When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 52

Standing on the platform staring at the screen, Azura was watching with keen curiosity. After Fowler had contacted the autobot base about the issue he was in, Optimus had offered to help transport the Dingus to a destination point. It took a bit of planning between him and Fowler, and they came to an agreement. So Optimus, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Arcee went through the ground bridge to help transport the Dingus. And to the surprise of Azura and the kids, Optimus revealed he had a trailer that they could use. He apparently had a few, but they needed to be transformed. Fowler was happy about that and he waited for Optimus to arrive to load the Dingus onto the trailer.

Azura had wanted to go along, but Optimus rejected her request. Only because they would be on a public road, and he did not want Azura to be seen by other humans. She was a bit upset about that, but she understood. She ended up going back to get her room to grab her Stitch to hold while Optimus was away. She trusted that it would go smoothly as it didn't seem like it would be difficult.

She hugged the toy tightly as she stared at the screen and looked at Jack. "Do you want to revise the Cybertronian alphabet? I think daddy will be fine, so I think we can go do something else."

Jack looked at her in surprise. "I would have thought because you grabbed that toy to hold you would want to stay and keep watch." She shrugged and smiled at him. "And nah, I think we can do that when they get back. I am more curious about seeing that device getting somewhere safe."

Ratchet was surprised that Azura had suggested that too. "I am glad that you wish to continue educating yourself, and I plan to sitting down with you tomorrow when Jack and the others are at school, but I would have thought you would want to be here."

Azura tightened her hold of the toy and smiled at him. "Yeah...I kind of just want to take my mind off things...that's all..." She looked up at the screen again before she just smiled and stepped closer to the screen. "Maybe painting instead..."

Ratchet smirked as he understood what she meant. "Ah, yes. I should have known." Azura looked at him in confusion. "I know, sparklings like to keep themselves occupied whenever their sire, and especially their carrier, leaves them for a short time. But you have already endured Optimus leaving through the ground bridge."

"I know...I guess...when the...scraplets almost..." Ratchet softened his expression and realized why she was feeling unsettled. "I guess...I worry that it will happen again. I don't want daddy to go through that again...I know he could have died...and I would truly be an orphan..."

Jack, Miko and Raf glance at each other before Miko walked over and placed her arm around Azura's shoulders to give her a hug. "We now understand, Azura. You feel dread, and I get it. We all would feel the same in your shoes. And to be honest, I do feel a little anxious for Bulkhead, but I mostly want to go with him so I can see exactly what is happening."

"Which was why I asked to go...but I under why I can't." Azura intakes heavily and smiled at Miko. "Thanks, Miko..." She looked up at Ratchet. "You won't mind if ever I decide to climb onto your shoulder?"

"Nope, so long as you give me some warning." He glanced up at the screen curiously. "I hope they are almost ready to roll. They have been gone for over ten minutes."

"Maybe Fowler is simply strapping the Dingus down. Since it seems like a fragile prototype, I imagine that Fowler wants to take precautions." Jack looked at Rafael curiously. "You would kind of know how dangerous it is."

"Based on what Fowler said on what would happen if the Dingus was to melt down, it is very dangerous, Jack. I am surprised would are even saying that to me." Raf shook his head with a frown. "I may not know everything about physics and stuff like that, but I certainly know enough that it would be bad. I could probably even create the calculations..."