Thankfully the trip from the housing unit to Autobot HQ doesn't take long. Ive got something to do before the launch. Yes, thats right. Im going on the expedition. Ratchet finally caved after I convinced him that I'd be better off with him, which wasn't hard at all.

After driving I transform and walk inside. I take the elevator to the needed floor. Once there I walk down the hall until I get to the office door of a friend of mine. I pause before I knock on the door when I hear voices inside...make that yelling voices. The voices are muffled but if I listen hard enough I'm sure I can figure out who they are.

"Im going to level with you. Somehow-dont ask me how-Rodimus has found two hundred and one Autobots willing to join him on his fools crusade. Well good ridance! I can make due without each and every one of them. But I cant-"

"Even Ratchet?" the other asks.

Ratchets name makes me flinch, as well as what the mech said. Its no surprise who the mech is. Growing up with him I can recognize his voice anywhere, even muffled. Does that mean he could do without me to? Maybe he doesn't mean it that way? I actually came to tell him I was going. Wonder how he'll take it?

"I can't do without you. You're gifted. You can do things no one can. If I had your talents...Rewind! You're his best friend. Can't you persuade him to-your lights on...are you recording this?" Prowl asks.

"Um yes?" Rewind says.

That explains who the other mechs in the room are.

"Well dont. Its extremely annoying, you filming everything all the time." Prowl adds.

"I'm an archivist. I'm archiving. This could be an important conversation. It could have repercussions!" Rewind protests.

"Prowl, you and I go way back, yeah? Not near as long as with Shadow but still a while. You know I've done more for the Autobot cause than most and you know I've done things that, in hindsight, I bitterly-oh FORGET IT! The point is using my 'talents' in the way you suggest is hardly going to help me draw a line under the past." Chromedome says.

I hear footsteps coming and I push myself against the wall when the door opens. I see Chromedome walking out aggrivated with Rewind beside him saying,"Cmon. You've said what you wanted to say."

Suddenly Prowl pops his head out and yells after the retreating pair. "You know what your problem is Chromedome?! You think that just because the war is over we can afford to stop fighting!"

He then steps back into his office and then I hear the sound of something crashing and clattering.

I take a few moments before walking into the room, hoping that will give him time to cool down. I step in quietly just as Prowl talks into his communicator. "What? Yes of course Im serious. I'm always serious."

"Sometimes a little too serious I'd say." I joke, making my presence known.

Prowl jumps, not expecting me. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't see you."

"I don't have Shadow in my name for nothing." I walk futher into the room and up to the flipped over table and datapads. "Nice to see some things never change." I say jokingly.

He looks embarassed and says,"Of all the things I've learned and been able to do, controlling my temper has never been one of them."

I let out a laugh and say,"Don't I know it. I remember when we were younglings at that day care we went to. This older mech made you so mad you flipped the art table, hurting him in the process."

"The staff as well as my creators hardly thought it was that funny." He replies.

"Maybe not but I definetly thought so. I just wish I could remember what he said to make you so mad." I say.

"He was making fun of you as well as constantly pushing you down." He replies.

I ponder that then say,"Oh yeah. I remember now. I don't know what I did to make him single me out. But at least I could always count on you to have my back."

He walks up to me and smiles softly at me. "I'll always look out for you."

I smile back and then ask,"So, what exactly did Chromedome do to merit you flipping the table?"

He sighs and says,"It's that ridiculous quest Rodimus orchestrated. It's bad enough he's managed to convince over two hundred bots to go with him, but its even worse that Chromedome is going when I need him here."

"Well maybe he feels this quest is a good idea. Or maybe hes feeling restless and thinks this quest is what he needs to feel useful." I say.

"That doesn't matter. This is nothing more than a fools cruscade and anyone believing otherwise is just that, a fool." He replies.

I flinch at that and begin thinking that maybe I shouldn't tell him in going on this "fools cruscade".

Noticing my slight unease he immediatly becomes concerned. "Whats wrong?"

"Well, I had something to tell you and now I'm not so sure how you'll take it." I say.

"You know that you can tell me anything." He replies.

I sigh and then say," I'm going on the fools cruscade."

Silence ensues. Prowls expression starts at surprised but then travels all the way to anger. "Please tell me your joking."

