Author's note. Sorry for the delay, Happy Father's day to all dads out there.

Enjoy and please review.

The next day, Sparkplug slept in and when he finally awoke, Ratchet was waiting with a full cube of Energon.

"Mmm, what time is it?" the new transformer asked blearily.

"Your chronometer should let you know," the medic said with a smile, hanging him the cube as Sparkplug sat up.

"Huh...oh yeah," he said sheepishly as he recalled Ratchet had explained how to use it the day before. He managed to look it up and gasped. "I slept in!"

"It's fine, you needed it," Ratchet said soothingly. "Once you're ready, we can carry on. Let me know if you need more fuel."

"I do, I feel quite hungry," Sparkplug picked up the Energon cube that laid next to his bed, rising it to his mouth. Drinking it.

"You had some visitors today," Ratchet informed him and noticed Sparkplugs curiosity. "The twins were eager to see you today."

"They were?" Sparkplug questioned. But remembered what they offered him help with finding a vehicle form. "Oh, right. They want to help me find a vehicle form, I Imagine."

"Hm, that seems to be the case. They really shouldn't rush you," Ratchet insisted and was concerned about what might happen.

"I don't mind it, besides it would be rude to deny them now."

"Just don't be afraid to tell them no," Ratchet cautioned. "They sometimes get overly enthusiastic and their ideas run away with them."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Sparkplug chuckled, those twins were certainly something. He was just glad they wanted to help, he needed every bit of it he could get.

Swallowing the rest of his fuel, he swung his feet off the berth and stood up. He was exceedingly glad that he experienced no dizziness or loss of balance. Surely, it was a promising start to the day?

"Alright, well, the twins will meet you in another room," Ratchet now told him, looking approving about his improved state. "Enjoy picking your altmode."

"Thanks, Ratchet. I will see you later," and with that Sparkplug left the med-bay and walked over to the twins quarters. Hopefully, they would be there. Knocking on their door.

But no one opened it and Sparkplug guessed that they weren't there and started to look for them around the ship. Not sure on which room they were waiting for him.

"Maybe the rec-room? Or the hang out?" Sparkplug asked himself, wondering what place was more likely to find them. "I would guess they are with the others."

He slowly walked now over to the command centre of the ship, most of the bots would just and out there.

He felt more comfortable with his body now though he knew he had a long way to go yet. However, walking wasn't such a challenge now and his confidence was increasing. As he walked, a few bots stopped to stare at him which wasn't surprising. Everyone knew everyone here, a new face was going to attract instant attention. He simply smiled and nodded, they all seemed too amazed to actually approach and speak with him.

That eventually changed.

"Sparkplug, that really?"

"Ironhide," he exclaimed, pleased to see his friend striding over. "Good to see you."

"And you," the red veteran stated, looking him up and down. "That's some change."

"I know right. I can't believe it either, but here I am one of you guys." he said cheerfully.

"I can see that, how are you holding up? I imagine this is quite strange for you," Ironhide asked gently, hoping there were no side effects.

"I'm fine, got the walking part figured out," Sparkplug smiled and added: "Have you seen the twins?"

"I have, they are just right ahead. Why are you looking for them?" Ironhide questioned. already worried that sparkplug might be in some prank of theirs.

"They wanted to assist me in finding a vehicle form," Sparkplug answered.

"I see," the red Mech said. "Mind if I tag along? I'll make sure they don't mess around."

"Sure but I think they are serious," Sparkplug defended them, they liked to play jokes but could be serious when the occasion called for it. "They're just excited."

"Mmm, guess I can see that," Ironhide said musingly. "Alright, lets go."

As they started to walk, Ironhide added. "You know, it's considered a big deal with a bot gets his first altmode."

"I bet," Sparkplug said with a nod. "Like a milestone, we have those too."

Ironhide smiled and they both headed down the hall until they spotted the red and yellow Autobots, they where outside enjoying the sun's heat and the weather itself was pretty clear.

"Look Sunny, He is here and with the lovely company of Ironhide," Sideswipe teased in good humour.

Sunstreacker looked over to see the two mechs coming over. "Well, this will be interesting."

