The Energon Pub

Orbital Bounce Platform

Smokescreen materialized in a sitting position on the platform alongside his Autobot comrades. He was happy to be back at base after the long battle. As much as he enjoyed getting out and kicking in some Decepticon head plates, the diversion expert had taken his fair share of damage during the fight and was in need of repairs. But his thoughts remained with his stasis locked friends like Trailbreaker and Hot Rod, who would require considerably more time in a CR chamber than he would.

Smokescreen waited for Optimus Prime to give his orders and for some of the others to disembark before he made his move. Transforming to vehicle mode, Smokey slowly made his way out of the transport room and down the hallway. He didn’t ask anyone for help in getting to the repair bay. He didn’t want to take assistance away from those who needed it more. The red and blue mech would manage on his own.

*********

After appearing with the others on the bounce pad, Sludge listening to Prime’s orders and then turned to his Dinobot comrades. “Thanks for the help, Swoop. Why don’t you guys get recharged? Me take it from here.” Sludge then took Grimlock from Swoop and hoisted him up over one shoulder. Making his way out of the room, the Jungle Warrior gave Snarl a disapproving look, having not forgotten what the desert warrior had said about their leader on the battlefield. Once out of the room, Sludge simply followed a certain red and blue race car to the medical facility.

Repair Bay

The doors slid open and Smokescreen rolled into medical unit of the ship. He made his way towards the back of the room to the last CR chamber by the wall. He then reverted to robot mode and pulled himself up into the chair in front of the chamber’s control console. He began hitting keys and his design schematics quickly came up on the monitor. He paused a moment, his thoughts returning to the upgrade he had been considering while waiting at the rendezvous point. It hadn’t really been about appearances for him, although there would be cosmetic differences to his overall look. It was more about functionality. After seeing the battle chargers in action, Smokey wanted to shorten his transformation process. He knew he’d never convert as fast as them, but it wouldn’t hurt to get from one form to another more efficiently. Why not? Smokescreen thought, deciding to go ahead with the upgrade after all.

Since his legs had suffered the most damage, Smokey focused on them first. Currently, when transforming, the back end of his car mode had to extend out and then his whole lower half spun around 180 degrees, allowing his rear bumper to face forwards and form his feet. If he could simplify this and have his back end just unfold to form his legs, it would completely eliminate the necessity to rotate his lower half. That would shave off a few astroseconds, at least. His rear bumper would then be located at his knees, forming a sort of protective padding for his joints. A new pair of feet could then extend down from under his rear windshield. They would be smaller and less clunky then what he presently had to stand on, allowing for a bit more agility and control when running or walking.

After entering the design modifications for his legs, Smokescreen turned his attention to his upper body. For the most part this would remain the same except for a few minor cosmetic changes to streamline his chest area. A thin section on either side of the car’s front end would detach and fold back behind the doors to form Smokey’s wings, which would allow his arms a little more range of motion in bot mode. He also added a new feature to his shoulder-mounted launchers that would enable them to be retractable and slide into his back when not in use. It had always annoyed Smokey when he turned his head to either side and a missile ended up blocking his optical view.

With his design changes now complete and entered into the system, Smokescreen set the CR chamber on the automatic repair/reformat cycle. Struggling to get out of his chair, Smokey stumbled into the chamber and laid back as the door hissed shut. The machine hummed to life as the process began.

*********

Sludge entered the repair bay shortly after Smokescreen. The large Dinobot carried Grimlock over to the nearest CR chamber and placed him inside. He still could not understand why Snarl was so angry at their commander. It just didn’t make sense to him. Did Snarl blame Grimlock for them being stuck in stasis for so long? And if so, why? What reasoning was there for that? They all knew the risks when confronting Shockwave. Perhaps something happened after Sludge fell into stasis that Snarl witnessed. Whatever the reason, it was hurting Sludge’s head just thinking about it.

Turning his attention back to Grimlock, the Jungle Warrior pushed a button on the CR chamber and the door slide shut. He didn’t really know that much about these repair chambers except for the very basics. Thankfully, it was already set on the automatic repair cycle and required him to do no more. Sludge then turned to rejoin his Dinobot comrades and get some answers from Snarl.

(OOC: I'm basically upgrading Smokescreen to his Henkei toy design.)

Orbital Bounce Platform

Once he materialized on the platform Wheeljack finally felt relieved for the first time since he had departed on the mission. Althought his specific duties out on this mission had not lead him into direct combat other then a breif skirmish with Soundwave, he never the less was always on guard when in battle. Fortunately he had managed to avoid taking any damage and had been in a perfect condition to help recover the wounded after the battle. He shifted a little trying to get a better handle on the stasis locked Sunstreaker he was now carrying with the help of Prowl. The Autobot engineer looked over at the Strategist and gave a nod of thanks.

"Alright Prowl, lets get old Sunstreaker down to a CR chamber. Though I doubt he is going to care that we dragged his sorry aft off the field."

And with that Wheeljack stepped off the platform lugging Sunstreaker down to the medical bay.

* * *

Watching the others depart to either tend to the wounded or to take up tasks that had been assigned to them by Optimus Prime, Bumblebee looked around looking to see if he could help in anyway. Unfortunatly the minibot was not strong enough to help carry any of the damaged or stasis locked Autobot's, who were all being taken down by their still functioning comrades. However, Prime had just assigned Blaster to go monitor transmission frequencies for any Decepticon signals. That was something he was more then capable of doing. The yellow minibot turned and looked up at his leader.

"Unless you got something else for me to do Optimus, I'm going to go give Blaster a hand with his mission."

Bumblebee then departed the platform and began to walk up to the command center.

Command Center

Bumblebee walked onto the ships Command Center where Blaster was presently sitting. The minibot walked over to the other Autobots station and leaned against the chair.

