The Energon Pub

Private Transmission from Rewind to Chromedome

>>”U-Uh…”<<

Pause.

>>”Optimus…I-I don’t really…”<<

A longer pause.

>>”I don’t know, Domey. Um. I’ll talk later,”<< Rewind added hastily.

Urgent Transmission from Rewind to Chromedome

>>”D-Domey,”<< Rewind choked, barely getting out the words, >>”I’m s-sorry. I’m so s-sorry!”<<

Silence.

>>”It’s Mega-“<<

Krrrzzzzttt.....

Main Science Lab

The transmissions came through in a rapid pattern. One minute the archivists words sounded like uncertainly, and now fear. Chromedome felt the preverbal actuators of Primus grab hold of his spark casing, twisting and pulling at the wires til his chest plate felt cold. Numb. Not again... He shouldn't have let himself let Rewind wander off. Sure, this project was something he was no expert in, but at least his Domey could've kept his optics on him. And now, his conjunx endura was in danger once more.

>>"It's Mega-"<<

There it was. The words that tuned Chromedome out completely from the outside world. Rewind's last transmitted words echoed loudly in the back of the tan and white Autobot's processor as he began to assume the worst. Very few Cybertronians carry such a prefix... and very few had the reputation this one held. Chromedome's transmitter displayed Rewind's location to be over aboard the 22 rather than the Guardian were the pair was both at prior. What could they be doing over there? And if they had who he thought they had, why bring him aboard a vessel filled with the faction he sought to destroy??

"Sk-Skids!" Chromedome finally bursted out, breaking his grieving silence, "I need your help!" The mnemosurgeon, disregarding any sort of precaution at this point drew both of his laser pistols and made a bee-line for he doors. "Something's happening on the 22!"



((OOC: Chromedome is now rushing to bounce over and move to the Ark-22))

Main Science Lab

Something was wrong with Chromedome. At first, it slowly became clear that his mind was not on the project but elsewhere. But there was something else too. He seemed uneasy. Odd. Skids wondered what that might be about when Chromedome’s unease turned into something else entirely. Something that was eating his spark.

When the mnemosurgeon finally broke the silence, he called for Skids’ help. Skids needed no further incentive. He drew his own weapons when Chromedome drew his and followed him out of the lab without so much as a farewell to Jetfire. There didn’t seem to be time.

“What? What is it?” Skids asked at he rushed alongside his friend.

((OOC: Skids will accompany Chromedome on the Ark-22.))

Main Science Lab

Jetfire had his back towards the group as he was using the computer in the lab. He brought up the schematics of Sky Lynx and an image of the Duocons.

"We have sort of examples in the Autobot ranks for combination. The biggest example and I know he would agree the best example is Sky Lynx. His transformation combination is unique among our ranks while the Cons have the Duocons. From what little I can tell of the Duocons, they have a decent amount of firepower but not the best intelligence. Their weakness in the physical realm is their connective points in robot mode. If I'm right on the intelligence department, their problem might be trying to control two bodies at once. How Sky Lynx does it so well would be a question for the Autobot himself. His brain module might be a good starting point for our gestalt project. We have several pieces to put together and hopefully it won't be too long before we get a data stream from Ironfist on his portion of the project."

He didn't hear much out of Chromedome or Skids due to be so lost in thought about the project until he heard the door open and the two mechs leave.

"Hmm, I wonder where those two went. I guess this project is too boring for them. It is hard to work with theory when not much to apply to reality."

Emergency Channel by Rewind

>>”Everyone! Attention! Megatron broke free from his containment on the Ark-22! His current whereabouts are unknown! Take extreme caution!”<<

Main Science Lab

"Computer, bring up the last known schematics of the Protectobots and Aerialbots."

On two computer screens the images of the two groups appear. After looking at them closely, Jetfire rubbed his chin with his fingers.

"Computer, bring up our last special team group, the Technobots."

The computer complied and ah with wonderment came across his face. Then a huge smile appeared as he started tapping his cheek with the same finger. He then turned back to his group.

