The Energon Pub

Autobot City Site

Quickslinger replaced her pistols to their holsters. She held to the side as she felt Sky Lynx land. Instead of the familiar clank of a landing she was used to, the landing made a more softer sound. She followed the other two out and blinked. So much blue and green. So much... color. She hadn't seen so much vibrant hues and shades... It was absolutely spectacular.

She grinned wide. "C'mon, guys. It ain't too bad. It's life! Like, not as awesome as us, but it's still life!"

------->

Stargazer felt the ship land. Land... where? Where was he again? He had to do a check. Rifle. Check Shields. Check. Grenades... Wait, where were his grenades?! The scientist through in a deep intake of air. It was okay. His grenades had to be somewhere.

Calmly, he looked around. Stargazer saw other CR pods... fluid on the ground... lockers... He walked over to one and opened it. He took a sigh of relief and placed all ten of his grenades in their place.

He then checked his power levels. 84.6% A little too low... maybe he'd find some place to recharge to full. He looked back at his pod. The urge to clean it up was very strong. He closed his optics and turned back around. He had to see where he was first... then he'd clean it up.

The cartographer followed the source of the sunlight out the open door. He saw a collection of bots outside that he recognized, at least some. He wasn't sure where he remembered them from but they did seem familiar.

"Hey... uh... where are we?" He shouted out from the opened bay.

Autobot City Site

Neutro was overwhelmed with all of the new arrivals. He didn't realize Sky Lynx and the Longivity was carrying so many Autobots. He saw one of the most familiar Autobots in the entire army come up to Grapple in the form of Springer. He and the Wreckers were well known and there been times where Neutro and his team had to come in behind the Wreckers after they lived up to their name and rebuild everything.

"Yes, Grapple, I do believe we can build a direct line to Omega Supreme. The catch will be it will force the giant to always dock there but I be surprised if the guardian would object. We also need a detailed list of injuries on him to know what to repair. It probably be easier to ask Omega himself once we get his energy levels back to minimal levels. If we can get someone like First Aid or Ratchet or maybe even Fixit to him it will go easier."

Neutro than turned his head to Springer.

"Hey Springer, what did you and your team wreck this time? I see the Longivity is still in good shape. I doubt you done anything to Omega but still a little curious as to why the big guy is here. Would you have any details to fill in or is this all guess work?"

Autobot City Construction Site

Seeing the powers-that-be working on their current problem, Gears turned his attention to other, more pressing things.

He chose a spot away from Grapple and the others, but close enough to hear any new developments, and sat on a pile of materials with a groan. The sound came more out of habit than not as he watched Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx, and the Longevity either land or approach.

He’d never been privy to command details — in fact, he went out of his way to not be caught up in them as much as possible even when included — but seeing his fellow Autobots returning looking battered and weakened didn’t sit well with him.

At least they’re functional.

The thought wasn’t very comforting. Despite his record as an Autobot warrior, he preferred the simpler, cleaner work as a transport. But at what cost? He’d at least logged battle hours, shouldn’t he be out there doing more to help than build a city?

He glanced at Grapple, Bluestreak, and Neutro. Then at the construction patrol.

Stuck between two worlds. How fitting.

Just like this mudball. He kicked at a stray stone and studied the small cloud of dirt that grew, then dissipated.

He then turned his attention to the landing Bots and pushed himself into a standing position, sighing as he did so.

“Well, we better get started. Looks like I’ll be busy for a vorn.” He hadn’t been speaking to anyone in particular as he studied the faceplates of the arrivals, taking a quick count of those looking to be in greater need of energon.

[Getting off the Longevity]

Sky Lynx wrote:”Erm…there wouldn’t happen to be someplace less… Disgusting to be, would there?"

>>”Tough luck, bird sir. We’re clearly here for a reason and that reason is big ol’ Supreme there.”<< The large grey wrecker chuckled.

Broadside took the liberty of getting himself out of the shuttle after the green bean had left it himself. Jumping out from the shuttle, he had a good look around at the surroundings. “Pretty great view, if I say so myself,” he said out loud. Grapple and his team had done a terrific job of blending the construction site with the landscape. Broadside decided to stretch his pistons and went around for a bit of a walk. To his mild surprise, there were ‘bots pouring out of Sky Lynx. A smaller bot, who Broadside registered as Mirage, looked to be greeting them, and the triple changer figured he’d join in the conversation too since he had nothing better to do.

“Hey, looks like there’s more of us in this party than I’d’ve expected! Cloud kitten there didn’t inform me about you guys.”

Autobot City Site

Sunstreaker had sighed and shrugged at Sandstorm's rebuff. Sounded pretty much like one of Sideswipe's typical retorts. With Springer effectively giving them some "shore leave" Sunstreaker was more than obliged to get off the Longevity as quickly as possible and away from the others so he could stretch his joints. And not hear their ceaseless prattle.

Disembarking from the shuttle proper, Sunstreaker was a little taken aback. Autobots milling around, working, talking to one another. The beginnings of what looked like a Cybertronian base of operations blended naturally with the organic surroundings. For a moment, it was almost a shadow of home--until the reality crashed against his mind like a wave. A shadow was all it would ever be. This foul, organic planet would not ever be home. They were fooling themselves to pretend otherwise.

But so be it. He could play along for now.
___

“You guys are free to wander around now. Just don’t all walk off too far away, no idea how long we’ll be staying here.”

"Aye, capn'n!" Sandstorm said eagerly, finishing the last of the shuttle power-down checks before quickly getting out of his pilot's chair and making for the exit doors.

