Author's note. Just back from a break, hope everyone likes the new chapter.
Enjoy and please review.
Next morning, Thundercracer wake up early, looking down at the sparkling he could see Spike sleeping still and decided to let him rest. In the meantime, the seeker got up and started to prepare energon for himself and for Spike once he woke up.
The seeker just felt so excited over Spike, he couldn't wait to see his little one acquire his first upgrade, this was a big deal. Perhaps, it would be a good idea to take a picture of his sweet sparkling while he was still a sparkling.
"My precious sparkling," he murmured softly as he took an image capturer and took some cute pictures as the little one slept. He almost cooed out loud when Spike suddenly yawned and cuddled one of his numerous teddies that lined his berth.
"You really are the sweetest," he chuckled, thinking wistfully that Ricochet didn't really have any playmates, new sparklings weren't being born. It was rather incredible that Ricochet had been created at all, his carrier's death showed how precarious the situation was. He sowre he would give this sparkling the best possible life he could have. It was a shame he didn't have a mate but he was lucky enough to have his Trine, that would do.
"At least with this images, we can look back on this someday," he told the sleeping Sparkling gently.
"Why are you up so early?" Spike yawned, still very much hugging his teddy and blanket.
"Morning, Ricochet. I got your energon whenever you're ready," Thundercracker said a while holding the bottle in front the sparkling.
"Hm, later. I want to sleep," Spike closed his optics trying to back to sleep.
"Alright, you can get 5 more minutes. But then we need to leave to Hooks medbay," Thundercracker informed and picked up a normal cube for himself to refuel.
"Medbay?" Spike questioned and shortly remembered that he was going to get his upgrade today. "No, doctors are the worst!"
"Don't be nervous sweetspark, upgrades aren't scary," Thundercracker told him soothingly as Ricochet started to grouse.
"No doc!" Spike protested, he wanted to stay here with his toys, not get poked at with needles.
"You need to, Hook will cure your itchy back," Thundercracker tried to reassure a decidedly unconvinced sparkling. "You don't want an itchy back forever do you?"
"No," Spike declared, the mention of said back was already causing an itch to develop. But why did he have to get messed around with by Hook to cure it?
"The upgrade will help cure your back and Hook have taken his time to prepare everything for you," Thundercracker explained to Spike. This was something he has never seen in Spike before. The sparkling didn't like doctors it seemed.
Spike felt defecated, he couldn't argue with that although he could hardly speak at the moment.
"There's a good sparkling," Thundercracker handed Spike his morning energon, luckily he had enough from the cube Hook gave him.
Spike felt a bit better as he sucked at the bottle, but this bottle did taste the same as the one he had gotten yesterday. Maybe it had to do with Hook? Either way. Maybe the best thing was to get this over with fast as possible.
In the meantime, Thundercracker picked Spike up and headed to the med-bay.
"You'll feel so good when it's over," Thundercracker told him comfortingly. "You won't need to scratch your back and I bet your new form will be beautiful."
"Better not hurt," Spike grumbled, he remembered the sharp pains he experienced after hitting puberty and having to deal with 'growing pains'.
"And you should be able to talk more," his guardian continued. "I'll enjoy hearing you talk more, you're already so clever."
"Aww, thanks," giggled Spike, it was hard not to appreciate a bit of flattery.
Then they had arrived, standing right outside the med-bay entrance. Spike started to whimper a bit, he still wasn't sure about this.
"it's okay, you won't even notice any pain. I promise," Thundercracker hugged Spike slowly rocking him in his arms gently. "You can be brave for me, right Ricochet?"
"I don't want to be brave," Spike mumbled, he didn't want to do surgery to get his upgrade.
"I'll be here all the way," Thundercracker promised.
"You better," Spike told him as the seeker stepped inside the med-bay. They both could see that hook had prepared a bed with every tool and part he would need and spike couldn't help but fear a little as his face paled.
"All ready?" Hook queried as he turned to meet them but then noticed Spike's distress. "I see he's a bit nervous."
"A bit," admitted Thundercracker, changing his hold so he could hug his sparkling close. "I know this is new and strange but it'll be alright. Hook knows what he's doing, he's got everything ready. You can do this, I know you can."
"I don't know," Spike chirped unhappily, this was just too weird. Surgeries weren't exactly a small thing as a human, how would one for a transformer go?
"You'll feel amazing when it's over," the blue Seeker encouraged, moving closer to the berth.
Spike still felt uneasy about this, guessing that Hook would put him to sleep and before he would know it, it would be over.
"There, I'm ready," Hook held a syringe, inside was a blue glowing liquid. "Hold him still while. I put him to sleep."
"No!" Spike squeaked and reached for Thundercrackers arm, being afraid of that syringe, has it always been that large?
"It's okay Ricochet. Just look at me," Thundercracker forgot that Ricochet hated syringes. "That's right, remember the treat you will get afterwards?"
"Yeah... I hope it's sweet," Spike chirped and at that moment he felt something sting at his arm, looking around to see Hook taking the opportunity to give him that shot. Everything was starting to become dark.
"There we go, the surgery will take some time to finish. I will send you a message once I'm done, but even then the kid will still be resting."
Thundercracker nodded but his main attention was on Ricochet who was quickly falling under the effects of the sedative he'd been given. He loving stroked his head, murmuring reassurances as the sparkling optics dimmed before he finally succumbed.
"There, that's him," Hook said briskly, checking the vitals. "When I'm done, you can take him back to your quarters, he'll sleep and then will be a bit groggy. But he'll recover I no time as his upgraded systems adjust to the changes."
"I understand," Thundercracker acknowledged, wishing he could stay but Hook needed peace to concentrate.
