to make her way to the lake, the very
serene lake which as seen many a folly and antic she's sure,
looking for a certain strategist while trying to keep her
stomche from doing bellyflops.
Prowl sits at the edge of the lake, patiently waiting for
Candice and Brawn. He's very visible where he is too.
Brawn follows slowly after Candice, more there for
reassurance than anything. "Hey....ya look kinda tired. Ya
sure ya wanna walk the rest `o the way?"

Candice gives a shrug. "A little nervous actually. Uh...you
mind?"
Brawn grins, and picks her up gently moving her towards his
shoulders. "I gotta work my legs a bit anywhoo."
Brawn chuckles. "Gettin too soft by usin my wheels all the
time."
Candice's mouth breaks out into a grin. "Uh...yeah....and
telling that to someone who doesn't have wheels."Candice
gives Prowl a small wave as the two make there fibal
approach. "Uh, hi..."
Prowl nods a silent greeting to Candice and Brawn. "What may
I do for you, Miss Thompson?".
Brawn finally stops as he gets close enough to Prowl. He
dosen't set Candice down right away, leaving the decision up
to her. He's more than happy enough to stand there with her
on his shoulders.

Candice states, "Well, start by calling me Candice. Miss
Thompson is a tad too formal for my tastes." She steals a
glance from Brawn, not bothered if she's left on his
shoulders or not. She finds some comfort in it actually, and
then looks Prowl. "I don't know how much you know about me.
I was some sort of liason from Earth while the Autobots were
on Cybertron. I was there for several months before being
brought back to Earth. And, there's some things that
happened here when the Transformers were away I think you
should be aware of."

Flak walks out of the mountain looking around
Flak starts to walk to the lake
Prowl nods and continues to listen patiently.
Prowl has that mannerism of someone who is paying sole
attention to the person addressing him, in this case
Candice.
Hot Rod laughs slightly. "Hey, we could have a fish fry then
for the Marines," he says cheerfully, then picks up a rock
the size of his fist. He peers at it, then looks at Flak.
"Okay, I toss you fire until ya miss?"
Brawn stands quietly with Candice on his shoulders, letting
her do the talking.
Flak nods and draws his gun, "sure... do it"
Hot Rod grins, steadying himself as he palms the rock, then
flips it up in the air over the lake. "PULL!" he shouts
loudly.

Candice throws a glance to the lake before going on.
"Uh...I'll just state it bluntly. When I return to Earth I
was told by officials at the U.N. that the real reason I was
on Cybertron was to act as a mole or spy for them...without
me ore any of the Autobots knowing. When I got back with my
reports they must not have liked what they saw. Anyway,
after one of the scheduled briefings, I was followed back to
my apartment and forcably taken. The men in suits didn't
even have to brake in. They had a key I think. I was
drugged....and then interrogated. And it was mostly
questions about Transformers in general, Autobots in
particular...."
Brawn's own facial features frown as she re-tells the story.
He's heard it before....but he still dosen't like it.
Prowl softly asks, "And did you tell them anything?".
Hot Rod woooos, watching bits and pieces scatter, then
splash into the water. "Heh... that was an easy one...
hmmmm... try this one," he says cheerfully, hefting another
and sending it at a lower trajectory.
Flak grins and fires again, "I don't usually rely on
skill... but on big explosions."Flak darns as he misses the
rock

