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Inside Omega Supreme

Pharma wrote:“If I may, Prowl my boy. While it’s not strictly my realm of expertise. I have been formulating a way of acquiring or adapting combiner technology. Obviously, it would be easier if we had one of the Constructicons or a Decepticon scientist to… examine. Since we don’t, I’ve been hypothesizing that larger mechs like the guardians, Omega Supreme in particular, and their ability to communicate with their various parts when separated. If we can duplicate and rework that connection, we may be able to have a single ‘Bot as the central brain controlling others like drones, giving them a consciousness instead of standard programming. Of course, this is merely a hypothesis. Nothing can be proven without extensive testing.”

“Have you now?” Prowl responded as he turned to look over at Pharma. The military strategist had listened to everything the CMO had said and found it to be not only intriguing but worthwhile to examine his hypothesis further. “Your hypothesis sounds well thought out. You should share it with the rest of the gestalt research team. Once you are done here, Pharma, I want you to join Jetfire and the gestalt project and assist them in accomplishing our first successful combiner. Whether it’s your expertise or not, your medical knowledge will be invaluable when dealing with the physical affects of five ‘bots combining into one and then separating again.”

Omega Supreme wrote:”DETAILS UNAVAILABLE. LIKELYHOOD OF COMPLETE DECEPTICON VICTORY IN ELBA SYSTEM BY NOW THROUGH OBSERVED NUMBER OF HOSTILE WARSHIPS PRESENT; INEVITABLE. AUTOBOT FLEET INCLUDING THE STEELHAVEN, REMOVED FROM EQUATION. DIRECT RESCUE OPERATION; INADVISABLE.

”RUNG’S PATIENT FILES STORED WITHIN STREAMLIGHT. THEIR PROPAGANDA VALUE IN ENEMY HANDS; TERRIFYING. PRESERVING THEM; A MINOR VICTORY.

”RETRIEVING DATA. AEQUITAS UNHARMED DESPITE OF MY INJURIES. LOCATION; INTERNAL SAFETY STORAGE BANK A-1.”

The Omega Guardian’s booming voice echoed throughout the chamber, drawing Prowl’s attention back to the massive Autobot. So, Garrus-9 had likely fallen and a rescue operation was not advisable under the current circumstances. As much as the black and white hated the thought of allowing Scorponok to claim victory in the Elba system, he knew that losing more ‘bots in an attempted rescue operation would serve the Autobot war machine no good. It would only hand over more prisoners or more Autobot deaths to the ‘Cons and neither was an option Prowl was willing to risk. Others would likely disagree, but things have escalated dramatically in the Sol System in recent cycles and they needed all of the warriors they had to remain here for the time being.

When Omega Supreme mentioned that Aequitas was not only undamaged but safely stowed away onboard the enormous guardian, Prowl couldn’t help but smile from audio receptor to audio receptor. “Excellent, Omega. Storage Bank A-1, you said? Not that I don’t believe you, but I want to see it for myself.”

Blaster wrote:>>”Magnus, Prowl, I’ve caught up with Red Alert and his meeting. Everyone in the meeting seems to be in favor of the plans. I’m attaching a copy of the minutes of this meeting. Since Prime isn’t taking charge right now, can I get you to guys to look through all this? And Prowl, we’re gonna be dealing with some of that Phase Sixer stuff, so once you’re done with Peru, head back up here and rendezvous with the team that’s headed for Africa. Rook’s in charge.”<<

Prowl brought up the meeting minutes on a datapad and quickly skimmed through them. All looked to be in order and he was happy to see that the Autobot Phase Sixer Initiative, as he was calling it, was at the forefront.

>>”Understood, Blaster. I will be done here soon and then I will bounce up and join the Africa team to oversee the Phase Sixer project. Everything else from the meeting looks to be in order. As long as Magnus is okay with it, I am, as well. Prowl out.”<<

Prowl then turned his glare to everyone else in the room. “Well, it appears my time down here is limited. Pharma, finish up here what you can and then pass whatever’s left to do to Neutro and Bluestreak. I’m sure a few medical Autotroopers can be re-assigned here, as well. They’re going to be field testing some science projects in Africa, including the gestalts, and I want you there to oversee the medical aspects as I said before.”

The military strategist then turned his attention back to Omega. “If there’s nothing else to apprise me of, Omega, I will head down to the A-1 storage bank to see Aequitas for myself.”

“I can take you there, Prowl, if you like,” Bluestreak, who was still loitering about, chimed in. "I passed by there on my way here, so I know where it's located."

“That won’t be necessary, Bluestreak. I can find my way on my own, thanks,” Prowl replied stoically. “Just get back to work fixing Omega’s systems. I want him up and running as soon as possible.”

“Of course, sir. Right away!” Bluestreak said as Prowl moved by him and entered the corridor beyond. The chatterbot then glanced over at Pharma. “I’ll be back down in section F-23 where I’ll continue fixing those nodules. If there’s anything else you need just let me know.”

With that said, the dark blue and silver gunner hurried out of the chamber and back to work.

Peruvian Valley – Eastern Perimeter

Kup wrote:“Anytime, kid.”

Howlstrike nodded before turning and glaring back at the remaining autotroopers that would be continuing to patrol the perimeter. “Let’s go,” the beast-former snarled before he transformed back into his timber wolf alt mode. He let out a low growl and then trotted along the holo-shield, keeping his olfactory, audio and visual sensors attuned to everything around him. The autotroopers were not far behind, but were keeping a safe distance from the former Predacon. Regardless of what Kup had said, they still didn’t fully trust Howl. The troopers would tolerate him, yes, but not trust him.

