OOC: Relationships at The Wake

[redwhitensnark]

The Canon Crew and Related Alternate Universe Folks

ANIMATED

Optimus Prime (originally firetruckhero, now like_a_bossbot)
The entire Detroit Autobot crew is family to Ratchet, but Prime is one of those he feels he can safely confide in when it comes to just about anything. Where the medic is concerned, Prime is one of the best commanding officers he's ever served under and has a great deal of respect for the young leader's bravery, abilities, tenacity and intelligence. At the same time, there has gotten to be almost a sort of "father and son" relationship between older and younger bot where these two are concerned. Now that he is Awake once more, this version of Optimus is from earlier on in their shared time line. Ratchet feel responsible for helping his superior along and making sure he doesn't lose faith in himself as he develops as a leader.

Prowl (still_strike)
While he didn't think too much of Prowl when they first met, Ratchet has since come to think of the ninjabot as the other Autobot on the team he can speak to easily when something is weighing heavily on his processors. He's a good friend and true companion, and someone Ratchet isn't afraid to entrust his life with in the worst of situations. Recently, Prowl began teaching meditation to Ratchet to improve his focus for bending in Nautilus. Prowl was also one of the few who managed to communicate effectively with the medic after his death, when he was nothing more than a small, lost spark haunting the Medbay. An event that de-aged both Prowl and Ratchet also brought them closer together, cementing their relationship as "brothers." Gone to the great beyond, the Well of AllSparks. Goodbye, brother...

Bumblebee (fastestonwheels, then notahumblebee)
While the young bot is family like the rest, Ratchet has a much shorter fuse with Bumblebee than any of the others. This is largely due to Bumblebee's impulsive behavior and overall attitude. Still, Ratchet only spends time griping at the young bot because he cares; the medibot does believe 'Bee has potential...it's just a matter of getting him to stop running his mouth and spinning his tires long enough to actually get somewhere. Sleeping again...

Jazz (a_sweet_ride)
This jive-talking bot joined Optimus' crew toward the end of their long fight against the Decepticons, helping them save both Earth and Cybertron. Ratchet was grateful to Jazz for his help back in their home world and the two got along well in Nautilus. Jazz offered to train the old bot in Circuit-Su and Metallikato, determined to do his part to pass on what he knew of Cybertronian martial arts. The two spent months training together on a daily basis, Ratchet becoming decently formidable as a result. Another returned to Sleep...farewell and thank you.

Wreck-Gar (stupiddaredevil)
Their first meeting in Detroit left a lot to be desired, but since spending time together in Nautilus, Ratchet has grown very fond of Wreck-Gar and is determined to make sure the youngster has a chance to develop properly as an individual. Ratchet has made the effort to teach Wreck-Gar about everything from basic repairs on Cybertronians to the true meaning of love and friendship, working hard to instill the idea that Wreck-Gar's choices determine who he is, for good or for bad. And while the junkbot isn't defenseless, the medic is still very protective of him...and even got into an argument with Blitzwing once over him that eventually led to Ratchet's own death. In recent months, Wreck-Gar has proven himself to be a bot who can look before he leaps, managing contact with the AllSpark and being helpful to other Wakened. Ratchet is very proud of the young bot.

Grimlock (megrimlockrule)
Oh Spark slaggit. Ratchet is trying hard with this one, he really is... The trouble is that dealing with Grimlock is all the more difficult if there's anything shiny nearby or if he's already got it in his processors to do something and do it HIS way. As has been said of the mighty T-rex, "Grimlock has the attention span of a kid with ADD let loose in Wonka's Chocolate Factory for a week." All the same, old bot is attempting patience. When Ratchet declared himself temporary Autobot leader in the absence of Optimus Prime and Grimlock challenged him as self-proclaimed "king", the physician tried to placate the big bot by telling him he was the official protector of the Southern Forests. So far, their relationship has remained half-way functional.

Swoop (fly_robobird)
Ratchet's knowledge of this bot was pretty much just, "The Dinobot that could fly" while he was back in Detroit. Now that Swoop is among the Wakened, he's demonstrated not only that he's capable of speech, but a fair amount of intelligence. No rocket scientist as far as Docbot can tell, though fairly easy to speak with and it's not too hard to get him to understand the important details of city life. Ratchet's relationship with Swoop got off to a fairly good start, the old bot warning the younger one about who and what he needed to avoid. Swoop was appreciative and almost a bit surprised at how protective Ratchet was, though being defensive of almost everyone and everything is pretty much what Ratchet does. Someday the two will go out flying together.

