Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me. This has TF Slash. This is the sequel to It's Now or Never.
Summery: (2007 Movie verse) *sequel to It's Now or Never* Prowl and Jazz get their own sparkling, but can they protect their "baby" from Decepticons?
Parings: ProwlXJazz, RatchetXWheeljack
"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
The Next Generation
by Yami-Yugi3
Chapter 10
At the nearest Hospital, a hologram of Ratchet was checking Melissa in. She was quickly seen by a doctor because the loss of blood was fatal. The doctor carried Melissa into the first emergency room. Ratchet watched as he carefully undressed her into a hospital gown and cleaned her up a bit. She was carefully laid down on the bed and examined. "She'll need several stitches on these wounds. She needs a donation of blood and an IV as well. You're lucky you brought in your niece when you did." A nurse was called in to help the doctor with Melissa as she quickly began working on the blood transfusion and IV. A human hologram of Optimus and Bumblebee walked in as well.
"Oh my, too many visitors," said the nurse, not looking up from helping the doctor.
"I'm sure she'll want family members around when she comes too."
"Right," said Ratchet.
"I'm her best friend Bumb-..." Optimus shook his head. "Her best friend Aaron Bumble. I go by Bee, though."
"And I'm Bee's father. A good friend as well."
"Very well. Try and stay out of the way."
Ratchet watched intently. It wasn't that he didn't trust human medics, he was just worried. I suppose it happens when we get so close to these humans. He smiled a bit, remembering exactly which humans they had all adopted into their odd little family. Optimus sat down in a chair nearby, watching and waiting with the same worry Ratchet was. Bumblebee just stood there, too anxious to sit. He was worried for Gadget as well. Melissa came to just as they finished up. She moaned in pain as the nurse and doctor bandaged the injuries on her chest, forehead, and arm. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized she was in the emergency room. She gasped weakly to see the three mechs looking at her as well.
"It's okay, it's just us." Optimus said.
"I...know that," she spoke weakly, "but it's odd to see you guys first. I would have thought at least my mom would be here."
"I haven't alerted your parental guardian yet," stated Ratchet.
"I would do that as soon as possible," said the doctor as he cleaned everything up. "Emily, could you keep an eye on Miss Jackson? I need to discuss some things with Dr. Wells here and get her submitted into a room." Ratchet stood up and followed the doctor out. He "rolled" his "eyes" knowing the mounds of paperwork human doctors had their patients go through. Optimus and Bumblebee just stood watch with the nurse.
Bumblebee leaned in towards Optimus. "Prime...do you think Gadget's going to be alright?"
"I'm sure Wheeljack is taking good care of her." Bumblebee nodded. The nurse left the room to get some water for Melissa. Bumblebee took the opportunity to go over and take Melissa's hand.
"...W-wow..." she said weakly. "You feel...real..."
"State of the art holograms coupled with our advanced race makes it easy."
"Are you alright, Melissa?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah. Thanks a lot, Optimus. Though...I don't think I'll be able to... to sleep for...quite some time." She shivered as the memories came back to her. Bumblebee rubbed her hand.
"Don't worry. It WON'T happen again. We'll help you through your psychological recovery too."
"Th-thanks... -cough cough-"
"Here's your water, sweetie," said the nurse as she handed Melissa a cup of ice water. She set a pitcher of it nearby.
"Need anything else?" the nurse asked as she checked on Melissa's vitals.
"Not really. Just my mom and a proper room."
"I'm here," said the familiar voice of Mrs. Jackson.
"M-om!" Melissa smiled weakly as she reached out her good arm. Mrs. Jackson came over and hugged her gently.
"This is why I don't like you running off alone with them."
"...Mom..." Melissa sighed irritably. "They're quite capable of protecting me. Sam and Mikeala do it."
"...True...true... You know I just worry because I love you. Judy Witwicky worries just as much." Melissa rolled her eyes and just relished in the hugging moment. Optimus smiled at them. Bumblebee did too, knowing Judy would have had a similar reaction if it was Sam in the hospital bed. Ratchet and the doctor came back in.
"Well, how about we get you to a proper room, Miss Melissa?"
"I would love that. Then I could have more visitors. How long must I stay?"
"Two nights and three days for observation, then they'll know if you need to stay longer," said Ratchet.
"You don't have to go too far," the doctor said as he readied a wheelchair. "Just up one floor and down the hall."
"Can the Auto-...my friends come?" Melissa asked.
"Sure," the doctor said. He and the nurse came over to the bed. The nurse carefully wheeled the IV with a half empty blood pack and medicine pack over to the other side of the bed. The doctor and Mrs. Jackson transferred Melissa into the wheelchair.
"Can I push her?" Bumblebee asked with a smile.
"Go ahead," the doctor said as he let go of the handles. Bumblebee smiled happily and the group followed the doctor out of the emergency room into the main hallway. They all turned to the elevators and pushed the button for the second floor. Bumblebee, Optimus, and Ratchet looked at each other intently.
'Will our holograms hold?' Optimus asked.
'Yeah... We could really freak out the humans here and the doctor.'
'Our holograms will hold just fine. We can visit as long as the human medic and Melissa welcome our presence.' They nodded at each other as the Elevator reached the first floor. "Alright, room 102. Right this way," said the doctor as he led the group down the left hall. Bumblebee happily wheeled Melissa up to the bed. Mrs. Jackson helped her get into the bed.
"Need anything else, sweetheart?"
"No mom, I'm good." She settled into the warm sheets and yawned. "I think…I'll get some proper rest… Sorry to kick everyone out…"
"We completely understand," said Ratchet.
"I'll leave everyone to do as they wish. I'm done here. If you need anything Miss Jackson, you have that nurse's call button. There will be doctors and nurses coming to check on you every so often."
"Thanks, doc. I've been in hospitals before. I think I know the drill." He took his leave. Ratchet rolled his eyes as he left.
"It's so simple. He was almost talking down to you."
"Well…at least he was nice," Melissa admitted.
"Right. We should probably get back to base," said Optimus. Bumblebee pouted and looked upset.
"Bee, she needs recharge. She has serious injuries and needs large amounts of required sleep to heal correctly," Ratchet said sternly.
"…Okay…" he pouted.
"I'll keep watch over her," Mrs. Jackson said sweetly.
"You have us on your cell phone if you should need us or just want some company," said Optimus.
"GADGET! I totally forgot! Hey Ratchet," Melissa called suddenly. The CMO came back in.
"Yes Melissa?"
"Could you…Could you keep me posted on her? Please? I…I hope she's okay…"
He took her IV hand in his holographic one. "She's a strong femme. She'll pull through, I know it. Jack is taking good care of her."
"I know he is. I'm sure he's more worried about her than me."
"I'm sure he his. Get some recharge."
"I will. By Bee. Thanks for pushing me," she smiled. He waved sadly.
"Get better, alright?" She smiled with a nod.
"Do you want me to stay?"
"You can go if you want, mom. Although…I don't really want to be alone…"
"Alright. I'll stay here." Melissa smiled at her mom and cuddled into the blankets, instantly falling asleep. Mrs. Jackson kept watch from the chair.
