Rider's Block

A multi universe, stock oriented upbeat character for the purposes of RolePlay, by Darkrider213 (Avatar image credit to the tumblr user and talented artist Relay 314) Introduction About the Character Biographies

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“What about that medic who helped you back on Cybertron?” Rider asked, walking over to where Hardwire drew on the beach, and saw he regal image of a smiling robot stare up at the sky. As the dusk faded into night, so too did Rider’s thoughts darken with Hardwire’s words.

“Well, Geardust can get help from that same person, too! That shouldn’t be an issue, but...I'm sure that he wants to live, too,” he said emphatically. “There‘s no reason why he would want to give up on everything now. Not when we‘ve all come this far. I won’t give up on him, and I wouldn‘t want Geardust to give up on himself, either.”

As Rider’s breathing slowed, he straightened himself and shot an apologetic look to Hardwire. “Sorry. I just want Geardust to be well, too...” he murmured quietly. “Just...be there, for him. Encourage him as only a brother can. The rest will support you both. I know I am,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips again.

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“I kind of find it hard to believe that I did so much, just wandering around Cybertron trying to find a way home,” Rider admitted with a soft giggle. It helped put his mind at ease, and it distracted him from the large distance between him and the ground. “I’m sure you all had some idea of a purpose for your lives before I fell in,” he half-joked, but he could not deny his own memories. He still remembered the last words that all of his companions said to him before he left through the space bridge. It was not that they lacked purpose, he began to realize; it was the hope that the purpose was good, and that it did not have to be just about killing people who disagreed with their side. It could simply be about helping one another in their pain and distress. That didn’t have anything to do with power, or the differences between robots and humans; only about love. Anybody, Rider realized, was capable of that, and that alone moved mountains.

These thoughts came to him as they reached the clearing, in the fast-fading light of the sunset, Rider could spy the alternating white lines of cresting waves upon the shore. 

“Providence is right,” Rider murmured, following his friend’s gaze up into the deepening blue sky. “This is nice…no light pollution, not as much wind chill here than on the beach. Did he bring somebody here?” the boy wondered aloud. “Maybe Geardust or Snowblind came with him.”

[thesixteenthspark]

Hardwire smiled, warmly and widely as ever.  

”Oh, Rider. I think that most of all, you gave a very diverse group of broken and disillusioned mechanicals hope. A thing easily lost as an immortal being treading through cycles upon cycles of hopelessness.” The mech noted the hard grip on his armor by the small hands that held on for balance and he slowly, gently and carefully eased himself to the ground. ”I should look into getting an alt-mode, finally! I’d so much rather give you a ride as vehicle than endangering you up high! Thoughtless Hardwire enjoys young Rider’s company on his left shoulder.” Hardwire beamed with a lighthearted chuckle. He looked up at the view of the shore, tilting his head. ”Oh! Yes, yes I imagine so. Perhaps both? My brother is so very fond of him, and so does our white mech seem to be. It’s strange, I get the feeling we’ve all met somehow, somehwere but I can’t be sure of it. Some of my memory was damaged when I fell ill with Red Rust, and my brother…well. Whatever happened to him changed him. Changed him so much. I think that the only thing that remains of the person I knew are his hands.” Hardwire paused and frowned. “Snowblind does not recognize me, nor does Providence…but, heh, I never really left our home much, back then. Perhaps I saw them through the window when I mustered enough courage to peer outside to watch Geardust leave for his daily study sessions.”

[thewanderingrider]

“Is it really?” Rider asked, half-incredulous. “All this time, I’ve had it figured that guys like you would have everything figured out. So many years to talk things through, to develop all that technology to solve all your problems. I guess it goes to show that it doesn’t,” he supposed, growing quieter. “You‘d be surprised at how often people on earth think the same way.”

The boy hopped onto the windy beach as Hardwire let him down, and he ran as far as to the line where the sand looked darker, the limits of where the waves lapped up to the shore. “Vehicles are fine and all,” he began, looking back up to Hardwire, “but I haven’t minded sitting on your shoulder too. I feel like I’m talking to another person that way. A very very tall and giant person, but you get the point,” he added sheepishly.

