Episode 3: Chief Medical Babysitter

Alright, this is a lot shorter than I'd wanted it to be, but you know, I've been feeling kind of rusty lately, so for this episode, I'm gonna try it short for old time's sake.

Also, just a little warning for anyone reading, I can't say the full details of what transpires, but I can say the beginning will be very, very intense, so you should probably brace yourselves for what comes.

As usual, all Characters belong to Cartoon Network and Hasbro!

Enjoy!

Detroit... Present Day.

The Junkyard looked awfully quiet despite being filled with dozens of Autobots as Arcee was seen standing right next to Omega Supreme, who is currently active in his Alt Mode in disguise as she sat inside of the cockpit, looking over images of herself and Ratchet together as the interstellar chatter on the Cybernet started to go into a frenzy.

"Mayday, mayday, this is Code Red Alert! I repeat, Code Red Alert!"

"This is Vector Sigma. I'm having trouble contacting Cybertron, Permission to enter the Planet, over."

"Vector Sigma, this is Alpha IX, telling you to stand down. We've recently received a transmission from Rodimus Prime, requesting all Autobots to stay clear of Cybertron, over."

Alpha IX, what is going on Cybertron? Is there another siege going on or something?"

"Negative, it's worse than that. Cybertron is said to have fallen."

"Fallen? How is that remotely possible?"

"Where's Optimus Prime? I'd like to get a hold of him."

"Why isn't anyone telling us the answers? I've got three Bots that just came from Cybertron entering Velocitron, and they're shaking like a Sharkticon!"

"Nobody hasn't heard from him ever since the communications blackouts, just what the Frag is going on?!"

Everybody's voices tensed up from the extremities of the situation that they've been put through that even Arcee had to shut off the comms just to be left in silence, allowing her to think, to reflect as Omega's voice echoed in the halls.

"Arcee... The Transwarp Portal from Cybertron just activated. They have news about Ratchet."

Arcee's Optics perked up, having heard Ratchet's name out loud as she jumped right out of the cockpit in a hurry.

"Where?"

Omega Supreme's landing ramp peered itself down on the Earth's Surface, allowing Arcee to exit swiftly as she headed outside, turning to Chromia and Windblade, both of whom were seen conversing together about their shared experiences.

"Chromia, Windblade. Omega Supreme told me the others have news about Ratchet, is he here?"

The two turned around, facing the Pink Femme as Chromia stood up.

"Arcee, I... We're not even sure, but Wheeljack's checking on them now-!"

"Okay, then where is Wheeljack?!"

"Over here!"

Arcee turned around, facing Wheeljack being accompanied by Crosshairs, Minerva, and Hot Shot as he walked over to Arcee."

"Sorry if I kept anyone waiting! I was just bringing in the rest for a quick update. Is everybody in attendance?"

Crosshairs folded his Servos, making a disgruntled huff out of his Intake. "Depends if we can be allowed to call it everybody."

Wheeljack sighed sadly, having his own depressing thoughts about his fellow Autobots not being able to escape the onslaught that transpired prior to the emergency retreat on Earth.

"Right, so... A little heads up, we're bringing in some guests-!"

Arcee perked her head up. "Ratchet?!"

Wheeljack blinked, slightly nodding his head. "Um... Yes, and no."

Hot Shot widened his Optics, giving off a nervous expression "Oh Scrap, Megatron?!"

"Also yes and no, not quite."

Windblade raises a brow. "What's that supposed to mean exactly?'

"Well..."

A loud scream erupted from inside the building, causing everyone outside to turn their heads around, seeing that trouble was going as Arcee started to run inside.

"Ratchet?! Is that Ratchet?!"

"Well, yes, but-!"

Arcee didn't bother listening as she normally would as she pushed Wheeljack out of her path "I have to see him!"

Wheeljack widened his Optics, shaking his head. "I-I don't think that's a good idea-!"

Windblade followed Arcee inside, being tagged along by Chromia. "Wheeljack, someone is screaming."

"Well, yes, but that's because-!"

Once Arcee opened the door wide, everyone was in for bizarre sightseeing as they saw something that is disturbingly haunting.

"...Oh, Primus."

What lied inside was Ratchet merged together Megatron, having each of their bodies split together as one as they each contorted in pain, struggling to be released as Rodimus and Bulkhead quickly held him down from Servo to Pede. Even Bumblebee has trouble trying to hold their Helms as everyone stared in shock.

"AAARRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Hot Shot released his own Oli Drink, frozen as he stood along with Minerva and Brawn to discover a fate much worse than death.

"Oh my god."

"By Kup's Cigar..."

"Professor?"

"Megatron?!"

Windblade walked inside, seeing the Tyrant merged with the Medic as Wheeljack quickly walked inside to push everyone back.

"Yes, and no, that's what I've been trying to tell you, actually..."

Arcee gasped, covering her Derma.

"What... What happened to Ratchet?"

Chromia stepped forward. "And how is he merged with Megatron?"

Windblade observed the merge, seeing Megatron/Ratchet writhe in the struggle as they seemed to suffer externally and internally.

"...Given how much that Witch is capable of, I'll give you one solid guess."

"Ar... Cee..."

Arcee blinked, having heard Ratchet's voice colliding with Megatron's as she stepped towards the horrendous hybrid.

"R... Ratchet?"

"Ar... Cee..."

Arcee gasped, having heard him... Them, calling her out as she started walking over, only to be intercepted by Jazz.

"Whoa, slow down, 'Cee."

"Jazz, get out of my way."

"I can't let you pass, and you know that."

"Ratchet is calling for me!"

"And so is Megatron!"

Sari stood up, turning to the Pink Teacher.

"Arcee, come on, you know this is dangerous! I mean, just look at him... Or them... Look at Ratchet mostly, just think about him-!"

"I am thinking about him, Sari! And I think that maybe he needs my help!"

"Ar... Cee..."

"Just listen to him! He never sounded like this before!"

"Yeah, well I'm pretty sure that's because he never had another half of Megatron attached to his entire being stuck to him!" Jazz sighed, rubbing his Helm. "I mean, for all we know, Megatron's probably in control, manipulating you so he could hurt you!"

"Arcee..."

With Megatron's half of his brute force, he and Ratchet began to push themselves further away from the table, leaving the Autobots' job to restrain them harder than it needs to be.

"Uh, guys? I don't think we can keep this up!" Bulkhead grunted as he closed his Optics. "We might need something to hold them down!"

Rodimus groaned as he barely kept up withholding Ratchet and Megatron's Pedes down on the table. "Can someone get us some Stasis Cuffs around here?!"

"Too late!"

Without much effort, Megatron/Ratchet thrashed themselves off of Rodimus, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead, allowing themselves to stand right back up through a frantic struggle for control as Arcee stood back while everyone else tensed up for a fight.

"Arcee!"

"Slag, here we go!" Wheeljack as he lowered his Optics.

"Everyone stand down!" Arcee intervened, raising her hands up. "We have to talk to him, maybe Ratchet's trying to talk to us!"

"Or maybe Megatron's trying to kill us!" Rodimus assumed as he activated his Crossbow. "Arcee, stand back!"

"No! Not unless there's a chance either one of them is trying to communicate with us, and we won't find out if we don't give Ratchet the chance to try!"

She turned around, facing the merged Cybertronians as she regained some parts of her composure.

"Ratchet, stop! I'm here... We're all here, we can hear you."

"Arcee..." Megatron/Ratchet fell on their knees, each of them twitching their Optics as they tried being adjusted to their current condition. "Arcee, he... Help..."

Everyone started turning their heads, hearing the Mech starting to beg for help as Arcee let out a hopeful smile.

"Yes... Yes, of course, we'll help! Just... Why don't you just tell us what to do? Give us a context on how to help you, we can try to figure it out!"

"...K... K..." The Mechs began mumbling their words as if one of them didn't quite agree with the other's argument.

"Ratchet, what? What is it? What are you trying to-?"

Megatron's hand that still held his Cannon began to raise itself, causing Rodimus to pull Arcee back as the hand shook in mid-air, almost seeming as if they were trying to shoot at the Autobots... But much to a more terrifying revelation, the hand continued to turn the Cannon towards another target... Megatron and Ratchet's own head.

"Kill... Me...!"

As they said their sentence, the Cannon began to power itself up, gathering a Purple Energy as Arcee cried out, calling Ratchet's name out of fear while the weapon was seconds away from putting a hole into their shared Processor.

