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Autobase Prime – Bar

Hex turned ready to give a nicely styled snide remark to Stormrider when the rust spot and he were called to the Hanger bay. A broad smile made its way to his visage as his processors thought of the possibilities.

They must really need help if they’re callin’ me.

On that thought the young Bot transformed and skidded out of the bar leaving a thick plume of smoke in his wake.

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Autobase Prime – Hanger

Coming to an abrupt halt, Hex transformed back into robot form and, by his standards, accidentally slammed hard into Stomrider. The hit was sufficient enough to knock the new comer to his aft, and hopefully it would.

Not even slightly jarred by the fact he may have hurt someone, Hex moved from his position to one closer to where their commander might be coming in from. This would keep him close to the commander and far from Stormrider and any possible repercussions. It was his defense mechanism, start something and never finish it, especially when it meant that he may get seriously injured.

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Autobase Prime – Command Center

Elita 1 nodded knowingly and only barely showed a slight smile to Optimus when she turned and left. Her leaving with such a small group was not what she considered daunting, but she would definitely make due with the supplies and warriors she had with her.

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Autobase Prime – Hanger

The femme commander walked with a purpose into the hanger and made her way over the shuttle. She wound up standing next to Hex, just as the young mech hoped for. Elita turned to face her detail, but before she addressed them she had to wait for a few more recruits to show.

Autobase Prime: Command Center

Following Jedishen into the command center, Blurr stepped off to the side so he would be clear of the entryway. Letting his optics sweep over the room as he trailed Jedishen to a console, he made note of the 'Bots present. Prime appeared to be saying something to Elita, while Hot Rod and Arcee were whispering to each other at their stations.

Blurr leaned up against one of the vacant stations to wait, in the back of his CPU he was afraid that if he sat down at a console one of the higher-ups would decide to leave him there and make it his job. Shuddering at the thought of being stationary for long periods of time the blue mech turned his attention back to his friend, Jedishen, and responded.

“Looks-like-it.-I-hate-when-they-get-ambitious,-it-forces-us-into-a-defensive-position,
-and-I-loathe-being-in-a-defensive-position.-It-makes-me-feel-like-our-options-are-
limited.-Hopefully-they-need-us-for-something.-It-would-be-neat-to-be-assigned-the-
task-of-checking-out-our-former-base,-but-I-wonder-if-we-will-get-sent-to-help-out-
with-whatever-is-going-on-out-there,” lowering his voice Blurr added, “I-just-hope-
they-don’t-assign-us-to-desk-duty.-Nothing-more-tedious,-right?”

As Blurr finished talking Elita 1 passed by them and walked out the door. The blue transformer glanced over to where Prime was now standing by himself and wondered if Optimus had a free klik to see them and give them a new task.

Iacon: Corridors (en route to command center)

'Frag! Frag! Frag!' Nighthawk thought as he sped through the corridors in motorbike mode, narrowly avoiding various Autobots as he did so. 'I finally get told to do something around here and then I can't find my fraggin way to the command center.'.
Suddenly Nighthawk screeched to a halt, transforming as he did so. Now running, Nighthawk turned around to whichever Autobot he'd almost crashed into and shouted back "Sorry about that!". And continued to run.

Iacon: Command Center

Now walking smoothly in a manner more suiting to that of a spy of Nighthawk's kind. Nighthawk entered the command center.

"Anyone seen Jazz?" He asked, and then adding on, "Or Stormrider?"

Autobase Prime-Gamma Hangar

Having being hit, Stormrider was thrown off balance as he stumbled back, his reflexes keeping him on his feet. He looked down, regaining his balance as a scowl came on his face. "Alright wise guy, you wanna get-" Stormrider's words were halted as his eyes grew wide. It was the bot from the Energon Bar.

Excited, Stormrider approached Hex. "Hey!" He said, extending his hand. "You're the guy from the bar! Look dude, sorry I bailed. It's my first day and I gotta admit it's been pretty slaggin hectic." Stormrider then stopped himself, remembering courtesy. He extended his hand. "I'm Stormrider, pleased t-" He stopped as Elita 1 entered the hangar.

Stormrider slowly lowered his hand as the femme took the lead next to Hex. Then, as she turned towards them, it hit Stormrider. This must be the commander. With that notion, Stormrider quickly assumed a stance of attention, and in a solid voice said. "Ma'am." Stormrider held his chin high. He didn't know much about the military, but he did know that commanders were to be obeyed and respected. Stormrider followed suit with this in mind.

