Sparkling Troubles

Chapter 21

hey yall it's been 3 years almost to the day since i wrote what was supposed to be chapter 21 of this story. please keep in mind that this is an unfinished chapter, i just wanted to give you what i have. also, i just re-read this story and whew, you guys are troopers for reading this. i was a literal kid when i wrote this and it shows.

i think it's pretty obvious that i wont be updating this anymore. i know it's a long shot but i know a lot of you were pretty invested in this so if anyone wants to take up the mantle of continuing this, dm me. thanks for bein so supportive, and wash your hands ;)
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Optimus Prime's hand went straight for the little buttons beside the door. He didn't care to leave his scout like this, but the way said yellow 'bot was eyeing him was more than a little unnerving. His digits fumbled with the device and the door whooshed open. The Autobot leader was quick to spin on his heel and exit the closet without freeing their 'captive.'

"Ratchet," he began as the door slid shut. "We must begin to study Bumblebee's condition. It is not quite so complete as we thought."

The medic crossed his arms again and put his weight on one leg, cocking a hip. If his stance didn't indicate just how skeptical he was, then his incredulous expression did. "How so?"

Optimus raised a hand and fingered the sharp metal edges on his helm where Starscream's missile marred the plating. At Ratchet's stern gaze, he lowered the limb, but only to the bridge of his nose which he held in deep thought. 

"I can hear 'im settling down in there," Bulkhead interjected, if only to gain their attention. It was true, he could hear the scout's ventilations even out, but it wasn't really why he spoke. "Permission to get the heck away from this door and recharge?"

The Prime nodded distractedly. "Please notify Arcee that she is to take your place on guard." He looked back at Ratchet, who seemed more than eager to return to the medbay for a short rest of his own. Optimus moved slightly closer to the orange and white mech and looked into his optics, the gravity of which turned the medic's expression more serious. "He experienced a moment of clarity when I entered the room. I believe there is a weakness in the hack."

Ratchet nodded after a moment of thought, wise enough to accept the Prime's words as truth but stubborn enough to add his own opinion. "The sooner, the better. That little piece of slag has us all on edge."

Optimus leaned back, pleased by his medic's lack of argument. He nodded, stated a quick 'dismissed for recharge, old friend,' and made his way back to his own quarters. On the way, he passed Arcee, who looked worse for wear but continued steadfast to her post.