#I mean maybe our galaxy is a part of something way bigger but we can't see it because we're too small to see

[beastblade69]

losing everything I had, everything my personality consisted of for years. is that what aging is, isn't it? losing yourself to the machine constructed to strip you of any sense of life you can find and make you surrender to then exploit you until you're all drained and leave you to die all alone in the pile of ashes of what you once was??

[desmaterializandose]

On living and loving.

I must do well and be kind, at least for thy who have done it for me; cherishing and bringing a smile to nature, for someday I laughed and felt loved when useless. Things could be better, but only by improving it in the sake of others; and the distance that I stretch my endearment and efforts, devotion that I gave to the garden, is equal to the meaning it gathers. Essentially, caring for those that are still to come is the ultimate state of realization. It isn’t because our eyes stare at this starless sky, that no eye shall ever be flooded by the mesmerizing waltz of galaxies. The proportion in which we complain about and loath existence is the exact same proportion by which it gets more and more dreadful. Although experience have a deep and long-lasting suffering possibility, it still one flavor of the substance from what we extract all the succulence and peace reachable; by itself, being is no more than the capacity of being, therefore it has no moral, only perspective and perception. Strong enough to love being hated, receiving hatred without passing it along. Picture turning forgiveness in armor and joy as weapon. Don’t blame the cosmos for its traumas, heal it. The improvement of life is achievable, and it starts by dealing with its aggression, handling its blows and all the feelings that arise from it without hurting it back. We are the world, and, to me, the world is you too. Seeking well-being, choose the lesser evil and the greatest good; this is not summarized on loving everything, neither trying to hurt nothing. The pleasure or pain that comes from a smell is dependent on the nose that it arrive. Don't try to make all your fruits sweet for every taste, but take care of the fruition by the sake of those that will rejoice in its flavor, and be respectful about the danger it delivers to the wrong appetites. I don't really know why I love, and maybe that is love. There are causes, otherwise we won't have the effect, but its unpretentious and self grateful state reach the peak of grace and sublime, because it only gives and manifest, and doesn't have the slightest need. Having good and evil in our own way of being, anger really show up together, like two faces of the same coin. Some species of it hurt the beloved, and also the other way around. It is a complex and emergent feeling, which the definition shouldn't be held by something simple as that fairy alike tale of flowers and springs. It has its shadows. On its depths, come from the happiness of having others in spite of the reality not being what we want it to be. Satisfaction that arises from being exactly what we are in the place we live and surrounded by what we have, even if it hurts, and sometimes we wander lost. Nexus in coexisting, while we feel it on ourselves, it's also an experience shared with between all stuff, and through which we share a little of our souls. This connection is what attach all inside the same event-horizon, and make the whole bigger than the sum of its parts. If we see fire, ignore or spread it and all we see turn into smoke. To receive, we give. Lacking and thirst is crucial for growth, and to evolve. What is already full can't be fulfilled. No matter what, we are living, breathing through all souls, in spite of all the ways that we could be not; my issues, human troubles or life on earth adversities; we are along with us, including animals, trees, bacteria and whatever more hide on the ground or beneath the stars. Gigantic universe, within where energy beat hearts and matter do poems. Nerves are a gift for those who seek enlightenment. We are between immeasurable possibilities. Infinity is more than enough to stack adventures and happy encounters. There's just too much to not smile any. Ain't exit to dying, so living is our own sacred ritual. We are not the main characters of the story, as there is none, all interact as supporting roles. Everything that can, will happen. The emptiness of the universe is room to nurture endless forms. The soul garden.

[mommymothma]

The Roulette wheel has been spun and It landed on a Mon x Hera pairing which kind of pops off especially for the Ahsoka TV setting. Our girlies had a lot of time in the Rebellion yk?

Went to AO3 for some inspiration and landed on Priorities by my mutual @soloorganaas which definitely inspired this piece so go show some love to it on AO3

Her General

“I don't understand what your problem is,” Hera accused, and Mon recoiled at the sound of the door slam.

“You tell me you believe me, yet every time I try to get things done, you stand in my way.”

“Hera, please-”

“No, I know what you're going to say ‘it's not up to me’”, Hera mocked. “But it never is, is it? Tell me why we have a Chancellor, if she is so powerless?”

“I have the power, Hera. Using it is the problem. The republic I have instituted has powerful sanctions in place to keep me from doing things of my own volition. This is what we have fought for, democracy. I can't have my best General following the voices in someones head.”

“It's not voices, you know that. And they could know that too if you cared to explain it to them.”

“What the Jedi do is not my problem, Hera. Believe me, I have tried to make peace with them. I have tried to integrate them into the system. The only one that wants anything to do with me is Leia.”

“Ahsoka has worked with the rebellion for years, Mon. That's not fair. You trusted her once. She was Fulcrum. She was there for me. For the Ghost. She and Ezra and Kanan… they are a part of something bigger than us, Mon, bigger than the republic. If we don't listen to them I'm scared that we will lose them. We've lived in a galaxy without Jedi, Mon. And it took us twenty years to recover from it.”

Mon was trapped between her conviction, her status, politics, and her emotions. The whirlwind never stopped.

Mon. Hera was the only one that still called her that. She'd dropped ‘Senator’ a long time ago. She used ‘Chancellor' maybe twice. She was ‘Mon’ to her.

