"Ratchet!" he heard a deep voice calling him, but that was not the only thing he could hear, gunfire "Ratchet!" the voice was familiar "Prime…" "Ratchet, stand down" opening his eyes he saw the glimpse of a figure standing above him, he couldn't clearly see, but he did recognize the silver/copper color, mixed with red lines "Prime…why" he said in a weak voice "Why did you do it…" he said as he tried to move his arms, only to fail at it "Why…" and with that, he fell back unconscious.

"Ratchet…" "Ratchet" "Ratchet!" feeling the cold metal on his face he rose up, eyes widening "What" he said paralyzed, unsure of where he was, but the person standing before him calling out his name, was unquestionable as to who he was "Maccadam" "Ratchet only one drink, and you fell like a Seeker trying to navigate through the Sea of Rust, Ha" said the short bot, behind the counter while cleaning a glass. Uncertain again, he looked around, and seeing that he was indeed in MACcadm's bar, the loud music, the dancing, the disco everything was here as he remembered it, and yet he couldn't recall, as to the last time he has been to this place "How…" he said, while scrunching his eyes "Mhm…how indeed" leaning towards the counter, he concentrated his full attention to the bot bartender in front of him "Is this real" the Bartender didn't reply immediately, as he continued cleaning his glass. Once finished he put the glass in front of Ratchet, and turned to grab a bottle of energon "Maybe, Maybe not" he said while pouring him a glass, and leaving the bottle in the counter "Doesn't matter really, what matters is what is to become of you Doctor" not expecting to hear that from him, he grabbed the glass in front of him, and took a sip 'Good as ever' and said "What do you mean, Maccadam" the bartender smiled "Ratchet" he said with a small stern in his voice "In due course, there will come a time, where you'll be tested, and you must show courage, there will come a time were you will find yourself guilty of charge. Though proven innocent, you must show compassion to the work you're doing, and there will come a time, were you have to face the greatest challenge the universe has ever put, and where the tide of war, will change forever"

Unsure as to what he heard, he asked "What does that mean" he smiled, and chuckled at the same time "Don't you worry, you'll find yourself in the midst of friends, and allies to help you" "But" "But nothing, young Bot. For now, you must wake up" "What!" "Wake…up" his body started to feel heavy, his eyes closing as everything started to blur, and then his body fell, ever so deeper to the dark abyss. Only for him to hear a voice calling him again "Ratchet…" said the familiar voice, he could hear more voices in the background "Ratchet" "Isaac" "Ratchet!" Eyes widening, as he rose from the chair, while breathing heavily.

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"Doctor, are you alright" he heard the familiar voice of Isaac, as he gave himself a moment to compose "You mumbled, while sleeping" 'A dream…it felt so real' He looked straight up, seeing the control room, to Isaac's drone looming over him, and Benjen's face looking a slight worry "Are you hurt" he asked. Ratchet turned his head to look at the young lad, as he leaned back at his chair, while at the same time he gave Benjen at pat in the head "I'm fine, don't worry little one" the answer didn't really satisfy with the young Stark, as he stayed close to him for any need. Ratchet turned to Isaac "What happened" no quick answer came as "DIDN'T YOU SEE, YOU JUST SAW BY YOUR OWN EYES THAT…".

Hearing the loud noises, that came from behind him he turned his head slightly, to see the three siblings arguing with themselves "What did I miss" he said, as he turned to face Isaac, as he saw from his corner of his eye, that Benjen was getting closer to him "Weeeeelllll…. you see" as Isaac had trouble to find the correct words, the Doctor realized that the monitor was still on. Depicting the mountains, the blue sky, and of course the impenetrable Eyrie. Ratchet refocused his attention on Isaac "Isaac" he said with a stern voice, as he got his attention fully "Tell me what happened" as a moment passed, he could hear the increasing argument of the Stark siblings.

