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Tinman
"Chapter 13: Trouble Brewing"
By Leah Wood

Several hundred miles away from the Lennox farm…

It was hot again. The human cities always were with their endless miles of concrete, glass, and steel absorbing the sun's heat like sponges to water. Human cities, a clustered, filthy nest of the bustling, arrogant insects that dominated this planet. It disgusted Barricade to no end. However, it went without saying that the humans provided the Decepticon with endless entertainment possibilities. He was a hunter after all. Just watching his prey in plain sight thrilled his spark to no end. Parked near an alleyway the Saleen police car watched the humans meander by, only giving him and his holo-driver a brief glance.

"That's right you little bugs. Go about your meaningless lives." the cop car thought bitterly.

Normally, he loved hiding and then surprising his prey with a violent transformation. The sheer terror plastered on their fleshy faces accompanied by their racing heartbeats made the Decepticon happy. But, he didn't like being forced to hide. Being the only surviving Decepticon left on Earth, Barricade had to keep a low profile. Sure, Scorponok was alive, but all the way on the other side of the globe. Barricade honestly didn't care. The drone was pretty much worthless without his host's commands and that host, Blackout, was sunk to the bottom of the ocean along with Megatron and the other Decepticon casualties. He would've been right there with them had Megatron ordered him into Mission City. After watching Bonecrusher get totally slagged by Optimus Prime, Barricade held back until he and Brawl reached the outskirts of the city where the All Spark was reputed to be. Brawl, being the more devastating of the two, stormed on inside while Barricade was ordered to hang back until ordered in. He never received the order and by the time he entered the city of his own accord the battle was over and his comrades were dead. Well…except for Starscream. That bit-brained coward fled the moment the battle was lost. Slag him to the Pit.

Barricade never did receive word from his own drone/partner Frenzy either. He was certain the little glitch probably went and got himself killed. The manic little scrap of metal had been very useful as a spy and hacker, but his over-exuberance in a fight usually dropped him in way over his head. The Decepticon infiltrator wasn't sure if he cared or not. Sure, Frenzy had been quite an asset to his missions, but dealing with his incessant gibbering and total disregard for keeping a low profile often made Barricade think about smashing him into slag.

But now there were no more missions. No more orders from Megatron. No more…purpose. He was simply alone on a world of flesh creatures and their Autobot allies. Attracting attention amongst a planet of enemies was not a healthy idea.

Still, Barricade's hunter instinct roared and hissed violently within him and every now and again he'd satisfy his need. Chasing the humans down the freeway and making their poorly crafted vehicles smash into a median was always entertaining as was terrifying the occasional punk who carelessly brushed his paneling. He had to keep himself entertained with something otherwise he'd go complete insane in the mainframe.

Then, without warning, the silence was broken.

"Starscream, calling Barricade. Come in." the former Second in Command's screechy, hissing voice came though.

The Saleen cringed. Great, of ALL the Decepticons in the galaxy it just HAD to be Starscream contacting him. Barricade hesitated. If he answered he'd be giving away his position to the Autobots who were undoubtedly listening to all subspace frequencies.

Starscream's voice got impatient very quickly, "Barricade this is Starscream, I know you're not dead."

The cop car kept quiet. Just ignore him. You are dead.

"The channel is secure Barricade. No need to be shy toward your new leader." the voice lilted with arrogant malice.

Hissing, Barricade opened the frequency, "Barricade here."
Starscream's sarcasm was blatant, "So good of you to answer, Barricade."

"What do you want Starscream?" Barricade asked tersely.

The screeching voice heightened as it did when Starscream got irate, "You will address me as Lord Starscream."

Snorting the Mustang hissed back, "I swore allegiance to Megatron, Starscream. NOT you. And now that he's dead I HAVE no allegiance."

"Insolent bolt brain! I was Megatron's second in command so your allegiance automatically falls to me!" Starscream ranted.

