TPFverse. Autobot Base and a Nearby Town. Surprises Part 1
base: *quiet, calm, still*
time: *painfully early in the morning*
silence: *broken by the massive clatter of a large body simply shutting down on its feet and succumbing to gravity*
Ratchet: *startles awake, moves to sit up, and gets pushed back down by WakeJumper*
WakeJumper: Stay put, or I'll weld you down. *moves to go see who fell over, though he has a sneaking suspicion about the crasher's identity*
Bulkhead: *looks over through his open door as WakeJumper passes it* *not really awake* Optimus fell over again.
WakeJumper: *sigh* Come help me lift her...
Bulkhead: She'll be liftin' herself. *optic shutters droop*
WakeJumper: *rolls his optics and goes to make sure Optimus is alright*
Optimus: *is that slightly shaky hand groping around the railing of the humans' balcony as she tries to get herself off the floor. Is uncharacteristically dazed from weariness and maybe something else. Has a slight mark on her face where the plating had discoloured during her bout of the illness she'd contracted from the infected energon in the ghost ship*
WakeJumper: *over to help the Prima to her feet* Easy, Optimus... *will scan to make sure it's just weariness, like the last time*
Optimus: *blinks at him* ... *frowns, but then her face clears* WakeJumper...
WakeJumper: *gently teasing* Am I going to have to threaten you with being welded to your berth too, Optimus?
Optimus: *more puzzled blinking as she tries to get her feet solidly beneath her* That would... hinder my ability to fulfil my duties.
WakeJumper: It'd mean you'd actually rest for a full recharge cycle...
Optimus: No time... *puzzled look, and then her face goes blank and her optic shutters drop as her knees buckle*
WakeJumper: *acks, pings Bulkhead's comm with a near-desperate "Get out here and HELP ME."* *even with as big as he is, Optimus is still bigger, and heavier... and warmer than she should be*
Bulkhead: *staggers out moments later* What... what's goin' on?
WakeJumper: *trying so hard to stay standing while supporting Optimus* I think something's really wrong... She's running hot...
Bulkhead: *suddenly wide awake as he stomps over* Slag, look at her face. Is it that thing she got from those dead bots?
WakeJumper: ...What thing from what dead bots? *optics serious*
Ratchet: *from the entrance to the hall* The plague...
WakeJumper: *attention goes to Ratchet* ... Then the sooner we get her treated, the better. *going to try and get Optimus to the infirmary*
Ratchet: *moves to help, even though things are kind of blurry around the edges at the moment*
Bulkhead: *just shoulders the other two aside, then bends his mighty back to the task and carries his Prima toward the lab*
WakeJumper: ... *well in that case... Will give Ratchet similar treatment, despite the older medibot's protesting*
Ratchet: You're putting unnecessary strain on your frame, youngling!
WakeJumper: You were supposed to be resting, Ratchet.
Ratchet: *trying to protest that he's fine, 'oof's as WakeJumper shifts him a bit roughly*
Bulkhead: *carefully laying Optimus down* Easy, Bossbot.
Optimus: *turning her head and blinking her confusion*
WakeJumper: *getting Ratchet situated on a nearby berth, and propping him up so the older mech can see what's going on* Okay.... *cycling air and trying to think*
Ratchet: Thankfully, we still have the antidote formula... *trails off as he looks at Optimus. Quiet sigh as he realizes that what's ailing the Prima was brought on by her pushing herself too hard with too little rest*
Bulkhead: *frowns at the sigh* What? What's wrong?
Ratchet: Optimus has been pushing herself too hard, on too little rest, again...
Bulkhead: So what's that mean?
Optimus: *small sound as she turns her head again*
WakeJumper: *jokingly* That I finally get to follow through with the threat of welding someone to a berth so they'll rest...
Bulkhead: ...I don't think she'd like that much.
Optimus: Ratchet?
Ratchet: *soothingly* I'm right here, Optimus...
Optimus: *puzzled when she can't see him, but only that orange and black bot*
WakeJumper: *moves to see if he can find something to make Optimus more comfortable* *to Bulkhead* Prolly not, but if it got her to rest... *slight shrug* Besides, that'd be way nicer than what Fixer would've done....
Bulkhead: I still think you're pullin' all that Fixer stuff outta your tailpipe.
WakeJumper: I wish I was, Bulkhead... I really, REALLY wish I was...
Ratchet: *careful leaning, will reach to touch Optimus' hand while the younger medic is elsewhere*
Optimus: *startles and slowly turns her head, then looks bewildered to see her medic laying there*
Bulkhead: Yeah, whatever. *unaware of what's going on on the tables*
Ratchet: *soothing sounds* *quietly* Easy, Optimus... You need to rest...
