On the large platform at the heart of the base, lit by the soft, cold light of the power panels, the Autobots were gathered. Their bodies reflected the flickering reflections of the lamps, every sound of their footsteps echoed along the high metal walls. The silence was almost tangible, broken only by the steady hum of the working systems and the soft rustle of air from the air conditioners.

They waited. Optimus stood in the center, his gaze stern, but there was a hint of anxiety in it - he knew that this was a decisive moment, a moment that would determine the outcome of the upcoming mission. Ironhide, Bumblebee, Ratchet and the others lined up around him - each tense, each prepared for any development.

And then the light on the platform darkened slightly, and soft stripes of light began to descend from the upper hatch, like spotlights, highlighting the center of the room.

And you appeared.

Your frame was elegant, your armor shimmering with subtle blue and silver lines, as if someone had deliberately emphasized your form and grace. Your optics glowed a soft pink, reflecting both strength and a surprising warmth. Your helmet was streamlined, with a slight curve that recalled the lines of an older model that Optimus remembered from before - and suddenly it created a strange, almost painful sense of déjà vu.

Each step was precise, measured, but radiated a confidence that reminded him of someone very dear to him. And indeed: your gait, the movement of your shoulders, the easy flexibility of your body - all this was similar to the girl he lost long ago.

You approached the center of the platform, froze for a moment, and the Autobots seemed to hold their breath in unison. Everyone felt the magnetism of your presence, but Optimus... he felt something more. As if a piece of the past came back through you, reviving memories that he could not allow himself to live to the end.

"You... you Elita-2?" — his voice finally cut through the silence, deep, low, filled with a mixture of surprise and caution.

You nodded slightly, optics softly flashing, reflecting confidence and respect at the same time.

"Yes. And I'm here to help."

Ironhide tilted his head slightly, studying you, as if checking every detail of your hull, and Bumblebee hummed faintly, but its vibration reflected curiosity and cautious respect. Ratchet stepped forward, preparing to assess your capabilities, but he himself could hardly hide his slight surprise - it was not every day that a new Elita with such an aura of power was born.

Optimus took a step forward, his massive figure seeming even more impressive next to you. He carefully studied your movements, your posture, the optics that softly glowed in the semi-darkness. Something in your appearance, in your aura, made his heart beat faster, as if you were both a new ally and a reflection of the one he had lost.

“You remind me of her…” — he said quietly, almost to himself, “but at the same time, you are one of us… You are Elita-2, unique, and your power… Welcome to the team."

You smiled slightly, and even that small gesture seemed to relieve the tension that hung in the room.

You raised your hand, and a slight vibration emanated from your armor system, as if confirming your readiness to act.