The Energon Pub

Autobot City Construction Site

Sunstreaker’s murderous glare would’ve scared the likes of most mechs, but not Howlstrike. No, the former Predacon loved the reaction he got from the golden warrior. It had made his day and then some. Gears tried to offer Sunny a nice welcome but only got told off, instead. Gears wondered if it had been something he said and before Howl could respond, the tiny minibot had already turned his attention to the lupine tracker.

“I assume you’ve worked that out of your system?”

Howlstrike’s smile widened even further. “Yeah, for now, anyway. At least until ol’ golden rod tries to get back at me for that little waste bath. Then I’ll get back at him and so forth and so on. Should be fun. Heh.” Howl then turned his attention back to the retreating Sunstreaker and gave him a mocking wave goodbye. See you soon, the Autobot hunter thought to himself.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Howlstrike said before taking his leave and walking back towards Arclight. “So, my dear, I think Sunstreaker has learned his lesson. Or perhaps not. Either way, it was fun to watch, wasn’t it?”

Then Pharma arrived, asking for Arclight’s help in locating some diagnostic equipment. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Technical stuff is not my forte, I'm afraid,” the lupine mech said before moving away and approaching Blindside. “So, Blindy, I guess we should help somebody. I think I overheard Springer and Grapple talk about continuing to build stuff. Maybe we should offer our assistance there. What do you think?”
_______________

Bluestreak had no love for Sunstreaker and Howlstrike’s explanation as to why he “peed” all over the golden warrior made sense. It was still disgusting and would only lead to further problems between the two. The chatterbot was about to tell Howl this when Gears playfully asked if that had been captured on a security cam.

“It’s possible, I guess,” Bluestreak replied to Gears with a brief chuckle. “Not that I want to see that gross display again. It was somewhat funny, I guess, but not something I need to relive over and over again. If there is video then by all means watch it as much as you want. I’m certainly not going to stop you.”

I’d also like to request….Bluestreak, isn’t it?….to contact the ships with anything we may need. I fear I may not have the time or opportunity to contact them myself, or I would. Excellent. Shall we begin?”

The Autobot gunner’s attention was drawn over to Pharma, a doctor who trained under none other than Ratchet, himself. “Pharma! I didn’t realize you were here on Earth! Welcome! I’d be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just provide me with a list of whatever you need and I can contact the Guardian up in orbit and request the necessary medical supplies. Being a medical frigate, I’m sure it has everything that you could possibly need.”

Bluestreak then followed behind Pharma as the CMO moved over to ask Arclight for further assistance. “I can help look for the diagnostic equipment, as well, if you want. Between the three of us, I’m sure we’ll find it,” the chatterbot interjected into the conversation, flashing a broad smile in the process.

Autobot City Construction Site

Bluestreak wrote: “Pharma! I didn’t realize you were here on Earth! Welcome! I’d be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just provide me with a list of whatever you need and I can contact the Guardian up in orbit and request the necessary medical supplies. Being a medical frigate, I’m sure it has everything that you could possibly need.”

He heard Bluestreak, but continued along his planned path. It wasn’t that he meant to be rude or anything, he just didn’t have time to list everything a second time. Besides, hadn’t he already listed what he needed? What was with everyone? Must be rust or an organic growth in their logic circuits. I’ll have to schedule a full array of testing for those already here, and preventative measures for these poor sparks arriving.

He paused as the horror of something similar happening to him settled into a nice, comfortable niche in his processor. Primus, I can’t afford to become infected like them. He didn’t add his fear that Ratchet may have fallen prey to it already and that was why he hadn’t been able to formulate a treatment.

It was times like this that he was grateful to his creator for giving him such a prolific processor. Otherwise, he doubted he would’ve been able to inquire about Arclight’s services while dealing with a potential contamination crisis.

Bluesteak wrote: “I can help look for the diagnostic equipment, as well, if you want. Between the three of us, I’m sure we’ll find it.”

Pharma turned from Arclight, curious that Bluestreak would show such initiative to continue following him and offering his services. He responded in the only way he knew how. “Ah, very good, my boy, very good. I have complete faith in you and your, uh, abilities. First thing’s first,” he said, holding up a finger. “I’m sure Ratchet had plenty to keep him busy at the moment, so we shall contact him if needed. So, that means it’s up to us to diagnose and help any of these poor wretches unlucky enough to find themselves here.”

He turned to head toward the Longevity, talking to both Bluestreak and Arclight as he went, assuming they followed him like good little mechs. “We need to locate a medical diagnostic machine (I explained this previously, did I not? Primus! I must be becoming infected as well!). Then we can begin assessing how injured out fellow Autobots are. It appears Omega Supreme is the one most in need of our administrations. If we’re lucky, his fuel cells and conduits aren’t damaged and he’s suffering from energon depletion like most others — a task I mentioned to Neutro, so I hope he is able to aid us when he’s needed. If not, I shall undertake the task myself, unless otherwise called upon.

“Sky Lynx appears… docile for the moment, so I imagine his injuries are of a less severe nature. In which case, I’m sure he’ll be as disagreeable as usual. Unless his crew deactivated his vocalizer, which I don’t endorse but understand, mind you. Well, shall we begin?” he asked, pausing and motioning to the Longevity’s door.

Autobot City Construction Site

The Construction Patrol continued their long pipe to Omega Supreme. Building something like this isn't the hard part. The challenge will be the connector ends at the base and whatever they build for Omega Supreme. Neutro was planning all of this as they went being grateful for the build bots they had around. He also worked on an energon cube generator which will need to be built somewhere else in the base. Thankfully hardly any of the furniture or large supplies have been moved down here so adjustments can be made before things gets to crowded. Once the pipe's outer casing was done, Neutro got himself out of the trench. He signaled to the rest of his patrol to get out as well.

"Okay guys, the easy part is done. We are quite close to the big guy. I think I know what we need to do for the connection port. It is fairly simple but the flow regulator will be a challenge. We can set it up to be manually turned on or by Omega Supreme himself. Depending on how low he is, I would expect the process to take a full solar rotation for him to be recharged and to keep the lights on at the base. We will need to increase our energy intake from our sources. The other item on our agenda is the energon cube generator. I was hoping we could use the Ark's generator but it isn't down here yet so we need to be as self-sustaining as possible. We've got plenty to keep us busy for at least one of the solar weeks."

>>Pharma, my crew is getting ready to make the connection port to Omega Supreme. From the close distance I would say the big guy is going to take at least a full solar day to recharge. This will drain a little bit on the city's power until we increase the intake from our sources. Hopefully once Omega Supreme is fully energized, he will be able to assist in his repair efforts.<<

Neutro produced a pad and showed his team what he had in mind. This required a bit more skill than the drones they had so they sent them to gather the supplies they needed to get started.

Autobot City Construction Site

It appeared that a variety of events had unfolded themselves in front of the blue bot. Mirage chuckled as Sunstreaker found himself having a rather... lowly wrongdoing done. Either way, it was amusing to watch, but as the rest of the mechs started to scramble themselves to aid with the new arrivals, the blue mech figured he'd at least try to contribute something as well. He strolled up to Grapple, a good, reliable mech, in his opinion anyway.

"Greetings, Grapple. I wanted to inquire... is there anything I could be of use for?"

