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Engineering Deck

While First Aid was making room, Ironfist was taking a real close look at Silverbolt's t-cog. With it being one of the three most crucial parts to any Cybertronian, they had to be extremely careful. This was the one part which they had to make sure would be compatible with the new form. The diagrams Jetfire sent over was in Ironfist's back processor as he looked at the t-cog and other parts of Silverbolt. First Aid was doing a good job in the prep work. Once Ironfist was satisfied everything looked right, he went over to the table and prepped new pieces to be inserted into the Aerialbot commander. This excited Ironfist but same time knew how delicate this process will be.

"So far so good, Silverbolt. First Aid is doing a great job in getting you prepped while I am making sure the additions are ready to go. The surgery is a challenge but the biggest challenge will be the gestalt program we will install into each of you."

Incoming distress signal on all frequencies, including Decepticon secured channels with a Decepticon transmitter signature.

>>"This is Decepticon Shuttle Delta-372."<< Feedback said giving out the shuttle's official designation. >>"We have crashed on the fourth planet of the Solar System with Autobot stowaways. Please assist. Exact coordinates on subfrequency 019."<<

Engineering Deck

Ironfist was done prepping Silverbolt and started on Skydive's preparations. He left the more sensitive procedures to First Aid who knew the Cyberyronian anatomy a lot better. Ironfist was used to making and designing weapons like rifles, rockets, and whatever else came to mind. Once a while he would get an oddball assignment like this one which would challenge him with different designs and purpose. If he understood the diagram of this Superion, the Aerislbots were joining together to form one giant of a weapon. As he opened up Skydive, Jetfire walked in.

"Hello First Aid and Ironfist, how is it going with the Aerialbots? Did you do any testing on them and the Protectobots?"

Ironfist looked over at his fellow inventor and nodded at him.

"We didn't get a chance to scan the Protectobots except First Aid. We did get the Aerialbots, obviously. They share an interesting strand of CNA. I scanned myself and this strand isn't in mine. We can scan you real quick to see if you have this same strand."

"Scan away, anything to help the future of this project."

Ironfist walked away from Skydive and signaled Jetfire to do the same. Ironfist took the device and scanned Jetfire. It took a cycle for the scan and results to be completed.

"Hmm, if I am reading this correctly, you have a very similar strand to the Aerialbots and First Aid. It matches up 85% to the strand but the other 15% is different enough I doubt you could combine in the same fashion. I don't know if there would be a different form of combining you could do like the Decepticon DuoCon or SkyLynx or if something different altogether. We would need scans of SkyLynx to find out. Is there anything else you need me for or can I get back to work?"

"I do have one strong suggestion for the limbs. Do not put the hands or feet inside the Aerialbots. Make them be able to go into subspace like how we store some of our weapons and other things. Instead make a connector which can be universal for both hands and feet."

Ironfist looked long and hard at his fellow scientist. He wasn't sure what Jetfire was up to. It would save space in the Aerialbots but subspace wasn't one of the better storage areas. Most mechs preferred to have everything on them or stored in a physical locker.

"What are you getting at, Jetfire?"

"Let us call it planning for the future. Have you looked at phase two of this project?"

"You mean the Protectobots gestalt form? We have enough on our hands with the Aerialbots."

"Magnus and the rest of the council agreed with you, Ironfist. The Protectobots will be down the road. This phase two is the idea of the limbs being able to change location. I got it off of one of your shows. I think it was called Power Rangers or was it another one?"

Ironfist smirked a little at Jetfire bringing up the Earth research.

"Let us make sure the combination works right the first time before we try anything fancy. I think we can try your connection idea and putting the hands and feet in subspace. We will have to be careful though and ensure everything connects right."

Jetfire nodded as Ironfist went back to work on Skydive.

