[ti]Ep 3.5[/ti]Lost and Found [Closed]

[Miko Nakadai]

Episode 3.5 | Week 1 | Day 2
Evening.
Directly after Detour
-

The sight of the Ground Bridge had been a welcome one indeed. Not because Miko wanted to rush back to the Omega Base or anything like that, but because she could only imagine how much of a relief it was to the two Autobots in front of her. Being out here alone on a strange new planet? It must’ve been super scary, so the fact she’d been able to not only find them but help them? It felt amazing.

She wouldn’t move immediately as the vortex spiraled to life, though was quick to let Bumblebee know that he’d gotten the position pretty dang perfect! The chipper beep on the other end sounded like he was happy with the news. Then, she would close the phone, putting it back into her pocket.

She’d let the two Autobots go first - moving behind them as they made their way through the bridge itself. She’d done this more than a few times now and it was still such a surreal feeling - to simply walk from one space to another in a matter of seconds. The bridge itself was safe, though it did make the hair on her arms stand up on end - no doubt due to all the crazy electricity or whatever it was that made the thing actually work.

In no time at all, all three of them were safely on the other side - going from the dull, boring landscape of just outside Jasper Nevada to… the dull, boring interior of Omega One. The Control Room didn’t look like much at all - concrete floors, concrete walls. The Autobot symbol had been painted on the floor, almost like a constant reminder of who they were and what they fought for.

On one side of the room was a small elevated area, with a couch and TV that was playing some sort of cartoon - though the volume was muted. Next to this was the console itself, manned by Bumblebee who stood out against all the gray. Above them were various ducts, no doubt for air conditioning, and along the upper walls were metal catwalks. The room was illuminated by fluorescent lighting, the gentle hum of which was the only real noise - with it being so late, everything was pretty quiet.

Though she was certain it wouldn’t be for long.

[Bumblebee]

Turning his attention from the console the moment Miko hung up their call, Bumblebee would watch the swirling Ground Bridge closely. He was excited that there were two more Autobots on their way here - though was doing his best to remain composed. He wondered where they’d been all this time, and how long they’d been on Earth.

Given how close they were, he could only assume they hadn’t been here too long - though on the other side of the coin, maybe they had, and were simply taking their time. Earth was a beautiful planet with all kinds of different places to see, with a myriad of different landscapes - they even had seasons where the weather changed!

It didn’t really matter how long they’d been here though, he decided - all that mattered was that they were here now. Even one more Autobot in their ranks would be a huge benefit - but Miko was bringing back two. The fact they hadn’t been too spooked by Miko was also an added benefit, as it meant they would probably be fine with the other humans who were often seen at the base.

If only it wasn’t so late, then Raf would’ve been around to meet them, too!

Ah well, the late hour meant they would have plenty of time to rest, as he was sure tomorrow would be busy with (probably) meeting Optimus and Prowl - though he wasn’t too familiar with the specifics of official protocols.

With a gentle whir, his optics would adjust some as he peered at the vortex - waiting for the first signs of… ah-ha! Any nervousness he was feeling about this entire thing vanished in the instant he saw them.

Blades, Unit 74 - and Miko.

Unit 74 was a lot smaller than he’d expected him to be, and while he wouldn’t move from his post at the Console just yet, he would offer the trio a slightly more-eager-than-intended wave, bobbing his helm.

--Hullo, welcome to Omega One! I’m Bumblebee!--

…As if they didn’t already know that. What a lame first impression!

[Unit 74]

With wide optics the cleaning unit took it all in. The high ceilings that meant big mecha would be comfortable, the smooth concrete that would be easy for his little wheels. As they walked further into the control room, his height adjusted, bending at his ankle joint. Pivoting, he turned around to take everything in. Everywhere there was wonder, for this was the place that was theirs, their home. These floors, he would clean them, and the red picture that said ‘we are your Autobot friends’ would be bright every day. This was good, this was happiness.

Unit 74 was quite pleased, not realizing that to some, it might be a sad place, a reflection on how their race had fallen. No, all that was running through his processor was, how many Autobots there would be to meet, and were there other humans who were clever and wonderful like Miko?