Candice shakes her head. "To be honest, I can't remember if
I did or didn't." She pauses at the playful banter on
another side of the lake and then states, "I remember images
and certain key words. But I guess I was too drugged to
recall much else. I don't know if I answered anything or
not."
Hot Rod grins, chuckling a bit as the rock plunks down
unmolested. "Well, I can see why," he says with a friendly
wink. "Your turn."
Flak picks up a rock and lobs it into the air, "Try to hit
this one, then i'll let you smile"
Prowl softly asks, "What happened then?".
Hot Rod throws up his arms, trying to track the rock as he
lets two blasts fly. "Piece of cake!"
Hot Rod grins, pulling his arm gun barrels close to imitate
blowing the smoke from the barrels. "Heh... some of us just
got it when it counts."
Flak hrmf, "Good... let's shoot one faster now" he picks up
a rock and throws it at the lake
Hot Rod strikes a heroic pose, then laughs at himself,
pulling his arms up again. "Fire me boy!"
With a fizzle plop, Hot Rod's fire hits the lake, then the
rock hits the lake. He blinks, a bit disbelieving, then
hrmps. "And some of us talk a big game."
Flak grins as Hot Rod mix, "Guess we're even... tho i'm
better than you at basketball"
Candice continues. "I was taken back to my apartment. I
didn't even recall about being taken for a day or so until
they wore off. I then got an anonymous call regarding what
had happened. I gathered a few things and left." She frowns
somewhat. "And then I found out I was wanted by the FBI. I
didn't even realize I was being pegged for those two murders
until after I left New York. I...ran for about 9 months. It
wasn't until several weeks ago that Trent and I ran into
each other. It was when I was with him that I found out the
Decepticons were back on Earth." She then adds, "Before I
left Cybertron Jazz gave me an Autobotemergency beacon. When
it was pressed the FBI found me soon after..."

Hot Rod bahs, then smiles again, scooping up another rock.
"What's that movie.... white bots can't jump... just doesn't
account for us colorful guys I guess." With a quick motion,
he lets the rock fly at a gentle slope.
Candice idly kicks her feet somewhat nervously until she
remembers where it is she's sitting...
Flak hums and watches the rock land in the water, "You
know... this is boring hehe."
Brawn dosen't even seem to notice the kick. Having been
cannoned twice and lived to tell about it.....a human would
have to go a long way to hurt him.
Narrowing his eyes imperceptably, Prowl quietly remarks "You
sent a beacon to the Autobots?" Prowl seems mildly
surprised.
Hot Rod hrmpfs, then shrugs. "Well, yah, but beats nothing,"
he returns thoughtfully. "Heh, well, what else can we do?"

Candice nods slowly. "I did. About 2-3 days before
Columbia." She loosk down at Brawn. "I was already told it
wasn't recieved." She looks back up at Prowl. "Actually, I
knew thee might have been a chance that I would have been
caught. And if that were the case the beacon would propbably
have been stopped somehow if there were a way. I made Trent
promise that if anything were to happen to me he'd use the
computer you Autobots designed for me as well as the com
unit and contact you if he could."
Flak hums and points to Prowl on the other side of the lake,
"Go bug him?"
Brawn adds, "And contact us he did. Er......me to be
precise."
Hot Rod's grin broadens, and he nods enthusiastically.
"Deal. You go high and I'll go low?" he says brightly,
starting to sneak around the edge of the lake, optics
glittering brightly.
Prowl nods quietly. "We didn't receive any beacon signals or
calls from Earth until my team, sent by Optimus to
investigate the Consortium rumor that the Decepticons had
gone back to Earth, got into Earth's atmosphere and were
contacted by Jackson O'Connor."
Prowl quietly comments, "So, what exactly is your problem at
this moment, might I ask?".
Flak nods and transforms
Flak transforms into Techno_Bomber mode.
Flak takes off and flies above the water, heading toward
Prowl
Hot Rod creepcreeps around the edge of the lake in a semi-
crouching stance as he bounces along, arms extended and
fingers wiggling a bit as he closes.

Brawn continues to hold Candice on his shoulders, blissfully
unaware of the coming sneak attack.
Prowl's sole attention is on Candice right now. He doesn't
notice either of the two Autobots creeping up on him.
Candice states, "Prowl, the *only reason why those 7 charges
of treason and 2 murder chargers were dropped was because
Trent dug up evidence to show I was framed and threatened
the Attorny General that if I wasn't freed he'd go public
with what was found.. Two guys from the FBI were sent to
trail me to scrounge for *something*. When they couldn't
find it they were done away with and I was blamed for it.
They're still there in the government. I'm still in danger.
Trent's in danger now for helping me out...Spike's being
watched constantly...and so may the other human allies."
Candice draws a breath. "I think whoever these people are
are trying to get to you Autobots through us somehow."
Prowl softly asks, "Please do not mistake this for
disbelief, but how do you actually know you are being
watched?".
Brawn snorts at Prowl's question. But decides to let Candice
answer it.
Prowl softly asks, "Or that Spike and Trent are also being
watched?".This is typical Prowl. Needing to know every fact
he can get his processor onto before he makes any decisions.

