Chapter 7 – Sleep Issues, Toys … and a Grenade

Wednesday night…

The only research that really got done the rest of the evening was Jack and Rafael's designs for the new toys. Optimus and Miko were kept busy keeping the sparklings contained, not an easy task as they were all not in the best of moods. Whenever Bumblebee wasn't zooming about the place, he was being clingy, wanting the Prime to pick him up with little whines and grabby servos. Ratchet was fussier than usual and wasn't really interested in playing or the action movie Miko put on the TV; whenever a commercial came on he tended to wander off and finally lost all interest after a while. The Prime even let Arcee play with her rattle more than his audios appreciated. She hugged it, shook it, chased it, threw it; but at least it kept her busy, and he decided to take the helmache over continuously chasing the femme down hallways. Bulkhead didn't seem to know what he wanted to; always hugging his stuffy, letting out a little melancholy coo once in a while as he picked through the play things while aimlessly wondering about.

The boys had finished their project designs by the time they had to head home. Goodnights were said and Miko had to hug every sparkling before they left through the ground bridge. Optimus truly missed their help when he was unable to do any research, now that he had to contend with them by himself. Ratchet had turned into an even bigger grump from just being bored and Optimus had to break up a few tiffs that the little mech started with Arcee. Once he tried to take her rattle and Optimus's already abused audials found out just how high the femme could screech. Ratchet had then spent the next twenty minutes in the "time-out" box.

All up until their bedtime; there was at least one whining, one wanting attention, one making any loud random noise, and one wondering off – and each seemed to be taking turns at doing all four. Optimus was more than ready to head to his berth room after giving the sparklings their dinner and emptying their waste chambers, hoping some recharge would make them more personable in the morning.

But as the Prime's luck would have it, none of them were settling down tonight. It was evident they were tired, but they kept wiggling around, chattering to each other over the sides of their beds, and even trying to climb out. Nothing Optimus did seemed to be helping, and their moods were not improving. Even Bumblebee and Bulkhead were easily irritated by anything, the first still being clingy. All the while they kept rubbing at their optics as if fighting off pre-recharge.

Finally, desperate for a solution, Optimus could only think of one thing to do.

Gathering up the sparklings, he carried all four back out to the main entrance. The room was in disarray with play things still strewn about as he hadn't taken the time to clean up. Optimus set them down among the mess and flicked the soccer ball, making it roll off with little bounces. It caught the sparklings' attention and they halfheartedly made their way after it. Optimus just hoped it would give him the time he needed.

The mech went straight to the monitors. For one tiny astrosecond he debated whether he really wanted to do this, noting the late hour, but desperation – and the lingering helmache – won out. He punched in some numbers and waited as a trilling sounded a few times. Then a click and a drowsy voice answered.

"/Hello? Jack Darby./"

…

Jack stretched with a yawn as he came back from brushing his teeth, pajamas already on. Bare feet pattered across the cool wood floor of his room as he made his way to the bed, detouring long enough to switch off the lamp. The room was instantly draped in shadowed darkness with only a beam of pale moonlight stretched upon the floor from the open window. The curtains barely moved with the comfortably warm breeze that blew in. It was one of those perfect nights, and Jack slipped under his cool comforter and snuggled down into the soft pillow with a contented sigh. It didn't take long before the soft sounds of the night brought on drifting sleep.

Jack nearly had a heart attack when a loud blare of band music startled him awake. With a startled thrash of limbs, he sat bolt upright.

"W-what?" barely open eyes peered around in confusion at first before realizing what it was. Jack nearly tumbled out of bed as he reached for his phone on the nightstand, patting around a few times before finally getting ahold of it. He also noticed the alarm clock that read three minutes after twelve. He flopped back down onto the pillow as he answered it.

"Hello? Jack Darby," he said groggily with eyes shut.

"/Greetings Jack. This is Optimus Prime./"

"Optimus!" Jack instantly sat back up, very much surprised. His tiredness vanished. "Uh, hi! I wasn't expect you to be calling me."

"/I hope I am not disturbing you as I know the hour is late./"

"No, no! Not at all. I was, uh, just getting ready for bed is all. Um, what can I do for you?"

There was what seemed like a brief hesitance. "/Is … your mother still awake?/"

Jack blinked. Definitely not what he had expected to hear. "Uhh, yeah I think she might still be out in the living room. Said she had some work to catch up on. Why?"

"/May I speak with her?/"

"With Mom? Um, okay, sure that's fine. I'll go tell her."

Nothing came from the other end so apparently the caller was waiting for him to do just that. With silent curiosity, Jack slipped from under his warm covers and pattered down the dim hall.

…

Optimus patiently waited for his message to be delivered, a digit absentmindedly tapping on the side on the computer panel. He briefly checked on the sparklings and found them still focused on the ball for the time being. Hopefully it stayed that way.

Even through the slight helmach, Optimus's sharp audials caught the different sounds coming through the open line. In the background there was a thumping of what must have been footsteps as Jack went to wherever the living room was, and the mech briefly pondered what the inside of a human house must look like. It stopped a moment later and a whispering of voices came through. Optimus could just catch pieces of the conversation: his name, a surprised muffle, the words "says he wants" a few muffled ones and "you", then a pause. Optimus was slightly confused when what seemed to be a soft laugh came through. Then a light clicking as the phone shifted hands.

"/Hello Optimus. This is a pleasant surprise/" a woman's voice said, though the tone suggested somehow she was already expecting this. "/It's not every day a girl get a call from a Prime./"

There was a very clear "/Mom!/" in the background.