Transmission from Red Alert aboard the Guardian

>>”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.”<<

Priority Comm to Protectobot First Aid

>>”Hey, First Aid, we’ve got a seriously injured mech here. He’s on life support right now, but his arm’s blown off and it looks pretty critical. How do I go about this?”<<

[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Silverbolt’s procedures had finished. The blue glow returned to his eyes. He didn’t feel much different yet, aside from the parts of him that had been opened up. But he tried to feel and see what his internal sensors were telling him about the changes. New joint configurations? Huh.

He turned his head to see his fellow Aerialbots being worked on. Fireflight and Air Raid were done as well, while Skydive and Slingshot were still being worked on. At this point, he didn’t know what to feel, really. So instead, he turned to them to gauge what he wanted to feel.

“How do you all feel?”

AFTRHR wrote:[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Silverbolt’s procedures had finished. The blue glow returned to his eyes. He didn’t feel much different yet, aside from the parts of him that had been opened up. But he tried to feel and see what his internal sensors were telling him about the changes. New joint configurations? Huh.

He turned his head to see his fellow Aerialbots being worked on. Fireflight and Air Raid were done as well, while Skydive and Slingshot were still being worked on. At this point, he didn’t know what to feel, really. So instead, he turned to them to gauge what he wanted to feel.

“How do you all feel?”

First Aid looked over at Silverbolt as he woke up from the procedure.

"Not to sound like Ratchet, Silverbolt, but please don't move too much. Your systems are readjusting to both physical and program changes. Since you are conscious, can you run a diagnostic on the new subroutine for the gestalt program?"

Ironfist continued to work on Skydive as Jetfire continued to look into the program and machines Ironfist used to scan the Aerialbots. Ironfist could understand the excitement Jetfire had about this new project even if many involved question the ethics of the procedure. He continued to work on Skydive as First Aid finished up on Slingshot. The system they had started worked well for them which made him glad Jetfire didn't jump in to help. It seemed the flier was more interested in the larger possibilities than the current things in hand. Ironfist couldn't blame Jetfire being a planner and designer himself.

Jetfire walked around the room and found a portable scanner. The problem with the scanner was the size of it. If he wanted to scan the entire Autobot army, the little scanner would take too long. He then decided to see if the ships' internal scanners could handle the program. As he accessed the sensor array of the Ark, he noticed a log of the Longevity landing on Earth at the Autobot City site with Omega Supreme and Skylynx in tow. Two of the Autuobots they wanted to examine were in system. Uploading the scanning program into the ships' system would be simple enough but would still prefer having permission.

>>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.<<

Engineering Deck--Project Room

Fireflight, having been one of the first to complete his portion of the procedure, sat around patiently waiting for the others. The room was still full of activity, with the more scientific Autobots still working diligently on the fliers. He supposed it was all very nice and sciency. For his part, he'd rather just be up in the clouds. That's where his mind was now anyway. Soaring through the air of this crystal-blue planet they'd found.

“How do you all feel?” Silverbolt asked, his question pulling Fireflight out of his little daydream.

"I feel pretty good, sir," the Aerialbot recon specialist said contentedly. "Certainly no worse. Arguably a bit better. What about you?"

Engineering Deck-Project Room

While Jetfire waited on Magnus' response, he walked over to the holoprojector and connected it to the Aerialbots combine program.

"Silverbolt, I just hooked up the holoprojector to your squad. Let us see you mentally combine into your new form. As they say, seeing is believing and this will start your training. Hopefully your bodies won't transform on the table as you picture yourself in the new shapes."

[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Fireflight wrote:"I feel pretty good, sir. Certainly no worse. Arguably a bit better. What about you?"

“That’s good to hear, Fireflight.” The Aerialbot commander gave him a smile of relief. “I’m doing quite fine myself. The process certainly went better than expected.”

First Aid wrote:"Not to sound like Ratchet, Silverbolt, but please don't move too much. Your systems are readjusting to both physical and program changes. Since you are conscious, can you run a diagnostic on the new subroutine for the gestalt program?"

Silverbolt gave First Aid a gentle nod. “Understood. I’ll do so.” He laid himself back down onto the berth he had been lying down on for the past few breems. He temporarily offlined his optics, running the diagnostics as First Aid had required.

