The Children of Solaris
Disclaimer: Transformers are the copyright of Hasbro and Takara. This work of fiction is written solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit.
Author's Note(s): This story picks right up after the events in my previous story, The Return of the Thylacine. Most of the locations mentioned are real places in Ohio.
This story follows Season 2 of the G1 Transformers, but should also be considered AU for several reasons:
1: The setting is modern day instead of the 1980s. Some liberties have been taken.
2: Some concepts from later renditions such as the All Spark and Primus will be acknowledged.
3: The elements and subject matter of the story will deal with mature themes that would not be found in a series targeted at children.
Chapter 3: Sol
Prime groaned and sat up painfully. He felt stiff and achy all over. He would have felt like a truck had hit him, had that not been what actually happened. He listened carefully to the message Jazz relayed from Bumblebee and Sideswipe. He slowly rose and headed to the medical tent to get an infusion. Ratchet had been up for a while and busied himself preparing medicine. Ironhide was awake and sitting up on his cot.
"Ratchet, give me one of those infusions!" Prime instructed while taking a seat.
"Just give me ten more seconds and it'll be ready," the medic responded.
Ironhide narrowed his eyes. He could read the look on Optimus Prime's face as clear as day. "Decepticons," he muttered under his breath.
"Unfortunately," Optimus sighed. "Bumblebee and Sideswipe are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ratchet, hurry up with that infusion!"
"Okay, okay!" the medic shouted in response. He rushed over and injected an infusion into the autobot leader's side.
"Give me one too," said Ironhide.
Ratchet folded his arms. "Not a chance. I need to save the rest for the ladies, especially Pixie. The little one's still not out of the woods."
Ironhide cracked his knuckles. "Why you insufferable quack! Just wait till I get my servos on your circuits!"
"Calm down, Ironhide. We need someone to stay behind and protect the patients," said Optimus.
The old autobot signed. "I guess," he replied. "Fine. I'll do it."
"Thank you," said Prime. The infusion helped revitalize his energy and now was the time to move. He looked at his troops and called out three to come with him. Warpath, Powerglide, and Jazz. He ordered the rest to stay and guard the base. The objective was to get Bumblebee and Sideswipe to safety. It was an hour before dawn when they sat out.
Ironhide sat near the tent opening. He watched Ratchet attend to the sleeping patients, especially Pixie. His bedside manner with her was a stark contrast to the usual irreverence he was renowned for amongst the Autobots. Despite his gruffness, he was very good at his profession.
The front flap of the tent opened. Wheeljack walked in with Tracks carrying Energon for subsistence and medicine. Ironhide gladly accepted a cube, but Ratchet shook his head. He said his reserves were fine enough and that the women should get first dibs when they woke up.
"Suit yourself," said Wheeljack. He carefully studied Pixie with his optics. "She's a sweet-looking thing. I doubt she was created by the Decepticons, but who can say?"
"I don't think she was forged by Decepticons, myself," Ratchet noted. He scanned her head and sighed with relief. "Thank Primus her fever broke. At first…I wasn't sure she would pull through."
Tracks knelt down and touched the sleeping bot's face. He wasn't sure what to say, but he thought about the little bot trembling in his arms and huddling against his chassis for comfort in her delirious state. She had confused him for Road Rage. He wondered about the nature of their association. Judging by her behavior, they must have been very close.
Pixie opened her eyes slightly. She was still very weak, but her head no longer felt like it was on fire. She smiled when she saw the face of the doctor again. The large robot was gone, but there were two other faces in his place. One was white and gray, and had a funny-shaped head, but the other's was very similar to Road Rage, but the colors were different and more masculine.
Ratchet gently lifted her head up. "Here's some energon. You have to drink it all up if you want to get better."
She obeyed and drank until the cube was empty. The doctor gently laid her head back down and said, "You can call me Ratchet. This here is my partner in crime, Wheeljack. The fellow with the handsome mug is Tracks."
Pixie's brain module raced. She tried to remember everything that transpired the day before. The doctor and his leader she remembered well enough, but before that was a mixture of blurry images and darkness. Road Rage was there to protect her, wasn't she? But they said they were looking for her. Her eyes studied the one introduced as Tracks. She tilted her head with confusion. "You were the one who protected me?" she questioned.
The blue autobot with the red face nodded in response. He knelt down to her level and asked, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm very tired, but there's something I want to know. Are you Roadie's brother?."
Tracks answered, "I had a sister. Her name was Sol."
The tiny drone wanted to smile, but she couldn't with the knowledge that Road Rage was still missing. On top of that, she had no idea what the Autobots would do with her. Glints filled up and streamed from her optics as she began to cry. She felt the doctor's arms gently lift and comfort her in a hug.
"I was a parent once," Ratchet remarked when Tracks eyed him curiously. It was a bit strange seeing Ratchet being so tender. He also realized that although Pixie wasn't a sparkling, she was much younger than they thought-in fact, she was a child.
"I had no idea," Tracks admitted. He gently touched the drone's arm and added, "I never was, but I know the pain of losing a family. This blasted war…"
Wheeljack nodded sadly. He put an arm around Ratchet and said, "Like a famous human once said, 'war is hell'."
Pixie's eyes glistened. She leaned into the doctor. His and the others' kindness and concern for one another reminded her of her friends. Riggs was loud and boisterous as they came, but she welcomed her without a care that she was once a Decepticon. These robots were more concerned about helping them get better. "There's something you should know," she whispered.
Ratchet frowned. "You should rest," he advised.
"Please," begged Pixie. "It's about Roadie. She'd got a short that affects her alt-mode."
The three autobots gave her their full attention. Pixie continued, "She was a prisoner at Grindcor. They do so many bad things to the prisoners there. Something happened to Roadie where her personality changes when she transforms. She becomes a completely different bot. She turns into a vicious, snarling demon, but it's not her fault."
