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Autobase - Level 3

Howlstrike listened as Ultra Magnus calmly spoke to him. The City Commander was probably right, of course. The likely-hood was that Kup did, in fact, already know the truth behind Howl's involvement in the shuttle crash and the old mech's subsequent rescue. Kup wasn't stupid, after all. Far from it. Perhaps it was finally time for the tracker to have a one-to-one chat with his old friend regarding a few unspoken truths.

"You have a point, sir," Howlstrike responded to his superior as Magnus moved to inspect the trailer's cargo. "I'll talk to Kup once we are finished patching up the breach." However, that was easier said than done. Howl may be brave on the battlefield, but when it came to Kup that bravery tended to disappear, especially if bad news was involved. Hopefully, Magnus was right and Kup's reaction would be one of understanding and not so much anger towards the Autobot hunter.

The former Predacon watched as Mangus transformed and reattached himself to his trailer. Howl followed suit and transformed to wolf mode and strode alongside the city commander as they headed down the darkened corridor towards the location of the breach.

Approaching Autobot HQ

The lone shuttlecraft slowly passed over the ruined city of Iacon, once the shining center of the Autobot forces on Cybertron. But that was before the war had ravaged it and torn it apart like every other city on the planet. The mere sight of Iacon now reminded the shuttle’s occupant of the destruction of his own home city long before everything else was laid to waste as well. It was a terrible memory and one the silver and black mech would be constantly reminded of now that he was back on his crumbling homeworld.

The shuttle made its final approach to Autobot Headquarters and quickly descended towards Landing Pad Alpha where the Ark-22 was currently docked. The small ship landed effortlessly next to the much larger vessel before extending the exit ramp to the ground.

Landing Pad Alpha

Bluestreak walked down the ramp and set foot on Cybertron for the first time in countless vorns. The Autobot gunner took a deep breath and looked around, glaring up at the Autobot Command Complex. It had been so very long since he had last seen it. The structure was in surprisingly good shape considering how much time had passed without any upkeep. Many of the windows were already illuminated with light, especially on the upper levels that he could see. The command center was most likely up and running by now so that’s where he would head to first and report in.

Bluestreak had been stationed on the Orbital Command Hub, but was recently reassigned to this mission as the Autobots here were in need of reinforcements to help maintain control of the retaken capital. ‘Streak was surprised to learn that anyone had returned to Cybertron since, as far as he knew, the planet was uninhabitable. However, apparently Cybertron was slowly repairing itself with the radiation levels falling to an acceptable level. Unfortunately, Bluestreak knew that this wouldn’t last for long. Once the Decepticons followed, if they hadn’t already, the war would soon start up again and whatever healing the planet had undergone would surely be undone. Hopefully, the Autobots would be able to prevent that from happening and help restore Cybertron to its former glory.

Without wasting any more time, Bluestreak entered the base and made his way through the dimly lit corridors heading for the command center.

Command Center

The doors slid open and Bluestreak entered. He expected to see Ultra Magnus sitting in the command chair on the upper level, but instead there was only a vacant seat. In fact, the large room was mostly empty with only Wheeljack and Kup working to restore the various computer terminals that lined the two tiers of the command center.

Well, at least I’ll have someone to talk to now, Bluestreak thought as he made his way over to Kup. The trip to Cybertron had been a long, quiet one. The silence was something that ‘Streak did not enjoy, especially for extended periods of time as it reminded him too much of the dead calm that followed his home city’s destruction. It was like being back there again, walking through the smoldering ruins, hearing nothing but the crackle of flames as the rubble around him slowly burned.

Thankfully, the trip was now over and Bluestreak could get back to doing what he did best – talking. “Hey, guys! Long time, no see!” The Autobot gunner said cheerfully to Wheeljack and Kup as he approached the old timer and patted him on the shoulder. “So, how have you been, Kup? Those gears haven’t rusted up on you yet, have they? Ha ha! I’m just kidding. I’m glad to finally be here with you guys. That trip from the orbital command hub was a long one, especially with nobody to talk to. I wouldn’t wish that level of boredom on my worst enemy. Well, actually that’s not true. I’d wish it on the Decepticons that’s for sure.”

Bluestreak took a breath as he peered into a hover cart full of spare parts. “You need me to fetch anything out of here for you, Kup? If I can help out in any way, just let me know. That’s why I’m here, after all. Although, I guess I should report to Ultra Magnus first. Do you happen to know where he is?”

Some Distance from the Autobase

Springer’s smile began to slip as Hot Rod accelerated towards him. It could be that he was just playing a game. That certainly wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for the young bot, and he had been ribbing him pretty hard lately. Maybe this little game of chicken was his way of getting back at him. Still, he was troubled by the other Autobot’s silence. It was unusual for Hot Rod to not at least throw out a taunt or something if he was playing around. Something just wasn’t right.

Hot Rod rapidly closed with him and transformed and lunged at him while yelling. The move caught the triplechanger off guard. He grunted as the cavalier slammed into his midsection, sending them both sprawling to the ground. Springer, now irritated, shoved the other Autobot off of him and rolled back up on to his feet. He stood prepared for another possible attack.

“That wasn’t very slagging funny Hot Rod. I’m trying to do a job out here and I don’t have time for any games.” The green Autobot was hoping that he was just playing around, but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was going on.

Command Center

Kup looked up when he heard Bluestreak come into the room. The old timer groaned lowly as the Autobot gunner began to talk…..continually. Kup tried to answer his questions, but before he could get a word in edgewise Bluestreak quickly changed the subject. The warrior looked to the ceiling as he let out a heavy sigh. He was a good lad, but he needed to learn to shut his mouth every so often. Kup watched him as he made his way over to the cart full of spare parts.

Before Kup finally did answer him he waited a moment to make sure Bluestreak was done with all of his queries.

