PART 149
Perceptor stood outside the Ark with Optimus Prime’s Ion rifle in his outstretched hands.
“Welcome back, sir.”
“It’s good to be back. Thank you, Perceptor.” the Autobot leader said, upon collecting his weapon. “I shall put this to good use shortly.”
“I anticipate that you will. Blaster is waiting to brief you in the staging area.”
Perceptor’s gaze returned to the shuttle Optimus Prime arrived in as he entered the Ark. Three Protectobots exited the craft. That was it. No comrades being carried out. No circuit slabs with damaged ‘Bots being wheeled down the ramp. Just three… where before there were six.
Perceptor’s smile faded.
“Apparently my modifications were inadequate,” he confessed to the tattered remains of the team. “My apologies… and my condolences.”
Hot Spot placed a hand on Perceptor’s shoulder.
“We were in pursuit of Megatron as Defensor. First Aid wanted us to break off the chase and rescue Prime. The others weren’t in agreement. I stayed silent. My inaction allowed more… aggressive personalities to sway our actions.”
Rook dropped his head, even though he owned only a fraction of the blame. He had a chance to literally grind Megatron under his heel. Who would pass up a once in a lifetime opportunity like that? First Aid, that’s who. Rook felt the shame of his inadequacy flow through him like an infusion of fresh Energon.
“Defensor lost focus,” Hot Spot continued, “and Megatron took us down with a single shot to the head. It’s not your fault that half my team died, Perceptor… It’s mine.”
“Well, awlright!” Blaster shouted, upon seeing Optimus walk in. “It’s Prime time! Gimme a second Prime, we’ve got Autobot teams in two cities. I’ll get the commanders linked in.”
The communications officer’s fingers blurred over Teletraan-1’s console. A door at the other end of the chamber shot up and Sideswipe stormed in.
“I lost track of my brother in Los Angeles, Prime. But now I’m refueled and ready to resume the hunt.”
“Pump your brakes, Sideswipe. I want you to accompany me to Carbomya. We have more pressing concerns there.”
“Glad to be of service,” Sideswipe replied. “When do we roll, er, I mean fly?”
“As soon as we find out what we’re flying into. Ready, Blaster?”
Blaster started the countdown. “3,2,1 and we are live with Jazz and Smokescreen!”
Two sound waves appeared on the screen. The bottom one—Smokescreen—spoke first.
“Prime, a crack commando unit has got us holed up inside Omega Supreme. We managed to nab half the Space Bridge before they took out half the team. Luckily they can’t get in, but we can’t get out. Should I tell Omega to leave with the sections we have?”
“Negative, we can’t risk the Decepticons refabricating the other half of that Bridge. Jazz, are you able to provide Smokescreen with reinforcements?”
“Workin’ on it, Prime! Ratchet and Wheeljack are reprogrammin’ some ah, aerial-bots to fly over an’ bail ‘em out.”
“Aerialbots…? Jazz, what is the status of the unit you deployed with?”
“One M.I.A, Powerglide’s out searchin’ for ‘im now. We took the structure where Swindle’s storin’ his WMDs… only thing is, Swindle has us trapped in here on top of ‘em surrounded by an angry mob.”
“Smokescreen, Jazz… hold your positions. I shall be arriving within the hour.”
Optimus Prime turned away from the monitor with Sideswipe in tow, delegating assignments as he departed.
“Blaster, maintain communications here. First Aid, Perceptor… repair Hot Spot and Rook, then prep the medical bay for incoming patients. Today Autobots, our mettle will be tested as never before. I pray that we are all up to the task.”
(to be continued)