The Energon Pub

Medical Bay

"I don't have anything to hide. It's...it's a habit, I suppose, to be a little suspicious. It comes from my line of work..."

Shotblur shifted a little in his seat, resting his right leg atop his left to try and get more comfortable. He finally seemed to be easing up, if only slightly.

"...Recon, namely."

His optics scanned the room a little, less worried about eye contact and more about figuring out the layout of the place. Beyond that, he might have been a little curious. After a moment, they settled back on Axle.

Medical Bay

Axle watched as Shotblur took in the room. He was curious to know more about his mech, but he wasn’t going to push the subject. The last thing he needed was to make an enemy of a fellow Autobot. The field medic moved to the pile of pads where he took one and began to read over its contents. As he worked he addressed Shotblur.

“I’ll take you at your word.”

He shifted slightly in his chair as he worked and spoke.

“If you’re a Recon mech you might want to get to know some of the other Bots in your field. There’s a chance you’ll be working with them at some point.”

When he was done with the pad he signed off on the work, placed it in its proper place and picked up another one.

“You might want to go through the personnel files. You can access them in the Command Center. Knowing your teammates will be your best weapon in the field.”

Medical Bay

Oh. I should have thought of that, Shotblur considered in his head. This mech seems pretty smart.

"Thanks for the info."

Confident he found a conversational partner for the future, Shotblur stood up and bowed his head a little to Axle. He looked a little curious, giving a cautious glance to what the field medic was working on. He knew it was impolite to pry, especially with the courtesy said field medic had granted him just a moment before, but it didn't keep him at bay very well.

Medical Bay

Axle continued to do his work when Shotblur thanked him. Without taking his optics from what he was focused on he nodded in response. The room seemed to grow quiet, too quiet. It was always that awkward silence that made it difficult to concentrate. From behind his datapad Axle peered at the Recon mech taking note of his interest in what the he was up to.

Axle let out a low sigh and gently placed the pad on the desk. He regarded Shotblur and then gestured to the pile.

“They’re medical files on some of the troops from across the galaxy. It’s nothing top secret. I’m pretty sure I’ll come across yours at some point.”

That said Axle returned to his work, but he still wanted to know a little about this Bot.

“Where were you last stationed?”

Medical Bay

Shotblur watched the pile of datapads unresponsively before snapping out of his mode of behavior. He peered back up toward Axle and shook his own head gently to clear his processor.

"Sorry about that. Interest got the best of me. Previous station? My last assignment was to a planet with no official name. I was sent to check for Decepticon occupation. None that I could find."

The mech wandered around the area, carefully examining various medical devices and the equipment around the bay. He stayed a noticeable distance away from any...sharp objects.

"Came down here--plan on staying for a while. I thought the Autobots down here could use some help."

Medical Bay

Axle looked up from his work as Shotblur stood up and began to wander the immediate area. His optics followed as the red mech examined the equipment and devices. He was a curious Bot, but that’s probably thanks to his function. Axle cleared his throat, an unnecessary act that he used in order to get attention.

“A planet with no official designation, I wasn’t aware that there were any left.”

He signed off on another pad and proceeded to pick up the last one.

“So you were the one to ask for a transfer to Earth? You must have some pull with the officers.”

He finished his work and stood from his desk. The medic made his way over to Shotblur.

“Is there anything else you’d like to know?”

Command Center

Prowl decided it was a good time to get some repairs. He had put them off long enough. A short round in the CR chamber was just what he needed. He'd handle the new security protocals when he finished.

The indication of an unauthorized orbital bounce jump did not escape his notice either. He already had a good idea as to who it was and would deal with Hex, when he returned. However, he needed to focus on the now and not later. Optimus could oversee the current operation, allowing him to get fixed up.

"If you'll excuse me Optimus, I'll be in the CR chambers." Prowl told Optimus. "I shouldn't be long."

Prowl then made his way out of the command center and headed for...

Med Bay

It seemed as if nobody was interested in a sparring round with holographic Decepticons, in Brawn's optics. He didn't blame them either. He perferred the real thing compared to preprogrammed images they could easily beat.

