Author's note. Big thank you to those who gave me great suggestions, I've used some of them in this chapter. Big surprise in it as well which I hope you all enjoy.

Suggestions are welcome.

Enjoy and please review.

The Autobot base

"Optimus!" Hotshot cried in delight as his leader and Sideways suddenly appeared.

"Sir, are you alright," Red Alert said urgently as all three Autobots and Minicons rushed to their leader's side.

Optimus groaned, rubbing at his head as Smokescreen and Hotshot started to support them. Red Alert started to scan him as Sideways stood to one side, arms folded. His mission had been a success, Optimus Prime was back with his men and those meddlesome children were still safely in Megatron's clutches.

"Thank Primus your back," Smokescreen said softly as Optimus gave his head a slight shake, trying to recover his senses.

"Where are the kids?" Hotshot asked eagerly. "Did you get them?"

Highwire, Grindor and Sureshock looked up hopefully at this. But Optimus shook his head and said with a slight growl.

"I had them but someone threw them away."

"What?" exclaimed Red Alert as Optimus glared at Sideways.

Sideways was unmoved however.

"We were about to be overrun, it was the only way to get you out of there," he said emotionlessly. "I told you, those kids are safe enough with the Decepticons but you're not."

"You didn't need to pitch them into the middle of fire fight," Optimus said angrily, staggering as he stood tall. "You could have killed them."

"You did what!" Red Alert said horrified as Hotshot exclaimed "No way!"

"Megatron would never hurt them," Sideways said, a slight sneer in his voice. "As soon as he saw what was happening, he stopped firing so he could catch them all."

Optimus took a step towards him, anger radiating off him in waves.

"You could have easily killed them with that stunt. They are innocent children Sideways and we probably lost our only chance of getting them home safely."

"There'll be other opportunities," Sideways said dismissively, secretly enjoying Optimus's anger. "Frankly, you have a better chance here than on the Decepticons base, serving as Megatron's punch bag."

Optimus stared at him for a moment and then his fist lashed out, smashing into Sideways face and sending him sprawling. He didn't retaliate, just lay there, one hand raised to assess the damage to his jaw. Optimus stood over him, shoulders shaking with rage.

"Never do anything like that again," he growled threateningly. "Or you'll get a lot worse."

"Understood," Sideways said softly as Optimus turned and marched away, heading for the Med Bay. Red Alert stared down for a moment before following his leader to treat him.

"Why did you do that?" Hotshot asked, sounding very disappointed.

"Because it was either that, or allow your leader to fall back into Megatron's clutches," Sideways said firmly. "And I promise you, we wouldn't have had another shot at him if we'd failed."

Hotshot bit his lip, he was torn between anger at Sideways actions and relief that his beloved leader was back. In the end, he shook his head and stomped off, calling over his shoulder.

"Please stay out of the way, we'll talk later."

"Sure," Sideways said softly, his optics glinting with glee. Everything was falling into place.

The Decepticon's base

"How is he?" Megatron asked as Demolisher finished cleaning up Carlos.

"He'll be alright," the Decepticon declared. "It's just a bad burn, it should mostly heal when he turns back into a human. Although I'd recommend binding his side up once he is back to normal."

Demolisher stepped aside so that Megatron and the kids he was holding could see Carlos. His side was covered in a field dressing which hid his nasty burn from their optics. He gave them a weak smile but still felt a bit queasy from being injured in such a fashion. And that walloping Megatron had given him hadn't helped either.

"How do you feel?" Alexis asked kindly as Carlos tried to move and winced.

"Okay," he said, holding his side.

"Good," Megatron said before turning to Demolisher. "You're dismissed, we'll talk later."

Demolisher nodded but he paused before asking.

"Sir, do you know who that bot was who broke Prime out?"

"No," Megatron admitted with a growl. "But I'm hoping to get some answers."

He turned his gaze on the kids and they immediately protested.

