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Captain’s Ready Room

Wheeljack listened carefully as Ultra Magnus confirmed that a ground bridge was exactly what he was looking for the scientist and his team to rebuild from old space bridge designs. The goal here was an ambitious one, resulting in the replacement of current orbital bounce systems as a means of transportation around the planet. Instead, the ground bridge, as the mechanical engineer had already come to call it, would satisfy those needs and be nearly impossible for the Decepticons, especially Soundwave, to track. The green light was given. All ‘Jack needed to do was make it a reality. It was a lot to tackle, but the scientist would not be doing it alone. Iron Fist, Hoist, Blaster and hopefully even Perceptor would be a part of the team. They would provide all of the help the white mech needed.

“Consider the safeties off, Commander,” Wheeljack responded to the City Commander as Magnus toggled the controls of the holographic display, brining up another set of older schematics. This time it was the Teletraan Sky Spy modules. Intriguing, the engineer thought as the images danced over the table between them. Magnus then went on the explain that he wanted this old technology altered to not only handle planetary communications and observations, but to also create a shield of sorts that would prevent the Decepticons from using their own orbital bounce systems. It was another lofty goal, but one that ‘Jack felt certain that he could succeed in accomplishing with the help of his team of capable mechs.

Wheeljack was then given the okay to requisition any expert that he required for the multiple tasks assigned to him and his team, including Perceptor. Once that was done, the holographic display disappeared as Ultra Magnus stood from his chair. The mechanical engineer followed suit and gave the Autobot Commander a firm handshake. “I thank you for this opportunity, Commander Magnus. My team and I won’t let you down.”

With an unspoken nod of dismissal given, Wheeljack wasted no more time as he quickly turned and exited the captain’s ready room. There was a lot of work to be done and very little time in which to do it. First and foremost the team needed to be called together in his lab for an initial briefing on what needed to be accomplished. It would likely become a brainstorming session that would give them a clear indication on how to proceed. It was an overwhelming set of tasks, but once a game plan was established it would make things moving forwards so much easier.

Corridors

Wait an astrosec, Wheeljack thought as he left the bridge and stopped in the middle of the hallway. What about Smokescreen and Tracer? They’re in my lab. I can’t have my team working around them. What if Tracer goes nuts again. Everything we’ve been up to recently could be exposed. Slaggit!! It had become obvious that the engineer’s lab would not be to best place for the team to assemble. However, last time 'Jack checked, Perceptor was working in the main science lab on the Ark-22, which should be more than adequate to service the needs of the team.

With that settled, Wheeljack then opened a comm line to his newly established group of scientific minds, making sure the signal reached over to the Guardian, as well:

>>”Perceptor, Iron Fist, Hoist, Blaster, this is Wheeljack. Under orders from Ultra Magnus, himself, we are all reassigned to a special science team that has been given the important assignment of developing and constructing new technologies as well as rebuilding old ones in an effort to establish an Autobot colony down on the planet Earth beneath us. Please meet in the science lab on the Ark-22 for a further, more detailed briefing and a subsequent brainstorming session on what needs to be accomplished. See you all there soon. Wheeljack out.”<<

With his message sent, Wheeljack cut his comm line and started walking again. Instead of heading directly to the science lab, the mechanical engineer made his way back to his own. There was no rush as it would take time for the others to drop whatever they were currently doing and gather what they needed to bring with them. Besides, if ‘Jack was a little late to the proceedings then so be it. He needed to first inform Smokescreen and Tracer about his reassignment before making sure that they both knew how to properly work the replicator just in case he wasn’t around to create another batch of Syk. The scientist also needed to double check the reconfiguration to verify that the hallucinogen element was at the proper dosage. Once all that was done, the white mech would join his fellow colleagues down in the science lab.

Perhaps I should just replicate myself. It would certainly be easier if I was at two places at once, Wheeljack thought as he entered a turbo lift that would take him back down to the lower levels of the Ark. Of course, considering how the first batch of reproduced Syk turned out, perhaps cloning himself wouldn’t be such a good idea. The last thing anyone needed was a crazy doppelgänger of an already mad scientist running around. After all, Wheeljack was more than capable of doing enough damage by himself. On second thought, maybe not.

Science Lab

Jetfire had busied himself in recent time working on his thrusters in his quarters. He was forever on a quest to push the efficiency of the engines, well aware that achieving 100% was impossible just due to the laws of physics. Still he wanted to see how far he could push it, both for his personal interest and for greater use for other Autobots. If he could find a particular design or fuel mixture that was more efficient then it meant that his fellow fliers would use less energy, not to mention the massive vessels most Autobots used to move around the galaxy. The war often boiled down to who had the most fuel and so whoever used less of it would be in a decided advantage.

