The Energon Pub

(OOC: Okay, after two tries, one of which was killed by a brief power out and the other by login, I'm giving the condensed version of Prowl's plan)

Command Center

Prowl listened to Optimus's suggestion of sending one in. In his experience, it was not the ebst idea to send one person in alone. Instead, he had a plan which was thorough and flexible and would require four Autobots. He already knew sending just Mirage could potentially result in two Autobots having to be rescued. This owuld require a team effort.

"I have the utmost confidence in Mirage's abilites, sir. However, given the situation, our chances of success would be much higher if we utilized all four in a coordinated infiltration that would allow us to not only rescue Bumblebee, but at the same time, temporarily inhibit their operations and gain us key information on their base. The problem is that we have no layout of the Decepticon's base, it's entryways, or how to get past the likes of Megatron or Soundwave in the given envronment. We won't even know where Bumblebee is. Location him is going to require getting Megatron at least, out of the Command Center. he won't do so unless he has business that is either important, or urgent like an emergency. Going in shooting is not an option."

He broght up the geographical map which filled the projector.

"Assuming the base is built into the mountian, we can assume there's more than one entrance in case of emergenices. We can have Mirage enter the base, locate the enegon cache and set off some kind of an explosion that could potentially endanger the supply. This should get Megatron's attention to coerce him out of the command center to oversee the chaches safety. Afterwhich, Mirage can enter and neutralize any Decepticons, then disabling the defense grid and send out a signal, allowing Hound, Getaway, and Smokescreen to enter while the Decepticons are occupied. They follow Mirage's signal to the Command center, gather a layout of the base and Bumblebee's location from surveillence. Then Getaway, Hound, and Smokescreen can make the exraction while Mirage does some sabotaging to the Command center and secures the exit to prevent the team form being further pursused once outside. I'd have three perform the rescue because should Darkride be encoutnered, we'd want him surpressed quickly so three on one wouldn't hurt. Smokescreen, if that Decepticon is encoutnered, you do what you do best to acquire the advantage! After the objective has been achieved, you'll bounce back and we'll have Ratchet examine Bumblebee."

He turned off the image, looking at Prime and the others.

"That's my plan but if worst comes to worst, improvising is always an option." he said.

Still, taking Bumblebee was something that worried him. I couldn't help but feel there was some ulterior motive. Once the team was away, he was going to need to talk to Optimus about making changes to the security protocols.

(OOC: Alright, with the absence of Stone and Getaway we’ve had to kind of change things up for this mission a bit. We’ve waited this long for Stone but he doesn’t appear to be on board, so consider Getaway out of the picture. I’m going to bring in Blurr since he could be of some use with his unique abilities.)

Command Center – Briefing Room

There was a gust of wind blowing in the control center as the doors slid open only to slide shut again. Blurr was seated in an empty chair at the table, a pad in his hands that he was quickly skimming through. He looked up from it and smiled at the rest of the Autobots in the room. “Hi guys. Optimus called me in to join you on the rescue mission. I know spying and espionage aren’t exactly my specialties, but I’m a quick learner.” He smirked before his face turned more serious. “I heard they captured Bumblebee, and they have a nasty interrogator working for them here. I’ll do whatever I can to help rescue him. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

Mirage rolled his optics. “Lovely, another amateur on this mission. We are going to end up in so many parts that the Decepticons will simply melt us down for recycling. There won’t be enough left to even interrogate or torture.”

Command Center – Briefing Room

Prime listened intently to Prowl’s thoroughly thought out plan. It was something to consider, but not for this particular mission. They needed to focus solely on the objective at hand, rescuing a comrade. Bumblebee was now in the hands of a psychopath and if they hesitated any longer they would surely lose him for good.

The Autobot leader crossed his arms over his chest and rubbed his chin in thought. Before he responded the doors to the briefing room opened letting in a heavy gust of wind. When the door shut Prime focused in on Blurr now seated at the table with the others. He nodded at the courier and looked back to Prowl; ignoring Mirage’s unprofessional outburst.

“I’ve always come to depend on your expertise in situations such as this, but must object to your plan, Prowl. We have to stay focused on the objective. Rescuing Bumblebee is our top priority. Gaining information from the Decepticons would only bring attention to the team. As a result we would not only lose Bumblebee, but four other very important members of the Autobot forces.”

Prime placed both hands on the table before he continued.

