Ch. 9

What time it was when Bud woke up, he couldn't say. For one thing, the Med Bay was just as pleasantly lit as it had been when he'd fallen asleep. For another, Bud had no idea what the time difference was between Earth and Cybertron, but his internal clock- which he was actually quite proud of- was telling him it was morning back on his home planet. That and the fact his stomach was starting to growl again indicated a good amount of time had passed since he'd fallen asleep.

Sitting up, Bud rubbed the side of his face and was surprised to find the gauze on his head was gone. Reaching up, Bud was surprised to find that while his head was still a bit sore, there wasn't a trace of stitches or even a scab. Probing the side of his face hurt and Bud was willing to bet his bruises hadn't faded, but there was no doubt that whatever treatments Ratchet utilized were effective. Glancing over, Bud noticed Chad was beginning to stir, but Lenny was still fast asleep.

"Hey, Chad, how're you feeling?"

"Ummmm." Chad moved his head from side to side and, to Bud's relief, managed to sit up. The younger astronaut winced and held his head as he did, but his smile was genuine as he answered,

"I still feel like I got run over, but not as bad as yesterday. Just don't ask me to get on a treadmill or anything."

"Do you think the treadmills talk here?"

"I dunno." Chad glanced over at the various medical equipment in the Med Bay and jerked a thumb at the machines he and the others were attached to. "Haven't heard much from them."

"Well, except 'beep, beep, beep.''

Both Bud and Chad laughed, but their mirth didn't last long as both of them found their headaches returning. Leaning back against his pillow, Bud glanced up at the ceiling and was surprised to see what looked like sunlight filtering in.

"Hey, Chad. That look like a lamp or a window to you?"

"I was wondering the same thing. Guess it could be either, but it feels like morning, doesn't it?"

"Yes. I'd say around 8 a.m. or so, if we were back on Earth. Think there's a sun close enough to Cybertron too?"

"Might be. I'd like to gather some data about this place to take home, if the Autobots will let us."

"They probably will. Optimus Prime seemed pretty agreeable to me."

"True, but how would you feel if three aliens wanted to probe around your planet before heading back to theirs to tell their people they're not the only intelligent beings in the universe?"

Bud and Chad looked over to see Lenny raising an eyebrow at the two of them. He too managed to sit up, though not without a wince and a hand on his chest.

"I'd kill for a heating pad right about now."

"Ask Ratchet."

"Uh-huh, and have him get out a torch? These Autobots are nice, but they're still robots. Ratchet even said we were his first human patients, remember?"

"He also said that he's been studying our medical files and contacting NASA's doctors for information," Bud replied.

"Plus, he clearly knew how to treat Miara," Chad said.

"Who is an alien."

"A Teron."

"Same thing."

"Len, we're the aliens here," Bud said firmly. "And thus far, we've been treated very well." Glancing down at his hands, he added,

"Probably better than we would have treated them if the Autobots had crashed on Earth."

"Yeah, Area 51 would be all over them."

"We probably shouldn't bring that up," Chad said, rubbing at his neck. "I can't really think of anything more awkward than admitting that our version of hospitality would be to stick them on a dissection table."

"More like in a chop shop."

"Ha-hah. Seriously, Len, Chad's right; we got lucky that the Autobots are kind. Imagine what would have happened if the Vermicious Kinds caught us."

"Or those... what did Optimus call them?"

"Decepticons?"

"Right, them. Wonder what they're like."

"I don't know, but judging from what I've heard, I don't think I want to find out."

"Then the sooner we can get back to Earth, the better."

"One thing at a time, Len. You think you'd be up for a rocket ride today?"

Lenny opened his mouth to speak, winced again, and flopped back on his bed. "Nope."

"Exactly. First things first; we've gotta heal up enough to get out of Med Bay. As per Ratchet, we're still on mandatory bed rest, remember?"

"How long do we-"

The door to the Med Bay slid open, cutting off Lenny's next question. All three astronauts turned to see Ratchet entering, his face and gait as calm as ever.

