Calm Through the Storm

by korinthis bloodrose

Optimus's predecessors have made many mistakes. Megatron has made many mistakes. Both have not realized that their little war was the work of a puppeteer from outside of their world. However, a few new faces in this war might just be the monkey wrench in the works needed to reveal the true masterminds behind the fall of Cybertron? Hope is a strange word in a civil war.

1. A New Home

Author note: This is set in a Prime AU Enjoy!

Chapter 1: A New Home

Waiting for Knockout to finish racing, Breakdown went exploring this 'Alaska' to entertain himself. That's when he picked up a faint distress beacon on his scanners. It might be nothing or it might be something really worthwhile?

So Breakdown went looking after sending a short message to Knockout on where he was headed.

Breakdown had found the pod and dragged it free of the almost frozen tundra. Knockout had just finished up his race and scoffed as he walked up to his mate and partner, "Can you believe what that skinjob did to me?"

Lifting a servo to gently stroke the curve of his sparkmate's cheek, Breakdown soothed, "I'll buff it out when we get back, now please help me with this."

Knockout found the external controls and with a few presses freed the Cybertronian inside from cryo but the door wouldn't open... after a few moments. Knockout sighed, "Breakdown be a dear and rip this fragging thing open!"

The Cybertronian inside would stir from his cryo induced stasis lock with his processor sluggishly struggling to come back online. Once he booted up, he'd give a gasp as he lifted his servos to bang on the lodged door in fear. He cried out, "Stop! Don't! Please don't hurt me!" Golden eyes flashing in panic and fear.

Was he safer in the tube? Or were the voices outside here to actually help him?! He didn't know where he was, or who was trying to free him.

Then the pod door flew open! Breakdown rumbled his engines and Knockout hummed, "Pretty little thing ain't he, not as handsome as me but not bad."

Giving his sparkmate an optic roll, Breakdown turned his attention to the small mech before him and asked, "Where do you think you are kid?"

Oh Primus no! Venture curled in on himself in the tube. However when no attack came, Venture peeked up at them and answered in confusion, "The Institute?"

Knockout sighed and stated, "Breakdown get him out of there before he scratches his paint more." Breakdown gave a soothing rumble of his engine before lifting the younger bot out of the pod with ease and stated, "Welcome to the dirtball kid."

Looking at his servo tips in boredom, Knockout teased, "At least these humans design beautiful cars, we'll need to get you a proper alt mode to blend in."

The dirtball? He gave a small yelp as he was scooped out of the tube and placed on his peds. Once he was steady, Venture stepped away from the two still terrified out of his processor. He was still panicked from the attack on the Institute. He wrapped an arm around himself and questioned weakly, "Dirtball? Humans? Cars? Where am I?"

Knockout explained in scientific terms where they were in reference to Cybertron and stated bluntly, "Welcome to Earth, new bot. I'm Knockout and this is Breakdown. Don't worry, we'll take care of you. Welcome to the winning team." Then Knockout answered his com, "Yes, Lord Megatron? An energon signature? Oh of course, we're on it. Oh and we found a new recruit."

Venture blinked at the information. Had he really traveled that far from home when he escaped? Interesting. Venture relaxed upon knowing his location. Wait. Lord Megatron? As in the bot who began the war to bring down the caste system? The bot that lead victory against the old government? Wait, winning team?

Venture questioned,"I do not understand. The war is still continuing here on Earth? Why? Has Megatron not finished his task?" Then he fell silent once more.

He didn't want to ask too many questions. At the Institute, too many questions and you ended up on the slab. Venture held himself again tightly. Knockout and Breakdown wouldn't hurt him, right? After all they did rescue him from his malfunctioning escape pod.

Energon? Energon exists on this planet? How can it be?

The two decepticons shared a look before Knockout sighed, "Poor innocent little sparkling... you've been asleep too long. Things have changed more than we could ever explain. You'll see for yourself when we return to the Nemesis."

Breakdown answered, "The war will continue until one of them, Prime or Lord Megatron, offline. Prime won't give in to Lord Megatron nor will Lord Megatron suffer such a threat to his throne to remain online. You are safe with Knockout and me, but be wary of the others."

Breakdown started leading the way into the forest and towards the energon signature.

Venture looked to the two bigger cybertronians and frowned slightly. He was no sparkling, fresh from his carrier. Though he'd nod for the time being. At the moment. This was the safest situation for him. He'd hesitate for a moment before following Breakdown and Knockout.

