The Diego Diaries: All Around the Watch Tower (dd7 269)
=0=0600 joors on the TMC, Autobot City Medical Center, Autobot City, Primal Colony of Mars, Cybertron and the Empire, Postal District 2
"You in there?"
He heard a voice far away, one that was comforting to hear. In the fog of his condition, he swam toward it. It was so far away …
"What do you think?"
"I think he's right on schedule," Ratchet said as he slowly brought Springer out of the deep. He stared at the data as it flowed. He was much improved from the night before. He would come out fine. It would be when Springer did that things would get difficult. He knew that the two were one, he and Drift. Ratchet glanced at the techs. "I want this to be slow. A quick start up with Drift here would add to the confusion."
They stood in a circle around the berth watching as the numbers signaled Springer's rising consciousness. He began to move slightly, a twitch of a servo or helm. It was slow, then his optics began to online. When they lit up, he glanced around himself. He saw Ratchet, holding him in his gaze as the image before him slowly resolved.
"Hey," Ratchet said. "Wake up, slagger. Time to wake up."
Springer stared at him. "Ada?"
"That's me," Ratchet said as he squeezed Springer's servo. "You were injured but you're going to be fine."
Springer stared at him silently, weary and struggling to focus. "Ada."
"The one and only," Ratchet said. "Take your time."
He nodded as he lay on the bed while his faculties clocked back in. Then he glanced at Ratchet again. "Drift?"
"He's right here," Ratchet said. "You both got hurt but you're both going to be fine." He could see the panic that began to rise in Springer. "Listen to me, Springer," Ratchet said as he leaned in closer. "Drift is fine. He's got some healing to do and so do you. Both of you were fragged by an anti-personnel bomb. Both of you are going to be fine. Understand me?" he asked.
Springer stared at Ratchet. "Where is he?"
Ratchet moved slightly. "Right here. I kept you together and sat up all night with you."
Springer painfully turned his helm to see the berth near him where Drift lay without sight of life or movement. "What's wrong with him? He isn't moving."
"He's in medical stasis. I put both of you there. When I have a chance to see you're up to specs then he's next. Understand? Both of you are going to be fine." Ratchet stared at the big young mech who stared at Drift.
Then Springer glanced up at Ratchet. "What happened?"
"Someone sent you a present," Ratchet said. "Beyond that, we're not sure."
Springer nodded as bits and pieces of the event came to him. All of it was mixed up and would need to be defragged and reordered before he could remember it clearly. He did remember Drift checking the mail at his desk, then coming to him to see something on the monitor. "Was anyone else hurt?"
"Maxi's feelings," Ratchet said with a grin. "Expect her to mother you into the next millennia. Other than a few blasts and a lot of shock, everyone is fine. Drift is fine."
"How hurt?" Springer asked. His vocal processor sounded strange. It wasn't. He was just 'rung' and everything was still distorted.
Ratchet pulled up his chair. "He had a few broken struts and so did you. You broke both your legs and bounced your helm off a wall. There's other things but mostly they weren't very much to speak of. You're going to need a new finish. I had the cosmetic surgeons do the body work. You need a prime and refinish. I had to dig a lot of shrapnel out of both of you."
"Drift?" Springer asked.
"Well, there's the shrapnel. He was saved from real trouble by his swords and tough hide. He had a broken neck and back strut as well as limbs. All of it is repaired. Now you both have to heal. I won't release you for duty for a while." Ratchet sat back in the comfortable chair. He watched Springer take it in.
"Back and neck? He broke them?" Springer asked with growing dismay.
Ratchet nodded. "It wasn't a hard fix," he lied. "He's going to be sore which means you have to be monitored for scripts that can suppress most of it. Then there's therapy for the wounds, physical and such. I don't expect this to be a hard recovery but its going to take time. I also won't take any slag about it."
Springer stared at him, then Drift. "He isn't awake."
"I want you to be awake and assimilate this news. I don't want any drama. We've all been hurt before, some of us this bad and this is no exception. What I don't want is either of you flailing," Ratchet said. "I'm going to bring him out shortly."
Springer nodded, then relaxed himself, off lining his optics as he felt his processor slowly and steadily clear. It would take a while.
=0=Morning elsewhere
They gathered at their bus stop waiting for the school bus to take them different places. Many of the kids here were heading for Youngling Day #1 and would board one of three buses that came on this route. They had their backpacks, their snacks and all the other stuff that academic kids took to their school. They also had their plan. When the buses came, they climbed on board and left, heading into the morning traffic for Centurion.
=0=Morning elsewhere
"When will you be back in the office?" Turbine asked as he walked back to the crowd on the street who were still waiting for children to board their buses. Hero and Sunspot with Spot were gone, heading off by cab and bus. The titanic kids took their bus as well.
"It might be mid afternoon. I want to stop in at the Med Center to see the boys before I go," Raptor said as he held a smiling Praxus.
"Amma?"
"What, Praxus baby?" Turbine asked as he petted the little mech's arm.
"You coming to my school?" he asked with a giant smile.
