h3uChapter 16: Hard Adjustments/h3

"Hey, I needed that!"

Pulling the wrench away Kira pouted. "But what if I need it?"

Smirking with a smile, Ratchet held out his hand, gesturing with his finger. "Would you like to explain to your sire why the sub systems are still lagging in performance?"

Scowling, Kira huffed. "What?"

Shaking his head, Ratchet scoffed playfully. "Do you want your sire to get mad at you for not letting me finish?"

Thinking for a moment, Kira pouted and held out the wrench. Taking it with a victorious grin, Ratchet chuckled. "I didn't think so."

Kneeling with Melody still by his feet, Ratchet kept his attention on his work. Melody on the other hand occupied herself with a stray tool.

Making a few adjustments, Ratchet sat up and sighed looking around. "Where is my screwdriver?"

Laughing Cole gestured to Ratchet's feet. "Apparently Melody is making good use of it."

Looking down at his feet, Ratchet smiled kneeling a little closer. "Melody…"

Turning her head up with the screwdriver in her mouth, she stared at Ratchet. Smiling, Ratchet chuckled. "Can I have the screwdriver?"

Looking at the prize in her hands, Melody sighed then looked back at Ratchet holding the screwdriver close to her chest. Smiling, Ratchet held out the wrench in front of Melody's optics. "Here, I will trade you."

Looking at the screwdriver in her hand again, and then at the shiny, silver wrench Ratchet was holding, Melody suddenly dropped her current treasure only to gain a better one. Though, she had to bang it on the ground a few times just to be certain it was a worthy prize.

Laughing softly, Ratchet gently pulled the screwdriver from her lap and went back to working.

Watching from her spot on the bench above Ratchet, Kira sighed tiredly and yawned. "Hey Ratchet, do you like us?"

Looking up for a brief moment, Ratchet shrugged with a soft sigh. "Yes I suppose. You and your brother were a little…difficult at first, but I admire both your enthusiasm and curiosity."

Playing with his fingers, Cole smiled sheepishly. "Well, we kind of both misjudged you too. We thought you were just a mean grumpy old bot…but now we know that you're actually really nice and smart."

Smiling, Kira nodded in agreement. "Yeah, even though you may be grumpy sometimes, it's easy to see why daddy thinks of you as a good friend."

Looking up Ratchet smiled slowly, nodding as he looked back at his work the whole time, not saying a word, just smiling.

Suddenly, ringing out through the room, the comm. link blared out. "Ratchet, activate the ground bridge to our coordinates now."

Standing up abruptly, Ratchet sprinted to the ground bridge activating it.

Upon activation, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee rushed through leaving Optimus to bring up the rear.

Just then, enemy fire penetrated the vortex, barely missing Optimus.

Deactivating the ground bridge, Ratchet watched as Optimus transformed into his robotic form sliding to a halt as his armor adjusted to its appropriate place.

Watching in awe, Cole and Kira couldn't believe what it was they just saw.

Chuckling Bulkhead nudged Cole and Kira. "It's not the first time he's done that move."

Looking past Cole to Bulkhead, Kira optics were wide. "It isn't?"

Walking up beside Bulkhead, Bumblebee nodded gesturing to Optimus who was now talking to Ratchet, taking Melody into his arms, releasing a series of beeps. Giggling, Kira nodded laughing. "I didn't know daddy knew how to do that!"

Bumblebee folded his arms nodding with an obvious smile.

Looking at Kira, Cole leaned forward. "What did Bumblebee say?"

Looking at Cole, Kira smiled. "He said that daddy knows how to do lots of cool things like scale cliffs, jump ravines… he even stopped a train once all by himself!"

Gazing up at Bumblebee, Cole tilted his head then looked at Optimus wondering; just what kind of action was he was truly capable of?

"Optimus, were you successful in retrieving the relic?" Putting the tools down, Ratchet stood, watching Optimus closely.

Looking at Melody, Optimus groaned softly. "We managed to get to the relic before the Decepticons did, however the relic was damaged in the process." Handing a strange, ancient device to Ratchet, Optimus exhaled noisily. "The Decepticons weren't willing to give up so easily."

Taking the relic from Optimus, Ratchet looked it over in his hands, examining it from every angle.

Strolling up, Smokescreen huffed. "What is it anyway?"

Setting it down, Ratchet sighed heavily. "It's a phase displacer, it works much like a phase shifter; only, different…"

Approaching slowly, Arcee scowled in curiosity. "Different how?"

Looking up, Ratchet scoffed loudly before placing the device on his wrist and activating it. Within moments, Ratchet suddenly disappeared, then reappeared when he took the device off.

Jumping up, Kira squealed. "It's like an invisibility cloak!"

Just then, all optics fell on the small femme with confused looks of curiosity. Well, almost everyone. Cole was desperately attempting to keep his laughter quiet for he knew the reference.

Looking around, Kira smiled sheepishly. "Never mind…"

Shaking his head, Optimus looked back to Ratchet. "I take it the relic is not quite as damaged as I had first anticipated."

Watching Optimus and then the relic, Ratchet shook his head. "No, the relic is not very damaged and should be fairly simple to repair."