"Hello, Sunstreacker, Sideswipe. I hope you two don't mind Ironhide coming along?" Sparkplug asked them gently.

"They won't mind, after all," Ironhide interrupted and added. "They will be too busy giving you different suggestions on which vehicle from is better than the other."

"You know us too well, Ironhide," Sideswipe smirked.

"We'll find you a good alt mode, even better than Ironhide's old thing," Sunstreaker couldn't resist adding.

"Little punk," Ironhide scoffed, aiming a cuff which the yellow Mech ducked. "My alt's practical."

"So ours, we're built for speed and elegance," retorted Sunstreaker before turning to Sparksplug. "Guess you want something similar to Hide's, huh?"

"You got it," said the former human, he certainly could not imagine being a speedy, elegant car. "Solid and practical for me."

"We can do that," Sideswipe assured him, gesturing for him to follow.

"Just one thing, where do you guys find a vehicle from to scan?" Sparkplug asked and wondered. did they go to a scrapyard or to someone's backyard and scanned a car?

"Street's mostly, but normally we would head out to a city to find something really good or modern," Sunstreaker answered simply.

"Are we going to a city? I mean walking there will take a few hours," Sparkplug said a bit concerned.

"He has a point, are you to up for a long walk?" Ironhide asked the twins, but inside smirked.

"Funny" scoffed the yellow Lamborghini. "Actually, it's handy that you're here Ironhide. You got a big cab, right?"

"You want me to give him a ride?" the older Mech said with a raised brow.

"Either that or bother Ratchet or Optimus," Sunstreaker shrugged. "Come on, you've hauled bots round before, this is no different."

"Hmm," Ironhide snorted before rolling his optics. "Fine but only because it's Sparkplug. And the sooner we do this, the sooner we get the little guy back."

"Thanks Hide," Sparkplug said gratefully, he knew his friend was fine giving him a lift. But it probably was a touch awkward ferrying around another bot, so he'd do his best to make this process smoother.

"Don't mention it," Ironhide then took a few steps back and transformed into his red minivan alt-mode.

"Let's drive," Sidewipe said before transforming into his vehicle from and Sunstreaker right behind him.

"Right, let's get going," Ironhide sad and opened his back doors for Sparkplug who nodded.

He had gotten rides from Ironhide in the past, but trying to fit inside the transformer now was a bit of a challenge. But he somehow managed to squeeze in.

"Alright?" Ironhide's voice asked and Sparkplug gave a small laugh. "Just about. But I think I'll be happier with my own vehicle mode."

"I hear yah," Ironhide said as Sparkplug settled himself as best he could in the back. It was a little cramped but far better than walking to the city. "Once you've got your alt, we'll find somewhere private and you can start practising."

The drive was uneventful, no hint of any Decepticons or any unusual activity. It wasn't as comfortable as being driven within Ironhide as it usually was, however Sparkplug bore it stoically. The twins occasionally swerved and and drove around Ironhide, teasing him with their manoeuvrability and speed. As they approached the main road where normal, human driven vehicles were to be found, they ceased their antics and fell into providing escort instead.

It wasn't easy but Sparkplug tried to spot potential vehicles he wouldn't mind becoming.

After being stuck in traffic for a bit they soon made it into the city. The twins took the lead and transformed in a parking lot, already there where some cars, parked and ready to be scanned. Sparkplug couldn't wait to stretch his legs as he hopped off and let Ironhide transform.

"Let's start with this place, there are a few options here," Sideswipe said and pointed to a few of the family cars, parked nearby.

"This is the worst place, I still say that the car dealership is the best place to find a good alt-mode," Sunstreaker objected.

"Hey! We agreed I had first picks of the area," the red twin reminded his brother.

Sparkplug on the other hand looked at the parked cars, most were normal cars made for 5 people to fit inside. Then, there were the city cars who were even smaller and maybe just a few minibuses. "I don't know, these cars don't really capture my attention."

"You sure?" Sideswipe pressed and Ironhide gave him a look before saying. "Honestly, I don't think any of them suit you Sparkplug."

Firmly, he advised. "Just take your time, you'll find the right one, no point in being hasty."

