[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Connect the Dots [Closed]

[Bumblebee]

Week 3 | Day 7 | Shortly after Patch left in ‘Fly Me To The Moon’
---

Bumblebee found himself pacing the empty training room.

There were a few hours until he had to go and pick Raf up from school, and it was in these moments of downtime, when he’d done all his chores around the base and exhausted all his options for ‘fun’, that he found himself lost.

After what’d happened to Ratchet, things were still a little weird around the Omega Base. While they could still come and go as needed, the urge to do much of anything outside the base had fallen away. The last thing they needed was someone either running into MECH, or the Decepticons.

Yet, today - the boredom, this restless feeling? It wouldn’t go away. He’d rearranged his room some, trudged down to the training rooms below base for some air boxing which… was admittedly fun, but it got old pretty quick.

He’d passed Neon on his way down, though hadn’t made himself known. The other mech had looked focused - busy, working on the Ground Bridge or something, and Bee hadn’t wanted to disturb him or get in the way.

Though, he should probably find reason to talk to him on the way back, if he was still there, anyway. He never did thank the other mech for picking Raf up last week, and while he was sure it wasn’t needed or expected of him, it felt like the right thing to do.

To say he was overprotective of Raf was an understatement, and to have someone who wasn’t him picking the tiny human up from somewhere? It felt weird - wrong, almost. He’d certainly felt a little guilty that day for not doing it himself, pangs of worry, wondering if Neon would be careful, wondering if he was cautious and drove safe.

Of course, there’d been no issue, and from what Raf had told him? Neon was pretty great! They’d talked about science, and things that Neon had helped invent back home. Of course, with that came a weird feeling of jealousy. While Bee had some pretty cool stories to tell Raf, he hadn’t invented anything before, he didn’t know or understand science. He couldn’t really teach his best friend anything - aside from a few fancy boxing moves, anyway.

Yet, there would be times that he couldn’t pick Raf up from school - and to know there was another that Raf not only trusted, but could get along with? Bee was grateful. Yet, to quell his own nerves, he wanted to familiarize himself a little more with the other mech. A lot of the newer arrivals to the base, he didn’t know all too well - and now was as good a time as any to properly introduce himself, he figured.

Making his way into the upper levels of Omega, it did not take him long to move into the Control Room once more. A quick glance around revealed Neon was still here, and it was then that Bee would chirp in greeting.

--Hey Neon!--

All that pacing had given him time to think - and he’d worked out the perfect excuse to not only get out of the base for a little bit in the hopes of bringing some useful supplies back (or at least some cool looking stuff to decorate a bit!), but with the added benefit of getting to know Neon a little more, too.

Well, if the other mech was up for it, anyway. If he was still busy fixing the Ground Bridge - was it broken? Huh. - then Bee would obviously wait, buuuut there was no harm in asking!

--You got a sec?--

[Deleted]

He stood alone at a terminal, running a final diagnostic program on the GroundBridge. Such optimization was tedious but it should go some ways towards alleviating the stress on the Autobots' Energon stores—even if only by a little. Still, perhaps some folks would appreciate the extra bit of ammo or a few more rations, and that thought of that was enough to carry Neon through the lengthy process.

When the program finally finished, revealing that no further modifications nor maintenance needed doing, Neon let out a sigh of relief. He was just about ready to go and share the good news with the others when suddenly, he heard the iconic buzz of Bumblebee's voice—or rather, the only voice he ever heard Bumblebee speak.

Neon quickly turned around to greet the yellow Cybertronian with a friendly smile and a nod.

"Oh, Bumblebee! Yes, of course! I'm just about done with the GroundBridge."

He welcomed him openly, but being the unassuming person he was, Neon wondered if the scout was truly looking for him or if he simply wanted something. Maybe he wished to speak with Patch instead? After all, she was the team medic and passed through here a little while before Bumblebee's arrival.

Better to make sure.

"Though, if you're looking for Patch, she left for Windshield's place a bit ago, so you'll probably have to schedule an appointment tomorrow."

It did not occur to him that maybe Bumblebee simply wished to spend some time together, especially since Neon offered to accompany Raf to the science fair that one time. Besides, Patch has been in high demand lately. Bumblebee would not be the first or the last person to simply approach Neon for directions to his friend.