Nodding, Optimus sighed quietly looking at Melody who was on the verge of falling asleep in his arms. "Good." Looking up to Bulkhead, Optimus spoke. "Bulkhead, as soon as Ratchet has made the necessary repairs to the relic; I want you to place it within the vaults. Understood?"

Returning with a nod of his own, Bulkhead chuckled. "You got it Optimus."

Turning, Optimus looked at a particular blue, red and white bot with screaming double 38's on his doors. "Smokescreen…"

Looking up suddenly, Smokescreen smiled sheepishly while slowly backing away. "Sorry Optimus, but I got to go with Bumblebee on patrol because he said he had to show me something."

Beeping in confusion, Bumblebee scowled at Smokescreen. Pushing Bumblebee toward the exit, Smokescreen growled a whisper then looked at Optimus continuing to smile as he transformed and burnt rubber as he ripped out of the base. Shaking his head, Bumblebee rolled his optics and followed.

Watching Smokescreen in utter amazement, Optimus looked down at Cole and Kira then at Melody.

Turning to meet Ratchet's gaze, Optimus was met with a scowl. "Don't look at me! Watching them while you're out in the field is one thing, but while there are other capable bodies here is completely another."

Watching Ratchet, and then looking at Optimus, Bulkhead smiled sheepishly taking the relic and walking out of the room.

Groaning loudly, Optimus looked down at Cole and Kira scowling playfully. "What did you too do to everyone that they don't want to watch you?"

Looking at each other and then back at Optimus, Cole and Kira shrugged. Looking at the exit and then at Ratchet, Cole smiled sheepishly. "I guess we're just too awesome for Smokescreen or Ratchet to handle."

Sighing, Optimus shook his head chuckling softly. "Whatever the case, I still need someone to watch you three while I decode the next set of coordinates."

Puffing her chest out, Kira beamed with a smile. "We can watch ourselves!"

Poking Kira in the abdomen, causing her to deflate and hold her mid section laughing, Optimus smirked. "I don't think so."

Just then, Optimus looked up to see Arcee just a few yards away walking across the room. "Arcee…"

Stopping, Arcee looked up at Optimus and then at the children. "Yes Optimus?"

Standing, Optimus tilted his head slightly. "Arcee, could you please do me a favor?"

Folding her arms casually, Arcee shrugged. "What is it you would like me to do?"

Motioning to Cole and Kira, Optimus smiled sheepishly. "Could you please watch Cole, Kira and Melody while I attempt to decode the next set of coordinates?"

Looking at Optimus and then around the room, Arcee scowled. "Where's Smokescreen? I thought he was watching them?"

Dropping his shoulders ever so slightly, Optimus shook his head. "It would seem that apparently Bumblebee had something he needed to show Smokescreen."

Looking at Optimus with a half smile, Arcee scowled. "You do realize that Smokescreen was probably just making that up to use as an excuse just to not have to watch the kids, don't you?"

Nodding Optimus sighed. "Yes I know."

Shrugging Arcee looked away and then at Optimus again. "So why didn't you call his bluff?"

Looking away, Optimus groaned quietly. "Because Arcee, I cannot force Smokescreen to watch my little ones just as I cannot force you to do the same."

Passing a glance to Cole and Kira and then to Melody, Arcee sighed and smiled. "I will watch your children for you Optimus while you decode the Iacon coordinates."

Sighing in relief, Optimus bowed his head respectively. "Thank you Arcee, I am grateful."

Gently taking Melody in her arms, Arcee smiled sheepishly. "Don't mention it."

Kneeling, Optimus looked at both Cole and Kira and smiled. "Be good for Arcee. Do not fight with one another and be respectful. If I hear you two fighting like what you were when Smokescreen was watching you…then I will come get you and you will sit with me."

Looking at each other in disbelief and then back at Optimus, both Cole and Kira nodded slowly. Optimus smiled as he rose to his full height and looked down at Arcee. "If you need me for any reason, feel free to pull me away from my task."

Shrugging, Arcee smiled. "I don't think there will be any need for that Optimus. Everything will be just fine."

Nodding, Optimus passed one last look at Cole and Kira before walking away to the main terminal where his work laid waiting for him.

Looking down at the three under her watch, Arcee sighed with a gentle smile. "So…" Looking up to meet her gaze, Kira and Cole remained silent. Continuing to smile, Arcee adjusted Melody in her arms. "What would you too like to do first?"

Throwing her hands up, Kira beamed excitedly. "Can we paint some more?"

Groaning softly, Cole shook his head looking away.

Watching, Arcee scoffed playfully. "And just what is it you would prefer to do Cole?"

Looking at Arcee, Cole simply shrugged and then looked away again. "I don't know…anything but painting I guess."

Walking in from the back vaults, Bulkhead chuckled. "Cee, so you landed the job of watching the kids huh?"

Nodding, Arcee smiled. "Yeah, I did. Thanks Bulkhead."

Smiling sheepishly, Bulkhead chuckled. "You're welcome…now what is it you're thanking me for?"

Gently hitting Bulkhead in the arm as she walked past him with Melody in her arm, Arcee scolded playfully. "Thank you for running off when Optimus was asking for who'd watch them."

Shrugging suddenly, Bulkhead whined. "What? Optimus asked me to take the relic to the vault!"

Laughing, Arcee looked over her shoulder with a smirk. "Just remember Bulk, what you do today may come back to haunt you in the future." Looking at Cole and Kira, Arcee smiled. "Come on you two, we'll go find something to do that's fun for everyone."

