Chapter 15: Triple Trouble

The waking sun ascended over the horizon of the Nevada desert.

Standing at the main computer terminal, Ratchet was quiet, working hard in monitoring various frequencies being emitted as well as checking the main system operations.

The entire base was quiet.

Suddenly, the proximity sensors sounded.

Pulling up onto the screen, Ratchet sighed. It was Agent Fowler.

Watching the elevator doors split apart, Ratchet sighed as soon as Agent Fowler emerged hollering a storm. "Ratchet, why didn't you contact me sooner saying you found Prime?!"

Hushing Agent Fowler, Ratchet growled. Then shaking his head he sighed. "I would have contacted you sooner Agent Fowler, however being what the situation was. I think having more individuals here would have made said situation more difficult."

Gripping the rails of the catwalk, Agent Fowler scowled out of confusion. "What?" Shaking his head Agent Fowler scoffed. "Never mind. Where is Prime now?"

Shrugging, Ratchet looked back to the monitors. "I am not sure. It could be that he's still powered down."

Furrowing his brows, Agent Fowler looked away. "He's…sleeping?"

Looking over his shoulder, Ratchet shrugged with a nod.

Walking in with Bulkhead, Smokescreen laughed stalking past Ratchet and Agent Fowler. "You guys talking about Optimus?"

Looking up Ratchet nodded.

Continuing to laugh, Smokescreen motioned down the hallway that they had just came from. "I just saw Optimus…and I never thought I'd see the boss bot like that."

Scowling Ratchet huffed. "Like what?"

Chuckling, Smokescreen motioned with a nod of his head. "Come on, I'll show you."

…

With Ratchet, Bulkhead and Agent Fowler following him, Smokescreen stopped just outside Optimus' door. Motioning to keep quiet, Smokescreen slowly pushed the door open.

Looking up, Smokescreen and Bulkhead both had to restrain themselves from laughing, though they were not the only one. Covering his mouth Agent Fowler had to quiet a small snort of laughter.

Laying mid-section down on his berth, Optimus was completely unconscious. But that wasn't the part that was funny. What was funny was the fact that Kira was sleeping on Optimus.

Resting mid-section down also, Kira was literally on top of Optimus with her leg hanging down the side. Cole was still on the berth he had fallen asleep on and Melody was still where Optimus had left her.

Looking at Ratchet, Agent Fowler pointed to Kira with a look of bewilderment on his face.

Kneeling next to Agent Fowler, Smokescreen whispered with a laugh. "That's Kira. She's one of Optimus' kids."

Looking up suddenly, Agent Fowler huffed loudly. "Kids?!"

Just then Smokescreen, Bulkhead and Ratchet shushed Agent Fowler. Sitting up Kira yawned blinking her optics tiredly. Staring up she Smokescreen and Ratchet, then looking down she saw Agent Fowler.

Waking up completely, Kira started patting Optimus on the back. "Daddy… Daddy! Smokescreen, Bulkhead and the mean grumpy bot are here along with a man in a suit."

Opening one optic Optimus slowly sat up. Holding on, Kira stayed on his back as he sat upright then gradually slid down onto the berth Optimus was sitting on. Rubbing his optics, Optimus groaned softly looking through his fingers. Smiling Optimus leaned back on his arms and sighed. "Hello Agent Fowler, it is good to see you."

Looking at Optimus in astonished disbelief, agent Fowler smiled. "It's…good to see you too Prime…"

Clasping his hands together, Optimus sighed. "To what do we owe your visit this morning?"

Agent Fowler smiled crossing his arms. "I just needed to see for myself whether or not what Ratchet told me was true, seeing as how you've been gone for three years." Leaning forward looking at Kira and Cole who was now sitting up only half awake, Agent fowler grinned. "Although I'm kind of seeing what you must have been busy doing."

Smiling, Optimus shrugged and was about to speak when he suddenly stopped hearing Melody stir. Turning his attention to that side of the room, Optimus slowly stood and approached. Looking down, Optimus smiled whispering softly as he picked Melody up into his arms. Cooing, Melody reached for Optimus' face.

Watching in awe, Agent Fowler huffed in disbelief. "He's got three of them?"

Slowly, all three Autobots watching nodded.

Laughing Smokescreen shrugged walking away. "Yep Optimus came back with a triple threat…who would have thought, huh?"

Gaining agent Fowler's attention, Ratchet motioned with a nod of his head that they should leave. Nodding to show he understood, Agent Fowler followed Ratchet back down the hallway.

Looking in the room, Bulkhead chuckled looking at the four of them. "Sorry about bringing the party to your room Optimus."

Shrugging, Optimus looked down at Melody in his arms. "It is all right Bulkhead, there was no harm done."

Nodding, Bulkhead gestured with a finger to the main section of the base. "Agent Fowler apparently has some important things he wants to discuss with you. It looks like he doesn't want to waste any time getting you back into the normal operations of things around here."

Chuckling Optimus nodded. "It would appear that way. Bulkhead, please tell Agent Fowler that I will be with him shortly."

