Off to a bit of a slow start, but here it is. The beginning of my sequel to "Two Wreckers".
Upon arriving at the base, Ultra Magnus was pleased to see the welcome sight of Optimus Prime, finally returned from his mission with Smokescreen and Bumblebee. After what he had witnessed his Wreckers doing in the desert, he needed something to take his mind off the grotesque image that was now burned into his processors. Changing out of his vehicle mode, he approached Optimus inside the base from behind, "Welcome back Sir. Was your mission a success?" He asked, expecting the best from their glorious leader.
Optimus turned to face his first lieutenant and frowned, disappointment in his expression. "No. The Decepticons still managed to get a hold of what they wanted."
Looking down with a glare, bad news wasn't what he was looking for right now. "Well, I'm sorry to say that our mission wasn't quite the success I wish it had been either, Sir." Magnus added. He clearly hated admitting to defeat.
Optimus could see Magnus's reaction and still knew him well enough to know that he would take something like this harder than need be. A few centuries of separation wasn't enough to cloud Optimus's memory of his up-tight second in command. Gently resting a hand on Magnus's shoulder, Optimus sighed. "Victory will come another day, Ultra Magnus. Try to not let this defeat get to you. Now isn't the time for self pity." His words were soothing and wise. "You should try to rest. We will need to be prepared when the next Predicon fossil's location is discovered."
Magnus replied with a simply with a nod. Obedience to his leader was his ultimate priority, however, that didn't make his current situation any easier. Not only did he have rebellious Wreckers to deal with, but also now it seemed there was little they could do to stop the Decepticons from raising their army of Predicons. Although Optimus told him to not worry and rest, that was nearly impossible under these circumstances.
As Optimus walked away to speak with Agent Fowler, Magnus seemed to be thoughtlessly glancing around the base, a bit lost in his troubled thoughts. It was then that he was snapped out of it when his optics caught those of Smokescreen's who was staring back at him. Smokescreen was towards the far side of the bunker, leaning against the wall. He was clearly getting lost in thought too. Quickly frowning, Magnus spat, "What are you staring at soldier? Isn't there something you should be doing?" He didn't enjoy being watched like that.
Smokescreen jumped nearly out of his frame when the sound of Magnus's voice hit his audio receptors, not realizing his mind had drifted off while watching Magnus. "O-oh… um, sorry Sir." He stuttered, making sure to answer swiftly. There wasn't anything for him to do at the moment, but he didn't want Magnus snapping at him again, so he tried to look busy. The only thing he could think of was to go see if Bumblebee wanted help with anything, though that was unlikely.
That was more awkward than he felt comfortable with. Magnus didn't want to deal with the others in the base anymore. The atmosphere was a bit much and now he missed his solitude. Besides, there was something he needed to be doing anyway. His Wreckers would return and he wanted to be there to intercept and interrogate them on their actions. After seeing them commit such a crime during war was finally his excuse to give Wheeljack some much needed punishment.