Disclaimer: I do not own The Transformers animated series/show, they belong to toy manufacturer Takara and American company Hasbro. This fanfiction is merely for the sole purpose of entertainment and not for selling/profiting purposes.

Key Terms:
()()()()()()()()()()() Change in location/place
\\\\\\\\\\ Change in tense/time (past/present/future)
italics Character's thoughts/emphasis/sounds

Author's Notes: You know, I'm not too sure on how time works in the Transformer world. But the set time that I think makes sense (I hope) is that 1000 astroseconds is an hour, making 1 breem, as most authors in their fics have put it; the breem being an hour. I just made up the 1000 astroseconds. So if you divide that in half, 500 astroseconds would be half an hour, divide 500 astroseconds and that would be 250 making 15 minutes, and the following halves are easy to work out (by use of a calculator), though I didn't calculate the specific single minutes equivalent to astroseconds heh. If someone out there is a whizz at mathematics then they ought to know.
I hope my guessings are easy to understand.

Chapter 4: Inner Analysis

At first Skywarp thought it particularly strange that Starscream had not returned to the base yet. He had expected that he would have come back by now after one Earth day but that was only a guess. He remembered the previous times in which Megatron made the Decepticons leaved without him after a failed battle. And after such abandonment the tri-coloured Air Commander had always found a way to re-join their company once again, whether it took a period of an Earth week or two or a few odd Earth days, like nothing had ever happened, (excluding the treacherous plans to overthrow Megatron with new-found alliances or recently created weapons). So why should this time be any different? There was no real reason why it should be, as was Skywarp's thinking, since there was not one time that he had never come back, though he didn't see what had happened to Starscream before they had left him just yesterday. It was somewhat dark, he remembered that, and it was raining down hard. Then those stupid Insecticons had decided to use their lightning attacks to 'help' him and Thundercracker, which had only served to nearly scorch them in the process. So they had to land to avoid being killed by their so-called 'allies' to leave them available for the Autobots to pounce on them, and that was when he was too preoccupied to think of much else.

But whatever had happened to Starscream must not have been too serious for him to get over – this is Starscream after all.

He must be cruising around somewhere teaming up with Primus-knows-who and scheming up whatever lame brain idea he has to take over Megatron's place as leader, the purple and black jet thought as he soared in the sky beside Thundercracker. It's always the same thing with him. Man, doesn't he have anything else to think about apart from that and himself? If he were in his robotic mode he would have tensed his optics in contemplation. Nope, not really. He'll come back in an Earth day or two anyways, just as usual. Then I can pull a fast one on him after everything's settled, he-he-he. That'll teach him to disappear on me and Thundercracker on the battlefield yesterday.

The two seekers had just flown through a smoky white cloud. It was bright and sunny today, quite unlike the weather conditions of the previous day, and the perpetual sunlight made the sea waters below them twinkle continuously like an ocean of diamonds.

Thundercracker gently veered to his right and made a full turn, not flying the way that they came from; Skywarp followed the manoeuvre at his side.

"Patrol duty is so boring," the blue seeker confided. "Nothing ever happens in the morning and we only fly around in the same track; the same goes to the evenings too. Don't you think so, Skywarp?"

"Definitely," Skywarp agreed. "But, hey, at least we don't gotta put up with Starscream's voice now, now that he's away for a while. We finally have some peace and quiet!"

Thundercracker chuckled. "I guess you got a point on that one. He's always boasting at us like he's the most supreme mech in the whole cosmos, as if his ego isn't any bigger."

"I know! But he always gets a lesson from Megatron, with a round of beatings of course, and he never gets the hint. I really wonder if Megatron hit him too hard on the noggin too many times or he's the most dumb-witted mech ever."

"For once Skywarp you may be right about something."

"Yup… hey," he drew out, making Thundercracker chuckle again but without a mean tone to it.

The Nemesis' energy signal appeared on his radar screen and he requested permission to land. The exit tower shot up from the sea and allowed them inside.

"I've got to go and make a report now, Skywarp," said Thundercracker while walking away, once outside of the departure room. "So I'll see you later."