Hopefully, he was in for a pleasant surprise.

[Bumblebee]

As Neon smiled, there was a momentary feeling of relief. The absolute last thing he wanted to do was bother or annoy the other mech when he was working on something as important as the Ground Bridge, and so he found himself thankful that his presence and interruption hadn’t been a distraction from anything too involved.

--Yeah?-- he chirped, nodding in return --Was it broken or something?--

While Ratchet had done an amazing job in cobbling the initial Ground Bridge together with what little they had here in terms of parts and human technology, having Neon around to keep things running was so, so important to the Omega Base. He didn’t really understand the ins and outs of how the bridge itself worked, nor had he ever really thought about it before - just one of those things that many of them took for granted, really - and so he found himself thankful for those like Neon who held things together.

At the mention of Patch, there was a small but quizzical trill before he spoke.

--Patch? Oh, no no! I came to see you.--

He could only assume that Windshield was getting his face looked at some more, though he admittedly found himself saddened that the ex-Decepticon couldn’t just come to the Omega Base to get it checked out. He didn’t understand why he was still in isolation away from everyone else - hadn’t he proved his worth and loyalty yet?

Ah well… It wasn’t his call, nor his decision to make - and as such? There was no point dwelling on it.

--So I was just thinking about how you and Raf got to hang out the other day.-- okay now that he was actually here and talking about this, he wasn’t sure how to say it without being totally awkward.

--I just wanted to say thank you, for picking him up! I realized I hadn’t thanked you till now, so uh- yeah!-- a beepy chuckle escaped him, one servo moving to rub the back of his neck.

--Though, that isn’t all I wanted to talk to you about. Uhm - are you busy? I know you just got done with the Ground Bridge, but if you are needed somewhere else, it can tooootally wait!--

It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest if Neon's skills were needed elsewhere. Human technology could only go so far - especially with how old some of the stuff here at the base was - and it was a miracle that things worked half as well as they did! 

[Deleted]

The colorful Autobot chuckled slightly.

"No, no! It wasn't broken! I was just doing some maintenance. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say we might be able to enjoy an extra cup of Energon ever so often thanks to that!"

Neon then let Bumblebee speak, giving his teammate complete and undivided attention, but he occasionally took breaks from making eye contact. It was quite natural for one such as Neon, who was not really used to interacting with others—much less with his peers. He did not know how old Bumblebee truly was, but he at least knew they were in the same general age group. Young by Autobot standards, even if ancient by the human ones.

Regardless, once Bumblebee said his piece, Neon shrugged off the thanks politely: "No problem at all. I enjoyed spending some time with the humans. You are quite lucky to be Raf's guardian—or...well, I guess he's lucky to have you...or both."

He did not quite think that phrasing through, letting his sentence trail off rather awkwardly at the end. Point is, he simply wished to compliment both Raf and Bumblebee. He did not spend much time with them, but it was clear that they shared a special connection uncommon among the Autobots. In fact, he could only really say as much about Bulkhead and Arcee.

None of the others seemed to regard the children as, well, genuine family. There was something really special about that. The way Raf would ride Bumblebee's shoulder, or the time they spent playing games. The strength of their bond was apparent even to an outsider like Neon.

He had somebody like that, once. But she was...Well, she wasn't here anymore.

Making himself a little sad with that line of thought, Neon was quick to improve his spirits by responding to Bumblebee's request. He perked up, finals flaring upward like the ears of a dog or a cat hearing the rustling of their favorite treat. For now, he suppressed any urge to think about whatever made him feel unwell.

"I've got some time! Sure, there is always room for improvement and things that need fixing, but a certain someone told me I need to loosen up...sooooo...Yeah, if you need help with anything, I'm here!"

Did Bumblebee need repairs? Did he wish for the perspective of a scientist? It was hard to tell, but Neon still struggled to think that Bee might've been here simply because he wanted to. This would've been quite the strange reasoning if it was anybody else besides Neon. Over the years, he became used to the idea that people only talked to him when they needed something done. After all, he was just another kid; overlooked when it wasn't convenient, but everybody's best friend when a blaster broke or when the Energon purifier made drinks taste weird.

Having real friends for once...was a new experience.

