Author's note. Spring can't make up it's mind, earlier this week it was lovely sunshine, today it was freezing cold with fresh snow on the mountains. Fingers crossed for a warm summer.
Enjoy and please review.
"Hey TC, got a present for you!" yelled Skywarp as he strode into the Rec Room.
Thundercracker looked over at the purple seeker while he feed Ricochet. "Oh? and where have you been hiding it all this time?"
"Um, I haven't, believe me, I would it if it was me, you know I'm horrible with secrets," Skywarp stated, awhile still holding the gift. "Nah, This is from the bots to the kid."
"The Autobots sent me a gift?" Spike now looked at the ornage box on Skywarps hands.
"And you accepted it? why?" Thuncercracker questioned.
"Well, I have already checked it, it's totally safe," the purple seeker said and held out the teddy bear toy. "See, this things is super soft."
"Oooh, I want it!" Spike instantly exclaimed, the sparkling part dearly wanting the soft looking toy.
"Warp," Thundercracker scolded even as his son tried to grab it.
"What, he needs toys, doesn't he?" the purple Seeker defended with a huff. "Besides, there's sweets as well."
"You know the Autobots want him back," his trine mate said in exasperation.
"So what, if they want to give us stuff, lets take it," Skywarp argued, waving the toy as Spike made an indignant sound. "You ain't complaining about that energon we got from them?"
"No," sighed Thundercracker before allowing Ricochet to grab the toy and hug it tightly with a happy squeal. Taking this gift almost felt like the Bots were trying to remind Ricochet about themselves. Though he supposed they probably did care about the sparkling and wanted to make him happy, he still wasn't terribly happy.
"Thought so," Skywarp then held the box forwards for the blue seeker to grab it.
Thundercracker of course did accept the box, opening it, he saw some of the energon sweets Skywarp mentioned. there was even another toy inside two, a Bumblebee stuffed toy. It looked weird and Thundercracker put it back into the box.
Spike however, seemed to love his new soft teddy bear and Thundercracker couldn't help but smile at that. "He does seem to like it."
"Yeah, We should also try to make him some toys," Skywarp said, he had never tried to make any before but it couldn't be that hard.
"That's a good idea," agreed his wing mate, the Autobots shouldn't be the only ones providing Ricochet with toys and goodies. "Perhaps with the extra fuel, lord Megatron will allow us to make some sweets."
"I could certainly go for some rust sticks," mused Skywarp, eying the box which still continued tasty treats. "Maybe we should get the Bots to give us some of those next time."
"Good luck with that," laughed Thundercracker, stroking the sparkling's back. "Sweetspark, you ready for your bath?"
"Baths all the time," huffed Spike, his guardian not only insisted on almost daily baths but he also liked to polish him with a soft cloth. "Bet you'd go crazy if I ever fell in a mud puddle."
"Don't like baths?" chuckled Skywarp, seeing the disgruntled expression. "You wanna be proper trine, yah gotta be clean."
"But I don't need daily baths. I'm still clean," Spike protested, but knew, in the end, it didn't matter. they are adults and it would be easy fro them to give him a bath.
"He will grow out from this," Thundercracker said, not too concerned about it.
"You sure? he seems a bit stubborn to me." Skywarp pointed out, still looking at Ricochet as he played with his new toy.
"I am, it will become a daily routine to him as he grows up. Ricochet won't even mind baths when he is older," Thundercracker explained his logic in the matter.
"I mean sure, that's one way to see it," Skywarp said thoughtfully and wondered if Ricochet would like baths if they were a bit more fun. "Perhaps we need to make it a good experience for him to like it, like a game."
"Oh?" Thundercracker questioned. "Such as?"
"What about toys for him to play with?" suggested Skywarp. "That'd make it more fun."
"Maybe," his trine mate said slowly. "But once when I bathed him with Lord Megatron, he kept trying to throw a sponge at him."
"Did he?" Skywarp gasped in astonishment before grinning in delight. "Didn't know you had it in you, little guy."
"I don't want to encourage that," Thundercracker huffed as Skywarp tickled the sparkling, making him giggle. "But some sort of game might work, get him more used to bathing. Once Starscream comes around, he'll want to see Ricochet clean and shiny."
"Hah, good luck with that," scoffed Skywarp. "He's gonna hold that grudge for all he's got."
