Poof and Cough
The "Drabble Meme" here.
playswithworms picked this one.
Prompt: Ratchet the one to accidentally blow something up
Characters: Movie-verse Ratchet and Wheeljack
Rating: G
Summary: Sometimes, explosions can come from the least expected source.
Poof and Cough
Ratchet eyed the steadily growing pile of organic consumables Wheeljack and NEST soldiers were hauling out from several trailers. Most of the foodstuff were apparently local, mostly from India, although a variety of crates indicated much further locations, such as from Bolivia.
"Another experiment, Wheeljack?"
Headfins glowed blue cheerfully as he accepted several large sacks of flour and went to setting them on his workbench. "Yup. I'm going to see I can figure out a way to get our holoforms to absorb the nutrients and utilize the raw materials a little more efficiently."
"You do know we're already synthesizing energon by the solar panels and tidal generators you and Hoist built, and we can consume human food. Not to mention most of us have recalibrated to be able to absorb solar energy."
Several soldiers let out curses after reaching one particular crate and on analyzing the scent molecules as well the opened container, the medic had to agree that durian did not agree with sensitive olfactory sensors. A few other men teased their comrades, waxing poetic about the deliciousness of the spiky fruit, the detractors snarkily tossing back the foul taste and texture. Some joked something about "Iron Chef" meeting "No Reservations" and "Bizarre Foods", to which Ratchet made a note to look those up later.
The engineer/inventor bobbed his head, now sorting through boxes of dried sea cucumbers and what had to be Auricularia auricula-judae. "I know that, but it could be useful if there's a situation where we don't have a portable energon converter on hand. We've already adapted our systems to be able to handle the various types of vehicle fuels, so another option on re-energizing ourselves would be great during emergencies. True, it'll take a great deal of food to fully recharge us to full capacity, but something better than none. Humans are already looking to alternative energy sources, such as using corn. Why not us as well?"
Ratchet snorted, but not out of malice. Trust his old friend to be practical and find new ways of improvement, even if the process was unorthodox by their standards.
"Very well. I'll be with the younger twins for their maintenance check if you need me."
A wave of acknowledgment while noting a crate of mangosteens. What happened next was unexpected.
As the S&R Hummer turned, he knocked one precariously placed sack of flour off the workbench, which sent it flying and spreading into a large cloud around him. Startled and blinded by the sudden whiteness, Ratchet nearly all but tripped on the concrete, one hand scrabbling for something to grab onto. Unfortunately, his hand scraped across a metal support, creating sparks. With that particular sack of flour being of the very fine type, it resulted in an explosion that had everyone nearby running in with weapons drawn before quickly running for water hoses and/or fire extinguishers.
Wheeljack tilted his head thoughtfully as he helped with the firefighting, Ratchet expelling out a gray cloud weakly. "Huh, never thought of THAT happening..."
- - - - - - -
A/N: Auricularia auricula-judae , otherwise known as "wood ear" or "tree ear" in Chinese, "Jew's Ear" and "Judas's Ear Fungus". Sold dried at most Chinese markets, and is used in both Chinese medicine and dishes. They have to be soaked prior to cooking, as well to clean out any grit. They don't have any actual taste so they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Not exactly chewy but it's like biting into seaweed. I eat it all the time.
Dried sea cucumber is another Asian delicacy, and terrific for health-conscious folks because they can help on controlling cholesterol, IIRC. The catch is buying genuine ones at the markets and they can be expensive. When cooked (or stewed), they're can range from chewy to slippery, which can be difficult to pick up with chopsticks. Again, no real taste, but some might have a bit of the sea flavor with them.
Durian smells like... Gah, I can't describe it. I've been to Chinese markets in the past and any time I smell one of those things I'm all ready to "RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!" There's a reason why they're banned in a LOT of Southeast Asian hotels and there are signs on where you can/can't bring in durian.
You can tell I'm a fan of "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations", "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern", and the Iron Chef series. Yeah, I can cook, but I'm a bit lazy to cook. :3
Yes, there have been cases of flour mills exploding.
