The Energon Pub

[Corridors en route to Brig]

As Magnus was making his way to the brig, he received a comm from Jetfire.

Jetfire wrote:>>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.<<

He opened his comm up to respond. >>”Understood, Jetfire. Report all the major advances to me. Real time, if possible.”<<

Ultra Magnus had a lot going through his mind at this point in time and he didn’t know which issue to tackle first. But, truthfully speaking, the one he wanted to do the most was to go meet Optimus again. And so, he arrived in the brig.

The room had a few mechs scattered around, although it looked like most of the crowd had left. Ratchet was still beside him, taking care of the situation. “Everything going fine, Ratchet?”

He then turn his attention to the main mech in the room, and gave him a slight nod. “Optimus. I hope you are faring better now. There’s a lot we need to discuss, but should you require more rest, I will gladly let you have it.” After all, how can one take care of others if he can’t take care of himself?”

[Mess Hall]

Alpha Bravo had a wide grin plastered on his face as Rosanna began singing a hopeful, uplifting song. Warpath, being somewhat simple-minded, cheered and clapped the entire time. His cheering alone had the volume of five people, so the hall never seemed empty. Overclock smiled and tried to enjoy the music. It wasn’t his preferred style from before the war (he preferred the more… “industrial” type) but was a good show nonetheless.

When the show had ended, Warpath hopped out of his seat and rushed over to the small pink singer. “That was amazing! Could I get yer autograph, ma’am!” His voice was akin to that of an eager toddler. Looks like Rosanna had a new #1 fan.

Alpha smiled and nodded at her, and then looked back at Trailbreaker and Bumblebee, who seemed to be thinking exactly what he was. He subtly gestured at them with his hand. She doesn’t seem to realise how great she actually is.

Overclock shifted closer to the group, although not as closely as the others had. He didn’t want to attract much attention, so he just sat down, smiled and waved at Alpha Bravo, who waved back. Better to stay incognito at this point.

Brig

Ratchet was about to fire off a profanity of some kind or another when the brig security protocols were released, but as he looked up and saw that it was Ultra Magnus, he made a split-second medical decision that it would likely be good for the both of them to talk.

“Everything going fine, Ratchet?” Magnus asked. Regular question. Would normally have a regular answer. Unfortunately, this situation was anything but regular.

"Not especially, Magnus. I'm digging and digging, making my patient here as comfortable as I can while I do, knowing that it's killing him not being able to just be up and around like normal when he likely feels just as fine as you or me.

"That said, I'm effectively finished installing the killswitch. I'll give you the security code directly, before you leave here, so that there's no chance of it getting intercepted by any unwanted parties. I hate to say it, but I don't feel like there's much more I can do for now except pore through the scans I've taken of Prime and compare them to his medical records--hopefully I can find a shred of an anomaly that will explain what happened.

"Beyond that, as keen as I'd normally be to order Prime to rest, I can't point to anything about him that would benefit from the downtime."

Brig

Optimus’s thoughts phased in and out of consciousness while Ratchet performed his surgery. He couldn’t let himself linger on the past. Megatron surely would not. In fact, he was likely already engaged in some new plot with regards to Earth. He wouldn’t let something like this stop him, so neither could Prime. As his blue optics flicked back online, his audios registered Ultra Magnus’s familiar voice echoing not through a speaker but about the room.

”I hate to say it, but I don't feel like there's much more I can do for now except pore through the scans I've taken of Prime and compare them to his medical records--hopefully I can find a shred of an anomaly that will explain what happened.”

“If anyone can do it, it’s you, old friend,” Optimus said reassuringly as he placed a hand on Ratchet’s shoulder. Having shifted himself into a sitting position, Optimus looked over to Magnus.

“Optimus. I hope you are faring better now. There’s a lot we need to discuss, but should you require more rest, I will gladly let you have it.”

Pushing himself up, Optimus shook his head. “No, brother. I doubt it would do me any good.” He moved over to the force shield separating him in his cell from the rest of the brig. “Catch me up to speed. I understand much has transpired in my absence.”

