004 | Voice

[neededthat]

[The link clicks on but there's no video. Just a rough clearing of someone's vocalizer. Soft and quiet, with a professional air about it.]

This is Ratchet. Checking in.

[A small pause.]

I've been busy as of late, so I apologize if I had worried anyone. I hope everyone is doing well.

[His voice sounds tired, spent almost, but a quiet sigh escapes his vents.]

For those of you who are new, I'm one of the medics here in Haven. I have a little knowledge on human medicine, but specialize in Cybertronian and robotics medical needs.

I'm returning to Solus' temple. So if you need me, I'll be passing by there in about a half hour.

Comments

audio;

[arnhaid]

Hey, well. Good t'see somebody's still stuck around.

[neededthat]

[There's a small snap in his voice.]

Some people had their reasons for leaving.

[arnhaid]

Yeah. Sure.

But that don't mean it ain't good to see someone still here. Y'know?

[neededthat]

[He falls silent for a long moment, almost too long]

...I thought I would be used to to people leaving by now.

[arnhaid]

[He was worried for a second there bro.]

... Yeah, it... It don't get any easier.

Probably not what you wanna hear but. Truth's truth.

[neededthat]

It should be.

[He says, rather stubbornly.]

I've been through a war, lost countless comrades through it all. And even at the very end of this ridiculous conflict, Optimus--

[Another pause. An intake of air through gritted teeth.]

With Perceptor and Wheeljack gone... It just adds a little extra weight on my spark. That's all.

[arnhaid]

Primus...

[He really doesn't know what to say to that. It's not fair, really. But none of it is. He didn't even really know those two, doesn't even really know this bot. But...]

[Ratchet is a Ratchet. Right? Friendship and all that.]

Look... I. I ain't really the kinda bot who knows how to be all consolin' or nothing but.

I am the kinda bot who's got a direct route to the bar. If... y'want.

[neededthat]

The bar.

[He repeats, thinking it over. Ratchet was never one to really drink a lot. But.]

Can you send me coordinates?

[arnhaid]

Yeah, that's about all I got on the table.

[Another pause.]

Sure. Sendin' 'em now.

[neededthat]

That's more than enough for me right now.

I'll be there in about twenty minutes.

[arnhaid]

I'll be here. Don't you worry 'bout that.

[neededthat]

[And sure enough there's an ambulance driving up to the given coordinates. It's rather lethargic as it pulls up beside the bar, coming to a stop, lingering before its engine cuts out, lights flickering off.

And after a moment, Ratchet transforms and walks up to the bar's entrance, gaze mostly downcasted as he walks inside.]

[arnhaid]

[And Ironhide is there. Just like he said he'd be. He's at the bar proper, surrounded by empty cubes, and peering into another one, as if it's somehow betrayed him.]

[He glances up as he hears the other bot's arrival, and waves him over.]

[neededthat]

[He stares at the sight of him and all those empty cubes. But he trudges over to take a seat beside the other mech.

Ratchet unceremoniously sits down onto his seat, rather carelessly as he crosses his arms over the bar, lifting one hand to rub at his nose guard.]

...Hey.

[arnhaid]

Hey.

[The word, like everything else he'd said, is completely clear, lucid. Despite the cubes surrounding him, he's not even a little intoxicated.]

[He offers a full one up to the medic.]

Got you one.

[neededthat]

[Ratchet nods appreciatively as he takes up the cube and literally downs it in one swoop.

He slams the glass down and sighs heavily, relief washing over him as the highgrade runs through his systems, shuddering. It had been a while since he's had a hefty drink.]

...Thank you.

[arnhaid]

[His head tilts. That wasn't really what he expected. But, oh well. He just shrugs and orders up another.]

[One hand thumps companionably onto his shoulder.]

Sure thing. There's more where that one came from.