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Inferno placed his hand Bluestreak's shoulder when Red Alert finished rebuttling him. He used a soft tone to the Autobot gunner, and offered him some reassurance.

"Don't worry about to much big Blue...ya know old Red. He might be a raving lunatic when it comes to security at times, but his spark is in the right place. And don't you worry to much about offending him. I spent more time around the guy to know he's already forgotten as he's processing about four hundred different scenarios as to what the Decepticons might be doing."

Inferno offered Blue a hearty smile. He liked Bluestreak and considered him a valuable soldier and friend. Inferno didn't want to have him distracted if a fight was inevitable, and it was true that Decepticons were mounting in the area.

Even more important, was the fact that the Ark 19 was missing. While Inferno wasn't focusing in on every single possibility on what could have happened to the 19 like Red, he was focusing in on the simpler fact. It was gone. If a Decepticon assault occured right now it would mean the 22 was on her own. The 22 was alone, undermanned, and outclassed against an invasion force, and quick reinforcements seemed unlikely.

It seemed like a great fight to Inferno, but a costly one. The price that may be paid for that could mean his own spark, or worse, the spark of his fellow crew members. That was unacceptable to him. Red Alert had a point, finding the Ark 19 had to be a top priority. Though not fully accustomed to it, Inferno began a sensor sweep for anything unusual. He called over to the security cheif, and apparent commander.

"Hey Red, gimmie some pointers...what should I be scanning for? Ion trails...life signs? What'd be most useful to you?"

Bridge

Bluestreak was quite taken aback at Red Alert’s belligerent response to his comments which the talkative mech thought would help to calm the anxiety-filled ‘Bot down, but it only seemed to make things worse. Of course, if he hadn’t inadvertently insulted the security director, the reaction would have likely been different. “Sorry, Red, I was only trying to help. Maybe I can make it up to you, I could...”

The black and silver mech’s new tirade was mercifully cut way short as he felt Inferno’s hand on his shoulder in an attempt to reassure him that Red Alert meant well and was only doing what came naturally to him. “Yeah, you’re right, Inferno,” Bluestreak replied as the fire expert attempted to run some scans for the missing Ark-19. “I keep forgetting how stressful his job is. I can’t imagine being in charge of security for everyone on board not only this ship but now for the Guardian and the 19, as well. Of course, the 19 isn’t here anymore, but I guess it still counts.”

Bluestreak then turned his attention back to Red Alert, who was waiting for a reply from Prowl regarding the sudden disappearance of the Ark-19. “You know, Red, there are ways to reduce stress. Meditating’s a good option from what I understand. Howlstrike’s good at that I think. Maybe he’d be willing to help you. Although, I don’t know how much he can be trusted. Being that he’s a former Predacon, he might make you even more stressed out than you already are. So, I guess it’s a no win situation.”

It was then that a response from Prowl came across the ship's intercomm:

>>”No, Red Alert, the Decepticons have not taken the Ark-19. I’ve sent the ship to get a major overhaul and weapons refitting, which could not be done here with the limited resources at our disposal. There’s nothing to worry about. Prowl out.”<<

Once the communique was finished, Bluestreak patted Red Alert on his shoulder. "You see, Red! I told you the 19 was just sent out for repairs! Prowl just forgot to tell you that's all. You really need to stop worrying so much, buddy. It's not good for you to be so wound up all the time. Your nerve receptors will end up shorting out! Why don't you, me and Inferno all go down and get an energon drink or something. Maybe a little relaxation is all that you need."

Inferno was relieved to hear Prowl announce the 19 was called away for routine maintenance and upgrades. It wouldn't take to long for her to get refitted and back on the line. A simple calm surged through Inferno's circuits. As he heard Bluestreak and Red Alert chatter he began breaking it down in his processors. To himself of course.

"Meditation?" Inferno thought to himself, "thats for new age emo-bots...nothing beats a good ol' fashioned fist fight. That's how I relax! Pounding a few decepti-bums back their assembly line and it always feels like a great weight has been lifted internally..."

