The Energon Pub

((OOC: After told me to do some of the stuff towards the end with Overclock))

Training Room

Overclock looked rather fidgety. His words were stuttering and he didn’t exactly look like he was at the prime of his situation.

"It's... it's okay. You've done nothing wrong. I'm just... It's not been a great cycle, really. Forget about it. Forget this conversation happened."

Arbalest’s face twisted. He sure was acting strangely. Perhaps there was something bothering him? Hopefully it wasn’t him. Warpath was being as jovial as he normally was, but then all of a sudden Overclock fired a shot. It was so sudden and so quick that Arbalest nearly let down his guard. “Woah, that was fast.”

But he seemed to be even more strange now. As Warpath called his name, he didn’t move. Both the skirmisher and the red mech moved closer to inspect, but Overclock didn’t move. He was frozen still and there was no life in his optics. Arbalest tapped his shoulder, but the only thing that happened was that his optics started to turn back to normal. His stature became more natural, and he snapped back to the way he was. For some reason, he shook his head and put a hand on his face.

“Are you alright, Overclock? What’s the matter, do you need to go to the medbay?” Arbalest questioned.

Medbay - Private Room

"I would not leave to talk to our jovial chemist just yet,"
"It is possible we will find something else here, or somewhere else. I may need an on-hand scientist while I traverse this place for clues a bit. If you want to, of course."

“Uh, I do believe we might. It would be better to have some more equipment to… get a better analysis of it, but I can try doing as much as I can with what I have right now.” Anomaly looked around. The place was a mess. Lots of stuff that could be looked at, but he’d have to take some time to look through it all. Streetwise asked if he knew any witnesses, but all Anomaly could say was “I think it would be a better idea to ask others if they know anyone who experienced it firsthand… I’m not, uh, “in the know” of people around here.” He paused. “The best I can do right now is take some of the things here to the lab. Maybe we can figure something out.”

[Training Room]

As Arbalest tapped him, Overclock's optics reverted to their former state. A rush of internal pain arrived at his cerebral cortex, causing the operator to grip his head tightly in pain. Slaggit! Why do I keep making these bad decisions all of a sudden?

Arbalest wrote:“Are you alright, Overclock? What’s the matter, do you need to go to the medbay?”

"No, it is okay, Arbalest. There is no need. I'm fine. I just..." He had to think of a way that wouldn't make things roll further down the metaphorical hill. He lowered his voice in an almost hush-like tone, and said very carefully, "I'm sorry, I'm just not very... used to socialising with those that I'm not quite familiar with. I sometimes get internal panics or anxiety, but I've never had anything like this happen before."

He looked at Warpath, who was still mystified by everything. "Woah, buddy, I didn't know ya'd get stuff like that! And what was that weird blue thing on yer wheels?" Overclock hesitated for a moment, and then responded. "It's like a power reroute. I was getting panicked to the point where I had to shut down that part of of my processor and reroute the power into something else, like shooting."

He turned back to Arbalest. "I'm... very apologetic about that. I hope you understand." Overclock slung his rifle over his shoulder, deactivating it in the process. He started to walk towards the exit of the room, when Warpath called out to him, "Hey! Where're ya going? We haven't finished our match yet!" Warpath giggled. "And you can join too, Arby!"

Warpath's words tugged at Overclock's spark. He turned around, and figured, Why the frag not? And so he continued, rifle yet once again in hand, but not before Warpath had already taken a shot at one of the targets.

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Ultra Mangus wrote:“Divide and assess sounds right to me, but Grimlock has made a fair point, one that I myself have been considering in these last few breems since we managed to get Optimus under control. Decisions were made and they were critical decisions that might save or cost many lives. That is the burden of command, but as I sit here, I am left wondering if I chose correctly. So, before I proceed with making command level decisions, I feel it is my duty to submit myself before this command assembly for review. You are all command-level officers. Some of you would no doubt succeed in areas where I have failed. If I have the confidence of majority in this room, I will continue to do as best as I can to be a steward of of the mantle of leadership until such time as Optimus Prime is ready to resume command or a new Prime is chosen. If I do not, I will faithfully execute the strategy of whomever does.”

Prowl wasn’t entirely surprised by the City Commander’s words. Once again, Ultra Magnus doubted himself and his ability to lead the Autobots while Optimus Prime was incapacitated. Magnus had shown this doubt before when the military strategist handed the mantle of leadership over to him some time ago. Ultimately, Magnus accepted, but reluctantly so. Now, after Megatron’s escape, Prime’s brother was poised to hand the mantle over to someone else if the majority in the room had lost confidence in him. Thus far, both Jetfire and Hot Spot seemed content with keeping Ultra Magnus as the acting leader. The black and white couldn’t help but agree.

“You still have my confidence, Commander Magnus,” Prowl replied in no uncertain terms. “Being a leader doesn’t always mean the decisions you make will turn out the way you had hoped. If mistakes were made, learn from them and move on. There’s no reason to give up leadership, acting or otherwise, because of unusual circumstances that no normal mech could’ve foreseen.”

“What a load of slag!” Grimlock suddenly bellowed at Prowl’s ascertain, glaring at the strategist across the table. “There making mistakes and then there’s letting Megatron live and escape! Those very different things! That kind of mistake you just don’t move on from! That major frag up!” The Dinobot Commander then turned his attention to Ultra Magnus. “Me sorry, Magnus, but you not have my confidence anymore. You should step down, let me take leadership until Prime all better.”

“Ha! You’d love that wouldn’t you, Grim?” Prowl asked rhetorically with a shake of his head. “That way you could make your own rules and not have to worry about anyone telling you what to do. And I seriously doubt you’d hand the mantle of leadership back to Optimus once he was fit to assume command again. You’d keep it for yourself!”