He exited the medbay and prayed to primus that everything would go well. In the meantime he needed to keep himself busy and one way for him to do that was to help Soundwave with his duties so the cassette host could get a break. Nodding at that thought, the seeker headed over to Soundwaves office.
Once there, he entered the room to see the usual, busy TIC. "Hello Soundwave, need a hand?"
Soundwave turned around, meeting Thundercracker face to face. "Assistance appreciated."
"I would imagine. What can I do?" The seeker asked.
"Reports could be typed," Soundwave suggested, it was a little tedious but he knew the Seeker was good at the task.
"Sure," Thundercracker agreed readily, glad Skywarp wasn't here, he moaned so much about filling out reports.
"Soundwave, will review possible energon sites," the communications officer examined as Thundercracker sat down at the desk, thankfully Soundwave had two chairs and several computers with which to complete his work.
The few past hours, Thundercracker concentrated on this task of writing a few reports. Most where from last time they raided an energy plant, the other reports were of how the repairs on the nemesis were going and so on.
Slowly, his thought drifted back to his sparkling. Wondering how the surgery was going and hoped all was well.
Looking at the computer screen again, Thundercracker knew he couldn't be distracted. He needed to focus on his work until hook sent him that message.
Determinedly he soldiered on with his work, however his thoughts did keep drifting to the Med Bay where his son was going through his upgrade. Surely it couldn't be much longer until Hook was done. Of course, the medic would be doing a careful thorough job, he couldn't expect instant results. It was hard not to fret, just a little.
"Thundercracker; anxious?" Soundwave suddenly said, making the blue Seeker jolt slightly.
"Ah...well no...I mean, perhaps a little," Thundercracker admitted as he turned to see that he was being observed.
"Nerves; normal," the navy blue Mech assured him. "Ricochet will be fine and Hook soon done."
"I know," Thundercracker agreed with a small smile. "Guess because it's my first time..."
He gasped as he suddenly received a comm from Hook and to Soundwave's amusement, quickly answered it.
"I need to pick him up," The seeker said mostly to himself, tuning around, heading out to the hallway. Thundercracker rushed over to the medbay, too excited and nervous at the same time about his sparkling.
The doors opened in the medbay and Hook watched as the blue seeker entered. "Welcome back Thundercracker, the kid is still asleep and he probably won't wake up until much later today or tomorrow morning."
"How did the surgery go?" Thundercracker asked in concern, but knew Hook was a capable medic.
"I think I did an outstanding job, if I say so myself. I didn't run to any issues, so everything should be in order," Hook informed the seeker and led him to Ricochet's bed where the former human slept in peace.
"Oh...," gasped Thundercracker as he arrived at the berth and beheld the sparkling.
Ricochet had been cute before but now...he was stunning. He was currently laying half on his front, curled up slightly as he slept, little wing nubs twitching as he did so. Hook had coaxed them out from their previous prison and now they looked fresh and gleaming. He was bigger now but what had Thundercracker's spark soaring was how much of a miniature seeker he looked now.
Tiny thrusters on his feet, retractable little claws at the end of his fingers and internally, he would have those vital flight systems such as the speed sensors. And to see how those cute little wing nubs were reacting despite the sound sleep...it was beyond delightful.
"Amazing," Thundercracker exclaimed, his spark pounding with delight and excitement.
"Thank you. Once Ricochet wakes up, keep feeding him the medical energon the first two days. It will help his systems to adjust to the upgrade," Hook informed and handed the seeker another cube.
"Alright, anything else I need to know?" Thundercracker asked, it would be easy enough feeding the little guy.
"Well, he might be quite sleepy and weak when he wakes up, but that's quite normal. Just give him time to recover," Hook told him.
Thundercracker in the meantime sub-spaced the Energon for later us and went over to the berth and gently picked up spike into his arms. "Thank you Hook."
"Yes, oh! if there is anything wrong with him, send me a message," The medic said as he watched the seeker leave his medbay.
"I will, thanks again," Thundercracker beamed, gently stroking the sparkling's back as he left.
He almost floated along the corridor, beyond proud of how it had went. When Ricochet was fitter, he'd need to present him to Megatron and show his progress. What a shame it was that he couldn't really take him outside or the Autobots would pounce. He'd have to think of something to let Ricochet properly feel some air currents on his new wing nubs.
Suddenly, he remembered Skywarp, surely he'd want to see Ricochet's new form?
/Warp?/ he pinged and got a pretty fast answer.
/Hey TC, how the kid?/
/Amazing, you won't believe it when you see him/ exclaimed Thundercracker, grinning from his joy. /He's sleeping so I'm just taking him home to recover but you're welcome to come over/
/Awesome, I'll bring Screamer/ the other Seeker declared just as excitedly.
Thundercracker smiled at that thought. He wondered how Starscream would react to Ricochet, but guessed that he didn't have to wait long to see it.
Back at his quarters, Thundercracker gently placed spike down on his bed. at that moment someone entered the room.
"We're here! where is the little guy?" Skywarp asked eagerly and quickly spotted the kid asleep on the berth. "Aww just look at him, he is so adorable."
"Warp!" Starscream snapped irritably as he shook Skywarp's arm off. "You didn't have to drag me here."
"Yeah I did," Skywarp said dismissively before grinning over the sleeping Sparkling. "Come on, look at how cute he is."
Starscream glared at his trine mate but was curious enough to give Ricochet the once over.
"I suppose it's an improvement over his previous form," he eventually acknowledged haughtily. "Are those thrusters dark blue?"
"Hey, he's right," Skywarp exclaimed, leaning over for a closer. "I think it's your colour TC."
"Really? Ricochet was already blue and yellow when we got him," Thundercracker reminded his trine.
"Yeah, but he was light-blue, right? That means this blue is from you TC," Skywarp explained with a grin and added. "The kid is totally taking after you."
