Hello again my fellow readers!
I have another update for you. Please enjoy and review.
Yet again, Rachet's attention was directed to Bumblebee a few breems later after Jazz and Sunstreaker left his side to sit out in the main area of the med bay. The youngling's struggled wheezes and coughs had increased and the medic left the two distressed Autobots to tend to his patient. While the two mech could not see what was occurring behind the curtain, they could hear.
"Relax, Bee, just concentrate on trying to breathe as deeply as you can. Good, that's it. Is the pain too much?"
"No," Bumblebee answered a few astroseconds later once his brief coughing attack calmed, "I'll be fine. Can I talk to Jazz and Sunstreaker or have they left?"
"Sunny and Jazz are just out in the main area behind the curtain. They were waiting for you to wake again. Are you sure you are up to it?"
Bumblebee must have nodded a 'yes' because Rachet called for Jazz after another pause.
"Jazz first," Rachet said, stepping out and putting his hand up to stop Sunstreaker who also rose to follow his comrade. The medic knew what Bumblebee was thinking, the youngling was well aware of the risk his life was in and was getting his goodbyes out of the way incase the worst came to past. Reluctantly, Sunstreaker stopped his advanced and sat back down. To the CMO he seemed hesitant on going to see Bumblebee, as if he didn't know what to say. Sighing, Rachet gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder and listened in on Jazz and Bumblebee.
"Hey, little buddy, what's up?" Jazz asked quietly, his voiced sounded sad."I just wanted to say thanks for everything," Bumblebee answered quietly.
"What do you mean? That's not something you have to tell me. You know I don't seek out glory. I would do anything for any mech on this ship or in my faction. Well mech or femme," Jazz said.
"I know," Bumblebee assured him, "I was just hoping that I could tell you that, incase…what I mean is…I hope you will remember me."
"What?" Jazz choked, did Bumblebee actually believe that he would cast aside all the memories like junk code once he was gone. Rachet and Sunstreaker flinched when they heard a painful sob escape the silver mech. It was apparent that Jazz was taking it hard and realizing that it could very well be the last time he and the youngling spoke. To the mech, nothing else mattered. This moment, it could be the very last with Bumblebee and he wanted to make sure that the smaller mech before him knew what an impact he had on his life. It didn't matter to Jazz if Bumblebee could pop up from the bed the next joor and proclaim a miracle and that he was healed, what was important was now and the truth was that they couldn't hold too tightly to impossible hope.
"I will never forget you," Jazz whispered, "never."
It was silent for the next few breems and Rachet was about to check and make sure every thing was all right when Jazz finally stepped out from behind the curtain. The silver Autobot took a small step towards the exit and glanced back at Bumblebee before he quickly took a deep breath and left without a word or even a glance to his two companions watching him.
Jazz jumped when he stepped out into the hallway. It seemed a good portion of those that attended the meeting Rachet and Optimus had assembled were waiting outside the med bay for news on Bumblebee. Prowl approached him slowly, comforting him through their bond but fell back as Sideswipe reached Jazz's side first.
"Sunny?" Sideswipe asked with concern, thinking that his twin was going to be the mech that risked his life for Bumblebee's.
However, Jazz couldn't find the strength to tell his fellow Autobots the truth of what happened and instead had a fixed look of desperate grief upon his faceplates. Another agonizing astrosecond of silence passed by before Prowl finally stepped up and led Jazz quickly away.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the med bay's door, Sunstreaker was standing frozen to the spot, fighting with himself to go see Bumblebee despite the guilt he felt in being responsible for the youngling's condition. With a gentle nudge from the medic, Sunstreaker found himself moving automatically towards the curtain and to Bumblebee behind it. In the short distance, Sunstreaker decided that maybe now was not the time to put his worries upon the younger mech and needed to portray and image of strength. Taking a firm hold of his racing emotions, Sunstreaker stuffed them far away and straightened himself up and even went the length to put a small smile on his face. It was the least he could do to comfort the youngest of their race. Maybe his presence would make Bumblebee happier and a happy Bumblebee was a bright light cherished by all. A bright light of hope that was the future of their race and was quickly fading.
Finally, one last step and Sunstreaker was at the curtain and reached out, pulling it back to reveal the yellow mech behind it. His fake smile was replaced by a real once when Bumblebee seemed to brighten at the much larger mech's presence. For a few moments, Sunstreaker stood still, not sure what to do exactly or what to say and it was Bumblebee that spoke first.
"Sunny. I'm sorry."
The gruff mech felt as if the ground had suddenly collapsed beneath him and he gripped at the bed's edges to hold him up.
"What?" Sunstreaker gasped, "Why…how can you be sorry? It's my fault."
