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Over the next few days, Ratchet had scheduled appointments with the nestmates, making sure they were functioning properly and to keep tabs on their defects. Sway, of course, took the opportunity to show off. He parted his chest armor, revealing the protective layer around his spark, whilst boasting about how it was supposedly impenetrable. Ratchet simply rolled his optics and forced the mech back onto the berth for further testing. He was the largest of the young Earth-born Cybertronians, prompting the medic to call for help in pinning him down.

Scope watched from the sidelines, observing the medic as he scanned his friend's defective optic. They would have to put him under before checking his ventilation systems. It wasn't something the Lexus was looking forward to. He brought a hand to his chest, feeling around for the small wires hidden behind panels of thick black metal. Without these barriers, Scope felt vulnerable. Before he took on his adult frame, he always had to have one of his parents nearby while Ratchet worked his magic. It may appear childish, but it was the only way.

Once Sway's check-up was complete, Ratchet called in Scope. The latter approached the berth a little too slowly for the medic. "Come on, I don't bite," he said, nudging him closer. "After all the times you've been here, you're still scared of me?" Scope peered up at the taller mech, giving him the best kicked puppy look he could muster, hoping the old coot would let him go. "No." Ratchet helped the young bot onto the berth and lifted a syringe. "Ready for the sedative?"

Without waiting for an answer, the medic stuck the needle into the soft neck cables, just below his audio receptors. Scope flinched, his optics locked on the other mech as he tried to keep his mind off the needle. "This is a waste of sedatives, Scope. I don't know why you can't take it like an Autobot." His voice trailed off into nothingness as Scope quickly succumbed to the drug.

Moonracer came in moments later to watch over the session. Ratchet gently parted the chest armor, bypassing the spark chamber as he sought out the delicate ventilation system. He checked over the component thoroughly, looking for anything that could cause a potential problem in the future. "Well?" Ratchet lifted his gaze to the concerned female. "Everything appears to be in order… The pills are working, yes?" Moonracer's optics roved over the revealed circuits and parts. "Yeah, he doesn't like taking them, though. Isn't there an alternative?"

"I'm afraid not… He's been taking them for so long; you'd think he would have gotten used to them by now." Ratchet checked the youth's spark, main energon veins, and fuel pump before closing him up. "He'll wake up soon." As the medic went about his business, Moonracer focused on her son, slipping her smaller hand in his. "He shouldn't have to be an Autobot," she said. Ratchet looked up. "I agree. These youngsters are our future; they should have the option of remaining neutral, to live out their lives without violence. Prowl doesn't see it that way, unfortunately. Of course, the guy doesn't have children of his own. He has no idea what it's like."

"Prowl needs to get laid."

The two shared a laugh, oblivious to Prowl standing in the doorway. He cleared his throat to make his presence known. Ratchet and Moonracer regained their composure, and watched as the patrol car approached the berth. "I came for your reports, Ratchet, on the young mechs."

"Well, they're healthy… Speedy, though; her body will be ready to carry—"

"I did not ask for the female's status."

"But…"

"A female's place is not on the battlefield. Besides, she will slow the unit down."

Ratchet gaped. "If you haven't noticed, sir, they all have defects."

In the distance, Scope's nestmates listened intently to the conversation, feeling something swell deep within them—something painful. Sway was unable to control his anger and stomped into the room, his one good optic glaring down at Prowl. He flared his shoulder armor. "You prejudice son-of-a-bitch!"

"Sway!"

The sports car jabbed Prowl in the chest with his finger. "You're just a power hungry—" Prowl had enough, and sent his fist into the young mech's jaw. It wasn't like him to lose his temper so quickly. Sway growled in response, and leapt forward, tackling the other bot to the floor. Moonracer looked to Ratchet. "Do something!"

"What do you want me to do?"

When Scope finally woke up from sedation, he lazily watched as the two rolled around on the floor. Without a second thought, the mech grasped Sway's helm and pulled him away. "What's going on?" he asked softly. Moonracer placed a hand upon his arm, easing his confusion. "Just a little scuffle, is all."

Prowl stood, brushing off his armor. "Sway will be sent to the brig for a little while." The younger mech stared hard at the tactician, a low, threatening rumble escaping his chest. Prowl gave an irritated snort and turned to leave the small gathering. Sway then hung his head, knowing his father would disapprove of his behavior. It didn't sit well with him, to disappoint his parents.

Later that day, Sway stood in his quarters, with Drift sitting on the berth across from him. "I'm sorry…" he murmured. The swordsman lifted his gaze, a small smile forming. "It's okay. You did something admirable, today… You might have done wrong by attacking your superior—well, you take after me, in that respect, but that's another story. You stood up for your friends. You defended them."

"But, you…"

"I'm not angry or disappointed. I've always thought Prowl had a stick up his ass, anyway." Drift stood and gave his son a friendly pat. "So you're spoiled! Who isn't?" He nuzzled the younger mech before approaching the door. "Just promise me one thing…" Sway glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"Don't change for anyone. You're perfect, just the way you are."