The Energon Pub

Medical Bay

Howlstrike laughed at Sideswipe’s outburst as he kept a tight grip on Sunstreaker. “Heh, seems your brother is a bit concerned for your well being. Perhaps he doesn’t think you can handle me.” Howl’s grin widened but then quickly disappeared as the red twin came up from behind and tackled the Autobot hunter, throwing him face first to the floor.

Howlstrike shook his head in amazement. “Hey, Kup! I thought you had him!” There was no immediate response as Howl felt something hit him in the upper back. Oh no he didn’t, Howl thought to himself as he swiftly turned over onto his back. He was quickly greeted with a series of well-placed punches to the mid-section and upper torso from Sideswipe, who was now on top of him. Howl took each punch in stride, his smile growing larger with each one thrown. He figured he’d just let Siders unload on him a bit so maybe the twin would get it all out of his system. Hopefully, this would defuse the situation somewhat. Howl was tough so he could take some punishment.

“Is that all you got?” Howlstrike taunted. “You hit like a fraggin’ femmbot!” No sooner had he said that, Sideswipe’s fist then connected hard with Howl’s faceplate, knocking the tracker’s head abruptly to the side. An angry growl stirred deep in Howl’s throat as his gaze returned to the red twin. That last one actually hurt, but the green and black mech would never admit it.

“You done yet?” Howlstrike barked at Sideswipe just as another punch came his way. However, this one did not hit its target as Howl reached up with his free hand and grabbed the red twin’s throwing arm in mid swing. “Yeah, you’re done!” Howl said as he brought one leg up and kicked Sideswipe in the mid-section, knocking the red warrior backwards. The hunter’s anger was quickly growing into a rage. The situation had gotten way out of control and Howl was becoming increasingly more and more frustrated with these two Autobot twins. Hopefully, Kup would keep Sunstreaker busy so Howl wouldn't have to deal with both of them at the same time.

Now free to move, Howlstrike swiftly righted himself and stared down Sideswipe. “So, you like to take cheap shots from behind, do you?” Howl asked as his anger swelled within him. “Well, lucky for you, I’m not such a coward as I will attack you from the front!”

With the swiftness of a true predator, Howlstrike transformed into wolf mode and leapt through the air at Sideswipe, his claws out stretched and ready to rip the red twin apart!

(OOC: I got permission from Ember to post the above fight between our characters.)

Command Deck

The task of monitoring communication frequencies and all the different sort transmission waves was often a boring enterprise to undertake. There were times when it was advantageous to do so, for example after having a long term stint in combat, the down time was nice. Though for Bumblebee he always liked being out in the field, letting him be amongst the locals and be able to hone his skills, but this job was just as important. Though he doubted the chances of catching anything, Soundwave was far to skilled for any single bot to catch him. Though he wasn't perfect and eventually he slipped up.

Bumblebee was just starting to wonder if he was ever going to find some Decepticon traces buried somewhere in all of the communications traffic this planet had, when he finally found something. It was odd, it was an old style singal that appeared to have been bounced off of several relay stations as it was sent across the galaxy. It was using an antiquated encryption technique not used since before the mass evacuation from Cybertron, but one thing that was very clear about it was that it was a Decepticon signal.

His fingers danced over his control console as he did his best to isolate the signal and figure out what it was doing. After being bounced around the galaxy for so long it was difficult to decrypt and it was largely garbled as a result, but his optics suddenly lit up when he read perhaps one of the most important pieces of information he had ever seen in his life.

He instantly opened up a private com line to Optimus Prime

>>"Optimus, this is Bumblebee up in the command center. I just intercepted a Decepticon transmission that originated from outside this solar system. I was unable to decode the entire message, but I did get one important piece of information you want to hear. According to some Decepticon scientist, Cybertron is now capable of supporting life again."<<

Medical Bay

Sunstreaker was getting angrier and more frustrated at his current situation. The stupid Predacon had arrived with the old timer and now he thought he owned the slagging place. The anger he felt at Sideswipe was quickly being transferred to Howlstrike. There was nothing like some newcomer trying to steal the spot of the alpha warrior from him to get Sunstreaker to refocus his anger. Unfortunately Howlstrike had him in what seemed to be an ironclad grip. He kept struggling against the other Autobot to no avail. It was starting to look like it would take some sort of interference for him to have a chance of escaping. Fortunately it seemed like his reckless brother was going to provide just that distraction.

As Sideswipe slammed into Howlstrike Sunstreaker was knocked loose from the former Predacon’s grip. Unfortunately he did absorb some of the momentum from the collision and went stumbling backwards into a medical table and then collided with a wall. It took him a few seconds to regain his balance and his bearings, and in those few seconds Sideswipe and Howlstrike traded a flurry of blows. By the time he was ready to jump into the fray Howlstrike was transforming.