“I want two of you to infiltrate the base. The other two are going to create a distraction outside, thereby drawing a majority of Megatron’s forces to you. This will give the infiltration team time to find where Bumblebee is being held and rescue him. I will have Sunstreaker and Sideswipe on call in case the situation outside gets too out of hand and back up is needed.”

He turned to face Mirage.

“Mirage, you’re the one with the most experience in executing this kind of mission. I’m turning to you to make sure that Bumblebee is rescued and that all of you get out of there alive. Is that understood?”

Command Center

Prowl said nothing as Prime objected to his plan, only nodding in compliance. It wasn't the first time his plan had been rejected and his leader was right. It was rather ambitious, specially given the situation. Perhaps it was frustration and a desire to make amends for the failure on the platfom by causing some crippling damage to the Decepticons that drove him. Part of him actually wished to go, since Bumblebee had been captured under his command. He'd simply save his plan for another day when the situation called for it.

Still, he was bothered by why Bumblebee had been taken to begin with. He hadn't been on Earth nearly as long as some of the others. Still, he had a lingering premonition as to what it could be and it would not be good for the Autobots if he was right. He needed to discuss it with Optimus Prime once the briefing concluded so that the necessary precautions could be made.

Corridors

Brawn walked the corridors as everyone that returned had gone to the Med Bay for repairs or had been summoned to the Command Center. Whatever it was, the Autobot knew it invovled the Decepticons. He thought it was a shame he had not been asked to attend. He was itching for some action. Of course, he wanted to cheer some of the others up. He new just who to do it too. He began to make his was to the medbay.

(OOC: With Deva's permission, I'll be playing Blurr for the duration of this mission.)

Command Center - Briefing Room

Blurr had no sooner whisked into the briefing room, taken an empty seat, and expressed his aim in an ordered flurry--all of which were compiled in rapid succession--when Mirage plainly reproved the courier's honestly stated intentions.

Although mildly nettled at the blue and white Autobot's remark, it prompted an offended response from Blurr, a diffused tirade of words hastily escaping from his mouth. " Hey? What? Hey! What do you mean? Don't you care or something? I care--we all care! I can help. I wanna help! I'm a quick learner, as I just said. Just tell me what to do and I'll get it done no problem. Bumblebee's a friend so--"

Blurr suddenly stopped, quickly realising his speech had gained a scorching pace. He gently pushed his feet off the floor and neatly spun around to his right, now facing Optimus Prime. "I'm sorry, Optimus..." the courier began at a much more steady rate, raising his hands apologetically. "But you have to admit that I'm a lot better now, don't you think?" Blurr offered the Autobot Commander a sincere smile.

He considered providing his concern for the little, yellow Volkswagen Beetle through a substantial excuse, but respectfully decided to see if Optimus had any thoughts on the matter.

Command Center - Briefing Room

Hound rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Me and Smokescreen on distraction...Sounds like our kind of job. Between the two of us, the 'Cons will think half of Cybertron is knocking on their door, Optimus sir! They won't even be able to think straight, let alone look for Blurr or Mirage."

Finally, something I can do, and do well. I won't let Bumblebee down this time!

Command Center - Briefing Room

Smokescreen sat quietly and listened as some of the others gave their ideas on how to best rescue Bumblebee from the clutches of the Decepticons. Prowl's plan was the most entailed and complex, but it seemed to loose sight of the primary goal, which was to save their comrade. Gaining new intel on the enemy's base would be helpful, but not at the risk of losing Bumblebee or the rescue team. Optimus Prime then respectfully rejected the military strategist's plan and subsequently laid out his own.

Smokescreen knew he'd be perfect for the diversion aspect of the mission. It was something he had been built for, after all. The red and blue mech then nodded in agreement as Hound spoke up, volunteering to help with creating the diversion. "Yeah, between my circuit scrambling weapons and your holograms, Hound, the two of us will have the Decepticons' complete attention while the others sneak in and save Bumblebee." Smokey turned and gave the Autobot scout a reassuring smile and then waited for the rescue mission to begin.

Command Center - Briefing Room

Mirage mulled over everything that was being said, including being put in charge of the mission. That alone would certainly help things, and he felt better putting Smokescreen and Hound outside the base causing a distraction. The less Bots he had to worry about on the inside, the better. It still left him Blurr to help out with rescuing Bumblebee but despite his earlier outburst he felt more comfortable with the speedster there than the others. Blurr could at least runaway fast, and he might find some other uses.

The Autobot spy looked over at Hound and Smokescreen. "I'll leave it to you two what exactly the distraction will be. My only requirement is that its something that will be able to keep the Decepticons busy for as long as possible. If it gets too hot then call in for the back up."

