Author's note. I managed to get 3rd place in a baking contest today so I thought I'd celebrate by posting a new chapter. Hope you all like.

Written by me and Mrs Bumblebee.

Enjoy and please review.

They looked around in awe of their surroundings as Ironhide followed the signs that Snapshot told him to look for to lead them to the drink bar. And as he said it didn't take them long at all.

Upon their arrival he noticed other mechs and femmes with their sparkling and younglings were there as well.

"Seems a little busier now," Skyfall mused but there were still seats and tables available so he wasn't worried.

"Yeah it does," Ironhide agreed. "Not too bad though...looks like there's a menu over the counter. Guess we'd better take a look."

"I'm really thirsty," Skyfire told his Sire earnestly who chuckled and patted his head.

"Soon son," he promised.

"Hm, let's see now. Oh there's a tropical blend who you like that one Star?" Ironhide suggested to Starscream as he gazed up at the menu curiously.

"Uh...okay," Starscream agreed, it looked like a nice drink. "You gonna have it too daddy?"

"Maybe...or you could pick one for me," Ironhide offered with a grin.

Starscream beamed at the offer and like dup at the menu and in no time he spotted one that sounds perfect for his dad.

"That one," Pointing to the part of the menu that red "Red Orchid"

Ironhide raised a brow at the suggestion and looked at his son curiously.

"And why that one?"

"Because you Red."

Skyfire giggled at this while Skyfall hid a smile. That was perfect sparkling logic.

"Well, I am red," Ironhide admitted. "So it probably is the perfect drink for me. Alright, we'll have a tropical blend and a red orchid."

It probably wasn't quite what he would have chosen but Starscream looked so delighted that he had to have it.

"And what about you Skyfire?" Skyfall asked his little shuttle.

Skyfire hummed as he looked the menu over a couple times until he came on one that caught his interest and pointed to it.

"That one, I want to try the Tigers stripe"

Skyfall looked at what his son was pointing to and saw it was a snow cone of some sorts.

"You're sure you'll like that?" he asked and Skyfire nodded eagerly, it looked really good. "Alright, you can have one."

It was a little indulgent but this was a special day out and thankfully, there were sparkling sizes for all the different drinks on offer. He considered the menu for himself when Skyfire piped up.

"What about that one for you daddy?"

He was pointing at a drink that said 'Shooting Star.'

Skyfall raised a brow at the idea and smirked.

"Hmm sounds interesting. Sure why not," He replied.

Now with their drinks chosen Ironhide and Skyfall stepped up to the bar to make their orders.

A bright green mech hopped up to greet them, looking like he had the form of a grasshopper.

"Evening. Names Hopper, what can I get cha?"

Starscream giggled, Hopper had long antennae which seemed to constantly twitch. Ironhide smiled at the serving Mech, before giving his order of tropical burst and red orchid. Hopper typed it up before saying.

"Good choices, have you had them before?"

"No, trying for the first time," Ironhide said as Starscream piped up. "I chose for daddy."

"And I chose for mine," Skyfire also said quickly with a grin.

"Really now. Then I'd guess you two are old enough to pick your own straws." Hopper smiled at the two sparklings.

Starscream was confused by the mention of a straw, having never heard of or used one while Skyfire eagerly chanted yes. Hopper chuckled fondly as he reached to grab a selection of straws and laid them on the counter for the little shuttle to pick from.

Skyfire eagerly grabbed a white with blue stripes straw and looking at Starscream who still looked a little bemused, said. "We use these to suck up the drink, they're really good!"

A little unsure but trusting his friend, Starscream examined the collection of straws before him before picking a red one with black stripes. He looked up at Ironhide and asked. "Are you having one daddy?"

"Nah, I don't do so well with straws, they're fun for sparklings," his sire explained with a smile. "Nice colours you picked."

Star smiled and hugged his straw to his chest. Ironhide gently tickled him for a couple seconds.

"It'll be a minute or two until you're drinks are ready. In the mean time you can have a seat and I'll bring them to you when they are," Hopper said, gesturing towards the selection of bench's around the bar.

