As Saphira drove the Peterbilt around the track, he mind was on what she had overheard. She wasn't exactly worried about falling for whatever idea that Galloway and Laserbeak would concoct, but she did worry what it could be. Saphira didn't even know who she could tell, and if they would believe her. That man would probably weasel his way out of being accused, and she didn't exactly have proof other than her word.
When she finished practicing her driving, she made her way over to Ratchet's lab, deciding she could try and get her mind distracted by learning more about transformer medical knowledge, after all she has enjoyed it so far. She walked into the hanger, she saw Wheeljack here talking to Ratchet.
"Ah, and here is the bright, new doctor!" Wheeljack said enthusiastically with a big smile. "Glad that you are here. I have some wonderful news!"
Saphira looked up at him curiously. "Oh? Did you grow another arm?"
"Oh, ha, ha, real funny." Wheeljack rolled his optics and smiled down at her, dropping to one knee and extending his hand out to her. "I'm sorry to disappoint you about that. Actually, I have perfected the synthetic energon formula."
Saphira climbed into the palm, looking at him in surprise. "Already? It has only bee a few days."
"That might be true, but Wheeljack has been working on it nearly nonstop to get it right," Ratchet explained as Wheeljack lifts her onto a large table that had been designed for the autobots. "And I've been doing the checks on it. I do believe it is good. See for yourself."
Ratchet gestures to his microscope. Saphira walked over, the microscope is a lot bigger than a human microscope. However, it works pretty much the same. Ratchet had placed some stairs by the microscope so Saphira could walk up to the lenses without needing to be picked up. She walked up to it and peer through, Ratchet squeezes a drop of synthetic energon directly onto vessel energon that flows through their bodies. She watched as it connects with the energon and it seemed like it was good.
"It works with our bodies just fine," Ratchet said softly as he watched Saphira observe it. "I am impressed honestly."
Saphira said nothing as she waited until she saw it. "Um…how long did you watch it for?" She looked up at Ratchet curiously, he looked at her in surprise. "The vessel energon isn't supposed to split and shrink is it?"
"What?" Saphira moved aside as Ratchet peers into the microscope. "Well slag…you are right. I didn't see it because I only saw the first minute." He grumbled a little looked at Wheeljack. "Come take a look."
The bot walked over and peered into the microscope. "Ah, I see…I guess I need to work on it some more."
"Next time record everything that happens in when you test the synthetic energon with our vessel energon, not just the first little bit. Thankfully Saphira was smart enough to watch it carefully enough to see there was problem." Ratchet looked down at her with a smile. "You did a better job of picking that up than me."
Saphira smiled at him slightly with a shy expression. "I care about all of you that is why. Otherwise the next time one you ingest it, it could be horrible." Saphira looked at Wheeljack. "Keep at it. Don't rush it, Wheeljack. These things take time, so don't feel disheartened."
"I know, lass. I am a little disappointed, if I am honest. But, no harm done. You caught it, and I will get back to working on the formula. I feel like I'm so close!" Wheeljack chuckled softly and looked at Ratchet. "I guess I'd better let you get to doing some more teaching for Saphira. I bet by the time the other bots come back, Saphira will be capable of handling any issues on her own."
"She could do that now," Ratchet said softly, glancing at Saphira as the girl took a seat. He raised an eyebrow slightly as she has never done that before. He looked at Wheeljack with a smile. "Anyway, I will be going over a few more things about our protoforms. If you don't mind, could you leave us be and go continue working on the synthetic energon?"
Wheeljack let's out a light scoff. "Alright, fine. When I finish the next mix of energon, I will have Saphira inspect it so we can be sure there isn't anything wrong."
"Sounds fine to me," Saphira said softly as she gave him a small smile.
Wheeljack gives them both a polite nod and walked out of the lab to return to his own. Saphira wondered what Ratchet meant when he said he would teach her more things about their protoform as she thought she already had gone over that.
Ratchet turned to look at Saphira, leaning slightly with a kind expression. "Are you okay, Saphira?" She looked at him in surprise. "I don't believe you have sat down ever since you started learning about her medical history. Are you feeling, okay? Or is there something on your mind?"
Saphira was quite surprised that Ratchet was able to tell she had something on her mind simply by being aware of her usual actions and behavior. "I didn't expect anyone to notice…but yes…I have been somewhat distracted for a while."
