Chapter 15 – In the still of the night
OC P.O.V
It was late at night and I lay on the cool bonnet of Relda looking down the reef towards ''Turtle Bay'' where Jazz and I had chatted earlier in the day. I had managed to find this open grassed area behind the tree line that surrounded what was once ''Tent City'' and was now the Autobots base of operations. It was quite secluded yet open at the same time. A perfect place to once again gaze at my stars and simply ''be''. It felt like an age since that had happened.
I lay there, arms under my head as makeshift pillow, one leg crossed over the other, my foot occasionally tapping away, and reflected on the day that was. It had been a busy day all around. Prime, Lennox and Epps had discussed N.E.S.T tactics and strategy with General Morshower. Rachet and Ironhide had made a great start with Lennox's team in gutting and fitting out the medical hanger. The personal quarters of the Autobots were still a mess, true to his word Prime had encouraged the completion of the medical bay first. It was mostly fit out, just awaiting the arrival of the larger medical items that would be necessary.
I had caught Rachet wandering around the hanger inspecting every nut and bolt, shelving unit and cabinet, all that had to be built to ''transformer'' suitable size. /I would hate to be the site manager for this job/ I thought ruefully. It truly was a marvel how much they had accomplished in a day. At this rate it should be a fully operational medical bay in less than a week, something I knew Rachet would be pushing for, but truth be told they needed. They all still sported dents, scratches and gashes from their Mission City battle, Prime especially.
Jazz and I had returned from our trip and, once refreshed, Jazz had dropped me home at Prime's request. Jazz was needed to help Rachet and Ironhide and Prime wanted to debrief his team as to the outcome of General Morshower's discussion. There had been nothing I could do that the present time, so I was cleared to head back to my apartment and take some R&R.
Although I wanted to stay and help the others, I also didn't want to get in the way and appear like a needy little brat so I agreed and spent the remainder of the day doing some grocery shopping, site seeing around the downtown area and just trying to relax. By late afternoon though I had gone a bit stir crazy and had realised my Relda was still parked back at Hanger 1 so I decided I would walk back there, achieving two objectives; waste some time and try to improve my fitness levels.
I had underestimated both my fitness levels and the distance it would be to walk there. Even though the sun was starting to dim in the sky and evening was advancing, it was still quite muggy and hot, being an island in the tropics. My clothes were soaked, and I was generally feeling uncomfortable. I hated the heat! I would have preferred a place in much cooler climes if possible. Still, I was grateful to have a home and be with the Autobots so I simply had to deal with it.
Finally, after about 50 minutes of jog/walking, the runway and the hangers loomed in the distance. The road ran parallel to the runway on the lagoon side of the island. I had followed it down along, Eclipse Bay until I had reached the military check point allowing me to gain access to the airfield and hangers beyond.
I had showed them my newly acquired pass that allowed me access. They double checked me – perhaps the overly rosy cheeks, the sheen of perspiration over my face and my hair tied back in a very messy bun had them perplexed if this was indeed the Orianna Connors on the picture. After a moment's hesitation and confirming my reason for being here (to retrieve my car and touch base with Major Lennox), I was granted access.
By the time I had made it to the hanger where Relda was parked I was somewhat out of breath and looking very much unappealing and worse for wear. Lennox had initially seemed alarmed to see me looking so – dishevelled - but then when he knew I had simply ''walked'' here he gave me shit. This then led to a five-minute verbal sparring match which ended in a good-natured truce when Lennox was called away on official business.
After that, not seeing the Autobots around, I had jumped in Relda and gone for a little drive past their hangers towards the secluded grassy beach area I had now found myself on. It as a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. I had taken a quick dip in the ocean in my underwear when I was sure no one was around. Luckily, I had left a few items of clothing in the back of Relda, a loose shirt, some shorts and a towel. Score!
As I lay there looking up at my beloved stars, I was suddenly aware of another presence. I froze momentarily, until I heard gears and pistons moving and the ground shook slightly. Someone rather large was approaching. My heart sped up a little as I turned to take in my guest. As quickly as it had sped up - it stopped. Ironhide.
''What are you doing out here at this hour away from your domicile?'' Ironhide barked in a gruff tone. He stood slightly in front of me and placed one servo on his hip. ''Shouldn't you be recharging?'' I could tell in the moonlight that he had raised one optical ridge or eyebrow, in silent challenge.
''I could ask you the same question 'Hide.'' I shot back.
Ironhide grunted removing the servo from his hip, ''Hunh. Patrol. And you?''
''Same. Patrolling the stars to make a wish,'' I smiled up at him regardless of whether he could see me.
He shook his helm, ''You humans have some strange ways, you especially,'' Ironhide had an exasperated tone to his voice.
''Thanks, Ironhide! You do know how to make a woman feel special,'' I gushed.
