"Ah! Feels good to get some proper recharge!" Knockout said as he stood up and stretched his joints.

The red mech wandered into the dining area, grabbed a cube of Energon, and sat down next to the window. He took out a news pad and skimmed over the information as he drank. After scrolling for about 10 minutes, Knockout put the news pad and empty cube away before entering his at-home office. On the left, a table full of medical equipment, data pads, and other science-related instruments. On the right, a communication console.

"Alright, Bee, time to talk."

Knockout pressed a few buttons, then waited for Bumblebee to answer.

{This is the Autobot Base in Iacon. May I ask who this is and what you need?}

Knockout stiffened.

That's not Bumblebee.

{Hello? Anyone there? This better not be a prank!}

Knockout panicked, afraid the other mech would disconnect the communications link.

KO: {Ah, wait, no! No no no… I can assure you, this isn't a prank! My name's Knockout, and I was trying to call Bumblebee. Is he there?}

{The Lieutenant? Why do you want to talk to him?}

KO: {It's… confidential.}

{Confidential? Really?}

The operator didn't sound convinced by Knockout's answer.

Alright, then. Time to bring out the big guns.

KO: {Yes. Council business, in fact. And may I point out, personally overseen by Optimus Prime himself?}

silence

{Lieutenant Bumblebee didn't give specifics, but said that if anyone was looking for him, to tell them that he had to go back to Earth.}

KO: {What? Why?}

{I just told you, I don't know! He didn't really give anyone much to go on.}

KO: {Sorry, sorry… and thank you.}

{Alright, sir. Have a good day.}

KO: {You, too.}

commlink ended

"Well, that was awkward," Knockout vented.