"Thanks," Ironhide said and he paid for his and Starscream's drinks, then stepped outside so Skyfall could do the same for him and Skyfire.

They then went and sat on a good spot which had a view of the park. Starscream was clutching his straw and happily bouncing up and down on Ironhide's lap.

"Having a good day?" Ironhide asked him with a grin.

"It's the best," Starscream exclaimed. "I love this place."

Ironhide nodded before suddenly receiving a ping, it was from Ratchet. Probably checking up on him.

Hide raised his servo to the side of his helm to answer.

"Hey Hatchet," He greeted.

He was answered by an irritated growl.

"Don't call me that. How's Starscream doing?"

"How's he's doing good today? Thought Skyfall and I'd take the little ones to the zoo and so far they have been in bliss."

"Really? That's great news," the medic said, his tone a little warmer now. "No issues?"

"Well...," Ironhide said, he was speaking over the comm so no one else could hear him. He didn't want his next words to disturb Starscream. "Little Star had a bit of a panic attack earlier, a siren disturbed him but we managed to calm him down and make him feel safe. That's literally the only blip that's happened today. Can't tell you how happy he is right now."

"I'm glad to hear that," Ratchet said. "I'm not surprised about the panic attack, there's a good chance there'll be more but it sounds like you handled it."

"Yeah. I held him in my arms and had him listen to my spark to help calm him."

"Good thinking. So what all has he done so far?"

"Oh let's see, he fed a flock of friendly birds, bunny's, seen a cheetah, and rode a horse," Ironhide said and then smirked.

"And we have pictures."

"Pictures eh?" Ratchet said and there was definitely a smile in his voice. "You'll have to show them to me sometime."

"Of course," Ironhide grinned. "We're just having some drinks right now, might see some other attractions afterwards."

"Little one will be tired out tonight," mused Ratchet. "Alright, I might come round tomorrow and see how he's doing but you did the right thing earlier. Call me any time if there's a problem."

"Will do Ratchet. And I bet he'll enjoy seeing you again too," Ironhide nodded.

Ratchet chuckled through the com before saying goodbye and ending the call. Starscream looked up at Ironhide curiously.

"Who that?" He whispered.

"That was Ratchet, remember him?" Ironhide asked.

"Uh huh, he gave me a treat and we went shopping," Starscream said.

"You got it," Ironhide smiled. "He just wanted to know how you were, I said we're having a great day."

Starscream giggled and chirped yep. Hide smiled and hugged Starscream lovingly before adding.

"And he said he'll come visit us tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"Will he bring a treat?" Was the sly reply.

"You little rascal!" Ironhide exclaimed before tickling him, causing Starscream to shriek with laughter.

After a few moments, Starscream cuddled into Ironhide and said. "I like Ratchet."

"I know you do buddy," Hide laughed and settled them back down and got comfortable as they waited for their drinks to arrive.

"Who's Ratchet?" Skyfire asked curiously.

"Friend of mine whose a medic," Ironhide explained. "One of the best there is."

"Cool," Skyfire said as Skyfall gave Ironhide a knowing look.

"I believe that maybe our drinks," the large shuttle said.

Ironhide glances up to smile when he saw Hopper walked towards them, balancing a tray with their drinks on it.

The green mech greeted when as he arrived and playfully spun the try with the drinks with great skill as he set it on the table.

"One Tropical blend, one Red Orchid, one Tiger Stripe, and one Shooting Star," Hopper said as he picked up each drink and placed it in front of the one who ordered it.

"Thank you," the sparklings chorused which made the server grin and said. "Enjoy."

"Look, this is how you use a straw," Skyfire said, sticking his into his snow cone before sucking up the sweet liquid enthusiastically.

Starscream copied him, and squeaked when a rush of liquid flooded into his mouth. He accidentally blew back and was amazed at the bubbles he created. Skyfire giggled and did the same with his.

"Not too much of that," warned Skyfall said. "You need to drink it properly."

