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Computer Lab

After Skids attached the regulation device to his computer Wheeljack looked down at the monitor. At first things appeared to be working normally as Skids was able to focus on the transmissions he wanted while the others were filtered out and stored for later. However, the huge volume of communication traffic on Earth was far greater then he had anticipated. He had first created the device for use on other worlds were the communication traffic was more controlled, orderly and not as great. He could already see something was wrong with the speed the device was handling the transmissions and the speed. He wasn't surprised when it started smoking, though he was surprised to see that it didn't burn out, but someone managed to get it down to a more manageable level even if it wasn't working as well as Skids had hoped.

"Huh, that was unexpected." Wheeljack said as he rubbed his chin. "I guess the processor was just way to over worked and nearly, literally, burned itself out. I'll want to take a look at that later when you're done Skids, I want to take a look at that. I didn't think it could nearly burn out like that and keep working that well... maybe I can fix it to work better." The vocalizers glowed softly as he talked to himself. "Hmm, maybe if I increase the processor speed and size it can handle the high degree of transmissions on this world, and if I put a stronger encryption chip in there it might also help balance out those issues."

Wheeljack never really heard the last few things Skids said to him as he was walking to his own work station and was making mental notes. He sat down at his station and opened up the regulation devices speaks and began to work on the changes he was thinking of as he prepared to build a new one. He was at this for sometime when he finally looked up.

"Hey Skids, have you noticed how quiet it has gotten around here? The brothers were sent out on a mission, and everyone else seems ready to climb the walls to get out of here... just seems kinda odd how everyone suddenly seems so inactive."

Computer Lab

Skids looked surprised for a moment as Wheeljack drifted off without seeming to notice his last bit of commentary, but then chuckled quietly as he realized the engineer was busy muttering to himself about how to improve the regulation device. He should have figured that Wheeljack would never get discouraged so long as there was some engineering conundrum he could ponder.

He wasn't particularly insulted or bothered by Wheeljack's sudden lack of attention, either. A scientist drifting off while lost in thought was certainly a common enough occurrence... and, as far as Skids was concerned, preferable to the way many non-scientists' optics tended to glaze over as their processors stopped working in response to complex concepts. He contented himself with studying some of the new features of the regulation device, figuring that eventually Wheeljack would drift back out of his thoughts and share some of them, as scientists were also wont to do.

Skids managed to become so preoccupied with his new "toy", however, that he still jumped slightly when Wheeljack spoke up. He rubbed his head thoughtfully as he considered Wheeljack's question.

"I have to admit I didn't notice how quiet it was until I contacted you on the Command Deck... usually I'm busy paying attention to how noisy the humans are." He smiled a little sheepishly. "If I had to guess, I suppose everyone is waiting to see how Jazz and the brothers fare on the mission. You know far more than I do about what is going on regards that, however...

"Oh, and here you are." Skids deactivated and detached the regulation device and handed it to Wheeljack, then turned back to his display and watched as the signals changed back to their previous functioning. "I just hope that whatever's going on, it isn't happening too close to any of the humans' cities or 'hot spots'..."

(OOC: Sorry for the wait.)

Command Deck- Ironhide

This was getting out of hand. Half the slaggin' crew was up in the command deck, asking about one thing or another. As he passed Bumblebee the report he'd asked to see, Ironhide could feel his circuits starting to sizzle.

The Autobots in question seemed to pick up on his building frustration. Many of them had been with him for a good long time now, and knew how to read him quite well. Wheeljack had the good sense to get out if the line of fire while the getting was good. Brawn and Windcharger got right down to work. Good mechs.

The Ark-19's commander took in the exchange between Smokescreen and his XO before answering either of them. Their reasoning was sound. Particularly when it came to Bee's suggestion of increasing their surveillance.

"Permission granted, Little Buddy," he told the Intelligence Officer. "Get us some new optics out there. Take Smokescreen with you. Smokey, once y'all get the equipment deployed, then continue yer monitoring. Git to it!"

