The Energon Pub

Barracks Lv 5

"W..wait.. You're good with that..?"

Amethyst would be blushing if it was possible. He nodded his head while smiling, and responded, “Of course. Not like anyone else would want to be here with me anyway. Feel free to make yourself at home, Red.”

He could tell Redwing felt sheepish by the way he was acting. To be honest he felt the same way, but he felt like this was right? Here he was just a few cycles ago thinking he would never be recognized as anything but just another ordinary Seeker, and that no one would remember his name. To many, a Seeker like him must have seemed like a drone of sorts….one mechanoid in a vast swathe of identicals, with nothing interesting about them at all. Well...they were wrong! He was also just as guilty for believing that's all anyone would see him as. Thrust, Thundercracker, Skywarp, and even Offroad had treated him like an individual. Thrust, though as air-headed as he was, even seemed to like Amethyst, and Redwing….he showed him friendship like no one else had ever done before, accepting his flaws and helping him out of the fray of the “booze war-zone”. He also went as far as to open up about his own problems, which in turn, drew him even closer to the other Seeker.

’We live to fight...it's what we were designed and programmed for and that's what we're good at doing, but it seems to me there's more than meets the eye about us.’, Amethyst thought to himself. Like what they were as Cybertronians, life kept changing. Nothing ever stays the same. You get older, wiser, you get upgrades, new alt modes from time to time...but also….new points of view….new enhancements to life itself. This was a welcoming change to the repetitive cycle of warfare this mech was used to.

"Amethyst.. I haven't ever asked anyone this before, but.. What do you think you would be like if you were forged? Honestly, the only parts of us that aren't premade are our sparks. I sometimes wonder what I would look or sound like if I were forged. Heh, sometimes I wish I could choose whatever structure or voice I want. Then again, if I had that option, I would have too many choices to choose from."

Amethyst's optics just stared at Redwing’s face for a few kliks as he processed that. He’d never thought of such a thing before! He hummed and stroked his chin for a little while he thought a out, and then he said, “Well….it's hard to imagine, but you know those scary dragon creatures from stories with the bodies like lizards and wings like bats? That’d be a cool alt mode! Breathing fire! Rawrr!!”, he growled, getting up and clenching his hands like claws. He stumbled then, and fell forward into Redwing. “Ooof.” He then busted out in a giggling fit and rolled onto the floor, unable to contain his laughter. It was a combination of how foolish he felt and how happy he was. “Oh...and...maybe I’d be a femme!!” , he said, still laughing his aft off.

Redwing felt happy around Amethyst. He felt a connection he had never sensed before with any other mech or femme. It was almost like they were close siblings, or.. Even more.

“Well….it's hard to imagine, but you know those scary dragon creatures from stories with the bodies like lizards and wings like bats? That’d be a cool alt mode! Breathing fire! Rawrr!!”

Redwing laughed heartily but also shyly. Amethyst had a cute sense of humor. It made Redwing feel all warm and fuzzy in his spark.

..then Amethyst fell onto Redwing. At first Redwing was startled, but then he started smiling again, though at this point he would've been blushing if he were a human. Amethyst then rolled onto the floor, but Redwing felt the urge to pick him up again and sit back down with him. But then he hesitated, and tried to decide what to do as his gas tank pumped at 100 bpm.

“Oh...and...maybe I’d be a femme!!”

Redwing felt his face heating up a bit as Amethyst said that. His smile went from a shy smile to a really nervous smile.

"I.. Wouldn't mind that.." Said Redwing very nervously with his his optics squinted from the intense pumping in his gas tank. He took a breath in to try and cool his internals before covering his face with his hands out of shyness.

Redwing reached his hand out and pulled Amethyst to himself before sitting back down with Amethyst beside him. Redwing then placed his hand on Amethyst's thigh, and looked away shyly.

Shockwave's Laboratory

”My lord.” Motormaster responded to his leader as Megatron stopped by him and made a sales pitch of the combiner process to him. Unnecessary but now unwelcome.

The notorious Stunticon was more than ready to wield more power. He embraced it. Megatron’s enthusiasm for the process did make it even more appealing. And yet, despite of his supreme confidence in his own dominion over his Stunticons, it was the lack of control the Constructicons seemed to have with Devastator that bothered him. For a reason or another the Constructicon giant did not seem to resemble any single member of the group that formed him save for Bonecrusher – an insignificant if powerful foot soldier usually easily controlled by Hook and Scrapper. Was something so inherently wrong with the process that a numbskull like Bonecrusher was suddenly more compatible with the process than those of greater intellect?

However it was, Motormaster did not want to share that power with the likes of Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip and Wildrider. He wanted the power to be his to command. Whether Shockwave agreed on what he wanted was a different matter altogether.

”Of course not lord Megatron. You can count on me.”

Barracks Lv 5

"I.. Wouldn't mind that.."

"Huh?", the violet Seeker asked. He surely wasn't expecting that answer. However, he was okay with it.

"I mean...how would I know anyways? I am what I am....a Seeker! That's all I know.", he said. He was then given a helping hand as he was pulled up into the seat that Redwing was sitting on. Amethyst felt wedged between the somewhat larger red mech and the chair's arm. Then Redwing rested a hand on Amethyst's thigh. He stared at his hand, and then looked up at Redwing's face, which was turned away. He didn't understand, but he felt cramped by the seat so he got up, picking up Redwing's hand, and then sat back down directly on the other's lap.

"There.", Amethyst said. He put Redwing's hand back down the way it was before. " This is more comfy." His voice was light and happy. He leaned back against Redwing's chest and let out a sigh of contentment. "BFFs." He didn't know a better word for the way he felt about Redwing. He had previously been so detached from general socialization, keeping mostly to himself even though he had been capable of pleasant speech when need be.

