Chapter 3

Oh man, I forgot to put my disclaimer in the last chapter. LOL

I absolutely do not own anything from Transformers or the affiliates.

Gabby and Optimus got up the next morning. Gabby hated drinking decaf coffee. Ahh the perils of being pregnant, she thought to herself with sarcasm.

By the look of her clothes the baby had indeed grown a little over night. Yet, she had to admit she felt a little better this morning. She had more energy, but the baby was quiet this morning. She was actually hoping she would stay quiet all day to give Gabby a break. Gabby hated feeling this way, but damn, the kid just sucked the life out of her.

Optimus had noticed the growth as well, and had insisted Ratchet scan her today. Gabby knew there was no point in arguing about it. He had also been restless this morning. He did not go to recharge like he usually does. After Gabby got out of the shower and was dressed, she found him going over maps of the area around NEST.

He sat on working on the laptop in his holoform. Gabby smiled to herself. He was so handsome. Muscles bulged through his red T-shirt. He looked funny in the Chicago area in fall with just a T-shirt and jeans. He found a liking for western style boots, and sometimes a hat to match. Gabby had to giggle to herself. He was a "trucker" after all. He fit the mold. His dark brown hair was always perfect, and his goatee perfectly trimmed though he says he likes putting a shadow on his face sometimes. Optimus Prime was just beautiful, and not just in holoform either. She loved him in all his forms, from robotic mode to bipedal. Especially, when he transformed. It was still an amazing sight to see even after all this time. Then there were the blue eyes, and optics. Those eyes just made Gabby melt. His deep voice always sent shivers down her spine, especially when he was exercising his leadership.

It made Gabby wonder how much of the autonomous organisms the baby will actually have in her blood.

Gabby started feeling somewhat nauseous, which was usual for the morning. However, this morning it was not so profound, so Gabby was able to fight it.

She put her hand on his shoulder, and immediately felt the warmth course through her.

"Is everything ok?"

He turned up to her and smiled, but she could see the worry in his eyes.

"I spotted Barricade in the area last night."

Gabby froze in her spot. Her hand impulsively went to her belly in protective mode. Though Barricade had helped them once, didn't mean he wouldn't do evil deeds again.

Optimus turned and put his hand over hers. His eyes softened up at his mate. "I am not sure what he wants, but I had Ironhide watching last night, and he said no signs of him after I spotted him."

Gabby pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "Do you think he is trying to send another message? To me?"

Optimus rubbed his eyes. "I am thinking that, but I would really prefer if he stay far away from you. If he has a message he can speak with me directly."

Gabby thought about it, and she would speak to Barricade. She remembered that day in the desert; it was not that long ago. However, she knew Optimus would never allow it. She just hoped Barricade would not get desperate and do something drastic to get in touch with her. Another thing was what if it was important for the Autobots? But, Optimus was right he should contact him directly.

Optimus stood and kissed his mate. Gabby smiled and went into his embrace. "I know what you are thinking, and though I do not blame you, I want you to stay safe."

He then looked down at her. "You look stronger today."

Gabby smiled. She was still feeling slightly weak, and nauseous, but she did feel stronger.

"I think she is resting that is why," she said.

"I will deal with Barricade when the time comes. I can never trust him no matter what. Even if he saved us, there are still ulterior motives."

Gabby nodded and they embraced again. However, her brain was working overtime on the news.

What did he want? Were they in danger? She had a feeling she would find out soon.

They arrived at NEST shortly after. The place was bustling as usual. Optimus was going to meet privately with Lennox about Barricade. He had already updated the other Autobots over the commlink. Of course, the others wanted to go find Barricade, but Optimus said no, and they would wait until he made another appearance.

Optimus and Gabby said their goodbyes after Optimus went back into robotic mode.

Gabby walked into the med bay and spotted Ratchet welding Jazz's finger back on.

"This new metal sucks, man," Jazz whined.

From Gabby's desk Brains was in robotic mode, and trying not to laugh at Jazz.

Ratchet stopped the welding. "It's not the metal, it's you wrestling the twins and losing."

Jazz rolled his optics, and spotted Gabby and smiled wide through his faceplates.

"What's up GB?"

That was his nickname for her. That was a new one for her.

"Good Morning Gabrielle. I hope you are feeling good this AM," Ratchet said finishing up Jazz.

"Good morning, guys. Ratchet, I had another spell last night with vomiting, but I feel better today," Gabby said sitting down.

Brains made a face at her, and Jazz said, "Gross GB."

Gabby laughed and said, "Well, Ratchet is my Doctor, and he did ask."

Ratchet nodded as Jazz jumped off the gurney. "Hmmm, well we will have to do a scan this morning then."

Brains transformed for Gabby and opened up her programs. She was so bored. She could have been over with Ratchet doing more physical things. She missed that aspect. She felt like her brain was going soft on her engineering. There were times that she really just wanted to throw something because of this pregnancy.