Meanwhile, at the Autobot base, Wheeljack was finishing up one last weld on Gadget's chest. She was recharging peacefully with one arm hooked up to an energon drip. Wheeljack checked the monitors and the energon infusion as he put the tools away. He put a special healing sealant on a cloth and started carefully rubbing it on her scarred armor. "The things you get into, youngling..." She moaned a bit as she stirred in her sleep. Wheeljack watched her for a moment to make sure she was alright. He went back to finishing up, checking for missed scratches or injuries. He smiled a loving smile at her as he cleaned up. Gadget stirred more as the last two hours flashed in her memory. Wheeljack didn't notice her moans and groans as he closed and locked up the cabinets. Suddenly, she shot up into a sitting position.
"Melissa no! Ahh...!" she doubled over in pain. Wheeljack raced back over. He looked at her wide optic, scanning her quickly for anything serious.
"Easy, Gadget, easy. Lie back down," he said gently as he helped her slowly lie back down on the berth.
"Gr...Granpa...?" she asked as weak optics looked up at him. "Wh-why am I...? Melissa! Where is she?" she said as she tried to get back up.
"You're back at base."
"I...I have to...go... Sh-she's..."
"Ssshhh, calm down, youngling. She's fine. She's in a human hospital with her mother. Ratchet told me. She's going to be alright. You're safe in my lab. You need to rest. You almost died. I thought I'd lost you to the Matrix when Ironhide brought you in. I was so scared..." he said shakily.
"I... I'm sorry, Grandpa. I should have been more vigilant and looked out for her. It's my fault everything happened."
"No... It was an accident. You thought she would be okay by herself. You and Bumblebee couldn't have known that Starscream would be around. It's alright."
"...Sh-she's...alright...?"
"She's fine," Wheeljack smiled. "She's just like you. Injured and in need of rest." He pulled a thermal blanket up over her, tucking her into bed like he had so many times before when she was a sparkling. "I want you to get some recharge. You need it." He rubbed her helm with a smile. She smiled back at him, falling into recharge almost immediately. "Oh youngling... your spark is so pure...even after everything you've been through..." His optics dimmed as he flashed back to the very night he found her.
Flashback:
"Prime, are you sure this shortcut is safe?" Wheeljack asked Sentinel Prime as they drove through a bad part of town. It was just outside Iacon. Yes, I'm sure. Just follow my lead and don't transform. Stay in vehicle mode. We'll be through shortly." Lightening flashed as the electrical storm caused the harsh rain to fall.
"Okay, Sentinel. I trust you." As they drove on, they passed an alleyway. There was a cry from a femme as a menacing voice cursed. Wheeljack stopped following, concerned for the femme.
"How DARE you spark such filth and disgust with me!"
"...I...t-told you...I...I'm a neu...neutra- ahhh!" She fell to the ground as the Decepticon kicked her again. The bundle she was holding tightly fell out of her hands. The form cried in fear from the storm and the harsh fall from its creator's arms.
"I don't care!" spat the 'Con. "I gave you my spark, you glitch! How DARE you bring forth Autobot scum with it!" He aimed a gun at her.
"N-no please!" her begging could be heard over the sparkling's crying.
"SILENCE! I will NOT sire an Autobot!" She was shot dead with a final cry. The Decepticon kicked the sparkling and was about to shoot it when a shadow loomed over him.
"Drop your weapon, Decepticon. You have no right to destroy an innocent life."
"Who are you to-...-growl- Prime..."
"Step aside," Sentinel spoke dangerously. Wheeljack stood behind him, ready to protect the sparkling and the dead femme.
"This doesn't concern you, filthy Autobots. She deserved what she got for trying to make an Autobot out of a Decepticon. How dare she!"
"They're both innocent! They committed no crime!" Wheeljack yelled. "How can you-..." One look from Sentinel quieted him.
"You had no right to take an innocent life because you did not get your way. Come quietly and we'll let you live."
"I'm not sorry!" called the 'Con as he powered up his gun and aimed at the crying sparkling.
"NO!" Wheeljack cried as Optimus fired. He killed the Decepticon instantly, the shot missing from his shock of being hit.
"The cost for your sins is death," Sentinel Prime huffed. Wheeljack rushed over to the very scared and injured sparkling. He immediately picked it up and held it close, clicking softly and gently to it. "Come on, Wheeljack. Let's get back to Iacon. That sparkling needs care." He looked sadly at the fallen Decepticon. "I long for the day when killing won't be necessary." Wheeljack nodded as they left the alley way. The sparkling immediately connected with Wheeljack's spark, adopting him as its creator. Wheeljack smiled at the slowly calming bundle in its arms. He looked back at the femme.
"Prime sir..."
"Yes, Wheeljack?"
"The femme...can we take her too? She deserves a proper burial. Besides, this little one has to know. I don't want to make up lies for it."
"I understand, Wheeljack."
"Thank you, Sentinel sir." Sentinel walked back towards the femme and gently lifted her into his arms. "It's a shame. She was a neutral, she was innocent of this war..." he spoke sadly as he closed the optic shutters over her green eyes.
Wheeljack sighed heavily, looking sadly at the sleeping sparkling. "...At least...she's with Primus now... She won't have to...have to suffer anymore..."
Sentinel nodded as they neared the beautiful, safe city of Iacon. "It's by the grace of Primus that we walked by when we did," he said. "The sparkling would have shared the same fate." Wheeljack nodded in agreement.
He gasped. "Prime sir? What will happen with it?"
"Hmm... Well...after a thorough check and some fine grade, I suppose it will be handed over to one of the femmes to be raised properly."
"Yes, that would be best. That way, it can have a chance at a mother."
"Sentinel sir," said the current SIC. "Glad to see you and Wheeljack have returned. Is that a sparkling?"
"Yes, Alpha. It's a sparkling. We're headed to Ratchet to make sure it's alright."
"And to get it assigned with a mother," added Wheeljack.
"I'm glad. I wish you luck in that. It's upsetting that it suffered a similar fate to Prowl's," Alpha Trion replied.
"How is Prowl?" Sentinel asked.
"He's doing well. Ironhide's teaching him more combat skills right now."
"I see. Well, take care." Both nodded at each other with friendly smiles. "Shall we?" Sentinel said as he turned to Wheeljack. The sparkling was still asleep. Wheeljack watched it with a solemn smile. "Come along," said Sentinel as he walked down the street to Medical Bay. They walked through the main lobby area where other medic bots and femmes led patients around. Wheeljack checked to see if the noise would wake the sparkling as they chose the left hall for emergencies. "It's down towards the end of the hall right?"
"Yes," said Wheeljack. "His office isn't too far from the main bay."
"Good. It's been awhile since we've needed it. I forgot..." he admitted with embarrassment.
Wheeljack smiled. "Even Primes can be forgetful, sir." Sentinel smiled and they walked through the double doors. Ratchet looked up from studying some spare parts to keep his memory fresh. He had recently graduated from the Academy, being five vorns (years) younger than Wheeljack. "Yes?"
"Hello, Ratchet. We're in need of your...expertise on our current predicament." The Chief Medical Officer gave them their full attention. He looked at the dead femme and the sleeping sparkling for a moment. "No... I...I thought I'd never...never live to see this..."
Yes, it was a Decepticon," said Sentinel. "No, he is no longer living. I had to, to save the sparkling." Wheeljack stared at the sparkling sadly. Ratchet just took a moment to process the information he was given. He came over to the femme first. His expression deepened with sadness as his readings confirmed she was gone.
