1027/Con Medbay Social

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught has been in the medbay ever since the Decepticons returned from the successful rescue of Blast Off and Vortex from Garrus-1. Not only has he needed his own repairs, he's also been supervising the repairs of Blast Off, Vortex and Swindle -- though, thankfully, the Combaticon conniver seems to have taken the least injuries of the rescuers. Thankfully, but not surprisingly.

**Dustoff has posed:**
Dustoff is one of those facilitating repairs, carefully and diligently making sure the two returned Combaticons are, at the very least, up and running as optimally as possible... His usual vices during work are notably absent, but probably because he just hasn't had time to pour a drink.

It happens.

But it's been a fair bit of work to get the two carefully screened, observed, monitored, inspected...and certainly evaluated for ...well, anything, really. Last thing the Cons need is someone being brought back to Kaon as a living weapon ready to unleash a rust plague or something...

**Blast Off has posed:**
Of those four Combaticons, Blast Off may have taken the least amount of physical damage. Yet the shuttleformer's been quiet and subdued ever since he was rescued. He occasionally glances over towards Onslaught or Vortex but mostly just sits on a medibay table and stares into space, arms wrapped around his knees. If a medic tries to get him to lie down, he shows a little resistance there, but otherwise remains silent.

**Brawl has posed:**
Why wasn't Brawl there to rescue his comrades? Good question. And one which shan't be discussed in this narrative. Instead, what will be described is the loud entrance of Brawl into the medbay. There. That was it. His entrance was loud. It's a fair enough description of anything Brawl does. Does Brawl care if he disturbs those recovering from dire wounds? No. But fellow Combaticons are here, and thus, so is the large green tankmech. No further explanation is really needed.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex is very still on his table where he's been since he was brought in. After a few hours, his head starts to move a bit and he makes a distant half-conscious murmur. Perhaps the rotary is dreaming. Its hard to tell whats going on with him wihtou this rotors or hands moving about. A good deal of his body language has been silenced.

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth had been on stand-by in his root-mode ever since the rescue mission started, and had everything ready once the call came in they were returning, and has been dealing with those not as badly injured, to allow Dustoff to handle those in much more serious condition...

      Though, needless to say he was much more at ease with Dustoff back in Medbay after the little conversation he had with Darkstar some solar-cycles to go. He'd move to sterilize his hands after tending to Onslaught... He'd over give Brawl the most indigent look the bat could muster.

      "If you're not injured, I'd highly suggest staying out of the way." he'd state tartly.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught remains as close to Vortex as he can, without getting in the medics' way. "Brawl, over here," he says, his tone level and even as he gestures for Brawl to join him. "I'm sorry we didn't bring you along for the rescue. Unfortunately, there wasn't time to round us all up. We should have included you, you deserved the chance to strike back as much as the rest of us."

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off glances over at the other Combaticons, his gaze lingering, especially on Vortex, before he turns to look away, hugging his knees closer with a soft sigh.

**Brawl has posed:**
"Don't tell me what to do!" Brawl grouses in his usual beligerent style when Goth tells him to stay out of the way. Of course, when Onslaught tells him what to do, Brawl sings a whole different tune. He clunks over to Onslaught, looming as Onslaught apologizes. "Yeah, I was gunna grind me some Autobots!" Brawl says, pounding one fist into a palm. "But, uh... you're back so..." Brawl doesn't dare say that he wasn't needed on the mission. Knee hugging and silence has not yet registered to Brawl as 'something is wrong'.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex was missing his faceplate and optic mask when he was brought in. Unless they've been replaced, its easy to see his face now. It is curled up in what might be pain and confusion. His right optic flickers online and with a few minutes of lag, his left follows. He turns his head to the side, trying to avoid the sudden bright white of the medbay lights as the noise starts to bring him around. "nngh.....Ons?" he asks, the confusion prevelant in his staticy, slurred voice. "Na. Not injured. Tired.. Can clear out if ya wan me t'." He says softly. He relaxes at a familiar, loud voice. "Brawl." He says with a distant chuckle. "Back from where.." he looks at Blast Off. "Y..you ok?" He asks, looking concerned. "You. You need fix? Yeah. Blas' Off. Nee'. Fix."

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth nodded to Onslaught as he corralled the large green Mech and went on to continue his work, well not before giving Brawl the stink optic. He'd make his way over to Blast off, and start looking over the shuttles wounds. He'd actually look like he was going to say something when Vortex started speaking, and one of his ears twitched over upon hearing so.

      "vortex, I'd suggest remaining down while Dustoff tends to you, else may result to restraining you to the medical berth." He'd huff in his normally polite, but sour tone, there was.. some sort of relief there, that the rotary was awake and active.

      "Relax yourself, I'm looking him over." He'd respond though in a.. awkward, attempt to try and ensure the rotary, to keep him from getting up, his optics then returned to Blast off, asking for him to point out anything he couldn't see.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught nods to Brawl. "You'll get a chance, you can trust me on that," Onslaught says to Brawl, his gaze falling on Blast Off. Onslaught doesn't need to be told that Blast Off's posture means something is wrong. He's about to move in Blast Off's direction, when Vortex calls out. "I'm here, Vortex," he says, then seeks to clarify things for Vortex. "You're back from Garrus-1. You and Blast Off, you're back in medbay." He pauses, considering Vortex's personal history, then clarifies further. "Dustoff and Goth's medbay. Stay still, let them work on you. You need extensive repairs."

**Brawl has posed:**
When Vortex begins to talk, just then it seems to dawn on Brawl that somehing isn't right. He turns and stares at the rotary Combaticon for a dumbfounded moment or two. "Yeah. Sit still so they can fix your face. And voice." Brawl says, seeming to recoil just a little. He then looks at Blast Off, who is just quiet. Which Brawl actually prefers, and dismisses this as anything out of the ordinary. He then looks back to Onslaught. "So who do I need to smash to show 'em not to mess with us again?"

