SPARKZ - A Transformers Prime Love Story

by Beez' Nezt

"It's been quite a ride..." With those words Jack Darby bid a sad farewell to his Autobot partner Arcee, but sometimes saying goodbye is only the start of a brand new journey. For Jack and Arcee, the ride has just begun. First installment of the SPARKZ REFORMATTED series.

8. DOCTOR-PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

"Arcee, please get off of my son."

The Autobots had long held the belief that despite her frail appearance, the matriarch of the Darby household possessed a preternaturally powerful spirit, one made of such stern stuff that it would give even the likes of Megatron pause. As they observed - from a fairly safe distance, of course - the sheer force of June's no-nonsense glare and icy tone, the Bots were reassured after a month-long separation from the humans that there were still some constants in the universe.

Even in the face of such impending peril, Jack and Arcee proved wholly unwilling to break eye contact with one another, neither capable of even pretending to appear embarrassed from their present parallel position.

Miko instinctively covered Raf's eyes from the shameless display. Denying the undeniable thrill from the resulting close contact, he tried to play it cool and asserted, "I-I'm not twelve and a quarter anymore, Miko. I'm a big boy now."

Without thinking she blurted out, "You sure are." Too little too late Miko's brain caught up with her mouth, sending an electrochemical response to her hands and causing them to slap over the offending orifice, preventing any further embarrassing admissions.

As Miko's face turned a striking shade of scarlet, Raf nervously moved back a step and attempted to conceal his own equally impressive crimson countenance.

Moving was the last thing Jack wanted to do. He had rarely been this up close and personal with Arcee before and the physical intimacy was absolutely addictive. In spite of how cliché it sounded, he could swear that he saw himself within Arcee's luminous optics.

Finally, forcing herself to tear her gaze from Jack's own intense orbs, Arcee complied with his mother's unsmiling request and began to rise. Apparently she didn't comply fast enough.

"I'm waiting!" The sharp sting of June's voice echoed through the sterile Cybertronian air.

Hurriedly Arcee leapt to her pedes and held out her servo to help Jack stand.

Stifling a smirk she urged, "C'mon, Smooth Operator. Up you go."

Reaching out his hand Jack likewise struggled not to grin like an idiot, especially after hearing her much-missed term of endearment.

Unnoticed by anyone, when Arcee's gleaming metal digits brushed up against Jack's fleshy fingertips, a tiny spark arced between them.

Surprised, he snatched back his tingling fingers and murmured, "H-hey! That's some pretty powerful static electricity!"

Knowing his partner's virtually imperceptible facial tics and twitches by heart, Jack was the only one who caught the sudden look of panic on Arcee's carefully guarded expression. He was on the verge of asking what was wrong when he was struck by yet another wave of dizziness.

Immediately Arcee followed suit and as Ratchet rushed over to help steady her, June did the same for Jack.

Miko wondered, "Whoa, what's happening to them?"

All at once everyone concernedly began to rattle off questions, wanting to know what the scrap was going on.

While Ratchet checked Arcee's vitals, he tried not to sound overly worried as he gruffly asked, "You with us?" When she nodded shakily he sighed, "Thank the Maker."

"Is-is Arcee okay?" Jack did not bother to hide how worried he was.

"She's fine. She's been through worse." While continuing his examination he thought to himself, A lot worse. He then said, "Base Energon levels are normal. I need to test your retinal scanners." The old Autobot medic gestured and a bright crimson beam radiated from the emitter built into his forearm. Shining it in Arcee's azure optics, he instructed, "Follow the light. That's it."

After a few moments Arcee's gaze slowly began to drift away from tracking Ratchet's beam. He was about to scold her until he realized her attention was once more zeroed in on Jack.

Trying not to smile he muttered, "On target, apparently."

Her own attention likewise focused on her son, June said, "Easy, Jack. Lean on me."

Sheepishly he replied, "Th-thanks, Mom. I…I'm okay now."

"What happened?"

Still intent on keeping the Key to Vector Sigma and how it was affecting him a secret, Jack answered, "I-I'm not sure. I lost my balance earlier and I guess I'm still a little shaken up. At least Arcee was around to save my life…again."

Ratchet frowned, "That may be all well and good, but it still doesn't explain why she fell."

Arcee had been wondering that very same thing. She thought back to when it first started, mere minutes ago. One moment she had been perfectly all right, and then the next…

She tensed suddenly, the memory of what had happened in that next moment slamming into her like a fully loaded eighteen-wheeler. Jack had whispered something to her, three little words that changed everything.

Unfortunately her fleeting reverie was all too quickly cut short.

"Lost your balance?!" June was positively livid as she cried, "Jackson Darby, you were thrashing about like you were having some kind of seizure!"

Jack grimaced at this newest unexpected discovery, that this whole time his physical body had been reacting to what his mind was experiencing when linked to the Key.

As he struggled to come up with a halfway believable explanation, Arcee quietly interrupted.

"Jack?"

"Y-yeah, Arcee?"

"Does this have anything to do with these dreams, these nightmares you've been having?"

Aw, scrap.

"M-my dreams? H-how do you know about - "

"It doesn't matter how I know." Arcee's optics shimmered imploringly. "Why didn't you tell me, Jack?"

"Ar-Arcee, I…I - "

"Don't blame him, Arcee. And even though my son is still trying to pretend that everything's just fine and dandy, I'm afraid I can't do the same…not anymore. This isn't his fault, it's yours."

Jack was aghast. "MOM?!"

June smiled like nothing was wrong and said, "It's all right, sweetie. I'll handle this."

Arcee rested her fisted servo against her armored hip and attempted to school her aggravated expression, only partially succeeding. Sparks flew as she grit her steely denta. "And how exactly is it my fault?!"

Seething, June took an angry step towards Arcee before Fowler stopped her.

Cautiously he said, "June, maybe you shouldn't - "

"Stay out of this, Bill." Pushing past the special agent she strode briskly towards Arcee who stood her ground, waiting for Jack's mother to speak her mind.

June wasted no time in doing so. "Jack is suffering from what we call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD for short. It often happens after someone has a frightening or dangerous experience."

Jack groaned, "Mom, not this again…"

Undeterred, she continued. "Intrusive memories, which are nightmares or vivid flashbacks to such events, are one of the most obvious key signs to watch out for. Other symptoms like insomnia or the inability to fall asleep, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness often lead to self-destructive behavior." June's worried eyes suddenly darted towards the Well and then to her son. Suspiciously she asked, "Jack, you weren't seriously thinking of - "

Shocked at what she was implying, Jack immediately cut her off. "What? NO!"

Watching him warily, she went on. "Emotional avoidance is another sign, when someone refuses to talk about or acknowledge the trauma. They usually look for ways to distract themselves to prevent thinking about the experience, but sometimes their mind can also react by blocking the memory of what occurred, denying the traumatic event ever happened. It's a form of shock and self-preservation. Anything to keep the body from remembering the pain."

He protested, "Mom, I keep telling you, I don't have PTSD! This-this isn't what you think it is!"

Tuning out his denials, June continued with her diagnosis. "But the way he was unconsciously flailing about earlier, it's almost like Jack were sleepwalking, and that makes me wonder if…" She stopped suddenly, eyes widening in distress. "…hypnagogic hallucinations."

Arcee frowned, "Hypnagogic?"

Miko cocked her head in confusion. "Is that even a word?"

There was an awful hollow quality to June's voice as she rasped, "A hypnagogic hallucination - or in this case hypnopompic - is a vivid dreamlike experience that seems real and is often very frightening and confusing. Hypnopompic hallucinations happen upon waking, which is why they're also known as waking nightmares." Tears filled her eyes as she sniffed, "Th-they aren't normally a serious health risk, b-but factoring in all of his other symptoms Jack could be in worse shape than I thought…"

Jack felt like he was going to throw up, sick from guilt at unintentionally causing his mother so much worry. The fact that he didn't dare reveal the truth made things infinitely worse.

Arcee attempted, "June, look…I'm just as concerned as you are about Jack, but I still don't understand why you think any of this is my fault."

Fuming at the Autobot femme, June snapped, "Because, Arcee! Because of the nightmares! After you Autobots left Earth Jack started to cry out in his sleep, and no matter what I did I could only listen helplessly as he screamed your name, begging for you to come back! That wasn't all I heard, though…no, not by a long shot. I heard my son talk about lots of other things that he never once bothered to mention to me before. Like the time shortly after he had first met the Autobots, when he tried to leave your violent world behind and return to a simpler, safer, ordinary life…just like I heard how you were the one who pulled him right back into it!"

Shaken by the accusation, Arcee stammered, "I…I…!"

"He tried to get out but you wouldn't let him! You're the reason Jack is suffering from PTSD, Arcee! That's why I blame you! That's how this is your fault!"

Instantly Jack jumped to his partner's defense and furiously spat, "That was my decision, Mom…my choice! And you are way out of line!"

Ratchet interrupted and harshly whispered, "You're ALL out of line!" Impatiently inclining his helm towards a battered, powered-down Ultra Magnus he groused in a low voice, "I have a patient who is trying to recuperate and he doesn't need any of this scrap! Look, if it will help I will be more than happy to perform a scan on Jack and determine precisely what is troubling him. I am a doctor, remember?"

Lowering her voice only slightly, June scoffed, "Doesn't that scanner of yours only work on Cybertronians? Besides, when have you ever been an expert on human anatomy, Doctor?"

Ratchet coolly replied, "Ever since the day young Rafael almost perished from Dark Energon poisoning, Nurse."

Her eyes darting over to Raf, June watched the boy fidget uncomfortably from the memory even as she felt her cheeks aflame with shame.

Ratchet did not begrudge her and gently asked, "What harm could it do, Nurse Darby?"

