The Energon Pub

Sky Lynx

>>”Sky Lynx, is it? This is Howlstrike inside Omega Supreme. Just so you and the others know, Omega is about to transform. So, if you can stop congratulating yourself for two astroseconds, maybe you can make sure not to get in his way when he attacks the Decepticons. Okey-dokey?”<<

>>”Bah! Omega Supreme need not trouble himself, the old boy! I am more than enough to handle these Decepticon layabouts! The foul cads!”<<

>>"Sky Lynx?! How did you... Nevermind, see what you can do about that destroyer!"<<

Hmm…His Autobot fellows didn’t quite seem as dazzled as Sky Lynx had expected – plus, they had actually held their applause. He hadn’t actually meant for them to hold all of it. Just most of it. Because, if they hadn’t held it, they surely would have been here all cycle. Ah, it was most likely the fault of those Decepticads. They were distracting from his glory! Well, he would rectify that.

>>”Leave it all to me, Springer,”<< Sky Lynx proclaimed, surging forward toward the destroyer. His mouth laser unleased itself upon its shields as well as all of his auxiliary firepower. He figured that he ought to send these Decepticads packing quickly so that his comrades might better applaud and bask in his overwhelming glory.

Decepticon destroyer Burning Justice--Bridge

With the Sweeps regrouping so that they could mount a fresh assault, Scourge would soon be able to turn the full wrath of his vessel and his Huntsmen against the intervening dinobird, Sky Lynx and ultimately the waylaid Omega Supreme.

The Burning Justice charged ahead at full speed, unleashing everything in its forward laser batteries at Sky Lynx, with the Autobot vessel firing right back. The blackness of space wash awash in the glowing destruction of heavy energy fire. The bridge rocked violently, sending more than one Sweep toppling away from their station. Only Scourge's firm grip on his command chair kept him from joining them.

One system after another began to display critical errors and damage intake. Sweeps still standing upright scurried from one console to another, trying to assess and correct the damage.

"We can't sustain another volley like that, great Tracker!" Debris howled.

"I've got sensor readings showing more of the Omega Guardian's systems coming online," Mortis added.

Klaxons began to blare throughout the bridge as the ship sustained more damage and rocked again. Scourge's talons were embedded into the steel of his chair.

"Fall back," he growled. "Disengage. Full reverse. Now."

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

“Not exactly, sweetspark. Omega is much much bigger and far more powerful. However, Sky Lynx can, if I’m not mistaken, turn into a shuttle craft and carry other mechs inside of himself like Omega.”

“But still!” Arclight said, spreading her hands out. Rung pitched in with another bit about the newcomer’s abilities. She found it hard to even imagine. “There wasn’t really anyone like that on Caminus,” she muttered, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. She wondered if this Sky Lynx was from a colony as well. Or, maybe, Cybertron just kinda had attributes of all the colonies.

The weapons engineer sort of drifted into her own little world considering the possibilities when he fancies where broken up by a spat between Howlstrike and Rung. Howlstrike went off into a corner to…blow off some steam, she guess. She went to go to him when someone else did before she could. Blindside.

The disabled tactician had shifted, walking over and plopping heavily beside his friend. He didn’t really say anything. His head was still sort of reeling from Omega’s voice. He was probably going to have to offline that system, which would blind him to a degree. Well. He was already blind but. Then he would be deaf too. But he did not have a role to play in this battle, much like Howl.

Blindside turned his head toward Howlstrike slightly and patted the Predacon on the shoulder and keeping his hand there as he shut down his sonar systems, which took his hearing away. Oblivion consumed Blindside. The radar offered some idea that he was not alone, but what reassured him most was his friend’s shoulder plate.

Sensory deprivation terrified Blindside. Not that he would vocalize that.

Arclight looked at the two for a moment before turning to the console. It struck her that Omega had not transformed yet. Probably because some of his internal sensors were damaged. She moved over to the terminal to communicate with their…host. “Omega Supreme, uh…sir? We’re all safe in the energon reservoir. So give those Cons what for!”

