"CAN'T THIS BUCKET OF BOLTS GO ANY FASTER?!"

The Iron Will shook and bucked as Raf struggled to maintain their course back to the planet Cybertron. Miko held on for dear life as she made certain that Jack was held securely in place by the restraints on the medical berth. Frightened by all that was happening around him, little Orion whimpered nearby as he watched from the relative safety of the harness he was strapped into.

Raf yelled over the din of the emergency klaxons blaring, "Sorry, Miko…I'm doing the best I can! Ever since we passed through the space-bridge on Chaar, the ship literally started falling apart!"

As if to punctuate Raf's words, several instrument panels sparked and shorted out as the interior lighting began to flicker. The ship's shaking worsened.

Raf gritted his teeth, "Come on, you piece of scrap…just hold it together a little bit longer…"

Miko quickly studied the erratic readings on the medical scanners and frowned, "Jack's getting worse by the minute! He's going to die if we don't hurry!" Suddenly Jack coughed blood and began to convulse violently. Horrified, Miko screamed, "RAF! Jack's having some kind of seizure!"

Miko looked around frantically, not knowing what to do to help her friend.

Raf flinched as yet another control panel blew. He risked glancing back and cried, "How's it going back there?!"

Miko had begun to panic, "I…I don't know what to do…! Jack is going to die because of me!"

Raf's expression became grim, "MIko, I'd come back there to help if I could but I can't! I'm the only one who knows how to pilot the ship and at the rate she's going to pieces, if I stop now we'll never make it back to Cybertron and we'll all die!"

She begged, "Raf, please…! I can't do this alone!"

"Yes, you can! Miko, I watched you after I had gotten hurt the last time! I saw how closely you paid attention to everything that Knock Out did to fix me back up!"

"B-but I'm a Wrecker…all I'm good for is breaking things! I'm no good at fixing them…!"

"That's a load of scrap and you know it, Miko! You can do anything! You just have to believe in yourself…the way I believe in you!"

Miko's eyes widened. She started, "Y-you…?"

Raf smiled confidently, "Jack couldn't be in better hands, Miko! I know you can do this!"

Miko took a deep, calming breath and managed to get the life support hooked up to Jack. She carefully administered a mild sedative and his convulsing slowly diminished before finally stopping. Miko watched as Jack's ragged breathing began to relax and he fell into a deep, restful slumber. She checked his vital signs and saw that they had stabilized.

Miko sighed, "Thank God…"

Raf silently echoed Miko's words and suddenly realized the planet Cybertron was within sight. As the planet quickly filled their viewport, Raf looked back and grinned.

"Miko? I think we're gonna make it…!"

Without warning the ship lost all power.

"Oh, COME ON!"

Raf tried everything to restart the engines but nothing worked. All of the primary and secondary systems had failed. Even the emergency power was gone. Furious that they had gotten so close, Raf angrily slammed his fist against the controls.

There was nothing anyone could do.

The Iron Will plunged through the outer atmosphere of Cybertron. The intense heat from reentry quickly raised the interior temperature of the ship to stifling levels.

The ship slowly began to break apart.

Raf watched as Miko strapped herself in and huddled close to little Orion, doing her best to comfort him. Their eyes met and Raf whispered, "I'm sorry."

They closed their eyes and braced themselves for the end.

The ship jerked to a sudden and complete stop.

Raf and Miko nervously opened their frightened eyes and gazed outside the viewport.

Directly in front of them Ultra Magnus fearlessly stood his ground, his remaining arm outstretched as he wielded the Polarity Gauntlet. He used the powerful device's control over magnetic forces to gently ease the crashing ship safely to the ground.

He grunted, "If you're going to take my ship without asking permission, the least you could do is not crash it when you finally decide to return it."

The hatch opened and Ultra Magnus began a carefully rehearsed stern lecture.

"What in Primus' name were you thinking…?!"

The sound of a baby's cries filled the Cybertronian air. Raf and Miko quickly emerged from the ship. Raf carefully pushed a stretcher bearing Jack's unconscious form, while Miko held Orion close and tried to console him. She shot Ultra Magnus a seething look that immediately silenced him.

"Not now, Magnus! What is wrong with you?! After everything that Jack and Orion have been through this is the last thing they need!"

She pushed past him and yelled with a shrill cry, "KNOCK OUT!"

Immediately the former Decepticon physician appeared with a team of Medibots following closely behind, all carrying various medical apparatus.

"Right here, Miko!" As soon as Knock Out saw Jack's condition he muttered, "C'mon, Jack…don't you give up on me now, you little fleshbag…!"

The emergency team rushed Jack into the medical complex. Miko tightly held onto little Orion as his tiny arms desperately reached towards Jack. Tears filled his shining blue eyes as he screamed, "Da-da! DA-DAAA!"

Miko whispered, "Shhh…it's going to be okay, Orion. They're going to make your Daddy all better."

Everyone somberly followed the Medibots into the medical complex. They entered an immense waiting area and watched as Knock Out and his team took Jack through a huge doorway that automatically sealed itself behind them. Raf and Miko could see the team enter into the emergency room via a large monitor mounted on the wall. Nervously they watched as Knock Out immediately went to work.

Ultra Magnus hung his head low as he murmured, "I…I'm sorry, Miko."

Miko nodded numbly and said, "S'okay, Magnus. By the way, thank you for saving our lives earlier…"

"You're welcome. Are…are you two all right?"

Raf shrugged, "More or less."

Ultra Magnus sat down next to his human friends and said gently, "Please…tell me everything that happened."

...

"So…Jack defeated the Fallen by sending him through a space-bridge into the core of Cybertron?"

Miko said nothing as she watched Orion stare wonderingly at the monitor that showed Knock Out fighting to save Jack's life.

