Mending Shattered Sparks

A/n : G2, no one's AU. Thanks to a ff friend who helped me with some editing and thoughts on the spacing issue. I've been monkeying around with different uploading options to find one that will add the spacing so I DON'T have to line feed. Hopefully this will work.

Josh Groban's 'War at Home' is the song that struck me for this chapter.

The idea here is
1) Two older commanders find comfort with each other and the duties they carry in looking after their senior commanders. He has had a flame burning for her for a long time, but even he hadn't realized until...
2) A mech has always loved this femme but more than his own flame yearning for her, he was happy for her being in love with another honorable mech that he too cared very much for. He would never make it known and make it awkward for them. But now...
3) These two carry so much guilt and duty that their strength is a facade', or is it? There are very few who can fully comprehend what weighs on their shoulders. Now the facade' is crumbling and they find a strength to live again they never thought possible.

A second chance at life and love.

Setting:

It's been some time since the loss of Optimus Prime and the gain of Rodimus Prime. The majority of the Decepticons have made Charr their new base, leaving the Autobots control of Iacon. Shockwave is still isolated out in Tarn. From his Tower, he's had minimal communication with the few scattered Decepticons left on Cybertron.

Now for our story:

In the old Hall of Records, Rodimus Prime, General Ultra Magnus, Lt. Commander Springer are convened in the planning room waiting for Chief Scientist Perceptor. Ultra Magnus and Springer exchange curious expressions as to why the meeting is being delayed.

"He got a personal call just as we were heading it. It sounded important," the new Prime tells his waiting council.

Springer and Magnus nod in agreement. It's not often Perceptor gets calls of a personal nature so they are more than willing to wait for him. Besides, it's not like a whole lot has been going on that needs to be addressed urgently.

The wait isn't too much longer before the red and black mech comes to take his place at the table. Rodimus is just about to start his agenda when he glances up and sees Perceptor's dower expression. "Percy, do you want to share? Your face look like bad news has struck."

Perceptor looks up and then to each of his friends. They all give their nods of agreement as to Rodimus' assessment leaving him no room to try shoving the subject aside. "I was just talking with Inferno."

Springer smiles hearing the name of a friend he thought was lost but then remembers quickly that talking to Inferno also bares bad news. "What did he have to say?"

Perceptor looks from his new Prime to the blue Wrecker leader who had stayed on Cybertron along with another small elite Autobot division battling Shockwave's troops. "He's with Firestar and… he's asking if I will come relieve him."

Ultra Magnus' spark sinks. With trying to assist Rodimus with his new roll, he hasn't had a chance to check in on…her. He covers his mouth filling in the blank spaces of Perceptor's statement. It's not just 'her', it's 'them'.

"How bad is it?" Ultra Magnus asks gravely.

Before Percy can answer, Rodimus asks his own question, "Relive him of what?"

Percy turns to his maroon superior. He knows what he has to say is going to hurt the new Prime's spark. "When we all came back to Cybertron, Inferno went to see to the …Femme Division."

Rodimus' face falls turning pale. "Oh Primus I have been a fool… ho-how could I- Oh Primus…" He feels his stomach turn and the Matrix in his chest twist.

Both Ultra Magnus and Perceptor grip his wrists even though the older one speaks first. "It's alright. They know you have had a lot to adjust to, I'm sure they do not blame you."

Percy gives his own support, "I've talked to Commander Elita, she wasn't going to impose on you."

"Elita," the name sticks in his throat like a sword. "I have a duty to her as Prime, but personally I don't know if I can."

Hot Rod still very much lives within him and all the memories he created. It's hard being one of the youngest Primes with no others to really look to for help with the Matrix.

Ultra Magnus squeezes his arm again, "I have been planning to check on them, but I wanted to be here at your side. I knew they were in good hands with Inferno." His way of saying he will stand beside the young mech as he has one of the toughest duties of all to perform as Prime.

Rodimus gratefully nods. "Who else is there?"

"Chromia, Moonracer, and few other femmes." It's Percy's way of saying that Elita is not alone in her widowhood. Not that it will make it any easier to see the last Prime's widow, but at least she is not alone.

