The Energon Pub

Outside Autobase prime

Streetwise transformed and followed the team on their way to their mission. If they were going to get this outpost going they were going to have to get moving. He did take note of how Hotspot responded to him arriving late. They were going to be doing more drills he knew it. As they continued to move he moved into a position next to his commander as they rolled toward their destination.

Autobase Prime Hanger Bay / Hallway

Repugnus was getting even more restless now. Nothing more for him to see in the hanger. He exited the Hanger Bay and headed down the hallways. He past two autobots going down the hallway. He recognized Stormfire and Strafe and heard something about the others getting lost. He stopped and looked at the two and said "Always keep your optics clear. Lots of things can happen to you if you weren't in the comforts of Iacon. If I was a con and you were in their territory they would of killed you." He waited for their reponses.

Autobase Prime Command Center

Scoop was getting itchy. He wanted some action. He then noticed Brawn and Trailbreaker talking and heard something about it being a little to quiet. He thought to himself how right Brawn was. He then spoke up and said "You got that right Brawn. If something does not get moving soon then I will be scraping rust off my blasters. I am itching to get at the decepticons." He looked at both of them. He knew he was interrupting their conversation but he needed something to get keep his processors going.

Autobase Prime - Armory

A surprised Bluestreak looked at Sunstreaker like he had just scanned his memory circuits. “As a matter of fact, yes, that sounds exactly like the drones I encountered!” Bluestreak processed this infomation some more. His circuits were still scrambled a bit, but it was starting to come back to him. “And I think I remember one of them transforming into bot mode in midair just before it shot at me. It was the same drone that caused the explosion that knocked me into stasis lock.” Bluestreak paused a moment, trying to remember the drone’s face. Then it came to him, like a piece of a puzzle falling into place. “I remember now! His face! Sunstreaker, you’re a fraggin genius!” Bluestreak slapped the golden warrior on his back. “That drone had a beard, as well, just like the one you mentioned! Thanks for joggin my circuits, Sunny! Don’t know what I would’ve done without ya!”

A grin then appeared across Bluestreak’s face as he looked over at Sideswipe and then back at Sunstreaker. “So, that ‘big game’ you mentioned before. It wouldn’t happen to need a shave, would it?”

Ark 13 ~ Bridge

Moving down from the top of the bridge, Ultra Magnus moved to a nearby console and inserted the datapad he'd recieved from Optimus earlier, before tapping a few keys to bring up a holo-image of AC 488 in the center of the console to help him answer Perceptor's questions "Not imprudent at all Perceptor, might as well use what little time we have as efficiently as possible. AC 488 is an average size terrestrial planet, with a molten core, and a surface that has a liquid, made up of Hydrogen and Oxygen, covering 2 thirds of it, the final third is all landmass that is home to all 6 billion Sentients. The atmosphere is unique to AC 488, and is the main reason as to why it is the only planet in the system that is inhabited.." Magnus spoke with as much authority as he could, pointing out the various features as he spoke.

"..The majority of the planets energy resources take the form of 'Fossil Fuels' that reside under the planets surface.." A large section of the image was coloured red as Magnus imitated Optimus' briefing from earlier "..These fuels are created by the decomposition of various carbon based life forms into hydrocarbons over millions of meta-cycles. Combined with the aforementioned geothermal energy from the planet core.." Another section was coloured yellow to represent the energy "..and the large number of decaying metals that also reside under the planet surface.." Another section lit up in orange "..It becomes very easy to see why we are embarking on this mission with such urgency.." Magnus finished, hoping he wasn't boring the not so scientifically inclined too much.

"..As for the Sentients.." The City Commander continued, clearing the 3 colours off the display and replacing them with various shades of green "..All the lifeforms on this planet are carbon based, the darker the shade of green, the more evolved the lifeform.." Magnus finihsed the portion of his speech that dealt with Perceptor's inquiries and moved neatly onto Searchlight "..As for your questions Searchlight, the Sentients have yet to get to our level of technology. Grimlock's findings still left a lot of gaps for us to fill, but it does not seem that they have made it much further than a nearby moon in terms of interstellar travel, and while they have some expertise in metalwork, they once again are not up to Cybertronian levels of skill.."