The Autobot warrior knew he wasn’t the strongest or the fastest Autobot around, although he’d never admit it to anyone. What he did have was a hell of a lot of skill and a slagging ton of experience. He knew what Howlstrike was going to do and so he made a move to counter it. He dived at the ground in between Sideswipe and Howlstrike, twisting so that he’d land on his back. As he hit the ground he brought his knees up to his chest, just as the other Autobot was leaping into the air. As the Autobot wolf leapt over him Sunstreaker lashed out with both of his legs, striking him in the underbelly and, at the very least, knocking him completely off course from landing on his brother.

A smirk broke out on Sunstreaker’s face as he leapt back to his feet. It had felt slagging good to finally get a solid hit in on someone. Hopefully that would just be a taste of what was to come. He looked over at Sideswipe and nodded his head in the direction of Howlstrike. The message should be pretty clear to him. Past transgressions between them could be forgotten in light of a common foe.

Corridors

Grimlock had successfully located and tapped into a relatively deserted computer terminal buried in the engineering section of the ship. He had learned quite a bit of information from the ship’s database. He found out how long they’d been out of action and how the war had developed during that lost time. Neither of those pieces of information made the Dinobot happy. The war had degenerated into a series of infiltrations on various planets across the galaxy, only breaking out into open warfare as a desperate last stage.

This was not the war he had fought so long ago. It was a war he and his team was not suited for. The team was formed with the idea of no rules. They all chafed under the leadership and organization of the Autobots. Put in their own unit, led by himself, they had been allowed to do what they wanted and scored several victories. Their methods were violent, brutal, efficient and effective. There was no way they would be able to work under the cautious and covert methods of infiltration. He was definitely going to have to bend the rules for them to get back into action.

The Dinobot also found out about the other Autobot vessels in the area. There was one ship in orbit that they had used for the orbit bounce back to this vessel. It was kept in stealth mode to avoid detection by both the Decepticons and the humans. The only other vessel nearby was the one that had brought Kup and some others to this planet recently. From what he could tell the ship permanently stationed in orbit was rarely manned by more than one or two Autobots at a time, if any at all. It would be his target.

With that information Grimlock had taken to walking the corridors of the ship. He’d downloaded a schematic from the computer terminal so he knew his way around relatively well. It didn’t take him long to reach the Training room that the Dinobots and others were using.

Training Room

Grimlock spotted the various Dinobots fighting with drones. It wasn’t exactly real combat but hopefully it would be enough for them to let off some steam, especially in Slag’s case. He yelled out so as to be heard over the various sounds of battle. “Dinobots! Me need to talk to you! Now!”

Medical Bay

He had taken a few good hits, especially the one to his side. The gash was large and painful, but he never showed it. Of course he had gotten a few good shots in on Megatron as well. Prime was sure the Decepticon Leader was in the same place he was in now. It seemed that a CR chamber was the only place he could find some solace in these days. There were just some times he needed to clear his processor and take a step back and observe; now was as good a time as any.

As the chamber went to work on the final repair Optimus received a private comm. from Bumblebee. The minibot had been working on picking up on Decepticon subspace messages, and from the sound of the yellow Bot’s voice he may have found something. Optimus listened to the message carefully. He was surprised by what he was told and responded immediately.

>>”Understood, Bumblebee. I’m on my way.”<<

The cycle of the CR chamber came to an end causing the door to open with its trademarked hiss. Optimus Prime stepped out fully recovered from all of his injuries he sustained in battle. He moved swiftly out of the Medical Bay and to the Command Center.

Command Center

Prime passed through the door and made his way to Bumblebee’s station. He placed a hand on the smaller mech’s shoulder and addressed him.

“Let’s hear what you’ve got.”

Training Room

As he watched his friend punch in the commands on the terminal Hot Rod couldn’t help but chuckle at Smokescreen and at Arcee’s response to him. Hot Rod leaned against the wall as he waited, but as usual he could not leave well enough alone.

“You know Arcee I will face Megatron again, and when I do he’ll have to look out for me.”

Hot Rod looked back at Smokescreen with a wide grin and a nod. If anything the cavalier knew how to get to Arcee. However, before he could get a response from her she transformed and took off. Hot Rod pushed off from the wall and stared slack jawed at her speeding form. He was brought back to reality by weapons fire at his feet.

“Hey! Slagit!”

He transformed and called out to Smakescreen.

“Come on Smokey! You’rein on this too!” He sped off after the pink femme toward the hill.

*********

With a primal howl Slag sliced through the arms of the battle drone as if they were nothing. He then quickly back stepped and swung his arm backwards and thoroughly decapitated the machine. Parts and lubricants covered the Dinobot as he stepped away from the pile of scrap. Slag seethed with anger over what his Commander had done. He needed to kill something; now.

He looked around the massive training facility and caught glimpses of the other Dinobots battling their own drones. He then saw Grimlock enter the room. Slag gritted his teeth and began to stalk over to the Dinobot Commander. He called over the sounds of battle to Grimlock.

“You got a lot of nerve showing your fraggin face in here! Did you come here to get another dent in your face?”

Command Center

Bumblebee looked up when Optimus Prime placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Well I didn't get much from the transmission, but from what I've gathered it was a signal from Thunderwing it appears. It has been bounced of at least a dozen relay stations and outposts across the galaxy to reach here. Although I was able to decrypt most of the message, all of the bouncing around it has done has made it pretty garbled. Here I'll play back what I got."