But then quickly, Rodimus moved and pulled the Cannon upwards, allowing it to put a hole the ceiling rather than painting the walls with their shared Energon as everyone, without any sign of hesitation, began to make it their job to restrain the Merged Cybertronians that recently attempted suicide.

"Kill me... Kill me...!"

"Professor, stop it!"

"Hold them down!"

"Kill me!"

"Alright, let's put them inside of Omega Supreme! He has tougher security protocols, he can hold them down until they cool it!"

"Someone help me out here!"

"Kill me!"

Arcee just stood there, frozen helplessly as she watched the Mech she loves fused with the other she hates trying to kill themselves with Megatron's Cannon as Chromia walked over to her, placing a gentle hand around her shoulder.

"Alright, let's go. You don't need to see this."

The Blue Femme pulled Arcee away gently as Ratchet/Megatron continued to be held down by the Autobots as their combined voices continued to declare the same chant that made the Merged Cybertronians' intention quite clear.

"Kill me! Kill me! KILL ME!"

Cybertron... 5 Months Ago...

"Okay... Kill me... Please, someone, just kill me already, because is this numbing my own Processor right here!"

Ratchet was seen on Cybertron standing in front of his desk full of nothing but absolute paperwork that he has to file as he scratched on his Helm, hearing Red Alert walk by him with a smile.

"You just got the latest pile of data you have to sort through?"

"Yup... And to think it Prime once told me that it wouldn't be as easy as it looked when I was offered a position as Chief Medical Officer."

"Well, welcome to being a Medic Bot in Iacon. It's not exactly the same as being a Medic during a war, or maybe being off Planet, but it's a pretty casual job for Bots who prefer getting bored to death."

Ratchet sighed, shaking his head.

"Alright, is this everything? All the Bots' I need to know about in this pile?"

"That's all of it. Everybody that's in dire need of diagnostics check-up and repairs, all added into the folder."

"Jeez... This is gonna be a long day."

As they conversed, First Aid walked right inside the office, approaching the two higher authoritative Autobots.

"Uh, hi! Ratchet, Red Alert. Wait, do I call you Red? Rodimus Prime calls you Red. Wait, is that more of a personal relationship kind of thing?"

Red Alert rolled her Optics at his flakiness, smiling at the youth he carries.

"Red's fine. What's up?"

First Aid cleared his throat. "Ah, where to start... Uh, you remember Huffer and Pipes? The Autobot Twins overseeing the repairs out here in Iacon? They had an accident, they could use some medical assistance right about now."

Ratchet got up, listening to his Servos making the same creaks it produces whenever he moves each time as he walked out getting his toolkit.

"Alright, let's get this over with. Show me where those two Bucketheads are."

Ratchet got out of the facility, following Red Alert and First Aid out as he entered the camps where the Iaconian residents are seen sleeping on the streets waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.

As they walked, they entered a tent where Huffer and Pipes were seen lying on separate Berths constantly arguing with each other for the accident.

"What the Frag are you talking about? Telling me it's my fault!"

"You were supposed to watch out for signs of Oil leaking! That was your job while fixing up the fuel engine!"

"Sure, Pipes! Sure, just like you were supposed to work on the Transit Systems, which are directly linked to the trains!"

"Like you give a Slag about working! All you were complaining about before this was whenever you could go back to sleepin' at the Apartment! Now you're complaining to me about-!"

"HEY!"

The two turned around, facing Ratchet who started walking inside of the tent.

"Just what in tarnation is going on in here? What happened to you two?!"

The twins groaned, having heard the question said out loud as this caused the argument to resume once again.

"Okay, so Huffer was supposed to watch over the Fuel-!"

"No, Pipes was supposed to check the Fuel Balance, making sure that it never got overheated!"

"Oh, don't you be putting the blame on Me!"

"I can blame you however I want! This is your fault!"

"No, it's your fault!"

"No, it's your fault!"

"No, it's YOUR fault!"

"Okay, don't you dare yell at me!"

The Brothers continued to yell at each other loudly, blatantly ignoring the others standing in their tent as a Green Autobot with a Cannon on his shoulder walked inside, approaching the medics.

"Autobot Trooper, Hound. Reporting for duty, Chief Medical Officer, sir."

Ratchet turned around, looking directly at Hound.

"What happened with these two?"

"Fuel accident, sir. These Bots were working at the Transit System when one of the fuel deposits on the train imploded, taking off their Pedes in the end. These two would have been scorched entirely if I hadn't pulled them out of there."

"Any idea how long ago this happened?"

"Around 3 Cycles ago, sir."

"Have they've been arguing this long too?"

"Accurately the same time, sir."

First Aid raised his Visor up high.

"Yikes... They haven't tried to strangle each other, have they?"

"HEY! I heard that! And for the record, Pipes and I don't hate each other that much!"

"Even though sometimes you feel like you wanna."

"Suck a Pipe, Pipes!"

"Huff all you want, Huffer! I know it's your fault, to begin with!"

"Oh, for the love of Cybertron, I told you it's not my fault-!"

"Alright, I've had enough of this!"

Ratchet opened up the toolbox and pressed two gag clamps on their mouths, silencing Huffer and Pipes' argument as their voices were muffled against the metal holding their Dermas shut.

"The two of you overgrown Mechs wanna act like Sparklings, then each of you crybabies gets a pacifier! The less gentle kind of I say so myself! Now both of you hold still while we operate on your Pedes!"

The Chief Medical Officer turned around, facing Red Alert and First Aid still remaining inside of the tent.

"Red Alert, First Aid, help me set up procedure. This is gonna take a while, so let's get started already."

"Sure thing, Ratchet."

"Right on it, boss!"

Hound stood attentively as he paid attention to the Medics doing their work.

"Sir, is there anything else I can do for you? Anything at all?"

"Yeah, two things." Ratchet got out a blow torch. "First and foremost; Stop calling me, "Sir". Ratchet is just fine, thank you very much, and secondly; you can help us by making sure no one else acts like an idiot and ends up in another accident. I don't wanna have to stitch any more Bots up today."

"Yes, si-!" Hound paused, stopping himself from finishing that sentence as he closed his Optics briefly, inhaling through his Intake before exhaling to open his Optics back up. "Yes, Ratchet. I'll have my squad out on patrol in no time."

Hound exited the tent, leaving the doctors to do their work as they began repairing Huffer and Pipes moaning directly into their clamps.

"The New Bot seems to be adaptable." Red Alert said, taking off the broken pieces of Pipes' Pede. "He almost looks like he just graduated directly from the Academy."

"That's because he did." Ratchet began working on one of Huffer's wire cables. "Hound just came directly for duty after graduation, was one of the few who defended Cybertron from the Decepticon Siege over the Planet back when the Fallen was still around. Rumor has it he managed to keep all of his Platoonmates alive and functioning despite the brutal assault they took during that time."

First Aid mused in astonishment, amazed by Hound's reputation.

"Wow... The Mech must be that good if Ultra Magnus vouched for him on the team."

"Actually, Optimus Prime did the deed himself. He saw Hound's records, knew that he was a good fit without having to think twice about it." Ratchet set the wires together, turning his attention to Pipes. "First Aid, tend to Huffer, check on his pain levels."

First Aid nodded his head, turning to the Orange Mech as he ran some data on him, Ratchet helped Red Alert cut out the broken Pede of Pipes and replace it with a new one.

"So you seem to be taking this job better than average for the most part." Red Alert added, assisting Ratchet the best way possible. "Most Bots I worked with would normally complain about it because of the crowds."

"Well, I don't care much about the numbers." Ratchet started using the blow torch to weld the Pede tight together smoothly. "Everywhere I go, it's the same Repair Bot Crew, with an added amount of hands."

"And what about Arcee?" Red Alert asked. "How is she taking her new position so far?"

Ratchet scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Honestly... That Femme's taking it like a Velocitronian Champion."

"I'd bet." Red Alert peered behind Ratchet, noticing a monitor that suddenly became active. "Speaking of which, I believe you're getting a call."

Ratchet turned around, seeing the audio transmission being sent personally to him as he dropped his activities immediately.

"Red Alert, First Aid, take over for me. I'll be handling communications in the meantime."

"Sure thing, Bossbot!"

Ratchet groaned, turning around to bang at First Aid's head. "Don't call that!" He turned around, leaving the Minibot alone. "That's Optimus Prime's nickname, not mine."

Ratchet turned over to the monitor, connecting his motherboard with the computer so he could tune out the audio with only himself and the caller as he answered the transmission.

"I was wondering when you'd start making the call."

