Suncast, meaning a cast of sun, a bright light
Chapter four
In this chapter we over hear the conversation between Optimus and Galloway in the main communication center. But first we hear from Optimus in his own point of view of some things he remembers and that Ratchet mentioned last night as they sat in Ratchet's office. Then Optimus goes and talks with Suncast. The chapter really got long so Dr. Capstan arrives in the next chapter.
Italics indicate personal conversation between the Autobots.
Disclaimer: I do not own the transformer characters or the characters from the movie. I only dream up a story about them and write it for fun and for the entertainment of others.
WARNING THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME STRONG LANGUAGE AND DISCUSSIONS OF PAIN AND ANGER
I do own the characters: Dr. Capstan, Wind, Suncast, Captain Jorge Leewin and the aircraft carrier the USS Paul Airinton.
Ooopps it's Lazerbeak and Rumble that belong to Soundwave from the G1 verse.
It was Lazerbeak who killed Wind not Rattrap. I am so sorry for that error of names in the last chapter. Also in this chapter I am getting the facts of the story corrected. Okay this chapter will set it right who knew of Winds death the day it happened. Sorry for confusion but from this chapter on I'll have my facts straight, I promise!
I hope you have enjoyed the story thus far and please review!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In Optimus P.O.V. in his office about ten minutes after the meeting in the conference room.
I remember the day that Suncast's father Wind was killed. Bumblebee had reported to Ratchet whom was closer to Suncast then any of us Autobots. I never did find out if Suncast knew who killed his father but I did when I spoke with Ratchet last night before going to my quarters for the evening. He admitted to me that he knew that Lazerbeak and Suncast were friends and he felt at that time that Suncast would not believe him. But that's how Suncast was; he never trusted anyone but himself. In fact the only friends I can recall he ever had was Powerglide, Lazerbeak and Thudercraker. I was somewhat angry with him last night and yet I take full responsibility for it. If he had known that it was he's best friend Lazerbeak that had killed his father he might have not joined the war to begin with.
Ratchet had worked with Wind on and off for years back on Cybertron before the war. Ratchet was a member of the High council and a part time medic at the time. He furthered his studies in the medical field by working as a student of Winds' at his medical research lad in downtown Iacon. Wind and Preceptor had developed many techniques that Ratchet studied and now uses in the medical field. One of Winds creations was the internal network adapter (the adapter that allows us to communicate internally to each other) before then it was relay communication and that was unreliable. Ratchet told me that Suncast talked via a data pad. He wrote what he wanted to said even though it would take him ten minutes or so to finger peck out the sentences.
Ratchet said, "he wanted to tell me of some things he remember of his youth. But he can't seem to speak the words that are in his mind." Ratchet told me.
He went on to explain why he's speech is irregularly.
"The cat scans I took the day of the crash and of two days ago show non-active areas or black areas in his processor. Those areas were effected when he removed several chips while still on line. Certain circuits should have been turn off first then remove the chips; thus not causing a back surge of current," Ratchet went on to tell me more in detail.
"The receiving lines, the ones that send what you're thinking to your voice unit so you can tell others what you're thinking. Well, much of them were destroyed by the back surge of current he experienced. His remaining few lines are damaged severally. He'll set there with a blank on his face and seem so mad because he can't hear him saying what he's processor has already send out to his voice unit. He's speech is slurred because he's thinking is slower. The clock on his processor has been slowed permanently and that's why he's sentences are scrambled and the cause of the slur. He's memory is not consistent though and his motor skills have been permanently hindered. He'll never to be able to walk unaided much less take care of his personal needs with out help," Ratchet said but sounded so sad and yet angry at the same time that it came to this.
I thought to myself how miserable he must feel right now and that he did all that to himself hoping he could come here and live in peace. I saw in Ratchet's face just how saddened he was about it all last night. As it got later into the night he went on to tell me more things he remembered and of things Suncast spoke of yesterday to him for the first time.
"He's father was gone for most of the time as he grew up. He told me he felt like he was a failure and that when he's mother died he's father might as well have died too.
I asked him why and he just became so quiet and then he said via the data pad, "I was in the nursery upstairs when I found out my mother died. I guess he blamed me I don't know or remember."
"I remember he wanted to be just like him and wanted to learn what it was that he's father loved so much more than him; or to him it seemed that way." Ratchet said.
Suncast told him about his father and his mother when he was very young.
"I was the only sparkling they where going too ever have." Ratchet said he wrote on the data pad.
"He was half joking with me I think when he said too, "that being spoiled may very well got me into this war to begin with."