Enjoying gibing the easily provoked Decepticon, Barricade sneered, "I don't follow cowards who tuck their thrusters between their legs and run."

Starscream shrieked with fury but soon seemed to calm his voice into a slick insult, "No. You prefer to let human-loving Sparklings beat you senseless and then hide in the shadows while the REAL warriors fight!"

Stung, Barricade growled in his high performance engine. He could just see the smug sneer on Starscream's twisted features.

The jet Decepticon clicked, "Now. Listen up and listen good Barricade, those Autobot scum and their sympathizers are NOT going to go unpunished. They are going to pay!"

Barricade grumbled, "And HOW exactly are they going to pay, Starscream? I'm the only one left on this Primus-forsaken mud ball!"

"Not for long you're not."

The cop car seemed to rise up higher on its shocks with surprise, "What? You're coming back?"

"Don't be an idiot! I have to rally more Decepticons toward out cause." Starscream explained.

Barricade wasn't surprised by that as he muttered to himself, "Yeah right. You just don't want to get killed by Optimus Prime!"

The pompous self-proclaimed leader continued, "I have a plan that will bring Optimus Prime to his knees."

Barricade ground his gears. Starscream ALWAYS had some convoluted plan but they never worked, "Not interested, Starscream. I have no allegiance to you or your schemes."

Starscream's voice dropped to a very dangerous tone, "Refuse me Barricade and I'll tell Soundwave to deal with you BEFORE the Autobots!"

A cold spark flew through Barricade's systems, "Soundwave?"

The Decepticon's voice seemed pleased with the fear in Barricade's tone, "Yes. He should be arriving on Earth very soon. He's the reason the Autobots can't hear our little conversation right now."

Another shiver creaked through Barricade's engine. Soundwave. Megatron's right hand infiltrator, spy, and communications officer. There were few Decepticons whom he was actually afraid of-Soundwave was one of them. He wasn't sure if it was the mech's emotionless façade or the fact that he rarely failed any order Megatron had ever given him, but Soundwave made Barricade uncomfortable. Other than Megatron himself, Soundwave was the last Decepticon you wanted on your trail.

Burying his pride processors, Barricade sighed, "What is your plan then?"

"I thought you'd see it my way." Starscream stated haughtily. "Prime's forces are only the young scout, the medic, and the old cannon, correct?"

"Correct."

"Prime is the biggest threat but if we take out the strongest beam in his foundation he will fall." Starscream continued.

At once Barricade pieced together Starscream's plan and he blew exhaust, "You can't be serious."

"YES. We are going to get rid of Prime's weapons specialist." Starscream hissed.

The police car almost burst out with derisive laughter, "Have you blown your logic circuits, Starscream?"

"If we take out Ironhide, Prime's forces will crumble! You know it and I know it." Starscream insisted.

Barricade rasped, "And HOW do you propose to do that? You DO know you're talking about the most ruthless Decepticon terminator in the entire Autobot armada?"

Starscream's voice went scratchy, "Of course I do you dolt! That's why I'm sending Soundwave to assist you."

"It's going to take more Decepticons than me, Soundwave, and his little drones!" Barricade protested.

"I know. You and your partners are simply going to find out his weakness."
Barricade sputtered, "And what makes you think he has ANY weaknesses?"

The Decepticon jet seemed to purr, "Prime and his Autobots have strong ties to those flesh creatures. Find out which ones Ironhide is attached to."

Nodding internally, Barricade understood, "Then make HIM come to us."

"Precisely. Once you and Soundwave have discovered his weakness, report back to me." Starscream ordered.

"And then what?" Barricade asked.

"That is not your concern for now. Soundwave will contact you once he's landed. Just find Ironhide and whoever is with him. Keep your distance and collect all the information you can." Starscream commanded and then warned, "And don't you DARE fail me!"

"Understood." the Mustang answered. "Barricade out."

Suddenly, Barricade was wishing he was still alone.