Having reached a an efficiency number he could not surpass at the moment the Autobot flier decided to leave his quarters for awhile and see what else was happening on the vessel. Since he had not been called up for any recent missions he didn’t have any need to bother the command staff. Instead he ventured to the science lab, a place he often found himself drawn towards. He was not surprised to see Perceptor inside the room busy working on his research.

“Hello Perceptor. I hope I am not intruding. I was doing some work in my quarters but I reached an impasse and decided to see what else was going on. Perhaps I could help you on the work you are doing here?” Jetfire glanced over Perceptor’s shoulder at the console he, easy to do as he stood a good deal taller then the scientist. “I see you are working on a new fuel variant? I was working on something similar.” He paused as he studied the compound. “This is very interesting, and quite a breakthrough. How did you come up with this compound? Have you done any tests with it?”

Science Lab

An impasse. Something no scientist wished to be at. And yet here he was. One of the greatest minds Cybertron had to offer and yet he could go no further. Perceptor was able to get several samples of the ore refined, but he had no way of testing the concoctions. Oh he could utilize several engines, but they would not be able to provide him with the necessary feedback he required.

The scientist turned sniper sat staring, ever since Ultra Magnus left his lab, just thinking. His suggestion of using himself as a test subject was enthusiastically shot down. So now he was left back at square one. And it was that particular square that he despised.

He heard the door open but instead of moving into position to intercept the intruder, Preceptor simply sat staring. The sound of Jetfire’s voice did nothing to jar him from his fit. “Jetfire,” was his curt response. His optics remained focused on the canisters that sat ready for testing before him while the other scientist spoke and eventually quarried on his work.

“It would seem I am at an impasse. I have refined this ore, but I am unable to test it.” Perceptor leaned back in his chair and looked up to his visitor for the first time. “I offered to test it on myself but Ultra Magnus denied my request. So now I’m sitting here trying to decide whether or not I will go against his orders.”

Jetfire was a good friend and has, no doubt, come across the same situation. “Perhaps with you here now I will be able to perform the tests I require. You can monitor me while….” The microscope paused as he received a comm from Wheeljack. Wonderful. Perceptor grit his teeth and opened a link with the engineer. If they were to meet there was no reason not to do it here in his lab. >>”Wheeljack, we can utilize my lab. I am already here. I also believe Jetfire can be of help during this assignment. He is here as well.”<<

Perceptor cast his gaze up at the taller mech and offered a slight nod. “It would seem I have been pulled from my work. Wheeljack, Blaster, Ironfist and Hoist will be joining us.”

Science Lab

The corridors of the Ark-22 were rather quiet. The silence bothered the Autobots' Chief Communications Officer. He preferred things loud at a minimum. Everything had gone quiet after they had lost contact with Optimus, but this...silence had an ominous feel to it. The group had returned from the surface with medical drones. One of them would surely know what had happened down on the surface. Blaster opened a comm link to Eject.

>>"Eject, can do you me a favor? I need you to find out what happened down on Earth. Keep me updated. I'm going to be stuck in a lab for a long time with Wheeljack and Perceptor. Oh, and the Ravens won the superbowl."<<

With his message sent, Blaster worked himself up to go inside the lab as he neared the door. He was going to need all of his skills to survive. Perhaps...he was being overly dramatic. Maybe this would be an exciting experience! As the humans said, Blaster would not hold his breath. Blaster punched in the access code to the door, and smiled amiably at the science lab's two occupants.

"Bah-weep-Graaaaagnah wheep mini bong! Jetfire, I wasn't expecting you to join us but welcome all the same. How are things going for the both of you?"

Science Laboratory

Ironfist tugged nervously at the satchel he grabbed before leaving his quarters onboard the Guardian. His fingers fidgetted with the synthetic fiber straps as his scanners pegged the largest collection of assigned teammember transponders. A few moments of silence and the weapons engineer finalized his path through the maze of cooridors leading towards the Science Lab. It made as good a place as any, given it had a larger access to stable equipment.

Not to say Wheeljack's quarters or office was not approprately equiped, but Ironfist had been given first hand experiences with the experimental technology the inventor kept around. It took him a cycle to get the splotches out of his optical grid.

Releasing the magnetic locks on his satchel, Ironfist made sure his personalized tools and scanners were all intact and accounted for. When satisfied he pressed the access chime to the compartment and nearly fell over Blaster as the doors slid clear. Brushing off the stumble with aplomb, the engineer stablized his gate and emerged from behind the communication specialist.

