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Interruptions in the Key of C
By Keelywolfe
Bumblebee/Sam, Others
Rated R
Summary: A continuation of the ‘human’ series, which are in order:
Forms of Life
Too Human
Experiments in Human Nature
Public Education
Knee-Jerk Reaction
Nervous System Hypothesis
Different Applications of Moral Support
This Body Electric
The Unconscious Mind
Subliminal Messages
Greeks Bearing Gifts
In a Dark Ruby Stain
Notes: I worked hard to get this chapter out today because I think
fyredancer needs it. ;) Enjoy, folks!
~~*~~
Of all the duties that Ratchet performed, calibration was one of the most delicate. On a weapon, the tiniest flaw or error could determine the lifespan of one of his fellow Autobots. Adjusting the energon output of a fuel capacitor was particularly delicate; energon being highly volatile, particularly in the more impure form they were forced to use until the refining process was perfected. It required the steadiest of hands, the sharpest concentration, to make the minuscule changes without causing it to literally blow up in his face.
"Is he awake? They said he was awake, is he all right?"
And before he began again, Ratchet was going to make sure every door to the infirmary was locked.
"He's resting now, Mikaela," Ratchet said, glancing up just long enough to see her expression wilt. Before he could return his attention to his work, the figure standing next to her caught his notice, obviously a holo form, as the humans had dubbed it. Hardly an appropriate term but none of the human languages had a word that Ratchet would consider an equivalent. How they managed to accomplish anything with such limited vocabularies was a question for another time. That this particular holo was holding Mikaela's hand made him narrow his gaze, running a quick scan and if he'd had eyebrows, he would have raised them. Prowl was an unexpected companion, particularly so quickly after Jazz had fallen--
Ratchet dismissed it as none of his concern. He'd involved himself in the intimate lives of more than enough beings at the moment and he had little interest in any other entanglements. Prowl could handle his own affairs.
"I just wanted to see him for a minute," Mikaela asked, her eyes pleading and Ratchet nearly relented. He'd allowed only select visitors this past week and Mikaela had not been on that very small list. A few moments wouldn't hurt and yet...
He switched his inner visualization to include the recovery room and frowned to see his patient was not where he had left him, was, in fact, curled up sleeping with the other patient. On top of the other patient and in a moment, Ratchet would return him to his own bed. Not that he believed Bumblebee would let the boy fall but they both needed their rest and Bumblebee was unlikely to do so if he was busy protecting his...there was hardly a word for that in the Human languages either.
"I'm afraid he's asleep and I refuse to disturb him when he has only just started recovering from his ordeal," Ratchet hedged, trying to weigh Mikaela's disappoint with Sam's embarrassment at being caught in such a position by his former girlfriend. More and more, Ratchet was wishing he'd simply let Bumblebee fry a few circuits and never involved himself in their relationship. It would have been easier to spend an hour every morning replacing them than to detangle himself from this wreck. But since he was involved, he would be involved and keeping this from getting any messier would be the best option.
Mikaela's disappointment was palpable and Ratchet relented slightly, offering, "If you like, I shall contact you when he awakens again? If Prowl will be with you, I can send the message to him," he added, ironically, and the way Prowl flushed and glanced away was almost interesting enough to question. Almost.
"That would be fine," Prowl said hurriedly, interpreting the sharpness in Ratchet's gaze correctly and he gingerly tugged Mikaela away as quickly as she would allow. She followed him reluctantly, pausing to shout back, "You better call me, Ratchet, you've been putting me off for days!"
"Yes, yes," Ratchet agreed absently, already focusing back on his calibrations. He had just begun the delicate process of soldering the transmogrifier when the door slammed open again and he nearly cut off his own finger with the laser knife.
"Have you powered him back on yet?" Sideswipe asked anxiously, his optics glowing sharply with his concern.
With great deliberation, Ratchet turned off the laser knife, set it aside, and turned to face Sideswipe before he spoke, clearly and slowly. "No, I have not, and as I didn't contact you to tell you I had, I fail to see why you are here checking. Would you care to explain?"
