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Bounce Chamber

>>"Hey, ease up Pinky. There're Autobot Command's new security measures. I'm just the enforcer. Ya don't like 'em, take it up with them. That bein' said, yeh, I can clear ya,"<< Kup said before authorizing the bounce remotely. >>"There. Should be good t'go."<<

Arcee smiled at being called "Pinky" by the old mech. Good ol' Kup. He was quick to respond, and Arcee appreciated that. She replied to him,

>>"Thanks, you old tin can! The new security is a great idea, actually. Keep up the enforcing. I'm outta here!"<<

She was ready to leave and go down to the new spot on Earth where Autobot City was under construction, when a red helicopter bot spoke to her as he too entered the room.

"Where you going, Arcee? You have a mission as well or simply seeing someone off the ship?"

Arcee then replied to Blades, "I'm going to Autobot City. Not really a mission per say, but I figure I can be of more help down there than up here right now. Doing nothing is the pits, ya know? Anyway, good luck out there. See ya!!", she said. SHe didn't want to stick around any longer. Hopefully Blades didn't take it the wrong way. Anywho, Arcee, ready to bounce, initiated her speedy travel from ship to ground, and she was gone in a flash of light.

[Exit > Earth > Autobot City]

Bounce Chamber

Hot Spot wrote:"Grimlock, I have Groove and Blades meeting us in the bounce chamber. Groove is an excellent scout while Blades may fit in your group better than you may think."

Grimlock nodded to Hot Spot as the Dinobot Commander entered the bounce chamber and quickly accessed the controls with the proper security clearance already given to him. Once the destination was set, the rex-former took up a position on the bounce pad, ignoring the other Autobots who were present. Grimlock wanted to waste no time in getting this mission underway.

"See you on Trion," the Dinobot leader said to Hot Spot as he disappeared in a flash of light.

Bridge – Command Conference Room / Corridors

Ultra Magnus wrote:“Of course. I believe this should be all for the moment. Make your way to the surface, Prowl, and inform me of the happenings once you are done. Everyone, dismissed.”

Prowl nodded and swiftly stood up from the conference table. He followed Ultra Magnus and the others out of the room and onto the main bridge where Grimlock, Hot Spot and Blaster had already departed for the Trion. The black and white hoped that the rex-former and his brood wouldn’t frag up the rescue operation by going in guns blazing. Innocent Autobots could get caught in the crossfire. Still, Magnus seemed confident that the Dinobot leader would get the job done and bring their men home safe. Therefore, Prowl would trust the City Commander’s judgment and instead focus on other endeavors that required his attention.

The most important of which was taking charge of the Autobot City construction site down on Earth and debriefing Omega Supreme. This was in addition to making sure Omega received the repairs he required. There was so much to do and little time to get it all done. Thus, Prowl wasted no time loitering on the bridge and quickly exited into the outer corridor. As he entered a turbo lift, the military strategist sent a signal to a squad of Autotroopers that had been recently assigned to the Guardian, ordering them to meet him down in the bounce chamber for immediate redeployment. The turbo lift doors then slid shut and Prowl descended into the bowels of the medical frigate.

Bounce Chamber

Hot Spot took note of Blades waiting for him rather impatiently. His main warrior and most eager combatant wasn't always the best at waiting. However Blades knew his place and followed orders most of the time. Once Groove joined them on the pad, the three of bounced over to the Trion.


Main Science Lab

Jetfire continued to poor over all the notes of the gestalt project. This will revolutionize the war just as the introduction of Devestator had done. The thought of the Dinobots being able to take down the Con gestalt made Jetfire wonder if this Superion will be powerful enough. There won't be as many connection points to concern thanks to Silverbolt taking up the torso and head. However this does bring up the possibility of powerful Decepticons like the phase Sixers who could bring down Superion on their own. Megatron might be one of the very few who could also do the trick. The biggest way to defeat any gestalt is to remove the central part. This is why the phase three portion of interconnecting the special team members would be crucial down the road. The process would be extremely difficult but if a couple members of the Aerialbots, Hot Spot, and two of the Technobots were around, in theory they could form a gestalt in emergencies. How efficient the combination would be highly questionable. This is why phase two, rotating members of the limbs within the same specialty team is crucial.

The other related project is the commander/drone set up. The catch with this is the size of the commander would have to similar to the special team commanders. There are very few mechs of that size with Jetfire counting himself as one of them. The catch would be the drones or possibly Autotroopers if it be wise to limit it to select four or like some of the research Iron Fist had done of the Earth culture had shown to have multiple options. This also goes into the phase three idea but the shows seemed to indicate the parts were all of the same team or sets. Being adaptable is one of Jetfire main attributes.

Brig--Exterior

>>"Heh, roger,"<< Kup confirmed as he clicked off the comm with Arcee.

Looking over at Ratchet working studiously on Optimus, Kup figured the situation looked pretty stable. Besides, he'd heard Springer and company were back. He was itching to hear what they'd been through.