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off hears Vortex speaking and looks back, watching with with a furrowed brow. His fingers dig deeper into his leg armor as he listens, then the shuttleformer shakes his head, lifting one hand to brush the suggestion away. "I'm fine. I don't need help. \*You\* are the one who got badly injured." Something seems to weigh on him after he says that, something unsaid, and he looks away again as Goth comes over to examine him.

At the medic's question he again tries to just brush it off. "I'm fine." Physically, he is pretty healthy, a little low on energon and elevated circuitry rates likely due to prolonged stress, but nothing too bad. "Take care of Vortex, he needs it."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex murmurs. "S'wrong with my voice?" he tries to lift his head a bit then hears Onslaught and Goth, probably a few minutes after they said anything. His processor is lagging badly. "Yessir." He murmurs, laying his hed down, a bit limply. "He tried to. Blast Off. With Sky Lynx. Was on purpose I think. Blast Off needs help with things ..ya cant help with here." He murmurs lowly as if he doesnt want everyone to hear it, his face still a mask of deep concern. "You're a'right, Blast Off. You. Are allright. This isn' how ya..." he shivers a bit. "On my back. Hate bein' on m' back." He says, his mind already wandering. "No..rotors. And I really. Really need a drink."

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught's attention has been divided ever since he stepped into the medbay. Things would be esier if only one of his brothers was injured but, of course, things can't ever be that easy, can they? For a brief moment, he considers giving Brawl a list. "The next Autobot you can manage to get your hands on, would be a start," he says, turning his attention to Blast Off. "Blast Off, don't play the hard mech, it doesn't suit you. If you have injuries we can't see, make them clear. Vortex, you'll get a drink as soon as you're repaired."

**Goth has posed:**
     "Dustoff's medical bay actually, but the point stands." He'd chuckle lightly, now the back door to his lab on the other hand...

      Goth would mumble something about the Rotary and Shuttle being a couple of queens, nut nothing more, once he was sure Blast Off was free of injuries, clean of possible bugs, and the like, he'd bring over an energon cube, and sat it on the nearby tray for the shuttle

      Swindle Was next on his list, and once he was sure that combaticon was stable, he'd move to help with Vortex with a huff. "Just need to be down for a little while more Vortex, we'll also get your Rotors situated." He'd once more, awkwardly, reassure as he started running Diagnostics on Vortex.

**Brawl has posed:**
Brawl seems perfectly satisfied with this response. Even if it was already his intention. But now it is sanctioned by Onslaught, there is little holding Brawl back. Thus Brawl nods and pumps his fist in the air. "Gonna go find me an Autobot to crush!" Brawl announces and turns to leave. But what can one expect from Brawl? Besides, it's probably better for everyone that the mech not spend too much time around such sensitive equipment.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off seems to wince a bit as Vortex calls him out on Sky Lynx, holding his knees tightly and staring off into the distance. He nods to Goth as the medic brings him an energon cube and holds it without drinking, just staring into its contents. When Onslaught speaks, he huffs softly. "I'm not \*playing\*. Vortex is...delusional. I don't know what he's talking about." Of course, some things he denies outright, and some things he'll only admit to in private, and sometimes it's hard to tell which is which.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex relaxes at that answer. Soon there will be engex , rotors and maybe even flying. Soon his world will be fine. He nods "Allright." He says to Goth with a distant headbob of agreement. Hes very uncharistically compliant today. "M' gonna.." He shiverrs a bit, his body spasming just once before his optics start to dim again. "Go back ..recharge." he has a lot of cranial damage, from the scans it looks like someone shot him pointblank in the left side of his head. There has been repairs to it, however, there is fresher damage to it from blunt force trauma. He has a large hole in his chest, almost to his spark casing where someone fired on him up close and personal. He looks like someone took his body and slammed it around the room a few times before he stopped moving, perhaps more then once. He's also been without his addiction for a while and is in full on withdrawls. He doesn't seem interested in much in the room around him, but the ceiling, shutting back down and his brothers. "M'sorry Blas. They hadda know. They ha.." his voice trails off and he shivers once more before his optics go offline again.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught nods to Brawl. "Good hunting," he says. The fact that Brawl is going out to kick some Autobot's aft up between their doorwings doesn't seem to worry him in the slightest. Then again, Brawl's a lot like Onslaught -- he's big, he's tough, he's strong, definitely more so than either of the team's two flyers. Brawl, like Onslaught, can take a licking and keep on ticking. "If you're free later, we'll be having an after-action briefing at Blast Off's wine shop sometime soon after our wayward ones are cleared for duty again."

Onslaught looks at Blast Off again. "What happened with Sky Lynx?" he asks, voice calm, even and yet still commanding for all that. "Vortex is...differently perceptive about certain things but he's observant enough. What is he talking about?"

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off tenses and looks away from Onslaught. "It's... nothing. We fought him and lost, is all." He glances over towards the medics, then looks away again. "Can we... talk about this later?"

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth stared at the diagnostics read outs as they came back with the damage.. He was so going to /fragging kill/ Darkstar. Goth would pinch his nose bridge and take in a deep vent, this was something Dustoff needed to handle, Goth was merely Dustoff medical assistant, and this was far out of his range of work, at least for right now.

      "Yes.. Well, I can see why you would say that, Blast Off." He'd reply in a... Oddly exhausted tone as he rubbed at one of his optics as he read the diagnostic with a fringe twisted onto his face. "I must apologize for what I am to ask, but.. what happened to Vortex here? There signs of repair, who did it? and is it something we should be worried about?" He'd question, glancing over to Blast Off.