"As you ordered, I showed the Stark children, a little bit of how the drones worked. I gave them the detail, that since the drones are under clocking mode, they couldn't be seen by any" "mhm" Ratchet hummed as he picked up Benjen, and put him on his lap, while the boy was grateful he was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation they were having "Continue" "And so, I had the drones to perimeter the area around the Castle, each one showing a different kind of view, of course" "mhm" "However" said Isaac, as he clearly could see the discomfort from both of them "Out with it, Isaac" "Weeeeeell, as I changed every so often the channel for the Stark children to see, the different kind of view of each drone. One particular channel, that was shown had a…heavy impact on Lady Lyanna" hearing the last bit, Ratchet's head leaned in question "Why" "…Apparently, one of the drones that was viewing the area, had picked up a signal that indicated an important person alongside the people…well several actually" "Such as" "Oh it was Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Royce, Lord Corbray, Lord Redford-" "Isaac" "Yes Doctor" "Back at the matter at hand" "Oh yes, forgive me. One of the drones picked up one of the nobles, apparently it was Lord Steffon's eldest son, Lord Robert Baratheon". He immediately recognized the name as he was not only the heir of Storm's End, but he was also been fostered by Jon Arryn, as was Ned, for all he could remember both of them had met, and became swift friends.

"What of him" he regretted the words that came out of his mouth as he heard footsteps coming closer "HE IS A PIG, AND I WILL NEVER MARRY THAT HEATHEN" Lyanna's voice was heard as "IT IS NOT YOUR'S DECISION TO MAKE" Ned's came later. As the first figure came in sight, the teary face of Lyanna coming to view, he could clearly see the anger, and sadness that see was feeling, as she leaned closer to the control room, with putting a great distance from them. Alongside, came the rest of the Stark siblings, the boys were also angered by the situation, a situation that he didn't understand.

As Isaac came closer to his ear, he whispered "Lord Baratheon, was caught by Lady Lyanna, doing…" "doing…doing what" Isaac wasn't the one who responded to that question "Whoring" was the response of little Benjen who caught the Doctor by surprise, him and the rest. As the youngest of the Starks said one of the most inappropriate words he had ever heard. Not that he didn't hear it from the rest of the population, but coming from a child nevertheless, it was an outrage "Benjen, were did you hear that word" said Ned as he approached his little brother, grabbing him from the ear, while Benjen tried to resist the pain "Father's soldiers always talk about it, and Brandon too" and with that everyone's attention was focused on the eldest, who by now felt uncomfortable with the attention. He averted his eyes from them, as he tried to find something else to focus on, not paying attention the glares of his siblings.

"Alright, that's enough" said the Doctor as he put Benjen down, rose from his chair, and then looked at Isaac's drone "Isaac, status report" "You're at 54% Doctor, I would highly recommend for you wait a bit more" as he reached to remove the cable from him "I don't have time, there's work to be done, and yes Isaac I'll come back to recharge" with that, Isaac gave a nod, and reposition himself in the computer, while his drone went back to its place.

"As much as I don't like to meddle myself in your affairs, it is vital for all of you to understand. That you have a duty to do, no matter how bad it looks now, it may change in the mere future-" his answer sparked another debate, as Lyanna stormed herself directly towards him, and finger pointed as well "Do you have any idea, what Father wants me to do" "Marry-" "Marry to that brute" she now pointed to the monitor, rather than him. Ratchet clearly saw her dislike of marrying the man, in truth he never understood as to why people with high power, gave their children away. For politics, of course there was always a part of it, but if the child doesn't want to marry, what is there to be done for it.

As he was about to open his mouth, Ned stepped in "You have no choice Lyanna, it is vital as Ratchet says that we have a duty to do. Do you actually believe that Father would decline the marriage after he had put so much work in making a trade embargo with Lord Hoster Tully, and Lord Arryn" with a red face she said "HE NEVER ASKED ME IF I WANTED TO" she screamed, as for Ned's face showed signs of frustration rising quickly, he was about to respond to his sister's outburst, Ratchet snapped "ENOUGH!" he yelled, as everyone froze in place, never would they imagine to see their dear beloved Doctor yell in anger.

