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Bounce Chamber

Seriously? Is this protoform trying to talk me to death?
Blades rolled his optics at 'Swipes attempt at a retort and just strode forwards, rotors at the ready, not saying a word. He didn't care how much trouble he would be in with Hot Spot for this, the shiny scarlet glitch in front of him clearly needed schooling.

He could see the coward Beachcomber hiding as best he could behind his control panel but the golden-boy Sunstreaker was slouching in the corner, fingering his gun and staying out of trouble for now, but the miss-cast 'rescue' helicopter knew that when he laid down the beating Sideswipe was asking for C-3PO would have to no choice but to pull his slagheap brother's aft out of the trash compactor.
Good was his instinctive response to his evaluation. Outnumbered means more scrap to slice...

Rotors in a semi-defensive posture, he purposefully walked forwards until he was nose to nose with the slightly taller but in all other respects evenly-matched warrior, only inches separating them. Normally hidden behind his faceplate but for its retraction to allow him to enjoy the cy-gar still in his mouth, Blades was grinning savagely from ear to ear. Even if he lost this fight, it was going to be fun. He was a street thug, and this is what he lived for. Rules of engagement were things that happened to other people, the first rule of fighting dirty was surprise.
Lets see if he see this coming... piledriver useless this close, rotorblades ready.


Eye-to-eye with Sideswipe, crazed look of the gangland thug on his face obscured slightly by the smoke, he fluidly placed a firm foot on top of Sideswipes own to prevent him from stepping backwards out of the way and, spitting his cy-gar into Sideswipes face aggressively, he swung.

With his forehead.

A mere a few feet separating them in height, easily negated by raising up on the balls of his feet which added extra momentum, and he aimed for the bridge of Sideswipes nose and slammed his helmet towards the middle of Sideswipes face.

"This is my turf, Rustbucket."

Bridge

Groove sat his sensor station monitoring the empty space around the ship and being grateful for the upgrades Iron Fist and his team had done. As he continued to explore the new functions, he picked up two objects coming up towards them from the planet below. The first was of a large shuttle which he instantly recognized as the Longevity and the second was a smaller craft who was identified as Jetfire. Groove then turned around to address Hot Spot.

"Commander, it looks like the Longevity and Jetfire are returning. Sensors indicate both are in excellent condition. Do you want me to open the bay doors for them?"

Hot Spot looked up from the data pads he been pouring over for the last several cycles. One thing he detested about returning to the command chair was going over the reports of all that had happen while he was gone. He, like Blades, would prefer being out in the field but unlike his more action oriented comrade Hot Spot understood the necessities of documentation and records. One thing he was pleased with is all Iron Fist had done with the improvements even if he still wondered if risking the Guardian by putting it in lower atmosphere was the wise idea. At this point it mattered little since the Guardian is being put back together and no one lost their lives unless it was to boredom.

He then noticed the Longevity computer system trying to hook up with the Guardian's systems. One of Iron Fist's improvements was for such times to happen with ease and almost automatically. Hot Spot disabled the instant access portion and instead opted for the notification method. He allowed the two systems to communicate and also open up the bay doors instead of having Groove do it. After he done this, he looked around his bridge and noticed his weapons officer was still missing.

>>Blades, please report to the bridge immediately. We've got guests coming on board within the next couple of cycles and I want all of my bridge officers up here at their positions. If you are involved in another brawl, it will be settled at a later time.<<

>>Iron Fist, you have done well with the updates. If I recall most of these should have been done later when we were in dry dock but it matters little now. We are expecting company so I'm really hoping all repairs and upgrades are done in the next two cycles. As promised, once you are done with the repairs and I'm done with our company, we will discuss my project and by then your suspension will be done.<<



Flight to the Guardian

Jetfire kept his sensors on the Longevity but he also looked back on the blue sphere they were leaving. For whatever the reason, he felt this planet was different than a lot of the others he been to. Maybe it was the varied climate it has. It is possible it is all of the life on the planet. Jetfire was no geologist but still appreciated the beauty of the planet. As they approached the Guardian, his attention return more to the path and noticed scorch marks on the ship. It took only a nanoclick to realize they were entry burns which surprised Jetfire.

>>Ultra Magnus, did you or Hot Spot order the Guardian to enter and leave the inner atmosphere of the planet below us? The burn marks are very recent. I thought we were trying to stay above the planet as long as possible with our larger ships.<<

Docking Bay

After the bay doors had opened and the Longevity had completed its docking procedures with the other Autobot spacecraft, Kup was the first one to disembark and head into the Guardian proper via the connecting corridor. The brief chat with Ultra Magnus was weighing on his mind.

He didn't necessarily disagree with anything that Magnus had said. Having some sort of outpost on this world made sense since it was clear that the Decepticons had their optic sensors on it too. But something was throwing him. They had just...slaggin'...just survived a war with one of the Thirteen. Shouldn't they...y'know...pow-wow together and have everybody debrief on what the slag they had just survived before running off to their next little assignment as if they had just stopped the Stunticons or something. This was a whole lot bigger than that. But maybe not. Maybe everything was clear as crystal and Kup just wasn't seeing it. Wouldn't be the first time.

Kup approached a wall terminal inside the bay and began accessing the roster while opening up a non-priority comm channel.

>>"If any Autobots on this rig ain't got nothin' to do, ya do now. Stand by."<<

Medical Bay - Inside CR Chamber

Prowl awoke inside a CR chamber where a medical drone had placed him almost a cycle ago. His optics flickered on within the nanite-rich fluid that surrounded him. The military strategist wasn’t sure which ship he was on and he had no idea how he had gotten there. The last thing he remembered was being in Motormaster’s grasp and not much else. There was also the feeling of falling, but he couldn’t ascertain much else. It didn’t really matter at this point. The Fallen was defeated and the prick-bot was still functioning. Granted, he was in the middle of his repair cycle, but soon he would emerge and be back to his old self, much to everyone’s chagrin. Overall, the black and white’s injuries were not that severe, not when compared to many others. In fact, the worse damage was to the back of his cranium and that wasn’t even from the Fallen or any of his minions, but from the Stunticon Commander after the battle was over.

Figures. Make it through the whole battle with minor injuries and get struck over the head by Motorbreath, Prowl thought to himself as he stirred slightly in the nanite fluid. The strategist’s thoughts then drifted to other things, such as the data he had managed to collect on Sixshot before the sixchanger had discovered what he was doing. Prowl knew that there had to be something there, anything, that would tell him how to make his very own Phase Sixer. It couldn’t be something only the ‘cons had the power to do. The black and white needed to discover the secret and give the Autobot war machine a new weapon in this neverending war.

Speaking of new weapons, Devastator was a threat just as great as Sixshot. Somehow, the Constructicons had succeeded in creating a gestalt, something that hasn’t been seen since the days of Monstructor, a true monstrosity in every sense of the word. Devastator, though, appeared different and much more controllable in comparison. It was likely that Shockwave played some role in the gestalt's development either directly or even indirectly. Either way, hopefully some 'Bot had managed to get scans of the big green combiner while down on the surface so that Prowl could build one of those, as well. After all, Devastator was only the first successful combiner the Decepticons had made. He would almost certainly not be the last now that they had the technology.

Thus, it was imperative at this point that the Autobots do whatever it takes to even the odds. The Decepticons had a distinct advantage now with both a functional gestalt and a Phase Sixer at their disposal. Not to mention they had the Thanatos, which was one of the most powerful warships in their navy. The ‘Bots needed something just as powerful and they needed it soon or they risked losing this world like so many others before it.

Of course, Prowl would make sure that didn’t happen, not on his direct watch. The military strategist would do what needed to be done to ensure victory for the Autobot cause even if the moral code had to be broken, or ignored all together, in order to accomplish his goals. It wouldn’t be the first time the black and white did things that would be considered unethical to get what he wanted, and it wouldn’t be the last time, either.

Regardless, Prowl had to finish his repair cycle first. Then he would take the necessary steps to guarantee that the Autobots had a secure footing in the Sol System.