Might just join her, he thought, rubbing his chin structure thoughtfully and heading out of the confines of the brig.

[Medbay → Bounce Chamber]

Hoist figured that he’d gotten everyone mostly patched up, and that his job here was done. He thought of his dear friend Grapple, and decided he would go meet him.

Making his way over to the bounce chamber, he dialled for Autobot City, and with a flash of light, he was gone.

"Well, playing music in battle is either stupid or brave....but whatever it is, it's admirable for sure! Your tunes go a long way in boosting the morale of the Autobots, Rosanna..."

Rosanna nodded at Bumblebee in a thankful manner, and then looked down at the table. Her cheery manner started to slip away little by little at this time. She felt more stupid than brave for what she did. What did she think would happen? Some happy music would just blast all the evil away? Rosanna sighed as she took a swig of energon.

“Yeah. We’ll move forward with all that we have. Sticking around on old issues is a bit… well, it doesn’t help your mind. I had to learn that the hard way.”

Rosanna nodded slowly in agreement at what Alpha Bravo said. She always dreaded the thoughts of what happened or might've happened to her old friends, but it was time to move forward. Everyone in the faction had lost at least someone. Get a grip, Rose.

"...So you guys....have you heard yet? Optimus says he's gonna take a crew to go to Cybertron. Something there is calling him....maybe something to do with the glitch he had earlier, and something to do with the Matrix. I'm going with him if he allows it. I insist. What about you two? We have a lot going on now it seems."

Rosanna set her shot glass down while she pondered what the yellow bug said, and proceeded to say boldly, "That was no glitch or accident or whatever. That was someone. Optimus wasn't just 'not himself'. He was someone else. Anyways, as for me.. I'm not sure yet. I suppose it depends on how many do go."

Just then, Trailbeaker entered the Mess Hall in a loud, cheery tone.

“Bee! Rose! Hope you two aren’t causing any trouble in here without me. I might take offense to that.”

Rosanna perked up and smiled before replying, "It's be opposite day before that, Trails." Rose giggled in a slightly intoxicated manner.

The small pink femme then schooched over on her seat allowing Trailbreaker a bit more room. She then asked, "Watcha want? I'll buy."

Mess Hall

Rosanna wrote: "It's be opposite day before that, Trails." Rose giggled in a slightly intoxicated manner.

Trailbreaker smiled wide at Rosanna’s response. It did his spark good to see others enjoying themselves, even if it meant overindulging in energon. Not that he would complain or anything, oh no. If there was an Autobot that appreciated a good drink for the sake of it, it was him. Having pleasant company only made the experience all the more enjoyable.

When the femme scooted over for him, he nodded his appreciated. “Thank you, Rose, don’t mind if I do.” It took him a couple of astroseconds to figure out how best to slid in the middle, but once he got the geometry right, he fit in like a comfortable CR unit.

He could tell by the way the others moved that something was on their processors, and he wanted to kick himself for interrupting their conversation. “Say, have any of you heard any news? My fuel storage tells me something’s big coming up, but I just got out of the medbay and haven’t heard much yet.” It seemed like a simple, easy way to start things off.

Rosanna wrote:"Watcha want? I'll buy."

Trailbreaker’s optics flashed briefly and he ran a hand over his mouth and chin. “Well, I’m not too sure. I don’t want to impose on your hospitality, but if they have any of that darker mix left, I wouldn’t mind a glass of that. Nothing like the good stuff.”

He tried not to smack his lips, but it was hard when his throat channel felt like it hadn’t been lubricated in a cycle. “Of course, you know this means I got the next round, right? Nothing too strong, but we’ll stop when one of us starts slurring like Ironhide.”

[Mess Hall]

Trailbreaker wrote:“Of course, you know this means I got the next round, right? Nothing too strong, but we’ll stop when one of us starts slurring like Ironhide.”

“Hehe, slurring like Ironhide.” Alpha Bravo had already downed his first two canisters, and was already feeling a bit tipsy. He obviously didn’t have that high of a tolerance. “Nice to meet you… Er, Trailbreaker, was it?”

He looked around at the other two, Bumblebee and Rosanna. This seemed to be a nice, peaceful group of bots. A good bunch of friends to be around.

Friends? Yeah.

Mess Hall

Alpha Bravo wrote:“Hehe, slurring like Ironhide.”

Trailbreaker’s smile grew at hearing his joke went over well. I owe Ironhide a couple drinks after this. He chuckled at the thought, imagining the older mech's reaction to this exchange.

Alpha Bravo wrote: “Nice to meet you… Er, Trailbreaker, was it?”

“It is. Glad to see my reputation gets around faster than I do. Some things just have their own octane.” He shrugged and chuckled at his own self-deprecation joke. “I’ve seen you around, but I’ll be scrapped if I can’t remember your name. Sorry about that,” he said, tapping the side of his cranial unit. “I’ve taken a few too many hits to the old melon. The joys of being the last one out.”

