A week had passed. Everything was normal. Arcee was required to stay with Jack at all times, including while he worked at K.O. Burgers. Bulkhead and Bumblebee went out to gather Energon while having the occasional chase with Knockout, one of the medics for the Decepticons. Optimus used to go out on missions frequently, but now that everything has died down, he was practically at base all the time. Ratchet didn't do much, either. Apart from the usual checkups he gave you and the contraption he was working tirelessly on. He didn't tell you or anyone on the team what it was and what it did. It wasn't until you were watching him work from the loft you finally gave in and asked him what his project was. He didn't give you a very clear answer besides "nothing you'd understand." before waving you off. It seemed like all of the Autobots were on edge. The Decepticons we're never this quiet. Not a single thing had gone down except for the occasional Energon mine raid.
So there you sat with Miko and Raf as Jack was away at work, watching an old VHS tape of movie with a large spider destroying a city. The pedestrians of the movie screamed and flailed their arms about as they ran down the street, with an oversized tarantula in the background crushing a skyscraper with one of his many hairy legs. The screams of the terrified citizens drowned out as the familiar sound of thundering footsteps echoed from the hallway. A flash of red and blue passed by, stopping next to Ratchet. The medic looked up from his work and to Optimus as he furrowed his brows.
"We are running low on Energon once again, old friend," he announced, copying Ratchet's look of concern. Ratchet sighed as he turned to look at his project.
"And the Decepticons are sucking the Energon mines dry, correct?"
"I'm afraid so."
Ratchet sighed in defeat as he turned to the large green beside him; He began to type furiously on the keyboard, seeming to be focused on his work. "I'll look for any Energon mines that might have traces of Energon left in them. It may not work since the Decepticons are thorough, but it's the only choice we have." Ratchet explained. Bulkhead, who was standing behind the loft watching the movie with a sense of wonder, turned to Ratchet as he heard the news. "I'm assuming you want me and Bee to go out there, right?" He asked as he approached the doctor. Ratchet looked over his shoulder and nodded. "Correct. Just give me a moment as I look for—" just then, the map had focused in on a mine shaft that was deserted with Decepticon mining tools scattered around the opening. "Decepticons don't leave their equipment to just rust, right?" Bulkhead asked, pointing to the picture.
"Usually no. But we can't afford to pay attention to that. Where's Bee?" Ratchet asked, peering around Bulkhead as he looked down the hallway. Buzzing and whirring echoed down the halls as Bumblebee ran out, stopping next to Bulkhead. He tilted his head at Ratchet as a few buzzes came out.
"There you are! Don't you know that you're supposed to stay out of your berthroom until recharge?" Ratchet scoffed, turning back to the monitor. "There's some Energon left in this mine. We're running low again, so we need you two to go find it and bring it back. If you come across any Decepticons, let me know." Ratchet explained, typing in the coordinates of the mine before reaching over to the Ground Bridge lever. Pulling it down, the swirl of teals and greens of the Ground Bridge appeared. Bulkhead and Bumblebee transformed into their respective vehicle forms as they headed for the portal. They soon disappeared into the mix of colors, the portal closing behind them. Ratchet went back to his work as Optimus gave his friend one final look before turning towards you, catching your eyes instantly. The solemn look in his eyes quickly dissipated as he took on the look of the strong leader everyone knew. You frowned at this. Was he doing it for the benefit of the team or for his own wellbeing?
The sound of a cell phone ringing caught your attention. Ratchet audibly sighed as he pressed down on a key of the keyboard. Jack's picture popped up on the screen, a moving line beside it, most likely showing his vocals. The sound of guns firing could be heard in the distance, drowned out by Jack's frantic voice.
"Ratchet—! Optimus! We need help! Decepticons are in town. Not in alt form—they're walking around!"
Arcee's picture appeared beneath Jack's, the wavy lines peaking as she spoke. "Ratchet, we need reinforcements. We're in serious trouble over here,"
Optimus approached the monitor, a look of concern etched across his face. "I apologize, Arcee, but Bumblebee and Bulkhead are retrieving remains of Energon from the mines. How many Decepticons are there?"
"At least fifty—Jack was at work when they came. I don't know why they're here, or why there's so many of them—they're crushing the civilians! Ratchet, isn't there someone you can send? They're kicking our aft's over here!" Arcee pleaded.
Optimus' look of concern was soon replaced with one of the utmost seriousness. "Ratchet, I think our only option here is to send myself out to the field and assist Arcee," Optimus said, turning to head for the Ground Bridge.
"We can't do that, Optimus. We can call back Bulkhead and Bee—" Ratchet offered, moving away from the console and towards Optimus. The Prime stopped as he turned to the doctor.
"I'm afraid we cannot do that either, old friend. We need the Energon if we wish to survive," Optimus affirmed, placing his large hand on Ratchet's shoulder. Ratchet sighed as he hung his head in defeat. "Of course, Optimus. I'll prepare the Ground Bridge." The doctor turned away, letting the leader's hand fall to his sides. You moved to the railing of the loft as you furrowed your brows.
"Are you sure you'll be okay? Fifty seems like a lot." You asked, frowning at your appointed guardian. The Prime turned his head towards you, a soft smile appearing on his faceplates. "There is no need to worry about me, (Y/N). With the force of two Autobots, we can win the battle."
With that, Ratchet powered on the Ground Bridge. Optimus transformed into his Peterbilt, quickly disappearing into the vortex. Miko jumped up from the couch as she ran down the stairs of the loft. "Oh, I have got to see this!" She exclaimed, rushing for the portal. Your eyes widened as you watched her. "Miko! No!" You cried, following after her. Ratchet looked over his shoulder at the sound of the commotion. Seeing the small Asian girl booking it for the portal towards possible death, he gasped. "Miko! Get back here!" He shouted, running towards Miko. But it was too late. Her small form had disappeared to the portal, with you going in as well. He ran his servos down his faceplate as he groaned.
"What am I going to tell Optimus?"