Sideswipe had the grace to look embarrassed. "I just thought--you said that you might be able to today and--"
"He's going to be fine, Sideswipe, but as of this moment, he still has some damage that needs seen to. Fried circuitry, stripped gears, overstressed struts," he ticked each one off on a finger. "This list goes on. And much as I would like to spend all of my time working on him, it's better to let his internal maintenance do some of the repairs before I begin ripping out parts. Everything I remove, I have to replicate to replace and we do not have the resources on this planet for me to do that efficiently. Better to repair than to replace at this point."
"I know," Sideswipe murmured, "I do know."
"I'll contact you as soon as I have him back online. For now, I have a great deal of other work to get done. But first," Ratchet added, coolly, before Sideswipe could turn away. "I'll thank you to not discuss what you believe to be my status as an emotional cripple with the human multitudes."
For a moment, Sideswipe said nothing, his confusion obvious, then awareness dawned. "Sam is hardly a multitude."
"Be that as it may, I'd prefer that you keep your perceptions of me to yourself.""
"Oh, come on, Ratchet," Sideswipe said, exasperated. "Sam was upset. I had to tell him something. Did you really think that you'd be able to give Bumblebee a quick training session and Sam would understand, and it would end at that?"
"My concern was with Bumblebee keeping his circuits intact, not with the status of their relationship. I expected that Bumblebee would take care of the emotional aspects and once again, I was wrong. I continually find myself playing the role of counselor when my focus is supposed to be on physical repairs!"
Sideswipe laughed, softly, "His circuits are probably the least of your concerns. You have no idea how strong the emotions can be in a simi relationship and they are far more dangerous than any blown circuit." He leaned against Ratchet's work table and every item on it wobbled dangerously. "You've never tried it, you have no idea how it feels to have one of them love you."
"Oh, yes. I'm certain Sunstreaker felt nothing but pure emotion for every organic being he imitated in order to coerce them into a sexual relationship."
Sideswipe flinched, recoiling physically and internally from his words, strongly enough that Ratchet felt the strength of his firewalls increasing instinctively.
It was a rare thing for Ratchet to regret his words. He knew that others thought of him as curt and perhaps even uncaring but what he said, he meant. In this case, however, his honestly could have been gentler. "My apologies; that was uncalled for."
"It's true." Sideswipe said, so softly. "But I wish you wouldn't use Sunstreaker as a measure for Sam and Bumblebee. Call me when he's awake?"
"I will," Ratchet agreed, and part of him still ached in regret over his words. But he had little enough time as it was and none at all to wallow in his regret and instead he returned his attention to his work. One component was properly adjusted and he was beginning on a second when a soft, deep voice came from the other door, startling him. "You were quite short with him."
Ratchet slapped down his laser knife in exasperation. At this rate, he'd be working on the same fuel capacitor until the return of Primus. "I do not need personal assessments from someone who can't even handle their own entanglements and I certainly don't need him to share those assessments with others."
"Part of those entanglements was by your recommendation." Prime reminded him.
"I'm well aware of that." Ratchet sighed. He set his work aside and stood. Better to be far away from a volatile fuel source when he relayed this information. "As fascinating as it would be to discuss this, Sideswipe isn't the reason I contacted you. I preferred to speak of it in person." He and Optimus were not of a height, but few Autobots were. Ratchet had to tip his head up to look up at their leader, studying his form. With his facial protection removed, the lines of his face exposed and faintly reflecting the light of his optics, it was easy to see his concern. So much of his emotions were exposed in his face; perhaps that was why Optimus preferred to wear his facial gear even when he wasn't actively engaged in battle.
Anxiety was inching its way into that concern and Ratchet did a quick scan of the area to make sure no one was in listening distance before he said, low, "When Bumblebee was infected, I discovered that Sunstreaker had a firewall that I couldn’t access. A particularly effective one; if he hadn't been so engaged in assisting Bumblebee, I might not have been able to bypass it."
Prime frowned deeply and switched to wifi, allowing Ratchet a private access. Did you run a scan on him?
Of course. It didn't turn up anything particularly incriminating. If he erased it, he did a very effective job of it. It's always possible he was simply uncomfortable with me having complete access to his systems, Ratchet offered.
He doesn't have the luxury of his discomfort. Remove it.
I already did and I inserted a back door program that only I can access if he decides to create another.
"Fine." Prime said curtly, returning to normal speech. "Disable any capacity he has for outgoing transmissions and run another scan on his databanks. From now on he will partner with Ironhide when he is on duty. Off-duty, he is confined to quarters."
