Another chapter for y'all, but first things first, there was a guest review left on the last chapter that made a lot of good points so I want to talk about them here since I couldn't PM them.

I'm mainly following cannon right now at this point, but that will come to a close as we reach the big divergence point. From there it will loosely follow the cannon, before diverging completely.

And to answer your feelings about how Ratchet and Jack acted in the last chapter, I have to agree. It was difficult for me to write simply because I didn't know how to best approach it. I'm not fully satisfied with how it came out but I just wanted to move on with the story. Perhaps I'll go back and rewrite it sometime in the future.

I have plans for how Ratchet is going to try and help Jack, and how they're feeling about everything was saved for this chapter. As for why Ratchet didn't tell Optimus, I have no other excuse other than I simply didn't want him to know until the big reveal like you might've guessed.

Perhaps I'm chugging these out too fast and should slow down more so that I'm more satisfied with the work, but I'll be sure to keep everything you said in mind as I continue. Thank you for your advice and kind words, I need more criticism so that I know what I'm doing right and what I should avoid!

"What's your prognosis doc?" Jack asked as Ratchet finished another round of tests on him, the third time this week so far.

Ratchet turned back to face him with a slight scowl at that name being used but ignored it as he brought up reference slides and data on the screens. "Judging by the rate at which your blood cells are being mutated, I estimate a few months to a year. That's the worst-case scenario. Though you'll die of starvation before that if you can't keep down your food as you mentioned before."

When Jack didn't respond immediately, Ratchet looked at him with concern. "Jack? Did you hear me? Are your audio receptors breaking down too?"

"No, no, I heard you," Jack answered as he broke out of his daze. "It's just not every day that someone learns that they could be dying relatively soon. I gotta ask though, is there anything you could do about this?"

"That's why I've been doing this testing. Recent tests have shown me that the mutated blood cells are breaking down the healthy cells for consumption. Further mutating those cells and repeating the cycle as it spreads. For this, I believe I just may have the solution." He finished as he brought out a large container of blue liquid.

Jack looked between the medic and the container in front of him in disbelief. "Energon? But that stuff is deadly to humans."

"Under normal circumstances, yes. If your stomach is rejecting organic matter as fuel, then these mutated cells are already affecting your major organs. Energon in small doses may slow the spread of the cells, as they'll use it instead of your own body for fuel. This isn't a permanent solution however, once every cell in your body is mutated, it will have nothing to consume since the Energon won't be enough to keep the cells sustained. The Energon may have some side effects as well since your body is still organic, but it should help keep you from starving, but it will only delay the inevitable. But I believe the benefits outweigh the cons."

Jack thought for a moment about what Ratchet said, trying his best to understand everything. "So, it's like I've got cancer, and the radiation treatment, in this case, Energon, helps me even though it could be harmful under different circumstances. Except in this case, I have stage four cancer that's just been detected and the only thing the treatment will likely do is buy me time."

Ratchet looked down for a moment before answering. "Regretfully, yes. I'm sorry."

Jack quickly responded, not wanting to hear him blame himself for this. "It isn't your fault Ratchet. I don't blame you or anyone else for a second."

A thought then came to his mind when Ratchet didn't respond. "But about that Energon, isn't the team running low on Energon already? I don't want you wasting any on me."

"Nonsense Jack. You're a part of this team. All three of you children are, even Miko." responded Ratchet as he gave a slight smile.

"And as a part of this team, that means I am in charge of your medical needs, and I am ordering you to take your medication. Now drink up." Ratchet finished, placing a thermos in front of Jack.

Ratchet looked over the data on the screen, analyzing every point and bit of information. The information transcribed by Bulkhead from the data cylinder, though incomplete was invaluable. Based on these early readings of the incomplete formula, this synthetic Energon was 20% more efficient than natural grade Energon, perhaps more.

If the team had a limitless supply, they could bring more hurt to the Decepticons and never have to worry about their dwindling supply ever again. It would, of course, take time for him to complete the formula. Time was not a luxury he had, however. His team didn't have enough Energon to last them the next deca-cycle. They were burning through their reserves faster than ever before, the war with the Decepticons now at an all-time high.