"Indeed," Thundercracker nodded, it wasn't that hard to predict Starscream. "Let's try your plan, if Ricochet enjoys his baths then our job would be easier."
Then both seekers walked their way down to the showers. Once there, they entered the poor and started to put on shampoo for their armour and Thundercracker put some on Ricochet to who didn't seem to happy about it. Skywarp smirked at that and started to distract Ricochet by playing with him.
"Hey kid, look at this," he encouraged, lathering the shampoo and creating bubbly foam. He then started piling the foam on his head, making silly faces at the Sparkling.
Spike watched him, starting to giggle and chirp in enjoyment at the silliness. Skywarp grinned before piling foam on top of Spike, who started started to laugh and swat the foam away.
"Don't you want a foamy body?" the purple seeker teased, lightly throwing some foam at the sparkling who giggled before throwing some back at Skywarp.
Thundercracker smiled, both were getting thoroughly covered but Skywarp's idea seemed to be working. Ricochet was starting to enjoy himself and stop fussing about being washed. From his understanding, grounders didn't mind so much being a bit dirty and could tolerate it for longer than a flier could. Seekers were extra sensitive in various places, especially their wings so they could detect air currents and other things related to flight. Praxians and other doorwinged bots were the second more fastidious when it came to cleanliness.
"Come on, let's get TC," Skywarp now suggested and started throwing foam at his trine mate.
Spike giggled and looked at the blue seeker. He showed no mercy and started to cover Thundercracker arm with foam. "I got you now!"
Thundercracker of course dodged Skywarps throw of foam but let Ricochet play. "Oh no, I have been hit by an adorable little sparkling," he smirked jokingly.
"Aw Thanks, Surender or face the foam." Spike chipped awhile laughing happily at his victory.
"Great job Ricochet, we got him now," Skywarp giggled as he watched the sprakling cleaning Thundercracker.
"Mercy!" gasped Thundercracker, trying not to laugh too hard at how gleefully Ricochet was throwing the foam at him. What a little fighter he'd be when he was older. And he was pleased to see that the sparkling was inadvertently becoming covered in foam, meaning he'd be nice and clean by the end of it.
"Don't do it kid, get him," Skywarp encouraged evilly, helping Ricochet by giving him large handful's of foam to chuck. A lot of it just fell from Ricochet or covered him but enough hit the blue Seeker to satisfy the little sparkling. "Don't give in until he surrenders."
"You got it," Spike chirped before tossing as hard as he could, aiming for his laughing guardian's face.
"Okay, okay, I give in mighty warrior," Thundercracker finally cried, sinking to his knees as Spike crowed in victory.
"Heh, you sound like Screamer," Skywarp teased, patting his head.
"I Win!" Spike cheered, even though he was now covered in foam. He didn't mind, this was the most fun he had for a while.
"Me as Starscream? No, I wouldn't be able to take care of Ricochet the way I have been doing," Thundercracker replied. He took Ricochets health to heart.
"True, Screamer did abandon him that one time," Skywarp amused.
"It wasn't fun! I got sick and Starscream was a terrible babysitter," Spike protested, splashing some of the water unhappily.
"Don't worry, we won't let him have you again," Skywarp assured him, seeing the unhappy look. "Right TC?"
"Not until he learns how to look after Sparkling," huffed his trine mate. "Perhaps we need to teach him as a Trine, now that Ricochet is one of us."
"Guess we can try," the purple Seeker shrugged as Thundercracker started to gently wipe and wash the foam away from the Sparkling. "He'll kick up a fuss though."
"Yes but he'll have to come around eventually," Thundercracker replied as his little son kept splashing. "Especially if our little one starts to develop some flight capabilities."
"Ha! that will be someday," Skywarp smirked and added. "Screamer would refuse to learn sparkling care, we both know it."
"That is true, he would try to avoid the subject altogether to avoid Ricochet," Thundercrackrer agreed, this was a thing he could see Starscream do.
"Well that's good, I rather be with you two than him," Spike said and for a moment thought of his words, did he really enjoy their company that much? after a few days being a captive, but treated fairly. They weren't that bad.
Then again this would be different if he was human, they would be disgusted. Why did they hate humans so much? Humans weren't that bad.
