[ti]Ep 2[/ti]Ep 2- Dancing In The Ring of Fire [ Closed | Bumblebee ]

[Breakdown]

     "Just a weird rock," Breakdown responded, tucking it away into his subspace. "Knock Out may be able to use it for something later." He noticed that he hadn't spotted Bee collecting much of anything and took a step back from his pile and motioned for the smaller bot to have at it. "Looks like whoever owned this place before it was abandoned was in the process of separating out parts, probably to sell second-hand somewhere. I found one pile here, got some decent stuff. If you wanna try to rummage through have at it." 

     Breakdown figured that Bee was doing the 'this is my side of the line and that's your side of the line DO NOT CROSS' thing from the way he just called over instead of coming to see what had been discovered, so when he had offered him the pile he had found, instead of crossing the invisible line? He took a few steps back and walked to a different pile on the same 'side'. That way Bee didn't have to feel some sort of way. If he still did? Well, that was on him. There was plenty of useful wiring and scrap parts in the pile that could be used by the bots if Bee would suck up his pride and go through it, just as Breakdown had to suck up his pride and accept help from the Autobot back in the hole.

     "Do you find this place.... odd, in a way?" Breakdown looked from one side to the other, pushing away some large hunks of dented, rusted metal. "Even though it's not home, doesn't it remind you of the abandoned battlefields on Cybertron? Kinda eerie how similar it looks. Feels like I'm rooting through bodies to find useful weapons."

     Breakdown hadn't known anything other than the war, on the front lines where he was supposed to be nothing more than cannon fodder, so this was a common sight for him. He'd heard stories and seen old data files of cities that no longer existed back in a time when it was peaceful... or at least, when the struggle to gain the higher ground wasn't as evident as flat-out war. This was just a yard full of old parts... but it was a familiarity that sort of made his spark and frame tense the more he stared. 

[Bumblebee]

--Weird rock? Well it looked cool! At least from over here. I hope we can find another one...-- There may have been a bit of disappointment in his tone. It was probably a one off find, given the randomness of junkyards – and he was sad that he hadn't found anything cool yet. Even if he just found something small to take back to show Raf, that'd make this whole thing worth it.

--Wait, really?-- He perked up a little at that. As far as Decepticons went, Breakdown seemed pretty nice all things considered. He could've kept quiet about that, leaving Bumblebee to this sad corner of disappointment and junk, but here he was – offering Bee the chance to look at the better area of the junkyard. Then again Bee had practically saved his life, so he totally owed him!

--Thanks!-- He couldn't move over fast enough, giving a hefty but playful kick to one of the rusted out cars that had nothing of value before he made his way over toward Breakdown. He didn't get too close, not wanting the Decepticon to feel like Bee had let his guard down – because he hadn't. At the end of the day he was still a Decepticon and Bee didn't trust him, even if he was nice.

That didn't stop him from turning most of his attention to one of the larger piles of scrap though, starting to rummage through it with his back to the bigger blue mech.

--Huh?-- He beeped a quiet reply to Breakdown's question. --I mean... Kinda? A little bit, yeah.-- Bumblebee had long learned that human vehicles weren't the same as Cybertronian, but now that Breakdown had brought attention to the fact it was like rummaging through bodies... Bee couldn't help but shudder some.

Just like Breakdown, Bee knew nothing but war. Of course during their time on Earth, things had slowed a little and it wasn't all frontline fighting and action – but even then, Earth wasn't without its dangers or threats. New ones – scary ones, like MECH.

--I guess just try not to think about it.. Human cars aren't like us, y'know?-- He tried to shift the subject, but... --Oh! Jackpot!! Aha!-- He beeped excitedly all of a sudden, breaking his concentration process from the rather grim topic – attention shifting immediately to whatever it was he'd found.

He'd stumble backwards away from the pile, having wrenched something out from the middle of it that'd been wedged in there really well. A small rusted chest – like real pirate treasure! It didn't take him long to set it down and sit beside it like an excited child, using one servo to hold it steady while he carefully pried it open with the other.

This was better than the dumb rock that Breakdown had found. The outside of the chest was rusted and covered in dirt and grime, but the inside was fairly clean – and it was filled with marbles.

--Whoa, these are like tiny planets!-- His optics whirred, and he'd ever-so-carefully pick up one of the larger glass balls, holding it up to his faceplate and tilting it so it caught the light. There were so many different colors and shades, some had swirls and loops of color, others were plain colored glass.

He'd drop the marble carefully into the swarm of others, picking up another and holding it up.