Almost a breem later, the mechanical wolf came to a sudden stop as he received a lengthly comm from Blaster. Apparently, a new initiative was being put into affect that would help strengthen their forces here in the Sol System. There were also several missions being undertaken, but none seemed suitable for Howlstrike or his wolf mode. He was better acclimated to remain where he was and patrol the valley in order to keep Autobot City safe.

As a result, Howlstrike continued onward along the Eastern Perimeter, looking for any other damaged generators or anything that seemed suspicious.

There wasn’t much left to say at this point from Omega Supreme’s point of view. He had shared what little knowledge he had been able to attain while escaping Garrus-9 with the Aequitas as he had been trusted to do if the situation were to become impossible to overcome. And it had. The mighty Guardian had done what he could. No one could have asked for more and yet, he felt he had let the Autobots down.

“Excellent, Omega. Storage Bank A-1, you said? Not that I don’t believe you, but I want to see it for myself.”

”SCANNING.” Omega’s voice boomed once again and a green scanning beam illuminated Prowl few times until the Guardian was satisfied. ”UP TO DATE BIO-SIGNATURE STORED INTO DATABANKS. INTERNAL SAFETY STORAGE BANK A-1 WILL OPEN UPON YOUR APPROACH.”

“If there’s nothing else to apprise me of, Omega, I will head down to the A-1 storage bank to see Aequitas for myself.”

”ACKNOWLEDGED.” Omega replied back to Prowl just prior a detail he had overlooked hit him. ”ADDENDUM: SCORPONOK DEPLOYED A PHASE SIXER UNIT IDENTIFIED AS OVERLORD. OVERLORD’S CURRENT CONDITION: IN NEED OF A MAJOR STRUCTURAL OVERHAUL.”

The ancient Guardian had said his piece. It was time to let the Autobots back to work. The sooner they repaired him, the sooner he would able to perform his duty. ”ENTERING STANDBY MODE TO CONSERVE ENERGON.”

Inside Omega Supreme

Prowl wrote:“Have you now?”

Is that a glint of interest I detect?, Pharma thought, fighting against the urge to say something more. He’d been around enough mechs to know the difference between a rhetorical and actual questions. Still, that didn’t mean it was easy not to dive in and reiterate his points and conjecture about thr rest. Had he been anyone else, he may have done just that. Fortunately for him, his medical training and mannerisms prevented him from acting like a first year cadet. Or worse. A builder.

The latter thought send a power surge through him he barely managed to contain with only a minor surge of his optics.

Prowl wrote:“Your hypothesis sounds well thought out. You should share it with the rest of the gestalt research team. Once you are done here, Pharma, I want you to join Jetfire and the gestalt project and assist them in accomplishing our first successful combiner. Whether it’s your expertise or not, your medical knowledge will be invaluable when dealing with the physical affects of five ‘bots combining into one and then separating again.”

Well thought out? I’ve deactivated medical careers that were sounder. He almost said that, too, but held back at reaslizing he’d only close the door he’d just opened. Instead, he nodded and said, “It would be my pleasure. Among like-minded peers, I’m sure we shall accomplish our goals.”

He mentally did a backflip and a few other dance moves he’d seen other mechs do. He’d never stoop so low as to actually to that himself. Such extravanagance was simply not suitable for a CMO.

Despite the joy coursing through him at finally getting off this worthless mudball, the analytical portion of his processor quickly reorganized files so he could reevaluate his theory and determine the most efficient course of action to take. Such a thing coulnd’t be taken likely, otherwise, he’d find himself back here or on some other Primus forsaken—

Prowl wrote: “Well, it appears my time down here is limited. Pharma, finish up here what you can and then pass whatever’s left to do to Neutro and Bluestreak. I’m sure a few medical Autotroopers can be re-assigned here, as well. They’re going to be field testing some science projects in Africa, including the gestalts, and I want you there to oversee the medical aspects as I said before.”

“Of course, Prowl. I shall leave things in the best condition possible for the medical corp (He was surprised he said that with a straight face. As if a medical corp could do more than builders.). Bluestreak and Neutro have performed admirably, so I am certain they shall not miss an astrobeat once I leave for… Africa?” Primus, I know that name…

Bluestreak wrote:“I’ll be back down in section F-23 where I’ll continue fixing those nodules. If there’s anything else you need just let me know.”

With Pharma’s processor runninga thousand light years an hour, he barely heard Bluestreak, but nodded just the same. “Yes, yes. Very good, my boy. Thank you.”

Once Bluestreak left, Pharma turned his shellshocked system to the current patient. He was about to point out Omega’s need to shut down so they could continue their repairs and refueling, when the guardian took it upon himself.

Omega Supreme wrote:”ENTERING STANDBY MODE TO CONSERVE ENERGON.”

“Yes, yes, I quite agree. If there’s nothing else, Prowl, my boy, I must insist on my patient getting some rest while we continue his repairs.”

Turning his attention back to Prowl, he tried to remember if Africa was a ship or planet. He assumed it ahd to be the latter, since no Autobot in their right processor would name a ship something like Africa. What kind of name was that, anyway?

“Uh. Excuse me, Prowl, my boy, but is Africa a planet in this system, or perhaps a new space station? I must admit I’m not too familiar with the current naming process employed.”

Autobot City Site

“Coordinates? Well, uh, I don’t know the exact coordinates, but I can lead you to it. It’s only a mile or so from here. Near where Sideswipe and the others were doing their thing.”

"Oh...yes, well, that works too," Grapple said, agreeably. He looked over at Optrix. "Cheers. may that drink not be too far in the future, indeed."

Grapple then proceeded to transform.

"After you then," he said to Brawn.
___

Kup had just finished soldering a panel in place when a new transmission came through from Red Alert.

That fraggin' meeting he'd missed. He wasn't gonna hear the end of it for a while. Surely his input couldn't have been that critical.