Smiling, Bulkhead turned away with a nod. "I'll do that boss bot."

As soon as Bulkhead was gone, Cole groaned falling back against the berth, pulling the thermal tarp over his head.

Chuckling softly, Optimus shook his head. "I take that gesture as you did not sleep well?"

Pulling the covers down, Cole shook his head slowly. Sighing Optimus nodded sitting Melody down on his berth next to Kira. "I did not sleep well either. But do not worry, once you get used to this place then you'll be able to rest easier."

Yawning Kira smiled. "I slept good!"

Huffing, Cole looked away. "Of course you slept good…you can sleep anywhere. Just look where you slept last night."

Jutting out her bottom lip, Kira crossed her arms and pouted. "It was raining last night."

Shaking his head, Cole scowled. "It was not."

Growling Kira continued to pout. "Yes it was! I heard the thunder! And you know I don't like thunderstorms, they're scary!"

Sighing Optimus shook his head. "Regardless, it will get easier over time." Pulling Melody up off the berth, Optimus gently handed her to Cole. "However, I need to go speak with Agent Fowler regarding my absence. Cole, I want you to watch your sisters and stay out of trouble. Do you understand?"

Taking Melody into his lap, Cole sighed nodding. "Yeah dad, I can do that. But do we have to stay in here all day?"

Chuckling Optimus shook his head. "Of course not. Other than the vaults, you can go wherever you want within the base."

Jumping up onto Cole's berth, Kira stood looking face to face with Optimus. "Daddy, can we go outside and play?"

Looking at Kira in surprise, Optimus soon looked away and sighed. "No."

Tilting her head, Kira sighed. "Why not?"

Kneeling, Optimus gently took Kira's hands in his own, looking her as well as Cole. " I know this may be hard for the two of you to understand or except; but, unless it is absolutely necessary… I do not want either one of you leaving this base."

Looking down in disappointment, Kira whined. "But daddy; why?"

Sighing, Optimus stood up and sat on the berth lifting Kira into his arms. "Because Kira, I do not want to risk possibly giving Megatron or any Decepticon the opportunity to take you. As long as you are outside the silo walls, I cannot be at least partially certain that you are safe." Leaning over protectively, Optimus purred cradling Kira. "Do you understand now why I don't want you going outside?"

Looking down still feeling rather disappointed, Kira sighed. "I think so."

Watching Kira, Optimus slowly sighed and smiled. "Tell you what, if you and your brother are good. Maybe I'll work something out."

Looking up Kira lit up with a smile. "Really?"

Chuckling, Optimus nodded. "Really."

Standing, Optimus turned placing Kira back on the berth.

Gently caressing her cheek, he smiled. "Now, you two watch your younger sister and stay out of trouble."

Together, both Kira and Cole sighed saying that they understood.

Just then the potent sound of Bumblebee's horn blared through the base signaling the arrival of three certain humans that Optimus had not seen in a long time.

Smiling, Optimus turned to Cole and Kira and smirked. "Speaking of trouble, there are some individuals I want you three to meet."

Gently taking Melody form Cole's arms, Optimus sighed walking over to the door holding it open. "Come along you two, I want you to meet Jack, Miko and Rafael."

...

Springing out of Bumblebee's passenger seat, Miko sprinted for Bulkhead screaming his name.

Kneeling to meet her, Bulkhead smiled laughing. "Oh come on Miko, you didn't miss me that much did you?"

Looking up she smiled. "Of course I missed you Bulk, who else enjoys heavy metal and dune bashing as much as me? No one else around here that I know of!"

Walking up beside Miko, Raf stared upward with a look of puzzlement. "Bulkhead, when did you get back?"

Looking up from Raf, Miko suddenly jumped. "Yeah! And did you find Optimus? Is he okay?"

Standing, Bulkhead turned his head slightly hearing a familiar pair of servos coming down the hallway. Then looking back at the kids, Bulkhead chuckled. "Why don't you ask him for yourself?"

Looking around Bulkhead leg, Jack, Miko and Raf suddenly stopped as wide grins spread across their faces.

Coming to a stop, Optimus looked down and smiled. "I could not help but notice I was being talked about."

Leaping for joy, Miko hollered. "Way to go Bulkhead! You found Optimus!"

Kneeling, Optimus watched as all three of them approached looking at him. Studying him Raf smiled. "We thought you would never come back Optimus."

Nodding Jack agreed. "We thought that maybe something really bad might have happened to you."

Looking at Jack, Miko also nodded. "Yeah we thought you might have been a goner."

Scowling at Miko, Jack huffed. "Miko."

Shrugging, Miko smiled sheepishly. "What? I'm just saying what everyone was thinking."

Chuckling Optimus closed his optics shaking his head. Suddenly the room got quiet.

Staring at Optimus is disbelief, Miko pointed at him. "Did…you…seriously just…laugh?" Turning away she was awestruck. "Oh my gosh! For the first time ever I have heard Optimus Prime laugh! Will wonders never cease?"