“You never cared before when I went rogue,” Hera reminded her, “I've always had an unorthodox approach to things, but I get it done, Mon. I got it done. Better than anyone else.”

“That was different,” Mon told her.

“Why? We may operate under the title of a Republic, but we are no different than we were when it was called a rebellion. Same people, the same soldiers. The same ships, missions, planets, galaxy. You're still at the top, and I'm still a General. Nothing has tangibly changed, Mon. So tell me again, why?”

Hera stood nose to nose with Mon now.

Mon couldn't meet her eyes. She didn't want to lie but the truth was worse. It was so much worse.

But it was the only thing she still had.

“Because back then you were doing it for me!” She yelled, refusing to meet Hera's eyes.

She sat on her desk, covering her face with her hands.

Hera just stood there, her eyes burning a hole into Mon's skin. Two death stars, setting the planet of her ablaze.

“Is that what this is about? You're jealous of Ahsoka?”

“No- I mean I don't know. I… I can't protect you anymore, Hera. Not like I used to. Ahsoka is a risk, Hera. She's unpredictable.”

“You've said that about me, too.”

“Exactly.” She whispered. She could feel the anger and frustration emanating off the Twi'lek. “I've seen the way you are together,” Mon explained, “I know how this ends.”

“I dont know why I'm surprised. You tell me to remove my feelings from the situation, yet here you are. Your jealousy is shrouding your decisions Mon. Let me remind you: You told me to go.” Hera shouted “You kicked me out. You told me that we were too complicated. You don't get to change your mind now that it's convenient.”

“I have regretted it every day since.”

“Would you change your decision, if you could?”

Mon closed her eyes, and shook her head.

Hera scoffed, leaning in to look Mon in the eye. Her hand gripped Mon’s jaw, forcing their eye contact.

“I am not your general, Mon. I am a Republic General. You don't get to save me for when it's convenient. You don't get to stop me from saving the Galaxy because you don’t want to lose me.”

“Your all I have left.” Mon whispered, and Hera’s grip relaxed.

“So that's it? If you can't have me, no one can? You'd rather Thrawn blow us all up?”

“Hera, of course not. I just…”

“I've heard enough. I'm going. I'll do the hearing and you can strip me of my honor. At least then I'll be a free woman, right? No more imperial colors. From the ashes of the old empire…” Hera stated, staring her down.

Mon met her eyes for a moment, but it was a losing battle. She waved her white flag by looking to the floor.

“I'll see you on the other side, Mon. At least now you can say there's no one holding you back.”

Hera left the door closing with a quieter noise, but a louder impact.

Mon was once again left alone. Abandoned by someone she loved. Maybe if she was better with words.

Or expressions.

Or being a Chancellor, Hera would've stayed.

Maybe if she wasn't so distracted by the imminent threat of defeat, and how she was secretly drawn to it.

Because deep down she wanted a way out.

She wanted the rebellion back.

Because Hera was wrong. Things had changed. They had changed. Things were easy. It was kill or be killed then. She could work with that. She was a survivor against a predator.

Now, she wasn't sure who the bad guy was.

And it was so much worse.

Sharing with the Republic had grown tiring. At least with the rebellion she could have things.

Things like love.

She just wanted her General back.

Instead she had cost the Republic a damn good one.

From the ashes of the old empire…

Hera hadn't spoken the rest. She didn't need to. Mon was all too familiar with the imperial sympathizer slogan.

We will build a new one.

Perhaps she already had.

[authoralexharvey]

(Character number 2. :) I hope you're loving my disaster space found family.)

*The ten year old sits down with her feet dangling off the floor, kicking them idly* Hi. I'm Terra. I don't have a last name. I can't remember it. Sorry. We just use Yune's 'cause he's our guardian and it's easier. Nice to meet you. I like your place. It looks like it came out of a fairytale. I told Will I'd go first, 'cause he's being a big baby. He's my twin. Can you really tell the future with cards? That's so cool! Can you answer questions with an UNO deck? We have one. That would be so neat to learn.

My question? Um... I don't think I'm allowed to ask this, 'cause no one's supposed to know, but... Can you keep a secret? Ok. ... Me and Will are part of the One Thousand. Everyone knows we're supposed to save the galaxy - all of us - but how do we do that? We're all just kids. How can we possibly save anything let alone a whole galaxy? No one knows what we're supposed to do, we're just supposed...to do it. And...and because Me and Will were...changed... we're not Terran anymore - we don't know what we are, we were told they gave us a tool to save the galaxy, but since we're not terran, are...are we even still part of the One Thousand anymore?

I'm sorry if that's hard to answer. Maybe I should have asked if I'll ever meet Tylan Denly. He's that really cute boy on "Laki Rift." Boys are gross, but he's not. He has really pretty lavender eyes and fluffy hair.

Are those all your cards? ooooo pretty. I really like this one. Ethereal Visions. It's got a lot of purple and pink, and I like the artwork.

Hello again! I'm having fun with the personality you inject into each of them ^^

--

Alex's 300 Follower Tarot Extravaganza

--

In all her time since starting classes at this college, she has seen a lot... but not a ten-year old. She has half a mind to worried how the child in front of her and how she got on the mesa to begin with. Of course, that's not something she can directly ask her. And, somehow, she thinks this ten-year old in particular can handle herself better than the other children she's seen. Maybe.