“If Prime proves he fit to be leader again, me give it back to him. If not, me keep leadership,” Grimlock responded bluntly.

“Oh, and who gets to decide if Prime’s fit, you?” Prowl asked as he leaned forward in his seat.

“Yes. Me leader, me decide.”

“I see,” the black and white said, rolling his optics before looking over at Ultra Magnus once more. “Commander, you are doing a fine job as leader. Do not give the mantle to a brute like Grimlock. He will get us all killed if that happens.”

“Or me win this war once and for all instead of sitting around talking!” Grimlock shouted back at Prowl, the rex-former’s red optics blazing brightly with contempt for the prick-bot.

“Yeah, I doubt that you would be able to achieve what Optimus Prime has not be able to in the past four million years of war. Give me a break!”

“Me give you break all right,” Grimlock growled as he and Prowl continued to glare at one another while they awaited the City Commander’s decision.

Meanwhile, another communication from Springer came across the open comm line in the conference room. Omega Supreme had been found and after a brief skirmish with some Deceptions lead by Scourge, the Longevity has towed the Omega Guardian back and are planning to land in Peru so the big guy can get some repairs.

"I’m fine with them landing there, Magnus,” Prowl added, keeping his optics fixated on a fuming Dinobot Commander. The discovery of Omega Supreme was surprising but certainly not unwelcome. With the Decepticons possessing Devastator now, having Omega on the Autobots' side would help even the playing field until they could perfect their own combiners. "The sooner we can get a major asset like Omega Supreme back in action, the better off we'll all be."

Bridge--Command Conference Room

Ultra Magnus waited and listened patiently as the Autobot command officers that had been assembled gave their opinions regarding whether he should continue as their acting leader or step aside. As he did, he also kept an optic on the holofeed of the brig where Ratchet was working on Optimus and half-way participating in the meeting, and also keeping attuned to everything Springer was reporting. It was not what he was expecting, by any means, but there could be no doubt that it was a game-changer. Omega Supreme? Here? With the completion of the Trion--and now this--perhaps they could finally cut the head off the snake and decimate Megatron's first fleet, leaving the others to be cleaned up.

He had no doubts that Prowl would be thinking the same thing.

"I’m fine with them landing there, Magnus,” Prowl said. That was all he needed to hear on that front.

>>"We read you Springer. Get your men settled. I have a feeling it won't be long before a number of us begin to utilize the Autobot City site in order to best figure out how to defend this planet,"<< Magnus transmitted back audibly so that everyone in the room could have a better idea of where this was proceeding. Magnus then turned his attention to the other screen.

"Ratchet?"

"What, Magnus? I'm working," Ratchet barked, before looking at the screen briefly. "Sir."

"I understand. However, I need your assessment, along with the others."

"What assess-oh? The thing. Look. This won't happen often, but I pretty much echo everything Prowl said--what I heard of it. No one is going to fill the role Optimus Prime did. I hope I can bring him back, just as much as any of you. But that's not going to happen until I have a better understanding of what's afflicting him. That said, you're doing the best you can, and it's not filling my medical bay with endless casualties, which is more than I could say than if Grimlock were to assume your position. So, yes...confidence granted. Or whatever. Now let me work."

Magnus sat back in his chair, letting out a sigh of....he didn't know what. These were trying times for all of them. If he was going to keep expecting the best out of them, he needed to demand it first-of-all from himself.

So be it, then.

"Alright, with the confidences of the majority in this meeting, I will continue. With that addressed: Jetfire, I want you to ready two teams examine the Mt. St Helens and Africa sites for additional information that may get Ratchet the answers he needs. Now...as to this other project, I presume we're going about this ethically? We're not Decepticons. We're not going to fight this war like Decepticons. If we're not better than them, we have nothing to fight for. And that includes not forcibly conscripting our fighters to undergo risky, scientific experimentation in order to become more powerful. That Constructicon gestalt we saw on the battlefield of Uluru....that Grimlock and the others fought just a short time ago? I suspect they had very little or no choice at all. Megatron tends to leave no options when it comes to obedience. I, however, need to be assured we're going about this process much differently. I'm no scientist, but I'm more than aware of the psychological repercussions that can happen to Cybertronians who forcibly alter their modes. I've seen it more times than I've wanted to in the heat of battle. Prowl? Once this spark is dumped in the sun where it belongs, Omega is our new priority. We need him fully-functional and we need to know what would make Scourge chase him halfway across the galaxy to try and stop him from getting to us."
___

Mess Hall

Slag couldn't help but chuckle a little at Sludge's comment.

"Heh. So small."

Another swig.

[Mess Hall]

"Haha," said Sludge to Slag.

“I think it would be a better idea to ask others if they know anyone who experienced it firsthand… I’m not, uh, “in the know” of people around here. The best I can do right now is take some of the things here to the lab. Maybe we can figure something out.”

"Hmm," Streetwise said to Anomaly, "How about this: I look around a little more for witnesses, while you go grab some more equipment that might be useful, and drop off these samples? Then we can meet back up after both of us are done."

Training Room

Arbalest was very confused from the events that had unfolded in front of him, and Warpath too seemed to be equally as confused. Luckily, Overclock had

"I'm... very apologetic about that. I hope you understand."

Arbalest tried to say something but no words came out. He just smiled and nodded in understanding. Then, “I hope whatever it is that is bothering you goes away quickly. I’m sorry if I was the source of the problem, but know that in the due course of time, things, places and people will change. Hopefully, for the better.”

The skirmisher drew his bow and took a shot as part of the friendly rivalry he’d just developed with these two mechs. But after a while, the game got boring, and Arbalest sat to the side, inviting the other two to join him.

“Say, what do you two gentlemechs think about sticking around for a little while longer? We could get started by… knowing each other better.”