Rider looked at the setting sun for some time before he answered his friend with a small frown. “Really? I’d think Providence would be able to remember you if he lived well beforehand and met you before the war. Do you guys forget things as you get older? Sometimes humans do...But Geardust doesn’t seem all that different to me from what you describe of him. More moody, perhaps, and a little more tired and frustrated with, well. Everything. But he still tries his hardest, and he never turns his bitterness or his suffering on others, either. I think that says more about him than his looks, or even some of his surface behavior.”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“I kind of find it hard to believe that I did so much, just wandering around Cybertron trying to find a way home,” Rider admitted with a soft giggle. It helped put his mind at ease, and it distracted him from the large distance between him and the ground. “I’m sure you all had some idea of a purpose for your lives before I fell in,” he half-joked, but he could not deny his own memories. He still remembered the last words that all of his companions said to him before he left through the space bridge. It was not that they lacked purpose, he began to realize; it was the hope that the purpose was good, and that it did not have to be just about killing people who disagreed with their side. It could simply be about helping one another in their pain and distress. That didn’t have anything to do with power, or the differences between robots and humans; only about love. Anybody, Rider realized, was capable of that, and that alone moved mountains.

These thoughts came to him as they reached the clearing, in the fast-fading light of the sunset, Rider could spy the alternating white lines of cresting waves upon the shore. 

“Providence is right,” Rider murmured, following his friend’s gaze up into the deepening blue sky. “This is nice…no light pollution, not as much wind chill here than on the beach. Did he bring somebody here?” the boy wondered aloud. “Maybe Geardust or Snowblind came with him.”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

Rider was always surprised by Hardwire’s gentleness and poise. Snowblind had the same but it always felt more sinister. Many of the others, like Geardust and Volver, were more clumsy, and despite Providence’s best efforts his massive frame could not accommodate the tight confines of the forest.

“Here on earth we just call you guys ‘prodigies,’ which basically means easily really smart,” he commented, laughing a little.

Rider wondered if he would be able to work together one day with Hardwire as equals. He doubted his studies, even if he stayed through graduate school, would put him on an equal standing with his friend’s knowledge. Still, he hoped to work together for a common cause in some capacity. Just being here with him brought joy and a drive to keep it for as long as he lived.

He had a curious expression on his face shortly thereafter, however. “I haven’t heard of Planar, though. What is he like?”

[thesixteenthspark]

“Ah, hah! Forgive me, I forget that he goes under a new name now. Time apart from old friends will do that. I mean Disher.” Hardwire added with a giggle and slightly lopsided, playful smile. “He used to be called Planar and he was, aside from my brother, my closest and dearest friend. He is truly a brilliant mind and a scientist that values spark as much as brain module. It was in the ruins of his observatory that I found you. A place a spent a lot of time in, before the war.”

Hardwire’s voice faltered slightly. He kept striding through the forest, gently carding his long fingers through the leaves and needles of the trees that he passed. Ash, maple, birch, evergreen. He heard an identified each delicate song of the birds that he made sure to frighten as little as possible, but offered the odd robin or blue jay an apologetic look whenever he disturbed their territory.

“Nothing quite cemented the feeling of loss as returning to a place of great knowledge, a deeper understanding of our vast and magnificent cosmos…in trampled, charred ruins. I felt that…it needed to be remembered. Mourned, perhaps. I kept returning there, every day since I arrived on Cybertron. I knew that…somehow, someday, it would be important again.”

Hardwire turned to look at the human on his shoulder and smiled, his optics glowing with warmth and joy.

“I was right.”

[thewanderingrider]

“Disher?” Rider asked, racking his memory temporarily with an unfocused gaze that seemed to look up to try and find an answer. “Oh! He’s the one with Hawk, the green robot, right? He sounded old but very gentle, as I remember...”

Even through Rider’s memory-lane reverie, he did not fail to catch the falter in Hardwire’s voice. He listened to his friend’s voice growing graver, and his smile faded from sight. Hardwire seemed lost in his thoughts about nature they were surrounded by, but it seemed to mask a deeper issue. Rider did not stop to ask about what ran through Hardwire’s head. He felt more comfortable with the idea that his friend would bring up any issues that he needed to get off his chest. For now, they walked together, and for Rider that was enough.

“Important in a very strange way,” the boy replied softly. “I don’t think either of us expected this...but you were right, indeed,” he supposed, laughing a little.

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

Rider was always surprised by Hardwire’s gentleness and poise. Snowblind had the same but it always felt more sinister. Many of the others, like Geardust and Volver, were more clumsy, and despite Providence’s best efforts his massive frame could not accommodate the tight confines of the forest.

“Here on earth we just call you guys ‘prodigies,’ which basically means easily really smart,” he commented, laughing a little.

Rider wondered if he would be able to work together one day with Hardwire as equals. He doubted his studies, even if he stayed through graduate school, would put him on an equal standing with his friend's knowledge. Still, he hoped to work together for a common cause in some capacity. Just being here with him brought joy and a drive to keep it for as long as he lived.