“Well, I’m not too sure. I don’t want to impose on your hospitality, but if they have any of that darker mix left, I wouldn’t mind a glass of that. Nothing like the good stuff.”

Rosanna gave a thumbs up to Trailbreaker with a smile, and then sort of pranced over to the counter to order. "My friend over there wants some of the dark stuff. I'm buying."

Rosanna then spun 180 degrees, and propped her small back against the counter.

“Of course, you know this means I got the next round, right? Nothing too strong, but we’ll stop when one of us starts slurring like Ironhide.”

“Hehe, slurring like Ironhide.”

Rosanna's shiny pink lips bent into a hearty smile before letting out a giggle. "Is that something you'd say to his face, 'Trails?" Rosanna giggled more.

She was happy that she was amongst a group this time that didn't contain the annoying likes of Cliffjumper, or the difficult to understand Blurr, or the hallucinating Hot Rod. Of course, only the former annoyed Rosanna, but the latter two did make relaxation difficult. She hoped Roddy was okay though- wherever he was.

Then, the drone set on the counter the relatively large jug of base drink, and the glass of dark, potent energex next to it. Rosanna slid the platter with the drink off the counter ever so carefully, trying her hardest to avoid spilling it. "Can somebody gimme a hand?"

Mess Hall

Rosanna wrote: "Is that something you'd say to his face, 'Trails?"

Laughter burst from Trailbreaker at the question. Shaking his head, he said through chuckles, “You bet, though I’m fairly certain he’d reply with far worse if given the chance.”

Trailbreaker’s smile turned wistful. He’d lost track of the time he’d been involved in a verbal jousting match with his fellow older ‘Bots, often over some energon like now. It gave him a moment’s pause as he wondered where the old mech had gotten himself for the umpteenth time. Wherever he was, Trailbreaker was sure he was making whatever mech he was with regret it.

Thinking of his old comrade shifted his thoughts to others, and he wondered if the younger mechs how Rosanna and Alpha Bravo were progressing in creating those same bonds. Just by looking at the small group at the table, he was sure they were well on their way.

Often times, it was the small bits of comradery like this that made the difference in a mech’s existence. “Nothing beats getting even. Now, you take Sunstreaker or Gears, for example. They’re just as much fun, though Streaker will be more ruthless in his attempt.” He finished with a chuckle. “It’s all about knowing which button to push. Even Bumblebee here will throw out a good one if given the chance.” He winked at Bumblebee in the hope he’d play along.

After turning his attention to Bumblebee, he heard Rosanna say,

Rosanna wrote: "Can somebody gimme a hand?"

Turning back, Trailbreaker was on his feet instantly. He crossed the distance in a couple of strides. “Of course, Rose.” He reached out and took a couple of the glasses off of the platter to lighten the load. “Don’t worry if you spill any. Spilled Energex adds character to the place.”

Bumblebee drank what was left in the cup that he had and poured himself some more. He was taking his time with the engex. There was no point in being a glutton, and besides, it wasn't like he was parched or anything. Bumblebee was quite the fuel efficient little mech. He just wanted to make sure he remained relaxed and was enjoying the company of his friends. There wasn't a lot of time for relaxing and mingling, after all. Soon, they'd be back fighting the Decepticons again, but for now, Bee didn't want to think about that. So, he smiled pleasantly and listened to the others. Alpha Bravo was very excited after what Bee had told him Optimus had said, and like Bee, he really wanted to go.

"That's the spirit!", Bee commented to Alpha Bravo, then took another sip of the glowing pink beverage.

Rosanna had responded,

"That was no glitch or accident or whatever. That was someone. Optimus wasn't just 'not himself'. He was someone else. Anyways, as for me.. I'm not sure yet. I suppose it depends on how many do go."

To this, Bee's smile faded a bit, replaced by a frown. It was true. Optimus wasn't himself. However, now he was, and hopefully they could get to the bottom of this mystery. Bumblebee thus, replied back to the mini cassettibot, "Yah....well, me and Alpha are going. You do what your spark tells you to. I'll follow mine."

It wasn't long after this that another mech came and joined the crew, the mostly black painted truck-former Trailbreaker.

Bee! Rose! Hope you two aren’t causing any trouble in here without me. I might take offense to that.”

Bee laughed aloud at that, gesturing for him to join them at their table. There was just enough space for one more. He then replied, "No, not at all. Come on. We got a cold pitcher here and there's enough for everyone."

Then Rosanna had scooted over to allow Trailbreaker to sit with them, while offering to buy his drink as well, and Trailbreaker obliged by sitting down in the space made for him. Trailbreaker took note of the expressions on each of the mechs' faces here at the table, and probably from looking at the others in the mess hall on the way to this table, as the very first question came from him was,

“Say, have any of you heard any news? My fuel storage tells me something’s big coming up, but I just got out of the medbay and haven’t heard much yet.”