Autobot City

“So, what’d the deal? Any ‘Cons left to crunch? Didn’t expect to see you here, Springer. Don’t tell me you hogged all the fun.”

"Hah! The Big Green Machine? Hog all the fun? Noooo. Actually. That's exactly what he did. Fun. Hog. This guy," Sandstorm said, putting his arm around Springer's shoulder for a moment.

"You shoulda seen him. Standing on the bow of the ship. Blades out. Fighting off Sweeps. It was ridiculous," Sandstorm teased, chuckling. "But we sent 'em packing. Haven't seen any since then."
___

"Greetings, Grapple. I wanted to inquire... is there anything I could be of use for?"

Mirage! One of Grapple's favorite clients. The blue mech conjured up fond memories of designing luxury estates for Mirage's cyberfox hunting hubby and other passions and being paid handsomely in return. Long ago and far away those days were.

"Far be it from me to tell you how best to utilize your talents, old friend," Grapple said warmly. "I suppose at the end of the day it would be nice to not have to worry about suddenly finding ourselves in the midst of a Decepticon raiding party, but I'm not sure what any of us can really accomplish to that end. We're rather exposed out here, for as beautiful as this site is: we're placing considerable reliance upon its remoteness. I'm not sure what else to do, other than keep my head down and keep building."

Autobot City Construction Site

“So, my dear, I think Sunstreaker has learned his lesson. Or perhaps not. Either way, it was fun to watch, wasn’t it?”

“Hehe, you betcha, Howl. The look on his face was priceless! Maybe that’ll teach him to pick on the newbies. Hmph!”

“Arclight, is it? Yes, I believe so. Would you mind giving me a hand, please? Thank you, my dear.”

“Huh?” Arclight whirled around as she was approached by a mech that she didn’t recognize. He ordered her to find some diagnostic equipment before she could even get in a word edgewise and asked if she were injured. “Uh...no…?” Confused, Arclight watched as Howlstrike left her to do what this weirdo said.

She followed him onto the Longevity with Bluestreak. She turned to them, rubbing her chin. “I think I remember seeing something of a medical nature...over here…?” She said, heading to where she had seen some equipment of that nature. It was a tiny medical bay, made for only one patient, but it was equipped with some medical equipment.

“Here...it is. I saw it when I was on the shuttle earlier. Will this do?”

Autobot City Construction Site

As soon as his passengers had disembarked, Sky Lynx closed his doors to the public. He glanced around for someone who could help him with his...situation. When Pharma came down, that only incited him to look faster. Medics were ruthlessly blunt and rude. No, no. What he needed was discretion.

Finally, he got fed up of searching himself and leaned his neck down to Grapple. “Grapple...might I have a word? It is of a somewhat sensitive issue...and requires a degree of discretion…” He eyed Pharma’s group as they disappeared into the shuttle Longevity.

“So, Blindy, I guess we should help somebody. I think I overheard Springer and Grapple talk about continuing to build stuff. Maybe we should offer our assistance there. What do you think?”

“Sure, Howl, though...I can’t say I’ve done construction before. And I am worried about Veneer.” Blindside frowned, glancing over to Pharma’s group heading over to the Longevity. They might know something. Patting Howlstrike on the shoulder, he gestured toward Pharma’s group. “You go ahead. Get marching orders for us. I gotta check on something.”

Moving over to the shuttle, Blindside approached Pharma. “Hey, Pharma, have you heard anything about Veneer? A nurse? Is he okay?”

Autobot City Construction Site/Shuttle Longevity

Pharma’s attention was on the Longevity and the narrow hope there was

[quote=Moving over to the shuttle, Blindside approached Pharma. “Hey, Pharma, have you heard anything about Veneer? A nurse? Is he okay?”

As much as he hated to admit it, Pharma was surprised at how fast and easily things were progressing. It helped when others fell into line and did what they were told, but it was something he hadn’t always been able to count on. Still, he had to hand it to Grapple and whoever else was in charge. The Autobots on Earth were quick and eager to offer their services for the benefit of others. Perhaps, had others behaved so at his previous assignment, he wouldn’t be here having to worry about organic infections and dirt and other… things they caused.

Blindside wrote: “Hey, Pharma, have you heard anything about Veneer? A nurse? Is he okay?”

His first instinct was to berate the one brave enough to interrupt his thought process, but he paused at hearing the name mentioned. Veneer? He knew the mech, or rather, his service file. Yes, he’d made it a habit of researching young up and coming ‘Bots in the medical field for any he felt were worth him taking his time to teach. Not that he would have chosen him, but there hadn’t been any marks on his record, from what could recall. It was then this mech’s name came to him. Blindside. Very apropos.

Once he finished accessing his memory circuits, which only lasted half a nanoklik, he shook his head and replied in as soothing a voice as possible, “I… don’t know. I would imagine he is, I’m sure he had the best care available. Not me, of course, but I’m sure he’s doing fine, Blindside, my boy.” He rested a hand on Blindside’s shoulder for half an astrosecond, then turned back to the Longevity. “Once we’re finished here, I’ll makes some inquiries.”

Without a further sound, he turned back toward the Longevity’s door. As much as he hated being interrupted, not knowing an answer bothered him all the more. He would do everything he could to help Blindside find his friend. Maybe, Pharma would even get a nurse out of it. As long as this Veneer was as capable as his records had indicated.

His processor hummed with the hundreds of different functions and files he had open. Knowing it wasn’t for the best if he continued thinking beyond what these others were capable of keeping up with, he forced himself to slow down his thinking. As much as he knew he was capable of making a laser scalpel sing, he didn’t envy the upcoming task.

They were currently in the simple phase of this endeavor. Once everything was in place and the diagnostics began, it would then be up to him and his nearly unparalleled skill to set things as they should be.

It pleased him that he would have the opportunity to demonstrate his skills under such trying conditions. This, if nothing else, would most likely give him his choice of assignments.

Anywhere away from organics. Even an asteroid would be preferable.

As they entered the Longevity, Arclight said,

“I think I remember seeing something of a medical nature...over here…?”

He turned his attention to where she indicated, pleased with his choice of helpers. Arclight’s experience on this shuttle was proving invaluable, and Bluestreak’s enthusiasm, while annoying, was contagious.

All they needed was more energon, and they could… He paused at seeing the small medical bay, but the cleanliness and organization of the tools nearly sent energon tears running down his faceplate.

Arclight wrote:“Here...it is. I saw it when I was on the shuttle earlier. Will this do?”

Pharma nodded and even cracked a proud smile. Something finally was finally going his way on this planet. “Yes, I believe it shall do wonderfully, my dear. You are a credit to your chosen field of expertise.”

Neutro wrote:>>Pharma, my crew is getting ready to make the connection port to Omega Supreme. From the close distance I would say the big guy is going to take at least a full solar day to recharge. This will drain a little bit on the city's power until we increase the intake from our sources. Hopefully once Omega Supreme is fully energized, he will be able to assist in his repair efforts.<<

The communication couldn’t have come at a better time, and it made Pharma’s energon pump increase its rate with pride in the construction ‘Bot’s efforts.

>>Neutro, my boy, excellent work. We’ve located a diagnostic machine and shall attempt to connect it with Omega Supreme’s internal systems to verify his conduits and fuel cells are intact. It shouldn’t take long. Pharma out.<<

Turning back to Arclight and Bluestreak, Pharma’s smile was suppressed, but barely. “I think it best if we get started, don’t you? They are nearly finished connecting Omega Supreme to an energon feed.”