"What about you, Redwing? You said you've thought of it before. If you had been forged...do you think you'd be different?", he asked. It was a valid question, and only right since he himself had answered, though it was just a fantasy. He had no idea what he would have been like if he were forged. He was content just as he was, a flier with an affinity for fire.

"I mean...how would I know anyways? I am what I am....a Seeker! That's all I know."

Amethyst's answer made sense. It's just a thought that had bugged Redwing for a while. Redwing was involved in painting other seekers and making each unique, but he always wondered what each would truly be like if they were forged. Still though, he always tried to the best of his abilities to make each color fit each seeker's character.

"There.", Amethyst said. He put Redwing's hand back down the way it was before. " This is more comfy." His voice was light and happy. He leaned back against Redwing's chest and let out a sigh of contentment. "BFFs."

Redwing was surprised but also happy about how close together he was to Amethyst. He was going to pull Amethyst onto his lap himself, but decided against it because it seemed premature. He felt his face heating up more as he rested his head on Amethysts shoulder, and then wrapped his arms around his torso in a hugging manner.

"I suddenly feel.. So happy," whispered Redwing, "But, I'm not sure if you feel the same way I feel.. Not everyone even knows what conjux really means. Do you know? I uh.. I know this is.. Early.. I just.."

Redwing sat back up and then covered his face with his hand in an embarrassed manner.

"I.. I'm sorry.. For that.. Um.. Would you like to help me move my stuff over here..?"

Barracks Lv 5- Amethyst's Room

SillyMcJerry wrote:"I suddenly feel.. So happy," whispered Redwing, "But, I'm not sure if you feel the same way I feel.. Not everyone even knows what conjux really means. Do you know? I uh.. I know this is.. Early.. I just.."

Redwing sat back up and then covered his face with his hand in an embarrassed manner.

I.. I'm sorry.. For that.. Um.. Would you like to help me move my stuff over here..?"

The F-15 con sat there comfortably on the lap of the F-22's. He swore he could feel the warm pulsing sensation of the other's spark. It pulsed quickly, like his did. He could feel his friend's fuel pump rapidly working itself too, though Amethyst's felt more steady and relaxed. He really felt comfortable like this. The sweet embrace of Redwing's arms around his more slender torso was also pleasant. Amethyst took one of his hands, absently tracing the panel lines on one of Redwing's forearms. As he did this, he continued to ponder new thoughts, like perhaps he could be fem if he wanted to. He was built somewhat smaller than a typical Seeker was anyways....nothing blatant like Slipstream's design though, but subtle. It wasn't unheard of...

To answer Redwing, Amethyst replied firstly, "Huh? What's a Conjux? And what do you mean early? What's there to be sorry about?" His voice was tender and full of concern, but after this he added, "And yes, of course I'll help you. If those jerks are there, they're gonna be broiled if they mess with you." He would then turn a bit and give Redwing a hug in return, before getting up and heading to the door. He smiled confidently and a little mischievously at Redwing.

>>"I hope they give you a hard time, personally. More fun for me."<<

"Huh? What's a Conjunx? And what do you mean early? What's there to be sorry about?"

"It's.. Hard to explain.." said Redwing nervously, but in a soft tone. It was obvious at this point that he talked differently around Amethyst than around everyone else. Others always heard him as this sort of "cool dude" who liked to impress others. But here, and at this moment.. It was much different. He actually felt love in his spark again. Something he hadn't felt for a very very long time. And very suddenly as well.

"And yes, of course I'll help you. If those jerks are there, they're gonna be broiled if they mess with you."

Redwing smiled sheepishly, but genuinely. Amethyst could be tough, but kind of in a cute way. At least in Redwing's view. He knew Amethyst had more spine to him at least than many other seekers Redwing had met, including his former roommates. Heck, maybe even more than Redwing.

Amethyst then stood up, headed for the hallway and said,

"I hope they give you a hard time, personally. More fun for me."

Redwing chuckled. He hadn't genuinely chuckled for a long time. He always tried to sound almost cool or to subdue his laughter, but this time was different. It was like he was talking in his natural voice again.

"I'd like to see you burn their afts off," Redwing said with another laugh, "They're a buncha punks."

Redwing got up from his seat as well and then followed Amethyst to the hallway.



After some silence, Redwing began to speak again.

"S..so.. a conjunx endura is.. Okay so you know how there's best friends who look out for each-other? Well.. it's like that but.. Its said that a spark pulses faster around the one you love most. And.."

Redwing paused and tried to collect his thoughts and calm his spark before continuing to Amethyst.

"A.. and.. it's something I haven't felt for a long time.. but feel now.."

Redwing paused in the hall and held his face to try and calm himself. He felt his spark pulsing faster and faster.

"I.. I know this is early to say.. but.. a Cybertronian can only have one conjunx.. and.. I feel that I love you like no one else.."

Redwing looked around to try and make sure nobody else was around to hear. He felt so shy suddenly, and he couldn't hardly stand it. His chassis felt so tight and hot like as if his spark was about to go flat, but somehow.. Redwing had wanted to know this feeling again for so long.

Barracks Lv 5- Corridors

Unlike Redwing, Amethyst had never felt this way before. He had liked a few other mechs as comrades in arms, and at a few points he even had some friends, but in the end he had always felt alone, even in a large legion of troops fighting alongside him, because no one had stayed around long enough to really get to know him while others chose to stay explicitly away from him on purpose. It never had bothered Amethyst much until more recent times when he began to feel drab and boring compared to other Seekers who were more noteworthy. Now though, especially since getting to know others like Redwing and Thrust, Amethyst decided he wanted to stand out too and be a "somebody". Now, he could understand why their Commander Starscream wanted so bad to be noticed and to achieve his ultimate goal....because he believed he was really amazing. Was Amethyst amazing though? Well...he wasn't sure about that...not yet, but his confidence and morale were definately boisted due to the help of Redwing and Thrust. "The Seeker Elite".....yes, they were much more than just the simple pawns that others saw them at. Who else could fly at super-sonic speeds and perform death defying stunts, dive thousands of feet from the skies and out manuever side-winding missiles? No one but Seekers.

