Chapter 14: What goes around comes around
Autobot Base:
Ugh I hate being sick. I just recovered from my injuries from Airachnid a couple weeks back and now I am rewarded with the greatest, hint sarcasm, sickness in the world, the common cold. I've been trying my best to keep everyone else from being sick since I've been having a fever to go along with it. Arcee feels really bad for me even though I tell her that sickness is normal for humans, but according to Ratchet, sickness is not common for Cybertronians. This doesn't mean that they can't get sick, it's exceedingly rare. Anyways here I was sitting, well lying, at base basically doing nothing. Jack is trying to take of me, not caring if he gets sick, while the others are playing video games and watching the monitors for any activity. The cons have been quiet for a while, but that doesn't seem to ease the tension around here in any way. While Ratchet isn't checking up on me, he is working on some project over at the monitors. I keep wondering what it is, but my thoughts are interrupted as the monitor started to beep.
"Optimus you are not going to believe this, but I just pinpointed the location of the Decepticon Warship." Ratchet said in shock because it's always impossible to find them.
Optimus and the others came walking up, "How did you penetrate their cloaking technology?" Optimus asked curiously and I wanted to ask the same thing, but I can't really talk at this point.
"I didn't. I was experimenting the variable frequency wavelength when I stumbled upon it. Even still, their ship must be experiencing some type of electromagnetic breach." Ratchet explained and to dumb it down, the cons basically did something stupid to reveal their location.
I walked over at the others to see their reactions, "With Megatron deceased and the element of surprise." Arcee said eagerly, punching the inside of her palm.
"We could cause serious damage." Bulkhead said, finishing Arcee's earlier statement and they turned back to the monitors.
The monitors beeped again revealing another set of coordinates, "Also on the same frequency an Autobot emergency beacon." Ratchet said in a surprised tone because if there are anymore Autobots on Earth, it's good news for us.
"The Decepticons can wait. There maybe Autobots in distress. Ratchet bring your medical kit and activate the Groundbridge." Optimus said as Ratchet nodded and went to the medical bay and came back to type in the coordinates. "The rest of you remain here unless I call for back up." He ordered and the rest of them nodded as the Groundbridge activated and they went through.
The bridge came to a close as Miko decided to speak up, "The possibility of more bots coming! That's way cool." She said excitedly as she turned and saw me standing next to her. "Whoa dude I didn't see you come over here." She said jumping where she stood.
"I'm a ninja Miko." I said in the loudest voice I could muster. "Although I have to agree with you. The more help we get the better. Although I hope this time there isn't any decoys." I said and shuddered a bit at the last time we had Autobot company.
Jack nodded his head, "That would be nice. Although I'm surprised that you made it over here without falling over." He said jokingly as I elbowed him in the ribs.
"It's a cold Jack, not the flu. I am perfectly capable of walking." I said leaning against the rail while pulling my blanket around me.
Raf then laughed, "Don't you mean stumbling?" He joked and I made a face at him which caused him to laugh more.
"Laugh all you want, I can still sneeze on all of you." I said threateningly with a frown, but it didn't last long as it turned into a smile.
Arcee snickered, "You can't make threats and make people feel intimidated if you smile Jordyn." She said with a smile albeit a sad one at that.
I was about to say something when we heard Ratchet call in and demand for a Groundbridge. It sounded urgent so Raf activated the bridge quickly and in came Ratchet and a woozy Optimus. Bulkhead had to help support Optimus so he could walk into the med-bay where they laid him down. Jack, Raf, and Miko ran over to the higher railing to get a better look as I went over to the lower level, where I could be close. Optimus didn't look so good as he looked like well me, but worse. Normally I would go help him, but with myself being sick and all, my powers are a bit fuzzy and I can't concentrate well. We all stood there in silence, allowing Ratchet time to scan over Optimus and figure out what's wrong before asking any questions.
"Cybonic Plague." Ratchet said gravely as we all looked at each other in concern. "It's only contagious if contact is made with the infected Energon." He said as if he was addressing a family like a human doctor would.
Miko shifted a little over the rail, "What was a plague doing in an Autobot spaceship?" She asked concerned yet curious to the bots below.
"Its passengers were infected. The virus wiped out millions on Cybertron during the Great War." Arcee answered somberly and this brings to mind on how Cybertronians are becoming more and more like humans each and every day.
Ratchet then turned around from the monitor, "Cybonic Plague was engineered in the Decepticon's biological warfare program by Megatron himself." He said in a tone that sounded deadly as the virus itself.
