Author's note: At long last! Roadbuster, Sunstreaker and the others are back in this one folks so naturally, there will be some swearing involved. You've been warned.

Chapter 179 – A matter of Respect

Sideswipe P.O.V

''This is slagging bullshit! Prime and Phoenix have lost the plot,'' My twin brother Sunstreaker paced about the large mat in the training hanger. I stood off to the side with Arcee watching with mild interest as he went to town. /Sunny could be so entertaining/.

Scattered around the room were some of the other Autobots, 'Bee, Hound and Crosshairs. Dino and Drift had been assigned drills with some new recruits to the reformed N.E.S.T, and Jazz was on patrol duty. The Wreckers were last seen at the shooting range, no surprise there, and Rachet and Prime were in the Med Bay attending to Phoenix's injuries. Ironhide was likely polishing his cannons somewhere or doing whatever it is weapon's specialist do.

The tirade continued. ''A Decepticon and Autobot truce? Whoever heard of such a fucking load of fragging slag!'' Sunny growled out loud, his optics glowing angrily.

''Hey bro, I know it sounds like the worst idea in the history of terrible ideas, but I don't know,'' I shrugged my shoulders as Sunny sent me a withering glare. ''I'm sure Prime and Phoenix know what they are doing. Besides, I have a feeling we are going to need all the help..''

Sunstreaker halted in his frenzied pacing and roared at me. ''I would rather take my chances on my OWN with Unicron, than side with the Stinkin' 'Cons!'' His polished and gleaming chest rose and fell as the words left his dermas. I hadn't seen Sunny so worked up in, well, a very long time. ''What the frag is Prime thinking!?'' Sunny stalked over to stand beside me.

''Or Phoenix for that matter? I mean who does she think she is?'' Crosshairs barked out as he tagged in from Sunny and started pacing about, flailing his arms wildly. ''Just 'cause she has the Mark of the Prime and she's Prime's girlfriend doesn't mean she can lead worth a slag.''

''I'd watch what I said if I were you sunshine,'' Hound blew a smoke ring into the air and winked at Crosshairs. ''I'd wager Phoenix has more leadership abilities up her aft than you have…'' Hound paused as if considering the rest of his reply. He shook his helm and tapped ash on the ground. ''Well, anywhere.'' He smiled at Crosshairs, and I smirked.

''Dare you to say that to her face mate,'' I challenged Crosshairs from across the group. The sharpshooter glowered at Hound and then me respectively, though he chose not to retaliate. ''Besides,'' I continued. ''I hear she kept your aft safe while Prime was MIA.''

Beside me Sunny sniggered, ''That's one mistake she's made.''

Having remained silent so far listening to his friends vent their frustrations, 'Bee made his objections known. ''Why I oughta!'' he raised his servo as if to slap Sunny. ''Shame on you baby''.. ''They're not to blame when all is said and done.'' 'Bee made some more whirring and beeping noises as he pointed an accusing digit at Crosshairs and then Sunny, madly scanning the radio to find snippets of songs and words to express how he felt. ''After what… they…went through…. these past… few months… ''I just want to tell you that I've had enough!''… ''Why would they.. ''throw it all away''…. ''if they… did not… honestly… believe this was…. ''survival of the fittest, do or die?'' I smiled to myself. ''You may hate me, but it ain't no lie. Baby bye, bye, bye.''

The youngest one here and the most common sense by far. 'Bee was as loyal as they came, and he would not tolerate anyone bad mouthing Optimus OR Phoenix. ''Kid's got a point,'' I spoke up. ''And I gotta say, I agree with him.''

''Are you for real Sides?'' Sunny bit out tersely. ''Maybe your processor has begun ta rot on this organic planet!'' A deep scowl formed on his faceplates as he skulked off to lean against the wall. ''Siding with 'Cons? No fucking way.''

Arcee placed her hand on my arm as she glared after Sunstreaker and I sent my brother a shit eater grin which only served to irritate him more. ''I agree with you Sideswipe and 'Bee. While I may not have been here on Earth with Optimus Prime or Phoenix as long as you have 'Bee, from what I have seen of their leadership and their own personal qualities, I do not think they would have made that decision lightly.''