Benjen hid behind the chair with fright, Lyanna looking down at the floor, Ned showing signs of fear, and Brandon showing no sign of care as he stood, and watch the scene in front of him, although his grip on his sword tightened "This is no way to behave. You all are Starks, and Starks don't behave like mindless drunks" he said, as he calmed down, he turned his full attention to Lyanna, who's tears could be seen falling down the floor. In response, he grabbed her shoulders, never so tightly but tight enough for her to focus on him "Through the years of my spark, I have never experienced love, and I never really thought about it to be honest. But I know that love is something that every living being deserves to have, and find. In the end, that's what really matters, and if you're Lord Father has put this proposal for an alliance, and a trade embargo. Then I might be able to change his mind".

With the last sentence been spoken, all their jaws fell, as hearing what the Doctor said. Lyanna was the first to react "Really" she said, while wiping away her tears, a smile started to appear "You would change it" she asked with full of hope. Ratchet kneeled down, as he "Yes-" before he could continue though, Lyanna jumped to embrace him "Thank you Thank you Thank you" as he returned the embrace, he had one last thing to say to her, that matter dearly to her "There's no need for any thanks. However," he said as she looked at him again "Know this, If I am able to change Lord Stark mind of you marrying to Lord Baratheon. You must realize that sooner or later you will have to marry another. So…are you certain that you don't want to mar-" "NO I DON'T" she said swiftly, interrupting him again, as he gave her a glare "Sorry" she said head looking down.

He signed 'Starks' he thought, as he rose, and turned to the rest of them, who by now Benjen was out of his hiding, smiling at the finished quarrel. While, he was glad that he was happy Ned, and Brandon weren't as happy as their little brother, either a scowl was in their faces or a disappointed look, and he knew the reasons as to why. He approached Ned first "I know your friend" he said as he saw Ned looking at him with sadness "But if you're sister is not willing to marry him, that wouldn't mean that your friendship would end" "You…don't know that" Ned whispered "I know that your family, and family comes first" with his right arm he grabbed Ned's shoulder "And besides, if he doesn't like it, and as you humans say. To Hell with him" he said, as he could hear the small laughter coming from behind him, and the small smile that appeared on Ned's face "Yeh…you're right" he said as he chuckled. Ratchet nodded and turned to the last, and most difficult individual he had to cheer. Brandon wasn't having it as he was sulking on his own, his back facing them.

"Brandon-" he started, only "Save it. I don't want to hear it" he said, with a cold voice. The Doctor didn't want to argue, as he "I-I" before he could even finish his sentence *Alert* *Alert* *Alert* everything went red, as the Starks drew their swords, and Benjen run to Lyanna embracing her for what was happening, Ratchet remained calm "Isaac, what is happening" he said as he turned his attention to the screen. Everything stopped, the alarms, the red color that made the siblings feel anxious, and Isaac appearing in the screen "Doctor, I have detected a group of ships headed towards Bear Island" Isaac said, as he switched to the map, showing the intruders "How many" "There 6 Longships" "Colors" "Black, with a golden squid in the middle" "Greyjoy's" yelled Brandon "Isaac, is the weapon ready" "Yes doctor" "Good, bring it in" he turned and made his way towards the elevator, the Children following behind "What are you going to do" asked Lyanna "If they won't listen to reason…then I have to fight" "Finally, it was about time for some action" said Brandon as he was about to step inside, Ratchet raised his hand, indicating to stop him there "You're not coming with me" said Ratchet as he pushed the button for the First floor. With an irritated face Brandon said "WHAT!" Ned was the one who continued, before his brother could create another scene "Ratchet, we can fight" "I don't doubt that, but as long as you're under my watchful eye-" "Doors Closing" "you're not going anywhere" and with that, the elevator went up with the Doctor leaving a frustrated Brandon to fuss, and the rest to try and ignore him.