"Hey there Blaster, long time no see! Anything I can do to lend you a hand?"

* * *

Snarl was not very inclined to help drag Grimlock down to a CR chamber like Optimus Prime had just commanded. Although he did follow his fellow Dinobots down to the medical bay, he did not walk with them to help Grimlock into the chamber. He was still to angry to even deal with it right now. Instead he found a recharge station and sat down, it felt good on his long immobile joints to finally take a rest that wasn't stasis lock. He opened his fuel port and plugged himself into a charger and slowly began to fell his fuel tank being replenished. It was a good feeling, he had spent much of the battle running on emergency power drawn in from his solar panels, although it kept him fully charged during the battle, it wasn't the same as having a full fuel tank not charged solar batteries. He did not require a CR chamber, the only damage he had acquired was superficial armour damage that his automated repair systems could take care of.

He was about half way through his recharge cycle when he noticed Sludge approaching him. He could tell his fellow Dinobot was confused, perhaps a little annoyed with how he had been acting. He bore no malice towards the larger Dinobot, how could he? Sludge was hardly a mech that one could hate easily and he deserved an explanation from Snarl.

The recharging Snarl looked up at his comrade.

"Sludge." He said with a nod of greeting. "Is there something you want?"

Orbital Bounce Pad

Prowl stepped off the pad just a microsecond after Wheeljack, helping hoist Sunstreaker. He was looking forward to sitting in a chair int he command center, and hooking up to a terminal to get a better feel for the scenario they were in. He particularly needed to know about the native species's since he would most likely be tasked with coming up with an effective means of opening dialouge with them, when the time came.

They traveled to corridor towards the infirmary, where a number of Autobots were headed when Wheeljack made a comment about Sunstreaker.

"Quite possibly he'll be complaining about his exterior, wich is what he usually does when he comes out of Stasis lock." he repsonded. He was not really one for jokes, nor finding amusement in other people's misfortune. He spoke out of obsevation from his past invovlements with the car brothers on Cybertron.

Command Center

Blaster was tied into the mainframe, the red AM/FM stereo was busy trying to intercept Decepticon transmissions while Skids was sitting at the command console. “The battle was harsh, but, we did manage to drive those Decepticon turkeys off. It was a heavyweight showdown, between the Dinobots and the Predacons. I didn’t see what happened to Hot Rod, that crazy cavalier looked bad, he must have run into Megatron to have a hole that big in his chest.” Blaster explained while he was busy scanning the net. “All things considered, I’d say we won Skids, I had to catch a ride with Prowl to the battlefield. Prowl needs to lighten up, he muted me all the way to the battlefield.” Blaster explained.

Blaster allowed his tape deck to open. “Trivia master! Come on down.” Blaster was as he ejected Rewind from his chest. The small mini-cassette transformed into his robot form, so small compared to your average Robot. “Rewind, hit the terminal baby. I need you to help me analyze and compile information.” Blaster instructed and Rewind obeyed heading towards the council to assist Blaster in tracking down the following transmissions. “I saw Soundwave out on the battlefield but I didn’t get a chance to engage in the battle of the better sound system.” Blaster said.

Blaster heard a familiar voice as he responded to greet Bumblebee. “Hey what’s shaking Bumblebee? You here to keep myself and Skids company?” Blaster said while Rewind worked the terminal below him, his little robotic hands turning dials. “If you could help me pinpoint these transmissions that could be fantastic.” Blaster said to Bumblebee.

Repair Bay

Arcee very almost flipped through the air as she transformed, her rapid forward momentum coming too a sudden end. Tires squealed and breaks were slammed on as the sleek, open topped corvette dramatically twisted and shifted form until it was replaced by the lithe robotic body of Arcee. Her feet hit the ground without a moment’s disorientation, the pink tinted Fem not missing a beat as she entered the Repair Bay.

She was injured, a minor wound too her shoulder, but that wasn’t why she had come, her own well being, as usual, low on her list of priorities. The battle had been intense, and while fatalities were relatively low when it came too her species, casualties were an inevitable fallout of such long term violence. She was looking for one in particular.

Hot Rod.

Arcee couldn’t help but sigh, one that was originally in relief, seeing that he was indeed still functional, and yet, it was one that quickly turned too frustration. This wasn’t the first time she had found him in such a state, and she was certain that it wouldn’t be the last.

The two of them, Hot Rod and herself, were arguably the youngest generation currently located on this Planet, and she was certain she had known him longer than she had known the others. In the early days they had shared many traits, impatience, a burning need too prove themselves, recklessness, and yet, Arcee felt she had moved on beyond many of these, she had grown.

Sometimes, frustratingly, it seemed all too clear that Hot Rod had not.

This frustration however, as it always did, soon turned too concern, the pink tinted Fem unable too move her optics from the injured Autobot sealed within the CR Chamber. For all his faults, for all his ability too infuriate her, he was her friend, perhaps the oldest one she had, and too see him laid so low…

Arcee sighed a second time as she took her a seat, concern, frustration…anger, sometimes she wondered if her friendship was worth this much internal conflict. It wasn’t a thought she ever spent much time on…

Orbital Bounce Platform

Sideswipe sighed once he rematerialized on the platform with the others. He looked over to Wheeljack and Prowl. The two mechs had his brother and he knew that once Sunstreaker awoke, it would be he whom the yellow warrior sought out. He did his best during the battle, but landing on Rampage probably wasn’t one of his better moves. He shook his head as he followed Wheeljack and Prowl to the Medical Bay.

Medical Bay

Optimus Prime crossed the threshold and made his way to a CR chamber. Prime carefully removed Slag from his shoulder and placed him down within the device. The Autobot leader moved to the control console and entered the appropriate commands. His optics focused on the chamber door as it slid closed and began its cycle.

