Razor's Edge
Chapter 10
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.
"Mind telling me where you snuck off to yesterday?" Ratchet asked, assessing the damage to Optimus' frame.
"I thought you had more important matters to deal with," Optimus said. "Like repairing Starscream."
A nice, impersonal answer. Nothing incriminating. He wasn't sure what Ratchet's reaction would be if he admitted the truth-fragging a subordinate senseless. And Ultra Magnus, who was standing nearby, waiting for his turn to talk. . .oh Primus. . .
"First Aid could've repaired you, or Wheeljack, or even Perceptor," Ratchet said. "But no, you think you know better. What were you thinking? Your energon levels are low. Did you even refuel this morning?"
"I didn't recharge well last night, and I figured coming here first thing would be the wise thing to do," Optimus retorted.
Ratchet frowned. His Prime did have a point. However, Ultra Magnus was through waiting.
"Optimus, we need to discuss the delay in the city's construction," Magnus said. "Prowl informed me this morning some of the materials are going to be needed to repair the Ark."
"That is correct, Magnus," Optimus said.
"No offense, but this place is falling apart," Magnus said. "We need the room the city will provide."
"Magnus, this is not negotiable," Optimus said.
"Fine," Magnus said. "But we can't let construction fall too far behind."
"If you have any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them," Optimus said.
"I'll need time to compile a list," Magnus said.
"Then get to it," Optimus said, patience wearing thin.
"Another option would be to go to Cybertron and procure some of raw materials we need," Magnus said. "Members of my team know where the Decepticons have them hidden, and it wouldn't take much time or energon to make such a run."
He waited a few moments for an answer, but Optimus didn't give him one. The Autobot leader was staring into space.
"Are you paying attention?" Magnus asked, arms crossed in annoyance.
Optimus wasn't. He was thinking about the night before. He'd let Hot Rod stay. Hadn't thrown him out of his berth or his quarters. They'd talked, not much, considering, but he'd gotten Hot Rod to admit to an attraction on his part. Optimus hadn't said anything about the pull he felt toward the other mech, but Hot Rod's admission was enough. For now.
"What?" Optimus asked.
"Cybertron. Mission. Supplies," Magnus said.
"Do whatever you see fit," Optimus said, laying back on the berth. He could at least try and rest while Ratchet completed his repairs, and if Magnus couldn't take a hint, the medic would remove him from the med bay.
"I'll prepare a report," Magnus said.
"You do that," Ratchet said, throwing a wrench at the retreating city commander. "Touchy this morning, aren't we, Optimus?"
Optimus ignored the comment, offlining his optics while the medic worked.
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Leaving the med bay a second time seemed like a good idea. Except Optimus Prime knew Ratchet wouldn't be as lenient a second time. The CMO was in the lab, repairing an injured Skyfire and Wheeljack while First Aid kept watch over the patients in the med bay. Optimus managed to get a little recharge, and was feeling better, but he couldn't leave Ratchet's domain until the medic returned, and verified for himself the Autobot leader had refueled and was operating within acceptable parameters. He'd even talked some with Starscream, while the Seeker was awake and willing to talk. He'd asked again about his trine mates, and how they were going to get them away from Megatron. Optimus said plans were in the works, and that seemed to mollify the other mech. A bit of stretching the truth, but he would ask Prowl as soon as he had a chance to tackle the problem.
Now, he was bored out of his mind, and trying not to fret about being stuck until Ratchet returned, but hope arrived in the form of Hot Rod. The young mech made for Optimus, handing him a data pad.
"Ultra Magnus' new timetable for construction," he said.
"It will go nicely with his report on what he plans to bring back from Cybertron," Optimus said.
"Too many reports?" Hot Rod asked.
"Yes, and not enough time to read them all," Optimus said.
"Well, the trip to Cybertron shouldn't take long because Springer and I know where to find what we need," Hot Rod said.
"Magnus didn't tell me you were going," Optimus said.
"I'm not," Hot Rod said. "Magnus is taking everyone on his team but me and Blurr. Arcee, Kup, Springer and Sandstorm are enough. At least that's what Magnus figures, so you're stuck with me."
Hot Rod left out he'd gotten in trouble with Prowl that morning for being late for duty, and for helping Blurr play a practical joke on Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
"I'm glad you're staying," Optimus said.
Hot Rod grinned, placing a hand on Optimus' shoulder, and the Autobot leader covered it with his own. A few more quiet words, and the other Autobot left. But they forgot about Starscream, who watched the exchange with interest. However, the Decepticon said nothing, only filing the matter away for examination later.