Ratchet's thoughts shifted to the children. He'd be the last to admit it but he was happy that the three were now a part of their lives. Before morale had struck a low, they were stranded on an alien world teeming with organic life that didn't know or care about the sacrifices they made to protect their planet. That was the impression they had if the limited contact with the governments of the world were anything to go by.

The impacts they each made on the lives of their guardians were wonderful. Bumblebee was the youngest of them and now had a true friend whom he could relate with. Bulkhead and Miko were the perfect match, easily working off each other's personalities. The number of broken tools caused by Bulkhead dropping by a large margin was also a win for Ratchet. Arcee hadn't shut herself off from the world after Cliffjumper's death like Ratchet feared she would, thanks to Jack.

'Jack. There has to be more that I could be doing to help him.' Ratchet thought.

Three innocent children were brought right into the middle of their war, and one of them was going to pay the price. Ratchet quickly tried to put those thoughts down, reverting his attention toward the monitors in front of him. Just thinking about it wouldn't help, actually working toward a solution would be of better help.

As data continued to pour over the screens, a revelation occurred to Ratchet as he once again looked over the theoretical properties of synthetic Energon. The Energon Jack was consuming wasn't enough to support his body on his own, the reason why Ratchet was having Jack still try and eat food. If the theoretical properties of synthetic Energon were true, however, the 20% increase in efficiency could potentially be enough to sustain his mutated cells enough to save him.

Too many friends and too many sparklings died during the war for Cybertron. Now, Ratchet had a chance to save one of them. He'd failed too many times in the past already, Bumblebee's voice box was a constant reminder of that. He wasn't going to add Jack's death to his list of failures.

Jack stared down at the bowl of soup he'd made, alone in his kitchen at home with his thoughts. His mom was working another double shift and Arcee had been called back to base for an Energon raid. He'd been told by Ratchet a few days ago, that he should try to eat soft foods and see if he had a better time stomaching it than previous attempts. But Jack didn't have the appetite to eat. He didn't feel like doing much of anything right now.

He'd been pushing it off, but today, reality hit him. He was going to die. Jack always knew he would die eventually. It was different knowing when he was going to die though. He could feel every second slip away, death's door marching ever closer. Here he was, staring at a bowl of soup, worrying about homework, and wasting his precious time away serving food of questionable quality while his time slowly ran dry.

He was at work when he'd been ordered by his boss to dispose of some produce that was past its expiration date and restock with the new ingredients that'd just been delivered. As he was restocking, he noticed the expiration date written on the side of the box. Three months from now, these patties would be no good. Jack now had the shelf life of a box of frozen patties.

Unwilling to eat, Jack cleaned up after himself, and walked toward his room, collapsing on his bed. He stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours as thoughts circulated through his mind. He knew he had to tell everyone about what was happening, he had to tell his mother.

Jack was afraid, overwhelmed thinking about their reactions, how they'd walk on eggshells around him and treat him differently once they knew.

Jack was worried, worried about how his friends would take it. Worried about how Arcee would react, what she'd do to herself with the grief of losing another partner.

But Jack was also angry. Not at the Autobots, he would never blame them for what was happening now. He was angry with himself. He was going to be leaving his mother behind. She'd be alone without him, it was just the two of them for as long as he could remember. His father had left, abandoning them, and now Jack was going to be doing the same.

Jack turned over in bed, picking up the frame from the nightstand nearby. A picture from last year on his birthday. They stood together in a selfie, in front of a cake his mother had baked for him, genuine smiles on both their faces as all stress faded away from the moment. Now it'd be the last one he'd celebrate.

He hugged the frame close to his chest as closed in on himself in the fetal position. For the first time in a long time, he let his tears fall freely. He needed to talk with someone about it, he wasn't going to keep it in any longer.

Jack awoke with a startle the following morning, trying desperately to calm down his heart. Another nightmare, and another night without a full rest. He spared a glance at his alarm clock, realizing it was too early to get up, but knowing that he'd never go back to sleep. He lay there in bed, staring at the ceiling for what felt like hours until the loud revving of an engine signaled him to get his aft up.

He rolled out of bed and got himself ready, not even bothering to look at himself in the mirror. He walked through the house, down the hallway, and opened the garage door to find Arcee waiting for him.

