(Please see all previous disclaimers)
Metroplex looked at Menasor. True, the bot had thoroughly messed up, but Metroplex also believed in giving second chances for true repentance of bad behavior. "Menasor, I can't believe what you tried to do. It saddens me that you were so blinded by ambition that you couldn't see the error of your ways until it was almost too late. You are fortunate Lancex didn't do to you what he did to the others. You have a choice to make now, Menasor. First choice is you become bonded to Quickmix and I. The second is that you go to the prison where we sent those from Planet X as you would be labeled a traitor. What is your choice?" Metroplex asked.
Menasor shook, as he knew that prison. It was what other beings would call hell on earth. Some choice, he thought, but he realized he would still have some freedom if he chose choice one. And seeing it as the lesser of two evils, Menasor chose option one. The three large bots headed off for their own private "discussion."
After those three temporarily left, Hotshot summoned up his courage and asked Lancex about his unusual abilities. The other Autobots just watched and listened, slightly fearful of Lancex's abilities and skills. Lancex didn't exactly like the reaction he got from the Autobots but he understood as he had once been in there shoes – years ago when he had first been forced into the other universe. "Those were from my bonkai" Lancex answered.
"What's that?" Hotshot asked, even more curious. Lancex explained what it was, how it was a connection from his spark to his sword and a few other things. The Autobots were in awe. Unseen by all but Lancex, Optimus looked down. Optimus felt like he had been stupid to be so protective over his brother even if it stemmed from trauma now that Optimus saw this. Optimus wondered if his brother really did need him or still want to be family as Optimus didn't have he same level of ability or skill. Lancex would have to talk to his brother, but before he could, more Autobot questions came the swordsman's way and Lancex talked of his flash step and several other abilities, but hoped he could soon speak to his brother alone.
Meanwhile, Scourge and Evac had been thoroughly amazed by the display. It was obvious the bot was far more powerful than he let on, and it made both wonder if he truly was a submissive bot in any sense of the word, including being able to carry. They hoped they could show Lancex that they worthy of being chosen as mates. For now though, there was still a mission to complete.