The Energon Pub

Autobase - Hallways

Honestly, Snipe just wanted to kick back and mess around. He just got transferred from another team, so he was more interested in just letting loose and finally putting his guard down. Being transferred to Autobase Prime sounded like a vacation to Snipe. Nobody would need me to do anything here. Unless somebody gave me a recon mission to find out if the new shipment of Energon drinks came in yet. He had told himself earlier before reaching the base.

Zooming not too far behind Punch, Snipe followed in his alt mode. He would rev his engine every other klik to speed up and be just a few feet behind Punch then lag; speed up again, then lag. His actions was partly due to being bored of how slow Punch was going, in relation to Snipe speed lust, and the excitement of having a reason to go to the Command Center.


Autobase Prime - Command Center

Reverting back to his regular mode, Snipe did his best to put on a good face and...basically look cool. All the high ranking officers were in here. Even Optimus Prime himself. All the shmoozing from his being wouldn't work on anybody here, so his objective was simple: shut up and enjoy the experience.

Following promptly behind Punch, Snipe observed all the Autobots and the things they were doing. Wow.. he thought.

When Punch finally stopped and started talking, Snipe looked up and realized who he was talking to. Primus, he's tall.. And even after Punch had finished talking, Snipe still had his optics glued to Optimus' amazing stature. Don't stare. Don't stare. Uh..should I nod to what Punch just said? I wanna be helpful too! Snipe looked amusingly troubled without know it.

Jazz smiled and nodded to Optimus, "I will do whatever I can, and would be honored to fight along your side. Somehow, I can feel that Megatron isn't going to comply with this... Succession of Hostilities. As much as we all want it to happen, we must also ready ourselves to be faced with overwhelming odds at the hands of the Decepticons." He looked and nodded at Punch as he came in, then turned back to Prime.

"I will fight along your side until I am no longer able to function, you know that."

Peace in our time.

Peace.

After all these years, being faced with it now, it seemed like such an alien concept. Tomorrow the war come be over, the Autobots and Decepticons could be in a state of cease fire, the causality report currently running through his Databanks could be the last he would ever have to read. Was that to much to hope for?

That would depend on Megatron.

Not the greatest first step.

>>Please assign Punch to Autobase Tau for a short-term mission. I require his rather unique expertise to deal with a unique problem. Mirage out.<<

Optimus Prime barely shifted an optic as the encoded message was downloaded directly into his processes. It was an unusual method, one rarely used, most transmissions were directed to him via the Command Center, for such a direct approach to be taken, to bypass as many Autobots as possible, more often than not eluded to a matter of the utmost sensitivity.

The Autobot known as Mirage rarely dealt in anything less.

Sending a brief confirmation Prime turned to the Autobot in question as he arrived at the Command Centerer, one of his more...unique operatives.

"Optimus, Jazz. Optimus, sir, I'd like to help out around the facility any way I can. I know a lot of troops were injured at Polyhex, and I feel a little helpless just standing around. Even if its holding a flashlight in the Medbay, I'll be there in an asctrosecond."

"I have a task more appropriate for your Talents Punch. Report to Tau, Mirage will brief you on your arrival. Jazz..."

Prime turned to his direct attention to one of his longest serving Autobots, putting a strong hand on his shoulder and conviction filling his optics. The dedication of his men was never in question, he trusted them all with his life, just as he wanted them to trust in him with the same.

"...ready the Shuttle for launch. Its time we ended this war".

Snipe moved his optics to take a look at the next person who spoke. It was Jazz who looked almost as tall as Optimus, and still impressive to Snipe.

'Succession of Hostilities', 'fight until no longer able to function'? What the heck are they talking about? Snipe pondered.

Then upon hearing the dispatch of Punch, Snipe felt the need to have his offer heard.

Come on, muster up the courage. Hes just another Autobot... with a millenia of more experience than you... And leader of all the Autobots... with battle scars that makes your's look like decorations...

Shaking his head, he started to phych up. Shut up, Snipe! No wait! Don't shut up. SAY SOMETHING! he berated himself.

"Snipe reporting for duty, sir!" He said to nobody in particular. When he noticed he wasn't really addressing anybody, he quickly turned to Jazz. Ok, keep going! he told himself. "I can shoot multiple target with an accuracy as well as any of you, and maybe even better! Camouflage abilities to get by un-noticed by enemy scouts or even steal an energon drink or two from an enemy camp. Recon soldier, Snipe Shade, able to fight! Sirs!" He charged vocally with enthusiasm. Before he dared to look at anybody's expression to his outburst, he added, "...or help around the base where it's needed." he coughed out.

