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Ratchet... This is all shoved in a grief process. Its frightening, unsettling, and beyond comprehension. We're cosmically torn from our own universes... I... I apparently may of been erased from my own world...
I do not know if this ship is the cause of it, but I no longer exist home. [ How much is true is not certain, how much is just ramped up Brainstorm trying to solve a problem. ]
I hope the conclusion is wrong, but I'll use me as an example in this scenario. Perhaps a way to treat one like me, is to rationalize the facts.
First off, I am standing here existing in this very moment am I not?
Second, there have been several moments in which time is proven to be wonky in this hub universe... thus making it likely I am only erased in one set of timelines. At least one must believe I am temporarily removed?
Thirdly, the trauma I face on mortality existing is valid and should be talked through.
Fourth: There is proof such as yourself that returning home and growing as a person is possible. There is proof we do not just vanish and disappear.. we might simply be returned.
Fifth. Locate the trauma cores and work to analyze what is the root problem.
[ HE takes another sip and taps his finger on the glass. ]
Its a work in process to deal with how the Hub Dimension works and the different ways we connnect and live inside it.
Also forgive my hypothetical example .. it was easier to use myself and not risk confidentiality.
I do not know if this ship is the cause of it, but I no longer exist home. [ How much is true is not certain, how much is just ramped up Brainstorm trying to solve a problem. ]
I hope the conclusion is wrong, but I'll use me as an example in this scenario. Perhaps a way to treat one like me, is to rationalize the facts.
First off, I am standing here existing in this very moment am I not?
Second, there have been several moments in which time is proven to be wonky in this hub universe... thus making it likely I am only erased in one set of timelines. At least one must believe I am temporarily removed?
Thirdly, the trauma I face on mortality existing is valid and should be talked through.
Fourth: There is proof such as yourself that returning home and growing as a person is possible. There is proof we do not just vanish and disappear.. we might simply be returned.
Fifth. Locate the trauma cores and work to analyze what is the root problem.
[ HE takes another sip and taps his finger on the glass. ]
Its a work in process to deal with how the Hub Dimension works and the different ways we connnect and live inside it.
Also forgive my hypothetical example .. it was easier to use myself and not risk confidentiality.
I wouldn't expect you to be usin' an actual example. [he says as he considers all this. perhaps he was making it far more complicated than it needed to be? his expression shifts a little when rung reminds him that people have been known to go back and then come back here, it happened with him and grimlock, but the fact they haven't returned bothers him. it makes logical sense they may have just stayed where they went back to, but unfortunately his little obsession with that particular problem isn't making him see it logically or rationally. he's stuck himself in the paradox of needing to see them to know they're fine in their own reality, but needing to physically see them to do that, and not being able to do that unless they come back here. his brain is dinging around like a fork in a garbage disposal.
he says nothing about rung's admission of his disappearance, knowing that they're here to talk about work, not what's happened to them. he appreciates rung not commenting on his own admission. functional adults, maybe?
ratchet opts not to mention that while he has been vaguely doing this - so it's a relief to know he was in the right ballpark - he also just doesn't feel like it's enough. like he really should know more or be better.] You're right, though that's only one part of it. You see the kind of turbofox hole we end up going down? How would you help someone who's partner shows up but is a version of them that doesn't know them? I know this is all just modified grief, but...
he says nothing about rung's admission of his disappearance, knowing that they're here to talk about work, not what's happened to them. he appreciates rung not commenting on his own admission. functional adults, maybe?
ratchet opts not to mention that while he has been vaguely doing this - so it's a relief to know he was in the right ballpark - he also just doesn't feel like it's enough. like he really should know more or be better.] You're right, though that's only one part of it. You see the kind of turbofox hole we end up going down? How would you help someone who's partner shows up but is a version of them that doesn't know them? I know this is all just modified grief, but...
Ratchet, you're talking to someone who's a frequent victim of people literally not remembering my existence unless I'm regularly interacting with them.
[ Rung laughs and its soft, though one can't help but wonder what the bitter undertone is. ]
There is an unfortunate reality that many here might not know another due to time shenanigans. Universal differences, a paradox occurred.
You're right though, it is a hole that's dug... I think though a course of action for helping one with a version of a loved one that doesn't belong to them is ... find the differences. See it no differently then when home we find similar molds, or similar shared names... Its a start. But you must remember this new entity is not the one you know.
[ Rung laughs and its soft, though one can't help but wonder what the bitter undertone is. ]
There is an unfortunate reality that many here might not know another due to time shenanigans. Universal differences, a paradox occurred.