It would have been hard not to have his attention drawn to the person at the panel. He was yellow, the same as Seventy-four, a bright color to draw the optics. Though, the scout was big enough, it probably wasn't to prevent mecha from stepping on him. For a moment, the Minicon hesitated, not because he was afraid, but… Would this mech want him to talk? He didn’t want to be a bother, he was just a service unit, and didn’t have anything important to say. Slowly lowering himself till the wheels of his ankle joint touched the floor, he was going to wait to see, but Bee made it easy for him to figure out.

Poor Bumblebee, worrying about first impressions. For his part, this went right over Seventy-four's helm. When Bee waved, and greeted them, without hesitation, the small bot sprang back up to his proper height to offer his own eager wave.

“We are happy to meet Bumblebee!”, he called out, his tone as happy as he said he was, rather than being social pleasantry . The scout was as nice as his beeps sounded, and he was friends with Wrecker Miko. Looking back up to Blades, he smiled at him. “ It will be good to clean, and our friend Blades will be a medic again.”

He remembered, when his batch was new, some of his brothers were unsure of the master, and their home. It helped to hear that everyone was finding their purpose. Though being a medic was much more important than being a scrubber, maybe it would still help his big friend.

[Blades]

Bumblebee (the real Bumblebee, wow!) was actually in front of him... Blades could hardly believe it. However, that was definitely being derailed by Unit 74 being the cutest minicon ever built again. The way he hopped up and waved at the yellow mech was just adorable.

Looking down at the little bot, he would chuckle softly. “Ah, well, I never really stopped being a medic. I just sort of…had a lack of patients. I suppose that’s about to change, though?”


Well…between being distracted by Unit 74, and his growing excitement as he started to truly process what was happening, Bee didn’t need to be concerned about making a bad first impression with Blades. If he had done anything awkward, it hadn’t been noticed.


Before addressing the scout in question, the rotary mech cleared his throat, and tried his best to compose himself, not wanting to overwhelm him with his enthusiasm.


“It’s nice to meet you Bumblebee. Well, in person. Thank you for helping us.”

[Miko Nakadai]

Now that they were in the safety of Omega One, Miko couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. She could only imagine the relief that both Blades and Unit 74 felt, knowing that they were somewhere safe - somewhere that could be considered home.

The fact it was so late was probably part of the reason there weren’t many others around to greet them, but that was okay - there would be plenty of time for introductions later, she was sure. Bee was as friendly a face as any to be the first one to be seen, and she was confident - even though she couldn’t understand him - that he was being his usual, welcoming self.

As such, she wouldn’t butt into the conversation, letting them have this moment - instead walking forwards and across the Control Room. Climbing the few short steps up onto the small platform with the TV, she would lean on the railing to watch from a safer angle. Now that she was back from the Hospital, she was sure Bulkhead would be around soon to take her home - even if she wanted nothing more than to give the two new Autobots a tour of the base!

Ah well, there would be plenty of time to show them cool things later, she was sure.

[Bumblebee]

Watching the two arrivals as they took in the Control Room, Bumblebee felt a sense of pride. Omega One really wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things, at least probably compared to what they were used to back on Cybertron - but it was theirs. They’d taken the old missile silo and turned it into a functioning base, but more importantly? A home.

They’d come so far since it was just the five of them - or, six including Cliffjumper, anyway. With many vacant rooms, the place had felt so terribly lonely and quiet - but with Optimus’ call, others had answered, and now, two more had joined their ranks. Those empty rooms were being filled with Autobots, and the place was certainly anything but lonely.

Turning his gaze to Unit 74 as he spoke, Bee could only beepily chuckle at his words. Of all the things to bring up first, cleaning was probably the last thing he would’ve guessed.

--Clean? Well, we have assignments and stuff for that! But once you’re settled in we can put you on that list for sure!--

Someone who actually wanted to clean? That was pretty unheard of. Though he would admit that it was actually quite relaxing at times, plus staying busy was always a good thing.

Rubbing the back of his helm at Blade’s comment, he would nod, before giving his own insight into the matter.

--Ah, yeah, I ain’t gonna lie and say things are good. We do have a desperate need for a medic. A few of us are super overdue for at least a checkup.--

His own frame was evidence that things weren’t exactly great. Parts of it were dented inwards, and while his self-repair had done a lot in fixing the issue, a medic would be able to fix him up properly. Then there were those like Optimus who were probably playing down their injuries - but that was a whole other issue, and one that Blades would find out on his own - in time.