WakeJumper: Remember Viisaus, Bulk? He'd tell you some of the things he's seen her do... And he's more prim, proper, and honest than I am.... *given how honest WakeJumper is, that's saying something*
Bulkhead: He's also dead, last I heard. *still skeptical*
WakeJumper: ... *pffff* The day Viisaus dies is the day Fixer does. *turns to bring the tarps he found over, pauses* ... *very quietly* Hey, Bulk, am I seeing things, or is Ratchet holding Optimus' hand?
Bulkhead: Nah. *turns head. Scratches head* Nah...
WakeJumper: .... Here, hold these. *gives the tarps to Bulkhead, moves to keep Ratchet from falling on his face, since the older mech is perched precariously on the edge of the berth*
Optimus: *sleeping deeply, her usually troubled frown erased in favour of peaceful rest*
Ratchet: *very slight start as WakeJumper moves him away from the edge of the table*
WakeJumper: *moving the two tables so they're side by side with no gap between* There. You can keep an optic on Boss-bot and rest at the same time.
Ratchet: *absently, to WakeJumper* And you can go back to your quarters and let the stress cracks on your frame heal up.
Bulkhead: *frowning with confusion about all this*
WakeJumper: *back over to grab tarps* *to Bulkhead* Thanks for the help earlier...
Bulkhead: No problem. *frowns at his friend quizzically, but then perks as a solution hits him* I must be tireder than I thought.
WakeJumper: *snerk* Go get some rest. I'll keep an optic on these two.
Ratchet: *firmly* Oh, no you won't, WakeJumper. You're going to go back to your quarters and let those stress fractures heal.
Bulkhead: Heh, knew you were cracked, Wake. *heading for the door* Oh yeah, I better go keep watch, since Optimus can't and 'Bee and 'Cee're with their partners.
WakeJumper: *glaring match with Ratchet*
Optimus: *soft sound and moves in her sleep*
Ratchet: *attention going to Optimus, will gently smooth her helm*
Bulkhead: *rubs optics, decides he's not seeing that, and goes to stand guard in the control room*
Optimus: *sighs and settles down, her face turned toward the senior medic*
Ratchet: *very quiet clicks as he continues to gently smooth Optimus' helm*
WakeJumper: ... *moves to make a pile of tarps in a nearby corner of the infirmary, intends to keep an optic on Ratchet and Optimus, and that means staying close by in case something happens*
Later that morning....
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *arriving at the base, has a thermos of coffee and a couple of blueberry bagels as his breakfast. Pauses when he hears the volume of music being blared, will move to see what's going on, and stare as he realizes that it's Bulkhead in the control room instead of Optimus*
Bulkhead: *watching the monitors while headbanging happily to clashing bass and incoherent yelling. Hasn't noticed the arrival yet*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ... *suspects that Denver would like whatever it is Bulkhead is listening to* *will move to approach, hoping to get the large mech's attention*
Bulkhead: *spots movement and looks. Big hand goes over and shuts off the music* Morning, Lt. Col. Mac.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: Good morning... Bulkhead, right?
Bulkhead: Yup, that's me. *optics sparkle in the grin his mug isn't inclined to assume*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *small grin of his own, is pleased to have guessed right the first try* So how have things been since the other day?
Bulkhead: *twinkle dies into a frown as he glances toward the hall* Ratchet's gettin' better, but now Optimus is sick.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *surprised to learn that Autobots can get sick, though his expression is one of concern* Will she be alright?
Bulkhead: *stoutly, though he has no clue* Of course she will! No virus is gonna keep Optimus down.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *small nod* Well, I hope she feels better soon. Being sick isn't fun.
Bulkhead: Wouldn't know. *looks toward the hall again and pings WakeJumper*
WakeJumper: *sounds like he was just woken up from a nap* //I'm up! I'm up!//
Bulkhead: //Your partner's here.//
WakeJumper: *unprintable reply*
Bulkhead: *impressed* Wow, I didn' learn that one till I joined the Wreckers.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *muffled, as he's got a bite of bagel in his mouth* Huh?