The gestalt programme was… well, it was certainly a lot more than Silverbolt had initially anticipated. But if there was anything he could do to aid the cause, then he would do it. This was one of those things.

He onlined his optics just in time for Jetfire to say something.

Jetfire wrote:"Silverbolt, I just hooked up the holoprojector to your squad. Let us see you mentally combine into your new form. As they say, seeing is believing and this will start your training. Hopefully your bodies won't transform on the table as you picture yourself in the new shapes."

“Roger that. Let’s find out how this goes. Aerialbots, follow Jetfire’s instructions, please.”

Silverbolt set himself up into the mental simulation, awaiting further instructions from the scientists. As he did so, he found himself… floating? He wasn’t sure what it was, but it did feel a bit… odd.

Is this what my CPU feels like?

He could see the others in that black, floating void as well. Air Raid. Slingshot. Brief flickers of Skydive and Fireflight. Everything was a bit blurry for some reason. He walked (Did I walk or did I just float over? I can’t remember) in their direction, but they didn’t seem to be getting any closer.

He felt something in his innards shift. The panels on his legs started flipping open. A wave of terror swept through Silverbolt, a kind he had never experienced. He felt like he was out of control of his own body, and that parts were rearranging themselves in ways Silverbolt didn’t know he could have done previously.

If he could have seen himself in his own mind, he’d be vastly terrified of the abomination he’d been turned into.

Ultra Magnus wrote:>>”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.”<<

Jetfire received the quick reply from Ultra Magnus. The speed caught him by surprise. The commander must not have anything going on for this astrosecond. Jetfire uploaded the program into the Guardian's sensory program and transmitted it to the other two ships on high security code. It will be easy for him to run it from here on the Guardian but the other ships may have to run it themselves on their end. Jeqtfire then remembered the not so gentle conversation with Grimlock about further testing especially on his team. As much as the slow minded Dinobot commander didn't want to be involved, it be best for all of the Autobot army to be scanned for future development. The biological aspect of Cybertronains is not an area Jetfire really specialized in but understood enough that the genetic make up is one of the ways which makes them unique.

The image of the finished Aerialbots trying to combine with the use of the holoprojector is remarkable. They aren't coming together automatically and this may be do to either the program, the Aerialbots not giving in, or not all of the pieces are there. It is probably more of the missing parts issue than the other two. The Aerialbots could also be fighting it but this is why Jetfire set this up so they would know what to expect. Most see this as unnatural so down deep most Cybertronians would fight it.

Jetfire turned his attention to the sensor array as it finally finished the set up of the scanning program. He then followed Ultra Magnus orders of making a ship wide announcement.

>>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.<<

Jetfire initiated the program on the Ark. He hoped that it also started on the Trion and Guardian but again had his doubts a remote initiation would work unless Ultra Magnus put his command code behind it. This would prevent the likes of Grimlock from shutting it down. Jetfired did wonder what results will be and discoveries they will find. Hopefully First Aid and Ratchet will be available to look over the data with Jetfire once it was all compiled.

>>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.<<

With these steps done, the only thing left was to get a hold of Prowl to notify him of his visit to Autobot City. The prick bot will understand and probably appreciate the update on the project.

>>Prowl, this is Jetfire. I am heading down to Autobot City with a scanner to further the gestalt project. According to the Ark sensory logs, Omega Supreme and Skylynx are down there with you. They may prove quite valuable for information on their own combination process. I will also scan all Auto pots down there to glean any other information for future candidates and better understanding. We may find other possibilities for future projects beyond the gestalt process.<<

After the two private communications, Jetfire turned to First Aid and Ironfist.

"Hey guys, I will be heading down to Autobot City to see what else I can find out. It seems Omega Supreme and Skylynx are down ther so they may give a much better insight to the process."

"Ok, Jetfire, go ahead and leave. You will keep us updated on what you find out."

