When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 14

"Not really," Rafael responded quickly. "I wouldn't be bored since I'll be talking with Bee. But if I got bored, I'd probably distract Bumblebee by playing a game with him, since we do that in our own time too."

"Which we can't have since that would distract Bumblebee from his mission." Ratchet activated the ground bridge and looked at Bumblebee. "I am going to assume it will take some time before you will contact back regarding your find."

Bumblebee nodded. "When I locate the source of the signal, I'll definitely investigate further for how big and how deep the mine could be."

"And I shall accompany you, Bumblebee," Optimus said as he walked towards the scout.

Bee widened his optics in surprise. "Huh? Why?"

"I am in need of being able to go for a drive, Bumblebee. Ever since Mech kidnapped Jack's mother and made it clear they are after me, I haven't been able to go for a drive for over a week. And I could use that, since it'll bring some comfort to my body." Bumblebee glanced at Ratchet as the medic seemed unconcerned that Optimus wanted to go. "It is unlikely Mech is watching this very location, Bumblebee. Fresh air and sunlight will be very welcoming."

"As long as Ratchet says it's okay..."

"It is, Bee. He can go. He might as well before he can't transform during the days leading up to the birth." Optimus smiled as he nodded in agreement and walked towards the vortex before transforming. Bee still seemed uncertain and Ratchet smiled at the scout. "I am sure with you watching his back, it will be okay, Bumblebee. You do not need to be overly concerned right now."

Bumblebee looked at Optimus and he just sighed as he knew that he might be just overreacting. Plus, Optimus's irritation and discomfort was felt through the whole base, so it would be good for him to be able to relax. "You are right. We will be fine. Though I kind of imagine Azura must be awake for Optimus to want to go for a drive, since that seems to make her sleep."

"Yes, she is. And right now, Azura is feeling uncomfortable herself, and is trying to find a position most comfortable." Ratchet couldn't help but chuckle lightly as he knew that carriers tended to complain about that, especially nearing the end of their carrying, due to how sensitive their internals have become. "I am hopeful that driving will make her relax and fall into recharge."

"It's like trying to find a position most comfortable on a bed or a berth, daddy. I can't help it! It's cramped in here!" Azura complained as she listened to Optimus. "And when you transformed, everything feels...ugh..." Bumblebee had walked up beside Optimus and was able to transform when he looked at Optimus in surprise when he heard a firm kick suddenly, which pretty much showed more of Azura's discomfort.

"Azura..." Optimus was not happy Azura had kicked him, especially since that felt intentional. "I do not like it when you kick me intentionally. Please do not do that." Azura grumbled and she shifted again, and Optimus just sighed as he spoke to Bumblebee. "We should get going. Azura's decided to take her own discomfort out on me."

"Uh oh, that's not good. Alright, I'll go ahead and make sure the road is clear for us." Bumblebee drove into the vortex ahead of Optimus, and Optimus waited patiently for Bumblebee to give the clear. Bumblebee spoke through the com link after a couple minutes. "You can come through, Optimus. The road is clear, and looks like we can just drive along a highway towards the signal for a while."

Optimus drove forward into the vortex now that Bumblebee confirmed that it was clear, and when he drove onto the otherwise, the warmth of the sun hitting the hood of the truck felt wonderful. And Bumblebee was right that they would be driving along a highway towards the signal's location, but he was completely fine with that. The longer the drive, the better, as Azura would most likely be lulled into recharge. But she was still unsettled, and he grunts a little as he felt her kicking him again, and she had kicked at one of the amniotic lines, which was sensitive and tender, though that never stopped a sparkling from grabbing and kicking them.