"Grindcore?" pondered Wheeljack.
"It's a prison camp run by my master, Shockwave, and his Decepticons. Sometimes they are content to let the prisoners rot away, but some they love to torture-especially if they were once part of the elite class."
Ratchet held Pixie close. "Master?"
Pixie nodded her head. "I'm a stealth drone. I was developed for stealth and security. Originally we were used to patrol around the prison camp or surveillance around Cybertron, but Shockwave upgraded us so that our abilities could be utilized by Megatron through his space bridge…" The small robot became light-headed and slightly warm, indicating another fever coming on.
"We can finish this talk later. I'm putting you back to bed," said Ratchet as he laid her back on her cot. She gently tugged his arm and protested, "Please…I need to tell you. Roadie isn't my friend's actual name. If it is Sol, she remembers a promise she and her brother made. Do you know what that means?"
Glints creeped out of the ends of Tracks' optics. "They made a pact that they would find each other. Does your Road Rage bear this marking?" He transformed into his alt-mode to reveal the flame on his hood.
"Oh!" exclaimed Pixie. "You really are Roadie's brother! You have to find her. You're split from the same spark. She'll listen to you, I know she will…please…help her."
Ratchet placed a compress on her head and said quietly, "You need to calm down. I promise everything will be okay." He administered one of the infusions into Pixie's system.
Tracks remained in alt-mode. "I'm going after Sol."
Wheeljack wanted to protest against it, but he doubted he nor Ratchet could change the corvette's mind. "Fine. I doubt not even Prime could stop you at this point, but at least take these with you." He gave Tracks two infusers-one with energon and another containing a sedative.
"Alright. I hope it won't come to them. Ironhide, open the flap. I'm taking off!"
"Just don't get yourself coming back here on a stretcher like the last time."
Tracks scoffed, but said nothing. No sooner had the tent open, he sped off like a flash. He turned onto the road and traveled towards the last coordinates of Bumblebee and Sideswipe. His sensors picked up two Decepticons in the air and at least two more in the ground. The latter two's movements were picked up another signal within the same vicinity. Something within his spark ached and a sense of pain and fear overwhelmed it. He no longer had any doubt that Road Rage was Sol. He made the decision to pursue the two Decepticons on the ground. Soon he came upon Soundwave and Dirge about two hundred yards away. The latter's wing was broken, and his chassis was scored with many wounds. They were running in separate directions from one another as a blur of red wheeled around and took to the air, firing on them. She let out a blood curdling scream that shook Tracks to his core. He could now understand why Sol was now called Road Rage. She was like a demon with a ravenous enmity for anyone that stood in her way and right now, Dirge was her unfortunate victim.
It was in the middle of the skirmish that Starscream and Thundercracker circled around Road Rage. Starscream locked onto his target and fired upon the enraged Sol, hitting her on the front of her vehicle mode, just above the tire. She fell like a shooting star and crashed onto the road. Even with her new injuries, she was not willing to give up without a fight. She continued firing, but the fall had taken its toll on the last remnants of what little power she had left. The Decepticons surrounded and secured energon chains around one of her front tires where she had been hit by enemy fire. Dirge took pleasure dragging her around out of revenge, and inflicting as much pain as possible.
Starscream smiled viciously. "How does it feel, Tracks?"
Soundwave scanned the captured robot. "Identity incorrect," he corrected. "Cybertronian is female and of similar build to Autobot in question."
"Like I give a flying fuck. I'm going to take me time torturing that bitch. She's all mine!" Dirge cackled as he repeatedly inflicted blows on her wounds. By now, she was too weak to fight back and could do nothing but cry out in a mixture of rage and pain.
The screams were too much for Tracks to bear. He took to the air and circled around the distracted Decepticons and fired. "SSSSSOOOOOLLLLLLL!" he called out.
Something within the red corvette brought her to her senses for once as she recalled a voice from a distant memory from another time and place. Yet, she knew it. "TRACKS!" she screamed.
By now the Decepticons were aware of Tracks' presence. Starscream's optics narrowed with wrath, for he remembered it was Tracks who was responsible for his recent near-fatal accident. Pity Megatron hadn't been killed. He aimed his arm cannon up to receive the blue corvette when Optimus Prime and his party arrived on the scene and fired upon the Decepticons.
Tracks took the opportunity to land. He converted into robot mode and somersaulted forward and fired upon the enemy from the other side. "Unhand my sister!" he hissed as he ran to her aid. By this time, Road Rage had used the last ounce of her energy to revert back to her robot form. The lower part of her right leg smoked and sparked from the wound.
Outnumbered, the Decepticons were forced to retreat. The failure to apprehend the escaped prisoner was a sore blow, but their attempt wasn't entirely in vain. They had a rough idea about where Riggs the bounty hunter was hiding and most likely with the Autobots. They would report back for repairs and attack later.
The Autobots slowly approached the injured Cybertronian. She was now in Tracks' arms and looked to be in serious condition. Tracks was shaking and crying. He rested his head against Road Rage's chassis and wept-partly out of joy and partly out of pain for whatever harsh treatment she received all these years. The others surrounded them.
Optimus Prime converted into alt-mode. "Secure Sol and load her into my trailer," he ordered. Jazz followed the command and produced energon cuffs. He slowly approached Tracks with an apologetic look on his face. The corvette narrowed his optics and backed away with his sister in his arms.
"Sorry Tracks, but it had to be done for her safety and ours," said Jazz, trying to reason with the emotional autobot.
Tracks stood his ground. He pointed his blaster at Jazz and lashed out, "No! She's not a prisoner!"
Jazz held up his arms. "Take it easy. No one said she's a prisoner. It's just a precaution."
Tracks glared. "No chains! Look, I'm carrying a sedative on me. Shouldn't that suffice?"