The old veteran slumped into the captain's chair. His thoughts were with his mechs in the field. He hoped they'd do right by Jazz, and get the frak out of there the first chance they got. If not...well, he'd just have to go get them himself and kick the Twins' heads in for making him do it.

"Windcharger," Ironhide said eventually. "I want you to watch fer any word from the Twins or Jazz. You hear word one, I want a recall lock on all three o' em. Let's get those protoforms home, and find out what Jazz learned."

Command Deck

Bumblebee took the report from Ironhide and began to read it over. Like Smokescreen had said everything looked in over and his analysis of the virus seemed accurate. Although he was not as talented computer whiz as Smokescreen, he at least was familiar enough with the systems he was responsible for to know when everything was in order. Satisfied with his own review of the report he handed it back to Ironhide, who was now sitting in the command chair giving out orders to the gathered 'Bots.

"Sure thing Ironhide. When I'm done we'll have enough observation gear out there to spot an Insecticon on the moon!" The yellow minibot said to his commander with a grin. Although that was a great exaggeration on Bumblebee's part he did plan on at the very least doubling what they already had deployed. He turned and began to walk to the door of the command deck, heading for the exit hatch of the Ark that lead to the surface. "Come on Smokescreen we got a job to do." Bumblebee said as the door opened in front of him. "We'll grab more of the observation gear and then get to the surface."

The smaller 'Bot was a little eager to finally get out of the Ark and do something. He also wanted to make sure he was away from Ironhide if something went wrong, although the two had been friends for a long time Bumblebee knew the bigger 'Bot had a not so small tempter. Given the way he had been swamped by the others on the command deck Bumblebee knew his commander could snap at any nano and he wanted to give the big bot some time to cool his circuits.

Computer Lab

Wheeljack accepted the device back from Skids and placed it on his work desk. He took out some of his tools and began to work on it, opening it up first and then began to repair the damaged circuits. He wanted to make sure the damage was repaired before he started to make the improvements he had just come up with. However, several of the components had to removed and he careful cut them out and removed them from the device. This was going to take more time then he thought as he had to rebuild those components.

"I'm sure Sideswipe and Sunstreaker will be careful extracting Jazz. I know though both come across as being a bit carefree, but they have been fighting this war just as long as the rest of us, they know what can happen if they get careless. Considering how densely populated this continent is I think it will be difficult not to avoid a fight near a human city. I am more concerned about JAzz getting back with his aft intact."

Command Deck

Thank Primus, was Smokescreen’s first thought when he heard that Ironhide was finally letting him go outside and stretch his circuits. He’d been cooped up inside staring at computer screens for far too long and needed to get out before he went stir crazy. Maybe I’ll actually get to race around a little in my Earthen alt mode. Smokey loved his vehicle mode. It was what the humans called a Nissan 350Z. He didn’t know exactly what that meant, and he really didn’t care. He had chosen this form because the car bared a strong resemblance to his original Cybertronian alt mode, and because the 350Z was based on an Earth-style race car, which fit Smokescreen like an iron glove.

“Sure thing, commander,” the diversionary tactician replied to Ironhide’s orders. “Once we get the new equipment in place I’ll get right back to monitoring the human internet.” With that said, Smokescreen turned and followed Bumblebee through the doorway of the Command Deck and down the corridor.

Storage Depot

Smokescreen entered the storage room and began gathering up the necessary observation gear they would need to deploy along the shoreline. Smokey then came upon some small holographic projectors. “Hey, Bumblebee. Do you want me to grab some of these holo-projectors? We could use them to hide the new surveillance equipment from prying optics, human or otherwise.”

Outside Repair Bay / Corridors

His shoulder now fixed, Trailbreaker exited the Repair Bay and began moving through the corridors of the ship. The black mech had previously picked up the commlink message from Ironhide sending Sunny and Siders on a mission to help out Jazz. For a brief nano, ‘breaker had considered going up to the Command Deck and seeing if Ironhide needed him to assist the twins in any way. But then he thought better of it. I wouldn’t be much help out there. I’d just waste more fuel, the defensive strategist thought to himself. Besides, the twins will do just fine without me. The ‘cons don’t stand a chance against them.