He turned his attention over to Blurr. "I will make my way over to their base entrance, covertly of course. I will slip in while the doors are open when they move out to investigate. I'm assuming that you are fast enough to dash in as well. I want you to immediately begin mapping the place out as your super speed and find a likely place where they are holding Bumblebee. Once you've find where he is come and get me, but keep moving fast so they can't pick you up very well on scanners or cameras. I'll head towards it, disguised as a con and we'll make our move. Once we've got him the charade is up and we get the slag out of there. Any questions?"

Command Center - Briefing Room

With his gaze steadfastly fixed upon the Autobot spy, Blurr presented an unflinching demeanour as he studiously listened to Mirage outline the specifics of their intended plan to recover Bumblebee. A perilous mission, ultimately, the blue and white data courier's optics flickered apprehensively as his processors considered the plausibly lethal consequences should they perform the mission with any inkling of ineptness. To their disadvantage, the Autobots possessed very little intelligence on the Decepticons' Headquarters, further imprinting its pernicious image on the assignment. A simple mistake would submit their well-beings to the malevolent and merciless volitions of the Decepticons, a possibility the Autobots were perfectly aware of.

Nevertheless, the highly talkative speedster had absolute confidence in his teammates, their unique qualities boasting an effective aggregation of abilities most sufficient for the rescue operation at hand. And Blurr, of course, had no qualms regarding his particular role in the mission, the data courier unceasingly certain about his greatest asset: his speed. As far as he was concerned, it was nothing more than a glorified game of hide-and-go-seek. He would, however, execute his role in the most efficient--and rapid--manner, thus allowing his teammates to co-ordinate their movements in a series of lightning-fast responses.

Although still a little nervous, a hint of confidence was faintly present in his conduct. The data courier leaned back in his chair and awaited for the commencement of the mission.

Command Center – Briefing Room

Optimus Prime listened intently to Mirage's more detailed plan. He nodded in the spy’s direction giving him the go ahead to begin with what was planned out. “You all know what is at stake here. Now head on out and be careful.”
No sooner had Prime dismissed the team Hex burst in, surprising the Autobot Commnder and catching him off guard.

“Why the hell wasn’t I included on this mission? I’m more than capable of getting in and out of the Con base with Bee in tow!”

Prime glared at the young mech. “That is enough, Hex! Your inclusion in this mission would be a hindrance.” Prime calmed himself and walked over to the shorter mech. He placed a hand on Hex’s shoulder as he continued to speak, his tone softer. “This mission is about saving Bumblebee, not about getting revenge. There will be no further discussion on this matter. Dismissed soldier.”

Optimus prime turned his back on Hex and looked back to the assembled team. At the same time Hex stood silent clenching his fists and gritting his teeth. He was furious about the mission, but as the Commander said, there was not going to be any more discussing it. Through clenched teeth he responded to Prime.

“Yes sir.”

Hex turned on his heal and quickly left the room.

Prime let out a sigh and addressed the rescue team once more. “You have your orders. Dismissed.”

Command Center

Prowl said nothing as Hex abrged in. This was a transformer he was unfamiliar with and his first impression was rather poor. We he did consider giving the Autobot some words of reassurance, he knew there were more pressing matters.

Tuning his attention back to Optimus he felt a need to bring up the matter of what the Decepticons could be after. He considered several possibilites, however the one he was most concerned with was a means to infilrate their ships, which would prove disasterous if a Decepticons raiding party showed up. Still perhaps talking with the much wiser leader might give him some insight as to what the Decepticons might actually want.

"Optimus sir, I have been wondering about Bumblebee's captivity. I've been wondering what it is the Decepticons would want from him that would be of value." he said. "Have you any knowledge or thought as to what it is they're after?"

Medbay

Brawn entered the Medbay where some of the Autobots were still undergoing repairs. Even though they were in the CR chambers, he still knew there was a somber feeling in the room over the last battle.

"Okay Autobots! Rise and shine! Who wants ot go take their frustrations out on some holographic versions of those Decepticreeps?" he asked out loud. Hoping to get the attention of some Autobots fresh out of the CR chamber.

Command Center – Briefing Room

Mirage looked around at the other Autobots gathered for the mission. None of them seemed to have any last minute comments or questions. It wasn’t a perfect team, not by any means, but he felt fairly confident in them carrying out the mission, particularly since he was in charge of it. They weren’t professional spies, but he was really the only one that was going to be doing any sort of infiltration or spy work. Blurr would be an excellent scout and he had little doubt that Hound and Smokescreen would come up with a fittingly spectacular distraction.