Omega Supreme

“Omega Supreme, uh…sir? We’re all safe in the energon reservoir. So give those Cons what for!”

>>”ACKNOWLEDGED.”<< Omega Supreme’s voice boomed through his internal speakers in response to Arclight’s announcement. He had been waiting for the smaller Autobots within his massive body to give him an update of their whereabouts. With his sensory suite damaged by the Semper Tyrannis’ fusion blast, he had little other choice unless he was willing to crush the others to death. And that was unthinkable option to the ancient guardian. He valued the lives of his friends and allies and would have rather sacrificed his own life than let them came to any kind of harm, especially from himself.

Activating his transformation protocols, the Autobot behemoth began to shift and turn, parts sliding open and into new positions and configurations as the frigate sized spaceship transformed into the immense robot form of the mightiest of the Omega Sentinels – Omega Supreme.

Locking his optics with the Decepticon destroyer that was under heavy fire by both Longevity and Sky Lynx, Omega Supreme raised his clawed arm instead of his wrecked main cannon arm, aiming it towards the Burning Justice that was now turning tail.

>>”TARGET SYNCRONIZING.”<< He announced through several radio frequencies, making sure that Scourge and his minions wouldn’t miss it. The plasma cannon between his actuators began glowing, ready to unleash a torrent of destructive energy at the Decepticons. >>”PREPARE TO MEET YOUR MANUFACTURER DECEPTICONS.”<<

Scourge however, was clearly not planning to stay to see whether his spacecraft was going to survive the assault of the Autobots – now reinforced by Omega Supreme. For the Burning Justice was going transwarp.

Not willing to waste the little energy he had for a shot that might be more or less absorbed by the transwarp effect, Omega let his weapon to power down, recycling the power he had charged up for the blast back into his internal energon flow.

>>”THESE DECEPTICONS SCATTER LIKE COWARDS.”<<

Decepticon destroyer Burning Justice--Bridge

"The Omega Guardian is powering up its primary cannon!" Decay shrieked. Scourge cursed openly, but it was impossible to decipher over the sounds of discharged energy exploding against the ship's shields and, in some cases, the ship itself where the shields had given out entirely.

This was it, Scourge knew. If Omega Supreme locked on them and fired, the Burning Justice would be little more than a cloud of burning debris after it was all over.

"Activate transwarp now!" the Tracker barked.

"He's powering down..."

"Immaterial," Scourge hissed. "Now!"

And in a flurry of flame and spatial distortion, the ship was gone.

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

Meditation. It was the one thing that helped Howlstrike keep control of his anger. He hadn’t used it in a long while, but the former Predacon hadn’t been this angry in a long while, either. Who did Rung think he was, trying to psycho-analyze him again after all this time? Howl wasn’t a patient of his anymore, not since many many vorns ago after the lupine tracker had officially joined the Autobots, and he never would be again if the hunter had anything to say about it. He had heard enough of Rung’s slag during their numerous sessions together, and he didn’t want to hear any more of it now. Besides, Howl had always credited his good friend, Kup, with helping him the most to adjust to Autobot life and to control his anger, far more than Rung had done, and that opinion had not changed.

Of course, the irony of it all was that Howlstrike had originally gotten the idea of meditation from Rung. The ex-Predacon would never admit that, but it was true nevertheless. Howl had initially refused to meditate, saying that it was a stupid idea and unbecoming of a real warrior. He still very much had the mindset of a Predacon at the time. However, a while after he had stopped seeing Rung, Howlstrike decided to give it a try after one of his more violent blow-ups, one that drew harsh condemnation from even Kup. Surprisingly, meditation worked better than Howl had expected. It wasn’t perfect but it did help ease the rage within.

