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The Ark-22 is a standard sized Ark class vessel. Standard size of course being massive, enough to easily accommodate an entire infiltration team for an indefinite amount of time. The ship features everything an Autobot needs for an extended duty assignment including armored fuel tanks, multiple crew quarters, labs, a training center, a full repair bay and a fully stocked armory. While not a dedicated war ship she can more then hold her own in a fight.

Ark – 22 Bridge

The bright wash of transwarp was quickly replaced by a view of the blue and green Earth and her moon on the main viewscreen. Kup paid it only a quick glance before getting to business. He’d seen more worlds then he could count, the magic of visiting one had long since vanished for him.

“Alright Springer, get us into high orbit. Everyone make sure that all stealth systems are fully functional. As far as I know we are still under infiltration protocols here, not to mention the Cons are lurking out there somewhere. I’d rather not come under a full scale assault right off the bat.”

With those orders given he stabbed a button on his command chair to open a frequency to the other Autobots vessels in orbit. >>”Prowl, this is Kup on the Ark-22. We are in system and are moving towards Earth orbit. I’m guessing you’d like to have some sort of meeting here to figure out what the slag we are gonna do.”<<

Bridge

As the intense light of hyperspace quickly dissipated on the primary view screen, Bluestreak could begin to see the blue orb known as Earth. Unlike Cybertron’s dual moons, this world had only one which appeared to be as dead as Cybertron, itself, currently remained. So, this is the planet that everyone seems so obsessed with, the Autobot gunner thought as he admired the beauty of the lush world. Well, if the past is any indication, it’ll soon end up as dead and barren as every other planet the Decepticons have gotten their wretched hands on. Unless, of course, we stop them this time.

Hearing Kup’s orders regarding the stealth systems, Bluestreak quickly went to work at his control console and initiated the Ark-22’s stealth drive. Once he had checked to ensure that everything was operating according to spec, the gunner turned to address Kup. “Sir, the stealth systems are online and fully functional. We are invisible to both enemy and Earthing detection.”

Once he had given his report, Bluestreak glanced over at Howlstrike, who had gone back to meditating and was apparently unaware of their arrival in the Sol System. “Hey, Howl! Wake up! We’re approaching Earth.”

“I’m not sleeping, idiot!” The former Predacon snorted back as his optics came alive once more. “And I know exactly where we are. I’m not unconscious of my surroundings when I meditate. I am aware on a certain level of what is going on.”

“Well, that’s comforting,” Bluestreak replied, sarcastically. “You know, if infiltration protocols are still in effect like Kup says, then you may need a new alt mode, especially if we have to go down there at any point. I doubt a mechanical beast would blend in very well.”

“Perhaps,” Howl replied, unconcerned. “Of course, this beast mode is technically an Earth creature called a timber wolf. I took it’s form when I was here briefly before being reassigned to Cybertron. I could always use a holomatter projection to appear organic to the natives if need be.” The hunter grinned at ‘Streak, his canine-like fangs protruding slightly from under his mouth piece. “You, on the other hand, will need to chose something entirely different from your current Cybertronian mode if you are to mingle with the humans.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure you will,” Howlstrike grunted before standing. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

The former Predacon then made his way over to the command chair where Kup was still seated. The tracker stood silently next to his old friend as he trained his optics on the blue and green planet called Earth which filled the main view screen. It was curious to him that while he had been in orbit here previously, he had never actually had a chance to bounce down to the surface, itself. Sure, Howl seen images of what the landscape looked like, but that wasn’t quite the same as actually being there in the metal. Maybe now he’d have a chance to go down and see what all the fuss over this backwater world was about.

Transmission from Prowl:

>>”Kup, nice to have you and your crew back in the Sol System. I just wish it was under better circumstances. Yes, there is much to discuss, I’m afraid. However, I’m also currently trying to oversee two major skirmishes down planet side. The ‘Cons are apparently desperate for fuel and are raiding multiple targets at once. As a result, I’ve dispatched two teams to counter their efforts, one led by Ironhide and the other by Hot Spot. So, once you are situated on your end, Kup, you can bounce over here to the Guardian if you like so that I can continue to closely monitor the data feeds coming in from the battles as we hold our meeting. If you have no objections, I will see you soon.”<<

Bridge

Kup began grumbling at Prowl’s reply. “I’ll be slagged before I scatter my atoms across space more then I need to. Springer, bring us in next to the Guardian and prepare the docking tunnel. I’d rather we all be able to walk back and forth between the two ships then keep bouncing around between them. Saves me from having to get dizzy all the time and saves a bit of energy.”