"No, I should have paid more attention during practice. If I was better I could have helped you and Blur take out those Decepticons faster," he said, his gears whirling loudly, clearly expressing the extreme pressure his condition was enacting on his frame.
"Don't you dare blame yourself, Bee! Blur and I were having a hard enough time with the original three and it improved when you joined us. You helped so much. We are alive because of you and possibly more Autobots as well since they would have moved on to find more kills. I'm proud of what you learned and can say you executed all you moves flawlessly."
Bumblebee reached out to take Sunstreaker's hand but in his weakened state he couldn't move much and his arm collapsed almost as soon as he lifted it, but Sunstreaker noticed the movement and quickly scooped it up into his own. He gave Bumblebee a gentle yet comforting squeeze.
"Will you forgive me?" Bee asked quietly, optics dimming.
"For what?" Sunstreaker asked in alarm, wondering just what it was now that the youngling was blaming himself for.
"For refusing to take your transfer. I know it made you upset but I didn't want you to risk your life for mine when there is a possibility that I won't live anyways."
Sunstreaker had to look away from the youngling before he fell into an emotional mess. The decision to put up a hard front was now near impossible as every one of Bumblebee's words were breaking through his tough exterior.
"There is nothing to forgive. I overreacted. It is your choice and I am not angry with you because of it. I understand why you did it, but it was just hard for me to accept at that moment," he finally managed to say but was unable to keep his voice from shaking.
There was no response from Bumblebee as another attack racked his frame and he couldn't speak past the painful coughs. Sunstreaker watched, spark jerking painfully as Bumblebee gripped his hand tightly and whimpered softly as the assault painfully coursed through him. All he could do was hold onto Bumblebee's hand just as tightly till it passed.
"It's gone," Bee said shakily and withdrew his hand from the mech's.
It almost seemed as a queue for Sunstreaker to leave but he knew well his emotional barriers were crumbling and it wouldn't do the youngling any good to see him fall apart. Sunstreaker knew that at this moment Bumblebee needed solid structure and support from his fellow mechs to keep fighting.
"Keep fighting, Bee. Keep fighting. I'll always be here for you," Sunstreaker told him and with an understanding nod from Bumblebee, the large Autobot left.
Rachet looked up from his data pad and locked optics with Sunstreaker for a moment before Sunstreaker sighed and turned away to leave. He was also startled to find the mechs Jazz ran into earlier still outside the med bay. Quietly he closed the door behind him and looked back over to his twin that approached. They all seemed surprised to see him as if they weren't expecting him to emerge from the room so soon.
"Sunny, whyareyououthere? WhataboutBee?" Blur asked.
The same question ran through Sideswipe's processor as he went up to his twin's side but didn't bother to ask seeing that his brother was near breaking down. One small push and Sideswipe knew full well that the wall would completely collapse and all the mechs in the hallway would see a side to Sunstreaker they never thought possible for the tough beat-the-slag-out-of-every-fraggin-mech-that-slagged-with-him Autobot. Instead, he remained silent, being the supporting beam for his brother at the moment. He however, was caught off guard when Sunstreaker gave a small cry of frustration and stormed off. Giving the mechs that were waiting with him a shrug of confusion, Sideswipe ran down the hallway after his brother.
Unsure what was happening, the mechs looked to each other for answers. They had no answers and could only dwell on what they knew. The only two mechs that were a match for Bumblebee had walked out of the med bay with out a single word or hint of explanation. Jazz's tortured look had thrown them off but the obvious grief stricken state of Sunstreaker had really instilled fear into their sparks. Not knowing what to do with such information, they remained outside the med bay, hoping that maybe what was really happening would suddenly come forth and reveal it to them. Instead, all they received was a CMO exiting the med bay.
Rachet stopped to a sudden halt and blinked in surprise at the large crowd before him.
"Since you are here, I need Optimus, go get him," he instructed, snapping out of his brief shock before turning back around to return to the med bay.
"Rachet!" Blur yelled at the medic's back and Rachet stopped and turned back around, "What'sgoingon? . Didsomethingbadhappen?"
Rachet struggled briefly with himself before he sighed and answered Blur's question.
"No, Bee is still with us but I don't know for how much longer. He isn't getting the transfer surgery," Rachet said quickly and slammed the door shut behind him.
Blur stood silent in the hallway wondering just what in the pit was going on before he darted away to get Optimus.
"Rachet, what's going on?" Optimus asked, entering the med bay slowly, looking around for the medic.
"Optimus, I…I don't think I can save him," Rachet said sounding defeated and Optimus finally found him sitting next to Bumblebee who had finally slipped into a much needed recharge.
"What? What about the surgery?" he asked in shock.
