Hey guys! Another chapter for you. And also, guess what. Next week is Christmas! So Merry Christmas everyone! Or Happy Holidays I guess if don't celebrate it. Have fun over the time off guys! :D

Chapter 10

In the time after their arrival back at the base, Violetwind had been kept herself busy. Ratchet used the time to teach her about medical matters as she aided him in fixing up Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack. She was a surprisingly quick learner in such things, finding it far more interesting than the Synthetic Energon and chemicals he had been teaching her. Though, Most of the time she still couldn't help but think of it more as mechanics than biology.

The next day Violetwind sat on the floor next to Ratchet's bench of odds and ends. She worked on another immobiliser bomb to add to her supply after using some on the vehicons yesterday.

Beside her Ratchet also had his hands full with a project. While the commander rested, the medic set about constructing a makeshift hand for him. He hoped the new appendage would help compensate for the loss of his hand in some way, though he was unsure of just how useful it would be.

The femme hummed as she tinkered with the small metal pieces. Jack had said the kids were going to bring back some movies with them when they returned from the time with their parents and she and Windy pondered what they might be.

I hope we get an action movie. Something like The Avengers would be great.

Nah, I'm hoping for a romantic comedy. Maybe The Proposal I have a feeling I've seen that before.

Yeah, yeah, you have, she muttered off handedly. But really, an action movie would be better. Besides I really don't think the kids will bring back a rom com.

Hmm, perhaps you're right. I may have to make a request...

Finishing work on Ultra Magnus' new attachment Ratchet glanced down at the femme beside him. He was glad she seemed happier than before and not just because she was easier to work with. It eased his fears over her processor a little. He still wished he could give her a better check over but contented himself with merely keeping an optic on her.

"Violetwind," he stood, holding up the makeshift appendage, "it's time to attach Ultra Magnus' new hand."

Looking up from her task she briefly studied the object. It consisted of three 'fingers.' Two faced one direction while the third sat in the middle of the other two facing the opposite way in order to allow the mech to grab objects. Staring at it more closely she could see some parts that were sure to glow energon blue once attached to Ultra Magnus, though she was unsure of their purpose.

Nodding she got to her pedes, placing the unfinished bomb down carefully. "Ok, I'm ready."

Walking over to where Ultra Magnus lay, they found Optimus standing by the mech's berth. He had remained by the commander's side, willing to help his old friend through the recovery.

"We're ready to attach your new limb, Ultra Magnus. It should not take long but we shall put you in recharge, just to prevent any discomfort," Ratchet explained.

"Of course, Doctor," the mech replied, with a nod.

"We'll take good care of you, Sir," Violetwind added with a comforting smile. Though she was still inexperienced in Cybertronian medical matters, she had the utmost faith in Ratchet and his ability. She was mostly just there to observe, learn and help with the little things.

"And I will remain nearby as well," Optimus told the wounded mech.

"Violetwind, administer the sedative,"commanded Ratchet.

Grabbing the medication, the femme filled a syringe. Ratchet had taught her how to anaesthetise someone. Though she was still a little nervous and hoped she would not so something stupid during the procedure. The medic was watching her carefully to make sure she did it correctly, so she need not worry too much. He was there to take it from her if she did something wrong.

Taking a slow intake of air she lowered the point of the needle between the plating of Ultra Magnus' good arm and into his enegon fuel lines.

Immediately the mech began to feel the effects of the drug. He began to feel sleepy and his limbs lost their ability to function. He also felt the need to confess something. With unfocused optics he tried to look upon the femme. "Violetwind..." His speech was slow. "I... Wanted to... Apologise..."

"Sir, I don't th-" she protested slightly before he went on, not paying her words any attention.

"I... Was always... skeptical about, you... you and Smokescreen... Just both... So inexperienced... But this... This family that... Optimus speaks of... you... Being a native of this planet... You understand this... Much... Much better than I... Please... Forgive me... For thinking... You were merely... A liability... A rebellious youngling... With only your own... Your own interests... In mind... You have proved... That wrong... Your courage against the Predacon... And now your care... Forgive me... For... Misjudging you..." He trailed off, falling to recharge.

Not sure what to think, Violetwind looked over at Optimus and Ratchet for answers. She was shocked at Ultra Magnus' odd confession.

What the slag? I always knew he was a bit off about us but this? That was unexpected...

The leader's optics shone with a gentle smile. His commanding officer was learning and allowing his spark to accept the others as more than just fighting companions. Looking to the femme he explained, "Violetwind, Ultra Magnus is merely learning to accept that he may have been misguided in judging you for your incident with Smokescreen and the enegon crates."

