When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 92

Optimus was moving as quickly as he possibly could as he limped through the vortex back into the lobby. He saw Ratchet was not waiting in the lobby, but Optimus knew exactly where Ratchet was, so he turned to make his way into the hallway to make his way to the med bay. Jack, Miko and Raf could not see Azura in Optimus's arms, as he kept her covered as he cradled her against his chassis. All three were worried about her, as they could tell that Optimus was extremely worried, and they were concerned about what has happened to her. They did not know what happened yet, but they would find out eventually.

Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee do not follow Optimus as he limped quickly down the hallway. There wasn't anything that they could do, as none of them were experienced medics, like Ratchet was. They really could only be a moral support for Optimus. Being in the med bay could lead to distractions, which might cost Azura her life. And none of them want to cause that tragedy, as there has been enough of it today already.

"What happened?" Jack asked as he stared at the bots. Arcee turned to face the boy with a worried expression. Jack was extremely worried about his best friend. "Why did the decepticons show up? Did they detect Optimus or something?"

"I think it was just...a case of unexpected. I don't think Megatron knew they were there. But it does not matter." Arcee frowned and shook her head. "Azura...because of Starscream, she...she is critical now. I pray to Primus that Ratchet can help her." She looked towards the hallway, knowing that it could be many hours before they see Optimus and Azura. "I hope that she will be okay. Having Azura here has been wonderful."

"Yeah...she has brought a light here that we've been missing." Bulkhead placed his hand on Arcee's shoulder, knowing that the femme was starting to get emotional. "And Optimus was able to find closure, in a sense, knowing that the decision he made still saved her life. I don't want that taken from him either."

Bumblebee sat down by the platform with deep sadness in his optics. "And she does not deserve this. This is not what she should have gone through. It is not fair."

"None of this is fair." Raf climbed over the railing and carefully climbed down to Bee's shoulder as the bot was leaning against the platform. Bumblebee appreciated the boy's closeness as Raf sat down. "Azura thought she was an orphan once. She thought she had been abandoned for dead. Then she learned she was not a human, and had to learn to accept she was Cybertronian, and an infant at the same time. I can't imagine how difficult that would be for someone that age."

"Yeah...I can't imagine at all." Miko gripped the railing tightly and looked at the bots curiously. "Do you think she will survive?" None of the bots look at her with confidence, and Miko definitely felt more worried as well. "Oh...I guess you won't tell us what happened will you?" All three shook their heads, as they didn't want to tell them yet. "Okay...is there anything we can do to help?"

Bulkhead smiled at the teenager, appreciating that the girl was trying to be sympathetic. "Thanks, Miko. But I am afraid just being here and talking to us is all we need. Though we do need to take you home in a few hours...I personally would rather not, but it is our duty to keep you safe. I know Optimus would want us to do that, even while an emergency, medical procedure is likely taking place as we speak."

"I wish I didn't have to go home." Jack did really want to stay, but his mother would be back at a certain time, and he needed to be there. "I want to stay and find out what happens. I don't know if I can even sleep tonight."

"I don't think anyone is getting much rest, Jack." Arcee smiled at the boy sympathetically. "How about I send you a message to your phone when we know any news when you go home?" Jack did not respond, even though it was the only thing Arcee could do. "It might not be what you want, but we still have to ensure you are safe with your mother." Jack nodded as he fully understood. "Let's just wait for Ratchet. No news is good or bad news, so...we can only just wait."