Redwing....dear Redwing....he was a jewel just as Amethyst was...or would be rather. Was Amethyst starting to let the usual Seeker mindset take over? No. He couldn't. He was more than a usual Seeker. In fact, he was unusual. Redwing was unusual too. A usual Seeker wouldn't care to spend so much time outside of combat with him, and never in a hundred vorns had Amethyst ever heard of what real love is, what a Conjux Endura is. Why hadn't he heard of the term before? Was it because no one thought about anything but war around here?! I mean damn...yes, the war was their whole life, and it was important that the Decepticons reigned supreme across the universe, but again....how long would it take to attain peace? To settle down on a nice Cyberformed planet and spend time with someone you loved...someone like Redwing?

Amethyst looked towards Redwing, shaking a little. Tears of lubricant dripped from the corners of his optics. He wiped them away, and he said, " I see....I think I know what it is now. That is like....the greatest thing ever in all existence. Are you really sure you want me for that though? Think about it....I have killed I don't know how many mechs. Some on accident because I tend to forget to check my weapons. I've also hunted down and killed traitors to the cause. Do you really mean it Redwing?"

"I see....I think I know what it is now. That is like....the greatest thing ever in all existence. Are you really sure you want me for that though? Think about it....I have killed I don't know how many mechs. Some on accident because I tend to forget to check my weapons. I've also hunted down and killed traitors to the cause. Do you really mean it Redwing?"

Redwing began to feel his optics run as well as Amethyst's did. He hadn't felt his spark pulse ever as much as now, not unless severely frightened. But this time it felt.. Wonderful. Everything in this moment felt wonderful.

"Yes.. I do," said Redwing before biting his lip. He wiped the tears of lubricant from his face before then continuing, "I know what that is like.. I'm accustomed to death. It seems everyone I've always held dear had always died in some way, and I was left with no one to call true friends anymore. Especially not a conjunx. I once felt similar about someone, but.. Not to this degree. Especially after they betr-"

Redwing paused, and felt more tears begin falling. He looked around to be sure nobody was listening in, and then continued,

"They.. Betrayed my trust.. But I feel something entirely different about you. I just sense something greater about you. I don't know.. how else to explain it.."

Redwing then took Amethyst's hands in his, and looked down at them as more tears formed. He wanted to feel love like never before. He wanted this moment to not be temporary.

"I.. If you don't feel the same.. It's.. Okay.. I just.. I just never.. Have felt love like this before.."

Barracks Lv 5- Corridors

"Yes, I do.", came the words from Redwing's vocaliser. Amethyst wasn't imagining it. He stared in awe at this moment and time seemed to freeze for a klik as if stasis had taken ahold of him, but it was just the pinacle of surprise....of that instant, like you can't believe you just won a million credits from a mere scratch off ticket.

Amethyst tried very hard to keep his composure, listening intently to Redwing's story through gritted teeth and uncontrollable dripping of tears.

'Damn emotions...', Amethyst mentally cursed. He was just so happy. Elated really. Someone had just devoted themself to him. Something he never imagined would ever happen.

After listening to Redwing's unfortnate story, Amethyst's hands grasped in Redwing's, the violet Seeker responded,

"Shhhh. Stop crying before I punch you. A mech like you shouldn't cry." With that, Amethyst took one of his fingers to Redwing's face and wiped them away. Then he continued turning his serious face into a cheerfully smiling one, "You don't have to worry about me betraying you. I accept these terms and conditions. Now I am your Conjunx Endura. We are spark mates." Amethyst moved forward to embrace the red Seeker with all his love.

Training Room

Thundercracker sidestepped the punch thrown by the holographic Autobot, allowing its own attack to throw it off balance. Without waiting for the holographic mech to regain its balance, he kneed it in the midsection and shoved it forward, sending it headfirst into the floor.

Thundercracker stood there, staring down at his holographic opponent as it struggled to its feet. He’d struck with as much force as he could, and it finally showed.

Hand to hand combat was something the Seekers in general weren’t very good at. It was a limitation Thundercracker had learned to accept a long time before, but that didn’t mean it had to remain as such. While he wasn’t practicing against the highest settings, it was high enough to make him sweat energon and get his tail fins knocked in if he didn’t take it seriously. But this was more than just practicing his hand to hand skills, it was about working out some of his frustration and to clear his processor. Besides, he had better things to do than stumble into the med bay again for more repairs after their next mission.

He wasn’t the kind of ‘Con that loved the fight no matter what.

He was… What?

Better? Smarter?

He scoffed at both of those options. If I was either of those, I would’ve taken over command from Razorclaw and made a difference.

He paused as he watched the holographic Autobot finally get to its feet and turn. After all the vorns he’d spent studying, working to improve himself in ways no other Seeker was capable of, what did he have to show for it?

Nothing.

He struck the holographic ‘Bot with a right.

Nothing but more dents—

A left to the hologram’s head.

Nothing but more friends lost to this war—

Another right to the hologram’s head, causing it to drop to its knees.

And nothing but a souring attitude toward those still embracing this foolish endeavor—

His left fist passed through the holographic matrix, destabilizing it and causing it to flicker and disappear.

>>Sparring partner defeated. Do you wish to continue?<< came the computerized interactive voice.

“Yes,” was all Thundercracker could bring himself to say. He had so much more frustration to work out. At least now he knew who he was frustrated with, though he was surprised that he wasn’t surprised at the answer.

He readied himself as the holographic Autobot charged at him.

There’s always room for improvement.

He parried a strike and countered with his own swing.

