Transformers Prime: A New Beginning

Chapter 71: Plus One

Normal Perspective:

Hours had passed since Optimus's and Ultra Magnus's teams had left, and it was now daylight at Unit E, and the humans, who had slept over for the night, were now up and wandering the hangar as they waited to see what the day brought for them.

Michael, who had returned some time ago, Arcee, Dreadwing, Cliffjumper, and Starscream were standing by the human area when Raf spoke up, having kept tabs on both teams, alongside doing more research into the Predacon bones they were looking for.

"Incoming Groundbridge request." He said, then looked at where it was originating from. "From Scotland." He then activated the bridge, and Wheeljack came through, transforming as the portal closed behind him.

"Wheeljack?" Arcee asked, surprised. "What happened? Where are the others?"

"Havin' a swell time takin' the long way home in Ultra Magnus's boat, I'm sure." The Wrecker replied in a bored voice. "Miko included."

"I wondered what was taking so long with those sodas." Raf said, as Jack, Jessica, and Vince looked back at him.

"Did you secure the Predacon bone?" Ratchet asked.

"The, uh, beast hunter kinda imploded, Doc." Wheeljack replied dejectedly.

"Well, I just got wind of another 'Con hotspot." Fowler said, as he walked over to the edge by Wheeljack. "Right outside of Taos, New Mexico. Since Prime's unit isn't back from oil country..."

"Raf, set a bridge for Fowler's coordinates." Michael ordered, then he looked at the others. "Cliff, Arcee, Wheeljack, you three are with me."

"Not today, alright?" Wheeljack said, not eager to head right back out into the field right after coming back from another mission.

"If you're alright sending us out there alone." Arcee commented in annoyance as she walked over to get ready to leave.

"Alone's how I prefer to roll." Wheeljack said, knowing that it was true, at least to him.

"Wheeljack." Ratchet said in annoyance. "You do not want to make Knockout or I abandon a complex equation to venture outside our comfort zone."

"I'm capable in the field!" Knockout protested.

"Be that as it may, we need another warrior here to help me in the laboratory, more than they need another in the field." Ratchet replied, remembering Optimus's words from months ago back when he had tried the Synth-En on himself.

"Can't Dreadwing or Starscream go?" Wheeljack whined.

"No." Arcee said, annoyed. "You're coming with."

"Ugh! Fine...!" Wheeljack said, giving up on trying to back out, and got ready to leave.

"Dreadwing, Starscream, I doubt there will be any more signals popping up, so feel free to go out for a flight if either of you wishes to." Michael said, smiling.

The two were surprised, but smiled.

The Groundbridge then opened, and the quartet headed through.

"But in case none of you have figured it out:" Wheeljack said as they walked through the bridge, appearing on the other side as the portal closed behind them. "I don't play well with others."

They then got into battle stances as they realized they were not alone, for they were surrounded by Vehicons.

"Scrap!" Arcee swore.

"You know what I love most about Vehicon troopers?" Wheeljack said.

"They're easily distracted." Arcee added with a smirk.