Raf spoke up, "I'll be honest with you, sir…I couldn't see half of what was actually going on. Once the Fallen shot The Iron Will down, I could only listen over the com-link while Jack did all the real work."

Ultra Magnus slowly shook his head, "I know better than that, Rafael. Jack may be a lot of things but he doesn't know how to operate a space-bridge the way that you do." He smiled knowingly at Miko and Raf, "I'm sure you all had a hand in defeating our enemy, correct?"

Raf did not budge and insisted, "Jack is the real hero."

Miko nodded in agreement, "No argument here."

Ultra Magnus paused for a moment and then asked, "What about Megatron?"

Miko said simply, "Before he collapsed, Jack said, 'Megatron is no more.'"

"But what about - "

Miko sharply cut him off and turned to glare at him, "Look, Megatron pretty much killed himself helping Jack stop the Fallen and save Orion's life. That's gotta count for something, right?!"

Magnus looked closely at Miko. He knew she wasn't telling him everything but relented, at least for the moment.

"Indeed it does, Miko."

Miko turned back and suddenly became alarmed. She looked around in a panic and cried, "…WHERE'S ORION?!"

...

Orion had gotten away from Miko and now wandered through the endlessly winding corridors of the medical complex. He wanted to be closer to Jack, but the main door to the emergency room wouldn't open so he searched for another way in.

He plaintively called out, "Da-daaa…? Da-daaa…?!"

Alone and a little afraid, Orion finally came to a stop at the end of a long corridor. He sniffled and looked around aimlessly as tears began to fill his bright eyes. He rubbed at his eyes and happened to look up.

Directly in front of Orion was Arcee's huge stasis pod. Many of the pod's readouts glowed red as they indicated her condition was still unstable.

Shortly after arriving on Cybertron, Hot Rod's condition had unexpectedly worsened. Knock Out had not had an opportunity to determine why Arcee was still in agonizing pain, even after Jack had healed her from her terrible injuries. Her stasis pod had been placed here until Hot Rod's life was out of danger.

Orion cocked his head curiously and asked, "Mama…?"

Arcee was frozen in place and unable to move, let alone answer.

Orion laid his hands on the pod and tried to get his mother's attention. Nothing worked. He was very tired and getting very scared. He called her name again, louder this time, "Mama?!"

A very lost and lonely Orion began to cry, wailing, "MAMAAA…!"

...

Miko and Raf raced as fast as they could through the medical complex, desperately searching everywhere for little Orion. Ultra Magnus followed closely behind.

"If anything happens to Orion I swear I'll never forgive myself!"

Out of breath, Raf huffed, "It's not your fault, Miko! Don't you worry, we'll find him!"

Miko suddenly stopped and held up her hand. She hissed, "Shh! Did you hear that…?"

Everyone became silent and heard the unmistakable sound of a child's cries somewhere in the distance.

Miko whispered, "Orion…!" She took off and ran faster than ever. Raf and Ultra Magnus fought to keep up.

They rounded a corner and found Orion, crying pitifully with his hands flat against Arcee's stasis pod. Miko dashed towards them and picked Orion up, hugging him tight. Overcome with emotion, Miko couldn't hold back her tears. She whispered soothingly to him and Orion's sad cries soon faded.

"Oh, thank God you're okay! Do you know how much you scared your Auntie Miko?"

Orion pointed up at Arcee and said, "Mama, Mama!"

Miko wiped her tears away and said, "Y-yes, baby. That's your Mama…we're going to make sure she's all right before letting her come out, okay?"

By way of answer, Orion nestled his head against Miko and cooed.

Miko sighed contentedly and murmured, "Let's get you back where we can all watch your Daddy…that okay with you, little guy?" She turned to walk back towards the waiting area and saw that Raf wasn't moving to join her. His attention was still focused on the readouts on Arcee's stasis pod.

Ultra Magnus noticed and asked, "What is it, Rafael?"

"Sir, am I reading these indicators correctly? Don't they show that Arcee is in perfect health?"

Magnus blinked, "What…?" He looked closely and realized that Raf was indeed correct. All of the readouts glowed green. He immediately activated his com-link and contacted Knock Out, letting him know of the news about Arcee.

"I'm sorry, Ultra Magnus…I'm right in the middle of working on Jack, but I'm sending Steve to you to check on Arcee!"

Magnus groaned audibly and Knock Out chuckled.

"Listen…I know Steve may be a little clumsy at times but let me assure you, he's actually quite brilliant. Please keep me posted on any new developments. Knock Out…out."

Steve quickly showed up and examined the readouts on Arcee's stasis pod, confirming that her condition was perfectly normal. Steve shook his head, "I…I don't understand it! I personally checked her status earlier today and half of her vitals were still in the red! According to these current readouts there's nothing wrong with her! None of this makes any sense!"

Miko asked, "Is there any reason why we can't let her out, then?"

"No reason at all. Everybody please stand back."

Steve carefully keyed the proper sequence on the stasis pod's controls and with a hiss the pod opened. Steam poured out as Arcee's body was unfrozen and quickly returned to its normal temperature. Her eyes slowly opened and she reached out.

"Easy does it…" Steve took her hand and helped ease her to her feet. "I wouldn't recommend that you transform for at least another day…"

At first Arcee was dazed and had difficulty focusing her luminous eyes.

"What…where…?"

Her vision finally cleared and the first thing she saw was the wondrous sight of her beloved child smiling with delight at her.

"…MAMA!"

Overcome with shock, Arcee stumbled to her knees. She was unwilling to dare believe that what she saw before her was real.

"O-Orion…?"

Miko gently set him down and let him run towards his mother. He giggled happily as he reached Arcee and held onto her.

"Mama, Mama…!"

Arcee burst into tears as she gingerly picked up her tiny son in her powerful arms. Trembling with joy, she held him close and cried aloud. It was a long time before she could speak.