As many times before, Howlstrike now found himself in deep meditation. His circuits cooled and his air intakes slowed as the anger within began to melt away. The former Predacon was more relaxed now even as he felt a sudden shake in the floor as someone plopped right down next to him. Howl kept his optics dark as he remained in his place of peace and solitude. The lupine tracker then felt a pat on the shoulder plate as that unknown mech’s hand subsequently remained there and did not move. Howl stayed motionless for a short time longer before letting out a deep sigh. He felt a bit of anger creep back in, but he kept it in check.

“I swear, Rung, if that’s you I’ll…” Howlstrike on-lined his optics fully and turned towards the individual sitting next to him. It was Blindside. “Oh, it’s just you,” the former Predacon stated in a somewhat relieved voice. “If you’re trying to comfort me, Blindy, I really don’t need it. So, if you don’t mind, you can take your hand off my shoulder plate now before anyone gets the wrong idea.” The Autobot tracker gazed at his friend for a few more astroseconds but got no response at all from him. “Blindy? Hello? Hey!” Howlstrike reached over and shook his friend. It wasn’t a violent shake, just enough to get the tactician’s attention. “Hey, Blindside! What’s wrong with you?”

At the same time Omega Supreme’s voice boomed throughout the chamber as he completed his transformation and dealt with the Decepticon threat outside. While very loud, Howlstrike paid little attention to the Guardian's vocals as the wolf-former remained focused on his friend and why he was not immediately responding to him.

SKY LYNX

As Omega Supreme transformed and under the barrage of his complete and overwhelming arsenal, the Decepticads retreated with their tails firmly between their legs. The danger had passed. Hmph. How easy that had been. So much for that. Soaring triumphantly over to where Springer stood on the outer hull of the Longevity, Sky Lynx swung his neck low to look down at Springer a bit more clearly.

Ah, Wreckers.

They had a sort of tenacity that Sky Lynx commended. It was much like his own if less…tenacious. >>”Well now, Springer, care to explain how field testing weapons devolved into a naval skirmish? Though I suspect it has something to do with our visitor…Hm. Omega Supreme!”<< Sky Lynx switched their channel to include the guardian, >>”What business brings you to the Sol System?”<<


Omega Supreme

Blindside jerked as Howlstrike shook him. He glanced around before realizing that wouldn’t do him any good. He supposed it was Howl who was shaking him. He couldn’t imagine who else it would be. With his advanced sensory array turned off, he couldn’t hear anything. Or see anything. Only feel. >>”Howl? Is that you? I can’t hear anything right now. Omega’s voice…is a bit much for the systems that help me ‘see’. It hurts.”<<

Omega Supreme

>>”What business brings you to the Sol System?”<<

>>”I AM BRINGER OF GRAVE NEWS SKY LYNX. WHERE IS OPTIMUS PRIME?”<< Omega Supreme spoke out in response to Sky Lynx’s query as he watched the Decepticons flee. They would be back and in much greater strength, that he was certain of.

Activating his transformation back to his spacecraft mode, Omega continued. >>”HIS PRESENCE IS REQUESTED WITHOUT A DELAY. MY NEWS ARE. URGENT. AND... FOR HIS AUDIO RECEPTORS ONLY FOR NOW.”<<

They all deserved to know really but news of Garrus-9’s fate would deal a demoralizing blow against many Autobots. This information needed to be given to upper echelon of Autobot command first and passed down the way they felt being proper as much as Omega would have liked to share the news with everything here and now.

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

>>”Howl? Is that you? I can’t hear anything right now. Omega’s voice…is a bit much for the systems that help me ‘see’. It hurts.”<<

Having received Blindside’s private comm, Howlstrike stopped shaking his new friend. He had been unaware that a voice as loud and booming as Omega Supreme’s would be harmful to the sightless mech’s systems. Of course, it made perfect sense when one thought about it. Blindside couldn’t see through his optics. Thus, his audio systems had to work extra hard to make up for the lack of visual data. As a result, they were very sensitive. At least, that’s how the former Predacon was understanding it.

