Bulkhead was trudging through the snow. Every so often he would stop and study a device he was carrying. He was also trying hard not to lose patience with his companion. "Are we there, yet?" Cliffjumper asked for the umpteenth time.
"No! We're NOT there yet. But it should be just passed this ridge."
"You know, there's no need to be rude."
"Why are you so impatient to get back anyway?"
"Two reasons. One, I don't like being out here in these conditions. Two, I'm worried."
"Worried? What about?" Bulkhead rubbed the back of his helm
"Not what, rather who. It's Sinead."
"Why are you worried about her?"
Cliffjumper folded his arms and narrowed his optics. "She hasn't been at base since we blew up the space bridge. I know it was only a few days ago, but it has me worried. I know Prime is too."
"She has got school, and a job, she's probably busy."
"Hmmm." He wasn't convinced.
At the top of ridge, they slid down the ice. Once they'd stopped, Bulkhead checked the device again. "These readings are off the meter. I don't get it."
"Look, over there."
They walked over to what looked like a lump in the ice. "Looks like some kind of pod. We'd better get it back to base."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I've told you Doc, we're fine." Bulkhead went to get up, but was pushed back down by Ratchet.
"The only way to ensure you're fine is to go through standard defrosting procedure. You know prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures can cause permanent system damage."
The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard as Optimus came into the room. "Can you tell me any more about our arctic find?"
"No, not yet. The pod can't be opened while it's frozen solid."
----------------------------------------------------------
But the pod had already started defrosting, and it was enough for one of the creatures inside to burst through, allowing the others to break out as well.
Little did the Autobots know the trouble these creatures would cause.
----------------------------------------------------
It was Saturday, and Cliffjumper had just picked up Sinead. He had been extremely relieved to hear from her. As they drove, he was catching her up on what had happened. She laughed as he explained how the kids had been working on their science projects and how Ratchet had taken over. "I was at the fair when they were presented, and all but blew the hall up. I asked Jack afterwards and all he said was, never let Ratchet work on one of your projects."
"Did you have one?"
"No, I'm not taking science."
"Probably a good thing." Cliffjumper chuckled as they entered base, following Bulkhead and Bumblebee.
"Did you miss us, Doc Bot?" Miko asked cheekily.
Ratchet ran a servo over his face plates. "Ugh, shouldn't they be in school?"
"Not on a Saturday." Jack replied.
The moment Sinead stepped out, Bumblebee immediately went over and picked her up, beeping anxiously. When she hadn't appeared at base over the last three days, he'd started to worry about her.