"Hello there," she says, taking her deck box in hand. "These are some of my cards. I have a lot of them, can you believe it?" Then, after a moment of feigned deep thought, she says, "How about this. Don't tell anyone else I did this--they might get mad and think it's unfair--but just for you, I'll answer both questions, okay?"

She thinks again of Ines as she shuffles. She can't help it. First the angst-riddled teen and now a child even younger? It makes her heart hurt for her brother. Wherever he's found himself, she offers him a quick prayer before returning her attention to the girl before her.

"I don't know what an UNO deck is, I'm afraid. Is it like playing cards? People can tell fortunes with playing cards just fine. Other people, I mean. It's not my specialty. Really, you can use a LOT of things to tell the future. Try it sometime. Take... say, a necklace, or a shoe string with something tied to it. Have it swing one way for yes and another way for no. You can go a long way on that alone.

"Oh dear, I'm rambling, aren't I? No matter."

She shuffles now in earnest, focusing on Terra's question. After a minute, she cuts the deck and draws a card.

"Remember," she says as she starts to flip the card over. "This is the super secret answer. Don't tell anyone I answered an extra question for you, okay?

With that, she studies the card she's drawn.

"I think," she says, revealing the card to Terra at last, "your personal makeup doesn't matter when it comes to the fate of the world. See this card, yes? There's ten pentacles--thats the ten disks with stars in them at the top--and two people with a dog. They look quite happy, don't they? They've made quite a life for themselves. And I think that's the same case here. I think who you are, or who you were, doesn't matter when faced with the bigger picture. So, whatever the 'one thousand' is, I take this as a sign you're still a part of it, and that you all are still capable of amazing things."

After a breath, Nadia returns the card to her deck. "Sad to say, I have no idea what it is you will accomplish or how. That is not something the gods have deigned necessary to show me. You'll figure it out, though.

"If anyone asks, however, I didn't tell you any of that. The first card was between you and me." She waits for Terra to nod vigorously before offering a wink.

"Remember. Don't tell anyone."

With this, she begins to shuffle anew. The next card comes when she splits the deck and draws a card. After a moment to think, she sets the card down between them. A figure sits on a Throne, holding a sword aloft and a pair of scales.

"Interesting." She leans forward, sliding the card closer to Terra. "Interesting indeed.

"What's it mean? Good question. To tell you the truth, I'm not fully certain, but I think it suggests you will see Tylan during a very important moment. Perhaps he is related to your first question. Perhaps not. Perhaps he will be important in a different way. Regardless, I do think you will see him at some point."

She picks the card up and examines it some more. "Honestly, though, boys are gross and I think that even now. He may be cute now, but I don't think you will still think so when you two meet. Or maybe you will."

With this, she puts the card back within the deck and tucks everything away. "Well. That's everything, I think."

[primroseprime2019]

Con Job

"Alright! Chores are done! Now can we do some dune-bashing?!" Miko pleaded Bulkhead from her position on his shoulder as he walked into the command centre.

"I don't know, Miko. Last time, I spent a week picking sand out of my articulators. But there's a monster-truck rally in town," Bulkhead offered, causing Miko to light up.

"What is it with you and monster-truck rallies?" Paige asked as she leaned into Optimus, resting on his shoulder.

"They're awesome!" Miko answered casually.

"Optimus! I'm receiving a signal from a restricted band! It appears to be coming from a starship within the solar system," Ratchet reported, "It's an Autobot identification beacon!"

"So there are other bots out there?" Jack surmised.

"The masses scattered to the galaxy after Cybertron finally went dark. But 'Cons have been known to fake traps with false beacons," Arcee pointed out. Paige looked down at the mention of Cybertron but she was hiding her sadness at the fact that she was most likely the last Galatrian in the world.

And it hurt. Optimus, almost as if he sensed her sadness, gently brushed the girl's back with his digit before he looked back at the screens.

"Unknown vessel, this is Autobot Outpost Omega One. Identify yourself."

After some static, they got the answer they were looking for. And it made Bulkhead happy.

"I've had warmer welcomes from Decepticon combat grenades!"

"Wheeljack?!" Bulkhead exclaimed excitedly as he ran forward, causing Miko to nearly fall off his shoulder, "You old 'Con crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?!"

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

"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons. How soon can you get here and even the odds?" Bulkhead asked.

"Sometime tomorrow...if I put metal to the pedal."

"Another bot's coming here! How cool is that?!" Miko gushed excitedly.

"Wheeljack... I know him by reputation only. Can you verify his voiceprint?" Optimus asked.

"He is 1000% the real deal, Optimus," Bulkhead nodded.

"Aw, y'all wouldn't forget about us so easily, would ya?" A mech's voice asked playfully. Arcee widened her optics in surprise, "Jazz?"

"Us?" Jack repeated curiously. "I'm here with Jazz and Wheeljack," Prowl chuckled.

"Don't leave us out, ya old mech," another voice said and Primrose widened her optics with joy and surprise.

"WhiteRain, Nightwalker!" She said excitedly. "Hiya Prim," the other femme said.

"Hey, Rosie," Nightwalker said excitedly.

"New bots! And they sound cool!" Paige said happily. Upon hearing that, Optimus and Ratchet softly glared at the girl.

"You're all cool too," Paige said quickly with a smile and the others chuckled. "Whatever you say, Sweetspark," Ratchet chuckled.

