FLASHBACK - Maximally Invasive Procedures - (Closed)

[Deleted]

The small robot smiled.

"Yes, we are," he said. He extended his hand to shake Orion's. "How good it is to see someone from outside the Academy taking an interest in our facilities! I am Soma, of the Neuroscience Department. And this is -"

"Degauss," said the taller robot. He clasped Orion's hand next in a warm handshake. His golden-eyed gaze was intent, but friendly. "Neuroscience as well, though I moonlight over in Electromechanics whenever they give a shout for me. A pleasure to meet you."

Orion would feel a peculiar tingle when his hand was released. The tall robot idly hummed with a low electromagnetic field. It was not his own personal field - no emotion seeped through it. It was simply a thin laminar layer than wrapped his frame in languid waves. Possibly the twin coils on his shoulders were responsible for generating it.

Degauss rubbed his chin.

"How peculiar," he said. "I could swear I've seen you somewhere before, Pax. You aren't one of our Honoraries, are you? Or perhaps with one of the grant teams who have access to our laboratories?"

By then, Ratchet had shaken off his mortification.

"Data clerk," he said. "Er, he's a data clerk, sir. From the Hall of Records."

Both professors looked approving at that.

"One of Alpha Trion's crew, then," said Degauss.

"The Hall is arguably Iacon's - if not Cybertron's - finest old academic institution, I've always thought," said Soma. He regarded Orion steadily, with a smile. "You must take pride in working there. It's an opportunity not afforded to many."

[Optimus Prime]

Ah good, they were not, or at least did not seem like, the aggressive type. But first impressions could be misleading at times, so Orion wasn't going to truly relax just yet. Besides, he still wished to be mindful of what he did for Ratchet's sake, for this WAS his territory so to speak, he was the guest here, and as such? Was to blame if something went wrong. It wasn't like Ratchet was popping into the Hall of Recor- actually no. Orion would take blame for that too, but he couldn't help it! He was just naturally the self sacrificing type, as it didn't seem fair for anything to go wrong to friends due to his own actions or neglect.

Orion shook each hand back, stating a calm 'likewise' in response to Degauss, only to pause momentarily when his hand was released. It was a minor flicker, just a slight moment of realization, before he continued as if nothing was amiss, forearms resting idly down at his sides inert once more.

The electromagnetic field had not been anticipated, but it was rude to bring notice to it. It likely had to do with the individuals Alt-Mode, and for all he knew the person had to deal with answering questions and weird looks from this electrical anomaly on a regular basis. So as much as Orion wished to ask about it? To inquire and continue to fill blanks? He held his tongue.

"It is a profession I would not trade. I am permitted to learn much, as well as aid others simultaneously. However it is not comparable to teaching the next wave of medics that will save lives."

He said this with a good natured tone, complimenting the other two before he cast Ratchet a sideways glance to make sure the individual wasn't dying of embarrassment or something. He had not known Ratchet to be easily swayed in such ways, and so if he truly did seem uncomfortable? He would try to find a polite way to evacuate. Typically mentioning plans of where someone intended to go did the trick. 'We were just on our way to refuel' being a good break off point if needed. But until then, he responded to Degauss's earlier comments.

"Perhaps you saw me when I was in this academy's library? I enjoy idling or reading in such location while awaiting Ratchet."

[Deleted]

"Perhaps that's it," said Degauss. He studied the data clerk thoughtfully.

Soma smiled broadly, as if flattered by the words of praise.

"I only wish we could make the claim that our library boasts a collection of data comparable to that of the Archives," he said. He gave a good-humoured sigh and waved his free hand. "Unfortunately, it encompasses at best only a fraction of what the Hall does. We're still rather proud of it though. When it comes to technology and the sciences the Academy does try to stay on top of the most recent feeds and publications. I'm flattered that a clerk from the Hall has found reasons to spend time here."