Skyfire hunched his shoulders and if he could have he would have blushed.

"Sorry dad," He said bashfully.

Skyfall leaned down and kiss the top of his sparkling's helm and hushed him.

"It's alright. I just didn't want you making a mess," He reassured. "Remember that time you got a little overexcited, what happened?"

"It went everywhere," Skyfire mumbled sheepishly.

"Hmm mm," Skyfall agreed, rubbing his son's back. "You just enjoy your drink, okay son?"

"Okay daddy," Skyfire said, cuddling into his father's hand as he started drinking again.

Ironhide glances down at Starscream to see how he was doing to find him sitting patiently, watching his friend and father. Hide raised a brow and leaned down closer to the seeker.

"Hey Star, everything ok?" He whispered.

"Hm, oh yes sir. I was just waiting for you to start drinking first."

A little surprised at being called sir, he said. "You don't have to wait for me. You wanna drink together?"

Starscream smiled and nodded so Ironhide lifted his drink up and swallowed some down. He watched the little seeker drink from his straw and smile at the taste. His wasn't as sweet as he'd been worried about, more and fruity taste.

Skyfire watched Starscream take a couple sips before he pulled away to take his breath.

"Is yours good?" Skyfire asked curiously.

Starscream smiled and nodded.

"It's really good. What some?" Star asked and carefully tilted his drink towards Skyfire to offer.

"Yes please," Skyfire said, his friends looked so pretty, with red, orange and yellow colours.

He took a deep sip, savouring the delicious.

"Yours is great!" He exclaimed. "You want some of mine?"

"Okay," Starscream chirped and happily accepted some of Skyfire's and moaned at the burst of flavour in his mouth.

"Mm, that's ones really good."

"It is," Skyfire grinned. "You want some daddy?"

"No thank you, I'm content with my drink," his father replied, taking a gulp of his drink and looking at it thoughtfully.

Ironhide chuckled and nodded in agreement, not one much for sweets. Maybe now and then on special occasions like this one.

Oh well, it didn't do any harm to indulge little Star in choosing the drink, it wasn't all that bad. He'd been worried it would be brutally sweet but it was more on the slight side of too sweet for him so he could tolerate it. At least the sparklings seemed to have picked drinks they loved, it was good to see them so happy.

He checked his chono, it was still early enough that they could stay at the zoo for a bit longer. As Starscream happily sucked his drink, he leaned down and asked.

"Star, are you wanting to look at some more exhibits or leave?"

Starscream glances up at his dad, still sucking on his straw before stopping and letting go of it.

"I want to see more please," He eagerly replied.

"Not too tired?" Ironhide asked, stroking his head fondly.

"No, I'm great!" Starscream chirped, beaming to show that he was ready to go.

"Alright, we can see some more sights," Ironhide agreed. "But if you do feel tired, let me know, okay?"

"Okay," Starscream said eagerly before adding. "I love this drink!"

"I'm glad you do little mech." Ironhide chuckled softly and ran his hand down to his back to rub the space between his wings lovingly.

Starscream giggled and squirmed under his dad's hand.

"Dad that tickles," He laughs.

"Really?" smirked Ironhide and lightly danced his fingers on the spot, causing Starscream to squirm and giggle.

"Glad I'm not ticklish like you," he teased as Starscream playfully swatted his hand.

"I bet you are," his son declared challengingly.

"Think so?" his dad asked, amusement dancing in his optics.

"Yeah," Starscream declared and putting aside his drink for now, lunged forward and started tickling his dad's side.

Ironhide just smiled in amusement, that wasn't going to work. Starscream pouted when his dad didn't instantly start laughing but he was determined to find a ticklish spot so he kept going.

Ironhide couldn't hold back a soft chuckle at the sparklings determination. The chuckle made Starscream believe he was getting close to make his dad laugh so his danced his fingers all around the large red frame.

"Tickle tickle tickle," Starscream giggles as he searched.

Skyfall was very amused at Starscream antics, he was certainly determined. He wondered if Ironhide really did not have any ticklish bits or was there a secret spot? A seekers wings and thrusters were sensitive but he wasn't sure about grounders.