Pausing as he pondered the second part of the Throttlebot's inquiry, Magnus had to admit, he didn't have any real idea how the inhabitants of AC 488 would react to them if they were discovered "..As for how they would react to our presence? There is no way of knowing in all honesty. All I can say is we must make sure we do everything in our power to try and make sure that we are not discovered, ideally for the duration of our mission, saving that, for as long as possible.." The City Commander finished, knowing that that answer was a bit half afted, but it was quite honestly the best he could offer under the circumstances "..Any more questions?"

------------------------------------
Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Struggling briefly as he almost fell off his chair from the force of Brawn's 'Nudge', Trailbreaker chuckled simultaneously "I don't think there's anything on Cybertron that's 'Enough to slow you down' Brawn, and if there is, I hope we've got it and not the 'Cons.." Trailbreaker joked, now fully upright once more, paused as he noticed the huge form of Fortress Maximus exit the Matrix Carrier's private room, looking... troubled, to say the least.

"..As for Optimus, you can't rush the big guy, he's got a lot on his thoughts right now, chief of which is working out how to strike back at the 'Cons with the limited Mechpower we currently have, and in the face of the unsettling discovery of an entirely new set of flying drones the 'Cons have rolled out, I can't blame him for being a little bit hesitant in this case.." The Defensive Strategist finished with his opinion as Scoop introduced himself into the conversation, his sentiments echoing those of Brawn.

Perhaps it was Trailbreaker's ever present worry about slowing others down, or maybe the fact that in the face of ever dwindling supplies, he was one of the most uneconomical Autobots in active service, but he just couldn't agree with the others who wanted to dash straight back into the action. Regardless, he had little say in what, if any, action was being planned, and so he was more than happy to just sit and wait, it gave him chance to have a bit of a laugh as well "I swear, you 2 act like you have the biggest case of rust rash on your aft I've ever seen, just chill out a bit, patience is a virtue you know, or something all profound like that"

-------------------------------------------
Autobase Prime ~ Corridors

"No problem, see you there.." Jedishen replied as Stormfire dashed off to locate Strafe, leaving him alone with Blurr "Come on, let's get going" The Scout offered to the Autobot Speedster, gesturing him to walk with him. Blurr intrigued Jedishen no end, as quick as he moved, spoke, acted, thought and everything else, the overriding impression the Courier gave off was one of a truly genuine 'Bot who would be there in a crisis, a trait that Jedishen held in very high regard "Maybe it's time I stopped being so distant with others.." He thought to himself as he began to walk.

Autobase Prime ~ Ark 13

Are there any more questions? Windcharger thought. Yeah. Only about a million.

He raised his hand waiting quietly for Ultra Magnus to call on him. When he was acknowledged he asked,

"Is this all of us that's going? If so, let's get going and beat Megatron there.

Windcharger jumped up and seated himself at the navigation console.

No way am I getting stuck watching sensors the whole way there.

(OOC - I had a method, but it looks like I am going to have to change it since the board has changed, so let me know if you have problems reading Blurr's speech.)

Autobase Prime: Corridors

Blurr nodded in understanding when Jedishen rejoined Stormfire and himself.

“It’s-ok-it-happens-to-all-of-us-at-some-point-or-another.-
There-was-this-one-time-I-was-sent-to-deliver-a-m-” Blurr
stopped at Jedishen’s question, “I-don’t-know-
where-Strafe-has-gotten-to.”

As Stormfire departed to look for their missing
comrade, Blurr turned back to Jedishen to follow him
to the command center when Repugnus strolled up.

“I-always-try-to-keep-my-optics-clear.-If-I-didn’t-I-would-
crash-into-things-all-the-time.-At-best-I-would-end-up-
needing-to-have-the-scratches-buffed-out,-at-worst-I-
would-need-to-spend-several-cycles-in-a-chamber-if-I-
didn’t-end-up-terminating-myself.-On-the-battlefield-
though-I-tend-to-keep-more-of-an-optic-out-because-
there-are-‘Cons-out-and-about,” Blurr rattled on as he
earnestly replied to Repugnus’s comments.