"Hey, wait!" Skywarp exclaimed, following him. "Where are you going? I thought we have to monitor a part of the ship together."

"Have you forgotten already? I'm Third-In-Command now, which mean that I have more important responsibilities to uphold, not to mention a change in the job description. So I don't have to monitor the base anymore but you do. Get it?"

Skywarp pouted. "But I'll be so bored by myself. Can't you just ditch it? It's not like there's much to say about our patrol."

As Thundercracker opened his mouth to say something Skywarp held up an index finger, stopping him from speaking, and said: "Just write, "We saw some water, some more water and then some land and more water again. Nothing happened – ya-da – ya-da – ya-da", and that's it. Job done." He gave a smirk and raised an optic ridge as if to say he had said something that made total sense.

Thundercracker only returned his look with one saying he was sorely unconvinced and with a hint of disapproval. "Skywarp, Megatron expects a more substantial report then that and one that is less vague. Much less vague. He won't be very impressed with me if I gave him that and I'm already in his bad data books. I don't need to give him another reason to hate me."

Skywarp groaned loudly as a response, using wordless sounds of protest as the last means of showing his annoyance and of deterring his wingmate from his tedious task.

"Sorry, Skywarp," Thundercracker said as though he were speaking to a mistreated child. "Usually Starscream does this job for us, but since he's not here I have to do it now. Megatron doesn't like to be kept waiting so I have to go. I'll see you around at the usual energon break time." And with that as the last exchange, he left the pouting purple jet standing alone and feeling dejected.

"Fine!" he accepted bitterly to himself after the other had gone. "I'll go by myself then."

He stomped away moodily.

\\\\\\\\\\ I'm so bored!

He was leaning against a wall, arms crossed and one foot flat on it with a bent leg. On his left, the stockpile of energon cubes glowing ever-brightly. Further on, his right to the cubes, was Thrust seated on a chair, arms crossed likewise but his head dropping to his chest and back up every so often in a lulling rhythm of falling asleep.

The level of boredom would not have risen so quickly if Thundercracker had been with him instead. He always had the tendency to drag out a subject of conversation, which made a perfect time-wasting effect but also kept each other from becoming weary in whatever they were doing at the time, as well as a means of distraction. Thrust, however, had not been in the right mood for talking, replying to Skywarp's several attempts at starting a conversation with curt or blunt answers. These kind of responses made it hard for the seeker to elaborate on, since they posed no possibility on leading to anything further, and so forcing him to give up trying in hopelessness.

So now the situation has come to this.

Skywarp checked his internal chronometer and groaned. Great, only five hundred more astroseconds of pure boredom until energon break. I can't last that long. I need to do something! Maybe I can drop in on Thundercracker. Nah, he would get angry at me – he's no fun when he's working.

As was always resulted from his stream of thoughts when devising on what to do, he thought of a plan to play a practical joke. With his method in mind he went on to choose which of the Decepticons he would lay victim to. Thrust? No, that was too easy; he needed a better challenge. Not many members in the base were worthy enough for his pranking talents, although highly amusing to subject them in his 'work' to his great advantage, they could not provide him the satisfaction he sought for in the testing of his true capabilities. He knew he could do much more if only there was someone who could rise to defy him, at least up to his level. And the only mech he could think of that matched that standard was Starscream for he always fought back with a kind of retaliation in a way similar to his and he liked that.

Starscream was no pushover nor a weak contender, most of the time managing to keep Skywarp on his feet sensors. Taking part of his favourite hobby was akin to fighting in a battle to him. He had to keep his wits about him all the time to survive as well as having quick reflexes, or else get caught and perish.

But Starscream, he reminded himself, was not here anymore. Now he would have to find a new mech to prank on, the next strong challenge as it were. And the next in line of Starscream's position was Soundwave. A wide grin spread itself across his face. He was perfect! This will be the best way to return the humiliation he had been given the last earth day ago.

He stood straight and looked at the now dozing Thrust, his head keeping to his chest. Thinking that it wouldn't make much of a difference if he left now, he activated his warping ability and went to prepare his 'tools'.

