Silverstorm had requested that both teams head north out of Iacon several days after the flier was released from the medbay. Optimus didn't know why, but he could tell that Silverstorm was trying to surprise him, so he agreed. Thus he found himself driving through some natural outcroppings of Cybertron that formed a canyon. When the bots came out in a large opening that split off in two directions, Silverstorm landed, beaming. "Okay. Are we all here?"

"Yeah, kid. But why'd you drag us all this way?" Kup asked. "There's nothing out here."

"Not quite," Silverstorm said, rubbing his hands together. "There is something out here. I found it ages ago, and I've been cleaning it up after I do my flying lessons with the Aerialbots. Now seems like the perfect time to show everybody."

"Show us what?" Sunstreaker asked.

"Raj?" Silverstorm said, turning around.

Mirage appeared behind him and activated a hidden panel. The bottom of the canyon rippled then smoothed out as a holoscreen appeared. Another few taps, and lines appeared in different colors.

"It's a back alley racing track!" Perceptor exclaimed.

"Those were illegal," Optimus said thoughtfully.

"Considering some of the settings on this computer, I'd believe it," Silverstorm said. "We've disabled everything dangerous with Skydive's help."

"So this is his side project," Red Alert said. "I was curious."

"He said to tell you that he'll show you everything he's discovered about it later, Red."

Red Alert brightened. "That's electric!"

There was a snort and Bumblebee sneered at Red Alert. "Electric?"

Red Alert shuttered his optics and looked embarrassed. "Oh, that's just something Skydive and I say when something really good happens."

"New slang!" Blaster crowed. "We are living again!"

"You barely have a life now," Bumblebee said acidly. "You're telling me you had one before the war?"

"Bumblebee! That's enough!" Optimus boomed.

Bumblebee shrugged and strode over to peer at the track. "Are we racing, or what?"

"That's one reason we're out here," Silverstorm said. "To have fun. But I also want to coordinate some of my team's driving skills. Some are still learning to drive."

"And that's their business?" Sideswipe asked sourly.

Silverstorm turned to him. "I'm sorry?"

"It's bad enough we're this old and can't do it already," Sunstreaker said. "They've made that perfectly clear."

There was an awkward pause where both sides glared at each other. Silverstorm turned to the mechs and narrowed his optics.

"Okay, let's straighten this out now. These younglings got their transformation upgrades less than a year ago. They are at a level higher than they should be due to Magnus's excellent training, but the point is that they are new at this. So that means that you do not get to compare them with your own experiences. If you can't encourage them, don't say a word. Am I clear?"

Ironhide nodded immediately, but the other mechs glanced at Optimus for approval first. Even Kup did before he recognized what he was doing. Then his optics snapped to Silverstorm and he spoke.

"Yeah. Of course."

The others agreed, and the younglings got ready to practice. Silverstorm tapped at the computer as the mechs murmured to each other.

"Alright. Let's drive," Mirage said, but he looked uneasy. He still hadn't made it around the track once without crashing. He really didn't want to embarrass himself, but he led the pack in transforming and getting started. Silverstorm pulled up the screens that ringed the starting gate and started the program.

"This will mark your turning abilities. The track is curvy, so take it easy and try and turn as smoothly as possible."

"How many times to we have to do this?" Beachcomber asked.

"One of each type of tracking program so we have a starting base. Then we can watch the races. I'm sure Bumblebee is raring to get started."

Bumblebee glanced over then away again. He still wouldn't talk to Silverstorm. He was like an entirely different person than the one Silverstorm had left on Earth. But Silverstorm could see something was bothering him. And Hot Rod, too, for that matter. He was trying to piece it together before talking to either of them. Optimus had flat-out stated that he didn't have a clue on what to do and welcomed input, so it was a waiting game.

The younglings did the best they could with the various programs, but most of them needed improvement in every category. Out of all of them, Blurr was the only one that scored nearly perfectly on every round. He'd had some trouble with the curves, but once he memorized the track, he performed well. Kup walked over as the younglings grumbled over their difficulties.

"Not bad, all things considered," he said.

The younglings went quiet and stared at him.

"This is Kup," Silverstorm said. "I told you about him."

Mirage glanced around then offlined his optics and stepped forward.