Finally she relented and nodded her consent.

Ratchet knelt before Jack who immediately voiced his fervent disapproval. "H-hang on, don't I have a say in this?!"

"Hold still, Jack. This won't hurt a bit." Ratchet gestured once again and reactivated his scanner. The crimson beam slowly started to sweep over Jack, beginning its trek at the top of his head and moving downward from there.

As his world was bathed in red Jack fought to keep his breathing steady even as he broke out into a cold sweat. Despite everything he had done to keep the Key a secret, Optimus' ominous warning that his loved ones would be in deadly danger upon its discovery now appeared to be but a heartbeat away.

Ratchet muttered, "Hmm…pulse rate is somewhat elevated but nothing too serious…blood pressure is fine…Jack's anxiety levels are indeed high but the amount of serotonin currently being produced by the raphe nuclei in the midline of his brainstem appears to be perfectly normal…no evidence of neuropathic pain…"

Just before the beam reached Jack's chest, Ratchet happened to notice the look of sick worry upon the troubled teen's suddenly pale face. He paused, also taking note of how Jack's trembling hand held a death grip on something concealed underneath his shirt.

Perplexed, Ratchet gave Jack a long, questioning look. Then, for just an instant, the old Autobot medic's legendary sharp hearing detected a faint sound: a muffled melodic chime.

His normally stern optics widened dramatically and remained locked onto Jack's panicked, pleading eyes.

Ratchet sputtered under his breath, "B-by the AllSpark…" and immediately stopped the scan.

Forcing a sheepish grin, Jack managed, "Guess I've had a little too much excitement today, right, Ratchet?"

When Ratchet didn't immediately respond, an increasingly worried June demanded, "Doctor? What? What is it?!"

"Mm? Oh…yes. Yes, a little too much excitement." Ratchet hesitated for another instant before facing June. Carefully choosing his words he remarked, "I…did not detect anything out of the ordinary with Jack's overall health. However…"

"However…?" June echoed.

"…there is the possibility that I may have missed something. On board the Nemesis I can perform a much more extensive and thorough examination. Just to be sure of my findings, of course. That is, unless you have any objections?"

"Obviously not, Jack's well-being is always my top priority. I'll come along and help - "

Ratchet stopped her before she could start, saying, "Yip, yip, yip…perhaps it would be better if I handled this alone. Forgive me, Nurse Darby, but you have already demonstrated a predisposition for being somewhat emotional where your son is concerned. That is not what Jack needs right now, wouldn't you agree?"

June huffed, angry at herself for losing her temper earlier.

He smiled and said, "Don't worry, Jack will be all right."

Suddenly everyone started, startled by a strange sound from Ultra Magnus. Although still powered-down, he autonomically cycled air through his ventilation airways which kept his inner mechanisms clean. The raucous racket sounded remarkably like snoring and reminded Ratchet that he had two patients. He frowned, trying to figure out how on Cybertron he was supposed to get both the unsteady Jack and the slumbering Autobot commander to the Decepticon warship.

Seeing his indecision, Knock Out offered, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Still not fully trusting the Bots' newest recruit, Ratchet curtly replied, "Return Ultra Magnus to the Nemesis sickbay."

The former Con bristled at the harsh order but sighed in resignation.

Remedying the situation, Ratchet added a simple, "Please. And thank you."

A little politeness went a long way with Knock Out. His cheerless expression immediately brightened and he ballyhooed, "You're welcome!" Happily putting his back into it he began pushing Ultra Magnus' heavy medical berth towards the Nemesis, quietly grunting, "C'mon, big guy. It's you and me."

Meanwhile Ratchet transformed into his ambulance alt-mode and opened a door. He prompted, "I suggest we make haste, Jack. There is much we need to discuss."

Jack protested, "B-but-but-but…Arcee and me were - !"

Ignoring his feeble protests, Ratchet replied, "Yes, yes…come along, now. You and Arcee will have plenty of time to get back to…to…whatever it is that you two were doing."

Jack gave one last longing look at Arcee before surrendering to the inevitable. Before getting in, he turned to his mother and entreated, "Mom, be nice, okay? Please?"

June said nothing in reply, not bothering to hide the scowl on her face.

Seeing Jack's concern Fowler stepped forward and said, "I'll help keep things civil on this front, son. You go on and get yourself a clean bill of health, all right?"

Jack narrowed his eyes, trusting the special agent about as far as he could throw him.

Raf could tell how stressed Jack was about what lay before him and quoted a passage of scripture, saying, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Not having the same beliefs, Jack joked, "I'm worried enough about making it through today, let alone tomorrow."

The young prodigy smiled shyly and said, "I'll still pray for you, Jack."

"Th-thanks, Raf." With that, Jack closed the door.

Arcee watched Ratchet speed away towards the Nemesis with Jack in tow. Abruptly she realized with more than a little embarrassment that she had been reaching out to them, to Jack. She quickly pulled back her servo, praying to Primus that no one noticed.

She turned and winced, her fervent prayer apparently gone unanswered as she saw that literally everyone had noticed and was now staring directly at her.

Fortunately for them, the other Bots were not stupid. None of them had a death wish and hurriedly looked away, most gazing downward to discover strange new worlds hidden in the Cybertronian soil beneath their pedes.

However, there was one notable exception. Ever the lone wolf, Wheeljack dared to be stupid and kept looking in her direction, even going so far as to wink and say, "How's it humming?"

Arcee audibly groaned before turning again to face the humans, hoping that their smaller size would equate to smaller problems to deal with. She should have known better.

The subzero stare that Jack's mother was currently sending her way caused Arcee to shiver, the experience of almost perishing in the frozen wastes of the Arctic not even coming close.

Seeking refuge she turned yet again, only to be confronted with a giddy, barely-able-to-contain-herself Miko. The exuberant girl bounced up and down on her tiptoes, practically busting at the seams after witnessing her OTP nearly sealing the deal, so to speak.

"Can I pleeeeease be the maid of honor at your wedding?!"

Surrounded on all sides, with nowhere to run or roll, Arcee muttered, "Well, f - "

…

" - rag me."

Ratchet reprimanded, "Language!"

Jack huffed with frustration but refrained from uttering any further Cybertronian expletives. He settled into his seat and stared out the window, not focusing on anything in particular. Soon they rolled to a stop alongside the Nemesis.

Looking out the window Jack apprehensively muttered, "No matter how many times I've seen this ship, it still gives me the creeps."

"Following the Autobots' final battle against Unicron, we continued to make the Decepticon warship our base of operations until more suitable facilities could be constructed. Because of his injuries, Ultra Magnus was in no condition to be moved until he fully healed. For now, we haven't yet decided what to do with the Nemesis. We may end up leaving it where it currently rests, as a memorial standing alongside the statues of the Thirteen Primes."

When Jack got out Ratchet transformed and asked, "Your mother doesn't know, does she?"

Feigning ignorance, Jack answered, "Kn-know? Know what? What are you - "

With little patience for bandying words, Ratchet ripped the band-aid off his little patient.

"Jack. Puh-leaze."

"N-no. No, she doesn't know. Nobody does, and it has to stay that way."

"Hmp. Very well."

Ratchet became oddly taciturn after that, wordlessly leading the young human on board the Decepticon warship. The eerie silence permeating the dark winding corridors only served to add interest to Jack's cache of creeps.

Eventually the two arrived at their destination and stood before a large doorway. Automatically the door opened and they entered sickbay.

Dead quiet filled the gloomy, foreboding room. Apprehensively attempting to peer through the shadows, Jack jumped when Ratchet locked the door behind them and spoke, shattering the silence.

"Jack, you said that nobody knew and it had to stay that way. What did you mean by that, exactly?"

"I…I can't tell you."

"Why not? Is it because of the K - !"

"DON'T!" Fearing what might happen if the old Autobot medic so much as uttered a single letter acknowledging the Key's existence, the troubled teen pleaded, "P-please, Ratchet…please don't say anything. It…it isn't safe."

It was as plain to Ratchet as the nonexistent nose on his faceplate that Jack was terrified. The poor boy was actually trembling!

Seeing nothing but concern in Ratchet's weathered expression, Jack was wracked with indecision, agonizing over what he should do or say until eventually he cried out, "O-Optimus!"

"Optimus?"

Rubbing his bloodshot eyes, Jack nodded and shakily said, "H-he…he made it clear that…y'know, it…had to be kept a secret, o-or else bad things would happen…to everyone and everything that I care about."

Ratchet frowned, considering the cryptic comment.

"I understand."

"Y-you do?"

"Yes."

Seeing the young human's surprised expression, Ratchet smiled ruefully. "Jack, this may come as a shock to you but I actually have a bit of experience with this sort of thing. As the Autobots' senior field medic, I have patched up countless patients after they were wounded in battle, none more so than Optimus. When one constantly entrusts their well-being and oftentimes their very life to another's care, it fosters a great level of trust between patient and physician. Such was the case with Optimus and myself."

"The Last of the Primes, Optimus knew scores of secrets and carried far too many burdens. For the most part he kept his own counsel, but when those selfsame burdens became too hard for him to bear, I would offer to help carry the load. Most times he would say no, choosing to instead shoulder the responsibility alone and unaided. Primes have a propensity for keeping secrets to protect their loved ones, you see."

"O-okay…"

"But there were those infrequent occasions when Optimus would share some of those aforementioned secrets with me, and as his doctor I always kept his confidence. Earth physicians have a similar practice…doctor-patient confidentiality, I believe the term is? I wish to extend that same privilege to you, Jack."

Jack blinked rapidly at the unexpected offer. "B-but that's just it, Ratchet. I can't say anything, not without risking - "

Ratchet groused, "I wasn't finished yet."