A voice breathed softly, having a familiar sweet voice that Ratchet has grown accustomed to.

"Sorry, it took me so long, Ratchet. I've been so busy with work, I could barely have the chance to contact you."

"No need to apologize, Arcee," Ratchet reassured with a smile. "You have your duties as I have mine."

"Of course." Arcee cleared her throat for a moment. "So, how is your Solar Cycle so far?"

"Oh, the usual. Bots in the camp are getting into accidents, so I have to come in and patch them up so they can break their Servos all over again. How's your day?"

"Fine. The recovery effort is a lot difficult than I thought it would be."

"Well, considering the Decepticons from the 2nd Dimension have done their jobs out here, I'd say this is just the main dinner course. I'm only sorry about how you're going through with this right now."

"It's alright, Ratchet. Besides, I missed my chance at helping Cybertron recover from the Great War. Helping it recover from the Siege, well... It actually helps me make up for lost time."

"Well, in that case, I'm glad you're right where you need to be."

"Yeah... Me too."

Ratchet sighed, rubbing his head. "Say uh... How do you feel about... Finding a place for us? Like we talked about before?"

"Really? Now? Isn't that too soon?"

"I don't know... I just think that since nothing's going on, and everything has been quiet on Cybertron lately that we could start trying to build that cornerstone we've meaning to procreate. There are a few places that are opening up near Fortress Maximus that I've noticed... Maybe you and I could start looking into that once we're through with today, use up some of that free time on our hands."

Arcee smiled, nodding her head. "I'd like that, Ratchet." She turned around. "Hey, I've got to go. I have a job to do."

"Of course. I'll let you get right to it."

"Thank you. I'll see you soon, Ratchet."

Arcee hung up the call as she was seen sighing heavily, rubbing her Helm while she was located at TransTech, going over paperwork with Cliffjumper and Mirage as the Bots helped the many denizens of Cybertrons seek employment the best they could offer as she returned to her station, assisting the Mech up front.

"Alright, sir... What kind of employment do you seek?"

"Uh... I'm hopin' to get the Server position if possible."

"Oh, um... I'm sorry, I think all the available positions just got taken up."

"Alright... Uh, what about... Frag it, what about Janitorial Service?"

"Give me on Nano-Click." Arcee started running through her folders, seeing the positions of a janitor. "Alright... Well, there are 23 options of Janitorial Services, one of them is closest to here."

"What's that?"

"The Metroplex, I believe."

"Perfect, I'll take that."

"Great! Let me just get your signature, and we'll have you get started."

Arcee waited for the Cybertronian to write down his signature so the next Bot in line could attempt at getting a job as Mirage walked over to her, tapping right on her shoulder.

"Alright, I'll take over, thank you."

"Sure thing."

Arcee allowed Mirage to take over as she turned to Cliffjumper, who was going over some analytical data while she folded her Servos, standing next to him.

"So... How are we? Are we pushing through the boundaries yet?"

"Not even in the slightest," Cliffjumper said as he shook his head. "The Unemployment Rate has only been reduced to a mere 10%."

"Alright... What's our current percentage so far?"

"Around 73% in total, based on Perceptor's calculation."

"Oh... Well, that's... Charming."

"Not really. We're still trying to grant Bots a chance to earn labor, and apparently, something's derailing that."

"And what could that possibly be?"

"I'm not sure. That's why the Elite Guard partnered themselves up with TransTech. Depth Charge believes there's a certain criminal element that's been sabotaging our efforts, keeping as many people unemployed as they could possibly can. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are currently on the job right now, but who knows how long we'll get this resolved. For all we know, Cybertron could be shattered by the time we could get the chance to repair the damages."

"Is there anything we can do?" Arcee pressed her hands on her hips. "I used to be an Intelligence Bot during the Great War. Maybe I could try looking into this."

"Sure, anything could help. You could try finding Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, they could always use an extra pair of hands, especially with such expertise."

"That'd do. Could you tell me where they are?"

"Depth Charge would know. I'd find him, he's around here giving out free Energon supplies, he shouldn't be too far."

"Alright. Could you keep me posted? See if there's any intel worth noting?"

"Will do."

"Thanks."

She left the Red Minibot, turning to exit the office to search for Depth Charge, who was doing exactly what Cliffjumper said he was doing as he helped his fellow Autobots get their needed Energon for the day.

"Remember, these things only come by through an Orbital Cycle basis! Make sure you make your rations last if you don't want to have any feelings of binge eating in your Processor!" He hand-delivered the Energon crate into Blaster's Servos. "Alright, here you go. NEXT!"

As Blaster left with his Energon, Wheelie was next in line as he pulled himself up, leaning his head on top of the table.

"Hi! Can I get some Energon, please?"

"Sure." Depth Charge went to get out a crate. "So... You got somebody watching out for you, kid?"

"Yeah... I got an entire tent of Bots looking out for me, so I'm good!"

"Alright."

As Depth Charge collected the Energon, Wheelie looked around, feeling anxious as if someone was trying to stalk him in the dark.

"Hey... Could you hurry it up? I'm kind of hungry right now."

"Cool your Tailpipe, kid." Depth Charge placed the Energon in front of Wheelie. "I've got your ration right here-!"

A blaster shot was heard, causing the crowd to scream out in panic as a supersonic dart hit Wheelie's Energon, making it glow rapidly as Depth Charge widened his Optics, quickly grabbing the small Youngling in his Servos.

"Everyone get down!"

He used his Wrist Cannons, creating a wind tunnel at the Energon to push it up in the air, allowing the crate to explode mid-air, not harming any of the Autobots in the process.

As everyone looked up in the air in shock, a dark figure in the corner of an alleyway had his cloak hidden around his being as he peered his Red Optics out into the attack before walking away in the dark, vanishing before anyone could have a chance to take a good look at him.

While the figure made the exit, everyone gathered together, stunned with disordered confusion, and fear as Arcee ran into the area, seeing Depth Charge lying on the ground.

"Depth Charge!" Arcee approached him, pulling the Autobot TransTech Leader off the ground. "What happened? I heard the screams, and the explosion, are we under attack?"

"I'm... Not sure." Depth Charge rubbed his neck. "I don't hear any more blaster fire going off, nor do I see Deceptcreeps in the air, so this must have been brief."

Arcee looked around, seeing the crowd conversing together in confusion as she tried spotting the bomber.

"He's gone, isn't he?"

"Probably so... The Slagger didn't bother sticking around for more, so I'm thinking maybe..." Depth Charge looked around, having noticed Wheelie vanished. "Hey... Where did the kid go?"

Arcee raised a brow. "Kid? What kid?"

"That Autobot Kid... The one Blurr calls Wheelie, he was just here."

Arcee widened her Optics. "Wheelie was here? Are you certain?"

"I'm as certain as I was when I caught Rattrap scavenging my own trash heap for any looted goods, right before slamming him into a cell."

"What was he doing here?"

"Getting Energon, just like everyone else."

As she stood there, contemplating her thoughts, Cliffjumper and Mirage arrived on the scene, seeing the smoke clearing up from the air.

"What was that sound? We heard explosions!"

"This is Cliffjumper! Requesting emergency response units to our position at once!"

Later, everyone was seen dealing with the incident accordingly as the entire area became a crime scene, with Optimus Prime having arrived at the site as he joined the Bots that have been witnesses to the attack beforehand.

"Are you certain this isn't a Decepticon attack?"

"If it was, then they'd normally scream it out loud." Depth Charge said, shaking his head. "I'm starting to think it's whoever's keeping Unemployment at a large percentage."

"No, it can't be it," Cliffjumper added, looking around the ash residue. "If it were the case, the attacker wouldn't have disappeared out of thin air."

Optimus folded his Servos, shaking his head. "Alright... Do we have any suspects?"

"Not at the moment, sir." Depth Charge pressed his hands on his waist. "I've got my best looking in on this. And with Arcee's help, the case could be solved a lot faster."

Optimus raised a brow at that statement.

"Arcee's joining the investigation? Since when?"

"Since she became interested in tracking down the causes of Unemployment ratings. Rumor has it people have been getting roughed up out of their jobs, being kept out for some reason by this hooded figure in the dark."

"And you think this figure is the main suspect behind all this?"

"That's not proven as of yet, but with all due respect, I'm pretty certain this has got to do with that fella. That Bot's trouble as far as I'm concerned."

"Alright... Well, where's Arcee then? I'd like for her to get a headstart on this as soon as possible."