Ark 13, at berth

Perceptor listened rapt as Ultra Magnus listed off the fantastic details of the alien world they were about to see. Oceans of incredible, unseen chemicals, life tied to gaseous mixtures, natural recycling of deceased lifeforms, a furious heart burning within the planet...frankly the abundance of such radioactivity, incredible in and of itself, was small potatoes from the perspective of Cybertron's science.

Perceptor began to furiously calculate, both mentally and on 3 of his handy datapads, all sorts of chemical equations. To the scientists of that farflung planet, they would have looked like study notes for a high school student. To the minds of Cybertron, they would have represented fantastic insight into the arts of elementary chemistry and the possibilities inherent in those elements all but unknown to the metal-dominant planet.

The life-form chart was it's own curiosity: It implied a massive density of lifeforms of all types, from lowly solar collector to technological sapients. Billions just wasn't a word you used to describe the population of Cybertron, even if you included all manner of cybervermin. It could be difficult even to find room to walk in that kind of environment.

All this only made Perceptor all the more eager to go, if only to just see this fantastic sight. But moreso, he could see plain as a star that the Decepticons could never be left to exploit this planet: It would be a crime unimaginable what they could do to this unsuspected, unprotected world.

As Windcharger took his place beside him, Perceptor mused on the more military attributes of this mission. "I will leave any more questions, Ultra Magnus Sir, until we reach our destination. I can see that most of what we can tell of it will simply have to be see nto be beleived. However, Windcharger, I perceive that we do not yet have our full complement, as the Ark has been outfitted for an additional 4-8 Autobots, and our current team makeup, while potent, lacks heavier firepower and aerial capability. Would I be accurate in saying we shall have to wait a while longer?"

(OCC: I'm back from my vacation to see much smaller threads. Swerve will be active once again.)

Ark 13, at berth

"I understand the idea of protecting the 6 billion sentient beings but what about any R&D, Ultra Magnus? From what you have described, there could be almost countless things to research that may prove quite useful for us. I've been wanting to experiment with new metals to see if I could improve our armor or other aspects of our technology. The biggest question isn't how they will react when they meet us but if there would be any long term contact. Their culture will be alien to us as we will be to them. If we are there for any length of time, there will be a high chance we will be discovered. The longer we are there, more likely some sort of interaction will develop unless we are extremely careful."

I just hope I can drive safely on their streets. I know how much damage I do here but most of the time it isn't my fault. Cybertron just doesn't have the room or the roads like it used to.

Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Brawn turned angrily on Trailbreaker after his comment about being patient.

"Easy for you to say! You're always hiding behind that force field of yours! While we're waiting here 'patiently', Megatron's cronies are stealing all our resources in Tagan Heights and fortifying their defences! The longer we wait the harder it will be to strike back! So, you're slaggin' right I got rust chaffing my aft!"

After Brawn's little tirade, his microprocessors kicked back in and he saw that he had his fists raised against one of oldest and dearest friends. He was more than a little embarassed as the realization hit him. Clearly flustered not knowing what to do next he looked expectantly to Scoop then his optics locked onto Trailbreakers. With a exclamation of disgust, he spun and left the two Autobots behind so he could cool down his circuits.

Curse Megatron to the pit! This is all his fault! I hope Breaker's not too mad at me, but Scoop was right. If we keep waiting around we're gonna waste energon. And get antsy.

The last thought brought back the feeling of embarassement. Brawn punched a wall out of frustration, leaving a hole. He walked on trying to sort out his feelings, something that he was never that good at. There were really only two dominant parts of his simplistic circuitry: happy Brawn and angry Brawn. Most Autobots enjoyed the company of a happy Brawn, but Primus help the Autobot or Decepticon that became the target of angry Brawn. On more than one occasion he had torn a Decpticon limb from limb with his bare hands. After all, Demolitions was what he was built for.

