Blurr didn't know how to explain war to a sparkling.

So he didn't.

He let his work run its course, and he let the sparklings go unaware of the very serious situation the Autobots had found themselves in.

Blurr never learned who declared war on who, but it didn't matter. War was war, no matter how it was sliced. Both sides would always lose in the end.

For the next Solar Cycle Blurr worked vigorously to decrypt the the endless streams of code delivered by the Intel bots, as well as look over and extract information from the piles of reports that were delivered to his desk everyday. His processor was the fastest one they had. If there was one bot who could do all of this within a timely manor it was Blurr.

It was almost overwhelming, if Blurr was being entirely honest with himself. He lost a lot of time with the sparklings, and generally ended up bringing work home with him and skipping recharge to get it all done.

Breaks were practically non-existent for intel bots. Blurr was lucky he wasn't a field agent, otherwise seeing his Sparklings would be out of the question as well.

He still considered it, though, despite the fact. Every day since the war broke out Cliffjumper and Optimus approached Blurr and asked him to join the field agents. They both said they would inform the council that Blurr had completed the necessary processor check, even though he hadn't. They told Blurr that they'd let the sparklings live in the base so that they'd be under constant watch and he'd have nothing to worry about. This, of courses, was not an effective strategy for easing his nerves.

Zippy was practically blind, he was completely nonverbal, and he seemed to have a great deal of distrust for anyone who wasn't a part of his own family. Lightwave had recently learned how to speak with real words 100% of the time. She asked a lot of question. Her mind worked only slightly quicker than her Carriers, and, although she couldn't run very fast, she could certainly speak very fast. Jazz still struggled with her timers, and had a very hard time, at this point in her life, keeping herself calm without the help of her carrier. She was fine during the day, but when it came time to wind down she struggled. Bluewave had a spark with low energy output, a fact Blurr had only learned recently upon taking him to Red Alert after he fainted. He was getting treated for it, but it was unclear how long he would have to receive treatment.

Blurr's sparklings needed their Carrier more than any war needed him. As much as Blurr missed his time in the field, he knew where his obligations lay.

None of this ever stopped Cliffjumper and Optimus from trying though.

Blurr paced in his office reading over the hundredth data pad. He wanted to get his work done during office hours so that he might be able to spend even just a small amount of time concentrating on his sparklings. Zippy and Lightwave were coming up on four solar cycles, and while one could hardly keep quiet for more than a minute, the other was completely silent. Blurr wanted to take the time to pay some attention to the very talkative Lightwave, and concentrate some attention on the silent Zippy, who thoroughly enjoyed drawing symbols on his Carrier's plating.

Blurr also wanted to help Little Jazz concentrate on the world around her, try to help her to slow down to it's speed so she could be calm, and content in her own frame. Jazz loved going fast, but even at three solar cycles she could already tell that her condition was not "normal." This put her in great distress, a distress that her Carrier did not have much time to defuse.

Bluewave also needed his Carrier's attention. Blurr was required to scan him every two hours to make sure his spark had not depleted in energy at all. He required special energon, which Blurr had to pick up from the med-centre every week. Between those doses of energon Bluewave had to be fed almost constantly. His condition wasn't only concerning, it was also very expensive. Most of the energy being dug up and produced was reserved for the war, so energon for civilians was almost impossibly expensive.

Blurr still brought his little creatures to the office, but he had no choice but to practically ignore them. Hundreds of data pads were thrown onto his desk every day, and he had very little time to deal with them all. The Elite Guard was short handed on the homebase planet. Blurr was the only Intel agent on planet so his workload was quadruple that of many of the other homebase agents who had more bots within their ranks.

Cliffjumper, the head of intelligence, also received a great deal of work, however, he passed most of it onto Blurr. The two could sometimes be found working together, seeing as how they were the only two bots with access to all of the reports sent into Autobot headquarters. Cliffjumper, upon getting a report, would send it to Blurr to be read over, simplified, decoded, picked apart, whatever needed to be done. He would request Blurr's opinion on the next move, and where to send the agent's next, before receiving the data pad back, reading it over himself, and then making the next move. If a very important report was turned in and sent to Blurr, Blurr would send it back without edits, and Ciffjumper would refer to the head of Military operations.