Once he was outside, the crisp, cool air smacked him in the face. The skies overhead were clear blue. He'd never seen such a shade of blue back on Cybertron, except for somebody's paint maybe. But it was artificial. Here it just...was. Wow. And the puffball white clouds. And in the distance? Mountains. Mountains for as far as the optic could scan. And beyond those? Ocean. This place was paradise.

"'Scuse me," Sandstorm said, pushing past Sunstreaker who was just standing there, brooding about something or other.

"This place is great!"

Autobot City Site

Grapple was honestly thrilled to see so many Autobots disembarking from the shuttles. With their presence, to say nothing of Sky Lynx and Omega Supreme, it was starting to feel like a key missing element was being filled: it was starting to feel like a city. They had so much more work to do, of course. But it most certainly had the feel of what could be a permanent outpost on this rather delightful, if unorthodox, world. Hopefully the natives would feel the same, if and when the time came to attempt some sort of formal, diplomatic relations with them.

Creating that reality, however, was far and away above Grapple's pay grade. His job was to build a city. That he could do. The rest would be up to Autobots higher up the ladder than he.

Grapple moved to a position where he could better welcome the arriving Autobots.

"Welcome to Autobot City! Welcome. Welcome. Please, make yourselves comfortable," Grapple said to various passing Autobots. Through the group, he noticed the characteristic green of Wrecker extraordinaire Springer waving his direction. Grapple waved politely in return, smiling good-naturedly as the Autobot warrior approached.

“‘Ey! Grapple! Sorry about the last minute call but the situation developed faster than we were expected. Hope our arrival won’t put your guys’ hard work off track.”

"No apologies necessary. This is actually turning out to be something I hadn't realized the site was missing: life. Not a few builders and a sea of buildbots. The site actually has some spark to it now. You all, and certainly Omega, will be a most welcome presence. I don't suppose you're hearing anything of interest from the higher-ups that can be relayed to we lowly designers, hm?"

Autobot City Site

Landfill heard more than saw the arriving shuttles as his focus was locked on getting himself unstuck from a dug out section where the steel plate bent under his weight. In all the eons he’d been doing this job, this had to be the most embarrassing one he’d ever experienced. The section was meant for an underground access system that would protect various power cables running to different parts of the city.

I’m designed for rougher terrain than this. If one of the guys sees me… He tried to shake the thought off as he downshifted and continued to try and pull himself out of his fix. The load of metal scraps and rock he was hauling shifted with his struggle, causing him to rock side to side. The last thing he wanted was to transform and spill his load across the work area. That would mean needing help to gather it and reload, and that would mean more razzing by his friends.

It wasn’t that he really minded being picked on as it was a great way to help the others pass the time. But for something like this? Something that was his pride and joy? As soon as that thought came, his wheel pulled free, and with a final shake and rattle, he continued along the road, grateful his pride remained intact.

As luck had it, the recycling zone was close enough to the where the arrivals had touched down that he could swing by and welcome them before returning to his duties. Even the mechs at the recycling zone seemed to agree with him by giving him a wide berth so he could offload ahead of them. He would have to remember to thank them for their generosity.

The drive to where the vessels landed didn’t take as long as Landfill feared, but it was still more of a diversion than he preferred. Still, seeing so many fellow Bots disembarking warmed his energon pump. It was worth taking a break to welcome them. It didn’t take him long to find the new arrivals, so he transformed when he was a few strides from them. Holding his arms out to his sides, he approached a small group.

“Welcome to Earth, my friends.”

The group quickly dispersed, appearing to not have heard him except for one dark blue mech with white wings he recognized immediately. Tracks had his back to him, but that didn’t matter. Landfill loved surprising his fellow Bots. Without missing a beat, he wrapped his arms around the Autobot and lifted him off his feet. “Tracks! It’s been a long time. Welcome.”

Disembarking Omega Supreme

Arclight wrote:“Springer. It seems like we’re there? I just- Oh, looks like we’re here. Let’s go! Er, don’t you think?”

Howlstrike felt Omega shake slightly as he was brought to an unmistakable landing. It probably wouldn’t have been as shaky if the Omega Guardian had landed under his own power, but it would do. The former Predacon had been through far worse landings in his time. This was rather tame.

“Yeah, we’ve been cooped up in here long enough,” Howl finally responded to the teal femme as he got to his feet. Blindside then echoed the lupine tracker’s sentiment and got to his feet, as well.

Blindside wrote:“Ready, Howl?”

“I’m always ready,” Howlstrike replied, patting Blindside on the shoulder plate. “Hey, you can hear again? Excellent. I was getting tired of talking through the comm line while trying to talk to sweetspark over here verbally. Heh. Anyway, let’s go.”

The Autobot hunter then led the way out of the energon reservoir and back to the hatch they had originally entered through. Howlstrike simply ignored Rung whom had annoyed the former Predacon earlier with his psycho babble. Once he was at the hatch, Howl disengaged the locks and within moments sunlight cascaded into the Omega Guardian.

The fresh air hit Howlstrike’s metal skin like a cool oil bath, only without the oil. A ramp then extended to the ground below as Howl peered across the threshold and glanced around at their new environment. “Well, it’s very green and brown…” the lupine tracker stated plainly, looking skyward. “…and blue. Definitely better than the grey surroundings of the past few cycles.”

Howlstrike then descended the ramp as the rest of his compatriots disembarked Omega behind him. The Longevity had landed not far away and an increasing number of mechs had begun to gather around the new arrivals from both ships. Howl recognized many of them including Grapple, Springer, Gears, Bluestreak…Oh, Bluestreak’s here! Howl thought as a grin grew across his faceplate. Haven’t seen him since I altered his coloring while he slept in a CR chamber. He’s gonna love seeing me again. Heh.