Optimus figured the last remark was a bit of human humor. He ignored it. "You once offered your assistance should I need any. I was hopeful that offer still stands and you might be able to provide me with some advice."

"/They having a hard time going to sleep?/" It was said with absolute confidence.

"How did you know?"

"/Mother's intuition … and the time. So, tell me what's going on./"

…

Jack waited as he stood in front of his mother who sat on the living room couch. Some paperwork she had been going through was beside her with a pen placed on top, an empty cup with a tea bag string hanging out of it set on the small end stand table. June listened attentively to the phone and Jack could faintly hear the deep voice that spoke on the other end.

"Uh huh," she hummed thoughtfully.

More talking.

"Uh huh."

More talking.

"I see."

Jack was mildly surprised that Optimus could actually carry a conversation this long. The Prime wasn't normally one for words. Whatever he was describing must have come to a finish when June nodded to herself.

"I see. It sounds like they're just in a bad mood. They're tired but don't want to go to sleep because they're upset. It happens to human children as well." She glanced at her own son with a twinkle in her eye.

Jack rolled his eyes then sat down next to his mother, leaning closer with his ear next to the phone. He could now hear the baritone as it came through.

"/So exactly how should I proceed?/"

"Well, you've done well so far, but there are a few other things I can think of that you can try."

"/Yes?/"

"Well, you said Bee was clingy, so the first one you could try would just be cuddling. Sometimes children just need loving attention. Someone to hold them and let them know everything's okay. Baby's like to feel safe. You can try just holding or rocking them until they fall asleep then carefully put them down to bed."

"/Understood./"

"Okay, the second would be reading. A lot of parents will read what we call 'bedtime stories'. Listening to the story can make them sit still long enough to fall asleep."

"/Uhh, noted./"

Jack cracked a grin. The Prime hadn't sounded too keen on that suggestion.

June continued the mental list. "Another which is good is playing music. A lot of times just having something continuous to listen to will calm them. Classical is always a good choice. You can find it and lots of other music online. Just put it on loop and play it softly in the background."

"/Noted. Is there anything else?/"

"Well, when Jack was a baby I also used to sing lullabies to him."

There was a very long silence.

"Optimus?"

"/…/"

June checked the bars to see if they'd lost connection. "Are you there?"

"/…/"

"Hello?"

He finally spoke. "/Do you have any … other suggestions?/"

June figured the Prime could literally hear her amused smile. "Or you can try more than one of these at once. Like playing music while rocking them or reading. Also try walking around a bit while you hold them. Sometimes the movement will settle them right down."

"/I see. Is there anything else?/"

"Those are mainly the basics, so I think you're pretty much set. Just make sure they're comfortable, warm, and fed. Along with that, one of those is bound to work."

"/Understood. Thank you for your assistance, Mrs. Darby./"

"No problem, Optimus. Glad to help. And if you need anything else, just let me know."

"/Of course. Goodnight Mrs. Darby./"

"Goodnight." The call ended and June handed the phone back. She smiled. "Well, that's one problem solved, now if I can just have as much luck with my paperwork." He gestured to the forms beside her.

Jack smiled gratefully at his mother. "Thanks for doing that."

June reached out and smoothed back a bed ruffled tuff of the raven hair. "I'm more than happy to help out. It's kinda nice being able to give a little motherly advice. Although I bet I'm the first mother to give it to a giant alien robot. I'm actually just surprised he didn't call sooner."

The teenager's eyes fell a bit. "I just can't help but worry about it all. Optimus has really had his hands full these last few days. Plus he's still trying to figure out a way to get the team back to normal and I know it's gotta be tough on him. I just hope one of the things you told him works. He's really working hard at this." A kindly hand rubbed his shoulder gently.

"I wouldn't worry, honey. Optimus has a good heart and, from what I've seen, has the type of gentleness and patience all children need. I've got a feeling he'll do just fine." June couldn't help it as a giggle slipped out. "Even so, I don't think I've ever wanted to be a fly on the wall more than right now."

Jack couldn't help but snicker along with his mother. Honestly, he wished he could see this himself.

…

The sparklings were just beginning to lose interest in the ball when Optimus returned to collect them. He scooped them up and put them all back to bed again. Instantly they were as before, trying to climb out or just whining up at the mech.

Optimus decided on music being the first thing to try. He got the datapad and connected to what the humans called "internet". Not precisely sure what to type in to get what he wanted, he simply asked for "soft sleep music". After scrolling through a number of choices, he found a playlist of slower music being played on something called a piano. Although not entirely sure what that was, it had a pleasant sound so he put the list on loop and set the datapad on a crate near the beds, letting it play softly in the background. Upon hearing it, the sparklings stopped and listened, little helms cocked slightly. It did seem to calm them slightly, but a bit of the restless still lingered, squirming in their beds with optics still wide awake. It was almost working better on the Prime then them, the melodic tones actually soothing Optimus's lingering helmach and making his already tired optics want to close.

Bumblebee was still being clingy. Hoping the others would settle down with the music, Optimus tried out June's first suggestion. He cradled Bumblebee gently in the crook of an arm, even wrapping him in his blanket to make him more comfortable. Seeing this, Arcee began whining, little servos asking to be picked up too; so Optimus did the same for her. As before, the Prime gently began to sway back and forth without fully realizing it as he watched the sparklings for the signs of pre-recharge. Bumblebee and Arcee seemed more than content, cuddled down in the comfortable spots, yellow and blue helms poking out of their soft blanket. Optimus could feel Arcee's delicate touch as tiny digits idly played with a corner of a chest plate. A tiny purr would trill once in a while, but the wide optics seemed more interested in exploring the mech's faceplate above then closing.