"Bee refuses to let them risk their lives. He told them no and my programming will not allow me to go against it. I'm sorry."
Optimus grabbed for the nearest chair and sat down heavily as the reality of the situation pressed down on him.
"Jazz and Sunny have said their goodbyes," Rachet whispered and Optimus' spark missed a pulse.
"Good…goodbyes?" he choked, "Is it really possible it had come this far?"
Rachet nodded slowly and Optimus dropped his head into his hands and he shook his head. He couldn't accept that. Not Bee. Not something so precious.
"He'll be in recharge for a few more joors. If you want to stay here with him I'll give you time alone."
Lifting his head slowly from his hands, Optimus managed a weak nod before forcing himself up to take Rachet's place once the medic stood up and stepped back.
"Primus, I hope he remains in stasis for a while. He's had a few violent attacks that wake him, not giving him proper rest. A good long recharge can be the difference in surviving and breaking down," Rachet said, both thinking out loud and talking to Optimus at the same time.
Rachet remained for a few astroseconds before going over to his desk and picked up the data pads he was reading earlier. He was in need of a recharge too but the anxiety that Bumblebee might suddenly need him kept him alert and wired despite his frame showing clear signs that Bumblebee's violent attacks were beginning to wear him down. A few meters away, behind the curtain, Bumblebee seemed to calm under Optimus' comforting touches and he almost seemed to purr in response making the Autobot leader smile for a brief moment.
Much to Optimus and Rachet's delight, Bumblebee seemed to remain in a long restful state during the recharge and when he woke he was defiantly stronger.
"Optimus?" Bumblebee asked in confusion, and the larger blue and red mech felt some tension in his frame loosen when he could tell that the youngling was truly doing better.
"Hey, Bee. How are you feeling?"
"Better than I have in a while. I can't believe it's only been an orn since the battle. Why are you here?"
"I heard you had not accepted the surgery."
Bumblebee looked away and fidgeted nervously. He had feared what Optimus' reaction would be to his decision.
"I don't want them risking their lives to try and save mine when I could die anyways. If I did live and they didn't I wouldn't be able to live with myself and there's the possibility that we both die, then twice as many mechs were lost than just one," he tried to explain.
Optimus sighed but said nothing. Bumblebee was showing the Autobot leader just how fiercely loyal the youngling was. While he was being raised, Optimus was constantly reminded of the advantages and disadvantages to a child of war. Bumblebee had learned how to fight and survive, yet the common stubbornness in Autobots had hardwired it's way into Bee's processors along with the strong belief of protecting a fellow comrades life with his own no matter the cost. At this moment, Optimus wished the little bot hadn't learned values and was instead selfish, but Optimus scolded himself for such a thought knowing such qualities was what made Bee so special.
"Do you think you can hold on until the shipment arrives?" Optimus asked Bumblebee. Truly believing he could, the youngling nodded.
"Then no more goodbyes. Promise me."
"I promise."
Rachet stopped what he was doing and look over at the curtain hiding his leader and the youngest mech. He could hear the determination that filled Bumblebee's voice in his promise to Optimus. Now hope was growing within his own spark and telling him that Bumblebee would hold out till the shipment reached the battleship. Smiling, Rachet turned back to his pile of data pads but movement caught his attention and he frowned as he saw Ironhide going over towards the curtain that shielded the two mechs from sight. However, a quick look revealed that he hadn't reopened his surgical solder so the medic remained quiet, watching as the weapon specialist pushed aside the curtain and walked into the enclosed area.
"Optimus," Ironhide greeted, barely suppressing a groan as he sank down into the nearest chair, "If you prefer, I can watch over him while you finished the rest of you shift and recharge."
"Thank you, my friend," Optimus smiled at the weapon specialist before looking back at Bumblebee, "As for you, youngling, behave and listen to Rachet."
Bumblebee watched Optimus depart before sweeping his gaze back around and finding his beloved guardian watching him.
"So, how are you feeling Bee?" he asked, optics flirting over to the monitors and reading the vitals quickly. Ironhide knew the youngling was not in an optimal condition but he did see some improvement.
Bumblebee's answer was cut off as Rachet entered the area and started working on one of the monitors. While the CMO said nothing, he seemed to radiate irritation off his frame that stifled any hope of conversation and instead filled the air with a heavy sense of tension.
"Um, Rachet, what's up?" Bumblebee bravely managed to ask.
The medic paused at the question but didn't look to the youngling. Instead he seemed to seek the answer he should respond with from the monitor before him.
"Rachet?" Bumblebee pressed, reaching out to touch the medic on the closest part of his frame available, his arm.
"It's nothing," Rachet muttered, resuming his work, ignoring the touch and avoiding looking at Bumblebee.