"Try under the arms," Skyfire suggested with a giggle.

"Okay," Starscream giggled.

He reached up for under his dad's arms who lifted them to give him access. Star didn't hesitate to start working in fingers around the area, grinning as he waited for his dad to begin giggling. But unfortunately was disappointed when he didn't even break a smirk.

"Sorry son," Ironhide said, stroking his head. "Just not ticklish, too rough and worn for that."

"Aww," Starscream pouted.

"Never mind," his dad comforted. "You make me laugh in other ways, that's what counts."

Star cocked his head cutely.

"Like how?" He chirped.

"Well like when you and Skyfire were in the bunny pen. The way how all them bunny's were making you giggle. It made me laugh too."

"They were funny," Star giggled in remembrance.

"Exactly and seeing you happy makes me really happy," Ironhide explained with a smile. "And that's when I laugh."

Starscream thought about it for a moment then nodded.

"Okay daddy."

Suddenly the little seeker closed his eyes and let out a big yawn, suddenly feeling like all of his energy from earlier was gone. Ironhide noticed the way his optics dropped and his frame relaxed in a way that demanded for recharge. Smiling he reached down to pull the seeker into his arms.

"Tired sparkling?"

"A...little," Starscream admitted with a large yawn.

It was strange to see, only a few breems before the little Seeker had been eager to explore more. And yet right now, he looked so tired.

"This is normal," Skyfall suddenly said to Ironhide. "He's had a very energetic day, they often don't realise they are getting tired until it suddenly hits them."

"Ah," Ironhide nodded, he was glad this was not unusual.

"Well then I best it's time to head back home then where someone can get a well-deserved nap," Ironhide replied, cradling Starscream to his chest.

The seeker's response was letting out another wide yawn as he settled down in his dad's large comforting arms.

"Aww," sighed Skyfire, he wasn't feeling as tired as his friend.

"Come on son, you'll see him soon enough," his sire said gently, lifting him up. "And I bet you're more tired than you think."

"Not tired," Skyfire said but he still settled in his sire's arms. Skyfall just chuckled at his words, he bet the flight home would send his son off into a nap.

"Was great seeing you," Starscream managed to say sleepily to his friend.

"Great seeing you too Star," Skyfire chirped, waving back at Starscream.

Ironhide and Skyfall stood up to head their way to the zoo exit. On their way they were stopped by one of the workers from the host shop.

"Hello, I hope you have enjoyed your visit?" they asked and the two adults nodded.

"It was great, the kids are just tired out but we'll be back," Ironhide assured them making the Mech beam.

"Wonderful. We have some pictures here if you would like to take a quick look," he said, holding up a couple of books containing the best pictures.

"Oh yes, Snapshot told us about them. I had almost forgotten," Ironhide stated.

Carefully he cradled Starscream in one arm while he flipped through the book, smiling at each wonderful picture. It warmed his spark to see the little seeker so happy and have so much fun.

He had to admit, that Snapshot knew what he was doing, there were some fantastic pictures. The ones with Star and Skyfire surrounded by bunnies was particularly endearing. And he was sure when Starscream woke up properly later, he'd love to look through these.

"They're great," he told the zoo worker. "I'll take it."

"Same with me," Skyfall said with a smile as Skyfire eagerly looked through his book. "It's a perfect memento our visit."

"We're glad you enjoyed yourselves and hope to see you again soon," the worker said, ringing up the books for them before giving them each a magazine. "Here is a list of special events we have on in the future."

"Thank you. Star had so much fun today I know he'll love to come back for another visit," Ironhide said as he accepted the flier and looked it over.

He gently adjusted Starscream better in his arms when he noticed the little seeker had fallen into recharge.

"Aww, little tyke," he chuckled. "Looks like we're heading straight home."

"Can you manage him?" Skyfall asked.

