Moonshine (Transformers oc)

Chapter 6: The Seeker's Sanctuary

The base was abuzz with activity the day after Moonshine's arrival, the Autobots moving with a purpose they hadn't felt in ages. Optimus had announced that Moonshine would stay with them indefinitely, under their care and protection. This meant that, for the first time in mega-vorns, the Autobots were creating a nursery—a space carefully crafted with Moonshine's unique needs in mind.

As word spread that Moonshine was a seeker, ideas and plans quickly emerged. Arcee and Ratchet took on the task of planning his quarters, working together to design a setup that would make the sparkling feel at home. Moonshine's seeker wings meant he would need a space suited for his nature—somewhere he could feel safe, free, and comforted.

They chose an area on an upper level of the base, one that was quieter and more isolated from the usual hustle and bustle of daily operations. Seekers, they knew, often preferred spaces with height and open air, and while they couldn't give Moonshine the sky, they could offer him a sense of space and sanctuary.

Ratchet examined old records on seekers, finding scattered references to the type of environment that would best comfort a sparkling like Moonshine. One detail caught his attention—a mention of a swing crib designed specifically for seeker sparklings, suspended from above, cradling them like a nest in high places. The gentle, swaying motion of the crib would mimic the sensation of flight, calming a young seeker and encouraging restful recharge cycles.

Within a few cycles, the Autobots had crafted a makeshift nursery, lined with soft, metallic padding on the walls and a few carefully chosen keepsakes: shiny stones, colorful metals, and small reflective fragments—simple items that might catch Moonshine's attention and give him something to explore. At the center of the room hung the swing crib, which Ratchet and Arcee had spent countless hours assembling. It was sturdy yet delicately crafted, suspended from the ceiling by reinforced cables and cushioned to support Moonshine's small frame and wings. The crib could rock gently in any direction, triggered by the slightest movement, its motion resembling a slow, soothing glide.

When everything was finally in place, Ratchet called Sunstreaker to bring Moonshine to the nursery. The golden Autobot arrived carrying the tiny sparkling with great care, his usually stern face softened by the responsibility of transporting the young seeker. Moonshine peered up at him, chirping with quiet curiosity as they made their way down the hall.

Sunstreaker entered the nursery, his optics widening as he took in the space. The Autobots had gone to great lengths to make it warm and inviting, unlike anything Sunstreaker had seen on a warship. The swing crib caught his attention immediately, swaying slightly as if inviting its first resident.

Ratchet approached Sunstreaker and gestured to the crib. "This," he said with a quiet pride, "is just for him. I found some records of swing cribs used to help seeker sparklings recharge. This setup will give him comfort and security, letting him sway gently as he sleeps, similar to how his kind would naturally recharge in high places."

Sunstreaker carefully opened his Sparkling Chamber and lifted Moonshine into his servos. The tiny sparkling's optics flickered with fascination as he looked around the room, his little wings giving an excited flutter as he took in the new space.

Gently, Sunstreaker placed Moonshine into the swing crib, positioning him so his wings were supported by the cushioned edges. Moonshine immediately relaxed, his tiny servos reaching out to touch the soft padding around him. With a soft whir, he let out a delighted coo as the crib began to sway gently from side to side, triggered by his small movements.

Arcee, who had joined them in the nursery, smiled at the sight. "He looks...at peace," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet wonder.

Ratchet nodded, his optics reflecting the gentle sway of the crib. "The motion should help him relax, and his frame will be fully supported in this position. Seekers have a strong connection to the sky and open spaces, and this should give him that sense of height and freedom, even here indoors."

Optimus entered the nursery quietly, observing Moonshine from a distance. The leader's face softened as he watched the sparkling settle in, chirping softly as he explored the swing crib with his small fingers. The Autobots all knew that for Moonshine, this would be a place of sanctuary—a space created solely for him, to nurture his spirit and give him the peace he needed to thrive.

As Moonshine's optics began to dim, his tiny frame relaxing completely, the Autobots shared a quiet moment, each feeling the rare weight of hope and unity. They had created something beautiful—a reminder of what Cybertron once was, and perhaps, one day, could be again.

Optimus placed a hand on Ratchet's shoulder. "Thank you, Ratchet, Arcee...all of you. This nursery will be his sanctuary, a place of comfort and peace."

With a final, gentle swing, Moonshine's optics faded as he slipped into recharge, his little wings fluttering one last time before he drifted into a deep, contented rest. The Autobots watched over him, the quiet creak of the swing crib filling the room, a lullaby from the era of peace they all fought to reclaim.