When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 44

"I am sure the kiddo is just playing with her toy somewhere around here," Wheeljack said in a calm tone, smiling at Optimus. Optimus did not appreciate the smile, but he did not react to him at this time. "Miko and I have not seen a sign of the sparkling. And if you have not, she might simply be too shy of me to come out. She will be fine, you will see."

"This is not the first time she has disappeared. It happened three years ago too, and I do not want that to happen again." Miko widened her eyes as she knew what Optimus meant. "But I am curious about something. Miko..." He looked down at the girl curiously. "Has Wheeljack been with you the entire tour?"

Miko widened her eyes in surprise. "I am surprised you are shaping him of anything, Optimus. Anyway, I was the one who ran ahead of Wheeljack because I was so excited, and he lost sight of me, not the other way around."

"I see." Optimus was still suspicious that Wheeljack had done something. "I know Azura did not pass by me when I came to check on her." Optimus knew it looked bad that he was suspecting Wheeljack, but after hearing Bulkhead's suspicions, he could not help but also be suspicious. "Where did you meet up with Wheeljack?"

Miko rolled her eyes and thought about. "Hmm...I met him just outside the training room. He was no where near the nursery when I found him. So you can relax, Optimus. Azura is probably back in the lobby. I am almost finished with the tour anyway."

Optimus was still concerned about where Azura is, and his suspicions were on Wheeljack. He did not want to cause commotion in the base, so he would relent for the moment. "Very well. But I hope you understand that if we do not locate Azura, we will assume she has either left or that you..." Optimus points at Wheeljack, making the bot narrow his optics. "Have taken her within your chassis."

"Understood, boss," Wheeljack responded affirmatively. "You have my word that I understand."

Optimus's suspensions only grew with that response. Wheeljack did not try to deny that he could have Azura within his chassis. He felt a lot worry about his daughter right at this moment, and he wished he could rip that bot's chassis open, but he did not want to scare Miko. Optimus said nothing as he walked away. His spark felt heavy as his worry for his daughter filled his processor. He prayed that she was okay. And he hoped that she could do something to force Wheeljack to pull her out. He knew she could make things uncomfortable, but he also did not want her to hurt herself.

Optimus walked into the lobby and Ratchet looked up from his work to look at him. He was surprised as he saw Optimus did not have Azura with him. "Where is Azura?" Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Arcee, Jack and Raf look at Optimus as they overhear Ratchet.

Optimus shook his head. "I do not know." Ratchet widened his optics in worry almost immediately. "I have not been able to locate her."

"Again?!" Arcee gasped in shock. "Wait...and Miko had taken Wheeljack for a tour almost thirty minutes ago..."

"Miko wouldn't be that stupid to allow anyone to take Azura," Bulkhead said bluntly with a frown. "However, it doesn't seem like a coincidence. Azura has no reason to leave the base like she did before." He immediately seemed guilty as he looked at Optimus. "Optimus, if I am somehow wrong about Wheeljack..."

"It would not be your fault, Bulkhead," Optimus said gently as he responded to the wrecker. "I do not think this was a bait set by the decepticons." He rubbed his chin with a deep frown. "We do need to proceed with caution."

"But this could also be a big misunderstanding," Jack said calmly as he glanced between the bots. "There are a lot of places here that you yourselves are too big to get into. Azura could have simply found a place to hide."

"Yes, but she would not have ignored my calls for her. And she has not told us about a hideaway she has found either. She almost never leaves my sight." Optimus rubbed his forehead in frustration. "She has no reason to leave, and she cannot hide among humans anymore, so she is still here somewhere. I am just...worried..."