Suddenly, a dark arm wrapped around her shoulders, and a kiss planted on her cheek. It was Jazz. He was always such a sweetheart.

"You take care of yourself and that little Prime, we will take care of Barricade," he whispered.

Gabby put her hand over his arm and smiled. "Thank you."

"Jazz! Stop smothering her! I need to scan her!" Ratchet bellowed.

Jazz sighed in her ear, and Gabby turned and smiled at the dreadlocked holoform. He shook his head, and said goodbye to her and told her he was going to go find Optimus, mumbling about Ratchet being a miserable old mech.

Gabby snickered at his disappearing form. He was back in robot mode, and left the bay.

Ratchet sighed, and said, "Are you ready, my dear?"

Gabby stood up, and walked over to Ratchet who lifted her gently on the gurney. She missed the days that she would get up and down herself.

She lay down, and could feel the baby shift. Then the orbs started to glow. Gabby felt nauseated, but she tried to hold it down. She also felt extremely tired, and could have fallen asleep right then and there.

Ratchet started scanning her. "Well she's awake," he commented.

Gabby laughed lightly.

"Her growth has increased, but not as much as I figured. The spark is not at full capacity yet. I am still not picking up energon, which is strange. I am still seeing human blood. I really don't know how these two are working together. It is just amazing. So far everything is good with her."

Ratchet then scanned Gabby. "Your heart is still very strong. Your organs are still working smoothly. However, with all the vomiting I have a feeling you will develop heartburn, maybe an ulcer and we will treat that. She seems to be feeding off your nutrition more than anything. You are malnourished which explains the weight loss, and of course, everything else. So, I had an idea that might help both of you."

Gabby looked up at him. "What is that?"

"I am prescribing you a very strong multi-vitamin supplement. This is for people in conditions like yours, but not usually for pregnancy. I do not predict it will hurt the baby. I do not have that here, so later on I will have Ironhide to take you to pick it up."

"If you think it will help, then I will get it."

Ratchet looked down at her. "I hope so Gabby. I am still very concerned about your well-being, and how you will ultimately handle this since it is still early. She is strong, and getting stronger. I wish you would re-consider…."

No!" Gabby shot back angrily. Ratchet winced. "We have been through this before, and there is no other option."

Ratchet shook his metal head. "I understand."

He helped Gabby up and set her down so she could get to work. He could see her weakness though she tried to hide it.

Ratchet shook his head sadly. He loved Gabby like everyone else, but never like Optimus loved her. In the end, if she does not make it, it will be Optimus who will suffer the most no matter if the child survives.

Optimus was done with his meeting with Lennox, and Ratchet updated him on Gabby's scan through the commlink while Optimus finished his re-charge.

"Do you think that will help?" He asked. Ratchet could hear the desperation in his voice.

"I hope so Optimus. She did look a lot better today, and even if she is not fully recharged from the supplements, it will help get her through till birth."

Ratchet looked over at Gabby. She seemed to be ok right now as she was typing away quietly.

Optimus sighed through the commlink. "I am going to blow a circuit over this, Ratchet."

"I know my friend. Right now, it is up to her and the sparkling. Ironhide will take her to the pharmacy while you are patrolling, and then take her home."

"Good, Barricade will have to just communicate with me."

"I don't think he wants to."

"He will have to learn."

.

Gabby was exhausted at the end of the day, even though all she did was type and file. Boring!

Ratchet could see her tiring out, and called Ironhide to take her home. Optimus had come to visit her like he always did before he went patrolling. She was always happy to see him. He would stay in robotic mode till they got home.

Ironhide pulled up in bipedal mode, and he was still a Topkick.

Ratchet helped Gabby into the big truck, and Gabby settled into the seat.

Ironhide was now in holoform. He looked like he was in his early 40s in this form. He was much broader than any other Autobot. He reminded Gabby of a pro-wrestler. He was also bald with a dark goatee. Anyone would be intimidated by him, but Gabby knew he was a big softie.

"Are you ready, Mrs. Prime?" He asked smiling.

He always said that to her. After Ironhide was re-built, he and Gabby became close. He was always there if Optimus could not be.

"Let's do it," she smiled back at him.

They talked along the way. Ironhide just loved his cannons, and he apologized to Gabby for shattering one near her. She laughed it off. She did feel herself dozing a little.

Ironhide helped Gabby out of the Topkick, and wanted to go into the pharmacy with her. She convinced him she was fine, and he would be better watching from outside.

He growled in disagreement, but let her go.

Gabby was about half way back to the exit when she suddenly heard yelling and screaming from the outside.

"Oh shit!" she muttered.

She dropped the water bottle she was going to purchase, and made her way outside as fast as she could, as people were running the other way.

There in the parking lot an Autobot and a Decepticon were ready to battle.