Bulkhead: Wake knows a really good insult that I didn't learn till I was already older than he is. *amused rumble in his voice*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ... I get the feeling I probably shouldn't ask. *no, that's not amusement you're hearing in his voice. Nope... Okay, yes, it is*
Bulkhead: *chuckling as he presses a button on the console, but then he's flinching and stepping back* //Ugh. Wake, we have sparks from that key that was makin' Ratchet whine the other day.//
WakeJumper: //... *sigh* I'll get my toolkit...//
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ...Oh, goody. Gremlins. *shucking his jacket and looking for a toolkit. Intends to help out*
Bulkhead: Gremlins. Heh. *just saw that movie the night before*
Med lab
WakeJumper: *grumbling softly to himself as he looks for his toolkit*
Ratchet: *having a bit of a doze, is as close to Optimus as he can get*
WakeJumper: *more grump as he realizes that he left his toolkit out in the control room... Again* *goes to help Bulkhead fix the console*
Optimus: *startles in the sudden silence after the young medic's departure, optics open wide and then scan her surroundings with confusion*
Ratchet: *slight squirm, quiet rumble of a snore*
Optimus: *blinks and looks at the mech laying beside her, and her confusion grows* *softly* Ratchet?
Ratchet: *for once, his face isn't furrowed with worry, and he actually looks quite peaceful as he sleeps*
Optimus: *worried for him. Can't imagine how he wound up with that much wear on his faceplates and body* *a little more loudly* Ratchet?
Ratchet: *slight start, groggy blinking* Huh?
Optimus: Can you hear me, Ratchet? *looking at him with confusion and concern*
Ratchet: *moving to sit up, winces as parts not fully healed protest the movement* I can, Optimus... *quick check for WakeJumper, just to be on the safe side... Satisfied that the younger medic is nowhere to be found, will turn his attention to Optimus*
Optimus: *squeezes the hand that's still clasped in hers* *nearly whispering* Where are we?
Ratchet: *wasn't expecting that question* *quietly* The med lab at our base... *half-tempted to scan the Prima, is worried*
Optimus: *blinks* ...Our base?
Ratchet: *small nod* On Earth?
Optimus: *frown* *helplessly and with a hint of fear at her inability to understand what Ratchet seems to think she should* ...Earth?
Ratchet: ... *scans Optimus*
Optimus: *showing no damage to her processor, but portions of it seem to have shut down. Otherwise she just shows signs of being severely run down* *is watching Ratchet's face anxiously*
Ratchet: *scans the portions that have seemingly shut down, concern clear on his face*
Optimus: *presses her lips together when she sees his expression. Shut down areas include major chunks of her memory banks* *quietly* Ratchet, please...
Ratchet: *quietly, doesn't realize he's speaking out loud* Stress-induced amnesia....
Optimus: *blinks* ...What?
Ratchet: *quiet* You've been pushing yourself so hard lately...
Optimus: *brows draw together in a perplexed frown* I... have?
Ratchet: *small nod* *will quietly name off some of the more recent incidents*
Optimus: *more and more bewildered* But... I'm a data clerk. I... *unconsciously moves to snuggle against him, only to gasp and go wide-eyed with shock and confusion*
Ratchet: *worried, scans again*
Optimus: *voice trembling* Ratchet... this isn't my body. I... I'm larger than you.
Ratchet: *quietly* You were upgraded when the core gave you the Matrix of Leadership...
Optimus: Matrix of... *soft whir that fades as she passes out with shock*
Ratchet: *carefully situating himself so Optimus' head is in his lap, will gently smooth her helm*
Bulkhead: *pauses on the threshold, a cube of energon in each hand* Uh... Ratchet?
Ratchet: *quietly* Optimus will need a lot of help remembering things for awhile.... *very soft sigh*
Bulkhead: *frown* Whaddya mean? *walks in as softly as he can, then offers one of the cubes*
Ratchet: *as he accepts the cube* Did anyone ever tell you about stress-induced amnesia, Bulkhead?
Bulkhead: *brow ridge quirked* Nope.
Ratchet: *will proceed to explain the condition, since he figures it's better that the rest of the team knows what's going on, and that with time and rest, Optimus will be back to her old self*
Bulkhead: *slowly, once the medic finishes* ...How much time?
WakeJumper: *from behind Bulkhead* Depends on how far back the amnesia goes, and how much rest Optimus gets.... Speaking of rest, you should be doing that, Ratchet.
Ratchet: *stinkeyes the younger medic*
Bulkhead: ...So we're screwed?
WakeJumper: .... *looking that phrase up now, kthx* ... We might be....
Ratchet: *to WakeJumper* I told you to go rest and let those cracks in your frame heal, youngling....
Bulkhead: *sets down the second cube, then turns on his heel and clomps out of the room. 'It's the End of the World as We Know it' suddenly booms out from further down the hall*
Optimus: *startles and gasps at the loud sound*
Ratchet: *soothing murmurs, will gently smooth Optimus' helm again*
WakeJumper: ... *sigh, goes to see if he can pinpoint coordinates for that weak energon reading he noticed* *knows he won't win an argument with Ratchet at this point*
Optimus: *lifts shutters to show optics nearly white with confusion and stress*
Ratchet: *quietly and gently* Easy, Optimus... I'm right here... Everything will be alright...
