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The Trion is the newest and most technologically advanced warship in the Autobot navy. At just over 2 1/2 miles in length, it is slightly larger than the Thanatos. “Stolen” from the Alpha Shipyards by Grimlock and his Dinobots, the Trion was brought to the Sol System to aid in the neverending fight against the Decepticons there. The battleship is heavily armored and features some of the most powerful and destructive weapons the Autobots currently possess. The Trion contains everything a mech requires for long stays in space including: hab suites for the crew, offices for high-ranking officials, a state-of-the-art medical bay, numerous science labs, a large holomatter-enhanced training center, a fully-loaded armory and a vast hibernation chamber containing a sleeping army of Autotroopers ready to be awakened and serve as much needed reinforcements. The Trion is the most prized asset of the Autobot fleet, ready to help even the odds against a mounting enemy force.

Stationary Earth Orbit - Above North American Continent

A large transwarp wormhole opened from the blackness of space, revealing the immense Autobot battleship called the Trion. Once the warbird had completely exited hyperspace, it settled into a stationary orbit over North America, the wormhole collapsing behind it as quickly as it had appeared. The trip had taken longer than expected, but it had been necessary for Grimlock and his Dinobots to travel a more roundabout route in order to lose any pursuit ships that Cas Coller might try to send after them. Thankfully, none had been detected and now the Dinobots, along with a hand full of Autobot stragglers, had finally arrived back in the Sol System where the real fun would begin.

Bridge

Before Swerve had a chance to respond to him, Grimlock’s attention was drawn away from the annoying little minibot and back to the outer view screen. The huge visage of Sol-3, called Earth by the native inhabitants, lit up the room in a blue and green glow. Finally, their voyage and overall mission was over. Now, they could get back to the fight that had been denied them for so long while they sought to even the odds on this backwater little world.

Of course, getting past Prowl and the rest of High Command for their insubordinate actions would be a challenge, but it was nothing the rex-former was afraid of nor would it stop him or his elite squad from taking the battle to the Decepticons. If Prowl thought for one astrosecond that Grimlock would allow him to place the Dinobot Commander or any member of his unit into the brig, the prick-bot had a rude awakening coming to his smug faceplate.

It won’t come to that, Grimlock thought, rubbing his chin-guard in contemplation. They need us too much to keep Dinobots sidelined. The rex-former then looked over at the pilot’s chair. “Swoop, me want status update! Me don’t see Ark-22 or Guardian on view screen. Find ships and radio Autobots that we have returned. Tell them we bring big present to help crush 'Cons!” Grimlock then opened a comm line to his pair of wayward subordinates:

>>”Snarl, Sludge, we finally in Sol System. Get afts back to bridge now! Double-time it!”<<

Cutting his comm link, the Dinobot Commander glanced back down at Swerve. “You still here? Me thought told you to get off bridge before you get stepped on!”

Bridge

Grimlock, you know, could be imposing. Sometimes. One of times happened to be now. When he pretty much bellowed for Swerve to shut up. The red and white bot’s optics went a little and his jaw clamped up pretty quickly. And after what seemed like ages, the dinobot finally got around to answering some of his questions. It seemed like Grimlock had pulled a Grimlock and had…ah…’repurposed’ the Trion. Hm. But seemed like it was good that he did. Decepticon saboteur…Swerve shook his head. Wow. Hard to believe that.

“Sol System, huh?” Swerve rubbed his chin contemplatively. That was where Optimus and a good portion of their forces were. “We’re off to the frontlines! That’s..heh…something.” Swerve looked up at Grimlock as the dinobot leader made a point to lean down to look him right the optic. Visor. Thing. Swerve frowned thoughtfully as he figured Grimlock’s words. That was more of…gentle suggestion than order. Surely. He didn’t have anywhere else to be. Before Swerve could reassure Grimlock that he didn’t have anything else to be doing, the dinobot’s attention was drawn elsewhere.

Swerve leaned over and looked past him to see what he was looking at. Ah! They were already at the Sol System! As Grimlock barked out orders for Swoop, Swerve saw fit to make himself useful. He scurried past Grimlock yet again and hopped up in the command chair. It felt…powerful. Swooshy. If that made sense. Probably didn’t, but oh well.

“Hey, I can help with that! Just give me a minute to figure out how this thing works…” Swerve pushed a button, causing an alarm to go off in the bridge momentarily. “Oops! Not that one!” Swerve hastily pressed the button again to stop the opening of the bay doors. Unfortunately, that didn’t do anything. “Uhh…um…I’ve got this…!” Frantically fiddling with the controls there, Swerve got the alarms to finally shut off as the bay doors began to close.

“Phew! Where’s the manual for this thing, am I right, Grimmy?” Swerve chuckled nervously. He slid off of the command chair sheepishly.

Bridge

Grimlock couldn’t believe what he was seeing. At first, he thought it was a hallucination. It had to be. No mech in their right mind would actually sit in the Dinobot Commander’s chair. They just wouldn’t. It would be virtual suicide for any ‘Bot to do such a thing. However, it was not an illusion. It was really happening right in front of his faceplate. Swerve had scurried by the rex-former and managed to hop up into the command chair. Not only that, but the crazy minibot had begun to arbitrarily push whatever buttons he wanted, causing a very loud alarm to go off and one of the bay doors down on a lower level of the ship to open.

“SWERVE!! GET. OUT. OF. ME. CHAIR. NOW!!!” Grimlock bellowed as the small red and white mech fiddled with the controls long enough to finally fix the problem he had created. With the alarm silent and the bay door closed once again, Swerve slid out of the command chair just as the rex-former approached and glared down at him. “You had chance to leave bridge on own. Now, me throw you out,” the Dinobot Commander said, ignoring the minibot's question regarding a manual. Grimlock quickly leaned down and took hold of the top of Swerve’s cranial unit with one hand and carried him like a suitcase over to the bridge doors, which slid apart at his approach. Without delay, the minibot was harmlessly tossed out into the corridor where he landed with a thud. “And STAY OUT!!”