He turned to Ratchet. "Included among them being a friendship with one of our more promising students. I didn't know you you socialized outside of the university, Ratchet! You're here so often I'd half assumed you'd taken up permanent residence in the labs."

Ratchet coughed and shuffled on his feet. As blunt and outspoken as he was with Orion, in the presence of his instructors he appeared at a loss for words.

"Er," he said. "Er, ah. Well, yes, sir. Yes, Orion is a good friend."

Meanwhile, Degauss folded his arms across his chest and tapped his lower lip.

"Say, Pax," he said. "I don't suppose I could run a question past you, could I? It has to do with the Hall of Records."

[Optimus Prime]

Orion chose not to comment on the collection at the library. If he had decided to try to bring praise to the gathering of information compared to the Hall of Records, it would have been an outright lie they all would have seen right through. If he chose to make any other comment, it could come off as rude or belittling if it was not worded just right. It is because of this he was quite pleased Soma continued to speak, redirecting the attention back onto Ratchet so that the avoidance was not readily apparent.

"If I am to find Ratchet, I need only seek him here."

Once more Orion's dry approach to commentary could hide what he really intended in his words. It could have come off as a flat reply to Soma's explanation, as if not understanding that Ratchet couldn't ACTUALLY reside there, or it could have been seen as a slight bit of sarcasm making fun of the fact the medic could be found there so reliably. It was the later of the two, if that counted for anything.

Carefully, the data clerk watched the way Ratchet reacted, taking in the way the medic seemed to change entirely. What was once bold now was almost docile. What had been confident was now meek. He most likely still wished to retreat, but wasn't implying such as far as Orion could tell. This turn of events was almost... fascinating to observe. Taking in the changes in personality and overall stance.

This made him wonder how the instructors were in the class setting. Did they yell? Did they have a fiery temper to trample over Ratchet's own? They seemed so at ease it was difficult to picture that, hard to imagine these two white mechs shrieking down upon someone for messing up and 'killing' someone in the process. Carefully, he reached his field out some, just enough for Ratchet to barely pick up on.

Inquiry. Concern. A wordless 'Are you ok?'

At Degauss' words, Orion was pulled from his inner thoughts, helm lightly clicking in to place in order to peer at the other mech and show he was paying full attention. The question he received was not really what he had been anticipating, but at the same time, it had been asked to him so many times in different ways that his reply was almost... scripted by then. He fell readily into his response.

"I can do my best to answer whatever inquiry you have, however some information will be unavailable for disclosure."

What little bit of social and casual tones that had been in the deeper voice, had receded back to nothingness. Orion's voice was now that of a well recited verse that had been stated in different ways, but still saying the exact same thing, for so many years. He did not intend to shut down and back off emotionally, but he wanted to make sure that this individual knew he could try to help, but there was only so much he could do even if he knew the answer.

[Deleted]

Ratchet was not one to use his field often; he communicated plainly enough - and at length - with voice and body language alone. He often derided electromagnetic fields as a cheat sheet for those incapable of reading the cues their optics and audials gave them.

But this time he gave a rare response to Orion's inquiry. It was light and barely detectable, a brushing assurance and dismissal all at once. Yes. Later.

And with that it retreated again, leaving Ratchet to eye his professors with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. He said nothing, and merely stood with his hands folded together behind his back in a gesture of uncomfortable formality.

Degauss smiled.

"Of course," he said. "I understand. It's not my intention to pry, really. This may be a question better answered by an administrator of the Archives rather than a clerk, for all I know. But seeing how rarely I find myself with the time off to visit the Hall of Records these days, your visit here strikes me as a bit of good fortune I would be a fool not to take advantage of."

Soma glanced at him. "Do you mean to ask-?"

Degauss nodded at him.

"I know it's been on your mind too," he said. "We were discussing this only a cycle ago, weren't we? Anode was curious as well. I did promise to investigate further before the next department meeting."

With a shrug of his shoulders Soma pursed his mouth and nodded gracefully, as if in admittance.