Blurr was often left with a full day's work still left at the end of his shift. The war didn't start off too great for the Autobots, so neglecting any of the assignments given to him was out of the question.

Blurr didn't want to have to choose his loyalties. His Sparklings needed him, the Autobots needed him, and Blurr could not tell which was more important at present. If he didn't do his work than things could go arie for the field agents. If a report wasn't put through in a timely manner who knows what kind of tide turning information could be missed? If they lost Blurr would be back where he started, and that was the last thing he wanted. He would do everything he could to help his fellow Autobots win the war, or at least become equally powered. He was going to preserve the world he lived in. Keep it safe for his Sparklings.

But in doing this he would be neglecting his Sparklings. They needed love and care. They needed to be told that things would be okay, that their world was not danger, that the war being waged would someday come to an end. Lightwave needed an ear, Zippy needed touch, Jazz needed guidance and Bluewave needed attention.

And the war needed Blurr.

He knew where his obligations lay. They were not in the field. They were to his Sparklings. Blurr knew this, and yet, still, the war took him in a heavy grip, hard to break.

Blurr thought about this continually. He thought about it when Zippy reached up to be held but Blurr could not comply because he had two data pads in his hands already. He thought about it while trying to sleep. The sparklings piled themselves on him, aware that this was the only real time they got to spend with Carrier.

Flashes of memory consumed Blurr's processor. They hurt, but they were fuel.

That life. The constant fighting, the constant concern that someone would catch him, and kill him, or torture him during the war. The bots he'd seen die, and the battles they'd lost ran like a movie in his mind.

Then after the war…

The nightmares often shook him awake. The large red optic hovering over him, sinister and menacing. Blurr hated it. He relived those seemingly endless nights nearly everyday, so often he worked hard to keep his mind distracted. Everything seemed to get worse after the war.

The life he lived with Shockwave was a reality far from anything the sparklings would ever even be aware existed. Blurr was determined to keep the past in the past, hoping he could avoid the question of Sire among his sparklings. They were bound to ask at some point why others seemed to have Sires while they had nothing but Blurr.

Blurr was trying to think up an answer to that question. He didn't want them to know about Shockwave.

What he'd done to Blurr-

Where they came from…

Blurr shook off his thoughts. He had work to do, and thinking about the past, predicting the future, it was just a disaster waiting to happen. He had more important things to worry about. Like what his sparklings would be eating that night.

Being in the Elite Guard gave Blurr access to somewhat more energy than many civilians. He still had to pay for it, though, and that was where the problem lay. Energon was getting expensive, seeing as how most of it was going towards the war effort. Not a lot was kept on planet, so resources were limited. Blurr still had plenty of money, sure. He still had some savings from when he helped his fellow Autobots escape, and he was being paid generously to work for the Elite Guard. But between energy, rent, taxes, and taking care of four slightly issued sparklings, Blurr's barrel was beginning to run dry.

He wasn't about to let anyone else know that, though.

Blurr finished up the datapad in his hand before flopping down in his desk chair. Zippy was on him in an instant. The sparkling rested an audio receptor to his Carrier's chest, and took a good long listen.

Blurr smiled at this. He rested a light hand on Zippy's head, "I'm still alive," Blurr whispered, before picking up another data pad.

Bluewave, who had been sitting beside the chair, wrapped his arms around his Carrier's leg and fell into recharge.

Blurr hardly noticed, he was so absorbed in the report.

Before Blurr could finish a hand snatched the data pad from his servos. Blurr was surprised. He hadn't even heard anyone come in.

"Is this one of mine?"

Arcee looked over the data pad she'd stolen from Blurr.

To say Blurr was surprised would be an understatement. Arcee was away on mission last time he checked. She wasn't due to return to base in who knows how long.

