FORGIVE ME

XXX

"Baby, baby, take me with you,"

XXX

Jack was dying.

He could feel it in his mouth, where his tongue stuck to the roof longer than it normally did. He felt it in his throat, which ached every time he managed to swallow down a bit of thick, disgusting saliva. His bruises were now a nasty purple, the healing process slow and nonexistent as the hours stretched into days. Megatron came and went without so much as a second glance in his direction, leaving him bored and with nothing to do but sleep and stare out the window and into the black abyss. The Nemesis was in orbit around the Earth, Megatron's window facing the expanse of space. Jack would have been more interested if there was not a persistent ache between his eyes.

Eventually he gave up moving at all and just slept, trying to conserve his energy and make himself last for at least another day. But if he had to guess, it had been at least two days since the capture. Within the next five to six hours, his body could potentially shut down. The headache would go away, and that would be a relief, but that would also mean he was dead.

Approaching Megatron about the subject seemed impossible. If anything, it would only give him a sharper edge against his prisoner and use it to Ratchet's disadvantage. Jack would not allow that to happen.

Not to mention the Decepticon had yet to make good on his threat, which Jack essentially imagined as him beating him until he could no longer move. Though the neglect was far more desirable than the tyrant's unwanted attentions, this was miserable.

So, he slept.

And slept.

And slept.

XXX

Light assaulted his vision and jabbed straight from his pupils and into the core of his brain, his eyes snapping shut again as he cried out in pain. A headache pulsed across the membrane of his brain, the taste of metal in his mouth making him want to puke. Opening his eyes again, slowly, he raised an arm up and blocked the incoming light. Looking around, his sluggish mind took a long time to process that he was no longer on the Nemesis.

Where . . . am I?

Blinking several times his eyes eventually adjusted, the pounding in his head matching his heartbeat and making it nearly impossible to think straight. After a long thought process in which he realized he was somewhere completely foreign, it occurred to him quite frighteningly that he was in a hospital.

"Um, hello?" Jack called, his heart stalling in his chest and panic flooding his extremities. "Anyone here? Hello?"

A blonde nurse poked her head into the room, her bright blue eyes giving him a quick once-over She smiled a little, though it was thin, indicating that something was not entirely right.

"Ah, I see you are awake," her heavy accent betrayed the fact he was no longer anywhere near the states, only adding to his panicked state.

"Wh-where am I? How did I get here?" Those were good places to start. "I'm not in the States, am I?"

"Nej, you are in Switzerland," she confirmed for him. "Zurich, to be very specific. Do you know who you are?"

"Uh . . ." Jack paused, a little baffled by the question. Her raised eyebrow prompted him to think faster. "Jack. My name is Jack Darby."

She wrote that down on the chart, tsking a little. "And you are clearly American. Do you remember arriving at the hospital, or anything before then?"

He paused, trying to recollect and figure out a lie. Obviously he remembered being captured by the Decepticons, but telling her that would result in him being placed in an asylum. His thought process was certainly fuzzier as he became more and more dehydrated, and he honestly could not remember most of it after he decided to just keep sleeping.

A headache still insisted to remain between his eyes, but his throat was no longer hoarse and everything seemed . . . clearer.

"I . . . um," he rubbed his eyes. "I kinda remember. I was, uh, with friends. You said I arrived at the hospital. How? With who?"

The nurse raised an eyebrow. "I am assuming your friends," her thick accent only made the disapproving tone sound more intense. "Based on your report you were dropped off at the ER entrance, though your 'friends' did not stick around. You were severely dehydrated and almost slipped into a coma."

Ice gripped his body and held it in place, his fingers growing cold.

"How long have I been here?"

"Four days," the nurse looked up at him. "Based on the state you arrived in, I would almost suspect you were unconscious for five days."

Five days. Plus two . . . that's a whole week.

What has happened to Ratchet? Where are the Decepticons?

"When can I leave?" He asked.

He received another surprised expression. "Whenever you are ready," she said, watching him warily. "However you will need to complete paperwork; as you are not a citizen of Switzerland your financial situation is different."

I doubt the Decepticons have insurance, Jack thought to himself, forcing a smile as he thought about what he was going to do. "Okay . . . thank you."

