A familiar bright light brought Stealthblade back to consciousness and he reluctantly activated his visor, still wishing to remain shut down. He truthfully felt exhausted, like he had run a marathon and then did it again backwards through hurricane winds. His spark still cried at him within his chest, but feeling had returned to his limbs.
Stealthblade glanced around; not at all surprised to see he was within the safety of the Med-bay. However something else did catch him off guard.
Montana? And Node and Outspace; snoozing with Stormstrike? Have I gone insane and not realized it? Stealthblade shut off his visor several times to make sure the sight before him was real.
It was. Montana was nestled against Stealthblade's neck, using his delicate tubing there as a warm pillow. Then leaned up against the nearest wall to the dark mech was Stormstrike, shut down and sandwiched between Node and Outspace, who both for once looked rather peaceful.
I wonder how long I've been out? He switched his attention to the rest of the medical bay, only to find it void of anyone else.
Then as if on queue Pulse walked in; a tired smirk gently spread across his pleasant faceplate. The medic was quick to arrive at Stealthblade's side.
"Stealthblade, it's good to see you functioning." Pulse's voice was filled with relief, hinting he had been very stressed perhaps mere moments ago.
"Sorry to worry ya. Problems just seem to find me attractive for some reason." He joked weakly.
Pulse rolled his optics and then started carefully analyzing the black mech's body. He hovered especially long over his chest and spark chamber. From what Stealthblade could see, the outside had been fully repaired as well as the major circuitry that had been severed within, but he knew that was not what Pulse was worried about.
"Stormstrike told me you were impaled through your spark chamber, but he would not expand any further than that. Would you care to inform how you survived something like that and even had a patch job done on your other injuries?"
Stealthblade lowered his helm spikes apprehensively. Could he really tell Pulse that it was a 'con that saved his life? Especially since that 'con was Vividhaze; the assumed deadliest of the five brothers.
"We got lucky." Stealthblade mustered out before falling completely mute.
"Stealthblade…" Pulse began.
"Mmph? What's going on?" A groggy child's voice muttered suddenly. "Stealth?"
"Morning kiddo? Was I comfortable?" Stealthblade quickly seized this chance to change the topic, but judging by the look on Pulse's face, it wasn't the end of their conversation.
I hope he doesn't sick Ratchet on me! I might just end up running for my life.
"Stealthblade you finally woke up! You had us all so worried! Practically everyone's been here to see you, even Prowl and Claw, ha-ha! Like everyone wants to apologize to you too, and thank you."
"Thank me?" Stealthblade raised a single helm spike.
"Oh course silly, you saved Aero! He's all better now too…well…mostly better." Montana explained happily.
"Just how long have I been here?" Stealthblade turned to Pulse.
"A week and a half. Your brother only woke up two days ago."
"Damn, I was more messed up than I realized." He gasped.
"Slightly." Pulse grimaced at some memory.
"Oh but Pulse, I would have no other medic but you." Stealthblade let a deep glow issue out from his visor.
"I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or a work order." The medic sighed.
Montana and Stealthblade burst into laughter, awakening the other three mechs in the room.
"Bro!" Stormstrike was the first to react seeing that his programming gave him better reflexes.
"Hey little brother." Stealthblade greeted.
The elite shoved the gladiators to their feet and quickly jumped to Stealthblade's side, nearly cutting off Pulse in the process and earning him a solid glare. The two gladiators were on his other side a few seconds later.
"You two have been behaving, right?" Stealthblade questioned carefully.
Outspace nodded sharply while Node just looked away, looking oddly submissive.
"Node?" Stealthblade pressed sternly.
"I only blew up one television okay! I didn't even hurt anyone." He growled finally.
This got a fond giggle out of Montana and disapproving tisk from Pulse.
"Node…" the said mech cringed back as Stealthblade extended a hand, "keep up the good work." He gently pat Node on the shoulder much to the mech's surprise.
A small glow filled Node's visor which the dark soldier found oddly satisfying.