Autobase Prime: Command Center

If there was one thing to be said about young Autobots it was that they rarely lacked enthusiasm, this new Generation remained mostly unscathed by the nature of a drawn out war, with any luck, they wouldn't have to be. Optimus Prime remained patiently silent as Snipe made himself known, the young Bot clearly nervous about his current situation and rolling out his credentials like a shopping list.

Prime spared Jazz half a look as Snipe managed to stand to attention and fidget at the same time. Even after all these years he still couldn't quite understand it, as Orion Pax he had never warranted such a nervous reaction from his fellow Autobots when they had first crossed his path...as Optimus Prime however, that was another matter entirely. He silently wished it didn't happen nearly as often as it did, his ego simply wasn't big enough to constantly absorb such awe.

More often than not he found the best solution was to offer encouragement, more specifically, something to do. New Autobots tended to be less jittery when they had a clear task set out in front of them to accomplish, something to keep their minds and bodies occupied.

"Easy Snipe..."

Prime looked the smaller Autobot directly in the optics.

"...there is always work to be found for a good Autobot."

His pondered for a moment before deciding upon a suitable assignment.

"Accompany Punch during his transit to Tau. We may have a cease fire with the Decepticons...but i'm not taking any chances".

Jazz nodded as Prime gave him his orders, "Yes, sir." He smiled as he looked up to his Autobot Commander. And as he was about to go and perform his duties, he stopped and thought for a minute on what this whole thing was going to be like. What it was going to turn out to be, and if it was going to be for the best. Was it going to be disastrous? Will Megatron even listen to what Prime and he had to say? It was a dark time, but Jazz was ready to face it with his old friend on Decepticon at a time, should the situation arise.

Despite the fact that Jazz was one of the smaller Autobot Commanders, compared to others such as Fortress Maximus or Ultra Magnus, that didn’t argue the fact that he was one of the most capable. And, time and time again, he proved it, which is how he got his role as the Autobots Special Operations Director ( S.O.D. ).

As he was about to head over to his command console to order their Shuttle, a younger Autobot, Snipe, ran up to the both of them, very excited. Between his enthusiasm, Jazz gathered that he wanted to help, and before Optimus could respond, he said, “Well, youngin’, I recon’ you’d be better off here, for the time being. This mission is… How should I say it? Incredibly Dangerous, if all does not go well. I have a feeling that Prime and I will have to be bustin’ some Decepti-punks heads before the day is over.”

After Optimus voiced his orders to Snipe, Jazz walked over and put his arm on Snipe’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, ‘bud. I’m sure we’ll take you along on the next trip.” He smiled, trying to raise the young Autobots spirits.

Leaving Prime’s side, Jazz walked over to his console and typed a few buttons in. He was relaying a command to the hangers to have their Shuttle ready before Optimus and he got there. And after about five minutes had passed, he got a message that it was done, and his order had been carried out. Nodding, he walked back to Optimus and said, “It’s done. The Shuttle is awaiting our arrival to take off.”

(OOC - Handling Sideswipe 'til Ember returns.) IC -

Autobase Prime - Command Center

"Autobot warrior Sunstreaker ready to fight, sir!" Sunstreaker shouted into Snipe's audio receptor as loudly and obnoxiously as possible. While the young Autobot scout had been declaiming his credentials and function to Optimus Prime and the others, Sunstreaker had taken the opportunity to sidle up quietly to Snipe specifically to do what he had just done.

"Sunstreaker reporting for duty, sir! And to correct this guy, whoever he is, about what he just said! Sir!" he continued. "Whoever this guy is, sir, he can't do half of what my left toeplate can do! And he should probably stop shouting about it, before I do something about it! Sir!"

Sideswipe put a hand, somewhat brotherly and somewhat restraining, onto Sunstreaker's shoulder. "Primus' tailplate, Sunny...have a spark. Guy's just trying to do his job."

With an annoyed snort, Sunstreaker crossed his arms and turned away, moving to watch Jazz and the others go about their business in the Command Center. Boooooring.

Moving past the yellow and black Sunstreaker to talk to Snipe a bit more quietly, the red and silver Sideswipe gave the recon soldier a reassuring swat on the shoulder plate. "Don't pay my brother any microprocessors," he said. "He's just busting your ball-bearings, he does it to everyone."