      He'd start working to at least repair the damage to Vortex's chassis, ensuring his pain receptors where off, and them ech wasn't going to wake up on him right in the middle of it all.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught studies Blast Off for a long moment. Like most Cybertronians, he's gotten good at reading body language over his lifetime -- something that can be decidedly difficult when your species doesn't have one single set design form. Those species that are all modeled along a similar body structure must have it sooooo much easier to read expressions and body posture. Of course, it helps that Onslaught also knows his team, knows them at their best, their worst and everything in between. "Fine,' he says to Blast Off. "But know this, we will discuss this."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex doesn't fight it when his self repairs are turned off. His optics remain dimmed, though his venting evens out and he seems rather relaxed. As long as he hears familiar voices he seems very , very calm. Which would normally be a good thing but this is Vortex. He is normally bouncing off the walls.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off turns to face Goth as he asks questions. The shuttleformer looks a little sheepish and gazes down at his rocket feet before he eventually glances over at Vortex again. "We were... repaired by their medic Starlock at one point. She...I don't think she did anything harmful, in fact she repaired both of us quite well." There's a pause and he seems to struggle to continue, but does. "Then... Pharma showed up. That's..." Well long story short but... "That's when the guards beat him up. Beat him until he offlined." The shuttle's optics ridges furrow down severely. "...And I couldn't do a /slagging/ thing about it."

Then he feels that \*gaze\* on him. Uh oh. Blast Off tenses as Onslaught speaks, holding still one long moment, then sagging his shoulders submissively. "...Yes, Sir."

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught's optics flare. "Starlock, she was one of the Autobots who took you into custody," he says. "Along with that tri-cursed glitch Sky Lynx and that null-signal Blurr, if I recall correctly." He huffs as Blast Off describes Pharma's actions. "...and we can add a new candidate to the Revenge Roster, it seems."

Onslaught steps over and reaches out to take Blast Off by the shoulder. "What happened to Vortex was not your fault," he says, quietly. "Beyond the idiocy of attacking Sky Lynx -- but, I can forgive a bit of egotism." He chuckles. "Because imagine the look on that fragger's face if you'd succeeded?" He becomes serious again. "But what happened to you two in Gar...in \*that place\*? That was not your fault. That is the fault of the Autobots who harmed you. Hypocriticial glitches, all of them."

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth frowned, It was true he found nothing and nothing was coming back on Vortex.. He wasn't sure how to take news of the one Autobot medic having done repairs to Vortex's processors, but Pharma was the bigger worry. He'd ensure that the diagnostic equipment did deep scans on them both though.

      He would keep his focus on repairing Vortex's chassis though, ensuring there was no actual break into his spark casing... Allowing for Onslaught to consoul Blast Off. He'd drop his own voice to whispers that perhaps Vortex could hear, perhaps not, but it was something he needed to do to keep himself focused.

      "Well.. Seems will need to be getting you some new blades, Hmm? Will take a number of solar-cycles, but I think I could design you something interesting."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex gives a semiconscious nod to the words. He whispers barely audibly. "She's good you know. Starlock. She's a ...good ..go...person you know." He says. "M' sorry I wanted to torture her when she was here...' he chuckles, the motion causing him to wince. "Onsh.." his voice is even quieter then before. He lets Goth work and stays perfectly still. "Ons.." he says. "I laughed." he says. "T' whole time Pharma's goon beat on me to make Blast Off talk. I laughed. They never asked us any questions or changed programming or anything. I thought htey were gonna kill us but.. I never gave them the satisfaction of being afraid. I ..laughed." He almost seems proud.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off's optics widen and pale slightly as Onslaught takes his shoulder. He stares up at the larger Combaticon, then seems to wince again as Onslaught insists it \*wasn't\* his fault. If only he knew...Blast Off thinks bitterly to himself, but doesn't speak. The little bit of humor does hit its intended mark, however, and he glances up at his leader with a trace of returned ...something. Glimmer of hope? "...True." He looks down again and nods, face pinching at the thought of the hypocritical Autobots. The sniper's fists ball up loosely. "...Yes."

As Vortex speaks, BLast Off watches him. "Vortex.... yes. You were always... on point. Never did give them that satisfaction." His face pinches some more and he looks to Goth, asking quietly, "Is... he going to be alright?"

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught looks to Goth. 'Could you design him something he could use in battle?" he asks, apparently having decided Vortex's bravery/foolheartyness in the face of enemy torture deserves a reward. Or maybe he just wants Vortex to have a weapon other than, \*sighs\* Mr. Bloopy. 'He'll be fine," he says to Blast Off, giving his shoulder a gentle, if firm, squeeze. "He's a Combaticon."

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth's left ear twitch towards Vortex and gave a raise of his ridge. Vortex must of been out of it, given what he was talking about.. He was glad Darkstar wasn't around to hear it, he'd likely jump on it as traitor talk without a thought of how loopy Vortex must of been right now.

      "Yes.. well, don't let Darkstar hear you speak like that." He'd huff in response, continuing to work, starting to work on repairing the inner wiring. "Shh..Shhh.. Don't push yourself." Goth would coo, in an attempt to make the rotary rest.

      He'd then glance up to Blast off, before his optics return to repairing the chassis damage. "...Given some time, and Dustoff repairing the processor Damage, should be fine within a few mega-cycles.." He'd glance over to Onslaught. "Hrm? Ah but of course, I've dabbled, and even aided both Darkstar and Scrapper in their designs and work on their own weaponry." He'd respond as he slowly started welding the wound shut.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex murmurs. "Whats darkstar have to do with anything.." he says, that one good optic focing on Goth. His rotor assembly twitches as he tries to answer that coo with a non-existant rotor twitch. Instead he gives a weak engine rumble-purr. "I mean it. I owe her." he says with an odd bit of clarity.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off seems to find the shoulder squeeze reassuring as he gazes up at Onslaught. There's a smile for the first time underneath that faceplate, perhaps hinted at with his slightly creased optics. "Yeah..." He looks to Tex. "Yes, he is!" There's a glint on those optics as Onslaught asks about weapons. "Yes... he could use something..." You know, useful. Not the glue gun. .... "Uh. He could use more weapons." When Goth reassures him that Tex will ultimately be okay, the shuttle visibly relaxes, flooded with relief, though he remains sitting with knees scooped up.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught nods, hand still on Blast Off's shoulder. "Swords or cleavers, Vortex," he asks. "Personally, I think you should go with cleavers. They'd suit your blade fighting..." He pauses, considering what word to use to describe the way Vortex fights with blades. 'Style' dignifies it too much. 'Technique' is simply too generous. 'Method' might come closest but still feels wrong, for reasons Onslaught can't adequately explain. But eventually, several million years in the future and on an entirely different planet, say circa 2019 by the local dominant calendar, Onslaught's going to hear about a certain "meme" and be like, "That's how Vortex fights! Like a Roomba with a steak knife taped to it!"