He had a curious expression on his face shortly thereafter, however. “I haven’t heard of Planar, though. What is he like?”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“Mom’s holding up alright, but she’s a worrier,” Rider joked with a smile. The boy nestled into Hardwire’s shoulder, resting his arms over bent knees as Hardwire tread high over the wooded earth. “It’s what she does, but she’s doing okay. Working as always, but happy I’m back. The robots, she’s still figuring out how to process it. I think she’s just glad that you’re on our side. I mean, well. You know what I mean.”

Rider tried to steady his feet and stand on Hardwire’s shoulder, holding onto folded solar foils as a means of support. When he peered down at the ground far below his grip tightened instinctively, and he instantly straightened his posture and looked forward. Nope. He was not going to look that far down again. The view of the forests and the distant mountains in the sunlight looked more appealing to him anyways.

“So…what do you think of earth thus far?” he asked Hardwire. “It must feel a little small compared to Cybertron. Probably a lot more green, at least from where we are.”

[thesixteenthspark]

“I am so happy for her and you. Do give her my warmest regards and well wishes whenever you are able, my friend! I would certainly love to meet her if she ever would be willing. Then I could tell her what a fine young man she’s raised!” Hardwire gestured excitedly as he spoke with the familiar sing-song flow to his soft, melodic voice.

The two came upon a clearing as Hardwire wandered slowly through the woods, most of his frame aglow in a shimmer from how much sun he was able to absorb. He basked in it with a wide smile and watched the first signs of spring dance in the air around Rider.

“As for Earth, I daresay through all my journeys I have yet to see such a beautiful world. I understand it certainly has its geological problems, and I’ve already spent some time in my resting state to draft up plans and blueprints for devices that could aid the regions most effected by unstable weather and drought. Nothing grand that will solve a problem overnight but I was hoping to share these with someone able to use them, at least. I used to be an engineer, before the war…it is a fine feeling to put those old skills to a good use.”

[thewanderingrider]

“She might have to gather up the courage first,” Rider surmised with a giggle, amused at the scene that unfolded in his mind of how such an encounter might unfold. For some reason, he couldn’t really think of any adult he knew that would react well to giant robots.

The way that Hardwire seemed to carry himself in the sunlight made everything brighter in Rider’s eyes, and they were aglow with wonder, seeing the world like it were noontime, though the afternoon began to approach evening. As Hardwire spoke, Rider listened, and sat all the more in awe of his gentle friend. The plans reminded him of the field trips in elementary school, when he and the class were taken to see the science center.

“You’ve already thought about fixing up local problems?” Rider asked, half to himself from his incredulity. “That’s so cool! I’m sure everybody here would appreciate you for it. Though...we don’t get many droughts here. Just a lot of snow,” the boy supposed, giggling again. “Now California, THEY could use your help!”

[aflockofhalcyons]

[ FELLOW HUNTER ( Rider ) ]:

Rider grimaced behind his helmet in apology, and shook his head. “It’s more oriented towards threat detection, not general scanning.”

A pause, and then a thought came to the young bounty hunter, and he began scan the walls and the exposed bulkheads with greater curiosity. “Well, I bet we could find our way if we find any sparking wires. It’d mean there’s still a current running through it, and we could try to follow the circuit to any connecting databanks.”

Out of the corner of his eye he looked at the red ring, noticing its hovering presence by Icarus’s side at all times. He felt tempted to ask about it, but his inexperience kept his mouth shut.

“So how did you get into this business, anyhow? Have you done this for a long time?” he asked instead, his gaze still fixed on their surroundings.

He’s probing you for information. Do not give him any.

Karan hisses in a sparking sound and ripples her HUD. Cynara ignores them both to examine the hall they pace through, trailing scaffolding and outcropping until she spots breaches in the thick-plated metal. Just as the other hunter had suggested, there’s a indent, with shredded pieces in a frozen splash around it, and it spits sparks. The huntress comes to stop, and stares into the hole. 

In a moment, Karan and her have both separately crossed out several possibilities for a cause, and identified the direction of the current. She points further down the hall while keeping her scanners locked on the abrasion. 

“ We have one clue. ” She re-opens the conversation, and then points to it. “ Note the way the shredded metal pushes in. It was pierced from the outside. We may be walking in the aftermaths of an invasion, or a mutiny. ”

She pauses. Her head turns so that she can at least see the younger hunter from the corner of her eye.

“ I’ve been at this awhile. ”

[thewanderingrider]

“Well,” Rider began with evident relief in his voice, “I’m glad that my first job is with someone I can depend on to get things done! I’ll do my best to keep up,” he promised, and where she pointed he walked to so that he could follow the current. He did not notice that she was staring at him through her peripherals.  At her last observation, he paused halfway down the hall and looked around with greater caution.

“I would venture a guess to say mutiny would be a better possibility, in this case. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to invade space pirates, seeing as how they’re capable of invading everyone else, and probably defending a station like this.”

