Author's note. Merry Christmas Eve to everyone, hope you all have a great day tomorrow.
Thanks for all the reviews and favourites I've received, I appreciate them.
Enjoy and please review.
"Rest and refuel," he advised his cassette. "I will inform Lord Megatron of this development."
She nodded as he typed a few commands before heading to meet Megatron in the command room. He found his leader there finishing a call with Shockwave. He waited politely until his leader was done before going over to him.
"Lord Megatron, there has been a development. "
"Has it now?" Megatron asked, he seemed almost bored at the moment.
"Indeed," Soundwave nodded and continued. "The Autobots have a newcomer."
"Interesting and who is this newcomer?" Megatron questioned and wonder how this mech had even gotten to earth without them picking it up on their sensors.
"Name: Ranger and I believe he is a bartender," his third in command answered.
This captured Megatron attention even more, why would the bot call a bot that has no combat experience? "Do we have a depiction of this, Ranger?"
"Affirmative," Soundwave walked to one of the consoles and showed the recoding Laserbeak had delivered.
Megatron watched with a frown, puzzling over this new mystery. Optimus was no fool, he wouldn't invite a bot to Earth purely for their bar tending skills. His optics widened then narrowed as he took him the rather handsome stranger as he conversed with the bots.
"The sparkling's sire?" He eventually rasped at his Third.
"Unconfirmed but highly probable," Soundwave stated. "Method of arrival, unknown."
"Hmm," Megatron grumbled, thinking. "Presumably the Autobots are planning to call us...unless they are planning another rescue attempt."
"We will need to raise our security until we meet this Ranger ourselves," Megatron stated.
Soundwave nodded, finding that to be a great idea. "I will Inform Thundercracker of the news."
"Yes, the seeker would need to be more protective over his son," Megatron agreed, knowing that if this new mech was the kids sire, that he would demand the kid back which meant Thundercracker would need to fight over the right to keep the kid.
"I will need to speak with Shockwave about this. We can't lose the sparkling just yet," Megatron said and knew that the Shockwave would have some kind of idea how to help him.
"Affirmative," Soundwave agreed, he didn't want to lose the little one either. "I will monitor the situation at the Ark."
"Do that," Megatron ordered before musing. "An oil based drink? Interesting..."
He couldn't help but wonder how it would taste, the bots looked very happy sampling it. And Ranger had even talked of 'new flavours?' A rather curious Mech.
Soundwave quickly departed and headed to find Thundercracker, he needed to know about this. The Cons had almost thought this 'Sire' would never show up but now he had. And they needed to prepare.
Soundwave found the seeker in the rec-room. Thundercracker was currently with his trine and they all were having some fun talking while trying to teach Ricochet the new words.
"Well done, Ricochet," Thundercracker cheered at his kid, then noticed Soundwave entering the room.
"Attention: Autobtos have course a new development," the blue mech stated as he walked over to the Trine.
"What does that mean exactly?" Skywarp asked, not sure what Soundwave meant other than trouble.
"There is a new Mech with them, named Ranger," Soundwave stated and as the Seekers frowned, added. "Bares strong resemblance to sparkling."
"Really?" Spike chirped, surely it couldn't be...
"What?" Starscream exclaimed. "Are you telling us this Sire has finally shown up?"
"Not fully confirmed but affirmative," Soundwave told them. "We do not know how he arrived, no incidents reported at Space Bridge..."
"Bah, that fool Skyfire probably brought him in," Starscream surmised grumpily, still salty over his former friend's defection.
Spike couldn't help but find the new bots name familiar as if he had heard it a few times before when he was younger.
"We get it, screamer. You are still angry at your boyfriend," Skywarp teased in the background.
Starscream glared daggers at him with made Skywarp want to warp away instantly away from his Trine leader. "HE ISN'T MY BOYFRIEND!"
Thundercracker ignored his two trine mates and looked at Soundwave who had his full attention. "He will come after Ricochet, won't he?"
"Affirmative. Suggestion, tighten security. Rescue attempt predictable," Soundwave warned.
"No doubt," Thundercracker said grimly, he'd been hoping Ricochet's creator wouldn't show up and the bots would be forced to recognise his claim. "But I'm not giving him up."
He smiled down at his sparkling who looked back at him with a chirp.
"Don't worry," he said soothingly. "I won't let anyone take you."
"Kay," Spike said as Starscream grumbled in the background. "Screamer upset?"
"He's alright," his guardian chuckled. "Warp was just teasing him. You're so big and strong now, my little one."
Spike did feel stronger, he even had retractable claws now. After waking up from his operation, he'd spent time exploring his new body and being amazed that he know had tiny little wings. It was nice being able to speak a bit more to the Cons although it was still basic.
"We will keep a tight watch over Ricochet," Thundercracker said firmly at Soundwave.
Soundwave nodded, knowing that the seeker would keep the sparkling safe as they could be quite overprotective over their young. "Understood, suggestion. Upgrade quarter doors?"
"Upgrade?" The blue seeker asked, but remembered how easily Jazz managed to break into his room when he first tried to steal the kid.
"Indeed. Adding second lock will help," the third in command said, it wasn't a bad idea to install a second lock into the door.
"Additionally, prevent sparkling from escaping," he added with amusement. With those claws and a natural curiosity, no way that sparkling wasn't going to attempt some exploring.
"Soundwave raised a good point," Starscream declared firmly, giving Spike a stern look. "That sparkling likes to go places he shouldn't."
"No!" Spike protested loudly, making Thundercracker chuckle.
"Sorry Ricochet, he's got a point," he said fondly as the sparkling's wing nubs shivered in annoyance.
"Ha, the kid loves his freedom and just look at his reaction. How can you say no to that?" Skywarp said in amusement. But found it so cute at the same time.
Thundercracker couldn't help but agree, the kid was adorable like that and with his tiny wings reacting in annoyance, just made his smile. the Kid was getting better at the wing language. "This is for his own good, Warp."
"And ours, none of us want the child wandering around while we are working. Who knows what he will by accident," Starscream protested, mostly wishing to have the kid in one place, where Spike wouldn't be a problem for him to handle.
"Ooh, can you imagine if he snuck into Megs quarters," Skywarp suddenly giggled, optics alight with glee. "That would be hilarious."
"It wouldn't be so hilarious when the old fragger found out," Starscream scoffed. "He'd smack him and blame us."