"Good morning. I'm glad to see all three of you alert and sitting up. Feeling better today?"

"Better than yesterday," Bud answered.

"Good. We might be able to get you up and walking soon." Ratchet knelt down, already retrieving his scanning tool from the compartment on his chest. "Let me look you over and see where we're at. Bud, you first."

More at ease with Autobot medical care than he had been, Bud sat still as Ratchet ran his scanning beam over his body. The medical officer looked pleased as he viewed the results.

"I'm pleased to note that your helm is almost completely healed. The bruising will take a while to fade, but I understand a cold compress of sorts can help with that, correct?"

"It can."

"I'll see about getting one for you."

"Long as you don't freeze his whole head," Lenny muttered.

"Oh, that reminds me, Dr. Ratchet." Chad jerked a thumb over at Lenny. "Len here was saying his ribs are still sore and how much he'd love a heating pad. Think you can whip something up for him too?" Next to him, Lenny frantically tried to signal Chad to shut up.

"I think I can help with that," Ratchet replied as he checked Bud's lungs and mouth. "Right, Bud, how long have you been with the NASA program?"

"Coming up on 8 years. I joined when I was 20, after two years in the army."

"Good. And what was your miliary rank?"

"Private."

"Excellent. Right, Lenny, you're up. I want to see how those ribs of yours are healing."

Unable to protest, Lenny could only lay still and watch as Ratchet examined his chest. The medical officer looked relieved as he viewed the results and gave Lenny a reassuring smile.

"They're not there yet, but I do see signs of improvement. Good; for a astrosecond there, I was wondering about using another round of nanobots to repair your ribs."

"Another round?"

"Turn your head for me please."

"Did you perform surgery on us while we were unconscious?"

"I treated you while you were deactivated. The procedure was mildly invasive so it was best to do it when you would feel no pain. Look up."

"You... you..."

"Calm down, Len, he did the same with me and let me say, it beats wearing a cast."

"A cast?" Ratchet frowned. "I think I remember reading about that treatment in the files your physicians sent over. Setting the bones of a broken limb and then wrapping said limb in plaster to keep it in place, correct?"

"Yeah, and it's a pain." Chad made a face. "Broke my arm as a kid and had to wear a cast all spring. It was hot and itched and I couldn't play baseball with my friends while wearing the stupid thing. Plus it was hard to take a bath with it on since you couldn't get it wet."

"Hmm, that does sound inconvenient." Ratchet tapped a finger against his metal chin. "I would have to give the matter further study, but perhaps there could be a way to teach human doctors some of our methods for repairing injuries. At the very least, I know that repairing a bot's framework and a human's skeletal structure is somewhat similar." The medic chuckled. "Of course, having Miara around meant I was far more confident in using that treatment on you three."

"Who'd want to hurt her?"

"The same people who would hurt any Autobot." Ratchet sighed before turning back to Lenny. "How long have you been with NASA?"

"10 years. No military service, but I graduated top of my class from MIT and went to NASA right after."

"Is that a well-known school?"

"One of the best in America with a heavy focus on science and technology" Lenny would have swelled his chest with pride, but his still-cracked ribs prevented him from puffing up his chest to much.

"I'll have to have you speak to Wheeljack, then. He's repairing your ship and is looking to make some improvements to its design. No doubt he'll welcome your input. Alright, Chad, your turn. How's your helm?"

"Still sore, but I can sit up on my own now."

"I can see that. Hold still please." Ratchet ran through his usual examination, paying special attention to Chad's breathing and making sure his brain was getting the necessary oxygen. "Where are you from, Chad?"

"South Dakota. My mother's name is Mary and my dad is Harold. He's a construction worker."

"Good. And when did you join NASA?"

"6 years ago. Applied and signed on right out of high school; received college credit during my astronaut training on base."

"Thank Primus; your processing abilities are back up to fully functional." Ratchet smiled at Chad. "I was worried about you, Chad; I'm glad you're doing better."

"I still feel like I got hit by a truck."