Autobot Shuttle Longevity -- CCCU / Docking Ring

Smokescreen felt a sudden jolt as the shuttle Longevity docked with the Protectobot’s Medical Frigate. “What was that?” The rallybot asked, looking from Tracer to Wheeljack and back again. The drug-addled femme had not yet answered his last question as to whether or not the right mech for conjunx endura had finally shown up. Instead, she appeared a bit disoriented even as she continued to hold tightly on to Smokey’s one remaining hand. It was apparent that the Syk was wearing off and fast. She needed another dose, if not two more, in order to keep her terrible affliction at bay.

“We just docked with the Guardian,” Wheeljack responded, having moved over to a nearby terminal to check the shuttle’s status. “Wait, the Guardian? I thought we would be docking with the Ark-22. Slag!” The inventor caught his slight outburst, placing a hand over his vocalizer before returning to the diversion expert’s bedside. He then opened a private comm line to both the rallybot and the troubled scout:

>>”Well, this isn’t what I expected. Tracer, you’ll have to make your way to the nearest bounce pad and transport over to the Ark so you can get your next doses of Syk. It’s either that or I could have my drone, Dex, replicate a couple of vials and bring them over here to you, but the risk with that option is you have little privacy. At least in my lab there’s no serious chance of exposure, so I would strongly suggest going with option A. Unless, of course, you don’t feel you can make it there on your own, in which case we’ll have to go with option B. Regardless, Smokey needs to remain in the Guardian’s medical facility as he can’t bounce anywhere in his current condition.”<<

Wheeljack then switched off his private comm line and back to his normal vocalizer. “Therefore, I need to get your lover-bot here off this shuttle and take him down to the med bay where he can receive the proper repairs he needs.”

Kneeling down, the mechanical engineer pushed a few buttons on the side of Smokescreen’s med berth, turning the stationary slab into a hover-gurney. Within astroseconds, the berth was now hovering several feet off of the floor with Wheeljack positioned at the head. The mad scientist rubbed his right wrist with his left hand, a bit of pain still remaining from the injury he had previously sustained while down planet-side battling the Fallen. His wrist had been twisted, preventing him from using the spark extractor. It wasn’t a major injury and his internal systems had already repaired most of the damage. Still, there was some lingering pain, but nothing the white mech couldn’t work though.

Removing the IV bag from its stand, Wheeljack then placed it onto Smokescreen’s chest plate while making sure the IV line was still securely connected to his severed arm and continuing to feed him the nanite-rich fluid that was helping his systems to recover. With everything checking out a-okay, the engineer carefully pushed the rallybot’s hover-gurney forward towards the exit. “Hang in there, Smokes. You’ll be fixed up and back on your feet in no time!” Smokescreen flashed the white mech a fragile smile but remained silent, holding on to Tracer’s hand as she walked beside his now mobile berth.

After leaving the CCCU and passing through the rest of the shuttle, the trio entered the docking ring which had become crowded with numerous other injured mechs as they were being transported out of the Longevity and into the medical frigate. The battle with the fiery demigod had certainly taken its toll on the Autobots, and even more so the Decepticons, but at least the apocalypse and mass genocide had been averted. At the end of the cycle that was the most important thing.

Glancing over at Tracer again, Smokescreen gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You okay, Trace?” The rallybot studied her visage for a moment, but all he saw was pain. “I’m sorry if my last question was too personal *cough cough* or made you feel uncomfortable. It’s okay if you don’t want to answer. I’ll *cough cough* understand.”

Autobot Shuttle Longevity – CCCU – Medical Bay

“Last one.” First Aid placed the last available clamp into the palm of Axle’s outstretched hand. The former surgeon said nothing instead he sunk his free hand back into Veneer’s cranium and passed the clamp down. Biting his bottom lip and scrunching up his face Axle placed the appliance in position.

“Okay…” Axle withdrew his hand and sat up. He grabbed a rag and started to wipe his hands off. “He’s stable enough to be moved.” The black and green medic kept his optics glue to the prone form of the nurse as he reached out and placed his hand gently on what was left of the forehead.
First Aid took another scan the reading looked good, not great but good enough that moving the nurse would not cause any more damage. And once they were in the Guardian’s med bay they could finish the work much more quickly.

“Axle. We should get him moved.” The smaller mech tapped Axle’s shoulder catching the medic’s attention.

With a slight nod and a low sigh Axle stood up and began preparing the surgical slab for transport. In the meantime First Aid began gathering their equipment. He was placing the last scalpel when his comms registered an incoming message. Ratchet.

>>”Aid. Something important’s come up, and no I’m not telling you what it is. I’m keeping my medical comms open for a report on Veneer and the other patients in serious condition. I also need a quantitative list of the Guardian’s medical supplies. And clear a room.”<<

Axle unlocked the clamps holding the slab to the floor and gripped the handle at the head of the bunk. He flashed Aid a questioning look as he began to pull the slab back. “Who is it?”

First Aid nodded and took hold of the end of the slab and began guiding. “It was Ratchet. He says something important came up and that he wants a status update on everything when we can get to it.” He slowed down and made sure the straps around Vee were still secure before he picked his speed back up. “He also wants a list of available equipment on the Guardian and he wants a room prepped.” He cocked his head slightly when Axle furrowed his brow.

“He say what this ‘something important’ was?” Aid chuckled, “No. And he said he wouldn’t tell me anyway.” Axle let out a snort and shook his head gently from side it side. “Crap. Just when I though he was getting to like us…well me at least.”

The remainder of their trek passed in silence as they cut through the collection of walking wounded and made their way into the medical bay. There they set the slab into position where Axle could complete the surgery and Aid could get to work on Ratchet’s mysterious requests.

Docking Bay

Jetfire landed inside of the docking bay and wasn't surprised Kup was already priming for another mission. The old war horse sometimes didn't know when enough was enough but against the Cons there was little time to relax. Magnus gave Jetfire the Project Superion to play catch up to the Cons in the gestalt technology. For himself this project will be relaxing as long as his future teammates work well together. As Jetfire walked around the Guardian, his thoughts returned to the battle and the gestalt Devestator. He eventually found himself in the main science lab.

Main Science Lab

Jetfire looked around the lab and examined the contents. He would prefer to start on the Ark-22 but if the medical procedures be drastic than the Guardian facilities are better for such operations. Quite a bit of what was needed to be done for the time being theoretical so this lab would suit the team just fine. Jetfire then went over to one of the computer consuls and typed in the names of his future team. First was First Aid for his medical expertise. Second would be Chromedome for the processor expertise. Where First Aid was medical it was in general while Chromy was programming specialist. Skids would be useful for his capacity for new ideas. He probably be the one who would come up with a solution that probably make no sense initially until explained and extrapolated. Iron Fist, like Jetfire, is a weapons specialist but in a much more practical sort instead of highly experimental. As much as Jetfire hates seeing his fellow Cybertonians as weapons, this new gestalt project will turn a few of his fellow Autobots into a giant weapon to counter and hopefully beat Devestator. Once his team was inputted into the system, he set up a group message. When he done so, the system notified him that Blaster was on a top secret mission which surprised Jetfire. This wouldn't slow down the progress since Blaster's input can be later when it came to selection of the mechs involved. He also noted Iron Fist on a low priority mission from Hot Spot while the other three were on the Longevity. Knowing how things went down on the planet, First Aid was probably shoulder deep in some crucial repairs. As for Skids and Chromedome, hard to tell since he didn't see either of them planet side but with the mess the battle was it was totally possible they were in the mess of it.

>>First Aid, Skids, Chromedome, Iron Fist, and Blaster, your presence is requested in Main Science Lab on the Guardian at your convenience. You are needed for Project Superior sanction by Ultra Magnus.<<

Autobot Shuttle Longevity – CCCU / Docking Ring

>>”Well, this isn’t what I expected. Tracer, you’ll have to make your way to the nearest bounce pad and transport over to the Ark so you can get your next doses of Syk. It’s either that or I could have my drone, Dex, replicate a couple of vials and bring them over here to you, but the risk with that option is you have little privacy. At least in my lab there’s no serious chance of exposure, so I would strongly suggest going with option A. Unless, of course, you don’t feel you can make it there on your own, in which case we’ll have to go with option B. Regardless, Smokey needs to remain in the Guardian’s medical facility as he can’t bounce anywhere in his current condition."<<

Tracer regarded Wheeljack for a long moment considering carefully her response. She had already used two doses of the synth-syk and both wore off in less than half the time of one dose of the real thing. She had hoped that the replicator would be her saving grace but so far it has just been a barely useful crutch.

