Wheeljack and Bulkhead arrived back at base, their heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway as they carried an unfamiliar device between them. It was small, metallic, and covered in strange symbols that none of them recognized.

“Ratchet, you’re gonna want to see this,” Wheeljack said, setting the device down on the table in the med bay.

Ratchet glanced up from his work, his optics narrowing at the device. “What is it?” he asked, rubbing his servo across his chin. He shuffled over to the table, picking it up cautiously. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. Could be from an ancient civilization or something else entirely…”

Before Ratchet could continue his analysis, Arcee, who’d been watching from the doorway, strode in, her curiosity piqued. “What’s that?” she asked, raising an optic brow as she stepped closer.

“I have no idea,” Ratchet admitted, still examining it. “But we’re going to need to run some tests.”

Arcee, always eager to learn, couldn’t resist. Her fingers brushed against the surface of the device, and in an instant, it began to hum and shake violently in her grip. A series of strange lights flickered across it, and a high-pitched whine filled the room.

“Uh… Arcee?” Bulkhead’s voice rumbled with concern, but it was too late.

With a sudden burst, the device sprang to life, sending sparks flying as it whirred and vibrated out of control. Arcee dropped it, taking a step back as it skittered across the floor, buzzing and flickering with unholy energy.

The team exchanged uneasy looks, the weight of the moment settling in.

“Well, this is gonna be fun,” Wheeljack muttered dryly, glancing at Ratchet, who could only sigh deeply.

“Today’s not going to be normal, is it?” Ratchet deadpanned, and the others couldn’t help but agree.