The Energon Pub

Medical Bay – Private Room

"Megatron? He's....he's here Optimus. Ultra Magnus and Prowl have him secured. I have to make sure he-"

Optimus frowned. Megatron was here? That didn’t make any sense. He was…was…Optimus covered his face with his hand, trying to organize his scattered mind. Why was it so difficult to collect his thoughts? The more he dug for clarity, the more memories that rose to the surface that provided him with multiple choice answers for how this particular situation arose.

Frustrated, Optimus cast his optics to anything that could give him an anchor. He sighted it after a moment’s search. There was a hole in the wall, scorched in a way very similar to his own blaster. The tide of memories came rushing back to him, something to give him some clarity. What was wrong with him…?

Prime shook his head to clear it.

"Rewind? I didn't call him or anything.”

“Rewind?” Optimus asked, having been a bit sidetract.

"But the little guy is more than welcome. This is definitely an occasion the little dude should have for his archives! Megs in custody and the big 'Bot himself returning from the unknown! Yeah, let'im in!"

The Prime’s expression softened as the door slid open to admit the archivist, a mech who had very enthusiastically chronicled much of his life thus far. Rewind jerked back, a little startled from the door abruptly opening. He stepped inside somewhat tentatively, looking at Kup curiously as the older mech mentioned some kind of good news.

“New? What do you-“

Rewind stopped dead in his tracks as the door slid shut behind him, his optics as round as disk. “I-Is that…?!”

“Good to see you again, Rewind,” Optimus greeted with a slight nod of his head.

Rewind looked to Optimus, still hardly believing his optics. His gaze moved to Kup, then Jazz, then back to the Prime on the medical slab again. Rewind turned back to Kup. “This is real right? Tell me this is real, Kup. Please.”

Rewind glanced to Optimus again. “I’m not hallucinating, right? I just got my head reattached so I want to be sure. Optimus is sitting over there,” Rewind pointed to the Prime, “Right there, right?”

Outer Hull

Sky Lynx had settled down atop the Guardian after having been asked to wait. While it did grind on his patience just how long he had been made to wait, he knew Magnus would not do so without reason. It simply was not the type of mech that Magnus was. But, when his reply did come, Sky Lynx breathed a sigh of relief. It had taken all his strength not to grate his claws against the hull with impatience.

"My apologies for the delay in my response Sky Lynx. Frankly my hand have been rather full over the last several breems... as you can imagine. To address your initial concern. I am fully aware of Grimlock's actions, and have taken punitive actions and recourse accordingly. While initially unauthorized, the transfer of the Trion was already on the docket of items that was going to happen in due course regardless of the Dinobots activities."

>>”Well, I suppose as long as measures have been taken and the situation with Grimlock is not being ignored…Then I am content for now to let it be.”<<

Ah, but what now? Sky Lynx had given a rather dogged pursuit of the Dinobots across systems. To return to Cas Collar now seemed like something of a waste even though his presence there was surely being missed. Who else could command such a prestigious shipyard? Even though Sky Lynx had left the chief engineer in charge, he was not perfect. How could he be? He wasn’t Sky Lynx after all. It was the sound of Magnus’s voice that pulled the lieutenant out of his musings.

"Sky Lynx. Now that you are in system, I require your... specialized talents for a little while. A few hours ago I dispatched Springer on board my personal combat shuttle the Longevity. Their mission wasn't especially difficult, a simple weapon's test. However, they are a touch overdue with their last status report. I want you to locate the Longevity and render whatever assistance is necessary. Their weapon's test must not be interrupted by the Decepticons."

>>”Hm…this I will do. Very well, Magnus, I will be off.”<< Sky Lynx said, alighting from the hull of the Guardian with all the grace and majesty that he could muster – even if there was no one around to witness his glory. Whirling about, he flew off away from the blue planet designated Sol-3 and ventured out into the stars, scanning for the signal of an Autobot shuttle.

Medical Bay

Worthless... That's what you'll always be.

Who-Who said that?!

Worthless when you served a higher power, worthless before then, and when this petty squabble you call a war is over, you'll be even more worthless...

Wait, who's saying this?!

Hardhead's visor lit back up with life with a bright sky-blue gleam as the warrior found himself encompassed inside a CR chamber. The machine recognized his revitalizing activity and immediately drained the blue fluid before the hatch hissed open, throwing the former herald of the Fallen out into the med bay. Hardhead's reaction timing was a bit off, not able to fully catch himself from collapsing faceplate-first onto the ground floor. He weakly pushed himself up before his mouthplate slid back to allow the green and yellow Autobot to upchuck a small pile of the CR fluid that he ingested while unconscious. With the last coughing fit over, the green tank-former rolled himself over, noticing a sharp pain in his neck servos while his optics adjusted to the light once more.