>>”Yeah, it’s me. Sorry, Blindside, I didn’t know you couldn’t hear me.”<< Howlstrike responded over the private comm they now shared. >>”That really sucks aft. Anything I can do to help?”<<

Shuttle Longevity--Bridge

As the Decepticon battlecruiser and its Sweep backup vanished into the depths of space, Sandstorm's grip still held firm to the controls for a few astroseconds as he looked around, waiting for something else bad to happen. When nothing did, he let go and leaned back in his pilot's chair and let out a sigh of satisfaction.

"Frag yeah! That'll show 'em, heh," he chuckled good-naturedly before opening a comm with the commander who was still somewhere on the exterior of the ship.

>>"You all good out there, bossmech?"<<

Longevity - Bridge

Sideswipe flicked over his combat HUD overlay, checking all undamaged weapons systems for irregularity.
Combat had become cathartic for Sideswipe, the only moments were he wasnt crushed by the anxiety of loss by war. His jaw had been tense as he lead targets and destroyed them, the others accused him of showing off, what they didn't understand was Sideswipe felt genuine guilt when a target slipped him by. In Sideswipes mind the Decepticons were not villans, but theoretical statistics of how many friends they were going to kill.

Sideswipe projected the air of cool calm as he casually deflected banter thrown at him. "Be cool, and stay calm." was his mantra.

To the outward observer he was staring at a reflection of himself smiling cool as a space cucumber.

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

Arclight smiled with relief as it seemed like the danger had passed. Only that smile instantly disappeared when the Omega Guardian mentioned Optimus Prime. His passing really hurt her. Well, it’d hurt any Camien if the walking embodiment of Primus died. She pressed a hand lightly to Omega Supreme’s hull, and opened her mouth to speak, but the sudden shift set her momentarily off balance.

Recovering, she joined the open channel with the titans and legends. >>”Ah…um…Omega Supreme…uh, sir? Optimus Prime is no longer…He’s no longer with us. Er, which is to say. He’s gone. Um. One with the allspark.”<<

>>”I’m sorry that you came all this way…only to find that out now…Um. Ultra Magnus is in charge now.”<<

Arclight winced and waited for the Omega Guardian’s response. She wasn’t too sure how he would react. Harshly for her interruption? She knit her hands together anxiously.

>>”Yeah, it’s me. Sorry, Blindside, I didn’t know you couldn’t hear me.”<< Howlstrike responded over the private comm they now shared. >>”That really sucks aft. Anything I can do to help?”<<

>>”It does,”<< Blindside issued a small chuckle, still keeping his hand on Howl’s shoulder. >>”It helps to have someone to hang onto. It’s a little…”<< Terrifying to be out in a sensory void. But Blindside wasn’t going to tell Howl that and suffer more of the former Predacon’s teasing. >>”…uncomfortable for me otherwise.”<<

>>”What’s going on out there? The Cons? I’m feeling a lot of movement.”<<

SKY LYNX

>>”WHAT?!”<< This was news to Sky Lynx! Optimus Prime was terminated?! >>”And Ultra Magnus didn’t bother to think to inform me of this?! Why…I’ll have words with that charlatan! How DARE he keep this from me! Why, I’m hurt! Offended, most certainly.”<<

Sky Lynx turned about face in the direction of Sol-3, flapping his wings and whipping his neck around with utmost agitation. >>”Come, dear lowly comrades! We must have words with Ultra Magnus.”<<

He paused, flying over to Springer who still stood on the hull of his ship. Craning his neck down to consider the green mech at just above optic level, Sky Lynx stared at him. >>”You didn’t happen to know of this as well, did you, Springer? How could you not inform me! I realize Decepticons are quite exciting and such, but some matters take priority over such mundane scum, I hope you realize!”<<

Omega Supreme

”UNACCEPTABLE.” Omega’s voiced boomed through his internal speakers and short-range communications. The Guardian was clearly upset over the news. He couldn’t voice the dread feeling of sudden hopelessness Arclight’s news had summoned within him. No. He had to remain strong for the others. That was his duty. Even if the news were as crushing as death of Optimus Prime. Even if he was to tell these Autobots about what had taken place in Garrus-9. They were losing the war. They couldn’t lose their hope too.

