Things weren't that different since jumping universes. The crew was still their chaotic selves, Swerve still had a bar, and Veer was still the cutest co-captain.

It was a little underwhelming. Swerve hadn't expected fire fights or world ending adventures right away. But, it had already been a week and nothing had really happened.

The only real difference was Swerve felt like he was under constant surveillance. Well, correction, he was under constant surveillance.

These bots were taking shifts, like he was sparkling that needed to be watched. Somehow, Swerve knew Minimus was behind the schedule. He didn't have any evidence, but he knew.

At first Swerve found it a bit demeaning. Yeah, he got it! He messed up once again with the holoform- but he wasn't fragile!

However, it actually didn't take long for him to begin finding it soothing. Swerve didn't realize how lonely he'd been. It was.. nice to have a bot to talk to.

Don't get him wrong! He loves Veer. Just- she wasn't a very good conversationalist yet.

Swerve felt.. cared about. It didn't matter who he was with. They'd always indulge him with his silly human media obsession or play with Veer. He felt like a part of a group.

Maybe that's why he started to wander the halls of the Lost Light. He was equal parts as nervous about the new universe as he was just feeling more social. 'Walks' were a good outlet for both. (Yeah, walks….He used that word very loosely considering he was stuck in a hoverchair until his welds were healed).

That's how they discovered a mysterious room. Swerve passed by it while on his way to the observation deck. He didn't recall a bot bunking in there. Naturally, his curiosity got the better of him and he broke in.

Okay, broke in was a strong word. It was more like he got Rodimus to override the key code. Breaking in just sounds cooler.

It was strange, finding this room that was decorated with a wide array of model ships. It was a large, impressive collection. Every ship displayed neatly on shelves that were hitched to the walls; all categorized by make and model. It was the kind of dedication to rule following that reminded Swerve of Minimus!

The problem was the ex enforcer had no idea who these toys belonged to. No one really did. It was like they appeared out of nowhere overnight.

Rodimus had brushed it off suggesting the items probably belonged to the previous owners of the Lost Light. That didn't bring much comfort to the metallurgist, considering they had also kept a sparkeater on board. Though, in his opinion, Swerve had doubts about that claim.

Model ships and spark eaters were an odd combination. He should know- he'd mixed a lot of different drinks together in his lifetime. Heck, he did it for a living.

He knew what worked and what didn't. Model building was a delicate hobby he couldn't see insane mechs doing. It took a lot of patience that he believed they would lack.

It bothered him. There was this nagging thought in the back of his processor yelling 'he should know!' any time he looked at those ships. Yet he kept drawing a blank.

In his gut he felt it had something to do with that mysterious mech Swerve recalled from his meta induced psychosis. There was this odd nerdy character nobody else seemed to remember. He was a slim, reserved fellow that stuck around his friends. Swerve had assumed he was just a character he made up- a background character to fill some space but… Swerve swore he was in that meta comic he narrated.

He was the orange mech that wore glasses. At least, that's what he assumed. Nobody else on the Lost Light looked like that.

It was driving him crazy. Swerve felt like he knew his name. Rang? Rub? Room? Swerve couldn't recall. All he knew for sure was it started with an R. Even worse was he felt like he said his name before.

From what little he could remember that mech spoke softly- and was all delicate like. He seemed like the type to collect model ships. That seemed to fit the bill much better than the bots that kept a spark eater as a pet.

Either way, the crew inspected that spare room about five times. There was no way they were risking a ship destroying macguffin with a sparkling on board. And with their track records it wouldn't have been surprising if something like that was hidden among their stuff.

The room wasn't dubbed safe until Perceptor scanned it himself. (No offense to Brainstorm but details sometimes slipped his processor). After that the crew worked together to dust the entire thing out. The cobwebs weren't that bad for a room that had been sitting there for Primus knows how long. It took maybe two mega-cycles for it to look acceptable.

Then with Minimus' help they took down the ships then the shelves. Minimus made sure to keep them neatly organized while they stored them in the hallway. Everyone agreed that it felt important for some reason.

That's when Drift came in! He busted out the spare paints and started changing those blindingly orange walls into softer pastel colors. By the time he was done it looked like one of those human shows. Swerve had to admit that it was a massive improvement. The orange was starting to hurt his optics after a while.

Once dried they started decorating the room with spare odds and ends. Cyclonus provided a beautiful tapestry with cybertron's constellations, which they decided to display on the wall. Swerve had to admit he was surprised when he noticed the warrior had also added glow in the dark stars to the ceiling. When Swerve asked about it, Cyclonus simply stated that it matched.