“I’m fine, Bluestreak. Ultra Magnus is with Howlstrike repairing a hole in the exterior wall. While he’s out you can report to me.”

He pulled out the defunct monitor and tossed it into the pile of rubbish. Kup then pointed to the cart the gunner was standing near and addressed him.

“Why don’t you hand me that monitor over there. You can help me get this terminal up and operational.”

Some Distance from the Autobase

Hot Rod scrambled to his feet after Springer shoved him off of him. The cavalier sneered at the triplechanger as he began to circle around him. The young Autobot growled out angrily at his friend.

“This is no game, Springer. I’m here to rip your head off with my bare hands.”

Hot Rod stopped in front of Springer and quickly gave him a right hook to the jaw; he followed it through with a roundhouse to his torso. The cavalier took on a fighting stance as he waited for Springer’s retaliation.

“I’ve always wanted to see you suffer.”

He flashed Springer an evil grin as he continued to taunt the green Autobot.

“Don’t worry, I’ll kill you quickly, after all you are my best friend.”

Some Distance from the Autobase

Springer stumbled back a bit as Hot Rod hit him with a quick 2 strike combo of moves. Something was definitely wrong. Hot Rod was never afraid to do some trash talking while sparring, but this was different. There was a certain amount of malice in his voice that he had never heard before. It was either someone disguised as he pal or something was affecting his mind. Either way he wasn’t going to keep standing there and taking hits from him, but he had to make sure not to do any permanent damage to him just in case. Fortunately he was considerably stronger and tougher then Hot Rod, not to mention more experienced. The problem would be having to fight his friend for real, but with his taunts and demeanor that was becoming less and less of a problem.

“You always talked too much when you fight ‘Roddy’” The triplechanger then launched into series of attacks. He fired off two quick jabs at his head, followed by a hard punch at his midsection and an attempted leg sweep. “You should also know you never won any sparring match with me unless I let you to.”

Command Center

Bluestreak reached in and picked up the replacement monitor that Kup had just pointed to and carried it over to the old timer. “Howlstrike!?!” The Autobot gunner’s friendly demeanor quickly turned unpleasant at the mere mention of the tracker’s name. “You mean that filthy Predacon is stationed here? Great! Just great! You might as well just hand over all our best kept secrets to the Decepticons while you’re at it!”

Bluestreak wasn’t one to mince words when it came to the Decepticons or to those who once wore the badge of the enemy. He hated them with a passion and showed little tolerance for any mech attempting to switch sides. As far as Streak was concerned, Howlstrike was simply pretending to be an Autobot.

“I can’t believe you’re still hanging around that beast, Kup. How do we know he’s not a spy? I mean he wasn’t just any ordinary ‘con. He was a fraggin’ Predacon! Those monsters are some of the worst Megatron has to offer and we just let one of them join our ranks like he had never committed any atrocities while he was with them. I’ll never understand it, Kup. Never!”

Bluestreak finally handed the new monitor to Kup as the gunner's circuits began to simmer down some. “I’m sorry for shouting, Kup. I don’t mean to be disrespectful to you. It’s just that I’ve seen what the Predacons are capable of doing. They can’t just change who they are. You may think Howlstrike is different, but deep down he’s the same beast he’s always been. Once a ‘con, always a ‘con.”

Cybertron's Orbit

A lone shuttle was traveling around Cybertron's orbit, too small for being a transport ship. Inside, there was a single mech. The Autobot was pressing some buttons on the shuttle's control panel. "Now, I'm going to make this more interesting". Air Raid finished pressing the buttons, and as he stood up a small hole was opening in the shuttle's floor. The Aerialbot walked to the hole and prepared to jump to Cybertron. When the ship was low enough, Air Raid jumped through the hole. "This feels great". Air Raid was enjoying the fall, he loved the feeling of the wind in his face. When he was close enough to the ground, he transformed into his jet form and flew to the the landing pad alpha.

Landing Pad Alpha

When Air Raid was about 15 ft. from the ground, he transformed into his robot form. As he set foot on the planet after so many vorns, Air Raid felt an energy he thought had died with Cybertron. He was back and was eager to beat the slag out of some 'cons. "I guess I should head to the Command Center and report to however is in charge". Without wasting more time thinking, the Aerialbot entered the base and make his way to the Command Center.

Command Center

The doors slid open as he reached them. He entered the Command Center, and he was a little shocked by two things. The first being that the Command Center looked so good after so many vorns, and the second, that the Command Center was almost empty, he only saw Wheeljack, Kup and, much to his dismay Bluestreak. He arrived just in time to hear Bluestrak talking about Howlstrike, and the fact that he could be an spy.
"Don't be like that Bluestreak, I'm sure Howlstrike isn't a spy". Air Raid didn't knew much about the former Predacon, but Kup seen to trust him, and for Air Raid that was enough. Besides, Optimus was no fool, he wouldn't let a 'con spy infiltrate their ranks. "Hello Kup, Wheeljack". The Aerialbot nodded at Bluestreak before continuing. "I'm here to help you out clean Cybertron of 'cons. Don't worry about Howlstrike, besides, if he tries to betray us, I wouldn't mind to take care of him. Now, Kup, sir, as you're the highest officer here, this is Air Raid reporting for duty, is there anything you want me to do?".

Command Center

Bluestreak turned around at the sound of a familiar Aerialbot entering the room. “Air Raid! Hey, buddy, how in the slag are you? I didn’t know you were being reassigned here, as well. You should have contacted me, I could’ve pick you up on my way. It would’ve made for a much less boring trip for the both of us, I can tell you!” Streak smiled and patted the flyer on the shoulder. The two had been stationed together in the past and fought many battles. Streak’s surface to air missiles commonly helped clear the skies for Air Raid and the other Aerialbots when things got rough up there. The Autobot gunner missed those days from so long ago. Hopefully, he’d now be able to back up his friend like he used to.