"No!" Spike gasped, he didn't like the sound of that at all.
"I won't let that happen," Thundercracker said firmly, soothingly stroking his sparkling's back.
"Skywarp; should not give sparkling bad ideas," Soundwave scolded.
"Aww," Skywarp felt disappointed but he guessed the others were right, it would be bad if the kid would get caught.
"It's okay Ricochet, Megatron won't hurt you so long you behave," Thundercracker said gently, trying to calm Spikes fear. It seems to work, as the kid started to calm down.
"We still need a sparkling-sitter for the day," Starscream acknowledged.
"Can't he just join us while we work?" Skywarp asked, wondering if that would solve their problem.
"NO! While you work, what do you think he will be doing?" Starscream questioned and pointed at Spike.
"Play with his toys while I work," Skywarp answered, not sure why screamer become so snappy about it.
"Answer: Sparkling would likely wander off," Soundwave explained, that was the reality of kids, they were curious and liked exploring.
"Exactly," Starscream nodded. "He needs someone with their full attention on him, and you can't do that while working."
"Okay...so if we're working, who can do it?" Skywarp questioned.
"Perhaps if we sent out a base wide alert, see who would be willing to do it?" Starscream suggested with a shrug.
"That's the trouble," sighed Thundercracker sadly. "I can't watch him all the time. If there were more sparklings, we could have a dedicated caregiver during the day."
"Affirmative," Soundwave agreed while he composed a message to send out. It was worth seeing if anyone could take care of him.
"Once the sparkling is settled, we need to get back to work," Starscream declared. "Thrust and his Trine are currently out on patrol, ours will be later."
"Great, time to get to work." Skywarp finished his cube and got up.
"Any request yet, Soundwave?" Thundercracker asked while still holding Spike close, the kid seemed a bit clingy.
"Negative, too soon," the blue mech answered, most of the cons were already working.
"We don't have time to wait, just place the kid in your quarters until we return," Starscream ordered, he was pretty sure the kid could survive a day being on its own, so long the door was locked.
"I don't think it's a good idea, it's like you said Starscream. He needs someone to watch over him," Thundercracker agreed and wondered who would be willing to look after him on short notice.
"Why not ask Ramjet trine? They did just finished up, right?" Skywarp asked, last time they saw the kid they seemed to like Spike.
"Ramjet?" Thundercracker questioned thoughtfully. "Hmm, that could work..."
"I'll call them," Starscream stated, it was more appropriate he did so. A few moments later, he nodded.
"Ramjet and the others are willing, they're interested in being with a flier sparkling," he told them. "I think they are planning to teach him a few things."
"That would be great," Thundercracker beamed, lifting his sparkling up for a nuzzle. "You be good for Ramjet, Ricochet."
"Ramed-jet?" Spike questioned, making the adults chuckle. "Play?"
"Yes, yes, they'll play with you," Starscream said impatiently. "Come on, let's get going."
They walked down the corridor and headed straight for the hanger where they meet Ramjet's Trine, waiting for them. But they appeared to be wet.
"Prepare yourselves, it's storming outside," Ramjet warned and looked at Spike, it was quite amazing how much the kid look like a flier.
"This will be fun," Skywarp smirked, Earth weather wasn't so bad compared to Cyberton.
Thundercracker in the meantime handed Spike over to Thrust. "I have already fed him, but if there any issues just comm me."
"Don't worry, he is in good hands. Now if you excuse us, we're going to dry off," Ramjet told them and made hand motion for his seekers to move out.
"Bjeee," Spike tried to say as he waved his tiny hand.
"Still can't believe he's a little flier now," Dirge couldn't help but muse as they headed to dried off. The sparkling was examining the new, rather wet form holding him, testing his little claws on the armour.
"Hmm, looks like cyclops is good for something," Thrust smirked.
"Where go?" Spike asked, little claws clinging tightly.
"Dry off little one then fuel," Thrust told him. "We're on a break now."
"Okay," Spike acknowledged cutely.
The way to the wash-ranks was a bit further away, but once there they put spike down and grabbed a towel each and started to get help each other to get dry. Spike watched as they almost seemed to be buffing their armour as they did that, thinking about that.
He knew that Thundercracker and Skywarp do that too after a shower, so what was the deal by looking shiny? Maybe the seekers had the same obsession like birds? He hoped note, the idea going after anything that was shiny didn't sound that interesting and he was pretty sure that seekers don't do nests with those.
"There, all dry," Dirge said and noticed that his two trine mates were also finished.
"Get the kid and let's get our Energon," Ramjet declared, not needing a reminder how hungry he was after that patrol.
"Come on kid, we're moving again," Thrust then picked him up again and Spike let him.
There wasn't much else to do then wonder how they would babysit him. Screamer said they would play with him so he was hoping for that.
"Play?" He chirped at them and they laughed, what an earnest little thing he was.
"Yeah, we can play a bit," promised Ramjet, patting his head. "But I think we can also teach you a few things about being a Seeker."
Spike perked up visibly at this. "Me fly?"
"One day kid," Thrust grinned as they arrived at the Rec Room and went straight for their allotted rations.
They each grabbed a cube and sat down, refuelling. Spike noticed they seemed a bit tired after their return to the ship.
"That storm was crazy," Thrust said while drinking his cube.
"Not the worst we have dealt with," Dirge replied.
"Storm, bad?" He asked, wondering if it was safe enough to fly through. Of course, the Elite Trine was known to be tougher.
"Any storm is a bad storm," Ramjet answered, the secret was to fly steadily.
"Doesn't melt our armour at least," Dirge stayed with a shudder. "Primus, if I never have to deal with acid rain, it'll be too soon."
"There's still electric storms to deal with," his trine leader reminded him. "And hurricanes."
Spikes optics were wide so Thrust patted his head. "Don't worry kid, you're safe enough down here. And TC wouldn't take you out unless it was a crystal clear, calm day."
"Wanna go out," Spike immediately said, it had been ages since he'd been out in the sun.
"Out? No, that's is a bad idea, it's storming outside," Dirge stated, looking at Spike who seemed quite disappointed but kept protesting.
"Wanna Out! See Suun!"
"Seems to me he misses the outdoors," Thrust said and patted Spike's head. "Another time kid."
Spike pouted at him which made the jet smiled wryly.