The thought made him sad, why couldn't they be friends with him? He'd love that, imagine going flying with them, it'd be amazing. And he could show them all the human things he'd shown his Autobot friends. But it wasn't too be and he couldn't even try to change their minds, he just didn't have enough words.
"Aww, he's getting tired," Skywarp said, seeing how quiet the Sparkling had gone.
"I'll put him down for a nap once we're done," promised Thundercracker, gently rubbing a cloth over his son's frame now that he was much calmer. A pity Starscream couldn't appreciate how sweet Ricochet really was.
And clearly that missing Sire didn't either or he'd have never left him.
...
"Urgh," Sparkplug groaned as awareness started to return. Everything felt weird, his body heavy and sluggish while his mind struggled to wake up properly. He was in a slight state of confusion as to what had happened, was he drunk?
"Damn it," he mumbled, starting to raise an arm to cover his eyes to what would inevitably be too bright light...
"Sparkplug!" "He's waking up!"
"Huh?" he said, those voices were familiar. With his arm shielding his eyes, he opened them in a squint to take in his surroundings.
Everything was too bright and he had to close them quickly and tried to open them again, but this time slowly. He could see Wheeljack and Ratchet coming over at his side.
"Sparkplug, how are you feeling?" Ratchet questioned him and preformed a quick scan.
"I'm alright, but my limbs feel heavy. What drink did I have yesterday?" Sparkplug asked, when was the last time he drank like this? A few years back on his birthday. "Feel's like I hit my head."
"Drink? I really hope you didn't drink anything heavy yesterday, transforming while drunk? Ehh... I don't want to think of the possibilities," Wheeljack babbled and was a bit worried now and looked over at Ratchet and asked him. "Well, how is he?"
Ratchet finished the scan and looked at the answers as he informed him. "The scan shows that everything is fine."
"You sure?" Wheeljack asked and the medic nodded. "I am, he's just a bit disorientated, some side effects are to be expected. He'll probably need a good rest today along with some extra fuel."
"Wh-what?" Sparkplug stammered out before suddenly everything came flooding. "Wait...I.."
He stared at the arm he'd raised to shield his eyes...it wasn't a human arm.
"Damn," he gasped out. "It actually worked."
"It did," Ratchet agreed, a wry smile on his face. "As far as my scanners are concerned, you're a fully fledged Cybertronian."
"It's incredible," the engineer breathed, excitement clear in his voice. "You're optics are just like Spike's."
"They are? That's good," Sparkplug said with slight surprise but it occurred to him having a shared unique feature would make it easier to stake his claim. He stared at his arm and then down his body, so utterly alien now.
He was...boxy, he didn't know how else to describe it, all those sharp lines and solid looking metal, nothing like his usual middle aged human form beneath work clothes. The main thing that stood out to him was his colouring, predominantly a royal blue with white highlights. This didn't seem real, yet it was.
"I...," he tried to speak but did not know what to say.
"Don't rush," Ratchet advised gently. "This will be overwhelming for you, just take your time."
"Hey, at least you didn't turn into a sparkling," Wheeljack added helpfully.
"Yeah, I suppose I'm lucky. But did you say that your machine recognised me as an adult?" Sprakplug remembered this a few days back.
"Yes, I did. Not sure how it does that. I haven't tinkered that far with it. I would love to but I dare not to, there is no telling what will happen when we try to change you and Spike back to humans," Wheeljack stated, and added. "Talking about that I should work on your ticket back to normal."
"That would be ideal, we both know this will only last until we have spike returned to us," Sparkplug agreed, of course, he didn't know how soon that would be. Thundercracker had shown from Jazz's mission that the seeker is willing to fight to keep Spike on his side.
"I will need a plan to retrieve Spike, the con's are keeping him because they think I abandoned him right?"
"That sounds about right and with the adoption done, it will be harder for you to retrieve him. You will need to prove more than a capable sire to Spike," Ratchet said and prepared some Energon to Sparkplug and handed it over to him. "Drink this slowly."
"Thanks," Sparkplug said, sitting up properly so he could take the drink. He examined it with interest, he was well used to the bots drinking it but he never imagined he'd be trying it one day. He took a slightly cautious sip, savouring the taste before swallowing it down. It was a strange mix of sweet and savoury, he wasn't sure how else to describe it. He'd eaten food that combined sweet and savoury, such as tagine but this was something else.