[Bumblebee]

--Aw, well hey! Every little bit helps, right?--

Even if Neon had gone into the details and specifics of what he’d done to optimize the Ground Bridge, Bumblebee probably would’ve had a hard time following along. He would’ve found it absolutely fascinating, no doubt, but it was so beyond what he was capable of working out and truly understanding.

It only really cemented his mindset that maybe Neon and Raf hanging out together wasn’t exactly a bad thing. The colorful Autobot could bounce ideas with Raf, work out solutions to problems - talk shop, as it were! Bee would’ve given things a different approach, maybe made Raf see things from a different angle, but in terms of technical talk? He couldn’t really offer much input.

At the mention of luck, Bumblebee could only beepily chuckle.

--I’m definitely the lucky one!--

The Omega Base certainly would’ve been a heck of a lot lonelier if it wasn’t for Raf. Saddened by the fact that humans couldn’t understand him, he was so very grateful and thankful that the tiny human could. The fact that Raf was also amazing was certainly a nice added bonus!

As Neon seemed to perk up, Bumblebee could only take that as a good sign that his request was a welcome one.

--Someone told you to loosen up?-- a weird chittered pop followed his words, almost like a beepy attempt at a scoff.

--Hope you didn’t take that to spark! Though, uh, I was just wondering if you’d like to come with me to an abandoned warehouse I found a few months back when on patrol. It’s a little out of the way, but loaded with cool stuff.-- one servo would raise to awkwardly rub the back of his neck.

--I’d go there to shadowbox or just look around, and I know that a lot of the tech here is cobbled together with human stuff, and there’s plenty of scrap metal and random parts that may be useful? With Ratchet uh… well, y’know… I figured you might have some sort of idea what equipment could work with ours.--

He’d had no idea what he was looking at the last time he was there, but someone like Neon - who seemed more than capable of working with what they had here at the base - may be able to pick out things that could actually be used. With more Autobots arriving, and their resources already stretched to the limit, everything they found or salvaged could be useful in some way.

--Here, see!--

Moving into a gradual walk, he would make his way over to the main console. Squared digits would type a few commands, quickly bringing up a topographic map of Nevada. A beepy hum, a whir of optics, it took him a second to find where in the state he was looking for - before he would zoom into an area that seemed to be pretty much in the middle of nowhere.

--It’s around there!--

While he was sure he’d be unable to pinpoint or even notice any changes that’d been made to the Ground Bridge, maybe using it after the maintenance would also be a good way of working out if any optimizations had actually worked.

Win win, right?

[Deleted]

Neon followed Bumblebee to the console as he explained. The expression on his face spoke of a generally pleasant mix of comfort and puzzlement. On one hand, he seemed quite happy that somebody was taking an interest in spending time with him just for the sake of it. On the other, he couldn't quite figure out the reason as to why anybody would want to in the first place.

But he didn't spend long questioning Bumblebee's motives. Even if the prospect of scrap metal did not sound exceptionally enticing, at least not as much as his yellow companion might have thought, it was still worth a shot on the off-chance that they found something useful together.

"I see what you mean—uh, more or less, I think. But we'll need someone on bridge duty, right? Patch should be back before us, so we can't just leave her hanging. To be honest, I'm a bit embarrassed to ask, but—"

Neon trailed off meekly. It felt shameful to admit what he was about to say, but there wasn't any way to avoid admitting it.

"—I haven't really talked to many people here, so I wouldn't feel good bothering them. But, but—you know the folks around here, right?"

His mood brightened somewhat. Bumblebee's more social and chipper attitude surely earned him many friends at the base! Many more than Neon ever had in his entire life, surely.

"Maybe you could ask, you know, one of your buddies to watch over the bridge?"

He pulled back his antennae and played with his thumbs innocently as if making a weak and subservient request, even though Bumblebee acted so friendly and wasn't even Neon's superior. If anything at all, Bumblebee was a senior of his when it came to living under this roof. Perhaps that was enough to make Neon behave so timidly—or maybe Neon was this unassuming and reluctant in general.

[Bumblebee]

Even though there was more than enough room for Neon to see, Bumblebee made a point of sidestepping just a little to allow the other mech space to look at the monitor himself. Not that there was a whole lot to look at, the entire area looked rather barren and plain - but that could be said for quite a lot of the planet when viewed from above.