"I will, I don't think any of them are for me," Sparkplug stated, gesturing to the surrounding cars. Nothing wrong with them, he just couldn't imagine being any of them. He couldn't afford to waste time trying different models, he needed to find the right one for him and be one step closer to getting Spike back.

"Can we try somewhere else?" he queried and Sunstreaker brightened.

"What about that dealership?" he offered, clearly in a bit of a competition with his brother.

"I don't know, it doesn't feel right going there knowing we going to scan one of the cars when they are trying to sell them," Sparkplug said, feeling a bit guilty about thinking about it.

"He has a point." Ironhide agreed and added. "Back on Cybertron, we did have to pay for alt-modes. a dealership is no different, they won't be happy if we go there."

"Piff, they won't know. We will keep our distance and no one will be the wiser," Sunstreader stated.

"But, that would be stealing wouldn't it?" Sparkplug asked. He wasn't sure but it almost sounded like it. He knew the twins didn't have a happy past and they had to what they needed back on Cybertron to survive. But this?

"Hey, we won't force you to go. How about we go to the grocery store instead? There should be tons of cars there," Sideswipe suggested as he cut in the conversation.

"I think that would be better," Sparkplug agreed. Cars at a store were less likely to be brand new models and it didn't feel so much like cheating. "By the way, how will I scan them?"

"Ah, now that's important," Ironhide agreed approvingly. "It might take you a few goes but once you've got it, scanning's easy."

"Yeah, it's no problem at all," Sunstreaker stated before describing how you focus intently on the model you wish to scan and activate the program which would engage Sparkplug's T-cog. All the specs of the alt mode would be taken and uploaded to his processor which in turn would alter his appearance accordingly. And then of course, he would have the ability to transform into this vehicle.

"So you scan with your optics?" Sparkplug questioned with interest, he'd only see the bots scan a new alt mode a couple of times and it went by so fast.

"We do. This is how we gain our vehicle forms," Ironhide explained to his friend who listened with great interest. and looked at the twins who was now leading them all to one of the grocery stores nearby.

Sideswipe added. "In the past, our ancestors didn't even know they could transform. They were stuck as you are now."

"Wait, they didn't know?" Sparkplug asked, surprised by this piece of information. Walking beside them.

"At the beginning, no. Our ancestors didn't have a alt-mode. No one knew it was possible. It became aware later and at the golden ages, everyone had a alt-mode.." Ironhide told him.

"Fascinating, I never knew this about Cybertronian history," Sprakplug said. Yes, the bot's had gone over some of their most important points of time events.

"And look at this, we are here," Sunstreader announced, looking at the humans that walked their way to the grocery store to buy food. But he also eyed the cars there, most were family cars and a few other models. "Well, I wish you best of luck."

As Sparkplug started examining the cars, interested humans stopped to look at them. The Cybertronians always attracted attention and most people easily knew the difference between the bots and the Cons. A bit of a crowd started to form as people realised Sparkplug was a new face which didn't happen very often. Sparkplug was determined to get on with his task so he pretended they weren't there even as intrigued chatter grew.

The twins couldn't resist flashing smiles at the onlookers and doing little poses while Ironhide ignored them and watched his friend's progress with interest. Picking your first alt mode was a special occasion and it was always fascinating to see what someone would go for. He didn't think Sparkplug would go for a 'family' model but that still left plenty of options.

Sparkplug paused at a jeep, it was a possible option but he decided to keep looking.

The twins smiled towards the cameras, Sparkplug walked by the parking lot, minding his step as he went. There was also 2 sports car here one silver the other red that didn't interest him at all and a few motorhomes that was a big no on his list.

"Hey! You Autobots!" A man cried out from his car.

Sparkplug looked at him, as the man drove close to him and the twins. Ironhide stayed professional, studying the situation.

"I'm Robert, Can I get a picture of you guys?! To show my family. I told them you saved my life when I was at work," Robert introduced himself and walked of his car and held a camera in his hand.

"Sure, we will be happy to," Sideswipe answered and pose with his brother for the camera.

Sparkplug smiled in front the camera and his optics fell onto Roberts car, it catches his attention and it looked perfect. "Excuse me is that a 1986 GMC truck?"

The human took a few quick pictures and looked at Sparkplug and nodded. "Indeed it is, this model is made for rough terrain."

