The morning sun cast a warm glow over the base as the Build Team and a few other Autobots had gathered in another field. Today was a special day: the Build Team had promised hands-on activities to teach the younglings practical skills and teamwork. Railspike, Heavy Load, Grimlock, and Wedge stood at the front, and Hightower was kneeled near Axewing helping him get the mud cleaned off of his foot.
"Alright, everyone," Railspike began, his deep, commanding voice settling the group. "Today, you're going to learn some imp0ortant skills."
"Are we gonna learn how to fight?"
Grimlock chuckled with a shake of his head, "Nah. This is a bit more important than that."
"You're gonna work on problem-solving, and, most importantly, working as a team using construction."
"Does that mean we get to build stuff?" Axewing asked, his optics shining with excitement. Hightower finally putting his foot down and subspacing the soiled rag. The young mech spent most of his time with the build team and had taken in quite a bit of their lessons. Sometimes, they even let the young mech take part in the demolition part. Axewing turned to look at HighTower with a large grin.
"Exactly," Wedge said with a grin, stepping forward. "But it's not just about building—it's about thinking ahead and making sure everything works together. Like this team." He gestured toward the other members of the Build Team, who nodded in agreement. "Without these guys, I'd never be able to complete any our builds."
"Ahhh. You're just saying that."
"Yeah. Besides we're only as good as our amazing leader. The bot of all times. Wedge," Heavyload announced as Hightower and Grimlock made an exaggerated ta-da movement to gesture at their leader. Making the younglings giggle.
"Are you guys ready?" Tow-line asked. Trying to change the subject from the spectacle that the younger bots just made. The younglings still giggling, listened as they were explained the rules.
The first task was simple but engaging: building a shelter using limited materials scattered across the ground. Heavy Load opened a crate filled with scrap parts, planks, and tarps. "You've got everything you need right here. Figure out a design, assign roles, and get to work. But remember—communicate!"
The younglings quickly got to work. Axewing, always eager to build, started giving instructions. Axewing had taken charge and he's honestly pretty good at guiding the others in what they needed to do. "We need a strong base first! These planks look sturdy... Shockline, help me move them!"
Shockline nodded, grabbing the other end of a heavy plank. Terrorwave, meanwhile, inspected the tarps. "We should use these for the roof. If it rains, we'll need to stay dry."
Crunch, standing off to the side, frowned as he watched the chaos unfold. "She's just grabbing random stuff," he muttered. "We need a plan."
"Good observation," Heavy Load said, crouching down to Crunch's level. "Why don't you work with Axewing and suggest one? Leaders help bring order to the chaos."
Encouraged, Crunch stepped forward. "Hey, Axewing! Let's take a moment to figure out what we're building. If we don't plan it out, it might fall apart."
The group paused, turning to listen. With Crunch's lead and Axewing's guidance and some input from the Build Team, the younglings sketched a rough blueprint in the dirt. The task suddenly felt more manageable, and the younglings began working together more effectively.
"Nice work," Wedge said, giving Crunch an approving nod. "That's what teamwork looks like."
As the shelter took shape, Grimlock offered tips on structural stability, his booming voice surprisingly gentle. "Use those sticks as cross-beams here. They'll make it stronger. And don't forget to balance the weight."
By the time they were done, the younglings stood back to admire their work. The shelter was a bit lopsided, but it was sturdy enough to withstand a stiff breeze. The Build Team gave them a round of applause. The other Autobots looked on in approval. Crosswise watched Crunch with a small smile behind his mask, he decided to send Hotshot a small video, knowing the mech would love to see their little mechling take charge.
"Not bad for your first try," Railspike said with a proud smile. "Now, let's move on to the next challenge."
The second task was a scavenger hunt with a twist: the younglings had to retrieve specific items hidden around the base, but each clue required solving a riddle or puzzle. Tow-Line handed out the first clue. "Work together to figure this out. Remember—every one of you brings something different to the table."
The younglings tackled the scavenger hunt with gusto. Axewing was quick to spot hidden compartments, while Shockline's sharp processor excelled at deciphering riddles. Terrorwave's quiet observation skills proved invaluable in spotting small details, and Crunch kept the group organized, ensuring no one got left behind and that everyone got their chance to shine.
At one point, they hit a snag—a particularly tricky clue about finding "the heart of the base." The younglings argued over the meaning until Hightower stepped in, his tone patient but firm. "What's the first rule of a team?"
"Stick together?" Axewing ventured.
"Exactly," Grimlock said. "Now, think it through together. Don't rush."
With renewed focus, the younglings pooled their ideas and eventually found the item: an old, photo of the Autobots all together that Koji had left at the base before he and his family had gone on vacation. They returned to the Build Team, their arms full of trinkets and their faces alight with pride.
"You've done well today," Railspike said as the younglings gathered around. "Building, solving problems, and most importantly, supporting each other. That's what it means to be part of a team."
"I think we're starting to get it," Terrorwave said softly, her voice tinged with wonder. "We're becoming... a family."
The Autobots exchanged warm glances, their sparks swelling with pride. Wedge crouched down, meeting the younglings' gaze. "That's right. And as a family, we'll always have each other's backs."
T-ai dimmed the lights a few hours later, the younglings sprawled across the floor, exhausted but happy. The Autobots sat nearby, quietly discussing the new patrol routes while they prepared the younglings for bedtime.