Turbine felt himself melting around the edges. "I will try, baby. Amma and Appa have to do workin'. Okay?"
Praxus smiled. "Okay."
A bus slid to the curb followed by another. They were from Sparkling Day in Terra and Seven Cities West. The children were put down, gathered up and helped on board. When the buses pulled out only Halo and Prowler were left. Prowler's bus for Circle Prep just down the way in the Autobot City Business Plaza would carry him there. He usually went with Amma Ravel and Appa Tie but they were already at the Medical Center to see about Drift and Springer. They had to open and had left early.
Halo watched everyone go, then glanced at the elders around her. "Amma?"
"What, baby?" Turbine asked.
"I go wif lou?" she asked.
Turbine took her from Raptor. "I thought you'd never ask."
Ironhide frowned. "You're not taking her to Foofer are ya?"
Turbine grinned. "Sure. I'm in the office today. She can come with me."
"Nova Cronum isn't safe," Ironhide grumped as he trudged dejectedly along with his elders as they made their way to the tower nearby that was the main medical center of the colony.
"Wuss. Whine louder, infant," Turbine said as he kissed Halo's little helm. "I love the sound of your voice. By the way, you're halfway through your penance. You have dishes to wash. Better hurry."
Ironhide glanced at Hard Drive who was grinning at him. "I have sons in the hospital. Truce?"
"Just for today," Hardie said. "You can skip washing dishes only for today. How was his singing this morning?"
"Beautiful," Turbine said. "I'm going to talk to Trooper and Scout about it."
"Uh, you don't have to do that, Amma," Ironhide said as they walked through the big doors of the hospital to make the traverse upward.
=0=Up there
They helped him sit up straighter, then tucked the heat blanket around him.
Springer glanced at Drift who looked like slag and was way too still for his peace of mind. The patches of his armor where he'd been pierced by shrapnel were too numerous for him to bear but they were repaired and sanded, leaving a lighter tone of white to his usually impeccable finish. It was a better contrast, the white spots against him, rather than those against his own finish. He looked terrible.
Ratchet supervised his movement, then turned to Drift. He began to check the data, planning the return to sentience for the big silent mech.
"How is he? What do the machines say?" Springer asked with anxiety.
Ratchet glanced at Springer. "The data is good. He's slowly coming to sentience so its going to take a moment." He glanced at Drift. "We're going to bring him along, then he'll come awake slowly. It could be weird but nothing is going to happen that you should be afraid of, Springer.
It was very tense as Springer watched Ratchet do his thing. Drift was so silent and still that it scared him. It seemed like forever before Drift moved. His helm did and he moaned slightly. It was like daggers through his spark. "Why … is he in pain?"
"No," Ratchet replied. "That was a reflexive sound. Just give me a moment, Springer. Its going to be alright."
Time seemed to stretch onward forever before Drift's optics came online. He stared at the ceiling silently.
Ratchet leaned over him. "Drift … do you hear me?"
It took a moment for Drift to sort out the noise in his processor before he focused on Ratchet's face. He nodded slightly. "Where's Springer?" he asked with a husky voice. It was clear he was still assimilating tech.
"Over there," Ratchet said as he glanced at Springer who looked ill.
Drift glanced toward him, focused slowly on the big mech, then nodded. "Hi," he said.
Springer stared at him gravely. "Hi."
"Well, mechs of few words," Ratchet said cheerily. "Maybe we can get Ironhide to sing for you."
"Not on your spark," a voice said at the door. Ironhide stepped in, then so did everyone else including Ravel and Tie who were waiting outside too afraid to come in.
It would be crowded.
=0=TBC 4-30-2020 5-8-2020
PS: There's a nationwide strike of essential workers for Amazon, Whole Foods, Target and something else. If you don't have to buy from them tomorrow, May Day, try not to. These people are being ill used and its scary. Hugs to all. Please be careful and know you are so loved.
NOTES! :D:D:D FINALLY!
leoness chapter 268 . 20h ago
Stalkers are frankly terrifying.
Stay safe up there!
ME: They're terrifying indeed, the sociopaths. Sometimes, the only way you can get rid of one is to set them on someone else. Its a really awful kind of psychosis. HUGS! (All is well so far. Some to you, darling Leoness) :D:D:D
Guest chapter 267 . Apr 29
Didn't Alor's brother Flint have a significant other called Stu-rt? A trifecta?
The plot thickens. Will be nice to see what comes out of your cooking pot.
Stay safe, and thanks for entertaining us.
ME: MUAHAHA! You saved me from a plot hole. :D I love writing for you and everyone. It makes me happy. Take care, darling and I am glad to entertain you. HUGS! :D:D:D
Fancyspinner chapter 260 . Apr 28
the squad can't help itself, LOL if there is a fight they will find it. Its so funny.
I'm glad Shockwave can't remember being a good guy, or is it that he will not care that way he can deal with it in the matrix. It wasn't his fault and that make it terribly sad that such a good mech was turned into a monster.