Jack flinched, "Sorry."

"As I was saying, I am not about to pressure my patient into revealing something that he has been sworn not to. However, as your doctor and your friend I also have a sworn duty to uphold, and while I firmly believe Optimus would never have chosen you to carry such a burden unless there was no other choice, it is clear to me that you require assistance that only I am capable of providing."

He continued, "Like Earth's medical practices, disclosure of information is ethically permissible in certain rare instances, in particular when the doctor believes that there may be imminent harm or potential risk to another living individual. In other words, for the greater good he may find himself forced to break with confidentiality and disclose vital information when it is absolutely necessary."

Steepling his digits Ratchet leaned forward, his blue optics boring into Jack's tired gray eyes as he said, "In light of your…situation, I firmly believe that this is one of those rare instances."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"Perhaps by sharing certain secrets that Optimus once entrusted to me, I may be able to help you."

Slowly shaking his head Jack murmured, "I…I don't know. Scrap, this is all so overwhelming…"

Ratchet regarded him with sympathetic optics as he said, "We all feel overwhelmed at times, Jack…even Optimus."

Skeptically Jack replied, "I find that hard to believe."

"Oh, really? Once upon a time, he was beset by the very same sense of helplessness that you are presently experiencing. It happened long, long ago, when Sentinel Zeta Prime passed the reins of leadership to an untried and inexperienced Orion Pax."

Having re-experienced the memory of Optimus' telling of this tale just over an hour ago, Jack was understandably shocked. "Y-you know about that?"

Ratchet replied, "Know about it? Jack, I was there."

…

"Let's…bring him home."

Orion Pax watched in tortured silence as Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Jazz and Prowl carried away Sentinel Prime's lifeless chassis. He moved to accompany them but a sudden sharp pain in his chestplate stopped him dead in his tracks.

Looking down he was surprised to see a small hole, still red-hot around the edges, and recalled earlier when Soundwave had fired at the helpless Sentinel. Heedless of the danger to himself Orion Pax had hurled himself in the path of the cruel blaster shot. For all the good that it did, he thought.

Fortunately it appeared to have missed anything vital, but he was still leaking precious Energon badly. Feeling weak, he leaned against a nearby wall for support even as a servo rested gently upon his shoulder.

Ratchet's blue optics shone with concern. "Are you all right, Orion?"

"No."

Seeing the wound Ratchet swore and immediately trained an Energon Repair Ray on his patient, grumbling to himself as the healing beam did its work.

Orion Pax watched in morbid fascination while the living metal exo-mesh slowly stitched itself back together. He murmured, "It's been centuries since that attack on Altihex back when Sentinel first disappeared. I had hoped the rumors that he'd been struck down by the Decepticons were nothing more than lies perpetrated by Starscream."

Ratchet replied, "To think, that after all this time he still lived."

Glancing back at the now-empty cell, Orion Pax shuddered and said, "A living death, tortured for Primus knows how long here in Kaon Prison, only for that life to end because I was too slow, because I failed. Because of me, Ratchet, Sentinel Prime is dead."

"This isn't your fault, Orion. You know that."

"Do I, Ratchet? Did I somehow want this to happen, no matter the cost? Was…was Megatron right about me?

Ratchet winced at the doubt and self-recrimination in his friend's voice. He remembered back before the War began, when a fateful council meeting changed the destiny of an entire planet, when a lowly librarian had been named the new Prime, when the one he called brother accused him of orchestrating everything and became his worst enemy.

"What does your Spark tell you?"

Orion Pax seemed to wage a war within, eventually hanging his helm before admitting, "N-no. No, I never wanted this. I didn't want it then and I don't want it now."

Ratchet felt nothing but sympathy towards Orion Pax. Finishing his repair job, the old Autobot medic happened to notice something glinting silver in his distraught friend's tightly clenched servo.

"Where did you get that?"

Orion Pax held up the silvery something, having completely forgotten about it.

"Sentinel. Honestly, I don't know why he gave me this." Bitterly he remarked, "He said it was a relic of the Ancients, calling it the 'key to the future.'"

Ratchet started in disbelief, exclaiming, "The Ancients? Y-you mean the original Thirteen Primes?! I thought they were only a myth!"

"Sentinel said it represents hope." For an instant Orion Pax's normally cool cerulean optics blazed with anger and contemptuously he spat, "There is no hope!" He suddenly reared back, intending to cast the relic away.

Without warning there was a burst of electric blue light and a high-pitched chime from the relic as it flared to life. Orion Pax stiffened and froze in place.

Alarmed, Ratchet demanded, "Wh-what just happened?! Orion, are you - "

" - I…I am well, old friend. More than I have been in a long, long time."

Ratchet's optics narrowed as he scrutinized his friend's transfixed expression, watching as it changed from a look of overwhelming despair to one of unfettered optimism. Orion Pax almost smiled as he continued to speak.

"Eons ago the ancient Primes once used this very relic, this key, to access Vector Sigma and save the Spark of one of their own who had fallen in the war against Unicron."

"H-how do you know this, Orion?"

"I can see it."

"And this so-called Key to Vector Sigma is showing you this…vision, somehow?"

"Indeed."

Slowly shaking his helm in amazement, Ratchet murmured, "So, the Thirteen Primes and Vector Sigma are more than legend…!"

Abruptly Orion Pax snapped out of his trance and rumbled, "Yes, and just as I have borne witness to the past, I have also become privy to the very future that Sentinel spoke of. I will not deceive you, Ratchet. Dark days lie ahead, but we must always remember the example of the Thirteen, that even in the face of death there is hope."

"I-I thought you said there was no hope."

"There is always hope, Ratchet."

Ratchet remained where he stood, quite unnerved by the undeniable transformation in his friend. Orion Pax now spoke with an altogether different timbre of voice, his speech pattern much more eloquent and confident, yet somehow still possessed of a humble quality.

He also couldn't help but take note of how his friend's words were affecting him. Suddenly he believed with all his being that there really was hope, that despite the odds stacked against them they could actually win this terrible War for Cybertron. Orion Pax's optimism was infectious and irresistible.

Orion Pax solemnly said, "Thank you for attending to my injuries, old friend. Come, let us rejoin the others. We must return to Iacon with a fallen hero."

…

"That was the moment I believe Orion Pax first truly became Optimus Prime. It was almost as if…it…had awakened something within him, reuniting Orion with a long-forgotten part of himself, giving him the courage to take that first step on the road towards his destiny. Towards the future."

After listening to Ratchet's recollection, Jack became thoughtful, silently recalling when Optimus spoke of how the Key had once come into physical contact with the oracular Covenant of Primus. He wondered if that was somehow connected to these visions of the future, speculating if what both Sentinel Prime and Orion Pax had seen was the same vision that he had recently been seeing.

Ratchet misinterpreted Jack's silence as indifference and stressed, "Try to understand how significant this was, Jack. Until the Matrix of Leadership later revealed itself to Orion, this was the first time in Cybertron's recorded history that a relic of the ancient Thirteen Primes had appeared."

Tensing at the mere mention of the Thirteen, Jack apprehensively asked, "D-does anybody know what happened to the Thirteen Primes?"

Ratchet searched his memory for the time following the Exodus from Cybertron, when he had heard whispered rumors of Optimus actually encountering several surviving Primes. Frustrated at not knowing for certain, he frowned and said, "Most of what we know regarding the Thirteen comes from legend and lore, but sadly even they do not reveal the Primes' final fate. They only mention a terrible battle, one that made 'enemies of brothers, murderers of lovers, heroes of the insignificant, and cowards of the mighty.' The only physical proof they existed at all are the relics that they left behind. Some, you are already aware of. The Matrix, the Star Saber, the Forge of Solus Prime, the Apex Armor…"

Jack interrupted, "Wait, earlier you said that no other relics had appeared on Cybertron, but weren't most of those that you just mentioned once stored in the Vaults of Iacon?"

Surprised that Jack would recall such an obscure detail, Ratchet answered, "Y-yes, but no one knew they were there. How long the relics had been in the Vaults or who put them there is a mystery lost to the ages. Not even Optimus knew, not until they were later discovered on Earth."

Reading between the lines, Jack quietly deduced that Ratchet likely did not know that Alpha Trion had been the one responsible and that he was also secretly one of the Thirteen.

As an afterthought Ratchet added, "And speaking of Earth, before our arrival on your homeworld we encountered other Artefacts of the Ancients. Relics such as the Dark Spark, the Blades of Time, the Requiem Blaster, and the Transformation Cog."

Jack sighed, "With that many relics found, I guess it doesn't seem too likely that any of the Thirteen survived, does it?"

"Primus only knows, Jack."

Without warning there was a loud commotion outside the door, sounds of struggle managing to filter through the thick metal. Ratchet quickly unlocked and opened the door, revealing an extremely perturbed Knock Out, swinging wildly at something unseen.

The mysterious something whizzed around the former Decepticon so quickly that he lost his balance and toppled to the ground. In a flash it flew into sickbay and disappeared.

Furious, Knock Out bounded to his pedes and snarled, "Where is it?! Where is it hiding?! I'll teach it not to make a fool of me! I'll…I'll…!"

Nonchalantly Ratchet asked, "Knock Out, what in the universe are you doing?"

"I-I…" Knock Out's angry crimson glare searched high and low for his quarry but ultimately found nothing. Beyond exasperated, he gnashed his denta and answered, "…o-only what you asked me to do!" In a dramatic flourish he indicated the peacefully slumbering Ultra Magnus still secure in his mobile berth. Plaintively he whined, "I tried entering but the door to sickbay was locked and - !"