Bluestreak’s smile then disappeared once again at the mention of Howlstrike. “So, you don’t think he’s a spy? Well, Air Raid, he may not be one now, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t sell us all out some time down the line to get back in the good graces of Razorclaw and his Predacon buddies. I still don’t trust him as far as I could throw Metroplex.”

Command Center

Kup let out an annoyed grunt as Bluestreak started up talking again. He was starting to feel more and more like a protoform-sitter with all of the young Autobots Prime was sending him. Hot Rod himself was a headache, Howlstrike had his moments and now Bluestreak had a vocal box that lacked an off switch. The oldtimer didn’t even want to think about Grimlock and his hard headed ways on top of all of that.

The old warhorse listened as Bluestreak went off about Howlstrike. He wasn’t liking what he was hearing at all, but he was up to his elbows in the console replacing the monitor. He would have to wait until he had a free hand before he could smack the other Autobot on the head for his stupid remarks. Kup grumbled to himself as he began plugging the input and power cables into the device. He pulled his hands out of the console, letting the monitor slide into place. He flipped a few switches and watched as the newly installed monitor activated. “Hah! Now were talkin’” The Autobot began adjusting some knobs on the console to clear up the image of the base main entrance displayed on the monitor.

Kup looked up as Air Raid entered the room. A frown formed on his face as he stood up to face the new arrival. “Starting to feel like Prime doesn’t trust us to get anything done around here, the rate he’s sending reinforcements.” The frown quickly turned into a smile as he clapped the Aerialbot on the shoulder. “Good to have you here lad. We never have enough fliers to go around so it’s always nice to have another one around. You can give us a hand fixing up the Command Center for now”

The old Autobot then turned around and slapped Bluestreak on the back of the head, hard enough so he could feel it but not real hurt him. “And you need to turn off that vocalizer for a few seconds and listen to me.” Kup sat down in the command chair and looked at the other two Autobots. “Bluestreak, you’ve been complaining about Howlstrike. It reminds me of back in the early days of the war, a bunch of bots were complaining about a new recruit. This guy was pretty raw, he’d been a glorified librarian before the war started. How could you trust a librarian to watch your back? How would you know he wouldn’t just cut and run at the first sign of battle? Sure, he’d had some training, but he wasn’t a pro or anything like guys like Ironhide and me.”

Kup sat back in the chair. “But I had a good feeling about this one. There was something about him, and not just the way he fought, although he was one of the best soldiers I ever saw. No, this lad believed in something more, he had this nobility about him, a confidence, and it was contagious. He made other bots around him fight harder and he would risk his own aft running out there over some idiot rookie who had gotten himself in too deep.” He looked the two younger bots in the optics. “He had a different name back then. Nowadays he’s called Optimus Prime.”

Kup smiled at them both before continuing. “Now I’m not saying we’ll be having Howlstrike Prime anytime soon, but he is a good lad. There is more to him then just the fighting, something more in that spark of his. The Decepticons just got him covered in a bit of dirt and rust. I’m working on polishing him off and making him one of the finest Autobot soldiers around. Now, you can just trust that old Kup here knows what he’s doing after training, oh, I don’t know, over half of the current Bot army around now, or you can just keep your trap shut when you feel like talking slag about Howlstrike.” His optics focused on Bluestreak with the last part.

As he finished talking with the two Autobots he received a message from Ultra Magnus. He sent a quick reply back to him before he spoke to Blustreak and Air Raid. “It looks like Magnus got called away to another Autobot base for now. Some sort of minor emergency there he needs to check out. That leaves me in charge for now, so lets get back to work her lads!” He clapped his hands together and stood up from the chair.

Before he could get to work he received a signal from Springer.

>>“Kup, I’ve got a problem here. Hot Rod just attacked me out of the blue, like really attacked me. I was able to knock him out without hurting him too bad, but I don’t know what drove him to do that.”<<

Kup sighed silently. That’s just what they needed right now. >>”Alright Springer. We have to get this base up and running here. Grimlock hasn’t checked in for a good while now and if I know him it means he’s stirring up trouble. We need to have some defenses ready just in case. That means we’ll have to worry about Hot Rod later. Lock him in a stasis pod in the medical bay. That should keep him out of trouble until we can get a look at him. Then I want you to start working on the automated defenses.”<<

>>“Roger that Kup.”<<

He could tell that Springer wasn’t happy about that, but they all had to do things they didn’t like. Speaking of which…

>>”Howlstrike, how are those repairs coming? I know Magnus had to leave you, you need any help down there or are you ok?”<<

Command Center

Air Raid listened Bluestreak talking, but before he could respond the Autobot gunners started talking again. But when Bluestreak mentioned that they could have taken the trip together, the sole idea of being in a shuttle alone with him made the Aerialbot shrug. He liked Bluestreak, and would risk his aft for him, but when they weren't in the middle of a battle, hearing Bluestreak talking so fast that he had trouble following him could drive Air Raid crazy. "Yeah, it's such a shame, maybe the next time we can take a trip together my friend."

He then listened as Kup talked to him." Yeah, it's good to be here, but Kup, sir, although I could made any task that I propose myself, I would prefer doing something a little more active, maybe some patrolling, or checking for any 'cons that could be in Iacon." He then listened as the old mech give his speech. When Kup finished talking the message from Ultra Magnus arrived."So Kup is going to be in charge for the moment. That's definitely going to be interesting".