\\\\\\\\\\ Skywarp stood outside of the computer facility room where he knew Soundwave usually kept himself in, working on the monitor. One arm held five round fluid-filled sacks that looked like small balloons, the other had one of the spheres in hand, ready to throw it at his intended unawares target. He let out a light snigger in delight.

"This will teach you to use that smart mouth component of yours against me," he told to the one behind the doors in secret warning.

His attention solely focused on soaking his victim, he cautiously approached the doors with his 'armed' hand raised at the ready in care to make as little sound as possible to catch the other in complete surprise.

"Skywarp!"

"AAH!" In shock he threw the sack up into the air, which thus came back down and landed on his helmet-like head with a liquid SPLASH.

A colour of pale blue dripped and trickled from his head and over his astonished face, then travelled further to the shoulder plates and chest vents.

He turned around to face none other than the Decepticon leader wearing an expression that was sterner than ever. In an instant he was in total horror.

"M-M-Megatron sir!" he spluttered. "W-What brings you all the way out here?" He attempted a show of innocence on his features but the intimidating figure of Megatron unnerved him and the armful of round projectiles did little to support the image, in fact, it did the opposite making him look very guilty indeed. If that wasn't worse enough, the blue fluid that covered his frame only presented him as ridiculous.

Megatron's optics flashed dangerously. "I should be asking you the exact same question! What do you think you are doing, soldier? As if you haven't disgraced yourself enough during your time here. You're beginning to make me think that you're just as insolent as Starscream, only in terms of childishness."

Skywarp bowed his head respectfully. "I'm sorry, leader, it won't happen again."

Megatron's glare intensified. ""Sorry" isn't good enough – any fool can say that. And any excuse you come up with isn't either. Even the best excuse you have is feeble and useless like you."

"Yes, sir."

"I was hoping that you could redeem yourself after yesterday's fiasco but I see that is far from becoming a reality. Now out of my sight you blundering idiot!"

"Yes, sir!" Skywarp squeaked at once and jogged away in fear to safety. After he had reached the distance of the main hall he leant his back flat against a wall and allowed the blue balls drop to the floor in a heap.

His mouth drew in air to cool his heated circuits and systems from his rather speedy escape, his chest vests heaving up and down rapidly.

"Hey, 'Warp," greeted Thundercracker as he saw him upon entering the area. "You're early."

"Oh… hi," Skywarp returned breathlessly.

"Are you okay? What happened? Why are you covered in washing fluid?" Thundercracker inquired curiously, pointing at him.

Skywarp simply looked at him. "I wish Starscream were here."

()()()()()()()()()() They sat together as they always did on the grassy plain that is their private land. The green blades around them bent in the soft winds brushing across the tops in simultaneous waves in one part of the landscape that gradually spread outwards by the breeze's passing touch.

"I've heard that Skyfire was back the other day," said Spike. "How did he take the news about, you know."

Of course Bumblebee knew exactly whom "you know" was. It seemed like his name was a bit of a taboo around the base, not one or little of the Autobots wanted to speak it in front of one another as if it were unlawful to do so. In fact, it was like everyone had decided to totally forget about the whole issue of their unconscious 'patient' in the medical bay, carrying on with their normal duties albeit with a more distinct air of silence than usual. The most obvious reason that Bumblebee could think of why that was, was because Starscream was their most well known enemy. An enemy injured and in the interiors of the base. Their disliking of that fact had already been established so there was no more need to be said. He didn't doubt that most of them wished for the events that took place to have never happened at all.

However, it was the opposite for a certain Cybertronian shuttle jet, come back from a reconnaissance mission. Bumblebee saw him being led by Optimus to the repair bay as he was making his way to the entrance to go outside. He had noticed a look of seriousness and concern on Skyfire's face and his optics intently focused in front of him while he walked behind Optimus. Knowing that Skyfire had some sort of history with Starscream he was curious to hear what he had to say and also wanted to find out about Starscream's condition if he had the chance to.

