Every optic in the room was directed at Broadside. Springer spoke first. "A ship? You're kidding me right?"
"I wish I was. It's moving very slowly, probably to disguise its energy readings, but they are there if you look. It was picking up the energy output that gave me a hole in their defences. That underground 'bunker' that Hound and Sideswipe reported? It isn't, it's part of a much larger area. The entire thing is hollowed out."
Springer strode to the ship's main bridge, with the rest of the room's occupants following. Once there he started barking out orders then checked up with Hoist while everyone mobilised for action.
Hound and Sideswipe accompanied him to see Hoist working deeper in the ship. Hound noticed how well equipped they were for a team of 'renegades', though not all the technology was Cybertronian in origin. Springer noticed the unspoken question. "Ever since we were 'officially' disbanded, we can hardly return to Cybertron for our supplies." He shrugged. "We take our opportunities where we find them."
"You did well to get a ship this size," Hound commented.
"Ah, that's what explains the now official charges against us. We didn't return the ship when they asked us."
Hound looked at him.
"They didn't say please." Springer laughed. "It's not so much theft as an unapproved extended loan."
Hound ignored the approving snigger that came from Sideswipe behind him. From what he had heard from talking to the others, he'd found out a lot about the political state of Cybertron he hadn't known about. He understood Springer's actions but he still struggled slightly with the idea of making light them. He settled with smiling politely, which in turn caused him to ignore Sideswipe elbowing him playfully in his side plating while he accused him of being 'Good old dependable, sensible Hound'.
The jovial veneer of the mood helped cover the deeper concerns everyone felt for the moment, though Hound did smile at the thought that it really took very little to bring certain aspects of Sideswipe's personality to the fore. But despite the tone of Sideswipe's words, Hound could tell there was an underlying uncertainty to them, as if Sideswipe was trying to convince one of them, either himself or Hound, that the Hound that had the confidence crash, the one that for a while ignored good sense wasn't about to return.
Springer moved to Hoist's side, peering intently at the gadget Hoist was holding. "Are they finished?"
"I do believe they are. And they seem to be more effective than I anticipated. May I ask where you acquired the technology?"
Springer tapped the side of his head conspiratorially. "You could, but then I'd have to refuse to tell you."
Hoist chuckled. He still felt a little out of place among this more rough and ready group, but he'd slipped into place among them quite well. Springer was more than happy with the temporary addition, whilst none of them was short in the mental department, having an engineer on board as capable as Hoist had proved useful.
Sideswipe looked at the small metal disc. "What does it do?"
Hoist put it on the table in front of him. "It blocks out electromagnetic interference. If we'd had access to better materials, it's what Perceptor and I were trying to achieve since we first got here. Only with this, we can achieve a lot more with a much smaller piece of equipment."
Springer took over. "Once Hot Rod and Hoist told us about the sentries and we had access to the readings, it was pretty obvious what their primary weapon here is."
"Electromagnetic pulse," Hound said. "EM is an unusual weapon to use, though it's good for causing disruption." It was something Hound was well aware of, as his own systems were susceptible to EM interference which was why he'd been so careful to adjust his systems with Perceptor's help initially. "Years of war with the Decepticons taught me that one."
"It's a good offensive," Springer agreed. "But only if it works." He grinned and threw a couple of the small silver discs to Hound and Sideswipe. "We need to keep track of AT2, so I'll send one of the lads to bring your shuttle aboard so we can leave here and shadow them." Satisfied with Hoist's work, he left to return to the bridge.
Sideswipe looked like he was about to say something, but let it drop. Hound wondered if the time he'd spent working on the shuttle made Sideswipe a little possessive of it. It didn't seem likely.
Hoist explained to them what the EMN did, and its range. "Its range is not extensive so if one takes damage you can't use one to shield both of you unless you stay close, and you have the problem that it will knock out incoming signals, so radio communication will be impossible unless you are both within its field."
Sideswipe groaned. "So if everyone splits up we've no way of communicating."
"Yes. There's not any other choice it's the only way we can protect ourselves from those sentries."
Hound nodded. "It can't be helped." He turned to Sideswipe. "It's difficult but we'll find a way to get word to the others."
"You still determined to go ahead with just the two of us?"
"Yes. Springer is going to need his people to stop this thing, so we'll get them out."
Hoist watched the exchange. "I would like to accompany you."
