Ratchet, science teacher

It was the first day of school in Jasper, Nevada. Boys and girls were both happy to meet their schoolmates again, and unhappy about the end of the holydays. Ratchet activated his holoform, ready to give his first lecture in science. He looked like a man in his late forties with short tawny hair and white wisps. He wore a blue shirt, grey trousers and a lab coat. A pair of glasses enhanced the severe expression of his blue eyes.

“I agree the recent improving in Decepticon activity is going to put the kids in danger more than usual” Ratchet thought annoyed. “I understand other Autobots are very busy and this situation is going to be temporary but…” He frowned. “If you didn’t be my commander, Optimus, I would throw one of my wrenches on your helm.”

The Autobot came in the classroom and the kids suddenly were silent.

– Good morning – he began. - My name is Ratc…ehm…Richard Lenton and I’m going to be your science teacher for a while. Now, let’s call the roll. –

One by one, the kids confirmed their presence.

– Miko Nakadai. –

– Here I am – she replied.

“Slag it!” Ratchet annoyance got worse. “The first two hours in the same classroom with Miko? Primus, please, help me.”

Ratchet started to talk about acid-basic reactions. The kids often distracted themselves, and he needed to call their attention to the lecture many times. While he was writing a formula on the blackboard something of soft suddenly hit his head.

– Miko Nakadai! – The Autobot yelled. – Would you like to be in detention on your first day at school? –

Ratchet cursed himself inwardly. He could not be sure Miko had thrown that object (a paper plane, to be more precise). He got angry with her merely from habit. However, the shocked and scared face of the girl revealed the contrary. The rebuke to Miko fortunately convinced all the kids to avoid further jokes and distractions, and the lesson finished without any problems.

Ratchet spent the following hour with Rafael’s class. The Autobot considered the lecture’s simplicity an “insult to intelligence”, but he did not expect so young humans could comprehend more advanced matters. In fact all the pupils were bored, except Raf. He seemed to be actually interested in the subject and ready to learn.

“He is a smart and very capable young boy” Ratchet thought, seriously considering the idea to give him private lessons. He would be worthy.

After the lesson Ratchet breathed a sigh of relief, ready to return to the base, but an unknown voice in the hallway drew his attention.

– Hey looser! Where are you going? – said a boy. – Hey, I’m talking with you! –

– I’m sorry Vince. I am in hurry – another boy answered. Ratchet recognized Jack Darby, and had a look in the hallway. Arcee’s partner was forced to stop by his schoolmate.

– You’re in hurry!? – Vince said ironically. – Maybe you’d like to see scratches on your ugly motorbike. –

The Autobot smirked a bit about what Arcee would do to that bully if she could. However he could not allow that kind of behavior. It reminded him Decepticons.

– Is there any problem? – Ratchet asked approaching the boys.

– No, no – a smiling Vince answered. Jack remained silent.

– Good, because I imagine you know that damaging other people’s properties is a crime – Ratchet simply said. The teenager tried to reply but Ratchet’s stern gaze convinced him not to do it.

– Yeah, of…of course – Vince stammered. – Good bye. –

Ratchet ensured Vince got away before to ask Jack: – Are you all right? –

– Yes I am. Thank you Ratchet – the boy whispered.

The Autobot nodded and made sure that Jack would go to the classroom without problems. Then he left the building letting a sigh out in relief, again. His first day at school was finally ended, and he was looking forward to returning to the base.