Ratchet told me and I smiled as I can see that trait in him now. He never did really care for Megatron and yet Megatron wanted him for his scientific knowledge to help him plunder the galaxy for energon resources.
He says, "I made the mistake of wanting everything my way as I got older and often argue and yes hating Megatron for his blinded reasons. I honestly saw the end of this war when Megatron died from the overwhelming power of the allspark that the boy shoved into his chest. But I was a coward and tended to follow Megatron because I lost my own way. I hate myself now because I could have been somebody who could have made a difference the right way."
Ratchet said, "Suncast wrote that on the data pad then looked up at me and bowed his head and cried earlier today. I felt so guilty because if I only told him then," Ratchet didn't finish what he wanted to say. He just shook his head and got up from the desk and faced the window looking outside.
And that's when I told him, "it's what we do now that's going to count not what we should have done; we can't change the past no matter how much we want too."
I set here thinking that's true in my own personal life too. So many things I wish I could go back in time and change but I have come to accept this better now. He a few minutes later after getting himself a cup of energon sat back down and went on talking about what he remembered and told me more of what Suncast said.
"He was a young mech but intelligent beyond his years and became a renowned historian before the war. Also he was known well for he's interests in other galaxies but on a scientific level. Despite his desire to be a loner he was not a fighter Optimus you know that. To him fighting was unproductive waste of time he told me then. That's one of the reasons why I was so against the war too," Ratchet said and kept on talking.
"He's father was very strict as far as schooling was concern but was often gone more than he was home. But what Suncast didn't know was how much he's father talked about him and how proud he was of his son's interest in science and medicine."
Ratchet spoke of when Wind's wife passed on and how Suncast was barely ten years old.
"It was then that Wind engulfed himself into his studies thus leaving Suncast alone at home sometimes until the next day. He was old enough yes; he knew what to do and not do and did have others like me to turn to but that's when Suncast started to change. He became less interactive with others and isolated himself into his studies."
I remembered when he was young and often was with Ratchet or Preceptor in the science lab. Even before he entered into the war he would study and do things by himself although he and Powerglide did have two things in common. They both loved to fly instead of fighting and both would dream of traveling to other solar systems and studying different planets.
Ratchet to Optimus: Ratchet
Ratchet's calling me; he was upset earlier this morning about the meeting we had with Galloway over the report he gave on Suncasts' condition.
Yes Ratchet: Optimus
Suncast has been resting for the last hour or so but will be up within a couple of hours. I'll call you then; he wants to speak with you first before talking to Dr. Capstan. I'll tell him then what really happen to his father. I hope the General will understand and have Galloway gone. With him here Suncast will never get a chance; Optimus I owe him that chance: Ratchet
I'm sure he does and Ratchet, I know how bad you feel about what happen and I too feel responsible but as I said before, all we can do now is hope that he has a chance to start he's life over. I'm going to do everything I can here to try and see that happens but Ratchet, I just hope he can forgive us both for not telling him the truth then. I'll be heading there after my meeting with Galloway in which I need to contact Major Lennox to find out where he is, Optimus out: Optimus
I do hope Optimus he can; Primus knows now the kid deserves it. Ratchet out: Ratchet
For all he's grumpy mood swings and wrench heaving fits I know he cares. I just hope he can forgive himself because I don't think that Suncast now is going to hate him for it. I think Suncast will see it different now that he has decided it seems to put his past behind him.
End of Optimus POV
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::
Optimus left the conference room with a lot on his mind. One had been that Galloway needed to go and yet too he knew why Galloway felt the way he did. Galloway has lost his wife of ten years when she died at the Hover Dam during Megatrons escape from there. He like most of the humans now felt that their presents here and those like them only met more death and destruction to their world. It was not their war; the transformers or at least the Autobots had not wanted it that way at all. Instead they only came here in search of the allspark and was to leave and return to Cybertron. But now the Decepticons ragging war on the humans in search of the boy millions of lives were lost and the secret was out. Try as the Autobots may the humans in recent months have steadily began to protest to their presents here on earth and many chanted, "Go home."
Two and most importantly was Suncast. He had just twenty-four hours from now to convince the General who in turned answered to the President that Suncast was now not a threat to the humans. Optimus knew that Suncast by what he had said before he crash-landed was that he wanted peace and had severally damaged himself in hopes that he could. Of all the Decepticons Optimus knew somehow and believed that the seeker came in peace waving a white flag of truce and he was going to honor that. Optimus didn't want this war to begin with nor does he still want to be fighting it now. But, for him anybody that comes forward such as Suncast did and proclaimed a truce such as he did in his optics deserves a second chance.
