Chapter 73:
Day Twelve: Friday Evening Arizona Time 10:10 P.M.:
In actual time, the horrid scene had played out for less than six minutes. But for everyone, it felt like six hours.
Thundercracker looked around at everyone, still fuming, but addressed the crowd, "I'm sorry, everyone. I'm sorry."
He was terribly upset about his part in that fight; this wasn't how he conducted himself normally. As an adult, he was laid-back for the most part, the peacemaker of the Trine, protective of his younger brothers, and usually calm himself. He preferred to read a good fiction datapad quietly while the others indulged in their television addiction. He was 1st Lieutenant of the Decepticon Air Force and 4th in Command of the Decepticons overall, often playing the part of mediator during disputes between Megatron and Starscream. TC sighed, grateful at least that Sky-Byte had left already; the behavior was unseemly. "I'm sorry," he stated once again as he apologized to the masses.
Seeing that he was visibly distressed now, his Stepfather suggested they take a break.
Their Mother tried to pull Skywarp to come with them, but the youngest Seeker felt to internalize his pain now and sat back down in his chair, preferring to be left alone. He was ready to crumble.
"Are you alright?" she asked, "Did that witch hurt you?" She ran her thumb over the scratch on her son's cheekplate.
Skywarp couldn't speak at first; only static came over. He looked like he was going into a catatonic state. Still, he refused his Mother's gentle prodding to take a break. The young Seeker didn't cry or scream; he was just dead inside. His teachers had completely humiliated both of them.
Finally, Thundercracker looked at Megatron and Soundwave, "I-I'll be back," and walked out of the room with his Creators.
After a few more minutes, Soundwave looked around, tired of sitting in Ratbat's sights, and mumbled, "I'm taking a break myself."
As both Chief Mourner and Leader of the Decepticons, Megatron signaled the resumption of Starscream's Rite of Reception. He kept talking to Impactor as more mourners entered the room. However, Esmeralda ensured that Skywarp was okay, keeping a consoling presence as she rubbed his shoulder from behind.
Dirge, Thrust, and Ramjet each took the opportunity to visit with some various flyers to shake off the situation while the Hooded Ma took a chair behind the youngest Seeker.
"Listen, I heard you," George stated firmly to Shockwave, "I heard all of you. But I didn't think it was a security risk. They were just fighting with their old teachers."
"Those were TEACHERS?!" the purple President was a bit taken aback to realize who they truly were, "How could you tell? They certainly didn't behave well!"
George shrugged, lighting up a new cigarette, "Both of 'em were holding coats with that school crest, y'know?"
"I see," Shockwave rubbed tiredly at his optic, "Alright, George, let's just get through this line…"
The two went back to their respective stations. After that, it was just more Vehicons and some more City Commanders from Eastern Europe, where the Decepticons had stations.
Soundwave went to the back of the building, hearing muffled vocals in one of the extra rooms. It was actually the same room that Skywarp had retreated to earlier after Cascade's impromptu roast of the young flyer.
Thundercracker and his Mother were sitting on a spare crate together; the blue Seeker was crying brokenly into his hands, arms leaning against his kneeplates. His Mother was hugging him, trying in vain to comfort him by stroking his wings, while his Stepfather attempted to console him, "Just take it easy…"
After another few minutes, Soundwave knocked on the door, and Thundercracker's Stepfather opened it, holding his arm out for the Tapedeck to enter, "Thank you," as he did. He felt to check on the family after that disaster.
Thundercracker's Stepfather tried to explain what had happened, feeling that the Decepticon Communications Officer was owed an explanation. He sighed as he recounted to Soundwave about how the older couple were retired teachers who had served many years at the Cybertron War Academy in different capacities, and, while mostly in science, they were also on the Board of Admissions and that they had apparently been very close with the elderly Darkwing.