Ratchet stared, taken aback. "That's a bit extreme, don't you think?"
"No, I do not or I wouldn't have ordered it."
Ratchet's silence spoke volumes and Prime sighed, relenting. "I have always been grateful for Sunstreaker's assistance when every available weapon was needed. But I have never trusted that weapon to stay facing the right direction."
"Sideswipe hasn't reported anything untoward," Ratchet said neutrally.
"Sideswipe has his own entanglements, as you noted, and his opinions where his brother is concerned are biased. Be that as it may, I will speak to him. I don't want to lose two soldiers if he chooses to side with his brother."
"He won't."
"You seem very confident."
"After you spend the equivalent of years wrist-deep in someone else's circuits, you get to know them quite well," Ratchet said wryly.
"Understood. I've never thought Sideswipe would abandon us for the Decepticons but the dedication one has to a brother...that I understand all too well." A hesitation. "I've been meaning to speak to you about another matter. We've received a few more transmissions from other Autobot contingents."
"Have we?" Ratchet sat back down at his work bench and turned his attention to his tools. Perhaps the smaller laser knife would be more effective; at the very least it would lessen the chances of his removing his own limbs by accident. He heard Prime moving behind him, stepping closer.
"We haven't received any transmissions from Ark-36 yet."
"Nor have we for a long time," Ratchet said calmly. "I am aware. Prowl updates me frequently."
"Does he?"
"Like so many others, he seems to feel I require a keeper." Acidly. "And since his detachment was the one most recently in contact with Ark-36, he seems to feel some responsibility towards it."
Large hands settled on his shoulders, stilling him with gentle pressure. "When was the last time you recharged?"
"There is nothing wrong with my energy banks." Ratchet shrugged off his light touch. Such a human gesture. "Do not attempt to engage me in intimacy after bringing up my former relations."
Prime sounded chagrined. "I wasn't--"
"You were and I'll remind you that you just assigned me extra duty. To use a human turn of phrase, don't get your hopes up."
"I'd like to think I was offering comfort to an old friend."
There was the lightest of rebuke to his tone and it was difficult not to respond to that, to gentle his own tone. He'd injured enough companions with his voice modulator for the day. "You were. And you do. Now, if you want me to get those scans done, I'll need to get started."
"Very well. Don't forget to get take care of yourself or the next patient here will be you."
He waved off the caution impatiently but before Optimus could leave, Ratchet called out. "Prime."
He heard Prime hesitate, kept his optics on his work. "I gave up on Wheeljack being alive some time ago. I don't need any of you to continually coddle me about it."
"Ratchet--"
"You may live in hope. I prefer reality and I am content in it. These continual reminders of what isn't do not comfort me. Please, stop. If there is a transmission from Ark-36, I will join everyone in rejoicing. I do not care to hear when there are none."
"Of course," Prime murmured.
"Besides, I'm trying hard enough to blow this damned fuel capacitor up on my own. If Wheeljack was here, we would already be cleaning up the remains of the table."
He looked up enough to see Optimus's mouth quirked into a smile. "There is some truth to that."
The door closed quietly behind him and Ratchet focused, again, on the fuel capacitor. Something seemed to be wrong with the laser knife, a faint tremor that could have explosive results and he finally pushed the capacitor aside, resting his head in his hand. He'd meant his comment on Wheeljack to be amusing, a diversion.
With a vicious gesture, he shoved the capacitor on the floor and the explosion was loud enough that his scanners detected his patients stirring uneasily. Very softly, he whispered, "I would be happy to rebuild this entire building, Wheeljack. The entire city wouldn't be too high a price."
His words echoed dully in the empty room and he stood, bending down to salvage what he could from the twisted, smoking pile of circuits half-buried into the floor. A few chosen tools, a few parts and he began the tedious process of rebuilding the fuel capacitor. It was not quite an hour later when yet another being interrupted his work, but with the same quiet thoughtfulness as they had every day that Ratchet had allowed them to visit. He nodded at her politely, a gesture that was returned, and he didn't bother to watch her slip through the doors to the recovery room.
His sensors told him that today was not going to be a day like any other, an alarm warning him that the heart rate of his patient had soared and Sam's raised voice was loud enough to be heard through several doors even by a human.
"Mom?!"