"If these schematics are correct, there are several things we can do once the process is completed and perfected. The four smaller members of each unit is roughly the same size and shape. This means, in theory, they could rotate in position around their respective group leaders. Also by looking at the groups as a whole, Hot Spot, Silverbolt, and Scattershot are built very similar as well. So in expanding the idea of combination, the groups could mechanically merge with members of the other groups. The biggest problem, again, is what toll will it be on the parts of the combiners. It is one thing to flip a leg for an arm with your fellow group member but to join up with someone who isn't part of your group could be a huge challenge if not a bit scary and dangerous. At least, mechanically, the process would be easily reproduced once we get one gestalt built and working normally. Flipping of limbs would be another phase and lastly be the mixing of the groups."

Jetfire then started to manipulate the data and had the three groups transform and merge into what could be their future forms. His only regret is the Technobots weren't here in system to assist in this endeavor.



He then overheard the ship wide communication from Rewind about the Decepticon leader who everyone thought was deceased or at least missing in action. It seems Megatron is much harder to kill which really didn't surprise Jetfire. This reality also brought to light of Optimus Prime being alive since the two were last seen together. The big question is what condition were they in when found? If Megatron is up and causing his usual chaos, it is possible for Prime to be back in working order.

Jetfire shook his head from his musings and brought up a screen of the Autotroopers who came with the Trion. He hoped his security clearance would be high enough for him to activate twenty of the units to help put down and search for a possible Megatron.

"Ah scrap, this could put a damper on our plans. Hopefully with the reinforcements which I have just activated will help quell this possible problem. I'll try to assign a squadron of Autotroopers to each deck or two to help with the search."

"Computer, start an internal scan for any Decepticon signatures on this ship."

Main Science Lab

Jetfire continued to work on the schematics of the possible future of the three special teams. He still wondered if others in the Autobot army could undergo the combination process. Hopefully whatever test Ironfist and First Aid was doing to the Aerialbots and Protectobots could be designed to be portable for later use. There is evidence of others combining but not more than two mechs at a time. Slamdance and SkyLynx are two examples even though the way SkyLynx acts it could be said it is the same robot split in half similar to the Duocons. He didn't quite understand how those two pairs of Autobots could function as well as they did especially in the mental department. The idea of some sort of shell program was the only viable option at this point for the special teams. Biggest question now is would the squad leaders Hot Spot and Silverbolt have the entire program or would it be split between the component as well? If the central components had the entire shell, the limbs would send their personalities to the shell. If the limbs had a piece of the shell program, then there would be one more step of the mental processes combination but ideally at least the limbs would be more protected. Jetfire wasn't sure which process would make the better gestalt mind. If anything, it would depend on the current schematics of the two groups.

As he was contemplating this last but most crucial part of the process, he started to receive reports from the ten pairs of Autobot drones he sent out to scout out for Megatron. Since he was getting reports from all of them, it was reasonable to say for the time being that Megatron was not on the Trion. He checked the ship sensors and they confirmed the visual reports of no Megatron.

>>Ultra Magnus, as you already know Megatron is on the loose. He hasn't shown up on the Trion as of yet. As for the Project Titan Superion it is coming nicely on my end. The designs for whoever is chosen is coming along nicely. The tricky part is protecting the processors of the respective parts during combination and after they separate. I've yet to get any updates from Ironfist's tests for anyone beyond the special teams.<<

If they couldn't find any other groups of Autobots to create more gestalts, maybe he could modify some of these drones he is using since they are mostly a blank slate with a spark. The challenge will be finding Autobots who would be willing to be the center of this other gestalt model.

Main Science Lab

Jetfire never realized how much he would enjoy this new project Ultra Magnus gave him and his team to do. The idea of merging his fellow Autobots into a much larger one was becoming easier to handle and the challenge was still enthralling. So far all of the evidence points that in theory the special teams the Autobots have on Earth and the Technobots could become something greater. The modifications to each of the respective team members didn’t look to bad with some additions and moving a few things around. Silverbolt, Hot Spot, and eventually Scattershot would have the least internal changes but are the most crucial due to being the core of the gestalts. The rest of their team members would have the greater changes especially if they were modified to be able to switch around their respective commanders. A smile spread across Jetfire’s face as this project was coming together in the last few steps.

“Now, let us see what weapons we can add to this Superion. It would be possible to somehow bring up the missiles of each of the respective Aerialbots but the biggest question would be which gun to use. It would be impossible to merge the guns since each has a very unique ability to them nor are they really designed to transform. Most of the weapons I’ve made with multiple functions had too many things wrong with them to operate well. If we channeled the energon from the gestalt to the gun, four of the five would overload while Silverbolt’s actually absorbs the free electrons around him. Most Cybertronians create a small electrostatic field around them by their movement which our systems ignore. Something like Devestator or Superion would create a lot more which could power the gun even without the electrical storms the planet below generates on its own.”

