Ep. 1.5 - Overload - (Closed)

[Deleted]

Maximus stood in silence, his head lowered. It was as if speaking of his fears had drained the last of the agitation from him, leaving him empty. Exhaustion lined his face.

When Wheeljack stepped forward the big mech shook himself and looked around. He studied the Wrecker, his single red optic unreadable. But the casual, friendly words made him nod slowly, even as his expression settled in something a little less drawn.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

Inhaling deeply, he pushed his shoulders back and visibly composed himself.

“Prime.”

Maximus turned back to Optimus. A little of his stoicism returned as he straightened to his full height and attempted to gather a military air about himself. He moved slowly, as if his joints ached. With effort he touched his brow in a salute and said, “I will submit to a medical examination from Ratchet, if he will agree to see me here. It’s fine. I’m – it’s fine. I’ll do it. It’s fine.”

To prove it he raised his fingertips to his blackened optic. Not even the lens whirred in focus. The unit was dead, the red light gone.

Maximus' throat worked as he swallowed. He let his hand drop. “And... I’ll leave it to you to contact Agent Fowler with my request, sir. Probably best he gets it from you rather than me anyway. Thank you, sir.”

[Deleted]

While the others made arrangements to contact Agent Fowler, Wheeljack was eying up the landscape for a place to sit. It seemed like they would be in for a wait, for Ratchet to join them and to hear back from Fowler. There was a rock that looked quite comfortable near by.

Before he advanced on it, Wheeljack glanced down at the new puzzle cube he'd built while they had been waiting. An eclectic mix-mash of both Cybertorninan and human parts, though the Cybertronian pieces dominated, it was tetrahedron in shape. It was quite small and for a mech Fort Max's size, probably better to be handled by a holo than by root mode.

"Here," he said quietly, placing it on the ground, unsure whether Fort Max was up to an invasion of his personal space just yet. "Sometimes...sometimes you just need something to keep your servos occupied when the thoughts get too loud in your processor," Wheeljack gave a bitter smile. "Trust me, I know."

With that admittance, the Wrecker turned away and beelined for that rock. He hauled himself up and perched lightly on it, optics sweeping across from Optimus to Max, then gazing across the desert floor, a sentry keeping watch for Ratchet. Wheeljack wasn't very big on deep, emotional discussions, especially with Prime there. But hey, if the two wanted to quietly talk some more, the Wrecker would give them the space to do so.

[Optimus Prime]

When Fort Max regarded him, Optimus raised his head a bit and made sure he was turned fully to face him, continuing to give him his full attention. He wanted everything to be at rest here, no more combat, no more aggression, no more formalities or forced reactions. It is because of this, he gently shook his head at the other's actions. His raised hand brushed out to dismiss Fortress' salute because he did not want it, it was not needed here. Granted, being saluted was always awkward... but either way...

"At ease."

He stated this flatly during his dismissing motion, trying to get things back to a more leveled conversation. Optimus' arm dropped back down to hang at his side, squared off fingertips curled gently into a loose fist that was more habit than anything else. He remained in a posture that could seem quite ridged and formal, but he was trying to be more relaxed... just... failing at it...

"I will see to contacting Agent Fowler as soon as I can. In the mean time I will send for Ratchet."

Optimus rotated then, not turning his back entirely to the other two, but respectfully taking a few steps to the side in case they had wanted to speak while he contacted the Medic. Each footfall caused the hard earth scattered in gravel to crackle beneath his peds, the motion forcing any leftover dirt stuck to his plating to sift free and fall down. He saw Wheeljack deposit something on the ground, but he could not see it exactly since it was just a vague shape on the outer edges of his optic's capabilities. What he could make out however was what had been said, which gave a bit of insight into the Wrecker. Nonetheless, his hand rose to lightly place on the side of his helm, to activate his comm.

::Ratchet::

He waited for confirmation that the Medic was indeed there and listening, not occupied and dealing with who knows what other crisis may arise. Once he had the confirmation, he continued on, relaying what he knew in a concise straight to the point request and report.