Instead, Trailbreaker decided to head back to the labs, where he had been earlier, to see how his friend Smokescreen was coming along with the system diagnostic. “I hope he didn’t get in trouble for watching human racing again. I’d hate to see him get thrown in the brig for something so trivial,” he quietly muttered to himself.

Computer Labs

The door slid open and Trailbreaker entered the labs only to find that Smokescreen was gone. Probably took the diagnostic results up to Ironhide, The black mech then noticed Wheeljack and Skids working away at their stations. As usual, ‘jack was tinkering away at some invention of his. He could make an energon bomb out of a human circuit board if given the chance. It may well blow up in his face on the first try, but he’d eventually get it right. “Breaker chuckled at this thought and then remembered that he had meant to ask the Autobot inventor a question regarding his high fuel consumption.

“Hey, guys! How’s it going?” Trailbreaker asked, cheerfully as he approached Wheeljack’s station. “So, Wheeljack, I’ve been meaning to ask you about something. When you have an astrosecond, could you build me a device that would help increase my fuel efficiency levels when I’m out on a mission? That way I don’t continue to waste so much energy. Maybe some kind of new filter that could be installed in my fuel system somewhere. I’d greatly appreciate it.”

Storage Room

"I was thinking the exact same thing." Bumblebee replied as he gathered up a stock of the observation gear. "No point in putting all of this down and then having a human child tripping over it."

The smaller bot checked the holographic disguise so that it looked like a rock, or something normal for an Earth shore line. Bumblebee could tell that Smokescreen was just as eager as he was to get out. Earth was a nice planet and Bumblebee had developed an affection for the people of this little planet, and as a result he was not as bothered as some of the others to be stationed here.

Outside Storage Room/Corridors
Bumblebee emerged from the storage room with his supply of gear and turned for the exit hatch. It was to risky to attempt and orbital bounce so close to the ship and a tourist attraction, so Bumblebee had made sure that there was safe, and hidden method for the crew of the Ark-19 to make it to the surface of the lake with little risk of being seen. He had also made sure to set up a scanning device on the section of shore line where the Autobots would emerge to ensure that the area was safe. He checked the scanner and saw that the area was free of any potential eyes and saw that it was clear.

"Alright Smokescreen lets get up there and get this gear down." The minibot said as he walked into the airlock. "Now before we go up I just want to remind you stay in your alt mode, only transform into robot mode only if your life depends on it. Also keep your holomater avatar active at all times as well and obey the human traffic laws. We don't want to draw any attention to ourselves if we can avoid it."

The smaller bot grinned up at Smokescreen and gave him a friendly pat on the arm. When he gave out those orders Bumblebee always felt a little strange, but he just figured it was that knowledge was second nature to him given his role as an intelligence officer and to himself he sounded foolish repeating it. He also felt that saying such a thing could be a little condescending to the other 'Bots, but he figured it was better safe then sorry.

Bumblebee turned to the door and hit the switch that opened the door and he entered the water of Lake Erie and ascended to the surface. Poking his head up and taking a quick look around and not seeing anyone in sight climbed onto the shore line and transformed into his Volkswagen Beetle and activated his holomater avatar.

Computer Labs

When the doors opened Wheeljack barely registered it, he was to busy with his work and talking with Skids. He had just begun working on the replacement components for the device he was going to give to Skids when he heard someone approach him. He figured it was just Smokescreen returning from the Command Deck, but when he heard the voice of Trailbreaker he looked up at the big 'Bot.