"Oh, that's easy to answer," Mirage said with a smirk. "She's right over there with the CMO."

Optimus peered his head over to the table Depth Charge was using where Arcee was seen being tended to by Ratchet, who was gravely worried for her well being.

"Ratchet, I swear, I'm okay. I was barely here when the Energon exploded."

"You're sure? Have you looked to check for any scratches on your Armor? Perhaps even some shrapnel from that dart somehow?"

Arcee smiled, softly pulling Ratchet's Servo examining her so she could reach eye contact with him.

"This isn't a battlefield, Ratchet. We aren't on Earth or on any Planet in the known System. This was just another scare trying to lure us into fear, we can't let that pull our strings our whole lives."

Ratchet shut his Optics, sighing as he put his tools away.

"I'm sorry, Arcee... It's just this reflexive habit I've had since the beginning."

"I know... Optimus said you've had to fix everyone for a long time, even after the war ended."

Ratchet nodded his head, looking around the area.

"I thought... You know, I thought that settling down as Chief Medical Officer on Cybertron, things might be different this time."

"And it will." Arcee rubbed her hands with his. "This is only temporary... Things don't last forever, and we'll be bound to have something much different when everything returns to normal."

"Yeah... I hope you're right about that."

Optimus approached Arcee and Ratchet while they continued the conversation, unaware of his approach lingering ever close.

"Pardon my interruption." He gets their attention. "Arcee, I heard you're going to be joining TransTech on the investigation of this incident?"

She nodded her head.

"I plan on it... But first, there's something I need to do, and then I'll be able to join the Lambo Twins in no time."

"Good. Everyone in this area is getting restless, and I can't exactly use all the Elite Guard to move on into this incident without creating a panic. That's the last thing anybody needs right now."

"Good thinking, Prime. That would be too much to give away, lest there be a chance these Bots have a chance to escape off-world."

Optimus rested his Servos no his hips. "You know, if it were up to me, I'd go ahead and join you immediately. But I'm about to head back to Earth, continue negotiations with the United Nations about the Alliance. I'm close to making a compromise right now."

Arcee nodded her head. "You should go. We'll take care of this while you're away."

Optimus nodded his head. "Thank you both for understanding. And please, be careful out there."

Prime turned around and walked away, leaving the two together once again as they turned to each other to resume their conversation.

"So... When you said you had to deal with something first, did that include talking to me about this?"

"Well... Yes and no..." Arcee looked around. "Um... You didn't happen to see Wheelie on your way here, did you?"

"What? The little Youngling who's friends with Blurr? What about him?"

"Well, Blurr's been attending the same meeting as Ultra Magnus has about... The Chips, and Wheelie's been left out here for a long time trying to defend himself. Now, if there's someone out here blowing up Energon, I don't want to have to think about him being possibly caught in the crossfire."

Ratchet nodded, agreeing with what she had to say.

"Right... Better to handle it now than later." He folded his Servos. "Anything I can do to help?"

"For right now? Just make sure everybody else needs to get patched up. I'm going to look in the places Wheelie's known to hang out at, and afterward, I'm going to bring back to our camp."

"Okay then... Well, I suggest you be careful out there. A lot of crazy Bots are aching to get their Servos dirty, and I doubt they'll care when and where they'll do it."

"I've handled worse." She planted a smooth kiss on Ratchet's cheek. "I'll be back before you know it!"

Later, Arcee walked down into the narrow corners of Iacon as Polyhex continues to be in repair, moving past the White Tapes covered walls to hide the scars of the Siege from broad daylight, something no one would remember having any joy come out of it.

As she continued to explore the nearly empty street, she looked around for any signs of Wheelie as she entered the former Orion Pax Memorial Park, which is now converted into a Memorial of the fallen Autobots that died during the Siege, which is hinted even further as she walked past a mural displaying designations carved into the stone.

Once she crossed the park, she entered a building that was considered off-limits due to restriction notices taped all over as she walked inside, pressing on her wrist to make an audio recording.

"Personal Log 0821-2102, Arcee reporting. I've reached the former resident Apartment Complex known sorely as the Roadhouse. Last time I've heard, Blurr once let Wheelie hang out with him here before the Siege broke out. And knowing how resourceful he is, I doubt Wheelie would be as willing to follow the rules when it comes to finding a place to live in. I'll update as soon as I can."

She stopped recording, moving on to the task at hand as she walked inside, taking the upper floors while she scanned the area, looking for any sign of the missing Autobot Child.

She continued walking until she eventually reached Blurr's former apartment, having noticed the door being wide open. She entered the premises, looking for Wheelie when she noticed the entire home complex a wreck.

She looked around, seeing the walls scarred with deep curved cuts as if someone were trying to hunt for something or someone... And Arcee's presumptions would be correct as she noticed in a reflection mirror, someone approached her from behind with a large Hook.

At that moment, Arcee ducked down, avoiding letting her head get cut open as she rolled down, seeing Lockdown of all Bots in the apartment where a cloak around his being.

"Lockdown?! What are you doing back here on Cybertron?!"

"What do you think? I'm here on a job."

Arcee lowered her brow, bracing herself for an inevitable confrontation.

"If you think the last time you tried taking me in for a Bounty is going to work out for you, you've got another thing coming!"

"Oh, I'm afraid you have me mistaken, Darlin'. See, you ain't the Bounty I'm looking for, not this time around anyway."

Arcee raised a brow, confused by that statement. Then the brow risen, turning her Optics over to Wheelie, currently hiding in plain sight underneath the crate as she started forming a glare towards the Bounty Hunter.

"I'm not letting you take him."

"Well, in that case, I suppose that we're at opposite ends of an Electrode."

He released his cloak, letting it drop to the floor as he engaged with the Pink Autobot, fighting her as Arcee activated her Lightsabers, blocking Lockdown's attacks to gain some defensive.

Once she gets the chance, she swings her weapons down, only for the Bounty Hunter to jump high to avoid her Sabers, but narrowly getting cut in half when he made the backflip, with Arcee cutting his own back, scraping the metal as sparks flew downward, making Lockdown wince in the pain.

He grunted, touching his back as he narrowed his Optics towards her, making a half-witted grin.

"You know, I don't remember you fightin' like that back in the War."

"You were lucky then... I was missing a Leg at that time." She flung her Sabers towards herself, reaching them as high as she could raise them. "If I wasn't injured by then, you would have been dealt with sooner than you expected."

"Then I suppose you don't mind if I don't hold back on taking you out."

He activated a command code, causing an explosive to impact Arcee, pushing her back as she was flung against the wall, snapping the same Pede as before as she fell to the ground in pain.

"Well, well, if it ain't the same leg as before." Lockdown knelt down, smirking as he held his Hook at her neck. "Seems like history has a strange way of repeating itself."

"You don't say."

Lockdown turned around, getting pushed back by a pair of Cannons as Ironhide walked right inside, armed and ready while standing amongst the Lambo Twins.

"Someone really outta put up the Planetary Maintenance Signs, 'cause apparently, some Bots just ain't gettin' the memo."

Sunstreaker gets out her Bo Staff, moving towards Lockdown to attack while the Bounty Hunter blocked her attacks, moving to make a heavy attack only for Sideswipe to Transform into his Alt Mode and drive Lockdown off, throwing him right out of the window as the glass shattered from the impact, leaving the Autobots to stand at their victory of the encounter.

"*Sighs* Well, that was fun." Sideswipe said, reverting back into Robot Mode. "And to think I'd get back to the Farm on time to miss out on all this."

Sunstreaker raises a brow. "You have a Farm? Since when?"

"Since the Stunticon Convoy Event at the Arena, which is another story I'll have to tell you later." Sideswipe turned around, facing Ironhide and Arcee. "You alright?"

Arcee was helped up by Ironhide as she struggled to regain her footing due to losing a Pede.

"Where's Wheelie? Is he still underneath the Vent?"

"Vent? What Vent?"

"The Floorvent, is he still in there?"

Sideswipe turned to the floor vent, kneeling down to lift it open, only to get his Digits to get bitten, causing him to move back from the bite.

"Gah! Okay, he's definitely still in here."

"Leave me alone! Just back off, leave me alone!"

Arcee groaned, turning to the floor. "Wheelie, enough! It's me, Arcee! The Bounty Hunter is gone, you can come out now."

At first, there was a small tone of silence that filled the void... Then, at last, a pair of hands started pushing up the vent, opening it so Wheelie could perk his head up, seeing his fellow Autobots around him as he blinked in the shock.