Grimlock then turned and headed back to his command chair as the bridge doors began to slide shut again. Hopefully, Swerve would not somehow slip back onto the bridge before the doors closed all the way. If he did there was no telling what would happen. He could become the lunch of a mechanical T. Rex or perhaps Slag would finally become annoyed with him and burn him to a cinder. Either way would be a bad end for the irritating little minibot.

In the meantime, Grimlock had other matters to attend to. The rex-former took a seat in the command chair and stared at the outer view screen where the mudball known as Earth was projected. The Dinobot Commander then turned his gaze over to Swoop as he waited for his avian subordinate to give him his requested status update and to make contact with the other Autobot ships.

Bridge

Swoop had been given an order and he had every intention of following it. One did not simply ignore Grimlock unless one wanted a severe beating about the face and body. It was either that or a stern glare that would make any mech leak some lubricants. While Swerve’s comical interaction with the Dinobot Commander had Swoop’s attention somewhat diverted, it was time to get back to business and locate the Autobots’ current orbital position.

Placing his hands into the interface slots, the Dinobot pilot began scanning the western hemisphere of Sol-3 in search of the Autobot vessels. It didn’t take long for him to detect the unique signatures of both the Ark-22 and the Guardian. “Found them, boss! Both ships are currently in orbit over the land mass known by the little fleshies as Australia. Which ship should I send message to?”

“Good, Swoop, good!” Grimlock responded, leaning forward in the command chair. “No send message. Just open channel to both ships. Me do talking.” Swoop nodded in understanding and immediately opened a secured channel to both Autobot vessels.

“Ready when you are, boss,” the aerial Dinobot replied as Grimlock sat back again in his chair.

>>”Ark-22, Guardian, this Commander Grimlock, captain of Autobot Battleship Trion. We Dinobots have arrived back in Sol System with most advanced warship from shipyards to help defeat ‘Cons. Me also bring with us entire army of Autotroopers asleep in stasis pods. They add to your weak warriors and match enemy vehicons. We now on approach. Request permission to dock with either ship. Me no care which one. Grimlock out.”<<

With the encrypted transmission sent, the Dinobot Commander regarded his pilot. “Take us to them, Swoop.”

“Aye aye, Captain!” The aerial Dinobot responded as his actuators remained embedded within the interface slots. A mere thought later and the Trion was heading towards the coordinates of both the Guardian and the Ark-22.

Bridge / Outside Corridor

Having cut the holographic comm link with the Guardian, Grimlock stood up from his command chair with a deep guttural growl. “Me go pound prick-bot into scrap now. Swoop, dock with Guardian. Me head there on foot to finish conversation. The bridge is yours until me return. Slag, you and other Dinobots stay with Trion for now and keep our ship secure while me deal with Autobot chumps. Stay out of trouble, too. If ‘Bots stupid enough to try and arrest me, will send signal to you. We no one’s prisoners.”

“Understood, Grimlock,” Swoop responded as he guided the Trion closer to the Autobot medical frigate. “We’ll be docked within the breem, boss.”

“Good,” Grimlock acknowledged as he turned and headed out of the bridge and into the corridor beyond. As he walked, the rex-former almost tripped over Swerve but managed to keep his balance. The minibot was still loitering about, but at least he had not bothered the Dinobot Commander further. Regardless, he was a nuisance and in his current mood, Grimlock was seriously thinking about transforming and eating him. That didn’t happen, however, as it wasn’t Swerve’s fault that Prowl was such an aft plate.

“Why you still here? Don’t you have better things to do then stand around?” Grimlock growled as he then continued onward down the hallway. Suddenly, an interesting idea hit the rex-former and he stopped in his tracks. What if pounding Prowl into scrap wasn’t the only way to deal with such an irritating mech. Perhaps, violence was not the answer here. Maybe another equally irritating mechanoid was a far better option to handle an annoying military strategist. At the very least the exchange between them would be fun to watch.

Grimlock quickly turned around and walked back over to the red and white ‘Bot. “You Swerve, right? You like talk a lot don’t you? Well, me have just the mech you can talk to all you want. Him good listener. Interested? If so, follow me. We going to Guardian. Try and keep up.” The Dinobot Commander then walked back down the corridor away from the bridge, his destination -- the Trion's docking ring.

Outside Ship

The Trion slowly approached the Protectobot medical frigate known as the Guardian, coming up alongside the much smaller ship and almost dwarfing it in comparison. Once the docking ports of both vessels were in alignment, the docking tunnel extended from the hull of the Trion and steadily reached out like a large finger before attaching itself to the frigate’s docking ring. Air hissed from around the outer edges of the tunnel’s connection to the Guardian as proper pressurization was established within the tube. The lights along the tunnel turned green as the docking rings of both ships slowly opened, allowing for foot traffic to now pass between the two Autobot ships.

Corridor Outside the Bridge

“Hmm,” Swerve muttered as he landed on his aft plating after Grimlock unceremoniously dumped him out of the bridge. He picked himself up and dusted himself off. Hm. Well. He wasn’t dead. From Grimlock’s initial reaction, he had half expected to be missing a limb or something, but no. He was intact. Good!

Swerve considered the door to the bridge. Hm. Grimlock hadn’t really given him any orders or anything. And he didn’t really have anything to do. What this amounted to Swerve doing was leaning against the bridge door, trying to listen in on the goings on within. It wasn’t long before some stomping coming in his direction could be heard. And felt. Swerve hurriedly scurried backwards, but not in time to prevent Grimlock from tripping over him.

“Why you still here? Don’t you have better things to do then stand around?”

“Not really…” Swerve muttered under his breath. When Grimlock stopped abruptly, Swerve’s optical visor widened in fear. What he going to get eaten?! Uh oh. Swerve was just beginning to think that it might be a good idea to make himself scarce when Grimlock turned around and walked right up to him.

“You Swerve, right? You like talk a lot don’t you? Well, me have just the mech you can talk to all you want. Him good listener. Interested? If so, follow me. We going to Guardian. Try and keep up.”

“Sure!” Swerve said, having to immediately jog to keep pace with the Dinobot commander. “So who’s this guy, huh? He like jokes or…something? It’s Skids right? Getaway? No? Hey, c’mon! Don’t leave me in the dark here!”

