26th Transmission

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Ow! Rocks...?

[Silence - except for the familiar creaking and groaning of metal as Ironhide looks around. When he speaks, the gravely, aged voice is back. He does sound more... groggy... than usual. "Hungover", would be a better word.]

What... just happened...? Why... am I in... the bar?

[And as it all dawns on him. Crap, crap, crap.]

... I can explain everything. To all of you. Ratchet--I did... not mean to leave...

Comments

[heavyweaponsbot]

I... good. Best not be.

Said I was stupid back then... I learned. That attitude... was a mistake.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

I would say you were moreso just... young. Everyone does foolish things in their youth - Even Optimus. [snrrrrk, he has stories.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

Some things are more... foolish than others.

... what? Really?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

This is true - But there is no reason to blame yourself. You reminded me of Sideswipe, somewhat.

Hard to believe, but certainly truth - I am sure there are tales of his youthful 'adventures' he would prefer stayed private.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Ratchet. Please never compare me and that little speed demon. Ever.

Oh yeah? He stick his hand in a power outlet or something?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

I would think you would be proud. From what I have heard, he is quite the ladies mech.

I believe that what occurred is between Optimus and Elita - However, I will say that he did not have quite the same reputation as Sideswipe. [Chuckles]

[heavyweaponsbot]

He is also arrogant, more stubborn than I am, overconfident, and... you know what happened when he showed up.

[Snort] Would have paid to see whatever it was. Poor... Prime.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

I do not think it is possible for anyone to be more stubborn than you.

... Let us just say that their first date did not go as planned.

[heavyweaponsbot]

You never had to try and talk him down.

... If things do... end up like you said... might have to ask him, then.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

Very true - But you have not had to deal with yourself, either.

Remind me not to be around for that particular conversation.

[heavyweaponsbot]

I am not as bad as he is.

... Why?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

We will see when next I drag you in for repairwork.

There were only three mechs involved with that particular incident, and Elita is not here.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... So, in the next ten minutes, then?

Three?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

I did not promise a long wait.

... I was not directly involved, persay...

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Five minutes?

Ratchet? What did you... do?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

... I will be there in a moment. You had best be ready to go.

[heavyweaponsbot]

Yeah. Ready. And you will be explaining yourself once you get here.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

[Sorry, he's not listening. In fact, you can hear the hated Phil Collins' 'Dance into the Light' CD playing over his radio as he comes to get you, so he doesn't have to explain anything.

It's even in stereo as he finally approaches you. You had better get your aft ready to leave.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He's leaning against the bar, looking incredibly unamused... especially when he hears that song.]

Turn that off.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

[He turns it down, but not off. He likes it. :|]

Back to my quarters, now.

And you may put that communicator in here as well.

[The back doors of his alternate mode swing open, as if to punctuate his point.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

Mmnf. Sure...

[He tosses the comm in, but not without lightly brushing a hand over one of the doors.]

Want me to drive?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

[He shifted his weight on the tires, almost unnoticeable to an untrained eye. Ironhide was very aware of what he was doing, Ratchet knew that much.

Closing the doors, he turned the music up ever so slightly.]

Driving would be easiest. Are you able to transform?

[heavyweaponsbot]

[Of course he was aware. But he doubted anyone else in the area--if there were anyone else--would have any idea.]

Yeah... give me a second...

[And in short order, there was a golf kart of death nearby.]

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

[Waiting a moment for Ironhide, he turned to lead the way back from where he came.

He kept his speed low, knowing that Ironhide's highest was nowhere close to his own, and even then, he did not want him straining himself in this state.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He puttered after him, rather grateful for the slow pace, but not exactly willing to say so.]