When The Decepticons Invented Protogens

The hour was late, but the Protocons had not yet laid down to recharge. Their cells were embedded in the wall, and didn't extend very far either, allowing only for the essentials and some basic commodities. Pyroat was fluffing herself up in front of the mirror mounted on the wall; she definitely looked more imposing like that. She was a Decepticon after all; one of the valiant fighters of Cybertron, if she didn't take care of her image, what honor did she have? Pride radiated from her spark as she grabbed a loofah of fine steel wool and dipped it in a solution resting in a metal bowl mounted on the side of the mirror. She took the loofah and rubbed it over her metallic parts, breaking down grease and all other imperfections. She jumped a little as she heard a sudden ringing sound issue from the other side of the wall to her left, the third time in the last few minutes. What could 'Cip be doing over there? She started out of her room and turned into Aerocip's, an odd sight; she was standing across the room and facing the far wall; her arm extended and paw pointed forward. "What in the Primes are you doing?" Pyroat asked; expression muddled with irritation. "Shhhhhh.." Aerocip hushed her, "I'm trying to concentrate..." She extended a claw, the end of which was retracted when a blast of air shot a small, nimble projectile out. The dart flew and hit the wall; right next to a small, circular board, making a loud metallic ringing. Aerocip let out a frustrated groan, "Why can't I hit that board!?" She dropped to the ground; her faceplate tucked between her stifle joints. "I'm not cut out for combat! I'm a better vacuum than I am a Decepticon!" Pyroat opened her intake to speak, when Dyne walked into the room. "What seems to be the trouble, 'Cip?" Dyne asked. Aerocip began speaking between sobs, "I-I just can't do anything right!" Dyne sat down next to Aerocip, and thought for a moment. "You're wrong." he responded,"W-what?" 'Cip still seemed confused, Dyne heaved a sigh, "You're overreacting, we haven't even been on a mission yet, that is where you will prove your worth. I recommend getting a good recharge so you will be energized in the morning." He made a good point; best to get recharged before the big solar cycle arrives. Hopefully 'Cip could calm down before then.Aerocip laid down on the recharge pod in the corner of her room, "Lots of work ahead, our first big test..." her circuitry restless; it was difficult to power down. She could hear the electric hum of the pod in the room next to her, at least Pyroat could recharge with ease. What would happen if they failed the course tomorrow? A simple demotion? Harsh punishment? Maybe they would be smelted down to scrap metal... she shuddered at the thought; such an outcome was not something they could afford. She stared at the cold, steel ceiling. She knew most of what she was dreading probably wouldn't happen, but she couldn't shake this awful feeling about it, even as the recharge pod's hatch shut on her and began the charging process.