Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

Ugh. Redundant sarcasm. The banter between Howlstrike and Sideswipe couldn’t have made Mirage care any less. It was mildly irritating to say the least, but Mirage stifled a sigh and restrained himself. “Well, let’s get started then. Not much point in waiting it out here. Keep up,” he said, shortly before folding down into his car mode, ready to head back out once more to the valley ahead. He whirred his tires, engaging his all-wheel-drive, and rolling out and down into the lush valley.

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

It wasn’t long until Silverbolt and his team had made it out of the Ark, and it was a refreshing view. The landing area was bustling with life, with all hands doing some kind of work. And off in the distance were Omega Supreme, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and many others. A sight for sore optics. While he didn’t literally stretch his wings outside of the ship, it wasn’t long before Prowl’s call arrived.

Prowl wrote:>>”Jetfire, Silverbolt, this is Prowl. Our research and testing base is almost ready. Prepare yourselves and the Aerialbots for departure to Egypt ASAP. I’m sending our coordinates now.”<<

>>”Roger that, Prowl. We will be en route shortly.”<< He looked to his Aerialbots, giving them a nod with a determined expression. “Let’s ‘stretch our wings’ the proper way then. Prowl just sent the coordinates to the outpost. Aerialbots,” Silverbolt said, walking off to the side of the Ark’s landing pad, “Get in formation. We’re taking off for Egypt.”

>>”And that includes you too, Jetfire. We are lifting off from the eastern edge of the city. Move out when you are ready.”<<

With a running start, Silverbolt lept into the air, compressing into his alternate mode as he took to the skies, his team right behind him in a V-formation.

Autobot City Site

This really did feel like a Cybertronian outpost, specially with Optimus Prime here. Whatever his condition, it felt more like normalcy, and Grapple would take all of that he could get.

Grapple gave Bluestreak's response a small salute of acknowledgement. Not long after, it was the City Commander who wanted the chief architect's attention. Grapple made it a point to stand a little straighter.

“Grapple, how long would you estimate Omega Supreme’s recharge cycle? It would be helpful to be able to speak to him for further information.”

"Hmm...I think the medical staff would have a more accurate answer for you, sir. However, I've heard he has been able to communicate. You should have no problems continuing. We've diverted a steady supply of energon for his consumption, thanks to the allocations you and Prowl authorized."

“How is that Phase Sixer containment cell coming along, Grapple?” Magnus then asked. The question brightened Grapple's expression. It was a query he had direct knowledge of. Moreover, he had been working on it off and on--and also continually, via his buildbots--since his arrival here.

"I have integrated anti-escape measures collected from many of Red Alert's published reports regarding past escapes and have worked to include as many of his recommendations as possible into this cell. I believe it is ready for testing."

Autobot City Site – Ark-22 Landing Zone

Optimus Prime wrote:“Thank you, old friend.”

Ironhide nodded, giving his friend his customary smile. Through all of the changes their war with the Decepticons brought, Optimus had remained the one constant. It made it hard for Ironhide to believe anything could turn Optimus against his fellow Autobots. It was too hard to believe despite the evidence.

But he had a job to do, and it was to keep Optimus safe, or their fellow Autobots safe from him. Pretty simple and straight forward. So why am Ah fellin’ so bad? He knew the answer to the question, but he didn’t want to answer it. Not yet, anyway. The time could come when he’d have to voice the answer. He just hoped they could work out a solution before then.

He followed the conversation as Springer and Ultra Magnus informed them of what had transpired and their actions in response. What he didn’t expect was Ultra Magnus’ recommendation to prepare to be sieged.

Ah, scrap. This is why bureaucratic types need to stay out of the field. They always hole up and wait for the worst. Ironhide thought about cutting in with his thoughts about it being better to rely on that as a last resort, but decided against it. At least, until the briefing was over. Ah’m too old to be curling up in a hole anymore.

His curiosity peaked when Ultra Magnus continued,

Ultra Magnus wrote: “How is that Phase Sixer containment cell coming along, Grapple?”

Phase Sixer? Leakin’ lubricant! Things can’t get much worse, can they? he thought as his processor switched to another area of concern. He glanced at Optimus, studying him as he listened to the reports. Come on, Optimus. Don’t make me have to think of this. It was a useless plea, as Ironhide knew Optimus Prime had no control over what happened to him. Expecting him to, or holding him accountable for not preventing those actions was unfair and something Ironhide refused to do.

Grapple wrote: "I have integrated anti-escape measures collected from many of Red Alert's published reports regarding past escapes and have worked to include as many of his recommendations as possible into this cell. I believe it is ready for testing."

“Sorry to interrupt, but who are you thinkin’ of testin’ it?” Ironhide asked, then, almost as an afterthought, added, “How many holding cells do we have for Decepticon prisoners?”