"Yeah, you did, Prime. Um, hi. Nice to meet you."

"Woulda met you sooner, but you didn't really seem too keen on talking to me. Or any of us."

"They talked to me," Ironhide said, puzzled.

"You're the only one who kept trying," Red Alert pointed out.

"Really?" Ironhide was clearly bewildered.

"Okay, let's start some races," Silverstorm said, breaking into the conversation. "Who's on first?"

"Me!" Hot Rod exclaimed. "I've always wanted to race!"

"I'm going," Bumblebee said.

Blaster grinned and hurried forward. "You're all going down."

There was a burst of laughter as several more mechs volunteered to race then they headed for the starting lines. The younglings all settled in to watch, and the mechs took their places. The race began in a flash of blue light, and everybody turned to the cameras. At once it became apparent that Bumblebee was the quickest and most agile racer. Silverstorm had been a part of many car chases with him and knew that he was one of the most talented drivers of his generation. That's how he ended up on Optimus's team. The dazzling speed and agility that he showcased meant that everybody knew who the winner would be only two laps in. Sure enough, Bumblebee crossed the finish line minutes before the others. He transformed and grinned as the flash of red light signified the race was over.

"That was too easy," Bumblebee said.

"You want a bigger challenge?" Silverstorm asked. "There's hundreds of settings we could use to make it more interesting."

"Bring it," Bumblebee said, grinning at Silverstorm.

For a moment, there was a playful familiarity in Bumblebee's optics. Then there was a flash of uncertainty and a smidge of fear. Bumblebee crossed his arms and looked away while Silverstorm studied him. Then he smiled as the other racers came in.

"Foot race. Third track setting," Silverstorm said to Mirage then raised his voice. "On your marks, all who wish to race! We're switching it up! Time for something my younglings can do. Foot race! Then we'll go back to altforms."

Time sped by as race after race was run. Bumblebee was the clear winner after sixteen runs of altform racing. Silverstorm was about to shut the racetrack down when Blurr walked over.

"Prime?"

"Yes?"

There was a moment of hesitation then Blurr straightened. "I want to race one time. Please, just once."

"You could end up in the medbay," Silverstorm said.

"I probably will. But I want to try."

"Are we done?" Optimus asked, walking over.

"One more," Silverstorm said. He looked around. "Anybody else want to race again?"

"No way," Ironhide grunted, rubbing a large dent in his arm. "I'm going to be hurting tomorrow as it is."

There were a few more no's, but Hot Rod and Bumblebee said yes. The mechs were surprised when Blurr walked onto the track.

"Are you sure, kid?" Kup asked.

"If he wants to race, let him race," Bumblebee said. A smirk hovered around Bumblebee's mouth.

"But—" Kup began.

"Leave him alone. He wants to do it. Let him do it," Silverstorm said. "On your marks. Ready? Go!"

Blurr struggled to transform quickly and lost a few seconds before he took off. Kup looked worried.

"He's gonna crash," he muttered.

"Let him. He knows the risks," Silverstorm said. "And I bet you he'll finish in first place."

Optimus glanced over and was astounded at the confidence that Silverstorm exuded. "Bumblebee has more experience," he said, but there was doubt in his tone.

"He does. But he's cocky," Silverstorm said. "Blurr just wants to race. And he's going to push himself. Give him two laps. That's when he's going to surprise all of you."

Bumblebee did in fact seem to be teasing Blurr and Hot Rod. Hot Rod was teasing him back, but Blurr paid no attention. One lap in, and there was a noticeable difference in Blurr's driving. He had smoothed out considerably, and he took the turns with a grace that even Bumblebee didn't possess. Silverstorm watched the monitors closely.

Optimus turned to glance at Silverstorm as the second lap was completed. The anticipation high, and Optimus turned back to the monitors.

"Come on, Blurr."

Optimus agreed wholeheartedly. He felt a surge of excitement and then gasped as Blurr suddenly took a narrow curve wide and passed both Bumblebee and Hot Rod. The mechs cried out in surprise, and Optimus felt a surge of satisfaction and glee as Blurr began to drive. This was spark-driving, a phenomenon talked about by old racers. It was rare, and Optimus had never seen it before. Blurr was perfection in motion, each movement scientifically precise and artfully beautiful. Optimus felt transported close to the One behind Primus, and he knew that Blurr was made to move fast.

