When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 10

Bulklhead chuckled as he gathered the crystals back into his arms. "I am not in much of a hurry as you, Bee. Just in case Miko finds herself in detention again."

"I'll never understand why that girl decides to do things and get herself in a heap of trouble," Arcee commented with a huff. She looked at Optimus as he walked back to where he had been sitting to sit back down to resume his research. She knew Optimus was studying Azura's dream, and she thought it was good, but she made no comment. "At least Jack keeps out of trouble."

"That boy definitely has more maturity, I noticed that from when we first met him," Ratchet commented in agreement. "I believe he has a shift at his job, does he not?" Arcee nodded. "I guess you'll be sitting outside the fast-food building. No matter, there isn't much going on here. Now that we no longer have a steady supply of energon, I'll start doing a sweep of the planet to locate another mine for us to potentially use."

"Sounds like a good idea. I'll go help Bulkhead and Bumblebee before we head into town." The two-wheeler looked at Bulkhead and Bumblebee as they walk towards the hallway, and she followed them. She smirked at Bulkhead in amusement. "At least if Miko is in detention, you get to listen to that awful music you seem to like so much. I will never understand why you enjoy it."

Bulkhead just smiled at Arcee. "You are right, you will never understand. But that is okay, Arcee. I've never once annoyed you, have I?" Arcee raised an eyebrow at him and Bulkhead could see she was silently making fun of him. "Oh...I know I've annoyed you before, Arcee, but I have not played heavy metal music around anyone here. I've made sure that Miko keeps the music away from the base too, since the noise could disrupt Optimus should he be recharging during the day."

"I know. I am just teasing you. Let's get these crystals process or they will never get done."

With the other autobots now busy for the moment, Ratchet could not help but rub the bridge between his optics and look at Optimus. He had resumed the study of Azura's dream and Ratchet was not yet sure if it will be a concern. But he would make sure that Optimus would not remain seated all the time. He did understand the discomfort Optimus was feeling, but he would feel better moving around more than he would sitting down all the time.

"You should stretch your legs often, Optimus." Optimus glanced at him briefly before looking back at the screen in irritation. Ratchet smiled a little. "I know, you are not able to find comfort right now. I cannot help you, but I can guide you. Walking around will do you good. Just as driving around occasionally is good."

"I am aware, Ratchet. But I have not been sitting here for hours. It has only been two, so I do not think that you need to remind me. Just as I don't need reminding that I must make sure I rest enough and get enough energon. You remind me every week, Ratchet." Optimus smiled slightly as he did appreciate the medic's work that he puts in to ensure Optimus would be okay. "I do listen to your advice, but I am not sure I need reminding as though I am a youngling."

"I know, Optimus. I only say these things out of concern. Plus, carrying does rattle the processor, so it does not hurt to be more mindful." Ratchet looked at a screen in front of him and his expression changed to concern. "I just hope things will not get too stressful over the coming weeks."

"I am the one who should be saying that."

Ratchet smirked and nodded in agreement. "You are certainly right about that. But I am not talking about general stress. After all, we had to help Breakdown two days ago and there is no reason not to assume Mech might know about your current state."

"That might be true, Ratchet. But it is unlikely we will encounter them again before Azura's rebirth. I am not sure what will take me out of the base to end up encountering them at this time, but I do know that I will never let my guard down. Just as I am not overlooking anything with this..." Optimus paused as he stared at the screen in front of him. He had paused the moment when Azura had petrified the first knight and he frowned. "Dream..."