>>”Kup, you’re being assigned as a squad leader to go to a region called Kashmir. I’ll forward you the notes from the meeting right now, have a look. Trailbreaker will be joining you, and you can pick up any others you like along the way as well. Just make sure their alt mode will fit - we don’t want any natives to get scared.”<<

>>"Copy that. I'll piece somethin' together,"<< Kup commed back before looking at the mechs around him. "I'd rather stay here and do this a while, but duty calls."

With a grunt and a sigh, he transformed and sped off towards the bounce pad.

Autobot City Site

Grapple wrote:"Oh...yes, well, that works too," Grapple said, agreeably.

Really? The shock at having Grapple, or anyone, for that matter, take his opinion as something more than a… casual annoyance? showed on his faceplate before he screwed his features into a smile.

Brawn didn’t want to appear lost, as he wasn’t one to take part in mental sparing matches, but he was sure Grapple wasn’t blowing him off.

And if he does, so what? When the real fighting starts, he won’t have that luxury, will he?

Grapple wrote:"Cheers. may that drink not be too far in the future, indeed."

As Grapple turned his attention to Optrix, Brawn couldn’t help but wonder how the latter had made such an impression on Grapple that he remained pleasant.

Will you take a look at that. Guess brainy bots and up-their-aft bots have more in common than the up-their-aft part. Brawn paused, having confused himself with his line of logic. Haking his head, he refocused on the task at hand. I think I’m starting to get a headache.

When Grapple transformered and said,

Grapple wrote:"After you then."

Looks like I’ll have to take it easy on him, Brawn thought as he transformed. “I’ll try to take it slow. Don’t want you to get tangled in the underbrush.” Though he meant it in a kind way, it may have come out sounding like a challenge. “Right this way, Grapple. It shouldn’t take long.”

Brawn’s engine revved as he pulled out. Leading the way out of Autobot City.



It didn’t take long for them to reach the rougher terrain now that they travelled in a straight enough path along the road. As they passed a couple of the areas where Sideswipe had been (That mech’s as subtle as a faulty logic circuit), Brawns directional system signaled they were close.

Slowing down, he transformd and motioned to the narrow path he’d driven down a short time before. “We’d better walk from here unless you want to clear away the jungle as we go.” Why’d I say that? Now he’s going to want to do just that, Brawn thought, keeping his groan to himself.



Optrix watched as Grapple and Brawn drove off. His processor was full of varying thoughts, many pertaining to the philosophical belief at how the universe could offer change in such a simple way. Snorting, Optrix thought, It wasn’t the universe that landed me in this position. It was these war mongers. Had they taken their war to another planet in the beginning, I’d still be relaxing with some cool engex and star watching.

Unsure where he currently found himself in the grand scheme of things, he decided to continue wandering around the construction site. If nothing else, it’d give him a chance to continue his assessment of the efficiency these builders were using his materials. The idea that it’d also give him a chance to think never consciously crossed his processor.

Autobot City Site – Jungle

Brawn ducked under a low tree limb, then sidestepped a narrow crevise cut into the ground between rocks from rain runoff. The more he explored, the more he found himself enjoying this world more and more. It wasn’t Cybertron, but it filled him with a desire he usually only felt in combat.

Still, he was smart enough to know it didn’t suit everyone, especially the larger and not as coordinated like Grapple.

For that reason, Brawn had paused several times to wait as he expected the builder to run into various problems. He was surprised, and mildly disappointed, that Grapple seemd to traverse the area without greater difficulty.

Trying to show me up? His energon flowed at a quicker pace as the idea of another challenge came to him, but his logic circuits functioned enough to inform him that out of all the mechs there, Grapple was the least likely to entertain such a notion. In fact, he wouldn’t even consider it unless pushed into it, and then only maybe.

Slightly crestfallen, Brawn motioned to a clearing just ahead of them. “It’s over here. Watch your step, Grapple. I may be the toughest Autbot here, but I’m not in the business of carrying out any mechs not injured by laser fire.”

He knew he sounded smug, and maybe he meant it. It was hard giving up how he’d functioned for millenia no matter how many times he’d been lectured on it.

Autobot City Site--Jungle

“I’ll try to take it slow. Don’t want you to get tangled in the underbrush. Right this way, Grapple. It shouldn’t take long.”

"Much appreciated. We're more than a little out of my element," Grapple said, doing his best to navigate the unfamiliar--and unpaved--terrain as best he could.

“It’s over here. Watch your step, Grapple. I may be the toughest Autbot here, but I’m not in the business of carrying out any mechs not injured by laser fire,” Brawn called back as they traversed their way deeper into the underbrush.

"Understood!" Grapple called back. "I try not to make of habit of needing to be 'carried' anywhere as it is, heh," he said. "The location certainly seems...raw. Though, I suppose that can be said about most of this planet."

[Skies Above Peruvian Valley]

Sideswipe wrote:>>Broadside, do you have any clue what’s going on?<<

>>”Sorta. Whatever that was, seemed pretty important. Looks like they’re upping the game on the whole home front.”<<

Broadside pulled a stunt - a sharp dive downward and then a steep pull upward as he approached the ground. He brought himself level with Mirage’s patrol, who seemed to be in the middle of giving his patrol some kind of pep talk. “Mirage!”

He unfolded himself back into his large, gray robot mode. “Sideswipe and I were wondering what exactly is going on. You got any clues?”

Autobot City - Peruvian Valley

Broadside wrote:“Sideswipe and I were wondering what exactly is going on. You got any clues?”

The autotroopers Mirage was with almost aimed their guns and shot at Broadside, as the wrecker suddenly divebombed into their patrol. Mirage put his hand up, gesturing to the Autotroopers to lower their weapons. One of them cursed under their breath at the sudden entry by the grey jet.