"Well of course he is! Just look at him, no grounder just randomly grow wings!" Starscream sneered, as much as he disliked grounders. "For once... Shockwave did something right."
Thundercracker swelled with joy and pride at that, the kid was truly taking after him.
"How long is he gonna sleep?" Skywarp questioned.
"Hook said he might take a while to wake up," Thundercracker explained. "And he'll probably be a bit groggy, it's his first upgrade after all."
"Shame, I wanted to see his reaction," Skywarp pouted before brightening. "Hey, we should celebrate. How about a High Grade shot?"
"It's just an upgrade," Starscream pointed out although he didn't look averse to the idea.
"I was planning to give Ricochet a treat when he's recovered," Thundercracker admitted. "Something for his Trine, that would be appropriate."
"It would be, but we don't really have nice stuff to give him," Skywarp said sadly and wondered if he could somehow create a gift himself.
"It would be a shame," Starscream agreed, but thought how bad they looked compared to the Autobot who could spend a lot more resources in making whatever toys and sweets they wanted for the kid. It just wouldn't do, their needs to be better.
"The kid would enjoy some gifts, but we would need to make them ourselves. How about a puzzle?" Skywarp suggested, it wouldn't be to hard all he needed to do was get a board, paint it and then cut it into pieces.
"That would be good, he'll need more things to occupy him," Thundercracker agreed, thinking of that footage of Ricochet sneaking through the halls of the Nemesis. After being upgraded, he would surely have even more focus and energy.
"Star, could you come up with something similar?" he turned to his trine leader.
"Well...I'm sure I could," the white and red Seeker admitted. Perhaps blocks and other pieces that could be joined together and used to create buildings or vehicles, that might be suitable. "Isn't Shockwave supposed to be sending stuff?"
"Yes, I'm expecting it any day now," Thundercracker confirmed. "He'll need more things to learn."
"That's great, I wonder what he will send," the purple seeker asked curiously.
"I'm not sure, but he was going to send a few learning data-pads for Ricochet. I also believe he will also send a proper bed for him too." Thundercracker said and the bed would be most welcomed for his little sparkling.
"Sound like Shockwave alright," Skywarp agreed, more teaching stiff for the kid was expected.
"Guess the fun's stuffs up to us," he added musingly.
"Looks like it," Thundercracker smiled as he gently stroked his sparkling's face, watching in delight as the wing nubs flicked in response.
Meanwhile.
"Not doing bad, Sparkplug my mech," Jazz complimented as Sparkplug manoeuvred his way among a rumble of boulders. "Getting better and better."
"Hope so," Sparkplug responded, it was still a weird sensation.
"You have certainly improved these last days," Jazz told him with a smile and continued to watch Sparkplugs performance. " You need to relax more, remember, the alt-mode and you're one and it shows in your driving."
"Right, I will try again," Sparkplug said. He needed so loosen up, he knew what Jazz meant by that and agreed calm down a bit to preform better. Going for another round around the boulders, it felt better this time.
"Much better. Now you're getting it," Jazz complicated.
Sparkplug returned to the Autobot and transformed into his robot mode. "Thanks, I still have a bit to go don't I?"
"You're getting there Sparkplug. No bot can get all of this down under one day," Jazz reminded him, it was clear the former human has high standards for himself.
"Yeah, I get it. Rome wasn't built in one day," Sparkplug agreed, but he couldn't help but miss his son.
"You know what? Let's get a drink. You sure deserve it after all your hard work," Jazz suggested, maybe this would take away some of Sparkplugs worries at the same time.
"I won't say no," Sparkplug laughed though his mind automatically went to an image of a cool beer. Then shook himself as he recalled bots didn't have beer, they had High Grade.
"Not tried it before, right?" Jazz questioned as they headed for the hideaway, located in a hidden cave between some trees.
"Nope, hope I enjoy it," Sparkplug said cheerfully, so far he'd found the fuel to be fine.
"Since it's your first time, I'll make you something a little bit special," Jazz grinned at him. "We have to drink a lot of fuel rations but we do have recipes back on Cybertron."
This captured Sparkplug's attention, he was more curious about this drink now and watched Jazz carefully as the Autobot started to prepare the drink.
"Really, What kind of recipes?" Sparkplug questioned in great interest.
"They're a few, Teletran one probably have more of them. But most are of different kind of high grade. During the golden age, bartenders had a lot of time in creating new drinks."
"Sounds, interesting. Maybe when I have the opportunity, I could look up on those recipes," Sparkplug said, he wouldn't mind looking at a few.
"Sure thing, always good to know one or two drinks," Jazz agreed before adding. "Actually, you should get onto Sideswipe, he's the man when it comes to High Grade mixes."
"Oh?" Sparkplug said interestedly as Jazz crushed something before adding it to some Energon and mixing it in.
"Uh huh, he's the bot everyone goes to to supply a party," Jazz grinned before adding slyly. "He's got his own secret stash and all. A few secret recipes too."
"Anything he could teach, I'd be happy to learn," Sparkplug said earnestly as Jazz added something which made the drink froth before offering it to the other Mech.
Sparkplug picked up the blue drink, it sparkled a little and was more the curious on the taste. Lifting the drink to his lips and taking a zip. It tasted sweet and the bubbles almost reminded him of sodas.
"Wow, that taste great," Sparkplug said and drank some more of the drink, but he really wanted to enjoy his drink.
"Thanks, I thought you might like it," The Autobot smiled and made another one for himself.
Sparkplug watched him with interest, wondering if Spike was getting to try exciting new things. He thought of the times they'd go to a burger bar as a treat and ordered shakes or ice cream floats. Spike had loved those, especially with a burger and fries, an indulgent combination of sweet and salty.