Whirl created a simplified clock for one of the side tables, and much to Swerve's dismay, he also mounted the gender reveal confetti cannon for 'emergencies'. Swerve doubted they would ever use it, but it made Whirl happy, and Swerve couldn't find it in himself to say no.

Nautica fixed her camien music box and put it on one of the end tables for Swerve to wind during Veer's naptime. It was a sweet gesture that Swerve greatly appreciated.

Rodimus, of course, had Veer's star framed front and center, on the wall directly across from the entrance. Rodimus was adamant that his face should be the first thing Veer saw anytime she came inside.

Megatron, surprisingly, made a first aid kit to keep in the room. The warlord had approached Swerve with it out of the blue. He passed it over ensuring it contained everything a sparkling needed, smiled down at Veer, then left. It was rather… nice.

Just about every bot chipped in to help make the room more homey. In fact, one could argue that it was over filled with junk. Swerve, however, wouldn't be one of those bot. He thought it was charming.

Once that was done they put the shelves back alongside the model toys. It was a nice touch- having cute toys displayed in the Lost Light's new nursery. Swerve hoped the initial owner didn't mind. Those silly hunks of plastic made the room feel special. There was something about them that brought a certain…warmth.

Swerve caught himself staring at them more than once. Everytime it tickled his processor in a certain way-He just knew that whoever that mech was- he was important. Hopefully, one day soon, he will remember him.

The adorable high pitched laugh of his sparkling pulled him out of those thoughts. Swerve peered down at the mess of blankets and toys surrounding his daughter; every single item, a gift from the crew. All were very thoughtful and endearing. Veer, of course, ignored her array of play things to instead squeal in victory as she nommed on her own foot.

Sparklings, they had a mind of their own. Swerve huffed out a laugh watching Veer lose her grip. Her little pede ended up kicking Whirl's knees. The wrecker peered in his direction with his optic squinting into a slit. He reached over and, carefully, gave her back her foot. Veer grabbed a hold like it was the sweetest energon goodie and squealed.

"I like your tenacity kid! Good call, always go for the strongest mech in the room!" Whirl encouraged with a smugness to his voice.

"I think it was an accident Whirl. Veer is way too sweet to-" Tailgate stopped as a single claw was pressed against his lips.

"Sssh, let me have this" Whirl said then turned his attention back to the sparkling. "She's gonna be a cold sparked killer anyway. I see that glint in her optics- Veer is a wrecker through and through."

"Hate to break it to you, but that look right now? That's because she's gassy," Swerve said, leaning back into the chair with a laugh.

The helicopter leaned away from the sparkling with new found suspicion. He then scooted a little bit away from the play mat as if she was going to let one rip at any moment. Swerve could have easily told him that she needed to be burped. That's the only way to relieve gassy tanks, but seeing the former wrecker treat his sparkling like a bomb was hilarious.

Cyclonus, forever the responsible one, leaned over to pick her up from the mat. Whirl made a disappointed sound, "Wait-wait. I changed my mind. She can hang with me and still be gassy-!"

"It will take two seconds Whirl, I'll put her back after she's done," Cyclonus said, passing the sparkling to her carrier.

Veer slotted into Swerves arms with ease. Upset, she beeped loudly at Cyclonus; she let him know that she wasn't pleased with the sudden change in destination! But, she quickly settled down once she realized she was with her carrier. The little stinker cuddled close like she wasn't just cursing Cyclonus out in sparkling.

Well, Swerve assumed that's what she was saying. Sadly, he didn't speak bitlet- but he could feel her annoyance through their bond. He thought her tiny wrath was kind of cute.

Cyclonus, the mighty warrior of the Golden age, tickled the sensitive plating of Swerve's sparkling. She laughed in utter delight, earning a smile from the horned mech. Swerve marveled at how gentle he was despite his claws.

If Swerve had been a betting mech he wouldn't be surprised if Veer had a playmate soon. There were a few bots on the Lost Light, that have been crazed with sparkling fever ever since she showed up. Cyclonus, of all bots, was first on that list. Seconded by Rewind and Chromrdome.

Swerve could see the way the mech looked at Veer: he got this longing in his optics. The same look he often gave Tailgate and Whirl. There was no doubt that Cyclonus would pounce if given the chance.

