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
Shadows of the Past
By Yami-Yugi3
Chapter 6
The next day, Gadget and Wheeljack both went to get their morning energon together and check on things. Optimus, Jazz, and Prowl were in the main looking at the computer screen. "So, should we send someone to retrieve it?" Prowl was asking.
"Yeah, it could be somethin' important. Maybe not," said Jazz.
"Retrieve what?" asked Gadget.
"Did you sleep well?" Optimus asked.
"With father there I did."
"We got to bed a bit late and she had a rough time falling asleep. She's fine now. Told ya a night's rest would make ya feel better," he smiled.
"We found another container filled with data. This isn't one of the ancient data cylinders though. It doesn't have the same signature."
"We won't know what it contains until we retrieve it," said Optimus.
"Prime sir, do the Decepticons know of it?"
"As far as we know, no they do not. We were just alerted of its presence a few moments ago. If we go quickly, they won't even know it was there."
"My thoughts exactly. We should send two 'Bots to retrieve the container as soon as possible."
"Well…I wouldn't mind something to do. I'm not sure Ratchet's up yet," said Gadget.
"Yeah, he'd let us know if wanted any help anyway. We can go. We just fueled up."
"Alright then. Prowl, open a bridge to its last known coordinates."
"Okay," he said, messing with the ground bridge controls. The bridge opened.
"Nice! On yer first try too, Prowler." He just smiled.
"Off you go. Don't take too long and don't draw attention to yourselves."
"We won't Prime," smiled Wheeljack as the two of them transformed and drove through.
They drove onto dirt as the ground bridge closed. They were on the side of a dirt road somewhere in the Nevada wilderness. Both scanned the area for potential witnesses, human or otherwise. 'Let's stay in car mode just to be safe.'
'Yeah, that way we can pick up the container and be on our way back.'
'Agreed. Hey, I think I see some metal ahead.'
'Me too.' Wheeljack led the way since he was in front. They drove a bit further down the road until they stopped a metal box. It had a few Cybertronian glyphs on it. It was a bit burnt from falling through the Earth's atmosphere.
'So…what is it father?'
'We'll have to take it back to base and see first.' He partially transformed an arm, placing the object in his front seat. 'Let's get out of here. I don't to overstay our welcome and attract unwanted company.'
'Yeah, lead the way, Wheeljack.' The two speed off to their original position.
'Prowl?'
'Yes, Gadget?'
'We've got the package. Beam us back.'
'Alright, it should open close to you soon.' A ground bridge vortex appeared and the adoptive father and daughter team drove through.
"So, whaddya find?" asked Jazz as they transformed and set the metal box down.
"Something from home, maybe," said Gadget.
"No. The glyphs are our home language, but the way they're written isn't ancient. Besides, the metal and burnt spaces are too new. This was sent here for a reason, but not from our nearly destroyed planet."
"You get all that from looking at it, father?"
"Yep. I may have been a Wrecker for a long time, but I've still got my engineering skills."
"Of course you do," Gadget smiled. "So…how do we open it?"
"I'm not sure we should jump into it," said Prowl. "It could have been a Decepticon trap."
"Nah. Not something like this," Wheeljack said as he tossed it between his hands.
"We'll just have to find out the hard way," Optimus said. "I doubt Megatron would try such underhanded tactics to get to us."
"Yeah, and MECH's gone forever," smiled Gadget.
"So, let's open it," urged Jazz. Wheeljack fingered some of the glyphs and felt around for a seam to open it with.
He sighed. "I've got nothin' and I don't want to destroy it." He handed it to Optimus. "Maybe it'll open for the Prime." He took it and examined it, trying similar methods to what Wheeljack had done. He shook his head.
"I don't think this package was meant for me."
"Well, why don't I try?" asked Gadget as she moved to take it. "Maybe it will only work for me and Jack because we found it? Besides, I always loved a good experiment." She took the box and her spark reacted just a little bit. She waved it off and traced the glyphs, reading them as she did. It opened up, revealing some gemstones from other planets, a picture, and a holovideo. There was also a datapad. Gadget set the box down and took the datapad. She turned it on and started reading. She slowly started to tear up. "…I-It's…It's from Percie…Perceptor…"
"Perceptor?" Jazz said.
"...Yeah..." Gadget said, still happy and sad at the same time.
"Then the box was meant for you," said Prowl.
"It's amazing that he was able to send it to Earth, but I'm glad that he was able to send a message to you."
"Thanks Optimus," smiled Gadget. "That means a lot."