"Oh hey Trailbreaker. How's the arm? Was Ratchet able to patch it up?" When he heard Trailbreaker's request Wheeljack rubbed his chin in thought and was quite for several moments. "Hmm, a new filter? That might be doable." He turned to his computer and brought up Trailbreakers schematics, he always liked having the spec for his team mates since he was always trying to think of new ways to improve their weapons and abilities. "Actually I have been trying to find a way to improve our teams fuel efficiency by designing a fuel pump based off of Bumblebee's. But I've been meeting with less then success with it, but a filter might be a better idea." He back taking a detailed look at Trailbreaker's fuel distribution system. "Although I am not comfortable with the idea of creating a new system or device and installing it in you without making sure it will do what it is intended to, I wouldn't mind tinkering with your fuel injection system since it seems to pump way to much fuel into your tubes. I might be able to make it so it injects a more reasonable amount, as I think with the way it is now you just get huge doses that work well for you when you need that extra burst in battle, but when not exerting yourself just burns it up more." He then snapped his fingers as an eye struck him. "Oh I think I got it! I might be able to devise a system that will allow you to control how much fuel you are injecting into your tubes, but we might want to run this by Ratchet first. I am not a medical expert, and I want his approval before I start opening anyone up to tinker around with his inner workings."

Computer Lab

"Yes I suppose you're right, Wheeljack." Skids worried anyway, however... he liked the humans and got on well with Jazz, and while he wasn't particularly fond of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, he wasn't keen on seeing them injured by the Decepticons, either.

He brooded over his display while Wheeljack tinkered with the regulation device, until Trailbreaker came in. Skids waved a greeting to him. "It goes well enough in here, though I hear that things are a llittle crazy planetside. What has been going on with you, Trailbreaker? Anything new happening?"

Skids also listened curiously as Wheeljack pondered Trailbreaker's fuel problems. He didn't know much about engineering himself, being much more well-versed in the "soft" sciences, but he tended to be curious about almost any tidbit of information he could fold into his personal analyses somehow.

Corridors – Outside Storage Room

Smokescreen left the storage area with the observation equipment slung over both shoulders and followed Bumblebee to the exit hatch. As he entered the airlock, Smokey was reminded by the minibot of the standard infiltration protocols such as: staying in alt mode, keeping your holomatter avatar on, obeying the traffic laws and so on and so forth. He’d heard them a million times before from Ironhide and even from Trailbreaker. "Don’t worry, ‘bee. I know the rules," he replied, placing one hand gently on the yellow mech's shoulder. "I won’t break them."

Except for that one about obeying the traffic laws, Smokey thought to himself. I may have to bend that one just a little bit. Then the hatch was opened and the diversionary tactician found himself surrounded by cold water that made his circuits tingle. Without delay, the red and blue Autobot swam out and up, heading for the surface.

Lake Erie Shoreline

Emerging from Lake Erie astroseconds later, Smokescreen quickly made his way onshore and transformed into his Nissan 350Z alt mode. His car form was a sleek piece of machinery that any racing enthusiast, human or bot, would envy. Smokey’s coloring really made the vehicle stand out with the hood, roof and spoiler being a deep red while the sides and front were a solid blue. Additionally, a white stripe stretched the length of the car, separating the two colors. And as an added decoration, the number ‘38’ appeared on both doors inside of white squares. This number had no real meaning for Smokey. It was what the humans would call a "custom job" and gave his alt mode more of an Earthen race car vibe without actually being one.

As Smokecreen drove up along side Bumblebee, his holo-driver appeared behind the wheel. Smokey then began scanning the area for any signs of human activity. "I’m not picking much up on my scanners, Bumblebee. There are a few natives walking about a half-mile down the beach, and there are a few vehicles driving by on a road that runs parallel to the shoreline, but that’s about it," Smokescreen advised his superior officer. "Seems we’ve come up onto a remote area. We should be okay deploying the equipment. Where do you want me to start?"

Computer Labs

"My arm’s doing fine. Thanks for asking," Trailbreaker responded to Wheeljack’s inquiry. "Ratchet was able to patch it up without a problem." He then turned to Skids. "Yeah, I heard about Sunny and Siders going out to help Jazz. They’ll do fine. Other than that, not much else going on that I’m aware of."