"Optimus could tell you a bit about that. And speaking of Optimus, he wants to see you. Would you be up to speaking with him while I see about bringing you a meal?"

"That's fine us," Bud answered. "Any chance we could get a few more Wonka bars?"

"I'll bring them to you. Oh, and this should help too." Ratchet leaned over and flicked a switch on the side of Bud's bed. The berth began to hum and vibrate softly; at the same time, soothing waves of heat pulsed forth and spread through Bud's bruised body.

"Oh wow." Bud leaned back in his bed with a sigh. "This feels amazing."

"Now this is just what I needed." Lenny was also leaning back against his pillow, a blissful smile on his face.

"Told you he would help," Chad said as Ratchet stepped back from his bed. "Any chance you could send a few of these back with us to Earth?"

"I'll see what I can do," Ratchet chuckled. "Bud, I'll bring you a cold compress for your face when I bring your breakfast."

"Thanks, Dr. Ratchet."

The medic left the room, leaving the three men to enjoy the heated vibrations radiating from their berths.

"Oh yeah, NASA needs to invest in this technology." Chad arched his back a bit. "Ooooh, I think I've had that knot in my back for weeks."

"You know, between the beds and the medical care, I think I could get used to Cybertron." Bud stretched his arms above his head before letting them drop down to his sides. "Plus, Autobots are good company."

"Yeah, you stick around on a planet that's in the middle of a civil war." Despite his gripes, Lenny couldn't keep the smile off his face. "I'll just take one of these beds back home and then it's Earth for me."

"Until your next mission."

"Fine. The Milky Way galaxy for me, then."

"I dunno; now that NASA knows about Cybertron, they're going to want to organize more missions here."

"Huh." Chad grinned as a new though occurred to him. "Maybe President Gilligrass will want to set up a hotel on Cybertron."

"I just said that Cybertron is in the middle of a war! Who wants a hotel in a war zone?"

"Once the war's over, then."

"And do you know how long will that be?"

"Lenny's right, Chad; whatever conflict is going on here, it's best not to get involved," Bud reminded him. "Optimus Prime already said he doesn't want Earth to get mixed up in whatever the Decepticons are planning, so whatever NASA wants with Cybertron going forward, we'll have to proceed with caution."

"For a planet in the middle of a war, Ratchet, Optimus, and Miara seemed pretty calm. Maybe it's not as bad as they're making it out to be," Chad argued. "You know, some countries are always at war on Earth."

"Yes, and do you see many people going to vacation in those countries?" Bud leaned his head into his vibrating pillow, rubbing his sore neck against the heated padding. "For now, let's just focus on getting well and going home. Now that we have a way to contact the Autobots from Earth, NASA can decide how to best proceed without worrying about an invasion of killer robots."

"Hey, if we set the Decepticons Optimus told us about against the giants the Queen of England has imprisoned, who do you think would win?"

"Seriously, Chad?"

"C'mon, Bud, tell me you're not thinking the same thing."

"Actually, I was thinking about making Miara NASA's new mascot. Plaster her face over our logo and we'd get more funding than we'd know what to do with."

"Wouldn't we have to split it with her?"

"Do Autobots use money?"

"Maybe we'd have to pay them in gasoline."

"Or oil."

"Do they even need to eat?"

All three men considered this question. Before they come speculate any further, there came the sound of heavy footsteps outside the Med Bay. Ratchet, tray in hand, entered closely followed by Optimus Prime with Miara nestled in his palm. The Teron waved at the three men as they looked up at her.

"Good morning. I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Indeed. I was very relieved when Ratchet told me of your current conditions." Optimus knelt down, setting his hand down on the floor to allow Miara to scurry over to the humans. "Is there anything else we can do for you at the moment?"

"No, but can we take these beds back with us?" Bud patted the still vibrating bed. "They're terrific."

"So you like heat too?" Miara's tail wagged as she beamed at Bud. "I thought you would."