Springer tried to hide his smile. “Whatever you say old timer. Adjusting orbit to bring us along side the Guardian. Do you want me to signal them or you want to just walk over and knock on the door?” The triplechanger couldn’t help but chuckle.

Kup glared back at him. “That’s enough out of you. Like I don’t get this from the rest of ya turbo-revvin’ young punks!” Kup stood up, returning his cy-gar to his mouth. “You just try and keep this ship in one piece while I go have a chat with Prowl. Its time to get things straightened out around here. Keep ready though, the Cons are out there and it sounds like they are already stirring up trouble down on that planet below.” He gestured to the blue and green globe on the main screen before walking out of the bridge.

*

Conference Room

Grimlock had finished studying for now and was gazing out the window. He could have just gone to the bridge but it was probably crowded enough as it is. There was no one there he wanted to talk to anyway. The real conversations were likely going to take place elsewhere, he only had to be patient and wait for that time to come.

Unfortunately patience was not something the Dinobot leader had in abundance. He sat in his chair; feet propped up on the table and crossed together. He took his sword and flung it at the ceiling, hard enough for it to become embedded a few inches. He would then pull it out and throw it again. He needed to do something to keep him occupied and this was doing it for now, but it was getting old and the ceiling was getting full of holes.

Finally a glance out the window showed that they were moving. Holding his sword the Dinobot paused, studying the space around the ship. He could just begin to make out the form of the Guardian in the distance. He quickly pulled his feet off the table and stood up. “Look like something finally about to happen. Time to make sure we are big part of it, maybe even leading it. Me make sure Dinobots at the front of the Autobots, finally finishing what Optimus could never do, taking out Decepticons once and for all.” Stowing away his sword he made his way towards the door.

Bridge

WHeeljack looked up from his work station as Prowl's message came over the system. He too couldn't help but chuckle at Springer's snarky remark to Kup about the bouncing to the Guardian. the engineer then went back to checking on the data stream from Cybertron. No surprise there, the signal died. We have to be well out of transmitter range, despite the signal boosting algorithm I loaded onto the communication satellite before we left the Cybertron system, he thought. So he gave a local scan of the area and found the Ark -19 in orbit.

"Bluestreak, Springer, the Ark- 19, is in orbit, not at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Something has to be in motion for it to be up here. We might want to send the a hail or something." He called out, then ran a more detailed scan of the old war bird, and she was hurting.

Bridge

The corner of Howlstrike’s mouth curled upward, revealing a half-smile as he listened to Kup immediately reject the idea of bouncing from one ship to the other. Howl was not surprised at all as the old timer hated having his atoms torn apart and then put back together again. Sometimes the Autobot hunter would overhear Kup complain after a bounce that something didn’t feel right like he hadn’t been reassembled properly. The tracker didn’t understand the complexities of bouncing, but he always managed to come out the other side intact and feeling the same way if not a little disoriented at first. Perhaps the old warhorse’s circuits just weren’t cut out for that mode of transportation anymore or maybe his vast years of experience had helped him to better understand the dangers associated with atom displacement.

Whatever the case, there would be no bouncing from ship to ship as the docking tunnel would allow them easy access to the Guardian. It was just as well since energon was in short supply and walking would help to save power in the long run. It also appeared on the main view screen that the Ark-19 was also docking with the Guardian on the opposing side, creating one big vessel that would likely serve as home for the foreseeable future.

Howlstrike turned his gaze towards Kup as the old timer instructed them to keep the ship in one piece and be ready for anything as the ‘Cons had apparently wasted no time in causing trouble on the planet below. “I’m always ready, old friend,” Howl replied in his gruff voice, giving Kup a respectful nod. “Give the ol’ jerk-bot a kick in the aft for me when you see him! Heh heh.” The former Predacon was well aware of Prowl’s reputation of being standoffish and was more than happy to remain behind and let Kup deal with the black and white mech.