He’d done that sometimes when it was his turn for monitor duty, gone onto the map and just scrolled around, looking at things from a satellite point of view. How small everything looked really put things into perspective of how truly amazing this planet was. While there were many wonderful things like expansive forests and deserts, the areas with humans were so, so tiny in comparison.

Which was all the more reason to protect them.

Neon’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he’d turn his attention to the other mech, nodding as he listened. The part about him not talking to many here at the base made Bee honestly a little sad - though, he kind of understood it. He knew Raf didn’t… really talk to many people at school outside his close circle of friends, and Neon seemed kind of the same. Quiet, shy - not that it was a bad thing, because it totally wasn’t! But people like Raf and Neon deserved the world, and that included all kinds of friends!

--Oh, yeah! Duh, gosh I was so excited about actually getting to go somewhere that I totally forgot.--

After what’d happened to Ratchet, that was probably a terrible mindset to have, but it wasn’t like it was a common occurrence. Usually when he left Omega One for an errand, someone was either on monitor duty already, or it was in Jasper itself so there was no need for a bridge at all.

--I can ask Bulk, I’m sure he’s just killing time till he has to pick up Miko from school! As for not talking to people, aw man - you wouldn’t be a bother, I promise!--

Leaving the image up on the monitor, he would turn his attention fully to Neon for the moment.

--Later on when we’re done, if you want to, anyway - I can introduce you to some more people around the base? You already met Raf, he’s pretty much the coolest one at the base, so if you’re nervous just know nobody else will top that!--

He beepily laughed, shaking his helm.

--Let me call Bulkhead, then we can get this show on the road!-- he chirped.

One servo would raise to the side of his helm, a quick comm made to the big green mech who- yep, sure enough, had been simply waiting around for it to be time to pick up Miko from school.

Giving a quick nod and a beep of affirmation, Bumblebee would lower his arm.

--He is on his way! Meaning that weeeee are...-- twisting his frame to look at the monitor, he would zoom in further on the map to make doubly sure it was the right area, before inputting the necessary coordinates into the ground bridge.

--Ready to go!--

Pulling the small lever, the spiraling vortex would open nearby, illuminating the drab concrete with brilliant yellows and greens. He would leave the screen where it was - so Bulkhead could keep tabs on the general area of where they had gone.

Turning and pushing forwards into a walk, Bumblebee would waste no time in making his way through the swirling portal.

[Deleted]

"Yes. I suppose I'd like that—to meet others...and stuff. If you will introduce me..." He muttered out in response to the scout's invitation.

He then watched him ping Bulkhead over the coms patiently, but at the sound of Bee's excited chirps that followed, Neon couldn't help himself but smile as his antennae perked up. All good signs so far. Bumblebee managed to do something that not many could, and that was to make Neon feel at ease in their company. If the scout cared to look, he would most definitely see it in his posture, being notably more relaxed and far from the awkward, stiff nimrod he first met.

--Ready to go!--

"Sure. Away we go! I guess..."

Neon spoke in a friendly tone, pressing his hands against his hips and lifting his chin as if to mentally prepare himself for the outing. To a shut-in scientist like himself, even visiting a warehouse was something of an adventure.

Then the portal lit up before their eyes, and Neon seemed all the more excited. But whereas most people would simply hop in without a second thought—which Bumblebee promptly did—Neon instead spared a brief second to glance at the bridge's readouts scattered across the desktop of a monitor. He was pleased to see that everything worked properly and that the bridge's Energon consumption seemed to have lowered somewhat—even if it as a minuscule difference in the broader scheme of things, it meant that he and Bumblebee could enjoy a glass of Energon when they came back.

With the bridge safely out of the way, Neon followed Bumblebee into the portal's other side as the loud footsteps of Bulkhead began to carry to the main room from a nearby hallway. There was something admirable about the camaraderie there. It took a single call, a few words, and Bee's friend was already on his way. Team Prime was truly something else.

As they crossed the chasm spanning many miles in but a few seconds, Neon's thoughts lingered on Bulkhead for a moment longer. Could he ever have friends like him one day? Perhaps even a team of his own? Someplace to call home? He was not so sure of it himself...But the thought stuck with him for some reason.

For now, it was time to see what awaited the two of them ahead.

