#thunderstreaker

It was Blitzwing and Lugnut who found them.

Well, the sound of trees breaking and screaming did help too.

Thunderstreaker was laying in a big crater unconscious.

The signs of servo dents on their wings and waist were too deep for comfort.

They had seen some sort of combat… or perhaps a new Autobot torture method?

Those bots were developing newer ways to control their toys.

Maybe the youngling had a moment of clarity from their control and tried to flee?

Either way, there was no way they were going to leave the youngling like this!

No, they needed to get them to the medbay.

Waking up in an unfamiliar medbay was not what confused and startled Thunderstreaker.

It was the fact that the Cons helping with the patch work were asking how they were and something about being safe.

Thunderstreaker tries to keep a calm face but is internally counting down the minutes till Prime comes in demanding they be returned.

They were too injured and tired to even consider fighting their way out.

Besides, they needed to know why the Cons where being so nice to them now.

And what was it and these Cons and the word “Brainwash”?

Team that is nice to get Thunderstreaker to defect

Cons on this team see this as an opportunity to gain another member of the Decepticon army. Sure, these Cons are a tad bit worried about the injuries, but these are valuable! The more the Con sways the youngling with fixing them and treating them nicely, the better the chance of them defecting are. When questioning the youngling about defecting they are a bit miffed and annoyed that the youngling isn’t bending to their will immediately. But no matter! It will only be a matter of time before the youngling realizes they have been brainwashed from the Autobots.

Starscream

Megatron

Blitzwing

Team that is a bit indifferent about Thunderstreaker being there

These Cons are indifferent about the whole thing. They have someone in the medbay that could be a recruit? Just another day, nothing special. These Con’s aren’t completely heartless though; it’s still an injured youngling after all. There may be some assisting in wielding and a quick patch job, but that will be it. They don’t have anything to do with the new youngling unless they are forced into some sort of assignment with them. The only thing that may pique their interest is how the Autobots managed to brainwash the youngling for so long.

Blackarachnia

Team that is nice and genuinely cares about Thunderstreaker’s wellbeing

These Cons, while noticing the huge advantage of swaying the youngling to defect, also take into account that they are hurt. This is a hurt youngling in their medbay. Patching them up and making sure they don’t have a spark attack is the first thing on the list, any sort of persuasion is to be done later on. It sickens these Cons to see the youngling like this. Just another victim of the Autobot experimentation and rules. The only thing these Cons can do now is patch the youngling up and slowly try and help them break free from the Autobot control.

Megatron

Lugnut

Blitzwing

Wheeljack didn't know how he ended up here.

One minute he was using his beloved blowtorch on his latest invention.

The next minute he was walking through the woods with Twitch.

He doesn't know how Twitch got him out of the lab, something about taking a break.

Jokes on her, he can finally do those field tests!

Twitch is holding a frog in her servos.

Twitch: "Dad 2! Look at this frog!"

Wheeljack glances up from his data pad.

Wheeljack: "Umm, nice?"

Twitch just smiles and pets the frog.

Suddenly a portal of green and blue appeared behind her.

Wheeljack: "Twitch!"

He quickly grabs her and pushes her behind, blaster ready.

Enter Thunderstreaker,landing on their face.

They groan in pain as they sit up.

Thunderstreaker: "I fixed it Thunders he says... I'll go in too--who!?"

They stand up and just stare at the two bots.

Thunderstreaker: "Been a while since I've gone to another universe."

Meanwhile in another part of the forest...

Wheeljack: "I take my optics off the kid for one second..."

TFP Wheeljack managed to get Thunderstreaker's signal readings after a few minutes of picking twigs out of his plating.

He tries working the comms but quickly found out that the kid couldn't hear him.

Probably busted it on the landing.

The Wrecker kept it open and drove to Thunders location.

He learned many things on the way.

For one, there was another version of himself and some of the others.

There was also some youngling that were created on Earth (he shared Thunderstreaker's surprise)

Megatron defected and was a good guy!?!

And that there was some human hunting them down.

It brought back some old stories Bulkhead mentioned about MECH.

Honestly, if Wheeljack could bring the whole team here, he probably would.

But that would also mean that there would be a loose Megatron in another universe...

Better take Thunderstreaker and get out.

He was getting closer to the location when he heard the Seeker tell in pain and sounded like they were getting dragged.

Increasing his speed, and internally cursing, he tried working the useless coms again.

Thunderstreaker is getting dragged by several Mandriod bots.

The other Malto bots and some of the other Autobots are following them.

Thunderstreaker: "What is it with me getting dragged like a ragdoll by spider bots!?! This is ridiculous!!!"

