Disclaimer: I only own my OCs.

Authoress: *placing battlehelm on*

Pandimala: And what do you think you are doing?

Authoress: *tightening straps* I prepare to ride forth at dawn's rising. Enemies of chaos must be slain for the greatest good there is.

Pandimala: *raises optic ridge* Oh, and what would that be?

Michael: *walks in with full Diablo-esque angel armor on* It is the most righteous quest. We are to protect our snacks from the healthy villains trying to take them from us.

Chapter 4: Little Things

Pandimala's 1st P.O.V.

This solar was going to be interesting. When Physis came to do my morning checkup, he looked nervous. So, I asked him what was wrong. At first, the medic had been reluctant to answer me. And even once he did, that answer was sketchy. All Physis would tell me was that there was an incident last solar after he left me.

Since that made him nervous, something told me that the 'incident' somehow involved the royal family.

Perhaps Seabreaker could tell me more details while we were walking about? And if I couldn't get it out of him, Grinchain might be more communicative with me. I had thought more about the mech last night and realized that I could use whatever his goal was with me to get more information.

Until Seabreaker came, though, I was left with my thoughts. And one of those thoughts found me back to the information I found out from Physis the other solar. Snaps. I had never heard of them from the others, but that made sense, given the state we were in back then and how little I was actually on the ship. It also made me realize that I did have one before. Back when Thrust tried to convince me to betray Lord Megatron. I hadn't been aware of anything around me. My processor was focused on taking out Thrust, the threat before me. I hadn't even obeyed Lord Megatron during that outrage that I was in.

It was something that I did need to fix. I couldn't have one of those in the middle of a battle and disregard orders that Lord Megatron may give me. These snaps were a problem that I needed to have fixed. While I was upset with Physis before, I was glad he had strongarmed me into doing these lessons.

Of course, I would have to wait until I healed some more to start those. While the dark energon in my systems was expediting the healing process, my backplates and abdomen were still in pain if I moved too much in one direction or another. Hopefully, this tour I was going to get this solar would help with the remaining pain. Stretch it out a little.

A knock at my door signaled the arrival of Seabreaker, so I slowly stood before I moved to the door. However, when I opened the door, I was surprised that Grinchain was standing before me instead of Seabreaker. "I thought Seabreaker was the one who was supposed to escort me this solar?" I didn't like this change in schedule. For their sake, I hope they had a good reason to do so.

Grinchain, to his credit, looked a little nervous before he answered me. "He was supposed to. However, not long after you and the others left us the other solar, Firebrand and Seabreaker fought about what was happening with your punishments. I'm sure you can imagine how that argument went."

Yeah, Firebrand probably had his helm up his aft, and Seabreaker was most likely trying to get some reason into that thick helm of his. "I can imagine," I responded to the mech.

"Anyways, Seabreaker said something about Firebrand acting like a sparkling about all of this and the two got into a…scuffle."

"A scuffle?" I pressed as the two of us started to move away from my room.

In return, the mech let out a vent. "Okay, more than a scuffle. Honestly, I haven't seen Seabreaker and Firebrand fight like that before. They did some decent damage to each other before sire and carrier could separate them. Physis judged that Seabreaker would be unable to escort you this solar. So, we hoped that you wouldn't mind if I filled in this solar instead."

I allowed silence to settle between the two of us for a little longer than I probably needed to before I responded. "Given the circumstances, I do not mind. Will Seabreaker be able to escort me next solar?"

The mech immediately nodded as we made our way outside. "Yeah. Physis just wanted him to have a solar to recover. 'Brand gave him a nice gash on his leg that Physis didn't want Seabreaker walking on. So…" We were outside at this point, and it was obvious that the mech wasn't sure where to go first.

"Do you all have any record halls?" I asked. In part, I was giving him an idea of where I might want to see first. However, I did want to know if there was somewhere that I could go to find out more information.

His optics lit up at my question, and I thought his helm would fly off from how fast he was nodding. "Oh yeah! Teklan Hall is chuck full of different records from all across the galaxy. It's this way." The excited way he answered told me that the mech liked to go there. Strange… I didn't peg the mech as the studying type. That was where I was betting Seabreaker liked to be more than Grinchain.

"I'm guessing you like to visit there?" I asked as we moved through the streets. It didn't escape my notice that there were a lot of optics that kept staring as we walked past. Of course, I wasn't sure whether they were at Grinchain or me. It could be both of us. Outside of the guard, I could see following us out of the corner of my optic; there could be many reasons for them to be staring.