Brig – Inside Prime’s Cell

Smokescreen had taken a step back to allow Ratchet plenty of room to operate on Optimus Prime and install the killswitch. If the CMO needed him for anything the rallybot was there at his disposal. As it were, Ratchet had things well in hand even if he appeared at times to want to curse somebody out. Smokey stayed quiet so that somebody would not be him.

Ultra Magnus then entered and asked Ratchet how things were going. The red and white doctor gave his response in typical grumpy fashion. There wasn’t much more Ratchet could do except comb through all of the scans he had taken of Optimus to try and determine what had caused Prime’s violent outbursts.

At least the killswitch had been installed successfully without causing Optimus more harm, Smokescreen thought to himself as Prime got up from his med berth and approached the cell’s force field. The Autobot leader wanted a full update on everything that had transpired during his absence. That was a tall order for any mech to deliver as so much had happened, but the rallybot remained silent despite wanting to chime in and help. It was not his place to answer for the City Commander.

Instead, Smokescreen simply walked over to where Optimus Prime stood and once again placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. The diversion expert said nothing, knowing that his prior words of support had not been forgotten and that his presence alone was enough reassurance for his long-time friend and leader of the Autobots.

Private Meeting Room

After the dismissal of the command meeting, Red Alert had immediately set to work. He secured a private meeting place and began reading through the dossiers he had complied on certain Autobots previously. These were his candidates. Though, since time was of the essence, Red hadn’t been able to properly assess all possible candidates for his security force. As much as he hated to do it, he’d need to put out an all-call for the mech power. He’d just have to review their dossiers as they applied.

Taking a deep breath, Red opened a comm to all Autobots currently not assigned to their duties.

>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Jazz, Kup, Pinpoint, Anomaly, Overclock, Bumblebee, Trailbreaker, Rook, and Ratchet. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

Shutting it off, Red Alert took another deep breath. Next came the part he hated most. The waiting. Wondering. He resisted the urge to snatch up his datapad to monitor the security cameras for mechs approaching the room. It wouldn’t help. No, no. Once they were here, he could help.

DING!

Red jumped out of his chair. So soon? He’d locked the doors to prevent anyone from entering willy nilly, but he hadn’t expected them to start arriving already. He snatched his datapad and released the locks to admit an only slightly familiar face. Blindside. The tactician glanced around the room with dull surprise.

“Oh, am I the first one? I just heard the announcement and happened to be passing by…”

Red Alert sat down and gestured for the mech to come in, crossing his arms. Scrap! He had been hoping one of the ones he specified would arrive first. Nonchalantly, he pulled up Blindside’s dossier and began to read up on him while Blindside took a seat at a respectable distance. Not too close. Not too far away. With his back slightly away from the door. His spot provided him a view of the room without leaving himself vulnerable. Red almost nodded approvingly. Now for the others.

[Brig]

Optimus Prime wrote:“No, brother. I doubt it would do me any good. Catch me up to speed. I understand much has transpired in my absence.”

“Much has, indeed.” He followed the Autobot leader. “I’m not sure what all you took in from the meeting, but there’s currently a great multitude of events occurring.”

“To start off, I’d like to let you know that the Dinobots and the Protectobots have currently boarded the Trion, and are making their way towards Sol-4. Some Decepticons were there, apparently, and sent a comm on an open frequency, informing everyone that they had some Autobots with them, one of whom was Ironhide. Why they were on the planet and how they managed to end up with other Autobots, I am not currently aware, but I’m sure that Grimlock or Blaster will be able to inform us of the happenings while there.”

“Secondly, the Autobot City project has been coming along well. Prowl has gone down to the surface to assist Grapple, as well as debrief Springer, who had recently arrived from the outer Sol System with his team. While they were there, they found Omega Supreme, although there were Decepticon forces in pursuit. Luckily, Springer and his team managed to fend them off, but Omega was already not in the greatest of conditions. He is currently at Autobot City, where I’m assuming he’s being worked on.”

Magnus took a bit of a pause to let Prime take everything in. There was still plenty to go through.