"Oh, my baby…! I…I never thought I'd s-see you again…!"

Orion burbled to Arcee, who began to laugh and cry at the same time.

"Yes, Orion…I'm very happy to see you, too!"

Everyone present found it virtually impossible not to be moved by the reunion of mother and child.

Arcee looked up and suddenly frowned, nervously asking, "Wh-where's Jack…?"

...

"…despite the Matrix continually strengthening his physical body in order for it to handle the enormous stresses wielding the power of the AllSpark, without the proper rest Jack went way beyond his limits."

Arcee watched the large monitor as it displayed Knock Out and the Medibots working feverishly to stabilize Jack. She nodded numbly, listening to Steve as he explained her beloved Sparkmate's current status.

Steve nervously continued, "It…it's truly a miracle that Jack is still alive. Right now we're doing everything we can to help give him a fighting chance, but ultimately it's going to depend on him."

Arcee whispered softly, "Jack…"

Steve hesitated a moment before speaking again, "I…I've never seen anyone, Cybertronian or otherwise, with a will to survive as strong as Jack's. If he makes it through the night he should be fine. Look, I really should get back in there. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know…all right?"

Ultra Magnus saw that Arcee attention was focused on her Sparkmate and answered for her, "Thank you, Steve…for everything."

Steve replied, "Just doing my job, sir."

He turned to leave but Magnus stopped him, saying, "Steve? You did a good job."

Steve humbly nodded and reentered the emergency room.

Magnus slowly rose to his feet and grunted, "I need to let the Wreckers know that the danger is past. Would you care to join me, Miko?"

Miko stared blankly at the monitor and did not answer.

Ultra Magnus asked again, "Miko…?"

Raf glanced at Miko and turned to Magnus. "Sir, would you mind if I went with you instead? I think Miko could use some rest."

Magnus smiled, "It would be my pleasure, Rafael."

Raf stood and leaned close to Miko. He gently whispered, "I'll be back. I shouldn't be gone too long. Try to get some sleep if you can."

Miko murmured, "O-okay."

As Ultra Magnus led Raf away, he said, "All I ask is that you refrain from saying anything about Seaspray's voice. It's…shall we say, a sensitive issue with him…"

Miko and Arcee were left alone with Orion. They watched the monitor in silence as Knock Out and the Medibots continued to work on Jack.

Orion pointed to Jack and asked, "Knock-knock he'p Da-da…?"

Arcee carefully cradled Orion in one of her arms and replied, "Yes, that's right. Knock Out is helping your Daddy."

Orion seemed to understand and yawned sleepily. It had been a long day for him.

Arcee turned to look at Miko and saw that she was trembling. Arcee's spark went out to her, knowing that everything she had been through was finally starting to catch up to her. Arcee gently eased her free arm around the frightened young woman in a comforting gesture. Miko immediately began sobbing. Arcee scooted close to her and whispered, "Shhh…it's over now, Miko. It's okay…"

Miko angrily attempted to wipe her tears away and in between shuddering gasps she cried out, "N-no! It's not okay, Arcee! Jack…h-he just wouldn't suh-stop, Arcee…! He k-kept fighting…a-and didn't give up…! I've n-never…never s-seen…" Miko trailed off as words utterly failed her.

Arcee understood perfectly, "From the moment that we first met, I've always known how Jack wouldn't hesitate to risk his life to protect the ones that he loved. I believe it's one of the reasons why Optimus Prime chose Jack as his successor."

Miko slowly shook her head, "You two have already been through so much, and then for this to happen… I can't imagine how you must be feeling."

Arcee smiled without mirth, "Oh, I'm a nervous wreck right now."

Miko asked, "H-how do you go on…?"

"Our sparks are bonded, remember? It doesn't matter where I am…Jack is always with me, just as a part of me is always with him. Even when I died, our sparks were together. I was there when Jack bravely battled alongside Megatron, fighting to stop the Fallen's madness. I was there when Jack made the hardest decision of his life and chose to forgive the Fallen, even after all of the horror he had wrought. I was there when Jack used the last of his strength to save Megatron's life and gave him a new beginning. I…I was there when Jack…wh-when he…"

Miko saw that Arcee was struggling to hold back the tears. She reached up and held onto Arcee's hand, whispering, "I'm right here, Arcee…"

...

Hours passed.

During the long wait, Orion had fallen asleep in his mother's strong arms. Arcee and Miko had spent the night sitting in relative silence.

Miko suddenly broke the quiet and asked timidly, "Arcee, what's it like being sparkbound?"

Arcee smiled as she tried to explain the unexplainable.

"It's like…nothing you can imagine, Miko. Even though Jack and I are two separate individuals, we share the same life…the same soul. He and I are one. One heart, one mind, and one spark. We're joined forever this way. Nothing is held back. No barriers, no dishonesty, and no secrets."

Miko murmured quietly to herself, "Secrets…"

"So why do you ask…?"

Miko suddenly blurted out, "I almost kissed Jack once."

Arcee turned to look at Miko with a surprised expression. She saw the tears streaming down Miko's flushed cheeks, oblivious to anything but the truth spilling out of her.

"I-I don't know why I'm telling you this now…it happened years ago. It was about a month after you guys had left Earth. I had stopped by Jack's house one night to check in on him. He was miserable. I had never seen him so sad…so depressed. I thought, I dunno…Jack and I…we had always been close friends, and I guess I wondered…if…if I kissed him, then maybe we…"

There was an awkward silence.