Autobase Prime ~ Energon Bar

Brawn laughed in Wideload's face. He wasn't trying to be rude, but hearing his friend's confidence in his strength further convinced a victory was inevitable. Redoubling his effort, he wanted to be sure that Trailbreaker saw him blowing off some steam. It would help make his apology to his friend easier later.

"Toying with me?!"

Brawn shouted at Trailbreaker.

"Ratchet you'd better check out his optics. They're obviously malfunctioning. Wideload's just about to crack"

He directed his attention back to his opponent.

"Isn't that right, buddy?"

Truly impressed that the Throttlebot was hanging in there with him, he had to respect his great strength and endurance. It was too bad Wideload was stuck doing material transport. Maybe he'd enjoy getting into some demolitions with him sometime.


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Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Jazz understood that Optimus Prime was often bombarded with seemingly millions of tasks at once, so he knew that Prime wasn't simply being dismissive. Luckily Prime was well equipped to handle the immense volume of calculations. Surely, at this moment he was weighing their options and assessing the importance of determining the nature of this new Decepticon weapon. Jazz would wait for a decision. He knew it wouldn't be long.

"No problem Prime. Let's talk about it when the Decepticons take a break from wrecking all our infrastructure."

As he was about to leave Prime to his business, Jazz heard his name being said from the entrance to the command center. The voice was unfamiliar to him, but it did mention one of the new 'bots that Prime had just ordered to go with Elita-1.

"Excuse me Prime.

Jazz gave a friendly, casual salute to his leader. A gesture he often used that relected his easy-going manner. With an air of great confidence, Jazz sauntered over to the new comer. In a very relaxed stance that made him seem shorter than he actually is, he looked the newcomer up and down. A smile of recognition spread across his face, hopefully a welcoming gesture.

"I'm Jazz. What's happening? You must be Nighthawk, right? I read your file, pretty impressive stuff."

Energon Bar

Brawn was very strong indeed. Wideload strained against the minibot but couldn't feel any give. Perhaps it was the push to try and beat Brawn down straight away but Wideload gradually found his arm being pushed back and down. As Brawn re-doubled his effort Wideload's hand was pushed down onto the table as Brawn won, "Ugh!" he said, "Okay that's round one to you," he said letting go and flexing his fingers and hands, "We'll see about round two now,"
Freeway said, "Dammit! Thish could get expenshive!"
"No kidding," said Rollbar, "Wideload, I have a tip. Get Brawn drunk and he'll lose all co-ordination and you'll win,"
"I can beat him sober, Rolly," said Wideload annoyed.

Autobase Prime - Command Center

The vast array of monitors and data terminals did not paint a pretty picture of the developing events in Uraya. Grimlock's shuttle is going down. Optimus Prime crossed his arms over his massive chestplate. The Command Center computers parsed sensor and diagnostic data sent back by the craft, and the conclusions they drew were not promising. Even if they manage to put that shuttle down without major casualties, they're going to be swamped with Decepticons in no time at all, and fighting from a lousy battlefield position.

He watched as additional data from Nova Cronum streamed in. Yet, we've got other problems right now. Worse ones. The large red and blue Autobot looked to where Jazz and Nighthawk stood.

"Join Elita-1's team. Prowl is going to need a lot of help out there," he said. Neither Jazz nor the newcomer were combat monsters, but Jazz knew enough tricks to tie up an entire squad of Decepticon warriors and hopefully Nighthawk would prove himself worthy of his sigil if given the chance.

We may not be far behind you. Or, headed elsewhere to keep from being overrun completely. As he watched the monitors, his optics scanning over the likely locations of various prominent Decepticons, only one name occupied his primary processor. Devastator. All signs pointed to the Constructicons being in the Tagan Heights, very close to where the LSC shuttle was now going down. If things were to get too out of hand...and if there were an opportunity for the Decepticons to finish off Grimlock and consolidate their grip on the Heights in one fell swoop...I wouldn't put it past them to activate Devastator.

It was a grim possibility indeed.

Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Jazz looked back to where Optimus Prime was standing with a smile. He knew the boss 'bot would have a job for him eventually. Optimus likely knew that if Jazz wasn't on an important mission he would invent his own.

"That's a big affirmative Prime. We'll take care of things faster than you can say 'Decepti-creep'."

With a salute, Jazz headed for the door.