"Sure, let's just get out of here and I'll transform," Ironhide said, handing over credits for his purchase, the large shuttle doing the same. They headed outside onto the main street and with a fluid motion, Ironhide transformed so that Starscream was safely nestled in his cab, carefully held in place with a belt. The things he'd gotten that day were also safely stored away.

"Have a good evening Ironhide. It was very pleasent speadibg the day with you and your son." Skyfall waved bye to him as he prepare to fly back home himself.

"Same to you Skyfall."

"Bye," Skyfire called before he disappeared into his sires arms as the Mech took off, shooting high before transforming into a shuttle and joining airborne traffic.

"Now that's a fast way to get time," Ironhide chuckled, turning off into the road and joining the very ground bound traffic.

His sensors told him Star was sound asleep so he didn't rush home.

He knew during the drive, the gentle rumble and rocking of the drive soothed Starscream into a deeper recharge. He dreamed of the wonderful day he had, of all the fun and creatures he got to see and play with.

Ironhide made sure to keep to the traffic that wasn't overcrowded and loud.

It was actually quite pleasant taking a longer route home so he remained in calm, steady traffic. Normally, he'd opt for the quickest route home and that often meant loud, noisy vehicles which didn't bother him on his own but with a tiny passenger, it was different.

He paid attention to his surroundings, unable to stop himself from looking put for possible shops or attractions for Starscream. Apart from that panic attack, the day couldn't have gone better and he wanted to plan for future days out.

Hmm, maybe their next day out could be at the water park? A chance to teach Starscream how to have fun in water and maybe even swim.

Ironhide smiled at the idea of him standing in one side a pool and encouraging the little seeker to swim to him. He chuckled at the image of the poor little fella probably floundering and splashing water everywhere.

Seeing his turn coming up he took the last turn towards him home when out his mirror he caught a glimpse of an enforcer turning in behind him. Huh, how did he not notice him before?

He grimaced, he'd been too distracted and look what happened. Oh well, he'd seen them now and he had a suspicion they wanted to talk to him. Since they weren't flashing their lights, he continued on a bit more before pulling into a convenient parking place a little ways before his home. Whatever this was about, he wanted to take care of it right away.

They pulled in behind him and as they did so, he transformed with Starscream nestled into his arms and sound asleep. At least this neighbourhood was quiet, the sparkling barely stirred.

"What's this about?" he questioned sternly.

The enforcer transformed and saluted him before answering.

"Sorry for the unwelcome visit sir. Chief wanted me to check on the victim's progress and maybe talk to him," The mech reported.

"I remember him saying he'd do that," Ironhide nodded. "But as you can see, he's recharging and I don't really want to wake him up right now. But if you want to come in, I'll tell you what I've learned so far and how he's been doing. If you've got time, you might be able to talk to him later."

"Thank you sir, I'm sorry for any inconvenience," the enforcer said with a nod of gratitude.

"My apartment's just up here," Ironhide said as Starscream twitched in his sleep.

He gently hugged Starscream closer and hushed him, gently bouncing him in his arms.

"Shh, Little Star." He whispered softly as he gestured for the enforcer to follow him.

Quietly they headed up to Ironhide's apartment and entered.

"I'll go lay him in his bed and then we can talk."

"Very good sir," the younger Mech said and Ironhide left him in the hallway and quickly headed for the bedroom.

"You just rest, Little Star," he said soothingly, laying him on the berth and placing a plushie toy beside him. He then gently laid a blanket over him so the cute sparkling would be nice and cosy. He smiled as Star curled up, unconsciously grabbing his toy and hugging it close.

"Good boy, I'm just in the next room," Ironhide whispered to him, stroking his head before heading back to where the other Mech was.

"Ok, we can talk. Would you like some Energon?" Ironhide asked.

The enforcer shook his helm. "No thank you. I just finished my break when I spotted you on the road home."

"Alright," Ironhide said, gesturing towards his table. He wasn't hungry right now, he'd probably wait to have something with Star.

They sat down and the enforcer said. "By the way sir, my name is Ranger."

"Ironhide," the red Mech said, even though the other already knew his name. "I've been out all day with Star, we met up with a friend and his Sire."

