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Autobot City Site – Inside Omega Supreme

Pharma had been moving through the guardian corridor by corridor, node by node, checking to make sure the repairs were completed to his standards. So far, he’d only had to make a couple of modifications, but he was rather pleased with Neutro and his fellow engineers. Not only had they surpassed his expectations, but they did so without inflicting further damage to the surrounding systems.

Perhaps, I was a bit hasty in my evaluation of them? he asked himself at finding another repair completed properly and, surprisingly, minimal scaarring. It must be from my presence. Yes, they were inspired to greatness. Not that didn’t have the potential, he added, smiling. He would be more than happy to take credit for getting Omega Supreme up and running in as efficient timing as possible. He would, of course, remember to note Neutro and Bluestreak for their work, ensuring they’d receive the proper commendations for their work.

He’d heard the chatter of the Ark coming as it seemed few of his fellow Autobots were capable of containing their excitement. Pharma, however, knew what it meant. Instead of sweeping him to safety away from these filthy, crawling organics, it’d be the signal that he’d be going to Africa. Another wasteland for his talents, and to offer assistance to whomever was in charge of the gestault program.

He didn’t who it was as him being the assistant was a role he hadn’t had since working with Ratchet, and that had been more of a partnership than anything else.

Am I to be trussed and sent packing like a simple builder? Haven’t I earned more respect than that?

He shook his head as he headed for Omega Supreme’s processing center. He knew he was respected, otherwise Prowl wouldn’t have thought to add him to the equation. Or had it been his own efforts on impressing the dictator-bot to get offworld that had done so? In truth, he couldn’t remember. Not clearly, at least. He did know he played some small hand in it, and for that, he felt he’d be paying for quite some time.

Probably only a vorn or two. I’m sure even Prowl can’t find enough reasons to torment me further.

He ducked under a low-hanging bulkhead as he stepped into the processing center and approached the guardian’s recharging meter. It would only be a couple hours more, just as Neutro had stated as he and his Construction Patrol had left.

Pharma bent over as he entered commands into Omega Supreme’s processor. They were only informing the guardian that repairs were completed and he set a signal that would safetly reactivate the guardian once his energon reached nominal levels. The guardian was, by nature, cautious and efficient when it came to his fuel, and Pharma appreciated that more than most mechs.

After a brief pause, Pharma added a note informing the guardian that Pharma most likely wouldn’t be present when he awoke, and that if he needed anything to contact him if no one present was capable and Pharma would see to it it was addressed. He had never been one ot leave a patient in distress, and he didn’t intend to start now.

Once he finished, he activated the message and turned to leave, bemoaning his existence on this backward mudball of a planet.

Autobot City Site

Once Grapple had made his way onto more level pathways, relatively speaking at this point of course, he had transformed and rolled dodgily across the uneven terrain. Activity was picking up at Autobot City and it wouldn't do for him to be off on some little sidetrek and force Hoist to hold down the fort in his absence, capable though he was.

Pulling up, Grapple slowed down and transformed. No sooner had he done so than several buildbots that had completed their current building tasks floated toward him.

"Tsk tsk tsk, can't have idle production," Grapple said to himself as he retrieved a datapad from his forearm compartment, assessed the next tasks and reassigned the idle buildbots.

"Ark incoming, I think. Unless my optics are faulty."

Autobot City Site

Neutro and the Construction Patrol continued to look at designs.

"How about we make the panels rotate with the sun angle?" Groundpounder suggested.

"Sounds like it could work. What other ideas do we have?" Inquired Neutro.

"The electron collector towers would probably need a little strengthening due to the storms this place has a history of having. We could also post them, a bit smaller ones, all over the grounds. We Cybertronians do generate a decent amount of static electricity." Chimed Takedown.

"I agree with the rods and towers needing strength but not sure about collectors all over Autobot City. They would get crushed and useless unless they were grouped together. If roads were built than maybe we can put some underneath the roads." Neutro amended.

"Is there anything we can do with the hydroelectric option or more thermal? The wind turbines can be made of sterner stuff as with all of the components." Crumble asked.

For several minutes the Construction Patrol discussed plans and ideas coming up with several simple ideas and maybe a couple more complex ones down the road once Autobot City was firmly established. Once everything was finalized, Neutro sent a signal over to some drones and new energy collectors were being built.

>>Grapple, due to the unexpected increase in mechs down here, my team has designed a few modifications to our several energy collectors. We will be modifying or replacing the existing ones in the next couple of vorns. We will also try to stay out of the landing of the ark.<<

Autobot City Site

"Not faulty at all," Springer said, clapping Grapple on the back good-naturedly. "She's comin'."

The green jockbot then turned and looked at the other mechs who were doing their job a little too close to the landing site or otherwise lollygagging around.

"Alright, let's clear out. Got a ship ready to land!"
___

>>"Permission to land,"<< came a voice, presumably from the bridge of the steadily descending Ark-22. It certainly wasn't something Grapple was accustomed to.

>>"Uhh...yes. Yes! Of course. Permission granted. Land away,"<< Grapple transmitted back nervously.

He didn't know what they said. He had taken his best stab at it.
___

The Ark-22 continued on its landing trajectory. Having received clearance from the ground, the bridge officers made no adjustments to their path.

About as smoothly as one could hope for, the large craft activated its reverse thrusters once it got close enough and eased into its final position near Omega Supreme.

Ark-22 Main Science Lab

Jetfire and First Aid felt the Ark shake a little as it landed at its new home. Jetfire double checked the program while First Aid went over to each bed and made sure the Aerialbots were not harmed.

"Is the Aerialbots all right, First Aid?"