Shaking his head, he smiled.

"Daddy?"

Wheeling around suddenly, Miko as well as Jack and Raf all leaned over hearing a voice having come from behind Optimus.

Looking over his shoulder behind him, Optimus smiled warmly. "It's all right, you can come out."

Peering out from behind Optimus, a small pink and purple bot looked around the room and then at Jack, Miko and Rafael.

Watching the little bot in awe, the children's eyes studied her every movement as she quickly ran up beside Optimus, holding onto him.

Scrambling up onto Optimus' back, Kira wrapped her arms around his neck and watched the three young humans with curiosity. "Daddy, who are they?"

Chuckling softly, Optimus looked at Kira and then at his human friends. "Kira, these are some of our human friends, Jack, Miko and Rafael."

Smiling, Optimus motioned with a nod of his head to the youngling hanging onto him. "Jack, Miko, Raf this is my daughter Kira."

For the longest time, all three of the young humans stared at Optimus for quite some time; mainly with disbelief and awe, until finally Miko burst out laughing. "I can't believe this! You have a kid, Optimus?"

Looking over his shoulder, Ratchet huffed. "Correction, he has three."

Laughing, Jack shook his head. "Three? You're kidding me…"

Smiling Optimus shook his head. "No, Ratchet is correct. Much has changed since you three last saw me, mainly I have become guardian and father of three little ones." Looking at Kira, he smirked playfully. "Although sometimes, I must question as to whether or not I really claim this one."

Huffing Kira looked away pouting. Laughing Jack Miko and Raf watched as Kira blew Optimus a raspberry before looking away completely.

It was then that Cole came in holding Melody.

Watching Cole walk in, Miko and the boys fell quiet. Straightening up, Optimus gently took Melody from Cole's arms cradling her in his own.

Gently placing a hand on Cole's shoulder, Optimus sighed. "This is my son, Cole." Motioning to Jack, Miko and Raf, Optimus smiled at Cole. "Cole, these are the individuals I told you about. This is Jack, Miko and Rafael."

Looking at the three of them, Cole nodded respectively but remained rather quiet.

Sitting on the medical berth beside where Ratchet stood, Cole watched quietly from a distance as Optimus talked with the humans. All of them, now including Agent Fowler.

Kira loved the attention, and she loved being able to show off her baby sister.

Sighing, Cole turned away looking at his hands.

"Is something wrong?"

Looking up, Cole's optics met Ratchet's. Shrugging Cole looked back at the group. "Dad looks happy to be back. Happier than I've seen him in a long time."

Also looking at the group that now comprised of the other Autobots, Ratchet nodded. "Maybe so, but I still think there may be plenty of pain and hurt in his spark from losing your mother. That feeling wont go away for a long time."

Looking down Cole sighed. "Dad says that pain won't ever go away. He said it will get easier to except over time, but it will never go away."

Watching Cole for a moment, Ratchet turned back to the monitor he was working from. "He's right."

Jumping off the berth slowly, Cole approached Ratchet, watching him cautiously. "What are you doing?"

Glancing out of the corner of his optic and then back at the screen, Ratchet sighed. "I am doing an analysis of a sample of energon taken from the ground bridge's main fuel line."

Furrowing his brows, Cole sighed. "Why?"

Groaning softly Ratchet huffed. "It is a mandatory procedure performed ever-so often to determine moisture content in the energon."

Tilting his head, Cole blinked. "Why do you need to know the moisture content?"

Groaning slightly louder, Ratchet looked at Cole. "Energon hold similar aspects to moisture that holds true with gasoline. If moisture gets within the energon reservoir, it could dilute the energon making it less pure. If that were to happen, the space bridge wouldn't run properly…and neither would we."

Looking down, Cole sighed an "oh" of understanding. Then looking up again, he sighed. "What's energon?"

Looking at Cole in disbelief, then at Optimus, then back at Cole, Ratchet huffed. "He didn't tell you?!"

Slowly Cole shook his head no. Looking away while shaking his head Ratchet mumbled under his breath. "How does he expect these children to learn how to be Cybertronian if they don't even know anything about our biology."

Turning back to Cole, Ratchet grabbed a syringe-like object from the counter with a container attached.

Kneeling near Cole, Ratchet huffed. "Watch closely."

Sticking the long protruding needle into a crack between two plates of armor into his thick metal hide, Ratchet disengaged the lever on the syringe causing a sudden flow of glowing blue liquid to come gushing up from his arm.

Cole could believe that Ratchet didn't even cringe as he did this.

Pulling the lever back again, Ratchet pulled the needle from his arm and set the device on the counter, but not before removing the container from it.

Holding it in front of Cole's optics to see, Ratchet huffed. "This is energon. It is the fuel and lifeblood of all Cybertronians. It powers our weapons, our space bridge, our very lives."

Handing the container to Cole, Ratchet watched as Cole turned it over in his hands, looking at its color and consistency.

Looking up at Ratchet, Cole shook his head. "Were does it come from?"