After a time it was evident this just wasn't quite working. Bulkhead was wasn't pacing anymore but stayed at the end of the bed closest to the Prime, pulled up against the edge. He watched the big one silently, Akiko the stuffy cuddled in his arm. Ratchet just sat on top of his blanket, peering moodily around at nothing particular, rubbing at his optics every few minutes but stubbornly refusing to let recharge set in.

With a vent, Optimus decided to go one step further.

Putting Bumblebee and Arcee back in their beds for a moment, which they weren't too happy about, he retrieved the datapad. Leaving the playlist still playing, he brought up another search and typed in "bedtime stories."

The Prime was shocked at how many choices and suggestions came up. Fortunately, he found a site with a bunch of digital children's books where you could read the story for yourself, simply tapping the screen when you wanted the "page" turned. After some browsing, he finally selected one that appeared good and fairly short with simple pictures.

That ready, Optimus then gathered all the sparklings together. He sat on his berth, placing them in his lap between his arms so he could still hold the tablet. Blinking optics looked around and at the mech in puzzlement of what was going on. Then they noticed the picture in front of them, showing some words written over a drawn picture of a starry night sky and moon seen through a window inside a green colored room. A little frame with a yellow cow leaping over a crescent moon in the top corner over a small fireplace. The title read: "Goodnight Moon".

Arcee pointed to the picture, looking up at the big one with a questioning cooing click.

"It is called a 'bedtime story', Arcee. Although I have no experience in this field, I shall try my utmost to read it to you." Hoping for the best, his thumb tapped on the screen, turning the "page" to the first picture and line.

The soft piano music still playing in the background; slowly, and a bit self-conscious, the deep baritone began to read…

In the great green room

There was a telephone

And a red balloon

And a picture of–

The cow jumping over the moon

The sparklings leaned forward in piqued interest, optics gazing at the pictures as they went by and Optimus made sure he gave them time to see each before "turning" the page. Ratchet scooched closer, a little arm hugging at the Prime's wrist.

And there were three little bears sitting on chairs

And two little kittens

And a pair of mittens

And a little toyhouse

And a young mouse

And a comb and a brush and a bowl of mush

And a quiet old lady who was whispering "hush"

Optimus was mildly confused at the term "old lady" when the picture showed what clearly appeared to be a rabbit wearing a dress sitting in a rocking chair knitting, but let it slide. It was a children's book after all, and, from what little he'd seen, they seemed to be made up of mostly nonsense anyway. That didn't seem to bother the sparklings any who listened with enraptured attention. The Prime continued with more confidence.

Goodnight room

Goodnight moon

Goodnight cow jumping over the moon

Goodnight light

And the red balloon

The sparklings' helms began to nod, optics growing heavy. Bulkhead leaned back against the chest plating, pulling his stuffy closer. The low baritone voice went on, slow and gentle, soothing their little sparks.

Goodnight bears

Goodnight chairs

Goodnight kittens

And goodnight mittens

Goodnight clocks

And goodnight socks

Goodnight little house

And goodnight mouse

Arcee was already nearly in recharge, curled up next to Bulkhead. Ratchet was slightly draped over the Prime's wrist joint, fighting to keep his optics open to watch the pictures slide by. Bumblebee curled next to the red forearm, cuddling the blanket he had brought with him.

Goodnight comb

And goodnight brush

Goodnight nobody

Goodnight mush

And goodnight to the old lady whispering "hush"

Goodnight stars

Goodnight air

Goodnight noises everywhere

When the last line ended and the words "The End" came across the screen, Bumblebee's optics were the only ones still open, even then their lids drooped heavily as pre-recharge began to drowsily settle in. The yellow helm leaned against the large mech's arm, little servos tucked under his chin with his blanket in the sweetest picture. Soft slow vents came from the others, telling that recharge had finally clicked in.

Turning off the datapad and setting it aside, Optimus gently scooped the little ones into his arms, being extra careful not to jostle them. He knelt in front of the line of little beds and placed the sparklings inside, one by one; tucking blankets around them, except for Ratchet. The little mech liked to lay on top, always on the belly of his chassis with arms and legs sprawled, and Optimus made sure to lay him in this favorite position.

As the blanket tucked under his chin, Bumblebee's optics cracked open to peer at the faceplate above. A large digit began to gently rub his helm and a tiny contented buzzing sounded.

"Time to rest, little one," said soft and low. "Recharge well." Tiny servos cuddled the blanket closer under the little chin.

With a feeling of relief and victory, Optimus stood and turned, starting for his own berth. Behind came the softest little whirr.

*Happy*

Optimus stopped in his tracks. He spun back around, staring in confusion. He could have sworn he had heard…

But the yellow sparkling had dropped off into recharge, and the others were already deep into it themselves. All was quiet. The thick brows furrowed slightly.

"Hmmh," quietly escaped from deep inside the red and chrome chassis.

Putting the strange incident down to a tired imagination, Optimus went to his berth. Gratefully, the Prime lay down and closed his optics as recharge immediately set in.

…

Thursday morning…

Thankfully the sparklings slept soundly and Optimus had been able to get in some well-needed rest. By the next morning, when little cooing yawns awakened him, the helmache had completely disappeared. Even though Optimus would have enjoyed squeezing in a few more hours, he at least felt moderately energized and alert.

