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ajremixLet the reposting recommence!
Title: You and I Collide: Ending on a Good Note
Fandom: Transformers
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1638
Characters: Sandstorm, Springer, Topspin, Fireflight
Summary: Repost. Some bad days do get better.
To say that Springer was angry was an understatement of epic proportions. He had to send Whirl out with Broadside to finish the patrol while he reamed Sandstorm, pacing before the other triplechanger and snarling all the while.
“What the hell is your problem today?” He snapped. “First you miss duty entirely and then you get into a fight with a fellow Autobot. In the middle of a patrol no less!” He rounded on the taller mech. “I don’t care what you do on your off time so long as it doesn’t interfere with you duties- you know that. This is twice in one day you’ve been unable to do your assigned tasks! And not just some simple mistakes- these are major issues we’re talking about! We have defenses set up based on incomplete information and a slagging dogfight not twenty kliks from our own perimeter! This isn’t like you at all, Sandstorm- I’m almost tempted to have Topspin open your head up and see if something got knocked out of whack!” That made Sandstorm wince under his battlemask.
Springer moved in front of the orange ‘bot, nearly chestplate to chestplate and glared with optics like a glowing blade. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I’m sorry.” Came the simple, honest reply. “It was a lapse in judgement.”
“Damn straight it was. On both accounts.”
“It won’t happen again.”
“It better not.” The officer drew back a step after giving Sandstorm a final long, hard look. “If I hear you causing trouble one more time today, I swear to Primus I will lock you in the brig until we clear this planet. Compute?”
“Yessir.”
Springer went to the door and opened it. “Go to Spin and get a diagnostic done. When he’s cleared you, Roadbuster has some reports that you’re going to compile data for. After that you’ve got a short-range patrol and then we’re going to try this recon thing again in the morning. And there will be no more mishaps.”
“Understood.” Without another word or breaking his carefully neutral expression, Sandstorm left. He liked and respected Springer- a lot. It was difficult to find someone that didn’t while Sandstorm, conversely, had difficulties trusting and caring for others the way he had come to for the Wreckers and because of that he was fiercely loyal to them all. So for Springer to do everything short of outright saying Sandstorm had let him down, betrayed his trust in Sandstorm’s professionalism, it really kind of hurt. Determined not to fail him again Sandstorm focused himself solely on the tasks given to him.
It was something Topspin picked up the moment the orange triplechanger entered the medbay where he was helping to pull shifts for the detachment. He took his fellow Wrecker to a fairly private corner and teased him lightly. “So I see Slingshot did a number on you.” Sandstorm merely shrugged as the jumpstarter moved over him. “At least he got his own knocks, right?” Sandstorm was no slouch in the air but the Aerialbots were the best fliers for a reason. It really wasn’t a lot of damage and most of it was already fixed by Sandstorm’s automated repair system so it was more just procedure as Topspin chatted amicably with him until he started feeling at ease for the first time that day.
It was only when Topspin went off and came back with what he referred to as the ‘head scan’ that Sandstorm began withdrawing again. Topspin gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Sandy. Chief’s orders.” He held the cable over to the bigger mech. “He’s more worried than angry, you know. This is the first time you’ve ever slipped this badly and you don’t have any kind of excuse for it. He’s worried there might’ve been some damage to your cranial unit we didn’t pick up yesterday.” Sandstorm hesitated in taking the cable. “He knows how you feel about this, Sandstorm.” The medic told him lowly, emphatically, “That’s why he never asks for it otherwise.”
That made his hand come out reluctantly, taking the thing and popping open a panel that gave him access to his processor. A section of his helmet slid back and with practiced movements he hooked all the cables and wires to his head. Topspin handed the scanner to the triplechanger and stepped back to wait patiently. Sandstorm hated these things but Springer never made him get one unless it was necessary. It didn’t take long for the result to come up and after he looked over the report, he unhooked the scanner and handed it back to Topspin.
The medic checked through the information- Sandstorm’s processing speed and function power was a little higher than normal but his efficiency levels were sluggish. Comparing the low numbers against what he knew Sandstorm had done today, it had to do with something more than just simple exhaustion. But he patted the other Wrecker’s shoulder component. “Don’t worry about a thing. We got your back, okay?”