[Zercon]

The environment the two Cybertronian stepped out into appeared to be an industrial area of some type, one of many that were evidently scattered throughout the more rural regions of Nevada. The buildings once stood strong and true, large stations that looked to have been a processing plant that were accompanied by cylindrical structures that took up a sizable amount of space. The coating was chipped and peeling off, exposing metals that were rusting over from the occasional rain through the years. The warehouse style portions looked to have been parking areas for hauler trucks and other larger vehicles, given an array of loading docks and cracked asphalt that led to and from a larger hangar door for bulkier equipment.

A couple of the covers at the loading docks were hanging crooked, partly detached from winds, making them creak slightly as the last semblance of hope kept them clinging on strong. Large floodlights were angled down around the outer edges with security cameras attached, yet many of these also hung askew, caked dust, and grime plastering over them as well as everything else. Connected to this loading station was a smaller structure, offices, or who knows what for humans within.

Much too small for either Autobot.

In the far distance, faint outlines of oil silos and other industrial buildings that were still in use glinted slightly, the mid-day sun touching down onto its metal surfaces. The immense buildings were mere dots at this distance, nothing more than small jagged outlines that smeared across an otherwise flat horizon. While it was a sign of humanity, it was no different than seeing Jasper as a stripe of gray from Omega One, a gentle reminder that they were not alienated, yet not in direct threat of being spotted unless someone had a pair of binoculars and was profoundly lucky that day.

Wind scuttled past, faint creaks of complaint coming from the largest hangar door that was left half open from the last time it was visited, a single panel of metal dangling off the main track.

[Bumblebee]

--For sure! You’ve been here a little while, right? Bout time you met at least a few of us!--

Had nobody introduced themselves? Bee had made a point of trying to meet all newcomers to the base shortly after they arrived. While he hadn’t gotten a chance to do so til now with Neon, he’d at least seen him around the base a few times.

Though, he wasn’t quite sure who he’d introduce Neon to first. Bulkhead might be good, he was fairly chill compared to someone like Carbine who… might be a little much for someone so nice. Petrichor was another who sprang to mind - she’d told Bee all kinds of facts about rocks, and that… kind of seemed like something that Neon (and Raf, come to think of it!) might like!

Though, these were thoughts best suited for later once they were back at Omega - though it was definitely something to think about!

-

Stepping through the swirling portal, Bumblebee was quick to look around. Aside from things looking a little more worn down than when he’d been here last, it didn’t seem like anything had really changed. There was some rather crude graffiti that’d been spray-painted on one of the nearby walls of the building itself, but the artists were obviously long gone. The large hangar door was slightly ajar - hm, had it always been like that? He’d almost certainly pulled that closed - as to not arouse suspicion should someone stop by. But of course, that could’ve been anything from the kids armed with spray-paint causing mischief whenever they’d been here, or something as simple as the wind moving it over time.

Either way, he did not seem concerned by any outward appearances, and was glad that the old place was even still standing. It was always nice to show others some of the cool things he’d found in his short time on Earth, and he hoped Neon would think this place was as neat as he did.

Swiveling on a heel, he would walk backward a moment as he waited for Neon to join him.

--Ta da! Here we are! It’s not much to look at, but there’s some really cool stuff inside.--

Or, there was when he’d been here last, anyway. It didn’t look like anything had moved or really changed at all, and so he was certain that all the old furniture and scrap metal he’d mentioned earlier were still safely inside the building, kept safe from the outside elements.

[Deleted]

The whole look of the place seemed a bit unsettling to Neon if he was going to be honest with himself. Bumblebee looked very excited, and Neon was in a great mood following their little chat at Omega. But a run-down, industrial place like this reminded him rather sordidly of his encounter with Soundwave. It was hard not to point that out as the first thing when they appeared in the middle of the disheveled place.

As a way of distracting himself from the uneasy memories, Neon chose to focus on the mission at hand instead.

"Alright, show me the goods. I, uh, think it will be best if you lead the way," he said with a small tinge of lingering dread.

Despite some time having passed since Chernobyl, it was strenuous not to think about it. Neon felt as if something or someone could attack him from behind any corner at any moment. But then he thought of Bee again and that the scout certainly wouldn't lead him somewhere dangerous or known for Decepticon activity. In the end, it was Neon's own recklessness that got him and Patch in trouble last time. Bumblebee knew this place, he had more experience with the Decepticons than Neon.

