Wheeljack decided to join the other bots on their field trip and Prime went back on patrol, leaving Ratchet and Kerri to work at the base in silence. They settled down into their usual routine: Kerri finished entering her reports while the doctor worked on repairing equipment, after which she helped him fix the smaller things that were easier for human hands to handle. Ratchet like having the woman as his assistant. She saw no need for idle chitchat, and once she got into her work, focused on whatever task was in front of her. She had been a fast learner and proved invaluable to the medic now. He was seated at his table finishing his paperwork while watching her like a proud father as she dove into one task after another. 'She's been through so much, and she's overcome all of it,' he thought. 'Her experience with Knockout could have rightfully made her hate and fear all Cybertronians, and instead she works side by side with us every day. A remarkable woman.'
"Remarkable…," he said again, this time aloud.
Kerri looked up at at him quizzically. "What's remarkable, Ratchet?"
"You, my dear, are remarkable," he answered sincerely. "If you ever tell anybody I said this, I'll squash you like a bug. But…if I'd ever had a sparkling, I would have wanted her to be just like you."
Kerri stood up and walked over to Ratchet, tears starting to form in her eyes. She reached her hands up towards his face, and he leaned forward to meet her touch. "You guys are the best thing that's ever happened to me. The Autobots took me in, gave me a home and a family. All of you, even the kids, helped me through the hardest time in my life."
"Well, I don't know how Miko-," started Ratchet.
"Even Miko," Kerri smiled. "But you, sir, more than anybody. I would have been honored to have a dad like you. You're pretty damn remarkable yourself."
Kerri gave Ratchet a soft kiss on the lips before he straightened up with a smile and said,"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Back to work, young lady."
It was late afternoon before Ultra Magnus returned to the base. Ratchet and Kerri were cleaning up medbay when the the semi came rolling in through tunnel before transforming and walking over to them.
"Kerri, Doctor," he said, nodding his head at both. "The others aren't back yet?"
"They were taking the children home before hearing back to base, and Optimus, as you know, won't be back for hours," answered Ratchet. "I take it that you didn't run into any problems?"
"No problems, Doctor. The Decepticons are still keeping quiet," he replied before turning his attention to Ratchet's assistant. "I was going to my ship. Would you care to join me?"
Kerri looked over at Ratchet, who waved his hand at her. "Go ahead. I'll finish up here."
"Thanks, doc," she said and she hopped off of the table and into Magnus' waiting servo.
"How was your day?" he asked as he walked to his ship.
"Good. We got a lot of stuff fixed and reports written. I've been neglecting my duties as assistant. Thankfully Ratchet is an understanding bot."
"Ratchet, understanding? You've never had him throw a wrench at you apparently," he chuckled. "He has a lot of respect for you. I can tell."
"Not as much as I have for him." They walked out of the base and were greeted by a glorious fiery sunset that bathed them in a warm red glow. "Wow," Kerri said in amazement. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," answered Magnus. "Made only more beautiful by your presence."
"Smooth, sir. Very smooth."
They climbed into the cockpit of the ship. Kerri stayed seated in Magnus' palm, neither one saying anything as the watched the sun set over the distant mountains. Magnus was running his thumb along her back as Kerri caressed his palm. They were excited to be alone in each other's presence again, and Kerri was excited to hear Magnus' fans kick on.
"Will you stay with me again tonight?" Magnus ask the woman, excitement present in his voice.
"I would love to, Commander. Shall we go?" She was carried to and gently placed on the berth, followed by the now smaller Magnus. The mech laid down beside her, pulling her into his arms as he did. It felt so natural, so perfect to both of them.
"It's a good thing that Decepticon activities are at a lull," Magnus said, stroking the woman's hair. "I'm finding it difficult to focus on anything but you."
"Don't go getting yourself into trouble out there. Duty comes first. But, it is nice to know that you think about me."
Magnus rolled Kerri onto her back as he raised himself above her, holding his massive body with his forearms. "What have you done to me woman?" he asked her.
"I seduced you," she smiled teasingly, arms around his neck. "And I plan to do it again."
"Like you have a choice," he answered, as his mouth claimed hers.
Magnus laid back on the berth, fans running at a furious pace in an attempt to cool down the mech. Kerri was drenched in sweat, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Are you ok?" Magnus asked when he finally brought his optics online again. "Did I hurt you?
"I'm gonna feel it later. But I'm good. Did I hurt you?
"Nothing a little energon won't fix," he smiled. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," she answered.
"Did you speak to Wheeljack?"
"No…not really. I kind of avoided him today."
"Hmmm. I'm sure that isn't sitting well with him."
"Ratchet said the same thing. I just don't want to fight with Wheeljack. He's my friend."
"Then he should be happy for you. Unless, of course, his interest is more than friendship. Do you love him?"
"Of course. But I'm in love with you."
He turned to face her again, a smile on his lips. "You'd better be, because there's no way in hell you're getting rid of me now."
"Mmmm, I love it when you talk tough. Ready to walk the walk again?"
"Forget feeling it later. You're going to feel it now."
The Autobots returned to base, worn out after a day of exploring with the kids. All of them, save Wheeljack, muttered a good night before heading for recharge. The Wrecker, not seeing Kerri, walked over to Ratchet, who was still at his station.
"Is Kerri around?"
"She's with Ultra Magnus," Ratchet answered, not looking up from his work.
Wheeljack winced at Ratchet's answer. "Let me ask you a question, Doc. What does she see in a pain like Magnus?"
Ratchet set his tools in his table before turning to face the mech. "Let me ask you a question, Wheeljack: Why, exactly do you care?"
"I don't know, Doc," Wheeljack sighed. "I-I thought we had something special."
"You do. What she has with Magnus is different. You need to accept that."
Guess I don't have a choice, huh?"
"Nope. Magnus is a stud. You're a glitch."
"You've become even more of an aft, Doc."
Don't call me Doc."
