Set at the end of Operation: Bumblebee Part 2 episode. Intended as an alternate ending.
Raf stood nearby as Bumblebee got to his feet, looking eager to know if his T-cog worked or not after the surgery Ratchet performed.
Ratchet cautioned Bumblebee, but RAF could see Bee's impatience.
The first try made parts stall in the transformation. Ratchet asked for Bee to recover first, then try again.
Instead Bee tried again.
Another stall out.
Raf saw Bee droop, beeping despondently.
"I shouldn't have gone after them," he beeped at Optimus and Ratchet.
Before Raf could make a comeback, the transformation jerked into motion.
Only instead of a car, it was a yellow helicopter sitting where Bee had been.
There was silence for a long moment.
"Well, now we know which vehicle MECH was trying for," Arcee commented calmly.
"Bee?" Raf approached carefully, "You okay?"
"I'm not sure," Bee stated softly.
Ratchet did a scan, "It appears your mode was overwritten by MECH's scan, deleting the previous settings. I'll check if we have your back up in the system."
"We have aerial support," Bulkhead smiled.
"Bee, do you know how to fly?" Raf asked Bee, wondering if his R/C hobby could help his friend.
"Ships yes. Being a flyer myself, no," Bee transformed back into his bipedal form, scowling at his rotor wings than replaced his normal door wings.
Optimus placed a hand on Bumblebee's shoulder, "You can transform. That is a large step in the right direction. Let us see if Ratchet has a back-up of your normal form. If needed, we can obtain a suitable alternative ground vehicle."
Bumblebee hung his head, nodded.
"Bee, over here," Ratchet called.
"It'll be okay, Bee," Raf smiled up at his friend, "We can try out R/C helicopters next time."
Bee nodded, shuffled over to Ratchet.
"Your offer of assistance is appreciated, Raphael," Optimus rumbled soothingly, "However, it is nearly curfew. Bulkhead, please take Raphael and Miko home."
Raf smiled as he ran to collect his school bag, glad Bee had his T-cog back, even if he was a helicopter right now.
"Humph, looks like we have a back up of your previous ground vehicle, not the current. I will search for other backups. Until then, go get recharge," Ratchet grumbled, "I will want a word with MECH once they are in custody."
"We all do, Ratchet," Optimus agreed, "Until then, Bumblebee head for recharge. Raphael will be back tomorrow afternoon."
"I will Bee," Raphael set his bags into Bulkhead, then ran over to Bee's foot, hugged him, "I'm glad you're alright."
Bee beeped, "Thank you. I know I wasn't exactly pleasant the last few days."
"I would have been off stride too, Bee," Raf curled closer at the feel of Bee's fingers rubbing his back gently, "But you can transform and use your weapons. MECH doesn't have what they wanted. We won."
A honk from Bulkhead broke up the hug, but Bee's eyes were smiling as Raf turned to get a ride home.
The next day Raf waited outside the school. Miko had detention, again, so he'd most likely be with Bulkhead solo.
Then he saw the familiar shape and color turn the corner.
Grinning happily, he stood at the curb.
Bee rolled to a stop in his normal form, opened his door, beeping, "Was school okay?"
"Yes," Raf got in, buckled up, then told about his day, Bumblebee pulling into traffic and back to base.
Everything was all right again.
Even if Bee went a little faster than he normally did.