"You have a cure don't you?" Raf asked a question that is on all of our minds and one that we are afraid to hear the answer.
We then heard a groan come from Optimus, "No cure." He said in a tone that sounded like a mixture between a ghost and a severely ill person.
"Optimus please save your strength." Ratchet said softly in a begging tone and it was a new emotion to me considering his usual demeanor.
Jack and I then looked at each other, "Would Megatron create a disease without a cure? I mean what if he caught it by accident?" Jack and I both asked because it's an underlying question that hasn't been considered.
"It's not like we can ask Megatron Jack, Jordyn. He's pushing up lugnuts." Bulkhead said looking between us on either side of the room.
I shook my head, "While that is true, isn't there any other way that we can find one?" I asked and then coughed a bit, but regain composure.
"We might be able to access the Decepticon database. For the moment we still have a fix on their warship's location." Ratchet said in tone that sounded hopeful and that's what we need right now.
Arcee nodded her head, "Bumblebee come with." She ordered going to fire up the Groundbridge.
"Arcee quickly." Ratchet said in a pleading manner and a mixture of urgency to go along with it, yet another side I haven't seen.
Looking from Arcee back to Optimus, I practically saw Optimus's life fading away every second and I could do nothing about it. I am the healer of the group and there is nothing that I can do and it's driving me nuts. Call me selfish, but I can't stay here and watch while this is all happening so I did a daring thing, I followed Arcee and 'Bee through the Groundbridge.
Decepticon Warship:
I will most likely get in so much trouble when this is over with, but I really don't care. I followed closely behind, but not too close to be spotted. At least not yet. It didn't take long as I reached the end of the tunnel and Arcee and 'Bee both transformed, guns ablaze as I snuck behind them, landing quietly on my feet. The Groundbridge closed behind us.
"Let's start with the lab." Arcee directed as they slowly made their way down the hall and I quietly followed behind them.
Well I was following them quietly as I tried to hold in a sneeze, but a small sound escaped, "Scrap." I mouthed to myself as Arcee and 'Bee stopped in their tracks.
"Hold on." Arcee said quietly and I knew I was caught when she turned around and saw me. "Jordyn? What in Primus name are you doing here?" She asked in a tone that had a mix of worry and anger mixed into it as 'Bee beeped something. "You're right explanations can come later." She said looking over at me at the 'explanations' part. "Stay behind me." She said as they continued down the hall, where we came down a corner and stopped when we heard someone coming.
Arcee grabbed me and jumped up into a corner while holding onto the ceiling while 'Bee did the same on the other side. We waited as the doors opened and out came Knockout from the lab area we need to be in. I felt a coughing fit coming on, but I covered my mouth and held it in so I won't risk us. Frag I'm already a risk by coming here. Knockout stopped right next to us, but didn't notice and moved on. I thought we were caught for sure, but thankfully Knockout doesn't have a suspicious nature. Once we were sure that he was gone, Arcee carefully got back down and set me on the ground. 'Bee did the same and we made our way to the lab and the doors closed behind us. Arcee went to the computer monitors and started typing.
"I'm in the network." Arcee announced over the comm. as I saw a scroll of Cybertronian symbols go across the screen. "If it's here I don't see it." She said looking through every file that she could find.
I turned the comm. on with my phone so I could hear the conversation, "Are you certain Arcee?" Ratchet asked in a tone of disbelief.
"I searched ever file. Nothing." Arcee said in a firm tone that sounded frustrated mixed in with it.
I held the phone up to my ear again, "Search again. Clearly you missed something." Ratchet demanded a little bit loudly.
"I scanned the entire database." Arcee said and I looked over to 'Bee who was at another door and beeped in uncertainty as he waved at me to come here.
I walked over to him and he picked me up, "Did you use a redundant quantum algorithm?" Ratchet asked as I looked in the window and I couldn't believe what I saw.
"Don't tell me how to research! You think you are the only one who cares about Optimus?" Arcee said as I looked at 'Bee with uncertainty as he beeped towards Arcee. "What is it?" She asked in an irritated tone while walking over to us.
I looked over at her, "It's something you might need to see." I said in tone of disbelief because what I see can't be true.
"What is it? What is going on?" Ratchet asked in a confused tone as the doors opened in front of us and 'Bee set me down.
Arcee gasped and shook her head, "Its Megatron. He's alive." She said slowly as if trying to comprehend the situation.
I heard Jack say something and Ratchet was next, "That's not possible." He said in shock as the three of us entered into the room where Megatron laid attached to many tubes.