"Of course, Ironfist, I will keep the entire team in the loop. The fleet wide results will also be made available to you as well. Once the Aerislbots are done, we will still need to monitor them and fix whatever bugs they have and to improve the process for the future."

With that final though, Jetfire left and headed to the bounce room.

Engineering deck project room

Ironfist finished prepping last Aerialbot while First Aid continued on Skydive.

"This is going quicker than I would have thought, First Aid."

"The ease is thanks to the very similar build of the smaller Aerialbots. I woulfn't be too surprised myself and the other Protectobots are also of similar internal design if Jetfire's suspension is correct. For a mech of almost pure science, he seems to have faith in this project."

"He sees the evidence of what could be and how things could work. He does have some interesting ideas for weapons for Superion and this Defenosor idea. In a way, he can get as out of hand like Wheeljack but has much better success rate than Wheeljack."

"I do thank you for the help, Ironfist. Your prep work had done quite a bit for me and it wouldn't surprise me IF this Defensor idea gets started you will be part of the surgical team. High chance Ratchet will be involved as well IF the time ever comes. I am not sold on this procedure but we can't defy orders."

First Aid finished up Skydive and than moved into his last patient. He been keeping internal notes of all the procedures and uploaded the new schematics to the computer systems to study further. The hope is they can fix whatever problems will occur. There will be quite a bit to examine after they were done. Ironfist walked over to the main computer terminal and saw the data collected by the ship wide scans.

"Looks like we have 30% of the fleet scanned. By the early results, it seems the gene you found doesn't exist among most of the army but there are a very few with similar gene but with their own differences. Whoever looks at this is going to have at least a megacycle worth of data to shift through and then an orn if not longer to make sense of it all. I have my own projects to look at from these protective suits Hot Spot wants done to the weapon designs Jetfire believes the gestalt will need."

As Ironfist went on about things, First Aid finished up on the last Aerialbot. He then looked over the row of Aerialbots. Then he noticed the hologram program Jetfire set up and to his surprise the gestalt image was now coming together with all of the Aerialbots involved.

"Huh, so this is what a combined form looks like. It does remind me of the Duocons and Devestator. Biggest difference is the Construction color scheme is too similar so they all blend in. The Aerialbots have different enough to notice each part."


Skydive's berth

Skydive slowly came online after the procedure. He checked his internal systems and nothing seemed to be wrong. He did notice some changes on his inside and his t-cog registered the new transformation sequence. The new gestalt program was also installed. He looked over and saw the other Aerialbots trying to form their new giant. Skydive wondered how it would work and suddenly his image appeared and started transforming into the limb. He slowly went towards Silverbolt and tried to hook up. It took a few tries but once he did, he felt the presence of his fellow Aerialbots who were joined in with the gestalt. He couldn't quite hear them but at the same time felt connected in his mind and even his spark.

[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Air Raid, lying down on his berth, giggled a little at the newfound senses he’d acquired. It felt odd, to him, Slingshot and Silverbolt, but at the very least, they felt fine. Slingshot grumbled something under his breath. But they were fine. It was okay.

That was until the mental combination activated.

Silverbolt was already taking the bulk of the impact. He felt his mind being attacked. He felt his body being invaded by thousands of scraplets. In his mind, and everyone else’s, his torso folded and some panels flipped. He felt sick. Something inside him was being violently assaulted. He felt like he was back in the empty void,

And he wasn’t alone. Slingshot’s misery was worsened as half of him forcefully felt squeezed into a jet. But he wasn’t being completely transformed. Oh, no, it was only halfway, and it felt like the life was being squeezed out of. And he was accelerating. Accelerating fast. And he was going right towards a mangled, deformed Silverbolt. What’s going oN I DIDN’T SIGn up for tHIS!?!!

