'Hello Optimus. The human girl, miko recommended that I try writing you. Though I suspect her only reason to be so that I will send her letter along with mine. Humans are still odd. They insist on writing even when automatic messaging is available. Completely incomprehensible. Still I am complying as I did choose to remain on this planet, and I have heard little news from Cybertron since you all left. At least some word of your safety would be appreciated. I may not be there but I am still your physician.' Ratchet leaves a mark on the paper as his infernally tiny pencil snaps in half.
Grumbling he fetches out a pen from the container full to the brim of writing utensils that Miko had left behind for his use. As he returns to the letter he realizes he had almost put, 'an old friend' in the letter, but that detail would be unnecessary. Optimus knew they were friends. Optimus knew he could trust Ratchet. Even if Ratchet felt his loyalty and trustworthiness had been more then questioned. Ironically by none other than himself.
'The other humans have chosen to write letters as well. So I will be sending them all at once and waiting for the boy to finish. Raf misses Bumblebee of course, but Jack is adamant that he is only writing one for a school assignment. From what he has explained he was suppose to write to an object or person he misses, so Jack being the predictable human he is has chosen his first motorcycle, Arcee. They ask if any of you will return. I find myself at a loss Optimus. Am I supposed to give them words of encouragement as Bumblebee would want, or should I be realistic and admit the chances of any of you returning are slim? Especially with so much to do. If I were the same me I was back before I met them I know what I would say. That they will never see any of you again and they should move on. However it is with an feeling of, not shame but doubt, that my words would be true. I have even begun to miss you all. Even Bulkhead with his clamoring, Bumblebee with his chittering, Arcee being one of the only level heads around besides yours and my own. If I were to be honest. The bot I miss most is you, Optimus. It is strange being apart after having been together so long. Very strange indeed.'
A beeping calls him from his thoughts. Ratchet glances around the empty base. Fowler was having the old technology updated. Some simply being replaced instead of computed to meet the requirements that Ratchet would need. It was better, for human technology. The beeping was coming from the newest computer. An energon deposit was now done being excavated. The human agents were somewhat useful after all.
'The silence is eerie. Calming, relaxing, lovely, but eerie nonetheless. There are moments when I believe my sensors have heard your voices, but it often is just the noise of Miko and her contraptions. Somehow the girl is beginning to learn of cybertron faster than Jack or Raf. Her dedication to being a wrecker is extraordinarily obstinate. Almost as much as Wheeljack. It is almost impressive. Almost. She shall never know I hold such thoughts. This letter has begun to ramble, and I find the constant breaking or cracking of the writing utensils humans have to be rather annoying. So I cease my letter here. Take care old friend. I don't want to come rushing back because you have almost died again. Primus knows I did that enough during the war.'
Yes that ending fit well. Optimus would no doubt enjoy the short and quick jabs only the two of them knew that was held within. Ratchet knew Optimus was also very fond of the children so he would like to be kept updated on their progress, and health. No doubt Bumblebee would read some of the letter, but Ratchet didn't mind the thought. The scout had earned more than enough respect from him to let such small things cast an ounce of worry anymore. Another beeping reaches the old medic's ears. This one he knew was for him only now. It was power down time.
Slowly, with reluctance, Ratchet walks through the empty halls back towards his room. Powering down less, and less nowadays Ratchet knew he was spending more energon rather than conserving it. Optimus would warn him, as the prime always did. In return Ratchet would rests for short spurts. Using less energon everyday until he could truly take a moment and power down. Now the moments were becoming more frequent, and his free time growing less useful.
His door opens up at his presence. Ratchet stumbles in forgetting he had lowered the floor a week ago to make his room steadier. It was now two inches lower then the door, and he did not feel any better. Taking to his corner he begins to plug in his usual energy conservation wires. As well as contingencies to make sure he was down for no longer then six or perhaps just four hours would be enough. Ratchet sets his letter on the table next to his area. On it sat a framed picture. One he rarely takes notice of. Yet tonight he lets his optics rest upon the photo, and remembering a time when Orion Pax was the only person who believed in him. A trait carried onto Optimus even after his memories had left.
"Goodnight old friend." Ratchet whispers as his sense shut down.