Degauss turned back to Orion.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go off on a tangent," he said. "I only wanted to ask you: has the Office of the Hall of Records received any, er, peculiar requests from the High Council recently? Discreet ones - under the table. Nothing felonious or underhanded, goodness - just odd requests for private meetings with your administrative staff?"

[Optimus Prime]

Cheat sheet or not, Orion didn't wish to draw unwanted attention to Ratchet. If this was a situation where one was truly treading over unsteady ground he didn't want to put the spotlight on the medic by looking directly at him or audibly asking aloud. It is because of this he was happy to get the reply through the field, even if it was very simple and short before it had closed off from him entirely. Orion mirrored the motion, his field tucking back to the normal tight layer across his frame.

Orion's optics flicked slightly between the two teachers that stood before him as they spoke. Their back and forth chatter and vague eluding hints to what was going on, were not lost on the clerk. In reply to this he was reading into exactly what they were saying, and trying to root up and derive the actual point of what was going on.

The quick blip that it was something that would be discussed in a Department Meeting, revealed to him a basic concept of what was to be expected, and what whatever was going to be asked, could be used for. He was anticipating perhaps a resources question, something about funding, or if the archives have ever donated information to other libraries to facilitate their own collection. The clerk even let a tiny fraction consider if they were looking for a colleague who transferred to the area, and either wanted dirt on them, or just to know they were ok. He didn't expect the Council to be brought up at all, and he couldn't really coordinate a connection to WHY it would be, at least not in this context.

Orion's stance shifted ever so slightly, his helm raising some as he chewed over the question that had been asked of him. There was a somewhat distant look in his optics as the information sunk in, and he contemplated what path he should take. He knew a lot when it came to the Hall, simply due to his job and filing away things (which constituted of reading most of it to do so properly). In addition he tended to do his own research and tinkering on the side, which permitted him to overhear others working or speaking even if he was not readily meant to. But it was difficult to not overhear in the silence that befell the area.

"...I am unaware if that is a subject matter I can or cannot speak of."

He spoke hesitantly, as if not too keen to even saying that. However there was reason behind his phrasing to try to help, without digging himself an early grave so to speak. He did not say outright a 'no' or 'I am not aware of such things' which in turn implied he probably did know something, while at the same time denying such responsibility. It would just take someone a bit keen on picking up these distinctions to know that it was a political way of saying 'yes' that could not get him in trouble with his job. Admit it or not, Orion did at least have that going for him if he ever did decide to go into politics.

"Are there any further inquiries?"

[Deleted]

The two white robots exchanged worried looks.

"I did try to tell you -" began Soma.

Degauss raised one hand to forestall him.

"No, you did, I won't argue it," he said. "I'll concede you were right. But surely you won't deny that it remains worth looking into."

In response, Soma only laid a dark hand on his colleague's shoulder. He said nothing but gve a nod, his expression both concerned and sombre.

Whatever unspoken message passed between them was over in the pulse of a spark. Degauss turned back to Orion, his smile back in place.

"No, I believe that's all we needed to know," he said. "I'm sorry if we placed you in a difficult position. It was a bit of an unusual question, I'll admit it. Particularly given the strange times we appear to be facing."

"Don't be dramatic," chided Soma gently. "Look, we're due for a department meeting in twenty minutes. We should probably get along to it before the Head comes looking for us."

Degauss made a face.

"Primus forbid," he said. "Anyway! Ratchet, good to see you're putting in the extra hours. We value your dedication to your studies, I'm sure it will reflect in your final scores. Orion, it was good to meet you. I hope you'll enjoy your time on our grounds. If you should ever drop by and need any questions answered regarding the Academy, please don't hesitate to use one of the kiosks. Or flag down a faculty member - it's what we're here for."

His smile grew wry. "Well, in part, anyway."

[Optimus Prime]

What was going on here?