Twitch tried to slice one of the Mandriod bots but instead got trapped by one that was hiding.

TFE Wheeljack: "Hang on kids!"

He lines up with some of the other bots to take the shot...

Suddenly a weird looking white car appears out of nowhere.

TFE Optimus: "What in Alpha Trions beard!?"

The car transforms.

TFP Wheeljack is standing there with katanas brandshid and grenades ready.

Thunderstreaker: "Jackie!"

Twitch and the Maltos: "Jackie?!"

TFP Wheeljack: "Always the spiders huh Thunders?"

Thunderstreaker: "You're telling me."

With a bit of help from the other bots, the Mandriod bots were destroyed.

Thunderstreaker hugged their Wheeljack and quickly introduced him to the others.

TFP Wheeljack is a bit confused when Twitch starts calling him Dad 3.

Thunderstreaker keeps making jokes about her being his alternate universe daughter.

...it doesn't sound too bad, but not his style.

Then both Wheeljacks meet.

It is made a rule in the first 3 minutes that both Wheeljacks and Nightshade should be in the lab together.

TFP Wheeljack does hit Megatron in the face and blames it on reflex.

It wasn't, but to be fair Thunderstreaker used the same excuse.

The good byes were sad but gave the TFP bots some hope for a peaceful future.

Thunderstreaker was one of the handful of airborne Autobots.

It was rumored that they had been abandoned by their con parents before they had been taken in by the bots.

It was the only explanation for their large size and sharper features.

It was quite a struggle for them to get adjusted to their new life.

They were constantly at the end of Con related taunting and accusations based on their size.

It took a lot of time and paperwork, but finally they had gotten a position in space repair crew.

It wasn’t the best job, but it would be a great change of scenery back on Cybertron.

Optimus is looking down at the list of team members on a data pad. Thunderstreaker is behind him and gently pokes his helm. TAP! TAP! Thunderstreaker: “Are you Optimus Prime?” Optimus starts turning around. Optimus: “Ye—OOF!” Optimus took some steps back and stares up at the tall bot. Thunderstreaker smiles and waves at him. Thunderstreaker: “I’m Thunderstreaker, the new recruit on the space bridge repair crew.” Optimus slowly looks down and sees Thunderstreaker's name and face match. Optimus: “Umm… Welcome to the crew… Thunderstreaker.” Thunderstreaker smiles a bit wider, and their wings perk as they shake his servo. Thunderstreaker: “It’s an honor sir!”

Thunderstreaker was happy that Optimus hadn’t screamed or pulled a blaster on them and accused them for looking like a Con.

They are used to many bots having that reaction.

Which happens with the others, thankfully Optimus explains they are their crewmate before someone can wedge a steel rod in their processor.

It’s on Earth where their bonds strengthen.

Optimus Prime

Optimus was first very wary of Thunderstreaker when they first came on the ship.

They were built just like the Con’s in his videos, so forgive him for being a bit wary.

They showed no sign of hostility or aggression whatsoever.

He calms down after they all arrive to Earth and things get settled.

But the Prime’s worries about them being a Con would soon be replaced with a new worry.

A worry for their safety as the YOUNGEST bot on the team.

Optimus: “When were you going to tell us you are the youngest bot here?” Thunderstreaker looks at him confused. Thunderstreaker: “Umm… it was on my profile? The better question is how did you not know? I didn’t hide it or anything.” Optimus: “But why?!” Thunderstreaker shrugs. Thunderstreaker: “Someone messed up on my clearance then. Doesn’t really matter right now—Prime? You okay?” Optimus looks like he is about to have a breakdown. Thunderstreaker carefully grabs their leader and carries him to the medbay. Thunderstreaker: “Ratchet! I think I broke Prime!”

Looks out for them because of their naivety on the world around them as they are too curious.

His anxiety rises up with his pressure once Thunderstreaker finds a suitable flying altmode.

The amount of times Optimus had to calm down Fanzone and the public that there were no Con attacks, it was just Thunderstreaker giving their altmode a test flight.

As much as the Prime does not like them fighting, he cannot deny how useful they are.

From flying after Cons to helping around in their strength.

Does not tolerate humans or Bots who accuse Thunderstreaker of being a Con spy.

The protectiveness goes up once the Con’s try to recruit Thunderstreaker to their side.

He is ready to swing in with his axe to get them away from them.

Thunderstreaker catching a falling Prime midair. Both land back down as Optimus puts away his axe. Thunderstreaker: “…You didn’t have to do that you know. I wouldn’t have gone with them.” Optimus: “I know.” Thunderstreaker: “Then why attack Starscream like that!? And in the air too!” Optimus gives them a kind smile. Optimus: “Just looking out for my family.” Thunderstreaker freezes as they look at Optimus with wide optics. They give him a water smile as they regroup with the others. Optimus doesn’t miss the fluttering in their wings as they walk by him.