"Definitely thinking like a flier," he said thoughtfully to the others. "None of us like going without a bit of sky for too long."
"Maybe when the weather calms down, TC could take him out for a little bit?" Dirge suggested to his trine leader.
"See sun, see sun!" Spike agreed excitedly, he wanted to get out and feel the sun's warmth on his skin. Or armour as the case maybe.
"Alright kid, I'll talk to your sire about it," Ramjet promised making Spike squeal with happiness.
"If Thundercracker is taking the kid outside, he better teach him how to hover," Thrust pointed out, it was important to train the younglings when they were young.
"Maybe we can help with that," Ramjet smiled and looked down at Spike. "What do you think kid, wanna learn how to hover?"
"Yes!" Spike said excitedly, as a human he did enjoy short flights, they were enjoyable.
"Great, But we still need a safe place to train the kid," Thrust stated as he finished his cube.
"No point in here," Ramjet agreed. "Would one of the training rooms do?"
"I think that would work, we can make sure no one disturbs us," Thrust agreed. "If the kid picks it up, he could try a few challenges."
Spike was very interested now, being able to fly or hover would be so cool. Imagine being able to show his friends and his dad? Heck, even Starscream might be impressed, Thundercracker definitely would. And it would be so much easier to move around, it would be awesome to get up high and crawl around.
"Let's get to it then," Dirge declared, also tossing back his cube and getting to his feet. They headed for a suitable training room, typing in a few commands to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed. Spike looked around with interest, he hadn't been in a Decepticon training room before.
The room was filled with training dummies that looked already been torn apart and put together countless times. The were some scratch marks on the walls and floors, burns and gunshot marks. Very obvious that this room was well built to withstand that too.
"This is enough space," Ramjet walked to the centre of the room and waited for his trine to come over.
Thrust knelt down to place Spike down on the floor. "Pay attention kid."
"To hover, you need to use low energy on your thrusters," the dark blue conehead demonstrated by slowly towering above the floor.
Spike watched in amazement, eager to try it himself and knowing that it wasn't as easy as Thrust made it look like. "Me, try."
"Yes, you can try," Thrust said in amusement. "Just concentrate on your thrusters."
He tapped Spike tiny little thrusters to indicate what the little sparkling should focus on. The other Seekers were close by as Thrust gestured to them.
"We're here, don't worry about a thing."
"I won't," Spike chirped though they didn't understand him. It was funny to think about concentrating on his feet but he did as he was instructed. There was a sputter and he squeaked in shot as his thrusters ignited and made him jump but he landed back on the ground without hovering.
"It's not the worst we have seen." Dirge said, trying to hold back the giggle. It was just too adorable to watch.
"It was just his first try," Thrust looked over at Spike who got up to his feet but looked a bit shocked at what had happened. "You did well Ricochet, try again."
Spike was thankful that Starscream wasn't here, no doubt that the seeker would have made fun of him on his first attempt. But he looked over at the encouragement the seeker were giving him.
Once again Spike concentrated on his thrusters, trying to activate them and like last time they bust with energy. Instantly, Spike felt himself lose balance as he fell to the ground when he was lifted up. This was much harder than he first thought.
"Keep trying," Dirge encouraged, he wasn't expecting instant perfection. "You've got the power, you just need to find your balance."
"It's difficult at first but once you get this, everything will be a lot easier," Ramjet added his support.
So Spike tried a few more times, shooting off the ground but overbalancing and falling. When he lost his balance, he would lose the concentration on keeping his thrusters ignited. In spite of his lack of progress, the Seekers were remarkably patient, it seemed balance was a major hurdle all fliers had to overcome.
"Maybe we could try something a little different," Thrust now suggested slowly. "He needs to work on his balance, how about we put him up somewhere off the ground and he can try to move around. We can be there to catch him if there's an issues."
"I second that, We could use a rope to lift him," Dirge suggested and the others seemed to agree to that suggestion and looked around for a rope, they managed to find one in the locker there.
"Don't worry, we will help assist you," Thrust said and carefully put the rope around Spike making sure it could lift the kid safely. "We are going to lift you up and you need to activate your thrusters and train on that balance."
"Okay," Spike admitted that might be quite a good idea.
"Ready?" Dirge asked after fitting the rope so they could pull it and lift Spike up.
"Fly, fly!" Spike encouraged, raising his arms up before squealing with joy as he was hoisted into the air.
"Whee!" he chirped happily, bouncing against the rope.
"Okay kid, try and use your thrusters now," Ramjet told him, ready to catch the little flier.
Spike did so, shooting up and once again, overbalancing and falling, swinging on his rope. He screwed up his face in concentration, he wanted to do this, he would do it. With a determined chirp, he focused as hard as he could and shot up, wavering and weaving as he fought to remain upright.
Trying to get it right and for a second he managed to keep the balance, of course, he had his arms out to help him to keep that balance and this overjoyed him.
"You did it kid," Thrust praised as he and the other watched Spike holding that position.
"Did It!" Spike smiled and tried to straighten his back slowly, but as he did so, he ended up at scare one and just got tangled in the rope. and said in frustration. "Bahh! Hard."
The Seekers chuckled at Spike's annoyed frown, he was too cute. But Dirge called up to him.
"That was great kid, you had it for a moment there."
"Yeah, you're over the first hurdle," Thrust added with a smile, there would definitely be progress to show Thundercracker. "Keep going, you can do it."
Dirge lowered it so Ramjet could untangle Spike before hoisting him up again. Spike screwed up his face, trying to focus as hard as he could and once more his thrusters lit up and he rose up, waving his arms frantically to stay balanced. He was essentially in a crouched position, the next challenge was to straighten up again.
Spike continued to train to master the hovering, it will be worth it and just maybe he could get a treat from Thundercracker once he showed him his progress. But also wondering how the Elite trine was doing.
Outside, The Elite trine was flying around their area, looking out for any Autobots that would travel here or come to attack. At times they would find a few humans and chase them off.
"Can't we fly further out today?" Skywarp asked from behind, the storm was still going on and added. "I'm sick of flying the same route all the time."
"I wouldn't mind for a change, what do you think Starscream?" Thundercracker replied and looked at their leader. "It would be a nice change."
"Hmm, it is rather repetitive," Starscream admitted. "Fine, no one's bothering this area, let's fly."