"Just because I'm back doesn't mean you two can start terrorizing this place again, understood?" Stealthblade's dark voice for once came in handy.
"Yes Sir." They replied in unison.
I don't think I'll ever get used being called that. Stealthblade flinched mentally.
Don't fret about it too much. It's a sign of humility. Stormstrike comforted sincerely.
"All right, everyone out except you Stormstrike. You're not permitted to leave this Med-bay until Stealthblade is." Pulse seemed to know more than he had originally told Stealthblade.
"Does that mean I have to go too?" Montana frowned up at the medic.
The blue, white and red mech sighed and then glanced to Outspace.
"Take her to the lounge. I'm sure someone's in there to talk with." Pulse instructed.
Am I missing something or did Pulse just say it was okay for Outspace to pick Montana up? Stealthblade glanced up at his brother for assurance.
No worries Stealth. Outspace is actually really gentle with things that aren't mechanical. He was actually given clearance to spend time outside with Montana as long as Node wasn't with them to start anything. You should see the guy alone with her sometime, it just blows my mind how sweet he actually is! Stormstrike sounded as if he scarcely believed his own thoughts.
Snooping with no chance of dying, sounds entertaining. Stealthblade replied.
Just before Outspace walked out with Montana in hand, the stealth soldier called to them.
"Hey Montana…"
She looked at him questioningly, still hurt that Pulse was kicking her out.
"I missed ya."
A small smile slipped across her lips just as she passed through the door on Outspace's shoulder. Node followed them quickly but turned and went the opposite direction for reasons that escaped the incapacitated elite.
"Now, I wanted them out for a reason." Pulse began, turning a stern optic towards the brothers.
Oh slag, I don't like where this is going. Stormstrike was quick to fret.
He's going to start twenty questions in three, two, one... Stealthblade predicted.
"As your medic, there are some things I absolutely need to know before I clear you and let you go." Pulse began.
What's our cover story? Stormstrike whispered despite the fact Pulse couldn't hear them.
Hell if I know. What did you say to him while I was out? Stealthblade hissed back.
Not much, I pretended to be delirious the first day and stressed the second.
Well isn't that just all fine and dandy. Stealthblade growled more to himself than his sibling.
"Well start shooting." Stormstrike encouraged, sounding perfectly at ease when internally his mind was racing.
Is it safe to talk about Vividhaze? I mean the guy just saved our lives, he didn't really do much else. Stormstrike barely flickered his optics in Stealthblade's direction.
If we tell Pulse it was Vividhaze, he might assume that Vividhaze was trying to gain our trust and get something from us. He'll tell Optimus for sure, and who knows what will play out from that? Stealthblade reasoned.
But what can they do? They trust us. Stormstrike wasn't getting it.
They trusted us. We went missing, got banged up, have no explanation. Don't you think Pulse would assume Vividhaze tampered with our programming to make us loyal to the 'cons again?
Oh. Stormstrike gasped.
"I need to know how you got patched up." Pulse started.
Stormstrike and Stealthblade exchanged glanced.
Tell him nothing and make him suspicious, tell him everything and make him suspicious. What are we going to do? Stormstrike begged.
We tell him something else.
Lie!?!
Stealthblade sucked in a slow breath. "I don't remember much Pulse. I was kinda out of it."
Pulse's expression read he didn't believe him, but he focused his attention on Stormstrike.
"Hey, don't look at me! We just woke up and found ourselves someplace safe. Maybe some neutral or something that's been hiding on Earth found us and felt like helping us out but didn't want us to know who they were?"
What a great cover story Storm. Stealthblade sarcastically congratulated.
Hey, I read about it in one of the base files. The same thing happened to Plasmagrade the first month the team arrived on Earth. The elite expanded.
"As highly unlikely as that sounds, I can't think of any other situation that could have given you those repairs that is any more likely." Pulse sighed, giving into the brother's vague words.