"Prowl, you've already made your opinion of this quite clear. All I'm asking is that you accept the decision I've made." I say calmly.

"How do you expect me to accept a decision like this? You have to know that htis quest is pointless...I don't want you to go." He says.

"You and Ratchet both. Trust me when I say I need this. I need to feel like what I do matter again." I stress.

"You matter to me!" He exclaims while grabbing my upper arms and leaning in close.

I look at him confused and say," That's not what I said."

"I know what you said, but what I'm saying is that I don't want you to go because...I can't bare to see you leave!" He says.

I pull him into a hug and say," It's not like you'll never see me again. I'll be back. I promise."

He hugs me tightly to him and says,"Please don't go."

"All arrangements have been made. All of Ratchets medical equipment has already been moved and most of my things are in cargo." I explain.

As if suddenly remembering something Prowl frantically says," You can't go!"

" I know you don't want me to but-"

"No I mean you really can't go." He interrups.

I pull back to look at him and ask,"What's with you?"

"I can't say but please don't get on that ship." He replies.

I narrow my optics at him. "You cant say? Well that doesn't answer my question now does it? You sound guilty."

"I'm not guilty of anything." He snaps.

I flinch at his tone, since he never raises his voice at me. "If this has anything to do with what you were discussing with Chromedome thats fine. But don't raise your voice to me." I state in aggrivation.

"Your right, and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that. Please excuse my attitude." He asks pleadingly while looking pitiful. Well, as pitiful as Prowl would look.

My look softens as I say,"I never could stay mad at you...I understand your worry and I appreciate it but don't worry okay? I'll come back."

I then hug his neck and say, "I'll miss you Prowlie."

He chuckles at the use of my nickname for him as he hugs me back. "You too. So so much. I really do wish you wouldn't go but since you are please don't go anywhere by yourself or with strange mechs. Dont leave any energon unattended. Also, -

I place one of my servos over his mouth to stop his rambling. "Yes carrier. I'm aware of stranger danger and basic saftey rules. Sometimes I think your worse than Ratchet."

I feel him smile under my servo. He grabs it and holds it to his chasis over his spark. "Like I said, I will always look out for you."

"Well I better get going. The launch is in a few hours and I've still got some things to do. Try not to flip too many tables while I'm gone." I say. I lean in and place a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Bye Prowl."

Befire I walk out the door I can hear him say," Goodbye, Shadow."

I feel really sad about leaving my friends behind but I really do think this is for the best. Its not like I'm not coming back. Who knows, this may even turn out to be a boring trip.

~TIME SKIP~

After gathering the last of our things Ratchet and I make our way to the launch pad. We don't get far when we run into two special friends of mine. "Chromedome! Rewind!" I call for them.

The pair turn when they hear their names being called and immediatly brighten up when they see its me. "Shadow!" Rewind yells back.

Completely ignoring Ratchet I rush over to the pair. When I reach them I immediatly hug the both of them. "Hey guys. You two going on this expedition too?" I ask, although I already know.

"Of couse! I don't want to miss a possible historical moment!" Rewind exclaims excitedly.

"I have to be honest, Im a little surprised your going. I didn't thnk Ratchet would let you." Chromedome adds.

"HE didn't, but she insisted." Ratchet says walking up.

"Well I for one am glad your coming." Rewind says happily while hugging my waist. "We're gonna have a blast together."

"You know it! We need a movie night too since I'm sure you've recorded new footage since I've last seen you." I say happily.

Rewind beems more as he says,"See now thats why we're such good friends. You appreciate my archiving abilities."

I put my free servo on my hip and mockingly say,"Does Chromedome not watch them with you? What a lousy Conjunx Endura."

"Oh yes. Gang up on Chromedome. Now I remember why I don't like you two being together." Chromedome says jokingly.

Rewind and I just laugh.

"Alright enough chit chat. Lets get going before we miss the launch." Ratchet says while urging us forward.

Deciding that it would be the quickest way we walk across the Mitteous Plateau, but after a while we feel the pressure of time.

Chromedome checks his chronometer on his wrist compartment for the time. "Ten minutes to launch. You know Rewind, if you had a decent alt mode we wouldn't have to walk to the launch pad.