::Fortress Maximus received damage and needs to be treated away from base. He has an optic out, but nothing appears serious, however the full extent is unknown::

Optimus could hear walking behind him, the weight behind each step and the time between impact telling him it was Wheeljack and not Fortress. He turned a small amount at this, blue optics piercing through the darkness to look between them curiously before falling to look at the puzzle. He didn't comment, still speaking to Ratchet, but he could recognize the gift for what it was.

[Deleted]

There was a moment of silence over the comm line.

And then, Ratchet's voice, steady and firm.

"I copy that, Optimus," he said. "The ground bridge controls have been temporarily shut down, so I will need to drive to your location. Nonetheless, I am leaving immediately with a field kit and will be there shortly. Please stand by."

Behind him, Optimus would hear the tread of heavy footsteps. They were slow and tired, devoid of aggression.

They stopped.

Fortress Maximus silently knelt to accept the gift.

----

True to his word, Ratchet arrived in short time.

At first he was little more than a line of dust racing swiftly in the distance. Eventually the shape of the medic's boxy alternate mode appeared within the cloud, standing out stark and pale beneath the moonlight. With its higher suspension the emergency vehicle was able to pick up a little speed over the desert flats, though he still needed to steer carefully around such obstacles as brush and rocks. His headlights cut through the darkness ahead of him, occasionally picking out in silhouette the gnarled shape of a tree.

He geared down as he drew near and transformed, still in motion. With a field kit in hand Ratchet jogged over to greet them, slowing to a walk when he spotted the tall figure of the Prime. He nodded to Optimus briskly but made his way straight to Maximus, who had sunk to the desert floor with his back to the very rock that Wheeljack kept a vigil upon.

"Optimus, Wheeljack," said Ratchet. "Good to see everything appears to be fine here. You mentioned a damaged optic. How did this happen?"

Cautious words, picked with care. The medic warily knelt at Maximus' side and clicked open the latches on the field kit.

Maximus stirred.

The big mech had gone quiet shortly after leaning back against the rock. Either weariness or shame had kept him silent, his mind turned inwards. Now he opened his good optic and studied the medic.

"Two electric shocks," he said reluctantly. "Back to back."

Ratchet pressed his mouth into a thin line.

"I - see," he said. "Ah. Well. Depending on the volts discharged in each blast you could be looking at anything from a burnt out optic to fried comms to an entirely cooked electrical system. I'll run a diagnosis. Just sit still. Optimus?"

As he lifted his wrist to prepare his scanner the medic looked back over his shoulder at the Autobot leader. Though his gaze was significant he spoke with deliberate calm as he said, "Everything seems to be under control back at the base. You'll be glad to know that Red Alert and I inspected the monitors and found the damage to be minimal. Base security has not be affected. The ground bridge controls will need to be repaired, but that's not an overly arduous chore. Wheeljack!"

Ratchet glared up at the Wrecker next. "I'm sure you'd be ecstatic to help me with that, wouldn't you? If you'd like to get a head start I won't hold you back. I can handle things here if either one of you wish to return to base."

[Deleted]

Wheeljack was relieved to see that the puzzle cube had been received and not say, just left on the ground there or, even worse, trampled on. Much like when he'd given the big mech a blade, he hadn't been certain how Fort Max would take it, especially in his current state.

He hadn't been lying about the importance of keeping one's servos occupied. Wheeljack had spent plenty of sleepless nights, not falling into recharge, haunted by the past he could barely remember, the bit that he couldn't recall at all and even the parts that he did remember well. Life hadn't been easy as a Wrecker. They'd done a lot, seen a lot. Fought on the worst battlefields the war had to offer. Lost far too members to think about. And while Wheeljack might power through life seemingly unaffected by it all, it always caught up with him on the quiet nights when he had nothing to do. So, he endeavoured to not be unoccupied. To always have a project at hand that he could be working on so that the silence didn't get a little too loud or he wasn't left alone with the thoughts in his head. Deep space had been its own private little hell between the excitement of finding fellow Autobots and the joy of exploration.