Now, if only Whirl realized he was dating both of them. Swerve glanced at the helicopter, who was still sulking on the floor, to Tailgate, who was laying next to Whirl, then to Cyclonus again. This was beyond ridiculous. The sexual tension between the three of them was denser than the warrior's sword.

Yet, all three of them danced around the topic like it was going to offline them. He knew that it was none of his business but- If these thick helmed afts didn't resolve it soon, then Swerve was going to explode.

Okay, maybe not explode, but definitely would step in. Maybe it was cycles worth of processor damage but Whirl just didn't get it. He needed a little push (or a blunt confession).

They've even been on throuple dates. Tailgate has already started the rites with both of them. Frag, Cyclonus even sang for Whirl! Still, Whirl thought he was third wheeling- It was like that human saying! Whirl thought of himself simply as a gal pal.

What made it worse was Whirl wasn't any better! The mech was downright tender anytime he interacted with the two. Swerve even heard that he showed them his workshop! That's, like, huge for Whirl.

It just boggled Swerve's processor why they all were doing this. At this point they all were practically sparkmates. If Swerve had anybody like that in his life he'd jump at the chance!

Yeah… He would. Swerve sighed internally. He really longed for that.

He could see the love between them, love that he lacked. He was happy for them- He really was! But, a selfish part of him thought they took it for granted.

Nobody had loved Swerve like that. No one ever would… There was a part of him that had given up on love. To Swerve, it was something only found in cheesy romcoms, or dialogue choices in a video game. It was something meant for main characters like his friends. Not annoying loud mouths without an ounce of charisma.

But that was alright, at least he had Veer. He was finding that her love was more than enough. Everyday she gave him a reason to get out of bed, and that was more than enough for him!

He glanced at his daughter, who had traded drooling on her foot for drooling on her fist. Swerve leaned down and nuzzled her silly little face. She cooed happily from the sudden affection.

"Gimme two seconds Whirl, I'm a certified pro at this. She'll be free from the evils within her tanks! Begone gassy demon!" Swerve said while rearranging Veer to lay on his shoulder.

He gave her a couple of pats on the back. Whirl sat up from the floor to watch, suddenly interested in how it was done. Swerve tried his best to hide his smug smile.

Oh, if both Whirl and Cyclonus were interested then Veer was definitely going to have a playmate. Swerve made sure to go slow so the wrecker could make mental notes. You know-in case the wrecker is in the same boat in the near future.

It took mere seconds before his daughter loudly burped. When she did Veer reeled back as if startled by her own power. Swerve cracked up at her wide optic look. She was just so freakin cute and expressive.

"Whoa! Did you do that? Veer! You're too strong!" Swerve cooed as he moved her back in a cradled position.

Veer hiccuped then smiled up at her creator. She hadn't the faintest clue what he just said but she still responded like she did. It reminded Swerve of himself, when he accidentally zoned out mid conversation, but answered yes to pretend he was still listening. Moments like this reminded him she definitely was his sparkling.

"Yeah Veer! That was so mighty~ Whirl, you better watch out. She might take out your leg," Tailgate chimed in.

Whirl flopped up so he could face them. He glared at the sparkling before bringing his claws up. "I'd like to see you try pip-squeak! I'll beat you up". Whirl then did a fearsome attack of fake punches right on her tummy. Veer giggled away with every 'impact', "You think this is funny? Huh, you little blue gumball? I'll show you!"

The wrecker leaned in real close and blew a raspberry on her tummy. Well, it was more of a light nuzzle while he made the sound, since he lacked the correct anatomy to do it properly. Still, it had the desired effect: Veer squealing in delight.

"Whirl, stop! She's too young to die!" Tailgate playfully wailed.

Even Cyclonus, 'gasped', in despair. "Veer, you must fight back little one!"

Whirl stopped his onslaught of 'attacks' when Veer suddenly hugged his face. She babbled something as she snuggled away at the wrecker. Swerve watched in awe as Whirl sort of melted into the touch. He looked more like a house cat instead of a feral raccoon, like he usually did. It was sweet.

Whirl didn't move for a moment. He brought both his claws up to 'hugs' Veer back. "I'd kill for you kiddo."

Swerve was sure he meant it. "Hopefully it won't come to that".

As soon as the words left his mouth the high pitched wail of the emergency alarms went off. The sound was so loud it rattled the inside of Swerve's helm. He winced, covered his creation's precious audio receptors, and glared at the flashing red lights. Him, and his big mouth!