"Hot Rod..." Hardhead weakly muttered before trying to rise to his feet, "Hex... Where are-what the frag happened..."

Medical Bay - Private Room

Jazz couldn't help but chuckle at the cassettebot's disbelief at seeing Optimus Prime once again. The little guy was totally shocked, one could practically see all hope returning to his little blue optics. If this was the effect it had one 'Bot, Jazz couldn't even begin to imagine all the kinds of good news of Prime's return would bring.

"If you're hallucinating, then we all must be having the same kind of fever-dream." Jazz replied to Rewind's many inquires, "But I'm glad to say this dream ain't fictitious. That's the real deal himself! In the metal!"

"Besides, big red here was too heavy to carry by myself to be any kind of hallucination." The black and white specialist followed up as he tapped the Red and Blue Autobot leader's shoulder plating, the soft clang of two metals hitting to further prove the Prime was a solid entity in the room.

Medical Bay

Hot Rod remained seated with his head down, staring at the floor. Some of the others tried to convince him that what had happened with the Fallen wasn’t his fault. However, deep inside he felt otherwise. Hot Rod hadn’t been strong enough to fight off the dark spark of the fiery demigod and as a result a lot of mechs on both sides of the war suffered the consequences. And while the cavalier wasn’t so concerned about the ‘Con side, the Autobot side was another matter. Many of his comrades were badly injured or worse during the conflict. Hot Rod had seen the damage the Fallen had done but was powerless to stop it.

If I had only been stronger, Hot Rod thought to himself as Clocker and Cliffjumper tried to cheer him up, the first liking his new appearance while the latter joked about Arcee. The cavalier didn’t laugh, though. He managed a slight smile at the two mechs, but he still didn’t laugh. Hot Rod couldn’t when so many of his friends had been hurt because of his weakness. Why should he find any joy when others are in pain? It didn’t seem right or fair.

It was all your fault, child. You were weak. You were a failure! The Fallen’s voice echoed through his cranium even though the dark spark was no longer inside him.

“No....” Hot Rod muttered quietly to himself as he gripped both sides of his head with his hands. Get out of my head. You’re gone. We defeated you! The cavalier shouted internally, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted by Blurr’s vocals, saying that they should go see who was in the private room. Without waiting, the blue speedster took off across the med bay and promptly lost his balance before half crashing into a wall. This elicited a slight chuckle from Hot Rod who lowered both hands and slowly got to his feet.

“Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt to have a look,” the flame-covered mech said quietly as he took several steps towards the crowd that had assembled all around the locked doorway. As he approached, he could hear bits and pieces of the conversations of the other ‘bots. The name Prime was uttered more than once, even by Blurr, himself. Clocker and Cliffjumper were there now, too, seemingly as excited as the rest. “Prime?” Hot Rod asked as he reached the crowd and overheard another mech telling Blurr that someone saw Optimus being brought in earlier. “You mean Optimus is here? Is he alive!? Is he okay?”

Before anyone could answer, Hot Rod noticed Rewind going up to the locked door of the private room and knocking. Moments later, to his surprise, it opened and the cassettebot stepped inside before the door began to close again. Pushing through the small gathering, the cavalier quickly reached the door just in time to catch a brief glimpse of Optimus sitting on a med berth inside as the door shut and automatically locked once more. “It was him! Optimus is in there!” Hot Rod looked over at Blurr and the others in shock. “He’s alive! He was sitting up!”

The cavalier returned his attention to the door, raising one fist up to knock but then quickly lowering it again. They would likely have let him in just like Rewind, but what would he say to Prime? Hot Rod had just been the host for a fiery demigod that wanted to destroy the entirety of the Cybertronian race. He had indirectly caused, through his own weakness, the pain and suffering of countless Autobots and the deaths of many others. What would Optimus think of that? What would he think of the cavalier who had so often in the past been reckless with his actions and thought of no one but himself? Would Prime chastise him? Would he berate him for being weak? Would he be understanding on the outside while internally judging Hot Rod?

“I can’t go in there,” the cavalier said in a defeated tone, backing away from the door. Hot Rod lowered his optics, not wanting to look anyone in the faceplate. He moved away from the crowd, stumbling forward before catching himself on a nearby table. “I can’t. I can’t do it. I’m not worthy of being in Prime’s presence.”

