Love all the support!

Units of time as I use them:

Astrosecond= .273 seconds

Klik= 1 minute

Joor= 3 hours

Cycle= 1 day

Breem= 1 week

Groon= 1 month

Stellar cycle= year

Meta cycle= 5 years

Deca cycle= 10 years

Orn= century

Vorn= 5 centuries

:underline:- spark twins talking

:bold:- bonded mechs talking

:italics:- comm link

Don't own Transformers!


Chapter 7

The following morning, Ratchet had risen from his berth before his younglings had come out of recharge. He had made sure that he didn't disturb Hot Rod, who had come into the medic's berth room himself the night before as the medic had thought.

Ratchet had long since learned that his younglings preferred to be close to him when they were ill. It had been a few joor after the medic had fallen into recharge that he had been drawn out by sensing his son near the berth. Ratchet had allowed Hot Rod to join him in the berth. The youngling had recharged curled up against his carrier.

Ratchet had gone downstairs while he allowed his younglings to recharge a while longer before he had to rouse them for school. He probably wouldn't make Hot Rod go since he had a feeling that the mechling would be dealing with the full effects of the virus that cycle. Ratchet grabbed himself a cube of energon before turning the news video feed on in the living room. He sat down and was surprised as he noticed that there was an announcement being broadcast that was from the Prime.

Considering the events of the day before, Ratchet found himself looking at the Prime in a new way. He was still astonished that he had been the Prime's mate. It just didn't make any sense to him that he could have been the Prime's mate.

It stunned the medic to hear the Prime announce that he was dissolving his relationship with Elita-1. The white and orange medic supposed that he shouldn't be that surprised considering the fact that Arcee had told him that the only reason the two had even been together was so that he Senate would leave the Prime alone while he grieved. Perhaps the Prime had decided that it was time to end the charade and move on to someone he could really love. That thought hurt the medic for some reason, though Ratchet wasn't entirely sure why given the fact that Ratchet couldn't remember his time as the Prime's mate.

Ratchet's supposition soon proved to be wrong as the Prime also stated that he had no intention of seeking a new mate. He stated that he was focusing on political at the moment and that he had no intention of seeking anyone new.

Reflecting on what he already knew, Ratchet had a feeling that the Senate wasn't going to be too thrilled with the Prime's statement that he had no intention of seeking anyone new. Ratchet knew the law enough to know that there was no law that stated the Prime had to choose a mate. It just suggested that it would be better if the Prime had a mate. It meant that the Senate couldn't legally force the Prime to find a mate, but that didn't mean that the Senate couldn't try to convince the Prime to choose a mate.

A part of Ratchet couldn't help but wonder how the Prime would react when he learned that he was alive. He wasn't sure how that would play out as the Prime had spent an orn believing that Ratchet was dead. It would be hard for the Prime to believe that he was alive.

Of course, that was why Arcee hadn't said a word to anybot back in Iacon about him being alive. She knew that it would be hard for them to believe simply by her word, so Arcee thought that if she showed them Ratchet was alive that it would be much easier for them to believe.

Ratchet logically knew that this was a mech who had extremely high standing in society, so that meant that there was no true reason for the Prime to want anything to do with Ratchet. He was a simply medic who had been living in a small town for the past orn.

But something in Ratchet's spark told him that that wouldn't matter to the Prime. All that would matter was that he was alive.

Ratchet raised his hand and placed it over his spark. He couldn't remember anything about his past, but it seemed that his spark remembered everything. The medic raised his optics to look at the image of the Prime on the video screen. His spark knew this mech. Knew what this mech had once meant to him. And knew what he meant to this mech.


Arcee sat watching the video feed of the Prime's announcement. She was rather shocked to hear that the Prime and Elita-1 had decided to dissolve their relationship publicly, but the femme supposed that she shouldn't be too surprised. She knew that her commander and the Prime held no romantic feelings for each other. It was really a matter of time before they decided to end things.

Ending it now with that investigation going on was what stunned Arcee the most. She would have thought that the Prime would have waited until the conclusion of the investigation to do so to prevent the Senate from trying to force a femme on him.

In any case, this was big news. The blue and pink femme couldn't help but wonder what Ratchet would think of all this when he heard about it if he hadn't already heard about it.

A large had was placed on Arcee's shoulders. "You know about this?" Bulkhead asked.

"No. I'm not part of Prime's inner circle, Bulk. I only knew about the investigation. This is a surprise to me." Arcee raised a hand to rub it across her face. "Though I must admit that it will make things easier when he learns that Ratchet is alive."

Bulkhead leaned against the couch so that his arms crossed over the back of it as he watched the speech. "Just out of curiosity, do you think he's still going to want the doc?"

