Transformers Prime: More Humans, More Chaos - Season 1

Chapter 8: Conjob

It was a calm day at the base. Nothing was going on other than the team doing their chores or just hanging out. Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Bumblebee talked in a corner, laughing at something while Optimus worked in another part of the main room. Ratchet worked diligently at the console, looking for any signs of the Decepticons. On the platform above it, Heidi, Raf, and Jack stood chatting away—more Raf and Heidi.

"Yeah, I'm planning on getting that new video game by the end of the month. Once it goes on sale, that is." Raf explained. Heidi nodded as she leaned against the railings.

"Sounds awesome, Raf. Let's hope this game will challenge you. It'll make up for all the other ones you've beaten." Heidi chirped. Raf laughed a bit, nodding as Heidi's gaze began drifting around the base. She then saw Miko and Bulkhead enter, chatting non-stop as usual.

"Oh boy. Looks like trouble's walked in the room." Heidi whispered, laughing a bit. Raf gave Heidi a knowing look before turning away. Just then, the console went off with a small alarm. Ratchet quickly looked into it as some of the bots began to gather, Optimus included.

"Optimus! I'm receiving a signal on a restricted band. It appears to be coming from a starship inside this solar system," Ratchet explained. The console's screens then showed a map tracking the starship signal. The kids turned to the screen, examining it. After a moment, Heidi gasped softly, realizing what it was. Ratchet realized it too, quickly speaking about it.

"It's an Autobot identification beacon," Ratchet explained.

"So there are other bots out there?" Jack asked, turning back to the bots. Arcee nodded as Cliffjumper turned to Jack.

"Yup. Everyone scattered to the winds when Cybertron finally went dark though." Cliffjumper explained. Arcee walked up next to him, quickly adding on with a scowl.

"But cons have been known to bait traps with false beacons," Arcee explained grimly. Heidi gulped silently at that, turning to see Optimus's stern expression. Optimus quickly turned back to the screen as Ratchet set up contact with the ship.

"Unknown Vessel, This is Autobot Outpost Omega 1. Identify yourself." Optimus ordered. The comlink fizzed for a second before an interesting but sarcastic-sounding voice broke through.

"I've had warmer welcomes from Decepticon combat brigades."

"Wheeljack?!" A voice yelled, surprised. Everyone turned to see Bulkhead walk up with the biggest grin. For some reason, the name "Wheeljack" felt familiar to Heidi. However, she brushed it off as Bulkhead came in front of the console.

"You old con-crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?" Bulkhead chirped enthusiastically. The comlink sputtered for a minute before the voice, Wheeljack, spoke again and recognized Bulkhead's voice.

"Bulkhead? That you? What's with all the security?"

"The rock we're on is crawling with cons. How soon can you get here to even the odds?"

"Sometime tomorrow. If I put metal to the petal!" Wheeljack said. Heidi felt relief that Bulkhead and Wheeljack seemed to be close friends. Miko spoke up, excited by the new bot's knowledge of Bulkhead.

"Another bot's coming here. How cool is that!" Miko chirped. Heidi smiled, glancing at Raf who also seemed excited by a new bot coming. Though it wasn't as much as Bulkhead and Miko. Optimus spoke up to them, also seeming to recognize the name Wheeljack.

"Wheeljack... I know him by reputation only. Can you verify his voiceprint?" Optimus said, looking to Bulkhead.

"He is one thousand percent the real deal, Optimus," Bulkhead explained confidently. Heidi smiled, looking at Optimus as he paused. After a moment, he turned back to the comlink with a less stern look.