Onslaught sighs, giving up his attempt at finding a word for how Vortex fights with blades. "Cleavers would best suit the way you fight with a blade, Vortex. They require less specific training than a sword might. Plus, I believe they'd be easier to dual wield."

**Goth has posed:**
     "Well if he heard you speaking like that.." Well, actually, Goth was likely the only one that knew Darkstar was a bit of a hypocrite.. He'd cringe upon hearing that vortex /owes/ the Autobot, he just shakes his helm, but doesn't correct the rotary, and finishes repairing the damage.

      He'd clean the energon and other fluids from his hands, hemming in thought. "Once your more... Yourself, I can show you a few things." He'd nod, he actually had a much different plan in mind, but he wasn't going to speak it aloud, even Goth liked to surprise friends from time to time.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex murmurs. "Swords...cleaves..." he seems to be having trouble focusing, his optics once again on the ceiling. "Do I have to choose one or the other?" He says. "How bout we get hte rotors back. I'd give up every cleaver I have for my rotors right now." he says with a sad tone.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off is content with this sort of discussion, something away from \*him\* and his misdeeds. And Onslaught's hand on his shoulder seems to calm the shuttlemech as he leans slightly into it.

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar limped into the medical bay, still in poor shape from the battle that liberated Blast Off and Vortex from the Garrus-1 prison facility. He was holding a datapad in his left hand, a travel-size cylinder of engerwine in the other. It was clear that the mech was a little on the drunk side, having waited for quite some time to seek repair treatment. Like a good tough-bot, he wanted to be one of the last. Moving to one of the open medberths, he slumped onto it and laid back to relax and look up at the ceiling. "Welcome home, mechs..." he offered tiredly, whole holding the datapad before his optics. "Lookin' better'n you were, Heli-Bot." Yeah, he'd noticed.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught doesn't pull away as Blast Off leans in toward him. Instead his hand slides to rest on the shuttleformer's back as he sends a series of pings to Vortex. "I'm sure there's a way to design a blade that is capable of functioning as a combination of a sword and a cleaver that can also be a functional rotor. Of course, that might take time to design so, perhaps standard rotors for the time being, Goth? Simply as a placeholder, you understand."

As Darkstar enters the medbay, Onslaught looks over to him and, surprisingly enough, does not attempt to go for the other mech's throat. "Darkstar, how fare you?" he asks. "I'd have thought you'd have been in for repairs before now."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex 's body isnt moving at all. Goth is working on his frame damage which seems to keep him stable at least. He focuses on Darkstar. "You. I'm... supposed to ask you something. But for the ...for the life of me. I can'..." His words start to slur badly again "I cann' remembeh. What. Maybe somethin' ta drink will help. I got the no drink shakes bad." He purrs. "Oooh, Onslaught. Keep talking such beautiful things to me. I love it when you talk pretty."

**Goth has posed:**
     "..Well don't you look pathetic." Goth would state dryly to Darkstar as he made his was over to the overcharged bot, crossing his arms, once he was sure Vortex's welds where good, he'd sterilize his hands once more, and huffed, and started working to repair the spacer.

      A chuckle did escape him though, at Vortex being.. well Vortex. "You mean withdraws Vortex, Yes we.. will need to bare a bit longer, I'll see what Dustoff has stored in the way of medication for handling such."

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off seems \*quite\* content right now with Onslaught's hand resting on his back, imagine that. Even Darkstar's appearance doesn't change that, though he does lift an optic ridge. "I don't know whether to be grateful you helped rescue us or outraged you left us \*behind in the first place\*." His voice is a bit sharp but stays cultured and steady as he says that, some fire taken out by both weariness and said hand on back.

He looks up at Onslaught, asking quietly, "Are you \*sure\* giving Vortex swords for rotors is... wise?"

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar glances over to Onslaught when addressed, his shoulders giving a light shrug. "Meh... I was gonna get 'em before, but I've had way worse. Figured your mechs needed the attention first and foremost," he explained. That and he wanted to stash the wares he'd looted from the Autobot guardsmech that had engaged him at the moon prison facility. "Lieutenant Dustoff an' Wonder Bat over there," he'd jut a thumb toward Goth. "...Two of 'em had enough work on their hands already." While that sounded rather noble and compassionate of him the truth was that Darkstar knew that tightrope walking was the surest way to solidify one's position, so he would walk that tightrope and appear how he really wasn't when he really should. It was, after all, the Decepticon way...

    "What's that?" Darkstar lifts a ridge at Vortex, only to laugh after a moment. "You want some o' this, eh? Catch!" Throwing the cylinder of enerwine, the spacer hoped that Vortex's memory was a lot worse than his reflexes. "Better to \*look\* it than \*be\* it, Bats," Darkstar chortled, as Goth began to work on his battle damage. "Grateful," came the space-alt's reply to Blast Off. He'd leave it at that.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught agrees with Darkstar's assessment that Blast Off and Vortex's repairs were priority. After all, he waited until they were stable before allowing anyone to work on him. "While Darkstar's behavior prior to your capture is...less than idea, his actions during your rescue have paid certain debts." A pause. "For now."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex hasn't moved his body at all since Garrus-1. However, now he has incentive. Flying enerwine. He tries once, his body twitching. Twice with a growl. Another twitch. With a triumphant scream of rage, the heli-bot sits up, knocking loose any monitors or new welds hes had attached to him as he reaches with both hands, catching the enerwine. "Gotcha! Oh, Darkstar. You're my hero." course, he cant get the lid off right away. But he does chew at it, his body wrapped around the bottle like its his conjunx.

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth gace Darkstar this long-suffering, half-shuttered optic look as he looked to the spacers faceplate, there was a /reaaal/ strong temptation to flip the medberth to send the spacer to the floor... But he resists such temptations, and gets Darkstar on an energon drip and his wounds repaired and sealed.