Hound shook his head. "As much as I appreciate the offer, Hoist, I want to ask you something that could possibly be more dangerous. The shuttle has limited range, so we need careful, but I think it should get far enough to the edge of the system to minimise interference from the solar flares. I need you to get word to Optimus Prime, as Springer can't."
"I'll do it."
"Thanks Hoist, I know I'm asking a lot of y…"
Hoist interrupted. "Just like old times aye? I take it the shuttle needs some repairs."
"How'd you guess?" Hound said smiling.
Hoist thumbed in Sideswipe's direction. "He was driving."
Sideswipe let the jibe roll over him good naturedly. His annoyance was directed elsewhere.
Hoist left them both alone to go find the shuttle and hope it wasn't as badly damaged as he thought it would be.
Hound noticed Sideswipe looked like he was trying to hide discomfort, but pushed it to one side. "I need to talk to Springer. So I can let him know what I'm planning on doing."
Sideswipe fell into step beside him as they left the room. "Have you considered how we're going to get off that thing? The shuttle isn't big enough and now if Hoist is taking it, we won't have anything. I don't know if you noticed but none of us have a convenient interstellar jet mode."
"Where's Sky Lynx when you need him, eh?"
"Dead."
The complete lack of emotion stopped Hound in his tracks. "Dead?"
"One of the last battles on the Decepticon strongholds in the Adhara system."
"Why didn't I hear about this?"
"The war had officially ended, Hound. You were on Earth, there's no reason you would know."
Hound nodded morosely. "Still…"
"Leave it, Hound. We have time to feel bad about this later."
"You're right." Hound straightened up, but he didn't feel any better. How long ago had Sky Lynx died? It didn't matter for Hound, it might has well have just happened. "That's why I need to talk to Springer. We'll need a lift."
They spent the rest of the walk to the bridge in silence.
Springer was un-amused with Hound's continued decision to attempt to rescue the 'bots using just him and Sideswipe. There was a heated debate which caused bets to be taken among the Wreckers on who would back down first. Top Spin was disappointed to find he owed Sideswipe.
Hound had braced himself for Springer's reaction, though he hadn't expected to be compared to what Springer referred to as the irresponsible behaviour of a certain Prime. Hot Rod just grinned at the reference, all the while doing his best to avoid the optics of Sideswipe on the other side of the room who was blatantly trying to ignore Hot Rod and radiating hostility.
Finally getting his way, Hound thanked Springer, motioned for Sideswipe to join him and went to leave the bridge. He nodded at him as he went to pass Hot Rod.
"Make sure you come back." Hot Rod said, his optics giving away his concern.
"We will." Hound smiled in thanks and turned to leave.
"I will come back." Sideswipe growled quietly as he passed.
"Whatever, I won't mourn either way." Hot Rod snarled back, keeping his voice equally quiet.
Instantaneously as they flew at each other, Broadside grabbed Sideswipe as Springer simultaneously grabbed Hot Rod.
Hound stood between the two struggling 'bots. "Enough!" He glared at Sideswipe.
Hot Rod stopped struggling so Springer loosened his grip stood nearer his front and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let it drop," he said quietly. Hot Rod nodded gently and turned away with a final hostile look at Sideswipe.
Sideswipe violently shrugged Broadside off of him and stormed out. Hound looked apologetically at Springer, who acknowledged it with good grace before Hound turned and furiously caught up with Sideswipe at the shuttle. He was just about to open his mouth when Hoist came from around the side of the small craft.
"It's all up and running perfectly again. It should get me to the outer edge of the system with ease." He looked thoughtful. "Are you sure you won't need me. If they need medical attention…"
Hound cut him off. "Hoist, if they need help, they'll get it more effectively if you are here to treat them when we get them back to Cybertron. We can do enough to keep them alive until then, and Jetfire said they wouldn't be killed. I doubt the Quintessons would damage them that badly if they need them alive."
"You do have a valid point."
"Thank you." Hound said in a relieved voice. He wasn't sure if he could tolerate much more. "Hoist, the plan is that Springer will take the ship around AT1, once we give you the all clear we'll open the doors so you can leave and with any luck your departure will be hidden by the moon."
"I was under the impression I would be dropping you and Sideswipe on AT2."
"There's been a change of plan. There are a small number of escape pods, so me and Sideswipe will be taking one of those. I doubt they'll miss it but I'm hoping if they're watching anything it will be the main ship and we'll slip by unnoticed."
Hoist nodded and offered a hand to Hound which he took. "Good luck and Primus willing we'll meet up again once this is over."