After they had turned the corner in the corridor leading to the bay he had quietly trailed behind the two 'Bots, careful not to get too close. They had reached the doors and entered. At that moment he was at a loss of what to do. He certainly couldn't just barge in and intrude on the scene. He had stopped at the doors but kept a distance away so as to not activate it automatically opening. He was going to turn back in disappointment when he could then hear the start of muffled voices. What was being said couldn't be clearly discerned but his CPU clicked. By increasing his audio sensitivity level the indistinct words could be made recognisable. Bumblebee thanked this little function for his spying practises as he listened.

\\\\\\\\\\ "What happened to him?" asked Skyfire worriedly, looking down on the still form that used to be his friend long ago.

There were intricate wires and open circuitry in several parts of his body, still under repair, and a monitoring machine was connected by a cable to one side of his head, another two at an expose wrist panel. The screen on the machine showed live statistics for the spark pulse, energon levels, lubricant levels and cranial brainwaves in colour coded frequency lines and coded bars. The coloured lines made wavy and spiky movements while the bars moved up and down at different times in their respective area of monitoring, indicating signs of life coming from the unconscious seeker.

"He was critically injured from a fall into a deep chasm in the place where we were facing the Decepticons," answered Optimus briefly. "It seemed that he couldn't stop himself from falling in. We took him back here afterwards for repairs."

"I see," said Skyfire after a pause. "How is he doing?" He looked to Ratchet at the side of the berth.

"Fine so far. But there is still a lot to fix up, both on his exteriors and in his interiors, which well take an extent of time. I can guarantee that his physical injuries will eventually be healed, and with his internal repair system fully working it can be done all the more sooner. But there is one thing that has made me uncertain, a more serious injury than any of his wounds."

"What is it?" Skyfire asked slowly, unsure, wanting to know what was worse than what he can see now before his optics yet at the same time he didn't want to know in fear of it.

Wheeljack stepped in for Ratchet beside him. "It's the head injury," he informed and pointed at his own head to show him then motioned around Starscream's. "We've deducted that during the event of falling he had sustained a blow to the head here on some rocks or other, and which also caused him to black out. Now, we've carefully removed the outer plating and the inner protective layer to see how bad it was on his brain circuitry and found that the force of the blow crushed a part of the frontal area, though only a moderate amount of it. The outer plating was strong enough to prevent everything from being destroyed but it couldn't stop the energy of the force from travelling to the side of the middle part, therefore damaging that bit as well, only with less severity."

Skyfire peered over into the opening and saw that indeed the front area had been flattened somewhat as if a giant fist connected with it fiercely but it was still connected with the rest of the circuit, to his relief. Cracked zigzag lines spread from it to the aforementioned middle part and he saw it too was a little mangled and cracked slightly, not so much worse as the front but still looked just as beaten up.

"What can be done? Is it life-threatening?"

"No, fortunately. It's a miracle that it's even functioning still, given that the collision was made to a very vital mechanism."

"But unfortunately," cut in Ratchet, "there is not much that we can do. We've extracted broken bits out from around it and we've managed to re-connect a few back together with the main body, but we cannot make further repairs than that. The complexity of the operation is too risky and we may alter the general CPU in which even a slight change in re-forming the intricate electronic nerve lines can corrupt the mainframe of his whole being."

"That is unfortunate news, Ratchet," said Optimus. "But isn't there anything at all that can fix him? He can't be left like this."

"There is one thing that we can hope for," the medic answered with a resolute tone. "And that is the workings of his internal repair system. I know that it can do the job but gradually. The running links that are broken will eventually get re-attached again, over time. Rarely would this be a last resort but we have no other real choice. Thankfully no motor relay circuits have to be healed or else it would take longer."

Optimus nodded. "Okay then. At least that's some good news. You're both doing an excellent job. Take a rest for now."

"Thank you, Optimus, but there's still so much to do. We can't stop for too long if we want Starscream up and running as quickly as possible," told Wheeljack.

"Right you are but I don't want you two to over work yourselves. We don't need another patient to have repair work on. If you take regular breaks I'm sure that you'll get the job done better."

