Escaping Reality

Chapter Twenty-One: An Update

For all the Quotevian's plot disruptions, the group was relatively surprised that the Darkmount Attack had essentially gone off without a hitch. With the mountain down and Optimus Prime back to a more than optimal state of being, everything seemed to be running smoothly, more or less. It was something all four of the Autobot Quotevians could appreciate as they watched the new base bustle and hustle. But that didn't mean they weren't any less worried about their Decepticon companions, so of course all of them were asking questions.

         "We didn't have time to comb through the database. Vehicons were attacking left and right, and what we could get through was useless," Arcee told Katrina, the cyberwolf's ears and tail drooping in response.

         "What about you, Bee?"

         "Nothing. We're sorry." Bumblebee's sad beeps and whirls filled the air, matching the dejected look on their furry friend's face.

         "Hey. Don't worry. I'm sure they got out alright," Starblade reassured, the femme patting Katrina on the back.

         "I know, but I really wish we could find them faster when we've got a whole plot to keep from derailing," said the cyberwolf with a sigh. Of course her comment earned a few raised optic-ridges from the two Autobots, but both thankfully decided to drop it; they didn't need to ask questions about a possibly good future and jeopardize it in the process.

         "Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus are still out searching the rest of the Darkmount wreckage," Ratchet reported, the Autobot not even bothering to glance up from his work. "While finding your companions among it is... not exactly preferable, it is possible that, with your knowledge, they may have escaped on their own accord."

         The Blade Twins and Katrina then proceeded to exchange glances, all three unsure of that despite it being a possibility. All they'd gathered from the Darkmount battle episode had been that the place had collapsed and everyone had evacuated via the Nemesis. But, they were open to being proven wrong, and that was why they all glanced back at Ratchet as a report came in.

         "Hey chief. We found something."

         That was not on script.

         Instantly, the Quotevians were crowding around, itching to hear the report Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus had to offer. It got to the point where the other Autobots had to push the four back, but not much was wasted as Ultra Magnus used that time to scold Wheeljack over the com lines.

         "As Wheeljack was saying," the second in command's voice caused everyone to pause yet again, all audio receptors open to hear whatever discovery they had for them. "We've located a Decepticon. Alive, but in need of treatment."

         The group then all proceeded to stare at one another for a moment, all up until Optimus made a move in replying. "Do you know the designation of the Decepticon?"

         "Provide a description!" Katrina quickly yelled, earning a pause and a few stares from the other Autobots. "...Please."

         "...A Sharktacon," Ultra Magnus' reply was an irritated one, but that did nothing to dampen the hopes of the four Quotevians. "Designation: Darkfin."

         And that was all they needed to hear. Instantly, the four Quotevians erupted into various fits of yelling, all absolutely stunned by the news, but they weren't going to turn it down, not when one of their friends had escaped, albeit injured.

         "Darkfin! That's Darkfin!"

         "She's one of us!"

         "We need to prepare medbay!"