No, you’re not. You’re not even worthy of being in mine. You are weak and pathetic! You’re spark is tainted, child, by the darkness that I left there. Prime will never accept you for what you are now and forever will be!

Shut up! You’re not here! You’re not real anymore!

Are you sure?

No... Hot Rod thought as he heard his name coming from somewhere nearby. It wasn’t the Fallen’s voice this time, it was another. It was real.

“Hardhead?” The cavalier looked over and saw the green warrior lying on his back, trying to get up. The former herald had just woken from a stint in a CR chamber after having lost his head in Uluru and was clearly confused, asking what had happened. Hot Rod moved over to the veteran’s side and knelt down. “Take it easy. You’re on the Guardian. The Fallen has been defeated. Prowl ripped his dark spark from my body with a spark extractor. You and the other heralds are now free of the Fallen’s influence.” Hot Rod paused for a moment to let what he just said sink in. “And I seem to be back to normal, as well. Or at least as normal as I can be all things considered. I don’t feel the same though. I don’t think I ever will again.”

Hot Rod’s words trailed off as he let out a deep sigh. “But, anyway, let me help you up, Hardhead,” the cavalier said as he stood up and extended his hand down towards the green soldier.

Bounce Chamber

Where the slag is Hot Spot?, Blades thought to himself. We've been standing here for an hour!
Blades and the rest of the Protectobots had been summoned by Jetfire to the Autobot Frigate Guardian’s Bounce Chamber. Jetfire was to take a team to visit the Trion, while the Protectobots were waiting for Hot Spot so they could teleport to the Ark-22.

*Blades turns to the other Protectobots* “Any of you guys heard from him? He better get here soon, I’m getting bored.”

Now that I think about it, why are we going to the Ark-22 to meet with the Aerialbots in the first place?, he mused. Maybe it has something to do with that combination technology Jetfire and his techheads were talking about. If we're going to become a combiner, what will they call it? Hope it's not something stupid.

Bounce Chamber:

"Blades, for I know, Hot Spot is off on some recon mission or something," said Streetwise. He felt a feeling he was used to in his abdominal region that he was not used to feeling. He figured it was impatience getting the best of him.

"I hope they show up soon. This has got to be very important for us to have gotten called from our important work to be sitting in a room waiting. I have a gut feeling however that it might be more to it than just a simple talk."

Streetwise got up off of the bench he was sitting on and paced back and forth in an almost hypnotizing manner for the other Protectobots, as he contemplated a few things he had kept in the back of his mind while working on other things before coming here.

"I seem to recall some talking about some experiment with the Arielbots. I can only guess that it is related to this new combiner technology... or old technology, depending on how you look at it."

Streetwise rested his hand on one of the walls with his legs crossed to avoid making his team-mates complain about him making them dizzy with his circular pacing motion.

"So fellas, what's up with all of you?" asked Streetwise, trying to make conversation.

Medical Bay:

"Roddy..." Cliffjumper started to try and talk to Hot Rod before the flamed race-car walked off. Cliff thought to himself, I really hope he's alright. He's not been himself. He almost seems to be still fighting something.

Cliffjumper went to the door wondering if he should knock. He wasn't as close to Optimus as Bumblebee was, but he still was overjoyed to hear that the old Prime was alright.

Cliff then said to himself, "ahh what's the worse that could happen. Rewind was let in, so why not me?"

Cliffjumper then knocked on the door a couple times. If they were to not respond, he decided he would not bother them. He got a bit of a glimpse of Bee in there however, so if they were to let him in, he could also catch up a bit with Bee on what's up with him.

---

Clocker heard Hot Rod speak the news, and he jumped with joy, "Yes! I was right!"

When Hot Rod refused to knock on the door however, Clocker couldn't help but notice. Hot Rod walked off with a look of shame on his face. Why? What did he do wrong?

Clocker decided to let Cliffjumper knock on the door while he go over and talk to Hot Rod, and the newly woken up Hardhead.

"Hey Hardhead! How are you feeling?" asked Clocker.

(OOC: I've been NPCing Streetwise, Blades, and Groove until Streetwise and Blades found new owners which I'm quite happy. If allowed, I'll continue to NPC Groove to keep things going.)

Bounce Chamber

Groove looked at Streetwise as he paced the bounce chamber.