Flak hovers a little behind prowl and transforms, walking
slowly behind him, waiting for Hot Rod to reach him too
Flak transforms into Robot mode.

Hot Rod speaks quietly into his radio.
Candice sighs. "Trent has friends on the streets of Seattle.
Trent was concerned and asked them to keep an eye on Spike.
They were the ones that discovered he was being trailed."
Prowl softly asks, "You believe it is the United States
government that is doing this watching?".
Brawn blinks as he gets a radio message, and
unconsciously.....steps back one step. It's about now he
notices Flak behind Prowl. "Uhh....." his warning is
probably too late though.
Hot Rod pauses, speaking quietly into his radio, a warning,
then *griiiins*, tensing, readying himself before he _leaps_
out at Prowl with a loud war cry, letting his saw grind out
to add the scraping noises to the confusion.
Candice nods. "I am. I already know of the two FBI agents
that had tariled me and then were killed when they couldn't
find anythint to use against---
Candice uhs and tightens her grip a little on Brawn as he
moves just seconds before the...er...assault...
Flak leaps at Prowl from behind, "HI!!!!!!!!!!"
Prowl hears the war cry, impossibly, at the last second.
Without thinking, he spins, his gun suddenly in hand, and
takes a short step to the side as he tries to aim...
Flak acks and ends up face first in the dirt as Prowl spins.

Candice perks an eyebrow as Flak attempts an unprovoked
attack. For being countless centuries old they sure do act
like toddlers...
Brawn would facepalm......but he's holding a human. He
settles it with a sigh. "Yer timin sucks." he notes to them.
Prowl manages to step out of the way of both Flak's and Hot
Rod's attacks. How did Mr Boring manage that??? His gun is
tracking both attackers as he starts to squeeze the trigger
and just, BARELY, in time realizes he's not being attacked
by Decepticons. He yanks the barrel of his gun upwards just
in time.
Hot Rod flops to the ground, Prowl's legs not where they
should be, then whoas as Flak nearly winds up on top of him.
"Heyyyyyyyy! I'm faceplanting here!" he shouts cheerfully,
then rolls over, laughing.
Prowl's face is impassive as he stares at his two would-be
attackers for a long moment. Then he shakes his head as he
turns back to Candice. "You say these government people are
trying to get at the Autobots through you?"
Flak laughs and rolls on his back, staying on the ground,
"Hi, Prowl"
Laughing harder at the 'we are not amused' expression, Hot
Rod pushes himself to his feet, then finds something to lean
back against. With a bright smile, he gives Flak the thumbs
up, then settles in to listen.
Candice simply watches somewhat emotionally detached from
the sidebar merriment. "Yeah...or at least some of them. I
think Trent has copies of all he discovered while getting
evidence in order to have me freed. And Mancuso himself
metioned to me that he's seeing signs of the conspiracy that
may be up as high to the people he himself appointed...from
what he stated."
Prowl sends his gun back to subspace and jerks a thumb digit
towards Flak and Hot Rod. "Do you think we can bargain with
them? Give them those two in exchange for you being left
alone?" His voice is VERY not amused at Flak and Rod's
antics.
Candice takes a moment to shrug before responding. "You're
certain they wouldn't just send them back and charge you
postage?"
Flak jumps back up and listens too
Hot Rod chokes on an outburst, then finally manages, "Heh,
yah... that'd be
grounds for war or something."
Prowl's optics narrow tightly at the mention of Mancuso's
name. He instantly gets back to business. "How can you be
sure the President is not in on this? After all, you did say
the U.S. Government is after you."
Candice sighs inwardly. "I don't. In all the meetings I've
had with him Brawn was kind enough to remain close by so
nothing would happen."
Prowl softly asks, "Were the people trailing Spike also
FBI?".
Candice replies, "From what Trent said they are."
Hot Rod hmmmms, thinking, then something hits him and he
smiles broadly again. Squinting over at Flak, then looking
back at Prowl, he touches his comm.
Brawn dosen't add anything right now.
Prowl softly asks, "What do you think these people would do
to you all to get
at us?".
Hot Rod speaks quietly into his radio.