Following like ducks-in-a-row, Cole and Kira trailed close behind Arcee as she walked out of the room. Sighing Bulkhead looked around then looked at Arcee. "Scrap…I really have nothing else to do."

Jogging casually, Bulkhead followed Arcee and the kids. "Hey you four, wait for me!"

…

Sitting in the training room down the hallway from the main command, Arcee sat with Melody and Kira on the floor watching Bulkhead and Cole play by means of wresting. Although some wouldn't call it that considering it was Cole trying to take Bulkhead down, and Bulkhead was just deflecting Cole's attempts.

Watching, Kira just giggled. "Cole's not going to win against Bulkhead, is he?"

Looking at Kira, and then at Bulkhead, Arcee smiled. "Maybe…maybe not today or even tomorrow, but someday Cole could become a great warrior like your sire."

Gazing up from her spot beside Arcee, Kira blinked her pretty blue optics. "What about me?"

Smiling, Arcee shrugged. "You can become a great warrior someday too if you really wanted to."

Leaning up against Arcee, Kira looked down sighing sadly. "I could never do that…I'm too small…"

Laughing sincerely, Arcee gently placed a hand on Kira's shoulder. "Size has nothing to do with how tough you can be, believe me I know."

Looking up, Kira smiled. "Do you really think I could be a great warrior someday?"

Folding her arms around Melody who sat quietly in her lap, Arcee smiled warmly. "Of course you could. There's no one in this universe telling you that you can't."

Sighing, Kira slouched. "But what would I do?"

Shrugging Arcee laughed softly. "You could do lots of things. You could be a medic, a scout, an analyst, a sniper a—."

Looking up suddenly, Kira cocked her head curiously. "A sniper? What is that?"

Shrugging casually, Arcee laughed. "A sniper is a highly trained marksman who maintains close visual contact with the enemy and engages targets from concealed positions or physical distances exceeding the detection capabilities of the enemy personnel."

Looking up in utter confusion, Kira scowled. "Huh?"

Laughing, Arcee smiled sheepishly. "Let me explain it this way; a sniper is someone who operates a gun that is able to shoot enemies from a very long ways a way, so far away that the enemy never knows that they are there until it's too late."

Nodding slowly, Kira looked away at Bulkhead and Cole who were still busily wrestling. Looking back at Arcee, Kira smiled. "I want to be one of those when I grow up!"

Laughing loudly, Arcee shrugged. "Well, I don't think your sire would object to that! You'd still be helping the Autobot cause, but you'd be well out of the way of danger. I think that would be a wonderful fit for you."

Smiling broadly, Kira beamed with delight. "You really think so?"

Arcee simply nodded and smiled. "I really think so."

Letting her smile soften, Kira sat up on her knees giving Arcee an unexpected hug. "Thank you Arcee! You're really nice to believe in me!"

Staring at Kira in some ounce of shock, Arcee slowly smiled sheepishly and laughed, hugging her back. "You're welcome Kira."

Pulling away, Kira stared up at Arcee, full of admiration. "D-Do you think you could teach me how to be a sniper?"

Laughing, Arcee gently caressed the top of Kira's head. "Once you get older, maybe."

Suddenly, there was a loud crash and bang of metal hitting the floor. Looking up, Arcee and Kira suddenly started laughing. Across the room, Cole sat triumphantly on Bulkhead's back as Bulkhead lay on the floor tapping his fingers on the ground as he scowled in frustration and annoyance.

Laughing loudly, Arcee shook her head. "Bulkhead, you actually let Cole win?"

Scowling, Bulkhead looked up. "I didn't let him win! He cheated!"

Looking down, Cole scoffed playfully. "I didn't cheat! I used one of your weaknesses to my advantage! You told me I had to learn how to do that, and I did!"

Glaring up out of the corner of his optics, Bulkhead huffed. "You tripped me you little scraplet."

Waving a dismissive hand, Cole looked away smiling. "With your big feet, it should come as no surprise that you trip. You could probably trip over a flat surface all by yourself, and that takes talent."

Rolling over, sending Cole tumbling to the ground, Bulkhead huffed playfully saying they were going to wrestle for real now. Jumping up suddenly, Cole sprinted for Arcee saying her name over and over again until, he was safe behind her.

Sitting up, Bulkhead's laugh boomed through the room. "Aw come on kid, I was only kidding. I wouldn't do that to you."

Walking out slowly, Cole smiled sheepishly, laughing. "Y-Yeah…I knew that."

Picking up a large ball made of pieces of metal welded together; Bulkhead tossed it at the ceiling and caught it again.

Pointing to the ball, Kira sighed. "Bulkhead, what's that? Is it a ball?"

Laughing, Bulkhead looked the metal mass in his hands over, rolling it. "Sort of. It's a lobbing ball."

Shifting his weight on his feet, Cole stared at the ball and then at Bulkhead. "What's 'lobbing'?"

Kneeling to place the ball on the ground, Bulkhead smiled. "It's a game."

Smiling, Cole looked up smiling. "How do you play?"

Chuckling, Bulkhead looked at the ball. "Well Cole you play by—."

"Bulkhead."