Soundwave wasn't exactly sure why, but he just liked this mech Seeker. Maybe it was because they were uncomfortably close in age (this is Skywarp's biological Father), with Soundwave simply having Bonded to Celene later than they had. Seekers apparently Bonded right out of school; Starscream certainly did, anyway. Maybe it was because this mech Seeker was not putting on any airs, saying that he didn't go to any Academy, just Seeker School, and went straight to work for UPS and stayed there. For Soundwave, standing and talking in a backroom with a fellow blue-collar mech was a breath of fresh air after choking on Ratbat's cy-gar exhaust all evening.
Thundercracker's Stepfather explained, trying to leave out the gory details the best way he could, regarding Thundercracker's Father…and the kidnapping, etc., saying that he and his wife had both been previously Bonded to other Transformers but that he had no previous sparklings, only she had Thundercracker, and that he had basically "raised him since he was two years old." Rocking on his thrusters as he spoke about the divorce and how he had adopted the sparkling when he was fourteen, and oh yeah, Thundercracker's Father offlined in prison, but that he "still blamed the Guards." Being Decepticon Resource Management, Soundwave knew about their history anyway; regardless, the Tapedeck nodded, "I appreciate your candor."
On what had happened between their family and Steelwool and Ajax, Thundercracker's Stepfather told Soundwave how TC was always an exceptional student, "very smart, always," and that when the blue Seeker was a youngling, he had excelled in Seeker School and earned what was called a 'full ride,' to an Academy-level education institution. The Cybertron War Academy being the Yale University equivalent of Vos, Thundercracker really wanted to get accepted there. The dark Seeker shrugged, feeling to gloss over Skywarp's excessive tantrums that forced the UPS mech and his mate to borrow against his salary from his company to pay for their youngest son to attend the Academy with TC, insisting that they had no regrets, because "we wanted them to be together," in a Trine with a fellow Seeker.
Soundwave nodded, following so far; the prestigious Cybertron War Academy harbored a prejudice against the middle-class having access to their hallowed halls. Apparently, there was functionalism amongst Seeker-classes, as well as from the Prime Dynasty.
Thundercracker's Stepfather said that the school stonewalled their family for weeks leading up to the first days of classes with one excuse or another excuse. One time, the Academy claimed to have lost his credits check, and how he had to "fly up there from work" to show his canceled credits check. Or how the Academy questioned why Thundercracker had an amended creation certificate and how they had to provide the accompanying court documents and the original creation certificate, which they did. Then the Academy, he rolled his optics (making Soundwave see yet another resemblance the mech shared with Skywarp) and demanded more information. First, they wanted a notarized statement from Thundercracker's Father giving permission for the adoption of Thundercracker and that they explained that the Seeker had been deactivated in prison. Hence, the Academy demanded a death certificate for Thundercracker's Father, which they did not have.
"Sentinel Prime's reign did not issue death certificates for prisoners," Soundwave added, while nodding, already knowing the fact, "My research showed that this was to cover up the genocide of your kind."
Thundercracker's Stepfather just sighed, saying that by doing so, Prime was "only punishing their sparklings," and, as for Thundercracker's Father, he lamented that the Seeker and his actions "continued to haunt Thundercracker."
Thundercracker's Stepfather went on to tell how he and his Bondmate ended up giving notarized statements to the Academy explaining the whole situation with the amended creation certificate, only to be summoned before the Board of Admissions to give their story.
"That was when we met those two," he said, making a face, referring to the older couple their eldest son had just had a screaming match with in front of the entire audience. He told Soundwave how they had to go with Thundercracker and basically defend all their life choices, how that couple took TC into another room and questioned the youngling separately, and how the Academy was skeptical about his academic prowess. And that the Academy was more nervous over the blue youngling because he was coming into the Academy on a 'full ride scholarship' and not as worried about Skywarp "because we were paying for him," but also admitted that "to that snobby couple, anyway," being a UPS Mech wasn't much better than a High-Grade Addict who had deactivated in the prison system.