Mirage, however, seemed relatively unaffected, because he was frankly quite used to nonsensical antics at some points in time. “As far as I am aware, there seems to be a new initiative that is being acted upon by the high command. It seems as if they are carrying out new measures for all sorts of things. Although I have not yet read the fine print, it does appear to be rather well-planned and sophisticated. Certainly proactive thinking by them.” To make it easier for Sideswipe, Mirage had actually opened up a radio channel between the three of them, so that they could hear.

Inside Omega Supreme

Omega Supreme wrote:”SCANNING. UP TO DATE BIO-SIGNATURE STORED INTO DATABANKS. INTERNAL SAFETY STORAGE BANK A-1 WILL OPEN UPON YOUR APPROACH.”

”ADDENDUM: SCORPONOK DEPLOYED A PHASE SIXER UNIT IDENTIFIED AS OVERLORD. OVERLORD’S CURRENT CONDITION: IN NEED OF A MAJOR STRUCTURAL OVERHAUL.”

Prowl stopped in his tracks just outside the doorway, stepping to one side to allow Bluestreak room to move past him. “Overlord,” the military strategist stated plainly as he turned to look back with a deep frown etched across his faceplate. That was a name that made his spinal strut shudder more than most. They already had Sixshot to deal with in the Sol System and now Scorponok had Overlord in his possession. If Scorponok came here to look for Omega then the Autobots will have two phase sixers to deal with. At least Overlord is in need of major repairs, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Autobots need their own phase sixer, if not multiple phase sixers, now more than ever.

“Understood, Omega,” Prowl replied with a nod just as Pharma interjected with his own, unrelated query.

Pharma wrote:“Uh. Excuse me, Prowl, my boy, but is Africa a planet in this system, or perhaps a new space station? I must admit I’m not too familiar with the current naming process employed.”

“Africa is a continent here on Earth, Pharma” the black and white responded. “It has a lot of open areas, jungles and even deserts. I’m sure you’ll love it.” Sarcasm hung heavy on Prowl’s vocals for that last bit. Without further delay, the prick-bot left the chamber and headed down to see Aequitas for himself.

Storage Bank A-1

The doors to the storage bank opened as Prowl approached them just as Omega Supreme said they would. Once inside, the lights came on and illuminated the giant super computer that had served as judge and jury all those vorns ago. The trials of Autobot atrocities that were stored within could never get out especially into the clutches of the Decepticons. It would be damning to the Autobot cause and could very well turn the tide of their neverending war to the Decepticons’ favor.

Thankfully, the Omega Guardian had managed to save and protect Aequitas when he escaped from Garrus-9. Scorponok had failed in that regard, but he would likely try again and the Autobots here in Sol needed to be ready. Prowl walked around the room and closely inspected the super computer for any signs of damage. There were none that he could see with the naked optic. The black and white couldn’t check all of Aequitas as it was simply too large, but he was satisfied that the machine and the contents within were safe, secure and unmolested.

Releasing another sigh of relief, Prowl turned and left the storage bank, the doors sealing shut behind him. The military strategist then made his way out of Omega Supreme and to the bounce pad. After setting the coordinates, he transported up to the Guardian where his next mission awaited.

Autobot City Site – Jungle

Grapple wrote:"Understood!" Grapple called back. "I try not to make of habit of needing to be 'carried' anywhere as it is, heh."

That’s a good motto, Brawn thought, but knew better than to voice. Brawn had to give some respect to the builder. There were tougher Autobots that would’ve been crying about their finish, fuel levels, or the constricting fauna. But not Grapple. Looks like I underestimated him. We’ll see how he does getting out.

Grapple wrote:"The location certainly seems...raw. Though, I suppose that can be said about most of this planet."

Though he thought he heard disappointment in Grapple’s voice, Brawn still smiled at hearing his assessment. Not only did it vindicate his excursions, it proved he wasn’t as soft as he was beginning to think after not seeing combat for a while. Not that he was worried. If any mech could toughen up even more, it was Brawn.

“That’s what I love about this place. It makes Cybertron look tame in comparison. Not that I don’t miss our home,” he added hastily. He’d seen one too many Autobots lose their fluids when someone mentioned like Earth. “The challenge is what makes it fun. The fight to survive, to prove yourself.”

For the briefest of moments, the reason he’d mentioned this place to Grapple slipped from his processor. When it returned, so did his pleasure at finding it. Even if it was an accident. Looking toward Grapple, he said, “I don’t know if it’s natural or not, but it looks like something that can be made into a storage area or bunker, if needed.”



Autobot City – Refueling Station

Broadside wrote:>>”Sorta. Whatever that was, seemed pretty important. Looks like they’re upping the game on the whole home front.”<<

>>Sounds good to me. I don’t know about you, buddy, but I’m already bored beyond reason. With any luck, we’ll get to see some action before rust settles in.<<

Sideswipe had found a comfortable spot to enjoy his energon ration while the Autotroopers got theirs and went on their way. Not that he minded, though he would’ve liked to regall the others with his exploits with them in audio receptor shot.

Such if the price of being a legend, he thought, chuckling as he downed some of his ration. The indicators behind his optics flashed, showing his levels. Hmm, thought I used more than that, he thought. His rocket pack would take longer to refuel, but he didn’t have any other plans.

Not for the moment, anyway. Now, if he spotted a mech that had the best reactions, his plans could change. I really gotta talk to someone about these assignments before I start talking to myself or forcing my war stories on some poor unsuspecting ‘Bot.

It took him half an astrosecond to realize that ha been what he’d intended to do if the Autotroopers had stayed, and he downed his entire ration of energon in a single gulp and stood. Glitchin’ A! I’m turning into Kup. Primus, deactivate me if I’m that far gone.