"Looks good," Sparkplug complimented, he recognised the model although he'd never owned one.

"Yeah, it's pretty reliable," Robert said proudly. "And great for my fishing trips."

Sparkplug nodded, the suspension looked great on the red and white pickup with a long square form and two seater cab. The more he examined it and recalled what details he knew, the more he liked it.

"Robert," he said softly. "Would you mind if I scanned your vehicle? I'm looking for a vehicle mode and I think this would be perfect?"

"Seriously?" the man exclaimed in great excitement. "Wait...you're a new Autobot, right?"

"Yeah, not long arrived," Sparkplug acknowledged with a smile.

"Then it would be an honour. The more of you guys there is the better chance of defeating those cons," Roberts said and changed his camera setting to record instead and took a few steps back from his car. "Do your thing, you don't me recoding this right?"

"Of course not," Sparkplug didn't mind, he got permission to scan the car and if Robert wanted the record it then it was a small request to accept.

"Remember, just focus on the car. The rest is just instinct," Ironhide said in assistance. He could see how excited Sparkplug was, but also see some worry.

"I know," Sparkplug focused on the car as much as he could, The form the cars has, how wide it is, the lights and wheels.

In short, it was as if he tried to memorise the whole car and as a fan of it, he knew this model quite well. Then suddenly, he felt something click and his options let out a blue light, scanning the car in front of him and then Sparkplug felt his body shift as if adjusting to the new information of the car. It wasn't painful, just felt a bit like a stretch.

"That was impressive!" Robert cheered. He had never seen an Autobot scan a car before, but now this new Autobot had the same car parts as his own car only in the colour of blue and white instead.

"Whoa!" Sideswipe gasped as his brother also gaped at the sight of Sparkplug. Bots without alt modes always seemed slightly...bare...as though something was missing. If you compared before and after pictures, it was easy to see. The former human somehow looked stronger, he had a more defined cab to his chest which was coloured blue, same as most of his body with white lower legs and arms.

His light blue optics seemed to sparkle as he looked towards the three bots with a crooked smile.

"That went better than I thought," he admitted, glancing down at the slight alterations to his body.

"Yes... it did," Ironhide found himself a bit shocked at how fit Sparkplug looked, the former human didn't look his age, if anything he just looked younger. Snapping out of thought, Ironhide looked over at the twins who were still staring at him.

"Stop staring, it's rude," the red mech told them and was thankful that the human nearby complicated Sparkplug on his new look. It served as a night distraction.

"Thank you for letting me scanning your car," Sparkplug thanked Robert who just smiled.

"Your welcome. I got it all on tape, my kinds will flip once they see this." The man said proudly.

"I bet." Sparkplug agreed, and turned around to face his friends and asked. "How about that driving lesson?"

"Uh...yeah," Ironhide coughed, clearing his throat and trying to focus on the matter on hand. "Well, first thing is transforming into your new alt mode. It's a bit like scanning, just focus on your vehicle and transforming, should happen automatically."

"Oh boy!" Robert gasped, this was getting better and better. He just knew his kids were going to go wild over this, he had this new bot's first transform on camera.

"Okay," Sparkplug said, trying to do as instructed. Surely, this would feel beyond weird, his body being so thoroughly changed and contorted?

"Come on, you can do it!" Sideswipe managed to exclaimed, finally snapping out of his stupor.

Sparkplug closed his eyes, trying to imagine his body becoming the car he just scanned. He had seen the bots transform so many times that it was normal for them to do it. Although It took him a few minuets, Sparkplug suddenly felt his body shift again, but this time it felt different and before he knew it he was a blue car.

"Wow, he is a natural," Sideswipe smirked. He had thought it would have taken longer, but Sparkplug had it down rather quickly.

"Perhaps, he has some talent?" Sunstreader said thoughtfully.

"I'm a car, it's unbelievable and pretty amazing," Sparkplug said cheerfully, he never thought in his life he would transform into a car.

"You did brilliantly," Ironhide praised heartily, Sparkplug was progressing better than he could have believed.

"You look great as a GMC truck," Robert complimented as the new gleaming vehicle.