[Breakdown]

     Breakdown hadn't been oblivious to the way Bee was avoiding being too close to him, even though he had his back turned. In a battle scenario this would have been an opportunity to take advantage- to use one of his hammers and swinging full power at the scout's helm to crack it open like an egg. The distance would have been against him, as Breakdown would need to get in close enough to actually make contact and he wouldn't have been the most silent of killers, giving Bee plenty of time to dodge out of the way or take a countermeasure.

     But that was when they were at war. Right now they were in the midst of a truce, and, though bound to it... Breakdown didn't really feel the urge to fight. It was an unusual feeling for sure, considering that was all he knew, but somewhere in the back of his processor he wondered if this- the two of them working together to scrounge together useful or worthwhile items, was how it had been like before the war. Heck, even during the war before others were forced to take to one side or another.

     If he had met the Autobot team that Bee had been part of instead of the ones he had been faced with, would he have still turned out the war he did? Would he have been a Decepticon? Sometimes he wondered about that, but never aloud. If Megatron knew he had wandering thoughts of the sort he would have surely been decommissioned and tossed out like an offlined Vehicon.

     Looking like a piece of scrap in an abandoned lot like this, being rummaged through for spare weaponry or something that could have been used to repair someone else.

     Had that been where this frame had come from? Breakdown looked at his servo and clenched it briefly, then relaxed. It had all been done in silence, though his data had been able to be accessed by medical personnel, as he had been made aware by Knock Out. He had been made stronger so the Decepticons didn't care... even though it was a sore subject to be teased about early on until he proved his metal.

     "Hm?" Breakdown looked up and lowered his servo to see what Bee had discovered. He didn't even think about the gap as he made his way over to look at the chest that had been found by the scout. He arrived just in time to see the small orb that Bee had brought to his optic being replaced by another. "Hey that's a neat find. Something you can share with your fleshbags..."

     Breakdown paused. "Um... organics?" No, that wasn't right. "Human children?" That was the one. "Right, the humans that are always around your team. The one you specifically cater to would probably enjoy looking those over with you. After a good decontamination I assume." Okay, at least Breakdown was trying.

[Bumblebee]

Bee hadn't been too worried about dropping his guard once he'd found the treasure. At the end of the day, the Truce had been Megatron's idea – and if it was a Decepticon that broke the ceasefire, especially in such a petty way? It would not end well for them. Or at least, he hoped as much.

There was also the fact that Breakdown was much bigger than he was – which meant he probably couldn't be stealthy if he tried, and to close the gap between them meant he'd have to get over here quickly, whiiiiich was another thing he couldn't do. Move fast. Bee could out maneuver and out run the big blue mech easily. He'd also basically saved Breakdown's life back there, so that earned him plenty of don't-kill-me points, too!

Totally unaware of Breakdown for the moment as he rummaged through the chest, it was the sound of the other mechs voice that pulled his attention away. Any distractions from the war, even tiny ones such as these marbles, were worth it, given they were so few and far between. He'd been completely unaware of Breakdown's thoughts back there – and hadn't noticed him staring at his servo while deep in thought, but for a moment after hearing him actually try to be nice? And mention Raf? He couldn't help but wonder himself why some Decepticons were over on that side of things.

Was it by choice?

--Human children, yeah!-- He beepily confirmed, bobbing his head before his attention went back to the marbles. He wouldn't tell him Raf's name, no – Breakdown was still the enemy, and the less they knew about the humans the better, but his beeps were chipper for right now.

--I'm sure he'll like them a lot! If not, I mean, I think they're cool, so...-- He seemed to hesitate then, looking up at Breakdown, then back down to the chest.

--Did you want some? I mean there's some blue and orange ones in here, red ones too for Knock Out. Polish 'em up and they'll be shinier than he is!-- He beepily chuckled, meaning no offense with his words. --Seriously though, they're super cool – pick a couple out!-- there were a few larger glass orbs in the chest too, but the majority were small.

Carefully he'd pick the chest up, holding it in the palm of his servo and offering it out. The marbles were so insignificant and tiny compared to them, but they were still so amazing and filled with so much detail despite their size. He wouldn't be offended if Breakdown refused though, it'd be more for him and Raf!

Still, he was being nice. The truce wouldn't last forever, and maybe Breakdown would remember this moment should they ever meet on less than stellar terms...