As Howlstrike approached the group he noticed a certain golden rod of an Autobot exit the Longevity and look around. Sunstreaker, the former Predacon groaned under his breath as he came to a stop. Along with his idiot brother, Sunstreaker had been the bane of Howl’s existence since arriving in the Sol System. From the encounter with the twins in the Guardian’s med bay a while back to the way Sunny treated him on the Longevity not long ago, the golden warrior had been a real itch that Howl really wanted to scratch and scratch hard.

“Hey, sweetspark,” Howlstrike called back to Arclight who was following close behind him. “There’s ol’ golden rod over there. Remember what I said I’d do to get back at him for messing with us before? Hee-hee. Just watch.”

The lupine tracker then transformed into his timber wolf mode and trotted over to where Sunstreaker was standing. Once he was next to the golden warrior, Howlstrike hiked up one of his back legs and proceeded to purge his waste tank all over the yellow Autobot’s leg. It was the Earth equivalent of peeing on someone and it made the wolf-former chuckle with glee.

Peru – Autobot City Construction Site

Neutro wrote:"Nice job on the blast doors, Bluestreak. I'm glad others are willing to expand their functions to something beyond their normal perimeters."

“Oh, you’re welcome, Neutro. My pleasure,” Bluestreak responded with a smile. “You know, Huffer gave me the tools to do the job and the build-bots helped out a lot so it wasn’t all me. I can’t really take all of the credit. Just trying to help out and do my best.”

Grapple wrote:"As far as I know, nothing's changed. But as you said, with the arrival of Omega Supreme...everything has sort of changed. Still, I've heard nothing from the higher-ups. I suspect if Magnus and Prowl want to reallocate resources, we'll be among the first to know."

“I’m sure we will,” the chatterbot said in agreement with Grapple. “I’m sure Prowl will want Omega back up and running and ready to take the fight to the ‘Cons ASAP. With Devastator and Sixshot around now we’ll need all of the firepower we can get. I mean that big green gestalt and a phase sixer can do some serious damage to our ranks if we don’t have something to counteract them.”

Grapple wrote:"I think we might all be hauling a fair amount of energon, so we can get Omega back on his feet. Where it's going to come from is another matter. We're not exactly sitting on any excess supplies."

“Yeah, we might have to go on a fuel run or something,” Bluestreak interjected before Neutro came up with a unique alternative to re-energize Omega by tying him directly into the energy collectors that were already set up at the base site. Grapple seemed to agree with the proposal and gave Neutro the go-ahead to make it happen. Gears seemed less than pleased with the decision and, as a result, went off to sit alone as Grapple walked over to welcome the new arrivals.

Bluestreak moved over to address the blue and red minibot. “Don’t let it get to you, Gears. You suggestions were sound, but you have to admit hooking Omega into the energy collectors was a pretty good idea. Try not to let it bother you. You’re still an important member of the group and your skills are definitely still needed. I mean, with all of that damage to Omega’s frame, we’ll be busy patching him up for some time while he recharges.”

Gears wrote:“Well, we better get started. Looks like I’ll be busy for a vorn.”

“Agreed,” Bluestreak said as the minibot stood up. “Let’s head over there and see where Grapple wants us to get started.” With that said, the dark blue and silver gunner walked over to the ever growing group of mechs that were disembarking Omega, Sky Lynx and the Longevity. Bluestreak was about to give his own long-winded greeting when he noticed a rather disgusting display.

“Howlstrike!” Bluestreak shouted in disbelief. “What the frag are you doing?! You’re….peeing on Sunstreaker!” The chatterbot looked around to some of the others present. “He’s peeing on Sunstreaker!” Bluestreak then returned his gaze to the former Predacon. “Why would you do that, Howl?!”

“Why?” Howlstrike retorted as he put his rear wolf leg back down before transforming back into his robot mode and approaching the Autobot gunner. “Because he had it coming after the way he treated me and Arclight back there when we were on the Longevity. He’s an aft-hole and he’s lucky I didn’t bite his leg and rip it off!” The tracker then gave Bluestreak a wide grin, calming down a bit. “But it’s nice seeing you again, Blue! I love the new colors! Heh.”

Howl gave the chatterbot a hard pat on the shoulder before walking back towards Arclight and Blindside, passing by and glaring at Sunstreaker in the process. “What? You said don't mark up the furniture. You didn't say anything about you! Bwahahaha!!!”

Autobot City

The site left a lot to be desired, but at least it was sufficiently removed from those talkative organic things that infested the planet. He supposed he could-

Sunstreaker noticed another Autobot approaching. Well, "Autobot" in the most lax sense of the term. Supposedly former, and very much likely current, Predacon Howlstrike. What did he want?

"Shouldn't you be off in some..."

But before Sunstreaker could even finish his thought, the Predacon had purged his waste tank all over the goldenrod's leg before trotting off, obviously pleased with himself. Sunstreaker's glare was murderous.

There would be a reckoning!

Peru - Autobot City Construction Site

Bluestreak wrote: Bluestreak moved over to address the blue and red minibot. “Don’t let it get to you, Gears. You suggestions were sound, but you have to admit hooking Omega into the energy collectors was a pretty good idea. Try not to let it bother you. You’re still an important member of the group and your skills are definitely still needed. I mean, with all of that damage to Omega’s frame, we’ll be busy patching him up for some time while he recharges.”

Gears wrote:“Well, we better get started. Looks like I’ll be busy for a vorn.”

“Agreed,” Bluestreak said as the minibot stood up. “Let’s head over there and see where Grapple wants us to get started.” With that said, the dark blue and silver gunner walked over to the ever growing group of mechs that were disembarking Omega, Sky Lynx and the Longevity. Bluestreak was about to give his own long-winded greeting when he noticed a rather disgusting display.