The counter-intelligence expert was ready to leave and get the mission rolling when Hex burst into the room. He wasn’t familiar with the other Autobot but his attitude made Hot Rod seem like an old, patient and wise veteran. He let out a relieved sigh as Optimus Prime quickly dealt with the annoying protoform. He then turned back to the team.

“Alright, that’s it then. Go grab whatever gear and ammo you need and meet up at the orbital bounce chamber as soon as possible. Let’s get this done quickly.” Mirage stood up and made his way out of the room. He made a quick stop at the armory to grab some extra ammo and run a quick check on his electro disruptor. With that done he arrived at the chamber and began punching in the coordinates they would be bouncing to.

Command Center – Briefing Room

With the mission briefing finally at an end, Smokescreen was about to turn and address Hound when he was interrupted by Hex, who suddenly barged into the room and demanded to know why he was not included on the rescue mission. The young mech looked visibly upset, but was quickly silenced by Optimus Prime, himself. Smokey couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief. He didn’t know Hex personally, but he had heard of him and knew of his close friendship with the field medic, Axle. Once Smokey returned from the mission, however, he intended to learn more about the protoform with the smart mouth.

With that distraction out of the way, Smokescreen stood from the table and looked over at Hound. "You ready, buddy?“ Smokey asked, smiling and placing a hand on the green scout’s shoulder. “I know I am. But first, I need to head down to the armory to load up on some extra rockets and ammo. Then I’ll meet you at the orbital bounce platform. Once there, we can discuss exactly what kind of diversion we need to create.“ Smokey smiled again before exiting the room and leaving the Command Deck.

Armory

Smokescreen entered the ship’s weapons depot and quickly made his way to the back of the room where he stopped in front of a rack full of ECM missiles. He would need plenty of these to keep the ‘cons disoriented and away from the main rescue team. Smokey grabbed several of the rockets along with extra power cartridges for his electro-disruptor rifle, which would be another useful tool on the upcoming mission. Once he was fully loaded, the diversionary tactician left the armory and made his way to the bounce pad.

Orbital Bounce Platform

Smokescreen entered the chamber where he found Mirage already inputting the bounce coordinates. The red and blue mech gave the Autobot spy a respectful nod and then took his place on the pad and waited for Hound and the others to arrive.

Command Center - Briefing Room

Hound nodded at Smokescreen. "I'm readier than I've ever been! Wild Predacons couldn't drag me away from this." It occured to Hound as he said this that that could very well happen where they were going, but he resolved to maintain his positive outlook. Lack of confidence could cripple us during the mission, none of us can afford mistakes.

Armory

Hound headed behind Smokescreen and reloaded his anti-air missiles. With all the Seekers that they'd faced the last time, he'd probably need every one. Then again, if things went well they might not even have to fire a shot, but somehow, that didn't seem likely.

Orbital Bounce Platform

"Mirage, Smokes, ready as soon as you are."

Command Center – Briefing Room

Having no final queries, Blurr and the other Autobots were about to initiate their personal preparations prior to the assignment when Hex, an Autobot relatively unknown to Blurr, staggered into the command center in the most abhorrent fashion. The data courier observed the young mech with concentrated wonder, noting the blatant agitation that appeared to have entirely possessed his disposition. Hex, then, very explicitly, began to state his thoughts, began to rasp rather honestly and liberally when Optimus Prime firmly but coolly effected the vociferous Autobot into silence, and ultimately dismissed him.

While the young mech's repugnant behaviour largely attributed to his primary impression, Blurr couldn't help but appreciate his fierce aspiration to assist in the hazardous mission--his genuine purpose correctly placed. The blue and white speedster knew how Hex felt; he would've shared the exact same sentiments, especially with Bumblebee in hostile captivity; however the insolent verbal conveyance would've been certainly annulled. Still, Hex perceived the image of a valorous Autobot with his comrade's best interests in mind. Of course, one just had to prevail past the obtruding objectionability in order in locate these redeeming virtues.

With the rescue team finally dismissed, Blurr exited the command center and made his way to the armoury to collect any essential gadgets, weapons, and ammunition that he may require for the approaching delicate operation.