The medic smiled at her kindly. "Care to tell me all about it? I promise I won't bite."
Saphira was a little nervous about telling someone what she had heard, but she trusted Ratchet. "Do you know…um…who Laserbeak is?"
The bot's optics twitch as he blinked at her in surprise like he had been slapped. "How do you know that name?"
Saphira grimaced a little as it felt like she had been scolded for something that wasn't her fault. "I…overheard it. Someone was talking to him earlier…"
Ratchet seemed alarmed about that. "Who did you hear talking to him?"
"Um…Galloway…" Saphira watched Ratchet's face closely, his face twitches in shock upon hearing the name. "They were alone together in one of the empty rooms. Laserbeak was telling the man how disappointed the decepticons were with him and threatened to kill him…and it sounded like they might have other human operatives in the world too."
"That is not good. Laserbeak is Soundwave's right-hand spy." Ratchet walked over to a monitor to type on it and brought up an image. Saphira shuddered when she saw the bird-like decepticon in the image. "I believe Soundwave hs been on this planet for quite sometime…if they had gathered human operatives to do their dirty work, it wouldn't surprise me. What more were they saying?"
"It turns out the reason why Theodore wanted to turn me over to Megatron was because he was told to," Saphira said softly. "He promised the decepticons that he would hand me to him. Obviously that didn't happen as I got to Egypt and revived Optimus. Now they are planning to get me to Megatron while Optimus isn't here. I don't know exactly what the plan is, but they intend to make Megatron my savior, thinking somehow I'll forget about the past."
"And they didn't say exactly what they will do did they?" Saphira shakes her head at Ratchet. He grimaced and rubbed his chin. "This makes it difficult to prepare if we don't know what they are going to actually do. Have you told anyone else yet?"
Saphira shakes her head again. "I don't really have any proof. Galloway would be able to weasel his way out if I tell anyone about it. I'm surprised that you believe me."
"I believe you because you weren't told about Laserbeak," Ratchet said softly with a smile. "Thank you for telling me. Though you are right about no proof. If we are to have Galloway dealt with properly, we need to figure out a plan. I know he's hanging around trying to get his job back. Though, now that you've told me what has happened, I think he is hanging around to go through with that plan. Especially if his life has been threatened."
"Should we let Optimus know?" Saphira asked curiously.
The bot shakes his head. "Unless it is necessary, no. He hasn't been on mission for very long and I doubt the humans would appreciate him pulling out for something like this."
She knew he was right, though she would feel better if Optimus was around. He would likely know the right words to say to Galloway to get him to crack too.
"I suppose…I guess…I'm not worried about falling for their trap," Saphira said softly. "It is whatever they have planned. It makes not want to leave the safety of the base…but…I will want to go shopping sooner or later…"
"You can't have anything delivered?" Ratchet asked her curiously before huffing a little. "Oh, never mind, I forgot that you couldn't due to national security. That does make it more difficult…and sadly you can't really just ask one of us autobots to go with you since it will require authorization…seems like they are thinking of some perfect plot to get you to Megatron."
Saphira nodded in agreement. "I hope I don't get in trouble by the government…considering I will have known about this…"
"I doubt they will, but your government hasn't exactly shown enthusiasm for us, even when we have saved your world." Ratchet let's out a deep exhale. "I will do my best to keep an eye out for anything suspicious for you, Saphira. You don't have to spend time learning more about our medical care."
"Yes I do."
"You're distracted, Saphira. And you won't be able to concentrate very easily." Ratchet smiled at her gently as she seemed guilty about it. "You have learned so much already, there is no shame in taking a break. If anyone asks, just say I let you off early. From what I hear, that may very well work."
Saphira chuckled softly at him as she was amused by his comment. "Very well…you're right, I will be distracted and not able to concentrate. I would be a bad student. But…thanks for listening and believing me, Ratchet. I wasn't sure who I could turn to."
"If you hadn't told me about Laserbeak, I may have had a hard time, but I would take it and observe Galloway's actions to see if you were right or not," He said softly. She smiled, she knew that Ratchet was right. "Anyway, what do you plan to do when you get home?"
Saphira thought about the answer to that question. "Not sure…maybe cook something…I will have time to do that at least. I don't get time to do that very much."