"Who's the little lady?" Jazz asked. "You'll see her soon," Ratchet chuckled.

"We will send landing coordinates, Wheeljack. Safe journey," Optimus bidded.

"See you soon, buddy. I'll make sure you get a proper welcome," Bulkhead promised before the transmission was terminated.

"So...who's the boyfriend?" Arcee asked casually.

"Me and Jacky go way back. We were part of the same warrior unit: The Wreckers. Which means the 'Cons are gonna wish he never found us," Bulkhead proclaimed.

"Oh boy," Primrose grimaced as she facepalmed dramatically, "And I thought we had enough male ego around here!"

"Try living with them for as long as I have," Arcee retorted with a smirk.

"I don't know how you survive," Primrose chuckled.

"Hey!" Bulkhead exclaimed in mock offence.

◊◊◊◊

"Wheeljack? You old 'Con Crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?"

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

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

"A war hero, hmmm?" Ember pondered aloud.

"We haven't much time. Makeshift!" Starscream called out.

Makeshift approached the three Decepticons. As soon as Makeshift was close enough, Soundwave stuck out his clawed tentacle and stabbed Makeshift. Within moments, Makeshift wasn't himself anymore.

"Let us give the Autobots a proper welcome," Ember said with a soft yet dark chuckle.

◊◊◊◊

"Wheeljack's ship is approaching the landing zone," Arcee reported happily.

"You think he's here to visit?" Raf asked.

"Maybe he'll stay! Hm, has to find his own human, though," Miko mused, "How about Paige?"

"No!" Bulkhead, Primrose and Arcee protested and Bumblebee glanced at Optimus who's shoulders tensed up with protectiveness upon hearing Miko.

"GroundBridge cycling up," Ratchet reported proudly, before sparks flew from the controls, causing him to grumble as he whacked it with his fist, "Blasted Scraplets! The equipment hasn't been the same since the infestation." "What are they like?" Paige asked, looking to Primrose, "the new bots, I mean."

"Jazz and Prowl are complete opposites of each other," Primrose chuckled, "Jazz is a bit of a musical delight while Prowl is a little by-the-book. WhiteRain is sassy and creative although her personality says different and Nightwalker's just a cowboy- rowdy and rambunctious."

"Him, Cliff and I would get into all kinds of mischief," Arcee chuckled. Paige smiled softly and she leaned into Arcee's neck cables.

"So Wheeljack's gonna land halfway around the world?" Jack began, "and then you'll just bridge him and the others here?"

"We can't risk revealing the location of our base. Just in case the Decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship," Optimus explained the reasoning behind this action.

"Someone wanna calm Bulkhead's pacing?" Primrose asked as she gestured to the pacing Bulkhead.

"Allow me," Miko smirked before approaching the railing, "Dude! I've never seen you so stoked!"

"You're gonna love Wheeljack! We were like brothers! And tonight, we're gonna party!" Bulkhead proclaimed.

"Sweet!" Miko cheered. The alarms went off.

"Bogies! Closing fast on Wheeljack's position!" Arcee reported.

"'Con scum!" Bulkhead exclaimed in anger.

◊◊◊◊

Wheeljack's ship, the Jackhammer, flew through the air, being tailed by five Decepticons who shot at the Autobot ship.

The Jackhammer dodged every shot except one. A blaster shot hit the engine and the ship made a huge dent in the desert as it crashed and skidded for a few feet.

The Vehicons landed and transformed into their bipedal forms. One of them took a step forward only to be met with a blaster to the chestplates and it fell to the ground.

WhiteRain, Nightwalker, Jazz, Prowl and Wheeljack stepped out of the smoke. Nightwalker's blaster was out and smoking.

"You trying to ruin our day, you're gonna have to try harder than that," Wheeljack said before he activated his battle mask and the five Autobots charged at the Vehicons, drawing their weapons.

◊◊◊◊

Echo watched the scene on the screen, her wings twitching slightly. Ember turned to Soundwave, "swiftly now. Before the other Autobots arrive."

Soundwave only nodded in response.

◊◊◊◊

"Open the bridge, Ratchet! We're missing all the action!" Bulkhead pointed out.

"I'll prepare sick bay," Ratchet decided as he activated the bridge.

"Who for? The 'Cons? This is Wheeljack we're talking about!" Bulkhead scoffed in disbelief before running into the portal with Arcee and Bumblebee following him.

"Why do I get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?" Primrose suddenly asked.

"Prim, you worry way too much," Firestorm teased her affectionately.

"I can't help it, Fire. It runs in the family!" Primrose defended as she jerked her helm in Optimus' direction.

"I heard that," Optimus called out from the other side of the room.

"You were meant to!" Primrose called back. "It's strange that Bulkhead only talks of Wheeljack and not of the other bots," Paige said, tilting her head slightly.

"Well Bulkhead and Wheeljack have known each other since the War began," Ratchet said, "trust me, imagine how their reunion will look."

◊◊◊◊

When Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee arrived at the scene, they were expecting a fight. They were expecting to be attacked by the Decepticons. So they had their blasters ready to go. However, there was no need. Surrounding them were dismantled Decepticon warriors. Bulkhead could only stand and watch in pure amazement as Wheeljack ran his blade through the remaining Decepticon and he fell to the ground.

"I taught him that," Bulkhead chuckled proudly.