Corridors/Docking Ring

Grimlock made his way down to the docking tunnel that linked the Trion with the Protectobot medical frigate, all the while Swerve followed close behind, his tiny legs trying desperately to keep up. The minibot had chosen to join him. That was both a curse and a blessing for the Dinobot Commander. On the one hand, the red and white mech was irritating to listen to, but on the other that irritation would soon be transferred to Prowl once they had arrived at their destination.

Swerve began to ask who this mech was that he could talk to all he wanted, taking a few guesses but being wrong each time. Grimlock chuckled under this breath, taking a quick glance back and down at the smaller Autobot. “Him black and white and annoying all over. Major thorn in me side. You two will get along great. And him love jokes,” the rex-former replied sarcastically as he turned another corner and approached the docking ring. “Him real prick-bot. You’ll know him when you see him.”

Grimlock remained somewhat secretive about the identity of the mech in question, not wanting to ruin the surprise or even scare the minibot off. Prowl wasn’t exactly well liked, after all. Although, if ‘prick-bot’ didn’t give it away then there was no hope for Swerve. Quickening his pace, the Dinobot leader passed through the docking ring and into the tunnel beyond, crossing over to the Guardian on the opposite side.

((OOC: I'm going to assume all Dinobots are back on the bridge since they were ordered to do so a while ago.))

Bridge

Grimlock strode onto the bridge and quickly made his way to the command chair at the center of the chamber. Taking a seat, the Dinobot Commander glanced around the room to see that all of his Dinobots were present and accounted for. Now, there was just the task of awaiting the other trio of weakling Autobots to arrive and the full briefing could begin. Grimlock often found briefings or meetings of any type to be very boring. However, he did recognize that they were also a necessary evil to ensure everyone was on the same page before a mission began. Otherwise, mistakes could be made in the field that could ultimately lead to one or more casualties. The rex-former didn’t want any of those other bots doing something stupid that would end up getting them all killed.

“Dinobots!” Grimlock bellowed from the command chair at he looked around at Swoop, Snarl, Slag and Sludge, who were all at their respective stations. Even though the rest of his strike team had not yet arrived, the rex-former decided to begin at least part of the briefing early. “Me have very good news! We not going to brig. Ultra Magnus in charge here now, not Prowl. Magnus see we better suited fighting enemy and not sitting on aft plates. Him give us new mission where we get to attack Decepticon base on planet below. It was uncovered during recent battle in place called North Korea. Our job: bash ‘Cons and destroy base. However, we have to take along three Autobots for ride - Scoop, Blaster and Getaway. Their job: infiltrate base and get data from core.

“Now, me know you all not happy about taking others. We work best alone, but we have no choice. They handle tech stuff while we handle violent stuff. Work out best for all.” The Dinobot Commander paused for a moment and retrieved the data slate from his hip compartment. Plugging the device into the arm rest of his chair, the information stored within was quickly transferred onto the primary view screen at the front of the bridge. “These battle logs from North Korea. While we wait for rest of strike team to get here, me want you Dinobots to review logs. They prepare us for mission ahead.”

Grimlock then sat back in his chair as the images from the battle, and initial encounter with the Fallen, played out before them. The fiery demigod’s power was quite impressive as was the fact that the Autobots and Decepticons had managed to form a truce and work together. Still, that peace had been short lived once the Fallen was defeated and now everyone was back to fighting the real enemy – each other. Naturally, that suited the rex-former just fine as he couldn’t wait to crush puny ‘Cons between his monstrous jaws. Now, if only the other ‘Bots would finally arrive then this briefing could be completed and the real fun could begin.

Bridge

“Dinobots!”

Slag grunted to himself before he half turned in his seat to look up at Grimlock. The Dinobot Commander was ready to present his briefing to the others gathered, unfortunately Slag was more interested in getting this whole show on the road so he could bust open some Decepticon skulls.

“Me have very good news! We not going to brig. Ultra Magnus in charge here now, not Prowl.”

“Since when is that good news?” Slag growled lowly. “Swapping out one glitched fragger for another is not my idea of good news.”

“Magnus see we better suited fighting enemy and not sitting on aft plates. Him give us new mission where we get to attack Decepticon base on planet below. It was uncovered during recent battle in place called North Korea. Our job: bash ‘Cons and destroy base. However, we have to take along three Autobots for ride - Scoop, Blaster and Getaway. Their job: infiltrate base and get data from core.”

While Grimlock proceeded Slag grew quiet. Their job obviously sounded like it was right up the flamethrower’s alley, but having to work with others….Slag did not enjoy the company of others, hell he hardly tolerates his fellow Dinobots.

“Now, me know you all not happy about taking others. We work best alone, but we have no choice. They handle tech stuff while we handle violent stuff. Work out best for all.”

Slag sniffed in disgust.

“These battle logs from North Korea. While we wait for rest of strike team to get here, me want you Dinobots to review logs. They prepare us for mission ahead.”

Slowly the triceratops turned around to face the primary view screen at the front of the bridge. He studied it for a moment before he leaned back and crossed his arms over his broad chest. Before long he let out a growl and looked over his shoulder at Grimlock.

“No choice my fraggin’ aft. We have plenty of choices. And I’m gonna make one of my own right now.” Slag stood up from his chair. “If one of those hangers-on gets in my way my choice will be to split him open, lengthwise, and plow right through him.” He took a step forward. “I don’t play nice with others. And I don’t wanna play nice with others. All I want is to feel the energon from dead Cons slipping through my fingers.”

Bridge

And there it was. As the battle logs from North Korea played out on the primary view screen, Slag had decided to voice his displeasure at having to work with other, lesser Autobots on the upcoming mission. It was not surprising in the least to Grimlock to hear those words coming out of the flamethrower’s mouth. The rex-former would’ve been more concerned about his subordinate if he hadn’t said any of those things. As it were, Slag was simply acting like his usual self, which was always a good sign for the Dinobots and a bad one for the ‘Cons.

“You right, Slag, we do have plenty of choices,” Grimlock agreed as he maneuvered the command chair around on its axis until he faced the triceratops. “But this my choice. Me agree to this and since me Dinobot Commander this choice that we going with. Autobots need info from computer core. Let them handle that while we crush ‘cons and wreck base. Technically, we not work with them. 'Bots do their thing and we do ours separately from each other. Shouldn’t be a problem.”