Outside Autobase Prime

Groove transformed and followed the rest of the Protectobots. He tried to hurry. Now Hotspot is gonna make us go through more of those boring drills! he thought. He knew that it was important, but he'd rather just relax and drive along the roads, with nothing to bother him.

(OOC: Sorry about the over-look, Windy)

Autobase Prime – Command Center

Elita returned Scattershot’s salute, and eventually his smile. She liked the mech, but he let the past often cloud his judgment which, if not kept in check, could cause his team some serious harm.

“At ease, Scattershot. Taking Strafe and making some recon runs sound like a good idea. Stay low and, like you said, stay out of trouble.”

That said Elita turned her attention to Prime’s briefing room door.

(OOC: No problem Ember. Just wanted to get Scattershot involved.)

Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Scattershot smiled, pleased with himself for coming up with a plan to simultaneously get him out of the boring headquarters and give him an opportunity to tangle with some Decepticons. He saluted Elita-1 respectfully.

"Commencing recon operation in two breems."

He spun on his heel leaving the command center, heading for the armoury at a fast walk. Along the way he opened a comm-link to Strafe.

Strafe! Get your afterburners down to the armoury now. I got a job for you. Tell you all about it when I see you there. Scattershot out!

Scattershot chuckled to himself. He knew that the jumpy Autobot would likely be near a panic attack after getting that transmission. Strafe was his favorite of the Technobots, although sometimes he wished he was a little more with it. He made a good wingman though and he could always keep up with his leader, which worked out well because more often than not Scattershot was getting in over his head.

Autobase Prime ~ Armoury

Entering the armoury, Scattershot found Bluestreak, Sunstreaker, and Sideswipe there engaged in conversation. He gave them a nonchalant wave.

"'Sup guys?"

Scattershot cooly went about taking inventory of his remaining munitions, compiling a list on a data pad of the various sonic, thermal, and artillery shells he would need. He then proceded to check his acid pellet gun. Giving the data pad to the requisition droid, he turned back to the three Autobot warriors. Leaning casually on a countertop he listened to their conversation and waited for Strafe.

Autobase Prime: Corridors

To say Strafe wasn't expecting Scattershot's transmission would have been an understatement. "Gah!" he jumped; he'd been on edge for a while now and his team-leaders transmision had quite litterally startled him. "Why does he always have to do that?" he grumbled.

Apologetic he turned to his companion "Sorry Stormfire; looks like I'm getting called out. Have fun without out me!" then he looked about "umm...where is the armoury?" he muttered to himself.

>>Yes Sir. ...as soon as I get un-lost I'll meet you there. Strafe out.<< he commed back; his inate paranoia already kicking up a fuss.

Finnally after getting his bearings (after eventually wandering to a place he recognised); he headed off towards the armoury. "See ya Stormfire!" he called out as he left.

After a while of walking, having some confusion on exactly where the armoury was he arrived.

Autobase Prime: Armoury

Strafe walked into the armoury looking just as jumpy as ever. "Strafe reporting" he saluted even though he looked somewhat wary. Wondering just what Scattershot had signed him up for this time.

Ark-13

Sureshot sat quietly as he listened to Magnus speak about the planet. His gun idlely flipping over and over in his hands, 6 billion was allot of lifeforms to avoid, but he kept his mouth shut. The scientific details of what they were about to embark upon bored him truthfully. Plus if they had to lay low the whole time that meant allot of staying on base to keep hidden. ~Oh what Joy.~

Shureshot turned to look at everyone aboard the Ark-13. They were all chosen for a reason. This would be an interesting test of their training and survival skills. At least he was privileged to be a part of it. He was getting tired of the same old same old. The sharpshooter turned back top watch Ultra Magnus again.

Autobase Prime- Command Center

Road Rage's optics danced with the light of the data processing console before her. The data stream seemed endless, and she felt like a secretary. Still, it was better than sitting on her hands.
The femme files through the data working steadily, meticulously, and slowly hoping to do a good job.
As stated by the leader of the Amazonian assault force, Elita, she is not a data processor by make, or by trade. Despite that, Road Rage follows orders and that's really the end of it.

