Okay, this is the final part show from a different POV, at least for a little while. Hope everyone enjoys.

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. The characters and… never mind. You get the idea.

Ratchet had returned to his medical bay, his processors whirring over the possibilities Optimus had proposed. He had never seen anything like the bond that now existed between the Autobot's best scout and the young human male who managed to keep surprising them.

He pulled up all the scans of Bumblebee and Samuel's bond and scrutinized them closely. Again. Sure enough, the first two had tale-tell markers that indicated the bond's structure was still in flux. The third appeared fully stabilized. Just that prolonged development was something he had never seen in a bond before. At least there should be no new major changes in store. Theoretically.

Ratchet snorted air through his olfactory vents. There might not be any impending changes to the bond, but that did not mean that there might not be some interesting moments as the two discovered some of the changes already in place. But that should be it. Theoretically.

It kept coming back to that. Theory. The only problem was that none of this was even theoretically possible to begin with.

Time for a new theory. That was the only logical conclusion. Right now he only had two. His original theory and Optimus'. Unfortunately, the scientific part of his spark mused, the only way to confirm or disprove either of those theories would be to recreate the original conditions. Minus the one thing that could easily be the key to this eventual equality: the AllSpark. The medic knew the theoretical likely hood of getting Optimus' permission for that experiment. Practically none.

He huffed a sigh of air just as a solitary human form registered on his scanners.

Ratchet turned as Samuel Witwicky paused hesitantly in the doorway.

Surprise did not even begin to describe what the CMO experienced at seeing Samuel, not just in his med bay, but alone in his med bay. Recent experiences suggested that was very unlikely to happen. Not after how panicked the youngling had become at the mere idea the previous day.

"Samuel?" Ratchet inquired gently, noting the nervousness in the human as evidenced by increased body temperature and elevated heart rate not to mention the chemical indicators that permeated the air.

"Hey, Ratch." It sounded like an attempt to stay casual, making the usually gruff mech feel sorry for the much more fragile being.

"I must say I am surprised to see you here. And by yourself." Ratchet crouched down to bring himself closer to Samuel's level, reminded sharply of the first time he had met Samuel in that alley way in Tranquility. The boy had been nervous then as well, but also somewhat in shock and yet amazingly trusting.

The young man cocked a half smile at him. "Yeah, well, 'Hide decided that since both our lives now depend on me staying alive, it was time to up Bee's training."

"Ah. He has Bumblebee out on the training field." Ratchet surmised.

"Yep." Samuel sauntered a little closer. "Anyway, I was wondering if you had a moment."

Ratchet blinked. That was… unexpected. After a second's contemplation, the medic slowly extended his hand. Samuel had said he did not consider it demeaning if Bumblebee carried him, surely he would not think being given a lift up to the table any more demeaning. The real question was whether the young man would trust him enough to accept it.

Samuel considered the proffered palm for a long moment then quietly climbed onto it. Ratchet stood as smoothly as he could and, as he did so, Samuel – of all things – started to laugh.

"And just what are you laughing at."

Shaking his head, Samuel made a self-depreciating noise. "Myself." The boy turned twinkling eyes up to meet Ratchet's optics as he stepped onto the table. "I've had time to think and, well Bee helped of course, but I realized just how silly I was yesterday. Thank you for not taking offense."

Ratchet blinked again. This was not the Samuel who had all but trembled at the very idea of coming to his med bay. Nor was this the blithe youth they had dragged into Mission City. This was the Sam who had found the courage, determination and strength to locate and then wield the Matrix of Leadership. This was the Samuel who was easy to respect - the Samuel who, even if he was loath to admit it, made a very fitting younger brother for Bumblebee - the Samuel who was Autobot in all but species.

"There is no need to thank me, Samuel." Ratchet replied softly almost convinced that if he was not careful he could cause a relapse. "I am only pleased you have overcome your trepidation. I am curious though, what brings you to the med bay this morning?"

"Other than wanting to know exactly what the heck is going on?" Samuel waved a hand negligently. "Like how I can suddenly do math in my head without having to even think about it?"

Ratchet chuckled lightly. "Other than that. Though I would understand if that is foremost on your mind."

The light touch of levity in Sam's countenance vanished so quickly Ratchet blinked again. "I do want to know, but that's not the main reason I'm here."

That initial nervousness crept over the human's features once again. Was the youth feeling the need to apologize again for his instinctive and painfully understandable reactions the previous day? Was something wrong with him physically? Or with Bumblebee? Ratchet's processors whirred with concern, but not knowing the cause, he had to wait as Samuel figured out how to continue, confident the reason would soon be made known.

"I was wondering…" Samuel's voice faded for a brief moment. "Well… Now that Bee's and my life are tied together… maybe it would be good if… You know, I learned how to, er, how to help him if he gets hurt or something."

Ratchet's head jerked backward a fraction in deepening shock. "You wish to be trained in basic Cybertronian first aid?"