Even though he really didn’t need it- most likely any Wreckers off duty would ensure Slingshot or anyone else with antagonistic intent didn’t go near Sandstorm for the rest of the day –the thought was comforting. “Thanks. I gotta get going.” With a wave, he left the medbay to find Roadbuster.
He was in the command center with two containers of energon- one of which he gave to Sandstorm. Topspin must’ve alerted him that the triplechanger was on his way. The combat vehicle went over the reports in brief and just what Sandstorm was expected to find and compile- along with anything else of use he might find. They sat and chatted about both the task at hand and just small talk and when Roadbuster left Sandstorm realized he left his mostly untouched energon there. He decided to take it for himself- he could use it and if Topspin did contact Roadbuster then this was probably a failed-subtle attempt to get him to fuel up more.
Feeling a bit more clear-headed he set about the data with a lot more energy and focus than usual. He realized, part way through one report, that Topspin probably had someone smuggle in some of his homemade cocktail- designed specifically to stimulate processor power and make them more alert, usually for missions that called for long hours and little rest. Sandstorm smirked to himself- the sly ‘bot.
He almost lost all track of time as he worked, having found a possible ground-based pass previously overlooked. If this worked out it would give the Autobots a massive advantage over the Decepticons. When Springer entered to see how he was doing, Sandstorm showed him his findings and instead of going on the short patrol he was slated for the two triplechangers decided to see how well this finding worked.
It was rough and slow going, time being taken out as they had to stop and consider problems as they came across them. But the idea held promise and when Sandstorm started lagging behind, Springer called the patrol short, saying Twin Twist and Topspin could try their hands (metaphorically) at it. The two flew back to base and as they touched down Sandstorm could feel the specialty mix running thin and leaving him about ready to crash on the spot.
He trudged wearily down the corridor, somehow the tired idea of needing to tell Fireflight he couldn’t hang around tonight had gotten lodged in his head. Why he just didn’t comm the jet he didn’t know and probably would’ve just chalked it up to not thinking straight.
At the Aerialbots’ squadbay he chimed on the door and Fireflight himself answered it. The moment he saw Sandstorm, his expression lit up brightly. The moment he saw the state Sandstorm was in, his mouth component dropped open. “Sandstorm! You look ready to fall over!” He took the Wrecker’s arm and guided (dragged) him inside. “Come here- have a seat.” As they approached the couch- large enough for the entire squad of jets to sprawl on top of –he waved off Skydive and Air Raid. The two exchanged glances but got up and quietly, slowly made their way out of the room.
“I shouldn’t stay long.” He half mumbled, even as Fireflight had him sit. “Just came to say I wasn’t gonna be here.” Sandstorm listed to one side, leaning heavily against the couch.
Worried, the red jet sat down next to him, running a hand over Sandstorm’s arm. “I heard about what happened. You didn’t get into trouble, did you?”
That question made the Wrecker realize that he essentially pulled a triple shift that day. Somehow he found that amusing. “Some.” He admitted, exhaustion making him oddly mellow. “Could’ve been worse. Springer must’ve gotten Broadside or Skydive’s side of the story, too.”
“I’m sorry about Slingshot- I really am.”
“It happens.”
Fireflight’s hand traced lightly over one of Sandstorm’s thrusters, making the latter shiver just a little. “Do you need anything?” He asked quietly and that made Sandstorm shiver a little more. “Some energon?”
“Nah. I should get going.” He struggled to get up. “Before I recharge on your couch.”
But the Aerialbot’s hand on his arm pulled him back down. “It’s fine! You’re already here so- eep!”
The triplechanger fell across him, nearly knocking Fireflight onto his back. Sandstorm’s questioning ‘hmm?’ was lost under the lethargic purr of his engine. He curled against Fireflight’s side, an arm around the smaller mech’s waist and his optic band was already fading out. Sandstorm barely remembered to set his internal alarm- just in case –before he drifted into recharge. Fireflight just smiled softly at the mech nestled on top of him, lightly stroking over the helmet and battlemask, arms, wing and whatever was in reach until he fell into a light doze of his own.