Looking up to see Arcee glaring at him, Bulkhead shrugged sheepishly. "What?"

Shaking her head, Arcee scowled. "You know Lobbing really isn't a game for a youngling. It's an adult game. If he tried to play, he could seriously get hurt."

Staring up at Arcee, Kira sighed. "What is Lobbing?"

Looking down at Kira, Arcee sighed. "Lobbing is a game where two or more participants throw a large metal ball at one another as hard as they can as so to try to knock their opponent down. It's a famous pastime of Cybertronians and is very popular among the warrior class."

Scowling Cole huffed. "Why can't I play?"

Shaking her head, Arcee groaned softly. "Because Cole the game can get very—."

"Cee…"

Looking up Arcee suddenly fell quiet. Kneeling next to Cole with the lobbing ball in his hands, Bulkhead smiled. "Tell you what Cole," Just then Bulkhead set the ball down on the ground and pulled his hands away. "If you can lift the lobbing ball, then you can play."

Looking up suddenly, Arcee growled. "Bulkhead!"

Holding up a hand to Arcee, Bulkhead smiled. "Trust me Arcee…" Looking back at Cole, Bulkhead smiled. "Alright tough guy, lift it up."

Smirking, Cole strolled up to the ball and smiled. "I'm so gonna beat you at Lob—ACK!" Just then Cole tried to lift the ball only to find that it wouldn't budge and inch. It…was…heavy.

Heaving upward, Cole groaned loudly and even screamed trying to lift it but huffed when he let go. That wasn't going anywhere. Groaning loudly, Cole huffed. "You didn't tell me that it was heavy!"

Chuckling, Bulkhead shrugged. "You didn't expect it to be light did you?"

Looking away Cole remained silent. Rubbing the top of Cole's head, Bulkhead then picked up the ball and tossed it to the other side of the room. "Don't worry about it kid, once you get older, you'll be able to pick up and lob just like the rest of us."

Groaning Cole looked away. Now he felt really stupid for thinking he could have actually picked it up.

Just then, Cole noticed something and giggled softly. "Uh…Arcee?"

Looking up from Kira, Arcee blinked. "What is it Cole?"

Pointing to the door of the room, Cole smiled. "You have a runaway."

Looking Arcee suddenly realized that Melody was gone and was crawling out the door.

Jumping up, Arcee growled at Bulkhead. "Bulk, why didn't you tell me that she was gone?!"

Laughing Bulkhead said nothing.

Growling, Arcee groaned and chased after Melody. "Melody come back here!"

Just then a loud giggle emanated from the hallway where Arcee and Melody were currently located.

Watching for a moment, Cole couldn't help but wonder, when did Melody learn how to crawl?

Tapping Cole on the shoulder, Bulkhead motioned to Kira was standing just outside the door watching the spectacle. "Come on kid, let's go see if your sire is done yet."

With a nod, Cole slowly followed as Bulkhead followed Arcee.

Cole's spark was now feeling heavy. Everyone was saying; "once you get older, you'll make a great warrior" or "when you're an adult you'll be great in a fight"…

Was this all they thought about? When the next fight was? These bots were nice and all; sure, but was war all they thought about? Is that what he, Kira and eventually Melody going to have to become, warriors? Didn't they have a say in what it was they wanted to be? Kira was already saying she wanted to be a sniper when she grew up, and Melody is just a baby…she didn't know what she wanted…and him…what did he want?

What was it he wanted?

"Daddy, any luck with your stuff you're reading?"

Looking up, Cole watched as Kira ran up to Optimus, hanging on him with a giggle.

Looking down, Optimus smiled warmly. "Not yet dear one. I still have a little bit more of this entry to decode."

Groaning softly, Kira slid down Optimus leg and sat on his foot staring up. "Daddy, I want to go outside. When are you going to be done?"

Smiling, Optimus sighed softly. "Not for a while little one… it is very important that I decode these entries as quickly as possible."

Whining, Kira lay on Optimus' foot and slid to the floor. "But daddy…I'm BORED."

Chuckling, Optimus shook his head looking down at Kira then back at the screen. "I know Kira, I know. But I really must get these codes finished…it is very important."

Walking in just then with a giggling, happy sparkling, Arcee laughed sheepishly. "Looks like you have a little runaway here Optimus."

Looking at Melody, Optimus smiled. "You would never do that to Arcee, would you?"

Slowly smiling, Melody cooed and squealed as happily as could be. Chuckling Optimus shook his head. "You must have inherited your mischievous side from your mother."

Giggling hysterically, Melody rolled over in Arcee's arms and stared up at Optimus from under Arcee's arm. Laughing, Arcee looked away fighting to remain quiet.

"Optimus,"

Looking at Ratchet, Optimus nodded then looked at Kira and Cole. "As soon as I am finished with this task, we will go outside for a while."

Jumping up, Kira squealed running out of the room.

As everyone turned to leave, Cole stayed behind and hid listening to Optimus and Ratchet converse.

"Optimus, do you really think it wise to take them outside the confines of the base? You yourself said that it is not safe for them beyond the walls that protect them."

Nodding, Optimus continued to work decoding the coordinates. "I know that Ratchet, but there are merely children…keeping them within the base for the rest of their lives is like keeping a native wild animal of earth locked up in a cage."