[Breakdown]

While Breakdown normally would have taken advantage of the opportunity presented to him, he knew better. He wouldn't be the one to break the Truce, plus he had no reason to go after the bugbot outside of the fact that he was an Autobrat. Frankly, he owed him one anyway, which was a debt he felt he would have to pay sooner rather than later. No way was this truce lasting forever, and, as he had already proven with Bulkhead, he was a mech who held honor in very high regard. He would need to pay him back for helping him out of that pit, and hopefully it was not confronted by a mech who didn't care one way or another how he felt about it or what he felt he owed... like Starscream again, for instance. Putting him on the spot once had made it uncomfortable, and round two surely wouldnt' go well. 

Snapped out of his thoughts by the words of the other he blinked and listened to what was being said. When he mentioned the correct way of mentioning the humans that hung out with him he vented some. He didn't blame Bee for keeping that topic of conversation short, considering their situation. Not that he really cared about the human factor in this. It was between the Decepticons and the Autobots for all he cared.

Breakdown looked at the offered chest and stared for a bit at the marbles that were being offered to him. He didn't know if Knock Out really would like any of these, but he did have a materialistic side of him that may. He'd have to leave out the part that they were from Bumblebee, of course. If Knock Out didn't like them? Probably could find one of the vehicons who would. They never really got anything anyway so they would appreciate them a little more than the CMO. So one for Knock Out and... a few for the Vehicons to do things with. 

"Thank you," he said simply and nodded his helm to the smaller mech before picking up one of the red ones in one servo, then grabbed a few random ones- ten or so- then tucked them away into the safety of his subspace. 

"Just so you know... if Ihad any say in this, I wouldn't even bring the humans into this thing. They're... um..." 

Think of something. Think of something.

"... they're far too weak to stand a chance against us. I mean, MECH can come up with some fancy toys, but the majority of the humans would fall under our pedes if we just decided to step on them. Not worth the effort bringing them into this fight. It started with cons and bots and... it should stay that way."

[Bumblebee]

--No problem man! There's way too many here for me to play with.-- he laughed at that, holding the chest up a little higher as Breakdown rummaged around to pick out some. He wasn't even sure how to play with marbles, only that it was a thing that humans did sometimes. He'd have to ask Raf, and even if it wasn't something that was entertaining for long? At least they looked really cool – some of them looked like miniature galaxies, with their swirls and glitter. They were too tiny for him to really do much with but maybe he could shine light through them or something.

Once Breakdown had taken the ones he wanted, Bee would do a quick glance down to make sure that there were still some cool ones left – there were, and he would start to poke through them again trying to find a favorite.

As Breakdown started talking, he'd glance up. Wait, what? Where was this coming from? Bee had been purposefully short on the subject of humans – while there was a Truce in play? The less that the Decpeticons knew about the humans that hung around the Autobots the better. Bumblebee was fiercely overprotective of Raf especially, and if something happened to him because he'd let a tiny detail slip somewhere? He'd never, ever forgive himself.

Yet here was Breakdown giving a gentle warning about bringing humans into the Cybertronian war. Pff, why would he care? He was a Decepticon. They didn't value the natives of this planet at all, if human lives were lost? They were nothing but numbers, trophies and conquests to the Decepticons. It wasn't like the humans stood much of a chance against them, which was why the Autobots had to help protect them as best they could. Not just the kids, but Fowler and his team, and then everyone else on Earth, too.

Slowly he'd let go of the tiny marble between his digits, a small 'clack' sounding as it landed amongst the rest, and he'd close the chest carefully before pulling himself up to his pedes.

He didn't even know how to reply, his optics whirring as he focused on the other mech. It wasn't like Breakdown was threatening the humans any, but it made Bee uncomfortable – he knew humans wouldn't stand a chance against them, and being reminded of that by the enemy? Even if Breakdown started his speech with if it was up to him he wouldn't bring the humans into anything, it was something that Bee didn't want to think about.

--Pretty sure we ain't bringing humans into the fight. Least not the fight against you guys.-- he shifted his weight some, not quite squaring up against the much bulkier mech but he kept his posture straight and gaze on him almost fiercely. --Against MECH though? Maybe? I dunno. They're useful. Holoforms only do so much, the humans can do things that we can't.--

Honestly he wasn't sure if there were plans to bring Fowler and his men into the war against the Decepticons once the truce was off – having the extra manpower was nice, especially with how little numbers the Autobots had – but again, it wasn't their war to fight. Humans had enough things going on of their own without worrying about giant robots. He assumed that Optimus would keep humans far, far out of it though – and if not? Well, he'd just told Breakdown that they weren't going to be using them so that would be a possible advantage down the line.