“Jetfire, Ironfist and First Aid seem to be nearing completion on the gestalt project with the Aerialbots. I’m still concerned about the safety and mental wellbeing of the team, but from what I’ve heard, it should be as safe as possible. The psychological effects of merging minds may be somewhat traumatising to some of them.”

“Wheeljack and Perceptor have led an expedition down to the coldest region of the planet known as Antarctica. There, they will be conducting a mining operation to recover some Ore-13, a supposedly powerful variant of Energon. I have not heard much from them yet, but we may receive some results soon enough.”

“Finally, we have Red Alert preparing higher security measures. I believe that he is forming an elite security team as we speak. We discussed of the various measures we could take to make our forces more alert and ready for any breaches in security, such as the Megatron event from earlier.”

"I know that it is a lot to take in, but hopefully it does catch you up to speed." Magnus stifled a sigh from having talked so much in such a short time.

Mess Hall

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

The pearl white sniper gave Bumblebee a smile. "I'm glad to be here, sir. No place I'd rather-"

Pinpoint's comm chirped, notifying her of a message. She activated it to hear the voice of the Chief of Security, Red Alert.

Red Alert wrote: "I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative...I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials...Pinpoint...Bumblebee...Rook...Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”

Pinpoint looked over the group. "Sorry but duty calls." She nods to Bee. "I'll see you there."

She figured it'd be best to let the Chief of Security know that she was coming, so activated her comm to Red Alert. "Sir, I'm on my way. Expect me in no more than a breem."

She then sent a message to Rook. "I'll meet you at the briefing room."

With that, Pinpoint stood and made her leave, grabbing her rifle and tossing it on her back. The ache in her leg was quickly forgotten.

[Corridors - Scene of the Incident]

Appearing to have hit some sort of investigational dead end, Rook looked up at Streetwise and Anomaly, before a message from Red Alert popped into his comm link.

Red Alert wrote:>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

Rook looked up at Anomaly, who was also mentioned in the list of names selected for the security task force. “Looks like we have to go. My apologies, Streetwise, but it seems that this will have to wait. Anomaly, after you.”

Pinpoint wrote:>>"I'll meet you at the briefing room."<<

>>"Gotcha, Pinpoint. I’ll be there shortly."<<

[Mess Hall]

Overclock’s focus shifted quickly from the unfoldings in the mess hall to the message that he had received. He turned to his fellows, Warpath and Arbalest. “You two enjoy yourselves here. It seems that I have an… operative to be part of.” He gave a brief smile, which reverted back to his stern, professional face quickly. He made his way out, to the meeting room.

[Private Meeting Room]

Mechs had already started pouring in. Overclock wasn’t very familiar with most of them, with the exception of Red Alert, of course. He did spot the white femme from earlier in the mess hall. She looks like she’d have some caliber. Wait, no. Why am I thinking this? He pushed the strange thought away from his mind and took his seat.

A moment later, Rook entered, presumably with Anomaly behind him. He smiled at Pinpoint, and took a seat beside her. “Hey. Sorry about leaving you earlier, duty called.”

Overclock recognised the green mech that had entered with Rook. It looked to be his old pal Anomaly. He shot him a quick smile. “It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

Mess Hall

>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Jazz, Kup, Pinpoint, Anomaly, Overclock, Bumblebee, Trailbreaker, Rook, and Ratchet. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

He got the message. Letting out a contented sigh, Bumblebee said to his friends here gathered at the table, "Well, it seems I'm called to duty. You comin', Trails?" With this, the little yellow bot got up from the table, excusing himself. He'd had a lot of fun with everyone for a while. Alpha Bravo was filled with hope, Rosanna had regained confidence and a sense of purpose, and Trailbreaker got some good time to relax and have fun. As for Bumblebee, his worried were also swept away and he got to relax and focus on what was important, being here for each other. That was one thing that made Autobots Autobots. Smiling, Bumblebee opened a comm to Red Alert and sent him, >>"I read you Chief. This is Bumblebee. Over and out."<<

"Thanks everyone. It was a good time. Now, it's time to for this Bee to get buzzin'.", he said to the group, winking at Rosanna, and then he turned around to face the exit and started off at a run. He used his transponder to find Red Alert's position and headed for the meeting room. Pinpoint had already bolted, ready for action like the bot she was trained to be. Well, he'd see her there at the meeting soon.