"Could you sit up for me Stealthblade? I want to examine the entry point of your injury." The medic walked around him.
Carefully and slowly, with a little help from his brother, Stealthblade managed to sit erect. Pops and creaks issued from his joints; stiff after remaining still on a berth so long.
"I had to completely reconstruct the joints in your wings so you could transform again, so it may feel a little off for awhile until you adjust." Pulse scanned his back carefully, trying not to miss anything that could prove threatening to Stealthblade's wellness. "Well, you look all right, but I prohibit you from any transformations and any heavy work or action. Your spark, as well as Storm's, is highly unstable and needs time to recover."
"Right." Stealthblade puffed, hating being out of commission.
You could always think of it as a break for all your hard work. Stormstrike suggested light heartedly.
Okay Mr. Optimistic. Stealthblade growled at Stormstrike aloud, earning himself with a questioning look from Pulse.
"So where's Ratchet? Ain't he usually bunkered in here with you?" Stormstrike glanced around, not at all affected by his sibling's behavior.
"He is currently assigned to monitoring Aero Prime's condition, seeing as it's been going through a series of degenerations before returning to normal." Pulse explained.
"Why, what's wrong with Aero?" Stealthblade was quick to tense, but instantly regretted the painful action.
"Don't worry Stealthblade, you reached him in time and we were able to mostly repair his body, but it seems the Decepticons implanted a virus that fights with Aero Prime's self repair system and its been making it difficult for him to adjust to his new parts. We've got Loosevalve working on an anti-virus as we speak." Pulse told the brothers.
Anti-virus… Stealthblade's thoughts grew morbid.
Hey, none of that depressing crap. I'm sure as soon as Aero is all taken care of Loosevalve will look into your…problem. Stormstrike comforted.
Look into it? No one's even attempted to solve my virus problem! Sure Pulse and Ratchet said they were looking for a cure, but they weren't really. They just meant they'd examine it again at a later date and knowing how old our new bodies can live to, it could be a very long time! Stealthblade snarled inwardly, but externally showed no signs of his turmoil.
Breathe bro. Stormstrike cooed lightly.
Instantly Stealthblade slumped over, all his pent up emotion turning to meaningless jell. His virus's aggressive influences still seemed to have a small grip on his mind.
Not a grip Stealth. Just a small struggling reach that can barely touch you. His brother continued to console him.
I suppose. I'll still be happier once this thing is gone. Stealthblade remained down, but his temper had been quelled.
"Hey Pulse, is it okay if we leave now?" Stormstrike requested.
The medic frowned at this, narrowing his calming optics momentarily.
"I suppose, as long as you do not leave one another's sides. Your sparks appear to be more stable when you are in close proximity of the other. And Stealthblade…" Pulse glared directly at him. "If you feel fatigued, even slightly, you are to either come back here or get some recharge in your room. I do not want you unconscious for another week."
"O-Okay." Stealthblade shrank beneath Pulse's intimidating glower.
You can get up, right? Stormstrike suddenly asked.
I may need a tiny bit of help.
Thought so. His brother nearly chuckled, but it was not at Stealthblade, simply the situation they had been placed in amused him.
With a gentle heave Stealthblade stood and managed to keep from wobbling by keeping a hand on Stormstrike's shoulder. Pulse still seemed uncertain, but let it go once he noticed the glow emanating from Stealthblade's visor. The medic was constantly getting better at reading the stealth soldier's subtle gestures that would have been obvious expressions on any other 'bot that had a real faceplate.
"Shall we greet Optimus and do formal stuffs or should we just hang in the lounge and let everyone come to us? Your call." Stormstrike glanced at his sibling as they exited the Med-bay.
"Honestly I kinda want to relax. My spark…" the darker Autobot faltered.
Is still hurting. Yeah, mine too. Stormstrike placed a hesitant hand over top his chest armor, which was actually singed from something. Stealthblade guessed it was when his spark had been more aggravated, and a stray thought from Stormstrike confirmed it.