No, I wasn't an idiot. I figured that there would be somebot following us during these outings. I was a stranger on their planet who was staying close to their royalty. I would be concerned about their security if they weren't following us. Well, even more concerned. The mech following us seemed to be unintentionally losing us every few clicks. I'd have to ask somebot about that later.

"When I'm not training," I paid attention as Grinchain answered. "I honestly spend more time here than I do at the castle. We have some information there, but everything here is current on recent galactic events, and I don't want to miss anything on…." I glanced at him as he drifted off for the first time since we started talking. What was that about? What topic could he be studying that made him nervous about answering? Before I could ask him about it, he motioned in front of us. "Here we are. Teklan Hall!"

I glanced up and was impressed with the building in front of me. Easily four stories tall and two blocks long, the building reminded me of a Cybertronian-sized schoolhouse. Of course, from the various entries I saw around, the building welcomed all types of beings, large and small. Vestium Major was a planet that perfectly balanced organic and mechano life. The way the beings around us were exiting and entering the building meant that this was a system they were used to.

"It's amazing," I gave my honest opinion on the building before I motioned toward the doors. "Would we be able to take a look inside?"

"Yeah, let's go!" He answered excitedly before taking my servo and pulling me forward. It was kinda adorable. I was sure he didn't even realize he had grabbed my servo, and I wouldn't stop him. This was the most casual I had been treated since I got here, and I didn't want to let it go. While I was working on diplomatic goals, I wasn't a diplomat. I was Pandimala, Decepticon and strategist. And I was just a regular bot. I didn't realize how stiff I was acting until now. No wonder the royal family looked nervous at everything I did. While they needed to be worried, it didn't need to be to the extent that I had seen before.

Once inside, I smiled in wonder at the records surrounding me. Seriously, I was having a Beauty and the Beast moment right now. While these weren't books, the data files that filled the shelves on each floor seemed to stretch out forever, though I knew it wasn't quite that far.

"Grinchain, are you supposed to be in here?"

I glanced to my side to see a young mech with some sort of aquatic mode…maybe a mini-sub, standing behind an information desk. As strange as it seemed, I didn't think the mech was even registering that I was here. Guess Grinchain came in often enough that they knew him pretty well.

Grinchain, in return, glanced at the mech and smiled. "Our restriction has been lifted, Saboal. I'm here showing Pandimala around as her guide."

At that point, this Saboal realized that Grinchain wasn't alone. The way his optics almost comically widened was hilarious in itself. Well, he wasn't supposed to be that aware…I guess. "Oh…um…hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Saboal, and I work as a data clerk here."

"And I'm Pandimala. Nice to meet you as well," I responded before I shook his outstretched servo. When I let it go, I had to resist the urge to shake my helm when he looked surprised to get it back. Seriously, did Decepticons have that bad of a reputation?

After a click, Saboal turned back to Grinchain. "I didn't realize you were a guide and already set up your normal room with your usual materials. There have been a few updates since you were last here. Might as well show her the study rooms while you are here."

The slightly panicked look that came to Grinchain's faceplate reminded me of how he seemed to drift off earlier. "What…Saboal, I'm not sure if," However, Saboal had already disappeared before Grinchian could finish that sentence. Grinchain looked extremely nervous about whatever might be in his study room. Something told me that these two situations were connected.

And if I was going to find out what was up with Grinchain, I needed to strike now. "I think seeing a study room would be nice. While we head there, you can explain how to rent one. I can see me spending a lot of time here when I am not recovering."

Now the poor mech looked caught. While I felt a little guilty about doing this to the mech, I wanted to know what Grinchain was hiding. This might also explain why he seemed excited about participating in the guide program. "I…I…" It looked like Grinchain would split in two before he let out a vent. "Fine. Just…don't jump to conclusions when we get there."

He was telling me not to jump to conclusions? I'm pretty sure that I was only stuck on this planet because his brothers had jumped to conclusions about me. "Promise," I felt it was safe to promise this as we moved to where I assumed his study room was.

Of course, he didn't look any better off about my promise. Just what was this mech's deal? I didn't sense any malice from him, and I didn't see him as a mech who would have lewd pictures in a fragging study room. So, I wasn't going to care what he had in here. Frag, if we opened to door to some magical fairy bleeding rainbows, I wouldn't mind. Curious? Yes. I would be fragging curious about Grinchain if that was what I found. But I wouldn't jump to conclusions.