Optimus: *circulating too rapidly, but then pushes herself up to a seated position and sits there with shoulders hunched and head hanging*
Ratchet: *moves to try and get her to lay back down*
Optimus: *turns slightly and tries to burrow into his arms, shaking badly as she continues to react to her confusion and distress*
Ratchet: *almost no hesitation as he moves to gently rub her back. Missed being able to hold Optimus close. It's been more vorns than he cares to count since the last time he held her... And that knowledge makes his spark ache with sadness... Especially since he's very certain that once Optimus' memories return, she'll go back to focusing entirely on the war on Earth...*
Optimus: *nuzzles close, her shaking slowly starting to calm as she soaks up the familiar peace of being in her beloved's arms*
Ratchet: *continues to rub her back, murmuring soft reassurances*
Optimus: *finally intakes deeply, and then puts a hand to his face as she shutters her optics* *softly* I love you.
Ratchet: *slight intake hitch* *softly* And I love you... Now, and forever.
Optimus: *turns her head slightly, intending to give him a peck*
Ratchet: *has many fond memories of being kissed, will move to gently reciprocate*
Optimus: *sighs and then nuzzles again, feeling her that her world will make sense so long as Ratchet is here. But then pauses and frowns as her sensors pick up on something. Turns her head toward the door and blinks with surprise at that small organic thing that's standing there with its mouth open*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: .... Er... Pardon me. *about face, heads back to the control room, ears red as he realizes he was watching a pair of giant robots being affectionate with one another*
Ratchet: ... *facepalm, soft snicker*
Optimus: *looks back at him* ...What was that?
Ratchet: *amusedly* Apparently, that was the new liaison for the humans.....
Optimus: Liaison? ...Humans?
Ratchet: *small nod* Since we are unknown guests on their planet... His job is to help hide our presence.....
Optimus: *frowns a bit, but then, true to her curious and active nature, gets to her feet and starts to follow the small being*
Ratchet: *moves to get up to follow her without thinking... and then he's doing floor time as his knees give out on him*
Optimus: *whirls and returns to kneel beside him*
Control room
Bulkhead: *glances over at the Lt. Col. Then looks again* Hey, what're you blushing for?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: I'd rather not talk about it. *so embarrassed*
Bulkhead: ...Did you sneeze 'n pee yourself?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: No.
WakeJumper: ... *scans* ... There's no extra fluid in his clothes, Bulkhead...
Bulkhead: ...Fart?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *facepalm* No.
Bulkhead: ...Walked around with your fly undone?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ... *quick check* No.
WakeJumper: *snickerfit*
Bulkhead: Sent the wrong person a juicy gossip?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ... Bulkhead, I can barely text message anyone, even with the phone being capable of doing so.
Bulkhead: *stares at him with blank and open mouth shock*
WakeJumper: ... Wow... *to Lt. Col. MacKenzie* You're old.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: I'm not that old...
Bulkhead: *shakes self with a rumble* I know! You thought about somebody hot!
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: ... *and now he is. See him blush even more?*
Bulkhead: *chortle of triumph, he figured it out!*
Back in the lab
Ratchet: *cycling air and trying to get up again*
Optimus: Easy, love. Don't try to move. *gentle hand on his chest even as her other hand slips behind his shoulders to support and cradle him*
Ratchet: *grumbling about being unable to even stand up under his own power, isn't happy about this*
Optimus: *gentle kiss for his forehead, and then sends out a medical SOS on a general frequency. Knows nothing of keeping her transmissions to secure channels!*
Ratchet: *startles and tries to sit up again, worry clear on his face and in his optics*
WakeJumper: *coming to see what's going on*
Optimus: *holds Ratchet firmly* Shhh. Wait for the medic to come.
WakeJumper: *from the doorway* ... Why am I not surprised? *moves to approach* *to Ratchet* You're supposed to be resting, and I am NOT above taping you to the berth with that duct tape stuff.
Ratchet: *a bit sharply, to WakeJumper* Make sure that transmission isn't traceable.
WakeJumper: ... *raised brow ridge at Ratchet's tone, will relay the request to Bulkhead over a secure frequency*
Optimus: *startled by Ratchet's words and attitude, but looks at the unfamiliar medic* What is wrong with him, Doctor?
WakeJumper: He's still recovering from taking severe damage during a raid on a Decepticon energon mine.
