Ratchet was working at a console in the main hanger of the base, waiting for a ground bridge request. He’s been waiting for this request for cycles at this point, and only he and Optimus knew why.

Miko, Jack and Rafael have all caught on to the medics extra grumpy demeanor, but Ratchet has refused to answer why. “Come on Ratchet! What is so secretive that you won’t tell us?” Miko huffed, lying upside down on the couch settled on the second story platform nearby. Ratchet didn’t look up from his work as he responded. “That’s none of your business, Miko.

Bulkhead noticed his charges continued question and sighed. “Miko, leave Ratchet alone.” He scolded gently. “But it’s not fair! Nobody will tell us anything!” Miko protested, crossing her arms and pouting. Ratchet’s optics flickered briefly toward her reflection in the glass of his console, the tiny, impatient human sprawled upside down on the human couch, before turning his attention firmly back to the data feed scrolling across his monitor.

“Life,” he said dryly, his voice edged with that familiar grumble of restrained exasperation, “is rarely fair, Miko. Now kindly refrain from distracting me.”

That only made Miko groan louder, but she wisely didn’t ask anything else. Ratchet just checked the groundbridge request list one more time before letting out a soft vent.

He mumbled something under his vents as Optimus walked in, barely glancing up at the Prime as the groundbridge request finally came in. Ratchet stiffened and relaxed just slightly, barely visible to anyone who didn’t know him well as he responded to the request and activated the groundbridge. He turned around with a heavy vent and crossed his arms over his chassis, waiting.