"Without a doubt." Arcee was certain of that. "It's more a matter of how he'll react when he finds out I hid everything."

Bulkhead wrapped an arm around the femme. "Don't worry, 'Cee. We'll deal with it together." He was silent a moment. "Think that doc is going to want to meet him?" The green mech had been told by his lover the night before what she had asked Ratchet.

"I don't know, Bulkhead. I hope so. Prime needs to know the truth now, and the only way he or anybot else will believe it is if they can see him." Arcee grew quiet. "I just wish that I had known the truth back then so that I could have gotten them to Tarn when he was there and let them help him. Even if he had amnesia, at least they would know he was alive." Arcee sighed. "And Prime wouldn't have had to miss so much of Hot Rod and Lightshow's lives."

Bulkhead walked around and sat down beside Arcee. "What's done is done, 'Cee. You can't change that. All we can do is let them know the truth now. At least Prime could stop grieving over Ratchet's loss, and he could know that his creations were still alive."

Arcee nodded before looking over at Bulkhead. "I'm actually surprised that you're not angrier at me than you are. I mean, I hid a lot of things from over this last vorn, and we promised not keep secrets. Besides, I hid things from Ratchet that he should have known."

"Truth is I'm more than a little upset, 'Cee. You should have trusted me with it, but I do understand why you didn't tell me. I'm just glad that nothing happened to doc." Bulkhead shook his helm. "'Sides, if doc can let bygones be bygones, then so can I. He has more reason than anybot besides Prime and the doc's family to be pissed at you."

"I suppose so." Arcee agreed.

Bulkhead checked his chronometer before standing up. "Well, I've got to head off to work. Doc's off today if you want to go over there. He'll probably keep Hot Rod out of school today."

"Okay, Bulk. I'll see you when you get off work." Arcee replied.

The large construction mech leaned down and gave Arcee a kiss before he left to head off to work.

Arcee sat back and turned her optics back to the news broadcast of the Prime's announcement. She wondered if the investigation had concluded already. She knew that Shadowstrike would try to get out of it, and the blue and pink femme knew that Shadowstrike would use her sire's position to do it.

Of course, Arcee also knew that the Prime feared no bot, so she knew that her threats would be empty to him, especially considering the fact that it was very hard for the Senate interfere with military affairs. In fact, Arcee was fairly certain that Shadowstrike would get what she deserved, which would ultimately be an attempt on Prime's mate since Ratchet was actually alive.

Arcee sighed. She would have a lot of explaining to do to the Prime once he found out everything. That was not going to be fun on any level.


Optimus leaned back in his chair. The announcement had gone smoothly enough, and he hadn't been surprised by the reporters' questions about whether or not he intended to choose a new mate. That was a question that the Prime had expected, and he had chosen to answer honestly. He had no intention of seeking a new mate as his spark could not handle it. The Prime's spark still and would always belong to Ratchet, even if the medic had been gone for so long.

Already, the Prime had received numerous messages from different senators. The Prime had read the first few only to find that they were protests to the Prime's decision to not choose a new mate as well as a few senators suggesting femmes who would make a suitable mate for him. Optimus had started simply ignoring those messages as he had no intention of going through with them.

"Quite a shocking announcement."

Optimus looked up to see that Megatron and Galvatron were standing in the doorway of his office. "Yes. I'm certain that it's something that none of them expected, but it's not like I intended to keep that charade up forever. It was going to end, and I just felt that now was the right time."

"As long as the Senate doesn't try to roughshod you into mating with some femme they think is suitable, I think it's a good move." Megatron stated as the twins moved into the office.

Optimus sighed. "The Senate members have already been sending me messages from protesting my decision not to choose a new mate-"

"To suggesting various femmes whom they believe would make good mates with most of those femmes being daughters of different senators." Galvatron finished.

"Exactly." Optimus answered.

"How do you think the Senate will react to Grindor's news?" Megatron asked.

"Not well. I expect my announcement that Elita and I are dissolving our relationship will fade into the background when they learn that Shadowstrike has been arrested for treason in Ratchet's assassination as well as for attacking a superior officer." Optimus answered.

"Serves her right." Galvatron muttered, angry at what she thought she could get away with doing.

"Regardless, we are going to have a fight on our hands." Optimus stated.

"Then we had better get ready for it." Megatron stated. He knew just how hard it could be to deal with the Senate, and he knew that they would not take this quietly, certainly not Redwing.

"When will you have to deal with that?" Galvatron asked.

"As soon as Grindor tells the Senate, I'm certain that their protests are going to start. First, they'll protest the investigation in the first place by citing the fact that they had an investigation that cleared the team an orn ago. Second, they'll protest the fact that Jazz headed the investigation. Third, they'll protest the fact that they were not informed of the investigation to start with. And that's only a few of the things that they may protest." Optimus stated.