''Exactly,'' Hound's gruff voice joined the conversation once more. ''Have they ever steered us wrong before? When the slag was hitting the fan. Has Prime, or Phoenix for that matter, ever put us in a situation they couldn't get us out of?''

''Yeah, well I wasn't on the scene for quite a few millennia Hound. I'll have to take your word for it,'' Sunstreaker sneered at the chunky medic.

Hound stared back at my bro, flicking ash and blowing smoke in his direction. ''Yeah, ya will.''

The sound of heavy pedes falls from outside the room interrupted the conversation and all optics snapped in the direction of the door to the training room. The large, black and chrome form of Ironhide flung the doors open and marched across the floor, coming to stand beside Hound. A scowl on his face and his arms folded. Though Sunstreaker bristled and gritted his denta, he did not engage Hound in a fight. He knew better than that. Especially while 'Hide was there for backup.

''Hey 'Hide. Nice of ya ta grace us with your presence. To what do we owe the honour?'' I smiled at our weapon's specialist.

Ironhide growled at me, ''Prime has received word from Megatron. Two Decepticons are being sent to aide us in searching for the Star Saber.''

''And so, it starts,'' Sunstreaker sneered angrily from across the group.

Crosshairs spoke up. ''And who exactly are the lucky contestants might I ask?''

There was muffled laughter from within the group, though one look from 'Hide silenced most. ''Knockout and Dirge,'' he spat the names out.

At mention of the Seeker's name, 'Bee burred up and smashed one servo into the other. ''Check on the rep. Yep. Second to none.'' It was common knowledge now that Starscream had sent the Seekers to rough Bee up and capture him in a bid to use him as proof of Phoenix's deception. He had refused to say anything, and he had given Skywarp a reason to be wary of the yellow scout in future.

''Oh goody!'' I chimed in, rubbing my servos together in delight. ''When do I leave?''

''And what makes YOU think Optimus would choose you for this mission?'' Crosshairs snorted in contempt. ''You and ya brother are frontliners, not bloody experts in reconnaissance, search and recover and intel gathering!''

''That's because they don't have any fucking intelligence between 'em! Nancy wankers the pair of 'em,'' Roadbuster chose that moment to enter the room with Topspin.

I smiled at the Wrecker. ''Oh, solid burn mate! But ah, you would be the one able ta spot a lack of intelligence wouldn't ya Roadbuster?'' I winked at him.

'Bee erupted into applause and even Crosshairs sniggered in delight as he rubbed his servos together. ''Yes! Fight. Come on.''

Sunstreaker pushed himself off the wall and stalked silently towards Roadbuster. /Here we go/. While I didn't want to end up in a brawl with my friends, my bro was my bro.

''ENOUGH!'' Ironhide's voice rang out and the sound of his cannons firing up gave Sunstreaker reason to pause, though he continued to stare belligerently at Roadbuster, who stared right back. There was a love hate relationship between us Wreckers and Frontliners, as in we loved to hate on each other. ''I do not like the situation anymore than all of you do.'' Sunstreaker looked at Ironhide, a strange expression on his face. ''I have been fighting against Megatron far longer than all of you, with perhaps the exception of Hound...''

''You got that right 'Hide,'' Hound bit down hard on his cigar.

Ironhide continued, ''And the exception of Rachet and Optimus himself.'' He cast a withering glare around the group. ''If anyone has a right to bitch about this decision then it's Hound, Rachet OR ME!''

I watched with interest as most of the bots assembled averted their gaze from Ironhide's hard stare and challenge. While 'Hide may be a pain in the aft, there was no denying he was respected – and perhaps a little feared. Sunstreaker continued to watch him with interest.

''And so far, none of US, HAVE!'' Ironhide put his cannons away. ''While I may not always agree with Prime's decisions, or Phoenix's for that matter, every decision they make is for us. For our good, for our future and it is often at great personal expense.'' Ironhide drew himself up to his full height as he looked around the Autobots assembled before him. ''I respect them. I respect what they have done for us, what they have gone through for us, and I respect what they are trying to do – for us!'' He narrowed his optics. ''You should slagging well do the same you ingrates!''

