Tracks: The Beginning Ch. 5
Chapter 5: Making Do
Summary: the seekers pick up the pieces of their lives while a new adventure looms over the horizon
Rating: PG
Tracks woke up in a strange room. Everything looked different. In the distance he could hear four voices. He picked up his mother's voice easily and he recognized the deep rumble and airy tenor of his uncles. The fourth voice was strange though, it sounded familiar but he couldn't place it.
The sparkling listened for a couple more moments, going through his miniscule memory banks to place the voice. When no matches came up he decided he was hungry and started to click for attention. Soon the black seeker strode in, going straight to the sparkling.
"Hey bitlet," Skywarp cooed, picking up the sparkling. "Lets' go see your mommy."
Retaining his cheerfulness, Skywarp carried the hungry sparkling into the somber atmosphere filling the main room. The other three seekers were murmuring, frowns forming deep lines on their faces. Tracks attention went straight to the yellow faceplates of his carrier. Tracks whistled and began to reach for her.
Cross smirked at the chirping sparkling and the mech holding him. "Thanks Warp. You didn't have to get him, though. I could have done it." Thundercracker and Stormchaser paused in the conversation to coo at the mechling.
Thundercracker turned back to Stormchaser. "How much longer is your internship?"
"Three vorns, five at most" the gray mech answered.
Thundercracker hummed thoughtfully. Wirecross needed a stable and safe environment for Tracks. Then there was the issue about finances. Until Tracks started school it would be difficult for Cross to work since her parental protocols would compel her to devote all her time and energy on her sparkling. And that made her dependent on her trine-mates. Unfortunately, between the femme's mates it was Acidrain who had the highest paying salary.
Thundercracker knew there was no way Stormchaser could support himself, an unemployed femme, and a growing sparkling on an internship in Iacon. Without Acidrain to back him up financially, the young mech was going to need help providing for his family.
~What are ya thinkin' TC? ~
~You know what I'm thinking~ the blue seeker replied, his depression at the situation filling the bond. ~I don't know what to do Warp. I can't fix this. ~
~I don't think we can fix it TC. The only thing we can do is be here to help. ~
Thundercracker sighed. ~You're right. You know that means Cross and Tracks are going to be living with us for awhile, right? ~
~I know ~ Skywarp replied, a cheeky tone filling the bond. ~I can't wait to have them here all day where I can watch them. ~
"Stormchaser," Thundercracker said, turning his attention back to the young mech. "You should spend a few days here to reassure Cross and make arrangements with Acidrain. Afterwards, go back to Iacon and get back to work. Cross and Tracks can stay here with us until you're done."
Stormchaser gave Thundercracker a dubious look. "Thundercracker, I'm grateful for the help, but…"
"But nothing." The blue seeker replied. "Your trine is divided and there's a sparkling to consider. We both know you don't have the credits to care for Cross and Tracks on your own. And do you really want to move Cross to Iacon?"
Stormchaser thought about it for awhile. It was true, he couldn't really support Cross by himself and he wasn't sure how everything was going to work out since Acidrain had separated herself from the trine. He turned to look at Cross. He watched her feed Tracks, debating. He could leave his internship with Wheeljack and find one in Vos, but that would take time and his salary wouldn't be much better. Not to mention he would have to start all over.
Finally, he sent a questioning pulse across the bond. Cross looked up and their gazes locked. After a brief conversation via bond, the young seekers came to the same conclusion. Stormchaser nodded his head at Wirecross, accepting her opinion and turned back to Thundercracker. "You're right. It would be best if Cross stayed with you and Skywarp while I'm an apprentice."
"So, you're gonna stay here with TC and me?" Skywarp asked Wirecross, desiring confirmation.
"Yes." Cross answered.
-Five vorns later-
"Mama, Mama! Look at this!"
Wirecross smiled at the drawing Tracks was holding out to her. The grin on her sparkling's face warmed her spark to its very core. "It's beautiful, sweetie," she replied, taking the picture with care. "We'll hang it up somewhere. Are you ready for dinner?"
"Yeah!" Tracks shouted, his wings wiggling.