Air Raid’s previously casual smirk had been wiped off his face as he, too, experienced the immense pressure of the mental combination. His head felt like it was going to be ripped off of his neck, wires and circuitry struggling to hold together. He, too, was accelerating. Probably even faster than Slingshot. He was in a more compact form, closer to his alt mode than Slingshot was, but there was still this unnatural aspect to it. what the slaAAAG-

The simulation screen was displaying all sorts of error readouts, red colours flashing, warning symbols littering the monitor. The mental stress on each Aerialbot was getting exceptionally high. The combiner may have shown to be physically up to the standard it needed to be, at least in the simulations, but the mental impacts were way off the grid. This had to be stopped.

And elsewhere, in another realm, a titan was born.

STOP... IT, it cried, CAN’T... KEEP... GOING... ON!

If thoughts could project sound, the entirety of the Ark would have heard unholy screaming, pain and the sheer agony of the titan.

It wasn’t worth this.

DISENGAGE!

No response.

DISENGAGE!!!!

Silence.

DISENGAGE FOR PIT’S SAKE

In the real world, the bodies of the Aerialbots were shaking erratically.

Engineering Deck

When Optimus materialized back aboard the 22, he immediately noticed the difference in activity level. The Guardian seemed packed and bustling with life but this old vessel was quiet and barren. The sight was rather, strange to say the least. Perhaps most of her crew was elsewhere, either planetside or taking part in Red Alert’s council.

After his bee-line to the engineering deck, the doors hissed opened and Optimus was not prepared for the sight he would see. Each of the Aerialbots were strapped to their own berths and shaking restlessly. He could only hope they were doing okay.

“Ironfist, First-Aid, its good to see you all again.” Optimus greeted the scientists with a small wave, “Ultra Magnus told me of your efforts to construct on this— Gestalt project. I was curious to how the Aerialbots were handling it all.”

Engineering deck project room

Skydive tried his best to look over to his fellow Aerialbots. The shaking bothered him sense he felt very little of it himself. The image was flashing errors and was to far for a good look. The only conclusion for Skydive is they were fighting the program. He accepted this change before they got started even if not completely. Now it was done, he chose not to fight it which was probably the reason he wasn't experiencing the issues his brothers were having.

"Calm down my fellow Aerialbots and quit fighting it. This should ease most of the discomfort. Look at it this way, this is just another flight pattern we have learned and been modified to fly in. We can and will master this maneuver if we only relax and let it guide us."

After making his speech and trying his hardest to follow his own advice, Skydive heard their returned leader's voice. If he couldn't calm them down, maybe Optimus Prime could do it.

First Aid watched the projection and then the Aerialbots. He knew the physical changes were good but he didn't have a chance to look at the program Jetfirecand company had written. All he understood was the limbs were to send small packets of the personalities and attributes to Silverbolt to create the personality of the gestalt. He then heard the speech from Skydive which surprised him. Such words should have come from Silverbolt but the unit commander was struggling like most of the Aerialbots. First Aid wondered if Skydive was right that the issue was more of the individual fighting the program or if the program had its fair share of bugs.

He went over to the main console and brought up the program. It looked a bit confusing but First Aid blamed his lack of programming knowledge on it. First Aid tried his best to dissect the program like he would any patient trying to figure it out. First Aid then heard Optimus Prime walk in and looked up to see their famous leader. This brought great joy to the medic but at the same time didn't want the leader in here unless he could help out.

"The physical operations went smoothly from what I could tell, Prime. As for the program, it doesn't seem to be working completely but no clue if it is the program or the user. I barely know enough programming to recognize the basic subroutines. "

Engineering deck project room

All at once, Fireflight felt his body beginning to change against his will and his mind being flooded with hundreds of new thoughts. Was this reality or was he imagining it? He didn't know.

What he did know...this had suddenly become very much not fun.

[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

The city commander followed Optimus through the Ark. The old ship was rather quiet, though that was to be expected with all the various happenings. Magnus’s introduction to the project room on the engineering deck was… well, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but this definitely wasn’t it. The Aerialbots were held down on each individual berth and they were shaking. A lot.