"Enough!," rebuked Prime. "Jazz, put the cuffs on her. Tracks give Jazz the sedative infuser, then climb into the back of my trailer with Sol. There will be no further disputes on the matter. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," grumbled Tracks while entering into the trailer. He sat down with Sol lying across his lap. Jazz administered both the infusion and the sedative and closed up Prime. Tracks heard Prime say, "Roll out!" The Autobots sped off. The mood over the group was oppressive, especially with Optimus Prime and Tracks. "I'm very sorry for having to do this," the leader said apologetically. "I want to be clear that Sol is not meant to be a prisoner. It breaks my heart to have this done to her." Tracks said nothing, but made his displeasure known. He cradled Sol protectively.
Upon returning back to camp, Tracks exited the trailer and insisted on carrying Sol into the hospital tent. He had no desire to speak to any of the others, lest they face the brunt of his wrath. The women were awake and overjoyed at first to see Road Rage. Their happiness was short lived and gave way to anger when they noticed the chains. Poor Pixie was in tears and broke down crying. Ratchet picked her up and tried his best to comfort her.
Riggs struggled to sit up. She called out to Ironhide, "Hey Red, you bring Big Boy here now! No one puts chains on one of my girls! Now the baby's upset on top of that!"
Wheeljack frowned and came to assist Tracks with placing the unconscious Sol on the examination table. He showed his displeasure with seeing her this way. He also knew it wasn't a decision Prime agreed with, but it was made out of compromise with the humans. He performed a scan and started examining the damaged leg. He administered first aid until Ratchet was able to get away. Fortunately, Tracks offered to watch Pixie. The tiny bot clung to the medic, but relented when he explained he was needed to help Road Rage. Pixie wrapped her arms around Tracks' neck as he sat down on her cot.
Stardust turned on her side towards Trailhawk. "So much for trusting them. If they put chains on Road Rage, who's to say they won't chain us too?"
Trailhawk bowed her head. "But they've been kind to us up till now. Maybe they had a good reason for doing it?" She shot a glance at Beachcomber for reassurance. He covered her hands with his. "There must be," he agreed.
"He said it was for her safety and ours," Tracks hissed quietly. "Be that as it may, it's still wrong!"
"I agree," a deep voice said in agreement from the tent entrance. It was Optimus Prime. He took a deep sign and added, "I think it's a terrible shame it had to be done, but it was the only way I could convince the local humans to let us remain here for the time being. Unfortunately, Sol caused a lot of damage."
Riggs glared at him and struggled to stand, only to bend over and clutch her chassis. "If I could move, I'd whoop your ass, Big Boy!" she said sharply.
Glints streamed from Trailhawk's eyes. "Prime, please don't do this," she pleaded. "You know she was just scared and doing what she could just to stay alive. She's badly injured, so how could she be a danger in her current state? Humans are intelligent enough to communicate. Wouldn't they understand we meant them no harm?"
"I wish it were that simple," Optimus Prime replied with remorse in his voice. "Humans are highly intelligent, but they also fear what they don't understand."
Tracks put Pixie back to bed. The drone's color seemed a little paler than before and she looked unwell. She also seemed disinterested when Tracks offered her some of the energon left for her. She just shook her head and curled up into a fetal position.
Riggs glared at Prime. "You see what harm that decision is doing? If that little one refuses to eat, she'll die. What Prime would inflict pain on a child?"
Prime slowly approached Pixie. She cried and displayed fear, thinking he would put her in chains. "You're a liar," she whispered hoarsely. "You said you were kind, yet you treat Roadie as if she were like some criminal. She's one of you-an Autobot."
Ratchet put down his tools. Even from behind a closed curtain, he heard everything. He told Wheeljack to take over as he cut away Road Rage's bonds. "Forgive me, Prime. But as a doctor, the needs of my patients outweigh the needs of everyone else. Sol is a wounded warrior, not a convict. I will not have her treated as one under my care. You can punish me how you see fit, but this is where I stand."
"That won't be necessary," replied Prime. "I should be the one to apologize. I will not be a hypocrite in my belief that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. I will not treat an Autobot in a way that would make me no better than the Decepticons. Sol is one of us and it is in our best interest and hers to provide her with the help she needs. As for the humans, I will deal with them later. For now, the most pressing business is protecting the ladies from the Decepticons, especially Pixie."
Riggs studied Optimus Prime from her cot. It was filled with complex emotions of grief, fear, anxiety and compassion. It reminded the old bounty hunter of many of the same she carried when she looked out for her own. "It must be tough trying to coexist with the humans. I guess we didn't exactly give them a good first impression."
Pixie looked up at Optimus Prime with her large magenta optics. He returned a look. His optics softened as if to ask for an apology. The drone shook nervously. "What are you going to do with me?"
Optimis reached out to her with reassurance. "You are not our prisoner. I want to invite all of you to join the Autobots, but it is a choice all of you must decide of your own free will."
Glints welled up in Pixie's optics. "You mean it's up to me?" she inquired, as if not being used to making her own decisions. When the large robot nodded, she hugged his arm. "I'm not a slave any more?"
"No, you're not a slave," reaffirmed Prime as he hugged the young bot for reassurance.
Ratchet emerged from behind the curtain and said, "Sol needs surgery, but she's lost too much energon. She needs a transfusion. Tracks, since you both share the same spark and similar build, you'll be able to interface directly."
"I'll do anything for her," he said.
"I should warn you that you'll be required to rest since your own energon levels will be lowered. You should be back on your feet after an energon cube and a good night's stasis." He turned to Pixie and added, "Speaking of energon, you should be consuming yours if you ever want to get well, young lady."
