To tell the Truth

***Ratchet's POV***

Somewhere in my spark, I know it is wrong to stand here with my hand on the trigger. The two mechs I have long since fought beside are standing before me, not enemies. This isn't how it should be.

Optimus is talking to Ironhide now. He is smiling, but it doesn't reach his optics. He gestures with his hands, a gesture I know indicates a small Cybertronian bird.

An old story they once told me comes to mind, one where Optimus and a young Ironhide went hunting back on Cybertron. It had been one of the few moments Optimus could spare for him, as time was not something he could often afford as leader. I don't remember how it ended, but they had come back closer then ever.

Ironhide's laugh breaks me out of my reverie. I look up to see the two of them. They are standing close. In Ironhide's optics, I see nothing but adoration for his adoptive creator. The guilt I felt from before comes back in full force, but my hand never leaves my gun; He is, and will always be, a Decepticon.

A Decepticon who wears the Autobot insignia. A Decepticon who fights by Autobots. A Decepticon who would give his life for our cause. But still, a Decepticon.

It makes me wonder where the lines of good and evil crossed.

Optimus starts talking again. I wish I could stand closer, to hear what they are saying. But I can't help but feel that it would be an intrusion. This is a private affair, one the rest of the army doesn't need to hear.

Suddenly, Ironhide walks away.

I look up, but Prime refuses to meet my optics. Waiting for Ironhide to leave the area, I step forward.

"Prime-"

"Ratchet." He whispers. "I cannot do this to him."

"Prime…. Optimus… You're not doing anything to him. This won't change him, or who he has been all these vorns."

"We have a stellar cycle." He looks at me expectantly.

"I have nothing, Prime." I shake my head. "Replacing his optics again will only buy us a little more time."

He stands there for a moment. His eyes distant; looking, but not really seeing anything.

"Wheeljack."

He says it so quietly, I almost didn't hear it. It startles me when I recognize what he said.

"Wheeljack?"

He couldn't mean…

"What makes you think," I began. "that Wheeljack could fix this?"

"It is a chance. Please, Ratchet. I cannot lose Ironhide; I cannot lose my son."

I resist the urge to sigh.

"I'll contact him. But I make no promise. Wheeljack is not a miracle worker, and half the things he makes explodes."

I fight the urge to stay, and I leave Optimus to his thoughts.

A short walk brings me to the base entrance and I pass Ironhide and Sunstreaker there. Bits and pieces of their conversation could be heard above the ruckus of the common room. I ignore it an turn down the hallway, toward the communication room.

Opening the door, I spot Bumblebee in the corner. I figure it must be his shift.

"Bumblebee?"

He looks up at me, and nods enthusiastically.

"I need to make a private call. Would you mind leaving for a few minutes?"

He shakes his head and gestures to the communication equipment, then gets up to leave. I make a mental note to check his voice box later.

I wait for him to close the door. As it snaps shut, I set about getting the long distance Comm. up and running.