--What makes ya say that, anyway? Didn't think you guys cared about humans.--

[Breakdown]

     Bee was right. The Decepticons didn't care about fleshbags- that was the talk going around. Those who didn't surrender would merely be sacrifices made in the name of said Decepticon cause. They were here to take over the planet and the Autobots were merely standing in their way, bringing about this war instead of admitting defeat and allowing the stronger side to dominate. 

     Breakdown had been on the receiving end of that domination- he still was, in a way. Forced onto a side he was feeling more and more like it wasn't up to his standard of what he considered honorable ( at least not anymore now that he'd gotten a good taste of it for all this time ). More recently he'd had his hand forced on Bulkhead, whereas he had been commanded to turn on the Autobot after he'd saved him. 

     Overpowering the weak did not sit well with Breakdown. Maybe it was because of his standing within the Decepticon army, or lack there of. His own treatment was a testament to how quickly you were left out to dry should you show weakness, whereas the Autobots never left one of their own behind. Heck, they didn't even leave humans behind- any sentient being for that matter. Optimus ran his troops with a level of respect that he felt just didn't exist within his own faction, which was more of a 'respect the rank, not the individual', with the Autobots playing the opposite game.

    "I find no honor in taking over a race who cannot fight back... either through their own peace-binding beliefs or their lack of capability to do so. Don't get me wrong, I'd not hesitate in crushing one under my pede should it be in my way, but... there's just no enjoyment in it for me if there's not an even ground in which to fight on. In my opinion, the majority of the human race really don't stand a chance. Think about it, though. Why do you think I enjoy battling with Bulkhead so much? Because I know I'm gonna get a good fight out of it, no matter which one of us wins for the day. We're pretty much an even match."

     His Vehicons got that same treatment. Cannon fodder. Useless tools in this war. It really wasn't sitting well with him.

     "But you're right. We're Decepticons... why should we care? As long as we win it shouldn't matter." There was sarcasm dripping from his words and his single optic rolled some. Not everyone shared the same idea on the matter, but heck... why not group all of them together. The whole while that he spoke the last words, Breakdown stared off at the junkyard, trying to figure out a new spot in which to dig from. He was pretty sure they'd sorted through anything good on this side so now it was left to move onto somewhere else.

[Bumblebee]

Bumblebee continued to stare up at Breakdown. The small chest of marbles was awkwardly tucked into the palm of his servo, fingers curled around it in a way that he was safely – but carefully – holding it so he didn't crush the precious treasure by accident. The last thing he wanted to do was go back empty-handed, and this box of marbles was going to be super hard to beat!

As Breakdown spoke, Bee would gently roll his shoulders, adjusting his weight. Here he was, a Decepticon – talking about honor of all things. He didn't think they knew the meaning of the word honestly, but then again given what they'd talked about earlier and helped one another? Maybe Breakdown was one of few who had value in the word.

The part about how he'd not hesitate to step on a human made Bee scowl slightly, and for a moment it horrified him – what if the humans were at the DMZ and one just happened to be in the way, or couldn't move fast enough? All it'd take was one step... The Autobots were used to their presence now, and while they did stay to the edges of the corridors or along the walkways that hung above, that couldn't always be the case in other places. Not that he'd ever let Raf around a Decepticon, even with the truce – it was far too dangerous, but Breakdown's words reinforced that small mantra.

Breakdown was wrong. He was- he was just so wrong about the humans not standing a chance. They were small and squishy, sure, and they probably didn't look like a whole lot, but in groups they could do amazing things together. They could overcome, and adapt – they were surprisingly strong, and it was inspiring in a way watching them get through everything they had – sometimes in leaps and bounds! The Decepticons probably didn't see any of that, though. They saw them as nothing more than pests, an infestation on the planet that only got in the way, when it wasn't true at all.

He huffed out at that, a vented sigh as he shuffled his pedes some.

--Hey that seems to be the mindset for most of your side.-- again he went back to the thoughts as to why Breakdown stuck around with the Decepticons, given he seemed so different to the rest of them.

Then again it probably wasn't by choice.

--Annnyyway... Ya see anything else? We should probably think about getting back soon, ya know? Sure is taking us a heck of a long time to drop off some supplies.-- he beepily chuckled at that, changing the subject. Not that he was complaining about being out here this long or anything – this'd been a fun and unexpected adventure, and he had something to bring back for Raf now too! But, uh, he didn't want to actually get into trouble for taking too long.

[Breakdown]

     Breakdown listened to the sounds that Bumblebee made, and the body language did not escape him either. He had definitely hit a nerve with what he said, but Bee was able to hit one right back with the same speed that he swung his fists with. 