I felt myself nodding in agreeance and around me, so too did several other bots. ''To that end, Prime has asked for three volunteers to assist the aforementioned 'Cons in seeking the Star Saber. A weapon Megatron is convinced will help secure victory against Unicron, especially if wielded by a Prime.'' Ironhide cast a questioning glance around the room as he placed his servos on his hips. ''Now. Do I have any volunteers?''

Every servo shot into the air and several bots stepped forwards eagerly. All except my bro. Ironhide scanned the group noting the willing participants. ''Before I make my selections, remember you are strictly forbidden from engaging in any sort of fighting with the ''Cons and we are to honour the terms of the truce. If you feel you can not do this, step down now.''

''Ahh, who am I fuckin' kiddin','' Roadbuster laughed. ''You canna youse the word ''honour'' in the same fucking sentence as tha ''Cons,'' he shook his helm. ''We're out.''

''Ah, are we?'' Topspin seemed to look perplexed.

''Of course we fucking are Topspin. We're bein' asked NOT ta bash 'Cons!'' Topspin continued to look at Roadbuster as though he had a second helm. ''It's really quite simple ya numpty tadger!'' I bit my derma hard to refrain from burstin' out laughing. ''Yew think ya could spend a few hours, let a lone a few fuckin' days, in tha company of those bawbags and play all nice like?''

Topspin's face seemed to screw up in distaste as the idea of getting along with Decepticons after millennia of pounding the ever-loving shit out of them, dawned on him. ''Oh, hell no!''

''Exactly ma point ya daft eejit!'' Roadbuster turned to Ironhide. ''Sorry mate, but ya doon two.''

Ironhide nodded his helm, a ghost of a smile on his dermas. ''Perhaps a wise idea Roadbuster and Topspin.'' He turned his attention back towards the rest of us, his optics resting on me for a moment. ''Anyone else?'' I continued to hold my servo up and smiled sweetly at 'Hide who simply grunted. ''Very well. I take this is as both acceptance for the mission and responsibility for your actions that should you break the truce, you are likely to be expelled from the Autobots and that is after your aft is handed to you by either myself, or Prime or BOTH!''

'Hide scanned the group one more time. ''Bumblebee, step forward.'' The young scout did so proudly. /Good choice/. Ironhide sighed out loud. ''I can't believe I am saying this, Sideswipe. Step forward.''

I cheered out loud and turned to Arcee, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. ''I'll make ya proud 'Cee.''

She smiled back at me. ''Just stay safe.''

Ironhide's gaze shifted to my brother and a smile broke out across his dermas. ''Sunstreaker. Thanks for being the final volunteer.''

Sunny scoffed as he glared at Ironhide. ''Get slagged! I did no such thing 'Hide.''

Ironhide chuckled as he approached my brother and placed a large servo on his shoulder. ''Actually, you did Sunstreaker when you acted in a disrespectful manner and brought the honour of the Autobots into question.''

Sunny glowered up at 'Hide and for a moment, I thought he would clock him. Ironhide patted Sunstreaker on the shoulder. ''This is your chance to show Prime you are truly sorry for what you did and that his faith in you is not misplaced.'' Ironhide stared down at Sunstreaker.

''Hey bro,'' I called out to him, and he flicked his optics briefly in my direction before once again staring daggers at our weapon's specialist. ''At least we get ta hang out some more together and with 'Bee too. It'll be fun!''

'Bee looked between me and Sunny and shrugged his shoulders before he shuffled through his radio stations and the notes of a song drifted out amongst us. ''I came in like a wrecking ball…''

''Bee!'' Arcee scolded the young scout. ''You couldn't have chosen something a little less well - inciting?'' 'Bee rolled his optics and kicked at the ground as he shuffled awkwardly on his pedes.

''Personally, I think he was right on tha money,'' Crosshairs laughed. ''Good one 'Bee.'' The yellow and back scout seemed to brighten at the encouragement.

Hound rose to his pedes and tapped his cigar ash on the ground at his feet. ''Well, it'll make for interesting reports I'll give you that Ironhide.''

Sunstreaker and Ironhide had not spoken a word. After a moment more, Sunstreaker cursed in Cybertronian as he shoved himself off the wall. ''Fine you rusty old bag of bolts!''