"Is there anything else you need?" She asked, eyeing him in a manner that told him it would be best if he did not ask for too much. The teen paused, a little surprised he was not absolute starving, but decided he did not need the food. No need to feel more guilty than he already did.

"I'm good," he lied. He let loose a breath when the nurse turned around and left, glancing out the window. Another wing of the hospital stared back at him, his gut twisting when he realized that meant he was likely a few stories up. The thought of calling for help briefly entered his mind, but he had no reason to think Soundwave was not monitoring the entire hospital, keeping tabs on him. If anything, the spymaster had likely planted his own monitoring devices within the room or hospital. So, that was out of the question.

The first obstacle was sneaking out of the hospital. He had to do it before filing some kind of paperwork, because for some reason that felt more illegal than just leaving. It made him question what Megatron's plan was for this whole thing. Surely he would know the moment Jack woke up, but then how long did he anticipate he would stay? More importantly, why was Jack in this hospital? The 'cons were not stupid, but they certainly were not well versed in human culture. How did Megatron know he was dying, and react appropriately?

He shook his head. Worry about that later. For now, hospital issues.

The bizarre situation made him pause. Why was he concerned about going back to the 'cons?

Ratchet.

Megatron had forced them to become a pair, and as such the ideology of sticking together remained. Jack also was not one to abandon his friends, even in dire circumstances like this.

So, he needed to find a way to get back to Ratchet.

A part of him wondered if Megatron would even take him back now that he knew the maintenance requirements for a human being. He decided that the warlord would rather just drop him off at various hospitals every other day than release or kill a valuable asset, so that answered that. It seemed inconvenient or a waste of time, but surely they would not think so far as to actually get food and water from a store.

Maybe.

Glancing toward the door Jack shifted and sat up a little more, glancing at the IV in his arm. As soon as he ripped it out alarms would bring the nurses to his room, and even if he bolted they surely had security.

Come on, think.

He looked over at the bedside table, and noticed his clothes were stacked neatly on them, a baggie of his personal items on top. In the baggie was his fire-starter kit and a pack of gum. His cellphone was back at the Autobot base.

He gazed at the items, a plan forming in his head.

It was crazy, but maybe it would work.

XXX

"We got a hit."

Agent Fowler strode out of the elevator with a stack of papers tucked in a manila folder. His announcement drew the Autobots from Bulkhead's progress, the Wrecker managing to sit up and even walk just a little, but he relied very heavily on outside support. Optimus Prime was briefly confused, remaining quiet as he waited for Fowler to continue.

"Approximately two hours ago a Jack Darby was put on file at the Zurich hospital in Switzerland," Fowler skimmed his notes. "What is interesting is not just the fact this happened, but Darby was actually admitted about four days ago, suffering from massive dehydration and malnutrition. He is reported to have black hair, blue eyes, and is of Caucasian descent. The file also updated his nationality, United States."

"How are you sure it's our Jack?" Arcee asked, suspicious and reluctant to hope. "What is he doing in Switzerland?"

"It's the best match we've got so far, and the timeline makes sense," Agent Fowler pointed out. "If the 'con's took Jack about seven days ago, and he was admitted three-ish days into that, he would be suffering from dehydration. Likely Megatron doesn't know what a human needs. I'm sending a consulate from the US embassy in Zurich to check in for us, considering Jack and the kids are considered interns of the US government and this is, in a sense, a hostage/missing persons situation."

"Why put Jack in a hospital?" Bulkhead asked, the partially immobilized Autobot sitting on the ground to rest. "Won't that raise suspicion, or maybe he'd escape?"

"It stands to reason that Megatron is holding some kind of threat over Jack, if this indeed him," Optimus rumbled, his brow furrowing in troubled contemplation. "But it is troubling to see that Jack has been placed in medical care so soon. And after listening to Megatron's . . . message . . ."

"We need to get him out of there," Arcee turned her gaze to Agent Fowler. "Once it's confirmed that Jack is in Zurich, I'm going in."