Miko almost laughed, "The only problem with that was that Jack didn't feel the same way. He had already fallen in love with someone else…you, Arcee. I'm not talking some stupid schoolboy crush like the one he used to have with Sierra, I'm talking full blown head over heels can't live without you love. You had become such an important part of his life and then all of a sudden, the war ended and the Autobots returned home to Cybertron. When you left Earth, it was like someone had ripped out his heart. None of that mattered, though. It didn't matter that you weren't here anymore or even if you never came back…I never had a chance. I tried to be angry with you but I couldn't. I…I loved Jack…but you were the one he loved. So…I let him go."

Miko breathed out a huge sigh and continued, "Sure I was a little disappointed, but Jack's my best friend. All that mattered to me was that he was happy. If that meant I had to catch a space-bridge to Cybertron and drag your metal butt back to Earth so you two could hash things out, I'd have done it."

Arcee chuckled, "You would have, too…wouldn't you?"

Miko smiled, "Darn straight I would. Lucky for you, you came back, Arcee. Jack…it was…it was like Jack had found the missing piece of his soul. I know how cliché that sounds but it's true! After Optimus Prime's funeral, I saw the way you two were staring at each other…it was then that I knew that you felt the same way about him. You both left Cybertron shortly after that, and no one was more ecstatic than me when you finally came back…together."

Arcee smiled, "Jack is very - what's the word - oh, yes…blessed to have you as his friend, Miko."

"I'm the one who's blessed, Arcee."

Miko could feel Arcee's wondering gaze upon her and she sighed happily, "I can still see it like it was yesterday. It was right after our high school graduation. There I was, feeling sorry for myself…and I turned around and came face to face with this gorgeous, wonderful man who for years I had only seen as a boy. It's like my eyes could see for the first time, and I realized he wasn't a boy any more. I remember the moment when he held out his hand to me and smiled this…this absolutely amazing smile. Raf had grown up, and he…he…WOW." Miko blushed furiously. "I found out a little later that day that he had always had feelings for me…for me! I had been so blind, Arcee…I never even knew."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Miko. It was the same for me and Jack. Neither one of us realized just how much we cared about each other until we almost died…"

Miko shook her head, "I guess that makes all of us a little blind, huh?"

Arcee slowly nodded, smiling.

Miko went on, "After you and Jack rode off into the sunset I suddenly knew that for the first time since Raf and I met, it was just us now. Months passed and we slowly got closer, until finally we became a lot more than just friends."

"Does Raf know how strongly you feel about him?"

"I hope so. I love him, Arcee…I love him so much it hurts. Not a day goes by that I don't say a prayer of thanks that he's a part of my life now. It may not be the bond you and Jack share, but I promise you I would die before I let anything happen to him. I…I guess that's why I've never told Raf any of this. I don't ever want to hurt him and I'm afraid of how he might take it. He…he deserves so much better than me…"

Arcee glanced past Miko and smiled, "Why don't you let him be the one to decide that."

Miko froze. She slowly turned and saw Raf quietly standing behind her.

"R-Raf…" Miko stammered, beginning to cry.

He smiled and immediately came over and swept Miko into a loving embrace.

Miko sobbed, "Oh, God…! Raf, I…I didn't…I never m-meant for you to hear…any of that…! Gomen nasai, Raf…I'm so s-sorry…"

"Esta bien, Miko…it's alright. I always knew, Miko."

"Y-you did?"

Raf chuckled, "I see all the little things, remember? It was pretty obvious that you liked Jack."

Miko sniffed, "B-but…how? How can you even stand to look at me?"

Raf gently stroked her cheek and answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Because I love you, Miko. I have always loved you."

Miko cried, "I love you, too! Oh, Raf…!"

Arcee smiled and wiped the stray tears from her shining eyes. She was about to say something when the door to the emergency room suddenly opened.

Knock Out emerged and said, "Well, we've done all that we can do."

Arcee feared the worst and asked, "Is…is he…?"

"I think the worst has passed but just in case, I'll be on standby in the next room and continue to monitor Jack's progress. In the meantime I've set up an extra berth next to Jack's where you can be more comfortable."

Arcee whispered, "Th-thank you."

Miko said, "Arcee… Raf and I would be happy to watch Orion for awhile and give you a chance to be alone with Jack."

Arcee smiled, "Thank you, Miko…but after everything that's happened I don't think I can handle having either one of my guys out of my sight."

Miko shrugged, "It's okay, I understand." She wiped at her tired eyes.

Knock Out said, "I think we can all use a few hours of rest and recharge."

Raf stretched his arms and stifled a yawn. He sat down in the waiting room and said sleepily, "I think I'll take a little siesta right here."

Miko asked, "Want some company?"

"Just as long as it's you…"

Miko curled up next to Raf and both promptly fell sound asleep.

Knock Out turned back to Arcee and quietly asked, "How about you, Arcee? Any problems since you came out of stasis?"

Arcee shook her head, "None at all."

Knock Out's optics narrowed, "Strange…well, I'll check in with you tomorrow morning. Contact me if you need anything."

Arcee nodded gratefully as Knock Out walked into the next room and began monitoring Jack's vitals. She waited patiently until the last of the Medibots left the emergency room before she entered.

Long moments passed as Arcee stood motionless and silently took in the sight of Jack.

He looked so tiny and so seemingly frail in the large room, hooked up to several different life-support apparatus.

Gingerly she eased little Orion down onto the large berth next to Jack's and turned to face her beloved Sparkmate. Trembling, she gently held his hand as she began to weep.

"Oh, Jack…!"

Arcee lay down next to him and whispered, "Please…PLEASE come back to me, Jack…!"

She closed her eyes and prayed for a miracle.

...

"Heyyy…there's my big girl…"

Arcee's shining eyes instantly snapped open at the sound of his voice. She immediately looked up and stared into the face of her Sparkmate.

"J-Jack…?"

Weakly he smiled at her, "Hi…"

It was all Arcee could do not to start sobbing. She murmured, "H-hey, yourself."