"Sounds like you two are in for it." Galvatron stated.

"Not like Shadowstrike is." Optimus muttered.

Megatron and Galvatron shared a look.

:You know, I never thought I'd hear out little brother admit that he would want somebot to die.: Galvatron stated.

:Agreed. Then again, we're talking about the femme who killed his mate and his sparklings, so I can't say I blame him. In fact, I admire his restraint. I would have already killed that blasted glitch if it had been my family she destroyed.: Megatron replied.

:Something tells me that Shadowstrike is about to find out what happens to those that think they can mess with Orion and his family and get away with it.: Galvatron stated.

Megatron agreed with his whole spark.


Arcee had gone over to Ratchet's home when she thought that he would have gotten Lightshow and Springer to school and gotten back home. She found Ratchet in the living room looking through some datapads while Hot Rod was curled up against Ratchet's side, in recharge. "Is he still not feeling well?" Arcee asked softly.

"No. He started purging a short while ago. All that can really be done is allow the virus to run its course." Ratchet answered, glancing down at his recharging son.

Arcee nodded as she sat down on the other couch across from Ratchet. "Have you considered what I discussed with you last night?"

Ratchet set the datapad down on the table before turning his attention to Arcee. "Yes, I have considered what you suggested." The orange and white mech released a sigh. "I have to admit that I'm uneasy and unsure about a lot of this. You've told me things about myself that I myself do not know."

"I know, and I'm sorry." Arcee wasn't sure what she could say or do to make things up to Ratchet, but if he told her what she could do, she would do it.

Ratchet smiled. "There is no need for further apologies, Arcee. I know why you did what you did. I do wish you had told me sooner, but I understand why." He glanced down at Hot Rod once more. "You gave the three of us a chance to live that we would not have had without you. For that, I am thankful to you and will always be so."

Arcee felt her cheek plates heat up at that. "You don't need to thank me, Ratchet. I did what I thought was right." And those actions turned out to be the right ones to take, Arcee mused, when she considered the fact that she could alleviate her Prime's pain with one action.

"Regardless, I will always be grateful to you for what you've done." Ratchet leaned back into the seat. "As far as going to Iacon-"

"Take all the time you need to decide." Arcee told him.

"No need. I made my decision last night. It turned out to be a rather easy decision. All I need is time to get my affairs in order here before we leave." Ratchet told her.

Arcee felt surprised and her expression showed it.

"Arcee, I do not remember those bots you have told me about. Optimus Prime I know only through news reports. The same goes for the High Lord Protector Megatron, his mate and the Air Commander Starscream, Galvatron the military commander, and Elita-1 commander of the femmes. I know of their reputations only, not the bots beneath the surface. I know that I knew them as such at one time. However, I cannot avoid the fact that these bots were once more to me. I have no fear that you lied to me. You would gain nothing from lying about this." Ratchet unconsciously slipped an arm around Hot Rod. "And I have long wished to tell Lightshow and Hot Rod who their sire is. They have asked on more than one occasion, and my greatest regret is that I cannot tell them who that is." Ratchet smiled. "I have the chance to give them exactly what they've wanted. I have no right to deny them that any longer, and I have no right to deny Optimus Prime nor my family the knowledge that I am alive nor do I have the right to deny Optimus Prime the opportunity to meet and get to know his younglings." Ratchet chuckled. "It was a remarkably easy choice to make."

"So, you'll return to Iacon with me?" Arcee wanted to make sure that she was understanding Ratchet correctly, although she was fairly certain that she had.

"Yes, I will. I will need to get things in order here before I leave, but I will go with you." Ratchet frowned. "My only concern is Springer. I have raised him as if he were my own, and I have raised him under the belief that Hot Rod and Lightshow are his siblings and I am his carrier. I am just worried about how Prime will react to Springer."

Arcee smiled. "I'm certain Prime will have no problem looking at Springer as his own. He did so with Prowl and Smokescreen." Arcee chose not to mention the fact that she had heard rumors that the Prime had never managed to deny his mate anything, which meant that there was an even higher chance that he would not deny Ratchet this considering the fact that the Prime had lived under the belief that Ratchet had been dead for an orn.

"Regardless, I just worry about Springer." Ratchet sighed. "I also don't know what to say to them about why we're going to Iacon."

"Don't tell them why. Just tell them we're having to go to Iacon. You can tell them why later." Arcee told him.

"Hmm. I may do that." Ratchet agreed.