Inferno's thoughts of pounding Starscream and going ten rounds with Motor Master was quickly broken when Bluestreak mentioned having an energon drink. Inferno hadn't used much energy in the training session he recently completed, or the wild goosebot chase in the shuttle bay, but a little recharge wouldn't hurt. He called to to Bluestreak.

"What type of drink are you talkin' here Blue? Something a bit fissionable I hope?" Inferno would lick his lips if capable. After rescuing his friends and pounding the enemy, have a good stiff energon drink was among Infeno's favorite activites, especially when he could boast about war stories. He also knew Red Alert could probably use a little distraction, and eveyrone could use a distraction from Red Alert. And if Bluestreak, a gunner, was coming with them he was bound to have a good war story or two.

Bridge

Red Alert blocked out the idle chit-chat of both Bluestreak and Inferno as he continued to go over sensor logs while he waited for a reply from Prowl. He had to keep busy, he had to go over every bit of information he could until he knew what was happening. At one point he stopped, his optics widened as he noticed something off about the ship's sensor readings, something he only noticed after looking over the data numerous times. He was about to shout his discovery when the Autobot strategist gave his reply, assuring that he had ordered Ark-19 away for major repairs.

"WHAT!?! THAT CAN'T BE!", Red Alert yelled incredulously, "WHAT ABOUT THE-"

Before he could finish, the security director felt someone touch his shoulder. Once again instinct took over as Red Alert turned in a flash, ready to punch the possible assaillant- but he stopped when he saw it was only Bluestreak.

"SLAGGIT WOULD ALL OF YOU STOP TOUCHING ME BEHIND MY BACK!", Red Alert shouted as loud as his vocal components would allow, "CAN'T YOU SEE HOW SERIOUS- THIS-"

Red Alert lowered his fist as the Autobot gunner tried to calm him down. For once Bluestreak's talk actually helped Red Alert to see things more clearly. With everything that had happened over the past few cycles since they learned of Optimus' disappearance his processors had been working on overdrive. Inferno seemed to agree as well. Red Alert sighed as he did his best to calm himself.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I have been straining my circuits a little too much lately.", the security director said relieved, a small smile starting to come across his face, "I think I will join you in the mess hall for a drink. Maybe a full tank will help me see things more clearly. I just have to go to my quarters for a breem first to file a few reports, then I'll join you."

Red Alert returned the friendly pat on the shoulder to Bluestreak, then gave Inferno one as well as he headed out of the bridge.

Corridor - Red Alert's Personal Quarters

Red Alert's relatively calm demeanor vanished the instant he was out of the bridge. As security director his quarters were close to the bridge, though he hurried his way there anyway. Standing in front of the door he looked in all directions cautiously to make sure no one was around. Once he was certain he was alone he began entering in an extraordinarilly long security code, stopping several times to make sure there was still no one around. After what seemed like a full breem the door opened, and Red Alert hastily entered. Just before the door shut he poked his head out to be absolutely certain no one was following or watching him.

Once the door closed behind him Red Alert entered in several more codes, not only locking the door but also activating sensors to alert him of anyone nearing his quarters. Red Alert allowed almost no one into his room, usually just whoever was in command such as Kup or Ultra Magnus, and only while he was in there. Even his best friend Inferno had barely seen the inside of his quarters. Red Alert just couldn't be too careful.

If anyone did come in they would notice that, despite Red Alert being stationed there for a few vorns, it was quite bare. There was a small desk with a computer, and several computer consoles and security monitors, but Red Alert kept no personal belongings. If anyone took an even closer look they would notice the edge of every wall panel and computer monitor were worn out from being broke open and carefully put back into place, a sign of Red Alert's paranoia over the possibility of being monitored.

Red Alert wouldn't have time to check the walls this time, he couldn't keep Bluestreak and Inferno waiting for too long. He didn't want them to get suspicious. This time Red Alert relied on his keen senses to make sure he wasn't being monitored, listening, looking, smelling over every nook and cranny in his office. Everything seemed to be clear, but the next time he would have to do a more thorough check just to be safe.

