Author's note. Thanks to people who have enjoyed this story and given real reviews.
To scammers, I am not interested in random requests for art commissions, especially not with prices such as $400 for a single character.
Enjoy and please review.
The sun shone brightly on the hard working bot as he continued his repairs to the storehouse. After the previous cold season, including several storms, a lot needed to be done. Thankfully, Hardtop had spent several cycles, almost two weeks with him going over everything that needed to be done. Once he was satisfied that Optimus could handle everything, he'd left.
Before doing so, he'd given Optimus a list of bots he could talk to if he needed advice or if anything went wrong. The warm season was usually calm but storms were liable to happen, just not as badly as the cold season ones.
Optimus's main project was repairs to to the lighthouse and out buildings, but there were other chores he needed to keep on top of. He had a garden to tend, growing crops to supplement his daily fuel as well as building up the store for the cold season. Hardtop had told him the larder needed to be kept well stocked in case a bad storm trapped him on the cliff, it had happened to him.
It was all so fascinating, in the evening, Optimus would pour over the useful books in the lighthouse's little library, including recipes, gardening, first aid, the list went on. There were also journals on past lighthouse keepers and those were particularly absorbing. He'd barely even started, luckily he had the entire season to get through them.
Hardtop had even encouraged him to keep his own journal, saying it would be good for future part-time keepers. It was nice, long paragraphs weren't necessary, just a few lines if he couldn't manage more. He'd always enjoyed reading and the idea of future keepers reading his experience was a happy one. Though he felt it would also be good to copy his journal to take with him when he moved on.
Once things settled down, he planned to do just that.
He also had some animals to take care, chickens which regularly provided eggs, goats that gave milk, pigs he was fattening up and even a few sheep for their thick wool. He'd been a little anxious being responsible for all these creatures, not only did he have to keep them fed, he had to make sure they and their enclosures were clean, keep them safe from predators and be ready to deal with them in the event of a bad storm.
So he'd questioned Hardtop extensively on how to handle all these issues, keen not to mess up. With slight amusement, the older Mech had very patiently explained all he needed to do and who to call on in emergencies. All he needed to do was keep on top of things and he'd soon fall into a rhythm with the animals. Once that happened, he'd have a feel for things and would be able to sense if something was amiss.
"Just keep on top of your inventory," Hardtop explained in his gruff voice. "Make sure you're well supplied for any eventuality."
Looking around, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. The nearby fields and trees were bursting with life and vibrant colours, the animals were pottering around in their enclosures and his garden already looked amazing. Bees merrily buzzed around, feeding on numerous flowers and steadily building up a supply of honey in the hives. He was particularly looking forward to sampling that later in the season along with collecting some beeswax for making candles, emergency sources of light in the deep winter.
So far, the weather had been calm, there had only been a couple of days of rain. Hardtop warned him that a haar was likely at some point, he should make sure he knew his way around the place. There were a few markers to grab onto, as long as he memorised where they were in relation to the lighthouse, he should be fine if a heavy fog caught him unaware.
Today though, the sky was clear, perfect for getting some serious work done. Once he'd worked on the roof, he'd apply some fresh plaster to the outer walls. His mind had wandered onto his waiting lunch but it was still too early to stop for that. When it was, he'd devour the sandwich he'd prepared, all the work certainly built up a healthy appetite.
He was sure he'd be eating a lot more by the end of this trip, at least it was all getting burned off.
"Excuse me," a deep voice called out and Optimus looked down. Below him was a large, weathered looking Mech with scarlet red optics looking up at him, one hand raised to shield his optics from the glare of the sun.
Seeing he had Optimus's attention, he smiled and said. "Hello there."
"Hello," Optimus called back, wiping a hand across his brow. "How are you this fine cycle?"
"I am well," the stranger replied. "But if I could trouble for you a drink, I would be most grateful."
"Oh of course," Optimus exclaimed instantly, putting down his tools and moving to the ladder, sliding smoothly down. Holding out his hand once back on the ground, he said. "I'm Optimus."
"I am Megatron," the Mech introduced as he shook Optimus's hand. "Is Hardtop around?"
"He's away for the season," Optimus explained. "Were you hoping to see him?"
"Only in passing, we usually share a drink and a talk," Megatron said as they let go. "I'm a sailor, I visit this port semi regularly and I've become familiar with some of the locals."