Bumblebee then hit a button on his console and played back what he had gotten of the message.

Training Room

Snarl had been busy tearing drones apart with his bare hands trying to gurn off some of the rage that he pent up over Grimlock's actions. Problem was he just kept letting what had happened play over and over again in his mind. He couldn't shake the feelings of betrayal. He couldn't resolve it no matter what way he tried to rationalize it, all of what had happened only fueled his anger, which was aimed right at Grimlock.

It was only when he heard Slag yelling at Grimlock that Snarl finally looked up. Just like last time the flamethrower was berating the Dinobot Commander, and Snarl got up and walked over to where the two were squaring off.

He looked over at this comrade.

"I would save it Slag, the armour around his processor is to thick, he only understand his own messed up programming." He then looked back at Grimlock, optics locking together. "I've been trying to figure it out, trying to come to terms with what you did to us Grimlock and the only conclusion I can come to is that you did it to satisfy your own petty pride. I'm done with this, and I am done with you! So you can go frag yourself for all I care. I'm out." He then shoved past Grimlock, letting his should armour clang against the other Bots. "I'm not a Dinobot anymore." He said before exiting the training room, not even considering a look back.

Medical Bay

He may not be a Predacon anymore, but Howlstrike could still act like one at times, allowing his anger to override common sense in heated situations. When most Autobots would react a bit more calmly, Howl tended to react with a bit more hostility. Over the stellar-cycles, his friend Kup had managed to help Howl pacify his aggression to a certain extent, but not completely eliminate it. There were still times that the Autobot hunter lost control and lashed out without thinking first. This was one of those times.

Howlstrike had not thought before leaping at Sideswipe. He had not taken note of what Sunstreaker was doing and therefore was not prepared for when the golden warrior appeared beneath him and kicked Howl directly in the underbelly with both legs. The mechanical wolf was sent flying off course, causing the beast to crash into a nearby control console. Sparks flew everywhere as Howl then landed on the floor, a bit shaken by the sudden blow from Sunstreaker.

Howlstrike shook his wolf head from side to side in order to regain his composure. He then quickly transformed back to robot mode and turned to face the Autobot twins. He caught sight of Sunny nodding towards his red brother, apparently wanting to call a truce in the face of a common foe. The problem was that Howl was not their enemy. He had simply been trying to stop the two brothers from fighting each and causing a mess of the Med Bay. Unfortunately, that had not turned out so well and now Howl was involved in the scuffle, as well.

“So, you two don’t want to fight each other no more, eh?” Howlstrike growled at them, his anger subsiding a bit as he looked to Kup for assistance. Howl then drew out his sword and took a defensive stance. “Well, that’s fine with me. If you two bickering dolts want a real fight, then I’ll give you one!”

Training Room

Smokescreen smiled when Arcee warned him not to encourage Hot Rod. Of course, the cavalier didn’t need any encouragement from Smokey or anyone else for that matter to do something dangerous or ill advised. Hot Rod was more than capable of doing that all by himself.

“I’m not encouraging you am I, Hot Rod?” Smokey asked jokingly as he watched the pink-tinted femmbot finally punch a new program into the control console. She then transformed and sped away as she delivered another warning to the Autobot duo. Their surroundings then changed into a rocky hill and suddenly a barrage of faux laser fire came raining down around them. “Oh, slag! Take cover, Roddy!” Smokey shouted as he dove behind a simulated boulder. The lasers were not real, but the diversion expert knew all too well that they still stung like a motherboard.

“Well, looks like I don’t have to pick a training program for myself!” Smokey shouted as he peered out from behind his cover only to see that Hot Rod had already transformed and was racing after Arcee. Smokey felt kinda silly for hiding behind a rock while Hot Rod sped head on into the battle as he usually did. “Okay, I’m coming!” Smokey replied, jumping out from behind the boulder and transforming into race car mode. The diversion expert then sped away towards the hill and the flag perched on top.

*********

Sludge had just destroyed another drone when he heard Grimlock enter the room and shout to the Dinobots present. Unlike Slag and Snarl, the Jungle Warrior was not as angry with their leader. He was disappointed with the Dinobot Commander’s actions for sure, but Grimlock was still the strongest and the strongest should always lead. It was a belief that Sludge had long held and was one he would not discard even now.

Sludge trudged over to where Grimlock stood. Slag was already there berating him again. Snarl made his displeasure known, as well, before stomping out of the training room and declaring himself an ex-Dinobot. Sludge let out a heavy sigh before looking at his leader with a sense of desperation. “Grimlock, you strongest leader me ever know. Me understand why you did what you did even though me don't like it. Me also get why others mad at you. But team must stay together! Do something before Dinobots no more!”

Training Room

“Eating my dust twice in one day Hot Rod?”

Arcee couldn’t help but broadcast a jibe towards her fellow, youthful Autobot as her sleek, pink and white tinted frame sped up the rocky hillside, a veritable hailstorm of firepower raining down around her. She was pushing her engine for all it was worth, the roar of which almost bellowed over the simulated explosions erupting just inches from her tires.