"A-Arcee? What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, Wheelie. Why are you inside of Blurr's Apartment? The entire building is restricted, no one is supposed to be in here."

He climbed himself up off of the vent, having enough of the tight space he's been through.

"I didn't know where else to go. All the camps are either full or just too noisy for my liking. And since nobody ever comes here during the Evening Cycle, I'd figured I sleep here until the beginning of the next Solar Cycle."

Sunstreaker folded her Servos. "Well, you picked a heck of a place. You realize you could get cited for trespassing, right?"

"Hey, whatever! Okay, Blurr's was the only place I could think of that would have me keep low for a while..." His Optics turned over to the broken window. "At least... That's what I used to think."

Sideswipe looked down outside the window, seeing Lockdown having vanished after making his fall.

"We should probably move out. There's no telling when that Bounty Hunter is going to come back."

"You're right." Ironhide pulled Arcee into her Arms. "Come on, let's get out of here, get back to TransTech."

The Autobots began to exit the premises, bringing Wheelie along with them as Lockdown staggered away in the dark, moving on with his own retreat.

Later, Arcee, Ironhide, and the Lambo Twins have taken Wheelie back with her as they explained everything to Depth Charge and Ratchet about the encounter with Lockdown.

"So, that no good Bounty Hunter's huntin' for the Kid? For what?"

"I don't know... But you know as well as I do when it comes to Lockdown, nothing ever good comes from it."

Depth Charge folded his Servos, shaking his head. "Well, some of you Bots have encountered Lockdown numerous times before. What do you think his next move might be?"

Ratchet sighed, shaking his head. "If I know him all too well, he's bound to go after his Bounty no matter the struggle. If he's after Wheelie, then he could come back later, attack at a moment where we'd least expect it."

Ironhide folded his Servos. "How does a Bounty Hunter like Lockdown managed to get into Autobot Space anyway?"

"Well, you practically answered your own question, Ironhide." Sideswipe planted his hands on his hips. "Lockdown's a Bounty Hunter. He's traveled around the Galaxy more times than any of us could count. A Bot like him has connections from all over high and low, meaning he could have transferred to Cybertron at any time."

"That, or maybe he could be in league with another Decepticon. I heard he partnered up with Swindle the last time any of the Decepticons saw him before the Battle of the Ark. Swindle might have been the one responsible for his being here."

"Hearing that doesn't surprise me one bit." Depth Charge shook his head while folding his Servos. "I've had reports of Swindle being sighted near Crystal City and Iacon, even wilder speculations that he's the one behind the rise of unemployment that's been going on recently."

"Oh... Swindle and Lockdown, teaming up together?" Ratchet scoffed. "Primus, who would ever dream of that ever happenin'?"

Arcee started stepping forward. "I suggest we should mount up our defenses, especially with Lockdown in the wind. We should probably prepare for another attack in case he ever shows up. If he comes back for Wheelie, there's no telling how much collateral damage there will be."

Depth Charge nodded. "Hmm... And what of the Kid? What do we do with him?"

"We keep watching over him. Wheelie needs to be taken care of, and I have reason to believe Lockdown will come right back for him."

"Well, some of us have to dig into Swindle's operations." Sideswipe pressed his hands against the table. "In fact, I know a certain Rat that's bound to have all the answers we need. He'll give us what we need to know where Swindle's hiding."

Wheelie raised his head, turning around. "S-Swindle? You're looking for him?"

Arcee turned around along with the rest, facing Wheelie. "Yes, we are."

"Oh... Well, that's easy... He's at the old Decepticreep city. Helex, I think it's called."

Ironhide raised a brow. "How'd you know that?"

"I... Found out about it."

Ratchet raised a brow. "How exactly did you find out about it?"

"I uh... I kind of eavesdropped when I... Took something back from him."

Arcee widened her Optics. "You took something?"

Sideswipe turned to Wheelie. "What did you take?"

"Nothing! Just a Servo, okay? Look, a friend of mine in the Pharma District lost his during the Siege, and he lost the spare when Swindle took it away from him to sell it off into the black market! So I stole it back from him."

"Okay, and where's the Servo at now?"

"Somewhere in one of the Pipes at Fortress Maximus. I think it was the one that those twin Construction-Bots were working on, um... Huffer and Pipes, I think."

"Huffer and Pipes?" Ratchet raised a brow. "Those two Bots were the ones that got into an accident on at the transit station."

Hound stepped forward. "If I may interrupt, I believe I forgot to mention that they said something about a Servo, which might be the one that caused the accident."

Ratchet turned around, facing Hound. "How come they never mentioned that before?"

"Well, with all due respect, Ratchet, you did gag their mouths with a metal clamp. You never really did bother to hear what happened to cause the injury."

"...Good point."

Cliffjumper cracked some fingers. "Alright, then. I suppose some of us will go looking for a Servo in the Transit while the rest of us go straight to Helex on a Swindle Hunt."

Depth Charge nodded his head. "Alright. Cliff, Sunstreaker, Ironhide, you're with me. We'll go to the Transit Station while Arcee, Mirage, and Sideswipe will go straight to Helex. If Wheelie's right, then he's bound to be there."

"He is, I'm sure of it!"

"We'll check it out, kid." Sideswipe patted on Wheelie's back. "Don't you worry."

Ratchet folded his Servos. "Alright... Now that leaves with the Kid... Who's gonna watch over him?"

Everyone turned around, staring at the CMO as Ratchet stared right back, having experienced a heavy silence in the room.

"...Dangit, I just had to ask, didn't I?"

Cliffjumper turned to step forward. "With all due respect, Ratchet, you're pretty much the only one staying here. Since he's here, it's a good time to start looking after him while we're gone."

"Yes, and I'm only here because I'm a Chief Medical Officer, not a Chief Medical Babysitter!"

"Oh come on, you handled Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Omega Supreme! You mean to tell us you can't handle one more Youngling?"

Hound walked over to Ratchet. "If it means anything, you aren't exactly going to be the only one watching over the Young One. In fact, I'm still assigned to watch over you for the remainder of the recovery effort."

Ratchet nodded. "Yes, I... I suppose some measure of assistance would be appreciated."

Arcee turned to Ratchet. "I know we are asking a lot of you, but you have to understand, we're dealing with something that is threatening the effort. You know that if anything were to go wrong-!"

Ratchet raised a hand, pressing it on Arcee's shoulder.

"It's alright, Arcee. I don't need to understand any further, we all have a job to do, so we just gotta do it."

Arcee smiled, pulling Ratchet in for a hug. "Thanks, Ratchet."

Ratchet nodded, hugging her back. "Just please try not to lose another leg, okay?"

Depth Charge stepped forward. nodding his head. "Okay, once we're all set, let's go ahead and Roll Out."

Once the Autobots made their time spent preparing, they left the camp, leaving behind Ratchet, Hound, and Wheelie as they watched them exit the area in their Vehicle Modes.

"So uh... What now?" Wheelie asked, perking his head up.

"Now... We just keep you out of trouble and make sure Lockdown doesn't get his filthy Servos on you."

Hound turned to Ratchet. "Should I start to rally some of the troops?"

"No, don't bother. Lockdown's highly unpredictable when it comes to using his "Trophies". It's better that we draw him away from any other Bots than us."

"So, we should retreat into your office building."

"Yes, that's precisely the idea."

Wheelie nodded. "Alright... So what do I do then?"

"Oh, that's simple; you just stay with us, stay out of trouble, and try not to give our Motherboards a headache."

Wheelie raised a brow. "Seriously?"

"Come on, Kid. We got a Bounty Hunter to wait for."

Later, at two separate locations, Arcee, Mirage, and Sideswipe arrived at Helex while Cliffjumper, Depth Charge, Ironhide, and Sunstreaker arrived at the Transit, each having their agenda set on the goal.

"This is Arcee. We've arrived at Helex, with no signs of Swindle yet."

"Cliffjumper speaking. We just arrived at Transit, we're investigating the accident site now. You Bots be careful over there."

The two groups started moving on to their missions as Ratchet and Hound on the other hand were busy looking after Wheelie as they continued to remain inside one of the Autobot Outpost facilities making a call to Red Alert.

"Alright, so Lockdown's on Cybertron? How is that possible?"

"It's Lockdown. What do you expect?"

Red just sighed, shaking her head. "I'm not even the least bit surprised. Cybertron Security has been placed into a frenzy after the Siege, it's hard to tell who's arriving on the Planet or who's leaving."

