Return (A Ratchet TFP Fanfiction Story)

Chapter 13

Bulkhead paced around the entrance, his optics twisted and jaw clenched. The others were all watching him, anxiety filling their own chest chassis. The kids were in the human section, along with Agent Fowler, who had been filled in on recent events. Optimus was standing at the monitor, worry filling his own processor.

"Wheeljack was supposed to be here by now!" Bulkhead sighed, stopping and letting his arms fall loose.

Arcee wrung her servos together. "You've said that ten times already, Bulk. Saying it more won't bring him here," she said bitterly.

Bulkhead glared at her, while Bumblebee placed a servo on her shoulder plate.

"<Let's not do this right now,>" he sighed, looking up to Optimus. "<What do we do?>"

Optimus looked to the entrance with determination in his optics. "I will track Wheeljack's signal. Be prepared, in the event he has been confronted with Deceptions."

Each of them nodded, but Bulkhead looked panicked. Optimus turned to the console, his servos flying over the keyboard. After a few moments, Wheeljack's signal popped up, his life percentage lowering. He narrowed his optics, putting in the coordinates, turning, and pulling the level.

"Autobots! Roll out!" he shouted, transforming into his alt mode. The others all followed suit, racing after him into the GroundBridge.

Inside his processor, the Prime quietly hoped that Wheeljack's injuries weren't life threatening. He knew that he would not be able to save him if they were.

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Ratchet could have cheered as he brought up the coordinates to a near secluded mine. The team had gotten Energon from there a few months ago. If he was in range, he could probably call his team for help. The thought lifted his spark and left his processor abuzz.

"Are you ready?" Alpha asked, walking to the medic's side and looking over the controls.

Omega appeared next to him. "I'm excited! It's been a while since we've seen anything other than snow!"

Ratchet turned to the younger Autobots, hiding his own excitement behind a mask of seriousness. "We need to be wary. While this is a slower, less inhabited mine, it is likely we will come across Deceptions. Mostly Vehicons. I highly doubt any of the higher ups would come to this mine."

At this, Omega stepped back down. "Oh.."

Alpha looked over to his sister, worry lining on his faceplate. "You can't be worried about a couple Vehicons," he said slowly. "We can handle them."

"It's just... been a while since we've last fought.." she muttered.

Ratchet turned. "True... you are younger bots,"

Alpha waved his servos dismissively. "No, we've fought plenty of times before. Trust me, we know what we're doing." He looked away to ignore his twin's shudder.

Ratchet raised an optic ridge. "Alright, if you're sure you know what you're getting into." He turned and started to type in the coordinates.

Alpha leaned to whisper in Omega's audio receptor. "It's not like he'd be able to do much better," he whispered playfully.

The femme turned and slapped him in the helm. "Are you crazy?!" she hissed.

Ratchet turned at the commotion. "What are you two doing now?"

The two perked up, both giving him innocent smiles, though the medic noticed that Alpha was stifling back laughter. He raised an optic ridge, but turned back and finished putting in the coordinates. He took a deep vent and went to the GroundBridge controls.