As Kup left the bridge, Howlstrike’s attention was then drawn to the flame-covered Autobot that stood a short distance away to one side of the room. Rodimus had been unusually silent for quite some time now, especially considering the situation they now found themselves in. With the Autobots currently leaderless, Howl fully expected the self-proclaimed Prime to make a bid for the position soon as the former cavalier had been previously spouting off at the mouthpiece about the Matrix supposedly choosing him. The tracker thought that it was nothing more than a delusion, but it could be a potentially dangerous one if Rodimus attempted to assume control without the proper backing. Regardless, Howlstrike knew where his loyalties lied and that was with Kup and whomever he supported as the new leader.

*********

When Prowl’s voice came in over the ship’s comm line, Bluestreak couldn’t help but feel a sense of nervousness run through his circuits. It had been many vorns since he had last seen or even spoken to the military strategist. The two similarly designed mechs had had a falling out a long time ago before the mass exodus of Cybertron. It was sparked by a dreadful incident that ended with the destruction of an entire city at the hands of the vile Stunticons. Prowl blamed Bluestreak for what happened even though the gunner had saved his life in the process. But that didn’t matter to Prowl as much as what had been lost that day. He was a logic-driven mech who placed the well-being of the war effort over individual needs. If sacrifice was necessary then so be it. ‘Streak, on the other hand, could not sacrifice so easily and it had cost them dearly.

Bluestreak pushed the rest of the details back into the deep recesses of his processor as Wheeljack’s voice interrupted his thoughts. The inventor was saying something about the Ark-19 no longer being where it had been and was now in orbit with the rest of the Autobot vessels. Pulling himself together, the gunner checked his own sensors and found that the ship had sustained a considerable amount of exterior damage. Further scans also indicated that the interior of the ship was in just as bad a shape as the outside. As he probed deeper, the black and silver mech detected the signatures of Jazz, Smokescreen, Ironfist and Lore-lock. They were the only ones presently on board the Ark-19 and were likely a repair crew. While ‘Streak wasn’t as familiar with the latter two ‘Bots, he did know both Jazz and Smokey quite well and was looking forward to seeing them again, much more so than Prowl at any rate.

“Something definitely happened, Wheeljack. The Ark-19 seems to have suffered quite of bit of damage both inside and out,” Bluestreak responded to the inventor while he continued to monitor the broken ship as it successfully docked with the Guardian. “It appears the ship came under heavy fire, probably from a missile strike as the blast patterns along the hull seem to be consistent with such an attack. There’s a lot of patch work that’s already been done by the four-mech repair team that is currently on board. However, with the extent of the damage I’m sure they could use additional help.”

Conference Room

While Grimlock played with his sword, Snarl had gotten up from the table and began pacing back and forth in front of the window. Every so often the Desert Warrior stopped for a moment and gazed out into the deep void of space with only the stars there to break up the endless darkness that spread across his visual acuity. The trip through hyperspace had provided a decent and entertaining light show to say the least, but that was now gone and replaced with even more regular space.

The planet Earth and its satellite body soon appeared to one side along with the Guardian that the Ark-22 was now fast approaching. Snarl wasn’t thrilled with being back at the planet where the Dinobots had been trapped in stasis for millions of Earth years. However, it’s where the majority of the action currently was so that’s where he needed to be even if it meant keeping a close optic on his leader to ensure that history didn’t repeat itself.

Snarl’s pacing finally ended for good as Grimlock spoke of making sure that the Dinobots were a big part of whatever was about to happen. The Desert Warrior couldn’t agree more and was itching for battle now more than ever. “Just as long as me get to crush Decepticons, me will be happy,” Snarl said as he followed the Dinobot Commander to the door, leaving behind a worn down path on the floor directly in front of the window.

Bridge

Springer monitored the activity of the other two vessels from the helm. “Yeah, it looks like she’s been put through the ringer alright. No damage from energy weapons though, looks like mostly explosives and buckling damage. Looks like someone did a bombing run on her. They are moving to dock on the other side of the Guardian.” Springer paused for a second. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt contacting them. I bet they would have something for you to do Wheeljack from the looks of it.”