Hallways

As he continued on towards the meeting room where Red Alert had a team coming to discuss the security measures for the Autobots, Bumblebee turned his head towards Trailbreaker and asked him, "So Trailbreaker, do you think this has anything to do with what you were working on?"

Brig

Ratchet was gathering up some of his key equipment and allowing a pair of Autotroopers to assist so that he could return to the medical bay and his office and begin dissecting the various scans he had taken just like he would any other compound subject. That did not prevent him, however, from overhearing what Ultra Magnus was discussing with Optimus Prime.

Most of it were matters that Magnus himself would take care of as he was still the bot-in-charge while Optimus was recuperating, and perhaps longer. But again the subject of combining technology came up along with the very possibility of the trauma that could result.

"I know this was discussed during our little command officers' powwow, but I just wanted to take a moment with you two and reiterate my severe reservations regarding proceeding forward with this technology. Who's undergoing the process right now? The Aerialbots? Right, them. Well, I don't think I need to remind either of you of the horror stories we all heard coming out of Kaon when Megatron and Shockwave were throwing just anybody together in the hopes of recreating Jhiaxus' monster. 'Bots ripping their sparks out and throwing themselves into smelting pools. Glitching out completely and shooting everyone in sight.

"I'm all for technology and I'm certainly all for anything that will end this fraggin' war. I just hope if any of those guys show any signs of the real trauma we know can happen, we'll shut that slag down. We are not Decepticons. You two know that, but it becomes easy to overlook for the sake of progress. If anyone begins to stray too far from the ethical line, I hope to fraggin' Primus you'll put them in check."

Before Ratchet could say anything further, he registered a comm coming through. From Red Alert.

>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Jazz, Kup, Pinpoint, Anomaly, Overclock, Bumblebee, Trailbreaker, Rook, and Ratchet. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

What the frag? Hadn't they just had a meeting about all this? No, he supposed. This was now the seeds of that earlier meeting bearing fruit. Ratchet sighed.

"Alright, well, it looks like I'll be stopping off for a meeting with Red Alert before I get back to the med bay," he said to Magnus, approaching the larger mech and putting a small chip in his hand. "That's the killswitch code. Download it direct. Destroy the chip. I wouldn't share it with anyone else....but...that's ultimately your call. You know where I'll be."

With that, Ratchet turned and exited the brig, en route for this newfangled security confab. Joy.

Mess Hall

Despite all of his previous misgivings, Trailbreaker found himself completely at ease and enjoying himself. It was the first time in he didn’t know how long that he wasn’t blaming himself for something.

If only life could be like this more often, he thought as he took another deep drink from his glass. I really should stop with this one. Don’t want to give anyone a reason to retire me from service. He chuckled half-heartedly at that.

Red Alert wrote:>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

Instead of lowering his cup, he continued drinking, intent on not wasting a drop as he opened and comm to Red Alert.

>>Red, it’s Trailbreaker. I’m on my way.<<

He chuckled again at knowing how Red Alert would react at having his nickname spoken over a comm channel, but at least it was private, though he doubted anything was ever secure enough. That’s why the mech is the best.

He finished his engex and set his glass down as Bumblebee asked,

Bumblebee wrote:"Well, it seems I'm called to duty. You comin', Trails?"

Trailbreaker nodded. “Right behind you, Bee. Don’t want to keep Red waiting too long or he’ll change all the codes. Again,” he said, half chuckling, half groaning.

With that, he stood. “Gotta get back to work. Thanks for the drinks and company, guys.” He made sure to give Rosanna an appreciative nod and smile, then headed with Bumblebee at his side.

I wonder what Red’s gonna talk about this time. Retiring some of us older mechs? When he thought about it before, he tried to do so in jest. Now, it felt like the logical outcome given their failures and his energy consumption. The truth was, he wouldn’t blame Red Alert, Optimus, or any other for pushing him out of the field and into an office somewhere.

Bumblebee wrote:"So Trailbreaker, do you think this has anything to do with what you were working on?"