Jack blinked sleepily, "I…I guess I made it, huh?" He tried to move and winced in pain.

Arcee worriedly asked, "How badly does it hurt?"

Jack chuckled, "There isn't a square inch on my body that doesn't hurt, Arcee. It was totally worth it, though. You and Orion are alive and well. That's all that matters."

Arcee began to cry and whispered, "Jack…"

He smiled, "C'mon, Arcee…no more tears, okay?"

"Not even if they're tears of joy…?"

"Well…I guess it'll be okay, but only if I get to join you…" Jack didn't attempt to hide it as he began to cry as well.

Arcee gently wrapped her strong arms around him and wept, "Oh, Jack…! I was so scared I was going to lose you…!"

"S-same for me, baby…I missed you, Arcee. Let's not do this again, all right…?"

"WILL YOU TWO PLEASE STOP?!"

They turned to see a frustrated Miko standing in the huge doorway, holding Orion in her arms. She tried to wipe away her tears only for more to fall.

"I swear, every time I look at you two I can't stop crying for hours! Knock it off, okay?!" Miko gently set down Orion and smiled, "Here…this little silver monkey had woken up and wandered into the waiting room sometime during the night. I believe he belongs to you…?"

Orion yelled happily, "DA-DA! MAMA!"

As Arcee scooped up her tiny precocious child and held him close, Miko grinned, "And my job is done. Now if you will all please excuse me, there's a certain spiky-haired genius who's about to clear his schedule for a very important makeout session…"

Miko turned and all but sprinted down the corridor. Arcee chuckled, "Be gentle, Miko!"

Knock Out entered the room with a satisfied smile on his highly polished face.

"Nice to see you finally up and around, Jack…"

"Hope I didn't give you too much trouble, Knock Out."

"To be honest, it was touch and go for awhile. I apologize, human physiology is still somewhat new to me. You should be out of the woods, though…just as long as you don't overdo anything. Remember, even Primes need to take a day off every now and then."

Jack smiled as he sat up, "All things considered, you did an amazing job."

Knock Out blinked, "Yeah...?"

Jack smiled, "Yeah...I'm feeling better by the minute!"

Knock Out smirked, "Wait until you get my bill." He then glanced at Arcee, "Any pain or discomfort?"

Arcee's gaze was riveted to Jack's as she smiled dreamily, "I feel incredible."

Knock Out shook his head and sighed, "Sparkmates…!" He added, "Arcee, you should be well enough to transform now."

"Thank Primus…it's about time. Here, would you mind holding Orion for a minute…?" Arcee gently handed her son to Knock Out, demonstrating the new level of trust she held with the former Decepticon. Knock Out was unaware of this as he all but quaked in fear, worrying that the tiny child might somehow get sick and ruin his shiny finish.

Arcee quickly transformed into her human-sized third body and reclaimed her son. Knock out breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly the com-link buzzed and Ultra Magnus' voice crackled, "Doctor, I need you in the control room ASAP."

Knock Out shrugged, "Duty calls."

As he rushed out, Arcee carefully placed Orion into his father's outstretched arms.

"There's my little guy! C'mere, you…!"

As the two began to roughhouse on the berth, Arcee gently scolded, "Now, Orion…you be gentle with your Daddy. He's been through a lot…"

"Oh no…he-he's got me, Arcee! Orion's got me in a Metallikato headlock! It's a good thing I know Circuit-Su! Taste my martial arts fury!"

Orion giggled loudly as his father tickled him.

"Tallawhun! Tallawhun, Da-da!"

Jack looked at Arcee and asked, "What's he saying?"

"I…I'm not sure. It might just be baby talk, but you know how he picks up on everything he hears…"

"Heh…remember that time he started repeating after Ratchet…?"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Jack instantly realized his mistake. Arcee sighed deeply as Orion hopped off the berth and began to run around the room in circles, saying over and over again, "Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip…"

Arcee huffed, "I certainly do. Nice job, genius."

Jack sheepishly ran his fingers through his long dark hair and apologized, "Sorry, babe…wasn't thinking."

Arcee chuckled, "I'm just giving you a hard time, Jack…it's fine. As I recall, Ratchet loved it. Drove the rest of us crazy, though…"

Just then Miko reappeared in the large doorway.

"J-Jack…"

Arcee could immediately tell that something was off and asked, "Miko? What is it?"

"Ultra Magnus managed to get through to Ratchet on Earth."

Jack frowned, "That's weird, we were just talking about him…"

Miko looked at the floor, avoiding eye contact. Softly she murmured, "Ratchet…Ratchet says that he's got the space-bridge finally working again."

Jack didn't understand what Miko was trying to say and asked, "Well, that's good news…right?"

Miko found the courage to look him in the eye. A single teardrop fell as she whispered, "Jack…it's your Mom…"

Instantly Jack attempted to stand but his legs gave out. Arcee caught him and prevented him from falling. She lovingly held him in her strong arms, always standing by his side.

...

They quickly made their way to the main hangar bay and found that Raf, Ultra Magnus and Knock Out were already waiting for them. Also there were Steve and several of the Medibots, along with several tons of urgently needed medical supplies and equipment. Magnus used his remaining arm to hoist a huge container of supplies.

Miko immediately hugged Raf the minute she saw him. She whispered, "Y-you heard…?" Raf sadly nodded.

Knock Out quietly said, "Hot Rod is still in no condition to make the trip. He'll remain here for now."

Ultra Magnus contacted Ratchet, "We're ready, Doctor. Activate the space-bridge."

The swirling emerald vortex appeared in front of them. Without hesitation they passed through the eddy, leaving Cybertron behind and emerging on Earth.

As they carefully unloaded all of the medical supplies, everyone present took a brief moment to look around the interior of Hangar E. Not much had changed since they were here last. Their home was still badly damaged. Ratchet had focused all of his available time and effort on properly repairing the space-bridge platform and keeping his patients alive.