I felt my dermas part in shock and not a little pride at my bro's bravery, or stupidity, at insulting Ironhide to his face and remaining intact. Ironhide merely raised an optic ridge at him and his choice of words. ''Well just to be clear, I did NOT volunteer for this assignment and if I end up breaking the fucking truce with the fucking 'Cons it's on you 'Hide!'' Sunny pointed a digit accusingly at the imposing black and chrome mech.

Ironhide shook his helm. ''No Sunstreaker. It'll be on you. We are all responsible for our own actions. But,'' he reached out once more and placed a servo on his shoulder. Sunny eyed the offending appendage with barely restrained hostility, though he allowed it to remain there. ''Prime and I know you will rise to the challenge. You always do.''

Sunstreaker's scowl slowly faded. The hard, defiant look in his optics softened slightly, though he shrugged Ironhide's servo off and began to stalk towards me. ''Yeah, whatever!''

I clapped my servos together in anticipation. ''So, when do we leave?''

''This is a time sensitive mission. We need to obtain the Star Saber as soon as possible. According to Phoenix's reports, the 'Cons had already started looking for it, but have thus far been unsuccessful.'' Ironhide sighed and folded his arms across his massive chest.

''So, what makes you think WE'RE going to be able to find it?'' Sunstreaker growled at Ironhide.

''I don't know if you are going to be able to find it Sunstreaker, but we must at least try. So very much depends on finding this blade and on you and the 'Cons working together to do so.'' Ironhide once again fixed my bro with a very steady and unwavering gaze.

''Well. Let's. Get. to it!'' 'Bee slid his battle mask on and thumped his servos together.

A second later our respective GPS pinged. ''I have sent you the coordinates to meet with Dirge and Knockout and from there you will proceed to the various locales the Saber may possibly be found.'' Ironhide shifted on his pedes and looked at me. ''You are to send regular updates on your progress and status, and you are all to report to the main tarmac immediately. Lennox has a transport waiting to get you to your first location.'' I nodded. Ironhide smiled at me. ''I am putting you in charge Sideswipe.''

''What?" Sunstreaker yelled out loud and Bee made disappointed beeping sounds. ''I am the older twin.''

''And the uglier twin too, but hey Sunny, boss bot has spoken,'' I grinned at my brother who flipped me off.

Crosshairs shook his helm. ''Well, this is just great! The fate of the world rests in dumb and dumber's servos.''

''Come over here and say that to me ya pussy!'' Sunstreaker began to square up to the sharpshooter.

Crosshairs threw Ironhide a pained look and clapped his servos together. ''Congrats 'Hide, nice choices. Well done mate!''

Ironhide said nothing.

''Ah don't listen ta him Sunny. He's jus' jealous 'cause 'Hide knew he lacked the ball bearings ta get the job done,'' I winked at Crosshairs who growled at me. I turned and smiled at Arcee who stifled a laugh with her servos. ''Be back soon 'Cee, catch ya later?''

''I hope so 'Sides,'' she smiled brightly at me and I felt my spark skip a pulse. ''Bee, Sunny, stay safe,'' she called out to the others.

'Bee beeped and whirred cheerfully at her, and Sunny snorted. ''It's not us you should be worried about Arcee.''

I placed my servos on my hips and commanded in the most authoritative voice I could muster. ''Autobots – roll out!''

Sunny groaned and shook his helm. ''Slagging hell! Primus save us.''

'Bee rolled his optics again. ''I hate.. cheap.. knock offs.''

''What?'' I shrugged my shoulders and looked sheepish for a moment. ''I always wanted to do that however, message received. Only one bot can pull that off and it ain't me!'' I sighed and transformed revving my engine. ''Alright, Fine. Autobots, let's haul aft!'' Behind me Sunny and Bee transformed into their alt modes and revved their engines in kind. ''Last one to the transport has to make small talk with the ''Cons!''

Without another word two yellow streaks tore past me in a cloud of dust, and I laughed out loud as I took off after them. It didn't worry me if I was the one who would be stuck playin' nice with the 'Cons. As far as 'Cons go, you could do a lot worse than Dirge and Knockout. Besides, if this was important to Prime and Phoenix, and they trusted me to get it done, then I would not let them down.

I hoped.