Armoury

Blurr entered the armoury with only one item of necessity in mind: a datapad. He had ran a quick diagnostics scan on his electro-laser cannon and found, to his personal benefit, that it was functioning at full capacity. The highly talkative Autobot walked over to a broad table featuring a variety of electronic equipment, copious in amount. He picked up a small datapad and examined it meticulously, angling, in different positions, the device situated in his grasp to afford his optics a more complete viewpoint. Punching a few digits on the device, Blurr's demeanour shifted into that of pleasant satisfaction. The datapad would indeed aid him in mapping the Decepticons' headquarters most efficiently.

Orbital Bounce Platform

To Blurr's mild surprise, Hound, Mirage, and Smokescreen were already present in the chamber, their rigid bearings evincing the highest state of preparedness.

“Now, I've heard that two's company and three's a crowd, but this group of four is just ridiculous,” he teased, smiling sprightly at his teammates.

Orbital Bounce Platform

Mirage punched in the coordinates of their bounce location. It was within driving distance of the Decepticon base, but far enough away not to trigger any of their base alarms. They would have to make a stealthy approach and then begin the distraction so Blurr and he could sneak in.

The Autobot spy stepped up onto the platform after setting the device timer. “Alright, we are going in. Once we arrive Transform and follow me. Once we are close enough Hound and Smokescreen can start the diversion and Blurr and I can do our thing.” With a last not at his team the Autobots were transformed into an energy signal and shot up to their hidden orbiting spacecraft and then bounced back down to the coordinates Mirage had selected.

OOC: Rescue mission team can move to the Decepticon HQ thread.

Outside Orbital Bounce Platform

After being dismissed by Prime, Hex stayed in the corridor just outside the orbital bounce platform trying to calm himself. His plan was to convince the rescue team that he could help them before they could bounce, but his plan changed when he forgot to include the possibility they would leave without him. So he decided to hide and wait for them all to leave.

One by one the team arrived and made their way to the platform all the while the young mech waited in the shadows. Hex watched as Mirage inputted the coordinates and in a flash of light and energy they were gone. He waited a moment before coming out of his hidden location finally making his way to the platform and the control panel. He swiftly entered the same coordinates Mirage had entered along with the same parameters. In an instant Hex was gone.

Command Center

Prime watched as the assembled rescue team left the room one by one for the armory and then the orbital bounce platform. After the door closed behind Blurr, the last to leave, Prime turned his attention back to Prowl who had just posed an interesting question. The Autobot Commander remained silent for a few moments before responding.

“I’m not sure, Prowl. I do know that this particular interrogator will not stop until he gets anything from Bumblebee. I fear that by now we might already be too late.”

Prime sighed and turned his attention to a nearby terminal with a map of the area around Mount St. Helens. The war has already taken so many of their numbers, but to lose Bumblebee to likes of someone like Darkride would surely enrage the entire Autobot army. Prime couldn’t help but feel that he was to blame for the minibot’s capture.

Training Room – Holomatter Simulation

The Decepticon seeker jet roared down from the skies above, unleashing a barrage of laser fire onto the lone Stryker armored vehicle that was rolling through the city ruins below. The shots struck the Earth-bound war machine with little to no effect. The armor plating was simply too thick and absorbed the impacts with no trouble. The large 120mm cannon mounted on top of the Stryker took careful aim at the seeker as it flew overhead and opened fire, shooting a powerful shell that struck the underbelly of the Decepticon flyer in an explosive blast that sent the fighter jet barreling into the ground.

Suddenly, the Stryker came under more intense fire, this time from a ground level source behind a nearby wall. The 120mm cannon fired another shot, obliterating the wall upon impact and exposing the three Decepticons hiding behind it. The ‘cons fired their blasters continuously as the Stryker armored vehicle transformed, panels shifting and parts realigning to form the Autobot’s robot mode.

At 33 feet, Hardhead stood well over the Decepticon warriors as the enemy continued to fire on the lone career soldier. Lasers bounced off Hardhead’s chest plate as he pulled out his two shatterblasters, holding one in each hand. Turning his head to the right until it made a slight cracking sound, Hardhead then pointed his weapons directly at the Decepticon trio and opened fire. Round after round of crystal shards pummeled the smaller mechs until they were riddled with holes and fell lifeless to the ground.

Hardhead approached his shredded opponents and looked down on them, pleased with his victory. But it wasn’t over yet. The simulation was set on ‘high’ and was only just beginning. More Decepticons appeared behind the green mech as additional seekers materialized overhead. Now’s where the fun begins, Hardhead thought as he quickly reloaded his weapons and moved into a better fighting position. He aimed one shatterblaster at the numerous ground forces approaching from the ruins and the other blaster up at the new aerial combatants in the sky.