Pixie made a silly face at the doctor and giggled. Ratchet playfully made a v sign with his fingers, first pointing at himself and then back at Pixie, signaling that he had his eye on her. He slipped back behind the curtain with Tracks. Prime's optics twinkled while watching the interaction between the two. He knelt down beside Pixie and offered her the energon, to which she gladly accepted and drank it down. "Can you forgive this Prime?"
"Uh-huh," Pixie responded with a mouthful of energon.
"Thank you," said Prime. His spark melted when the tiny bot finished and leaned against him as she curled up into stasis. He decided to allow her to sleep like that for a while.
Trailhawk laughed. "You see, Stardust. I told you we could trust the Autobots. They even offered us a place among them."
"Well, I haven't made up my mind." Stardust replied. Although she believed in the Primes as anyone from her colony did, she was a bit more on the suspicious side. Her sensei had taught her to err on the side of caution. No one had seen a Prime in years and she was still bitter over Road Rage's treatment.
"You need to cool your processors, pipsqueak." remarked Riggs with a laugh. "Find yourself a friend like Trailhawk over there. I think she has other reasons for accepting Big Boy's proposal. Little Blue hasn't left her side."
A blush came over Beachcomber's face. He wasn't sure how to respond. Instead, he turned his gaze to Trailhawk and clasped her hands in his. She reciprocated by inching her face closer to his until the living metal of her lips touched his. The gesture took Beachcomber by surprise, but he gave into the kiss.
Stardust stuck out her metallic tongue in response, causing Riggs to laugh even harder.
"That's the damndest thing I've ever heard," said a human voice from the opening. It didn't belong to the Witwickys, but it was one Prime had heard before. He recognized that it belonged to Beaver. He was standing there beside Sparkplug and Ironhide. Optimus Prime greeted the two men. Beaver reached out to shake his massive hand.
"I heard you rounded all of them up and wanted to see for myself," said Beaver. His eyes scanned at three large robots staring at him from their beds and a much smaller one was asleep. He kept his distance. The largest one opened its mouth again, but the sounds came out like something akin to electronic music to his human ears.
Sparkplug put a hand on Beaver's shoulder and explained, "That's how they talk. They've been too sick to use their translators."
Ironhide grinned. "Don'tcha worry none. They ain't gonna cause you any more trouble."
Beaver nodded. "Sparkplug was saying the smallest of 'em was sick and they stole my gas to feed her? It's a little girl?"
"Yes," Prime answered. "They were all starving, but the little one was near death. Fortunately, we were able to save her in time. They apologize for the trouble they caused you."
The man said nothing in response. He cautiously approached Pixie's bed and gazed upon her. The other three sat up in their beds and had their eyes on the human. This made Beaver nervous. Ironhide folded his arms and said, "Would you ladies relax. He ain't gonna do nothing to her."
"I have a little girl at home so I don't blame them," Beaver remarked and laughed.
Trailhawk's optics changed color. She was attempting to scan the man's speech. Beachcomber put his arm around her. "Don't overdo it," he cautioned.
The renegade nodded and frowned. "My translator is still broken."
Beachcomber gave her a reassuring hug. "You'll be able to talk to them soon," he encouraged.
A look of astonishment came over Beaver's face. He heard everything Beachcomber said and was able to decipher the situation. He slowly approached Trailhawk and asked, "He wants to talk to me?"
"She does," said Beachcomber. "They're all female. Her name is Trailhawk. She's a naturalist and is eager to learn more about you."
Sparkplug joined them and gave the renegade a gentle pat on the arm. "I don't need to understand to know she's a sweetheart. You're like two peas in a pod."
Trailhawk tilted her head. She recognized Sparkplug and understood his facial expression. He was happy in a startling similar way her own kind expressed happiness. She smiled back.
"My brother works in the forestry service," noted Beaver.
Beachcomber translated. Trailhawk expressed interest and said something. Beachcomber nodded and added, "Trailhawk says she thinks this place is beautiful. She also says sorry for damaging that bridge over the narrow water."
Beaver mustered the courage to come closer. "What bridge?"
"She means the bridge leading to the Moonville Tunnel," said Prime. He turned to Trailhawk and added, "The bridge will be repaired, but please refrain from damaging human structures in the future."
The renegade nodded. A few glints escaped her optics. They were weak sparks of electricity that emulated tears. It was close enough that even Beaver could understand the robot was showing remorse. The man reached out and rubbed Trailhawk's hand.
Riggs and Stardust were watching the interaction. Prime noticed their observations. "His name is Beaver and this is his way of showing you everything is alright between him and you."
Each lady gave a nod of understanding. Beaver returned the gesture. He turned to Sparkplug and Optimus Prime. "I hate to ask, but what of the red corvette?" Prime looked at Sparkplug. He felt more comfortable with his human friend discussing that so as not to cause the women any more stress.
Sparkplug took the reins and put shoulder around Beaver. They went outside and he filled the other man in the best he could about what had happened up until then. Beaver's mouth dropped open. "So that's why that one robot asked me that." he remarked with more astonishment. "She's lucky I got workman's comp," he added, meaning it as a joke.
"I don't know the full story, but apparently she's got a condition that affects her whenever she transforms. I can't explain it other than it's something like PTSD. She was once a bodyguard to a diplomat from what I understand/"
Beaver pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "You mind?" he asked.
Sparkplug shrugged. "Nah, it's fine. It's a lot to take in."
After lighting a cigarette the other man looked off into the distance as if he was reflecting on things. At length he said, "So it would seem. Those robots that attacked her, are they like your friends?"
"They're Decepticons and they're the ones to worry about. The women were scared and protecting the little girl, but the Decepticons are interested in seizing energy no matter the collateral damage."
Beaver took another drag on his cigarette and said, "Do you think they'll attack again?"
Sparkplug nodded. "Yeah, but the Autobots have some of their own keeping watch. There's an even larger one watching over things. He used to be a guardian of their homeworld."
