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Hot Spot wrote:“Prowl, I received word from Groove on what he knows of the happenings here on the ships. It seems my Protectobots and the Aerialbots are being tested to undergo the same or at least similar procedure as the Constructicons did to themselves to create Devastator. I'm not 100% certain as to what to think about such procedures. The other thing and by far more important is Megatron was on board one of the ships but somehow escaped. I really hope Ultra Magnus has a good explanation for this one.”

“Magnus didn’t want to cause a panic,” Prowl responded to Hot Spot as he continued walking. “I wasn’t told at first, either. It was all kept top secret. I didn’t find out until I went to visit Prime in the med bay before our mission, and I discovered the slagmaker in the security isolation ward. Jazz explained to me that his team had found him at the same time they found Prime. Megatron was secured last I saw. I wanted him interrogated, but now you say he escaped? Was anyone injured that you know of?”

Before the Protectobot Commander could respond, Streetwise appeared and began conversing with Hot Spot in regards to the gestalt project and, most importantly, Megatron.

Streetwise wrote:“Megatron was kept in the maximum security section of the brig, aboard the Ark-22. Kup and some others were in and around the location, when something happened. Long story short, Megatron's escape was no accident. It was 'unnatural' if those are the words you would use. Our investigation aboard the Ark-22 is complete for the time being. I arrived over here to investigate a similar situation which apparently happened with Optimus Prime, whom apparently had very similar symptoms as the slagger. Know anything of this incident? I have only just learned of this occurrence from some mechs who bounced to the Ark-22, and haven't gathered many details as of current.”

The military strategist listened closely to what his fellow cop-former was saying. Megatron had apparently been transferred to the Ark which is where he made his escape. Prowl and his team had missed a lot while they were gone. “So, what happened to Megatron, Streetwise? Is he still on board the Ark-22? Is he back in custody? And we know nothing about whatever has happened with Prime. Hot Spot and I just returned from a mission to Earth. This is all new to us.”

Prowl then let out a deep sigh of frustration. “I understand now why Ultra Magnus ordered an urgent meeting of the command staff. It must be in regards to all this. Let’s go, Hot Spot. We’ll get our answers there.” Wasting no further time, the black and white hastened his pace down the corridor.

Bridge

The doors to the bridge parted down the center, revealing the form of Prowl in its wake. The military strategist stepped across the threshold and quickly located Ultra Magnus. "Reporting as ordered, sir,” the prick-bot said as he approached the City Commmander who was standing over near the entrance to an adjacent conference room. “I understand there’s much for us to discuss, namely a certain slagmaker’s escape and something that happened to Optimus Prime?”

Bridge

Jetfire was glad for Ultra Magnus understanding of a little privacy. The information wasn't too secretive but with all new scientific projects, it can get confusing if not properly focused on. There been way too many times Wheeljack's projects had blown up in his face plate quite literally and Jetfire wondered if the scientist took too many risk or simply to much going on in his processor. He then noticed Ultra Magnus get up and walk towards a door and motioning Red Alert to join them. It didn't bother Jetfire Red Alert was joining them. Something like a new gestalt running around would cause some security issues so letting the security chief know is a good thing even if Jetfire doubted Red's ability to comprehend everything. As Jetfire approached the side room, he noticed three other mechs walk onto the bridge: Prowl, Hot Spot, and Streetwise. The first two made sense given rank but Streetwise must been tagging along.

"It is good to see you two, Prowl and Hot Spot. Last I knew Hot Spot was on a mission. Would it be safe to say you was apart of that as well, Prowl, or were you somewhere else? I see you have a tag along who should be on the Guardian being tested for the newest project. It will be nice for you to go there as well, Hot Spot, once we get done with this meeting."

Hot Spot was surprised to see Jetfire on the bridge. Red Alert was expected and Hot Spot knew this meeting was going to get complicated shortly. The only reason Jetfire could be tied to this new project he and his team was involved in along with the Aerialbots.

"I think Prowl is right. Ultra Magnus will have some answers and Jetfire will have some sort of update on whatever project he has the Aerialbots and Protectobots. I think this is where we have to part ways though, Streetwise. You can take your usual spot on the bridge until the meeting is done. If there be information given out, it will be by Magnus' directive."

Bridge--Command Conference Room

Just after the doors to ship's conference area slid open, the doors to the bridge itself also slid open, revealing Prowl, Hot Spot and Streetwise.

"Reporting as ordered, sir. I understand there’s much for us to discuss, namely a certain slagmaker’s escape and something that happened to Optimus Prime?” Prowl began as the senior officers began to trickle in to the room. Magnus almost walked over to the usual position he occupied on ship meetings: to the right of where Optimus Prime would sit. Catching himself, he angled his pace slightly before sitting in the centermost chair at the front of the room.

"More than I would prefer, to be certain," Magnus began, allowing the others to find their places. "There's enough of us here that I'm confidant we can begin. We'll catch the others up as they arrive."

Magnus dimmed the illumination levels in the room slightly and activated the primary viewscreens. The main screen began to display images of Optimus Prime and the battle between he and the Autobots that took place in the medical ward.

