Australia – UluruAfter handing off the syringe to Chromedome and saying his peace to the newly arrived Rewind, Axle turned his attention to the rest of the gathered Autobot and Decepticon forces. Although outwardly the field medic seemed calm and together in truth a torrent of doubt and worry raged within him. A small part of his concerns were aimed at the group that made up the Heralds and Hot Rod, but his true focus was on Hex. The young mech was his responsibility and he let this happen.
Some, those who knew Axle well, would say that he could not have prevented this even if he’d been glued to Hex’s side. Others would, and have, said that it was his choice and that the young bot wanted this.
“We should probably hang back away from the main attack group, at least until we can spot Hex on his own."
Axle turned his attention back to Chromedome. He offered a slight nod and gave his smaller companion a small smile. This was going to be difficult, for
Chromedome and him, but now with
Rewind…
“You’ll likely recognize him far before I do amongst the crowd so why don’t you take the lead and I’ll cover ya."
The field medic let out a low sigh. Of course no one knew who Hex was or what he looked like. They only recognized him when he was in a line up and being pointed out as the “one who did it”.
That said the mnemosurgeon transformed and deployed his weapons. At the same time Rewind hopped into Chromedome’s passenger seat and settled in. The field medic sighed before he too transformed into his alt mode and revved his engines.
“Ready when you are."
“Alright. But…” Axle said. What he wouldn’t give to have Rewind stay behind. But hardheadedness seemed to run rampant amongst Cybertronians. “Hex was dangerous before this. Now…now he’s almost twice as dangerous. He will not hesitate to kill you.” He paused a moment as he began to roll forward. “Or me,” he added lowly.
Shuttle Longevity – Hold One – Combat Casualty CareVeneer made no comment after Ratchet’s rather miffed remark. The CMO and Axle didn’t really see eye to eye, he wasn’t quite sure why and at this point he was not going to inquire. Maybe at another point in time, but he’d speak with Aid about it. No point in getting his head bit off for being inquisitive.
A light touch to his shoulder had Veneer nearly hopping backward. If not for a light chuckle from First Aid the nurse likely would have done just that. “Sorry, Vee.” The rubbed the back of his head and flashed the Protectobot an awkward smile. “S’okay, Aid. Just a bit….you know…” The doctor nodded in understanding. He handed a few pads off to the nurse and led Veneer to one of the surgical slabs. “I know. But you’ve been stationed at a battle before. This will be no different.”
Vee began running through the pads while he listened to First Aid. He was right but for some reason Vee couldn’t help but feel that this battle was completely different. “I understand what you’re getting at Aid, but this really is different. I mean…The Fallen. Not the same as the Decepticons. Plenty of dissimilarities there.”
A shrug was the only way First Aid could respond. It was true what the nurse had said.
"Hey Ratchet, First Aid, and Vneer, I think we have our first possible injury. The Insecticon Waspinator was hurled against his will by the Fallen and had a hard landing. I'm going to see if he needs or wants help."
While his subordinates had moved off to continue their work Ratchet had moved out of the hold making his way toward the cargo hold exit. And that’s when Groove’s voice billowed through the Longevity’s corridors. Why the mech didn’t just use his comm link was beyond the CMO, but at least the scout got the message to him.
Without missing a step Ratchet turned around and bolted back into Hold One. “We’ve got one!” The sudden shout caught Aid and Vee’s attention prompting both to jog to Ratchet’s side. “Aid, go grab two med kits and some extra syringes.” As he handed out the orders Ratchet ha move away to grab several more needed supplies.
“Veneer. You’re staying here.” Ratchet set his optics on the nurse who offered a small tight nod. He was certainly not going to argue with that order. “I saw that you moved four of those portable power packs into Hold Two. Grab one and bring it back here.” Veneer turned to leave but was stopped by a gentle tug to his shoulder.
“Aid and I’ll try to get Waspinator patched up enough to send him back into the fray. If not then we’ll drag his sorry aft back here. In the meantime if someone is brought in and you can’t handle the repairs, or a surgeon is needed, do not wait to call either one of us. Is that understood?” The hard and gruff look that seemed permanent on Ratchet’s face was gone replaced by something that looked like worry. But instead of pointing it out or questioning it Veneer nodded. “Understood.”
Ratchet released the nurse’s shoulder and moved out. Veneer stopped beside First Aid, who was just about ready with his kits. “I’ll keep a look out for him. I’m sure he’s fine. So don’t worry, okay?” Veneer knew exactly who First Aid was referring to. It brought a very pained smile to his face. He was okay. Blindside was fine. “Thanks, Aid. Be careful.”
The Protectobot smiled beneath his facemask and set off after Ratchet.
Alone.
Veneer let his shoulders drop as he took a slow look around the hold. The only sounds coming from the equipment and his fuel pump.
With a heavy sigh Vee moved toward the exit. He still had to get that power pack.
No one in the makeshift medical unit had even noticed his entrance. It had been simple enough to bypass the security system. And disrupting the communications and video surveillance was simplicity in itself. No. No one would even know he was ever here.
Darkride settled in deeper as he watched the nurse move toward the exit. The two medics had already left, but that did not matter. He had a new toy to play with in Veneer.
Once the ‘Bot returned he would make his move. The Fallen’s Angel of Death chuckled to himself.