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AUDIO;

Okay, haha, joke's on Fulcrum. It's hilarious, really.

But seriously, I'd like to know where my stuff is. Y'know, what few belongings I have in this place anyway.

My flat's suddenly looking more vacant than usual. So, whoever's playing this little prank, you got me. You got me good. I applaud you. Now give it back.

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I didn't stammer!

...do you know me?

Yes, yes. You're Ratchet; you're an Autobot. You examined me and I gave you crap about it but we got it done.

Yes. Do you remember why you came to be examined in the first place?

I walked into a room and you were there. Eventually, we agreed that I needed the examination.

Then I went back to see you again because of the stupid dent I couldn't reach.

Why are you asking me this?

Because I'd like to ask you back for a follow-up check, please. I think I know where your stuff is--drop by and I'll tell you.

You and Drift both are pretty eager for me to get re-examined.

Once was-- [hard enough] --more than what I wanted. You seem all right, but I'm not so sure about this. What do you want from me?

Just to stop by for a scan to make sure your self-repair is working on your internals around where the dent was all right. It'll take thirty seconds and I won't even have to touch you.

...All right.

I'm going to send you a room number that I'm staying at. You can swing by there.

I'll see you soon.

Yeah. Okay.

[Ratchet shows up to... Chromedome's room? And knocks on the door.]

...Fulcrum?

[Warily, Fulcrum cracks the door open and he peers at Ratchet.

He's still not sure about this, but Ratchet's here. He isn't about to shoo him off now, and he's one of the few people he's starting to get to be okay with.

So, with a sigh, he opens the door.]

Hey.

I'm... just kind of borrowing this place for now. My door's locked and I kind of broke into it.

Yeah, I know.

[Ratchet's optics narrow slowly as steps inside, then motions to Fulcrum.]

Turn around for a moment, would you?

[He takes a hesitant step back, peering at Ratchet. For a moment, he really wonders about telling him off, to tell him to go away. He still isn't sure about trusting him or Drift or anyone here.

Like it or not, he's alone. And Fulcrum, for how lucky he's gotten skating by, can't go on alone. He's probably lucky enough that the doctor is willing to work on him.]

...All right.

[Reluctantly, he relents and turns around. Fulcrum hates it about himself, but he's starting to tremble.]

Make it fast, please.

[Ratchet flicks out the small UV light and shines it over the back of Fulcrum's neck--where five vivid pinpricks stand out, sharp and accusing. Ratchet stares at them, the bottom dropping from his tanks for an endless, suspended moment before he switches the hand the UV light is in, flips open his wrist scanner, and takes a careful photograph of the physical evidence of the damage that's been done.]

Finished. [Ratchet knows his voice must sound strange, but he can barely even care just now.] Someone has tampered with your memories, and I need you to come with me.

[Someone has-- Drift was right?

Moreover--]

You tricked me.

Yep. [Ratchet sounds largely unrepentant.] Would you have let me come by otherwise? Come on, let's go.

I don't know! Maybe?

Where the hell would we be going? [Fulcrum's backing up, distrustful. Even before when they first met, he'd managed some semblance of "thank you" and "I understand" even if they didn't along initially.

Now? Now he's plenty more reluctant. The trust is dwindling.]

To Ultra Magnus, to show him proof that you've had your memories tampered with, so he can arrest the person who did it.

[Ratchet watches Fulcrum move away from him, and he looks suddenly, painfully exhausted.]

...you don't have to come with me. But since the only person who could have possibly done this to you is the person to whom this room belongs, I'd advise you to relocate as soon as possible.

I--

Chromedome said those Decepticons were dangerous. But, then again, he was kind of the jerk that beat me up once.

[So he can't trust Chromedome. Duh. Fulcrum also can't trust Decepticons period. All of them are disloyal, selfish--

Can he trust the Autobots? Fulcrum isn't sure.

A weary, troubled sigh escapes him and he rubs his face.]

Drift. Can I... can I talk to Drift? I don't... really have any friends here. He's probably the closest thing I have to it, besides Chromia and Nautica, and I.

I don't know.

[Fulcrum tries his best to bury his fear. He learned to look stoic in the past, but that's slowly starting to crumble with uncertainty. What if Ratchet's right? What if his mind was tampered with?

But what if this is all a trick?

Who can he trust?]

[Ratchet's expression nearly cracks and he looks away after a moment, swallowing.]

You can talk to whoever you want, Fulcrum. And I'll show you the needle punctures on your neck, if you want. I--

[He cycles his vents.]

I apologize for tricking you. I was worried you wouldn't let me look otherwise, and I needed to know, but the last thing you need right now is more people doing things behind your back. You should talk to whoever you feel comfortable with, and you can either come with me, or not, while I take this to Ultra Magnus. It's up to you.

Let me just...

[An unsteady, nervous sigh escapes Fulcrum. He hates expressing that much and he's trying his best not to show his fear. As he is now with no memories of the Scavengers, Fulcrum has a great deal more restraint with himself.]

Let me call him real quick.

[Ratchet nods, his face blank but his optics sharp before he looks away from Fulcrum, rubbing a hand weakly over his face.]

Yes. Of course.

[The K-Con backs up and makes his call. It's short, but he looks more worried than before.

Still, he warily approaches Ratchet, wringing his hands and unable to look at the Autobot in the eyes.]

I guess. I guess I'm going with you.

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