"Shhhh. Stop crying before I punch you. A mech like you shouldn't cry."

"Yeah.. You're right," said Redwing as Amethyst then wiped his tears before he could. Redwing felt a bit stupid for the way he was acting. He was.. Acting totally different than normal. But then again, this was the real him. The cool, smooth Redwing was what he developed over vorns to try and fit in and be noticed. He wasn't about to drop it, but he wasn't going to hang on to it here and now and lose this opportunity either. This was the genuine and real side of Redwing.

"You don't have to worry about me betraying you. I accept these terms and conditions. Now I am your Condux Endura. We are spark mates."

Redwing's optics brightened. He couldn't believe what his receptors were hearing. Amethyst had.. Accepted it? Redwing bit his lip trying very hard to keep from crying more. With that, Redwing then quickly squeezed his arms around Amethyst with all his love.

"I.. Love you.." Were the words that escaped Redwing's vocalizer as he squeezed his arms around Amethyst's chassis even tighter. He then said, "And I am your conjunx.."

Redwing then stood back up to his full height and said, "We can.. Continue this a little later. For now, We have some afts to deal with, and then I have something I want to show you." Redwing smiled brightly. At that, the two made their ways over to Redwing's old living space.


They stepped up to Redwing's old room, and then Redwing proceeded to knock firmly on the door as he always had.

An orange colored seeker opened the door. It was one of Redwing's old roommates.

"Hey man, just came to pick up some stuff and scrap," said Redwing simply.

The orange seeker then glanced over at Amethyst with a confused expression, and then replied to Redwing, "Whatcha on about? Who's your junxie here?" Normally the orange seeker said "junxie" as in "conjunx" to refer to anyone who he saw as uncool or unfit to be around those in his inner circle, but he didn't know the real truth.

"None of your business, dude," replied Redwing as he pushed his way in with Amethyst following behind, "I came to get stuff and get out."

"Holdup, you scraplet," said the orange seeker as he shoved Redwing backward into Amethyst, "This 'ere's my turf, and I DECIDE who steps dere durty foots in my space! So you get outta here, or get your little femme or mech friend or whateveva outta here!"

The orange seeker who was taller than Amethyst started stepping towards him while saying, "Whuteven are ya, anyway? Could be anything, really."

Redwing then pulled the orange seeker away by the arm and said, "Get your filthy aft away from he- him."

"Ah," the orange seeker said with his eyes widened, "so ya really are junxies, huh? Well junxies don't belong 'ere with Decepticons! Ya know all that hoopla and slag is a buncha pointless scrap! So getcha glitch afts outta this ship, woncha?"

Just then a dark gray and more densely built seeker stepped off his berth in the room and made his way over to the bunch. Then he said in a very deep and low voice, "Yo bettah do what he says," before then smashing his fist into his other hand.

Barracks Lv 5


Amethyst was happy that Redwing listened to him about the crying thing. It just wasn't becoming of such a warrior as he. Then again...others cried, and they proved to others they really weren't the hot slag they thought they were (cough cough, Screamer). Was it okay then for everyone to cry a little sometimes? He tried to think more about this, but before he could come to a conclusion, the red Seeker hugged Amethyst close to him. Never before had Amethyst been in such close proximity to another like this, and normally he'd fight it immediately and feel like his personal space was in jeopardy. However, the opposite was happening, as if he were melting into Redwing. Amethyst felt very relaxed and embraced his new Conjunx in the same loving manner.

"I.. Love you.." Were the words that escaped Redwing's vocalizer as he squeezed his arms around Amethyst's chassis even tighter. He then said, "And I am your conjunx.."

If Amethyst could blush, he would. He sighed contentedly though, and replied, “I love….you too!!” He felt the need to bury his face as close to Redwing's chest as he could, pressing his face plate against the orange tinted cockpit. Any harder and it’d start to crack. He then began to cry lubricant too...in tears of joy.

’Love...love...I’m LOVED!’, Amethyst thought. He was genuinely elated.

Redwing then stood back up to his full height and said, "We can.. Continue this a little later. For now, We have some afts to deal with, and then I have something I want to show you." Redwing smiled brightly. At that, the two made their ways over to Redwing's old living space.

It took a little prying on Redwing's part to get Amethyst to let go, but then he looked up at the somewhat taller mech and nodded, saying sweetly, “Okay!” He would be delighted to help Redwing kick some afts, and so on they went to Redwing's old room.

Redwing's Old Room

The two continued on to Redwing's room. Once at the door, Redwing knocked firmly while Amethyst was quiet and wary. When the door opened, they were rudely greeted by a scrutinizing orange punk who talked with uneducated form of dialect. Still, Redwing pushed on into the room, and Amethyst followed him in. Naturally, this made the orange blockhead angry.

The orange Seeker then called Redwing a scraplet, one of the most horrible insults you could call someone, and shoved him backwards into Amethyst. Amethyst caught Redwing and righted him, while also trying not to fall. Amethyst was getting angry too.

"This 'ere's my turf, and I DECIDE who steps dere durty foots in my space! So you get outta here, or get your little femme or mech friend or whateveva outta here!"

The orange seeker who was taller than Amethyst started stepping towards him while saying, "Whuteven are ya, anyway? Could be anything, really."

Redwing then pulled the orange seeker away by the arm and said, "Get your filthy aft away from he- him."

"Ah," the orange seeker said with his eyes widened, "so ya really are junxies, huh? Well junxies don't belong 'ere with Decepticons! Ya know all that hoopla and slag is a buncha pointless scrap! So getcha glitch afts outta this ship, woncha?"

Just then a dark gray and more densely built seeker stepped off his berth in the room and made his way over to the bunch. Then he said in a very deep and low voice, "Yo bettah do what he says," before then smashing his fist into his other hand.