"Yeah, their bodies are fine. Their processors are also fine for the time being. I hope you got all the bugs worked out in your program, Jetfire."

"As far as I know everything is worked out but still wonder how they had bits of each other's memories. The shell program did have some faulty coding but is designed to only take a small portion of their personalities and merge it into a new one. The shell is designed, in theory, to make it easier on everyone especially Silverbolt to handle the combination. Let us hope this time the shell program holds and the gestalt is fully realized."

Both mechs looked back at the hologram of the Aerialbots transforming into their respective parts as they slowly come together. From what Jetfire could tell, they have learned the transformation process well but the challenge is still the actual joining. The physical joining shouldn't be too bad even if there will have to be a few tweaks here and there once they combine in real life.

[Autobot City]

Sandstorm wrote:"Shanix? What shanix?"

”Did you forget our bet already?” Broadside chuckled. “If big ol’ cloud kitty stopped blabbering, you’d give me a handful of shanix. And by the looks of it, I’m pretty sure I win. Heh.”

The big Wrecker good-naturedly elbowed his fellow, smaller Wrecker. “I’m just joking, keep your shanix. Not like we have anything to buy either.”

Just as soon as he finished that sentence, the twenty-second Ark descended into the city. Now it really felt like a proper base, with the one main purpose being filled up. “Looks like we’re up for more,” Broadside chuckled, “And it looks like we’re getting serious.”

[Autobot City - Ark-22 Site]

Grapple wrote:"Ark incoming, I think. Unless my optics are faulty."

”Your optics are just fine, good friend.” And like descending from the heavens above, the faded hull of the Ark materialised into the city. Everyone was clearing out, and most faces were looking up - up at the ship that belonged to the Autobots. “I think we’ve done a good amount for the moment. I know for one that I’m proud of you,” the engineer said as he smiled from underneath his faceplate. “You’re a fine architect.”

Hoist folded up into his vehicle mode. As he began driving away, he called out to his orange buddy, “I’ll get started on directing the ground crew. You know where to find me if you need me!”

[Ark-22 - Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Clouds.

Silverbolt thought he saw some dark, rainy clouds. He wasn’t sure. Everything felt like a blur after the process had initiated again. But it wasn’t as painful as it was last time. None of the psychic trauma from before was here. It was surprisingly calm… but that is what felt off to Silverbolt.

Maybe it was the fact that it felt a little too unnaturally quiet around here. Where was he anyway? Inside the simulation, yes, but what kind of place had this sort of unnerving quiet? It wasn’t Silverbolt’s mind, that was for sure.

Lightning flashed in some distant cloud. Silverbolt began counting, in low murmurous whispers. He counted and kept counting, until he reached fourteen and heard something. Thunder. Roaring, screeching thunder, like the sound of a thousand birds crying, warring over the sky. Crackling, loud and deafening. That’s what it sounded like to him.

And then, quiet. Just the softness of the breeze reached his audio receptors now.

He hadn’t looked down yet to see if he was even standing on anything. He didn’t feel anything under his feet. Best not to look down. “Don’t look,” he said to himself. Lightning again. The counting started once more.

“One… two… three… four… five… six…”

The thunder again. Louder, so much slagging louder. Silverbolt put his hands up to block the sound, else his audios would get damaged by the sheer volume. This thunder was much louder, much closer, much more violent, and by Primus, much, much more painful. He tried to move away, but he wasn’t sure how to. The clouds began to move around him, swirl around him, spin around him, slowly at first, then blurring themselves to get faster and faster with each passing moment. It almost felt like it was going to turn into a tornado, or a hurricane, and that he was in the center of it all.

Then, breaking through the clouds from below, a vague, black shape emerged, headed for Silverbolt at the speed of a bullet. Almost immediately, Silverbolt felt the claustrophobia, the shifting of gears and found himself being twisted and turned like before. It was a similar feeling from last time, but it didn’t feel as bad. In fact… it was almost welcoming.

When the black object collided, Silverbolt found himself amongst Air Raid’s thoughts.

The next one was a white object, or rather this time, a jet as he could see a little more clearly. Slingshot collided with Silverbolt’s side, and the Aerialbot commander found himself feeling a different set of fingers. But maybe he wasn’t the one feeling it. He couldn’t tell.

When Skydive and Fireflight struck him from below and from the other side, respectively, he felt himself get drowned out in the noise from his team’s thoughts. They were so noisy, so, so noisy. Silverbolt wanted room to think. He wanted some peace and quiet. He felt his circuits burn and his frustration grow. It kept getting louder and louder, from the panic, the rush, the adrenaline, the pressure…

And then he snapped.

”QUIET!”

A new pair of optics lit up. There was silence in this one. The storm raged around, but there was silence in this one. Everyone had been shut out. There was no more Air Raid, no more Fireflight, no more Slingshot, no more Skydive, and no more Silverbolt. Just a new consciousness. Just a new entity. All the other minds were locked away by this new colossus.

It was done.

It was time.

When Silverbolt onlined his optics again, he stared up at the ceiling with firm intent. “Jetfire, First Aid,” he began, “We are ready.”

Autobot City Site

The Construction Patrol was outside watching as the Ark-22 landed in its designated area. After it landed, the docking ports attached and security cables were getting connected. Neutro looked down at his pad as the Autobot City computer systems started interacting with the Ark-22 systems. Everything started to look as normal as expected which pleased Neutro. With the ark now connected to the base, things will go a lot quicker with more resources available. Neutro already had the enhancements to the energy collectors in the works and once they were done the drones would replace or modify the existing collectors. The entire process will probably take 12 Earth cycles but as the collectors are changed, the energy readouts will slowly increase. Thankfully Neutro already calculated in the Ark-22 arrival for energy needs and its own contributions. Autobot City is almost complete and ready for even more citizens to join them. A little piece of Cybertron is now part of this planet the natives call Earth.

