Author's note. So, what's the big upheaval I was talking about? Read on to find out.

By the way, if any of you read my 'Little Brother' fic, could you please leave me a review. It's just me and my co-author worked hard on the latest chapter and no one's reviewed. Just feels like no one's reading it. Thanks.

Suggestions are welcome.

Enjoy and please review.

Chapter Four: Sparkplug Concerned.

When Bumblebee arrived at his house, Sparkplug had known something was up. And although he was assured by the yellow Mech that Spike hadn't been hurt, he still knew it had something to do with his son. He had never doubted his instincts when it came to his precious offspring.

He could tell Bumblebee had no idea what had happened other that it involved Spike and that he was hurt. So he didn't pester the Youngling for details, just calmly sat inside of him as he was driven to the Ark.

When he arrived there, Bumblebee transformed and led Sparkplug to the Med Bay where Spike apparently was. When they arrived there, the first thing he saw was Optimus and Prowl conversing while Jazz stood to one side grinning.

They stopped when they saw Sparkplug with his escort.

"Sparkplug," Optimus greeted, moving over and bending down. "Thank you for coming."

"Where's my boy?" Sparkplug asked without preamble.

There was a curious chirp from behind the large robots, causing Sparkplug to frown. Optimus now looked slightly guilty.

"Well, you see, there was an accident in Wheeljack's lab..."

Sparkplug's eyes seemed to bulge with horror. Optimus quickly said.

"But as you were told, he wasn't hurt. However, he was...changed."

"Changed?" Sparkplug whispered. "How?"

Without a word, Optimus, Prowl and Jazz stood back so that Sparkplug and Bumblebee could see what was behind them. Ratchet and Ironhide were standing behind an examination table, looking over at Sparkplug. And on the table was a tiny chirping transformer with turquoise optics staring right at him.

As he gaped at the sight of this small thing, Optimus said quietly.

"Spike was changed into a Sparkling Sparkplug. Or to put it another way, a transformer baby."

The Sparkling made some funny noises as Optimus said this, sort of whistling and chirping sounds. He looked eager to see Sparkplug which was slightly disconcerting for him. His heart clenched, this was his son and he didn't even recognise him.

"S-Spike?" he asked uncertainly and the Sparkling chirped happily at the sound of his own name.

"We don't think he remembers being human," Ratchet said gently. "But he probably retains a sense of loving you and recognises you as a protective figure."

Sparkplug nodded dumbly. Unbeknownst to any of them, Spike was thinking.

"Of course I know him, he's my dad."

"Can you fix this?" Sparkplug asked, still in a state of shock.

"Hopefully, yes," Optimus said, trying to sound certain.

Sparkplug didn't notice this, he was slowly walking towards his son. The small Sparkling moved closer to the edge, in order to continue to stare down at him. Ironhide put out a hand and gently laid it on Spike's back, making sure he didn't go too close.

Sparkplug dimly registered this protective act, he was still staring at Spike.

"Would you like to see him properly?" Ratchet asked kindly and Sparkplug nodded.

He was lifted up and placed on the table right in front of Spike.

"Hey kiddo," Sparkplug said softly and Spike gave a small squeal before crawling over to Sparkplug.

"Careful there," Ironhide warned but Sparkplug said.

"It's okay, I can handle him."

He smiled gently as his son, opening up his arms. Spike eagerly came closer and wrapped his arms around Sparkplug. The Transformers all moved forward at this, almost saying something but Sparkplug was okay.

Spike was undeniably stronger but his hug was still soft enough so that his dad wasn't hurt. Though it still expelled some of the air out of his lungs, he was still able to hug Spike just as tightly back.

"Aw, Spike," Sparkplug said softly as he rubbed the back of Spike's head. "What kind of mess you got yourself into this time?"

Spike made a sound of indignation but only Sparkplug seemed to recognise this. Ratchet was now saying.

"We will be doing all we can to fix this but in the meantime, we need to talk about Spike's situation."