Amethyst was furious. He stood his ground, baring his teeth menacingly towards the taller orange Seeker and the even larger grey Seeker. In truth, Amethyst was scared, but he was trying his best not to show it. He knew if he looked scared, it’d just make these bullies feel more powerful.

Amethyst decided, if they wanted to play with fire, let them play with fire! He looked up at both of them and said, “First of all, yellow slagheap, learn how to talk properly. Second of all this is Redwing's room too so let him get his stuff! Third of all, I aint afraid of neither one of you blockheaded bozos. So boys...do you really wanna play? They don't call me a flamethrower for nothin’!”, said Amethyst, deploying and charging up his flamethrowers, he pointed them at Redwing's former roommates. The barrels glowed brightly.

“You got a choice boys….let Redwing get his stuff, or have your chassis melted into spare parts. What’ll it be?!”

“First of all, yellow slagheap, learn how to talk properly. Second of all this is Redwing's room too so let him get his stuff! Third of all, I aint afraid of neither one of you blockheaded bozos. So boys...do you really wanna play? They don't call me a flamethrower for nothin’!”

The orange seeker raised his hands in a mock manner and said to Amethyst, "Uh well, EXCUSE ME, PRINCESS! This's MY room and I was SHARIN' it! I knew from all the way this red one act'd he was gonn' up and leave. He was never part of the bois anyway."

"I'll admit," started Redwing, "I never liked you aft holes anyway."

The orange seeker then turned over to Redwing and said, "Aight, 'nuff of this, ya rats get outta here or this big bad 'olf is gonna shred ya like dead scraplets."

“You got a choice boys….let Redwing get his stuff, or have your chassis melted into spare parts. What’ll it be?!”

"AH!" shouted the orange seeker, "And we got a chall'nger! But really, so embarrassin'. Ya look like Starcream aft'r bein' run through a sandin' drum! Thin waist'll snap so easily. So so sad. 'Ey big grundy! Show 'em whatcha got!"

The large gray seeker pointed two very large and spinning gatling guns directly at Amethyst's face with barely but a smirk in his stiff, dark visage. His optics glowed a bright red.

Room of the Dumb Mechs

The more they talked, the angrier Amethyst got. Unfortunately, Amethyst also felt these aftholes had a sense of humor, but, the fact they were complete slagheads made it so that they wouldn't even be spared her wrath. That's right...HER wrath. Amethyst was tired of referring to himself as a he. Since so many thought he was a she, might as well be one, right? Besides, the fact that Redwing liked that idea was starting to solidify the idea in his brain...I mean her brain. Whatever!

All of a sudden, after the insults thrown at her, two ginormous gatling gun barrels covered the area in front of her body. To be fair...this was absolutely terrifying. The only thing that was keeping Amethyst steady in her composure and approach to the situation was the fact she was finding the orange mech's underly educated insults funny. If the huge grey guy was the orange guy's goon, then he was even stupider. Time to play! The Princess had a plan.

"Hey guys hold up! I heard gun-fire! It's the Autobots!", Amethyst said, faking a surprised voice.

"Huh, Wha...", the large grey mech sounded, powering down his guns and taking a hand to one of his audio receptors, trying to hear the supposed gun fire. "I don't he..!!!!", he trailed off, flailing on fire, "IT BURNS! IT BUUUUURNS!!!"

When he was fooled, Amethyst had blasted him with her fully charged flamethrowers, making sure to get as most of his chassis as she could. The orange Seeker was suddenly terrified, as his friend was flailing around the small room, setting everything on fire or crushing the rest under foot.

"YOU GLITCH!!", the orange Seeker cursed, and then his larger friend fell on top of him and both were then burning and screaming. "AHHHHH!!! HELP!!! WE'RE SORRY!!"

"YAHHH....ELPPP!!!", yelled the big guy through a damaged vocaliser.

Amethyst laughed, saying first to Redwing, "Get your stuff before it's ruined.", followed by, "Ok...I'll help you...if you call me pretty and call yourselves scrap heaps! Deal?!"

"OK OK...YOU'RE..AGHHH...PRETTY AND WE'RE SCEAP HEAPS!!", The two bullies yelled in their agony.

Amethyst was enjoying this. However, they had had enough torture. Now she would force them to respect her. Being a fire hazard, she had in a storage compartnent a handy fire extinguisher. She took it out of the compartment in her arm and sprayed the goons down with it until they were no longer burning. She then approached them, and stepped ontop of their fallen frames and stomped on them, declaring,

"From now on, you two will listen to ME! I am your Princess, Amethyst! And my first decree is... GET THE SCRAP OUTTA HERE OR IMA FIRIN MAHHH FLAMETHROWERS!!"

And with that, the two, though in tremendous pain, got up and ran away as fast as they could. Amethyst watched them and laughed her aft off. It was hilarious...but dang...it felt good. She smiled sweetly then at her Conjunx Endura. Amethyst....she once thought she was a mech, or she probably was, but now it didn't matter because she felt like she was a femme. Whatever worked. Amethyst was a robot anyways.

After Amethyst had made such an amazing display of superiority over these dumb scraps, Redwing simply stared in awe of what had just happened. It was all so quick. No flamethrower that Redwing ever knew before had such quick thinking.

...but then Amethyst.. Called himself.. A princess? And wanted to be called pretty? Well.. Redwing had expressed a sort of affinity to the idea of Amethyst being a femme. Actually, Amethyst looked and sounded like one as well in certain ways. So.. It made sense. It was definitely not a common thing for a seeker to switch their type reference as such, but surely logical. Was Amethyst really a femme all along and he... she was afraid to admit it?

Redwing realized he needed to grab his things before any sparks caused his cans to combust. Yes, cans. What he came to get were some of his tools and paints for custom painting alt modes. He had noticed the unpainted replacement parts on Amethyst, and thought she might appreciate some new paint. Especially in a new and vibrant style.