Seated as he was, the Wrecker didn't react when Fort Max padded over to join him except from a slight flicker of confusion that was expressed in a minute tremble of the sharp metal on his back. Wheeljack's gaze lowered questioningly as he tilted his head slightly, watching as the big mech lowered himself to the ground, resting his back against Wheeljack's rock. Since Fort Max elected not to speak, Wheeljack left him to his thoughts and turned his attention back to the desert floor.

He was...honoured and humbled that Fortress Maximus had chosen to let him guard his back during such a time of turmoil. It was a show of trust he hadn't been expecting, to be honest. It was one thing to guard each other during a fight but that a matter of physical protection and easy to give. Emotional weakness was far more difficult to show and with everything just so raw right now for Fort Max, Wheeljack hadn't really expected anyone to be permitted near the big mech for a long time unless it was utterly necessary. Like say, Ratchet, coming across the desert to repair him.

The Wrecker squinted at the approaching dust storm. Yeah, that looked like the medic. Wheeljack could make out a pair of headlights that gradually morphed to include an emergency vehicle the closer it got. Wheeljack shifted, glanced again at Fort Max, then decided it didn't matter, the medic's arrival would soon be obvious to all. Sure enough, it wasn't long before Ratchet transformed and joined them. He gave the medic a curt nod when Ratchet briefly addressed him and Optimus.

Wheeljack didn't move from his rock when Ratchet got straight into it. He was vaguely curious when Fort Max mentioned the electric shocks and wondered which of the two newcomers had been the ones to deliver the blows. Ultimately though, it didn't matter. From all accounts, they'd been in a fight to defend their lives and had weathered it quite well compared to just about everyone else Wheeljack had seen go up against Fortress Maximus. Wheeljack didn't begrudge them from doing what it took to get Max to back off though he privately noted to himself not to underestimate them now that they were repaired and were not disorientated from a shuttle crash.

The Wrecker tilted his head when Ratchet addressed him again after giving a damage report. He didn't quite feel like leaving since Fort Max had chosen to sit by him. If his presence was helping the big mech somehow, then here he was gonna stay till he really needed to leave or Max asked him to. A smirk tugged at his bottom lip plate as he contemplated his answer. "Nah, I'm good right here doc," Wheeljack patted the rock. "'S real comfy. That groundbridge isn't going anywhere. 'sides, if I go now, you won't have a chance for a real engineer to show you how it's done."

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus had moved off to the side with a slow stride, not saying anything, or inputting more to the moment. He was still near enough that if either Wheeljack or Fort Max spoke directly to him? They would not have to yell in order for him to hear. However if they chose to speak amongst themselves? Optimus would not be privy to more than general murmured sounds without trying to focus in, and let's be frank, he wouldn't eavesdrop.

The Prime had taken this role off in his own so called corner when Fort Max had eased down with his back to Wheeljack upon the rock. He was starting to put the pieces together that perhaps they had gained a sort of friendship in the short time Wheeljack had been working on base, and as such? He would let them converse without his presence. He was accustomed to his attendance skewing how individuals acted, and he didn't want to be an influence. Last thing he needed was to make Fortress feel he had to act formally (such as his previous salute) instead of simply resting completely.

When Ratchet was barely within sight, the motionless Prime finally showed some movement once more, his frame turning the faint amount to square off with the approaching ambulance. The action only caused a bit of a crackle of the stone below, and a faint hiss of internal motors twisting his stance. He remained quiet however, even when Ratchet transformed and jogged over. The only thing he truly did was nod once in reply to the medic in order to acknowledge his presence before Ratchet had gone past to tend to Fortress.

Keeping in his hypothetical corner away from the central interactions, Optimus eased about to watch Ratchet work from the corner of his optic. It would be a lie to say he was not concerned; an optic being out was nothing to laugh at. It could be a simple fix, perhaps reconnecting and replacing some tiny wires, or the entire thing could be shot and need to be replaced, which there weren’t really viable parts for that around since an optic tended to be more biology than technology like the T-Cog, as evident from Breakdown's... predicament...*

Hearing the possibilities on what may be wrong; Optimus remained emotionless and distant, really only reacting when he had been spoken to directly. As such, when Ratchet reported, he fully regarded the others, though his reply was excessively simple.

