June Darby's presence in the base has been something that the autobots and children have had to get used to. While June was more mature than Jack, Miko and Raf, she had a lot of learning to do. Especially when it came to the threat of the decepticons to the planet. But June was more interested in learning about Cybertronian anatomy and biology more than the war. She and Ratchet had formed a fast friendship as the woman was intrigued by the medical practices. She even got to learn exactly how the current procedure Optimus and Azura were going through worked, which she was very fascinated about.
June did ask questions about how different the conception of sparklings were to Earth based organisms, not including the habloid sparks that Ratchet told her about. The process of it was fascinating, especially as the formation of a sparkling was a lot more complex and tedious than what any Earth-based organism goes through when procuring offspring. It was a subject the Jack was not fond of his mother learning about, but June has stated it was only because she was curious and, being a nurse, she wasn't afraid of the details.
Though Optimus couldn't help but be uncomfortable when he became the center of questions for things like low-grade energon, and he didn't allow himself to sit in the middle of that discussion. Mostly due to the discomfort growing as his upper internal systems were aching due to parts being harvested from them to deliver to Azura's system, and the nearing of the birth was also something his system seemed to be preparing for. Though Ratchet has had to reassure Optimus that it was just general discomfort.
But during this time, a small, but noticeable, energon signal had been detected in a mountainous area that could indicate a potential energon mine for the autobots to harvest. Bumblebee had decided to volunteer to scout the location to make sure. Their energon supply was still fine for now, but they did need to check it out in case there was some crystals that can be harvested and processed.
"Looks like it won't a mine that Megatron will go after at least," Bumblebee commented as he looked at the screen as he stared at the location of the signal. "But I hope this small signal will lead to a massive mine. That way we can relax a bit more and not have to chase the decepticons for it."
"It could, but I am sure you will figure that out once you have taken a closer look," Ratchet said as he put the coordinates into the ground bridge. "It will be good to have an bigger excess supply over the coming months. Especially when Azura is reborn, as Optimus's body will still demand a high amount of energon."
Miko looked at Ratchet in surprise. "Why? He won't be carrying her?"
"That might be, but this procedure kind of also resets the nutritional status of the low-grade energon that Optimus will feed to Azura. While before the procedure, the nutritional value was greater than, say, my own due to being her carrier. But..." Ratchet glanced towards Optimus as the leader approached the console to look at the screen thoughtfully and he looked back at Miko. "Now it will be over higher nutritional value, and he will have to ingest the same amount, or more, energon to keep up with his body's production of it. It can actually drain more energy than carrying itself."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense." Miko pondered for a moment before looking at Raf, who was sitting at the nearby desk on his laptop. "Are you going to go with Bee, Raf? Seems like this mission will be pretty safe."
"I am afraid not." The boy turned to look at Miko who was very surprised he would not be going. "It might be safe, but if the bota can detect the energon signal, so can the decepticons. They might not care, but I don't want to take the risk."
"Rafael is right, Miko," Ratchet said in a reassuring tone. "I know Raf and Bee spend a lot of time together, but..." Raf smiled as he listened to Ratchet. "He does understand more than you when it is okay to go through the bridge with any of us. Besides, I think scouting for energon is a little boring to him."
"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.
"Looks like it might take us about thirty minutes to reach the location," Bumblebee said as he was driving ahead of Optimus and taking notice of the signal's location. "If we stick to the speed limit of the road anyway. But looks like not many humans travel this road..."
"You know speeding faster than the speed limit implemented by humans is against the rules, Bumblebee. While we can get there faster, I am comfortable remaining at this current speed. I would prefer to not speed up at this time anyway." Bumblebee said nothing other than continue ahead, though he could tell in Optimus's voice that he was enjoying the drive. "I have not been able to go for a drive for a week, so this feels nice. We are fortunate that this energon signal appears to not be of a large mine, so we should go unnoticed by the decepticons."
"Do you think the decepticons will attack if they saw us?" Bumblebee asked him curiously. "Especially, since Megatron probably wouldn't want to hurt you right now while Azura is within you."