Skywarp and Thundercracker whooped and spun before falling into formation with their leader, shooting off in a new direction. This was far more interesting, even if there didn't seem to be anything happening, a change of scenery was always welcome. Their new route was taking them much closer to Autobot territory and they couldn't help but hope they might come across one to chase and harry.
"See anything yet?" Skywarp asked lazily, sensors on alert for any moving beings.
"Nothing yet," Thundercracker admitted with a sigh as they flew over a forest.
"Wait, what's that up ahead?" Starscream suddenly exclaimed.
"Where? I don't see anything," Skywarp replied curiously to know what screamer had spotted.
"Down there! I read one life signal," Starscream informed them and as they flew further out they could now see something, down at the desert was a blue-white car, filled with some crates and driving through the storm.
"I don't recognise that one, perhaps humans?" Thundercracker said as he looked down at the vehicle.
"Let's chase them!" Skywarp advise eagerly and flew down without permission.
"Skywarp! Get back here!" Starscream shouted at the purple seeker who ignored him.
"Come on screamer, when was the last time we had any fun?" Skywarp replied and teased. "I know you want to join me."
"Pft, fine," Starscream huffed. "Chase only, we don't want those wretched Autobots complaining we blasted an 'innocent' human."
"I won't hurt 'em," Skywarp grinned mentally as he started to dive. "Just freak 'em out a little."
Starscream followed his descent with Thundercracker bringing up the rear. In this storm, whoever was in the vehicle probably wouldn't realise they were there until the last moment. There was a good chance they might actually crash so a bit of damage control might be needed.
"Take this," Skywarp whooped gleefully, peppering the ground around the vehicle with blasts, causing it to swerve. However, just as they swooped and came round for another go, the vehicle suddenly transformed, ejecting it's cargo and revealing an unfamiliar bot.
"What? Who is that?" Skywarp questioned as he couldn't recognise the bot.
"Not one of the Autobots, that for sure." Thundercracker answered, but the longer he looked at the mech the more he realised that he almost looked like Ricochet. What this the sire Soundwave warned about?
Sparkplug wasn't sure what to do, the seekers were circling around him after he transformed. But there was no use running from them and that left him with one option, to fight them. "Should have stayed indoors today."
The rain kept pouring down and Sparkplug used a boxing stance just in case and saw the seekers coming down for him, possibly to attack him.
"What do you want?" he barked out fiercely, optics narrowed in Thundercracker's direction as the Mech descended with his Trine mates.
"Who are you?" Starscream demanded hotly, he and his Seekers encircling the other Mech. "And what are you doing on this dirt ball?"
"I could ask you the same question," Sparkplug shot back. "Except I already know who you are...and what's you've done."
"You're Ranger, aren't you?" Thundercracker questioned as Skywarp gasped. "Wait, the kid's Sire?"
"Yes," Sparkplug said grimly, glaring at the three of them, trying to keep them in sight even as his form became soaked and water trickled down in small rivers. "And you took him from me."
"Your mistake was leaving the child to the Autobots. They're unfit to take care of a child," Thundercracker stated and watched Sparkplug closely, he didn't find any Autobots symbol on him and apparently this bot was quite attractive, even for a grounder.
"He was safe with them! You guys kidnapped my kid!" Sparkplug shouted angrily at them and demanded. "Return him at once!"
"Scrap, what do we do Screamer?" Skywarp asked, this didn't look good and Ranger looked beyond furious.
"The child has been adopted by my trine mate," Starscream then gestured toward Thundercracker and added. "We assumed he was an orphan and gave him a home. You were missing for some time, Ranger, you were the one who abandoned your child to the Autobots in the first place."
"I didn't abandon HIM!" Sparkplug yelled, of course, they would think that he did that.
"If you didn't then were where you when your sparkling needed you the most?" Starscream asked while smirking, he had him now.
Sparkplug wasn't sure what to say, but he needed some kind of excuse and quickly answered. "Looking for a job, like any other good parent would support their kid."
"What?" Starscream barked out, a heavy frown on his features.
"You heard me," Sparkplug huffed. "His...his mother died sometime ago, it was just the two of us. I've been trying to set up a safe home for us while supporting us both."
"You're not an Autobot?" Thundercracker questioned.
"No but I know them," Sparkplug acknowledged. "I asked them a favour, to look after my boy for a while until I was sorted. Except I come back to discover you'd taken him."
He glared at them disapprovingly, Optimus taking Spike out into the sun hardly constituted child abuse. And once they had him, the Decepticons kept him purely to have leverage over their enemies.
While Screamer handled the talking, Skywarp slowly walked over to one of the crates and opened it. Luckily the other's weren't paying him any attention as he picked up a tube that was filled with oil.
"What the? Oil drinks? Who would be crazy enough to drink that," the purple seeker asked bluntly and a bit discussed by the drink.
"HEY! Stay away from my work!" Sparkplug looked over his shoulder to see Skywarp messing with the drinks. "Those are for the bots!"
Starscream blocked Sparkplug's path as he wanted to stop the purple seeker and Starscream got curious. "What does he have there, Skywarp."
"Nothing but Oil drinks in these," Skywarp replied and took a sniff, it actually didn't smell bad which was a good thing. he decided to try it and took a sip, just in case he would hate it.
He swallowed, pulling a face as he prepared for the horrid taste...which didn't come. Instead, he received a rather pleasant one which made him blink in astonishment.
"Hey, this is good," he exclaimed, staring down in wonder at the can he was currently holding. "How the frag did you create this?"
"That's my business," Sparkplug growled as Starscream raised an optic brow.
"It really tastes good?" the white Seeker questioned and received a nod, Skywarp wouldn't lie about that, he genuinely looked amazed. "Well, well, I imagine Megatron would be interested to try it."
"That's mine," Sparkplug declared furiously, fists clenched. "You're not stealing that as well."
"If you don't wish to be separated from it," Starscream said delicately. "Then you'll have to come back with us."
Sparkplug growled before lunging with a punch, sending Starscream flying back with a hiss. Skywarp subspaced his can as he and Thundercracker acted to protect their Trine leader. Their opponent cursed, backing away from their grabbing claws and wishing it wasn't raining so heavily, the ground was becoming very muddy and slippery. But as he dodged a swipe from Skywarp, he felt someone behind him and too late, remembered Starscream.