"We have two critically grave situations to deal with. The first of which you're seeing now. We were fortunate beyond measure to recover Optimus Prime from whatever fate befell he and Megatron during our battle at Mount St. Helens. Even our best minds thought he was lost to us for good. Fate, to our good fortune, had other plans for him. But....something....something caused him to do what you're all seeing.

"I don't for one astrosecond believe that it is the Prime we know and has lead us steadfastly through the entirety of this war. After we subdued him, Ratchet recommended he be held in the brig so that he can further examine him. Though I felt the same reluctance that many of you are likely feeling, I feel it was the best course of action. That being said, we need to find out what has done this to Prime and I don't want to put that entire burden on Ratchet's shoulders. If we don't restore the Optimus Prime we all know, I have no doubts that what you're seeing on those screens will happen again. Or worse."

Bounce Chamber

Grimlock and his team of Dinobots and puny Autobots appeared in a flash of bright light on the bounce pad. The rex-former showed no outward signs of disorientation that most mechs endured after a bounce. He was the Dinobot Commander, one of the toughest the Autobot war machine had to offer. Bouncing did little to offset his equilibrium. It was a very minor annoyance at best. Nothing more.

The Dinobot leader turned to address the team. “Snarl, Hardhead, take Getaway and Scoop to med bay for repairs. Rest of you dismissed. Me have urgent meeting with bigwigs now. So, that where me be. Dinobots, stay out of trouble until me finished. Then we head back to Trion.”

With those words spoken, Grimlock quickly exited the bounce chamber and into the corridor beyond. Snarl then stepped down off the pad with a stasis locked Getaway still cradled in his arms. “Well, you all heard the boss. Stay out of trouble. This means you, Slag,” the Desert Warrior said, eyeing the anger-proned Dinobot carefully. “All right, Hardhead, let’s go to med bay. These ‘Bots aren’t going to fix themselves. Primus forbid.”

Wasting no more time, Snarl carried Getaway out of the room and down to the Guardian’s primary medical facility.

Medical Bay

The doors to the med bay parted down the center, revealing the form of Snarl out in the corridor. The Desert Warrior noticed a bit of a mess both outside and inside the facility as though a battle of some sort had just happened. He couldn’t imagine what could’ve caused violence to break out here. Most mechs in the med bay were either sick or a doctor. Not exactly the types to start attacking each other.

“For being puny you Autobots sure do make a mess,” Snarl growled as he entered the room and made his way over to one of the med berths. The plated Dinobot then laid Getaway down onto the slab before turning to look around for the nearest medical officer. Everyone seemed to be very busy with whatever had recently transpired.

“Hey, this ‘Bot here needs a medic!” Snarl bellowed out loud so everyone in the chamber could hear him. “Getaway caught in massive explosion down on Earth. Him in stasis. Needs help NOW!”

Bridge – Command Conference Room

“It is good to see you two, Prowl and Hot Spot. Last I knew Hot Spot was on a mission. Would it be safe to say you was apart of that as well, Prowl, or were you somewhere else? I see you have a tag along who should be on the Guardian being tested for the newest project. It will be nice for you to go there as well, Hot Spot, once we get done with this meeting,” Jetfire interjected in a friendly tone.

“I was with Hot Spot,” Prowl replied as he turned his head to look over at Jetfire. “We lead a mission down to Earth together, but now that is over with and we are here at Magnus’ request.” The black and white then returned his attention to Ultra Magnus.

“More than I would prefer, to be certain. There’s enough of us here that I'm confidant we can begin. We'll catch the others up as they arrive,” the City Commander responded to Prowl’s prior comment regarding the situations with Optimus Prime and Megatron. Magnus then lead the command staff that was present into the conference room so that they could begin the meeting. Of course, Grimlock was late to the proceedings, but like Magnus said, the often disobedient rex-former could be caught up later.

Prowl took a seat near the head of the conference table as the lights dimmed and the primary viewscreens were activated. The video footage showed the battle between Optimus Prime and his own Autobots both inside and outside of the medical bay. The military strategist was shocked to say the very least. Something had clearly come over Prime as he was certainly not acting like himself at all.

“We have two critically grave situations to deal with. The first of which you're seeing now. We were fortunate beyond measure to recover Optimus Prime from whatever fate befell he and Megatron during our battle at Mount St. Helens. Even our best minds thought he was lost to us for good. Fate, to our good fortune, had other plans for him. But....something....something caused him to do what you're all seeing.

"I don't for one astrosecond believe that it is the Prime we know and has lead us steadfastly through the entirety of this war. After we subdued him, Ratchet recommended he be held in the brig so that he can further examine him. Though I felt the same reluctance that many of you are likely feeling, I feel it was the best course of action. That being said, we need to find out what has done this to Prime and I don't want to put that entire burden on Ratchet's shoulders. If we don't restore the Optimus Prime we all know, I have no doubts that what you're seeing on those screens will happen again. Or worse,” Ultra Magnus finished speaking, allowing everyone in the room to take in what he had just said.

“You did the right thing, Commander Magnus,” Prowl spoke first as his attention went from the viewscreens to the City Commander. “I know it might be tough to accept but the brig is the safest place for not only Optimus but for the rest of us, as well. And I agree with you that this isn’t the Prime we all know and trust with our lives. He seems to be almost possessed in that footage. I take it the Fallen's dark spark is still secured and is not to blame here? If that's the case, has Ratchet discovered anything else yet that would help explain what happened to Optimus?”

