The rest of the Autobots were standing around listening to Starscream babble. They all stood in the Autobot base's main room. The room was spherical and large. Multiple tunnels led from this room to other places.
"I knew he wouldn't get anywhere near Iacon." Starscream said.
"I say we teach 'em a lesson by throwing everything we've got at them." Runabout said.
"I disagree following your plan of action would result in significant loss of life." Perceptor said.
"Easy for you to say. Those Decepticon pigbots didn't kill your brother."
"We have all suffered losses at the hands of the Decepticons. Logic dictates caution in the face of a superior enemy."
"Logic won't get us anywhere. We need to take action."
"And we will, but we do it my way. I say we plant energon explosives all around this flesh creatures room and detonate them." Starscream continued.
"Any bot that goes on the mission will not return."
"I say it's worth the risk."
The other Autobots started agreeing with Starscream. They all looked like they could use a victory. They were battered and bruised. Their moral was low especially with the loss of their best warrior. Just then their best warrior walked into the room.
"Does that mean you're volunteering for the job?"
"Shortstop, you're alive." Runabout said.
Shortstop was taken back at seeing the mirror counterparts of Starscream, Perceptor, Runabout and other various Autobots. Prowl saw Shortstop's hesitation and stepped in.
"Of course he's alive. He's alive because he's too sly." Prowl said.
Shortstop picked up on Prowl's cue and snapped into mirror Shortstop's role.
"I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone." Shortstop said walking up to Starscream.
"Glad you're alright." Starscream said softly with Shortstop only inches away from his face.
"I'm sure you are."
"We thought you were terminated. The Decepticons said you were dead." Perceptor said.
Shortstop turned back the group of Autobots and leaned onto the round metallic table.
"Just their propaganda machine working overtime. But you know what that tells me?" Shortstop motioned his warriors to get closer. "They're scared."
Shortstop walked up to Starscream and gets in his face again.
"And we're going to give them a reason to stay scared.
All of the Autobots laughed.
"Well it's about time you came back." A voice said.
It was Arcee, the female walked into the room. She walked up to Shortstop and kissed him.
"That's to let you know I missed you."
She slapped him across the face.
"And that's for making me think you were dead."
She began to walk away.
"I need to talk about Iacon's schematics with you."
Shortstop just stood there still rubbing his cheek.
"Are you coming or not?"
Shortstop walked up to Prowl.
"I thought you said I was married."
"You are...technically. But she's your mistress."
"I see what you mean by surprises."
Shortstop followed Arcee down another tunnel.