"I don't know about this combiner technology. All I know is to wait for First Aid and Ironfist. Maybe they'll explain this whole thing. I do agree this does seem rather odd to pull us off bridge duty even if things were rather slow. As for the Ark, who knows what we'll be doing over there. If the Aerialbots are involved, it would be real strange if somehow we could combine into a gestalt with them. Don't take this wrong but being literally connected to each of you would be real strange and a bit uneasy. One thing I do bet on is Hot Spot will have his day on the examination table once he gets back from his mission."

Bounce Chamber:

"Combining with Arielbots? That's highly unlikely," said Streetwise, "I however have no problem with combining with just each-other as a Protectobot combiner however. If our minds merge successfully; unlike how I observed Devastator to be; I think we would all feel perfectly fine as a giant gestalt."

Streetwise walked over and sat down again with one leg crossed over the other and said, "Well, do the rest of you have anything to say?" As a cop, Streetwise; no matter who he was talking to, he seemed to always feel it was necessary to interview everyone to get all sides of the story to try and reach a rational conclusion.

Bounce Chamber

"As long as I get to be the arm that punches Devastator across the face, then I'm completely fine with it", Blades gleefully responded as he rubbed his hands together. "They better make it so I can use my helicopter rotors as a buzzsaw".

"And yeah, a combiner made of us would be a lot better than Devastator. I mean, the Decepticons all hate each other, so all the combiners they could ever make would probably be insane."

Bounce Chamber:

Streetwise butted in to bring rationality to what Blades had said, "Rotor blades as a buzz-saw is something that only works in those petroleum toys made by humans, Blades. Rotor Blades cannot cut metal and still be able to hold a Bot in the air for flight. They have to be made of some sort of stronger material, and the only ones I can think of are entirely too heavy for flight."

Streetwise then put a slight smile on his face and said, "However; responding to your first statement Blades; I would love to get a good glitch slap in on the green trucker myself, however I figure I would be better suited as a leg so I can be the first to kick Devastator in his proverbial central orbs."

Bounce Chamber:

"Way to be a killjoy, Streetwise", Blades replied. "And besides, I'm sure they'll find some way to make it possible."

"As for your second statement, I'd hate to be Devastator when we get to him. We'll give him such a good beating that the big lug won't know what hit him".

Medical Bay

The whispers had subsided as the warrior struggled to regain his composure, only to find no anvil in doing so. The hot-headed cavalier extended his hand out to Hardhead, offering assistance to the fumbling tank-former. Hardhead's green actuators wrapped around Hot Rod's extended hand and used his leverage to help rise to his feet.

"Well that's... Something I guess." The tank-former replied as he regained his balance. "Thanks."

"Hey Hardhead! How you feeling?" Clocker asked. The green and yellow tank former looked down at the smaller mech as a wave of confusion ran through his processor once more.

"Foggy." He quickly stated, "But not enough to keep me down. They don't call me Hardhead just for any reason, ya know."

"So what are to do now? I doubt were able to go far but I'm not willing to sit around and wait for an detailed examination. We got cons to bash!"

Medical Bay-–Private Room

Once Rewind had agreed to come inside, Kup just stood back and watched, letting the archivist find out for himself what he was walking in to. His reaction definitely didn't disappoint.

“This is real right? Tell me this is real, Kup. Please. I’m not hallucinating, right? I just got my head reattached so I want to be sure. Optimus is sitting over there. Right there, right?”

"Ha!" Kup barked. Jazz confirmed that what rewind was seeing was real, Kup just added to it. "Yep, lad. As real as I am."

Kup cleared his vocalizer slightly.

"I was actually, uh, just on the way to check on our other 'guest', but I had to see it for myself, just like you lad. Optimus Prime, alive 'n well."

Kup then looked back over at the security monitors as there was another knock outside.

"I think we're draw in' a crowd here."

Medical Bay:

"Well for starters, we could all rejoice that Optimus is still alive and kicking," said Clocker to the newly awoken Hardhead.

"Another thing to be glad about is the fact that the Fallen is demolished. That wicked blastard."

Clocker sat down on the floor and rested the back of his head against the CR chamber than Hardhead had just awoken out of, "For a cybernetic, I am still feeling a bit sleepy myself."

Bounce Chamber

Ironfist waited at the edge of the chamber threshold, leaning lightly against the bulkhead with his arms folded across his armor... his features hidden by a deliberately dimmed illumination rod. His materials had already been transported to Wheeljack's laboratory, along with the relevant data and theories produced by the initial Project's meetings... being effectively downloaded to a secured hard drive on board the Ark. Thus, as he waited for the drones and service technicians to install various pieces of equipment within the Ark's medical facilities, as well as engineering decks, the weapons designer and chief engineer of the medical frigate Guardian, decided it was time to begin his testing of potential candidates early.

