What's Wrong with a Little Destruction?
The Wreckers

The continuing awesomeness of IDW's top strikeforce!

Note: Requested by VAWitch. Deneb IV was mentioned in the Marvel Comics where Kup nearly lost his entire platoon in a Decepticon attack.

Also note: The first issue of Devastation comes out today and Transformers IMAX comes out on Friday! Happy friggin' birthday me! D

Request: Kup and Wreckers

"A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image."
-Unknown

The two 'bots walked down the Hub in a fairly sedate pace though it was more in consideration of the much younger and larger mech than the one whose paint had faded to an almost ash-green.

"It's been a while."

"Yessir, it has."

"Enough of that 'sir' business, Roadbuster. I told you I had enough of that when you graduated from the academy."

Roadbuster's green visor glowed. "Yessir."

He got a scathing look in return. "Heard you had a pretty close call on Deneb IV." Kup nodded at the fresh flexiseal across the Wrecker's chest."

"Took heavy shrapnel, pierced my fuel injector." He grimaced under his facemask. "Had to get it replaced- nasty business."

"I don't doubt it." That planet didn't hold any pleasant memories for Kup as it was. "At least you're walking again."

"I lucked out. If I was moving any faster, if my armor wasn't as thick, if any of the others weren't there, if the docs didn't know how to do their job I'd be dead. I have no illusions about that."

They walked on in silence for a moment before Kup felt the need to ask, "Ratchet did let you out, right? I'm too old to be dodging laser scalpels and he's got a helluva arm."

That earned a rumbled laugh. "I convinced him, given the circumstances, to let me go provided I stayed off duty."

"And I played chaperone."

"And you played chaperone."

They both chuckled at that, nodding to what other Autobots passed by them with a greeting. "Speaking of which, how are the other lads, anyway? I'm hoping you've been doing better since that drift thing?"

"We still can't mention that around Twin Twist." Roadbuster admitted. "And we still stand by the official excuse that that incident was a fluke. But no, we've still been going around, kicking aft and taking names."

"Good. Roster hasn't changed around, has it?"

The larger mech shook his head. "Thankfully, no. Our team is real tight- it'll be bad business if it's got to be switched up." Because it would mean one of them was killed. "They'll all be ecstatic to see you, by the way."

"Bah." Kup waved a hand in faux irritation. "Don't know why you young 'bots are soft on an old mech like me. Not like I was your only instructor." He paused. "In fact- I only trained you and Springer. The rest of them I never even met until this Wreckers business got started."

"Well, you know Springer. Took all your training and advice and stories to spark. He'll go on and on about you at the slightest prompting."

Kup chuckled. "He's a fool and a half, that one. Really matured since the academy. Good lad."

"Indeed." They stopped at the entry to the brig, waiting for their clearance to go through. "But still the same Springer."

"That he is." They stopped along the span of three occupied cells and Kup said sharply, "Alright you sorry lot of glitches! Your escorts are here to boot your afts back to respectability!"

Instead of any cringing or sheepish looks all the occupants got their feet with beaming faceplates, talking all at once. "Kup! Hey, what's a relic like you up to? You're still functioning?"

"Fragging trouble-making, turbo-brained fledglings." He said with a fond growl, deactivating the cells. Kup had been in this business for too long to get too attached to any particular mech or several- had his spark broken too often out lasting them –but it was difficult for him to not like the Wreckers. They were a reminder of his youth and they all had the time and experience to find that difficult balance between play and business. They were disciplined, intelligent, professional and they always found a way to make Kup laugh. He'd come to respect and like them enough to not mind bailing them out every now and again. "Always gotta cause chaos wherever you go, don't you?"

They shuffled into the main hall, not at all acting as if they were locked up for an entire shift. "Gotta keep on our game somehow!" Twin Twist said with a wide grin.

Sandstorm went up to Roadbuster and gave him a light punch in the arm. "Good to see you back on your feet, RB!"

"Better than on his back, that's for sure." Topspin beamed. Roadbuster gave a half snarl and a vague swipe in both their directions. Broadside had to duck to get out of the open cell and stopped by Kup.

"You going to join us for some energon? Maybe tells us a story or two?"

Kup shook his head. "Why you lot always want to hear the same stories time after time is beyond me."

"But we like 'em!" Scoop piped up.

"And we want to know what parts you change this time around!" Whirl added with a cycloptic grin.

"Get outta here, ya smart-aft scrap buckets!" He snapped at them without venom. The Wreckers snickered as they moved out into the main corridor. Kup turned to look at the straggler still in the entryway to the cell.

"Good seeing you again, old timer." Springer said fondly.

"I'd say the same if I didn't have to keep pulling your aft outta the fire." He tossed his head, indicating for the triplechanger to move. "When are you gonna stop slagging off Prowl?" Kup asked, as if he didn't ask every time they met.

And Springer answered as if he didn't say the same thing after each question. "When he stops being such a tight aft."

The older 'bot tried to keep his grizzled face on, but couldn't help chuckling. "You did get him pretty good this time, though."

"Blaster said he got a capture of it." He leaned in conspiratorially. "I could slip you a copy."

Kup laughed like he knew he shouldn't be and slapped Springer's shoulder. "Good lads!"

Same old Springer indeed.

FloofWolfe: A prank backfire? Oh, that would be precious XD

Teh: People are complex so I like being able to take characters at different angles. Really fleshes them out.

Melora: When one talks about odd myths, one can't not think of that!