IX
As far as Orion could tell, the episode had subsided and all that remained was the numbing headache as per the usual. Ultra Magnus had taken him into the office area in the back of the compound. A majority of the guards didn't seem to notice nor care that Ultra Magnus brought him back that far. Ultra Magnus had his own office near the end of the hall, comprised solely of a desk and chair.
"Thank you, but I'm fine now," assured Orion.
"Sit," ordered Ultra Magnus, pulling out the single chair for him to sit.
"I'm fine…I don't need to-"
Ultra Magnus grabbed Orion by the shoulder, forcing him to sit. Orion sighed, rolling his optics. This seemed about right.
"I'm going to look for a medic," explained Magnus. "Stay here."
"Ratchet is my medic. I will expect no other," snapped Orion.
"It'll take too long to fetch him," growled Magnus. "Let me get one of the assistances."
"No," whispered Orion.
Ultra Magnus stood in the doorway, taking a moment to see Orion slump in the chair, allowing him to be further consumed in the shadows. He sighed, walking away. Orion groaned, stepping up from the chair. The rush of movement caused his head to spin once more but it soon faded. He wandered around soon finding the lights and activating them to illuminate the room.
"I can feel things climaxing," whispered Orion. "Something big is coming…or should be…or was…I don't know anymore."
He took his seat again, letting out another sigh. His loneliness lasted but a moment as Ultra Magnus returned with, unexpectedly, Knockout. Orion was surprised to see his former cell mate but the small red bot offered a wave.
"All the medics are out," mumbled Ultra Magnus. "He said he was a medic."
"And you believed him?" questioned Orion.
"Check my file," insisted Knockout. "I'm certified, baby!"
"He is," shrugged Magnus. "And he's the best we've got on hand right now."
"Right," Orion chuckled. "Hello again, Knockout, yes?"
"Yep," grinned the red bot, stepping forward.
Orion was quick to notice Knockout's remaining Energon cuffs. Ultra Magnus remained at the door, hand twitching near the holster of his gun. Apparently neither of them trusted Knockout's aid. That didn't stop Knockout from circling Orion with a curious look upon his face. After walking around three times, he stopped to face Orion and grinned.
"You seem fine to me," he shrugged.
Orion couldn't help but laugh as Ultra Magnus lifted Knockout by the shoulder.
"It's fine Ultra Magnus. I feel much better anyway so this good doctor merely confirmed it," assured Orion. "If I may go now, I'm sure my friend Ratchet is wondering where I wandered off to."
"Fine," grumbled Ultra Magnus, setting Knockout back on the ground.
"Thank you both," nodded Orion. "I appreciate the concern."
"Anything for a fellow cellmate," Knockout hummed, waving Orion off. "Anything to get me out of that grease trap."
"You're going back in right quick," snapped Magnus, grabbing Knockout by the cuffs.
"Not necessarily," perked Orion.
"Huh?" the two perked.
"If I may, Knockout is still posted for bail," hummed Orion, motioning to Knockout.
"You'd really pay my bail!?" gasped Knockout. "Seriously!?"
"For this murderer!" shouted Ultra Magnus.
"I believe in second chances," shrugged Orion, trying to sound convincing.
"You don't have the credits," mumbled Magnus, heading toward the door.
"If you say so," grinned Orion, watching the two leave.
Orion knew his way out, barely. He managed to only get lost twice but didn't get stopped by anyone until he finally exited. Sure enough, Ratchet was panicked, rushing around and asking for him. Orion grinned, tapping his friend on the shoulder.
"Looking for someone?" chuckled Orion.
"Where have you been!?" screamed Ratchet. "I was worried!"
"I had an episode…one of the guards took me inside and got someone to check on me," Orion explained. "It was a small one. I'm fine."
"I've got the credits," sighed Ratchet. "We can post their bails, assuming they have it within my budget. These criminals better not run me dry."
"I'm sure it'll be fine," assured Orion, patting Ratchet on the back. "One of them has medical expertise."
"You're joking right?" perked Ratchet, glaring at him.
"I wish I was."