CONFRONTATION

Uptown San Francisco

     This part of San Francisco is one of the few areas left
mostly untouched by the weather of the last decade. The
steep, curving roads are still lined with beautiful old
houses, some of them almost a century old. Flower pots grace
the roadsides and are cultivated meticulously. Some of the
streets even show the old brick roads underneath.
Occasionally, you see one of the famous cable cars pass you
down the streets, and people hop on and off them at random.
Fisherman's Wharf is visible in the distance, and people
will give you directions to Lombard Street if you ask. The
scent of the flowers mingles with the smell of fresh-baked
sourdough and the slight fish scent from the Wharf. A
weathered old man passes you with a fruit cart. It's covered
with fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, and other tasty
items.

Nicole Andrews somehow manages to open the door of her
housing with her arms loaded with two filled garbage bags of
trash that she's more than willing to discard. When she
informed a friend she was "settled in" to her new place it
wasn't a lie. It was routing through all the tiny left overs
of that settling that needed to be caught up on. She makes
her way outside and heads for the garbage bin with a sigh.
Sheesh those bags are heavy.  Nicole Andrews just inwardly
hopes that it's worth all the trouble. The last thing she
needs is a Decepticon tapebot, mechanized eagle, or starship
to be interested in or relearn of her location...

The sharp cry of, "Help! Thief!" cuts through the air.
Glancing down the street, one can immediately become aware
of a youth running full tilt down the sidewalk, casting a
glance over his shoulder towards the older woman who's purse
he just snagged. It's your typical street crime that you can
see in -any- part of the city.....not just in a neighborhood
like this. Merely coincidence that it happened to be here.

Nicole Andrews swerves around towards the direction of the
sudden yelp even as the two bags are tossed into the bin.
From her position she can't actually see the guilty party or
his victem. So, going against better judgement she heads
over tiwards the sidewalk to look. The cement wall blocks
her view and she doesn't realize that should she step out
onto the actual sidewalk she'll be stepping right into the
theif's path.

The youth continues to run full tilt to get away from the
scene of the crime, more paying attention to -behind- him
than ahead. And indeed he would have collided into Nicole
dead on....were it not for a sudden flash of yellow, which
barrels into the form like a freight train. With a loud,
"OOF!" the young man is sprawled onto his back, the wind
knocked out of him. Running on adrenaline, he moves to get
up again, only to have a large, yellow golden paw placed
firmly on his chest, ensuring he -stays- down. A pair of
crimson optics stare at him evenly.....

Nicole Andrews's eyes widen when she looks within the
direction of the odd trio...the lion with his prey and the
stolen purse. She ventures a step or two and then stops as a
small crowd gathers as they take note of the scene. The
older woman takes some time joining the small group. She
stares at the lion and then picks up her purse which the
thief dropped hesitantly...before bapping the man on the
head with it. "That'll teach you, ya yound whipper-snapper!"

Steeljaw blinks as the elderly woman......gives her own
viewpoint on the situation. He keeps his paw firmly on the
perpetrator however, ensuring that he isn't about to go
anywhere fast. "Perhaps if someone could contact the local
law enforcement office? Please?" he asks politely.

A law enforcement officer makes his way through the small
crowd. He had orginally intended to see what the crowd was
gathering for...the satisfy his own curiosity. (He didn't
hear of the purse snatching, obviously.) "Alright. What's
going..." he sees Steeljaw on the thief. "...on here?"

Steeljaw calmly tilts his head towards the officer, nodding
in greeting. "A perpetrator of a purse snatching, that has
been detained Officer." he says evenly. "I believe there are
several witnesses to the crime....as well as the incident as
witnessed through my databanks."

The older lady stands up straighter. "That hoodlum should
get a good spanking for this. Where are these young people's
manners nowdays? Stealing from an old lady. Perposterous! In
my day...." "Dinasours roamed the Earth," a pre-adolecent
somewhat within the gathering snickers. The boy doesn't see
the big deal. That guy will be back on the streets by
morning...