Before Ultra Magnus had a chance to answer Prowl’s question, the doors to the conference room opened and in stepped Grimlock. The Dinobot Commander made his way towards the table in the center of the room and took a seat across from where the black and white was sitting. “Me, Grimlock, here as requested. What me miss?”

“Fashionably late again, I see,” Prowl stated, making a vague reference to the last time they had gathered in the conference room for a briefing where the Dinobot leader was the last to arrive. “Tell me, Grim, are you incapable of being on time or is this just another shining example of your distain for authority?”

Grimlock slowly turned his head until his glowing red optics had fixated on the military strategist’s annoying form. “Bite me, prick-bot. Me and Dinobots on important mission. Can’t rush bashing ‘Con head plates in!”

“I’m sure,” Prowl replied with a stoic expression on his faceplate. “As for what you missed, take a look at the viewscreens.”

The rex-former managed to tear his glare away from Prowl long enough to look over at the video playback of Optimus Prime’s recent rampage. “What wrong with Prime?” Grimlock asked as his attention went from the viewscreens to Prowl and then finally to Ultra Magnus. “Him go crazy or something?”

Bounce Chamber

Blaster, Sludge and Hardhead all appeared amongst the rest of the team. After the initial effects had faded off (rather quickly, too for the Dinobot and the Tank), Grimlock spoke up to the rest of the group.

Grimlock wrote: “Snarl, Hardhead, take Getaway and Scoop to med bay for repairs. Rest of you dismissed. Me have urgent meeting with bigwigs now. So, that where me be. Dinobots, stay out of trouble until me finished. Then we head back to Trion.”

"Aww, frag! I have to stay here? Ugh." Sludge hammered out. He wanted to be back on their normal ship. He stammered off somewhere.

Blaster followed Grimlock out to the corridors, and eventually, to the bridge. Grimlock just rushed off without him! How rude! The communications officer chuckled, as he sped up to keep pace with the Dinobot commander.

Hardhead nodded at Snarl, who had told him to come with him to the medbay, and followed behind him. With the orange 'bot in his arms, the green tank warrior marched on right behind the desert warrior.

Medbay

“Hey, this ‘Bot here needs a medic!”

Snarl's voice was so booming that Hardhead's audio receptors started ringing. Not only that, but it caught the attention of everyone else in the room too. Hoist looked over his shoulder to see that there were two more patients. "Great. This cycle just keeps getting better and better," he said sarcastically. "I'll be there in a moment. Rook, can you go help out in the meanwhile?"

The defense strategist did as Hoist told. He cleared out two berths for the newcomers, and Hardhead promptly laid down Scoop onto one of them. Hoist continued finishing up Pinpoint's injuries.

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Blaster stepped inside right after Grimlock, taking an available seat. "Sorry for the delay, gentlemechs!" Having better communications gear, he was able to pick on some of the conversation that had occurred before, and of course, there was always the viewscreens - pretty helpful.

Except... Prime?

Prime seemed to be out of his mind - friendly firing at his own Autobots. He looked possessed. He was just about to ask what was going on - but Grimlock already beat him to it. From what he'd picked up earlier, Prime was in the brig. For some sort of safety? He didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle.

"Is he secure now? I mean... that's... that's pretty horrifying..."

Bridge-Conference Room

Jetfire looked at the video feed of Optimus Prime. The information was very limited on the causes of his actions. They wanted to cure him which was very understandable since every single Autobot looked up at Optimus Prime even if some didn't admit it openly. While in mid thought, the door open and two more members showed up, Grimlock and Blaster. Grimlock was expected but Blaster was a bit of surprise but Jetfire figured he also stood out in the command chain a little bit.

"I agree Prime needs to be fixed but the best way is to know how and why he is acting this way. Has anyone looked at the readings when he and Megatron first came on board? How close were they examined? I'm not in the medical field like Ratchet or First Aid but clues have to be somewhere. Prime, he would never ever fire on his own troops. Prime isn't in his right processors. The location, sadly I agree, is sound for Prime at the time being. I hope whoever is watching him is keeping him well sedated and the strongest force field is in place."

Jetfire scratched his chin with his first two fingers. It is a habit he seen Wheeljack do often when working on a quandary like this one. How can two of the most powerful Transformers act completely opposite of their standard protocol? In the case of Hot Rod, he had the Fallen spark inside of him. The idea of having another spark in both Megatron and Prime bothered Jetfire. The disappearances and apparent death happen prior to the Fallen showing up.

"Has anyone gone back to Mt. Saint Helen for testing? I know we sent a search team right after to locate them with no luck. Where was Megatron and Prime located at? Has that location have any testing done on it? One possible explanation is outside signals altering their behavior patterns. Option two is some sort of virus causing issues. The virus would have to be very sophisticated to do this much changes. I think one of the Insecticons have some sort of brain shell program but we haven't seen that brood in vorns. It is extremely rare possibility that they are under control of a dark spark like the Fallen but the timing is off so I doubt there is any connection."

After rattling off ideas for Prime, he remembered something about Megatron escaping. What involvement did the slagmaker have in all of this?

