Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.
Summery: Transformers Prime Universe. Set in season one, following the episode cannon loosely. Arcee discovers a secret about her past and has to learn to live with it. Can she move forward to a peaceful future?
"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Speaking
'Blah' – text message
-blah- - Bonded talk
Shadows of the Past
By Yami-Yugi3
Chapter 3
The next day, Melissa was up working on her college work. Gadget was driving back to base, having gotten bored with watching the house. She had agreed to pick Melissa up later on in the day once she was done working. She was surveying the area as she got close, making sure no Decepticons were following. She slowed down when she caught onto an energon signature. It was a weak signature, but she thought maybe it was here father. 'Ratchet...Ratchet are you there? I'm locked on to a weak energy signature. I think it might be Wheeljack. Ratchet...? Are you there? I'm following an energy signature...'
She sighed when she got no answer. She didn't know that Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee were still out with their humans. Ratchet and Optimus were on an energon reconnaissance mission leaving no one at base to answer. That's odd... she thought to herself, it's not like Optimus to leave the base empty. She sighed and decided to follow the signal anyway, resolving to call Ratchet later. She turned off, going the other direction away from the base. As Gadget continued to follow the energy signature, she tried base again. 'Ratchet? Optimus? Anyone? Hello? Guys...I'm following an energy signature. It's weak but I'm thinking it could be Wheeljack...can someone help me confirm?'
'Gadget? Is that you?' Prowl answered, having just arrived at the main computer area.
'Yeah. Finally someone answered. You think you could check the computers? I'm following a weak energy signature. Can you tell me if it's another Cybertronian? Is it my father?'
'Okay let me see.' Prowl said. He checked the sensors and the data, still not familiar with it. He did know there was no signal registering on the scans. 'Gadget? I'm not seeing anything new. Wheeljack isn't much closer to Earth than he was before. There's no signal coming up on the sensors over here. Still, I'd investigate whatever is making that signal. It could be something.'
'You're sure it's not coming up on the scans?'
'No, but I think you'll be fine going to investigate. Call for back up if you need it.'
'Alright. Gadget out.' The red femme followed the signal down the road towards an old, abandoned industrial district. ...Odd... This place hasn't been used in ages... Maybe the 'Cons are using it for something, she thought as she pulled in and started checking out the area. There was little to no activity she could see so she transformed. "Okay, Decepticons...come on out where I can see you! It's not like you to hide," she smirked. She turned around when she heard movement. She saw no one there.
"Come on, Starscream... Stop playing games..."
"Fire!"
"Hey! What the..." she didn't have time to find out what hit her as her world went dark.
Meanwhile, back at the base, Optimus and Ratchet had just returned. "Prowl, everything alright?" Optimus asked.
"Gadget called earlier saying she found a weak energy signature. She went to investigate."
"But there's nothing on the scans," Ratchet said, coming over to check.
"Yes, I know. She had tried to call before she talked to me. She asked me to check. I told her to investigate the signal. It could be something important."
"Optimus..." Ratchet said seriously. "You know what this could mean..."
"It's the only likely explanation based on the information. Prowl, do you know where she was headed?"
"Her last known location was headed towards an old, abandoned industrial district that hasn't been used for years. Someone could have crashed there or it's the Decepticons. Those are logical explanations. It's unlikely but it could be some human error. She should be fine."
"She won't be if we don't get there!" Ratchet exclaimed worriedly.
"Optimus? What's wrong?" Prowl asked the Prime.
"There is a group of humans that call themselves MECH. They are this world's own breed of Decepticons. You haven't had the unfortunate chance at meeting them yet. They discovered our existence while helping Agent Fowler. Their goal is to find out everything they can about our physiology, at all costs. They see us as living technology and nothing more."
"Primus...And I just..." Prowl said surprised.
"They're going to take her apart if we don't leave now!"
"Easy, Ratchet. We have to stay calm or we won't be any help to Gadget at all."
"...I...I just sent her...to the slaughter... I..." Prowl was speechless, sinking to his knees and staring at the floor.