Miko choked back a cry as she saw Bulkhead and Wheeljack, still badly damaged and frozen in their stasis pods. Raf joined her, silently praying that the two Wreckers would recover and he and Bulkhead could have a chance to talk…maybe even be friends.

"I'm afraid there has been no change to their condition."

Ratchet's languid words were tired, almost slurring. Everyone turned to face him and gasped involuntarily. He looked extremely haggard, having worked virtually nonstop for over a week now.

Knock Out asked, "When was the last time you recharged, old timer?"

Ratchet ignored the question and turned his attention to Jack and his family. The old Autobot medic was never one to easily disguise his emotions. He sadly closed his optics and forced himself to remain silent. He already knew what Jack had endured and dreaded what was to come.

Jack did not deserve this.

Finally Ratchet spoke, "Please come with me."

Ratchet transformed into his ambulance mode and waited until everyone had gotten aboard. They left the ruins of Hangar E and quickly made their way to the military hospital. Ratchet drove around to the back of the hospital and pulled into the emergency entrance. As soon as Ratchet stopped everyone stepped out. Arcee gingerly picked up Jack and held him in her arms. Miko held onto Orion with one arm and reached out with her free hand to tightly grip Raf's open hand.

Ratchet lingered for a moment and then murmured, "I'm so sorry, Jack."

They quietly entered the emergency entrance and made their way to the elevator.

No one said a word.

The elevator made it to the floor where his parents' rooms were. They disembarked and slowly walked towards June's room. They stopped outside the closed door.

Jack looked at Arcee and asked, "C-can you please set me down? I can make it the rest of the way."

Arcee nodded mutely and gently placed Jack on his feet.

Jack's hand trembled as he reached out to open the door.

"She's not there, sir."

Jack immediately whirled around and faced a young soldier. He quickly recognized him as the soldier at the gate when this horror first began. The young man's face had lost much of its arrogance. What remained was a mixture of professionalism and honest concern.

"Wh-where is she?" Jack demanded.

"I'm sorry, sir…if you will please follow me?"

The young soldier turned and led them into a different section of the ICU. He finally stopped at the end of the hallway outside a lone door. He briskly turned and stood at attention.

"They're waiting for you inside, sir."

Jack looked into his eyes for a moment and finally nodded.

Holding his breath, Jack opened the door.

The room was dark. The shades in front of the room's large window were drawn and closed, cutting off any light from the outside. Jack could just barely make out a lone figure sitting in a motorized wheelchair.

"D-Dad…?"

"Come in, everyone. Sit down, Son."

Jack sat down in the chair next to Agent William Fowler, who was still held immobile in a protective body cast. Arcee reached out and held Jack's hand as he looked into the face of the older man he had grown to love as a father. Jack had never before seen the expression on Fowler's tired face. It was the look of a man who had been utterly defeated…who had lost everything.

Bill struggled not to break down in front of the young man he was proud to call his son. A single teardrop fell and he whispered, "Th-the doctors…they can't do anything to save her."

Jack's world reeled. He moaned loudly and held onto Arcee, who closed her eyes and fought valiantly to remain strong for her Sparkmate. Miko buried her face in Raf's shoulder as she began to sob. She held onto little Orion's hand as he looked around uncertainly and started to whimper.

Somehow Fowler managed to go on, "Shortly after you left Earth, the doctors were unable to detect any brain activity. The only thing keeping her alive is life support."

Jack choked out the words, "Oh, God…wh-where is she…?!"

Fowler numbly motioned towards an adjoining door to another room.

"She's in there, Son."

Jack looked desperately into the eyes of Arcee. He tried to speak but the words refused to come.

Her voice quivered as she answered his unspoken plea, "I'll be with you every step of the way, Jack."

Arcee gently helped Jack to his feet and together they walked into the next room.

June lay on the bed, still and unmoving. The only sounds in the room were the quiet whisper of the respirator and the beep of the heart monitor.

Jack's entire body began to shake and he fell to his knees next to his mother and screamed.

Arcee cried silently as she prayed for the man she loved.

Jack's agonized cries reached Orion. The tiny child was able to slip free from Miko's hand and he darted into the next room before anyone could stop him.

He ran towards Jack and cried, "Tallawhun, Da-da! Tallawhun…!"

Arcee reached down to stop him, gently saying, "Orion, this isn't - "

Orion quickly turned to stare directly at her. He said firmly, "No, Mama."

Arcee's eyes widened at what she saw in her son's bright blue orbs. She slowly straightened up and finally nodded to Orion.

Orion reached his father and wrapped his little arms around him. Jack's heaving sobs only increased. Orion patted Jack's back and whispered, "Don' cry, Da-da…don' cry."

Hearing his beloved son's voice, Jack managed to stop crying and looked up into Orion's gentle face.

Orion repeated, "Tallawhun, Da-da."

Jack murmured, "O-Orion…I…I don't underst - "

Orion sighed with childlike exasperation. He cupped his tiny hands around Jack's face and leaned in very close. Slowly and deliberately he said the word one more time, "Tall…ah…whun."

Jack gasped as it finally clicked.

Tallawhun.

Till All Are One.

Orion reached down and gently placed Jack's hand atop June's unmoving hand. Orion then set his tiny hand on top of Jack's and he began to giggle happily.

Jack's eyes grew wide in wonder as Orion began to glow like a new star in the heavens. Both rooms were filled with the sound of a child's joyous laughter and a pure white light.

"O-Orion…?!"

...

"All I'm saying is that you need to take better care of yourself, Ratchet."

"And all I'm saying is that you should mind your own business, Knock Out! I'm fine!"

Knock Out threw up his hands in frustration.