Arcee was glad that Ratchet agreed to go back with her. Now to find out just how much slag she was in for keeping this as secret for so long. She imagined that Lieutenant Jazz along with Commander Elita were going to have quite a few things to say to her. And they weren't even the ones she was worried about. Prime, Prowl, Megatron, and Galvatron scared her more than the first two.


Elita had been nervous about telling her family everything that had been learned, but she knew that they needed to know the truth. They needed to know what had really happened back then. They deserved to know just as Optimus did.

As per Elita's request, Starlight, Swiftwind, Wheeljack, and Skyfire had gathered together in Starlight and Swiftwind's quarters. Skyfire had left Jetfire and Jetstorm in the care of Skywarp and Thundercracker as the two Seekers had been begging to watch them for quite some time.

"All right, Elita. We're all here. Now why are we here?" Swiftwind asked.

Elita sighed. "Okay." She looked at her carrier. "I know that you weren't there when Jazz told all of us what he found in the Hall of Records about what happened to Ratchet, so-"

Starlight raised her hand. "Swiftwind told me what was found, Elita." It broke her spark to know that fellow Cybertronians may have been responsible for her son's death. "Go on."

Elita vented deeply before telling them everything that Jazz had learned in the course of his investigation.

"You're telling me," Swiftwind growled in a way that reminded Elita of Ratchet when he was royally pissed off, "that this femme decided to kill Ratchet simply because she thought she was a better suited mate for the Prime."

"Yes, Sire." Elita answered.

"That slagging glitch! Who does she think she is! That was never her decision to make!"Wheeljack snarled, pure rage rising through him at the knowledge that his brother would have still been alive if it hadn't for her.

Starlight's frame shook as her hands covered her mouth, not doing anything to stifle the sob that rose in her vocalizers as energon tears fell down her cheeks.

Swiftwind reached over and wrapped his arms around his mate, forgetting his anger for a moment in exchange for concerning himself with his mate's well-being. Starlight turned to bury her faceplates into her mate's chest.

Skyfire looked at Elita. "What is being done about it?"

"Shadowstrike and Windstreak are being held in the military prisons on charges of treason and the assassination of the Prime's consort." Elita sighed. "It will be a fight with the Senate, all things considered."

"Will they get away with it?" Swiftwind asked, his voice strained.

"Not if Optimus has anything to say about it." Elita sat down by her brother. "And believe me, he's plenty angry at them. Plus, we have Grindor on our side, which will help. Grindor has a great many supporters in the Senate as does Optimus. Those supporters will give us the edge we need to deal with those who will oppose this investigation."

Wheeljack shook his helm. "If they don't so something about them, I will."

"No." Starlight turned to look at her son. "I've already lost one creation. I won't lose another, Wheeljack."

"Carrier, I-" Wheeljack started.

"No, 'Jack. They won't get away with it." Elita grimaced. "Truthfully, I honestly believe that Optimus will make sure that they pay for what they have done. One way or another."

The meaning behind those words were clear.

"What of the other three on the mission?" Swiftwind asked.

"Arcee, Metallica, and Firestar honestly believed that they were acting under orders to kill Ratchet. They had no way of knowing that what was done was treachery." Elita rubbed her faceplates. "I've never had trouble with those three. I honestly think that they are innocent of any wrong-doing in Ratchet's death. They were following orders of two superior officers."

"Then those three should not pay for the actions the other two have taken." Swiftwind stated.

"Optimus won't punish those who don't deserve it. He will make sure the others pay for the part they played in this." Elita answered.

"All right. As long as they aren't allowed to get away with it. They've been walking around free with our brother's energon on their hands for far too long." Wheeljack growled.

Skyfire could feel the pain, grief, and anger that plagued his mate, so he reached out and wrapped his arms around his mate to try to calm him down.

"They won't get away with it, Wheeljack." Elita herself wanted Shadowstrike and Windstreak to pay for what they had done to her brother, and she knew that they would get what was coming to them. Somehow.


As Optimus had expected, the Senate had quickly forgotten about the fact that the Prime had announced that he was dissolving his relationship with Elita and was not going to choose a new mate the moment that they heard about the developments in the case regarding Jazz's investigation.

An immediate outrage over the fact that Shadowstrike and Windstreak had both been arrested on charges that they assassinated Ratchet, and Shadowstrike had the additional charge of attacking a superior officer on her.

Which brought the Prime to where he, Megatron, Grindor, and Elita were now. Dealing with Redwing and his demands.

"You have no right to hold them, Prime! They have done nothing wrong! That entire investigation was done and completed at the time it happened! They did nothing wrong!" Redwing insisted, his voice rising with each statement.

Optimus barely kept his temper in check. "Redwing, I would ask that you stop yelling. It will get you nowhere with me."