"I hail from further inland," Optimus responded as he moved to fetch his guest the promised drink, lifting a lid off a barrel and dunking a tankard into the cool liquid, scooping a generous amount into it. "Some friends and I are working and travelling, this is where I've ended up."
"I see….thank you," Megatron said gratefully, accepting the offered beverage and taking a deep draft. "How are you finding it?"
"It's amazing," he said enthusiastically, also grabbing a tankard. "Hard work but satisfying. I've just been doing some repairs."
They talked for a while, Optimus describing some of his duties, how he was enjoying the location, that sort of thing. Megatron also revealed some of the wares he planned to sell, how he was taking something of a break before his next voyage. Eventually, it came to an end and Megatron gathered up his bag.
"It was a pleasure to meet you Optimus," he said warmly, setting his tankard down on another barrel. "Perhaps we shall meet again."
"You're welcome any time," Optimus agreed, it'd be nice to have a casual chat on a semi regular basis.
The dark grey Mech smiled before heading on his way. Optimus watched him go, he hadn't seen many bots recently and he did feel a tiny pang of regret the Mech had to leave so soon. But it had been an enjoyable encounter, not least because Megatron was a rather attractive Mechanism. He giggled, Elita would tease him so much if she knew.
Had she met anyone equally attractive? She'd successfully found work on a farm which included some of their fellow travellers and like him, it was going well. Hard work but the femme in charge apparently made amazing meals and kept them well fed. And it definitely wasn't slave labour, there were set breaks and days off, plus not all of the work was hard, some of it was simply time consuming.
They'd only been able to meet up once or twice but that was fine, as they got into their rhythm, they could arrange more meet ups. He'd actually planned to see her when he needed to go into town for a few fresh supplies, he needed some more preserving ingredients and other miscellaneous things for the lighthouse.
He perked up as it was possible he might spot Megatron at the market, selling some of his wares. He was interested in seeing them, they included fine silks, spices, precious metals, all very fascinating. He did want to take souvenirs from Port Rustica but he'd have to limit what he bought for ease of travel. Especially as he would likely buy more in other locations.
Optimus let out a small huff, he knew it was going to be hard to restrain himself. There were so many wonderful things he'd already seen and there was only going to be more tempting items. He wondered, was that an issue for a sailor like Megatron? Did he have a home where he could keep most of his things, just taking the essentials on voyages? Next time they met up, he'd have to ask.
If appropriate of course, he didn't want to pile on the Mech if he was busy. But he definitely wanted to see Megatron again, even if it was only in passing. He wondered if he knew Kup, surely he did. Hardtop had told him a few amusing stories about the old Mech and his adventures on the high seas. It made Optimus want to hear more from the Mech himself, the welcoming night had been a bit too rowdy for proper storytelling. Kup still went on voyages, he'd need to catch him before he set sail again.
A cool night by a cosy fire, drinking a local brew and listening to the adventures of the locals sounded amazing. He would have to mention it to Elita, they'd arrange something so they could meet up and experience that together. Turning around, he climbed back up his ladder, back to work.
….…
To his pleasant surprise, Megatron did indeed turn up again. He even had a large fish with him which he offered to cook for Optimus in return for his hospitality.
"All I need is a few herbs and vegetables which I see you have," the other Mech explained, gesturing towards the garden.
Excited to try something new, Optimus readily agreed.
"I've been hoping to try more seafood, I haven't had a chance to really sample the market," he explained as he led Megatron over to the garden. "Heh, you must get to eat a lot of it."
"Naturally but I love it so that's not an issue," Megatron said in amused tone. "It's more land produce I miss sometimes."
"Guess you eat a lot of preserved food at sea," Optimus mused as he grabbed a couple of garden tools. "That would be strange, not having access to fresh things."
"You get used to it," Megatron with a small shrug. "If a life at sea is meant to be, then it's a transition you'll make. It's not so bad, there are often ports we can stop at to restock as well as a few islands. But we must be well stocked before a voyage."
"I bet, I'd love to know more about sailing," Optimus said eagerly as he started harvesting a few vegetables.
"I'd be happy to tell you a few tales," Megatron grinned, a slight twinkle in his optic. "Thinking of going to sea yourself?"