As he slowly drank, Ratchet now said.
"Prime wants to see you once you feel up to it. I recommend getting used to this body and in the meantime, we can plan how to get Spike back. You already know it won't be easy but you won't be alone, we'll get him back."
"Yeah," Sparkplug agreed though a part of him wanted to jump on a communicator and demand the Cons return his boy this instant. Sadly, it would take a lot more effort than that, Megatron wouldn't want to lose a valuable hostage and Thundercracker was too attached.
"Well, I'm gonna put this under wraps," Wheeljack annouched, gesturing to his machine. "Keep it safe, you know."
"Mind helping me walking around the room?" Sparkplug asked Ratchet kindly. Yes, he was eager to get things done and for now, that meant learning moving around at this new metal body.
"You should rest today, a change like that would have taken a lot from you," Ratchet insisted and took the empty cube away.
"I know, but I can't just lie in bed all day. It will drive me crazy," Sparkplug said and added. "Can't I just do small steps?"
"Alright, we can do small steps. But if you get unwell, back to bed with you," Ratchet then pointed at the bed Sparkplug was laying in.
"Thanks, I will be careful." Sparkplug smiled. He put down his feet to the ground and tried to stand. but fell back on the bed.
"I can do this." he told himself and tired again and managed to stand all tho he held out his arms for balance.
"If you need assistance, just ask Sparkplug, there is no shame in it," Ratchet said, it was a bit sad to see the former human to struggle with something so simple as to stand up.
Though he was sure if he got turned into a human, he'd probably have the same problems.
"I can do it," Sparkplug insisted, he was a grown man, it shouldn't be that hard. Except his body felt so alien and he appeared to be...sensing things he couldn't before. As though his body was supplying his mind with various information he wasn't consciously thinking about. Damn, was this how Spike felt? Or was his body so much more basic and thus, easier to manage?
He was still uncertain how aware his son was but he was sure it was more than any of the bots or cons gave him credit for.
"Take your time," Ratchet advised as Sparkplug braced himself to take a step, shifting his weight and stumbling as he moved.
"Urgh!" Sparkplug groaned as his body seemed to do the exact opposite to what he wanted.
"I got you," Ratchet stayed close and managed to grab his arms. "This is why I wanted you in bed for a bit longer."
"I know, but I'd rather learn this now," Sparkplug said and held onto Ratchet as he was a good source of keeping his balance steady.
"Put your arm around me and let's take those small steps you want to desperately."
Sparkplug nodded and put one arm around Ratchets neck, understanding what the medic was doing. This was one way to learn walking he supposed. "I'm ready."
"Good, now watch my feet and copy my movements alright?" Ratchet held Sparkplug firm, this was the least he could do to help the former human.
"Alright, I will do my best." Sparkplug watched Ratchet move his right foot forward and tried to copy that by moving his own.
Slowly, step by step they both started to walk in the med-bay and Sparkplug grasped in pure happiness, Having Ratchet to lean on really helped as it was getting easier and easier to walk those small steeps.
"I'm doing it!" he exclaimed in delight.
"You are," Ratchet smiled at Sparkplug's progress, he wasn't doing too bad. "Need a rest?"
"No, I'm good," Sparkplug insisted, he wanted to be walking properly. "Let's keep going."
The medic smiled wryly, the former human was certainly stubborn, he'd fit in well with the Autobots. How often did he have to practically tie down patients who just wanted to be up and about after major surgery? Hopefully once Sparkplug got a vehicle mode, he wouldn't get into too many crashes.
"Don't go too fast," he warned as Sparkplug stumbled a bit. "Just focus on learning how to move your body, we need you moving as smoothly as you would in human form."
"Ha, think I'll be able to punch Buckethead on the jaw?" the other Mech asked, face twisted in concentration.
"Absolutely not! Megatron gained his combat skills as a gladiator at the pits of Kaon. You would be no match against him, only Optimus have managed to catch up with him in battle."
Sparkplug paled and was surprised to know that Megatron actually was a gladiator, there was no way he could beat him. "I will leave the fighting to Optimus."
"Let's focus on your movements. You are getting better at it," Ratchet said, seeing Sparkplug getting quite confident, maybe he could soon take a few steps himself. "Do you want to take a few steps by yourself? I will be right next to you in case you fall."