A short pause later, he added his own clarification. “Well, besides bounty hunters like us. But then, unless they acted independently, we would not have been sent after them by the Federation.”

His spotter drone had yet to pick anything up, but he did not fully trust the drone to find everything hidden, especially if they were cloaked.

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“Mom’s holding up alright, but she’s a worrier,” Rider joked with a smile. The boy nestled into Hardwire’s shoulder, resting his arms over bent knees as Hardwire tread high over the wooded earth. “It’s what she does, but she’s doing okay. Working as always, but happy I’m back. The robots, she’s still figuring out how to process it. I think she’s just glad that you’re on our side. I mean, well. You know what I mean.”

Rider tried to steady his feet and stand on Hardwire’s shoulder, holding onto folded solar foils as a means of support. When he peered down at the ground far below his grip tightened instinctively, and he instantly straightened his posture and looked forward. Nope. He was not going to look that far down again. The view of the forests and the distant mountains in the sunlight looked more appealing to him anyways.

“So...what do you think of earth thus far?” he asked Hardwire. “It must feel a little small compared to Cybertron. Probably a lot more green, at least from where we are.”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“That’s one way of putting it,” Rider remarked with a giggle.

As his laugh died down, the boy’s eyes remained wide with excitement and wonder at the memories Hardwire recalled. He tried to imagine a primeval earth, and thought it to be a very green planet, buried in trees and birds that would fly above the canopies. The glow in his awestruck gaze slowly died as the image in his mind faded into visions of war. He remembered Megatron again, and New York. For all of its horror, he could not imagine a world where nothing remained but ashes and corpses. Being beyond his comprehension, Rider could only stare ahead in silent, sober contemplation. But as Hardwire apologized, the boy found the strength somewhere within to smile again.

“There is nothing to apologize for,” he reassured his giant friend. “Knowing you as I do now, I would brave it all over again. I still intend on visiting Cybertron with you again someday, you know!”

[thesixteenthspark]

Hardwire looked at Rider with renewed strength of his own. While he didn’t speak of it, his arrival at Earth had changed him, and it was likely an obvious change. He felt the constant disharmony of his brother’s life force stir in his own, the fear and worry Geardust never let go of and now, in his own way, Hardwire understood why. The world is a scary place and some are out to harm you. Some can’t be trusted. Some are evil. He studied his palm in a moment of silence. His hands were repaired and so was his armor from the invasive parasite he’d been taken over by. When one human has betrayed them and nearly killed them all, he came to the sobering realization that he was a sheltered and naive person, and it had seeded him with doubts that had rooted deep in his spark. Doubts that gave him the most fear when Rider trusted him so implicitly.

His spark twisted with guilt when he noticed how much the boy tried to keep things cheerful. His dour, introspective mood likely both confused and worried his young friend. It wasn’t at all what Hardwire wanted. He too wanted to enjoy the day.

“Thank you…my friend. You honor me beyond ways I could explain. You always have.” He answered, finally. He returned the smile. “For trusting me. Would you like to walk with me? I quite miss the presence of you on my shoulder.”

Hardwire lowered his hand to act as a platform for Rider and his optics beamed anew with excitement.

[thewanderingrider]

Rider beamed and jumped to his feet. “I thought you’d never ask!” he exclaimed as he stepped on Hardwire’s shoulders. He might not be able to see Cybertron again from Hardwire’s height, but he was sure he’d see the his native home in a whole new way, and if he was with his long-missed friend he wanted nothing more. That, he quickly realized, was the source of his joy, not simply the views they could share together.

“I’ve missed it too,” the small boy admitted, looking up to Hardwire, and a melancholic twinkle in his eye. “I’m glad I can see you again...”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

“That’s one way of putting it,” Rider remarked with a giggle.

As his laugh died down, the boy’s eyes remained wide with excitement and wonder at the memories Hardwire recalled. He tried to imagine a primeval earth, and thought it to be a very green planet, buried in trees and birds that would fly above the canopies. The glow in his awestruck gaze slowly died as the image in his mind faded into visions of war. He remembered Megatron again, and New York. For all of its horror, he could not imagine a world where nothing remained but ashes and corpses. Being beyond his comprehension, Rider could only stare ahead in silent, sober contemplation. But as Hardwire apologized, the boy found the strength somewhere within to smile again.

“There is nothing to apologize for,” he reassured his giant friend. “Knowing you as I do now, I would brave it all over again. I still intend on visiting Cybertron with you again someday, you know!”

[gear-dust]

Into the abyss

[gear-dust]

“Hey, y'know it’s…whatever. None of my business. I’m gonna go inside the ship…I mean the, well, the big guy…ok. You two can share information while I look around or something. Ok.”