The officer nods towards the robotic Aslan and moves to take
the "hoodlum" into custody. "I'll have to ask you to come as
well if you'd like to press charges, Ma'am," he tells the
woman. The woman nods visciously. Oh, she's pressing them
alright. The Officer turns towards Steeljaw. It seems this
man has been around Transformers a time or two for him to
feel at ease with one of their kind. "Thanks for your help."

Steeljaw inclines his head towards the uniformed officer. "A
duty to help out fellow people Officer. Good day to you."

The officer gestures for the lion to stand away while he
starts rambling off the Miranda Rights to the arrested
youth. "...You have the right to remain silent. If you
choose to wave that right anything you say can and will be
used against you. You have the right to..." And so it goes.
Losing interest...some of the crowd begins dispersing
already. That same boy can be heard saying, "Bet ya he'll be
out in less than 2 hours..." to a friend.

Steeljaw casts a sidelong glance towards the youth who is
speaking, but offers nothing. Merely standing quietly as the
crowd disperses, patient to the end.

The officer pauses and asjks of the lion. "And is there a
way to contact you if needed?" he questions the lion after
handcuffing the roughian.

Steeljaw glances back towards the officer, and nods,
indicating his radio and quickly rattling off the frequency.
"I am almost always listening to it."

Meanwhile the youth mutters something vaguely nasty to the
lady...somehting of which she doesn't appriciate. She bapps
him with her purse again. "What's your mouth boy. Should be
washed out with soap."

The Officer rolls his eyes at the older woman. "Ma'am, I'll
have to ask that you desist in hitting the alleged
perputrator with your purse." He turns back to Steeljaw and
nods. "And you're name?"

Steeljaw says, "Steeljaw. Autobot tracker."

The Policeman nods in answer. "You may be needed for the
records. If so, you'll be called." Finally, the Officer, the
theif, and the older woman head off to sort therough the
matter. Since most of the rest of the crowd has also left
this leaves Nicole and a few stragglers behind. "Whoah, man.
Check out the sleek crime-stoppin' robocat," one of the
onlokkers throws out before leaving. Nicole tosses him a
disapproving glance before stepping forward. "Um...new
'beat'?"

Steeljaw merely blinks in the direction of the 'title' he's
tossed, though he simply lets it slide off. He's above that
after all. His attention then shifts over towards Nicole as
she approaches. "Not intentionally....I can assure you."

Nicole Andrews shrugs a little. "Somewhat differnt that what
you normally come up against I wager. Although...well, the
principle is the same." She smiles then. "How're you
fairing?"

Steeljaw hmmmms quietly. "Well enough. I have recently
returned to my regular patrols of San Francisco itself. And
what of you? I am glad to see that you are not laid up in
Autobot City anymore...."

Andi Lassiter is walking along the sidewalk, still a decent
distance away, having not been anywhere nearby when the
whole police and whateverall were there.

Nicole Andrews shakes her head. "Well, it wasn't me who was
actually 'laid up'...but a friend. He's well enough so he
can recover at home now tho. But, thanks." She tosses a
suspicious glance to her mending shoulder absently and then
looks back at the lion. "I was just taking out some of the
garbage from my new place. Needed some...um...work done with
it. Looks a bit better than it did."

Steeljaw tilts his head back to where he had seen the young
woman loading the bags earlier. "I trust that your new
lodgings are satisfactory....?" he questions slowly. One of
his ears perks up at the sound of somebody else approaching.
Nothing gets by him......though politely of course, he keeps
his attention on Nicole right now.

Nicole Andrews shrugs at that as well. "Could be somewhat
better. But, It'll do. Gotta dmit, never knew how much I
liked the other place." She doesn't yet notice Andi. But
then...how would she? She doesn't have the keen senses
Steeljaw possesses.