"Hey, Hatchet, answer him," Ironhide growled.
Rachet whirled around, fuming and the black mech instantly realized he should have thought about what he said first, a quality that constantly got him in trouble.
"Slag it!" he cursed then finally looked at Bumblebee, "I'm sorry Bee. I don't mean to be mad and it's not directed at you, I just wish I could do something. I'm just worried the shipment won't get here in time."
"Shipment? What are you talking about? What happened with the surgery?" Ironhide asked, alarmed.
"I said no," Bumblebee said, saving Rachet the painful explanation.
"What," he yelped.
"It's not right for me to ask another of my friends to risk their life for mine when it could possibly be for naught."
Ironhide remained silent, thinking over Bumblebee's words.
"You know, Bee, I can understand that, truly, but it is not a light thing for me to take it easily. I want you safe and well and the sooner, the better."
"I know, and I'm sorry. But, this is what I want. It'll all work out, you'll see."
Sighing, Ironhide remained silent while Rachet went back to the monitor. None of the three spoke further and Bumblebee slipped into recharge.
The rest of the orn passed by smoothly, and once Bumblebee woke he was still strong and alert with little pain and no violent attacks.
"Well, time for another scan," Rachet told Bumblebee and the youngling grunted as he pushed himself into an acceptable position, "Still improving, good. Now, try and rest some more."
Bumblebee groaned in protest but knew well that Rachet was doing this for his health. This moment in peace could end suddenly and Bumblebee could easily fall to another attack, which might prevent him from being able to recharge and send his already weak systems to overheat and shutdown.
Surprisingly, Bumblebee already felt the beginnings of exhaustion creeping back into his frame and was willing to comply with the order.
Also, Rachet thought this might be the opportunity for him to get some much-needed rest and ask Ironhide to watch over Bumblebee while he was in recharge. The weapon specialist easily agreed.
Some how to Rachet's surprise, Bumblebee managed another two orns without harsh attacks to his frame or systems and the shipment was scheduled to arrive in two more. All Rachet had to worry about then was the shortage of energon throughout the battleship. He had also cleared Ironhide to leave the med bay with strict orders to take all he did lightly and absolutely no fighting or weapon practice. Much to the weapon specialist frustration, many fellow Autobots took the orders to spark and didn't hesitate to hold him back when they knew it was going to be too much. Meanwhile, without having to worry about Bumblebee anymore and the absence of Ironhide's constant roar of cannons heard throughout the ship when he normally practice, all those aboard the Artemis enjoyed the strange calm that had settled over the battleship. Rachet had even managed to spare a few joors to leave the med bay and check on those under Wheeljack and First Aid's care.
"Only one more orn," Rachet sighed as he and Optimus sat at the table together, sipping on a very small ration of energon. What was left of the energon had been measured out carefully into barely necessary portions for the Autobots under the supervision of the medics.
"Thank Primus," Optimus retorted. He had already sent out a few Autobots to accompany the shipment on its last leg of the journey to ensure its arrival knowing it held the key to the ship's survival. Rachet and his medics were already treating many mechs for energon deprivation with more soon to follow their comrades. Even Bumblebee's separate source that had been set aside to compensate for his internal leaks was running dangerously low. If the youngling had another bad episode it could deplete the energon and Bumblebee could easily fall into deprived stasis only breems after the energon ran dry. The only mechs onboard that were not affected by the shortage and would not be for a while longer were a small handful.
Both Wheeljack and Rachet received more energon that the others so that they could effectively treat the others and help with those still injured from the battle. Also, Optimus, Prowl, and Red Alert were included in the group. It fell to the three mechs to keep an eye on the security of the ship and continue what was necessary work. They split the orns between them, taking multiple shifts but did not complain, knowing they were pretty much the only defense of the ship left on stable undeprived legs.
However, despite the plan they had come up with Optimus knew the truth of what would happen if the Decepticons were to launch a second wave. With nearly all Autobots in some sort of stage of energon deprivation it would only be a joor before they were overrun. Optimus was just glad that he had put in for near double the usual amount of energon on this shipment from a hunch.
I know, it seems like I'm just dragging it out, and I'm sorry but this is how it goes so that the sweet fluffy goodness is much more enjoyable once I get there.
Anyways, I'm sorry it seems like the pov was jumping around, I was having a hard time with that and hope it wasn't too bad.
Also, I don't remember too much on TA so I can't remember if energon deprivation is their thing and I subconsiouly remembered it or if I just made it up. Would be kind of cool if you guys hit me up on some TA problems they have since I can't seem to remember anything about the show except names and some histories.
Again, I hope it wasn't boring and would really enjoy reviews, especially help on my TA rememberance problems.