"Hey, we'd no idea what was going to happen," Rad said hotly, Megatron wasn't blaming them for this. "The first we knew about anything was when Optimus appeared and grabbed us."

Megatron eyed them suspiciously before saying.

"Did he tell you that Mech's name?"

"No, there wasn't time," Alexis said softly. "I didn't like the look of him though."

"Me neither," Carlos growled. "That jerk just chucked us right at you."

"Yes," Megatron said in a thoughtful voice, scratching his chin. "Definitely not an Autobot...perhaps a rouge of some sort?"

"Don't all transformers belong to Autobots or Decepticons?" Rad asked curiously.

"Of course not," Megatron stated. "There are Neutrals, Rouges, sympathisers, all sorts really. The majority belong to Autobots and Decepticons though."

The kids nodded, it made sense. There was silence for a minute before Rad said.

"Megatron, we...we didn't exactly run away when we saw Optimus."

"I'm sure you didn't," Megatron said silkily.

"Megatron, you know we want to go back home to our parents," Alexis said in exasperation. "You can't stop us feeling that way."

"I can try," Megatron said with a growl that made all of them stare in shock.

"W-what do you mean?" Alexis stuttered, her eyes wide.

"I mean that someday, you will want to stay with me," Megatron growled, a threatening note in his tone. "You will never leave me again."

"The hell...we've never left you," Carlos said in disbelief and confusion. "You've always caught us before we could leave."

But Megatron didn't answer, he just growled. Demolisher actually looked a bit bemused but as Megatron turned towards him, snapped to attention.

"Take Rad and go," Megatron said with a jerk of his hand.

The Decepticon nodded and grabbed Rad before exiting the room with haste. This left the other two kids staring at Megatron as though he'd sprouted feathery wings. He glared back at them, barking out.

"What?"

"What's wrong with you?" Alexis demanded. "Why are you acting like this?"

"None of your concern," Megatron said dismissively as he turned to open a comm. channel.

"Starscream, Cyclonus, get to the Medical By now."

He refused to look at the kids, just glared at the opposite wall. They stared at one another, what was going on? Clearly, it was something big but Megatorn's behaviour was random they had no idea what to think.

"Amiga, he's gone loco," Carlos muttered to Alexis, wincing as his burn ached.

"I didn't catch that," Megatron suddenly growled and both kids jumped.

"Uh, I didn't say anything," Carlos mumbled as Megatron glared at them.

"That's what I thought," Megatron huffed before glaring at the door. "Where are those two?"

The kids glanced at one another, Megatron was in a towering temper alright. They were just lucky he wasn't locking them up or giving them a harsh punishment. But if he stayed in a bad mood, he was bound to lash out sooner or later. And they didn't want to be on the receiving end of that.

A few moments past and the two Decepticons finally entered. They looked wary, they knew from long experience that Megatron wouldn't be in a good mood. Both Decepticons bowed respectively before Megatron snapped.

"You will both take your charges for an hour or so. I don't mind what you do with them but have them back here before their transformation back into humans."

"Yes sir," they said as they reached for the two kids.

"Megatron, what's wrong?" Alexis asked gently as Starscream picked her up and cradled her close.

"...nothing," Megatron muttered, turning away from them all. "Away with you."

The two Decepticons quickly left, they didn't want to be around their leader when he was in this mood. He watched them leave before turning away to glare outside the view screen. He clenched his fists, knowing that Prime was free and he wasn't getting any more Minicons from the Autobots.

But somehow, he didn't care about that. All he cared about was the fact he almost lost his pets, he would have if that rouge hadn't thrown them at him. Primus, why did he feel this way, he should only be focused on collecting Minicons and defeating Prime. So why was he constantly sidetracked with those troublesome children.

He should have exchanged them for Minicons long ago, at the very least when he got hold of Prime. With Prime in his clutches, he didn't need to worry about forcing Minicons from the Autobots, he had no need to keep those kids. They were just a distraction against in the same old war, something different to occupy his time with.

