Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, however I do own Nanno, Neruoblock, Slipstream, and the plot. Any similarities between actual events and or persons are purely coincidence. And no animals or mechs were harmed during the writing of this story. Yes, there will be explicit robotic profanity.

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Small Packages: Nanno's Story

Chapter 10: First Impressions

2.9 miles below the Atlantic Ocean...

The constant thrum of the Nemesis's massive fusion engines were all that announced the massive Decepticon warship's position as it slowly descended into the dark vast ocean depths. It was following a faint, weak signal that the ships sensitive com unit had picked up in the last few months. It's massive cybertronian alloy hull moaning in protest at the immense weight of millions of tons of water bearing down on it's outer armor. Much to the relief of the assembled Constructicon team. None of the five Decepticons looked forward to a instant death by explosive compression at this depth.

Hook was quietly watching the monitors of the radar systems as they neared the edge of the massive Laurentian Abyss. One large crimson optic gazing over his shoulder in a cold steely, but otherwise emotionless gaze. He growled a bit, tensing a little. Like the rest of his team having two high ranking 'Cons fighting over the same position of leadership was enough to make anyone edgy. With Shockwave's cold gaze boring into the back of his helmet, it did little to help the situation.

" Soon our glorious leader will rejoin us. " Spoke the the dark crimson opticed Decepticon. That gaze turning toward the massive thick windows gazing out into the eerie blackness of the ocean depths. The large floodlights cutting through the murky darkness like a plasma blade. Bringing the jagged edges of the trenches steep, narrow passage into sharp relief. Those taloned hands tightening a bit around the railing.

Three more hours passed before the lifeless cold grey bottom of the ocean came into view, the soft glint of shattered cybertronian armor. The scene laid out before them like a massive graveyard of fallen soldiers. Blackout, Brawl and Bonecrusher laying side by side as if merely in recharge. Though their massive gaping wounds, shredded armor, and missing limbs told otherwise.

The floodlights moved onward along the ocean's floor, the ship following the ever growing signal. An eerie glint flashed in Shockwave's gaze at the sight of their fallen leader. Half buried in the silt and sediment of the ocean floor. There was a slight hint of movement, anyone at their distance would probably easily miss. Till a sharp burst of static tore across the intercom system of the ship, causing the sparks of all aboard to skip a pulse and leap in surprise while reaching for weapons at a possible impending attack.

" It is good to see that there are still some who are loyal to me. " came that dark familiar voice to all aboard. If anyone of the 15 assembled 'Cons aboard the Nemesis had been human at that moment, all would surely been as white as ghosts.

" Lord Megatron," spoke Shockwave, smirking inwardly. Bowing his head in a sign of respect to his leader. He motioned to the assembled group, barking out orders as they moved to the recovery shuttles. Hook leaving the radar system to another as the Constructicon team moved off to prepare the medical bay for their leader's arrival.

--

Nellis Airforce Base, a.k.a. Autobot Underground Base...

Bumblebee looked up for a moment in surprise as he heard a sharp cry coming from the medical -bay was instantly on his feet running. Ratchet was out in the field on a ambassador mission, the rest of the team was either out of patrol or too busy with paper work. Leaving the scout in charge of watching over the fem-sparkling.

He burst into the room just in time to see Nanno thrashing about on the little recharge berth. The small cables connected to some of the ports to monitor her while resting, were ripped out and thrown aside. The yellow scout stood there in complete confusion for the longest moment. The familiar friendly ice-blue optics were still offline, by all accounts her energy signature read just that. But the piercing, painful cries of fear were plain to see. He quickly ran over to her side, scooping her up in his arms. He was humming softly as he cradled her gently to his chest over his spark chamber, something that he found calmed her almost instantly.

Frantically he com-linked Ratchet." Bumblebee To Ratchet, Bumblebee to Ratchet! Ratchet you there?! "

Lucky for him the old medic had just finished with yet another long session in a meeting with some government officials on the matter of their new charge. Though many of the officials were clearly not pleased. " Yes, Bumblebee? " He spoke rather dryly.

