After Emily ate most of her breakfast, she waited with Jazz to meet with Lennox, Ironhide and Optimus. For what exactly, her mind drew a blank.

Emily's POV

Once I finished eating, Jazz and I waited for Lennox, Ironhide and Optimus. Within a few minutes, I heard footsteps. I thought it was them, but as I turned my head to see, I was wrong. A very angry voice echoed through the mess hall.

"Why is my patient not in either the med bay or her room?" The voice belonged to a man with graying hair and blue eyes. His clothes gave away who he was and I recognized the voice. Ratchet.

Oh crap. I thought. I'm in trouble. I sunk down in my seat as I ghosted out in nervousness. Jazz noticed my anxiety and said:

"It's ah'right, Em. Old Hatchet ain't gonna hurt ya."

Hatchet? Oh sure. How reassuring.

"Thanks Jazz, because of the fact that his nickname is Hatchet makes me feel so much better." I hissed at him. Jazz chuckled as he shook his head. Then, he waved Ratchet over to us. What was he doing?! Did he want me getting maimed?! Ratchet came over to us and he was red in the face with anger. He turned to Jazz.

"Jazz," he started before he was interrupted by said 'bot.

"Chill out, Hatchet. She was hungry so Ah helped her out by takin' her to get somethin' to eat. Lil' lady's fine." He assured the CMO with a calm demeanor and a smile.

"Alright. Now where is she?" He asked through his teeth. I hesitantly uncloaked and raised my hand.

"Here." I said quietly. I honestly didn't know what his reaction would be so I sat there quietly and waited. Ratchet nodded, pleased to know that I was alright at the moment and knelt down to my level. He stared at me for a second.

"Please, next time check in with me before you go wandering with somebody. I don't want you getting hurt." Ratchet glared at Jazz as he said this, who raised his hands up in surrender. I nodded, saying I would in the future. The last thing I needed was a rampaging CMO on me.

"How are you feeling this morning? Does your leg have any pain?" Ratchet asked.

"Yeah. It hurt like heck this morning. I couldn't walk on it and the wheelchair wasn't in my room so I asked Jazz to help me." I told him. Ratchet hummed in response and started to inspect the prosthetic. After a few minutes, he stood up and explained to me that I should try to walk to get used to it. I shook my head no.

"I don't think that's a good idea." I said.

"An' why is dat?" Jazz asked. I blew my bangs out of my face and said

"Because I'll fall flat on my face."

"No ya won't Ratchet and Ah will be here."

I looked to Ratchet, who nodded and then Jazz. He ushered me to try. I looked at the distance to Ratchet and inhaled. I slowly stood up and started to walk. It was painful at first but eventually went away. It was weird walking on a metal limb. It felt heavy so I had to drag it a bit on the floor. Before I knew it, I made it to Ratchet and I didn't stumble or fall once.

"Good. It looks like you are able to walk. But, if you have any pain or trouble, see me." He instructed. And with that, he left, giving Jazz a I'm-watching-you look. That left Jazz and me to find Lennox and we made our way to one of the hangers. As we entered the hanger, I saw Optimus, Lennox and Ironhide waiting for us. I also noticed Jazz's alt mode was there. His holoform fizzled out and he transformed. I was still getting used to the fact of them transforming. I limped over to the group.

"Um, hi."

"Good morning, Emily. I trust you recharged well." Optimus greeted. He smiled as he saw me.

"Yeah. Had some trouble this morning but I'm all good." I replied.

"We wanted to talk to you about today's itinerary." Lennox spoke up.

"Okay, what's up?" I asked.

"There has been some Decepticon activity in New Jersey, specifically where you lived. We also need to find some files that your parents had on a project they were working on. I thought it would be best for you to come along to help." Lennox explained. I stood there, staring at him blankly. He wants me to go back to where the Decepticons are lurking around my house? And what about these files my mom and dad had? Are they actually there? They think I would know about them? I sucked in some air and let it out slowly. What should I do? Dare I go back memory lane? After a few minutes of deliberation, I made my decision.

"I'll help."

"Alright. Jazz, Ironhide and Optimus will be coming with us. Epps will be coming too. We leave in 15 minutes." Lennox said. I glanced up at Jazz, who had been quiet for a while. It was strange for him to be so quiet. He seemed to be the chatty and perky type. Something was up.

"You okay? You're quiet." I asked with concern. He waved me off as he assured me:

"Yeah, Ah'm ah'right." I quirked my eyebrow at his response. I could tell he was lying but I chose not to push anymore. I then realized I was still in my pajamas. I told Jazz I would be back in a jiffy to change. He let me go and I sped walked back to my room and quickly changed. Within 5 minutes, I was back in the hanger. Lennox and Epps went with Ironhide, which left me to choose to go with Optimus or Jazz. I chose Optimus, much to Jazz's exasperation.

"Ah thought ya liked me!" he playfully shouted.

"I do! But I haven't had the chance to talk with Optimus, especially since you've been up my butt with me eating breakfast this morning!" I shouted at him as I made my over to the Peterbuilt truck.

"Do you mind if I ride with you?" I didn't want to seem like I was throwing myself at him.

"Not at all, young one." He assured me. The passenger door popped open and I got in. The truck roared to life as the lights on the dash turned on. My seatbelt wrapped around me protectively. Optimus's holoform appeared and we started on our way to New Jersey. Back home.

"Optimus?"

"Yes?"

"What was it like working with my parents?" Honestly, that question just sort of popped out. I didn't think before I did.

It was silent for a moment as Optimus seemed lost in thought before he replied.

"They were very kind and talented people to know. They spoke highly of you. They would always provide help to us whenever we needed it." Optimus expressed. I smiled at the thought of them. I missed them so much. My heart ached at the loss but I had to be strong, for them.

"Did they love me? Even with my powers?" I whispered. I didn't really expect an answer, let alone for Optimus to momentarily stop the truck. He turned to me and put his hands on my shoulders as he stared at me.

"Emily, you should never think like that. Your parents loved you no matter what. They still saw their daughter. You were still their loving daughter. Always believe that they will always love you."

My eyes started to water with the amount of emotion I had in me. I felt arms wrap around me in a hug and I hugged back. Optimus released his arms and we started to move again.

"Thank you, Optimus." I said.

"You are welcome, young one. Get some sleep. I will wake you when we have arrived."

I nodded and turned to look out the window. It was beginning to get dark and I stared at the stars, hoping that my parents were watching over me. My eyes began to droop as sleep overcame me. I fell asleep to a song on the radio.

I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
I'm your imaginary friend
And I know I'm in your prayers
Oh I'm already there