Taking the container from Cole, Ratchet sighed. "We process energon from its solid form into a usable liquid form."

Sitting on the berth across from Ratchet, Cole shrugged. "What do you mean solid form?"

Kneeling again, Ratchet lowered his face to Cole's level. "Energon in its purest form looks like blue crystals."

Looking away, Cole was quiet for some time.

Standing, Ratchet turned around back to the monitor continuing his work.

"Ratchet?"

Stopping, Ratchet turned around and huffed. "What?"

Kicking his legs out away from the berth, Cole sighed. "Will I ever get the chance to see raw energon?"

Chuckling softly Ratchet turned away nodding. "I'm sure you will."

"Ratchet?"

Huffing, Ratchet turned around and looked at Cole with a semi scowl. "What?"

Looking at Optimus, Cole sighed. "How long have you known my dad?"

Turning away slowly, Ratchet shrugged. "A long time I guess."

Jumping off the berth Cole walked up beside Ratchet, watching him. "How long?"

Looking down, Ratchet huffed with a growl. "Don't you ever get tired of asking questions?"

Laughing gently, Cole gestured over his shoulder. "You think I'm bad? You should try sitting with Kira! She can ask question after question all day long."

Putting his hands on his hips, Ratchet huffed. "Really? Is that so?"

Gently nodding, Cole smiled. "Yeah, mom used to call Kira her little cicada because she never knew how to stop making noise."

Raising a brow plate, Ratchet huffed. "Cicada? What is that?"

Laughing Cole looked up. "A cicada is a bug that lives in the ground for a long time until it's fully grown then it crawls up out of the dirt onto trees where it sheds its exoskeleton and then crawls up in a tree. The male cicadas then make this really loud noise to attract the attention of a female. The female will then burrow into branches where she'll lay her eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the baby cicadas fall out of the trees back to the ground where they burrow until their big enough to shed their exoskeleton – thus, the cycle begins all over again."

Raising both brow plates, Ratchet huffed in astonishment. "You certainly know quite a bit about these creatures don't you?"

Shrugging, Cole smiled sheepishly. "I like bugs."

Watching Ratchet's reaction for a brief moment, Cole eventually turned his attention to Optimus, who was still talking to Miko and the others.

Smiling, Optimus shrugged casually. "It is truly good to see all three of you again; however, you have all grown in my absence. You don't really resemble children anymore."

Laughing sarcastically Miko smirked. "Well that's what happens over three years Prime. People change."

Raf looked up pointing out. "People grow."

Looking at Raf and then back at Miko, Optimus smirked playfully. "So Miko, have you gotten into any trouble in the time I was away?"

Huffing with a smirk, Miko responded by pointing behind Optimus pointing to Cole, Kira, and Melody. "Oh you're one to ask! I'm not the one coming back with three kids." Just then Optimus smiled letting a soft chuckle rumble from his chest.

Watching in awe, Miko, Jack and Raf still could not get over the fact that Optimus laughed…twice now! Which to them was quite amazing considering he never did laugh at Mars Cat.

Setting her chin on top of Optimus head, Kira sighed. "Daddy?"

Looking up Optimus 'hmm'ed softly in curiosity. Looking down she groaned. "When are we gonna go outside? You said if Cole and I were good then maybe you'd take us!"

Chuckling softly, Optimus sat up letting Kira slide gently off of his back. "Maybe sometime later this afternoon. Right now I have quite a bit of activities to catch up on. For the time being, you and Cole are just going to have to play inside and stay out of the way."

Swaying her arms back and forth as she walked away, Kira grumbled and groaned. "I don't want to stay inside! I want to go outside and play…"

Pushing Kira away gently, Optimus scoffed. "Go find something to occupy yourself until I am finished."

Turning around Kira whined. "What are you gonna do?"

Sitting up on a knee Optimus sighed looking at Melody who was in his arms sucking on her fingers. Pulling her fingers out of her mouth gently, Optimus looked at Kira. "I am going to go back to what I was doing before I left."

Walking up, Cole huffed. "Which was what exactly."

Looking at Melody only to be slapped in the face lightly, Optimus sighed. "I'm going to attempt to finish decoding the Iacon data base if I can."

Laughing softly, Cole and Kira tried to restrain themselves.

Scowling at Melody playfully, Optimus huffed. "And just what did I do to deserve that?"

Smiling, Melody squealed rolling over in Optimus' arms laughing and cooing.

Rolling his optics, Optimus looked at Kira and Cole. "Find something to keep yourselves occupied until I finish."

Standing to his full height, Optimus turned away to the main terminal to begin decoding entries from the Iacon database. Squawking loudly, Melody put her hands on Optimus chest, hitting him softly with her tiny hands.

Looking down out of the corner of his optics, Optimus scoffed playfully then looked back at the screen. Tugging at Optimus, Melody somehow managed to pull herself up, grabbing onto the top ridge of Optimus' windshield.

Pulling Melody up to his face, Optimus scolded playfully. "And just what is it you are trying to accomplish?"

Smiling, Melody greeted Optimus with a raspberry and a loud giggle.

