video;

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[The video clicks on and shows nothing but the ceiling of a room for long moments before it rattles and a hand obscures the camera. There's a scrape and a soft groan as Ratchet hauls himself as much into a sitting position as he can manage and finally manages to pick up the communicator and turn the camera towards himself.]

[He looks exhausted, his optics dim and his mouth drawn down. The hand not holding the communicator up is pressed carefully to his windscreen and his ventilations are labored as he wakes up a little more, his optics focusing in the low light of his room. His voice is soft and fuzzy with static when he speaks.]

Hey. What did I miss?




LOCKED to Spinister
I need a status update on Krok. Now, please. I can't get up to go check on him myself.

Comments

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[He catches that guilty look in Ironhide's optic.]

You didn't come with us, on The Lost Light. You chose to stay on Cybertron and try to help sort things out there. Don't you dare feel guilty for not being able to punch Pharma into submission.

[He leans into Ironhide a little, making a low sound in his throat.]

M'doing my best.

[arnhaid]

[He huffs, and ducks his head at that.]

I didn't know that part... I just knew you bots all took off.

[Hence the guilt. Knowing that doesn't quite erase it. But it helps. Knowing he was probably needed somewhere else.]

[He tightens his arm around him.]

You always do. Never doubted that. You... doin' this proves me right.

[stubbornandfrustrating]

Doing what, something stupid and reckless and incredibly dangerous?

[Ratchet chuffs a soft, tired laugh and curls in closer, his optics dimming.]

Just doing what I have to.

[arnhaid]

If y'felt that way about it, why'd you go with 'em?

[He's mostly teasing. Mostly. There's probably a perfectly good reason.]

Don't have to do it alone. I mean... any bot here'd probably give you a hand if they could.

[He glances over at his face.]

... power down for a bit. I'll stay.

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[Ratchet watches Ironhide for a long moment, looking suddenly and incredibly tired.]

...all right. Thanks.

[arnhaid]

It's what I'm here for.

[He gives him a brief squeeze.]

Take it easy. I'm here.