"C'mon Nighthawk. If we're fast enough, we can catch up with Elita-1 before they reach the shuttle bay."

With that he transformed.

"Let's roll!"

Jazz took off down the corridor with great gusto, with great faith in his speed and agility. Along the way he opened a comm-link to Elita-1 to warn her of his impending arrival.

>>Jazz to Elita-1. Jazz to Elita-1. I hope you've got more room in your party for two more. Prime just ordered Nighthawk and me to lend a hand. Be there in two shakes of a petro-rabbit's tail.<<

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Autobase Prime ~ Energon Bar

Brawn, well pleased with his victory, lept up from the table amid the myriad shouting of his friends. Pumping his fist in the air, he showboated a little to egg on the crowd. Slapping trailbreaker on the back he said, "What'd you think of that? Not bad for an old 'rust bucket' like me, eh?" He carried on like this for a bit, all the while thinking about how narrow his margin of victory truly was. It felt like Wideload had tried to tear his arm off.

He needed to stall for time before the next match. A burr in his rotator cuff felt like it was spreading down through his arm causing a numb sensation. Did Wideload cause the damage, or was it an old injury acting up? The thought was interesting, but he had no time to consider it further because it was time for the next match.

Sitting back down to face Wideload, Brawn smiled. "Alright, alright. Everyone keep it down. Best two out of three right?" Brawn held his hand back out, hoping that Wideload couldn't see the insecurity growing in the back of his mind.

No problem. I'll finish this off, collect my energon, then I can rest up.

(OOC: Gang in Command Center. Don't forget, Hound's present as well and asked a question directed to Prime a page or so back.)

Command Center

Jazz had just been sent out. But from what Hound gathered, it seemed the Decpeticons has some new toy called Devastator. He knew he wasn't good in a fight but he too had his own surprises to use against the Decepticons.

No sooner than Jazz and exited the Commmand Center did he take a step forward to Optimus Prime. "Pardon me Prime. With your permission, I wish to accompaney Jazz and Nighthawk. They could probably use another free hand."

Energon Bar

Ratchet had chuckled along with the others and watched as the contest continued until, after a seemingly endless moment, Brawn put the younger mech's arm down. He'd seen it in his old friend's optics. A flicker of pain that had been there and gone, quickly replaced by Brawn's typical bravado, soaking up the adulation of the Autobots watching nearby. Had he been imagining it, or had he heard something pop in that round? If it had been any sort of joint malfunction in Brawn's arm, it would certianly explain any discomfort the mech might now be feeling.

"I'm gonna hafta recommend the championship wait for a while," Ratchet said, looking over at Brawn, careful not to say anything that would damage his old friend's ego in front of the others. "You've not been to see me in a while. I swear, it's like pullin' rusty sockets."

ooc- sorry for the lack of posts since Thursday, me diabetes had me hospitalised, so I couldn't say I was away. But I'm back now, sorry for any problems

Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

"Yes sir!" Said Nighthawk to Optimus Prime.And with that Nighthawk transformed once more into bike mode and raced after Jazz.
Nighthawk soon caught up to him and slowed down so as not to over take him.
"Believe it or not, I've just been doing this." Nighthawk said to Jazz Before quickly swerving around an unsuspecting Autobot, who cried out in surprise. "Sorry about that..." Nighthawk shouted back to the Autbot. "Belive it or not, I've just been doing that as well." he said to Jazz once more.

Autobase Prime – Hanger

Smiling slightly, Elita 1 looked to Stormrider and placed a hand on the young mech’s shoulder. She knew her share of young Autobots eager to make a difference; most of them went on to do great things. She could only hope this one would do the same.

“At ease soldier. I do not need any arduous mechs on this mission; I need capable warriors who are not afraid to take chances and orders.”

She looked to Hex as she continued.

“I also need team players. I just hope you are one of them, Stormrider.”

That said, Elita looked back to the shuttle and motioned for the mechs present to make their way onto the craft. She then opened a comm link with Jazz, as he sounded quite anxious to get her attention.

“Relax Jazz. We have not left just yet, but we are already boarding. I advise you to make haste, I wish to leave ASAP.”

Hex cringed slightly as Elita 1 nearly berated him personally. He had heard plenty of Axle’s complaints about his behavior, but he never took them seriously, that is until now. This was the first incident where a commander took notice of his attitude toward his fellow Autobots.

His attention drew back on Stormrider. With an internal huff Hex leaned his upper half behind Elita’s back where he promptly whispered so only the newcomer could hear him.