”I WILL MOURN OVER THE LOSS OF MY FRIEND.” He stated with grim sadness apparent in his voice before continuing with solemn determination which was quite unlike Sky Lynx's dramatic take on the situation, ”HOWEVER.”

”THERE MUST BE A PRIME.”

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

>>”It does. It helps to have someone to hang onto. It’s a little…uncomfortable for me otherwise. What’s going on out there? The Cons? I’m feeling a lot of movement.”<<

Howlstrike let a small smile creep onto his faceplate. It actually felt good to help someone out and be appreciated for a change. There were still a lot of Autobots who would simply scoff at him if they received his assistance. Many still don't trust him after all this time. Fortunately, it seemed that the tide was slowly turning as many others were finally giving him a fair chance at redemption. Blindside was one of those few mechs who didn’t have a problem calling the former Predacon a friend.

>>”Glad I could help, Blindy. As for what’s going on outside, it seems the Decepti-frags have tucked tail and run off. I guess having both Sky Lynx and a transformed Omega Supreme here made them think twice about continuing their attack. Heh. Cowardly ‘Cons!”<<

”UNACCEPTABLE. I WILL MOURN OVER THE LOSS OF MY FRIEND. HOWEVER. THERE MUST BE A PRIME.”

Omega’s booming voice took Howlstrike by surprise, causing him to flinch slightly. Even though the wolf-former didn’t have ultra sensitive hearing like Blindside, those thunderous vocals were enough to give any normal mech a cranial ache.

>>”Seems Omega’s not too happy about Prime being gone. He says there must be a Prime. I guess he means a replacement? Can’t imagine anyone replacing Optimus, can you?”<< Howl paused for a moment as he flashed Blindside a toothy grin. >>”Although, Howlstrike Prime does have certain ring to it, wouldn’t you say? Heh.”<<

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

>>”Glad I could help, Blindy. As for what’s going on outside, it seems the Decepti-frags have tucked tail and run off. I guess having both Sky Lynx and a transformed Omega Supreme here made them think twice about continuing their attack. Heh. Cowardly ‘Cons!”<<

>>”They made an obvious tactical retreat,”<< Blindside corrected, not wanting to rain on his friend’s parade too much, but as a tactician himself, it pained him not to speak up, >>”I mean, I certainly wouldn’t want to face down that in their pedes. Let us be grateful that the Decepticons do not have an Omega Supreme or a Sky Lynx in their ranks.”<<

Blindside felt a rumble go through Omega Supreme’s frame. At first, he thought that the Decepticons had returned, but soon realized that it was more likely just Omega Supreme speaking.

>>”Seems Omega’s not too happy about Prime being gone. He says there must be a Prime. I guess he means a replacement? Can’t imagine anyone replacing Optimus, can you?”<< Howl paused for a moment as he flashed Blindside a toothy grin. >>”Although, Howlstrike Prime does have certain ring to it, wouldn’t you say? Heh.”<<

>>”Primus spare all of our sparks if the matrix chooses you,”<< Blindside quipped back, elbowing Howlstrike in the side lightly. His hand never left Howl’s shoulder however. >>”Optimus has been spearheading the Autobots since the old regime collapsed. It is difficult to picture anyone else in his place. But…the Autobots have not fallen apart under Ultra Magnus’s supervision.”<<


Arclight jumped with fright as Omega Supreme voiced his opinion on the matter of Optimus Prime. If Sky Lynx had been dramatic, Omega’s reaction upset Arclight all over again. She averted her optics, looking to the floor. She offlined them as she heard his sadness. Maybe there was something she could do…Arclight looked up as he stated that there must be a Prime.