"Understood."

It was to the point and blunt, not relaying the relief he was feeling over the news. Once it settled, he seemed to ease back and away once more, but while he was distant and not adding much to the conversation? He was not dismissing in any way. He hardly had a chance however to return to his prior state, when he was referenced again, and he permitted himself to fully square off with the others present. His peds lifted only once each to fully turn, long arms pulling back to lightly fold at his lower spine.

"I do not mind being here to offer aid or input if it is so desired. However, Fortress Maximus, if you wish for fewer to be present, I can take my leave. I simply wish to assist."

Optimus would not care whatever choice the tank made, all that truly mattered? Was that he was content with his surroundings. The Prime would do what he can to get Fortress transferred as soon as possible, and he knew that was the most important thing he could gift to the troubled mech. But if he wanted further advice? Optimus would happily comply, though would be surprised if Fortress asked such things rather than bottling it up.


* Hey if this is wrong? Disregard this. I just figured with Knock Out being the main medic on board? And Breakdown being his assistant? If the Decepticons HAD the capability to replace an eye? They would have. However they didn't seem capable? -shrug-

[Deleted]

Maximus shook his head. His gaze was distant and his manner subdued, as if the full impact of the night's events had finally caught up and overwhelmed him.

"I don't - it's fine," he said. “If you wish to stay, sir, I don’t – it’s fine. It’s fine. But don’t let me keep you from other duties.”

Ratchet hesitated, then reached up and grasped the big mech by the jaw. Maximus passively allowed his head to be turned in order for the medic to wave the green beam of the scanner past his damaged optic.

Data scrolled onto the screen built into Ratchet’s wrist. The medic frowned at it.

“Hmm,” he said.

His gaze lifted to Optimus once, then settled back onto the scanner readout. When he spoke again it was with his usual straightforwardness, though his voice did not raise and the words were neutral.

“I appreciate that this is a sensitive subject right now, but I feel it necessary to ask,” he said. “Where are we going from here? Or has something already been decided upon, and that is why I am administering repairs in the middle of the desert rather than in the comparative comfort of my own medical bay. Designed and equipped by my own hand, might I add, back when I did not have the luxury of a ’real engineer’ working as part of the crew,” he added, with an arch look at Wheeljack.

Maximus stiffened against the rock. He closed his optics.

“There should be a – hearing,” he said. “At some point. I don't know when. Make it formal. So that everyone knows that fighting in the ranks, that attacking a – fellow Autobot with – serious intent to harm is not a tolerable offence.”

He spoke mechanically, without inflection. Ratchet scowled and lightly slapped his face.

“Open your optics,” he said. “I’m not finished with my scan.”

Maximus did not obey.

[Deleted]

"If you wanted a better med-bay doc, all you had to do was ask," Wheeljack replied smugly.

He fell silent when Fort Max mentioned a hearing. Wheeljack glanced between the other mecha and decided that this wasn't his business. Affairs of the Omega base mattered little to him, so Wheeljack settled down and allowed the conversation to move past him.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus did not comment on what Fortress had said first, however he did not move from his place, signaling his decision. Even if he had things he could be doing? And let's be honest in war there was always something the leader could be doing... He chose not to disembark to work on them when there was a situation as pressing as what lay before him.

Ratchet's question was one Optimus was hoping would not be breached. Hanging onto the ideal that the medic? Would anticipate that this was indeed a sensitive subject, and perhaps the stress of hearing such repercussions when the tank was still damaged and possibly disoriented? Could cause anxiety or a relapse. He didn't know how fragile Fortress was at this time. None of them resembled the blue mech that caused so much trouble many years prior... but you never know what sort of motion could cause a relapse when the one recovering had only just clutched onto the edge of sanity once more.