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(POV)

Unknown

It has been 2 days since we left home, as we headed towards Bear Island to blunder and raid. For me it is the first time to raise my sword, and my shield. Never would I thought that I would see battle not until I closed my Fifteenth nameday. But as our men who but followed our fierce Captain to blunder without the authority of our Lord Reaper of Pyke, which was stupid. We would definitely be in trouble if we returned empty handed, especially in the position we were in. In the beginning, it was but a mere suggestion to follow our ancestor's ways, without any second thought, a mere laugh. Only for Captain Harr to rely the men, and leave Pike to find glory and fame. I never would have joined, if not me been fostered by him. My father's decision to make me a true Ironborn, and not some wet greenboy of the southerlands. If not for that I could probably be doing more useful things, rather than raiding, and killing innocent people.

'But I know that life, has its horrors, and Joy's' he thought, as he gripped the helmet his was wearing, trying to stabilize himself from falling in the deck of the ship, knowing that if he did, he would become a laughingstock for the rest of the men. As the wind blew harder, and the men's morale kept rising. His Captain's laughter kept growing ever more "You feel it boy, do you feel the air in your lungs" said a bald headed man, with a long beard, and a hysterical laughter "That's the feeling of Glory, and the taste of Gold" while ignoring him, he still continued "This raid will be remembered as the greatest achievement we have ever done" he yelled as the men roared "Never again we will be denied to blunder" he continued, while the men still roared "We shall raid every kingdom from the North to Dorne, and they shall remember us, as to who we really are" he said with a huge grin as all men cheered his name , and made preparations for the upcoming battle.

Captain Harr, looked at me, and said "You see that young Harlaw, this is true power, and this is how you make a legend out of yourself. As the world will know me as Harr the Glorious" he laughed hysterically, as I continued to ignore him. It wasn't a wise decision, as the man came closer to me looking straight to my eyes "Do you disagree Boy" he asked as he stood right in front of me, towering me like a giant ready to smash a dwarf in bits "No Captain, but is it really necessary to go for a raid. Lord Q-" "Lord Quellon Greyjoy knows nothing, his but a coward. Staying at his palace, and weeping like a greenboy, and letting his people down" he said, 'Can you blame him, he already lost two of his sons, and his eldest is trying to stay alive, while been suffocated by greyscale, it won't be long before...' as he dazed to the wooden floor, he completely forgot the conversation he was having with his Captain. The man's face turned to a scowl, as he spitted beside him and said "You're a disappointment boy, if you don't want to be a part of this, then go back to your books" knowing that he was tempting him to do it, so he can tell his father more about his ever disappointing son, of how he disrespects the old ways.

Ignoring his Captain's insults, he refocused his attention at the task at hand. Bear Island was in front of them, he heard tales of that place. Shield Maidens fighting like Bears, and how they could turn into Bears if they wanted to. He didn't believe it, but the mere thought of fighting a bear, was but a nerve-racking feeling.

As he saw the shore of the Island, he could already hear the orders of his Captain "Prepare for landing" as the men hurried to grab their weapons, he could feel his pressure rising. As he scanned the Island's surroundings, he could clearly see the tall trees, the sand in the shore, but no one to defend it, only a man stood there.

Eyes widening, focusing on the man in the shore, standing all alone 'Is he crazy' as he run towards the front, bumping through his crewmates, while also hearing their insults. He could but ignore them, as he reached the front of the column, eyes focusing on the man. But to his astonishment, it wasn't a simple man, rather a tall one, he noted the full metal armor on all his parts, and blue eyes 'A greenboy knight here…is that pipe on his shoulder' he questioned in his thoughts as they came closer, he could now see the man standing alone in the shores. Only to recognize the person, who wasn't a person but someone who he heard tales of him "Giant" he whispered "GIANT" he then yelled as he got the attention of everyone on board, he run to middle of the crowd "The Giant" he said "The Giant, T-The G-Giant of the North" this time louder stuttering a bit, and pointing to the direction of the Island. As the men saw to what they were up against, whispers were heard amongst the men as they heard Tales of a metal Giant living in the North.