You're right though, it is a hole that's dug... I think though a course of action for helping one with a version of a loved one that doesn't belong to them is ... find the differences. See it no differently then when home we find similar molds, or similar shared names... Its a start. But you must remember this new entity is not the one you know.
That's... not normal. [he hadn't realised it was an actual issue with multiple people. rung doesn't occupy much of ratchet's thoughts personally, but he's not a patient. though hopefully now a coworker, so maybe!] That's also what I do--have done.
[it is probably, somehow, breaking confidentiality to express that every medic here is likely seeing ghosts.]
We can work on this more. It doesn't have to be right now. I just wanted to float the ideas to you. It's nice to speak about things in a professional capacity with you.
[it is probably, somehow, breaking confidentiality to express that every medic here is likely seeing ghosts.]
We can work on this more. It doesn't have to be right now. I just wanted to float the ideas to you. It's nice to speak about things in a professional capacity with you.
[ Rung reaches his hand over and touches Ratchet's briefly. ]
Yes, My door is open to you. In the end we're stuck on this ship in some cosmic nightmare, but we're here to help eachother how ever we can.
Serendipitous. Even if that happiness is priced with temporarily losing home. wE at least have one another to lean on in this foreign hub world.
[ Rung leans back and removes his glasses to clean them a moment. ]
And don't worry to hard about my condition, the more I'm near the lost lighters the more they seem to remember me. We can figure out the cause and effects on another day.
Yes, My door is open to you. In the end we're stuck on this ship in some cosmic nightmare, but we're here to help eachother how ever we can.
Serendipitous. Even if that happiness is priced with temporarily losing home. wE at least have one another to lean on in this foreign hub world.
[ Rung leans back and removes his glasses to clean them a moment. ]
And don't worry to hard about my condition, the more I'm near the lost lighters the more they seem to remember me. We can figure out the cause and effects on another day.
[he barely returns the gesture, tapping the top of rung's hand with his index finger.]
I appreciate it. [and he means it.] That's what I've been trying to say as well.
[a frown marrs his expression for a moment, but ratchet relents. it doesn't sound like a medical thing, and he has to accept when he can't do anything about something. that's something brainstorm could work on, maybe.]
I should tell you-- I've been training up Krok as well. We discussed it and having a Decepticon available seemed like a good idea. It can't be ignored that we are both Autobots, especially here.
I appreciate it. [and he means it.] That's what I've been trying to say as well.
[a frown marrs his expression for a moment, but ratchet relents. it doesn't sound like a medical thing, and he has to accept when he can't do anything about something. that's something brainstorm could work on, maybe.]
I should tell you-- I've been training up Krok as well. We discussed it and having a Decepticon available seemed like a good idea. It can't be ignored that we are both Autobots, especially here.
Agreed. I think it would work out for the best with two mentors on hand for him. Specially now of all times. It might cause some controversy that there are two Autobots mentoring the only Decepticon Therapist but... its not like we have a pick of Decepticons Therapists to choose from to help him.
[ Rung hums as he returns his glasses to place. ]
I have been meaning to read up on Decepticon social dynamics.. Though I suppose I could ask around the friendly Decepticons for first hand knowledge. I want to help Krok, but I am biased in a lot of ways. So perhaps learning from anothers point of view could be beneficial for all.
[ Rung hums as he returns his glasses to place. ]
I have been meaning to read up on Decepticon social dynamics.. Though I suppose I could ask around the friendly Decepticons for first hand knowledge. I want to help Krok, but I am biased in a lot of ways. So perhaps learning from anothers point of view could be beneficial for all.
It's not common knowledge, and it won't be. I know how the rumours spread on this damn ship, but we've been fine so far.
[his expression flinches again, in that minute way it does.]
I can mentor him myself. If you're worried about risk, then that takes out half of it immediately. We're getting on fine.
[his expression flinches again, in that minute way it does.]
I can mentor him myself. If you're worried about risk, then that takes out half of it immediately. We're getting on fine.
Risk of? Being Biased and too Autobotic? No no, Do not fret, this is why I've been hunting the library for books on different point of views.
Little tougher when... there's so many different type of Decepticons in different dimensions. I may eventually just ask for first hand accounts... which i admit might be sus [ he says it with a Rodimus impression without even meaning to]
Little tougher when... there's so many different type of Decepticons in different dimensions. I may eventually just ask for first hand accounts... which i admit might be sus [ he says it with a Rodimus impression without even meaning to]
I'm not worried about bias. I'm giving him what anyone would learn and trusting that he knows how to adapt it where necessary. [it's a big thing krok has undertaken, he knows.] I think any Decepticon or Autobot that can't be treated with modified conventional stuff is a special case that goes far beyond simply sitting and talking about it.