Ark-22 Main Engineering Deck Project Room

Jetfire was ecstatic to say the least when Silverbolt woke up on his own. The other Aerialbots were slowly coming around as well. First Aid went over the medical readings of each Aerialbot to ensure their processors were not harmed.

"Hold still a little longer, Silverbolt, while I run a few more tests to ensure your team is still working properly. Jetfire will bring the system the rest of the way down and probably examine the results. If you are wondering, we did land safely at Autobot City. I would be tempted to let you and your team out to stretch your wings once we done but not sure when high command wants us in Africa." First Aid told Silverbolt.

Jetfire wanted to go over and congratulate each of the Aerialbots but what First Aid said was true. There was plenty of data to shift through and shutting down the simulation. Then there was the headache of contacting Ultra Magnus and Prowl about the progress.

>>Ultra Magnus, Prowl, and Optimus Prime, the simulation was a success the second time around. This doesn't mean the process is done since we still need to test it out on the field. I will still like some time in the near future to chat with Omega Supreme and Skylynx on how they operate with their combinations. The combining process will still need advancing even if Superion does work. I know the science division is being rerouted to Africa and I am wondering how soon that will be.<<

Autobot City Site - Ark 22 Landing Zone

With the 22 having finally finished its landing procedures, the massive craft eased into the unfinished recess of the Autobot base built to house such a vessel. Optimus peered through the viewport near the main boarding ramp. He wished he could have been here to see Omega Surpreme and the others on easier matters than this, but to still see his fellow Autobots thriving and continuing their efforts despite his absence did fill him with a sense of relief and returning optimism.

Jetfire then relayed his latest update with the Aerialbots. Optimus looked up to watch the main hatch hiss open as the hydraulics began to lower the boarding ramp. This combiner process was still too new to understand, especially having only returned to hear the Decepticons had already cracked Jhiaxus’ enigma with the Constructicons. While he wasn’t sure about the process, they did need an answer for the growing concerns that they could be building more.

>>“Understood, Jetfire,”<< Prime echoed back as the Peruvian sun began to shine on into the interior of the Ark, >>”Keep me posted if you can.”<<

Once the boarding ramp had settled, Optimus took a couple steps forward into the soil at the end of the ramp, hopefully with Ironhide not too far behind him. Despite being made of metal, he could feel the warmth of Sol’s energy bearing down on him. For a moment, it had reminded him of home, of Cybertron, before the Great Wars broke out. He buried the quickly passing memory and strode forward towards the unmistakable rocket-form of the ancient guardian, Omega Supreme.

As he approached, a group of Autobots had also gathered around the area beside Omega as well. By the looks of things, it was the command crew in the area.

“Springer, Grapple, it is good to see you all again, though I admit I wish the timing and circumstances were... better.” He paused for a moment before looking over to Omega’s damaged chassis. “How is he?”

[Autobot City - Ark-22 Landing Site]

Magnus’s comms lit up with the incoming message from Jetfire, who seemed to be reporting good news on the gestalt project. With Blaster’s little chip installed into his heads-up display, he noticed that the team to Africa were well on their way. He slightly squinted his optics in thought, mentally processing everything.

>>”I see, Jetfire. With the Ark landed here, it would be beneficial and more efficient for you to ask Sky Lynx for information, seeing that he is also currently stationed here. I would let Omega Supreme recoup and recover, however, due to… recent circumstances. See to it that you make necessary arrangements with the team in Africa when possible.”<<

Emerging from the Ark was none other than Optimus himself. The interim Autobot leader waited patiently for a moment, standing at ease, before approaching the Prime, who was currently in the process of conversing with Springer and Grapple. He slowly walked near them, casting a glance over at the three.

“Welcome planetside, Optimus,” the commander said gently, “We’ve begun to make some good progress. I am sure Grapple and Springer will be able to fill you in as necessary, but do not hesitate to ask should you have any further questions.”

Autobot City Site – Ark 22 Landing Zone

Ironhide didn’t know whether to be thankful or regretful for having gotten off so easily, though that was a bit strong a term to use. Optimus had always been kind when the moment called for it, but was this really onle of those times?

Maybe, but he was in no positon to judge.

What bothered him more than anything was his friend’s beaten down attitude. He’d seen Optimus at his worst, and while this wasn’t it, it was close. Close enough for Ironhide to be concerned about him. After the wreckage in his wake of late, the least he could do was be there for Optimus, even if he didn’t know what he could do to help.

The shudder in the Ark’s frame as it settled onto the Earth’s surface brought ironhide back from his thoughts, and he hesitated as the ramp lowered, his fuel pump increasing its pace. Coming to Earth had been what had started this mini odessey for him, and it was coming full circle.

This is why Ah hate physco analysers. They get ya to thinking too much, he thought as the ramp descended and he followed Optimus out.

He scanned from side to side, taking in the various Autobots, their locations, and any possible areas to note as dangerous. Not that he had any doubt the Autobots in command here haven’t already seen to it, it was just what he did best. Besides, if anything happened to Optimus now, Ironhide would drum himself out of the service.

Still, the beauty and contrast wasn’t lost on him. “Well, Ah’ll be… Reminds me of the wildlands on Cybertron,” he muttered, shaking his head at the odd similarities. Ah must be getting old and sentimental.

He nodded at Springer and Grapple as Optimus greeted them. There’d be time for catching up later.