Grimlock then leaned forward in his chair and locked optics with Slag, a serious expression etched on his faceplate. “Me not ask you to play nice with them. Me not ask you to be friends with them. Me not even care if you push them out of way. However, you will NOT eviscerate them or do anything that results in their deaths. They Autobots. They may be puny and weak, but they not our enemy. Save your anger and energon lust for the Decepticons. They ones who truly deserve it.”

Bridge

Scoop waited patiently as the transport car passed yet another deck as it steadily ascended towards the forward bridge of the massive Autobot Battleship Trion. It had been an adventure trying to navigate the impressive vessel, at least for one such as the infantryman. Unsatisfied with simply going from the docking ring that linked the large vessel with that of the absolutely dwarfed frigate Guardian, Scoop had managed to take a mini tour of the mid levels and sections of the ship.

What struck the soldier right off, was the absolute lively bustle of the Autobot Troopers, Engineers and Scientists that made up much of the purloined ship's crew... many of which had been activated during the ship's transit to the distant outer arm system of Sol. Some stopped to ask him questions about the state of affairs in system, hoping to either engage in renewed fight against the Decepticon menace that plagued the cosmos. Others simply hoped that this world was on the verge of being secured so they could avoid the conflict for another mega cycle. Scoop simply gave both parties the curtest answer he could. Earth was in the divine hands of the creator, and only Primus's devotion and benevolent love could stave off the darkness that lurked in the sparks of the Decepticons.

After a few disappointed sighs or shrugs of resignation... or in some cases grins of anticipation, Scoop managed to make his way to the capital ship's primary armory. There he was able to requisition several pieces of equipment that would be necessary for any mission that involved the Dinobots. Which typically meant demolitions explosives, flash grenades, smoke bombs for signals or concealing advances, sensor jammers, even a few of the newer Ion Grenades. As his order was being processed by the service drone, Scoop made his way over to the nearest refurbishing station located along the wall furthest from the doors that lead to the main hall.

He studied the device with some suspicion before he was satisfied that it would serve his purposes. He drew his two weapons from their respective subspace holsters and placed them into a respective repair slot on the station. A holographic display immediately activated for both weapons explaining the options available for each type of weapon. Wary of selecting major upgrades to his trusty friends, and partners, Scoop elected for more modest exchanges of components and updating obsolete models for newer more compatible ones. The simulated result would improve the cooling rate of the weapons by thirty percent while increasing the impact and damage dealt. In the weapons' combined form the new modifications ensured that compatibility would be at least slightly improved which was a plus, as well as the marked increase in the rate of fire and potential accuracy. In other words, Scoop's weapons would be made at least a couple of models newer without having to requisition a brand new and nearly foreign element to the battlefield.

The soldier activated the refurbishing station and watched as the weapons were drawn into its interior. He pivoted on his heel and returned to the requisition droid as it reappeared from the back of the weapons storage compartment of the armory. In its arms a silver tray was carefully balanced, sporting several devices of varying shapes and sizes. The construction soldier studied the devices as the droid explained their purpose and practical uses, though Scoop was familiar with their various functions as well as functions yet to be listed. Thus as the droid droned on, he began placing the weapons into allocated storage compartments along his legs and forearms.

The refurbishing station chimed after ten minutes to alert Scoop that the procedures he had requested, were completed. His weapons were extracted, cleaned and fully repaired... and more capable than before. Scoop examined the two guns and offered brief scans to familiarize himself with the new changes. Nodding his head in approval, he returned the two weapons into their respective subspace holsters and deactivated the machine.

The Constructionbot left the armory and managed to find his way to the turbo lift hub. As the car made its steady ascent, he continued his absorption of the new data files that were required to properly adjust to the new modifications to his weapons... and the additions of the single use devices he had acquired. While he was familiar with most of them, having used them many times during the vast epoch span of this Primus Forsaken war, these were newer models and like the modifications of his guns required at least a brief review.

The lift car finally came to a stop at the end of its track. The tall double doors retracted into their respective sides to reveal an expansive bridge. Scoop's optics gave a quick sweep of the command center before stopping at the central elevated island in the middle of the bridge itself. A large, almost throne like, chair dominated the raised platform, with two giant fins splaying out just above its crown, marked with small vestigial digits on each fin.

Not one to scare or start easily, Scoop was not above taking a cautious stance when it came to the volatile members of the Dinobots. Frankly, he had never directly served with the Dinobots on assignment... or more specifically, served under Grimlock's direct command while on assignment. He had, of course, been on many battlefields where he had witnessed first hand as to the awesome and primal power that the five possessed. Thus he decided his best bet was to steer clear of the more... aggressive members of the elite unit.

Scoop stepped off the turbo lift car and allowed the double doors to hiss closed behind him before stepping down onto a lower level of the bridge near the sciences stations... manned by a recently wakened Autobot scientist who's name he did not catch. Scoop turned passed the terminals and made his way around towards the view screen. He peered passed Slag's position and up towards Grimlock. "Scoop, reporting for duty..." he cocked a friendly smile as he nodded towards each of the Dinobot members, taking care to make note of their reactions though he expected little to none. "I heard you and your team were going on a little field trip and required a small bit of support. By the blessings of Primus, I am at your service Commander Grimlock."

Bridge

Blaster cruised into the bridge shortly after Scoop, having checked his weapons and gotten any gadgets or gizmos that he might need on this adventure. Noise and Graphy were off with Springer. Rewind was still recovering according to the medical logs. That left him with only a couple of his cassettobots, but maybe that was for the best. The little guys tended to get hurt on the battlefield more often than not.

He gave the occupants of the room a friendly salute, his countenance a flawless mask of complete ease. Blaster shot Grimlock a grin. “Sup, Grimmy? Reportin’ for duty. What’s the low down? Gotta be big if Mags decided to send you in.” Blaster waited for a briefing eagerly. After having just gotten back with Optimus, he was itching to send the Bots a big broadcast, lighting fires under all of them. But that would have to wait. As it was, he just wanted to get this assignment done so he could get back to see how the big Prime was doing.