"Is this someone Starscream had known previously?" Ranger questioned and Ironhide shook his head.

"Nah, we met them at a flier's park recently," he explained. "It's a little shuttle sparkling and his sire."

"Ah, I see. They took a shine to each other that quick huh?" Ranger smiled.

Ironhide chuckled with a nod. "Oh you have no idea. Those two are inseparable now they know each other."

"Glad to hear it," Ranger said. "So he's doing well?"

"For the most part," Ironhide said, with a small grimace. "He had a panic attack earlier today, the sound of sirens reminded him of the night he was recused. It was pretty traumatic for the little fellow."

"The chief told me some of what happened," Ranger said softly. "I'm glad though, that we got him out of there before worse could happen."

Ironhide nodded in agreement, glancing towards the hallway that lead to the room Starscream was recharging.

"Yes, we were lucky to get him before that swagger made off with him. If I hadn't seen him, I...I don't know want to know what would have happened," Hide growled.

"I don't think any of us want to imagine that," Ranger grimaced. "He's been in the Med Bay for some...uh, injuries he occurred in the raid.."

Ironhide couldn't help smirking grimly, he didn't regret that for one moment. Sure, it would probably cause him a bit of hassle but it was worth it for Star.

"...so we haven't been able to fully interrogate him but from the little that we've got out of him, he had some pretty unpleasant things planned," Ranger finished, face twisted in disgust.

A deep growling rumble built up in Hide's chest as he could only imagine and wished he had done more to that scum bag instead of just the simple castration.

"We're planning on putting him stasis and go through his hard drive to try and get a list of buyers and sells he may know of. But we do know of one buyer that was actually showing interest in young Starscream."

"You're kidding!?" Ironhide exclaimed in shock, staring at the younger Mech before him. Then he felt both horror and anger, if any slagger tried to take his little Sparkling, he'd make them pay. "Who is it?"

"He's got Sliverclaw, you heard of him?" Ranger asked and Ironhide felt his fuel lines go cold. That name again..."

"Yeh," he said quietly. "I have."

"Yeah, and it seems he's still searching for little Star. We've spotted a couple of his men walking the streets. It can only mean he's searching for something and from his history he's always going for seekers, young seekers."

"It get worse," Ironhide said grimly. "I caught a sneakthief breaking into my apartment, he claimed he was after weapons or something like that. But he mentioned that Sliverclaw was interested."

This made the other sit up even straighter, that wasn't good at all.

"Dang," he muttered.

Ironhide grimmed and nodded. "Yeah but I caught him before he could really snoop. About blown his helm off when I caught him. Now I feel I should have."

The enforcer sighed and pulled out his note pad to write down what Ironhide just told him.

"I think I'm glad you didn't, otherwise we wouldn't have this information, tempting as it would have been," he stated, copying everything done. "There hasn't been any other trouble?"

"No," Ironhide said. "Star suffered a panic attack at a restaurant because of some distant sirens, but nothing else. We were at a zoo today and it was fairly quiet, I didn't see anyone strange following us or see someone who looked like they shouldn't be there."

"Hmm, that's good. If you don't mind I'd like to check out the house to make sure your little unwanted visitor hadn't left you any little surprises," The enforcer requested.

Ironhide didn't hesitate to allow him and stood up to show him around and let him scan for any bugs.

"We'll leave the bedroom till last," he stated, he wasn't sure if their presence would wake up Starscream.

"No problem," Ranger agreed and they headed first into the hallway in front of the door, the most likely place that a bug might have been left.

Ranger held out his wrist and pressed something which brought up a scanner which started to sweep the entrance-way. Ironhide watched with interest, that was a good mod to have. He could see why Prowl had sent him.

After a few sweeps and no signs of anything Ranger hummed and wrote down that there was nothing at the entrance way and moved a little further into the room.

"Let's see, side tables, hidden nooks, and crannies would be the next choice," Ranger voices.

He tapped his wrist to enlarge the range of the scanner and begun to do a thorough sweep of the whole room.