Sparkplug looked up at him, still hugging Spike.

"Spike will need care," Optimus cut in softly. "I'm afraid a Sparkling is too much for a human."

He paused to let these words sink in.

"But we wanted to talk this over with you, find out what you want for your son. And we won't do anything without your permission Sparkplug."

Sparkplug was touched by this. Of course, it was only right that they do this but still, considering they were large powerful robots, they didn't have to. He nodded and said.

"Thanks Optimus, that means a lot to me."

He glanced at the assembled Mechs before asking.

"So, who's going to be looking after Spike?"

"Well, we haven't quite worked that out though Ironhide has offered," Optimus said softly as Ironhide grinned.

"But no matter who primarily looks after him, we will all be on hand to help with Spike. We'll make sure he's fed, kept healthy and keep him safe."

"What about the Decepticons?" Sparkplug asked nervously.

Of course, Spike was always in danger from them but he suspected that a Sparkling would attract their attention. Meaning they would be more likely to target him. The thought made him shiver.

"Hopefully, we'll have Spike back to normal before they find out," Optimus said quickly. "But even if they do, we will not allow them anywhere near your son, Sparkplug."

Sparkplug nodded again, he knew they'd do their best. But would it be enough.

"So, are you going to tell the other Autobots?"

"We'll have to," Prowl said, speaking for the first time. "This sort of thing can't be kept a secret, especially if we want to treat this Sparkling right."

At Sparkplug's slightly confused look, he said.

"We'll need to take him outside, for trips and to explore his home Planet. This would be impossible to do if he was a secret."

"Ah, gotcha," Sparkplug said.

Spike suddenly squeaked and let go of Sparkplug, to sit back. He had a bored look about him and clearly wanted something to be happening other than all the adults talking. They all chuckled, kids could be so impatient if the attention wasn't on them.

"I think now would be a good time to introduce the young one to the rest of the Ark," Optimus said with a laugh as Ironhide suddenly said, somewhat nervously.

"Sparkplug, ah hope ya don't mind but we were thinking...it might be a good idea ta give Spike a new name."

Sparkplug blinked at this but when he didn't immediately protest, Ironhide continued.

"It's just if that Cons do find out about him, it would be better if they didn't know who he used to be."

"Not to mention this will help us separate the Spike we all know and this little fella," Jazz added for good measure.

Sparkplug nodded, that did make sense. Though it would be very strange not to refer to his boy by his proper name, he knew Spike, if he was able to talk, would want a new name. A cool transformer name to go with his new body, yes, that's what he'd want.

"Alright, that's fine with me," he finally said and all the Mechs sighed in relief.

"So, what are you going to call him now?" Sparkplug asked curiously.

Optimus chuckled.

"We haven't decided on that yet, I'm afraid. But I'm sure we'll think of something soon."

It was now that Bumblebee moved forward, seemingly in too much shock to move before now. He reached out a hand to touch Spike and the Sparkling eagerly grabbed hold of it. This made him smile.

"Hi Spike," he said softly as the Sparkling giggled.

"Told you to be careful when wandering."

The Sparkling's only response was another giggle.

"It's so weird seeing him like this," Bumblebee said, looking up at his elders. "My best buddy, a Sparkling."

"Yeah but it won't be for long hopefully," Ratchet assured him before saying.

"Come on, let's get going, I think we should introduce Spike as soon as possible."

Some time later.

The Rec Room was buzzing with chattering Mechs as they waited for their leader and officers to appear. They'd been told they had a new member who would be living with them for a while and they were very curious as to who this was.

"I heard there was an accident earlier," Sideswipe muttered to his twin who grinned.

"Heh, probably Wheeljack, that's nothing new."

They shared a laugh but fell silent as Optimus suddenly appeared, his officers accompanying him. Sparkplug was being carried by Wheeljack who had a slightly guilty look about him. Everyone's optics however was drawn to Ironhide who seemed to be holding something though they couldn't see what it was.

"Wonder what's up?" Hound muttered to Mirage who looked thoughtful but couldn't answer.