"Thanks," laughed Sparkplug's disembodied voice. "I feel good, everything feels...right."

"Perfect, looks like we've found the right one," Ironhide smiled. "We'll be able to get some practise in now."

"Hey," Sunstreaker suddenly said to the human who looked up at him. "Maybe you could send us some copies of your footage?"

"Sure, what's your e-mail?" Robert asked, he didn't mind sharing the video. Sunstreaker told him his mail and chatted with him.

Sparkplug on the other hand started his engine and next to him was Ironhide who was worried about Sparkplug.

"Take it easy, It would be best to start driving on the first gearbox to take everything in," the red mech advice, they were after all in a city and there was no need for an accident so long Sparkplug was careful.

"Right, beginner steps," Sparkplug nodded in agreement and did as he was told.

"You know Hide, we could just take him to the desert and let him drive here. The only thing to crash into is a cactus." Sideswipe suggested with a grin.

"Great, that'll certainly make good footage," Sparkplug said wryly.

"We'll save off-road for another time," Ironhide decided firmly. "I think a larger car park is what we need, a large flat space where you can get more comfortable."

"Aww, cactus dodging is the best," Sideswipe pouted. "You gotta try it."

"Maybe after I've had some practice...or some High Grade," Sparkplug laughed and this made the twins grin. " So..a car park sounds perfect, I need to revise my driving."

"There's a big multi-story nearby," Robert piped up. "Might be perfect for you. "

"That depends, the parking lot might be filled." Sideswipe replied, hoping that it was so they could go out and rive in the desert.

"Shouldn't too many people there, at least not in this hour. it might be crowded in a few hours though," Robert informed the bots.

"Sounds good to me," Sparkplug smiled. He slowly put his gear in reverse and followed Robert to this multi-store.

Ironhide and the twins transformed and followed right behind hind them. Sparkplug didn't want to drive to fast and so went a bit slower, it took them a bit more time to get there.

Driving a vehicle while you 'were' the vehicle was definitely a new experience. It was hard to describe but just like being able to walk, he somehow knew how to control the right functions to turn his wheels, apply the clutch, press on the brakes, he honestly couldn't believe it.

And it didn't end there, he could somehow see so much more. The road right in front of him was one thing but he also had information about what was happening around him. He could sense how close other vehicles were, and even weirder, he knew which was human made and which were Cybertronian.

He focused as hard as he could but he was very glad when they arrived at their destination.

...
Back at the Nemesis. Spike was playing with his new teddy bear that he had gotten from the Autobots.

"Here is your energon," Thundercrackers said and gave Spike his bottle.

"Thanks," Spike instantly grabbed it. He was quite hungry.

"I will try to get back early. But don't worry I will listen in on what's happening around you awhile I work." the seeker declared and placed a sparkling monitor device in his room to make sure that Spike would be doing well or if he needed to rush back and treat the sparkling.

It wasn't easy to find someone to sparklingsit Spike since everyone on the Nemesis worked during the day. This was the only solution he could come up with.

"Right, see you later," Spike waved his tiny hand as a goodbye before playing again.

Thundercracker paused in the doorway, Ricochet did seem happy enough and he had tested the monitor but it felt wrong to just leave him here. But if he took him, he wouldn't be able to focus on his work. Ricochet was more likely to settle here than in a busy room and it was more secure than the play pen.

He was going to test how well this worked out, which meant he had to leave.

"I'll see you later sweetling," he murmured softly before shutting the door.

Spike waved a goodbye as he watched the seeker leave the room and go to work. He wondered what Thundercracker even work with during the day.

"Maybe they are repairing the ship?" Spike thought to himself. But shrugged, it didn't matter and it wasn't like he could ask him about it.

Looking back to his teddy bear and decided to paint, and mister Teddy will be the model. Spike grabbed some paper and started to try his best to draw his new toy. But, during the time he was drawing, his back was getting very itchy.

Dropping his pencil, Spike tricked to scratch his back. But he couldn't reach the spot that was irritating him the most. and questioned. "Why is my back so itchy these past days?!"

He wiggled his back, wishing he could scratch the itch. It reminded him of a tick bite but there was nothing like that here, did robots even get things like ticks? Thundercracker kept his quarters very tidy and he insisted Spike have regular baths so it wasn't as though he was itchy from being dirty.