“Th-That’s not…possible. His body was never recovered,” she offered, “Though…neither was Megatron’s.”

Longevity - Outer Hull

>>”You didn’t happen to know of this as well, did you, Springer? How could you not inform me! I realize Decepticons are quite exciting and such, but some matters take priority over such mundane scum, I hope you realize!”<<

Springer paused as the giant Autobot brought his shuttle-sized head down to meet "optics" with him. He didn't get a moment to gather himself from the fight before Sky Lynx began to berate him.

>>"Well first off, nice to see you too Bird for brains."<< Springer was able to conjure up as he sheathed his sword, >>"Secondly, in the heat of the moment the thought didn't exactly cross my mind while I had Decepticons shooting at me! Finally, it's something that no one outside the system knows of because we don't have the resources to protect ourselves if word ever got out that the big guy is missing!"<<

Judging by the sound of Omega Supreme's outburst, it sounded like he wasn't handling the news as well as Sky Lynx was either. >>"C'mon, your majesty, let's go see what drew Omega to this system."<<

Springer turned his comm-unit to include the rest of the Longevity's crew.

>>"Alright boys, looks like we're clear for now. Move the ship over towards the big guy and lets get back to helping get him in a better condition. Might have to tow him if Arclight and the others couldn't get him up and running to full strength again. Sideswipe, keep an optic on those sensors and shoot any con that comes around for another attack. They might just be hiding to 'lick their wounds' as the fleshies say."<< Why would they lick them? Do they have special healing abilities in their spit? Bleck! Sounds gross.

Shuttle Longevity--Bridge

Springer's incoming transmission was all the confirmation Sandstorm needed that the de facto Wrecker chief was in functional condition after their soiree with the Sweeps. Little slaggin' skyboats. Next time.

>>"Alright boys, looks like we're clear for now. Move the ship over towards the big guy and lets get back to helping get him in a better condition. Might have to tow him if Arclight and the others couldn't get him up and running to full strength again. Sideswipe, keep an optic on those sensors and shoot any con that comes around for another attack. They might just be hiding to 'lick their wounds' as the fleshies say."<<

>>"Copy that, chief. Moving the ship into position now,"<< Sandstorm commed back as he adjusted the nav controls and nudged the ship forward gently into position.

Shuttle Longevity--Bridge

A dissatisfied sneer had etched itself firmly on the face of the yellow Autobot warrior. Sunstreaker had become accustomed to decepticons running from him in battle, but those were usually one-on-one scenarios. This had been a different beast altogether, and still the results had been the same.

"Hmph," he snorted, leaning back from the gunner's command consoles. "I had expected better. Particularly from the likes of Scourge. Such a disappointment."

He then looked over at his brother. Unsurprisingly, he was smiling.

"What are you smiling at? Your marginal skill at keeping us all alive?"

Omega Supreme

“Th-That’s not…possible. His body was never recovered,” she offered, “Though…neither was Megatron’s.”

A glimmer of newfound hope gleamed in Omega Supreme’s optics as he stared into the vast void surrounding him. Arclight’s words, even if uncertain – had given him hope. Prime’s body had not been found. The Matrix had not compelled a new chosen one to rise to take Optimus’ place. Or at the very least no one seemed to know of such.

”THEN,” he rumbled, ”THERE IS STILL HOPE.”

”THANK YOU LITTLE ONE,” the ancient Autobot added with gratitude in his voice. However, even after all this, he was not ready to burden these Autobots with the grim news he was bringing. If Optimus was unreachable, Prowl or Ultra Magnus might not be. It would be theirs to decide what to do with the news regarding Garrus-9.

"TAKE US TO YOUR LEADER."