That is a fair point. I think I am up to task with mentoring. I just want to understand the sides to it all.. [ Shaking his head. ]
Perhaps my problem is I'm digging too fast. I want to help as many as I can. [ He then speaks lower. Not sure what he can really trust. Himself, or another therapist. After All he spoken so much to Froid about his theories, and advancements as well as his hidden problems and it does backfire...
Perhaps its nothing.. Froid was a just copy cat, but... is it wrong to be happy a friend may be dead back home... Is it wrong to worry if he ever arrived. ]
Perhaps my problem is I'm digging too fast. I want to help as many as I can. [ He then speaks lower. Not sure what he can really trust. Himself, or another therapist. After All he spoken so much to Froid about his theories, and advancements as well as his hidden problems and it does backfire...
Perhaps its nothing.. Froid was a just copy cat, but... is it wrong to be happy a friend may be dead back home... Is it wrong to worry if he ever arrived. ]
You have no idea how good it feels to be able to speak to someone on this in this way... Its been a long time since I had a peer review my efforts. Or vice verse. [ Even if that nagging fear of his work will be stolen again. ]
I feel like I can actually relax some and have someone to tell eachother when we're slipping up or such.
I feel like I can actually relax some and have someone to tell eachother when we're slipping up or such.
[he smiles, even if it doesn't feel as genuine as he wants it to.]
I've felt much the same, bein' in such a crowded medibay. Even talkin' to my own counterparts! That's probably egotistical, but I couldn't care less. It's true. You might also want to corral that larger Ratchet into sessions. He needs it.
I've felt much the same, bein' in such a crowded medibay. Even talkin' to my own counterparts! That's probably egotistical, but I couldn't care less. It's true. You might also want to corral that larger Ratchet into sessions. He needs it.
[ Rung lets out a light laugh. ]
I think I would be too embarrassed to. Or something of that matter. Ah... but alittle ego never killed anyone. Sometimes its healthy, Even I gotta flex the ego muscles too.... not here though because that is enough boasting from me.... [ Takes his drink once more and sips on it. ]
I think I would be too embarrassed to. Or something of that matter. Ah... but alittle ego never killed anyone. Sometimes its healthy, Even I gotta flex the ego muscles too.... not here though because that is enough boasting from me.... [ Takes his drink once more and sips on it. ]
That's the spirit. [ Laughter again. ]
Now, lets take this moment to get in a treat, I've been eyeing the menu last I was here and I want to try one of those Rust Sticks and perhaps pile back up on snacks and candy.
Now, lets take this moment to get in a treat, I've been eyeing the menu last I was here and I want to try one of those Rust Sticks and perhaps pile back up on snacks and candy.
I diagnose you with incorrigible sweet tooth. [he says immediately, apparently foregoing ordering anything himself.] Now, don't load up too much on the candy. Primus knows how that stuff can gum up your insides...
[hey, how long has it been since someone told rung to watch how much candy he eats??]
[hey, how long has it been since someone told rung to watch how much candy he eats??]
Well, I'll get three extras just to spite you. An act of malicious disobedience which will haunt me for three days and no more. [ He giggles and pops a compartment to remove stacks of boxes. ]
Who needs subspace for everything... now lets see what's empty. And if you must know, most of it is to hand out. Its amazing how much more behaved a mech will be when they're occupied with something sweet.
Who needs subspace for everything... now lets see what's empty. And if you must know, most of it is to hand out. Its amazing how much more behaved a mech will be when they're occupied with something sweet.
Only three days! [he barks with a laugh.] I'll keep my office open for three days then!
[ratchet takes this moment to mentally catalogue his own subspace; several broken rubix cubes and a bunch of data pads and energon emergen-c. very healthy. not hypocritical at all.]
Oh, I always keep a box of candy available when I can. If nothing else, a grown mech who gets a handful of candy given to them is usually flabbergasted enough to stop bein' an issue. ... I think it's nice, too, after all the times we've had to ration or go without.
[ratchet takes this moment to mentally catalogue his own subspace; several broken rubix cubes and a bunch of data pads and energon emergen-c. very healthy. not hypocritical at all.]
Oh, I always keep a box of candy available when I can. If nothing else, a grown mech who gets a handful of candy given to them is usually flabbergasted enough to stop bein' an issue. ... I think it's nice, too, after all the times we've had to ration or go without.
Precisely. And its quite endearing to see a mech previously yelling at you now stuffed their mouth with a snack. Though that doesn't stop a few from still attempting to uh hum.. talk shit.