Earth Orbit

The chase had been long. Harrowing! Full of…danger?! Actually, it hadn’t been any of those things other than long. Boring. Dull. But still Sky Lynx persevered. The Trion had been stolen right out from under his nose at Cas Collar, and he refused to let that insult stand. Still, he thought it rather strange that it had chosen this system of all systems. The Sol System.

Sky Lynx believed Prime was here. He supposed that made Sol-3 the current frontline of their eternal war. What kind of world might it be? One full of some resource that was helpful to the Decepticons most likely. They only invaded worlds that had some sort of strategic value. The reports had said life on Sol-3 was organic, which usually meant some kind of horribly squishy lifeform. Yeech. Sky Lynx would take considerable care to avoid treading on anything.

“You know, the last time I was on an organic world, I stepped on a-“ Sky Lynx stopped, suddenly realizing that there was no one aboard to listen to his tale of woe. The lieutenant commander let out a sullen sigh. Well, that was the consequence of immediately giving chase without rallying the troops. Botheration.

“Ah ha!” Sky Lynx declared, perking up as the Trion popped up on his scanners. “Now I have you!” Soaring toward the source in shuttle mode, Sky Lynx shifted into his graceful robot mode, which was to say the mode with both dinobird and lynx modes combined, and alighted on the hull of the Trion. “It’s finally time to get to the bottom of this theft,” Sky Lynx narrated aloud to himself, walking along the hull until he reached the bridge.

The lieutenant commander swung his head low to peer through the forward view ports into the bridge. “Ah, well. I suppose I should have guessed,” he muttered. He opened a comm line to the bridge of the Trion and tapped the view port lightly with the tip of his snout.

>>”Grimlock! Whatever do you think you are doing with the Trion?! You can’t simply waltz into a shipyard and take what you please! It simply isn’t done! What have you got to say for yourself?”<<

Bridge

Grimlock sat back in the command chair as he kept his optics locked on Slag, waiting for any kind of reaction from his subordinate. The resident flamethrower had already expressed his displeasure with having to work with other Autobots, even going so far as threatening their lives if they got in his way. The rex-former wasn’t happy about the situation, either, but those ‘bots were an unfortunate necessity in order to get the overall job done. Regardless, Slag needed to get control of his anger and direct his violence towards the Decepticons who deserved it far more than fellow Autobots. Scoop, Blaster and Getaway might be weaker and unworthy to fight alongside the Dinobots, but they were still fellow Autobots and thus their deaths would not be brought about by Dinobot hands.

However, before Slag had a chance to react further, the rest of Grimlock’s strike team began to filter onto the bridge one by one. Scoop was the first to arrive, offering his services to the Dinobot Commander as though he had any choice in the matter. “You are, indeed, at me service, Scoop, but this no field trip. This serious mission.” Blaster then entered the chamber and reported for duty, asking what the lowdown was for the upcoming assignment. “Yes, Blaster, it is big. Dinobots only sent on big important missions. Lowdown, as you say, will be given once remaining team member arrives,” Grimlock said to the communications expert before leaning forward in the command chair, resting one elbow on his knee joint. “And the name is Grimlock, not Grimmy. But, you may call me Commander.”

Grimlock narrowed his optics at Blaster, knowing full well that the red mech meant no disrespect in calling the Dinobot Commander ‘Grimmy’. Others had dared call him that in the past, a 'cute' nickname that was meant more for a protoform than a seasoned warrior and veteran unit commander. It irritated Grimlock as his vocal impediment already made some think of him as dumb or not to be taken seriously. A nickname like ‘Grimmy’ only exasperated that false notion. It was something the rex-former would not tolerate nor would he tolerate lateness.

“We seem to be one short,” Grimlock growled as he straightened his posture. “Where is Getaway? Him late.” Before an answer could be given, the familiar vocals of another, much larger Autobot suddenly echoed through the bridge's comm channel. Grimlock spun around in his command chair and stared out through the forward view ports to see none other than Sky Lynx staring back at him. Terrific. The oversized Dinobird had tracked them from the Alpha Shipyards to the Sol System looking for the stolen Trion. It didn’t really come as any surprise that someone from Cas Coller would eventually come searching for their lost warship, but the rex-former hadn’t expected it to be someone the size of the lieutenant commander.

Grimlock stood from his command chair and approached the forward windows in order to get an unobstructed view of the bird-like head that was peering in. The Dinobot leader crossed his arms over his chestplate as he opened a return comm line:

>>”Well, well, Sky Lynx, me surprised to see you of all mechs chasing after us. Me not realize you at shipyards. Not remember seeing you there, especially when Decepticon saboteur caused havoc. Would’ve thought you’d be front and center for all that. Guess you sleeping on job or something, huh?”<<

The rex-former allowed a slight chuckle to escape his vocalizer before he continued.

>>”What me say for self? Me say me using Trion to fight Decepticons here in Sol System. And me also say me can do whatever me want. Me, Grimlock! Me no have time for proper authorization. Takes too long. Ship needed here now and ship here now. Me do what necessary to achieve victory. So, go back to Cas Coller, tell Countdown Trion belong to Dinobots. We take care of her from here on out. Him not need worry about it any more. Now, if you don't mind, me have mission briefing to finish.”<<

Uncrossing his massive arms, Grimlock then turned and headed back towards the center of the bridge where the rest of his strike team had begun to assemble.

Bridge

“Yes, Blaster, it is big. Dinobots only sent on big important missions. Lowdown, as you say, will be given once remaining team member arrives.

An amused, crooked smile wormed its way onto Blaster’s faceplate a little at that. “S’pose that’s true.”

“And the name is Grimlock, not Grimmy. But, you may call me Commander.”
Blaster nodded, waving a hand dismissively. Right, right. The chief communications officer wasn’t much for formality when it was personal, but he’d try to make the effort for the Dinobot Commander. “Roger that, chief,” Blaster replied, glancing back toward the doors of the bridge. Hm…where could their last member be? Maybe they got hung up on something.