Before he could muster a greeting, she beat him to the punch. "No offense Jack, but you look like shit."

Jack blinked momentarily as his mind tried to process what he just heard. "Gee, thanks. Where did learn to use that word and when did you get here?"

"I heard Miko use it the other day and I bridged here after the raid." she answered. "Now hop on, we're heading to the base."

Jack obliged and grabbed his helmet from the nearby shelf. He didn't say another word for most of the drive, still lost in his thoughts from the night before.

Arcee took note of this as they drove down the old two-lane road. While she was trying to be lighthearted with her earlier statement, it was true. The bags under Jack's eyes were still there, not as large and dark as they were a few days ago, but still noticeable. And when he first stepped foot into the garage, Arcee had immediately taken notice of his eyes. His normally bright blue eyes, which had been full of excitement and caution when she first met him were now dull and had a redness to them around the edges.

"You feeling okay Jack?" Arcee voiced her concern. "You still look like you're not getting enough sleep and I've noticed you speaking with Ratchet more often. Is there something wrong?"

When Jack didn't respond and instead kept his gaze toward the ground, Arcee slowed down, pulling over to the side of the road. "Jack, look at me."

He obeyed, lifting his head to stare at the screen in front of him with the Autobot emblem.

"You can tell me anything you know that? You've helped me before and I'd do the same for you. We're partners, remember?"

Seconds passed before Jack spoke, barely audible. "Yeah, I do."

Moments of silence followed again, Jack continually tightening and releasing his grip on the handlebars. Before Arcee could ask another question, Jack spoke softly again. "Please, not right now though. I promise that I'll explain everything later, I just, can't right now."

The silence between the two passed once again before Arcee finally spoke. "I'm going to hold you to that." With that said, the motorcycle launched from its position, tearing through the Nevada desert.

Jack swigged down his ration of Energon, wiping his mouth with his sleeve as he finished. "Thank you Ratchet, though I still feel bad about using your already low supply of this stuff. You guys need it more than-" he stopped mid-sentence when he finally noticed the change in the doctor's appearance. "Why are your eyes green?"

"Finally noticed? Took you long enough." Ratchet chided.

"Just a side-effect of the SynthEn I produced, and you shouldn't worry about it, Jack. With this, we'll never have to worry about our energy needs ever again so take as much Energon as you need. Besides, SynthEn may even be able to help you too, though that will require further testing." Ratchet finished.

"SynthEn? So you completed the formula Bulkhead transcribed and you think it could help me somehow?" Jack asked.

"Possibly," Ratchet responded. "It's more efficient and powerful than regular Energon if I'm anything to go by, so it may be able to sustain your body even once every cell becomes mutated."

Jack thought over this new information. First, he was told he was going to die, and only had a limited amount of time left, but now there was a solution that was going to fix all his problems. He couldn't help but be reminded of these TV commercials advertising medications and treatments for hair loss, or other medical conditions. If it was too good to be true, then it probably was.

"You haven't had a lot of time to test this stuff out, there's got to be some side effects we don't know about yet. And you're using yourself as a lab rat for it, are you sure this is a good idea?" He asked with skepticism.

"You ask too many questions. I am a licensed medical professional here, and I finished the formula myself. I would've thought you'd be more grateful for this news." Ratchet scoffed in response.

Jack raised his hands in mock surrender "Whoa, okay, I get it. I appreciate what you've done for me already, I just don't think it's the best idea to be using yourself as a test subject for it."

"And I don't think it's a good idea to keep what's been happening to you a secret from everyone else. Yet here we are." Ratchet snapped before walking off.

Jack stood there, surprised by Ratchet's sudden aggressive tone. Sure, he could be grumpy, but the doc was still kind in his own way. What he said continued to ring around Jack's mind however, he couldn't help but think it was true. He already knew he was going to have to tell everyone or at least someone, but this was just a reminder that he likely couldn't put it off any longer.

This bot before him was not the friend that he'd known for millennia. He would never so carelessly torture someone without mercy, stooping down to the level of the Decepticons. Optimus observed as Ratchet continued his tirade.