"Oh, its started. The alt mode bashing. Every time you get aggitated...lets have a go at Rewind because he turns into a giant memory stick and not a super space tank or-or-whatever." Rewind rants.

"I just don't see the point of turning into a giant memory stick. You might as well be a monoformer!" Chromedome says trying to alieve his loves aggrivation.

"Remember the old saying? Everyones shape serves a purpose." I input.

"Yeah? Tell that to Sky Lynx." Ratchet says.

Suddenly two figures slam into the ground in front of us, making us freeze in place. Once the smoke clears I see a purple armored mech laying face down, seemingly dead. There was also a lanky blue mech with one optic. Standing over him.

Ratchet obviously knows him because he asks,"Whirl? You okay? Whats going on?"

"He attacked me after I caught him desecrating corposes. I suggest you look away now if you have an aversion to exploding heads." The blue mech I now know as Whirl says.

"Hes offline Whirl. Whatever hes done hes not a threat. Best lower the gun." Ratchet states.

Whirl turns to him and asks,"You talking me down doc? Is this you talking me down? Like I'm some kind of maniac that needs-that needs talking down?"

"I'm just saying-

"No, I'm just saying. He started it. I'm finishing it and a nice, clean head shot is always the best way to finish it." Whirl interuupts.

"He's quite a character isn't he?" I ask Chromedome and Rewind.

They nod in agreement as Chromedome says,"I was really hoping I'd never see this mech again."

Suddenly a powerful blast shoots up from the ground right underneath Whirls peds, blowing him away. He isn't dead though since he twitches and moans in pain.

Then I hear a muffled voice and look into the hole and see a bot inside. "Guys, theres someone in there!" I exclaim.

Everyone rushes over as a small, shy voice calls out, "Any chance of a hand?"

Chromedome reaches in and pulls the mech out while asking,"C'mere pal. I don't believe we've met."

The mech is blue and white, small; maybe around Rewinds size. He's also missing his legs.

"Have-Urgh!-Have I missed the launch?" the mech asks. He then notices the state Whirl is in and worridly asks," By the shadow of the underbase! Did I do that?!"

Chromdome places him on the ground. He tries to move as he frantically mutters,"Stay calm! Stay calm. Hes de-hes de-hes dead! I killed him!" Then the poor mech passes out.

"This is turning into a very odd day." Rewind states.

Ratchet kneels on one side of the mech as I kneel on the other. "Aww the poor little bot. Do you know who he is Ratchet?"

"Whoever he is, hes just had some sort of panic attack. He mentioned the launch. We can fix him once we're on board the Lost Light."

I had my head in agreement and then ask,"What about that Whirl guy?"

"I'm going to regret saying this but we'd best bring him along too. We can't risk leaving him...well, anywhere really." Ratchet replies.

"I'll er catch you guys up." Rewind announces while starting to walk off.

"Why? What's wrong?" I ask worridly.

"No no nothing like that. I've just got to say goodbye to somone." He replies.

"Ok. Well at least take Chromedome with you." I say.

"Actually I'm going to need him here since we've got three mechs to get to the ship." Ratchet states.

"Alright then. Don't miss the launch guys!" Rewind calls out before running off.

Ratchet then addresses the rest of us. "Alright I've already contacted Blaster to hold off on take off until we get there with our injuried guests. Shadow, you'll take this little guy. I'll take Whirl and Chromedome, you'll take him."

We all nod and pick up our designated bots then make our way to the ship. Thankfully, it doesn't take long and we soon have the injuried mechs in med bay. "Lets go aheaed and strap them down. I don't know how well this ship will take off and I don't want them falling."

"Alright." I say while doing so.

As soon as their strapped down the ship feels like it lunges forward, knocking Ratchet and I to the floor. The alarms start blaring as well. Then as soon as it starts it stops.

"What was that?" I ask.

"That was a quantum jump but something tells me that wasn't meant to happen." He answers.

The door to the med bay opens as Chromedome walks in.

"Chromedome, whats going on?" I ask.

"We quantum jumped before we were ready. Now we're over some planet with people spilling out of a hull breach. We've touched down so that a group of us can find them." He explains.