--But! I don’t wanna scare you off when you just arrived!-- he laughed. --It’s not that bad, promise, we’ve sort of kept things going so far.--

It was then he would step forwards, bobbing his helm as he lowered his arm to his side.

--Nice to meet you too! Both of you! Glad you guys are with us!-- he chirped, beeps genuine. --Were you guys out there by yourselves for long?-- looking between the pair as he spoke, indicating the question was for the both of them. He did always like hearing about where new arrivals had been before reaching Omega One - if they wanted to tell him about it, anyway.

[Unit 74]

A list to clean?

The minicon wasn’t deterred, but he was confused, tipping his head to the side he tried to piece together what this meant. Bumblebee could probably help it make sense if he asked about it, but he should try to figure it out first.

“Unit 74 is happy to be on the list.” That was true, even if he didn’t quite understand how it would work. When he cleaned with his brothers, they had to know where every unit would be, so that all the cleaning was done the way the master would like. Maybe that was what it was for? He would ask Bee, once he was ‘settled’. When would that be?

We are past time for recharge…

Yes, after recharge, that was the right plan! The first day was for all the cleaning units to map out their new home, so they could decide how to clean everything. He would find the cleaners too.   As Bumblebee continued to speak, Seventy-four stilled, listening more closely. Their Autobot friends had no medic? This made Blade’s job more important than before, something that stuck in his processor. Bee had asked them a question though, so that should probably go first.

“We have been on earth since the ship dropped us off. His friend Spokes was coming too…he didn’t come back before we left. “ It wasn’t really a when, but that was what he had. Unit 74 wasn’t sure how long ago that was, when he was somewhere new, if there was a sun, he could tell cycles weren’t the same. “ This unit found the humans' medic building to hide in… but he isn’t sure when that was. “ The admission was soft, though not from sadness. His little claws briefly clicked as he tapped the ends of his digits together, knowing this wasn’t a good answer. Maybe it would be alright?

[Blades]

At the mention of “Spokes”, Blades would frown slightly. The implications of the minicon’s statement were grim. He had a feeling that the mech had been either killed or captured…or alternatively, if he hadn’t been, had outright abandoned Unit 74. The thought of that didn’t sit well with him at all.

However, not wanting to pass any judgment on the bot in question in case he had actually fallen victim to some unfortunate fate, the rotary mech held his tongue.

What he did do, however, was squat down to get closer to the little scrubber’s level and hold out a hand. “Hey, it’s ok! Me and Bumblebee will be your new best friends! Ah- oh, and Miko too.”

As the scout he had just mentioned addressed him, Blades would look up from where he sat on the floor. “Ah…that’s no good. I’ll see what I can do. I suppose I should get it out of the way that I’m not really the best at internal repairs, but-…” Hopefully, that but would stop Bee from despairing too much- “I can treat most surface wounds and fix plating if anyone needs work done.”

After giving his minicon pal (yet another) gentle pat upon the helm, Blades stood back up. “I take it a lot of you are in a bad way, then…” His rotors lowered a bit as he spoke, realizing just how much his fellow Autobots must have been struggling.

[Miko Nakadai]

Leaning over the small railing, it was then - and probably only then - that Miko realized just how tired she actually was. While she was normally up way later than this, the adrenaline and excitement of finding two Cybertronians was starting to wear off now she was in the safety of Omega One, and she found herself spacing out on the conversation as it happened. It probably didn’t help that she couldn’t understand Bumblebee’s part of it, though she could kind of guess what was being said based on the replies.

Watching the trio, namely the newcomers, she realized it was a little strange just how quickly Blades had become attached to Unit 74, and she watched as the mech sat down next to him. Did the minicon count as a child because he was so small? Was that why he was being so nice? She kind of had the same overprotective attachment to Raf, though they had already been through a lot together!

It was kind of cute, though.

Tuning back into the conversation as Blades asked the question about them being in a bad way, she bit her lip, glancing at Bumblebee to see how he’d reply - not that she could understand. She wanted to blurt out that yes, things were pretty terrible. Ratchet’s brain had something wrong with it to the point he’d forgotten who he was, Patch had been taken by MECH or the Decepticons and was probably dead. Any injuries were either simply patched up by Skirmisher as best he could or simply left alone for self-repair, which took forever.