"Don't worry," Soundwave sighed, "I know the feeling all too well." Seeing Ratbat all evening was more than enough to remind the Tapedeck what it felt like to be constantly looked down upon by the wealthy elite.
Despite their prevailing efforts in getting their sons into the Academy, Thundercracker's Stepfather explained, many of the teachers looked down on their blended family, and that the Steelwool was especially hard on TC, always criticizing him, "calling him feckless," and such. He smirked now, another Skywarp-esque expression, saying that someone at that school must have either hated those two teachers or something "because they got assigned the same dorm with Starscream," who was the son of their legendary professor, Darkwing.
Starscream.
"What did you think of Starscream?" Soundwave asked.
"We loved him," Thundercracker's Stepfather looked sad now, continuing that the red and white Seeker had none of the Academy's prejudge, "and neither did his Father," but admitted that Steelwool and Ajax were very angry over their Trine, and how, it seemed, it had happened without Starscream getting their blessing, despite getting Darkwing's and his and his wife's blessing first. He went on to explain that the teachers always blamed Thundercracker and Skywarp for everything, such as the divorce from Skyfire. Apparently, the two teachers felt that Starscream was flippant about Bonding and divorcing because of his Trine Creators.
"That is an unfair assessment," Soundwave shook his helm, having heard the story from Thundercracker the previous evening, "he told us everything," gesturing towards the blue Seeker, "and from what you're telling me, it seems that Skyfire's thinking was in line with their arrogance."
Thundercracker's Stepfather could see that the Tapedeck understood completely.
"Believe me," Soundwave shook his helm, "before the Decepticons, I worked for the Cybertron Phone Corporation for seventeen years; one of their clients was Sentinel Prime himself and all his opulent palaces. I could have fit my entire two-flat in one of their wash racks."
The dark Seeker's optics widened, saying that, having only lived and worked in Vos all his onlining, he couldn't picture such a place, saying that they, like Soundwave's, were just a middle-class, suburban family, and that, in fact, they had no use for luxuries, which was probably why none of them had any attachment to Darkwing's property on Wires Way, and only that, well, the hardest part was being separated from their sons, including Starscream.
"Two years…" he whispered.
"Affirmative," Soundwave nodded.
Thundercracker's Stepfather said that when the Trine lived at the Sleepy-Tyme Motel in Northern Vos, they couldn't contact them because TC was afraid of exposing their house in suburban Vos to the Elite Guard, but that Dirge used to visit often, sometimes Ramjet as well, and they would pass the Coneheaded Seekers credits or goods or whatever to deliver to their boys, and that the Coneheads were frequent visitors to the Motel. As for Starscream, he sighed again; he told the Tapedeck that it had been the red and white Seeker's idea to find Megatron and the Decepticons after seeing a television ad.
"Right," Soundwave had to laugh now, thinking about how he and Megatron and the Reflectors had shot that commercial live at Three in the morning, sinking what little funds they had into the airtime in order to gain followers for their movement.
Thundercracker's Stepfather insisted how he and his wife had always supported the Decepticon Cause and that they did not blame anyone for what had happened to Starscream, "it was an accident."
Soundwave could only hope that Megatron would see it that way.
Back in the Receiving Room of Starscream's Rite of Reception, Skywarp wondered what his family was discussing without him; he contemplated teleporting back there, and eavesdropping, but that would have required caring.
"Skywarp, sweetspark? Are you okay?" Esmeralda asked in her best motherly tone, "Can I bring you anything?"
He just shook his helm no, dealing with this as he always had, quietly reflecting and replaying the hurtful words of his former teachers in his processor. He was very unlike his usual, cheery self.
Meanwhile, Optimus Prime, having protected his Autobots from the rain, opened his trailer and let out Bumblebee, Gears, Smokescreen, Bluestreak, and Windcharger.
Skyfire opened his hatch and rolled out Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet, and of course, Mirage, who was wired with a live microphone under his armor. The Autobots all transformed into their Bi-pedal-Modes and entered the foyer of the building.
