Quite interested in the new Beast Wars movie. Glad it's not Michael Bay. Still pissed at him for ruining shit.

Anyway, onto the next chapter...

A couple of days went by without incident. Thundercracker's check up was held off because Ramjet was busy with Hook getting Motormaster situated, not that she minded at all. Ratchet had been called in to assist Hook where Ramjet could not because of his expertise. After another grueling 24 hours of monitoring, Hook finally went to Starscream and reported what they thought might happen. "Motormaster's Spark is extremely weak and it's not picking up, I'm afraid."

"Well, that's not good," the leader muttered, tinkering with the large screen computer behind his desk.

Hook nodded, watching the tattooed Seeker, "His processors were severely damaged and many of his internal systems were damaged and are hardly working. We concluded that Motormaster will be in stasis lock for a very long time. he said,

Starscream leaned down and went to work on something lower. Hook figured Starscream was doing repairs. The Seeker didn't look up, fishing around inside near the motherboards. "Will he make it, though?"

Hook straightened. "We don't know. It's too early to tell. There's a high chance he will never come out of it." his voice taking on a darker, warning tone he'd hope Starscream would catch.

"Shit." The Seeker tugged and the screen went blue. "At least you tried," He looked up and growled, "(Cybertronian) computer! Junk! No matter what planet you befall, all computers are the same, I swear it!" Some days the supply of curse words were insufficient to meet his demands.

"Yelling at the computer won't make it work any better…"

"Shut up, Hook," The Seeker muttered. "And you're right… it won't." He put his fist through the CPUs, making the screen go black, "There. Now it won't work at all. Where's Soundwave?"

The Stunticons were becoming increasingly annoying. Their moods were questionable and they were snappy with the other 'Cons, especially Starscream, and he figured that it was because he didn't tell them about Motormaster in the beginning. Hook figured it was Motormaster. He was probably going to die, and the team could feel it.

Often times at least one other team member was in with Motormaster. Hook didn't deny them, knowing the bond between teams. He sometimes saw the strain on the team, even asking if a merge or combine would help. Unfortunately, it wouldn't, and the Constructicon leader told them so.

Hook kept an eye on them and their actions. He knew the true stories behind how combiners function being Devastator's leader. Menasor was no exception. It was simple – If Motormaster died, there was going to be hell on Earth.

Barricade saw a black blur run past the door. She watched as the blur was followed by another, then another, and another and yet another and more behind them. There was a screech and then a clamor. Figuring they were up to no good, she made her way to the door and peeked out. However, by the time she had gotten there, she found Sonar taped to the wall and the other Sparklings were nowhere to be found. Her optics furrowed, "What are you little monsters up to now?"

The small femme happily replied in beeps and clicks that she had been caught and taped to the wall, making Barricade look up for the other Sparklings with a furrowed optic. The hunter reached for Sonar and pulled her off the wall with a loud rip. Just as she did so, the black and white femme heard more running and looked up from where she was now peeling the tape from Sonar. Watching, she saw all Sparklings minus Sonar run by and she followed to see what they were doing.

The little copper femme took the chance to get a free ride and climbed up Barricade's arm.

Barricade looked to find another lump on another wall. Now she was confused, seeing as it was Rumble. "What are all of you doing?"

Rumble watched Sonar dangle from Barricade's window-wing. "A game called 'Catch and Duct'. Blacklight found some extra duct tape in Skywarp's quarters. Get me outta here so I can get them!"

Barricade debated on it, watching the mech until the other Sparklings zipped past the building again. She headed for them, completely forgetting about Rumble. "Hey wait! What about me!"

When Barricade got outside, she watched in surprise. Skorponok was in his mech form, giving chase, not even having taken on his scorpion form, which was very uncommon for him. That mech still confounded her, because he wasn't Soundwave's Sparkling, but he stayed with her. It could have been because she saved his life and he was devoted to her. He was still rather small, though.

At the sound of a screech, she looked to the source; she could barely make out metal in the dust and dirt that was flying everywhere. She continued to watch until all but one backed up off of Typhoon, who was screeching and Blacklight held her to the wall as the rest taped her there.

"Blacklight!" Barricade called.