Description
Tinman
"Chapter 13: Trouble Brewing"
By Leah Wood

Several hundred miles away from the Lennox farm…

It was hot again. The human cities always were with their endless miles of concrete, glass, and steel absorbing the sun's heat like sponges to water. Human cities, a clustered, filthy nest of the bustling, arrogant insects that dominated this planet. It disgusted Barricade to no end. However, it went without saying that the humans provided the Decepticon with endless entertainment possibilities. He was a hunter after all. Just watching his prey in plain sight thrilled his spark to no end. Parked near an alleyway the Saleen police car watched the humans meander by, only giving him and his holo-driver a brief glance.

"That's right you little bugs. Go about your meaningless lives." the cop car thought bitterly.

Normally, he loved hiding and then surprising his prey with a violent transformation. The sheer terror plastered on their fleshy faces accompanied by their racing heartbeats made the Decepticon happy. But, he didn't like being forced to hide. Being the only surviving Decepticon left on Earth, Barricade had to keep a low profile. Sure, Scorponok was alive, but all the way on the other side of the globe. Barricade honestly didn't care. The drone was pretty much worthless without his host's commands and that host, Blackout, was sunk to the bottom of the ocean along with Megatron and the other Decepticon casualties. He would've been right there with them had Megatron ordered him into Mission City. After watching Bonecrusher get totally slagged by Optimus Prime, Barricade held back until he and Brawl reached the outskirts of the city where the All Spark was reputed to be. Brawl, being the more devastating of the two, stormed on inside while Barricade was ordered to hang back until ordered in. He never received the order and by the time he entered the city of his own accord the battle was over and his comrades were dead. Well…except for Starscream. That bit-brained coward fled the moment the battle was lost. Slag him to the Pit.

Barricade never did receive word from his own drone/partner Frenzy either. He was certain the little glitch probably went and got himself killed. The manic little scrap of metal had been very useful as a spy and hacker, but his over-exuberance in a fight usually dropped him in way over his head. The Decepticon infiltrator wasn't sure if he cared or not. Sure, Frenzy had been quite an asset to his missions, but dealing with his incessant gibbering and total disregard for keeping a low profile often made Barricade think about smashing him into slag.

But now there were no more missions. No more orders from Megatron. No more…purpose. He was simply alone on a world of flesh creatures and their Autobot allies. Attracting attention amongst a planet of enemies was not a healthy idea.

Still, Barricade's hunter instinct roared and hissed violently within him and every now and again he'd satisfy his need. Chasing the humans down the freeway and making their poorly crafted vehicles smash into a median was always entertaining as was terrifying the occasional punk who carelessly brushed his paneling. He had to keep himself entertained with something otherwise he'd go complete insane in the mainframe.

Then, without warning, the silence was broken.

"Starscream, calling Barricade. Come in." the former Second in Command's screechy, hissing voice came though.

The Saleen cringed. Great, of ALL the Decepticons in the galaxy it just HAD to be Starscream contacting him. Barricade hesitated. If he answered he'd be giving away his position to the Autobots who were undoubtedly listening to all subspace frequencies.

Starscream's voice got impatient very quickly, "Barricade this is Starscream, I know you're not dead."

The cop car kept quiet. Just ignore him. You are dead.

"The channel is secure Barricade. No need to be shy toward your new leader." the voice lilted with arrogant malice.

Hissing, Barricade opened the frequency, "Barricade here."
Starscream's sarcasm was blatant, "So good of you to answer, Barricade."

"What do you want Starscream?" Barricade asked tersely.

The screeching voice heightened as it did when Starscream got irate, "You will address me as Lord Starscream."

Snorting the Mustang hissed back, "I swore allegiance to Megatron, Starscream. NOT you. And now that he's dead I HAVE no allegiance."

"Insolent bolt brain! I was Megatron's second in command so your allegiance automatically falls to me!" Starscream ranted.