But it was done, it had been said, and he couldn't avoid it now, less it seem more dire than it actually would be. To dismiss it as 'something to be taken care of later' could just put that anxiety riddled thought on loop, and he knew he could not, and WOULD not permit that.

"Judgment and sentencing of repercussions would be in order."

Optimus' words were even and bold, taking on the leadership role again fully from the more pacified state he had fallen into in order to not intrude moments prior. His head raised at these words, arms still loosely folded across his lower back. There was almost an ominous pause then, something he did not intend to do, for he was merely accessing his words one more time before he spoke, to make sure all was in line.

"However... You did not act out of conventional drive. Your actions were formed from past trauma finding light from the knowledge of another's origin and their subsequent forced proximity. This is different from a disagreement or other clash resulting in the same outcome."

His tone suggested that he did not want any argument to try to disagree with this. In his mind? What had transpired? Was not the same as say... Red Alert suddenly having something snap in his processor out of annoyance resulting in him attempting to strangle Wheeljack to death. That was born of frustration, and anger, not fueled by old wounds being picket at until the scar splits open into a festering wound.

"That being said..."

He started this again gradually, picking and choosing his words with care.

"We cannot risk another relapse which could end in further structural damage, or the loss of life. The Omega Base may be... imprinted... with newly formed associations, and as such is tainted."

He was not sure how or if he could even change this. Fortress had stated before that every now and again it could be a certain look, or a sound that reminded him. It was something he seemed to just power though. For all he knew? This could occur on the new location as well. He would need to look into exactly what said outpost did. If they decommissioned old aircraft and machinery? Than being around the tools to dismantle such heavy equipment down to base parts would be... not ideal...

"It is because of this, upon Fortress Maximus' request, he will be relocated to an applicable offsite location upon speaking with Agent Fowler. He will reside there until he decides if or when he would want to return to active duty. Though will be unable to return to the Omega Base until which point he is deemed steady."

And there was Optimus for you. Understanding to the situation, and accommodating. Not punishing Fortress outright for his actions, but not about to let him just return on whim if he decided he was 'fine' again. Honestly? He would probably have to face a few trials before they could let him loose inside the base once more, to make sure there would not be a relapse of what occurred simply because of the two new Autobots.

[Deleted]

Even Ratchet lowered his scanner briefly in order to listen to Optimus speak.

His optics widened at the final decision. He glanced sharply at Maximus, who sat like a statue. The medic's brow furrowed until slowly, he nodded.

"Though I can't claim to know what Agent Fowler's response will be, the man certainly does have access to many restricted sites that would be suitable for concealing one of our kind," he said. "It's possible he would additionally grant us limited clearance to wherever Fortress would be stationed, say in the event of a medical issue. So long as we're clear that we will not abuse that privilege, Fowler may very well agree to this transfer. This is pure speculation, of course. But it can't hurt to ask him."

Ratchet spoke cautiously, all too aware that he was kneeling beside the mech at the centre of the solemn discussion, whose silence weighed down upon the scene like gravity. He laid one hand on the mech's forearm.

"Fortress," he said. "This is a serious conclusion to reach, and one that I know Optimus did not arrive at lightly. Do you feel that it is fair? Fortress?"

Maximus did not move.

The big mech had not spoken once as Optimus gravely passed his judgement. His optics had remained closed as he leaned stiffly against the rock, his face a mask. Even when Ratchet touched his arm he did not flinch. Whatever emotion had driven him earlier that night had long since abandoned him.

Now his jaw rippled.

Another long silence drew out as pride fought with humility. The warden had once stood as a living embodiment of the enforcement of authority. But that had collapsed, and all it had taken was one bad night for him to find himself on the other end of the law, through no fault or failing but his own. Hearing it, his weakness laid bare, was evidently proving bitter.

He struggled. And then he gave in.

Maximus opened his eyes.

"Yes," he said heavily. "It's fair. I will abide by it, and by any other decisions made in the future."