"In that case Shadow and I will prepare the med bay for any that will most likely be injuried." Ratchet says.

"Sounds good. See ya guys when we get back." Chromedome says before walking out the door.

"Well, until new ones come in we should probably take care of these guys." I say.

"I've already got the parts we need." He replies.

For the next few hours we repair the three bots, even building new legs for the small mech. During that time, thankfully none that serious.

As bots would bring them in they would also take the time to start at me before Ratchet would chase them out. Thats the worst thing about being probably one of the last, if not the last, femmes. Mechs tend to stare. I don't think much on it since their probably just surprised by seeing one is all.

Bots are fixed and lean over the next few hours, making it feel like clockwork. I'll say this about being with Ratchet for so long; I've learned how to fix all kinds of different injuries and aliments and can now do so without him having to guide me through it.

The purple mech we brought in is all fixed up. After which he tells us who he is, Cyclonus. I never met him but I do know that he was once part of Galvatrons army, making him a Decepticon. I think I surprised him when I didn't make a big deal out of him being a Con. The way I see it the day the war ended the same same day the factions ended, not that many see it that way.

Whirl was repaired as well, and I now understand why Chromedome doesn't like him that much. He's very annoying. I was the one working on his repairs so naturally when he woke up before I was done I was the first one he saw. He sat up and leaned in real close and just stares at me.

After studying me for a few minutes he says,"Thank Primus the first femme I see in vorns is a hot one."

Needless to say I take a page from Ratchets book by taking a wrench and hitting Whirl in the head with it, knocking him out. No wonder Ratchet does this. It really does make you feel better.

Once thats done another mech walks in. He's orange and lanky and has one arm missing. Luckily he's holding it so we don't have to start all over.

Ratchet and I get to work reattching his arm. "Your lucky Ring." Ratchet says.

"Rung. Its Rung, as in ladder." the mech corrects.

"Well Rung, this is an extremely clean break." I comment.

"She's right. Your energon conduits have cauterized and-see here?- Your subcotaneous circuitry has practically rerouted itself. Actually your in amazing shape, I've not repaired you before have I?" Ratchet adds.

"No, never.- and its a real privilage to be your patient. Many of my own patients have spoken in awe of your skills as a surgeon. Your manuel dexterity and your incredible lightness of touch. They say-and I don't mean to embaress you- but they say you can rewire a scraplet without tweezers. They say that when you tend to the sick and the broken your fingers move as fast as flame, and yet your hands are as gentle as sunlight on snow." Rung compliments.

I can't help but let out a light laugh as I say,"Thats quite poetic. I didn't know people like you that much Ratch."

"I'm afraid we haven't been introduced. My name is Rung." He greets with a friendly smile.

"Nice to meet you. Im Shadowmist." I greet back.

"So I take it your aquainted with Dr. Ratchet?" He asks politely.

"I should hope so with him being my godsire and all." I reply.

"Godsire?! So are you a medic as well then?" He asks.

"Only when I'm assisting. I'm no where near Ratchets level." I reply. I turn to Ratchet and ask," How longs it been since you've heard compliments like that?"

"Well I must say how nice it is for someone to-excuse me for a moment." Ratchet then grabs a hammer and slams it onto his hands. At Rungs stunned look he says,"Sorry-sometimes the old joints need loosing. Now, where were we?"

"Maybe...maybe I should be on my way. I mean this-this is just a scratch. There are others worse off than me." Rung says.

"Don't worry. You weren't at the top of my to do list. I've already patched up our new friend over there." Ratchet says regarding the small blue and white mech, who has Swerve standing next to him.

"Who is he?" Rung asks.

"No idea but I've asked Swerve to carbon date him." Ratchet says while reattaching Rungs arm.

"Really why?" Rung asks.

"Because hes an antique. Serious-open him up and hes all pulleys and levers and pendulums. He should be on display."

Suddenly the communication counsel lights up with Drifts holographic image popping up. "This is Drift calling Chief Medical Officer Ratchet with some good news. Altogether we've found all but two of the missing Autobots. We're bringing the rest for repairs while we continue to search for Polaris and Hyperion. I want the medbay buzzing with positive energy so our fallen comrades are guarenteed a speedy recovery! Drift out."