I had enough of that when I was growing up.

Many of my dad's relatives always assumed that I would be some hooker on the streets by the time I was sixteen. Instead, I was employed at small jobs and maintained excellent grades in school and extracurricular activities. Just because I wasn't falling into some cheerleader airheaded bimbo life that they envisioned for me, that didn't make me set to failure. My dad's one cousin, the few times we saw him, always said I would amount to nothing.

Of course, he was the one in the state prison when I left.

I focused back on the present when Grinchian quickly opened the door in front of us and moved inside and out of the doorway. Guess he was taking the 'rip the bandaid off' approach to this. Get it over with and whatever pain may be. But, I didn't see what was so embarrassing that he had acted…so…

…Oh.

Honestly, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. I just found myself in shock as I looked at the datapads closer. The Start of the Cybertronian Civil War. The Fall of the Golden Age of Cybertron. A History of the Decepticons. I had read copies of them that Shockwave kept in his subspace, and they were great reads to get a fair accounting of the war. Well, as honest as one could get. And those were just a few of the data pads I saw. There were also many field reports and articles about more recent activities in our war.

Now I saw why he might be embarrassed. But he didn't need to be. I wished more beings looked into our war before making unfounded conclusions. From how Saboal talked, this was the main topic Grinchain asked for when he came in. And since Grinchain came in frequently, I would assume he was a fan of studying our war. Things about Grinchian were finally making sense.

"I…I know it might be a little weird. But I think it is interesting how events happened to start the war, and all of the information we keep getting about the war is just amazing!" Grinchian started to ramble. "I mean, for the Decepticons to create such a powerful force behind themselves even to stand a chance against the Council on Cybertron, let alone the number of supporters the Council drew in. It's amazing to look through all of your history!"

As the mech started to ramble about the research that he was doing, I couldn't help but smile. Frag, the mech reminded me of when I was back in my old dimension—writing my stories because I was fascinated with them. Doing the research that I did, mom had to think that I was just a little crazy. She might not have been wrong, but she was supportive. A new almanac came out? She drove me to the local gaming store to make sure I was first in line. Convention being held over the summer? Mom saved up the money to take us both there. She made sure that I could access whatever I might want.

I internally flinched at thoughts of my mom. I knew she didn't remember me due to my agreement with Primus, but frag I missed her at times. That fragger Paul better not have gone back on our deal, or there would be Pit to pay.

When I heard mention of Earth from the mech, I realized I needed him to resay that part. "What was that about Earth?" Hopefully, he didn't think that I completely zoned him out. I heard most of it, but thinking of mom made me miss what he was starting to say about the planet.

"Earth! I hadn't heard about the planet until about a stellar ago when I started to get reports, and even now, I still don't know exactly where it is. But that doesn't matter. What's important is that it has been a major focal point in your fighting for the past stellar up until those peace talks that we all saw." Wait…they all saw the peace talks? It was a miracle that they hadn't recognized me. Of course, I did look pretty different from when I did…back then. "But both your leader and the leader of the Autobots have been there fighting for the past stellar, and then, suddenly, there are rumors of peace talks floating about. I didn't believe it at first because the war has been going on for so long, and I felt we would have had more notice about the chance of peace. But frag, something must have happened there to get things moving."

"Right," I felt a wave of melancholy wash over me at the reminder of the peace talks and our hope for them. We had worked so hard…so fragging hard to get to the table, and Paul and those three Autobots had fragging ruined it! We had been so close. So close. "Things changed there."

"Wait…were you there?" He asked. Panic gripped my spark when Grinchain asked that. I wouldn't lie to the mech, but I wasn't ready to talk about what happened on Earth with others outside the Decepticons. "Nevermind, you couldn't have been. Those who were part of the fight on Earth were the first to arrive on your new homeworld Pyrovar." I felt relief when he made his deduction about that. It would buy me some time to figure out this mess later.

"I knew bots who served there, though, and I got reports about some of what happened." It was a stretch, but I wasn't lying. Hopefully, this would keep the mech happy without him pushing me too much for the information. "If you want, I can try and answer some questions for you."

His faceplate seemed to freeze at my suggestion, making me think I had broken the mech for a nano. Well, that was until the mech shuttered his optics briefly before speaking. "You would answer my questions? Honestly?"