"Ever think we might need a hand here?" Nightwalker asked as he sheathed his blades and he and the others approached the three Autobots.

"What? And spoil the show?" Bulkhead scoffed.

"You missed one," Arcee said, placing her servo on her hip. WhiteRain unlocked her blaster and shot the remaining Vehicon right in the faceplates, taking care of it quickly.

"If this is all you got, then this planet is in much bigger trouble than I thought," Wheeljack remarked. Bulkhead widened his optics before he hurried up to the other two Wreckers and picked them up into a hug, laughing with joy.

Nightwalker chuckled as he and Arcee clapped servos together and patted each other's backs.

Jazz smiled as he rubbed Bumblebee's helm and Prowl chuckled. Arcee grinned as she watched the two Wreckers.

"Haha, watch the finish, you old wrecking ball," WhiteRain chuckled.

◊◊◊◊

The ground bridge opened and the Autobots ran into the base. Ratchet jumped slightly when the controls sparked and so did the ground bridge.

"Jacky, Rain, come here. Meet my other best buddy, Miko. She can wreck with the best of us," Bulkhead boasted.

"Hiya," Miko greeted.

"You keeping Bulkhead out of trouble?" WhiteRain asked as she leaned in closer.

"I try. But trouble finds us anyway," Miko answered. "More like you find trouble," Primrose chuckled as she hugged Nightwalker and WhiteRain.

"We're gonna get along just fine," Wheeljack chuckled and he walked up to Optimus, "Optimus Prime. It's a privilege."

"Likewise, soldier," Optimus said, "What have you to report from your long journey?"

"Been bouncing from rock to rock searching for signs of friend or foe. Now I find both," Wheeljack shrugged casually.

"We are few but strong. We have suffered losses. But we have grown. And we would relish welcoming a new member into our fold," Optimus said.

"I would be honored," Wheeljack smiled.

"Then let's get this party started!" Bulkhead cheered as he slapped Wheeljack's back and they bumped chests.

"Oh joy," Ratchet said sarcastically with a frown. Jazz looked around before he saw Paige hiding behind Arcee's pede.

Jazz smiled softly and he bent down on one knee and held his servo out. "C'mon out, Lil Lady. I won't hurt ya."

Paige looked up at Arcee who gave a reassuring nod and the girl walked over to Jazz before she climbed into his servo.

"You're a Galatrian," Prowl said, blinking in surprise, "I've heard of you but I didn't think there'd be one on Earth of all places." "She's so cute and tiny," WhiteRain said with a giggle.

Paige blushed and she waved her fist at the other femme, "I'm not tiny!" "Fiesty little thing," Nightwalker snickered.

◊◊◊◊

"The moment Makeshift passed through their GroundBridge, we lost their signal," Starscream announced, "the Autobot base is no doubt heavilly shielded to prevent us from locating it. No matter. I have complete faith in Makeshift," Starscream reassured himself as he and Soundwave walked into a prison cell with Wheeljack- the real one- hanging from energy-suspended shackles.

"Our inside man is already inside," Starscream said. Wheeljack looked at the two Decepticons with narrowed optics, "tell Megatron he's fragged in the helm if he thinks Bulkhead won't sniff out an imposter."

"Haven't you heard? Someone else leads the Decepticons now," Starscream said, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

"You? Ha!" Wheeljack scoffed with laughter. Starscream growled and raised his claws to strike the Autobot only for Soundwave to grab him by the wrist.

"Yes," Starscream hissed and he yanked his servo away, "yes he may be yet of use," he looked back at Wheeljack, "Makeshift is very good at keeping up appearances. He need only fool your friends long enough to open their ground bridge from within so that I may finally learn the location of the Autobot base and send in my strike team to stain its floor with the spilled energon of Optimus Prime."

◊◊◊◊

Loud electric guitar music filled the atrium as Miko played for the group, dancing a bit as she did. Paige and Raf sat nearby listening.

"Come on, Wheeljack! Show me what you got!" Bulkhead challenged as he caught the metal ball and threw it back, "Nice lob!"

"So...what's that about?" Jack asked.

"It's called lobbing. A favourite pass-time on Cybertron. Especially among the warrior class," Arcee clarified.

"Come on, Raf! Show us some moves!" Miko encouraged as the familiar beats filled the room.

"Oh, alright...," Raf sighed as he stood up...and did the robot.

"Of course. The robot," Jack laughed. Paige laughed as Bumblebee copied Raf.

"Oh the irony," Nightwalker laughed before he decided to join the two.

Paige watched Miko play her guitar and she walked away. "Hey Paige, can you sing something for us?" Miko asked, a smug grin on her face, "I'm sure Wheeljack would love to hear your voice for the first time."

Paige felt her cheeks warm up as everyone looked at her, even Ratchet. "U-um," Paige said and she glared at Miko, "you are so dead."

Miko stuck her tongue out at her. Paige sighed before she placed her phone on the amp and plugged it in.

"Said there's nothing that we can't do when we're dancing," Paige sang, "I can feel the music more when I'm with you. With your hands on me, I feel my heartbeat racing. Now."

"Had to let go of everything that I know," She continued, swinging her hips a little, "before, -ore, -ore. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently. One, two, three, and dance with me tonight! And maybe all our dreams are coming true. And, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! Let me move you!"