Ratchet smiled. "While I may never understand why you need a large variety of food, it is fascinating to me when you cook. And the end result is most certainly something like a work of art."
"You can say that again," Saphira said with a smile, standing up and approaching him. "Care to help me down?"
Ratchet extended his hand to her and she jumped into his open palm so he could lower her back to the floor. "And try not to let this new development distract you. I think we should take one step at a time."
Saphira shrugged with a slight nod. She knew it seemed irrational to worry all the time. She didn't want to either, but she was. She really wanted to tell Optimus, she hoped he would return before this plan gets enacted.
"Wait a moment." She turned and looked back to see Ratchet walking towards her quickly. "Do you need a ride back home? I forgot that the others are not here, and I am not sure what Sideswipe is doing right now."
"Not thanks, I actually have been using the BMW M4 as I got permission to drive it outside the base," Saphira said with a smile. "But thanks for asking me, if I ever need a ride, I will let you know next time."
The medic chuckled softly and gave her an understanding nod. "Very well. It is good you are able to drive that car, though. It gives you something with a little speed if needed."
She couldn't agree more. "Just in case…that is all it is."
The medic nodded. "I guess I better let you go…you'll have to tell me what you cooked tomorrow. I will be very interested to know."
Saphira smiled at him and waved at him as she walked away. Saphira chuckled a little to herself, she liked spending time with Ratchet. She just wished she didn't have another concern on her mind. She made her way from the hangar to the car that was parked at the raceway. She walked over to it when she saw Galloway walking along casually, looking at the different cars.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Saphira barked, startling the man and he looked at her with a stupid expression. "You look rather suspicious looking around the vehicles like that."
The man shrugged casually. "I'm just…walking around. I'm waiting to hear a call from my superiors."
"Sure you are. I know you are here to cause me trouble." Saphira took a deep breath, placing her hands on her hips as she glared at him. "And if you are considering tampering with any of these cars, now that I know you have been around here, I will check to find out."
"I could never do such a thing," Galloway responded with a forced smile. "After all…you are an expert in mechanics, so I would never do it."
"Oh, I see. You would do it if I was naïve to car engines wouldn't you?" Saphira raised an eyebrow at him and the man shakes his head slightly. "I thought so. Just so we are clear…" She placed her hands behind her back as she walked towards him. "I am not sure what game you are trying to play. But the autobots have proven themselves…" The man frowned and opened his mouth to speak. "Don't interrupt, a lady is speaking."
"Lady?" The man rolled his eyes at her with a scoff. "Please, you are not even eighteen yet. You're still a kid! A kid who had no business meddling with aliens!"
"Not like I had a choice." Saphira clenched her fingers, ready to use her fists if needed. "I am not sure what many people would do if they get a ten foot autonomous organism asking for their help. Plus, if S-Seven didn't get involved, we might not have had a literal war in Mission City, or Egypt."
"I know what I would have done. Had them destroyed and studied so we could build our own. They don't belong on this world!" Theodore glanced at the M4 behind Saphira curiously and looked at her. "Are you taking this car with you to your house?"
She snorts at him. "Not that it's any of your business…no, I just came to check on them. Ratchet is busy with something, so I have to wait a bit before I go and learn more of their medical care from him. It is really fascinating."
The man scrunched his face in disgust. "I still can't believe that interests you…well…I guess it will be useful if Optimus finds himself in need of help again."
She tilts her head slightly as she listened to him. "Is that a threat I hear?"
"No…just something to think about for you." The man walked around her as he glanced at the other vehicles. "After all, since he is the commander, he will want to take the hits for everyone so they could be safe. As much as he might, somehow, care for a little girl like you, he will put himself on the line to protect others. You know that already."
"Of course, but it takes a lot to take him down. Megatron only got him because he was distracted."
"Exactly. By you." Theodore points to her with a stern expression. "And what makes you think that he still isn't distracted by you? It only takes one little distraction for him to become an easy target again. That Matrix will not always be there."
Saphira felt rage pulsing through her, the fact the man was practically trying to manipulate her was disgusting. She hummed softly as she walked up to him with an innocent sway. "You know what, you might be right." The man smirked slightly before she suddenly swings her fist, punching him right in his nose, causing the man to shout in pain and fall to the ground. "You are right about being a manipulative asshole!" She shakes her hand and sighed, frowning at him as he rolled on the ground in pain. "Oh, be a man and stand up. You got beaten down by a girl, you should be ashamed of yourself."