"Why didn't you try knocking, Knock Out?" Unimpressed by the ex-Con's over the top indignation, Jack calmly folded his arms and observed, "You're acting awfully squirrelly. You sure you weren't trying to spy on us or something?"

"S-spy? Squirrelly? Moi? Perish the thought! In fact…" Suddenly transforming his servo into a particularly nasty-looking drill, he pointed it at Jack and leered, "…I can personally see to it that each and every one of your thoughts perish! Lobotomy, anyone?!"

Ratchet rolled his optics, having zero patience for the drama. "Behave, Knock Out. The humans are our friends, remember?"

"Oh, fine." Transforming the drill back into his default servo, Knock Out sniffed snobbishly and muttered, "He couldn't afford my medical services, anyway."

Jack and Ratchet watched as he moved Ultra Magnus' berth to a vacant spot in sickbay.

"There, safe as an Insecticon in a giant rug." With a sly grin Knock Out mock-saluted, saying, "If that will be all, Mon Capitaine, somewhere on this ship there's a rotary buffer with my name on it."

The door closed behind Knock Out and Ratchet waited several moments before locking it once more. The old Autobot medic turned and whispered, "You can come out now. It's safe."

Tentatively a turquoise-hued Sparkling appeared, peeking out from behind a large console. When it realized that Knock Out was indeed gone, it immediately flew towards Ratchet, happily streaking around him for several glowing orbits before bouncing boisterously atop his helm.

Jack asked, "Hang on, isn't that the same Sparkling from before?"

Actually laughing, Ratchet replied, "Apparently! Well, hello there, little one! Did you miss me? I missed you, yes I did!" While the newborn bounced away to its Spark's content, Ratchet chuckled warmly and explained, "Sparklings tend to imprint upon other Cybertronians, which seems to be the case with this little one."

His mind blown, Jack muttered, "Whoa, Miko was right."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Earlier Miko saw how you were acting around that Sparkling and said you were its uncle. I guess she was right, after all. Don't worry, Ratchet. Your deep, dark secret is safe with me."

Millennia of unrepentant curmudgeonhood were suddenly at stake, but the old Autobot medic surprised everyone including himself when he decided to own it. "Well, I suppose two Sparks are better than one."

Jack watched as the little Sparkling apparently grew tired from all the bouncing. Unenergetically it floated to the far side of the room where it remained.

Jack smiled, "Family looks good on you."

Ratchet grumbled, "Family is a human concept, Jack, one Optimus discovered after our initial arrival on Earth and believed to be so important that he made certain all Autobots learned."

"Who did he learn it from?"

"That is a story for another day."

Keeping his eyes fixed on the now-motionless Sparkling, Jack asked, "Ratchet? Is there something wrong with - ?"

Without warning the Sparkling began shuddering in midair, erratically flickering and flashing with small arcs of lightning and brilliant bursts of ionized blue light. Ratchet immediately stood in between the ailing newborn and Jack, using his own body as a shield of sorts.

"Wh-what's happening, Ratchet?!"

"Stand back, Jack. It's best that you keep a safe distance away, at least for now. Don't worry, this phase of the process is perfectly normal but it can prove dangerous, especially to a human."

"Process?" Jack echoed.

Ratchet smiled, "My little Sparkling is growing up."

After making certain that Jack remained at the far end of sickbay, Ratchet explained, "I suppose that I should start at the beginning. Sparks are actually tiny fragments of the AllSpark itself, the life force of our Creator Primus, where all Sparks originate and exist as a collective whole. All Cybertronians possess a Spark. They contain our memories, our very essence."

Raf would say that sounds like a soul, Jack thought to himself.

Squinting his eyes against the glare of the Sparkling's manic lightshow he murmured, "It…it looks familiar, somehow." Jack suddenly snapped his fingers as he remembered something from his visions. "It's like a miniature neutron star!"

Ratchet considered that and replied, "Interesting analogy, although I am unclear when and where you would have actually seen a neutron star. A Spark does indeed have some similar characteristics, but neutron stars are made up of neutrons, whereas a Spark's inner core is composed almost entirely of positrons."

"Subatomic particles with a positive electrical charge." Seeing the surprised look Ratchet was sending his way, Jack shrugged, "What? I did graduate near the top of my class."

Ratchet fought the urge to smile and replied, "Incidentally, my apologies for missing your graduation ceremony. I know how much it meant to you and the other children, Jack. At any rate, as you said earlier positrons are elementary particles possessing a positive electrical charge. They are the antimatter equivalent of electrons, which in turn possess a negative charge. If the two come into contact with one another, mutual annihilation occurs which destroys both and releases a burst of high-energy photons. That was what produced those flashes of light you witnessed."

Jack's brow furrowed with concern, not for himself but for the newborn Spark. He gulped, "Is…is that what's happening to the Sparkling right now? Is it going to - ?"

Gently Ratchet interrupted, "Calm down, Jack. As I said it is all part of the process of maturation. Positrons are highly unstable, and as a result prolonged exposure to the surrounding environment can prove deadly to a Sparkling. Therefore, in order to survive they must adapt. When it reaches the point where its positron core starts to lose cohesion and becomes unstable, it instinctively uses its own positron decay to trigger transmutation."

A switch suddenly clicked in Jack's mind. "Hang on, I learned about this back in physics class. Nuclear transmutation is when one chemical element is transformed into another, like uranium into plutonium, right?"

"Yes, only in this case the element in question is Energon."

"Energon?"

"Like the AllSpark that originally birthed them, each newborn Spark emanates pure Energon. When the time is right, a Sparkling will transform some of that Energon into a permanent protective shell surrounding its fragile inner core. Watch carefully, it's happening as we speak…!"

The Sparkling began to strobe even brighter and faster, the air around it shimmering and slowly becoming opaque. Jack looked on in amazement as the orb of turquoise light was encased within a gleaming metal sphere.

Remembering how the Prime Cores were formed in his visions, Jack absently murmured, "I…I've seen this before…!"

Ratchet did not press him to elaborate and instead continued with his own explanation. "The resulting protective shell stabilizes the Spark within, its dense molecular structure reflecting free positrons back upon the core and creating a self-sustaining reaction. This is what we Cybertronians refer to as a Spark Chamber."

Jack stared incredulously at the relatively small spherical shell hovering in midair, encircled by a mistlike field of sparkling Energon.

"H-holy scrap."

"Language, please. There are children present." Shaking his helm Ratchet said, "It should be safe now, Jack. Come say hello."

Nervously taking a step closer, Jack abruptly stopped in his tracks when a low sound like a percussive drumbeat began to reverberate inside the confined space of sickbay. Reliving the moment when he first heard the discordant thrum of Unicron's Anti-Spark, he whispered, "A Cybertronian heartbeat…"

Ratchet chuckled, "Actually, we refer to it as a Cybertronian Spark Pulse. So long as the internal reaction is sustained, every Spark resonates with its own distinctive, unique frequency."

"H-how long does this reaction last?"

"Theoretically, I would guess about the same as the life expectancy of an average star. Millions, possibly billions of your years."

"B-billions…" Jack slumped against one of the towering medical berths, saying, "Th-this is too much to take in all at once. Seriously, I can't handle it. My life has never been so out of control…"

The old Autobot medic murmured, "The center of the storm is always still…"

"Sorry?"

Ratchet explained, "Something that Optimus used to say. The center of the storm is always still, and it is easiest to find the solution from there. In other words, when you are feeling overwhelmed you need to find your focus. You know, Jack, there was one time when even he lost control."

Rolling his eyes, Jack said, "Okay, I may've been wrong before but now I know you're pulling my leg."

Leaning close Ratchet pointed a digit to a noticeable dent on his weathered faceplate.

"No way. Optimus did that? Wh-what happened? Why did he hit you?!"

Ratchet replied, "To be honest, Optimus wasn't the only one out of control that day…"

…

"C'mon, Ratchet…calm it down."

His twitching optics blazing an eerie green, Ratchet angrily slapped Bulkhead's servo away and snarled, "Calm is the last thing we need! Calm is what lost us Cybertron! The Cons have a warship, an army!"

Ratchet began to pace like a caged lion, clenching and unclenching his servos as he continued to rant.

"All this Energon scouting, you think Megatron isn't gearing up for something big?! We're squandering our resources, chasing after his crumbs, when we really need to be hitting him hard and hitting him now, precisely where it hurts!"

Impassively Optimus shook his helm and rumbled, "A direct assault on the Decepticons would only provoke retaliation, and lead to incalculable losses. I will not endanger innocent human lives."

Ratchet sneered, "You know your problem, Optimus? For such a big, strong Bot, you're soft. You didn't pound Megatron into scrap when you had the chance! Many chances, in fact!"

Optimus winced, not at the venom in Ratchet's words but from worry over his increasingly unstable mental state. He sighed, "I am afraid that the Synthetic Energon has impaired your judgment, old friend."

"Oh, it has, has it?! If anything, the Synth-En has helped me see things more clearly than ever!"

His aggression in overdrive, Ratchet jabbed a digit hard against Optimus' chestplate and shouted, "Since I'm so wrong, since I'm so impaired, then answer me one question, 'old friend!' Where is Elita One now?!"

Ratchet never saw Optimus hit him. He certainly felt the jarring impact, though. The sound of metal striking metal echoed throughout the surrounding arid landscape.

The other Autobots could only stand rooted to the spot, unable to process what just happened.

Even Optimus was shocked at what he had done. Staring at his fist he managed, "I…I am confining you to base until further notice."

Wiping a drop of spilled Synthetic Energon from his mouth, Ratchet threw up his arms in apparent resignation and huffed, "Fine."

…

"The other Bots tried to pretend that it didn't happen, that Optimus would never lose control like that…" Ratchet sighed, "…but none of that changes the fact that it was my fault for what happened."