At least they would be in good hands, now!

Well, unless Blades ran away screaming at how much work he’d have to do, anyway.

[Bumblebee]

The gentle helm-tilt of confusion from the minicon was noted, though Bumblebee found himself wondering if he should go into the specifics of such a silly little thing like cleaning rosters right now. They’d only just arrived and should be focused on settling in, not getting assignments to start daily chores.

Shifting his weight gently, he’d nod, door wings flicking up some behind himself.

--For sure! We’ll go over that tomorrow or something once you’ve had some rest, okay?--

Even if they hadn’t been on the planet for long, being without Energon or decent recharge would’ve taken its toll, he was sure. They’d been lucky enough to have human aid soon after their arrival, but newcomers were usually all alone on this strange new planet.

Keeping his attention on the smaller bot, he would listen as Unit 74 explained where he’d been. Human medic building? That made sense, he knew Miko had been at the hospital for school - and he realized just how lucky they all were that they hadn’t been spotted. Hospitals were busy, after all - even at this hour.

He’d have Raf check the cameras later, just in case.

--I’m sorry about your friend. Maybe he’ll make his way here?-- he added, hopefully. He wasn’t quite sure of the circumstances but felt it was the right thing to say.

--You’re safe now, though. Um, did you need Energon or anything?--

Since Unit 74 wasn’t sure just how long it’d been since he’d arrived, Bee found himself wondering just how much time had passed since he last managed to refuel. Human vehicles ran on oil based fuels, though those weren’t really suitable for Cybertronian frames, even in times of desperation.

Bobbing his helm at Blades, one servo would move to rub the back of his neck. Even though the other mech couldn’t do surgeries, at least he had enough knowledge to be able to fix up plating. It was better than nothing, which was what they had now.

"I take it a lot of you are in a bad way, then…”

--Kind of… Um, obviously the Decepticons are here on Earth, too, as are another threat called MECH. They’re humans who are more than a little obsessed with our frames and how we work. We’ve all had a few run-ins with both, especially in recent days.--

Lowering his arm, he would gently shrug.

--My own injuries here were from MECH, and I consider myself lucky.-- Neon had been hurt worse than he had, to the point he’d been moved to another location. Blade’s arrival was probably the best news they’d had in weeks.

--Optimus had a fight with a few Decepticons, including Starscream and another Seeker. While I think he’s mostly okay, now, he also suffered some damage that probably needs looking at.--

There was a gentle whir as his optics refocused, before he seemed to perk up a little bit.

--But! You guys just got here, no need to worry about that stuff right now, okay? You probably want to get some rest and settle into your new home.--

They’d survived this long, and as happy as he was to have Blades here, they could absolutely wait another day or two to get looked at.

[Unit 74]

Blades moving closer caught the Minicon's attention. Turning his helm, he stepped back, raising to his full height, as if he was trying to meet the other half way. His friend seemed… off. As he spoke, and Bumblebee offered his own assurances, the cleaning unit noticed they each were affected by this news.

“Seventy-four is happy to have found his new friends", he acknowledged, brightening some, though not as much as he would have. Why were they upset? He missed Spokes, but the deeper implications of his disappearance escaped him. They were big thoughts and emotions for a small processor that wasn't meant to impose upon the mecha that paid for it. He was left then to his own devices to piece together the situation as best he could.

Bumblebee isn’t unhappy with this unit. This is good

Our new friends are well…but they are sad?

We miss Spokes... are they also missing him? 

Regardless of what was going on, the hand offered over to him was easily recognized as a gesture for comfort. Not yet sure what would make Blades feel better, the Minicon gave him a few gentle pats of encouragement, his servo far smaller than the one he reached out to.

“Bumblebee is right, the message was to come here.  Our friends will come; we will be patient, together.” His answer was light, and encouraging.  Even as Bee's other question got his attention, the cleaning unit stayed close to the flier, in case he wasn't ready to be stand alone.