Blacklight looked over along with everyone else at Barricade and got an 'oh shit' look on his face when he saw her scowl. "Run!" with that, they all took off, minus Typhoon.

Barricade walked closer to Typhoon, setting Sonar down. She freed the little white femme and watched in surprise as Typhoon took off after the group with an excited squeal. Sonar leapt off of her and followed quickly after.

Barricade grunted in annoyance at them. She was sure the little monsters were born for no other reason than to be a pain in her aft. Slowly she started in their direction now that curiosity of their game had a vice-grip hold on her.

There was another clamor on the other side of the building. Barricade wasted no time, hoping to catch Blacklight, who seemed to instigate this little game. There she found Laserbeak taped to the wall. For a moment, she wondered how he got caught. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.

Soundwave's attention had also been grabbed when she happened to see Rumble still taped to the wall. As she headed outside where she heard the ruckus, she grabbed the small mech, peeling him from the wall with a quick tug. The tape from around him unfortunately for Soundwave, ended up sticking him to her hand and arm. He shifted to move off her arm and leaned the wrong way accidentally, making her to stop to correct it. Quickly she pulled him away when her HUD went nuts. After a moment of recalibration, she continued on, seeing Barricade not far off watching Laserbeak on the wall. She headed for the flier and pulled him off as well, this time using her left arm.

Rumble jumped down and looked back up to his older brother, "Got you too, huh?"

"Would have gotten away if Buzzsaw hadn't dive-bombed me, the traitor…" The flier muttered.

There was another clang and clash, making all look in its direction. There Ravage, Buzzsaw, Skorponok, and Radar had Blacklight against the wall and were now taping him. Sonar and Typhoon were beeping and clicking madly at Blacklight who was scowling at them both. "Leave it to Blacklight to make a game with duct tape." Barricade grunted as Soundwave turned to leave. Barricade continued to watch how they then all backed away from their victim, leaving Blacklight stuck.

The others then bolted to tag the next one. Barricade looked back at Blacklight, who was wriggling in his binds, "Lemme out so I can get my revenge with pink duct tape!"

"Are you sure you weren't hatched on some other planet?"

Blacklight gave her a look as she began unwrapping him. As soon as he was free, he leapt at her, beaming, "I'm a product of you and Starscream, like it or not!"

"Tuh… Don't remind me."

Starscream was on edge. There was no doubt about it. He had talked to his Trine so that they were on the same page. Scenarios played out in his mind as to what could possibly happen when Shockwave arrived. None of them looked good, but that might have been because he hated Shockwave with a passion. He left his office, leaving what was once a computer sitting in shambles and stepped into Barricade's quarters, where she was but their Sparklings were not. "Where are they?" he asked as the door slid shut behind him.

"Threw them off a cliff," Barricade answered as she preened, having given up following them everywhere to unstick those that were taped to various parts of the base. "Thought I'd teach them how to fly the 'ground pounder's way'," The femme shifted, her optics lifting to meet his, "What do you want?"

Starscream gave her a doubtful glance. "I'm sure you did… And what do I want? What does every evil Decepticon Overlord want?"

"World domination…?" Barricade guessed.

"What would I want the world for? It's so plain and boring compared to you."

Later on in the day, Starscream stood in the wreck room. This time was as good as any and Shockwave wasn't getting any further away. The leader looked to all of the 'Cons in the room and as smoothly as possible, he announced, "Thought I would let you all know that Shockwave will be here soon…" The leader hadn't even finished his sentence before mouths started firing off.

"Oh… well that's not good," Blitzwing muttered.

"You had leadership," Cyclonus said with a chuff.

"Looks like we won't be bored much longer," Thrust stated nonchalantly.

Starscream winced internally at each comment that was made. Deep down he knew they were probably right. The leader growled in frustration, getting them to silence. "It also might be interesting to know that Soundwave picked up other 'Cons with him as well. The rest of the Combaticons, Constructicons, an Insecticon and a few others. They do not know Megatron is dead yet. Let's not cue them in!"

"All of the Constructicons?" came a voice.

"She didn't say,"

"I can imagine you're not expecting a friendly 'hello'." Dirge said.

Starscream scowled with a snort. "I'm hoping he will behave, but I don't see it happening. I don't know what to expect at this point." He hated the wait-and-see game. "I also want all of the humans off this base within a week."

