After the road trip was finished, Ratchet drove his friends back to the same area in the Everfree Forest. He opened his front doors to allow the Mane Six and Spike to exit the vehicle. They proceeded to take their camping equipment from the back side of the ambulance.
“We’re going to set our tents up before the Tree of Harmony,” said Twilight. “We will stay there for a few nights.”
“We’re going to have s’mores, cupcakes, share spooky stories, and more! This is exciting!” Pinkie added, bouncing around.
“Actually, I was thinking of staying with Ratchet here,” said Starlight. “I...uh... thought about getting to know him a little more. You can go on ahead. We will follow you soon.”
The ponies looked at each other before nodding to Starlight. “Sure, Starlight.” Twilight smiled.
“Is that okay with you, Doctor?” Rarity asked.
“Not a problem. Carry on, friends.” Ratchet replied through his GPS.
The Mane Six and Spike grabbed their stuff and left the area. However, unbeknownst to them, the Mean Five, in their pony forms, poked their heads through the bushes. “Ohhh, that huge vehicle is definitely mine. All mine!” Mean Rarity whispered, cackling madly.
“Uhh, you are a vehicle too, you dolt.” spat Mean Rainbow.
“Shhhh!! They will hear us!” Mean Applejack whispered back.
“How can they hear us if we’re whispering?” Mean Pinkie asked.
“Well, they just...uh...have large, sensitive ears! Or maybe, they are having... umm... an awareness that we’re here but are just... ignoring us!” Mean Applejack replied.
“How about we show them some fun stuff?” Mean Fluttershy evilly grinned, throwing rocks at random tree branches and woodpeckers near by. “Haha, that is my kind of fun!”
“Come on! We need to capture those ponies and that dumb dragon. Then we will take on those two!” Mean Rainbow reminded. Nodding to each other, they quietly snuck past the bushes and trees and followed their good counterparts.
Meanwhile, Starlight remained in the vehicle and sat down on the driver’s seat. “So, Ratchet, I was thinking back on everything you shared with us earlier about Megatron’s backstory that revealed his path to evil. However, I couldn’t help but think about... your backstory. I need to ask: why did you become an Autobot? What convinced you to join with this Optimus Prime and your other Autobot companions?” Starlight eagerly asked.
Ratchet was silently surprised by her question. “Never have I thought that any one of these ponies would ask me that,” thought Ratchet. “She is actually the first pony to ask me this. Wow...”
He then sighed deeply before replying. “Well, Starlight, I suppose I should tell you why I became an Autobot. Though honestly, you are actually the first pony to ask that question. Two Equestrian years later and one of you asks me this? That is...astounding.”
“Well, you did tell them about your battles with the Decepticons and your other war stories but never about your origin.” Starlight stated.
“It is... a long story, my friend,” said Ratchet. “Nonetheless, I will tell you since you asked. Just bare with me, okay?”
“Okay,” said Starlight.
Ratchet sighed again before activating a monitor next to the driver’s wheel. It revealed scenes that occurred on Cybertron. “It goes all the way back just moments before the war started. At that time, I had to endure what was arguably... the most unforgettable experience of my life.” Ratchet began.
FLASHBACK
Ratchet drove to the city of Iacon with a wounded protoform tied on him. Once he arrived, the other protoform troops untied and lifted the wounded troop from his back. Ratchet then transformed back to robot mode. “What happened to him?” a protoform asked.
“He received a critical shot to the chest,” said Ratchet. “Thankfully, the wound is nowhere being a life-threatening type. He will survive.” The others sighed in relief.
“Thank Primus! I do wonder who or what blasted him like that though.” another protoform spoke.
“It remains unclear who or what did this,” said Ratchet. “Still, it will take some time for young Smokescreen here to fully recover.”
“Thanks, Doctor. We appreciate your work here.” a third protoform thanked.
“No need for thanks,” smiled Ratchet. “I am only performing what I do best: caring for all forms of life.”
