1361/Therapy at the Red Guardian

Cast of Characters: | Prowl, Optimus Prime, Nightlash, Repugnus, Starlock, 130

**Prowl has posed:**
    It's hard, maybe even impossible, to get Prowl to do anything exclusively to 'relax' or 'socialize'. That is, unless you're his direct superior. And since he's S.i.C that qualifies one person and one person only: Optimus Prime himself. Because he's certainly not one to disobey orders or disrespect the chain of command.

    So here he is, sitting at a table at the Red Guardian, waiting for Optimus to show up and quietly grumbling to himself about the whole ordeal. He peers idly at the menu and sighs. What a waste of time this was.

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
Walking into the establishment is none other than Optimus Prime. A fairly recognizable figure, his presence alone elicits looks and uncomfortable glances. Ignoring all of that, Optimus looks for the one person who should be here, and there he was.

Moving to the table, Optimus Prime looks at Prowl, a note of amusement in his voice. "Ah, my friend. You came after all. Thank you. I think you need some time to relax. You have been working too hard, and it shows in your...mood." Prime takes the seat across from Prowl, and adds, "Fnd anything interesting on that?" Optimus points at the menu.

**Starlock has posed:**
     Starlock is in her own booth near the window with her sketchpad out, drawing away on the screen, she has some ener-goodies and a drink nearby... Only reason she likely hadn't notice Prowl (and now Optimus) was because she was engrossed in her drawing, her back was turned to them, and she had loud music blasting in her audials from her datapad...That or she didn't see it as strange at all, but it was likely it was everything else. She was off duty for the moment, so was enjoying her time out.

**Prowl has posed:**
    Indeed, Prime's presence draws some attention, although not too many people are shocked to see him here. Not Prowl though. Of course he's late. This isn't mentioned, though. The strategist sighs. "I've been working as much as is necessary." he responds in his usual expressionless tone, putting the menu down. Starlock's presence is noted briefly before he turns back to Optimus. "We're living in a demanding time."

    Pax knows him well enough to tell that something's been eating at him, more than usual, that is. Prowl doesn't usually -look- happy, of course. Which is why it's hard for most people to read him at all. But if anyone can do it, it's Prime.

**Repugnus has posed:**
Repugnus is here at the Inn. In his own devious way, he'd heard word Optimus Prime and Prowl were meeting here. Seeing Starlock, as well, the Monsterbot approaches her table and sits across from her, uninvited, facing Optimus Prime and Prowl. "Whatcha got going there, babe?" he asks after her engrossment. He addresses her, but keeps his audials focused on Optimus Prime and Prowl. This could be quite interesting...

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
"Ah. Working as much as necessary. That sounds like a cover for working too much. As we all do, my friend." Optimus sits back, and looks around, taking note of everyone present. His visual receptors land on Starlock first, then Repugnus as he approaches Starlock.

"Interesting..." Optimus says that, to Prowl of course, but also at the other two meeting. He turns his attention back to Prowl fully. "We are living in a demanding time. I would say, and fascinating time."

Prime points to Prowl's chest, and asks, "Tell me, Prowl, what is on your mind? You seem...apprehensive. You can always talk to me."

**Starlock has posed:**
     Starlock catches sigh of Repug and doesn't take much for her to know what he's saying and cringes, she'd take out her audial phones, which are indeed, blasting loud, fast pace music. "/Don't/ call me that." She'd say dryly, pointing a finger at him, her look at Pug being unamused. "Starlock ,or even just Star, or lock will do." She'd huff, relaxing as she went back to drawing.

      "My Sketch pad, I like to draw whenever I can... Helps me keep my mind straight sometimes."

**Prowl has posed:**
    "Hmph, not all of us." Prowl mutters, as he also notes Repugnus' entry and approach to Starlock, but perhaps a bit more astutely. He's always keeping an optic on that one. "Interesting?" he asks, quirking a brow. "What's interesting?" Was he referring to the current situation, or something else more specific?

    At the question, he shrugs a bit and leans back in his seat slightly. "My job is to do everything you can't do." he remarks. "What do you -think- is on my mind?"

**Nightlash has posed:**
From outside, there's...a peculiar sound. Like...a roar. A very loud one, coupled with a soft THWOOOM, a boom, and a crash, and then the sound of...metal skidding along.

And then silence, for at least a fair few moments before Nightlash strides in, dusting herself off and grinning a bit. "Whelp, settles that... totally can land without gear if I want to..." She huffs a bit. Who is she talking to? ...probably the drone over her shoulder that hovers along behind.

And then she spies others. "Oh...right, Hi!" She grins. "Just...here for a drink. Um...don't...y'know, mind...me. Or the ...uh, skidmarks outside. Or... y'know what! Drink." She nods curtly and heads towards a table.