"Set her on a spare berth. I'll tend to her proper burial after I've checked over the sparkling." Sentinel did as he was told as Wheeljack went over to another berth, setting the sparkling down on it. It woke up, not happy about losing its safety.Wheeljack watched it as Ratchet started to examine it for injuries. The sparkling started to cry and reach out. Ratchet rubbed its helm and started clicking and chirping at it to try and calm it. It calmed a bit as he did some internal scans. It squirmed as he tried to open its chest to check on the spark. "Hey... I'm just trying to see who you are and make sure you're alright." It sniffled and whimpered until he moved away. "She's a femme."
"She must be strong to have survived this long," said Sentinel.
"I don't think young Chromia would approve of that comment sir," said Wheeljack.
"The emotional connection of a femme spark with its mother is so fragile, the femling does not last long after the carrier's death," said Ratchet.
"Oh, I was not saying femme are weak, Wheeljack. I know they are not. They can be stronger than mechs in some ways."
"The poor femme..." Wheeljack said sadly.
"Well...she checks out alright. She has a small scratch and dent to her protoform."
"That would be from that slagger kicking her," growled Wheeljack. Ratchet growled as well, cursing under his breath. He started to try and repair the damage, but the sparkling began to wail and thrash. She did NOT like being away from safe arms and a warm spark. She especially didn't like being hurt by this stranger. Wheeljack came over and rubbed her helm, calming her instantly.
"Thanks, Jack," Ratchet replied. He managed to get back to fixing her. She whimpered, still hurting and upset.
"It's alright...-click click, chirp-"
"You're quite the charmer with her," observed Sentinel.
"...Yes...you are..." Ratchet noticed as well while he finished patching up the little femme. "It's as if..." He quickly scanned Wheeljack's chest plating above his spark chamber and then scanned the sparkling's. "Congratulations Wheeljack."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Ratch?" the Chief Engineer replied. Ratchet only smiled and picked up the femme. She cried and whimpered louder.
"Sentinel, sir, YOU try holding her."Sentinel Prime took hold of the sparkling and tried being gentle. He spoke calming words to her but she just got louder.
"I don't think she wants me." He handed her back to Ratchet. The CMO tried to calm as he had to examine her, but she still did not quiet. He handed her back to Wheeljack. She cuddled against him, going silent.
"Wheeljack, you've just adopted a femme."
"...I...I what...?" he said, just to be sure.
"She's forged a spark connection with you. She believes you to be her father, well, surrogate anyway."
Wheeljack looked at his best friend and then at the femme. "...It...It must have happened when I picked her up from the ground. I was the first thing to hold and comfort her after her mother." He held the sparkling ever closer. "I will gladly care for you, little one. You'll never be alone again." The little sparkling looked up at him, happy his spark was fully answering back to hers. She giggled and smiled until she reached out for the one spark she could not. She grew upset when the other part of her spark was met with emptiness. Wheeljack could feel her sorrow through his new parent bond. "I know who you want," he spoke sadly as he carried the sparkling to the body of the femme. He gently set her down on top of the prone form. She giggled and clapped nuzzling against the cold body. She patted its stained face, telling the dead femme to open her optics and smile back. She called out to the body, confused and lonely. She was answered again with nothing. She patted the face one more time before breaking into sobs. Her mother really was gone! Her mother would never look at her again! She curled up against the dead, gray face, crying out and voicing her loneliness. Wheeljack went over and pulled the sparkling off. She immediately clung tightly to him, still upset. He cooed to her and spoke softly. She reached out with all her spark and he answered back with love and security.
"Well, we've come up with a 'mother' for her. Thank you for your help, Ratchet."
"Don't leave yet. She needs fine grade. Sparklings cannot process adult energon." He walked away, going over to the supplies to make a large stock of fine grade for Wheeljack to take with him.
End Flashback
Wheeljack was startled out of his thoughts as real crying reached his audios. He stared at Gadget for a moment then recognized the sound coming from behind him. He saw Perceptor standing there, holding SkyFlyer in his arms. She was wailing. "Wheeljack, help! Something's wrong with her but Ratchet's not here!" he said frantic. His processor was clouded by fatherly worry. Wheeljack almost rushed over to his granddaughter. He did scans and found the problem.
"Come on, let's get her to Medical." He rubbed SkyFlyer's helm and spoke gently to her, clicking occasionally.
Once there, Wheeljack took SkyFlyer into his arms and laid her down on a berth. He put the IV lines back onto their respective holders checked her physically. "Like I thought."
"What? Is she alright?"
"Yeah, Sky will be alright. Her new door wings are still quite painful. That and her systems are having trouble accepting them."
"Can something be done?" Perceptor asked, more worried than before.
"Calm down, Perce. I'm working on it. It's alright, Sky. Grandpa's gonna make it better," he cooed to the blue sparkling. He gently rubbed her door wings with careful fingers, injecting a serum to help ease the pain. He gently rubbed her helm and linked up her processor to a diagnostic computer. He typed frantically, deleting viruses and manually guiding her systems into accepting the door wing codes. Perceptor looked over his shoulder, still worried. Wheeljack sighed. "You should be calming her down, not watching me."
"Oh, sorry." Perceptor said. He went back over to SkyFlyer and sat down next to her. He rubbed her back and around her door wings. He spoke gently to her, reaching with his spark bond too.
Wheeljack smiled. Sometimes he can be so absent minded. At least Sky has a great father that cares for her. He came over and took out the upload cord, rolling it up as he walked back over to the computer. He turned off the computer and checked the monitors she was hooked up to. "Alright. She's in the clear now. See if you can get her back into recharge. She's still on an energon line so she shouldn't be hungry." Perceptor nodded and carefully picked her up. He laid down on the berth and laid her on his chest on her stomach. He spoke softly and rubbed her helm to get her to sleep. She curled up against him, sticking her thumb in her mouth. He carefully rubbed her back until she fell asleep. He subspaced her favorite purple blanket and wrapped her with it. He sighed in relief. Wheeljack smiled. "I'm going to go check on Gadget." Perceptor nodded.
Gadget slowly sat up as Wheeljack walked in. "Grandpa... Is...Is Sky alright? I felt her..."
"She's fine."
"...Are you sure...?" she replied, slowly getting off the berth. "She might need me."
"Easy, youngling," Wheeljack said as he came over. He gently forced back down on the berth. "SkyFlyer is alright. Perceptor's lying down with her. She just needs rest while her body synchronizes with the door wings." Gadget nodded, trying to go back to sleep. Wheeljack smiled. He left her alone and busied himself doing other things, careful not to disturb her slumber.
"Jack?" asked Ratchet as he came in the door.
"Huh? Oh hi, love. When did you get back?"
"Oh, about two earth hours ago. The hospital was in a town close to where the Decepticons were. So, it was a bit out of the way. Also had to sit in a de-briefing about everything. You know how Prowl is."
"Yeah I guess Jazz is watching their sparkling huh?"
"No. Both of them are watching her. Last I left them, Jazz was sleeping in Prowl's lap while he played with Harmony.
Wheeljack smiled at that. "Things going alright here?"
"Yeah. Gadget's resting and SkyFlyer's just fine. She had a bit of trouble but she's alright now."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Her systems were having a bit of trouble adapting to her wings. It's taken care of."
