It was almost midnight before Kerri returned to her apartment. She felt better than she had went she left, but still wasn't happy. She was already missing Wheeljack , and suddenly felt very lonely, and the quiet apartment did nothing to help ease the feeling. She needed company. She quickly threw some clothes into a bag and headed out into the night.

Kerri pulled into the base, not surprised to still see Ratchet at his work station. The doctor kept usually kept late hours, and tonight was no exception. He didn't turn around as she climbed out of her car, and only acknowledged her when she walked onto the landing above him.

"I didn't think you were coming back tonight."

"Couldn't sleep. Besides, I thought you might like some company."

"Hmmph. So, I see that Wheeljack has headed for parts unknown again."

"Yep. I tried to make him stay but..."

"Well," sighed Ratchet. "You should understand Wheeljack by now. He's going to go his own way." He finally looked up at her and saw the sadness in her dark eyes. "He'll come back. He cares about you. More than you know."

"I care about him too. And I'm not handling it well. But...he did promise that this was the last time." Rachel eyebrows raised at the revelation. "Really? Seems you've been able to ground our star bound Wrecker after all!"

"I hope so. I worry so much. Speaking of worry, how is Ultra Magnus doing? I see you've discharged him."

"Yes, he's back in his own quarters. I'm working on his new servo now. I'll need your assistance to attach it. It's easier for you to get to the more intricate wiring."

"Of course, doc," she answered. "I don't have anywhere else to be. As a matter of fact, I can help right now."

Kerri set her bag down before climbing onto Ratchet's work table. They worked silently for several minutes. And while usually she enjoyed it that way, tonight it made her uncomfortable. "So, Ultra Magnus..."

"Yes, what about Ultra Magnus?"

"I was watching him in medbay. I know he keeps in emotions under control, but he's struggling here. I get the feeling that he's very uncomfortable. Was he always this way? Is he close to anyone? Will he take anyone into his confidence? He needs to talk about how he feels. It's not good to keep it bottled up."

"Magnus is an old soldier, Kerri. He's been fighting a war for millions of years. You don't get close, because you run a huge risk of losing friends in a war. You know that. Optimus trusts him because he knows that Magnus will make logical decisions and will follow his orders without question."

"That doesn't mean he can't have friends, Ratchet. Wheeljack's friendship helped me more than all of the therapy that I received. I think the Commander needs a friend." Ratchet stopped working at looked up at the woman. Sighing, he said, "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks, doc", she smiled, before settling back into their work. She performed the most intricate wiring under Ratchet's watchful eye. The work was involved, and it was hours before Ratchet finally said, "We're done", and leaning back on his stool.

Kerri finally stood up to stretch her back before looking at her watch. "It's 5 in the morning?"

"Yes. Go get some sleep. We will perform the surgery tomorrow."

"Ultra Magnus will be thrilled. Good night, Ratchet."