The sparklings also seemed in a much better mood, though it didn't help their wondering any. As soon as they had finished their breakfast and had their waste chambers emptied, they were immediately all over the place. Arcee again started going full blast on her rattle, but the Prime figured out a system that kept any helmaches from returning. He would let her play with it for a half hour or so before putting it aside for the next half hour. By the time afternoon approached, Arcee understood the routine and would become excited when the alternating time came around again, smiling and clapping when the Prime reached for the toy. Ratchet was on and off watching the TV, leaving whenever a slower show came on to either start an expedition or annoy Arcee. Bumblebee and Bulkhead seemed everywhere, Arcee joining in when she wasn't occupied with her rattle. Optimus intently hoped that Jack and Rafael's designs would help keep them occupied, and found himself periodically checking his chronometer to see if 3:00 was any closer.

The Prime abandoned the idea of doing any research after the sparklings awoke from their afternoon nap. They were more energetic then ever and it was all he could do to keep them in the one room, even getting down on knee plates at one point to play with them. It did work for a time as the sparklings thought it was great fun to crawl up on the chrome thighs and over the large treads. Bulkhead was having a grand time crawling in and out of the large servo and squeezing between the digits. Ratchet discovered that the large tires on the Prime's legs could actually move and spent most of his time using his baby strength to try to spin them. Optimus just quietly let them be, even doing little things they wanted such as holding random gears and bearings or even a rock they would hand him for some reason before coming back five seconds later to take it back again.

Of course young interest last only so long and about an hour or more later, Optimus was forced to get back up when Bumblebee decided to again try to explore the storage hallway. He wouldn't even sit still for his regular oiling. Arcee and Bulkhead began a game of chase and wrestle, which the femme held her own in very well, while Ratchet had again dragged the Prime to the TV, demanding he turn it on. Although when it was, the white and orange mech jabbered unhappily when it wasn't something he was interested in. Several times, Optimus changed the channel before the grumpy optics turned interested at a black and white western.

There was a whining squeal and Optimus quickly found the source to be Bulkhead, pinned under Arcee who was victoriously sitting on top of the roly-poly's back struts. Another cry sounded but she refused to release her captive.

"That is enough," Optimus gently corrected as he knelt and picked her off the mech.

Bulkhead rolled to a sitting position and jabbered something a bit crossly at the blue femme. The other's little faceplate scrunched a bit, making a face back with a ticking buzz.

"None of that now." Blue and violet optics immediately looked up at the stern command. "You must learn to get along. Arcee, you must be kinder in your actions, even in something as simple as play. Learn to know when enough is enough." The femme's helm dipped a bit. "And Bulkhead, even if you lose, you must learn to take it in good sport." The little green mech also slumped slightly. "But," Optimus expression was kind, "I can understand how vigorous energy can go to one's spark, especially with young ones such as yourselves. You may go now, but remember to be considerate of one another." The sparklings perked up with happy jabbers. With last little smiled they scooted off, going into another game of giggling tag.

Optimus watched them go, a soft vent of amused air escaping his chest. That settled, he stood and glanced around. It had become near habit by now to constantly check on each sparklings whereabouts after any type of distraction. One subject in the search was no longer in sight.

"Gone again," he said without surprise, when no yellow was found, and took up his datapad.

He began flicking through each video feed. Soon he had gone through them all, but each one showed no sign of the escapee. Even the storage hallway was clear.

"Strange," he hummed.

Just then the computer began to bleep. Optimus set the datapad aside, the video feed still showing the hallway, and tapped at the keypad.

"Go ahead."

"/Hey, Optimus/" Jack's voice came through the phone-comm patch. "/We're ready to come over any time./"

"Standby. I will activate the ground bridge."

"/Okay. Thanks./"

"/See you in a moment!/" an energetic girl's voice piped up from the background.

The call ended and Optimus brought up the co-ordinances to the Darby garage. As he pulled the lever and the ground bridge began to hum to life, blue optics happened to land on the datapad set on the computer. Something new was on screen. A spot of yellow had appeared in the storage hallway, but it was coming from the far doorway. Optics squinted slightly as Optimus looked closer. A sharp intake gasped.

…

From the green swirl, the three kids entered the base. Rafael and Jack each pulled a little wagon behind them, filled with some tools and a few small building materials, some short wood planks. Rafael's had a pile of wood chunks in it.

As they stepped inside Miko happily called out, "We're here, Optimus!" She paused and looked around; but no large mech was in sight. "Aaaaand you're not."

The control panel had no operator, so the ground bridge continued to run behind them.

As they came further in Jack looked around. "Where is he?"

Rafael gestured vaguely in the tunnel's direction. "Well, he couldn't be too far. After all he did open the ground bridge, so he must've left the room right after for some reason."

From across the room the three sparklings jabbered little hellos to their newly arrived friends. All seemed as quietly normal as it could be.

Miko giggled. "Well, what'd'ya know? Nothing crazy to walk in on this time."

Jack cupped his hands to his mouth as he called out, "Hello? Optimus, it's us!"

Rafael listened. "I think I hear him coming now."

Through the floor they could feel the vibrations of heavily stepping tread; though they seemed to be growing in strength quickly. Suddenly, a large red and blue mech flew through the hallway, coming straight at them in long high speed strides.

"Look out!" Optimus called out.

All three kids yelped and instinctive ducked down, completely bewildered when, in one mighty leap, the Prime sailed straight overhead. The instant mighty treads thunderously landed on the other side, a very wide-opticed yellow sparkling was thrust at them.

"Watch him!"

Rafael noticed something blinking in his other servo. A chill tingled up his spine as he realized what it was. "Is-is that a grenade?!" he gasped.

"And it's active?!" Jack nearly squeaked. Miko just shrieked.

Optimus was already gone and at the computer controls, jabbing in numbers. He flung the switch and the ground bridge began to hum as the grenade began to blink faster.

