A/N: I didn’t like the tone of the last version of this chapter. This one works better for me. Enjoy!

-Cybertron – approx. 9240 B.C.E. Earth Years-

“Jagris, can we see you for a moment?” Fire Convoy pulled a young femme scout aside and led her into one of the High Council’s meeting halls before she could answer.

“Is there a problem, sirs?” The feline styled ‘bot looked up at the collection of past and present leaders assembled before her.

“Not a problem per se, but we have received word that your research is coming to a head.” Lio Convoy looked down at the smaller bot.

“It is. I should have the new engine prototypes running within the next couple of cycles.” Jagris smiled to the leaders’ council.

"Don't you think it would have been wiser to let the engineers and medics handle this project?" Big Convoy asked the scout.

"No offense, Sir, but I doubt that they'd be able to make heads or tails out of the plans for the engines... or the fuel mixture they require." The catbot shifted as she looked up at the leader.

"And you're sure that this will bring a peaceful end to the fuel wars?" Fire Convoy asked.

"If it takes among the populous, we'll never need to rely on energon again." Jagris shrugged. "We'd be able to cut through the Decepticon stranglehold on the planet's resources, and take them down within a deca-cycle."

"That's all well and good, but you never did submit the name of the mech you're planning on employing as a testing unit for your engines." Elita-One asked.

"That's because I'm installing them in my own system." Jagris started, holding up a hand as the council began to protest. "I know that it's not a terribly enlightened course, but I'm the only person that knows the full limitations of the engines, and what my own systems are capable of supporting. You'll all have to give me your trust on this."

"Trust is not an issue with us. We're more concerned about your welfare and the safety of the project while in testing." Elita-One leaned forward on the desk. "We would be more at ease if there was a bodyguard of some form with you."

"We know that you're one of the most discreet scouts on the planet, but that won't help you if the Decepticons catch on to what you're doing and attempt to take it by force." Fire Convoy added.

"In that case then, I'll leave the selection of my guard to the council's discretion." Jagris smiled as the scout turned to leave. "I'm almost finished with the final preparations on the engines, so you can send them down to the research facility."

"One last thing before you leave, Jagris." Lio Convoy stopped the catbot. "Are you going to be able to install the engines by yourself?"

"Technically." Jagris nodded. "I've programmed the auto-repair unit to be able to undertake the portions of the upgrade that I'll be in stasis for, but I wouldn't mind if there was someone available as backup."

"All right. We'll have a unit down to you as soon as possible." Fire Convoy dismissed the scout from the room.

As she re-entered the main hallway, a blue and white femme caught to Jagris. "How did it go with the Council?"

"Better than I expected, General Sentra." Jagris turned to the femme. "It looks like they're giving me the full green light on the project."

"I just wish that you could have found someone to test the engines for you." Sentra put an arm around the catbot.

"You know that I'm far too stubborn to die." Jagris playfully swatted at her commander. "Besides, I've got a little trick up my sleeve."

"I hope it's nothing that I'll regret." Sentra raised an eyeridge.

"You an' me both." Jagris smiled. As the catbot was about to continue, the femmes were interrupted by a pair of hands descending over their shoulders.

"Hi, Speedy." Jagris drawled as the blue mech's face appeared between the scout and her commander.

"Good morning, ladies!" The Autobot chirped, hugging Jagris.

"Is there any particular reason that you're not training with your brothers?" Sentra looked up at the 'bot.

"I came to see how those engines were coming along." Speedbreaker started.

"You said that nobody knew about them." Sentra turned to her subordinate.

"Speedy came to see me one day for some reports... and I just happened to be working on the schematics for the engine." Jagris shrugged. "He promised me that he'd keep his audio processor shut."

"And I have." Speedbreaker grinned. "I just want to see this thing in action... and maybe... I dunno... get my name on the list for one before anyone else."

"I'll think about it." Jagris crossed her arms. "C'mon. I'm almost done with the hardware."

The three entered the research corridor, and Jagris punched in the security code to enter the lab she'd been assigned.

"It took me a while to track down a simple chemical formula that could be universally created, but I managed to find something I liked." Jagris smiled, turning to activate the lights.

As the lights flickered to life, the trio became aware of a figure standing beside the partially completed engine sections.

“You know, for someone who’s rumored to be among the fastest ‘bots on Cybertron, you sure like to take your sweet time getting anywhere.”