After deciding on the gun, Jetfire adds the weapons to the gestalt design. The next thing will be deciding where the extra armor and actuators will be coming from. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to build most of the armor into Silverbolt and then make a structural field to strengthen the existing armor like the Constructicons had done. The fun part will be making what the Constructicons done and making it much better. Jetfire added the finishing touches to the design and saved it for Ultra Magnus to review as well as Ironfist along with First Aid.

Then Jetfire opened up a new file calling it Project Defensor. As different as the make-up of the Protectobots, they all want to defend life in their own ways. Jetfire copied over the Superion plans and then started changing out the pieces to reflect the Protectobots. It made things go quicker since the teams internal structures were very similar. This gestalt model though will be different. Superion is designed to take down Devestator and whoever else the Cons decide to throw at him. Defensor will try to protect even at the cost of his own life if he understood the Protectobot team well enough. The weapon systems will be different on this one. It may take a cycle or two in order to figure it out.

Main Science Lab

Jetfire looked over everything he had done. The main problem will still be the mental processes of the gestalt but hopefully the packet idea should work to hopefully make things smooth and at the same time protect the individual parts. If everything goes according to what he believes, they may get a two for one deal if Superion works out well but at the same time Jetfire won't rush things. Bugs will be there in Superion which will need to be addressed in Superion and for the future Defensor. As for his personal pet project, Titan Commander Core Combiner, it will have its fair share of issues but he will work on it later. After a while, the idea of a multi-phasic energon rifle came to his processor for the main gun for Superion. The weapon may work but with the high risks he though about originally. With a bit more studying of what laid on the screen before him and his team, he felt confident with what they had. It is time to present these ideas to Ultra Magnus.

"All right team, does anyone have suggestions or complaints beyond me taking over the project? I doubt I covered everything which is why you all are here. We will also have bugs which will occur after the procedure. The only thing I'm not really sure about is proper training grounds for the new gestalt. However, the training can be for the Autobot army as well when we face off against Devestator again."

Priority-1 Transmission from Ultra Magnus to Jetfire

>>"Ultra Magnus to Jetfire, I need you to get to the Guardian, stat. Kup, what's the situation on the Ark-22?"<<

Main Science Lab

After listening to the suggestions and comments of his team, Jetfire received a communication from Ultra Magnus. It seemed to be of an urgent matter. Jetfire wondered what it could be but the timing coudln't have been better. He uploaded all of the information into a data slug and before he pulled it out, he sent the files on Superion and Defensor to First Aid and Ironfist on the Ark-22. He then opened a line to both of them.

>>First Aid and Ironfist, here is what my team came up with for the Titan Superior project. We had expanded it to include both teams. Ironfist, you and I might need to work on some of the more complicated weapon features for both titans in the near future.<<

Once Jetfire was comfortable with the data being sent to the Ark-22 and the encryption associated with it, he then turned his attention to Ultra Magnus.

>>Ultra Magnus, sir, I will be heading your way. You have impeccable timing since my team and I got done with our discussion and plans for the titan project. After you look at them, I would like to present them to the high command officers.<<

Jetfire looked over at his team. He was glad he was able to work with them even if a few did leave early for whatever the reasons. Things comes up and not everyone is like him or Wheeljack who enjoys such avenues of exploration.

"Thanks to each of you in assisting in this project. Ultra Magnus just contacted me and needs to talk to me ASAP. I will present to him what we have come up with hopes of future works similar to this."

Jetfire walked out of the lab and through the ship until he reached the bounce chamber. The Trion could be very promising even if it was a bit empty for the time being. He hoped Ultra Magnus would allow a permanent transfer over to this ship even if Grimlock and his crew are the current command staff.

Bounce Chamber

Slag appeared in the bounce chamber of the battleship that they had reclaimed from the shipyards. It already felt like home. This war machine had been sitting idle too long.

From the sounds of it, Grimlock wasn't going to let that be the case for much longer. Good.

Not waiting for the others, Slag stormed off en route to the bridge.

[Bounce Chamber]

Blaster beamed into the Trion’s bounce chamber.