"You did not know the danger you were sending her into. Ratchet?"
"C'mon, let's go!" he yelled, transforming and heading through the activated ground bridge.
"Prowl?" Optimus asked, transforming and going after the CMO. He just shook his head, still kneeling on the ground. Optimus sighed and went after his raging medic. Jazz had sensed the dread Prowl was feeling and raced into the room.
"Prowler? Baby what's wrong?"
"...I...I'm...a Bot killer..."
"Prowler, what are ya talking about?"
"...I...I...I sent...s-sent Gadget..."
"Prowler..." Jazz said coming over to him and wrapping his arms around him. "What's wrong? Sent Gadget where?"
"..."
"Baby...Where? Sent her where? Talk to me, Prowler... It's okay."
"...MECH..."
"Who?"
"...Humans who...who kill Cybertronians..."
"WHAT?" Jazz exclaimed, more in surprise than anger.
"...They... They...di-...dissect us...Jazz... They...w-want to...reverse engineer...Cyber...Cyber-..." He couldn't finish as his tanks purged themselves from guilt and horror.
"Prowler..." Jazz just pulled him against his chest. "It's alright, baby... Boss Bot and Doc Bot will bring her back safe and sound. It'll be okay..." he spoke gently.
"...It...It was my fault..."
"No...no it wasn't... Ya didn't know any better. You and Gadget and I? We didn't know about them. It's okay. Calm down... It'll be okay." The rest of the gang just pulled in.
"What's wrong? Is he okay?" Arcee asked worriedly.
"What's with the mental breakdown?" Miko asked of Prowl.
"...MECH..." Prowl started, before he nearly purge his tanks again just thinking about it.
"Oh no..." Arcee sighed, going over to her parents.
"What do those creeps have to do with anything?"
"Maybe they got one of us, Miko," Bulkhead answered.
"Yeah, but who? Optimus and Ratchet?"
"No..." Jazz said. "Red. They got Red."
"-computer noises of worry and exclamation-"
"Gadget? That new female that was here with Melissa?" Rafael asked concerned.
"...I...I...I sent...her..."
"Easy, baby. Don't get upset again. From what Prowler said, she was following some weird energon signature and asked Prowl what was going on. He gave her permission to investigate it. It's not yer fault."
"They pull that trick every time," Arcee growled. "It's okay, mother. It's not your fault. We should have warned you about them and what they do."
"You said Optimus and Ratchet went after her?" Jack asked.
"...Yes..." Prowl gurgled.
"We should go too. They might need back up. Those MECH guys fight dirty."
"Yeah. Bulkhead, you and me are going after them," Arcee said, getting to her feet.
Prowl reached out and gently grabbed his daughter's arm. "...No...I'm not going...to lose you too..."
"Well, bad news then. I've faced them before. AND I stopped them from going right through my spark. I can take care of myself. I'll be okay. Gadget's family too." Prowl was still worried.
"I'll take care of Prowl and help him watch the kids. You go, sweetspark. You show those human 'Cons that we won't surrender easily."
"Thanks, father," she smiled, hopping down. She activated the ground bridge. "Prowl and Jazz are in charge, okay? Be good and stay put. It's safer if you guys don't try and help."
"I'll keep them here," Jack nodded.
"I don't' want to go anyway. That's gross." Bulkhead and Arcee transformed, going through the bridge before it disappeared. Rafael and Bumblebee went over to Jazz.
"Is he going to be alright?"
"He'll be fine, Raf. He just needs to relax for awhile. It wasn't your fault, baby." Prowl's door wings quivered as it was still going through his processor. Jazz pulled him as close as he could, rubbing his back.
"-computer noises-"
"Thanks Bee," Jazz smiled.
"I know she'll be okay, Prowl," Rafael said. "With Optimus going after them, she'll be back at base before you know it. They're tough but Optimus is tougher. Want to play a racing game with me and Bumblebee?"
"...N-No thanks..."