Flak speaks quietly into his radio.
Flak hums, "So they're FBI? Where are those FBI guys
anyway?"
Prowl quietly comments, "The United States Federal Bureau of
Investigations. They are the highest law enforcement agency
in the nation.".

Hot Rod just gets this look, grinning widely at Prowl, then
makes a good show of surreptitiously slipping away,
murmuring to himself about various sordid ideas. After a few
moments, he disappears from view.

Candice thinks about that for a moment. "I'm not really sure
I want to know. They drugged and interogated me trying to
gain information. Spike tried to pin the blame of his
psycologist for messing with his way of thinking. Maybe
trying to control him somehow."
Flak says, "Ok... the FBI, hey?... welll.... i'm gonna...
huh ... go for a fly... Hop in rod"
Flak transforms into Techno_Bomber mode.

Prowl glances around for a moment when he realizes Hot Rod
has disappeared again. He bestows his impassive look on Flak
for a moment, perhaps in suspicion?, then returns his
attention to Candice.
Flak lowers his ramp for Hot Rod.

Candice does mention the false charges and such/ But she
does respond with, "Whoever they are they're serious. If I'd
been convicted I would have either spent the rest of my life
in oprison or faced the death penalty."

Prowl softly asks, "What do you think these people want from
the Autobots?".
Hot Rod reemerges with an armful of... stuff, then quickly
rushes up Flak's ramp, trying not to be seen.
Candice states, "Technology possibly. Maybe find out a way
to use or control you to their own ends somehow. I don't
know. If I could remember anything specifically from that
interrogation I would tell you."
You hear Brawn mutter: No way I woulda let em give her the
death penalty."
Candice looks down and pats Brawn's shoulder, hearing some
of what he stated...since she's close enough to him...
Flak flies upward.
Flak has left.
Candice then states. "Trent and I came here
since...well...we don't really know where else to go at the
moment."
It's hard to tell if Prowl is convinced or not. He *seems*
to be taking Candice seriously, at least. But you get the
impression that he'd like more information. Still, he nods
imperceptably. "I will bring your concerns up with Optimus
Prime. I am afraid without something more concrete that we
cannot
protect you appropriately. We will do our best, of course,
but it is always harder to defend against the unknown foe
then it is to defend against the known one. If you need
anything, let me know immeadiately. If something suspicious
happens, let me know immeadiately. Perhaps, once we know
more, we can uses
these peoples' tactics against them. Still, I am reluctant
to believe the entire U.S. Government would be involved in
such a thing. It would take a very intricate and exhausting
organizational feat to manage such a wide spread conspiracy
or agenda without your people knowing about it. Forgive me
my prejudices, but from my experiences in my own universe
and my brief experiences in this one, the human race is not
capable of such organization.
Candice presses her lips together. "I know this all sounds
like some sort of bad plot from some sort of `B' rated
movie. I can only tell you what I know. I haven't had the
chance to go through the evidence that Trent found that he
brought to the Attorney General on my behalf. But I'll ask
him for copies so you can go over it yourself." She pauses
for a moment before commenting, "Just be careful not to
underestimate humans. They may end up suprising you in the
worst way."
Candice adds about the evidence. "Unfortunately, the
evidence that was dug up, all the names were deleated and
wiped out. So I don't know how good it would be. Still...it
appartnly convinced the proper people enough.
Prowl quirks an optic ridge at Candice's last precaution. "I
am a decent tactician, Miss.. Candice. I very rarely
underestimate anyone." Of course, he doesn't realize what a
shock he's gonna be in for when he finds out how wrong he
is. "Is there anything else you and Trent require for now?"