"All right then, lounge here we come! Montana will be happy at least." The ambush elite grinned internally.
"I'm sure a lot of 'bots will be happy to see us there."
Stormstrike nodded his head in agreement, and then they set off for the pleasant room. Upon arriving Stealthblade spied Montana running circles around the room after Bladestrike, who was barking playfully back at her, as if teasing her. It was obvious she had not neglected her health in Stealthblade's absence because her breathing remained smooth.
Outspace was seated on the floor watching them while half of his attention was on some strange device in his claws he was tinkering with. At first Stealthblade thought it looked like an oversized cigarette lighter with two round nubs on one end and a flat button along the sides, but quickly realized it was probably a stunning weapon of some sort.
Stretched out on a couch was Rawspark, whom if Stealthblade hadn't known better would have appeared recharging. He quickly assumed it was either his break or there was simply nothing he could do to help out around base.
"'Sparky!" Stormstrike was quick to react to his favorite depressed mech.
The red opticed mech swiftly sat up, looking over at Stormstrike and Stealthblade in partial disbelief.
"How ya been? You look bored."
Stealthblade wanted optics so he could roll them at that moment. Stormstrike picked up on this but did not comment.
"Things have been…dull. It's good to see you two back on your feet." Rawspark responded in his typical sullen tone.
"I'll say. Pulse was starting to think Stealth wasn't going to wake up ever again. He was rambling about permanent spark damage and yada, yada, complicated slag." Stormstrike's blue optics flashed to his older brother, knowing he had been keeping this information secret from him until now.
Hey, don't worry about what Pulse was fretting over. He should have known the moment you woke up sane, I would too. Stealthblade found that it was his turn to do some comforting.
"Is that why Pulse never left the Med-bay the whole time Stealth was unconscious?" Montana walked over, finished with her game with her dog.
"Wait, he never left? Not even once?" Stealthblade exclaimed in disbelief.
"Nope. Ratchet would have thrown a fit and a few wrenches about it too if he hadn't been preoccupied with Aero. We had to get Windgust to bring energon to Pulse so he wouldn't offline on us all of the sudden." Montana expanded quickly.
"No wonder why Pulse was cringing when he spoke with us. He couldn't have recharged properly once like that." Stealthblade twitched his helm spikes unhappily. He hated it when others ran themselves ragged, especially when it was for him.
A sharp twitch in his spark suddenly sent him leaning up against his brother for support, and Stormstrike tensed readily incase he fell.
"Stealthblade?" Montana questioned worriedly.
"Don't worry; just need to sit down."
Stormstrike helped Stealthblade to the nearest couch, and Rawspark quickly made room. Everyone stared at him uncertainly for a minute before Stealthblade growled.
"I'm not going to keel over and die guys." He assured.
"I think that's debatable at the moment." Rawspark commented.
The stealth soldier cast him a small glare, but he couldn't be angry or even remotely upset with that 'bot. Rawspark was always kind in his own withdrawn way and never spoke harshly of anyone. Any fowl looks he got were undeserved.
Same thoughts exactly. Stormstrike murmured in Stealthblade's mind.
And just whose thoughts were you agreeing with, mine or Rawspark's? Stealthblade questioned.
I'll let you try and figure that out.
A snort escaped the dark mech, but he did not demand an answer. Instead he just reclined deeper into his seat, allowing his spikes to droop lazily.
"Stealthblade?" Outspace approached cautiously, but that was just his natural approach to others which could easily have been misinterpreted.
"Hm?"
"I just thought you ought to know Windgust and I are working on an anti-virus for you. Pulse and Ratchet don't know about it yet, and we'd like to keep it that way until it's completed." Outspace's words caught the weakened soldier off guard.
"You…are?" Disbelief riddled his thick voice.
The metallic green mech simply nodded, his four bright optics curving up into a grin of reassurance. "Loosevalve is even helping from time to time."
Wow…Windgust wasn't lying when she said she was going to find me a cure.