He turned over to Ironfist and First Aid, the mechs overlooking the project at the moment. “Is everything fine? I would prefer to infer that the shaking is… part of the process.” His doubts would be cleared and proven wrong quickly, with the displays being coloured in with red to show warnings and overloads of all kinds. Silverbolt in particular was beginning to wail softly, and he looked to be the most restless out of all the Aerialbots.

Ultra Magnus’s optics roared with a fiery gaze. This was what he had felt would go wrong - they would not be able to make it happen anywhere near good on the first run. “Ironfist, what is this? We need to shut down the programme immediately, we cannot afford casualties at this rate!”

Although Magnus was no scientist, he could figure out which button was made to cancel the programme. He lightly brushed past Optimus and took the initiative to turn off the system.

After the cancellation, the atmosphere of the room had cooled down significantly. The warnings had started to fade away, and the Aerialbots, although still shaking, didn’t look like they were undergoing a massive seizure anymore.

Slingshot was the first to awaken after the whole ordeal. His optics shot online with panic and fear in them. “Gah!” he gasped from exhaustion, “What… what’re you doing to me?!”

[Engineering Deck--Project Room]

The flood of visions and thoughts and memories and desires and fears seemed to....fade.

Then black. Unyielding black.

Through the darkness, a giant hand reached out and-

Fireflight's optics shot open, his body tense.

"What...in the frag...."

Engineering Deck

The physical operations went smoothly from what I could tell, Prime. As for the program, it doesn't seem to be working completely but no clue if it is the program or the user. I barely know enough programming to recognize the basic subroutines.”

Optimus rested a digit beneath chin in an inquisitive manner as First-Aid was filling him in on the operation. Despite it all being a simulation, Optimus felt uneasy watching the Aerialbots wither in pain in their berths. The rumors of Jhiaxus’ gestalt project all those millennia ago was the only basis they had up until this point, and from what he could recall it was more like a horror story than a mystical tale of legend. He could only have hoped that if the Autobots could replicate this process at all that there wouldn’t be as barbaric methods as Jhiaxus’ myth told, but this... Simulation or not, they were in pain.

Before the Red and Blue Autobot could say anything, Ultra Magnus interjected sharing the same kind of discomfort Optimus was feeling, quickly brushing past the former Supreme Commander and shutting down the system.

Once the alarms ceased, Air Raid shot up from his berth gasping for air he did not need, the operation taking its toll on the Aerialbot. Normally one to always be looking for the next thrill and laughing in the face of danger, the expression on Air Raid’s faceplate made it seem like he had lived his own death over hundreds of times.

“Whatinthepitwhatinthepitehatinthepit...”

Engineering Deck

As Fireflight looked around the room, trying his best to regain his composure as the flood of mental imagery began to slowly recede like the tidal wave it had felt like, one image stuck out amongst the others: Optimus Prime.

"There's something glitched in my head. I...I can see all of you. I can even see Ultra Magnus. But I'm seeing Optimus Prime, too. I didn't know hallucinations would be a side effect of this process."

[Engineering Deck - Project Room]

Silverbolt’s mind was a mess at the moment, and he couldn’t tell up from down. All he could hear was the sheer panic and stress in his team’s voices. He jerked himself up, blue optics wide and confused.

Ironfist and First Aid were there. But now, so was Ultra Magnus. And… was it who he thought it was? Silverbolt didn’t need to speak. Fireflight had already voiced his thoughts.

Fireflight wrote:"There's something glitched in my head. I...I can see all of you. I can even see Ultra Magnus. But I'm seeing Optimus Prime, too. I didn't know hallucinations would be a side effect of this process."

“If Fireflight is correct… then that shared consciousness from the simulation must’ve done something to trigger the same hallucinations in me,” the Aerialbot commander said, “I’m… this is quite a baffling moment for me.”

Magnus found himself looking at the faces of all five ‘bots who were part of this experiment. He didn’t know what the inner workings of such a project were, but if this was in any way similar to what the Decepticons were doing, then he wanted none of it. He was not going to take any chances that might result in them being permanently damaged, be it physically or mentally.