The only reason she could fathom as to why the synthetic version was not potent enough was that Oil Slick’s version was enhanced with his own mixture of chemical additives making difficult for the replicator the break down the syk to its most basic form.

Tracer let out a low moan. The pain had been steadily creeping up on her and the thought of not being able to reap the full potential of the synthetic version was making her head hurt.

The scout reahce up with her free hand and rubbed in small circular motions around her forehead.
For a brief frightening moment one single thought crossed her mind.

Perhaps Oil Slick…

She shook her head. Not again. She would not put the lives of her loved ones at risk again just to feed her addiction.

Clearing her mind of the Decepticon chemist Tracer opened a private channel with Wheeljack.

>>”I honestly don’t think I could make it through a bounce. And besides, I don’t want to leave Smokescreen alone.”<<

She looked down at the ailing mech and smiled.

>>”I’ll risk the exposure. Tell Dex to bring a few doses. He can have Razr tag along. Razr can draw some attention away from Dex making it a little easier to get here unnoticed.”<<

Tracer gave Wheeljack a stiff nod, the meaning clear; ‘I’ve made my decision and that is the end of this discussion’.

At that moment her attention was drawn to Smokescreen when he squeezed her hand.

“You okay, Trace?"

Tracer returned the squeeze. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. You should just focus on getting some rest.”

“I’m sorry if my last question was too personal *cough cough* or made you feel uncomfortable. It’s okay if you don’t want to answer. I’ll *cough cough* understand."

The smile that had been on her face faltered slightly before she quickly schooled it.

“It didn’t make me uncomfortable.”

The blue and white femme stared down into his optics and at the same time she placed her hand on the slab stopping Wheeljack’s advance.

“I met him a long time ago.” She said while leaning down close to him, “In a casino in Rodion.” Tracer leaned down further and kissed him lightly. She pulled away slowly, “Unfortunately, I never got the chance to tell him. Until now.”

Docking Bay / Corridors En Route to Med Bay

Wheeljack pushed Smokescreen’s hover gurney out of the Longevity and into the Guardian’s docking bay. While he remained focused on where he was going, the mechanical engineer made sure to also pay close attention to Tracer’s troubling demeanor as well as her subsequent response to his previous communication over their shared private comm line. It was very clear that the troubled femme was not going to leave Smokey’s side, stating that she would likely not make it through another bounce in her condition. That was probably true based on her appearance alone. The only option was to have Dex bring her the Syk and along with him little Razr to use as a distraction.

>>”Very well, Tracer,”<< Wheeljack conceded over the secured link. >>”I’ll have Dex bring over at least six vials. Take three of them once he gets here and see how a triple dose works out. Save the last three for later. In the meantime, stay close. I’m sure you won’t have a problem with that as long as Smokescreen needs tending to.”<<

With his words transmitted to the drug-addicted femme, Wheeljack sent a non-verbal communique to his personal DX9000 series drone, Dex, over in his lab on the Ark-22, outlining exactly what he needed. It wasn’t just the Syk and turbofox that were required, but extra parts to build the rallybot a new right forearm along with the inventor’s trusty toolkit. Once that was sent off, Wheeljack returned his full attention ahead of him, guiding the hover gurney out of the docking bay and through the corridors of the medical frigate.

Meanwhile, Smokescreen’s prone form lay quietly on the slab as he was pushed towards the med bay by his good friend, Wheeljack. The trip, itself, was mostly a blur to him as his focus remained primarily on Tracer and her new words spoken to him. She said she was fine, but the diversion expert knew that was not the case. He could just make out the pain evident in her expression, the turmoil she was going through on the inside as the Syk continued to wear off. However, she was tougher than she looked or would openly admit, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t suffering and that was something Smokey couldn’t bare. Unfortunately, he was in no condition to help her.

“You’re not a very good *cough* liar, Trace,” Smokescreen said with a slight smile, holding her one hand firmly. He listened to her next words as she revealed that he had not made her uncomfortable before with his question. Tracer then stopped the hover gurney’s advance with her free hand and stared down at the rallybot. She leaned close to him and told the diversion expert that she had met the right mech long ago in a Rodion casino. The troubled femme then kissed him gently before she finished by saying that she never had the opportunity to tell him until now.

“Oh,” Smokescreen responded as a smile spread wide across his faceplate. “Well, Tracer, that’s funny because *cough cough* that’s exactly when and where I met the right *cough* person, as well. I was just too dumb to realize it *cough* at the time.” The rallybot chuckled as he slowly brought her hand up to his faceplate and kissed her actuators as gently as she had just kissed him moments before, his smile never wavering.

Wheeljack rolled his optics once again as he patiently waited for the love-bots to finish. Of course, time was of the essence here and Smokescreen needed further repairs and soon. Not to mention they were partially blocking the corridor as other injured ‘bots were trying to get by. “Okay, guys, you love each other. Great. I’m happy for the both of you, I truly am. But we need to get down to the med bay now so Smokey can get all fixed up. All right?” The engineer was mainly looking at Tracer, whose hand was still preventing the hover gurney from moving forward. “Please?”

Office of the Chief Engineer: Ironfist's Laboratory

"Power has been restored to the primary computer core, though there is still residual damage to various sub systems such as inertial dampeners and secondary systems... a result of the initial power surge caused by the destruction of the quantum drive." Ironfist's optics swept up and down once over the computer specialist Colt as the smaller mechanoid read off the second stanza of the report he had already submitted and was prominently displayed on the screen to his left. "Estimated time for repairs to these systems should be completed within the next five standard hours. However, I believe we can trim that time down if we take the power off line to the entire section and..."

Ironfist redirected his optics down towards the terminal that bisected the computer scientist from his field of view. "You want to take the entire structural integrity field off line in order to repair the inertial dampeners? No, I think we can spare an extra hour and work around that problem. I do not believe we will be engaging into very many space combat maneuvers any time soon." The weapons designer and chief engineer of the Autobot Medical Frigate Guardian returned his gaze down to the open panel that rested just below the forward terminal screen. "How are the repairs to the hull coming?"

"They are nearly complete. Patches have been installed near the burn site and hull breach. Micro fractures have been sealed and are being replaced as we speak. We estimate that we need another two days before we can completely repair the breach caused by the initial destruction of the quantum drive and the subsequent plasma fires. That section will remain uninhabitable for another two weeks while clean up crews repair and restore all systems." The section that had been damaged in the fire had been relatively minor in its importance to the ship's primary function. It had been designed as a weapons access, a quicker way to examine exterior and retractable turrets on ships of similar class or design. If this vessel had been typical of the Frigate design, Ironfist would have been terrified as the fire raged around him. Instead the Guardian had been stripped down to the minimal level of firepower and reconfigured to better serve as a hospital ship rather than a vessel of the line.

The chief engineer nodded again and raised his hand to prevent his subordinate from continuing. It was still something of a disappointment to him that he had been assigned to work on board an interstellar hospital, deprived of access to the largest and greatest guns the Autobot military had to offer, but he had long ago made peace with the assignment. "Very good Colt. Confer with Wedge about the repair schedule and replication of new parts. Try and evaluate the condition of some of those newly exposed electronics components as well, see if they are capable of handling the necessary power load for Project T.T."

Colt nodded his acknowledgement with the order and pivoted on his heel to report to the executive engineering officer. A terribly kept secret among Ironfist's own staff of Colt, Wedge and Dot. While being relegated to managing the engines and general maintenance of the hospital ship, Ironfist had continued his development practices. He had developed the prototype for the Gravitational Lens, which as of yet had not been directly employed in battle though the opportunity at the time may or may not have necessitated it. But his most important work, the one that would change the course of the war... at least the war in space itself, his masterpiece that would put even Shockwave's most dedicated ambitions to shame... laid before him now.