"Yeah, little faster, little slower, it don't matter. 'Cause I never knew myself this good till now. And I hope you know this change in me forever. Forever," she did a little twirl, "had to let go of everything that I know. Before, -ore, -ore! One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently. One, two, three, and dance with me tonight! And maybe all our dreams are coming true. And, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! Let me move you!"

She wasn't even aware Ratchet was staring at her with astonishment and the sudden applause startled her. She smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck as her cheeks turned red.

"You weren't kidding. She has an amazing voice," Jazz said, his visor glowing with delight. "I agree," Prowl chuckled.

Paige blushed more and squeaked in surprise when Ratchet scooped her up into his servo. Jack smiled and shook his head with amusement. "Where's Optimus?" He asked Arcee, suddenly noticing the absence of the Prime.

"Went for a drive. Primes don't party," Arcee answered with a smirk. "But I'll be sure to show him this when he gets back," WhiteRain said with a grin.

"Comin' at ya!" Bulkhead warned as he threw the lob ball...that Wheeljack missed and it smashed into the GroundBridge controls.

"You know, I am attempting to perform sensitive calibrations here!" Ratchet snapped, "and you almost hurt Paige!"

"Sorry, Doc. Guess we're a little charged up," Wheeljack apologized as he picked up the ball and he gently patted Paige's head with a digit, "sorry, Kit. You built this bridge from scratch, huh?"

"I did," Ratchet nodded.

"That's quite a feat of engineering," Wheeljack complimented.

"Yes. It is," Ratchet agreed.

"Something wrong with it?" Wheeljack asked casually.

"I didn't care for the way it sounded after that last jump. I put it in shutdown," Ratchet answered.

"What if you need to use it?" Wheeljack wanted to know.

"Oh, I can't disrupt the defrag process without causing irreparable damage," Ratchet shook his head.

"So...how long will the defrag take?" Wheeljack questioned, his expression darkening.

"A few hours...if we're lucky. Maybe longer," Ratchet shrugged. Paige watched Wheeljack, frowning. Something was off about the Wrecker and his aurora only fed her suspicions.

After a while, the party ended and switched to that of Bulkhead and Wheeljack telling everyone, minus Ratchet, their stories of the war.

"So there we were. No communication. Low on Energon. Surrounded by 'Cons. So what does Wheeljack do?" Bulkhead asked teasingly, noticing the excitement on the faces of Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf, "Tell them, Jackie."

"What I do best," Wheeljack said.

"He chucks his only grenade smack in the primary heat exchanger!" Bulkhead revealed.

"Seemed like a good idea at the time!" Wheeljack defended his actions with a good-natured laugh.

"The joint went SUPERNOVA!" Bulkhead recalled, spreading his servos to prove his point.

"Awesome!" Miko gasped excitedly.

"Yeah. I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside!" Bulkhead said as he rubbed at his backside in demonstration.

"I'm not surprised given the size of your backside," Arcee smirked and Nightwalker and Bumblebee snickered.

"There it is. Jackie's signature. One grenade. One shot," Bulkhead finished the story before noticing the expression on Wheeljack's face, "Hey. You alright?"

"What?" Wheeljack stuttered.

"You don't seem like yourself," Bulkhead observed.

"What do you mean?" Wheeljack demanded.

"I don't know. You seem...quiet," Bulkhead said. "I've been stuck in a can too long. I should go topside before things go stir crazy," Wheeljack shrugged.

"I have patrol in the morning. You can come with," Bulkhead offered.

"Let's go now," Wheeljack suggested as he immediately stood up, causing Paige's suspicions over the guy's strange behavior to rise.

"And break up the party?" Bulkhead protested, "Come on! The gang's loving you! You've gotta tell them about the Battle of Dark Mount Pass!"

"You tell them. You're better at it. How about if Miko here shows me the rest of your base?" Wheeljack offered.

"Yeah. Sure, Jacky. Go ahead," Bulkhead agreed hesitantly.

"Tour starts now," Miko declared as she and Wheeljack disappeared into the hallways, "Do you play any instruments? Can you fly? Have you thrashed more Decepticons than Bulkhead?"

"Typical Miko," Primrose couldn't help but mutter, before noticing Bulkhead's forlorn expression, "Hey. You alright, Bulk?"

"Yeah. Just out of sorts I guess, Prim," Bulkhead muttered. "Don't tell me you're jealous," Arcee teased with a slight smirk amongst the concern in her optics.

"That Miko's making a new friend?! Come on! Something...something's just not right about Wheeljack," Bulkhead said.

"Bulkhead, really?" Arcee sighed, thinking that Bulkhead was just overreacting, "He's travelled for galaxies. You haven't seen him in centuries. He could just be rocket lagged or...well, bots do change, you know?"

"Not Jacky," Bulkhead protested. Firestorm and WhiteRain looked at each other.

◊◊◊◊

Inside his prison, Wheeljack strugged against the confindments. His grunts of determination and occasional frustration were heard by the Decepticon guarding him. It annoyed the Vehicon to wit's end. Eventually, he had enough. He walked up to Wheeljack with his blaster unfolded from his arm and held it to his face.

"You're not going anywhere, Autobot," he proclaimed.

That was when Wheeljack took his only chance. He wrapped his legs around the Decepticon's neck. Immediately, the Decepticon struggled against his tight grip and started shooting laser blasts from his blaster.