Going to his desk he turned on the computer and entered in another long security code. Once he had access Red Alert went to his personal log and opened up a new one. For a moment Red Alert calmed himself enough to sit down in front of the computer, which activated a visual sensor and several audio sensors to record him.

"Security Director Red Alert's personal log; I should have seen this coming earlier when I learned of Optimus' disappearance. I worried so much that without Prime the Decepticons would be more aggressive with their attacks, but now I see that our greatest enemy is right within our ranks!"

Red Alert got out from his chair, he was too worked up to sit still. He paced around his personal quarters, the audio sensors still recording his every word.

"Several breems ago I picked up an unusual scent in the Ark-22 hallways, which eventually led me to the shuttle bay to discover that one of the shuttles was missing. Wheeljack gave me plenty of explanations, all conveniently AFTER I discovered them, not to mention a report on the missing shuttle THAT HAD BEEN FILED OVER A CYCLE LATE! At first I only had suspicions, but after looking over the ship's sensor logs I noticed something; the sensors had been DIVERTED AWAY FROM THE SHUTTLE BAY!"

Red Alert had to stop himself for a moment. His frustration over Wheeljack's lies was getting him worked up. He needed to clear his processors before he continued.

"But there's more! Later when I returned to the bridge I discovered that the Ark-19 had jettisoned an escape pod and gone to transwarp. No one told me anything of this, so of course I contacted Prowl to find out. His was response was that the Ark-19 had been sent for repairs and weapons upgrades. Well that certainly makes sense, after all the ship was badly damaged and we don't have enough resources to get it fixed ourselves. But.... THAT STILL DOESN'T EXPLAIN THE ESCAPE POD! WHO WAS ON THAT ESCAPE POD? WHY WAS IT LAUNCHED IF THEY WERE AUTHORIZED TO LEAVE FOR REPAIRS!"

Red Alert punched the wall as he yelled this, partially opening one of the panels he had checked behind in the past. Prowl's deceit over the Ark-19 was the most unnerving thing. After working with the strategist countless times on so many of the most top secret operations in Autobot command, he thought he could trust him. Again he cleared his mind before he continued- he would have to finish soon before Bluestreak and Inferno started to wonder.

"There's a conspiracy here, and it goes all the way up to Prowl! For now I'll have to be extra careful, to perform my duties without making it obvious that I'm on to them! Right now I'll be going to the mess hall for drinks with Bluestreak and.... Inferno. Slaggit I hate to think that I can't trust my own friend, but there's no telling how far this conspiracy has gone! For all I know he may have lured me to the training facility as a distraction, to keep me from finding out what I have! Maybe the next few breems will help me decide if I can trust either of them, for Primus' sake I hope Inferno isn't a part of this! But whatever is going on, I will find out and stop it before the Autobots are destroyed from within!"

Red Alert walked back to the computer and shut off the recording monitors. As he entered in a series of encryptions and security codes to the log file, he wondered why he made the log. It certainly helped clear his spark, getting his suspicions out, but otherwise there was no logical reason for doing so. Still he didn't have much time to contemplate such things, he had to join up with the others quickly.

Shutting off the computer, he went to the door and went through the the arduous task of unlocking it with more codes before the door opened and he stepped out.

Once in the corridor the security director turned around and entered another complex series of numbers to lock the door behind him. The security director's cooling fans took in a long inhale, then exhale.

"Right then, just act natural.", Red Alert nervously said to himself as he turned and waited for Bluestreak and Inferno, forcing a smile one his face.

Just act natural, just act natural....

