The child grew and when he was 5,000 years old his personality was shown and they had no choice but to name him . . . Hot Shot. He was well known for his hot temper, but everyone respected the child of Geargadget. He was very skilled, but didn't put any of his skills to good use. When he was a child he could easily get out of trouble for he was cute, but now his aunt couldn't handle him.
She talked with her old friend, and Ultra Magnus' wife. She told her that she put her eldest sons in the arms and that it helped them a lot.
"Really? But should I send Hot Shot somewhere he might not want to go?" asked Sandrone.
"Oh he'll love it. I plan on sending my youngest there when he gets older."
"Well . . . I'll ask him," sighed Sandrone.
She came to her young nephew who was about 11,000 years old at the time (11 in human years). She told him about it and he did not complain.
"Sure aunt," he said. "I always wanted to join the army and be like my father. I can't wait to bash some decepticreeps!"
"Well Hot Shot you are only 11,000 years old at the moment. Don't get too ahead of yourself."
"Aw c'mon aunt Sandrone, you know me," he said with a sly smile.
"That is my point," she sighed wondering if she'd regret telling him.
Geargadget had been away at war, but he was going to see his son off. Sandrone helped him pack.
"Will father be there to see me off?" asked Hot Shot picking up his belongings.
"Tea he will," she smiled.
She just stood there looking at him. She smiled as she saw him as a little boy again . . . like he was when they first found him.
"What is it aunt Sandrone?" asked Hot Shot wondering why she was smiling at him.
"I'm just remembering the first time that brother of mine brought you to me," she smiled remembering seeing his cute face.
"Yea, father told me when he first found me. He said I was wandering out in the middle of nowhere." Said Hot Shot recalling what he was told.
"Yes you were," she said. "Sorry Hot Shot we never found your real father."
"That's okay aunt Sandrone. You are better than any real parents anyways, but after this war I do wish to find my real father . . . were there any hints about him at all?" asked Hot Shot trying to get a glimpse of his real father.
"All the caretaker said is that he is a great leader of some sort," she said.
"Well, then I'll make both fathers proud then," he smiled.
"Yes you will," she said kissing him on the head and taking him outside.
Hot Shot left to go to military school there his father met him to wish him luck.
"Make our family proud son," he said hugging Hot Shot.
"I will father. Soon you will hear about me from every decepticon," smiled Hot Shot with that cocky smile of his.
"I will keep listening son," smiled Geargadget.
Hot Shot left and signed in to become a new recruit. He stood in line with a good number of new recruits like himself. Many were young like him also. He looked around to see if he cold recognize any one, but so far he couldn't.
Then he heard an order being shouted out and they all stood up straight. He couldn't help but smiled as all looked like toy soldiers. He was going to enjoy it here. He enjoys it wherever he goes. Then a large jet steps out and says-
"This is Optimus Prime—leader of the autobots!"
Then Optimus steps out and all optics is widened. He was every bit they spoke of him, and for Hot Shot—more. Hot Shot smiled as the leader came to them and named checked them off. The jet that stood next to him must have been his second-in-command Jetfire. The two next to Hot Shot began to talk to one another as they said-
"Did you hear that some years ago Optimus Prime almost gave up leadership?"
"Really?!" gasped the other one.
"Yes, he couldn't bare the loss of his only son. He later decided that the autobots needed him, and that his second-in-command Jetfire was too young to possibly take command."
"Why would Optimus do that?" asked Hot Shot joining in the conversation.
"His young son was the only thing he had left from his late wife Elita One. She died giving birth to him, and now he lost them both."
"The same with my mother," said Hot Shot casting his optics away.
"Heh, perhaps you're his long lost son," the mech joked. "You know they never did find his body."
"That's because he was melted to liquid!" said the other mech.
"Hey, quiet!" shouted Jetfire.
They then straightened up and stood still. Optimus soon came to them and said their names and what platoon they will be going in.
"Hot Shot," Optimus started looking at the clip board and then at Hot Shot.
The moment he looked at Hot Shot he froze in spot as he stared at him. His memories returned of his lost son, his face burned into his mind as he looked at Hot Shot. Soon he grew angry and threw the clipboard down and said-
"Is this some kind of a sick joke?!"
Optimus stomped away outraged thinking it was one of the young mechs' jokes. Jetfire was speechless. He didn't really know what just happened. He soon chased after Optimus.
"What did I do?" wondered Hot Shot.
Optimus went to his office and fell upon his desk. Jetfire then came in.
"Optimus what in Primus' name was that?" asked Jetfire concerned for his leader.
"I can't do this anymore Jetfire. I thought I could, but this had gone too far. I am tired Jetfire so tired," sighed Optimus with a weary sad sigh.
"Don't worry Optimus, I'll personally make sure who ever thought of that joke will get what's coming to them," assured Jetfire.
"Why would they—who knew what my son looked like? Very few people saw him," said Optimus.
Jetfire them became silent for a while and then said-
"Optimus . . . I don't think that was a joke."
"What do you mean?!" shouted Optimus.
"Look at him," Jetfire pointed out the half open window.
Optimus did and he closely gazed at the young mech confusingly looking around for what he should do.
"He seems to be the right age," said Jetfire trying to convince Optimus.
"Are you telling me that my son did not perish 9,000 years ago? . . . are you telling me that he could be my son?!"
Jetfire then took out Hot Shot's personal papers signed by Geargadget and showed it to Optimus.
"He was found by a brother and sister and adopted 9,000 years ago Optimus," said Jetfire convincing himself as well.
"No," gasped Optimus not wanting to believe it. "NO!"
He then looked through his belonging and found the last picture of his son he had. He then came to the window and held it next to Hot Shot who stood outside still. The picture matched. There stood his lost son!
"My son!" gasped Optimus as he looked at the transformer that stood outside.
He looked at him like he did when Elita held him in her arms. It was like he saw him for the first time again.
"For 9,000 years I mourned . . ." whispered Optimus.
He wanted to run up to him and embrace him in his arms and never let go, but he couldn't. Hot Shot would never want to be near him if he told him so soon, but he wanted Hot Shot near him.
"Who adopted him Jetfire?" asked Optimus never taking his eyes off his son.
"A brother and a sister by the names of Geargadget and Sandrone," said Jetfire looking at the papers again.
"I want to talk to them," said Optimus.
"Well his father is gone into battle, but Sandrone is still at home," said Jetfire.
"Get me the address . . . I want to meet her," finished Optimus.