The crimson mech’s thoughts wandered back to Optimus. He was just itching to make an announcement about the Prime’s return, but he wouldn’t until Magnus authorized it himself. He sighed a little inwardly. Thinking about it, Magnus would probably handle it himself when the time came. He could understand why the current supreme commander wanted it under wraps for the moment. The Cons might get antsy and wonder about Megatron, which was not something they needed while Optimus was recooperating.

“Where is Getaway? Him late.”

“Getaway, huh?” Blaster asked, looking to Grimlock, “I’ll call him. See what’s up.” As his gaze drifted away from Grimlock to do just that, he froze at the sight of an…unexpected face. What in Pit was Sky Lynx doing here of all things. The lieutenant commander’s words over the comms soon solved that mystery. Blaster sighed and rubbed his temples. Better get to calling Getaway. He transmitted nonverbally so as not to interrupt Grimlock’s communications with the irate dinobird.

>>”Hey, Getaway. You read me? What’s holdin’ you up? Grimmy’s getting’ kinda impatient. Better get over here ASAP, got it?”<<

>>”Well, well, Sky Lynx, me surprised to see you of all mechs chasing after us. Me not realize you at shipyards. Not remember seeing you there, especially when Decepticon saboteur caused havoc. Would’ve thought you’d be front and center for all that. Guess you sleeping on job or something, huh?”<<

>>”Now, listen here, you ruffian!”<< Sky Lynx interjected indignantly. However, before he could go on, Grimlock continued.

>>”What me say for self? Me say me using Trion to fight Decepticons here in Sol System. And me also say me can do whatever me want. Me, Grimlock! Me no have time for proper authorization. Takes too long. Ship needed here now and ship here now. Me do what necessary to achieve victory. So, go back to Cas Coller, tell Countdown Trion belong to Dinobots. We take care of her from here on out. Him not need worry about it any more. Now, if you don't mind, me have mission briefing to finish.”<<

>>”You uncouth rouge! Just you wait, lizard,”<< Sky Lynx hissed, >>”I will do no such thing! Argh! If you were out here, I’d give you such a battering!”<< The lieutenant commander stomped on the ship’s outer hull irately, but not hard enough to even dent the Trion. >>”We’ll just see what Optimus has to say about your tomfoolery, won’t we? I will see you again shortly, mark my words!”<<

With that, the very perturbed lieutenant commander leaped off – quite gracefully – into empty space, scanning the area for more Autobot ships. Optimus would be aboard one of them. It wasn’t long before he locked onto one and set his course for it.

Bridge

"Sorry I'm late, everyone." Getaway announced as he strolled into the bridge of the the mighty battleship Grimlock had claimed with Sludge following close behind in his prehistoric-shaped alt mode.

"Found this stowaway over in the lounge, stealing your Energon, Grimlock." The long-necked Dinobot proclaimed as he gave the escape artist another nudge in the back with his Dino-head.

"For the umpteenth time, you lugnut, I'm no stowaway! I'm not familiar with the layout of the new ship!"

"Meh, a likely excuse always used by stowaways!" The jungle warrior growled before he reverted back to his less massive but also equally behemoth of a robot mode.

Bridge

Grimlock couldn’t help but chuckle out loud at Sky Lynx’s little outburst in response to what the Dinobot Commander had just said to him. Ruffian? Uncouth rouge? The rex-former had been called a lot of things over the many vorns, but those had to be new ones. Tomfoolery? What kind of fraggin’ word was that anyway? Sky Lynx sounded more like a protoform throwing a temper tantrum then a respected Lieutenant Commander. Furthermore, the very upset dinobird also didn’t sound like he was going to fly back to Cas Coller. No, instead, he was going to find Optimus and tattle on the Dinobot leader.

>>”Good luck with that.”<< Grimlock commed back to Sky Lynx as he stood before his strike team on the bridge of the Trion. >>”See me shortly? Not likely. Me have mission. See you when me get back.”<<

With Sky Lynx having now flown off to find Prime, Grimlock could refocus on the upcoming mission and those extra mechs he would now be commanding in addition to his Dinobots. Except, of course, for the one that was late to the proceedings. Blaster had said he would call the escape artist to see what was taking so long. However, before the rex-former could ask the Communications Expert if he had heard back from their stray ‘bot, Getaway finally entered the bridge along with Sludge who lumbered in behind him.

Grimlock could’ve sworn that the Jungle Warrior had just been on the bridge about a breem ago trying not to break anything. Perhaps Sludge decided to wander off and go look for Getaway while the Dinobot Commander had been distracted by Sky Lynx’s overt emotional display. No matter. Both were now on the bridge and the strike team was fully assembled at last. Now, the real fun could finally begin.

After Sludge accused Getaway of being a stowaway and an energon thief to boot, the Jungle Warrior reverted back to robot mode. Grimlock shook his cranial unit and let out a deep sigh. “It okay, Sludge. Him no stowaway. Him on strike team....unfortunately,” the rex-former said to his brainless subordinate before turning his attention over to the escape artist. “Me glad you finally find way to bridge, Getaway. Now we can continue this briefing.”

Wasting no further time, Grimlock turned his gaze to the forward primary view screen where the North Korea battle vids continued to play out on a continuous loop. The massive Dinobot Commander pointed at the screen with his left arm while turning his head back to look at his strike force. “These vid logs show first encounter with the Fallen, something we Dinobots missed. Regardless, it not the demigod that is of interest here. It where Decepticons came from that is main concern. Look! They came from the sea, and there were more than just a few. No bounce beams and no shuttle craft detected. That mean they must have come from some kind of base at bottom of water. That base is our target.”

Grimlock lowered his left arm and shifted his full body towards the assembled Dinobots and other mechs that made up his strike team. “Dinobots, like me already said, our mission is to attack base, crush whatever ‘cons get in way. Scoop, Getaway and Blaster, your mission is to infiltrate base and find computer core. Download whatever intel you can while me and my Dinobots distract and destroy Decepticons. Ultimately, we Dinobots will demolish base. So, don’t take forever, Autobots, or you end up scrapped with rest of ‘cons. Heh.”

The rex-former then straightened his posture and crossed his huge arms over his equally large chest plate. “All that clear? Any questions, ask now and quickly. Otherwise, let’s go. Me and Dinobots itching for a fight, and we going to get it one way or another.”