"Bee, could you take Prowl from me? I'm gonna get him something to help him feel better okay?" The yellow scout nodded and went over to hug Prowl as Jazz got up. "I'll be right back baby. Bee and Raf'll keep you company okay?"
"..." Jazz sighed as he left the room.
"Poor Gadget..." Miko sighed.
"Yeah..." Jack agreed.
Back at the MECH base, Gadget was coming to. She looked at her surroundings and realized she was strapped down with various things all around her. She felt an odd sensation and looked at her left arm or at least the joint where it used to be. She found the arm lying not too far from her, opened up and practically in pieces. "What in the Pit? What psychotic Decepticon torture chamber is this!"
"Decepticons? I'm afraid there ARE no Decepticons here."
"Who are you and what do you want with me?" she spat back.
"My name is Silas," smirked an evil looking human as he stepped into her line of sight.
"WHAT? HUMANS? You vile, pit spawned race of organics! Release me!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
"If I wasn't strapped down I'd break protocol and my ethics to squish you for doing this to me!"
"I can see you're just as spirited as that Decepticon we captured."
"You've done this to others?" she exclaimed. "What type of vile creature are you humans?"
"The curious type."
"I have no information for you! Especially some lowly HUMAN who has no respect for life!"
"You're making quite the first impression. Too bad it will be your last."
"I have nothing for you! Release me!"
"I told you, I can't do that because you DO have something for me. Technology. I plan to take every ounce of it from you."
"YOU SICK SLAGGER!"
"I'm not going to make the same mistake I did with the other two. Knock her offline."
"YOU HUMANS ARE NOT WORTH PRO-..." her world went dark again. Silas nodded at the others to finish what they started. Arc welders started cutting into her helm to get at her processors and a blade started cutting into her chest. Ratchet burst in at that moment with Optimus right behind him.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!"
"MECH! It ends now!"
"This is Agent Fowler! We've got you surrounded Si! Come out and surrender now!"
"I guess we will finish our little get together later Optimus Prime." Silas said before he and his men made a run for it. They left everything behind and exited the area. Fowler and his men swarmed them as they came out. Fowler landed his helicopter and came over to Silas. "It ends here. Your tech hunting days are done. It's straight to the federal nut house for you." Silas could only grumble, his information lost for now.
"...You may have dismantled MY operation, but there could very well be others like us. You can't kill progress."
"But I can stop nut job tech junkies like you," Fowler growled, locking up Silas in an armed transport. "Good luck, Optimus...I hope you made it in time," he said to himself.
Ratchet ran to Gadget, hoping they got to her in time. He sighed heavily in relief. "She's still alive..."
"Then let's go. She still needs urgent medical care." Ratchet broke her restraints and pulled her carefully into his arms.
"What did we miss?" Arcee asked as her and Bulkhead came in.
"We were just heading back to base."
"We thought you might need back up, I guess not," Bulkhead said.
"You can help. Grab her arm, as much of it as you can," Ratchet said.
"Wow! This is horrific..." sighed Arcee. "They really are Decepticons in human skin."
"Though MECH is disconcerting, there is still hope that the humans will be our allies and accept us," Optimus said. "Are the others at base?"
"We left Jazz and Prowl in charge. Bumblebee is there with the children."
"And what of Melissa?"
"I'm not sure," Arcee said. "I'm sure Gadget was supposed to pick her up."
"Very well. Bumblebee, can you bridge us back?" Optimus radioed as the group left the building and headed outside. Once outside the ground bridge opened up for them. "Autobots, let's go." Optimus and Arcee transformed while Ratchet carried Gadget. Bulkhead had her arm wrapped up in a tarp with the pieces.
When they got back to the base Prowl was extra worried about Gadget. "Is she...?" he started to ask.
"She's alive. Are you alright, Prowl?" Optimus asked.
"I'm fine I guess..." Prowl said.
"Prowl, this incident was not your fault. You were not informed about them so you could not have known what would happen. Don't blame yourself." Ratchet silently disappeared down the hall towards Medical Bay with Bulkhead following. Arcee stayed with the others.