[ Rung holds his hand to his mouth and chuckles more. then sets aside 2 old boxes. ]
Empty guess I just need to replace these two. [ He hands over a box that's still half full ] care for some? I think soon as I get my extra treats and my drink finished I might need to head out.
Nothing important, I just feel the need to do a little nothing for an hour.
[ Rung holds his hand to his mouth and chuckles more. then sets aside 2 old boxes. ]
Empty guess I just need to replace these two. [ He hands over a box that's still half full ] care for some? I think soon as I get my extra treats and my drink finished I might need to head out.
Nothing important, I just feel the need to do a little nothing for an hour.
Or hit you. [he says with a sigh. unfortunately, even with it being a while ago, bambi is not the first one to lash out at him and likely won't be the last. it's a dangerous part of the job rung is likely well aware of.
he still feels awful about bambi. sometimes he loads himself up on work just so he doesn't have to spend any time inside his own head, a habit that's common to many people. he doesn't think about antler's words as much but there's no denying to him that it wouldn't have got that bad if he'd given the prime more attention and looked after him the way he should have.] I'm alright, thanks. I gotta get back to the medbay-- thanks for droppin' by. We can talk about all this more when we've got more time.
he still feels awful about bambi. sometimes he loads himself up on work just so he doesn't have to spend any time inside his own head, a habit that's common to many people. he doesn't think about antler's words as much but there's no denying to him that it wouldn't have got that bad if he'd given the prime more attention and looked after him the way he should have.] I'm alright, thanks. I gotta get back to the medbay-- thanks for droppin' by. We can talk about all this more when we've got more time.
[ Rung looks over Ratchet with a care he does with any of his patients. Or he supposes thats no different then how he looks to his friends.
Which is first? The need for companionship, or helping everyone he can... ]
Always open to you, Ratchet. If you need me I'm all ears, as humans say. [ He pops a stick into his mouth holding to box to himself now.]
Do be safe.
Which is first? The need for companionship, or helping everyone he can... ]
Always open to you, Ratchet. If you need me I'm all ears, as humans say. [ He pops a stick into his mouth holding to box to himself now.]
Do be safe.
Velocity had been puttering around her habsuite, unable to sleep on her off hours as it was technically early in the day, when her datapad started playing one of her favorite songs which she sometimes used for important alarms.
"Contact Rung about getting stuffed animals on a side trip!" the alarm read.
Frowning in confusion, as Velocity didn't recognize any such name, she started looking the name up in the crew directory. Partway through doing this, it all came flooding back. Slowly at first, then all at once. His name, his kindness, the way they'd met. Velocity gasped, and fumbled at her datapad to pull up his information, contacting him via video call.
"Rung!" She said with breathless excitement, leaning in towards her datapad with a bright smile. "Rung, hi! Its Velocity! Do you remember? You brought me candy and- oh! I met you when you were- yes!" She bounced in and out of frame, setting her wheels to spinning. "My alarm went off to see you about getting toys and things for your patients to cuddle, and it reminded me of, um."
She didn't want to say that she'd forgotten about his existence entirely, so instead she reached out of frame and held up a half completed collage made up of pictures of weighted blankets and candy and unicorns, along with a reasonably well executed (albeit only partially finished) drawing of the both of them hugging. At the top of the collage, rendered in sparkly glitter pen, it read "Acquaintances To Friends To Meaningful Bonds! Thank Y-"
She leaned around the collage with a grin. "Do you like it?"
"Contact Rung about getting stuffed animals on a side trip!" the alarm read.
Frowning in confusion, as Velocity didn't recognize any such name, she started looking the name up in the crew directory. Partway through doing this, it all came flooding back. Slowly at first, then all at once. His name, his kindness, the way they'd met. Velocity gasped, and fumbled at her datapad to pull up his information, contacting him via video call.
"Rung!" She said with breathless excitement, leaning in towards her datapad with a bright smile. "Rung, hi! Its Velocity! Do you remember? You brought me candy and- oh! I met you when you were- yes!" She bounced in and out of frame, setting her wheels to spinning. "My alarm went off to see you about getting toys and things for your patients to cuddle, and it reminded me of, um."
She didn't want to say that she'd forgotten about his existence entirely, so instead she reached out of frame and held up a half completed collage made up of pictures of weighted blankets and candy and unicorns, along with a reasonably well executed (albeit only partially finished) drawing of the both of them hugging. At the top of the collage, rendered in sparkly glitter pen, it read "Acquaintances To Friends To Meaningful Bonds! Thank Y-"
She leaned around the collage with a grin. "Do you like it?"
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