Hardhead then unleashed hell on the unsuspecting holograms.

Recreational Area

Lazy, lazy, lazy, Shotblur thought to himself as he realized he had been sitting in front of a glowing box for at least several cycles. He knew he could be doing something more productive, like training for an upcoming mission, or getting more familiar with Ark-19...yet here he was, affixed to a monitor in an almost trance-like state as he watched what humans called 'entertainment.' It didn't seem that entertaining to him, of which he would occasionally remind himself in a feeble attempt to break away, but to little avail. He was too bored to care. Besides, he couldn't help but admit that he felt at least marginally involved in some of the plots, however shallow.

But as time passed, and Shotblur's patience faded, he finally stood up and turned off the monitor. Stretching for a few moments, he cleared his optics with his fingers and wandered around the room. For a moment, it seemed, he had nothing to do. His plate was clean; an experience he hadn't had for quite a while, considering the Decepticon threat. But he knew it would not last long. There was a war to be had, after all.

Finally, he gave up. This is pointless, he concluded. After a little more thought, he stepped out of the room and made tracks to wander around through the rest of Ark-19. He stopped at the Medical Bay--a room he picked at random--and peered inside. Maybe the doctor is in.

Medical Bay

Ratchet had just exited his office with his arms full of datapads. He made his way to the nearby desk where Axle was seated and dumped his burden. Axle nealy jumped from the chair, caught off guard by the sudden move by the medical officer.

“Hey! Was that necessary?”

Ratchet flashed his second a quick smile before he gripped the field medic’s shoulder.

“It sure was, and worth it to see you jump like that.”

Axle shot his friend an annoyed look and then looked back at the pile of pads on his desk.

“So, you need me to go over these for you. Again?”

Ratchet nodded in return. “Yup. Just make sure to write off on all of them. I wanna make sure you get credit as well. And when you finish with those I want you to help me set up the surgical room. I’m positive we’re going to need it when Bumblebee is brought back.”

Axle nodded in response. Once Ratchet was back in his office Axle stood up and stretched. Sitting at a desk wasn’t what he was used to, but he took what he could get.

It was then that he heard the door open. The field medic turned to face the door and noticed a Shotblur peering into the facility.

“In or out, buddy. It can’t be both.”

Medical Bay

"I, uh...yeah. Some master of stealth I am...in, I suppose. I'm a bit worried I'd be intruding." Shotblur seemed quite obviously nervous by the discovery, but stepped inside anyway. Regaining his composure, he walked up to Axle and bowed his head slightly. "I'm a little new here, if you haven't guessed. My name's Shotblur. Yours?" The Autobot smiled a little as he spoke, red optics looking over the 'bot before him.

Medical Bay

The field medic offered the newcomer a warm smile. He then turned around and moved back to his desk, at the same time he answered Shotblur’s question.

“I’m Axle, the resident field medic.”

Axle took a seat and picked up one of the many datapads and began to read through it. He didn’t want to ignore Shotblur, but he also had to get this work done, fortunately Axle was an accomplished multitasker.

“Have a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”

The medic placed the pad on the desk and signed off on it. Once done he placed it on the opposite side of the desk. Axle then sat back and steepled his fingers. He offered Shotblur a smile as he looked him over. He wasn’t familiar with this mech, and he always liked to get to know everyone before he ever has to perform life saving surgeries in the field.

“So, Shotblur was it, what’s your story?”

Medical Bay

Shotblur quickly walked over and took a seat, not one to ignore an offer. He relaxed visibly, noting that he was on friendly terms. "Sure it's fine? It seems like you might be...a little busy to talk," the 'bot replied with a politely hesitant tone. Mechs like him were scarcely trained for small talk, making the situation slightly difficult. In any case, Shotblur held a smile, maintaining eye contact with Axle.

Medical Bay

Axle flashed his guest another smile and motioned to the datapads.

“Oh don’t worry about that. I can work and talk at the same time. It’s a talent we medics are trained to do.”

Axle leaned forward and placed his arms on the desk.

“Now, I know you didn’t come here to watch me work. So tell me, what is it you're hiding?”

Axle’s smile faded as he spoke, his final expression was that of concern. This Shotblur mech had just changed the subject from what his story was to being concerned about Axle’s work. After being around mechs for so long the medic was able to recognize when the subject was being changed to hide something.