"Hello? Is anyone there? Gadget's an hour late and I'm getting worried."
Jazz answered the call on the computers. "Hey, little lady. Something's happened to her. She's in Ratchet's care right now. You want someone to come get ya?"
"Yes, please. You've got me worried. I'm sure you'd rather talk about it at base for security reasons. Just send someone to get please. I hope she's okay."
"-computer noises-"
"Alright, Bumblebee. You can go pick up Miss Jackson," Optimus smiled.
"Bee's gonna pick ya up." Jazz said.
"Oh alright," she smiled. "See ya in a few then." She disconnected.
"Now that everything's in order, I need to check with Fowler about what happened. Prowl, will you be alright in charge? I'll just be in my quarters."
"I'll be fine sir..." He nodded and left the room.
Arcee went back over to him and hugged him. "Prowl...?"
"Yes Arcee?"
"It's okay."
"She was nearly killed because of me."
"No, don't blame yourself. She wasn't killed or nearly killed. She's fine. Ratchet'll patch her up, no problem. Not even Optimus blames you. It's okay."
"But what about Ratchet? He must hate me."
"He won't. He never hates anyone."
Prowl sighed again. "It feels like Praxus all over again." he said softly to himself.
Arcee hugged him tighter. "It's alright, it's nothing like that. She's alright. We're all okay." Prowl sighed again.
In the Medical Bay, Gadget was coming to as Ratchet laid her down on a berth. Gadget still thought she was with MECH. "Get your hands off me!"
"Calm down Gadget, it's me." Ratchet said.
"...Ratchet...? I'm...at base...?"
"Yes, Prowl told us where you were."
"Oh..."
"You weren't hurt too badly and you didn't lose too much energon."
"Good... Did...did you know the humans could do this?"
"They call themselves MECH."
"...So you did know, yet you still protect them?"
"Protect them? No they deserve what Agent Fowler is going to do to them but not all humans are like them."
"...How...How can you speak for them? For THEM? After what they did to me?" she exclaimed sitting up. "Ow!" she growled lying back down.
"...Gadget...this isn't like you..." he sighed, going back to fixing her.
"They're all vermin. If the beings of this planet can produce THAT, then they aren't WORTH protecting...any of them..."
"Don't talk like that. You don't mean it. What if Optimus heard you?"
"I don't care! They're all vile organics with no respect for us or any other life but their own!"
"Stop it," he glared seriously. "You're starting to sound like a Decepticon and I don't like it." She just sighed heavily and grew silent. Her fists clenched and unclenched as Ratchet patched up her wounds. Her blue optics glowed with a red rage as what happened continued to flash through her mind. "Gadget, you need to calm down. You'll wear yourself down with all that pent up anger."
"...The humans have lost my respect..."
"Stop it. You're thinking like a Decepticon. Besides, holding grudges doesn't get you anywhere. What would Optimus say if he saw you like this? Or Wheeljack?"
"...Father would be just as angry... How can you forgive them?"
"Because they're not all like that. I've spent over three years on this planet with them. What about Miko, Rafael, and Jack? Do you blame them for what one group of humans did?"
"...From what I hear they engaged them before and did nothing to stop them..."
"And what about your new human friend?"
"She is old enough to stop people like them. She has the power to vote out criminals of her race. She should have acted as well. Humans are full of hate and disregard. Those unable to stop people like MECH are simply weak and passive."
"...I'm sorry you feel that way. Maybe in time you'll come back to your senses...and start acting like the Autobot I knew..." he sighed heavily in disappointment.
"GADGET! Thanks goodness your alright! I heard what happened and I was so worried!" Melissa smiled as she rushed in. Ratchet stepped away to let Melissa come over. He was finished anyway. Melissa practically tackled Gadget's arm. "I'm so glad you're alive."
"Get away from me, human!" the red femme sneered, shoving her off.
"...But Gadget I..."
"Get out of here! I want nothing more to do with you or your race!"
"But...we...I..."
"Your race did this to me. Your race is responsible for what MECH has done. Be gone! I have no respect for you or your kind!"