Thus he remained, relatively hidden, listening to the banter of the three Protectobot operatives that had been summoned... partially against his own judgement, as the engineer wanted a more moderate pool to test for the specific CNA sequence or link that would possibly determine compatibility. Unfortunately, he had been overruled and given orders. Still as he observed the three search and rescue specialists, Ironfist began to realize that even after all of the vorns of working with them, they had a connection that seemed beyond the structural. Perhaps there was something to subscribe to with regards to mental compatibility in how a combined entity may develop. Again, that was merely speculation at this juncture and would require more time to explore and develop... Hence the testing on board the 22.

Finally, after a breem or so of listening to their banter, Ironfist pushed himself off of the bulkhead and stepped into the light. His stocky figure casting an imposing shadow upon the trio. "Good to see you three have your speculations," he started as he silently ordered them to take their places on the bounce pads. "First Aid will catch up with us when he is finished with his own supply gathering tasks. In the interim, try to suspend speculation of the purpose of your current reassignment until after the briefing has been held. I would prefer to discuss this in mass with other members of our... team."

He cast a withering glare at Streetwise, knowing the team's executive officer was rare to speculate without concrete evidence. Though Ironfist was also well aware that their supposition was almost entirely on the energon credit. "We're running behind schedule so let us be off then. Upon boarding the Ark, we are to head to the Main Mess Hall for briefing and quarters assignments upon completion."

The engineer only required a confirmation via a silent nod from each of the three Protectobots before he triggered the activation timer on the bounce control. He stepped around the control panel and boarded the lead pad. Familiar tingling tugged at his actuators as the powerful confinement beams locked him into place and began to deconstruct him and his compatriots.

As the light faded, he and the Protectobots were gone from the Guardian.

Bounce Chamber:

"Well Blades, you know it is quite possible that we are not going to be getting a combiner mode anytime soon. Project Superion is what's the big focus right now. I like a good ol dose of speculation, but only when I am busy waiting for something to happen. The most likely course of action is something along the lines of the Arielbots being the guinea pigs, and then us just having their tech copied over to our bodies with a few tweaks. You know how much of a heaping mess of madness Devastator was..."

Then, almost as if it was scripted, or even as if Ironfist was EAVESDROPPING, the weapons engineer entered the room with a slightly odd tone to his voice; something that Streetwise would keep in the back of his mind for reference later. Streetwise was not the type to even trust bots of his own faction completely if they presented an abnormal action or reaction. Everyone was fair game in Streetwise's mind. Even his superiors.

Streetwise decided to not speak, but obverse for a bit until he had gathered enough information he felt was necessary. Most Bots think he's giving the silent treatment, but as a cop he always has had a great knowledge of how slight tone variations and word choices can scream what is unseen to the naked optic. Still, he decided more information was to be seen on the other side. No time for questions. Streetwise decided to enter the bounce pad and be peaceful about it.

Medical Bay: Outside Private Chambers

Thank you, Sky Lynx. Take care, was the coded response that left Ultra Magnus' communication array as he felt the tremor reverberate through the hull and decks plates of the medical ship. Quietly, he wondered what had happened to his subordinates, particularly given the questionable choices Springer had made in assigning the troublesome twins to the experiment. Trouble seemed to follow those two no matter where they were assigned... on the bright side however, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were no longer in his circuits driving him or his fellow officers out the nearest airlock.

Ultra Magnus stepped off the secured medical lift onto the second level of the medical ward... away from the operation wards and isolation chambers. Isolated enough from the recently injured that provided an opportunity for the repaired to convalesces in relative peace. He stopped at the first door on the level, occupied by a red and cobalt Bombardier... who's name Magnus only vaguely recalled as Long Tom. Appropriate given his alternative form consisted of a powerful howitzer type gun emplacement.

The artillery piece was barely awake and attached to portable life support terminals plugged into his chest and various ports along the shoulders. Magnus approached the wounded warrior and knelt down next to the medical slab. A brief touch on the side record terminal updated the Supreme Commander with the relevant data regarding the patient before him. Quietly he remained there for a few moments, occasionally punctuating the silence with a few directed inspirational questions and comments. Encouraging the warrior to recover quickly and well.

As the attendant entered the chamber, a younger model medical assistant drone, Magnus' attention was quickly shifted. He thanked the younger howitzer-former for his service and wished him speedy recovery... he also cursed the battle in Australia for causing such wanton and needless destruction. The attendant began to check the power supply and nanite medium that was being slowly dripped into the warrior via the shoulder linkages. "When the time comes for this mechanism's transfer, I want him sent to the Alpha City site." He pulled himself up and then looked down at the gunner. "Anyone else who qualifies has earned a respite at the Alpha City site."