The Seeker grabbed his shoulder, yanking him back as his trine mates came forward, grabbing the struggling grounder.
Starscream placed cuffs onto Sparkplug and back off. "There, he won't escape now."
"Great, just let me load the crates and we can get out of here," Skywarp walked over to the creates once again and started to get to work.
"Let' me help," Thundercracker walked over and offered his assistance and before long they had picked up everything.
Sparkplug still struggled to break free from the cuffs, but they wouldn't budge. "The bots won't be happy once, they get the news of this."
"That's their problem," Starscream scoffed dismissively, holding onto Sparkplug's shoulder. "If they want you back, they can call."
Sparkplug scowled, they'd called when Spike had been kidnapped but they certainly hadn't let him go. But maybe he would at least get to see his son again.
"Will you at least let me see my son?" he questioned as the other two came back to them. "I need to see he's alright."
"He's great," Skywarp instantly declared. "TC's the best creator he could hope for."
As Sparkplug glared at that, Starscream stated. "We shall see. Megatron will want to meet you first in any case. Thundercracker?"
The blue Seeker nodded and came to Sparkplug's other side, he and Starscream took hold of him and they shot into the air, Skywarp following close behind. Sparkplug wasn't sure how to feel, being captured was not part of the plan for getting his son back. On the other hand, he should see him soon and he desperately wanted to hold him once more.
While in the air, Sparkplug felt nervous as he looked down, he could see the ground disappear and his only life line was his captors. Hoping that wouldn't let go by accident.
The rain continued to hit their frames hard, eventually, they reached the base. The trine had to hover above the water, waiting for the ramp to come up from the sea and open up.
Sparkplug watched in amazement as they landed inside and could feel as the elevator lowered back down to the ocean.
"Should we place him in the brig or take him to Megatron?" Skywarp asked, not sure what should come first.
Starscream just gave a stare. "What do you think? We're obviously taking him first to Megatron. And take those crates two."
"Alright, alright, just asking," Skywarp snarked back, keeping hold of the crates. "Stroke of luck, right?"
"Very," Starscream acknowledged, pulling Sparkplug toward a slightly enclosed section which turned on dryers that blasted the water off them. Sparkplug was startled but grateful, he was starting to feel a little cool with all that freezing rain.
He was taken along the corridor, the odd Decepticon gaping as they passed, like he was an exotic animal in a zoo. Though they really didn't see new Mechs very often so it wasn't that surprising, even the bots stared at him. He held his head high, he wouldn't let them intimidate him, at least being their size made that a lot easier.
"Lord Megatron, look what we caught?" Starscream called out as they entered the Command Deck, where Megatron had been conversing with Soundwave. The grey Mech turned, his optics widening in surprise.
"Starscream! What the meaning of this?!" Megatron sneered as it appeared that he was in a bad mood.
Starscream just kept smiling and stepped forward. "On our patrol, we found this mech, drive towards the Autobot base."
"I can see that. Why is it that you have captured him!" Megatron demanded, why was he surrounded by fools? It would have been more beneficial if they could have studied Ranger more.
"My apologies oh mighty leader, but I thought you would be more interested in meeting this bot," Starscream stated, how would he know the old bucket head disapproved of capturing the bot. And added. "But it appears he was delivering oil drinks to the ark."
Now this did capture his interest. " The famous oil drink."
Starscream stated in surprised and asked. "How could you possibly know?"
"I have my ways, Starscream," Megatron told his second in command and eyed sprakplug. "Did you manage to obtain this drink?"
"Yep, got it right here," Skywarp declared proudly, cracking open a crate. "And it's awesome."
"Hmm," Megatron hummed thoughtfully, curious to try such an unusual fuel. "I will sample one."
The purple and black seeker duly handed over a can and Megatron swirled it for a moment before taking a drink. His optics brightened, it was indeed good. As he drank, he eyed the creator of this extraordinary fuel, he was indeed a mystery. The resemblance between him and the Sparkling was not only strong, it was clear why the little one was so beautiful. His creator was not just attractive, he was positively stunning, the kind of model nobles would have wanted to snap up.
Just where had he come from?
"This is some accomplishment," Megatron gestured toward the drink. "I can see why the Autobots want to keep you a secret."
Sprakplug didn't flinch, as he watched the warlord walk toward him. "I wouldn't say that."
"I disagree, there haven't been sight of you until day. Do tell why that is," Megatron said while enjoying his new drink.
"I returned shortly," Sparkplug shrugged and demanded. "I want to see my kid."
"Yours?" Megatron said delicately. "Haven't you heard? Thundercracker has adopted the little one, he is now his official Sire."
"He is my son," Sparkplug growled. "I was there when he came into the world, not that Seeker. You kidnapped him and took him away."
"You abandoned him with the Autobots," Megatron shot back as Sparkplug resisted the urge to lose his temper.
"I left him in their care while I found work and a home for us," he retorted. "I came back as quickly as I was able, now give him to me."
"I might permit you to see him," Megatron said with a smirk, reaching out to caress Sparkplug's cheek. "If you are well behaved for us."
"Don't touch me! Ever heard of personal space?" Sparkplug instantly took a step back, leaning away from Megatron. This was starting to become a bit concerning. "I have my rights, to see Buster as his dad."
Megatron just smiled, looking amused by the reaction. "You did, but once Thundercracker took over the role as sire, those rights no longer stand."
Sparkplug stared liked shocked goldfish and started to wonder that coming here was perhaps a mistake, it seems that Megatron wouldn't be interested in him getting Spike back or seeing him, if Megatron didn't get anything back in return.
"What would it take to see him again?" he asked, hoping that it would be something reasonable and not a date, the very thought was disturbing.
"Ah, now you are talking sense," smirked Megatron before cocking his head slightly. "The sparkling's name is Buster?"
"Yes, that is my name for him," Sparkplug confirmed with a nod.
"An odd name," the Warlord stated and Sparkplug shrugged, taking advantage of something he'd learned from the bots.
"He's just a sparkling, one day he'll find a name," he stated softly, unlike humans, it wasn't unusual for Transformers to change their name when they became adults or when they took on a certain role. Optimus had once been Orion Pax, becoming Prime had given him a new name. Someone like Bumblebee still had their original name but it suited him even as an adult.
"I see," Megatron mused but he appeared to accept the answer. "Thundercracker has named him Ricochet."