He then walked to where Ratchet was working on Trailbreaker. The Defensive Strategist was in stasis, but his armor did not show much damage. Prime deduced that it must have been a lack of energon that caused his condition.

“How is he, Ratchet?

The Medic looked back to his superior and sighed.

“Oh, he’ll be fine, Prime. He just needs a cycle in a CR chamber. Other than that it’s his energon consumption I’m concerned about.”

Optimus nodded in response. He then placed a hand on Ratchet’s shoulder spoke once more.

“Ratchet, I want to be notified as soon as Grimlock is fully functional. His entire group and Shockwave were discovered by the humans. I want to know what he was doing here on Earth.”

Ratchet nodded.

“Of course Prime.”

Optimus Prime then made his way over to where Arcee was seated. He placed a hand on the femme’s shoulder as he looked into Hot Rod’s chamber. The young cavalier was reckless, but he was also very indispensable. Still his latest moved nearly killed him, but Prime did not blame him he blamed himself. He should have known better, he should have been watching him.

“He’s going to be fine, Arcee.”

Prime then made his way out of the Medical Bay and moved to the Command Center.

*********

He had been in the chamber for sometime, but the device had finally finished its cycle. With a hiss the CR chamber door slid open. He didn’t remember much, just rushing in and flipping over Megatron. And then everything went blank. He tried to access the rest of what had occurred but there was no data. His optics flashed to life and he slowly brought his right hand to meet his forehead. Why couldn’t he remember? Carefully he placed one foot on the floor outside of the chamber and then the other. Once he was completely out he turned to the left and saw Arcee sitting silently in a chair. He smiled slightly and moved to her side.

“Arcee? How long have you been here?”

Command Center

Bumblebee grinned at Blaster's proposal. He was more used to recon in the field, but his duties often required him to take an active role in security and data analysis of the information he, or others had recovered. Right now the Autobot communications officer was monitoring any all transmission wave lengths for any sign of the Decepticons. At the moment it appeared that Blaster hadn't quite figured out how to fully phase out all of the random communications signals that the humans had flying around.

"Whoa Blaster, you've got a lot of people talking there." The yellow minibot said as he say the clog of frequencies on the screen. "I don't want to sound rude or anything, but it looks like you haven't quite figured out how to cut your way through all of the different human frequencies flying around. And trust me, in my time on Earth I have seen a lot. You got all sorts of different communications frequencies, many being bounced off of orbital satellites, various entertainment frequencies, computers, and a host of government ones. It is really easy for even a novice Decepticon comm. officer to hide his signals in there, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you how skilled Soundwave at his job."

Bumblebee sighed as he watched the screen.

"Here, if you don't mind, I think this might help clear up some of this clutter." The minibot reached forward and hit a number of buttons on Blaster's console, and a moment later a number of the random human frequencies cleared off the monitor. "There we go. I just cleared off most of the human entertainment broadcasts, since that stuff is usually going at all times of a day. But for their communication ones, well you need another bot to take care of that, since they are constantly beginning and ending. If you don't mind I can help you with that."

Bumblebee said with a grin as he gestured to his own station with his left thumb.

Medical bay

Wheeljack walked into the medical bay, lugging Sunstreak with the help of Prowl, and the engineer guided his companion over to an empty, and ready CR chamber. The pair heaved the stasis locked warrior into it and Wheeljack hit the activation button, the door shut and the chamber began to heal the stasis locked Sunstreaker.

"Well that's done. Thanks for the help Prowl."

Wheeljack said before resting a hand on the other Autobot's shoulder. It was then he noticed Optimus Prime departing the medical bay and the engineer followed after his commander. He quickly caught up to Optimus.

"Prime, I've been wondering if there is anything you need me to do right now. I have a number of projects going down in the lab, but none of them are that important. If there is anything pressing that needs to be taken care of let me know."

Command Center

Skids listened raptly to Blaster's accounting of the tale, though his fuel pump lurched a little again at the mention of Hot Rod's injury. He also was very surprised by the mention of the Dinobots. Skids grinned a little at Blaster's gripe about Prowl, as well as his comments about Soundwave and joked, "I agree... Prowl sometimes gets so wrapped up into his work he makes even me and my scientist colleagues look like we're slacking. And, as if you need a battle to prove that you're the better sound system, right? Certainly you have the better squad of troops," Skids opined, with a grin at the diminutive Rewind.

After that though, he could no longer contain his curiosity, and continued, "The Dinobots, though? My word, I haven't heard about them in ages—I didn't think they were even still online. Did Prime call them in, or were they the Cybertronian technology that the humans had?"

Before Blaster could answer, however, Bumblebee entered the Command Center. Skids nodded a greeting to the minibot, then listened patiently to their conversations about the communications. As Bumblebee finished, Skids piped up helpfully, "You might also ask Wheeljack for assistance, Blaster. He gifted me with a modified regulator device that helped me sort out the humans' signals for my own purposes of studying the planet."

Medical Bay

“He’s going to be fine, Arcee”

The young, pink tinted, Fem was startled out of her thoughts by the sudden hand on her shoulder, fortunately she was experienced enough too limit her reaction too the smallest jump, something she couldn’t be more thankful for. Especially considering who it was.

Optimus Prime.

Much too her later annoyance, Arcee was at a loss for words, the young Autobot unable too form them as she found herself in the sudden, and unexpected, presence of the Supreme Commander of the Autobots. She could still clearly remember the pride she had felt, not so long ago, upon hearing that she had been chosen to be a member of his unit on Earth. She could still clearly remember jumping at the chance, irregardless of the danger the assignment would more than likely entail.

How could she refuse?

There was only one other Autobot that she respected more, and yet here he was, despite all the matters that would require his attention, offering her some small measure of comfort.