The three Jet Vehicons snipers in Shockwave's security detail watched outside from a safe distance, their weapons trained on the enemy faction's members just in case.
And back at the Autobot Base, Agent William Fowler and fellow Agent Harold Attinger and their staff stood ready at the listening equipment with Red Alert, Prowl, and Cliffjumper. Many other Autobots had chosen to stay behind. Wheeljack busied himself in his lab, not wanting to be involved, still guilty for what had happened to his once co-worker Celene, even though he himself was not at fault.
When Team Prime first entered, they heard the muffled hollering of the Seekers but weren't able to make out who was hollering, "Slag!" Jazz lamented, "What donnybrook have we walked into?"
"I'm not sure," Optimus Prime noted; he could tell it wasn't Megatron's vocals but wasn't versed enough on the others to determine a distinction. Although even then, Thundercracker would not have been his guess.
The vocals soon stopped, and the line began moving again. The older couple had exited through the side door and didn't pass the Autobots.
"Whatever that their catfight was, it's over," Ironhide shrugged.
The Autobot Leader checked his watch, "Ten O'clock. I had hoped to be here by Eight O'clock, but the line has been so slow," he looked around at the Vehicons and Constructicons opticing them, "I'm glad they still let us in. I wouldn't have wanted the Decepticons to think we had boycotted."
Bluestreak leaned towards Mirage and whispered, "You good?"
"All good," the Formula-1 Racer nodded, patting his chestplates to indicate his listening device was in its proper place.
The group assembled into the line in order of rank, with Optimus Prime first. Skyfire chose to stay back, not yet ready to enter.
Impactor stayed with Megatron for the time being, sitting on the arm of his friend's chair.
"Hey, Impactor," the former Gladiator asked curiously, "you ever hear from Alana?"
"She Bonded with a Vehicon named Dean," the Tank shrugged, "they live up in Kaon. He's in labor, I believe."
"Oh," Megatron was surprised, then scoffed, "Dean, eh? Is he anything special?"
Impactor just shrugged, "He's a Vehicon; they're a dime a dozen."
The Decepticon Leader curled his mouth in a sneer, "HYPH! Dean… Dean, wonder if she ever regrets leaving me?"
Impactor: "I have no idea."
Megatron continued to snort and scoff at the whole idea.
Day Twelve: Friday Evening Arizona Time 10:22 P.M.:
It was becoming very late, much later than anyone had intended to stay. The rain had stopped for the time being, but black clouds outside indicated it was only a lull between storms, and the majority of the mourners decided to take the opportunity to make their exit now if they were going back to their hotels and/or on to Cybertron before the storms began again, literally, as it would turn out.
Nobody wanted to stay after Thundercracker's outburst anyway.
"Nobody won that last bet," Blitzwing noted glumly.
Astrotrain nodded sadly, "I agree."
A Cybertron-wide tradition/superstition was never to leave a Rite of Reception and go straight home without dinner.
"What do ya think?" Blitzwing whispered, "Should we open the club? Private group?"
Astrotrain looked at his little sister, who nodded in agreement, so he shrugged and searched his subspace, "I think I left my keys back on the Base."
"Not to worry," Firefox told him, "I have mine." Now, she saw Skywarp sitting alone, looking lost, "Astro, Blitzwing, we should invite them and their Creators to join us."
"You mean," Astrotrain snorted in laughter, "be a gentlemech?"
Firefox smirked, "Come on, Astro."
The big Space Train shrugged, "Ah right."
"I was alright all that time," Thundercracker lamented to his Mother, his vocals horse from the screaming and crying, "it's only when anybody forces me to think about my Father…" the anxiety attacks he had suffered from for most of his onlining, would reduce the military-trained flyer to crying and keening in his Mother's arms.
His Mother understood and, like her son, would revert to blaming herself for what her sparkling had been put through at the hands of her ex-Bondmate.