"I knew I could rely on you."
Wheeljack smirked, glaring playfully at Ratchet. "As I recall YOU'RE the younger bot here." Ratchet just laughed and hugged his mate. Wheeljack hugged back, rubbing Ratchet's back in a soothing manner. "Why don't we go to our quarters and relax for awhile. You seem really tense, Ratch."
"I think that's a good idea. But...Gadget will want to know how her human sparkling is..."
"You can tell her later... She's sleeping anyway." Ratchet only nodded, following his mate to their private quarters.
In the middle of the night, Melissa awoke in the hospital. She shivered a bit at the cold sterile air. She was in the dark and the noises of patients and machinery irked her. From her family history of being in hospitals, the darkness and noises creeped her out. She looked at the empty chair in the room. Her mother had gone home while she was asleep. The scariest part about this hospital is that is was far away from home and completely new to her. She didn't like it one bit. She froze there in the darkness, curling up in the blankets. She couldn't sleep, hugging her baby blanket and Build-A-Bear bunny tightly. "...I wish Gadget was here..." she spoke weakly.
Little did she know that back at base, Gadget was slowly creeping out of bed. She undid the monitors and medicine she was hooked up to, easily disengaging them from years of practice under the CE and CMO. She slowly crept down to Medical Bay to check on SkyFlyer. She smiled to see her fast asleep in Perceptor's arms. He was fast asleep as well.
"I love you both, but Melissa needs me." She crept back out, lucky not to run into her teacher. Guess Grandpa made sure he would sleep through the night tonight. She crept down the halls and out of the base. She was home free at the entrance. She transformed, her chest only aching a little, and drove off. She pulled up a map of the town that was near the warehouse and locked in on the hospital's location. I'm coming little one.
At the hospital Melissa hid more into the covers, going into a panic attack. A nurse walked by her room and poked her head in. She took a quick peek at the monitors before leaving the room. "Probably just having a bad dream," she said to herself as she continued the rest of her rounds. Melissa thought calming thoughts and tried to drown out the noise of the hospital. Her vitals slowed and she closed her eyes, welcoming sleep. She was quickly awoken to the sound of her name being called. She looked around and saw no nurses or doctors. She heard it again and decided it was coming from outside. She gathered the blankets around her, careful not to move her sore arms the wrong way. There was a bandage on each elbow where the IVs had been earlier. She leaned her head out the window. "Gadget?" she almost yelled as she noticed a familiar red car parked in the drop off lane.
"Come on down, youngling. I'm here now."
"But...you were...you were hurt. You should be back at base."
"I know that, but my injuries are minor. You need me. I'm your ticket out of here. I can tell you're scared."
"Awesome. I'll be down in... Gadget...we have a problem."
"What Melissa?"
"How do I get past the nurses? They're all over. Besides... I have to get past the front desk somehow. They won't let me just leave the hospital."
"I've got that taken care of," Gadget "smiled". She engaged her hologram and walked inside the hospital via the emergency room. She went past the front desk and was glad the nurse there was reading a magazine.
"Excuse me," the nurse said. "Can I help you?"
SO CLOSE! Gadget thought.
"Ma'am?"
"Oh, I'm here for a Miss Jackson."
"I'm sorry, visiting hours are over miss."
"The name's Gadget." The nurse looked at her funny. "My full name's Ginny Wheels. I'm a friend of the family's. Melissa calls me Gadget."
"Okay... I still can't let you to see her."
"Well, you see, her mother sent me. She forgot to bring something to her. It's important." The nurse sighed.
"I don't know. It's against policy. I can bring it to her."
"She's probably sleeping right now. I'll just go put it in her room and be on my way."
"Well..." The nurse yawned and looked at the clock. "Alright. But you come straight back."
"I will ma'am." Gadget smiled and went to the elevators.
Melissa waited in her room, checking to make sure the coast was clear every once and a while. She sighed in relief to see the nurse's station empty except for one nurse who was reading a book. She walked back into her room and sat on the bed. She looked at the moon from the window. "Youngling?" She jumped and then turned, smiling happily to see Gadget standing there. She hugged the hologram tightly.
"Took you long enough. How we going to sneak me by the emergency room desk?"
"I'm making this up as I go. Bring your things." Melissa wrapped her bunny in the baby blanket and held them close. Gadget took her into her arms. Both looked around for the nurses on duty. "Alright. Safest bet is the stairs. No one but maintenance will be there." Melissa nodded and they headed down the stairs. Melissa clung to Gadget for warmth. She wrapped Gadget's lab coat around her as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Now how do we get past the desk? You know they're not going to let a patient just leave, especially at 12:30 at night."
"Let go a moment while I change." Melissa did so. Gadget flickered a bit before rematerializing into a nurse with the same blue eyes and hair color.
"Good job, but what story do we tell to let me out?"
"Leave that to me. Take my hand." Gadget calmly walked past the emergency room desk. "Excuse me, where are you taking her? Better yet, who are you?"
"Daisy, honestly. Don't you remember I went on shift with you tonight? It's me, Virginia."
"That still doesn't explain where you're taking that patient. They're not allowed outside unless a doctor says it's okay."
"Well, I'm one of her nurses on duty. She had a bad dream and the noise inside her room was scaring her. I'm taking her outside for some air and to calm down."
"...Well..."
"I promise it will be just outside. We'll come back once she's calmed down."
"Oh...alright... But don't leave the premises."
"As if I'd do that? I'm on duty. I want to make money, not lose my job." The nurse just rolled her eyes as Gadget carried Melissa out. She gave an excited thumbs up and whispered, "way to go!".
Gadget only smiled as she checked for security guards and other doctors or nurses. "Alright. Let's boogie." She gently set Melissa down in the passenger seat and disengaged the hologram. She rearranged the seat into more of a bed, reclining it all the way back for her. She adjusted the seat belt so Melissa could sleep safely and remain restrained. She pulled out of the hospital as quietly as she could and drove off. She put went a bit over the speed limit, leaving the hospital behind as fast as the law would allow. "Go to sleep now, sweetspark. Just relax and get some rest. You're safe with me now." Melissa nodded sleepily and curled up in the seat. Gadget smiled at her, continuing driving. She looked up places for them to go. As far away from the hospital as possible, but NOT base. Straight into trouble. I can't take her home, her mother would catch us... She drove along, reading signs and the maps she pulled up. THERE! she said to herself, not wanting to wake Melissa up. There was a sign on the road that said, "Rest Stop Two Miles". She recognized the small centers on the side of the road. Truck drivers slept there overnight all the time. She'd even seen cars do it before. She kept her sensors on the signs so she knew when to pull in. Her chest hurt a little bit again, but she pushed it away. I'll just get Melissa to give me an energon ration I brought before I get some recharge. I'm alright. She turned off and followed the road up to the Rest Area. It was a nice building with a lake and a woodland path through some trees. She saw all the trucks parked in their designated areas. She sighed in relief to see a few cars and vans parked there too. She pulled into a comfy spot under a tree and settled on her shocks. "Melissa," she called out softly. "Melissa..."
"Hmmm?"
"I'm sorry to wake you, youngling, but could you get into my trunk? I brought some energon rations and I need one."