"Alright," Cross replied, still smiling over her sparkling's giddiness. "Clean up you colors and we'll refuel when Skywarp and Thundercracker get home, okay?"
"Okay."
Soon, the male seekers returned home and the family gathered for a quiet meal of simple energon cubes. The conversation held a warm glow as the adult seekers engaged in banter and answered all of the inquisitive child's answers.
"Mama," Tracks said, turning wide, darling blue optics towards his mother.
"Yes, Tracks?"
"When is Stormchaser coming home?"
"He'll be here tomorrow, dear," Cross answered.
"Really?"
"Really really."
Tracks' squeal of delight made the three adults smile. "Will he stay longer than last time?" Tracks asked his excitement making his wings quiver.
"I think so," Cross replied, enjoying Tracks' enthusiasm. Tracks adored Stormchaser and it made her happy that her trinemate cared for her son as if he were his own. "If you're finished go wash up and you can spend some time with Skywarp before bed." With a chirp the sparkling left his elders, leaving the adults to themselves.
After Tracks was gone Skywarp spoke, "Ya, I just realized something."
"What is it?" Cross replied.
"Tracks always calls Stormchaser by his name. Have you ever heard him refer to Stormchaser as Sire or Creator or anything?"
"Well, no," Cross murmured. "Chase and I have noticed it before. It's just we've never been able to figure out why."
With a heavy sigh, Thundercracker finally said something. "It's because Tracks knows Stormchaser isn't his sire. Or at least his spark knows it."
Wirecross gave Thundercracker a befuddled look. "What do you mean 'his spark knows'?"
"As you know a carrying mecha and their mate or mates spark-merge repeatedly to aid in the sparklings' development. Do you know why this is?"
"Because the extra energy stabilizes the infant spark and gives the carrier's body extra energy to build the protoform," Cross answered.
The blue mech nodded. "Yes in part, but there's another reason. Spark-merging between creators allows the sire to form a parent bond with the sparkling."
"Sooo," Skywarp said, slowly, cautiously, hoping his question wouldn't upset Wirecross. "Does that mean Tracks' spark will recognize Acidrain as his creator since she was the only mecha Sparky was merging with when she was carrying?"
"Yes" Thundercracker answered, looking at his once charge. "Assuming, Cross did merge with her."
"I did. Stormchaser was still in Iacon and…and my partner had already left." Cross stated. "I needed the energy and Rainy was the only one around to help me."
Thundercracker reached towards Cross and began stroking the edge of her wing. Primus truly had a sick sense of humor. For Cross to have two mates; one who adored the sparkling, the other hating him and the one who despised Tracks was the one who shared a spark connection with him.
It was early in the morning when Wirecross was woken up by a very excited Tracks. "Mama, Mama! Get up, get up! He's here, he's here!" Tracks cried, clambering up the berth and trying to shake the femme awake. "C'mon Mama, get up!"
With a groan, Cross sat up only to have a warm and inviting mouth press against hers. Cross' cherry optics widened with shock and glee as they looked into the mischievous crimson orbs of Stormchaser's; the bond was blazing and full of happiness and greeting, Cross could only gasp at the sensation, allowing Stormchaser to slip his glossa in.
~Morning, love~ Stormchaser cooed, his happiness and flowing through the bond as he maintained the lip lock.
~You're home early~ Cross replied.
Stormchaser didn't even bother to hide his smugness when he felt Cross reciprocate.
"Stop it! That's gross!"
The seekers broke apart at Tracks indignant cry and smiled at the pouting sparkling. "What's wrong bitlet?" Stormchaser asked the sulky sparkling. "Upset that Mama's paying attention to me and not you?"
"No!" Tracks snapped.
Chuckling the gray mech scooped up the pouting sparkling. Bringing, Tracks close, Stormchaser rubbed his silver nose plate against Tracks' red one. "Aww, don't pout bitlet. We got the whole day together; just you, me, and Mama."
Cross couldn't help smiling when Tracks' optics went wide. "Really?" the mechling asked, his frame beginning to vibrate from excitement.