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Most of Operations can likely sympathize with that definition of 'working just enough'. But while there's a break in the nearly constant activity Hoist has come down to the Inn to unwind for the certainly to be limited amount of time. Mental stability is just as important as physical after all. That and he just enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere.

Somehow his arrival happens to be after whatever happened outside, which might be why he's walking in sort of sideways while looking back out the door. "Why does it look like an aircraft tried t'use the road as a landing stripe with a broken landing apparatus?.."

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
As Nightlash arrives, followed by Hoist, Optimus pauses in what he was going to say to Prowl for a few seconds, letting the commotion die down to the point where his fellow Autobot can actually hear what he has to say. "Interesting as in, we are constantly at war. It makes life NOT boring." Optimus shakes his head at Prowl and adds, "I just hate losing anyone, as I know you don't. I think what is on your mind is something deeper than you would ever talk about."

Optimus leans back now, although he is also keeping an eye on the others present in the bar, especially Repugnus. "You are also stressed about coordinating this situation, dealing with the items that I can't take care of, and generally feeling over worked and...underpaid." That last was said with another note of amusement. "You have a lot on your mind."

**Repugnus has posed:**
The commotion outside draws an irritated glance from Repugnus, but then, he turns back to Starlock, "Alright, babe," he replies, "Star, it is." A server has come to take their order.

"Hard energon with a dash of coolant for me. Engex Sunrise for the lady," he says. He listens closely to Prowl and Prime, deeply interested in whatever juicy information he could aquire.

**Prowl has posed:**
    Prowl arches a brow at Nightlash's arrival, but he can't say he's surprised by her antics. Still, she's come pretty far, in his opinion. He shakes his head, scoffing slightly at Optimus' response. "I'd take boring over chaos and destruction any cycle." he replies, folding his arms.

    "A fair if generalized guess." The strategist responds, nodding at the postulations, which he'd figured Prime would've said something to that effect. Then he sighs. "You know me, Pax. I almost never question my decisions, not even a vorn after the fact. But lately..." he trails off, shaking his head again.

**Starlock has posed:**
     And without missing a beat, Stalrock looks back hearing Hoist. "Nightlash." She says as both a greeting, and an explanations ...Fairly she probably does have broken landing gear, knowing her. She did also give a two finger salute in greeting to the two, and a grin, only to flinch at being called 'babe' once more and knitted her ridges, shaking her helm-- Oh hey there's Optimus and Prowl.. Oh boy.

      She then looked back to Pug and raised a ridge, but nods. "Thank you, Pug." She's off duty, she doesn't have to refer to him by his rank.

**Nightlash has posed:**
Nightlash huhs? "Broken? Naw, totally just testing things..." She orders a drink and smiles some, raising a lighthearted toast to...whatever is rattling around in her head before drinking it all in one go. "Mmf... wait," she looks towards Prowl and Optimus. "I heard destruction... what're we talking about?"

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Oh wow, Optimus Prime is here.
... Oh WOW, PROWL is here. Who managed to drag his bumper out of his office for something that wasn't work or a mission?! Probably Optimus, as they're sitting together. Or they're possibly discussing something that doesn't need to be kept super confidential. Which is why Hoist politely waves in their direction but doesn't intrude.

That and Nightlash's response garners his attention quickly after. He peers at her for a moment, like he suspects that's not 100% the truth, but you work around the likes of Wheeljack enough and you come to just accept there being some overlap between 'accident' and 'testing'. "If you say so, lass." He'd rather go get something to drink than try to needle it out of her, he's not that sort of mech. A wave is tossed in the direction of Starlock and Repugnus as he wanders over to the bar. Yes, even Repugnus. Hoist is the guy that's nice to pretty much everyone, remember?

**Repugnus has posed:**
"You're welcome," he says at what approaches, for him, a syrupy response, which only serves to come out rancid at its edges, "What are you drawing?" Hoist and Nightlash don't warrant a greeting from the Monsterbot. He smiles... but not completely for the femme sitting across from him. So, the Autobot Second is doubting himself... As for chaos and destruction, Repugnus could happily live with those, any cycle.

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
"Yes, I can drink to boring and predicatable, but we are not in that reality." Looking to his left at all the new arrivals, Optimus Prime shakes his head. "Busy day in here it seems. The walls have ears of course." That last was obvious code for "be careful what you say" but he knew Prowl already knew that anyway.

"I figured it was something like that Prowl." Optimus nods, sagely, and takes a moment before pontificating. "We all have these brief moments in time where we begin to question ourselves. You are one of the most confident sentients I know. Believe in yourself, and your troops, and you will find courage and strength. You are doing an excellent job, and everyone knows it."

Optimus pauses, as he waves the server over. "You are one of my most trusted Autobots, and a true friend. I have complete and utmost confidence in you. Always." As the server arrives, Optimus leans forward, and says, "Drinks are on me my friend."