"Okay, sure..." she yawned back. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. She got out of Gadget and went to the back. She waited for her to open her trunk. Inside were six little red gas tanks that you would find for emergencies. "Is it the gas tanks?"
"Yes. Put one of them in like you would a normal car." The fuel door popped open. Melissa yawned as she walked over to it. The trunk closed as she opened the nozzle and poured the energon in like gasoline. "Mmmm, thanks Youngling," she replied as she closed the fuel door. Melissa nodded and went to the back. She put the now empty container in the trunk before climbing back into Gadget. She immediately fell back asleep once she curled up in the seat. "Sweet dreams, little one. I'll take care of you until you get better."
Sitting across the way, in the truck parking area, a familiar red flamed Peterbilt semi was watching the whole thing. What's she doing here? And with the girl no less... He had gone for a calming nighttime drive down the highway and decided to stop and recharge for the night. He was woken by the presence of an Autobot signal. It was then that he had looked over and saw Melissa getting out of a familiar red car. He watched them both. Gadget fell into recharge. He did a basic scan and could sense Gadget was still a bit weak and that Melissa was in a similar state. Both were resting peacefully, but he was still a bit unsure about why they were here and not resting in their respective medical facilities. It quickly dawned on him through his brother spark bond with Gadget. Both of them needed each other. She was worried. No doubt Melissa did not want to be left alone in a strange place. He smiled a bit at Gadget's maternal nature towards her human sparkling. He laughed, knowing Bumblebee would have done the same thing, even Ironhide. He sighed, realizing he could not allow it. Even though it was an endearing site, both were breaking the rules and were in no condition to excuse themselves from proper medical care. Looking around to make sure there were no witnesses, he pulled out of his spot and parked next to Gadget.
He reached out with his bond to gently stir her from recharge as his human hologram tapped on the driver's side window. "Gadget…" he said in a flat voice with chastising undertones.
"…Hmm…?" she mumbled sleepily. She stared at Optimus a moment before realizing through her spark who it was. "S-sir! I…I can…explain…" She engaged her hologram and got out. Optimus had his arms crossed and the blue eyes of the human hologram had a stern, disappointed look to them. "I…Ratchet didn't send you did he?" she spoke quickly.
"No, but I'm tempted."
"Please sir…she…she needs me. She was so scared at that hospital. I couldn't do that to her. Optimus…he'll make her go back… I can't leave her… Not to mention Ratchet would kill me…"
He sighed, arms still crossed. His eyes softened a bit. "I know you had good intentions, Gadget. Bumblebee and Ironhide would have done something similar. However, both of you are in no condition to help each other. You need proper medical care." Gadget hung her head, her hands curling into fists in her lab coat pockets.
"…V-very well sir…" She looked sadly inside to see Melissa sleeping peacefully, her bunny and baby blanket cuddled against her. She coughed weakly before nuzzling against the warm soft objects.
Optimus put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you mean well, but I'm looking out for the both of you. I wouldn't be a very good leader if I let you make your own decisions with disregard for your well being."
"Prime sir…? Might I at least make one request?" she asked, looking up and meeting his kind blue eyes that glowed with concern.
"Yes, Gadget?"
"Can I at least take her to her hospital? She's much more comfortable there and her mother will be able to stay overnight with her. That way she won't be alone."
"Very well, but you cannot stay with her. A human hospital cannot provide proper care for a cybertronian."
"I…I understand sir…" She gulped a bit, knowing she would be facing severe punishment from her "father" and her mentor.
Optimus put a calming hand on her shoulder again, squeezing it in a reassuring manner. He sent comfort through the brother bond too. "I'll talk with them when we get back and see if I can't work something out. Your actions were out of concern and no harm was done. For now, get some sleep. We'll head back in the morning." She nodded sadly. "We're more than just your superiors, Gadget. We're family and we care about you. Don't think you have to run away from us or hide anything from us." He smiled at her, a gentleness radiating from his eyes. She smiled weakly back before he disengaged his hologram. He settled more comfortably on his wheels before falling into recharge. She sighed heavily and sat down in the driver's seat. She rubbed Melissa's back as she slept.
"I'm sorry, youngling…we got caught… You know I only did it because I love you." She sighed heavily and disengaged her hologram. She slowly fell into recharge, clinging to the warmth she felt from Optimus's presence.
At nine am the next morning, Optimus woke first and his hologram tapped on Gadget's window again. She slowly stirred. "Time to go." She shivered a bit, nervous and scared about the punishment awaiting her at base. Optimus sent reassurance through the bond. "As soon as you're ready, we'll head back." Melissa's cell phone rang, waking the sleeping human.
"Wh-what…? Hello? Mom! I'm fine! Calm down! Calm down! I'm not 'missing' from the hospital. Gadget took me away. That place was scary! I didn't like being left alone there! I KNOW I'm 24 years old but I can still be scared! I'm fine! Mom…"
"Might I speak with her?" asked Optimus as his hologram approached the passenger window.
"Op-Optimus Prime! GADGET!"
"…He…he busted me last night, youngling. I'm sorry. I didn't think to look for him parked here last night."
"…Oh man…" she sighed, now feeling just as guilty as Gadget. Optimus reached out his hand. Melissa sighed and opened the door. "Here… You can't make things much worse than they are… I'm probably grounded from you and the base for a whole month…and that's AFTER I get released from the hospital…"
"Please calm down Mrs. Jackson. Both are fine. Don't worry, I'll be bringing them back. Yes, I've been with them all night. Both are well rested. Yes, she knows how worried you are. I'm sure Gadget knows too." He walked away from them, going to talk in private.
"…I'm so sorry, little one. I should have just stayed parked outside. It was not my place to take you from there, especially without your mother's knowledge."
"It's both our faults. Both of us deserve whatever punishment we get." Gadget sighed heavily. Optimus returned with a smile on his face. Both Melissa and Gadget blinked.
"Sir…?"
"I've worked things out with Mrs. Jackson. Melissa is going to stay at base for the rest of her recovery period."
"WHAT?" Melissa asked half excited.
"Sir…I know Ratchet's better than any human doctor but…how is that punishment for our actions?"
"I said she'd be staying yes, but there are a few conditions. I have to talk with Ratchet first. You are going to be there with me when I do," he said, a small smirk on his lips. Gadget gulped. "Remember what I told you last night, Gadget," he spoke gently as his smirk faded into a knowing smile.
"…Is that…good?" Melissa asked warily.
"You'll see, Melissa," Optimus smiled at her.
"I'd hate to see what the leader of the Autobots dishes out as punishment," she shivered.
"Well…it can't be much worse than what Ratchet will do…"
"Should we be scared?" Melissa asked as both vehicles pulled out of the rest stop.
"…Maybe… Knowing Optimus, maybe not…" Melissa nodded as they headed back to base.
Once back at base, Melissa was let out of Gadget as both her and Optimus transformed. Gadget took her into her arms and they walked inside. Gadget took a deep breath as they headed down to Medical Bay. Optimus walked in, Gadget and Melissa following in his wake. Wheeljack was trying to keep calm as well as talking things over with Ratchet. "I'm sure she's somewhere safe. Besides, she was in MY lab. Technically I have medical authority over her, love." Optimus clear his voice processor. Melissa hid in Gadget's arms and said femme hid behind Optimus a bit. Ratchet and Wheeljack looked at him.
"Prime," said Ratchet.