Whirl leapt up from his position on the ground, much like a feral raccoon jumping out of a dumpster, snatched up the confetti cannon from the wall, and cocked it like a shotgun. "My time has come! Witness me Veer!" He cackled out.

Maybe introducing Whirl to Mad Max wasn't their smartest move. Swerve was sure regretting it now with the former wrecker acting a fool while an actual crisis was going down! Swerve gave Cyclonus a look, pleading with his optics to stop Whirl. He was already dealing with one upset sparkling- He didn't need Whirl adding to it.

Veer, poor baby, was now sobbing. All joy was sucked out of her by the loud sound and flashing lights. It was a lot for a little bitlet.

All Swerve could do to offer her comfort was to lay her on his chassis with a blanket covering her sensors. He rocked her, despite the protest of his aching middle, and mumbled our reassurances. It was kind of hard to with Whirl somehow cackling louder.

Thankfully, Cyclonus walked over to Whirl, and restrained him just as the ship's intercom system crackled to life. "All available bots down to the docking bay!" Megatron barked, only to be interrupted by Rodimus stealing the mic. "Bring all the fire power we got! Let's show these new universe fraggers that nobody anchors onto our ship without permission!"

The docking bay…? Swerve's insides twisted. That wasn't too far from the nursery! Oh, he didn't like that. Maybe they should move. Or-was it safer to stay? At least then everyone would know their location if something bad happened.

Wait, no, those were the rules when you got lost. That wouldn't work. Oh, frag. Oh, no.

Nervous, Swerve moved the hoverchair in the direction of the observation window. He peered out to see the tail end of a large ship. Wait a moment, Swerve dried swallowed, was that…?

The microphone was swiftly snatched from Rodimus' hands. He turned to scowl at the gray son of a glitch that had the audacity to do that. See, this was why Veer was the better co-captain.

"Was that really necessary, Rodimus?" Megatron asked like a disappointed creator.

The speedster paused to pretend he was actually thinking about it. He rubbed under his chin in order to really ponder the question; Was that really necessary? Well, frag yes it was!

"Look, I don't know what or who is dumb enough to try to dock but they are gonna pay for it. We gotta teach this universe that the Lost Light isn't to be messed with!"

Megatron sighed, "Rodimus, we don't even know if they are hostile. Rallying everyone up is just going to cause a shoot out I'd rather avoid!"

Thunderclash, forever the suck up, chimed in. "I have to agree with him, Rodimus. We don't know what we're walking into."

Rodimus rolled his optics, 'No one asked for your opinion BlunderClash', Rodimus thought.

Their universe's greatest autobot needed to mind his business. Yeah, things between them were getting better, but siding with Megs? Not cool.

For once he'd like it if that red opticed, goofy looking smiled, fragger would take his side! Especially in arguments with his co-captain. But, nooooo! Thunderclash has gotta take Megatron's side.

Funny, considering he was part of the mutiny. Though Rodimus never threw that in his perfect face, no matter how frustrated he got, because he understood what it was like to make a mistake… At least Thunderclash's cost less lives.

Rodimus crossed his arms then looked between the two massive mechs. Thunderclash gazed back with those puppy dog optics. That wasn't fair- it's hard to stay annoyed when he does that! He huffed, trying to keep a hold of his exasperation.

"Why? Are you scared?" Rodimus challenge.

The ex-wardlor's mouth thinned into a frown as he crossed his arms together. It took Rodimus a bit off guard. Megatron was serious.

"Yes," he said, meeting the speedster's optics. "You seem to forget-We have precious cargo on board! We might be able to survive gun fire but a new spark can't. Please, get your helm on straight and think before you start to attack."

Rodimus' confident stance faltered. His spoilers pinned back against his armor. He frowned, hating to admit it, but Megatron was right. They now had a new spark to consider before they jumped helm first into danger.

He grumbled looking away, "Okay, Yeah… I'll be on my best behavior…. For my little co-captain."

Thunderclash studied him for a moment before giving the speedster a little nudge, "I think you mean our little co-captain."

That surprised Rodimus but he couldn't help but grin up at the warrior. Okay, maybe Thunderclash wasn't too bad after all. Anyone who saw Veer's value as his co-captain was alright in Rodimus' books. All should bow before her cuteness!

"Frag yeah! Let's do this- for Veer!"

The racer then transformed into his alt-mode and zoomed out the door. He could hear Megatron's deep sighed from behind as he raced down the hallway. What? He promised to behave- Not act like somebody else.