**Prowl has posed:**
    Of course Prowl knows better. He glances around, noting Hoist as well. And of course Optimus has confidence in him, otherwise he wouldn't be second hand mech. This is all the typical stuff Pax would say, though. "I know everyone does. But this time...people have been murdered under my watch, Prime. Through means -I- created. Not that they were innocent, but that didn't make it just."

**Starlock has posed:**
     "Objects mostly, some busts of bots seated around, mostly just practice stuff." She'd nod to Pug. "So how are you doing Hoist? Lash?" She'd ask with a smile, she seemed at ease for a change, not as highly strung as she'd been before, she wasn't paying to close attention to Prowl and Prime, mostly cause eavesdropping was /rude./

**Nightlash has posed:**
Nightlash ehs. "Doing well enough... was just talking to Ol' Doubtful here," he jerks a thumb at her drone, "about emergency landings and controllability and...well, I showed 'em! But, anyway," she shrugs slightly, "I...oh! Yeah, wandered around the uh...um...that...that... thing outside of Mac's. Interesting place, but...probably most assuredly some kinda trap so I left."

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
"Yes, I can see how that would make you upset, and anything I could say would not make you feel better except this - you didn't do it. You didn't commit the murder. If I create a rocket, it is not my fault when it blows up an enemy. We all do our jobs. The consequences of events, even if catastrophic, were not your fault."

Prime takes a moment to look at his number two. "I understand the emotions you are feeling. I have been in a similar situation where my actions caused the indirect deaths of others. It is never easy to shoulder that burden." Another pause. "If you need some time off, we can see about finding someone to step into your role, temporarily."

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Once he's got his drink (energex with just a twist of oil in it, pretty low key compared to what a lot of Bots drink to unwind) Hoist meanders over to where Starlock is already sitting and others have gathered around her. Repugnus probably doesn't mean too much trouble, but at the same time he's the sort you don't want to leave alone with other sentients for -too- long.

He does glance over Starlock's shoulder for a moment as he takes a seat for himself. "Looks like the practice is paying off lass. Keep at it."

**Prowl has posed:**
    Emotions? Time off? Those are two things Prowl just doesn't understand well. But he shakes his head at the suggestion of time off.

    "No." he says resolutely. "It wouldn't help anything. I just need to be more particular about who gets assigned sensitive and/or dangerous projects from now on." he insists.

    "But don't let that keep you from drinking." he remarks, gesturing at Optimus' engex.

**Starlock has posed:**
     "With how messed up my hands keep getting in fights, I need to keep the exercise up, else probably lose all ability to draw or use them right." She'd chuckle. "Took forever to get that twitch I had from where Buzzsaw pierced my spark casing, to stop." she'd say so casually with a smile and a huff.

      Starlock then looked over to Lash and knitted her ridges. "Oh yeah.. Just what /was/ that place anyway? didn't sound like any ol' burned out place from what I gathered over the radio." She'd ask Nightlash, she'd noticed there was no report ether, so maybe it was nothing?

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Hoist glances at the two femmes with a curious tilt of his head. "More Mimic nonsense?", he asks, though he's pretty sure that's already the known answer.

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
"Very well then Prowl." Optimus lifts his engex, and pushes it closer to Prowl. "To the end of the war." Waiting for his friend to reply, Optimus nods, and when done, takes a "drink" of the fluid. "I thought we would be done with this mess by now. Ah well. Tomorrow is a better day. If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me."
Optimus takes a moment to look around, at Starlock and Repugnus. Then, Hoist and Nightlash. "I see why you like this place. It is a nice one to relax. Just what the Doctor ordered, especially for some." Prime looks back at Prowl, letting the Autobot know full well who he meant. "We should make this a regular trip. Therapy we can call it."

**Nightlash has posed:**
Nightlash says, "I'unno... lotta tunnels, looked like something lived down there, though. Kinda cool in the creepy sorta way." She pulls out a datapad and slides it over to Starlock to replay video of the winding tunnels and such. "Looked like it was set up to be a thing, but...eh, I didn't go too far in. I don't like getting stuck in places like that... the gravlift was pretty neat to get in, though.""

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Hoist leans over to look at the datapad as well, rubbing his chin with a hand thoughtfully. "A network of tunnels would explain how he keeps moving around without anybot seeing him until he actually starts his antics, or has already vacated the location." Tries to subdue a shudder. "Don't blame ya for not wanting to wander too deep alone, Lass. Who knows what else lurks down there."

**Prowl has posed:**
    Prowl holds his drink up to Optimus' somewhat reluctantly and takes a meager sip. "Right, to the end of the war." he repeats, sounding less than enthusiastic. Though he rarely ever sounds enthusiastic about -anything-.