"Stay behind me." Arcee warned as she brought out her blaster. "Well I'm staring right at him. Good news is that Megatron isn't exactly staring back." She said pointing her blaster even closer to him. "He's critical, hooked up to life support. Time to finish this once and for all." She said as I heard her blaster powering up.
"Wait don't!" Ratchet said in urgency and I'm wondering what idea that he has come up with this time.
Arcee didn't bring down her blaster, but didn't fire, "One good reason fast!" She ordered and Ratchet better speak like A.S. !
"Megatron maybe Optimus's only hope for survival." Ratchet stated and now I was confused by what he meant by that.
Arcee then powered down her blaster, "What are you talking about?" She asked just as confused as I was.
"Does he display brainwave activity?" Ratchet asked as we all looked at the monitor and saw some movement, what it said was beyond me.
'Bee moved over to Arcee as she spoke, "Spiking hard. His sick mind is still at work." She said in disgust and I couldn't help, but feel that myself.
"Perfect. If a cure exists, Megatron maybe the only one who knows it. You must enter his brain and find it." Ratchet said and I nearly dropped my phone and wanted to ask if Ratchet has officially lost his marbles.
Apparently Arcee answered for me, "Enter Megatron's brain? Ratchet are you out of your fragging mind?!" She said or practically yelled in disbelief.
"The Decepticon laboratory should contain all the equipment you need for a cortical psychic patch." Ratchet explained and I wondered what one of those is.
Arcee's face dropped, "No way! Have you even performed the procedure?" She asked, sounding worried and unsure at the same time and I'm wondering what has gotten her so upset about.
"No." Ratchet said and Arcee's face dropped and so did mine. "But I have studied the theoretical literature. Invented by Decepticons, outlawed by Autobots." He said in a low tone at the last part.
Arcee's eyes widen, "Whoa. Can't we just haul Megatron through the Groundbridge? Buy us some time to figure this out?" She asked and I gave her a look like she has lost her mind.
"Time is something that Optimus does not have! One of you must try this!" Ratchet demanded rather loudly. "I will not allow Optimus to pass knowing Megatron might out live him." He shouted in determination and I agree with him on this accord, but the idea is just crazy.
Arcee's face then hardened, "Ratchet I would lay down my life for Optimus! Anytime! Anywhere!" She said in her usual confidence. "But a mind, body split..." She said holding her hands in front of her with an unsure look on her face and her voice was the same as 'Bee came up behind her and said something. "You will?" She asked and I figured he said something along the lines of that he will do it.
I listened carefully into the phone, "Are you sure Bumblebee?" It was Raf who spoke and he sounded very scared and at this point I stopped listening because the more I do, the more I want to go back to base and hug him.
"Alright 'Bee just let me find what we need." Arcee said looking around the laboratory and 'Bee said something. "Yes I do know what I am looking for." She said rummaging around and 'Bee gave me a look.
I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know either 'Bee. Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked and 'Bee looked over at Megatron and then back at me and did what looked like sign language to me.
He signed, "I have too. Arcee looks afraid for some reason and I don't want lose Optimus. He's my friend." He finished up and looked at me.
"Completely understandable 'Bee. We all don't want to lose him." I said smiling and giving him a thumbs up.
'Bee looked shocked, "You understood what I said?" He signed and had a rather confused look on his face.
"Yes I did. I have a few girls on my gymnastics team that are deaf and I took sign language classes so I can talk to them just like the others." I said with a laugh that caused me to cough a bit, but I laughed all the same.
If 'Bee could smile, he would've as Arcee came back around holding a strange looking cord, "Okay I got the equipment and it's all set up. Problem is, what if the cons decided to pay a visit? We can't sit out here out in the open." Arcee said in a frustrated tone as we looked all around.
"There has to be some place to hide." I said while walking around the edges and I was about to give up when I stepped backwards and almost fell into a hole. "Whoa whoa!" I said regaining my balance and looked behind me a smiled. "Hey guys I think I found it!" I said pointing downwards as the others came running behind me.
I saw Arcee smile slightly, "This could work. 'Bee help Jordyn get down there. I'll go attach this cord." She said while running to the other part of the lab as 'Bee grabbed me and helped me down into the compartment.
"Thanks 'Bee." I said and he gave me a nod and I smiled. "Good luck 'Bee and please be careful." I said in a serious tone, but with a worried look.
'Bee signed, "Don't worry about me! I'll be fine." He then gave me a thumbs up as I heard Arcee come back down to us.
