Arcee knew they would all be waiting on the other side of the ground bridge, waiting to hear what had happened. Truth was, she didn't want to go back. Not after what had...transpired. She didn't even know if she would be able to look any of her fellow Autobots in the optic. However duty called her to make the call, but even hearing Ratchet's relieved voice didn't settle her. She thanked primus Jack was quiet as he was, and hadn't spoken. She didn't think she'd be able to hold her cool. The familiar green light transformed the surroundings from forest to base, and she pulled to a stop. Jack climbed off and was met with a huge embrace from his mother.
"Oh Jack, I was so worried."
" Its okay mum, were both okay." He said, reassuring her, and looking to Arcee. Yet he seemed to sense Arcee's disconcertion, and doubted his words were the entire truth.
" I can't thank you enough Arcee." June spoke, releasing her son and looking to the blue femme, who now stood in her bipedal mode. She seemed slightly melancholic, cradling her left hand, but she returned June's comment with a smile.
" Don't mention it." She turned to face the rest of the team.
" You've not done well at staying out of harm's way over the last week, have you?" Ratchet spoke, as he stepped closer to get a better look at the scratch under her left optic, and various parts of her armour that were slightly dented, largely along her back. He gently took her left servo and examined it closely, shaking his helm as he did so. Arcee shrugged her shoulders, which ached considerably.
" Well, a fight's a fight." She said, flatly.
" Relax Ratch, she's probably in better shape than the 'con. By the way, who was it?" Bulkhead said.
"Soundwave." Arcee spoke again flatly. Everyone looked at her surprised.
" So, what happened?" Bumblebee beeped excitedly. Bumblebee looked like he would practically explode if she didn't start talking. As far as he was concerned, she was here, and Jack was safe. That meant their was probably one bruised or dead decepticon somewhere, and another great story for the records.
"Well...a fight happened." Arcee said, replying to 'bee unsure of how to describe it. To her, it had a different explanation. One they would never understand.
" That would explain why we could not identify the voice, and why my attempts to keep in contact failed miserably. But Soundwave can't- or doesn't speak...." Ratchet said questionably.
" Well...he did. It was his voice." Arcee answered. " Look, I'd love to chat, but I really need to rest now." She spoke, letting the tiredness show in her voice, hoping to end the conversation quickly.
" Well you can rest in the med bay. Your wrist is heavily damaged-"
" I'll rest in my quarters. You can sort it out tomorrow." Arcee said, a slight harshness in her voice. She turned to leave, but Jack stood in her way.
" Arcee...You really should let Ratchet check you over. I don't exactly what Soundwave did to injure you but-"
" But I'm fine. Just a little banged up." She spoke, feeling irritated. She just needed to be alone, and to get a few hours of recharge.
" Arcee." She turned to Optimus. " It would be wise to listen. I understand you may be tired, but as Ratchet said, you can rest in med bay." Optimus spoke, concern in his optics. Arcee looked away, and turned her gaze to Jack. She couldn't ignore Optimus' advice just to be alone...could she?
" I just need to be alone."
She snapped viciously, but she had already left the command room before she could even apologise for the way she had spoken. She left them all confused by her words, and all of them looked to Jack for an explanation, but he quickly left to follow her. I might be able to convince to see Ratchet. He thought, but he had his doubts.