"You too. We'll see you at the pick up, Hoist."
Hoist went back to the front of the shuttle to prepare to leave. Hound and Sideswipe crossed the shuttle into a small access door off to the side which led to a small line of escape pods. Keeping aware of his chronometer Hound stood patiently in the small room, not wanting to cramp himself up in the pod too early. Sideswipe leant up against the wall and crossed his arms. He looked over at Hound sullenly. "Might as well get it over with."
Hound had used his conversation with Hoist to give him valuable time to calm down. He mimicked Sideswipe's position just more relaxed and sighed. "To be honest, Sideswipe. I'm not sure I can be bothered with it."
Sideswipe looked at him in surprise. "I really thought you were going to verbally scrap me for a while there."
"I considered it. If Hoist hadn't turned up when he did, I would have done."
"So what happened?"
"I'd be tempted to say apathy but it's not quite true. Now you're away from Hot Rod, I don't have a problem."
Sideswipe grumbled and stared at the floor in front of his foot. He thought for a second. "You're not doing this to keep me away from Hot Rod are you?" His face showed visible distaste at having to say Hot Rod's name.
Hound raised his head slightly and laughed softly. "You think too much of yourself, 'Sides. You're not that much of a pain in the aft that I'd endanger my own life just to keep you away from Hot Rod." He turned his head to look at Sideswipe, annoyance briefly flashed in his optics. "But I'm warning you now; when and if we get out of this, if you give me an ounce of grief, I'll kick your aft myself."
Sideswipe slumped slightly. "I suppose you want to know why."
Hound shut off his optics for a second and just concentrated for an astrosecond to pretend Sideswipe wasn't there. Then he spoke, head still tilted toward the ceiling. "Not really, 'Sides. The problem between you and Hot Rod is really nothing to do with me."
He heard Sideswipe make a small sound of defeat and considered tuning out his audios too. It wasn't that he didn't care. He hadn't really noticed how well he'd learnt to read Sideswipe but he wasn't oblivious to the fact that despite their differences, there was a strange understanding between them. It was just that the whole thing had been trying, after defending his viewpoint from Springer and Sideswipe's loss of temper he just wanted some quiet before he got thrown into the thick of it again.
Instead he heard Sideswipe talking quietly.
"You know about Sunstreaker, right. I know you probably worked out I didn't rescue him when the humans had him. And I know I told you my reasons for wanting to find him. The problem is, is I never found him, not on Earth."
Hound didn't respond, he just listened as the voice continued.
"He's okay now. His dislike of humans is probably worse." he gave a humourless chuckle. "It took him a while to get over what happened. He was okay while the fighting continued. It was when it stopped.
"He's been a lot of work to keep sane sometimes. There was a lot of people in his head. He'd have coped better if they'd just tried dismantling him for parts rather than what they did. He didn't like humans 'violating his personal space'." There was a characteristic hint of sarcasm in those last words. Hound actually felt some mild relief at that, but still didn't speak.
Sideswipe continued. "But there was violating his personal space and there was what they did to his mind." He paused. "I didn't mind picking up the pieces, not really. He's my brother, what else was I supposed to do? I'm not sparkless.
"I think getting to Earth and proving myself made me realise I didn't need to prove myself to him. I left in that moment because I'd discovered something that meant more to me than he did."
Hound turned to look at Sideswipe, who was still looking at the floor. He didn't prompt him to continue, just patiently waited. They had some time until they could leave the ship and AT2 wasn't moving at a speed they couldn't easily catch up with.
There was a short silence that left Hound feeling slightly self conscious though he wasn't sure why. Sideswipe broke the silence. "I was always intending to go back for him. It was always my intention, but as you know, the universe went crazy. I never had the chance to go back for him." This time Sideswipe looked up from the floor to find Hound standing next to him, not close enough to be obtrusive but close enough for Sideswipe to appreciate the gesture.
"So what happened?" Hound said gently.
"Hot Rod found him." Sideswipe's voice was bitter was he clenched his fist. "I should have found him when I had the chance." He turned to look away, as if ashamed.
Hound knew Sideswipe's pride was a huge deal to him. Telling him his anger at Hot Rod was misguided and unfair would achieve nothing more than raise his ire and gain a fist in the faceplate. He knew it was already, he just needed to realise and accept it on his own terms. Hound pushed himself upright properly and walked over to the pod. "You coming?"