Ratchet leaned his head over towards the monitor. "Look, I need you and First Aid to stay clear of this Camp until the situation with Lockdown has been sorted out. I've been very keen on lowering the number of Autobots used to combat that particular Bounty Hunter."

"Roger that. Do you need us to check up on Ultra Magnus at least?"

"No, no need. Elita One has that sorted out, let her do her job. Just visit whoever needs medical assistance, and you both can go from there."

He ended the call, leaving him to turn back around as he faced off with Hound.

"I've just activated every high-level Security protocol within a 5-mile range. If Lockdown's here, we'll know it."

"Trust me, Kid. If there are a few things I know about Lockdown, it's that you never know when he's here." He hands Hound a module. "Now, here's the special request I have for you. Can I trust you to handle it accordingly?"

Hound nodded his head. "I'll fulfill your request to the fullest of my capabilities."

"Good. Now hop to it."

Hound turned around leaving as Wheelie sat on his chair spinning around in circles being completely bored.

"Seriously, do we have to stay here all day? There's a bunch of things we could be doing right now."

"Yes, and we would be doing those things if you haven't decided to steal a Servo from a Decepticon!"

"Come on, I've faced off with a Decepticon before."

"Because you had help at the Farm. And should I remind you that you took it upon yourself to march right into Rodimus Prime's Team just so you could get the piece of the action?"

"Hey, that was a long time ago! I already learned my lesson after that, I don't need to keep thinking about the bad stuff when it really ruins all the good stuff?"

Ratchet raised a brow. "All the good stuff? What are you yammering about?"

"Well, for starters, I liked hanging with the Group during that time. Especially that Techno Organic with all that Red Fiber on her head, she was actually nice."

At that mention, Ratchet couldn't help it but give out a light smile, turning around at the thought.

"...Yes, she sure is."

Wheelie folded his Servos after ceasing his action on spinning the chair, swinging his legs in a pace.

"I don't get it. Why don't you just call Blurr? He could probably get this done in no time!"

Ratchet ceased his smile after being interrupted from his thoughts, turning back around towards Wheelie.

"Well, we can't call Blurr right now because he's in a personal group meeting after dealing with his time being used as a Decepticon Guinea Pig. He's trying to help others to heal from that experience, help them understand what they went through."

Wheelie nodded his head. "I guess... But still, a Bot like him should be fast enough to do everything else at once."

"Yeah, well maybe he can be fast enough to help me get done with my job so I can move on with my day! But I can't because he's busy, so here we are!"

Wheelie raised a brow, turning to Ratchet. "Why are you so angry all the time?"

"Hey! I'm not-!" Ratchet froze, closing his Optics to inhale from his Intake, and then exhale through his mouth. "I'm not angry all the time."

"But you're mad at something."

"How can you tell?"

"Are you joking? I can read the look on your Faceplate. All I can is Doctor Angry Autobot, even before Mrs. Arcee showed up around you." Wheelie raised a brow. "Speaking of which, are you two like a pair together?"

"Alright, that ain't none of your business nor your concern what of!"

"Well, if I end up going to the Well of AllSparks, you might as well tell me, right?"

"That-!" Ratchet groaned, shaking his head slightly. "Ugh... Alright first off; you ain't going to die, Kid... In fact, you're going to be just fine as long as you do as I say."

Wheelie nodded his head, folding his Servos. "Okay."

"And secondly, I'm not angry all the time, despite what you think. I'm just not... Not having a good day, that's all."

"How come?"

Ratchet blinked, chuckling bitterly as he shook his head. "How come you ask? Well..." He turned around, facing Wheelie. "For starters; I was supposed to do something today. Turns out; a bomb goes off, and suddenly all my scheduled plans go right off the roof. In fact, when I took this position, I thought to myself that maybe I could take a break from the battlefield. I thought I deserved it, given that once upon a time ago; I worked with 4 Repair Bots who ended up finding the Allspark, getting chased by Megatron for carrying the Allspark, sleeping 50 years in Stasis only to wake up getting shot, blown up, and nearly killed by the Plant's own Security System. Not to mention that I had my Hand ripped off while frozen in Ice, turning into a Human inside a Virtual Reality simulation by Soundwave, dealing with Primitives based off of an Extinct Species, and of course, dealing with a Mech who likes dressing up as Santa Claus and throwing garbage all over the streets just after getting touched by an Allspark Fragment."

Wheelie nodded his head. "Uh-Huh."

"Oh and don't get me started with the things I've also had to experience; for starters, having set up a home on Earth, only to get it blown up by Decepticons 4 Years later, nearly surviving an explosion on Trypticon, battling more Decepticons, getting kidnapped by the Fallen, being forced to be his work servant before being subjected to being his own personal guinea pig on using Artificial Energon, which nearly killed me in the process. And then imagine trying to heal from the event, only to drag myself into the Battle of the Ark, trying to help a Human Kid who somehow ended up being bonded with another Human being from Earth with the connection to the AllSpark, which was also considered to be highly lethal for anyone's case, and having to deal with that pain while fighting over and over again."

"Uh-Huh."

"So, again, I thought; "Wow... I really need a break after all that!" So I figured being Chief Medical Officer would give me a sense of a quiet environment, but nooooo! Turns out; Decepticons just love trying to ruin our Economy for some strange reason, and they just love hunting anyone down for one single Servo that didn't even belong to them in the first place and going to extremes to hire Bounty Hunters that tied me and Arcee onto a table, cut off my EMP Generator, dented a piece of my Chevron, and then coming back only to make my life more chaotic because apparently..." Ratchet started laughing bitterly. "Because apparently, the Universe can't handle the fact that sometimes, I just need a single BREAK!"

"...So... I know this is sounding a little bit off the notch, but have you considered going to see a Doctor or something? Because it sounds like you're dealing with a Mid-Life Crisis right now."

"Wow, really? Where did you get that idea from, hmm?"

At that moment, a grenade fell on the floor, taking Ratchet's Optic as he widened them high with full alert.

"GET DOWN!"

Wheelie panicked, moving down on the floor as Ratchet quickly used his Magnets and threw it up in the air, letting it explode up high as Ratchet lowered his Servos, looking around for the enemy at large.

"Alright, Lockdown, I know you're in here! Show yourself, you coward!"

As he looked around, a hook was planted right under Ratchet's feet, swiping him from below to knock him to the ground. As Ratchet fell, Lockdown jumped up high in the air and pinned the Medic onto the ground.

"Well, you asked for it."

He knocked Ratchet's head against the ground, leaving him incapacitated as he got up, looking for Wheelie, only to find him being long gone from the area.

"...Oh, great."

He looked around, shaking his head before turning around, seeing Ratchet on the floor as Arcee's group continued to wander the streets of Helex in search of Swindle when they came across a conversation that is echoing throughout an alley.

"He's close," Mirage said, turning to the two. "I'll scout ahead, you should move with caution."

With that said, Mirage disappeared into his Camouflage Ability, leaving Arcee and Depth Charge to venture down into the alley as Swindle's voice began to articulate the closer they got.

"Now, I'm not saying we should immediately go public with this. I mean, I'd like this to be considered as a private party, but that doesn't mean I want to have no one coming, now do I?"

"Well, the money I understand. But dealing with other Bot's workplace? I mean, what's the point in leaving everyone left without a job to do?"

"Trust me, dear sir. Within half a Stellar Cycle from now, everyone will only have one job to do. Besides me of course."

Once Arcee and Depth Charge got closer, they noticed Swindle making an arms deal with Scorponok and Rattletrap.

"Now, about that Servo, you asked for. Well, I'm afraid to say that it's currently indisposed of at the moment."

Scorponok raised his tail up in displeasure. "What's the holdup, Swindle? I'm trying to test out how sharp I can use my Tail for, and I can't do that without a test dummy!"

"Easy, Scorpy! The package will be delivered to you as promised."

"Oh it better. Or else I may have to try out some other "Test Dummies"."

Scorponok swirled his tail behind him, wiggling its way next to Rattletrap, who was shaking from its very presence.

"Aw... Maybe you should probably hurry up, man! I don't want to be in that thing's way when that happens."

"It'll be fine, all of you! Now, Rattletrap. I think you're looking for that deluxe package you asked for?"

He nodded his head quickly. "Yes!"

"Alright! Let's start on that while we're waiting on Scorpy's order."

The group continued to talk as the Autobots continued to monitor their meeting.

"This is Mirage. They don't seem to be doing anything other than a merchant deal."

"A deal involving the Servo Wheelie mentioned." Arcee turned to Depth Charge. "And Swindle just admitted he had something to do with this. He must be the culprit."