There was no reason to hide anything from him, so Bumblebee replied,

"Well, now with Optimus back to his old self, he was saying something about visiting Cybetron. It seems whatever was ailing him has a connection there. Sounds kinda weird, but I trust Prime, and I've got his back all the way. Me and Alpha want to go for sure. What about you, Trails?"

Bumblebee tried being cheery again, smiling slightly and listening to Rosanna, Trailbreaker, and Alpha Bravo. Alpha didn't seem to have met Trailbreaker before, but it seemed they were off to a good start. It was be good for Alpha Bravo to come out of his "shell" so to speak, and make more friends. Now Bee was even happier to have brought Alpha along to the mess hall. He needed this.

When Trailbreaker mentioned them drinking until they all slurred like Ironhide, Bumblebee thought it was so funny, he accidentally started choking on his drink and the next thing that happened, it came out of his scent receptor, which didn't feel good, but started laughing, naturally, and he replied, "Oh boy....at that rate, I'm gonna have to get some backup for ya'll!" He could see it all now....he'd be the one that'd be left the most sober. But helping to get their afts up off the ground would be another dilemma.

In response to Trailbreaker, Rosanna had asked accusingly,

"Is that something you'd say to his face, 'Trails?"

Bumblebe had to laugh at that too. It was true. Could he say it to his face? Bumblebee couldn't, that's for sure. Trailbreaker laughed at it too, and replied,

“You bet, though I’m fairly certain he’d reply with far worse if given the chance.”

"Damn straight he would.", said Bee, humorously. He was starting to feel really good, and all of his previous worries were drifting away. This was a good group. He was glad now, he'd decided to come here with Alpha Bravo, even though he'd wanted to stay by Optimus' side, he had needed a breather. Now, it seemed well earned and just right.

Trailbreaker continued,

“Nothing beats getting even. Now, you take Sunstreaker or Gears, for example. They’re just as much fun, though Streaker will be more ruthless in his attempt.” He finished with a chuckle. “It’s all about knowing which button to push. Even Bumblebee here will throw out a good one if given the chance.” He winked at Bumblebee in the hope he’d play along.

"Oh yah, I'll tell you what it's all about. Come at me!", Bumblebee said. He drank the rest of his current glass of engex, and he realized he was really getting buzzed. This was a rare occasion for him to be drinking like this, but whatever. It was fun!

"Say Trailbreaker....what have you been up to lately?", Bee asked. He hadn't remembered seeing him on the ship earlier. He'd been absent for Optimus' rampage too, though that was probably a good thing.

"Character? Trailbreaker, we're not Decepticon thugs in a nightclub," laughed Rosanna, "Then again, why is the place called a 'mess hall' without messes?" She laughed more.

Rosanna was having a good time. She needed this. It had gone too long without some good humor and friends to hang out with.

As she slowly made it back to the table, Rosanna set the platter down on it with a light snap against the surface.

She started to think about what Bumblebee had said. He was following his spark by going with Optimus, and so was Alpha Bravo. Why was she so hesitant? Was it that she was worried about it igniting past memories too much? Was she worried about being attacked my known or unknown foes? Was it simply that she was concerned about being forgotten and lagging behind because of her size? She didn't know. All she knew was that it made her anxious to think about.

After Rosanna sat back down and let the others speak for a bit, she finally had the courage to chirp up and say, "Bumblebee.. I'm worried about Optimus tons too. I really want to go. I'm just worried that.. I don't know, since I'm small and inexperienced in combat, I would most likely get in the way. I would be needing help more than giving it I guess, and I don't wanna be like that. Alpha, Bee, you two are just built better for this stuff. I can barely carry a jug without falling over. Plus I'm tiny and hard to keep track of anyway. What would a small femme like me be useful for?"

Mess Hall

Rosanna wrote:"Character? Trailbreaker, we're not Decepticon thugs in a nightclub," laughed Rosanna, "Then again, why is the place called a 'mess hall' without messes?" She laughed more.

Trailbreaker laughed along, pleased he’d decided to come here and unwind a little. “Exactly, Rose. Nothing like adding to the history of a place full of memoires.” Trailbreaker surprised himself at sounding so thoughtful, but was there a reason not to be? Since entering here, his thoughts had been on old absent friends and making new ones. At some point, he would figure out how to marry the two and find peace, but that wouldn’t be until after the war.

If I’m not used for parts by then, he thought, locking the servos operating his faceplate to keep those thoughts private. No point in ruining this for anyone else. Let them enjoy themselves. It was one of the things Trailbreaker loved about being an Autobot: the comradery. He didn’t know, or care, what the Decepticons did to get along, but he doubted it was anything as comfortable or inviting as mechs like Bumblebee, Rosanna, and Alpha Bravo offered. This is what we’re fighting for, really. Moments like this.