"Amethyst," began Redwing, "let's get outta here before anyone comes to see what the yelling was about!"

At that, Redwing grabbed his bag of supplies and left the room swiftly along with Amethyst following behind. Redwing looked both ways before entering the hallway, and then walked off with Amethyst like nothing had happened.


"So love," started Redwing as they walked, "You're a femme now..?" Redwing smiled brightly down at his new conjunx. He was so happy. Everything about Amethyst made him happy.

"So.. What I wanted to show you.." Started Redwing before pausing to glance over his bag, "I don't know if you know this already, but.. I'm actually a painter. I used to paint seekers as they would come off of assembly, but now I paint for other 'cons as well."

Redwing then pulled out his airbrush head which was covered in paints. He looked at the nozzle before putting it back and pulling out a can of pink paint.

"I noticed you have some unpainted replacement parts. I heard something in the bar about an explosion.. Something about a weapons malfunction? Sounds like something I'd do is forget to get a weapons check, haha. A.. Wait.. Actually I.. did kinda forget.. SCRAAP. Primus. Eh, it'll get done. At least mine jam more than exploding when glitching."

Redwing then pulled Amethyst close to himself at his side and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"So whatcha think? Wanna look at some color ideas?" Asked Redwing as he rested his cheek against Amethyst's cranium softly.

Training Room/Corridors

>>Sparring partner defeated. Do you wish to continue?<<

Thundercracker ignored the automated voice as he twisted and flexed his arms, testing the stress levels on his servos while also running an internal diagnostic.

He felt fine, aside from a few dents and scratches, but he hadn’t expected anything else.

“No, cease training program.” He’d faced three opponents. That was more than enough. Was it worth it, though? That he still wasn’t sure.

The holographic imager shut down with a slight whirl, but nothing else. The training room appeared the same — empty and lifeless.

The effect wasn’t lost on him as he turned and headed for the exit. Life most machines, themselves included, a spark was needed to bring life to lifelessness, to give a mech purpose.

The question was, what was their purpose. Or, to be exact, his?

It was a question he’d never stopped asking himself. With the war with the Autobots showing no sign of slowing down, more likely escalating with Megatron’s return, what purpose did he serve?

Definitely not to the glory of the Decepticons or even himself, that much he’d decided long ago. If nothing else, his workout had helped him reaffirm that if anything was worth continuing to fight for it was for his fellow Decepticons to survive.

Against who was the question.

It was a thought he hoped he wouldn’t live to regret.

Looks like I may have knocked something loose after all, he thought as he exited the training room and turned toward the crew quarters.

“They're my new friends. They volunteered to help me find you. And this is Battletrap, and… you are?"

“Dessicator.”

"Quite a group we have here, Hazard," said Doomshot with a slight hint of a smirk in his stiff visage.

"'Dessicator'.. Are you a scientist?" asked Doomshot in reference to the newcomer's name.

"Maybe find big room now. We have good size group. Maybe relax in bar or somewhere? Good to meet new Cons. More room and time to connect?"

Doomshot squinted as he looked towards the floor thinking. Their lord Megatron was nowhere to be found. Though, if he did in fact act as such, he was most likely taken to a more secure area after being subdued or coming to his senses. The higher-ups had it under control after all he was sure. Besides, better to plan while nothing was happening than to sit around and wait.

"Of course, Battletrap," said Doomshot in response before transforming and then saying, "How about a plan of action over some much needed enjex, friends?"

Beta Hanger

Once Astrotrain had landed and opened his bay doors, Ramjet got to work offloading the Energon cubes brought back from the Ultrax. That was until Octane had gotten a bunch of Vehicons to come and take over the heavy lifting. Lazy triplechanger... The mech was a walking, talking fuel carrier and he makes the poor drones carry the fuel back. Unbelievable.

“Alright, track master,” Ramjet said knocking against Astrotrain’s hull, “Looks like that’s everything.” The conehead’s crimson optics then glanced over and saw the Stunticons all march off out of the hangar together, probably all heading to the refueling station to get overcharged on that cheap Ener-not they seem to fancy.

“You know I could go for a pint myself.” Ramjet started with a smirk, “You two fancy anything? A-Train? Octane? Cmon, I’m sure the Stunties are buying! Heheh.”

Shockwave’s Lab

With Megatron back within the ranks of his Decepticons, it seemed the tyrant’s war machine was back to full functionality. Save for the wayward Starscream, his troops didn’t seem to hold any ire against his command as he began to reissue orders to get back ahead of the Autobots. This pleased Soundwave as the communications officer always felt his absence left the Decepticons vulnerable. With Megatron back at the helm of things, any machination the Autobots may of had in place will now have a counter offensive ready at their disposal thanks to Megatron’s foresight.

Outside the doors, Dead End arrived with his other Stunticons comrades close by. His trip to Shockwave’s lab was a rather somber stroll. Either Motormaster needed a clean environment to make a mess in, or the cyclops was needing guinea pigs for something Motormaster volunteered them for. Dead End was betting on the prior. The nihilistic Stunticon stood behind Wildrider while the reckless one of the bunch pounded on the door, awaiting the oncoming doom he was sure to endure.

Refueling Bar

The doors to the bar opened with a sharp hiss and Ramjet was greeted to the sight of something he had partially missed during his time at the bottom of the sea; Life. The bar was filled with patrons telling tales and drinking their sparks away. A devilish smirk etched upon his face as he swiped a drink from one of the passing service drone’s trays. The conehead threw back half of the bright pink drink before he locked optics with a familiar face siting across the bar.

“Well well! If it isn’t everyone’s favorite slaglicker, Thrust!” The conehead boisterously exclaimed as he took up a seat right next to his fellow conehead. “Long time no see, you crimson-plated excuse for a Coney! Ahaha! What the hell?! Couldn’t bother to call your fellow Seek’ and say hello once in a while?! Where’s Dirge? I gotta give him some scrap too.”

