"C'mon old girl, you can do it!" a young Cybertronian mech muttered to himself as he attempted to turn on the main computer console.
He stood with his glowing, blue optics wide as the screen monitor powered up. The keypad came to life and his digits quickly scrambled to press each key available. No sooner had the first button been pressed when the main computer died once more. The mech grumbled to himself and turned away out of frustration.
"Having trouble with the main computer again, Orion?" a friendly voice met the young mech's audio receptors.
"I was only attempting to repair her." Orion spoke, referring to the large computer that rested beside him. "Without her up and running, it will be more than difficult to access the database. Or anything, for that matter."
The elderly Cybertronian that stood before Orion let a small smile cross his faceplate. "Why don't you take a break from your... attempted repairing and sort the files down aisle 'D' on the first floor. They are in need of it."
"Yes, sir." Orion replied to the old mech, who went by the name of Alpha Trion.
Orion Pax was an apprentice to the old and wise Alpha Trion. He worked as a clerk at the Iacon Hall of Records: Cybertron's sole database. The place was large and dim with many floors. Blue lights emitted from the glowing lamps on each wall, the seams of the floors and ceiling. The place was quiet and eerie at times, especially at night, but it was indeed a place of knowledge and Orion adored its silence at times.
Isle "D" was soon in sight and Orion at once began his sorting, hoping to take hints of the knowledge stored within the files as he put them in their proper places. The files were each cylinders that emitted holograms with stories full of knowledge worth telling to the world, or kept hidden from prying optics and audio receptors. Classified information was stored deep within Iacon's archives, nearly impossible for anyone to reach, unless they were one of great wisdom or power. The archives were heavily guarded so that anyone who tried to get in by force would remain unsuccessful.
His work continued wistfully and a sudden wave of joy swept over him. How he loved Iacon. It was the perfect place for him. So quiet, thoughtful, and at most times, private. Only those who were wise and willing to learn the wisdom of Iacon came in to accept the knowledge of the cylinder files. The real bustle happened on the streets of Cybertron: Orion's home planet that he cared for so dearly. Everyone lived in peace and harmony as they were guarded by the Primes, who only made their appearance when needed. They were always aided by the power of Primus, their supernatural leader who founded Cybertron and its cities. He existed deep within the planet's core, giving it the very life it needed. After his encounter thousands of years ago with Unicron the Chaos Bringer, a supernatural being of evil and the very brother of Primus, he cast the evil one out and banished him to a galaxy unknown. Although Unicron was defeated, the damage to the planet was already done. To save it from dying, Primus sacrificed his life and gave up his spark, so that it would pulse the life to all of Cybertron. His ability to speak to the Primes he granted power to years ago never wavered. He aided them in every mission and Cybertron remained a peaceful home to its inhabitants.
Orion often found the file with the story of the battle between Primus and Unicron, along with the power Primus himself granted to the thirteen original Primes, most of which were no longer alive. Only a few remained and would only make appearances in times of need.
Orion would read the story to himself multiple times, watching it scroll through the hologram. He could picture himself fighting alongside the Primes, and although he believed he would never have the courage or strength to do so in real life, he loved to imagine it as if it were true. He could picture owning ion canons of his own. Those were hard to come by, and only ones of great trust used them. He pictured taking down great evil, and saving all of Cybertron. How amazing it would be to have an impact for good on the world. He loved helping people already, and he only wished he could do more.
However, he was happy with his job at the Iacon Hall of Records and he enjoyed imagining just the same. After all, it was almost as good, and it would always turn out perfect in his mind. But a sudden chill ran up his metallic spin. The thought of war always greatly disturbed him. Sure, he loved the thought of helping others, but not in a war. No, war brought nothing but stress, pain, control and division. In the perfect world inside Orion's mind, there would be no wars. He would imagine serving with the Primes to keep the peace. It was foolish thinking though, and it wasn't something he wished for. He just enjoyed imagining it, and soaking in every tiny detail that the holograms offered to him.
"Lost in thought again?" Another voice met Orion's audio receptors and he instantly snapped out of his daydreaming. He quickly shoved the cylinder file away that he was holding and looked up straight to see the figure of the young femme. Her pink and white figure stood only a few feet away from where he stood down the aisle and she wore an innocently amused smirk on her faceplate.