"Blah blah blah," Wheeljack grumbled as he guided the Decepticon's target with his legs.

Within moments, Wheeljack managed to make the Decepticon shoot the control panel that kept the restraints that were restricting him active. With the control panel destroyed, Wheeljack was able to free himself. He fell to the ground when the sparks died and the cuffs shattered.

◊◊◊◊

"So, that's pretty much it. Energon stock pile, powerboard generator, armory; everything you need to blow the joint sky high," Miko remarked as she wrapped up her tour with Wheeljack.

"Where's this bunker located exactly?" Wheeljack wanted to know curiously.

"If I told ya, I'd have to rip out your spark chamber," Miko answered dangerously before a happy smile appeared, "Kidding! Just outside Jasper, Nevada! Though I don't expect that to mean too much to ya!"

"Can't say it does," Wheeljack lied, "So, any way out of here besides bridging?"

"Why? You're not planning to leave already, are you?" Miko asked nervously, "Come on. I'll show ya."

◊◊◊◊

"Almost there," Ratchet proclaimed as he continued working the damaged GroundBridge controls.

"Look. I know Wheeljack better than anyone," Bulkhead boasted.

"Hey," Wheeljack said as he walked into the room with Miko, "What are you guys talking about?"

"I was just telling the guys about you and me...at the Battle of Dark Mount Pass," Bulkhead answered casually.

"That's a heck of a story," Wheeljack remarked.

"Yeah. Tell it," Bulkhead requested with narrowed optics.

"Talk, talk, talk. How about after we go off-roading?" Miko suggested.

"Miko, stay out of this," Bulkhead warned. "Bulkhead, easy," WhiteRain soothed.

"I'm not sure I-," Wheeljack began to protest.

"Tell it!" Bulkhead persisted.

"Fine. If you wanna live in the past, Bulkhead," Wheeljack shrugged casually, "The Wreckers were trapped between a Decepticon patrol and a smelting pit. The 'Cons were vicious. Raining down on us with everything they had. Me and Bulkhead engaged the enemy. Left them for scrap. Then I made us a way out using their backsides as stepping stones to cross the molten metal. Isn't that how it happened?"

"Yeah. That's exactly how it happened...except for one little thing. I wasn't there," Bulkhead revealed, causing everyone to stare at the two of them in pure alarm.

"I'd already left the Wreckers to join up with Optimus. But you would know that if all you did was access Wheeljack's public service record," Bulkhead said as he poked Makeshift's chest, challenging the Decepticon.

"Bulkhead, what does that have to do with-WHOA!" Miko screamed as Makeshift picked her up suddenly.

"Miko!" Nightwalker and Bulkhead shouted as Makeshift stood near the ground bridge.

"Stay back. Or I'll squeeze her into pulp," he growled, holding Miko in a firm grip.

"Wheeljack! What are you doing?!" Miko exclaimed. "Decepticon coward," Bulkhead growled, "let the girl go and face me!"

"Don't fret," Makeshift said, "plenty of fighting to come."

"Is there a real Wheeljack!?" Jack demanded. "Oh indeed," Makeshift said with a smirk, "and I'm sure Mistress Ember is making sport of him." Primrose froze and her optics widened.

"You Pit-Spawned fragger!" Nightwalker snarled.

◊◊◊◊

"Are you certain we are at the coordinates we supplied to Makeshift?" Starscream asked Soundwave, which earned him a nod in response.

"Then what is taking him!?" The other Seeker snapped with impatience.

"Maybe they gave your boy such a hero's welcome, he got the warm and fuzzies and decided to switch sides." Starscream whirled around to see Wheeljack walking towards them, his optics blazing with bridled fury and his battle mask on.

"Do you not see you are vastly outnumbered?" Starscream taunted.

"I see fellas who might vastly enjoy me pound some dents into you," Wheeljack growled.

"Destroy him!" Starscream commanded and the Vehicons shot at Wheeljack who took out his katanas and charged at the Vehicons.

◊◊◊◊

"About time," Makeshift huffed as he activated the ground bridge. "You won't get away with this!" Primrose snarled.

"I already have," Makeshift remarked with a smirk.

◊◊◊◊

Wheeljack was having an easy fight with the Vehicons. And he was getting too close to Starscream. Said Seeker fired a missile at Wheeljack. The force of the explosion was enough to knock the Wrecker back but he managed to land on his pedes, slicing and dicing any Vehicon who tried to attack him. That was when Wheeljack jumped onto Starscream, putting the Seeker down for the count.

Wheeljack heard the sound of the ground bridge opening and he turned towards it. "Well, well," he murmured as a plan formed in his mind.

◊◊◊◊

Makeshift stepped back towards the ground bridge with Miko still struggling in his grip. "Let's get this party started," he said with a dangerous grin.

Wheeljack suddenly jumped into the base and kicked Makeshift hard. Miko flew across the air and Bulkhead quickly caught his charge. Makeshift hit the wall and was unconscious for a few moments.

"I'd shut that hole before the stink comes through," Wheeljack remarked. "Couldn't have said it better myself," Nightwalker said.

◊◊◊◊

Starscream coughed as he got up. Energon trailed down his jaw and he looked towards the ground bridge with wide, angry optics. "Enter the ground bridge now!" He shouted.

The Vehicons hurried towards the ground bridge only for it to close. Starscream let out a yell of anger.