Bridge

“All that clear? Any questions, ask now and quickly. Otherwise, let’s go. Me and Dinobots itching for a fight, and we going to get it one way or another.”

“Clear as crystal, Grimm-“ Blaster caught himself, “-lock. Count on us. We’ll be countin’ on you to send those ‘Cons running for the hills.” The chief communications officer grinned. Much as he would have liked to spread the good news about Prime’s return, this mission seemed like a good way to stick it to the ‘Cons. He punched his open hand eagerly. This was something he could really get behind. Say what you wanted about Grimlock, he got the job done.

“I ain’t got any questions. Let’s rock n’ roll on out,” Blaster replied, an eager grin on his faceplate. The truce with the ‘Cons had left something of a bad taste in his mouth. He was all too ready to foil whatever bases or plans they had cooking.

Bridge

Scoop thought for a moment as he reviewed the data playback from his memory tracks. The arrival of the Fallen, a deformed menace that the infantryman instantly recognized from the mountaintop battle. It was not a realization of events he cared to relive, as it had cost both factions desperately in a struggle for survival... no, the warrior amended that thought, it was for the very right to exist. But for the moment, he refocused his mind to the task at studying the plethora of Decepticons that crawled out of the turbulent North Korean Sea. "Combaticons?" he muttered to himself silently as he compared the recorded images to those of the Australian Conflict. "If they are there, then this operation can be a bit more complicated than you surmise Grimlock." His voice was still low, as to avoid ticking off the rather temperamental former gladiator.

The construct-bot made his way passed the helm where Swoop commanded the navigation and piloting of the massive vessel with aplomb and masterful grace, and slid into a vacated station. While much of the systems on board the Trion were state of the art, Scoop immediately recognized their configuration as similar or identical too previous incarnations. With that in mind, he toggled a simple set of commands into the terminal and immediately uploaded his security files into the on board computer.

It took only a few mircons for the computer to link up with the Guardian, via the docking umbilical, and download Scoop's access clearance permissions into the battleship's data core. Almost immediately the console lit up to a pale golden hue as sensor command came online. He brought a narrowly confined passive sensor beam into the general region of where the recorded footage had taken place, and began a brief tactical scan of the area. The soldier opted for the passive scan rather than the active form, which would have provided exemplary resolution an detail, in order to maintain the secrecy of their eventual descent. In other words, passive sensors were nearly undetectable, even if they did offer low quality information.

Once his sweep was complete, Scoop uploaded the data into tactical packets and transmitted them to each member of the strike team... well to the three of his branch and to Grimlock who was probably the only one of the five Dinobots who could actually interpret the data without overloading. The details were not very conclusive, signs of several artificial mounts across the shore line and cliff face which could be evidence of anything ranging from an exhaust port to automated guns. But they were still visible and thus noted for the Dinobot Commander's notice.

Scoop then signed off of the sensor terminal and made his way back to the gathered strike team. "Well, where ever that base is, its deep enough that the sensors can't get a good fix on it. But that shouldn't be a problem given that its underwater, most automated defenses the Combaticons employ will either be for surface defense and energy based. Projectiles might be an issue but under water, the maneuverability will be limited as well."

He drew his weapon and checked its power setting once and then slung it to the holster on his back. After repeating the process with his secondary weapon, the soldier looked up at the towering mission leader. "By the grace of Primus that protects us from failure, we shall emerge victorious. I stand ready for deployment Commander."

((OOC: Moving things along here, as well.))

Bridge

Blaster had no questions and was ready to go. Grimlock was happy to hear it. The less questions he had to answer the better. None of his Dinobots had any questions, either, which made the rex-former even more elated as did the fact that Getaway remained silent. No inquiries there, as well. Good, good. Now, they could get down to business and start busting some Deceptichops. “You no worry about us, Blaster. We Dinobots send ‘Cons to scrapheap. Guaranteed. They no come back from where we send them,” the Dinobot Commander ensured the music-loving Autobot as he took the lead and walked towards the exit. “Now, let’s move....”

Grimlock was then interrupted by Scoop, who didn’t so much have a question as he did a concern regarding the Combaticons and whatever complications they may bring. “They no complicated. They just be ‘Cons in need of smashing!” The rex-former replied as he stopped and turned around to see the religious mech move by everyone and assume a position next to Swoop. The aerial Dinobot glanced over at Scoop before turning around in his seat to look at Grimlock as if to say ‘how dare this puny Autobot sit at a station on your bridge without authorization?’ The Dinobot leader just shook his cranial unit in silence, rubbing his temples in the process. Grim would let it go this time as Scoop seemed to have something to add to the proceedings.

“Hurry up, Scoop,” Grimlock demanded in an agitated tone. “We not have all cycle!” After a few microns, the construction mech’s basic scans were completed and the results sent to every member of the team. Details were sparse but the scans did indicate some kind of artificial mounts along the top edge of the beach. Scoop seemed to think they were auto-defenses placed there by the Combaticons. This was possible but highly unlikely. “Me doubt Combaticons place any kind of auto-guns on beach, Scoop. According to mission intel, once Fallen disappeared everyone retreated and regrouped. There no time to set up auto-guns. There was indication of empty storage caves that ‘Cons had used, but that it. That likely what these mounts are. Besides, make no sense to put auto-weapons on beach. ‘Con base at bottom of Yellow Sea far from shoreline. Defenses would be down there where matters. Any Cybertronian tech left on beach could be discovered by humans. Too much of risk even for stupid ‘Cons.”

The Autobot construction expert then spouted off something in regards to Primus and being ready for deployment. “Me glad to hear that, Scoop. Now, everyone, follow me to bounce chamber. And try keep up or you be left behind!” With that said, Grimlock turned and headed off the bridge as his strike team followed close behind.

Bounce Chamber

It took about one breem for Grimlock and his strike force to traverse the corridors and levels of the enormous battleship Trion before they reached the primary bounce chamber. Crossing the threshold once the doors had parted, the Dinobot Commander made a beeline for the control panel and quickly entered the coordinates that would place them onto the western shoreline of the Korean peninsula. Once everything was set and ready to go, the rex-former stepped away from the controls and onto the bounce pad.