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Ratchet sat at his desk, finishing up. It was late, and he was alone, except for Starscream, who was the only patient left in the med bay; Ratchet had let Optimus leave earlier. The Seeker was doing well, considering, but it would be some time before he was able to leave the med bay. And speaking of the Decepticon, Ratchet could hear him muttering, dreaming, which turned into screaming.
"NO. . .please. . ." Starscream managed, starting to thrash, and the readings on the monitors spiked as Ratchet reached his patient's side. He grabbed Starscream by the shoulders, forcing him back down on the berth, trying to reassure him, finally managing to get through.
"Starscream, it's all right. You're safe. You're in the Autobot med bay, remember? It's only a dream," Ratchet said, locking optics with the other mech.
"I'm fine," Starscream muttered.
"You're not," Ratchet said. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not in this lifetime," Starscream hissed. "Leave me be."
Ratchet removed his hands from Starscream.
"I'll be in my office if you need anything," he said.
The Seeker snorted, offlining his optics. Ratchet waited a few moments, watching. He was going to have his work cut out for him, caring for the flyer. Checking the monitors one last time, Ratchet returned to his office, keeping a watchful eye on his patient.
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Optimus Prime lightly traced the flames on Hot Rod's chest. Not surprisingly, Hot Rod woke at his touch.
"I thought you had medic's orders to recharge," Hot Rod said.
"I do, but someone is determined to see to it I lose even more recharge," Optimus said, optics filled with mirth.
"Ratchet won't find out anything from me," Hot Rod said.
At that, Optimus vented air in a sigh.
"What? The humans have a saying-discretion is the better part of valor," Hot Rod said, nipping at his Prime's neck, hands roaming over the broad chest. "Despite what you might think of me, I can keep my mouth shut. This is worth it. You're worth it."
"I'm not ashamed of anyone finding out about. . .us," Optimus said. There. He'd said it. Sort of. But he didn't get to say anything more because Prowl commed him.
:You better get to ops: Prowl said.
:Why?:
:Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were on patrol when they discovered they were being tracked by Skywarp and Thundercracker. The twins prepared to engage, but the Decepticons surrendered: Prowl said.
Well, that solved that problem, Optimus mused. :I'll be there in a moment:
"What is it?" Hot Rod asked.
"I have to go to ops," Optimus said. "I'll be back soon."
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Ratchet raged to no one in particular. "No, one Decepticon isn't enough. I'm not keeping those two here," he said, pointing at the two waiting, health Seekers. "Not in my med bay. I'll check them over, but they cannot stay here."
Optimus watched with amusement, arms crossed, while Ironhide looked murderous.
"Fine, we'll throw 'em in the brig," Ironhide said. "Right, Optimus?'
He looked to his friend for confirmation, but Optimus said nothing.
"The brig will be fine," Ratchet said. "For now. Until it can be decided what to do with them."
"I concur," Optimus said. "Let me know if you find anything amiss. I'll be in my quarters."
"You're leaving?" Ironhide asked.
"You can help keep an eye on them, make sure they don't harm Ratchet," Optimus said. "They're in stasis cuffs. I don't see how they can cause any trouble when they're restrained. Besides, I have orders to rest."
Ironhide frowned. Since when did Optimus follow medic's orders so closely? The weapons specialist met the medic's optics, but Ratchet shrugged.
"I'll comm you," Ratchet said.
Optimus nodded, leaving the med bay.
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Ratchet didn't comm the Autobot leader, but he had a report waiting on his desk the next morning. Skywarp and Thundercracker were in relative good health. They needed some minor repairs, and were in need of refueling, but otherwise, they were fine. And also terrified of what Megatron would do when he found out they were no longer on the Nemesis. A matter Optimus would deal with if and when Megatron showed up wanting them back. At least the Decepicon leader hadn't hurt them like he had Starscream. The two Seekers were glad to see their brother, and understanding about the need to put them in the brig until things could be sorted out.
Then there was his request about Silverbolt-that he and his fellow Aerialbots be allowed to discuss flying and tactics with the two Seekers. Optimus was going to table the matter until all three Decepticons could be debriefed by himself, Prowl, Jazz and Ironhide. He knew that wouldn't happen until Ratchet said it could. There was also the suggestion from the medic that Smokescreen talk with the three Seekers, both as a group and individually when they were willing or able.
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Five days later. . .