"Can you make one's suitable for kids?" He questioned, wondering how a vanilla energon drink would taste.
"Wanna make one for your mechling?" Jazz grinned. "Sure are."
"First you will need a simple energon, pure some in a glass and crush a energon crystal onto the drink," Jazz explained and demonstrated by doing just that. "And it's done. A safe drink for kids."
"That's it? I thought there would be more to it," Sparkplug asked, disappointed a bit.
"It is just that simple. The Energon crystal have different tastes and some of them give a bubbly texture as you have noticed in your own drink." Jazz pointed to his drink.
"Yes, I noticed. Taste familiar to soda drinks."
"Oh yeah, I've seen those," Jazz mused before laughing. "Maybe Wheeljack should invent a machine to turn us into humans, let us taste all your great stuff."
"Don't go giving him ideas," Sparkplug also laughed while wondering if it was possible to create some earth inspired recipes. It might be worth trying, perhaps someone like Perceptor could assist with that. He lifted the kid friendly drink up and took a sip, it was nice and he was sure Spike would enjoy something like this. When he got his boy back, he'd definitely make one of them.
"It's good," he complimented Jazz. "I'll learn this and others, I should be able to care for him as good as any Seeker."
"That's the spirit," Jazz agreed. "I can show you how to make the stuff Prowl liked to drink as an Enforcer. It's funny but it reminds me of your coffee, it's just as dark and you heat it up. I think it tastes like slag but he swears by it."
"How can you be sure that human coffee tastes the same?" Sparkplug asked, confused if they had something like that on Cybertron. "I mean the coffee bean is quite... different."
"We don't have that, but I think we have a similar drink to it," Jazz explained and made a self note to take Sparkplug over to the ark to taste their version of coffee. "Getting quite interested in this stuff aren't ya?"
"Yeah, I mean. I'm curious to see what we have in common, that really interests me," Sparkplug answered and won't mind trying their version of coffee.
"You want things in common, you should try some of my music," Jazz told him, visor flashing in amusement. "I got both Earth and Cybertron tunes in my deck."
"Any Cybertronian Jazz?" Sparkplug couldn't resist asking and his friend laughed at the joke.
"Heh, I get it. You could say we've got something similar but honestly, a lot of Earth's music is unique to Earth. That's why I love it so much, you can understand Cybertron hasn't been producing anything new in a long time. But I still enjoy our old classics, you might even find something you enjoy."
"I'm sure I will. do you happen to have anything suitable for Sparklings?" Sparkplug asked.
"Oh, I have plenty," Jazz smiled and added. "I actually played some for him when he was still with us. he really seemed to like the tunes I played."
"Really? What kind of music did you lay for him?" Sparkplug asked, eager to know.
"At the time, I played relaxing music to help him sleep. Worked wonders," Jazz replied, but realized that he never tested any actual music with the kid which was a shame.
"Oh, that would then be expected. Spike was always an easy sleeper when he was young," Sparkplug smiled, thinking back to the long hours driving and when Spike would get bored. One way was to play music to help the boy sleep so the time could pass faster for him.
"He was a good sleeper with us too," Jazz mused thoughtfully. "Looks like he's still our little Spike even if he doesn't remember."
"Mm," Sparkplug hummed, he still wasn't sure about that. "At least he shouldn't be annoying the Cons, I don't want them getting angry at him."
"Nah, Thundercracker won't let anything happen, even if old Megs gets slagged off," his friend told him confidently. "One good thing about him having Spike even if he's a bit too attached."
"Yeah and I basically have to fight him for Cybertronian custody," Sparkplug said with a grimace. It was still hard to imagine his boy was legally the ward of an alien.
"I'm sure you can win it," Jazz encouraged.
"Thanks, what do I need to do exactly?" Sparkplug asked, he wasn't sure how this would go.
"Usually to keep the rights over a sparkling, you will need to prove that you're capable. Since you are Spike's biological dad, they will try to take a CNA sample to see if you two match."
"Doesn't sound so bad. How long will this take?" Sparkplug asked, eagerly to get a date when he can finally have Spike back.
"Hard to say, these things do take time and since it's the Decepticons they might want to drag it out," Jazz answered.
"Of course they would," Sparkplug grumbled with a scowl. "Well, I'll insist on it. Maybe they'll do it to prove me wrong."
"Dunno, you do look a lot like him," Jazz said slowly. "They might want to avoid proving you are his Sire. But we'll fight it anyway."
"We will," Sparkplug said grimly as Jazz suggested they take a trip to the Ark.
The way there wasn't so bad, the weather was sunny. once they reached the Ark, they both transformed to their robot modes and went to find the twins.
"Are they on patrol?" Sparkplug asked. He knew some of the bots schedules.
"Nah, I think they have finished that by now," Jazz replied.
"I'll give them a quick call and see where they're at," Jazz told him, after all, they could easily be in the Rec room fuelling, their own quarters, the training room, ect.
/Hey my main Mechs, where are you at?/ Jazz asked as he pinged their comm.
/Just grabbing a few things from the supply room, why/ Sideswipe answered curiously.
/Sparkplug is interested in making drinks, thought you could show him a thing or too/ Jazz explained.
/Sure, we can teach him a few things if he can keep up that is/ Sideswipe replied teasingly.
/He did pick up my simple recipe in no time. I think he will surprise ya/ Jazz smirked.
/Alright, bring him over to our secret hideout/ Sideswipe told him, they had a secret place where they did create their high Energon. the Ark would just be a bad idea, Prowl would have had their butts in no time.
/Sure, but isn't not as a secret hideout as you think it is./ Jazz smiled in amusement, he had found it not so long ago and agreed to play along.