Elsewhere, a big jet cybertronian named Stormrunner had already nabbed two large chunks of raw energon from the unclaimed so far energon mine. He had to hope it stayed unclaimed long enough for him to grab a stockpile before the mine was found.

Then he heard heavy footsteps, Stormrunner hissed out, "Scrap... "

Breakdown saw a jet racing out of the cave and took a pot shot. Only for the jet to turn around and shout, "Hey watch where you're aiming that thing! You Deceptacreep!"

Venture was silent most the well though when they came upon the energon mine he was blown away. Earth really did contain energon. The sight of the gun though caused him to flinch and move behind Knockout. He'd watch the jet take off from the cave and shoot an insult back.

This jet bore no faction symbol though. Not Autobot or Decepticon. Interesting. Venture asked, "Deceptacreep?"

Breakdown soothed, "Autobots call us that as an insult usually when they tuck tail and run. Come on we need to survey the mine and report back to Lord Megatron."

Knockout stated, "I think we now know who is our not so little energon thief." He turned and asked, "Not a fan of guns, little one?"

Once the gun was put away, he answered, "No. I'm a scientist, and my name is Venture, not little one."

Moving from behind the two larger bots to walk towards the mine, Venture said, "That would be wise. Taking in stock of the current energon levels would help us better indicate how much is being taken along with how much this location can produce. Curious, I would not expect to find energon on a planet not our own. If the production rate is low then capturing this mine would be a waste of resources. The issue of a thief become null and void when your prize runs out."

Knockout started snickering before saying, "The energon mines here are simply old supply caches that have been left behind. They don't grow. We've been fighting the Autobots for control of the resources here."

As he ventured into the mine Venture answered,"It appears you're right. I do have a lot to catch up on." The sight of the energon crystals was one he'd not seen in some time, yet it looked so familiar, like he had just been working on some yesterday.

Breakdown went into the mine to see what he could find. It would take a few hours. But it was a fairly large mine and it would take a few weeks to fully dig all of the energon crystals.

As they exited the mine, Venture looked to the two larger bots before saying, "Our task is complete and we can return to the base, correct? As I am not connected to this world's global positioning system I am unaware of the best course to return. Will we encounter any more rogue bots on our way back?"

Breakdown chuckled before saying, "There's a data terminal in the medbay as soon as Knockout gets us a ground bridge back to the warship, I'll lead you there."

Knockout commed, "Hey Soundwave, we could use a ground bridge. Lock onto my signal coordinates."

Soon a swirl of green and blue appeared nearby, Breakdown teased, "It's hard to drive to a warship that is always moving, Venture. Come on, time to face the new face of the war."

Venture nodded and he walked through the ground bridge to step through onto the decepticon warship

On the command deck, Megatron stood staring out at the clouds with his arms crossed behind his back. Soundwave tapped silently away at his terminal. A few Vehicon drones were working as silently as possible. The atmosphere of the ship was dark, the panels a dark gray almost black, the lighting was mostly purple with hints of red aside from the softer blues from the terminal screens. Everybot was tense aside from the ex-gladiator Lord.

Even fun loving Breakdown became stiff when he entered the command deck.

Venture wasn't sure what was more uncomfortable, the planet Earth or this warship. If felt cold, oppressive. His audio fins drooped slightly, keeping his optics down most of the walk. This felt like the institute, not a liberation front.

Though when he'd stand before Lord Megatron, he'd be a little star struck. The bot he almost considered a hero stood before him. Though this Megatron, felt off...different. Has he really been asleep too long? What's happened over the years?

Megatron turned and saw the little scientist frame behind the other two. He rumbled out, "When you spoke of a new recruit, I was expecting something different. I am pleasantly surprised." Those once red optics that had shone through the video feeds of the once gladiator's speeches were now tainted with a purple hue... his lips drawn back in a hungry shark like grin.

Breakdown shifted on his peds in a silent promise of intervention if the warlord moved towards the smaller bot.

Knockout stepped forward and into the line of Megatron's gaze to give their report about the mine.

A clear indication of leave the little guy alone...

The moment Lord Megatron set those optics on him, Venture wanted to squirm. The optics were tainted and that grin left him feeling violated a little. This was not the Megatron he believed in. He's different now, changed. The gladiator was dead and the warlord lived. Thankfully Knockout shifted in a way that he was blocked from that hungry gaze.

Megatron managed to look pleased and annoyed at the same time. Then the jet was mentioned and he rumbled out, "A flyer that will not answer any hailing coms and wears no symbol of loyalty to us or those cursed Autobots... Perhaps we are not using the right bait."