Ark 13 ~ Bridge

"Indeed, we still have some time remaining before we depart, and we are not yet at our full compliment.." Ultra Magnus spoke in reply to Perceptor and Windcharger "..I had hoped that Broadside and the Aerialbots would have arrived here from Nova Cronum by now, but it seems that we may have to make a small detour to pick them up before we set course for AC 488.." The City Commander informed them "I don't like it, running the Ark that close to Polyhex, but what choice do we have?" Magnus thought to himself as he switched his attention from one set of questions to another, this time from Swerve.

"..All in good time Swerve, R&D will make up a part of this mission, but it's not that high on the list of immediate priorities. Let us get there and set things up first, if we let the 'Cons get ahead of us and get a foothold on the planet, then any talk of R&D is irrelevant, as we would have already failed the primary objective of the mission. In terms of contact with the Sentients, all you need to worry about for the present time is making sure you're not discovered. If our presence is revealed, only then we will decide what to do, not before"

As he finished his reply, Magnus opened up a commlink to the Autobot Supreme Commander, with intentions of finding out if he could give the order to depart Autobase Prime or not.

>>Optimus Sir, we're ready to depart. We'll initially be heading for Nova Cronum to pick up Broadside, Silverbolt and his team before beginning the journey towards AC 488, did you want a final word with the team before we leave, or do I have permission to take off?<<

------------------------------------
Autobase Prime ~ Command Center

Sitting transfixed as he was first shouted at, then threatened by, one of his oldest comrades, Trailbreaker said nothing as Brawn almost exploded, and then left the Command Center in a hurry. The Defensive Strategist continued to sit in silence for a while, as he just replayed the recent incident over in his head "Well.." He finally said to Scoop "..I suppose that'll teach me to make lousy jokes in future" Trailbreaker stated, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke.

Looking up to Scoop, the black 'Bot nodded in the direction of the recently departed minibot "I don't suppose you could go and keep an optic on him, see if he's OK for me? I don't know what's gotten into Brawn, but that sure as Pit wasn't him"

Autobase Prime - Prime's Ready Room

With Jetfire dismissed to his task, Optimus Prime moved onto the next item on his always-overfull agenda. The unit assigned to AC488 awaited him in the Ark-13, and he would not send them to their mission without personally addressing them first.

Pressing a button on a side door that opened into an access corridor, Prime transformed into all-terrain pursuit vehicle mode and rolled down the hallways toward one of Autobase Prime's larger hangars.



Autobase Prime - Armory

"It sure does," Sunstreaker answered Bluestreak's question as to whether or not their 'big game' possessed a beard. "And he's got a whole entourage of clones or look-alikes with him. We're planning on taking down the whole ugly bunch."

The golden warrior's voice lowered slightly, and became almost conspiratorial in tone. "Thing is, we've gotta find some way to get at 'em. Not like the high-ups are going to authorize a random mission deep into 'Con territory so Siders and me can settle a score, you know?"

As Scattershot entered and offered his offhand greeting, Sunstreaker nodded in his general direction. He normally didn't pay much mind to the blustering Technobot, finding his practical yet aesthetically atrocious design more than a little hard on the optics. But, as he nodded at Scattershot, the beginnings of an idea formed in his head. He nudged Sideswipe with his elbow.

"Bro," he said. "Scattershot's got some rank, and he loves a good fight. Maybe we can use him to get our mission."

He looked back at Scattershot, who was now joined by Strafe. Adopting a cheerier tone, he addressed the Technobot.

"Hey big mech. What's going on? You guys gearing up for a mission or something?"



Autobase Prime - Intelligence Offices

"I'm afraid that, other than the loss of the most important-city state on Cybertron and the revelation of disturbing new Decepticon war technology, there's not much going on lately," Mirage answered Jazz with a sardonic smile on his faceplate.

