2012: Springer had once been only a warrior, taking orders and fulfilling
them. Then when the leader of the Wreckers, Impactor, died, he was asked
to lead them. When all hell's fury, a practical end of the world, hit the
Earth, he wondered who would survive of their group. After things had
settled, they had joined forces with what remained of the Mayhem Attack
Squad, becoming the Survivors. After awhile they went their own ways.
With a new Mayhem Squad already organized, Springer knew it wouldn't be
long before they met. They did and all but one of them survived to tell
the tale. Optimus Prime got Springer and the remaining Wreckers together
with some possible replacements. But none of them seemed right, after all
Springer had gone through, he missed the likes of Rack 'N Ruin and
Roadbuster. He wished that day battling Galvatron and Megatron had never
happened.

"Springer, I know you still grieve, but we need the Wreckers. We
have a base of operations ready for your group. Try not being so critical
of the possible warriors we find for your group." the red, blue and white
form of Optimus Prime said.

"I'm sorry Prime, I will try not to, but I want the best, the loyal,
and the friends I had." the green form of Springer said.

"If you cannot do it, I and the Council will review for you. Once
done, I'll let you make the final decision. Deal?" Prime said. Springer
sullenly nodded.

"Yes, Commander Elliot?" Optimus said to the female human on the
vid-screen.

"I recently came upon a suitable possibility for a Wrecker, sir.
Shark tested him and he passed with flying colors. He's on his way to
Metroplex now." she said.

"Thank you, Commander. We'll judge for ourselves how good he is."
Optimus replied.

"Yes, sir. Hydro-Base out." she grinned.

"Come in." Prime said to a knock at his door.

"Commander. Muckraker and Mudslinger reporting as ordered, sir." the
red, blue, and white form of Smokescreen said as he entered with two
others.

"Thank you, Smokescreen. Come in gentlemen." Prime said, Smokescreen
saluted and left, "As you two may know, we have been looking for warriors
to fill positions in our elite group, the Wreckers. I'd like to ask you
to join, pending an investigation by the Council and myself."

"May we discuss between ourselves, sir?" the two toned brown form of
Mudslinger asked.

"You may." Prime said.

"If we decide to join, we'll come to the Council tomorrow at 0900
hours, sir." the two toned brown form of Muckraker said.

"So be it then. Dismissed." Prime said.

"Come in gentlemen. I'd like you to meet Nighthawk. These are

Mudslinger and Muckraker, also Wrecker hopefuls." Prime said, the all
black form of Nighthawk gave a nod, Optimus continued, "Have you come to
tell me you plan to join?"

"Yes, sir." Muckraker said.

"Good." Optimus nodded as Springer stepped into the room. "Ah, this
gentlemen is the Wreckers leader, he has last word on if you join. There
all yours, Springer."

Springer nodded, seeming a bit grim, and gestured for them to follow him.
The walk was a silent one to the outside confines of Metroplex. Springer
stopped and turned toward them. Nighthawk knew right off something was
amiss and his hand flew to his holstered electro-sword just as a surprise
attack hit them. Mudslinger and Muckraker were just a little slower, but
none the less sensed the impending attack as well. Blows did not come
however, the attackers were none other than the remaining Wreckers.
Springer nodded in approval, they had passed their first test.

With a gesture from Springer, the gray from of Broadside announced,

"Now gentlemen to test your mettle, hand to hand combat then armed
combat."

The Wreckers spread out into a half circle about the newcomers. The
red form of Inferno spoke, "You will each fight each of us in both combat
situations. Depending on your performance, your standing will be judged."

The Wreckers then put their weapons away and the blue form of Skids
spoke, "Let the games begin."

Springer said, "Nighthawk attack me."

What came was a acrobatic flip that any human would be jealous of. As
Nighthawk came down, Springers' look of surprise turned to grim
determination. He owed it to dead comrades to pick the best replacements
and he needed to make the tests of these three most difficult. The two
grappled. Springer, by looks alone, should have been the stronger. But
Nighthawk, wiry body and all, was holding the Wrecker leader to a deadlock
and it seemed he wasn't even straining to do it. Springer snorted
contemptuously and dug in. Nighthawk was ready for him and countered his
every move. The show of strength finally stopped when Springer cried,
"Enough. Skids, he's yours. Muckraker attack me."

A so it progressed. Each started with Springer, then went to Inferno, then
to Skids, and finally to Broadside. It took the better part of a day
complete testing.

"The tests are done, I will decide by tomorrow if you may join.
Report to Primes' quarters at 0400 hours. Dismissed." Springer stated.

"Come in." Prime said, Springer entered, "I believe you have an
announcement."

Springers' face held no answer for the trio in the room with Prime,
not even his optics betrayed him. He cleared his throat and said, "I have
discussed at length with my fellow Wreckers. However, the last decision
was up to me. As you three know, I lost friends within our group. To
replace them is a very hard task. I hope that you will work very hard,
obey your orders to the letter, and most of all, make friends among us.
Gentlemen, I now announce that you are now Wreckers."

Nighthawk bowed slightly toward Springer then spoke for the first
time since they met, "This I can assure you I will do."

"Like he said." Muckraker grinned.

"I also." Mudslinger nodded.

"Dismissed." Optimus said, evidently pleased.

"What say we have a drink?" Springer said, "Enersuds are on me."

With that, the group walked out of Primes' quarters and into history.