I did not like the doubt behind his questions, though at least it was mixed in hope. "I just said I would answer what I could. Do bots not usually talk to you when they visit?" This would be something I could report back to my Lord. While not all information should be shared, especially with the royalty of another planet, we shouldn't refuse to answer general questions, no matter their background. It made it look like we had something to hide. And while every ruler had their secrets, Not everything we did was secret.

Grinchain looked hesitant at my question and sat down, so I followed suit before he spoke. "Normally, once bots find out that I am royalty, they just try and use me to get in with my creators. But, when I ask them about anything outside of what they want to talk about, they mute themselves. Autobot, Decepticon, Neutral; all of them would do the same. I started to avoid introducing myself to bots so they would talk to me like a bot instead of some delicate piece of glass. But then, my guards would usually find me before I could talk to those bots, and they would avoid me like cosmic rust."

That…honestly explained his upset look when I first walked into that meeting the other solar. I thought he was upset at meeting with me. But that thought had changed as his facial expression slowly faded from that as the meeting continued. And then that explained why he was so excited about the opportunity to be one of my guides. He was introduced to me, so I knew he was royalty. He probably thought his chance to talk to me was shot and saw the guide opportunity as a chance to speak to me a little.

So many different bots had come through here, and each one had pushed the mech away when there wasn't a reason to. Yes, he was royalty, and a bot should watch what they say to them, but that didn't mean we had to treat the bot as if he was going to break at a single wrong word.

And I'm sure Grinchain understood that, given the almost obsession he seemed to have in our war. While the mech seemed to have a slight problem with his awareness of what was around him, he wasn't completely clueless. No, he just wanted to share his passion and learn more about it with those around him. Knowledge is not only power, but it helps lead to wisdom. His interest in the war would give him a chance to understand our struggle and maybe use that in his future dealings with other planets…or ourselves.

"Well," I spoke up while getting more comfortable in my seat. "I'm not most bots. I can't promise you all the answers you might want, but I have nothing planned for the solar. And from my recovery rate, I'll have plenty of time to see other sites around the planet. We can take as long as you want to talk. With one condition," He froze up as I stated that last part. However, I was a Decepticon, and I needed to get something out of this, even if it was small. "I get to ask you questions for every one you ask me. No guarantees on answers, obviously, but I think that will keep this time of discovery growing between us. Are we in agreement?" I held out my servo toward him.

While he looked relieved, I felt even better about this when he seemed to think about my deal before he took my servo in his. "Deal, but I get to start." I nodded in acquiescence to that before he started. "So, what kind of world is this Earth?"

Grinchain's 1st P.O.V.

I was still in shock as Pandimala and I left the hall and headed toward the only other stop we had time for. We had been in there for eight cycles! Of course, the whole time wasn't filled with asking and answering questions. But we took breaks and worked on our research. She had pulled files on Ethos and Eternia while I dug into some of the newer aspects of the war that we were waiting on updates for. We would ask each other questions while we were studying, especially if we had questions about what we were studying, and I had a great time. As she had said, there were questions that we each asked that the other couldn't answer, but we moved past those easily.

Despite only knowing of the femme for a few solars and only really talking with her during this solar, she was the closest friend outside of my family that I had…and kind of in my family compared to Firebrand. While it hurt to think about that, it was also pretty nice—somebot outside my family who didn't consider my royalty my only characteristic. And not only that, but she didn't let me be right for that same reason. We debated about different aspects of both of our study topics, and it made me feel like a regular bot.

"Thanks again for that Grinchain," I glanced up at the femme as we moved toward the training grounds, the last stop she wanted to see before we returned to the palace. Since she was in recovery, she admitted that she couldn't do much for a few solars, and I got that. Now the only thing I was bummed at was that I would have to switch off with Seabreaker for this. "Once I've seen what I wish to see on these tours, along with anything you all think I need to see, I'd love to have another study session with you."

"That was a lot of fun. I'd,"

"Well, if it isn't the royal data nerd?"

We both stopped, and I cringed at the familiar vocals. While visitors to the planet usually kept me at servo length, bots my age here weren't quite as distant…and not in a good way. Looking to my left, I felt a weight of dread on my spark when I saw Dinar, Phila, and Peckil walking up to me. Oh great. And this solar was going so well too.

Those three fell under a different category of interactions around me. I wasn't exactly…popular with bots my age here on Vestium Major. Most bots were outgoing and liked to move around during the solar. While I didn't mind that, I preferred to be in the hall just studying if I could. That didn't make me too popular, and I picked on for it. And that usually got physical. Since I wasn't the most active bot out there, that usually led to visits to Physis with no questions asked on his part.