Suddenly, blasts shot down from the sky and struck a few towers and struck around them which caught them all off-guard. The protoforms ran for their lives to avoid the blasts. Ratchet turned around to see a Cybertronian jet transform in front of him and land thunderously on the ground. The being’s red optics glared down on the medic.
“Ratchet, what are you doing around here?! The High Protector has commanded all rational Cybertronians to cease friendly contact with those who are allies with Optimus! Return to Kaon at once!” the being ordered.
“But why? They haven’t done anything wrong, Starscream. Why is Megatron doing this?” Ratchet asked.
“First of all, he is Lord Megatron now. Second of all, Optimus and his allies are now traitors for seeking to obtain the Allspark’s power for themselves! It is mandated to execute them all!” Starscream exclaimed.
“Surely, you don’t believe this, do you?” Ratchet asked, reasoning with him.
“Ratchet, we have been friends for a long time. I am certain that you are wise enough to realize what is at stake here,” said Starscream, putting his arm around Ratchet. “If those treacherous turncoats obtain the Allspark, we will all be in grave danger. Join me, old friend, and together we will eradicate those betrayers once and for all!”
“Destroy them? Shouldn’t Megatron at least hear them out?” Ratchet asked. “It just seems rash that he would even do something like this. Doesn’t he have any proof that Optimus and his comrades are actually planning to turn on us and our planet?”
“We do not ask questions when he gives us orders, Ratchet. Also, why were you aiding that troop? He is one of them—Optimus’s allies!” Starscream angrily pointed.
“But this isn’t the way, Starscream! We Cybertronians do not execute or harm the other like this! We are not killing machines! We are rational, free beings capable of making peace with each other.” Ratchet passionately reminded.
Provoked, Starscream slapped Ratchet on the head and pushed him to the ground. “Are you saying you want to join with them?You are speaking like Optimus!” he snapped.
“I don’t know what else to say to you, friend, but what you and Megatron are doing is wrong! This madness needs to stop now before it gets worse!” Ratchet pleaded.
“If you don’t want to join Lord Megatron’s cause, then consider our friendship...(unsheathes saw blades)... dead.” Starscream growled.
He swung them around Ratchet, but the latter successfully dodged them all and unsheathed his own saw as well. Then they fought together and shot missiles at each other that ended up exploding several buildings around them.
Starscream kicked Ratchet away and transformed to his Cybertronian jet mode. “This is what happens when selfishness gets in the way of friendship! You are now on our list, traitor! The next time we meet, it will be your last!” Starscream threatened.
Once he flew away, Ratchet got up and put his weapons away. “I’m sorry, Starscream. I’m truly sorry.”
He looked around and saw the fire and several destroyed buildings. He somewhat felt guilty for dooming his other friends who were with Optimus by defending them. Realizing he lost his best friend forever, he knelt on the ground and covered his face.
“(Sigh) I didn’t want it to end like this. I have to find Optimus and his crew and see what they can offer. I’m certain they mean no harm. I’ve known them for eons.” Ratchet said to himself.
Ratchet transformed to his Cybertronian car mode and drove off. After driving many miles on the road, he spotted a hidden tunnel to his left. Transforming to robot mode, he pulled back boulders that blocked its entrance and entered inside.
“Who goes there?” demanded a familiar voice. Ratchet turned his headlights on and saw Optimus and his crew stationed in their headquarters.
“Not a foe, I can assure you. My name is Ratchet, medical officer.” Ratchet introduced.
Optimus drew near to Ratchet. “Greetings to you as well, Officer Ratchet. But would you care to explain the reason you are here?”
“I was told that you seek to obtain the Allspark’s power. But I am certain that this isn’t true. Is it, Optimus?” Ratchet asked.
“Your thoughts are correct. Megatron has been losing every ounce of his sanity ever since he wiped the whole races of the other aliens. Even now, he is getting worse and worse. He now wants to have all our heads.” Optimus grimly spoke.