He let out a deep sigh.

Optimus’s presence had definitely added to the confusion of the mechs. The city commander turned his head to look at the Prime, then back at Silverbolt and Fireflight. “You are not experiencing hallucinations. This is, in fact, Optimus Prime. However,” he said, turning his gaze sideways to meet Ironfist and First Aid’s, “Should you be facing any other strange symptoms, it would be best to inform them.”

After a pause, he added in a low, soft voice, “I am deeply apologetic for any pain that it may have caused you. You all look exhausted. If you don’t mind, could I ask… what did you experience?”

Slingshot gripped the top of his helmet with his hand. “Gee, what can I say? T’was like a whole ‘nother reality in there. Like hundred and hundreds of scraplets trying to get to my central cortex.”

Silverbolt’s tired optics dimmed themselves a little.

“I think I’m remembering memories that aren’t my own.”

Bounce Chamber/Corridors

Ah definitely need to report in. Can’t rely on Ratchet of the others. Gotta walk my own line, Ironhide thought as he rematerialized in the Ark 22’s bounce chamber. Through his own actions, he’d been placed in a position of having his actions dictated by others.

He didn’t blame anyone. Well, except for Starscream his Deceptibums, but they’re responsible for just about everything that’d happened to us for millions of years.

He pushed that thought aside. He wouldn’t blame Starscream. He had no doubt that if the Seeker had been responsible for the bounce-glitch, then he wouldn’t have been as surprised to see them and Ironhide and the others were. No, it was time for him to stand up and tap his own energon.

Even if it was to Optimus Prime.

Shaking the nervousness that had been running through his system, he focused on the ‘Bot working the bounce chamber’s controls. “Thank you for the smooth ride. Who’s in charge here?”

The ‘Bot looked at him like Ironhide had glitched out and praised Megatron. “Uh…”

“It’s a simple answer, ain’t it?”

“Ultra Magnus, sir.”

Ironhide inwardly flinched. The last thing he needed was the rules and regulations thrown at him, not that he didn’t deserve it. He would’ve simply preferred to be jettisoned into space until his energon ran out than listen to that recital.

“Leakin’ lubricant, I really know how to step in it, don’t I?” he muttered, shaking his head.

“What was that, sir?”

“Never mind.” He’s probably with Optimus. “Where’s Magnus and Optimus at?”

“The bridge.”

“Good, thank—”

“Or engineering. I think the commander was showing him around. I don’t have access to their itinerary, sir.”

Wondering how long the universe was going to prolong his punishment, Ironhide said, “That’s fine, I’ll find them. At ease.” Without looking over his shoulder, he stepped through the bounce chamber door.

As the door slid closed behind him, he swallowed his pride and leaned on the courage that had defined his career and opened a communication with Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime.

>>Ironhide reporting in. With your permissions, I would like a word with you. ‘Bot to ‘Bots.<<

As soon as the transmission was sent, he wanted to kick himself for sounding too much like his usually self. Why do I have the feelin’ this is gonna come back to dent my aft?

Gotta show the youngsters how it’s done. Ah messed up, and gotta take it like a true ‘Bot. He held onto that thought as he continued along the corridor toward the bridge and the conference room there. If there was one place on this ship Optimus would be, it’d be there. If not, he’d deal with that mistake, too.

Engineering deck-project room

First Aid was relieved when Ultra Magnus hit the kill switch. First Aid was a little reluctant not knowing if the problem would resolve itself.

"I am glad to see all five Aerialbots functioning still. I will guarantee this was more programming error than any physical misalignment. As bad as this may sound, part of me is glad it was a simulation triggering this or physical harm might have happened. Part of me wants to scrap this whole crazy idea and undo what we had done to them. There has to be another answer instead of building one giant to take down another giant. If you allow me to summon Jetfire back here to answer questions we can get to the bottom of this fiasco."

First Aid walks over to the control panel and opened up a channel to Jetfire.