What made this worse was that I was showing Pandimala around. While she and I got along great when doing research, I also knew she was a pretty active bot, given the beating she took from my brothers. What would she think about me when she found out I couldn't fight off a bully? Decepticons were known for valuing strength, and that was a department that I lacked in.

Well, it was nice having her as a friend while it lasted. I might as well get this show over with. "Dinar, Phila, Peckil;"

Peckil, the one that spoke first and acted as their ringleader of sorts, scoffed at me. "Fight off any shrike bats in those datapads of yours? How about some cyber-wolves? You had to gain something wasting away in that hall all solar."

I knew it was pointless to respond to them. Let them say their say, and then they would rough me up a little. There wasn't any point in saying, "Actually, Grinchain was just showing me all the different mold that grows around here." I jumped when Pandimala spoke up. "Glad to see the pictures match the mold."

I about backfired in shock as the femme said that. What the frag was Pandimala doing? I knew Decepticons were confrontational, but I figured she would let our fight play out to see who she supported. "You don't," I tried to tell her she shouldn't get involved.

However, Peckil just caught on to what she said. "I don't think I heard you glitch; want to say that again?"

Before I could tell Pandimala to back down, she looked down at them with a smirk. "I said I'm glad to see the pictures matched the mold. Don't want that anywhere near my systems." I shivered at the challenging look in her optics. "Do I need to repeat it? Or did that microscopic processor of yours finally catch on?"

Everybot on the street had stopped to watch what was going on. Honestly, I was worried about how this would make Pandimala look. Decepticons weren't well-liked, and this might not help her time here. Getting her out of this as quickly as possible would be best. "Come on, they're not worth it," I tried to whisper to her to get her to leave.

However, Dinar must have heard me. "Not worth it? I think the only waste of space around here is you and your pleasurebot." I felt my spark start to race as he glanced toward Pandimala. "Is that what gets you going? Limp and nerdy?"

A slight growl slipped out of my vocals when he said that. I didn't care that they were making fun of me, but Pandimala was a guest and should not have to listen to this. "If that's your autobiography, then I think I'll pass. I'm already being courted, but I don't stand by and let lowlife barnacles try and latch onto my friends. Do yourselves a favor and get lost. Doc said to take it easy for the solar, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind me stretching a bit, sparring you three."

I'm sure Physis would have much to say about her fighting those three. "Is that a threat, femme?" Phila shot back at Pandimala.

Instead of looking worried, Pandimala simply raised an optic ridge. "For that to have been a threat, I would need a threat to be nearby."

"Sire, I got into trouble with Dinar, Phila, and Peckil again. But, Pandimala is jumping in, and it might turn into a fight. What should I do?~Grinchain." While calling sire felt weird, this situation could quickly turn nasty if it wasn't handled right. Sire's advice on all of this would be helpful.

As the three across from us seemed to be trying to answer Pandimala's retort, sire got back to me. "I'm sending Scorchflint and Sandstorm to your coordinates. Stay calm and keep a fight from breaking out until they arrive. Physis will be coming as well. -Dawnbreaker."

That was a relief. Of course, I didn't know how much longer backup would be, and while Pandimala looked calm, the other three looked anything but. "Odds aren't exactly in your favor, femme. You might look sturdy, but you are just some data nerd like that one behind you. Three-on-one odds won't end well for you." Slag Dinar didn't have a clue who he was messing with.

Pandimala looked like she had just heard a bad joke. "You're serious?" She then made a show of looking between the three of them. "You are. Three brats with no discipline think they will be a problem for me? I've dealt with worse in my recharge."

That caused all three of them to look offended. When Dinar stepped forward, I knew I needed to jump in. "And it isn't just Pandimala here either. I'm sure I could keep one of you busy enough for a Decepticon to take you down a few pegs."

They stepped back and did a double take at my word that she was a Decepticon. Yeah, that's what I figured would happen. While the Decepticons' reputation was entirely unfair for some of them, it did help in cases like this. Crossing a Decepticon was not something a bot did lightly.

"Hey Peckil, I've heard stories," Phila whispered loudly as she kept an optic on Pandimala. "Took a hit from the defense system and survived."