"Well, admission is close enough as it gets." Depth Charge stood up. "Let's get these Fraggers."

With that, Depth Charge moved in on them, activating his Wrist Cannons aimed directly at the group.

"All of you, get on the ground! You're under arrest for conducting an illegal business transaction and disrupting the peace! Hands behind your heads, now!"

Rattletrap panicked, raising his hands up in the air while Swindle and Scorponok just stood their ground staring at the Autobot.

"Well, at this a welcome sight. Scorpy, maybe you found that Servo after all."

Scorponok, staring directly at Depth Charge. "You don't say."

With no warning, Scorponok swung his Tail right at Depth Charge's Faceplate, only to be dealt by Arcee, who jumped in the air and cut the Tail in half upon activating her Lightsabers, much to the Decepticon's surprise, who began screaming in pain.

"GAHHHH! Slag, my Tail!"

Swindle just watched as the Tail fell on the ground, much to his amusement. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Scorponok... Say, how much would you say I'd buy it off you?"

"Don't you move a Servo!" Depth Charge said, pointing his Cannon at Swindle's head. "You're not out of this yet!"

Swindle widened his Optics, upon being threatened by the TransTech Copperbot. "Well, I have all the time in the Universe to negotiate... If not, well I can always, just Stop The Time!"

Without warning, Swindle got out a blaster and shot directly at Depth Charge, which suddenly put him in a Stasis Bubble, slowing down his movements and everything related to gravity on that spectrum as the Decepticon Dealer smiled at his handiwork.

"Well, what do you know? The thing actually works like a charm!"

Arcee turned around, facing Swindle who began firing at her. Knowing how powerful that is, Arcee made it her objective to dodge his blasts, moving on to counter Swindle by throwing one of her Lightsabers at his hand, disarming the Decepticon fully.

Once the Stop The Time Blaster was put on the ground, Arcee pinned her left Lightsaber at Swindle's Chin, glaring at him.

"You're under arrest. Don't bother trying to resist."

As she stood before him, Rattletrap got nervous and started fleeing the scene, only to bump right into Mirage, who was camouflaged the entire time as he deactivated his Mods, looking over the Rat looking Cybertronian.

"And to think I did not need to interfere with this at all."

Rattletrap yelped as he was yanked off the ground, Arcee pinned Swindle against the wall while Depth Charge got released from the Timezone, allowing him to get Scorponok who was cradling his dismembered Tail.

"Where's Lockdown, Swindle. We know he's here on Cybertron, why else do you need him for?"

"Well, one; he's my partner now. We're sort like legitimate business negotiators, he collects a bounty, and I sell the product. We get an equal share of the business essentially."

"And that involves disrupting the economy?"

"Well, since Cybertron's in flux, you might as well try take advantage while Unemployment is at large."

"How does it even help everyone's unemployed? You'd need them to have credits to pay for your things."

"Eh... It's kind of the long game actually, but I think I've explained enough that I need to say. As for Lockdown, on the other hand, well... He's on his way collecting on a Bounty right now."

Arcee turned around, facing Depth Charge and Mirage as she began calling Ratchet, who was sitting down waking up from his slumber as he was unable to answer the call due to Lockdown declining it.

"Aw, you're awake. Good, I could use someone to talk to, just to kill the time."

Ratchet groaned, moving his head as he found himself being wrapped in a tight wire, tied to a chair with his hands tied behind his back as he struggled to get loose.

"Don't bother getting out, that wire is as tight as the same material on the Death's Head. Trust me, you ain't goin' nowhere."

Ratchet turned his head around, facing Lockdown with a scowl.

"Well... Ain't this familiar? You holding me captive while everyone else is fighting on the outside... Why do I have a sense of Deja Vu running through my Mainframe all of the sudden?"

Lockdown sharpened his Hook, not bothering turning his Optics towards the Medic.

"Should I go ahead and search around this Planet for that EMP Generator of yours? Because I would gladly put you into Stasis at any time."

"Oh please! You're an Ex-Cyber Ninja. You've been trained many ways to do just that without an EMP Generator. And even you have, you would have done it already the second I woke back up."

"Hmm... True. You've gotten perceptive in your old age." He quit sharpening his Hook, turning back to Ratchet. "So... Does that mean you're willin' to start telling me where the Boy is hiding?"

Ratchet scoffed, lowering his own brow.

"Oh, so this is why you really kept me Functional... Put me into an Interrogation, torture me into letting you know where the Kid is... Like you'll ever find him anyway."

"That's partly the reason I kept you Online, mostly because killing you is, well... It's just a big waste of time."

"Really? Why? Because you're bored of getting your hands dirty now?"

"Because there's just no point, not with something big coming up soon."

At that point, Ratchet began to raise his brow.

"Big? What are you talking about?"

Lockdown sighed, scooting his chair closer to Ratchet.

"Well... Let me put it to you this way; Change is coming soon... And when the Change comes, things aren't ever going to be the same as it was before, no matter how far you try going back. You see, all these reparations you've been doing? It's just one big waste of time. Soon, there's going to be new management replacing the old, and once that happens, there ain't nothing that any one Bot can do about it."

"So... I'm guessing that's what Swindle's doing, huh? Let me guess, he wants to make a new business economy, and have everyone be forced to profit themselves off to him, right?"

"Not even in the slightest. Swindle's a business Mech, but he's not one to get his hands dirty, especially when it concerns all of Cybertron for that matter."

"And if that change comes? What do you benefit from all that?"

"Me? Well, for starters, I surely won't end up on the wrong side of history. In fact, my client is more than generous enough to offer me a seat on the table as long as I keep doing the task I've been given."

"Oh, so it's a long term contract, huh?"

"You could say it's very... Very long term."

"Oh yeah? And where does the Kid fit into all this?"

"Well, for starters, he saw something he shouldn't have seen, something he really should have kept his own head out of... And you may want to tell me where he went, because if you don't, then there's going to be consequences."

"Oh please... I ain't afraid of you."

"Maybe not." Lockdown stood up, standing high above Ratchet. "But you should be afraid of what comes next. See, my Client is... Not exactly the forgiving type. In fact, my Client tends to exact punishment on anyone who stands in her way, and if she learns that you have something to do with interfering with her goals, then you are in a world of hurt."

He started reaching his Hook around Ratchet's neck, causing him to push down roughly, but not too much where he could cut the cables as the Medic winced in the pain.

"And judging on my Client operates, it's unlike anything anyone has ever experienced, ever endured, ever lived through, which is a rare thing to overcome. And let me tell ya something else you should worry about."

Ratchet gritted his teeth as Lockdown pulled his hand down on his forehead, pulling his head back as his Optics made contact with the Bounty Hunter's Red blazing Optics.

"Even if you manage to survive the torture... Even if there was a single chance in hell that you end up escaping... One way or another, you will end up being left broken... And once you're shattered to a point where your Processor can't even deal with the pain, and once you've had enough, you will end up begging for death."

"Leave him alone!"

Lockdown felt a small blast on his back, letting him stop his assault on Ratchet as he turned around, seeing Wheelie attacking him using an Energy Slingshot.

"Back off, you creep! Leave him alone!"

Lockdown grinned, turning away from Ratchet as he faced off with the Kid. "Well, well... Look at you, tough guy! Makes you feel like a true Autobot, does it?"

"Lockdown, don't!" Ratchet groaned, tugging against his binds. "Kid, get out of here!"

Lockdown walked right towards Wheelie, intent on snatching him only to get run right over by Hound, driving in his Alt Mode as he fell right onto the ground.

Picking the Autobot Kid up from the ground, Hound used his Shoulder Cannon to cut Ratchet's binds, releasing him as he got off the chair and ran over to the two.

"Hound! Is everything set in place?"

"As per your request, Ratchet!"

"Good, then let's get to it!"

The Autobots started running down the halls, away from Lockdown as he got back on his feet and started chasing after them.

"Guys, what are we even doing?" Wheelie said as he was still carried in Hound's Servos. "We aren't going to get rid of him if the Decepticreep's still following us!"

"Don't worry, kid! We're leading him where we want him to be!"

Eventually, they lead Lockdown down the end of a corner as the Bounty Hunter had them beat.

"Alright, fun time is over now... Hand over the Kid, and maybe we'll forget all this ever happened."

"Doubtful... Considering you'll remember this for a long time!"

Lockdown started stepping forward, attempting to attack the Autobots only for a large hand to appear from below, pinning Lockdown on the ceiling as Omega Supreme appeared from below, staring at the Bounty Hunter.