“Then I suppose I can be of help?” Ratchet asked. “As a medic faithful to my calling, I have a fervent passion in defending all forms of life in the galaxy. No one perishes or withers away on my watch. Only for this reason am I willing to join you, Optimus. I’m sure you understand my love and admiration for nature and life. I know you as a wise and noble leader. For that, I am willing to assist.”
Optimus thought of the offer for a moment before turning to him. “We would definitely appreciate the support of a medic. I can sense a war coming upon us. Your medical expertise will be of great aid to us whenever any of us are wounded. I know you as a great medic Cybertron has ever had in centuries. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings; as a believer in that, I welcome you to our cause, Officer Ratchet. We shall call ourselves ‘Autobots’ the freedom fighters!”
The crew welcomed their new recruit with open arms. However, Ratchet still had that lingering sorrow of turning his back on his old friend. He wished that Starscream would see reason and join the right side. He would never forget this.
FLASHBACK ENDED
Starlight was silent the whole time he shared his backstory with her. Once he finished, she had tears on her eyes and hugged the front seat. “I’m so sorry, Ratchet. You must have been hurt to see Starscream forsake you like that.”
“I appreciate your sympathy, Starlight,” said Ratchet. “Not only am I grateful in having better friends such as Optimus, Bumblebee, and Ironhide but also you ponies. I believe that space bridge accident back in Italy was by Providence, not by coincidence.”
“Yep. I’m glad that brought you here to meet us and experience the magic of friendship. Thank you for sharing, buddy.” Starlight thanked, hugging the chair again.
“It’s always a blessing to talk with your friends,” said Ratchet. “Now, let’s go rejoin our friends, shall we?”
“Lead the way, Doc!” Starlight smiled. Ratchet drove off to reunite with their friends.
Suddenly, a dull purple Hummer H2 ambulance appeared behind them and began to aggressively push Ratchet in a pit maneuver. The Autobot transformed and pulled his blaster out while Starlight jumped out. “Get behind me!” he ordered.
“What is that?!” Starlight shouted.
The vehicle transformed as well and stood right in front of Ratchet with beaming red optics. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Autobot Ratchet. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Chrysalis mockingly greeted.
“Who are you?” Ratchet demanded, aiming his weapon at her.
“I am Chrysalis, former queen of the changelings,” said the deceiver. Then she glared down on Starlight. “I am here to take my REVENGE on STARLIGHT GLIMMER!!”
“Chrysalis?! Is that you?!” Starlight shrieked, widening her eyes in shock.
“Of course it’s me, fool!! Thankfully, I am not alone in this.” Chrysalis spoke, wickedly smirking.
On cue, the Mean Five, in pony forms, approached Ratchet and Starlight as if normal. “Guys? What’s going on?” Rarity asked.
“Rarity? Guys? Stay back, Chrysalis is here!” Starlight warned.
However, the ponies surrounded them menacingly with innocent smiles. “It’s okay, Starlight. You can trust us. We’ll handle this situation...(snicker)...ourselves.” Fluttershy said, trying not to evilly laugh.
Then Starlight noticed something off about them. She noticed how dull their colors were, and how they all had hair strings sticking out. She even saw Applejack’s iris and cutie mark as green. Thus, she realized they were not the real Mane Five.
“No. No! You are not Applejack! All of you are evil clones! Where’s Twilight and Spike? What have you done with our friends?!” Starlight demanded, igniting her horn.
With their facade exposed, they all evilly laughed. “Ohhh, you will see for yourselves.” Evil Applejack grinned.
“Yes! Your Autobot friend will be mine!! ALL MINE!! HAHAHAHAHA!!” Evil Rarity cackled.
The five transformed into their Ratchet-look-alike clones and activated their weapons. Ratchet and Starlight stood close together as their enemies prepared to attack.
“Just like old times, let’s do this,” said Ratchet.
“My pleasure.” Starlight smirked.