thisavrou | video;

video;

[This time when Ratchet starts broadcasting, the video clicks on. He looks a little worn, but there's an underlying stubborn determination there, deepening the lines at the corners of his mouth.]

Ratchet here. Consider the inorganic section of medical officially back in business. That goes for everyone who's even part mechanical, not just Cybertronians--my door is open.

If you are Cybertronian and I haven't seen you for a check, you're due. I'm aware I still can't exactly order any of the Decepticons around ranking medical officer or not, but except for certain individuals who know who they are, you're welcome as well and I recommend it. Who knows what the hell this place is doing to us--I'd appreciate a baseline just in case something does go wrong and I end up having to do something about it.

Anyway, that's it. Ratchet out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm excruciatingly aware of how little use I am to everyone just now, Bumblebee.

[His voice sharpens, but he dims his optics after a moment and rubs the flat surface of two claws carefully over his face.]

But--yeah. Yeah, all right, point taken. I'll try to recharge.

Ratchet.

[ uh oh. uh oh. old friend medic, you've just invited Bee to get snappy. ]

Do you think the only reason any of us give a damn about you is because you're a medic? Do you think the only purpose you have is for healing? You're not an idiot, Ratchet. You're valuable as a friend. The only reason that I even care that you've decided to work again is because I know it makes you happy. Important.

[ sighs. at least... at least Ratchet is conceding. ]

But... Really. I'm just worried about you, I am. Honest.

You think it's easy for me, knowing that my friends could be hurt and I might not be able to do anything about it? [Ratchet's voice is thin and edged, cutting across the feed like razor wire.] You think the only reason I give a damn about any of you is because it's my job? You think I want anybody I care about to die because I couldn't work out a solution to a problem?

I'm worried about you, too!

We all go through that. The difference between most of us and you is that we really can't do anything about it. Most of the time? We are powerless to do anything so congratulations, you're experiencing what most of us go through.

But you can't keep on doing this. Despite what most people seem to think, we're not machines. We're living beings with needs that need to be met and the best way to look after others is to first look after yourself.

The other difference between me and most of you is that it actually is my job. You don't have to tell me what we need to stay up and running, Bee, all right? I just--

[He resists the urge to bury his face against the base of his claws, but his optics dim and he tries not to slump, looking deeply weary.]

It's hard to sleep. All right? A lot's happened?

[ that's the truth of it, isn't it? behind all that ranting and raving and angry words... that's really the root of the problem. ]

Shoulda said so in the first place.

Edited 2016-10-25 18:25 (UTC)

It's not exactly new. These just...

[He looks down at the claws, his mouth pinching at the edges.]

...complicate things.

No, but it is my first time hearing about it. And maybe the 'new' hands aren't really the best solution, but it's better than none at all.

Yeah. It was worse than at home, Bee. I couldn't--I couldn't do anything. I could barely operate my MID or the doors, let alone help anyone who was injured.

I couldn't stay like that.

Personally, I had hoped you'd de-stress a bit.

[Ratchet stares at him like he's grown a second head.]

Bee, the last time I was even a quarter that crippled I left the planet for a ship of which Rodimus was captain to go haring across the galaxy in search of the fabled Knights of Cybertron to see if I could find a replacement Chief Medical Officer.

What about my reaction to this or any other situation in the entire time you have known me, precisely, would indicate to you that I would de-stress?

Which I really wish you wouldn't have. I mean it left me with Prowl.

Regardless, I have faith in you?

It worked out for the best, considering I probably would have ended up throwing myself off a cliff eventually once my hands degraded down to nothing.

[He's only really half-joking, but he shakes his helm.]

That is a deeply stirring endorsement, Bee, thank you.