Not one to get philosophical, Trailbreaker thought it’d be wise to write that and his previous phrase down at some point. After all, one never knew when their spark would burn out.

Bumblebee wrote: "Well, now with Optimus back to his old self, he was saying something about visiting Cybetron. It seems whatever was ailing him has a connection there. Sounds kinda weird, but I trust Prime, and I've got his back all the way. Me and Alpha want to go for sure. What about you, Trails?"

Trailbreaker set the engex classes he was carrying on the table, making sure Rosanna was okay with the rest before taking his seat again, and mulled over what Bumblebee had said. He hated letting the minibot wait, but he hadn’t wanted to respond across the space between them and the bar. Besides, it gave him the chance to think things through first. Not that he really needed a lot of time.

“Having Prime’s aft is as old a habit as recharging. I couldn’t stop even if he ordered me, so I guess I’m in. Besides, it’ll be good to see our homeworld again.”

How long’s it been? It was a good question, and he would’ve easily lost himself in it if Bumblebee hadn’t gotten his attention again.

Bumblebee wrote:"Say Trailbreaker....what have you been up to lately?"

Trailbreaker had been in the process of ingesting his engex, and had he not had experience in not spitting engex — any form of energon abuse was a crime in his optics — the other side of the table would have been covered in it. Instead, he used it as the perfect opportunity to think of a good reason. Again.

Or am I looking for an excuse?

It had been a conversation he’d rerun through his processor over a thousand times since his repairs following their mission. The only difference was it was rehearsed with Optimus in mind. For what end, he had no idea. He’d performed admirably in the line of duty, or that was what he’d been told. It’s what he was always told, even when he thought he was the reason for a failure. Like Prime coming back and not being there to help?

He pushed the thought aside and finished his swig. Setting the glass down, he shrugged. “Spent time thinking and planning. Some holes in our security have been exposed, and I’ve been working on how to shore it up.”

It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t exactly true, either since shoring it up meant having another mech in his place.

He took another swig as Rosanna asked Bumblebee about her use. You and me both, Rose. You and me both. Bee’s the right one to help you with that. There were times he wondered hos Bumblebee did what he did, given his size. Yet, Bumblebee was considered their weakest member by the Decepticons and even some Autobots.

“Can’t judge a mech by their molding. It’s about the size of their spark that counts,” he mumbled into his glass, unsure if anyone heard him.

[Mess Hall]

Trailbreaker wrote:“I’ve seen you around, but I’ll be scrapped if I can’t remember your name. Sorry about that,”

"Alpha Bravo," he said, smiling, "But you can call me Alpha for short. Sorry to hear about your "melon" being hit." He giggled nervously, hoping that Trailbreaker wouldn't take the joke too hard.

Bumblebee wrote:"That's the spirit!"

Alpha felt his sensors getting into motion. Bumblebee's words had given him that final push of determination. He HAD to go on this mission, no matter what it took. This was his one chance to see... to see his home, once again.

Rosanna wrote:"Bumblebee.. I'm worried about Optimus tons too. I really want to go. I'm just worried that.. I don't know, since I'm small and inexperienced in combat, I would most likely get in the way. I would be needing help more than giving it I guess, and I don't wanna be like that. Alpha, Bee, you two are just built better for this stuff. I can barely carry a jug without falling over. Plus I'm tiny and hard to keep track of anyway. What would a small femme like me be useful for?"

Echoing off of what Trailbreaker said, Alpha responded. "It doesn't matter if you're short or tall, how much you can carry or whether or not you can fight for a lengthy period of time. We're Autobots, and I don't give a frag who you are, so long you're serving our cause." He stood up, making big, energetic arm movements as he spoke, his visor gleaming. "Rosanna, you're a singer. Sing words of hope. Sing words of determination. Sing them loud and clear, so that everyone who hears you knows that the fight isn't over until we've won. No matter whether it's day or night, inside or outside, we won't give up!"

At this point, Alpha had been speaking so loud that the rest of the mess hall fell silent. He froze in embarrassment, but luckily, Warpath, from the other side of the hall, started cheering and clapping. "Whoo yeah! That's some top notch pep talk, chopper dude!" Others joined Warpath, including Overclock, who'd just come out of his mental breakdown. He smiled and clapped lightly for a few seconds.

To Alpha, things had changed. Changed for the better.

Mess Hall

Alpha Bravo wrote: "Alpha Bravo," he said, smiling, "But you can call me Alpha for short. Sorry to hear about your "melon" being hit." He giggled nervously, hoping that Trailbreaker wouldn't take the joke too hard.

Trailbreaker laughed and shook his head. It was rare he met a fellow Autobot with his sense of humor. “Good to know you, Alpha. Call me Trails, if you like.” He paused and knocked on the side of his cranium with his fist. “Thanks, though it takes a lot to dent it. I should know, been sticking in where it’s not supposed to be my whole operational life.”

