(Please see all previous disclaimers)

Soon, the five bots headed back to where Dirt boss lived. Lancex was happy that the red giant had been destroyed and that the treasure cache had been either taken or returned. Dirt boss sensed something more about Jetfire and the other two and so silently, Dirt Boss planned to confront the three once they arrived back at his place.

Lancex held a sword he had taken. True, he had gained another rune book, another special card he hadn't seen before, but the Red Queen sword was something else, and Lance wanted to make sure he could use it before he headed back to Cybertron. "Dirt Boss, when we return, I want to check out some of the goodies I took as a reward for destroying the red giant" Lancex said, unaware he had given Dirt Boss the perfect opportunity to confront the other three.

"Ok" Dirt boss answered.

It didn't take long and they soon arrived back at what Dirt boss called home. Lancex headed off to learn more about his new weapons. This gave Dirt boss time to confront three that had been sent with Lancex. And once Lancex was out of ear shot, Dirt boss decided to confront the other three. "Why are you three here with him?" Dirt boss asked.

"Optimus assigned us" Mirage stated, not wanting to say the whole truth.

"But why you three. You don't appear to be very well weaponized, any of you" Dirt Boss replied, trying to get them to tell him more.

"I believe Optimus knows we have… feelings for Lancex" Landmine finally revealed.

Dirt boss shot the bot a look. "Feelings? Just feelings?! That is simply not enough" Dirt Boss shot back, wanting to protect the bot he saw as a brother.

Jetfire sighed. "We hadn't been telling anyone as we fear what will happen if the Decepticons find out, but all of our sparks feel drawn to Lancex. We tried fighting it, but it kept growing stronger. We know that Lancex would never go anywhere with bots he doesn't trust, and Optimus knows that as well. We are all capable fighters but our being here, I think, has more to do with Primus wanting us to be with Lancex than anything else" Jetfire answered honestly. The other two nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing that, Dirt boss relaxed. He realized why these bots had been selected and were here. "Forgive me, my friends. Lancex is a close personal friend of mine, close enough to be a brother to me. And as such, I am very protective of him" Dirt Boss replied.

"We can understand your caution" Landmine answered, and Jetfire and Mirage nodded in agreement.

Dirt boss nodded. The he thought about something. "I am glad that Lancex has found someone, or should I say, multiple someones. I wish I could find a bot who would love me. Do you think Optimus would take another old soldier bot in?" Dirt Boss asked.

"The more the merrier" Jetfire responded. "We can use all the help we can get to fight to keep all sentient beings free." And just after that comment, Lancex returned.

"Did I miss anything?" Lancex asked, a bit concerned.

"No, Lancex. Dirt Boss and the three of us were just talking. Dirt Boss would like to return with us, and we told him that Optimus would welcome him with open arms" Jetfire informed Lancex, who then appeared relieved.

"Ok, then, let's head back" Lancex announced. The others nodded and soon the prepared to head back. Dirt boss was hoping that like Lancex he could find love even in the middle of this war. Only time would tell if his burning desire would come to fruition.