The doors to his office hissed open briefly, allowing a flood of action to waft on the sanitized gust of wind as pressures changed, and then closed again. He offered a cursory glance above the terminal to make sure none had entered without his knowledge or permission. Once sure he was alone, he replaced the damage reports with a fresh simulation of the weapon he was currently building... no building was too weak a term to describe such a wondrous weapon. Quietly he activated the simulation one more time, for the seventy fifth time, a hundred and ninety thousand different variables now inserted into the matrix. The computer generated device lanced from an unseen source and moments later slammed into the representation of a Decepticon Heavy Cruiser, its shields reinforced and... and suddenly and much to Ironfist's glee, secondary explosions began to rip across the impact site where the device had initially detonated.

The primary screen was awash with a new wave of data from the simulated usage of the new Transphasic Torpedoes. The detonation upon the shields of the Decepticon ship to the secondary explosions on nearly a dozen micro dimensional phase frequencies. The results were spectacular as the secondary explosions tore past the shields as if they did not exist, only showing marginal reduction of explosive potential in the dimensional frequencies closer to the prime frequency of the shield. While it did not directly bypass the shields, at least not in the same way other pending brain children would, it rendered them largely ineffectual. And now Ironfist was convinced that all of his simulations, controlled tests and experiments on the small scale were now complete.

As he prepared his final reports and submissions for peer review, well the very short list of available peers, a communication came across his secondary terminal. It was from Jetfire, who had recently returned from the surface. Ironfist sent a timely response requesting the scientist join him in his office on the Main Engineering Deck. While he figured that Jetfire had significant business that would eventually require his presence, Ironfist did not want to abandon the final phase of his tests and logs. Soon he would send a proposal to Prowl or Ultra Magnus himself to request full scale testing.

Main Science Lab

Jetfire received a peculiar response from fellow weapons designer Iron Fist. His comrade responded the first summons with a second summons. It slightly irked him but with no one else showing up yet, he figured it wouldn't be too much of an issue to go to his lab. Maybe this was tied into the low priority project Hot Spot had him on. If Jetfire could help his friend with whatever it was so they can focus on the gestalt project quicker, it would be worth going down to the other lab.

Main Engineering Lab: Iron Fist's office
It didn't take too long for Jetfire to get down to the lab. It was down one level and over two doors. There is little surprise the engineering deck and science deck were design very similar with the only exception of the engineering deck having access to the engines. If there was some sort of phase inverter the trip would been much quicker but the danger of such devices is if they quit working and the user was partially through an object. It would probably be used mostly by spies and saboteurs. Defensively it would be rather useful for at least projectiles to fly through the mech. Energy disruption would be something to be explored though.

Jetfire stood at the door waiting to be recognized and to be let in. Once he was in, he saw his friend looking at some screen shots of some battle model.

"Iron Fist, I have to admit it surprised me how you responded to my summons with one of your own. Lucky for you no one has responded so I was alone for the time being. So what was the reason for you to summon me down here? We do have an important project to get started from Ultra Magnus. He wants us to create our own gestalt like Devestator and Monstructor. I've looked over the records of the battle against the Fallen and specifically the scans of Devestator already."

Docking Bay / Corridors

Bluestreak took his leave of the Longevity and entered into the primary docking bay of the Protectobot medical frigate. He couldn’t help but continue to look down at his new color scheme as Howlstrike’s words echoed in his processor. Perhaps he was right and it was now time to let the past go and stop mourning the loss of his fellow Praxians. Maybe it was time to remember and honor their brave sacrifices instead. His original blue and silver color palette was one way to do that. It would allow the chatterbot to never forget where he came from and the reason why he was fighting this neverending war to begin with. Yes, as hard as it was to believe, Howl’s little prank might actually serve a far greater purpose for the gunner than simply to match his name.

The dark blue and silver mech was drawn out of his internal musings at the sound of Kup’s voice over the frigate's non-priority comm channel. Apparently, there was a new mission or task that the old timer had for whomever was not currently busy. As luck would have it, Bluestreak was available and ready for anything not having to do with demigods or working side by side with his sworn enemies. Furthermore, even though he chose to no longer mourn his lost friends from so long ago, the silence still gave him nightmares and flashes of the horror he had endured. Unfortunately, a new color scheme alone would not solve that problem. The Autobot gunner needed to keep busy and, most importantly, he needed to keep talking.

“Hey, Kup! I’m not doing anything at the moment. So, I’m all yours if you need me,” Bluestreak began to say as he followed the old warhorse into the corridors and patted him on the shoulder plate. “I guess I must have missed you down on the surface. Good to see you didn’t get scrapped by the Fallen or his many elemental minions. Me, I got knocked out of the fight about mid way through and spent the rest of the time recuperating in a CR chamber. It sucks, I know, but at least we won. Heh.”

Taking a deep intake of air, Bluestreak continued. “You might have noticed that I look different now. Well, you can thank that pet Predacon of yours for that. He decided he would prank me so my coloring matched my name. He just didn’t get it. I was mad at first but then I realized that maybe it was for the best. I mean before I was trying to forget the past and mourn those that died. I had mourned their deaths for countless vorns, and now I’m suddenly back to looking as I did before my home city was destroyed when things were better. I figure maybe it’s time I stopped trying to forget what happened and embrace it instead you know? Maybe I should use these old colors as a way to honor my fallen citizens. They certainly deserve it after all.”

Bluestreak finally took another brief pause in order to let everything he just said sink in to the old timer’s poor audio receptors. “What do you think, Kup? Think I should keep my new/old look? I could always change it back to the black color scheme, but then I’d basically be in mourning again and what good would that do? I mean I can’t cry about what happened forever. Right?”

Main Science Lab

Having received Jetfire’s transmission, Skids had been slowly, steadily making his way to the main science laboratory as per the instructions. Maybe it hadn’t been the most direct route…Skids had a habit of wandering mentally, which sent him on a kind of autopilot. But here he was at last! As the doors slid open, the navy blue theoretician stepped into the lab to see…no one about.

“Hm…That’s peculiar…Jetfire? Are you here?” Skids called. After a moment’s pause, no answer came. “No one’s home…”

Taking the liberty of the solitude, Skids meandered around the lab, looking at the various apparatuses dispersed throughout the facility. “Project Superior…wonder what that could be…” Some kind of project to enhance the war effort. Superior…something the Decepticons whipped up then? Trying to…surpass them at their own game. Only thing was what? Mm…well. The Decepticons revealed their hand in the battle with the Fallen. That green Constructicon giant. And the phase sixer, Sixshot. Only one of those was new though.

So…probably the giant. Hm…What could they want with him on such a project? Oh! He hadn’t reported to Jetfire since receiving the summons. Skids sighed and opened up a comm line.

>>”Jetfire? This is Skids. I’ve arrived at the Main Science Lab. Where are you?”<<

Docking Bay

Ironhide walked off the Longevity and looked around.

"Finally." he thought. "I'm outta that cramped box. I need to make myself useful. This ain't goin' nowhere."

He turned to look at who else was there. He took in the other Autobots coming and going, and tried to find someone on the Guardian who could offer him an update on things.

"Hey! Crypt keeper!" the loud insult came from behind him.

Ironhide spun around at the insult, only to wind up with a smirk. Pipes came rolling up in vehicle mode, and transformed in front of Ironhide.

"Wanta chew on those two oversized exhausts?" Ironhide asked. "Yer way too loud for bein' a sawed-off little punk."

"Try me, ya decrepit piece of junk heap." Pipes answered and stuck out his hand.

Ironhide shook it, and they patted each other on the shoulder, even if Ironhide had to bend down.

"What happened to all of ya?" Pipes asked. "Looks like everyone needs some attention."

"Big battle on Earth, haven't ya heard? We almost got our skidplates handed to us."

"So what now? I've been stuck on this big can for longer than I care to remember. I want to get out of here."

"Heh, my thoughts exactly, midget. Come on, let's see what we can do about it."

With that, both of them started walking down a corridor away from the docking bay.

Main Engineering Deck: Ironfist's Office/Laboratory

Ironfist's fingers flew over the control console with lightning speeds and incredible accuracy. Each digit pressing and depressing corresponding keys and calculations, transmitting thought and observations to digital record on the off grid data core housed neatly underneath his own work station. Each paragraph was embellished to a small degree by diagrams and various tables of records and data that supported his initial theories and calculations.