"Arcee!" Blurr called, pinning zippy to his chest and standing up. Blurr attempted to move, but soon realized there was a weight on his pede. He looked down at the sleeping sparkling attached to his leg. He decided it best not to move, and looked back to Arcee, "What are you doing back? I thought you weren't supposed to return to base until-"

"Missions over, Blurr," Arcee said, interrupting him, "I heard we need more help in the ground crew, so-" she spread her arms out, as if gesturing her presence, "Here I am." She put her hands on her hips and looked around the data pad filled room, "Looks like you could use it." she tossed the datapad she'd confiscated on the desk, "Primus, Blurr, how many hours do they have you working?"

Blurr was almost surprised by the question, "As many as they can, I suppose," Blurr said with a light shrug.

Arcee took another good look about the room. She spotted the sparkling attached to Blurr's leg, and another resting right behind the chair fiddling with a data pad. Then there was the one Blurr was holding. That was three, "Where's the fourth one?" Arcee asked, scanning the room again.

Blurr didn't understand the question at first, but soon caught on, "She's on the hallway getting out her energy," Blurr explained, "This room isn't big enough to run in."

"Do you bring them everyday?"

"Of course, what else would I do?"

Arcee picked up a data pad and looked it over for a moment, "Yeah, right, that makes sense," she mumbled, then tossing away the data pad again, "So, how did you take the news?" she asked, her tone becoming somewhat sullen.

Blurr furrowed his brow, putting down the sparkling in his arms, "What news?" he asked.

Arcee seemed taken aback by this, "You mean- they haven't told you? But I thought-" she paused, as if trying to think. She put a hand to her processor, trying to recall exactly what she'd heard. After a moment she turned her attention back to Blurr, "But they told me you knew," she said, confused. Then she scowled, "Oh, that's a dirty trick," she mumbled. "I think you should go talk to Optimus Prime," she said, some anger slipping into her tone, though it was not directed at Blurr, "Before he calls you."

"Why?" Blurr inquired, "What is this about?"

Arcee seemed reluctant to answer, "I think it's best if they tell you themselves," she said, "It's not my place to speak on matters of the council."

"The council? Arcee, what's this about?"

"Something unfair and immoral," she almost snapped, "I'll watch the sparklings, Optimus should be hailing you any minute,"

Blurr looked back at Zippy for a brief second, well aware of how much he didn't like strangers. "You're going to have to introduce yourself first," said the Carrier, "Otherwise you might scare them."

Lightwave leaped out from behind the chair, "I'm not scared!" she called, running around the desk and stopping in front of Arcee, "You're special agent Arcee of Iacon. You used to be a teacher before you became and intel agent. You held secret code in your head which screwed up your memory. Now you're all better," Lightwave put out a hand, "I'm Lightwave," she introduced herself.

Arcee, after recovering from her slight shock, smirked down at the kid. The pink bot kneeled before the sparkling and shook her hand, "You really know your stuff kid. Read my file?"

"I've read everyone's file," Lightwave explained, "I read yours just now while you and Carrier were talking. He says you're really good at what you do. He also says you're nice and we should trust you, so I trust you." Lightwave gave Arcee a pleasant smile.

Arcee smiled back, "Well, keep up the good work, Lightwave. Maybe you'll make it in the Elite,"

Lightwave's eyes widened, "You really think so!?" she asked, surprised that such a highly regarded agent would say such a thing, "That's my dream!" she cried. Before she could continue she was taken under the arms and lifted by her Carrier, "Lets not get ahead of ourselves," said Blurr, resting the child on his hip, "There's no guarantee we'll even need a guard by the time you're old enough,"

Lightwave looked to her data pad and began flipping through it, "Well, according to the history records the last war we fought with the Decepticons lasted millions of years, so It would make sense that-" she was interrupted when Blurr snatched the data pad from her hands. "I think that's enough learning for today," he determined, then putting the sparkling down, "I have to visit with Optimus Prime," Blurr announced, "Lightwave, please make sure Zippy is introduced properly to the newcomer,"

Lightwave gave a happy solute, "Will do, Carrier," she chirped, then running back over to Arcee as Blurr began to take his leave.

Blurr could not help but let a bit of concern trickle through his processor as he made his way to Optimus' office.

What news was awaiting him on the other side of that door? Arcee seemed quite distressed by the fact that Blurr had yet to hear about it, whatever it was. She also seemed angry, calling it a "dirty trick," and scowling at the thought.