He chuckled as he swigged back more engex. Not a bad start, and not a bad brew. He refrained from making a show of it like he’d seen humans do by belching or smacking his lips, and set his glass down. “Now that’s the good stuff.”

He was about to get up for a refill when he heard Alpha Bravo encourage Rosanna. When he was finished and several voiced their support, Trailbreaker reached over and clapped Alpha Bravo on the shoulder and smiled. There was nothing he could say to add to it, so he remained quiet.

Looks like these younger ‘Bots are ready to take over. Us old guard better watch out. He finished the thought with a chuckle and stood to get a refill.

Mess Hall

Arbalest took a deep breath, satisfied with the fact that Overclock had overcome his problems. On the other side of the hall, another mech (Alpha Bravo) was giving the singer Rosanna some words of encouragement. Warpath started cheering on for the boost of morale, and naturally, Arbalest joined in. "Well said, friend. We should all hold our heads high, no matter how dire the situation may be."

Main Science Lab

Jetfire continued to pour over the schematics and notes his team had came up with. There was very little hard data to go by since the only known gestalt was Monstructor. He knew they were in dangerous and yet exciting territory. The biggest question still remained is who is all compatible with the procedure. The special teams, by internal design, could work. If one could dare think about it, maybe the Dinobots could work but their internal structure is quite a bit different than the special teams. Considering the intelligence of the Dinobots, they may qualify closer to the commander drone idea. The thought made Jetfire chuckle until he figured Grimlock would grind his face in the ground if Jetfire ever expressed his idea out loud. As it was, Grimlock didn't see the need of his team combining for good reason. They were all destructive on their own. Only good way to see if theory would become reality is to go see how Ironfist was doing over on the ark.

>>Ultra Magnus, I am heading over to the ark to see how Ironfist is doing first hand. I might be able to speed things along as well by giving them a hand.<<

After the message was sent, Jetfire closed the terminal and headed to the bounce chamber.

The Mess Hall

The get together here in the mess hall continued to be delightful to Bumblebee. He had finished his current glass of engex but decided not to pour some more, taking a break. Heck, maybe he was done drinking. It was one thing to be buzzed, it was another to be over-fueled and well...drunk. Bumblebee just wasn't the sort of mech to get himself drunk. He'd remembered he'd done it once back on Cybertron a long time ago, at Blur's bar, but not since the war had started had he even thought about over-indulging. Still, if the others wanted to, the more power to them. As long as everyone was happy and no one got violent, then everything would be alright.

Rosanna, Alpha Bravo, and Trailbreaker were all good company. Bumblebee was listening with a gentle smile on his face, giggling here and there to comments made. The laughter and good cheer was a nice way to get one's thought processor off of the never-ending problems they faced in this war. 'Little times like this are what makes life worth living.', Bee thought.

Then came Trailbreaker's response to his question,

“Spent time thinking and planning. Some holes in our security have been exposed, and I’ve been working on how to shore it up.”

"Ah....I see.", Bumblebee said, pausing before adding, "Well, we sure as the pit don't need any security issues. Since Megatron escaped from us, security should be at top notch. We don't want anyone hacking into our systems....like Soundwave or someone, you know? Those Decepticons are crafty. I bet the security is coming along smoothly though.", he said enthusiastically.

It was then that Rosanna had spoken up, not so cheerily, and with some worry and sadness in her voice, which Bumblebee was empathetic towards,

"Bumblebee.. I'm worried about Optimus tons too. I really want to go. I'm just worried that.. I don't know, since I'm small and inexperienced in combat, I would most likely get in the way. I would be needing help more than giving it I guess, and I don't wanna be like that. Alpha, Bee, you two are just built better for this stuff. I can barely carry a jug without falling over. Plus I'm tiny and hard to keep track of anyway. What would a small femme like me be useful for?"

Bumblebee frowned a bit. He understood how Rosanna felt. He too often felt small and rather useless. He wasn't big or strong like a lot of other Autobots, and he wasn't that fast either. Because he was so nice and can rarely say no to requests, he sometimes felt like he was being taken advantage of, and at other times, he felt that due to his lack of firepower and strength, that he couldn't perform well enough on the battlefield. However, he always seemed to pull through and though he was very small and not much of a fighter, he was still helpful. His communication skills alone had helped the Autobots to befriend many an alien race in attempt to save their planets or colonies, whether they did or not. Also, there was no mistaking his bright little noggin's cognitive ability to think on the best way to go about a risky situation and come out on top, or his skills in scouting and espionage.

Before Bumblebee could utter a word however, the previously timid Alpha Bravo came out of the blue and surprised the little yellow beetle with a heartwarming speech just as good as any the Bumble could give, saying to Rosanna,

"It doesn't matter if you're short or tall, how much you can carry or whether or not you can fight for a lengthy period of time. We're Autobots, and I don't give a frag who you are, so long you're serving our cause." He stood up, making big, energetic arm movements as he spoke, his visor gleaming. "Rosanna, you're a singer. Sing words of hope. Sing words of determination. Sing them loud and clear, so that everyone who hears you knows that the fight isn't over until we've won. No matter whether it's day or night, inside or outside, we won't give up!"