He felt much safer today than that night.

Having reminded himself that, Neon soon dismissed his reluctance and followed the yellow scout wheresoever they may go next with the same good energy he felt back at the base only a few moments ago. Thinking of his new friend, the stress was suddenly manageable, if downright nonexistent.

[Bumblebee]

Unfortunately unaware that Neon was feeling unsettled due to an earlier encounter in a similar environment, Bumblebee remained as peppy as always. While he wasn’t quite bouncing from excitement, it sure was nice to see everything had been left mostly alone - meaning that all the cool things he’d seen the last time he’d been here would be able to be taken back with them to Omega and put to some sort of use.

Or at least, that was the plan, anyway! He wasn’t sure what the machinery was that’d been left here - some of it was obviously used for weighing, though the conveyor belt it’d been attached to had all splintered and cracked due to the arid air and lack of use. Not that they needed an industrial-sized conveyor belt for anything at base - though he was sure Miko would probably have some fun with it at any rate. From what he could remember there were things like rusted pallet jacks and utility carts - which again, were not super useful.

The priority was honestly the scrap metal - which seemed to be in abundance, as well as anything that could be taken to benefit the base as a whole. Generators, even things like ceiling fans and lights could be taken back with them - and after a bit of cleaning could be considered as good as new!

Bobbing his helm at Neon’s words, he would take a step backward as the bridge swirled to a close behind the other mech. The area plunging into a sort of stillness without the familiar whirs and wooshes of the vortex. The only noises were the creaks from the hangar door as the wind moved through, as well as the general sound of whatever shrubbery rustling in the breeze.

--Sure thing! I only went in this building when I came here last, since it was the biggest I got caught up exploring before I had to go back to base.-- he’d thumb over his shoulder to the building in question, in case it wasn’t entirely obvious. --I figure we can go in, take a look around, scope out any materials that can be useful, then maybe see if there’s anything else in the general area before heading back?--

Things that’d been left outside and exposed to the elements were probably pretty useless, all things considered, but after his run-in with Breakdown and the mini adventure to the junkyard in the middle of nowhere? Well, there could be hidden treasures. It was definitely worth looking at, in any case!

Turning to face the building, Bumblebee would move with his usual confidence. The door was already partially open, and so little effort was needed - one servo moving to pull it open enough for them to move through.

The door shifted fairly easily, though it was loud. Not deterred by this, Bumblebee would once again turn - facing Neon as he stepped backward through the now opened door into the building a few paces. 

--Okay so I know it may not look like much, but I think we can find some really cool stuff here!--

He hadn’t thought much of it when he had first found this place all those months ago, but once he’d actually taken the time to look around, to explore and see what was here? It was great - and now there were two of them, which meant double the chances of finding at least something of use.

Let the treasure hunting begin!

[Deleted]

"S-sounds like a plan!"

Neon gladly followed Bumblebee while his uncomfortable thoughts faded away slowly. Being attuned to the emotions of others was certainly a boon with his chipper attitude around, serving as an anchor for Neon to latch onto.

When the scout pushed open the door and entered, Neon was right there with him, trailing Bumblebee like a lost kitten. He then took a good, long look around the place for anything particularly useful. Building materials, wiring, sheets of metal. Practically anything that, if polished, could serve as suitable components for making new tools or continuing his smaller projects when they returned to base.

It did not matter whether the scrap inside was a bit scuffed or not.

Neon, being a particularly innovative person, could do a lot with damaged materials. Earth seemed to possess those in abundance. Though he did miss certain things from Cybertron. Precision tools and measures, steady supply of rare metals and plastids needed for the creation of his more complex inventions. Rest assured, with what was present, Neon would certainly not be building any personal energy shields or Energon refineries—but maybe it could be a good start.

That all depended on what he could see while looking around!

[Zercon]

Sunlight flooded in through the opened hanger as the door was pulled up and out of the way, the sharp movement causing dust to kick into the stagnant air in long curls. The dirty haze highlighted the illumination, outlining the glow from nearby windows, as well as a couple thin beams at the far end from some missing ceiling panels or some other kind of damage time brought on. The light only went so far however when there were large pieces of machinery present. Old gutted out devices of some sort, the conveyor belt was there of course, paired with larger pipelines and a decrepit forklift with deflated tires...