Medbay - Private Room

"How about this: I look around a little more for witnesses, while you go grab some more equipment that might be useful, and drop off these samples? Then we can meet back up after both of us are done."

“I think that would be a good idea,” Anomaly replied, “I’ll try and see what I can get about this. Let me know via comm-link should anything of note pop up.”

Anomaly gave a slight bow and bid farewell to the Protectobot.

Walking to back to the lab, Anomaly unloaded his containment cylinders into a small storage cube. He wasn’t sure what exactly it was, but he tried to run a database check of it.

…Nothing.

Nothing came up. The screen only said:

Code: Select all

No current database matches found for substance. Recalibration required. Remove substance from composition analysis apparatus.

Anomaly opened up his comm-link to Streetwise <<Uh, Streetwise, sir, the substance... nothing's coming up. I can try to sit through and do a deeper analysis, but on a surface level, it looks, uh, unknown.>>

Bridge--Command Conference Room

Jetfire was glad Ultra Magnus decided to stay in command for the time being. He was also happy Magnus remembered about the gestalt project. With the question of permission being asked, Jetfire took this as a chance to explain the entire process.

"You are correct, Magnus, we are not Decepticons. I have upmost trust in Iron Fist and First Aid that they sought permission from the Aerialbots before they got started on the process. If you allow me a few minutes of your and this assembly's time I will update you on what my team had done over the past few cycles."

Before any objections, Jetfire accessed the hologram projector in the room and then uploaded his files on the gestalt project. Images of the Aerialbots, Protectobots, and Technobots were on one side with Devestator and Monstructor on the other side.

"The first problem we ran into is Devestator and Monstructor are composed of six components. We don't have any teams who are composed of six members so duplicating the exact process is impossible. Now with so unconventional research done by Iron Fist, the idea of using a central figure for the main body instead of two mechs came up. Our special teams, the Aerialbots and Protectobots would fit this new form. I also believe the Technobots would fit but without them being here in system it be hard to truly prove it. Now if you look at the internal workings of each of the special teams they are basically built the same with the obvious differences being in their alt modes. Silverbolt, Hot Spot, and Scattershot are all larger than their respective group members as we all know. This is why they would be the center pieces."

As Jetfire mentioned the respective groups he moved the images around and enlarged them to allow the rest to see a bit more detail. He then brought up the commanders and enhanced their images. Then he brought up the specs of Superion and Defensor.

"Now stage one of this project is in the works as Superion is being built out of the Aerialbots. The concern of psychological damage was brought up extensively in our discussions. In order to combat this we came up with a shell program where a piece of each member of the Aerialbots. These pieces will be sent to Silverbolt once the bodies join up and the gestalt mind will be formed from the shell pieces. Hopefully this will prevent any or at least minimize the damage to personality and processor."

Jetfire enlarged the image of Superion to show greater detail. Air Raid is the left arm, Skydive being right arm, Slingshot as left leg and Fireflight finishing things as right leg.

"Assuming everything goes well this process can be duplicated and possibly improved with the Protectobots. Other advances is due to the similar nature of the smaller members of the teams is in theory they could switch places with each other. In the current picture Skydive is the right arm but he could switch places with Fireflight and be the right leg. This would take a little more surgery to do. We aren't 100% certain what advantages this would have unless there would be times where they are short a member and still need to form Superion. Other reasons is positioning of the team as they form Superion."

While Jetfire was explaining things, he moved the Aerialbots around in the display and even showed the option of having only one arm. Ideally it would be better to have only one arm vs one leg.

"I can't see the switching of positions changing the personality of the gestalt since it will still be all the same components. Stage three of this massive project is the most dangerous and possibly least likely to be done. Since the internal structures of the special teams are very similar, in theory, a Protectobot could replace an Aerialbot in Superion but the biggest problem will be the change in personality if we go the same route of shell program with Defensor. The main reason for this concept is if we need a gestalt and don't have all of the Aerialbots or Protectobots."

With the mention of the Protectobot combiner, the image of Defensor replaced Superion.

"I know, one gestalt at a time but I've learned that having future projects and planning can be quite beneficial at the start so I or a team could have a goal to work towards. This second gestalt will be made of the Protectobots who could be called Defensor. They are more for protecting and rescuing as their team name describes. Again the process we are using on the Aerialbots should be easily duplicated on the Protectobots once the bugs are worked out. Any project or plan will have bugs to work out. Some will think them through like Prowl. Others use more instinct to sort out the problem for example Hot Spot. I would think Grimlock would rather smash whatever obstacle in his path and maybe consider what happen after the fact unless orders given otherwise."


Hot Spot got lost in all of the talk and switching of diagrams. He never really thought about his team and the Aerialbots being that similar in their build. Each team had their specialty and got along fairly well but merging into a gestalt with them seemed a bit much.

"Um, thanks for the update Jetfire. It seemed you have enjoyed this latest project. As for my team, if Ultra Magnus agrees, I would prefer waiting a long while to make sure this Superion works out with as little bugs as possible. The idea of merging with my fellow Protectobots will be a big enough challenge since I've got a varied personalities between my four so mixing with the Aerialbots would be near impossible let alone keeping it just us. Trust me, there are times getting Groove and First Aid into a fight is like pulling a forty foot beam out of ruble with only a few inches to grip. Blades and Streetwise are more likely to join in a fight with Blades almost starting one himself."

Med Bay

If Cybertronians could breath air, Jazz would’ve just inhaled a lot of it. The pressure that was placed on his spark chamber eased some as Velocity and Axle worked their medical magic on him. The black and white Autobot coughed up a small puddle of Energon as the release of that pressure eased his systems some.