Sky Lynx: The Savior of the Universe

>>"Well first off, nice to see you too Bird for brains."<< Springer was able to conjure up as he sheathed his sword, >>"Secondly, in the heat of the moment the thought didn't exactly cross my mind while I had Decepticons shooting at me! Finally, it's something that no one outside the system knows of because we don't have the resources to protect ourselves if word ever got out that the big guy is missing!"<<

>>”Well! I never,”<< Sky Lynx huffed, mightily offended at Springer’s initial greeting. So offended, in fact, that his brilliant mind failed to deliver him a proper rebuttal. It settled on the fact that he ought to take the high road. Yes, yes. This was all so beneath him. >>”I suppose that makes some amount of sense…Losing Optimus is a blow – not as great a blow as losing me for instance – but fear not, I shall never be felled by Decepticon hands.”<<

As Springer turned his attentions to the rest of his crew in his dinky little shuttle, Sky Lynx considered their options. After a moment of deliberation, Sky Lynx effortlessly glided over to Omega Supreme and latched onto him with his four claws.

>>”I’m afraid I must agree with Omega, Springer. Time is of the essence. The Decepticons could return with a larger force at any moment. I’ll help this old chap along. It’s easier for me to disengage than it would be for you, and it’ll be faster.”<<

Without waiting for an answer, Sky Lynx set about towing Omega Supreme along back toward where the rest of the Autobots would most assuredly be waiting. He glanced down to the Omega Guardian.

>>”My apologies for the rough treatment, old bean, but we are rather in a rush. Try not to fret until we arrive. Just relax. Conserve your energy. Wait. Us? Who is us? Do you have little passengers in there?”<<


Inside Omega Supreme

Arclight felt a little odd at Omega’s rumblings. It stirred something in her spark. Something that squished itself when he thanked her. As much as she hated to admit it, it kind of made her feel special to be thanked by an Omega Guardian. Well, Arclight did still feel horribly guilty about being the bearer of bad news about Optimus and all, but…well, he was going to find out one way or another.

Grappling with her conflicting emotions, Arclight scratched her arm nervously. It was a tick. Something she couldn’t help when she was upset or nervous or…anxious. Was she anxious? Well, maybe. Omega wasn’t in the best shape and…well, the Decepticons could come back at any second. And it was her first real taste of combat.

Arclight hadn’t done anything, but still! Pressing her back to the wall, she slid down, curling up into a little worrisome ball. What would she do if they came back? Howlstrike seemed raring to go as did Blindside, but what could she do? Sit there and be scared. Ugh. Arclight buried her head in her arms.

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

>>”They made an obvious tactical retreat. I mean, I certainly wouldn’t want to face down that in their pedes. Let us be grateful that the Decepticons do not have an Omega Supreme or a Sky Lynx in their ranks.”<<

>>Tactical retreat, my aft.”<< Howlstrike commed back to Blindside. >>”They’re cowards, all of them. That’s why they chased after an injured Omega Guardian so they could finish him off when he was down. Sure, it was the smart thing to do, but make no mistake, they wouldn’t have chased him if Omega had been one hundred percent. And as far as what kind of big mechs the ‘Cons have in their ranks, they did have Trypticon, but I have no idea whatever happened to him. Luck for us. Heh.”<<

>>”Primus spare all of our sparks if the matrix chooses you. Optimus has been spearheading the Autobots since the old regime collapsed. It is difficult to picture anyone else in his place. But…the Autobots have not fallen apart under Ultra Magnus’s supervision.”<<

The lupine tracker couldn’t help but chuckle at Blindside’s reaction to the idea of a Howlstrike Prime. >>”Make fun of the idea all you want, the matrix will decide whether it be me or someone else. And if it’s me, well, you may want to start kissing my aft now, Blindy, just in case. But wash that mouth first. No dirty lips on my back end. Hahahah!”<< Once again, the former Predacon was only kidding around. He just couldn’t help it. It was so easy with his new, sight-challenged friend.