“Loser.”

With a broad smile, the young mech made his way onto the shuttle and took his place at one of the tactical stations.

Stormrider's salute slowly fell to his side in shock as Elita touched his shoulder. This was very new to Stormrider indeed. Up until now, he had always assumed that the military was a place for respecting the superiors, not visa versa. Luckily, it was a welcome change for Stormrider as he smiled.

"Haha! No problem Elita! Whatever it takes to send those Decepticreeps to the recycling bin!" Stormrider said with excitement as he again turned his attention to the shuttle.

Just then, Stormrider heard a whisper from behind. He turned, scowling only to see Hex walking away towards the shuttle. With a grin, Stormrider spoke to himself.

So thats how you want to be

Stormrider gave a smirk as he stared at Hex.

In that case, workin' for the autobots could be more fun than I thought

With the way Hex's assaults were executed, it occurred to Stormrider that the bot was not one for a head on confrontation, which gave Stormrider a plan.

Stormrider walked onto the shuttle casually and sat at the station closest to Hex. He then turned to him and spoke with a childish demeanor. "Oooh boy, ooh boy! I've never been on a shuttle before!" He said to Hex, then continued with a wide eyed smile. "And...and I met you first, so we can be war buddies! Whoo-hoo!" Stormrider said to Hex, hoping that this would get on the bot's nerves, a perverbial 'payback' for the shove and the insult back in the hanger.

Maybe a few hours of this would make Hex slow his processor.

Autobase Prime ~ Corridors

Jazz laughed, as he assumed Elita-1 was making a joke. Telling a 'bot like Jazz to relax was like telling Grimlock to smash Decepticons. That was one thing Jazz enjoyed about Elita-1's programming, she could be devastatingly funny. It seemed these days few Autobots got to experience that side of her personality. Jazz wasn't worried about that, though. He was sure he could lighten up any situation.

During the time he had spent in the Special Operations department, Jazz had many times been in very compromising situations. The mere description of such events could sap the courage of many Autobots. But it had been valuable experience for Jazz. It helped him understand that remaining calm in the most difficult situations led to a clarity of thought that would, more than likely, get one out of whatever trouble might occur. A sense of humour can bring levity to a situation, calming the parties involved. Jazz was certain that this aspect of his personality directly influenced Optimus Prime's decision to put him in charge of Special Operations.

Autobase Prime ~ Shuttle Hangar

In vehicle mode it didn't take long to reach the hangar bay. In fact, Jazz and Nighthawk arrived as the last few Autobots were boarding. Heading straight for Elita-1, Jazz launched himself into the air and transformed with the added flourish of a somersault in mid-air. Landing on one knee before Elita-1, he straightened up and saluted her with a smile.

"I told you we'd be here before you know it. Heh, heh. Anything else need taking care of before we take on those Decepticreeps?"

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Autobase Prime ~ Energon Bar

Although Brawn appreciated Ratchet's concern for his well-being, now was hardly the time to look after minor injuries. As he waited to engage Wideload once more in fore-arm combat, Brawn addressed the chief medic for the Autobots.

"Aww Ratchet. I think you've got a loose diode. There's nothing wrong with me. Save your worries for after I collect on my bet."

Brawn flexed his arms in a showboating display of strength, ignoring the pain that shot up his right arm. Can't let on that there's a problem now. I'm too close to beating Wideload. The macho Autobot was clearly letting his pride get the better of him. He didn't want to make Wideload look bad, but he didn't want to lose his reputation as one of the strongest Autobots after Optimus Prime and Grimlock. For a little guy like Brawn, that reputation meant a great deal. It garnered the respect of his peers and allowed him to participate in some fairly important missions. There was no way he was going to lose those perks.

Energon Bar

Wideload rubbed his arm and got the energy flowing through it again. Rollbar shouted, "He's just giving old Brawny a head start! Okay! Lock arms and prepare to wrestle!"
Wideload took hold of Brawn's hand. He decided he would not apply so much early pressure this time and just try to wear Brawn down over a period of time in this bout.
"Lets get ready to rumble!" said Rollbar.
"Decepticon where?" said Freeway alarmed the drink increasingly impairing his logic circuits.
Rollbar ignored his team mate and continued, "One three! Two! One! Wrestle!"

Autobase Prime - Medbay

Time had just passed as Beretta sobbed in Remington's arms. For how long they had been there, neither the two femmes, maybe not even Primus could have told. It felt long. And it really was, but fortunately enough for the sparkly injured femme to calm down a bit.