Scoffing Ratchet huffed. "Optimus, you know as well as I do that Megatron is vicious, ruthless, merciless and cruel. Just imagine what he would do to Cole, Kira or Melody if given the chance!"

Looking up off at the screen, Optimus sighed heavily. "Though I agree with everything you have said Ratchet, considering that Megatron is a tyrant who rules by pushing his beliefs and ideals onto others by incredulous means, I still have to uphold a promise that I made."

Putting his hands on his hips, Ratchet huffed. "And what promise would that be?"

Turning his full attention to Ratchet, Optimus sighed. "I promised Cole and Kira that if they behaved themselves and were patient that I would take them outside for an hour or so to play. After all they have been through; I think it would be good for them to sincerely play."

Looking Optimus over, Ratchet sighed and remained silent for a long time.

Smiling, Optimus tilted his head looking Ratchet over. "What old friend?"

Chuckling, Ratchet shrugged. "You really do care about those sparklings don't you?"

Smiling Optimus nodded. "Yes…I do."

Looking down, Cole sighed softly and slipped away down the hallway. He had so many questions…and so many thoughts…and yet, he had nowhere near enough time in the universe to consider them all.

Walking down the hallway, Cole couldn't help but continue to wonder; was this how things were going to be like from now on? Was that all dad was going to do; stand by the main computer terminal decoding Iacon coordinates to find these 'relic' things? Were he and Kira going to be confined to the base until the day they die?

Slowly trotting into the training room, Cole couldn't help but look over and see Bulkhead trying to teach Kira how to land a good punch, as well as Arcee tending to Melody's needs.

Sitting on the other side of the room, Cole sat and wondered. Was this really all their lives were going to consist of from now on? Were they going to be forced to hide in the protective shadows of the base while a murderous, psychopathic Decepticon overlord ran rapid trying to claim the universe as his own? Closing his optics, Cole's head began to ache with the flood of questions and queries that eluded him.

Who was this Megatron guy anyway?

Dad had told him that he was once a gladiator from the pits of Kaon who rose up against the council of Cybertron demanding equality for the masses but then turned evil and sinister in his thirst for power and control. Dad had told him that Megatron was a slave to his own twisted wants and desires and couldn't see the monster he was becoming.

But who was Megatron really? Why is it he was doing all of these horrible things?

Again, so many questions…

…

Laying on the floor in the training room, Kira groaned and whined in misery. "It's been four hours, and daddy still isn't done! At this rate it'll be dark and we won't get to go outside and play at all!"

Laughing, Bulkhead sighed. "It's only been an hour and a half Kira. Just be patient, your sire will finish soon."

Sitting up, Kira continued to whine. "How soon?"

Smiling, Arcee sighed. "Soon."

Rolling over to lay on her mid section, Kira huffed with a groan. "Daddy needs to hurry up and finish before I fall asleep."

Looking up from her position on the floor, Kira tilted her head to see Cole still in the same position he was in before. He was still sitting alone on the opposite side of the room, deeply entranced in thought.

Rolling over to sit up, Kira quickly stood and trotted over to Cole, standing over him. "What are you doing big brother?"

Looking up at Kira, Cole shook his head and said nothing. Sitting next to him, Kira bumped him lightly. "Cole, what's the matter?"

Pushing her away, Cole huffed. "Nothing is the matter. Just leave me alone."

Pouting, Kira stood up again and huffed. "Fine crabby pants, I'll leave you alone." Sticking out her glossa, she stomped away and sat by Bulkhead and Arcee who were talking.

Watching Kira leave, Cole sighed and rested his arms on his pulled up knees. Would it have been like this if mom was still around? Or would she have been right there with them as another Autobot? What would she have looked like if she was an Autobot?

Closing his optics, Cole tried to imagine what he thought his mother would have looked like as an Autobot. She would have been tall, and would have had the prettiest blue and green optics you've ever seen. She would have looked a lot like Kira only she would have been black, blue and turquoise since those were her favorite colors and she would have been a nurse.

Opening his eyes again, Cole could still see the image of his mom smiling at him. He big blue and green eyes staring at him, her dark brown hair dangling past her eyes, her laugh…he could still see her…but now she was staring to fade.

Wiping the lubricant from his optics, Cole sighed. Mom wouldn't want him crying. She'd want him to be strong. She'd want him to be strong for Kira, for Melody, for dad.

But although he wanted to be with Optimus, a small part of him was starting to feel home sick for that dimension he called home for so long. He was starting to miss being human.

"Enjoying yourselves?"

Looking up, Cole noticed Optimus standing in the doorway of the training room.

"Daddy!" Sprinting into Optimus' arms, Kira laughed and smiled. "Did you come to get us so we can go outside?"

Smiling sheepishly, Optimus shook his head. "Not exactly little one, I have some very important business to attend to before we do that."

Letting her smile fade, Kira looked up pleading. "What kind of business?"

Looking at Kira, then at Bulkhead and Arcee, then at Kira again; Optimus smiled the best he could. "I just finished decoding the next set of coordinates. Unfortunately so have the Decepticons. So…Bulkhead and I are going to go get the relic before the Decepticons do."

Looking down Kira fell silent. Pulling her chin up so she had to look at him, Optimus cooed. "Once Bulkhead and I return with the relic, we will go outside and play."