Miko threw her arms protectively around Bumblebee, who was very confused. "WE'RE GUNNA BLOW UP!"

The bridge opened and Optimus skidded up. With a grunt, he chucked the grenade straight into the green swirl with a lob that would have made Bulkhead proud. It vanished and they heard a hollow explosion from somewhere beyond as a burning fireball spit back through the portal's tunnel. The kids jumped back with screams as Optimus threw the switch. The ground bridge instantly closed, cutting off the flaming cloud just before it reached them. A few little sparks that had managed to make it through drifted to the floor and fizzled out.

A pin drop could have been heard in the strange silence that followed. Optimus stared off at the tunnel for a full few astro-seconds before finally turning. The three humans were as though suddenly turned to stone, cringed back with gawking stares. Even the sparklings in back gawked in motionless shock.

"What … was … that?!" Jack finally pulled his nerves together enough to speak.

Optimus gestured towards the yellow sparkling they stood around. "Bumblebee made it into the armory."

"Oohhhhhh," all three echoed in unison. There was no need for further explanations.

Miko's hands went to her hips. "Okay, I know I said before that you should think about baby gates, but, dude, you NEED baby gates." Optimus's brow tweaked up. He honestly wasn't sure what that really was.

Rafael looked to Bumblebee. "Is he okay?"

"He is fine," Optimus reassured the boy's concern.

Miko smirked, the adrenaline of it all quickly wearing off. "And to think I said there was nothing crazy to walk into today."

"I must say," Jack grinned awkwardly, "this has been the most exciting entrance yet."

The girl snickered. "And I thought the lug nut spill was bad."

"I thought the water was the best so far," Rafael put in. "Well, until today."

"Hey, the duct tape thing wasn't far off," Jack added. They all snickered in their little huddle.

Above, Optimus just blinked in the tiniest roll of the optics, a corner of his mouth twisted down slightly.

Miko patted Bumblebee's helm. "C'mon, little guy. We're here to keep you out of trouble now." They all started off.

"Not yet."

All halted with a cringe, including the sparkling, at the stern tone. They turned to see an entirely different expression written on the chrome faceplate above. The straight mouth was distinctly turned down at the corners, dark brows drawn low over the firm optics trained upon the sparkling.

Miko whispered through the side of her mouth to Jack. "Uh oh! The 'dad face'. Not a good sign."

The baritone continued. "You three may go, but I believe Bumblebee knows what must happen next."

Wide optics gazed guiltily up at those above. Bumblebee pulled into himself slightly with a saddened buzz. A large servo reached down and scooped the little one up, holding him closer to optic level.

"I am disappointed in your choice of actions, Bumblebee. I had trusted you knew better. I see I was mistaken; therefore, you must be taught a lesson."

Bumblebee whirred long and sad, slouching into the large palm he sat on, vocalizer guard quivering slightly. Optimus strode to the crates by the wall, the kids awkwardly watching from the side. They had never seen this side of the mech. Sure they had heard lectures of reprimand before, and even sternness from the ordinarily laid back vocals (such as the time Optimus had found out about their racing jaunts a while back that had ended up endangering an innocent bystander and the team); but had never actually witnessed him carry out a punishment. Optimus placed the sparkling in one of the crates.

"I only hope this will help you to understand the gravity of your mistake," he said and turned away.

Behind the departing back struts, the whimpers began to cry, slight scrapings of little servos rubbing the side of the crate. Normally, Bumblebee might have taken his punishment more quietly, but this time his other friends were out there. He wanted to be out there too, to play with his little human friend and have fun. Wails grew louder, mixed with buzzing sobs that were more then likely coming with trails of lubricant tears.

The kids just stood, unsure of what to do or say. The Prime had gone to the computer, bringing up his research in silent announcement that this was concluded and he was handing botsitting duties over now. He was aware of the strange silence from the children, filled only by the jabbers of the other sparklings, who had returned to their play, and Bumblebee's cries; but assumed that any interaction at the moment would only embarrass them more. So he simply continued to work. A moment passed.

"Optimus," a small voice came.

The Prime turned and looked down to his treads. Miko's slight form stood almost directly below, hands folded in front of her.

"He didn't mean any harm. He was just curious is all." The hazel eyes pleaded up at the Prime. "And no one got hurt or anything. So … can't you let it go? Just this time? Please?"

The blue optics above were unmoved in decision, but kind as Optimus spoke. He even knelt so to be closer to the girl as he gently explained. "I know it is difficult, Miko. And I can understand and sympathize with your feelings on this. But Bumblebee is aware that he acted wrongly, and I have already given him warning once. We were fortunate that the timing mechanism on the grenade was set for a longer countdown; for had it not, the results could have been catastrophic. Not only to himself, but to everyone. If he does not learn from his mistakes now, it could lead to disaster in the future."

Miko's eyes fell. Though she still wished she could change the unwavering mind, she did understand why and that the Prime only had the sparkling's best interests at spark. "Yeah. I get it," came meekly.

Jack stepped forward, putting a hand on the crestfallen girl's shoulder. "Say, Miko. How about giving me and Raff a hand at making the sparklings new toys. Then maybe we'll be able to have one or two finished in time for Bumblebee when can come out and play again. Like a surprise for him."

The hazel eyes came up, an uplifted spirit in her face. "Okay."

She walked with the teen back to where Rafael still stood with the two loaded wagons. Jack did take a second to glance back at the Prime, who gave him a slight nod of thanks.