Enjoying gibing the easily provoked Decepticon, Barricade sneered, "I don't follow cowards who tuck their thrusters between their legs and run."

Starscream shrieked with fury but soon seemed to calm his voice into a slick insult, "No. You prefer to let human-loving Sparklings beat you senseless and then hide in the shadows while the REAL warriors fight!"

Stung, Barricade growled in his high performance engine. He could just see the smug sneer on Starscream's twisted features.

The jet Decepticon clicked, "Now. Listen up and listen good Barricade, those Autobot scum and their sympathizers are NOT going to go unpunished. They are going to pay!"

Barricade grumbled, "And HOW exactly are they going to pay, Starscream? I'm the only one left on this Primus-forsaken mud ball!"

"Not for long you're not."

The cop car seemed to rise up higher on its shocks with surprise, "What? You're coming back?"

"Don't be an idiot! I have to rally more Decepticons toward out cause." Starscream explained.

Barricade wasn't surprised by that as he muttered to himself, "Yeah right. You just don't want to get killed by Optimus Prime!"

The pompous self-proclaimed leader continued, "I have a plan that will bring Optimus Prime to his knees."

Barricade ground his gears. Starscream ALWAYS had some convoluted plan but they never worked, "Not interested, Starscream. I have no allegiance to you or your schemes."

Starscream's voice dropped to a very dangerous tone, "Refuse me Barricade and I'll tell Soundwave to deal with you BEFORE the Autobots!"

A cold spark flew through Barricade's systems, "Soundwave?"

The Decepticon's voice seemed pleased with the fear in Barricade's tone, "Yes. He should be arriving on Earth very soon. He's the reason the Autobots can't hear our little conversation right now."

Another shiver creaked through Barricade's engine. Soundwave. Megatron's right hand infiltrator, spy, and communications officer. There were few Decepticons whom he was actually afraid of-Soundwave was one of them. He wasn't sure if it was the mech's emotionless façade or the fact that he rarely failed any order Megatron had ever given him, but Soundwave made Barricade uncomfortable. Other than Megatron himself, Soundwave was the last Decepticon you wanted on your trail.

Burying his pride processors, Barricade sighed, "What is your plan then?"

"I thought you'd see it my way." Starscream stated haughtily. "Prime's forces are only the young scout, the medic, and the old cannon, correct?"

"Correct."

"Prime is the biggest threat but if we take out the strongest beam in his foundation he will fall." Starscream continued.

At once Barricade pieced together Starscream's plan and he blew exhaust, "You can't be serious."

"YES. We are going to get rid of Prime's weapons specialist." Starscream hissed.

The police car almost burst out with derisive laughter, "Have you blown your logic circuits, Starscream?"

"If we take out Ironhide, Prime's forces will crumble! You know it and I know it." Starscream insisted.

Barricade rasped, "And HOW do you propose to do that? You DO know you're talking about the most ruthless Decepticon terminator in the entire Autobot armada?"

Starscream's voice went scratchy, "Of course I do you dolt! That's why I'm sending Soundwave to assist you."

"It's going to take more Decepticons than me, Soundwave, and his little drones!" Barricade protested.

"I know. You and your partners are simply going to find out his weakness."
Barricade sputtered, "And what makes you think he has ANY weaknesses?"

The Decepticon jet seemed to purr, "Prime and his Autobots have strong ties to those flesh creatures. Find out which ones Ironhide is attached to."

Nodding internally, Barricade understood, "Then make HIM come to us."

"Precisely. Once you and Soundwave have discovered his weakness, report back to me." Starscream ordered.

"And then what?" Barricade asked.

"That is not your concern for now. Soundwave will contact you once he's landed. Just find Ironhide and whoever is with him. Keep your distance and collect all the information you can." Starscream commanded and then warned, "And don't you DARE fail me!"

"Understood." the Mustang answered. "Barricade out."

Suddenly, Barricade was wishing he was still alone.