"So what about Megatron? All I and my team know was at one time he was on board one of the ships and now he is gone."

Hot Spot looked at Jetfire and was glad he was the scientist instead of himself. First Aid might have understood some of Jetfire's ideas but it was a bit much for Hot Spot to process at such a quick rate. Hot Spot did have to agree with the assessment that finding out what was causing the issue should be addressed. Often times there been disasters his team responded to and it was more efficient for them to find the source if they didn't know it already before taking care of the mess. The mention of Megatron reminded him of his communication from Groove and what little Streetwise had said before they got into this room.

"Prowl and I just got back from Earth so both of us are catching up like Grimlock and the rest of you. One thing I did find out from Groove and Streetwise was it seemed Megatron busted out of the Ark-22 somehow. Since everything has happen very recent I doubt any formal report has been made. I do have questions for you, Jetfire, on another subject but I'll wait until this current matter is done."

Bridge--Command Conference Room

“You did the right thing, Commander Magnus. I know it might be tough to accept but the brig is the safest place for not only Optimus but for the rest of us, as well. And I agree with you that this isn’t the Prime we all know and trust with our lives. He seems to be almost possessed in that footage. I take it the Fallen's dark spark is still secured and is not to blame here? If that's the case, has Ratchet discovered anything else yet that would help explain what happened to Optimus?”

Magnus felt a slight tinge of relief at Prowl's reassurance that he had made the right call when it came to how best to deal with Prime, since it was an issue that was definitely going to cause controversy amongst their ranks: noone wanted to see Optimus Prime--newly returned to them, at that--confined to a prisoner's cell. But they also couldn't afford to have him decimating their ranks all over again, either.

As the others had been getting comfortable, Magnus had patched in the Chief Medical officer so that he could participate in this meeting remotely. His direct participation in matters was obviously required elsewhere.

"The Fallen's spark is secured. Perhaps not to the extent that red Alert would prefer, but I have him working on that. We all agreed to launch the Fallen's spark into the sun of this solar system. I have the Guardian en route to do precisely that. I think it's unlikely that it's responsible....but we obviously can't rule anything out until that has happened. The sooner the better. As to Ratchet's findings, I'll let him speak to those. Doctor?"

Before Magnus and the others could get an answer, Grimlock and Blaster arrived. Prowl then proceeded to interrogate the Dinobot Commander, voicing some of the same concerns that Magnus himself had raised on occasion regarding his behaviors, but perhaps choosing a less-than-ideal time to do so. Magnus was simply thankful that the confrontation did not escalate any further than it did.

“What wrong with Prime? Him go crazy or something?” Grimlock asked, turning his attention to the situation at hand.

"Is he secure now? I mean... that's... that's pretty horrifying..." Blaster followed up.

"I believe he is secure, yes," Magnus answered. "As to what's wrong with him, that's what we're all hoping to find out. As I was saying prior to your arrival, Ratchet will surely have some insight for us, but we'll need to tackle this as a united front."

Jetfire then proceeded to offer some additional questions, questions that likely all of them shared, but also some potential ways to find the answers.

"I agree Prime needs to be fixed but the best way is to know how and why he is acting this way. Has anyone looked at the readings when he and Megatron first came on board? How close were they examined? I'm not in the medical field like Ratchet or First Aid but clues have to be somewhere. Prime, he would never ever fire on his own troops. Prime isn't in his right processors. The location, sadly I agree, is sound for Prime at the time being. I hope whoever is watching him is keeping him well sedated and the strongest force field is in place.

Has anyone gone back to Mt. Saint Helen for testing? I know we sent a search team right after to locate them with no luck. Where was Megatron and Prime located at? Has that location have any testing done on it? One possible explanation is outside signals altering their behavior patterns. Option two is some sort of virus causing issues. The virus would have to be very sophisticated to do this much changes. I think one of the Insecticons have some sort of brain shell program but we haven't seen that brood in vorns. It is extremely rare possibility that they are under control of a dark spark like the Fallen but the timing is off so I doubt there is any connection."

"No one has done any of those things, Jetfire. That's why we're having this meeting. This has all happened so fast, we've had no opportunity--until now--to figure out how best to respond. If you think examining the dormant volcano site is a solid lead, I support you. As to Prime and Megatron's location, they were found here. Together. A region of Earth called Africa--the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to be specific."

Magnus then proceeded to call up the file footage of the recovery process, showing Ratchet, Jazz, Blaster and Scoop assisting with the efforts.

"That of course brings us to the other grave situation...we recovered Megatron at the same time: a fact that I don't believe for one second is coincidental. I had him transferred to a secured medical bay aboard the Ark-22. I wanted him kept away from Optimus Prime and I had Grapple begin construction of a cell capable of incarcerating a Phase Six Decepticon, in the hopes that it would serve for a Decepticon with the power levels of Megatron also. Before we could make any real headway in this effort, this happened."

Magnus then proceeded to bring up the file footage from the Ark-22, showing the black-tendril-like energy emerging from Megatron, destroying much of the technology in the room and then the other supplementary feeds that showed him stalking the corridors of the ship and then ultimately vanishing in the light of the bounce chamber.