"Oh, Optimus," smiled Wheeljack.
"I found Gadget," he stated simply.
"WHERE?" Wheeljack asked, more worried than Ratchet.
She cleared her throat and peeked out from hiding. "H-here..."
Wheeljack rushed over and hugged her tightly. "Don't you EVER scare me like that again!" he said in a more worried tone. Ratchet just stood there with his arms crossed.
"...Y-you're...not mad...?"
"...I uh...I'm being squished here..."
"Oops, sorry," Wheeljack said as he let go. "Hey! You're supposed to be in the hospital."
"Actually, I've taken care of that," said Optimus. "With Ratchet's permission, Miss Jackson will stay here. I have a few conditions. One is Gadget must remain under Ratchet's care until she is released by his order. Two, Miss Jackson will remain in Medical until she is also released by his order."
"I will not allow it! Miss Jackson is to be escorted to her local hospital and Gadget is under MY lockdown."
"Are you sure you won't accept the arrangements?" Optimus asked.
"Love please... Gadget was under MY care. I should decide her punishment. See reason and allow Gadget to explain herself." Ratchet grumbled, but looked at Optimus and Gadget expectantly.
"Go ahead, youngling," said Wheeljack as he patted her shoulder.
"…Okay…I…I'm sorry, Grandpa. I am. I only did it because Melissa needs me. See, I couldn't sleep well because I was worried about her. I decided to go check on her."
"Sneaking out and driving all the way back in YOUR condition?" Ratchet shouted.
"Love please…you said you'd listen." Gadget gulped and took a deep breath. Wheeljack squeezed her shoulder. Optimus just watched, letting her explain herself.
"I…I got there and I could tell immediately that she was scared. That hospital was MILES from her home and her mother had left. She was alone in a strange place with frightening new noises and people. I couldn't leave her like that! I did the only thing I could. I took her out of there and brought her to a safe place. She needed me. There was a public rest stop halfway. I stopped there for the night and that's when Optimus caught us." She sighed, hanging her head low.
"You should have called me!" Wheeljack let go of Gadget and went over to the CMO. He hugged him.
"Love please…calm down…"
"I didn't see the need to. Her actions caused no harm. She was acting out of concern. Gadget was protecting Melissa. I see no reason to be so harsh. She broke the rules by leaving and taking Melissa out, but she did nothing out of bounds."
"Both of them need proper medical care! Neither of them have the expertise to administer such care to each other! I stand by my decision."
"…Ratchet…" Wheeljack sighed.
"I thought I might be able to convince you of my terms. However, as Prime I don't need you to approve," he said with a smirk.
"You wouldn't…" Ratchet growled.
"I would," he smirked.
"I stand by Prime," smiled Wheeljack as he went back over to Gadget. "As her father, I have the choice of her punishment. I choose Prime's arrangements." Ratchet just stood there, amazed that his bond mate would side with his leader over him. He was completely surprised that Optimus would pull rank on him.
"…Well…I can see that my opinion is not welcome here..." He left Medical to let his anger take its course. Gadget and Melissa blinked.
"Sir…?"
"I told you, Gadget…" Optimus smiled, referring back to what he had said to her last night.
"Grandpa?"
"You were under my care when you left. Your punishment was completely up to me. Besides, a father can stick up for his sparkling if he wants to."
Melissa gulped. "Will…Will Ratchet be alright…?"
"Aw, don't worry about him," smiled Wheeljack. "He's just a little upset about his ego. He'll calm down soon enough. He just takes his title and his duty seriously. You know deep down he was just as worried as I was about you two."
"…Yeah…"
"…I…I hope he…he forgives me…"
"It's not your fault, Gadget. He's just full of tough love. He was just being stubborn. Sometimes I have to make him realize that," said Optimus.
"So…? Where will I sleep?"
"Come with me," smiled Wheeljack. "I'll get you and Gadget set up here in Medical."
"Kay…" Melissa said as she got more comfortable in Gadget's arms. She coughed a little bit. "Ow…"
"You alright, little one?"
"Yeah, Gadge. Wounds just hurt is all. What about you? Chest still bothering you?"
"Yes. Can you make sure it's healing properly, Grandpa?"
"Course I will," he smiled. "Gadget?"
"Hmmm?" She coughed bit.
"Next time, wake me up for goodness sakes! I would have gladly taken you to check on her, okay?"
"Yeah…okay, Grandpa. I will," Gadget smiled. Melissa smiled too, glad things would work out and they weren't in trouble.
"Thanks a lot, Prime. I owe you."
"Think nothing of it, Melissa. I can understand your fright and your need for others." She smiled. She looked at him for a moment and then it dawned on her.
"Wait… Aw man! I got out of that hospital but I STILL got grounded! And by the leader of the Autobots no less…"
Gadget just laughed. "Youngling, as a twenty four year old human adult, I don't think you CAN get grounded. However, you are right about one thing. We are definitely restricted to Medical Bay. So, we did not get away 'scott free' as you humans say."
"…Bummer…" Optimus Prime just laughed as he left Medical Bay. He knew Wheeljack could handle things until Ratchet calmed down.
It took a little while and some help from Perceptor, but Wheeljack managed to get Gadget and Melissa settled in. Gadget was reconnected to the various monitors and put on a small dose energon line. Wheeljack had checked her chest and made sure it was okay. He gave her something to help dull the pain and reapplied the special healing sealant. Next to Gadget was a rolling cart with a human sized hospital bed. Tucked in warmly in the hospital bed was Melissa. She was sleeping peacefully, hooked up to one of Medical's computers. The computer had a much more detailed analysis of her vitals and stats than even the best hospital. She was examined by Perceptor and she did not need any more blood or medication. Wheeljack double checked his findings and agreed. Wheeljack had also put better medicine on her wounds and changed the dressings. She would heal almost twice as fast with the ointment she had on. "Gadget…you really should be sleeping," Wheeljack said as he walked over to check on them.
"I know…I'm just afraid…if I blink…something will happen."
"Youngling…she's in the best place she could possibly be in. This Med Bay is much better than any human hospital. Nothing bad is going to happen to her. She's got all of us here protecting her."
"…I guess…Sky! How is SkyFlyer?"
"Sleeping peacefully a few berths away. I've been keeping an optic on her. She'll be back to one hundred percent in a few more earth days. Perceptor has been caring for her and keeping her company while she's awake."
"Good…"
"Get some rest. Don't make me have to make you."
"Grandpa…you wouldn't…"
"I will if I have to."
"Okay okay…father's orders…" she sighed. He watched her until she fell deep asleep. He smiled at her.
"Stubborn, but always putting others before herself. The human girl as well. No wonder they're so close… They're a lot alike." He walked away to busy himself with Ratchet's duties.
Prowl and Jazz had put Harmony down for a nap and were enjoying some alone time together. "Primus Jazz…you want to have another sparkling?"
"…No…sorry…"
"It's okay…just be more careful."
"I just love you so much, Prowler…"
"…I love you too…" He glanced over at Harmony's crib, making sure she was asleep. "…Jazz…?"
"Hmm?" replied the silver bot as he cuddled into Prowl.
"Who do you think she'll be like?"
"Huh? Herself of course."
"No…I mean… Which one of us do you think she'll be most like as she grows up?"