Sari Sumdac (the_sari_virus)
Ratchet has openly admitted before that he loves Sari, and for all his lecturing and yelling at times, he truly does care just that deeply about his little half-human, half-Cybertronian friend. He is often just as protective of her as he is of Wreck-Gar, though recent canon events have led Ratchet to put a little more faith in Sari's powers and fighting prowess. In some ways, he's almost a little scared to see her grow up, yet at the same time he knows deep in his spark that she'll make a great Autobot. Months ago, defiance after Bumblebee's first return to Sleep prompted Sari to move in with Starscream. This upset the Autobots, Ratchet included and especially. Recently, however, problems with Starscream's return from death prompted Sari to throw a fit, forcing Megatron and Ratchet to intervene and bring the hybrid back under control. The medibot took her in at the Medbay once again and is currently giving her medical and engineering training on a daily basis. Whether or not she will move back in with Starscream again has yet to be seen, but should she choose to do so, Ratchet will respect her choice. What matters to him, ultimately, is her safety, happiness and a decent upbringing (which, shockingly, Starscream is capable of providing for the most part).

Captain Carmine Fanzone (whyihatemachins)
If any human from his home reality could relate to Ratchet, it's this guy. Tough, practical and used to dealing with crap on a day to day basis, Fanzone is a captain with the Detroit city PD. He's got a good eye for detail, knows how to take command in an ugly situation and while he seems rough around the edges, his people skills are actually fairly decent. Currently living in the Medbay on an invite from Ratchet, Fanzone is learning how to get through day-to-day life in Nautilus without causing too many household appliances to malfunction int he process. Though he often says he hates machines, the man's got a soft spot for the Autobots from Detroit, possibly Ratchet in particular. The two can easily sit and talk like old friends, though they have butted heads once or twice where past bad incidents in their professional careers are concerned. Fanzone is one of the few who is aware of Ratchet's past involving Arcee, though he is not privvy to all the details, including Ratchet's mentorship of Omega Supreme.

Wasp (hatesbees)
This guy would be easier to handle if he would just let go of his insane grudge against Bumblebee, something Ratchet has encouraged the younger mech to do several times. Ratchet's frustration with Wasp doesn't not necessary equate to hated or even dislike, however. If anything, the medic would love to see Wasp get a few new hobbies and really make something of himself. Be happy that way, so to speak.

Megatron (cybertronismine)
Ratchet never thought it possible, but he has actually developed a degree of grudging respect for the Decepticon leader that goes beyond Megatron being physically stronger, tougher and faster. This is due largely to the fact that the two have managed a number of civil conversations, both over the network and in the metal. Megatron was also one of those present to help fight the shadow creatures when they tried to invade the Medbay during Starscream's takeover of Nautilus. If it weren't for Megatron's whole "Cybertronians are superior and should rule everything" mentality, Ratchet might actually get along with him on a more regular basis. Recently (and despite the recent return of Optimus Prime), Megatron recognized Ratchet as the "de facto leader of the Autobots."

Starscream (spongescream)
Unfortunately, Ratchet has very little love or respect in his spark for the Air Commander. Blame it on Starscream murdering the medic in cold fuel, or on Starscream's hostile take over of the city (which also resulted in the death of Cyrus, who Ratchet misses quite a bit). Or just chalk it up to the fact that as far as Ratchet is concerned, Starscream is a loud, obnoxious, arrogant, self-serving backstabber who needs to have his intake welded shut. This did not stop him from trying to repair the Seeker once when his help was required...but that has far more to do with duty and simply what is right. Ratchet usually forces himself to tolerate Starscream as much as possible for the sake of Kyd Wykkyd.

Blitzwing (fuhrerofzedance)
The Revolving Door of Crazy. Another mech Ratchet does his best to deal with because of Kyd Wykkyd. Blitzwing aided Starscream in murdering both Ratchet and Cyrus, definite counts against him in the "like and respect" department. Aside from that, the triple changer tends towards belligerence with anger management issues that make the medic want to keep his distance. This does not, however, mean Ratchet won't snark at him if he thinks he can get away with it.

G1 (CARTOON)

Dead End (deadster_awake)
A Decepticon not of Megatron's original ranks (as he is not from the same reality as Ratchet or the Decepticon leader currently in Nautilus), Dead End is not someone Ratchet feels openly hostile toward the majority of the time. Generally, Dead End is decently civil when he speaks and has even sat across from the medic at Furmans Bar for a few shots of high-grade a little bit of conversation. This does not mean Ratchet trusts him, however. Dead End is a Decepticon for a reason and while the medic respects him for not being as obnoxious as Megatron's ranks, he is aware the Stunticon can still be just as dangerous.