Inside Omega Supreme – Energon Reservoir

>>Tactical retreat, my aft.”<< Howlstrike commed back to Blindside. >>”They’re cowards, all of them. That’s why they chased after an injured Omega Guardian so they could finish him off when he was down. Sure, it was the smart thing to do, but make no mistake, they wouldn’t have chased him if Omega had been one hundred percent. And as far as what kind of big mechs the ‘Cons have in their ranks, they did have Trypticon, but I have no idea whatever happened to him. Luck for us. Heh.”<<

At that, Blindside could only shrug. Who was to say what would have happened if Omega Supreme had made it to them unscathed? The facts were that he was not. Thankfully, Autobot reinforcements happened to be in the area, but it was a near thing. They nearly lost a great asset. Blindside frowned as he realized something he had neglected.

Omega Supreme was quite gravely injured from what looked to be naval combat. Something with great power had ripped through him. Streamlight had mentioned something about the Cons having made their move. Blindside hadn’t known where Omega Supreme was stationed, but Rung…He though he remembered where the therapist had been.

Rubbing his chin, Blindside considered the facts. Streamlight had been injured when they boarded. A chill ran down his spine. Considering what sort of firepower was required to deal such damage to Omega Supreme…Primus, it couldn’t be. He could see why the Cons would want to keep a lid on that. And also why Omega Supreme was so insistent on talking with Prime.

So absorbed in his thoughts he was that he nearly missed Howlstrike’s retort to his light ribbing earlier. Blindside forced himself to smile. It wasn’t the best one he’d ever mustered up, but there was no sense in bothering Howl with his hypothesis. There was nothing his friend could do about it right now anyhow.

>>”Make fun of the idea all you want, the matrix will decide whether it be me or someone else. And if it’s me, well, you may want to start kissing my aft now, Blindy, just in case. But wash that mouth first. No dirty lips on my back end. Hahahah!”<<

>>”Please,”<< Blindside groaned out, shaking his head, >>”I’ve seen you dragging your aft on the floor. And, well, whoever gets the matrix, don’t let it be me. I want no part of that.”<<

Longevity - Bridge

"What are you smiling at? Your marginal skill at keeping us all alive?"

Sideswipe flashed his brother a wink, "just thinking how frag'd you would be if i wasn't here to watch your back bro."

Sideswipe caught sight of a reflection of himself in a shut down monitor at his console, and smiled again, his comlink crackled into life,

>>"Alright boys, looks like we're clear for now. Move the ship over towards the big guy and lets get back to helping get him in a better condition. Might have to tow him if Arclight and the others couldn't get him up and running to full strength again. Sideswipe, keep an optic on those sensors and shoot any con that comes around for another attack. They might just be hiding to 'lick their wounds' as the fleshies say."<< Why would they lick them? Do they have special healing abilities in their spit? Bleck! Sounds gross.

Sideswipe smiled, the first time in orns, "Affirmative there good buddy, ill let you know about any contacts or irregularity's."

Sideswipe fiddled with his control panel, bringing down the over head HUD array, he ran a quick weapons check again and diverted power to sensors. He relaxed as raw data flowed over him and through him from the tactical relay.

"Humans are weird, but they have cool hair." Sideswipe says aloud to no one in particular.

Longevity--Bridge

"Just thinking how frag'd you would be if i wasn't here to watch your back bro."

If Sunstreaker had been taking in some really good high-grade right about then, he'd have just spit it all over the console.

"How fragged I would be? Please. It's a miracle you're still alive. And I am that miracle."

"Humans are weird, but they have cool hair," Sideswipe continued, offhandedly. Sunstreaker simply sneered.

"Disgusting little meat sacks. You apply the slightest bit of pressure and....kfleh! Game over. Not that I ever have but....just the idea. Gives me the surges."
___

Once the ship was in place, Sandstorm kept an optic on all the available sensors, just to make sure another wave of Decepticons didn't suddenly wind up on their aft.

"We might as well just tow the big guy back. I'm sure he's earned the rest."