"Really. So are you up for flying after breakfast?"
"Yes!"
It was late, when the family returned home. Cross smiled as she carried a recharging Tracks to his bed in the guest room of her mentors' apartment. Behind her, Cross could hear Stormchaser settling on her berth.
She gently tucked Tracks in before crawling into warm embrace of Stormchaser. She purred as Stormchaser fondled her wings. Cross tipped her head up to press gentle nips along his jaw and neck. "I missed you," she whispered.
"I missed you too," Stormchaser said, nuzzling her. "Cross, there's something I want to talk about."
"What is it?"
"Well…you know my internship ends in a few orns…"
"Yes," Wirecross said, trying to prompt her mate to continue.
An apprehensive look became apparent on Stormchaser's face. "Well…Wheeljack offered me a position."
The red femme optics widened in shock. "Really?
"Yeah."
"Chase, that's amazing. What did you tell Wheeljack?"
Stormchaser sighed. "That I'd tell you about and ask what you thought."
Cross grew concerned at the sigh. "Well, isn't this what you wanted? I think its good news Stormchaser and if you want to work with Wheeljack you should say yes."
"It is good news, love, it's just…"
"Just what?" Cross asked.
"If I go to work with Wheeljack, we'd have to move to Iacon."
Wirecross was remained silent for a moment. She had never been out of Vos before. Leaving it would probably be difficult. Especially since it meant she wouldn't have Skywarp or Thundercracker around as a safety net; but…
"Stormchaser," Cross said looking at the gray mech, gauging his reactions. "Do you think this is the best move in your career?"
"It could be." He answered. "Wheeljack would pay me more, than anyone around here. And he is known as one of the best engineers on Cybertron. If I work for him and then leave, it would look good for me to have interned and worked for him."
Cross nodded. "Are you comfortable in Iacon?"
He shrugged. "It's a good city. Iacon is the largest city on the planet, so there's plenty of places to go and things to see. And it is the most diverse, so we wouldn't be out of place."
Wirecross shuttered her optics and inhaled, knowing her next sentence would change her life and the lives of her family.
"Let's do it."
Summary: the seekers pick up the pieces of their lives while a new adventure looms over the horizon
Rating: PG
Tracks woke up in a strange room. Everything looked different. In the distance he could hear four voices. He picked up his mother's voice easily and he recognized the deep rumble and airy tenor of his uncles. The fourth voice was strange though, it sounded familiar but he couldn't place it.
The sparkling listened for a couple more moments, going through his miniscule memory banks to place the voice. When no matches came up he decided he was hungry and started to click for attention. Soon the black seeker strode in, going straight to the sparkling.
"Hey bitlet," Skywarp cooed, picking up the sparkling. "Lets' go see your mommy."
Retaining his cheerfulness, Skywarp carried the hungry sparkling into the somber atmosphere filling the main room. The other three seekers were murmuring, frowns forming deep lines on their faces. Tracks attention went straight to the yellow faceplates of his carrier. Tracks whistled and began to reach for her.
Cross smirked at the chirping sparkling and the mech holding him. "Thanks Warp. You didn't have to get him, though. I could have done it." Thundercracker and Stormchaser paused in the conversation to coo at the mechling.
Thundercracker turned back to Stormchaser. "How much longer is your internship?"
"Three vorns, five at most" the gray mech answered.
Thundercracker hummed thoughtfully. Wirecross needed a stable and safe environment for Tracks. Then there was the issue about finances. Until Tracks started school it would be difficult for Cross to work since her parental protocols would compel her to devote all her time and energy on her sparkling. And that made her dependent on her trine-mates. Unfortunately, between the femme's mates it was Acidrain who had the highest paying salary.
Thundercracker knew there was no way Stormchaser could support himself, an unemployed femme, and a growing sparkling on an internship in Iacon. Without Acidrain to back him up financially, the young mech was going to need help providing for his family.