"I cannot confirm or deny that. However, even if they don't attack me, they could still attack you, Bumblebee. We cannot believe that they wouldn't do that simply because I am there." Optimus did not know if the decepticons would show up, but that was something that would remain to be seen anyway and Optimus also was more focused on driving and getting Azura to fall into recharge, which has been easier since he's been having showers more often due to the sound of the water making Azura fall into recharge. And she has been recharging for longer too, which was also good. "But I am not concerned about that. Not with the signal being this weak."
"I suppose...unless Megatron decides to check it since he would know we would be looking for energon."
"That is also true. But he is less likely to attack, since he is Azura's sire. Though I still do not yet know if he genuinely wants to be the sire she deserves...after all, he did create her for the intention of destruction."
"Can you stop bringing that up, daddy?"
"Sorry. Ignore what I said." Optimus felt Azura shifting within him again and he just focused on driving and speaking with Bumblebee. "Regardless, we need to be aware of our surroundings all the time, Bumblebee. Especially since Mech is actively looking for me as well. I am more concerned with them than I am about the decepticons at this time."
"After what we have seen what they did to Breakdown, I don't blame you at all, Optimus. I have no doubt once Azura I'd reborn, you will relax. But I imagine Mech will turn their attention to Azura when you are no longer carrying...though they would have a harder time getting her."
"I agree. As much as I've enjoyed carrying Azura, the stress and concern that has been mounting in more recent weeks has made me look forward to the end. Though I am going to miss carrying her, despite the discomfort."
"I'll never know that experience at all, unless Megatron uses that machine again. But given what I have seen from you and how a mech handles it without a natural, gestational chamber, I definitely do not envy you."
"To be fair, I do not think anyone envies any Cybertronian who is carrying a sparkling. I have greater respect for everyone who has gone through it to bring the next spark into this world. Having this experience has indeed brought a perspective I was once ignorant to."
Bumblebee chuckled softly. "I may not have a clue about that myself, but I try to not be so ignorant...but it is likely impossible for me to understand."
"You are right, Bumblebee. As you will never carrying a sparkling yourself, you will not understand at all. It is no different to any other experiences in life. You don't know about them until it happens to you yourself."
"At least we can all experience the joy having a sparkling around again. That is one thing we can all share. Including when she decides that she won't recharge through the night. I am actually curious to see how much she will have regressed mentally. Her kicking you deliberately makes her seem less mature than before the procedure."
"I cam at least confirm that to be the case. But she's still very intelligent and more mature than other sparklings her age. It is perfectly fine for her mind to have regressed, especially given the huge strain her mind and body was under before the procedure. And we can thank Starscream for that..." Optimus felt another kick from Azura and he was not happy a out that. "And given her stubbornness about recharging within me, I am expecting the same. Her fear of dreaming hurts my spark, but I can't blame her either."
"Yeah...but at least we will pitch in, Optimus. I am sure we all will help to make sure that you get enough rest. Even if you will recover quickly from the birth. You are lucky that you only have to open your chassis and Ratchet can get her out that way."
Optimus was amused, as he couldn't disagree, but it would not be as simple as Bumblebee described it. "If it were that simple...but it won't be, Bumblebee. When the labor starts, parts have to shift out of the way to even allow for Azura to be removed, and I won't be able to open my chassis until that happens. So I will experience the pain that comes from it."
"Really? Oh...I guess I don't know the details...but it will still be easier."
"It will be. I just will not escape the pain of feeling things shifting to allow for safe passage. I've been shot at and stabbed many times, so I am unsure how the pain will compare that. Though I think it will feel a bit different, especially since it is coming from the inside." But Optimus knew that when he does experience it, it will be the one and only time. It will be something he'll likely forget quickly, and he was okay with that. Optimus felt Azura relaxing finally, which meant she was starting to fall into recharge, and he was relieved. "Hmm...looks like we will be needing to go off road at some point to reach the location of the energon signal."
"I noticed that too. But do you just want to drive until Azura is in recharge? I imagine you would prefer to not have her kicking while we check things out."
"I hope that doesn't bother you if we do, Bumblebee."