"Huh… I don't know… She seems real laid back a lot. She doesn't really get confused like you do. She LOVES to play with her door wings and copy others. I'd say me."
"…I'd have to disagree on that. She doesn't cry except when something upsets her. She's very smart and she thinks things through before she attempts them."
"Well…I guess you're right."
"I'm not trying to be right, Jazz."
"You know what, Prowler? She's both of us. She's her own unique combination of both of us."
"Just as long as you don't teach her any of your slang, swear words, or crazy dance moves." Jazz just laughed out loud.
"Oh Prowler… You know those are some of your favorite things about me."
"…Well… I have to stand firm on the swear words anyway. I don't want our little femme to learn such dirty, improper things."
"Don't worry. She won't. I'll try an' watch myself around her, kay?"
"Alright…" Jazz cuddled against him more. "Love you, Jazz."
"I know. Love you too, Prowler." Prowl sighed happily and both fell asleep holding each other.
Jazz was slightly aware of cooing, clicking, and chirping. Harmony bounced up and down in her crib, trying to tell her creators to get up. Jazz slowly woke up, looking over at Prowl. Prowl was still fast asleep, holding onto Jazz around his waist. Jazz looked over at Harmony. She clicked and whirred at him, still bouncing. "Prowler," Jazz called softly.
"...Mmmmm..." Harmony started to click more urgently, whimpering occasionally.
"Prowler baby" Jazz called out again "Our little one's awake."
"...F-five more breems...tell her to go back to sleep..." he said groggily. He tightened his grip on Jazz. Harmony clicked and whimpered, letting out a sob.
"Prowler that's not fair." Harmony broke out into full out sobs, jumping up and down. Jazz tried to wiggle out of his grip. "Prowl! She's wants up, now!" Prowl mumbles in his sleep, slowly releasing. his hold on his mate. Jazz got up, setting Prowl's arm back down. He walked over to Harmony's crib. "Is daddy being mean?" he cooed as he reached for her. She whimpered and sniffled. He smiled and hugged her close in his arms. "It's alright now, sweetspark," he cooed as he rubbed her helm. He walked back over towards the berth. "Go get daddy up," he smirked. She clicked back happily and waited to be placed onto Prowl. Jazz smiles as he placed her on her father. She cooed happily and crawled up to his face. She gently pat it, clicking at him to get up. Prowl mumbled a bit. She clicked again, patting a little bit harder.
Prowl blinked open his optics. "Persistent, hmm little one?" Harmony clapped happily. Prowl smiled and gently rub on of her door wings with his hand.
She giggled and wiggled her door wings. She clicked at him. "...D-daddy...pway... Daddy pway," she smiled.
Prowl blinked in surprised. "W-What did you say sweetie?"
"Daddy pway," she smiled.
Jazz's visor was lit up brightly. "S-she...she... That's WAY too young..."
"T-That can't be logical..."
"...Maybe not... She IS pretty smart, Prowler. She takes after you. Could you speak at her age?"
"Daddy kay?" she asked worriedly. Prowl looked at his little sparkling.
Jazz smiled and rubbed her helm. "You're very smart, Harmony."
She clicked and whirred happily. "Smart good..."
"Yes, very good." Prowl said with a smile "Just like Daddy."
"Daddy!" she smiled, hugging him tightly. Prowl smiled and hug her back.
Jazz smiled. "Well...seems like she's gonna be most like you." Prowl just smiled back at his mate.
"She does have your horns and love for music, Jazz. It's like you said, she's both of us."
"Boff," smiled Harmony.
Prowl couldn't help but smile at her. "Close enough." he said as he patted her on the head. She smiled back and nuzzled against him. Jazz smiled and yanked her out of Prowl's arms.
"Mommy!" she cried as he cuddled her against him.
"I bet SkyFlyer would want to talk too." Prowl said as he finally sat up on the berth.
"Sky! Sky!" smiled Harmony as she clapped happily. Prowl smiled again.
"Well, should we go check on her?" he asked Jazz.
"Yeah, but we gotta be careful. Gadget and Melissa are recovering in there too."
Prowl nodded. "Right." Prowl got off the berth and both headed out of the room to Medical Bay.
Once they walked through the doors, they saw that everyone was awake. Gadget was playing with SkyFlyer on her berth. Melissa was happily watching. Wheeljack was still the one in charge with Perceptor helping. "Prowl. Jazz. Is something wrong?" Wheeljack asked when he saw them.
"Sky! Sky!" Harmony happily said.
"No. We're fine. Just wanted to see SkyFlyer. Harmony really wants to see her."
"Sky! Sky!" she chirped happily.
"By Primus... She can talk already?" Wheeljack gasped as he noticed her.
"Looks like it don't it." Jazz said with a smile.
"Do you mind if I take a look at her?"
"And run some tests. It's quite fascinating," added Perceptor.
"...Percy!" Gadget warned. "She's your niece for goodness sake!" Prowl glared at Perceptor.
"...I'm sorry..." he said as he looked down at the floor.
"It's okay to get carried away, just not with actual people," Wheeljack said as he patted the scientist on the shoulder.
"Unca Percy bad?" Harmony asked.
"Some times I wonder that myself." Prowl said.
"Aww, Prowler... Give the mech a break... He said he was sorry. He's no worse than Wheeljack is. If Perceptor really was bad, he wouldn't be an Autobot." Harmony looked between Perceptor and her parents.
"I know you are right Jazz." Prowl said.
Jazz smiled. He went over to Perceptor. "Give Uncle Percy a hug, sweetie," he said to Harmony.
Harmony smiled big. "Unca Percy!"
He slowly looked up at her. "Oh, little one... You're so forgiving. Prowl, I apologize to you as well as her. It was not right of me to get so carried away," he said as he hugged Harmony back. Gadget just smiled before going back to SkyFlyer. She tickled the little blue femme on her door wings, causing her to click and giggle. She whimpered as they wiggled from the touch.
"It's okay." Prowl said "Just don't let that happen again."
"I assure you, it will not. How could I do that to such a cute little face?" he cooed at Harmony.
Gadget let SkyFlyer nuzzle against her as she rubbed around the doors. "Mommy's sorry, sweetie."
"So...she'll get used to them eventually right? Then they won't hurt her anymore?"
"Right," said Gadget. SkyFlyer waved a bit at Melissa. She waved back with a smile.
Prowl came over to them. "My father did the same to me when I was a sparkling. I did it to Harmony." he said.
"Oh, she knows they're there," she cooed at SkyFlyer. "She's just adjusting to them still. It's been a rough ride for her but it will all be over soon enough. Huh, sweetie?" SkyFlyer clicked happily.
Prowl smiled at this. "So how are you ladies today anyways?" he asked.
"Better. We should be outta here in a few days," Melissa said.
"Yes. The same time as SkyFlyer," smiled Gadget. She clicked and whirred happily.
"Prowler...you should see this..."
"Please come quickly," said Wheeljack. Prowl looked confused as he turned back to where Jazz and his sparkling were with Perceptor.
"Please. It's something you need to see for yourself."
"You'd better go," Melissa said. Gadget nodded in agreement.
"Very well. I'm coming Jazz." Prowl said. Harmony lay on the berth, in a deep, induced recharge. Her helm was off and processor exposed as Wheeljack ran scans and carefully examined it. He pulled up results on a diagnostic computer.