"Fine…have it your way, old timer. Fall apart and rust, for all I care! Just don't come dragging your flat tires to me when you need a complete overhaul!"

Ratchet huffed, "Oh, puh-leaze. Being a trifle dramatic, aren't we?"

The old Autobot medic turned back to his work when he felt a strange sensation suddenly pass through him. It was a gentle feeling, somewhat pleasant and not at all threatening. He looked around but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He shrugged and returned his attention to his work.

tap tap tap

Ratchet rolled his optics, "Knock it off, Knock Out. The sound of your voice is annoying enough without you adding sound effects."

"What are you talking about?"

tap tap tap

"That…I'm talking about that infernal tapping."

"Your so-called sharp hearing has finally gone bad, old timer. That wasn't me."

Ratchet stared hard into Knock Out's optics and saw that he was telling the truth.

He quickly looked around the room and singled out a lone Medibot.

"Was it you?!"

Steve defensively held up his hands.

"Whoa! It wasn't me, Ratchet!" Steve quickly looked at his fellow Medibots and asked, "What about you guys?"

The Medibots all vehemently denied being the guilty culprit.

All optics in the hangar slowly looked at Ultra Magnus, who stood silently as he held a large piece of equipment with his one remaining hand.

Magnus rolled his optics and snorted, "Really…?"

tap tap tap

"There it is again!"

Steve followed the sound to the far end of the hangar.

"I…I think it's coming from over here!"

Knock Out sneered, "That's ridiculous! All that's over there are…the stasis…pods…"

Ratchet and Knock Out immediately stared at one another with a sudden realization. They instantly dropped what they were doing and stumbled over one another as they made it to the stasis pods.

Nervously they peered inside and were startled to see that Bulkhead and Wheeljack were both fully conscious, tapping impatiently on the clear shielding of their respective pods.

Ratchet was incredulous, "Th-they should still be in full stasis! It's not possible for them to move like that!"

Knock Out was equally astonished, "If you think that's crazy, look at their readouts!"

Ratchet's lower jaw dropped as he whispered, "By the AllSpark…!"

Steve joined them and couldn't believe it, either. "According to this, their injuries have completely healed…but how?!"

"Umm, Doctors…?"

They turned to face Ultra Magnus.

As he stared curiously at an unfamiliar sight, Magnus asked, "Would any of you mind telling me how I suddenly have a brand new arm…?"

Ratchet immediately activated his com-link, "Arcee! Arcee, come in!"

...

"Arcee, do you read me? What's going on, Arcee? What's HAPPENING...?!"

Glittering tears streamed down Arcee's beatific face as she gazed in childlike wonder at the impossible scene before her.

Softly she whispered, "A miracle, Ratchet…a miracle."

Jack wept silently by his mother's side, whimpering in disbelief as she held him close in her strong arms. June whispered soothingly to him, singing an almost forgotten lullaby from Jack's early childhood. Soon his shaking began to slow until it finally stopped.

Jack looked up into his mother's smiling face.

"I…I don't…h-how can this be…?"

June smiled and glanced knowingly over at Orion, who giggled as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Tallawhun!"

Suddenly there was a loud commotion in the next room.

"I said let go of me, dang-blast it!"

"Sir, you can't…! Y-your injuries…!"

"I'll show you injuries…! Leggo!"

Arcee opened the door and saw the young soldier from outside attempting to somehow hold Fowler in his wheelchair.

"Bill…? Y-your body...it's been completely healed...?"

Fowler looked up and grumbled, "Will someone please explain to me what's going on here?! How is...is…"

The words failed him as Fowler saw the beautiful sight of his beloved wife smiling angelically at him.

"J-June…?"

Jack helped his mother to her feet and watched in amazement as she ran towards her husband. She clasped her arms around him and they gently kissed.

Fowler whispered, "B-but the doctors…they said…"

Jack smiled warmly, "A very wise man once told me, 'Doctors don't know everything.'"

Fowler returned the smile and looked around, asking sheepishly, "Anyone want to help me get out of this stupid get-up? It itches like crazy!"

Without warning the building began to shake.

Raf started, "Is it an earthquake?!"

Miko grinned excitedly, recognizing a particularly distinctive impact tremor.

"I don't think so, Raf!"

She immediately pulled back the blinds and was greeted by the familiar faces of their Autobot friends, all healed and perfectly well!

Wheeljack grinned, "Is this a private party or can we crash?"

Miko slid open the windows as Bulkhead happily bellowed, "MIKO!"

The oversized Autobot eagerly moved towards the window but wasn't watching where he was stepping. Suddenly there was a sickening crunch of metal. Bulkhead winced as he looked down.

Ratchet yelled, "BULKHEAD…!"

Fowler facepalmed and muttered forlornly, "Please tell me that wasn't General Bryce's car that he just totaled…"

Wheeljack smirked, "Okay, we won't!"

Bulkhead gently reached in through the open window and smiled as Miko hugged her beloved guardian's giant finger.

Miko cried, "I'm so sorry, Bulk!"

Bulkhead smiled, "Don't be, Miko. I'm the one who owes you an apology…you and Rafael."

Raf raised an eyebrow, "Bulkhead…?"

"I know I'm not your father, Miko…but to me you're still my little girl. It…it's been so hard, watching you grow up and all. I just…I didn't want to lose you."

Miko wiped away her tears and sighed, "Oh, Bulk…just because Raf and I are together now doesn't mean I'll ever stop loving you, y'big lug."

Bulkhead blinked and stammered, "I…I love you too, Miko…"

Nearby Wheeljack sniffed and tried to hide a tear. He heard a familiar grunt behind him and froze. Wheeljack slowly turned and faced a very smug Ultra Magnus.

"Not a word….sir."

Bulkhead looked directly at Raf and asked, "You promise to take care of her…?"