      Goth would do a double take back and make this... string of unpleased screechy bat noises in response to what Vortex's does and just gestures his messy hands out to the Chopper. "Lay down before you break your welds!" He'd gruse, before moving to clean his hands again to tend to the chopper.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off does tense when Darkstar tosses that enerwine Vortex's way. "Wait..." Oh no. Then- WHEW. Vortex catches it and he can relax again. He glances up at Onslaught, who didn't answer the question, but he doesn't pursue it. He does mutter, glaring a bit at Darkstar, "Hero, right...."

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught sighs, then huffs a very Blast Off-like huff. "...\*really\*, Vortex," he says. "No one's going to take it away from you -- medics generally like to keep their hands, after all."

"My apologies, Goth," Onslaught says, letting out a sigh as he removes his hand from Blast Off's back and prepares to step over to assist Goth wtih Vortex. "Vortex, lay down, stop chewing on that bottle. I'll open it if you promise to hold still and stop making extra work for the medics."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex quite obviously doesn't remember Darkstar abandoning them. Right now he just lays back down, shaking worse then before, his optics flickering, his body wrapped around the bottle. His chewing slows as he wears out of energy much quicker then he normally would, his empty rotor assembly twitchtwitchtwitching as he gives a growl that's fading into a faint groan right away.

**Darkstar has posed:**
    An amused grin breaks on Darkstar's face as he listens to the commotion caused when Vortex battles with gravity before catching the cylinder of enerwine. "Still got it..." he says smoothly, his grin only broadening, as he continued to stare at the ceiling. "Yeah, well I \*do\* try. None of this excellence comes without effort... Hard work, dedication, a lotta skill, and a \*bit\* of luck." Yep, cocky as ever this one.

    "Appreciate not bein' on an offline list ther, Major. I have to say I was a bit surprised it wasn't one born of mere jealousy for once," the Decepticon muses. "You weren't bad out there at the Prison by the way. Thought you might be one o' those lead from behind types... But I hear ya' fragged some of those guards good up close an' personal like." The spacer's optics flashed, and it was clear that he was going to want to challenge the Major to a training duel at some point.

    "Can't take \*all\* of the credit, Blast Off. Usually would, but it was a...\*team\* effort, of course." Nodding toward Goth, the spacer couldn't help the expression of mirth as he watched the mechabat's facial expression.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Aw no, Onslaught hand, come back.... the shuttleformer leans into the touch until it's not there anymore, then quickly straightens himself out again. \*Ahem\*. Though he does smile under the faceplate at Onslaught's \*huff\*. He just sits and watches the ongoing antics, adding, "Listen to Onslaught, Vortex, he knows best."

As for Darkstar, Blast Off again lifts an optic ridge. "Onslaught is very willing to put his shanix where his mouth is. Or... rather, he's a brilliant strategist and is often off the field directing the rest of our team, but believe me, there is no fiercer and combat-saavy fighter when he deems it time to set foot on the battlefield."

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught moves to Vortex's side, nodding an acknowledgement to Darkstar. "I might have judged you prematurely, Darkstar. You weren't so bad at Garrus-1 yourself." Once he's next to Vortex's medbed, he reaches toward what remains of Vortex's rotor assembly. He doesn't touch it directly but, if he's able, tries to put his hand on Vortex's back as close to the assembly as he can get. <<You're safe, give me the bottle, I'll open it for you and give you a drink, but you have to stay still, do you hear me?>> He sends it over a shortband on a private channel though anyone with audials tuned to the unsecured frequency he's using can likely detect it.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex nods distantly. "Uh.huh." He says, the fight already out of him. He tenses as Onslaught touches him but relazes when he feels Onslaught's hand. He turns to bury his face in whatever part of his leader he can reach. Probaly something abdomen or chest adjacent. His hands limpen, the bottle hes holding falls forward. He doesnt make any move to catch it, just trembling as he leans in to his leader.

**Goth has posed:**
     Goth frowns, noting the trembling in Vortex's frame, watching the rotary, Once he's calm, Goth would quickly get him hooked back up to the monitors, and start working to repair the NEW-NEW damage... There was an.. odd, frown, scowl even, growing on the beast-formers face, but it wasn't directed at anyone, but it was clear there was anger, and there was worry.

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar smirks as he listens to Blast Off kissing his commander's aft, though he doesn't blame the other spacer for it. Nah, the first time he'd mentioned Onslaught in a favorable light he saw how Blast Off had reacted... That mech held his commander in the very highest esteem. From the looks of it they all did, that being more apparent than ever as Darkstar watches Vortex's reaction to Onslaught's proximity and touch. "Huh... Well, we won the day so what you say seems to be accurate," he'd offer Blast Off. "Of \*course\* I wasn't," he'd add then to Onslaught. "But thanks for noticing," the mech laughed.

    "So, now that you're back here... Safe and sound... What can you tell us about 'em? The enemy... You look like they barely touched ya', an' he looks like they couldn't \*stop\* touching him. How'd that work out?" The spacer shifted onto his side, and propped his head up with his elbow braced against the medberth. Red optics looked between Vortex and Blast Off expectantly.

    Darkstar had been observing Goth since he walked into the medical bay. They had a nice little chat before the Garrus-1 mission, and the spacer was rather curious about what had come of it... The mechabat didn't look very good, which was a clear sign that something was up though.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught doesn't try to push Vortex away as the rotory clings to him. Sure, it's not the most mechly behavior and maybe he'd be happier if Vortex could be a little less...well, \*rotory\* when he gets upset. But, whatever embarassment he might be feeling, he doesn't reprimand his teammate and he doesn't shy away from being the rock Vortex can cling to when the world doesn't make sense. "Darkstar, if you don't mind, I'll be handling Blast Off's debriefing," he says, trying to keep his voice level as he rubs Vortex's back in a small circle. "Goth, if you're able to continue your repairs with me here, I think Vortex might be more ammenable to holding still for you. He'll behave for you, I promise."