"Not necessarily a mission for Wreck and Rule. But I am here to offer my services, such as they are."

Aerialbot's Hanger

Slingshot laughed again as he pounded Fireflight on the shoulder. "No need to worry that GPS of yours Flight ole pal. If the Fallen does bother to show himself again, which he probably will, I am sure the sight of our most esteamed fearless leader will send him packing." He laughed again shaking his head, this time walking away towards an empty ammunition rack.

The sharp shooter placed a bare hand on one of the prongs meant for a thermite rocket pod, its empty harness a sad reminder of how under supplied a great deal of the forces in the sector had become over the vorns. Slingshot knew full well that the supply lines for both sides had become razor thin, and planets with any symbolance of resources were prized commodities. Slingshot's laughter subsided as swiftly as it had begun. Planets like this one were rare gems in the galaxy...

The Aerialbot inwardly sighed. If it ever came to battling the Fallen, Slingshot knew full well he would be of no use. Oh sure he could clear the skies of any Decepticon dumb enough to aid the godlike beastie. But to take on a deity? Not even that coward commander Silverbolt, who trumped him in every statistic except brains and fortitude, would have no chance against him. Perhaps it was best not to dwell on what at present he could not control. Perhaps he could direct the efforts of the team towards helping the research that Ultra Magnus required. Problem was, the Aerialbots were a combat unit, not a team for research and analysis... well except for Sky Dive who would rather read tech manuals and flight briefings than actually get into a scrap with the cons.

"Regardless of how it boils down," he began, his voice clear of emotion and a rare time as sincere as he could manage. Perhaps the best he could to reassure his comrade. "I am sure that Ultra Magnus will do what ever he can to make sure Hardhead, Hot Rod and that other guy is brought back free and clear. And in that, we've got to get ourselves into gear and be ready for that flight dispatch order."

He pivoted on his heel and allowed the stoic expression to melt away into a mischevious grin. "In the meantime, I suggest we get to work on our little Flybots Only haven. I managed to wrangle an old flight simulator from below decks to be brought up. So lets get this place ship shape for its arrival. Then mech with the lowest score buys two rounds." He stepped over to Air Raid and elbowed the flier in the gut plates. "How you like that proposal Ace. I'm sure you've got yourself a few credits from all those shadow kills you been getting while you've been away."

Air Raid carefully lessened to Slingshot's "explanation" of the whole fallen thing, and he is not shocked about what happened, or he may be simply hiding it away from his comrades, Air Raid was unsuspecting such would happen. Hot Rod was always strange, but he never though he will turn out to be some spawn of Unicron, if Ultra Magnus does manage to find a way to eliminate the fallen without killing Hot Rod, he is okay with it, but the Decipticons will probably mind that as one less autobot is good for them, and if Hot Rod has to die, Air Raid is going to make sure he doesn't die by the hands of a Decipticon, the Aerialbot rather him die by his hands.

Silverbot then challenged Air Raid to friendly competition, a competition only the Aerialbots could participate in, Air Raid didn't got the chance to hone his skills in battle at the last mission, but is always eager for more, he has lot's preparation and energy for whatever would happen and this simulation will be great for him, he may also get some free rounds from whoever will suck at the simulation.

The Aerialbot raised his face, "Credits, eh?, a simulation of me winning and you losing is always good...for me at least, so what? is it pure racing or we get to kill some simulated con slag? i am up for both, i can speed myself ahead of you or kill cons while you watch, no problem" responded Air Raid, showing self-confidence that he will win despite the challenge, even though this bragging may get him to trouble if he loses.

Aerialbot Hab Suite

Fireflight had chuckled good-naturedly at Slingshot's attempt to reassure him that the Fallen's return would be no big concern. Fireflight knew better, but he wasn't going to dwell on it any more than Slingshot seemed to want to. Fireflight imagined dealing with the Fallen to be a lot like dealing with forcible spark extraction. You can't really prepare for it. You just deal with it, to whatever end.

His expression turned a little more quizzical as Slingshot mentioned some flight simulator that was on some other deck of the ship and being brought here. He was with him on the challenges, right up until Slingshot said something about cleaning this habitation suite prior to the device's arrival.

That wasn't what the Aerialbot had signed up for when he had made the trek from the Guardian over to here, but oh well.

"Yeah. All right. Cleaning. Woo woo," Fireflight said with zero enthusiasm in his tone, but he set himself to completing the chores anyway.

"Why do we need a sim? Aren't there enough real 'Cons out there? I hear all the big Seekers are stationed in this sector. Maybe while we're doing your little sim we can start taking bets on who will take out the biggest name Seeky before we're done on this mudball."