“Me suggest everyone get on now or you miss trip to surface,” Grimlock growled as he crossed his arms over his massive chestplate. Each member of his strike team immediately took a position on the pad and remained still as the bright light of the bounce beam enveloped the group of Dinobots and puny Autobots before whisking them all away to the Earth’s surface.

((OOC: Everyone on Grimlock’s strike team can now move to the Sea of Change thread in the Earth forum.))

Bounce Chamber

Jetfire arrived on the Trion with the rest of the scientific team and found the bounce chamber empty. It puzzled him a little since he knew little of how the Trion arrived.

Hallway

He walked out into the hallway and found a terminal. He logged in hoping it would recognize his authentication code. To his disappointment but expected it did not so he used the code for the project and the computer recognized the level of it. Once he was in the system, he found a map of the ship and located the main science lab. It didn't seem to be as big as the Guardian or Ark but hopefully it should suffice. Jetfire inserted a reservation using the same code and entered the names of the science team. This should keep anyone else from entering the lab without authorization.

As they continued to walk down the hallway, it was real odd for a ship this powerful to be so empty. He looked back at his team.

"The Trion is a very clean ship and can tell how new it is. I have to wonder where the crew is at or if they are running on a skeleton crew for whatever the reason."

Main Science Lab

After two levels and several turns, the team arrived at the lab. The door opened as Jetfire walked through it and amazed at the lab. It was smaller than the Guardian but the equipment there was amazing. Many of the instruments Jetfire could guess at for the purpose or name but there were a few he was clueless about. He walked over to the main terminal and patched it into the one in the main science lab on the Guardian. After a cycle, all of the information relating to the project had been transferred. Jetfire booted up the 3D hologram projector and several of the screens bringing up everything they had discussed so far. He then started broadcasting the video feeds he had downloaded of the two entertainment shows that he mention on the Guardian. On two screens he had the Voltron combination with the original and latest one on a split screen and the second newest on another screen with it going through the different forms of each lion in the middle and its respective weapons. On four screens he had the twenty plus versions of the Power Ranger zords combining in their different megazord forms. Jetfire saved the largest and main screen for their own designs.

"Welcome to our new temporary home. As deserted as this ship seems, I doubt we'll be bothered by anyone. As you can see on the screen, the humans have came up with their own versions of combining different robotic creatures together. Many of the Power Ranger forms have all sorts of different formations while the lions of Voltron seem to have one primary form. By their design it would make most sense to use that one as a model since it may match our special teams the best. We will eventually need to figure out a weapons system for our Superion gestalt but that can be done after we get the creature together. The biggest thing all of these examples have is they have human pilots who almost have no problems working together after the first two or three times. We will have five personalities being merged into one somehow."

Main Science Lab

Skids followed along behind Jetfire thoughtfully, lost in a daze of his own thoughts. The relative emptiness of the ship was a curiosity in itself, but Skids didn’t pay it much mind. It did kind of set a rather eerie tone though.

As the group entered the main science lab, Skids glanced around at the pristine conditions of the lab complete with all of the fancy new technologies that a top of the line warship possessed. The theoretician got less of a kick out of it than Jetfire or even Chromedome, but he could appreciate it for what it was. As Jetfire brought up what appeared to be human television broadcasts on the screens, Skids frowned a bit.

"Welcome to our new temporary home. As deserted as this ship seems, I doubt we'll be bothered by anyone. As you can see on the screen, the humans have came up with their own versions of combining different robotic creatures together. Many of the Power Ranger forms have all sorts of different formations while the lions of Voltron seem to have one primary form. By their design it would make most sense to use that one as a model since it may match our special teams the best. We will eventually need to figure out a weapons system for our Superion gestalt but that can be done after we get the creature together. The biggest thing all of these examples have is they have human pilots who almost have no problems working together after the first two or three times. We will have five personalities being merged into one somehow."

“As much as these human constructs may provide conceptual guidance, I don’t really think we should rely upon them,” Skids commented cautiously. “But yes, the big trouble is how to merge and unmerge personalities without compromising the original individual personalities...We don’t want to mentally cripple our teams.”

Main Science Lab

Chromedome didn't have much time to marvel at the impressive amount of new gadgets and gizmos the Trion had to offer before Jetfire began to welcome them aboard their "new home." The mnemosurgeon took his place around the main table centered in the room while Jetfire got to work activating the holographic displays and viewscreens.

"So we're designing a combiner centered around giant human-piloted cats now?" The tan and white Autobot inquired with a think layer of sarcasm escaping his vocalizer while he folded his arms over his chest. "Even if we used it as a basis, there's too much fictional techno-babble they're muttering to form a solid concept around."

"Skids is right. This isn't just tech were slapping together, we're merging minds here. I already explained what we might need to look for in candidates, we just need the results of those scans so I've got something to fiddle around with."

The mnemosurgeon then paused in his explanation as he noticed a call from Rewind was coming through. Curious as to what his conjunx endura was calling for, Chromedome opened the comm line.

>>"You're never going to believe who I just saw!"<<

>>"It better have been Prowl flipping a table. We've almost got enough footage to compile a 'Greatest Hits' mix."<<

Private Transmission from Rewind to Chromedome

>>”Well…you know how when Optimus disappeared…I was…rather upset both because, you know, he was gone, but also because I’d never get to record his war memoirs?”<< Rewind paused, intent on sort of beating around the bush, >>”That’s…not a problem anymore. He’s back, Domey! Optimus is alive!”<<

Main Science Lab

Chromedome was early frozen stiff as Rewind's words echoed in his audio receptors. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Prime... The Optimus Prime had returned from- well, wherever the hell he disappeared away to. The mnemosurgeon felt a huge urge of relief sweep over his chassis, a wave big enough to make him bring both his hands down to the work station before him and try and regather his strength. The big guy had missed out on a lot of events, mainly the debacle with the Fallen and his heralds. Chromedome looked down at his hands, the all-too familiar sting of his needles beginning to recall his run in with Hex back in Australia. No, can't slip up now... So much was at stake, and Prime's return was sure to bring hope back to the many who were shaken up by the recent events.

>>"Rewind that's... It's incredible! He's alive?! I mean, where has he been all this time??"<<