Jack frowned, "It wasn't your fault either, Ratchet. From what Raf told Miko and me about that Synth-En stuff, it's no wonder your Spark got scrambled."

"…perhaps."

Jack hesitated for a moment before asking, "Ratchet, who was this Elita One? She must've been pretty important for Optimus to have reacted like that."

Guardedly Ratchet answered, "They were…close."

"Were they Sparkmates?"

Sputtering, Ratchet loudly demanded, "Wh-where did you hear that word?!"

"I-I-I don't know, I just…heard it somewhere!"

"Well, please don't be repeating it to anyone else! You are far too young to be talking about that sort of thing! Maybe in a few centuries…"

Surprised at Ratchet's scandalized reaction, Jack sarcastically muttered, "Wow, I've never heard that before. You must've been taking notes from Mom's lectures, Ratchet." Dropping the subject, he happened to see a strange light as it began to radiate from the newly minted Spark Chamber.

"So what's happening now?"

Grateful for the switch in gears, Ratchet said, "Ah, now this is where things get especially interesting!"

As the light steadily grew more intense, the old Autobot medic realized, "You are the first human to ever witness this process, Jack. I only vaguely hinted at it to Agent Fowler earlier, and I am sure he will be quite upset to discover that he missed out. You know, while I certainly have issues with the way the man goes about gathering intel and subsequently concealing the truth, I must admit that he does at least seem to have everyone's best interests at heart."

Jack cringed as he remembered hitting Fowler. Despite what the special agent had done to deceive them, the troubled teen quietly questioned was there actually something to what Fowler and his mom had claimed were their reasons for doing so? Was it really best to keep your loved ones safe by hiding things from them, by keeping them in the dark? Isn't that what Optimus Prime did?

Isn't that what he had been doing all along?

"Jack, are you listening?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry. Must've gotten lost in my own head, Ratchet." Jack tried not to flush with embarrassment.

Ratchet chided, "Focus, Jack. Remember, you must find your focus."

"Right, right. Focus. Got it."

"Yes, well, as I was saying, the Sparkling is currently transforming the remainder of its Energon emanation into a physical presence around its Spark Chamber."

Jack asked, "You mean it's going to build its own body?"

"Why so surprised? Humans do practically the same thing after their conception. Stored within the Spark itself is the template for a Cybertronian's hard-coded design schematics. This genetic Sourcecode is what we refer to as Cybernucleic Acid or CNA for short, which functions quite similarly to DNA on your planet."

Fascinated, Jack watched as tiny threadlike tendrils began to appear almost out of thin air, metallic filaments that branched outward from the central Spark Chamber, fashioning what seemed to be a nervous system of sorts. Strange shapes started taking form in the glowing miasma. Managing to identify one as a T-cog, Jack assumed they were the Sparkling's internal biomechanisms.

"I-I never knew that Energon could do all this."

"There is very little that Energon cannot do, Jack. It occurs naturally in all four fundamental states of matter, whether solid, liquid, gas or plasma, and is the basic building block of all Cybertronian life. It is the base material of our Sparks and our physical bodies. Speaking of which…"

Once again Jack's comprehension of physics stretched to the breaking point as he gazed at reality itself phase in a matter of seconds. Plasma recombined into gas which in turn condensed to liquid, flowing like quicksilver around the Sparkling until it formed a mass of liquid metal.

Ratchet said, "The transformed Energon is known by many names: rarified Energon, cyber-matter, sparked metal, living metal…"

Half-serious, Jack suggested, "Transformium?"

Ratchet immediately nixed that with a firm, "NO! No, anything but that. That sounds ridiculous. Living metal is no ordinary metal, Jack. It possesses a self-replicating cellular structure that, like Energon, is incredibly malleable and adaptable, capable of being reconfigured by the Sparkling's internal T-cog into new shapes, designs and colors, allowing it to transform into alternate modes as needed. Given enough power, it could transform into anything."

Jack stared in wide-eyed wonder as the liquid mass finally solidified into what vaguely resembled an oversized human baby curled into a fetal position.

"W-wow."

Ratchet reached out and gingerly took the relatively tiny form in his arms.

Smiling paternally down at the shining silvery infant, Ratchet explained, "At this stage of development the Sparkling is now called a Protoform."

Jack found the courage to come even closer. Ratchet could tell his curiosity was piqued and crouched low so that he could better see.

The first thing Jack saw was his own reflection, the Protoform's gleaming exo-mesh so smooth and full of luster that it was like looking into a mirror. For the most part it was featureless, its rounded face a blank slate. It possessed large optics but they presently remained closed. Jack did take note of one prominent feature: an access port on its chest where the turquoise light of its inner Spark could clearly be seen shining through.

Smiling, Jack breathed softly, "It-it's actually kind of cute."

Ratchet found that he could not argue. "The Protoform's chassis is still vulnerable, and so an armored exo-shell will soon take shape. This self-regenerating molecular armor is composed of the same living metal as the rest of its chassis but provides ample added protection against…well…"

Jack supplied, "…life?"

Ratchet soberly nodded. "Indeed. As living matter, if damaged its metallic cells are capable of regenerating over time. This healing process can be accelerated via Energon infusion. Lost parts can even be replaced with duplicates made from ordinary metals without difficulty, as a Cybertronian's systems can convert it into living metal and re-integrate it into their chassis. However, major organs such as a Spark Chamber or a T-cog are exceptionally complex and replacements are virtually impossible to construct from normal materials."

Jack said, "Meaning that it is still possible for a Bot to suffer irreparable damage."

Protectively cradling the Protoform, Ratchet admitted, "Sometimes even the strongest armor is not enough. Extreme cold can freeze the liquid Energon in our veins, permanently incapacitating us. During the War there were Bots who suffered unimaginable injury, some damaged so badly that they literally had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Far, far too many others weren't so fortunate. We may be long-lived but we are not immortal. Sadly, Jack, everything ends."

…

Optimus Prime fell up against the corridor wall of the Nemesis, the impact enough to dent the metal. He was clearly exhausted after the battle against Unicron.

Ratchet cried, "Optimus, please! Let me help you!"

Painfully pulling himself back up again, Optimus said, "I…I appreciate the offer, old friend, but there is no time for that now. Right now another matter demands our immediate attention: the Chaos Bringer."

Ratchet's optics focused on the Reliquary of the Primes floating at Optimus' side. Suppressing a shudder he peered within the indestructible relic, watching warily as the dark violet energies of Unicron's Anti-Spark trapped within writhed about as it fought to free itself.

Optimus said, "We cannot allow the Destroyer to remain here on Cybertron, the danger is simply too great. Nor must he be allowed to threaten any other worlds. Unicron must be taken somewhere where he will never endanger anyone again."

"Do…do you know of such a place?"

Optimus nodded, "Yes."

Ratchet asked, "Surely you don't intend to use the Nemesis? Optimus, look around you! It was so damaged by the battle that it will likely never fly again!"

"I do not intend to use the Decepticon warship to fly the Reliquary away from Cyberton; rather, I have a different method in mind."

"The Space Bridge?"

Optimus nodded, "Indeed."

Ratchet rushed to a nearby console and managed to get it working again. He swore silently, dismayed at what the holographic screen revealed.

"As I thought, the damage is quite severe. Most of the ship's onboard systems have been smashed beyond repair. However, there is still sufficient Energon and I might be able to reroute the circuitry to open a portal, but…"

"But?"

"…but doing so will quickly burn out the remaining circuitry, rendering the Space Bridge completely inoperable. We will have only one chance at this, Optimus."

"I understand."

Ratchet's digits were a blur as they flew across the controls of the console. After he successfully created a workable bypass, Optimus entered the coordinates and opened a 'bridge before carrying the Reliquary of the Primes into the swirling emerald vortex.

The old Autobot medic waited nervously for several tense minutes, flinching every time the console would spark and sputter as it slowly but surely shorted out. The Space Bridge began to flicker and he became increasingly fearful that Optimus would be lost forever.

Finally Optimus returned, hurling himself through the portal scant seconds before it dissipated and closed for good.

"It is over…finished."

Ratchet asked, "Wh-where did you take the Reliquary?"

"I believe it would be best if that information remained a secret."

Optimus regarded Ratchet, seeing the pain evident on his weathered faceplate.

"Are you all right, old friend?"

Attempting a smile, Ratchet murmured, "I…I'll be fine, I suppose. I was just remembering the children back on Earth. I had promised that I wouldn't miss their graduation ceremony for the world, and yet here I am having already broken that promise."

Optimus rested a sympathetic servo on Ratchet's shoulder and rumbled, "Forgive me, were the circumstances not so dire I would have insisted you use the Space Bridge to return to your adopted home and family. Do not fear, Ratchet. I am certain you will see them again."

"How can you be so sure?"

Optimus answered the question with a question. "Do you remember when we first arrived on Earth, and in an attempt to better understand humanity we began studying its culture?"

"I don't remember doing any such thing." Grouchily he relented and said, "I do, however, remember how you pored over the human libraries, studying all their great works of literature."

Optimus nodded, saying, "I suppose that it was only natural for a former data clerk from the Iacon Hall of Records. There was one work in particular that always resonated with me."

Ratchet asked, "The Little Engine that Could?"

"No, the other one. A play by William Shakespeare called Twelfth Night." Optimus closed his optics and quoted, "Journeys end in lovers meeting, every wise man's son doth know. Long have I pondered that passage, and only now do I realize its true importance."

"Why is that?"

Gazing back at Ratchet Optimus answered, "Because I have come to regard life itself as a journey, old friend. Take Arcee and Jack Darby, for example. In a seemingly random, chance encounter, the paths of their two lives intersected and started everyone, human, Autobot and Decepticon alike, on a journey, a road that ultimately led us all to this moment, to here and now. I am certain you will see our human family again because I believe that your journey is not over. If anything, it is only just beginning. That being said, I cannot help but wonder…has my long journey at last come to an end?"