Gears stared after the talkative mech with a mix of shock and awe at how fast Bluestreak switched gears. No matter how often Gears had witnessed his skill, Bluestreak continued to surprise him. Still, he appreciated the effort to cheer him up. It seemed to work for Bluestreak, though it could just be the bot’s programming.

Wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Not everyone’s as sturdy as myself.


“At least we’re doing something now. I’m sure they need the energon more than we do at this… moment…”

Bluestreak wrote: “Howlstrike!” Bluestreak shouted in disbelief. “What the frag are you doing?! You’re….peeing on Sunstreaker!” The chatterbot looked around to some of the others present. “He’s peeing on Sunstreaker!” Bluestreak then returned his gaze to the former Predacon. “Why would you do that, Howl?!”

Gears’ inner chronometer continued moving, but everything else around and within him seemed to pause for the briefest of moments as he watched the evolution of Sunstreaker’s faceplate go from a somewhat welcoming expression to one that Gears had seen freeze the energon pump of lesser mechs.

Servos in Gears’ faceplate moved for what felt like the first time in eons as he smiled. “Welcome back, Sunstreaker." In a lower voice, he asked Bluestreak, "Hope we got that on a security cam.”

Autobot City

Neutro listened to the conversation a bit more but with all the new arrivals he signaled his team over to the side.

"Well guys, we get to do a bit of changes to the plans of this place. We are going to hook up Omega Supreme to the direct line of the base. I'm hoping the big guy doesn't mind a slow recharge but at the same time this will be a test of the systems we have built."

Groundpounder looked at the squad commander first with a questionable look and then got excited.

"Oh yeah, this will be fun. This place will become a true base very soon with its own guardian."

The Construction Patrol walked over to the closest part of the base was to Omega Supreme. Neutro took out the plans they had for the current base. He looked at it and then over at Omega Supreme.

"Alright guys, it seems we will need to make an additional line here and here and then run it out to where the big guy is at now. The requirement is for him to either stay here permanently or at least station himself at the same spot from here on out. From what I can tell he should have plenty of space for his base mode where he is at now."

The other three looked at the pad and then over to the sentinel. They all nodded in agreement.

>>Omega Supreme, this is Neutro of the Construction Patrol. We are going to build a line directly from the base power supply to you. This will be a slow but continual energize for you. The catch is you will have to remain here or if you leave you'll have to return to the same spot if you want to get refueled from the base. This construction will take several cycles since it wasn't in the plans originally. I hope you will be patient with us. I do believe some energon cubes will be heading your way soon to help with the recharge.<<

Once Neutro closed the line, he opened one up to Grapple and Springer.

>>Grapple, Springer, we will be starting the power line construction very shortly. We do need to get the energon cube train started soon though depending on how low the big guy is on fuel. From what I can tell from this distance, he is on fumes just by the lights on the outside.<<

"Alright, time to get digging. We'll get the tubing once the trench is ready and connection joints open."

The Construction Patrol transforms into their respective vehicles and gets to work.

Autobot City

After seeing his latest patient out, a simple procedure removing some debris from an arm joint, Pharma finally had a chance to step back and admire his handy work. No matter how many times he’d seen it, he felt pride in his efforts.

He’d never been much for construction, but give him a space and he’d set things up how they should be. Of course, it wasn’t much, but given the circumstances following his time on the Trion, he was happy to be able to put a medical bay together again.

Not that it was much to look at. By all accounts, it was too small, unsanitary (Too many organic… things running around), and under powered (Like everything else here), but it was his. And this time, without the meddling fingers of ill-programmed helpers moving things around and putting them where they don’t belong.

Pharma forced himself to relax, increasing his energon pump rate wouldn’t solve anything.

The last he, or any of his patients needed, was to be on his own operating table. Worse still, it’d mean he’d have to send any Bots that arrived to Ratchet or Velocity. Not that he had anything against his fellow medical professionals. If there were any besides Ratchet, that is.

Thinking of his mentor brought a smile to his faceplate, and he thought about contacting the old CMO at some point. Well, besides a quick communiqué informing Ratchet about his intention of setting up a treatment center at Autobot City for those injured or needing maintenance. It had made sense to him, as otherwise it’d be a waste of energon and time to transport any Bots to the ships for treatment. Though Ratchet agreed with him, it wasn’t the type of conversation Pharma had hoped to have with his mentor after untold vorns apart.

I was a bit rude to him. Perhaps, inviting him to see what I’m doing and ask for his input would smooth things over?

The idea had some merit, though if he knew Ratchet, the old medic would assume his previous place of command over him and Pharma would be the hapless attendant throughout the visit. Still, once the two had time, it wouldn’t be too difficult to…

The rumble of multiple engines shook the ground around him, causing his instruments to clink and clang together for the few nanokliks it took for the vessels to pass overhead.

Pharma covered his head out of reflex, then lowered his arms, checking around him to make sure nothing was too out of place. Pleased his space appeared untouched, he was about to open a communication link with Grapple about what they were trying to do and what could’ve happened had he been in surgery when his patient came back in.

“Doc, you got to see this.”

Pharma waved his hand, dismissing the Bot’s concern. “Thank you, but I’ve seen enough space ships for the time being. Though why they were flying so low baffles the processor.”

The Bot shook his head. “No, Doc, it’s Omega Supreme!”

Pharma’s mood shifted at hearing the guardian was there. He wasn’t aware of any new arrivals, but then it wouldn’t surprise him if something unexpected happened. As he thought that, he spotted a small rodent of some sort run across the open door and disappear behind one of his tables.

Filthy things.

The agitated mech was still talking, so Pharma turned back to him.

“There were others, too, Doc. Omega looked beat up.”