Redwing barely bit back his angered retort, but he did do. He knew that it would not help his cause to insult the Prime in front of the head of the Senate. "Prime, I conducted that investigation myself. It was done right."

"I disagree, Redwing." Grindor decided that he needed to put an end to this right here and now. "I looked at that entire investigation, and as far as you recorded, you spoke only to Shadowstrike, you did not interview the remaining four members of the team, and you only noted what was written in the report."

"There was no need-" Redwing began.

"You did not take into consideration the fact that Prime's bond with his mate did not break for two more cycles. A fact that meant Ratchet still lived. Shadowstrike stated in her report that Consort Ratchet had died immediately, yet he did not. There's also the fact that only Shadowstrike and Windstreak even wrote reports on top of the fact that those reports were word for word the time. All issues you should have noticed and questioned back then instead of now." Grindor told him.

Redwing tried to think of an excuse.

"We are already aware of the fact that you and Quickstrike have been strong political allies for quite some time, and it is common knowledge that Shadowstrike is Quickstrike's daughter. It was a major conflict of interest for you to conduct that investigation." Grindor stated.

"I conducted the investigation professionally!" Redwing retorted.

"Then why were the issues that Redwing mentioned never addressed by your investigation? Those questions should have been answered an orn ago when the original investigation took place instead of now." Megatron pointed out.

Redwing had no answer, but he had a protest. "Lieutenant Jazz is Ratchet's son's mate. He also bore a conflict of interest."

"Lieutenant Jazz was the one who discovered the questions that had been left unanswered in the first place. I was the one who recommended that Lieutenant Jazz head up the investigation, as I said in the Senate meeting." Grindor answered.

"There is still no hard evidence that Shadowstrike and Windstreak did any of this. Those other three could be lying." Redwing insisted.

Quickstrike had been in the room as well, and he had been quiet. He had considered all that he heard and while he did not believe that his daughter was capable of such, he knew that they felt she was guilty. "Has Shadowstrike admitted anything?"

"No. She refuses to speak on the matter now. Windstreak did admit to everything, including her part in it." Elita answered, containing her anger for the time being.

"Were the other three members of the team in on it as well?" Quickstrike needed to know.

"Windstreak admitted that they were under the impression there had been a true change in orders." Megatron replied.

Quickstrike nodded. He still believed in his daughter's innocence. He did not believe her capable of such acts, but he could not single-handedly stop this. "Very well. Redwing, we should leave."

Redwing could hardly believed that Quickstrike was so willing to let this go, but withheld questioning his ally before following him out.

"I'm amazed Quickstrike believes us." Elita remarked.

"He doesn't." Grindor replied.

All optics ended up on Grindor.

"Quickstrike believes in his daughter's innocence. He does not believe her capable of such acts." Grindor sighed. "Shadowstrike is an only creation, and I have heard that Quickstrike and his mate gave into her every wish. Shadowstrike had gotten everything she ever wanted, so I fear she holds the belief she can have whatever she wants by any means necessary."

"Including me." Optimus didn't bother hiding the anger in his voice.

"Indeed. However, while Quickstrike believes in his daughter's innocence, he also believes in the law. He would never operate outside of the law for any reason, which is why I have no doubt that he had no knowledge of the plot to end Ratchet's life." Grindor stated.

Megatron looked at the head of the Senate. "Do you believe Redwing would?"

"When I tightened the hold on what the Senate could do and made sure illegal acts were stopped as much as possible, Redwing was one of the ones I discovered operated illegally the most. I am not sure if he would elevate to murder, but I would not cross it off the list yet. He may have had knowledge of it." Grindor explained.

"That would explain it." Optimus stated.

All optics ended up on the Prime.

"Meaning what?" Megatron asked.

Optimus held up a datapad. "This. A report from Galvatron about Shadowstrike and Windstreak. Windstreak has not been a problem, but Shadowstrike has. She is demanding to be released, but more than that, she is demanding to see Redwing."

"Not her sire?" Grindor asked.

"No. She hadn't mentioned her sire at all since she was imprisoned. She has only asked to see Redwing, which raises a red flag with me. Why not her sire who would have more reason to help her?" Optimus stated.

"I believe Redwing bears watching." Grindor stated.

"Jazz felt the same way when I mentioned it a short while ago. He told me he has his own personal spy within the high ranks of the upper class. He informed me that this was a reliable source who wasn't as close-processored as others in the class are. He trusts this bot." Optimus stated.

"Any idea who it is?" Elita asked.

"No. Jazz wanted to protect his identity to prevent anybot in the high class from learning of this." Optimus replied.

"Let us hope Jazz's contact is reliable." Grindor stated.

"Agreed." Optimus hoped that this was a reliable bot, but he trusted Jazz, and he knew that Jazz wanted justice almost as much as he did.