Optimus: *deep frown, but then gently cradles Ratchet in both arms as she lifts him and turns back toward the tables* Love... you have to be careful. Please? For me?
Ratchet: ... *soft sigh, shutters his optics to keep Optimus from seeing the brief flash of pain as he remembers the last time she asked that of him*
WakeJumper: ... *awk...ward....* Er... Just make sure he rests... *definitely weirded out, leaves the med lab, intends to ask Bulkhead if this is normal behavior for the older members of the team*
Optimus: *confused glance after the medic as he leaves, but settles her boyfriend onto the tables* ...What is wrong with the medic, Ratchet?
Ratchet: *glad for the distraction* *soft snort* He's young, and he's not normally the medic here....
Optimus: *nod* He's your assistant? *blinks and then a slight perk* If I... If I am Prima, then you are my CMO?
Ratchet: *very slight chuckle* I am, normally....
Optimus: *smiles, and then loves on him* Your dream has come true. *cuddle, nuzzle, love, love!*
Ratchet: *will worry about other things later... For now, he's going to snuggle and love upon Optimus, and get snuggled and loved upon as well. Missed doing this more than he's willing to admit*
Optimus: *pauses* *quietly* Should I be on duty? *has forgotten what he said about amnesia*
Ratchet: *gently, but firmly* No. Right now, we both need to rest.
Optimus: Alright. *settles beside him and instigates another gentle kiss, knowing how much such signs of affection can relax him and put a soft smile on his face despite the most trying of days*
Ratchet: *gentle reciprocation*
Bulkhead: Whoa! What the frag????
Optimus: *nearly shoves Ratchet and herself right off the tables with her convulsive, startled jump*
Ratchet: *startled, clings to Optimus before he realizes what he's doing*
Arcee: ... *staaaare*
Optimus: *grasp on Ratchet is protective as she turns her head to frown at the intruders* Who are you?
Bulkhead: ...Squicked.
Arcee: ... And just a bit grossed out... *is so going to find a way to get even with WakeJumper for this*
Ratchet: *facepalm, faceplates heating a bit*
Optimus: ...Those are unusual designations.
Ratchet: *quickly databursting Arcee information* *to Optimus* The big, green mech is Bulkhead... The femme is Arcee....
Optimus: Greetings. *wary nod for the two*
Bulkhead: I gotta find out what a spork is...
Arcee: *slightly disbelieving look for Ratchet, and then her attention's going to Bulkhead* A spork? Really?
Bulkhead: Yeah, Miko says they're good for fixing things when you see somethin' you didn' wanna.
Optimus: If you walk into the quarters of a married couple, then there is a chance that you will see displays of affection. *frowning at the green bot*
Bulkhead: *blinks, and then scowls* Hey, Arcee, you wanna show Optimus where the washracks are? I gotta talk ta Ratchet.
Arcee: *wonders to herself what Bulkhead's up to, but moves to do so*
Optimus: *frown has turned to anger* I do not require cleaning at present.
Arcee: You've got road dust on you....
Optimus: *optics narrow*
Ratchet: *soothingly* The washracks have warm cleaning solution....
Bulkhead: *startled by the light of combat in Optimus' eyes* I just wanna talk ta him. That's all.
Optimus: *optics narrow* No.
Ratchet: *going to fight dirty and use the pleading tone he very rarely uses with Optimus* Please, Optimus, be reasonable...
Optimus: *gives him a startled look*
Ratchet: *pleading with his optics as well*
Optimus: *frowns. Clearly wants to stay and protect him*
Ratchet: Bulkhead won't hurt me. I promise.
Optimus: *sigh* Very well, love. *gives him a peck, and then stands and goes to frown down at the blue femme*
Arcee: *moves to show the way to the washracks*
Bulkhead: *waits till he hears the door to the cleanup area close and then scowls again* *with disgust* I didn't think you were that kinda bot, Ratchet.
Ratchet: *quietly* It's not like that at all.
Bulkhead: Yeah, right. Then how is it? *arms folded over chest*
Ratchet: *quieter* She and I were living together a long time before there was even a thought of war; before there were Autobots and Decepticons....
Bulkhead: *blinks, his scowl relaxing into a confused frown* What?
Ratchet: Back then, Optimus was a data clerk in the Hall of Records, and lived at a warehouse on the Iacon docks with two mechs that had come out of the Well of Allsparks at the same time she had, and who she saw as her brothers despite their having been put into the dock worker caste. I was just starting my medical training... We met one day, fell in love, and spent the next several vorns happily living together and supporting one another....
Bulkhead: *much surprise and skepticism* A clerk?