"They're okay. Not only did they return the gas, but they repaired the well," remarked Beaver. He put out his cigarette. "So what are they planning to do with the sick ones?"
"Well, Prime is offering them a home with the Autobots," Sparkplug answered. "They're refugees. Trailhawk made up her mind, but I'm not sure about the others."
Beaver nodded and furrowed his brow as if he were wrestling with a decision. "I got to get home and rest my back. It's killing me. Tell your friends if there's anything Hope Iron can do, let us know. I hope the little one feels better soon."
Sparkplug shook Beaver's hand and said, "Likewise. There is one thing. Is there a 24-hour store somewhere around here?"
"There's a Walmart in Logan and Athens," replied beaver. "It's a half an hour drive either way."
"Thanks. Take care," said Sparkplus, waving the other man off. He returned to the hospital tent to check on things. Prime and Ironhide were gone and Powerglide was now on watch at the entrance. Tracks was being assisted by Wheeljack to a bed. He looked very tired. Ratchet was still busy with Road Rage's surgery. The sound of tools could be heard from behind the curtain.
Wheeljack scanned Tracks and said, "Fatigue and a slight fever. That's to be expected. How are you feeling?"
The corvette closed his eyes. "Very tired and confused." He struggled over the treatment of Sol. Optimus Prime ultimately did the right thing, but why did it still hurt? For the first time in weeks he was feeling alone and depressed. Wheeljack was extra kind to him and said, "That's fair. I would feel that way too if I were in your shoes. Don't hold a grudge against Prime. He never meant to hurt anyone and he ultimately did the right thing. "
"Thanks for that," he responded weakly. Wheeljack placed some supports behind to help him recline back in a seated position.
"I'll be right back with some energon." the scientist said and left to visit Omega Supreme, who was in his base mode. Sparkplug watched him leave. He decided to look in on Ratchet.
Behind the curtain, the medic was busy reconstructing his patient's leg. She was hooked up to machinery that fed a constant supply of energon to her. Ratchet looked relieved at Sparkplug's presence. "It's a delicate procedure. Starscream did a number on her," he explained.
"Anything I can do to help?" offered Sparkplug.
"Please and thank you," said Ratchet with gratitude. "If you can help with making sure the leg stays in place so I can apply the bonding agent."
Sparkplug took over and used the medical device to help set the leg. Ratchet covered the area with his special bonding application and secured a splint-like device infused with energon around the leg and foot.
"There," said the physician. "Hey Wheeljack, get your happy skidplate back here and help me transport the patient!"
"Keep your chassis on!" snarled Wheeljack. He had just returned with Tracks' energon. He headed behind the curtain and assisted with moving Sol to the gurney. Both he and Ratchet took great care, for she had other injuries besides her leg. Sparkplug helped with spotting them until the patient was safe. Ratchet then wheeled Sol out to a bed beside Tracks. She was still connected to the energon IV. She was gently moved to the bed and positioned so she could rest peacefully upon it.
The women looked upon their friend with concern. Riggs was now strong enough to sit up in bed. "Hey doc, how bad is she?" she asked, trying to keep her voice quiet. It was a challenge for her.
Ratchet came over and replied, "Her condition is serious, but not critical. She'll recover nicely, but her leg's going to have to be immobilized for a while."
The female semi reached out to hug him with a massive arm. "Thanks to you we're getting stronger and Pixie is going to live. I could plant a wet one on you."
Wheeljack snickered a little. "Sorry, but Ratchet doesn't swing that way." Ratchet's face turned red.
Riggs laughed in spite of herself and released him. "Honey, I'm not blind. You two make a cute couple."
"Wheeljack, you're lucky I like your company or else I would remove your equilibrium circuits for putting me on spot like that," Ratchet huffed.
Stardust shrugged. "I guess you two aren't so bad, but I have a question." She looked uncomfortable at Tracks.
Ratchet bent down so she could whisper in his audio sensors. He blushed again and nodded with understanding. "Oh! Well…I can help with that, but the best we can do is use a curtain for your discretion. Unfortunately, this isn't my normal infirmary."
"I'm on it," said Wheeljack. He pulled the curtains around the female Cybertronians to give them some privacy. Sparkplug took that as his cue to excuse himself. He walked outside into the cool night air and found it refreshing. Bumblebee and Sideswipe greeted him. Both were feeling much better after their stasis nap.
"How is she?" inquired Bumblebee, meaning Road Rage.
Sparkplug frowned. "She was hurt pretty bad. She just came out of surgery on her leg."
Sideswipe cracked his knuckles. "That sucks, but she sure did a number on Dirge."
Bumblebee shook his head. "So what?" he retorted. "I'm more concerned about the Decepticons planning another attack. Where's Optimus?"
"He's out on patrol with Ironhide," said Sparkplug.
"I'll help keep watch then," said Sideswipe.
Sparkplug gave a nod of appreciation. "Thanks. I need to make a supply run. The closest Walmart is thirty minutes away in either direction. You up for it, Bumblebee? Tell Spike he can tag along if he wants."
"Yeah sure. I think a nice drive will help clear my mind," replied Bumblebee as he transformed into his Beetle alt-mode.
Spike joined his father and Bumblebee. They told everyone they would be back soon and drove off towards Lancaster, a historical city with a population of 40,500, and the county seat of Fairfield County. It was to the northwest of their current location and Bumblebee suggested it might be too far out of the way to attract attention.
Sideswipe made his way to the infirmary tent to be halted by Powerglide. "Visiting hours are over," he chided, making the assumption the countach wanted to be nosey. He responded with a playful headlock and said, "I was asked to watch over things. What's going on in there?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Powerglide snapped back. "The ladies need some privacy. No boys allowed except for doctors and patients!"