“Ahhh-*cough* *cough*” The specialist hacked as he eased up on his medical berth some, a small trickle of Energon dribbling down his lower lip, “That feels loads better.”

-

Elsewhere in the busy medical bay, Swoop laid out on a medical table as Hoist rendered to his shattered leg. The Dinobot flier, at least in compared the rest of his fellow Autobots, was in a much better condition than most. Others seemed to be dying, torn and blown apart... Swoop only needed a new leg.

...Give it some time, you’ll live.”

“Of course I’ll live! I’m a Dinobot! Ahaha!” The bombardier exclaimed with a hearty laugh back to the green mechanic as he attended to the minor wounds. Swoop watched as the gizmo Hoist had set up began to fabricate a new leg for him. The Terrorsaur didn’t understand how any of this worked, but was fascinated with the entire process none the less.

“So eh, what happened to them?” Swoop inquired as referred to the rest of the injured crew, his vision not breaking away from the fascinating machine.

Corridors to Brig

Kup recognized her. Groundbomber could tell. It was a small gesture, but a gesture Groundbomber took to spark. That made the commando a bit more comfortable, although her expression never changed.

Kup wrote:"Everything ok? You looked ready to pound some face back there on the Ark, heh."

Carefully hiding her embarrassment, she took a respectful stance. "It's fine, sir. I just let that bot get under my plating. My apologies. It won't happen again."

With that, Groundbomber continued making her way to the brig.

Mess Hall

Pinpoint's worry about the Dinobots faded quickly as Rook began to open up about his background. She laughed at his comment about her arrongance. "Well, I try."

She paused. "Hmm...about me. I trained to be a sniper before the war began. Well, actually, I was training to be a sniper." She lowered her voice to a playful whisper. "I wasn't very good then." She laughed and continued. "I eventually signed up with the Autobots. And it's been one crazy adventure after another."

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Red Alert, for his part, had done his best to remain well behaved and quiet. Ultra Magnus had given him the attention that he needed, and it was all Red had left to believe in him. He tensed uncertainly every time Prowl opened his vocalizer, but he got better at stifling that reaction. Grimlock was…well, Grimlock. And that didn’t exactly make him trustworthy. Still. He waited patiently for his turn.

Jetfire stood and opened with his report on gestalts and the projects associated with them. The technical bits were a little over his head, but he understood the gist of things. Standing up as soon as Jetfire was done.

“A-As for my part, Ultra Magnus, I have containment arranged just outside. But as for my proposal…In light of recent events with Megatron’s escape, the Fallen and Optimus Prime’s…um…situation, I propose that we increase security protocols. Installing cameras. Increasing security teams. No one goes anywhere without the correct authorization. We cannot allow something like the Fallen to happen again!”

Red Alert cleared his vocalizer. “It might slow us down a touch, but I believe that sacrificing a little haste for caution is perfectly reasonable.”


Med Bay

Velocity smiled at Jazz as he hacked up some energon. “Good,” she said, wiping away some of it with a cleansing cloth. She glanced to Streetwise and Anomaly who were investigating the scene. She understood the need for it…but they were currently working on a patient. Velocity didn’t exactly have Ratchet’s way with these things though.

Turning back to Jazz, she finished with her cursory repairs and tapped his hand lightly. “Jazz? We’re done with you. Can you walk? I can help you to the CR Chamber if you need.”


Corridors – En Route to the Brig

Skids and Swerve kept pace behind Kup. Swerve busily examined the sample that Kup had given him, while Skids looked on thoughtfully. It was only when Kup spoke did Skids look up and notice that Groundbomber had rejoined them. Skids offered her a smile and wave, moving over to her side as he walked.

“Glad you’re doing better. Did you catch Alpha Bravo? How’s he?”


Brig

“It wasn’t your fault, Optimus,” Smokescreen spoke in a calming voice, keeping one hand on Prime’s arm while placing the other onto his leader’s shoulder in an effort to comfort him. “You weren’t in control. This was done to you by someone. Please don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t you.”

Optimus glanced up to Smokescreen, seeing the concern in his voice evident on his faceplate as well. He tried to get a handle on himself, sitting up straighter and glancing to the other Autobots in the room. He could at least appear composed. For their sakes. Even though what he had done ate at him like the wriggling worm of doubt. “Thank you, Smokescreen,” he managed, offering him a nod.

He could hear other voices. Prowl, Grimlock, Magnus, Blaster. Others. Optimus listened carefully. His brow furrowed when he had that Omega had arrived in the system. Among other things, he heard that Megatron had been present as well…Rubbing his chin, Optimus considered everything carefully. After Red Alert and Jetfire finished bringing what they needed to forward, Prime pushed himself to his feet, giving Smokescreen and Ratchet both a reassuring nod before stepping in front of the screen that would project him into the meeting.

“Autobots,” he began in the practiced, even tone of authority, “It seems that I have missed much. However, I am glad to see such unity in my absence. I believe the cause of whatever it is that is affecting me is on Cybertron.”

Guardian- Medbay


Bumblebee wasn't injured, but he might as well have been. He had tried to stop Prime, like all of them had tried to do, and when it failed, he had tried to prevent a good friend from being further injured, just for another friend to take the blow for him. He sat there in the corner of the med room for a while, as Velocity worked on rescuing Jazz and as some left the room, while others entered, including a green Autobot he had never seen before. A new recruit? Nonetheless, the usually social, happy to help little Volkswagen bug mech sat there, not feeling himself. He felt rather depressed and worried about all that had just occurred.