"...I... ...I... It wasn't... I thought I was your friend!" Melissa exclaimed as she ran sobbing from the room. She ran into Optimus on the way out. He watched her worriedly as he entered the room.
"What happened?" he asked.
"Maybe you can talk some sense into her. She's been greatly affected by what happened. I tried but she won't listen." Ratchet sighed sadly, still very disappointed as he left the room.
"Gadget? What's going on? What did you say to Miss Jackson to upset her? More importantly, what has Ratchet so concerned?" She slowly sat up, still a bit weak. She locked optics with her Prime, optics still glowing a faint red.
"Optimus, sir, did YOU know about MECH and their capabilities?"
"Yes, I did."
"Then how can you so readily protect the humans?"
"You cannot place the blame of one man and his subordinates upon an entire race."
"Why not?" she replied, her feelings taking reign over her. She would normally never be so insubordinate.
"I can't believe what I'm hearing," he sighed, arms crossed as he came over and sat on the edge of the berth.
"Believe it. I won't forgive the humans for what MECH did."
"You're acting just like a Decepticon. I thought you were better than that," he said seriously, optics narrowing.
"I am not!"
"You're judgment is clouded by anger and you're building up hatred towards innocent lives."
"I am not! DO NOT compare me to Decepticons!"
"That's enough! You're clouded by your own hate and I will NOT allow it to continue. I'm very disappointed in you, Gadget," he sighed, optics softening into utter disappointment. Gadget opened her mouth to protest, but nothing came out. He stood up. "I don't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice. You are to remain here until Ratchet decides you've come back to your senses. You are formally relieved of all your duties. You are confined to this Medical Bay."
"But Wheeljack…what-…"
"You've made yourself clear and now I'm forced to make myself clear." He sighed heavily, his complete disappointment searing into her optics. She was left speechless as he left the room.
"…Is…Is Gadget okay?" Melissa asked Optimus.
"I'm sorry she treated you the way she did," he said as he knelt down to her. "I'm afraid the experience has clouded her judgment. You won't be allowed to see her for awhile."
"But…what about…?" she sniffled.
"You'll have transportation available and you're welcome to come to this base when you feel necessary. I request that you stay away from her, both as a punishment and a precaution."
"But Optimus, I don't remember you being so hard on me," Arcee added.
"Because you held grudges against Decepticons and they were minor. You've learned the error of your ways and learned to forgive. Gadget must relearn that on her own."
"But Optimus…I know this isn't like her. She's just upset. Maybe if I…"
"That is precisely why my judgment stands. She needs time to realize how foolish she's being."
"…But…I know we haven't known each other…very long…but… Optimus…she's my best friend… I'm worried for her…"
"So am I, Melissa. That's why I'm forcing my hand. I know deep down in her spark she still cares for you and this planet. She's still very much an Autobot," he added with a smile.
Melissa took in a shaky breath and wiped her eyes. "Thanks. I'll respect your wishes. You know her better than me."
"Optimus? Can I try talking to her?" asked Arcee.
"Maybe you're experience on the matter can help. Just be careful, Arcee."
"I will."
"I'll go back and check on her later," Ratchet sighed. "Right now I'll focus on finding Wheeljack, see if he's getting closer. He might be able to help too."
"Alright. I'll be going then." With that, Optimus smiled at Melissa before leaving.
"It's alright," Jack said as he came over to her. "I had a time when I left Arcee. I was worried about everything going on so I decided to leave the band. I'm glad I stayed."
"You want some girl time?" Miko asked.
"Yeah…okay…" she sniffled, perking up a bit.
"I thought I had lost Bulkhead once."
"-computer noises-"
"Oh wow, Bee. So, you've all had times when you almost lost each other too?"
"Yep," smiled Bulkhead. "But we stuck it out and we're buds for life."
"Thanks guys," Melissa smiled.
Back in Medical Bay, Arcee came over and sat down next to Gadget's berth. "So, I heard what happened. You're pretty shaken up, huh?"