Nenna turned on her heel and marched off toward the big archway that lead into the ship’s crew quarters and hurried through the corridor until she reached the cargo. Soon as she was far away enough from the others, she wiped her face clean of tears that forced themselves out of her eyes. Far too many emotions raged in her at once for her to keep it together and she’d be damned if any of her ‘so-called’ friends saw her weep like some stupid child. But then again, that was also incredibly childish of her. They were friends. Just friends that hurt mher feelings. Even if they didn’t meant to. Nenna stomped down the hall, mumbling to herself until she came upon a sight that made her jump and gasp. The massive bodies of the two mechs that had been wrecked in the fight laid still and lifeless on the cargo hold floor. She approach the white one with caution, walking up on the monochrome hand of segmented, slender digits that laid still in front of her. She reached out and touched it, carefully, then withdrew her own hand. It reminded her of that strange and breathtaking encounter by the portal Rider had referred to as a space bridge. The massive hand gate reached down to her and the very small smile on the giant’s weathered face…

“Is he dead?” She asked aloud, not sure where to aim her voice to communicate with Providence. Nenna walked a little closer to the limp head that laid tilted to the side. The eyes were dark and the white mech certainly seemed dead, if that was a word you could even use for a machine.

[thewanderingrider]

“Nenna!” Rider called out, but to no avail. He fell silent, and he could say nothing more, either to Nenna or to Chloe. His gaze fell to the rough floors of the Cybertronian they sailed on, and then to the high waves beyond. Retributor caught he sudden outburst and saw one of the humans run down into the back, and he too grew quiet. Soon after, he saw Rider make his way towards the railing of the deck. The boy leaned on it and stared at the ever cresting waves that stretched to the horizon.

Providence felt the stillness growing on his decks. In particular, he felt Nenna isolate herself from the rest of the group. Then she asked the question.

“No,” Providence replied through the hangar intercoms. “He is only resting. He will need medical attention, but he will make it. He is strong...he’s been through worse,” the destroyer added gently. “More importantly, what are you doing here, instead of being with the others?”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thesixteenthspark]

Hardwire let off a soft, long vent of heated air and couldn’t help but to chuckle while wiping over his segmented face. He then shook his head and let a hand come down to rest next to Rider, smiling reassuringly.  “No, not at all. Quite the opposite, my friend. I am just easily moved by such displays and the long cycles have come and gone without art, music and poetry…it is something extraordinary to hear it again, and from you. You likely know by now that you have befriended a rather sentimental cybertronian.”  Hardwire let his gaze turn upward to the sky and paused to consider Rider’s words.  “I know next to nothing about Megatron, aside from what I have read. My brother saved me from the perils of the war, even though I did not want to leave his side. I know just as little of what happened during the long cycles of war…but I returned to find my home had been destroyed and what remains is more or less just a husk of Cybertron. Sitting here with you…and after all that has happened to us, I suppose I slowly come to realize what I, and my people, have lost…and why so many of us are in so much pain.”

[thewanderingrider]

Hardwire’s words put Rider at a loss for words. He understood them as an immigrant, not a native, and yet for that difference, among the first of his sights on Cybertron was the scarred landscapes. The devastation still played vividly in the young boy’s mind.

It pleased Rider to know that Geardust acted in Hardwire’s best interest, but felt his heart twist in pity (or was it empathy?) that it came at Geardust’s personal sacrifice. He wondered what the skull-faced mechanic used to look like. Did he used to look like Hardwire? He tried imagining Geardust with a face, the same soft smile and the slow glow of the optics, perhaps wings or a more gentle, sleek look. His mind wandered and he remained silent, half in wonder and half in a growing understanding of Hardwire’s suffering, even if it was a minute gain. The distance hindered them, but it did not stop Rider from trying to comprehend Hardwire more.

“If anybody saw Cybertron like I did, I think they would realize why you did what you did here,” he supposed, softly. “We’re not too different, sometimes. It might look nice, but Earth has its own share of problems.”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

An earthling! Rider remembered Hardwire’s excited voice, the big smile spread across that golden face and the violet gaze. Though he wasn’t aware of it, he was smiling as well. In his hands he held a book of poems, and he remembered Hardwire telling him that before he was found, he was busy reading a book.

“I’m just remembering my journeys with you over Cybertron,” Rider explained softly. “Now that we have a chance to breathe, and a chance to reflect on those days…”

He remembered his promise to Hardwire, and to the others, as he said his goodbyes, never knowing if he would see them again. It accelerated his perception to the present, shocking him into realization that Hardwire was here. He sat right next to the giant mech, and they had been through more than Rider would have ever for. It wasn’t quite what he expected, but he was happy all the same. 