Bumblebee chuckled softly. "Nah, not at all. This is just a scouting mission, nothing that needs to be dealt with too quickly. If you or Ratchet had any concerns, you'd say something. But I personally am not in a rush to find the energon. As long as we stick around the area, I think we will be fine. We can just drive until you feel more comfortable, or that Azura has fallen into a deep recharge."
"I definitely will wait until she is in a deep recharge. Being comfortable, even in this vehicular form, is not possible right now. I do feel better, but everything still hurts." Optimus knew to not complain too much though, as he didn't want to annoy Bumblebee. "It shouldn't take too long now. She has already relaxed enough, and her mind has calmed down a lot. So I think she will be in deep recharge when we get there anyway."
Bumblebee knew that Optimus would drive for as long as he felt he needed, even if Azura fell into a deep recharge. Bumblebee enjoyed watching Optimus enjoy being a parent to a sparkling. Bee knew just how great Optimus was when Bumblebee was much younger and needed a lot of guidance. It was Optimus who was there, and it was Optimus who was the father figure Bumblebee needed as a youngling. Especially during the war in the earlier days. He didn't know what would have happened to him if Optimus wasn't there. Bumblebee guessed he probably would be dead if not for his leader.
Optimus and Bumblebee drive along the road for longer than it would have taken to reach the coordinates of the signal's location. This didn't bother Bumblebee at all, and the scout listened to tunes on the radio as the two drove along the highway and turned around to ensure they were near where they had to leave the main road to walk over the mountainous terrain to reach the coordinates. Optimus was not entirely thrilled, but he had opted to come with Bee, so he would proceed with his scout when they did leave road.
Eventually, Optimus did get a little bored of driving and they drove off the road and transformed when far enough from the road. They scanned their surroundings as they proceeded with Bumblebee holding a scanner and leading the way. Optimus looked around cautiously as they walked through the mountainous terrain as he looked for any sign that might indicate danger. But things were fine for now, and he was hoping that they would find a decent amount of energon. While he knew that he would be fine with energon in his system, he didn't want his autobots to suffer. They were already forced to ration their own reserves so Optimus and Azura would have plenty, and it did make him feel guilty, despite the fact he couldn't ignore Azura's needs either.
"Seems like we have a pretty clear road right now. And it doesn't appear to be too step." Bumblebee seemed very relieved by that as he didn't want to travel over rough terrain. "Too bad Raf didn't come. I think he would have enjoyed it. He doesn't like to come since he thinks he is a distraction."
"That boy likely doesn't want to come due to the time he went to the warship with Jack, Miko and Bulkhead. I doubt it has anything to do with you specifically, Bumblebee." Bumblebee would still enjoy Raf's company, even if the boy was nervous. Though Bumblebee definitely understood why Raf wouldn't come. Optimus placed a hand on Bee's shoulder with a gentle smile. "I am sure he misses your company when you are on these missions as well, Bumblebee. But you are our best scout for these situations. Without you, we might not discover things that are important to us."
"I guess that is true. My skills are needed here...that still doesn't make me feel better about leaving Raf behind. But he is safe and he has company of the other bots and kids. He was working on an assignment anyway, so this would certainly be a distraction. His parents are hard on him to get good grades for school."
"I am unsurprised. A good education is necessary. At least Azura's had a head start and she can ready Cybertronian now. But any further teaching than the basics will not happen for many long years." Optimus rubbed his abdomen thoughtfully as he knew that Azura will excel in the future, even though he still hoped that they would be able to return to Cybertron by than. "While we are not the teachers of our human friend, encouragement of their studies is important. Especially as we probably are a distraction for them in their own minds. Especially Miko, since she is often in detention."
Bumblebee chuckled softly. "Yeah, she definitely is distracted by us. But I am sure that will pass and she will mature enough to focus on her education. Though that could take a while."
"I suppose with time we will see. Though I am sure that the three young humans might already have their lives set. Given their knowledge of us, they might get recruited by the human government in the future. Though I am unsure if that is certain, but most likely."
"They're too young to worry about that anyway." Bee glanced down as the scanner began to beep louder as they got closer. "Looks like we will have to head down the slope on the other side. Hopefully we can walk down, but we can drive down it otherwise."
