[ When he pulls up at the temple, an errant little part of Ratchet's mind files away Depth Charge's condition on his mental triage list, to be investigated later. It's a very small part, though, because Fortress Maximus's condition is appalling. It's obvious to Ratchet's eye that his injuries were caused with the intent of pain, rather than disablement.

Ratchet changes to root mode and hits the ground running, hands busy with Fort Max's plating the moment he's close enough to manipulate it. For all the fear that's fluttering in his spark, he tries to keep his voice calm and professional when he speaks.]

Fortress Maximus? I'm going to access your cervical plating, alright? If I can get to the right nodes, I can put a block in and numb some of the pain, but you're going to have to help me here. I need you to tip your head forward -- give me space to work.

[He places a hand on Fort Max's head, pushes gently as a guide, and hopes that his patient has enough processor function left that he'll be able to understand this simple command, if not Ratchet's words themselves.]