Redwing had gone to see Shadowstrike without Quickstrike knowing. He hated lying to his ally, but he couldn't risk Quickstrike learning anything. After all, Redwing knew without a doubt that Quickstrike would turn him over to Prime if he suspected anything. The law-abiding fool. Didn't he realize you had to do some things outside the law to get anything done?

Shadowstrike glanced up from her place on the berth in the cell when she heard pede steps. Upon seeing Redwing, she scowled. "What the slag took you so long! I've been trapped down here for four cycles!" As she spoke, the black femme had stood and crossed the cell to the stasis energy bars that served to keep her inside the cell.

"Lower your voice." Redwing hissed. He glared at her. "You'll get us both caught."

"What do I have to lose! They know! They know everything!" Shadowstrike growled. She glared. "Except for your part in it!"

"Shut up! No bot knows about that and no bot needs to know!" Redwing growled.

"If you don't want me to tell Prime the entire truth and tell him that is was YOUR idea to kill his blasted mate, then you'll find a way to get me out of here!" Shadowstrike stated.

"All they have is Windstreak's word against yours. The other three won't hold up against the word of a senator's daughter." Redwing told her.

"You don't know that! And this is Prime we're talking about! He's not letting it go! And then there's the lieutenant." Shadowstrike snapped angrily.

"That I don't think I can get you of. You attacked a superior officer. And it was caught on tape without any real provocation. I can't help with that. I can try to rally other senators to call for your release and a dismissal of the results of the investigation." Redwing knew that the chances that he would actually manage that were slim, but he wasn't about to go down with Shadowstrike, so he would think of something.

"Just get me out of here." Shadowstrike told him. She didn't intend to remain here for that long.

"I'll do what I can. The problem is that Grindor is behind Prime on this, which means that all of Grindor's supporters will be behind Prime as well." Redwing said.

"You and Sire have supporters, too." Shadowstrike retorted.

"Yes, but the problem is that your sire believes in the law and doesn't believe in doing anything underhanded. I'm going to have to do this without his knowledge, so it'll take time, but I'll manage it." Redwing replied.

"Fine. Just hurry." Shadowstrike griped.

Redwing nodded and left quickly.

Shadowstrike went and sat back down. She hated that her sire went by the letter of the law, which meant that they couldn't let him know about the plan. He would have went against it and informed Prime. It would have ruined all of Shadowstrike's plans.

Shadowstrike released a growl as she realized that all her plans had been ruined by Elita-1. If it hadn't been for her, Shadowstrike was certain that Redwing would have managed to convince Prime to bond with her while he was weakened in his grief. Then she could have had everything she wanted, and she would have made sure that the Prime forgot entirely about that worthless mech Ratchet!

All of it ruined because of Elita-1!

Shadowstrike swore that when she got out of there, and she knew that Redwing would get her out, legally or illegally one, Elita-1 was going to pay for her transgressions. No one messed up Shadowstrike's plans and got away with it.


Jazz sat at his desk in his office as he thought about everything he had uncovered. He had no doubt in his processors that Firestar, Metallica, Arcee, and Windstreak were all telling the truth in what happened. Shadowstrike was the one killed Ratchet, Windstreak supported her claim that they had been issued a change in orders, and the other three were under the impression everything done was by orders.

However, something about his interview with Arcee had just left a nagging feeling in his processors that the femme had hidden something.

Jazz wasn't sure what it was that Arcee hadn't told him, and there was no actual proof that she hadn't told him something. But it was a feeling that he had deep in his tanks that told him there was more to this than she let on. And the saboteur had learned to never ignore that feeling.

So, Jazz commed Optimus and asked if the Prime could a spare a few moments of his time to talk with him. The saboteur was glad when Optimus sent him an affirmative message. He then got up and headed from the Iacon base back to the Prime's palace to meet with Optimus.

The moment Jazz entered the office, Optimus pushed the datapads that were stacked in front of him to the side and gestured for Jazz to sit down. "What can I do for you, Jazz?"

"I know that you want all of the femmes who were on that mission to undergo processor exams to find out what really happened out there. Granted, we already know, but that's beside the point. My question is how soon are they to be done?" Jazz asked.

"As soon as possible. Elita has already ordered Firestar and Metallica here to have them undergo them. Windstreak has already been informed that she is to undergo a necessary processor exam. She was obviously not happy with it, but she did not protest it, either. Shadowstrike will be the last one to undergo the exams. I want to know the facts from the memory banks of the other four before we consider her. Not to mention that will be a fight in itself." Optimus stated. He then frowned. "Why do you ask?"

Jazz sighed. "Because I want to do a follow-up interview with Arcee."