In his processor, the horrifying images played out. Optimus storming into the room and wrecking it, attacking Ratchet and badly injuring his shoulder, and damn well nearly taking Jazz offline permanently. He saw Optimus coming at him with his battle axe raised. Bumblebee looked at Optimus with a deep disbelief. However, he also remembered the little sparks of blue that flashed in those deep dark eyes that weren't the optics of his hero. The axe instead, cleaved the nearest berth in half instead of his small body. Then though, when the madness recaptured him, Optimus pointed his blaster right at the center of Bee’s head and was ready to kill him. ’Kill me...no...not my friend. Not Optimus. He would never do such a thing.’ And yet….he nearly had, and had nearly killed some others, but all of them were still alive.

Bee narrowed his blue optics, looking seriously, gathering his beliefs and willpower. There was at one time when Bee was just a new rookie on the Autobot defense force back on Cybertron, when he didn't have much faith in Orion. However, as the missions went on and the events turned from better and to worse and worse, Orion never let him and the team down. Then, when he miraculously came back to them from what seemed like death, with a new body and bearing a thought to be mythical object, Bee lost all doubt in him. Bumblebee dedicated himself to help Orion, now Optimus Prime, in his quest to not only make a new name for the Primes and the Autobots, but to free their people and beyond from the tyranny of the Decepticons.

’Through all we’ve been through to make things right together, fighting together for the greater good, I can't give up on Optimus. I know he’s still good, no matter what he did. I don't think those were really ‘his’ actions. My Prime is a hero, not a murderer.’, the small yellow minibot thought to himself through gritted teeth.

He would get up from his sitting position and would momentarily walk over to Velocity and Jazz, saying confidently, ”Get well soon Jazz ol’ pal. Rest up, and we can check out some hot jams when you're well….Velocity, you're really amazing. Without you, I don't know what we’d do. Thanks for helping Jazz. Call me if you guys need my help for anything. I’m….gonna go check up on Optimus.” No one could make him stay away.

With that, Bee walked to the doors of the Medbay and they opened. Before he left though, he waved and smiled. He made a mental note to get to know the new guy later, but right now, he ran down the hall headed for the brig, where he soon joined up with Kup, Swerve, and Skids.

Hallway-Brig

”Hey guys. You all headed down to the brig too, huh?”, he asked though it was obvious. He wondered how shook up they were about this. Whatever happened though, at least Optimus was here and he was now under control. Had Ratchet found some weird virus in him or something? Bee couldn't help but worry and wonder.

Brig

The trek to the brig was an uneventful one, thankfully. Kup was glad that things seemed to stabilize. Now if they could just keep it that way.

"It's fine, sir. I just let that bot get under my plating. My apologies. It won't happen again," Groundbomber said.

"Don't worry 'bout it, we're all under a pressure cooker right now. Easy to bubble over without a lotta provocation."

”Hey guys. You all headed down to the brig too, huh?” Bumblebee asked, approaching from a different hallway.

"Sure are. Figure the best thing I can do for Prime right now is be close by. Help keep him grounded to reality, however I can. It'll do him good to see you too."

Approaching the brig where Prime was being worked on by the Autobots' Chief Medical Officer, he was relieved as he saw Prime pushing himself off of the berth and to his feet.

That's it, Prime. Keep fightin', Kup thought as he approached the outer edge of the brig cell.

"Sounds like a plan to me. Of course, Swerve did mention he didn't recognize the substance himself at first glance, so I'm curious about whatever you come up with," said Streetwise to Anomaly before saluting the fellow comrade and making his way out.


Streetwise made his way through the corridors to hopefully find anyone he might question. Of course, wherever Optimus is being kept would have many who know what happened, but whoever is there should keep their attention on the big guy's state of mind and not some minor interrogation.

"This might take a while.." muttered Streetwise to himself. He couldn't just ask everyone, but if he asked no one then he wouldn't learn anything. He let out a sigh of frustration-

<<"Uh, Streetwise, sir, the substance... nothing's coming up. I can try to sit through and do a deeper analysis, but on a surface level, it looks, uh, unknown.">>

Odd. Even the scanners didn't know what it was? Of course if it's a new substance any scanner will count it as unknown. Streetwise rolled his optics at his own stupid trains of thought and responded to Anomaly,

>>"Unknown, huh? I wonder if Swerve's scans have... or are gonna come up the same? It may be a good idea to take that to him and say it's from the room Optimus was in so he can compare it with the samples from Megatron's escape. I may come along as well to ask Swerve a question or two if it doesn't take up the good chemist's time overly much."<<

Rosanna stared up at their dear Autobot leader hoping he was back for good. He seemed in his proper state, but for how long? Ughhh, I can't think about it... All that matters is he's back now.

But Prime, despite what he just went through, pushed himself to standing. That's the Optimus Rosanna knew. Her hero. And then he spoke of... Cybertron? Why? It was a dead world... Though she hated to admit it to herself. How could something possibly be there still? Why would it be? How did Optimus know? So many questions... But none Rosanna wanted to ask aloud.

Somehow Rosanna felt like she needed to go elsewhere.. Like she was needed somewhere. But she didn't know where, so she stayed. But she felt a bit of anxiety coming over her slightly.. Get a grip, Rose... She placed her hand on her head. It was starting to pound suddenly..

Brig

Kup wrote:"Don't worry 'bout it, we're all under a pressure cooker right now. Easy to bubble over without a lotta provocation."

Groundbomber didn't respond. Half of her said that he had a point. With their Prime out of commission and be Slagmaker anywhere, there was reason to he nervous. However, her other side prevailed, telling her to acknowledge her screw up and move on.

A conviction that got harder when the blue one -Skids- asked about Alpha Bravo. She returned his wave and, more reluctantly, his smile. "Alpha is fine. He's just a bit shaken is all." She paused. "Thanks."

She turned the corner to see the leader, the aspiring commander of the Autobot Army. Optimus Prime. Despite her reluctance to ahere to the religion of her home planet, Groundbomber still found herself somewhat in awe of the Prime.