Command Center

“Ouch!” Bluestreak exclaimed, as Kup gave him a sudden smack to the back of his cranial unit. It hadn’t been a real hard hit, but it was enough to actually shut Streak’s mouth up to allow Kup to get a word in edge wise. The Autobot gunner gave the old timer his undivided attention as Kup told him and Air Raid one of his infamous stories. However, this one was about Optimus Prime and how he had started out as a glorified librarian that no one thought would amount to much. Of course, Bluestreak already knew how that all turned out.

But, Howlstrike was no Prime, and the situation was very different with the former Predacon. Prime had never fought for the opposing side and he had never committed atrocities against the Autobots or civilians like Howl had done in the past. It was one thing to go from a simple data cruncher to an Autobot leader. A mech like that could at least be trusted. But, it was something entirely different to go from being a violent Predacon to switching sides seemingly overnight. There was just something not right about that.

Bluestreak thought about pointing this out to Kup, but he decided against doing so. With Magnus being called away, the old mech was now in charge and it would be a bad idea to challenge Kup’s authority or wisdom. For now, Streak would have to deal with Howlstrike. Of course, that didn’t mean he would like it, and he still intended to keep a very close optic on the former Predacon regardless of what anyone said.

“My apologies, Kup. I meant no disrespect to you,” Bluestreak replied once Kup was finished speaking. The Autobot gunner then moved to a nearby station and began inspecting it to see if it was still functional or in need of repairs.

The Breach – Level 3

Howlstrike stood before the breach in the outer wall of the Autobase with a large metal slab lying at his feet. Ultra Magnus had be called away suddenly to deal with a minor emergency off planet, which left Howl the only one to fix the gaping hole. The Autobot hunter was fully capable of patching the breach himself. It just would’ve been easier for two mechs to handle instead of just one.

Howlstrike approached to opening, which began at the floor and extended upwards to about his own height and was about twice as wide. He peered out into the surrounding ruins, and it was then that he sensed something strange. Transforming to wolf mode, Howl began sniffing around the edge of the breach. He instantly picked up on a weird scent of some kind he had never encountered before. He wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but it was definitely something very unusual and robotic in nature.

A cyber-rat, perhaps? Howlstrike thought but then dismissed the idea outright. He knew full well that cyber-rats had a distinct and recognizable odor, and this scent was not recognizable to him at all. Well, whatever it was, it’s gone now. I’ll just report it to Kup later. I’ve got a job to do now.

The Autobot tracker then returned to robot mode and walked back to the large metal slab lying on the ground. As he reached down to grab a hold of it, Howlstrike received the communiqué from Kup. He straightened back up and opened a comm line back to his old friend:

>>”Things are going fine here, Kup. I’m just about to patch the breach. I should be able to manage on my own. Although, when I was inspecting the hole just now I picked up a strange scent around the edge. It was something I have never smelled before. Anyway, just thought I’d let you know. I’ll be done soon and then I’ll return to the command center. Howlstrike out.”<<

Howl then bent back down and grabbed the metal slab with both clawed hands and slowly drug it over to the breach. He then walked to the opposite side and lifted the large patch up with all of his strength until it was firmly against wall and covering the entire breach. Once that was done, the Autobot hunter pulled out a torch and began welding the huge chunk of metal into place.

Command Center

Before Kup could respond him, Air Raid turned to talk with Bluestreak. "So, what's going on here 'Streak? How many 'bots are here? I saw some explosions coming from Polyhex, what's going on there?"

Command Center

Kup paused for a moment to think about what other duty he could give the other Autobot. He did seem particularly anxious to get out there and do something. Unfortunately there typically wasn’t a whole lot of ‘doing something’ going on here or in most other parts of the war. Things were going so slow lately he was beginning to wonder if he would even still be functioning by the time the war ended.

Before he could come up with an answer Air Raid was already busy peppering Bluestreak with a series of questions. A frown formed on the old timer’s face. ‘These young Autobots and their impatience. I’m gonna have to break in the whole lot of ‘em I can see.’

The Autobot warhorse typed in a few commands into one of the consoles that they had repaired. “If I had to guess I would think the Dinobots are behind those explosions you detected in Polyhex. Attacking the Decepticon base would be Grimlock’s idea of scouting around. In fact I’m detecting a vehicle moving into the city limits now that I imagine Grimlock commandeered. Why don’t you go out there and make sure its them Air Raid?” That would give him something to do and get an idea on what the Dinobots had been up to.

Kup then received the signal from Howlstrike. >>”Good work lad. We must still have some sort of infestation problem going on. We’ll take care of that later. For now I’ve got another assignment for you. Once you are done patching up that hole I want you to go to this room,"<< he sent the appropriate coordinates. >>”In there you’ll find a medium sized metal box attached to the bottom of a desk. I want you to get it off the desk and bring it to me. Don’t open it though lad, there are some sensitive and important materials in there that only I should be handling.”<<

Kup then turned to Bluestreak. “Alright lad, I think we just have a couple more consoles to go before we are all set. If we can get these internal sensors online we can finally start to get this place locked down and safe from Cons and whatever rodents are running around out here.” He carefully pried the panel off of the console and looked inside. “Hand me some of those wires Bluestreak, I think this one will just need a little bit of patching and crosswiring to get up and running.”

*

Iacon City outskirts

Grimlock’s commandeered vehicle continued to slowly make its way towards the Autobot base at the center of the city. The Dinobot hated retreated, especially when it was slow and took as long as this miserable trip did. It was only adding to his annoyance at the whole situation. They were going to have to come up with a way to kill some cons. At this point it could just be Laserbeak for all he cared as long as someone started paying for this embarrassment.

Sludge’s voiced came from the back of the vehicle. “Are we there yet?”

When Grimlock replied the annoyance was clear in his tone. “No, and me swear if you ask again me going to come back there!”