“I…yes Sir…”

Arcee finally managed too stammer, the young Fem gathering her wits and brushing aside the unexpected nature of his presence, but it was far too late, the Prime had already moved on. Arcee cursed herself for behaving like a Protoform, momentarily dropping her head into her hands and grumbling. That could have gone better.

She was certain Elita 1 never stammered.

“Arcee, How long have you been here?.

The young, pink tinted Fem felt her spark jump as she immediately recognised that voice, something that was clarified the moment she raised her head and saw Hot Rod standing too her side.

“I…”

He was fine! Thank the Matrix he was fine! Arcee would have breathed a heavy sigh of relief, if such thoughts had not been brushed aside by a sudden spark of anger. Yes, he was fine, which is more than he deserved too be, the reckless Tool was always doing as he pleased, regardless of the consequences and the pain it caused too others.

“Not long!”

She insisted, folding her arms and leaning back, briefly indicating too her own wound, as though explaining that is what she was there for.

“I have a shoulder injury, nothing too worry yourself about!”

Medical Bay

As Sludge moved away from Grimlock’s CR chamber, he noticed Snarl sitting in a recharge station across the room. Now was his chance to get some answers as to why Snarl seemed so mad at their commander. The Jungle Warrior approached his comrade with a confused, if not slightly annoyed, look on his face plate. He wanted to avoid a nasty confrontation with him if possible, but he wanted an explanation one way or another.

Thankfully, Snarl seemed to be in a better mood now as he asked Sludge if there was something he wanted. Sludge was relieved that his fellow Dinobot was receptive to him even before he had asked anything. Saying nothing at first, Sludge gave him a simple nod in response and then took a seat next to the Desert Warrior in an empty recharge station. He opened a panel in his chest and plugged himself into the open socket. Sludge then leaned back in his seat as fresh energon began flowing into his body. It had been so long since he had been fully charged, the Jungle Warrior almost forgot what it felt like.

As his recharge cycle continued, Sludge turned his head and looked over at Snarl. “So, why you so mad at Grimlock?” His question was simple and to the point, and he quickly followed it up with another. “What happened that me don’t know about?

Medical Bay

Snarl frowned at Sludge's question. He had been expecting it, and he wasn't mad at the other Dinobot and he wanted to answer him in a way that wouldn't damage their friendship. It was clear though that Sludge had not seen the orbital strike that had destroyed the volcano and trapped them on this planet from any possible rescue. He wondered how the larger Dinobot would react to the truth, Snarl still wasn't sure what to about it. He was very conflicted. He was so used to just following along with what ever Grimlock wanted, that to be lead into a situation like that without any warning had radically changed the Dinobots mind. Now he felt he had to think for himself, but at the same time he just wanted to go back to the way things were. It was a deep internal struggle he wasn't sure how to resolve.

"Well, before I went into stasis lock so long ago I saw something. Something I knew only Grimlock could have done." Snarl began, trying to calm his voice, uncertain of where this was going to go. "It was after Shockwave fried that synthetic flesh off of our bodies, exposing us to the radiation that sent us into stasis lock. I saw Grimlock trying to get one last hit on that one eyed freak, but once he seemed lost I saw a shot friend from our ships main battery strike a near by volcano. Last thing I remember before going off line was us being burried in molten rock."

Snarl turned away, his right hand clenched tight in a fist.

"I can't help but think that Grimlock trapped us here. Sure we are a live, but he clearly did not intend it to be that way! We were trapped on this planet long enough for a species to appear, spread across and dominate the world as well as become somewhat developed. Think about that Sludge! We were down their thousands of years. I am no longer certain I can follow Grimlock, I will always be second guessing if he intends us to die on his next mission."

Medical Bay

Hot Rod was fully functional, but the time in the CR chamber made him a little woozy. He covered for his unsteadiness by leaning casually against the side of the chamber. The cavalier smiled broadly as he crossed his arms over his chest. He knew she had been in the room for some time, but she didn’t want him to think she was worried about him. Cute. He shook his head at her response.

“Oh, yeah of course. I can see the wound. Funny, you didn’t get it repaired before taking a seat near my chamber.”

As he looked at her he again tried to access the memory of what happened, but he still could not make any headway. It was frustrating that the memory eluded him. He re focused on Arcee’s face as he waited for hr to say something in her defense.

*********

Optimus Prime stopped when he heard Wheeljack come up behind him. He knew the engineer well and thought a moment. He was a likable mech and perhaps having him talk to the functional Dinobots about their last mission would be something he could handle.

Prime looked down at Wheeljack as he spoke.

“Wheeljack, I would like you to talk to Swoop, Sludge and Snarl about their last mission. I am sure their version will differ from Grimlock’s.”

Medical Bay

“In case you haven’t noticed…”

Arcee hastily began her defence, the pink tinted Fem keeping her arms folded across her torso, finally making contact with Hot Rods optics, albeit with a glare.

“…there are several, critical Autobots who need Ratchets attention before I do!”

Which wasn’t untrue, more than a few of the CR Chambers were now in use, each one under the careful watch of the outposts’ chief medic. She didn’t envy Ratchet, it pained her enough too see her friends and comrades in their damaged states, too see them so every day, she couldn’t imagine a more private hell.

She made a note to ask the Chief Medic, one day, how he did it, how he was able too cope.

But not today, for now, there was a reckless fool she wasn’t done with scolding.

“But what should I expect, have you ever noticed anyone but yourself?”

Alright…

Arcee admitted internally as she stood up, frustration etched into inch of her slender frame.

…that one might not have been fair.

Hot Rod could be self absorbed, but he wasn’t Sunstreaker, not even close if she was honest.