Samuel's face brightened. "Yes, exactly. I know you've trained some NEST personnel to do emergency field stuff. So I was thinking, maybe you could train me too."

Ratchet blinked, appraising the youth, beginning to think the nervousness he had observed was tied to this request. "You have never indicated an interest before."

Samuel looked at his hands briefly, "Well, I've definitely got a vested interest now and… well… apparently I'm going to be with you guys for a while now and… I just want to be able to do something useful. That's all."

"More useful than being our intermediary to the Earth governments?" Ratchet asked quietly.

Sam shrugged, not really meeting his optics. "I might be alive a lot longer than we'll be on this planet." Then, even quieter, "You won't need an earthly ambassador if we are no longer on Earth."

Ratchet could not find his voice for a moment. So, the young man was seriously considering what might happen if Earth's rather capricious governments decided to revoke their various offers of asylum. The medic could understand the need to be useful. It was what had motivated his own entry into medicine, especially as it became more obvious that his position as senator was growing superfluous in the vorns leading up to the War.

Even so… "You said 'we.' If that were to happen, you would chose to leave your home world with us?"

Samuel nodded. "So… what do you think?"

Ratchet released a vent of air. What did he think about the possibility of Samuel having to leave his planet? It slagged to pit, that's what it did. He knew what it was like not being able to return to his home world and he wouldn't wish that on anyone. It was one of the things that had ticked him off the most when he had learned about this bond. However, surely that was not the real question Samuel was asking.

Oh, of course, what did Ratchet think about training Samuel? That had to be it.

"To my knowledge, you have never shown an affinity for mechanics. Such an undertaking may not be taking advantage of your natural talents." He spoke as gently and as carefully as he could.

Samuel nodded. "Yeah. I considered that, but among humans even people without an interest or anything for medicine learn first aid and heck, I got my CPR card last year just 'cause I figured it'd be good to have. I don't see why this would be any different."

"For one thing, the concepts involved are a lot more complex than those in your cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques." Ratchet objected.

Of all the things he thought of when he considered Samuel, 'medic' was not one of them.

However, Samuel only grinned, pointing to the side of his head. "Complicated concepts shouldn't be a problem any more."

Ratchet started to protest then stopped himself. The kid had a point. He huffed, then adopted a stern look, pointing a finger at Samuel. "Very well, but I warn you, don't expect me to be easy on you. I have lives at stake and am not tolerant of mistakes."

Though he had intended to intimidate Samuel into reconsidering his request, the human only smiled with a serious nod. "Well, since I don't want to make mistakes, we shouldn't have a problem."

Considering the young man closely, Ratchet sucked in a new batch of air before slowly releasing it through his vents. He had seen that level of determination in Samuel before – in Egypt – and knew, based on that, that if was very possible the youngling would succeed in this new endeavor.

He nodded once, reaching for a human-sized data pad, transferred some basic reading material to it, which he had already translated into English for the NEST personnel he had trained. Then he handed it to Samuel who took it with eager hands.

"Read these. Once you believe you have it down come back and I'll evaluate your understanding. Then, if I deem you have a decent comprehension, we will get started." Ratchet relented a little, softening his tone. "If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask."

Samuel was positively beaming up at him. "Will do. Thanks Ratch."

Ratchet smiled at the youth's enthusiasm. Few of the humans he had trained approached their learning with that much excitement. Most were rather intimidated, either at the prospect or over working so closely with him. The almost tender smile still in place, Ratchet presented Samuel with his palm for the lift back to the ground.

Without hesitation this time, the college student stepped onto it. Though Ratchet would never admit it to anyone, he was privately pleased and very relieved to have regained Samuel's trust.

He watched Samuel move away. Then, when the human was almost to the door, he called out. "What does Bumblebee have to say about your new interest?"

Samuel turned back, a grin lighting his face. "His exact words: 'I'm your brother, not your keeper. If you want to do that, I'll help you any way I can. Just don't expect me to block any wrenches for you."

Ratchet could not help it, a short buzz of laughter escaped his vocalizer. "Smart 'Bot."

"Oh, hey." Samuel grew more serious, holding up the pad. "Can I see you tomorrow?"

Ratchet blinked. "You believe you will be finished that quickly?"

Shrugging Samuel looked up at him, "Not necessarily. But, since its all new to me, I figured it might be good to go over what I do get through and make sure I got it right. You know what I mean?"

Ratchet blinked again. He did know what Samuel meant and it was the indication of a serious student. All that remained to be seen was whether he had the ability and the determination to see it through. His last apprentice had been the same, but it had been decavorns since he had seen First Aid. While he had no delusions that Samuel would become some type of human protégé, he did find himself hoping he could at least learn the basics well enough to – as the boy himself said – be useful.

"I do know what you mean." Ratchet said slowly, meeting the boy's eyes. "Unless there is an emergency requiring my services, feel free to speak to me at your leisure. But only about this. I have too much to do to waste time talking about nonsense."