Command Center

"Ok boss, I'm on my way" The Aerialbot started to run to exit."Sorry Bluestreak, I guess we'll finish talking later." When he was in the outside the command building he transformed into his jet form and flew to the outskirts of Iacon."This will probably be boring but it's better than staying in the command fixing computers." Air Raid was flying above Iacon when he started to have memories of the life before the war, and how quickly all went to hell. He remembered his best friend and wondered where he could be. "Well, it's not time to think about that, I better hurry." Air Raid accelerated to his maximum speed and headed to the vehicle's location.

Iacon City Outskirts

"Hmmm, I wonder where they are." The flying mech kept flying around the zone trying to find the vehicle. Then, Air Raid heard some noises and went to the location where he heard them. "There you are" The flying mech saw the vehicle and landed on a high building nearby."Hey!!! Grimlock!! Is that you?!!, Did you kiss some 'cons aftess or they kick yours, eh?." The mech started laughing really hard waiting for a response.

OOC: with permission from Ember and Deva, I'll be picking up Slag.

Outskirts of Iacon

"Stupid Aerialbot shouldn't come flying in at Dinobots unless him Air Raid wants to get flamed out of sky!" Slag growled from the bed of the truck. "Him look like seeker plane, not transmit identification signal... lucky me Slag not set on fire. But if you Air Raid want to keep laughing, me Slag may change mind!"

Slag wasn't what anyone would call a social mech to begin with, and since the battle with the Predacons hadn't been a resounding success, the Dinobot was still itching for a fight. Odds were that he'd have been itching for a fight even if they had bashed the Preds down to scrap parts and loose wire, but as things stood he was particularly surly. No one rational would have expected Air Raid to actually fly around blasting out his ID, but this was Slag. Rationality didn't matter - any excuse or none would work when it came to working off his aggression.

Command Center

Bluestreak had become so engrossed with inspecting one of the consoles that he had not even heard Air Raid's series of questions. Before he could finally respond to him, Kup had answered the Aerialbot's inquiries and then set him on an assignment outside of the base. "Yeah, sorry about that! We'll talk later!" Streak replied to Air Raid as he left the room.

The Autobot gunner then turned his attention back to the terminal in front of him as he overheard Kup speaking to Howlstrike over the comm. Keeping one audio receptor acute to what was being said, Bluestreak punched in a few keys and the computer hummed to life. The monitor flickered a bit as he attempted to adjust the visual settings, but nothing appeared to help. Finally, Streak simply struck the top of the screen with his hand and the flickering stopped. "Sometimes you just gotta show 'em whose boss! Ha ha! Well, it looks like this one is working okay."

Bluestreak moved away from the station as Kup now addressed him. The gunner reached into the hover cart full of spare parts and pulled out a tangle of wiring that the old timer had requested. As he pulled the wires apart and began handing them to Kup, Bluestreak couldn't help but be nosy. "So, you got Howlstrike retrieving some kind of box, huh? I guess you can't tell me what's in it can you? Top secret stuff and all that. Well, you must really have a lot of confidence in that former Predacon to entrust him with an assignment like that. I wish I could have that kind of faith in a mech that once fought for the other side," Streak said as he handed more wiring to Kup. "But don't worry. I'll be nice to him when he gets here. I promise."

Bluestreak fully intended to be nice to Howlstrike, at least while in front of Kup. But when the old timer wasn't around, Streak had no intention of being buddy buddy with the pretend Autobot. It was only a matter of time before there was a confrontation between the two mechs.

The Breach - Level 3

Howlstrike finished welding the large metal slab into place and then put away his torch. Using both hands, the tracker pressed against the patch with all of his strength to ensure the integrity of the fix. Any movement would indicate the breach was not sealed properly and would have to be reinforced which would likely take longer. However, as luck would have it, the patch was solid as a rock and did not move an inch under Howl's powerful arms.

Satisfied that his job was done, Howlstrike stepped back from the newly repaired wall and listened as he received Kup's response over his comm line. His friend had a new assignment for him, albeit a simple one. Howl was to recover a special metal box in one of the empty rooms within the base and bring it back to his long time friend. However, he was not allowed to look inside. Only the old timer, himself, was allowed to handle the contents. Howl was slightly taken aback by this.

Does Kup not trust me? The Autobot hunter wondered as he received the coordinates for the box's location. He wouldn't exactly blame Kup if he didn't. After all, Howl hadn't been entirely honest about the shuttle crash that had brought the two former enemies together. Perhaps Magnus was right and Kup did already know about or at least suspected what Howl's true motives were when he saved the old mech's life so long ago. If that was the case, then the tracker needed to prove himself to be trustworthy and reliable. In the short term that meant following Kup's orders to the letter. In the long term, however, it meant ultimately coming clean with his friend about the crash whether Kup knew the truth already or not.

Howlstrike opened a comm line back to the old 'bot: >>"I read you, Kup. The breach is now fixed and I'm on my way to pick up the box you requested. I'll return to the command center within a few cycles."<<

Transforming to wolf mode, Howl then headed off down the corridor towards the location of Kup's metal box. He rounded a few corners before heading down a stairwell, leaping over several steps at a time as he went. The hunter would've used the turbo lift, but since he was already in beast mode he figured it would just be quicker to use the stairs.

Autobase - Level 1

Howlstrike was now on the lowest level of the base. The only areas lower then his current position were in the sub-basement, but the box in question was not down there. According to Kup's coordinates, the box was located not too far from where the mechanical wolf now stood. Howl sniffed around as he made his way down the corridor in an attempt to sense any cyber-rats that may still be lurking nearby. He slowed as he came upon the designated room and then returned to robot mode.

The tracker approached the doors which were stuck in a half-open position. Using both clawed hands, Howl pried the doors apart and entered the darkened room. It appeared to have been an office of some kind. Perhaps it had even been Kup's. Regardless, Howlstrike quickly found the only desk in the room and knelt down beside it. Sure enough the box was right where Kup said it would be. Howl grabbed a hold of it and pulled it away from the base, tearing a chuck of the desk off with it. The tracker examined the box for an astrosecond and found it to be securely locked. Whatever was in there must be very important.