“Come on…”

She added hastily, regretting with each moment the last thing she had said. The pink tinted Fem took his arm too suggest/guide/pull him out of the Medbay, either ignoring or not noticing how uncertain he seemed too be on his feet.

“…we should get out of the way…I’m glad you’re ok…”

She added the final part sincerely, if somewhat reluctantly.

“…Tool”.

Med Bay

Prowl helped Wheeljack place Sunstreaker in the CR chamber. That was one down, now he had to put Pipes in a chamber.

He carefully placed him in. "Just take it easy and relax Pipes!" he said as he stepped out and pressed the button. "You'll be back to your fully funcitonal self in no time."

He turned his attention to Wheeljack as he gave a gesture of thanks.

"Glad to help. I'll be in the Command Center. Let me know if you need me for anything." he said as he began to make his way out of the Med Bay.

Command Center

After a short walk through the corridor, Prowl found himself in the Command Center. He had personally been on the ship a few times prior when on Cybertron, and knew his way around. He noticed Skids and Blaster already present with the cassettes out and about. He didn't mind, as long as he could efficiently get the necessary information he needed to better acquaint himself with the groups current situation.

He sat down at a terminal, completely ignoring the conversation going on on the far side of the room and laser-jacked into the terminal, providing the necessary authorization codes to access the network. It didn't matter to him if Blaster was speaking about him. He knew he had to do what he did in Las Vegas to keep attention away from him and Blaster. however, he would not lose his composure over such a trivial matter. he knew that Blaster knew there were more important matters at hand. He was more focused on what the team already knew about the humans and the current situation. He then began looking through the datafiles.

"Interesting..." was the only word he muttered as the datafiles processed through his neural net.

Medical Bay

Hot Rod flashed another smile at Arcee. He knew the Femme better than just about anyone; her temper always seemed to fluctuate around him, and he knew why. He was reckless and often immature, but hey, it’s him. He leaned forward just a little as she scolded him some more. With a much more serious expression he addressed her after her first remark.

“I noticed you.”

Another well placed smirk and a flash of his optic. She didn’t respond; instead she took him by the arm and walked him out of the Med Bay. As they made their way out of the facility he turned to look at her as they walked.

“Thanks. I missed you too.”

He turned his attention back to the long winding corridor. He was curious to know what technology the humans had. He never was able to find out. He also needed to know just what happened to him. But that would come later.

“Say, were we able to attain the Cybertronian tech the humans had? What was it anyway?”

Corridors

Confident that Hot Rod wasn't about too keel over, Arcee decided it was best too take her supporting arm away from his. She didn't, after all, want too start giving the wrong idea, too him or herself, the pink tinted Femme wasn't always entirely sure.

"It wasn't a case a 'what' they found..."

Arcee began informing the cavalier, once she was satisfied that her anger concerning his, most recent, reckless behavior had passed. For the most part anyway.

"...but 'who'...they found the Dinobots...and Shockwave..."

The young Fem was hesitant too add the final part, not because she didn't believe Hot Rod deserved too know, but rather she didn't want too think about it. Arcee had shared the field of battle with some of the worst representations of the Deceptions cause, and yet some, she wasn't too proud too admit, filled with more than a little fear.

Shockwave wasn't only cruel, he was...so impossibly cold. She could almost understand why the other Decepticons did what they did, even if she hated them for the joy they took in carnage, but Shockwave was different. He didn't end lives because he enjoyed it, he did it simply because he didn't care.

The extinction of an entire species was merely incidental...providing it served his purposes.

The very thought of it made the pink tinted Femme uneasy too her spark, something she wished she could keep hidden from observant eyes.

"It would have been better if he had stayed lost..."

Medical Bay

Sludge listened intently as Snarl spoke and told him about what he had seen before falling into stasis lock. It seemed to make sense to Sludge. After all, if the Dinobots were beaten, how did Shockwave become trapped here, as well? Something more must have happened after they were in stasis and a blast from their orbiting ship, set to fire by Grimlock, would certainly explain a lot.

The Dinobot commander did not like losing and the humiliation his team had previously suffered at the hands of Shockwave had enraged Grimlock to his very spark core. He would have done anything to make the one-eyed ‘con pay. But did that also mean he would willingly sacrifice the other Dinobots in the process? Sludge found it hard to believe that Grimlock would go that far, but it was still possible, especially if the Dinobots were going to be defeated a second time. Once was bad enough, but the idea of being beaten twice may have sent their leader over the edge.

“Me understand now why you angry, Snarl,” Sludge replied to his comrade. “Grimlock could never accept defeat. Win at all costs. Maybe he thought he was doing right thing.” The Jungle Warrior sat back in his chair as fresh energon continued to pump into his body, making him stronger by the astrosecond. “Maybe he thought we’d rather die than be beaten again,” Sludge suggested, giving Grimlock the benefit of the doubt. Although, Sludge knew that this was not a good excuse for his leader’s actions. If what Snarl said was true, then Grimlock should have let the rest of them know what his plan was in case of another defeat. It should have been a team decision. That’s how a true leader would have handled it.

As it were, Sludge was not yet willing to give up on Grimlock. He still considered his commander to be the strongest, and the strongest should always lead. “We should hear Grimlock’s side first,” Sludge said to Snarl. “Then decide what to do next.”

Medical Bay

One of the many occupied CR Chambers slid open and the Dinobot leader at last stepped out. Grimlock felt much better now. The CR chamber had repaired all of his damage, both from the battle and from being buried for so long. All of the remaining dirt and other organic matter had been cleaned out and he was fully re-energized. If he’d fought Razorclaw in his current state he had no doubt that the Predacon’s beast mode head would be in his possession. Next time they fought Razorclaw wasn’t going to walk away in one piece.

