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[ The transmission comes secure on a neutral Cybertronian frequency, directed to Ratchet. ]

Ratchet, is it? The Autobot CMO? I'd heard you were on this planet.

I want to see if you're taking patients. I need some medical assistance, and I've heard you're very good. Maybe we can meet sometime to discuss it further.

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[ Well, Knock Out had to know that lie wouldn't last forever. But it had at least gotten Ratchet to see him, so it was worth it. He looks a little annoyed at being called out on it, though, rolling his optics slightly. ]

No, but you Autobots have human allies. I don't like the idea of being defenseless against the most populous intelligent creature on this planet, and it was them that did it to me.

Mmmm.

[Ratchet narrows his optics slowly, and tucks the detailed copy of the code away.]

No, Knock Out, sorry--this is beyond my area of expertise. I don't believe I can help you.

[ um excuse me ]

You can't, or you won't?

[Ratchet just meets his optics, his gaze very level.]

If that's all, I believe I'll take my leave. Sorry to have wasted your time.

[ Knock Out's optics go flat, and he sure as hell doesn't get out of Ratchet's way. Yeah, he doesn't buy that you're sorry at all, Ratchet. ]

At least give me the scan.

[Ratchet hesitates and considers refusing... but decides it isn't worth it. He double-checks to make sure he has a local copy before he hands it over, his lips pressed to a thin line.]

Fine. You get some actual useful data, and it's just my time that was wasted, then. Whatever. Am I permitted to leave, or are you going to stab me predictably in the back now?

[ Knock Out looks visibly relieved when Ratchet hands it over, although he lets out a little scoff of a laugh. Better that one of them get something out of this than nobody. Don't be so spiteful, Ratchet. ]

I told you, this has nothing to do with my being a Decepticon or your being an Autobot. Sorry to disappoint you, Doctor, but I'm afraid the end of today's meeting will be rather anticlimactic.

[ He pauses a moment, though, regarding Ratchet quite...seriously, actually. ]

There's just one more thing I'd like to ask you about. And it's not on my behalf, this time.

Oh? [Ratchet pauses, rolling his optics.] Yes, what favor do you think I'm going to do you out of the sweet kindness of my Autobot spark now? I'm curious.

I said I'd be willing to discuss compensation, didn't I?

[ Knock Out looks a lot less flippant now, though; his expression has a sense of urgency to it. This isn't more important than getting his brain fixed, but it ranks very highly nonetheless. ]

My partner has also suffered considerably at the hands of this planet's natives. For two years he was held by an organization known as TRIDENT, and if you think badly of Decepticon hospitality --

[ He scoffs again, more harshly this time. ]

What they did was torture. He came back missing an awful lot of himself -- I've replaced what I could with what I have on hand, but I don't have a fully stocked medibay on this planet, and he's still missing an optic. I don't want you to do anything -- I just want the necessary materials to fix him. I'm not looking for favors. I'll pay you for it. I just want to fix him.

[Ratchet watches Knock Out narrowly, taking in the shift in his demeanor and his intent expression.]

And what would be in it for me?

[ Knock Out cycles air through his vents, still looking intently at Ratchet. He knows Ratchet may refuse, and then he'd be out two for two. ]

What do you want?

I'm the one who has something you want, isn't that right?

[Ratchet settles back on his heels, crossing his arms and watching Knock Out closely.]

Go on. Impress me.

[ wow, ratchet, you're just not going to make this easy at ALL

Knock Out is super not in the mood for dragging things out, though; he's a little impatient and urgent right now. ]

I might not have a fully stocked medibay, but the Conquest is much richer in resources than your camp is. I could get you supplies -- energon, raw materials, spare parts, I might even have access to some tools you don't. I'm sure we can work out some kind of trade.

I might be able to take a look, see if there's something we could use. ...whatever information on TRIDENT you have would be appreciated, also.

[Ratchet looks hard at Knock Out, hesitating.]

And I'm going to need more information about your partner if I'm going to make the parts to the correct specifications. It'd be fastest and easiest if I could meet him in person and do the repairs myself.

[ Knock Out doesn't really mind giving intel on TRIDENT -- that doesn't exactly put the Decepticons at a disadvantage -- except where exacting his revenge is concerned. And while Ratchet certainly isn't helping, Knock Out doesn't think he's really going to get in the way, either.

He narrows his optics, though, and then he smiles -- not very amicably -- and shakes his head. ]

That's all well and fine, but I'm not asking you to make the parts. I can do that myself. I just want the raw materials. I'll handle the repairs. I'll tell you what I know about TRIDENT, and I'll toss some supplies your way, but I am not inviting you to operate.

[For a moment, Ratchet looks as though he's about to protest... but he settles and cycles his vents in a sigh, nodding.]

Yeah, all right. Just let me know what you need, I'll do the same, and we'll arrange a swap.

[ And Knock Out is...surprised. He eyes Ratchet warily, skeptically. ]

...That's it, then? No catch?

You said it yourself. It's not about factions. It's an even trade.

[Ratchet hesitates for a long moment, his face set.]

And I know what it's like. To want to fix someone and not be able to. ...I'll get you the materials. It won't take more than a day or two.

[ Knock Out watches him for a long moment, then huffs a little vent of air and nods, his face oddly neutral. ]

Mm, I suppose you would. I'll be waiting, then. You know how to reach me -- we'll set up a rendezvous.

[ He smiles then, slightly, his optics lighting up. ]

It was a pleasure doing business with you, Ratchet. A pity I didn't get to see more of your handiwork, though.

You can get a good look the next time an Autobot tries to stab you. [His voice is extremely sour.] Your lot left a hell of a mess for me to clean up.

[He shakes his head and folds back into his alt mode.]

I'll be in touch.

Yes, well, there is still a war on.

[ Knock Out doesn't look very apologetic -- maybe a little smug, but mostly neutral, surprisingly, although his optics glint brightly as he watches Ratchet transform, before doing the same himself. ]

Oh, Autobots always say they'll call. [ He laughs, engine revving. ] See you around, Ratchet.

[ And then he tears out of there with a showy squeal of his tires, hitting the open road pretty much immediately. ]

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