-finis-
PS: My husband is a huge Transformer fan and he insisted that I had to use the word 'transmogrifier' somewhere. So I did, just for him. ;)
By Keelywolfe
Bumblebee/Sam, Others
Rated R
Summary: A continuation of the ‘human’ series, which are in order:
Forms of Life
Too Human
Experiments in Human Nature
Public Education
Knee-Jerk Reaction
Nervous System Hypothesis
Different Applications of Moral Support
This Body Electric
The Unconscious Mind
Subliminal Messages
Greeks Bearing Gifts
In a Dark Ruby Stain
Notes: I worked hard to get this chapter out today because I think
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~~*~~
Of all the duties that Ratchet performed, calibration was one of the most delicate. On a weapon, the tiniest flaw or error could determine the lifespan of one of his fellow Autobots. Adjusting the energon output of a fuel capacitor was particularly delicate; energon being highly volatile, particularly in the more impure form they were forced to use until the refining process was perfected. It required the steadiest of hands, the sharpest concentration, to make the minuscule changes without causing it to literally blow up in his face.
"Is he awake? They said he was awake, is he all right?"
And before he began again, Ratchet was going to make sure every door to the infirmary was locked.
"He's resting now, Mikaela," Ratchet said, glancing up just long enough to see her expression wilt. Before he could return his attention to his work, the figure standing next to her caught his notice, obviously a holo form, as the humans had dubbed it. Hardly an appropriate term but none of the human languages had a word that Ratchet would consider an equivalent. How they managed to accomplish anything with such limited vocabularies was a question for another time. That this particular holo was holding Mikaela's hand made him narrow his gaze, running a quick scan and if he'd had eyebrows, he would have raised them. Prowl was an unexpected companion, particularly so quickly after Jazz had fallen--
Ratchet dismissed it as none of his concern. He'd involved himself in the intimate lives of more than enough beings at the moment and he had little interest in any other entanglements. Prowl could handle his own affairs.
"I just wanted to see him for a minute," Mikaela asked, her eyes pleading and Ratchet nearly relented. He'd allowed only select visitors this past week and Mikaela had not been on that very small list. A few moments wouldn't hurt and yet...
He switched his inner visualization to include the recovery room and frowned to see his patient was not where he had left him, was, in fact, curled up sleeping with the other patient. On top of the other patient and in a moment, Ratchet would return him to his own bed. Not that he believed Bumblebee would let the boy fall but they both needed their rest and Bumblebee was unlikely to do so if he was busy protecting his...there was hardly a word for that in the Human languages either.
"I'm afraid he's asleep and I refuse to disturb him when he has only just started recovering from his ordeal," Ratchet hedged, trying to weigh Mikaela's disappoint with Sam's embarrassment at being caught in such a position by his former girlfriend. More and more, Ratchet was wishing he'd simply let Bumblebee fry a few circuits and never involved himself in their relationship. It would have been easier to spend an hour every morning replacing them than to detangle himself from this wreck. But since he was involved, he would be involved and keeping this from getting any messier would be the best option.
Mikaela's disappointment was palpable and Ratchet relented slightly, offering, "If you like, I shall contact you when he awakens again? If Prowl will be with you, I can send the message to him," he added, ironically, and the way Prowl flushed and glanced away was almost interesting enough to question. Almost.
"That would be fine," Prowl said hurriedly, interpreting the sharpness in Ratchet's gaze correctly and he gingerly tugged Mikaela away as quickly as she would allow. She followed him reluctantly, pausing to shout back, "You better call me, Ratchet, you've been putting me off for days!"
"Yes, yes," Ratchet agreed absently, already focusing back on his calibrations. He had just begun the delicate process of soldering the transmogrifier when the door slammed open again and he nearly cut off his own finger with the laser knife.
"Have you powered him back on yet?" Sideswipe asked anxiously, his optics glowing sharply with his concern.
With great deliberation, Ratchet turned off the laser knife, set it aside, and turned to face Sideswipe before he spoke, clearly and slowly. "No, I have not, and as I didn't contact you to tell you I had, I fail to see why you are here checking. Would you care to explain?"
Sideswipe had the grace to look embarrassed. "I just thought--you said that you might be able to today and--"
"He's going to be fine, Sideswipe, but as of this moment, he still has some damage that needs seen to. Fried circuitry, stripped gears, overstressed struts," he ticked each one off on a finger. "This list goes on. And much as I would like to spend all of my time working on him, it's better to let his internal maintenance do some of the repairs before I begin ripping out parts. Everything I remove, I have to replicate to replace and we do not have the resources on this planet for me to do that efficiently. Better to repair than to replace at this point."
