When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 7

Bulkhead smiled and looked at Optimus, happy that Optimus was not completely mad at him. "Did you see? I beat Breakdown and bashed them all with his own hammer! I won the rematch!"

Bumblebee and Arcee glanced at each other in surprise, before Arcee rolled her optics. "I'm sure Miko would be proud. Though you do know you could have been scrap metal if Mech got a good hit on you?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Bulkhead turned to Optimus as he calmed down. "It won't happen again, Optimus. Next time, I will make sure to inform you when I decide to join in on something like this in the future." He glanced at Optimus's abdomen and his expression turned to guilt. "Now Megatron will find out about this."

"He was bound to learn of it sooner than later. Even though I do believe Megatron will likely allow it to happen." Optimus rubbed his abdomen gently as he relaxed his body. "Though I do hope that there won't be a next time. And you need to find yourself in the medical bay."

"And there will be no ifs or buts about it!" Ratchet added bluntly as he looked at Bulkhead sternly, and the wrecker just shrugged with a nod. "Alright..." The medic opened his com link to base. "Rafael, we request a ground bridge at our location. The mission has been successful."

"That's good!" The boy responded happily, and a few moments after that, the bots see the vortex opening beside them. "I hope no one got hurt. Um...I hope Bulkhead was able to catch up with you."

"He did, just not as it was intended," Optimus responded as he waited for Bulkhead and Ratchet to walk through the vortex before him. The medic made sure that Bulkhead walked in before him, so he could follow to the med bay.

"At least it didn't end badly today," Arcee said as she walked up to Optimus, and the leader nodded. "On the bright side, it would seem we managed to avoid Mech, and they won't know about Azura."

"I agree." Optimus walked towards the vortex with Arcee and Bumblebee with a smile, lowering his face plate now that the danger had past. "However, I am unsure how often we will encounter Mech. Now that we know they use bait tactics, we are going to have to be even more cautious going forward." Arcee and Bumblebee both nod as they understood, walking through the vortex, and looking ahead as they saw Miko running towards the med bay with a happy expression. "While I know everyone is thinking of me and Azura, but I am thinking of all of us, Arcee. You can't just focus on me even though I am carrying my daughter."

Arcee smirked at her leader and shrugged. He was right, as they all should be worried about each other, but all of them knew that Optimus needed them more than he thinks at this time. "We are fully aware, Optimus. That is why we are all one big team. And hopefully, Ratchet won't take long with Bulkhead."

"While I am feeling eager to find out what is causing Azura distress, Arcee, I am fully aware that Bulkhead could have damage to him that requires aid. Ratchet also does not overlook anything or take shortcuts when it comes to medical needs. You already know that." Optimus smiled at the boys who were watching them and Optimus turned to head to the energon storeroom. "And as such, Ratchet should take the full precaution of treating Bulkhead. I am certain that by the end of the day, I will have my answer regarding Azura."

"I hope so." Arcee watched Optimus walk away as her expression changed into amusement. "But in the meantime, it seems like you are going to raid the energon supplies..." Optimus stood and looked over his shoulder at Arcee who chuckled, as did Bumblebee and the two boys. "I won't stop you, Prime. But I guess I should not be surprised. We were not even gone very long and you already need to fill your tank." Optimus smiled in amusement at her and continued to walk. "I know, you are carrying, so it is fine."

"He seems to be in a better mood than he was earlier," Fowler commented as he watched in amusement. He looked at Arcee as he walked over to the railing. "I don't suppose you mind telling me what went down out there? I feel like I should be informed, as I need to do a lot of investigating, and hope that we can catch Mech before they do something else."