Autobase Prime: Command Center

For a moment Prime considered separating the often overbearing Sunstreaker from the younger Snipe but found his decision cut short as Sideswipe filled the same role. On one hand he did not approve of such heavy handed treatment from the more experienced Mechs against the younger models but on the other, Prime also knew full well he could ill afford to play the Protective Father Figure every moment of every day. The young Bots needed to learn how to stand on their own two feet, how too stand up for themselves. He would of course catch them if they fell, but if he never allowed them to stand on their own...then they never know how too.

Besides, experiencing Sunstreaker's brash nature first hand would be good practice for the Deceptions more...unpleasent personality traits. Never the less, that didn't mean he was going to let the entire incident slide by without notice.

"Your...enthusiasm...is noted Sunstreaker..."

Optimus Prime turned a stern gaze towards the gold plated warrior. More often than not he granted his Autobots a great deal of leeway when it came to their eccentricities in nature, but that didn't mean they could do what the pleased, when the pleased. Especially not in the Command Center.

"...[i]feel free[\i] to take your post".

At that moment Jazz returned and the complex cortex of Optimus Prime turned entirely towards the most significant matter at hand. The pre arranged time was drawing ever nearer, with the future of Cybertron hanging in the balance it would not do to keep Megatron waiting.

"Excellent Jazz..."

Observing the mass of data flooding through his Command Chair one more time he turned to address all those present, looking to each on turn. He trusted all of his Autobots, he trusted them with his very spark, but there were also a few he trusted more than any others.

One of which was in this very room.

"Elita 1, I place you in Command of Autobase Prime until I return. Autobots, I go now to talk of peace...but do not forget who it is we are attempting to parlay with. We can ill afford to fall for some Deception trickery at this stage, irregardless of what happens, if the Decepticons strike...do not hesitate to strike back. Jazz..."

Prime finally returned his gaze back to his Lt.

"...lets Roll!"

Autobase Prime - Command Center

A thousand questions billowed through Punch's mind as Optimus Prime handed down his orders. Chief among them, if the assignment required his 'talents', then it obviously wasn't an ordinary personnel transfer.

'If Mirage has a hand in it, its never ordinary...', thought Punch, recalling various times in the past when he had delved deep into the Decepticon ranks, sometimes deeper than he cared for, all under orders from Mirage.

Taking a step back as more Autobots crowded around Prime, the young Snipe among them, Punch observed the situation. The recon Bot was taking quite the roast from Sunstreaker. As Sideswipe chastised him, Punch took a step forward and put a hand on Snipe's shoulder.

"Hey, Prime has his hands full right now, so let's get going. He and Jazz have a job to do, and so do we. Tau's in the Tagan Heights, so we'll have to borrow a transport from the hangar bay." Punch whispered, using his free hand to motion for Snipe to follow him.

A few minutes later, said transport blasted off from the hangar, with a course set for Autobase Tau.

Autobase Prime - Command Center


Snipe hoped that he hadn't made a fool of himself, and lost an opportunity to show how good he was. But as soon as he heard those glorious words from Prime:

"Accompany Punch during his transit to Tau."

His eyes fiercely glowed from excitement! Although he was usually one to always appreciate some downtime, recieving an order straight from Prime was a considerable exception to the case.

Snipe stood at attention and thanked Optimus for considering him onto such a mission, with Punch no doubt he thought to himself. And then he nodded in affirmation to Jazz's words of encouragement.

--

Not too soon after, Snipe recoiled to the annoying "noise" that was being spouted by Sunstreaker.

'His left toeplate, my aft.' Snipe growled in a low volume. But luckily, for Sunstreaker, Sideswipe was able to soften the insulting blow from his brother. Snipe nodded respectfully to the more MATURE brother, though not before sending a subtle glare to Sunstreaker.

--

Noticing Punch approach him in his peripheal, Snipe turned and listened closely to what Punch had to say.

...And with all that said, Snipe was eager to get outta there, mostly because of Sunstreaker's presence.

"Right behind ya.." Snipe replied.

But before leaving the command center, hopefully not for the last time, Snipe sent a com link message to Sunstreaker.

> he chuckled, then disappeared out the door.

Autobase Prime - Command Center

"Hey! That little, no-good, Insecticon-lookin', scuffed-up, mud-flap piece of..." Sunstreaker fumed at Snipe's message. He started to stomp off after his fellow Autobot, but Sideswipe wrangled him in time.

Hissing somewhat angrily into his fraternal twin's audio sensor, Sideswipe tried to sound as soothing as possible, with limited results. "Come on, Sunny! Cool your turbojets before Prime or someone decides you'd best sit this one out!"

