Notes: Second chapter up, folks! Read, and enjoy! Just a short flashback sequence explaining what happened before chapter 1.
Approximately 4 solar-cycles before the first contact with prison base.
"Excuse me, but…uh…" Cliffjumper raised his digitised map, and held it up for the information drone to see, "Any idea where to get to Hangar R2? This map's a killer on optics."
The drone, from his desk, raised an optic and quickly skimmed the presented map before standing up and gesturing towards the far west side of the square. "You'd wanna head through the west gate and go past Hangars A6, Y45, and T18. After that, take your first right, move past the pilot's lobby, and R2 should be right in front of ya, between R1 and R3. 'tis ya first day of duty, mate?"
"Yeah. Just came, fresh out of cadet school."
"Well good luck, pal. Hope you enjoy it."
"Cliffjumper lowered his map, pocketed it, and gave an assuring nod to the drone. "Cheers."
"Anytime," the information drone returned the friendly sign, and turned back at his next customer. "Alright, who's next…you? Okay…" the conversation was drowned out as Cliffjumper removed himself from the queue, and strolled to the west gate, slinging his backpack back onto his shoulder whilst doing so.
He continued across the busy square, cutting through multiple crowds of robots that were moving or stationary.
It had been a busy past few cycles for Cliffjumper. The young Autobot had recently completed his standard cadet course, and within his transition from student to a fully operational Autobot, he was given a list of options – temporary careers to pursue.
He had selected one.
The 'bot had figured it was a promising job, one that demanded multiple skills – combat experience, interrogation techniques, and interaction with the enemy. Another reason for this choice was the thrill and excitement. Cliffjumper was an adventure seeker; although he was talented in the field of combat, some would suggest that he was slightly reckless, often preferring to rush into situations head on with very little planning.
And thus, he had ticked the small little electronic box next to the two words that spelt out his impending future – those words, 'Prison Guard'. However, it turned out that he wasn't the only one applying for the job: three other equally bright-eyed and skilful Autobots had deemed the career as interesting and appropriate and they too, had marked their fate within the same box.
Files were checked, transport reservations were made, and all 4 Autobots, including Cliffjumper were in a job. They had all officially attained the rank of 'Prison Warden', got given a date and deadline regarding the details on their fresh occupation.
Cliffjumper strolled into the west gate, a large, steel-framed opening that spanned over a considerable distance. As he did, three familiar faces greeted him at the entrance, all of them bearing backpacks filled to the brim with equipment.
"Cliff!" yelled Padlock, a fellow Autobot cadet, and one of Cliffjumper's good friends, "Over here!"
Cliffjumper joined the trio, exchanged a quick greeting with Padlock, who introduced him to the other two Autobots; Smokescreen and Red Alert.
Smokescreen seemed to accept Cliffjumper well, exchanging a brief handshake and a couple of words. Red Alert, however, was a different story. With the appearance of Cliffjumper, the red and white Autobot had slowly retreated to the wall, a sign that he had no intention of interacting with the other three.
Cliffjumper noticed this, and queried Smokescreen about it. "Hey, Smokescreen, what's up with him?" the mech jerked a thumb towards the figure of Red Alert, "He doesn't seem to respond."
Smokescreen gave a slight smirk. "Nah, don't worry about it. Ol' Red's just a bit shy when it comes to things like these. He's been like that for as long as I remember. Like I said, don't worry; just give him some time to accept ya. Isn't that right, Red?"
Red Alert hoisted his backpack on, and replied with a short nod of assurance, before pointing in a northerly direction. "We'd better move, or else we'll be late."
"Primus, Red, you're right!" Smokescreen glanced at his arm mounted digital watch. "Padlock, Cliffjumper, sorry to break the introductory process, but you better get your gear together, 'cause our transport shuttle leaves in five cycles.
"Right." Cliffjumper and Padlock muttered in unison.
The quad departed from the west gate, and headed off to pursue their destiny.
They eventually would arrive at their designated ride, along with a handful of more experienced robots. The group would board the plane, eager to start work.
However, they had not been informed that the prison destination was a few solar-cycles away. And nothing could prepare them for the surprises that lay in store for them when they arrived.