Optimus Prime wrote: “Springer, Grapple, it is good to see you all again, though I admit I wish the timing and circumstances were... better. How is he?”

Ironhide turned to follow Optimus’ gaze and he felt his mouth drop open. “Leaking lubricant. They don’t make them like they used to.”

He hadn’t seen a guardian look like that since the old days. The pounding Omega absorbed was beyond anything he’d expected. Yep, definitely getting soft in mah advanced age.

He turned back in time to hear Ultra Magnus greet Optimus. Meetings of the big wigs were things he’d actively avoided unless they were in a hostile area, but even if the Autobot city was deemed secure, he wouldn’t allow something to happen now, despite an interesting tingle in the back of his throat that called for some energon.



“Looks like the big ‘Bots are back in town,” Sideswipe said, smiling as the Ark 22 descended and landed. It was too big to go unnoticed no matter where one was in the city, and he felt an interesting urge to see who he’d be reporting to in the future, not that he was brushing Mirage off.

Even Sideswipe was dumb… er, crazy enough to piss off their resident sniper/hunter. So, it meant he had to take another approach.

“I bet the new arrivals would love to see a display of the security in place here. What do you say, Mirage, up for stretching your legs some?”

Autobot City Site

”Did you forget our bet already? If big ol’ cloud kitty stopped blabbering, you’d give me a handful of shanix. And by the looks of it, I’m pretty sure I win. Heh.”

"That totally sounds like a bet I would've made," Sandstorm chuckled as he reached for a datapad so he could access his account and transfer the shanix.

“I’m just joking, keep your shanix. Not like we have anything to buy either.”

"No no no! I'm not gonna have it be said that Sandstorm is a bet breaker," the triple-changer chuckled as he accessed his supply and transferred the requisite amount of shanix. "'Sides, never know what kinda new concoction they'll come up with at the pub."

“Looks like we’re up for more. And it looks like we’re getting serious,” Broadside finished.

"Yah. Much serious. All the big wigs are here now. Bet that's gonna tighten some screws."

Ark-22 Main Engineering Deck Project Room

With the acknowledgement from Prime and Ultra Magnus, Jetfire felt more comfortable leaving the ark and letting the Aerialbots stretch their wings. They weren't the only ones who been cramped but Jetfire been able to move around unlike them.

"How do they look, First Aid? Do you think they are fit to go fly around a little?"

First Aid looked over the reports one last time and then started to undue the restraints on the Aerialbots.

"Silverbolt, I am in agreement with Jetfire on your team's need to stretch your wings. Keep your coms open since our next location will be in Africa. We don't know when Prowl will call but it also be unfair to keep you all tied up until that time comes. I don't know about Jetfire but I will stay here to continue examining the reports."

First Aid got out of the way as the Aerialbots got up. As the Aerialbots were leaving, Jetfire followed them out intending to find Sky Lynx while they were there. From what Jetfire remembered from his fly over, Omega Supreme did look a bit beat up and run down.

>>Commander Sky Lynx, would you have the time to help me understand your greatness in your combination of your two halves? It would serve a great project the Autobots are undertaking. Any guidance from you will be a great boon.<<

Jetfire hated to pump the ego of the commander but it seemed the only way to interact wit Sky Lynx. Once he was clear of the landing strip, Jetfire transformed and flew the short distance to Sky Lynx by taking the long route of making a couple of loops around the aerial perimeter before landing next to the commander.


Autobt City

Neutro noticed the arrival of Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime. He wasn't sure who to walk up to but noticed Magnus talking with Grapple and Hoist. He joined the trio with hopes of a quick word.

"Ultra Magnus, if you have a moment, my team is practically done here. The build drones can finish up what we didn't get done. I am wondering if our talents can be used else where on this planet or one of the ships."

Omega Supreme / Ark-22 Landing Zone

Bluestreak had finished the tasks assigned to him by Pharma without much trouble. All of the nodules and conduits that needed repairs were done to the CMO’s satisfaction before he had left on his new mission. The Autobot gunner was not used to being so quiet for so long, but with the Construction Patrol having worked on Omega in other parts of the Guardian’s immense form, Bluestreak had been left in silence. At least, though, it had allowed him uninterrupted time to finish his work.

Once everything had been completed and inspected, Omega Supreme’s recharge cycle had been initiated by Neutro and his team before they, too, left. With nothing more to do internally, Bluestreak made his way to the outer hatch of the Omega Guardian and stepped out into the Peruvian sun. It felt good to be out of the more enclosed quarters of Omega’s rocket mode. Fresh air and sunshine were a welcome change of scenery.

It wasn’t long before the chatterbot noticed the Ark-22 descending from the skies above, passing effortlessly through the holo-shield that surrounded the entire valley and then carefully landing within the unfinished recess that had been constructed to fit the enormous ship perfectly. The recess extended out from the widened mine entrance, allowing the back half of the Ark to slide inside the mountain before locking into place. The front half of the Autobot vessel remained exposed and in the brilliant sunlight that illuminated the entire valley. It was truly a sight to behold.

“How exquisite,” Bluestreak muttered aloud as he moved towards the newly arrived Ark. The forward boarding ramp then extended to the ground and out stepped none other than Optimus Prime, himself. The dark blue and silver gunner stopped in his tracks as a smile reached across his faceplate from audio receptor to audio receptor. There he was, the Autobot Commander alive and well. This was the first time Bluestreak has seen Optimus since word got around that Prime had been found. As if the sight of the Ark-22 wasn’t enough, seeing Optimus again was an even better visual to his optics.