"We obviously have a lot to deal with. I need you all, and myself, at the top of our game. I need options."

“So, what happened to Megatron, Streetwise? Is he still on board the Ark-22? Is he back in custody?"

Obviously Prowl had been gone for a little bit. Streetwise began to give a summarized update the fellow cop 'Bot about the happenings as they headed towards the Bridge.

"In short, no. Megatron escaped via the bounce chamber. The 'how' is still being investigated, however. Something unnatural was at work. It was something the slagmaker himself couldn't have done on his own, and obviously something our fellow security officer Kup hadn't accounted for."

" I see you have a tag along who should be on the Guardian being tested for the newest project. It will be nice for you to go there as well, Hot Spot, once we get done with this meeting."

"If I may object, Jetfire, I came here to investigate the situation regarding Optimus Prime, at least for a short time. I just came over from the Ark-22 with some information regarding Megatron's escape, and it seems Optimus' situation has something linking to it, at least from the clues given," said Streetwise simply.

"I think this is where we have to part ways though, Streetwise. You can take your usual spot on the bridge until the meeting is done. If there be information given out, it will be by Magnus' directive."

Streetwise gave Hot Spot a slight glare, and then removed himself from the room silently, and into the corridors. In the detective 'Bot's mind, the escape of Megatron and violent breakout of Optimus Prime were both much more urgent and important in the short term. Especially more than being scanned by some scientists for only the future possibility of being turned into some behemoth that would possibly need much time and work to even function properly. Something of the sort might even ruin his investigation by keeping him contained and worked on for much of the time he could be searching.

No, Streetwise wasn't one to normally disobey orders or even recommended courses of action by superiors, but this was one of the rare instances where Streetwise's detective mind felt what he needed to do was more important than what his superiors wanted him to do. At that, he traversed towards the med bay for clues.

[Outside Bounce Chamber]

As the two fliers made their way out, Alpha Bravo saw Groundbomber standing around not too far off. "'Glide, save me a spot when you get there... I want to go somewhere."

The red aerobatic turned to look and knew exactly what Alpha was talking about. Powerglide slapped the chopper-bot on the back and gave him a thumbs up. "I'll see ya there, Alphie!" And so, the red flier left for the observation deck.

The aerial gunner nervously approached the larger femme. "Uh... 'Bomber? I... I want to... I want to apologise for all that back there." Anyone could hear the anxiety in his voice. He was just that terrified. Not because of Groundbomber, or Cliffjumper, but because of his mental state, which took a hit. His unconditional guilt was settling in. He wanted out, but he had to stand up and prove that he was a 'bot who was capable of handling himself.

"I'm really sorry about that mess back there... I really am. I shouldn't have spoken in the first place, I shouldn't have let Cliffjumper set off and... and..." His voice trailed off. He couldn't proceed. He needed her to say something. For anyone to say anything.

Med Bay

Pinpoint stifled her mouth as Hoist began to work on her injuries. Have to look good. Have to look good.

"Hey, Doc, don't be gentle or nothing. I can handle it."

She laughed. A booming voice made the pearl white sniper jump in surprise, throwing off Hoist's work. Still in battle mode, her hand went to the pistol on her good leg. Pinpoint relaxed when she saw it was just a Dinobot, Snarl.

She shouted out to him. "Hey buddy! Any louder and you've alerted the 'Cons to our position."

The sniper pointed to Getaway. "Hoist, take care of him first. I'm not in critical condition, aside from acute hearing loss."

Corridors Outside Bounce Chamber

Groundbomber watched the groups that made their way from the bounce chamber with detached interest. She really wanted to disappear. How in the Pit could she have possibly made such a fool out her herself?

The sound of Alpha Bravo and Powerglide reached Groundbomber's attention. The smaller red flier was very annoying to the demolitions commando. Too excitable.

Alpha walked over to her and began to babble an apology to her. How could he possibly be at fault? She was the one who made things worse. Looking at her smaller friend, Groundbomber kicked herself mentally. Get a hold of yourself, idiot! Stop being so melodramatic!

Groundbomber forced a reassuring smile to creep across her faceplate. She softly placed a hand on Alpha's shoulder and said gently. "Don't beat yourself up over it. You didn't do anything. Just forget about it, okay?"

[Medbay]

Pinpoint wrote:"Hey, Doc, don't be gentle or nothing. I can handle it."

"If I am not gentle, then I'll lose my job and my rank. No thank you, I'll be tough when I need it." Hoist said darkly, just as soon as he attached up an Energon surge to refill and replace the lost energon from her system. He made some finishing touches to Pinpoint, then let the support system machines take over for him. The white sniper had reached for her gun, but Hoist gripped her hand before she could. “Relax, you are in no shape to move. Stay here, I’ll go take a look at the other two. Rook, take this and get Scoop and Getaway attached to life support.” He handed the defense strategist a small readout, and Rook smiled and waved at Pinpoint before making his way over to Scoop, and tried to follow the instructions Hoist had given to the best of his ability. He was no medic, but he was smart enough to read and understand basic instructions.

Hoist prepared himself for two more operations, and set up the support systems for Getaway. He’d have to work on both of them at the same time for them to get to a reasonable level, but the fact that he was the only medic operating on both of them meant he’d need some serious multitasking skills. “Ah, scrap…”

Rook went back and sat down with Pinpoint, putting his hand on top of her shoulder. “You’ll be up in no time. We’re the Autobots, we don’t give up!”