     The mindset of most of his side. MOST of it was right. There were so many Decepticons that weren't like the ones that inhabited the Nemesis, but those ones were rarely fighting against the Autobots. They were usually the ones being kept out of the light for the sake of sparing them from having their alliances turned. If those who were not as cruel sparked saw what went out on the battlefield with how lower ranks were treated and how many surrendering opponents had been slaughtered, their side would have fewer members. Breakdown was convinced that most joined because of the ideal world that Megatron spoke of... and stayed because of the fear of what would happen should they try to flee. 

     Some of them just didn't have an option. Others just didn't know better. Then there were those like Shockwave who were just suited for the tasks of... 

     "Not all of us are like Starscream or Soundwave. Some of us didn't have a choice in the side we went with, and now we just survive like everyone else. You think I was created as a Decepticon? That the entire lot of us were? Think again. I was defective to your side and didn't have a right to say anything about it. At least as a Decepticon I don't get in trouble when I smash someone's face in for calling me a lesser mech. I could put my fists to use on the front lines, pulverize those who were in my way. If I offlined at least I was doing something useful, not just laying on a slab waiting for my turn." 

     That wasn't entirely true, but it definitely depended on the mech. At least as a Decepticon it could be played off as a brawl that turned to fists- two mechs strengthening their nerve and flexing their muscle. To the Autobots he would have been decommissioned a long time ago- a useless, uncontrollable soldier who served no purpose.

     "You don't have to believe it if you don't want to.. not that I have to prove my words to a Bot anyway. Some of the Decepticons I've met have more honor than even your Optimus Prime does. Not all of us are cold sparked." There was bitterness in his words, not in saying the name of the Autobot leader, but rather in the unspoken accusation that there was no honor among his own side. 

     He vented a couple times, almost embarrassed by his outburst. Bee didn't understand- he wouldn't ever understand, really. All the Scout knew was what had been laid out before his optics, and the inner conflict that Breakdown had been witness to was just not part of that. After a few moments he settled down his nerves and focusing on the task at hand. They had come here for a reason, and now they were just diddle-daddling. 

     "Yeah, um... I don't see anything else that would be useful to us. We probably should be heading back anyway. We can always partner up and check out this place again later- maybe a little more in-depth, with less of the tumbling detouring and underground sight-seeing," he cleared his throat and smirked some at the last bit of his statement. He brushed his servos together some, getting the little bit of dirt that clung to the joints off, then stood upright and motioned with his helm. "You lead the way, but I suppose I'll have to set the pace since I'm not as quick on my wheels as you."

[Bumblebee]

Bee could only huff quietly as Breakdown replied. He was listening, he was – but he turned his attention and gaze momentarily back to the small box he was holding. He didn't open it, but kept his gaze downward on it while he silently mulled over what Breakdown was saying. Of course Breakdown wasn't created as a Decepticon – nobody was, except maybe the Vehicons and they were merely mass produced drones, so...

But no, they'd had a choice. A choice of which side to take back then. A choice to stay with the side they were on.

Okay it probably wasn't that simple, defecting to the other side was the ultimate betrayal and it wasn't like either side would probably be accepting of traitors. At least, he didn't think so. Optimus might take in stray Decepticons – but Bee probably wouldn't if he had any say in it. The Decepticons were probably far stricter though and if they even had an inkling of a thought of leaving it'd be a fast way to being offlined.

Hm.

Another huff, he'd nudge at the barren ground with his pede. He wasn't quite sure what Breakdown meant – was he an Autobot at one point? He didn't really want to ask though, enough time had been spent away from the Neutral base now, and any further conversation – especially with how deep this one could potentially get – would get them into more trouble.

Was he implying that the Autobots didn't do anything of use? That they just sat around all day and did nothing?

He still wouldn't look up, not until Optimus was mentioned – and then his gaze would snap up sharply, optics narrowed into an unintentional glare. Decepticons that had more honor than Optimus? Yeah right! Breakdown seemed to be the only one who knew the meaning of the damn word, and he was nowhere even close to the Prime.

Bee might've been only going on things he'd seen with his own optics – but even in his short life compared to the rest of them, he had seen much, and been through more than he probably should've.

--If ya say so.-- mumbled beeps, a gentle roll of his shoulders.

He'd leave it at that. He didn't want to argue and waste more time than they already had, nor did he want to set Breakdown off and turn this into an actual fight – as fast as Bee was, Breakdown was far superior in terms of strength, and out here in the middle of nowhere? Even despite the truce? He didn't want to risk it. 'Honor' or not, this ran the risk of going south fast.