"It's not like they've got something to hide," the lamborghini joked. He wasn't wrong since Cybertronians were sexless, despite having genders and varied appearances. However, he hadn't taken into account that they were still strangers and as with humans, some Cybertronians were more modest than others in the matters of personal hygiene and elimination.
Powerglide facepalmed. "Cool your exhaust will ya. If you want to stand guard with me, fine, but we're staying outside until Ratchet says otherwise."
"Okay, geez!" growled Sideswipe as he folded his arms. He wished his older brother were there with him rather than the blowhard plane. He was feeling a little lonely without his twin.
Powerglide glanced his way and said, "Look, I'm sorry for jumping your aft. "
Sideswipe merely shrugged and said, "It's all good. This place blows. Woods and farmland suck."
The jet laughed. "Tell me about it. This is more Hound and Beachcomber's thing."
From inside the tent, the women felt refreshed and were appreciative of their physicians' assistance. Even little Pixie was awake and could sit up with some help. Her spirits were lifted and she started smiling more, especially around Ratchet. However, she was a little sad to see Road Rage badly injured, but was comforted after the doctor explained her friend would get better. She noticed Roadie's brother sleeping in a bed next to her with a compress over his optics. She wondered if he was sick too.
Ratchet disappeared behind a curtain. He felt lightheaded and was obliged to sit down. Wheeljack berated him for not taking some energon earlier and started preparing an infusion.
"You're not doing anyone any favors if you don't look after yourself," scolded Wheeljack.
With a sigh, Ratchet spoke quietly, "You're right. It's just that I've been worried about Pixie. She's made me realize how much I miss parenthood…"
Wheeljack looked tenderly at the medic and took both of his hands in his own. "What are you saying?"
The medic shook his head. "I don't know. Her friends look out for her, but I don't know if any of them are looking after her. She's closest to Sol, but she's in no condition to take care of a child. I think…I'm falling in love with that little girl."
"Well, duh," chuckled Wheeljack. He then became more serious and said, "So you want to take care of her like she was your daughter? We still don't know that much about her and how would Prime react?"
"I have no idea, but from what little Pixie's told us, she's been treated like property by the Decepticons. I doubt she was created by them. I have a hunch that she was either kidnapped or found by them as a sparkling. When Prime asked her to join us, she reacted as someone who was never allowed to do anything of her own accord."
Wheeljack administered the infusion and then wrapped his arms around Ratchet. "What will you do?"
Ratchet leaned in. "I'm going to talk to Prime and the ladies. For one thing, I'm not going to let the Decepticons hurt her ever again."
"Okay, okay. I suppose you want to go back out there. At least sit down and have Hoist take over doctor duties. It's dinner time anyway-and that includes you." Wheeljack helped Ratchet to his feet, and carried the chair out beside Pixie's cot.
The little drone frowned to see the doctor looking so tired. "You work so hard." she whispered.
Ratchet managed to smile. "I do work very hard, but I promised to rest. Knowing that you're able to smile makes me feel better."
Wheeljack stretched his arms and said, "It's chow time. Who's hungry?"
"All of us!" Riggs bellowed with laughter. "Don't forget Pretty Boy. The poor guy's fallen asleep, but he'll need it. You look like you could use some too, Doc."
"Right," agreed Ratchet.
"Okay, then," said Wheeljack. "I'll fetch Beachcomber and be right back with your orders. Ratchet, if you lift a finger, I'm going to give you a swift kick in the aft!"
Ratchet just shook his head at his partner. He settled back into his chair and closed his eyes. "I suppose a little rest wouldn't hurt."
"You need more than a little," Hoist pointed out as he entered the tent. "I'm taking over for the rest of the night." He scanned Sol. "Poor thing. You did an impeccable job on her leg. It should heal quite well."
As they were talking, Tracks opened his optics a little. "Hoist?" he said quietly, "Please put me right next to Sol, my dear fellow."
"Well…" Hoist began, glancing over at Ratchet. The medic gave a nod from his chair. The tow truck complied and carefully pushed Tracks so that he was lying right next to his sister. The corvette wearily moved closer to that he was lying on his side, embracing his sister's chassis.
Pixie's optics sparkled a little. "Awww. Roadie's lucky to have a big brother like you."
Tracks optics remained closed, but he cracked a tiny smile. He said, "Actually, I am her little brother. But yes, I love my sister very much."
The little drone nodded from her bed. She seemed to become saddened. "I have two sisters, but I had to…" she broke down crying.
Ratchet stirred in his chair. Had to do what? He didn't want the little one to strain herself, but he wondered what she meant. He rose from his chair and knelt down to comfort Pixie. "You shouldn't exert yourself right now. Your job is to get healthy."
Trailhawk turned to Riggs and Stardust. They all nodded. Riggs smiled sincerely at the tiny drone and said, "Honey, you should listen to Doc. Don't you worry. We're going to tell them about everything once Big Boy returns. How does that sound?"
Pixie continued to cry. "What if they hate me?" she sobbed.
By now Ratchet was lifting her up into his arms again. "No one hates you," he soothed.
"Now you stop talking nonsense!" Riggs replied, with a gentle sternness. "Honey, now did we cast you aside? Hmm?"
The drone shook her head.
"Right. And if the rest of the autobots are like Doc here, neither will they. I know it's confusing, but this is what friends do."
Tracks's optics opened again. He had been listening and considered Riggs' words. She could have been easily talking about Sol. His arm tightened around her as she slept. He smiled a little and decided to forgive Prime. All that mattered now was that Sol was safe and recovering at his side.
Pixie leaned against the doctor and whispered, "My spark is beating fast. It did that when I smiled. Is this happy? Shockwave scared me when he was happy."
"That's different," Ratchet explained. "This type of happy is called love. Love is a happy that makes someone feel joyful and protected because they know others care about their wellbeing."