Optimus cleared his throat and they all stood slightly more to attention. They all strained to hear every word he said, not wanting to miss a thing. Optimus gazed around the room for a moment, before speaking.

"As some of you may have heard, there was a slight accident in Wheeljack's lab..."

Optimus went on to explain all that had happened and then Ironhide stepped forward to reveal the little Sparkling. Everyone gazed in awe, it had been so long since any of them had seen a Sparkling. In fact, some of them had never seen a Sparkling.

"Wow, look at him."

"He's so small,"

"Look at those optics,"

"So cute,"

"I can't believe this is Spike,"

"The Cons will have a fit if they find out,"

The comments hit Spike on all sides as everyone tried to crowd round and get a better look. He hid his face slightly, not liking the way they were staring at him. Like he was a sideshow for their amusement. Luckily, Optimus and the others were there to rescue him.

"Alright everyone, that's enough," Optimus said sternly and they all jumped back.

"Spike is not something to be gawked at," Prowl added, glaring for good measure.

"You will all treat him accordingly and you would all do well to remember he is not a toy."

"Yeah," Ironhide said hotly. "And if ah hear any ya'll mistreating him..."

"Hey, hey, chill, Hide," Sidewsipe said, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Of course none of us will do anything to him, we just got a bit overexcited."

"Alright," Optimus said. "But keep in mind what we have said, all of you."

He glanced at Sparkplug before saying.

"Sparkplug trusts us to look after his son, which means we are all responsible,"

He let them absorb this information before saying.

"In the meantime, we have to think about Spike's care, now, Ironhide has volunteered to personally look after..."

"Wait a minute," Bumblebee suddenly spoke up.

Everyone looked at him.

"I mean, I'm sorry sir but why does it have to be Ironhide. I'd like to look after Spike, he is my best friend."

"You're a bit young for that...," Prowl began but Bumblebee said hotly.

"I am not, I could easily manage."

"Hey," Slingshot suddenly said. "I bet we could look after him better than old Ironaft,"

"Why ya...," IRonhide snarled but now several others were voicing the opinion that they could look after Sparkling.

It seemed they all wanted the status of being Spike's Carer and were now all arguing about it. Some said they would be great, others agreed, others disagreed. Spike was transferred to Jazz so that Ironhide could argue better.

Prowl was reprimanding the twins, Ratchet was waving his wrench and Optimus had one palm across his face. Spike stared in horror at this while Sparkplug shook his head slowly, these guys really didn't know kids.

"I've got to do something," Spike though desperately, he couldn't stand them arguing like this.

"But what?"

He thought about it and then the answer came to him in a flash. He grinned slyly and then carefully took a few breaths. It didn't matter that he didn't need to breathe, he still did this. He then opened his mouth and...

"WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHhhhhhh!"

Everyone stopped talking in an instant, staring in horror as Spike bawled. He waved his little fists, his face screwed up as he howled as loudly as he could. Apart from his screaming, there was silence for a moment and then.

"Now look what you've done," Ratchet said in exasperation as he scooped Spike into his arms and tried to comfort him.

"You've all upset him with this petty bickering."

"Ratchet's right," Optimus said very sternly as everyone looked sheepish. "We're meant to be doing everything we can for Spike, his father is trusting us with this. If there is any more arguing, those Mechs will find themselves in the brig."

"Yes Prime," they all said very sorrowfully, they hadn't meant for it to get out of hand like that.

"Now," he said as Spike slowly calmed down a little though he was still hiccupping.

"We will all share in the responsibility of looking after Spike and will take turns of having him for a cycle. That sounds fair?"

"Yes, Prime," they chorused, looking happier.

"Good," Optimus said before turning to Sparkplug. "I'm sorry about that."

"That's okay, just keep him safe Prime," Sparkplug said softly.

"We will," Optimus replied firmly. "You can count on that."

To be continued.

Author's note. How does Spike settle down to life as a Sparkling? Find out next time, until then.