Aftermath III

Date: December 27, 2012, Time: 3:10 P.M. Location: Autobot Base inside of Jasper

For the last one hour and fifteen minutes, the Autobots have been engaged in discussion, congratulating one another on their hard-fought victory over the MECH forces that launched a surprise attack on Jasper. The battle had been intense, but their collective strength and teamwork had ensured the protection of the town and its civilians. However, while the immediate threat had been neutralized, Optimus Prime and his team knew that MECH was not finished yet.

Bulkhead stood near the central command console, arms crossed over his massive chassis. "That was some scrapfest. MECH's* getting bolder. But we sent 'em packing."

Arcee, leaning against a support beam, nodded. "Yeah, but they didn't throw everything at us. This felt more like a test, like they were probing our defenses."

Bumblebee let out a series of beeps, his optics narrowing in concern. Smokescreen, standing nearby, translated with a smirk. "Bee's right. MECH's not gonna back down just because we outmatched them today. They'll come back, and next time, they'll be ready."

Ratchet, standing over the holo-display, sighed. "They're already adapting. MECH has always been resourceful, but this attack was calculated. They knew how to spread our forces thin, forcing us to divide our attention. If we hadn't acted quickly, we might've lost Jasper."

Optimus Prime stepped forward, his towering presence commanding attention. His deep voice resonated with unwavering resolve. "We cannot afford to grow complacent. MECH's ambitions remain a threat not only to humanity but to Cybertronians as well. Their technology has evolved beyond simple reverse engineering. We must assume they are working on countermeasures to our strategies."

Quick-Draw and Silver-Draw, the rare Cybertronian twins, exchanged uneasy glances. Quick-Draw spoke first. "So, what's the plan, Prime? If MECH's learning our moves, we need to shake things up."

Silver-Draw nodded in agreement. "And we need to figure out how they got so much intel on our movements."

Nova-Strike Prime*, stepped beside Optimus, arms crossed. "That's what's been bothering me. MECH moved with precision today, like they knew exactly when and where to strike. That kind of coordination doesn't happen by accident."

Ultra-Aid*, frowned as she examined the battlefield footage displayed on the holo-table. "If MECH has somehow managed to place a spy or gain access to our communications, we need to root it out before they strike again."

Ryu Senshi*, punched a fist into her open palm. "Then let's go on the offensive. We hit 'em before they hit us again."

Serenity*, glanced at Shadow-Hunter*, "Recon might be our best bet. MECH's bases aren't exactly easy to find, but we know they have forward operating positions. If we locate one, we can cut off their supply lines."

Shadow-Hunter nodded. "Agreed. I'll take point with Serenity. We'll stay high and unseen."

Lighting-Striker*, the leader of her own team, spoke up. "While they handle the skies, my team can run interference on the ground. Scatter-Shot*, Ninja-Knight*, and Long-Rifle* can help scout MECH's movements."

Quick-Dodge* and Quick-Step*, the ninja-like Cybertronians, stood side by side, their movements fluid and coordinated. Quick-Dodge smirked. "And if MECH's got spies or tracking tech, we'll find it."

Quick-Step added, "We were designed to be ghosts. It's time we put that to use."

Optimus nodded, approving their initiative. "Then it is decided. We will not wait for MECH's next move—we will strike preemptively. However, we must act with caution. MECH's strength lies in their unpredictability and human ingenuity. Underestimating them would be a grave mistake."

Time: 3:20 P.M.

Lighting-Striker, standing nearby, noticed Nitro-Smoke's discomfort and walked over to her. "Hey, don't worry. We've all been where you are. This is the hardest part—the transition," she said, her tone reassuring, though tinged with her own inexperience. "The battle's over, but we still have a long way to go."

Nitro-Smoke* shifted her weight, glancing at her new teammates. "I just feel like... like I'm not ready for any of this. I mean, I'm still getting used to being a Cybertronian. The transformation, the combat... it's so much to process."

Lighting-Striker placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're doing fine. No one expects perfection from us rookies. We've got each other's backs. That's what matters."

Quick-Dodge overheard the conversation and bounded over. "What's all this talk about not being ready? We've all been thrown into the deep end! You should've seen me when I first started—I didn't even know how to aim straight!" He laughed lightly, trying to ease the tension.

Quick-Step, his younger twin brother, walked over with a smirk. "Yeah, you still don't know how to aim straight," he teased, nudging Quick-Dodge playfully.

The banter between the two brothers seemed to lighten the mood. Nitro-Smoke allowed herself a small smile, even if it was tentative. She still wasn't fully comfortable in this new form, but there was something about the camaraderie that made it feel a bit more bearable.