Arcee looked at 'Bee straight in the eyes as he gave her a thumbs up, "Ratchet were ready." She said as I listened to my phone again.
"Initiate cortical psychic patch." Ratchet said as Arcee went behind Bumblebee and attached the cord to the back of his head and twisted it.
'Bee shook for a moment before his eyes went dim. This scared me for a moment because we don't know what's going on in there, but Arcee's face is telling a different story. There is something that she is hiding, but I didn't want to ask because of bigger issues.
Arcee must've read my facial expression, "Don't worry he's alright. 'Bee's been through a lot worse." She said in reassurance as I nodded my head.
"Our communication downlink has been activated and we will contact you if something is wrong." Ratchet said and I heard the comm. link shut off.
I then sat down against the wall, "I guess it's a waiting game now." I said curling my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them.
"Unfortunately it is. We don't know what's going on in there, but we know 'Bee will get the job done." Arcee said pulling out her gun and keeping watch in case the cons come.
I nodded my head, "Yeah I know." I said looking over at 'Bee and then I laid my head down on my knees, feeling the fever coming back to me as I shivered.
"You okay there partner?" Arcee asked concerned as I then pulled my head up to look at her as she expressed a look of concerned.
I rubbed the sides of my arms, "I am not any worse than Optimus, but yeah I'm okay." I said as I laid my head back against the wall.
"Are you sure? You keep shivering and you look paler than usual." Arcee said with her face still etched with concern.
I'm so glad there is nothing reflective around, "I'm fine. The fever is what is making me shiver and I'm pale because of it too. I'm not the one dying Arcee." I said coldly as I looked up at her and she had a look on her face. "I shouldn't have said that." I said now feeling guilty, putting my head back down. "You don't need to deal with this." I mumbled to myself in hopes that she didn't hear, but I was wrong.
"Deal with what?" Arcee asked curiously and I didn't respond. "Jordyn you can't say stuff like that and not expect others to question." She said and I know she's right even though the comment was more for myself.
I sighed and lifted my head, "Dealing with this." I said indicating towards myself. "While there are more important things to worry about. I shouldn't have even came." I said in frustration as I coughed a little.
"I agree that you shouldn't have come, but you've helped us out so far." Arcee said coming over to sit by me. "As for worrying about you, you'll just have to get over that. The situation we are in now is an important one, but I always want to make sure you and Jack are okay as well. That is my job after all." She said giving me a slight smile.
I smiled back, "True. I'm sorry about what I said earlier. When I'm sick, I'm not the best person to be around." I said leaning my head back against the wall.
"Don't worry about it. I know you're frustrated about not being able to help the way you usually would." Arcee said and I gave her a look. "It's not that hard to tell what you are thinking and it's alright. We know that you can't use your abilities right now and we aren't mad about it either." She said putting her arm around me the best she could.
I nodded my head, "Thanks. I just hope 'Bee is doing okay in there. Not exactly a vacation spot." I said looking up him and if I didn't know any better, I would figure he was in recharge.
"No it's not." Arcee said as her tone darkened a bit. "But I know he'll be okay. He wants to help Optimus and will do anything to get the job done." She said reassuringly and it did help with my worry a bit.
I didn't say anything else as I rested my head on my knees and shivered a bit. I felt Arcee pull me in a bit closer in an attempt to keep me warm. Maybe I shouldn't have been harsh to Arcee earlier because she was only concerned about me. I guess that I'm so used to taking care of myself and taking care of others, I'm not used to the role reversal. Although with Arcee's predetermined attitude earlier, my best bet is to get used to it. I lifted my head and looked over at 'Bee and I became concerned because I know it might take him a while, but a good amount of time has passed and still no sign of him waking up. Arcee must've become aware of this as she got up and pulled out her blaster and watched for any sign of cons.
I stood up as well, "Arcee I know 'Bee knows what he is doing, but it's been a while since we plugged him in. I don't mean to be a pessimist, but we've been here for a while and the cons will show up sometime." I said in concern while looking up at her and at 'Bee.
"I know." Arcee said anxiously and then turned to face 'Bee. "Come on 'Bee! What are you doing in there?" She asked urgently as we then heard the door open and Arcee looked in the opening, but I couldn't see anything from where I stood.
Arcee motioned for me to be silent, "Knockout, would you be so kind as to provide your expert medical opinion to Soundwave for the historical record." I know who Knockout is and who Soundwave is, so I'm guessing it's Starscream that is talking.
"Simply put, unaided, Megatron could remain in this deathless slumber forever." Knockout said showing little concern.