Prowl glances around for the errant Flak and Hot Rod, his
optics narrowed again.

Candice considers that for a moment. "Just be careful," she
repeats before adding, "Ultra Magnus didn't want Trent in
the Ark until he was cleared. And Red Alert wanetd to
interview Trent before he was allowed inside the Ark.
Considering the fact it's somewhat dangerous for Trent to be
housing in his car outside the volcanoe could that somehow
be lifted? I have my office back. I could use my room and
Trent could use the office for now if that's alright."
Prowl softly asks, "Ultra Magnus specifically stated that
Trent was not allowed in the Ark?".
Candice nods. "He said that the first day we came here."
Prowl quietly comments, "I fail to see the problem. There
are several caves within the volcano, not excluding the
marine encampment, in which Trent could stay and not have to
worry about being followed or having the Decepticons attack
him.".
Candice doesn't mention she and Trent were in the Ark before
hand...or the fact after she was radioed by Magnus that she
escorted Trent out of the Ark as it was implied it was
asked. Trent hasn't been in there since.

Prowl quietly comments, "Then perhaps Trent may stay in one
of the shuttles, temporarily, until he talks with Red Alert
or I talk to Optimus Prime. Unfortunately, Ultra Magnus does
out rank me and I cannot overturn his decision on the
matter."

Candice casts her gaze down and nods. "Maybe. I appriciate
any help you could
offer..."
Prowl murmers into his radio.
Prowl nods. "I will get on this immeadiately and do what I
can."
Prowl murmers into his radio.Prowl quietly comments, "Excuse
me. I will go search for Optimus Prime now.".
Candice nods. "Thanks, Prowl."
Candice watches Prowl leave and looks down at Brawn again.
"Thanks for staying, Brawn. It helped quite a bit..."
Brawn rins upwards to his passenger. "Hey.....ya gotta stop
with the thankin. I keep tellin ya that it's no prob."
Candice smiles. "Ok...so I'm grateful. Sue me." Her features
darken a little. "I can't blame him for being cautious. I
wouldn't have believed it myself if I wasn't living it."
Brawn would pat her reassuringly......if he wasn't holding
her. "Hey....it'll get sorted out. Yer tellin the
truth......so it's only a matter `o time fore it gets
cleared up."
Candice comments, "I hope so. It was bad enough when I was
the only one one the line." But I'm not the only one any
longer...
Grapple thunders up to Brawn, wondering whats going on,
"Hello..."
Brawn grins again reassuringly to her. Then turns to
Grapple's voice again, unconsciously darting his gaze about
for the dreaded Hoist........
Candice blinks and gives a small wave to Grapple from where
she sits atop the minibot's shoulders. "Hi."
Grapple would smile if he were in robot mode, "Hello,
Candice! I trust you are well?"
Candice gives what appears to be a light shrug.
"I'm...fine." Better at least... "You?"
Candice rests the top of her chin on Brawn's head...seeming
a little emotionally drained as she flickers a glance
towards the lake.

Grapple says, "I'm not bad..."

Brawn hmmmms, feeling a chin on his head and beginning to
put two and two together. "You tired? I can take ya back to
yer room....."
Candice blinks and glances down as Grapple goes idle. "A
little. You...wouldn't mind?"
Brawn grins. "Hey.....like I said, I gotta work these legs
anywhoo." Although.....it -is- a bit of a walk....better
if'n I drive I think."

Candice replies with a grin. "Up to you..."

Brawn gently sets Candice down on the ground, then steps
back and transforms.
Brawn transforms into Land Rover mode.
Candice remarks off handedly, heading for the passanger
door, "You really should think about getting a taxi service
sign or something."
Candcie slides into the front seat and fastens her belt
after  gently colosing the door.

Brawn revs his engine once, then rolls towards the Mountain.
"Heh....I could
make a killin runnin a service like that."