Howlstrike stood up and tucked the box under one arm before leaving the room and heading back up to the Command Center.

Outskirts of Iacon

"Come on Slag, you're just mad because you couldn't smash some 'cons heads. I should have arrived sooner, then, your aftess wouldn't have been kicked by the 'cons." The Aerialbots was ready to transform into his jet mode just in case the Dinobots started to shoot at him.

"I should send a message to Kup saying that I found the Dinotbots." While he was waiting for the Dinobots to respond him or shoot at him, Air Raid send a message to Kup.

>>"Sir this is Air Raid, I have found the Dinobots, they appear to be fine."<< Air Raid took one last look at the Dinobots an continued.>> But sir, just for your information, if I arrive in the command center in stasis lock and the Dinobots tell you that it was a 'con, don't believe them."<<

Outskirts of Iacon

When Grimlock spotted the Transformer flying in the skies above Iacon he had drawn his rifle and pointed it out the window at him. The only Autobots that could fly that he knew were on the planet were Swoop and Springer. Swoop was in the back of the truck and Springer wasn’t a jet. That either meant it was some sort of reinforcement or a Decepticon. He kept a bead on the Transformer even after he had landed and identified himself. Slag pretty much summed up his feelings on how the Aerialbot approached them. He stowed away his weapon and brought the vehicle to a stop.

The Dinobot leader glared in annoyance at Air Raid. “You making lots of assumptions about Dinobots. What makes you think Decepticons not leave battle in worse shape?” He wasn’t in any sort of mood to deal with a smart mouthed new arrival. “Maybe next time you go attack Decepticon base, see if you even make it out alive.” Grimlock pressed down on the accelerator, speeding the vehicle up, not really wanting to continue this conversation any further.

*

Command Center

Kup only heard about half of what Bluestreak was saying as his was up to his elbows in wiring and circuit boards. What a motley group he had been left with here, the Dinobots and a bunch of young chatterboxes. At least that’s what it felt like to him. They weren’t bad bots, but it looked like he was going to have to shut down his audio receptors all together to get any peace and quiet around here. He stripped the end of a wire down and twisted it together to a damaged wire before doing the same to the other end. There were a few sparks, which he took as a good sign since it meant there was still some power flowing through it.

The old timer carefully pulled his arms out of the console and turned to face Bluestreak. “I’m glad you’ll be treating him better lad. Treat Howlstrike well and he’ll treat you well in turn. That’s the way it should be with all mechs I think.” He activated the console and a blurry schematic of the base appeared on it. Kup frowned and slapped the console a couple of times, smiling when it finally became clear. “That’s what the tech heads used to call percussive maintenance. You remember that, if you got some big electrics not working more often then not a good slap we’ll get it up and running again.”

Kup glanced around the command center, a smile forming on his face. “Well lad, I think we just about having a decently functioning command center now. That brings back some memories…”

Before he could launch into one of his infamous stories Kup was interrupted by a signal from Air Raid. >>”Good job lad. Now don’t give Grimlock any excuse to knock you off line. The only thing bigger than a Dinobot is his ego. Say something stupid to him and it’ll be the last thing you remember before getting knocked into stasis lock.”<<

Iacon City - Outskirts

"I know the 'cons are in a better shape than you Grimlock because you're here, if you would have left them worst you would be there, you probla-" Before Air Raid could finish talking he was interrupted by the message of Kup.
>>"Understood Sir, but, is impossible to not piss them, they're always pissed. Also sir, I think they got their aftess kicked, but I guess we have to wait until we arrive the base, they're already on their way there, I'll be there before you can say The most awesome aerialbot alive A.K.A Air Raid."<<

When Air Raid finished talking to Kup, he transformed into jet mode and flew to the base.

Autobot's Base - Entrance

When Air Raid arrived in the base, the Dinobots haven't arrived yet. "No vehicle is a match for my speed." The white and red mech entered the base and walked towards the command center

Autobot's Base - Command Center

When Air Raid entered the command center he walked towards Kup. "Sir, the dinobots should arrive in any moment, I would like permission to go with them again to Polyhex to attack the patheticons, I doubt that they will protest."

Outskirts of Iacon

"Stupid plane better run," Slag growled as Air Raid flew off. "Me Slag think him Air Raid has been hitting the jet fuel too hard. Him on speed."

The bulky Dinobot tried to settle back into his makeshift seat, but the truck, though a large vehicle, had never been intended to carry passengers, especially passengers as large as the Dinobots. Simply put, they were shoulder to shoulder, and Slag didn't have the room he wanted.

"You Snarl stop touching me!" he snapped. "You Grimlock, make Snarl stop touching me, or me Slag gonna rip somebody's arms off!"

Command Center

He’ll treat me well in return, huh? We’ll see about that, Bluestreak thought as he listened to Kup speak about Howlstrike. The former Predacon may have won over the old timer’s trust, but the same could not be said for ‘Streak, who barely knew the turncoat beyond his vicious reputation. The Autobot gunner had only encountered Howl once before, a long time ago, and it was a meeting the black and silver mech would rather forget about.

Bluestreak then braced himself for one of Kup’s stories from the good old days when a communication from Air Raid interrupted him. The Dinobots had been found and were apparently not in a good mood. Hopefully, the Aerialbot wouldn’t find himself in a scrapheap while joking with Grimlock and his crew.

The Autobot gunner then moved away from Kup and began switching on the remaining computer consoles around the command center. Each one hummed to life as the corresponding monitors added a bit more light to the vast room. Finally, the place was getting back to normal. Too bad the rest of Cybertron didn’t look as good as the command center now did. Maybe someday, ‘Streak thought with a heavy sigh.