"Why don't you go enjoy the box in your room?" smiled Wheeljack. "I can tell you want to."
"Thanks father," she smiled as she left the room.
"I wonder if Perceptor will ever make it here?" Jazz said.
"That's up to Perceptor," Optimus said. "Let me know if anything else comes up."
"Sure thing."
The rest of them went on their way. Meanwhile, in the Medical Bay, Ratchet was going over the formula again. He decided to make some and test it out. He started synthesizing the energon, checking over the formula as he went. He started mixing the ingredients until he got a few ounces of green liquid. He started testing the synthetic energon on small things. He started with a small, fuel cell. The results where promising. He slowly started testing it on bigger things.
Meanwhile, Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead went to pick up the kids from their after school activities. Gadget was still looking at Perceptor's gifts. She couldn't help but smile, thinking about her mate. She set the gemstones on a shelf and the picture on a nightstand where her side of the bed was. She put the holovideo in the beautiful box and set it on a higher shelf. "It's almost time to get Melissa from college." She checked the items one more time before leaving the room. "Oh Percie... I'm so glad you're okay..." she sighed as she let the door close and lock behind her. She decided to check to see what Ratchet was doing first before leaving. "Ratchet? It's me Gadget," she said as she entered the Medical Bay.
Ratchet looked up from what he was doing. "Oh what do you need, Gadget?"
"Nothing. Just checking on you. I'm going to pick up Miss Jackson. Making progress on the synthetic energon I see." Ratchet smiled at her. She smiled back and turned to leave. Ratchet turned back to testing out the formula. He looked at some of it under a microscope. After studying it, he took some to test on an engine. The children arrived at that moment. Rafael and Bumblebee came in to the Medical Bay to see what Ratchet was doing.
"What are working on Ratchet?" Rafael asked.
"I'm testing out the synthetic energon formula we got from Bulkhead."
"Oh, can I watch?"
"I see you come with your own protective eye gear."
"Cool!" Bumblebee smiled and looked at Rafael.
"-computer noises-"
"Okay, Bee," Rafael smiled as Bumblebee left.
"Okay let's see if this will work." He injected the test engine with the green liquid. The engine suddenly came alive with power.
"Cool," smiled Rafael.
"It's stable and quite efficient."
"So, you can start using it. Hey, Bumblebee!"
"No, Rafael," Ratchet replied sternly. "The energon isn't ready to be used for fuel or first aid yet. We need to test it more."
"But, aren't your reserves really low?"
"Yes...but we can't risk an unstable reaction." Rafael sighed. An alert rang out. The rest of the 'Bots and Optimus came out.
"Energon is on the move," said Prowl.
"Decepticons. Their pattern is the same meaning they're searching for new areas to mine." Optimus turned to the group. "Autobots..."
"Optimus...if any of you come back to base injured... I'm not sure what will happen. Our energon reserves are almost gone."
"I understand, old friend. We'll do what we can. Autobots, Roll Out!"
Prowl activated the ground bridge and watched them leave. Ratchet went back into Medical Bay as the children stayed with Melissa and Gadget. "...I...I wish I could do more..." he sighed as he entered. He sat down and looked at the testing equipment. "...Maybe...Maybe I can..." He filled up a vile of sythentic energon and stared at it with a sigh. He injected the vile into his arm. The shock of the new energon caused him to faint. Everything went dark for a bit until he heard Rafael calling out his name.
"...Uhh...How...How can you be so loud?" he said as he slowly sat up before standing.
"Are you okay? You fell."
"I'm okay... No I'm better then okay." He opened up the plating on his arm and checked out the readings. "I'm definitely better than okay." He moved around and jumped a bit. "Any word on the others?" he asked.
"No..." Just then the alarm rang out. The two rushed into the main room.
"Arcee...she's wounded. Activate the ground bridge!" Rafael did as told, watching Ratchet rush through.
"Arcee, get inside the ground bridge!" She weakly got to her feet and started towards it. Ratchet entered and he came through swinging. He started deactivating seeker drones right and left. Arcee was surprised on how Ratchet was fighting them off. Optimus and the others finally caught to them from the rockslide just as Ratchet dispatched the last one.
"What happened here?" Bulkhead asked.
"Hooah!"
"Let's get Arcee back to base," Optimus said as they went through the ground bridge.
Once back at the base, Prowl came over, worried about his daughter with Jazz right behind him. "What happened?" Prowl asked.
"Ratchet kicked some major Decepticon can."