Remington pondered on what she could tell her friend, but came up with nothing. She felt not the least bit of anger or hatred towards her friend, but no words crossed her mind she could express that with. She knew Beretta blamed herself for all that had happened, and come to think of it, she was right. But she had already been hurt by the lesson more than enough.

Remington was just happy that they were both funtioning. They had the chance to improve and avoid similar happenings in the future.

And as she pondered, silently gazing at the ceiling, a sudden crash grabbed and dropped her back to reality. She looked to the other side, only to see a medical mech, Axle looking at them surprised, with all kind of gadgets and bottles scattered around him on the ground.

Remington gave a chuckle at the sight, and gently pushed Beretta away, and motioned to her at the medic. The two femmes both stood up and made their way to Axle, and began helping him gather his belongings from the ground.

"Well now, I know we were pretty enough to shock people, but I never would have expected someone to drop all this stuff just by looking at us," Remington joked and made a wide grin towards Axle, but her main goal was to try to finally make Beretta see some light.

She was as much surprised as Axle had been, when she saw a slight smile form on her friend's facial structure.

"Thank you very much, we are doing fine now," Beretta answered the medic's inquiry, her voice a little battered but her glance clean and steady, as she picked up the last pieces of equipment.

"We'll help you carry this stuff. Where do you want it?" She then said as she looked at the medic, then at Remington, both of them having their arms more than full of Axle's belongings, not to mention herself. She came to conclude that even Ultra Magnus would have found the cargo too much to carry at once.

Autobase Prime - Hangar

Nighthawk entered the hangar with Jazz and transformed into robot mode. He looked around the hangar. Nighthawk was not entirely sure how he felt about this misiion.
'I was created to spy on the Decepticons, perhaps even to infiltrate them. I wonder how this mission will affect that probability, and if I'll even make it out alive. Like I've already said, I wasn't trained for combat.' Nighthawk thought. 'Oh well. Time to go meet the rest of the crew I suppose.'
Nighthawk walked slowly up towards the ship, admiring it as he did so. It had been roughly three years since Nighthawk's creation, and in those three years, he had rarely left Autobase Prime. Now, in his first mission, he was being sent out into the wider world, the thought frightened him, just as much as it did enthuse him.
'Here goes nothing...' he thought as he entered the shuttle.

Energon Bar

Ratchet had hoped that he had given Brawn enough wiggle room to get whatever was malfunctioning checked out while still saving face. Apparently he hadn't given him quite enough. The Autobot was as feisty as they came, and certainly couldn't afford having his reputation diminished in the eyes of the younger mechs. At least, in his own processor, it was a reality that could not be afforded.

Well slag on that. Ratchet and the other medics worked too hard to keep these guys running at their best for Brawn to risk exacerbating whatever damage he had already sustained. He was going to go to the med bay, doctor's orders. But before the Chief Medical Officer could even get the words out, the countdown had run its course and the two Autobots were engaged in a test of strength once more. Ratchet just sighed and rested his chin in one hand, taking another swig from his cylinder of energon.

Some Autobots...you just had to keep patchin' 'em up. There wasn't much else that could be done.

Autobase Prime – Med Bay

Axle smiled as Remington and Beretta helped him with his burden. He was always lugging something around the medical facility, and at times he carried too much to handle, so any help was much appreciated. Besides, the two Autobot’s looks were easy on the optics, better than the usual he saw anyway.

“Over here will be fine. Thank you both.”

The field medic made his way to a cabinet where the supplies were located.

“You can just place them on the top shelf.”

Axle smiled again at both femmes.

“Thank you, again, for your help. But I must excuse myself. I have some more work to attend to.”

He had hoped that he did not come off as being too curt, and that, perhaps, one of them would decide to stay behind for a little light conversation.

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Shuttle Gamma – Bridge

Had he the capability Hex would have rolled his eyes. Clearly Stormrider was trying to get his goat, but what the new comer was not aware of was that the young Hex made it his mission to make, just about, everyone miserable, if not through jibes and snide remarks, than through sheer un-acknowledgement.

“You know, I was wrong about you.”

Hex began the sequences for liftoff while he continued.

“You’re not a loser at all.”

The young mech turned to face Stormrider with a smile.

“You’re just a complete and utter moron.”

Hex then turned and proceeded to ignore anything else the new comer had to say.