The inside of the hanger was both light and dark because of this, a dichotomy, leaving some portions plunged into shadow, while many others were cast clearly in yellowed light that showcased things of interest. There were plenty of spots for things to have been left behind, and while most would be worthless, half the fun was the adventure and exploring what could be under the next metaphorical rock! There was of course... more than one building to explore!

As Bumblebee stepped back, his heel would click into something solid, a loud rattling sound ringing through the open space as if he had knocked a stone aside.

Except it wasn't a stone.

The ground behind the Scout was littered in sharp jutting shapes, fractured blue crystals that were scattered around like caltrops in a shaky line towards the far end. They glowed faintly in the filtered light of the warehouse, the shaded patches really letting its tones shine boldly. It was an alien anomaly for Earth, yet it would be familiar to an extent.

These crystalline formations could be seen as a potential find! Lost fuel someone mistakenly squirreled away... whether Cybertronian or something else... however they were slightly darker, more akin to line Energon, their shapes more jagged and erratic versus the structured ones found within the earth. They shone like shattered glass, and were just as sharp.

Yet, these were insignificant details considering what was across the way.

Lashed up the side wall was a thrashed fling of Energon, a splattered stripe as if a bladed weapon had been used, though it seemed particularly off. Surreal in a way to those familiar with the aftermath of a battle. Unnatural, if one could call such a display natural. The Energon seemed to have dripped down from the initial swipe in thin trails until the drops ran dry, leaving smooth lines that rolled over wall panels and support bracing. It was dim, almost lost in the shadows where something else sat.

On the ground on the far end where it was darkest, lay a Vehicon that was slumped onto its side. Its back was facing the duo, frame still and unmoving, as the jagged blue shapes were collected around it in a scattered pile. The figure appeared to have its arms wrapped around its midsection, a clawed hand hooking over its side.

Rattled noises could be heard, rasped churns of fans trying to cycle air that popped on and off. It was paired with a sort of gasping sound, a trembled shake of breath that originated from the downed soldier.

[Bumblebee]

As Bumblebee stepped back and his heel touched something solid, his processor immediately went to something like a remote control car - like when he’d first met Raf. There had obviously been kids lurking around here at some point to graffiti the outside walls, and for a flicker of a moment, he’d assumed a toy or some other object had been left behind.

Quickly swiveling around to actually look at what it was and to also smartly take note now of where he was going, he would immediately falter in his steps at the realization that… ah, it wasn’t a toy or a piece of machinery that’d moved or broken free. Nor was it anything organic like a stone.

It was… Energon?

But-

A gentle whir sounded as Bumblebee’s optics adjusted He remained still for the moment, gaze shifting over the trail of crystals as his frame tensed.

He wasn’t really an expert in such things, but he noted that the crystals were darker than normal, meaning it’d come from Energon lines and not a simple scratch - meaning that whoever this had come from was probably hurt bad.

He didn’t have to look far for the answer as to just who that was.

His gaze settled on the Vehicon first, then drifted up to the lashing of Energon that’d been splattered against the far wall. Had Wheeljack done this? He had swords that were sharp enough to do that amount of damage, and it would certainly account for the fact nobody had reported running into a Vehicon on patrol - the Wrecker was a lone wolf, and something like this was probably smalltime.

A familiar sound of transformation that echoed around the sparse warehouse, the blaster in Bumblebee’s left arm would shift into place. A formality more than anything, the Vehicon was injured, though that didn’t mean they weren’t without fight.

--It looks bad, but it’s just a Vehicon.-- he beeped quietly, sparing Neon a glance over his shoulder.

--I think he musta run into Wheeljack or something.--

This area was still in Nevada, after all, so it made sense that the Wrecker had found it - probably having the same idea that Bee did in wanting to salvage things for his ship.

--I’ll go put him out of his misery, then we can look around, yeah?--

Moving into a walk - albeit a somewhat cautious one, in case the Vehicon decided to suddenly lash out in some futile attempt at an attack - he would start heading in the direction of the wounded drone.

He wasn’t worried - one lone and injured Vehicon wasn’t enough to deter him from the excitement that came with treasure hunting, and he could only hope that Neon wasn’t too put off by this not-so-great introduction to what would hopefully be a fun day.