At this, Bumblebee's smile came back, brilliant as ever. He smiled at Rosanna and Alpha, and he cheered, "Yah!!" And with him, others in the room including Warpath, Overclock, and Arbalest cheered and chimed in their own words of encouragement.

"I couldn't have said it better myself Rosanna. Even if you're small, you can still make a big difference. Just do what you do best. It matters a lot!" Bumblebee said. He leaned back in his chair and sighed contentedly, before saying, "You know Rosanna...your voice is really pretty. How do you feel like singing us all a song? One of the ones from your old show, or maybe a new one? Just...I'd really like to hear your voice. Sure we all would.", Bumblebee said. He hoped that she would oblige. It would be a great way for her to feel at top notch too.

Rosanna smiled sheepishly at what Alpha Bravo said, and quietly said, "Thank you.." And after Alpha's speech, the others in the area immediately joined in and cheered. Rosanna hadn't been in the midst of cheering for a long time. In fact, not since the ending of her career in music. Because of this, an odd mix of both nostalgia and shyness crept over her.

"You know Rosanna...your voice is really pretty. How do you feel like singing us all a song? One of the ones from your old show, or maybe a new one? Just...I'd really like to hear your voice. Sure we all would."

Rosanna's spark leapt as Bumblebee said this. If it were possible she would've blushed even pinker than she already was. She hadn't sung in front of mechs for a very long time, so she wasn't sure how well she'd do after so long. But she couldn't just let her friends down after them requesting it. At that, Rosanna browsed her background tracks for songs as she stood up to stand on the small stage. She then turned the microphone on and tested the sound before saying, "This is a song I wrote shortly before the war went into full swing, and it's a song I've never played on stage before. In fact.. I think it's my first time singing it in front of anyone. This is called 'Fight Song'."

Rosanna wrote:

{Instrumental}

{stanza 1}
Please my friend, hold on tight for me
The fire fills the sky with gray
If we stand firm with what we mean
We will see the light of day

{chorus}
(Don't give up!)
This is the only way
And surely someday we'll be okay
(Don't give up!)
Until our final day
Show them that we mean what we convey

(Don't give up!) x 3

{Instrumental}

{stanza 2}

We may have faced some painful times;
We've been hurt in many ways
Though enemies invade our homes
Hope will still be on our face

{chorus} x 2
(Don't give up!)
This is the only way
And surely someday we'll be okay
(Don't give up!)
Until our final day
Show them that we mean what we convey

(Don't give up!) x 5

{Instrumental}

{chorus} x 2
(Don't give up!)
This is the only way
And surely someday we'll be okay
(Don't give up!)
Until our final day
Show them that we mean what we convey

Show them that we mean what we always say

(Don't give up!)

After Rosanna's song ended, she bowed slightly with a smile, and then quietly and shyly made her way back to where she sat previously.

Mess Hall

Bumblebee wrote:"Ah....I see.", Bumblebee said, pausing before adding, "Well, we sure as the pit don't need any security issues. Since Megatron escaped from us, security should be at top notch. We don't want anyone hacking into our systems....like Soundwave or someone, you know? Those Decepticons are crafty. I bet the security is coming along smoothly though.", he said enthusiastically.

Trailbreaker nodded and his smile faded somewhat. “Yeah, good old Megatron getting away was something we didn’t need, but everything should be up to snuff now. You know me, I never stop worrying,” he said with a chuckle. It was the best way he could think of to sound optimistic. He had complete faith in Kup and the others, it was himself he had concerns about, but he’d shared those sentiments enough times to know what the others would say.

So much for an outdated mech not learning new tricks, ain’t it? He chuckled at the thought, then shook his head. “I tell you what, Bee, between him and Optimus, we had our capabilities tested thoroughly… but we’re good to go. We’ll get them next time. Bet your spark on that,” he added with a smile.

Rosanna wrote:"This is a song I wrote shortly before the war went into full swing, and it's a song I've never played on stage before. In fact.. I think it's my first time singing it in front of anyone. This is called 'Fight Song'."

Perfect timing, Trailbreaker thought as he set down his glass to listen.

As the melodies flowed, carrying her lyrics into the mess hall, he couldn’t help but smile and nod along to the beat. She’s a far better mech than I am. Wonder how she remains so positive.

The thought brought a few other memories back of times when he and the others had been ready to cash in and become one and somehow survived. Sure, luck had been involved, but their resolve had proven greater than the Decepticons time and again. The fact his fellow ‘Bots had refused to allow him to perish as he covered their afts during a retreat was all the proof he needed of that.