“Beat up? You mean he’s been attacked, suffered an asteroid collision? Could you be more specific?” As the mech opened his mouth to reply, Pharma motioned him to keep quiet. “It’s all right, I’ll find out. Thank you, and be sure not to scrape against anything if you can help it.”

The mech nodded and smiled, his excitement at delivering his news seeming to have left him. “You got it, Doc. Thanks.” He then turned and ran out of Pharma’s medical facilities.

Shaking his head, Pharma opened a channel to Grapple.

>>Grapple, this is Pharma. I understand we have arrivals. Are any in need of repairs or maintenance checks?”

Autobot City

“Welcome back, Sunstreaker," Gears said.

Sunstreaker regarded him icily for a moment.

"Go grind a camshaft, Gears," he said before stalking off.
___

>>Grapple, Springer, we will be starting the power line construction very shortly. We do need to get the energon cube train started soon though depending on how low the big guy is on fuel. From what I can tell from this distance, he is on fumes just by the lights on the outside.<<

Grapple understood Neutro's concerns. He shared them, of course. But he wasn't a miracle worker.

>>"Understood, Neutro. By all means, use what cubes we have down here, but like I said before, there's not much. And I can't make an energy supply worthy of an Omega Guardian appear on our doorstep. Hopefully the high command types have a contingency in place for this. Do the best you can in the interim."<<

It wasn't much, but he wasn't being given much to work with--at least in terms of addressing emergencies. So he did the best he could with what he had access to.

>>Grapple, this is Pharma. I understand we have arrivals. Are any in need of repairs or maintenance checks?”<<

Well, that was something.

>>"Pharma! A welcome voice indeed. Most of the new arrivals I'm seeing are no worse for wear. But...Omega Supreme looks like he just came out of a warzone. I'm sure he could use any effort you can spare."<<

Peru - Autobot City Construction Site

Sunstreaker regarded him icily for a moment.

"Go grind a camshaft, Gears," he said before stalking off.

“Something I said?” Gears held his hands out to his side and chuckled as he watched the yellow ‘bot tried to keep his dignity and cool. He felt sorry for any unfortunate that crossed his path, whether it be Cybertronian or Earthen.

Leave it to Sunstreaker to make an entrance.

He glanced at Howlstrike, debating if he should offer some words of wisdom, or at least congratulate him on giving him a laugh. Deciding against it, his slight smile faded, going back to the scowl he was better known for. “I assume you’ve worked that out of your system?”
———
Peru - Autobot City
Pharma had started gathering some of his lighter equipment as he waited for Grapple’s response. Not that he expected to be kept waiting, but he felt it safe to assume Grapple was being kept busy trying to create something aesthetic in a world of chaos.

He was reaching for some emergency energon packs when his communications signaled.

>>"Pharma! A welcome voice indeed. Most of the new arrivals I'm seeing are no worse for wear. But...Omega Supreme looks like he just came out of a warzone. I'm sure he could use any effort you can spare."<<

Pharma paused with his hand barely touching one of the emergency energon packs and quickly ran through a mental list of the possible tools and equipment he’d need. Energon, most likely, but Omega Supreme’s requirements were beyond what he had on hand in that regard.

The idea that he’d have to rely on others not properly trained in medical techniques to aid him on something of the guardian’s scale was more terrifying than not. What if they didn’t have enough material to cover his wounds? What if one of them deposited some sort of organic matter in a wound unknowingly? What if…

He pushed those ideas aside. Though he was used to, and preferred to work in properly lit and sanitized areas, he had chosen to take care of the Autobots on this world. He would have to make do. And if one of them dared screw up in the slightest, he’d be sure to add to his spare parts inventory.

Forcing himself to calm, he replied, >>Of course, Grapple. I shall be there post haste. Be sure to have a diagnostic machine ready and running, preferably, by the time I arrive. It shall greatly aid in determining what course of action is required. Thank you. Pharma out.<<

With that, he grabbed a few remaining items and headed out the entrance. As he exited and transformed into his cybertronian jet mode, he quietly wished he had put in for another medic. Even that scrap-minded former Decepticon would be welcome about now.

Autobot City

The Construction Patrol started to dig next to where they were going to connect to the power line. Neutro summoned several other builder bots to help with the digging. In theory it would be easier to build the line on top of the ground but with this sudden change to plans, one never knew what else would change. With the additional help the trench to Omega Supreme soon was done. The more delicate part was next which was making the tube and receptor at the other end for Omega Supreme. As they went back to get material for the tube, Neutro saw a jet flying over heading towards Omega Supreme. It took him several moments to remember which bot it could be. There aren't too many Autobot fliers but none would fly towards Omega until one name came to mind.

>>Hey Pharma, this is Neutro of the Construction Patrol. We are trying to build a conduit to help recharge the guardian. We are going to hook him up to the main power supply since we have little in the way of energon cubes. I'm not sure what sort of damages the big guy has besides major energy depletion.<<

We need to work on a cube generator for this city. I wasn't expecting this sort of demand for energy reserves. Another thing to add to the forever list of the Construction Patrol.

Autobot City

>>Of course, Grapple. I shall be there post haste. Be sure to have a diagnostic machine ready and running, preferably, by the time I arrive. It shall greatly aid in determining what course of action is required. Thank you. Pharma out.<<

Pharma out?

Medical types. Sigh.

Grapple shrugged outwardly but said nothing since the commlink had been severed. Otherwise he might have told the medic that he had no idea what a medical-grade diagnostic machine might look like and that anything he needed would need to be requisitioned from the orbiting Autobot vessels anyway.

Pharma would soon figure out that Autobot City was kind of bare bones. If you needed something, you figured out a way to get it yourself.

Autobot City

Earth skies are the worst. How does anything here tolerate… anything?