Optimus looked surprised by that. "Why? You yourself stated that Arcee's account of what happened that day reflected the accounts given by Firestar and Metallica save for the fact that Arcee did not discuss the fact that Windstreak had been involved, although that could have simply been the fact that Arcee was scared and overwhelmed. "

"I know that, Prime. I'll admit that I don't have any solid proof that Arcee was hidin' anything. It's just had-" Jazz started.

"A feeling." Optimus finished. He released a vent of air. He had been subjected to quite a few of Jazz's feelings over the vorns that he had known the black and white saboteur. And he had to admit that more often than not, those feelings of Jazz's ended up being right. "So, you just want to ask her if there was anything she neglected to mention the first time?"

"Sort of." Jazz rubbed his helm. "You see, I honestly think she's a good and honest femme, Prime. I honestly believe that. I also believe that she didn't tell anybot anything about what happened an orn ago because she honestly thought they were under orders. If there is something that she has not told us, I would like to give her a chance to tell us before the processor exam."

Optimus considered that a moment before he decided that there was no harm in it. "All right, Jazz. As soon as Arcee returns from leave, you may question her. But don't tell her about the processor exam at first. See if she will tell you without that kind of motivation."

"Sure thing. Thanks, Prime." Jazz stated as he stood up.

"Jazz, if it hadn't been for you, I might never have learned what really happened to Ratchet. I should be the one thanking you." Optimus told him.

Jazz smiled at the Prime. "No. You shouldn't. The truth needs to be made known, not just to us, but to all of Cybertron. They need to know what really happened as well. Can't live in lies. Ratchet deserves that kind of justice."

"I know." Optimus agreed.

"So, no thanks are necessary. I'll talk to Elita and ask her to have Arcee report to me as soon as Arcee returns." Jazz told him.

"All right, Jazz. Be sure to keep me updated on what you find out." Optimus told him.

"Not a problem. As soon as I know something, you'll know something." Jazz replied.

Optimus nodded in agreement, and Jazz left the office.


"Are you sure about this, doc? I mean, this is a major change for you. And how are Springer, Hot Rod, and Lightshow going to react to this?" Breakdown asked. He wasn't sure how he felt about Ratchet's decision to go to Iacon with Arcee.

"I know that this is sudden, Breakdown, but this is what I need to do." Ratchet then glanced over at where Lightshow, Springer, and a recovering Hot Rod were playing together. "I've always regretted not knowing and being able to tell them who their sire is. They want to know about him and this is their chance."

"Creon won't be the same without you." Knock Out smirked. "What are we going to do without our foul-tempered, wrench-wielding medic who has a sniper's aim?"

Ratchet laughed. "I'm sure that you'll manage, Knock Out. Pliers is an excellent assistant, and he will make an excellent medic once he is fully trained. You two will manage well."

"I'm sure you're right." Knock Out took a sip of energon. "I am a very good medic."

"In any case, I've decided that I'm going with you." Bulkhead stated.

Ratchet and Arcee both looked at Bulkhead in shock.

"Bulk, are you sure?" Arcee asked.

"Hey." Bulkhead gestured to the three younglings. "Where they go, I go. I don't care if this is Prime we're talking about. I'm not chancing my siblings getting hurt."

"I really don't think that is necessary, Bulkhead. I do not think that we would be in any danger from Prime." Ratchet told him.

"It's not Prime I'm worried about. It's those that tried to kill you before." Bulkhead shrugged. "I may not be a trained warrior or enforcer, but I do know how to fight. And I protect my family."

Ratchet sighed. "What did Hammerhead say?" He was referring to Bulkhead's boss.

"Hammerhead had no problem with it." Bulkhead replied.

Arcee wasn't surprised. She knew how important Ratchet was to the town, and she knew that a majority of the mechs and femmes in the town knew what had happened in the past. They were also protective of Ratchet since the town loathed any harming of a sparkling, youngling, their carrier, or a sparked bot. Meaning the attack on Ratchet had pissed them all off, and it meant that Hammerhead would willingly allow Bulkhead to have time off to go with them.

"Very well. I can't blame you for veering on the side of caution." Ratchet stated.

Breakdown looked at his siblings. "What are you telling them?"

"That we need to go to Iacon because I have some business to take care of. Which is true." Ratchet sighed. "Although I don't want them to know the purpose just yet. Not until I see their reaction."

"Understandable. No telling how Prime will react to the fact that you are alive. Or your entire family for that matter." Knock Out stated.

Ratchet nodded his helm. "I know. That's why I think that it's best that they don't know everything just yet. I'll tell them after that."

"Well, just take care of yourselves. Because if anything happens, I'm coming to Iacon to find out what happened." Breakdown said.