/Hey! No insulting my place./
/I'd never/ Jazz laughed teasingly. /Got a password/
/Yeah, no killjoys/ Sideswipe retorted before adding. /Meet you there/
"We're in business Sparkplug," Jazz declared, disconnecting from the call. "The twins have their own 'secret' place they like to go to get away from Prowl or brew illegal High Grade."
He said the 'secret' place with air quotes, smirking as he did so. Sparkplug smiled, Jazz made it sound like they were a couple of kids with a hideaway den, sneaking beer and cigarettes. He knew Transformers had their own alcohol but did they have a version of smoking? What about drugs? He definitely didn't want any of that around Spike, he'd need to make sure there was no chance of that.
To get to the secret hideout they had to drive over to an old farm. The farm was a bit away from the ark.
"They hide their Energon here?" Sparkplug asked in surprise and looked over the farm, it looked to be one of those places where the family had moved away and everything was slowly going to waste.
"Yep, their reason to it was the best hiding place is with the locals," Jazz answered and led Sparkplug over to a large storage house that the farmers used to store their goods.
"They aren't wrong on that," Sparkplug agreed, in a way he found it clever.
There was certainly nothing of interest to the Cons, it was just an old abandoned farm, not at all unusual in this part of the country. Old rusted farming equipment lay scattered about with thick weeds growing in the farmyard. Jazz led the way through a well trodden path to the barn and rapped smartly on the door.
"No killjoys," Jazz called out cheerfully, flashing a grin at Sparkplug as they waited for a response.
There was a pause before the door suddenly creaked open on rusty hinges, a source of light apparent within.
"Come on, let's not hang about," Sunstreaker stated, gesturing for them to enter.
They both entered the hideout. Looking around, Sparkplug noticed the storage of Energon way back in the building and a bit closer to the door where the twins had a lot of different kinds of glowing cubes, glass, and other tools.
"Welcome to our secret hideout," Sideswipe smiled and pointed at the two seats nearby. Sparkplug and Jazz naturally sat down at the chairs.
"Before we start, Sparkplug we need you to keep your word to not tell anyone about our place here. We need it to remain a secret," Sunstreaker said, they couldn't have the others bots know or risk the cons found the place, their business would go downhill if that happened.
"It's okay, I won't tell anyone," Sparkplug promised them. He could tell they were serious about it and perhaps that this meant something more to them too.
"Good, it's bad enough this joker knowing about it," Sunstreaker cut in as Jazz smirked, leaning casually back in his chair.
"Least it's not Prowl," his brother sighed, the Autobot Sic would shut this down in a nano-second.
The yellow Mech huffed but didn't dispute the point. He did give Sparkplug a rather thoughtful look.
"What are we supposed to call you?" he asked bluntly. "You're not going by your name, are you? I mean, it does work as a bot name but even the Cons are gonna get a bit suspicious if they hear that."
"I was going to call myself something else, I just haven't thought of something suitable yet," Sparkplug admitted as Sunstreaker nodded.
"If you want, we'll think about it while we show you a few things."
"I wouldn't say no to suggestions," he said and agreed to hear some ideas out.
"Sweet, now let's start with the first lesson," Sideswipe turned around looking at what he could use to teach Sparkplug. He grabbed a few things and put them onto the table. "Let's do a medium drink with a sweet taste.
Sparkplug watched the items and what Sideswipe was doing by blending the drink, he used Energon, some different crystals and shock the drink a bit. It was quite calming watching him work and in the end, before him was a yellow looking drink and a hit of orange from the bubbles.
"What kind of drink is that?" Sparkplug asked, while watching the drink.
"One of the more popular drinks during our summer season, Cybertron does also have weather. Just a bit more rarer than it is here."
"Ah," Sparkplug acknowledged as he was offered the drink and took a sip, definitely one kids would like. It was pretty good actually, sweet but with a slight tangy taste to it.
"Do you make hot drinks for cold weather?" He questioned, thinking of hot chocolate and mulled wine.
"Yeah, we got some," Sideswipe confirmed. "Should be able to make one of those." He went to rummage among their supplies, bringing out a pot and burner.
Again, Sparkplug watched Sideswipe carefully as he started to mix the new drink. He now used another kid of energon and started to fix everything in the hot pot, slowly fading some crystals and small soft metals to the drink.
"That looks different," Sparkplug noticed that the drink started to change to a more reddish colour.
"Yepp, it also gives a bit of kick too, but keeps the person warm on the inside," the red mech said and continued mixing the drink. and added. "What would you think of the name, Sparker or Fixer?"
"Bro, those are just... horrible suggestions," Sunstreaker pointed out from his small corner.
"They are not," Sideswipe argued as Sparkplug said. "They're not bad but...I don't think they're me."
Sideswipe pouted a little before nodding with a sigh. "Yeah, fair enough. It's gotta be you, you know?"
"Don't worry, we'll get there," Jazz said encouragingly. "Bots get their names in all sorts of ways. You know old Megs is named after one of the original Primes, Megatronus?"
"Seriously?" Sparkplug asked, it was very strange to think of Megatron having a Prime's name.
"Yep," Jazz grinned as Sideswipe tasted his concoction before stirring a bit more.
"I would have never imagined," Sparkplug started to wonder what kind of name he could use, his current name was a dead give-away. There were past nicknames he considered over, those might do.
"Oh, I know that face. You got something in mind?" Sunstreaker asked Sparkplug who sort of shrugged.
"I'm not sure, I have a past nickname from the army. But it isn't very good or any fancy."
"You served in the army?" Sideswiped asked in wonder, he didn't know much about Sparkplugs life as a human and this was certainly news to him.
"Yes, we all do. It's just for a few years to serve your country and as a young lad I joined," Sparkplug explained.
"Huh, guess this explains why you get on so well with Ironhide," Sunstreaker mused before asking. "What was the name, maybe it'll work?"
