Omega started awake. She hadn't realized that she had slipped into recharge and mentally kicked herself. She was supposed to be watching the patient. She kicked herself again when she found herself in the control room instead of the medical room. She began to head that way when she heard something coming from that room. It sounded like tiny, constant clicks. She heard a beep and jumped when she heard a slam.

"Blast this broken thing!" grumbled a voice. It sounded frustrated.

She turned into the medical bay and found the medic bot banging his fist on the console. The screen was flickering in and out of life. She sighed and walked over to his side.

"What are you doing?" she asked quietly, startling him.

He didn't look at her, his hard gaze fixed on the screen. "Trying to fix this."

She gently took his servos and pulled them away from the console. "You shouldn't be up. You're still in recovery. You should know."

He glanced down for a second. "Yes, I am aware." He yanked his servos away. "However, the extent of my condition does not matter right now. I have to find out how to get back."

She was still for a second, watching him work. She could tell he was in pain, every movement hurt. Yet his determination said that he wasn't going to stop.

They must be family, she thought. Wouldn't I do the same for Alpha?

She hid a small smile as he grew frustrated and smashed it again. And if I had the chance back then, for Freezecharger, too.

She snatched his servos again, gently pulling them away. "If you want better luck, you might want to try the main console," she told him with a small smile. 

He blinked at her, a bit surprised. The corners of his mouth turned slightly and he nodded, slipping his servos out from hers. She pointed out the door.

"It's currently run down as well, but it would have a better chance at finding what you're looking for," she said. "Follow me."

She turned and began to head out the door. The older medic followed slowly, still favoring his pede and twisted leg. As she turned the corner, she realized he was struggling to keep up, his faceplate twisted in a painful grimace. She quickly rushed to his side as his leg began to shake.

"Let me help," she muttered, carefully slinging his arm over his shoulder. While he was taller than her, it wasn't by much, and she figured she could help.

He grunted a bit in pain and annoyance. She could tell he wasn't used to being helped. She wondered what he often did with his team, what his role was. Besides a medic, of course.

"Alpha will probably be mad," she sighed as she helped him into the main room.

"If you go into another hour long argument, I swear.." the medic growled. It was the first time he had really spoken to her that day, besides the arguing.

She laughed. "I'll try to avoid it. You must have quite an aching helm."

He muttered something indistinct, his optics narrowing. She slid out from under him as they reached the main console. He glanced up at the large computer and a look of slight relief washed over his faceplate.

"Is this better?" she mused, smiling.

He finally looked at her. "Yes," he said after a moment. "..Thank you."

"You're very welcome," she said cheerfully, placing her servos behind her back. "If you need anything, let me know."

He nodded, turning to the computer and letting his servos fly over the keys. The screen was brought back to life, but flickered sadly and the colors were off. He frowned at it and slowly looked under the console for the source of the problem. Omega watched intently, prepared to be of use.

"Hey," she said, realizing something. "You still haven't told us your name."

He paused, looking up from what he was doing. After thinking for a moment, he turned his attention back to his work. She sighed, figuring she wasn't going to get it any time soon.

"It's Ratchet."

Her faceplate twisted in surprise, before smiling. 

He really is like Freezecharger. 

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The Autobot leader sighed, turning away from the console. Once again, his search had led to nothing. He was getting very anxious for his old friend now. A week and a half had been too long. He could tell the other Autobots were worried, too, and the humans. Poor little Rafael was always looking for ways to help. Optimus could tell he was worried for the Autobots' safety, as well as the medic's.

He heard an engine coming and turned to the entrance, confused. As far as he knew, all the Autobots, except Ratchet, were at base. The children also looked up with curiosity in their eyes. Optimus relaxed when June Darby's car pulled into base, slowing to a stop. June stepped out of the car and her eyes instinctively went to Jack.

"Hey, honey," she called. Jack gave her a small smile as she ran to her son and pulled him into a hug.

"Hey, mom," she rasped as she squeezed him. "Sorry I haven't been able to see you lately."

She let go and placed her hands on his shoulders. "It's not your fault. I've been so busy with work ever since you got back from the trip. But I'm here now." She looked around base. "Where are all the others?"

Optimus turned away from the screen. "The others are currently resting. They have been very occupied as of late as well, Nurse Darby."

"Well, I'm up now," said Arcee as she walked in. Her limp was almost gone now, but June saw it immediately.

"Arcee, you're limping. Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.

The femme turned away from her gaze. "It's healing. I'm fine."

June furrowed her brow but didn't press. Bumblebee eventually came behind Arcee, his optics looking around tiredly. The scout had insisted on looking for Ratchet that day, despite his wounds. 

"Bee, are you sure you want to be up right now?" Raf asked, looking over his guardian with worry.

"Where did you get those injuries?" June followed up, walking to the edge of the rail to examine him.

Bumblebee smiled weakly and chirped to Rafael. The boy's face furrowed with concern, but he didn't say anything. June's eyes gazed over the room again, and she finally found something off when she saw Optimus at the console instead of Ratchet.

"Where's Ratchet?" she asked hesitantly. The room's mood quickly grew grim, and she regretted asking.

"We aren't sure," Optimus told her after a pause. His voice was quiet and he turned back to the screen without another word. June's heart wrenched as she saw the forlorn look in his optics.

Jack took his mother's shoulder. "He's been missing for over a week."

"The Autobots had a run in with the cons earlier," Miko joined in. Her usual fire was toned down. She was even whispering. "They came back hurt. Bee took the most of it, but Arcee hurt her leg."

Raf walked over, fiddling with his hands. "Optimus did his best, but it's taking longer than expected to heal.."

June looked over the kids and saw the fear in their eyes. Fear for their friends, and fear for the grumpy bot. As June listened to the silence, she realized how much she missed hearing the medic's angry scolding. Her heart sank a little as she hugged the children.

"I'm sure they'll find him," she said. But whether it was to assure them or herself, she wasn't sure.

Please, she begged to anyone who would hear, keep him and the Autobots safe. 

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Well, I finally updated! I feel like I haven't gotten to this in forever. Luckily my term is almost over, then I will have a break for a while.

You may have noticed that I have four stories up already, none of which are even close to finished. I hope you guys don't mind waiting on each of them. I'm rather excited about my new one. I have a lot of different ideas at different times and I write them before I forget them. Don't worry, I will try my best to finish each and every one of them.

Well, see ya!

*waves*