“I’m thinking you might need a name change, Lead Foot? Slow Poke?...”

Arcee was being forced to skid, twist and turn almost every several metres, narrowly avoiding the incoming projectiles, or risk being eliminated by her own programme.

Now that wouldn’t go down to well at all.

“Speed Limit”?

Suddenly she stopped, slamming on the breaks and her entire frame all but flipped back end over front. It was all intended however, her sleek frame rapidly shifting gears and changing shape, transforming into her lithe, Fembot form. She effortlessly landed on both feet, spinning and ducking behind the cover of a bolder in a single, fluid movement.

The concentration of fire had become too intense this far up the hill; it was time for speed to be sacrificed in favour of precision. That, and a little firepower, some of which was represented by the rifle that was pulled from subspace and into her waiting hands.

Perhaps, when all was said and done, she might even be able to hammer the concept of team work into her…infuriating…friends cranium. She wasn’t too hopeful on that front.

“Smokescreen…”

Arcee opened up her com to the third member of the trio in this exercise, preparing herself for a renewed dash up the hill.

“…we could use some cover”.

Training room/holographic representation of Ironhide's quarters

Ironhide leapt over the drone and fired through its head. As the lifeless husk fell, Ironhide jumped back and hid behind a holo-created version of his trophy case. A laser went through one of the faux trophies, and there was a holographic shattering. Ironhide gritted his theeth, trying to fake anger.

"That was my fav'rit one, Deceptic-punk!" he cried.

He jumped through the air, and as soon as he'd cleared the trophy case, opened fire with the water gun built into his arm. Glue-like substance slammed into the wall, where the holographic image of a drill was beginning to cut through the wall. The drill disappeared. Ironhide snarled and blew up three more drones. Suddenly, an alarm sounded. The holograms disappeared. Grumbling, Ironhide walked into the main corridors.

"Seriosuly, what's goin' on?" he cried. "I was gittin' to th' good part!"

Ratchet stepped forward, a look of sheer horror on his face. Ironhide noticed that Ratchet was holding his laser rifle. Instinctively, Ironhide loaded his own rifle, all while seeking an explanation.

"What happened?"

"The Decepticons...they are infiltrating the base!" Ratchet cried. "Optimus, Bumblebee, and the Dinobots were caught in the crossfire! We need reinforcements!"

Grimly, Ironhide and Ratchet ran down the hall, expecting at any minute to be met by a deadly horde of Seekers weilding null-rays and laser rifles. Instead, they found Bluestreak, Arcee, and Hot Rod ducking around the corner, unleashing a deadly barrage of laser fire. Laughing, Ironhide hid close to the wall, occasionally blasting Decepticons and then once again drawing back.

"How'd this happen?" he cried.

"We don't know!" exclaimed Bluestreak.

Without speaking, the five Autobots decided to make a charge. Several allies were trapped, and they had to save them. As Hot Rod lead the charge, Ironhide fell behind. Whatever happened, he'd never give up. Never!

Command Center

Skids' head remained bowed over his work as various Autobots came and went from the area. With everyone back on board, he was free to go back to his own projects again. So far he'd seen a couple blog reports from nosy humans in the surrounding Nevada environs commenting on a "vague loud disturbance" from the direction of Area 51 that was "probably the military up to no good", but nothing substantial. He suspected the region was likely too isolated for any civilians to learn any real details, and he only had access to that publicly-available information, not being skilled in cryptography or "hacking".

His attention was caught by Optimus Prime's arrival, though, and his curiosity further piqued by who the incoming message was from. "Thunderwing's still alive?" he blurted out loud without thinking, before shutting his mouth to listen to what Bumblebee had intercepted.

Training Room / Simulation

Smokescreen roared up the hill in his race car mode, evading laser blasts as he went. He quickly caught up to Hot Rod and pulled along side him. “Wow, Arcee’s pretty intense, Roddy!” Smokey shouted over the faux explosions. “And she says you’re too reckless going into battle. Look at her now going full speed ahead!” Another laser blast struck the ground between the two Aubobot racers, forcing Smokey to swerve away from Hot Rod. The diversion expert then received Arcee’s comm. requesting cover.

>>Roger that, Arcee!<< Smokescreen commed back to the pink femmbot as laser guns emerged from his head lights. He took aim at the holo-Decepticons and opened fire, striking several of them while missing others. The ones that he hit fell backwards and flickered before finally fading away. However, there were still more enemy targets emerging, all intent on keeping the trio away from the flag perched on the hilltop.

Suddenly, an explosion erupted next to Smokescreen, causing him to skid sideways and flip over onto his roof. “Ahhh, slaggit!” The red and blue mech was okay with only a few minor scrapes and dents. Smokey then quickly transformed to ‘bot mode and took cover behind a faux tree as more lasers came his way. Pulling out his rifle, he fired back, hitting two more holo-cons dead center. These guys are intense! Smokey thought as he reloaded his rifle. Arcee must’ve set the simulator on an advanced level.