It leaves Rodimus curious though. "What has changed that makes Inferno need to leave?"

Percy looks to his hands and then to Ultra Magnus, "Firestar is expecting, she hasn't told the other femmes and as much as she loves them, she just can't tell them right now with them all still grieving."

These mechs all know that a new life is a precious gift and very much needed, but right now it is a bitter sweet blessing. Everyone knew Optimus and Elita planned to have a whole brood as soon as the war was over. Ironhide was joking about out-breeding him. Ratchet had stayed mute on the topic only having a glittering look in his eye towards Moonracer. Now, with the three leading officers dead, those dreams have died as well. For not only were the couples hoping to have families, but so were all the other Autobots. An offspring of a Prime and his lead officers should would have secured a new life for all of Cybertron.

"I see," Rodimus softly sighs.

Ultra Magnus gives a deep sigh of his own, "What did you tell him?"

Percy looks to Springer, "I told him that I would talk to you and Arcee about coming to visit. I figured Elita seeing Arcee would help as well."

Springer nods, "Yes, of course we will go. We can head out first thing in the morning."

Rodimus pulls his back up straight knowing he must do his duty as well. "I'll go with you."

Ultra Magnus puts his hand to the middle of the table, "I already said I would go with you and I need to see them for myself."

Percy sets his hand out there with the others, "Inferno did contact me, so it will be best if I go. And mechs, thank you."

They all lay their's on top of Percy's as the beginning of the support they will give the mates of their dearly departed friends.

~~0~~

In the morning, a blue and white armored transport heads out with a wicked sweet flamed rig at his side. Behind them, a tracked red and black science truck is flanked by a green and a pink sports cars all briskly head down a rarely used road. No one has much to say.

Even though it is peace time, the trip is long and arduous and they press right through. Like back during the sieges on this land, they have a mission to complete and be damned if some tries to stop them. Members of their own faction need backup and support and these leading Commanders are coming to the rescue just like their mentors once had.

They push all through the equivalent of a day and a night to make it some place absolutely randomly remote to the average eye. Ultra Magnus gives a coded knock on an over turned oil drum that Rodimus walks right past. Part of the heap turns to the side revealing a ramp right at his pede. As his brow cocks curiously, Ultra Magnus just shrugs nonchalantly.

Springer goes down first, followed by Arcee, then Rodimus with Ultra Magnus to close the secret door. Down the ramp they proceed lighting their way by only their headlights. At the bottom there is another barrier. Ultra Magnus slides his hands across the top of a twisted doorframe to find the catch and then pushes on what looks like another pile of debris against the doorway.

"Elita, it's Magnus," he calls as he pushes the camouflaged door open.

"Mags! It's really you?" comes a voice yanking the door the rest of the way.

Rodimus is quite surprised to see a bright grin break across the General's face. The grin seems to shed eons of vorns off his frame. Once the arriving party is all inside and the barrier closed back up, Firestar leaps wrapping her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Instantly the older mech reciprocates the embrace. Maybe he normally wouldn't but these just are not normal circumstances either.

The young medic presses her face tightly into his neck hoping to muffle her sob. He knows all too well she is about to break down in both gratitude and grief topped off by her carrying-hormonal state. He cups her helm needing her comfort just as much as she needs his. "It's alright, Firestar, it's alright. We're here."

Inferno is not jealous at all. After all, Ultra Magnus is more than a Commander to them all. He has been a steadfast support for Optimus Prime, Commander Elita-1 and now young Rodimus Prime. That doesn't even touch what he has done for the Wreckers or himself personally. A father figure, a guardian, a mentor and so much more. It actually makes Inferno's spark soar to see his mate's hug is bringing comfort to the great honorable mech. This can't be easy for Magnus to out live another Prime let alone watch Optimus' beloved mate fade away. Hopefully being godfather to a sparkling will help him heal.

"Inferno," Perceptor steps up breaking the fire truck's thoughts.

Inferno turns taking the offered hand, "Hey, Percy. You brought the whole gang."

The reserved mech grimaces, "Is that alright?"