    He shrugs at the latter comment, and scoffs a bit. "Therapy? Hmph. Are you suggesting I'm not in my right mind?"

**Starlock has posed:**
     Starlock frowns as she watches the video, and then Hoist chimes in about Mimic. "...Does look pretty similar to the bunker we looked over...An Hoist is right, S'good you didn't go in to deep alone." She'd rub at the back of her helm. "Scrap..." She'd knit her ridges in thought. "Should make a report on this Lash, Considering what the crack-pot is trying to do.. How did you find that place or know it was there?" She'd ask, only for something really late to come to her mind.

      "Also you named your Drone?" She'd grin, a little bit proud to hear that.

**Repugnus has posed:**
Repugnus has been listening to Prowl and Prime. He scoffs inwardly. Prowl upset, at the cost of a few lives?! "No wonder we haven't won the war," Repugnus mutters to himself. He takes a drink, the concoctions having arrived. His thoughts turn to how he might exploit Prowl's weakness... but outwardly, "Hey Babelock, lemme see that for a moment," Pug indicates her drawing with a claw.

**Nightlash has posed:**
Nightlash hmms? "Report?" She shrugs. "I...guess I could..." She grumbles. "As for...finding it, uh...well, while Blurr was tormenting Blast Off and Vortex in Mac's, the drone saw it and...well, I just decided to take a look." She chuckles softly and eyes the drone carefully. "And...name it? I... um. No...? I probably could..." She then looks at Repugnus and just...blinks as Starlock gets motioned over by the other mech.

**Optimus Prime has posed:**
Optimus Prime laughs. Now that is something not heard in a very, very long time. If anyone in the room knew the sentient, they would be shocked! "Indeed my friend! None of us are in our "right minds" elsewise, why would be all be fighting, when we could all be enjoying recreation on a luxury moon in the next quadrant?"

Optimus finishes off his drink, and stands up. "This was a good idea. I am glad I was in my right mind when I thought of it. Therapy it is. Just don't tell Ratchet, he'll be all in a huff, thinking I was writing prescriptions." Optimus moves to stand beside Prowl. Placing his right hand on the Autobot's right shoulder, he says, "Remember. It was not your fault." Pat, pat. "Now, back to work. See you tomorrow my friend." With that, Optimus takes a few seconds to acknowledge everyone present with a nod, and a wave, and then exits the bar.

**Prowl has posed:**
    Prowl arches a brow at Optimus when he laughs at the question. It was an honest, serious question. Right, Ratchet. "When is he -not- in a huff?" Also an honest, serious question.

    When Prime gets up and pats him, he doesn't really say anything, just watches the mech leave. He sits there in silence for a few moments, watching the others, before he also takes his leave to return to the Decagon.

**Repugnus has posed:**
Repugnus watches the boss leave. The Monsterbot's mind is turned to Starlock, and to Prowl. A parallel line of reasoning makes Repugnus positively beam. To express such a sentiment here would be foolish. What if Prowl was lying? Repugnus loved such mental games.

He takes another drink, waiting for Starlock.

**Starlock has posed:**
     "Are you serious?" Starlock asks flatly at Repug before sighing. She pushes the sketch pad over, her fingers not lifting off it. She then looks to Nigthlash and sighs. "Why does he keep taunting them? He's going to get really badly shot one these days." She'd sigh, and shook her helm. "All the same.. good job." She'd smile softly, and tilted her helm again.

      "Oh, I thought you did by what you called it on coming in." She'd nod.

      There are drawings of things from the table, a small sketch of the room itself, a few of the random patrons, some having left already.

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
"Should probably send a more thorough scouting party down, though by this point there's probably not much left. But the only way to know for sure..." Hoist lets that linger a moment, then shrugs. "Enough shop talk I say." He settles back in his seat and takes a long draw from his drink.

**Repugnus has posed:**
Repugnus looks at the sketch pad appreciatively, "Mmmhmm!" he comments. Using his clawed finger as a stylus, he scribbles out a drawing of a monster with Big Nasty Teeth. It looks hastily done, and nowhere near as good as Starlock's patient artwork. He signs it "PUG" and draws a technoheart after it.

**Nightlash has posed:**
Nightlash watches the big bosses as whatever they were talking on seems to be wrapped up and done...and then looks back at the talks about drone names and other such things. "Huh? Oh...naw, calling it names and naming it are two completely different things." She chuckles a bit.

**Starlock has posed:**
     Starlock frowns at the drawing, though she does give pause, looking at it, it wasn't on her other drawings, so... Deciding to actually keep it, saving it.

**Repugnus has posed:**
Repugnus grins toothily at Starlock. "Starbabe," he regards the medic as he gets up from the table and leaves.

**Hoist (130) has posed:**
Hoist just shakes his head a bit at Repugnus' 'art' and says nothing while working on his drink.