"I do, I think I got the hang of it," Sparkplug smiled and slowly let go off Ratchet.
As he did so he took a slow step forward and wasn't falling, this made him incredibly happy. He felt like a child learning to walk again, but it felt good strangely enough. he continued to move forward towards the other side of the room.
"You sure picked this up fast enough," the medic said.
"Yeah, but I'm quite slow though. I need to practice more to fool the cons."
"You'll manage," Ratchet encouraged as he suddenly received a ping from Prowl.
Ratchet, how is Sparkplug, was the procedure successful?
It was, he's just practising his walking Ratchet replied as the former human continued around the room. He was very unsteady at first but he's making good progress
"I see," Prowl replied thoughtfully, Ratchet could practically hear his processor working.
"What's on your mind?" the medic prompted, trust Prowl to spot a problem.
"So far the Cons haven't discovered our secret The Autobot SIC stated. But Sparkplug will be a lot harder to hide, his appearance will raise enough questions. It might be wise to move him to another location until he is fully prepared, it would be disastrous if Megatron were to discover the truth now."
"Hmm, you might be right," Ratchet acknowledged grimly. "We'll bring it up with Prime
"Did something happen?" Sparkplug asked curiously as he tried to listen into Ratchet's conversation. He didn't hear much and only understood there was something they should ask Prime.
"Not exactly, Prowl is worried about your safety," the medic answered and looked over at Sparkplug who continued to walk around the room. "How well do you feel to see Prime?"
"Right now?" Sparkplug asked and stopped in his tracks. "I wouldn't mind seeing him right away."
"Or perhaps I can call him over here? I don't wish for you to get hurt," Ratchet said thoughtfully.
"Ratchet, I'm not made of wooden sticks. I can handle a small walk to Primes office and back."
"Stubborn as always Sparkplug. Let's go, but if you are feeling weak say so right away," the medic walked over to the former human and lead the way.
"I'll be fine," Sparkplug insisted and Ratchet huffed with amusement. They set off and while Sparkplug couldn't stride as he normally did, he managed quite well. Walking at transformer height was so strange, he was well used to these corridors but not like this. He was seeing the world from a completely different perspective.
In no time at all, they'd arrive at Prime's office and entered. Optimus was waiting for them and his optics brightened at the sight of Sparkplug.
"Like the new look?" Sparkplug teased with a smile and received a chuckle in return.
"It suits you well Sparkplug," the larger Mech said warmly. "The others will be very excited to see you."
"I'm sure, a new face always draws a crowd," Sparkplug acknowledged before getting down to business. "So anyway, Prowl's brought up some concerns about my safety."
Ratchet quickly gave his leader a summary of what had been said.
"Hmm, I believe Prowl's concerns are very valid," Optimus finally said thoughtfully. "If the Cassettes spot you, they will report it and Megatron will immediately want to know who you are. And will question your 'weakened' state."
"Could we use it as an excuse why I couldn't take care of Spike?" Sparkplug offered. "I was injured or ill."
"In the worse case scenario, that would probably be the strategy we'd take," Optimus began. "However, I believe we should avoid that. They may pick up on how unfamiliar you are with your body and pry into why. I believe Prowl's suggestion that you relocate is a good one, it will also give you the peace to get to know this new body without being disturbed. Some bots can accompany and assist you, what about that?"
"If you think that is the best action to keep my secret and for me to learn function in this one. Then I'm all in for it," Sparkplug agreed.
"I'm glad you think so, the Decepticons don't know you are here and that could be the only advantage we have upon them. They don't expect you when you are ready to get Spike back." Optimus explained. He had thought hard about Sparkplugs situation and how to best use it.
"I agree, but they have been questioning it, wondering where I'm hiding," Sparkplug said. He knew the con's would be looking for an answer and this is why Prowl and Optimus wanted him on another Autobot area.
"Indeed, Megatron has also questioned it. He is unaware of you for now."
"I know Prime, so where will I be hiding these few days?" Sparkplug asked, wondering if the Autobots have even a second base he didn't know about.
"I will speak with Jazz, we do have a few hideouts," Optimus admitted. "Some of them are just personal places for certain bots to escape to for their own wellbeing. I know Hound enjoys setting up temporary dens in the wilderness and Beachcomber has a cave beside the sea but there are more suitable places for you."