Of course the ever so touchy Axel was quick to question his presence, even with this new comer, Shotblur.

"Don't be alarmed Axel! Just came to see if I could help work out some fo the Oil Platform team's frustrations with a little holographic decepti-bashing." Brawn explained.

He looked at Shotblur, who seemed to be the full focus of Axel's attention. He figured he could give the medic a little

Not soon after did Prowl show up. Prowl was quite surprised to see quite a few Autobots. He noticed Axle, seemingly mildly agitated by the presence of Brawn and Shotblurr.

But he also noted Ratchet was not present. Even thier head medic needed to get out now and then. But first thing was first.

"Okay take it elsewhere you two!" he ordered in a friendly tone to Brawn and Shotblurr.
Of course, with two idle Autobots, this gave him an idea.
"How about the two of you go volunteer to join the backup team should the rescue operation need it?" he suggested.

Brawn smirked at this idea. He wouldn't mind giving a few Decepticons a well-deserved bruising. "I'm liking the sound of that, Prowl." he said as he walked over to Shotblurr.

He walked up to Shotblurr and put his hand on the Autobot's shoulder. "Come on! Let's see if Prime could use our help!"

He had every confidence in the recue team, but given the location and numbers encoutnered, sending just Sunsteaker and Sideswpe would not be sufficient for long. He knew Brawn had the muscle and durabiltiy tot aken them on in hand-to-hand combat. This new one though, he didn't know about. This would be an opportuniy to see what he was capable of.

But he needed Axle for something and he knew the medic could work better without distraction. He opted not to tell him about Hex at the moment.

"Axle, I need you to set up a station for diagnostic! When Bumblebee is brought back, I want his progamming annalyized and any damage repaired. Also, I'd like his memory of the timeframe of his captivity copied for annalysis. We need to get Bumblebee back in operable form and learn what it was the decepticons were after." he ordered. "I'll be in the CR Chamber. If Prime needs me, wake me!"

Prowl stepped into the chamber and the door closed behind him. One thing in his mind was certain just moments before he shut down for repairs. He and Optimus were going to be very busy.

Medical Bay

"Rescue team? That sounds like an interesting idea. Command Center, right? No, nevermind, I'll go find it. Thanks again."

Shotblur looked a little perplexed, but was interested in the idea nonetheless. He bowed his head to Axle and Brawn, and slowly broke away from Brawn's grip on his shoulder.

"Nice talking with you, Axle."

Bad feeling about this mission...hope this field medic knows his servos from his solenoids. Shotblur's mental vote of confidence was staggeringly encouraging. Oh well. He hoped he would at least come back in enough pieces to get put back together, assuming he was sent.

"Ready?" Shotblur queried Brawn.

Training Room – Holomatter Simulation

Smoke poured out of his two shatterblasters as Hardhead stood amongst the wreckage of the defeated holo-Decepticons at his feet with only a few scuff marks and dents to show for it. It hadn’t been much of a fight, but at least it had kept the veteran soldier from becoming too overly bored. Once his weapons had cooled a bit, he placed them away and spoke in a gruff tone. “Computer, end simulation.” In a flicker the battlefield around the green mech disappeared along with all of what remained of his faux opponents.

Brushing himself off, Hardhead moved towards the exit as the doors slid open, having detected his presence. Once he had left the training facility, the doors closed again and the room fell dark.

Corridors / Outside Med Bay

The large Autobot made his way through the empty halls of the ship until he noticed Prowl entering the med bay up ahead of him. Stopping in the entryway, Hardhead saw a multitude of Autobots loitering around the medical facility as if it were the mess hall instead of a place of healing. The seasoned veteran said nothing as he listened to Prowl’s suggestion for Brawn and Shotblur to volunteer for the backup team should the rescue group need additional help. Hardhead knew of the rescue mission to save Bumblebee, but he had not arrived on Earth in time to join the operation, himself. Thus he decided to warm up in the training room in case Prime called on him for assistance.