Staring up at Optimus, Kira's eyes lit up with hope. "Promise?"

Smiling warmly, Optimus nodded. "I promise."

Slowly nodding Kira looked down with a smile. Looking to Bulkhead, Optimus' demeanor quickly changed. "Bulkhead, we need to hurry if we have any hope of beating the Decepticons to the relic. We need to depart immediately."

Nodding, Bulkhead quickly trotted out of the training room right behind Optimus.

Following behind, Cole watched as Optimus and Bulkhead entered the main hanger and approached Ratchet who was standing by, beside the ground bridge controls.

Looking to Ratchet while activating his face mask, Optimus nodded. "Ratchet, activate ground bridge to provided coordinates."

Nodding, Ratchet punched in the coordinates and pulled down on the lever activating the ground bridge.

The ground bridge vortex roared to life with flashes of its blue, green and white flashing across all angles of the event horizon.

Watching from out of sight, Cole still even after seeing it multiple times could not believe that such a feat of engineering was even possible. Yet, here it stood.

Looking to Ratchet, Optimus nodded and proceeded to transform and move through. Following close behind Bulkhead did the same.

Watching them, and then looking at Ratchet, Cole suddenly realized that the only way he could believe what Bumblebee said before, was if he saw Optimus fight with his own optics. Besides…he had questions he wanted answered.

Leaping into a full sprint, Cole bounded out from his hiding place into the ground bridge vortex without Ratchet seeing him.

There were things about Megatron and his foster father he wanted to know…and those answers weren't going to be found in the confines of the base.

…

…

Upon emerging on the other side, Cole couldn't help but feel a little woozy and shaken up. In part, it almost felt like his entire frame was vibrating. Shaking it off, Cole moved quickly looking around at the seemingly alien terrain. It wasn't at all like the desert ecosystem like Nevada or Arizona. It was more like the heavily wooded forests in far north Minnesota.

Looking ahead, Cole saw Bulkhead and Optimus walking. Bulkhead was holding the scanner and leading the way.

Ducking behind rocks, thick underbrush and trees Cole followed.

Looking at Optimus, Bulkhead chuckled. "Those kids are really something Optimus. Who would have ever thought that they'd be yours."

Raising an optic ridge to Bulkhead, Optimus huffed. "What exactly are you insinuating Bulkhead?"

Suddenly realizing how it must have sounded, Bulkhead laughed dryly. "No, no Boss bot. I didn't mean it like that…I just meant—."

Suddenly Optimus gave the hand signal to drop all noise. Within seconds the both of them fell silent and stopped moving.

Watching from a distance, Cole remained silent, wondering what in the world was going on.

Signaling for Bulkhead to move to the right, Optimus continued to move forward and stopped just short of the tree line next to a wide open valley next to a long ridge of cliff that probably exceeded fifty to seventy-five feet into the air. At the base of it, a squadron of Decepticon servant class drones worked quickly to mine an object from the rock. They were being led by Dreadwing.

Pulling out a container from the cliff's face, Dreadwing growled. "Be careful with that. Lord Megatron would be highly displeased if it were to be damaged in any way."

"He would probably be even more angry if he didn't get it at all!"

Looking up to the tree line, Dreadwing growled at the sight of Bulkhead.

Pointing to him, Dreadwing roared. "Return the relic to Lord Megatron, I'll deal with the accursed Autobot!"

"You have to deal with me first Dreadwing!"

Just then a heavy blow was made to the left side of Dreadwing's face sending him blindly staggering to the side. Looking up, Dreadwing slowly grinned and stood to his full height. "Optimus Prime…"

Standing battle ready, Optimus growled ominously. "Give us the relic Dreadwing, and all of your lives will be spared."

Pulling the sword from his back, Dreadwing laughed mockingly. "Do you really think I would hand over the relic to you so willingly Prime? You've obviously been away far too long that you forget what happened last time we crossed blades…"

Snarling, Optimus huffed. "Then perhaps you wish to jar my memory…"

Just then, Optimus swung around with his blade landing blow after blow against the blade Dreadwing held.

Watching in utter awe, Cole couldn't believe just how skilled his foster father was with a blade. He fought like…like…

Huffing, Cole smiled. There was nothing in this world…in this universe even that could accurately describe just how amazing Optimus was. Shaking his head he smiled. Everything Bumblebee had said was true. Everything and more…

Wheeling his foot around, Optimus kicked Dreadwing in the face, and then he charged him landing a heavy blow to his midsection.

Grabbing the relic from a lifeless vehicon miner's shell, Bulkhead yelled. "Optimus! I got it, let's go!"

Activating his comm. link, Optimus huffed. "Ratchet, we need a ground bridge now!"

Suddenly within moments, a ground bridge portal open mere yards away from Optimus' location which they passed through letting it close behind them.

Smiling Cole couldn't believe what just happened. The 'Cons had the relic and everything was starting to look bad, then his dad and Bulkhead showed up and they completely dented some chassis AND THEN they escaped without leaving a—.

Suddenly the cold, horrific realization of what just happened shot through Cole's spine.

Dad and Bulkhead bridged back to base…without him.

Suddenly it felt as though his spark was going to beat right out of his chest.

Swallowing hard, Cole sat down thinking to himself. He even talked to himself.