"I used to be known as Ranger," Sparkplug told them. "I used to be pretty good at trekking through the wilderness...like a ranger. It stuck in the army but afterwards, I got involved in mechanics and ended up with the name Sparkplug instead."
"Ranger...," Jazz said slowly, testing the name as the twins looked very intrigued. "You know what...I think we may have a winner."
"Yeah, I like it," Sideswipe agreed as his twin nodded. It might be a simple name but it also had a certain dignity to it.
"Let's toast to Ranger," Jazz declared, surging to his feet and moving to the drinks table.
"Hear hear," the twins cheered and held their drinks high for the toast.
Sparkplug blushed but joined them. "Thanks, guys, but it's just a name."
"Just a name? To us, it is sort of a big deal," Sideswipe said as he dark a bit of his drink.
"Yepp, you just have gotten your Cybertonian name. that is a big deal, besides, the con's will never know who you were now," Sunstreaker explained.
"I suppose you are right," Sprakplug said and looked at the items the twins used to mix their drinks, besides the energon, crystals, heaters and blending tools. It felt like something was missing there. And asked. "How come you guys don't use oil?"
Sunstreaker almost choked on his drink as Sideswipe stared at him. "Oil?"
"Yeah, wouldn't that work as a drink?" Sparkplug questioned, it made sense to him that robots might drink oil. He knew they used certain types of oil in their maintenance.
"I mean..." Sideswipe said slowly. "We can drink it yeah...but it just doesn't work as a drink."
"Sides has messed with it in the past," Sunstreaker piped up, after managing to clear his throat. "Never gotten it right."
"Huh," Sparkplug said with interest, looking at the different ingredients. "Maybe I could try something with it."
"I wouldn't Sparkplug, it's just a waste of time., Sideswipe told him, remembering his own failure of the drink.
"Why say that? shouldn't you both help him instead?" Jazz asked the twins and added. "Sparkplug said he has worked as a mechanic, oil isn't an element he's unfamiliar with."
"Yeah, but he doesn't know how to mix oil drinks or what to look for," Sunstreaker pointed out and looked at his brother who looked uneasy, but nodded.
"Then teach him," Jazz encouraged, this was why they were here.
"Fine, I'll be right back then," Sideswipe went to the far back of the storage building and grabbed a crate before walking back. Opening the crate, inside were cans of oil and the red mech picked one up.
"This is out finest oil we have to offer, but in any drink I mix it in, I never succeed to get it right and I am a quite darn good bartender if I say so myself."
Sparkplug looked at the oil, it wasn't from earth since it had Cybertonian symbols on it. It was interesting to find alien old and more curious on the taste. "What seems to be the problem then?"
Sideswipe almost wanted to chuckle at the question. "The biggest problem is the taste, obviously."
"It's so slimy to drink," Sunstreaker said bluntly.
"Yep," Sideswipe confirmed. "Just can't get it right."
Sparkplug nodded, but a strange part of him felt that it was worth trying to tinker about with the oil and see what he could come up with. He lifted the can up and took a sniff, it was definitely a different smell to the oil he was used to. It was hard to describe, it was a strong smell and in a way, reminded him of...well, the bots. He could certainly believe this had originated on another planet.
Out of curiosity, he dabbed a finger into the oil after opening it and tasted it. He coughed, that was...an interesting taste.
"Not so keen?" grinned Jazz with a chuckle.
"No, I admit that tasted horrible," Sparkplug agreed and put down the oil on the table.
"That is what we are trying to tell you," Sideswipe said, but he could still see the determination on Sparkplugs face.
"I wouldn't give up though, I still think there is a way to get something positive out of it," Sparkplug said and thought of how to make it better and looked at the crystals and pointed at them. "Could I borrow some of those?"
"The Energon crystals? Sure you can, but you won't get any different result," Sideswipe told him and handed him over a few crystals.
"It's okay, I got an idea I want to try. but I need to get back to my human home to try it," He told them and sub-spaced some of the crystal Sideswipe handed over.
This however captured the Autobots attention, even Jazz looked curious on what sparkplug had in mind. "What are you planning to do?"
"Mix an oil drink. I know I have some oil stored in my garage for my car, I wonder if can mix that with that," Sparkplug then pointed at the Cybertornian oil and added. "I will need to borrow some if that's okay?"
"Look, that is fine with us, but we have tried your human oil as well," Sunstreaker said and took a sip of his drink.
"It made it a bit more bearable, but didn't solve the problem," Sideswipe explained.
Now that was interesting, Earth oil was more palatable? He'd have to try some himself and compare the taste.
"If you want to mess around with oil blends, you can use our base if you want," Sideswipe offered, after first sharing a glance with his twin. "Might be safer for you to gather up what you need and come back here, rather than staying at your old home. Don't want to risk the Cons sniffing around."
"I'd appreciate that," Sparkplug said, inclining his head in gratitude. Last thing he wanted was for Soundwave or someone to catch him at home and put two and two together.
"Sounds like you've got a handy little hobby while you work on being a bot," Jazz commented on.
"Seems like it," Sparkplug smiled.
Sparkplug spent a bit more time with the twins who explained more about mixing drinks, they would go about what energon would be the best to use and how to create those outstanding drinks.
Once the lesson on the mixology of drinks was finished. He and Jazz returned for the night and Sparkplug agreed to meet the twins the next day with his equipment and start on his experiment on the oil drink.
The former human got up early and eager to work on that drink, Jazz wished him the best of luck and offered to company him. But Sparkplug told him he would be fine, it was just a drive to his old house.
"My vehicle won't attract any attention," he said bracingly. "There shouldn't be an issues."
"Alright, just comm if you notice anything," Jazz advised, grateful Sparkplug knew the area so well. "Anything suspicious, just stay calm and..."