"Really? Why?" Miles suddenly asked, hoping the Seeker didn't mean what he said. Instead, he got a serious glance his way that made him realize Starscream wasn't going back on his word. In fact, the silence made the humans all look at each other with a cringe.

"You don't know how Shockwave is. He has been known to 'play' with life forms, both inorganic… and organic," the leader replied. "I don't want him… experimenting on you."

Miles cringed at the thought. Looking to see if Starscream was joking, he realized the Seeker was not, he bit his lip, "So, for how long, big guy?"

"I don't know. As long as it takes, I suppose." He heard the disappointment in his pet's voice, but now was not the time for compunctions for his decision.

Thundercracker didn't really feel like dealing with Autobots. Especially Aerialbots. They were a thorn in her side in the past and remained so to this day. Ramjet had already mentioned that he was taking her to Ratchet as soon as he was done with Motormaster, and she had already told him no. But, obviously no one was listening to her wants and desires at the time.

Starscream entered into her quarters, eyed the Sparklings that were around her and nodded, "Come, we have some Autobots to annoy." He then smirked and left.

Thundercracker growled. Hadn't she already said no? She stood and made her way to the door after plucking Blacklight and Buzzsaw off her shoulders. She stopped at the threshold, refusing to move further. "I'll wait until Hook is ready."

Starscream stopped and looked at her, "TC, come on. He's going to be busy with Motormaster for a long while. The way I hear it, you'll probably Spark-birth before he's ready for you."

"Then I'll wait. I'm not going to the Autobot base." The femme stated more defiantly.

Starscream's optics furrowed at her. "I have had enough for one week, don't you think? Shockwave, Stunticons, what have you… I'm not in the mood. Don't make me order you."

The femme's own optics furrowed as she grew angrier. "English, do you compute it? I can use Cybertronian if you think it will be more clear. I said I'm not going, Starscream."

Ignoring the fact she called him by his name, which meant he was a hair's breadth from getting mauled, he growled at her. "You're going!"

"Stop it. You can't make me." The blue Seeker bristled dangerously at him and let out a low toned growl. Sending a sharp lash down their Trine-link, she dared him to say one more word about it.

The leader stood up to her for a long moment as if debating and then he growled back, "You think…"

The blue Seeker glared darkly at Starscream. He had to get that last word, as always. She pushed him roughly backwards, "I'm not above grounding you."

"We'll see about that…" The younger Seeker caught himself, and without another word, turned and stomped away. "This isn't over."

Thundercracker crossed her arms and glared at the back of Starscream until he disappeared around a corner. When he was gone, she turned for her quarters and kicked the Sparklings out before locking the door.

A couple of hours later, there was a screech, clearly Skywarp's. Then the sound of feet as the mech ran and ran fast. He was ducking and dodging things that were flying at him as he ran for the exit of the building, "Primus what has gotten into you, TC!" he called, ducking again.

The femme never replied, only giving chase until the two were outside and took for the skies. For about half an hour, the two were in the air and Skywarp was doing his best to calm her, but it just was not working. She had even shot him! "Come on, TC! Stop!"

Usually he could calm her quickly, but something had her upset. Starscream felt the annoyance on his end of the link and went out to find out what it was all about. He looked up at the two who were hovering not too far away. He could see the look on Thundercracker's face. He looked up when Skywarp zipped by, "What'd you do to make her mad?"

"Stop her, 'Screamer! She's gone insane!" he cried.

Starscream watched Thundercracker go after Skywarp again and he couldn't help but smirk, "No more than you. I just got done arguing with her earlier. Your turn,"

"All I did was say something about her check!" The black Seeker landed quickly, watching for the blue femme to come back.

Yup, that was what likely set her off. Starscream tilted his head at the teleporter. "That was probably the last thing to ask her."

Abruptly the black Seeker went to the ground next to him and eyed the femme who was now circling, waiting for her to do something else. "I think she hates me."

"She's Pit with clip-on wings." Both mechs watched the femme dive for the main building, transform and walk in. Starscream began to follow, "Still doesn't compare to Barricade though. Thank Primus she's yours and you have to deal with it."