Thankfully the moment of awkwardness dissipated some at Breakdown's next words, and Bee nodded.

--Aah, yeah heading back sounds good! Least we know where this place is for future huh? Who knows, maybe if we get to check it out again there will be more stuff here!-- Bee was going to check this place out again for sure, but not with Breakdown – no way! If anything, he'd bring Raf.

--Aha yep, can't say I'm a fan of the underground sight-seeing part but hey! Crossed it off my list of 'things I did on Earth'-- he beepily chuckled.

As Breakdown stood up straighter, Bee would copy suit and gave a brief shake of his arms before shifting into his altmode – the box of marbles set safely on the passenger seat.

--We can drive out for a bit then I can call in a bridge to the DMZ for us since we're outta the way a bit, I think my comm is working but I'd rather not get one right here.-- even if the place was deserted he didn't want to risk anything.

--Sure ya don't want to raaaace?-- a beepy, playful tease. That was what'd gotten them into trouble in the first place, so he was mostly joking, but hey if Breakdown wanted to have one little bit of fun before they parted ways at the DMZ? He wouldn't say no!

[Breakdown]

     Breakdown knew better than to believe what Bee was saying, at least by saying 'we' in that manner. 'We' didn't mean he and Bee- probably meant him and one of his Autobot companions. More than likely this would be the last time he and the bumblebot would be working together, let alone going off together and exploring anywhere. He would be surprised if Knock Out wasn't already blowing up his knocked out comms wanting to know what was going on, what was taking so long, and why he wasn't responding. He'd be even more surprised if Knock Out wasn't back at the neutral base, standing there with his arms crossed and a pede tapping on the floor, staring him down with that look of annoyance he usually got when his patience had run out.

     Once Bee had shifted into his altmode, Breakdown was soon to follow. He would let Bee set his own pace, but Breakdown was definitely not in a mood to go flooring it. No thanks. Slow and steady won the race- that was a statement he was certainly going to live by from this moment out.

     "Yeah, I'm positive I don't wanna race. That's the kind of scrap that got us into this whole mess to begin with. While you may have had the underground cavern hunting on your list of things to do, I definitely did not. A bit mech like me doesn't exactly make thing easy when it comes to trying to get outta a tight spot like that. You saw that yourself. I'm limiting myself to surface exploration. Period."

     It wasn't Breakdown's fault... wasn't even really Bee's fault, to be honest. The ground just felt like opening up and collapsing under them like the grouchy planet this one was. If it were up to him he would have opted out of the whole sightseeing since now he actually owed Bee one. Even if they were trying to call it even, Breakdown knew better. He owed Bee and his own sense of honor would force him to allow Bee to call on that due whenever he wanted... or needed. Even if it were sparing him on the battlefield with a blow that would otherwise offline the smaller mech. He would decide when the debt was paid.

     Other thoughts had crossed into his processor, even moreso as he drove behind the yellow Autobot back in the direction of base. It was odd thinking he had anything in common with the smaller mech, but they were both brought into this war young and it really was all they knew. They just took different directions, by choice or otherwise. Those routes had to be lived and dealt with until the day they no longer functioned. A small enough thing like that almost spoke volumes in a common ground that few who had more of an option about whether or not to get involved in this war. They didn't. Their servos were more or less tied the moment they came online.

     "Doesn't matter to me how ya wanna do it. I'm good driving the rest of the way to shake off the remaining debris from my frame, but if you wanna cheat and cut corners by making the drive short, be my guest." Breakdown actually grinned to himself and gave a light-sparked chuckle as he said that, knowing full well that Bee probably had the same reaction to the word 'cheat' as Knock Out did. Call them a cheat when it came to anything involving racing and they would get bent and take it as a challenge. At least that's what Breakdown thought when it came to Bee... it would be amusing to him either way to see just how that was handled by the young mech.

[Bumblebee]

Bee would wait until Breakdown shifted forms before he started driving forward, and even then he didn't zoom forwards in a rush. The lack of comm meant he'd have to stay sorta close to hear what Breakdown was saying, paired with the fact the bigger mech was soooo slow? Well, he didn't want him to fall behind again!

...

Whew. There was slow, and then there was slow. Breakdown wasn't even that old and yet he was driving like one of those slow old grandpas Bee got stuck behind in Jasper sometimes. Then again Bee didn't seem to mind the slower pace this time around, although he did have to stop himself eeking too far infront a couple of times.

--I was joking!-- a beepy chuckle followed --Knowin' our luck the second we race the second another hole opens up and we have to actually call for help, and I don't know about you but I don't want to get into trouble!-- no thank you, he was probably already gonna be in trouble for taking hours to deliver supplies to Haven.