"…Yeah…I just…I just don't understand how there can be so many Decepticons out there…even in human skin…"
"From what I heard, MECH is disbanded. They're headed to a federal prison courtesy of Agent Fowler."
"That's good. So, this Agent Fowler, he's protecting our existence?"
"Yeah. Listen, Gadget," she said as she put her hands on Gadget's arm, "you can't hold grudges. They don't get you anywhere. You can't blame ALL humans because of what one group did."
"…I…I just don't understand… I was born into our war, I know that evil exists. I just don't know if I can trust humans again…"
"But it was only a few humans, not everyone. I forgave Airachnid and Starscream for what they did, because deep down, they were created by Primus too. Like Optimus says, if we don't keep hoping that they'll change, there's no future or any lasting peace. Are the humans any different than us?"
"…I can't be sure…not anymore… I'm sorry, Arcee. I can't forgive them, any of them. These humans produced their own Megatron and didn't do anything to stop it."
Arcee sighed heavily and got up to leave. "I'M sorry you still can't let go of your anger…" She gave Gadget one last look. The red femme only shook her head as Arcee turned and left the room.
Arcee sighed as she entered the main area. "What's wrong sweetspark?" Jazz asked when he saw her.
"Huh?"
"Is something wrong?" Jazz asked again.
"Oh. Yeah... I thought maybe I could change Gadget's mind."
"Still upset about humans huh?"
"Yeah..." Melissa was hanging out with the others so she didn't hear the conversation.
"Just give her time. She just got here so she needs to listen to her spark and not judge based on what's happened so far. She'll be herself in no time."
"I hope you are right." Arcee said as she looked around "Where's mother?"
"Awww ya know Prowler, he's around. That whole thing today shook him up a bit."
"Should I go check on him?"
"Na, I can feel he's doing okay."
"Alright."
"Nice racing, Melissa! Looks like we have some competition."
"I'll race you all anytime."
"-computer noises-"
"You too, Bee," she smiled.
"You know, I was wanting to ask... How come you can understand Bumblebee too? I thought I was the only one."
"I'm not completely sure, Raf. I think it's because I'm starting to get a bond with him too," she smiled. "His expressions and his emotion help me understand." Raf smiled back.
"Wheeljack's closing in! Optimus, Wheeljack's within range for bridging here."
"Go right ahead, Ratchet." Optimus said.
"Wheeljack, it's Ratchet. Where's your location?"
'Ratchet? It's good to hear from you. How's my buddy Bulkhead?'
"Jackie?" the green mech smiled coming over. "Hey! I'm doing great. We have two new people here for you to meet."
'Cool, can't wait.'
"Alright. We'll send a team to your location for pick up." Ratchet used the information to see where his signal was.
'Can't wait to see everyone. Catch ya in a few.'
"Any volunteers to come with me?"
"You know I will." Bulkhead said.
'I suppose I can't come along...'
'I'm sorry Gadget.'
'...I understand...'
"I'll come," said Arcee.
"I want to see Wheeljack again." Miko said.
"-computer noises-"
"Yeah," smiled Arcee. "I guess it's just me and Bulkhead with you, Optimus."
"Ratchet, we're ready to go."
He activated the bridge. "No Decepticon tricks this time. Be careful." Ratchet waited until they left. He decided to go check on her, knowing she was upset.
He entered Medical. "Gadget?"
"...Don't patronize me... I know... I know why I couldn't go..." she sniffled.
"I just want to come and talk, that's all."
"...Sorry..." she sniffled. "I just...you lose trust... I can't accept them...not for what they allowed..."
"Gadget..."
"...How does it make me a Decepticon to think this way?"
"Because you are punishing innocent lives and holding onto your anger."
"...But Ratchet...how can you trust them...?"
"They saved our lives from the scraplets."
"Scraplets? Here?"
"They WERE here. We accidentally opened a scraplet trap, not knowing what it was until it was too late."
"What happened?"
"Thanks to the children, we sent them back where they came from. They should be frozen spare parts by now."
"...Oh...that's good. Still..."