>>Ark-19 this is Ark-22. Looks like you’ve been in a scrap recently, what happened? Do you need any assistance?”<<

Springer glanced back at Wheeljack. “Well Jack, maybe we’ll see if we can’t put you to work over there. Not sure how many mechanic types they have around here, although with the Guardian around Hot Spot’s group is here. I’ve heard some of the Protectobots are handy with a wrench.”

*

Conference Room

Slag looked up from where he had been punching the wall. He did not take well to being cooped up in a ship, especially after the way things had ended. He had worked a sizeable dent in the wall as his boredom and impatience had worn on him. Finally when Grimlock had spoken up and left the angry Dinobot had stomped out after him.

Swoop had been relaxing peacefully in his chair the entire trip, doing a little reading and glancing out the window. He had rather enjoyed the quiet time to relax as they so often didn’t get that chance. Not that he disliked fighting, but he wasn’t as in love with it as his teammates were. When Grimlock left he was happy to stay were he was. That was until Snarl had followed him, followed by Slag. Sighing he got up and followed the others.

Sludge had sat quietly throughout the trip, never having been a big talker anyway. As the Dinobots all got up and left he followed them all.

*

Air Lock

Kup arrived at the door and glanced outside. They were still moving into position next to the Guardian. He leaned up against the wall and waited. While he wasn’t eager to get this meeting started he wasn’t wild about waiting for it. Deciding who would lead the entire faction wasn’t going to be easy or pleasant, but it did have to be done. He appreciated the fact that Prowl was even willing to listen to his input. It wasn’t like he was the highest ranking Autobot around, although he was probably the oldest. Age did have a few privileges apparently.

He looked up as he heard a series of heavy footfalls coming down the corridor. He plucked the cy-gar from his mouth as Grimlock and his entire team came walking up to him. “Wondering when you would show up. Did you really need to bring your whole team with you?”

Grimlock stood silently, eliciting a sigh from Kup. “Fine, whatever, just try not to break anything.” He glanced at the airlock control console, confirming that the two ships were now aligned with each other. He slapped another control and the docking tube extended out to the Guardian. Once it was attached he opened the airlock and began walking to the other vessel.

>>”Prowl, this is Kup. We are boarding the Guardian now. Where do you want to talk? I suggest somewhere with enough room to fit 5 big Autobots.”<<

Bridge

Why is it so dark? Hmmm. Strange, no self-diagnostics. He couldn’t tell just how long he had been out, mostly due to not having access to his chronometer, not mention he was having trouble on-lining his optics. He could feel his body; he just couldn’t feel anything else. Now he was starting to get worried.

“Hello?! Can anybody hear me?! HELLO?!”

The sound of his voice seemed to go on and on. There was no echo, no reverberation, there was just his voice. He didn’t even realize that the sound of his voice simply stopped. He let out a surprised gasp as he suddenly felt himself falling uncontrollably. Finally righting himself he desperately tried to find something, anything to grab onto. Suddenly his decent slowed until he simply felt himself floating.

“Slag! Why can’t I see?! Somebody, anybody, please, what’s happening?!”

He quieted when he heard a low rumble that seemed to come from everywhere. He turned trying to pinpoint where the noise was coming from, but it was useless. It was then that the rumble turned into a deep, guttural laugh.

“You ask too many questions.”

“Who…who are you? Where am I?”

Another laugh from the voice and the mech without sight shivered in fear.

“Your questions will be answered…in time. For now you will be but a simple passenger. The vessel…your own body.”

With the voice's final word sight returned to the mech. The image before him caused him to shake his head in complete disbelief. There were his friends, but he…he was not there with them. It was as though he was viewing them through glass.

“What…what is this? What did you do to me?”

He didn’t wait for answer, instead he called to his friends, when his calls failed to gain their attention he began screaming to them.

“KUP! SPRINGER! ANYBODY! PLEASE, IT’S HOT ROD! SOMEBODY, HELP ME!”

"They cannot hear you. No one can hear you."

The entire trip saw Rodimus Prime silent and reclusive. He was present on the bridge bathed in the shadows, but it seemed as though his processor was far beyond the bridge of the ship. His optics registered the patterns of lights and other images, but still he remained stoic and unmoving. As the ship finally docked with the Guardian a slight smile creased the self-proclaimed Prime’s face.