Seemingly pinned down behind the fake tree, Smokescreen thought of what to do next. It quickly became apparent that a diversion was the only option that would allow his friends to reach the flag. And since Smokey was the resident diversion expert, it was up to him to execute this maneuver.

Transforming back to his Nissan 350z alt mode, Smokescreen raced out from behind the faux tree and headed sideways up the hill, increasing the distance between himself and his companions. “Hey you Decepti-fakers! Over here! Come and get me if you can!” Smokey shouted as he unleasehd a hail of laser fire on the holo-cons at a relentless pace. He then opened up a commlink to Hot Rod and Arcee:

>>Okay, guys. While I got them distracted, you two head for the flag! Hurry, though, before those holo-cons realize what’s happening!<<

Training Facility

“Slow poke?! Well I never!” Hot Rod chuckled at Arcee’s jibe; he also sped up in order to catch the pink femme. Hot Rod then turned his attention to Smokescreen who also accelerated in an attempt to keep up.

“Intense is not the word, Smokey. If she’s not careful I’ll have to pull her pretty little chassis out of the fire.”

He sped past Smokescreen and right after Arcee. He stopped just a few feet below where she transformed and reverted to his robot mode as well. He took aim with his arm mounted laser guns and fired on two simulated Decepticons. He then opened a link to Arcee.

>>”Arcee, do you have any type of plan or are we playing this by ear?”<<

Medical Bay

Sideswipe watched as his twin performed a maneuver only Sunstreaker was capable of. The former Predacon was thrown to the floor in a heap giving Sideswipe time to get back to his feet. He took a fighting stance and glanced at his brother. He smiled as he saw the nod and quickly returned it with one of his own.

“Give it up loser, you’re out numbered….” He looked to Sunstreaker. “….and out classed.”

Kup stood by long enough, he had hoped a beating form Howlstrike would settle things, but it just made things worse. Kup drew his weapon and fired a shot into the floor between the twins. It would get their attention and if it didn’t he’d surely take them down himself.

“That’s enough, all of you!” The elder Autobot pointed his musket at Sunstreaker, knowing he was the more aggressive of the two.

Sideswipe nearly jumped when Kup fired into the floor near Sunstreaker and him. He swiftly stood down and looked to his brother. With a scowl on his face he looked back at Kup.

“This would have never happened if you hadn’t sicked your little pet on Sunny.”

Kup’s face twisted into a frown, the old warrior then stalked up to Sideswipe and placed the muzzle of his weapon under the crimson warriors chin. Kup then moved in close making it impossible for Sideswipe to move.

“I want you and your degenerate brother to get your afts to the training facility and burn off some of this vented up steam. If you refuse I will, without hesitation, put a hole in your cranial unit.”

Sideswipe knew for a fact Kup was not a mech to screw with. The only option, if he wanted to keep his head in tact, was to do as ordered.

“Fine. But keep that thing away form me and Sunny.”

Sideswipe pushed away from Kup and moved toward the door. “Come on Sunny, it’s starting to stink in here.”

Training Room

“As dazzling a concept as this is for you Hot Rod…”

Arcee briefly paused her communication amongst team mates as the pink tinted Fem suddenly popped up from behind cover and let off two rapid shots. One simulated Decepticon went down, a smoking hole penetrating his chest plate, others darted aside to avoid an early deactivation.

“…I always have a plan”.

That’s when Smokescreen made his move, the diversion expert earning his credits, drawing a heavy chunk of enemy fire down one flank. The pink tinted Fem was of the mind to do something similar, be it in her own fashion.

“Don’t worry; I’m sure it will appeal to you…”

Arcee hid a small smile, knowing full well that she shouldn’t be fuelling the Cavaliers fire anymore than Smokescreen was earlier.

“…just do what you do best, and grab that Flag!”

Suddenly she was gone, effortlessly vaulting over the boulder that was providing her with her cover, and charging up the hill. She did not, however, race head on, instead the young Fembot charged down the opposite flank to Smokescreen, unleashing a strafing hail of firepower from her rifle as she went.

The simulated Decepticons found their attentions caught on both flanks, dividing their fire and perimeter down both left and right, the centre temporarily free and clear.

It wouldn’t last, but some Bots only needed the briefest moment to get the job done.

Training Room

The doors to the training room slid open and Springer popped in. The triplechanger had arrived with Prime and Kup but he’d been stuck on the ship ever since. They needed someone to stay behind and he wasn’t real eager to pick out a new alternate mode. There was a severe dearth of armored rocket cars on this planet. He wasn’t really worried about his looks though, it was more about what taking a native alternate mode meant. He wasn’t really an infiltration type of bot. With any luck this was just going to be a brief stopover before he got sent out on a real mission.

In the meantime he had been bored stiff. He could almost feel himself rusting and locking up from lack of activity. He’d heard that the rest of the Autobots were back at the base, repaired and off for some training. While not quite as good as a real battle it could be fun.

The green Autobot glanced around the room, taking in the scenario that was being projected. It was an outdoor scenario, probably based on the planet they were on now. There were a variety of drones firing at the Autobots who were trying to get up a hill. It was a tough scenario, what with the drones having a nice defensive position firing down from a hill. It looked like a perfect challenge for him to get a work out.