"Arcee, the Decepticons -"

"Are killing our friends!" She whirled on Optimus jabbing a digit in his direction. "Jack almost died within three days, and clearly Ratchet isn't in any better shape! Optimus, if we don't do something, they may not be as lucky the next time around. I'm getting Jack out of there, regardless. It's what Ratchet would want."

"I'm going too," Miko crossed her arms stubbornly. Bulkhead said her name in protest, but the girl persisted. "Jack is my friend, and he's in a hospital. You're going to need some human on human interference if you want this to work. What are you gonna do, tell the Swiss-US embassy that there are giant alien robots waiting for him the moment he exits?"

"The Decepticons will be there, guaranteed," Arcee shot her a look. "This isn't some kind of field trip, Miko."

"I don't care about the 'cons, I care about Jack!" Miko shouted at her, her hands curling into fists. "He's my friend, and I'm gonna make sure he's safe, and keep them from hurting him again!"

The Autobots stared at her, Arcee recalling her time in the subway tunnels with the girl. She had managed to help save the day by doing some "human interference," but that was also due to her winging-it. She didn't plan like Jack did, which was why her revenge stunt with Wheeljack - where she had seen Jack and Megatron - had left her feeling even worse than before.

The idea filled Arcee with rage. Jack had been alive then, and clearly well. Within a week, he was stuck in a hospital on the other side of the world.

"You guys figure this out, I need to make a phone call," Agent Fowler announced into the increasingly awkward silence, quietly walking away. Miko waited for the verdict, already knowing that no matter what, she was going.

"While I do not believe it wise," Optimus said slowly. "Miko does have a valid argument. However, if you insist on meeting your charge, it would be best if I provided back-up. Bumblebee, are you capable of manning the Groundbridge?"

The scout nodded with a whirr, Rafael pushing up his glasses.

"I can help," he said confidently.

Bulkhead gripped the side of his cot. "I'm comin' too," he grunted, struggling to his pedes.

"Bulkhead, I cannot allow you to enter the field just yet," Optimus told him. "You are not yet capable of smooth transformation, nor standing for long periods of time. While I understand your desire to help bring Ratchet and Jack home, it would be more detrimental for you to join us."

The Wrecker growled. "Boss, I'm fine."

"As your leader I must order you to stand down, Bulkhead, until you have gathered your strength," Optimus replied, his voice taking on a stern undertone. "The moment you are ready is the moment you will be allowed onto the field."

Though Bulkhead grumbled he did so under his breath, huffing and sitting back down. He would never admit it out loud, but it hurt immensely to stand, and he was grateful to sit whenever possible.

A few minutes later Agent Fowler came back, flipping his cellphone down and tucking it into his pocket.

"I hope you've got everything sorted out and your bags packed, because the consulate is heading to the hospital right now to confirm. As soon as he lays eyes on our boy, we're going in."

XXX

When the man entered the room Jack almost stupidly asked if he was a Decepticon. He wore a crisp suit and slicked back, black hair, his eyes a pale and almost sinister blue. When he smiled the only thing Jack received was chills.

"Jack Darby?" The man asked.

Immediately the teen zeroed in on the American flag pinned to his lapel, able to at least assume one thing: he was a part of the American government; the embassy here on Swiss soil. He frowned. What was he doing here? Surely a mysterious American did not warrant that much suspicion.

"That's me . . ." he said reluctantly.

He nodded. "Michael Collins," he extended a hand, "American consulate here in Zurich, Switzerland. I was contacted by an Agent Fowler to confirm your identity for him. Tell me, Jack, where are you from?"

Agent Fowler? They found me? He paused, dumbfounded. How?

"Um . . ." stopping himself again, he thought quickly. What would happen if he said the correct answer? Certainly the Autobots would rescue him, but . . . did he want to be rescued?

"Jack!"

"Miko?"

The Japanese girl bounded over, bypassing the surprised consulate and wrapping her friend in a tight hug. Tears burst from her eyes and she started to sob.

"You're okay. I'm so glad you're okay." She said through her tears, clutching him tight. When she pulled away her hazel eyes were glittering angrily. "How much did he hurt you? I'm gonna make him pay for-"

The teen sat up with a grunt. "Miko, you shouldn't be here," he insisted. "Are the Autobots here too?"

