The quiet hum of Fixit’s latest invention echoed through the scrapyard, its polished silver barrel glinting ominously under the lights of the Autobot base. The Minicon had spent weeks perfecting the experimental “De-Age Ray,” a tool designed to help restore old Cybertronian tech to its prime state. But under no circumstances was it ready for use.

“And that’s why you don’t touch this!” Fixit warned, his optics flickering nervously. “The ray is highly unstable, especially on living subjects.”

Strongarm, her optics narrowing, folded her arms. “It’s just a tool, Fixit. How bad could it be? I’m sure I could handle it.”

Sideswipe rolled his optics, smirking. “Yeah, Strongarm, what could possibly go wrong with you not listening? Classic.”

“Watch it, Sideswipe,” Strongarm shot back. Then, with a huff of frustration, she grabbed the device off the table. “I’ll prove you both wrong.”

“Strongarm, no!” Fixit shrieked.

But it was too late. A bright pulse of energy shot from the barrel, ricocheting off a nearby console and hitting both Strongarm and Sideswipe square in their chests.

When the light faded, two tiny figures sat in a heap of confused limbs on the floor. Sideswipe’s red armor was barely bigger than a sparkling’s, his big optics blinking calmly up at Fixit. Meanwhile, Strongarm — small, blue, and wide-eyed — immediately burst into a screeching, indignant wail.

“Oh, dear,” Fixit whispered.

Bumblebee rushed in, skidding to a stop. “What happened?!”

Fixit pointed to the two infants. “They…they’re…”

“Babies,” Bumblebee finished, his jaw dropping.

Sideswipe, now a calm, cooing sparkling, reached up toward Bumblebee with a quiet giggle, while Strongarm thrashed around, kicking her tiny legs and screaming her tiny, furious head off.

“Well,” Fixit sighed, “this is going to be a long day.”