The three kids went straight to it, constructing the simplest toys first from the designs Jack and Rafael had made. As they worked the other sparklings stopped everything they were doing to come and watch with curious fascination, which was nice as it kept them out of trouble. Using the supplies they had brought along in the little wagons, they measured, cut, and screwed. Optimus even pitched in, fetching different pieces of auto parts that were requested or helping with larger tasks; such as cutting a metal panel long ways to make it into narrow planks, or welding some pieces of metal together where and how the kids asked him to. Secretly, he was savoring this time of being a part of the children's project, realizing how much he truly enjoyed being in their company.

By the time Optimus brought Bumblebee from his "time-out", they already had three of their designs made. The first was simple, consisting of a shortened feed rod welded on end to a hubcap so the gears and bearing could be slid on the stick like a stacking toy. Ratchet was perfectly delighted with this and sat stacking and unstacking the tower over and over, TV completely forgotten for the present.

The second was like children's shape sorter. Jack had come up with the idea remembering how much Arcee loved putting the rocks in and out of the container. A sheet of metal had been modified so it fit snuggly over a metal supply box like a lid. Miko had drawn a few simple shapes on top which Jack had then cut out. With the chunks of wood they'd brought, Rafael had sawed and sanded out two dozen or more into 3D shapes that matched the punched out holes; each artistically colored by Miko's markers. They could be dropped through their corresponding shape into the box, and Jack had made sure the lid could still be easily removed so the blocks could be dumped out. Arcee had been more then thrilled with this and hadn't stopped sorting the different shapes since Jack had put it in front of her.

The third was what Bulkhead was devoting his full attention to. With the planks Optimus has cut from the metal penal, a slide had ben constructed. Most of this one had required the Prime's assistance as two narrower planks had to be welded to both edges of a wider one to make sides so the sparklings wouldn't accidently slide off before reaching the bottom. The one end had been raised by simply bolting it to two old tire rims on end underneath. Jack had made a small inclined ladder from the wood planks they'd brought that had been attached on the lifted end so the sparklings could climb up.

When Bumblebee saw, his little bleeps came excited and fast. He immediately crawled over and began inspecting this new object.

"Here, Bee," Rafael enticed him to the short ladder.

Bumblebee crawled over, but seemed a bit confused as to what the human was asking of him. That is, until Bulkhead came scooting around and scrambled up, having had lots of practice by now. Optics widened, Bumblebee carefully climbed up but just sat at the top, looking around from the perch.

"C'mon Bee!" Rafael waved his hands at the bottom. "Slide down. You can do it."

The sparkling seemed unsure, gazing down the metal slide. Optimus, who had been watching to one side, reached down and gave him a little push with a digit tip. Bumblebee squeaked in surprise and gave a squealing whirr all the way down the gentle slope. He landed without any jarring at the bottom.

Miko clapped with little bounces. "Yay Bee! You did it!"

Bumblebee blinked as he processed, then began clapping himself with happy chirps before he scampered back around to do it again. Bulkhead also had to send Akiko down on her own once in a while, gurgling in delight as she swished to the bottom before following after.

Miko left the boys to make the rest of the designs to play with the sparklings, and Optimus went back to the computer until he was needed again. Which wasn't long.

The twelve-year-old spoke as he and Jack pattered up to the mech, "Um, Optimus. For one of these designs we need some tires."

The tapping of the keypad paused. "How many do you require?"

"Two."

"Very well. I shall get them for you." Optimus started off but was stopped by Jack.

"Wait a minute, that's not the whole thing." When the Prime looked perplexed, Jack gave a strange expression. "We couldn't think of any other ways to make these designs without, well, cutting the tires in half. Do you guys keep any old ones around that we could use?"

"I do not believe so. Ratchet usually disposes of any tires that wear out."

"Oh."

Rafael shrugged. "That's okay. We'll just have to try and think of something else or we can skip it." Discussing their literally zero other options, the boys went back.

Optimus looked after them for a while before leaving his station and disappearing down the hall. He returned a moment later carrying two large brand-new tires. He set them down in front of where Jack and Rafael were working in the midst of sawhorses, tools, bits of scrap wood, and machine parts.

"Will these be satisfactory?"

The two were a bit surprised then they noticed the familiar size and tread.

"But those are your tires. Are you sure?" Rafael asked, uncertain.

Optimus waved a servo. "Do not concern yourselves. You have given much of your time and effort into carrying out this project; let this be a part of my contribution." For some time free of chasing down runaway sparklings, he was more then willing to make the sacrifice. Plus it didn't feel right just cutting up one of his teammate's wheels without permission.

The boys' eyes lit up.

"Thanks, Optimus!" Jack then motioned at the tires. "We need them cut across the middle to make two halves each."

A servo transformed into a gleaming wrist blade. After making the kids stand back out of any harm's way, with a quick swipe Optimus expertly sliced through the rubber of both within seconds. He now had four curved halves.

"Is that correct?" The blade retracted back as the black servo took its place.

"Perfect!" Jack announced and, with some effort, he and Rafael hulled the pieces away.

It was only a while later before the Prime was again called upon to help again. Sparks flew as Optimus worked on a short piece of a steel beam that had been found in the maintenance storage. He drilled a hole in the middle which he then stuck a small axle through for some odd reason so the beam could rotate on it. Though not exactly sure what he was making, he did everything exactly as he has been instructed while Jack waited patiently below the workstation for him to finish. Rafael had gone back to maintenance storage to look for some extra bolts. Optimus finished a few more welds and lowered the modified beam for Jack to inspect.

"Is this what you wished for?"

Jack gave a quick thumbs-up. "Perfect! Just set it aside for now until Raff gets back." As Optimus did so, a strange grin crept across the teen's face. "By the way, with the grenade and all I forgot to ask. How did my Mom's advice work out?"