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

Grapple wrote:"Hmm...I think the medical staff would have a more accurate answer for you, sir. However, I've heard he has been able to communicate. You should have no problems continuing. We've diverted a steady supply of energon for his consumption, thanks to the allocations you and Prowl authorized."

”Very well then. Prime, I will leave you to talk to Omega in that case.” Magnus nodded at Grapple. There was good work being done here, but he knew that they needed to do more, much more, if they ever hoped to stand a chance against Scorponok and the phase-sixers.

Grapple wrote:"I have integrated anti-escape measures collected from many of Red Alert's published reports regarding past escapes and have worked to include as many of his recommendations as possible into this cell. I believe it is ready for testing."

”Excellent work, Grapple. I am assuming you have the automated, state-of-the-art restraints and the energy dampers in place, as commissioned earlier,” Magnus noted, impressed by Grapple’s progress. “Do you have any tests or test subjects in mind?”

[Autobot City Site]

Ultra Magnus wrote:”Very well then. Prime, I will leave you to talk to Omega in that case.”

Prime was glad to have gotten news of developments. At the very least, he could take relief in knowing that Magnus had things under control. For now, anyway. There was no doubt that there were more who wanted to talk to him, but he needed to start contributing himself. Though he was in no position to get back to leading, he knew he could start small. And, ironically enough, that small step would be to first talk to Omega Supreme.

“Ironhide, old friend,” Prime turned, “Come. We have a lot to do.”

He began taking strides towards the resting Omega sentinel. Oh how dire the times had become, that they had needed to have all of these mechs here. And then Omega himself. Optimus stepped up to the base of the repairs area, looking up at the sentinel.

“Omega. It is a relief to see you safe here. I received word of the incident, and while we need you to rest, I do still have my questions.”

Optimus turned to Ironhide, giving him a slight nod before turning his attention back to Omega. “What are the odds that we are facing? And… more importantly, what of Garrus-9?”

Despite of having entered energy saving slumber, several lights across Omega Supreme’s massive frame lit up almost instantly as Optimus Prime called the ancient sentinel by name.

“Omega. It is a relief to see you safe here. I received word of the incident, and while we need you to rest, I do still have my questions.”

”YOUNG FRIENDS ORION AND IRONHIDE.” Omega’s voice boomed in reply to Optimus’ greeting before sighing out his answer. ”APPOINTED DUTY: ONLY PARTIALLY SALVAGED. SELF EVALUTION: MAJOR FAILURE.”

“What are the odds that we are facing? And… more importantly, what of Garrus-9?”

Curiously enough though, Optimus presented pretty much the same question Prowl had done earlier. Had Prowl not shared his information with Prime? Unsual to say the least.

”SELF AWARENESS OF EXACT DETAILS COMPROMISED. LAST OBSERVATION: LIKELYHOOD OF COMPLETE DECEPTICON VICTORY IN ELBA SYSTEM BY NOW THROUGH OBSERVED NUMBER OF HOSTILE WARSHIPS PRESENT DURING BREAKTHROUGH ATTEMPT; INEVITABLE. AUTOBOT FLEET INCLUDING THE STEELHAVEN, REMOVED FROM EQUATION. DIRECT RESCUE OPERATION; INADVISABLE.” Omega gave the details as he had seen them. He had never been able to raise contact with Fortress Maximus or Garrus-9 command despite of his attempts. The only possible conclusion was that they had been compromised prior his own reactivation. And given how many Decepticon warships he had seen while making his escape, it was clear that whatever fleet the Autobots had had garrisoned in Garrus-9 were all annihilated. Any rescue mission would result in a catastrophe without proper scouting. ”DAMAGE TO SELF SUSTAINED DURING RESISTANCE OF CAPTURE ATTEMPT BY DECEPTICON CAPITAL SHIP IDENTIFIED AS SEMPER TYRANNIS. LAST KNOWN COMMANDER: SCORPONOK.”

Omega paused for a moment, and brought up the fact that he had not come alone. ”AEQUITAS SECURED IN INTERNAL SAFETY STORAGE BANK A-1.”

”ADDENDUM: FRIEND RUNG’S PATIENT FILES STORED WITHIN FRIEND STREAMLIGHT. PROPAGANDA VALUE IN ENEMY HANDS; TERRIFYING. PRESERVING THEM; A MINOR VICTORY. THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF EXACT EVENTS RESULTING TO MY REACTIVATION: POTENTIAL.” The giant Autobot continued. ”ODDS: BLEAK.”