Orion cast a glance between the two, unsure what they knew that he did not. He had not looked at what he had overheard as anything of any dire importance. It just seemed... unsubstantial in any way at the given moment. A little bit here, a little bit there, but now hearing it in a new light made it a bit unnerving. What piece of the puzzle was he missing out on? What was the council up to? What was occurring?...

Cyan optics flicked between the two as they had their moment of wordless communication. Despite the data clerk's processor spinning up and starting to chew through the information while repeating what he had overheard on loop, he still paid heed to what they were saying in the present. He was multitasking some in an attempt to learn something. Orion thought about outright asking, but it didn't seem like something that would go over particularly well and the duo had stated a need to be someplace else anyway.

No use trying to stir up a discussion now.

Dipping his helm politely to the two, Orion spoke out a calm 'thank you' and disengaged from the conversation carefully. He tried to attempt to read body language while the two departed, wondering if the unknown situation was truly grim, or if Degauss was truly being overdramatic as implied by Soma. Once they were well out of range, Orion's stance shifted.

His right ped lifted just enough to slide over some and re-plant down, permitting the data clerk's stance to now turn and square off more with Ratchet, rather than where the teachers had been moments prior. He was a bit concerned over Ratchet's silence, and in turn peered down at him with such emotion somewhat visible.

"Ratchet? Is all well?"

He inquired first, reaching his right hand to lightly place it down upon the medic's shoulder. It was a cautious motion to show he wished to aid if something was wrong, the hand easily shrugged off and dismissed if it was not wanted. He did not know Ratchet to be so quiet, so he felt justified in his reactions. A flicker of a moment passed, before he had a follow-up question, relaying his own confusion.

"...Do you have any thought upon what occurred?"

[Deleted]

Ratchet meanwhile watched the departure of his two professors. Uncomfortable with praise, he had mumbled his farewell and respectfully shaken Soma’s hand when the white robot had extended it to him. Now he watched them stroll off across the observatory with a frown.

He jumped when he felt Orion’s hand settle upon his shoulder.

“Eh? What? I’m fine, fine,” said Ratchet. He gave a dismissive wave. “It’s just, you know... teachers. You never know whether or not they’re silently recalculating your grades when they talk to you, based on your responses. Shut up, look attentive, answer all questions – that’s my tactic for conversations with the staff.”

He looked across the room thoughtfully. ”That said... Soma’s all right. Patient. Kind. Professor Degauss is a little more unforgiving when it comes to mistakes in the lab, but he’s okay. They’re both brilliant surgeons and scientists, of course. The university would hire no less.”

Ratchet snorted and rounded on Orion. “Anyway. No idea what all that was about. I wonder why the Council has been poking around here. You’ve really seen no sign of them making inquiries over at the Hall of Records?”

[Optimus Prime]

Orion was not fully convinced that Ratchet was truly 'fine' until he had elaborated on his reasoning. It made perfect sense when all things were said and done, fretting over ones grades and how they are viewed in their teacher's eyes easily changing the way an individual may react. The situation had just looked so surreal to Orion's outsider perspective, knowing Ratchet to be so bold and unafraid of speaking his perspective and thoughts, only to become subdued and quiet in another's presence. But taking into account all elements made it no longer a mystery.

The clerk's stance seemed to shift subtly, betraying the fact he had been a bit uptight and worried for his friend a moment prior. While there was little he could do to aid if there WAS a bad situation occurring, what kind of friend would not want to 'go to battle' to assist another?

Pulling back to the true mysterious subject however, Orion's gaze flicked over to the doorway where the two mech had been previously. While he didn't feel comfortable saying too much to those individuals he knew so very little about, there were other things in play when it came to speaking with Ratchet. He knew Ratchet could be trusted with information that may not be a hundred percent public, and wouldn't make a scene about this like an unknown variable may.

"I overhear much Ratchet. Fractions of conversations. Mere pieces of a greater puzzle. I can not make informed commentary upon any of it more so than having overheard subject matter binding the two together."