Ratchet: *soft chuckle, a bit of longing for times long past in his optics* Yeah... She was already speaking against the caste system by the time I graduated... Back then, her name was Oriana Pax...
Bulkhead: *mouth falls open* Oriana Pax? You're kiddin' me.
Ratchet: *eying Bulkhead now* Where did you hear her name, Bulkhead?
Bulkhead: When I was in the Wreckers. They usedta tell the story in Macaddam's about this femme and her two buddies, Dion and Aerial, who kicked the cans of a bunch of slavers that showed up there one night.
Ratchet: .... *very soft snerk* So that's what happened that night.... Looks like all that fighting practise with her brothers and Jazz paid off....
Bulkhead: *expression of awe on his face*
Ratchet: *sadly, as he pulls up old memories* It was shortly after that incident that she and her friend spoke before the Council.
Bulkhead: ...The Council?
Ratchet: Yes, and they named her Optimus Prima.
Bulkhead: *blink blink* You're #@$#@$@ me.
Ratchet: *headshake* I'm not... *and now he's got a bit of sadness in his optics* Then the war broke out...
Bulkhead: ...So what happened? I mean... you're not together now.
Ratchet: *quietly* Optimus became Prima... The same day I was going to ask her to be my bondmate....
Bulkhead: *expression lengthens as he waits to hear the rest*
Ratchet: *quieter* She broke up with me.
Bulkhead: What... why?
Ratchet: *soft sigh* She felt it was more important to put the needs of our fellow Cybertronians before her own....
Bulkhead: Slag...
Ratchet: *quietly, feeling the sting of the rejection just as sharply now as he did all those millenia ago* Before today, she didn't seem to remember that we were once so close....
Bulkhead: Yeah... I've never seen her look at you like that before.
Ratchet: *soft sigh* Even if it's only temporary...
Bulkhead: *glances back at the door, where WakeJumper has come to see what's going on* But do ya think it's right ta be takin' advantage of her like that? I mean... shouldn't you just tell her what's happened?
Ratchet: *quietly, with longing and defeat in his voice* I fully intend to, Bulkhead... We need our leader...
WakeJumper: ... Even at the cost of your own happiness, Ratchet?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *so surprised to see just how human these alien robots are, to be able to fall in love, and to mourn for love lost...* ...How could she not remember? How long ago was this?
Ratchet: *very soft sigh* When you've spent the last nine million years fighting to protect the people who aren't able to protect themselves, all that really matters in the end is whether you can remember what you're fighting for, and the lines you will never cross....
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *nearly tips backward off WakeJumper's shoulder* Nine million...!
WakeJumper: ... *scowling now* *hand up to keep Lt. Col. MacKenzie from going 'squish'*
Ratchet: *quieter* For me to try and remind her of what had been between us, after so long... Would be selfish... *and how it hurts to say that....*
Bulkhead: *rumbles to himself* Cybertron's gone. The Autobots're all gone except for us. And you guys're still alive. ...Maybe this is supposedta happen. *turns toward the door, thinking old thoughts*
WakeJumper: *distracted from Ratchet by the discovery that when you poke the Lt. Col. in certain spots, he squeaks!* *has a squeaky toy!*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: Ack! Hey! Oof! .>.<.
WakeJumper: *squeaks the Lt. Col. and heads back to the control room*
Optimus: *pauses in the doorway to watch them go, and then slips back inside*
Ratchet: *has shuttered his optics and is having a bit of a doze... and feeling a bit miserable now*
Optimus: *frowns and ignores Arcee's muffled cursing from the washracks as she walks inside and puts a gentle hand on Ratchet's face*
Ratchet: *unshutters his optics* .... *quietly* Do I even dare ask what happened to Arcee?
Optimus: *shrugs* I decided to show her the technique of bundling yourself in towels to let the polish soak in.
Ratchet: *soft snerk* You bundled her like that one worker, didn't you?
Optimus: Like Dion, and like Lockdown, and like Blurr. *optics twinkle as her mouth curves up at the corners*
Ratchet: *can't help it, snickers*
Optimus: *sits next to him and puts a gentle hand on his* I would rather be here, with you.
Ratchet: *gentle squeeze for her hand, doing his best to hide his sadness at the thought of not being able to do this after Optimus recovers*
Optimus: *lifts his hand up to kiss the knuckles gently* *softly* What's wrong?
Ratchet: *and now he's wondering just how she can read him so easily* *soft sigh* *quietly* Optimus.... There's something important that you need to know....
Optimus: That I've forgotten over nine million years worth of time? *carefully playing with his hand now, noting all the unfamiliar scars and dents*
Ratchet: *quietly, hating himself for this, even if it has to be said* We... Never actually got married....
