Transformers Prime: A Sparkling Issue

Chapter 8 - Under the Weather

Optimus looked kindly, with a gentle smile. "It is alright, little one. There is nothing to fear. I am only going to scan you for any malfunctions."

The green mech still looked uncertain. Optimus flicked the scanner on and a blue beam fanned out from its end. He ran it over his own servo a couple of times then held it out for the sparkling to see, opening and closing his digits a few times.

"You see? It will not harm you, just as it does not harm me. You are safe; I won't let anything happen to you."

Bulkhead's helm came up, optics widening in curiosity as fear faded and allowed the Prime to come near with the device, still holding his stuffy tightly in encouraging comfort. He squinted and blinked as the bright fan of sensor light passed over.

It was one of those times when Optimus was grateful for the different skills he had learned from their medic over the course of years. Even before he had become a Prime, Ratchet had made sure his friend was well learned in medical basics. When the clerk had once stated he had no need for such talents in his line of archival work, the medic had been quick to point out that one can never know when a little medical know-how can come in handy. During the war that soon followed, this had been proven time and again while on the battlefield. Ratchet had praised the Prime more then once when an injured bot would be brought in and able to be saved because of Optimus's quick patch-ups. Even after coming to Earth, Optimus had played the role of assistant medic on more than one occasion when helping their comrades.

The scanner bleeped and flickered red, detecting an issue. Optimus narrowed it down until he trained in on the problem spot; over the sparkling's upper midsection. The device began collecting data while also transferring it to the computers. A moment more and the beam flicked off. Optimus gently rubbed the hot little back struts in reward, for the little mech had been very well behaved, having sat very still through the scans.

"There, we are finished. And you are unharmed as promised."

Bulkhead gave a small chirping click, trying to be proud of himself despite the misery he felt. He hugged the digit, enjoying the brief coolness it gave, and the teddy bear slipped from his arms to the berth. Optimus gently pushed it back to him and Bulkhead freed the servo from his hug to quickly snatch up the toy. He gave a sad questioning twitter when the large mech moved away.

"I am not going anywhere," answered back kindly. "I am merely going to examine the readings I have taken. Then we can figure out the best option of curing you."

Optimus's digits tapped over a monitor's keypad and diagrams of the sparkling's frame and works appeared on screen. In the dim lighting, the monitors' green glow seemed brighter than usual. It lay on the massive metal frame and faceplate as the mech studied the info. Even though he knew the sparkling wouldn't understand, the Prime began to talk aloud. Maybe partly for his own benefit.

"You appear to have a minor malfunctioning of your internal cooling systems. This is the reason for your increase in structural temperature. Because of your young age, your functions are still in the development stages; therefore, more prone to breakdowns. But the self-repairing systems seem to already be starting to mend the damage. All we can do is wait for time to run its course. It will simply take longer than if you were your normal self. In the meantime, I believe we may be able to help with the excessive heat you are being caused though."

Optimus reached under a shelf next to the work station and brought out Ratchet's med kit. After some rummaging and trying not to mess the order of items too badly, he pulled out a large syringe. Off another shelf was pulled a large container of coolant that the medic always kept on hand. When he turned back, Optimus found poor Bulkhead curled up on his side, hugging his stuffy with drooping optics slightly open. They opened further as the heavy treads approached and the sparkling pushed himself up with a sadly happy coo at the return. Optimus set the coolant on the medical berth and opened it. Bulkhead watched in blinking curiosity as the big one stuck the syringe needle inside and filled it about half way. Then he turned to the sparkling.