--Can't say this whole thing was on my list of things to do, but hey ya gotta admit it was pretty fun!--

Even though this hadn't gone to plan at all, he'd still found the best of the situation like he usually did. He'd genuinely had fun. They'd gotten to explore an abandoned junkyard with hidden treasures, and even though the conversation hadn't been that great or super lighthearted at the end there? It was nice to just... talk and get outside the base for a little while. It made him think a bit, that maybe some of the Decepticons weren't all bad. At least, not deep down. Course he wouldn't carry these thoughts with him in the midst of battle - and if it ever came down to it, he wouldn't hesitate in offlining Breakdown.

It was still interesting and a little sad to think about though – how every choice and action back on Cybertron seemed to matter in deciding which faction they ended up with. Then again, it sounded like Breakdown hadn't had a choice in joining the Decepticons when it came down to it. Still, despite their opposing factions, they did have a few things in common. War was all they knew, both having been brought online in the middle of it. Would it be all they knew? That remained to be seen – the truce probably wouldn't last forever, and even Bee knew that. Whether they both lived to see the war through to some sort of conclusion was something he didn't really want to think about. He had so much more to lose – Raf, Miko.. Jack. He'd made friends here on Earth. He cared for this planet, whereas the Decepticons would stop at nothing to get what they wanted – including destroying the native population.

Ugh.

Breakdown's voice pulled him from his thoughts and he'd chuckle again. Maybe Breakdown was right, not because it was cheating in calling in a Bridge to get them back to the DMZ faster, but it'd bring up a heck of a lot of questions if he did. He wasn't sure who was manning the bridge back at base – if it was Optimus or Arcee they'd ask why he was out in the middle of Africa and not at Haven like he was supposed to. Then he'd have to explain, or come up with a little white lie as to what he was doing and why he needed a bridge from here to Haven, and he didn't really want to do that. It was bad enough he was going to have to make something up as to why he'd taken so long to begin with!

--Pfff calling in a bridge to get outta this place faster ain't cheating! But eh the drive is nice. Been a while since I've got to drive somewhere open like this so might as well take advantage right? I suppose you Decepticons don't get to do this kinda thing much either, huh?--

[Breakdown]

     --Can't say this whole --- on my list of things to ---, but hey ya gotta admit --- was --- fun!--

     :: Can't complain. ::

     When they were in close proximity to one another, Breakdown could hear Bumblebee over the comms just fine, but the moment he gained some distance there was just silence. Seemed that he really had messed himself up some with the fall so he would definitely need to get that fixed once he returned to the Nemesis. It seemed as though everything else was in working order, but a check up probably wouldn't hurt anyway. Last time Knock Out had given up a look over had been...

     ... well, he couldn't recall, honestly. Maybe back when he had lost his optic? Had it been that long? If it was he would certainly be surprised that Knock Out hadn't ordered him to check in for one- all things considered.

     :: Huh? :: Breakdown came back around after hearing Bee talking talking again. He hoped that the other hadn't been out of range and Breakdown hadn't heard what had been said, though it seemed like he caught the entirety of his side of the conversation being brought up. :: Yeah, we don't get out much. Doesn't bother me much. I don't mind being on the ship and, like they say, you can't miss something that you don't experience, right? ::

     Knock Out was the exception to that statement, since the cherry red mech usually snuck out quite often to go for drives in hopes of finding the next drag race. Breakdown was usually stuck behind being the fill in and covering for him, which he didn't really mind, even if he had ended to not be in his favor more often than not. This wasn't anything the medic knew, nor would he ever say anything to him, or else he may have decided to keep his outings to a minimum. If going out made Knock Out happy and he was safe, Breakdown had no issue with taking the brunt of the punishment, and he would protect his partner's desire to have whatever enjoyment he could.

     :: Clearly I don't drive much. As you can see, I don't get anywhere that quickly, but I make do with what I got. And... lets not get ourselves into more hot oil, huh? I would like to enjoy this for a little while longer. Who knows when the truce is gonna end and we gotta throw fists at one another again. :: All Breakdown knew was fighting, so this change, as crazy as it drove him, was actually a nice change in pace. Just to sit back and not have to worry about being shot at by someone wasn't unwelcome. Maybe this would be the opportune time to take Knock Out around for some exploring?

     Maybe.

     Subconsciously, Breakdown wondered if Bee had even heard the entirety of what he had said. Oh well.