"Sounds good," Sparkplug agreed. "I'll study and practise what I need to know to pass as a Transformer."
"Once you'll fully confident moving around, we'll pick you an altmode," Ratchet spoke up. "It's too soon for that now, you'll find that much harder. You could research in the meantime what might suit you."
"Will do," Sparkplug nodded, wondering what it would be like. Spike would be so jealous when he found out, he'd always wondered what being able to transform into a vehicle and drive around was like. "And you'll keep me up to date on Spike?"
"Of course, any new information will be given," promised Optimus, recalling what Megatron had said about Spike being given a CNA transfusion.
"You also have the right to know that when Thundercracker adopted Spike, Shockwave assisted by giving him a transfusion of Thundercracker's CNA. By this Megatron has now assured that both Spike and the seeker are related," Optimus informed the other Mech. He didn't like this at all and also noticed the shock and anger from Sparkplug.
"How dare he! Spike is my son, he has no right." Sparkplug felt such rage over what the con's have done to his son. "This transfusion, will it effect Spikes health?!"
"I do not believe so, but we do not know for certain," Optimus answered, he too wished to know more about Spikes health. But he was limited to what Megatron himself have to inform him and who knew when the next call would take place.
"I just wish I could go to their base, punch some of the cons in the face and get my boy back and never set foot at that damned ship ever again!"
He was shaking with anger, his whole body trembled as he wished more than anything that he could carry out that threat right now.
"I'm sorry," Optimus apologised. "Megatron gloated to me about it when i called about your release. We had no idea they would do such a thing."
"Thundercracker's serious about this adoption," Ratchet said grimly. "It shouldn't adversely affect Spike but it could cause changes. He may have done it to give Spike flight capabilities."
"How could he?" Sparkplug muttered, fists clenched.
"Megatron enjoyed my reaction to the news," Optimus stated, grimacing behind his mask. "But I could not tell him why I protested beyond the fact Spike's father was coming for him and would not approve."
"You are damn right! I don't approve of any of it," Sparkplug agreed, Prime knew him well enough.
"Let's go back a step. Sparkplug with whom do you want to hide with?" Ratchet inquired.
"What? Isn't there someone willing to hide me?" Sparkplug asked a bit confused.
"Everyone here is willing to help you Sparkplug, Ratchet just meant who would you like to have as a teacher for the period of time when you are hiding in their hideouts," Optimus explained and added. "I believe Jazz is also open of helping you out if he isn't too busy, but we will need to ask him."
"I wouldn't mind having Jazz as a teacher," Sparkplug said thoughtfully, he didn't know he would have the option to chose.
"Alright, I will speak with him of this matter," Optimus promised him.
"Why not ask him right away?" Sparkplug questioned, trying to remember if Jazz was on duty or not.
"He's currently out on patrol, I'd like to speak with him in person," the Autobot leader told him. "In the meantime, we will prepare what you need."
"Thank you," Sparkplug inclined his head, still feeling rather angry and frustrated. Logically, he could not declare himself yet to the Decepticons and yet he wished so desperately that he could. The longer Spike remained with them, the more they could do to him, the more that Seeker would fall in love with him.
Why did that damn buzzard have to spirit Spike away?
"I will work hard," he promised. "You won't even know I'm human by the time I'm done."
"We appreciate your determination Sparkplug, but don't forget to take breaks when they are needed. Even Autobots need their rest," Optimus reminded him.
"I know and I will," Sparkplug promised.
"I will contact you once I have word from Jazz," the blue-red trunk said.
"We will take our leave, for now sparkplug can hide in my med-bay," Ratchet moved next to Sparkplug in case he would need help on the way back.
"Good idea," Optimus agreed, the Med Bay was one of the most secure places in the Ark. It had to be, bots were at their most vulnerable there, often with innards exposed. Far too easy for a malicious Decepticon to take a pot shot or enact some other sabotage. Red Alert had reported a few recent instances of the Cassettes trying to poke around for information but it was impossible to detect all of their incursions.
"Perhaps Ratchet could show you some more first aid?" he suggested, the Medic needed to remain on the Ark so any knowledge he could impart now would be very beneficial.
"Good plan, more he knows about his body, the better," Ratchet said firmly. "See you later Prime."