He didn’t slow as he left the confines of refueling station interior. He could finish refueling his rocket pack outside. The chances of him acting like that old timer were less if he wasn’t around others.



Inside Omega Supreme

Prowl wrote:“Africa is a continent here on Earth, Pharma” the black and white responded. “It has a lot of open areas, jungles and even deserts. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

Continent. Here. On Earth. Prowl’s words burned their way into Pharma’s processor and repeated as the Pharma’s new adversary left him in Omega Supreme’s processing center. Not that it mattered. All of his work, his finagling, his risks at reactivating Omega Supreme had all been worthless.

I’m trapped. That’s it. Trapped. Pharma’s processor whirled as he searched through his databanks for any relevant information he had on Africa. When he found the memory file he needed, he wanted to faceplant himself into Omega’s nearest bulkhead.

Not only had he failed to get off thie Primus forsaken mudball, but he’d managed to get himself transferred to a place worse than… this.

Was any place worse than this?

He remained silent and ignored any prompts from his processor to inform him otherwise. He didn’t want to push his luck any further, otherwise he doubted he’d ever get off this…

“Mudball,” he said, barely above a whisper.

Prowl’s a Decepticon plant. It's the only reason for keeping my brilliance here. That’s all there is to it. No one could be so blind, so uncouth, so… unsophisticated.

He didn’t believe that anymore than he believed the Earth had a future beyond anything more thn a stopover for wayward mechs. Still, he did have a job to do, even if he didn’t approve of where he was going.

Stepping over to Omega Supreme’s main power console, he was grateful the guardian had already put himself into standby. The fewer that witnessed his gaff with Prowl, the better.

Oh, Primus. Pharma paused, realizing how he must’ve looked to Prowl when he asked where and what Africa was. Narrowing his optics, he swore he’d reward the strategist for his demeanor at some point. How or what was another matter.

Tapping a finger on the power console, he listed the things he needed to complete before readying forhis departure. The list was torturously short, but if his understanding of a desert was correct, at least he wouldn’t have to deal with many organics. That alone made this whole ordeal worthwhile.

With a quick dash of or his fingers on the controls, he ensured Omega Supreme remained in full control of his operations if he woke while redirecting his reserves to emergency status. Neutro had been correct in his earlier assessment. The less the guardian was activated, the faster his fuel cells would be replenished.

Once he was done, he opened a channel to Bluestreak and Neutro.

>>Ah, Bluestreak and Neutro, my boys, I’m afraid my talents have been requested elsewhere, but I’ve organized a list for you to divide amongst yourselves and amsending it now. Omega Supreme’s higher functions are at one hundred percent functionality, but I shall run a diagnostic before I leave you to verify those readings. Until I leave, I shall be at your service if you have any questions.

>>Fear not, my boys, for I have the utmost faith in your abilities.<<

Well, that sounded better than I expected. Shaking his head Pharma initiated the diagnostic. It’d take longer with the guardian’s power supply switched to its emergency settings, but some sacrifices needed to be made.

[Autobot City Construction Site]

The east wing was coming along rather nicely, and Hoist decided he was going to take a break. He gave a thumbs up and a pat on the back to many of the construction workers, offering pleasantries here and there. When he turned to go back and have a chat with his buddy Grapple, he saw that his orange friend was nowhere to be found. Wait, huh? Hoist did a double take, because he was sure that his friend was just there a moment ago.

Maybe he had some important builder business to take care of. There was a lot going on nowadays and he was likely busy. Oh well, that’s unfortunate. But he’ll be doing good anyway.

Autobot City Site--Jungle

“That’s what I love about this place. It makes Cybertron look tame in comparison. Not that I don’t miss our home. The challenge is what makes it fun. The fight to survive, to prove yourself.”

Grapple couldn't help but chuckle as he continued on the excursion with Brawn. This planet was definitely up his alley. It was no surprise that he loved it.

"I've noticed that too. This planet seems...almost existentially predatory. Everything preys on something else. And in the midst of all that, life somehow thrives. From massive creatures that could swallow one of us whole to microscopic life that could infest a cybergnat. Amazing really.

"I suppose it would come as no surprise to you, but I've also been inspired by the variety of building materials that the life on this planet uses to construct its home. From the most refined steel buildings to the dirt of a termite mound. I'm quite looking forward to bringing some of that adaptability back to Cybertron. One day. Hopefully."

“I don’t know if it’s natural or not, but it looks like something that can be made into a storage area or bunker, if needed,” Brawn continued. Wherever he had been leading the architect, they appeared to have found the area. Grapple looked around more intensely, his optics taking scans of all the surrounding flora and fauna and conducting some surface-level scans.

"Hmm, I see. Hmmmmm.....yes, yes. I do see what you mean. Autobot City will need multiple storage sites once its complete. I could not only put such a site here, I could link it to two or three other supplementary bunkers that extend out from the main city," Grapple said as he pulled out a datapad, brought up his blueprint files on Autobot City and began making some alterations.

Inside Omega Supreme

Africa. Of all the… organic places I could’ve been sent. Wasn’t this bad enough? Pharma thought as he checked the list he’d sent to Bluestreak and Neutro for yet another time. It wasn’t that he needed to, he hadn’t found any errors after rechecking it the first time. He just couldn’t quite force his focus back to the task at hand.

He’d been staring at the diagnostic he’d started without really seeing it, his optics remaining out of focus as he tried to think of a way out of his current predicament.

Everything had been going so well to him getting off this mudball, but then Prowl decided to send him somewhere unsanitary for such research. He’d made the mistake of looking up Africa on his datapad, and that had only served to push him deeper into his funk.