As hard as he tried, Pharma couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.

Autobot City Construction Site

"Hah! The Big Green Machine? Hog all the fun? Noooo. Actually. That's exactly what he did. Fun. Hog. This guy," Sandstorm said, putting his arm around Springer's shoulder for a moment.

Brawn smiled as he rested his hands on his waist, nodding and chuckling along. He couldn’t figure out if he was more disappointed in them having so much fun without him, or that they hadn’t brought any after them. Autobot City may not be ready to defend itself, but that would only add to the enjoyment of sending the Decepticons running back to their current energon nurse. The thought caused his smile to widen as Sandstorm continued,

"You shoulda seen him. Standing on the bow of the ship. Blades out. Fighting off Sweeps. It was ridiculous," Sandstorm teased, chuckling. "But we sent 'em packing. Haven't seen any since then."

“I’d expect nothing less, though I’m surprised you let him get away with it.” Springer and the Wreckers in general had earned their reputation as a Decepticon’s worst nightmare, but they had an edge: they were actually sent to fight while he and others were relegated to defensive measures. Thanks, Prime. Scraptastic planning. I need a better agent. Brawn had been around long enough to know this was how legends started, remained alive, and grew into something that would never be forgotten.

Since Autobot City wasn’t in any immediate danger, he thought of the perfect challenge even the Wreckers couldn’t handle. “So, which one of you are here to take over until Prowl returns?” Brawn’s smile really widened as he finished asking his question. There weren’t many times he did something off the battlefield he could take pride in, but this was one of them.

Autobot City

Insidious wrote:"Far be it from me to tell you how best to utilize your talents, old friend," Grapple said warmly. "I suppose at the end of the day it would be nice to not have to worry about suddenly finding ourselves in the midst of a Decepticon raiding party, but I'm not sure what any of us can really accomplish to that end. We're rather exposed out here, for as beautiful as this site is: we're placing considerable reliance upon its remoteness. I'm not sure what else to do, other than keep my head down and keep building."

Mirage smiled. Grapple was a mech with a good spark. "For as much as I would still love to be back on Cybertron with none of this foolish war occurring, I would have to agree, this landscape is quite beauteous."

"No need to keep your head down, Grapple. Look up and look around yourself. Not everyone may admit it but everyone here appreciates all of this work that you have done. I know that I do myself. And although I'm no builder or engineer, I'll readily help you against any of these raiding parties you speak of." The blue mech gave his orange friend a good pat on the shoulder.

Autobot City Construction Site

Pharma wrote:“Ah, very good, my boy, very good. I have complete faith in you and your, uh, abilities. First thing’s first. I’m sure Ratchet had plenty to keep him busy at the moment, so we shall contact him if needed. So, that means it’s up to us to diagnose and help any of these poor wretches unlucky enough to find themselves here.”

“Very true,” Bluestreak replied as he followed Pharma towards the Longevity. “Ratchet always seems to be busy with a million and one things to do. Bothering him now would likely just get him in a more grumpy mood than he usually is and we certainly don’t want that. Still, at least contacting him is a good back-up plan if we can’t find what we need down here.”

Pharma wrote:“We need to locate a medical diagnostic machine. Then we can begin assessing how injured out fellow Autobots are. It appears Omega Supreme is the one most in need of our administrations. If we’re lucky, his fuel cells and conduits aren’t damaged and he’s suffering from energon depletion like most others — a task I mentioned to Neutro, so I hope he is able to aid us when he’s needed. If not, I shall undertake the task myself, unless otherwise called upon.

“Sky Lynx appears… docile for the moment, so I imagine his injuries are of a less severe nature. In which case, I’m sure he’ll be as disagreeable as usual. Unless his crew deactivated his vocalizer, which I don’t endorse but understand, mind you. Well, shall we begin?”

“Heh, yeah, I’m sure there’s plenty of mechs who would like to deactivate his vocalizer,” the chatterbot added. “For that matter, I’m sure there are plenty of mechs who would like to deactivate my vocalizer. Of course, I don’t act like I’m better than everyone else. I’m much more friendly and capable of getting along with others well. Sky Lynx could stand to learn a thing or two from me.”

Bluestreak then walked up the ramp into the Longevity. He followed closely behind the one called Arclight as she searched for the diagnostic equipment needed. The femme quickly found what she was looking for and asked Pharma if the device she had would do.

Pharma wrote:“Yes, I believe it shall do wonderfully, my dear. You are a credit to your chosen field of expertise. I think it best if we get started, don’t you? They are nearly finished connecting Omega Supreme to an energon feed.”

“Nice job, Arclight,” Bluestreak offered his congratulations on a job well done before looking back to Pharma. “Sure thing, Doc. The sooner we can get Omega Supreme up and running the better off we’ll all be. After all, until we can build our own combiner, Omega is the best asset we currently have to counter that Decepticon monstrosity, Devastator. If you don't count the Dinobots, of course. Regardless, I would love nothing more than to see Omega crush that green giant under his foot. That would truly make my day.”

The dark blue and silver gunner then turned and walked back down the shuttle’s ramp where he waited for the others to join him.
_______________________

Blindside wrote:“Sure, Howl, though...I can’t say I’ve done construction before. And I am worried about Veneer. You go ahead. Get marching orders for us. I gotta check on something.”

Blindside patted Howlstrike on the shoulder plate before heading off to check with Pharma about Veneer. “Okay, Blindy. I’ll find out what to do,” the former Predacon replied with a shrug as he walked towards where the orange architect was standing with a few other mechs.

“Sorry to interrupt, Grapple,” Howlstrike said as he arrived near the crane-bot. “Blindside and I were wondering what we could do around here to help. I’m sure you could use as many builders as you can get, but I was kinda hoping that I could put my tracking skills to good use. I could patrol around the perimeter of the valley and make sure nothing has compromised the holographic shield. My beast mode’s sense of smell would pick up anything out of the ordinary or dangerous.”

Howlstrike then glanced over at his sightless friend again who was speaking to Pharma. “And maybe Blindside could assist me by taking to the skies and looking for anything unusual from above.” The wolf-former turned his attention back to Grapple once more. “What do you say?”

Autobot City Construction Site

What was I saying earlier about not being ready for something?

Gears’ optics narrowed as he looked around at the collection of supplies. Most were the larger sections of metallic support struts and sheeting, but there were a few smaller items as well. Just not enough for anything on a grand scale, like constructing shelter for those that had arrived and so on.

Still, that didn’t mean he or anyone else would turn a mech out, especially a fellow Autobot. They just had to find a way, and if needed, the ships in orbit would have to give a little more.

An image of Ratchet going on a tirade and even throwing something (not an important medical device, of course) came to him and caused Gears to smile a little.

The servos were still not used to such a response and creaked slightly as they broke off more pieces of rust or dried oil.

It wasn’t until then that he realized there were others, varying build bots, around him, and he quickly forced his smile away. He couldn’t let anyone see him actually looking happy. That would destroy his whole purpose and complicate things.

It did feel good, though. Hopefully, one of these vorns I’ll be able to smile more and pretend less.

“Can I help you?” One of the mechs approached him with a data pad in his hand.