Optimus Prime wrote:“Springer, Grapple, it is good to see you all again, though I admit I wish the timing and circumstances were... better. How is he?”

Bluestreak continued forward towards the gathering of high-ranking mechs. He cleared his vocalizer as he stopped only a few meters from where Optimus Prime now stood. Before the gunner could say anything, Ultra Magnus spoke up, stating that they’ve made some good progress. Bluestreak glanced over to see the extensive damage to Omega’s outer haul and the chatterbot quickly realized that it must appear as if not much had been accomplished yet, when outer appearances were very deceiving.

“Optimus Prime,” Bluestreak began to say, standing at attention and giving his leader a hearty salute. “It’s very good to see you again, sir. Much has been accomplished on Omega’s repairs even if the outer haul still looks horrible. I, myself, along with Pharma and the Construction Patrol have completed repairs on Omega Supreme’s internal systems and his lengthly recharge cycle has begun. The only repairs that are still required, sir, are to his outer armor, mostly cosmetic. Other than that, Omega is coming along nicely.”

Bluestreak then turned his attention to Grapple. “Pharma has departed for a new mission with Prowl. However, I am still at your disposal for whatever you require of me. I can get to work on the damage to Omega’s outer haul if you like, Grapple. Just give me some construct-bots to boss around and I’ll have the big guy looking like new in no time. Heh.”

Peruvian Valley – Eastern Perimeter

The mechanical timber wolf continued along the eastern perimeter, ensuring that each holo-shield generator was functioning properly. Of course, determining that for Howlstrike meant that he simply sniffed the generator and if it smelled okay then it was working as it should. Howl’s technical skills were surely lacking and without Kup there to make any further repairs, the former Predacon hoped that he wouldn’t find any more malfunctioning generators. Thankfully, he did not as the metal quadruped beast finally reached the southern border of the valley.

Howlstrike then turned around to address the squad of autotroopers that had been forced to follow the ex-Pred and his orders. “You all head back up and continue patrolling the eastern perimeter while I head back to the Autobot City construction site."

“Shouldn’t we patrol the southern perimeter now, ‘sir’?” One autotrooper asked with distain in his vocals.

The timber wolf growled at him as lubricant dropped from his fang-filled mouth. “No, continue to patrol the eastern side of the valley. We already have autotroopers patrolling the south. Now GO!”

“Aye aye, Captain Pred!” The autotrooper said and he moved away in the direction from which he and the others had just come. The others followed and quickly disappeared into the surrounding jungle.

Howlstrike let out a deep sigh of frustration. In all actuality, he could’ve continued patrolling with them, but he was both getting bored with this assignment and was tired of overhearing the autotroopers bad mouth him in their poor attempts at whispering. If Howl had to endure any more muffled insults he would have lost it and torn them all apart. Well, probably not, but a former Predacon could dream.

The Ark-22 then descended from the sky as the ground shook and a rush of air almost knocked Howlstrike off his four feet. The metal wolf looked up and watched as the massive ship landed back at the Autobot City site. Finally, something more interesting, Howl thought as he took off back towards the landing zone.

Autobot City Site – Ark-22 Landing Zone

By the time Howlstrike had arrived back at the site, Optimus Prime had already emerged from the Ark and was conversing with Grapple, Springer and Ultra Magnus. It really was true. Optimus was back and alive. What a great sight to see. Not that Howl didn’t believe Kup when he had recently told him Prime had returned. It was just nice to see the Autobot leader with his own optics.

Howlstrike transformed back into his robot mode and moved towards the group just as Bluestreak showed up to offer an update on Omega Supreme’s internal repairs. Wow, that mech really does like to talk, Howlstrike thought before noticing Mirage standing not far away. It had been Mirage that assigned various teams to border patrol. It only made sense to report to him now that the former Predacon was back.

The teal and gray tracker approached the Autobot spy, also noticing that Sideswipe was standing with him. Oh, goodie, one of the twins. How nice, Howlstrike thought sarcastically to himself as a frown began to form on his faceplate. His history with both Sideswipe and his brother Sunstreaker had been a contentious one to be sure. Howl didn’t like them and they certainly didn’t like the former Predacon. The wolf-former decided to simply ignore the red twin and instead focus on giving his update to Mirage.

“Mirage, I’m back from the eastern perimeter,” Howlstrike began as he stood a few feet from the blue and white mech. “I finished patrolling as instructed, but I ordered my autotroopers to keep patrolling the eastern border just in case. We also have troopers still along the southern border. Everything’s checked out so far. Kup fixed one faulty holo-shield generator before he had to leave. Other than that, everything looks A-OK.”

Encrypted Private Message from Prowl to Jetfire

>>”Understood, Jetfire. My team and I are currently en route to an abandoned military facility in the nation-state called Egypt, which is located in Northern Africa. We will be there soon to set up our outpost for projects testing. I will let you know when we are ready. Prowl out.”<<

Main Site

Grapple had been more than appreciative of Hoist's acknowledgement of their work. They had indeed accomplished something tremendous. There was still a lot of work to be done, but that did not take away from the significant ground they had already covered to get here.

“Springer, Grapple, it is good to see you all again, though I admit I wish the timing and circumstances were... better. How is he?”

Seeing Optimus Prime arrive and hearing him speak--atfer thinking he would not do either of those two things ever again, was something of an adjustment. A positive one, to be sure, but an adjustment nonetheless.

While Grapple consulted his datapad for the requisite information, Bluestreak appeared to have it at the ready.