Blurr was generally good at putting things together, but this had him stumped.

He reached Optimus Prime's office in record time. He was hesitant to knock, but eventually found the nerve.

Optimus called for him to come in.

The leader seemed surprised to see him.

"Blurr," he greeted, "I was just about to comm you."

"I assumed," Blurr said, sitting down, "Arcee told me you may be wanting to see me. She said you had- news?" Blurr was hardly sure what he was asking, "Something important it seemed."

"Yes," Optimus confirmed, leaning over his desk, putting his weight on his elbows and letting his hands up near his face.

Something about the bot look uncomfortable. He seemed to be in deep thought, looking for the right way to phrase his next statement, and contemplating if he should say something at all. After a bit of silence Blurr spoke again, "Something about the council?" he urged, now, more than ever, looking for an answer.

Optimus lowered his hands to the table, "Yes." he confirmed again, then letting it sit for another moment, "we were recently offered a deal, you see, and, in spite of what could be better judgement, we took it...I needed to see you, Blurr, because you-and your sparklings-are at the center of this deal."

Blurr's processor worked hard, trying to figure exactly what it was Optimus was about to tell him.

Prime continued, "We managed to capture a high ranking Decepticon," Optimus explained, "And, in exchange for his life, we…" Optimus trailed off, clearly trying to keep his emotions in check, but finding it difficult to do so, "The Council. Agreed to his terms. They wrote up a contract," Optimus brought up a data pad, "I thought you should hear it."

Blurr felt something leap in his spark. The realization of who Optimus was referring to came barreling down on the intel bot like a building. His eyes widened as thoughts, memories, and fears came racing back to his processor.

Optimus began to read.

"Upon the exchange of information, by our command, the prisoner will be permitted to meet three times a week with his bond mate, and his Sparklings," he read, "Furthermore, the failure to deliver proper, useful, or truthful information will result in immediate imprisonment, and possible execution. The prisoner will be permitted, upon visitation, to touch, talk to, and in general, interact with his so-called "family"."

"Stop," Blurr demanded quietly, his body tensing as he looked to the floor.

Optimus continued reading, "the former field Agent, current homebase agent, Blurr, will be required, by law, to comply with the demands of the deal set by the council and the prisoner,"

"Stop reading," Blurr demanded again, holding at his processor in an attempt to halt the endless memories flooding his processor.

"The Sparklings in question, listed in order of age, Autobot Lightwave, Autobot Zippy, Autobot Bluewave and Autobot Jazz, will be required to visit with their Sire, the prisoner, without accompaniment by their Carrier, Autobot agent Blurr."

Blurr finally managed to look at his superior, "what is this Optimus?" He spat.

"this deal is bound by law, all parties involved will be punished if they are not complicit with the terms presented. Signed by the council, the deal has been made." Optimus Prime lowered the data pad, "with Shockwave."

Blurr leaned forward, a scowl set deep in his face, "tell me you're not serious," he growled, then flying to his feet and taking a short pace about the room.

"It's already been put in place," Optimus explained, "the order has been given. This is your next mission. No more data pads, no more reading reports. You and your sparklings will be required to attend meetings with the prisoner, Shockwave, until he outlives his usefulness. It was a good deal, we're lucky he didn't ask for more. The contract will go into full effect next week, upon your first meeting." Optimus stood and approached the shocked and enraged agent, "Blurr you have to understand."

Blurr shook his head, "No- no no no, you don't get to make deals like this, you don't get to use me and my sparklings as pawns in your little war game."

"And you don't give the orders," Optimus replied harshly, "This is life or death, Blurr, the information we could get out of Shockwave is too much to pass up."

"You really think he's that valuable?" Blurr snapped, "He let me go. He ruined everything the Decepticons built, so if you think, for one second that Mr. High and Mighty, Megatron himself, let that monster stay where he was than you're delusional. He's a traitor, and you know it. He doesn't have anything to offer us."

"I beg to differ. Before making the deal he was required to offer us information. Prove his worth. What he told us checks out. From that sliver we managed to capture two Decepticon bases and a desperately needed energon mine. But he will only give us more if he gets to see you. And his sparklings."