" It's the sparkling! I think she is having what Sam calls a "Nightmare" " the poor scout was nearly frantic with worry as he tried his best to calm the small struggling, keening fem.

Ratchet sighed a bit as he tried to think on the matter. " Just try to gently wake her up. But not too forcefully, I do not want her anymore harmed then she already is. Try to calm her down as much as you can. I will be back tonight to check on her. "

" Alright. Thanks Ratch. " Bee chirped happy for the help. Though it seemed to do little to calm his nerves. He looked down at the tiny bot in his arms. Then he gently ran a finger along her cheek plate, whispering to her softly.

" Come on, little one. It's OK, Bee is here to protect you. The monsters can't hurt you now. " boy he felt a bit sheepish talking like this, feeling a bit of that masculine part of himself vanish. But he didn't care for now, her well being was his first priority.

A small whimper of protest came from the small form in his arms, just before those small optics finally came online. She looked up at the yellow mech holding her in a bit of sleepy bewilderment. "...Bee? "

A bit of surprise shined across those proud optics, and a warm smile. His spark nearly leaping out of his chest as she said his name. " Yes, little one. I'm Bumblebee. "

She gaze a sleepy giggle, snuggled into his chest. Still trembling a little, but calmer then she was a second ago. " The bad bots try to take me away. To the dark place. "

Bee stared down at her in bewilderment at what she could be talking about. Bad bots? Dark Place? It could be the Decepticons? This sent a small almost inaudible growl from his vocal processor. " They can't hurt you now. I'm here now, and so is everyone else. Even grumpy old Ironhide and Ratchet will protect you. " he smiled warmly.

She blinked up at him in questioning bewilderment. "Jazz?"

That one word nearly crushed the scout's spirits, while tearing at his spark. Ratchet had given him a small briefing on the incident in the morgue. The medic had been very concerned as to how she would take the news of her guardian's death. Bee cleared his throat, mimicking the medic a little, as he tried to change the subject. " We can talk about that later. But what I really want to know is your name. " He smirked a little, playfully poking her small chest.

She gaze him a bit of a bewildered look till the poke came. Giggled as she tried to swat away the offending hand. " Me, Nanno. "

" Nanno? " he gazed at her curiously, quirking a brow. Smirked playfully as he tickled a few of her sensitive sensors along her sides. " What a fitting name for a tiny, beauty such as yourself. "

An excited squeal of alarm and giggles erupted from the little fem as she struggled to escape his tickling assault.

Mikaela stepped in laughing as she watched the pair playing. Those bright sapphire eyes of her glittering with mischief. " You two enjoying yourselves? " she laughed as she called over to Bumblebee.

The scout quickly looked up with a bit of mirth, chuckled. " Yes. I got her to finally say her first word. "

Mikaela quickly perked up at this, walked over as the Scout offered her a hand up onto his shoulder. " When was this? What did she say? "

" Just a 15 minutes ago," using the human way of telling time since he was starting to get used to it. Though he hesitated a bit on the second question.

Mikaela quickly picked up on this, chuckled. " It's OK, Bee. We know she's your and Ratchet's shadow. "

He chuckled a bit sheepishly as he placed the human up on his shoulder. Carrying the two fems off with him toward the Rec Room. Feeling it was time the little sparkling got out of the stuffy med-bay for a while to explore and have some fun.

" I also finally got her to say her name. " He smirked to himself proudly as they walked down the hall.

" Oh? " Mikaela quirked a brow at him.

" Nanno! " The little fem-bot squealed happily in his arms as she gazed up at the two. Climbed up Bee's arms so she could sit in Mikaela's lap.

Mikaela looked down in surprise that she would volunteer her name so quickly after previously showing such fear. Grinned to herself in pride, bowed her head in greetings. " It is a pleasure to meet you, Nanno. "

She got a blank, confused stare in return.

This caused Mikaela to chuckle. She wrapped her arms about the smaller bot to secure her.

--

The Rec Room...