"Yes, Optimus," they said together.

The Autobot leader glanced up at Skyfire next to him. He was unusually quiet and had a far-away look in his optics, though they were directed at the recumbent jet.

"Skyfire? Are you alright?"

A moment's pause. "I never thought that I would see him again," he replied softly. "Not like this anyway. He's changed so much." He lightly grinned and made a short laugh at the double meaning behind the words but it was filled with a hint of sadness.

His spark had felt a constricting strain ever since he had first learnt of Starscream's new allegiance; his allegiance with warfare and fighting. The seeker's place on one side of the factions simply confused him initially – he didn't know what had happened in the time of his encasement in ice. But what had really befuddled him was the fact that Starscream wasn't being the gentle scientist he knew him to be. The null rays attached to his arms were worrying enough, let alone his out-of-character behaviour in his manner and the way he spoke. The biggest sign, or blow so to speak, that told him the Starscream he knew was no longer alive was when the red jet purposefully shot him square in the chest – by the hand of his friend who he knew for centuries!

He had so many questions, was in need of so many answers but he could never have a satisfactory one to completely explain this erratic change of self-being. The only thing that made sense was that some sort of life-changing event must have happened to him at one point during the last nine million years, something that had caused him to take part in the doings of war and leave behind his scientific ways so willingly.

But the next confounding question was: What was it? And once again Skyfire could find no solid answer. His spark felt clenched again like it had always done when pondering on these thoughts and memories of his lost friend.

He felt a comforting hand being placed on the ball of his shoulder armour.

"Skyfire, I know that you've once been friends with Starscream a long time ago," spoke Optimus gently. "It must be very hard for you to see him like this. I am sorry that he is not the same mech that he used to be, however he was back then. War changes many things over time, Transformers included."

Skyfire took one last look at the unrepaired body on the berth before turning his optics onto Optimus. "Yes, I have noticed," he said with another small sad smile. "I only wish that it had never happened to Starscream. He was my good friend but now… he is my enemy. Sometimes I wish that this war had never started if it only brings such tragedy like this."

The hand left his shoulder.

"You don't know how many times I have had the same thought," Optimus said in mutual tone. "I think it is time to take our leave now. We'll let you get to it," he said to the other two.

He made toward the doors with Skyfire behind him until Wheeljack halted them by a call.

"Yes, Wheeljack?" Optimus asked.

"I forgot to tell you one more thing. The part that is damaged is where the memory banks are controlled, both the long-term and short-term memory store. The short-term store was easily repaired due to its small capacity size, as it doesn't hold much information. On the other hand, the long-term store has taken the most damage and since it holds more information not all of it is restored."

"We fear Starscream will not remember the time of his accident and, worse," Ratchet said in turn, "nothing from his life from here until a significant time in the past, in seeing the level of destruction on the memory store."

"So that would mean he will not remember the Decepticons or even us, the Autobots?"

The medic and mechanic glanced at each other in knowing. "Yes, that is for certain."

"I see. Will he remember himself?"

"Yes, the files in the long-term memory store have not all been put in a state of disrepair. To that fact, it can be said that the memory of himself will not be forgotten but it can't be said the same for the rest of his life span. I would say his memories will most definitely start at the earliest part of his creation running till some point in his life where the damage ends. Though I cannot say if it extends to the memory files of the start of the war itself or within its duration."

"Hm, right. This is most unexpected."

The Autobot leader was contemplative afterwards while Skyfire looked more astonished by the news, and a feeling akin to excitement flowed through him. He faced Ratchet and Wheeljack in noticeable expectancy.

"So will this mean Starscream will not remember his life as a soldier? Will he be able to remember his life before that on Cybertron?"

To think, the Starscream he knew would potentially come back to him! The malice, violence and cruelty gone from his very core, and the kindness and gentleness that he knew he had possessed would return as if unaffected by the harshness of this ongoing battle for peace. This was what he wanted most among other things: to have his friendship with Starscream back for good.