That was an unexpected question, but more so because in a way, it was. All he could say was, “Wouldn’t surprise me. Knowing Red, anything’s possible.”

Private Meeting Room

As Ratchet arrived at the "private" meeting room, he had to enter a solid half-dozen different forms of personal identification--each of which went through a lengthy authentication process--before finally being allowed to enter.

Stepping inside the room, he saw that he wasn't the first or the last to arrive. Not that he cared one way or the other. He was here. Red Alert could be grateful for that since the Chief Medical officer had plenty of other things he could be doing apart from sitting in on another meeting.

"You'll forgive me if I'm late, I was just standing on the other side of the door trying to prove to a computer that I actually am who I say I am."

Brig

Keeping a gentle hand on Optimus Prime’s shoulder, Smokescreen listened with great interest as Ultra Magnus brought the Autobot Commander up to speed on everything that had been going on recently. There was a Dinobot-led rescue mission, the Autobot City project, the gestalt project that Jetfire and Ironfist were overseeing, an Ore-13 mining operation down in Antarctica and then there was Red Alert’s new security measures and team that he was putting together. It was a lot to take in even for a mech like Prime.

Of course, Ratchet was more than a little concerned about the gestalt project and made his severe reservations known. Smokescreen couldn’t help but agree with him. Merging multiple minds into one giant body was very risky, especially given all of the past failures at trying to make the technology work. Devastator seemed to be a success for the Decepticons, but who knew what the long-term ramifications would ultimately be. The Constructicons might some day be driven mad or worse.

Red Alert wrote:>>”Ahem. Attention...this is Red Alert, Chief Security Officer. In light of recent events, a new security initiative has been authorized by High Command. I’ll be instating a security task force as the first measure of the new initiative. Those interesting in applying, please convene at these coordinates. However, I have selected a few candidates based on their credentials. Jazz, Kup, Pinpoint, Anomaly, Overclock, Bumblebee, Trailbreaker, Rook, and Ratchet. Report to the meeting room at your earliest convenience.”<<

Red Alert’s message came in loud and clear on everyone’s comm line. This was clearly what the City Commander had just mentioned regarding Red’s new security team. It sounded very important, but then again everything the paranoid mech said and did sounded serious.

Ratchet then gave Ultra Magnus the code for Prime’s killswitch before leaving the Brig and heading for Red Alert’s little meeting. Smokescreen thought for a moment. Perhaps I should go, too. The rallybot looked up at Optimus, keeping his hand on his friend and leader’s shoulder plate. Smokey wanted to help out with security in order to keep everyone safe. It was important to him considering everything that had transpired recently. However, he also wanted to be there for Prime who needed a friend now more than ever. Of course, Optimus had Ultra Magnus, his own brother. Who better to keep the Autobot leader company than family?

“Optimus,” Smokescreen began to say as he removed his hand from Prime’s shoulder. “Maybe I should go to Red Alert’s security meeting, too. He didn’t mention me specifically, but I’m sure I could help out and keep everyone safe.” The diversion expert paused for a moment before continuing. “Just as long as you’ll be okay, of course.”

Private Meeting Room

Anomaly followed Rook into the meeting room. A security task team? It was odd that he was one of the selected candidates for it. What exactly would he be useful for? He was a scientist, not a fighter, nevermind the concept of security at all. Still, there was a reason behind everything, logically speaking, and nothing happened on its own. Red Alert must have surely picked the candidates he did based on something.

“It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

When the doors slipped open, the scientist recognised that familiar voice from within the room. His optics scanned the scene, much like they had a few breems ago in the corridors of the incident. And when he found the source of that voice, his optics lit up and his memory tracks began running. With a smile on his face, he went and took a seat next to Overclock, a mech from his old squad.

That squad had been ordered to be scrapped for no discernable reason, and he had only gotten to know the spy for a little while, but for the little that he did know him, he knew that he was a valuable ally to have. “Yes, it has. The unit getting scrapped was… unfortunate, but at least we made it through.”

“How’s it been going, uh, for you? Did you figure out why the squad was disbanded?” He shifted a bit nervously in his chair, watching the mechs pour in. It was a little too many for his comfort, but he could adapt, no problem.