Orion's optics darted down to the floor and he scratched the back of his helm. "Umm... you know, never a bad time to learn something." he mumbled as the young femme approached.
"Even if it's the same thing over and over again?" she replied before adding a chuckle. "You sure are fascinated by the story of Primus and his thirteen Primes."
Orion heaved a sigh. "What can I say, Aerial? It calls me somehow."
She wrapped her arms around the young mech and he in turn did the same to her. "It distracts you..." she finally mumbled under her breath after a few minutes of silence, just barely making her voice loud enough for Orion to hear. "It keeps you from ever wanting to leave Iacon. I can never spend time with you anymore. Except here."
"Iacon's not so bad."
Aerial pulled away to look him in the optics. "But I miss the way things were when we were younger! We always went out together, whether it be with friends or just by ourselves. I don't get that anymore."
Orion's frown grew. "I didn't realize you felt that way. You should have told me sooner."
"I didn't want to hurt your feelings..."
"You didn't." he smiled at her before she came closer and pecked a quick kiss on the side of his faceplate.
"So, will you be joining us for an evening stroll tonight?" Aerial added playfully once she had pulled away. "Ratchet and Megatronus arranged it all themselves. They wanted me to invite you."
"I don't know..." Orion muttered under his breath. "My shift isn't even halfway over. I still have a lot of hours to work. Didn't you think of that?"
"Well sure," Aerial shrugged, "but I'm sure Alpha Trion would let you go just this once! This job has been causing you to neglect your friends. Even Megatronus, who has been like a brother to you since day one! He misses your company and admits it often."
Orion heaved a tired sigh. "It's going to be difficult asking Alpha Trion. I really shouldn't."
"But you deserve this break!" Aerial protested, feeling distressed for him.
"Indeed you are right, young femme." The voice of Alpha Trion came from behind them, causing both Orion and Aerial to turn around. He nodded his head and continued while smiling. "You may go, my son."
Orion's faceplate beamed with excitement. "Thank you, sir!"
Wasting no time at all, Aerial's servo was swiftly grabbed by Orion's and they began to dart out of Iacon.
"Orion Pax, you know we do not run through the Iacon Hall of Records!" Alpha Trion shouted after him, causing his pace to instantly slow down along with Aerial's, until they were safely outside.
"Where are we meeting everybody?" Orion spoke after a few seconds of panting. Both he and Aerial had ran out of Iacon once they were out of Alpha Trion's sight.
"In the square near Kaon City." Aerial replied after taking a deep breath. "Let's walk the rest of the way. It's not too far from here."
In agreement to her response, Orion nodded and walked along down the Cybertronian streets with his beloved Aerial by his side. The roads of Cybertron were bustling with vehicles. Cybertronians traveled in their own vehicle modes. Others drove in high-tech hover cars fit for their kind. Not all scanned and transformed into their own form of transportation. For young mechs or femmes, it was difficult and took a lot of work, along with precious energy.
Kaon City came into sight and it didn't take long for the couple to find Ratchet and Megatronus. With smiles coating everyone's faceplates, it was indeed a happy sight.
"Finally managed to leave the comforts of the Hall!" Megatronus laughed before patting Orion on the back.
"He's a dedicated worker." Aerial spoke in Orion's defense. "Alpha Trion is lucky to have such an honorable apprentice."
"That he is." Ratchet added. "But there is indeed a lot you have missed in these past couple of weeks."
Orion gave a questioning look towards his friends, making Ratchet smile before he continued. "Remember that interview I sent in to the medical association a while back? I was just recently accepted!"
Orion's optics widened and his smile grew. "Ratchet, that's great news! I'm so happy for you!"
"I was indeed surprised to have received their call. I had no idea I would make it in!"
"Well, you sure are a trooper, Ratchet." Aerial replied cheerfully as her arm now rested atop Orion's shoulder. "They couldn't ask for a better doc-bot."