[Bumblebee]

Bee was a little surprised to hear Breakdown responding to him over the comm, then again maybe his short-range one was mostly undamaged after the fall. Sure made things easier right now though! Now he didn't have to yell!

He'd still drive slowly to stay in range of the other mech regardless, not wanting to pull ahead too far. It wouldn't be much fun to speed off in front, the other mech had made it very clear he wasn't going to race, so there wasn't much point in Bee even trying to push him into one by speeding up. It was kind of nice going at a more leisurely pace, even if he had begun wondering if they'd noticed his absence from the base. He'd sure taken a long time to deliver a box of supplies... then again, his comm was working perfectly fine and there'd been no one checking in on him or asking where he was, so he could only assume he was in the clear. They probably thought he'd just got caught up with things at the DMZ – it wasn't like they had to worry about being ambushed by Decepticons right now.

::--Really? Shame. I know you guys don't see the planet as more than one giant untapped Energon mine, but it's really neat in places! Really pretty too, lots of things to see – I've been here a while now and yet everything is so new and fascinating!--:: his beeps were chipper, he loved talking about Earth and it showed. If only the Decepticons could see there was more to this planet than Energon maybe they wouldn't be so hellbent on ruining it. There were so many cultures, and different buildings and landscapes to see - like jungles and deserts! Once the Autobots Energon reserves were doing a little better, he planned to take Raf to see all kinds of different things with the use of the Ground Bridge. Different places, museums around the world... Raf deserved it. He really did. One thing he wanted to do was go somewhere quiet and look up at the stars and learn a little more about the Space around this tiny planet. That could be really fun, he was sure Raf knew a lot about Space – and while Bee knew some himself, hearing things from Raf made it so much more fun.

Course they could just do that in Jasper, but going somewhere brand new would be exciting!

He wished the Decepticons could see Earth and its people the way he did.

He realized he'd slowed down some while lost in his thoughts, Breakdown's voice pulling him from them and he would pull forwards again – but not too far.

::--Ya should! Might as well see everything before it all gets ruined.--:: the chipper tone had faded, he knew well just what the Cybertronian war had done to other planets and he absolutely dreaded the fact that one day the Earth could end up the same. Not that he planned to let it get to that point, not if he could help it.

A deep vent inwards as he continued to drive.

::--Guess we'll have to see what the situation is when we get back, I doubt anyone has been looking for us – heard nothing over my comm at any rate.--::

He wouldn't respond to the part about the truce, he didn't want to think about that. He didn't want to think about fighting – and while he didn't trust the Decepticons and their truce, since it was their idea? The ceasefire was probably a good thing, at least for right now. It was one less thing to worry about.

::--Enjoy the drive while you can, I think we're not too far now from the DMZ.--::

Honestly, all he wanted right now was to get back to the Base and see Raf.

[Breakdown]

     :: You mean your comm that wasn't working? ::

     Breakdown had wanted to take Bee's word for it that his hadn't worked when they were trapped in the giant hole in the ground, but he'd had his suspicions that he'd been lied to. Now he knew for sure and... to be honest? He really wasn't that upset about it. Sure, a little annoyed, but Breakdown could sort of understand why he wouldn't want to call for help. They weren't supposed to be out here, and if they were found out? They'd probably hear about it.

     He sort of wondered if Knock Out had been trying to contact him. Then again, the CMO was probably busy doing other things and didn't have time, or hadn't noticed the time. It was fine. Breakdown would understand. He always understood when it came to Knock Out.

     :: No big deal, though. Glad the comm is working. I think mine's busted, though. Can't seem to get a clear call out and you're in and out when you get a certain distance. I'll just get it checked out when I arrive back on the Nemesis. ::

     He didn't really have anything to say about Bee's comment regarding their views of Earth. Breakdown actually enjoyed some of the things he'd been able to see from this planet. It was unlike Cybertron in so many ways, the main one being that things were... well... alive, but not in the way their homeworld was with the mechanical workings and underground pits. They could stand outside in the rain and not have to take cover in risk of acid falling from the sky. Breakdown knew what this place would become if the war continued here- knew what this place would look like if it were depleted of it's energy. Everything would die... it would be a barren wasteland, and all the things he enjoyed would be gone. It would be just like what happened to Cybertron. Only this time Breakdown would be around to see it slowly die around him.

     They all wanted to go home, but they couldn't go to a dead homeworld. They needed Earth's resources. It was simply a matter of deciding if killing one world was worth it to save another.

     :: Just a nice, leisurely stroll I suppose. Not like anyone's been missing us... though I would probably advise keeping this little adventure to ourselves. At least the whole 'falling into the ground' part. ::