Stormstrike grinned at his sibling. You see, I told you that you shouldn't have gotten so riled up. Things always work out for you in the end.
I'd just call that your dumb luck rubbing off on me. Stealthblade snapped back, but he wasn't angry or upset in the least.
If his spark hadn't been currently killing him with pain, he would have felt the relief flooding out of it.
Suddenly Loosevalve entered the lounge and a huge grin lit up on his quirky faceplate. He activated his comm. to an open channel and quickly informed the whole base that Stealthblade was conscious and out of the Med-bay.
Oh dear. He would have cringed if he could.
I guess we'll be seeing a flood of 'bots in a few seconds. Stormstrike mentally prepared himself. I wonder who'll get here first?
Stormstrike, don't start… Stealthblade was cut short when Node suddenly scrambled into the lounge, only regaining composure at the very last second.
Erm…what's up with Node? He already knew I was up. Stealthblade cocked his head.
He probably feels like he needs to guard you now that everyone knows you're up.
Guard me from the others? I doubt that's necessary. Stealthblade commented.
Stormstrike simply shrugged as Node strode over behind Stealthblade and taking a place beside Outspace, who also looked a bit protective. They nodded slightly to one another that would have been missed by any other bot if they had no experience with the gladiators. They both crossed their arms and looked very imposing, only winning them a sigh from Stealthblade.
Then to Stealthblade's surprise another Autobot burst in through the lounge, but she looked very submissive and worried.
Dawncatcher… Stealthblade winced mentally at the memory of scaring the poor femme.
The room was deathly quiet, and all but Stealthblade had looked away from Dawncatcher. The stealth soldier watched her carefully as she slowly walked over to him out of the corner of his visor, rubbing her arm nervously.
"Hey," he decided to break the silence and turned his head up to her.
Her soft pink optics locked onto his deep purple visor and suddenly she flung herself around him, giving him a tight hug.
"Whoa…Dawn," Stealthblade hadn't been prepared for her.
He then realized she was crying in the fashion only a transformer could.
"I'm sorry for…scaring you like that." The dark mech gently wrapped his arms around her, trying to be as comforting as his deadly body would allow.
"I-It's okay S-Stealth, you were just f-following orders." Dawncatcher pulled back with her optics down cast and shaky breaths still hiccupping from her small frame.
"It doesn't make it any better." He lowered his helm spikes.
Dawncatcher froze for a moment as well as the rest of the room, wondering what her reaction would be like.
Slowly a small smile found itself on her lip plates.
"I forgive you none-the-less."
Stealthblade's visor glowed slightly on its own accord and the tension from the other's melted with the now happy air floating in the room. Then Plasmagrade and the twins entered, all of them grinning.
"Have a nice nap?" Sideswipe laughed.
"Unfortunately I overslept." Stealthblade kidded back.
He then noticed Plasmagrade staring at Dawncatcher rather sullenly despite his initial sunny entrance. Stealthblade would have frowned at this if he physically could have. He made a mental note to address the issue when he was well enough to find Plasmagrade and Dawncatcher privately and speak with them.
You're always looking out for those two aren't you? Stormstrike smirked.
They're so difficult sometimes. I just want them to get along and be happy together, but do they? No, they get all emotional and distance themselves from each other whenever something happens out of the ordinary. Stealthblade growled just loud enough for his brother's acute audio receptors to pick up.
I thought relationships were also something that grows with time? Stormstrike cast a sidelong glance at his older sibling.
You're right little bro, but a relationship can't even get started if they don't go out of their way to do something about it. It's a very delicate process and easy to screw up.
Like you and Jon? Stormstrike suddenly looked towards the ground ashamed like.
The darker sibling froze, clamping his spikes hard against himself to the point where it was uncomfortable.
I was fourteen then…a bit young for anything like this, don't you think? Stealthblade reasoned.