Optimus inclined his head as they left, Sparkplug moved slightly cautiously. The Autobot leader was confident he'd get the hang of it soon enough. He wished he could contact Megatron and enquire about Spike but he knew it was unlikely to go well. The Decepticon leader enjoyed gloating about the sparkling but there was only so much information he'd be willing to impart. Perhaps in a few cycles times, he could try, that would be less likely to irritate Megatron.
He pondered whether Thundercracker would ever take Spike outside? The little one deserved to be out in the sun, enjoying the wonderful planet they were on. Of course, the Seeker would be wary of his adoptive son being spirited away but still.
On their way back to the med-bay, Sparkplug and Ratchet meet Sideswipe and his twin brother.
"Unbelievable, Sparkplug is that you?" Sideswiped asked as he looked at the blue-white mech.
"Yepp, in the flesh or should I say ... um in the metal?" Sparkplug said uncertain.
"Oh we get it, but how does it feel to do the change?" Sideswipe questioned curiously. He had heard about the change and promised like everyone else on the ship to be quiet about it in case the cons are listening in.
"Well, I don't remember it. But this form is a bit more challenging to get used to," Sparkplug admitted but again he was so used to being human that this form felt more like alien to him.
"No kidding, you were just a squishy human now you're one of us," Sunstreaker stated, eyeing Sparkplug's form speculatively. "Hard to believe, right?"
"No harder to believe my son is a Sparkling," Sparkplug said wryly, aware that Ratchet was hovering nearby in case he fell over.
"Guess that's true," the yellow Mech said musingly as Sideswipe asked excitedly. "Hey, you got any cool abilities? Like turning invisible or holograms?"
"Uh, don't think so," the former human laughed. "Just an ordinary Mech."
"Mmm," hummed Sunstreaker. "So what are we gonna call you? You got a name, right?"
"A name? Uh...I hadn't thought about it," muttered Sparkplug, of course he'd need a new name. "I'll have to think about it..."
"You've got time," Ratchet told him encouragingly. "Focus on learning for now."
As Sparkplug nodded, Sideswipe piped up. "Hey, you got a vehicle form yet? If you don't, you need to pick a cool form."
"Really? Wouldn't my car do?" he asked him. However, both twins gaped at his reply.
"No no that won't do. Your vehicle form is a part of you and who you truly are and it needs to reflect that," Sunstriker explained and couldn't understand why Sparkplug would ever consider his car as his vehicle form.
"No offence to your car, but Sunny is right. You can choose any vehicle you want even those you couldn't afford as a human," Sideswipe pointed out, trying to help Sparkplug to see the possibilities this would give him.
"Swipeside, Sunstriker. Give Sparkplug some space. These choices are his to make when he is ready and we are not to rush him," Ratchet cut in. He could tell they were excited over what choices Sparkplug would make and that could also overwhelm the former human.
"We know, we just advising him Ratch," the red MEch defended.
"Yeah, imagine you had a racer mode instead of a medical one," Sunstreaker pointed out before looking at Sparkplug. "See what we're saying?"
"You've got a point," Sparkplug said slowly. "Doubt I'm a racer though."
"Maybe not but there's other good choices out there," the yellow Mech told him. "If you need help, we'd be happy to advise. Pit, we could even help you learn how to operate your vehicle mode if you want."
"Really?" Sparkplug said in surprise.
"Yeah, sooner you're ready, the sooner we kick Con aft and get the kid back," declared Sideswipe, punching a fist into his other palm. "We can even show you some fighter moves if you want, no one handles Seekers like we do."
"Absolutely not! It's one thing battle the con's on the ground. But I won't let you two have him scaped this early."
Both twins looked at the medic disappointed. Sure, they didn't want to harm Sparkplug and could somewhat see Ratchets point here.
"Fine, but we can still teach him how to avoid them or try to get out on a situation when he gets surrounded by a trine at least," Sideswipe tried to convince the medic.
"That doesn't sound too bad. Thundercracker is a flyer. Wouldn't hurt to know this stuff in case it comes to a fight," Sparkplus agreed and wondered what the medic would say.
"Fine, But only self-defence. Do you hear me?" Ratchet narrowed his optics at the twins, knowing them. There were always chances.
"Okay, okay, pinky swear, we won't teach him more than self defence," Sideswipe said dramatically causing Sparkplug to grin at the casual use of human slang. Knowledge of human pop culture and slang very much varied among the bots so some could be left very bemused at certain references.