[Deleted]

(Wheeljack ain't got nothing to say since this is all Omega base politics and he ain't involved in any of that. Feel free to skip him)

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus' posture continued to remain consistent, the only movement being the ever so subtle motions of internals working to maintain balance, and the slight twitches of optics that flicked between those who were present. He held no disillusions that the news he put down was immense for Fortress, as in a way he had cut off his ability to return to a place that had become home for many of them. It was not a decision made lightly however, and while it was aided by Fortress stating his desires? To draw the hard line that he could not return until his psychological stability was stabilized reasonably? Was a wall that was difficult to build.

The Prime listened to Ratchet's words carefully. Even if Fowler could not aid them? Even if the government could not spare another unused warehouse or small facility? Optimus would see to it Fortress had SOME PLACE to go to in order to call home. He would not simply abandon him to his demons. But wherever it was? The ability to have at least one or two mechs capable of visiting said location was a must. To sever Fort Max from all interaction would likely plummet him in a downward spiral.

"I do intend to seek accommodations that permit interaction. This is not a banishment, but simply a sabbatical with relocation."

He made sure to interject this so it was painfully clear, before his weight eased back somewhat. Optimus was curious what Fortress had to say on this judgment, hoping that all would turn out well in the end of this ordeal. But getting to such a conclusion? Seemed it may still be a bumpy road as the silence stretched out painfully between them all, waiting for the tank to remark.

Eventually it came, and Optimus' gaze remained fixed now upon Fortress. He knew it was not what the tank had wanted to hear, but his hands were tied on the matter. Unless Fortress could be around individuals that had done no wrong but a bad chapter in their past? Then things were not going to end terribly well for who knows who else may appear from the Prime's call out into space. He was not going to favor Fortress by sending the ex-convicts away either, despite how loyal the tank had been. To do so? Would just set up a slippery slope that would end with the Autobots divided instead of learning to adapt and mesh into one team.

The Prime fell quiet again, offering only a faint nod in acknowledgment to Fortress' words. He just hoped deep down that he wouldn't use this relocation as a means to truly hide from things once more. To do so would just trap him within a perpetual cage that would never let the torment end. Optimus would be attempting to hint or push aid his way, though none were really... qualified... for offering that type of psychological help.

[Deleted]

Maximus nodded.

"A sabbatical," he said. His optics slid shut, his arms braced on his knees. His hands closed fitfully. "A sabbatical. A sabbatical..."

He was silent again for a long time after that.

----

Ratchet worked quietly, and quickly.

The night drew on. Clouds drifted across the dark sky and the stars wheeled above them, while the moon sank lower and lower over the horizon. In time it hung poised between the distant mesas, a shining silver coin above the pebbled desert. As the hours passed a little of the chill seeped from the air, replaced by a mild warmth that warned of the approaching sunrise.

Maximus spoke little through the rest of the night. His optic was luckily undamaged, merely fouled by char. Ratchet had eased back the focusing lens in order to replace burnt wires and scrape the rest. An unnerving task that called for a precise and steady hand - the medic had both. He had worked deftly, knowing all too well how unpleasant the experience would be for his patient. To his credit Maximus had endured it without flinching, his helm pressed back tensely against the rock.

Further investigation revealed similar damage to his comm suite. "I'd love to record visual data of your electrical system and offer it as evidence not to underestimate shock damage," grumbled the medic. But he had set to work without further complaint.

Meanwhile, Wheeljack and Optimus would find their own separate ways to bear out the long, dark hours.

For Wheeljack, the desert offered little. Nothing moved on the dusty plains, nothing stirred. The only sign of life he would spy from his perch upon the rock was a set of distant headlights on a far off road. They flickered and vanished again as the car drove around a bend, leaving only the coal-red glow of its rear lights behind it.

For Optimus, a distraction from the desert would be found over his comm line.

"A transfer?" Upon explanation of the situation Fowler had only grunted. "Well, we can try Black Rock. It's north of your position. It's restricted, surrounded for miles by mountains and dirt, and there's an armoured cavalry unit stationed there. Your boy will fit right in, providing he's not one of your yahoos. Give me an hour to pull in some favours and I'll give you coordinates to send him to. A security force will meet him there to escort him to the base. Any other arrangements can be discussed in the morning, when I'm not asleep."