"Thanks Ratch." With another smile Samuel was gone.

… … …

Sam wondered to the Autobot rec. room, still not wanting to face any more of his fellow humans just yet. He was unspeakably relieved that Epps and Lennox had finally come to a place of acceptance, with even a little bit of amazement, before the impromptu conference in Optimus' office had dispersed. His gut feeling was that he probably had the whole increased-brain-power thing to thank for that lucky break.

Even so, their initial freak out over the Pet-bond issue made him a little leery of facing others right at the moment. Especially as he was still getting used to deciphering Bee's feelings and thoughts from his own.

That did not stop him from diving into the provided reading material as soon as he settled himself on one of the oversized concrete slabs that served as an Autobot couch. At first he was more interested in the data pad itself. He had never handled any Cybertronian tech directly… aside from the AllSpark and the Matrix of Leadership. But those were not the same. They were more like... living relics. Not simple technological wonders he could enjoy without having to worry about someone trying to kill him. Ah, it was nice to be home.

But he did not waste too much time however, knowing he had a lot of reading to do. The first selection was on basic Cybertronian anatomy: how to tell the difference between energon lines verses hydraulic or coolant lines. That kind of thing.

Periodically there were chemical or electrical equations… some of which he sort of remembered from high school chemistry and physics. With an almost irritated snort, he utilized his now perfect memory to make a mental note to add a few classes to his college schedule this semester, if possible. He and Bee were scheduled to fly back to the mainland at the end of the week. Five more days. He would only miss a week. It should not bee too much of a problem, so long as he could get permission. And if he could not get permission, he'd talk to Bee about hacking the system and getting him in that way.

Thinking about hacking brought his attention back to the data pad itself.

One of the things he liked most about this Cybertronian data pad was that its scroll features seemed to be automatic. Perhaps it had sensors trained on his eyes and could tell when he was reading the last line of the screen because it would scroll to the next almost as it crossed his mind that it was time to go to the next page. He did not understand though, why it also had manual navigation controls. Probably as back up. Cybertronians seemed keen on redundant systems. He definitely gathered that much from what he had read so far.

Noise at the rec. room entrance drew his attention and he looked up. Sam smiled. "Hey, Sides."

Sideswipe looked down at him and returned his smile... warmly? "Hey kid."

Sam made a face, though he was not really serious about it. "I am an adult you know."

The silver frontliner grunted, gears grinding with amusement. "Not any more. Once you've lived a couple thousand years, then you'll be an adult."

"Yeah, whatever." Sam was still smiling, "Hothead."

"Cockatoo." The smirk on Sideswipe's face was clearly a tease and Sam remembered Bee's reference to parrots the last time either one of them had seen Sideswipe; in that conference room.

"Jerk." Sam groaned playfully, though he was truly beginning to feel out of his element.

"You started it." The big mech was grinning before moving away to sit on a type of Cybertronian stool - which he immediately tipped onto its back legs much like a human teenager might do - in order to watch a massive big screen television set up on the far wall.

Sam shook his head and returned his attention to his reading, slightly reeling from the encounter. Sideswipe, while always polite and friendly to him, had never been so informal. This was… he was not sure what it was or how to deal with it.

~What is wrong, Sam?~ Bumblebee asked, worry slipping over their bond.

~I'm not sure if anything is wrong. That's the problem.~ Sam replied. ~It's Sideswipe.~

Concentrating briefly, Sam replayed the last conversation for his brother. After he finished, Bee was silent for a long moment.

~I would never have expected that from Sideswipe.~

Now Sam was even more confused and gently reached for an explanation, which Bee unhesitatingly gave along with a verbal summary. ~He's treating you as he would a third-frame-almost-adult youngling.~ And Sam was fully aware that Bee knew this from experience: his own experience.

~Really?~ Sam was likewise surprised.

~It's his way of showing acceptance of our brotherhood.~ Bee confirmed.

Sam contemplated that for a moment with half of his mind while the other half continued to slide across the data pad's screen. Then he paused his reading.

~What would the proper response be?~ He asked suddenly, though a part of his mind hoped he was not distracting Bee at an important moment during training.

He was relieved when his brother brushed away that concern as he answered. ~He has presented himself as a 'friendly-non-caretaker-authority.' Sort of like a non-related older brother.~

~Like you did, back in Tranquility?~ Sam asked with sudden comprehension.

~Exactly. Because that's what he was, and still is I guess, to me.~ Bee confirmed then, sensing Sam's change of emotions, paused thoughtfully. Sam felt a gentle brush against his own thoughts. ~What?~

Sam could not stop the mischievous grin that spread across his face and was careful to keep it hidden behind the data pad he was no longer paying any attention to. ~I have an idea.~

Okay, there were a couple of clues hidden in there about where the story is going and what the next major twist will be. Let me know if you caught it. Questions, comments, concerns? That's what reviews are for: please share your thoughts.