The rescue leader chuckles, "It's perfect. Accommodations might be a bit tight, but there is always room for you guys. Come on, I'll show you all around." He stops in mid-turn grimacing up to the maroon and flamed mech before pulling up taught to a salute, "My apologies, Prime."

Rodimus shakes his head pulling the hand down, "Save the salutes for the General, Inferno. I know I should be here in an official capacity, but truthfully, I am not."

All heads turn to the sound of pede steps entering the main room. There is the pink and white commander of this base. She looks a bit drained and drawn but still has that air of authority to her. She looks over all of them. It does not miss her that Rodimus has a rather guilty look to his optics as he swiftly looks away from her to inspect the walls of the base.

"Elita, who has Firestar let in?" Comes from a stocky dusky blue femme making her way up behind Elita. She lets off a racking cough behind her fist and then sees the others. "Oh, I see."

Arcee moves before anyone else has a chance to say something, "Elita! Chromia!" The older two femmes share Arcee's embrace warmly only to be squashed by a third foam green femme joining them.

"Arcee! You made it! What brings you here?" Moonracer grabs her sister's cheek to kiss it.

It takes a bit but then Arcee turns pointing to the other mechs. Her hand holds out for one in particular. Springer steps forward taking the offered hand, "Hello Moonracer, Chromia, Elita." The last one he salutes.

Elita returns the salute, "Hello, Springer." To the others she nods, "Perceptor, Rodimus. I thought I heard Ultra Magnus, too?"

Inferno chuckles, "Yeah, Firestar kind of kidnapped him."

Elita chuckles right back. There are only a few who can make Ultra Magnus show his softer side and Firestar is one of them. She takes a happy inhale then extends her arms, "Well, where are my manners. After that long trip from Iacon, I'm sure you could all use a bit of Energon."

Rodimus shakes his head knowing that his tank is churning so badly right now that he will probably purge anything that touches it. "None for me, thank you."

Elita cocks a brow at him, "My Energon not good enough for you?"

He can't even look at her, "Quite the opposite. I should not take from those who need it more than I."

Elita walks right up to him and gives him a hard punch square to the flame covering Matrix. It makes him jump and his optics screw in confusion as he gasps in resetting his air circulators.

He might be taller than her, but she is a commander for very good reasons. Grabbing the tip of his chin pulls his confused face down until they are nose to nose, "I will not have soldier become weak while he is under my roof. Prime or not. Got it?"

He swallows hard with a fear very remnant of his Hot Rod days under her chastisement. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Good!" She shoves his chin back up where a Prime should carry it. "Come on mechs, this way to the trough."

Elita loops her arm through Perceptor's leading the way. Arcee is lead away linked on either side by Chromia and Moonracer.

Springer looks to where Rodimus is rubbing his chin, "Hum, still got it doesn't she?"

Rodimus scowls at his green friend. Yeah Springer is trying to let him know there is nothing to truly worry about with Elita, but his Primely-ego did just get put in its place. "Yeah, something like that."

Springer shoves a shoulder that bears a lot of weight. It doesn't budge him, so he does it again making Rodimus stumble sideways and grunt this time

"Hey!" Rodimus squeaks back.

Elita looks back smirking, "That's it, no high grade for you two." The Prime gives her the most childish scowl right back pointing to Springer who tries to look all innocent. Elita laughs heartily. "I don't care who started it, I finished it."

Around the next corner Elita's group meets up with Ultra Magnus and Firestar at the table sharing a craft. The older gentleman starts to rise, but Elita shoves her hand through the air to stop him.

Still he continues, "Malady." He will always call her by the title of a Prime's mate.

She steps up to him. They share an optical exchange before she cups his cheek. She may have lost her mate, but the loyal soldier lost another leader and his friend. Ever so respectfully she smiles, "It's just Commander or Elita now, General Magnus. No longer am I 'Lady anything'."

He tries to shake his head letting her know she will always be that in his spark, but she turns to hold a respectful hand out to the new Prime. "The title belongs to another now."

Both Rodimus and Magnus lower their helms in respect to the death of her title as well.

Chromia slaps a tray of empty cubes to the table top. "Now are we done with the doom and gloom? *cough* I want to hear what's cooking in Iacon. Any word on the Guardian's movements?"