Immediately, she lowered her rifle and gave Optimus the traditional Autobot salute.

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Ultra Magnus wrote:"Alright, with the confidences of the majority in this meeting, I will continue. With that addressed: Jetfire, I want you to ready two teams examine the Mt. St Helens and Africa sites for additional information that may get Ratchet the answers he needs. Now...as to this other project, I presume we're going about this ethically? We're not Decepticons. We're not going to fight this war like Decepticons. If we're not better than them, we have nothing to fight for. And that includes not forcibly conscripting our fighters to undergo risky, scientific experimentation in order to become more powerful. That Constructicon gestalt we saw on the battlefield of Uluru....that Grimlock and the others fought just a short time ago? I suspect they had very little or no choice at all. Megatron tends to leave no options when it comes to obedience. I, however, need to be assured we're going about this process much differently. I'm no scientist, but I'm more than aware of the psychological repercussions that can happen to Cybertronians who forcibly alter their modes. I've seen it more times than I've wanted to in the heat of battle. Prowl? Once this spark is dumped in the sun where it belongs, Omega is our new priority. We need him fully-functional and we need to know what would make Scourge chase him halfway across the galaxy to try and stop him from getting to us.”

Prowl looked to Ultra Magnus, giving him a nod. “I agree. While the gestalt project is important, Omega Supreme takes precedence. With him now here we at least have something to counter Devastator until we have perfected our own combiner. I will oversee his repairs, myself, to ensure it is done quickly and efficiently. As for finding out why Omega was being chased, he will need to be debriefed, along with anyone that may have come along within him, ASAP. Last time I checked intelligence reports, Scourge was part of the Second Expansion Fleet under the command of Scorponok. Whatever secrets Omega possesses, I’m sure it won’t be long before Scorponok sends more troops to find him. We need to be prepared.”

Once the military strategist was finished speaking, Jetfire began a lengthly update on the gestalt project. After he was done, Hot Spot chimed in, wanting his team to wait until all of the bugs were worked out of Superion before the Protectobots underwent the combining process, themselves. Red Alert then interjected his proposals for a wave of new security protocols in order to prevent another Fallen situation like before. “I concur with Hot Spot. One gestalt at a time. Once the Aerialbots are able to successfully combine and remain stable, we can look into other specialty teams possibly becoming gestalts, as well. As for Red Alert’s new security mandates, I’m fine with them. Although, in all fairness, I doubt any kind of security would’ve prevented a demigod from doing what the Fallen did. Cameras, security teams and authorization codes are really no match for a supernatural entity that had almost limitless power. Still, I can’t argue against more security. We’re still at war, after all, and the Decepticons are not supernatural beings. They’re metal and oil, both of which these new protocols can protect us against.”

“This all nonsense!” Grimlock suddenly bellowed as he slammed one fist down onto the table top. “We not need new security if we just go find Thanatos and blow it out of sky. We have the Trion now. It most advanced warship we have. Use it to destroy Thanatos and destroy ‘Cons onboard.”

“And how exactly are you going to find the Thanatos, Grimlock?” Prowl then added. “I seriously doubt the Decepticons will just pop their heads up and say, ‘Hey, here we are! Come shoot us dead!’”

“Only so many places to hide ship as big as Thanatos. Trion have most advanced sensors. Just keep looking until we find it and then blow it out of space. Simple.” Grimlock kept his crimson optics fixated on the black and white across from him.

“Oh, if it were only that simple,” Prowl said with a shake of his cranium. “This is why you’ll never be Autobot leader. You act first and think later. It amazes me that you’re such a good battlefield commander as it is.”

“And it amaze me that ‘Cons haven’t beaten you puny Autobots yet,” Grimlock spat back at the strategist as he abruptly got up from his chair and made his way towards the door.

“And where do you think you’re going, Grimlock? This meeting isn’t done yet,” Prowl demanded, watching as the Dinobot Commander stormed off in a huff.

“Meeting done for me. Me take Dinobots back to Trion. It our ship now. We do what we please with it!” Grimlock then turned and approached the door when suddenly the image of Optimus Prime appeared in the holo-projection from the Brig.

Optimus Prime wrote:“Autobots, it seems that I have missed much. However, I am glad to see such unity in my absence. I believe the cause of whatever it is that is affecting me is on Cybertron.”

The sound of the Autobot Supreme Commander’s voice forced Grimlock to stop in his tracks. The rex-former slowly turned back around to see the image of Prime standing near the table where Ratchet once was. There were few mechs Grimlock respected amongst the Autobots. Optimus Prime was one of those mechs. He was a strong and intelligent leader even if the Dinobot Commander did not always agree with his decisions.

“Cybertron?” Grimlock stated in an inquisitive manner as he made his way back towards the table. “Why Cybertron, Prime? Me and Dinobots came back from there before going to get Trion. It dead world. Nothing there but cyber-rats and scrapmetal.”

Brig

“Thank you, Smokescreen,” Optimus Prime said to the diversion expert, offering him a nod. Hearing the voices coming from the high level meeting elsewhere on the Guardian, Prime got to his feet and stepped in front of the projection screen.

“Careful, Optimus. Take it slow,” Smokescreen said in a low tone as the Autobot leader spoke to those in the command conference room. The rallybot removed both of his hands from Prime’s frame but stood close by just in case Optimus suddenly lost any of his strength or composure. Smokey wanted to be ready to grab hold and steady his friend and leader if need be.

The mention of Cybertron peeked Smokescreen’s interest and hearing Grimlock’s assertion that it was just a dead world made Prime’s statement even more puzzling. What could possibly be there that could affect him like this and at such a remote distance? It didn’t make any sense. Then again, none of what had transpired lately made much sense so it was pretty much par for the course now.

