Ignition

Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.

Lennox twitched. Graham reached out a steadying hand. Optimus' announcement was being accepted with enthusiasm by most of the base's personnel. Lennox, however, was not taking it so well.

"Twins?" Lennox said.

"Twins," Graham said.

"I've got to sit down," Lennox said, sinking to the floor. "Why did Optimus have to be so. . .so damn thorough?" Lennox said.

Graham shrugged. "Would you like me to go ask him?" he said, straight-faced, but there was mirth in his eyes.

"Yeah, you should," Lennox said. "Maybe I'll go with you, later. Right now I need a drink."

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Springer should've been over the moon about his promotion, but he wasn't. Commander of the Wreckers, Hot Rod as his second in command, Rodi was also going to be training under Ultra Magnus and Prime, learning to run the combat operations. Prowl had enough on his plate, helping oversee the day to day operations of the base, and coordinating battle plans, working with special ops planning missions; Ultra Magnus would help coordinate the rest, with assistance from Hot Rod. Kup was now security director for the base, possibly the planet if Prime and Magnus got their way.

Lots of changes and revelations to take in. And of course, Hot Rod made himself scarce; Drift had weapons practice with Ironhide, leaving Springer with no one to talk to until he hunted down his brother in the rec room later that day.

"Twins," Springer said, finally catching up with Hot Rod, not caring if anyone else was around. And thankfully, there wasn't.

"Only one is mine," Hot Rod offered.

"You 'faced the Prime," Springer said. "You sparked the Prime's offspring. What the hell were you thinking?"

"We were both overcharged from too much energon, and it just. . .happened," Hot Rod said.

"So, you weren't thinking," Springer said. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Take responsibility for my actions," Hot Rod answered. "And see where things go between us."

"Where things go? Are you even thinking? This is the Prime we're talking about," Springer said. "No offense Rodi, but. . ."

"What?" Hot Rod snapped, arms crossed, his face suddenly stony, energy field flaring so violently Springer took a step back.

"Rodi, I'm just saying. . .this is something you're going to have to think through very thoroughly. A relationship with the Prime. . .that's heavy. . ." Springer said.

"I know," Hot Rod said. "I'm not stupid."

"Stupid, no, but brash, headstrong, cocky, and temperamental," Springer said. "Sometimes you let your mouth and your spark get ahead of your good sense, what little of it you have. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"Thanks, Spring," Hot Rod said. "I know you're concerned, but I don't want to talk about this anymore right now, OK? We can finish discussing it tonight."

With that, Hot Rod walked off, leaving Springer alone, fuming.