"Like I said, Skyfire," replied Ratchet, "it is unknown precisely at what point of his life he will recall when he wakes up. We'll just have to wait and find out. In the mean time Wheeljack and I will continue making repair jobs as best as we can."

Skyfire nodded. "Right. Thank you for your help, Ratchet. You too, Wheeljack. I don't know where he would be without you."

"In the Pits for sure more than likely," Wheeljack said half jokingly and half seriously.

Skyfire softly gazed at Starscream's face before he finally turned away, strode past Optimus and left the room.

\\\\\\\\\\ After Wheeljack had spoken he had then heard footsteps coming closer to the doors. Instantly he had made a mad dash down the corridor to escape from being seen eavesdropping on the whole conversation. Somehow he was quick enough to avoid detection as he had halted at the corner at the start of the corridor and looked round it to see Skyfire at the opening doors. Not wanting to encounter him after his seeing Starscream, Bumblebee resumed a casual but fast walking pace in the way he had come from and he saw no more of him since then.

That was yesterday and he still had not seen the large white shuttle jet. Perhaps he stayed inside his quarters for most of the day.

"I think he took it alright," answered Bumblebee. "Though he didn't seem too happy about Starscream being hurt since they used to be friends and all. I can't imagine how those two used to know each other."

"Yeah, weird huh?" returned Spike. "Especially Skyfire still caring for him at all, even after Starscream clearly opened fire at him back in the North Pole. "

"You're right about that. But wouldn't you find it hard to let go of a friend who you knew for a long time?" He gave a small smile. "Ending up trapped in ice and in the next moment find that friend changed drastically from their original self is a lot to take in, don't you think?"

Spike's expression changed into a slight frown, then de-creased itself in further thought of what he said. "Heh, yeah I guess you're right. That wouldn't be an easy thing to experience. I hope Skyfire will be okay."

"Mm," Bumblebee nodded.

Silence passed between them, only the sound of the moving wind pushing against the treetops and around their bodies made a calm, breezy melody. There was a time of no exchange between the two friends until Spike chose to break it.

"Bumblebee."

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure Spike, what is it?"

"Well, I was just wondering, why did you want Starscream saved after all that had happened; when we all know that he's a really evil Decepticon, and when he nearly killed you and me? I know that it was for your cause and all, but I can't understand why you go that far for someone like that. What if Cliffjumper and the others were right? Maybe it would've been better if there was one less Decepticon to deal with."

Bumblebee, to say the least, was fairly hurt by the main underlying question, not by the question itself, nor by the person asking it but because of the memory of the discouraging words of the aforementioned Autobots. He was also reminded of his inner battle with his doubts and conflicting thoughts on that night where he had almost given up and accepted that what he knew was right was utterly useless.

For a second he felt burdened by them again but then remembered the reassuring voice of Optimus Prime, just as he had on the same night, supporting him at the very end and once more making his self-confidence become stronger.

That was all he needed to provide an answer for the ever-existing question for doing what he did, that is why. So he told Spike that Optimus was his head-commander and the wisest and most steel-hearted leader that he had ever known. He told him how Prime knew what he was doing, that he never made such a decision as bringing the Decepticon jet into the base if he didn't. And lastly, he told him the red and blue leader had a spark of gold, never the mech to turn down others in need of help or ignore another's plight, whoever they may be. He is righteous, fair and pure. He alone knows the true challenge of fighting for the cause. And if he approved of Bumblebee's suggestion of getting the seeker out of that gorge then he must have been doing something right for he knew nothing most of what Optimus says, and has said in the past in other situations, was incorrect.

Spike had no reply to counter that and he agreed with him to that extent but Bumblebee felt he still harboured a personal view about the whole thing. A ringing sound sprang up from Spike's pocket. It was revealed to be a cell phone as it was held up to his ear. He answered into it.

"Okay, dad, I'll be there in a jiffy. See you," he ended and pocketed the phone again. "Dad says I have to be home for dinner now. It's already six o'clock! Boy, does time fly when you're having fun."