Bridge

Bluestreak was ecstatic to hear both Inferno and even Red Alert agree to have drinks with him down in the mess hall. It would do them all a bit of good to just relax for awhile after the long trip back from Cybertron. None of them had really gotten a chance to just rest and recharge and that was especially true for the paranoid security director who always seemed to be on duty and worried about something going wrong. Red’s overreaction to being touched too many times along with his apparemt reluctance to believe Prowl’s explanation for the missing Ark-19 only served to reinforce that notion. At least now they could all kick back and remain calm. “Glad to hear it, buddy,” Blue replied as Red Alert abruptly left the bridge for his quarters. “No rush. We’ll be along shortly. Don’t you worry!”

Once the chief of security had left, the gunner turned towards the fire-bot and smiled. “What type of drink? Well, any type you want, Inferno! The energon synthesizers here on the Ark-22 can concoct any kind of drink you can image with whatever additives you can think of. Of course, it’s not the real deal, nothing is, but it’s better than some of the slag I’ve tasted. And let me tell you, I’ve had the displease of tasting some real disgusting stuff during my time amongst the Autobots. Quite often I think the higher-ups just get the cheapest synthesizers available or they simply don’t care to keep up with the maintenance. The one back on Cybertron was absolutely terrible, I mean the lowest of the low. The energon that came out of that dispenser was like drinking cosmic rust. Yuck! Of course, that one hadn’t been turned on in countless vorns, so I guess I could understand why it didn’t work so well. However, we don’t have to worry about any of that here on the 22. The synthesizer down in the mess hall produces some of the best energon substitute this side of the galaxy. You won’t be disappointed!”

Bluestreak then checked his internal chronometer and realized that a breem had already gone by. Had I really been talking that long? It didn’t matter as it was time to go see if Red Alert was finally ready to head on down to the mess hall with them. “Come on, Inferno, time to meet up with Red. He should be done whatever he’s doing by now and even if he’s not, we’ll just pound on his door until he opens up. Heh heh!” The talkative mech then turned and exited the bridge, assuming that the fire-bot would be close behind him.

Corridor outside Red Alert’s Quarters

It was a brief walk to the security director’s personal quarters as it was located not far from the bridge, itself. Bluestreak immediately noticed Red Alert waiting patiently in the hallway for them. He appeared to be a bit agitated, but at least he was now smiling which was an expression that was not often seen coming from the paranoid ‘Bot.

“Hey, Red, you take care of everything you needed to in there?” The black and silver mech asked with a smile spread across his own faceplate as he stopped a few feet in front of his anxious comrade. “You don’t have a cute femmebot stashed away inside do you, Red? Come on now, you can tell me. I won’t say a word....or two....or even three. I can’t promise I won’t say four words, though. Ha ha! Just kidding! Come on, let’s go get that drink now!”

Corridor

Dear Primus, this is going to be hard, Red Alert thought as he kept the smile on his face as best as he could while Bluestreak prattled on and on.

"Heh, HA HA!", Red Alert forced out a laugh, "Good one, Bluestreak! Only if she broke the law! HA HA! But yes, I've filed my reports."

I hope that wasn't too obvious. But then, if I was running a conspiracy, would I want Bluestreak to be a part of it? He runs his vocalizer like his life depended on it, such a talkative bot couldn't hold a secret. Or maybe that's what Prowl wants me to think! Wait a minute, where's Inferno?

"I suppose Inferno is lagging behind, isn't he? He's never been particularly fast on his feet. Maybe we should wait for him and try not to walk too fast for him to catch up.", Red Alert said as casually as he could.

Or maybe he stayed behind to monitor my actions on the bridge! Could my best friend Inferno really be a part of this plot? Did they really turn my most trusted comrade against me? Of dear Primus, don't let it be true!

The security director continued to smile, even as his mind filled with accusations of betrayal and treason.

Corridor

Bluestreak smiled as Red Alert laughed at his poor attempt at humor. Of course there was no femme hidden away in the security director’s quarters, and even if there had been she’d never be able to handle his perpetual paranoia for long. Red would probably accuse her of being a spy who was trying to steal sensitive data from the Ark-22’s computer. Then Red would find himself being slapped hard across the faceplate before the angry femme stormed out of his room. That would surely have been a sight to see if it wasn't just one of the Autobot gunner's silly jokes.

