When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 16

“Uh…” June grimaced a little, glancing in the direction of the kids for a moment before looking at Optimus. “To be fair…Jack had a rough start as a baby. He was born premature and he had to have extra care.” Optimus was surprised as he didn’t think that of Jack, but he didn’t interrupt June. “It wasn’t easy seeing him hooked up to things to keep him alive, but I knew he was strong. He was a fighter, even if I was terrified as a first-time mother.” June swallowed as she tried to not get emotional about it. "But it did not take long before I knew he would be okay. And we are not in the position like autobots to go through the unique procedure as you are right now, Optimus. So the care of a womb is done when the baby is born.”

“I see…I had no clue that Jack’s start into the world was rough. But at least he has been able to live a good life thanks to you, June. I sympathize with you.” June just smiled as she was glad for the leader’s sympathetic response to her. “I suspect Jack must know about it, which was probably why he was good with Azura when they first met. Even though he has no clue about Azura at the time.”

“He does. He asked about what he was like as a baby before, and I told him the truth. And, unfortunately, I do feel bad that his father left even though his father was there at the beginning.” That was good, though Optimus likely knew that Jack wouldn’t have liked how things began for him. But he was stronger now. “But even with a rough start, Jack’s life has turned into something pretty amazing. I never thought autobots would ever be a thing, but here we are. Especially with an autobot carrying their daughter.”

Optimus hummed softly in amusement. “It is something I also did not expect, June. But none of us can ever know what is truly awaiting us. Even in this instance. We are all on alert, but things may not pan out the way we hope.”

“Surely, you don’t believe that Mech will even succeed in capturing you, do you? It is one thing to kidnap me, it is different when it is something far bigger than me. You are the largest autobot here.” Optimus had no answer for June, as he knew it might not make sense, given his size. But they all were aware that Mech were resourceful, so it would be possible. “I see…you do believe that they could. Well…you might only have less than a week before Azura is out of your gestational chamber, since you said you felt stiff in your vehicular mode. Hopefully they will wait.”

“As patient as Mech seem to be, they definitely will not play around, June. I expect that we will be alerted to something soon. But I am unsure how it will occur, and if it will be a single signal.” Optimus did thing there would be more than one signal that they would pick up, but he was not sure. “But…as much as I am doing something important by carrying Azura and making sure that her system will give her a long life, it pains me that I have to remain here.”

June raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “You don’t trust your autobots?”

“No, it has nothing to do with that, June. It is because…”

“Oh, right…being a leader.” Optimus looked at the woman and nodded. “I see…I guess you feel that being sidelined doesn’t sit well with you.”

“You are correct. It pains my spark to know that my autobots are putting themselves in danger just to protect Azura and myself. But it isn’t fair to force them to stay in the base with me, as we do need more energon. The energon Bumblebee and Bulkhead harvested the other day will not last very long. So we need more. And that is going to be what we are going to be focused on.” Optimus caressed his abdomen gently. Azura was awake, but she was just listening or daydreaming. She had spoken to him earlier, but she was quiet now for the time being. “Which is why we cannot remain hidden. Only I can.”

“I suppose that means Ratchet will go if needed.”

“Yes, and no. He would be better to remain here should my system start the labor process.” June chuckled a little as she was still getting used to the terms that the autobots use to describe things. “As much as you have learned a lot about our reproductive system, June, you are not fit to be our doctor.”