((OOC: Just gonna hit the fast forward in the Brig a litte.))

The Brig

After Smokescreen, Clocker and Rosanna returned with the medical equipment that he had requested, Ratchet spent a little directing them on setting it up when he received a communique about an officer’s meeting from Magnus. Uttering several more profanities under his breath, he jabbed a finger at his newly designated assistants.

“Smokescreen, help me with this,” Ratchet gestured, shoving a device in his hand. “Hold it still, and monitor this screen. Let me know if you see any sudden spikes. I’ll be a bit distracted. There’s an officer’s meeting that I’ll be participating in remotely.”

His head snapped to Clocker and Rosanna. “Clocker, was it? Come here. You watch this monitor and tell me if the wave form…if the pattern changes on it. Rosanna, stay out there and watch Optimus. The sedative should last quite some time.

Ratchet finished running his preliminary diagnostics and brought up the meeting on a display, distractedly glancing at it and listening in while he did his work. Optimus’s injuries were minimal and mostly repaired now. He needed to find out what was going on in this head.

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Red Alert was a little spring, wound up and ready to shatter into pieces as he watched the display monitor. Endless possibilities raced through his mind, but eventually he managed to relaxed one degree or half when it was mentioned that he was contained. Good. Not that Red Alert wanted to see Optimus Prime like that. If that even was Optimus Prime. But it was just the safest option.

Busily tapping away at his datapad, Red Alert continued to make arrangements, sparing glances at Prowl and Grimlock as they arrived. Ratchet, or a holographic image of him, sat in his usual place, reviewing or doing something. Probably a diagnosis on Prime. Yeah. Probably. As Magnus turned the floor over to the lot of them, Red Alert looked to Ratchet first as their acting commander had called on him first.

Clearing his vocalizer, Ratchet looked to Magnus and the others. “From what I’ve been able to diagnose, there is an anomaly in Optimus Prime’s processor wave pattern…Whenever he suffered from his delusions, it becomes prevalent if only very subtly.”

After a moment of doing something a video log played on the monitor in the conference room, Ratchet brought up a log of earlier in the private medical suite where he had been working on Prime prior to this incident. It showed Optimus acting rather strangely, firing off his gun at nothing and almost turning on Ratchet before he seemed to come back to himself.

“His…rampage was not an isolated incident, and it is my medical opinion…that this was done to Optimus and possibly Megatron as well. By someone or something.”


The Brig

Stirring out of the haze of blackness that enveloped him, Optimus’s blue optics came back online. He didn’t immediately recognize where he was. Sitting up slowly, he looked around. A cell. He was in a cell. On a medical berth? Others were near him. Smokescreen, Clocker, Ratchet. Rosanna on the other side of the force field. Ratchet looked at him with wide optics.

“O-Optimus, hold on,” he said, moving out of view of the holo for a moment to grab Prime’s arm

Holding his head with a groan as he swung his legs down from the slab, Optimus tried to recall what could have possibly led to this. It wasn’t long before he remembered. His optics widened briefly before he held his head in his hands.

“What have I done…?”

Bounce Chamber

Slag scoffed a little at Grimlock's directives but didn't bother with saying anything. Not a lot of trouble to get into on an Autobot ship unless he caved someone's chestplate in.

....

So maybe he wouldn't do that today.

“Well, you all heard the boss. Stay out of trouble. This means you, Slag,”

"Go play nursebot," Slag huffed before stalking off in the direction of the mess hall. Or whatever passed as one on this heap. He could use a drink.

[Outside Bounce Chamber]

Groundbomber wrote:"Don't beat yourself up over it. You didn't do anything. Just forget about it, okay?"

Alpha looked up at the larger femme. She was right, but Alpha still felt bad about it. "I'll try..." He said, looking down. "I don't know, it's been a hectic time. I just got out of the CR Chamber and already into so much action. It's a bit.. it's really stressful."

He looked up at Groundbomber and tried his best to smile, opening his faceplate, but could only manage a half-awkward crooked line. It wouldn't work. His body wasn't going to let him.

[Training Room]
Somewhere on the other side of the ship, Overclock and Warpath were rolling up the simulations. Well, only Overclock was, Warpath was too busy polishing his dear, sweet cannon. "She's gotta stay shiny!" Overclock sighed, turned back to the set up controls and smiled. For the first time he felt as if he was truly figuring out what in the world was going on with him. Someone who he could call... an ally? A comrade?

No, a friend.

He'd found a friend in Warpath. Despite their clashing and contrasting personalities, he'd found something that clicked just right inside of him.

Once the targets were set up, Warpath readied his cannon, and Overclock slung his rifle over his shoulder. Both bots' optics scanned the area. "Ten shots on bullseye, loser buys some fresh Energon for the winner. Deal?"
"Deal! Yer on, Over!"

Warpath extended his cannon and aimed down his sights. A veteran sharpshooter, his first shot was a no-brainer spot-on, but the roar of his cannon was deafening, reverberating throughout the rooms. "Aww yeah, bullseye!" He cheered.

