Wheeljack tensed at the mention of realities. He was well aware of the theories around quantum physics and parallel universes - he'd attended a seminar on those and related topics...forever ago, even assisted one of the speakers - but to talk to living proof of it . . . and it be his best friend, no less (o-or was he?) . . . it was a slap in the face. He looked out the window and not even the normally eager, inquisitive scientist in him could call up a reaction to the incredible sight and its even more incredible explanation.

'I don't claim to know how it works...' No, but Wheeljack could. He just didn't want to right then.

But then Ratchet looked back down at him with that easy, half-grin he knew so well. Point. Though how close was still a question.

'It's all right. I'd rather be beat up and with you than alone and dead . . . Whatever happens, I'm glad I met you. You're a good friend.'

"Heh, yeah . . . y-yeah, I guess so." He made himself straighten and meet the medic's optic, sincerity in his tone. Whatever Ratchet's experience of them, he wanted the other to know, to get, what his was. "You were the first real friend I ever had, an' you've always been my closest. I probably owe you pretty much everythin' I've ever gained, because you believed in me when no one else would, when even I didn't. We've been through . . . everythin' together."

Or had they? No . . . don't think like that! Think positive.

"Heh . . . guess this just means we've a lotta new stories ta share, yeah?"