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Autobase Prime – Command Center

Hot Rod made a few frequency changes as he listened carefully at what was going on around him. He had only been working for less than an hour when he decided to whisper to Arcee.

“I can not believe how bored I am. What do you say to getting out of here?”

He wasn’t sure how he’d do it, but nothing was off limits to Hot Rod once his processors grasped onto something.

Autobase Prime: Command Centre

Hot Rod was bored.

Somehow Arcee wasn't surprised. Too his credit the Caviler had developed more than a few skills over the years, making himself increasingly useful in both the field and in the continuing war against the Decepticons. Unfortunately, patience was not one of them. If there was a task or duty her fellow young mech was not suited for, this was it.

Too her own credit, Arcee repressed a small sigh. It wasn't as though she enjoyed this work either, but it was an important part of the continued Autobot efforts and, while it wasn't glamorous, clocking up duty hours in the Command Centre did look good on her slowly growing resume. Her first impulse was too simply turn him down, Hot Rod more than likely had more interesting things in mind to pass the time...but not everything could be fun and games.

After sparing her impatient friend a sideways glance however, she quickly changed her mind. Not only was it probably best to not have the increasingly restless Autobot on Monitor duty, but she also felt sorry for him...and even a tiny bit of guilt. He was stuck here because of her, in a roundabout way...maybe she should get him out of him. Maybe herself in the bargain.

She was young and free too after all.

Sometimes.

"If I get us out of this..."

Arcee kept her tone low and optics focused on the monitor before her.

"...will you promise to behave?"

Autobase Prime - Command Center

Worst. Case. Scenario.

These three words echoed throughout Optimus Prime's mind as he watched the datafeeds from Uraya and the Tagan Heights stream onto the monitors of the Command Center. The Dauntless had finally gone down, and in perhaps the worst possible place. Likely, the last thing any sane Autobot or Decepticon leader wanted was a full-scale battle in the very sparkcore of the Tagan Heights, but that was exactly what was happening now. There was no way the Decepticons would let Grimlock and his unit just up and walk out of the Heights.

And there's no way in Pit I'm leaving them there without reinforcements. He turned to Roadbuster, who had just marched into the Command Center, come to attention, and saluted crisply. Prime returned his salute and spoke.

"Roadbuster, good to see you fully functional once more. You are in command of the Iacon Permanent Garrison until you receive other notification. Is that understood?"

Roadbuster saluted once more. Half a breem out of the Med Bay and I'm already right back into the thick of things. He nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll hold the fort down. But, if I may ask, where are you going?"

Prime looked back to the monitors. "The Tagan Heights. We're pulling the Lightning Strike Coalition out of there." He pressed a button on a nearby console, activating the Autobase-wide comm system.

>>Attention all Autobots! Scramble to the Primary Hangar for immediate deployment!"<<

He looked at Hound, Hot Rod and Arcee as they sat in the Command Center, manning their posts. "That includes you three. Anyone not part of the Permanent Garrison is rolling out forthwith."

Roadbuster looked to Prime once more. "May Primus watch your back, Optimus. We'll keep Iacon safe until you get back."

"'Til all are one," Prime told the ground assault commander. He transformed into his all-terrain pursuit vehicle mode and roared out of the Command Center, heading for the Primary Hangar with all due speed.

Iacon-Command Center

Hound stood up, and saluted, smiling following Prime's new orders. It was time for some action. He wasn't a fighter but he wouldn't let his comrades and friends end up in the scrap heap. "Roger that Prime. I'm right behind ya!"

He transformed into his green scout vehicle form and followed after Optimus, expecting Hot Rod, Roadbuster, and Arcee to be right behind him.

"See you all in the hagar. Don't be too late." he lightheartedly joked as he exited after Prime, knowing full well they would be right behind him and typically Hot Rod would most likely bypass them all, just to show up his peers, just to look good. Though he never really minded this. His focus was on helping get Grimlock's unit out safely.

Autobase Prime ~ Energon Bar


Brawn struggled to keep his hand upright as Wideload seemed to be much stronger in this second round. The burr in his rotator cuff was sending shots of pain up his arm as well. He just needed to hang on a bit longer. Wear the Throttlebot down, then pin his arm. Just then Optimus Prime's voice came across the base loud speaker.

The J Writer wrote:[>>Attention all Autobots! Scramble to the Primary Hangar for immediate deployment!"<<

The sudden announcment from their leader was enough to distract Brawn from the arm wrestling match. Wideload pinned his arm the moment his attention was diverted. Slag-it-all! I lost? Brawn smiled at Wideload.