“ Our tank is full, thank you.” Though the medical grade energon wasn’t likely to last long, it’s volume had registered as sufficient for the time being. Besides, there were more important things going on. Listening to the exchange between the pair, he picked out the one piece of information he could do something about… Help was needed for the medics. Well… for Blades; it sounded like there weren't others.

This unit needs to recharge… but he has had energon. He can assist.

Without a second thought, he looked around the room to figure out which direction he might go. First he had to find the medbay, and see what they were working with. Seeing where Miko ended up made him happy, a brief lift of his stance, before he lowered back down to head towards the way into the rest of the base, making for the wall, to stick close to it, out of the way.  He would have just left, off on a mission, pausing only because Bee said they could wait. Were they supposed to? This seemed important, but he didn't want to be difficult.

“This unit is ready to help?” Clicking his claws together, he took a moment to prepare himself to continue. “Unless…his brothers are here… he will need assistance with his reservoirs. The medics don’t like the last cleaner we had. “ He knew, sometimes the medics had to ‘make do’, but they had taught him what cleaners were right for their equipment, or to use where the injured mecha were.

He hoped there weren’t very many of them.

[Blades]

Brothers... Unit 74 had brothers? Blade's reaction was mixed. On one hand, he was absolutely thrilled at the idea of there potentially being more than one of this adorable Minicon. On the other, the lack of their presence had depressing implications. Were any of them still alive? When was the last time 74 had seen any of them? Was he lonely? He had to be, right? Surely he'd miss them. Blades knew all too well what it was like to be separated from your siblings, and he imagined the little mech probably felt a similar way to himself.

At the mention of needing assistance, Blades would hum softly. "Well, I'm sure we could help you with that."

He thought for a moment.

"And maybe we'll uh, find some of your brothers one day! Let's stay hopeful." Was that scenario unlikely? Probably. But there was a chance, even if small.

Internal musings about the minicon and his situation were cut short at the mention of Optimus being injured. He couldn't help the brief panicked expression that flashed across his face. That was not good. The idea that the health of the leader of the entire Autobot cause might be in his hands for an undetermined time? It was a bit overwhelming. Of course, he would try his best to do what he could, within his power. But he had never expected he would have that sort of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Oh gosh...I'm sorry to hear that. I'll see what I can do for him."

[Miko Nakadai]

Listening to Bumblebee, Miko could only nod along - if only to show that she was paying attention. She didn’t understand a word of his beeps, and so would watch the two newcomers to see if their facial expressions gave any hint of what was actually being said. She was sure Bee was filling them in on things, he had no reason to hide the truth from them after all - though maybe because things were so terrible, he was softening the blow just a little bit.

Stifling a yawn, her attention was drawn to her pocket - and she would pull out her phone, immediately frowning.

Clearing her throat softly, if only to pull Bee’s attention for a moment once everyone had said what they had to say, she would speak.

“Hey, uh- I’m gonna go find Bulk, okay? I should prooobably go home.” as much as she didn’t want to! “I trust you have things from here, Bee!” she didn’t want to butt into the conversation, but she did really have to get home before her host parents sent out a search party or something equally as dramatic.

The joys of having parents.

“It was nice meeting you both, I hope we can hang out sometime!” she added cheerily, offering both Unit 74 and Blades a friendly wave before quickly making her way down from the small raised area, and down the corridor into the base itself.

(Miko out!)

[Bumblebee]

Watching the pair curiously, Bumblebee would nod at Unit 74’s words - his frame relaxing some, gently rolling his shoulders, tiny door-wings stretching a moment as he settled back into the moment.

--Aw, we’re happy to have you here! Honest!--

Friends? Already? It was a nice thought - a welcome thought. More friends were always a good thing - as there was certainly strength in numbers. Life outside of Omega One was probably scary indeed. The planet wasn’t exactly small, he couldn’t imagine being out there by himself. Even if it would be fascinating to watch the humans go about their day to day lives, to explore and see more of the world… it was dangerous.

They all needed each other.

--As for the others, yep! All you can do is wait here where it’s safe. There are a few of us here now, Optimus’ call really went far - so I’m sure your other friends will be trying to make their way here, too.--

He didn’t want to fill the little guy with false hope, but… if Optimus’ call had spanned the vast beyond of space, there was no doubt in Bee’s mind that others would be arriving. The fact they’d gone from just six to so many in such a short amount of time was proof enough of that. Should the minicon’s brothers not make it? Well, hopefully the company of those that were here would somehow help fill the void just a little bit.