"You might have already guessed this but..." said Wheeljack as he showed Jazz and Prowl the data.
"...Told ya, Prowler. She's got the same type of processor you do."
"...Thank Primus she doesn't not have my problem."
"She's just very intelligent. That explains why she can talk an earth year early."
"I had a feeling that's what it was," said Wheeljack. "I just wanted to be sure."
"You probably did so when you were a sparkling, Prowler." Jazz said.
"...Yes...probably..."
"She inherited your intelligence," smiled Perceptor.
"She's gonna be a little brainiac, Prowler," smiled Jazz. He was very proud of her.
Prowl stood there for a moment, processing everything before a smile crossed his face. "She's going to be our smart little femme." Wheeljack carefully unhooked everything and closed her up. He rubbed his grandniece's helm with a smile. "Maybe Harmony can teach Sky a few things."
"Maybe Wheeljack." Prowl said. He just shrugged happily, handing a slowly waking Harmony to Prowl. Prowl held his sparkling close to him.
"...Daddy..." she said groggily as she nuzzled into him. Jazz smiled. He burst out laughing.
"If she inherited your intelligence, I sure do hope that she doesn't inherit my sneaky saboteur skills. She'll be a little terror." Prowl just smiled and shook his head. Jazz smiled and came over to him. He kissed Harmony on the helm. "We love you, sweetie."
"Welcome back Ratchet." Prowl said.
"Thank you. I suppose you've been keeping things in order, Jack?" Wheeljack nodded. Melissa and Gadget were watching Ratchet warily, a fearful feeling rising up in them.
"Harmony started talking, Ratch." Jazz said happily.
"What?" he asked confused and surprised.
"She's very smart, just like Prowl. Her processor is very similar. She's healthy otherwise."
"Well...I had a feeling she might. Congratulations." Wheeljack smiled at his mate, glad he was back to himself. Ratchet looked over at Gadget, Melissa, and SkyFlyer. Gadget and Melissa gulped as he started walking towards them. SkyFlyer just giggled and clicked at her great uncle. He smiled at her. "Hi, SkyFlyer." She reached out arms to him. He obliged her and tickled her stomach plating. She giggled at him, her door wings twitching a bit to convey the emotion. He smiled and rubbed her helm. She clicked and whirred happily. "Feeling better, hmm?" She nodded and nuzzled against him. "That's good," he smiled as he cradled her against him. He rubbed around her door wings gently. Gadget and Melissa just watched. Neither one dared to speak, afraid of his reaction. Deep down under that gentle, sparkling loving exterior was the Rage. SkyFlyer chirped and hummed happily in his arms. "Maybe tomorrow you can sleep in your own bed, hmm? No more MedBay." His smile turned into a frown and he faced both femmes. They gulped, knowing it was all coming now. "I have one question," he said in a stern tone, but did not raise his voice.
"...Y-Yes...sir...?" Gadget gulped.
"Why didn't you ask me first? Or Wheeljack for that matter?"
"Well you see sir, Melissa...wait...What?" she asked looking him straight in the optics. She had expected an entirely different response.
"Why didn't you simply ask me or Wheeljack? We would have helped, or even gotten her for you."
"I...I..." Gadget was speechless. Melissa could only smile. It was exactly as Optimus had said. "Wh-what are you smiling about?" the red femme asked her charge.
"...You know already... It's just like Prime was telling us."
"...What...?" Gadget asked, confused that there was no yelling and no punishment whatsoever.
"You heard Miss Jackson, loud and clear," Ratchet said.
"...Family...?" she paused for a moment. "...Family...youngling...you're right."
Melissa only smiled. "Here for each other, worried about one another. Don't hide or run from them, no matter what."
Ratchet smiled. "Optimus is usually spot on when it comes to spark matters and trust." He leaned in close with a smirk. "Do that again and I WILL put you in lockdown with a dent in your helm for the trouble."
"It...It won't happen again..."
"I know it won't. You learn a lot easier than the twins."
"The red and yellow guys, right?" Melissa asked.
"Yes. Mr. Vain and Mr. Prank," sighed Gadget. Melissa thought a moment then burst out laughing.
"Ah, but don't call them that to their face. Especially Sunstreaker," said Ratchet.
"I'll...m-make a...n-note of...it..." she laughed. Ratchet smiled at them. He handed SkyFlyer over to Melissa.
"Who's that, Sky?" he asked the little blue femme as Melissa got her comfortably situated in her lap. She clicked and whirred.
"That's right, little one. That's your Aunt Melissa," smiled Gadget.
"She's cute! -genki smile-"
"Thank you, Melissa."
"Hey cutie," Melissa cooed. "Know where your nose is?" SkyFlyer pointed at Melissa's nose. "That's my nose, silly. Where's yours?" SkyFlyer pointed again to her own facial plating. "Yeah, right. What about your optics?" SkyFlyer pointed to her own, poking the orb of blue light a bit too hard. She whimpered and let out a cry, blinking her left optic as it watered a bit. "Awww, there there..." Melissa soothed as she rubbed her helm. "No, don't rub at it... Just hold your hand over it so it waters. It'll feel better in a sec." SkyFlyer did so with sniffles. She blinked away lubricant from her optics. "Feel better?" She nodded weakly. "Okay...what about your mouth?" SkyFlyer clicked and whirred, pointing to her own. "Very good. You're smart."
"Not as smart as little Harmony," sang Perceptor. "But you'll get there. You have intelligence from me," he smiled.
SkyFlyer just clapped as her sire came over. She reached out hands for him. "Oh, going to daddy huh?" Melissa smiled.
"Come here, sweetspark," he smiled as he took his little femme into his arms.
Melissa yawned tiredly. "Sleep, youngling," said Gadget.
"Awww..."
"You're tired and still healing. Sleep, that's not a question."
"Okay okay..." She pulled the blankets back up more warmly, instantly falling asleep as she settled down on her back. Gadget ran a finger over her cheek. "It's like I have two sparklings..."
"I feel the same way," Bumblebee said as he came in with Sam and Mikeala.
"Thank GOD they're alright," said Mikeala, worried.
"Yeah... I mean Gadget's like Bee, she would never let nothin happen..."
"But both are sick. They can't run off like that," finished Mikeala. "She's sleeping. We should come back later."
"Percie?" Gadget yawned. "Could you...watch her...for me...-yawn-..."
"Of course, dear. Say goodnight to mommy, Sky." The little blue femme smiled as she waved at her mother, clicking and whistling a good night. Perceptor smiled and brought her back over to the patient berths. He sat down with her and they started playing quietly.
"Ratchet?" Bumblebee asked.
"Yes Bumblebee?"
"First, I want to say I'm sorry for not being more careful while we were out. Second I want to apologize for leaving Sam and Mikeala behind as well as letting things happen the way the did. If I had been a bit more vigilant, Melissa would have never been carried off to begin with and she wouldn't have been in that strange hospital."
"...Bee...I appreciate you telling me all this, but I believe Prime has already dealt with the situation. You and Gadget were enjoying yourselves. You both made a mistake by forgetting about her. How were you supposed to know Starscream was in the same woods she was hiking in? It's okay. She's safe. You are all safe."
"I guess you're right."
"Thanks for apologizing, Bumblebee. I know you both meant well. I know her last little stunt was in good intentions as well."