The Specialist and I: Book 2

Chapter 14

It's been about two weeks since Optimus was knocked out. He's stable, but Ratchet still doesn't know why Optimus glitched.

"I don't know much about Cybertronians but is it possible Optimus is sparked or caught some kind of disease?", I asked.

"If he was sparked, I'd know. And all diseases Cybertronians can get have external symptoms like rust.", Ratchet explained.

I looked at the monitors and gasped, "What if this is a human disease?"

"Impossible. Cybertronians aren't affected by your diseases.", Ratchet stated.

"But Optimus wasn't born Cybertronian, remember? My mom may have lied to me about me having two brothers, but everything she said about Rolland is true. When I was born, I had a fractured collarbone. When Rolland was born, the doctors discovered he had Arrhythmia.", I explained.

"What's Arrhythmia?"

I jumped and turned around, "Spades! Quit scaring me!"

"Sorry. What is Arrhythmia?", He asked again.

"It's a disease humans can get where our spark beats too fast or too slow. We can glitch because of it.", I explained, "Even die."

"How did Rolland deal with it before?", Ratchet asked.

"Medication. He was prescribed an Anti-arrhythmic.", I answered, "Something that would prevent this from happening."

"Cybertronians have never heard of the disease. There's no medication I can give him.", Ratchet said with worry in his optics.

"Ratchet, Optimus will be alright.", Henrietta stated, "There is a way you can give him the medication he needs."

She activated Optimus' holoform manually and looked at a stretcher nearby then to me.

"Of course! We could take Optimus to the hospital in town and have them give him the medicine he needs.", Ratchet said after catching on to what his carrier was saying.

Ratchet transformed and I put Optimus' holoform onto the stretcher then wheeled him inside the ambulance. I climbed in the back and used my old paramedic costume as a way to get us inside. When we arrived, I found my best friend from my senior year of high school.

"Rudy?", I questioned.

"Lori! Oh my God! Is this your brother?", Rudy asked, "He's so hot!"

"Yeah, I know.", I said as an irritated holoform climbed out of the driver side, "And this is Rhyan. He's Rolland's boyfriend."

"Aw. Why is it that all the hot ones are gay?", Rudy pouted, I laughed, "So, what's up?"

"Rolland needs anti-arrythmitic medications. Enough to last a long time.", I explained and she nodded.

We followed her into a room where she did a full physical on Optimus so people would assume she was diagnosing him. Well, minus everything accept touching - or looking - at his family jewels. Ratchet refused to let her and got hostile when she tried to explain that it was important. She eventually left and returned with the medication. She gave Optimus a shot to help with the arrythmitic episode and when he woke up, she gave him the pills and we went back to base.

"Okay, so you have to take this everyday. Try taking it at the same time each day so that you remember and it becomes apart of your routine.", I stated sternly, "If you don't, you will glitch again and you could be alone the next time you do."

Optimus nodded.

"And because of how terrible you are at taking care of yourself, I will make sure you get the medication.", Ratchet said.

"Jolt is looking for you.", Ironhide said, "Said something about your daily pills. Is there something you aren't telling me?"

I cursed out loud and mentally glared at Jolt.

"What's wrong?", Ratchet asked.

"Jolt told Ironhide.", I said, "He wants an explanation. What am I going to tell him?"

"I'll talk to him.", Ratchet volunteered.

"Uh-uh. You're going to tell him why and his surprise will be ruined.", I stated, "I'll figure something out to tell him. I mean, his birthday is a week away."

"And your appointment is the day before. But Lori, he's bound to find out. If the twins find out before Ironhide, they will tell him and there's no way of knowing how he'll react. You need to tell Ironhide. And soon.", Ratchet stated, leaving no room for argument.

I groaned as my head started pounding. I suddenly became very hungry as well. Luckily, we got back to the base not long after and Optimus deactivated his holoform. Ratchet and I walked to the MedBay together as we continued our conversation from last week.

"So.", I started, "Did you get him anything?"

"I figured we would just spend the day together and hope there is no Decepticon activity.", Ratchet said, "He's used to being in a war so gifts won't be necessary. Just time together."

"You're so cheesy.", I grin, "But, you're right. My brother loves spending time with family and friends. Hey! I've got an idea. Why don't we throw a party back at my house? Actually, no. My house won't work. Maybe we can have it at my parent's house. Optimus would love it. When the party is over, you two could come back to base and have your fun."

"Lori Lee!", Ratchet yelled, blush covering his cheeks causing me to laugh.

We entered the MedBay and Jolt walked over with my medication in hand as well as a glass of water. I accepted both from him as Ratchet put a heart monitor on me. When the monitor was secure, Ratchet left to get me some food. I set the pill at the back of my tongue and swallowed some water.

"So, Jolt, is the medication working?", I asked.

"To keep you alive and healthy? Yes. Now, I recommend having two appointments next week. One before Ironhide's creation day and the other a day or two after. You've only been taking this medication for two weeks now and I'd like to make sure everything is okay.", Jolt answered.

I nodded as Ratchet walked back in with steak, potatoes, and green beans. My mouth watered at the sight of it. Suddenly, things went downhill. The heart monitor started beeping and flashing red as I started to hyperventilate. Jolt ran to check my vitals as Ratchet set the tray of food aside and laid me down.

"Lori, breathe.", Ratchet said, "Breathe slowly. Everything is alright."

"Can't. . . . Breathe. . . .", I managed.

"Did she just say she can't breathe?", Jolt's voice rang in my ears.

"Scrap!", Ratchet cursed, optics wide, "She's having a miscarriage. Her human body can't take it. If we don't do something NOW she'll DIE!"

"Ratchet, what can we do?", Jolt asked, his voice trembling.

"Do. . . . It. . . . . .", I managed.

"Now?! We're only beginning the process!", Ratchet exclaimed, "Your mind won't be used to any of it and you could die in the process!"

I grabbed his arm weakly, my heartbeat was dangerously low now and I felt like I was dying, "Ratchet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .please. . . . . . . . . ."

With that, I blacked out.