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off watches as Vortex curls near Onslaught and then looks away, his own guilt starting to seep back in again. He remains sitting as he was, arms hugging knees and not wanting to lie down. Indeed, he may aft-kiss, but he does mean it. Onslaught seems to inspire respect among most, if not all, his team. Swindle... well he'd have to say himself. \*cough\*

Then Darkstar starts asking the awkward questions. The shuttleformer curls in on himself a little more, looking at his rocket feet. "...Pharma took me... strapped me to a.... medibay table." Thus why he doesn't like lying down on one right now. "Kept asking me questions, then brought Vortex in to make me talk. It... well, then Ravage was there, and he attacked but he couldn't get me free, so then he disappeared again and they..." He sinks down once, "They beat Vortex unconscious as I... watched. I..." Then Onslaught begins speaking and the shuttle stops, looking up at his Commander. "...Yes, Sir."

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex whispers something to Onslaught and then pats his chest for a moment and motions to Blast Off. Whatever hes saying is said in soft tones as he collapses bak down. He gives a greatful half-smile to Goth "Sorry for messin your work." he whispers, that trembling slowing. He twitches again, and then goes limp, tilting his head to give a distant stare to Darkstar as he questions Blast Off. "Formal interrogation. Giggle. Wanna watch."

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar's optics flash with interest as Blast Off begins to explain what had happened to he and Vortex while they were in Autobot captivity, and the space-alt couldn't help but smirk. The smirk wasn't the only sign of amusement when Vortex cut in, and when that happened loosing a chuckle was another thing that the space-alt couldn't help. "I see... So, they're a buncha hypocrites. Figured they wouldn't be above torture... This whole time they prance around actin' like they're better than us morality wise. Pshhhh... Knew that was a heap o' burnin' rubbish from the get."

    "Yeah, Major... Absolutely. That's your area anyway, your mechs. I'm sure I'll hear all about it in due time," he notes, looking back to his datapad. The tech manual was a really handy tool, especially now that he'd stripped that Autobot guard of a particularly useful bit of equipment for his upcoming projects. "Looking forward to hearing all about your stay. I actually ran into two Autobots recently... First Aid an' Starlock? You know 'em, yeah? Tried to get some info outta the two, but they were very hush hush... They're the types who like to put on the grand show of morals and what-not. Kinda funny all things considered..."

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught murmurs something back to Vortex, glancing over toward Blast Off. "You can speak, Blast Off," he says. "If you'd like, we can consider this an informal pre-debrief. In fact, this will give me the opportunity to come up with deeper, more probing questions for the actual debrief later." That sound you just heard? That's the sound of the point going so far over Onslaught's head it's in low Cybertron orbit. He doesn't move from Vortex's side, staying put because whatever psychological issues Blast Off has at the moment, he's physically in better shape than Vortex.

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex stops tryng to push Onslaught away to go see Blast Off for whatever reason and just stays like a limp wire, watching Darkstar. "Starlock's s'allright." He murmurs, half awake. "I didn' let htem break me. They gave me rotors and took them away. And then questioned me about htem too." he says. "Still I didnt break. I never broke. I laughed." he gives a staticy , less then half sane chuckle. "I laughed.."

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off's face pinches slightly as Vortex says something and motions towards him, but then goes back to sitting and feeling a tightness in his own chest that has nothing to do with physical injuries. He looks over to Darkstar, letting out a soft vent. "Yes, we know them." That's all he'll say.

Oh. Well, or maybe not. He lifts his head to look at Onslaught again and blinks. "Now?" Blink. "Uh.... Yes, Sir." He gazes warily at Goth and especially Darkstar, then turns to focus just on Onslaught. He gives a bare bones summary of their ordeal, starting with how they engaged Sky Lynx and the other Autobots. He focuses on duty and certainly NOT on any personal feelings of guilt driving him to do something foolish and drag Vortex along with him. He begins to mention waking up in the Autobot medical bay, but with another glance to Darkstar, \*conveniently\* leaves out the fact that Sky Lynx loosened their bonds. No, apparently the Bots were just careless when they tied them up!

 He follows with the near-escape, sure to mention Swivel but... not TOO much, don't want her on the revenge roster after all. But see? Totally not a sort-of friend. He finishes with Ravage's appearance, him transforming into a data slug and hiding in Blast Off's armor, which led to the.... unfortunate scene in Pharma's lab. Then he goes quiet again.

**Goth has posed:**
     "I can work like this." Goth would state simply to Onslaught as he continued to work on Vortex. "It's alright.. Quite alright, Just try not to undo it again is all I ask." He'd vent a huff, Gtoh actually found his hand trembling and needed to shake it out, before he continued to work.

      Smelt, Vortex commented about the Autobot medic again, well.. all he could do now is listen and watch to see what Darkstar would do, now that he's heard it.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught dips his head to Goth, rumbling his approval and appreciation of Goth allowing him to stay. He lets Vortex talk, murmuring softly as he continues rubbing the rotory's back. "Of course you laughed, I doubt they did anything to you that was worse than some of the things you've done to yourself," he says, more audibly. "There's not an interrogator forged who could break you."

Onslaught listens to Blast Off's recitation, nodding his understanding and/or approval in some places and grunting his disapproval at others. Though his disapproval doesn't seem directed at Blast Off. "...Pharma," he says, noticing Goth's reaction. "You're aware of this so-called medic, I take it?"

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar grins at Onslaught's allowance. Good, this was good... He really did want to hear stories of the hard time the two combaticons did in Autobot lock-up, and had been waiting for some time for this. The Major was a mech he was growing to like more and more come to think of it, though he seemed a bit soft at times there were other instances that totally redeemed him.

    "Oh, Vortex... I knew they'd never break \*you\*," he says, clearly on the same page as Onslaught, although there seemed to be some underlying meaning to the way that Darkstar spoke. There would be no elaboration however, no sir! He was in combaticon territory after all. "Suprised they gave you rotors to begin with though," he laughs. "And \*good\*. I'm sure they couldn't get enough of \*that\*," the spacer would muse, as that's one thing interrogators absolutely adore-- when you laugh.