Optimus: *frowns, but continues to play with his hand. Confusion is clear in her expression*
Ratchet: *quieter, shuttering his optics* The day I was going to ask you to be my bondmate... You broke up with me....
Optimus: *optics widen slightly, but she still doesn't look up. Her expression now holds sadness, though. And the confusion is back*
Ratchet: *quietly explaining about the events before and after that, and trying so hard to keep calm*
Optimus: *grip tightening on his hand, till she's cradling it protectively in both of hers*
Ratchet: *if he were human, he'd be hoarse by the time he's explained everything. As it is, he's starting to shake just a bit toward the end*
Optimus: *quietly* We are all that is left? And Cybertron is dead?
Ratchet: *quietly* It's healing, while we keep the Decepticons busy here...
Optimus: *lays his hand down with a gentle pat* Stay here, love. I need to go and think.
Ratchet: *quietly* You should rest....
Optimus: We don't really have time for me to rest. *sad look, and then gets up and walks out to the sound of laughter and cursing from the washracks*
Decepticon mining operation
Breakdown: *talking to this rather winsome looking bright pink creature*
Scattershot: *having the time of his life stringing the big, blue Decepticon along*
Knockout: *too amused as he watches his younger sibling string Breakdown along. Knows why the brat is doing this.... He's just waiting for the right moment to intervene*
Breakdown: So what's your name, anyway? *wonders what Knockout's smirking for. Almost didn't notice his friend there because the smaller mech's standing on his blind side*
Scattershot: *sweetly, totally has this guy hook, chain, counterweight* They call me Scattershot....
Breakdown: Scattershot, huh... *can't take it anymore. Frowns at Knockout* What're you grinning at?
Knockout: *smugly* Oh, nothing.... Just glad to see that my little brother has made a friend so soon after arriving on Earth....
Breakdown: *optic widens and he steps back* Brother??
Scattershot: Oh, you couldn't tell?
Breakdown: *growls and heads for the door*
Knockout: *dryly, to Breakdown* ....Yet you find Airachinid intriguing....
Breakdown: *gone. Stomp stomp stomp! Gonna go see if he can find Bulkhead and vent some frustration*
Knockout: *headshake, hands over the credits he wagered with Scattershot*
Scattershot: *grins and moves to head off*
Knockout: ... Do I want to know where you're going?
Scattershot: If Airachnid's so interesting, I think I want to meet her....
Knockout: *facepalm* You didn't learn with Fixer?
Scattershot: Psh... Fixer's Neutral... Neutral femmes aren't any fun... *sashays off*
Knockout: *absently rubs the spot where Fixer took a surgical laser to his finish long vorns ago, then turns to check on his latest experiment. Also mentally starts counting under his breath*
Scattershot: *not even five minutes later* EEEEEEE!!!! Knockout! Save me!!! *ruuuuuuns and hides behind the older mech* T_T
Knockout: Now why would I want to do something like that? *too amused*
Scattershot: T_T You didn't say Airachnid was scary!!!
Knockout: Baby brother, all femmes are scary. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. *smirk*
Scattershot: You're mean....
Knockout: Go play. Maybe if you drive fast enough you can catch up with Breakdown.
Scattershot: Hmph... *stomps off to sulk*
Autobot base, that evening
Optimus: *sitting on a crate in the control room and watching the screens as she absently answers questions from the little boy named Raf**
Raf: *still can't get over the fact that Optimus is calling him Raf!* *pokes glasses, and then turns his head* Oh, here's Bulkhead and Miko.
Bulkhead: *roars in and then pops his door to let his excited partner out*
Miko: Awww, yeah! *triumphant grin as she holds up a pair of tickets* Truckzilla's in town!
Jack: *looks over from where he was humming to himself over the mop* ...What?
Raf: *blink blink*
Optimus: *looks at the little bright being with a curious frown*
Denver: *absently, from where she's reluctantly been working on homework* Monstah trucks....
Miko: *hopeful look for Jack* So, wanna go?
Jack: *doubtful expression* ...When is it?
Miko: Tonight at seven. *grinning*
Jack: I can't. I have to be home early tonight. *so relieved about this*
Miko: Aww.... *attention going to Raf* Raf, do you wanna go?
Raf: I have a lot of homework. My science project's nearly due. *pokes glasses and absently leans against Optimus' leg*
Miko: Awww, man...
Raf: *ducks his head slightly* Sorry, Miko.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: Why don't you and Denver go, Miko?
Denver: *head snaps up* Wh't?!
Miko: What?!