Who does Prowl think he is? Without me, he wouldn’t have his precious information to prolong this war, and this is how he repays me?

Pharma stopped short of taking his thoughts further. There was little doubt the strategist would find himself on his operating table at some point, and it’d be easy enough to remove or disconnect something he needed to function. Pharma had done it before, but mainly to Decepticons…

He knew enough that thinking along those lines could lead to a very dark and dangerous place. Still, it did have some merit. Maybe the region he was transferring to wouldn’t be as bad as this place. Primus, I hope so.

Sighing, Pharma pulled himself from his thoughts and turned his attention to the diagnostic and repairs currently going on. Things were in order, and until he was told to leave, he’d do his best to lose himself in his work. After all, Omega Supreme was still his patient.

Picking a close conduit that needed replacing, he turned and left Omega Supreme’s processing center. He’d be alerted when the diagnostic completed its run. Maybe Ratchet wouldn’t mind exchanging positions once more. This world is gruff enough to match his personality.



Autobot City Site – Jungle

Grapple wrote:"I've noticed that too. This planet seems...almost existentially predatory. Everything preys on something else. And in the midst of all that, life somehow thrives. From massive creatures that could swallow one of us whole to microscopic life that could infest a cybergnat. Amazing really.

Brawn paused to glance at Grapple. Is that awe? he thought, finding it curious and funny to hear a mech like Grapple speak about such things. Until that moment, Brawn had assumed he was like most of the others: afraid of a new and real challenge. He found himself growing more interested as Grapple continued,

Grapple wrote:"I suppose it would come as no surprise to you, but I've also been inspired by the variety of building materials that the life on this planet uses to construct its home. From the most refined steel buildings to the dirt of a termite mound. I'm quite looking forward to bringing some of that adaptability back to Cybertron. One day. Hopefully."

No, it didn’t surprise him at all. Brawn couldn’t help but chuckle at Grapple’s response. “You surprise me more and more, Grapple. It’s not often I hear one of our artisans talk like that. You may have some sterner stuff in you after all.”

Smiling after offering one of his few compliments, Brawn waited for the architech’s imput.

Grapple wrote:"Hmm, I see. Hmmmmm.....yes, yes. I do see what you mean. Autobot City will need multiple storage sites once its complete. I could not only put such a site here, I could link it to two or three other supplementary bunkers that extend out from the main city," Grapple said as he pulled out a datapad, brought up his blueprint files on Autobot City and began making some alterations.

Now that surprised Brawn. He hadn’t considered the possibility of anything so grand or elaborate, but as Grapple carried on, he found himself nodding along, envisioning some of what the architect was saying. Smiling, Brawn nodded and crossed his arms. “I knew it had possibilities.”

After a bref pause, he moved so he stood hand in hand and cracked his knuckles. “So, where do you want me to start clearing? I’m up for a little extra action since the fightings been slow.”

Autobot City - Peruvian Valley

With most of the patrols slowing down, Mirage bid his farewell to Broadside. “I should get going. I have certain responsibilities to attend to and my hands are… full,” he said, before turning to the patrol of Autotroopers. He told them to continue patrolling, to which the white mechs all simultaneously nodded. Well, at the very least, that is going to serve as a relief.

His disguise as a supercar native to the planet wasn’t subtle or practical, but it was quite fast. It didn’t take him long to scale the valley and drive back up to the site of the city. The first place he wanted to reach was the refueling station, since he hadn’t taken the opportunity to do so beforehand. Just as he reached, he saw Sideswipe exiting.

“Ah, Sideswipe. Good to see you,” he said to the red mech, who appeared to be in a bit of a hurry, “I take it that you are busy?”

Autobot City Site

“You surprise me more and more, Grapple. It’s not often I hear one of our artisans talk like that. You may have some sterner stuff in you after all.”

Grapple momentarily looked up from his datapad and grinned a bit.

"My associate Hoist would likely have a good chuckle at hearing someone like you say that about me. But...he's about as stern as Beachcomber, so who's to say?"

“I knew it had possibilities,” Brawn continued, obviously feeling somewhat validated by Grapple's agreement with his assessment of the area's potential.

"Indeed indeed," Grapple nodded. "You obviously have a keen optic for the practical. I know you're more of a frontline soldier type, but don't forget that. You have plenty of talents beyond the battlefield."

“So, where do you want me to start clearing? I’m up for a little extra action since the fightings been slow.”

"Hmmm....hmmmmmm....I think anywhere in this general area should do fine. It will be a while before we work our way out here, but...it will be one less task to take care of once we do."

Autobot City - Peruvian Valley

Mirage wrote:“Ah, Sideswipe. Good to see you,” he said to the red mech, who appeared to be in a bit of a hurry, “I take it that you are busy?”

“Huh?” The familiar voice caught Sideswipe by surprise, but when he came to a stop, his usual cocky smile appeared on his faceplate. “Mirage! It’s been a while. I didn’t expect to see you on this planet.”

He thinks it’s good to see me? That’s a first. Not many say that unless… He brushed the thought aside. He hadn’t done anything to get into trouble, and since that was usually when any mech was glad to see him (How’d I get this kind of rep? he asked himself), he didn’t see anything to be too worried about. That didn’t mean he’d volunteer for anything. He wasn’t that impetuous.

Shrugging, he answered, “Nah, just going to get my rocket pack refueled. I burned most of it while having fun with some Autotroopers. They’re pretty good,” he added, thinking it better to keep the conversation light. If Mirage was there to draft him for anything, he had another thing coming. “What can I do for you?” As soon as he asked, he wanted to kick himself and wondered if he really was as bad as everyone claimed or was he living down to their expectations.