The Dinobot took a moment to study his surroundings. He was obviously in a medical bay on some sort of Autobot ship. While he didn’t remember everything after going into stasis he did have a few flashes of Sludge picking him up and of an orbital bounce. He assumed they were still on the same stupid mudball of a planet for whatever reason. The ship didn’t feel or sound like it was moving and he didn’t think he’d been out long enough for them to get back to Cybertron. He would have to make sure they were heading there soon though. They’d already wasted far too much time on this world. The war was obviously still raging and the major fighting would always be taking place on their homeworld.

Grimlock spotted Snarl and Sludge talking off to the side and quickly made his way towards them. He was happy to see them. Maybe he could put his team back together and get back into the war. If Shockwave was still alive then they could finally settle that score once and for all. The Decepticon was not going to beat them again, not without any advantage of explosive energon or the threat of energon overexposure to help him. “Sludge! Snarl! It good to see you! You know where we are and how long we out? Me wake up and join in fight. Saw Optimus fighting Megatron so not much has changed. Are Swoop and Slag here too?”

*

Another CR Chamber hissed open and the Autobot warrior Sunstreaker stepped out, a scowl on his face. Before saying anything he began a close examination of his exterior. He remembered all of the damage he’d just taken in that battle had ruined his paintjob, among other things. It took him a few minutes of close examination. He didn’t really trust the CR chambers to do a good job, not without some special programming. They were just as liable to splash some paint where it shouldn’t go. He finished his examination, fairly satisfied. He would run himself through a more thorough scan and touch up later.

With that over the Autobot looked around the CR chamber. He didn’t really care for talking to any of the other Autobots, especially Grimlock and his group of goons. They were nothing but a bunch of clumsy oaths and now with whatever alternate modes they had chosen were uglier than ever. Finally he settled his optics on Sideswipe who was standing nearby. He glared at his brother.

“You know, I had him right where I wanted him until he began BLUDGEONING me with YOU!”

Medical Bay

Smokescreen stirred in his CR chamber as the machine completed it’s repair and reformat cycles. He had been in there for a while, having suffered a fair amount of damage in the recent battle. Smokey had also programmed the machine with an upgrade to his body design, which lengthened his stay in the chamber some. However, it would be well worth the extra CR time if Smokey could perform his duties more efficiently and function better on the battlefield.

The door to the CR chamber slid open and Smokescreen stepped out into the medical bay. He could already feel the difference in his legs and feet. They were sleeker and felt lighter as he walked. Smokey didn’t almost trip while getting out of the CR chamber like he had done on previous occasions. So much better, Smokey thought as he squatted down, testing his knee joints. It seemed strange to have his car mode’s rear bumper located at his knees now instead of forming his feet. But it was something he’d get used to in no time. It was a much-needed adjustment.

Smokescreen then moved his arms back and forth across the front of his chest plate. He had a bit more range of motion now that his chest area was streamlined. He then tested his new, retractable launchers. They smoothly slid out from a panel on his back and took their proper positions on either shoulder. Now that’s what I’m talking about, Smokey thought with a grin, happy that they would no longer get in his line of sight when not in battle. The launchers then withdrew into his back, disappearing from sight.

Now it was time to test his transformation process. Smokescreen folded his arms and tucked them in under his chassis. His chest then rotated upwards as his head disappeared under the car hood and his wings unfolded to become both his doors and two thin sections on either side of the car’s front end. Finally, his legs simply folded in half at the knees to form the back end of his vehicle mode and then linked together with the front. The overall process took a few astroseconds less to complete, which was just what Smokey had hoped for.

His alt mode was still a Nissan 350z, but with some minor cosmetic modifications that were a result of the upgrade. It was nothing that would cause him to stand out or draw unwanted attention. Besides, humans customized their cars all the time and this was really no different. Smokey’s color scheme was still the same: red and blue with white trim and 38s on his doors.

Satisfied with his body repairs and upgrade, Smokescreen returned to robot mode and looked around the room. He saw some of the Dinobots at the far end talking as two of them recharged. Smokey also saw Sunstreaker scolding his brother Sideswipe. Same ol’ Sunny. The red and blue mech’s optics then fell on the motionless form of Trailbreaker, who was lying on a nearby table. Smokey walked over to the Defensive Strategist as Ratchet stood over him. ‘Breaker had saved Smokey’s life and paid dearly for it.

“Will he be okay, Ratchet?” Smokescreen asked the medic. “He saved my life out there. So, if you need any spare parts for him, I’ll gladly donate them.”

*********

Sludge looked up at Grimlock as he approached him and Snarl. The Dinobot Commander spoke and asked some questions of the two. Sludge listened and then tried his best to answer. “Well, me not sure how long we been out, very long time me thinks. But we aboard Ark-19 now, an Autobot ship. We still on same planet we followed Shockwave to. Swoop around here somewhere, but Slag still in stasis.” Sludge then turned to look at Snarl, whom he knew had some questions of his own to ask their leader. Sludge only hoped that things didn't get too heated between them. The last thing he wanted was infighting to erupt among his Dinobot comrades.

Medical Bay

Snarl listened as Sludge replied about how he still wanted to hear Grimlock's side of the story, which irritated the Desert Warrior a little. He had been a blind, and unquestioning follower once before, and that had almost gotten him killed, as well as most of his comrades. Though Snarl did admit to himself it made sense to hear Grimlock's side of thing, for all he knew it might of been a passing Deceticon survey ship that had detected the large amounts of energon and was beginning a planetary evolution for potential mining sites. Then again, that was very unlikely as most ships at that time never came out this far and would never carry out such a heavy orbital bombardment just for a mining survey. No, it had to of been Grimlock, gambling with their lives, tossing away all five of theirs just to get revenge on a single Decepticon.