The red and blue racer then noticed the arrival of Kup and several others into the Brig. Smokescreen turned his head and gave them all a curt nod before returning his attention to Optimus Prime. A few astroseconds later, the rallybot glanced over and saw that Rosanna appeared to be in some kind of distress. “You okay, Rosanna?” Smokey whispered towards the pink cassettebot with a concerned expression on his faceplate.

Brig

Bumblebee followed the others down to the Brig somewhat closely. Hearing what the old mech had to say, Bee couldn't agree more with Kup and replied,

“Yah. Optimus needs all the support he can get, even in the simplest way.”

Bumblebee, Kup, Swerve, and Skids soon entered to the Brig and saw Optimus getting up onto his feet despite the trouble he had been through. The Prime’s strength to hold on was always admirable and helped Bee to gather confidence in himself. He had no doubt he inspired most of the Autobots this way.

Rosanna, Alpha Bravo, Groundbomber, and Smokescreen were here as well as Ratchet, whom Bee knew would be here helping Prime get fixed up and running back to normal (hopefully). The little yellow beetle-former was happy even just to add to the party of supporters. He was smiling warmly, so glad to see Optimus was coming back to his old self, especially after the strange nightmarish ordeal from beforehand.

He watched Optimus head to a console in which he could speak to the other Leaders who were having counsel. Bumblebee’s optics were soon met with the loud and primordial-brained bickering of Grimlock. Bumblebee clenched his teeth, frowning. Grimlock...sheesh what a nutcase. He was always difficult to deal with, and yet he was still such a valuable warrior to the Autobots.

“Cybertron…..”, Bumblebee talked aloud, pondering when he heard it from Grimlock. “Well Optimus, if you say something's on the home planet, I got you all the way.”, came Bee’s normal quirky voice. It sounded kind of crazy sure, but Bumblebee had seen Prime work many a miracle. He had no doubt it was the will of the Matrix in some way, and that's something the Bee never questioned.

Bridge – Command Conference Room

Hot Spot was shocked and relieved to see the image of their beloved leader. When Prime said something about his condition being connected to their home, it took him a second to process what was said and then heard Prowl's as well as Grimlock's response. Hot Spot understood Grimlock's act first mentality since he shared it but not to the extreme of killing Grimlock and his team enjoys. It still bothered Hot Spot Prime spoke about Cybertron as if something worthwhile was still there.

"Not to doubt you, Optimus, but what does Cybertron have to do with your condition? We still don't know why you and Megatron acted the way you did. I know most of us would like to return to a functioning home but the reason you took us from there those many million years ago was so we could allow the planet to survive. If Grimlock is correct, is hasn't recovered much if at all. We were hoping to investigate your disappearance and reappearance locations on sol-3 to get some clues and whatever we can on the ships you two were on."

Jetfire nodded in Hot Spot's assessment of the idea. He wasn't too thrilled for the slight stalling of the gestalt project but it made sense to get all of the bugs worked out with Superion before subjecting the Protectobots to it. As for making Omega Supreme top priority, Jetfire couldn't see why they could work on both at the same time. The resources to make Superion were 85% Aerialbots with the rest the parts being inserted or modified. He didn't get to the weapon designs he had in mind but most of those were still in theory and needed to work out before presentation.

"Optimus, I think everyone in this room questions the direction of Cybertron. Personally I hope we still investigate on Earth and maybe send a small team to our home planet if our leaders decide the resources are worth while."

>>Grimlock, while you and your team were on your mission, my research team was using the main science lab on the Trion. It made me consider transferring over there permanently to continue my research on gestalts and other connected projects. I don't need ones like Prowl overlooking what I do every few cycles to question if it is worth it. Would you allow me to transfer? Hopefully Magnus or Prime will allow it.<<

“You okay, Rosanna?”

Rosanna looked up at Smokescreen and smiled slightly. "It's.. nothing. Just.. feeling lucky is all. After you know."

The pink Cassettebot then proceeded to slowly make her way towards the brig door for the corridors. The rest could inform her of their plans later. But something was making her feel uncomfortable and visually distressed in that room.

[Medbay]

Swoop wrote:“Of course I’ll live! I’m a Dinobot! Ahaha!”

Hoist chuckled. “Of course, why else would you lot have such an impeccable Decepticon-destroying record?” The green mechanic continued to patch up some of the smaller bits and pieces on Swoop’s body. Hoist checked on the machine which was fabricating his other leg, to make sure that he had correctly mirrored all the scans of his surviving leg. Thankfully, he had, and the leg continued to develop, until the machine made a final beeping sound, and opened the hatch with a familiar hiss. Hoist gently carried out the parts and decided to first clear out Swoop’s hip joints.

Swoop wrote:“So eh, what happened to them?”

“Either they were out on a mission or they were hit during Prime’s rampage,” said Hoist. He shoved in the new hip joint, rewiring what was necessary. “This’ll feel a little funny, but just relax and don’t move.” He proceeded to install the thighs, the knees, the shins and calves and finally the feet. He unhooked some of the wires that he had plugged into Swoop and said, “Try moving it a little bit. If you can’t feel some part of your leg, let me know.”

[Mess Hall]

Pinpoint wrote:"Hmm...about me. I trained to be a sniper before the war began. Well, actually, I was training to be a sniper. I wasn't very good then." She laughed and continued. "I eventually signed up with the Autobots. And it's been one crazy adventure after another."

Rook smiled and poured himself another round. “Nah, it’s alright. We all have to start somewhere. I’m no high ranking commander myself, but I’m still committed to my line of work. And so should you! And everyone, really. But you can’t always be like that, with such a diverse amount of personalities.”

He put his hand on Pinpoint’s shoulder, and raised his glass towards her. “Alas, this is the reality we’re stuck in, so let’s just enjoy the best of it while we can. Cheers,” he grinned.