"Love is also a happy that makes you want to be around others who make you feel that way." Trailhawk added while blushing. "Beachcomber makes me happy."
"You make me happy too," the voice of Beachcomber responded as the guards permitted him and Wheeljack to pass with armloads of energon cubes. They were followed in by Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Bumblebee, and the Witwickys. The humans were carrying several containers, one of which strange smells emitted from within.
Trailhawk blushed so red that everyone couldn't help but laugh. Even the humans got the gist of it from the dune buggy's response. Beachcomber brought her some energon.
Hoist set up several portable chairs for those not in beds. He asked to set aside his energon for after Sol's treatment. She was the only one who required infusions. Tracks reluctantly left her side to eat and talk with the others. Prime motioned for him to sit on his right. The energon was dispersed to everyone. Even Pixie was able to hold her cube with some assistance from Ratchet. The other patients also looked much healthier thanks to much needed rest and nourishment. The humans were eating something made from organic matter-more accurately, a combination of different organic components.
"What's that?" Trailhawk questioned, bending down to have a closer look.
Spike nearly choked on his food and pounded his chest to make it go down the right pipe.. His eyes suddenly looked up at the renegade. "It's called a sandwich," he replied and was now laughing.
Trailhawk blinked several times. "Sandwhich?" It took her a moment more to fully understand what had just happened. "Wait, I can…understand you? Oh my!"
The optics of Riggs and Stardust changed color. Their translation software identified the language as English, a common dialect of human speech used in this area.
Ratchet grinned. "It's about time your translators kicked in." He realized Pixie was attempting to try when her optics changed. She eventually gave up and cried, "I can't…"
"You will, sweetheart," Ratchet reassured, stroking her back. "It might take you just a little longer, but you're getting better." Pixie hugged him tight. "Thank you."
Stardust smirked "You're acting like a dad," she said.
The medic blushed. "Well, like I said before, I used to be one."
Wheeljack placed a hand on Ratchet's shoulder. "Come on, spit it out."
"I was just about to," grumbled Ratchet. He turned redder in the face. "This little angel's put a spell on me. If she decides to become an Autobot…well, I want to look after her."
Riggs folded her arms and laughed. "Pixie has that effect on others, Doc."
Pixie looked up at Ratchet. "Angel? No…I'm a bad girl…"
"Honey-pie, no don't you start that again," Riggs scolded gently. She looked at the others until her optics rested upon Optimus. "Big boy, I suspect you're wanting to have a talk. Well, I think we're ready to accommodate you."
The Autobot leader rubbed the back of his head. "You're not wrong," he agreed. "But first, please stop calling me Big Boy. Prime will do."
Ratchet comforted the little drone. "Why do you think you're a bad girl?"
Pixie cried against him. "Because I had to hurt my sisters."
"Sisters?" Prime questioned. His optics went to Riggs for more answers.
The old bounty hunter took the cue and explained, "Pixie is the oldest of three drones that Shockwave acquired a while ago. I don't know where he found them, but they're all little things just like her. They're placed between this galaxy and Cybertron. I've been moving around from galaxy-to-galaxy collecting bounties and a few stragglers along the way." She let out a heart laugh while looking at Stardust and Trailhawk. "Pipsqueak here is from Caminus, one of the colonies. Trailhawk is originally from Cybertron, but her folks hightailed it out during the war. Since I don't have any family left, we sort-of became one. They're my girls. So anyway, we received a distress call from a Cybertrian ambassador named Crosscut needing assistance with mounting a rescue. We decided to take a chance and investigate. We lost contact with Crosscut, but found Road Rage and the baby. Roadie had just broken out of prison and stole a damaged shuttle. It was lucky I got them before they were left stranded in the vacuum of space, or captured by Decepticon reinforcements. Naturally, Shockwave didn't take too kindly to the news and had us on the run thanks to his security team. They chased us from solar system to solar system. It seemed like they were always one step ahead and our supply of energon dwindled."
Glints streamed down Pixie's face. "It's because my sisters' powers were being used by the scary robot Shockwave always talks to. He said we had to do as he said."
Ratchet looked down at her with sincerity. "Powers?" He then turned his gaze to Riggs and to Prime.
"That's right, Doc," Riggs continued. "Pixie and her two sisters are living drone bots. Don't ask me who forged them or where they came from. I have no idea. Even the little one doesn't remember who her parents were. Shockwave came upon and 'Ol Megs had him raise them-if you can call it that."
Glints streamed from Pixie's eyes. "Riggs, let me tell them about that, please?"
The old semi smiled sympathetically. "Baby, are you sure? The last thing you need is to upset yourself, but I suppose you might feel better if you get it off your chest."
The little drone hugged Ratchet tightly as she spoke, "The scary robot had us stationed in space between here and Cybertron. We were linked together. I am the oldest and the hardest for Shockwave to control, so he kept me close to home around Grindcore penal colony. Shockwave said I had to be a good girl or else he would hurt me. But I was a bad girl and tried to free my sisters, so Shockwave broke my wing and sent me to the crazy doctor for reprogramming. He's not as mean as Shockwave and always talks about how pretty he is. He was angry about my cute wing being hurt, but had to do his job. Some prisoners stormed into the lab and knocked him out. Roadie freed me and said I had to come with her. She was with another robot then. He told her to run and gave her something-he said it was important. They separated and Roadie and I escaped in that broken spaceship. That's when Riggs helped us. The scary Decepticon was so angry. He closed in on us. Riggs couldn't sense them, but I could. My sisters were with them so they could hide and change how they look. I was still connected to them, so I tried to make them stop, but my sisters wouldn't listen. They were going to hurt my new friends, so I had to stop them. I hacked into them and made them go to sleep…I went to sleep for a while. When I woke up, I could no longer talk to my sisters"
Riggs smiled sympathetically. "Trailhawk was able to revive the baby, but she was so weak that we had to make an emergency landing on this planet. We didn't understand what happened, but the Decepticons stopped pursuing us all of a sudden. So we landed in the middle of this forested area and I made the decision to send my ship back up to space to throw them off our trail. It was set to self-destruct if they found it. It wasn't the smartest move, but we were getting too sick to pilot it and Road Rage was adamant about protecting the little one."
