When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 22

Jack was surprised as he thought it would be a lot simpler. He pulled his leg out of the pant leg of the suit and he waved his hands to try and cool down. "I had thought it wouldn't be too long."

"Unfortunately, operating is out of the question, Jack. Optimus needs strength, and I need to analysis what Mech's weapons have done to Optimus's system. That way I can ensure his body will be given the strength and support needed to endure the birthing process. And as I can see the state of the external damage, I fear the internal will be worse." Ratchet was not looking forward to it either as he knew that he had a lot to do to help Optimus. "As long as they both are healthy at the end of it, then it will be a win in my book."

Jack nodded in agreement. "Yeah...I agree..." He glanced down as he saw his mother, Miko and Raf running into the med bay and he smiled at them when he saw them. "Hey...we might be here a while..."

"That is alright with me." June raced up the stairs quickly so she could hug Jack. The teenager smiled as he felt his mother's arms around him as he knew she frightened her. "Please don't ever do that again, Jack. I almost had a heart attack. Especially after what Mech tried to do to me and Arcee."

"I'm sorry, mom. I didn't mean to frighten you. I just wanted to help." Jack glanced towards the hallway as he could hear the footsteps of Optimus approaching the med bay. "And I am glad that I could do what I was able to...I am not sure if Optimus would have gotten far, but that might be a stretch."

"But you at least did something, Jack," June reassured her son as she kissed his cheek and stepped back with a proud smile. "You might have scared me, but I am proud of you. You are growing into a fine, young man." Jack rolled his eyes at her comment and she chuckled softly. "I guess you do have the autobots to look up to as roll models."

"Yeah, I do." Jack walked over to the railing and leaned a little to try and see Optimus, but he was clearly still struggling to reach the med bay, and Jack felt terrible. "Right now...I think...I am not sure, but I am not sure that Azura is okay."

Miko looked at Jack in surprise. "And why would you think that? She's inside Optimus's gestational chamber, which means she is protected."

"True, but..." Jack flinched as Ratchet looked at him with a knowing frown, as Ratchet knew exactly what Jack was thinking. Jack sighed deeply and shook his head. "You weren't there, Miko. Azura created that storm, which resulted in Ratchet being unable to create the ground bridge. And...I think that, in combination with all the impacts Optimus's body's been through, has done more damage than you think. Azura might be okay, but...I don't know."

Miko widened her eyes as she understood and looked down. "Oh...well...we at least can be moral support."

Jack nodded. "Yes, that is all we can be. Ratchet, we all believe you can do it."

Ratchet smiled at Jack. "Thank you for your confidence, Jack. I will do my best. I do not wish to fail Optimus, as losing his daughter a third time might...well...I am not sure..." Ratchet intakes heavily and looked at the hallway as he saw Megatron and Bulkhead walking towards the door as they were still assisting Optimus in. "Bring him over to this berth."

Optimus looked at the berth to see the many equipment prepared for him. He didn't know how to feel at the moment aside from wanting to make sure that Azura is okay. He also didn't know how he felt about Megatron's presence at the moment. While he knew that Megatron would likely continue the war, he still hoped that Megatron would change his mind. But in the moment, having Megatron present still felt strange. Especially since Azura was within his body at this time.

"Easy there, boss, we are almost there," Bulkhead reassured Optimus kindly. "Fowler made sure to give Mech a good chase when I left them in the dust before. I hope that he might be able to capture a few of them."