"We'll have to finish this when we get back."

Brawn jumped up from the table scooping up his energon as he went. A repressed memory forced it's way into his consciousness. I must report this. As Brawn was running out of the energon bar he stopped with a puzzled look on his face.

"Oh no! I forgot something. Don't let that shuttle leave without me guys!"

Heading down another corridor, away from the flow of Autobots heading towards the primary hangar, Brawn looked over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed. More importantly, he hoped the other Autobots bought his bluff. Looking for a nice quiet corner, away from all the hubbub, Brawn stepped into the shadows. He knelt down and opened his chest cavity. Inside there was a portable transmitter that he had no recollection of aquiring. Nonetheless, he switched on and fiddled with it until he had it tuned to the prescribed channel. Looking around once more to see if any Autobots could see him, he spoke quietly into the microphone.

>>Breaker, breaker. This is agent one-niner-seven-niner reporting. Over.<<

A voice on the other end responded after a few astroseconds giving him permission to speak once the security of the transmission was confirmed.

>>Optimus Prime has just ordered the mobilization of all available Autobots. Destination: unknown. Mission details: unknown. Over.

Brawn received confirmation that his message was successfully heard. With that confirmation, he signed off and replaced the transmitter to his chest cavity. Emerging once again into the corridor, Brawn ran to catch up to the rest of the Autobots. He had a score to settle with the Decepticons and he wasn't about to miss a good opportunity like this.

Autobase Prime - Medbay

Beretta tossed the boxes and other stuff up on the designated shelf. She took a breem or two to look around. The small compartment Axle had guided them to was loaded full of all kinds of medical supplies. It must have been a whack to know how to apply all of them, in the right situation, at the right time. It required far more expertise than drawing a gun and sending a few bullets or discharges into a moving target.

I never noticed...how much work these medics put into just keeping us alive... Beretta pondered as her glance settled on Axle again.

She realized with a streak of surprise in herself. She wanted to ask tons of questions from him. It came all of a sudden, really. It was akin to opening one of her optics that was closed up until now. Beretta had only seen what she found convenient to see, but had never noticed all the effort others had to make for their own, and sometimes, her sake.

Her thoughts earning will to act, she was about to step over to the medic and start asking what was on her mind, but due to Prime's incoming message, the intent had not been carried through.

"Sorry for the trouble," Beretta then said to Axle, "and thanks for all you've done for us," with that, she turned and walked for the exit of the medbay.

Remington smiled at Axle herself. She was thankful to the medic, but was not sure why. She could not express it in words, but it seemed that just in these past few short breems, Beretta had become aware of a few important things, thanks to him.

"See you later," she said, "and maybe have a drink or two next time."

The two femmes headed out, to answer the call to dispatch. It was a short time out of battle, but they both had a small part of them changed. And it seemed, for the better.

Autobase Prime – Command Center

Hot Rod smiled in his usual coy way at Arcee’s inquiry. The femme was capable of many feats, may of which came in the form of battle, but for her to concoct a scheme in order for them to be dismissed from their current position, well that was sheer magic.

“Hey, it’s me.”

Knowing that would not satisfy Arcee, Hot Rod’s smile became genuine.

“I promise to behave. You have my word.”

As soon as those words slipped from his vocalizer, Prime’s message blazoned through the whole base. Hot Rod’s smile grew broad once again as he heard Prime’s voice address he and the pink femme.

He then straightened up and jumped from his chair.

“Looks like we’ll have to take a raincheck on that thought.”

He quickly transformed and sped out behind Optimus Prime.

______________________________________________________________________


Autobase Prime – Med Bay

Axle turned to face Beretta and Remington as he picked up some more boxes. He smiled at them as they finished placing the supplies in the closet. He was grateful for their help, and he was also slightly curious about how they came to be warriors in the Autobot army. Perhaps he could ask them now. He was ready to begin his query when Optimus Prime’s voice came over the base’s communications systems.

Before he could say anything, Beretta and Remington were making their way out of the medical facility. Coming back to his senses he grabbed a few items and some supplies and moved towards the door.

“Scrap. I finally get a chance to have a civil conversation with someone my age and we get called to duty. Just my luck.”

Racing to the corridor Axle couldn’t help but get the two femmes attention.

“Hold on you two! I’m heading out with you!”