"Oh... You know about that..."

He smiled, "Yes, but do not concern yourself over it. It is not of importance."

Ratchet had been a little shocked at Ultra Magnus as well. But after Optimus was finished he nodded and shook off the feeling. Knowing they had work to do he readied himself to begin he procedure. "We must hurry to attach Magnus' new limb before he wakes."

So without wasting another moment the medic got to work. As he went he directed Violetwind to aid him and talked her through what he was doing to teach her more about Cybertronian biology.

After almost two hours had gone by, Ratchet was just finishing the last weld. During this time, the children had arrived back at the hanger. They had been filled in on what had taken place and now stood watching the two bots attach Ultra Magnus' replacement appendage.

The rest of the team also stood around in anticipation, waiting for the operation to be completed. Smokescreen and Bumblebee conversed in low tones, while Bulkhead stood close to the railing where the humans watched. Arcee leant against the lower platform beside Wheeljack, sitting directly opposite of where they were working on Ultra Magnus.

Standing by for support, Optimus had remained close for the entire procedure. It was as much for their support as his own peace of mind. Seeing one of those under his command be injured in such a way always struck at his spark.

"He'll be waking soon," Violetwind muttered under her breath, keeping a optic on the patient's vital signs.

Luckily though, Ratchet had just finished. Turning to Optimus he kept his voice down. "I've done everything I can considering the limitations of my equipment and less than ideal spare parts." He glanced back at the commander's new 'hand' with uncertainty, "It remains uncertain if Ultra Magnus' new appendage will be fit for battle, though it should prove functional." He returned his gaze to Optimus, "After the requisite amount of therapy."

Relief found its way into the leader's optics. "That is all we can hope for, old friend."

With a nod to both Ratchet and Optimus, Violetwind left the sleeping mech to wake under their watch. After what he had said before falling unconscious, she did not want to be there when he awoke, whether he remembered it or not.

Arcee glanced at the mech beside her, neither having moved since the surgery began, "You doing ok?"

Lowered his hand from where he'd been rubbing his left elbow, Wheeljack looked sadly down at his fists as he clenched and unclenched them. "I'm still two fisted."

Resting a hand on him, the femme replied, "So's Magnus."

Turning around and allowing room for Violetwind to stand next to him and Bumblebee, Smokescreen grinned. "Wait and see. The claw's gonna become his signature move. You know," he gestured to the scout, "the way you own that voice box Ratchet slapped in your throat."

'What?!' he beeped in surprise before his optics narrowed.

Violetwind elbowed the blue mech whispering, "Rude."

Trying to fix it, he moved closer and rattled on, "I mean, everyone understands you fine. Why would you even consider getting it fixed now?"

The purple femme inwardly groaned as Smokescreen dug a bigger hole for himself.

He sure is a smooth talker, Windy chuckled.

Grumbling Bumblebee turned away from the mech, 'Just shut it.' He raised the back of his fist to the rookie's surprised face. With a huff like whirr he stalked off past Bulkhead, 'Voicebox, huh? 'Everyone understands you just fine! Don't bother getting it fixed?! I'd rather have my own voice!'

Smokescreen's gaze lowered in guilt, leaving the annoyed mech to walk off without protest. He did not dare try to stay anything else, he had already done enough.

"Woah," Miko stared after the scout, "what'd he say?"

Omitting his annoyed repeating of Smokescreen's words, Rafael translated, "Bee's kinda still attached to the sound of his own voice. His original one."

Putting on a smile, Bulkhead tried to lighten the heavy air that had fallen, "Hey, look on the bright side. Commander Magnus, Jacky and Violet single-handedly put the kibosh on Project Predacon!"

Walking up from behind, Smokescreen and Violetwind, Optimus joined them, "Though, at least one beast that we know of remains. The one who has demonstrated the ability to transform..."

"Predaking..." The purple femme breathed.

"Indeed."

~oOo~

Soon after his operation had ended Ultra Magnus woke. He was implored by Ratchet to continue to rest and not try to use his new appendage for a while. Therapy was to begin the next day, once his circuits had adjusted to the new connections.

The night passed and before long the morning was upon Team Prime. Optimus sent out Arcee and Bumblebee on patrol at first light. Although the Decepticons were unlikely to be scavenging for more Predacon bones, they still needed to be vigilant.

Not only that but any energon they could find would be of great value. The carts they had claimed from their enemies would not last forever and Ratchet had already gone back to working on the formula for Synthetic Energon.