Perhaps I should stop waiting to be asked and just go offer my services, Hardhead thought, rubbing his chin. He had known Optimus for a long time and had no problem going right up to the Autobot leader with his ideas or suggestions. They didn’t always see optic to optic, especially when it came to battlefield tactics, but Hardhead had great respect for Prime and valued his input.

Still standing by the door, Hardhead nodded to Brawn and Shotblur as they prepared to leave for the Command Center. “Mind if I join you two?”

Medical Bay

"No, I don't particularly mind."

Shotblur addressed Hardhead with a kind voice and greeted him with a friendly smile, then thumbed back to Brawn.

"He might, though. But I guess that doesn't matter. It's Prime's decision in the end. So, we good to go?"

Everything was happening rather quickly. Shotblur felt a little caught in the middle of it, just trying to make his way in the business of Autobot day-to-day activities. He wasn't quite used to being on Earth, but the mission might help. Even if the team wasn't called in, he would be better acquainted with his fellow mechs.

Command Center

Optimus had taken up one of terminals after the rescue team had left the base. He wanted to be the one to monitor their transmissions. He was more than ready to deploy the twins if Mirage required the backup. Prime’s full attention was on the screen when Prowl announced that he would be heading to the Med Bay. Prime nodded in response.

A few minutes of quiet went by until the Autobot Commander’s attention was turned to an in coming transmission from Blurr. Prime immediately stood from his chair and opened a link as he began to make his way towards the Orbital Bounce Platform where Bumblebee would be.

>>“Ratchet! Get to the Orbital Bounce Platform, now!”<<

Medical Bay

Axle’s attention was taken off of Shotblur when Prowl entered the facility. Immediately the field medic moved to the nearest berth and began to prepare the surroundings for the arrival of Bumblebee. When Axle was finished with the medical equipment he turned his attention to the diagnostic equipment. He had just entered the needed input when Ratchet ran out of his office yelling for the field medic.

“Axle! Get my kit and grab yours, he’s on the Orbital Bounce Platform!”

Axle quickly grabbed both kits and moved with Ratchet towards the door. They shoved past Hardhead, Brawn and Shotblur and exited the Mad Bay as fast as they could.

Orbital Bounce Platform

Bumblebee materialized laying on his back. He slowly opened his optics and took in the bright lighting of the room. He moaned softly as he turned his head to see if anyone was in the room; when he saw no one he let out a pained sigh. Only seconds later the door opened and both medics ran to the downed minibot.

Ratchet and Axle kneeled down on either side of Bumblebee and began to establish an energon line and take his vitals. They payed little attention to his outer appearance and more on his internal workings. He could survive without armor, but without a strong spark he wouldn’t.

As both medics performed their tasks Prime entered the room. He was sure to stay out of the way as Ratchet and Axle worked. Prime stepped closer to the trio and finally got a good look at Bumblebee. Optimus let out a heavy sigh.

With Axle finishing up Ratchet stood up and made his way over to Prime.

“We have him stabilized for now, but he’s got severe internal damage, and I don’t have to tell you about his external damage. I’m going to need to get him back to the Med Bay to have a closer look at the…..”

Prime nodded as he took another long look at Bumblebee.

“Understood. Do whatever you need to do.”

Ratchet turned to Axle and nodded indicating that the field medic could pick Bumblebee up and carry him to the med Bay. Prime made his way to Axle once the medic had Bumblebee in his arms.

“I’ll take him, Axle.

Axle gave up his patient before the group made its way out and to the Med Bay.

Medical Bay

Shotblur decided this was as good a time as any to get out of the way. The situation, although both interesting and important, did not make him feel very...welcome. His presence in the room only distracted and made it more difficult to work, so he promptly decided to remove himself. Once shoved out of the way, he carefully slipped outside to wait for everything to calm down.

Corridors / Outside Medical Bay

None of my business...just in the way... Shotblur thought to himself as he leaned against one of the walls. His optics gazed at the opposing wall as he waited for the others to come to the same conclusion he had.