Autobot City Site

Brawn’s smile grew as he listened to Grapple’s praise. It was a new feeling for him to offer something besides on the battlefield, and it warmed his transistors. Not that he intended to pursue such things beyond the occasional foray like this one. Which, he reminded himself, was an accident.

It wasn’t the compliments or who gave them so much as what they meant. He’d received his share of medals and congratulations from the highest ranking Autobots for his bravery and toughness, but rarely, if ever, for his processor.

Grapple wrote: "Indeed indeed," Grapple nodded. "You obviously have a keen optic for the practical. I know you're more of a frontline soldier type, but don't forget that. You have plenty of talents beyond the battlefield."

Hearing Grapple reiterate his thought caused him to nod and say, “Thanks. Not sure how much I’ll be able to use them, but it’s good to know I’m not a one-trick-mech.”

Despite his growing sense of pride, there was also a feeling of embarrassment. Not for doing something he wasn’t known or accustomed to, but the idea that when push came to shove, could he balance both or would he have to let go of one or the other? He knew what choice he’d make, and it caused an uncomfortable stir somewhere deep inside.

Grapple wrote: "Hmmm....hmmmmmm....I think anywhere in this general area should do fine. It will be a while before we work our way out here, but...it will be one less task to take care of once we do."

Brawn nodded along. “Makes sense. No reason to branch out until our defenses are secure.” As he said that, he imagined what a Decepticon attack on the city in its current would look like. He didn’t have to try hard. They had razed the strongest of cities several times in the past, which was one of the reasons Cybertron was in the state it was. But to think it could happen here, to a world as challenging and even beautiful bothered him more than it should have.

I’m becoming too attached. That’s a surefire way of getting killed, he thought before glancing at Grapple. Time to worry about that when it happens, he told himself, then said aloud, “We’ve got plenty of work to do.”

[Autobot City - Construction Site]

Progress on the construction had been coming along very well, and Hoist was proud. He was proud of Grapple for having coming up with all the architectural plans, and he was proud of the Autobots for having put things together as quickly and neatly as they had. He was just about to go around to putting a few more additional touches, when a black and yellow mech approached him.

“Hoist! We’ve finished over in the western sector. Do you know if there’s anywhere else I can help?”

Hoist looked up and smiled at the mech from under his faceplate. He recognised him - it was Ironworks, one of the builders stationed here. “I was about to go down to help in the docking sector. If you could help me tow some of these materials, that would be awfully kind of you.”

Both mechs transformed into their respective alternate modes, dragging behind them trailers filled with various parts and tools. When they arrived at the docking station, the first thing Hoist did was check the terminals to see the progress. As the information lit up on the screen, the engineer widened his optics.

He immediately commed his buddy Grapple. >>”Grapple, looks like the Ark is on its way down. Should we prepare for docking?”<<

Omega Supreme

The work on the ancient guardian was draining for the Construction Patrol even if they enjoyed it. As the humans would say, they don't build them like they used to, and Neutro now understands as his crew finished up their work on Omega Supreme. He checked the energon levels and they were in satisfactory levels even with the early awakening. In a matter of three Earth hours, the behemoth would be at functioning levels and at six hours fully energized including combat ready if needed. With nothing left to be done, Neutro led his troops out of the omega sentinel.

"Well guys, another job well done. Omega vitals are all good and the gigabyte worth of repairs are all done. If we missed anything the internal repairs will take care of it. Do we have an update on the energon collection devices? I know we ordered more on the wind turbine converters and solar collectors. We still need to redesign the solar collectors and maybe look into the hydroelectric collection."

Groundpounder looked at his commander and than at his data pad. His pad than identified an incoming signal from space. It took a moment or two for the signal to be identified as the ark-22.

"Well, I am not sure how much more we will need to do. It seems the ark is indeed on its way here. We'll have to readjust our power output and collection with the ship in the system."

Neutro laughed at his fellow Construction member. He than shook his head.

"No, we had planned for the ark in the original designs. What through us off was Omega Supreme and Skylynx landing. The upgrades for the collectors will still be needed but the energon crisis will be staved off a little once the ark systems are integrated. There be adjustments without a doubt but Hoist and Grapple also planned for that one."

The Construction Patrol returned to the skimpy science lab and get to work on redesigning the solar panels.

Autobot City Site

“Thanks. Not sure how much I’ll be able to use them, but it’s good to know I’m not a one-trick-mech,” Brawn said, prompting a chuckle from Grapple.

"Of course you're not. Who would ever think to say otherwise? We all have hidden talents. Don't let anyone tell you different...even if that person is you."

Grapple grinned happily and looked back at his datapad, making some adjustments as he looked around the area.

“We’ve got plenty of work to do,” Brawn added. Grapple nodded.

"No doubts about that," he said as they continued to perform their respective labors.

It was only Hoist's transmission that pulled the architect's attention fully away from his datapad designs.

>>”Grapple, looks like the Ark is on its way down. Should we prepare for docking?”<<

Oh my, Grapple thought. The site was getting put through its paces early. He was going to need to requisition more buildbots.

>>"Uh, absolutely! I'm sure we can accommodate. We've made enough progress. After all, Omega seems comfortable. I'm on my way."<<

With the Ark en route, Omega here, Prowl here and who knows who else possibly incoming, he needed to be front-and-center directing construction traffic and doing what he could to assist.

"Well, friend Brawn. Duty calls it would seem. Good work with what you've found here. Keep at it. I'll send some buildbots to assist as soon as I can. And don't, um, feel the need to stay locked away out here. Just, y'know, tend to what you can and then rejoin the rest of us, hm?"

Smiling, Grapple turned and started to somewhat clumsily make his way back through the rugged terrain and the uneven path they had followed to get here in the first place.