This left Violetwind to help Ultra Magnus to use his new hand, the femme coaching him and lending him encouragement along the way. "That's it Ultra Magnus, Sir. Just take it slow and focus on wanting your hand to close."

The mech struggled to get his new appendage to respond. His limb shook as he willed his servos to close only for them to move a fraction of a centimetre. He let out a huff, dropping his arm to the berth, muttering in discouragement, "This is not going smoothly."

Standing beside him, Violetwind looked at the commander with compassion. He was really struggling, physically and emotionally. The femme knew he was suffering from the loss of his pride. Being stripped of the being able to simply just close one's hand would hurt anyone but it also had the secondary effect of taking the commander out of the battle. This, more than anything, was what Violetwind felt he was finding hardest to deal with.

With a gentle smile she spoke, "We've only just begun, Sir. You can't give up. Ratchet said that you have to keep exercising it. It's the only way you'll get it to work."

He glanced over at her, silent for a moment before replying, "I am unsure this will ever function."

A loud yell drew their attention towards Miko and Bulkhead. The pair were watching some footage of a monster truck rally they went to last year. Having recently found the file in her internet storage, Miko had insisted upon putting it on. So the two of them loudly watched what Ratchet referred to as 'blood sport,' cheering about the more spectacular crashes.

Returning her focus back to the mech, she just looked at him as he gazed towards the girl and mech watching the rally. Her spark stirred as she realised he was still learning to understand the concept of family.

You just gonna stand there and stare at him then, or are you gonna do something? Wouldn't want anyone thinking you had a crush on him now, would we? Windy teased.

A small flush of heat flowed over her faceplates, in embarrassment as she quickly dropped her optics to her pedes. How could you suggest such a thing?!

Windy chuckled, Because you're so easy to mess with. Besides, I'm pretty sure you actually have feelings for someone else...

Windy, what are you talking about? Feelings for someone?

Her inner companion just laughed some more.

With a small huff she shook her head. Well, glad you're having fun...

Shaking her head she cleared her vocalisers to gain her patient's attention once again. "Sir, please keep trying. It might seem tough now but you're a strong willed mech. You can do this. You wouldn't be here now if you weren't."

With a silent nod, Ultra Magnus went back to putting his effort into making his hand move.

Nearby Agent Fowler stalked out of his office after having received a phone call. "Prime!" he yelled, "We have trouble brewing."

Optimus walked over to stand by the walkway.

The man continued, "The Cons staged a smash and grab at the Los Alamos nuclear plant late last night ans made off with twenty tons of control rods."

The Autobot leader frowned. It never meant anything good when their enemies went about stealing from the humans. His tone sombre, the mech asked, "What are the Decepticons looking to build?"

Inclining her head in curiosity, Violetwind also wondered what they were doing.

What would they need with so much power?

I don't know, but I'm sure nothing good can come from it...

~oOo~

Later that day Violetwind was excitedly standing beside the platform where Rafael sat with his laptop.

"What's it say? What's it say?" she asked the boy, dancing lightly on her pedes.

The femme had received another email from her parents and was anxious to find out their reply.

With a smile, Raf opened it up, spinning the computer around so she could see the screen. Quickly she scanned the message, soaking up the news from her folks.

"So how're your parents doing," Jack walked up, looking between the pair.

Violetwind grinned, "They're doing fine. They've taken care of all my old stuff for me. I guess it's not like I'll ever need it again really. But they've got it now and it's better than letting it be sold off for not paying the rent."

"Have you told them about us?"

"Well, I've only really said I've been making friends among my work colleagues... Maybe I should tell them about three awesome kids that help out..." she pretended to ponder it.

"We are pretty awesome!" Miko jumped in and wrapped an arm around Jack's shoulder, startling the boy.

Chuckling the femme nodded, "I'm sure it couldn't hurt to mention you guys."

"Hey, don't forget to tell them how helpful I was with the Apex Armor!"

"Miko, she can't mention the armour. No details remember," Jack chided her, earning him a frowns from the girl.

"Jack's right," Raf added, "Agent Fowler doesn't want anything getting out."

Pouting, Miko grumbled, "Fine. Just make sure you don't give them the wrong impression of me."

"Of course not, Miko. I'd never dare do such a thing," the femme replied innocently.

Feeling her inner companion cheekily grinned, Windy whispered, I would...

A little later Violetwind and Rafael had an appropriate message typed up to be approved by Agent Fowler before being sent to her parents. Just to check it one last time, the femme reread the email.