Code: Select all

"Ironfist to Ark-22 Commander. I am currently on board Frigate Guardian. Dispatching current scans and damage reports of the 19 to your mainframe. We require the activation of the 22's main manufacture plant to begin construction on several key specialized components. Modified to specific terms that I have already notated within the schematics I am including with the data burst. Triple encryption key, Axalon."

He paused briefly as he cleared his vocorder.

"Also, if you happen to have a few technically inclined mechanisms on board, I would not be adverse to their assistance."

Medical Facility

With little else to do on the bridge of the now sparsely occupied Autobot ship, Bluestreak had excused himself in order to finally upgrade his alt mode into an Earthen vehicle that fit his body type and personality. The reasoning was both to help pass the time and because he knew that he would eventually be deployed to the planet’s surface where infiltration protools were still in place. Blue didn’t mind the change and he actually was looking forward to it.

The time Bluestreak had spent in the CR chamber had gone by quicker than expected, which was a good thing for him as he never liked the quiet associated with just lying there as the medical appendages went to work on his outer frame. Only the whirring sounds of the mechanisms broke the silence that reminded ‘Streak too much of the aftermath of his home city’s destruction. It had been so long ago, but it seemed like it was only a cycle ago.

Once the door had opened with the usual hiss, Bluestreak stepped out in his new form. He checked all of his joints to make sure he could still move as freely as before and then he tested his transformation cog. His servos and body parts shifted around and realigned until he had taken the form of a Nissan 370Z sports car. The sleek new design of the human vehicle suited him perfectly, the hood and roof shrouded in deep black as the sides glistened the usual silver. The roar of the engines, while much louder than his previous Cybertronian mode, was a welcome change as it would help keep the silence at bay.

Happy with his choice, Bluestreak returned to robot mode and looked around the empty med bay. With his engines no longer echoing through the room, that dreaded quiet began to consume him once more. It never took too long to happen no matter how hard he tried to think about something else. I’ve got to get back to the bridge. Right now I’d take Howl’s deep vocals and agressive personality over nothing at all, the Autobot gunner thought before exiting the med bay without further delay, bound for the bridge.

Bridge

The doors parted revealing Bluestreak’s newly updated form. Hearing the sounds of the mechs within performing their monotonous duties and tasks was music to his audio receptors, the dark quiet now dissipating back into the recesses of his subconscious processor. ‘Streak let out a relieved sigh as he made his way over to the weapons station and took a seat. Entering the required security codes, the display came to life in front of him with a warm glow. It was then that he noticed the empty chair at an adjacent station across from him where a certain former Predacon was once occupying before Blue had left for his upgrade.

The silver and black mech quickly stood up again and peered around the room. He spotted Wheeljack working on the opposite side while Springer was still at his station, but Kup’s pet was no where to be seen. “Hey, where’d Howlstrike run off to?”

It had been a long, tedious trip for Inferno. With little action going on, there was not much for him to do. He was not adept at piloting a space craft, operating sensors, or using the research labs. About the only thing he was good for on an Ark class vessel was manning weapons and emergency repairs in a combat situation. This trip provided little of that.

Finally, though, they were at their destination. A lush blue and green world others called Earth. Inferno had read up on all availabale reports on the voyage. From he understood their were various resources on this planet and a sentient population. No doubt the Decepticons seeked to exploit both. Inferno would make it his personal crusade to not allow that to happen. He watched, enviously through a bulkhead, as Kup and some of his men boarded prowl's ship.

"Wish I was going with them." Infereno thought out loud, "Instead I'm stuck on this flying boredom ship. Ah well, plenty to do in the mean time." Inferno wandered over to a ship computer and began searching for an appropriate alternate mode to blend in with Earth society, and would accept his size.

After what seemed like hours Inferno came across something called a "fire truck" He began scanning the necessary data into his his on board computer and trnasformed into the large vehcile.

"hmmm, I'm not nuts and bolts about these rubber tires, but I suppose this will do..." Inferno transformed again and began walking off towards the training room. Perhaps he would meet someone along the way. A sparring partner perhaps? Or at least someone to talk to.