Elsewhere, a green and yellow mechanoid slipped into the room without trying to draw the attention of any of the mechs within. Luckily for him, Ramjet has made a nice enough entrance to go unnoticed. The poor excuse for a Decepticon found his way over towards a table where an unfamiliar face sat. Off-road was that mech in question, but then again, Waspinator was terrible with remembering names or faces.

“Exzzzcuzzze Wazzzpinator, but izzz anybotty zzzitting here?”

[Refueling Bar]

Thrust wrote:“Come, warrior. Why not regale us with tales of your own exploits? I’m sure we would all love to hear of your exploits.”

The red conehead inquired Offroad about his tales, as well as making a remark about the daredevil having to earn his eliteness. What a pile of slag. In response to Thrust, he said, "Well, I'm sure you're well aware of the necessities in order to make progress. I, for one, think that it is skill that matters and not rank or status quo. If these are the things you seek in order to receive gratification, then so be it."

Offroad took a swig of his energon. "Let's see... where shall I begin? Ah, yes. Back on Cybertron, I was a factory worker. Nothing special, just manufacture of gas cans and barrels, and the occasional transport. One cycle I came across this abnormality in one of the products on the manufacturing belt. Initially, I was to throw it away as with any other defect... but instead I kept it."

He gave the conehead a grim look, accompanied by a smirk. "That's how I figured out the intricacies of the weapons I use."

"You see, my guns are loaded with that kind of gas, and many others derived from it. It would be a bit of a shame if I were to... drop some in here. Heh," he chuckled darkly.

Another mech came and sat down next to him. A white conehead who looked pretty much the same as Thrust. Most likely a friend of his.

Wazzzzzzzzpinator wrote:“Exzzzcuzzze Wazzzpinator, but izzz anybotty zzzitting here?”

The devil's red eyes lit up fiercely against his lime face. "No one is sitting here. You may have the seat." Offroad greeted him gently. He's next.

[Deck-9 - Corridors]

Doomshot wrote:"Of course, Battletrap," said Doomshot in response before transforming and then saying, "How about a plan of action over some much needed enjex, friends?"

"No."

Dreadnaut's voice boomed in the corridor. It was a short, monotonous No, but it was every bit as intimidating as his exterior. His amber optics gleamed. This was a mech who clearly didn't want that to be happening.

"No plan of action is to be made over a cup of enjex. Your poor mental state will lead to poor decisions."

And who were they to be making a plan of action at this point? What for? The mechs hardly knew each other. What good would it bring them to plan something without ever getting to know each other?

His calmer, gentler voice returned. "The bar is a place made for those who cannot demonstrate self control. Look at yourselves, all strong warriors. What good is a soldier who cannot think straight for even a nano-klik?"

Beta Hangar

“Alright, track master, looks like that’s everything,” Ramjet said, eliciting a sigh of relief from Astrotrain.

"About time," the triple-changer grunted as he transformed back into his bot mode. "Nice idea, Octane."

Utilizing the Vehicons may have been the easy way out, but it had managed to get Astrotrain's cargo hold cleared out faster and put some distance between himself and Motormaster's little pack of glitchfests. of course, it wasn't like they weren't entertaining. They had their moments.

“You know I could go for a pint myself. You two fancy anything? A-Train? Octane? Cmon, I’m sure the Stunties are buying! Heheh.”

"Eh. Couldn't hurt. Wonder if that's where Blitz is?" the triple-changer mused as he followed after the headstrong Seeker.
___

Shockwave's Laboratory

Breakdown had arrived to the vicinity of Shockwave's lab just behind the others. As he did, a distinctive figure was leaving the room.

Oh no...no no no....no way...it's him, Breakdown thought, standing at rigid attention as Megatron passed by.

"Welcome to the future, Breakdown," Megatron said with a confidant grin, striding past the Stunticon, en route for some other area of the ship.

W-Wha?

Recollecting himself, Breakdown peeled himself away from the corridor wall and hurriedly walked into the lab where he found the others--and the boss.

"Uh, um.....M-Megatron just told me 'welcome to the future' as he was leavin'? Wuzzat mean?"

Bridge

As Tantrum stormed onto the bridge, Rampage wheeled around in his chair.

"Where've you bruisers been? Heh," the Predacon Gunner said. "Hey check this out."

Rampage spun back around and pointed to one of the consoles. It showed a vid of the exterior of Shockwave's laboratory. Megatron was leaving, and he didn't appear to be alone.

"The Big M...it looks like he's back. For real. I mean, you guys were over there, right? But where's he goin?"

Deck 9- Corridors

"Quite a group we have here, Hazard."

, said Doomy.

“Yup, I’d say so.”, said Hazard, not sure what else to say. His search party plus his brother made quite an interesting looking crew of Cons, all outfitted for heavy combat. Was their meeting here meaningful in any way besides just a group of warriors with no set mission at the moment? Or, would this group become something more? Whatever was going on, none of them were parting ways yet. So, the yellow and purple jet-former looked about them all, listening to what each had to say.

The Duo-Con Battletrap said it would be a good idea if they went somewhere where they could talk and get to know one another, suggesting the bar. Hazard’s bigger brother liked the idea and agreed to it, suggesting a plan of action over a drink of engex. However, the giant armored artillery truck spoke up with a voice and tone just as imposing as his visage, and he did not agree. Furthermore, he explained the justification for his reasoning, and it did make sense.

“Heh. Big guy is right, Doomy. I don't think we’d be at an optimal state of mind if we got drunk. Hmmm...how about the Rec Hall or the Training Room? Heck, anything would be better than this….corridor.”, said Hazard, looking at the tattered space they occupied. It wasn't a very nice place to be hanging out in. He was cool with whatever the majority decided.


