When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 12

When the following morning came around, the autobots were patiently waiting for Arcee to return to the base with Jack and his mother. They all knew Jack's mother was called June, and they would welcome her when she did arrive. Optimus did tell Azura when she had woken after recharging for five hours, which he was happy about, and he was awake from his recharge as nausea had caused him to wake from his recharge. Azura was shocked to learn what had happened to Jack and she was already worried about Mech knowing more about the autobots than they first realized. But they would not yet know until Jack and Arcee arrived with the woman.

Optimus didn't feel as much discomfort this morning like he had thought he would, and that was a good thing. The shower definitely helped, and he likely will have another later to allow it to ease the discomfort he was feeling further. He had not mentioned this fact to Ratchet, as he didn't think it was a necessity to the medic to know. But Ratchet did seem to notice that Optimus was not as much in discomfort this morning, though he had made no mention about it.

Optimus was currently taking another look at the recording of Azura's dream to continue trying to figure out its meaning. Azura was in recharge again so he did not have any distractions at this time. Optimus replayed the moment Azura petrified the knights a few times before moving onto the tree. He hoped the size of the tree would share some answers, especially as it certainly seemed to be part of the knights that were seen in Azura's dream.

Ratchet walked over to Optimus who was focused on the screen, and smiled a little. "I see you are back to looking at this while we wait for Arcee and Jack." Optimus simply nodded silently without looking at him. "We should probably give you another check up today." Optimus's optics twitch a little, trying not to show his displeasure of the check ups he has. "I know, you don't want anything on your abdomen, but you know it is necessary, Optimus. I would prefer if we do it after Arcee gets back though, as she will need to brief us of what happened when June was kidnapped."

Optimus nodded as he understood, and Arcee had informed them she was on her way about twenty minutes ago, so they wouldn't be far away. "I understand. It will be interesting to see how June takes my condition. Especially since June did know of Azura when Azura lived in the town for those three years and became friends with Jack."

Ratchet chuckled lightly. "Well, it is a story we need to tell so she can understand. Especially as it will be in Azura's best interest so June won't be strange about all of it."

"Though as she is a nurse, she might ask technical questions about how it is possible." Ratchet grimaced and silently agreed with Optimus, even though the medic won't have a huge problem telling the woman about it, it would just take time to tell. "And maybe be prepared if June asks any particular questions about sparklings being conceived the natural way, as opposed to habloid sparks."

"I am already expecting that. At least it will be simply due to the curiosity she has about your carrying." Ratchet looked at the screen again as Optimus was playing the recording very slowly. "Anything else jumping out?" The mech shook his head and Ratchet placed a hand on Optimus's shoulder. "I suppose that is a good thing. This isn't like trying to translate an unknown text, so I know it will take longer. But I don't think we should feel concerned if nothing really shows up."

"Perhaps...I am just worried for her future."

Ratchet chuckled lightly. "I know. You always will be. That's just what it is like when you are a carrier of a sparkling. And a sire...though I am not sure that applies to Azura at this time." Ratchet stepped back and turned around. "I think I'll do some energon scanning while we wait for Arcee to arrive. It will be a little strange having another human around, especially if they casually arrive without a ground bridge."

"I am sure that June will understand that she would need to be cautious from now on. Last night's incident would not go away from her mind so easily. Especially since she was almost killed by Airachnid." Optimus knew he was giving a lot of confidence for someone he did not know, but he doubted Jack's mother was foolish. She was a nurse, which meant she was sensible and able to listen to reason. "We will get used to having her around just as we have gotten used to our young friends."