Title: You and I Collide: Ending on a Good Note
Fandom: Transformers
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1638
Characters: Sandstorm, Springer, Topspin, Fireflight
Summary: Repost. Some bad days do get better.
To say that Springer was angry was an understatement of epic proportions. He had to send Whirl out with Broadside to finish the patrol while he reamed Sandstorm, pacing before the other triplechanger and snarling all the while.
“What the hell is your problem today?” He snapped. “First you miss duty entirely and then you get into a fight with a fellow Autobot. In the middle of a patrol no less!” He rounded on the taller mech. “I don’t care what you do on your off time so long as it doesn’t interfere with you duties- you know that. This is twice in one day you’ve been unable to do your assigned tasks! And not just some simple mistakes- these are major issues we’re talking about! We have defenses set up based on incomplete information and a slagging dogfight not twenty kliks from our own perimeter! This isn’t like you at all, Sandstorm- I’m almost tempted to have Topspin open your head up and see if something got knocked out of whack!” That made Sandstorm wince under his battlemask.
Springer moved in front of the orange ‘bot, nearly chestplate to chestplate and glared with optics like a glowing blade. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I’m sorry.” Came the simple, honest reply. “It was a lapse in judgement.”
“Damn straight it was. On both accounts.”
“It won’t happen again.”
“It better not.” The officer drew back a step after giving Sandstorm a final long, hard look. “If I hear you causing trouble one more time today, I swear to Primus I will lock you in the brig until we clear this planet. Compute?”
“Yessir.”
Springer went to the door and opened it. “Go to Spin and get a diagnostic done. When he’s cleared you, Roadbuster has some reports that you’re going to compile data for. After that you’ve got a short-range patrol and then we’re going to try this recon thing again in the morning. And there will be no more mishaps.”
“Understood.” Without another word or breaking his carefully neutral expression, Sandstorm left. He liked and respected Springer- a lot. It was difficult to find someone that didn’t while Sandstorm, conversely, had difficulties trusting and caring for others the way he had come to for the Wreckers and because of that he was fiercely loyal to them all. So for Springer to do everything short of outright saying Sandstorm had let him down, betrayed his trust in Sandstorm’s professionalism, it really kind of hurt. Determined not to fail him again Sandstorm focused himself solely on the tasks given to him.
It was something Topspin picked up the moment the orange triplechanger entered the medbay where he was helping to pull shifts for the detachment. He took his fellow Wrecker to a fairly private corner and teased him lightly. “So I see Slingshot did a number on you.” Sandstorm merely shrugged as the jumpstarter moved over him. “At least he got his own knocks, right?” Sandstorm was no slouch in the air but the Aerialbots were the best fliers for a reason. It really wasn’t a lot of damage and most of it was already fixed by Sandstorm’s automated repair system so it was more just procedure as Topspin chatted amicably with him until he started feeling at ease for the first time that day.
It was only when Topspin went off and came back with what he referred to as the ‘head scan’ that Sandstorm began withdrawing again. Topspin gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Sandy. Chief’s orders.” He held the cable over to the bigger mech. “He’s more worried than angry, you know. This is the first time you’ve ever slipped this badly and you don’t have any kind of excuse for it. He’s worried there might’ve been some damage to your cranial unit we didn’t pick up yesterday.” Sandstorm hesitated in taking the cable. “He knows how you feel about this, Sandstorm.” The medic told him lowly, emphatically, “That’s why he never asks for it otherwise.”
That made his hand come out reluctantly, taking the thing and popping open a panel that gave him access to his processor. A section of his helmet slid back and with practiced movements he hooked all the cables and wires to his head. Topspin handed the scanner to the triplechanger and stepped back to wait patiently. Sandstorm hated these things but Springer never made him get one unless it was necessary. It didn’t take long for the result to come up and after he looked over the report, he unhooked the scanner and handed it back to Topspin.
The medic checked through the information- Sandstorm’s processing speed and function power was a little higher than normal but his efficiency levels were sluggish. Comparing the low numbers against what he knew Sandstorm had done today, it had to do with something more than just simple exhaustion. But he patted the other Wrecker’s shoulder component. “Don’t worry about a thing. We got your back, okay?”