Autobot City Site

Brawn’s smile widened as his conversation with Grapple continued.

The thing he didn’t like or understand was why it felt so good to be treated as something other than a frontline warrior by someone who wasn’t.

Warriors tended to relate to warriors and so on, but here was one of the least battle capable ‘Bots around getting all mushy and positive and Brawn was liking it. It wasn’t too long before he would’ve threatened to make Grapple eat those words, but now… now he didn’t know what to think.

Grapple wrote: Well, friend Brawn. Duty calls it would seem. Good work with what you've found here. Keep at it. I'll send some buildbots to assist as soon as I can. And don't, um, feel the need to stay locked away out here. Just, y'know, tend to what you can and then rejoin the rest of us, hm?"

Brawn hadn’t realized the brief lull in their conversation had been anything more than Grapple entering some whozi-whatsits he needed for building. But at hearing Grapple’s farewell, he bristled slightly. Assist me? With some trees?

Just like that, momentary truce between them was threatened, and when Brawn saw the difficulty Grapple had retracing their path, he almost chuckled.

For reasons he wasn’t fully aware of, he nodded and in surprising good humor said, “Thanks. They’ll be useful in cleaning up the mess I’m about to make.”

Then, after a brief pause, he thought about adding something more, something as profound as Grapple’s offer for him to return to the city more, but all he could think to say was, “I’ll buy the first round.”

With that, he turned, and cracking his nickel-plated knuckles, eyed one of the larger trees. “So, my friend, let me introduce you to my two favorite things in the universe.” Smiling, he reared back, then punched the tree. His fist buried deep into the trunk and… stuck. The fibers of the trunk seemed to wrap around his fist as though to keep him from continuing his assault.

You’re fragging kidding me! Pulling, he ripped his hand free. Flying splinters followed the crack of the wood as a large jagged hole glared back at Brawn, but the tree didn’t move.

“So, you’ve got some spirit, huh? I knew I was going to love it here.” Winding up, he readied to throw another punch. This was going to be fun.

Autobot City Site

"All right! Company!" Sandstorm said excitedly as he approached the other Autobots who were milling around the general area or passing between tasks. First Omega, now one of the Arks. This place was starting to feel like an Autobot city. Not all the hustle and bustle of Iacon yet, but progress. Definite progress.

The only bad part was that he had little to offer in the way of building. Not exactly his skillset. Recon and defense, though....he was all over that. Let one unauthorized foot step inside their boundaries.

Ka-blam!

[Autobot City Construction Site]

Grapple wrote:>>"Uh, absolutely! I'm sure we can accommodate. We've made enough progress. After all, Omega seems comfortable. I'm on my way."<<

Hoist nodded, and with some builders in tow, including Ironworks, he got started on work immediately. “Oh, Ironworks! Could you please bring a few others to help in enabling the docking hardpoints? And get a few of them to start clearing up this stuff here - can’t have all that during a ship landing!”

Ironworks nodded, giving Hoist a quick two fingered salute, and then promptly turning into his truck mode and rolling away. Hoist knew that his friend Grapple would be able to direct things much better, but Grapple was his friend and he knew his methods well enough to at least get the ball rolling. Hoist smiled under his faceplate. They’d be able to handle it well together.

[Peruvian Valley]

With not much to do for the triple changer, and the patrols frankly becoming a little bit boring, Broadside took a running start in the valley. It didn’t take long until his momentum was enough to carry him forward into the air, and he immediately beelined towards the city. Just as he was above it, he noticed the sudden increase in hustle and bustle, and a notification appeared on his displays about… Darn, they’re bringing the Ark in? Sweet. Looks like they were really stepping up the game, huh. Broadside dived down, transforming midair and landing down next to his good old buddy, Sandstorm.

[Autobot City Site]

Heavy footsteps crashed onto the ground as the large gray triplechanger dropped down onto the ground. “Haha, did you see that, Sandy? And hey, how’s the big cat doing? Do I get my shanix yet?” Broadside teased him. There isn’t anything like fun, useless banter.

Another set of heavy footsteps broke into the city. Ultra Magnus, commander of the Autobot fleet, had arrived from the orbital bounce. He was here for business, and that business was Omega Supreme.

He hoped that Prime would also be down on his way soon. Pleased to see the progress being made, some part of Magnus’s brain felt slightly eased by the fact that their primary base of operations on this planet was being properly set up. Hard work and commitments were what made up this force. It would serve them well in due course.

Finding Omega Supreme was not a difficult task, what with the ancient guardian towering over everyone else. He was undergoing severe repairs, and it was to be expected by the state he was in. Exhaustion and injury were things everyone had faced, was facing or would face soon. The best they could do was to stand up and continue, and support those who couldn’t do so on their own.

Magnus, with his own imposing presence, marched up to the Omega, who looked to be undergoing conservatory procedures. Resources. He is aware. Magnus himself was aware of all the happenings with Overlord, with Aeqitas, and most importantly, with Scorponok.

He clenched his fist tightly at the last thought.

Whatever happened, this planet would not fall to the likes of Decepticons. They had ravaged plenty of planets already. This was not going to be one of them. The Autobots were going to ensure that the purple streak ended here. “Omega,” he said, looking up at the sentinel, “It is good to see you again.”

Autobot City Site

Sandstorm heard Broadsized oversized engines before he saw him.

“Haha, did you see that, Sandy? And hey, how’s the big cat doing? Do I get my shanix yet?” the fellow Wrecker exclaimed. Sandstorm couldn't help but grin at his friend.

"Saw it. Felt it. Survived it," the triple-changer chuckled. "Kitty's doing fine. Bored out of his processor, most likely but hey, that's why I say you gotta make your own fun."

His optics narrowed.

"Shanix? What shanix?