“Optimus Prime it’s very good to see you again, sir. Much has been accomplished on Omega’s repairs even if the outer haul still looks horrible. I, myself, along with Pharma and the Construction Patrol have completed repairs on Omega Supreme’s internal systems and his lengthly recharge cycle has begun. The only repairs that are still required, sir, are to his outer armor, mostly cosmetic. Other than that, Omega is coming along nicely.”

"Thank you, Bluestreak," Grapple said, offering a genuinely appreciative nod. "I made sure to prioritize Omega Supreme's repairs, knowing full well how much we need him. He is a durable one, to say the least."

Bluestreak then continued with more information.

“Pharma has departed for a new mission with Prowl. However, I am still at your disposal for whatever you require of me. I can get to work on the damage to Omega’s outer haul if you like, Grapple. Just give me some construct-bots to boss around and I’ll have the big guy looking like new in no time. Heh.”

"That would be most excellent. I'll get some assigned to you right away. We're all fortunate to have a mech of Omega's caliber fighting alongside us."

Skylynx

Jetfire waited as patiently as possible on Skylynx. The commander must be in a sleep cycle because usually he enjoys talking about himself. Jetfire received the reply from Prowl. By the sounds of it, there will be some time for Jetfire to get his information and maybe a few more scans. He actually forgot about the scans he had gathered. Once he was done with Skylynx, he would have to go back to the lab and download the information to be examined later. The likes of First Aid would be by far better at the in depth look of the CNA but Jetfire could still pick up patterns in it. If the science center or whatever Prowl calls it gets functioning like Jetfire thought, there be plenty of minds to work on all sorts of projects. In a way, it will almost be like working back on Cybertron the few times Jetfire went to the Science Symposium in Iacon.


Ark-22 main engineering deck

First Aid continued to look at the readings of the test run. The second one was much easier on the Aerialbots and no real physical injury happened to them. This reminded him to reactivate the portion of the T-cog in case they tried to transform normally and it had some strange side effect.

"Silverbolt, if you don't mind I need to reactivate your team's T-cogs to their full capacity. Let us hope the changes we did for the combination process doesn't impede your normal transforming capabilities. I know Jetfire suggested to stretch your wings as the saying is among you flying types. It may be a good idea to make sure everything is running smoothly. The scans says everything is normal and I would suspect your internal systems agree but still be nice to test things out just to make sure."

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

Sideswipe wrote:“I bet the new arrivals would love to see a display of the security in place here. What do you say, Mirage, up for stretching your legs some?”

”Why of course, I don’t have any objections to it,” Mirage smirked. With the Ark now in town, this place would start seeing quite the activity. “We should get going then, shall we not?”

It was then that Howlstrike decided to pop in.

Howlstrike wrote:“Mirage, I’m back from the eastern perimeter. I finished patrolling as instructed, but I ordered my autotroopers to keep patrolling the eastern border just in case. We also have troopers still along the southern border. Everything’s checked out so far. Kup fixed one faulty holo-shield generator before he had to leave. Other than that, everything looks A-OK.”

”Welcome back,” Mirage greeted the tracker with a slight nod, “Good to hear about the border. A faulty holo-shield generator though?” That made the Mirage raise an eyebrow under his helmet. That was a potential risk. To be fair, he was in the mood for other things at the moment, but something as minor as that could put the entire city at risk, especially with the Ark now in the landing bay. “There might be others of similar condition. Say, should we do a quick lap around to check the others?”

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

Neutro wrote:"Ultra Magnus, if you have a moment, my team is practically done here. The build drones can finish up what we didn't get done. I am wondering if our talents can be used else where on this planet or one of the ships."

Magnus turned away for a moment to respond to Neutro. “Good work. There are plenty of other places where you and your team can assist. Renovations on all of our ships, especially the Ark, are underway. You could proceed to join in and help refurbish and repair the hull, systems and interiors of the ship.”

Hoist rolled in, stepping into his robot mode. “Oh, pardon me interrupting, but we could always use some help over in the phase-sixer containment cells here as well. Grapple made some brilliant designs for it, but it’ll take a while to craft them properly. More hands could always be of help!” He jollily offered. “Of course, you can take whatever you like more. Don’t feel too obliged, old sport.”

Magnus nodded and let the builders discuss the rest. He turned his attention back to Optimus and the rest that had gathered around. Standing at ease, Magnus patiently listened to what they had to say next, all the while monitoring activity around the fleet using Blaster’s comm module upgrade.

[Autobot City Site]

Sandstorm wrote:"No no no! I'm not gonna have it be said that Sandstorm is a bet breaker. 'Sides, never know what kinda new concoction they'll come up with at the pub."

”Heh, good choice,” Broadside said as he elbowed his fellow triple changer. “Feels like it’s been a while since I’ve hit the pub. Maybe they do have some good stuff there now. I bet it’s strong.”

Sandstorm wrote:"Yah. Much serious. All the big wigs are here now. Bet that's gonna tighten some screws."

”Damn right. You wonder if they’ve got anything fun for us to do now? Maybe slag up a few things?” The big grey triple changer wanted to sit down for a while in wait of things to pick up.

[Ark-22 - Engineering Deck - Project Room]

First Aid wrote:"Silverbolt, if you don't mind I need to reactivate your team's T-cogs to their full capacity. Let us hope the changes we did for the combination process doesn't impede your normal transforming capabilities. I know Jetfire suggested to stretch your wings as the saying is among you flying types. It may be a good idea to make sure everything is running smoothly. The scans says everything is normal and I would suspect your internal systems agree but still be nice to test things out just to make sure."

”Understood, First Aid. I’m sure we’ll take the time to ‘stretch our wings’ soon,” Silverbolt smiled, but it only lasted for a few seconds before he dropped it. The process wasn’t going to be easy, and he certainly hoped that it was worth it.