Minutes passed since he had dispatched his initial response and request for Jetfire's brief diversion to his office. In that time Ironfist had continued his hurried explanations and summaries for the newest weapon system, and subsequent guidance technologies to help keep the weapon at a smaller size than the initial untested prototypes. Mathematics filled entire volumes of text as he worked heavily to finish his initial proposals. Once the myriad levels of mathematical equations were finally finished, the engineer compressed them into activated segregated files so they could only be accessed by those who held an encryption clearance high enough to open them. That typically included the likes of Ultra Magnus, Prowl or Wheeljack or to some extent Perceptor. Schematics were held off of the main report and immediately isolated in the off grid computer core so they could not be accessed even remotely until full scale production was approved.

"Hello again Jetfire," Ironfist responded crisply. His attention was divided briefly as a small alert on his forward monitor began to sound. A quick glance to his right afforded him a moment's respite as a prize of archival footage had finally been plumbed from the Earth's invisible technological information network. "I do apologize for the unusual request for your presence, but I could not break away from this project until such time as I was finished."

Quietly an animated image began to play on schematics monitor that covered the left wall of the office. Five robotic lions began to fly through space as human pilots commenced with some as of yet unknown ritual to force combination of the robotic vehicles. Each vehicle began to morph from to fill the niches necessary for various body parts, legs, arms and torso. Ironfist paid the monitor only a passing mind as he finished the final addendum to his three hundred and seventy seven page proposal.

Finally the weapons engineer looked up from his triple rigged console and gave Jetfire a once over before standing. He made his way over to the partially exposed cylindrical device in the center of his work space, stopping briefly to check two other simulations he had been running on designs that were still in the preliminary development stages. A powerful weaponized substance that turned various fluids, that occurred naturally in most Cybertronians, into high friction reacting substances... basically causing the target to burn out or overheat in minutes after being hit. The second was further along, he had recently finished the new micro tracking and propulsion systems that would be necessary to complete what had been dubbed the 'Brain Bullet'.

Carefully he adjusted the chemical settings on the first while simply absorbing the data from the micro tracking system as it attempted to target random frequencies typically found being emitted from Decepticon Friend or Foe transceivers. So far the results had been promising, but still not where the engineer desired. He required them to be in the nineties before he could accurately formulate a proposal for testing... other wise they were simply to vulnerable to user error.

Once satisfied that his modifications would correct lingering errors, Ironfist returned to the exposed torpedo casing. He pulled a data slate from the open panel and plugged it into the USB port. "I have finally completed the software installation to this new prototype. The Transphasic Torpedo, I trust you recall the brief explanation I gave earlier... so I won't go into further details. Sufficed to say, given our current state of affairs with the Decepticon navy practically out weighing ours in almost every facet, this will help even the odds." Once the data slate completed its simultaneous download of the new data package and upload of relevant simulation data, Ironfist unplugged the slate and closed the final piece of titanium casing. "I wanted to see if I could get you to review these mathematical equations before I submit the proposal to Ultra Magnus for testing authorization."

He handed the slate over to Jetfire for a quick peer review, though Ironfist knew everything would be proper and the math was perfect... he spent weeks working on complex algorithms and programs to finalize the software. Once Jetfire was finished, he would transmit the data to Magnus and then leave it in the Commander's hands as to how to best go about testing the new weapon. "So Jetfire, what is so urgent that you required my assistance? Conversely, what is so urgent that it requires the presence of Skids and First Aid, along with the other two who you summoned?"

Docking Bay - Shuttle Longevity Interior - CCCU

"What'dya think about going star gazing after this, Domey? We haven't in the Sol System yet."

"Well aren't we feeling better already!" Chromedome quipped towards the cassettibot sitting across from him. "Wouldn't you think it would be better to wait here until the doc gives you the proper leave? Besides, we only just got back. There's plenty of time once you're given the okay."

Chromedome averted his gaze from Rewind as his communicator buzzed. He checked the caller ID via a viewscreen hidden behind a metallic panel along his forearm to find Jetfire was the source of the call. Puzzled by what the Autobot scientist was contacting him for, the mnemosurgeon opened the line.

"Huh, stargazing may have to wait a while there, bud." Chromedome stated turning back to Rewind. "Sounds like Jetfire is gathering a small team for some big project or something." He looked around for any of the medical officers aboard. "Eh, you'll be fine. There'll be enough geniuses in the room to ensure you'll be fine."

Chromedome then knelt down beside the medical berth to allow the archivist ease of access for one of the tan and white Autobot's famous shoulder rides. Once Rewind was sitting upright on the taller mech's wide shoulder plates, Chromedome made his exit from the longevity and stated to head towards the science lab where Jetfire had summoned to.

((OOC: Permission to move Rewind granted by Foximus))

Main Science Lab

Getaway, having nothing better to do or anywhere he was needed to be, followed his fellow Diplomatic Corpsman to where Jetfire had summoned the theoretician. Upon entering the lab, the blue Autobot began to look around for the jet former of a scientist.

"Why to maintain your firm grasp of the obvious there." Getaway sarcastically noted in response to the Theoretician's observation that the room was empty. With no one around, Getaway approached one of the various workbenches and picked up a hydrospanner, observing and fiddling with the tool as he awaited for something to happen.

"Did he say the Guardian's science lab? I mean, he could've flown to the '22 for all we know since he's capable of doing such. Ya know, with being a jet and all. Easy misunderstanding."

A few moments after Skids and Getaway had entered the science lab, the room was greeted with the presence of two more Autobots. Chromedome strolled in with his conjunx endura, Rewind, sitting on his shoulders.

"Huh. Must be early." The mnemosurgeon stated as he returned Rewind to the ground. "Feeling okay?" He asked looking down towards the black and white archivist.

"Jetfire ring you two up as well?" Getaway asked the new arrivals without diverting his gaze from the instrument he toyed with.

"Yeah. Didn't hear you name though..."

"Eh, I followed Blue-Boy over 'ere. I'm his 'plus one', if you will." The escape artist then pointed the hydrospanner like a yardstick towards Rewind's current position. "Like your's there."

"Fair enough."

Main Engineering Lab

Jetfire looked over the equations of the new torpedo idea. The idea was sound and looks like Iron Fist solved the issue of the energy disruption. Phasing through energy would be an issue but looks like the initial blast actually creates micro holes large enough and long enough for the actual payload to detonate against the hull. Jetfire put in a few more equations to help with the phasing through matter.

"I hope you don't mind but figured a few more equations would help with upgrading what you already have. I was thinking about phasing through solid matter in the sense for more transportation and possible spying missions. The trick for those circumstances is keeping things balanced within the device and powered long enough. However the principle is still the same with your weapon. With the additional equations you should be able to penetrate within the ship to more crucial junctures. The last part will be the targeting and duration of the phasing abilities. If we do it correctly, one torpedo in theory, could wipe out the Nemesis if we hit the right location. Again the issue will be duration of the phasing technology within the ship after initial detonation and entry."

Jetfire looked back over his additions to the proposal and then hands the pad back to Iron Fist. The images of the animation Iron Fist caught his attention.

"As for the Superior Project, Ultra Magnus wants us to some how duplicate the process the Constructicons had resurrected. I've done some preliminary research by analyzing the battle data from below. Both Devestator and Monstructor are made up of six members. We get to figure out a way to reverse engineer the process. I am curious though where you found the animation behind you. It looks similar to what we might try to do. We can discuss this in the main science lab. I have Skids waiting for us there."

As they leave, Jetfire opened up a communication to Skids.

>>Skids, Iron Fist wanted to show me something in his lab for a few moments. We are on our way. You may look at the schematics which are still up of Devestator and the battle of the Fallen.<<

Main Engineering: Ironfist's Office

Ironfist accepted the data slate with a simple nod. The engineer entered a set of codes into the data slate and ran an off grid simulation featuring the new mathematical equations added to the matrix by the scientist. Immediately it became apparent that the results had been vastly improved from the original expectations, a full five point zero seven percent. He reviewed the changes to the vast mound of meticulous calculations that had been compiled for review. It never dawned on him to add several ordinary variables such as molecular disturbance quotients. He quickly made the necessary adjustments to his own personal notes and uploaded the new data to the prototype. Once he was satisfied the data was safely secured in the off grid computer core, Ironfist ordered a specialized miniature manufacturing line to begin processing another pair of transphasic devices to be used for what he hoped would be an upcoming test.