“Well, that’s disappointing. For an astrosec there, I thought you had actually gotten lucky, Red! Ha ha! But, it’s good that you got your work done. That’s never a bad thing. You certainly don’t want to get backed up too much and find yourself buried under a ton of paperwork,” Bluestreak said to Red Alert, glancing back down the corridor at the mention of Inferno having not caught up to them yet. The black and silver mech scratched his perplexed cranium before returning his gaze to the security specialist. “Yeah, I don’t know what happened to him, Red. Inferno was on the bridge last time I saw him. I just assumed he had followed me out. Maybe he got caught up with something Springer wanted him to do at the last astrosecond. You never know. But we can walk along slowly for awhile and give the fire-bot a chance to catch up with us. No problem!”

The Autobot gunner gave Red Alert a friendly pat on the shoulder as he walked along beside the paranoid ‘Bot. Taking their time to the mess hall would allow for a good conversation to develop between the two. Naturally, it would mostly be one-sided with Blue doing most of the talking unless Red was able to find a way to get a word in edgewise somewhere in the continuous ramble. “I tell you Red, it’s good to get off the bridge finally. I was really getting bored running diagnostics and whatnot. Plus there weren’t that many mechs left on the bridge to talk with in order to help pass the time. That is, except for Arcee, but she seemed to be preoccupied with something else and mostly just let me do all the talking. Then she got a cranial ache. So, I don't think she likes me very much. I seem to have as much luck with femmes as you do! Ha! I'm just teasing, Red. Anyway, I then thought about going to look for Howlstrike to see what that crazy former Pred was up to, but then you and Inferno entered the bridge and, well, here we are!”

Bluestreak briefly paused as the two mechs rounded a corner before his vocal processor kicked in to high gear once again. “You know, Red, I was telling Inferno a little bit ago that the synthetic energon here on the 22 is some of the best around, real good high-grade stuff. No where near as good as the real thing, of course, but still much better than the usual slag we get stuck with. Goes down real smooth and easy. Have you had a chance to try it yet? If not, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Corridor

Red Alert said nothing, but listened as intently as he could as Bluestreak went on about fembots, work, and Inferno, all the while smiling like a greeting-drone.

Could Inferno be following some order from Springer? It's possible. He may be slow, but Inferno wouldn't be this far behind us unless he occupied with something else- like monitoring my movements! Maybe my friend really is part of this, how could he? And what about Springer? He hasn't left the ship since we arrived in this system, and he doesn't have as much of a history with Prowl as Bluestreak or Wheeljack, but he could have helped cover up the missing shuttle, even authorized the false shuttle report. Slaggit, I need to find an ally soon if I'm to keep track of all the pieces in this puzzle!

Just then the Autobot gunner patted the security specialist on the back. It took every byte of Red Alert's self control to keep from freaking out like he normally did. He noticibly twitched, but otherwise didn't do anything threatening or suspicious. Red Alert continued to listen.

Arcee seemed pre-occupied? It's possible she was just trying to avoid Bluestreak's nonstop banter, or maybe she's in on this too. That's one more for my list of potential conspirators.... Howlstrike? Yes, it would make sense that he would be a part in this. Maybe that's the whole reason he's here, tear the Autobots apart from the inside to make us easier targets for a Decepticon attack.... No, no, that's too obvious.... Unless that's what Prowl wants me to think!

Rounding a corner, Bluestreak began to rave about the quality of the energon in the Ark-22's dispensers. As he finished, the two reached the door to the mess hall.

"To be honest I'm usually too busy to refuel here, I usually have to get my recharge in the CR chamber.", Red Alert admitted, "But from what you're telling me, it certainly sounds good."

Yes.... Maybe too good.....

Red Alert pushed the button that opened the mess hall doors. At first he looked into the room with a level of suspicion, but quickly looked to Bluestreak with a friendly grin.