However, before Snarl could respond to his comrade, Grimlock had emerged from his CR chamber and had made his way over to them. Snarl was not happy to see him, and the scowl on his face showed it. He listened as the Dinobot leader and Sludge talked for a bit. However, when they were done the Jungle Warrior looked over at Snarl, obviously wondering what his comrade was going to say. To be honest, Snarl wasn't really sure. He had a hundred different things on his processor about what happened, everything from deep rooted hurt to white hot anger. Snarl removed the refueling cable from his fuel port and stood up to his full height, looking optics with Grimlock.

"Why?" He began, his voice flat, and cold. "Why did you do it Grimlock? Why did you trap us here? Why didn't you consult us first to see if we were willing to die in such a way?" And finally to sum up everything he was feeling, he had one last question.

"Why did you betray us?"

* * *

After receiving his instructions from Optimus, Wheeljack quickly made his way back to the Medical Bay. He knew Slag was out for a while, recovering in a CR chamber, he wasn't sure where Swoop was. He knew Snarl and Sludge were both on line and likely somewhere together, probably getting recharged with fresh energon given their powered down states. Little had changed in the Medical Bay when the engineer entered it for the second time in a breem. Most of the injured were still in their chambers, but that is not what Wheeljack was interested in. Instead he turned and made his way to the recharge stations and saw Sludge and Snarl sitting down. However, he also noticed Grimlock there with them. It seemed he was not in time to question the other two Dinobots before their leader had awakened.

However, things did not seem to be good between them. Wheeljack had arrived just in time to see Snarl stand up and ask some pretty heavy questions of Grimlock, it appeared to him given their subject matter that what ever had happened so long ago had not been a group decision. It had even left some bitterness in Snarl, and it looked liked things were a little tense between the Dinobots.

The engineer kept his distance, but not to far so he couldn't hear what was going on. He didn't like the idea of acting like a spy, but at the moment he had little choice. He could end up in a CR chamber for a long time if he got in the middle of a fight between two Dinobots.

Medical Bay

Ratchet reached to the tray that was positioned next to the berth without taking his optics off of the inert form of Trailbreaker. The black mech had taken a beating, but he would be fine after some time in a CR chamber. The chief medic was deep in thought when he was brought out of his reverie by the voice of Smokescreen. Ratchet smiled at the diversion expert and took immediate notice of his new and improved robot form.

“Oh good ol’ Trailbreaker will be just fine. Nothing some time in a CR chamber can’t fix.”

The medic reached for another tool and tightened a few more bolts before responding to Smokescreen’s request to donate parts. Ratchet smiled broadly and looked back up.

“I don’t think that Trailbreaker would want that.” He chuckled and continued. “At least not now that he can’t pick and chose the parts he wants.”

Ratchet’s chuckle turned to a hearty laugh as he moved to a work bench that held a cloth. He shook his head as he quieted down. While using the cloth to clean his hands he looked out at the rest of the med bay. Once he caught sight of Grimlock he grew serious once more.

“Ah slag, he’s out. I better call Prime.”

Ratchet opened a link to the Autobot leader.

>>”Optimus, it’s Ratchet. It would seem Grimlock’s out of his chamber. So far he hasn’t caused any havoc, but I don’t know how long that’ll last.”<<

*********

Darkness had been the only thing he could focus on. Nothing, and he hated every retched moment. As the infusion of fresh energon began to seep into his fuel lines and then his inner workings, he grew even angrier. His processors became active and once they had he accessed his memory core. He thought it was a mistake but according to what he remembers it wasn’t, and that just made him angrier.

It had taken some time but the CR chamber he was in had finally completed its cycle and with a hiss the door slid open. His optics flashed to life and sneer spread across his face as he looked around his surroundings. He stepped out of the chamber and looked around a corner. A low growl escaped him as he took stock of Grimlock standing next to Snarl and Sludge. Flexing his fingers into a fist Slag ran up to the Dinobot commander grabbed his shoulder and turned his around. Before Grimlock could do anything Slag had sucker punched him dead in the face.

“YOU! You tried to kill all of us! I should rip your head from your shoulders! I want answers and I want them NOW!”

Medical Bay

Grimlock’s good mood rapidly disappeared as he confronted his team. Sludge seemed his usual self, friendly, helpful but a bit slow. He had never minded that with Sludge. He was extremely powerful and took orders well. That’s what he wanted in a soldier. He had been working on making him an even more effective solider over time, getting him to release some pent up anger on the Decepticons. It had been working pretty well. If only all of his team were as easy to deal with as Sludge, most of the others had their own issues that made them effective warriors but difficult to deal with at other times. This was looking like it was going to be one of those times. Of course, there wasn’t another Autobot alive who could deal with them.

The Dinobot leader’s face was rather expressionless by its very design, possessing only a visor. He couldn’t display emotion on his face very well, but those who knew him really well could make out the subtle signs. As Grimlock looked back at Snarl he had the equivalent of a scowl on his face.

“So what Snarl, you want talk about everything in committee? Maybe we all get together before we recharge now, discuss how we do it? Me think Prime probably like that, that his way. We NEVER do things his way! His way not work, you know that, I know that, we all know that! This was the Dinobot way, our way!”

“Me set the ship to fire down on us if we go into stasis lock. What you think happen if it not fire down on us? Maybe you think Shockwave just leave us there? Maybe he fix us because he such nice guy? Maybe you get more damage to your head then you think Snarl. If ship not fire down on us, we all be dead now, or worse. Shockwave would have torn us apart, used us as spare parts or maybe test subjects for new experiments. You prefer that Snarl, lying on some test table in his lab? You think that better than taking a long nap? You think about that.”