Brow plates furrowed a bit in thought, his voice low and quiet in case anyone was attempting to listen in still. The area was abuzz with other's conversation and movement however, so he didn't need to truly whisper or anything of the sort. An individual would have to be hovering over their shoulders to be able to pick up on anything, and in that case the duo would be well aware.

"I overheard an inquiry on the status of something the council requested, a request that was not documented upon normal lines. But I may have misheard; it is hard to know for certain what is taking place."

Orion shook his helm softly, trying to dismiss the motion as he couldn't really comment further out of his own unknowing. Anything more would be pure speculation. He tried to disengage from it however, as he didn't wish to be the source of a rumor or worry for the surgeon in training. For all he knew he misheard things, and was helping to weave needless concerns that need not be upon his friend's Processor.

"Now... how about we see about that food you proposed earlier?"

Casting a kind smile that was rather faint, Orion was trying to steer Ratchet back on path to something that wouldn't burden his processor.

[Deleted]

Ratchet groaned.

"Primus, yes," he said. "I haven't touched a thing since my second lab. I'm running on fumes, so to speak. I can practically hear the echo in my empty tank."

He slapped a hand over his abdomen and his optics lit up. He looked disturbingly keen for someone who had been carving apart a damaged brain core only thirty minutes earlier.

"The dispensaries are this way," he said. "Like I said, they should still be open. This is an academy full of science, engineering, and medical students. The dispensaries know just what sort of ungodly hours they need to cater to."

He gestured for Orion to follow him as he set out across the observatory. Most of the other students had wandered off by that time, leaving the observatory a nearly empty hall; their lonely footsteps echoed against the floor and up into the dimly lit glass dome that arched above them. In the middle of the vast space the holographic model of Cybertron and its moons continued to revolve, pixel-bright and glowing radiantly.

Meanwhile, Ratchet continued to speak.

"Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about this Council thing," he said. "It's probably about funding. It always boils down to funding. If I were you, right now I'd be more worried about whether or not my delicate tank can keep down anything after what you saw in the lab. Maybe next time I should warn you beforehand what assignment I'm working on so you won't interrupt it and find yourself face-down in a sink."

Ratchet cast a sly sidelong look at his friend.

[Optimus Prime]

"Now I know that is a lie"

Orion lightly teased Ratchet back, happy to disengage from the conversations of the Hall of Records and the Council. He had seen Ratchet eat a few bites of the crystalline food he had brought not long ago, it being part of what disgusted him eventually so much to purge his tanks. Why had Ratchet EATEN while working on a brain module!? Who could actually do that!?

No no... don't go back to thinking about that...

Moving along from that train of thought and banishing it to the back of his processor, Orion definitely did not want to have a relapse and have to try to make a run for a garbage bin or other appropriate receptacle. He doubted he would go down that path again, as they weren't in the lab with the stenches and sights, as well as the fact his tank was already empty. Really, he would possibly be fine even if they had to go back to the lab, but it was still a good idea to try to change thought patterns even if there was only a slight risk.

It was almost like Ratchet had read his processor, for a moment later he was commenting upon what had previously occurred in the lab. Orion's jaw shifted forward a bit at the light prodding, a brow hooking up as he chewed over something he could retort with. He knew that he would probably suffer for the rest of his days with what had happened, Ratchet was undoubtedly going to teasingly remind him of today's events at the most inopportune of times.

He was fine with this though.

Orion was not the type to get bent out of shape when someone pokes a bit of fun at his faults. While the sickness and unease of an empty tank made it not quite as amusing in the moment, he knew given time he would likely be able to chuckle over what had occurred. Despite this, he permitted a soft smile to find its shape soon after.

Besides... all he would have to do is turn around and remind Ratchet of some of his own embarrassing moments to get revenge...

It was with these thoughts; the data clerk would follow Ratchet down the corridor, striking up a new conversation for them to occupy their time with.

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