The triplechanger transformed into his car mode and raced up the hill. He drove right for a line of drones well below the top of the hill, weathering a few blasts on his armored hide. The simulation took into account his heavy armor and he barely felt the blasts so far. He transformed at the last moment into his robot form and lashed out at the drone directly in front of him with his sword, slicing it in half.

Springer spared a quick glance over at Hot Rod, Arcee and Smokescreen before slamming his fisting into the face of another drone. “Hey guys, hope you don’t mind me popping in. If I sat around for another nanosecond I was going to go crazy.” He kicked another drone in the chest, sending it stumbling down the rest of the hill. “So what’s our objective here, take down all of the drones?”

Medical Bay

Sunstreaker felt better about this. Sure, Sideswipe probably still needed a bit of smacking around but this new guy really needed to get knocked down a peg or two. Who the slag did he think he was coming in here and acting like he owned the place, telling him what to do and threatening him? They’d show him how things worked around here.

The beatdown was going to have to wait though. The Autobot warrior nearly drew his own gun out of pure instinct when Kup fired off his warning shot. He balled his right hand into a fist and clenched it for a moment, trying to release some of his pent up anger in that action. He relaxed his hand, but only a slight amount of his anger had burned off.

He watched in silence and with a blank expression as Kup talked one on one with Sideswipe. He made to follow Sideswipe out of the room but paused in front of Kup. “Next time you fire that weapon old-timer, be ready to take some incoming fire. I’m not gonna fight my warrior instincts next time. Also, don’t ever pull that slag you just pull on Sideswipe on me. I don’t back down as easy.” With that he walked out the door after Sideswipe, making sure to bump into Howlstrike fairly hard with his shoulder on the way out.

Sunstreaker quickly joined his brother outside the medical bay walking down the corridors. There were a few seconds of silence until a slight grin formed on his face. “You know Sideswipe, you totally flinched when Kup fired his gun.”

Medical Bay

“Outnumbered? Outclassed?” Howlstrike replied to Sideswipe with a sneer on his face plate. “Hardly. There’s not enough class between you two to fill an energon cube.” Howl prepared for an attack from both twins, bringing his energo-sword to bare and maintaining a defensive stance all the while keeping both optics on the two troublemakers. It was then that Kup entered the fray, firing off a warning shot into the floor from his musket.

Howlstrike relaxed a bit as the old timer conversed with Sideswipe. The Autobot hunter smiled, something he seldom did, as Kup stuck the muzzle of his gun under the red mech’s chin and ordered him and Sunstreaker to the training room or else. Howl slowly put his sword away and watched intently as Sideswipe made his way to the med bay door and exited. He was followed soon afterwards by his brother, but not before Sunny made a few threatening remarks to Kup. Howl let out a low growl as the golden warrior walked by him. Sunny then intentionally leaned in and bumped his shoulder into the former Predacon. Taking in a deep breath, Howl decided to ignore the weak attempt to inflict pain on him and made his way over to Kup’s side.

“Sorry I lost my temper, Kup. Those two were really starting to irritate me,” Howlstrike spoke to his friend in a calmed down voice, hoping the old mech wouldn’t be too upset with him. Howl tried his best to remain calm and collected, even in the face of adversity. These weren’t the first two Autobots who didn’t like him, and it probably stemmed from the fact that Howl used to fight for the other side. Some mechs just don’t believe in second chances. Thankfully, Kup did and Howlstrike was grateful for it.

“I should probably meditate for a bit to help cool my circuits,” Howlstrike said, looking at Kup. “Unless, of course, you need me for anything.”

Command Center

Optimus Prime looked down on the seated Bumblebee. He had done well and Prime made note to thank him once things had calmed down…if they calmed down. Prime banished the thought of the war never ending and returned to here and now. He needed to know what Megatron was planning, but the transmission from Cybertron had to be looked into very carefully.

Prime punched in a few authorization codes and filtered the transmission through the communications console. Once the finished Prime listened to what was being said. It was not a lot and by far from clear, but it turned out that Cybertron was becoming habitable once more.

At the end of the transmission prime stood up to his full height. The Autobot Commander crossed his arms over his chest and thought for a moment. He then opened up a comm. link with Ultra Magnus. He needed advise, and a friend.

>>”Ultra Magnus, if you would please join me in the Command Center; there is something rather important I wish for you to hear.”<<

Training Room

Kup, turned his head up to ceiling and sighed heavily. The confrontation between the twins and Howlstrike was not the first one he had to break up between his student and other Autobots. Frankly it was wearing on the old timer, but he was not one to give up so easily he’d see to it that Howlstrike was accepted even if it killed him.

Kups lowered he head so he could look at his student. It wasn’t his fault, but Howlstrike had to learn to control his temper.

“Howl, I know these guys get under your plating, but you have to learn to take things in stride. Don’t let what anyone says about you turn you into one of them. You’re better than that.”

Kup placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder and gave him a slight smile.

“Now come on, you need to meditate, and I need a drink.”