Yeah…I guess. His blue gaze trailed down to Montana subconsciously and his feelings were painfully clear to Stealthblade at the moment. He loved the little girl with all his spark but also feared her. She was just a little girl after all, and he was a little boy trapped in a body that should have been emotionally and mentally mature, but was actually a tangled mess of both. It saddened Stealthblade and worst of all was he could do nothing about it. They could easily end up living millions of years, and Montana would be lucky to reach a hundred. The stealth soldier kept all these thoughts from Stormstrike though.
"So how's your spark feeling? Pulse was awfully worried for awhile there." Plasmagrade grinned, distracting himself from Dawncatcher.
"I think I'll make it as long as a keep a good distance from spears." Stealthblade chuckled but at the same time felt half serious about it. He had been impaled by spears and nearly died many times now and didn't want another spear incident.
"Hear that? We need to keep Clawfist away from Stealth." Light laughter filled the room and the dark mech found it very comforting.
Suddenly Breakshift tore in, trailed by a calmer and somewhat annoyed looking Spincycle. His blue optics were quick to lock onto the stealth soldier and he jumped to his side, shoving aside a now disgruntled Outspace.
"Stealthblade, how ya feeling?" He looked worried, but not the type of worried Stealthblade had been anticipating. It was more like he was afraid of Stealthblade doing something to him than actual concern for the dark mech's well being, though that was definitely present as well.
"Much better." Stealthblade half wondered how many times he was going to have to tell everyone he was okay.
More times than you'll ever need to bro. Stormstrike laughed internally.
Maybe I can lock myself in my room and pretend no one's home? His thoughts of escape only amused his younger sibling further.
Next to come in was Windgust, accompanied by Bumblebee and Bluestreak.
"Stealth my mech, why don't you look so much better. Not on death's door like a few days ago." Windgust chirped merrily as she pushed back everyone, even Node and Rawspark.
"Give him some space you all, I don't want him crushed after just waking up." The femme glared especially at Breakshift, whose hovering had been too close for Stealthblade's comfort.
I think I love this femme. Stealthblade sighed contently in his head.
Ewe…
Shut up Storm you know what I mean! Stealthblade held back the urge to hiss aloud.
"Aren't you supposed to be helping Pulse clean up or something?" Stormstrike asked the visored femme as if his conversation with Stealthblade hadn't just happened.
"I suppose I ought to check on him again, but now that's Stealthblade's up and moving about, he'll probably start taking care of himself again. I believe I'd just get in his way now." Her goldenrod visor glinted strangely in the light, making Stealthblade wonder if she was doing it on purpose. She did after all have physical optics beneath her shielding, and couldn't make it glow like the stealth soldier could.
I still can't believe I ran him through. Stealthblade's thoughts trailed back to when he had to prove himself to the new 'cons.
It was all planned out though, so don't fret. Stormstrike tried to comfort.
Would you feel comfortable around a mech that stabbed you through the chest? Stealthblade demanded, placing a clawed hand over his own chest plate subconsciously.
Well if I knew I'd live and they were trying to save someone…then yes, I think I would. He answered.
Think and know are two completely different things.
Lighten up Stealth, Pulse isn't afraid of you. Stormstrike comforted.
He should be. Stealthblade blocked out the last part so his brother couldn't hear.
Before the stealth soldier could realize it the entire lounge had filled up with Autobots and their smiles. All who remained missing was Chain, Aero Prime, Ratchet, Clawfist, Prowl, and the boss bot himself. Doubleedge and Torrent had walked in together and had been very concerned, having developed a warm friendship with the dark soldier while on Mars. Stealthblade was appreciative of the fact they kept from crowding him, which everyone else was doing whenever Windgust looked the other way, even if for only a moment.
Finally Node was just about to snap and start throwing anybot smaller than he when a call rang out throw the intercom. It was Chain's voice, requesting that all personnel returned to their duties and that Stealthblade and Stormstrike come to Headquarters if possible. The brothers exchanged glances.