Gears refused to allow himself to sigh like the humans often did when he realized he’d be dealing with a counter bot, as he thought of them. it wasn’t that he had anything against organization, but these fellows tended to want verification for everything requested, and Gears really didn’t feel the need to deal with one of them at the moment.

Patience. Be patient and he’ll see things your way. Let Grapple deal with the computerwork.

“I suppose you can. We had three ships arrive with Autobots, some injured, and I’d like some bonding materials and a laser torch or two.”

The mech looked at his data pad, scrolling through it as his singular optic studied available items. After what felt like a millennia, he said, “We do have those materials.”

Whaddya know. Gears nodded. “Thank you. I won’t need more than a couple of things—“

“As soon as you show me your authorization.”

Gears paused and his optics took on a faraway look. “My what?”

“Your authorization. Your permission. Your orders. The release you’ve been given to acquire these items.”

Gears mouth fell open. He’d come and gone from here countless times since arriving on Earth and never once did he had any trouble with one of the counter bots. In fact, they had been all too eager to help him as they were eager to see him look encouraged. Now, he wasn’t sure how to behave. Maybe a quick punch to the optic will he let the thought trail off as he replied, “I’ve been her hundreds of times before without needing one. Everyone knows me—“

“That may be so, but I still need to see your authorization.”

“By the time I get that, they may not need the supplies.”

“Then so much the better.”

Gears mouth fell open, but nothing came from his vocalizer. Does this mech even understand what I mean? Where’s the scraping pity?

Forcing his energon flow to slow, he let out a sigh he’d forbidden himself to use a moment before. “That’s not what I meant. Look, I’m the only one that comes here often, I just have one job to do, so let me do my job. Please?” The last word really tore into his spark. He was never one to beg, but seeing how the sympathy angle wasn’t working, he needed to try something.

The mech remained motionless for a few astroseconds before pressing a button on its data pad. “Once you have authorization, I can allow you to take what you need, and not a moment before. We can’t hand out our supplies haphazardly, now can we? I’m sure the Decepticons and even humans would love to get some of this.”

“The humans don’t even know we’re here! Why, you piece of…” As hard as it was, Gears managed to stop himself from venting all over the mech. In a calmer voice, he said, “Fine. I shall get you your authorization. Don’t twitch a circuit. I wouldn’t want you to blow a motherboard or something.”

Swallowing his pride, Gears opened a channel to Grapple.

>.Gears to Grapple. I need yours or anyone’s authorization — I don’t care whose — to bring back some bonding agents and laser torches or the ships. I’m not being allowed to help out otherwise.<<.

Autobot City Construction Site/Shuttle Longevity

Pharma had been nodding along with Bluestreak throughout the ‘Bot’s musingings. While he found himself in agreement with him over his own vocalizer, he found it interesting that he enjoyed having Bluestreak around. Not only did they seem to agree on many things, but he kept out of the way. That talent alone was enough to endear him to Pharma as it was lacking in most mechs he’d had the privilege (that wasn’t the correct term in many cases, but who was he to thrown detritus?). He even had the briefest of thoughts about conferring with the young ‘Bot about his desire to be a medic or nurse. Surely, it’d take plenty of training and time, but if he was as proficient with his hands and tools as his vocalizer, there was hope.

Bluestreak wrote:“Nice job, Arclight,”

Pharma nodded his agreement as he studied how best to remove it. He wasn’t much of an engineer as builders lacked a genteel touch, caring more about flair than not, so he intended to allow his compatriots room to work unless he was needed.

Someone had to be the supervisor, after all.

Bluestreak wrote: “Sure thing, Doc. The sooner we can get Omega Supreme up and running the better off we’ll all be. After all, until we can build our own combiner, Omega is the best asset we currently have to counter that Decepticon monstrosity, Devastator. If you don't count the Dinobots, of course. Regardless, I would love nothing more than to see Omega crush that green giant under his foot. That would truly make my day.”

Combiner? The Decepticons have a combiner? So they did succeed. He thought back to the reports he’d heard on the Guardian. He’d discounted them as little more than rumors mechs often created as an excuse for their failure in battle or anything, for that matter, but if those weren’t rumors… Where did they learn such technology?” The idea alone was one he never expected to see the light of reality as it was merely theoretical that something like that could be accomplished. How did they manage to offset the various personalities? Did they merge? Were all but one suppressed?

More questions than he’d even had when he first began his trek into medicine flooded his processor. The sheer number of probabilities threatened to overload his logic circuits and other pathways, so he quickly designed and built a separate storage compartment for them until he had a chance to go through them one by one. The last thing he or his patients needed was for him to go into stasis due to a processor overload. It pained him to admit it, but the fact that a Decepticon developed the technology before he had a chance to give it a thorough study ignited a peculiar fire within him he hadn’t felt in a while.

If I could get just one member of a combiner on my examination table… the thought trailed off as he turned to Bluestreak. “Indeed, my boy, this is of the utmost importance if the Decepticons have indeed perfected such a technology. It makes what we are doing here all the more important. For that, I shall entrust your abilities as mine are of a more… subtle nature.” He paused, allowing his processor to save the name Devastator and put it in the proper file. “When you are finished, I would love to hear all you know of this combiner Devastator and which Decepticons form him. If we could, say, capture one, imagine the wealth of information he would give us. Perhaps, a way to end the war a bit quicker, eh?” Not to mention, getting off this organic infested mudball.
.
As he spoke, Pharma imagined what accomplishing such a thing for the Autobots would mean for him. Not to mention if he could engineer a way to undo the working that made a combiner function. Why, I’d have my pick of duty stations. I may even choose my old post back on Cybertron. I may even surpass you, Ratchet, my old friend. Imagine the conversations we could have.

Autobot City

Grapple couldn't help but smile. Life had most certainly returned to this once barren stretch of Terran landscape. The Autobot architect almost felt like he was back on Cybertron, deep in the heart of Iacon, helping to erect one of its latest towers of industry.

“Grapple...might I have a word? It is of a somewhat sensitive issue...and requires a degree of discretion…” a rather distinctive voice, accompanied by a rather large head, spoke. Of all the Autobots he suspected might want to have a word with him regarding this or that, Sky Lynx was not at the top of that list. Nonetheless, if he could be of assistance, he would.

"Oh, um, certainly. One moment," Grapple said amiably, as he continued to process the concerns of the others nearby.

"No need to keep your head down, Grapple. Look up and look around yourself. Not everyone may admit it but everyone here appreciates all of this work that you have done. I know that I do myself. And although I'm no builder or engineer, I'll readily help you against any of these raiding parties you speak of," Mirage said.

Indeed, his words actually did help Grapple to feel a good deal better. They had an entire crew of Wreckers here, Sky Lynx, well-skilled combatants like Mirage among others that he was not so familiar with. This the span of a simple orn, this site had arguably become one of the most secure in the region.

"Thank you, Mirage old friend. It's much appreciated. Hopefully none of that will be necessary and this site will remain blissfully away from Decepticon radar."

“Sorry to interrupt, Grapple. Blindside and I were wondering what we could do around here to help. I’m sure you could use as many builders as you can get, but I was kinda hoping that I could put my tracking skills to good use. I could patrol around the perimeter of the valley and make sure nothing has compromised the holographic shield. My beast mode’s sense of smell would pick up anything out of the ordinary or dangerous. And maybe Blindside could assist me by taking to the skies and looking for anything unusual from above. What do you say?”