[Secured Comm to Autobot High Command present on the Guardian]

Blaster wrote:>>”High Command, this is Blaster speaking from the Trion. We have rescued the three Autobots that were stranded on Mars. No direct encounters, although one of the mechs is in stasis. We’ll be reentering Earth orbit in a few milicycles.”<<

[Mess Hall]

It seemed that a good amount of mechs had to leave the Mess Hall for some security mission. Alpha’s speciality wasn’t defense, but it looked like some of the others had something to do with it anyway. “Oh well, looks like they’ve all got things to do.” Not everyone was gone, however. There still seemed to be a few mechs here and there.

Rosanna felt a little bit downed by people leaving. She’d received the transmission too, and knew that they were off for something important, but still. She looked up at the large red Autobot who seemed to be eager to get her autograph. She became a bit sheepish when she saw how big he really was in comparison, but gave him a sweet smile when he came by. “Aww, thank you… er…”

“The name is Warpath, ma’am!” He grinned wide. Everyone across the mess hall would’ve probably heard him say that. And now, everyone knew who Warpath was. A few stifled giggles filled the corners of the room.

“Yes, Warpath! Here you go~” She keyed in her signature onto the holopad that Warpath had produced.

Alpha looked over and felt happy to see Rosanna getting some love from a fan. He had not met Warpath before, although by his (rather loud) introduction, he seemed like a fun guy to be around. He looked over and found Arbalest, who seemed to be sitting all by himself. Alpha could’ve sworn that he’d seen him with Warpath before. Maybe he could talk to him? He scooted himself over to Arbalest’s table. “Hello! How are you doing, sir?”

[Private Meeting Room]

Anomaly wrote:“Yes, it has. The unit getting scrapped was… unfortunate, but at least we made it through.”

Overclock shook his head. “Some of them didn’t. They… well, after you left, we had a mission on Jool-2. The heatwaves were stronger than we expected. I’m sorry to say this… but…” His voice trailed off. He didn’t need to say it, because it was pretty apparent what had happened there.

The tires on Overclock’s back were spinning slowly. He’d reunited with Anomaly, but to start off with such a morbid topic was a bit unsettling. “Apologies for that. Anyhow, we should be focusing more on the current matter at hand.” He sat up straight and regained his professional look. “Although, I do believe that it would be appropriate for us to revisit the case at some point.”

Private Meeting Room

AFTRHR wrote:“Some of them didn’t. They… well, after you left, we had a mission on Jool-2. The heatwaves were stronger than we expected. I’m sorry to say this… but…”

Anomaly’s facial expression turned grim. “That’s, uh, really unfortunate…” He had a moment to think about it. How many made it? How many hadn’t? Where did the other survivors go? So many questions racing through his mind, unfortunately without any answers. He couldn’t ask Overclock here anyway. That would have to wait until later.

AFTRHR wrote:“Apologies for that. Anyhow, we should be focusing more on the current matter at hand.” He sat up straight and regained his professional look. “Although, I do believe that it would be appropriate for us to revisit the case at some point.”

“Absolutely,” Anomaly said, throwing his fellow a look of affirmation. He turned his attention back to the current happenings, although his mind was trying to pull him elsewhere.

Message from Jetfire to Ultra Magnus

>>Ultra Magnus, would you mind if I uploaded a program for the internal sensors to search for possible combined candidates? Ironfist and First Aid noticed a strain of CNA which might be key to the process. I will take a scanner down to Autobot City to see what I can find there.<<

[Brig]

While waiting for a response from Prime, Magnus received a direct comm from Jetfire.