"Not right now but….I'm open to it in the future," the younger bot said, after a slight pause. "It's…probably a little daunting right now."
"I understand, you've only just started exploring," a Mech who definitely had explored far and wide said kindly. "I hope you'll consider it, you needn't go on a long voyage, plenty of mecha only go out to fish for the day and return by nightfall. That could be a starting stone for you."
Optimus nodded, it was good advice. He'd never gone on the open sea before, a short day trip would be perfect for his first time. However, Kup's warning rose in his processor and he huffed slightly as he pulled a couple of previously hidden weeds up. Of course, it likely wasn't safe at the current time, he'd need to put that idea on the back burner.
"Anything else?" he asked after he'd picked what Megatron had initially asked for.
"That should be perfect," Megatron smiled, he already had some fat for the frying. "Now, you just relax and I'll show you how I prepare this."
Happily, Optimus sat back and watched as the experienced sailor filleted and cleaned the fish, then stuffing a few herbs inside along with a chopped onion. The fire was built up and a cooking stand place over it, the fish and various veggies skewered and placed upon it.
Soon, a very delicious smell was wafting up from the barbecue and Optimus's mouth was very much watering. He one hundred percent was going to get some seafood next time he was at the market. There were some wonderful recipes from the lighthouse library he just had to try.
"That looks so good," Optimus complimented as the fish continued to cook.
"Thank you, I pride myself on my culinary ability," Megatron said warmly. "But I'm sure you have some interesting recipes from further inland."
"I do have a few though, maybe I could make you something next time as a thank you," Optimus suggested causing Megatron's optics to light up.
"Now that sounds a marvellous idea," he practically purred, carefully turning the fish and causing fat to drip into the fire and spit. It meant smell was even more enticing.
"One advantage of being a voyager, all the new cuisines you get to try," he added thoughtfully.
"I bet, I can't wait to explore more markets," Optimus grinned, then as a though struck him, asked. "What's the weirdest thing you've eaten?"
Giving the eager young Mech a smirk, Megatron said casually. "Oh, the tales I could tell you of my culinary adventures…."
"Heh, more exotic than mine," Optimus stated and he was sure this was true. He and Elita had once dared Sentinel to eat some silicon slugs, an…acquired taste but perfectly edible delicacy. What was surprising was that he actually liked the slugs so the joke was on Elita and Optimus, especially as they'd hated them.
"There are some restaurants that cater to Mecha from other countries but it's not the same as having food in the actual area," Optimus continued, it was one of the things that inspired him and his fellows to travel. They wanted to try fresh produce, not just the preserved stuff that made its way to Iacon. The relatively short time he'd been travelling had already been a culinary experience.
"I know what you mean, fresh spices in particular are a delight," Megatron advised, turning the fish again and looking satisfied what what he saw. "And….I believe that is ready."
Optimus beamed excitedly as he offered the plates to serve the fish and veggies on. They slid off the skewers, steaming gently as they did so.
"I hope you enjoy," Megatron smiled as they took up utensils and dug in.
"Mmm," Optimus hummed in deep appreciation after he had taken his first bite, it was as delicious as it smelled. The way the herbs and other produce from the garden came together with the fish so well. "This is amazing."
"Excellent," the grey Mech smiled, watching as Optimus eagerly tucked in.
When he was almost finished, Optimus suddenly said. "You still haven't told me the most weirdest thing you've eaten."
Red optics brightening with mischief, Megatron asked. "Are you sure, Optimus?"
"Yes, I can handle it," Optimus insisted. "I want to know some of the crazy things you've had."
"So you know what to avoid?" the older Mech laughed as Optimus grinned.
"Maybe I'll give them a try," he said teasingly as Megatron laughed even harder.
"Oh, I'd pay good money to see that," he chuckled, the rich deep tone sending a small shiver down Optimus's backstrut. "Very well, I'll tell you a few tales…"
Optimus leaned back, his dish already finished and put aside. Megatron had a few more bites of his before adopting a mock thoughtful expression.
"Now lets see….ah yes, I believe this one will amuse you," he stated before launching into his tale. Completely content, Optimus listened rapturously, feeling exceedingly lucky that he'd made such a good friend.
Author's note. How does Optimus's life continue at Port Rustica? Find out next time, until then.