The manufacturing line began its task with enviable efficiency, summoning parts from various storage chambers to be brought up through small conveyors and lifts into the machine itself. Small muted sparks began to be exposed as the machine began constructing requisite microchips and electronics that would be the heart of the Transphasic Torpedo and all future Transphasic weapon systems. A curt nod soon followed as Ironfist entered the final command into the data tablet, forwarding the entire proposal package along with simulation records to Ultra Magnus... he would not have to wait long for a reply.

"Thank you again Jetfire. That was definitely something I needed. Should get the green light from Ultra Magnus to begin full scale testing in a few micro cycles." Ironfist secured his data slate into a care worn satchel and hefted it over his shoulders. "Until then, lets see what we can do about this 'Devastator,' menace. I will admit I am rather intrigued by the prospect by which such a magnificent weapon was constructed." He fell in line behind the larger scientist as the two left his office on Automation, its security activated to the highest level so that only his authorization or that of Magnus or Prowl themselves would have access. Woe to those who dared to enter without permission.

Main Science Lab

Skids was reminded that his long-time friend and comrade had decided to follow him to the science lab with a sharp sarcastic remark. The navy theoretician glanced at Getaway with irritation. “Do you always have to touch everything you see?” Skids asked as he watched Getaway fiddle with a hydrospanner. “Jetfire specifically mentioned the Guardian. He must have just stepped out or something. An odd thing to do when you’re expecting company, admittedly. It must have been pressing.”

Skids turned at the sound of the doors to the lab opening, expecting to see Jetfire walking through them. Instead, Rewind and Chromedome strolled in, the former being atop the latter’s shoulders as was common for them. The black archivist waved to Skids and Getaway with one hand.

"Huh. Must be early." The mnemosurgeon stated as he returned Rewind to the ground. "Feeling okay?"

“Yeah, just sore,” Rewind said as he rubbed his neck lightly, “I think I’ll just take it easy, Domey.” Rewind shuffled over to an open chair and slid into it carefully, resting his head against the back of it. Skids frowned with some concern. Looked like Rewind had gotten injured in the battle with the Fallen. He must have missed it amid the chaos.

"Eh, I followed Blue-Boy over 'ere. I'm his 'plus one', if you will." The escape artist then pointed the hydrospanner like a yardstick towards Rewind's current position. "Like your's there."

“Blue-Boy…?” Skids muttered but before he could say more, Jetfire contacted him.

>>Skids, Iron Fist wanted to show me something in his lab for a few moments. We are on our way. You may look at the schematics which are still up of Devestator and the battle of the Fallen.<<

“Hm, it seems like Jetfire and Ironfist are on their way up. He says there are…Ah!” Skids said after a moment or two of closer inspection, “Here. Schematics of Devastator. Is that what that giant Constructicon called itself? Rewind? Do you know?”

The black and white archivist shrugged. “I don’t know. I was…um. Out of it when that happened, I think,” Rewind replied. The archivist sighed softly to himself. He’d missed so many historic moments in one instant. He didn’t regret his choice. He’d had to help Axle. But he so very badly wished the price hadn't been missing all of it.

Rewind glanced up at Chromedome. The mnemosurgeon had blamed himself for all of this. What had happened to the archivist. He wished he wouldn't. Mmph. Anyway, something else! Right. He needed to collect narratives from those who did get to see the battle. Couldn't just archive that battle away with the meager footage he had.

“Skids, Getaway?” Rewind called.

“Fascinating…this design…” Skids mumbled as he stared at the schematics, completely lost to the world once more. “I wonder what the psychological implications of merging the consciousness of six individuals are…”

“Er…” Rewind looked at Chromedome helplessly and then to Getaway. "I wanted to get your versions of what happened with the Fallen? For the Archives, you know?"

"Not to mention the moral ramifications..." Skids continued, unintentionally oblivious.

En route to Main Science Lab

"The phase technology could be used on a much smaller scale, Iron Fist. We could use it on our spy and saboteur specialists in the form of getting in and out of places. If they gain access to real sensitive areas like engine rooms then it wouldn't take much to screw things up on a ship or base. Again the problem is duration and energy consumption for such uses. If things works out, there could be other uses and we will have to keep the technology out of certain mechs on our side though who would use it for practical jokes and the like."

Main Science Lab

The doors open to reveal a much more crowded room than Jetfire left it. He examined all of the occupants. He noticed two additional Bots who weren't on the list while two major ones were still missing.

"I see a good number of us are here with two additional ones. Hopefully First Aid and Blaster will be joining us shortly. I expect First Aid to be still arm deep in repairs from the battle. Blaster was already sent on a high priority mission which I do not know of the details. Rewind, you probably would have been here anyways but inside of Blaster. With your unique interest in ground breaking things, you would have an interest in being here. As for Getaway, I'm not sure what use you will be since this will be all science stuff and nothing to blow up. I hope everyone who has been involved in the fight with the Fallen and Devestator has uploaded their logs so we can bring them up. Any scrap of information can be of use. Our job is to make our own combiner no matter what your personal opinion is of the technology. For those who were summon, you have your own talents to contribute. Shall we proceed in going through what we do know and how to use it?

Longevity: Bridge

As Ironhide and Kup departed the confined space known as the Bridge, Ultra Magnus leaned back in the command chair. He offered only a passing glance to his left at the internal security sensors on the tactical display to confirm that many of the passengers had already began to file out to the larger medical frigate, Guardian, leaving only a cursory amount of inhabitants in the process of repair or repairing. A mental registry accounted for the gruesomely carved ranger as he made his way to the only remaining unoccupied CR Chamber on the vessel. Magnus knew from experience the blue soldier was not the sort to typically find respite in such chambers as many others did... but it mattered little. If the ranger was brought back to full capabilities, it was all that mattered at this point. Of course there were other scars that would be more difficult to repair.

To that task he had indirectly assigned a trusted soldier and mentor Kup. To take as many Autobots as were available to aid in the construction and exploration of the new Autobot City site. It was a chance to give them a situation outside of battle, a period of... normalcy maybe? Ultra Magnus realized that those involved in the battle needed a time away from fighting to grieve, to put behind the frightening near extinction of their entire species and to resume the construction of more nurturing bonds.

He turned his attention back to the forward view screen, which he had initially instructed to display the recorded reports and video records of the events that had lead up to and included his return to the Earth Sector. The events behind Optimus Prime's mysterious disappearance and the near destruction of the 19 at the hands of battle, to the subsequent skirmishes that sprang up over the planet's North American Continent, a country known as the United States and an area more specifically known as Kansas.

As one battle began to take shape outside of a major oil refinery, a priority message flashed across forward viewer. Magnus paused the replay and opened the video file and text reports that had accompanied it. As the Autobot soldier read the report and proposal, as well as the simulation video files, he began to absently rub his chin with his thumb and forefinger. The concept of weapons that struck at multiple phase frequencies was not entirely new. In fact the theory had been around for some time. The problem was, that so far it had remained theoretical. There had been far too many variables, at least so far as Magnus had been aware, to construct a workable device. Most who dared to take on the challenge had focused on making their devices as the instrument that would phase. But from what Magnus was witnessing, the device Ironfist had designed and built abandoned that notion, meaning the weapon would not be able to directly traverse through subdimentional frequencies and hit a ship directly. Instead the warhead's effect itself would strike at multiple dimensional phases, some being absorbed by the prime dimension shields or armor plate, the rest of the energetic discharge would be able to pass on to hammer the target. The power potential was slightly smaller than if the device hit the shields full bore, but the payoff was that more damage would seep through.

Ultra Magnus went through the amended notes attached to the project by Jetfire, including his own theoretical interpretations... some mirrored the traditional sense but others were insightful in their own right. He had attached his own signature of approval to the request for full scale testing... though realistically Magnus knew well enough that the only real form of testing would have to be done against a shielded entity. Another observation Jetfire had added to his summary. The third run through the proposal earned the final seal of approval from the defacto Autobot Commander. He filed the proposal in a secured file and attached a classified encryption protocol. He then opened a communications channel to the Guardian's Quartermaster ordering that the two prototypes currently under assembly in Ironfist's work space be acquired and brought on board the Longevity. He also ordered the shuttle to be refueled and resupplied with enough supplies to fuel a party of seven for a week's travel. His final order was the delivery of a pair of portable shield generators to be delivered along with subsequent power generators. Once done he closed the channel and switched over to a new line.