Picking up a pencil, he tried to reach the itchy bits but it wasn't very satisfying. With an annoyed growl that would have sounded adorable if anyone was around to hear it, he began squirming around, trying to relieve the sensation. Looking around, he saw the edge of a wall and decided that might do the trick. Crawling over, he twisted and placed his back against the corner and started rubbing.

"Ouch," he groused, it hurt a bit too.

Spike continued to rub his back a bit more careful this time and it seems to work as it took away the itchy feeling.

"Finally, that was driving me crazy," Spike crawled back to his drawing and resumed where he stopped.

looking back at minster Teddy. Spike continued to draw the bear and the progress was looking pretty good so far. It at least looked familiar to the toy itself.

"Not too bad, but I can do better with some practice," Spike said proudly at his drawing, then the itchy feeling returned.

"AHH!" Spike yelled in frustration. He had already scratched his back, but it seems it wasn't enough and now it felt even worse than it was before. Rolling left and right on the flor Spike hoped to make the itchy feeling stop.

"Ricochet? Don't worry I'm coming!" Thundercracker's voice echoed through the sparkling monitor. He had heard the yells and growls Spike was doing.

"Hurry!" Spike called back, coming out as a plaintive chirp as he squirmed around.

Not a moment too soon, Thundercracker came bursting into the room and dropping to his knees on the mat Spike had been playing on. He scooped him up and started to soothe him, rubbing his back as he tried to work out what was going on. His little one appeared to have been drawing, his teddy by the looks of it but there didn't appear to be anything out of the ordinary.

"Why am I itchy?" Spike complained, though the rubbing was helping that a bit. But if his guardian stopped, it might start up again.

"Ricochet, what's wrong?" Thundercracker questioned as his sparkling squirmed and made noises of discomfort. He started to examine him and realised there were scratches all over his back.

"Baak urts! Baak urts!" Spike whimpered over and over to the seeker. Not understanding why it hurt so much.

Thundercracker stared shocked at the new words his little one use, he had never heard the sparkling reply to him this accurate, the words weren't that hard to understand as the seeker noticed all the scratches on Ricochet back and the angry-looking plating that had a dent on it.

"It can't be!" Thundercracker mumbled in unbelief, he slowly and gently touched the angry spot on the sparkling back and install Spike started to shiver and tried with his tiny arm to reach his back to scratch it.

This confirmed it, this wasn't a simple back scratch the sparkling could get rid off. The seeker felt so overjoyed, knowing what the problem was. "Don't worry Ricochet, you're fine. But we will need to visit Hook."

"If I'm fine, why do I need to visit Hook?" Spike grumbled but inwardly, he was relieved. Surely the Medic could put a stop to the discomfort?

"Here, you hold onto your toy," Thundercracker said, grabbing the teddy and offering it to Spike who instantly grabbed it. "We'll go now."

He sounded strangely happy, like an itchy back was a good thing? Well, as long as Hook solved it, he wouldn't care. He hugged his teddy as he was taken through the Nemesis to the medical bay. Hook wasn't actually in there but Scrapper was and he pinged his brother to come as soon as possible.

"He ill again?" the Constructicon questioned, gesturing at Spike who peeked from around his teddy.

"No, it's something good," Thundercracker stated with a beam. "I'll explain once Hook's here."

Scrapper nodded, no sense in repeating the same information in quick secession. The seeker rubbed Ricochet's back, trying to hold back his excitement at the recent development. Surely this would cause Starscream to warm up to his little Sparkling? At least he knew for a fact Skywarp would be excited.

Eventually, Hook arrived. Scrapper tried to get his attention. "Hook, you got a visitor."

"Thundercracker?" the medic said once he saw him in his med-bay and instantly looked at the sparkling who looked irritated. "Is there something at the matter?"

"Yes, but this is a good thing. I think Ricochet reviving his wings," the blue seeker said with excitement.

"What? How can you be so sure?" Hook asked, he walked over to the seeker and eyed the sparklings back.

"He started scratching like crazy today and he told me it hurts," Thundercracker explained as he gestured at the lump on Ricochet's back.