Ratchet

Like the others, Ratchet was wary of Thunderstreaker.

He being in the war and all, the field tech is especially cautious around the bigger, sharper looking bot.

This, however, goes out the window the moment he takes a look into their medical records on Earth.

Nearly has a stroke in the process.

Ratchet: “Prime! Why do we have a literal SPARKLING as a team member!?” Thunderstreaker: “I’m not a sparkling!” Ratchet: “Don’t talk back to your elder’s youngling!” Thunderstreaker: “I’m not that young!”

Why is there a literal CHILD on this team?!

He does not care if they look like a Con or potential Con origin, this is a literal child on a planet with them!

A lot of tough love, but it’s a good thing Thunderstreaker is fluent in this.

Doesn’t like that they get a flying altmode.

Mainly because there is no way he can reach them if they need help.

As much as there are advantages to being a flyer, there are also a plethora of disadvantages when you are fighting multiple enemies in the sky and your team can’t reach you.

Does not like the younger bots fighting, but they do give the team an edge they need.

Has to give a PSA to the rest of the team about their wing sensitivity and the best way to help them if they crash.

Like Prime, does not tolerate anyone, human or Bot, who accuses them of being a Con spy.

If Ratchet finds the Cons trying to recruit them, he is using his magnets to either throw Thunderstreaker out of the way or throwing something heavy at the offending Con.

Thunderstreaker is sitting on the medslab as Ratchet is working on their backs. They flinch a bit when he comes across some of the more sensitive wirings. Ratchet: “Sorry kid, but this is going to be a bit uncomfortable until Sari gets back with the Key.” Thunderstreaker forces a tight smile. Thunderstreaker: “Its fine! You do your thing Doc!” Ratchet: “Don’t call me that.” Ratchet passes them a stress toy. Ratchet: “Squeeze it when it get bad.” Thunderstreaker takes the toy and starts squeezing while Ratchet went through the wiring.

Prowl

Is guilty of throwing his ninja stars at them on first meeting.

In his defense, he thought a Con had found him and attack out of self-defense.

The ninja bot is highly suspicious of Thunderstreaker being a Con, which stretches on to the team being on Earth.

Is surprised to learn how young Thunderstreaker is.

It’s a bit unsettling…

Thunderstreaker pokes lightly on Prowl’s shoulder. Thunderstreaker: “What are you doing?” Prowl: “Watching a nature documentary.” Thunderstreaker: “What is it about.” Prowl: “Don’t you have some race to do with Bumblebee?” Thunderstreaker looks at Prowl before leaving. Ratchet: “You shouldn’t be so hard on the kid. Their just young and asking questions.” Prowl huffs. Ratchet: “You still don’t think they are a spy, do you?” Prowl: “There is still a possibility Ratchet, and I will not be surprised by it.” Ratchet: “You do realize that would imply Thunderstreaker ‘I tripped over my own two pedes’, a youngling, is a—” Prowl: “A youngling?” Ratchet: “Did you not know? They are one!” Prowl’s vizor widens a bit. Ratchet: “Congratulations. You’re officially the last one to know.”

Pretends not care for the giant bot, but they grow on him.

Has bonded with Thunderstreaker over patrolling around the city and watching ducks in the park.

The youngling has a flock of geese ready to defend them.

Don’t ask Prowl how it happened.

Doesn’t mind that they have a flying altmode, he finds many uses in it.

Also doesn’t mind them fighting alongside the team.

They have proven time and time again that they are quite capable of handling things by themselves.

Will run to Thunderstreaker’s defense if anyone, human or Con, accuses them of being a Spy.

Will also throw servos at any Con who tries to get Thunderstreaker to join their ranks.

Prowl on patrol with Optimus. PING! He got a com from Thunderstreaker. Prowl: “Yes?” Thunderstreaker: “The flock’s back.” Prowl groans. Prowl: “Did they see you?” Thunderstreaker: “Prowl, I’m a giant Autobot with wings in the middle of the park. Of course they saw me!” Prowl: “Did—” Thunderstreaker: “Yes Angus and Henrietta saw me. I can’t move. They’re everywhere.” Prowl: “We’ll come over there shortly.” Thunderstreaker: “Thanks Prowl.” Optimus: “What was that about?” Prowl: “The flock of geese saw Thunderstreaker and the two leaders, Agnus and Henrietta, think that Thunderstreaker is their gosling.” Optimus: “What?! How did that happen?” Prowl: “…I think its best that you don’t know…”

Bumblebee and Bulkhead

Both had screamed and threw a bunch of stuff at Thunderstreaker at the first meeting.