◊◊◊◊

Makeshift took out his blades and he and Wheeljack circled each other. Bulkhead stepped forward, but Wheeljack stopped him. "Ugly's mine," he said.

That was when the fight began. The two went at each other. Swords clashed and sparks flew. Everyone watched, ready to intervene if needed.

Paige pulled Raf close to her in a sisterly fashion and Raf clung to her. "Which one's the real Wheeljack?" He asked.

"I lost track!" Miko exclaimed. "The one with the bright grey aurora," Paige said. Jack looked to her in confusion.

Makeshift slashed at one of Wheeljack's swords and charged at him. Wheeljack managed to claim one of the Decepticon's swords, using them both to knock him to the ground. He won.

"That's my Jacky," Bulkhead boasted proudly. Wheeljack deactivated his battle mask and looked to Ratchet, "you, hit the switch."

Ratchet nodded in response and turned to activate the ground bridge. "It's time to take out the trash," Wheeljack said and he smiled at Bulkhead, "all yours, buddy."

◊◊◊◊

The ground bridge appeared before the Decepticons once again. The Vehicons backed away for a moment.

"What are you waiting for?! GO!" Starscream shouted. The first few Vehicons quickly ran into the ground bridge.

Bulkhead held Makeshift's defeated form in his servos before he spun around and threw the Con right into the ground bridge. The first few Decepticons saw Makeshift hurling at them and they quickly turned tail and ran.

Starscream saw them and before he could even reprimand them, Makeshift slammed into him and the two fell to the ground.

Wheeljack smiled at Bulkhead, "nice lob."

◊◊◊◊

At the Decepticon warship, the Autobot ground bridge closed. Starscream got up and glared at Makeshift, "please tell me that you at least learned the location of their base."

"Indeed Commander Starscream. It is in a hidden bunker just outside of-" Makeshift's explanation was cut off by the familiar beeping sound. Starscream glanced at the bomb that was attached to Makeshift's hip.

"Whoa! Back! Back! Back!" He exclaimed as he hurried away. Makeshift stood where he was and he looked down at the bomb on his hip. "Oh no," he murmured before the bomb exploded, eliminating him and any Decepticon who stood too close.

"MAKESHIFT! YOU FOOL!" Starscream shouted in anger as he and Soundwave flew away.

In the control bridge, Ember and Echo stood in the control bridge. Ember frowned as she felt the ship rock from the explosion. "Starscream better not have ruined this ship," she muttered.

◊◊◊◊

In the Autobot base, things had returned to normal. Miko was playing her guitar while Bumblebee, Nightwalker, Jazz Jack and Raf were dancing. Paige hadn't joined them as she was leaning on the railing, watching them with a smile.

Ratchet groaned in annoyance, "it's like a recurring nightmare." WhiteRain and Prowl chuckled softly.

"Now that you're part of Team Prime, we need to pick out a vehicle mode for you," Bulkhead said, gently bumping Wheeljack's arm, "I have some ideas."

"Uh... about that, Bulk," Wheeljack said hesitantly, "now that my ship's repaired, I'm itching to know what else I might find out there."

"Wait! You're leaving? Why!?" Miko pouted. "Well... because some bots never change," Bulkhead said with a soft chuckle. Wheeljack smiled softly.

"Wheeljack, know that you will always have a haven here," Optimus said.

"Jacky never stays but he always comes back," Bulkhead said proudly and he and Wheeljack did a fist bump. "Feels like you just got here, Sparrow," Paige said with a playful smile.

Wheeljack chuckled and gently ruffled her hair, "yeah, well I'll be sure to let you know if I find any more Magic Users out in the galaxy, Kit." Paige smiled softly and she hugged his digit, "thank you, Jackie. That... that means a lot."

"Anytime Paige," Wheeljack said with a soft smile. "We'll see you off," Firestorm said with a soft smile.

◊◊◊◊

In the desert, the ground bridge closed up. Wheeljack turned to Bulkhead, "there's room for two Bulk. Even with a backside like yours. Who knows what we might find out there? Some of the old crew?"

Bulkhead furrowed his optic ridges and he glanced at Miko who looked down sadly. The wrecker looked back at his friend, "sounds like fun, Jacky. But my ties are here now. With them. With her." Upon hearing that, Miko smiled up at her guardian.

Wheeljack gave a respectful nod to his friend and he looked to Miko. "Anything happens to my favorite wrecker, I'm comin' after you," he threatened playfully.

"I'll take good care of him," Miko said reassuringly with a smile and she pulled out her phone, "now say cheese." With that, she took a picture of the two Wreckers.

Bulkhead and Primrose looked to Wheeljack. "WhiteRain," Bulkhead said, a spark of hope igniting in his optics.

"I'm here to stay, sweetspark," WhiteRain said and she kissed Bulkhead on the cheek. "And if I find any wreckers, I'll be the first to let you know," Wheeljack promised. "What's special between you and WhiteRain?" Miko asked curiously.

"She and Bulkhead are boyfriend and girlfriend," Primrose, Firestorm, Nightwalker and Arcee chorused. "Aw," Paige said with a smile as Bulkhead and WhiteRain blushed and Wheeljack chuckled.

The white Wrecker shook his helm with a smile before he saluted everyone and went into the Jackhammer. The door closed and the Jackhammer flew up into the air, disappearing through the clouds.