Sideswipe followed and climbed into the pod with Hound. They sat there in silence for a while. "Sunstreaker never really gave me any slag over it." He gave a more familiar smile. "Unlike me, I'd have never let him live it down." He grinned. "Nah, but he's probably been better about it then I've been to myself. It's ironic really, by not running to his rescue I proved myself to him without even trying."
That made Hound stop and wonder why when Sideswipe had mentioned Sunstreaker he seemed so vehement. His thoughts must have been etched into his expression because Sideswipe laughed and answered him.
"I suppose I've always felt so angry with myself and everything that happened to stop me from getting Sunstreaker out, it was easy to give the anger a target. It's not Hot Rod's fault that he happened to be awol on Earth already looking for Sunstreaker, it's just circumstance. It's not his fault that our universe pretty much chose to end at that point either."
A communication came in from Springer interrupting anything else that might have been said. They braced themselves for the pod to launch.
It would only take a few kliks for them to make landfall. So Sideswipe just shrugged, checked his weapons one last time and smiled. "Guess its showtime."
"We meet up with Springer's team one we've secured our guys and a pick up point."
"Do we have a designated pick up point?"
"No, we're going to have to give them something to find us with."
"So unless we get to them, it could be a one way trip even if we succeed?"
"Pretty much."
"Sounds like my kind of odds."
Hoist kept a careful speed in an attempt to not attract any attention, but knew he couldn't afford to keep himself too slow. The newly fitted communication system started beeping, letting him know there was an incoming message from Springer. He wondered what could be so important Springer felt the need to break comm silence.
He read the encrypted message, optics widening in shock. He wished he still had Springer's comm panel at his disposal; it could carry a far stronger signal and could punch through most of the solar wind Algol could throw at them. Instead he could only make do with what he had. He had no choice now but to leave the only flimsy protection of AT1. Feeling like there was no other choice left, the urgency of the message took care of that, he broke cover and made for somewhere he could send his message from.
It was dark. He was sure he had a body somewhere, but he wasn't currently aware of it. Information surrounded him, it was him. Alongside him ran more information; separate yet merging with his own information, yet the information was unknown to him. He tried searching for his body, but kept becoming swept up in these surging streams of data that were him, yet weren't. He felt a cry of frustration want to tear from him, but there was no body for it to come from, which frustrated him only further. They were going somewhere, him and these other streams. How could they be going somewhere when they weren't anywhere?
He tried to break free again, just to be swept back. He could feel, if feel was the right word, he wasn't sure…now he'd confused himself further so he gave up and stuck with the word feel. He could feel information, like particles being taken away, others being added. It tickled in an odd, detached way, made his mind itch if he tried to focus on it. He gave up, too unpleasant.
There were others here. The same as him, yet not. He tried getting someone's attention. It didn't work. Stupid Autobots. Autobots? He wondered what the word meant, trying to feel the word, like trying to taste something that had no flavour. He could feel it and see it, but something was missing. If he pulled the word too close he lost part of the information and it made him feel wrong, like part of it was missing, or part of him was missing.
Of course it did. He chided himself for the thought. He knew somewhere there was a solid mass he belonged in. Maybe he was still there and just couldn't find it. Frustration built up again. He knew that would just led to further frustration so he tried grasping words again. Most of them tasted…again he was unsure it was right, no, it was a good word for until he thought of a better one, they tasted…funny, like a sense was missing. He tried to rationalise this again, and failed. The dark was annoying him. He tried to take his frustration out on the streams that were around and merging in places with him. He shoved them away, or at least tried to. No one intruded into his…his…his what? Whatever it was he was trying to protect. He decided that he wasn't sure but it didn't matter right now.
More words came and went, more fragments of something else trying to take away and add bits and the ever moving stream kept him from focusing on anything that would give him an anchor. He blindly floated in the dark part of something he was trying hard to stay out of. They were still moving somewhere, yet he knew he wasn't moving. What was moving and where? He was moving it? He was doing a lot of things he didn't understand. So were these others he was trying to keep separate from this core he'd found. He searched for more words, each tasting strange or missing something. How long was he searching? He didn't know. Time had no meaning in this place. Yet it was important? Time, they'd been waiting. Who'd been waiting? Too many questions. Something had been waiting and for a long time. Longer that he'd seen? More unfamiliar words, more pointless information that was meaningless to him. He stopped trying to look and floated in the dark.
Then he realised it wasn't dark. It wasn't anything. Just information. With this realisation came one word that didn't have anything missing.
Starscream.