"Shut up before I warp you into some other dimension where you're a worm…"

"I didn't ask for this." Thundercracker growled.

"Neither did I, but here you are…" Ratchet replied with a shrug.

"They shackled me with the help of a few others. How is that fair?" The blue femme tugged at her restrains. "I didn't want to come in the first place. Can't you Autobots arrest them for something so I can go home?"

"Who would be at the base making diabolical plans to eradicate the Autobots and take over Earth if I were imprisoned here, idiot?" Starscream grumbled, rubbing his wrist where she had grabbed him roughly.

Thundercracker gave a malicious smile and watched him rub it. "Does it hurt?"

"Yes! You broke something, idiot,"

"Serves you right. You're lucky that's all I did."

"Piss off." Starscream grumbled and headed for the door, debating whether he should stay or leave the base completely.

Ratchet, who was at another table a little bit away gathering what he might need, but listening, smirked at the three and then looked back at his desk. He never thought in a million vorns that he'd be checking Thundercracker's spark, let alone the Sparkling she was carrying. The lime colored mech turned slightly to look at the leader, "Seems like her mood is improving." Starscream looked over his shoulder at him but remained silent.

The femme's optics shot to Ratchet and pinned. "Shut up, Autobot," she snapped.

Then again… With raised optic ridges, Ratchet approached and asked professionally, "With your permission, I would like to get all updated health information about you while you're in here."

"Why?" TC asked sarcastically, still not wanting any part of this. "What would you need my health information for?" Her voice took on a more serious tone.

Skywarp, who had been quietly watching the interaction, glanced at her, wondering if she was serious.

"In case there is an emergency, I'll know what to do. As you well know, I do not have all the information I need on Seekers." the CMO stated with a glare. "I will give it to Hook on a data pad, so he is aware as well," He grabbed for another tool as well and stood, approaching the femme. He'd been hesitant, hoping her readings would calm a bit before he actually went through the check on her. "Now open up. Let's check that Sparkling,"

Jazz was practically clinging to Prowl. It wasn't because she was head over heels for him; she was putting on a show for everyone else. She knew the gossip was going around. "So, who do ya think will come outta there more injured?" she asked from an annoyed Prowl's lap.

"Why don't you get off of me and go find out," the tactician asked.

"I'm comfy," Jazz leaned back in her seat, making Prowl growl.

"Then would you just get off of me for the sake of getting off of me?"

"Aww, you don't have to pretend in front of these jokers…" Jazz grinned at the tactician. "Ya know ya have that undyin' love for me, Prowler."

"I'm going to sic Runner on you." Prowl stated evenly.

"Ooh, a femme fight. Can we watch?" Sideswipe asked before getting belted upside the head by Ironhide.

Prowl sighed. That had backfired really hard. "No, you can't. It's exclusive to me and Jazz."

In the medical bay, the medic was thankful that Thundercracker had calmed somewhat. The femme Seeker was being objectionable and mouthy, but that wasn't something he didn't deal with on a day-to-day basis, anyway.

Thundercracker eyed the medic as he approached. She still wasn't comfortable with anyone but her Trine so close to her vital systems and her Sparkling and part of her wanted to kick him away. As if picking up on Thundercracker's sudden distress, Starscream stepped from the doorway and approached her. He began petting her wing. Skywarp did the same on the other side. "Ratchet, you need to stop a moment. Something isn't right." Starscream said calmly. The medic looked to him questioningly but did as asked.

"Easy, TC, what's gotten into you?" Starscream asked over their link.

"Nothing, I-I just don't want to be touched," the blue femme defended.

"Why do you seem afraid?" Skywarp asked with concern.

When Thundercracker didn't respond, Starscream scowled. "After we are done here, you and I are going to have a talk, there's no reason for your fear. He's not going to hurt you."

"I said I am not afraid." The femme argued firmly.

"If you're going to lie, then at least make it believable and do it down the link as well."

"I'm not-!"

"-Then prove it and let's get this over with," Starscream interrupted with doubt and annoyance. "I have better things to do."

Thundercracker began calming and resisted the urge to kick Ratchet, only giving an annoyed glare.