"How?" Arcee asked. "What's the secret?" Ratchet walked over to where some canisters filled with a familiar green liquid were sitting. He grabbed one and tossed it to Arcee.
"Sythentic Energon," he smirked.
"But wasn't it incomplete?" Prowl asked.
"Not anymore. With Gadget and Wheeljack's help, I was able to finish it. I've been testing it all day."
"You really did a job good out there," said Arcee. "We should all try this stuff."
"No," Prowl said "Who knows what damage it can cause?" He looked towards Optimus for help putting a stop to it.
"Ratchet...I question your wisdom on using yourself as a test subject. I want all further testing to be kept to machines, NOT Autobots," he said as he came over to him. "We need our medic right now, not another warrior."
Later on Ratchet, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee where hanging out while Ratchet was telling him what happened. "Okay Bulkhead come at me." he said.
"I don't want to hurt you, Ratchet."
Ratchet slapped him across the face. "I said, come at me." Bulkhead charged at Ratchet. Ratchet easily picked him up and threw him through the wall. Bumblebee stared at him as he walks through the whole in the wall. "You think you can take me muscle car?" Bumblebee shook his head as he backed away. "...Wimp..." he smirked under his breath. He looked over at Arcee. "How's it humming?" he said with a click. Prowl at that time had come to investigate what was going on.
"Did he just...?" Arcee asked, a bit grossed out. Prowl's door wings raised high, glaring at Ratchet.
"What are you staring at?"
"What...What did you just, say to my daughter?" Prowl growled.
"What's it to you?"
"I'm officially creped out." Arcee said.
"What is with you?" Prowl yelled. Ratchet just huffed and walked away. Prowl still was upset.
"-computer noises-"
"Yeah... I think that synthetic energon is messing with him..."
"Yeah, stronger, faster, and studlier," said Bulkhead.
Ratchet walked back into Medical Bay and injected himself with the last of the synthetic energon. "I have to be at my best...for our survival..."
While the 'Bots regrouped to be with their charges, an alert rang out. They all gathered back into the main room. Optimus and Prowl were there waiting for them. "What's happening?" Arcee asked.
"The Decepticons found a new energon vein," said Prowl.
"Then let's go," said Arcee.
"Autobots, Roll Out," Optimus said as he walked towards the ground bridge.
"Wait a minute, shouldn't we wait for our secret weapon?" Bulkhead asked.
Prowl looked like he was unsure. "I don't think we require any medical expertise." Optimus said.
"But what about additional fire power?" Ratchet said as he came into the room.
"Optimus I don't think Ratchet..." Prowl started.
"Bumblebee can operate the ground bridge," Ratchet said as he walked over to the gateway. "It's time to put some hurt on those Decepticons," he said, posing.
Prowl looked at Optimus. "Prime...?"
He sighed. "...Alright... Ratchet you can accompany us. Do not engage the enemy on your own," he warned as he walked up to him.
Bumblebee sighed and activated the bridge. The group left through the portal. As they emerged, Ratchet managed to jump ahead of them. "There's a small energon pulse but not enough for a big deposit." Bulkhead said.
"I take comfort in the fact that Megatron is looking for this stuff as badly as we are."
"Do you always talk so much on these missions?" Ratchet transformed and pinned the 'Con to the ground. "Don't worry, I'm an emergency vehicle," he smirked as he beheaded him with his blades.
"Autobots!" the others cried as Optimus, Arcee, and Bulkhead caught up to him. They all started shooting the vehicons to stop them. Many started to retreat until there was one left. Ratchet saw him and smirked before the Decepticon tried to escape up the hill with Ratchet following him.
He got to the top and Ratchet watched him run. He picked up a heavy rock and threw it. It knocked the Vehicon to the ground a few feet in front of him. He went over to him. "Where are you going?"
"I'm trying to get away from the Autobot stink." the Vehicon said.
"Does your boss know you have a potty mouth?"
"Go get melted, four wheeler!"
"Melted? Now there's a concept. I won't ask again, where...is...Megatron?" he growled, brandishing his arc welder.
"Like I'll tell you Autoscum!" Ratchet ignored him and started melting his face. Optimus, Arcee, and Bulkhead heard the Vehicon's screams from the battle. They stopped fighting and ran up the hill.
"T-That's all I know..."
"Really?"
"...R-Really..." the Vehicon gasped in pain.
"Now was that so hard?" Ratchet taunted, transforming his hand into a blade as the vehicon caught his breath.
"Ratchet! What are you doing?" Optimus warned, grabbing the CMO's hand.