"Don't…" TC shook his helm, "It wasn't your fault…it was all his fault," referring to his biological Father. Trying to change the subject, he looked at Soundwave conversing with his Stepfather and had to laugh, "Poor Dad…Soundwave never talks at the Base, and now, he's chewing his audial off."
"…and when I picked up my paycheck," the Tapedeck explained to Thundercracker's Stepfather, "I saw that he had docked me for the day I took off to bury Celene."
The dark Seeker shook his helm; Ratbat sounded like a terrible employer.
Now, Astrotrain knocked at the door as he entered the room, "Hey, listen, some of us are going to Maccadam's for dinner before checking into the hotel. We wondered if you want me to fly you up there?"
Thundercracker's Mother looked at her husband, who nodded back yes.
"I need to stay here," Thundercracker sighed, but then asked, "are you going to the hotel in Iacon?"
His Creators both said they would go with Astrotrain's group and then head back to Vos and get ready for Starscream's Funeral.
"N-No," Thundercracker insisted to his Mother, "when are you going back to your cruise?"
She told him that they were going home.
"No, listen," Thundercracker was trying to insist now, "you paid a lotta credits for that cruise…"
But again, they both told him they were no longer interested in it, that Starscream was dead, and they both had no interest in socializing with "sixty phony couples on that garbage scout," apparently not impressed with the spaceship, and as long as Astrotrain was graciously inviting them (the Space Train rolled his optics) a ride back to Cybertron, they were taking his offer. The only question now was, did TC want to come with them, or if not, did he want them to take Skywarp with them?
Still trying to keep the secret of just how injured and sick the youngest Seeker was, TC insisted, "No, we need to stay," he hated the idea that his Creators were denying themselves even a smidgeon of a vacation, but he understood their decision; Starscream was not just his younger Trine brother, he was their Trine son.
A dozen Vehicon Seekers were now awaiting Thundercracker's return and refused to budge from the line. Megatron shrugged; at least Shockwave could not accuse HIM of keeping everybody late.
When everyone came back, Skywarp pretended to be indifferent; he kept his legs covered by his cape so that his Creators wouldn't see the braces.
Thundercracker: "How are you?"
"I-I'm f-fine…" was the other's only response. His hands were shaking, though. Thundercracker put his arm around him, and the two sat quietly together for the time being.
The Vehicon Seekers collectively gave their condolences to their fellow Seekers.
The Triple Changers re-approached the immediate family members, stepping ahead of the awaiting greeters to bid them goodnight.
"Well, if we're ever gonna get to Cybertron tonight, we gotta leave now before the rains again," Astrotrain told Soundwave, who silently agreed.
Firefox sat with Skywarp while her brother spoke for a while. Not that the dark Seeker wished to have her see him this way. He liked her; he wanted her to like him, especially when he was telling jokes and trying to sing. He knew he wasn't a good singer, but he always wanted to get up and sing something at her nightclub on Karaoke nights when the Coneheads would take the stage. Not that Thundercracker and Starscream would ever let him out of their sight when they let him come with them AT ALL, and that was only when the Coneheads were scheduled to go on and do one of their music sets. Skywarp was jealous though; he wanted attention like that. But…oh, how he longed for the protection of his Trine now.
"I'll see you Sunday," Firefox promised him as she left with her older brother and his friends.
His Mother promised him that things would be okay, and his Father told them they would be with them on Sunday and to try to get through this now. He watched silently as his Creators left with the group through the back exit. It was very late now.
The Stunticons followed suit, once again shaking hands and giving their condolences.
"We're gonna get on the road," Breakdown explained to Megatron, "Knockout wants to get checked into the hotel on Cybertron and rest up for the Funeral."
Megatron just sighed, "Of course."
The team left, passing the awaiting Autobots in the hallway and giving collective dirty glares.
The Combaticons were next: "Swindle wants to get in the pool tonight," Onslaught stated, referring to their hotel on Cybertron.