Ratchet huffed, though Sparkplug wasn't sure if it was because he didn't understand the reference or that he did and wasn't impressed.
"We'll let you know when he's steady enough on his feet," the medic stated, gently giving Sparkplug a small nudge. "Come on Sparkplug."
"Don't forget to work on that name," Sunstreacker called as they moved towards the Med Bay. "You don't want something stupid."
"Don't suppose I do," Sparkplug mused, he didn't have a clue what to name himself. Perhaps something would come.
"Never mind that," Ratchet told him, it was a problem for another time.
Sparkplug and Ratchet reached the med-bay soon after.
"Finally some quiet and peace," Ratchet signed in relief and looked back at the former human. "Do you still feel up to the task to learn some first aid?"
Sparkplug had already walked over to his bed and sat down when Ratchet asked him that and nodded. "I do, the more I know now the better right?"
"Well, yes. We need to sell the fact you have been surviving on your own until you contacted us. First aid would make sense for you to learn." Ratchet stated and thought, perhaps it would be wise to teach him some simple engineering as well.
Ratchet went over to his storage room and managed to find a spare arm, he put that on the table and supposed this would do be a good beginning.
"Right, I'll show you how to repair torn wires, especially the fuel line," Ratchet said briskly, attaching a fuel pump to the arm to mimic a damaged arm.
Sparkplug leaned over for a closer look. He was a former mechanic but this was something else entirely, bots like Ratchet were living beings and any mistake could cost a life. The red and white Mech fiddled a bit more before looking at his pupil.
"Right, I'll go over some of the tools you'd need for this," he stated. "Obviously, bots can be caught short and have to improvise but we won't worry about that right now. We'll get the basics down and go from there, let me know if you're getting too tired or need more fuel."
"Will do," Sparkplug agreed, this actually sounded pretty interesting. Maybe when he was human again, he'd be able to help his friends better when injured.
"Let's say you got shot and your arm is bleeding Energon, the first thing you want to do is to stop the bleeding," Ratchet informed him and took some simple tools and started to show what he was doing to stop the Energon leak.
"Got it, If I don't. I will die," Sparkplug watched the medic closely as he worked. Trying to remember everything he does.
"That is one possibility, yes. But let's say you managed to stop the Energon leak but there is no one around to help you. In the worst case, you would fall into stasis, if your Energon reserve is low."
"Hm, thought as much. Similar to a human passing out from blood loss," Sparkplug related.
"I suppose. Let me show you how to fix the wound completely," the medic said and started to explain what he was replacing on the arm to get it functional again.
Sparkplug was fascinated as Ratchet continued, showing which wires or fuel lines had to be taken care of first. He even explained the difference between a blaster wound and one left by a weapon, such as a knife. He also described how the severity of the injury could affect the senses, the numbness, disorientation, loss of motor functions, etc.
"...and once you've done that, you need to cover anything exposed," Ratchet now said, taking a spare piece of plating. "Here's how you can weld one on for example."
He brought out a small smoulder and started lit it up, sparks flying everywhere. Sparkplug watched intently before asking. "Will I have one of those in the first aid kit?"
"Yes but there are other things you can do if you find yourself without one," Ratchet told him. "The enemy often empties our subspaces, especially useful items. I have the advantage that certain medical equipment is built into me and sometimes, the Cons want my expertise."
"I never thought of that, I thought the subspace was a private pocket."
"In some manner it is, we have some of our belongings there. Much to what you humans would have in a bag and such it can be opened by others too." Ratchet explained.
"Right. So I better not have anything valuable on me when I'm going to meet them," Sparkplug said thoughtfully, it made sense not to take anything with him if the con's are going to take it away from him either way.
They continued their lesson for a bit longer until Ratchet eventually noticed Sparkplug getting tired, and that was when they stopped for the day and Sparkplug went back to his bed to get some sleep.
He fell into recharge far quicker than he thought he would, the transformation had caught up to him and he slept deeply. Ratchet checked on him a couple of times, scanning to ensure all was well. Thankfully it was and he decided not to wake him up early, to allow his systems to fully acclimatise.
Tomorrow would be a big day for him.
Author's note. How does Sparkplug get on choosing an alt mode? Find out next time, until then.