That only encouraged him to pick up speed. He didn't bother to see if Clash and Megs were behind him. They would just slow him down.

Nah, he focused on weaving through the crowd of other mechs making their way there, earning a few 'Heys!' and 'Slow the frag down!' while he barely dodged them. He didn't really care- His spark told him to gun it! And the spark wants what the spark wants.

It took a matter of mere minutes before he burst through the docking bay door, transformed back into root mode, and skidded to a stop right in front of Ultra Magnus. His engine was still running hot as he smirked up at his second in command. Ultra Magnus looked back in his 'not impressed' face.

"What's the status, Mags?"

Rodimus peered around to assess the situation. There were crew members all circled around the front with weapons drawn. Yet no baddies in sight.

Odd, usually there would be a shoot out at this point. He supposed that it was a good thing. Yet, there was this uneasy feeling probing at his spark. Like…something big was about to happen.

Nope. He didn't like that one bit. Last time that happened, they had the DJD knocking at their door.

"Nobody has attempted to make contact with our ship Captain. However, I believe we have bigger problems than that. The ship docking ours is-"

"Vis Vitalis?" Well, at least this universe's version of it.

This one looked way more banged up then the one Firestar left with. There were clear signs of a firefight; Scorch marks blackened parts of its blue and yellow paint, holes shredded its weapons equipment, making it look like Swiss cheese, and one of the thrusters was smoking.

Swerve didn't know if its state made him feel any better. Whoever was in there must have been through the pit and back, and desperate mechs were dangerous things. Swerve should know, he was the literal definition of it.

He trembled, hoping they were friendly and not the other option. He wasn't prepared if it was the other option. He'd left his freaking blaster back at the bar!

Frag, how is he going to protect Veer? Frag, frag, frag.

He was pulled out of his freak out by Cyclonus putting a servo on his shoulder. He looked up, with his visor glitching and vents blaring, at the warrior. Cyclonus gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"You two will be safe, I promise you that"

"Frag yeah! I've been itching to bust open some helms. We got your and the pip-squeak's back!" Whirl chortled.

That…did make him feel better. Cyclonus wasn't the type of mech to go back on his promises. Neither was Whirl (Despite what he might say).

Swerve slowly relaxed his frame and laid back in his chair. He gave the window another glance. It might be his anxiety talking but seeing the ship made him jittery.

He tried to squash down the feeling as he moved the chair back towards the play mat. Maybe things wouldn't escalate to that point. Hopefully, the four of them will be safe.

He should distract himself. That sounded like a better idea than being a paranoid nervous wreck. Last thing they needed was for Swerve to start acting like Red Alert.

He took in a deep calming breath then exhaled. Things were going to be fine. They were going to be safe.

Swerve glanced down at his sobbing sparkling with a frown. She always looked pitiful when she cried. This? This look broke his spark.

He wished that stupid alarm would shut off. It was upsetting Veer. Yeah, they got it. The ship was under attack. Now, please stop reminding them of their potential doom. Most of the crew had too much anxiety or some other mental disorder to deal with it.

Whirl must have felt the same way because when Swerve went to check on him the wrecker was unspooling a roll of duct tape. He wasn't sure where he got it from nor did he want to find out. The helicopter wrapped tape several times around the screaming speaker. After he took a step back to admire his handiwork.

The sound was muffled to a more manageable level but it was still going off. It was like trying to fix a gaping wound with a bandaid- Meaning it barely did anything.

Whirl still appeared proud of himself. He nodded at the craftsmanship then tossed his roll off to the side. He dusted off his claws, picked back up the cannon, then made his way back to the mat.

Yeah, when he told Whirl humans could fix anything with duct tape he didn't expect to be taken so literally. That was on him. Maybe he should explain stuff better.

Tailgate glanced at the helicopter then at the alarm. Swerve could tell by the glint in his visor- he wasn't impressed.

It wasn't like anyone was going to correct the wrecker. At least he tried to fix the problem…In his own Whirly way.

Cyclonus, who almost got hit by the tape Whirl tossed, made his way over to the alarm. He said nothing as he pressed a button right underneath it. Like magic the high pitch wailing ceased.

"Oh frag off!" Whirl exclaimed.

Tailgate snickered at the exchange. Swerve couldn't blame him. If the situation wasn't so tense he'd probably laugh too. It was a little funny.

Cyclonus leaned against the wall as Whirl flipped, what one could assume, was the bird. The warrior only smirked in return. Damn, they needed to frag already.