Little did the three know of the gathering waiting for them in the Rec Room as they rounding the corner into the massive open room. There was a massive plasma screen HDTV that dominated one wall at a far corner of the room. Surrounded by three couches that looked to have seen better days, plus two other Cybertronian sized chairs. A sound system that would of made Jazz proud off to one side of it. Pool tables, video game systems, two poker tables both human and Bot sized. Various other items for entertainment and relaxation for both Autobot and human alike.

Nanno was too engrossed with entertaining herself with the buttons of Mikaela's jacket to notice that gathering in the room. Till she heard the sudden shouts from across the room near the pool tables.

" BEE! " came twin shouts across the room as the two mechs placed their pool sticks on the table. Made their way over.

Bee noticeably tensed as he moved both fems down into his hands protectively. " Welcome back, Sunstreaker...Sideswipe. "

" Oh come on, Bee. Is that anyway to greet old friends. " Smirked the red Lambo twin as he moved over beside the smaller yellow mech. Wrapped an arm over his shoulder. " Rumor has it that you and Ratchet found a new arrival. And it's a Fem. "

Bumblebee wrapped a hand about Nanno's small frame as he felt the small fem-bot tense nervously at the sight of the two strange mechs so close to them. Mikaela doing her best to keep her calm. " Yes, but it's not what your thinking? "

Sunstreaker smirked along with his brother as he watched the smaller scout carefully. Though he quirked a curious brow at what he was possibly hiding.

" Oh come one, Bee! " His brother spoke up. " We've been gone now what? 4 months and you think you can hide her from us? " Sideswipe moved off toward the hall like an idiot frat boy to see if the mysterious fem was hiding around the corner.

The golden mech merely groaned, shook his head at his brother's idiotics. Looked back to Bumblebee. Though he nodded a greeting to the human in the scout's hands. " Good day to you, Mikaela. "

Though Suntreaker could be a real jerk at times. It was clear that he was going to be at lest civil for now, seeing he was resonantly cleaned up from their long trip to Saudi Arabia to hunt down Scorpinok. Mikaela sighed deeply at this. " It's good to see you too, Sunstreaker. " She grimaced a little.

Sunstreaker finally looked back to Bumblebee. " So what else you got in your hands? " He spoke a bit dryly, noticing the human fem seemed to be acting just as protective towards him.

The scout groaned a bit, knowing the pair would hound him endlessly till he gave in. Slowly opened his hands. Revealing the tiny fem-bot in his hands. Those tiny ice-blue optics staring up at the golden mech nervously.

It took a full astro-second for Sunstreaker to register that what was he was seeing before him was indeed real. Sunstreaker slowly moved forward, leaning forward a bit to get a better look at the sparkling in his hands. " Slag, Bee. It's a Sparkling..."

Both scout and woman glared at the golden mech. " Watch your language! "

Sunstreaker grimaced at the reaction. Chuckled as he stood back up to his full height. " She's smaller then you were, Bee. "

With that said this finally drew his brother back over. " Fem? Sparkling? " asked the red mech curiously, peeking over his brother's shoulder curiously. Till he spotted the tiny bot in Bee's hands.

Sunstreaker groaned at the squeal that erupted from his brother as the large mech scooped up the tiny fem in his hands. " She's adorable! " Cuddled her for a moment as he chuckled.

" Be gentle with her, Sideswipe. " warned Bumblebee as he watched the red mech carefully. Staying close as he listened to Nanno's nervous protests.

" Don't worry, man. She's in safe hands! " chirped Sideswipe happily as he walked away with Nanno. Playfully tickling her a little as she started to relax a tiny bit.

" That is what I'm afraid of..." groaned Bee. " I know what you two are capable of. " Yep, he clearly remembered those days when the twins had been his sparkling-sitters. Bee still wondered to this day just what miracle of Primus had enabled him to survive. He quietly followed the pair over to the pool table. Leaning down a bit to let Mikaela down as he offered her a hand to the floor below.

Sideswipe smiled down to the little sparkling in his hands. Chuckling to his brother as he looked over to him. " I think she likes me. "

Sunstreaker rolled his optics, growled." Probably the only fem left. Too bad she is too young for you Bro. " he chuckled condescendingly, patting his brother on the shoulder as he walked passed him to grab his own pool stick.