[Autobot City Site]

Optimus had heard some of this already. But hearing it from Omega truly put it into perspective. There were some things that, well, got lost in ‘translation’ from Prowl. There were many troops stationed at Elba. Scorponok had likely won. The number of casualties that they must have suffered… Primus…

A hefty pang of guilt slapped through Prime’s spark. He felt the urge to clench his fist, but knew that it was not the time to wallow over regrets. They had no time. And that meant getting down to grips with the reality of the situation.

Fortress Maximus’s ship was lost. Whether or not Scorponok had decided to spare the Warden, the Autobots here in the Sol system would have to think fast. If the Decepticons were truly going to have an all-out naval assault on Earth, they needed counteracting options.

“Scorponok is not going to let down his fleet alongside the Semper Tyrannis. We don’t have the numbers as it stands right now… but I do have a few ideas. If the odds are bleak, then it is down to us to make them more promising. We need all the information we can get… and more important than that, we need to prepare for war.” The Prime paused in his words, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, “I would like to read Rung’s files as well. Is he with you? If he is… then I would like to speak with him.”

He stepped back for a moment. “Omega, what of the other fleets? Do you know if any of the other naval companies are active?”

Omega Supreme grew silent as he listened to Optimus Prime speak. There were truth to Prime’s words but they still haunted the ancient Cybertronian. War was escalating. The Decepticon victory over Garrus-9 meant significant losses of both manpower and warships. Neither could be replaced easily if at all. However the most pressing issue was Optimus asking him about other Autobot naval companies. This was Optimus Prime after all. The leader of the Autobots. The chosen one. If he was not up to date with his army and their current actions… the thought made Omega worry. Something was wrong with Prime.

”RUNG IS...” Omega began, taking a pause to think or rather to search for the missing Autobot, ”ALREADY APPROACHING YOU.”

”I must protest Optimus,” Rung’s voice came from nearby. As per usual - the old, lithe Autobot had sort of been lost in the shuffle. There was after all, something quite forgettable about his presence for a reason or another. ”My patient files are confidential as you should know and while you are entitled to read them given your position – I doubt that a collection of psychological evaluations of nearly all Autobots and thousands of Decepticon prisoners are going to help in this situation. They will only distract you.”

By now, Rung had made his way before the far large Optimus, ”However, had Scorponok and Decepticon Secret Service gotten hold of the documents – I shudder to think the consequences to us.”

”I – I don’t know if I can help you as much as I would like to when it comes to the events that took place in Garrus-9 but I will do my best to answer your questions.” Rung spoke, nervously adjusting his goggles, ”It was all so very chaotic and I am not exactly built to deal with violence like you or Ironhide here.”

”THE OTHER FLEETS… I AM UNAWARE OF.” The guardian spoke, having patiently waited for Rung to say his piece, ”HAVE NOT THE FLEET ACTIONS BEEN MANAGED BY THE AUTOBOT HIGH COMMAND?”

[Autobot City Site]

Rung wrote:”I must protest Optimus, my patient files are confidential as you should know and while you are entitled to read them given your position – I doubt that a collection of psychological evaluations of nearly all Autobots and thousands of Decepticon prisoners are going to help in this situation. They will only distract you.”

”I see,” Prime said, nodding slightly in response, “Thank you for informing me, nevertheless. I am equally as glad as you to see those files out of their hands.” Rung didn’t seem like he would’ve known too much, and he confessed so himself, but Optimus took that into consideration. “Your presence here will be of much help to us, Rung. I’m afraid there have been some… incidents… that have particularly shaken some of our troops. You would do well to counsel some of them. I’m not sure what all is being planned at the moment, but both you and I will soon be having our hands filled with responsibility.”

Omega Supreme wrote:”THE OTHER FLEETS… I AM UNAWARE OF. HAVE NOT THE FLEET ACTIONS BEEN MANAGED BY THE AUTOBOT HIGH COMMAND?”

”I… have not been in the know for some time. Magnus and Prowl have been busy, and I had thought that consulting you may have shed some more light on current matters. But, regardless, thank you for your help.”

Optimus bid both Rung and Omega farewell, for now, before turning to his friend Ironhide. “Come, old friend. If we are to prepare,” he said, turning back into the direction of the Ark, “I will need your help in dusting off some of this rustiness.”

But before he continued any further, he decided to take care of one piece of business that Omega had graciously reminded him to do - catch up with Magnus. And to find out what was happening with the other fleets and companies. >>“Magnus,”<< Optimus said, turning on his comms, >>“I hope that the preparations for war are as active as possible. I had my words with Omega. I know that Maximus’s fleet is likely gone by now… but what of the others?”<<

Magnus’s reply came back almost immediately afterwards. >>“The preparations are well underway. We still have a lot of work to do, but almost all the troops are contributing in some, shape or form. As for the fleets, I would consult Blaster for that matter. I am… currently, quite preoccupied.”<<

>>“Thank you, Magnus.”<<

Optimus linked his comms to Blaster this time. >>“Blaster… can you send out a long-distance communication to any and all Autobot ships this side of the galaxy? I would like a gauge of our numbers here.”<<

Autobot City Site

”Excellent work, Grapple. I am assuming you have the automated, state-of-the-art restraints and the energy dampers in place, as commissioned earlier. Do you have any tests or test subjects in mind?”

