It was a quiet day at the autobot base, not even the decepticons were active, things were going pretty well, until of course, Miko excitedly bounced in.
"They're opening a ball pit here!" Miko yelled excitedly. Ratchet looked confused until Jack clarified it for him.
"It's a room full of colourful plastic balls that people swim in and throw at each other. It's actually a lot of fun" He explained.
"I want to go!" Raf replied excitedly. "And didn't you guys make holoforms so you can blend it better. That means you can come to!" Ratchet rolled his optics at Raf's suggestion.
"Perhaps a bit of recreation will benefit out morale. This war has been draining us, not only physically, but also emotionally." Optimus agreed as he entered the room with the other autobots.
"Optimus, isn't being around three energetic children draining enough." Ratchet grumbled.
"I'm in. This could be fun." Bulkhead replied. Bumblebee beeped excitedly and made a swimming motion with his arms.
"Sure thing, Bee, I'd be up for a race." Arcee smiled.
"I want in to." Smokescreen replied.
"Hey Bulk, why don't we have a plastic ball fight last one to give in wins." WheelJack suggested.
"You're going down, Jackie." Bulkhead laughed.
"I guess I'll go." Ultra Magnus agreed reluctantly, he wanted to learn more about morale and he knew that it wan't healthy to stay inside always.
"You guys go without me. I'm not really into those things." Ratchet grumbled. Optimus knew that he couldn't make his old friend go if he didn't wish to so he simply nodded and the left for the ball pit.
They were all enjoying themselves. Jack, Miko and Raf were making silly challenges to try (For example, who can balance the most plastic on their heads and swim.) Bulkhead and WheelJack were throwing the plastic balls at each other, Arcee, Smokescreen and Bumblebee were racing around the pool and Optimus and Ultra Magnus were sitting on the chairs provided, enjoying their antics. The playing continued for a bit, until Ratchet approached in his holoform.
"I did not expect to see you here, is there a problem at base?" Optimus asked. Ratchet looked embarrassed.
"No, I just thought I'd see what all the excitement was about." Ratchet explained shyly.
"Hey, Ratchet, you decided to show. Let me help you in." WheelJack offered. He then pulled Ratchet in and the others laughed.
"Hey Optimus, Ultra Magnus, why don't you guys join in?"Bulkhead suggested.
"Or we'll have to get WheelJack to help you in to!" Smokescreen added laughing. Optimus and Ultra Magnus sighed and climbed in as well. Bulkhead then grabbed an armful of plastic balls and dumped them on Ratchet while Jack thew a plastic ball playfully at Miko. Miko then snuck up being Ratchet and threw the ball at Jack just as Ratchet was getting ready for a good throw, however Miko's throw distracted Ratchet and he missed.
"MIKO, I NEEDED THAT!" Ratchet yelled then burst into uncharacteristic laughter, This proved that all that's needed for good morale is a good idea and even better friends.