Medbay

Brawn watched at Axel and Shotblur left in a hurry. He already knew someone had come back in bad shape. There was really no use for him and Hardhead to be standing around as they would be in the way of the medics. He turned to look at Hardhead.

"Come on! Let's see what the situation is like. Maybe there's still time to get in on the aciton." he told Hardhead just before he made his way towards the doorway.

The doorway opened and the Autobot made his way out to the corridors. Now all he had to do was talk to Prime.

Med Bay

Prime, with Bumblebee nestled in his arms, Ratchet and Axle made their way back to the Med Bay. The two medics put down their kits and Ratchet gestured to one of the med berths in the rear of the facility, away from prying optics. Prime obliged and placed the battered minibot on the berth. Bumblebee let out a low moan as Prime pulled his arms from under his body. The Autobot Commander took a long look at his friend. He gently touched Bumblebee’s shoulder before he turned to face Ratchet.

The medic let out a heavy sigh as he looked Prime in the optics.

“I’m going to have to take a good look at the organic attachments. I need to determine how they were attached, and then devise a way of removing them. I’ll let you know what I find as soon as I can.”

Prime nodded in understanding before heading out of the Med Bay. He needed to make contact with Mirage to find out the team’s current situation.

Axle watched as the Autobot Commander left the facility. He turned back to Ratchet and tentatively spoke.

“You know I’m going to have to dump his memory before we start anything, right?”

Ratchet flashed the field medic a cold glare. Protocols were not something Ratchet ever followed. Performing the memory dump was always done with seriously injured Autobots in order to retrieve any important data the faction could utilize.

“I’m not going to do it. You feel the need to follow proper procedures, you do it.”

Ratchet stomped off into his office and let the door close behind him.

Axle made his way over to Bumblebee and offered him a slight smile.

“Bumblebee, my name is Axle. I’m going to have to do a memory dump. It’s a simple procedure and it’ll be over in a few minutes.”

He picked up a cable and attached it to a port in Bumblebee’s head.

“Now just try to relax.”

Axle typed in a few commands into a computer the cable was connected to and the process began.

Medical Bay / Corridors

Hardhead nodded in response to Brawn's suggestion and followed the demolitions specialist into the corridors. The situation had to be quite grim considering how quickly the two medics had left for the bounce pad. Ratchet had mentioned that "he" was on the platform, indicating that only one mech had returned to base thus far. But what of the others? Were they not accounted for yet? If that was the case then the veteran soldier wanted to go out and help them return unscathed.

Hardhead didn't make it very far down the hallway before Optimus Prime, Axle and Ratchet appeared from around a corner and quickly moved past him, heading back to the medical facility with a badly traumatized Bumblebee in the Autobot leader's arms. The minibot's condition shocked even Hardhead, who had seen his fair share of battle-damaged mechs in his day, but nothing like this. The veteran wasn't sure what had been done to Bumblebee, but it looked like there was some sort of organic material covering part of his frame.

Hardhead glanced over at Brawn and motioned to him. "Come on. Let's see how Bumblebee's doing," he said, making his way back to the med bay with the others. Once again standing in the doorway, the green warrior watched and tried to listen to what Axle was saying about the minibot's current state. Unfortunately, he couldn't see or hear much since they had placed Bumblebee on a berth at the back of the room to ensure privacy. Moments later, Prime turned and made his way out of the facility as quickly as he had entered it.

Hardhead moved to one side, allowing plenty of space for his commander to walk by him. The career soldier then looked at both Brawn and the newcomer, Shotblur, before heading after Optimus to see if the rescue team would require their assistance.

Medbay/Corridors

Brawn had lead the way out with Hardhead following him. However, within mere moments of their exit into the corridors, they saw all the medics, and Prime rushing in the direction when where they came. Brawn didn't need to think about what to do next, stepping aside to get out of their way. They had found Optimus, but asking him in that moment clearly was not appropriate.