Bluestreak then ascended the stairs leading up to the second tier where the commanding officer would sit. Ultra Magnus had been in charge but was recently called away on an urgent mission. Now, this seat belonged to Kup for the time being and ‘Streak wanted to make sure everything was operational. He began checking the large console and the various monitors that were positioned above it. The instruments up here were much more complex then down below, but that was to be expected at the main command chair.

“Everything looks good up here, Kup,” Bluestreak called down to the old timer just as Air Raid entered the room, having survived his encounter with the Dinobots. “Hey, Air Raid, I’m glad to see that Grimlock didn’t rip off a limb. Nothing more dangerous than a grumpy Dinobot.” Streak laughed as he walked back down the stairs. His jovial disposition slowly faded as the command center doors opened once more, this time revealing the silhouette of the last mech he was looking forward to seeing.

Bluestreak stopped at the bottom of the stairs as Howlstrike entered the room, carrying a sealed metal box under one arm. The former Predacon’s appearance had changed since the last time ‘Streak had laid optics on him. The hunter no longer had a Cybertronian alt mode as was evidenced by the beastly wolf head mounted in the center of Howl’s chest plate, a design aesthetic echoing Razorclaw's own robot mode. The Autobot gunner had heard that the Predacons now possessed beast modes they had recently acquired from their brief stay on Earth, but he didn’t realize that Howl had followed suit as well.

Interesting. Why would Howl want to continue to emulate his former comrades’ appearance in such a manner? Bluestreak thought as a deeper frown of distrust formed on his face plate. Maybe he still wants to be one of them, after all. Why can’t Kup see what is so obviously displayed right in front of him? I just don’t get it.

Howlstrike walked over to where Kup and Air Raid stood. Gripping the metal box in both clawed hands, Howl handed it over to his friend. “Here’s the box you requested, Kup. I had no problems locating it. Your coordinates were exact as always.” The former Predacon looked over at Air Raid and then towards the stairs where Bluestreak was still standing. Howl was familiar with both mechs, especially ‘Streak whom he remembered from a previous, hostile encounter long ago.

Howlstrike returned his gaze to Kup. “I see we have some new arrivals. The more the merrier I suppose.”

Command Center

Kup was wiping some dirt and grease off of his hands from all of the repair work when Air Raid came back into the room. This one was raring to go, even for a young bot. He was going to have to keep his optics on this one, or some optics that would keep him out of trouble.

“Permission denied. We don’t have the fuel or the firepower to keep launching assaults on a Decepticon base here. If we hit them again it needs to be and organized and planned attack. Right now we need to get the Dinobots repaired, refueled and rearmed, not to mention working some more on our defenses here.”

The old Autobot walked up to the second level of the command center and took a seat in the command chair. He toggled some of the controls and checked the read outs. “It looks like Springer has gotten the external scanners all online as best he could and now he’s started on the defenses. Bluestreak, you want to go out there and give him a hand?”

He looked up as Howlstrike entered the room. “Ahhh, glad ya found it with no problems. You didn’t open it did ya?” He looked at the younger Autobot with a serious expression before breaking into a smile and clapping him on the arm. “Of course ya didn’t, not that anything terrible would happen to you.” Kup opened the box and produced an old looking cy-gar from it. “I just didn’t want you picking up my bad habits. Do as I say and not as I do and all that.” He stuck the object in his mouth, holding it there as he continued to talk. “Been a long time since they made any of these, that’s why I kept them hidden.”

Kup nodded at Howlstrike’s comment. “Yeah, I guess command doesn’t trust this old bot to keep things together here. They keep sending a bunch of young pups to help me out. Must think I don’t have the energy left in me to do anything.” He snickered at his comment.

As he chomped on the cy-gar Kup continued to manipulate the controls of the command chair. “Looks like the Dinobots have pulled up to the base in whatever vehicle they commandeered. Howlstrike, you want to go and check on ‘em? You probably speak ‘warrior’ better than I do, just don’t let ‘em get to ya. Grimlock and his gang can be a nasty bunch if you don’t know how to handle them.”

The Autobot sat back in the chair to think for a moment. “Air Raid, how would you feel about making a little scouting run at the Decepticon base? I don’t want you to engage any Decepticons or defenses, just try and find out what they are up to and what kind of repairs they are doing over there. It will be a dangerous mission, the Cons are liable to have more than a few fliers over there. If they start a fight with you I want you to run back here. Don’t start a dogfight with them or anything. Think you can handle that lad?”

*

Main Entrance to Autobase

Grimlock brought the vehicle to a stop just as Slag began complaining. “You can cram it Slag. You know Snarl in stasis lock, he can’t help who he touches. Save ripping off arms for next time we see Predacons, then you go crazy.” The Dinobot leader was still in a foul mood after having to retreat from the Predacons and having to talk with the smart mouthed Aerialbot. He wasn’t about to take any lip from one of his own troops.

He popped the hatch of the vehicle and stepped outside of it. “We home now, everyone out.” As the various Dinobots piled out of the vehicle Grimlock hefted Snarl over one shoulder. Maybe if he heard about how he was personally carried around by his leader he would get off his back for awhile. Grimlock sighed. He somehow doubted that would happen.

The bulky Autobot looked over at the rest of his team. “Come on, lets find medbay and get repaired. After that we figure out next move. Grimlock led the way inside of the base.

Iacon City - Command Center

Before Kup could respond, Bluestreak started talking to Air Raid. "Don't worry about me, no Dinobot or patheticon can beat me, I'm that good."