Putting her hands on Optimus face, she purred and cooed in curiosity.

Turning away slightly from the screen slightly, Optimus sighed. "How am I supposed to get anything done with you distracting me?"

Looking over his shoulder, Optimus met the eyes and optics of everyone watching him. The majority of them were trying with all of their will power not to burst out in a fit of laughter. Smokescreen was by far the one failing the most.

Groaning softly, Optimus looked at Melody and sighed. "What am I going to do with you?"

Looking up Optimus groaned softly looking at is Autobots. "So, which one of you would care to have the infamous task of watching my little ones?"

Just then, Bulkhead, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Arcee suddenly stepped back leaving Smokescreen up front alone.

Looking around suddenly with the realization of what just happened, Smokescreen groaned. "Oh come on!"

Approaching Smokescreen, Optimus stopped staring down at him. "Smokescreen…"

Looking up, Smokescreen cringed with a hesitant smile. "Yes commander?"

Sighing Optimus looked at Melody and then back at Smokescreen. "I realize I may be asking quite a bit of you in watching Melody, Cole and Kira; but, I would be grateful."

Looking away Smokescreen was quiet for a long time, then sighing he looked up. "For you commander, I would do anything. I would consider watching your little ones to be a great honor."

Nodding, Optimus gently handed Melody over to Smokescreen. "Good. I wouldn't worry too much about Cole and Kira, they know well enough to behave themselves and stay out of trouble. Mainly it's Melody who needs to be watched and taken care of."

Looking at Melody hesitantly in his arms, Smokescreen smiled sheepishly. Gesturing to Melody with a nod of his head, Optimus sighed. "If you have a situation that you feel you cannot take care of, don't hesitate to get me."

Nodding slowly, Smokescreen smiled. "I'm sure everything will be fine. Taking care of little Mel here will be a piece of cake."

Chuckling, Optimus slowly turned away. "We shall see."

Standing off out of the way, Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee all laughed quietly.

Looking at them, Smokescreen huffed. "What did Optimus mean by that?!"

Laughing slightly louder, Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee turned away.

Scowling, Smokescreen raised his voice slightly. "Yeah…thanks a lot guys! Thanks for sticking me with babysitting duty!"

Shaking his head, Smokescreen's optics suddenly grew wide seeing Cole and Kira standing right beside him staring up at him.

Smiling sheepishly, Smokescreen looked at Melody only to be greeted by a smack to the center of his face.

Groaning, Smokescreen looked away. "Why me?"

…

…

Sitting cross-legged on the floor with his chin in one palm, Smokescreen watched Kira mess around with some large pieces of cardboard and paint that Miko had given her.

Looking at Melody who was sitting comfortably in his lap, Smokescreen groaned softly. He was a warrior under Optimus Prime's leadership and yet he has been assigned to watching sparklings? So much for destiny hinting at him becoming a great and noble warrior some day.

Looking up, Kira smiled holding up a picture she just painted. "Look Smokescreen look!"

Leaning down to look at the piece of cardboard, Smokescreen tilted his head slightly. It was a crude image of some blobbed-like figure with white, red, grey and blue.

Looking at Kira, Smokescreen raised a brow plate. "What is it?"

Laughing Kira smiled. "Silly, it's you! I made this picture for you."

Looking at the image again, Smokescreen smiled sheepishly and laughed. "Ohh…I see it now. I guess it is me."

Smokescreen still couldn't figure out how this was him, but, there was no way he was going to hurt her feelings. One, she was just a kid. She didn't have artistic skills like the human artist Leonardo de Vinci, or Donatello. She was just a child. Two, he didn't want to insult her making her upset, otherwise there was the very real possibility of him feeling the wrath of 'Dad-imus Prime' bringing down his fist on his head. Shuttering at the thought, Smokescreen knew to play it safe.

Watching Smokescreen, the happiness in Kira's optics faded. "You do like it, don't you?"

Looking up suddenly, Smokescreen smiled. "No! No! No! I do! I do! I really do! It's just that…a beautiful work of art like this is just too beautiful for me to have. You should keep it and show your sire once he's done."

Looking at the painting at then at Smokescreen, Kira smiled. "Okay. I'll keep it and show daddy!"

Smiling gently, Smokescreen nodded. "You should defiantly do that."

Swaying happily, Kira giggled grabbing another piece of cardboard. "I'm going to paint Bulkhead now!"

Laughing Smokescreen nodded. "I'm sure Bulkhead would just LOVE that…"

Watching Kira pull out the green paint, smokescreen laughed quietly to himself. Bulkhead was defiantly going to LOVE that.

Walking into the room, Cole sank to the floor, lying down with a groan. "I'm so bored! There's nothing to do around here!"

Having listened to everything going on, Ratchet looked over his shoulder and huffed. "I can find you things to do you know."

Sitting up, Cole lowered his gaze. "Like what?"

Just then, Cole's face met that of an Autobot sized cloth. Pulling it away from his face, Cole huffed. "What was that for?!"