Command Center

Bumblebee didn't need to hear any thanks from Optimus Prime to know the Autobot leader was pleased. Prime was not the sort of leader to lash out harshly at a subordinate even when they did something wrong, although he did so on a rare occasion. However, the Autobot spy had served under Prime's direct command long enough to read the body language to know that his leader was pleased with what he had accomplished. Although Bumblebee was always content to do his duty for the Autobot war effort, given that he idolized Optimus so much though knowing he had accomplished his role up to Prime's standards always helped to boost his self confidence.

After Prime has reviewed Bumblebee's work what happened next surprised the minibot as he called for Ultra Magnus to meet with him personally. Given that Prime has used his personal com unit meant that Magnus was already on planet, Optimus must have summoned him. Although Bumblebee was always reassured by the presence of the Autobot's most prominent field commander, the spy knew that the presence of Ultra Magnus meant that things were deadly serious.

* * *

The large figure of Ultra Magnus moved through the corridors of the Ark-19, although he had never been on this particular ship before, he was familiar with its class and knew the lay out of the ship well. He had just gotten the message that Optimus Prime wanted to see them. He already knew it was of urgent importance given that Prime had ordered his redeployment to this world. The doors of the command center slid open as the large, and powerfully built Ultra Magnus stepped inside and crossed the floor to his supreme commander.

"Optimus, it is always good to see you in top functioning condition." He said as he extended his hand in greating. There was no need for formality between the two mechs, they had known each other since day one of the war when they began their training under the venerable Kup. "Now, what is it you want me to hear?"

As Smokescreen and the others moved, on, Ironhide took care of the oncoming holo-drones. Throwing down his rifle, he punched one drone, then another. As one drone prepared to fire at him, he picked up his rifle and blew it up.

"I'm coming, guys!" he called. "Keep going!"

Transforming, he raced ahead and toppled a drone. As he caught up to his allies, he whirled around and blasted his enemy before transforming back into robot mode and taking cover. Biting his lip, he opened fire on the holo-Cons. A few of them rezzed out.

"Hurry!" he said. "Get the flag!"

He raced back toward the drones, punching and blasting them. Soon, there were holographic images of dead drones lying everywhere. Turning, he raced forward and headed for the flag.

Command Center

Optimus Prime stood up from the console when Ultra Magnus entered the room. He felt more at ease knowing that his brother was here. Prime moved toward Ultra Magnus and took his hand in his. He made sure his grasp was firm and steady.

“Thank you, Magnus. I need you to listen to this communiqué between Thunderwing and Megatron. It would seem, old friend that something is happening to Cybertron.”

Optimus stepped back to the control console and set to work in bringing up the aforementioned transmission. Once accessed the sporadic communication spewed forth the news of a healing home world; one that was now hospitable to its children. The message, however, did not mention any up and coming plans by the Decepticon Leader.

Prime punched in a few commands and the transmission ceased. His optics brightened as he looked back to his brother in arms; his processor full of hope.

“Thoughts?”

Command Center

He had long ago gotten used to the sudden wave of relief that passed over his comrades whenever he made his presence known, but to Ultra Magnus he had never gotten used to it. He found it eerie that he had that effect on others when he never felt confident or calm, but his nature had lead him to always put on a calm face and to be cool headed. He even noticed the sudden relief on Optimus' face and in his optics. Even the Autobot leader was calmed by the appearance of the porminant field commander.

He stood back and listened to the message that was exchanged between Megatron and Thunderwing. Magnus was astonished to hear the information exchanged between the two, Cybertron was capable of supporting life again, this was news that could change the face of the war. Even if the planet was only in the early stages of recovery, it was still recovering. The large and powerful Autobot stroked his chin as he thought, his processor racing as he considered the possibilities of what could come of this. Of course he also had a good idea of what the Decepticons were likely to do as well.

"Well I think I have a pretty good idea of what Megatron is going to do. He is going to send a team to Cybertron to secure strategic locations and resources left behind during the evacuation before moving to take the rest of the planet." Magnus said in response to Optimus' question. "I think our response should be the same. The obvious first move we should take is to assemble a team, probably made up of two groups, one a heavy tactical squad, the other a recon team. We should move to secure a beachhead on Cybertron and establish a base of operations, with the recon team locating several old stores of supplies and weapons left behind. The tactical team can be used to keep tabs on the Decepticons and be used to frustrate their own efforts. As all of this is going on a larger force should be assembled from any available units we have not currently assigned to critical locations, and sent to Cybertron as part of a larger effort to bring the planet under our control."

He turned to look Optimis in the optics.

"Of course those are just my thoughts. The decision is ultimately yours."

Training Room

Hot Rod transformed to his robot form and watched as Arcee vaulted over the boulder and made her way to flank Smokescreen. He smiled as she performed her maneuver with flawless accuracy. The cavalier had to admit his femme friend had the moved and the brains, she also had the looks. He was quickly brought out of his reverie when Arcee shouted for him to get the flag.

“You got it sweetie!”