The Aerialbot commander brought his legs down from his berth, allowing them to touch the floor. He paused for a moment before standing up, indeed stretching his wings as First Aid had said. It felt… different, but a welcome change from being strapped down for so long. After he was done staring at his feet, he shifted his gaze to his team. Skydive. Air Raid. Fireflight. Slingshot.

And each of them had a slightly different look in their optics than what he remembered.

But he remembered a lot of other things now. For some reason, he remembered something he never had before. An excerpt from one of Skydive’s books. How did he know about that? And why was it so vivid? He was sure he had never read that book in particular… unless this was all part of the side effects of this process. Silverbolt softly shut his optics and let out a deep sigh. There was a lot that he was going to have to talk to his team about.

“Well, First Aid, thank you for all your help. If there’s anything else we should know, do let us know. Otherwise, I think we’re going to prepare for departure to Africa.”

Slingshot, being the closest to the door, decided he wanted to exit first. “Yeah, alright.” He was followed by Air Raid, and Silverbolt was third. Once they had reached Autobot City proper, he was going to have a serious discussion. No secrets. No lies. Just straightforward trust and honesty so that no one would be in the dark. They couldn’t afford to hide inside themselves anymore, not when they were all becoming a part of this machine.

Autobot City Site – Ark 22 Landing Zone

Ironhide wasn’t getting antsy, he was getting downright nervous and he didn’t know why.

No, that was a lie. He did know, and that was the worst part of it. His job was to keep Optimus Prime safe, but given what he’d been told, he was also there to keep everyone else safe from their leader.

And how in blazes am Ah supposed to do that? With harsh language? he thought as he shifted his focus around the growing number of Autobots coming to see and speak to Optimus.

It took him back to earlier, simpler times on Cybertron. If one could call a government fracturing simpler. He’d stood between Optimus and thousands of Cybertornians before and had taken more than his fair share of laser bolts meant for his friend, but this was different. Instead of a rambunctious crowd, he was faced with those he spilled energon with, those he called friends. If Optimus reverted back here…

Don’t even think it, leadhead. It ain’t gonna happen.

But it wasn’t supposed to happen last time, was it?

Groaning, Ironhide stepped forward, cutting off some of the well wishers before they could get too close and edged others already gathered back. “All right, fellas, we can all see Optimus is up and ‘bout. How ‘bout we give him some space and let him do his job?” Though he phrased it like a request and it sounded like one, his optics and stance didn’t allow much arguments.

“Unless you got reports ta make or somethin’ serious, Ah suggest you wait.”

He glanced back at Optimus as he finished, encouraging his friend to move things to a more secure setting with a look. He appreciated raising everyone’s morale, but it was time to get to business, and having Optimus standing out here with dozens of mechs not built for a fight was getting too dangerous.



Autobot City Site – Ark 22 Landing Zone

Mirage wrote: ”Why of course, I don’t have any objections to it.”

Sideswipe’s faceplate was nearly cut in half as his smile grew. There were few Autobots that could think on the same wavelength as he and Sunstreaker, and Mirage was one of them. Well, sorta. He had his moments, and Sideswipe intended to bring them out of him more often. After all, life wasn’t fun if you couldn’t push a few mechs beyond their comfort zone.

“Great. It’ll be nice to do something to burn off this extra energon.”

His smile faded as Howstrike approached. Oh, goody. Another playmate’s arrived.

Sideswipe didn’t bother giving Howlstrike a welcome as their relationship was turbulent at best, but that never stopped the red mech before. Add in being ignored and it was a recipe for disaster.

One of the wonders that no one will ever understand, Sideswipe managed to keep his comments to himself with Howstrike relayed his report, though he couldn’t help giving the former Predacon a cocky smirk.

Scoffing, Sideswipe said to Howlstrike, “I’m surprised you didn’t sniff out the fault yourself, wolfy.”

Mirage wrote: “There might be others of similar condition. Say, should we do a quick lap around to check the others?”

His smile widening, Sideswipe added, “The tour can wait. I’ll trot along, if you don’t mind, Mirage. I could use some time to appreciate everything by taking it slower.”

He knew it’d be difficult for Howlstrike to ignore his taunts, but it’d so much better if he did. Sideswipe hadn’t gotten into too much trouble lately, and he was itching for a good fight. And since Sunstreaker was off getting polished, there wasn’t anyone there to stop him.

Autobot City Site – Ark-22 Landing Zone

Grapple wrote:"Thank you, Bluestreak. I made sure to prioritize Omega Supreme's repairs, knowing full well how much we need him. He is a durable one, to say the least."

"That would be most excellent. I'll get some assigned to you right away. We're all fortunate to have a mech of Omega's caliber fighting alongside us."

Bluestreak gave the yellow mech an appreciative nod. “No problem, Grapple. I’m just glad I’m here to help out. I won’t waste anymore of your time. I’ll just head over to my assigned build-bots and get to crackin’ on Omega’s outer haul repairs.”

The chatterbot then turned his attention back towards Optimus Prime. “Again, it’s good to see you, sir. Us ‘bots weren’t the same without you. I know you’ve been through a lot, so I hope you feel better.” Bluestreak then stood at attention and gave the Autobot leader a respectful salute. “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’ve got to get back to work.”

The gunner then moved away from the group and headed towards a squad of build-bots that were loitering nearby. One of them noticed Bluestreak and motioned for him to join them. “We just got new orders to help with Omega’s repairs. Are you the one we’re supposed to report to?” The lead build-bot asked as the others gathered around.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Bluestreak replied with a smile as he joined them. “Glad to see Grapple really didn’t waste any time. Omega’s internal repairs are completed for the most part. We just have to wait for the lengthly recharging process to complete. However, there are still major repair work to be done on his outer haul which recently saw its fair share of battle damage out in deep space. We need to get to work right away.”