Grapple studied his blueprints carefully as Magnus inquired further about the state of the containment cell.

"Yes sir, everything commissioned has been integrated. I incorporated the technical specifications that Jetfire and Red Alert had on file as the scientific principles being employed by this cell go well beyond my expertise in structural design.

"That said, I believe it will perform up to their standards. I've not yet scheduled any tests, but in terms of test subjects, hmm, I don't mean to be presumptuous but it would seem to me that you, sir, are one of the closest comparable mechs we have to a Phase Six Decepticon. Grimlock perhaps. Optimus, naturally, though I would not want to put any further strain on him than what he has already dealt with, to be sure. Maybe even Getaway? Though he's not on par with a mech like yourself or Grimlock physically, his escapism talents are quite the stuff of legend in some circles."
___

Sandstorm had been not far off, listening to Springer give and take with the big shots. They all seemed to agree on what he pretty much had been expecting: siege.

"Gentlemechs," Sandstorm interjected, "I'm all for a good siege defense. You know me. And I'm as grateful as anyone that Omega's here and getting fixed up, but is there anything we can do to mask the trail that he surely left in getting here? I'm sure ol' Omega's got some tricks and if it were just your average 'Cons that we fought off out there, I wouldn't be too worried about it, but it was Scourge and his little cult of clones. If anyone can lead Scorponok right to where we are, it's gonna be him. I'd say our best defense is finding a way to make sure they can't find us, if it's even possible. Surely Red or Prowl or someone's got ideas."

“Your presence here will be of much help to us, Rung. I’m afraid there have been some… incidents… that have particularly shaken some of our troops. You would do well to counsel some of them. I’m not sure what all is being planned at the moment, but both you and I will soon be having our hands filled with responsibility.”

”I… have not been in the know for some time. Magnus and Prowl have been busy, and I had thought that consulting you may have shed some more light on current matters. But, regardless, thank you for your help.”

”Optimus.” Rung began as the Autobot leader addressed him and then Omega Supreme. There was clearly something wrong with Prime – Prime himself had admitted that much. But the old psychotherapist was not one to push his patients, ”You know you can always talk to me. It might help you clear your head. Whenever you can of course.”

[Autobot City Site]

Rung’s concern and more so his offer felt like a slight breeze of relief for Optimus. “I thank you, Rung. I fear that I may need your help sooner than later, but I appreciate you extending your support,” he said in response. “Perhaps it would be better for me to get… whatever this is, out of my systems first. I feel like I lack clarity of thought at this moment in time.” His optics looked off into the distance of the valley as he sighed. “Soon, old friend,” he said as he turned, taking his leave.

[Autobot City Site]

Hearing that Grapple had fully outfitted the containment cells with all the necessary implements was pleasant news for Magnus. Contributions of data from Jetfire and Red Alert were equally pleasing to hear, and there was no doubt that Prowl’s personal scans had been of good use in the development as well.

But Grapple’s mention of potential test subjects had Magnus thinking for a moment. Me?. When it came to mechs like Optimus and Grimlock, he could agree with Grapple on physical prowess. Getaway’s talents for finding escape routes in notoriously challenging scenarios were also remarkable. There were several others with similar power… but for some reason, it felt a little off to Magnus that he should try it. He still had a multitude of other things to oversee, and taking the time to test a cell did not seem like the most efficient use of time. A mix of confusion, disappointment and unwillingness showed on Magnus’s face.

“I appreciate your… insight, Grapple. But I don’t think-”
Magnus found himself stopping mid-sentence as Optimus once again stepped into view. “It is alright, Magnus. I understand you have more important matters to attend to. Grapple,” Prime said, locking optics with the architect, “I will test this cell. Please, direct me to it.”
“Optimus,” Magnus said, with a slightly concerned expression, “Are you sure? It hasn’t been too long since…”
“I am sure, Magnus. How can I let myself rest when others are tirelessly working towards a noble cause? It would be unfair for me to do that, to sit on my hands while you all work, irrespective of my title. I will test this and do whatever else you all need to have done.”

If Magnus weren’t surrounded by so many mechs, he might’ve smiled at that point. “Very well, then. Grapple, once this is done, come and speak to me. Autobot City will need its best architect on hand for the next few projects.”