Andi Lassiter continues closer, as of yet unaware just like
Nicole is. Of course, as she nears she can't help but notice
the glint of gold. She steps around a small group of people
to get a better look, then smiles as she recognizes
Steeljaw. He IS rather unmistakable, after all.

Steeljaw nods slowly. "It was safer that you move
however....for fear that Ratbat would return. Now, you are
safe in these current lodgings, remaining anonymous."
A Lion in the streets of San Fran? Nah... ;)

Nicole Andrews presses her lips together. "I certainly hope
so. Especially between between him and Divebomb. That's
something I definately *don't* need. Humans stalkers are bad
enough. But if Decepticons ever decided to join in..."

Steeljaw shakes his head slowly. "I will ensure that that
will not happen. My patrols over San Francisco are
vigilant."

Andi Lassiter weaves through the pedestrian traffic headed
toward Steeljaw. She can tell he's standing talking to
someone, but she's simply too short to see over the heads of
everyone in the way to see who it is.

Nicole Andrews tilts her head. "I know. I also know you
can't be in two places at once. How...do I call you if I
ever need help?

Steeljaw of course dosen't look Andi's way just yet. Being
caught up in a conversation tends to do that. Be assured he
-will- look over there once she gets close enough of course.
A small panel opens up in Steeljaw's shoulder, followed by a
small attachment extending outwards. It's a small radio
unit, complete with an Autobot symbol. "We always carry an
extra for emergencies....however I can always acquire
another back at Autobot City."

Nicole Andrews reaches out for the tiny radio, handling it
carefully as she looks it over. "How...do I use it exactly?
Last time I tried to use someone's I misradioed about 4
differnt Autobots."
One of which was Grimlock. And he's not one you want to
really misradio...

Andi Lassiter finally gets close enough to see Nicole. She
knows the young woman is...occasionally uncomfortable in her
presence, so she stops, unsure of whether she should
approach or not.

Steeljaw hmmms. "It comes in time. Though it is best if you
become familiar with the frequencies of certain individual
Autobots. I will be able to provide you with my own.....and
others could be gathered in due time."

"I think I'll stick with just yours for the moment," Nicole
comments with a wry grin. She then pauses. Ever get thet
feeling when someone is looking at you...even if you don't
readily realize someone indeed is there? She failed to
overhear the footseps since she was more involved with her
conversation with the Autobot. But now...she picks up her
gaze and glances at Andi. She offers a polite, although
guarded, "Hello."

Andi Lassiter smiles to Nicole, and waves slightly to
Steeljaw now. "Hello, Nicole, Steeljaw." She stays where she
is, though. Just within comfortable earshot, but not in
comfortable conversation distance.

Steeljaw tilts his head over towards Andi, and offers a
quick nod of his headdrea.....I have not seen you in some
time. I trust you are well?"

Andi Lassiter nods in return to Steeljaw. "It has been a
little while. And, yes, I'm doing fine, thank you."

Nicole Andrews shifts her stance slightly. Uncomfortable?
Erm...that would be one way of stating how she's feeling at
the moment. She glances at the radio she holds within her
hands and pockets it within her jocket...and keeps her hand
within the said pocket. "Thanks, for the radio, Steeljaw. It
helps put me at ease a bit." She takes a step backwards as
if to put some small distance further betwene her and the
other woman. "But, I guess I best be going. I still have
some things to catch up on..."

Andi Lassiter most definitely notices this and shakes her
head. "Actually, I need to run. Talk to you both later
perhaps?" Pleasantries, gotta love 'em.

Steeljaw's head snaps back and forth between the two for a
moment.....and he sighs audibly. Seems this happens all the
time....and inwardly he vows to talk to -both- women when he
gets the chance about it. "Er....yes, if you have something
more important that you must tend to."

Nicole Andrews nods agreeable...mentally finding *something*
she needs to do...such as washing that bathroom sink of
hers. The mildew in Nicole's sink is growing with each
passing second.
But must watch that shoulder. "I'll see you later then.
"Take care, Steeljaw. You too, Andi..." And with that she
turns away and picks up her pace, heading back from where
she had come from. Well, not actually. It wouldn't be good
if her new apartment was found out just yet...