"Getting answers." Ratchet said.
"That's not the Autobot way." Optimus said.
"And what IS the Autobot way?"
"We do not interrogate by means of inflicting harm. We are not ruthless like the Decepticons."
"Is this really a time for lectures, Optimus? We need to strike now! And hard! We're wasting resources chasing after possible leads Megatron lets us follow. They have a warship! He's planning things! Let's go there now and strike!"
"Rushing onto the Decepticon ship will only lead to more losses and risk endangering human lives."
"But you have no trouble risking ours. Why don't we ask Cliffjumper? Wait, we can't because he can't be here today."
"Alright! That's it!" Arcee growled going after him. Bulkhead stopped her.
Ratchet got in Optimus's face. "You should have destroyed Megatron when you had the chance! Many chances!"
"I'm afraid the synthetic energon has severely clouded your judgment. I'm confining you to base until further notice. Bumblebee...bridge us back."
'We should brig him.' Prowl said, 'Do we even have a brig?'
"Just keep an eye on him, Prowl," said Optimus.
'Very well sir.'
The ground bridge opened and Ratchet turned to go through. He sighed. "Fine," he bit back as he went in. Arcee looked at Bulkhead and he followed after him. He was knocked to the ground as Ratchet came running out. Optimus watched in disappointment as he transformed and sped away.
'Maybe I can ask Wheeljack to start building us a brig.'
Optimus only sighed. 'This is not a time for jokes, Prowl. Keep the bridge open.' The three of them went back to base, trying to locate Ratchet.
"I'm just saying sir; it might help to have a brig on hand." Prowl said later "It worked when ever the twins got out of hand."
"Has Ratchet's signal appeared?" he sighed.
"Not yet. It's hard to tell with the synthetic energon." Arcee said.
"Must be scrambling his circuits," agreed Bulkhead. At that moment, Gadget came into the room.
"Guess I missed some activity huh? Everything alright?"
"Ratchet tested the synthetic energon on himself. He's unstable and he's decided to go after the Decepticons," Optimus sighed.
"We tried to stop him..." sighed Bulkhead.
"Still nothing..." growled Arcee with a heavy sigh.
"We MUST find him before he finds Megatron," Optimus said very worriedly.
"What? The synthetic energon made him more powerful, but too head strong?"
"Uh huh," said Bulkhead. "Faster, stronger, and studlier. He tortured a Vehicon into telling him where Megatron is."
"He...He...What?"
"I'm sorry, Gadget," Optimus sighed, disappointment hiding beneath deep worry. He came over to her. "We're trying to find him, but he decided to go after Megatron on his own."
"WHAT?" she exclaimed, rage building. "Of all the Primus forsaken...! HE WENT AFTER MEGATRON ALONE? That slagger! I'm going to KILL HIM if Megatron doesn't do it first!" she ranted, stomping around and punching the railings. "That oaf! Rrrrr..." She started pacing madly.
Optimus put a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her. "I'm just as worried as you are." She sighed angrily, very worried about her mentor and friend.
Prowl was still disappointed about the brig thing. "Come on Prowler," Jazz said as he started to lead his mate away "OP is a bit busy now. You can tell him all about your dream brig later."
"Thanks, Jazz," Prowl said, cuddling into Jazz.
Meanwhile, in one of Megatron's bigger energon mines, Breakdown was chatting with a vehicon. They walked past a hallway. Ratchet whistled at them, getting their attention. Breakdown prepared for a fight. "I was wondering when you would show up." Down a nearby hallway, Megatron was interrogating Knockout.
"Where is the new energon source you promised me? You're a scientist aren't you?"
"We were about to get it but we were stopped by this new Autobot."
"And who would that be?" he asked angrily, getting in Knockout's face. Breakdown entered silently, and then fell to the floor. Ratchet stood smirking at them. He stepped a bit closer.
"Well uh...him..."
"Him?" Megatron said with a laugh "That's just Optimus' medic."
Knockout wasn't so sure. "No, Megatron," laughed Ratchet. "I'm your doctor of doom!" He rushed at him and managed to punch him hard in the face. He caused his lips to bleed.
Megatron fingered the blood. He smirked. "Well alright then." Ratchet charged again, but Megatron was ready for him. He easily caught Ratchet's hand, crushing and twisting it. "You ARE much more spirited than I remember."
"Chemical enhancement?" Knockout asked. Megatron smirked and punched Ratchet hard in the chest, digging in. Ratchet gasped in pain, unprepared to be felled so easily. He collapsed to the ground from the near fatal wound. He bled out on the ground.