Speaking of mechs with whom Grapple was not overly familiar, this was one.

"No apologies needed. It's just good to see the collaborative spirit alive and well, erm, Howlstrike, is it? And though you're right about the builders, I think I might have that under control for the moment. My friend Mirage was having a similar idea, as was Springer: the whole notion of securing this site against any possible incursions. Or, at the very least, not wanting to stand around idly. Perhaps you'll be able to work together towards that end?"

Figuring he'd kept Sky Lynx waiting for long enough, he paused before continuing to speak.

"If you'll, um, excuse me for a moment," Grapple said before stepping away from the larger group. "How can I be of assistance?"

Autobot City Construction Site/Shuttle Longevity

Pharma’s processor worked at a feverish pace as he ran through the variables concerned with combiner technology, especially the negative aspects. If he could nail those down, there was no telling what he could achieve. Perhaps, it’d open ways of repairing mechs that are too far gone to function.

Wouldn’t that be an achievement? He smiled at the thought of how Ratchet would react. As much as he cared for his former superior, achieving something beyond what even he could was a goal worthy of… well, resurrecting Primus.

Of course, first glorious display first. His optics rested on Bluestreak and Arclight. Both were models of industry their crafter could be proud of. Had he known of such enterprising Autobots being on or near this world, he would have inquired about their services long before now.

He shifted his thoughts away from what could be to what was, and rechecked his list. Once the diagnostic machine was ready to move, they would connect it to Omega Supreme and check his systems, especially his conduits and energon pumps for leaks. It’s take a mega-cycle at least to check them all manually, and given how little their energon reserve was here currently, it wouldn’t do to have any go to waste.

But he couldn’t rush things. Doing so would only lead to mistakes, and they couldn’t afford any. Unless, of course, Grapple and the others were withholding vital information from him. It wouldn’t surprise him if they’d done so since he wasn’t considered vital.

Until one of them needs maintenance or an appendage replaced, he scoffed.

Though, as much as he despised builders as being unwieldy and hapless when it came to their approach to things, he needed to trust that Neutro and his team wouldn’t be in too much of a rush to hook up Omega Supreme to the energon supply.

He won’t. Neutro is a good mech. I’m sure he understands what needs to be done. Pharma turned back to the diagnostic machine. Soon, the real work would begin.

Autobot City Site

Gears waited as patiently as he could, but with the cyclopean-eyed mech staring at him as smugly as mechanically possible, he urged Grapple to respond. After several astroseconds, he started to get a little twitchy.

Relax, Grapple’s busy. He’s not in his element at the moment. Unfortunately, the sage advice didn’t sit well with Gears, and he wondered if he was becoming too soft. His previous thought about changing his tactics came back to him as he contemplated taking the data padd and breaking it in two. Not that the inventory ‘Bot could’ve stopped him. But there would be a price is/when Ultra Magnus found out. The last thing he wanted as a mega-cycle long lecture on the effectiveness of inventory, inventory tracking, and so on and on…

Oh, now I’m sounding like him. The idea nearly caused his processor to overheat, so he slowed his thinking down and focused on how best to achieve what he came there for.

“I appreciate your efforts, but if I have not received authorization yet, I’d appreciate it if you’d continue on your way. I’m busy, busy, busy,” the inventory mech said, with more enthusiasm than he’d displayed so far.

Gears crossed his arms and frowned at the mech. “Not that I’m trying to be a bother, but these items are needed. I’ll happily let you get back to your job once you’re doing your job. What do ya say and give a fellow Autobot a break?”

“I cannot allow you to remove materials without the—“

“Proper authorization,” they finished in unison, after which the inventory ‘Bot crossed his arms to match Gears.

“Since you’re capable of repeating the phrase, I assume you’re competent enough to understand their meeting. Now, unless you’d like me to call security…”

Security? On this rock?

He remained outwardly calm as he opened a comm. to any Autobots at the construction site.

>>Could someone give me some Primus blasted authorization so I can return with some equipment for repairs?<<

There, if that didn’t work—

“You didn’t have to send it to me. I’m standing right here.”

Gears glared at the mech, trying hard not to smile at the ‘Bot’s uncomfortable reaction. “I didn’t think you’d mind the open frequency, since you need the authorization.”

The inventory bot’s single, central eye narrowed as it glowed a bright blue.



Brawn’s smile faded as Gears’ message came through. He gave a quick glance to Grapple and Springer. He could see the weight of this ordeal on Grapple’s shoulders, and since he was never one to command others that weren’t building on of his creations, he had one of his few ideas. “I’ll take care of that since you’re busy here. I assume my authorization will be good enough. If not,” he punched the palm of one hand, “I can be persuasive enough for all of us.”

Without waiting for an answer, Brawn transformed and circled around them before heading for the supply area. As he drove, he responded on the comm. with,

>>On my way, buddy. Grapple has his hands full at the moment, so tell whatever glitch that’s stalling to get things cleared up before I get there or we’ll clear it up.<<

Omega Supreme

After triple checking the connections on both ends, the one to the base and to Omega Supreme, Neutro slowly opened up the gate next to Omega while Takedown opened up the one next to the base. The sound of rushing energon was a welcome sound to Neutro. His biggest concern is the energy conversion the base was currently doing. All they had built was not designed to handle this sort of drain. If they didn't get to upgrading and maximizing out the absorption and conversion, the base would run dry.

>>Grapple, Springer, and Pharma, we have energon flowing to Omega Supreme. It will be a full solar cycle before he is operational. It more likely be two or three solar cycles before he is fully recharged. My team is going to increase and modify the energy input and converters. It may require building more to sustain this base and the big guy. Do we have ETA on the arc?<<.

After the communication, Neutro walked over to the rest of his team at the base end. The other Construction Patrols nodded at him as they head off towards the first location which was the underground geothermal terminal.

"Alright guys, time for the next phase.

Autobot City Construction Site/Shuttle Longevity

Neutro wrote:>>Grapple, Springer, and Pharma, we have energon flowing to Omega Supreme. It will be a full solar cycle before he is operational. It more likely be two or three solar cycles before he is fully recharged. My team is going to increase and modify the energy input and converters. It may require building more to sustain this base and the big guy. Do we have ETA on the arc?<<.

That perked Pharma up. Primus, already? He didn’t know whether to be excited or depressed that he’d been lost in his thoughts while a patient needed him. It was something he couldn’t allow to happen again, though he was still working toward that end, was he not?

The answer wasn’t as forthcoming as much as he wished, and that was problematic to one that looked at things being clearly separated as black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, and the hundreds of other terms his processor listed for him.

He shook his head, not appreciating the error in thinking he’d gone down yet again. Time for a self diagnostic later, he thought, turning back to the pair working on the diagnostic equipment. [i[Even with their and the device’s help, I can’t afford to slow down. Not until I’m certain Omega Supreme and Sky Lynx are fully functional again.[/i]

Sectioning his various thoughts into their proper files, he responded to the message,

>>Very good, Nuetro, my boy. I shall be there momentarily to double check his vital areas for any leaks or other damage once his energon level is high enough.<<

He closed the comm. without another thought and ran through their possible options. The diagnostic bay wouldn’t take too much longer, assuming Bluestreak and Arclight were as good at their work as they appeared so far. The problem then would be transporting it. As much as he thought the three of them were capable enough to move the soon-to-be mobile diagnostic device, he didn’t want to chance them dropping it. But the only one he remembered seeing outside was that filthy Landfill.