Hot Rod jumped from his cover with his arm lasers blazing. He made a hit on a drone, but had to roll out of the way from incoming fire from another. Rising from his position he performed a roundhouse kick to the head of another drone effectively removing it. He worked ever closer to the flag when he heard Springer enter the fray.

“Springer! Good to see you!” Hot Rod planted his fist into the face of another done as he continued to answer his best friend. “The object, oh springy one, is to capture the flag!” Hot Rod turned to face his friend and flashed a confident smile. “And I’ve got it.”

Training Room

Grimlock sighed silently to himself as Slag started yelling at him. He knew how the other Dinobot worked, how he thought. He had a great deal of respect for Slag but sometimes he could be so damn difficult. The Dinobot leader was going to have to end this by going to Slag’s level. He knew the other Dinobots would understand, as this wouldn’t be the first time an argument had come down to this between them.

Once Slag was close enough Grimlock reared back and delivered a massive uppercut to the other Dinobot. The blow caught him by surprise and was strong enough to lift him completely off his feet. He crashed to the ground on his rear with a loud thud. Grimlock pointed a figure down at the prone Dinobot. “Now we even for earlier Slag. Now SHUT UP and listen to me!”

That was one Dinobot down but there was another one to go. Snarl was still angry about what had happened and started to storm off. As the other Dinobot purposefully banged into him with his shoulder Grimlock latched on to him. He dragged Snarl back towards him, preventing him from marching off as he intended. He would hold his team together by sheer strength of will and just by plain old strength if he had too.

“Listen to me for moment before you go stomping off!” He looked up and addressed all of the Dinobots. “Me was wrong, me big enough to admit that. What me did, put all our lives at risk for revenge, it not worth it. Me see that now. Didn’t see big picture before but me see it now. Can’t throw away our lives seeking revenge. Overall war is more important.”

Grimlock paused for a moment. He had never really been much of a talker and explaining this to his team might be difficult. Not all of them were what you would consider to be very bright. “War going badly while we gone. Cybertron is dead, torn up and poisoned by war. Now Autobots and Decepticons fight across galaxy. Covert operations on alien planets, try to trick natives into killing themselves, the Decepticons take over. Autobots fight back, but covertly too. This not the war we remember. War turned into game of hiding and sneaking. That not war we built for. That not type of war we can win.”

“We need to fight war our way. Fight in open with everything we have. This sneaking around war, it not winnable, but Autobots think it is. Believe too much in Prime. It my fault we not around. Maybe if we were war go differently, maybe Cybertron still alive. Me not know, but what me do know is that we need to change war and soon. We built for all out fighting, so that’s what we need to do. Me not know where or how yet, but can’t do it on this planet. We need to leave this planet and join war somewhere else, somewhere where we can help and fight. Prime want to leave us here, lock us up, what good that do anyone? Me think we find a ship and find a place where we can fight and help end this war our way.”

*

Springer overheard Ironhide yelling about a flag as he decapitated another drone. Then Hot Rod was next to him fighting.

“Hey Roddy, good to see ya. Hope this infiltration assignment isn’t boring you too much.” He flashed the other Autobot a smirk. He knew Hot Rod was a bit of a thrill seeker. Being stuck on this planet was liable to be chafing him even more than it was the triplechanger.

Springer glanced up at the hill as Hot Rod confirmed what Ironhide had been saying before. “Oh, that flag?” The Autobot bent his knees. When he spoke again his words came out at the same time as Hot Rod’s. “I got it.” With that the triplechanger leapt into the air as if shot out of a cannon. He easily flew up the side of the hill and gracefully landed at the top of it. He took a brief look around at the battlefield below before plucking the flag from the ground. “Here ya go Roddy, I got it for ya.”

Training Room

There was a reason why plans rarely survived contact with the enemy; usually it involved being in the thick of things and being unable to keep track of all the frak that was going on. Arcee didn’t have much time to spare to take note of new arrivals, not as she leapt to avoid a swinging blade, unsheathing her own energon sword in the process, and decapitating a Decepticon drone with a lethal swipe.

She barely had a fraction of a second to spy Ironhide throwing his impressive might into the fray, just as she ducked and pivoted to avoid another, bludgeoning strike aimed for her pink tinted frame. Another pivot and slash not only separated a second drone from his legs, but also granted her another fleeting moment to grasp her ever changing situation.

To see the unexpected arrival of…

Suddenly it was over, the drones coming to a dramatic halt and the holographic scenario slowly shutting down, revealing the Training Room for what it really was. The mission had been accomplished, the victory conditions had been met, the Flag had been liberated.

Only it wasn’t Hot Rod who had done the deed.

“Springer you Aft!”

Arcee declared as she marched over to the emerald Mech she knew all to well, one whose reputation proceeded him wherever he went, and jabbed him harshly on the chest plate with her finger.

“This was an exercise in team work, not showmanship!”

The pink tinted Fem scolded.

It didn’t last, it never did, and such feelings faded with a sigh and a small smile, the pink tinted fem sheathing her energon blade back into its holster. Springer might have a knack for stealing the show, but damn, he was good at it.

“Not to shabby though…so have you just been waiting for your moment, or did you just get here?”