He sent a new set of orders to Springer, ordering him to over see the tests of the new prototypes and to act as an objective observer with a small team. Magnus needed to know if the weapons were viable for potential future operations. He listed a small list of requisites for the triple changer to use when constructing his own small crew. He then ordered that the experiments be carried out using the Longevity itself, as it was equipped with torpedo launchers and was better suited for such a task. It was far more efficient to move the smaller combat shuttle than to move the larger warships, and there wasn't a lot of time to equip the Serenity or her sister shuttles with torpedo tubes. Once Springer accepted the assignment, Magnus disconnected the channel and resumed the historical feedback.

Another half hour later and Magnus was on the edge of his seat. Not out of excitement but instead out of complex worry. He witnessed the recorded visions of battle between the Stunticons and the Protectobots, well more specifically Motormaster and Hot Spot. It had been a potent and highly contentious melee between two expert fighters. But it was the arrival of the Combaticons that had caught Ultra Magnus' attention. The battle between the two factions had been waged in a rather isolated portion of the Kansas farmlands near a local oil refinery. But again it had not been what caught his attention. Ultra Magnus narrowed the recording on the duel between Vortex and the Protectobot Blades. A careful ballet of missile fire and artillery... and a direct hit delivered to the nose modules of the Combaticon interrogator. As the events played out again and again, a stern narrowing of his optics grew sterner and darker.

"This," he left the rest of the statement hang unsaid. Two missiles had been fired by Vortex while blinded, and neither of them had detonated. To make matters worse, the cons never stuck around to recover their missing ordinance and the Autobots had been drawn into a fight for the very survival of the universe only a handful of days later. In that time, the local inhabitants of the planet must have investigated the damage to the refinery. Eventually they would have noticed the two cylinders, and the red flags would be waving high.

Magnus immediately ordered the on board computer of the Longevity to begin scanning all known local and military channels pertaining to potential extraterrestrial discoveries. He narrowed his search to cover the requisite dates and locations of the battle in question. Knowing only a small portion of Human military mythology, he attempted to direct the scans of the Longevity towards the Nevada Desert, on the furthest side of the planet. And while the shuttle was capable of such scans, solar radiation was proving problematic. It continued to register that feint Cybertronian signals were partially appearing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Ultra Magnus adjusted the feed to the sensors and used the array from the Guardian to boost the signal, only to receive the similar results.

Changing directions, he brought up a planetary atlas and compared the signal. He did not vocalize the first words that came to mind. Instead he simply deactivated the forward view screen and sent a generalized disembarkation order to those who remained on board. The medics and patients would be given enough time to transfer to the Guardian while Springer gathered his team for the necessary tests. In the meantime, Magnus would correct a mortally crippling error made by either side.

He activated the equipment module of his command chair and was soon adorned in shining new armor of blue and red. Magnus activated a command code that allowed the authorized use of the vessel by Springer's team without launching them into the void. He pulled himself out of the command chair and headed for the docking boon. He took note only sparingly as the CR chamber opened allowing for Nova Strike's egress into the make shift casualty care unit. The ranger was fully repaired, and as much as it annoyed most officers, completely unadorned by faction symbols. A typical violation of most appearance protocols, and subsequent mentions in the records, seemed now to be trivial and perhaps almost perfect for what would be needed in the coming trials.

He made a mental note to add the Ranger to the imminent recovery operation that would be mounted. Crossing the threshold that separated the boon from the air lock, Magnus added to more names to the short list that would be required to investigate the region where the signal had last been detected.

Medical Frigate Guardian: Bridge

The doors slid open to the pleasant surprise of the Autobot Field Commander. His optics took a brief moment to sweep across the efficiently redesigned bridge terminals and panels as well as the brighter illumination sources. His review was brief as his optics settled on Hot Spot who stood at the center of the bridge. "Hot Spot," he began. "Send a summons to the following... Prowl, Eject, Nova Strike, Trailbreaker and contact the Ark 22, I want Red Alert to be present as well. His insights will be invaluable, as will Trailbreaker's..." Magnus paused briefly before he spilled more than was necessary.

"Once that is done and they are in route, you are to join us in the Observation Lounge. And Hot Spot, be quick, time is of the essence." Ultra Magnus gave a brief nod of acknowledgement to the Protectobot and their abilities before he pivoted and headed to the Observation Lounge himself.

Corridors

Having stopped off and sent his transmission to all inactive personnel in need of something to do to rendezvous on his signal position, Kup had continued down the hallways of the ship: his new destination was now the bounce chamber. He hadn't expected to be on the ship for such a short span of time, but he guessed he didn't really mind this "Earth" planet so much. He'd sure encountered a lot worse places to hole up in his day.

As various corridor doors slid out of the senior officer's path, Kup strode along, almost ready to fire up the protons of another cygar, but he decided against it. He could wait just a few more breems and get down planetside again and see what exactly they were working with. Then he could afford to relax a little. Anything would be better than that mess down in..in...Oostrala? Austeria?

Now it was gonna bug him. He stopped at a terminal en route to the bounce chamber and brought up a holomap and started entering coordinates. Australia! That was it. This planet had more sovereign city-states in one continent than practically existed on all of Cybertron. Such a contentious little species these guys were.

He quickly began looking around for the coordinates to the Autobots latest proactive efforts on the planet and quickly found them. Not too much longer now and Kup would be aboard the bounce chamber platform and headed for his new destination.

“Hey, Kup! I’m not doing anything at the moment. So, I’m all yours if you need me," a friendly Autobot voice said. Bluestreak. Good kid. Little chatty. But good.

“I guess I must have missed you down on the surface. Good to see you didn’t get scrapped by the Fallen or his many elemental minions. Me, I got knocked out of the fight about mid way through and spent the rest of the time recuperating in a CR chamber. It sucks, I know, but at least we won. Heh."

"Yeh, we sure-"

“You might have noticed that I look different now. Well, you can thank that pet Predacon of yours for that. He decided he would prank me so my coloring matched my name. He just didn’t get it. I was mad at first but then I realized that maybe it was for the best. I mean before I was trying to forget the past and mourn those that died. I had mourned their deaths for countless vorns, and now I’m suddenly back to looking as I did before my home city was destroyed when things were better. I figure maybe it’s time I stopped trying to forget what happened and embrace it instead you know? Maybe I should use these old colors as a way to honor my fallen citizens. They certainly deserve it after all."

Kup didn't try to get a word in edgewise this time around. Not with this boy. He'd let him get it all out. Not like he was in any kind of major hurry. Earth wasn't going anywhere and neither was their base.

The two mechs just sort of stared at each other for a brief moment or two. Kup still wasn't gonna chime in until he knew it was his turn.

“What do you think, Kup? Think I should keep my new/old look? I could always change it back to the black color scheme, but then I’d basically be in mourning again and what good would that do? I mean I can’t cry about what happened forever. Right?"

Come t'think of it, he did look different. Go figure.

"Yeah. Y'can't mourn forever kid. Like y'said," Kup said as he picked his stride back up. No harm in chatting with the chatterbot on the way. After all, Kup had been known to pass around more than a few good yarns in his day. "You honor them more by what you fight for now. An' if the new look puts you in a better frame of mind t'do that-keep it."

Kup continued on, and as he did, a new thought entered his mind, replacing the dozen or so other ones that were continuously rattling around.

"Speaking of Howlstrike, how's he holdin' up? You know? I think the lad's come a long way. I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't a little worried about what might happen once he saw his old Predacon pals down there, but I still think he's the real deal. I know...I know you and he don't see optic t' optic on much, but we gotta hold out hope that we can change a few sparks and pumps along the way. We are fightin' on the right side, after all. He might just be one of 'em."

Bridge
"Groove, will you locate and send a message to the following: Prowl, Eject, Nova Strike, Trailbreaker and contact the Ark 22 for Red Alert. Ultra Magnus has a mission for them. I'll be joining him in the Observation Lounge."