"This isn't that Decepticon," Peckil growled back. "Do you think a bot who took a hit from the defense system would be up walking around right now? Not only that, but even if it was that same bot, they wouldn't be seen online with a weak nobot like Grinchain."

Before either Pandimala or I could say anything, backup arrived in the form of the bots sire said he was sending. "What's going on here?" Scorchflint asked as he looked between all of us.

Pandimala was quick on the uptake and immediately answered. "Grinchain and I were on our way to the training grounds when these three decided to come and harass us."

"You were what!?" I flinched when Physis asked that. Before we could respond, he marched down and glared at Pandimala. "I have not just spent the last solars fixing your chassis so that you could go and tear it apart before you should. You know I want you on rest and recovery for at least four more solars before you even think about doing training. I should go reformat you into a side table!"

As Pandimala raised her servos, I noticed the worried looks on the other three. Guess they realized that Pandimala was the Decepticon that was shot down. "I swear we weren't going there to train. I figured I should know where it is before I am cleared. That way, I won't be late for those lessons you are making me go to."

Physis hesitated as he studied here. "You weren't going to train?"

She shook her helm. "No." I flinched when she glared at Dinar, Phila, and Peckil. "However, with how those three were speaking to us, I was about to use them in a stretching routine to help with my recovery."

I could see the torn look on Physis' faceplate before he glared at the three. "You three. Apologize now. Then make yourselves scarce."

"I will inform your instructors about this incident," Scorchflint added sternly.

"Sorry!" the three of them quickly got out before they transformed and hightailed it away.

Looking back at the others, I noticed that Pandimala and Sandstorm were studying each other. What was going on? "So, you're the new triple changer Physis added to my roster." The triple changer trainer finally spoke. "The designation's Sandstorm, and if you hold yourself together that well during our training, you should breeze right through it. Before training, most bots of our frame would have already been snapping their arms off for offending them."

Pandimala smirked at that. "Glad I could impress. I assume you came to wrangle me if things were out of servo."

"Exactly." I was surprised by how blunt the two were with each other. I definitely wouldn't have phrased it like that. "Since things are well here, I will be returning to my notes. I shall see you in four solars time, femme." He then transformed before flying off.

"I'll give a report to your sire about what went on here, Grinchain. You may be needed for your memories." Scorchflint stated before he turned to Pandimala. "Would you be willing to show your memories as well?"

For the first time, Pandimala looked nervous about something. Why though? Decepticons had a patch system…and honestly, theirs was more in-depth than ours was. Why would she be worried about that? "Only on the promise that you will only view the events from this solar." I guess she didn't want bots to take advantage of her memories from the past. "Oh, and if Physis clears it."

Scorchflint nodded at that. "Reasonable enough. Physis, care to join me?"

The medic nodded, and the two officials went on their way. After a few nanos, I glanced up at Pandimala. "Um…thanks…but why?"

To my confusion, she looked confused. "What do you mean? And you're welcome."

"I mean…why'd you help me? I'm not exactly the go-getter type of bot…and that means I'm not as physically active as most bots are. So why bother helping me?" I didn't like how I phrased it, but that was the only way I could. I still didn't understand why she would help me. I wasn't…I wasn't used to this type of interaction with bots.

She looked at me in shock for a nano. "Why'd I…did you just ask me why I helped you?"

Something told me I messed up. "I mean, yeah. Don't Decepticons look for bots who are active and physical?" I couldn't stop the words from coming out of my vocals. "I'd rather be holed up in the hall any solar of the stellar than have to train and train constantly! Can't I just be me? Can't I,"

I flinched when I suddenly felt arms wrap around me. Looking at the bot holding me, I felt confused to see Pandimala standing there. What was she doing? "I didn't take you for a bot who listened to stereotypes, Grinchain." As she continued to hug me, I felt her laugh. "Decepticons don't only look for how active or physical a bot is. While we expect a fellow Decepticon to be able to hold their own on the battlefield, a sharp processor is just as valuable. I'd even go so far as to say we would rather have a bot who can use their processor than not. There is nothing wrong in being you."

My entire chassis tensed as I heard her words. I had never felt like it was okay to be me. Never. "But I,"

"But nothing," She interrupted me. "While I don't think it is healthy for you to spend your entire time holed up with your research, researching in itself is not a bad quality to have. Some of the most fearsome and talented Decepticons I know were also some of the most intellectual. When I was…at my last station, I started to see the very same problem you are having with our intelligence bots. They isolated themselves from others and didn't try to connect with others. I think you tried once but had a bad experience."