"I know," Sideswipe murmured, "I do know."
"I'll contact you as soon as I have him back online. For now, I have a great deal of other work to get done. But first," Ratchet added, coolly, before Sideswipe could turn away. "I'll thank you to not discuss what you believe to be my status as an emotional cripple with the human multitudes."
For a moment, Sideswipe said nothing, his confusion obvious, then awareness dawned. "Sam is hardly a multitude."
"Be that as it may, I'd prefer that you keep your perceptions of me to yourself.""
"Oh, come on, Ratchet," Sideswipe said, exasperated. "Sam was upset. I had to tell him something. Did you really think that you'd be able to give Bumblebee a quick training session and Sam would understand, and it would end at that?"
"My concern was with Bumblebee keeping his circuits intact, not with the status of their relationship. I expected that Bumblebee would take care of the emotional aspects and once again, I was wrong. I continually find myself playing the role of counselor when my focus is supposed to be on physical repairs!"
Sideswipe laughed, softly, "His circuits are probably the least of your concerns. You have no idea how strong the emotions can be in a simi relationship and they are far more dangerous than any blown circuit." He leaned against Ratchet's work table and every item on it wobbled dangerously. "You've never tried it, you have no idea how it feels to have one of them love you."
"Oh, yes. I'm certain Sunstreaker felt nothing but pure emotion for every organic being he imitated in order to coerce them into a sexual relationship."
Sideswipe flinched, recoiling physically and internally from his words, strongly enough that Ratchet felt the strength of his firewalls increasing instinctively.
It was a rare thing for Ratchet to regret his words. He knew that others thought of him as curt and perhaps even uncaring but what he said, he meant. In this case, however, his honestly could have been gentler. "My apologies; that was uncalled for."
"It's true." Sideswipe said, so softly. "But I wish you wouldn't use Sunstreaker as a measure for Sam and Bumblebee. Call me when he's awake?"
"I will," Ratchet agreed, and part of him still ached in regret over his words. But he had little enough time as it was and none at all to wallow in his regret and instead he returned his attention to his work. One component was properly adjusted and he was beginning on a second when a soft, deep voice came from the other door, startling him. "You were quite short with him."
Ratchet slapped down his laser knife in exasperation. At this rate, he'd be working on the same fuel capacitor until the return of Primus. "I do not need personal assessments from someone who can't even handle their own entanglements and I certainly don't need him to share those assessments with others."
"Part of those entanglements was by your recommendation." Prime reminded him.
"I'm well aware of that." Ratchet sighed. He set his work aside and stood. Better to be far away from a volatile fuel source when he relayed this information. "As fascinating as it would be to discuss this, Sideswipe isn't the reason I contacted you. I preferred to speak of it in person." He and Optimus were not of a height, but few Autobots were. Ratchet had to tip his head up to look up at their leader, studying his form. With his facial protection removed, the lines of his face exposed and faintly reflecting the light of his optics, it was easy to see his concern. So much of his emotions were exposed in his face; perhaps that was why Optimus preferred to wear his facial gear even when he wasn't actively engaged in battle.
Anxiety was inching its way into that concern and Ratchet did a quick scan of the area to make sure no one was in listening distance before he said, low, "When Bumblebee was infected, I discovered that Sunstreaker had a firewall that I couldn’t access. A particularly effective one; if he hadn't been so engaged in assisting Bumblebee, I might not have been able to bypass it."
Prime frowned deeply and switched to wifi, allowing Ratchet a private access. Did you run a scan on him?
Of course. It didn't turn up anything particularly incriminating. If he erased it, he did a very effective job of it. It's always possible he was simply uncomfortable with me having complete access to his systems, Ratchet offered.
He doesn't have the luxury of his discomfort. Remove it.
I already did and I inserted a back door program that only I can access if he decides to create another.
"Fine." Prime said curtly, returning to normal speech. "Disable any capacity he has for outgoing transmissions and run another scan on his databanks. From now on he will partner with Ironhide when he is on duty. Off-duty, he is confined to quarters."
Ratchet stared, taken aback. "That's a bit extreme, don't you think?"