Uneasy at Optimus' sudden ominous tone, Ratchet tried to make light of it by jokingly challenging, "If this journey of which you speak has truly ended, who, then, are the lovers?"

However, his attempt at levity was only answered by Optimus regarding him with an enigmatic, knowing smile. "Who, indeed?"

Before Ratchet could ask for clarification Optimus changed the subject, saying, "But enough of that for now. There is still an important matter to be resolved. Come, let us rejoin the others."

…

"This so-called important matter was when Optimus spoke to Team Prime for the very last time…right before he plunged into the Well of All Sparks in order to save Cybertron." Ratchet sighed, "Looking back, only now do I see how weary Optimus was. He was almost eager to see an end to the journey, returning to the wellspring of life that originally birthed him."

Feeling more melancholy than ever, Jack sniffed sadly. "I…I miss him."

"As do I, Jack. And yet…" Ratchet smiled and said, "…without his sacrifice, it would not have been possible for new life to return to Cybertron, just like this little one."

Jack looked upon the Sparkling - now a fully formed Botling - held in Ratchet's arms. It, or rather he, was slightly larger than Jack, sporting stark white armor plating with red trim. He opened his large optics, blinking rapidly before focusing on Jack, who could tell even with the Botling's protective visor that they were the same turquoise hue of his Spark.

"H-hey there, little guy."

The Botling smiled.

Jack smiled back. "He seems to be doing okay."

"Don't worry, I checked him from cranial chamber to heel-strut. I assure you, this little Botling is in perfect health, even after such a long and arduous ordeal."

"B-but he's so small! I mean, compared to you. He's not a-a preemie, is he?"

Ratchet chuckled, "Cybertronians come in all shapes and sizes, Jack. Even if that weren't the case, the ordinary laws of physics do not apply when Sparks are concerned. Size and mass are not a constant, they are a variable."

"Yeah, I always wondered why Bulkhead's tires were the size of monster truck tires in robot mode but regular size when in vehicle mode."

Ratchet shrugged, "Basic molecular compression."

Carefully taking everything that had happened into account, Ratchet looked at his patient and said, "Jack, Optimus Prime chose you to carry this burden for a reason. I know that it hasn't been an easy road to travel. The path of the Primes has always been a lonely one, but it doesn't have to be. The center of the storm is always still, and it is easiest to find the solution from there. The solution is deceptively simple: When you are in the heart of the storm, you can reach out to others for help. Like the Botling. Like Optimus. You are not alone, Jack. You have family and friends who love you and will stand beside you in your darkest hour. Never forget that. You will find your focus."

"R-Ratchet…I…th-thank you."

Snorting at Jack's heartfelt expression of gratitude, the old Autobot medic quickly unlocked the door to sickbay and motioned him out, gruffly muttering, "No point in long goodbyes, here's the door."

Jack smiled knowingly. Ratchet sighed and returned the smile. "And my door is always open, Jack."

"Seriously though, thanks, Ratchet…for everything."

"Yip, yip, yip."

Jack laughed, "What does that even mean?"

Before leaving sickbay Jack noticed how similar the Botling's appearance was to Ratchet's and asked, "Ratchet, didn't you say something about how Sparklings instinctively knew where they were needed?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, with it just being you and Knock Out, there's definitely a serious shortage in good doctors on Cybertron. Maybe this little guy was drawn to you guys for a reason…you know, because somehow it knew there were things that only you could teach it?"

Flustered at the praise, Ratchet grumbled, "We're not doctors, we're Medics."

The effort of transforming from Sparkling to Botling was evidently a costly one, as the young Cybertronian chose that precise moment to yawn. Just before he closed his optics and powered down for awhile, he further imprinted upon Ratchet by repeating the last word he heard him say, uttering his very first word.

"M-Medix."

In so doing, the Botling named himself.

Jack smirked smugly and said, "I guess that answers that question."

Ratchet harrumphed but couldn't hold back a proud smile as he gingerly placed Medix on the medical berth right next to his other slumbering patient.

As he watched the Botling immediately snuggle up alongside Ultra Magnus, Jack wished that he could be a fly on the wall when the gruff Autobot commander finally awoke.

Ratchet whispered, "We should leave while we can. This peace and quiet will not last for long. Botlings have a tendency to be…rambunctious."

"Really?" Jack asked.

Ratchet smirked, "Oh, I could tell you some stories about Bumblebee!"

"Hey, Ratchet? Before we go there's something I want to ask you, something that I haven't really thought about until today."

"What is it, Jack?"

"Well, back when Optimus returned…it…to my safekeeping, he said something strange. He asked me, 'What if I were to say there had been no contingency plan?' At the time I thought he was joking, but now I-I'm not so sure. What if he was being serious? Wh-what would that even mean? I mean, why give me the stupid thing in the first place?!"

Ratchet studied Jack intently, making the troubled teen fidget uncomfortably.

"I honestly don't know, Jack. To be perfectly frank, when I realized what you were carrying I initially assumed it was yet another of Optimus' plans to facilitate his return."

Jack frowned, "I…I'm really sorry, Ratchet. I don't want to get your hopes up or anything but I don't think that's the case this time. I can't explain how I know, but it's the truth."

"I believe you, Jack. Sadly, we may never know what Optimus had intended."

Jack hung his head and sighed, "That's what I was afraid of. So, what're we going to tell the others?"

"Don't worry, I'll think of something."

Pondering Ratchet's words, Jack wondered if he should give up trying to understand the past and instead set his focus on the future, just as Sentinel and Optimus had.

Disembarking the Nemesis, Ratchet transformed and returned Jack to the rest of Team Prime.

Awaiting them was a big brouhaha.

The Wreckers were laughing hysterically even as they helped hoist Wheeljack up from the ground, an impressive servo-shaped dent in the side of his faceplate.

"I can't believe you actually tried putting the moves on Arcee!"

"Hopefully that dent should flatten itself out. If not I'm sure Knock Out has a spare buffer!"

Snickering, Miko asked, "You sure you're okay there, Casanova?"

Wheeljack whined, "I don't understand you femmes! Back on Earth, I thought for sure that Arcee and me had…I don't know…"

Miko supplied, "What, made some kind of love connection, like two lone wolves together and all that scrap?"

"Yeah, exactly!"

Miko tried to stifle a giggle, failing miserably. Finally she managed, "Sorry, Wheeljack. This time you got jacked by another Jack!"

Utter confusion was his only answer.

Bumblebee, Smokescreen and a recently returned Knock Out were also overcome with mirth, but their laughter was focused on a decidedly different arena.

June and Arcee were at center stage, standing toe to ped with neither backing down.

"What are your intentions towards my son?! Aren't you a little OLD to be chasing jailbait, Arcee?! I thought you transformed into a motorcycle, not a COUGAR!"

"For the last time, I don't know what you're TALKING about! Maybe you could hear how CRAZY you sound if you'd stop HOVERING, helicopter mom!"

"That's IT! The earrings are coming OFF!"

A powerful voice suddenly thundered, "THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Just like that the conflict came to an abrupt end, with all eyes and optics turning to behold none other than Jack Darby.

Impressed, Ratchet murmured, "Not bad."

"Thanks."

Stepping forward, Ratchet raised his voice so that everyone could hear. "All right, listen up! I have an important announcement to make and would appreciate it if you gave me your full attention!"

Miko tackled Raf and worriedly asked, "Jack and Doc-Bot were only gone for like half an hour! D'you think Jack's gonna be all right?"

Equally pensive, Raf answered, "I sure hope so. I just wish there was something more that I could do to help." As he spoke he absently ran his fingertips along the strap of his omnipresent backpack.

Miko prodded, "I know you carry that thing practically everywhere you go, but did you really need to bring it to Cybertron?"

Raf's first reaction was to blush with embarrassment but Miko reassured him with a friendly punch to the arm.

Kami-sama, this boy is CUTE! If I ever DO decide to try and make a move, I know there's gonna be TROUBLE.

Ratchet coughed dramatically, clearing his vents before saying, "I stand by my original diagnosis. Jack is going to be all right."

Everyone started to cheer but June immediately protested, "Wait, stop! What about all of Jack's symptoms? The nightmares, the hallucinations, the seizures…what about them, Doctor?!"

Ratchet interrupted, "Nurse Darby, your son is exhausted. Please, just bear with me for a moment. Tell me, exactly what did the children do immediately after the Autobots left for Cybertron?"

June replied, "The kids were reunited with their families. After that they went back to school."

"If memory serves, wasn't that around the time for their final exams?"

"Yes, fortunately they had been keeping up with their studies, but they still had to do a lot of last-minute cramming for finals and - "

" - and in light of that I would assume that they hardly had any time to see one another, correct?"

"Y-yes, but - "

" - so basically, you are saying that the children were simply thrown back into the mix, unable to have any contact with the only other humans who would understand, who would have any frame of reference for what they had been through during the War, correct?"

June weakly tried to protest but Ratchet continued tightening the screws.

"And! To add insult to injury, they were also sworn to absolute secrecy, unable to say a single word about anything to anyone, expected to essentially forget what they had endured, resuming their former lives as if nothing had ever happened! Is that about right, Nurse Darby?"

June whispered, "O-oh, my God."

Rolling to the rescue, Ratchet replied, "Exactly. Jack. Is. Exhausted. All of us are, for that matter, and in desperate need of a-a…what do you humans call it again? Oh, yes…a holiday."

