Hope's Return

Onward

Hope sighed as she studied the scrapyard's new defenses. Behind her she could hear Sideswipe and Fix-it bickering over placement of the stasis pods. Grimlock's growling tones soon joined in before a loud clunk was heard. Turning around she had to stifle a laugh at the sight. 

Irritated by the noise, Strongarm had 'accidently' tripped and shoved Sideswipe who fell over Fix-it and tumbled into Grimlock who unbalanced, fell onto both of them. The three of them laid in a tangled heap still loudly arguing. 

Finally giving into the impulse, she sank to her knees an started roaring with laughter. Her sides ached with the strain as she vented for air before she just plain collapsed on the ground. Flinging an arm over her optics, she laid there, an occasional giggle escaping her lip plates. 

Opening her optics, she looked into Bee's worried ones. She smiled and allowed him to help her up before addressing the pile of mech's still on the ground looking at her as if she had lost her processor.

She fought off a fresh bout of laughter and composed herself.

"I'm so sorry you guys. Its just you reminded me of all the commotion Soundwave's kids caused at base."

"Soundwave was at your base?!"

Hope turned back to see Bumblebee's mouth open in shock.

"Of course Bee, all bots are welcome that come peacefully."

The yellow and black mech flushed as she stared him down and continued.

"I found him a home with Knock-out and Breakdown. He'll be happier among familiar faces."

"Who's Soundwave, Knock-out and Breakdown, Ms. Hope?"

"Former Decepticons Russell. They're old friends from many years ago. Knock-out aided Ratchet at my old base. He's planning a visit here soon."

"Knock-out... here?"

Bumblebee stammered for a moment but quickly pulled himself together when seeing his teammate's amused looks.

"Did he say when?"

"A few weeks. He still has his decepticon insignia so try not to shoot first or capture him."

"You hear that cadet? No shooting the red doc before he identifies himself."

"Relax Bee, she'll know it's him by his complaining that his paint job is getting all scratched up."

Strongarm looked back and forth between the two mechs before turning to Hope.

"Seriously, how did you put up with these two?"

Hope shook her helm in humor.

"Honestly? I have no idea."

"Hey!"

"Love you Sides."

"Yeah, yeah little sister, whatever you say."

Hope rolled her optics at him and went back to studying the defenses.

"It looks good Bee. Think you'll be alright now?"

Mirroring her stance, the camero looked over the walls before nodding in agreement. 

"I suppose this means you're leaving now."

"You know me so well. I need to go check in with the Griffin Rock crew and get home to base. I've been gone long enough as it is. Besides, I really miss Ratchet."

"What about your bond with Optimus?"

Her wings unfurled anxiously as she considered the possibilities. Finally she shook her helm.

"I don't know Bee. I love them both and I'm not even sure if I'll even see Optimus again. For now, it's best to take it one day at a time. But if he appears to you...just tell him how much I miss him."

"I will carrier."

"Then it's best that I'm off. Who knows what trouble Blurr's gotten himself into since we last talked"

"Safe travels Hope, until we meet again."

Blowing a  kiss, she lifted off the ground and turned towards the East. With a dive, she disappeared into a flash of light, leaving Bumblebee's team with a cheerful goodbye.

As remnants of power drifted down from the night sky, Sideswipe walked past Strongarm and pushed her into Grimlock causing him once more to fall over, this time on her. Whistling, he continued on, ignoring the cursing behind him as Strongarm struggled  to free herself. 

Bumblebee  just shook his helm and continued to watch the skies. Tomorrow was another day but for now, he would enjoy the here and now.