(Please see all previous disclaimers)
Knowing that there was much work to be done, Smokescreen and Lancex headed to their assigned area was near the base but not at the site of the base. "How are we ever going to find anything out here?" Lancex asked, a bit overwhelmed at seeing the desert like area.
"We can use our systems to tune into the minicon frequency" Smokescreen replied.
"They have their own frequency?" Lancex asked and Smokescreen nodded. They soon began to search, using the secret tone to guide their steps.
As they searched, Smokescreen found a question he wanted to ask Lancex. "So, what are your thoughts on our Prime and his SIC Jetfire?" Smokescreen asked, making it seem more military based than loved base in hopes Lancex would answer.
Lancex thought for a moment as they continued searching. Smokescreen looked at the bot, hoping for an answer. "Well, I think that they are respectful, kind, yet powerful bots and any bot would be lucky to have one or both for mates" Lancex replied finally. Smokescreen was going to ask something further, but Lancex spoke before Smokescreen could. "But bots like those would never pick a bot like me. They will pick someone better." Lancex sighed, but before they could talk further, they found the panel that they were looking for and soon headed back to the base. Smokescreen knew that there was lots of work head, especially with Lancex.
Meanwhile, Optimus and Hotshot found themselves in the tundra known as Antarctica. Optimus and Hotshot were hopeful that the minicon panel would be found quickly, as it was bitterly cold here. "We got to keep moving, Hotshot" Optimus stated, as they searched hard for the panel.
"Yes, sir" Hotshot replied, staying close to Optimus as they didn't want to get separated. But as they searched, Hotshot had a question, something that he didn't seem to understand. "Optimus?"
"Yes?" Optimus replied, unaware of what Hotshot would reply with.
"What do you think of Lancex?" Hotshot asked, trying to ask nonchalantly.
"He is a kind and powerful bot, uses magic and a powerful ally for us" Optimus replied, not liking to be distracted, but his spark had made him answer.
Hotshot nodded. "You can't fool me, Optimus. I know you have a crush on him, and seem to want him to be your mate" The young bot shot back.
Optimus sighed, as this was not helping things, but it wasn't going to go away anytime soon. "What of it?"
"I know that ever since you met Lancex, you have seemed happier and less stressed. Maybe that means more than you realize" Hotshot replied. Optimus just shrugged, and soon they found the panel and headed for home. Though silent, Hotshot realized that there was still much work to be done.