Wheeljack (derpjack_ftw)
This was a relationship that got off to a somewhat shaky start, if just because Wheeljack knew the Ratchet of his reality to be his best friend... While Ratchet of Nautilus recalled the Wheeljack of his world to be another scientist who aided Perceptor under orders from the Council to create Omega Supreme. Not really the medibot's favorite bot, as one might guess. Nevertheless, Wheeljack and Ratchet have had a number of discussions and become friends as well as neighbors, getting to know one another through moments of both triumph and tragedy. The engineer is a good, if somewhat accident-prone mech where Ratchet is concerned. He forms attachments rather quickly and can be quite the loyal friend. The two keep an optic on one another from time to time, making sure that neither overwork themselves. While Ratchet genuinely cares about Wheeljack, however, he still remains a bit stubborn about letting the other Autobot into his life as fully as he has with Optimus Prime and once did with Prowl. This is largely because the medic doesn't think his neighbor has been around quite long enough to understand the city, how it works and even how Ratchet himself works. And that comes from Ratchet being something of a stubborn glitch, himself, well aware of his Angelii status and his length of residence in the city. Few can get away with hassling Ratchet into doing things, among them Optimus and Lelouch. ...just keep at it, Wheeljack.

Jazz (doin_it_w_style)
Accepting this version of Jazz has not been easy for Ratchet; it's almost like getting a replacement for the one from his home reality with another that sounds, looks and acts similar...but is missing a few very crucial components. For example, unlike Animated Jazz, G1 Jazz here is not a Cyber-Ninja. Just meeting this new Jazz over the network for the first time was enough to depress the medic, who tried to remedy the situation by visiting the abandoned dojo in the south where both Prowl and Jazz used to train. Still, Ratchet is well aware of the fact that this new version has every right to be among the Wakened and has been trying to accept him as best he can. He does come off as a very easy going, polite bot who's got his head screwed on straight, after all. Ratchet can certainly appreciate that.

G1 (DREAMWAVE)

Shockwave (understaffed)
Honestly, Ratchet doesn't know too much about this mech except that he's a Decepticon, a scientist, he's logical to a near fault and he's defied Megatron once before by altering Blitzwing's personalities (which ended up being temporary). Shockwave generally keeps to himself and his lab in the Western District, and once had a working relationship with Vexen, their greatest accomplishment screw up as a team being to accidentally cause a reality storm that flooded the city with clones. Ratchet's clone tried to kill him. Twice. Thanks, Shocky! :|

MOVIE!VERSE/BAY!VERSE

Sideswipe (stabbywheelfeet)
Dealing with Sideswipe from the start reminded Ratchet of working with a lot of the younger troops back home on Cybertron when the Great War really got underway. In some ways, the Corvette reminds the older bot of himself when he was younger... Stubborn and somewhat rash. However, Sideswipe has as much ego as Sunstreaker and a violent streak to match when it comes to Decepticons. Though they've certainly had their share of arguments, insult trade sessions and misunderstandings, through time and as much patience as he can muster, Ratchet has managed to earn Sideswipe's trust. In fact, Ratch is one of the proud few in Nautilus who Sideswipe actually likes. Though prone to referring to the young mech as an "idiot kid" at times, the medic really does have a soft spot for Sideswipe and doesn't want to see bad things happen to him. He'll help the youngster out whenever possible, offering him understanding when it's needed to hopefully nudge him in the direction of beneficial change.

Everyone Else! (In Alpha Order)

Hemeros, Jamie (folds_ur_pants)
Slagged if he can explain it fully, but there's just something Ratchet likes about Jamie. Maybe it's just because he's a good kid who doesn't cause trouble. Or because he tries to be sensible and practical. Even when he's not that good at something, he still tries hard, and that means a lot to Ratchet. The kid went back to Sleep sometime ago, but recently returned...only with lack of memories regarding his time in Nautilus. This means he's forgotten everyone and everything there, including Ratchet. While this hurts Ratch quite a bit, he's holding onto the hope that Jamie will eventually remember...

Hook, Captain James (bloodygoodform)
One of the first two people Ratchet ever met, face to face, in Nautilus (the other was Aaron). The two are good friends, though Ratchet often worries about James in terms of the man he will eventually become. Being who he is, James is not afraid to kill for a cause he deems right, which is not Ratchet's way by any stretch of the imagination. Despite that, the old bot still sees him as a good human being at heart who struggles with his identity and destiny at times. Sleeping once more. Oh, Jas...