Normally, since Mirage did not work terribly well with other Autobots, Jazz left him well enough alone to do his intelligence work while Jazz conducted his own missions and investigations. There was a grudging respect between the two Transformers, and each knew that the other was capable enough to be left alone. Thus, even though Jazz outranked Mirage on paper, Mirage operated largely independently. It was a good system, one that had worked for a long time. Still, two cranial units were occasionally better than one.

"But speaking of the Heights, perhaps we would do well to reconnoiter the state of Decepticon occupation there, and see if there is anything we can do to slow their progress a bit," he suggested. "A small team. A few warriors, us, perhaps a technician. We could likely do more damage with a scalpel than with a sledgehammer, given our current lack of resources."

The spymaster awaited Jazz's thoughts on the matter.



Autobase Prime - Ark-13 Bridge

Rumbling onto the main bridge of the Ark-13, Optimus Prime transformed into robot mode and looked over the assembled Autobots. An excellent unit. Some of our best and brightest. His optics moved over Perceptor and the others, and then to Ultra Magnus. I only hope we can win the war on Cybertron without them. But the sentient lifeforms of AC488 must be protected. If we defeat the Decepticons but lose our principals in the process...we lose the war. Addressing Magnus, Prime let a slight glint of humor shine in his optics.

"I was hoping I could count on your unit not to leave without saying goodbye first."

Ark 13 - in Berth

"Do not worry yourself, Swerve. With Sureshot, Broadside, and even the Aerialbots coming along to battle the Decepticons, I fail to see how the Decepticons can truly be of that much a threat in the face of that conglomeration of firepower. Admittedly we will probably not be able to bring it all to bear in the context of our protocol of remaining hidden and preventing collateral damage, but I doubt this operation will surpass a Stellar Cycle in length. And once the Decepticons have been nuetralised, we will have unlimited time to pursue a constructive relationship with the indigenous popuation, learn from their science, assist them in understanding ours, and potentially retreiving a small portion of their abundant energy stockpiles for use by the Autobots." It was difficult to tell if Perceptor actually beleived this very favorable outcome was the most likely, or if he were simply being very enthusiastic.

Perceptor then returned his attention to Ultra Magnus. "It would not be terribly fuel-efficient to fly the Ark to Nova Cronum compared to having the Aerialbots come to us, but I suppose there could be factors to nessecitate such action. Windcharger, could you plot both an orbital exit course and a landflight course to Nova Cronum, to save time on Prime's orders? Or would you need..." Perceptor stopped as Optimus entered the Ark, stood to attention and Saluted even more stiffly than he had done with Ultra Magnus, if that were possible.

Autobase Prime Command Center

Scoop saw Brawn storm out and wondered if the bot did not understand the humor that Trailbreaker had used. Given the situation he did not blame him. Then he heard Trailbreaker ask him to keep an eye on the other warrior. Scoop responded "I will be glad to do that for you Trailbreaker as Scoop hopped out of his station and walked out following Brawn

It took him a couple of nanos but he caught up to the war chizzled veteran of the Autobots and said "Brawn mind if I treat you to an energon refreshment in the pub. We can discuss some strategy that we can present to Prime when he gives us a mission??"


Autobase Prime Hallways

Repugnus just gave a stern look at Blurr as he responded to his comments. He just shook his head and said "Blurr we need to make your fast ramblings a weapon that could overload Decepticon hearing initializers." He then looked around at the other bots and then said in all seriousness "In battle if you were lost or lost someone then the cons would show no mercy. That is what I meant. If your friends got lost in our own hallways then in battle they would be a liability." Repugnus said hoping that one of the bots would take him seriously.

Ark 13

Landfill had nothing really to ask about the mission to this other world. He wasn't likely to get up close and personal with the life forms there anyways, though he would have loved to have made new friends... it just didn't seem to be in the stars at this time. Instead giving a nod to Ultra Magnus and then to the others, Landfill pulled out a data pad from Navigation station and began to review its contents. "So these are the coordinates? Its a long journey to reach this place." He handed it over to Perceptor and smiled.

