Autobot Base, Jack's POV

I sighed softly to myself, shifting slightly on my perch atop one of the large, metal suplies crates.

I'd taken refuge in the storage room, finding the silence comforting.

"Jack?"

I yelped as my heart/spark lurched in fright. I sat up from my laying position, staring at the owner of the voice. I sighed in relief when I saw it was Optimus.

"Uh, hey Optimus, need something?" I asked, rubbing the back of my helm in embarassment.

"No. I simply came to see if you were feeling well." He replied, smiling slightly.

I blinked in surprise, not used to seeing Optimus smile, but I then returned it with a grin of my own.

"I...I'm fine Optimus, really."

Optimus raised a single, metal brow.

"Jack, you might be able to fool everyone else around you, but I am not so easily tricked. I can see you are merely hiding behind a facade."

I stared at him in shock for a moment, then chuckled slightly.

"Yeah, guess I can't fool a Prime. No one really can." I murmured, optics flicking away. I looked at the floor, the ceiling, the energon crates...anywhere but at Optimus.

"I was kidnapped by Megatron and turned into a Cybertronian, I think you can tell I'm not doing too well."

Optimus came over, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Perhaps you could explain what exactly is bothering you?"

"What's bothering me? Optimus, I'm a Cybertronian. I can't ever be human again! And I didn't have any choice! Megatron wants me as his fragging heir, he's going to be after me for the rest of my life!"

I slid down from the crate, begining to pace angrily.

"I never wanted this, I liked being human, and NOW!..." I stopped, sighing and letting my head fall.

"Now I don't know what the slag I am, maybe I'm not even a Cybertronian. To make things even worse, I'll end up looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life, expecting to be ambushed by Megatron...Optimus, what am I going to do?"

I turned to him, wanting to plead, to beg for him to have an answer, someway to solve this.

I was surprised when liquid dripped down from my optics, and I reached up, realising that I was crying energon.

I jumped slightly when Optimus placed a hand on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"That is something I do not have an answer for. But all of us will ensure that you shall never be in Megatron's clutches again."

I smiled slightly, but it was hard to do. Optimus actually smiled as well. It was rare that he would smile, and when he did, no one could help but feel better.

"Why don't we return main room? Everyone has missed you greatly."

I grinned, giving a chuckle.

"Alright, let's go."

Later, 3rd POV

Jack sat on one of the metal crates, simply watching as everyone went on about their buisness.

He was trying to keep his mind busy, it seemed every time his mind wandered, he would think about his painful transformation.

"Jack?"

The teen 'bot gave a sound of recognition, but didn't look at Raf.

"Are...Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Raf."

"Are you sure?"

Jack looked down at the young male.

"Yeah. Just thinking."

He then offered a hand for Raf to climb onto, and lifted the preteen to optic level.

"So, what're you up to?"

Raf smiled brightly, adjusting his glasses.

"The ususal, making sure there's no pictures of the 'bots online."

Jack laughed lightly.

"A never ending job for you, huh?"

Raf smiled, nodding and laughing as well.

"Jack?"

The teen 'bot looked up in slight surprise at Optimus.

"Yeah?"

"Can you come here for a moment?"

Jack nodded, setting Raf down and walking over.

"Something you need, Optimus?"

The Prime nodded.

"I wished to ask you if you know what Megatron's reasoning was behind wanting you as his heir."

Jack grimaced.

"I remember him saying he believed I was strong and intelegent, but I don't know what else had him decide to try and make me his heir. Sorry, Optimus, I really don't know."

Optimus nodded.

"There is no need for you to apologize, Jack."

Jack shrugged, looking down.

"But still, I wish there was something I could do."

Jack blinked in surprise when Optimus gently touched his helm with a hand in a comforting gesture.

"It is fine Jack, I assure you."

Jack managed a small smile.