"B-but Jack's symptoms - "

"Jack's symptoms are nothing more than indications that he needs to get some sleep. In my opinion, in order for Jack - for all of us - to make a full recovery and have a proper fresh start…in order for us to ever find peace in our lives again, I suggest we begin by taking some much-needed time off."

Miko threw up the horns and hooted, "SPRING BREAK!"

Ratchet harrumphed and added, "It is also my professional opinion that the children continue to spend time with their families, but in addition they should be given the opportunity to spend time with their extended family…with their friends and Guardian Autobots. They need to be surrounded by those who care about them. Please, I implore you, don't keep this family apart."

Shuffling his foot, Fowler muttered, "I did what I did trying to protect the kids, but I-I guess…blast it, I know that I made mistakes along the way. I'm sure I'll make even more, but…" Wiping an uncharacteristic tear from his eye, the special agent sighed and said, "…but I promise to do better. I'm sorry, for everything."

Ratchet responded, "We both share this responsibility, Agent Fowler. Out of concern for the children's safety, we kept them from their families on many occasions. On behalf of the Autobots, I also offer our sincere apologies."

June asked, "Y-you mean…Jack…Jack is really going to be okay? H-he doesn't have PTSD or anything like that?"

Ratchet smiled and said, "With a little time and a lot of rest, Jack is going to be perfectly fine."

Her tears began falling like rain. "J-Jack…m-my baby…I-I…"

Jack smiled, "It's okay, Mom."

June started sobbing, "No, it's not! It's everything but okay! H-how can you forgive me after everything I've done? I'm a-a-a bad mother!"

Trying hard not to choke up himself, Jack wrapped his arms around her and said, "You're the one who taught me why it's important to forgive each other, remember? Besides, you're not a bad mom, you're a great mom…one of the best, and no matter what happens I'm proud to be your son."

Naturally, this only succeeded in making June cry even harder.

Glancing up Jack saw Arcee gazing back at him. He began to blush but neither looked away, both smiling tenderly at one another.

Miko whispered to Raf, "Scrap, I wish I remember what happened to my camera! I'm missing all the GOOD stuff!"

Pulling away from his mother, Jack turned and strode very purposefully towards Arcee who crouched in order to better face him.

Everyone held their collective breath as they remained riveted to the pair.

Jack murmured, "Arcee, I couldn't have asked for a better motorcycle."

Smirking she ooed, "Tell me more, Smooth Operator."

Jack immediately obliged, "Motorcycle…Guardian…Autobot…friend…partner…"

He was on the verge of saying something more, but Arcee interrupted, almost desperately, as if to stop Jack before he said something that once spoken, could never be taken back.

"Jack, really…? There are other motorcycles in the world."

He grinned, "But…you're my first."

Jack held out his hand.

Arcee responded by reaching out with her servo.

CONTACT.

The instant they touched, tiny but definite sparks began flying between them, and this time nobody missed it. Everyone stopped short as Jack and Arcee just…stopped.

Miko whispered, "D-did you guys just see - ?"

Ratchet interrupted, murmuring, "Indeed we did, Miko."

Awestruck, the old Autobot medic stood in stunned disbelief, certainly not expecting this. He knew what he was witnessing and what it meant but it shouldn't be possible, not between a Cybertronian and a human!

Jack and Arcee were standing rigidly, both with a distant expression, staring blankly and not seeing anyone or anything.

June concernedly asked, "Jack…?"

Her son didn't answer.

Believing it to be yet another one of Jack's bizarre episodes, June forced herself to be calm and tried again. "Jack?"

"Yeah, Mom?"

Exhaling a sigh of relief she asked, "Jack, where are you right now?"

In a dreamlike voice he breathed, "On Earth."

She blinked in surprise and echoed, "On Earth? Sweetie, you're not on Earth right now. You're on Cybertron."

Jack slowly shook his head and insisted, "No, we're on Earth…"

Arcee followed suit, the unexpected sound of her faraway voice startling June. "…in North America…"

Jack then chimed in. "…the United States…"

"…Nevada…"

"…Esmeralda County…"

June asked, "Wh-what's happening to them?"

They continued going back and forth, almost seeming to take turns.

"…37.84610 degrees north…"

"…118.35 degrees west…"

Perplexed, one of the Bots asked, "Wait, are those coordinates?"

"…elevation 13,147 feet…"

"…the northern end of the White Mountains…"

"…the highest natural point in the state of Nevada…"

"…part of a twin peak with Montgomery Peak located in nearby California…"

Their words gradually overlapped one another, Jack and Arcee's voices becoming more and more in sync.

"…its name derived from the close proximity to the boundary between the two states…likely named by surveyors in the mid 1800s…some controversy on where the actual boundary existed…legally settled in 1980…"

In perfect unison Jack and Arcee said, "…BOUNDARY PEAK."

Without warning they snapped out of their trance, both awakening with a jolt.

Miko uttered, "Whoa."

Jack and Arcee wobbled slightly on their feet, once again slightly dazed after this most recent shock. Their hands separated but they continued staring into each other's eyes/optics.

In a hush Bulkhead murmured, "I haven't seen anything like this since - " The Wrecker stopped himself, remembering that humans were present.

Bumblebee stammered, "But-but this kind of thing only happens between Bots, r-right?" Likewise, he managed to catch himself and said no more on the subject.

The Autobots continued to express their confusion. There were no attempts at humor, because this wasn't a joke anymore.

"With a human?"

"B-but how?"

"They don't even have a - "

Knock Out muttered something about interfacing and shuddered at the thought.

Hearing that one word in particular caused June to whip around to glare at Knock Out and then at Ratchet, realizing from the astonished look on their faceplates that both doctors had an idea of what was going on between her only son and Arcee.

Disgusted but at the same time eager for some dirty drama, Knock Out snickered, "This is going to be juicy. Repulsive, but juicy."

Explosively June demanded, "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! What were those sparks that I saw? Why were Jack and Arcee talking in perfect sync like that? Does this have anything to do with Jack's seizures? Is this why he collapsed?!" When no one dared to speak, she screamed, "SOMEBODY HAD BETTER ANSWER ME, AND I MEAN NOW!"

At a complete and total loss, Ratchet knew he was going to have to act fast. However, what could he possibly say to Nurse Darby? Yes, the evidence was all there, what with Jack and Arcee's mysterious spells, but the fact that sparks were literally flying…! Normally that didn't occur unless the connection was incredibly powerful!

Somehow, in the midst of the chaos, the scattered puzzle pieces suddenly came together and combined into a miraculous whole. Suddenly Ratchet knew what he must do. Succeeding in keeping his composure, the old Autobot medic took the proverbial Buffaloid by the horns and said, "This is…an Autobot thing."

Glowering dangerously at Ratchet, she demanded, "Explain."

Ratchet found it extremely distasteful to provide Jack's mother with a somewhat doctored diagnosis, but considering what was potentially at stake he had no choice but to leave out several crucial details.

"Nurse Darby, when Autobots, or rather Cybertronians, forge close relationships with one another, a bond is created, sometimes resulting in what appears analogous to mental telepathy. One example of such a bond is held between Sparklings who share a split Spark. Twins, to be exact."

"Twins? You mean like the Decepticons Dreadwing and Skyquake?"

Ratchet replied, "Yes, precisely! Two halves of the same life force, with each able to sense the other's presence from across the galaxy. Such bonds are extremely powerful, Nurse Darby. Jack and Arcee have been partners for years, and I suspect they were speaking in perfect sync because they were in perfect sync."

I'd best be careful, I'm starting to pick up some of Agent Fowler's habits of bending the truth…

"B- but Jack's not an Autobot, he's a human!"

Nodding in agreement, Ratchet replied, "To be perfectly honest, I never expected this kind of bond to be possible between a Cybertronian and a human, either." Looking at the two he slowly shook his helm and said, "Apparently, I was wrong."

"Apparently…" June dryly remarked. "So what does this mean?"

"It means nothing has changed, Mom." Mostly recovered from his most recent spell, Jack staggered forward and said, "Arcee and me are partners. End of story."

"J-Jack…?"

"Thanks, Ratchet. I'll take it from here. He's right, Mom. I'm tired. I need some time off."

June replied, "I agree completely. As soon as we get back home on Earth, I'll call the hospital and tell them I'm taking some time off from work! It's been too long since we've been able to go on a nice vacation, anyway! We can go wherever you want, just the two of us!"

"Thanks, Mom…really…but I think I need to be on my own for awhile."

"Wh-what are you talking about? Y-you mean…all by yourself?!"

Jack glanced expectantly at his partner but she surprised him by hurriedly excusing herself. Confused he called after her, "Arcee…?"

"Allow me, Jack." Ratchet followed the Autobot femme until they stood a considerable distance from the others.

"Arcee? A word, if you please?"

She sighed and turned to face him, forcing a smile that quickly evaporated like snow on the surface of the sun. The mask dropped and she began trembling, nervously wringing her servos.

Ratchet tried his best to make her feel more at ease.

"Well, that was certainly unexpected."

The attempt at humor fell flat on its faceplate so Ratchet reverted back to his tried and true methodology of cold, brutal honesty. "Arcee, I believe we both have an idea what is going on with you and Jack."

"I don't have a clue what you're talking about."

Ratchet shot her a look and replied knowingly, "I wasn't brought online yesterday, you know. I assume you are also aware of what might happen if - "

"I KNOW!" Lowering her voice, she furiously whispered, "Primus, you think I don't KNOW all that? Jack could be seriously hurt, or-or WORSE! It would be irresponsible of me to even THINK of taking such a risk with him!" Her gaze was drawn to the Jack in question and she softly murmured, "B-but then…if he goes back to Earth…alone…and doesn't have someone there to protect him…!"