"Not so fast." Overclock stockaded his own rifle onto his shoulder, aiming down the sights and hitting a bullseye of his own. He turned to Warpath and smirked. "Oh, it's on now!" Warpath roared.

((OOC: If anyone else wishes to join these two, feel free to just step into this. Would appreciate some interaction!))

[Bridge – Command Conference Room]

Blaster carefully listened and processed everything that was going on during the conference. Though normally a 'bot who made his presence loud and clear (both figuratively and literally), he was silent at the moment. Magnus mentioned the African country called Democratic Republic of Congo, where the red communications officer had gone with the other 'bots and found their leader as well as the slagmaker. Now that the latter was gone, and the former in a severe medical condition of some sort, Blaster carefully thought and considered what was available.

Ultra Magnus continued with footage of Megatron and the... strange black energy-thing emerging from Megatron. What even was that? Whatever it was, it looked rather nasty.

Ultra Magnus wrote:"We obviously have a lot to deal with. I need you all, and myself, at the top of our game. I need options."

"Sir, I hope I'm not interrupting, but I think I might have something we could do about this." Blaster said. "There's multiple high-ranking officers here, surely we could split up the work amongst us all to ensure the highest efficiency."

Turning to Red Alert, he spoke again, "For example, Red Alert's plans for security could be supervised by him. He could find some skilled 'bots around the fleet for maximum containment and security. Similarly, others who specialise in a field could oversee operations in that area, while reporting to you at the same time. A bit of independent thinking would do us more good in the long run, at least in my opinion."

Ratchet, or rather, his hologram spoke.

Ratchet wrote:“His…rampage was not an isolated incident, and it is my medical opinion…that this was done to Optimus and possibly Megatron as well. By someone or something.”

"If that really is the case, we may just have one of our first leads. It might explain why both of them had such a frenzy, if the footage is to be taken into account. It doesn't explain that black... stuff coming out of Megatron, but chances are that it probably has something to do with this mind madness too."

As Ratchet moved off his hologram, sounds could be heard in the background. Blaster's acute hearing picked up the sounds and amplified them inside of his own processors.

Ratchet wrote:“O-Optimus, hold on,”

The faintest of sounds came through. Was Optimus Prime really moving? That would be the only explanation for Ratchet moving off the hologram. But what came through to Blaster next was what really hit him.

??? wrote:“What have I done…?”

There was no question as to whose voice that was. The pinnacle of a recognisable, magnetic voice, the leader of the Autobots himself.

"...Optimus!" Blaster exclaimed loudly. He couldn't believe his audio receptors. It really was his voice, and he could tell for sure. "He-he's speaking! Ratchet, is it really him? This is wonderful!"

Bridge – Command Conference Room

"I agree with Blaster's idea of splitting things up. Jetfire wants to head to planet side at the two locations. I know Streetwise has been involved somehow along with Kup. If I know Streetwise, he has been investigating things on his own. If Jetfire will allow it, we might as well let my detective bot continue his investigation along with Kup on one the Megatron end. Red Alert can do a similar investigation on board on the Prime angle. Groove could assist on one of the Earth missions. I am not sure where I could fit in but willing to lead a team either on Earth or assist up here. The biggest variable is what will the Cons do once they find out Megatron is back. I wonder if the slagmaker is in his current processor current or like our Prime. If the Cons do intend on doing their own investigations, it could lead to another encounter at Mount Saint Helen so a little muscle there might be wise. Since we were the ones to locate both Megatron and Prime, I doubt they would go to this African country."

Jetfire looked at Hot Spot with a bit of irritation and it came through in his voice. The gestalt project, at least on his end, had gone smoothly. Jetfire was curious as to what happen to Megatron and Prime but he didn't see any way he could contribute. If the Protectobots were to help with this mission, it would actually slow down the process unless First Aid and Ironfist figured out a way to make the testing portable.

"Information is good and fixing our beloved leader is needed. The thing I wonder is how many of our current projects can be put on back burner. I am hoping we can each give our mission reports once we get this situation handled better. As for your request, Hot Spot, the orders came directly from Ultra Magnus so it is more of his call then mine."

Hot Spot was caught by surprise at the irritation in Jetfire's voice. He would have though he been ecstatic with Prime's return. It seemed his project was more important than getting to the bottom of whatever was going on. Jetfire did have a point of each of the missions being reported on but that could wait.

“Clocker, was it? Come here. You watch this monitor and tell me if the wave form…if the pattern changes on it. Rosanna, stay out there and watch Optimus. The sedative should last quite some time."

"On it," said Rosanna and Clocker simultaneously. As they moved to their respective positions, Optimus' optics... They... flickered on...

"Op...timus...?" said Clocker hesitantly.





Streetwise walked into the med bay in an urgent but calm manner. He surveyed his surroundings, and saw not much out of order in the outer areas. However as be entered the more central areas, he saw quite a fair amount of debris and... Obvious signs of struggle.

The cop 'Bot then traversed through the med bay slowly as not to disturb the patients or medics. If something serious happened with Optimus in the med bay, it would have started in a more secluded area.

As he got closer to the more private rooms, Streetwise came across some other security 'Bots who were protecting the area to a degree. The cop 'Bot could tell by the way they were positioned and how the debris was spread where the room in question was, but he wanted to be polite and make his reasons for presenting himself accounted for.