[Autobot City Site]

It was at that moment that a white and red car came recklessly driving down the site, flipping and stumbling into robot mode perhaps a bit too close to the congregation of mechs. “We figured something out! We figured something out!”

Red Alert had just showed up, and he looked extremely flustered. Before anyone could say anything to him, he blurted out, “M-megatron didn’t just bounce to nowhere, he… he bounced to another bounce chamber! Blaster read through the codes, and this is, uh, what he found.” He held up a datapad with the details he had compiled.

Magnus’s optics opened wide, and the bare hints of a smile showed at the edges of his vocaliser. “That is… well, consider me impressed, Red.”

It just so happened that Sandstorm had conveniently brought up the masking of the trail, because that was related to what Red Alert was about to say. “Oh, uh, yes, w-we can definitely try to do some particle scattering to disperse that trail. I, uh, h-had Blaster actually do the same as what S-scourge would’ve done for Omega. He’s trying to see if he can find particle trails in the region where Megatron bounced to. If he can find it… then that’s good. But I doubt he’s going to be able to find it. Otherwise we’d have found something from the intervention at the Korean peninsula. It… it’s a bit complicated, it’s not so much of a lead in hindsight, but it’s still information.”

Red Alert tapped through some things on his datapad. “I… uh, masking Omega’s trail might take a bit of effort. A couple of mechs could, uh, take a high-stealth shuttle, and they could take the photon displacer along. T-then it’s… just a matter of going out till Sol-8’s orbit and back with the displacer at the specific frequencies of Omega’s particle emissions. D-doesn’t even have to be a big team. A pilot and a scatterer is really all that’s needed for that kind of operation. It wouldn’t take too long with the shuttle either - it’s a quick f-fix, but very effective. The first priority would be around Earth orbit, and then work outward from there. E-easy to do, uh, with the only trails being from Omega and the Serenity. If it was a large ship… then that’s a different story.”

Broadside uncrossed his arms behind Sandstorm. “Heh, Sandy, why don’t the two of us go for a run on this one? Get our pistons moving as well.” Red Alert looked at Sandstorm for an answer, his feet slightly shuffling out of antsiness.

Magnus looked down at the Autobots gathered around him. “Right then, gentlemechs. I believe we should be getting to work. Grapple, Prime, I will leave you two to the cell. Springer, Ironhide, I would appreciate your help in the siege defence plans.” The commander’s voice dropped a few pitches, as his face became more tense, “Normally, this kind of preparation takes years to complete. We don’t know how much time we have, but it doesn’t seem like it will be that long. We need to start rolling out our projects at a faster rate, sacrificing quality for expediency. Done is better than perfect at this point.”

“Time is not on our side, but we will fight against it anyway. Let’s get going.”

Autobot City Site – Omega Supreme’s Outer Hull

Bluestreak welded another new panel onto the Omega Sentinel’s outer hull as numerous build-bots continued to work nearby and all across the enormous Autobot in order to repair all of the damage done by Scourge and his minions. Once the large armored panel was secured, the silver and black mech stood up and walked across the hull to where another new panel was laying. Just then Omega awakened as lights illuminated across his massive frame. Omega’s voice then boomed, shaking the hull Bluestreak and the others stood on.

“Hold on, guys!” The chatterbot exclaimed as he tried to maintain his balance. “The big guy’s awake!” Bluestreak decided to quickly kneel down so he wouldn't fall as Omega spoke to Optimus Prime down on the ground, giving him a briefing on what had happened at Garrus-9 and then the subsequent escape with Aequitas. It was worse then Bluestreak could have possibly imagined. Things were looking grim for the Autobots and if Scorponok came to Sol-3 looking for Omega, then it was only going to get worse.

Once Omega Supreme had stopped talking and the hull had stopped shaking, Bluestreak stood up and addressed the build-bots. “Everyone, as I’m sure you’ve just heard, it is imperative that we complete these repairs on Omega as quickly as possible. This doesn’t mean we do a half-aft job, but Omega needs to be ready to defend us if Scorponok’s forces attack. Now, let’s keep going!”

With that said, Bluestreak lifted up one side of a new panel while a build-bot helped him by lifting up the other side. Together, they carried it over to an exposed area of the hull where a damaged armored plate had already been discarded. Once in position, the build-bot and Bluestreak knelt down and began welding the panel into place. It was a painstakingly tedious job, but it had to be done. Omega was their best line of defense and they needed him if they were going to have any chance of repelling an attack by Scorponok and Megatron’s forces combined. It seemed like an almost hopeless endeavor but the chatterbot tried to stay optimistic.

Peruvian Valley – Southern Perimeter

Mirage wrote:“Well, let’s get started then. Not much point in waiting it out here. Keep up.”