Dear Mum and Dad, glad you were able to get my stuff together. The money from the furniture you sell is yours to keep. I don't need it where I am, no shops and all and besides we have all we need.
I've been meaning to tell you about three kids that have been helping us out, two boys and a girl. I say kids but they're really in their teens. They've been really brilliant, brave and eager to help out where they can. Perhaps at times the girl can be a bit reckless but she's more courageous than a lot of people would be given the same situations. I admire her for that not being the bravest person myself. The older boy cares greatly for his younger cohorts. I know he'd do anything for them. I think he'll grow up to be a great leader one day. The youngest of the trio is a tech wiz. He's the one helping me get my emails out to you. I don't know what we would do without his knowledge.

The femme grinned as she recalled Rafael's face as she told him to write that. He had looked adorable as he blushed at the complement. She continued to read the rest of the email.

I have some more news of a more tragic nature. One of the group's leader's lost his hand recently. It was crushed by a beast. He should recover just fine but it reminds us that our work is dangerous and to be vigilant as we go about it. Please don't take this as a message to worry about me though. I don't usually go about interacting with the more dangerous animals and I have some good people around me to help keep me safe.
Hope to hear from you again soon.
Love you guys. Victoria.

"It's fine. Thanks, Raf," she told the boy, "You can send it to Agent Fowler now. Hopefully it won't be long before he checks it once he returns from wherever it was he went."

"Sure thing," the boy replied before his stomach made a small rumble, "I wish he'd bring back a pizza..."

Violetwind smiled, "Shame they don't deliver to military bases. Guess I'd better leave you to get a snack then."

Slipping off the chair, Rafael grinned, "I think I'll head over to the mess hall and see what they've go to eat. See you later, Violet."

"Bye, Raf," she waved as the boy trotted off.

Turning around, the femme began to wonder if there was anything decent on TV when a call came through the base's comm link.

::Prime!:: Agent Fowler's voice called out. ::It's Cons again. In progress this time.::

Slagging Cons. Can't they just leave things alone for once.

The Bots gathered, ready to leave, Ratchet standing by the ground bridge controls.

"Coordinates received, Agent Fowler," the medic returned, opening the ground bridge.

Walking forward Ultra Magnus was ready to go. Without glancing at the others he yelled, "Let's roll!"

Ratchet put out a hand to stop the taller mech. "Ip ip. Your ability to roll remains predicated upon further exploration of your manual dexterity."

The medic placed his hands on his hips as Ultra Magnus lifted his claw to look upon it. He struggled to close the appendage even a little, the determination fading from his optics to be replaced by sadness.

Optimus gazed upon the commander with sympathy. He felt for the mech but Ratchet had a point, he was not battle ready. "I'm afraid that Ratchet's authority supersedes my own in medical matters."

With a solemn sigh, he dropped his head. "Understood."

Walking towards the ground bridge, Optimus left him, though not alone. Wheeljack watched Ultra Magnus, his optics shining with rare compassion for the mech. The incident in the cave with the Predacon had allowed him to earn respect in the Wrecker's optics. Slowly he trailed after the others hoping that he would be able to do something for the mech in the future.

The ground bridge closed and Ultra Magnus walked off, a pair of optics following his movements. In her spark, Violetwind knew she had to help him. He was struggling not just physically but emotionally. Optimus had been right when he had called Team Prime a family and she knew that Ultra Magnus had the right to feel like a part of it too.

Finally she decided to stop standing there and do something, moving over to his side. "Ultra Magnus, Sir? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Glancing over at her in surprise, it took him a moment to answer. "No. I am fine. But thank you, Violetwind, for the offer."

"Are you sure, Sir? I don't mind helping talk you through working with your knew hand." she replied, door wings perked in expectation.

Her offer was warm, full of care and compassion. It was unlike the treatment he was used to receiving or even showing. This femme always seemed to amaze him, whether she was getting into trouble or showing kindness to her fellow Bots or humans.

"If you're really willing to help, then perhaps I shall accept," he replied, his tone soft.

Smiling up at him she immediately started to coach him again. As she lent him aid, the femme could see that he was learning more about the concept of family and perhaps gaining an greater understanding of just how they were more powerful than an army like Optimus had told him.

This went on for a while before they were interrupted by a call from Optimus. All attention turned towards the main console as the Prime's voice came through.

::Ratchet, reopen the ground bridge but ensure that the humans are kept at a safe distance. For we will be returning with a Decepticon prisoner.::

I bet you can all guess who that prisoner is. :P
(If you can't, shame on you. Go back and watch all of Transformers Prime again. Or just watch S3 E10 Minus One.)