"With your permission sir, I would like to report to Engineering and begin the final boot up sequences for launch. If we want to reach this planet before the Decepticons do, I would also recommend that we leave now." Landfill's smile was probably the most infectously cheerful of the bunch. By trade he was not a dedicated engineer, but he had over the vorns learned enough to get by. Running a starship's engines would be no different than operating a Photon Launcher.
-------------------------------------

Approaching Science Sector:

Hotspot had spent most of the trip in silent contemplation, well more like angry stewing. His team had once again shown that they weren't exactly on the same page. As much as he hated to say it, but if they failed to follow orders on a simple assemblage then what would happen if they were forced to merge? It was a terrifying thought another rampaging Gestalt for the Autobots deal with.

On the horizon a large looming mountain soon came into scanner range. It stood alone in the heart of the Science District, or what was left of it. Before the war there was once a state of the art university there, and observatory. But since the war had begun, well not even Hotspot knew the full details of what had happened here. His friend Chromedome never really spoke about it. Still juding from its height the Protectobot Commander figured that would be the perfect place to set up their post. "Alright guys," He finally commed the troops. "We're headed to the top of the anticon hill."

Autobase Prime ~ Ark 13

Windcharger acknowledged Perceptor's request by turning to his navigation console.

"Plotting coordinates."

Checking the maps, he pressed a series of buttons to accomplish the task.

"Alright. Coordinates set. Ready when you are."



Autobase Prime ~ Armoury

Scattershot smiled as Strafe reported as requested.

"You're in luck buddy. I managed to scare up a little action for us."

Handing Strafe a data pad for the requisition droid, he turned speak to Sunstreaker.

"It just so happens that Elita-1 just authorized me to take Strafe on a little 'recon' mission. Why?"

Scattershot had accentuated 'recon' by making quotation marks in the air with his fingers. To him, recon could mean alot of different things. But mainly it represented an opportunity to tangle with some Decepticons.



Autobase Prime ~ Corridors

Brawn may not be the smartest of Autobots, but even he could see through Scoop's charade. However he was thankful for the offer. Looking tired and worn out he accepted Scoop's invitation.

"An energon would probably do me some good. But, talking strategy with me? You must have a bigger glitch in your diodes than me."

Brawn smiled, glad to have the company, and headed for the energon bar. A chat with Scoop would help him figure out how to apologize to Trailbreaker. That would be harder than talking military strategy.

Autobase Prime ~ Armoury

Strafe just rolled his optics knowing full well what Scattershot's brand of fun was. "Yeah? Well; it's gotta beat being inside" he admitted taking the datapad.

Sorting out his own requisition Strafe handed it to the droid waiting quietly and about as taught as a bowstring. Strafe's paranoia rarely let him relax and considering the circumstances; he was considerably concerned.

While he listened in on what everyone else was talking about. Recon? Hmm knowing Scattershot we're bound to do more than just recon. He thought to himself; watching everything that was going on.

Science District

Chase transformed on top of the hill. The Protectorbots were somewhere around at the bottom of it, so he took the time to let his systems cool off while he looked at the surroundings with his excellent vision. He couldn't see anything threatening, <It appears to be clear up here, Hotspot!> Chase radioed to the Protectorbot leader.

Ark 13

He was apprehensive. Searchlight made sure to strap himself into a seat. It wasn't that he was afraid of flying. He new that flights had a relatively good safety record. It wasn't the flight that worried him; it was the being shot down and crashing in a ball of fire that did.

Autobase Prime : Corridors

“That-would-be-great-Repugnus!-I-would-love-to-have-more-
impact-on-the-battlefield.-A-lot-of-the-‘Cons-don’t-find-me-as-
threatening-as-they-do-some-of-the-other-Autobots,-although-
since-my-main-function-is-as-a-courier-and-not-a-battle-bot-I-
suppose-that-makes-sense.-Maybe-if-Wheeljack-or-Perceptor-
aren’t-too-busy-they-could-look-into-that,” Blurr concluded
enthusiastically.