Megatron nodded but was a bit disgusted at the thought of Decepticons frocking drunkenly in the hotel pools while they mourned their Second-in-Command.
Onslaught explained, "It's our way of dealing with the grief, y'know?"
The Decepticon Leader nodded. Whatever.
"Till Sunday, my dear," Excavator told Esmeralda as he kissed her hand before rubbing Frenzy on the helm.
Ratbat made his grand exit, "I'll see you in church," he smiled and shook Soundwave's hand, "Bright and Early!" He left as the Tapedeck radiated contempt.
Soundwave mumbled to himself, "Primus, give me strength. I can't stand Ratbat…" 'Bright and Early' was what the big, heavy boss used to tell him when he left the Tapedeck working overtime, still demanding that Soundwave show up on time the next day, despite staying late to see that the work was finished.
Impactor also bid his goodnight.
As everyone continued to file out, only the immediate family members, the Coneheaded Seekers, the Constructicons, and of course, the Autobots, remained.
Day Twelve: Friday Evening Arizona Time 11:05 P.M.:
Optimus Prime entered the Receiving Room with his hands clasped together in front of himself, with his helm bowed as a sign of mourning. He kissed the Icon of Jesus Christ and touched the one of Primus, a symbol of his strong faith. The rest of his team followed his lead. While Optimus fully put their continued conflict with the enemy faction members on hold in the period of profound grief, his follow Autobots shifted uncomfortably on their pedes as the Decepticons burned holes into their optics with their unrelenting stares. Some Autobots also narrowed their own optics.
As Cliffjumper had privately warned him, Ironhide began to wonder if this was indeed a trap, with Starscream pouncing out of a closet with a doomsday weapon, no doubt constructed by Decepticon Human Alliance Member Doctor Arkeville and blowing a cannonball-sized hole into the torso of every Autobot in the line. But then, the shattered faceplates of the Seeker Trine changed the older mech's processor.
Megatron was enraged at the mere sight of Prime. He gave a death glare to his archenemy, knowing full well that the Autobots would make their inevitable appearance. Their continued absence was too good even to contemplate seriously.
Optimus Prime paused at the Altar and viewed each of the photographs, noting the carefully selected pieces with respect.
One by one, each Bot signed the guestbook.
Now seeing that they were the only ones left in the once hundreds-long line, the Autobots tried to individually offer sympathy and condolences to their counterparts.
The air was so thick you couldn't cut it with a chainsaw.
The silence was first broken by Bumblebee, who was darting around the room trying to look up at the flower arrangements on the taller stands, "Where're our flowers?" he asked curiously.
"Right here, in the front," Shockwave answered, pointing to the large heart-shaped floral piece made of red roses. Being the seated President of Cybertron, he wasn't entirely involved in the two factions' political differences on Earth and was more than affable to the Autobots, just as he had been with every other mourner that evening.
Mirage took in the whole room, looking for a potential candidate for the mysterious 'Iceman' identity. He was convinced the mech must still be in attendance, despite the lateness of the hours. Truthfully, the Formula-1 Racer HOPED 'The Iceman' was in the room; if the mech were not, he would have to go back to the Autobots, and the federal agents failed in his mission and possibly lose all of their trust. And probably a nice cell in the brig waiting for him as well.
The keen sensors in Ratchet's CPU were ringing like kitchen timers. He perceived the presence of Tox-En, an Energon-blood poisoning, but couldn't discern which of the Decepticons it was coming from. As a medic, this was very upsetting to him. Decepticons or not, they didn't deserve such a painful death. He would have to speak to their medic to offer his expertise or, at the very least, make sure they were aware of the situation, even if they didn't want his help. He wasn't sure who their medical officers were; it was either Soundwave or Hook, he didn't know. He would speak to both of them.
The only ones with their digits on their weapons' triggers were George, Thrust, and several of the Constructicons. The Cons in the front row just sat there, looking wrung out.