Smirking from his position against his workbench, Ratchet casually shrugged. "There are things around here that need to be cleaned."

Throwing the cloth down, Cole scowled. "I don't want to clean! I'd rather sit here and do nothing than clean."

Turning back around, Ratchet snarled. "Then stop complaining."

Sticking his glossa out Cole huffed, before laying on the floor on his midsection.

Getting up from her project, Kira walked over and sat on Cole. "Why don't you come paint with me?"

Rolling over so Kira fell on the floor, Cole growled. "I don't want to play with your stupid paints!"

Sitting there for a moment on the floor, Kira was quiet. Then suddenly she started to shed lubricant from her optics.

Growling, Kira lunged for Cole shouting. "They're not stupid! You're stupid!"

Rolling over one another on the floor, Cole and Kira proceeded to hit and yell at one another. Putting Melody on the floor, Smokescreen jumped up freaking out that they were going to hurt one another, or worse, Optimus would hear the fight and would blame him for not stopping it sooner. Suddenly Cole yelped screaming "OW!"

Jumping in, Smokescreen reached into the middle of the fight literally ripping them apart. "Kira, Cole stop it! Optimus is going to hear you and—."

"Hey! Knock it off you two! Or do I have to come over there and sedate the both of you?!"

Suddenly, both Cole and Kira froze seeing Ratchet looming over them with a heavy displeased look. Growling Ratchet huffed. "What seems to be the problem?"

Pointing to Cole, Kira snarled. "He called my paints stupid!"

Pointing back, Cole growled. "Well she bit me! See?" Lifting his arm to the light, Ratchet knelt taking a look. Sure enough, the indentation of dental plate marks on his armor was undeniable.

Looking at Kira, Ratchet scowled. "Kira, did you bite your brother?"

Looking away, Kira pouted. "Maybe."

Shaking his head, Ratchet glanced over his shoulder at Smokescreen. "You're watching them huh?"

Turning away, Smokescreen sighed. He knew that this wasn't going to end well when Optimus finds out.

Looking at Cole's arm Ratchet sighed. "I think you'll be fine. Come with me."

Pulling Cole, aside up onto the bench, Ratchet grabbed his arm and started to buff the scrape marks away.

Cringing at the sight of the buffer humming at full rotation, Cole tried o pull away whimpering slightly.

Pulling Cole back toward him, Ratchet snarled. "Oh quit cowering and get back over here so I can fix your arm."

Turning away with a look of concern, Cole pleaded. "No please don't! It's going to hurt!"

Pulling Cole back, Ratchet kneeled with Cole in his arms bracing him against his chest. "Quit fidgeting and calm down! I'm not going to hurt you!"

Kicking, Cole squawked loudly. "How do I know that?! How do I know that you're not going to cut my arm off ?!"

Looking up Ratchet scowled. "Oh do you want me to cut your arm off—?" Activating the blade on his left hand, Ratchet smirked. "—Because I can if you really want me to."

Practically screaming, Cole thrashed around and cried in Ratchet's arms. Scowling Smokescreen huffed. "Ratchet!"

Retracting the blade back into his arm, Ratchet shrugged casually. "What, I wasn't actually going to do it. I was just teasing."

Scoffing loudly, Smokescreen shook his head. "Not funny Ratchet."

Ratchet shook his head looking down at Cole who was looking up with wet, pleading optics. Softening his voice slightly, Ratchet sighed. "I'm not going to hurt you Cole, I'm just going to get rid of the scrapes on your arm."

Wiping the tears from his optics, Cole sighed. "Will it hurt?"

Shaking his head, Ratchet's face remained unchanged. "No, it will not hurt."

Leaning back and looking up with pleading optics, Cole cringed. "Promise?"

Sighing, Ratchet nodded. " I promise. Just hold still and you won't feel a thing."

Nodding slowly, Cole sat still and watched as Ratchet held his arm, bringing the buffer in his hands closer to his armor. Tensing up, Cole cringed as the loud buffer moved closer to his quaking armor.

Just then the ruff pad of the buffer scrapped against Cole's armor, sending a spark or two to fly. Yelping, Cole looked away, shaking.

Tightening his grip, Ratchet called over the buffer. "Hold still, we're almost done."

Just then, the buffer turned off. Pulling the buffer away, Ratchet switched the head and turned it back on, again putting it against Cole's armor. This time the pad was soft and felt kind of nice.

Pulling the buffer away while turning it off, Ratchet inspected his handy work and nodded in approval. Pushing Cole away from him gently, Ratchet huffed. "See? You're done. Now go find something constructive to do and stop fighting with your sister."

Watching Ratchet leave, Cole looked his arm over, opening and closing his palm.

Walking up beside Cole, Kira sighed. "I'm sorry Cole. I never should've bitten you, then you wouldn't have had to have been fixed by grumpy old Ratchet."

"I heard that!"

Both cringing suddenly, Cole and Kira busted into a full bore sprint to the opposite side of the room. Looking at Cole, Kira pleaded. "Can we call this a truce so we don't get beat by Ratchet?"