"He told you?" Hook exclaimed with a raised brow and the eager creator nodded.

"Just a couple of words but his meaning was clear," he told him. "But just look at that?"

"Hmm," the Constructicon said thoughtfully, gently touching the lump which made the sparkling squeak and shiver. It definitely wasn't normal for a grounder to have this.

"It does appear something is about to erupt," he said slowly. "I believe you might be right about those wings, looks like Shockwave's little experiment worked."

"Can you do anything, Ricochet's in a bit of distress," Thundercracker said a little anxiously.

"Well, I can give you a cream to treat the discomfort," Hook stated. "However, I think this is a sign he's needing his first upgrade

"His first upgrade?" the seekers faceplate brighten up, so it seemed ricochet was a bit older than he seemed. but that much was a bit obvious, the sparkling would speak a few words and was able to solve clever puzzles.

"Can't we give his upgrade? It would solve the problem wouldn't it?" Thundercracker asked happier about this good news.

"Believe me, I would if I could. But I don't have all the parts I need to perform the upgrade," the medic said as he went over to the shelf, grabbing the cream for the sparkling.

"I will message you when I can do it, but for now the cream should help, just give him this two times during the day, morning and night," he informed him.

"And congratulations, looks like you'll soon have a little flier on your hands," he added with a smile.

"I will," Thundercracker agreed, feeling like his spark might swell with happiness. He'd had no problem raising Ricochet as a grounder but the knowledge they'd one day be able to fly together just filled him with utter happiness. Maybe Ricochet would even have his own Trine one day.

"Thank you," he said gratefully as he took the cream, already on fire to tell Starscream and Skywarp.

"No problem, could also try massaging that bit to help with the discomfort," Hook advised. "I'll see about those parts, I'm sure Lord Megatron will approve."

"I think he will. Saprklings are growing up fast, don't they?" Thundercracker asked as he gently hugged Spike.

"Grow up? I'm already a young adult," Spike mumbled, not that being sparkling was bad, but this wasn't his real age.

"That's life for you, before you know he will be an adult and probably want to leave the nest," Hook joked kindly. "But for now, you two are going to spend a lot of time together."

"Indeed. Thank you for the cream," the seeker waved a goodbye and walked back to his quarters. "I can't babysit you Ricochet. You will need to hold on a little longer until I'm done with work."

"Aww," Spike pouted as Thundercracker gave him a playful.

"Don't worry, we'll do something nice once my shift is over," the Seeker promised. "And I'll put the cream on before I leave, how's that?"

"Fine, I guess," sighed Spike, could be worse. As long as that itch was taken care of, he'd be alright.

"I think I'll tell Starscream and Skywarp later," Thundercracker said conversationally as he walked. "I want them to see your back but I can't right now, it'll take too much time. But you'll get a treat later."

"Treat?" the sparkling chirped eagerly making his guardian laugh.

Back in the seeker quarters, he took out the cream and put some on Spikes back.

"Oh, that feels so much better," Spike chirped, the smooth cold cream was already effective.

"That's better, right Ricochet?" Thundercracker asked and Spike responded with a happy chip. "Good, it would be bad if you continued scratching your back, might end up with wound."

"What? Really?" Spike questioned. He hadn't thought about it before, but guessed that might be possible.

Thundercracker now placed the sparkling back down at his play-pen. "There, you can now play until I return."

"Okay," Spike chirped as the blue Seeker straightened back up, thinking he'd need to keep his Sparkling extra clean if he was in such a delicate stage of development.

Satisfied Ricochet was alright for the moment and he still had the monitor to alert him to anymore difficulties, Thundercracker departed. He was thankful he wasn't required to go on patrol today, he wanted to be near his sparkling. Ruefully, he remembered Starscream's suggestion they kidnap an Autobot to look after Ricochet. While that would solve his babysitting problem, he didn't want an Autobot influencing Ricochet or the latter growing too attached. He already showed an incredible amount of affection for those he'd encountered on the Ark, a sign of his good memory.

Right now, he had to return to his maintenance job, a base had to be well kept, especially one that was underwater.

Author's note. How do Starscream and Skywarp take the news? Can they find all the right parts? Find out next time, until then.