The mechs went silent and watched as Bumblebee and Hot Rod struggled to pass Blurr, but he drove so perfectly that there was literally no way for them to pass him. As he crossed the finish line, the light flashed and he transformed and staggered several steps before dropping down, sucking in shaking intakes. Silverstorm was already moving over to help him, and Optimus followed as Bumblebee and Hot Rod transformed.

"Have fun?" Silverstorm asked.

"No," Blurr panted. "Not fun. More."

"Ecstatic phenomena," Optimus said absently. "You were made to be a racer." He held out a hand to help the youngling up when he noticed the odd looks he was getting from his team. His optics turned slightly purple and he looked down at Blurr, who wasn't looking at him funny. He looked like he understood. Blurr took his hand and staggered to his feet. Silverstorm supported him, smiling at Optimus.

"Time to go, I think."

Optimus nodded, but Bumblebee spoke. "No! I want a rematch! He cheated!"

Silverstorm turned to him and shook his head. "Not today, Bee. Maybe next time. Blurr needs to sit down for a while after that race."

"No! Rematch!"

Silverstorm straightened and leaned Blurr toward Optimus, who stood on his other side. Optimus took Blurr's weight and Blurr looked a little embarrassed and shy as he leaned heavily on him. Silverstorm stepped in front of Blurr and met Bumblebee's optics.

"No, Bumblebee. We're done. Move."

"He's faking it!" Bumblebee snarled.

Blurr's optics went white as if he were in great distress, and Silverstorm suddenly looked terrifying.

"Enough!" he boomed. "You aren't going to talk to Blurr like that! Or anybody else! What has gotten into you, Bee? Where's the mech I know?"

"Gone!" Bumblebee snapped. "And nobody gives a slag about it anyway! Now, he will race me again!"

Silverstorm didn't explode in rage. He tilted his head thoughtfully. "If you try and touch him, I will shock you off your feet. Now make your decision. Do you want to leave conscious, or do you want to leave unconscious?"

Bumblebee looked at him and snorted. He tried to shove past him, reaching for Blurr, and Silverstorm did as he promised. Sparks erupted around him, and Bumblebee shrieked and went down. There was silence then Silverstorm turned to Ratchet.

"Can you and Aid get him back? I need Pipes to look at Blurr and settle him down."

"Blurr…" Ratchet said and then his optics flashed. "It's you! It's you, from the labs! You're the youngling we saved!"

Blurr looked over and smiled weakly. "Wasn't sure you'd remember me," he said, his voice soft and slow.

"Okay, let's get you two back home," Silverstorm said. "That's enough for one day."

As the mechs and younglings prepared to leave, Optimus lowered Blurr down for Pipes to check his vitals. Silverstorm knelt down beside them, smiling at Blurr.

"A bit too much excitement?"

"Yeah," Blurr said, slurring a little. "My spark… it hurts…"

"No doubt from the damage those fraggers did," Ratchet said. "I will personally take a look." Silverstorm gave him a look, and there was a beat of silence.

"If Pipes doesn't mind, of course," Optimus said pointedly.

"Of course," Ratchet said reluctantly.

"We're about ready," Kup said, sidling up. He looked Optimus up and down. "Did you plan today?"

"No," Optimus admitted. "I was just as surprised as you. It was all Silverstorm." He looked over and smiled. "And it was a good idea."

Silverstorm radiated pleasure from the compliment. "Thanks. I figured why not let the cars race." He looked down at Bumblebee and wilted. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this. There's got to be a reason he's acting like this."

Optimus nodded. "Well, let's roll out."

"You can do that if you want," Silverstorm said. He ignited his thrusters. "I'm gonna jet, groundpounder!" He grinned then looked at Blurr and softened. "Take care of him, Ratch."

"Of course," Ratchet said.

"I'll make sure of it," Optimus promised. "Go on ahead and prepare things."

Silverstorm nodded then took off into the sky and headed back toward the city. All in all, both Primes felt it had been a good day. But they both knew there was so much left to do before their teams were even comfortable around each other. Still, they thought, progress is progress.