"After you."

Mess Hall

“Ahhhhh, you don’t know what you’re missing, Red,” Bluestreak said to the security director as they reached the mess hall doors. “I know that just plugging yourself in to a wall socket can be a nice way to get a quick recharge, but sometimes you just gotta sit back and relax, you know? Take your time. I think that may be half your problem, Red. You don’t relax enough. Well, that’s about to change, ol’ buddy, because now it relaxation time! Ha ha!”

Bluestreak watched as the paranoid mech pressed the controls, causing the doors to slide apart to reveal the vast chamber beyond. Red Alert then told the gunner that he could lead the way. “Don’t mind if I do,” Blue replied as he entered the large hall and quickly made his way over to the very energon dispensers he had just been raving about moments ago. He grabbed a tall glass and placed it under one of the nozzles, triggering the automated sensors that allowed the glowing purple liquid to cascade down and fill it up to the brim.

“Beautiful,” was all the black and silver mech could utter before raising the glass to his mouthpiece and gulping about half of the contents down. Bluestreak then placed the receptacle back onto the counter and wiped the excess from his faceplate. “Now, that’s some great energon derivative right there! I tell you Red, we should open a bar up here and sell this stuff. We’d make a bundle, especially after a long, hard battle with the ‘Cons. Mechs would come in and want to drink their woes away after a loss or celebrate a victory. We’d be rich, I tell you, rich! I....” The gunner stopped himself suddenly and looked over at Red Alert, a bit embarrassed as he realized that he had forgotten to get his anxious comrade a glass of his own.

“Frag, I’m sorry, Red. I didn’t mean to forget you. I guess I just don’t know when to shut up, do I? Story of my life. Heh! Anyway, your drink’s coming right up!” Bluestreak then turned back to face the energon dispensers where he filled a second tall glass up just like the first one, which was still sitting half full on the counter. “Here you go, Red. Would you like an additive or two mixed in? Perhaps something to spice your drink up like a pinch of beta-12 or maybe even a joint relaxant to help you unwind? There’s plenty to choose from here, you just gotta let me know." The gunner smiled before then adding, "So, what’s your poison?”

Mess Hall

Red Alert cautiously follwed behind Bluestreak into the mess hall, his advanced sensors keeping him fully aware of anything that could be going on.

No heat or energy signatures besides Bluesreak..... No unaccounted for sounds..... No visual clues to indicate any other mechs in here..... Doesn't appear to be an ambush....

Despite there being no signs of a suprise attack, Red Alert was not completely convinced. In his processors he kept repeating Bluestreak's earlier statements about the quality of the energon, trying to determine if there was something he gunner was saying without saying it. Red Alert had to stop his deep thinking though, as he realized Bluestreak was at it again.

Does his vocalizer ever wear out?

"I think bartenders spend more time listening to their customers then talking.", Red Alert replied with a smile, trying to make a good natured jab at Bluestreak's talkative nature, "Personally I'd rather just stick to security."

Red Alert took a seat at the nearest table, as the Autobot gunner apologized for making Red Alert wait for his drink.

"It's all right, Bluestreak.", Red Alert said as he magnified his optics to watch he gunner pour his drink closely.

Red Alert listened to Bluestreak as he described a few additives the securiy director could have in his drink. It was the last sentence, though, that made Red Alert's opics widen.

"Poison?", the security mumbled to himself, hoping Bluestreak didn't hear him.

Bluestreak wouldn't have asked 'what's my poison' if he was really going to poison me. Or maybe he said that because he knew that's what I'd think! Or maybe this is just a normal, non-lethal drink and he's being funny. This is where I find out if I can trust him, or if he's doing Prowl's dirty work.

"Nothing that will kill me too quickly! HA HA!", Red Alert forced a laugh.

Was that too obvious?

"Whatever you think is good, I'm not picky.", Red Alert answered as his optics focused on Bluestreak's hands and his drink, "I'm just dying to see if this energon substitute is as good as you say it is......"