Grimlock had just finished up his rant against Snarl when he was spun around. He didn’t have time to say anything before Slag slammed his fist into his face. The Dinobot leader was taken completely off guard. He stumbled backwards a couple of awkward steps before falling down on his rear. He glared up at the other Dinobot. “Me know you angry Slag, you always are. Me let you have that hit on me, for now.” He climbed back to his feet. “Me have ship shoot down on us because we were dead! We were in stasis lock! You think Shockwave just going to let us live after that! What you think Slag? What you think if you had worst enemy in front of you, helpless in stasis lock? What would you do?”

Grimlock was fairly certain he could win over Slag. He understood the other Dinobot, known him longer than the rest. He would understand what he had done, that death his way and taking Shockwave down with them was better than letting Shockwave finish them off and survive. Slag understood revenge.

Snarl wasn’t quite as simple though. He wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but he hoped he could get through to him. The war was still going on and Shockwave was still out there. It would be up to them to turn this war around and take out the cycloptic Decepticon once and for all.

Medical Bay

Smokescreen felt a sense of relief once Ratchet told him that Trailbreaker would be fine. The Defensive Strategist had distracted Astrotrain and kept him from blasting Smokey into stasis back on the battlefield. Normally, it was the diversion expert that did the distracting, but he was in no shape to do so at the time. Now it was ‘Breaker who was in stasis lock, and the diversion expert was greatly indebted to him.

“That’s good to hear, Ratchet,” Smokey replied, happily. “Just let me know if his condition changes, okay?”

Their conversation was then interrupted by the emergence of Grimlock from his CR chamber. The Autobot medic quickly notified Prime over the comm as Smokescreen turned around and watched the other Dinobots confront their leader about something. One of them even punched Grimlock square in the face, knocking him to the ground. The red and blue mech wasn’t sure what was happening, but it looked as if things were about to go from bad to worse.

“Ratchet, you may want to get Prime down here before the Dinobots tear up the med bay,” Smokescreen suggested with a shrug. It was then he noticed Wheeljack standing on the opposite side of the feuding Dinobots. Smokey carefully made his way across the room, keeping his distance as he heard Grimlock lay in to his comrades. He wasn’t about to get in the middle of this family squabble. Smokey would most certainly end up back in a CR chamber if he did.

Approaching Wheeljack, Smokescreen gave the inventor a friendly nod. “Hey, ‘Jack. Seems the newly awakened Dinobots are a bit grumpy, huh?” Smokey remarked quietly as he stood next to Wheeljack and watched the drama unfold nearby.

*********

Sludge remained seated and listened as Grimlock spoke to Snarl, taking in every word he said. The Jungle Warrior was not the brightest energon cube in the bunch, but his leader’s words made sense to him. Shockwave probably would’ve destroyed them or turned them into another one of his sick experiments. It was quite possible that they all could’ve ended up reprogrammed as Decepticon slaves or worse.

Then Slag came bounding over and struck Grimlock in the face. As the Dinobot Commander fell backwards to the ground, Sludge quickly unplugged himself and finally stood, facing Slag. “Calm down, Slag. Let Grimlock speak.” Their leader then picked himself off the floor and continued to explain his actions, now to Slag.

Once all was said and done, Sludge turned to Grimlock. “Me get why you did what you did,” the Jungle Warrior began, “But me also get why Slag and Snarl angry at you. Things need not be done in committee. Like you say, that Prime’s way. But it still have been nice to know what you were planning. We still a team and Shockwave still out there. We need settle this and put behind us if we going to stop him.”

Sludge hoped his words would settle things down a bit between his fellow Dinobots and get them refocused on what was happening now and not what had occurred thousands of meta-cycles ago. However, the Jungle Warrior feared that the team he’d been a part of for so long would never be the same again.

Corridors

Hot Rod was taken aback when Arcee mentioned the Dinobots, but wasn’t surprised when she told him about Shockwave. His demeanor lightened when she let go of his arm. He stopped and looked her in the optics. His smile was genuine as were his thoughts.

“You know, we won’t have to worry about Shockwave. I’ll take him on if need be.”

He casually began to walk past Arcee as he continued back down the corridor.

Command Center

Optimus Prime had just settled down at one of the consoles. He had begun running a few diagnostics when he received Ratchet’s comm. about Grimlock’s awakening. Prime sighed as he stood and opened a link to the chief medic.

>>”I’m on my way, Ratchet.”<<

From the shadows a large figure emerged. It made its way to stand behind the Autobot Commander. The figure then placed a hand on Optimus Prime’s shoulder and stepped into full view. Prime turned to face Kup.

“Grimlock is awake. It’s time I have a talk with him.”

Kup nodded in agreement and stepped aside.

“I think I better come along, just in case.”

Prime nodded and left the Command Center with Kup in tow.

Medical Bay

Kup followed Prime through the twists and turns of the Ark-19’s corridors and made it to the Medical Bay where the Dinobots were having their disagreement. The two Autobots entered the medical facility where Prime stopped. He then opened a ship wide comm. channel. He needed to get his troops in better condition in case of another incursion with the Decepticons.

>>”Attention all Auotbots, the training room is now online.”<<

Optimus looked back to Kup and nodded. The two then proceeded on toward the Dinobots. Prime then made his way to Grimlock where he knew there would be a confrontation.

Slag had listened intently to what Grimlock had to say, but he still couldn’t shake the fact that the Dinobot Commander had kept a secret from the rest of the team. Slag let out a low growl as he spoke.

“The point, Grimlock, is that you kept it a secret. From all of US!”

As the flamethrower spoke his final word he lunged forward with his right fist poised to strike. Before Slag could make contact Kup took hold of Slag’s arm and pulled him away from Grimlock. Prime swiftly got between the two warding Dinobots with arms spread wide.

“That is enough! Slag, you’re going to have to shelve your grievances for the time being.” Prime then glared back at the Dinobot Commander. “Grimlock, you and I need to talk.”