"No, I do not or I wouldn't have ordered it."
Ratchet's silence spoke volumes and Prime sighed, relenting. "I have always been grateful for Sunstreaker's assistance when every available weapon was needed. But I have never trusted that weapon to stay facing the right direction."
"Sideswipe hasn't reported anything untoward," Ratchet said neutrally.
"Sideswipe has his own entanglements, as you noted, and his opinions where his brother is concerned are biased. Be that as it may, I will speak to him. I don't want to lose two soldiers if he chooses to side with his brother."
"He won't."
"You seem very confident."
"After you spend the equivalent of years wrist-deep in someone else's circuits, you get to know them quite well," Ratchet said wryly.
"Understood. I've never thought Sideswipe would abandon us for the Decepticons but the dedication one has to a brother...that I understand all too well." A hesitation. "I've been meaning to speak to you about another matter. We've received a few more transmissions from other Autobot contingents."
"Have we?" Ratchet sat back down at his work bench and turned his attention to his tools. Perhaps the smaller laser knife would be more effective; at the very least it would lessen the chances of his removing his own limbs by accident. He heard Prime moving behind him, stepping closer.
"We haven't received any transmissions from Ark-36 yet."
"Nor have we for a long time," Ratchet said calmly. "I am aware. Prowl updates me frequently."
"Does he?"
"Like so many others, he seems to feel I require a keeper." Acidly. "And since his detachment was the one most recently in contact with Ark-36, he seems to feel some responsibility towards it."
Large hands settled on his shoulders, stilling him with gentle pressure. "When was the last time you recharged?"
"There is nothing wrong with my energy banks." Ratchet shrugged off his light touch. Such a human gesture. "Do not attempt to engage me in intimacy after bringing up my former relations."
Prime sounded chagrined. "I wasn't--"
"You were and I'll remind you that you just assigned me extra duty. To use a human turn of phrase, don't get your hopes up."
"I'd like to think I was offering comfort to an old friend."
There was the lightest of rebuke to his tone and it was difficult not to respond to that, to gentle his own tone. He'd injured enough companions with his voice modulator for the day. "You were. And you do. Now, if you want me to get those scans done, I'll need to get started."
"Very well. Don't forget to get take care of yourself or the next patient here will be you."
He waved off the caution impatiently but before Optimus could leave, Ratchet called out. "Prime."
He heard Prime hesitate, kept his optics on his work. "I gave up on Wheeljack being alive some time ago. I don't need any of you to continually coddle me about it."
"Ratchet--"
"You may live in hope. I prefer reality and I am content in it. These continual reminders of what isn't do not comfort me. Please, stop. If there is a transmission from Ark-36, I will join everyone in rejoicing. I do not care to hear when there are none."
"Of course," Prime murmured.
"Besides, I'm trying hard enough to blow this damned fuel capacitor up on my own. If Wheeljack was here, we would already be cleaning up the remains of the table."
He looked up enough to see Optimus's mouth quirked into a smile. "There is some truth to that."
The door closed quietly behind him and Ratchet focused, again, on the fuel capacitor. Something seemed to be wrong with the laser knife, a faint tremor that could have explosive results and he finally pushed the capacitor aside, resting his head in his hand. He'd meant his comment on Wheeljack to be amusing, a diversion.
With a vicious gesture, he shoved the capacitor on the floor and the explosion was loud enough that his scanners detected his patients stirring uneasily. Very softly, he whispered, "I would be happy to rebuild this entire building, Wheeljack. The entire city wouldn't be too high a price."
His words echoed dully in the empty room and he stood, bending down to salvage what he could from the twisted, smoking pile of circuits half-buried into the floor. A few chosen tools, a few parts and he began the tedious process of rebuilding the fuel capacitor. It was not quite an hour later when yet another being interrupted his work, but with the same quiet thoughtfulness as they had every day that Ratchet had allowed them to visit. He nodded at her politely, a gesture that was returned, and he didn't bother to watch her slip through the doors to the recovery room.
His sensors told him that today was not going to be a day like any other, an alarm warning him that the heart rate of his patient had soared and Sam's raised voice was loud enough to be heard through several doors even by a human.
"Mom?!"