"There's your laboratory sample, doctor. See what it is. If that can power up a mere medic, it can do wonders for our troops."
"...I-I've been a fool..." Ratchet said as Knockout came over.
"I must congratulate you on trying to defeat Megatron by yourself," he said as he collected the energon.
Meanwhile, back at the base the others finally found Ratchet's location. "Optimus, Ratchet's signal is back online." Arcee said.
"Then let's go."
"Can I come with you?" Gadget asked, very worried.
"Very well, Gadget." Optimus said as he looked at Bumblebee "Bumblebee." He nodded and bridged them to Ratchet's location.
Knockout studied the vile of fluid. "Thank you for your contribution to science. I'll be sure to include you in the credits when you're gone..." he transformed his hand into his saw blade. "Which I predict will be very soon." Sounds of the Autobots bridging in and fighting the vehicons distract him. "Scrap." This gave Ratchet the chance to fight him off. He weakly stood, pushing Knockout off of him. Knockout regains his footing and charged at him, his saw blade spinning. Ratchet weakly grabbed his wrist, trying to stop him. As the blade slowly got closer to his helmet, Ratchet saw a chance to move Knockout's arm out of the way to head but him again. Knockout tried it again before Ratchet side stepped away and his saw got caught on the cave wall. He growled, trying to pull it out. Ratchet picked up the vile and stared at it. "Wh-what are you going to do? Drink it?" Knockout laughed.
"...No... I'm going to destroy it!" he cried, throwing the vile down on the rocks. It shattered, the contents lost.
"You idiot!" Knockout said as he finally got free "Megatron will have my head for that!" Ratchet couldn't reply as he collapsed to the ground. Knockout could see the Autobots coming around the corner and he knew he shouldn't hang around any longer so he transformed and drove off. The group rushed over to Ratchet, letting Knockout go.
"Is he...?" Arcee asked.
"No, but he is gravely injured."
"Ratchet!" cried Gadget as she rushed over to him. She knelt down beside him. "YOU IDIOT! Don't you EVER scare me like that again."
"Let's get him back to base."
Gadget carefully pulled him into a sitting position. "You're going to be okay..." she sniffled. Bulkhead came over and gently took him into his arms. A ground bridge opened and they went through.
Prowl, Jazz and Bumblebee were waiting for them. "What happened?" Jazz asked.
"-computer noises of worry-"
"He'll live, Bumblebee, if we tend to him quickly," sighed Optimus. Gadget was fighting back tears as they went further down the hall into Medical.
"Want me to contact Wheeljack?" Prowl asked.
Optimus turned to look at him. "That would be wise. I need Gadget and Wheeljack's help. They're more knowledgeable in medicine than I am." Prowl nodded then went to do so.
Gadget took a deep breath as they entered Medical. She stood by as Bulkhead laid Ratchet down on a berth. "I need an energon IV and a patch kit," she said, turning on the diagnostic systems. Optimus went to grab said items. She slowly tried to regain her composure and recall all her training under the CMO. "Hang on, teacher, I know you're gonna make it."
Bulkhead and Arcee watched as Optimus came over to her. "Hey, Prime, what about the energon back at the mine?"
"I'll let Prowl and Jazz know and send them to retrieve it. I want you to go with them, Bulkhead," he replied as he gave the items to Gadget.
"Should I go tell them? Then we can go right now. I'm no use here."
"That's a good idea, go," Optimus said.
"And hurry! I'm going to need a lot more energon than what we've got," added Gadget. She carefully lifted Ratchet into a sitting position. "Can you help me hold him up while I patch him up?" Optimus nodded and came over to help. Gadget started fixing torn wiring and fuel lines before patching up the plating around the chest wound. "Okay, I'm done for now." Optimus gently laid him back down. She quickly set up the IV and hooked it up to the hole in his chest. She made all the connections for the line to feed. She filled up the vile of the IV with the energon they had before going over and grabing an empty transfer vile. She was about to donate her own energon when Wheeljack came in.
"You needed my help?"
"Father great. Have you ever needed to give Ratchet energon before?"
"Well...one time...fresh out of the academy together..."
"Great, I need you to donate some. I've never given him any before and I don't think it'll be enough. He's...lost a lot," she almost choked on the last words.
"I'm game," he said as he picked up a transfer vile and filled it. Gadget filled the one she had before making an even mix of them both to put in the IV.
She sighed heavily as she started the flow. "Please let this work..."