As if that surprises me, "Our master would not have wanted to be seen this way. To stand idly by while he remains captive in his own body, is not just." Starscream said and I have to say he could win an award for perfectly showing mock sympathy.
"Brainwave activity. Not evidence of consciousness, but merely of an endless dream from which Megatron may never wake." Knockout said convincingly and it feels like I'm in a medical drama from all the recited crap coming from their mouths.
I leaned in closer to hear better, "Soundwave we must face reality, Megatron is lost to us." Starscream said convincingly still with 'concern.'
"The most honorable option is to show him mercy." Knockout said in the same 'concern' Starscream is currently expressing.
It doesn't sound like mercy to me, "A simple throw of the switch." Starscream said and I didn't like the sound of what they were doing and not for Megatron's sake.
"Quick, painless, compassionate." Knockout said reassuringly and now I'm becoming real concerned now and not because Knockout used the words painless and compassionate.
I pulled my phone out as soon as Arcee used her comm. "Ratchet are you hearing this?" She said in concern and her voice shook a bit.
"If Megatron perishes, Bumblebee's mind will remain separated from his body, forever." Ratchet explained as me and Arcee gave each other concerning looks.
I became nervous, "Please Bumblebee, hurry up!" I mouthed to myself and looked over at him and I felt like detaching that cord right now.
"Soundwave do I take your silence to mean that you concur with Knockout's medical expertise?" Starscream asked, followed by more silence. "Speak now or forever hold your peace." He said in warning and yet again more silence, shocking. "Going." He said as Arcee positioned herself to fire. "Going." He said and I then heard a metallic arm rising.
All of a sudden Arcee ducked back down in the hole, "Scrap!" She said and that could only mean one thing, the cons know something's up.
"Scrap." I muttered to myself as I slammed myself against the wall and Arcee looked over at 'Bee and gave me a concerned look.
I held my phone up to hear any news and thankfully there was, "Arcee we have the formula! Disconnect Bumblebee now!" Ratchet shouted in urgency as Arcee went behind 'Bee and removed the cord.
"Hurry 'Bee!" Arcee said in urgency as she started to shake him, but I heard footsteps coming closer to us.
Arcee pulled out her blaster as 'Bee woke up with beep as Starscream looked down into our hole, "What in?!" He said in shock as we took defensive positions as the Groundbridge fired up behind us.
"Bumblebee go! Take her with you!" Arcee said as I felt 'Bee grab me and we went through the bridge.
We were only halfway through when Arcee came running up to us and not much longer we were back in the base. Ratchet was already working on the formula, but turned to see that I was with them and was shocked, although he continued to work. I guess I was too quiet for anyone to notice I was gone. Miko was right, I guess I am a ninja in some sort of way. Everyone was glad to see that the three of us were okay. Although Jack wasn't too happy that I went with them, but he didn't say anything because in accordance to them, I looked worse than when I left. I was immediately sat down and back to being wrapped in a blanket. The whole time I kept an eye on Optimus and when Ratchet injected the formula, we all waited anxiously to see what happened. Sure enough, his vitals were getting better and he showed enough strength to sit and eventually stand up.
"That's it. Steady. Ratchet said, supporting Optimus as they took a few steps forward as we all began to celebrate by cheering and clapping.
Optimus seemed a bit embarrassed, "Please. Reserve the hero's welcome for my physician and my scout." He said humbly, gesturing towards Bumblebee as he was surprised by the attention.
We all turned to him and began clapping and cheering for him. Raf being the loudest of course and it brought a smile to my face. Bumblebee acted humble at first, but couldn't help himself and started bowing. This day was a tough one like so many others and we had two lives at risk, but we came through like we always do and kept this day from being tragic. Family goes through thick and thin, but the worst is over and everything can go back to our version of normal even if it's for a short period of time.
Can you say finally? I know it feels like I fell off the face of the Earth, but I'm still here and ready to get back to writing! I'm sorry for making you guys wait so long and thank you so much for the reviews, favs, and follows! You guys are awesome! I will try my hardest to update as much as I can since I'm starting college. This chapter showed a little more of what Jordyn's weaknesses are and in this case, she doesn't like to watch anyone she cares about suffer and not be able to do anything about it. That's why she went with Arcee and Bumblebee. Next Chapter: Optimus may have recovered, but the Decepticons never rest and have come up with a new way to acquire Energon and that is not the only problem. Meanwhile Bumblebee hasn't been himself ever since he journeyed into Megatron's mind. What is wrong with him? Can he be helped? Thanks guys for reading and reviews are appreciated! See ya later!