-finis-
PS: My husband is a huge Transformer fan and he insisted that I had to use the word 'transmogrifier' somewhere. So I did, just for him. ;)
no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:00 am (UTC)*gives him one since she cannot give him the other*
I am so looking forward to seeing Judy's interaction with Sam and Bumblebee. ^_^ I am also worrying about what's really going on with Sunstreaker....
no subject
Date: 2007-10-30 01:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:02 am (UTC)Also Ratchet and Wheeljack <3
no subject
Date: 2007-10-30 01:18 pm (UTC)I'm surprised that there aren't more Ratchet/Wheeljack stories. They were such an obvious pairing...
no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:13 am (UTC)Awesome portrayal of Ratchet here. I couldn't help but giggle every time he nearly lost a finger. And I hope Wheeljack is okay, for Ratchet's sake. But I know better than to ask if that's so.
Thanks for another chapter! *sits down to wait for the next one*
- Winged Dreamer
no subject
Date: 2007-10-30 01:20 pm (UTC)Heh, I just love the cliffhangers. *G* I can't help myself!
no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:15 am (UTC)I really liked the insight into Ratchet, and how he interacted differently with different characters. He get's a big "D'AWW, RATCHET!" from me. Also, what a place to leave off! I'm looking forward to how things go over on the Witwhicky front. I'd almost like to hope it's not too messy, for Sam's sake. But as a reader, whatever emotional turmoil you pump into this scenario is something I eagerly anticipate.
ps. I totally laughed at "transmogrifier" because I couldn't believe you'd actually used that word in a sentence. ;P
no subject
Date: 2007-10-30 01:21 pm (UTC)He told me if I had to slash them, then I had to use the word transmogrifier. Anything to make him happy. ;)
Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:55 am (UTC)Argh to that.
However, I loved Ratchet in this chapter. I have been in his situation and he handles it much better than I ever have. By the third interruption I'm throwing things at people.
This was a terrific chapter with lots of insights into many of the Autobots. I really enjoyed it. I hope
no subject
Date: 2007-10-28 03:22 am (UTC)I'm really looking forward to seeing where you take the twins, too. I like Sideswipe, but I'm with Sam on Sunstreaker - too many shades of asshole to really like him much. His salvation is his twin, and I hope for a better/healthier relationship between those two...
Great chapter. Thanks much.
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 02:15 am (UTC)I feel so bad for Ratchet, with everyone insisting on updating him on the lack of communications and the fact that Wheeljack was on said location and he's missing him and awww... Stubborn slagger has a soft spot after all. I'm really looking forward to the next part. Fics like yours have been keeping me going when I'm ready to just crawl under a rock instead of studying for the GRE.
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Date: 2007-10-30 01:23 pm (UTC)I think Ratchet has bunches of soft spots that he hides very, very well. *G* Grumpy old thing that he is. ;)
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Date: 2007-10-26 02:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-30 01:24 pm (UTC)We'll be seeing the twins again very soon. :)
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Date: 2007-10-26 03:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 03:55 am (UTC)I love this series ridiculous amounts. Normally when I enter a fandom I start with one story and branch out, but with this fandom I seem to be unable to read anything else without holding it up to this and then it just doesn't seem RIGHT. I think this series may actually be post-movie canon as far as my brain is concerned. :)
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Date: 2007-10-30 01:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 04:32 am (UTC)Good job, girl.
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Date: 2007-10-30 02:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 04:43 am (UTC)As always, I loved this.
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Date: 2007-10-30 02:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 05:34 am (UTC)ZOMG~ CLIFFY!!! DX
Sam's going to get his ear smacked. I just know it. LOL.
>3< <3
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:09 pm (UTC)A well deserved smack, I'm sure. *G*
Thank you for reading!
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Date: 2007-10-26 06:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-31 05:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 06:25 am (UTC)You know I love this, so I won't bother repeating myself. <3
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:10 pm (UTC)I'm not sure yet. I approach this whole story as 'we'll see what we see' and occasionally, even I'm surprised at where it goes. *G*
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From:no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 08:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-31 05:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 11:17 am (UTC)I can't help but be amazed how well-written and descriptive your indsight/personalities of the Autobots are. I didn't like Ratched a couple of chapters back (he was being...meeeaaan), but now I adore him and his gruff-ness...thing. XD
I'd love to see some more Bot/Human relationships, though. ^^
Allways looking forward to the next chapter.
