*REWRITTEN: 6/28/22*
Hey everyone! I hope my amazing readers are doing wonderful today. I'm doing much better if y'all would like to know, and a BIG thank you to the people who wished me a good recovery!
Without further ado, on with the chapter!
Ratchet jerked at the sound of Optimus bellowing his name. "Ratchet! Alestia needs medical attention!" The Medical Officer turned to see his Commander cradling the human femme in his servos, her blood seeping from the gash in her side with every pump of her weakening heart.
"Give me the girl." Ratchet passed Jazz's body to Ironhide and reached out to gently grasp the unconscious girl.
The remaining humans who had been celebrating their win began to quiet and turn their attention to the two bots.
"The wound is under her shirt," Prime added, intaking a cycle of air as he balled up the hand-the one which had been holding Alestia-into a fist at his side.
The Medic lifted the piece of cloth up, exposing the wound. He listened to her heartbeat and found that it was growing fainter by the second, just as he had suspected. "I need to get her stabilized!" Ratchet ordered.
He rested her on the pavement, and as he motioned to cover the injury, he paused. His servos were much too large. He could cause more harm than good. "Curse my Cybertronian hands." He muttered. "Optimus, if I can't activate my holoform, I have to take her to the hospital."
His Prime nodded.
Ratchet transformed into his alt mode, and in a series of flashes, managed to take a fitting human form. He knew it was a work-in-progress, but any chance of saving the femme was worth it. She had done too much for the Autobots, and Ratchet wasn't going to let her die after all she'd been through.
With intense focus, the holoform managed to remain solid enough for Ratchet to pick her up and put her on the gurney he'd pulled from the ambulance using a second processor. Ratchet moved to apply pressure to the wound, hoping the bleeding would slow long enough for him to sew it up. But as his gloved hands got closer to her skin, he was zapped with electricity.
"What in the Pit..." Ratchet murmured.
At precisely that moment, Alestia's hand twitched, and she groaned before blinking open her eyes. She fought to focus her eyes. "Ratchet," she breathed. "I can't... no- no energy." Her head lolled to the side.
"Easy, young one. Don't expend your strength." Ratchet said, placing his hands over her laceration and pressing down firmly. His holoform began to flicker, and he cursed.
"Can't heal." With that, she was out again.
"Prime!" Ratchet pushed the gurney into the back of his alt mode and winked the holo out of existence. Optimus was at his side in an instant. "I'm taking her to the nearest medicenter. While I could slow the bleeding, she's lost too much blood. She needs a transfusion, and I don't have the necessary resources."
Before he could speed away, the passenger door opened and Mikaela hopped in. "I'm going with you."
The Medical Officer knew he had no time to argue as he gunned it to the nearest human surgeon.
(A-POV)
My eyes snapped open, and the first thing I registered was the beeping of a machine. I looked around, noticing the bare white walls and the white-tiled ceiling above me. My body tensed and I began to panic.
My arms and legs were so heavy. All I could muster was a few twitches until, after what felt like an eternity, I could lift all my limbs at will. "Where... where did they go? Ratchet? Optimus?" I noticed tubes coming out of my arms when I looked down to my sides. Every fiber of my being screamed to run.
"Alestia!" I faintly heard someone say. I was too focused on finding an exit that I didn't notice I wasn't alone.
I saw the door and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. Arms wrapped around me, trying to keep me sitting. "No, let me go!" I struggled, but a sharp stab in my side halted my actions. I grunted in pain, and the person tightened their grip on me.
"Lest, it's me! It's Mikaela! Please, calm down."
"Mikaela? Where did everyone go? Are they safe?"
"Yeah, they're fine. All alive and-" She halted and looked away, and as she did so, I remembered. Remembered feeling like I was being ripped in half, how he looked so peaceful in Ironhide's arms despite his gruesome death. How none of us got the chance to say goodbye.
"Jazz..."
"I know, shh." She rubbed my back, and I rested my head against her shoulder. I closed my eyes and tried to calm my ragged breathing. "I know you don't like hospitals," Mik murmured. "But Alestia, you're hurt. Do you remember what happened?"
"I remember the battle, yes. And I remember defeating..." I glanced around. "Him, but I don't remember being injured."
I lifted the hospital gown I was wearing to see the bruised, clean, and stitched-up wound on my side. I frowned slightly. When did I get this?
Just then, a nurse walked into the room. "Oh, honey! What are you doing? You need to rest more." She hurriedly made an effort to lay me back down, but I swatted her away. She only shot me a glare and ignored my protests.
"Nurse, when can I leave?" I asked, trying my hardest not to struggle against her actions.
"We've been monitoring you, and you've been doing quite well. There's no sign of infection and the blood transfusion was successful. But if you're not careful," the nurse warned, "you'll tear your stitches. You might be able to leave in a few hours, as long as you remain awake and conscious."
"How long have I been here?"
She paused and looked up at me. "You've been here for three days, hun."
I jerked and the nurse made a small noise of disapproval. "Shit! Where's my phone. Mikaela? Get my phone, please!"
Mik scrambled off the bed toward my jacket which was resting on a nearby chair. She pulled it from the front pocket and placed it in my outstretched hand.