"Decepticon Fugitive apprehended. Autobots protected."

"Nice work, Omega Supreme."

Wheelie widened his Optics as Hound let him down. "Whoa... That's Omega Supreme?!"

"Yes. And it's nice having him watch our backs every time."

Later, Lockdown and Swindle were placed in Stasis Cuffs along with Scorponok as they were sent into their cells with the Autobots seeing their arrest personally.

"Well, with the Decepticons taken care of, Employment can start anew. Optimus Prime would be pleased to hear about the report once he returns from Earth."

"Good riddance." Ratchet rubbed his head. "Now things can start getting back to normal."

"We're a long way from normalcy. But this is a pretty good step up for us."

Arcee turned to look at the three. "I don't understand how using Unemployed Autobots achieves anything... It doesn't make sense."

"No, it doesn't." Cliffjumper said. "This isn't like their current M.O."

"Well, Lockdown mentioned he had a client that they were working for... Maybe that Client has a different agenda in mind."

Cliff nodded his head. "Interesting... I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"HEY! Come on!"

Everyone turned around, seeing Rattletrap being escorted in Stasis Cuffs.

"Come on, I wasn't even there for the weapons! I was there for Maccadam's Oil Cup deluxe! It's supposedly the last one before the Siege shattered them all! Come on, you can't arrest a Bot for trying to collect a Vintage Collectable!"

Sideswipe turned to the others. "Sunstreaker and I will deal with this Rat. We'll handle this from here."

"He's right." Depth Charge agreed, following the Lambo Twins. "Thanks for your support, all of you. I'm glad to have made some steady progress at this point."

The Autobots from TransTech left, leaving the Autobots to deal with the imprisoned Decepticons.

"Well... Now that everything's taken care of, we should escort these Prisoners straight to Fortress Maximus."

Mirage nodded his head. "I'll make a call to Warpath. He'd love to put some Decepticons behind bars today."

Ratchet sighed. "Well, in that case, I should probably get back to work. I've got Autobots in need of repair back at Camp."

"No need," Arcee said, turning to Ratchet. "Red Alert finished her duties elsewhere with First Aid. They said they'd be happy to take your shift after what you've been through with Lockdown. Which means you and I have the entire time off."

Ratchet widened his Optics. "Oh...? Well... Good! Good, that's great! I uh... I have actually been looking forward to it."

Ironhide nodded. "Alright, I think we're gonna get out of your Servos now. Catch ya later, Docbot."

Hound walked past the CMO. "I'll be sure to keep on guard for the Camp, Ratchet."

"Thanks, Hound. See you all later."

Soon afterward, everyone started leaving Ratchet and Arcee together as they started walking down the corner with their hands together.

"Finally," Arcee spoke first with a smile. "I was beginning to think we'd never have the chance to catch a break."

"Me neither." Ratchet admitted, walking alongside Arcee. "But now, I think we can finally relax for a bit, use this spare time to be with each other for a while."

"Then I suppose we should spend it looking into those places that you mentioned earlier... The ones near Fortress Maximus?"

"I'd like that."

"Hey, wait!"

The two turned around, seeing Wheelie approaching them as Ratchet raised a brow.

"Hey... What do you want, kid?"

"Um... I wanna just offer my thanks for saving me earlier... And that Servo back there. My friend is really going to appreciate it."

"It was our pleasure, Wheelie," Arcee said. "We're happy to help at any time."

"I see that." Wheelie nodded. "Uh... Yeah, that's all I wanted to say, really."

"Alright... Well, I suppose this is goodbye."

"Yeah... Uh, see ya."

Wheelie started turning around, leaving Ratchet and Arcee behind as the Pink Autobot raised a brow.

"Wait, Wheelie?" She got his attention. "Where are you staying?"

"Well... I was going to stay at Blurr's Apartment, but that's totally cut off now. I mean, I guess I give the camps another shot."

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure. You could always stay with Ratchet and I, if you want."

"Wow! Really?"

Ratchet widened his Optics. "Uh... Arcee?"

"Give us a moment."

The two turned around, so they could speak privately.

"Are you sure about this, Arcee? I mean, we haven't even found a place yet. And the only one we have been sleeping at is at Fortress Maximus."

"Well, I'm sure we can manage once we acquire a place to live in. Besides, you do remember our talk about getting kids, right?"

"Yes, but isn't that a little too soon?"

"Well, maybe you can consider this as practice. After all, Wheelie said you did a good job protecting him."

"Only because I had Omega Supreme's assistance, along with Hound's."

"That doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate you. Come on, can't you just give it a try?"

Ratchet sighed, rubbing his head. "Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot." He turned around, facing Wheelie. "Alright, if you want to stay with us, the door's open if you're interested."

"R-Really? Awesome!"

Wheelie started running up and hugging Ratchet, much to his surprise as he smiled cheerfully.

"Thank you so much, you're the best!"

"Uh..." Ratchet nodded, patting Wheelie on the back. "Don't you mention it, Kid."

"See? You're getting along already, Ratchet."

"I suppose we are... Besides, maybe things won't be so bad in the long run, as long as there isn't anything that makes me want to kill myself."

5 Months Later... Present Day.

"Kill me... Kill me!"

The Merged Megatron and Ratchet continued to writhe inside of Omega Supreme, begging for the sweet release of death as Arcee and Rodimus observed their current condition from the monitors on Omega's Bridge.

"Omega, are the restraints secure?"

"Yes. They're operated at peak efficiency. Ratchet and Megatron won't try to harm themselves any further at that point."

"Good... The last thing anyone wants is to watch them try blowing their own head off again."

Arcee folded her Servos, staring at Ratchet's body merged with Megatron's as she watched helplessly, unable to do anything for him at the moment.

"Omega? Where's Wheelie right now?"

"He's still resting comfortably in the quarters. He's currently in Stasis right now. Should I inform him of Ratchet's-?"

"No, don't. I don't want him seeing Ratchet like this, I'd like to keep him out of it for the time being."

"I understand."

Rodimus turned around, facing a depressed Arcee as he raised a concerned brow.

"Are you alright?"

"...No, I'm not." She turned around, walking away. "I left him behind to become Quintessa's twisted experiment... I should have been there for him, I should have come right back for him, as he came back for me."

Rodimus turned around, pressing a comforted hand on her shoulder. "A lot of things happened the way no one wanted it to go... We all tried our best, even you did. There's only so much we could do, even you have to understand that."

"I know... I just wish could have done it better-!"

Before they knew it, Hound came rushing inside as he approached Arcee and Rodimus.

"Where is he? Where's Ratchet?!"

Arcee turned around, facing Hound. "In the Medical Bay inside Omega."

"How is he?"

Rodimus folded his Servos. "He's... Not exactly in a good place right now."

Hound sighed, shaking his head.

"...Ratchet told me to go, you know? I wanted to stay, and he told me to shift my priorities over to you and Wheelie."

Arcee sighed, turning to Hound. "Hound, come on. There's no reason to blame yourself. He gave you an order, and you followed it like you were supposed to."

Before they continued to chat any further, the alarm system set off inside of Omega Supreme, interrupting their conversation entirely.

"Alert! Alert! Decepticons approaching our closest vicinity!"

"What?!" Rodimus turned to the screens. "Omega, show me where they're coming from!"

Omega started showing off the screen of the Earth, seeing Purple Dots on coming from above as Windblade and Drift started running inside.

"They're here for us," Windblade said, turning to Rodimus. "They know where we are, they're coming to finish us off."

"Or worse, have us be put into slave labor. Apparently, that's working out for Quintessa right now."

"Slag... This is seriously not what we need right now." Rodimus grabbed his Crossbow. "Everyone outside, right now! Omega, secure the ship, lock all the doors, don't let anyone in unless I say so!"

The Autobots all headed outside, ready for battle as the Decepticons arrived at the Junkyard, prepared to fight back as Slipstream lead them, facing the Autobots, determined to complete her goal."

"I'm only going to ask this once, and after that, I'm not going to repeat myself any further... Where is Megatron?"

Hey, thanks for reading this chapter! Before you exit, I'd like for you to know that I have made my own personal logo for this Season of TFA. It's not really that perfect, but I thought I'd work out something to contribute to my works. It's on my Tumblr, so for those on Fanfiction, please check out Ao3 for the post I made on the site.

On the other hand please leave a Review/Comment down below to let me know your thoughts, and I'll see you guys next time!

Happy Labor Day!