Air Raid then listened carefully to what Kup was saying, he knew from the begening that he wasn't going to get permission, but it was worth the shot, and Kup would probably send the Aerialbot to a scouting missions anyway, he was the only flying 'bot here, or at least the only competent. "Understood Sir, but if you have plans for an assault to their base, I'm already offering my help." When the aeriabot saw that Kup walked to the command chair he decided to socialize a little. He walked towards Bluestreak, but before he could say anything a lone mech entered the command center with a box. "Howlstrike" That wasn't the only thing that Air Raid thought when he saw the former predacon. He saw as Howl walked towards Kup and delivered the metal box.

When Kup made the comment about the reinforcement and that the command didn't trust him, Air Raid had to talk, Kup was one of the few mechs that Air Raid respected. "Of course they trust you Sir, they send me because they knew you were going to need someone competent flying around, someone that could take care of the fragging seekers, and 'Streak, well I have no idea what's he doing here, but a pair of hands never hurt." After voicing his opinion Air Raid just shut up waiting for a response; but Kup started to give orders. When Kup mentioned his name, Air Raid knew that something good was coming. "Handle it? The patheticons won't even know what hit me. But sir, I'll do my best to not to engage any 'con, I won't attack them without reason."

"But I'm good at finding reasons."

Instead of waiting for a response, the white and red mech rushed to exit.

Main Entrance to Autobase

When Air Raid arrived to the main entrance, the dinobots were there. "See Grimlock, Kup's sending me to a mission to Polyhex, maybe when I get back, I give you a few heads of the 'cons I eliminate so you can say everybody that you did some damage to them." Before the dinobot leader could respond him or shoot at him, Air Raid transformed into his jet mode flew as fast as he can to Polyhex, trying to think of an excuse in case he engaged the 'cons.

Main Entrance to Autobase

Grimlock apparently wasn't in the mood for Slag's twisted attempt at humor. Slag simply shrugged as the Dinobot leader grabbed Snarl and made his way inside. Still, with the others gone, the night wasn't half bad. Though he would never have admitted it to anyone, it was nice to see familiar stars again.

Enjoying the view, Slag was slow to climb down from the truckbed, and hadn't made it inside when Air Raid came rushing out the door running his mouth yet again. Another set of disparaging remarks was more than enough to push the Dinobot past his breaking point. As Air Raid transformed and leapt into the air, Slag transformed as well and sent a burst of flame after the Aerialbot.

It wasn't a serious attempt to hurt him, the blast was half-powered at best. The flames were more a warning, that would hopefully cause Air Raid to yelp and swerve, and maybe, just maybe, remember who he was talking down to.

Command Center

Bluestreak watched as Kup made his way up to the second level and settled into the command chair. Howlstrike followed and ‘Streak gave the former Predacon a wide berth in order to avoid direct contact, at least for now. It wasn’t that the Autobot gunner was afraid of Howl, quite the contrary. He just didn’t want to risk a confrontation in front of Kup, especially after promising to be nice.

It wasn’t long before Kup gave Bluestreak a new assignment, one that would get him out of the base and far away from Howlstrike. “No problem, Kup. I’ll get right on it.” And with that, ‘Streak turned towards the door and quickly exited the command center.

Meanwhile, Howlstrike watched as Kup opened the box he had given him and pulled out a cy-gar. Howl tilted his head to one side as the old timer began chewing on the small metallic stick. The tracker had heard of cy-gars, but had never really seen one in use before. He thought they had gone out of style long ago. Of course, Kup wasn’t exactly a young mech anymore.

Howlstrike then listened as Kup mentioned the return of the Dinobots to the Autobase. The old timer suggested going down to check on them, and Howl was more than happy to oblige. “Sure thing, Kup. And, don’t worry. I’m sure I can handle Grimlock and his bunch.”

The Autobot hunter then made his way towards the door before turning back around and addressing his old friend once again. “You know, Kup, you might not want to smoke too many of those. I’ve heard they can be bad for you,” Howlstrike remarked about the cy-gar, knowing it probably wouldn’t change the old mech’s mind, but at least he had voiced his concerns. Howl then turned back towards the door and left the command center.

Autobase – Main Entrance

It didn’t take long for Howlstrike to make his way down to the main entrance where he found the combat worn Dinobots trudging their way into the base. The tracker slowly approached Grimlock, who had a stasis-locked Snarl slung over one shoulder. “Welcome back. You and your team look like you’ve been through quite a battle. Although, I’m sure whatever ‘cons you guys encountered out there are in far worse shape.” Howl then gazed at the limp form of Snarl. “It you want, Grimlock, I can take Snarl off your hands and place him in a CR chamber while you focus on getting the needed repairs and recharge.”

Defensive Perimeter – Some Distance from Autobase

Having left through a side entrance, Bluestreak raced out in vehicle mode towards the defensive perimeter that encircled the Autobase. The streets of Iacon were littered with debris and there were crumbling buildings on all sides. It very much reminded the Autobot gunner of the destructive aftermath of his home city. It had been the first of many Cybertronian metropolises to fall to the Decepticons until there were finally none left standing. ‘Streak hoped that one day these streets would get cleaned up and once again look like they did many vorns ago before the war had destroyed everything.

Once he had Springer in sight, Bluestreak slowed down and transformed back to robot mode and approached the triplechanger who was standing near an old autocannon. “Hey, Springer! Kup sent me out to give you a hand with whatever you need help with. I just arrived on planet a short time ago, so I’m still getting used to seeing Cybertron again. Brings back a lot of memories, you know. It’s hard seeing our homeworld in this decrepit condition, but hopefully we can change all that with a little luck.” Bluestreak sighed before continuing with his nonstop chatter. “So, what was up with Hot Rod attacking you? I overheard your message to Kup and was pretty shocked. I mean, I’ve heard of Roddy doing some crazy stunts before, but that’s pretty extreme even for him.”