How could she know that? "How…how do you know that?" I thought I had a friend once. But they left me behind once they found out I didn't always like to be outside training.

"You'd be surprised by how similar you are to some of the greatest processors the Decepticons have ever seen. Balancing your research, projects, and other studying with interacting with bots around you is vital to information gathering. You never know who might hold the key you are missing to what you are working on. I might not be online this very solar." She then stepped back, which caused me to look up at her. She had a slight smile on her faceplate as she spoke. "How about we make a deal?"

A deal. That sounded just like the sort of thing a stereotypical Decepticon would say. "What kind of deal?"

She let out a laugh. "Good, you can think. I was afraid you were broken for a nano." She then motioned to me. "Once you and your brother show me the main areas of interest here on Vestium Major, you and I will spend our guide solars split. We study and research to our sparks' content for the first part, and then I help you train for the second. I have worked with intelligence-centered bots who had ways of training without overexerting themselves. This way, you don't have to worry about being in that situation again." Pandimala then placed a servo on my shoulder. "Plus, things are always easier when you aren't doing them alone."

While I wasn't a fan of constant training, I knew I needed to train. But most bots I met wanted to train all solar long, and I couldn't do that. What Pandimala was offering…sounded nice. "That would be great. Thanks, Pandimala." At that point, I noticed her legs would shake every few clicks. They must be causing her pain. "But, let's get you back to your room. I'm sure Physis would tear us both new ones if he found out you overexerted yourself."

Pandimala, surprisingly, pouted a little at that before she let out a vent. "I guess you're right. While it was great to spend time with you this solar, I expect your brother to pick me up at the same time next solar. Alright?"

Yeah, I knew. Technically, this was a part of his punishment for what happened to her. "Yeah, okay."

As we returned to her room, she nudged me a little. "Maybe you could spend some time training? Are there any personal training sessions you can start with?"

…There were a few I knew of. I'd have to call them as soon as I dropped her off. While I wasn't thrilled at the idea of training, seeing how Pandimala held herself, even being in recovery, made me want to try. It was apparent during the solar that she liked researching things as much as I did, yet she found ways to train herself and still had time for that. So, I could probably do the same. "Yeah, I know a couple," I answered her honestly.

"Good," She said with a smile. "Then you can tell me all about it during our next guide session." It stayed quiet between us for the rest of the trip back to her room. Once we were there, and she opened her door, she turned back to me. "Good night cycle, Grinchain."

"Good night cycle, Pandimala," I replied before leaving her. Well, better get those calls in. So, I connected to one trainer I talked to about a stellar ago during the Advancement Fair.

"This is Skylark of SSS Training and Mentoring. Who is this?"

"Skylark, this is Grinchain. We talked about a stellar ago at the Advancement Fair about possible training I could take. I know it's been a while, but is the offer still open?"

"Grinchain? I'll be honest I didn't expect to hear from you. But, if you are serious about training, you can come to my training facility at eight tomorrow morning, and we can work out a plan that fits your schedule."

That sounded perfect. "I'll be there, Skylark. And thank you."

Grinchain: *hesitantly walks in* This place is...unusual.

Pandimala: *laughs* You get used to it.

Authoress: *pouts* I don't get Michael anymore since Grinchain is here.

Grinchain: *leans towards Pandimala* Who is this 'Michael'?

Pandimala: *vents* Someone you will hopefully not meet for some time.

AN: And here is the next chapter! Look how quickly I got it up! And it wasn't even pre-typed! I do hope you all enjoyed this! The inspiration is strong with me for this story right now, so I think I'll be working on this one for a little (unless another story calls to me while I am working on the next chapter). Lots of fun here and, while this is somewhat filler, it does reveal some things about Pandimala to the bots around her. The question is, were they paying attention? Grinchain's secret is revealed! The next chapter should see Seabreaker, and at least one other sibling come into play.

I'm not sure if I said it before, but these chapters will move quickly, given all that will happen in this story. I'll try and balance that out with longer chapters if I can, but elements will be in play faster than you might think.

So, without further waiting, here are the next chapter titles!

Chapter 5: Breaking Barriers

Chapter 6: Iussa (this one is going to be entertaining)

Chapter 7: ...(Find out next time!)

Well, that's all for now! If you would like, drop a review, or say hi in one! Again, thank you all for taking the time to read this. Until next time though, TTYL! *charging into battle to Ride of the Valkyries*