Optimus sat in his office reading over more emails from officials over the recent incident regarding Suncast when he gets an internal call from Major Lennox.
"Yes Major Lennox," Optimus answered.
"Optimus, I have the director here with me in the main com. center. I just received conformation from the General of his orders." Lennox said.
"Very good, I was just about to call you and the director. There is something I would like to discuss with you both. I'm on my way, Optimus out." Optimus said then ended the conversation.
Just then Elita walked into the office as Optimus was getting up from his desk to leave.
"Optimus, I just heard from Magnus that the General has released Galloway of all authority here hence forth and granted us addition five days to have a doctor of Ratchet's choice do an evaluation on Suncast," Elita said.
"Yes Elita, Lennox just informed me too and I was just leaving to speak with Galloway before he leaves. I want him to know that I support the humans and respect their feelings against Suncast but at the same time they need to understand what has happen to him too." Optimus said as he stood before Elita.
Elita smiled and said back, " I hope so, he's got so much he could offer the humans."
Optimus reach down and hugged Elita tenderly and she hugged him back.
"I love you my Airel always and I'm so glad we're together again, I can only now imagine how lost and unappreciated he has felt all these years. I want him never to feel that way again; to be alone is the most horrible way to live." Optimus said as Elita smiled on.
"I have to go I will let you know later how it went," Optimus said.
"I love you too Orion, Please tell him we're all here for him," Elita said before letting go of Optimus so he could leave and before he left out the door he turn and said, "I will," then walked on out.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::
In the com center five minutes later. Galloway was standing and waiting with Major Lennox on the catwalk when Optimus walked in.
"Lennox thank you for calling me I was about to call a meeting to speak with you and the director here," Optimus said as he approached the catwalk.
"Well, I don't know what there is to talk about Commander. You decided to have me removed from here and I for once agree with you," Galloway said.
Lennox just looked on as Optimus patience as ever merely blink his optic lids a few times and then spoke.
"Director Galloway, you and I have spoke twice since returning from Egypt and I felt that you and I have a better understanding between us. I do realize where you stand and the other humans too but we are dealing with a life or death situation here not someone who is now killing or causing destruction."
Optimus paused as he saw the look on Galloway's face, " You want us to believe this now Optimus?" Galloway said.
"People do change, they do learn from the mistakes they have made and I believe Suncast has," Optimus replied.
"Well, it is true that since Egypt I have begun to trust your judgment some but there are those amongst us who have not been influenced by you but scared by your kinds' presents here on our planet and with good reason. They are not ready yet to accept and probably never will. But Good luck, I don't have anymore say in the matter and quiet frankly am glad about that." Galloway said then turn away and walked on down the stairs and left out of the hanger.
Optimus had spoke with Galloway alone before and does know the man has just reasons for his actions before. He like many humans were traumatized by their present and the death and destruction their kind left behind. He' s wife was killed at the Hoover Dam where she worked during the time Megatron escaped from there. Optimus too knows all to well that this was going to test him and those under his command and their resolve toward peace.
"I sure hope this works out, I mean honestly Optimus I don't trust him but; I do trust you're judgement on this and I stand behind you," Lennox said as he looked up at Optimus standing there by the catwalk.
"Thank you Will for your support and your friendship it has met a great deal to me personal over the years. And yes, I do too. With the addition five days I do believe Ratchet and I will be able to get together all the Intel that they wanted in order for him to be able to stay but; he's recovery depends on him." Optimus said.
Lennox nodded as Optimus too nodded slightly at him and then he turned to leave. Lennox knew that Optimus was deeply concern for any living being saying before, "they have the right to choose for themselves."
Optimus headed for the med bay as he received a text message just then from Ratchet that Suncast was awake. He knew how Suncast from what Ratchet said last night felted about his future here and too he's sorrow and pain from his past.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Optimus made it into the med bay and down the hall to Ratchet's office were he saw Ratchet with Suncast setting at the big table where he and Ratchet sat last night and talked for hours.
"Good afternoon Ratchet, Suncast." Optimus said as he approached the door.
Suncast looked up instantly as Ratchet stood up as Optimus walked in.
"Sir, thank you for coming." Suncast said slowly but his voice was still slurred.
"Sir," Ratchet said as he moved aside so Optimus could set down with Suncast and talk with him.
"Suncast, I've been along here with Ratchet been able to extend your stay for additional five days during which time you will have to under go exams from a human medical doctor to determine your status," Optimus said.
Suncast nodded slowly, " Yes sir I was informed by Ratchet," he said.