He didn’t want to risk the device being covered in filth any more than a potential patient, but he was forced to realize the device would be easier to clean than a wound.

Wondering how he angered Primus so much to deserve being here (ignoring the fact that it was his idea to begin with), he gave in to the reality of the situation and opened a communication channel with Landfill. He already felt dirty.

>>Landfill, my boy, this is Pharma. We may need your services to help transport a diagnostic device to Omega Supreme, so I ask that you remain ready in the coming cycle or so. Pharma out.<<

He closed the channel without waiting for a reply and suppressed a shudder as he turned to Bluestreak and Arclight. “I’ve arranged for a transport to help move the device when we’re ready, but it’s not the most… sanitary, so I suggest ensuring any exposed cables or ports be covered if we can manage it.”



Some mechs can be so prideful ,Landfill thought with a chuckle as he transformed to help an Autobot that stumbled near him. Since none had bothered to take him up on his offer to give them a lift, he decided it was best to take matters into his own servos.

“Here, let me help you,” he said, reaching out and taking a mech’s arm. He ignored the pleas to be left alone as he half carried the injured ‘Bot. “See? It’s not such a bad thing accepting help, is it?

The ‘Bot grumbled something about needing an oil bath following Landfill’s help, but the material transport specialist merely chuckled. He was used to these kinds of jokes and had learned not to let them get to him.

Once he reached an area where the mech could rest, he helped him sit.

“Thank you, I… I appreciate the help.”

Landfill nodded with a smile and turned back to the rest. The others seemed capable of helping themselves, besides, he didn’t want to press them if they didn’t want help. It wasn’t like he was a medic or anything.

He spotted Grapple, Springer, and a couple others conferring with each other, and he thought about approaching them for orders. It bothered him that so few seemed to be helping those that had arrived, but considering how most were making their way from the ships, he doubted they needed more than what he’d given.

His optics rested on the build team and Omega Supreme. Their teamwork was something he had come to admire. They were a part of something inside a larger something.

We each have our role to play. The thought both depressed and enticed him. He’d found his niche long ago without the accolades heaped upon others. Not that it really mattered since accolades never meant much to him.

>>Landfill, my boy, this is Pharma. We may need your services to help transport a diagnostic device to Omega Supreme, so I ask that you remain ready in the coming cycle or so. Pharma out.<<

>>Of course, Pharma, I’ll…<<

Landfill winced as he realized he’d been talking into a closed channel. Whether or not he’d help wasn’t a question, but why did it have to be Pharma? If any mech could test his good nature, it was the grumpy doctor.

Though, now that he thought about it, maybe it was time for him to show some initiative or interest in another area besides material transport. While it was important, being a medical transport could provide a greater service. This was something he intended to investigate when they were done constructing Autotbot City. Maybe my idea will have merit enough to try? But then I’d have to work with Pharma or Ratchet…

The thought trailed off as he double checked if anyone else needed his help before he turned and headed toward the…

Where am I going? Oh, this isn’t going to be good if I have to message Pharma. He quickly looked around for any sign of the doc. Nothing. He was nearly resigned to having another discussion with the doc when inspiration struck. Since Sky Lynx was by Grapple, that meant Pharma had to be in one of the two remaining ships, and since he needed help transporting a device he didn’t remember seeing around there before, he had to be in the Longevity.

Proud of his deductive reasoning, he turned and headed toward the shuttle Longevity. if he was wrong, well, nothing much would change. If he was correct, then maybe the doc would treat him with a little more courtesy.

Autobot City Construction Site

The drive helped Brawn to focus on what he had volunteered for.

And it gave him the chance to wish his first instincts weren’t always to jump in expecting or wanting a fight. Had he stopped to think for the briefest of moments, he would’ve realized Gears outranked him and if he didn’t have the right authorization, how was he going to help? Scrapping a fellow Autobot wasn’t in his future, so that meant they had to find another way.

I’m not going to like this. He let out a low grumble at the thought, but continued on. He had told Gears he’d be there to help him. Now, in what way was a whole other question.



“Okay, look, what kind of authorization do you need? Brawn’s coming, but I don’t know how he’s going to help.”

The single optic inventory mech stared at him for several astroseconds, as if weighing him against something Gears didn’t or couldn’t know about. And, of course, the mech remained silent as it seemed to scan over the data padd.

In truth, that single optics freaked Gears out. Though it was in the shape of a telescopic tube, it reminded him too much of Shockwave, and the mech’s superior attitude only added to his growing angst. Not that he’d admit it to anyone. Unless, of course, it’d get him past these blasted obstructions.

As much as Gears hated eating Cybertronian crow, he asked, “What do I have to do to get the needed supplies?”

At that, the inventory mech’s head snapped up and its optic locked on him. It was strange seeing it turn its full attention on him despite the feeling it’d been doing just that all along.

“Of course, there is one thing.”

Gears forced his servos to lock so he didn’t give away the grimace he knew wanted to appear on his faceplate. “And that is?”

The mech leaned forward until it was looking directly down at Gears.

I’m not going to like this.

“Bring. Me. The Proper. Authorization.” The mech’s voice poured over him like a river of sound, and it remained unmoving for a few astroseconds more before continuing, “Is that clear this time?”

The force on Gears’ servos to keep him from activating his air jets and punching the mech in his single eyes caused him to shake. For one of the few times in his existence, terminating a fellow Autobot felt like the proper course.

Forcing himself to remain locked, Gears slowly opened his mouth and responded, “Fine. What kind of authorization do I need?”

The inventory mech tilted it’s head to the side and straightened back to its normal position and refocused on its data padd. “That’s simple. The word of another loyal Autobot.”

“Another… why you leaking, rusted, piece of sc—“

The inventory mech raised a hand to silence him. “Now, now. We don’t want to fracture the bound or trust we’ve constructed, now do we?”

Gears was grateful that he’d had the foresight to keep his servos locked or he may have already punched his ticket to a prison planet. Instead, he forced his voice to remain calm. “No, we don’t.”

Thankfully, the familiar sound of Brawn’s engine reached Gears’ receptors and helped keep him from voicing what he really thought.

As Brawn came into view, he slowed and transformed when he was a stone’s throw away from Gears. “Hey, buddy,” he said as he stepped up next to Gears and turned his attention to the inventory mech. “I heard we’re having a problem here?”

The inventory mech stared at him with his single optic, then motioned to a small anti-grav sled with various supplies stacked on it. A smaller mech, about Brawn and Gears’ size, approached the sled with another crate, then placed it on the top.. “None at all, now that I’ve received the proper authorization. If you need anything else, please notify me ahead of time. Gentlemechs.” Without a word, the inventory mech turned around and strode back into the stacks of equipment.

Gear was in quiet shock as he realized the items he’d mentioned had been prepared for transport sometime during his argument with the mech. And he hadn’t noticed! He didn’t know who to be more upset with, his tormentor or himself.

“That was easy. Guess he heard I was coming, huh?”

