Transformers Prime: A Sparkling Issue

Monday afternoon 3:00 pm...

The school day seemed extra-long than usual and it was difficult for three students of the Jasper County School to keep their minds on their books. All they could think about was what awaited in a certain Autobot bunker. From his seat in math class, Jack could see Miko continuously doodle little sketches of what appeared to be a roly-poly baby robot in every margin of her notebook. After the school bell went off, the two along with Rafael wasted no time in rushing through the doors to their bikes and were soon peddling as fast as tires could go down the street. As they had promised, they kept a sharp eye out for any possible unfriendly vehicles in the area; but the trio arrived safe and sound at Jack's house without a trace of trouble and hastily stashed their bikes in the garage.

Miko was literally bouncing up and down. "I thought class would NEVER end!"

"I'm surprised. It's actually one of those rare occasions where you didn't get detention," Jack teased as he closed the garage door, shutting them away from any prying eyes outside.

Miko gave him a face. "Ha ha. Very funny."

The garage door leading into the house opened and June Darby stepped out with a smile. "Hey kids. How's school?"

"Hey Mom," Jack greeted back. "It was good. We're about to leave again though."

June noted the shut up garage. "Going to go see the sparklings?" Her son had told her all about it the night before.

"Yes!" Miko squeaked.

Jack nodded. "Also to see if Optimus has been able to get any more information on the relic so we can turn them back into full-size again."

The Japanese girl rested a hand on her jutted hip. "You can worry about that doohickey all you want, but while this lasts I am going to enjoy every second of it! I can't wait to see baby Bulkhead again! He's the cutest thing ever!"

There was a soft motherly laugh. "Well if they're that cute I may have to come see them for myself sometime. And tell Optimus that if he needs any motherly advice to just give me a call. After all, I do know a thing or two about raising kids." June playfully ruffled the black hair of the teenage boy beside her.

"Ah Mom," Jack moaned, but a slight smile on his pink blushed face. "I'm sure Optimus is handling it just fine."

"Mm hm," June hummed. "Well you tell him anyway."

"We will, Mrs. Darby," Rafael confirmed.

Jack opened his phone and dialed a special number. It rang ... and rang ...

"Uh, isn't he answering?" Rafael asked.

"Not yet." Another dial tone.

Miko's hazel eyes turned anxious. "Do you think something could be wrong?"

June held up a palm, quite unconcerned. "Just wait a moment. I'd say right about ... now."

There was a click and they could hear a deep muffled voice answer.

"Hey Optimus. It's Jack," the teen greeted, side glancing inquiringly at his mother who just stood smiling with arms folded. "Yeah. We're ready to come over now ... Okay. We'll be ready." He hung up. "Optimus said he's opening the ground bridge for us now."

Miko raised a thin brow as she turned to the adult. "How did you get that so perfectly timed?"

June gave the girl a sly wink. "Like I said; I know a thing or two." She gave a wave as she went back into the house. "You kids have a good time and be sure to help out if you can."