They fit the Con description, and it was on sight!

Bulkhead felt bad for hurting Thunderstreaker after things were cleared up by Optimus.

Bumblebee did not.

The little yellow bot was convinced that the bot was a Con spy.

And he was going to prove it!

He did it with Wasp and he can do it again!

At the Plant… Bumblebee was taking notes from the couch. Sari looked over his shoulder. Sari: “Umm… why are you taking notes on where Thunders goes at 4:13 on a Wednesday?” Bumblebee: “Evidence to catch them when they slip!” Sari scratches her head. Sari: “You know that Thunderstreaker isn’t a Con right?” Bumblebee: “That’s what they want you to think.”

Both are surprise to hear that the big bot is younger than them.

Bulkhead takes up the role as their new big brother almost immediately.

Both of them share the pain of being the biggest and ‘most likely to crush something’ feeling.

Good news, Thunderstreaker watches his back and wrecking ball while Bulkhead introduces them to some arts.

Bulkhead is holding a bucket of paint with a mop as the brush. Thunderstreaker is sitting down on the floor with their wings in full display. Bulkhead: “So what do you want me to draw?” Thunderstreaker: “Birds! I want as many birds as you can fit on these wings Bulk!” Bulkhead: “All right, just stay still.” Thunderstreaker: “I’m not Bee, I’ll sit extra still!”

Bumblebee is a bit conflicted with the new information.

It takes a couple of patrols and movie nights for him to finally start accepting them.

Like Bulkhead, the yellow bot decides to take up the older brother mantle.

The duo loves how Thunderstreaker can fly around.

These bots do not tolerate anyone, or bot, disrespecting their younger sibling.

Bulkhead is one insult away from pummeling someone.

Bee already has several attack pranks labeled and filed away, ready to be used.

They are double teaming any Con who tries to get Thunderstreaker to join their side.

Thunderstreaker is sitting in the corner facing the wall. Bulkhead has a disappointed look on his faceplate. Prowl walks over. Bumblebee has an angry look on his. Prowl: “Why is Thunderstreaker in the corner?” Bulkhead: “They decided to pull a prank on us. They didn’t transform while free falling and we thought they were going to crash, but they pulled up last second. This is their punishment for nearly scaring the oil out of us.” Prowl: “Okay? But who put them in the corner? Optimus? Ratchet?” Bulkhead: “It was Bumblebee.” Thunderstreaker: “When can I leave?” Bumblebee: “I will add another 20 minutes if you keep asking!”

Sari

Does not understand why the team is a bit uptight around them.

She figured it was because of their size.

Utterly surprised that the big bot is the youngest.

It doesn’t make sense!

…Sari loves them though.

Sari is on top of Thunderstreaker’s helm. Thunderstreaker: “You like being tall?” Sari: “Duh! This is cool!” Thunderstreaker carefully picks her up and places her on their shoulder. Sari: “Can we go out?” Thunderstreaker: “I don’t see why not.” Ratchet: “Don’t even think about it!” Thunderstreaker pauses before taking Sari in their servo and starts running. Ratchet: “Thunderstreaker! Get back here!” Sari: “Run faster!” Thunderstreaker: “I’m trying!”

Sari tries to establish herself as their older sister, but Thunderstreaker is not having it.

After a bit of arguing, the two agree on being twins.

It did suit them better… even though Thunderstreaker was way older than her.

Sari loves getting rides in their alt mode.

She loves how fast they can go.

Is shocked to hear them confess some of the things many bots think of them at first glance.

The girl gave the team each a kick to the pede as justice for Thunderstreaker.

Will bite anyone who makes assumptions about them being a Con.

Actively yells at the Cons who try and take her twin away from her.

Sari sitting on a park bench. Random adult comes up to her. Adult: “Are you lost?” Sari: “Nope! Just waiting for my twin to get here.” Adult: “And where is your twin?” Sari: “They should be arriving right about…” Thunderstreaker transforms and lands in front of the pair. The adult jumps away from the bot. Thunderstreaker: “Hey Sari! You ready to go see Bulkhead’s new art piece? I think he said something about it relating to a leaf or something.” Sari just nods as she hops onto Thunderstreaker’s servo and walks off. The adult blinks several times before deciding to go home and take a nap.

It was a Saturday.

One of the best days of the week.

It meant the kids could stay over the base for much longer than the other weekdays.

Today Thunderstreaker wanted to hang out with the kids.