There was a few seconds of silence but more smiles were shared. So many things had indeed changed in the little bit of time Orion had stayed away from his social life. He couldn't help but feel a small twinge of sadness. Time had slipped away. Although it wasn't a lot of time, quite a bit still had happened in those precious moments, but Orion promised himself he would embrace each second before his job took him over again.
"Let's walk through the streets of Kaon." Megatronus spoke as he broke the silence, and his tone of voice showed great awe as he looked at the tall buildings that made up the city.
As the group trudged along, Orion caught up with Megatronus, leaving Aerial to converse with Ratchet.
"Nothing much seems to have changed with you." Orion said, breaking the silence between them.
Megatronus laughed. "No, unless you count myself becoming a gladiator in the time we've spent apart as 'nothing changing'."
Orion walked beside his close friend with shock spreading across his faceplate once more. "I've received one surprise after another! When did this happen?"
"About two moon cycles ago, I presume. I've been kept so busy that I can't keep track of the time that's passed. It is indeed hard work and it takes willpower, but I believe I have finally discovered what I was made for."
Orion smiled and placed a servo on Megatronus' shoulder. "I am pleased to see your perseverance has not wavered since the last time we spoke. It surely is a priceless virtue! And your courage is something I only wish I had."
Megatronus laughed again. "Oh, Orion... you underestimate yourself! I've seen what courage you've put into practice at Iacon, along with patience and perseverance. It definitely takes a good deal of those virtues to put up with the old Alpha Trion."
"My mentor isn't all that bad." Orion spoke in sudden defense, but lightheartedly. "Often times I wonder what I would do without him. He truly is a mystery at times, but I enjoy his company and the job he's offered at the Iacon Hall of Records."
Megatronus nodded. "I'm glad to hear you enjoy your life."
"Yes, very much so."
There was a few more seconds of silence as the group continued to walk but it was broken quickly.
"Will you come to see me give my speech tomorrow at the gladiators' meeting?" Megatronus spoke quickly in high hopes of Orion accepting the invitation.
"I will do all that I can to come. I have heard quite a bit of talk about it. If Alpha Trion will let me go, I will attend."
Megatronus smiled. "Good! I hope to see you then. I will be speaking on behalf of a better Cybertron and I believe it will be something worth listening to."
Orion smiled wide. "I can't wait to hear it."
...
Cybertron's two moons had risen. The group had all gone to their own homes and Orion found himself back at Iacon, sorting files once more. He held in a yawn and tried not to be tired, although he knew very well that it was late, and past his usual work hours.
Alpha Trion began to approach the young mech with sincerity on his faceplate. He placed a gentle servo on Orion's shoulder, causing him to look over in his direction.
"My son, you should not be working at this hour." Alpha Trion spoke softly in attempts to get Orion to stop.
"I neglected my work," the young mech replied quickly. "I must finish!"
"You can when the new day arrives. I do not want you to be tired for tomorrow. Please, go to your quarters and rest."
Orion turned away. "I can't sleep..."
"Why not? Has something happened?" Alpha Trion became suddenly concerned, eager to listen.
"No, sir, nothing has happened. I am just anxious."
"Ah, I understand now." Alpha Trion stood silent for a minute before he continued. Orion's bouts of anxiety came often in his quiet moments. "You still wonder about your family."
Orion quickly turned to face his mentor once more. "You always keep the story from me. You never told me what happened to my father. Or mother... I know, it is such a bad time to bring this up, but often at night, when everything is quiet, I think about it. But I have no memory of what happened at all... Please tell me, sir! I want to know! Don't keep me in the dark."
Alpha Trion heaved a sigh. "My son, the time has not yet come for me to tell you."
Orion hung his helm. "I-I... I'm sorry I brought up the subject... It is not mine to worry about." he stood silent again before speaking, just as Alpha Trion was about to walk away. "Do I have permission to go with Aerial to the gladiators' meeting tomorrow? I was invited by Megatronus."
Alpha Trion heaved a sigh again. "As you wish. I give you my permission." The old mech stood to walk away but stopped in his tracks. "Be careful who you choose for friends." he spoke in a whisper, leaving Orion to walk to his quarters puzzled.
A/N: This is an old fanfic from 2017 that I dug up out of my Google Docs! Please let me know if you're interested in an update. Thanks for reading!