Ironhide watched anxiously, not able to do anything else at present. Primus, if there actually was a bug and that slagging Skidmark got the better of him, he'd probably blow a gasket. Dang it all, he should have known that wretched Mech had been up to more than snooping around.

"I can't believe this," he muttered as Ranger continued. "Why can't they leave Star alone?"

"Your guess is as good as mine Ironhide. But another thing still puzzles me..." Ranger stopped his scan to face the red mech.

"I don't know if I'm the only one who thinks this but a sparkling like Starscream, don't you think his creators would have come looking for him by now? I mean we haven't even gotten an alert to a missing seeker sparkling before or after we done that raid."

"You know...that's a real good point," Ironhide said with a heavy frown. "It's been half in the back of my processor but well, I suppose I've been so busy with the little tyke, I didn't really dwell on it."

"That's understandable," Ranger said with a smile. "I don't have creations but my brother does and once you're with them, it's hard to think of anything else."

"Hmm," Ironhide hummed in agreement but still. "I expected it might take a bit of time, especially if others had been taken and thanks to the slagging blockers but you're right. His creators should have put out an alert long ago, even if they were from another city state."

Ranger nodded. "And even if they had placed it in another city the alert would have gone out to all enforcers. Slavers travel so they can be found in another city along with the reported. And for how long it's been, I have a very sinking feeling about what might have happened."

Ironhide raised a brow at the enforcer. "What do you mean?"

"I mean what if...his own family sold him to them?"

Ironhide didn't speak for a moment, a horrible sinking feeling entering his tanks. Could it be true? Could someone really have sold such an adorable, sweet sparkling to slavers?

"Slag," he said, pacing a few steps as he tried to process the possibility. "I've seen some rough things in my time but if that's true..."

"If that is true then it would probably best that he never remember. Primus only knows if he was aware of what was happening to him before they made him forget," Ranger added.

"Yeah," Ironhide grimaced. "You know...I wonder..."

"What is it?" Ranger asked as the red Mech trailed off.

"Could be nothing but...he asked if he could call me daddy," Ironhide confessed, glancing in the direction of where Starscream was sleeping peacefully. "I said yes, couldn't help it but...even though he can't remember...is it possible a part of him knows he can't go back to his creators?"

"There is a good strong possibility. He probably doesn't know or understand why he feels like he wants to call you his father," Ranger added in understanding.

"Yeah," Ironhide said, his spark feeling heavy. Could that poor little sparkling have known he'd been abandoned by his creators before the slavers had blocked it from his mind? If it was true, he couldn't imagine the mental anguish his little Star would have gone through.

"Guess...we don't know for certain," he said, unable to sound convinced but still. "Could be there's an explanation...like if they thought he was somewhere else."

"Perhaps," Ranger said, also sounding dubious.

"But I still find it suspicious for it to be multiple days without any reports of a missing seeker sparkling," The enforcer grunted as he looked over his notes.

"Even if this youngster had been given to guardians who have been pretending he's fine, surely creators would eventually get suspicious they weren't able to speak to their sparkling?" Ranger added. "No, I'm afraid that unless perhaps his creators were badly injured or even offlined, I think the seekerlet being sold into slavery is the most likely explanation."

"It's starting to look that way," Ironhide agreed regretfully as Ranger continued his sweep.

"Do you think there is a possibility that Prowl could send a couple enforcers to the seeker cities to investigate. I mean ask around to see if anyone knows anyone who had a sparkling that suddenly disappear or if they may recognize him," Hide suggested while he followed Ranger.

"I'm sure it would be possible," Ranger agreed with a nod. "I think the Chief has started to get concerned about the lack of any reports on your charge. I think it would definitely be worth our while to contact the Enforcers in Vos to investigate this."

"Good, I want to get to the bottom of this," Ironhide said grimly. "If he was sold, then they deserve imprisonment."

"Hmm," the other hummed in agreement.

Ranger moves on towards the hallway to continue his sweep. Ironhide almost spoke up that he caught his unwanted guest before he could get this far. But instead choose to keep his mouth shut and let the enforcer search. It would be better to be safe than sorry.