Swerve turned his attention back to his upset sparkling. Veer was a mess. Her cheeks were red, her vents were rattling from strain, and Swerve couldn't help but worry she was overheating. He placed his servo against her forehelm to gauge her temperature. He frowned, rocking her close.

"Tailgate, Gimme a shot from my bag. She feels warm."

"Oh! Sure!" He squeaked out before fumbling with the sparkling bag.

Swerve eagerly accepted the syringe. He always hated this part… Swerve placed a quick kiss on top of her helm before carefully injecting it into her arm. She let out a pained beep before wailing more.

Whirl distracted her by tickling her with his claw. He started to coo and gush at her for being brave. Swerve appreciated his attempts at calming her down.

Veer blinked up at the wrecker with tears rolling down her cheeks. She hiccuped then reached out to grab his claw. Her sniffles slowed as she stared at his single yellow optic.

"She really likes you," Tailgate said, kneeling right beside Whirl.

Swerve had to agree. Usually it took him thirty minutes of non-stop coddling before she'd calm down. Her fits were legendary. Whirl managed to do it in seconds.

"Nah, she just knows I'm the baddest mech here. It's a respect thing."

"Hmn, I see. Is that why she's trying to eat your servo?" Tailgate asked with a laugh. "Because she respects you?"

Whirl squinted at the waste disposal bot then at Veer, "Yep, all respect. She doesn't do it to anyone. For example, she isn't drooling on Cyclonus' servo."

"That's because you capitalize all of our time with her." Cyclonus pointed out as he stood by Swerve's side.

"Blah blah blah. Sounds like an excuse. Just admit it- I'm so bad it makes you look stupid."

"I'd admit nothing of the sort," Cyclonus mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing Whirl, just thinking out loud-..Shush. someone is coming," Cyclonus said, glancing at the door.

Swerve didn't hear anything. He was too distracted by Whirl. But, Cyclonus clearly did.

The horned warrior stepped in front of them and unsheathed his sword. His red optics narrowed. Whirl joined him by aiming the cannon at Cyclonus' line of sight.

On instinct, Swerve shielded Veer's body with his arms. His daughter, unaware of the danger, beeped out in confusion. He swallowed down his fear and prepared for the worse.

For a moment nothing happened. They all stood there in their stance, ready for a fight. A full minute passed. Then two. Then five. It was long enough that Swerve started to wonder if Cyclonus had been wrong.

Then there was a knock. A calm friendly sounding knock. It threw Swerve off for a moment. He was expecting something more frantic- like somebody to pound on the door to warn them of incoming danger.

The door flew open as Rodimus stepped in. Swerve brows furrowed. Their captain had this off look on his face. His lips were pursed and his spoilers trembled. All very un-Rodimus-like characteristics.

That's when Swerve realized that their captain wasn't alone. Behind Rodimus he could see a glimpse of blue armor. Swerve assumed whoever it was must have been from the Vis Vitalis.

Right when Rodimus went to step out of the way a projectile of pink confetti came flying out of the cannon. Swerve's jaw dropped as it slammed full force into this new poor soul. He whipped his helm at Whirl's direction to see him cackling once more.

"It's a girl!"

Rodimus ran up to Whirl and snatched the cannon from him. "WHIRL! Stand down!"

"Awe, just saying hello!" he chirped.

Rodimus rubbed his temples before handing the cannon off to Cyclonus. The warrior accepted with a grunt as Rodimus turned back around to help their guest. Whoever it was must be important by the way apologies were tumbling out of him.

"No, no, it's fine. I should've expected that out of Whirl," chuckled an eerily familiar voice.

Time froze. Did his processor just glitch? He knew that voice. There was no way. No possible way he heard that correctly.

Swerve grabbed ahold of his arm rest, squeezing it tight, to feel grounded. He leaned forward in a desperate attempt to get a better look, ignoring the pain it caused his middle. Right now, that didn't matter. He needed to know!

Rodimus helped up the knocked over mech. The two of them emerged from the hallway. Swerve didn't realize he was holding his breath until all the air was knocked out of him. Standing there in front of him was a ghost.

"It's good to see you buddy. How have you been?" a warm voice greeted.

His optics started to water and for a moment he lost his ability to speak. Swerve covered his mouth while trying to form words. Any words at all! But all that came out was static.

Swerve spark flip flopped in his chassis. If this was a dream then he didn't want to wake up!

"Skids!?"