XXII

Orion felt weird, wielding the cane in one hand. Though his legs had finally readjusted and he was walking fine, Ratchet required him to take the makeshift cane with him in case of further malfunction. He didn't plan on being out long but this did not deter Ratchet's medical advice. So, Orion held the cane lightly in one hand, using it every so often as he walked to get a feel for it. It clicked alongside him as he walked, shuddering under his weight but otherwise holding sturdy. As he entered the arena, he leaned it against his shoulder.

Soundwave stood, head tilted lightly as Orion approached. It'd been a while since Orion had set foot within the arena's main stage and even longer since he'd seen Soundwave practicing before a meet. It didn't seem as though he was frightened by the possibility of his opponent but rather a chore to stave off boredom. Soundwave knocked the dummy aside as Orion stepped in front of him. For the first time, Orion felt taller than Soundwave. He didn't feel the immediate intimidation the bot usually radiated.

"Soundwave," Orion greeted warmly.

"Orion Pax…"responded Soundwave coldly. His display flickered, showing Orion's updated criminal record. "You've been busy since last we spoke…"

"You wouldn't believe it," grinned Orion.

"Since when do you require a cane?"

"My medic has been a little worried about me."

Orion felt an unnatural confidence as he spoke. He stared forward, glancing over Soundwave's screen. His criminal record, updated for the recent escape charges. His optics scanned the list of made-up and real charges, stopping at the most recent additions. Assault of multiple guards. Orion lowered his cane.

"Wait a second," mumbled Orion, stepping forward to get a better look at Soundwave's screen. "This is straight from the system, right?"

Soundwave nodded.

"Something wrong?"

Orion reread the charge. Assault. He wanted to argue with it but at the same time it didn't seem wrong or at least less made-up than the other early charges. He thought back to Ratchet and the others, their cautious nature upon his awake, and the gaps in his memory. With a sigh, he stepped back, shaking his head.

"Something I'll check into later," Orion sighed. "Not the reason I'm here to see you."

"What can I help you with this time?"

"Train me."

Soundwave's screen turned black as he raised his head. Orion nodded.

"Train you?"

"So much is going on and I've…" Orion looked down at his hand. "changed…for better or worse, I should be able to defend myself. I don't know anyone else I can trust who could do that…"

Soundwave stepped away, turning his back to Orion. The latter sighed, unconsciously leaning against the cane. His confidence had suddenly faltered and his strength seemed to be waning. Soundwave looked over his shoulder.

"Did you find what you were looking for before?"

"Yes."

"Where is it?"

"Taken."

"Are you going to get it back?"

"Yes."

"How?"

Orion paused, grip tightening on the handle of the cane.

"By force if necessary."

Soundwave raised his head, a soft chuckle caught in his throat. Orion looked around, taking in the emptiness of the stadium.

"I will join you…"

Orion turned back to Soundwave.

"I'm not asking you to join me. I'm only asking for training…"

"You asked before. I'm accepting now."

"You realize I'm in a lot more trouble than I was before."

"I am aware. I always was…"Soundwave turned around. "Prime."

Orion chuckled lightly, shaking his head. Of course, Soundwave knew. He wouldn't be surprised if Soundwave knew more about what was happening to him than anyone. He grinned. Soundwave promptly responded with a smiley face on his screen.

Ultra Magnus stepped into the office of the councilman. He knew he was in trouble for the escape of Orion Pax and the others. It was expected. It was his first major failure, but one that needed to happen. After all, Magnus knew something bigger was going on and Orion was the key to it. He'd done enough research into the clerk and his allies to see something was wrong. Something was going on, and he wanted to make sure he was on the right side.

The councilman sat, optics scanning the tablet in his hands. As Magnus stepped up to his desk, he lowered the pad and looked up. Emotionless. Without expression, Magnus couldn't find how angered he was with him.

"What. Happened."

"I am still investigating, sir."

"No…" the councilman adjusted himself, leaning against the desk. "What. Happened!"

"There was some confusion about our destination. Waiting for clarification, the convoy stopped, during which time two of the prisoners disconnected their cuffs and killed their guards. They released the medic and the three retrieved Orion Pax."

"The guards…they fought Pax?"

"Yes, sir. It appears he was armed and wounded several guards upon his escape."

"And you?"

"I was unable to stop them, sir."

"And they…shot you?"

"Yes, sir?"

"The trucks remained…on during this conflict? Is it not customary to shut off and lock down the convoy trucks during an outbreak as to prevent criminals from taking a truck…as happened with this?"

"I am still investigating, but I will take full responsibility for this failure, sir."

"Of course," remarked the councilman, relaxing in his chair. "Are you healing?"

"Yes, sir. My wounds were not deep."

"Unfortunate."

Ultra Magnus felt the sting and then nothing. He hadn't even heard the gun fire. The councilman sighed, lowering the pistol onto the desk. He watched as Magnus stumbled backward, brandishing a hole in his chest. After a moment of gasping, the lumbering bot fell forward, spilling Energon over the floor.

"Shame," the councilman sighed. "I'd expected your blind loyalty much longer. Perhaps, I didn't give you enough credit…or was it the young Orion I didn't give enough credit."

Councilman rounded the desk, stepping over Magnus. He watched the Energon pool grow.

"Look at the mess you've made, Ultra Magnus," the councilman shook his head. "Now I have to clean up."

Ratchet sat for what felt like the first time in forever. He looked around at the underground lair. Everything seemed dark and cramped but as safe as they could be at this moment. Ratchet shook his head. Orion should be back soon, not that they could do much if he didn't. Looking around, Ratchet spotted a misplaced box under one of the counters. Standing up, he stepped over to get it.

"Whatcha find?"

Ratchet glared up at the sudden Knockout, leaned against the counter Ratchet was digging under. He pulled the box free from its storage, standing up with it. Knockout raised a brow, looking between Ratchet and the box.

"Isn't this…" mumbled Ratchet, "the box Optimus took from the archives."

Checking the box over, he found the tag addressed to Orion from Alpha Trion.

"Shockwave put it away before we left," Knockout offered, reaching to take it. "What's in it?"

"I don't know." Ratchet pulled the box out of reach. "It's for Optimus to open, not us."

"We could at least take a peek, right?" grinned Knockout, reaching out again. "A quick one?"

Ratchet glanced between Knockout and the box. He admitted curiosity was nagging at him, something he doubted Orion could hold against them. Ratchet lowered the box slightly, allowing Knockout to grab the lid and rip it open. The two peered within. Knockout frowned, digging in and pulling out what appeared to be a solid slab.

"What is this supposed to be?" snapped Knockout.

"Maybe it's a prime thing?" offered Ratchet, setting the box aside.

Knockout looked over the slab. Unnaturally smooth, with a slight indented side. Gripping it tightly, he attempted to pry the thing open to no luck. Ratchet snatched it from him, also looking it over but found nothing.

"What do you think it is?" remarked Knockout, folding his arms.

"I'm not sure," sighed Ratchet, setting it back in the box. "But maybe Optimus will."