"Carry on?" Sparkplug finished, making the other laugh.
"You got it. See you later."
Sometime later, Sparkplug had arrived at his home, pausing to think how strange it was he couldn't just walk in the door. Taking a moment to ensure no one was around, he then transformed and opened up his garage. Ducking under the door, he was satisfied that everything was the same as he'd left it. Now to get started.
Sparkplug sub-spaced his filter equipment, knowing that it will play a big role in his plan but also tasted one of the oils he buys from the stores for his car, it certainly tasted oily and slightly sour and could now understand the big difference between Cybertronian oil and Earth's.
He sub-spaced that and his own mix as well but had a guess he might need to create more later on. Taking a taste out of the curiosity, Sparkplug found his own mix tasting quite nice, it had a very calm taste to it which was pleasing.
"Maybe Sideswipe and Sunstreaker will approve my recipe," he said to himself.
Once Sparkplug got what he needed, he carefully walked out from his garage and transformed to his alt mode. Driving back to the twin's secret hideout.
Arriving, he found no one else was there but he sent a message to let them know where he was. He suspected they'd come round once their duties were completed. Looking over their drink making supplies, he smiled as he recalled the pleasant taste of some of the ones he'd tried. Now to see if he could concoct something nice for them.
Setting up his filter, he got to work, selecting different oils and filtering out the impurities, including some of the Cybertronian oil. One way or another, he'd create a decent oil based drink which all the Autobots could enjoy. Doing this, a bit of simple experimenting, he could put his worries about Spike to one side for the moment. He still had a bit to go until he could officially announce himself to the Decepticons, he did not want to spend it all moping.
Taking a taste of the filtered Cybertronian oil, he was already finding it was a better quality now.
"Now that's better," Sparkplug approved, but also wondered how the bots have been filtering their oil. He guessed he could ask about it later.
Once he had both oil cleaned and ready for use. Sparkplug grabbed a metal mug and started to do some mixing with the two oils, trying to find good mix, blending in some ingredients. Sparkplug started to make about 5 different oil drinks and took the opportunity to try them as well.
The first one turned out a bit to strong or hot for his liking and the second one almost reminded him of a fruit smoothie. that gave him an idea and he wondered if he could use some fruits to add more flavour or if he could maybe create a better-tasting smoothie with the oil.
"So far so good," Sparkplug smirked and wrote down his success onto a data-pad and also wrote down what didn't work.
He then tried something with a few crushed crystals, stirring them in carefully as he gently heated the concoction. Once he felt it was heated enough, he tested a bit and found it was agreeable sweet. This made him smile, he was onto something with this one. Heck, if you could somehow incorporate some cocoa into it, you'd almost think it was a type of hot chocolate.
"Perfect," he murmured, writing it down with a little note about cocoa. It was a lot better than a previous attempt which had been horribly bitter.
There was a sudden sound of tyres from outside and he looked up, that sounded like the twins. Sure enough, they came bursting in with their usual exuberance. They came to a stop at the sight of him and all his test drinks, staring in amazement.
"Wow, you have been busy," Sideswipe said astonished by all the drinks that were lying around.
"Yeah, I have. Sorry for the mess, but I think I'm onto something here," Sparkplug said excitedly.
Both twins looked at each other for a moment before Sunstreaker stepped forward. "Show us."
Sparkplug then offered them his recent oil drink he had just created. "This one, so far is the best."
He hoped they might like this one, but all he could do is watch as Sunstreaker picked up the drink, the yellow mech first eyed the drink before taking a sniff and then, tasted it.
"Well, what do you think?" Sparkplug asked and Sideswipe looked equally curious to his brother.
Sunstreaker blinked and then stared down at the drink with a frown. For a moment, Sparkplug felt disappointment until Sunstreaker took another taste.
"It's alright," he admitted before having it snatched away by his twin. "Hey, let me try."
The yellow Mech huffed as Sideswipe took an eager gulp, his optics widening in astonishment.
"Whoa...this is good. It's actually good. How in the pit did you do it?"
"Well, I did a few things. One of them was using human oil, mixing in different temperatures and so on," Sparkplug replied and just showed the times he has been using.
"But how? I too have experimented with those too, but I never got results this good," The red mech said and wondered what Sparkplug wasn't telling them.
"Well, I did change the oil a bit. But all I can say about it," Sparkplug told him and he could tell that Sideswipe wasn't pleased by that answer.
"Why is that?" Sideswipe asked almost impatient.
"If I told you, then this trick of mine wouldn't be special any more," Sparkplug said and looked down at the drink he made. "I don't mind making more, but I can't tell you just yet how I did it."
"Secret recipe eh?" Sunstreaker said, sounding very amused while his brother looked frustrated. "Fair enough.
"But I wanna know, this stuff is awesome," Sideswipe complained. "Bots are gonna go crazy for this."
"Good, I'll enjoy seeing their reactions," Sparkplug smirked as the red Lamborghini threw his hands up in complete vexation.
"Urgh, fine, have it your way," he exclaimed before looking wistfully at his drink. "It is fragging good."
"You'll definitely win a lot of friends with that," acknowledged his twin. "You might even mellow out Ratchet if he gets a taste."
"Really? I never imagine Ratchet drinking anything but Energon but I guess everyone has their own tastes they like."
"Yepp, but Ratchet is literally hard to please," Sideswipe informed, he had tried for years to find what the medic and found out that Ratchet like things that were a bit more healthy.
"But you said he might like my oil drink, why would you think he would like it?" Sparkplug asked.
"For one, he has been asking about it," Sunstreaker informed.
"Interesting, I think I can mix up enough drinks for everyone," Sparkplug said and grabbed some of the finished filtered oils and started to get to work.