Nodding, Cole grabbed Kira's hand pulling her around the corner. "Truce."

Watching, Smokescreen scoffed then turned to Ratchet. "You know you're a child's version of a Decepticon."

Chuckling, Ratchet turned away back to his workbench. "No I'm not—." Glancing over his shoulder, Ratchet smiled evilly. "—I'm worse."

…

…

Sitting against the wall behind a crate, Kira slowly peeked up from behind looking around the room.

"Is the coast clear Kira? Do you see Ratchet anywhere?"

Looking back down at Cole, Kira nodded. "I don't see Ratchet anywhere."

Joining Kira in her steak-out, Cole sat up looking around. "We better go find Smokescreen. He's probably looking for us."

Sneaking out, Cole and Kira crept around trying to steer clear of Ratchet the Hatchet –as Kira and Cole now were calling him.

Suddenly, Cole ran into something and Kira ran into Cole, both tumbling to the floor. Looking up, Cole sighed. It's was just Bulkhead.

Chuckling Bulkhead kneeled helping Cole and Kira to their feet. "What are you two doing back here? Shouldn't you two be up front with Smokescreen?"

Pointing with a scowl on her face, Kira hissed. "We were hiding from Ratchet the Hatchet."

Snorting a quick laugh, Bulkhead shook his head. "I've never heard the Doc bot called that! That's pretty good!"

Throwing her hands up Kira pleaded. "What? He tried to cut Cole's arm off and made him cry!"

Scowling at Kira, Cole snarled. "I didn't cry!"

Scowling back, Kira stuck out her bottom lip plate. "Yes you did! I heard you and so did Smokescreen!"

Holding a dismissive hand up, Bulkhead chuckled. "Still, don't you think you two should have stayed with Smokescreen? He's probably looking for you."

"There you two are!"

Looking up, Bulkhead smiled gesturing with a nod. "Speak of the devil…"

Stopping with Melody still in his arms, Smokescreen kneeled with a scowl. "Why'd you both go running off like that? Do you know what Prime would have done to me if I lost you two?!"

Chuckling, Bulkhead stood up. "Well get a load of Mr. Responsible here!"

Scowling at Bulkhead, Smokescreen huffed. "I just don't want my tailpipe kicked in by Dad-imus Prime."

Scoffing softly, Bulkhead shook his head. "I really don't think Optimus would ever do anything like that."

Putting one hand on his hip, Smokescreen shifted from one servo to the other. "Well how do you know? We're talking about the same bot that three years ago would barely ever smile and never laughed, yet within the past day has smiled and laughed multiple times."

Looking down at Cole and Kira who were listening intently, Bulkhead looked at Smokescreen smiling. "Kids have a funny way of softening hardened sparks. Optimus apparently was no exception."

Also looking at Cole and Kira and then at Melody, Smokescreen sighed. "Yeah, I guess so."

Passing Smokescreen to walk away, Bulkhead chuckled. "A lot has changed over the past three years, but what hasn't changed is the fact that Optimus is our leader."

Nodding Smokescreen shrugged and nodded. "Yeah I know. But it's kind of weird in a way…in some ways he seems like a totally different bot. Sure, he's still the down-to-earth, I'll-take-command sort of figure but…his demeanor kind of seems off."

Putting a hand on Smokescreen's shoulder, Bulkhead smiled. "Optimus is the same bot he was before. Yeah, he's a little different in some specs but he's still the same. But we also have to remember that he's a sire now. He's got more than just soldiers to worry about…he's got little ones dependant on him."

Just then, Cole and Kira's optics met as they looked at one another and then back at Smokescreen and Bulkhead. Bulkhead just laughed softly, gently hitting Smokescreen on the shoulder. "Don't worry; come the next time the Decepticons make a move for a relic, Optimus will seem like his old self again."

Suddenly, the main base alarm began to sound catching everyone off guard. Clinging to Bulkhead's leg, Kira cringed. "What is that?"

Looking at Smokescreen, Bulkhead motioned with a nod of his head in the direction of the main hanger.

Following close behind, Smokescreen ushered Cole and Kira to stay close. Looking at one another, Cole and Kira couldn't have guessed what would happen next.

…

Watching the main terminal computer screen flash, Optimus pulled away from his current project watching.

Walking in Cole groaned. "Oh my ears! Can somebody turn that noise off?"

Just then the alarm fell silent. Looking up, Ratchet groaned. "It's the Decepticons, and they've unearthed another relic."

Watching from over Ratchet's shoulder, Optimus sighed softly then activated his face mask. "Autobots, prepare to—."

"Daddy?!"

Looking down, Kira stared up at him with optics full of curiosity as well as concern. "Daddy, where are you going?"

Kneeling, Optimus optics were gentle, even behind his battle mask. "The Decepticons are going to try to take something very important. We cannot allow that to happen. I cannot allow that to happen."

Putting her small hands on his mask, Kira pleaded. "But, you're coming back…right?"

