The Autobots stood around a large table, watching the glowing blue hologram of Cybertron floating above it as Ultra Magnus addressed them.

The Autobot commander stood in front of the table, servos folded neatly behind his back. His straight posture never wavered while he spoke. "By our estimates, the remaining Decepticons seem to be operating from within Kaon. They have most likely been using one of Megatron's abandoned fortresses to broadcast a recall signal, which is resulting in the growth of their numbers."

As he briefed the Autobots, the hologram zoomed in on a city located towards the South of the planet, displaying the shimmering blue outline of numerous structures to represent the city of Kaon.

"Seeing as we currently have no idea of what kind of defence the Decepticons have in place, I would strongly recommend that a small reconnaissance group is sent in to scout out the area. This way we'll have a better idea of knowing what we're up against. Are we all in agreement?" He asked, almost rhetorically.

Ironhide, who was standing on the edge of the crowd (his broad frame prevented him from comfortably sitting among the other bots in the crowded briefing room) stroked his metallic chin with a servo. "Hmmm... Sounds like a plan Magnus, this way we'll-"

"We don't have time for a recon mission." A loud voice came from Ironhide's right, the green armour and lean stature making the bot easily identifiable as Springer. "It will take several cycles for us to form a 'strategy' gathered from an even longer scouting mission! The cons could easily coordinate themselves by then and then we'll have another war on our hands or worse yet, they'll grow tired of their prisoner's resistance and terminate them without a second thought. Besides, you'll probably get spotted anyway, which will ruin our element of surprise."

Ironhide placed a servo on Springer's shoulder as a sign of sympathy. "Look, Spring. I know that you feel responsible for Prowl and Drift's capture but we're trying to help. Magnus knows what he's doing. They'll be back soon enough."

Springer shook the large hand off and scoffed. "This isn't just about them! It's not even my fault that they were captured in the first place! I told them that the energon reading from that planetoid was a trap, but no one else listened!" The other crew members of his ship shuffled uncomfortably, knowing that they too were partially responsible for their current situation. "This is about his methods!" He pointed an accusing finger at Ultra Magnus, who stared back, fists clenched and metal jaw tightened.

Arcee decided to interject. "If we rush in there now, we could lose even more. None of us are prepared to risk that. So instead you'll just have to trust us and go along with the plan, for everyone's sake."

"Trust." Springer shook his head mockingly. "Maybe I'd be a little more trusting if the bot in charge of this operation wasn't the one who somehow managed to ruin the Wreckers! Maybe we wouldn't still be fighting the cons if Impactor were still here!" He could feel the anger coursing through his veins as he faced the bot who he blamed for almost every problem in his life after the old Wrecker leader's death.

Ultra Magnus attempted to control the increasing conflict. "Stand down soldier."

"I have a name."

"Springer, I think that it is best if you sit this mission out. I do not feel that you are of sound mind at this moment, and I will not put these Autobots at risk because of your...spontaneity."

Springer stared at the Autobot commander with narrowed optics for a good few moments before Arcee spoke again. "Springer…please. It's for the best." She tried to make him understand.

Wheeljack stepped closer to the green bot. "Yeah Spring, give yourself a cycle or two to clear you processor then you'll be back in the fight, when you're ready." He gave a small smile to the ex-Wrecker but this did nothing to assure the bot as he shrugged Wheeljack off like he did Ironhide.

Springer took a step backwards, realising that they were not on his side anymore (or ever were). "Y'know I about expected this much from you Arcee." The femme looked almost hurt by his comment. "But you Wheeljack..." He shook his head. "I expected better from a Wrecker." On that note, he stormed out of the room, leaving the Autobots staring after him.

"Well that…" Jazz said in his usual calm(ish) tone. "Could've gone a lot worse." He winced as the sound of Springer knocking over furniture from outside echoed down the corridor.

Ultra Magnus heaved a heavy sigh before turning back to face the other Autobots, whose optics were all dilated a little more than before. He mentally composed himself, steeling the growing frustration and slight twinge of guilt he now felt.

"So, do we have any volunteers for the scouting mission?"

So this chapter was a little bit shorter than usual but this was mostly to display the growing tensions between Springer and Ultra Magnus (as well as his past with some other bots). I'm sorry that I made Springer out to be a little bit too much of an a-hole but he just really hates Ultra Magnus' command. If you thought that Wheeljack and Magnus were a bit rocky, then Springer is ten times worse (at least) in terms of defiance and sometimes recklessness.Plz review if you can.Until next time! ;)