The attendant acknowledged the order and forwarded the request/order to the chief medical officer, Ratchet. It then resumed its work, carefully squeezing in between the Massive Autobot and the wounded patient. Magnus did not take offense and instead deemed it time to make his exit. And thus it was repeated through the next five to ten chambers, checking on the wounded troops and reassuring them... thanking them for their sacrifices and valiant service. He promised their injuries were not in vain, though behind the words he wondered. Each patient he visited appeared to have their spirits lifted if even marginally.

Magnus finally made his wait to the top of the deck, closest to starboard prow of the vessel. Reserved for the more high profile of injured officer. It was here that hesitated as a soft wave of glad voices began to filter through the re-purposed air currents from the life support systems. All of them recognizable, most of them overjoyed... with a tint of concern or caution nary to be found.

Ultra Magnus decided to halt his advance and lean back against the bulkhead around the bend, out of direct line of sight from the opened doors. He folded his arms over his broad chest and listened to the joyous reunion of faithful soldiers and friends with a newly revived icon. But something else hampered the scene, a faint and almost imperceptible scent of burnt metallic alloy triggered some cautionary alarm in the back of his processor. Still he listened, his shoulder barely visible to those who exited the chamber, listened and waited for his chance to finally greet his brother lost and found.

Med Bay – Private Room

Optimus watched with some weary amusement at the archivist’s reaction to his being there. He supposed there was much more of that to come. He glanced to Jazz as the special operative tapped his shoulder plating to merely confirm that he was real. If only it were that simple for him. Everything felt real. Seemed real. Was real? That he could not know.

“I can’t believe it…” Rewind muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “Do people know about this? I didn’t! Do people not know that Prime is back? We have to tell them!”

"I was actually, uh, just on the way to check on our other 'guest', but I had to see it for myself, just like you lad. Optimus Prime, alive 'n well."

The mention of another guest made Rewind pause for a moment, glancing at Kup curiously. “Other guest…?”

Optimus’s optics narrowed imperceptibly at the mention of the other guest. Kup likely meant Megatron. Meaning…meaning what? The old soldier had confirmed the Decepticon warlord’s presence. But it mattered little unless Optimus could confirm it with his own optics. Megatron, at least, had been something of a constant throughout whatever these…warped realities were. It left something of a bitter taste in his mouth that he could more easily trust the actuality of Megatron than that of those friends and comrades standing before him now.

Another knock on the door drew his attention toward the exterior door, seeing yet another who wanted to see him. If Megatron were being housed here, the more visitors to this section of the medical bay, the more at risk Megatron was of discovery. If the Autobots did not yet know that he had returned, the lack of knowledge of Megatron’s captivity was a given.

While Optimus was fond of transparency amongst the Autobots, there was a time and place for secrecy. A captive Megatron certainly constituted such. Though…he wondered who had taken command in his absence. He had a guess. Something in his spark perhaps. He could be wrong. Prime looked to Jazz, Kup, and the others.

“Then perhaps I should go greet them. But…first, is Ultra Magnus present in this sector?” he asked.

Medical Bay

Blurr was, in a rare moment, stricken speechless at the news Hot Rod had just shared with everyone in the vicinity. Optimus…Optimus was alive? Alive? But. He was. Blurr leaned against the wall in shock. It was…great news. Fantastic news actually. The best news he’d heard in a long time. But it was…kinda hard to process. Weird, considering how quickly he seemed to process things. He just couldn’t believe it. He believed Hot Rod, of course! But…It was something…that he had to see.

But something else caught his optic. Hot Rod stumbling away from the door, muttering something about not being worthy. He glanced toward the door, seeing that Cliffjumper had gone to knock on it. If Prime was in there, it was for a good reason. Best to let the big guy recover from whatever scrap he’d been going through. Besides, Hot Rod needed some company. Blurr was happy to be it.

Blurr followed Hot Rod as the cavalier made his way over to Hardhead. The reunion between the two gave Blurr a brief pause. But then, he shook his head, chiding himself mentally for allowing himself to doubt those two. They’d just been through the Pit. The last thing they needed were skeptics and doubts.

The currently-not-quite-a-speedster finally managed to make his way over to the others in time to see Hardhead get helped up.

"So what are to do now? I doubt were able to go far but I'm not willing to sit around and wait for an detailed examination. We got cons to bash!"