"-when we really need to be hitting him hard and hitting him now. Precisely where it hurts!" Ratchet finished as he smashed his fist together.

"A direct assault on the Decepticons would only provoke retaliation and lead to incalculable losses. I will not endanger innocent human lives." Optimus reaffirmed, hoping to have his friend see reason.

"And yet you seem to have no issue endangering ours." Ratchet countered, before continuing. "The children have already been put at risk, Jack is suffering because we aren't doing enough."

This caught Arcee's attention, taking a step forward to question him. "What do you mean by that, what's wrong with Jack?" she asked while glaring at him.

Ratchet sneered as he turned toward Arcee. "I'm sure you've noticed that Jack hasn't been feeling well, if you want to know then ask him yourself." Ratchet turned back toward Optimus, ready to continue his argument.

"You know your problem, Optimus? For such a big, strong bot, you're soft. You didn't pound Megatron into scrap when you had the chance! Many chances in fact."

Optimus stood still, shocked by the brashness of the bot before him. Never had Ratchet acted or spoken to anyone this way. It wasn't him; his friend was still there but buried beneath the emotions of aggression caused by attempts to help his friends.

"I'm afraid the synthetic Energon has impaired your judgment old friend. I am confining you to base until further notice." Optimus said in reply, as he raised a digit to his helm. "Bumblebee, bridge us back.

Perhaps he should've been more skeptical of Ratchet's compliance, but Optimus had trusted him to still listen to his commander. He was surprised to see Ratchet come running back through the ground bridge, body-slamming Bulkhead before transforming and driving off further into the canyon.

Even if he wasn't thinking fully clearly, his words stuck with him. As he had told Jack not long ago, there wasn't a day that went by in which Optimus didn't doubt himself and his choices, even if they were the 'right' choices. What he had said about Jack though, was a concern. What had he meant by that?

Optimus looked in the direction Ratchet had fled. There was no doubt that he was intending to face Megatron. A normally foolish decision enough on its own, but he was doing it with no backup and no fix on his coordinates. Optimus only hoped they'd be able to find him in time.

Jack rested in the human area of the base, watching as Ratchet awoke and spoke with Optimus. He was greatly injured by Megatron but he would survive. The two continued talking, Jack unable to hear everything being said, but it did sound like Optimus had asked a question. Jack laid in wait until Optimus left, and began making his way toward the bot on the medical berth.

Ratchet watched as their oldest human friend walked toward him, and felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he approached closer. "I'm sorry for how I acted toward you Jack, and what I said. I wasn't… in the best state of mind."

"It's okay Ratchet, I know. I'm just glad to see you're all right." Said Jack as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. A brief silence followed before Jack began speaking again.

"Um, I'm sure you probably heard something similar from Optimus already just now, but the team needs you Ratchet. I need you. Without you, the team would've lost more than just Cliffjumper by now. And I know the SynthEn formula didn't work out the way you intended, but you're already helping me the best way you can, and I'm grateful for that."

Ratchet grunted as he sat up, giving a small smile as he looked at him. "Thank you, Jack. However, I must inform you that Optimus asked me about you. I may have let something slip."

"What did you tell him?" Jack asked with slight concern. He knew he was going to tell everyone eventually, he just hoped it wasn't going to be so soon.

"I told him a half-truth, that you were suffering from Hemolytic Anemia, which you technically are. I think he felt I wasn't telling him everything, but I told him that if he wanted to know more, he'd have to ask you."

"Oh, thanks." Jack looked at his phone, checking the time. "I should probably be heading home now. Feel better soon and don't strain yourself."

Ratchet huffed in response as Jack walked away and began searching for Arcee. He searched everywhere for her, checking every hallway he could, even the bots' rooms. He considered giving up when he bumped into Bulkhead in the command center.

"Hey Bulkhead, you wouldn't happen to know where Arcee is would you?"

"I think I saw her go up top. You could try there."

Jack thanked him and entered the elevator shaft, riding up to the top of the mesa. The doors opened, exposing him to the Nevada sky, filled with varying shades of red and orange. He spotted Arcee sitting on the edge, next to Cliff's memorial, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon.