Ratchet scoffs at the message. "I want the medbay buzzing with positive energy...idiot."

"Don't call him that." I exclaim.

"Well he is and besides what do you care?" He asks.

"He happens to be a good friend of mine." I reply.

"Not exactly someone I want you spending time with." He states seriously.

"Well thats not up to you." I reply sharply.

Hoping to relieve the tension Swerve says,"Have you heard his latest theory? He thinks the Knights of Cybertron have evolved into beams of light, and that they communicate via "Psychic Refraction."

"Psychic refraction?! Oh for-

"Ow!" Rung yells in pain at Ratchets not too gentle treatment.

Thankfully Ratchets done and Rung gets off the berth. "Thanks for the fix, Ratchet. I suppose its Whirls turn next..."

Remembering the reason I knocked him out and stopped worrying on him Ratchet says," Would I be betraying my profession if I said I was hoping for a series of distractions that would prevent me fixing him for another ohhhh, five hundred years?"

Suddenly Whirl shoots up from the berth and grabs Rung around the neck. "Its me-Rung! Your-akk!-your psychiatrist! Why are you-akk!-doing this?!" Rung ask trying to alievate his temper.

"Its your eyebrows! Hes jealous of your capacity for self expression!" Swerve exclaims.

"Your not helping!" I yell. I then run up to the pair and grab the arm Whirl is choking Rung with. "Let him go!"

Whirl stares at me and says,"Hello again little cutie. You know, I didn't appreciate you knocking me out."

"Yeah well you'll get over it. Now put him down!" I order.

"Why should I?" Whirl asks.

"Whirl, listen! Your safe! Your among friends!" Ratchet exclaims.

"I'd say 'friends' was stretching it, but what the hell! Fresh start and all that. Welcome back online buddy!" Swerve says.

"P-p-prison! You'll go back to prison! Forever this time!" Rung stutters out!

Whirl drops Rung at his words and stares at him in what I assume is shock. "What?"

"Ultra Magnus gave you a final warning, remember? After-after what you did to Springer." Rung replies.

Whirl tries to defend himself. "I told you I was trying-

"I know what you were trying to do, but unless you stay in line-unless you behave-youll end up back inside. Back at square one after all this time." Rung adds.

Whirl stomps towards the door Whirl muttering,"Whatever." Then hes out of sight.

"I didn't kill him then." A small voice says.

We turn and see the blue and white mech sitting up on the berth.

"Who, nut job? Nah, but dont worry. We wont hold it against you. I'm Swerve by the way." Swerve greets.

"Tailgate. I-wait a minute. Have we taken off? Does Nova Prime know I'm on board?" Tailgate asks.

We exchange looks before Ratchet asks,"Nova Prime?"

"I had a bit of an accident. Have we reached Benzuli?" Tailgate asks.

"Tailgate, I think your a bit confused." I say.

He shakes his head and politely says,"No ma'am. I don't believe so. This is the Ark Right?"

"Hold on-you think this is the Ark? The original Ark? I don't quite know how to break this to you but you've been out of action for-

"Wait! Stop! Stop!" Swerve interrupts Ratchet. "I'll give you half my energon rations forever if you let me tell him."

"Just do it nicely." Ratchet warns.

Swerve nods. He then stands in front of Tailgate and places his servos on his shoulders. "My dear, dear Tailgate. You know when your hooked up to your recharge slab and your in sleeper mode and you're relying on your Chronometer to reactivate you a few hours later...? And you know how sometimes the tremer doesn't work and you wake up later than expected..."

"Wheres this going Swerve?" Tailgate asks while looking very confused.

Swerve then leans in close to Tailgates audio receptor and whispers to him.

Tailgate then tenses up and loudly yells in shock. "Six million years?!" Then the poor mech glitches and passes out.

Wow! The longest chapter I've done in a while. My fingers are actually cramping, but its worth it! I hope yall like it! Please tell me what you think! I couldn't put the shout outs at the top cause I'm having to use WordPad, which doesn't work all that well.

ManyGamePlayer: Here You Go!

Jazzy the Jazz: I'm glad it does. That's always the goal. Lol! :)

RoboDork97: I'm glad! Lol!

OptimusPrimesGirl213: Thank You! I'll try my best! :)