Ryu Senshi, standing off to the side, glanced over with a knowing smile. "We all went through the same thing, Nitro-Smoke. It feels like too much at first, but you adjust. The combat is just a small part of it. It's about finding your place here—among the Autobots and with each other." She shrugged casually, as if this was something she'd had to learn the hard way herself. "Trust me, you'll get there."

Serenity, hovering nearby, folded her arms and added, "And just remember, we're all rookies in some way, even the veterans. Every mission, every battle—it's all just another step toward becoming better. You're not alone in this."

Nitro-Smoke nodded, though her optics still carried a faint trace of doubt. "I just don't want to let anyone down, especially after today. I froze for a moment when we were under fire, and that... that could've been bad for all of us."

Ultra-Aid, who had been quietly watching the group, stepped forward. She placed a gentle hand on Nitro-Smoke's arm, offering a soft smile. "Hey, that's normal. Everyone gets nervous. It's how we handle it that counts. You did well in the end. You're still new to all this, but you're learning. And don't forget, we're here to help each other."

Nova-Strike Prime, who had been surveying the battlefield data with Optimus, turned to join the group, his presence commanding attention. Despite his youth, his experience as a combat leader spoke for itself. "What Ultra-Aid said is true. We've all had our doubts, even me. When I was first given command, I wasn't sure I could handle it. But I learned to trust my team—and my team learned to trust me. You're not just an individual here, Nitro-Smoke. You're part of something bigger."

Lighting-Striker flashed a grin at Nova-Strike Prime. "You're doing great as Nova-Strike Prime, by the way. Leading a team can be tough. But you've got this."

Nova-Strike Prime gave a small, appreciative nod. "Thanks, but I'm still learning. We all are. And as rookies even though I think I have grown beyond the experience of a rookie become a regular in combat although I still have much to learn, we're learning together. That's how we get stronger."

Nitro-Smoke took a deep breath and looked around at her new family—her team. Despite the lingering uncertainty, something in her shifted. The weight of the past few hours, the loss of her old life, was still heavy, but she was beginning to realize that this team, this new purpose, was something she could rely on.

"Thanks, all of you. I guess I just needed to hear that," she said, her voice soft but steady.

Ryu Senshi gave a thumbs-up. "No problem. We've got your back. Always."

Quick-Dodge winked. "Besides, you're a great shot already. You'll be a pro in no time."

Serenity, her voice playful yet sincere, added, "And if you ever need a little air support, I'm always ready to take you for a spin. You know, to get the hang of the whole 'not freezing' part."

The others chuckled, and Nitro-Smoke's posture relaxed a little more. She still had a long road ahead, but for the first time, she didn't feel as though she was walking it alone. With her new teammates by her side, she might just be able to find her place in this war after all.

With that, Nova-Strike Prime clapped his hands together. "Alright, team. We've got work to do. Let's stay sharp, stay focused, and most importantly—stay together. We'll be ready for whatever MECH throws at us next."

Time: 3:30 P.M.

As the Autobots continue to talk and took a moment to catch their breath after the chaos of the recent battle. While some of them gathered together to process the aftermath, others like Razor-Edge* were quietly moving through the base, absorbed in their tasks. As one of the newer Autobots, Razor-Edge had a unique skillset, but he is still somewhat still adjusting to life as a Cybertronian.

He walked past a few of the other Autobots, his movements purposeful, his armor a mix of sleek and angular with a green hue that made him stand out among the others. His mind was focused on the tasks Ratchet had assigned him, but there was still time for a little interaction with his new team.

Quick-Dodge, who had seen Razor-Edge pass by, waved him down. "Hey, Razor-Edge! You're looking pretty deep in thought there." he called out with his usual casual energy.

Razor-Edge slowed to a halt and turned toward Quick-Dodge, offering a small grin. "Just thinking about the upgrades Ratchet's been asking me to handle. Gotta figure out how to make human structures better for us Cybertronians. Not sure how we're going to integrate our size into all of this."

Quick-Step joined in, his usual mischievous grin lighting up his face. "Well, you're the expert in construction, right? I'm sure you'll figure it out. Just be careful you don't turn everything into a giant blueprint, huh?" he teased, nudging his brother.

Razor-Edge chuckled, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his optics. "I can work with plans, just need to scale everything up a bit. Honestly, I'm still used to human-sized projects. Cybertronian scale... it's still a bit different."

Ultra-Aid, who had been working nearby, overheard the conversation and walked over. "I hear you're working with Ratchet on the upgrades. That's impressive. I've seen some of the modifications you've already made to the base. It's looking more durable already."

Razor-Edge nodded, a modest expression on his face. "Thanks. I'm getting used to the tools and the scale. When you've been building structures for humans, even bigger tools don't feel quite as natural. Still, it's a learning curve. (He looked around at the team with a thoughtful expression.) I guess that's the one thing we all share—learning. We're all learning how to be Autobots, just like we're learning how to survive this war."