Then he remembered the atoll, and what happened to his peaceful friend, grew a little disquieted over Hardwire’s own worries. “I’m okay,” he reassured the NAIL with a quiet smile. “Really. And I wanted to bring you here to share a poem that makes me think of you.”

[thesixteenthspark]

Hardwire let his head fall into a tilt as he smiled even wider. His violet optics glowed with warmth and affection while he listened to the small voice below. He could hardly believe the bravery and strength in his little, brilliant, young friend and all they’ve been through. Rider was well and safe, now. He could not be happier than at this very moment. The honor he had of making his friend made his spark swell and-

“A poem? Oh! Oh, how wonderful! Hold on just let me - oh dear - forgive me, trees…”

Hardwire beamed with excitement and tried his very cautiously best to lower his long limbs to the ground without destroying the environment. After some twisting and turning, he finally managed to lower himself enough to sit beside Rider, smiling brightly and optics aglow.

[thewanderingrider]

Rider beamed. It was that smile with closed eyes again, as he sat crosslegged and looked up to the giant machine that lay next to him. “It’s by William Stafford. The poem is called, “Ask Me.”

His small, sleeved hands opened up the poetry book to the page he had bookmarked. With a small, quiet cough, Rider began to read the words, and the rustling of the leaves in the forest grew silent. The boy spoke soft and clearly throughout his recitation, and it disappeared into the winding forests and waters around them.

Some time when the river is ice ask me mistakes I have made. Ask me whether what I have done is my life. Others have come their slow way into my thought, and some have tried to help or to hurt: ask me what difference their strongest love or hate has made.

I will listen to what you say. You and I can turn and look at the silent river and wait. We know the current is there, hidden; and there are comings and goings from miles away that hold the stillness exactly before us. What the river says, that is what I say.

[thesixteenthspark]

The soft wind of spring swayed the long strips of solar absorbing metallico that hung from the hinges around helm, giving rise to a faint, melodic chime each time one brushed against another. Compared to his comrades, the mechanism of Hardwire’s frame was a silent one, sometimes humming softly when recharging, otherwise it moved and existed with a quiet gentleness. However, as he sat and listened to some of the most beautiful poetry he had ever heard in his millions of years of living, the Cybetronian’s spark flared up and lit every seam of biolight on his body with a brilliant, violet glow. He had tipped his head forward and dimmed his optics to allow his vast and constantly processing mind to focus only on Rider’s voice. In so doing, and listening to poetry written by his people that made young Rider think of him, Hardwire found himself unraveling within. Quietly but completely, all the same. There were too many things that stirred and ached and stormed within his spark at once. Most of all he found himself moved to silence, and while he said nothing, what he felt was was likely obvious through the glow of his lights and the excess energon that left wet streaks over his golden features.

“…I do not recall when last I heard poetry.”

Hardwire’s voice was small and silent, directed only toward Rider, and in so doing appeared almost human for how few layers of synthesization it had in this state. To a human, such a statement would seem both ordinary and expected. To an near immortal creature with a mind so complex and vast it even became a cipher to itself; full of instantaneous feeds of data and processes of new information and a photographic memory of every event it ever had witnessed or learned - this statement was anything but ordinary.

“It is so beautiful…and I do not know what has earned me to be thought of in such a beautiful way, by you.” The optics slowly lit up in their narrow casings and took in the precious sight below, paired with a very loving smile.

[thewanderingrider]

Rider smiled and looked up to Hardwire, and his happy visage fell seeing the tears (or so he thought) fall from the NAIL’s eyes. His expression faltered, and asked softly,

“Is there something wrong? I heard rumors that Megatron used to be a poet, before...Is it a sore topic for you?”

Hardwire’s words gave him some measure of reassurance, but at the same time seeing his friend in such a state caused the small boy to feel something well up deep inside. His empathy drove him to cry, but his desire to keep strong for Hardwire kept his tears at bay. He felt himself in an awkward position, and his crossed legs were stuck to the cold grass.

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

An earthling! Rider remembered Hardwire’s excited voice, the big smile spread across that golden face and the violet gaze. Though he wasn’t aware of it, he was smiling as well. In his hands he held a book of poems, and he remembered Hardwire telling him that before he was found, he was busy reading a book.

“I’m just remembering my journeys with you over Cybertron,” Rider explained softly. “Now that we have a chance to breathe, and a chance to reflect on those days…”

He remembered his promise to Hardwire, and to the others, as he said his goodbyes, never knowing if he would see them again. It accelerated his perception to the present, shocking him into realization that Hardwire was here. He sat right next to the giant mech, and they had been through more than Rider would have ever for. It wasn’t quite what he expected, but he was happy all the same. 