Eject wrote:“As ready as ever, boss. Is it a home or away game?"

“Away game! We’re gonna go rescue some bots on Sol-4.” He grinned at Eject. Others were also bouncing in for the mission. As it happened, Blaster made his way to the bridge of the Trion.

Sludge also bounced in, following the others who had previously arrived.

At the bridge, Blaster took his seat at navigation. He motioned for Eject to sit in the one next to him for communications. “Don’t get distracted, this is serious business now!”

Bounce Chamber/ Bridge – Communications Station

Blaster wrote:“Away game! We’re gonna go rescue some bots on Sol-4.”

“Away games are always tough,” Eject started saying as the they bounced from the Guardian to the Trion, “but we can handle them. Gotta bail out the defense in the fourth quarter.” He responded to Blaster’s smile with a thumbs up as they left the bounce chamber.

It was the understatement of the century to say he was excited to be going on a rescue mission. Anything was better than listening to the usual comm. traffic, but this was the playoffs!

He followed Blaster without being told to, with an extra bounce in his step that had been missing for some time. He couldn’t wait to work off some of the rust he’d acquired lounging around, though he wondered if he could still get his sports so far from Earth.

His optics took in everything once they were on the bridge, especially the name painted on the turbolift doors. The Trion, is it? Nothing like a new team bus.

He stopped to take it all in, wondering what exactly they were going into. It suddenly struck him that he hadn’t asked which Autobots they’d be rescuing. Oh well, he’d figure it out just like he figured out what ship that were now on. He was more of a gameday mech, and not much for practice.

When Blaster took his station and motioned for him to take the communications next to him, Eject did a little bounce and hurried to the station before jumping over the chair’s side and landing in a perfect sitting position. He was reaching for the controls when Blaster said,

Blaster wrote:“Don’t get distracted, this is serious business now!”

Eject glared at him with a hurt expression. Distracted? Me? Choosing not to be indignant, he said, “No more minors for this kid, we’re in the big leagues now.” After turning back to the communications station, he mumbled, “I know every player from the last ten sporting events. Can’t keep up with that if I’m distracted.” With a quick flick of his fingers, the comm. station came to life.

Turning to Blaster, “Ready for the pregame speech, coach.”

Bridge

Grimlock stalked onto the bridge, having just bounced over from the Guardian a short time ago. As always, he had an intense look on his faceplate. Taking a seat in the command chair, the rex-former took note of some who had already arrived, including Blaster and one of his cassettes, Eject.

Great, another puny Autobot to keep track of. Fantastic.

The doors to the bridge then opened. Grimlock spun part way around in his chair expecting to see Hot Spot, but instead saw the form of Snarl entering. The Dinobot Commander motioned for the Desert Warrior to take a seat at the tactical station. “Snarl, prepare the ship’s defensive and offensive systems for departure in two breems. Once Swoop arrives he will assume the helm and input a flight path.”

“You got it, boss,” the stego-former said as he took a seat at his assigned position. “Me assume we gonna see some action on this mission?”

“It rescue mission. Some puny Autobots stranded on Sol-4 with some Decepti-scraps,” Grimlock replied, stoically. “But, Primus willing, we see some action and get to bust ‘Con head plates in.”

“Sounds fun,” Snarl chuckled as his digits interfaced with the advanced tactical console. Instantly, all of the Trion’s security and weapons systems were at his disposal. “Heh. Cool.”

The bridge doors opened again. This time, the Jungle Warrior entered, looking confused as always. "Sludge, take seat somewhere and try not to damage anything," Grimlock said with a sigh before sitting back in his chair and waiting for the rest of his team to arrive.

Bridge

Hot Spot quickly found his way through the Trion admiring some of the latest advancements. The ship was by far cleaner than the Guardian. Hot Spot didn't realize how dirty his ship had become. He knew how old it was getting but being on the Trion made the Guardian to be as old as the war itself. The doors opened up to reveal a larger bridge than he was used to. Some of the stations looked similar but there were a couple of new ones he didn't recognize. It could be the more combat nature of maybe the most up to date look.

"I have to admit I am impressed with the Trion so far. I knew the Guardian was old but the Trion makes it look like a rust bucket which needs major cleaning. This was one reason I wanted a major overhaul of the Guardian. All ships, like all Autobots, have their usefulness. I have no doubt this will be a great warship when the time arises."