Pharma’s thoughts turned flying through to the wonderfully clean and smooth vacuum of space as he fought against another wind gust. It made him miss his nice clean and organized laboratories before being placed in those shipyards and then the Trion. He shuddered that the memory, but found himself wondering if he’d made the right choice in coming to this backwater, backwards, unevolved world.

I must’ve damaged my logic circuits if I’m contemplating choosing those mindless brutes over this world. Maybe I never recovered from that fall and am in stasis. It would explain my current situation better than—

His thoughts changed from the Dinobots and contrition to his duties as a medical officer as he approached the landing site. Seeing all the mechs moving about swelled his sensors and his energon pump froze for an astrosecond. He’d never overseen the care given to so many without a staff to aide him, but Grapple had said only Omega Supreme was currently in danger. The fact the guardian would require a large team himself wasn’t lost on Pharma.

Dear Primus, what have I done?

Neutro wrote: >>Hey Pharma, this is Neutro of the Construction Patrol. We are trying to build a conduit to help recharge the guardian. We are going to hook him up to the main power supply since we have little in the way of energon cubes. I'm not sure what sort of damages the big guy has besides major energy depletion.<<

The unexpected transmission surprised Pharma, making him dip slightly as he took his focus away from his landing procedure.

Who? He wracked his memory circuits. He doubted there was an Autobot functional he hadn’t treated at some point, but the sheer amount would’ve been overwhelming to anyone else. Confident, he continued his search as he neared the ground. Neo, Neon, Neutro. Ah, now I remember him. Good lad… for a builder.

>>Pharma here, Neutro. That’s good thinking, my boy. It is important we check his flow circuits and energon pump to ensure there aren’t any major leaks before activating it. No point in wasting energon. I shall be arriving… now. Standby.<<

Pharma transformed near where he spotted Grapple and a couple of other ‘Bots. As his feet landed, a cloud of dust rose and enveloped him. Disgusting planet. He glanced around and relaxed at not seeing any of the earth-born biological running about. At not seeing any, he walked toward Grapple, allowing his optics to take in those around them.

Silently grumbling, he thought, Working with a builder, for a builder. Will cosmic wonders never cease. “Grapple. Long time, hope your shoulder struts and servos are still functioning as smoothly as the last time I serviced you.” Pharma paused before motioning to the ‘Bots leaving Omega Supreme. “Have you located the diagnostic machine I requested?”

Autobot City

Well, Pharma was prompt. There was no denying that. If medical types had certain shared flaws like a lack of tact or decorum when it came to working with peers and establishing some sense of collegiality, they also tended to share their better qualities--efficiency being one of the more useful ones.

“Grapple. Long time, hope your shoulder struts and servos are still functioning as smoothly as the last time I serviced you. Have you located the diagnostic machine I requested?”

"Pharma!" Grapple said, offering a friendly wave in return. It wasn't like he held any disdain for the medical officer. He just... had no real idea how to assist the doctor in acquiring what he needed other than to go through the same avenues that he himself had gone to acquire resources. "Ah yes, about that. Um, locating such equipment is not really within the...purview...of my work down here. As you can see, we're sort of running with a skeleton crew for the time being. I've just been using buildbots to requisition anything I need form the ships in orbit. Perhaps they can locate the...diagnostic machine, was it? Or if not them, I'm sure Prowl would have a better idea than I would. No doubt he's as keen to see to Omega Supreme's repairs as you are."

Autobot City Site
Landfill set Tracks down and clapped him on the back. “Good to see you again, my friend.” He turned and headed for the rest of the Autobots as they disembarked from the ships.

“Are any of you injured and need transport? Just speak up friends.”

He nodded at a few ‘Bots as they veered away from him, declining his help. Most seemed to eye him with a curious glint in their optics he couldn’t quite place.

Shrugging it off, he quietly wondered if he should’ve stopped for a quick scraping of his box bed to give the injured as clean a surface as possible to lay on. He would’ve kicked himself had he not believed the arrivals needed good cheer as much as energon and repairs.