Starscream backed when Thundercracker calmed. He nodded for the CMO to continue. He trusted Ratchet because of how he'd saved Blacklight's life and how he handled Barricade. He respected him and knew he was the best at what he did. The young Seeker believed Ratchet had earned the right to do such an honor. He saw no reason for Thundercracker's sudden outburst, as she should have understood his trust in the cranky Autobot.

Outside, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe watched the doors to the med bay curiously. They knew what was going on, but they couldn't help but want to cause the Seekers grief.

Jazz saw them talking between each other. She knew when they conspired. She reached over and tapped Ironhide to get his attention, and then nodded towards the twins, "Check this,"

"Those two…" Ironhide groused. "What are they plotting?"

Suddenly, Sideswipe sniggered and said loudly, "Your mind is twisted, brother! Twisted I tell you – Twisted! I love it!"

At that, both twins stood and headed for the doors. "What are you two up to?" Ironhide asked with a suspicious tone.

"Nothing we won't regret." Sunstreaker answered, both of them taking sides of the doors. With a wide grin, Sunstreaker started messing with the door operations and after a few seconds, the doors opened, revealing a bunch of optics on them from inside.

"Do you mind!" Ratchet threw the tool he had in his hand, but Sideswipe ducked, making the tool hit Jazz, who yelped in surprise.

Starscream headed for the door and glared down at the two, "Are you fucking serious, you two? I don't have enough problems as it is?" With a growl, he punched the pad making the door shut once again. Just as the door began to shut, his foot came out and kicked whoever was closest, being Sunstreaker, sending him backwards. "Do it again and I'll hold you still and let TC shoot you!" He called behind the once again locked doors, "At close range!" He stood there a moment longer waiting to see if they really were that stupid.

When he was satisfied they may not bother them again, he moved away, "I swear… those two are living proof that sludge can sprout legs and walk."

Ratchet shook his head with a smirk at Starscream's comment as he continued to work with Thundercracker, choosing not to comment. Thundercracker only stared at the door, trying to figure out how to shoot them faster than she would get pounced by her Trine.

Ratchet looked to Thundercracker expectantly. She only gave him a dirty look. "I don't have all day, you know," he said with a glare back.

"I could make do with not doing this at all."

After a moment longer, Ratchet watched the femme's torso split and crack, shifting to reveal her inner systems and Spark chamber, going on the trust of her Trine-mate. He went to reach and she flinched, making him stop. He moved and she flinched again. This time he looked up at her, "If you would like, I'm sure someone can strap you to a berth. There are enough mechs around that I could rally. Sit still." There was a grunt from the femme. He reached again and this time she remained still.

Thundercracker wanted nothing better than to shoot everyone in the room, even though it was only her, her Trine and Ratchet. It would make her feel better, anyways. She wondered why she couldn't just wait.

"Why must you bother Ratchet? Especially when he's got those three in there?" Cliffjumper asked, "Don't you realize they will cause even more trouble if you annoy them? Why can't you just let this get done and over with and then they can leave, and we can be at peace?"

"Aw, why not pester the Seekers, 'Jumper? They're best to air surf with." Sideswipe smirked. "Should try it sometime,"

"So, you want to make them mad so you can go for a stupid ride?" Hot Rod asked with a quirked optic ridge. "That's some bad plan right there."

"You're just a wuss. Besides, what else is there to do?" Sideswipe asked with an amused shrug.

"Setting yourself on fire with napalm and jumping off a cliff is an option…" At that, Hot Rod got glares in his direction from the twins, and he shrugged, "Hey, I never said it's a good option, but it is an option…"

"We'll follow by your example. You first, Hothead," Sunstreaker nearly hissed.

Hot Rod just rolled he's optics and said, "You two are just being slagging stupid." He folded his arms with a shrug, "Besides, they'll shoot you before they let you ride on them,"

"Whoever said they would let us?" Sideswipe asked slyly.

"I swear… if stupidity was contagious, we'd be in a world of serious trouble…" Jazz said with a laugh from her perch. "Thank Primus it only seems ta affect those two." She looked at Prowl who was giving a very funny look. "What?" With a gust of air through his vents, Prowl only shook his head.