‘Breaker then listened to Wheeljack’s proposals regarding his fuel system. Tinker around with my inner workings? The black mech thought to himself. Not exactly what I had in mind. "Well that sounds all well and good, ‘jack, but I was really just looking for something small I could just install myself or Ratchet could install if need be. I really didn’t want my system rearranged. I’d be willing the try that fuel pump idea, though, once you get it working."

Lake Eire Shoreline

Sitting on his wheels in the soft sand of the Lake Erie shore line Bumblebee initiated his own scan of the area just before Smokescreen communicated his findings. The minibots own scans revealed the same information. The area was not as busy, this may could of been a number of reasons, time of day, year, some sort of human ritual that occupied their time or so forth. Bumblebee had created a map of the lakes shoreline and marked the spots where he had deployed the listening devices when the Ark had first arrived on Earth. He then transmitted a copy of that map to Smokescreen. The map showed that most of the shoreline was pretty well covered with Bumblebee's observation equipment, except for the northern portion, that was barely covered at all.

"Well Smokescreen the issue we have here is that this lake lies on the boarder of two human nation-states, although they are friendly towards each other, traveling between them can be problematic. What I want to do first is cross the boarder into the norther nation-state, scout the shore line and deploy our equipment. From there I want to also cover several of the island located in the lake as well." He said as he began to highlight the areas on the map that he wanted to cover. "Once we have the northern shore covered we can then enter the water and make our way for the islands. So we had better get moving, from what Skids tells me from the human news broadcasts crossing the boarder can take several hours."

Bumblebee rolled forward and drove onto the nearest road and began to drive down the highway towards the board crossing. There he ended up stuck in traffic as he slowly inched forward, towards the check point.

Computer Lab

Nodding as he listened to what Trailbreaker wanted wheel check rubbed his chin once again in thought, his vocalizers glowing softly from time to time as he softly muttered something to himself. Wheeljack understood Trailbreaker's reluctance to undergone any major reworking of his internal components, it wasn't an idea he particularly liked himself. Though trying to find better ways to improve the fuel effencency of his fellow Autobot's has been a major concern of Wheeljack of late. Given the dwindling supplies of energon and the increasing reliance on substitutes it was becoming more important to ensure that every drop of fuel was used to full effect. Which meant 'Bots like Trailbreaker, who burned it up like no tomorrow, had a problem.

"Sorry about that Trailbreaker, I got a little ahead of myself." Wheeljack said a little embarrassed. His tendency to try and create new inventions often saw him get over zealous and try to create something grandiose, and over look the little things. "Well, sorry to let you down on the new fuel pump, but so far it has failed every test... if I put it into any living Autobot it would probably kill them, so I don't think I want you to try it out. Instead I think I got something else that night help you." He turned to compartment that held a number of gadgets and opened it, he reached in side and removed a small, roundcap looking gadget. "This isn't a long term solution I'm afraid. I developed it back on Praxus to help out Ratchet when the Decepticons went to stage 6. It was meant to help out the wounded and keep them from going into stasis lock or off line from loosing to much fuel. You just switch it on and attach it to your fuel pump, from there it should monitor how much of fuel you are having pumped into your system and maintain an even distribution of fuel into your tubes." He said to Trailbreaker as he handed him the little cap.

"The only thing is they were never meant for continuous use... since they were only used on the badly wounded... by the time they burned out they were probably no longer needed. This has the added problem of that once they burn out they can't be used again, so you have to get a new one. I'm not sure if Ratchet has an extra ones, and I'll need to build some more for you to have a steady supply of them. Though that one there is an advanced version to use on recovering wounded who still needed to maintain a careful fuel flow... so it should last you a few solar cycles, long enough for me to work up a batch for your regular use." Wheeljack turned back to his computer and made a note to develop more of the regulator caps for Trailbreaker when he remembered something and turned back to the black 'bot. "Oh Trailbreaker, I don't know how well they will work on a 'Bot who is full functionally and in top condition. So it might give out under the strain of constant activity and battle, so be careful. In the mean time I will try to find a more permanent solution to help you."