Lighting-Striker, always keen on the technical side of things, tilted her head. "Yeah, I get that. I've been working with some of the team to tweak the combat systems, but they're so different than what I was used to as a human. It's like learning a new language with every adjustment."

"That's a good way of putting it," Razor-Edge agreed. "Same with what I'm doing. It's not just about making things bigger or more efficient, but understanding the flow, the weight distribution, and even how it feels when the base is under pressure. Human buildings were made to withstand a lot, but Cybertronian structures... they need a whole different set of rules."

Quick-Dodge raised an eyebrow. "So, when do we get to see the upgrades in action?"

Razor-Edge grinned. "Soon enough. I've got some things in the works that'll make it easier for us to operate, especially when it comes to field repairs. You won't even have to worry about making a hole in the base for me to fix it."

The conversation drifted off as Razor-Edge excused himself. As the others carried on with their tasks, Razor-Edge made his way toward Ratchet's workshop. The base's repair bay had been his second home since he arrived. But today was different. Ratchet had a new task for him.

Ratchet's Workshop, Time: 3:40 P.M.

Inside Ratchet's workshop, the sounds of tools and machinery filled the air. Razor-Edge stood before a massive workbench, observing the array of construction equipment that Ratchet had assembled.

Ratchet himself was in the middle of explaining the finer points of large-scale repairs and upgrades. "Alright, Razor-Edge," Ratchet began, his tone patient but precise. "You're going to need to scale up your methods if we're going to rebuild and repair efficiently. You're no longer working with human tools or sizes."

Razor-Edge nodded, though his optics betrayed his wariness. "I'm used to building things on a human scale. But these... these are different." He gestured to the large tools Ratchet had set out. They were bigger, more powerful, and designed to handle the larger needs of Cybertronian-scale structures.

Ratchet chuckled softly. "They might seem intimidating, but you'll get used to them. The key is to understand that the fundamentals of construction are the same, whether you're building a human-sized structure or one designed for us."

Razor-Edge took a deep breath and approached a large, reinforced frame that Ratchet had been working on. "Alright. What's the first step?"

"First," Ratchet said, "you need to think about stability. You know how when you were working with human structures, you considered foundation and weight distribution. It's the same here, but on a much larger scale. These upgrades aren't just for show—they need to withstand the kinds of forces we're facing in battle. They have to be both sturdy and adaptable."

Razor-Edge studied the structure. "Okay, I see it now. It's not just about size—it's about resilience. But I still need to learn how to scale my designs without losing that sense of balance."

Ratchet patted him on the back. "Exactly. The key is adaptability. You may be relatively new in being a Cybertronian, but you've already got a solid understanding of what it means to build. The transition is just about learning how to work with bigger tools and heavier materials. Let me show you the process step by step."

As Ratchet began guiding him through the steps, Razor-Edge felt a sense of comfort in the familiar tasks. Despite the massive changes in his life, his foundations in construction were something that would always remain.

The room buzzed with activity, the hum of machinery blending with the clatter of tools as Ratchet and Razor-Edge worked together—teacher and apprentice, creating something stronger for the Autobots' future.

*MECH: Mechanical Engineering Cybernetic Humans.

*Nova-Strike Prime is a former the human Jack Darby, now the leader of Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Ultra-Aid is formerly Team Prime's Human nurse and medical specialist: June Darby and the mother of Jackson 'Jack' Darby. She is now the Medic of the Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Ryu Senshi is formerly Team Prime's Human communication's expert: Miko Nakatia. She is as well a Wrecker in training.

*Serenity is formerly Jack Darby's High school crush: Sierra Michelson and is an Autobot Ariel flyer. Her Ariel vehicle mode is that of an F-35 Lighting fighter.

*Shadow-Hunter is formerly Jack Darby's childhood friend and High school rival High school: Vince Jones and now is an Autobot Ariel flyer and team Nova-Strike Prime 2nd in command. His Ariel vehicle mode is that of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

*Lighting-Striker is formerly a Human named Amber Martin that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer. She is as well the Leader of her own Autobot team: The Lighting-Strike Team.

*Scatter-Shot is formerly a Human named Nicholas Anderson that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Ninja-Knight is formerly a Human named Elizabeth Williams that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Quick-Dodge is formerly a Human named Samuel Davis; He is as well the older twin Brother of Daniel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Quick-Step is formerly a Human named Daniel Davis; He is as well the younger twin Brother of Samuel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Long-Rifle is formerly a Human named James Miller that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Nitro-Smoke is formerly a Human named Alexandra Smith that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Razor-Edge is formerly a Human named Ronald Thomas that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer. He is 1 of the new construction bots since he has experience in construction and was a foremen landscaper's apprentice. He is now Ratchet's apprentice and assist to help him in the base's repairs and upgrades.