Thunderstreaker leaning on the small with Smokescreen waiting for Bumblebee to come with the kids.

Thunderstreaker: “What movie do you think we’ll see this time?”

Smokescreen: “You mean what video game.”

Thunderstreaker: “Nah, the movies are going to come first.”

Unfortunately, as soon as they came into the base, Miko and Jack started having some sort of argument with poor Raf stuck in the middle of it.

Thunderstreaker didn’t completely understand it, but the yelling was getting louder.

Now normally one of the older bots would come and mediate or end the fight.

But most of the older bots, including Ratchet, had gone on a mission in an energon mine.

It was only Thunderstreaker, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen at the base.

…

Then Miko and Jack stormed off to opposite ends of the base.

Thunderstreaker looks concern at the human’s retreating forms. They turn to Smokescreen and Bumblebee. Thunderstreaker: “Smokes, I need you to talk to Jack. Get him to cool down for a bit.” Thunderstreaker picks up Raf and places him on Bumblebee’s servo. Thuderstreaker: “You two, go see a movie or play a video game, but keep an audial out for the com lines.” Smokescreen: “Hey how come your calling all the shots?” Thunderstreaker: “Because I’ve dealt with this before Smokescreen, you haven’t.” Raf nods. Raf: “They’re right Smokescreen. Thunderstreaker always knows how to calm us down after a fight or rough day.” The young Seeker gently pats the smaller human’s head. Bumblebee: “Beep bop bep? (What about Miko?)” Thunderstreaker: “Leave Miko to me.”

The Seeker knew that having Miko sit down in the same place was… difficult to say the least.

That’s why they suggested taking a nice fly outside.

No escaping for Miko.

It took a bit for Miko to start talking.

It involved her having control over the music playlists, flying a bit faster, and higher than usual.

While they were talking, Thunderstreaker’s radar pinged in several Decepticon signals.

It put them on high alert.

Con’s never came through this airspace before, why now?

Miko noticed the slight tightening of her seatbelt.

Thunderstreaker calmly told Miko that they might run into some Con’s.

The girl cheered a bit wanting to see the action.

Thunderstreaker let out a strained chuckle.

They pinged the base just as the others came through the bridge.

At the base… PING! Ratchet answers the com line. Ratchet: “Thunderstreaker when are you—" Thunderstreaker: “Sorry to interrupt Ratchet, but right now I’m currently trying to get a couple of Con’s off my tailpipe.” This catches everyone’s attention. Thunderstreaker: “But everything—PRIMUS!—Never mind we’re okay again.” Ratchet: “Excuse me ‘We’?” Miko: “Hey guys! You will not believe the number of loops we’ve done!” Bulkhead: “Miko?!” Thunderstreaker: “Listen! I—YIKES!—I’m going radio silent for a couple of minutes. When I get back on open the brigde.” Optimus: “Proceed.” Thunderstreaker: “Understood.” Miko: “See you guys in a couple of—BBBBBEEEEEPPPPPP!”

There was nothing the bots could do.

None had any flying alt mode and Optimus’s jetpack was still getting repaired.

It was an agonizingly slow couple of minutes before the console came on with Thunderstreaker yelling to on the groundbrigde.

Thunderstreaker transformed out of their alt mode as they tumbled out of the portal carefully shielding their cockpit.

They slowly opened their cupped servos to see a slightly frizzled Miko who wore a proud smile on her face.

Miko: “That… was… AWESOME!” Thunderstreaker sighs in relief as Bulkhead picks her up. Bulkhead: “Miko! Are you hurt? Did anything happen?” Miko: “Nope! Thunder’s was flying so fast and pulling so many stunts! You should have seen it Bulk!” Bumblebee and Smokescreen helped Thunderstreaker up. Thunderstreaker: “Before anyone says anything about recklessness. The Con’s were in an airspace that they’ve never been in. I’ve flown throw that space a million times, never once seen a Con there until now.” They look at Optimus. Thunderstreaker: “If I know anything about suddenly busy airspaces, is that there’s something there they want. And I bet every bolt in my frame that the Con’s are looking for something.” Optimus nods while placing a servo on their shoulder. Optimus: “You may be correct in your assumptions Thunderstreaker, but for now more research must be done. We must be prepared for what the Decepticon’s may be looking for.” Optimus looks over at Ratchet: “Ratchet will you look at Thunderstreaker’s injuries?” Ratchet scoffs and grabs Thunderstreaker’s wing. Thunderstreaker winces a bit: “Is that really necessary?” Ratchet: “Was taking a flight with your barely healed back struts necessary?” Thunderstreaker: “… Fair point.”