“Yeah, something like that,” Gears mumbled as he unlocked his servos and took a step toward the sled, his joints creaking following being frozen in place. “I think it’ll be best if someone else comes up here next time. I think the humidity is causing some rust.”

Brawn smiled as he turned to follow Gears. “A little too quiet for me, but I may take a run or two up here.”

Now that made Gears smile genuinely, not that he’d allow his friend to come up here alone. Though it was tempting.

Shuttle Longevity

Pharma wrote:“When you are finished, I would love to hear all you know of this combiner Devastator and which Decepticons form him. If we could, say, capture one, imagine the wealth of information he would give us. Perhaps, a way to end the war a bit quicker, eh?”

Bluestreak had no sooner reached the bottom of the shuttle’s ramp when he overheard Pharma’s comment regarding Devastator. In an effort to not have to shout, the chatterbot ascended the ramp once more and found both the good doctor and Arclight still fiddling with the diagnostic equipment. “Well, I can tell you right now who makes up Devastator. It’s the Constructicons. All six of them merge into one giant combiner. Two make up the torso while one each make up the arms and legs. Devastator is rather impressive especially in size, but it doesn’t seem to have the mental capacity you would expect considering Hook and Scrapper are a part of it. The gestalt is also very slow moving and can be easily overwhelmed it seems if enough mechs attack it at once.”

The dark blue and silver gunner then turned his attention to Arclight who was trying to ready the medical device for transport to Omega Supreme. “Let me help you there, Arclight,” Bluestreak said and he quickly knelt down and began disconnecting the appropriate wires and conduits. “If I had realized before that the device wasn’t ready to be moved I wouldn’t have left the shuttle so quickly. My apologies. I never intended to leave you guys hanging.”

Pharma wrote:“I’ve arranged for a transport to help move the device when we’re ready, but it’s not the most… sanitary, so I suggest ensuring any exposed cables or ports be covered if we can manage it.”

Bluestreak turned and looked back over his shoulder at the CMO. “No problem. We’re almost done here,” the chatterbot said as he tucked away a few cables and covered some of the ports with special lids. “Here, Arclight, use these to protect any open ports on your end.” Blue handed a few additional lids to the teal femmebot before finishing up his own work.

“There,” Bluestreak said finally as he stood back up to his full height. “All ready, Pharma. And I’m sure whatever transport you have arranged will be more than adequate. If we have to clean the diagnostic machine off once we get it over to Omega we can always do so. It won’t be a problem, I’m certain.”

Autobot City Construction Site

Grapple wrote:"No apologies needed. It's just good to see the collaborative spirit alive and well, erm, Howlstrike, is it? And though you're right about the builders, I think I might have that under control for the moment. My friend Mirage was having a similar idea, as was Springer: the whole notion of securing this site against any possible incursions. Or, at the very least, not wanting to stand around idly. Perhaps you'll be able to work together towards that end?"

Howlstrike nodded to Grapple just before the orange crane-bot moved away and turned his attention to Sky Lynx. The former Predacon then glanced over at Springer and Mirage, who were standing nearby. Howl had worked with the green and yellow triplechanger while on the recent mission to rescue Omega Supreme. The former Wrecker seemed to accept the lupine tracker as an Autobot. However, Mirage was still a bit of a mystery. Howlstrike could not remember if he had ever dealt with the blue mech before and whether or not Mirage would even want to work with someone who had once been a Predacon.

Not that Howlstrike cared much. He was more than aware that many Autobots didn’t like him or trust him. He was used to it by now. Most would rather take an acid bath than be his friend. Still, over the vorns, more and more ‘bots had begun to accept him, albeit begrudgingly. Kup was his one true friend, but that had changed recently with Blindside and even Arclight being added to those he considered to be his friends. Although, they also probably didn’t know his history with the ‘Cons, so that may have helped them to accept him as one of their own.

None of that mattered now. They needed to secure this site and if working with those who may not like him was the way to do it then that’s what Howlstrike had to do. “So, Grapple tells me that you guys had some ideas on how to secure this valley from outside intruders,” the former Predacon finally spoke up as he took a few steps towards both Mirage and Springer. “My buddy, Blindside, and I would be happy to assist. As I just told Grapple, I could use my tracking skills to patrol the permitter of the holographic shield that surrounds the valley, make sure nothing has compromised the barrier. However, if you have a better idea, I’m all audios.”

Howlstrike then glanced over to see that Blindside was still hovering around the Longevity. >>”Hey, Blindy, I hope you got what info your were looking for. We got a job to do over here when you’re ready to join us.”<<

Autobot City Site

“I’ll take care of that since you’re busy here. I assume my authorization will be good enough. If not I can be persuasive enough for all of us,” Grapple heard Brawn say. Sky Lynx's matter of discretion could keep for a moment. This was perfect.

"Thank you so much, Brawn. In fact, I would be more than happy for you to serve as site commander. When high command sent me down here to run things, I don't think they expected Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx and the Wreckers to be showing up on our doorstep. So, with that in mind, I can think of few who hold the respect of, well, you know....the everyday warrior mech....like you, Brawn. If you could keep all that running smoothly, I can do the same on the building end. At least until such time as Prowl shows up and decides what he wants done."

>>Grapple, Springer, and Pharma, we have energon flowing to Omega Supreme. It will be a full solar cycle before he is operational. It more likely be two or three solar cycles before he is fully recharged. My team is going to increase and modify the energy input and converters. It may require building more to sustain this base and the big guy. Do we have ETA on the arc?<< came Neutro's transmission. It was welcome news at least. Omega certainly looked like he needed a good surge of energy.

>>"Excellent Neutro. Build whatever's necessary. We'll focus on what we need for now and then add what we 'want' as we go along. As for ETAs, none yet. But when I hear of anything, you will also."<<

Grapple then motioned for Sky Lynx to follow him as he exchanged nods with Howlstrike and headed to the eastern wall with a contingent of buildbots. It was time to start getting some skeletal frames in place. The buildbots that Grapple had requisitioned stopped what they were doing and now zipped off in the direction of their latest task.

A few short kliks later, steel beams were going into place and welding torches were ablaze.

Shuttle Longevity

Bluestreak wrote:“Well, I can tell you right now who makes up Devastator. It’s the Constructicons. All six of them merge into one giant combiner. Two make up the torso while one each make up the arms and legs. Devastator is rather impressive especially in size, but it doesn’t seem to have the mental capacity you would expect considering Hook and Scrapper are a part of it. The gestalt is also very slow moving and can be easily overwhelmed it seems if enough mechs attack it at once.”

With everything that he had processed thus far in this endeavor, Pharma had managed to move past most of his previous Pharma turned to Bluestreak, giving him his full attention, making sure he caught every word uttered. Everything else he relegated to his reflexive programming as he sorted through the information. As he figured, the physical combining was the easy part, but the sharing of minds, of finding a middle ground where a handful of minds could coexist would be near impossible.

Perhaps, getting a couple of them on my operating table could answer my questions. “Thank you, my boy. That is… quite informative.”

Bluestreak wrote:“If I had realized before that the device wasn’t ready to be moved I wouldn’t have left the shuttle so quickly. My apologies. I never intended to leave you guys hanging.”