A deep glow issued from Node's visor and he cracked his knuckles, the pops ringing out strangely through his parts and joints. A few inched away from the gladiator, knowing all to well he'd enforce what was announced when it involved Stealthblade. In fact the gladiator seemed to like enforcing rules, since it gave him an outlet for his aggression. Stealthblade wasn't sure whether this could be a turn for the best or the worst. He'd just have to wait and see.
As long as he still listens to ya Stealth, I'll think he'll be all right. Stormstrike commented cheerfully, thought still confused as to why both he and Stealthblade had been called to Headquarters. The leaders probably knew Stealthblade was in no shape to be parading around the base to every beck and call, so it must have been important.
I hope this isn't too serious. I'm tired and need a break. Stealthblade huffed.
You need rest? You've been dead to the world four practically two weeks! Stormstrike exclaimed, his optics visibly widening.
The elder brother just stared at him, unable to display the proper expression on his face plate. This made Stormstrike burst into laughter and stand up, only to help his brother stand a few seconds later. All the Autobots in the lounge seemed to silence, uncertain of the stealth soldier's condition and the amount of aid he needed. Stealthblade sighed, annoyed that they still thought he was going to shatter into a thousands pieces at any given second.
I understand they're concerned, but really now, I'm not a damn porcelain doll!
Language big bro. You are getting cranky, that's all. We'll get you some rest once we're done doing business with the big bosses. If they drag things out too long I can always call Node or Outspace to run in and create a distraction so we can flee. Stormstrike remained light and cheerful.
You mean it? Stealthblade flicked up a single helm spike questioning.
Every consonant and vowel. Now come on, let's just ignore these guys and get this over with. Stormstrike motioned with a flick of his head.
Stealthblade nodded and was slowly helped out by Stormstrike, a few bots watching after them carefully while others really did go back to their business. To the dark elite's surprise Rawspark stood and followed from a distance, as if to ensure nothing went awry in the short walk to Headquarters. The mech did care, he just wasn't the best at showing it.
Entering the place they had been summoned to, Stealthblade quickly locked onto Optimus Prime and a much healthier looking Aero Prime. Some of the armor on his faceplate had been slightly reconfigured and his paint gleamed from polish, but he still looked like the same leader that had rescued Stealthblade out in the desert. At his side was Ratchet, who was jotting down information; probably pertaining to Aero Prime's current condition.
Chain was at his usual spot at the monitors, but the angle of his head told Stealthblade that he had seen them enter through one of the cameras. Prowl was quick to look up from his work at the brothers, shortly accompanied by Clawfist from beside him, who no longer looked recognizable from the old Clawfist that Stealthblade had always been at odds with. Trust issues had finally settled between the two and they had gained a mutual truce not to rub one another, but that still did not mean Stealthblade had to like the mech. Respect sure, he had enough respect to lay down his life for Clawfist, but he doubted they could ever get on the terms of calling one another friends.
"Stealthblade, Stormstrike, it's good to see you two moving about again." Optimus Prime greeted warmly.
"Feels good to Sir." Stormstrike grinned with his optics in return.
"Do you mind me asking why we were called here Optimus?" Stealthblade sagged slightly and applied more of his weight to his brother's shoulder. His visor though focused on Aero Prime, pleased to see the other leader in such a better condition. He then realized the prime's four wing blades were a different color than before, now gleaming like chrome.
"We need to know of the situation with the five brothers as soon as possible. They are planning something, and we need to be able to stop them with minimal casualties." Optimus Prime answered, reading the weariness in Stealthblade's tone.
"We can sit down first of course." Aero Prime offered, and Stealthblade nodded hastily.
After taking a seat, Prowl and Clawfist gathered around as well. Chain kept his distance, but everyone knew he was both listening and watching.
"What do you need to know first?" Stealthblade raised one set of helm spikes curiously.
"Just start with the brothers. We can trickle our way through the information that way." Prowl injected.
"Right…" Stealthblade sighed. This was going to be one long conversation.