The Senator was not of large stature, but his countenance was regal and gave the impression of any height he lacked. The deep blue of his armour plating contrasted with the lighter shades of plating that covered the mechanisms of his joints and the upper part of his legs.
Out of habit, the first thing Optimus Prime always noticed was the lack of any faction symbol. He inclined his head respectfully in greeting. "Senator Seginus."
"Optimus. It is always good to see you."
Since his brief meeting with Ultra Magnus he'd found himself frequently at the memorial park, more often than not he was alone. Today he had been paid an unexpected visit. "Thank you. I did not expect to see any of the senate over this way."
The Senator smiled. "We all feel the need to pay our respects at times." He stopped to look at some of the sculptures. "I have many here I know, and much greater that number that I don't. It would be a terrible waste to see such loss of life again."
Prime just nodded allowing the Senator to lead the conversation for now.
"I was aware of your request of the Senate. It was a shame I was away from Iacon at the time and missed you. They ruled badly in their decision on the Wreckers."
Prime knew the Senator was offering him an opening, to bring the subject up without having to broach it himself. He wondered why the Senator was doing this, Prime was well known for voicing his beliefs when it came to the good of Cybertron. He decided to remain neutral in his response. "The Senate made the decision they thought was in the best interests at the time. If you had of been there you would have been overruled by the majority."
"That as may be, Optimus. But it was still an egregious mistake."
"The decision was made half a vorn ago, Senator. Numerous attempts to get the Senate to overturn the ruling have failed."
At that moment a small bot hurriedly caught up with them. "Prime, there is an incoming message for you. It's very weak and doesn't repeat but we've managed to locate its origin. It's in the Algol system, sir."
Prime turned to the Senator. "Please excuse me."
"May I accompany you? I am aware of the situation in Algol, I would like the opportunity to be kept abreast of matters."
Prime nodded and they both briskly followed the path back towards the buildings.
On entering his office he immediately accessed the message. Feeling relief at knowing Hoist was well he read the rest, the relief fading into concern. Now he understood why the message had come directly to him rather than through the normal protocols.
Senator Seginus moved forward a step. "The news is not as you hoped?"
Prime sat down at his desk and motioned the Senator to take a seat. Seginus was a newer member of the Senate, appointed after the war. As a more junior member of the Senate, he was one of the few that fought during the war rather than 'hiding behind the bodies of others' as he had more than once accused them of. He was, in general, liked by the other members but some of his views were unpopular.
"No it isn't. I need to speak with the Senate."
"Optimus, we've known each other for many vorns now. Talk to me and I'll see what I can do to help."
"You know of the mission to recover our missing scientists?"
"Of Course. Even if I hadn't of known at the time, the grumbling of the Senate for the Military Council authorising the use of the Secutor would have informed me." He softly chuckled at the thought. "I take it there has been an unforeseen development."
"The Quintessons."
Seginus' optics brightened in horrified shock. There was a heavy silence in the room until Seginus composed his thoughts enough to speak again. "It's been so long…why now?"
"I don't know. The Quintessons have long memories, their failed conquest of Cybertron is a slight they haven't forgotten."
Seginus looked at Prime with earnest optics. "The Matrix?"
Optimus knew Seginus was looking to him in his capacity as Prime. As far as they all knew, Alpha Trion had been the last Transformer that possessed living memory of a time when the Quintessons had temporarily gained a flimsy hold on Cybertron. "Silent on the subject - for now at least."
"How much time have we got?"
How Seginus knew the Quintessons were coming, Prime didn't know. Seginus while new to the Senate, was one of the few Transformers old enough to remember the old stories of a time when Cybertron was under alien control. "It appears they are confident in their methods, they don't seem to be in any hurry at all." Prime told Seginus all he'd learnt from the message from Hoist, but omitted any mention of the Wreckers for now. "I need to address the Senate. We need to be prepared for them."
"What do you plan to do?"
"Fight them."
A shocked expression briefly crossed Seginus' features. "No, you're right. There never has been any reasoning with the Quintessons. Where though?"
"This is why I need to speak to the Senate. I will need to discuss this with the Military Council too. We need to meet them, fight them away from Cybertron." Prime stood and steadily paced the office, arms crossed over his torso in thought.
"Summon Ultra Magnus," Seginus said. "I will call the Senate to convene so you may address them. I will convince as many as possible that an attack force sent to them would be preferable."
"Thank you, Seginus."
"It's no hardship, Optimus. As the Senator responsible for overseeing the Military council, this is one department I can aid you in."