Nodding at Hardhead's suggestion to check things out, Brawn walked back into the Medbay and watched. He stood, watching in disbelief. Throughout his years, he had seen many terrible things done by Decepticons, but this would rank amongst the worst. From what he could tell Bumblebee had been broken and significantly damaged, requiring a memory dump. He knew where that memory would go. Then there were those organic attachments. He wondered what they were. Clearly it had to be a message of some sort. He half expected that even the usually calm Prowl would be angered by this. One thing was certain, whever did this was going to pay with their spark, Brawn would see to it.

"They won't get away with it little buddy." Brawn muttered as he clutched his fist in anger. "They won't."

As he watched Hardhead follow after Optimus, Brawn decided to follow them out into the corridors, knowing it was his best chance to get a chance at those Decepticons. Brawn exited the Medbay, following after Hardhead and Prime.

Command Center

Prime made his way through the winding corridors until he finally came to the Command Center. Once inside he moved to the terminal he was previously stationed at and opened a channel to Mirage and his team. With Bumblebee finally safe, the Autobot Commander’s concerns shifted to the soldiers he had sent on the mission.

>>“Mirage.This is Optimus. What is your team’s current situation?”<<

Prime switched to all available Autobot frequencies to assure he received Mirage’s response.

****

Med Bay

Once the memory dump was complete the computer gave a signal that it was safe to remove the cable in the form of several beeps. Axle carefully detached the cable and placed it back on the nearby table. The field medic offered his patient a slight smile before he spoke.

“Ratchet and I are going to take a closer look at the organic tissue attached to your frame. We want to be sure we’ll be able to remove it all without any hindrances. Okay?”

Bumblebee hadn’t moved nor did he speak since he’d arrived. Axle assumed the minibot was in a state of shock and simply couldn’t talk, but now he thought otherwise. Bumblebee turned to look at Axle, the dejected expression on his face didn’t surprise the medic, but what Bumblebee had to say did.

“No. I can’t go through it anymore. Just let me go.”

Axle placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

“Don’t do this Bumblebee. We can help you.”

Bumblebee shot Axle an angry glare as he shouted back his response.

“I said NO!”

Not wanting to agitate him further, Axle backed away and went directly to Ratchet’s office. Once inside Axle let out a heavy sigh. Ratchet looked up from his work and gestured for the other medic to take a seat.

“Are you finished with the memory dump?”

Axle nodded in response as he took a seat.

“Good, now we can have a closer look at those organic applications.”

Ratchet rose from his chair ready to make his way out into the Med Bay only to be stopped by Axle.

“No, we can’t. He’s refusing treatment.”

Ratchet scowled as he looked down at the other medic.

“What do you mean he’s refusing treatment? If we don’t get it off of him we’re probably going to lose him. Did you tell him that?”

Axle nodded in response. It was difficult for him to accept, but it was ultimately Bumblebee’s decision. However there was a chance Axle could change his mind.

“Look Ratchet let me handle this. I think I know how I can change his mind. Just, just let him be for now. He’s been through a lot and he needs time to cope.”

Ratchet crossed his arms over his chest before he finally nodded in agreement.

“Alright, Axle. See what you can do, but if you can’t change his mind I’m gonna talk to Prime.”

Axle stood from his chair and then left the office; he then made his way out of the Med Bay completely.

Corridors / Outside Medical Bay

Shotblur tried to remove himself from the situation mentally now as opposed to physically. He wasn't quite sure what to do, as he hadn't known much about what was going on at the time, so he decided it would be better not to get in the way and mess things up. He stood there, silent, leaning against the wall just outside the Medical Bay. Perhaps a better opportunity would arise to speak to Prime later, or perhaps he could do something with the mechs he just met as they waited for the mission. Still, until then he couldn't be very useful to the Autobots. He watched Axle walk out of the Medical Bay with a curious glance, but stood motionless otherwise.

Medbay

A light fliped to green and the hatch to the CR chamber opened. Prowl stepped out after his short run in for repairs.

"There. All better." Prowl remarked, taking a few moments to rotate his arms and test his legs. He stood, good as new. However, his attention was immediately drawn to a patient and Axel.

"Bumblebee?" he asked the medic.