[Bridge - Meeting Room]

Lots of voices were speaking throughout the meeting room. Magnus decided to tackle each person’s concerns one at a time. Firstly, he attended to Jetfire, who looked to be informing Magnus on all of the things occurring with the gestalt project.

Jetfire wrote:"I know, one gestalt at a time but I've learned that having future projects and planning can be quite beneficial at the start so I or a team could have a goal to work towards. This second gestalt will be made of the Protectobots who could be called Defensor. They are more for protecting and rescuing as their team name describes. Again the process we are using on the Aerialbots should be easily duplicated on the Protectobots once the bugs are worked out. Any project or plan will have bugs to work out."

Echoing the viewpoints of the others, Magnus nodded. “I understand that you want to be prepared with as many of these projects as you can, Jetfire, but I’m afraid that I will have to tell you to stop developing on anything further than the Aerialbots. It’s simply too much of a risk, and I want to see everything landing in place properly before we move on. We simply cannot focus on dealing with all of these at once, especially considering we haven’t even perfected one. So, for now, leave the Protectobots, the Technobots and the rest alone. I only want one of these projects happening right now, because we are not like Decepticons and we don’t use our fellow soldiers as experimental fodder.” He could tell that Hot Spot wasn’t too keen on getting involved in the project either.

Red Alert decided he had more to add to his improved security plan.

Red Alert wrote:“A-As for my part, Ultra Magnus, I have containment arranged just outside. But as for my proposal…In light of recent events with Megatron’s escape, the Fallen and Optimus Prime’s…um…situation, I propose that we increase security protocols. Installing cameras. Increasing security teams. No one goes anywhere without the correct authorization. We cannot allow something like the Fallen to happen again! It might slow us down a touch, but I believe that sacrificing a little haste for caution is perfectly reasonable.”

Magnus put an actuator to his chin and thought for a second. “Yes, that would be a good idea. Red Alert, I am aware that you are perfectly capable of doing so, but should you require some mechs for your security teams, I’m sure you’ll be able to find some around the ship. Added security is a definite must at this point, considering the fact that… Megatron escaped.” He paused. “But even if we are sacrificing some haste, don’t do all of it. We don’t know where Megatron went and what he’s planning, or if he’s planning anything at all. We will need to keep our optics and our audios wide open, because there may be something at any moment. Try to see if you can speed up the process a little bit.”

Prowl wrote:“I agree. While the gestalt project is important, Omega Supreme takes precedence. With him now here we at least have something to counter Devastator until we have perfected our own combiner. I will oversee his repairs, myself, to ensure it is done quickly and efficiently. As for finding out why Omega was being chased, he will need to be debriefed, along with anyone that may have come along within him, ASAP. Last time I checked intelligence reports, Scourge was part of the Second Expansion Fleet under the command of Scorponok. Whatever secrets Omega possesses, I’m sure it won’t be long before Scorponok sends more troops to find him. We need to be prepared.”

“Prowl, that would be for the best at the moment. Get in touch with Springer and the rest of the mechs down at Grapple’s site for the Ark, and try to find out what’s going on. I would like it if you worked with Red Alert here with the security protocols. Try seeing if you can link both of your plans together, because the added synergy could give us a potential edge.”

“I doubt Scorponok would wait long until he sends more troops in. Round up as many warriors as you can, and prepare them for any surprises. With what all has happened recently, we don’t know when or where something like that might happen.”

Turning to Blaster, he said, “Blaster, you’re our communications officer. I want you to make sure everyone is always in touch with each other. Have everyone report to each other quickly and easily, and we will hopefully have a faster, more efficient workflow.”

Grimlock started a verbal fight with Prowl over blasting the Thanatos using the Trion. Worried that this may devolve into a physical fight, Magnus intervened. “Calm down, both of you. Grimlock, I’m sorry to say this, but if the Trion makes one wrong move, the Thanatos could very well also fire at us first before we fire at them.” Of course, the Dinobot commander wasn’t going to listen and was about to step out, when Optimus appeared in the hologram.

Optimus Prime wrote:“Autobots, it seems that I have missed much. However, I am glad to see such unity in my absence. I believe the cause of whatever it is that is affecting me is on Cybertron.”

“I agree with Grimlock here, for once. What is it that we must look into on Cybertron?” He pondered. “Might it have something to do with Omega Supreme? Prowl, when you’re overseeing his repairs, ask him if he knows anything of the sort with Cybertron.”

A notification appeared on Magnus’s display interface. It showed that the Guardian was now nearing the star of the Sol System. He looked towards Prowl, “I believe it is time to launch that accursed thing away.” Magnus sent an order to the Autotroopers to carefully take the spark container and to load it up within the hatch. Once it was done, it was ready to be shot into the giant, blazing sphere. “Your call, Prowl.”

Laboratory

>>"Unknown, huh? I wonder if Swerve's scans have... or are gonna come up the same? It may be a good idea to take that to him and say it's from the room Optimus was in so he can compare it with the samples from Megatron's escape. I may come along as well to ask Swerve a question or two if it doesn't take up the good chemist's time overly much."<<

Anomaly took a second to register Streetwise’s comm. >>”That would be the best course to right now, sir. Say, would you know where Swerve is at the moment? I don’t think I’ve seen him around here on my way to the lab. I’ll get everything I need and I’ll meet you outside the area.”<<

Switching off his comm-link, he used some tools to place the substance back in his containment tanks, and grabbed a variety of other tools to go along with it. Datapad, micro-analyser, all sorts of other small, portable gizmos that he may need. He placed them in a kit box and powered off some of the lab equipment. He stepped outside of the lab, rolled into his alt mode, and started driving towards the Protectobot Cop.