Andi Lassiter watches Nicole take her leave, and her
politely cheerful facade drops away. She sighs in
disappointment, shaking her head to herself.

Steeljaw glances back and forth again, and gives out a
frustrated, "WHUFF!" His mane bristles for a second, as he
stands up. "-MIGHT- I have a word with both of you....?
Please?"

Nicole Andrews halts in mid step and turns to face the lion.
"What?" she asks, something akin to irritation creeping ever
so slightly into her voice. She folds her arms over her
chest...already having a feeling what this "word" would be.

Andi Lassiter merely blinks at Steeljaw for a moment. She
hadn't started going anywhere yet. And now she doesn't have
any intention of going anywhere.

Steeljaw glances towards Nicole, deciding to address her
first as it is. "Nicole...." he states, his tone returning
to it's regular, calm, collected approach. "Am I correct in
the reasoning that you are uncomfortable in Andrea's
presence due to certain.....associations that she keeps..?"
he asks slowly. In no way does he level it as an accusation.
He has no intention of taking -anyone's- side in this
matter.

Nicole Andrews stands a bit ridged. Although she doesn't
verbally respond her facial features speak volumes. Finally,
after several long moments pass of covering her fellings on
the matter back under a blad expression, she slowly nods in
admission.

Andi Lassiter pretty much just stands there quietly for the
moment, knowing exactly where Steeljaw is trying to take
this, and not encouraged by Nicole's reaction. She's already
expecting the worst.
There's more of course. Divebomb met Nicole through Andrea.
Divebomb found out where she lives. because of him and
another visitor...she was forced to vacate her home.
...and all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Steeljaw turns back towards Andi now. "Andrea....." he says
quietly. "Have not many of us expressed our warnings upon
you about association with Decepticons? While you may
disagree with our decrees, you have been subject to repeated
warnings from countless Autobots. But..we have left you to
make your own decision in the end. Is this correct?"

Andi Lassiter nods. "Yes, it is." She doesn't mention that
she has not seen or spoken with Divebomb for several months,
it's not relevant at the moment.

Steeljaw of course is aware of the recent absence. There's
little he -dosen't- know...and Divebomb is one that he
watches -very- carefully. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't
somewhat pleased if it stayed that way too. "Would you
consider yourself in any way an informer for them?" it
sounds absurd, yes. But it's something that he asks out
loud.

Andi Lassiter shakes her head. "No, I would not consider
myself that. I have very pointed refused to speak of
anything concerning Autobots with Divebomb, and it will stay
that way."

Steeljaw shifts to remain neutral in this whole ordeal.
"While I certainly cannot sanction any meetings with
Divebomb....and I -will- continue to repel him from San
Francisco's borders....by force if necessary......" he casts
a glance at Andi. This he's already discussed with her.
"....there is nothing else I may do. I have investigated
into Andrea as much as possible, using many resources, and I
have come to the conclusion that what she speaks of not
being a spy is indeed true." this time the glance is at
Nicole. "While I cannot force you to be Civil to Andrea...."
he glances back at Andi again. "...as I cannot force you to
cut relations with Divebomb....." back to the neutral stance
again. "I pray that I may at least be able to reach some
sort of understanding between you.

Civil? Erm...Nicole had been civil. Still...she has a great
amount of difficulty understanding how someone --anyone--
could associate with Decepticons and feel she's the only one
being affected whether it's directly or indirectly. The fact
still remains that a person's associations and actions will
not affect that one person alone. Nicole already felt some
of the reprocussions already, whether Andrea was directly
involved or not. She shifts her weight again, biting her
lip.  Nicole Andrews waits a few moments before stating,
"What understanding? I don't think I can understand."

Andi Lassiter merely nods to Steeljaw and says nothing else
unless questioned directly.