(OOC: Moving Tracer along with Ember's permission.)

Wheeljack’s Lab

Smokescreen hurried through the corridors of the Ark-22 in an effort to beat Wheeljack back to his laboratory. All the while the rallybot held on to Tracer’s hand as he practically dragged her along with him. They passed by several other mechs in the halls but did not stop to chat with any of them. It would have only delayed things even further. Smokey almost felt like a protoform who had stayed out too late after cycle. It wasn’t that he was afraid of the mad scientist. Far from it. The diversion expert just didn’t want to be lectured about going easy in his new body or the dangers of taking a hallucinating femme out of the lab. The rallybot knew the risks and he was willing to take them if it meant helping the blue and white scout.

Before long, Smokescreen and Tracer had reached the lab doors where the rallybot stopped and looked over at Tracer. "Now, if he happens to be in there, let me do all the talking. Okay?" The troubled femme gave him a simple nod of understanding before Smokey's attention returned to the access pad. He quickly typed in the security code that Wheeljack had given him the last time he had to leave the premises. The door slid open and the pair quickly entered into the main lab area. Once the door had closed and locked again, Smokey took a quick look around the vast room, seeing that the replicator was still situated on the workbench where it had been prior to their little trip. Everything else seemed to be where they had left it, as well, and no one else was present. “Looks like we made it back before ‘Jack did,” the red and blue mech said, letting out a deep sigh of relief. He turned to look at Tracer and smiled. “Thank Primus! No lecture! Heh.”

“Ahem,” the sound came from seemingly out of nowhere. Smokescreen spun around, letting go of Tracer’s hand in the process to see the form of Wheeljack standing in the doorway that lead into the back room. The engineer’s arms were crossed and while his faceshield was still in place, Smokey could just imagine that a frown was deeply etched on his friend’s faceplate underneath. “Mind telling me where have you two have been while I was gone?”

“Wheeljack! I didn’t see you over there, buddy. When did you get back?” Smokescreen asked with a slight nervous chuckle in this vocals.

“Oh, I just got back about half a breem ago and you didn’t see me at first because I was in the back room wondering where the frag you were at! I was about to comm you when you ended up walking through the door just now!” Wheeljack replied angrily as he uncrossed his arms and walked over to the love-struck pair. “Do you two realize just how worried I was when I returned to find the place void of one diversion expert and one drug addicted femme? What the frag were you two thinking just leaving without letting me know where you were going or getting my approval? What if something had happened out there, especially considering Tracer’s current hallucinogenic state? What if she mistook someone else for an orderly from the asylum? She could've reacted badly and brought unwanted attention to herself and likewise to all of us!”

“She’s fine now, ‘Jack,” Smokescreen managed to interrupt the scientist’s lecture.

“She’s what? She’s fine?” Wheeljack glanced over Smokescreen’s shoulder and looked the troubled femme up and down before returning his gaze to the rallybot. “I don’t see how that’s possible. She was still in pretty bad shape when I left.”

“I know. I took her over to her quarters on the Guardian in order to help jog her memories. When we got there, Tracer looked through all of her personal belongings and she began remembering more and more of her past along with the present. On the way back here, she told me that she remembered everything. So, what we did worked. She’s back to normal now, or at least normal for her anyway,” Smokescreen explained to Wheeljack as he stepped forward and placed a friendly hand on the engineer's shoulder plating. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about our trip, ‘Jack. You appeared to be preoccupied with whatever Ultra Magnus wanted. I kept a close watch on Tracer and she didn’t interact with anyone else, so everything’s good. Nothing to worry about. Okay?”

Wheeljack looked his long time friend square in the optics as the rallybot told him what they had been doing. The scientist had to admit that it made sense for Tracer to look through her things to help regain her memories and it had apparently worked. Leave it to Smokey, who knew her better than anyone, to find a way to make her memories whole again. Letting out a deep sigh of his own, the white mech ran one hand down the length of his faceshield before looking up at the diversion expert once more. “Okay, Smokes, I understand why you left, but you still took a great risk going out without letting me or even Axle know first. I’m assuming he didn’t know, either. It doesn’t matter now. At least you’re both back safe and sound.”

Smokescreen withdrew his hand from Wheeljack’s shoulder as the mechanical engineer moved away and walked over to the replicator situated on the primary workbench. The scientist make a few additional adjustments before turning back around the face the pair. “Okay, here’s the deal. My meeting with Magnus yielded a new project for me and a group of like-minded mechs to work on. It’s a pretty big assignment that will occupy most of my time for the foreseeable future, I’m afraid. That means that you two will have to fend for yourselves for the most part. Axle will still be around but I’ll be extremely busy. Now, I’ve made the necessary adjustments to the replicator, reducing the hallucinogen element to a more manageable level. Tracer shouldn’t have any more problems with her memory when she doses up again. All you have to do is activate the device when you need another vile of Syk. Got it?”