Optimus Prime's optics narrowed. "Crosscut…so what happened to him?"
"I don't know," replied Riggs sadly.
Prime nodded sadly and said, "All we can do is hope he is somewhere safe. I promise I will not forsake him and neither will I forsake all of you. My offer still stands."
The women looked contemplative. Riggs was the first to respond, "Prime, I've always been a bot who plays by her own rules, but it's been getting risky-especially with my little family. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to swallow my pride and allow someone else to call the shots."
Ironhide laughed. "Prime ain't like that, ma'am. Sure he leads, but we've all had our moments where we had to break rank for whatever reason. Nobody's perfect."
Riggs grinned. "Red, I'm starting to like you."
"My alt-mode is starting to grow on me," remarked Stardust. "I'm a scout and warrior-in-training from Caminus like Riggs said. We've been cut off from Cybretron for millions of years, but we still hold onto the beliefs that the Primes exist. I've always been a cynic and a skeptic, but many of my fellow Camians fanatically regard the original Primes as deities."
Optimus looked rather uncomfortable upon hearing this. "I am not a God," he commented.
Stardust shrugged. "Are you sure you're a Prime?"
The autobot leader was amused by the small bot's stubbornness. "I am," he replied. "Would you like to be in on a little secret?"
"What secret?" the motorcycle scrutinized.
Prime opened up his chest to reveal the artifact it contained. Stardust's mouth dropped open for a moment. The bright glow of the crystal entranced her. Her optics glistened with traces of glints.
"Okay, you've converted me." she said, bowing slightly.
"Please don't do that," Prime requested. It must have been a habitual reaction-an awkward one all the same. Knowledge that Caminus still existed might prove to be useful, but he had no desire to be worshiped. He closed up his chest and decided to change the subject. "Ratchet, about what you said earlier?"
The medic looked tenderly at Pixie. "I meant it, Prime. Ladies, I know you've been looking after her and I must be coming off as very selfish to usurp her from your care."
Trailhawk gazed sincerely at Ratchet. "Aww. You want to be Pixie's daddy?"
"Doc, you might be rough on the edges, but you said it best-the baby's stolen your heart," said Riggs.
Prime's optics were kind towards the old medic. He spoke decidedly, "It is true Pixie is just a child and has known nothing of love up until recently. She is just now discovering that she is a bot who has the right to make her own decisions. Therefore, I think the choice should be hers alone. Pixie, what do you decide?"
The drone's magenta optics glistened. "The doctor taught me about the happy you call love. What is a daddy? Is that like what Shockwave was?" She trembled.
Ratchet's optics narrowed. "Shockwave is a monster, not a daddy. A daddy is a male parent who loves and protects his children."
A smile formed on Pixie's face as she snuggled up to Ratchet. "You can be my daddy."
Wheeljack rubbed the back of his head. "Ratchet is my Conjunx Endura, so you're stuck with two daddies."
Pixie's head tilted side-to-side. "What's that?"
"When two adult bots love each other, they share their sparks with one another and become a bonded pair. It's another type of happy, but it's different from the happy between a parent and child. You'll understand when you're older," explained Ratchet.
"You mean you like each other like Trailhawk likes the blue robot?"
Trailhawk blushed and and shyly rubbed herforearm. "Kind of, but we're still getting to know each other. To be like the doc, you have to have a special ceremony."
Pixie noticed Tracks sitting in silence. "Do you have a happy? I'm sorry Roadie got hurt. You're a good brother to help her."
The corvette sat up straight and his thumbs twiddled nervously. "Sweet one, are you asking if I love someone? Yes, but…I love an organic, you see…"
The child's eyes were large and confused. "What's an organic?"
"An organic is like Sparkplug and Spike over there. The life on Earth is made up of organic matter, rather than mechanical like us."
"Oh okay," said Pixie. "Are you Conjunx Endura with your organic?"
Tracks' face became redder than usual at the question. His pursed his lips and looked reluctant to answer.
Sparkplug and Spike both chuckled after deciphering the child's question. The elder Witwicky gave Tracks a slap on the arm and remarked, "No one's judging you-at least I don't think they are."
"Don't be daft, man!" Tracks huffed defensively. "Some Cybertronians prefer to not discuss their intimacies as plainly as the weather. It's rather gauche!"
The drone started to cry, thinking she did something wrong. Ratchet comforted her and glared angrily at Tracks. "You're the daft one!" he lashed out. "She's just a little girl and doesn't know any better."
Tracks frowned. "Sweet one, I'm sorry. Sometimes I struggle with talking about myself, but I do love someone very much and maybe we will become Conjunx Endura, if that's possible. She helped me find my happy again. I'm sorry I tarnished yours."
"You're not mad?" asked Pixie, innocently.
Tracks smiled. "No."
She dried her optics and managed a tiny smile. "Okay. I found my happy too. I'm an Autobot!"
Prime laughed. "It is my happy to know you are all onboard with us, Pixie. As you all recover, we will do our part to keep the Decepticons from getting what they desire. You are one of us now and I welcome you to my family."
Pixie smiled. "So I got two daddies! I'm so happy!"
"Very good. It's been a very long day. I suggest you all rest. Sideswipe, you and Jazz will keep watch. Tracks, you will relieve them in the morning. I think it would be best if you stayed close to Sol for now. Tomorrow, I will meet with the humans. If Beaver is able to forgive, then perhaps the others can see reason. Good night, all of you."