At this I could see him momentarily clench his servos into fists and his many gears and pistons move as he shifted his weight from one pede to another, trying to dispel the agitation and annoyance I was clearly making him feel.
I took a deep breath, and sat up on Relda's hood, looking directly at him. ''Look. Ironhide. I think you and I got off on the wrong foot.. er… pede. I actually, really am a nice person and I do genuinely want to get along with and learn from you guys,'' I hoped I sounded sincere as I meant it. ''And, I am sure there is much I can learn from you, as I found out today you are the oldest, even more so than Prime, and I bet you have seen and experienced a lot of things in your long life in this universe.''
Ironhide's stance changed and he seemed to relax his guard a little. Appealing to someone's vanity, however buried or non-existent it may seem, usually worked. ''Look Ironhide, I don't want to fight you, I want to fight alongside you, we're on the same team here. Truce?'' I stood up and held out my hand to him.
He seemed to pause a moment, considering his options, before reaching down and offering a large, chunky metallic digit. ''Truce.'' I grabbed hold of it as best I could and we both gave one shake of hand and digit.
''Great! Would you like to pull up some sand and we can have a chat about anything you like, or do you need to continue your patrol? I'd hate to stop you from doing your important job''. I smiled sweetly at him.
''While the idea of sitting in sand sounds so appealing, I think it best to continue my nightly patrol of the perimeter,'' while there was some sarcasm in his tone there was also humour. Perhaps we had succeeded in bringing down a wall today.
''Fair call on both counts. I'll catch ya later Ironhide,'' I waved at him and lay back down on Relda's hood.
''Good evening OC, don't stay out here too late, Prime would not like it if something happened to you.'' With that he turned and walked back off into the night to continue his patrol. Of what I wasn't sure, it was pretty quiet and hardly anyone was around. /Maybe some disgruntled sea turtles were staging a coup?/.
I returned my thoughts to the last thing Ironhide said before he left. /Prime would not like it if something happened to me?/ What does that mean? Before I had time to dissect that thought any further, the sound of heavy footfalls came from behind me. I didn't even bother to turn around, ''Miss me already did you?'' I laughed.
''Given I haven't seen you for most of the day and when I last saw Major Lennox he told me how – dishevelled and distressed - you were, I thought I would take it upon myself to check in on you,'' an unmistakable, smooth rumbling voice. The tall and regal visage of Optimus Prime came to stand beside me, concern on his faceplates.
My heart, my poor heart. At this rate I was going to be a candidate for a pacemaker. /Fucking Lennox!/ I bit back sharing the thought out loud. ''Oh, Hi Prime. I uh, I thought you were Ironhide.'' I sat up offering a weak laugh and smile in apology.
''Yes, I saw you both talking before. I was – impressed - with how you managed to smooth things over with Ironhide. He can be stubborn and seem cool and dismissive at times but he is a very loyal soldier with a good spark, once he gets to know you and trust you, he will do anything for you.'' Prime had moved so he was now standing before me. The moonlight shone off his armour, even though it was dented and scratched with gauges here and there, he still looked magnificent. His eyes shone brightly as he took me in. I felt he was looking into my very soul; it was unnerving and captivating at the same time.
I stood up on Relda's bonnet, I was speaking to a Prime after all, laying down causally did not seem to be proper etiquette, plus I would be that much closer to him and not have to crane my neck. /Yeah! 5'5'' closer, big help!/ As if sensing what I was trying to do, Prime himself, began to crouch down so he was kneeling on one knee, one large red and blue flamed arm resting on said knee, the other against the sandy ground below.
''Yeah, I got that impression from him. I am just glad we are on the same page now. I really do want to learn from you all and get along with you.'' I stilled for a second. ''I truly meant what I said back in the States before we came here. I don't want to be alone and I do want to continue working alongside you all…'' my voice trailed off, I did not trust myself to speak any further.
Prime spoke softly and with great kindness, ''Ori…OC, I am very much aware what you said was heartfelt and true. Your honesty and willingness to lay bare your feelings, even at great personal cost to yourself, is a quality to be admired, and appreciated; especially by those who find it hard to do so themselves.'' At this there was a slight pause and he blinked his optics, turning away from me momentarily. ''The Autobots, Lennox and his team, are all glad to have you here with us. I am glad.'' Although Prime did not reach out and offer any physical support as he did back before we left for Diego Garcia, I could feel the sincerity of his words and the silent comfort he was sending me.
I stood there regarding him. I could easily see why his men thought so highly of him and were so willing to give their lives in protection for his. Prime had this way of making everyone around him feel important and protected, he radiated strength and wisdom. I gave a slight mental shake encouraging myself to respond, ''Thanks Prime, that means a lot.'' And it did.
Prime simply nodded his helm in recognition.
''And, as you can see,'' I said gesturing to myself, ''I am fine, just a little unfit if anything. I think I shall start walking and exercising more often. I've obviously been lazy enough long enough.'' I gave a weak chuckle.