"Yeah, even Optimus came as back-up," she replied, her face twisted into an expression of confusion. "What do you mean I shouldn't be here? We're going to get you out of here."

"And risk Ratchet getting hurt even more than he probably already is?" Jack told her, not caring as the consulate raised an eyebrow at the pair. "I can't leave with you, Miko. Or Optimus."

"Not even Arcee?"

The accusatory tone made him flinch, his fingers curling up in the sheet. As much as he wanted to be reunited with his partner, his friends, his mom, he felt that he could not. There was another who needed him more; Jack wanted to believe Ratchet would not abandon him.

"Jack," Michael Collins spoke smoothly. "Agent Fowler informed me that you were dealing with terrorists. Going back to them due to any threat they are giving you will only allow them to gain more power. You are a noncombatant, and it is against our duties as members of the American government to hand you over to them again."

The teen opened his mouth to make a nasty retort, but stopped himself just in time. Instead, he glanced at the US pin, the flag bent in an illusion of blowing freely in the wind. He was most likely his best way out of this hospital . . . more than his partially psychotic plan to set some gum on fire, and Megatron would do whatever he needed to retrieve him. Closing his mouth slowly, he hung his head in defeat.

"Okay, okay," he sighed, looking up. "Are we going now?"

"You bet we are!" Miko cheered, seeming to have convinced him.

It took almost an hour for the consulate to convince the hospital to release Jack, jumping through several hoops before the nurse came in and took out his IV and a few other tubes he had stuck in him. During that time, Miko filled him in on what happened.

When she got to Bulkhead, and Hardshell, Jack's stomach twisted. The Autobots were taking hits they should not have now that Ratchet was gone, and he knew it would kill the medic to know what was happening. Optimus had performed what surgery he could, which shocked Jack that he knew much at all about medicine; it made sense, though, that the Prime knew a little something given his friendship with Ratchet. Still, the look on Miko's face when she updated him on Bulkhead's condition . . .

Anger warmed his chest. Megatron was taking his sweet time trying to torment Ratchet and essentially use him just as punching bag while also attempting to kill his friends off one by one. Four days had gone by, and Jack was sure more psychological trauma had been dealt.

The anger fueled him as he limped out of the hospital with Miko, his whole body sore but he was just happy to be alive. A motorcycle waited patiently at the curbside, Arcee twisting her wheel a little bit.

"Hey, partner," she sounded relieved.

"Hey," Jack forced a smile, a voice in the back of his head screaming as he touched her handlebars. Bolting from them would only cause suspicion - and possibly put him on lockdown in the Autobot base - but he had no other plan on how to escape the Autobots. The idea cut through him like a knife.

Escape the Autobots. What is wrong with me?

"Climb on," Arcee invited, an undertone of excitement in her disembodied voice. "Miko's got your helmet."

Indeed, the younger girl gave it to him, her own tucked under her arm. Optimus was at a distance, nestled inconspicuously across the street from the hospital, but Jack felt as though the Prime was watching him very closely, perhaps even analyzing him critically. It sent chills down his spine when it should have been comforting.

Slipping his helmet on he sat and adjusted himself comfortably on her saddle. Miko gladly hopped on behind him, hugging him tighter than normal and silently telling him just how happy she was to see him. But he could not shake the growing dread in his stomach, as if something terrible was about to happen.

"We have to get out of the city if we want to Groundbridge out undetected," Arcee described. "The embassy thinks you're flying out with Miko. Agent Fowler managed to convince them not to ask any questions."

"How long will that take?" Jack asked nervously.

"Half an hour at most, depending on traffic," Arcee assured him. "Zurich has plenty of countryside."

He nodded, gripping her handles a little tighter. He closed his eyes and tried not to think about Ratchet, the Decepticons, and the intense feeling of guilt and traitorism in his gut.

For once he was thankful for the dark tint on the visor of his helmet, just so they could not see the twisted, painful expression on his face.

I'm sorry, Ratchet.

XXX

"My liege . . . he's getting away."

"That he is, Knock Out," Megatron watched the scene from Laserbeak's point of view displayed on Soundwave's visor. "Do not fret, this is all part of the plan. The game has merely begun."