It took them more time to reach the riverbed than Optimus predicted.
It was mainly due to Ratchet. The wounded medic barely shoved his paws. Clash with the Sentinel and escape from the fire exhausted him.
All of Wheeljack's previous work in clearing his wounds had gone. In the chaos of battle, Ratchet's wounds were reopened and dirtied with sand and soil.
Optimus turned and looked at his old friend.
Ratchet didn’t look back. He didn’t look at anyone. His gaze was on his own paws, forcing them to take each step after another.
He was breathing heavily, barely catching another breath. Blood leaking from the wounds on his face, mixed