Even though he really didn’t need it- most likely any Wreckers off duty would ensure Slingshot or anyone else with antagonistic intent didn’t go near Sandstorm for the rest of the day –the thought was comforting. “Thanks. I gotta get going.” With a wave, he left the medbay to find Roadbuster.
He was in the command center with two containers of energon- one of which he gave to Sandstorm. Topspin must’ve alerted him that the triplechanger was on his way. The combat vehicle went over the reports in brief and just what Sandstorm was expected to find and compile- along with anything else of use he might find. They sat and chatted about both the task at hand and just small talk and when Roadbuster left Sandstorm realized he left his mostly untouched energon there. He decided to take it for himself- he could use it and if Topspin did contact Roadbuster then this was probably a failed-subtle attempt to get him to fuel up more.
Feeling a bit more clear-headed he set about the data with a lot more energy and focus than usual. He realized, part way through one report, that Topspin probably had someone smuggle in some of his homemade cocktail- designed specifically to stimulate processor power and make them more alert, usually for missions that called for long hours and little rest. Sandstorm smirked to himself- the sly ‘bot.
He almost lost all track of time as he worked, having found a possible ground-based pass previously overlooked. If this worked out it would give the Autobots a massive advantage over the Decepticons. When Springer entered to see how he was doing, Sandstorm showed him his findings and instead of going on the short patrol he was slated for the two triplechangers decided to see how well this finding worked.
It was rough and slow going, time being taken out as they had to stop and consider problems as they came across them. But the idea held promise and when Sandstorm started lagging behind, Springer called the patrol short, saying Twin Twist and Topspin could try their hands (metaphorically) at it. The two flew back to base and as they touched down Sandstorm could feel the specialty mix running thin and leaving him about ready to crash on the spot.
He trudged wearily down the corridor, somehow the tired idea of needing to tell Fireflight he couldn’t hang around tonight had gotten lodged in his head. Why he just didn’t comm the jet he didn’t know and probably would’ve just chalked it up to not thinking straight.
At the Aerialbots’ squadbay he chimed on the door and Fireflight himself answered it. The moment he saw Sandstorm, his expression lit up brightly. The moment he saw the state Sandstorm was in, his mouth component dropped open. “Sandstorm! You look ready to fall over!” He took the Wrecker’s arm and guided (dragged) him inside. “Come here- have a seat.” As they approached the couch- large enough for the entire squad of jets to sprawl on top of –he waved off Skydive and Air Raid. The two exchanged glances but got up and quietly, slowly made their way out of the room.
“I shouldn’t stay long.” He half mumbled, even as Fireflight had him sit. “Just came to say I wasn’t gonna be here.” Sandstorm listed to one side, leaning heavily against the couch.
Worried, the red jet sat down next to him, running a hand over Sandstorm’s arm. “I heard about what happened. You didn’t get into trouble, did you?”
That question made the Wrecker realize that he essentially pulled a triple shift that day. Somehow he found that amusing. “Some.” He admitted, exhaustion making him oddly mellow. “Could’ve been worse. Springer must’ve gotten Broadside or Skydive’s side of the story, too.”
“I’m sorry about Slingshot- I really am.”
“It happens.”
Fireflight’s hand traced lightly over one of Sandstorm’s thrusters, making the latter shiver just a little. “Do you need anything?” He asked quietly and that made Sandstorm shiver a little more. “Some energon?”
“Nah. I should get going.” He struggled to get up. “Before I recharge on your couch.”
But the Aerialbot’s hand on his arm pulled him back down. “It’s fine! You’re already here so- eep!”
The triplechanger fell across him, nearly knocking Fireflight onto his back. Sandstorm’s questioning ‘hmm?’ was lost under the lethargic purr of his engine. He curled against Fireflight’s side, an arm around the smaller mech’s waist and his optic band was already fading out. Sandstorm barely remembered to set his internal alarm- just in case –before he drifted into recharge. Fireflight just smiled softly at the mech nestled on top of him, lightly stroking over the helmet and battlemask, arms, wing and whatever was in reach until he fell into a light doze of his own.
