The morning hours had begun by the time they had returned to the base. Ratchet drove in as quietly as possible, as to not wake the others, and transformed, signaling to Jennie to be quiet. "It's late, you need to get to bed." He said softly, placing her on the couch gently.

"Can't I come with you?"

Ratchet gave her a skeptical look. "Wouldn't you be more comfortable on the couch? Our berths aren't made for bodies as sensitive as your own."

His charge huffed persistently. "All on my own... Just sitting there in the dark, lonely..." She grinned at him. "You wouldn't want me to be lonely, would you?"

The medic rolled his optics and picked her up again. He traveled as quietly as he could down the hall and into his berthroom, stepping inside and setting Jennie at one of the upper corners. "Are you sure you'll be comfortable?" He asked as she did her best to get comfortable. She flashed him a other smile.

"I'm fine, Ratch." She insisted.

Ratchet nodded, settling onto the berth. He laid on his back, gaze fixed on the ceiling. It was silent for a few moments, before his charge spoke;

"Do you think my dad is still looking for me?"

At the mention of Jason, Ratchet narrowed his optics and suppressed a noise of disgust. Instead, he answered, "I'm not sure. He could be... But I'm positive he's in prison after Agent Fowler took care of them, the last time they abducted you."

He felt Jennie tense beside him. "But... What if he tells the law enforcement there that I'm missing? That I was kidnapped? Will they try to take me?" She asked quietly, voice shaking a little in panic at the sudden realization.

Her guardian considered it for a moment. "He would keep in mind that he abused you, and if you were brought back you could resist by saying he did so. That may stop him, the law enforcement finding that not only was he in jail for one thing, but he also abused the girl that lived with him, would only cause more trouble for himself. If he remembers that, he shouldn't try anything."

"But what about other people? The neighbors might not know that I was gone, and now that he's arrested, won't anybody be asking about me? They can track it to the school, and... They can find me. What if I have to go to a foster home? They'll legally do that..."

Ratchet rolled over to face her. "Jennie, nothing is going to happen, and if anything appears to be going downhill, we have Agent Fowler to intervene." He assured gently. "Don't worry about it... We are all here for you."

She sighed, scooting closer to him and putting out her arms. Ratchet immediately got the message and offered a digit for her to cling to. "I don't know what I'd be doing without you." She murmured.

"I'm glad I came along when I did. I wish I could've gotten you out of there sooner, though."

"Your late timing made it more powerful and meaningful." Jennie smiled up at him. "What matters is that you're here now."

Ratchet returned the smile, exhaling softly. "I'm glad you feel that way."

Jennie gave his digit a tight hug before releasing it and letting him withdraw. "You think Megatron will ever try to catch me, or any of the others?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. I wouldn't put it past him, though." Her guardian rolled his optics with a huff. "He's persistent in getting what he wants."

"And he's an ass about it, too." She muttered irritably in addition. "He fragging told me that you left me. Completely convinced me. I haven't been that depressed since my dad." She lifted up an injured leg. "See that? That's Megatron being a jerk."

"I agree." Ratchet sighed. "If I never see him again, it'll be too soon."

Jennie nodded. "You said it."

The both of them fell silent, which lasted for a few minutes. In that time, Ratchet had begun to drift into recharge, but was rudely interrupted by a shoe being flung into his face and bouncing off with a thunk. He opened his optics, whining in complaint.

"No drifting off on me," Jennie whined.

"Could've said something." Ratchet mumbled.

"What's the fun in that?" She grinned. "Care to find out what I wanna talk about?"

"Not really."

"Toooooo bad!" Jennie made a dismissive hand gesture. "I'm curious... Was Megatron ever not a jerk?"

Ratchet sighed. "Yes, actually. He was a gladiator that spoke for equality. He stood up for the less fortunate. Of course, when he got his chance to voice out said equality before the council, his true colors began to show through, and he became violent and forceful. That's how Opti- Orion, Orion Pax, became known by the council. His wise and peaceful nature is what made him worthy of being a Prime."

"Isn't Orion a thing in the stars?"

"That's off-topic."

"But you said Orion..."

"Orion Pax is Optimus, before he became a Prime."

"Did he have a belt?"

Ratchet sent her a confused look.

"Orion's belt? Get it?" She received another lost gaze in response. Sighing in defeat, she shook her head. "Aliens."

"Humans." Her guardian rolled his optics.

Jennie laughed. "You're the best."

He smiled slowly. "I know."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Don't be cocky about it!"

"It was an urge I couldn't resist." Ratchet chuckled. "You would do the same."

Jennie smiled. "Yeah... I probably would."