"You still haven't answered my question," Sparkplug said.
Megatron looked thoughtful for a moment and then looked down at the drink, his mean would enjoy this and since it wasn't Energon it would be cheaper to make. "Your oil drink, if you can create more for us to have in stock, I will allow you one visit for your beloved son."
That didn't sound so bad, but just one visit? That was just a bad deal and Sparkplug wasn't happy about it. "No deal, I want to see him every week of the day."
"Twice every week, that is my final offer," Megatron offered and noticed as he looked over Sparkplug that he didn't have an Autobot badge, the mech hadn't joined their ranks nor his. "I wasn't aware neutrals still existed."
"Well they do," Sparkplug said stubbornly, not wanting to focus on that detail. "You've got the oil I had on me, isn't that worth a visit?"
Megatron grinned before laughing.
"My, you are persistent," he said admiringly. "Perhaps we should direct that question to Thundercracker?"
He was mocking him, Sparkplug thought furiously. The blue Seeker hesitated, thinking it over. Megatron had already said Ranger could see Ricochet, but he didn't want to distress him. Then again, perhaps he could prove what a good creator he was.
"He can see him," he said finally and saw the relief in the other Mech's optics.
"Good, now that out of the way. Starscream, take Ranger to our guest room and keep a watch over him. He will start working tomorrow on those drinks," Megatron ordered and walked back to his throne.
"As you wish, Lord Megatron," Starscream then pointed at the exit as he looked at his trine. "Let's go."
"Right behind you, Screamer," Skywarp replied and watched as Starscream and Thundercracker led Sparkplug out from the throne room and down the halls. They were walking down to their quarters but walked a bit further down before opening a room that was close to theirs, this would mack the watch much easier on their part.
"In you go," Thundercracker said as he opened the door to reveal the room inside having a bed and a desk close by and a small shelf. But the room looked quite dusty as if no one have used it in a long time.
"When can I see Buster?" Sparkplug asked eagerly, hoping it would be soon.
"Once I've seen and fed him," Thundercracker stated softly, it was strange having Ricochet's creator here. He'd need to see what kind of a creator he was.
"What was he doing today?" Sparkplug couldn't help but ask.
"Ramjet's trine had him," Starscream said dismissively before adding. "I'll unlock those if you promise to behave."
Sparkplug nodded, he didn't want to be bound, especially when seeing his son. His cuffs were unlocked and he rubbed his wrists as the three Seekers left him. With a sigh, he glanced about the room, it was certainly an upgrade from the brig.
Back at the training deck, Spike was still practising with conehead seekers. They had helped him keep his balance as Spike was hovering with a straight back, but was now learning how to use his wings to help him balance.
"You are doing great kid, keep it up. Thundercracker will be proud," Ramjet cheered for the youngster.
Spike couldn't help, but giggle at that, he had been doing so many do-overs at his and now finally he was getting somewhere. "Okay."
"Think Screamer will thank us for this?" Dirge asked Ramjet who responded.
"Don't know, it's hard to please that guy with anything."
"Yeah, would it kill him to say 'well done," Thrust said, rolling his optics. "And he complains that Lord Megatron doesn't compliment him enough."
His Trine mates chuckle at this, it was very true. How many time had they dealt with his complaints as he ranted up and down a room? Surely in this case though, he had to say something positive?
"We might want to stop soon," Dirge commented upon. "Don't think we wanna go too hard with..."
"Hang on," Ramjet interrupted as he received a comm message, pressing a finger to the side of his head. "Right, got it."
"They're back," he told his Trine. "TC wants his kid."
"Great, let's go then," Dirge said and looked over at the kid who still hovered. "You can land kid, Thundercracker is back."
"TC back!" Spike smiled and noticed that he was actually happy to see the seeker again, had his time here really changed him that much?
"That's right, the Elite trine has returned, rather quickly if you ask me," Thrust started, there was still a few hours left of their patrol, the only reason they would return this quickly is if they got something to earn it.
Spike lowered the power for thrusters and landed, almost falling over but thankfully didn't. And waited for the seekers to help him get the rope off with Ramjet assisted with before going to Thundercrackers quarters.
"We'll tell TC how well you did," Ramjet said warmly as he carried Spike. "You'll be flying circles around us in no time."
Spike giggled, that sounded good to him. Imagine flying around the Nemesis, a bit like Laserbeak did. He couldn't wait to try it out, maybe eventually he'd be taken outside for a flight?
"Ricochet!" Thundercracker exclaimed happily as soon as he opened the door. "How's my sparkling?"
"TC, TC!" Spike cried, holding his arms out for a hug which was instantly granted. "Me fly."
"We've been teaching him to hover," Ramjet explained with amusement as the blue Seeker's features lit up. "He's been doing well, just needs solid practise."
"Thank you, Ramjet. I appreciate the help. How did he do?"
"There were some hiccups at the start, but he is doing much better now. Don't you kid?" Ramjet informed and smiled at the youngling.
"Yes!" Spike cheered, he had worked so hard to get it right. "Me show."
"Calm your engines Ricochet, let's show Skywarp and Starscream, they will be eager to know your progress," Thundercracker smiled and tickled Spike a bit who giggled in response.
"We won't mind training him again," Ramjet told the blue seeker as he was about to leave.
"Thanks, I will keep that in mind, might need you guys again," Thundercracker said before walking over to Skywarps quarters, Starscream was there trying the oil drink and it wouldn't hurt to try some of that.
Entering Skywarp quarters, Thundercracker noticed that warp had cleaned a bit. There was more room which was good.
"Hey kid, miss us?" Skywarp called and Spike beamed and cried. "Yes, miss you."
"Aww, hear that TC, I'm his new favourite," the purple Mech teased proudly.
"Sure Warp," Thundercracker smiled before asking Starscream. "How is it?"
"It's good," Starscream admitted, swirling the mixture around then taking another sip. "How he managed it, I've no idea."
"Hopefully we'll find out soon," Thundercracker said before gently placing Spike on the floor. "Ricochet's has something he'd like to show you."
"Fly!" Spike cried, activating his thrusters and rising of the ground.
Skywarp and the others gasped in amazement. This was their first time seeing the little one attempt flying.
Spike smirked at their reaction and continued, he could by now stand straight while hovering for a little while, before falling down. "Watch! Watch."