But were they...could mere pets invoke such...feelings of affection in him?

He swallowed as a memory of his sweet Blaze rose up inside him, smiling that coy smile of hers. Her lips parting, telling him her dearest desire...no, he wouldn't think of that. It hurt his Spark too much for that, and he didn't think he could stand to feel that much. Unfortunately, his processor kept returning to her and he couldn't stand it.

With further ado, he marched out of the Med Bay and along to his room. He didn't see any of his men, Minicons or the kids and for that he was very thankful. Things were getting too complicated for his taste, his feelings were all over the slagging place. When it came to emotions, he could take explosive anger and triumphant glee but grief, sadness

He came to his room and stamped in, rubbing a hand across his face agitation. Primus but he wanted a good stiff drink. Perhaps he'd indulge in one so he wouldn't end up in a stupor although that was tempting. But he wanted to be awake and sober for when the kids were turned back into humans.

He had a decision regarding them to make, one that had been in the back of his mind for a while but one he'd stubbornly ignored. It was one he was half afraid, half hopeful to consider. If only Blaze was with him, she'd be able to guide him and tell him what the best thing to do was. Then again, if she was with him, he wouldn't have this dilemma.

Megatron saw down heavily on his berth, resting his elbows on his knees as he sighed. Was he going mad, was this all a ridiculous delusion? No, he was Megatron and he did not get delusions, if he wanted to go through with this that was his choice.

"Primus," he muttered as he sub spaced a container and held it gently in his hands.

He stared down at it for a long moment before carefully unlocking and opening it. Inside were three tiny, perfectly formed orbs which looked like they were made of glass. They were carefully held in place with a form of suspended animation which kept them in perfect condition. At a first glance, they looked identical but a closer look showed that the central orb had a pinkish tinge while the others were bluish.

They weren't much but they were all he had left of his children.

Alexis's POV

Alexis frowned as Starscream carried her away from the Med Bay. Her feelings were in turmoil, she and her friends had almost escaped but been taken back at the last moment. Not only that, but they'd suffered a pretty near death experience considering they'd been pitched into blaster fire.

Then poor Carlos had been injured and Megatron had given them a harsh walloping. But then Megatron had suddenly turned strange, he'd yelled at them and they had no idea what about. Alexis was feeling very confused about all of this, she didn't know what she should think or feel. She just curled against Starscream who noticed her discomfort.

"Alexis, what is it?" he asked softly.

"I...Megatron," she mumbled. "He was acting weird Starscream and I mean weird."

"How so?" he questioned and she considered her answer.

"Well, first he called me and the boys' funny names," she replied in a rush. "And just now, he went mental at us, yelling something about us never leaving him again. What was wrong with him, Starscream?"

"Mmm," Starscream murmured, sounding like he was considering things. "I'm not sure Alexis...what do you mean by funny names?"

"Well, he called me iníon and Rad mo mhac, do you know what they mean."

Starscream stopped dead, a shocked look on his face. Alexis stared up at him in surprise, he looked completely taken aback and she hadn't been expecting that. When he stayed motionless, she gave his hand a little shake and said.

"Starscrea, are you alright?"

"Fine," he muttered, starting to walk again. He paused before saying.

"I wasn't expecting that."

"Neither were we," Alexis admitted before saying. "But what does it mean Starscream, he called us that when he left us outside so we didn't have a chance to ask him."

"I can imagine," Starscream said, giving him a very strange look. "Alexis, how...was Megatron when he called you that?"

"A bit distracted," she admitted softly. "He almost sounded half asleep, like he wasn't really paying attention when he said those names."

"That makes sense," Starscream replied, nodding. "Well Alexis, in short iníon means daughter and mo mhac means my son."

"What!" yelped Alexis staring at him in shock. "But...but...why?"

"I'm afraid I don't know," Starscream said with a wry smile. "I'm as surprised as you."

"But...," began Alexis slowly. "He can't think of us like that, can he?"

