Ultra Magnus was prepped for surgery the moment the others left the base. Only Ratchet, Ultra Magnus, Optimus, and Kerri remained.

Optimus walked over to medbay and put his hand on Magnus's shoulder. "You're in excellent hands, Commander," said Prime. The doctor and his most capable assistant will have you up and moving in no time. "

"I have no doubt, sir. I am looking forward to being back to full duty."

Hours later, Magnus was out of surgery and sitting on the stretcher in medbay. The other Autobots and the children surrounded him while Ratchet explained the next step.

"Everything turned out fine, and the servo is responding. The Commander will need physical therapy while he adjusts. I did use upgraded technology. A few weeks, in earth terms, and Magnus will be good as new. And Kerri, you will provide the therapy."

Everyone turned at looked at the woman, who was staring, mouth hanging open.

"Um, Ratchet, I really don't think…", Kerri began, soon joined by Ultra Magnus. "Doctor, I am not certain…"

"Yip, yip, yip, no arguing. You're more than capable of doing the job. You're a medic and my assistant, and I will provide all of the training manuals that you need. And Commander, if you are truly in a hurry to return to duty, I suggest you follow doctor's orders. You're free from medbay, Magnus. Your therapy will begin tomorrow. Now, everyone, out. I have work to do in here."

As soon as everyone exited medbay, Kerri strode up to Ratchet on his table. "What the hell, Ratchet? Why are you putting me in charge of the Commander's therapy? He wants you to do it! He doesn't want anything to do with humans!"

"What he wants is of no consequence. I have other tasks to perform, and you have the training. I will be here to assist you when necessary, but he will be your charge." Ratchet stopped his work and looked at her. "Besides didn't you say that he needs a friend? I think you two have more in common than you think. And just maybe it will help keep your mind off of other things. It just may do both of you some good."

Kerri looked down at the work table before Ratchet took his finger and gently lifted her chin. "Thank you for all that you have done. Having you as an assistant is a pleasure. Now it's time you give yourself a break."

"Ok, Ratch, you're right", she sighed. "It was my idea. I'll do it. And who knows, maybe I can loosen him up a little."

"Good luck with that."

Kerri decided to spend the rest of the day with the children. She helped jack with biology homework and explained algebra to Miko before engaging Raf in a few hours of video gaming. Soon Miko and Jack joined them in the common area.

"I can't believe you're gonna be stuck with Captain Shoulder Pads," said Miko. "He's a pain in the butt."

"Yeah, he's not exactly the cuddly type," interjected Jack.

"Ratchet has other stuff to do, so it's my job as his assistant. I don't think it'll be too bad. Magnus is ok. He just needs to get comfortable around a person, I think. And you guys can go a little easier on him. Especially you Miko."

"No way! He's not the boss of me. I'm not puttin' up with all of his rules."

"I'm not asking you, Miko. You are going to ease up. We are going to make the Commander feel a little more welcome here."

"I wish Wheeljack was still here. He kept you off of our backs," grumbled the girl.

"Well, he's not. And I'm not on your back yet. But if that's what you want, I'm more than willing to oblige."

Kerri and Miko stared at each other without a word before Arcee came in announced that it was time for the kids to go home.

After the kids left Optimus strolled over to Kerri. "She is a handful," he stated as he looked towards the now closing groundbridge. Turning his attention backs towards the woman, Optimus said, "Thank you for your willingness to assist Commander Magnus during his recovery. You have been an invaluable asset to Team Prime."

"Of course, sir. It's the least that I can do. I owe you guys more than I can ever repay. The Commander will be as good as new soon."

I have absolutely no doubt," responded Prime.

"And as for Miko," said the woman, "leave her to me too."