He turned and ordered, "Soundwave, send Lazerbeak! I must know more about this bot that has managed to elude us and the Autobots for so long." Soundwave just nodded and the symbiote disengaged from his dock on Soundwave's chest to take off on his mission.

Venture watched as the smaller symbiote detached and flew off on its surveillance mission. For some reason Venture let out a small quiet chuckle. If the flyer wanted to be found, Venture was sure it wouldn't be by a surveillance drone.

As if reading Venture's thoughts, Knockout sighed and stated, "If that big blue pain in the aft wanted to be found he'd already have been knocking on our door."

Breakdown would led Venture out of the command deck and to the medbay. He grumbled, "I had hoped he wouldn't zoom in on you like that, but with Starscream gone rogue there's no bot around here to take the 'punishment'..."

Venture would be immediately relieved to not be under that hungry gaze of Megatron. He'd perk up a bit now that he was around familiar equipment. "That is not the same Lord Megatron. Not at all. When did he change?"

Breakdown answered, "I'm not sure. I all know is I've hated him nearly as much as those damn Autobots after he stole something truly precious from me and my sparkmate, when we tried to escape Cybertron with the other refugees... when the planet went dark."

Venture actually shouted out, "What?!" Feeling a wobble in his knee joints, He questioned, "Cybertron went dark? Homeworld is...dead?" Eventually Venture's frame gave way falling to his knees. His mouth opened and the words were out before he could stop them, "How many of us are there now Breakdown? How much have I truly missed while in cryo?"

Kneeling down next to science bot, Breakdown placed a gentle servo on a shoulder and soothed, "Come on kid, we'll find a way to fix it. Cybertron can never be lost if we hold on to it, in our sparks. There's only a couple thousand of our race left. However, you gotta keep hoping that everbot you care for is out there."

Venture looked up to Breakdown as he spoke. The comforting words didn't settle in right away, he was still overwhelmed with knowing all of this now. He flinched away from the comforting hand, avoiding contact. He wasn't comfortable with physical contact. Nothing against Breakdown.

Knockout added as he walked in, "Just like we keep hoping that there's a little blue and silver racer femme out there waiting for us to find her."

He stood as Knockout entered and mentioned they were looking for this femme racer. Sadness filled his voice as Venture spoke quietly, "So we've scattered to the winds. The fact there are two factions living on this planet can only lead to smaller colonies on other planets. The statistical possibility of finding one specific bot in this vast universe is very unlikely now. We have no idea which groups fled to what planets, before and after the darkening of Cybertron. Even I couldn't predict where I would eventually land."

Knockout answered calmly, "The moment you give up hope in your spark is the moment this war truly destroys you. Statistics and probabilities aside, you lose hope and you lose your will to live. Now come on you wanted to link into the data logs."

Breakdown however went to his sparkmate and yanked Knockout into his arms as he growled out, "Take your own advice, and stop beating yourself up. We will find Dunedrift... no matter where he has hidden her from us."

Venture very much wanted to connect into a data log. It would be the most efficient and accurate way to understand what he's missed. The younger bot tilted his head at this physical display. He did not understand the compulsion for physical contact.

Knockout leaned his helm down on his Sparkmate's chassis before whispering, "It's been so long since she was ripped from my arms, Break..." Breakdown groaned and said, "Look let the kid hook himself to the data feds and then you go street race again. We both know it'll take nearly the entire day for him to process everything even given his large processing power."

Knockout swatted his sparkmate and grumbled, "Oh get out of here you big lug! The drones won't mind that mine without some sort of guidance."

Venture was once again silent as they spoke. Someone had taken this femme bot, Dunedrift from the two of them. He gathered from the conversation that the two of them were sparkmates. Though once the mention of the data feds was brought up, his audio fins perked up again. "Yes, please, I would very much like to connect into the data feds. It'll be quicker and more accurate than your retelling of the history."

Knockout would show Venture how to hook into the the terminal...

As soon as he was shown how to access and hook up to the terminal, he did so quickly and then the information come pouring in. The scientist would gave a gasp, shaking slightly as his high powered processor powered through the information. Eventually coolant began to build up in his optics, only for it to just run down his face.

During the next twenty four hours, Knockout spent it repairing the random injured drones that would stumble into the medbay. Mining accidents, the occasional fight between the drones, at least the work kept his processors off the little mechling who should have been clinging his leg begging for energon treats or a berth time story with her little gold optics so bright with happiness. The loss of his little femme still ate at him deeply.