Then he remembered the atoll, and what happened to his peaceful friend, grew a little disquieted over Hardwire’s own worries. “I’m okay,” he reassured the NAIL with a quiet smile. “Really. And I wanted to bring you here to share a poem that makes me think of you.”

[thesixteenthspark]

Hardwire let his head fall into a tilt as he smiled even wider. His violet optics glowed with warmth and affection while he listened to the small voice below. He could hardly believe the bravery and strength in his little, brilliant, young friend and all they’ve been through. Rider was well and safe, now. He could not be happier than at this very moment. The honor he had of making his friend made his spark swell and-

“A poem? Oh! Oh, how wonderful! Hold on just let me - oh dear - forgive me, trees…”

Hardwire beamed with excitement and tried his very cautiously best to lower his long limbs to the ground without destroying the environment. After some twisting and turning, he finally managed to lower himself enough to sit beside Rider, smiling brightly and optics aglow.

[thewanderingrider]

Rider beamed. It was that smile with closed eyes again, as he sat crosslegged and looked up to the giant machine that lay next to him. “It’s by William Stafford. The poem is called, “Ask Me.”

His small, sleeved hands opened up the poetry book to the page he had bookmarked. With a small, quiet cough, Rider began to read the words, and the rustling of the leaves in the forest grew silent. The boy spoke soft and clearly throughout his recitation, and it disappeared into the winding forests and waters around them.

Some time when the river is ice ask me mistakes I have made. Ask me whether what I have done is my life. Others have come their slow way into my thought, and some have tried to help or to hurt: ask me what difference their strongest love or hate has made.

I will listen to what you say. You and I can turn and look at the silent river and wait. We know the current is there, hidden; and there are comings and goings from miles away that hold the stillness exactly before us. What the river says, that is what I say.

[gear-dust]

Into the abyss

[gear-dust]

“Rider, I have worried for you since I had the great honor and fortune of freeing you from that terribly unfortunate wall by the terribly misaligned space-bridge.” Hardwire smile and leaned back to rest against Geardust’s alt-mode. “And well, I suppose o get that from his spark. One of the many good and beautiful things it has given me.”

“Ngh. Don’t. Not in front of the aliens.” Geardust whined with discomfort over the sudden affectionate mention and flashed his lights disapprovingly.

“Oh come now, you’ll live.” Hardwire tapped the hood of the truck with one finger while smiling even wider. He looked back down to Rider and composed himself as the new human joined them, bowing his head in greeting and then turned away to give them privacy.

Nenna tore her eyes from the fascinating ‘brother’ mechs and looked at Chloe. Then to Chloe’s own mechs friends. Then to Rider. She took a step back and sized the two up for a moment, chewing on her lip while thinking. What came out next was due to sleep deprivation, wearing wet and sticky clothes and feeling scared and lost.

“Hey we just study together, you don’t owe me anything, either of you. I’m just very jealous and very confused by all of this but well…I’m sure you had a reason for the secrecy.” She mumbled and wrapped her arms around herself. She sounded way more hurt than she intended to but, well, she was. “It’s just kinda sucky. I thought we were better friends, I guess…that sounds really dumb and selfish but…whatever. I know it wasn’t personal. I’m sorry. I’ll shut up.”

[thewanderingrider]

“So you really are happy to see me?” Retributor asked Revenant coyly, his arms still crossed over his chest. “Well, you know me. I’m the best there is, even if its protecting small humans! Second to best when I’m with you,” he added, jokingly.

Rider, meanwhile, giggled over Hardwire’s teasing, but he fell silent when Nenna seemed to withdraw. He was about to comfort her when Chloe drew near, and he put the thought at the back of his mind. To her question, he nodded silently. “Well, yeah...you know more about this deal than either of us. I don’t know much about them either, I’ve just seen their home.”

[thesixteenthspark]

The snow melted, and in its place the smell of damp pine filled the forests. Rider looked to his friend with a wide smile. They found some time to themselves amidst the chaos, and though the boy enjoyed the company of the others, his place here in the forest, alone with Hardwire, reminded him of how he first came to find Cybertronians, to know them as friends. It reminded him of the conversation and the sights that brought together memories that seemed older than his whole live lived thus far.

Hardwire had not gotten used to the beauty of Earth. It seemed that each day held for him a new surprise, wonderment and marvels to be amazed by. While he felt like a giant treading on tender ground, and always moved with gentleness and caution in this world so small and so precious. All the same he felt for her people and most of all the boy all the way down on the path below. Hardwire turned when Rider had gone silent for some time. The Cybertronian tore his eyes of the beautiful, constantly changing patchwork of clouds above and slowly lowered himself with one knee to the ground and let his hand drop down next to the boy.“Is there something on your mind, Rider?” he asked with smile, warmth and a small frown to his his optics. 