For all he knew, the blasted intruder had used a mobile bug that could crawl into place. His fingers were feeling a little itchy, as though he should have a blaster in his hands. He huffed, it would probably be a while until he could go to a practise range.

"Hmm," Ranger suddenly said as his scanned beep. "What do we have here?"

Ironhide tensed up, very on edge as he watched the mech move closer to a small shelf Ironhide had along the wall in the hall way. He watched as Ranger walked closer to it and begun to slowly run his servos up and down its surface.

"Frag it all if something's there," Ironhide muttered quietly to himself.

"I think we've got something," Ranger announced as his nimble fingers finally located something and he pulled it out.

Ironhide looked over Ranger's shoulder to look at what he had. Rage built up in his spark when he spotted the tiny little bug, a small red light blinking to indicate it was working.

"Slag, that fragging son of..." He growled lowly and his fingers itched even more to grab his blaster and go hunt down that slime ball for bugging his home.

"Glad I came," Ranger said softly. "They stay out of sight so no one knows they're here."

"I wouldn't mind smashing it," Ironhide growled, although he made no move to do so. Tempting as it was, that wasn't the best idea.

"I'm sure," chuckled Ranger.

"But I have a better idea." Reaching into his subspace and pulling out a small box and putting the bug inside.

"Now with that out of the open to hear us, I'll take this little Jew Jew beetle back to base and have our top expert to scan and track the signal it's transmitting back to its source."

"Sounds perfect," Ironhide said, just as he detected a sound coming from the bedroom.

He quickly rushed through, worried something might be there but it was just Star shifting in his sleep. The red Mesh knelt down and gently stroked his sons head, watching as a faint crease melted away. Little thing was just dreaming.

Smiling tenderly he leaned down and kissed his little Star's forehead lovingly, thumb still stroking the tiny helm his palm cranked.

"Shh, it's alright Star," He whispered in a hush tone.

Completely ignoring the enforcer he knew must be standing in the doorframe to the room watching them.

"Mmm," Starscream mumbled, moving into the loving touch. He didn't look distressed and it made Ironhide feel much better.

Stroking his head until the little Sparkling was completely relaxed again, he carefully backed away and out the door. Ranger had moved aside for him and gave him a smile. "You're really good with him."

"Thanks," Ironhide acknowledged, he still felt like he was making this up sometimes.

"Well, I believe there aren't any more bugs so I'll just get out of your wires and take this back to base," Ranger voiced as he held up the tiny black box to gesture too.

Ironhide nodded and walked the fellow enforcer back to the door.

"Thank you for coming. I had no idea that slagger had gotten that far."

"You had no reason to suspect," Ranger assured him. "This was fast work, getting a bug in place so soon after you took Starscream home. At least now we've got it."

"Yeh," Ironhide said, still feeling uneasy about it all. Just the fact that this had gotten past him did not sit well with him. "You keep me updated on this?"

"Of course," Ranger assured him. "Chief Prowl hopes I can work with you on Starscream's case, we need to make sure he's kept safe."

Ironhide nodded in agreement.

"Yes, the little guy deserves a happy and comfortable life. He's been through too much for his age."

"Yes. If there is anything you need don't hesitate to ask." Ranger replied, pulling out a small chip and handed it to Hide.

"This is the frequency. Just give me a call if there is anything you need or if you see anything suspicious."

"Thanks, will do," the red Mech confirmed as they headed for the door. "Have a safe one."

Ranger grinned and bid him goodnight before departing. Ironhide sighed, what a day that had been. Seeing as Starscream seemed settled, he decided to watch the news channel, see what was happening. He'd wait a bit and then perhaps wake up Starscream for some fuel. The little tyke would probably need something.

Outside of the building complex Ranger glances back over his shoulder before transforming into vehicle mode and drove away. Merging with traffic he begun to call to inform his findings to his boss.

Author's note. How does Ironhide and Starscream's night go? Find out next time, until then.