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[rustypistons]

What do you mean, high strung? I'm not high strung at all! I just prefer to keep to the mission, not pull insane stunts, and not be called--[small shudder]--Doc.

No, I do not care that 'another version' of me would call me high strung. It just means I'm the sensible version of me.

Comments

[deusrexmachina]

So what's so bad about being called "Doc"? I mean, unless you're not actually a doctor. Then that'd just be weird.

[rustypistons]

It is not my name. I just prefer if people call me by my name rather than give me nicknames.

[deusrexmachina]

It's only kind of a nick name...? One of my best friends is a doctor -- Doctor Holiday -- and I call her "Doc" all the time! It's just a shortened version of a title she went to school for.

Besides, it could be totally worse, right? I can think of worse names than just "Doc." [Smirk.]

[rustypistons]

I'm sure you can, have no doubts about that. [After all, look at Zero.] Is it so hard to get an ounce of respect around here from anyone other than Optimus?

[deusrexmachina]

[Optimus? Oh, right! Autobot insignia, duh.]

Not like someone calling you by a nick name means they're dissing you, dude. But hey, if it makes you feel better? Tell me your name and that's what I'll call you. You know, for now and in case I run into you again later.

[bigredchesticles]

[Big red and white mech, have a small red and white reploid.]

If you don't like "Doc", the next best thing would be "Ratch" ... or "Hatchet", according to my mun.

[rustypistons]

Anything but 'Ratchet the Hatchet'!

[bigredchesticles]

"Anything", huh? [Nice going, Ratchet, you gave him the go-ahead to tease you until you start trying to squish him.]

Doc Ratch has a nice ring to it.

[rustypistons]

[GDI ZERO.] How about we just settle with Ratchet and leave it at that.

[bigredchesticles]

[Be glad he hasn't called you Crankypants yet, Ratchet.] Settle with a full name that is a whole two syllables.

...

Naaaah.

[rustypistons]

Are you that lazy? [Don't make him go into a 'robotic kids these days' rant.]

[bigredchesticles]

Considering how much Maverick hunting I do on a regular basis, I'm practically obligated to be this lazy during downtime.

At least I haven't called you "crankypants" yet.

[rustypistons]

That'd be three syllables. 'Doc Ratch' is also, I should point out, two.

[bigredchesticles]

[Geez, you brainiac types and your semantics, they ruin all Zero's fun.]

I don't actually mind the number of syllables. "Wet blanket" is also three, and it suits you fine at this point.

[rustypistons]

And yet you were complaining about two whole syllables earlier.

[bigredchesticles]

Two whole boring syllables. Get the stick out of your ass and loosen up about the nicknames, already. [You're stiffer than X, geez.]

[wheeljackofalltrades]

Aw c'mon, Doc. Ya gotta admit that was one heck of a ride.

And ya got some information out of it! What more could ya ask for?


And I saw that look ya gave me. Don't tell me you're gettin...soft for this ol' Wrecker.

[rustypistons]

I could have asked for you not getting yourself into terrible danger in regards to taking on Soundwave alone.

...But, as you have since recovered from the relic's assault...I suppose the mission went as well as we could have hoped. Even if we did both have a few close calls.

Anyway! Soft for you? [Scoff! Scoff, he says!] Never; aaaabsolutely not. But I noticed that you called me by my actual name there. Maybe I'm not the one getting soft.

[wheeljackofalltrades]

Relax, mom, I'm fine. A few cases of metal burn ain't gonna stop this Wrecker.

[A dismissive wave of his hand. Gosh Ratchet, he's a MAN.]

You kiddin'? I ain't gettin' soft for any 'Bot. Appreciate the thought, though.

[rustypistons]

You could still join our team on more official terms. I am certain that Optimus wouldn't mind using a few of our resources repairing your ship.

And you seem rather soft for your fellow Wrecker. Perhaps you should have been his backup.

[wheeljackofalltrades]

Thought the base was pretty tight on space, Doc. Besides, I'm still not done checkin' the place out.


...[His eyes dart away. That last part of the episode really got him.]

[rustypistons]

At least someone's enjoying this planet. I've heard little other than complaining about the variable climate.