Jazz felt that the Decepticons had gone into some sort of communal psychosis. He'd have to tell Prowl about this one, for sure.
Soundwave was ever the enigma, watching his enemies coldly with an unreadable expression behind his black visor and mouthplate.
For Laserbeak, it was bizarre to see the Autobots with the Decepticons. He was so used to spying on them at the Ark as they led their separate existence. Seeing Ironhide shake hands with his Creator was almost surreal.
"It's nice to see you again, Orion Pax," Esmeralda stood and shook hands with the Autobot Leader, "I'm just sorry it's under these circumstances."
"My feelings exactly, Esmeralda," Prime did a slight bow to the former Lady Gladiator whom he'd known for many years, "You look very well."
"Thank you," she said before shoving Megatron on the shoulder, "Megatron, at least say hello."
The Decepticon Leader wasn't ready to say anything. Likewise, George stood at the ready to protect him.
Optimus Prime's strong handshake met Megaton's deliberately limp one, "On behalf of all Autobots, both present in chassis and in spirit, I offer you and the Decepticons our deepest and most sincere sympathies on the passing of Starscream, Second-In-Command, and Air Commander of your organization."
"Passing?" Megatron scoffed bitterly, "You would characterize this slaughter as a passing?"
"Um," Shockwave came over, trying to defuse a bad situation, "Thank you, Optimus Prime; the past few days have been extremely hard, to say the least."
"Indeed," the Autobot Leader agreed, "this was tragic."
Megatron seethed with a boiling rage. Optimus Prime met his former friend's gaze, and the two engaged in an impromptu staring contest. It lasted a very long and uncomfortable period of time.
Trying to determine the true identity of 'The Iceman,' Mirage decided to take the initiative and shook Megatron's hand, "My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Second-In-Command, Megatron."
The former Gladiator wasn't impressed with his former Decepticon, "Thank you. I see you're still with the Autobots."
"Of course," Mirage nodded, "the Autobot Doctrine speaks to me more than the Decepticon Creed." Seeing that the other was getting angrier, he backtracked, "Um, not that I bear any ill will towards YOU, that is, Sir."
Megatron, dismissive of this insignificant Bot, simply kept his fixed gaze on Optimus Prime. He knew Mirage was wearing a wire—all the Cons knew that—but he also suspected Prime to be wearing one as well.
Mirage saw that he had better move on, so he shook hands with Esmeralda next.
The sound of Mirage's vocals snapped Thundercracker back into reality. He had totally forgotten about him after that disastrous visit with his teachers, "Mirage…" he whispered as he saw the Racer working his way towards them, :Warp, don't speak to him!: he warned through their Trine Bond. The younger Seeker was too tired to talk anyhow.
"Where's Dirge?" he whispered as he looked around. But thankfully, as if cued, the dark blue Conehead walked over, arms folded, and stood close to the two seated brothers protectively, much to Thundercracker's relief.
Meanwhile, Mirage had tried to talk to Soundwave, but the Tapedeck was dismissive of him, saying only a curt, "Thank You," to the Autobot's offers of sympathy.
The Racer then moved on to Thundercracker, who kept his lip components shut tight. Mirage shook TC's hand, then Warp's, offering, "My deepest sympathy for your loss of your brother."
Dirge swooped in and extended his hand, beginning their conversation with, "Thank you for coming, Comrade."
"Uh," Mirage became nervous with the pleasantry, implying he was still part of the organization in some form.
Dirge insisted, "Why don't we speak in private, shall we?" pulling the Formula-1 Racer along out of the Receiving Room and into the hallway.
Optimus Prime overheard them and thought this was a good idea as well, thinking it would get their negotiations going, "Megatron, I'd like to speak with you about the unstable situation with the Soviet Union. Perhaps we could have a meeting?"
"Sure," was Megatron's sarcastic response, getting up, "I'll talk to you, Prime. Let's go for a chat!" he grumbled to George, "Keep an optic on the others."
The Vehicon nodded.