Raf became very serious as he reached out and held Miko's hand.

"For the rest of my life, if…if she'll have me, that is."

Miko's eyes widened to anime proportions.

"Raf…?"

He stepped closer and gently held Miko's shoulders.

"I know that I don't turn eighteen for another few weeks, but I just can't wait any longer. I've wanted to ask you this since we first met, Miko…"

Miko suddenly felt unsteady on her feet.

"R-Raf…are you…are you asking me to…?"

"Marry me, Miko…and I promise I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you make me."

Miko all but launched herself into Raf's arms and squealed ecstatically, "YES! YESYESYES!"

June whispered to Bill, "Ohhh…what a wonderful thing to wake up to…"

Knock Out stepped forward, carefully trying to avoid the mess Bulkhead had made.

"I still don't understand…how is it possible all of us, Cybertronian and Human, were healed this way?"

Jack looked down and smiled knowingly at his son.

"…Orion? How? He's just a child…isn't he?"

"Orion…like all beings great and small, is much more than meets the eye."

There were several surprised gasps as a familiar apparition shimmered into existence.

Fowler cried out, "PRIME!"

Jack smiled, "Been wondering when you were going to show up, Optimus."

"It is truly a pleasure to see all of you again. I wanted the opportunity to gaze into the eyes of the future that bears my former namesake."

Orion giggled at the distinctive baritone rumble of Optimus Prime's voice.

Optimus turned to face Jack and Arcee and smiled, "Thank you for such an honor."

Jack returned the smile, "As always, the honor is ours."

Ratchet stuttered, "O-Optimus…is it really you?!"

Optimus chuckled, "It is indeed, old friend."

Ratchet asked, "Optimus, wh-what happened today?"

Optimus smiled broadly, "This day we all saw a glimpse of the future that is yet to come…one in which all beings, Human, Autobot and Decepticon, strive together towards a common good. Young Orion possesses the Heart of Primus himself. He is a child of both Earth and Cybertron, and is forever bound to the destinies of both worlds. He can do wondrous things that no one else can, and one day he will inherit the mantle of Prime…indeed, all of Jack's lineage will be the caretakers of the future. I look forward to the day…"

Miko chirped happily, "…when all are One?"

Optimus smiled, "Indeed."

Miko crouched and grinned excitedly at Orion, "Did you hear that, little guy? You've got the powerrr!"

Orion giggled as Miko gently high-fived his tiny hand.

The ghostly spark of Optimus Prime turned to face the Autobots.

"Autobots, I entrust all of you to protect this child at all costs…and thereby safeguard the future."

Ultra Magnus stood resolute, "You can count on us, sir."

Jack asked nervously, "Optimus…? Will I…will we ever see you again?"

Optimus smiled, "I am certain of it, Jack. One day we shall meet again, but until then...have a good life."

The apparition faded away and was gone.

Jack turned to his human family and grinned, "So…what now?"

Miko grinned, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving! Right now I could go for a - "

Raf blurted out, "…Gyudon with extra beef and dorayaki for dessert!"

Miko blinked as she did a surprised double take.

"H-how did you know that…?"

Raf shrugged, "I don't know…it's…it's like I could suddenly see what you were thinking…clear as day."

Bill grunted in relief as the last of his body cast was removed. He closed his eyes and imagined his heart's desire, "I'll tell you what I'm in the mood for…"

The words spilled uncontrollably from June's lips, "…a Red Rocket Drive-Thru triple-decker deluxe bacon cheeseburger with extra onions and barbecue sauce with curly fries on the side?"

Bill gaped at her.

June nervously asked, "Is…is that right…?"

Jack and Arcee shared a knowing glance.

All eyes slowly turned to Orion who giggled mischievously.

"Orion…? What did you do?"

...

"So…here we are again."

Jack and Arcee sat atop their secret mountaintop and watched as the sun slowly sank beneath the horizon.

Arcee sighed contentedly, "It's funny…we always seem to end up here."

"I can think of worse places to be…" Jack slid closer to Arcee and slyly placed his arm around her waist.

Arcee smirked, "You'd better control yourself, Jack. Remember…we're not alone this time."

Jack looked back and chuckled as Orion smiled knowingly at his parents.

Arcee shrugged, "I know it's been over a month but I still feel a lot safer knowing that he's close by."

Jack smiled, "I'm not complaining, Arcee."

"Are you sure…?"

"Positive."

Arcee paused for a long moment before asking, "So how well do you think the others are adjusting…?"

"What, you mean being sparkbound? Surprisingly well, I think….Miko and Raf especially."

Arcee smiled, "I know, right? I still can't believe they're getting married in less than a month."

Jack looked into her eyes and asked, "Arcee, are you all right that we didn't have a chance to announce our plans to get married?"

"Of course…this is their moment. Don't worry, Jack…our time will come."

Jack nodded and slowly stretched, "Do you happen to remember the beginning of all this? When I was worrying myself sick over losing my family…?"

Arcee nodded, "…and now all of us may be facing eternity together…"

"It's crazy, isn't it…? Jack stared sleepily into the dying embers of the sunset and softly murmured, "…absolutely crazy…"

Arcee happened to glance back at Orion. He was curled up in the oversized sleeping bag and had fallen fast asleep. Arcee grinned.

"You know, Jack…if we're very quiet, we might actually be able to…"

The unmistakable sound of light snoring interrupted Arcee's train of thought. She glanced at Jack and chuckled as she watched him rest his head against her and begin to slumber peacefully.

She whispered, "That's okay…we have all the time in the world, my love."

THE END

Sparkz will return.

This story is humbly dedicated to my beloved wife…the strongest woman I will ever know.

Disclaimer: This has been a work of fanfiction. I do not own of profit from these characters or this franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Mwa…ha…hah.