[Yeah, well. Got to everyone else, too. Ratchet's quiet a moment, lifts a hand as if he might set it on Jack's shoulder, but decides against it and settles it on his own chest plating instead.] On my spark, I will do everything in my power to keep him with us.

[wheeljackofalltrades]

...I'm countin' on ya, Ratchet. Bulk's a good pal of mine.

[Despite the dark turn, he tries to make a joke.]

I'd hate to have ta kick your aft into high gear.

[rustypistons]

He is a trusted ally and good friend to us all. I'll certainly welcome any aft-kicking you'd offer if I should let him--

[No, he's going to try and avoid that territory.] You make sure you don't pick fights with any of Megatron's lieutenants--whoever that is at the moment anyway. When you're done exploring the world, we'll need you back in one piece, not a dozen.

[wheeljackofalltrades]

[The Wrecker attempts to put on a smile, placing a hand on his hip.]

No worries, champ. Although if they come after me, I can't promise there'll be too much left of 'em. Let me know if you need help with those last two relics. They could be a doozy.

[rustypistons]

Thanks to some help from your grenade, we might end up learning where they all are. Keep your comm clear and open; we might need you again sooner than you think.

[wheeljackofalltrades]

...Yannow I'm always listenin'.

[optimus]

Your adherence to protocol has served us well in the past, old friend; many Autobots owe their lives to your quick thinking and careful judgements.

But would it be so terrible, to allow your mundane to make use of a harmless nickname?

[rustypistons]

It's not my mun I'm worried about, Optimus. Although sources indicate that she should be. Oh no, it's that...backup you requested I take. That Wrecker. He just--augh, he grinds my gears!

[optimus]

The Decepticons have left us with little choice. So long as they have superior numbers, it is paramount that we use any and all resources available to us.

As your expertise lies in the field of science, Wheeljack has honed his skills in combat - And I believe that in working together, your chances of success are far greater. Until the artifacts have been recovered, I am afraid that we must learn to set aside our differences.

[rustypistons]

...You're not wrong. And the backup was...appreciated. Dare I say necessary. Still, he could show a bit more discipline and respect.

[optimus]

While I would agree that Wheeljack's attitude can make cooperation... difficult, I trust that he will do everything in his power to protect the lives of his fellow Autobots. The circumstances may not be ideal, but given the stakes of our mission, we cannot afford to squabble amongst ourselves.

I am relieved to hear that you have returned safely.

[rustypistons]

I cannot say the same for at least one returning party of ours. I may have gotten off easy on this one.

[optimus]

I have not received word since my arrival in the Antarctic.

What has happened?

[deadlydoctor]

I can see that you prefer ballerina moves over insane stunts

[rustypistons]

I certainly prefer quite a bit to insane stunts.

[deadlydoctor]

Too too rusty for those, Doc?

[rustypistons]

Too sensible for those.

How's the paint job coming? Or has Megatron been keeping you busy fixing up Soundwave too much to let you whine about your looks?

[deadlydoctor]

Sensible, of course. I knew that Wheeljack was a pain in the aft but I had no idea that it was such a literal one.

It's doing much better than Bulkhead, thanks for your concern.

[aerospacecommander]

If that's not high strung, I don't know what is -- doc.

[rustypistons]

Focused is what it is.

Hmph. You're rather colorful for a Starscream. Lose a bet?

[aerospacecommander]

Same thing, different name.

And what are you talking about? I've always been these colors.

[rustypistons]

My optics are still as sharp as ever, and the last I saw Starscream, he wasn't nearly so bright and multicolored. He was also much pointier.

[aerospacecommander]

You mean my ugly crane-bird-like alternate. That hideous disgrace for a mech has nothing on me.

[rustypistons]

At the risk of sounding anything like Knockout, he's got style on you.

And possibly aerodynamics.

[aerospacecommander]

Clearly you are delusional if you think that is style.

Besides even if looks weren't everything, at least I can fly in root mood.

What can scrawny legs do? Huh?

[rustypistons]

Good question. And they certainly won't do him any good at the bottom of the ocean.

ahhhh forgive my typo up there

[aerospacecommander]

... Which is why he should be repeatedly tossed into the ocean.

[He has plans for his alternate, PLANS.]

I knew what you meant!

[rustypistons]

Since Megatron's so bad at getting rid of any given (original) Starscream, perhaps we should just put all of you in a room and let you offline each other.