"He is very fond of you," Starscream said gently although his expression was still a little bemused. "Perhaps he has become fonder than any of us could have predicted."

Alexis wrinkled her nose, she didn't know how she felt about that. Starscream tapped her head and smiled as she looked up at him. Giving her head a little rub, he said softly.

"How do you fancy going for a flight, Alexis?"

"Oh, I'd love to," she said eagerly with a wide smile.

Starscream chuckled as he turned a corner and headed for the outside.

"Let's go then," he said with a slight rasp.

Once they were there, Starscream placed Alexis on the ground and transformed. With a grin, she climbed onto him and then into his cockpit. After strapping herself in, she braced herself for takeoff, her excitement mounting. Starscream laughed out loud before gunning his thrusters and taking off into space.

Alexis whooped out loud, leaving her troubles behind as she and Starscream soared through the stars.

Megatron's POV

Megatron stared at the box on the small table next to his berth as he sipped a cube of Energon. He was thinking about his three orbs and what they could have become. When Blaze's body had been recovered and examined, the Medic had informed Megatron she'd been in the early stages of Carrying.

His triplets Sparks had only just formed and thus been totally reliant on their mother's Spark. When her Spark died, they couldn't' survive and their Sparks were totally extinguished. When her chest had been opened up, three little orbs had been discovered nestled next to her own much larger Spark casing.

If he felt pain over the sight of that empty Spark Casing, it was nothing to how he felt when he saw those empty orbs. His beloved children, his future heirs to teach and cherish as they grew into adults and warriors. All Decepticons and most Autobots knew about his beloved mate but none save that certain Medic knew about his Sparklings.

As he'd mourned over his mate's cold body, the medic had carefully removed the three orbs and examined them. Triplets were extremely rare, almost unheard of and he was interested in them. He'd told Megatron that if they'd survived, he would have had two sons and a daughter. Sliverblaze had kept her promise, giving him Mechs and a Femme for her own.

Primus, she'd sounded so excited when she called him earlier that cycle to say she had wonderful news. Megatron had honestly no idea what that had been, he thought it might be something to do with the looming war. The medics new had come as a humongous shock, he and Blaze hadn't even been trying for Sparklings.

Damn it, he never even got to see the beautiful glow of his triplets Sparks as they circled their mother's. All he had were the remains of their Spark orbs which he kept in a special box for protection. He'd done his best to forget the pain and he'd never revealed what he'd lost.

The medic had programmed himself never to reveal either, unless Megatron gave him permission. But he doubted that he ever would, he didn't see the point in bots pitying him for his loss. He allowed no one to pity him, no one and Primus forbid Prime ever got wind of that.

The reason he was brooding over those triplets was because he was wondering about his three pets. Two boys and a girl who were human yet had an unbelievable connection to both Autobots and Decepticons. Who resided on the one planet the Minicons had crashed landed on, was he imagining things?

Was it a foolish hope to believe...they might be his Creations reincarnated? They said that Primus takes care of all Spark, especially for those who never had a chance to exist. All his children were precious but surely triplets the most precious of all.

There was a test he could perform to see his suspicions were correct. He held back because he feared being wrong, feared he was being delusional. But why else would he persist in keeping them when he should have long ago let them go? Why did they stir such feelings inside of them, why did he feel...so parental towards them.

He couldn't ask his beloved Blaze and it was unlikely Primus would tell him. But perhaps he would be giving a sign if he went ahead with his experiment. Surely Primus wouldn't allow him to waste his Sparklings orbs if he were wrong.

What was his plan?

When the children neared the time they would turn back into humans, he would open their chests up and hold the orbs near the Sparks. If they truly were his children, they in theory they should absorb those orbs and receive all the information they needed. And then they would truly become his children.

To be Continued

Author's note. Will Megatron go ahead with his plan and what does it mean for the kids? Where has Starscream taken Alexis and what are the boys up to? Find out next time, until then.