He walked toward her and stood next to her without saying anything as he reached the edge. He knew that Arcee most likely noticed him, but had chosen to remain silent for the moment. He respected her moment of silence, standing still as the minutes passed; taking in the sunset before him, and feeling the breeze that ruffled his hair as it blew past.

"Your planet is beautiful you know." Arcee finally spoke. "There were sunsets on Cybertron, but they were very different. The light would just reflect off all the metal, Cybertron doesn't have an atmosphere like Earth to produce all of these colors."

Arcee hadn't turned to face him, continuing to speak as the sun continued to disappear. "When Cliff and I first arrived here on this planet, I was miserable. I didn't want to be stuck on a planet with a bunch of small organic life, thousands of light-years away from our home. Our home that was no longer able to sustain life, was lost to a war that shouldn't have lasted this long."

She smiled slightly as she continued talking. "Cliff loved it here though, was always trying to get me to loosen up and enjoy what your planet had to offer. He was the only one that somewhat got along with Fowler, always asking questions about your history, society, and recommendations on music. He loved your planet's music, maybe more than he loved scaring the scrap out of your law enforcement. Fowler hated him for that." She chuckled before continuing.

"It's only now that he's gone that I see what he was trying to tell me about." Her face turned more solemn as she turned to face Jack.

"I know I've told you this before, but when he died, I was prepared to cut myself off from everyone as I attempted to avenge him. Off-lining if I had to, taking down as many Decepticons as necessary in the process. You helped me though, and I feel I can't thank you enough for that."

Jack hadn't said a single word during all of this. It was rare for Arcee to open up like this, he could count the number of times it happened on one hand. He stared into her blue and pink optics, waiting for her to continue, having a feeling he knew where this was heading.

"Remember what we talked about earlier?" she asked. "I'm holding you to it now. Ratchet said something that suggested something was wrong with you, something that I've noticed and asked you about but continue to evade. We're partners Jack, we're supposed to have each other's back. So, what's wrong?"

Arcee watched as Jack turned his gaze to the floor, suddenly finding it much more interesting. He stood still for a few moments, kicking a rock off the edge before speaking.

"I should've told you this when it all started. I should've told everyone, but I didn't want you or anyone else to worry about me. You all have much bigger problems to worry about with the Decepticons."

Jack sat on the edge next to his guardian as he continued. "This isn't easy for me to say, but I want you to promise me that you're not going to blame yourself." He finally turned to face her, strained, red eyes met bright blue optics.

"Jack, what is it?"

"Promise me Arcee. You have to promise."

Arcee huffed, before relenting. "Fine, I promise. Now, what is it?"

Jack turned back to face the horizon as he began explaining. "It started during our first encounter with Airachnid." He tried to ignore how Arcee stiffened at the mention of her name, continuing to speak.

"You were right, I didn't just trip, she gave me this scar. No matter how much sleep I get, it's never enough. Almost every night I see her face, her claws digging into my skin."

Arcee was at a loss for words as she tried to think of something of a response. "Jack, I… I'm sorry you had to face her alone. I should've-"

"You promised Arcee." Jack reprimanded her before she could continue. Arcee turned away, still laden with guilt.

Jack reached up, gently grabbing her helm to look back at him. "It's not your fault Cee. You saved me that day, that's what matters."

"I can't help but blame myself for this. You're suffering because I failed to protect my partner."

"You protected me, I'm right here. I'll be fine, it's just been tough trying to get a handle on this. I trust you to have my back, you haven't done anything to break that trust."

Arcee didn't say anything in return immediately. She was still laced with guilt over what had happened, but her partner was hurting. Alone, like she was at first before they met. He was there for her, and now it was her turn to return the favor.

"I'm still sorry about what happened, but I'm here for you. Anything you need to say, I'll listen and do my best to help. It's what partners are for right?"

"Yeah, they are." Jack choked out. He felt guilty for lying, for not telling her the whole truth. But he wasn't ready yet, he didn't know when he would be. Arcee seemed content with his answer as they watched the last rays of sunlight disappear, and darkness swallowed the sky.

Welp, Jack is still keeping secrets.

Hope you all enjoyed this. Don't forget to leave your reviews, critiques, or any questions you may have!

4/27/23