Willing to nom on comments!
playswithworms picked this one.
Prompt: Ratchet the one to accidentally blow something up
Characters: Movie-verse Ratchet and Wheeljack
Rating: G
Summary: Sometimes, explosions can come from the least expected source.
Poof and Cough
Ratchet eyed the steadily growing pile of organic consumables Wheeljack and NEST soldiers were hauling out from several trailers. Most of the foodstuff were apparently local, mostly from India, although a variety of crates indicated much further locations, such as from Bolivia.
"Another experiment, Wheeljack?"
Headfins glowed blue cheerfully as he accepted several large sacks of flour and went to setting them on his workbench. "Yup. I'm going to see I can figure out a way to get our holoforms to absorb the nutrients and utilize the raw materials a little more efficiently."
"You do know we're already synthesizing energon by the solar panels and tidal generators you and Hoist built, and we can consume human food. Not to mention most of us have recalibrated to be able to absorb solar energy."
Several soldiers let out curses after reaching one particular crate and on analyzing the scent molecules as well the opened container, the medic had to agree that durian did not agree with sensitive olfactory sensors. A few other men teased their comrades, waxing poetic about the deliciousness of the spiky fruit, the detractors snarkily tossing back the foul taste and texture. Some joked something about "Iron Chef" meeting "No Reservations" and "Bizarre Foods", to which Ratchet made a note to look those up later.
The engineer/inventor bobbed his head, now sorting through boxes of dried sea cucumbers and what had to be Auricularia auricula-judae. "I know that, but it could be useful if there's a situation where we don't have a portable energon converter on hand. We've already adapted our systems to be able to handle the various types of vehicle fuels, so another option on re-energizing ourselves would be great during emergencies. True, it'll take a great deal of food to fully recharge us to full capacity, but something better than none. Humans are already looking to alternative energy sources, such as using corn. Why not us as well?"
Ratchet snorted, but not out of malice. Trust his old friend to be practical and find new ways of improvement, even if the process was unorthodox by their standards.
"Very well. I'll be with the younger twins for their maintenance check if you need me."
A wave of acknowledgment while noting a crate of mangosteens. What happened next was unexpected.
As the S&R Hummer turned, he knocked one precariously placed sack of flour off the workbench, which sent it flying and spreading into a large cloud around him. Startled and blinded by the sudden whiteness, Ratchet nearly all but tripped on the concrete, one hand scrabbling for something to grab onto. Unfortunately, his hand scraped across a metal support, creating sparks. With that particular sack of flour being of the very fine type, it resulted in an explosion that had everyone nearby running in with weapons drawn before quickly running for water hoses and/or fire extinguishers.
Wheeljack tilted his head thoughtfully as he helped with the firefighting, Ratchet expelling out a gray cloud weakly. "Huh, never thought of THAT happening..."
- - - - - - -
A/N: Auricularia auricula-judae , otherwise known as "wood ear" or "tree ear" in Chinese, "Jew's Ear" and "Judas's Ear Fungus". Sold dried at most Chinese markets, and is used in both Chinese medicine and dishes. They have to be soaked prior to cooking, as well to clean out any grit. They don't have any actual taste so they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Not exactly chewy but it's like biting into seaweed. I eat it all the time.
Dried sea cucumber is another Asian delicacy, and terrific for health-conscious folks because they can help on controlling cholesterol, IIRC. The catch is buying genuine ones at the markets and they can be expensive. When cooked (or stewed), they're can range from chewy to slippery, which can be difficult to pick up with chopsticks. Again, no real taste, but some might have a bit of the sea flavor with them.
Durian smells like... Gah, I can't describe it. I've been to Chinese markets in the past and any time I smell one of those things I'm all ready to "RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!" There's a reason why they're banned in a LOT of Southeast Asian hotels and there are signs on where you can/can't bring in durian.
You can tell I'm a fan of "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations", "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern", and the Iron Chef series. Yeah, I can cook, but I'm a bit lazy to cook. :3
Yes, there have been cases of flour mills exploding.
Willing to nom on comments!