>>Jetfire, you are needed back on the ark ASAP. Things didn't go well with the program and both Prime as well as Magnus are here.<<

Engineering Deck

”I am deeply apologetic for any pain that it may have caused you. You all look exhausted. If you don’t mind, could I ask… what did you experience?”

It took Air Raid a moment to collect himself and realize the simulation was finally over. He rubbed at his actuators as of he had been asleep for the past few hours, feeling drained despite only being bout for a short while.

“I think Silverbolt might be right about something... I’m seeing memories that aren’t all mine as well.” He answered somewhat unsure. Memories of him performing his usual devil-may-care stunts flashed alongside a feeling of dread looking down at the ground, fear he had never felt suddenly manifesting. He had never been afraid of heights before, unlike a certain Aerialbot commander was...

Optimus seemed concerned by what he was hearing. As First-Aid moved towards the Aerialbots to assess their vitals, Prime simply waved gently towards the Aerialbots to hopefully bolster their resolve some, especially given the circumstances.

“It is good to see you all again,” he began after Magnus introduced him, his voice echoing through the room, “It has been far too long.” A part of Optimus still wasn’t feeling too keen with this project, especially now after seeing what it was doing to the Aerialbots. He was just thankful Magnus had pulled the switch as soon as he did, he couldn’t stand the thought of losing anyone shortly after his return.

Prime’s comm-line then alerted him of an incoming transmission, coming from an old friend he was eager to see again.

>>”Ironhide reporting in. With your permissions, I would like a word with you. ‘Bot to ‘Bots.”<<

Optimus casted Ultra Magnus a partially concerned, partially puzzled look after Ironhide’s message. Wonder what he had to talk about, after all the red and blue Autobot had been out of the loop for quite some time. Were they even in a position to leave just yet? Did one of them need to hang back and oversee the Aerialbots right now or would Ironfist and First-Aid be able to continue their efforts uninterrupted. Still, seeing the old gear grinder would probably help boost his own morale somewhat.

>>“Understood, Ironhide.”<< Prime responded back, >>“We’re down in Engineering at the moment, but we’re on our way.”<<

“We better check up on him.” He stated, turning to face Ultra Magnus, “He’s usually very outspoken if something’s troubling him, I wonder if everything’s okay.” He paused for a moment, debating to offer going and seeing Ironhide alone so he could focus on the Gestalt project. No, he couldn’t risk another episode like before. The chance of Magnus giving him the okay only to lose control once again and putting another Autobot at risk of endangerment. Jazz, Ratchet and the others, he couldn’t let that happen again.

Corridors/Bridge

The door to the bridge slid open and Ironhide stepped across the threshold. The personnel on duty turned to see who entered, then went back to their tasks without a second look. A couple gave him a surprised look, but that was it.

That’s right, nothin’ unusual to see here, Ironhide thought as he made he shook his head and headed for the conference room.

Optimus Prime wrote:>>“Understood, Ironhide.”<< Prime responded back, >>“We’re down in Engineering at the moment, but we’re on our way.”<<

Ironhide paused in mid stride at Optimus’ tone. Did he sound distracted or uncertain?

Great, Ah’m addin’ to his burden again.

He’d seen Optimus under stress that would’ve buckled the shoulder struts or another mech. But rarely had that weight been caused by someone close to him. At least, that Ironhide had seen.

>>Thanks, Optimus. I’ll be in the conference room..<< Though he wasn’t sure, he thought his voice sounded flat and defeated. It wasn’t something he wanted to express as it’d only weigh on his friend’s processor. Because of that, he wanted to say more, but what?

Take your time? Leave your energon ax behind?

Ain’t gonna happen. Gotta mech up and deal with this, he told himself as the conference doors opened and he stepped in. He took his accustomed seat at the table, clasped his hands in front of him.

Then there was the fact he’d also messaged Ultra Magnus. Whether he'd come or not was an unknown factor. Ah just keep diggin’ my grave, don’t I?

He got up and walked to the window to look out at the stars. If they didn’t get this over with soon, he was going to blow a transistor.