Ratchet stared with growing concern as Arcee was tortured by her inner turmoil. Her desire to protect her partner was clearly warring with Cybertronian biological imperatives, but it was also obvious that something else was at work here. It was almost as if that same something was compelling her to join Jack on his journey.

Finally he said, "Forgive me, Arcee. This is completely unforeseen and while I wish that I had all the answers, unfortunately I do not. The only thing I can do is offer my humble counsel. I think you should accompany Jack on his little road trip."

She immediately opened her mouth to disagree but he cut her off.

"Need I remind you that you are also in need of a long-overdue rest? By the Maker, you haven't taken a break in at least two thousand star cycles!"

She still looked like she was going to argue so Ratchet played dirty and pulled rank. "This is not open for debate, Arcee. Doctor's orders."

She growled, "Fine. Whatever."

"I am sure some time away with your partner will do you both some good. Two Sparks are better than one, I always say."

She huffed, "Jack doesn't have a Spark. That's the problem."

"Oh, come now, Arcee! You and Jack have already proven you are quite capable of carrying on a conversation without saying a word! Maybe you should simply try talking for a change."

Arcee stopped and happened to remember three little words. Reluctantly she admitted to herself, Maybe…maybe there ARE things that Jack and I should talk about…things that need to be discussed, in PRIVATE.

As they made their way back to the others, Arcee found herself instinctively retreating within her shell, attempting to hide her confused and warring emotions behind a steely veneer, ready to cut loose with a healthy dose of biting sarcasm and quick-witted cutdowns to the Autobot peanut gallery if they dared to say anything.

She needn't have bothered. To her surprise, nobody said a word. Even moreso, it was apparently out of concern and respect for her.

Meanwhile June was beginning to panic. "B-but where will you go?"

Not wanting to reveal what he had seen in his most recent vision, Jack answered, "I…I guess wherever the road takes me. I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"I'm coming with you." Resolutely standing beside Jack, Arcee said, "Somebody's got to keep you out of trouble, partner."

Somehow Jack had felt Arcee's presence before she even approached and was not surprised to see her. He beamed back at her, saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Looking back at his mother, Jack said, "Mom, I'm really sorry for springing this on you so suddenly but - "

Putting her foot down, June played the Mom card. "Y-you can't go. I forbid it. Jackson Darby, I will ground you until you're at least 100!"

"Mom, I have to go. I don't have a choice in the matter."

Helplessly June cried, "You always have a choice! Why are you talking like this, what's going on, Jack?!"

Jack winced, not at all liking the distraught pain in his mother's shrill voice.

Feeling her little boy slipping away from her, June tearfully pleaded, "Jack…?"

Finally he said, "Mom, you're going to have to trust me."

June swallowed nervously and asked, "H-Honey, are you absolutely sure…?"

"Mom, you heard what Ratchet said." Jack gently held his Mother by her shoulders and spoke lowly with finality, "I need this."

He exchanged a glance with Arcee who strangely feigned indifference. Jack knew from experience that whenever she acted cold, distant or even borderline rude it usually meant she was bottling something up. For now he wasn't going to pressure her but thought to himself, I don't know what's going on, but I'm sure as scrap gonna find out.

It was the moment June had been dreading her whole life, when her little boy wasn't a little boy anymore. Jack had finally grown up.

Tears brimmed in her eyes but this time she managed to stop them.

Suddenly she pulled her son into a fierce hug and whispered, "Just…go, already. I love you, Jack."

Jack hugged her back just as tightly and gratefully murmured, "Thanks, Mom. I love you, too."

"I'll see you when you get back…" June glared pointedly at Arcee, with a look that made the towering femme uneasy. "…both of you."

She released her hold on Jack, not wanting to let go but knowing she had to.

Jack then turned to Raf and Miko.

"Sorry, guys. This is just something I have to do."

Miko grinned, "Don't worry, I get it. Sooo, 'nothing is going to happen and nothing ever will,' huh? When are you ever gonna learn to trust me, Jackrabbit?"

Jack sighed, "Here we go."

"If you had just taken my advice from the start, you two would have already 'ridden off into the sunset together!' You rock stars...so darn stubborn!"

Trying in vain to ignore Miko's newest tirade, Jack turned to Raf only to find the young prodigy feverishly digging in his backpack.

"…I know it's in here somewhere…"

"Raf?"

"Found it!" Grinning, Raf produced an old, weathered book. Handing it to Jack he said, "Here, take this."

Jack began flipping through the pages, murmuring as he read aloud.

"Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Raf, what…?"

"It's a copy of Padre Eusebio Kino's historical memoirs. He was an Italian missionary who traveled across Mexico. He's kind of a hero of mine."

Jack frowned slightly, not wanting to offend his friend.

"Listen, Raf…I appreciate the gesture and all, but I'm not really what you'd call a believer."

Adjusting his glasses, Raf shrugged, "I know, but I also know you're going through a tough time right now. Padre Kino had plenty of those, enduring many hard trials on his long journey. In the end, his efforts helped transform the lives of thousands of people…maybe even millions. Maybe what helped him will help you, Jack. Just give it a chance. Give yourself a chance."

Jack blinked, Raf's unexpected assertiveness surprising him. He sighed, not really wanting to take the book but accepting it nonetheless.

"Thanks, Raf. I promise to make the time to try and read it."

"That's all I ask. Just bring it back when you're finished."

Watching the exchange with rapidly-growing interest, Miko discovered this new facet of Raf's personality to be extremely attractive. Before she realized what was happening, she felt it.

Sparks.

Catching Miko fanning herself, Jack smirked and said, "Well, guess I'll be off, then. Kinda feel like a third wheel, all of a sudden."

Both Miko and Raf started blushing furiously. Jack laughed and embraced his friends.

Miko whispered, "I hope things work out for you, Jack. Really."

Nodding in agreement, Raf said, "What she said."

Glancing at Arcee Jack smiled, once more thunderstruck by her alien beauty. If there had been any lingering questions about his feelings for the femme, there were certainly none now.

Jack's cheeks began to color as he stammered, "I-I guess we'll have to wait and see how things turn out, won't we?

Miko giggled, "I guess so. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, Jack!"

Jack sighed uncomfortably before turning away and making his way over to Agent Fowler.

Meanwhile Miko finally made her own move, quietly taking a startled Raf's hand as she winked and whispered, "Hello, Trouble."

Jack's eyes were downcast as he approached the special agent. He stood there for a moment before murmuring, "I…I'm sorry for hitting you."

The older man shrugged, "I was asking for it. Just try not to make a habit out of it, okay?"

Clearing his throat Jack nervously added, "A-and I'm also sorry for breaking into your office."

Fowler snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "So that was you! I wondered why my beret case was left open!"

"Y-yeah…about that…I actually have a question about the beret."

"Fire away."

"Is it yours?"

"Straight to the point, I like that. Why do you ask?"

"I-I happened to notice the initials L. W. written on the inside of the brim, so why - ?"

"Jack, the man that beret originally belonged to died years ago, I'm afraid. He was part of a special missions force that sadly, no longer exists. I wear it to honor both his memory and the soldiers who died alongside him."

"I…I'm sorry for your loss, sir."

"No harm, no foul, son."

"Agent Fowler…" Jack gulped, taking a deep breath before forcing himself to say the words. "…y-you be sure to take care of Mom while I'm away, a-all right?"

Knowing the importance of Jack's trust and how much his mother meant to him, Fowler vowed, "You have my word of honor, Jack…I promise."

Seeing that Jack still had some lingering doubts, Fowler decided to be completely open and up front, revealing just how much June meant to him as well.

"June…your mother…is a very special lady, son."

Jack grinned, "Yeah. Yeah, she is, isn't she?"

The two men shook hands. When Jack pulled back his hand, he discovered that Fowler had slipped him a special government-issue credit card.

Fowler explained, "You said you didn't know how long you might be gone. Just don't go crazy with it, okay? It's your tax dollars at work!"

"Th-thank you, sir."

Fowler corrected, "Bill!"

Shaking his head, Jack began to walk back towards Arcee.

June called out, "Don't be a stranger for too long, Jack!"

He replied, "I won't!"

"And be sure to call every so often!"

"I will!"

"Remember, I - !"

Laughing with fond exasperation, Jack finished for her, "- you worry, I know, I know!"

Mother and son both knew that things had changed forever. There was no fear in their hearts, though. They were both filled with hope…for the future.

Suddenly Jack realized that he was about to embark on what might very well be the final leg of his journey.

Ratchet quietly said to Arcee, "I have already taken the liberty of entering the coordinates supplied earlier by you and your partner. Don't worry, I'll make sure they are immediately erased to ensure that no one else follows."

"Thanks, Ratchet."

Lowering his voice so that only she could hear him, he whispered, "Remember, exercise restraint."

Arcee almost spat an angry retort but refrained upon seeing the compassionate look on the old Autobot medic's weathered faceplate. He really wasn't a bad Bot once you got to know him.

Ratchet remotely activated the controls and a Space Bridge roared into existence.

Jack stood next to Arcee and faced the swirling vortex. Looking up he quipped, "Just like old times, huh?"

Arcee said nothing in reply, visibly forcing herself to find her inner calm before transforming to her motorcycle alt-mode.

Putting on his helmet, Jack took his seat atop Arcee.

Ratchet exhaled a huge sigh of relief when nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Suddenly Wheeljack figured it all out and cried, "W-wait, you mean…?!"

Loudly revving Arcee's engine, Jack grinned and shouted, "LET'S ROLL OUT!"

Arcee burned rubber and together they rode towards the future.

As Team Prime watched the two depart through the Space Bridge, Ratchet silently mused that this might be a new beginning for Cybertron and for humanity.

"Journeys end in lovers meeting. I wonder…"

To be continued…!