Blurr listened to Repugnus for a second before commenting,
“Well,-the-four-of-us-were-headed-to-the-command-center-
together.-Then-we-accidently-got-split-up.-I-don’t-know-
about-the-others,-but-I-haven’t-spend-a-lot-of-time-at-
Autobase-Prime-so-I-don’t-quite-know-my-way-around-yet.
-I-am-sure-our-friends-aren’t-a-liability,-but-if-you-think
-it-is-a-valid-concern-we-will-try-and-keep-a-closer
-optic-on-each-other-on-and-off-the-battlefield,” Blurr switched his gaze over to Jedishen, “Right-Jedishen?”

Ark 13 ~ Bridge

"Permission granted Landfill, get everything prepared and radio up when you're done" Ultra Magnus replied, before switching his attention to Perceptor. His comments were valid, and had already crossed the processors of the City Commander, but without word from Nova Cronum, time was now too short to wait for them to make it over to the Autobot Capital. As the Scientist stopped short and stood at attention, Magnus looked quizzically for a moment, before the voice of Optimus Prime could be heard, a hint of humor in his tone.

"You know I never leave without saying goodbye Optimus Sir.." Magnus replied, attempting to keep the mood light "..However if it were up to Windcharger, we would be halfway to AC-488 by now, minus the Aerialbots and Broadside.." The City Commander joked, loud enough for the minibot to hear. Looking back to the Matrix Carrier, Magnus' demeanour changed slightly back into his usual professional manner "The floor, so to speak, is yours Optimus Sir"

------------------------------------
Autobase Prime ~ Corridors

He'd been mostly silent as he listened to Blurr and Repugnus talk back and forth as the 3 of them walked along the corridors of Autobase Prime. As he heard his name mentioned, Jedishen looked over to Blurr before contemplating his reply. To him, Repugnus seemed to be overeacting a little bit, taking a small incident like Strafe disapearing in the safety of the Corridors of Autobase Prime, and transferring it into a hypothetical 'What If?' situation out on the battlefield.

Still, the Scout was wary of voicing his true opinion, based on what he'd heard of the Monsterbot's vile temper, and so decided to go with more of a 'Sit on the Fence' approach "Indeed we will Blurr, what with the 'Cons being generally more powerful than us, teamwork and backing each other up is one of our most potent weapons in this war, one we'll have to use to it's fullest extent if we're to win this war.." Jedishen replied, noticing Stormfire up ahead of them, he couldn't help but add on a little bit more "..Though I don't think losing sight of one 'Bot in an unfamiliar base is anything to get too concerned about Repugnus"

The Ark-13 - Bridge

Optimus Prime looked around at the assembled crew of the Ark-13. After Ultra Magnus greeted him and made his humorously accurate comment about Windcharger, the supreme commander spoke.

"I'm sure you've already received your briefing, and you've been told that your mission is to stop the Decepticons from carrying out the Infiltration Protocol on AC488," he began. "You've probably also been told that there are six billion carbon-based sentients on the planet, and that they must be protected from the Decepticons."

He paused, the continued. "You're probably expecting me to tell you that the safety of the sentients is your primary concern. That you should place their protection above all other goals, even if that means losing to the Decepticons. Preservation of life before victory in battle. I wouldn't be the first Prime to preach that sermon." Sentinel.

"But I'm not here to preach. I'm here to tell you the truth, and the truth is this: you have to win the battle and preserve innocent life. Lose one, and you lose both. The Decepticons have the unique luxury of being able to lose. If we drive them off AC488, they will find another world to exploit. If they kill countless innocents in the process, they don't care. They lose, in the grand scheme of things, very little."

He continued. "However, we are, for lack of a better term, the good guys. We can't afford to lose. We can't afford to tie. Anything less than total victory is a total loss. This is a very tall order. There is almost no margin for error. But rest assured, this unit was built to accomplish all that must be done on AC488. You are capable of total victory, and for all of our sakes and the sake of the six billion sentient beings on AC488, you must achieve it."

Optimus came to attention and saluted the assembled Autobots crisply. "May Primus guide and protect you all." He turned to Magnus. "You're cleared for launch whenever you're ready. Good luck, old friend."

After shaking Magnus' hand actuator, Prime transformed once more and rumbled out of the Ark-13, the main door closing behind him.