It was still dark when Ratchet finished his work.

A violet paleness touched the eastern sky as the medic packed his field kit and stood up, scowling.

"The drive system of your alternate mode is worn to slag, I hope you realise that," said Ratchet sourly. "The humans of this cavalry unit are going to have to deal with that one. Ugh. Let me know if they botch it - I will make the trip out to do the work properly myself. In the meantime, try not to hit any speeds greater than forty-five miles an hour on your way north. Unless you'd like to run yourself into the ground, in which case be my guest."

Maximus slowly rose, using the rock for leverage. His great frame creaked as he stood upright, the joints settling into place when his full weight came upon them. He touched his optic, now lit in red again.

"Thanks, doctor," he said.

He hesitated, then turned to Wheeljack and Optimus.

"I suppose this will be it for a while," he said.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus had moved off to the side a couple steps once more, keeping a modest distance between himself, and the other three. Once more he was being conscious about his presence and how it could influence others. He also didn't want to unintentionally hover over Ratchet, as with his height? If he was anywhere close? He would have been like a vulture overhead watching to make sue Fortress was ok.

This was fine however, as he took on a neutral posture with arms looped down at his sides loosely. His optics settled on some unseen point in the distance, not really looking at anything in particular, while he retreated within his own processor to meditate over what had transpired this day, and days past. However when he did look within himself? There was always other influences in play.

Ghosting thoughts, memories that were not his, snaking and weaving in-between his processor to try to influence or guide. He reflected upon his decisions this night, one element slipping forth with a bitter edge, clawing acidic trails in its wake, hissing that he did not do enough. He had let Fortress off easily. This tank had attacked two of his soldiers, could have killed them, and decimated their means of transportation. He was a security risk, and if he was out alone? Unguarded? The Decepticons would get him, crack open his helm... and pull out all the information needed to obliterate his team... one... by one... by one...

Countering this was a second element that expressed what he had done was fair and sound. It weaved past the damaged wake left behind by the first, arguing that traumas could not simply be cast aside, and must be treated and cured. It reinforced a lot of what Optimus had been feeling, but could not negate all of the scratches left behind by the first.

A third element snaked in the backdrop, inert, somehow seeming to watch the other ghosting beliefs. Its presence stood on the cusp of consciousness, radiating an illusion of honor, a golden front to its energies, but behind it was its own darkness.

The entire thing was an eerie detachment from reality, the horizon line he was looking at? Flickering and snapping to past memories with small jolts and lurches. The long expanse of gravel and stones, shuddered before flattening into the long sea of rust, the metal spiky formations jutting out from the copper toned ground, before snapping to visions of Cybertron that were not from his own experiences.

As the hours passed, he did not move, simply standing vigilant. He could still hear, and some part of his processor still regarded what his optics did see in reality, yet everything else had sunk and pulled deeper in the Matrix. The 'gravity' of its power tugging the subtle questioning that had been intended? Into a full plunge that had not been the initial goal. Occasionally the lens plates in his optics contracted or dilated, but it was exceptionally subtle. It was only when he heard a louder sound from Ratchet's work that he pulled back, wrenching from the pull of the Matrix he hadn't realized he let himself get drawn into.

Optimus finally moved, wordlessly taking a few more strides away, as he deemed it an applicable time to contact Fowler. It was still early, but he knew military personnel tended to rise far before others of their species did. His right hand rose, lightly placing upon the side of his helm, as he contacted Agent Fowler to start negotiations on what was to become of Fortress.

The Prime was concise and to the point, making sure Fowler realized Fortress was stable, and not prone to random bursts, unless elements from days long gone were pushed to the forefront. On a base of human technology and materials? He would be hard pressed to find similar environments, sounds, and even individuals to remind him of his... troubled times...

With this handled, he turned, and crossed the distance he had drifted in order to return to the other three, watching as things had been wrapping up. Fortress stood, and Optimus raised his helm in order to peer up at the larger mech, something that was rare for him. He was pleased to see the optic could be repaired.