Thundercracker was lost of words and sub-spaced his camera taking a picture of the moment. "You're doing great, Ricochet. Before you know it you will be flying with us."
"We are watching kid, look at you go," Skywarp cheered, this was a big deal, it was like the kids first steps, but in flying. "Isn't this great, Screamer?"
Ramjet and his trine watched closely for his reaction.
"It's better than I could have expected," Starscream admitted almost grudgingly as Spike wobbled and fell with an "Oof."
"You've been teaching him?" He asked Ramjet who nodded. "Yep, since you guys left us."
"That's amazing progress, he's a natural," Thundercracker said in wonder.
"Yeah, you gave him good code," Skywarp complimented. "And wait until Ranger sees him"
"Ranger? Who is that?" Ramjet asked and looked at Skywarp for an answer.
"That's Ricochet sire, you know the guy who gave this little guy to the bots," The purple seeker explained while playing with spike by trying to tickle him, the kid laughed and dodged.
"We captured him on our patrol, he is currently here," Thundercracker added and wondered how the mech would react to Ricochet progress and upgrade.
Ramjets trine watched at them in astonishment. "For real?"
"Yeah, the guy is apparently a bartender and a good one two," Skywarp informed and let Spike rest from they're little game.
"He's somehow invented an oil drink that tastes good," he continued, pointing at his trine leader. "Screamer's just trying some now."
"Don't call me that," the Mech in question snapped while Ramjet and the others looked interested.
"Hey, can we try some of that?" Dirge asked eagerly, wanting to try something new."
"You can have a taste," Starscream told them with only small reluctance, offering a can.
"A good bartender would be happy," Ramjet mused, it would be great to have an actual bar on the Nemesis, he missed visiting one back home. The others felt the same, there were no cafes, bars, shops or anything like that to visit on this planet, just human things. And while human entertainment was available, it still wasn't the same.
Taking a taste of the drink, the trine was surprising on how good it was. Spike, on the other hand, was thinking about what the seekers were talking about, they said his sire was here and that the guy was named Ranger, but that couldn't be true. His real dad was with the bots and only he used to use the Name Ranger when he was younger, unless... Unless Wheeljack and the others did the same thing and changed him?
"Did you hear that Ricochet? It's time to visit the new guy," Skywarp told him and slowly picked him up.
Spike was still surprised by this and wondered if they knew the guy, really was his dad in disguise. It wasn't impossible, but he had to test that theory. "Visit?"
"That's right Ricochet. We got a guest on the Nemesis," Thundercracker confirmed and hoped that spike didn't remember his dad as he wanted the child to see himself as his father.
"Wanna see," Spike declared and Thundercracker smiled, of course the sparkling wanted to see something new. Hopefully, that's all this bot would be to him, something new and therefore curious. Nonetheless, he would demonstrate how good of a Sire he was to Ranger, however Ricochet reacted.
"Of course you do," he said fondly. "Do you want your energon first or...?"
"Wanna visit," Spike insisted, waving little fits up and down.
"Aww, he takes after his uncle Screamer," Skywarp smirked, dodging a swipe from Starscream.
"Thank you for looking after him," Thundercracker said to the other trine who nodded as he and his own trine left to go see Ranger.
"Wonder how the kid's gonna react?" Skywarp murmured to Starscream.
"Hm, who knows. Perhaps he will be delighted to see his sire."
"Maybe, he was happy to see that human we had captured a while ago," Skywarp remembered how he tried to teach Ricochet to attack the human, but the sparkling just refused and started to hug him instead.
"That answers your question," Starscream told him and led the way to Rangers quest room and looked at Ramjet's trine and ordered. "Remember he is still a prisoner, make sure he doesn't escape."
"As if he could outrun us," Dirge laughed, the idea was just amusing.
Starscream then typed in the code and the doors opened and they saw Ranger sitting on the bed looking through the window and at the ocean.
He turned with a light frown but the moment his optics fell upon the sparkling, they lit up.
"Buster," he cried, leaping to his feet.
Spike gasped, that was his dad's little nickname for him And what's more, this Mech looked a bit like him and was giving him such a warm smile...
"Dad!" he chirped out, reaching with his hands outstretched. "Dad, dad!"
"Well, that answers that question," Starscream muttered as the handsome neutral rushed over and took the sparkling in his arms, kissing him and hugging him close.
Thundercracker couldn't help but feel a bit jealous, watching his sparkling hug his sire like he has never seen him in a long time. Spike never hugged him like that.
"Miss you," Spike said to his dad while hugging him and hoping to never let go.
"I missed you too, Buster," Sparkplug was amazed at how much Spike grew, he was taller than before and actually looked like a three year old and not like a baby anymore. Clearly, he had missed a lot. But was also pretty sure that Spike wasn't supposed to have wings and looked at the seekers.
"I didn't want to believe it when the Autobots told me about the transfusion. Why did you do it? He was perfect the way he was."
"He's still perfect," Thundercracker instantly defended against the disapproving look he was being given. "And he loves his upgrade, he's been learning to fly."
"Yes," Spike confirmed, beaming up at his father, wanting to share this amazing thing with him. "Me fly."
"Can you?" Sparkplug asked with a wry smile. "Clever boy."
"Me show," Spike declared, wriggling to be put down. Sparkplug recognised the signs and bent down with him, carefully setting him on his little thrusters. As soon as his dad let go, Spike activated his thrusters and shot up, hovering delightedly, waving his arms and trying to use his wings as well as Sparkplug looked on in astonishment.
"Got to admit that is pretty amazing, kid," Sparkplug stated proudly and added. "Too bad, I can't teach you the stuff I know, like drifting. It's great in the desert with all the space and dirt."
"Drift?" Spike asked and remembered how cars could just go around and round like that on the ground in circles, that would be pretty awesome. "Me drift!"
"Why not?" Sparkplug wondered if planes even could even do that and looked at the seekers. "Can you guys even drift?"
"Like a grounder?" scoffed Starscream. "of course not, we do far better. We soar above the heavens and plunge back towards the earth only to avoid it all."
"So if you end up on the ground, you're helpless," Sparkplug commented lightly as Starscream spluttered in outrage. Spike watched the exchange closely, his dad had lightly taken hold of him again to prevent him from falling.
"We are deadly in the air an anywhere else we choose to be," Starscream said haughtily, drawing himself up. "Can you say the same?"