Theodore stood up, holding his nose and Saphira nearly started to laugh when she saw blood on his fingers. "You bitch! You broke my nose!"
"I guess you'll have to face your superiors with the difficulty of breathing," Saphira mocked as she turned to walk away from him. "Better get it seen to before than, or you'll never get your job back."
The man scrambled to his feet pathetically before he scurried away to deal with his nose. Saphira chuckled softly, though she waited for a moment before getting into the car to drive away. She didn't think she would get in trouble for punching the man, it felt real good to do, though she would wait to hear from Lennox. She was sure the man would be amused, though she hoped it would not cause issues with her new job. Especially since she has only been doing this for a couple days.
Saphira returned to her house and parked the car in the garage, she closed the garage door and walked in, breathing in deeply as she was happy to be home. She walked to the kitchen and thought about what she might want to cook. She hummed to herself before she settled on a couple things she wanted to cook. She grabbed out a cutting board, several utensils, a pot, frypan, and slow cooker. She put on YMCA to dance to while she prepped the chosen food and listened to other music, dancing a little as she cooked.
Midway through her prep, she heard her phone go off and saw Lennox's name. She smiled and answered it, putting it on loudspeaker. "Hello, Lennox. I assume you are calling me because someone has a broken nose."
"I am indeed. Theodore said you assaulted him, but…I figured I would get your side of the story first," Lennox said softly. "And are you home? I heard you cutting something."
"Yeah, I am in the middle of dicing some potatoes to the boil, I'm making potato and chedder soup, followed by four cheese fettuccine and a cottage pie. Ratchet sent me home early so I had time to make up food that I can eat over the next week." Saphira took a deep breath. "And to be honest, I found Galloway hanging around the garage when I went to get the M4."
"You're joking?"
"Nope, I'm not. I asked him what he was doing there, and he began to spew about how he would tamper with the cars if I didn't know mechanics and that I was stupid about how I handled the autobots…" She shakes her head as she spoke as she placed the diced potatoes into the pot to boil. "And he implied, though it sounded more like a threat, on how Optimus may need help again since he tried making it out, I was to blame for him being killed. I punched him because he was trying to manipulate me."
"That man has a forked tongue, that is for sure," Lennox said with a light groan. "He told us a different story…but…thankfully the security cameras in the garage have speakers on them, so we will watch and hear everything that has been said and done."
Saphira smiled at that, she knew that would get Theodore in big trouble. "I hope it won't get me in further trouble."
"It should not if your side is true. If not…there might be an issue. I personally don't want to have to deal with that. And we don't need Optimus returning with disappointment as well."
"No, definitely not." Saphira would hate that actually, she did think about him while she cooked as well. She somewhat wished he was here right now. She knew Optimus would ask her a heap of questions about the recipes, the food she was using and even about the various herbs and spices she would use. She actually liked the idea sharing cooking with him, even if he could not eat any of it. "I wish he was here."
"I know, and he will be here again. It is, unfortunately, what happens when you're in a relationship with a soldier," Lennox said to her gently. "My wife feels the same about me all the time. And I do not get to see her or my daughter as often as I would like. My duty to this country sometimes clouds my thought of putting them first. But…it hurts me too because I am far from them. I have no doubt Optimus feels the same."
"Yeah…I guess…" Saphira was glad someone sympathised with her. She smiled and looked at her phone. "Thanks, Lennox. Let me know how it goes when you review the footage. I don't know if you will need me, otherwise I can pause my cooking."
"I will let you know about that, and you will be given time to pause the cooking. We don't need the house to be burned down." Lennox chuckled lightly at her before he stopped and spoke to her in a calm tone. "Alright, the footage is being reviewed now. I will call if you need to come in, or text if you are a free woman."
She giggled softly. "Thanks, Lennox. I shall keep an ear out."
Saphira hangs up with a smile on her lips and relaxes knowing she was in the clear. She had no idea if this will put a pin in the plan to try and have her brought to Megatron, though she figured it might. But the decepticons could still try and pull something. She was not sure, but at least one of their lanky human operatives will be taken out of the way. And Theodore may even be relieved if he gets put away, though she doubted that would happen. He hasn't done a big enough crime to be arrested. Oh well, she could only dream of that for the time being.