ME: I love them. They can't seem to stay out of jail. LOL! Shockwave was a good guy in a universe but paid for it. I hate that sometimes situations destroy those trying to do good things. This makes Shockwave a high caste because he was a Senator. Hugs, Darling Fancy! :D:D:D
Fancyspinner chapter 256 . Apr 28
I was so bad about reviewing all of these chapters. this made me teary and sniffly.
ME: Don't worry about the reviews. It makes me terribly happy that someone reads this. LOL! I think there's something terribly poignant about their beginnings. I remember seeing a bunch of workers on an assembly line and one was killed. The others were terrified as they dragged the dead mech off. I love going into their beginnings and the family of Ironhide is the best vehicle to tell that whole story. There's so much more to come. :D:D:D
Fancyspinner chapter 253 . Apr 28
LOL these games they play about who was the poorest always crack me up. I know there is a deeply sad and serious undertone but the way they just kept going. I know these characters are fictional … Maybe... but they help me a great deal the way you write them. I didn't grow up in the best home and being totally blind I wanted an Autobot to come get me so I could leave and be safe because they would take me away from any bad situation. I was 10.
ME: (((FANCY!))) I hear you. I am so glad this helps you. I think its good to have a place to go where things are good. Fantasy is a gift to humans and some cope with a lot that way. I did. I was one dreamy kid and I remember feeling the same way. My folks were good but the life was hard for working class people forever, I think. I really relate to the bots from the low castes. I love that you find what you need here. I try and tell a story about hope and redemption, of adversity faced and overcome. I also put love into it because love is the only thing that mattered. If the rich people of Earth only understood that gold is love, that you can't take stuff or what you have with you but the love you feel and get, then the world would be better. I love that it helps you. I want to give this to the universe, my love letter to the world. Take care and know how much you are loved, my dear Fancy. :D:D:D XO
Fancyspinner chapter 247 . Apr 28
that's the music I mostly like and I'm not that young either. :) in my 40s. … so that means you are not that old, whatever your age. You hang in there my Darling. I also like country and what my friend Jan called space music.
ME: BWAHAHAHA! I think age, the number, is overrated. You can be young in your heart and mind no matter how old the chassis is. :D:D:D I will let you in on a secret, my darling Fancy. I am 67. I will also tell you that inside every boomer is an eighteen year old kid. My generation will never grow up and be 'old' in the same way every other was. We wore jeans, danced to rock and roll … all of it and we haven't forgotten it. I never feel more than 40 myself. You hang in there, too, sweet Fancy. I love all manner of music and use the Transformer soundtracks on Pandora to write this. I ever adore bagpipes. HUGS! :D:D:D
moosekababs chapter 265 . Apr 27
oh no! hope you find your glasses soon!
ME: I raked leaves and thought I dropped them out there. I had to dig through leaf piles that were filled with dog poop, too. ARGH! :D:D:D I found them on the floor of my car. I don't remember leaving them there because I can't see things without them. How they got out there is a mystery of the universe. ;) :D:D:D HUGS!
moosekababs chapter 264 . Apr 26
oh no... oh gosh. im so worried for them... and maxi... gosh i hope she's ok...! springer and drift, i feel like will be ok... they're tough guys who have been through a lot... but maxi... she doesn't have the same experience.! shes small!i hope shes ok. i guess only time will yell. im excited to read more! thank you for posting, and i hope you stay safe and healthy!
ME: Maxi is a tough little thing but she can be banged around. We'll visit with her to see about it. She's a bit of a mom so expect Springer and Drift to be organized. LOL! I am glad you like the story. I sure love writing it. Take care, Moose Honey. Its weird as hell lately. :D:D:D HUGS!
SkyenhaMarisa chapter 264 . Apr 26
Bumblebees has a new alt form. Google - Bumblebee csm circular sock machine.
ME: OMG! BWAHAHAHAHAAHA! :D:D:D HUGS!
leoness chapter 264 . Apr 26
Always some jerk gotta ruin it…
ME: Always. Sort of the story of my life, too. :D ;)
leoness chapter 262 . Apr 23
Love this chapter
ME: I think giving them depth and unexpected things matters and love indeed is all there is. Hugs, dear Miss Kitty. :D:D:D
Guest chapter 260 . Apr 21
Well, at least poor Prowl didn't end up in jail this time. ;) I am beginning to think he needs better friends than Ratchet…
ME: I agree. :D:D:D:D Ratchet and Prowl are both sides of the same coin. I love to write their rampages. Prowl getting drunk is so much fun. HUGS and be careful out there. :D:D
moosekababs chapter 260 . Apr 20
ah, god. i have a feeling that box is either from some uppity hightone or from springer's stalker who's name i cant recalleither way this doesn't bode well
ME: Cog. :D:D:D HUGS!
Guest chapter 258 . Apr 19
I think you left Paragon out of this boozer again... The poor guy still hasn't got his chance to have cocktails with Prowl and the squad!
ME: Oh crap. I did have him ready to roll. I don't quite know what kind of drunk he might be but he would be hilarious with Prowl. I will include him in the next escapade. LOL! HUGS!