Things were going well. Hot Rod hadn't gotten in trouble since practical joke with Blurr, and now, he was working hard, doing his duties, waiting for Springer and the others to return from Cybertron. The young mech felt relaxed, happy even. Not wound as tight, grateful things were going so well with Optimus Prime. But as the week wore on, Hot Rod noticed something was wrong. He felt off, restless. And the morning he purged his tanks all over his quarters, he made straight for the med bay.
Ratchet glared when Hot Rod told him how he was feeling, but the medic pulled out a scanner, guiding the other mech toward an empty berth.
"Lay back and let me take a look," Ratchet said, turning on the device and running a quick diagnostic on his patient. Looking at the reading, the medic smacked the device and ran another scan.
"Hot Rod, I'm picking up an extra energy reading. . .probably nothing, but I'd better check anyway," Ratchet said.
The medic ran a battery of tests, then ran them again when he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Well, it had been a long time since he'd seen anyone with this particular condition, with the war and all. . .
"Ratch, is anything wrong with me?" Hot Rod asked.
"It depends on your definition of 'wrong,'" Ratchet said. "How do you feel about being a carrier?"
"Carrier of what?" Hot Rod asked, suspicious.
"Stay here," Ratchet said, going into his office, comming Optimus Prime. His leader needed to know, because Hot Rod would have to be pulled from active duty. Also, considering Hot Rod's temper, the medic figured he'd need backup when he informed the mech of his condition. He waited a few moments, and Optimus entered the med bay, and came into his office.
"You're never going to believe this. . ." Ratchet started. "I'm going to tell you first, because you need to know."
"Know what?" Optimus asked.
"I know how you handle the rules regarding fraternization here on the Ark, however, I can't remember a time when it's resulted in a mech carrying," Ratchet said.
"Who's carrying?" Optimus asked.
"Hot Rod," Ratchet said. Obviously the young Autobot had been interfacing with someone, and Ratchet respected his privacy. But he wasn't expecting the reaction he received from Optimus. He collapsed upon hearing the news, which answered *that* question for the the medic.
The sight of his Prime collapsing had Hot Rod off the berth, and attempting to help Ratchet pick Optimus up off the floor, but the medic waved him off.
"He's fine," Ratchet said. "He'll wake soon enough. Don't worry about him. Hot Rod, we need to talk."
The medic dragged Hot Rod back toward a berth, frowning at Starscream, who was sitting up, smirking.
:We will talk later: the medic commed the Seeker. Starscream answered with an even bigger smirk.
"Hot Rod, sit down," Ratchet said. "There's nothing wrong, really. You're carrying. The spark is approximately a week old, going by its development at this stage. It's a spark with an umbilicus, connected to your own spark. Within the next few days, a gestation sac will begin to form. When it does, the new spark will start to develop a processor and spinal structure, and progress from there. You will have to be pulled from active duty. This is not negotiable, depending on what you decide to do."
"Carrying?" Hot Rod asked.
"Yes. You. Are. Carrying." Ratchet said, wondering if he would have to spell it out for the hot-head.
Hot Rod stood, heading for the med bay's exit. He walked, not caring where he went.
Inside the med bay, Ratchet was trying to scrape his unconscious leader off the floor, but all he could do was wait for him to wake up. He didn't have long to wait, as Optimus stirred.
"You took that well," Ratchet said as his Prime stood.
"Hot Rod really is carrying?" Optimus asked.
"Yes," Ratchet said. "And I take it from your reaction you're the sire?"
"Yes," Optimus said. "I'm going to go talk to him."
"I think you should give Hot Rod some time," Ratchet suggested.
Optimus frowned, walking away from the medic.
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Hot Rod fumed. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He didn't ge a chance to give it further thought when he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder.
"Hot Rod, we need to talk," Optimus said.
"About what? What, does this make me a Prime's concubine?" Hot Rod said, invading his Prime's space. Optimus backed, meeting the wall. Hot Rod took a swing, connecting with his leader's face.
"Defend yourself!"
Optimus' vision swam, but he managed to grab Hot Rod's wrists before he could take another swing. But Hot Rod just kicked him instead, and Optimus lost his grip, and he tried to wrestle Hot Rod to the ground. Before he could make contact, he was shot. Twice. By one of his own troops. Ironhide, who slapped stasic cuffs on him as he lapsed into unconsciousness. He didn't see Sunstreaker deactivate Hot Rod with a well-placed punch to the jaw.
Prowl came running up, dismayed at what he saw.
"Would you mind telling me what is going on?" he asked.
"I can't, yet," Ratchet said. "Just shove Optimus in the brig overnight. He needs some time to cool off, that's all. Sunstreaker, help me get Hot Rod to the med bay."