“Come, my friends.” He transformed into his transport mode and continued, “Don’t let my mode bother you, none of you shall be scraped. We have the best Autobot technicians here to service you.”

~~~

Setting aside the visions of Sunstreaker’s attempts to clean his foot, Gears turned his attention to his next task. Which one it would be was the question. He didn’t need a planetoid to fall on him to know they were doing everything they could to bring energon to Omega Supreme. The Construction Patrol had started putting their plan into action, which meant he’d only be in the way unless they needed materials, but there were others here capable of that if needed.

With his decision made, he turned and was about to transform when he spotted an incoming jet. His optics narrowed as his processor worked to determine who it was. If it was a Decepticon, they would’ve been under attack already, so if it wasn’t one of them, who could it…

Pharma transformed and landed near Grapple. Seeing the former (Or was it current? He could never keep those things straight anymore.) CMO caused his energon flow to quicken. It had to be serious if they called in a medical officer. His attention shifted back to the Autobots disembarking from the ships, then on Omega Supreme before settling on Springer and the others.

Could it be worse than we’ve been told?” The constant frown on his faceplate deepened as he completed his transformation and began his trek to their storage depot. He’d grab some other materials along with the energon. Perhaps a laser torch and digging implement, too.

Autobot City Construction Site

Grapple wrote: "Ah yes, about that. Um, locating such equipment is not really within the...purview...of my work down here. As you can see, we're sort of running with a skeleton crew for the time being. I've just been using buildbots to requisition anything I need form the ships in orbit. Perhaps they can locate the...diagnostic machine, was it? Or if not them, I'm sure Prowl would have a better idea than I would. No doubt he's as keen to see to Omega Supreme's repairs as you are."

Pharma paused, his expression on his faceplate frozen as Grapple’s words replayed in his processor while he ran a diagnostic on his audio receptors. After half an astrosecond, his internal systems notified him his receptors were working at peak efficiency.

He would’ve rather there had been a malfunction.

How can he not know… He fought against the urge to shake his head and paused to formulate his thoughts before he said something… harsh. “I should’ve assumed as much, given the state of even my medical facility.” He glanced around, and seeing the disorganization surrounding him (I can’t be the only one wishing Prowl was here.), he questioned his logic circuits for coming here voluntarily. Had it not been for his oath to preserve Cybertronian life, he had little doubt he’d be looking for a transport off-world. “I suppose it would be too much to ask that we’d be properly supplied, would it not. Never mind, that is beyond your capabilities at the moment. Surely, this vessel has one I can use,” he said, motioning to the Longevity, “assuming, of course, that it’s still functional?”

As he spoke, he took in the various Autobots and the condition they were in, as well as the third ship… “Is that Sky Lynx? What are the nature of his injuries? Are they as grave as Omega Supreme’s? Why was I not informed?” Builders! If it’s not sentient, they’re useless! Without waiting for an answer, he stalked away, saying over his shoulder, “I would appreciate a team capable of operating basic diagnostic equipment to give me a full functional analysis of Sky Lynx and Omega Supreme as quickly as possible.”

He made it a handful of strides when he noticed Landfill offering aide to a damaged mech. “And please, have someone with a sense of sanitation help the injured. I can’t afford to spend half my time cleaning… extraneous deposits from the wounded.”

He continued muttering to himself as he pivoted, his stalking now turning into pacing as he worked through the various possibilities. The last thing he wanted to do was contact Ratchet for help, but he could be easily overwhelmed if he wasn’t careful. Forcing his thoughts to slow wasn’t easy, but after a brief refilling, he was able to reformulate everything into a checklist. He couldn’t rush in blindly or there was no telling how many Autobots would be lost.

Pausing near Grapple, he looked at the construction specialist. In his best bedside manner, he said, “Grapple, my boy, I hope you don’t mind if Neutro and his team helps when needed? I’d also like to request,” he turned to Bluestreak, “Bluestreak, isn’t it?” then, turning back to Grapple, he said, without waiting for a response, “to contact the ships with anything we may need. I fear I may not have the time or opportunity to contact them myself, or I would. Excellent. Shall we begin?”

Outskirts of Autobot City Site

“Ah, that’s much better,” Brawn said as he flexed his shoulder struts and servos. The green and yellow minibot had just finished a little offroading before returning to the Autobot City site. It was an interesting place, that was for sure. Few places offered as many physical challenges as this mountainous area. It made him wonder how the humans had survived in such regions for so long. They were so weak and squishy.

But that only lifted them in his optics. Woulda thunk such puny things could survive in a place like this?

He was glad to be wrong. Knowing humans weren’t as weak as he first thought made defending their world more tolerable than believing they were useless.

Shaking his head, he chucked as he entered the new Autobot city construction site, ready to see what work hadn’t been done. Now, if only we could get this city built before the Decetibums realize there aren’t many fighters here…

His thoughts trailed off as he saw the ships and groups of Autobots milling about while others continued to disembark. “Holy… Where’d they come from?” He glanced around, searching for a answer he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “Are we expecting an attack?”

Autobot City Site

”No apologies necessary. This is actually turning out to be something I hadn't realized the site was missing: life. Not a few builders and a sea of buildbots. The site actually has some spark to it now. You all, and certainly Omega, will be a most welcome presence. I don't suppose you're hearing anything of interest from the higher-ups that can be relayed to we lowly designers, hm?"

“Not much I’m afraid,” Springer responded to the orange constructibot with a gentle hand placed on his shoulder armor, “Last I checked in, sounded like they’re discussing what to do about that ‘demon spark’ thing. But it sounded like Grimlock and his motley crew were back so that might be useful. Might being the key word here.”

>>”Grapple, Springer, we will be starting the power line construction very shortly. We do need to get the energon cube train started soon though depending on how low the big guy is on fuel. From what I can tell from this distance, he is on fumes just by the lights on the outside.<<

>>”Roger that, Neutro, see to it that the big guy is comfortable during his repairs. And don’t think you can skate by with that sassy remake earlier. For the record, we did some fine wrecking around Sol-7 helping Omega Supreme out. Heh heh.”<<

The green and yellow triplechanger turned back to Grapple to finish their conversation. Springer planted his hands at his hips and gazed around the build site. Grapple was certainly right, with everyone wandering around and helping out, it sure did have a sense of “life” to the place now. For a second, Springer was so caught up in the moment that he wished he could’ve forgotten there was a war still going on. Maybe with was just the taste of what could happen once the fighting was done, mechs from various backgrounds all working to rebuild a new home. Kinda wished the landscape was more Cybertronian, but for now he could make do.

