Synthesis (Ratchet X OC)

Chapter 2

-Taylor's Prospective-

"So I pulled up your file."

Ratchet's words caught me by surprise. Which is quite the accomplishment because I don't get surprised often; I don't like surprises. Particularly because you can't prepare for them. I took my time to formulate a response.

"Oh."

Great. Some of my anxiety started to swell. I know what's in my file, most of it is Redacted anyway. This situation isn't that bad, he'll learn me in time.

"You seem to be under high classification if most of your information is restricted."

Ratchet turned his gaze to mine once he was done speaking awaiting an answer. Logic. That's all this conversation has to be. No need to dwell on things.

"Well if you're curious about anything, shoot."

His expression turned to one of confusion.

"Why would I shoot?"

Right. Aliens from space. He probably doesn't know slang.

"It's a human expression. Basically acknowledging that if one is going to ask many questions to another go ahead."

Ratchets was unimpressed by my word choice but seemed to wave it off.

"The only inquiries I have are about your medical history. I was also wondering if you could help me understand human biology."

My curiosity peaked. The way he rushed the latter part about human biology says that he doesn't want to, so why?

"Did Optimus tell you you had to do that?"

His optics widen slightly and he looked me over. He didn't expect me to read him that fast. He remained silent after that only mumbling incoherent insults. He then resumed speaking as if nothing had happened.

"Your physical injuries, how did you obtain them? I do not know what 'volleyball' is."

He went the easy route first. The physical injuries are no big deal.

"Volleyball is a sport where a team of 6 people are tasked with keeping a ball in the air without it touching the ground on their side. They can only touch the ball in very specific ways. Anyway, between sides there is a tall net. Since I was taller than the average female in my school my task was too stand and jump at the net, to put it simply, and try to stop the ball. One instance I was jumping to my left after doing what's called a swing block and while in the air the person in the other side of the net had kicked my leg, crossing the boundary of the net. This threw off my landing and I would have broken my left ankle, which I had landed on sideways, if not for my fast reaction time of throwing the rest of my body to the floor."

I paused to make sure he was following.

"Unfortunately I received a grade 3 sprain and had damaged the tendons in my ankle. Now it is prone to pain flare-up mainly related to stress and excessive use."

Ratchet seemed to take mental notes. I'd assume he'd have questions about what tendons are and how they work.

"As for my shoulder, it is also volleyball related. It was between school seasons and I played for another team referred to as travel ball. I had previously been with the same advanced team but this year they had split the whole team up. I started to get frustrated when all the new team members would not corporate so I finally gave in and became team captain, or leader of the team."

At this point due to residual and current stress my shoulder pain ironically flared up.

"During our season we had ups and downs but as the team leader I had to set an example. Unfortunately during the end of the season it was clear that the new members where not coming together or their skills where not exactly up to par. My position at the middle of the net also requires me to be if not the strongest hitter in the team. That means to make it harder for the other side to keep the ball up we hit the ball at them really hard and fast. Whenever the team was struggling I'd push myself, a bit too far in most cases but since no one on the team did their job I had to cover for them. In turn I over time wore down my shoulder and the muscles in them. Eventually it came to a point where I couldn't even lift my right arm above my head but I still pushed through the pain. Now I pay for it. Pain frequently flares up unlike my ankle for no reason in particular but it's nothing dehabilitating."

Ending my tragic story I sighed. The next part I'm just going to glase over because even though Ratchet appears trustworthy I don't tell anyone too much about my past or myself. It just doesn't matter. In Ratchets case his questions are to determine whether I am deemed trustworthy to him.

"What is insomnia?"

Another good question.

"It is a condition where the body prevents them from sleeping. No matter how tired physically or mentally they are sleep just evades them. It is mainly due to either bad habits or a chemical imbalance within the brain. In my case I do not produce enough melatonin for my body to recognize it need to rest."

"I am assuming 'sleeping' is the human term for recharge."

Ratchet appeared to be stating his thoughts out loud. At this point his had one arm over his chest area and one under his chin in a thoughtful stance. I dreaded the next question. And mentally prepared myself for an explanation.

"I see your credentials are for fields in sciences."

The question never came. He must know what it is then. Our mental capabilities can't be too much different.

"Yes, I have a doctorate in inorganic chemistry and masters in mechanical engineering and biology."

Ratchet appeared content with my answers and resumed configuring the computer. Finally reaching the end of my interrogation. I finished my granola bar and downed it with coffee.

"Before you pester me with questions about our biology, I'd suggest you read this."

Ratchet pulled out a usb from the computer below and inserted it into a computer set up behind my chair. The monitor blinked on and diagrams full of robotic parts filled the screen. He anticipated that I'd be curious about their kind and prepared a long read for me. Most of it was in English but certain parts remained in what I assume is their own language. A small thanks was all I responded and I imminently scoured the reading.

An hour passed and I was nearly done becoming familiar with their biology when I revived an email from Fowler with details of my first assignment. Fowler detailed that the government was a profile made for each bot for their records and to keep tabs on them: due in 2 weeks time.

During the time of my readings Ratchet had calibrated the computer to his preference and summoned the other autobots into the main silo and debriefed them about internet connection and setting up com links. Might as well get these files over with so I can resume my research. It didn't take long for me to set up a template for each bot: Name, Age, Origin, physical appearance, personality, rank/role, and any extra notes. I was able to fill out most of the basic information but I still have to interview each bot for the specifics. Hopefully I can get this done fast.