~What are ya thinkin' TC? ~
~You know what I'm thinking~ the blue seeker replied, his depression at the situation filling the bond. ~I don't know what to do Warp. I can't fix this. ~
~I don't think we can fix it TC. The only thing we can do is be here to help. ~
Thundercracker sighed. ~You're right. You know that means Cross and Tracks are going to be living with us for awhile, right? ~
~I know ~ Skywarp replied, a cheeky tone filling the bond. ~I can't wait to have them here all day where I can watch them. ~
"Stormchaser," Thundercracker said, turning his attention back to the young mech. "You should spend a few days here to reassure Cross and make arrangements with Acidrain. Afterwards, go back to Iacon and get back to work. Cross and Tracks can stay here with us until you're done."
Stormchaser gave Thundercracker a dubious look. "Thundercracker, I'm grateful for the help, but…"
"But nothing." The blue seeker replied. "Your trine is divided and there's a sparkling to consider. We both know you don't have the credits to care for Cross and Tracks on your own. And do you really want to move Cross to Iacon?"
Stormchaser thought about it for awhile. It was true, he couldn't really support Cross by himself and he wasn't sure how everything was going to work out since Acidrain had separated herself from the trine. He turned to look at Cross. He watched her feed Tracks, debating. He could leave his internship with Wheeljack and find one in Vos, but that would take time and his salary wouldn't be much better. Not to mention he would have to start all over.
Finally, he sent a questioning pulse across the bond. Cross looked up and their gazes locked. After a brief conversation via bond, the young seekers came to the same conclusion. Stormchaser nodded his head at Wirecross, accepting her opinion and turned back to Thundercracker. "You're right. It would be best if Cross stayed with you and Skywarp while I'm an apprentice."
"So, you're gonna stay here with TC and me?" Skywarp asked Wirecross, desiring confirmation.
"Yes." Cross answered.
-Five vorns later-
"Mama, Mama! Look at this!"
Wirecross smiled at the drawing Tracks was holding out to her. The grin on her sparkling's face warmed her spark to its very core. "It's beautiful, sweetie," she replied, taking the picture with care. "We'll hang it up somewhere. Are you ready for dinner?"
"Yeah!" Tracks shouted, his wings wiggling.
"Alright," Cross replied, still smiling over her sparkling's giddiness. "Clean up you colors and we'll refuel when Skywarp and Thundercracker get home, okay?"
"Okay."
Soon, the male seekers returned home and the family gathered for a quiet meal of simple energon cubes. The conversation held a warm glow as the adult seekers engaged in banter and answered all of the inquisitive child's answers.
"Mama," Tracks said, turning wide, darling blue optics towards his mother.
"Yes, Tracks?"
"When is Stormchaser coming home?"
"He'll be here tomorrow, dear," Cross answered.
"Really?"
"Really really."
Tracks' squeal of delight made the three adults smile. "Will he stay longer than last time?" Tracks asked his excitement making his wings quiver.
"I think so," Cross replied, enjoying Tracks' enthusiasm. Tracks adored Stormchaser and it made her happy that her trinemate cared for her son as if he were his own. "If you're finished go wash up and you can spend some time with Skywarp before bed." With a chirp the sparkling left his elders, leaving the adults to themselves.
After Tracks was gone Skywarp spoke, "Ya, I just realized something."
"What is it?" Cross replied.
"Tracks always calls Stormchaser by his name. Have you ever heard him refer to Stormchaser as Sire or Creator or anything?"
"Well, no," Cross murmured. "Chase and I have noticed it before. It's just we've never been able to figure out why."
With a heavy sigh, Thundercracker finally said something. "It's because Tracks knows Stormchaser isn't his sire. Or at least his spark knows it."
Wirecross gave Thundercracker a befuddled look. "What do you mean 'his spark knows'?"
"As you know a carrying mecha and their mate or mates spark-merge repeatedly to aid in the sparklings' development. Do you know why this is?"
"Because the extra energy stabilizes the infant spark and gives the carrier's body extra energy to build the protoform," Cross answered.
The blue mech nodded. "Yes in part, but there's another reason. Spark-merging between creators allows the sire to form a parent bond with the sparkling."
