[001 | Video - Static Ahoy!]

[shutupndrive]

[It had taken a moment or two..maybe it was three--he really couldn't say--but when everything had finally settled and he'd gotten most of his bearings back, realization hit him as he peered at the mark on his arm.

He'd seen that mark before. Primus it had been awhile but he'd had that mark on his arm before.

Pushing himself up, Smokescreen had tried to activate his navigation systems but nothing was working right and he had no idea how long it had been since he'd been here before. Looking around didn't really help with his problem, considering he was pretty sure he was in the middle of the Badlands.

Lucky, it seemed like his comms were still working, though they were full of static.

It was something though.]

--anyone c-c-copy?

This--Smokesc--n.

[Man he hoped someone would be able to understand this.]

Not sure--w-w-where I am. Badlands--? Navigation systems not---king.

--could use some help.

[Anyone? Someone?]

Comments

[Video]

[neverputincharge]

[Bulkhead wasn't quite sure he was believing his audio receptors. First Ratchet, now...Smokescreen?

Or...at least he sounded like him through all the static.]

Smokescreen?

[There's confusion and a bit of wariness. This can't be real. Didn't he mention the badlands?]

[Video]

[shutupndrive]

Bulkhead!

[Oh thank Primus someone he recognizes! Even with the static, he can make out enough of the other's voice and image to perk up, doorwings flicking happily.]

You're---here! Can't get--systems not working--s-s-stuck out here.

video

[neededthat]

[Ratchet hears that familiar voice and sees who it is.

His optics widen.]

Smokescreen? [His voice is urgent as he tries to take in the other's surroundings, and his condition.

The Badlands? He had yet to go there but... he's heard bad things about it already. Which makes the situation that much worse.]

video

[shutupndrive]

[For a moment, Smokescreen doesn't respond. The voice is familiar--very familiar--but the last time he'd heard that voice in this place...was not long after everything with Optimus.

Doorwings twitching, the rookie's optics narrow curiously.]

R-R-Ratchet?

video

[wheeljackofalltrades]

...Kid?

[Okay, first Ratchet and now...Smokescreen? What was going on?]

You're back?

[neededthat]

[He waves his hand, frustratedly as he glares into the feed.]

Yes, yes, it's me! I have no memory of this place, yadda yadda. [Glad we got that out of the way. He knows the schpeel already from Bulk and Wheeljack.]

Do you need help? I can be over there in about ten minutes, give or take a few minutes.

video

[shutupndrive]

--Jack!

[He promises the Wheel part was in there. His comms just aren't working too well.

Really.]

How long----gone?

[shutupndrive]

[Well then!]

Navigation---not working. Can't find my way b-b-back.

[He gives the other a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck.]

If you wouldn't m-m-mind.

Action

[neededthat]

[He gives a curt nod, and ends the feed. Transforming, he makes his way out towards the Badlands out from Solus' Temple.

It takes the old bot a little over fifteen minutes, but he magaes to see Smokescreen in the distance. At least, he thinks it is.

Cautiously, he flicks his headlights on and off, to get his attention from a small distance. If it was a foe, well, he'll drive the opposite way.]

Action

[shutupndrive]

[Once the feed cuts, Smokescreen gets to his feet and stretches a bit, all his joints feeling stiff. His arms dropped and he started to try and fix his navigation systems, frowning as the solution evaded him--

He really should have paid more attention when the others tried to teach him.

The flicking headlights catches his attention though and he grins, immediately transforming and flashing his own lights in return, engine revving before he takes off to meet the other.]

video

[wheeljackofalltrades]

[That's okay, he answers to both! Because what's a small human named Jack?]

Long time, buddy. How far you out there? Can ya see Prima's temple?

[Because if he can rescue another returning refugee....]

video

[shutupndrive]

No idea. Nothing's---king right.

Ratchet's on his w-w-way though.

[neededthat]

[Ratchet transforms back to normal as he meets him halfway. He stands, looking rather prepared to look over the young autobot for any damage or injuries.]

Are you alright? [He asks once Smokescreen got closer.]

[shutupndrive]

[The rookie transforms as well, skidding a bit as he grins brightly.]

Outside of my systems being really messed up and stiff joints, I think I'm alright. No other damage that I can find, docbot!

[His doorwings twitch and he shifts closer.]

So you're here now too...And Bulk's still here. Wheeljack too. I wonder who else from home is here...

[Video]

[neverputincharge]

Kid, what can ya see? I'll come find ya. ....you near the badlands? [He remembers you mentioning that.

....if they can get him before he's some how dragged back in....]

[neededthat]

Let's worry about getting your systems back under control first.

[He glances at his glyph curiously, trying to get a good look.]

Is your glyph intact?

[Video]

[shutupndrive]

Yeah but R-R-Ratchet's coming---be here shortly.

When did he come b-b-back???

[Because Primus this was weird but awesome at the same time!]

[shutupndrive]

[His optics flicker and he turns his arm a bit, showing off Alpha Trion's glyph.]

Yeah. It..was weird to see it form but yeah it's alright.

[He drops his arm and looks back at the doctor.]

I'm still with Alpha Trion, which is a relief.

[Video]

[neverputincharge]

Alright, [He's hoping Ratchet doesn't get lost, cause he only just got here himself.]

Not that long ago, maybe less than a day before you.

You alright? You got a glyph? Systems okay?

[neededthat]

So you've been here before as well.

[Ratchet purses his mouth into a thin line before he shakes his head and soon transforms again.]

The reunion can wait for now. Let's get you out of here and fixed up. We'll head back to Solus' Temple. I'm sure they won't mind me borrowing a few things at the medbay.

audio;

[sciencetank]

...

Smokescreen...?

[It can't be. No, it. Just can't be. That's impossible. He'd given up trying to trace that signal.]

[This is a joke.]

[Video]

[shutupndrive]

Huh. Wait, how long have I been gone?

And y-y-yeah. With----Trion.

[shutupndrive]

Yeah I have--wait. You remember this place too?

[His optics narrow curiously but Ratchet's already transforming and he doesn't want the other to get irritated with him so he follows suit.]

Right. Lead the way, docbot!

audio;

[shutupndrive]

[And suddenly nothing else is important at the moment because that voice is all too familiar.]

--ceptor!

You're here!

[While he's not sure it's okay to be excited that someone is still stuck here, he's missed you like crazy, Perceptor.]

Primus, it's good to h-h-h-hear your voice!

[neededthat]

[Ratchet starts driving back in the direction of Solus' temple.]

No I don't. But you said you were still with Alpha Trion. I can only assume you've been here before.

Wheeljack, Bulkhead and... others have filled me in. Apparently this is my third time here.