Howlstrike nodded and quickly transformed into his timber wolf alt mode. Taking a quick glance back at Sideswipe, the former Predacon growled at the twin under his breath before turning and running after Mirage. Following behind the blue and white mech, Howl kept pace with him, his four legs maneuvering over the uneven terrain better than a race car’s tires even if the spy had switched to all-wheel drive.

Within a breem, they were at the Southern Perimeter near where it connected to the Eastern border. The holo-shield stretched straight up into the sky before arching over the entire valley in a protective bubble. Howlstrike came to a stop near one of the holo-generators. The mechanical wolf sniffed it, his scanners attuned to the device for any anomalies.

“This one appears good, but I’m no mechanic,” the tracker admitted to Mirage. “But my scanners don’t indicate a problem here. Since the eastern border has already been checked, I suggest we simply go along the southern side and then up the western border and then around the north. If there are any issues, I’m sure our scanners will pick something up. Sound okay to you?”

Autobot City Site

Sandstorm's point of possibly masking Omega's trail had opened up a whole new cylinder of energon, but at least it was being discussed as a possibility. Sandstorm hated the idea of losing all the progress they had made here. If there were any way to keep it hidden, he wanted to do it. They could wreck n' rule far away from here.

“Heh, Sandy, why don’t the two of us go for a run on this one? Get our pistons moving as well.”

"No arguments from me. You could stand to drop a little tonnage, heheh. But where're we gonna procure a stealth shuttle?" Sandstorm said, before looking over at the newly-arrived Red Alert. "Never mind. He would know."

Autobot City Site

Ironhide followed at Optimus’ discretion, making note of the various bits of information as they were offered. He took no one answering his question on prisons for Deceptcons to be his answer. They didn’t have any, or not enough to warrant mentioning.

Which means they’re either not expectin’ an attack, or to be slaughtered, or believe Megatron won’t attack at his first opportunity, he thought as a cold bit of energon surged through him. Maybe all three.

He’d been through enough of these scenarios to know how quickly one’s processor changed its focus. It was as old a reaction as Primus himself. It was how one handled it that mattered, and he’d seen few handle it as well as the Autobots in attendance.

His optimism deflated at hearing Omega Supreme’s report. There was always something stasis inducing about hearing something straight from a mech’s viewpoint, and this was no different. It was worse. Where other mechs would embellish their experienced, Omega was always mathematical in his deductions and recounting. So much so, her often gave Ironhide a headache.

Still, there was something in Optimus’ words about preparing for war that offered a resolute power that others lacked. It was the same thing that had earned Optimus the undying loyalty and trust of those around him.

And here Ah am, protecting them from him if whatever glitch affected him before returns.

Optimus Prime wrote: “Come, old friend. If we are to prepare,” he said, turning back into the direction of the Ark, “I will need your help in dusting off some of this rustiness.”

Ironhide nodded. “Of course, Optimus. After you.” Ironhide then gave Rung a nod as they turned to leave. It was the only way he could think of to show appreciation for the psychiatrist’s offer. Good thing Ah’m handlin’ this instead of you, Doc. I can take the pounding.

But what if Optimus beats me?

That was a question Ironhide had been worrying over for some time. He may have the experience, but could he really do what needed to be done if Optimus lost himself again?

Like Ah have a choice, he thought, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.



Peruvian Valley – Southern Perimeter

There’s always a moment in a mech’s life where a challenge simply cannot be refused, no matter how small or insignificant.

Such was Sideswipe’s view of Mirage and Howlstrike’s current gauntlet toss. Not that Mirage was known to be like that. Well, not as bad as the Howlstrike, anyway.

There was also playful banter and “I want to rip your spark out” banter. Sideswipe and the Predacon’s relationship leaned more toward the latter, so when Howlstrike growled at him before he ran after Mirage, it earned him a slightly sinister sneer from Sideswipe.

“Keep up? I know you’re not talking to me,” Sideswipe said as he transformed into his Lamborghini Countach mode that had been jungle tested during his previous excursion. He had no intention of sticking around here. It was too boring in the city, and he had no intention of being a laborer if he could help it. That was the only thing that was more boring than sitting around waiting for something to happen. How Grapple and the others could stand it was beyond him.

His tires spun as they dug into the soft earth before he shot forward, his engine revving as he quickly caught up to the duo after bouncing over a few rough spots. Grapple really needs to build some roads around here, he thought, wondering how long before he or one of the others broke an axel or drivetrain.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the Southern Perimeter, and Sideswipe transformed as Howlstrike did his thing. Whatever it was.

Howlstrike wrote:“This one appears good, but I’m no mechanic,” the tracker admitted to Mirage. “But my scanners don’t indicate a problem here. Since the eastern border has already been checked, I suggest we simply go along the southern side and then up the western border and then around the north. If there are any issues, I’m sure our scanners will pick something up. Sound okay to you?”