Sideswipe narrowed his optics on his brother a bit disdainfully, and growled. Then he gently set Nanno down atop the pool table as he turned toward his brother. " Take that back! "

The golden mech half turned to him, quirked a brow ridge. " Why? Did I hit a sore spot? " Sunstreaker just grinned at him. " I can't help it if the ladies love me. " he chuckled as he continued.

The red mech growled, lunged for his brother as he tackled him about the mid-section. Much to the startled sueprise of the little fem. She squeaked in alarm. Bumblebee quickly took action to snatch her up in his arms before the wrestling twins could accidentally crush her.

" Take that back! " protested Sideswipe loudly.

" Why? " Sunstreaker spoke with a bit of a laugh as he held his brother down for a moment in a headlock. As his brother struggled to get free. " You know it's true. "

That only seemed to add more fuel to the fire, Sideswipe snarled. He was about to make his move when an impossibly loud thunderous roar shook the room, causing every mech in the room to freeze instinctively in absolute fear. Then all optics went straight to the large doors. There stood the large imposing mass of cold black armor bristling with infinite menace. Massive overcharged cannons humming loudly with the promise of unending pain that was soon to come as those cold blue optics glared down on the two wrestling brothers.

" Are you two obsolete virus riddled, slaging idiots done yet? " Ironhide growled as he looked down on the pair. His spoke quietly , but he was clearly heard in the absolute silence of his arrival. One optic rose when he heard a terrified whimper that was not coming from the twins. He quickly powered down those impressive cannons of his. Snarled at the trembling pair. " You two glitch-heads are slagging lucky that she is here." Glaring harshly as he left the two to an obviously highly fragged off Prowl.

Ironhide moved over toward Bumblebee and the trembling sparkling. He frowned a bit when he watched her burrow deeper into the scout's arms. He crouched down as low as he could get his mass, trying to look as unimposing as possible ( which is not easy for the cannon happy mech. )

Then he smiled to his young charge. " Am I really that scary? " trying to sound as nonthreatening as possible.

Bumblebee smiled to his caretaker, and chuckled. Feeling a bit bad for the bigger mech. He himself had a scene of pride and deep respect in the mech that had raised him. Bee knew he was one of the most trusted and gentle with sparklings, but she didn't know that. Bee sighed a bit as he tried to comfort the trembling form in his arms. " It's OK, Nanno. Ironhide won't hurt you. He's all bark and no bite. Besides he doesn't even have any teeth."

That remark was received with a bit of a groan from the older black mech, but he chuckled still.

" He raised me when I was just your age. After I lost my creators," Bee spoke to her softly, smiling down at her kindly. They both watched as those nervous optics finally came into view.

" He not bad bot? " came a nervous almost inaudible whisper.

Ironhide raised a brow curiously at such a suggestion. "Bad bot?" He com-linked to Bee silently.

"I think she is referring to Decepticons" Bee replied gravely.

Hide snorted a bit at that thought. Nanno whimpered a bit, Bumblebee gently rubbed her back plates. " Nah, he's a big softy. " he chuckled.

Ironhide glared playfully at Bee, chuckled as he smirked down at the little fem in his charge's arms. Then hide flexed those great arms of his as if he were some monstrous body builder. " I'm the strongest, toughest mech on this base. No Decepticon stands a chance against me. " he grinned down at her as he playfully boasted. Watching those tiny ice-blue optics widen in wonder. Both mechs chuckled

Ironhide looked over to Bee curiously as he finally relaxed down into a more comfortable seated position on the floor in front of the pair. Smiled as he scooped up the little fem in his massive hands. Tickling her sensitive belly plates a little before she could protest to being snatched away from her sparkling-sitter. " So... " He spoke calmly as he kept a trained optic on the sparkling while speaking to BumbleBee. " Has Optimus decided whom her caretaker will be yet? "

The scout shrugged a bit in dismay, relaxing back a little as he took a seat in the chair beside the two. Watching his caretaker play with Nanno. " All that is currently known right now is. Ratchet wants to be sure she is 100 back to full health before he releases her into anyone's care. "