"Let me assist you," Sideswipe offered and watched what Sparkplug was doing and copied him now for a change to learn what he could.
Sparkplug let him, he'd already completed the 'secret' part of his formula, it didn't matter if Sideswipe saw how he mixed the rest. With his help, they managed to make a supply of his new oil drink and packaged it up for transport. Sparkplug gathered up all of his notes and carefully stored them in his sub space, he was enjoying having that ability.
"Wonder who'll actually try it?" Sunstreaker couldn't help but say with a smirk. "Most bots avoid oil like rust."
"Someone will be brave enough," Sideswipe said cheerfully. "And if not, we'll dare them."
Sparkplug thought Sunstreaker was probably right but he was sure once he convinced someone to taste it, the rest would follow. And if the twins had such a positive reactions, the others were bound to like it. Funny to think he might have created something new for his robotic friends.
Soon enough, they were racing along towards the Ark, Sparkplug feeling much more confident travelling along this familiar road. As they drove, he messaged Ironhide.
"Hey Hide, could you gather everyone available together? I've got a surprise for them."
"Ah surprise, eh? What kind?" He asked out of curiosity.
"Just a drink I managed to create with the help of the twins." Sparkplug replied back, thinking it would be best not to say what kind of drink, he might scare people off if he did.
"Alright, I will gather the others," Ironhide agreed and ended the comm after that.
Sparkplug smiled as he could see the volcano already, personality he hoped the others would enjoy his drink. The twins kept racing to the entrance.
"Ha! I Won!" Sideswipe declared happily.
"Only because I let you," Sunstreaker transformed to his robot form.
"What?! You're just sore that you lost," the twin stated, knowing his brother all to well.
Sparkplug managed to reach them and also transformed, feeling a bit nervous about this, but also existed in a good way. "I already asked Ironhide to gather everyone inside."
"That's a good idea, everyone trusts old hide," Sideswipe smirked, at least their chances of people tasting it was now higher.
"We'll help you set up then you address them," the red Mech continued with a wide grin. "We'll be your security."
Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, Sparkplug mused as he got the drinks organised with the help of the twins. They made their way to the Rec Room where the bots were started to congregate, murmuring curiously. Sparkplug went to the front where Ironhide was standing with Jazz and Optimus, all of them looking very curious.
"Hey everyone," he greeted. "I asked you all to come because I wanted you to try my new drink."
"New drink?" Ironhide questioned. "Not that corrosive stuff of Sideswipes?"
"Hey!" Sideswipe protested as he and his twin edged to the back, near the exits.
"Sideswipe, helped teach me how to blend the drinks. But with his help, I have managed to create a drinkable oil drink." Sparkplug said and place some of the drinks onto the tables for the others to see and grab one.
Sparkplug noticed the horrified expressions the bots were making, clearly, they weren't too keen on the drink. He couldn't blame them, Cybertronian oil stated just bad. And added. "It took me some time, but I managed to make it sweeter."
Everyone still looked uncertain. Sunstreaker kept blocking the exit of the rec room as he noticed somewhere eyeing for the door.
"I trust your word, Sparkplug," Optimus then walked forward, grabbing one of the drinks and slowly bringing it up to his face. Of course, he had to open his mask a bit to be able to taste the drink, taking a sip. The Autobot leader was quiet and this worried the others and made Sparkplug even more nervous.
"How is it, Optimus?" Ratchet asked from behind.
"I can't believe it, It tastes good." Optimus said almost in disbelief.
"It does?" the Medic exclaimed in complete disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Yes," Optimus said firmly, taking another sip and savouring it better, the first had gone down rather quickly. "Try it, I think you'll be impressed."
Ratchet frowned but Optimus wasn't faking his enjoyment, he could tell that much. So he moved forward, picked up a drink and took a cautious sip. His face took on an expression of absolute astonishment and he gasped. "Primus. I don't believe it."
"You like it?" Sparkplug smiled, now the others were looking interested instead of disgusted at the idea of an oil drink.
"It's...unbelievable," Ratchet said seriously, staring down at it. "How did you do it?"
"That's a secret, one that I wish to know someday," Sideswipe answered and looked at the former human hopeful.
"Maybe someday," Sparkplug teased.
"That's is good enough for me," Sideswipe smiled and handed over a drink to Prowl, Jazz and Bluestreak who came forward to grab one.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the oil drink and before Sparkplug knew it they all started to cheer his new name. Unknown to everyone, they were spied on as an uninvited guest watched through the vents.
Laserbeack was recording what was happening in the rec-room, of course, she had arrived a bit later than she liked to. But this was still good information.
She was particularly interested in this 'Ranger' and knew Soundwave would to know immediately. The bots appeared to be just chatting and enjoying this new drink, nothing important was being discussed. Still, she lingered for a bit, you never knew when something would be let slip.
"Hey Wheeljack," Sparkplug called to the inventor. "I had am idea for some new drink flavours."
"Really? Great," the engineer said enthusiastically. "What's the idea?"
Laserbeak recorded a bit more before deciding to return to the Nemesis, she had enough.
She flew back to the purple ship and returned to Soundwave who was in his office at the time. She went over to the console and connected with one of the screens and played what she had just witnessed in the rec-room.
Soundwave watched with great interest, this new arrival named Ranger seemed to be very much liked with the Autobot after his drink. So perhaps, he was a bartender?
But what stood out the most about Ranger was much he looked like the sparkling, they obviously shared a few parts.
"Laserbeak; has done well," he complimented as he finished watching the recorded footage. None of the bots had referred to Ricochet but it wasn't hard to connect the dots. Up until now, he hadn't been able to discover anything about the sparkling origins it seemed he'd finally had a breakthrough.
And how would Thundercracker take it?
Author's note. What do the Decepticons make of the new development? Find out next time, until then.