"I'll handle anything thrown at me," Sparkplug challenged. "I might not be able to fly but I know what it's like to tear up the earth, dodging any obstacle in my way and keep going."
Ramjet and his trine, were curious as they watched Ranger and Starscream bicker over which alt-mode was better which got them nowhere. But what captured their attention was how beautiful Ranger was, it was almost hard to believe their optics.
Skywarp watched the argument in amusement and got an idea. "Hey! I know why don't you two race?"
"What?!" Starscream questioned as he and Ranger paused their argument.
Everyone shifted their attention to him, looking at warp who kept smiling. "You two could race and show the other who is right."
"Don't be ridiculous," Starscream scoffed with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Apart from the fact I'd easily win, he'd just escape."
"Not without my son I wouldn't," Sparkplug pointed out, cuddling Spike close as he watched in amazement. A race between his dad and Screamer? He couldn't imagine what that would look like. "Has he been out at all since he got here?"
"No, he hasn't," Thundercracker spoke up as Sparkplug pursed his lips before saying. "If you wanna race, I'm game. I won't try to escape and if you let Buster outside, I won't try to run with him. He shouldn't be locked away all the time."
"You'd have no chance," Starscream told him scornfully though he looked tempted by the idea of proving he was right.
"Me watch," Spike declared eagerly, he really wanted to get outside and this was a perfect opportunity. Sparkplug smirked at this.
"If you're so confident in winning, then it's settled," Sparkplug said, knowing there was no way he could beat a jet, he was no speedster. But the race itself might be fun and Spike could finally get some fresh air.
"A waste of my time," Starscream stated and added. "I gain nothing, but proving my point of being right."
"Then how about on my next drink I create, you can be the first to get a taste of it," Sparkplug offered, that should be worth beating him, hopefully.
"New drink?" Skywarp asked eagerly, he liked the sound of that.
"How will you do that?" Starscream demanded to know.
"The bots have some of my supplies," Sparkplug admitted and before the Decepticon SIC could protest, added. "They are my friends but I am not under Optimus's command. He can't order me, only advise. If I choose to be with my son, he can't do anything unless he physically forces me."
"So you wanna pick stuff up from the bots?" Ramjet cut in and Sparkplug nodded. "Basically that."
"That shouldn't be to hard, we can easily steal your stuff," Skywarp smirked and couldn't wait for that new drink.
"That is a bad idea, if you were to steal my supplies, then I can't get new resources from the bots," Sparkplug informed, he needed the bots help and they did trade with humans which would make some supplies like human oil a better deal.
"So what if they did cut you off their supply run. We can easily get you what you need," Ramjet cut in, but also knew that Starscream could also try to order some supplies from Cybreton, all tho it was rare.
"I need my relationship with the bots undamaged, they supply me with human oil which is a key ingredient to my oil drink," Sparkplug explained, hoping he could convince them to let him meet the bots in person on those supply runs.
"Human oil?" Starscream gasped, staring at him. "That's how you make that drink?"
"Part of it," Sparkplug smiled mysteriously, not ready to give up his secrets. Thundercracker couldn't help but smile at this, he certainly had a wit about him. "Surely it's easier me dealing with the bots than you guys having to source it yourselves?"
"Perhaps if we gave it a try?" suggested Thundercracker, he was a little curious about potential new drinks. Even though he suspected the Autobots would add extras as a way to sweeten up his sparkling. "See if it works out?"
Skywarp and Ramjet's trine looked to Starscream for his answer, they felt rather invested in how this would turn out.
Starscream thought about it carefully, but slowly gave in as the oil drink was quite delicious. "Fine! But Megatron can't know about this or we won't hear the end of it."
"Great, I just need to drive to the ark and deliver those drinks you took for me and get those supplies in exchange," Sparkplug explained of this plan.
"The Ark! you want to get that close to the bots?" Starscream questioned, he had hoped that he and his trine could watch over the mech above the sky, but if they were going to be that close to the ark, then that wasn't a option.
"Aww, do you really need to take those drinks?" Skywarp asked, he had hoped that they could keep the crates of oil.
"How else do you expect me to get those supplies? Trading has worked fine with the bots," Sparkplug pointed out and added. "Nothing is for free."
"Well, good to see you're not naïve," Starscream smirked. "Fine but you can expect to be busy once you have those supplies, Megatron will want results."
"I know but I'm hoping to create some suitable drinks for this young man here," Sparkplug stated, smiling down at Spike. "Want to try some new fuel?"
"Yes, want fuel!" Spike chirped before frowning as his tanks rumbled. "Hungry, want fuel."
"I've got your bottle," Thundercracker instantly said, holding out his arms for Spike to return. Sparkplug huffed but released his son so the miniature flier could go over to him. He watched as the blue Seeker lovingly cradled the sparkling to his chest while offering him the bottle of warm fuel.
Sparkplug shifted his attention to Starscream, since he knew Spike was at least in good hands. "It would be best if I can make the exchange today as I planned, that way the bots won't know you attacked me."
"You wish to fool them? Well, you're quite the neutral aren't you," Starscream observed, but admitted that the plan wasn't a bad idea and it would be best to keep those Autobots quiet for while. "Skywarp. get those crates, we're visiting the ark."
"Wait? Like right now?" Skywarp asked, thinking that they would have done this tomorrow.
"Yes, right now! The sooner Ranger gets those supplies the better. It will also keep Megatron quiet," the white seeker stated.
"Guess you're right," Skywarp sighed heavily. "What that race?"
"Hmm, we'd better wait until the weather improves," Starscream stated. "Otherwise I'll win even easier than normal."
"I'll stay with Ricochet then," Thundercracker stated, still feeding him.
"Fine, Ramjet?" Starscream questioned as his trine mate warped away to collect the other crates.
"Yeah, we'll come along," the other Seeker agreed, they wouldn't mind stretching their wings and seeing just if this Ranger kept his word.
"Buster," Sparkplug said gently, coming closer to his son. "I just need to deliver some things to the bots but I'll come right back, okay?"
"Okay. Back fast," Spike smiled back to his dad.
"I will try kiddo, be good for me," Sparkplug waved a good buy as Thundercracker left the room.
Author's note. How does Sparkplug delivery go? And how will he find life at the Nemesis? Find out next time, until then.