When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 10

Ratchet frowned and turned to run over to the bridge controls to activate them. "What is going on, Bulkhead? Why are you panicking?" There was no response and he turned to the bridge to see Bulkhead and Bumblebee running out of the vortex holding several lumps of energon crystals and they were covered in snow. Ratchet widened his optics as he was suddenly concerned. "What in the All Spark happened? You were gathering some more energon crystals. Did Megatron find you?"

Bulkhead shook his head as the vortex closed behind him and he placed the crystals down before he began to brush the snow off his arms. "No, actually...it was an accident." Optimus stood up from where he was sitting and walked over as he was concerned they were hurt. "Bee and I were almost buried. I am not sure what exactly happened, but it caved it."

Optimus widened his optics slightly. "What? Caved in? How?"

"I think it was my fault." Optimus looked at Bee in confusion as the bot brushed more snow from his arms. Bee sighed and looked at Optimus with a guilty expression. "While we were mining, I spotted some energon sticking out of the ground. I managed to put the energon out, but...it must have been supporting the wall as it began to collapse, causing the ceiling and the rest of the cavern to start collapsing. I didn't mean to."

Bumblebee seemed to be worried Optimus would be angry, but Optimus was nod. He was saddened to hear the cavern had caved in, but he was glad that both autobots were unharmed. "Bumblebee, it seems to me that it was just an accident that caused the cavern to cave in. It is unfortunate, and we no longer have access to a steady supply of energon. Which means, we will have to source it the way we used to again." Bumblebee nodded and looked away, brushing off some more snow. Optimus stepped forward and placed his hand on the scout's shoulder. "Do not think that I am mad, Bumblebee. I am just glad you and Bulkhead are okay. We can work around it."

"And it will be a long time before Azura will have the strength to reopen the cavern too." Ratchet was scanning Bulkhead's system just to be sure. "We should have enough supply of energon to last us several months. But we should still be careful. Only Optimus is allowed to ingest as much as he needs, while we must ration what we have now."

Arcee groaned a little. "Great...we are back to chasing after Megatron's scraps now. I was beginning to enjoy not having to worry about rationing the energon, and I have felt in better shape for a long time."

"We cannot put the blame on Bulkhead and Bumblebee, Arcee. It might be an unfortunate set back, but there is no reason to panic right now." Arcee was still very unhappy about it, as was Ratchet, but nothing can be done now. "We also must not forget that Azura's abilities will never be absolute. No matter the experience she will gain, nor the strength that will come from the growth and experience, I do not expect any of her powers to be extremely strong to the point of being invincible. It is something one might believe Primes are like too with the Matrix of Leadership. But that has never been the case." Optimus caressed the swell of his abdomen and sighed deeply. "I am sure Azura will be upset that the cave collapsed, but rest assured, we will access it again when it is viable. Just not for a while."

Bumblebee was still feeling guilty about it. "That might be true...I just feel like I ruined something that was Azura's...even if it can be repaired...it is like I had ruined a toy or something important..."

"I understand, Bumblebee. But she will be okay." Optimus smiled at the scout before he shifted a little on his feet due to the discomfort. "You should focus on processing the energon you were able to collect so you, Arcee and Bulkhead can head into Jasper. I believe it is nearing the time to pick them up from school."

Bumblebee was surprised as he realized what the time was. "I didn't even realize the time." He quickly gathered the energon he had been holding and looked at Bulkhead. "Let's get it processed quickly. Raf and I have to finish off our game that we didn't get to finish yesterday."