Kid Wykkyd (cannot_spell)
Whether he knows it or not, Kyd Wykkyd appeals to Ratchet's softer side, the one that really does make him act like a kindly old Grandpabot. Despite the fact that Wykkyd has insisted on a number of occasions that he is meant to be a villain, the medic doesn't believe it. The kid may have a penchant for mischief, but that's understandable. Ratchet was no angel in his own youth. Much like Wreck-Gar, Wykkyd simply needs a chance to finish growing up without someone telling him who or what he should be.

Lady Subaru (aka Mariko Misono) (fakewingstofly)
Originally an intelligent, well mannered woman Ratchet helped out when she first arrived in Nautilus and then a good friend after, Subaru is now the medic's significant other. Their battles against Ratchet's evil clone, Klank, helped draw them closer together and shortly after that reality storm ended, confessions of love were made. Despite the species and age gap, the two believe that because of how they fell in love and because of how the city works, they will be able to overcome their differences and remain dedicated to one another. Highly possessive of and loyal to his Lady, Ratchet would fight to the death for her with hardly a second thought. Forced back to Sleep by forces unknown. No loss in Nautilus has ever caused Ratchet so much pain...

Leonhart, Squall (shivas_lover)
Ratchet was a little wary of Squall at first and had moments of doubt regarding the man's character when he learned the SeeD was a mercenary. Over time, he come to trust Squall quite a bit, as he is a very organized, dependable youth who keeps things clean and knows how to keep the best interests of the medbay in mind. However, a misunderstanding between the two over one James Sunderland caused Squall to move out and take the widower with him. Ratchet also suspects that Squall has fallen in line with Starscream at this point, thus negating some of the trust the medic placed in him in the first place. He will still speak with Squall and maintain friendly conversation, but he can't help but be a little wary. Old bot is old and paranoid.

Mister Monday (lazy_mondays)
Another who Ratchet did not get to know right away, Monday and the medic became better acquainted under dire circumstances; one day the Denizen went home and came back impaled on a sword blade. Ratchet rushed to the Eastern District gate to remove the weapon and heal Monday, the two getting through the worst of it by talking about age and old war wounds. They've spent some time chatting over the network and have met up at Furmans Bar before for drinks. Still, despite knowing about some of Monday's various family issues and a bit of what makes him tick, the fellow remains a bit of a mystery to Ratchet. Monday claims he is not a good person, but Ratchet has difficulty seeing him as anything else. Like most of the city inhabitants, Monday chose to defend Nautilus against Isis. Hopefully, someday Monday will realize his second chance...

Pandora (ailuruslucidity)
Another "stray" Ratchet found and brought home shortly after she arrived in Nautilus. Honestly, why is anyone allowed to be this cute? Pandora sets off Ratchet's protective tendencies something fierce. He knows her childhood was hardly a chidhood and feels that her father treated her extremely poorly, thus leading him to want to spoil her every chance he gets.

Pyramid Head (lets_get_rapey)
Dear Spark WHY. This guy killed Alexander Hamilton and threw James Sunderland from the medbay roof. Despite the Repo Man's insistence that Pyramid Head is mostly just a monster acting on instinct, Ratchet wants as little to do with him as possible. Largely because that thing has it out for James. The further away from the medbay Pyramid Head is, the happier the medic.

Roxas (ourlucky13th)
Ratchet's grandfatherly relationship with the young Nobody got started with a round of questions from Roxas, the kid wanting to know more about Nautilus and how the city worked. Since that time, Ratchet has proven himself a reliable source of information, as well as someone Roxas can turn to when in need to advice and even a little bit of parental understanding. Though he lacks a heart of his own, Roxas seems to have a basic, lingering understanding of how to care from his time spent merged with Solaris in the battle of Kalliste; all that he expresses is not quite mere imitation and Ratchet has been observing the kid's behavior in the hope that one day, he will find his heart and know what it is to have a full range of emotions. Deep down, Ratchet considers Roxas to be one of "his", another adopted youngster who, much like Lelouch, lives elsewhere but is free to come in and out of the Medbay as he wishes. Though he will not say it for concern over the trouble it may cause, Ratchet thinks of Roxas his favorite Nobody.

Sands, Crawford (crawfordsands)
Oh boy. And people thought Ratchet was rude before his time in Nautilus? This guy is the epitomy of anger issues, surly behavior and profanity. He may even cuss more than Alex does! Despite Crawford's attitude and his apparent hatred/distrust of sentient machines, however, Ratchet has gone out of his way to try and help the man, even using his human guise to talk to him without causing problems. Perhaps it's just that the medic feels sorry for the guy, seeing as how his attitude keeps others from helping him. Somewhere in that rough around the edges fellow, there might be a better person. Ratchet intends to earn his trust and find out.