It was at that moment Optimus looked to Ratchet whom took the cue.
"Suncast," Ratchet said grabbing his attention.
"There is something I fail long time ago to inform you and I have the utmost regret to say now." Ratchet then stood before Suncast and then reached over and pulled a chair to him to set down first.
" Do you remember that it was I that told you of your fathers' death?" Ratchet said.
Suncast looked down at his feet and said, "yes unfortunately."
Ratchet took a deep breath as Optimus sat near by.
"Well, I didn't tell you then who because I wasn't sure then if you would believe me and I'm not so sure now either but; it was Lazerbeak," Ratchet said although you could hear the pain and sorrow as he's voice broke at times trying to talk.
Suncast just looked at him with his optics wide as they could be. Ratchet did not move nor flinch. He had no fear that Suncast would strike him surprisingly though Suncast then nodded as tears welled up into his optics.
He reached over and picked up the data pad and began to peck out what he wanted to say.
He wrote it and handed the data pad to Ratchet who read what he said aloud.
"Well many years later I suspect him or Soundwave."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you then youngling, I fear that could have made all the difference in your life if you had known," Ratchet said so sadly.
Suncast didn't look up and Ratchet started to walk out of the room when just then Suncast spoke up and angrily said, "Megatron, that fragger lied to me and what hurts the most is that he said it was you that had someone kill him."
Ratchet stopped dead in his tracks and stood facing the other way and was trembling trying to hold his anger in check.
"I'm not surprised by his lies Suncast. He lied to me about my father, Sentinel Prime. I didn't know then what this war has sadly taught me now," Optimus said too with sadness in his voice.
Suncast picked up the data pad and began writing on it. Ratchet stood with his hands against the workbench and his head bowed and wept quietly. A few minutes later Suncast sled the data pad towards Optimus who was setting next to him and read to himself what Suncast had wrote.
He said, "Optimus, I have been too blinded by this same sadness and the anger that Ratchet must be dealing with now. I don't see him as the reason I entered this war anymore and hadn't really for a few years now since we came here searching for the allspark. I wasn't really searching for Megatron but the allspark. I wanted to bring it back to Cybertron but I didn't want the human boy or any of the other humans to stand in my way either so I was just as wrong as Megatron."
Optimus finish reading it and looked up at Suncast who was had turned around in his chair some and was watching Ratchet who started to walk out the door and leave.
"NO! Don't leave me," Suncast exclaimed.
Ratchet turned around and came back in the door, "I never did youngling but I felt so guilty and filled with sorrow for what I didn't tell you then. I should have told you look, you were like the son I never had and I knew you missed you father being around. I never knew mine; I loved you and I knew your father loved you more than you will ever know because he told me how proud he was of you." Ratchet said.
Suncast then looked over at Optimus who was startled by what Ratchet had just said.
Ratchet grabbed a towel off the workbench and went to the sink on the other side of the room to clean his face off. Suncast sat thinking about what Ratchet just said. He really had no idea either that Ratchet never knew he's father. Suncast at least knew his father it's just after his mother had died he didn't get to see him as often.
A long ten minutes or so had elapsed before anyone spoke up. Optimus sat quietly thinking and looked up at Suncast who again was writing on the data pad.
"Ratchet, who was your father?" was what he wrote.
Ratchet came back and sat down in the chair across from Suncast and picked up the data pad and read it.
"I don't know, he was killed by a guardian before I was sparked. My mother was a teacher just as yours was," Ratchet answered aloud.
"That's why you became a doctor isn't?" Suncast said aloud.
"I cared and still do care I just don't show it often or in the right way sometimes. But yes, I became a doctor because I wanted to help others and I can't stand this war and what it has done to us Cybertronians," Ratchet said.
"I don't think you are alone my friend. I think all of us have seen this war change us forever." Optimus said looking at Ratchet.
"Suncast I too wanted you to know about your father I didn't know him but Ratchet did. Ratchet and I looked for days trying to find you then our main base came under heavy attack and we didn't know what became of you until we saw you with Megatron. Your past, our past, good or bad is now behind us. I don't want you to worry about the humans or leaving here. I see your intentions thus far is for peace and no more violence. However, I will need your cooperation with the human doctors fully; you have to prove to them beyond a reasonable doubt that this is what your goal is."
Optimus said as he sat next to Suncast who was looking at him.
"Yes, I understand and I will try Optimus sir," Suncast said slowly.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Okay I leave it here. They talked a while longer and Optimus did tell Suncast that Elita and the others were here for him and wished him well. Next up Dr. Capstan arrives later that afternoon for a brief meeting. Okay, please review!