Bulkhead: You like monster trucks, Denver? *rubs nose and checks on Optimus*
Denver: Well...Yeah.... *giving her brother a deathglare*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *Ha! I am immune to your deathglares!*
Bulkhead: You ever see Truckzilla?
Optimus: *listening to all this with quiet curiosity*
Denver: Onleh on TV....
Raf: *not sure he won't regret this question* ...What is Truckzilla?
Denver and Miko: *without realizing that they're talking in sync* Only the most intense, hardcore, monster truck EVER!
Optimus: And what is a 'monster truck'?
Miko: ... *blink blink blink*
Denver: *raised brow*
Jack and Raf: *staring at Optimus with confusion*
Bulkhead: Oh yeah. *frown*
Miko: ...Optimus? Are you feeling okay?
Bulkhead: Um... WakeJumper, you wanna explain?
Optimus: *quietly and firmly* I can speak for myself, Bulkhead.
WakeJumper: *gonna go check on Ratchet then, kthx!*
Jack: ...So what's wrong, Optimus? Why don't you remember that?
Raf: *big eyes of concern. Had been wondering if something was wrong. Though... he likes Optimus as she is now. She sees him, and she's motherly*
Optimus: *looks around at all the young humans* *quietly* WakeJumper and Ratchet call it stress induced amnesia. I've lost approximately ten million years' worth of memories.
Raf: *has to sit down. On the floor*
Denver: *boggling, surprised obscenity*
Miko: *staaaare*
Jack: Um. Does anyone know how long Optimus has been Prima? *looks around*
Bumblebee: Beebeewooo....
Raf: ...Bee says over nine million years.
Miko: Whooooah...
Denver: ... Daaaang....
Jack: *sinking feeling* So... you don't remember any of it.
Optimus: *shakes her head instead of replying verbally as she is wont to do*
WakeJumper: *back, and moving to lean against a wall while studying Optimus*
Jack: So what's this mean for the war?
Optimus: *softly, as she moves to pick Raf up off the floor* I do not know.
Bumblebee: Weeeoooo....
WakeJumper: *quietly* The Autobots and Decepticons aren't the only survivors that made it off Cybertron...
others: *look at him*
Bulkhead: The Taubots don't count. They don't do anything out there except chase everyone else off.
Bumblebee: *quizzical sound*
WakeJumper: *as he moves to stand a bit straighter* Wasn't there a Wrecker named Torque at one point, Bulk?
Bulkhead: *inadvertent snerk* You mean the Mudpuppy? Yeah.
WakeJumper: He was on Tau when I left a few months back. Same with a science bot named Perceptor.
Bulkhead: Never heard of the other guy, but what's who's on Tau got ta do with anything here? Like I say, Taubots don't do anything but defend their space 'n give big 'Cons bad dreams. *bit of amusement in his face as he says the last*
WakeJumper: Only reason I mention them is 'cause I grew up there, Bulk... There're other Autobots and Neutrals there who would be willing to help out if we asked them to... *quieter* I know they would....
Bulkhead: *skeptical* They never have before.
Optimus: *leaning over to read Miko's tickets* *glances at the screen* It is currently six o'clock. Where is this stadium where you'll be seeing the Truckzilla?
Miko: Oh! The stadium in the next town... *gives the address*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: I'll drive.... I need to get groceries anyways....
Bulkhead: *stomps lightly over to look at the screens with Bumblebee* Take lotsa pictures, okay, Miko?
Miko: *no escaping Denver, darn* *to Bulkhead* Will do...
Denver: Ah call shotgun. *slight grump at Beau*
Bulkhead: 'N don't punch anybody this time.
Miko: Hey! That only happened 'cause the guy totally put his hands on me after I said not to....
Bulkhead: Yeah. I know. But it was hard getting you away from the police without your host parents finding out.
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: .... *thinks to himself that that would be a QUIET evening*
Bulkhead: Anyway. Have fun. Hey, where'd Optimus go?
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: Huh? *looking around* ... Did we lose Optimus?
Jack: *looking around too, then down at Raf, who'd come over to lean on him* Well... she's probably somewhere.
Bulkhead: Yeah, probably checkin' on Ratchet again. *shrugs and turns back to the screens*
Lt. Col. MacKenzie: *moving to grab Denver's homework, since she would probably leave it behind, given the chance* The sooner we get going, the better....
Denver: *grumps but heads for the lift*
Miko: *hurrying so she doesn't get left behind*
Jack: *waves, and then gently pushes at Raf with a chuckle* What's with you?
Raf: *grins and pushes his glasses up, and then scampers over to Bumblebee*
((Co-written with random_xtras))
Continued here