    Blast Off's retelling of events was certainly not all that there was to the story. When Sky Lynx came to Kolkular Prison and razed it to the ground Blast Off was there...and somehow managed to remain unscathed throughout the battle even though he was one of the first Decepticons that the massive Autobot space dragon had seen. So many things about those two were odd... Still, it wasn't worth commenting on. "Huh, so that's that, eh? You went in...tried to escape...got questioned... Blah blah blah, Pharma... And then we got you out." Something suggested that Darkstar was hoping for more, but the mech shrugged and laid back down with a quiet vented sigh. Oddly enough he doesn't say anything about Starlock, not that he had any reason to right...?

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex just quietly whispers something else to Onslaught, before being still and complient. "Yeah a boxa rotors. From Juris probably. She visited too and told me shed bring them. Course they brought them when I could see them. Just out of reach. But couldnt touch them. Thats a torture method that even I nod to." He says softly. "Pharma has to die, ok, Darkstar. Pharma. Has. To die." he turns to stare at Onslaught. "M' tired boss. Permission t' offline or somethin? Processor's kill me and Im tired of denying HUD messages."

**Goth has posed:**
     "Hmph... One of their higher-ranking medical officers, I've.. met Pharma, a few times, on the battlefield, slippery seeker." He'd explain. "I do not know much of him, other than what I've been told." He'd nod. It seems whatever was going on with Goth, wasn't from Pharma, it was becoming very apparent that the Bat had retreated deep, deep into his thoughts. "Should recharge Vortex." He'd state softly.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught tenses as Vortex murmurs to him, his head swivels toward Blast Off, optics flickering between dimming from concern and brightening from anger. "Permission granted, Vortex," he says. "Rest for now, you've done well." He stays with Vortex until the other mech is fully off-line and in a rest cycle. "I see. I'd like to know more about this Pharma." Vortex's reaction isn't typical -- well, ok, yes, Vortex has frequently said that individuals need to die but he's usually a lot cheerier about their need to meet their ultimate demise. This level of seriousness is significant. "Can we charge him while he rests? It's probably the easiest way to make sure he's fully refueled, to be honest."

Onslaught looks again over at Blast Off, studying the shuttleformer the way he usually studies a battlemap. His optics are still cycling between concern and anger though an occassional flicker of what might be fear appears for nanoticks. "Blast Off, what's your assessment of Pharma? Darkstar? What do you know about him? I need information."

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off looks over to Darkstar and simply resplies, "Yes. That's it." His voice is flat and still a bit hoarse. He listens to Vortex and nods. "Pharma \*does\* need to die, yes. Count me in." Then his face pinches some, "The Juris thing was... odd. I don't know how she got weapons to him in Garrus-1, she must have some high clearance. She's... dangerous." Then Tex needs recharge and Blast Off thinks that sounds right. "Yes, Vortex, recharge would be an excellent idea." He pauses as if wnating to add something to that, but then doesn't.

Then he can feel that gaze on him again. Blast Off tenses slightly, looking straight ahead. "Uh. He... is considered some sort of esteemed medic in the Autobot ranks. Is secretly involved with shady things like... the Institute. He... " He stops, not really caring to talk about an attempted spark extraction in front of Darkstar. "I've had the misfortune of running into him a few times. Pharma seems sadistic, clever, appearing as an upstanding officer to the masses while running secret underground schemes. Including the whole "poison the wine" fiasco several mechs, Autobot and Decepticon, got wind of not long ago."

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar barks a laugh, "HAH!" They actually dangled rotors just out of Vortex's reach. Those 'Bots really did put their all into the processor games, so it was no surprise that Vortex for all of his wear and tear seemed to actually have something comparable to a fairly good time. As Heli-Bot is dismissed, Darkstar offers a mock-salute to the mech. "Yeah, let's have us a good chat about that Pharma fella... You say he needs to die? Heh... Probably how it needs to be. Just tell me he's a worthy combatant, and we'll see what we can do. Happy recharge, Blades..."

    "Just as much in the dark as you, Major. Never faced 'im on the battlefield before. Few reports here an' there, but when I say few... I mean few." Looking away from his datapad, Darkstar's optics fell upon Goth and there was a brief flash. Yeah, he was definitely going to have to find out what that look was all about. "...Private Goth. I'd think your spark would be more lit after your...'bestie' came back in one piece." The space-alt would go on to study the mechabat, ridges ever so slightly narrowed.

    Goth is spared then, as Blast Off mentions The Institute, and Darkstar's attention was now solely focused onto the other spacer. The more that Blast Off talks of the Autobot medic, the more Darkstar's expression grows in amusement. "Frag it... Why not just offer 'im a job instead?"

**Vortex has posed:**
Vortex simply lets go once given permission. He limpens, falling back into a deep recharge cycle as his internal repair systems have had enough of him being alert and conscious for the time being. He is very still, except for his normal nightmare induced twitches, but even those are few and far between. he's out pretty cold the rest of the night.

**Goth has posed:**
     "Ahhh, right, he is the Autobot that has violated this.. Tyrist accord, if I recall." He'd murmur in thought, as he recalled some of what Buzzsaw had said, and the talks at the jump joint.

      "Yes.. Yes, can do that for him while he rests." Goth nodded to Onslaught, before there was a pause, a dangerous one as Goth's optics deepened to a shade of familiar dark red that lit up his bio-lights. Goth would lean back in his chair, and cross his legs, and brought his hands together quietly in thought.

**Swindle has posed:**
Swindle collapsed soon after getting back from rescuing his combatibros, and wakes up on a repair table. And he's getting fixed! At least it's not like being a human waking up from anasthesia during surgery. His optics have trouble focusing at first so he doesn't yet know who he has to thank for the ongoing repair.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught's wheels spin, revving in his foot wells. "I think not, Darkstar," he says. "Though, I'm sure there are others who would agree with your assessment, I would rather not have to share a base with a reprobate like that." Which, considering who Onslaught \*does\* choose to hang out with, is probably saying something about how much of a mir'osik he considers Pharma to be.