Venture had no idea it had been a full twenty-four hours since he'd uplinked. He retract his cords and stood up from the terminal. So much data to be sorted, cataloged, and stored. He felt overwhelmed as he slowly returned to the med bay mentally.

Weeping silent tears of coolant, Venture croaked out, "I've missed...so much...and now...I wish I could delete it...but I can't." He found a spot to sit that would not interfere with Knockout's work.

Knockout picked up a clean cleaning rag and came over. For a second he reached out like any carrier would to dry the coolant tears from the young bot's optics but he remembered the way the other had pulled away from contact and just offered the cloth while he stated, "The war has gone on too long but at least you've slept through most of it, and you didn't have to live through it like the rest of us."

The medic wanted so much to comfort the younger bot but he had a feeling the youngster would pull away. He didn't think Venture could afford to leave his and Breakdown's protective care. Knockout teased, "Come now, dry your optics... your finish will never be the same if you leave coolant to stain it."

Venture looked at the cleaning rag and then up to Knockout. He'd give a weak smile and take the cleaning rag, drying his cheeks and optics off. The smaller bot chuckled lightly "I've not experienced this level of emotional expression in a very long time now. Forgive me."

Knockout teased, "If you had ruined your finish then you'd need to apologize. As it stands you've done nothing wrong. Now we need to find you a properly beautiful alt mode that will blend in..."

A properly beautiful alt mode for him? Oh yes, that's right. The human race wasn't ready yet to know that Cybertronians existed. They wouldn't react properly, wanting to destroy what they don't know and fear. Using their automobiles as a camouflage was quite intelligent.

Knockout commed the silent TIC and asked, "Soundwave could I get a ground bridge to Alaska again? Oh drop us off in that Cadillac dealership in Anchorage Alaska... That would be just divine. Thank you, Soundwave, you're the best."

If only they could have seen the way Soundwave rolled his optics, but at least he understood the soldiers needed a chance to blow off some extra charge. He'd dial up a ground bridge in the medbay for Knockout and the new bot…. Venture if he remembered correctly. He would have to search the database for all the information he could find on this new face.

Leading the way through the ground bridge, Knockout looked at his 'charge' and tried to make up his processor. Then he had the perfect idea and he just hoped there was one in stock here. Knockout would lead the way to a sporty two door caddie and say, "This one is perfect for you."

As they once again traversed into the snow, they soon come upon the dealership. And he would admit, Knockout knew how to pick out a very flashy vehicle for him to scan. Though it did fit his size. He activated his scan and copied the vehicle into his database.

Venture questioned, "Why such a highly sought after brand, Knockout? These humans are known for attempting theft on these type of vehicles. Are you not concerned they may attempt to damage you?"

Smirking, Knockout purred out, "Those sweet rims and powerful engine will be able to get you out of trouble as fast as you can get into it. I'll recharge a bit easier knowing you can escape just about anything now." He transformed to his alt mode... a beautiful Aston Martin. Then he stated, "Now I have a race to win, here's my com channel if you need anything... take some time exploring to help you wrap your mind around everything you've learned. I know taking time to just spin my wheels helps me."

With that Knockout pinged the channel info to Venture in a tiny data packet before he sped off.

Venture opened the file and installed the com connection, though let Knockout go to worry about his race. Venture took a small breath before initiating his transform sequence. And just like that he was on four wheels. This form was different for sure, lower center of gravity and vision. He'd give his systems a check, engine, lights, brakes, etc.

Then he drove off. He had read about an unusual anomaly that occurs up in this climate. A visual spectacle that even humans would be mesmerized by. The Cadillac drove up into the wooded mountains, and shifted to his bipedal form when his wheels couldn't take him any further.

Eventually though, he found a small enough clearing and the sight that filled the sky made him gasp. His optics took in the sight of the beautiful colors that almost seemed to dance upon the winds. He eventually sat down in the snow, watching the colors. It also gave him time to think upon everything.

The jet had been out for a flight when he spotted the cute green mech from yesterday...

He had noted the lack of faction marks so he skimmed the trees before cutting his engine and transforming mid flight.

Landing on his peds with a soft thump, Stormrunner recited softly as he approached the mech, "There is a flower of climate rare, that never bloomed for me, I searched the wood, I searched the moor, I robbed the emerald sea. Alone upon an icy coast, by Arctic's hem it grows, Its beauty is intoxicant, to those who brave the snows. But when the Bear shines clear and high I dream of Polar night. Wherein this wondrous flower blooms, in sheaves of rainbow light."