"Sooo," Skywarp said, slowly, cautiously, hoping his question wouldn't upset Wirecross. "Does that mean Tracks' spark will recognize Acidrain as his creator since she was the only mecha Sparky was merging with when she was carrying?"
"Yes" Thundercracker answered, looking at his once charge. "Assuming, Cross did merge with her."
"I did. Stormchaser was still in Iacon and…and my partner had already left." Cross stated. "I needed the energy and Rainy was the only one around to help me."
Thundercracker reached towards Cross and began stroking the edge of her wing. Primus truly had a sick sense of humor. For Cross to have two mates; one who adored the sparkling, the other hating him and the one who despised Tracks was the one who shared a spark connection with him.
It was early in the morning when Wirecross was woken up by a very excited Tracks. "Mama, Mama! Get up, get up! He's here, he's here!" Tracks cried, clambering up the berth and trying to shake the femme awake. "C'mon Mama, get up!"
With a groan, Cross sat up only to have a warm and inviting mouth press against hers. Cross' cherry optics widened with shock and glee as they looked into the mischievous crimson orbs of Stormchaser's; the bond was blazing and full of happiness and greeting, Cross could only gasp at the sensation, allowing Stormchaser to slip his glossa in.
~Morning, love~ Stormchaser cooed, his happiness and flowing through the bond as he maintained the lip lock.
~You're home early~ Cross replied.
Stormchaser didn't even bother to hide his smugness when he felt Cross reciprocate.
"Stop it! That's gross!"
The seekers broke apart at Tracks indignant cry and smiled at the pouting sparkling. "What's wrong bitlet?" Stormchaser asked the sulky sparkling. "Upset that Mama's paying attention to me and not you?"
"No!" Tracks snapped.
Chuckling the gray mech scooped up the pouting sparkling. Bringing, Tracks close, Stormchaser rubbed his silver nose plate against Tracks' red one. "Aww, don't pout bitlet. We got the whole day together; just you, me, and Mama."
Cross couldn't help smiling when Tracks' optics went wide. "Really?" the mechling asked, his frame beginning to vibrate from excitement.
"Really. So are you up for flying after breakfast?"
"Yes!"
It was late, when the family returned home. Cross smiled as she carried a recharging Tracks to his bed in the guest room of her mentors' apartment. Behind her, Cross could hear Stormchaser settling on her berth.
She gently tucked Tracks in before crawling into warm embrace of Stormchaser. She purred as Stormchaser fondled her wings. Cross tipped her head up to press gentle nips along his jaw and neck. "I missed you," she whispered.
"I missed you too," Stormchaser said, nuzzling her. "Cross, there's something I want to talk about."
"What is it?"
"Well…you know my internship ends in a few orns…"
"Yes," Wirecross said, trying to prompt her mate to continue.
An apprehensive look became apparent on Stormchaser's face. "Well…Wheeljack offered me a position."
The red femme optics widened in shock. "Really?
"Yeah."
"Chase, that's amazing. What did you tell Wheeljack?"
Stormchaser sighed. "That I'd tell you about and ask what you thought."
Cross grew concerned at the sigh. "Well, isn't this what you wanted? I think its good news Stormchaser and if you want to work with Wheeljack you should say yes."
"It is good news, love, it's just…"
"Just what?" Cross asked.
"If I go to work with Wheeljack, we'd have to move to Iacon."
Wirecross was remained silent for a moment. She had never been out of Vos before. Leaving it would probably be difficult. Especially since it meant she wouldn't have Skywarp or Thundercracker around as a safety net; but…
"Stormchaser," Cross said looking at the gray mech, gauging his reactions. "Do you think this is the best move in your career?"
"It could be." He answered. "Wheeljack would pay me more, than anyone around here. And he is known as one of the best engineers on Cybertron. If I work for him and then leave, it would look good for me to have interned and worked for him."
Cross nodded. "Are you comfortable in Iacon?"
He shrugged. "It's a good city. Iacon is the largest city on the planet, so there's plenty of places to go and things to see. And it is the most diverse, so we wouldn't be out of place."
Wirecross shuttered her optics and inhaled, knowing her next sentence would change her life and the lives of her family.
"Let's do it."