"Cons and Gentle-Bot, welcome to Velocitron! My home world."

Knockout's comrades looked over the planet's landscape as their ship touched down onto solid ground. They were surprised by how barren it looked. If it weren't for the countless tracks marking the dust-covered ground, nobody would know that the planet is inhabited.

"I'm surprised you came from such a filthy looking planet, doctor," Starscream commented. "All this dirt must have done quite a number on your finish."

"Sometimes you have more important things to worry about during a race," Knockout rebuked.

"Okay, before there's another shout fest…" Bumblebee started. He waited for Starscream to continue - which he didn't, thank the Allspark - before turning to Knockout. "Are you sure about this?"

"Don't worry, Bee, I'll be fine. Just need to drop some stuff off, pick-up the Lightbender, and speed back here before nightfall."

"That's not what I meant."

Bumblebee and Knockout looked over at Steeljaw. The Lupicon was fiddling with his Lightbender, seemingly not hearing what the other two mechs were talking about. They knew better, though. They knew Steeljaw was eavesdropping on them.

"As long as the Lightbender works," Knockout said. "Besides, Steeljaw doesn't strike me as an idiot."

"He's not, and that's what worries me," Bumblebee admits. "If he tries anything..."

"I'll call you. Got it, Bee. You worry too much."

"You remember my team, right?"

"Oh, yeah. Who could forget them? Come on, Steeljaw! We're heading out!"

Steeljaw didn't say anything as he got out of his chair and followed Knockout outside.

"Alright, let's see how well that new Lightbender of yours works," Knockout piped. "And remember, I need it to be in tip-top condition before I give it back to Perceptor."

Steeljaw rolls his optics and makes a comment way too quiet for Knockout to hear. He loops a thin – nearly invisible – yet extremely strong chain around the Lightbender. Resembling a pendant, he ties it to his neck in a way where it's protected from sight, but is still able to receive, trap, and use light, and activates it.

In the blink of an optic, Steeljaw becomes someone else. Still wolf-like in appearance, the mech appears taller in this form than his true form. Yellow optics, pale faceplate, and cerulean blue tail stand out against a dark-armored body.

"Hmm… not a bad look," Knockout mused, liking Steeljaw's new appearance. "As for your alter-ego's name… how does Thunderhowl sound?"

Steeljaw/Thunderhowl stiffened at the name. This did not escape Knockout's attention.

"Is something wrong with the name? I could suggest another one..."

"No, no, it's fine," Thunderhowl interrupted, already walking away. "Let's just get this over with. Where do we go from here?"

Knockout decided to not push the matter further, as both mechs had more important things to attend to at the moment.

"Just follow me, and try to keep up!"