"Hold fast men, it is but a mere man dressed in knighting armor. Nothing to fred, he is but a lie nothing more. We are Iro-" before the Captain could continue a loud voice was heard "RAIDERS OF THE IRON ISLANDS, LEAVE AND GO TO YOUR HOMES, THERE NOTHING FOR YOU HERE. THIS IS A WARNING RETURN HOME, OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES" as they heard the thundering of the voice coming from a shore, the men started to tremble. Most suggested to turn around as they didn't want to anger the Giant. But the Captain wouldn't listen.

"Stand your ground men, we can almost taste the glory, show Courage Ironborn" his words were deaf to ears, as "Captain, we need to go back. His A Giant, and if the rumors are true, he has the power to eradicate us" said the young Harlaw to his commanding officer, only for him to be punched in the face by him. Sending him crawling down to the ground "SILENCE" he said as he looked to his men, with fire in his eyes "We stand our groun-" "LEAVE NOW OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES THE IS YOUR LAST WARNING" as they heard the thundering voice again, the men started to fear for their lives. The young Harlaw stood up in the right corner of the deck massaging his face, only when he rose his head to look up, he noticed that 1 of the 3 longships that were sailing along side, started to withdraw "COWARDS" yelled the Captain "I swear to the Drowned God that I'll have your h-".

Suddenly everything stopped, the wind, the tides, the men shocked expressions, and worse of all the explosion of one of their longships that had been decimated to pieces. In its place only ashes, and burned men yelling for their lives. His eyes widening as it happened again, one explosion to the other. They were been picked off one by one, as they cried for their Drowned God to save them, or their mothers to come and take them, none were able to move, not even their Captain, whose talk of glory, fame, and courage were all gone, in their place was but fear. As young Harlaw rose to his feet, he run towards the steering wheel, and grabbed it with his full might, trying to turn their ship around as fast as possible. Eyes closed, and his constant mumbling of a prayer to the Seven, could be the only solution for them stay alive, another explosion was heard right next to them, they could only wait, and pray.

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Rodrik Harlaw, had saved the day, but with the cost of many lives. Only two ships remained from this supposed triumphant journey. Now, only the dead will weep, and the living will face the punishment of disobedience.

(POV)

Ratchet

As the remaining ships left, Ratchet could see the smoke rising in the air, and the continuation of the fire of what remained of their ships that he destroyed. He gave himself a credit, the new shoulder cannon was working accordingly. As he deactivated it, he refocused his attention in front of him. As the Moon started to rise, its light shined to the bodies that were washing ashore, from old people to young. His face darkened, he didn't want to you use force, but he knew that if he didn't. More lives could have been lost if he didn't intervene. Only Primus knew what more he had to face, on his path.

A drone came to his side, as it opened its speaker "That was incredible" two voices yelled. As Ratchet was brought back to reality, he focused on the drone "You saw that" he asked, as the drone opened its screen to show the kids, watching closely to their screen. Each one had an amazed expression "Ratchet! Ratchet! Ratchet!" yelled Lyanna "No" he simply said, which in response she gave him a glare "You didn't even hear, what I was about to say" "No, I'm not teaching you to use it" a pout was seen from her, as giggles could be heard from Benjen "Ratchet" said Ned "mhm" "Would you…teach me to use a blaster" wide eyes showed on his face, never would he imagine that Ned would ask him that. Lyanna yes, it was understandable but Ned "mhmm…Maybe" he said bluntly.

A gasp was heard from Lyanna "Thanks Doc" said Ned with a large grin, while his sister glared at him, only for an argument to break out 'Here we go again' he didn't bother to hear what was said, he clearly was annoyed at the constant retaliation that was happening between them. However, if someone were to look closer to the Doctor's face, a small smile was appearing 'Brats' he thought, before he could say or do anything a rustle was heard from behind.