Sideswipe knew as well as anyone how cold-sparked and violent Sunstreaker could be. Not all the Autobots, especially the newer ones, knew it, but once upon a time Sunstreaker had been a gladiator, a star in Cybertron's blood-sports. Same league as Megatron. Even fought him once, Sunstreaker was fond of recounting to his twin. And remember the time I beat the crap out of that punk, Turbo! Damn near tore his fuel pump out, 'cept the refs stopped the match...took the medics eight cycles just to patch him up enough to receive energon again...heh...

Sunny told such stories proudly, though Sideswipe kept him from telling the stories too publicly. Luckily Sunny can find enough other stuff to brag about that he doesn't have to brag about that ancient history...

"Your the boss." Jazz told him, and smiled as he walked out of the command center, with Prime in a close follow. This mission was dangerous, very dangerous. They would be confronting Megatron himself, and if all doesn't go well, then they might be fighting him too. He would have to be in top shape so that he could preform his duties correctly, and to keep up with Megatron.

"Prime, while were engaged in Diplomatic crap with Mega-punk, should I just stay quite? Or would you like my ever-so-polite comments to be added to the conversation?"

Autobase Prime: Hanger Bay

"While I value your input Jazz, for the time being negotiations will remain between myself and Megatron"

Optimus Prime confirmed for his Lt. Jazz. Whilst the Autobot in question had proven his worth many times over, including his insights to the events surrounding them, for today the fate of Cybertron, and the fate of its people, would be decided by just two. The same two Cybertronians that were quite possibly most responsible for prolonging this war for as long as it had lasted. Prime was not egotistical enough to believe that the Autobot cause would simply grind to a halt without him, or that the Decepticon Empire would crumble without Megatron, but there was some truth to it.

Both Prime and Megatron not only represented their respective factions, they were living embodiments of the separate ideologies. They had fought each other for centuries, and thus, so too had their followers.

If this War was ever going to end, the two them would have to be the first to do it.

Or die trying.

Prime paused before entering the shuttle, as much as he was loathe to do, his cortex inevitably returned to the worst case scenario. The Decepticons had been dealt a heavy blow this day, a blow that had forced negotiations, but if Megatron had proven anything over the years it was that he did not give up so easily. That, and the Deceptticons had earned their names for a reason.

"Keep your optics open at all times Jazz, Megatrons intentions are rarely what the seem".

With that final warning given, to both his Lt. and indeed, to himself, Optimus Prime prepared the shuttle for launch.

Autobase Prime – Hanger Bay

She hadn’t wasted anytime making the decision to see him one last time before he left. She wanted a promise, not of ending the war here and now, but to come back unharmed. Elita knew Optimus quite well and if he said he’d be back without a scratch he would, but there was one element Prime didn’t consider……Megatron.

The Femme commander knew the Decepticon leader well. She studied him in fights and undercover within his ranks. She understood the maniacal nature of his being, and that is what scared her most about him.

She came to a screeching halt at the base of the shuttle and quickly transformed into robot mode. Taking an unnecessary breath in order to gather herself, Elita made her way to Optimus’ side. She gently touched her hand to Prime’s forearm and gently tugged him closer to her.

“I want you to make me a promise.” She looked away from his bright blue optics but only for a moment. “Promise me you’ll come back to me in one piece.” Her stare grew intense as she waited for his response.

Autobase Prime: Hanger Bay

Prime came a stop as he felt a gentle hand on his forearm, turning to meet the optics of Elita 1. He had heard the screeching of tires just moments before but his cortex had not processed their presence, the Hanger Bay was filled with Autobots going about their daily tasks, what were the movements of one more while his mind processed the monumental task ahead of him.

The presence of Elita 1 however gave him reason to pause. He hadn't quite expected the Fembot to follow after him, he knew that she did not entirely approve of this course of action, but what choice did they have?

If there was not even the effort being made to make Peace then what was the point in fighting for it? Prime refused to believe that this war would never end, he refused to admit that he would have to completely destroy the Decepticons to make it happen. There had to be another way.

There had to be a better way.


“I want you to make me a promise. Promise me you’ll come back to me in one piece.”


Prime paused for a moment as Elita 1 stared intensely into his own optics, waiting for an answer he knew he wasn't going to be able to escape. Nor did he want too, she deserved an answer, they all did, and while it may have been prudent to tell a white lie, it simply wasn't in his Spark to do so.

Dishonesty wasn't in his nature, and if an Autobot couldn't be true to himself, then he couldn't be true to anything. If Prime said it, it was because he believed it, thats how it was now, and thats is how it would always be.