Sunderland, James (nailboardrambo)
At one time, quite possibly Ratchet's best human friend ever. No one else could get away with harassing, teasing and pestering the medic like James could. Ratchet guarded the man at times with a selfishness that surprised even the bot, himself. James was there for him when Starscream and Blitzwing left him to die, and took on a number of Ratchet's most important memories so that if resurrection failed, those memories wouldn't be lost. The two roomed together in the medbay, sharing quarters with Ratchet recharging on his berth...and James sleeping on Ratchet's hood. Things went terribly awry, however, the when James went home and it was revealed he'd killed his own wife. The man killed himself in his own world and then returned to Nautilus as the walking dead. Ratchet was unable to do anything about James' state on his own and when Squall attempted to bring the spear-dragging, acid-spewing dead man into the medbay without apparent regard for the safety of those living there, Ratchet chewed him out and said that James would need to be contained. Misunderstanding it all, Squall took James and left. Later on, Ratchet went on a mission to Silent Hill with an Ashura and a few of the other Angelii to try and do what he could for James that way. Once the man had been returned to the land of the living, medic and widower reconciled, however it would seem that things will never be quite the same. They live apart from one another by choice, now, though they are on friendly terms. Taken by Sleep. Another friend lost...

van Winkle, Rip (hellbornhuntrss)
It may be another vorn or so before Ratchet figures this one out - for some odd reason, he's taken a bit of a liking to Rip. Possible it has something to do with what he sees as her sense of honor. Or that she took an active part in trying to help discover who murdered Ratchet all those months ago (even though it turned out to be two guys on the team she allied herself with). Whatever the reason, he has a good deal of difficulty labeling her as an "enemy." It helps that many of her recent actions in Nautilus, particularly her sense of self-sacrifice in order to protect the city from her two former commanding officers (Megatron and the Major), have made Rip look quite the unselfish soldier.

vi Britannia, Lelouch (vanished_prince)
Though Lelouch was not someone Ratchet spent a lot of time speaking with at first, the two have recently become fast friends. When a drop into Chaos below entrenched Nautilus in a week of multiple-effect reality storms, Lelouch was reduced to a child version of himself, unsure of his location and needing a place to stay. While a younger Zanki discovered the kid first, it was Ratchet who took him in for the duration of the storm. ...the Oni was too drunk at the time to look after a child. Ratchet and Subaru took care of Lelouch and had a good time of it, but allowed him to go back to his own way of life once he was restored to his proper age. Lelouch has remained grateful for their kindness since then and is now teaching Ratchet to play chess. He also recently helped the medic with a rather dangerous upgrade via bending. Ratchet is extremely found of Lelouch and considers him responsible young man, someone he would trust with his life.

Wallace, Nathan (aka The Repo Man) (monsterarises)
One of the only other trained physicians in Nautilus, Nathan is Ratchet's friend, mentor and student. The two have taught one another a great deal about their respective practices; Nathan schooled Ratchet on human medicine while the Autobot taught the Repo Man a few things about Cybertronian repair. Despite Nathan's duties and reputation, such as they were in his own realm, Ratchet does trust him with nary a second thought. Sleeping once more... Farewell to yet another friend and mentor.

Wolfgang, Alexander (citygrit)
The man is sickly and after Ratchet's younger self met Alex's younger self, the medic understands a bit better why the fellow is the way he is... He respects Alex's willingness to make right on his past wrongs, to stand up for the right of others to be individuals, for order to have limits so that it isn't all ruling and consuming. At the same time, Ratchet can't help but concern himself with Alex's shoddy health. Deep down, he really wishes there were something he could do to fix the guy. Ratchet recently gave Alex a gift - a black bomber jacket he bent out of nothing with a tiny red medical symbol on one collar corner, just like the ones on Ratchet's own panels.

Zanki (slashing_demon)
Another older guy who had to deal with crazy kids. Ratchet respects that and thanks to some of the shenanigans during the timeshift reality storm in Nautilus, he also respects Zanki's good aim (if the guy kicked a shoe down your intake, you would too). One of these days, he figures they ought to get together at the bar (in a non-party atmosphere) and share a few stories over some drinks. Overtaken by his own demon and killed by Lysander...gone from Nautilus.

More to be added later...

Recently Added: Sideswipe and Roxas

To be Added: Sunstreaker, Blackarachnia, Red Trafford, Riyaz, Pepper Potts, Demyx, Axel, Michael Trinity, William Jesse, Hazel Bentley, Jak...and more. This glitch needs to stop talking to everyone and their dog.