Alive. Was pulled into an unexpected incursion, will be reporting when finished. I typed furiously and hit send.
Before I could put the phone down, it beeped. 10-4 was the reply. Moments later: Are you okay?
I'll be fine. See you soon.
The nurse lifted up my gown to inspect the cut while urging me to end my texting, and I gulped as I felt her lightly probe the stitches. "How are they?"
After what felt like ages, she finally replied. "Well, they look healthy. They're much better than I thought they'd be. Must have been all the sleeping you've done. I swear, I've been doing this for 15 years and I'm convinced it's the only authentic cure. I'll have the doctor take one last look, but it seems like you'll be able to leave very soon." The nurse left, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, thank god. I'm not a fan of hospitals."
Mik laughed. "You've been awake for five minutes, and you already want to leave."
I rolled my eyes, a grin spreading across my face. "Of course, Mik! It looks horrible in here! No color, no feeling, nothing! I'd rather be in Sam's room than this place! And you remember how shitty his room was." I giggled.
She burst into laughter. "Of course I do. Next time, I'll make sure to avoid his 'treasure chest'."
I made a face, and she laughed again. "Speaking of," I started, "how are things with you and Sammy?"
"Good. Yeah, good. Perfectly normal." Mikaela fidgeted beside me and clasped her hands together in her lap.
"Oh, good." I shrugged.
Silence.
"So when are you two going on a date?"
"Ales-, no it's not like that."
I raised my eyebrows. "That kid is crazy about you. He's probably been gunning for you for years, in his own... special way. I know you see it."
"Yeah but," Mikaela trailed. "There's Trent, and-"
"Forget about Trent! He's a douche. You deserve someone who'll treat you with respect, kindness, and loyalty. And that's just the bare minimum!"
She stayed silent. "C'mon." I nudged her shoulder with mine. "Would it be such a bad thing to admit you like him?"
Mikaela pondered for a moment. "No, I guess it wouldn't."
The doctor, who had been hovering by the door, took that moment to knock and step inside. "Afternoon, Miss Barone. I hear you might be discharged today. How are you feeling?" She glanced at the clipboard of medical information hanging at the foot of the bed.
"Feeling great, doc. I'm ready to get going."
"Yes, I'm sure you are..." She said absently. "The nurse said there's no sign of swelling, internal bleeding, or torn stitches. You do seem to have a high white blood cell count, but it says here you have a history of that, is that correct?"
"Yup."
"Well, considering your injuries, I'm not too worried about it right now. If you contract flu-like symptoms or inflammation near the affected area, come back, alright?"
"Will do, doc. Can I go now?"
She chuckled. "I'll put in the application for a discharge. Your friend brought you a pair of clean clothes. Change, gather your things, and you'll be good to go in about half an hour. Mind your stitching." The doctor added as she headed towards the door, closing it on her way out.
-0-0-0-
Forty-five minutes later, I was walking out of the hospital and wearing the spare change of clothes Mikaela had grabbed from my apartment. As we were strolling in the parking lot, a yellow and black Camaro pulled up in front of us.
"Your legs!" I marveled as I climbed into the passenger seat with Mik doing the same on the driver's side. "Did Ratchet mend them back together?"
Bee released a string of gleeful-sounding beeps and whirs. "Look at us two, all fixed up and ready to go."
Bee let out another succession of sounds, and I laughed. "I missed you, Bee. Glad to see you healed."
"Missed you too! Are you alright? Optimus was worried."
I smiled and felt my cheeks heating. "Yes, I'm much better now. As long as I don't tear my stitches, I'll be as good as new."
The seatbelt carefully wound around my torso, stopping once so that the buckle could brush the back of my hand. I patted the seat lovingly in return.
"Speaking of Optimus," Mikaela announced, "He's been wanting to speak with you in person, and soon."
"Why the rush? I'm not going anywhere."
"But they are."
I turned to look at Mik. "What do you mean?"
"Apparently, the military is moving them to a top-secret base. They refuse to tell me or Sam any details, not that we're too concerned about it, anyway. We're a bit excited to get back to normal if you couldn't tell." She flashed me a grin, but all I could do was smile weakly back.
"So the only way to make contact is through a secure telephone line?"
"As far as I know, the military is ceasing all outside contact with civilians on the matter. Contact is only allowed for emergencies."
"What?" I blurted. "That's bullshit. We saved the world together, and now... what, they just expect us to pretend like it never happened?"
"I don't make the rules, 'Lest."
"People died, Mikaela. Good people. It's not something you can sweep under the rug and forget about. Even though Megatron is dead, there are more Decepticons. They're probably squabbling over who gets to lead. What happens if they come back?"
Mikaela shrugged. "If you want, you can ask them when we get there."
"Is that where we're headed? The temporary base?"
Bumblebee whirred in confirmation.
She looked at me with a hint of concern. "Is that alright with you? I know it's rushed, but we don't have much time left."
I waved off her worry. "Of course, it's fine." More than you know. "That's not my concern right now."
"I've noticed. I'm sure everything will be fine."
"Famous last words," I retorted.
Mikaela only shook her head in exasperation.