Chuckling softly, Optimus pushed his face into Kira's nuzzling her softly. "Of course I'm coming back."

Slowly pulling away, letting Kira's hands follow, Optimus stood looking to Ratchet. "Please watch over them until I return old friend."

Looking at Cole and Kira and then at Optimus, Ratchet scowled. "You have to be joking Optimus."

Shrugging with an obvious smile behind the mask, Optimus moved toward the ground bridge. "Autobots, Roll out!"

Transforming in mid stride, Optimus' vehicle form rolled into the ground bridge, with Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee close behind; all of them also in their vehicle forms.

Smiling, Smokescreen handed Melody over to an unsuspecting Ratchet and laughed. "Have fun doc bot!"

Transforming, Smokescreen ripped through the ground bridge vortex which then in moments shut down.

The whole room fell silent for many moments until Cole sighed in awe.

Looking down at him, Ratchet scoffed. "What's the matter with you?"

Turning his attention up at Ratchet, Cole and Kira's optics were full with wonder and amazement.

Scowling slightly, Ratchet sighed. "What?"

Looking back at the ground bridge, Cole struggled to find the right words he wanted to say, so Kira spoke for him.

"I didn't know that daddy could do that!"

Passing an uneasy glance to Melody and then back to Cole and Kira, Ratchet huffed. "You didn't know he could do what?"

Watching Kira for a brief moment, Cole looked at Ratchet. "We didn't know that dad and the others could change from robots into cars and trucks."

Turning away shrugging, Ratchet gently placed Melody on the ground by his feet and returned to his work. "Well now you know."

Looking at each other and then back at him, Cole and Kira slowly approached Ratchet, watching him. Sitting on the berth behind him, Cole and Kira watched as Ratchet worked quietly.

Kicking her feet back and forth, Kira smiled. "What do you change into?"

Glancing quickly over his shoulder and then back at his work, Ratchet sighed. "I transform into an ambulance."

Snorting a quick laugh, Cole smirked. Looking at him, Ratchet snarled. "And just what is it that you find so funny?"

Shrugging Cole smiled sheepishly. "I just think it's a little ironic that you're a medic and you transform into a vehicle specifically used by professions of medical purpose."

Raising a brow, Ratchet looked Cole over for quite some time before smirking slightly. "You know you're starting to sound a lot like Optimus…"

Smiling shyly, Cole looked away. "I guess I've been around him so long that I just—."

Looking away with a shrug, Ratchet sighed. "I'm not saying that's a bad thing. You actually remind me quite a bit of him."

Watching Cole and then looking at Ratchet, Kira sighed. "Hey Ratchet, can I ask you something?"

Turning around again, Ratchet groaned softly. "It depends…"

Tilting her head slightly with a shrug, Kira rubbed the back of her neck. "Daddy told us that he wasn't always a Prime, that a long time ago his name was Orion Pax. Is that true?"

Looking at Kira with a little bit of astonishment, Ratchet slowly nodded. "Yes…that is true."

Scowling slightly in thought, Kira looked at the floor, and then slowly looked up. "So…can anybody be a Prime or do you have to be family of a Prime to be a Prime?"

Furrowing his brows slightly, Ratchet turned all the way around leaning against the work bench, watching Kira in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Shrugging, Kira looked away gesturing to Melody. "I mean, since Melody is daddy's biological baby, wouldn't that make her the next Prime when daddy is gone?"

Chuckling softly, Ratchet shook his head. "Melody may share genetic coding with your sire; however, that does not determine who will succeed Optimus." Looking down at Melody, Ratchet smiled. "The Matrix of Leadership will determine who will become the next Prime after Optimus is gone. Although…I must admit…"

Both looking up at Ratchet simultaneously, and then having looked at one another, Cole and Kira remained silent until finally Cole asked. "What do you have to admit?"

Looking at Cole, Ratchet shrugged turning away, being careful not to step on Melody. "I must admit that it's almost scary how much you and Optimus are alike…and it would not surprise me one bit if one day the Matrix chose you to become the next Prime."

Pointing to himself, Cole seemed bewildered and dumbfounded. "Me?"

Pointing to Cole, Kira held the same expression. "Him?"

Looking at the two of them, Ratchet shrugged, smirking. "Perhaps, then again I may be wrong. Who knows? The only one that knows for certain is Primus himself."

As Ratchet turned away, Kira giggled. "Yeah, wouldn't that be something to see! Cole as the next Prime!"

Smiling sheepishly, Cole's voice trembled slightly. "Yeah…it will probably never happen though. I mean…how could it?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Ratchet watched Cole as he climbed off the medical berth and started to walk away.

Cole couldn't help but wonder, was what Ratchet saying true? Could he really be chosen as the next Prime? Shaking the thoughts from his head, Cole smiled. No way, he could never be the next Prime! He and Optimus may be alike…but they weren't that alike. Turning back to return to Ratchet and his sisters, Cole laughed at himself. He bet anything that Optimus never did anything like this. He bet Optimus never would walk away deep in thought over things like this.

…

…