Nodding again, there was a relief at hearing Unit 74 had gotten access to Energon. He wouldn’t question it - assuming there had been some emergency ration he’d landed with or something. He could only assume Blades was good, too - and if not? The Rec Room wasn’t far away.

Gently, Bee’s optics would whir as he settled his attention back onto the minicon, shaking his helm.

--I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think there’s much to do at this hour at all. Um - I recommend finding a room to call your own and getting some rest. I’m sure tomorrow Optimus and the others will want to check in, then you’ll probably be assigned a task. I haven’t seen any others like you - your brothers, I mean. Not here, anyway. So you can focus on getting some decent recharge tonight!--

That was another thing about being out there by yourself - recharging would probably be risky, not to mention uncomfortable being stuck in altmode for a few hours.

Glancing to Blades then, he would nod.

--He probably doesn’t need much, but- just so you know what you’re getting yourself in for! And to also lessen any shock at seeing him hurt.--

He was the Prime, after all, and seeing him again after so long - if it wasn’t their first time seeing him at all - they should probably be prepared for the fact he wasn’t exactly pristine.

Then - another voice spoke up from behind him. Miko, right! Oops! He’d forgotten she was even there at all. She wasn’t usually here at this hour, and she was being way quieter than normal. Turning to look at her, he would offer her a cheery thumbs up and a nod - and a quick beep of affirmation, before turning back to the newcomers.

--So, uh! You want me to take you to the…-- how to even phrase this… --Area where we sleep? I said before we have our own rooms, and you guys will too! But- did you want to pick a room out now? Can do a grand tour tomorrow if you like, not that there’s really too much to look at.-- glancing up briefly, he would shake his helm. The whole base was pretty much the same - in that it was dull, boring, and concrete.

Still, it kept them safe - and was as good a home as any.

[Unit 74]

He was concerned, but only briefly. Encouraged by their assurances, both that things would be alright, and that he could get assistance with his reservoirs, the nervous clicking of his claws subsided. It was that simple, just as it was simple for him to accept when Bee said that they could rest. He was ready to help, but .. recharge sounded so nice..

That his brothers weren’t at the base, didn’t surprise him. Many hadn't been seen since their first master, and none after he left Cybertron. A long time, but the broader implications were lost on him.

'Our comm is silent. Only this unit's voice is heard now. He is far from his brothers... but we always listen.' his thoughts were not for the bigger mecha, they didn't need to be bothered with the inner workings of cleaning units. Instead of speaking, he followed along, listening for what he needed to answer, or act on.

Deciding it might be awhile, he lowered himself to sit, much as he had in the desert, so that his pedes stretched out to roll on the wheels at the ankle and ‘ball’ of his foot. Optics partially shuttering, he took a moment to take it easy, as he settled in, until something important caught his attention. Miko was leaving? This was not her home? On reflex, he raised his own servo in a return wave, though it wasn’t as animated as the one Bee had gotten. ‘Bye’ was not as good as ‘hello’.

‘We will see Wrecker Miko again?’ In his helm, the Minicon considered the question to his collective self. '...This unit hopes so.’ There was no cynicism nor sadness, no concern that something might happen to his new friend. If the war existed in his small processor, it wasn't making it to the surface of his thoughts.

He paused as his pede slid closer, refocusing. They were going! Scrambling to get his feet beneath him, he was quick to get up.

“If Blades and Bumblebee are here, it is perfect.“ Seventy-four had extended to the tips of his pedes, nearly his full height, as if being taller would make his words more powerful. “This unit will go with the big mecha.” The choices was theirs. Lowering himself before the parts of his frame started to shift, he initiated a quick transformation, wheels were a better way to keep up.

The excitement of getting them to the base had left the status of his alt mode unanswered, but Blades and Bumblebee wouldn't be kept in the dark any longer. The prominent control handle, meant for a human to operate, would likely make the design clear enough. After all, there would be no reason to have it on their home world. Ready to go, Unit 74 waited, well mostly waited. Backing up towards the wall, he gave his friends room to move, set to follow them wherever they went.