"It was most informative. Please express to her my deepest thanks for her assistance."

"Sure thing. And she wanted me to remind you that she's available for any other advice you might need."

"I shall remember that."

An impish gleam appeared in the teenager's eye. "So, uh, what worked?" He couldn't help himself.

"I have found that music and reading seems to calm their hyper activeness."

Jack bit his lip to keep the snicker in. The thought of the huge Autobot reading bedtime stories to little sparkling hit him both funny and adorable. "So no lullabies then?"

Optics blinked. "No."

Jack chuckled, but it turned a bit awkward as he really thought about that idea. "I'm … actually okay with that."

A thick optic brow arched in the mildest hint of amusement.

"Hey guys!" Rafael's voice came as the boy ran out from the hallway. "Come see what I found!" The others followed him back to the maintenance storage where parts for the base's upkeep were kept. Rafael led them to the back and excitedly pointed to where some sections of flexible ducting sat stacked to one side. "This would make a perfect play tunnel for the sparklings to crawl through! I bet they'd love it!"

"That's brilliant, Raff!" Jack's own excitement at the find showed in his face. "Could you carry a piece of it for us, Optimus?"

The blue helm gave a nod and the Prime picked up a shorter floppy section of the ducting.

Miko suddenly gasped and pounced on a red brick that lay on the floor next to a whole pile of them. She held it up victoriously. "We could use these as blocks! Every little kid's got to have building blocks!"

"Great idea!" Jack praised.

The three were soon busy loading one of Optimus's lowered servos with dozens of bricks. They laughed and chatted excitedly as they worked, unaware of the soft smile looking down on them. The Prime was just glad they were having a good time – as was he.

…

Miko snickered as she stood watching with hands on hips. "I think they're happy."

She was not wrong. The main entrance was filled with excited jabbers and bleeps and clicks of the sparklings playing their little sparks out. Plus their first toys, they now had four brand new ones and were eagerly testing each out thoroughly.

Arcee and Bulkhead were fascinated with the seesaw, made from the steel beam and axle Optimus had been modifying. In the center it rotated on the shaft, with the axle wheels set on and welded into two tire rims laid flat to lift it high enough off the ground. A four way lug wrench had been welded a few feet from each end to give the sparklings a handle to hang onto.

The sacrificed tire halves had been turned into "rocking horses", one for each sparkling, which turned out to be a good thing because when one sparkling got on, the rest suddenly wanted to do the same. A metal rod was pushed through the top of one end and stuck out each side to make handles and a coupling had been bolted to the inside of the tire's curve to give it balance. The sparkling would then straddle the inside of the curve which naturally made it rock. Miko had insisted that "rocking horses" must have tails, so Jack had cut a hole in the other curved ends where some twines of rope had been stuffed through and knotted to hang out the back. She wanted them to have heads too, but the boys didn't want to go to all that trouble so Miko was left with having to use her imagination. Ratchet loved his little "horse" even more then the stacking toy and was the happiest the kids had seen him all week as he rocked back and forth giggling and squealing in delight.

Rafael had sanded down the rough edges of the bricks to make sure they weren't sharp and Bulkhead found it great fun to build different structures then smash them down again and again.

The flexible duct had been set up in the middle of the room, curved like a horseshoe with the sparklings fort tires being used to keep it from rolling out of place. The sparklings hadn't been sure about it at first, but once Bumblebee had crawled through it once and realized how fun it could be, it wasn't long before they were all racing through it and playing peek-a-boo with each other, popping in and out of the exits.

With their literal playground now, they were too busy to even think of doing anything else. They rushed from one toy to the next, squealing with overloads of happiness.

"I don't think they'll be wondering off any time soon," Rafael laughed as he watched Arcee zip down the slide with arms up and Akiko the stuffy following after her as Bulkhead waved from the top.

"I'm sure that will make some of us very happy," Jack grinned as he glanced up at the tall mech standing behind them.

"It will definitely be of great help," Optimus said gratefully, silently wishing they'd thought of this back on Monday. "I would also like to thank all of you your help these past days, and for taking time out of your own schedules to do this for them."

"Hey, we got your back, bro!" Miko gave the mech a double thumbs-up.

"It's really no problem," Jack added. "It was fun actually. And it's never really work when it's fun. Right Miko?" he elbowed her slightly. Miko tilted her head with an uncertain hum as she thought about that one.

Stepping a bit closer to the large blue treads, Rafael looked high up at the faceplate above. "You've always done so much for us, we're just happy to finally be able to help you for once."

It was amazing how the simple words of an earth child could touch the spark of a war-worn leader. But they did; and it showed in the smile that Optimus allowed himself to give in that moment. "Thank you, Rafael."

There was a scrapping and Bumblebee came up, pushing the sorting toy in front of him. He bleeped and patted the top of the box eagerly.

Rafael left the Prime and came over with a laugh. "Again?" An excited buzzing. "Okay, okay, Bee. I'm coming."

He helped Bumblebee dump the shaped blocks out and handed them to him one by one as the sparkling dropped them into the correct holes with a little of the human's help. Miko and Jack went to play with the others while Optimus went back to the computer. A bit later, Bumblebee cheered for himself when he got all the shapes inside the box.

Rafael clapped. "Great job, Bee!" The sparkling bleeped happily when he got a scratch behind the audials in reward.

Miko came up a bit winded from running around the duct with Bulkhead, who had moved on and was now going down the slide on the belly of his chassis like a little green seal. "Whew!" she panted. "Boy can they move fast! Who would thing little arms and legs could move that fast?"

"Baby runway! Coming through!" Jack's voice suddenly warned.