Jetfire wrote:>>Ultra Magnus, would you mind if I uploaded a program for the internal sensors to search for possible combined candidates? Ironfist and First Aid noticed a strain of CNA which might be key to the process. I will take a scanner down to Autobot City to see what I can find there.<<

>>”Permission granted. However, be sure to let the candidates know that they are being scanned for research and development purposes. Take no further action until I have been informed that the scanning process is complete.”<<

Ship wide communication from Jetfire

>>To my fellow Autobot, there will be a ship and fleet wide scan of all Autobots in the next few cycles. This is for research purposes only. If our scans reveal you are strong candidates for furthering the current project, you will be notified. As for the project itself, all will be revealed shortly. This will help balance the war effort and hopefully give us the edge we need against the Cons in the future.<<

Personal communication to Ultra Magnus from Jetfire
>>Ultra Magnus, I have uploaded the scanning program into each of the ships' systems. There is one more request I have of you. Can you add your own authorization code behind mine to make sure it was uploaded and activated properly? I used the code you gave me for the project itself but still wonder about Grimlock putting a stop to it on the Trion. As much as it scares me, his team may also be candidates for the gestalt process. We may also find other possible avenues in our CNA. Mine is close to he Aerialbots and Protectobots but the specifics gene is slightly off. We don't know what it means with such a small sample size. This is another reason for the fleet wide scans. Ideally it will also give better guidance on the gestalt process.<<

Meeting Room-Security Meeting

Bumblebee got to the door of the meeting room and soon found out he was having trouble with the codes. However, when the electronic system finally asked him in a fembot's voice who he was, Bumblebee replied with his name and rank and the computer responded with, "Designation identified. Welcome, Bumblebee. You may enter.", and the door hissed open. The little yellow bot cheerily entered the room, scanning it as he turned his head, his blue optics meeting familiar faceplates.

"Hey all, what's the meeting about?", he said in his usual friendly tone. He came up to the table and had a seat next to the wise old surgeon. "Good to see you here Ratchet. How's Optimus doing?", he had asked. Last time he saw Ratchet, he was helping out with Prime's diagnosis in the brig. He assumed since the doctor was here, their leader must be recovering well. 'Maybe even fully recovered.', Bee thought optimistically. Then, there came the comm message from Jetfire. He wondered what the flying scientist was planning. If he needed the skills of a good scout, Bumblebee may be useful, otherwise Bee wasn't too fit for fighting, but he'd do his best in any situation. At any rate, he was ready to get set on this security briefing, so he looked towards Red Alert and remained quiet.

Meeting Room

Ratchet sat in his chair, staring blankly at the desk in front of him as he massaged the sides of his temples gently with his digits. In his mind, hundreds of thoughts were running zigzag and counterclockwise, trying to analyze what had happened with Optimus Prime and, reportedly, with Megatron to try and find the key that would unlock the puzzle. The fact that he was having no luck only served to frustrate him further. Nevertheless, he would hack away at it until the puzzle unlocked.

"Hey all, what's the meeting about? Good to see you here Ratchet. How's Optimus doing?" Bumkblebee's voice said, interjecting itself into the Chief Medical Officer's train of thoughts.

"Bee," Ratchet said, greeting the fellow Autobot agreeably. "Optimus is....well, I know full well he's not fine, since I haven't yet figured out what prompted that rampage of his. But, for all intents and purposes, he seems fine right now. We just have to be on guard, because I haven't yet found anything I can do to keep what he did from happening again. As to this meeting...?"

Ratchet looked to Red Alert then back to Bumblebee.

"...your guess is as good as mine. But I could be doing a dozen other things beside sit idly, so if we're not going to get started soon, let's reschedule and try again some other time, hm?"

Meeting Room

Trailbreaker had remained silent for the most part since arriving following Red Alert’s communication.

It wasn’t so much the surprise summons, but those that had joined him here. What he had assumed was a security meeting seemed to take on the feel of something else with Ratchet and Bumblebee here, though he could envision reasons for their involvement.

He shuddered at thinking of the possible implications their (his) security failures had given birth to. Red Alert was many things, paranoid being the most prominent one of them. His circuitry was wound too tight at times, but it had never affected his work in a bad way.

Unless he’s looking to implement ‘Con tactics.

Trailbreaker pushed the thought aside. Not even Red was that paranoid. That meant this had to be something else.

Hope I don’t blow it this time, he thought, turning his attention to Ratchet and Bumblebee’s conversation. Optimus is still… not fully himself?

He twisted the imaginary energon blade in his heart a little more, causing him to wince and look away. What I’d give to still be drinking…