Bridge

Groove entered through the doors of the Trion. The feeling that he got by being on this ship… could it be described as awe? Perhaps. Everything was state-of-the-art around here. But to the simple scout, it was quite a lot. He made his way to the bridge, where almost everyone else had arrived.

“Hey there, fellas,” Groove smiled at the mechs present.

Bridge

Slag stalked his way through the bridge doors, finding that Sludge had arrived ahead of him. How'd that fraggin' happen? Did he get turned around? Couldn't let that happen twice. This was the Dinobots' ship, the other Autobots just didn't know it yet. He couldn't be seen not knowing about every nook and cranny of this war vessel.

The last one through the door--the last Dinobot, anyway--was Swoop, who sent sort of a sheepish nod in Grimlock's direction before heading for the helm.

"Go time? Good," Slag said as he walked over to the seat next to Grimlock, his typical place on any ship where Grimlock had command.

He was more than ready to bust Deceptichops.

((OOC: Nudging along Swoop and the Trion with Sid’s permission))

[Bounce Chamber]

Seeing that everyone had assembled, Blaster decided to start the briefing. “Alright everyone! We’re gonna go over to Sol-4. Some ‘cons sent out a distress signal, and apparently they have Autobots with them, so think of this as a rescue mission. The signal was on every open line, so the Decepticons may have also caught it. This shouldn’t be too hard, but don’t let down your guard, alright?”

Blaster sat down in his chair, quickly keying in everyone’s names into the log. Swoop was at the helm. The communications officer shot a quick glance at him, “Hey, Swoop, the nav coordinates are all set. Put the medal to the pedal!”

With everything set, the Trion began to accelerate on its way to Mars. It would be a little while before they reached, but they would most likely reach soon.

Bridge – Communications Station

Blaster wrote: “Alright everyone! We’re gonna go over to Sol-4. Some ‘cons sent out a distress signal, and apparently they have Autobots with them, so think of this as a rescue mission. The signal was on every open line, so the Decepticons may have also caught it. This shouldn’t be too hard, but don’t let down your guard, alright?”

Eject nodded along, his optics glowing brighter than normal as he forced himself to listen to Blaster. It wasn’t that he couldn’t, it was just too boring when he could be immersed in a sport of gladiators or gazelles. It wasn’t his fault his fingers played across the communications controls, mimicking an American college’s fight song. They sometimes had a mind of their own. As soon as Blaster finished, Eject jumped up, spun around, and bounced in his seat. “Whoo, baby, what a play! We’ll bring the gold home, boys!”

He froze at seeing some stop and stare at him. In answer, he shrugged. “What? Never heard of ‘One for the Gipper’?” Groaning inwardly, he turned back and plopped into his seat. And he gets the red card.

He turned his attention back to listening for any stray comm. signals. If the Decepticons were out there chatting away, he’d find them. Besides, he had a couple of Earth hours until the next game started.

Bridge – Tactical Station

Snarl turned each time to watch the bridge doors open. It was more out of necessity than curiosity.

Seeing Blaster and one of his useless little friends didn’t sit well with him, but he had grown used to having the weaker Autobots around. They were good at catching laser blasts and needing help. Their uses beyond that were limited, but they did occasionally come in handy. As long as we fight, me happy.

With visions of carnage and burned out Decepticon torsos dancing in his processor, he turned back to his station and continued Grimlock’s orders to ready the ship’s weapon systems.

Me think even Grimlock not mess up this time. He paused and sat there for a moment before adding, Maybe, and continuing activating the Trion’s weapons.

Maybe we blast something good this time.

Bridge

“Wait...” Swoop began, inquiring more about their new task from the helm. “So we’re answering a Decepticon distress signal, to pick up some Autobots? Are ‘Cons calling for a retreat or something? Heh.”

Bridge

"If not, they will by time we get there, heh," Slag said. The thought of having some more Decepticons to frag never failed to improve his mood. A little.

"Wonder who stupid enough to send distress call on every open channel. Gonna be surprised when we answer."

Bridge - tactical Station

Snarl enjoyed hearing his fellow Dinobots were as excited for this mission as he was. Turning to face Swoop and Slag, he said, "it no matter who call. Me Snarl will destroy them before they know what hits."

His smile grew at the thought. Grimlock will no stop me.