The pre-conflict era of Cybertron featured neither Optimus Prime nor Megatron, but instead witnessed the presence of Orion Pax and Megatronus.

Ratchet was seated at his station, a datapad in one hand and a tool in the other, optics flicking between readings with methodical precision. The door slid open, and Orion Pax stepped inside.

“You’re late,” Ratchet said without looking up, tone dry enough to scrape metal. “What was it this time? Megatronus dragging you out to another rally?” Finally glancing at Orion, his optics narrowed, though the edge of a smirk tugged at his mouth. “Or did he take you somewhere nice? Romantic sunset over the smelting pits, was it? Maybe he even brought you flowers.”

The jab carried both humor and warning, fatherly concern hidden under sarcasm. Ratchet set his tool down, giving Orion the kind of look that asked for an explanation without demanding one outright.