"Indeed. Miara was the one who suggested this particular treatment," Ratchet said as he began setting food out by each astronaut's bedside. Though NASA's rations didn't always look appetizing, there was no mistaking the smell of corned beef hash drifting up from the metal tray. That, coupled with the beaker of cool water and the brightly wrapped Wonka's Whipplescrumptious Fudgemallow Delight, was enough for Bud and he dug into his meal with gusto.

"When you're done, hold this to your head." Ratchet indicated a small round device by Bud's plate. "It'll help with your bruising."

"Thanks." Bud swallowed a mouthful of hot food. "Oh, that hits the spot."

"What abut you guys?" Chad accepted his food from Ratchet. "Don't you guys eat?"

"Not in the way you do. We do, however, require energon and must refuel ourselves with it regularly."

"Energon?" Chad glanced over at Miara, who was sniffing the rich aromas from the men's plates with curiosity. "You mentioned energon cakes last night, Miara. I take it you can eat that stuff too?"

"Yes, I can. But I can eat organic foods as well. I have to say that the food you're eating now smells a lot better than those." Miara gestured at the Wonka bars.

"Speak for yourself. I love these things." Lenny was already chomping away at his candy bar. Bud ignored him, asking,

"So, energon is what you essentially eat, but it can be made into other substances, like cakes."

"Yes. Energon cakes are a popular treat among Cybertronians." Optimus chuckled and stroked the top of Miara's head. "And Teron too."

"Clearly. But you can create energon from other substances, right? That's why you were on Mars, correct?"

"It was," Optimus answered. "We have found that certain minerals or other raw forms of energy from other planets can be converted into usable energon." Optimus's blue eyes darkened. "That is another reason I don't want the Decepticons learning about Earth. The war on Cybertron has caused an energon shortage and if the Decepticons learned of a planet that was rich in resources as well as relatively undefended-"

"Hold on, we have a military," Lenny protested.

"A military that has not been trained to fight our kind," Optimus answered gently. "No doubt you humans have excellent ways of defending yourselves, but having inspected your spaceship, I don't think many of your weapons would do much damage to one Cybertronian, let alone an army of them."

"Optimus is right, Lenny," Bud said. "Besides, remember how we got caught off guard by those Vermicious Knids? No offense to you guys," Bud grinned up at the two massive beings kneeling by him, "but I wouldn't bet on the odds of any of Earth's governments being able to win in a fire fight against your kind."

"No offense taken, my friend. And let's hope you will never find yourselves in such a situation. I for one aim to make sure the Decepticons stay as far away from your planet as possible, but we must always be prepared for the possibility of them learning about you. That's why I plan to continue monitoring Earth's skies even after you return home. And, of course, we will be happy to ensure that the Vermicious Knids cause you and your people no further trouble."

"They're mostly going to be a problem at the Space Hotel," Lenny muttered around a mouthful of hot hash. "A good many of them got sizzled up by Mr. Wonka and his company and the President's had the hotel on ice in case any of 'em stayed behind, but I doubt every Knid in existence is gone."

"Right. And now that they know humans are going to be returning to the hotel..." Chad's voice trailed off.

"One thing at a time," Optimus said. "But first, I must fulfill a promise I made to President Gilligrass. He wants to speak with you and I asked him to wait until you had woken up today. Are you feeling up to speaking with him now?"

"Yes, we can do that."

"Uh, he doesn't mind that we're like this, though, does he?" Chad gestured to his sheet-covered body.

"I doubt you're the first people in a medical setting your president has seen," Ratchet answered as he consulted the machines attached to the men's chests.

"He checked in on you last night," Miara added. "He was really happy that you're okay."

"You... spoke with President Gilligrass, Miara?" Bud asked.

"Yes. He seems nice."

"And hopefully, he's just as willing to listen today as he was yesterday," Optimus said, rising to his feet. Bud watched as the Autobot leader walked a short distance away to where a large blank screen sat mounted on the wall. With a flick of his blue finger, Optimus switched the screen on and began typing away at a small panel beneath it.

"Good, the signal's coming through. Stand by, everyone; we should have contact with NASA shortly."