Footsteps could be heard coming closer, Isaac said "Ah the Mormont's are coming" he said as he got the attention of the kids, as they stopped arguing, and focused on the scene. Lyanna was the first to say "I get to see Shield Maidens, finally" she said with excitement. Although, the Doctor wasn't able to agree to that sentiment "I hope that SHE isn't among them" "She" questioned Brandon, as he continued "Whose sh-" before he could finish his sentence "GIANTTT!" yelled a loud voice, as Ratchet heard the voice he immediately run in the opposite direction of it, he shouted "Isaac Groundbrindge" "Yes But" "NOW" as he run more, the greenish portal opened, and as he was seconds away from entering "GIANTTT, FAC-" before the person could finish, the Doctor with his drone disappeared in front of the Mormont host that came to aid him. Dropping the shield, the person said "Dammit, I'll get you next time Giant" she said with determination.

Cave

Ratchet run through the portal, and as it closed behind him, he thought 'That was close' "Soooo" said Brandon, "Who was that" "No one to concern yourselves with" he said as Brandon, continued to smirk as he raised his hand in the air, indicating his surrender "Suit yourself" 'Brat' he walked towards the control room, as he disengaged his shoulder cannon, and leaving it to the corner of the control panel. As he turned to see all the Starks gathering around him, he said "Right, it's time for you kids to go home" hearing their disapproval he raised his hand In the air "Your Lord Father would have arrived by now, and he would be worried for you" as a moment passed they all nodded "Good, Isaac" "Yes Doctor" "Put coordinates for Winterfell" "Are they going to use the Groundbrindge" hearing the last sentence the children got excited "Yes" "But won't they get nausea" that's when he snapped, he had completely forgotten about that part, as did the children, and remembering the scene from before "Alright, you Kids wait here I'll be right back" the Doctor said as he rushed to the elevator, and pushed the button "Doors Closing" leaving the children, and Isaac alone. As they were alone, one of them had a mischievous smile, as turning to look at the shoulder cannon that Ratchet had left behind. It was the perfect opportunity for that person to see it up close, before approaching it however "Don't even think about it, dear Sister" said Ned as he caught her red handed, while Lyanna could only scowl.

20 minutes later

As the Doctor came back, they all gathered around him "Right this should do it" "What's that" asked Ned, as they all saw gray pills in his hands. Ratchet, grabbed one "It's a pill, that will withstand the energy of the Groundbrindge, while passing through it without harm" he said as he gave one each, and following behind was Isaac with cups of water for them to swallow it. As they taken the medicine, they immediately were disgusted with the flavor "Uhhhh… gross" said Lyanna, as the rest of her siblings agreed "It tastes bad yes, but it will work for you not to get dizzy or worst, and you're welcome" he turned to Isaac "Open the Groundbrindge" Isaac nodded as he activated it, the gate opened with the portal glowing ever so brighter "Well, I'll see you around" he said, as "Can we come back" asked Benjen, as the question was related to every one of them. They looked at him with hopeful eyes, as he gave himself a sign, while scratching his eyes for a moment, as they still looked at him "Fine" they finally smiled, as they heard him agreeing for them to come back "But" they stopped, fearing to what he was about to say "I can't have you running through the forest to come here. Especially the dangers that lurk here. So, in three days, I'll come to Winterfell, to report to your father, and to bring you something" "A gift" said Benjen with excitement "Yes" "What kind" asked Brandon, "It's a secret" giving him a pout he could only laugh at their reaction "Yes yes, your displeased. Now run a long now you're Lord Father awaits" with that, the Stark kids said their goodbyes to him saying they had fun, and how they couldn't wait to see him again. As the portal closed "Right, back to work" said Ratchet as Isaac followed behind him "They are quite the interesting Children, I have to say I quite enjoyed their company" said Isaac as he went in the elevator, as he pushed the button "That they are my friend" he said with a smile "Doors Closing"

A/N

Hey guys it has been a while, sorry for the long delay. However, I can say now that I am done with this semester, and Christmas is nearly here, so I'll have plenty of time to focus again on the story. Now I know many of you think that Harlon died young as a kid, true very true however I want to give him a chance in this story, as for other questions regarding this chapter I swear to you that you will get answers… well most of the answers as the story progresses.

I hope you enjoyed it, as I'll get right into writing the next chapter, until then stay safe.