Bluestreak pulled Pharma from his thoughts. “There are worse things than not seeing the future, my boy. Had we been better equipped, I’d imagine this device would remain with the shuttle. As it is, we must make due with what’s at hand.” Pharma’s voice sounded surprisingly forgiving, especially to himself given the recent chaotic events. The idea that he was being so generous toward others not under his administrations spoke to a couple of possibilities. One, he liked Bluestreak, which was extremely rare for him, and two, the mech had accepted responsibility for missing something he was certain a competent commander would’ve thought of. It showed promise and potential. Two qualities that Pharma appreciated.

And information.

Oh, that was something Pharma could sink his laser scalpel into.

Bluestreak wrote:“All ready, Pharma. And I’m sure whatever transport you have arranged will be more than adequate. If we have to clean the diagnostic machine off once we get it over to Omega we can always do so. It won’t be a problem, I’m certain.”

Impressive, though I doubt you are correct in cleaning it not being a problem. He pushed aside his concerns over Landfill’s sanitation and focused on the fact they were proceeding better than he had expected, and that helped eased his concern over his ability to manage things under these conditions somewhat. It didn’t mean he wasn’t still anxious, as he expected this to be the hard part. If this was as difficult as it got, he’d accept that and move on. If it wasn’t… well, he didn’t have much choice, did he?

He smiled and nodded to both Bluestreak and Arclight. “Thank you both, your efforts shall be recorded in my medical logs for the powers that be to give you proper accolades.” Now for (he suppressed a shudder at the thought of getting close to Landfill) our transport.

He went over to help move the diagnostic device out of the shuttle. He wasn’t much for physical labor and had intended to be the brains behind this operation, but sometimes, it was necessary to do the undesirable. “Come, my friends. Landfill and Omega Supreme awaits.”

Autobot City Construction Site

Grapple wrote:"Thank you so much, Brawn. In fact, I would be more than happy for you to serve as site commander. When high command sent me down here to run things, I don't think they expected Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx and the Wreckers to be showing up on our doorstep. So, with that in mind, I can think of few who hold the respect of, well, you know....the everyday warrior mech....like you, Brawn. If you could keep all that running smoothly, I can do the same on the building end. At least until such time as Prowl shows up and decides what he wants done."

Those words, spoken in Grapple’s typical cadence hadn’t fully registered with Brawn as he left the main building site to help Gears. Now, as he drove along the bumpy roads with Gears at his side, he wondered how he’d allowed Grapple to pull such a fast one over on him.

“I may not be the smartest mech, but I’m not stupid. How’d I let myself get talked into this?”

“What are you bellyaching about, Brawn? I’m the one towing the supplies.” Gears’ voice carried its normal cynical sound as he’d quickly fallen back into old habits. Anything to forget his experience with the inventory ‘Bot.

Normally, Brawn would’ve chuckled, but he grumbled instead. “Nothing. It’s personal.”

Gears was happy to leave it at that, but Brawn continued, “What do I know of running a city? That lousy scraplet infested—”

“Running a city? What are you running on about?”

“Grapple. He asked me to be serve as site commander.”

Nothing.

Gears just continued driving, causing Brawn’s processor to nearly trip and cause a power surge. “Well?”

The answer came in a boisterous laugh that caused Gears to swerve from left to right, narrowly missing Brawn on one side and a tree on the other.

“What’s so funny? Have you gotten into the energon again?” Brawn asked, unsure if he really wanted the answer.

“No… it’s just… You…” Gears’ laugh grew even louder and with such ferocity that he was forced to stop before he did run into something.

Brawn stopped, too, though he coasted a few meters, debating if the extent this conversation would cause him grief. The respect Grapple had mentioned seemed to be little more than smoke and reflective steel at this point.

“Ya know, you really know how to make a mech feel good about himself.”

It took a larger portion of his self-control than usual to stop laughing. It’d been so long since he’d last cut loose like this, he’d forgotten how good it felt. The fact he was enjoying a fellow Autobot not named Bluestreak or Prowl’s suffering was sobering. But only slightly.

When he felt able to speak without losing control again, Gears said, “Okay, well, it’s not that you’re not… um… capable.” He had to think back to the inventory ‘bot to keep from exploding in a new round of laughter. “It’s just that, well, you’re not the command type.”

“Yeah, are you saying I can’t handle it?”

“No, no, not at all.” Had they been in their robot modes he would’ve held up his hands to keep Brawn from pummeling him. Not that he blamed him. “I’m just surprised Grapple appointed you over Springer.” I didn’t think Grapple was that stressed. “Maybe he feels it’s time you… um… ( Where’s Prime when we need him? ) branched out in your duties. Unless you think it’s too big a job or something...”

“So, you don’t think I can do it, huh? Fine, I’ll show you, buddy. These nickel-plated knuckles are good for things besides crunching Decepticons.” With that, Brawn started his engine and continued along the road.

Gears could only watch him and thank Primus Brawn wasn’t one to shirk a challenge or responsibility.

A hundred meters away, Brawn came to another stop. “Are you coming or what? Don’t think you can goldbrick ‘cause we’re friends, Gears.”

“Wouldn’t think of it.” Firing up his engine, Gears quickly caught up with Brawn and the pair continued back to the Autobot City site. I think a lot of mechs are going to want to thank Grapple personally for this. Hope we find all the pieces when they’re through.

Autobot Cuty Construction Site - Storage Facility

Optix smiled as he stepped back among the crates and stacks of metal in the makeshift storage depot. This was his world. This was where he ruled with an iron fist, and he wasn’t going to have any Autobot just walk in and take what they wanted. Sure, he’d been rougher than usual on Gears, but that would keep the scraplet from coming around anymore. Optrix had already spent most of the morning berating his fellow quartermasters for allowing their materials to walk off without more than a note as to who took them and for what. Sure, the city needed to be constructed, but was it really so hard to do things the proper way?

He didn’t think so, and he didn’t intend to allow others to break the rules when he’d been forced to obey. He wasn’t vain or stupid enough to question whether they knew what sacrifices he’d made for their cause. Such things should be expected from them since they were the ones fighting, and he intended to leave it at that.

Still, he’d do his part. It was what was expected of him, and who was he to question why? He just wanted to be left alone to do what he was best at.

His smile widened as he tossed the data padd onto his desk. It was a simple tool he used to send instructions to the mechs under his command. But today, oh, today it had proven its weight in energon. If only that ‘Bot could’ve seen his own faceplate when Optrix used it to have the items that had been requested prepared for the mech. Sometimes, he actually enjoyed his job.

Autobot City Construction Site

“So, Grapple tells me that you guys had some ideas on how to secure this valley from outside intruders,” the former Predacon finally spoke up as he took a few steps towards both Mirage and Springer. “My buddy, Blindside, and I would be happy to assist. As I just told Grapple, I could use my tracking skills to patrol the permitter of the holographic shield that surrounds the valley, make sure nothing has compromised the barrier. However, if you have a better idea, I’m all audios.”

“That sounds like a plan to me,” Mirage responded to Howlstrike, “I am not the highest in the chain of command here, but I do have some ideas. I trust that your skills are valuable, but would you be able to patrol the entirety of the valley? It might be a bit of a stretch for you. I supposed we could ask a few other mechs to aid. Perhaps we could ask one of the others who have recently arrived.”

He looked around to see if he could find someone idle, but capable of handling security of the valley well. He spotted a large gray and red mech, Broadside, and approached him. “Greetings, Broadside. Would you be interested in helping out with some, ahem, security?”