Bumblebee checked his internal chronometer and saw that it was. The sky was still quite bright, only reduced by a few degrees where the sun was now, nearly touching the outline of the distant mountaintops

He transformed and opened a front door.

"Alright, Spike, jump in."

After he did so, Bumblebee revved his engine and started down the rough dirt track leading to the main human road with the soft summer sun in the fading blue sky warming his trunk behind him.

\\\\\\\\\\ It was morning the next day and around half of the Autobots took their energon 'breakfast' in the Recreation room. Bumblebee was among them, already sat down with his cube on the table with Huffer and Gears. Wheeljack entered the room and walked to an energon dispenser to have his share as well where the table occupied by Optimus, Prowl and Ironhide were close at.

At once Bumblebee was delighted to se the mechanic after days of his absence around the base, apart from his working in the medical bay.

Optimus was standing now and speaking with him, no doubt about the progress of repairs on Starscream. To his luck he was near enough to catch their words by using the same trick of increasing his audios' sensitivity from yesterday's impromptu spying. He inconspicuously directed his optics away from the talking mechs and took occasional sips from his drink calmly as he listened in on them.

"How is everything going, Wheeljack? You look haggard. I thought I told you to take regular breaks from your repairing."

"Yes, I know, Optimus," Wheeljack said in a weary tone. "But we really wanted to finish him up as fast as we could. And the hard work paid off – it's all done, all of it."

If Bumblebee could see Optimus he thought he would find a pair of raised optics judging by his surprised tone.

"Really? That is tremendously quick, Wheeljack. Will he awake now, now that he's fully repaired?"

"That I don't know. Ratchet told me he predicted he would later today or the next orn, saying that his energy will be concentrated in re-starting his body now that most of his wounds are gone. I don't know as much about the anatomy of transformers as he does, unfortunately," he remarked light-heartedly. "Speaking of Ratchet, I need to bring him his round of energon. He took only one sitting throughout the time after you and Skyfire visited us, being adamant to get it all done." He sighed, sounding exhausted. "He was a slave worker!"

A deep chuckle from Optimus. "I suppose that explains your tired appearance. Is Ratchet still in the bay?"

"Yeah, I left there him to –"

"Optimus!"

"Ow!" exclaimed Bumblebee for the abrupt yell over exceeded his modified hearing level and he turned it down immediately.

He twisted round in his seat to find out where the shout came from and saw an anxious-looking Ratchet speeding through the tables rather blindingly but never hitting anything on his way toward who he was addressing.

"Optimus!" the white mech called, his tone desperate.

"What is it, Ratchet? What happened?" questioned Optimus in a serious voice but more controlled when he was reached.

"Optimus, he's awake!"

Author's Note: DUN-DUN-DUUUUUOOON!! Great, a cliffhanger:P So sorry guys but I am pretty much gonna leave that ending right there (Boy, am I mean!). I guess all or most of you were expecting Starscream to make an appearance in this chapter, consciously anyway. Well, I think that you can rest assured that he will be awake and out of his comatose in the next one :) Believe it! (…Why did I use Naruto's catchphrase?? -.O).

Anyway, feel free to comment on what you liked or disliked (or maybe even both?) about this story so far. Your words are greatly appreciated! Until the next update!

Starscream: Oh no you don't! Bring me back right now!!

Me: 0.0 eh? I thought you were asleep?

Starscream: You put me to sleep!! -points a finger at me- And I'm sick of it. I want to be brought back in the limelight again! I demand that you re-write this chapter and make me awake in this one!

Me: …And why would I do that?

Starscream: Because this is about me! It's all about me isn't it?? If this was an animated episode I would only get 10 minutes worth of screen time or something. In some episodes I didn't get any at all and that was bad enough! Why eeyop, why?!

Me: My, my, you are the little attention seeker aren't you?

Starscream: Grr! -pouts-

Me: Just be glad that you're even in this story at all! Anyway, you'll be totally awake next time, then you can have all the screen time you want, k?

Starscream: …But I want it now! -.-

Me: Well too bad! -ahem- Hope everybody isn't as mad as Starscream is of me, hehehe! -.-!