Corridors

Brawn walked down the hallway with Hardhead. Busting up a few Decepticons for what they did to Bumblebee was at the top of his things to do list. He kept twisting his hand in his palm, just waiting and hoping Optimus would give the two of them to go-ahead, if the situation with the rescue team was bad. Part of him actually hoped Prime would tag along if it came to that.

"I'll tell ya Hardhead." Brawn said to the accompanying Autobot. "With the mood I'm in, no Decepticon's going to want to mess with me. Not even Starscream."

He continued down the corridor quietly, though expecting a response to Hardhead. He was angry over what ahd been done to his buddy, Bumblebee. Only one thing would calm that anger, busting up Decepticons.

Corridors

Hardhead listened to an enraged Brawn as the two mechs continued onward towards the Command Center. The seasoned veteran understood the frustration and anger his minibot comrade felt. He felt the exact same way. The Decepticons were known to be ruthless and downright vicious, but what they did to Bumblebee was beyond anything Hardhead had ever seen or heard of before. The 'cons didn't torture him just to gain information. It appeared as though they were experimenting on 'Bee for some unknown reason. It was enough to make a grown 'bot throw up a glob of energon.

"You and me both, Brawn," Hardhead replied to the minibot. "But we need to channel our anger into a strategy. Otherwise, we'll just end up captured or in the scrap yard, and that'll do no one any good."

Command Center

Hardhead entered the Command Center and found Optimus Prime already sitting at the main terminal. The Autobot leader was monitoring the status of the rescue team, awaiting a response from them. The veteran soldier cautiously approached his commander and stood at attention before speaking. "Optimus, sir, has there been any contact with the rescue team? If they need help, Brawn and I are ready to go at a moment's notice."

Orbital Bounce Platform

The rescue team materialized on the platform and Mirage let out a sigh of relief. “Well, that didn’t go as bad as I feared it might, but not as good as I wildly imagined it might have gone.” He turned to the other Autobots. “Good job everyone. I imagine most of you want to get repaired and recharged so feel free until someone else calls on you. I know I will be busy getting fixed for a good while.”

The spy limped off of the platform. Blurr quickly came to his aid, grabbing his arm and placing it on his shoulders to try and help keep some of the weight off of Mirage’s damaged leg. With a brief wave back to Hound, Smokescreen and Hex the two Autobots left the room, slowly heading for the medbay.

Orbital Bounce Platform

Once Hex and the rest of the rescue team materialized the young mech attempted, once again, to get an answer from Mirage, but before he could say a word the spy began to hobble off to the Med Bay with the help of Blurr. A scowl formed on his face as he watched them leave. Hex shoved past both Smokescreen and Hound as he stormed off the platform and out into the corridor. He promptly transformed and sped off.

Corridors

From out of nowhere the silver Chrysler shot down the corridor and drifted around a secluded corner where it transformed back into the form of Hex. Still angry that he got nothing from Mirage, the young Bot made his way to the end of the dead end corridor and placed his hand on the wall. He carefully removed a long slender panel and stepped inside and then replaced the panel concealing himself within the wall.

Now hidden from prying optics, Hex shimmied his way deeper into the secluded room to a small desk and took a seat. He began to work on building additional arrows for his arsenal as an attempt to ease his frustrations.

****

Axle had made his way from the Med Bay to the level the living quarters were located on. He stopped at a door and depressed the door chime. A few moments went by before he repeated the action. Another moment, but still no response. The field medic decided to check one other location.

It had taken sometime, but Axle finally made it through the winding corridors to a dead end location. He stopped and faced the wall. Apprehensive, Axle let out a heavy sigh before he knocked on the wall.

“Hex, it’s me. I need to talk to you.”

Silence met the medic’s audios. Once again he knocked on the wall, this time with more vigor.

“Hex! Please, I know you’re in there! I need your help!”

Another round of silence permeated the corridor. Axle turned to leave but stopped when he heard the panel move from its position. He looked back as Hex stepped out of the wall. The young mech glared at the medic before he replaced the panel.