"Gadget, you know it's not the Autobot way... What would Wheeljack think?"
"...He would probably agree with Optimus," she sniffled, getting more upset.
"Then why is it so hard to let go?"
"...Because...because I was scared...I was hurt!" Melissa was secretly watching from the doorway. She watched sadly, wanting to rush to Gadget to make her feel better.
"But all that's over now."
"...I just... I don't know if the humans will come after us...or come after me... The Decepticons are enough to worry about. I just... I suppose I'm a little scared that there will be others out there."
Ratchet came over and sat beside her. "It's highly unlikely. Also, there are so many that are our allies. Most still don't know of our existence."
"..."
"Gadget...you have to trust your better judgment. I know you can." She sighed. She spotted Melissa peeking in. She stared at her, her optics glowing a faint red. Melissa dashed back outside, a sad look on her face. "You know she's just worried about you."
"..." Ratchet just sighed, but stayed by her.
Back in the main area, Optimus and the others returned. "Hey Jack, long time no see." Jazz said with a smile.
"Jazz? You're here?"
"Yep, Prowler's here too."
"Has he been keeping things running around here? Any new rules since he's been here?" he added in jest.
"Red's here."
"...I...I haven't seen her in a long time... How come she's not out here to greet me?"
"Well..."
"She's confined to Medical Bay," Optimus said seriously.
"She alright?"
"Yes and no. I'll take you to see her and explain on the way."
"No party?" Miko asked.
"Family matters," Bulkhead said.
"You can start the party with me," smiled Jazz. "I'm sure it will take awhile."
"Okay." The others smiled. Gadget was just sitting and thinking with Ratchet beside her. There was a knock on the entrance as Wheeljack entered. Optimus was behind him.
"So...Gadget... I hear you're grounded," he smiled as he came over.
She smiled back. "Wheeljack...I'm not a sparkling anymore..."
"That doesn't mean you still can't be grounded. Optimus explained everything." Gadget sighed.
Wheeljack came over. "Hey Ratchet. Mind if I take over?"
"Sure, I have no problem with that." Ratchet said.
He stood up and went over to Optimus. "She's calmed down, but she still won't change her mind."
He sighed. "She still needs time then. I know she'll come around."
Gadget sat up and hugged Wheeljack. She slowly started crying into him. "I...I must... Y-you must be so embarrassed..."
He hugged her back. "Of course not. I'm a little disappointed, but I'm not embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes. It sounds like you went through a lot. I haven't seen you this upset since you were a sparkling."
"…Deep in my spark…I know better… It's just hard…"
"When I first came to this planet, my only problem was with 'Cons. The humans here, especially those that hang out with the others, seem okay with me. That Miko reminds me of Bulkhead sometimes."
"…You agree with Optimus then…?"
"Why do you find it so hard for YOU to do? I've never seen you act like this before."
"…I know I shouldn't be…"
"…I've never seen him before…" whispered a familiar human as she stood at the door again. Wheeljack looked over. She backed away again.
"Looks like you have a visitor," he smiled. "She one of Miko's friends?"
"She WAS my human charge. I took the place of her destroyed car because of Barricade. Her name is Melissa."
"So, you've got a partner too. Wait…WAS?" He pulled away so he could look her in the optics. "So, you two were getting to be great friends before that MECH stuff happened?" he asked seriously.
She locked optics before looking away shamefully. "…Yes…"
"I'm really surprised at you."
"Isn't everyone…?" she sniffled.
"We just don't want you turning into a prideful Autobot with no respect for life, or worse, into a Decepticon. You know in your spark this isn't right. She wasn't the one to hurt you."
"…I just need to think some more…"
"…Alright…" he sighed, getting up. "Sounds like the party started without me. Maybe you'll feel better if you sleep on it."
"…I'm sorry, father…"
"I'm not the one you need to apologize to. I missed you, sweetspark and I still love you." He left her with that. She laid back down with a heavy sigh before getting comfortable. She closed her optics and hoped that sleep would make everything fall into place.