Ratchet prodded and poked around for a moment within Thundercracker's torso a soft 'hn' or 'hmm' coming from him. A rather surprised look crossed the CMO's face. "You haven't Spark-mated?" he asked, getting basic readings from her exposed Spark.

"That's none of your business." Thundercracker growled.

He leaned closer, moving wires and such, generally checking them out, feeling for anything that might need repaired. "I make it my business, especially if I am going to be the one checking on you," the CMO said sternly. She flinched and hissed when she felt him do something to her wires near her Spark. There was an annoyed huff from the medic as he continued to move things and repair as needed. "You haven't seen a medic for a while." He was sure it was bothersome by her small movements as he worked.

When the annoyance subsided, Thundercracker realized she felt a little better. Seeing her comfort, "Not so bad, huh?" Ratchet asked with a smile as he went on to her Spark chamber, touching it just enough to get inner readings as well.

"I told you getting this done wasn't so bad…" Skywarp suddenly said.

"Speak for yourself, jerk." Thundercracker growled. "If I shot you, would you shut up?"

"You wouldn't dare, slag sucker," Skywarp challenged.

Thundercracker gave a dark hiss, "Don't put it past me. You through a wall sounds very enticing right about now."

Skywarp gave the blue femme a furrowed optic. After a moment in thought, he moved so he could see his unborn Sparkling. He watched Ratchet as he worked, still a little wary about Thundercracker's sudden fear, but he trusted Starscream's suggestions and knew his Trine-mate wouldn't deliberately put them or their Sparkling in danger. "Where is it?" He asked.

Ratchet turned his head slightly and then looked back at the blue Seeker's Spark, "See?" he pointed to a smaller light that moved around and in TC's much larger Spark.

After a moment of trying to see it, Skywarp's optics locked on it. "That puny thing there?" he pointed.

Ratchet nodded, using Skywarp's distraction on Thundercracker to get a more detailed health of Thundercracker's Spark and the Sparkling. After a few more seconds, he backed up, "You can close up now. The Sparkling looks very strong and healthy. Try to keep her out of anything strenuous." He eyed Skywarp, "And no merging or anything of the sort until she's given birth, either."

Skywarp frowned and Thundercracker smirked devilishly at him, "Oh really? No merging, you say? Hmm," Skywarp's optics locked on hers. He didn't like that tone one bit. "I seem to remember Barricade when she was told no merges…"

"You wouldn't…" Skywarp gasped.

Prowl sighed and shoved Jazz off of his lap, "Hey!" she yelled as her aft hit the floor hard, "What was that for?"

"You wouldn't get off," he replied as he stood up, "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to have a little chat with Starscream before leaves."

"Starscream! You pick talkin' to Starscream over my charmin' comp'ny?" screeched Jazz.

"Yes, unless you want to talk with him about any tactics we can use against Shockwave," he replied as he left the room.

Jazz watched him leave. Part of her felt a little dejected, but she wasn't sure why. Usually, such actions wouldn't spark feelings like that.

When they were done, the three Seekers prepared to leave. Ratchet downloaded information onto a data pad and offered it to Thundercracker, "Bring this to Hook, but I want it returned."

The femme took it roughly. Sub-spacing the item, she turned to leave, thankful they were done. The CMO watched. Inside he was happy to tell the creators about their healthy Sparkling.

He heard a clash and Jazz yell. As he began putting his tools back, he wondered how long it would take for Jazz to finally pick a mech. She had been hinting about it here and there but hadn't come right out and said anything about it.

Prowl saw Starscream preparing to leave, and he stepped into the room, "Starscream," he called, getting the Decepticon leader's attention. He started for the Seeker as he spoke, "I would like to speak to you as soon as possible."

"About?"

The tactician leaned forward so only Starscream could hear him, "Your current issue with Shockwave,"

Starscream grimaced and shied his head back, "I'm now a firm believer that you have made it a challenge to make my life miserable. Congrats, I think you've just won."

"I hear that's Runner's job, not mine." Prowl grinned. "Optimus is waiting outside, Oh, Miserable One."

"That's Lord Miserable One, to you…" the leader grumbled something when he heard laughter from all around. He then turned to Skywarp, "Take TC back to base. Let me go talk to the Autobot leader about a Decepticon affair."

Lord Miserable One... I'm sure...