''Well, as long as you are well and not harmed, I shall leave you be,'' Prime made to stand.
''Prime… I,'' I began to speak.
''Yes OC?'' Optimus tilted his helm to the side, an idiosyncrasy I was coming to recognise as his way of encouraging and processing.
''I…. I'm sorry.''
''For what OC? What have you done to be sorry for?'' The Prime seemed to be genuinely confused.
''For all you have lost. For all of those you have lost.'' At this subtle yet pointed comment, Prime seemed to tense up a little. His demeanour, just moments before calm and relaxed, changed almost imperceptibly, as he quickly schooled his features and reactions back to neutrality. /Millenia of practice/ I thought wryly.
''Thank you, OC. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to from today's meetings,'' and with that he stood, nodded briefly and walked back in the direction he had first materialised.
/Nice going you bloody idiot!/ I silently chastened myself. I finally get a moment to chat to Prime alone and then I go and offend him by unnecessarily bringing up painful memories. I sighed out loud and raised my eyes to the skies looking for comfort. With that, a shooting star burned its way brightly and quickly across the velvet night sky. I closed my eyes and wished.
Only time would tell if it would come true.
With that thought echoing around my head, I jumped off Relda's bonnet, started her engine and headed off for my apartment. As I passed the Auotbot's hanger, I sent a mental apology to Prime, /I'm sorry/, and I didn't look back as I threaded my way home on the moonlit ribbon of road.
Optimus P.O.V
I stood under the trees that lined the side of the road and watched as OC and Ironhide made some sort of truce. It had been no secret the two of them had butted heads since our arrival but now, watching the scene unfold before me, I held hope that that was in the past.
While I know my team don't always get along and there are disagreements and good-natured banter, it is important that when necessary they are able to function together, work together and respect each other. Now, it seemed, the newest member of my team, Orianna or OC, had worked that out for herself and had taken the first step to smooth things over /Full of surprises/ I thought to myself.
After Ironhide had walked off, I exchanged a brief nod of recognition and approval towards him for his newfound truce with OC, I made my way over to her. I had not seen her all day and after I last spoke to Lennox, he had said she looked somewhat dishevelled and worse for wear earlier in the evening. It was important to me that all my team were in good health, mental as well as physical.
As I approached her, she laughed out loud and asked if I had missed her. I almost stopped in my tracks caught off guard by her comment but then almost immediately realised she had mistaken my approach for that of Ironhide. Watching her try to recover from her mistake and hide her apparent embarrassment was somewhat endearing. OC could be tough and determined one minute, full of jokes and humour the next and in the same heartbeat shy and vulnerable. /A puzzle indeed/.
After our brief exchange regarding Ironhide, OC had made to stand to address me, out of respect. She showed an awareness of deference and social hierarchy that most did not seem to grasp so astutely – though it was appreciated, it was unnecessary. I bent down as a mutual show of respect towards her.
OC had once again turned serious, thanking me for allowing her to be a part of this team. Her honesty and willingness to lay bare her innermost feelings both flawed and mocked me at the same time. While I believed most strongly in honesty and integrity, demanded it of myself and my team, I could never bring myself to lay bare my inner most thoughts and feelings – those rarely saw the light of day. A Prime had to be strong for his people. An emotionally crippled and doubt filled Prime could not lead with the necessary determination and resilience needed to sustain and support his race – his people. I envied her.
After assuring me she was fine, of which I was glad to hear, I began to leave as I did have other work that needed attending to. OC spoke once more and what she had to say rocked me to my core. ''I'm sorry for those you have lost,'' the meaning unmistakeable.
Jazz must have told OC about… her.
My spark clenched with renewed grief and pain that I thought I had buried so deep within my soul as to never see the light of day again, save when alone with my thoughts in my darkest moments of despair and loneliness.
Before I allowed my feelings to overwhelm me, I quickly squashed them back down and only just managed to stop myself from engaging my battle mask in an effort to hide them. ''Thank you OC.'' /I need to leave/. ''If you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.'' I am sure, being the astute individual she is, that she noticed the change in my manner and demeanour, but thankfully she did not press me further.
I did not turn back but simply strode back to our personal quarters, finding most of the others in the vehicle mode and recharging, I did the same. Though sleep would not come to me.
As I sat there in vehicle mode, thoughts and emotions swirling around my processor and spark, I heard the rumble of OC's car go by. It both pained and relieved me. I did not mean to upset her and, in time, I would apologise for my abrupt departure, but for now I was glad to have some distance between us.
A wound that I had thought long scabbed over had been picked at, peeled back and had started to bleed again. /Time heals all wounds/ a human expression I had come across in my scrolling of the internet in learning Earthen languages. /How much more time would I need to heal this wound? Apparently, millions of years would not suffice/.
As the sound of Relda's engine faded away into the night, so too did my thoughts, into the darkest recesses of my processor and spark.