“Sure thing, ‘Jack. No problem,” Smokescreen responded, intrigued by what his friend had just told him. “So, what kind of big project are you going to be working on?”

“Magnus said that we’re establishing a new Autobot base down on the Earth’s surface and he wants me and some other science bots and engineers to develop new technologies that we will utilize once the settlement is operational. I don’t know much more than that.”

“Wow, a new base with all new tech?!” Smokescreen exclaimed with excitement as he glanced over at Tracer who was equally as intrigued by the news. The rallybot then returned his attention to Wheeljack before continuing. “You think there’s anything the two of us can do to help? I mean, we can’t remain cooped up in your lab forever.”

“Well, you haven’t exactly been cooped up in here lately, now have you?”

“Touché,” the red and blue mech admitted with a slight chuckle.

“Sorry, Smokes, but I think it’s better if you two just stay here for a little while longer. I’ll contact Axle once I leave and let him know what’s going on. Perhaps he’ll have something for you to do. Remember, he’s the one who has to clear both of you for active duty. Until then you guys have to take it easy. Understand?”

“Yeah, yeah, sure thing, ‘Jack. Whatever you say,” Smokey responded with a wave of his hand. “How about we start by cleaning up your lab, put it into some kind of discernible order? Sound fine to you?”

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Wheeljack said as he peered around the room at the mess of things that were just lying around. It wasn’t quite as bad as Tracer’s quarters had been, but it wasn’t great, either. “All right, I have to get going. If there’s an emergency and you can’t get a hold of Axle, I’ll be down in the science labs. Just comm me.” The engineer’s words trailed off as he went about gathering up a variety of tools and other scientific devices that he would possibly need for the upcoming project. Placing them all into his trusty toolkit, the mad scientist made his way towards the door, stopping to look back at Smokescreen and Tracer. “Again, I’m sorry that I can’t be around to help as much. You should be fine with the replicator, though. Just don’t mess with the settings. Okay?”

“We won’t,” Smokescreen replied with a smile. “Good luck with your project, ‘Jack. I’m sure you’ll come up with some pretty cool stuff like aways. Just don’t blow yourself up please.”

“Heh, yeah, I’ll try to avoid that. Now, stay out of trouble, you two,” Wheeljack warned as the door opened, revealing the corridor beyond.

“Never,” the diversion expert shot back with a wide, mischievous grin. Saying no more, the scientist only shook his cranium before exiting the lab and disappearing from sight. Smokescreen then turned back to look at Tracer. “Well, that went better than expected, don’t you think?”

Science Lab

Jetfire wasn’t too surprised when Perceptor acknowledged him without turning around. The more scientific types like Perceptor and himself were known for sometimes being a bit withdrawn and focused on the task at hand. Other Autobots, particularly the more social ones, would be insulted or startled by the cold reaction. Jetfire had served in various scientific departments to know that no offense was intended. The large Autobot waited patiently for further acknowledgement from the scientist.

Finally his fellow Autobot turned and explained his conundrum. It was a difficult and frustrating position to be in; hopefully he could add a fresh perspective on the topic. “I wouldn’t recommend testing it on yourself at the very least. Should there be unexpected results or side effects that incapacitate you we would lose access to the preeminent expert on the fuel. I honestly wouldn’t recommend testing it on any living subject yet. Perhaps we could rig up a simulated Cybertronian body, at least the power core and circulatory system, and test it on that? There should be enough spare parts on the ship to construct such a test subject. If the results of that are satisfactory then there is no further step then to test it on a live subject.”

The Autobot flier offered Perceptor a smile as he mentioned the meeting of the minds that had been arranged. “Of course, perhaps we can discuss that testing at a future date. My offer of assistance remains open whenever you need it.” Jetfire turned to a computer console and quickly punched up the personnel files on the Autobots coming to join them. He was quite familiar with Wheeljack’s work, of course, but not so much with the others. It was an eclectic group to be sure. It almost seemed like the start of a bad joke. ‘A communication’s expert, weapons designer and maintenance specialist walk into an energon bar…’ He wasn’t entirely sure what they were meeting about, but it was sure to be an interesting discussion.

Jetfire turned as Blaster entered the room, followed quickly by Ironfist. He nodded in return to their distinctive greetings. “Greetings Blaster, Ironfist. I’m interested to see what sort of project we will be working on.”