“Alright Grapp’s, now that we’re here why don’t I help take some of that pressure off your shoulders. What do you need us to do to lend a hand here?”

Autobot City

“I should’ve assumed as much, given the state of even my medical facility. I suppose it would be too much to ask that we’d be properly supplied, would it not. Never mind, that is beyond your capabilities at the moment. Surely, this vessel has one I can use assuming, of course, that it’s still functional?”

"Assume to your spark's content," Grapple said, now starting to have a bit of a struggle with being "pleasant". This doctor was even rougher around the edges than Ratchet, and that was saying something.

“Is that Sky Lynx? What are the nature of his injuries? Are they as grave as Omega Supreme’s? Why was I not informed? I would appreciate a team capable of operating basic diagnostic equipment to give me a full functional analysis of Sky Lynx and Omega Supreme as quickly as possible. And please, have someone with a sense of sanitation help the injured. I can’t afford to spend half my time cleaning… extraneous deposits from the wounded.”

From the sounds of Pharma's litany of requests, he needed a nurse or some other medical aid to assist him with collecting a lot of necessary information. Grapple was an architect. Not a nurse.

"Yes, well..."

“Grapple, my boy, I hope you don’t mind if Neutro and his team helps when needed? I’d also like to request...Bluestreak, isn’t it? to contact the ships with anything we may need. I fear I may not have the time or opportunity to contact them myself, or I would. Excellent. Shall we begin?”

"More than acceptable!" Grapple said, shifting back to agreeable now that the feisty doctor could be handed off to someone else. Springer, at least, seemed to have a good measure of the situation.

“Last I checked in, sounded like they’re discussing what to do about that ‘demon spark’ thing. But it sounded like Grimlock and his motley crew were back so that might be useful. Might being the key word here,” Springer said, responding to Grapple's earlier query.

"Well good. Hopefully once they've come to a decision on that, this will be their next priority. Or, at the very least--him," Grapple said, motioning in the direction of Omega Supreme. "He is above my pay grade, in every sense of the term."

“Alright Grapp’s, now that we’re here why don’t I help take some of that pressure off your shoulders. What do you need us to do to lend a hand here?”

"Well, for my part, I just need to keep building. I'm not a command officer for a reason. Building I can do. Navigating all these ancillary responsibilities? It's out of my wheelhouse, to say the least. Anything you can do to make sure things run like the command types want them to will be most appreciated."

Autobot City Construction Site

Grapple wrote: "More than acceptable!"

was the only words Pharma heard as he busied himself visually selecting who would become his assistant and who would handle the manual labor.

Sadly, he mostly saw fellow mechs that fell into the latter category. That wasn’t acceptable by any means. At least Neutro seemed willing to do his part. Not bad for a bulder, but Pharma needed more.

Times like these, he really envied those like Grapple and Neutro. Designing and building was an art form, but there wasn’t anything to that. Anyone could put up a wall, it was the truly skilled that could cut a diseased part out of a mech and keep them functional. It was during the dark times when the skilled were truly needed. Not that he ever intended to tell any of them that. He may not agree or appreciate their “talents,” but they did come in handy when he needed a new hospital or medical devices constructed or repaired, not that he couldn’t do it himself. He just had more important things to do.

As his processor focused on the dreary pain of dealing with others that didn’t fully appreciate him, another program quickly scanned through what he knew of the various ships in the Autobot fleet. It was a short list, and didn’t include the shuttle many had arrived in. If it didn’t have the equipment he needed, he’d have little choice but to contact Ratchet.

To help alleviate his growing frustration, he scanned over the ‘Bots. He was pleased to see few injuries, but the one Landfill was helping was a definite priority. Primus, what have I gotten myself into? I could be on a comfortable, civilized ship or outpost instead of this backwards, organic mud ball of all…

His thoughts trailed off as he spotted a mech that registered in his files as a… weapons engineer. Not quite what he wanted, but perhaps she would do. Hopefully, she was up to a challenge. Pivoting, he hurried toward her, waving at her as he went. He had to access his files once again to make sure he got her name right. Now wasn’t the time to offend someone he needed. “Arclight, is it? Yes, I believe so. Would you mind giving me a hand, please? Thank you, my dear.”

He pointed to the Longevity. “I need your assistance in locating any diagnostic equipment onboard. It is of the upmost importance. If it’s portable or the ship’s systems are too damaged to use it, we need to remove it, but only if it’s the best course, of course.” He suddenly stopped, allowing his optics to scan over her form, looking for any injuries that needed attending. “You are fit and not in need of repairs, I assume?”

Autobot City Construction Site
Gears’ thoughts were full of what could be in their near future. Whatever it was, they weren’t ready for it. Autobot City was little more than a smudge on the map. It could barely maintain itself with Autobot ships in orbit and supplies coming in. How could they double as an emergency station?

It was something beyond Gears’ usual thought process, but it didn’t mean he was ignorant of it. If anything, he was pressed to figure out what more he could do.

He drove past Brawn as the fellow minibot stopped in his tracks and looked around. Gears could understand his shock, and thought about stopping for a astrosecond or two. Brawn wasn’t the type to deal with something like this easily, and that made his decision for him.

Stopping next to Brawn, Gears heard him say,

Brawn wrote: “Holy… Where’d they come from?” He glanced around, searching for a answer he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “Are we expecting an attack?”

“There’s no attack, but the ships are banged up. They could use your help.” Revving his engine, he started heading for the supply depot.

Brawn listened, struggling to understand everything that had changed in the short time he’d been enjoying mountain driving. “What? Who needs help? Where are you going?”

And they think I have a thick cranium casing. Ignoring Brawn’s first two questions, Gears responded, “I’m heading to the supply depot. Someone needs to grab some more tools.”

Brawn was about to say something, but decided against it when his logic circuits clicked. Instead, he watched Gears drive off. "Must not be so bad if Gears is the only one going. Wonder what glitch got into his energon."

Turning his attention back to the ships and Autobots filing out of them. “Sure is a lot of them. Maybe Gears needs some help…” He paused in mid turn, then shook his head. “Nah, I’m not in the collection business.”

Still, if he wanted to know what was happening, he’d better get to it before Grapple or someone else with an ego decided to exert themselves. “Can’t have a strain, can we boys?”

Brawn continued chuckling as he approached Grapple and Springer. “So, what’d the deal? Any ‘Cons left to crunch?” Turning to Springer, he said, “Didn’t expect to see you here, Springer. Don’t tell me you hogged all the fun.”