“Scanners? Wouldn’t a real test give more information, Wolfy?” Sideswipe said, smiling as his right had retracted and was replaced with his piston hammer. “I think this would be a better, and more fun, test.” He looked from Howlstrike to Mirage, gauging their reactions.

Peruvian Valley – Southern Perimeter

That ridiculous smile again. Whenever Sideswipe smiled in that manner, Mirage had noticed, it meant something foolish would exit from his oral cavity. The spy couldn’t make sense of the words that the warrior spoke. It was as if coherent thoughts were foreign to Sideswipe, a trend that’d been forgotten yesterday, to make way for the new one that was currently in. Pardon: a more fun test?

The worst part was, it was far better having Sideswipe around than Sunstreaker. Primus help Mirage if Sunstreaker had been with him performing this joyous task. Or, dare he think about it for even an astrosecond—and with a shudder—both the twins.

“What are you suggesting, Sideswipe?” Mirage asked.

He tried to keep the puzzlement from rising in his tone, but he couldn’t restrain it. Mirage shook his cranial unit imperceptibly. Surely Sideswipe wasn’t striving to add to their workload which was already considerable and tedious as it was. Surely not.

He looked to Howlstrike for answers, for support, for anything. Hopefully the former Predacon wouldn’t fire back a remark that’d inspire Sideswipe to test his piston hammer on him. Hopefully. But given the barbs the two Autobots had been trading back and forth, one sting after another, Mirage knew better than to lean on hope.

Because eventually either Sideswipe or Howlstrike would steal that hope from which Mirage depended on, causing him to fall, while the two of them beat each other to death with it. That was how the uncivilised acted. Too unrefined for their vocalisers to provide a solution, they resorted to fists.

Same old, same old.

[Autobot City Site]

Sandstorm wrote:"Never mind. He would know."

Red Alert’s attention was definitely on Sandstorm. What would he know about? Were they plotting something? Or were they… wait, no, they were just discussing the particle scattering operation he just mentioned. Broadside and Sandstorm… Hmm. They could probably hold off on their own if something happened… when something happens…

“Uh, y-yes, you two could definitely do it. You can take one of the personal stealth jets out, I’ll get you both clearance for it. And, uh, um, there’s a photon displacer aboard the Ark, in the lower storage deck, so if you could get that and get ready while I clear the jet for you… um, that would be a good start, yeah.” Red frantically tapped things on his datapad, as if his life depended on him typing everything up within nanokliks. It was a bit amusing to watch, honestly.

Broadside turned to his shorter partner in crime. “Aye, let’s get going then, Sandy. We’ve got some particle wrecking to do!” The large triple changer quickly broke into a charge towards the parked Ark-22, his heavy footsteps causing his presence to be known to all in the immediate vicinity.

Autobot City Site

Grapple had listened patiently as Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime and the others weighed his recommendations. He actually found himself a bit gobsmacked at their final selection: Optimus Prime? To say that Grapple was put at a bit of unease was something of an understatement. Nevertheless, Magnus had asked for recommendations and Grapple had given it to him. He wasn't about to question that selection.

"Of course, Magnus," Grapple said with a nod as he motioned for the venerable wartime Autobot leader of legend to follow him. "Right this way, Optimus. It's just over here."

Grapple didn't say anything for a moment before he continued.

"The cell should look more or less like any other cell you've, um, ever been held in. The secrets are, 'in the sauce', as these humans like to say. I'm sure you have significant experiences in this arena. Once you're locked in, feel free to try and escape through whatever means necessary. If the final objective is to be able to contain one of Megatron's Phase Six Decepticons, if the opportunity should ever arise, then we need to find out now if it has any flaws."

As they continued to walk, the cell came into view, now surrounded by makeshift corridors that had been erected as Autobot City continued to take shape. Buildbots buzzed everywhere as unassigned Autobots also helped carrying materials from one area to another or oversaw more complicated areas of construction.

"Here we are."
___

“Uh, y-yes, you two could definitely do it. You can take one of the personal stealth jets out, I’ll get you both clearance for it. And, uh, um, there’s a photon displacer aboard the Ark, in the lower storage deck, so if you could get that and get ready while I clear the jet for you… um, that would be a good start, yeah,” Red Alert stammered, ultimately agreeing with Broadside's offer.

"Sounds good t'me, Reddy. We'll get right on it," Sandstorm said.

“Aye, let’s get going then, Sandy. We’ve got some particle wrecking to do!”

"Roger roger!" Sandstorm said, running after his fellow triple-changer.