After the moment of pause passed he placed a hand on Elita's smaller shoulder, his tone, as it almost always was, deep, calm, and level.

"I promise I will come back".

As much as he hated to admit it, that was the best he could offer.

He hoped it was enough.

Autobase Prime, Command Centre

"So they're going on a highly dangerous mission?" Rollbar said.
"For a moment I thought we were going to be invited along," Wideload said relieved.
"You're right! There still might be time!" Rollbar transformed and drove off down the corridor.
"Time for what?" Wideload said following him.

Autobase Prime, Hanger Bay

The two Throttlebots drove into the hanger, "Optimus Prime, sir? Can we come?" Rollbar asked, "We'll prove invaluable to any operation, with my awesome sensors and Wideload's strength, heck Wideload can carry all your stuff if you want,"
"But feel free to turn us away because it might be too dangerous," said Wideload who did not particularly like being someone's pack mule.
"The more dangerous the better!" said Rollbar.

(OOC: Whoosy, forgot where these two were)

Autobase Prime – Hanger Bay

Elita’s optics failed to move from Prime’s as the throttle bots made their debut. A slight smile crept to her lips as Rollbar and Wideload asked to go along with Prime. She really couldn’t blame them. Most of the mechs in the base were willing to go along no matter the mission. However, this mission was a delicate one and therefore only one other mech was good enough for Optimus.

Speaking in an authoritative tone, Elita addressed the two newcomers.

“I’m sorry you two but you’re mine until Optimus returns. Now why don’t you head over to the command center and take my station for the time being.”

With that taken care of Elita spoke softly to Prime.

“That’ll have to do for now. But I’ll tell you this Optimus, if you come back in any other condition other than fully functional, I’ll kill you.” Her last words were spoken with a broad smile. As her jovial mood subsided she let slide her hand from Prime’s forearm and brought it up to the side of his helmet.

“Be safe and good luck.”

With that she turned on her heals and motioned for Rollbar and Wideload to follow her.

Autobase Prime: Hanger Bay

As hard as it was for many to believe Optimus Prime was not always the Bot he was today. He had not always possessed the same unwavering conviction, the same, sheer, strength of will, the same indomitable Spark, once upon a distant time he was something much different. Once upon a distant time he had simply been Orion Pax, the Autobot least likely to inherit the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, the Autobot least likely to turn the tide of a losing war, the Autobot least likely to inspire his people to rise up from the very edge of extinction. He was an Autobot who seemed to know this better than anyone else.

In his eyes, in the mind of Orion Pax, he was not worthy.

That is until a select few of Autobots, barely a handful of which still lived today, had given him a good, hard, shove in the right direction. The Autobots needed a Leader that could force back the threat of annihilation, and, forged by the furnace of a never ending battle, molded by those around him whose confidence never wavered, the body and mind and doubts of Orion Pax were left behind, to be reborn as the greatest Autobot of them all, Optimus Prime.

Elita 1 had been one of those few that had supported him then when he had needed them most, it was something he would be forever grateful for. It was something he spent his every active moment trying to repay. Repay to her and to every Autobot who followed his lead, for every Autobot who entrusted their lives to him each and every day. He could do no less. They were going to win this war.

Even if it cost him every once of Energon in his body.

Prime chuckled, allowing the moment of good humor to fill his frame as Elita smiled up at him. It was only a moment, one that all to rarely occurred, but he would hold onto it, between now and his fateful encounter with his centuries old nemesis. The very mention of Megatron was enough to kill any amount of good will, but for now, for this moment, not even his malevolent presence could sour the mood.

"I'll take that under advisement".

He watched Elita for a few moments longer as she turned to leave, her duties calling her away just as his demanded the same. The fate of all of Cybertron beckoned, the future of his entire race was being placed in his hands, now, as was often the case, he did not have the luxury of attending this his own desires. He'd made the decision to make that sacrifice a long time ago. The Autobots came first, the countless Alien Races that would be threatened by the Decepticons tyranny came first.

No matter the cost.

A few moments later, Prime having boarded and sealed the bulkhead, the Shuttle was on its way, carrying its cargo towards a most fateful encounter...

Hanger Bay, Autobase Prime

Wideload grinned happily under his face plate as Elita-1 asked him and Rollbar to follow her, "Thank Primus," he whispered quietly.
"Aww but Optimus Prime's mission involves high risks and huge danger," Rollbar said disappointedly, "Wait, does working with you involve danger and lots of risks, ma'am?" he asked Elita-1 hope kindling in his spark.

