7 Minibots - Kindness - Acts Of Kindness
Title: Acts of Kindness
Author: Papyrus_Quill/PuraJo
Character/Pairing: Cosmos, Jazz, Perceptor
Rating/Warning: PG for death
Disclaimer/Author’s Note: Cosmos doesn’t belong to me.
Group/Theme: 7 Holy Virtues - Kindness.
Author Notes: Takes place just after the "God Gambit" episode.
If this was a happy ending, Cosmos didn't see what was quite so happy about it. Sure, the others had managed to drive off the Decepticons and rid the people of a tyrant, but the innocent inhabitants of Titan had lost their homes when the Decepticons had decided to blow up the crystal mines in revenge, and the resulting explosions and fires had caused many a casualty amongst the people. Had the Autobots not been around, Cosmos knew the whole population would have been wiped out, but it was not enough comfort for him when he looked around at the injured.
Around the new campsite Jazz, Perceptor and the natives' leader Telaria went around trying to offer what aid they could to the wounded, while Omega Supreme rested a little further off - recharging for the long trip back to Earth. All three of them looked worn. Jazz's armor was stained with whatever passed as blood for the Titanians, as was Perceptor's, while Telaria went around with whatever bandages and water she could find.
Cosmos watched as Perceptor tried feverishly to save a young Titanian boy with severe burns while Jazz tried to assist him and at the same time shield Telaria from the gruesome sight. Still ever the gentlemech he was, Cosmos thought. Finally though, Jazz turned to the female and told her to go sort out the food to be distributed since the people would probably start to get hungry before long, and also to send scouts out to find water. Telaria looked like she wanted to protest, but Jazz had that look on his face that brooked no arguments.
As Telaria went off to see to the needs of the broader population, Cosmos went over to the two other Autobots to see if they needed his help with anything. Just when he reached them, he heard Jazz give a curse and stomp off even as Perceptor stepped away from the boy, shook his head sadly and drape a blanket over the body. He looked over as Cosmos approached.
"Another one that did not survive, I'm afraid," he said, looking in the direction Jazz had gone. "I concur Jazz is not taking all this too well."
"I don't blame him," Cosmos replied.
"Nor do I, but there is no reason for him to blame himself either. He knew we wouldn't be able to save everyone."
"I guess he just feels responsible for putting the people in danger."
"Perhaps." Perceptor sighed. "He will come back. There is still alot of work to be done."
"Can I help in any way?"
"Yes, of course, Cosmos. I believe there are still alot of people out there that require medical aid. Your smaller size may be of advantage in treating the more delicate wounds."
"I'm no medic though."
"Just do what you can, the rest will come together."
The Minibot nodded and set off, walking amongst the people and trying to offer what assistance he could. He sort of understand how Jazz felt. He, himself, felt partly responsible for leading the Decepticons here in the first place, so he was trying to help as much as possible now to make up for the damage, using all of his limited knowledge of organic first aid.
As he finished tying a rough bandage around the arm of a little Titanian girl, another young female came over to him.
"I'm sorry," she said. "But there is someone over there asking for you." She cringed a little. "He doesn't look very good."
"I'll go have a look at him now," Cosmos replied. "Thank you."
When he reached the man however, he found that 'not very good' was a bit of an understatement. The Titanian was covered in burns and missing a leg. Blood had started to pool under him and he looked to be in alot of pain. As Cosmos neared him, he looked up at him with dull eyes.
"Primus..." Cosmos murmured, then said aloud. "This is beyond my ability. Please hold on, I'll get Perceptor and Jazz here right away!"
"No!" the man half-rasped, reaching and touching Cosmos' foot with a grime-stained hand. "I know I am beyond help now. Please, stay here."
"I can't help you!" Cosmos said. "I'm not a medic. Let me get someone who can."
"Had I wanted medical assistance, I would have asked for it, but no medic in the world can help me now. All I want is for you to end my suffering and let me go in peace," he said. "Have you a weapon?"
The green mech's optics widened. "I am not going to kill you!"
"It would be far kinder than letting me live. Please, Autobot, this pain is unbearable. Would you condemn me to a slow death? What if I were one of your own? Would you wish it upon a friend?"
Cosmos didn't want to answer eventhough he knew what he would say.
"Please have mercy on me."
"How do you expect me to live with myself for killing an innocent?" Cosmos asked. "I already feel responsible for bringing the Decepticons here."
"By telling yourself that this was an act of kindness, not malice." The man gave a groan of obvious pain. "I beg you, Autobot!"
Cosmos drew his weapon, but his hand shook as he raised his arm.
At that moment a hand fell on his shoulder, and Cosmos looked up to see Jazz standing behind him. The third-in-command nodded, expression tired and grim, and the Minibot momentarily wondered how many 'acts of kindness' Jazz had had to carry out that day. Probably more than this one he was being asked to do.
Reluctantly, Cosmos set himself and took aim, determined to end this quickly for all of them. He felt Jazz give his shoulder a gentle squeeze. The Titanian closed his eyes with a whisper of thanks.
In a flash, it was all over.
~END.