"Okay…okay don't panic. By time dad gets back to base he'll realize I'm missing, then he'll come looking for me! Yeah that's it! He might be a little mad, but at least he'll be happy I'm—."

Just then, there was a rustle in the brush behind him. Jumping up, Cole again swallowed hard and remained absolutely still. Was it a Decepticon? Was it going to jump out and kill him? Or worse…was there anything even worse than death?

The anxiety building in his spark was growing to be too much when SUDDENLY…a squirrel jumped out and looked up at him.

Groaning with a soft sigh, Cole shook his head and took a quick step forward near the small furry animal.

Scrambling up a nearby tree the squirrel chattered and then scampered away.

Laughing, Cole fell to his aft and sighed. He got all worked up…over a dinky, little squirrel? Talk about ridiculous… Laughing even harder Cole shook his head and sighed. Good thing no one was around to see him get scared like a little girl.

Just then the bushes started to rattle again behind him.

Scowling, Cole huffed. "Alright you stupid squirrel, you can stop sneaking up on me now."

Suddenly a dark pair of red optics lit up from within the brush and slowly rose to a looming, shadowy figure.

Looking up in utter horror, Cole tried to speak…tried to call for help, but no words came out.

An eerie smile crept across the shadows face as it kneeled closer to get a better look.

A reasonably large bot with red, well polished armor grinned evilly at the small sparkling. His armor was detailed with silver tribal markings and his optics were red and empty.

That smile…those optics…looked unnaturally familiar. Cole knew this bot. he remembered Optimus saying his name. He was the same red haired guy that attacked him and Kira when they were in the truck…

Cole tried to talk but only managed to get out a stuttering whisper. "K-Knockout…"

Laughing lowly, Knockout tilted his head. "Hello..."

Bolting up suddenly, Cole sprinted as fast as he could through the brush away from Knockout. Sprinting after the small youngling, Knockout called out, taunting him. "Do you really think you can escape from me?! You don't stand a chance!"

Tripping down the bank, Cole tumbled over and over again until he hit the ground hard.

He tried to push himself up but fell back to the ground groaning in pain. Something in his side didn't feel right. It hurt like someone had just kicked him.

Pushing himself up again, Cole kept thinking over and over again; I have to get away, I have to find dad.

Falling down again, a sharp pain shot through his leg, cringing in agony Cole cried and whimpered crying out Optimus' name.

Falling quiet hearing only the echoes of his cries, Cole suddenly heard the terrifying sound of Knockout's laugh growing louder.

His footsteps in the leaves of the forest floor suddenly stopped as a shadow loomed over him.

Cole could feel the energon in his veins growing thick with fear as Knockout slowly kneeled beside him; his red optics casting their ominous light over him.

Smiling, Knockout chuckled softly. "I'll ask you again; did you really think that you could escape from me?"

Looking up at Knockout out of the corner of his optics, Cole stayed quiet, for no words could escape his trembling vocalizer.

Laughing, Knockout slowly ran a single finger down Cole's already trembling frame. "Lord Megatron is just going to love this."

Closing his optics, Cole whimpered for he could not hold back the tears. Shaking he screamed. "Daddy, help me!"

Laughing in a mocking tone, Knockout grabbed Cole's arm, dragging him along. "You're sire can't hear you now…no one can."

…

…

Throwing Cole down on the dark, cold surface of the bridge, Knockout grinned. "For you Lord Megatron; a gift of my un-doubtable allegiance to you."

Slowly walking forward, Megatron kneeled taking Cole's face into his hand, turning it over to look at it thoroughly.

Cole was so petrified with fear that he could do nothing but watch.

Looking at Knockout, Megatron eased his optics. "I'm impressed Knockout, for once you actually managed to bring me something that is of use to me."

Scowling ever so slightly, Knockout shook the expression from his face and bowed respectively. "It is my honor to be of service, Lord Megatron."

Turning away, Knockout mumbled a few choice words that Cole could have only guess were not compliments.

Standing to his full height again, Megatron growled. "You are one of the offspring of Optimus Prime, aren't you?"

Remaining silent, Cole stayed sitting on the floor, not looking at anyone or anything.

Growling, Megatron huffed. "Knockout…"

Grabbing Cole by the arms, Knockout forced him to stand, and growled. "Look at him when he speaks to you!"

Slowly, Cole looked up letting his optics meet those of the Decepticon over lord.

Snarling, Megatron tightened his fist. "I have a very low tolerance for youngling behavior…so do not make me ask you again. Are you the offspring of Optimus Prime?"

Swallowing hard Cole cringed. "No. Not exactly."

Raising an optic ridge, Megatron huffed. "Then what relation are you to him, seeing as you refer to him as your sire?"

Looking away, Cole spoke slowly and clearly trying to keep his nerve. "He…adopted…me and my sister…when he…married my mom. He's my foster dad. But he's my dad nonetheless"

Looking to Soundwave who was standing off to the side, Megatron looked at Cole and smiled. "So you would say that you and Optimus Prime are close?"

Cole said nothing.

Looking Cole over, Megatron's smile quickly turned to a scowl. Striking Cole suddenly, Megatron roared. "Answer me!"

Holding his face where Megatron had hit him, Cole looked up with lubricant beginning to seep from his optics. Flaring his optics with rage, Megatron growled lowly. "Everyone but the youngling, leave now."