Autobase Prime - Command Center

Hmmmph, though Sunstreaker as Optimus Prime gave him a very mild reprimand before leaving the Command Center. If I were stuck with that deadly-dull red, white, and blue color scheme, I'd probably be a grouch, too. Not realizing that 'grouch' would likely be an improvement from his current status of 'borderline sociopath,' Sunstreaker turned back to his brother Sideswipe.

"Say, isn't Prime's order to 'take your post' a little vague?" he asked, a smile slowly spreading across his faceplate. "Think we could maybe scare up a little action somewhere...like wherever Prime and Jazz are headed?"

Sunstreaker couldn't speak for his fraternal twin, but he knew him well enough to bet that Sideswipe would be willing to bend the rules and ignore the spirit of Prime's order if it meant getting a crack at some Decepticons.

"I mean, isn't it every good Autobot's job to make sure Optimus Prime is protected at all times?"

Autobase Prime – Command Center

“Ohhhhh! Hey, you’ve got yourself a good idea there, Sunny.”

Clapping his hand roughly on Sunstreaker’s shoulder, Sideswipe smiled his trademark crocked smile and began to move towards the exit of the Command Center.

“Come on. Let’s head over to the hanger bay,” With a flicker of his optic he motioned for Sunstreaker to follow, “to see what’s ‘available’.”

Sideswipe knew he was the only one that could possibly keep his brother in check, but with an opportunity like the one that was just handed to he and Sunny, how could he be levelheaded?

Autobase Prime – Halls

Elita moved swiftly but still slow enough for Rollbar and Wideload to keep up. A slight smile crossed her stern faceplate as the two Throttlebots kept up their pace.

“Danger and lots of risks? Somehow I don’t think so. I want both of you to monitor communications to and from the Moonbase. I want to make sure nothing goes wrong up there.”

Autobase Prime - Halls

"C'mon, before that damp oilcloth Elita-1 tries to shut down our party before it's even started!" Sunstreaker exhorted Sideswipe. Transforming into his sleek, rear-engined Cybertronian car mode, he rocketed ahead of his twin, humming swiftly down the corridors toward the Hangar Bay. "I can't stand that old mecha-nag! She thinks just because Optimus Prime likes to hold her hand actuator and talk about his feelings, she can act like queen of the Autobots!"

Slamming on his brakes and skidding to a halt in front of the Hangar Bay doors, he transformed back into robot mode.

"Sweet, no one's here. Let's go, bro!"

Halls, Autobase Prime

Elita's words had completely different effects upon to the two Throttlebots. Wideload's face brightened considerably at the news of his task. Not only was it not life threatening, it was highly unlikely that he would get dirty. In comparison, Rollbar's face dropped at the prospect of a job with lack of immediate danger and high risk. The most dangerous thing that could happen with the comms equipment was a malfunction, "Are you expecting trouble on the Moonbase then, ma'am?" Rollbar asked in hope that at least the communications will be exciting, "A Decepticon raid? Alien abductions?" he prompted her.

Autobase Prime – Command Center

“Actually, Rollbar, the Moonbase is where Optimus Prime and Megatron are meeting, and I want you two to monitor the airwaves in case Megatron has something up his slimy sleeve.”

Elita moved to her station and motioned for Rollbar and Wideload to have a seat.

“Inform me if you find anything.”

With that taken care of the femme commander moved to another station and quickly brought up some data.

Autobase Prime – Hanger Bay

Sideswipe smirked at his twin’s jarring of Elita-1. He shrugged and gave his analysis of the femme.

“I don’t know, she’s never had anything against me.” The red warrior chuckled as he spoke. “After this stunt, though, I’m sure she’ll have it in for me……and you.”

Sideswipe moved around the hanger bay looking for just the right shuttle to….borrow.

“Hey Sunny! How’s about this one?”

Autobase Prime - Hangar Bay

"Looks good to me."

Stepping up into the small shuttle, Sunstreaker sat down in the pilot's chair and activated the grav-motors to make the craft hover a meter or so above the floor as he backed it toward the Hangar's exit. Once Sideswipe was inside, the shuttle's door slid closed and sealed. The shuttle was a small, lightly-armed one, designed to carry a dozen or so Autobots at most.

"So, let's see here," the golden Autobot said as he punched buttons on the console. "Moonbase is our destination...computer plotted the course...and now we can kick back and figure out we're going to keep out of the Brig once we come back from our little mission!"