“Okay, well, lead to way, Smokescreen,” the head build-bot said, getting Bluestreak’s name wrong.

“Um, I’m not Smokescreen. I’m Bluestreak,” the chatterbot corrected the build-bot.

“Oh, my apologies, Bluestreak. I didn’t realize you had changed your colors to blue. You look an awful lot like Smokescreen now, just without the red.”

“Yes, well, it wasn’t my idea,” Bluestreak revealed. “Someone else thought that my coloring should match my name, and I decided to take it for a test drive. Perhaps I should change my colors back.” This wasn’t the first time a ‘bot mistook him for his mold-mate, Smokescreen, and it was getting a bit annoying to say the least.

“Might be a good idea, sir, just to prevent more misidentifications,” the build-bot agreed as he and the others followed Bluestreak towards Omega Supreme.

As they walked, Bluestreak accessed his digital camo-mesh and activated it. Within astroseconds his outer colors shifted from blue and silver to his old silver and black color scheme. The camo-mesh was only a temporary solution since the gunner would be busy for the foreseeable future with Omega’s repairs and didn’t have time for a permanent paint change. It would do for now, however.

“There, how do I look?” Bluestreak asked.

“Like yourself, sir,” the lead build-bot said.

“All right then, let’s get to work.”
_______________

Mirage wrote:”Welcome back. Good to hear about the border. A faulty holo-shield generator though? There might be others of similar condition. Say, should we do a quick lap around to check the others?”

“Well, we didn’t find any other faulty ones along the eastern border, but I’m not sure what was found elsewhere,” Howlstrike admitted to Mirage. “So, I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check all the others just in case.”

Sideswipe wrote:“I’m surprised you didn’t sniff out the fault yourself, wolfy.”

Howlstrike turned his attention to the red twin and let out a low growl before responding. “Actually, I did sniff it out, Sideways, but Kup’s better with repairs than I am so he’s the one who fixed it.” The former Predacon knew he had gotten Sideswipe’s name wrong. He simply didn’t care.

Sideswipe wrote:“The tour can wait. I’ll trot along, if you don’t mind, Mirage. I could use some time to appreciate everything by taking it slower.”

Howlstrike just rolled his optics. Sideswipe was clearly trying to get under his armored plating. The red twin was definitely doing a good job at it, but the tracker had no intention of getting into another fight with him like before. At least, not if Howl could avoid it, anyway. Regardless, Howl wasn't about to let the crimson 'bot get away with taunting him without giving Siders a taste of his own trash talk.

“Yeah, have fun, Backswipe,” Howlstrike said to Sideswipe with a faux wave. “And say hi to your brother, Slagstreaker, for me! Heh heh.”

[Autobot City Site - Ark-22 Landing Zone]

Bluestreak wrote:“It’s very good to see you again, sir. Much has been accomplished on Omega’s repairs even if the outer haul still looks horrible. I, myself, along with Pharma and the Construction Patrol have completed repairs on Omega Supreme’s internal systems and his lengthly recharge cycle has begun. The only repairs that are still required, sir, are to his outer armor, mostly cosmetic. Other than that, Omega is coming along nicely.”

Optimus stifled a sigh. He was quite grateful for the warm welcomes from all these mechs, and was somewhat relieved to see that Omega had made some recoveries already. “Thank you for informing me, Bluestreak.” The carbot had other things to do, so instead, Prime turned to the other mechs in his vicinity. Which there were quite a lot of.

Ironhide wrote:“All right, fellas, we can all see Optimus is up and ‘bout. How ‘bout we give him some space and let him do his job?”

He simply nodded at Ironhide’s statement. Yes, he was pleasantly surprised by the dedication that the Autobots were putting in, and although he wished to address everybody, there was still a part of him that didn’t want too many mechs getting too close. Just as a measure, not to repeat like last time.

He leaned slightly closer to Ironhide and lightly said, “Thank you, old friend.” Straightening himself up to meet Magnus’s gaze, he figured it was time to get down to business with the other mechs, with Grapple and Springer as well.

Grapple wrote:"I made sure to prioritize Omega Supreme's repairs, knowing full well how much we need him. He is a durable one, to say the least."

This time it was Magnus who spoke. “Grapple, how long would you estimate Omega Supreme’s recharge cycle? It would be helpful to be able to speak to him for further information.”

Springer decided to interject with what he knew. “As I’m sure you know already, Optimus, we found him at the edge of the Sol system being chased by Scourge and his cronies. We managed to tow him back ‘till here. Now I’m sure Scourge is going to bring the rest of his fellows along, so-”

Magnus completed Springer’s sentence for him. “So it is for the best if we prepare ourselves for siege immediately.” Turning to Optimus, he said, “You are familiar with Red Alert, and how he is, at times… ahem, but he shared some valuable ideas. I have authorised most of them, to make better preparations in terms of both personnel and resources. We’ve started seeing the results already.”

He subtly clenched his fist. “And both you and I know that Scorponok won’t be taking long.”

The city commander turned back to Grapple. “How is that Phase Sixer containment cell coming along, Grapple?”

Secured Transmission from Prowl to Jefire and Silverbolt:

>>”Jetfire, Silverbolt, this is Prowl. Our research and testing base is almost ready. Prepare yourselves and the Aerialbots for departure to Egypt ASAP. I’m sending our coordinates now.”<<