Peruvian Valley – Southern Perimeter

Sideswipe wrote:“Scanners? Wouldn’t a real test give more information, Wolfy? I think this would be a better, and more fun, test.”

“A real test, huh? I’m assuming you want to use that hammer to hit the holo-shield and not the generator, right?” Howlstrike said with a low snarl, transforming back into robot mode. “I’m sure you wouldn’t be that stupid to hit the generator and risk breaking it. Or, would you? I really can’t tell with you sometimes, Aft-wipe.” The former Predacon flashed Sideswipe a toothy grin.

Mirage wrote:“What are you suggesting, Sideswipe?”

Howlstrike glanced over at the Autobot spy when he spoke up. “Oh, Sideways here wants to hit the shield with his hammer to see if it holds up.” The teal and grey tracker looked back at Sideswipe while continuing to talk to Mirage. “Of course, if he wants to have a more fun test I could just pick him up and throw him into the holo-shield, cranium first. I’m sure his head is much harder than that hammer. Although, the fun would mostly be mine I think.”

The former Predacon chuckled under his breath, his optics still fixated on Sideswipe. “What do you say, Siders? You want to become an Autobot battering ram? Come on, say ‘yes’. Don't be afraid.”

Peruvian Valley – Southern Perimeter

The probability of Mirage staging a productive intervention was low, but an attempt had to be made. Those two, Howlstrike and Sideswipe, were tangled in perilous circumstances; the advancement of their addiction to stupidity was reaching critical. Mirage cared for neither of them, but since he was here, stuck with those two, he wanted to continue doing the task assigned to them, the drama subtracted from it. And any violence that was being hinted to.

“Howlstrike, Sideswipe,” he said, “let’s carry on and finish what has to be done, shall we? I think we can all agree on this being a rather monotonous job, leached entirely of the, uh, fun that some of us are craving. So the quicker we do this, the quicker we can move on to activities appealing to the characteristics of our, ah, respective fun natures. How about that?”

If the urge to clobber each other still ran hot after they’d completed their work, then Howlstrike and Sideswipe were more than welcome to vent steam somewhere, preferably, far away from Mirage. As long as he bore no sight or sound to their tomfoolery.

That’s what it came down to. As long as he wasn’t around when it happened.

Mirage was grateful he’d opted to prune those words from his central processor before they’d matured, being selected for the advice he offered. They represented, as a majority, the lack of feelings he harboured towards the Autobot faction. Already a number of his “comrades” couldn’t stand him, and Mirage had no desire to amass further hostility from more of his “comrades” as if adding trinkets to a collection.

Some things were better off being unsaid.

A lot of things, actually.

[Autobot City Hangar]

The shuttle was a little bit cramped for someone of Broadside’s size, but he’d been in far tighter spots than this one. He’d live. With Sandstorm by his side in the pilot’s seat, Broadside mounted the navigation and set up the route he had received from Red Alert. He armed the photon displacer, ready to scatter radiation and remove any traces of Energon that Omega Supreme might have left behind.

“Well Sandy, get the metal on the pedal!”

[Autobot City Site]

Grapple wrote:"The cell should look more or less like any other cell you've, um, ever been held in. The secrets are, 'in the sauce', as these humans like to say. I'm sure you have significant experiences in this arena. Once you're locked in, feel free to try and escape through whatever means necessary. If the final objective is to be able to contain one of Megatron's Phase Six Decepticons, if the opportunity should ever arise, then we need to find out now if it has any flaws."

”I understand. Thank you for the information, Grapple.”

Optimus Prime found himself in front of the containment cell. True to the architect’s words, the cell was visually indistinguishable from any other. There was nothing from the outside or the inside that gave any indication that it was different from anything else. But it obviously was. Prime stepped inside, waiting for the cell doors to close behind him.

There was a different air on the inside, and Optimus looked around for a few moments to take everything in. The walls were empty, and each corner seemed to be sealed off perfectly. He expected no less from a mech of Grapple’s caliber. Perhaps it was time to test it.

He lifted his gun, his trusty rifle, and aimed it right at the doors. He pulled the trigger once, twice, thrice, perhaps ten more times. Dentless. Scratchless. The doors hadn’t suffered a single blemish at all. He did the same with the walls. Nothing.

Perhaps it was time for some damage up close. He punched the wall right hard. He drew his axe and grinded it along the floor. Not a single scratch. Impressive.

As he struck his axe into the wall, swinging it down, the blade bounced off. This surprised Optimus… and also reminded him of how he had attacked his fellow Autobots the same way before. It was… difficult, and he had to take a break from the rigorous testing to reflect for a moment.

Here’s to hoping it does not happen again.

“Grapple,” Optimus called out, unsure if his voice was being heard anywhere else, “You can enable the restraints now.”