Barracks Level 5- Corridors

The fire was out, the two bullies had left, terrified of Amethyst, and it felt good. They weren't afraid of what Amethyst looked like (that was for sure), nor her voice, but of how she handled herself and what she had done to them. It was the shock factor of it all….something they hadn't expected. The somewhat scrawnier than usual Seeker made sure the door was shut behind them, eying Redwing's curious belongings as they set out into the ship's corridors again.

"So love," started Redwing as they walked, "You're a femme now..?"

Amethyst hesitated a bit to reply, but then he did so, speaking softly, “Yes….it's a decision I have made, a long time coming now. You see, I can't remember why I was built or either modified to be this way. I don't know if I was actually a factory reject given a second chance, or if whoever made me only cared about war machines, but whatever the reason, a femcon just seems to fit me better than a mech with a make defect.”, she explained. There. That was so good to get off of her chest.

So.. What I wanted to show you.." Started Redwing before pausing to glance over his bag, "I don't know if you know this already, but.. I'm actually a painter. I used to paint seekers as they would come off of assembly, but now I paint for other 'cons as well."

’Assembly’…., Amethyst cringed, trailing off in her words. It was such a cold word. However, that's how the Seekers had been created. Still, it was amazing and wonderful to think, despite being created differently than a forged Cybertronian, they all had unique individualities. It was their sparks that made them who they were, not their generally identical molds and casings. ’Did someone else want me to be different than the average Seeker, or was it the will of my spark’?, she thought. There was some kind of lockout chip or something in her brain module though, preventing her from remembering her earliest days besides waking in a room with many other Seekers painted the same purple and grey scheme. Then finally she answered Redwing with, “I didn't know. I've never seen you before until we met at the bar….or at least I never paid attention. Either way, that sounds nice.” She looked at the paint splotched airbrush tool and then the can of pink paint. That hue of pink though, it didn't appeal to Amethyst.

"I noticed you have some unpainted replacement parts. I heard something in the bar about an explosion.. Something about a weapons malfunction? Sounds like something I'd do is forget to get a weapons check, haha. A.. Wait.. Actually I.. did kinda forget.. SCRAAP. Primus. Eh, it'll get done. At least mine jam more than exploding when glitching."

Amethyst's optics widened with fright after listening to Redwing say that and she said in a demanding tone, “You'd better make sure to check them before the next mission! You never know what could happen. As for me...well…”, she trailed off, feeling embarrassed and scratching her helmet before continuing, “I forget all the time. That's not the first time I've had extensive repairs, you see. One day, I might not make it back from a mission.” She was being very honest and serious. That's why she had put much emphasis into asking Redwing If he really wanted to be her Conjunx. Then she added, “Please….help me remember to check my weapons often. I’ll help you too.”

Amethyst then allowed herself to be pulled closer to Redwing as they traveled along, and she smiled at him sweetly as she listened to him ask,

"So whatcha think? Wanna look at some color ideas?"

Asked Redwing as he rested his cheek against Amethyst's cranium softly.

Amethyst would reply, “Hmmm, I haven't put a lot of thought into it before….having a new paint scheme that is. I never saw much of a reason to, as I just wanted to fit in. But you know, I have thought I do look rather boring and dull. A new color scheme now sounds perfect, what with my new identity. I want to stand out! I don't know what color though...something...fitting?” She asked. What did he mean by look at some color ideas? Did he have some pictures saved on a datapad or something? Then another question hit her, and she asked, “So where do you do your paint and detailing anyways?”

Re-fueling Bar

Offroad wrote:"Well, I'm sure you're well aware of the necessities in order to make progress. I, for one, think that it is skill that matters and not rank or status quo. If these are the things you seek in order to receive gratification, then so be it."

Thrust smiled and nodded as Offroad’s words registered, at least partially. Not that he disagreed or anything, of course skill matters. That’s what separated us Seekers from dirtpounders like you, warrior.

He was careful to keep these thoughts to himself, as previous experience had shown Offroad’s reputation as being unpredictable was deserved. It did cause Thrust some concern as to how he sounded to intelligent, yet missed so many obvious tells as to how things worked.

Working through the peculiarities of his fellow ‘Con caused his processor to glitch. Such complexities were better suited to an animated circuit like Shockwave or Soundwave rather than true warriors.

His thoughts paused at seeing the look Offroad was giving him once more. As expressions went, Thrust doubted even Megatron could look so profoundly insane, yet hold another attention.

Offroad wrote:"You see, my guns are loaded with that kind of gas, and many others derived from it. It would be a bit of a shame if I were to... drop some in here. Heh."

.

At that, Thrust’s smile widened. “An interesting tale indeed, warrior. Not all of us are constructed equal, but come into our… talents in various ways. That is what separates is from the Autobots, and even one another at times.”

Ramjet wrote:“Well well! If it isn’t everyone’s favorite slaglicker, Thrust!”

Thrust was about to urge Offroad to continue, but turned at hearing the familiar voice, but before he could fully process his friend’s arrival, Ramjet continued,

"Long time no see, you crimson-plated excuse for a Coney! Ahaha! What the hell?! Couldn’t bother to call your fellow Seek’ and say hello once in a while?! Where’s Dirge? I gotta give him some scrap too."

“Ramjet! Talk about a sorry excuses, you’re a sight for sore optics. I didn’t expect to see you with your cone still intact. Good to see you haven’t grown any rust.” He paused as his searched through his memory banks, for Dirge’s whereabouts. He was surprised to find he didn’t know. It was troubling, but it was easy to rectify at a later point. “Haven’t seen him or you since we parted. I’m sure he’ll turn up. Wherever he is, he’s causing plenty of glitches.”

He half turned before remembering his previous conversation. Motiong to Offroad, he said to Ramjet, “My friend and I were just sharing war stories. He’s not bad for a dirtpounder.”