Same old Hardhead. Like nothing happened.

"Well for starters, we could all rejoice that Optimus is still alive and kicking," said Clocker to the newly awoken Hardhead.

"Another thing to be glad about is the fact that the Fallen is demolished. That wicked blastard."

Blurr’s optics bulged a little and he moved over to Clocker, delivering a sharp nudge to the Autobot’s side. “Everyone’s doing pretty okay, considering,” Blurr said cheerily with a strained grin. “Asforwhattodo…Well, I knowthere’s some construction goingon thesurface. Some kindacity. Prowl just leftfor some assignment too. Notsure what else has been goingon. I’ve beencoopedup here since waking up. Could really go for some energon. Any one up for that?”

Blurr asked everyone, looking specifically, however, at Hot Rod.

Medical Bay:

The meek Autobot Clocker decided to answer, "I am not normally a huge intoxicated energon drinker, but considering the circumstances Blurr, I might as well."

As the blue and orange Autobot always was, he was concerned still about what was going on. If Optimus Prime survived, what's to say Megatron didn't also? It was a weird but, perhaps important thing to think about.

Clocker also was concerned that Hot Rod; the once cheery Autobot flamester himself, might have permanent traumatic damage in his mind after the whole Fallen thing. What if he never recovers? Na we have to think of the bright side. Hopefully friendly actions towards him will clear his head some and make him more aware of reality. A couple things for the little Autobot's mind to consider.

Medical Bay

Velocity was milling about the medical bay, doing what she could to tend the injured patients. Ratchet had gone off and disappeared. She was sure one of the other medics would know where he was. He was likely doing something important and didn’t need distractions anyhow. She finished patching up her current patient with a soft sigh and a warm smile, patting them on the shoulder lightly.

“All done. Just take it easy for a while.”

Wiping her hands clean of energon with a cleaning cloth, Velocity stood straight and surveyed the medical bay with a gentle huff. Where to next? Her amber optics caught sight of a Hardhead on the floor. She made her way over briskly to him, but some others beat her to the punch. Others being Hot Rod, the recently possessed, Blurr, the recently diseased, and some other bot whose name she couldn’t remember off of the top of her head.

“Hardhead, what’s going on? Are you alright?” Velocity asked, concern clear in her tone and body language. Her gaze shifted to Hot Rod. “I didn’t know you were awake already, Hot Rod. Has anyone given you an examination? What about you, Hardhead?”

Corridors En-Route to the Med Bay

His nose still hurt, but then he only just had it repaired. Reaching up Axle rubbed it lightly. Behind him Hex slowly followed as they made their way towards the med bay.

It took a while but he was able to convince his ward that accompanying him back to the facility would be in both of their best interests….of course telling Hex he’d not be performing the deep brain scan was a plus in getting the younger mech to agree.

He was worried, however, at what Hex eventually confessed to him.

- Several Breems Before –

“I know you’re in there, Hex. You can’t hide from me forever.” Axle knocked on the wall beside the ventilation shaft.

“I can try!” came a curt response. “Now go the hell away!”

That elicited a small smirk from the former surgeon, but it quickly faded as she let out a low sigh and leaned against the wall. “I’m not going to stop hounding you so you may as well come out now and talk.”

Silence.

“Alright. But I’ll be back soon.” Axle pushed off from the wall and started back down the corridor. He kept at a leisurely pace as though he knew what was coming.

He wasn’t half way down when he heard the light clang of feet hitting the steel floor. The smirk came back, but he kept up his pace.

“I liked it.”

That statement made Axle stop in his tracks and turn around slowly. “You liked what, Hex?”
The young mech quickly looked to the floor before he looked back up, shrugged his shoulders and lifted his arms slightly. “All of it. The power. The look in their eyes when they saw me coming…I liked it all.”

- Now –

That admission kept rolling around Axle’s thoughts as they entered the med bay. Hopefully those feeling…would be purged and forgetting about. Of course that was just simple wishful thinking. Hex was confused and, he wouldn’t admit it, scared.

Med Bay

The door slid shut behind both mechs and Axle pointed to an empty slab. “Why don’t you have a seat there. You can get some rest if you like.” He gently guided Hex to the location. “I’ve some things to get back to, so don’t go off without letting me know, alright?”

Hex let his guardian point him in the direction of the slab and nodded his agreement to “behave” while Axle was busy.

He was just about to hop up onto the slab when something caught his eye…actually it was a someONE. Hex started towards the small group that had assembled around Hot Rod, but he paid little attention to any of them.