Groove nodded at his commander and sent out the message to them.

>>Prowl, Eject, Nova Strike, and Trailbreaker please report to the Observation Lounge. Your presence is required by Ultra Magnus.<<

Observation Lounge

Hot Spot followed the current Autobot Supreme Commander. The new assignment got his interest but with it involving Prowl, it made him rather concerned. The mention of time being important could mean a lot of things. Once he caught up to Ultra Magnus, he stopped within a respectable distance.

"Sir, with all due respect, I believe we should examine what had happen against the Fallen before we jump into another mission. The appearance of Devestator and the spark extractor should be addressed. I wouldn't be too surprised our scientists are working on some way to combat Devestator but the issue with the spark extractor must be addressed. Wheeljack and Prowl have to be held accountable for bringing that forbidden weapon. I'll admit it was what finally made the difference without destroying Hot Rod but still such technology should never see the light of day. There are some who would say the same for the combiner technology. I'm not sure what be the best course of action against Devestator outside of using the Ark-22 weapons on it."

After taking a few moments to calm back down to his normal state, he addressed his commander again.

"As for the rest of your selection, I've got no problems with them. Red Alert will be his usual hyper sensitive nature. It seems this is more of a scouting mission with all who you have selected and just enough firepower if we run into the Cons or somehow the natives."

Corridors

"You honor them more by what you fight for now. An' if the new look puts you in a better frame of mind t'do that-keep it."

Bluestreak actually remained quiet long enough for Kup to respond to him. It was a novelty, but it did happen once in a while. The old timer’s words sunk in to the chatterbot’s processor and as usual they made a lot of sense. Of course, they did. Kup was older than most Autobots on board, except maybe Ironhide. Regardless, Kup’s lifetime of experience gave him insight on many things that others would have no knowledge of. His advice was normally spot on and this time was no different.

“I hear what you are saying, Kup,” Bluestreak began to reply as he took a deep intake of air. This was a bad sign for anyone who didn’t want their audio receptors to become worn out. “A bot’s frame of mind is always important, I agree. For the longest time I thought that mourning them would be the best thing to do, but now I realize that it’s not so much how long we mourn but how long we remember them. After all, our loved ones are never truly lost as long as they are not forgotten. Those horrible memories of my home city’s destruction, though, they won’t ever leave me no matter what color scheme I am, but at least maybe I can honor all those I lost and perhaps this blue and silver paint job will help me to some day, once the war is over, get back to what I once was. I was a merchant, did I ever mention that? I may have, but regardless, this is how I looked then and maybe it’s something I shouldn’t forget. I need to remember who I once was and realize that it’s something I need to strive to return to once we finally beat those blasted Decepticons for good!”

"Speaking of Howlstrike, how's he holdin' up? You know? I think the lad's come a long way. I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't a little worried about what might happen once he saw his old Predacon pals down there, but I still think he's the real deal. I know...I know you and he don't see optic t' optic on much, but we gotta hold out hope that we can change a few sparks and pumps along the way. We are fightin' on the right side, after all. He might just be one of 'em."

It was not surprising when Kup asked about Howlstrike. After all, they had been very close for many vorns and the old timer was the one who had long ago convinced the former Predacon that becoming an Autobot was the right decision to make. He trusted Howl when so many others didn’t and that included Bluestreak. As far as the gunner was concerned, once a Decepticon always a Decepticon. Although, Blue couldn’t deny that the tracker had done a lot of good things as a ‘Bot. Even during the battle in Uluru Howl had helped bring Hardhead down even if he had to decapitate him to do so. Of course, Hardhead was a fellow Autobot, so maybe it wasn’t so difficult for Howl to injure him. If it had been a ‘Con, would Howl have gone to such extremes? The chatterbot had to wonder.

“Howlstrike? Oh, he’s doing fine, I guess,” Bluestreak began again, a slight frown creeping onto his faceplate as he walked beside Kup. “He still has a sense of humor, at least he thinks he does. I don’t personally think he’s all that funny. My new coloring is a true testament to his brand of juvenile humor even if he did inadvertently make me view things from a different perspective. Needless-to-say, he survived the battle down in Australia and is now spending a few cycles in a CR chamber back on the Longevity. He’ll be okay. Nothing to worry about and he seems to have made a new friend in the disabled ‘Bot, Blindside. You know the one I mean, right? Yeah, they seem to be getting pretty close. Probably good for Howl to have another friend. Better Blindside than me. Heh.”

Bluestreak paused for a brief astrosecond before continuing. “Anyway, as hard as it is for me to say this, I think you may be right about Howl. He has come a long way and by the looks of the various Predacons’ reactions to seeing him, they weren’t happy, not one bit. And Howlstrike didn’t seem happy to see them, either, so he’s probably really on our side. Of course, he’s got you to thank for that. You’re the one who convinced him to join us and see the error of his ways. You took him in when no one else would. Primus knows I would’ve just let him rot in a cell or send him to Garrus-9. Lucky for him he had you, instead. Heh.”

The blue and silver chatterbot patted the old warhorse on the shoulder plate again, allowing a friendly smile to distill the previous frown. “By the way, Kup, where exactly are we heading, anyway? Are we going on a new mission? Are we going to finally get back to bashing in some Decepticon head plates? That would be a nice change of pace after fighting a stupid demigod wearing Hot Rod as a suit for an entire day. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Corridors--Approaching Bounce Chamber

It didn't really bother Kup like it might some other mechs when Bluestreak rambled on and on. There were more than a few Autobots had had a lot worse habits. Frag, Kup was one of 'em, and the evidence was the cygar he had all ready to charge up and enjoy once he got down planetside. But especially now, when it looked like the lad was working through more than just a demon or two and finding a way to shake off the ghosts of the past. If anyone knew how much those ghosts liked to cling on to your psyche, it was Kup. Ultimately, it seemed like Bluestreak had his eyes on the prize: victory. Getting rid of the Decepticons and their misbegotten philosophy for good.

As for Howlstrike, Kup was glad to hear he'd made it out of there in one piece and also hadn't turned tail and ran back to the Predacons the first chance he got. Kup was sure the kid'd never do something stupid like that. Well, mostly sure. War did funny things to otherwise straight-shootin' mechs. But he was glad to see Howlstrike had come through.

"Heh, well...good. I'm glad to see he's finding his way and I'm glad to hear you're re-findin' yours. Not like you've ever strayed from the fight or anything, just sayin'...those ghosts of the past can cast a big shadow over the present if ya let 'em," Kup said, patting the younger mech across the back as they came towards the bounce chamber doors. "The Autobot ranks'll be better for havin' the both of ya."

“By the way, Kup, where exactly are we heading, anyway? Are we going on a new mission? Are we going to finally get back to bashing in some Decepticon head plates? That would be a nice change of pace after fighting a stupid demigod wearing Hot Rod as a suit for an entire day. Wouldn’t you agree?"

"Some settlement the higher ups got started up down planetside. City-state, er, country's called Peru if I remember right," Kup said as the bay doors opened and allowed the Autobots inside. Kup walked over to the main terminal and began looking up the coordinates to enter into the bounce tech.

"And yeah, I'd agree for sure. But look at this way kid, we lost Optimus Prime...an' I'm in no way sayin' that wasn't a crippling blow for us. It sure as slag was. No doubts. I'm not sure if we'll ever really, fully recover from that loss. But the Decepticons...they lost Megatron. He's not only the embodiment of everything they're fightin' for, but he built himself a cadre of backbitin' lowlifes right under him. Look at our situation? We took a blow--a heavy blow--but mechs like Magnus and Prowl, they got things under control. There wasn't some buncha infighting to see who would fill in as leader. Heck, I'm pretty sure neither one of them wanted the job, but Magnus stepped up because it was his duty and Prowl's doing what he does for that same reason. You think the 'Cons are having that smooth of a time? Heh."

Having finished entering the coordinates, he walked over to Bluestreak and then towards the bounce pad.

"If there were any two mechs who I'd trust to capitalize on the chaotic mess the Decepticons have to be goin' through right now, it's be Ultra Magnus and Prowl. And Jazz.......and Grimlock......an' Ironhide, but don't tell him I said that."