Stormrunner smiled as he settled in to sit down just far enough away to make the smaller mech not feel threatened but still close enough to be friendly. An old warrior caste trick, when you are meeting a warrior for the first time, keep your distance but not too far away or they start to wonder what your plotting. Fly casual as it were.

Venture's thoughts would be caught off guard by the sudden voice. He'd shift his optics from the Aurora and to the bot that had recited poetry to him. It's the jet from before. The one who took from the energon mine. A rogue bot.

Giving a soft smile at the words, Venture guessed, "The writer must have been inspired by the sight of this Aurora."

Smiling softly in response, Stormrunner purred out, " What brings a sweet little mech like you to my neck of the woods?"

Tilting his helm, Venture asked, "Am I trespassing? Forgive me, I thought this would be a secluded enough spot to think. Forgive me for my trespassing." Venture scrambled to his peds to leave since he was not one for trespassing. Even if the war made such laws null and void.

Stormrunner soothed, "You are not trespassing. My base is within flight distance..." He leaned back as he stated, "There are few things as beautiful as the northern lights. I often get lost in their beauty even when flying."

He turned an easy smile back in the other mech's direction before asking, "But I ask again what brings you out here, with such a look of sparkache on your face plates?" Shifting his arms to rest on his knees, Stormrunner focused on the other mech, not realizing his nearly erased elite guard wing detail on his shoulder was just barely visible in the pale moonlight.

Venture was relieved to know he was not trespassing. He sat back down before saying, "I've just arrived on this planet. Yesterday I learned of everything that has happened during my time of cryo stasis. The death of our planet. The scattering of our race. The rise of a liberator turned warlord." He frowned as his audio fins drooped and he whispered out, "I'm...alone."

Stormrunner stated, "The war has changed many of us. I two, am alone. However, my solitude is by choice. It's hard to side with those who would let the lower castes starve and even harder to side with those who would only see me for what I once was."

His optics caught the almost removed elite guard symbol on the other's plating. Venture asked, "You speak of the Autobots and Decepticons, correct? I was found by two of the latter group, though I don't believe in what they fight for now...Megatron's vision is different from what he once spoke of now. And as for what you once we're, does it matter now?"

Stormrunner answered, "To me, it is the past that I refuse to return to but to others... an excuse to attack. Or a reason to hate me. There is few places I could seek company and be free." He gave a deep rumble of his engines before saying, "If Primus did not wish for us to think for ourselves he would not have graced us with processors... although I have found very few who actually use them. Just spitting back what their commanding officers tell them like they are little more than parrots."

Venture actually laughed lightly at that, a small smile on his face. "Is that how you see them...the opposing sides in this war?"

Smirking, Stormrunner answered, "Chirp chirp chirp... both sides have blurred the story. I watched my carrier struggle to get enough energon for us both while growing up. I remember some dumb Autobot private charging into Decepticon fire just because our Commander told him to charge... I remember an old friend leveling a cannon at me because his Decepticon officer told him to shoot. Soldiers are expected to repeat after their COs... and there are very few civilians left in this civil war of ours."

He chuckled and teased, "You came out here to get your mind off the war... not discuss it further, did you not? It feels a shame to speak of such darkness when lights dance across the sky in such joy."

The smile never left his face as Venture replied, "Yes, you are right. The skies are beautiful up in this arctic land. I had learned of this yesterday and it intrigued me. This planet, Earth. It's truly fascinating. I've still more to learn, though I've decided that if this to be my new home I need to learn as much as I can about it still."

Stormrunner's engines gave that gentle rumble... a sound of affection or even gentle humor. He stated, "If you think the view from here is nice, you should try the view from my base's front step. The higher elevation makes it seem like you could just reach out and trail your digit tips through them... although logically I know I can't, I still like the poetic idea of being able to reach out and touch such beauty that once gone will never be perfectly matched again."

He laughed and jibed at himself, "My carrier would swat me for being so silly, he'd say Stormrunner get your processor focused on what you were made as and leave the thinking to that useless Sire of yours."

Venture stated bluntly, "I enjoy that your processor isn't overtaken by the typical process your previous caste system stereotyped you as, Stormrunner. Knowledge is what turns the tides in every situation. I...I'd like to see that, the view from your place. To as the humans say 'touch the stars' would be a visual spectacular...but Knockout is racing in town."

Stormrunner laughed and stated, "I am aware the Decepticon medic is racing in town. It's how I keep one step ahead of them, by keeping tabs on them best I can. Sometimes my Decepticon signal reader fritzes out... it was badly damaged before I salvaged it... The Autobot one works better but they and me have an agreement. So I ignore them mostly."

