Lockout: A Transformers Story

Chapter 2: Reaching Out

{Hey guys, a big edit here , figured we needed some new detail regarding our little marooned Decepticons. So here it is. Something definitely needed. <3 Lock}

Millions of years had passed since the day I had been stranded on Cybertron. I was lucky to be marooned with an old commanding officer of mine, Shockwave, the Decepticon scientist. In return for saving my life, I helped him with projects, including the construction of a Space Bridge. 

My golden optics were focused on a glass of high grade, Cybertron's equal to alcohol, trying to drink myself to sleep. I had been having nightmares every night for almost a week. Drinking got me maybe... five hours of real rest. Tonight, the laboratory was silent, Shockwave had retired for the night early. Until I realized the large, broad mech was towering behind me. 

"Shockwave." I said dryly, addressing him.

"It is illogical for you to be awake this late." Shockwave's voice was dark, gravely, laced with exhaustion. "...And drinking." 

"Hardly." I spoke with a sigh of irritation. I stirred my drink, parting my purple lips and tipping my helm back, downing the liquid. I stood, turning to face him, glaring up into his optic. He was trying to intimidate me. 

"Why?"

I did not want... no, need him to know. "Don't worry about it."

The mech looked me up and down, observing me, searching for an answer. "How much have you already had?"

"Three glasses. Not enough to get me drunk. I have a high tolerance for high grade."

"You are trying to drink yourself to sleep." He spoke in a soft tone, not believing that I would. The scientist took one more step toward me, placing a hand on my chair.

"I applaud you, Commander. You figured it out." As I spoke, I began to pour another glass. 

Shockwave's antennae twitched, obviously still observing me. I was sure he was disapproving my course of action. "And why is it that you so desperately need to drink yourself to sleep? Can you not recharge normally?" His tone turned stern, laced with hints of irritation.  Our optics met once more, my own narrowing. His questions had managed to cause my spark to ache. I gripped the glass I had poured myself moments ago. 

"Shockwave-"

"Answer the question." He wasn't letting me avoid him. I set my glass down after tipping my helm back, gulping the liquid.

"Fine." I said with a controlled smile. "I have been having nightmares." Another pause. He was listening, at full attention now. "Every night for the past week." The Decepticon scientist took in what I said, silent for a few moments.

"...And you thought the most logical, appropriate solution was drinking yourself to sleep?" His tone mocking.

"And what do you suppose I do? I have tried many solutions, none of which seem to work."

The scientist was silent again, however, his next words surprised me. "You should have come to me. I could have helped you far sooner."

"What could you have done if I told you? What would you have done?" I shook my helm. "Told me it was unimportant? Brush me off for your work?" It was ridiculous to even think to go to him. "I have never once believed I could come to you. Why would I now?" He did not argue back. He knew I had a point. Shockwave always shut me out, his time was always focused on his work. Besides, he was not the emotional type. 

"Perhaps I have been somewhat... distant. I'm not used to dealing with..." He paused, thinking over his words. "Emotions."

Pushing from the chair, I stood, running a hand through my ebony locks. I didn't really know how to respond. "I don't think you can help anyway."