Steeljaw sighs. "Nor can I find myself understanding at any
time...." he says in quiet agreement with Nicole, as he
shoots a glance at Andrea. "But....I -can- assure you that
Andrea will mean you no harm or ill will ever. If you have a
concern about something....then please, do not brood upon
it. Say it to her now."

With the prodding from the mechanized creature Nicole
glances at the older woman. "Someone simply not meaning it
doesn't---." She cuts herself off, only to try again. Just
because she doesn't mean to intentionally cause it doesn't
mean she hasn't."

Andi Lassiter continues to remain quiet.

Steeljaw nods slowly. "Can you please elaborate...?"

Nicole Andrews tosses Steeljaw somewhat of a disgruntled
glance before returning her focus towards Andrea. "How about
Divebomb paying me for a visit, finding out where I live and
commenting about returning. And then a week or so after that
a certain robotic bat tears up my apartment and threatens to
kill me if I dindn't show where the nearest 'fuel' depot
was?" To be fair, Ratbat denied knowing any knowldge of
Andrea. None-the-less, one Decepticon is enough to hold
concern. Two carries far more. "Maybe those two incidents
*aren't* related. And more than likely they aren't. But
there's always a possibility that they *are*. The
Decepticons can't be trusted. Don't you think it's possible
they're only using you, or anyone else that they're
introduced to , for their own ends?"

Steeljaw for once....makes no commentary. He just turns his
gaze towards Andi. This is something only she can answer.

Andi Lassiter has to concede that to Nicole. "Yes, it is
possible. Although honestly, I do not see how little Jessica
in my class of four year olds tripping in the playground and
skinning her knee can be used against anyone except perhaps
me."

Nicole Andrews furrows her brow. "They call then
'Decepticons' for a reason. Deception wouldn't be deception
if it were plainly obvious."

Steeljaw ahems quietly. Indeed......tracing back into one's
history...they -did- earn that name. Of course, that's not
for him to say. Andi's done her own studying of Cybertronian
history. Maybe she's come across that part....

Andi Lassiter says, "Granted, Nicole. Perhaps sometime in
the near future I'll ask Divebomb if he's planning to open a
daycare with all of the information he has gleaned from our
conversations."

Nicole Andrews lets out a breath she wasn't aware of
holding. Well, how many times has Andi been addressed on
this matter by others? And it seems either the wires are
still being crossed, or she just doesn't "get it". The young
woman shakes her head and turns in the direction of where
she had come from before. "This isn't really getting anyone
anywhere. I'm sorry, Steeljaw. We'll...have to talk later. "

Steeljaw sighs, lowering his head a bit......as if appearing
defeated. "As you wish....." he says quietly.

Andi Lassiter seems less than happy herself. She was
honestly trying to NOT make that last comment sound
sarcastic. Apparently, it did anyway.

Nicole Andrews turns her attention towards the trek ahead of
her...purposely choosing to go home by a route which
wouldn't clearly be seen. Without another word or glance she
heads back towards her apartment, frustrated as well as
confused.

Andi Lassiter watches Nicole for only a moment longer, then
turns to Steeljaw and says quietly, "I'm sorry."

Steeljaw glances upward, towards Andi. "Andrea.....can you
not see what associations with such a race can do? I
honestly believe you that you would never intentionally
reveal anything to Divebomb. Anything at all. But our
lifespan....it is measured in millions of your years. He can
afford to be patient....in the hopes of a slipup. You're not
immune to them.....nobody is." Yes, he's taking a desperate
last grab of his own while he can right now.....

Andi Lassiter nods slightly. "I'm aware of this, Steeljaw.
But please, try to think of it this way, if you were to
befriend a human, and then find out he is a criminal of some
sort, say, a murderer, would you immediately forsake the
already established friendship? Could you turn away from a
friend that glibly?"