"Yikes!" Miko jumped out of the way as Ratchet and Arcee went scooting by at full speed, heading for the seesaw. Arcee paused to look back and chattered.

"I'm coming Arcee! Slow down!" Jack huffed a laugh as he too ran by after the femme.

Bumblebee tugged at the girl's overall shorts to get her attention, proudly showing her his accomplishment with the shape sorter.

"I see little guy! Great job! Such a smart little sparkling," Miko praised with a smile, giving the yellow helm a rub. "Now isn't this better than grenades?"

Bumblebee beep-clicked happily while clapping his servos.

Expression turned curiously thoughtful, Rafael gazed at the vacant ground bridge tunnel. "Say Optimus." The mech turned at his name. "You know I just now thought of this, but … where did it go?" Even Miko and Jack stopped in realization. It had honestly never even entered their minds.

Optimus put their questioning faces at rest. "I safely disposed of it in a remote location in the Nevadan mountains where there are no life forms for miles around. It is more than unlikely that anyone heard or saw anything."

Rafael nodded with a satisfied smile. "Oh good."

…

Earlier that afternoon, in a remote location in the Nevadan mountains…

From a crude cave bored into the base of the rocky mountainside of the Sierra Ridge Mountains, two vehicons emerged, each pushing a mining hover cart nearly overflowing with dirt and rocks. They dumped them into the piles that scattered the front of the cave's entrance.

XL-571 looked at the other, designated XL-917. "How long do we keep going at this?"

XL-917 shrugged. "Guess as long as we don't get any other orders?"

"But we haven't heard even heard so much as static through the comms in months."

"Well, they did tell us to keep radio silence. After all we are supposed to be constructing this energon mine in secret."

"But shouldn't the miners have been here by now?"

The other shrugged again. "Maybe they're busy at the moment."

XL-571's visored faceplate stared blankly a moment. "You think … maybe they forgot about us?"

From the cave's mouth another angled frame of a vehicon emerged. "Of course not. After all, Lord Megatron personally gave us this assignment," ST3V3, the leader of the tiny group, said with naive confidence.

"Uhh, not really," XL-917 pondered. "We got our orders from Starscream who says he got them from Soundwave who got them from Megatron."

ST3V3 held up a ling digit. "But they still came from him, and he'll send the mining crew any day now."

"Do you think he's still soar about what happened?" XL-571 asked.

"Naw," ST3V3 shook his helm. "He assured me before he sent us here that he held no grudges."

"That's good. I was a bit worried."

"But even when they come," XL-917 picked out a tiny shard of crystalized energon from the pile of dirt and rocks, "this hole's been pretty dry so far. We've just barely produced enough energon from drilling to keep us going."

"Don't worry," ST3V3 answered confidently. "Once the crew comes we'll be able to go deeper and I'm sure we'll hit a mother lode. Now," he straightened his frame confidently, "let's get back to work. We want to be ready when they get here."

The other two nodded and started pushing their emptied hover carts back towards the mine. Just then a low hum began to grow in the air.

XL-571 clunked a servo against his helm. "I think that fly is stuck in my head again."

XL-917 looked around. "What is that?"

"Wait, you hear it too?"

Suddenly there was a short zapping and the three vehicons jumped as the opening portal of a ground bridge opened only a few yards behind them.

"It's the Autobots!" XL-917 yelped.

XL-571 pulled back slightly. "What do we do?!"

"Let 'em come!" ST3V3 transformed his cannons with a whirr and took on a fighting stance. "I'm ready for a fight. Megatron will be pleased when he learns of how we smashed 'em!"

"Yeah!" XL-917 cheered. "We'll turn 'em to scrap!"

The other two also activated their cannons, holding them ready and pointed at the bridge, any second expecting Autobot metal to come charging out. The bridge gave a slight dip in its hum – and a lone object came sailing through.

"Huh?" All three hummed in confusion.

It bounded once on the ground and landed a few feet away.

"What the–!"

It was never known who gave the high-pitched scream; but a second later the grenade exploded in a blasting fireball. The three cons were blown back off their struts and sailed through air. ST3V3 did a face plant into the ground and slid a good twenty yards before coming to a halt. Painfully aching, he pulled his faceplate out of the slight trench it had made in the dirt. Groans sounded from somewhere as his companions also did similar.

Processors a bit dazed, ST3V3 finally got himself picked up and back onto his struts. He wiped the dirt from his visor and looked around. The ground bridge had vanished.

XL-571 and XL-917 were also getting themselves together.

"What in the Allspark was that?!" XL-571 asked.

XL-917 felt himself all over, making sure all the pieces were still accounted for and functional. "So is that their battle strategy now? Just lob a grenade and run?"

"It does seem a little out of their style," ST3V3 mused, rubbing his aching helm.

"Do we call it in?" XL-571 asked.

"There was no damage to the mine so we'll keep radio silence and continue to work for now." ST3V3 turned to his companions. "Although, next time we'll be prepared when they do that again."

XL-917 looked to their leader expectantly. "What will we do next time?"

"Run."

Another chapter completed! I hope you enjoyed! Next one coming soon!

I chose "Goodnight Moon" for my story as that book has always been a favorite of mine since I can remember. Being so simple yet sweet, I thought it was the perfect choice for Optimus to read to the sparklings. I could literally hear his deep voice slowly reading each line in his soothing way.

Fun note - Did anyone catch my little nod to Steve the Vehicon (ST3V3)? I happened to think of this scene back while writing chapter 4 and HAD to put it in. It was just too perfect to pass up!

And to anyone who doesn't know who Steve is – go get educated because you're not a true TFP fan yet! ;D