Optimus just nodded as Bumblebee continued to lead the way to the coordinates. He scanned his surroundings again out of caution, though he was still relaxed as they continued walking. While Optimus was still feeling discomfort, he was glad that Azura was in recharge right now. Normally, his walking motion would wake her, since she found it strangle uncomfortable. But he was glad that she was recharging right now, even while walking, so that he could relax from her kicking.
After all, she was mostly kicking now out of anxiousness and boredom, and playfulness occasionally. But it definitely was something that Optimus couldn't stop physically. He could only speak to her, and that didn't always do anything. It showed Azura's maturity level at this time, and Optimus had wondered how much this procedure would affect Azura's mind in that way. Ratchet only told Optimus that due to her age, the procedure can force Azura's processor to regress, since she had been forced to mature to the hardship of her early years. But being with a carrier and now through the procedure could force the sparkling's processor to regress, so it wasn't necessarily Azura's fault. But she hasn't regressed mentally too much to the point of a new born, that was for sure.
The two autobot reach the slope down, and it was easy to walk down. Though Optimus was extra careful, but it was not worrisome at all. He was glad that they were getting close. If they had to dig to find more energon, that would be a task for Bulkhead. But they would be able to determine how much energon there is once they reach the location. After that, they can proceed with planning to dig out and harvest the crystals from the mine.
Bumblebee widened his optics as he looked ahead and spotted a small cluster of energon crystals sticking out of the side of the mountain. He ran over to it and Optimus followed, looking at the cluster to see that it appeared to have been unearthed naturally by the elements. There was no sign of excavation around it and there seemed to be more of the cluster under the rock. That may show how much energon there could be within the mountain, but Bumblebee began to scan the area to see if the scanner could pick up more energon underneath the surface.
"At least we have located the energon," Optimus said with a smile as he walked over to a large, smooth boulder and sat down with a sigh. Bee glanced at him as he heard the hydraulics releasing pressure and Optimus released his shoulders. "It's definitely easier to get around in vehicular mode."
Bumblebee nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it sure is. But it also has its inconvenience, Optimus. Take the time to rest. The scanning is still going, so it will take a few minutes."
Optimus nodded as he understood. He didn't want to complain about any of the aches that he was feeling as of right now. Sitting on the boulder brought relief to his legs, but he was still uncomfortable. He had pondered whether it was even a good idea to come with his scout, but being out in the fresh air and warmth of the sun was very welcoming, even if it had zero affect on his body. Just being out of the base brought comfort to his mind.
However, Optimus glanced up as he heard the undeniable echo of an approaching jet. He could not see it, but he could hear it. He stood up slowly as he glanced around for the jet. "Bumblebee, I think we have some incoming company." Bumblebee turned in surprise as he hadn't been paying attention, but he heard the sound and zoned in. "Not sure if it's decepticon or human, but I'll alert Ratchet."
Bumblebee nodded as he armed his blasters in case he needed to shoot. "I will have your back, Optimus."
As Optimus was about to contact the base, he widened his optics as he saw Megatron's jet fly over the trees and transform quickly, landing in front of Bumblebee and Optimus. His red optics were filled with satisfaction as he gazed upon the carrying Optimus, now seeing him with his own optics after Starscream had informed him of this. And Knockout was able to explain to him how it was possible.
"Don't tell me that you are about to run back to your base, Optimus." Optimus narrowed his optics and armed his right canon and aimed it at Megatron. Megatron chuckled and waved his hands calmly. "Put that away, Prime. I am not here to fight. In fact, it would be dishonourable, considering you are currently at a disadvantage anyway."
"That might be true, Megatron, but that does give me a little advantage to shoot you first," Optimus responded in a curt, impatient tone.
