[001 | Video - Static Ahoy!]

[shutupndrive]

[It had taken a moment or two..maybe it was three--he really couldn't say--but when everything had finally settled and he'd gotten most of his bearings back, realization hit him as he peered at the mark on his arm.

He'd seen that mark before. Primus it had been awhile but he'd had that mark on his arm before.

Pushing himself up, Smokescreen had tried to activate his navigation systems but nothing was working right and he had no idea how long it had been since he'd been here before. Looking around didn't really help with his problem, considering he was pretty sure he was in the middle of the Badlands.

Lucky, it seemed like his comms were still working, though they were full of static.

It was something though.]

--anyone c-c-copy?

This--Smokesc--n.

[Man he hoped someone would be able to understand this.]

Not sure--w-w-where I am. Badlands--? Navigation systems not---king.

--could use some help.

[Anyone? Someone?]

Comments

[neededthat]

[Through the entire trip back, Ratchet never utters a single word. One they make ot up to Solus' Temple, he transforms to step inside, trying to recall the medbay once more, having been here for less than a day.]

[shutupndrive]

[Following quietly, Smokescreen transforms as well and lingers for a moment behind the other before he glances around.]

...I think it's that way.

[He doesn't have the best memory of this temple but he has a gist of where he's going, motioning for Ratchet to follow.]

[neededthat]

[Ratchet glances over to Smokescreen and follows him, walking beside him.

He feels a heavy weight in his chest. Similar to how he felt after Optimus became one with the All Spark, but not nearly as extensive. He glances over to Smokescreen, empathetic. He must feel terrible, he thinks as they come up to the Medbay finally.

He takes in a deep breath, exhaling in relief. Finally, a familiar area. A small content smile appears on his face as he walks inside.]

Take a seat. We'll get started.

[shutupndrive]

[Its a weight that Smokescreen had been carrying for awhile, a pain that had never really gone away even after he returned home. Being back and having experienced the loss of Optimus for a second time made it that much harder to cope with.

But he had to. He had to be strong.

Entering the medbay, Smokescreen did as he was told and took a seat, Doorwings flickering a bit.]

[neededthat]

[Ratchet glances about the medbay for a few items before he looks to his arm. His scanner. Maybe it still works here. He didn't think of trying it. He walks up to Smokescreen, opening the console on his arm. Tapping a few buttons, he lets the soft red light scan over the rookie.

After it was finished, he glances over the data he recieves.]

You said your navigation system is on the fritz, correct?

[There's only so much that a scanner can pick up. It's best to hear from the source.]

1/2

[deadlydoctor]

[It can't be, right? What are the chances?]

2/2

[deadlydoctor]

[You left without even leaving a note. Knock Out wasn't all that happy about being dumped like that, mister.]

Did someone get to you already or you still need back up?

[Video]

[neverputincharge]

[Give him a second, he has to check dates again. It was pretty chaotic back then.]

You disappeared a little over four months ago. Right...right around the time we were settin' up to take down Tarn. [You remember Tarn, don't you?]

[After that, he's going to take a moment to just look relieved and let out a vent of relief, at the news of the glyph. Thank Primus, maybe...maybe this isn't a Unicron trick after all if he's got a glyph.]

Good to hear you're back with us, then. [He actually manages a slight, if a little sad, smile.]

Re: 2/2

[shutupndrive]

[The reply doesn't come right away, Smokescreen distracted by telling Ratchet about some pretty bad stuff.

But whn he does finally get a chance to reply, he sounds relieved.]

Ratchet came to get me. We just got to Solus's---

[Yep, still a bit static-y]

It's good to see you, cherrybomb.

Re: [Video | Private]

[shutupndrive]

[Just like with KO, the response is slow to come but it finally does and the rookie looks....a bit out of it.]

...Ratchet..he...I told him about Optimus...when boss bot was here before.

[shutupndrive]

Yeah it wasn't working right. I had no idea where I was. And then my commd were acting up and it--everything was just on the fritz I guess.

[Smokescreen rests his hands on the edge of the berth, shrugging slightly.]

It could have been worse though.

[neededthat]

[Ratchet nods before he closes his console.]

Perhaps you should get some shut eye. Stasis will do you some good, along with some energon. [He nudges his shoulder a little before he inspects him for further damage.]

The Badlands may have done something to disrupt the communication device and your navigation system. But for now, I'd suggest you rest. Once you're in tip top shape, you can leave the medbay.

[Doctor's orders.]

[deadlydoctor]

You still have your memories. [If the use of the nickname is any indication.] But you look different, rookie. I have seen that blue paintjob before, though. I'm glad to know we are on the same page.

I always liked blue.

audio;

[sciencetank]

I...

[It sounds like him.]

[Primus help him, it sounds like Smokescreen...]

Where are you.

[It's not a question.]

Re: audio;

[shutupndrive]

Medbay. Solus t-t-temple.

[shutupndrive]

Yeah, Ratchet mnrtionrd you were---same time.

[He grins a bit.]

Glad to hear that.

[shutupndrive]

But Ratchet--

[Ufortunately it doesn't look like the medic is going to cut him any slack. He sighs, vents cycling as he slumps back onto the berth in a semi-dramatic manner.]

Yes sir....I demand visitors though.

audio;

[sciencetank]

Stay there.

["Medbay" doesn't bode well. Not at all.]

[Needless to say, he's on his way.]

Audio; ---> Video

[shutupndrive]

Ah--right. Will do, dadceptor.

[Andhe does, since Ratchet would kill him if he didn't.]

[neededthat]

You demand hm?

[He looks over his shoulder at him eyebrows raised high.]

[shutupndrive]

Yes. Dadceptor's coming.

[Though that look has him hunkering down a bit.]

action;

[sciencetank]

[That word hurts.]

[This whole conversation hurts. There's a reaching feeling of failure and... he can't shake it off. He should have tried harder. He should have searched...]

[When he arrives at the medical bay, he doesn't enter right away. He's still expecting this to be a joke.]

[So he lingers in the doorway, peering inside, far more hesitant than he's ever been before.]

[neededthat]

You could have have asked instead of demanding.

[Ratchet frowns but waves his hand in the air dismissively.]

Get some rest, and don't make a mess.

[He mutters as he moves to exit the medbay.]

locked

[deadlydoctor]

He arrived recently too. Him and Starscream are the only ones from our same time, Bulkhead, Wheeljack and Shockwave are still behind us. It's better not to tell them.

Ratchet's still there with you?

Re: action;

[shutupndrive]

[To say Smokescreen is anxious would be an understatement. Besides Bulkhead and Knock Out, Perceptor is the one bot he's been itching to hear from--to see. And the fact that he was coming to the medbay had him extremely antsy, unable to rest as he waited.

Just when he thought the other might not be coming, movement caught his attention and he perked, brightening despite his earlier conversation with Ratchet.]

Dadceptor!

[And then he's across the medbay, latching onto the other for dear life.]