Steeljaw arches an optic ridge. "If there was valid proof of
things that he has done that would go so harshly against
what I believe in? Yes." he states simply. His tail swishes
for a moment. "Andrea.....while he may act differently to
you.....you -know- some of the things he's done. Look at
what he did to Clarion.....look at the atrocities he has
committed to other Autobots......even to Caterwaul....." he
pauses, then lifts his head. "....even to me."

Andi Lassiter nods slightly.

Steeljaw shows a note of his frustration again, his tail
swishing a bit stiffly behind him. "Please...I must know. Do
you -forget- this when you meet with him?"

Andi Lassiter can tell how important this is. She answers
honestly, perhaps even bluntly. She's NOT going to lie to
Steeljaw. "As shocking as this may sound to you, at times,
yes. Like when he snatched me away from Swoop to keep some
other individual from noticing my presence and sooting at
me, despite Swoop's extreme anger at him." She's trying to
maintain her calm, and so far succeeding.

Steeljaw sighs. "Thus his humane treatment of
you....justifies what he has done?" he shakes his head.
"Andrea......what sort of an -individual- do you see
Divebomb as? What kind of personality do you figure that he
posesses?"

Andi Lassiter shakes her head. "That does not justify his
previous actions. And honestly, I don't know what kind of
personality he has. Had you perhaps considered that /that/
is why I associate with him? To determine exactly what sort
or personality traits Decepticons possess other than the
usual 'kill all Autobots' attitude?"

Steeljaw's optic ridges shoot up. Both of them. "You risk
your life to determine his personality? I will give you a
hint of his personality...." he leans closer. "Do you
remember what happened to Clarion? The way that Divebomb
butchered her? Carved her into pieces....and...." he
practically spits. "...used her bodyparts to add to his -
nest-? Do you recall what you saw left of her that day when
we found her?"

Andi Lassiter blinks and nods. Of course she remembers that.

Steeljaw states, "What -sort- of personality can -do- that
to someone!?"
Steeljaw adds, "It was a miracle we were able to save her
life!"

Andi Lassiter nods again slightly. "I see what you are
getting at."

Steeljaw sighs finally. "Then what has made you believe that
you are immune to his sudden turning? If he were to suddenly
tire of this 'game' someday, and turn on you. He has
tormented humans in the past....."

Andi Lassiter shakes her head. "I don't know, Steeljaw. Call
it intuition, a gut feeling. At the time, I didn't /feel/
threatened by him, and was willing to offer him my trust.
That is another thing. How can you expect trust if you don't
offer it first? Now I'm not expecting you to go and a trust
that Decepticons are all warm and fuzzy and happy and won't
dare to so much a drip a bitof water on you, but I do want
to point out that perhaps the reason he's acted the way he
has toward me is because I was the first Terran to NOT run
in fear at his presence."

Steeljaw just stares incredulously. "So still.....after all
he has done....you are willing to put trust....in him?" his
words come out, as if he can't even believe what he's
saying.

Andi Lassiter shakes her head. "No. That's not what I said.
I said that I did put trust in him at the beginning. Now I
need to put serious, logical thought into why I maintain
that trust."

Steeljaw blinks. "And what does this serious thought begin
to point to for a conclusion?"

Andi Lassiter shrugs slightly. "Nothing as definitive or
black and white as I'm sure you wish it would. It will take
more than a moment's consideration to come to satisfactory
conclusion."

Steeljaw sighs again, and shakes his head. "Then I pray that
your consideration will take into account those who you call
friends. As to whether Divebomb is actually worth it....that
you may lose them as well through the process." his head
tilts upwards, as his ears flick reflexively. "I must return
to my patrols....." he states evenly.

Andi Lassiter nods. "I've delayed you long enough here." She
starts to turn to leave.

Steeljaw says, "Weigh your options with great deliberation
Andrea....." with that said, he crouches down, and springs
into the air, his 'wings' spreading out and giving him
enough glide to reach the nearest rooftop....which he
disappears over the side onto.