Megatron chuckled in amusement. "Well, I wasn't sure how carrying a sparkling would affect your processor, Optimus. But it seems that you are a lot more snippy than I remember. Though, considering you weren't meant to carry, I guess that makes sense." Optimus's face plate slides across his face and Megatron rolled his optics. "Relax, Prime. I didn't even know you were here. I was flying overhead for something else when I picked up on that tiny rock of energon by your scout's foot, and it was by my luck you were here." His optics glance down at the swell of Optimus's abdomen, and Optimus placed his hand on the surface protectively. "I must say, carrying suits you, Prime. A shame I didn't think of habloid sparks sooner. I could have enjoyed this back on Cybertron."
Optimus couldn't help but stare at Megatron in disbelief. "You say that with a lot of confidence, Megatron. But you still would have created them with the intent of destruction, not creation. You and I both know Azura would not even be alive if I hadn't have done what I needed to do to protect her from you."
"Yes, I know." Megatron's optics never left the swell of Optimus's abdomen, and Optimus couldn't really do anything to hide it. "But I cannot really go back and change anything about that, Optimus. When Starscream told me he had seen you carrying, I had to see for myself. Knockout, thankfully, knew what procedure you and Azura had gone through. However..." Megatron clenched his hand a little. "I imagine it was because of Starscream's stupidity throwing that shard was the result."
Optimus narrowed his optics as he listened to Megatron. "Not exactly. But I am not sure why you even care."
Megatron looked up from Optimus's abdomen to look directly into his optics. "Like it or not, Optimus Prime, I am Azura's sire..." He took a few steps closer, and Optimus charged his blaster, making the mech stop in amusement. "We both can go on and on in circles about how Azura was created. But you and I cannot change the fact that we both are her parents. I have the right to know she is okay."
Bumblebee huffed loudly and Megatron immediately turned his head to glare at the scout. "You might be her biologically, but I fail to see how you have earned that title of sire, Megatron. After all, you started the war. You could have worked alongside Optimus a long time ago to help change Cybertron, but chose your own way and tasted the power that comes with the desctruction you have caused to our home. Maybe if you stop the war, even after Azura is reborn, you might have a chance."
"Don't patronize me, scout! I still have every right to care about Azura. I originally didn't, but that paternal instinct cannot go away when a sparkling is alive." He turned his head to look back at Optimus. "Though I imagine you feel the same as Bumblebee, Prime. I also would like to imagine your processor is in overdrive when it comes to protecting Azura. It is admirable. But I will reassure you that I will never intentionally harm Azura."
"Oh, but unintentionally is okay?" Bumblebee questioned in a sarcastic tone, making both Optimus and Megatron look at him with a glare. "Or allowing, maybe, one of your decepticons to hurt her is okay? Just making sure."
Megatron growled and looked back at Optimus. "I know that it might seem hard to believe, but I am serious about not harming Azura. After all, she is more than a Cybertronian." Optimus narrowed his optics at him. "Calm yourself, Prime. Her being related to the dragon of the past makes her unique and special, but her power is not what I care about. I just want to make sure she is okay. After all, from what Soundwave has been able to pick up, that pathetic human group that call themselves Mech..." Optimus widened his optics slightly as he wasn't expecting Megatron to mention Mech at all. "Seem to know of your condition, Optimus. I am surprised you are even outside the safety of your base, as I see you already know."
Optimus stared at Megatron in disbelief before he unarmed himself suddenly, which surprised Bumblebee, even though Optimus wouldn't allow Megatron to get closer to him. "I had not been aware you would care about them."
"Normally, no, though they did manage to capture Breakdown. And from what Breakdown told me, these humans are just savages. And now they know you are carrying, and want our sparkling..." Optimus didn't like Megatron referring to Azura as our sparkling, but he made no comment. "And apparently, Soundwave detected strange radio waves a few days ago. That Silas seems to believe they will be able to take one of the autobots down again very soon. But he didn't pick up the full plan, though I have doubt that it will be about you."
Optimus processed what Megatron had said, though he was still suspicious. "And what exactly do you hope to gain from telling us this information, Megatron? I would find it hard to believe you would even given this information to us without wanting something in return." Megatron's smirk widened as Optimus knew Megatron too well. "And while I have no reason to assume that what you have said to be nothing but a deceptive lie to get us to reveal the location of our base at this time, I am curious as to know why you are telling us this information. What do you want in return for this information, Megatron?"