Perceptor takes a seat beside Moonracer and the others follow suit. "All is quiet in Tarn right now. Have you picked up any stray Decepticon signals?"

Moonracer helps pass out the cubes, "Nah. Just few ramblings about needing this or that to fix a ship or a 'Con, but nothing too serious. Sounds like we are in a better state of affairs than they."

Rodimus silently nods looking deep into his cube but not drinking.

*Cough* Chromia waggles a finger between Arcee and Springer, "Soooo, what's the news with you two?"

Now it's Springer's turn to look sheepish. "We -um- bonded."

Elita and Chromia say it at the same time as Moonracer squeals racing round to strangle Springer's neck, "Well it's about fragg'n time!"

Rodimus finds a chuckle bubbling past his frown at the wide optics and gasping sounds coming from his closest friend.

Congratulations are warmly passed around for the newly bonded pair. Moonracer raises her cube high to which the others join the toast. "To a spark bound pair: Until All Are One."

"Until All Are One," they toast.

Elita is looking right at Rodimus so he has no choice but to take a sip. It burns all the way down though. She knows even if this is the only fuel she gets down his throat, it's better than nothing.

~~0~~

A few stories go around until Chromia starts into a fit of coughing from laughing so hard. Ultra Magnus gives her a good pounding on the back as she wraps a hand around his other hand grateful for his support. They are all concerned, but she can't handle those sad looks they are giving her. So once she gets the coughing to quell, she looks up to him. "Could you come look at one of my guns? You are more familiar with this model and it's been acting up."

With a respectful dip of the helm, "Of course. I wouldn't mind having you look at my rifle as well. Something seems off."

She does not argue when his arm stays around her side continuing to hold her hand. The femme knows he's quite worried about her and she really could use a bit of physical support right now. He doesn't let it be shown just how much she is actually leaning on him.

Moonracer chews on her lip watching the two oldest bots leave the room. Perceptor reaches over to grip her hand to get her attention onto more pleasant thoughts. "How are your experiments going?"

She shakes her head, "Not so good. I'm not sure if it's the air quality or the additives, but the crystals just won't grow like they did in the Sonic Canyons."

"Mind if I takes a few readings myself?"

She gives him a relieved smile, "I hoped you would ask. Come on, they are in my quarters." He released the hand of his dead friend's mate, yet walks beside the fellow scientist as they discuss what other things she has been working on.

Springer and Arcee move away with Inferno and Firestar leaving Rodimus silently across the table from Elita. At the door way, they all look back to see if they will start a conversation personally or professionally.

"Please come to Iacon," Rodimus mutters. Springer sighs heavily, but Inferno leads him away giving the commanders some privacy.

Elita looks over the top of her cube hoping he will look her in the optic. "Is that an order, Prime?"

He jerks upright staring at her horrified, "No! Of course not!"

Her cube smacks to the table top. "Look, I am a Commander under your command PRIME. Just because I was mated to the last one does not make me above being ordered."

He smacks his own cube down glaring at her, "I wasn't just going to up and take you femmes from the home and base you have built here just because I'm worried about your health either!" He leans in with a snarl, "I am not about to look young and stupid by arrogantly treating one of the most skilled units as weaklings!"

She leans in with her own snarl, "Then what are we?"

He takes a deep breath, then pulls back. "Precious treasures." He looks down into his cube, "Rare yet strong enduring gems." He waits a few more moments before he looks back up to her. "I learned something on Earth about gem stones. They are made with pressure and endure far longer than a single human lifetime. They become heirlooms for the humans for just such a reason. Some believe they even have mystical powers- curse or blessing. Beautiful stones when polished and honed. Some are even used at times for practical things not just to be worn and shown off for their value. But-," he takes a deep breath releasing it slowly, "Even a diamond can shatter or chip if it is struck on one of it's faults. Even the hardest stone on Earth has a weak spot." When she says nothing he looks back into his cube.

Her face relaxes to such a mature explanation. It is filled with facts and double meanings. Not only is he saying her division is strong and beautiful in its own right, but they are a rarity that everyone wants to protect for the next generation. He knows she can handle her own under the right circumstances, but no one is unbreakable.