Slowly, Knockout, Soundwave, Dreadwing and all Vehicons left the bridge, leaving it eerily quiet. Looking up from his spot on the floor, Cole listened as Megatron's heavy steps approached him. Kneeling next to him, Megatron growled. "If you think that I will show you mercy because you are a child…you are wrong. As far as I'm concerned, you are the offspring of my worst enemy, therefore you too are my enemy."

Swallowing hard, Cole closed his optics wishing so hard that this was all a dream…wishing that this would all go away and he would wake up safe back at the base.

"Look at me when I talk to you!"

Opening his optics again, Cole realized this was not a dream. This was real. He was aboard the Decepticon warship…and in all honesty, was probably going to die without the chance of even getting to say goodbye to his family.

Growling with his dental plates bared, Megatron hissed. "I should terminate your life right here and now, and send your lifeless shell back to Optimus in pieces…"

Easing his optics, Megatron laughed. "However…I have other plans for you…and I need you alive."

Picking Cole up by the throat, Megatron quickly exited the bridge and headed past the medical bay toward the brig.

Clawing Megatron's hand, trying to ease the stress and pain on his neck, Cole whimpered, asking…pleading for him to let go.

Looking down at Cole, Megatron laugh mockingly.

Entering the brig, Megatron threw him down. "Stand up."

Trying to push himself up, Cole sobbed…cringing in agony.

Back handing Cole, sending him across the room, Megatron laughed. "Poor Optimus was so blind by his own affection for you, you half bred abomination, that he could not see the danger he was placing you in. Your sire is just as weak as you are!"

Hitting Cole again, Megatron laughed again. "Now look where you've ended up, at the mercy of the Decepticons!"

Hiding his face, Cole sobbed loudly, whimpering. "Please! Please! No more! It's hurts!"

Strangling Cole by the neck, Megatron hissed a laugh. "Welcome to our war child…welcome to the real world."

…

…

"Cole? Cole? Where are you?"

Looking around, Optimus rubbed the back of his head and huffed. "Where did he scamper off to? He knew where we were going after I returned…where could he be?"

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Looking up, Optimus smiled sweeping Kira up into his arms. "There you are. Now, where is your brother?"

Shrugging Kira sighed. "I don't know."

Looking at Kira and then at Arcee, Optimus sighed. "Arcee, where is Cole? He knew that we were going to go outside for a short period as soon as I returned."

Furrowing her brows, Arcee shrugged. "He followed you and Bulkhead out of the training room when you left, I haven't seen him since."

Scowling slightly, Optimus groaned. "Where could he be? It's not like him to wonder away like this."

"Oh Primus no…"

Turning around, Optimus looked at Ratchet whose optics was glued to the communications display link. Approaching Optimus sighed. "What is it Ratchet?"

Slowly turning to Optimus, Ratchet's optics where blank. "Optimus…"

Looking at the screen, Optimus spark suddenly dropped in his chest as the message blinked on the screen.

It was from Megatron and it read:

biOptimus Prime, I have your son in my custody.

If you ever wish to see him alive ever again, you will bring every relic in your possession to me by sundown tomorrow. If you do not, then your son will die, and his lifeless shell will be mounted to the front of the Decepticon warship to serve as a reminder to you and all others who dare appose me./i

COORDINATES: 39.368279,-103.359375

END TRANSMISSION_/b

For many minutes Optimus just stood there.

His worst fears had become real.

Cole…was on the Decepticon warship…with Megatron.

Turning away, Optimus quickly started to move toward the vaults. Grabbing Optimus by the shoulder, Ratchet huffed. "Optimus what are you doing?"

Looking at Ratchet out of the corner of his optics, Optimus growled. "I'm getting my son back."

Shaking his head, Ratchet snarled. "Optimus, you're not seriously thinking of giving in to Megatron's demands are you?!"

Wheeling around Optimus snarled back. "If it is what has to be done to ensure the safety of my child then YES. I will."

Looking at each other, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Smokescreen could not believe what it was they were hearing. For the first time ever, Optimus was being irrational, getting angry and losing his cool.

Turning away, Optimus growled. "I will not just sit by while my son has Primus knows what done to him just because of his relations with me…"

Placing a steady hand on his shoulder, Ratchet sighed. "Optimus, calm down. Be rational. We'll get Cole back, and we'll do it without giving up the relics. Use your head Optimus…think…"

For a long time the room grew silent. No one said a word.

Suddenly, Kira whimpered looking up at Optimus. "Daddy, where's Cole?"

Looking at everyone and then at Kira, Optimus slowly kneeled and smiled the best he could. "He just went away for a while…and has gotten into a little bit of trouble. But we're going to get him back."

Jutting out her bottom lip plate, Kira sighed. "Too bad you couldn't just use magic to bring him back. That's what the magicians do to the pretty ladies on TV all the time."

Huffing Ratchet growled. "How does THAT pertain to anything concerning our problem?!"

Looking at Kira, Optimus suddenly had an epiphany. Smiling Optimus kissed her on the forehead. "Kira…you're a genius."

Just then a chorus of "What's?" ran out around the room.

Standing, Optimus' cool collected stature returned as he slowly lowered his visor. "We will get Cole back by paying a little 'magic-trick' on Megatron."

…

…