"Agent Fowler is making accommodations now. He has a location on hand that will suffice, and will send you coordinates when everything is finalized. Security will meet you part way to integrate you properly."

A report, straight and to the point. But as formal as this was? His following words held more warmth.

"Every moment is a new opportunity Fortress Maximus. You can build upon prior success to elevate yourself to new goals, or you can only look upon the downsides and past failures to remain stagnant. That is the way life is, a new game, a new challenge, every day. I believe you have capabilities to rise to future heights, but it will only occur if you yourself want to do so."

With this, he turned and started to walk back towards the Omega Base. He did not await a reply from any of the others present, and he did not look back.

[Deleted]

Wheeljack was bored. But he wasn't going to tell anyone that. Ratchet would have just taken that as an admittance that he should have gone back to base and fixed the ground bridge. And there was no way he was gonna go back after he'd said he was staying out here and Optimus had decided to do the same. Couldn't let Prime show him up. Even if the competition was only in his head. And you know, hey Fort Max, really sorry bout all the trauma you've just gone through but this is boring as slag, see ya later? That would be wrong on so many levels. He said he was going to be here, so here he would stay. Even if nothing more interesting was going on than the repairs Ratchet was carrying out.

So, sitting it was, bored out of his processor. He'd occupied himself for a while by running some calculations and projections for that project he was working on for the Jackhammer in his spare time. But there was only so long theory could interest him before Wheeljack yearned to be working on the practical. He wrapped his EM field tight against him, lest his agitation bled into it for Fort Max and Ratchet to detect.

With a soft exvent, he turned his head to the sky and studied the stars. It was different, seeing them from down here. They were oh so very dull and...very, very far away. Something inside Wheeljack's spark ached. He'd been wrapped up in projects since striking this arrangement with the Omega base, 'cept for that little trip he'd taken to Africa. Wheeljack didn't mind the work, he enjoyed it actually. But every moment he was trapped inside was a moment he wasn't outside and out exploring. That itch to get away had been under his plating ever since that trip to the med-bay.

Maybe once he was done with the project for Miko, he'd be off again. It was almost complete, just needed to go through the final tests run before they did a field test. The plan was an attractive one. Take off, start making progress on his hunt for Shockwave instead of getting caught up in fixing every single broken things about the Omega base. If any more new arrivals crashed from the sky...well, the Autobots could hang onto the wrecks until he had a chance to come round again.

Okay, you know what? Wheeljack twisted round and openly watched Ratchet work. He certainly wasn't squeamish or anything and he wasn't gawking at Fort Max. The Wrecker was merely interested in learning how to conduct the delicate repairs Ratchet was carrying out. Not that he planned to use them but because in his long line of experience, it was better to have a vague idea of knowing how something worked than not knowing at all. Because then you could improvise.

Wheeljack was very good at improvising.

Probably much to Ratchet's eternal distress.

Eventually Ratchet finished up, with his true to form post-surgery scolding. Both of Fort Max's optics were lit again, another victory for the medic. Then, Optimus rejoined the group and gave the Speech.

The Wrecker narrowed his optics incredulously as he peered up at Prime. Don't say anything, he scolded himself firmly. An optic twitched. An inappropriate urge to laugh built in his vents. Don't laugh at him either. He's being serious. The other optic twitched. Really serious. Wheeljack's optics darted to the sky as he twiddled his thumbs. He actually believes the slag he's saying. Mocking words were just begging to escape from his vocaliser but he squashed every rogue impulse down. Oh, thank Primus it's over. Wheeljack watched Prime's form turn away and start the walk back to the Omega base. Guess he's taking the long way.

"I suppose this will be it for a while."

Wheeljack unfolded himself from the rock though he didn't move from it. He had no desire to go head off in the same direction of Optimus just yet. The Wrecker looked up at the big mech. "Only if you want it to be, Max," he said with a loose shrug. "I meant what I said about my comm line. And besides, you might be seeing me around sooner than you expect." A lazy optic tilted towards the Omega base. "'s not like I'm a permanent resident."