[thewanderingrider]

An earthling! Rider remembered Hardwire’s excited voice, the big smile spread across that golden face and the violet gaze. Though he wasn’t aware of it, he was smiling as well. In his hands he held a book of poems, and he remembered Hardwire telling him that before he was found, he was busy reading a book.

“I’m just remembering my journeys with you over Cybertron,” Rider explained softly. “Now that we have a chance to breathe, and a chance to reflect on those days...”

He remembered his promise to Hardwire, and to the others, as he said his goodbyes, never knowing if he would see them again. It accelerated his perception to the present, shocking him into realization that Hardwire was here. He sat right next to the giant mech, and they had been through more than Rider would have ever for. It wasn’t quite what he expected, but he was happy all the same. 

Then he remembered the atoll, and what happened to his peaceful friend, grew a little disquieted over Hardwire’s own worries. “I’m okay,” he reassured the NAIL with a quiet smile. “Really. And I wanted to bring you here to share a poem that makes me think of you.”

[gear-dust]

Into the abyss

[gear-dust]

“Seem like a lifelong friendship.” Nenna mumbled, curiously. Then she scoffed and gave Rider a gentle nudge with her elbow, along with a look of fake hurt feelings and resentment. “And you’re one to talk! You’ve been to their homeworld!”

Mia stopped by Hardwire, Rider and Nenna on her way over to the helicopter, giving them both a long, worried look. Nenna halted her teasing of her classmate and looked Mia up and down, still not sure what to make of the EDC officer.

“Take care of yourselves, alright? And watch the waters…what little I know of Edel points to most of his body having been rebuilt by cybertronian tech. I wish I could help you all, if I think of some way to do so I promise I will.” She said with a small nod and then stepped over to the railing to give the large, rugged alt-mode of Buccaneer a gentle pat.

“And you be careful as well, I’ll let you know where we go so we can meet back up when this has blown over.” She said, quietly and with a small, somber smile.

“Really?” The Decepticon asked, hopefully, from his control panel.

“Of course. Be careful, my friend. I’ll see you soon.”

“You too…and I hope so.”

The doctor wiped under her eyes as she walked, head held high and quickly boarded the helicopter, setting in next to the wounded officer to keep him as stable as possible.

“Redscreen.” Lighfall, who had remained entirely silent for hours, called out into the comm channel inside Redscreen’s cockpit.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry! Azure is a great pilot and I trust him.” The red he’ll shot back, chipper and hopeful as ever as he took off from Probidence’s landing pad. Lightfall merely flashed one of his canopy lights in response as the party took off.

Hardwire sat in silence during the exchanges and goodbyes, watching the helicopter take off into the setting sun. Rider’s words hung in the air, and when the mech turned his head back down toward Rider, his optics glowed with renewed light and warmth. He laid his head to the side and couldn’t help the loving smile that immediately brightened his gloomy features.

“Oh, Rider…my brave little friend. You’re right, but I wish we’d met under circumstances of peace and safety. I just worry. A lot.” Hardwire mumbled, softly and laid his hand to the floor next to the human to give Rider’s arm a very careful brush with one of his digits.

“And to think all of that happened because you got stuck in a wall.” Geardust piped up with a scoff, his headlights flashing behind his brother where he remained parked.

[thewanderingrider]

“And you never bothered to tell me,” Retributor protested in mock-hurt tone. “One might think she replaced me. But it’s okay, I’ll live,” he joked with a cracked smile, glancing over to the small human. “Maybe I’ll even get used to the arrangement.”

Rider giggled a little and scoffed, but replied defensively all the same. “Oh come on, it’s not like I intended to go there! I didn’t even know it existed until I fell through that portal. I probably know less about them than Chloe does!”

He fell silent when Mia gave a muted farewell, and offered a confident nod next to Nenna’s soft words. After all was said and done he watched the other, silent grown-up make confident strides as he boarded Redscreen and rested his hands at the controls.

“If Edel tries that cybernetic shit again, he’s got another thing coming,” he remarked to Mia, while starting up the alt-mode’s engines. “Stay low and out of sight yourselves, I’m sure things are just going to grow more complicated from here on out,” he added, as he opened up the throttle and lifted Redscreen off from the Providence’s helipad. Rider was going to enjoy the moment, and then Geardust made his quip. The boy found himself laughing a little, again.

“It’s not my fault that the portal wasn’t working right. And hey, it all worked out in the end! I never would’ve pegged you for a worrier like your brother either,” he murmured more gently to Hardwire. “Not after how nicely you treated me when we first met...”