He laid back in the snow as he sighed, "Things are so simple on this planet. Find energon and survive."

Looking at the jet closer, Venture explained, "They've sent a drone to look for you during the day hours. I have a feeling that your desire to not follow Lord Megatron drives him to acquire you more."

Venture moved a bit closer to the other mech and laid back in the snow to. "Why just survive when you can live? I've read about so many interesting things to see and do on this planet. I'm not going to just survive on this planet."

Giving an engine rumble, Stormrunner answered, "I know Lazerbeak was out looking for me... annoying little parasite... he got way too close for comfort today. I nearly flooded my engine hiding from him."

He'd tilt his head before asking, "Tell me of the wonders you wish to enjoy. So I might open my optics to the world you see. The world you wish to live in to the fullest." He rolled to his side to look at the smaller mech.

Venture looked away from the Aurora and to Stormrunner instead. He'd sit up and begin to explain about the seven wonders of this world, along with all the different festival he'd wished to see and participate in. The architectural wonders of the East and the tropic in the south. The arid deserts and dense rain forests. "Pictures and text only take you so far. You only live when you're seeing it with your own optics, feeling it with your own servos and breathing it through your own vents."

Stormrunner chuckled and took in the words with a few nods before saying, "The humans get a little angry when you fly too close to their monuments." He also explained, "Flying low over the Amazon river is a thrill I would enjoy sharing with you."

Perking up, Venture asked, "You'd really take me one day? I would like that. The humans are possessive. They put meaning and value into things and hold it dear. We're really not that different from them."

Stormrunner answered, "I don't see why I couldn't fly you along the surface of the river, it was quite pretty. Perhaps I'll enjoy in more if I'm not being hounded by those purple toned pain in the necks Megatron seems to have an endless supply of. Vehicon drones have the worst timing in my humble opinion."

Giggling softly, Venture stated, "I'm not convincing you to join the Decepticons though logically it would end your endless pursuers. I'm Venture, by the way."

Stormrunner teased, "And hope Megatron's memory is faulty? That he might have forgotten the lucky shot I bounced off his left shoulder all those years ago... Naw I like the solo flight path. But I don't mind changing my path a little to spend time with a smart and beautiful mech like you."

Ventures optics widened in surprise at the mention of the shot at Megatron. And he'd flush a little at the compliment. "I-I think he's still going to remember that. You're too kind, Stormrunner."

Stormrunner calmly stated, "I'm not being kind. To flatter a bot is to be kind. It isn't flattery if it's the truth." He smiled in the way one does when they have the high ground in an intellectual argument. Then he laid back to stare at the stars.

Venture was actually out witted there. Stormrunner was right. Which was something not many bots could do when it came to his logic. Though that smile made him feel the tiniest little spark. Maybe Stormrunner could be someone who could keep up with him? A new friend earth.

The big jet closed his optics behind his visor then he purred out, "I wonder, what will happen to us? When the stars dim and even this new paradise grows cold. When the greatest of powers fight in the dirt for scraps. If all is dark where shall we find the light if not within our sparks."

Huffing softly, Stormrunner muttered, "Still needs work wouldn't you say? I'm no good at coming up with poems am I?"

Venture chuckled again and stated playfully, "It's very philosophical, for a warrior caste." Venture added, "But I like it. It rings truth without the crypticism usually entailed in certain poetic writings."

Then the big jet joked back, "Would you believe me if I told you my Sire was a little two wheeler scientist caste specializing in medical research?"

Shaking his helm, Venture countered, "Barely, though your intellectual processor proves otherwise. Your size is misleading when it comes to the contribution of materials."

Laughing softly, Stormrunner said, "Blame my carrier for my size. He's even bigger than me." He got up and shook the snow off as he said, "The street race should be finishing up soon... as much as I want to remain, I need to head back to base for recharge." He sent the smaller mech a tiny data packet with his private com channel. Stormrunner soothed, "If you want to spend time or need me for anything don't hesitate to give me a buzz, Venture."

The jet transformed and took flight... he danced in the air against the backdrop of the northern lights for a moment in an almost sparkling like glee before going farther north and disappearing in the night sky.

Venture nodded as he accepted the com link and download it. He stood as well and watched the jet transformed and take off into the night. He giggled at the silly flight along the Aurora.

Stormrunner.

The rogue bot that managed to make him accept the past he missed out on and excited him for a future on a new planet.