“How did you know I was here? I never told you about it.”

“You’re predictable, that’s how I knew.” Axle responded.

The silver mech leaned against the wall; crossing his arms over his chest. He cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brow.

“Fine. Then what the hell do you want?”

Axle sighed before he gave his answer. “I need you to talk to Bumblebee.”

“No.” Hex’s response was immediate and deadpan.

“Hex please, you’re the only one who knows what he went through.”

Hex pushed off the wall and stalked up to his friend; an angered expression fixed on his face.

“You’re asking me to relive the one thing that I’ve been trying to put behind me! I can’t do that, I won’t do that!”

The medic glared down at Hex before he played his final card.

“He’s already given up. He doesn’t care if he lives or dies.”

Axle placed his hands on the younger mech’s shoulders.

“I need you to tell him why you didn’t give up. He needs to know that he’s not alone.”

Some time passed before Hex finally spoke up.

“Alright. I’ll talk to him. But after I do don’t ever ask me to do it again.”

“I give you my word.” Axle agreed; a slight smile on his face.

Command Center

"Slag!" was the one word that went through Brawn's mind as he noticed the return of the rescue team. While he was happy to see them all back, this meant he would have to vent his frustrations on holograms and not actual Decepticons, like he wanted.

He lightly elbowed Hardhead and pointed towards the monitor displaying the disembarking Autobots.

"Guess this means we'll have to save our strength for later. I was kindda hoping a cavalry would be needed."

Orbital Bounce Platform

Smokescreen materialized on the pad with the rest of the rescue team. After a brief congratulations from Mirage, the spy limped off the platform and exited the room with the assistance of Blurr. Smokey waved back just as Hex pushed his way past the diversion expert. The red and blue mech could only shake his head in response as he glanced over at Hound.

“Kids,” Smokescreen said with a chuckle before placing a gentle hand on the green scout’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see you made it out okay, Hound. You did a great job back there. We made a damn good distraction team. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Smokey then turned and headed for the door. “Come on, let’s go see how Bumblebee’s doing and then get repaired. I could use a few good cycles in the CR chamber.”

And with that said, Smokescreen headed for the Med Bay.

Command Center

Hardhead looked down at Brawn and nodded. “Yes, it appears we won’t be needed now.” The disappointed war verteran then looked back at Prime. “Sorry to have bothered you, Optimus.”

Not wanting to engage in another round of holomatter warfare, Hardhead instead took a seat at a nearby station and accessed the orbital feed recordings of the recent battle at Decepticon Headquarters. The distraction team had done it’s job well, or at least well enough to allow Blurr and Mirage to get Bumblebee out of enemy hands. Hardhead would’ve done things differently, of course, and probably a bit more directly. But, be as it may, the rescue mission was ultimately a success and that’s what was most important.

As Hardhead thought further about the whole situation with Bumblebee and the tortures he surely went though, the veteran soldier couldn’t help but wonder what information the Decepticons may have gained from the minibot. A concerned Hardhead turned in his chair to face the Autobot Commander.

“Optimus, if I may. Considering what the ‘cons did to Bumblebee, it is possible they may have gained critical intel from him that could seriously compromise our operation. I suggest we reinforce our system firewalls along with our outer base defenses just in case the Decepticons come knocking on our front door.”

Orbital Bounce Platform

"Aw shucks..." After a long time doubting himself and his place on the team, Hound hadn't been expecting such glowing praise as Smokescreen. "I just did what any Autobot with a hologram gun and a friend in danger woulda done. Speaking of which, yes, lets see old Bumble and how he's doing."

Medbay

"I hope the little guys ok, we all know that the 'Cons don't tend to treat thier prisoners weSLAG ME!!!" The scout is taken aback as he sees what has become of the minibot. He looks agape at Ratchet, then around to Smokescreen. The horror of what he's seeing paralyses him, and once again Hound feels the need to jump and do something, anything, that can help the situation. He looks sheepishly at Ratchet, hoping the Autobot medic will give him something to do, if only so he can rest easy in the CR chamber.