When he's sure Vortex is in a good, stable rest cycle, he lowers Vortex to the table and steps away, moving toward Blast Off with purpose. Reaching the shuttle's berth, he reaches out and puts his hands on Blast Off's shoulders and studies him carefully. His vocalizer clicks as if he's just on the verge of saying something but the words won't come. Not even via private radio. "

OOC Note: Mir'osik = slag-head.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off gives Darkstar a scathing look at his suggestion. "NO." He states emphatically. With some venom. He'll never forgive the mech who tried to extract his spark. "He's not trustworthy." That's why, yeah. He turns to watch Vortex slip into recharge and finds himself smiling softly once more under the faceplate. He's thankful Vortex will be okay. He looks up to Goth, "Thank you."

As Swindle wakes up, the shuttleformer looks his way. "Good to see you," he says warmly. Then Onslaught appears to think the same way about Pharma and the sniper nods his head in agreement, see? Onslaught agrees! When his Commander approaches he tenses slightly again, then stills as Onslaught places his broad hands on his sweeping shoulders. The shuttleformer stares up at his leader, almost expectantly... then he settles a little as he realizes no words are coming. Instead, he simply lets his interior engines purr for an astrosecond before quieting, a shuttle-ese sort of acknowledgement -and sign of trust.

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Well, it was a good thing that such decisions weren't up to any of those currently residing in the medical bay... Maybe Soundwave would have a different perspective, or Shockwave. Hah, Shockwave. Darkstar sees that he's outnumbered for the time being, and rather than fight about it he chooses the incognito approach. A shrug is offered to the others, and he agrees with them for now. "Yeah, you're probably right... Especially when it comes to that whole bit about him bein' \*untrustworthy\*," the space-alt notes. Right Blast Off? Untrustworthy mechs should never have a place within the DECEPTICONS.

    Swindle's awakening goes unnoticed by Darkstar, who was busy staring at Blast Off with so many questions flooding his processor. "So, we're not offering him a job... How about we imprison 'im, and force the mech to work for us under the heel and the whip? Don't need a lotta trust in anything other than a healthy fear of pain an' dismemberment then."

**Goth has posed:**
     That would of been Goth who tended to those not in serious danger, while letting Dustoff work on those more serious, right now the bat beast-former wasn't looking very happy as he kept silent in his thoughts, lacing his fingers together in front of his face plate. One large ear would twitch towards Blast off, and he'd look up, his optics fading back to their forest green color.

      "Hm? Ah, quite welcome." He'd respond, breaking from his murderous train of thoughts.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught's vocalizer stops clicking. There's a burst of static before he speaks. "No deals," he says, softly. "If they bring Pharma in, I'll tear him apart myself and scatter the pieces. I will crush his spark under my tires."

**Darkstar has posed:**
    Darkstar chuckles and groans. "No deals, he says... Whatever," the mech wouldn't press the issue, not here and not now anyway. This was certainly the wrong group to talk to about doing anything but permanently offlining Pharma. "Lookin' forward to seeing him \*crushed\* beneath your tires, Major. Hopefully sooner than later..."

**Blast Off has posed:**
"Uh..." The shuttleformer blinks at Darkstar's suggestion of enslavement, then looks up to Onslaught... he can answer that one. Aaand he does. Very well then. He nods in sync with his Boss. YEAH, THAT.

He looks up, still not in any hurry to change any of this as long as Onslaught's near. But- he is getting sleepy himself. He nods to Goth, then glances to Vortex, before finally looking up at Ons again, optics growing dim. "Maybe... I should recharge, too, Sir." There's a pause, then he remembers. "...Onslaught."

**Swindle has posed:**
"Did anyone get the serial number of that truck?" Swindle murmurs as he holds his head with one hand. Some of the damage seemed to have muddled his circuits a bit. "We won, right? Please tell me we won."

**Goth has posed:**
     "You did." The beast former would reply, standing up, and transforming into his much more comfortable bat mode, before gesturing over to the resting Vortex and soon-to-be resting Blast off, Goth would look swindle over in interest, hemming. "I don't believe we have met, I'm Private Goth, Science officer, and medical Assistant to Lieutenant Dustoff." As well as his boyfriend! but that was for him to find out later.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught grunts and nods. "Pharma's first, then Sky Lynx," he says, looking into the middle distance. "Of course," he says to Blast Off. "You should rest. We will talk later, Lieutenant. We have much to discuss, it seems." He drops his hands from Blast Off's shoulders, then turns on his heel. "Of course we won, Swindle. We are Combaticons, we cannot be thwarted by mere prison guards. We do not give up, we do not surrender."

Ok, that's pretty much a lie since even Onslaught can agree that the better part of valor can include a strategic surrender. Let the enemy waste resouces repairing you, then tear their walls down from this inside as you leave -- but today, he's apparently got a reason to be up on his detergent container about keeping calm and carrying on. "Gentlemen, I have matters I need to attend to. I apologize for departing."

**Darkstar has posed:**
    "Bet ya' never thought when you finally got offlined permanently the afterlife would look just like th' Decepticon repair bay. Guess which afterlife \*this\* is..." Darkstar cackles in response to Swindle, still laying back comfortably on a medberth with a datapad held in front of his optics.

    Wow, Onslaught... No wonder Darkstar likes you. "Major," he says in acknowledgement of the Combaticon CO's departure, his optics still glued to his reading. "Happy Recharge... We'll hafta get in s'more training soon, Blasty. 'Specially the hand ta' hand stuff, cuz mech you are \*terrible\*..." Darkstar being Darkstar, the spacer's grin was overwhelming.

**Blast Off has posed:**
Blast Off finds himself chuckling briefly at Swindle's question, nodding as Onslaught assures the conmech that they did indeed win. He's smiling under the faceplate as he looks up at his Commander... though the mention of Sky Lynx causes a slight glitch in that smile, as does the mention of talking later. ...Right. When he will probably have to \*really\* tell him what happened. How Blast Off messed up SO badly. But for now, he nods as Onslaught prepares to leave. "Thank you." Then the shuttleformer settles in to attempt to recharge himself.

**Onslaught has posed:**
Onslaught grunts, giving a gruff wave as he leaves. 'You're welcome, we'll talk later," he says. "Gentlemechs, good cycle to you."