"I'll need to discuss it with the others," she softly hears all that he is saying. She pokes the cube further into his hand, "Even Primes need to refuel you know? They aren't without their own weak spots, too."

That makes him give a chuff with a little smile. "Yes, Ma'am." They both take good pulls on their cubes then sit back to look at each other as the bots they have become.

She gives a light shrug, "Hey Rodimus, at least you are starting off your rein under a more peaceful situation."

He nods to the truth of that. "I may not have to organize troops for battles or scavenging for rations and medical supplies just so we can stay alive, but still this leadership stuff is hard. The politics of being an emissary and keeping an optic out for backdoor dealings that could undermine everything…sorry, but I'll take a rifle to the head any day. At least then I know what I'm up against."

She chuckles back before pressing some support back. "Is Kup of any help?" Elita props her pedes up on another chair to stretch out.

"Oh Primus yes! Between a mech who remembers the old days along with a General who knows what the Pit he is doing, I might just yet survive somewhat sane." He props his own pedes up beside hers, as she shoves the chair closer to him.

She waits a moment. "What do you really need, Rod?"

He lowers his hands, empty cube, and optics to his lap. "Him."

Her brow furrows, "I don't understand."

"I have no right to the Matrix and he certainly should not have lost his life due to a stupid brash mech-"

"Who was trying to save his Prime?" His head jerks to her. She gives him a little smile, "Inferno brought us the news as to what happened. Of course we all knew when they died," her hand rubs the half beating spark in her chest.

"And you are just so willing to take one mech's word on what happened?" He scowls.

Now she knows what he really needs. Forgiveness. This is why he couldn't look at her. Yes she remembers cocky Hot Rod, but the mature and solemn mech before her sure grew up fast.

Elita stands up setting her cube down. First she picks up the craft and refills both their cubes, then she comes behind Rod's chair and lays her hands on his shoulders. He stiffens even more, but she pays no mind to it. Instead she finds the softer pieces between his armor and spoiler joints to dig her massages into.

"Yes, I do trust Inferno's account as to what happened. I've known both Inferno and Firestar for a very long time. Those two bonded before Orion had the guts to ask me." She hits a particular knot and he grunts as it releases.

"Just-uh- what did he tell you?" He tries to stay upright, but her magic fingers are making his neck bow.

She snorts, "You Primes are all alike, I swear."

He is able to cast a curious glace her way to which she smiles back, "You guys are willing to sacrifice yourself for others. You brazenly stand up, step forward, yank another away so they will not get hurt or be burdened. Look at you now, taking all the blame of his death upon yourself when some of it is his and some Megatron's."

He lays a hand over hers stilling it as he looks up to her pleading. "I did not have a mate waiting for me to come home and start a family with. Why-" he can not stop the choke in his throat.

Elita strokes his cheek, "Did you love him for his bravery?"

Rod nods, "He was a better mech than so many of us."

She smiles, "Yeah, and it's one of the things that made him so damned appealing, I won't lie." He tries to smile with her but fails. The widow seats herself on the table at his side giving his shoulder a warm caress, "But he could also be so damned noble that I wanted to beat the shit out of him with that Matrix, too."

Those green optics go so wide she could swear they fill his whole face. So she brings her fist up to his nose, "So, Rodimus Prime, I ask you to do me a favor, never forget there are others out here who care about you and not everything is yours to take on. And if you find a mate and leave her behind, I will weld your aft to hers."

Rodimus swallows hard knowing she good and well means it. "Y-yes Commander," he squeaks out as if he is a new recruit under her orders once again.

"Good," she smiles then presses her lips to his forehead. "I will come to Iacon with you."

Without even thinking, he slides his arm around her waist and buries his face into her lap. "Thank you."

She knows that he feels the need to protect her and likewise she feels the need to help this fresh Prime with his dignitary role. There's only so much a General and an old soldier can help him with. Rod has a rather charming way about him and if that can be honed with a touch more grace he could bring Cybertron back to her new glory.

Elita wraps her arms around his helm holding him just as close and protectively as he holds her. Together they are going to protect each other.