'Optimus,' Bulkhead said over the comm. link.
'Yes Bulkhead?'
'Prowl, Jazz, and I are at the mine now. How much do you want us to bring back? Most of the 'Cons are gone. It's just a few workers.'
'Bring back as much as you can. We need it.'
'Will do, Prime. We'll come back with as much as we can carry,' said Prowl.
'Good, be careful. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Optimus out.'
Gadget took in a deep breath, relaxing. "He's stable. He should wake up soon."
"Thank you, Gadget." Optimus said "You did well."
"I hope so."
Wheeljack came over to her. "He'll be alright. You learned from the best. I know he's going to make it," he smiled as he put an arm around her.
"Thank you, father. Now...we wait," she said as she watched him. She kept on eye on the diagnostics.
After awhile, Ratchet slowly came too. He looked around. Gadget was sitting nearby as Optimus and Wheeljack stood on either side of him. "...O...Optimus I..." he said, trying to sit up.
"Take it easy old friend." Optimus said as he gently placed a hand on his shoulder "You lost a lot of energon. The good with the bad."
Ratchet lay back down. He looked at Gadget. She smiled at him. "You gave us quite a scare. Please...don't EVER go after Megatron by yourself again, okay?"
"I'm sorry I worried you all..." he said "The synthetic energon needs some more testing...but on machines, not Autobots."
"And let me and Gadget help too," smiled Wheeljack.
"I'm just glad you're safe and you'll be okay," she smiled. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."
"You'd carry on to be our medic for one," he said.
"What? Me...?"
"I think you're ready. You've come a long way since you were a youngling. You've proven yourself." He looked at Optimus and Wheeljack.
"I know you'd make a great one, sweetspark."
"I agree with Ratchet's judgment," Optimus said with a small smile in her direction.
"Well...I'm honored, but that's not necessary. However, you are going to take it easy for awhile."
"Energon incoming," smiled Bulkhead as he brought in a cart full of blue cubes. Prowl and Jazz were behind him with another two carts.
"You've learned much from this experience and you did lead us to a much needed energon supply."
Ratchet smiled a bit. Everyone started to go their separate ways from the room. Bulkhead, Prowl, and Jazz started to store the energon. "I'll leave you to rest," Optimus said, one of the last to leave. Gadget was the only one to stay.
"So... What happened with Megatron?" Gadget asked curiously.
"I managed to catch him by surprise, but then he easily stopped me."
"Really? Did you dent his face? Or dislocate an arm?"
"...No... I punched him in the face. He bled a little."
"Awesome! I mean...uh...that was stupid... Sorry... I shouldn't be condoning it..."
"We all want to stop him and we all have reasons for strongly disliking him..." He sighed heavily, looking off to the side. "Only Optimus is strong enough to stop him."
"And it's HIS job to face him," Gadget agreed. "That's still cool though. Wish I could have said some choice words to him. If it weren't for the Decepticons, I would be living happily with my mother and maybe a good father."
"But then you wouldn't have met Wheeljack. He IS a good father. Besides, you might not have chosen the Autobots. Or met Bumblebee or any of the others."
"Yeah, you're right. I DO want to be like Prime...hoping for peace and believing that a Cybertronian can change..."
"Gadget?" asked a small voice. "Is it okay if I come in?" Gadget couldn't help but smile.
"Yes, youngling." Melissa walked in and came over to her. Ratchet watched her from the berth.
"Ratchet, are you okay? I heard that you faced Megatron."
"It was a bad idea. No one, especially you and the children, should go after him. I should have waited for Optimus and the others instead of going by myself."
"Okay. I don't think I want to go after him anyway. From what I hear he's pretty scary."
"In a way," smiled Gadget as she helped Melissa sit in her lap.
"So, you got beat pretty badly. I give you points for being brave enough to do it."
"I wouldn't call it bravery. More like chemically-induced stupidity," he admitted. Melissa smiled at him.
"You're a great person, Ratchet. You and Optimus are pretty cool, watching out for all of us."
"It's part of the job."
"It's the Autobot way," smiled Gadget. "Listen to us, chatting your audio's off. You should be resting. Promise you won't leave Medical if I leave you alone?"
"Doctor's orders," he joked. Gadget laughed.
"Alright, old timer, that's enough. Get some rest," she said as she stood, putting Melissa on her shoulder. She left the Medical Bay, turning down the lights. Ratchet sighed as she disappeared from the doorway and down the hall. He looked at the dark ceiling before closing his optics and deciding to get some sleep.