~KaraQ
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 01:56 pm (UTC)Awesome! *beam* This part is so many shades of awesome. Also, I love to see what's going on through Ratchet's eyes. He's definitely not the "being of extreme logic" that Sideswipe made him out to be. Heh heh, funny that came back to bite Sideswipe in the ass.
Oh, oh, oh... Mikaela and Prowl holding hand,; Ratchet aware that Sam is curled up with Bumblebee, Optimus coming for a "chat" and ending up disciplining Sunstreaker, hints of Wheeljack, and SAM'S MOM. What a place to end it! Wowee.
As with all fabulous parts this quenches my thirst and yet leaves me wanting more.
And in conclusion: YAAAAAAAY KEELY POSTED FOR MEEEEE THANK YOU THANK YOU
(Feeling better; I stayed home and rested yesterday.)
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:13 pm (UTC)Heee! I like to think of Ratchet as one of those people who keeps to himself so much that very few people get to see what kind of person he really is. Sideswipe is one to talk about issues, anyway. *G*
And although this is so late, I'm sure you're feeling much better, I'm still glad you didn't stay sick for long. :)
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Date: 2007-10-26 03:00 pm (UTC)Can't wait for more!
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:13 pm (UTC)Great chapter
Date: 2007-10-26 04:14 pm (UTC)I really liked that fuel capacitor and I regret his incineration.
Wheeljack, huh....
Re: Great chapter
Date: 2007-10-31 05:14 pm (UTC)I'm sure Ratchet did, too, about two seconds afterward. *G*
Thank you!
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Date: 2007-10-26 08:07 pm (UTC)I love the development of the Prowl/Mikaela thread, Prime's offer of comfort to Ratchet, Sunstreaker's secrets, Sam's mom (oooh, can't *wait* for that conversation, because no way is she going to sit back and say "oh you and Mikaela are 18 and can do what you want so sleeping with ALIEN ROBOTS is perfectly *fine*!" ...Just, a world of no.)
I hope that Wheeljack turns up, both because Ratchet needs him and because I'm a huge fan. (psst! 'Jack... bring Bluestreak with!)
The whole thing is wonderful. The emotions are so very vivid and true, the plot twisty, and the cliffhangers ... well, okay, those are even nice in the "hurts so good / mash the bruise" way.
Eagerly and non-pressuringly anticipating more. *love*
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:16 pm (UTC)Agreed! As Bumblebee put it, Ratchet is OLD! He's pretty much past that bare your heart to everyone phase, if he ever went through it.
I'm so delighted that you're still here reading! Considering that it was only supposed to be a quick one-shot and has developed into one of the longest things I've ever written, I don't think it's going too badly. *G*
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From:(no subject)
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Date: 2007-10-26 08:30 pm (UTC)As I read this chapter, and you introduced another back-story, I was intrigued to know more about the stoic-Ratchet. My first reaction was, great, another yaoi fic where all the male characters are gay. That type of story is nice, but goes beyond the realistic and often ruins whatever world was being built. But then I thought, "no, they're robots. They don't really have gender." And that made things all the better. Also, as I recall there was only one female bot, and she was all pink. Who'd want to sleep with a pink robot, anyway?
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Date: 2007-10-27 01:03 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2007-10-26 11:28 pm (UTC)I'm worried about sunstreaker as well. I'm afraid he might be sneaking about and maybe going agaisnt the other Autobots. But, at the same time, I think it's something different. Something not-so-bad. I'll just have to see, won't i?
aww Through this whole story, we kinda see Ratchet as the unemotional, busy, very straightforward guy. But really, he's worried and stressed and has stuff on his mind just like everyone else. We really need to get him Wheeljack. That will make him feel better -huggles Ratchet-
Sam's MOTHER!? Oh god, I need to see this. I have no idea what will happen with that one. I mean you can't just be like "Mom, I'm in love with an Alien Robot." Well, he could, but I don't think she'd take it too well like that.
Anything great update, like always. <3
(was it your birthday recently? If it was, I'd like to say Happy Birthday!)
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Date: 2007-10-31 05:22 pm (UTC)He is, the poor thing. Their only medical officer! He has a perfect right to be cranky when they keep breaking each other!
(was it your birthday recently? If it was, I'd like to say Happy Birthday!)
It was! Thank you! :)
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Date: 2007-10-27 12:40 pm (UTC)x
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