-0-0-0-
Bee pulled up next to a bland-looking storage facility. It looked like any other building, with the exception of the armed guards standing outside all its entrances.
We exited the Camaro and watched as Bee followed a gated path that wrapped around the building. We approached the guards. "I'm Alestia Barone, and this is Mikaela Banes." When they eyes us suspiciously, I added, "We're here under Prime's direct orders."
The two glanced at each other, then waved for us to follow them.
I looked around as we did so. It was obvious the building was a stepping-stone; most of the technology was still in boxes awaiting transport, and hummers were located near a large half-open door. Other than that, the place was nearly empty. Hovering near the door were the Autobots.
They were standing at their full height, and according to their body language, they were conversing easily. I could see Lennox and his team leaning against the Hummers, idly chatting with an occasional peal of laughter.
"Captain Lennox," one of the guards called, "There's a Miss Banes and Barone here to visit."
Lennox looked our way and lifted his hand in greeting.
I walked over to him with a smile. "Afternoon, Captain. How are you?"
"I'm doing well, Agent. How about you?"
I visibly cringed at the title as Mikaela whipped her head to me and stared. Poor Lennox only looked lost as she said, "Agent?"
"Uh... Surprise?"
"What the-" She threw up her hands. "Is that why Simmons knew your name!? You're a fucking agent? Why didn't you tell me?"
"See, the whole agent business is sort of an undercover thing, Mik. I can't just flaunt my position around, it kind of defeats the whole idea of it being a secret."
"Now that I'm clued in on one government secret, I think I can be clued in on another."
"I can't-"
"Ep." Mikaela held up a finger to silence me. "You're cluing me in."
I sighed. "I'll put it on my to-do list."
Lennox interrupted. "Sorry, Barone, I didn't mean to..."
"It's not your fault, Captain. And please, Alestia is fine." I grinned. "In my book, if we save the world together, you can call me by my first name. What do you think?"
He smiled crookedly and stuck out his hand. "Call me Will."
I promptly shook it. "Nice to officially meet you, Will."
"I assume you're here to talk to Prime?"
"That's the plan."
"Head on over. They've been eager to see you."
I tipped my chin in acknowledgment, leaving Mikaela behind with the soldiers and heading over to the bots. By this time, Bee had joined them.
"How are we doing today, mechs? Has the United States military been treating you well?" I called up to them.
"Alestia, how is your wound?" Ratchet asked gruffly, wasting no time getting to the point.
"Nice to see you, too, Ratch." I chuckled. "I'm happy to report that I'm in tip-top shape."
Ratchet's eyes dimmed slightly as his gaze slowly glided over my frame. "You have a high white blood cell count, higher than expected with the type of injury you've sustained. You're certain you have no symptoms?"
"How did you know that?"
"I performed a scan on your body."
"With just your mind?" I marveled. "How?"
"Easy" He answered absently. "Each cell in your body reflects a certain electromagnetic wave. I scanned your body with my leading processor and categorized them using a second. The result is an image of your body, with precisely the amount of each cell. Thus, you have a high white blood cell count."
My mouth hung open in awe. "You... that's incredible."
"Yes, yes." Ratchet impatiently waved his hand. "May I see it?"
"Of course." I looked down and moved to lift my shirt but before I could, a hand was already reaching for its hem. I glanced up in surprise to find a stranger standing before me. Dressed in a pristine white lab coat, the man had light gray hair, cut to his collarbone, which was pulled back into a low ponytail. Wisps of hair escaped near his temples, framing his narrow face. Adorned on the bridge of his strong nose was a pair of thin-wired glasses. He was tall, easily reaching 6 feet.
I analyzed his face. He looked... familiar. The man showed no recognition of my shock as he inspected the stitching of my wound. "Ratchet?" I delicately called. "Is that you?"
The man raised his chin. When I saw his eyes, which were an azure blue, an image flashed in my mind. The same man was standing over me, shouting orders I couldn't hear. It was fuzzy, but discernable nonetheless.
"It is you."
Ratchet resumed his inspection and gruffly hummed.
I poked his cheek, and Ratchet scowled. "I'm not a holograph."
"Then what are you?"
"A holoform." He corrected, straightening to his full height and lowering my shirt. "It is a manipulation of unused matter, a willed decrease in entropy. I control the surrounding matter and command it into any shape I wish it to be. In this case, it is my desired human counterpart."
I giggled. "That's amazing! It's a very accurate representation of you."
Ratchet's holoform looked pleased with that comment, and I laughed again.
"Your body seems to be healing well."
"I told you, Ratch. Tip-top shape."
"You're free to go with Optimus, now." The holoform suddenly dissipated in a series of sparks. The real Ratchet turned to meet a patient Optimus, who had been standing nearby. "She's all yours, Prime." The Medical Officer said with a wave of his hand.
I watched as Optimus walked to me and bent down to my height. "Hey there."
"Hello." Prime rumbled. "Would you care to join me for a drive?"
An unfamiliar heat spread through my chest. It wasn't like the searing heat of pain, or the throbbing urge to heal. The sensation was... comforting. Soothing. The realization brought a smile to my lips. "I'd love to."