Without hesitation Hex pushed through the small crowd stopping only when he came face to face with Hot Rod. Hex looked at the former demi God…his face expressionless. After a moment of tense silence Hex reached out and took Hot Rod’s hand into his.

“It’s okay. Understand, you weren’t in control.” With a quick tug Hex pulled Hot Rod closer and whispered lowly into the cavalier’s audio. “And neither was he.”

Hex pulled away slightly and gave the flame covered mech a barely noticeable smirk. He then released Hot Rod’s hand turned and made his way back to the slab where he sat down crossed-legged optics glued on the small group.

Med Bay – Private Room

One was tolerable, but now they were showing up in droves.

At least that’s how Ratchet saw it. First Bumblebee…no problem, in fact he could use the minibot’s help and Bee was always ready to help. Then Jazz showed up….a nuisance but he could still use the spec ops mech’s help as well. But now Kup AND Rewind! Did he have to put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign outside the door!

Ratchet leaned against the counter on one side of Prime’s slab and began to apply pressure to his temples. This was getting out of hand. And he hadn’t even started the scan yet!

The CMO listened as patiently as possible as the gathered group talked amongst themselves. It was Kup’s response to Rewind that finally caused him to look up.

"I was actually, uh, just on the way to check on our other 'guest', but I had to see it for myself, just like you lad. Optimus Prime, alive 'n well."

“That sounds like a slaggin’ fantastic idea!” Ratchet pushed off the counter and stalked over toward the tiny archivist. “How about you accompany him.” He glared down at Rewind for a moment but then turned his attention back to the old timer.

“Kup…” Ratchet moved to stand before the war veteran. He leaned in slightly and spoke low enough so only Kup was capable of hearing. “Get him out of here but keep him away from Megatron. We don’t need him recording anything just yet.”

“Then perhaps I should go greet them. But…first, is Ultra Magnus present in this sector?”

Ratchet quickly spun around and put both hands up to stop Prime from taking any steps towards the exit.

“Whoa! I didn’t say anything about you leaving just yet. So stay. You can have your little chat with Magnus later.” He pointed to the slab as he looked back to those in the room. “Now, you…you,” He pointed to Bumblebee and Jazz in turn. “Plant it!” He then turned his attention to the others, “You and you get out!”

He wasted no time and quickly grabbed the cable from the terminal and made his way over to Optimus. “Lie down so we can this started. Bee, Jazz I want you two to start feeding him some shared memories. Anything’ll do…memories of missions, before the war…whatever you have then spill it.”

Med Bay – Security Isolation Ward

After Magnus’ initial okay, Pharma set to work. As much as he loathed performing the task he still had to satisfy the Code. So Megatron’s repairs commenced.

While Ultra Magnus stayed out of the way he remained close enough so that Pharma could hear and watch everything the Commander was saying and doing. Having him close by was only slightly comforting. He knew if Megatron had somehow found a renewed strength he’d tear through both he and Magnus like they were tinfoil. But at least Magnus would slow him down giving Pharma enough time to possibly get away.

Pharma shook his head slightly trying to relieve himself of the visual.

His attention was caught when he heard Magnus speak lowly.

"Mores the pity," his tone was reserved and quiet so that only the medic could hear him. "Prepare him for transport to the Ark. I want him bounced to a secured medical cell in the ship's brig."

Pharma looked back at the Commander who was now facing him.

"The use of site to site transport is now authorized for this transfer. Once you and the prisoner are secured, report to Kup on the status of our guest. I want to keep knowledge of Megatron's presence from spreading further than it already has. However, I am authorizing Kup direct interrogation authority over Megatron."

Kup interrogating Megatron. Pharma wondered just how that would all go. The thought brought a slight smirk to his face. Of course it’s only slightly more humane than if Prowl were performing the interrogation. There’s no doubt the black and white would have the Decepticon leader flicking his own kill switch. And that would be a problem why? He thought.

"Make sure these orders are passed along to Kup as well... keep me posted on Megatron's medical condition. I want to be informed as soon as he is lucid enough for questioning."

Pharma was shaken from his reverie as a data pad was thrust towards him. Carefully, he took it from Magnus and took a quick glance at the locked out screen. “Of course.” He slipped the pad into a storage compartment on his hip looked back down at his patient. The scans were nearly complete and according to the readings he’d only need to perform only minor repairs.

“I’ve only got a few repairs before he can be moved.” He was careful to take note of everything he needed to do before he made his way to a stack of tools. “Shouldn’t take me long.”