Real Armada

New Challenges and Old Friends

Cassie yawned as she opened the door to the Papa John's where she worked as an Operations Manager. The morning sun was just starting to rise, and she had another long 10-hour shift ahead of her. She had grown used to the routine, but it didn't make the early mornings any easier. Luckily, Jetfire was there as always, keeping her company through their telepathic bond.

"Morning, sweetspark," Jetfire's voice chimed in her mind, his usual teasing tone present. "Up bright and early again, huh? How's the second-in-command life treating you?"

Cassie couldn't help but smile at his playful attitude. "Yeah, something like that. I'm pretty much the assistant manager here, which is like being the second-in-command of this place." She thought about how much responsibility she carried at work and how stressful it could be at times.

Jetfire's voice came through, this time with a hint of pride. "Second-in-command? Now that's interesting. Did I ever tell you I'm the vice commander of the Autobots? I guess we have that in common."

Cassie blushed at that, suddenly feeling a bit flustered. Something about Jetfire being in such a high-ranking position made him even more attractive. "Vice commander of the Autobots, huh?" she thought back, her cheeks growing warm. "That... just makes you even more interesting."

Jetfire, sensing her reaction, chuckled. "I'm flattered, Cassie. Maybe when this war is over, I'll give you the full tour of Cybertron and show you what being vice commander really means."

Cassie felt her heart skip a beat. There was something about Jetfire's confident, teasing nature that always left her slightly off-kilter. Shaking her head, she returned her focus to work, though Jetfire's presence remained comforting in the background.

At the Autobot base, the calm was suddenly interrupted by blaring sirens. The alarms meant only one thing: another Mini-Con panel had been activated. Hot Shot, ever eager for action, was ready to rush off immediately.

"Hold on, Hot Shot," Red Alert said, stopping him in his tracks. "We need to confirm the Mini-Con's location before we head out."

Alexis quickly connected her locator to the Autobot mainframe, and Sureshock, her Mini-Con partner, managed to pinpoint the exact location of the new panel. Carlos recognized the area on the map instantly. "That's Big Canyon!"

The Autobots, along with their human allies and Mini-Cons, prepared for departure. Before heading out, Carlos and Alexis were each given new Autobot suits—bright and reflective, perfect for being seen in low light. Rad almost got left behind in the excitement but managed to catch up just in time, now clad in his own suit.

Rad was concerned, though. "Big Canyon is miles away. How are we supposed to get there quickly?"

Alexis gave him a reassuring grin. "Relax, Rad. Optimus has a plan."

Optimus Prime, overhearing their conversation, spoke up. "We'll warp there. Hold on tight."

Seconds later, the Autobots and their companions were enveloped in a bright flash of light as they teleported to Big Canyon. As they arrived, Carlos decided to ride with Red Alert, while Alexis hopped into Hot Shot's driver seat. Optimus carried the Mini-Cons, leaving Rad feeling a little out of place without a partner.

Back on the Moon, Megatron reasserted his grand goal to the other Decepticons: to collect every Mini-Con and dominate the universe. Starscream, always eager to impress, complimented Megatron's leadership. "Your brilliant strategy will lead us to victory, Lord Megatron."

Cyclonus, not wanting to be left out, tried to claim dibs on the next Mini-Con, which led to yet another argument between him and Starscream. The two bickered until Megatron silenced them with a booming laugh. "Enough! Focus on the mission at hand."