Perhaps, it was enough.

Perhaps, this was what he and the others needed to hear.

He’d become lost in his thoughts as Rosanna continued to sing, enjoying the feelings she brought out of him.

When she finished, he was the first to applaud her. Words failed him, so he simply smiled. Looks like we have a secret weapon, after all.

Mess Hall

Pinpoint bid Rook a goodbye, not wishing for her drinking partner to depart, but resigned to it nonetheless. Her spirits lifted as she watched the small pink bot sing, a smile forming on her faceplate. She paid for her drink and maneuvered to where Rosanna and her group, limping slightly from the injury she'd incurred in Hawaii.

The pearl white sniper took a seat near the group and addressed Rosanna. "That was amazing! You sang before the war?"

Corridors Outside Brig

Despite not being in a cell herself, Groundbomber felt caged. What good was she, a warrior, without war to fight? The large crimson and gray femme aimlessly paced in front of the opening to the brig, rifle in hand.

Finally, the brig opened and Kup strode out. With a lack of noise that belied her large size, Groundbomber matched his pace and took up position behind the much older bot.

"Sir, if you don't mind my asking, where you are you going?"

The Mess Hall

Yeah, good old Megatron getting away was something we didn’t need, but everything should be up to snuff now. You know me, I never stop worrying,”

Bumblebee giggled too and replied, "Yah, sometimes you worry a bit too much. But...I guess that means you're the right guy for the job, since you probably meticulously check everything you're working on. That's something I wish Wheeljack would do more often.", he added. 'If Wheeljack double checked his experimental devices more often, maybe they'd blow up a little less.', he thought to himself with a chuckle. Trailbreaker seemed to be doing fine though along with the others in the security field, so hopefully that was improved.

“I tell you what, Bee, between him and Optimus, we had our capabilities tested thoroughly… but we’re good to go. We’ll get them next time. Bet your spark on that,”

"Yah. It won't be easy though.", the yellow beetle commented, referring to Megatron. Perhaps the only one who could really detain him was Optimus. Now that Optimus was back to his old self, things around here would surely improve a lot. If another strange rampage occurred, he wasn't sure what they would have to do. He didn't want to think about that possibility though. The sooner they found out what had caused it in the first place, the better. That way they could stop it from happening again.

On a much nicer note (literally), Rosanna had seemed so moved by Alpha Bravo's speech and Bumblebee's suggestion, that she got up and went to the little stage, grabbed a mic, and started singing. Bee relaxed himself, leaning back in his chair and just focusing on the words and the music. It was a nice, uplifting song, full of energy and emotion. You wouldn't have even been able to tell that just previously, she had been feeling depressed. Yep, she was all better now, and singing like the little songbird that she was, moving the Autobots to keep positive.

When she was done with her song, everyone including Bee clapped and cheered. It'd been a while since someone had sung anything on stage, and that was perhaps the best performance he had heard of that he could remember. As she came back to the table to sit with the group, Bee told her, "Wonderful song, Rosanna. I feel quite invigorated."

Then, yet another newcomer came to the group and had a seat at the table, the white Lamborghini bot and sharpshooter, Pinpoint. "Hello there Pinpoint. Great time to join us.", the little VW bot greeted her.

Mess Hall

Bumblebee wrote: "Yah, sometimes you worry a bit too much. But...I guess that means you're the right guy for the job, since you probably meticulously check everything you're working on. That's something I wish Wheeljack would do more often."

Trailbreaker knew that was coming, but he still appreciated it. Nodding and smiling at Bumblebee, he couldn’t help but laugh. “If Wheeljack worried more Ratchet and the medics would lose their job security.” Knowing he was inadvertently deflecting, he tried to spin it so his comment was taken as the joke it was meant to be. “I suppose it’s something that’s mandatory in security. Sometimes, I wonder what things would be like if we weren’t so paranoid. Probably have too much time on our hands.”

Deflected again. I’m getting so good I don’t even realize I’m doing it. That can’t be healthy. Maybe I should pay Ratchet another visit. He won’t be too happy to see me so soon after my repairs. The thought brought another chuckle and he took another swig on the engex. Smacking his lips, he eyed the nearly empty glass. “Good stuff. Too good. I’m about ready for another.”

Between good drinking buddies and Rosanna’s song, this was turning out to be a pretty good experience. Now all he needed was a cask of the engex and he’d be set for the night.

Bumblebee wrote:"Hello there Pinpoint. Great time to join us."

Or course, he had never been one to rush to leave good company before, so he wasn’t going to start now. Besides, he didn’t remember meeting Pinpoint before. Unless the engex was already going to his processor.

With that in mind, and remembering he promised to buy Rosanna a drink earlier, so he pushed up from the table, and after taking a moment to make sure he wasn’t swaying, headed for the bar to buy his promised round for the table, including the newcomer. And is Pinpoint decided not to join them, it was just more for him to enjoy.