"Hey fellas, I'm here to investigate this Optimus situation a tad," said Streetwise.

"Have you been sent, or is this voluntary?" asked one of the guards.

"Voluntary, but it's part of an ongoing investigation with Kup. Further details are involuntary," responded Streetwise.

The guards then let Streetwise enter without further questioning.



As Streetwise entered the room, what he saw was broken medical equipment, pieces of shrapnel, and some energon splatter on the floor.

"Primus.." said Streetwise to himself as he zoomed his optics for details.

[Corridors to Mess Hall]

Sludge caught his fellow Dinobot Slag headed in the direction of the mess hall. He figured he had time to kill and a need for a drink, so he made his way to Slag. "Hey Slag, how long do you think we'll be stuck on this scrapship?"

Med Bay

Upon arriving back onboard, Grimlock’s team seemed to scatter about in different directions. It had been awhile since Swoop had last stepped aboard the Protectobot’s ship, and they didn’t exactly leave on the best terms. Oh well, that was then and this is now. Utilizing his Energon-sword as a makeshift crutch, Swoop hobbled his way towards the Med-Bay, following behind Grimlock as best he could given his condition. When he finally arrived, Grimlock had already moved on to his next objective. Stumbling in and trying to locate an empty berth all while making his presence known.


“Hey, got any room for one more? Heh.”

(Out of Character: A big thanks to AFTRHR and Foximus for helping me get started!)

Corridors
Anomaly was making his way through the corridors. The young scientist was both eager and nervous to see exactly what the big deal was at the site of the incident that other Autobots kept talking about. Everything felt like a moment's blur, how quickly his optics had to adjust from the dimly lit screens of the lab to the almost blinding rays of the corridors.

Medbay
Bursting through the doorway of the medbay, Anomaly quickly made his way inside to the scene of the incident. The autotroopers stopped the green physicist, questioning his reason to be there. After informing them of the situation, he entered inside. To his surprise, the Protectobot Streetwise was also present within. Mustering up some courage, Anomaly spoke to the Protectobot from behind.

"Err.. excuse me, sir, but are you also here to check on the.. you know.."

Priority Communication to Ultra Magnus

>>”Ultra Magnus, it’s Springer. We’re back in Earth’s orbit and tried to link up with the Guardian, but she was nowhere to be found. We’re changing course and going to stop off at the Peruvian base down on the mud ball. We uh- we managed to pick up some valuable cargo during our venture...”<<

Mess Hall

"Hey Slag, how long do you think we'll be stuck on this scrapship?"

Had it been any other Autobot, the best response they would have gotten from Slag would be a grunt. The way he was feeling after that Constructicon mess, a fist in the face was more likely. But it was a Dinobot. So he could at least tolerate that.

"Not long, one way or another. If they don't give us new orders, I'll find something," Slag huffed as the doors to the mess hall slid open. Inside, there were just a few Autobots milling around. Not surprising, since apparently a lot of glitchy stuff had been happening up here too.

But Slag didn't really care about investigating further. Instead, he set his sizeable gerth at one of the reinforced counter seats.

"Triple-filtered Nightmare Fuel. No additives," he said to the mech behind the counter before looking back at Sludge. "Why you ask? You not normally type to want to rush back into battle."

Med Bay

Pinpoint grunted in effort to mask the pain of being repaired. She grit her servos shut and give Hoist a grin. "Fine, you win. Gentle it is."

Hoist finished and let the drones take over. Pinpoint gave the medic a grateful nod as he went to assist his other patients. She allowed herself to relax as the pain slowly subsided.

A figure moved to sit beside her, a hand being placed on her shoulder.

Rook wrote:“You’ll be up in no time. We’re the Autobots, we don’t give up!”

Pinpoint looked up at her colleague and smiled. "Thanks. I've no intention of giving up any time soon. Not 'til I give those three Seekers whatfor. And Red and I need to chat."

She laughed and pulled herself up. "Seems like there isn't any use for us here. C'mon, I need a drink. Bet you do, too."

Corridors

Alpha Bravo wrote:"I just got out of the CR Chamber and already into so much action. It's a bit.. it's really stressful."

Groundbomber chuckles softly. She seems hesitate, then says, "You're not the only one, Bravo. I haven been out the CR Chamber for too long, either. Just remember, you're not alone."

She looks down the corridor. "Go ahead and catch up with your wingbot. I'll wait for Kup, Skids, and the others and see you in a bit."

Streetwise was careful not to touch anything until he could get a base idea of what had happened. He didn't want to cause suspicion by tampering with evidence, especially when no-one else on the case with him were present.

..But after a bit, a green mech entered the room.

"Err.. excuse me, sir, but are you also here to check on the.. you know.."

Streetwise returned his optics to normal focus, and then turned towards the mech. Everything the cop was to see or hear was to be questioned internally. But externally, he couldn't cause discomfort.

"Why yes. I'm Streetwise; acting detective on this case. And you are..?"

The cop 'Bot seemed to recognize this one. He was obviously a medic, but seemed like a rookie. He believed his name was "Anomaly", but Streetwise wanted to be sure he was correct.