"We'll be fine." Bulkhead slammed his fist into his hand. "I ain't no warrior, but being a construction mech'll work in my favor."

Breakdown smirked. "True enough."

Ratchet smiled, thankful that these mechs were a part of his family. And not for the first time, either.


Starlight lay on the berth she shared with her mate. Her spark ached from what her daughter had revealed to her earlier that cycle. Losing her son had been bad enough, but learning that her son had been killed because of a jealous femme's desire to become Optimus's new mate was spark-wrenching.

Her son should be alive, slag it!

Starlight curled into a ball as she released a sob, grieving once more for her lost son. It hurt worse knowing that Ratchet and her grand-creations would have still been alive had it not been for Shadowstrike's insane jealousy. It just wasn't fair!

Arms wrapped around her from behind and pulled Starlight back against a larger frame.

Swiftwind hated to see his mate so upset, but he himself wasn't faring much better. It took every ounce of self-control that Swiftwind had not to get his hands on Shadowstrike and kill her himself. He had warned Nemesis Prime to watch him as he wasn't sure what he would end up doing in his anger. It angered him to know that his son would have still been alive.

But Swiftwind couldn't focus on his own pain, his own grief, his own anger at the moment. He was more concerned about his mate, who was obviously in extreme turmoil over what had happened to their son.

Starlight turned in her mate's arms to bury her face in his chest, sobbing as she held on tightly to him. "It's not fair, Swiftwind. He should have still been here with is. They all should have still been here with us."

"I know." Swiftwind hated that all he could do was hold her and offer comfort through their bond, though it was near impossible to be comforting when his own spark was in turmoil over what they knew.

"That femme didn't care about the lives she ruined! So many bots were hurt by Ratchet's death, but all she cared about was what she wanted! Not-not the pain she would inflict on others." Starlight choked back another sob that threatened to escape.

Swiftwind leaned back as he held his mate. "I know, Starlight. And I know Optimus, and he won't allow Shadowstrike to get away with what she has done. He's going to ensure that she pays for this." He was glad that the law stipulated that any attempt on the life of the Prime, High Lord Protector, or their mates was a death sentence. Since Ratchet didn't survive, it would still be a death sentence. Swiftwind was glad that Shadowstrike would be forced to pay for her crimes. As far as he was concerned, she had been allowed to get away with it for far too long. It was about time that she paid for her crimes.


Ratchet was alone in his home with his younglings once more. He had been so used to raising them alone that it would be odd for Ratchet to work with the Prime to raise them. If the Prime wanted anything to do with them. Ratchet couldn't deny that there was a chance that the Prime might not want anything to do with any of them.

Of course, Ratchet's spark argued with his processors on this matter as his spark seemed to think that the Prime was going to be thrilled to see all of them. And his spark also told him that he wouldn't be raising them alone any longer.

Ratchet released a sigh before making a decision. "Springer. Lightshow. Hot Rod." He walked into the living room where the three younglings were playing.

All three turned to look at their carrier.

"What is it, Carrier?" Springer asked.

"Come here." Ratchet told them as he sat down on the couch.

All three younglings stood up and ran over to their carrier before climbing up onto the couch with him. Hot Rod ended up in Ratchet's lap while Lightshow and Springer were cuddled close to Ratchet's sides.

"What is it, Carrier?" Lightshow asked.

"You three know how Arcee is in Iacon when she's not here with us?" Ratchet asked.

All three nodded.

"Arcee said that Iacon is a big city. She told us that there's all sorts of things that we can do there." Springer stated with a smile.

"She said that it's a lot bigger than Creon. More crowded, too." Lightshow added.

Ratchet chuckled. "Yes, well, that it true. However, I ask because we are going to Iacon."

"We are!" all three sparklings exclaimed, excitement in their optics.

Ratchet smiled. "Yes. We are. There are some things that have come up that I need to take care of in Iacon, so we will be returning with Arcee when she goes back to Iacon. And Bulkhead has decided to come with us as well."

"Cool! We're going to get to see the big city!" Springer shouted, happy.

"Lower your voice, Springer. You do not need to shout like that when we are indoors." Ratchet scolded.

Springer looked sheepish. "Sorry, Carrier."

"And yes, you will see the city, but you are not going anywhere without Arcee, Bulkhead, or myself. Understood?" Ratchet asked.

"Yes, Carrier." all three younglings chorused.

"Good. Now, you only have a joor before you need to go to berth, so go play." Ratchet told them.

All three younglings went to do as told.

Ratchet smiled at them. He was glad that they seemed so excited, but he was quite certain that they would be even more excited to find out that they were going to finally meet their sire.

Ratchet just hoped that everything worked out the way Arcee, and his own spark, seemed to think it would.


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