"Don't you call them that," Blurr hissed, "And he's not so desperate. He's not stupid either. He's only letting you get what he wants you to get, and thats. It." Blurr turned towards the door, "We're done here," he growled.

"If you don't do it," Optimus started, causing Blurr to pause, "Then we'll have no choice but to remove you from the Elite guard."

Blurr took a moment to respond. He turned to his superior with a scowl, deeper than before, "You think you're so smart," he said, turning fully to the prime.

Optimus shrugged, "I have my moments. In any case, it's a simple mission Blurr. The fact that you're unwilling to complete it implies you're no longer fit for the job."

Blurr took a few good stomps towards the mech, "Now you listen here, buster," Blurr poked his superior in the chest, "You think you know what you're talking about, so let me educate you. You don't. You think this is as simple as going and seeing the beast, who very frequently raped me, for all of three Solar Cycles. Now let me just take a moment to describe to you in detail what that was like. I can do that, you know," he tone darkened a bit, "Because I'm an intel agent, and I'm made to remember," Blurr narrowed his eyes, "And I relive what he did to me every. Single. Day." Blurr leaned back and took a good, angry, look at his superior before taking his leave.

As soon as he was gone Optimus dropped his confident facade. He slumped back in his chair, putting a hand to his head as he hunched over the desk, "What am I doing?" he mumbled to himself.

Threatening Blurr? Blurr! Of all people. The bot who helped them escape slavery, who was working day and night for the autobot cause while at the same time taking care of four sparklings on his own. He had every right to deny taking part in the deal made with Shockwave.

But this was a war. One the Autobots were rapidly beginning to lose. If Optimus couldn't find a way to turn the tides soon then everyone would be right back where they started, and all of their work would be for nothing. Optimus couldn't let that happen. Not again.

The last thing he wanted was for Blurr to return to his former role as "plaything" for the monster known as Shockwave. Optimus assumed facing the beast would cement their ability to do that.

Blurr rushed back to his office, a scowl still set stiffly on his face.

He entered with the slam of a door, drawing everyone's attention. He scanned the five sets of eyes all locked on him.

He approached the desk. His posture was stiff and angry. Rage almost radiated off his frame.

"Arcee," he said after a moment, "Please take the sparklings out of the room."

"Blurr-"

"Please. Arcee. I don't want them to see this."

After a moment Arcee did as she was told. With the help of Lightwave Arcee managed to urge the sparklings out of the room.

The door closed quietly behind Blurr.

He was alone.

With a hate filled roar Blurr shoved everything off of his desk, sending data pads hurtling across the room. He flipped over his desk and began tearing through the mountains of data pads lining the walls until not one tower was left standing.

He let out an angry, desperate roar before falling to his knees. He stopped himself from falling fully forward by putting his hands out to meet the ground.

After a couple seconds of silence Blurr let out a small whimper. His arms let out from under him as tears began streaming out his optics. He had one thought on his mind.

No.

No, this couldn't be happening. Not now, not when Blurr was safe and his Sparklings were still innocent. Not when he was recovering, and he was calm, and content, working and raising his sparklings.

His sparklings. Not Shockwaves. Shockwave had nothing to do with them.

Blurr put his hands over his face. He shook as sobs overtook his body.

After a few minutes Blurr forced himself to calm down.

He was not going to let this defeat him. He was not going to let this interfere with the life he had planned for his sparklings. They were going to live, and they were not going to know that the beast they were required to see was their SIre. They couldn't know. Blurr didn't want that.

It was supposed to be him and his sparklings against the world.

But the world was turning against them.

Why couldn't Primus just let them live in peace?

After another moment Blurr climbed too his feet. He took a few seconds to regain his composure entirely. He was going to fight this. He wasn't going to let Shockwave see the sparklings. War, deal, council decisions, they didn't matter. No one had the right to tell Blurr what his Sparklings, and him, would be doing. In that moment he made a decision. It was a difficult one to make, but he was going to do whatever was necessary to keep him and his sparklings safe.

Blurr met his sparklings in the hallway. They were huddled around Arcee, who assured them that everything was alright.

"Blurr," she tried to talk to him, but he was not in the mood,

"Later, Arcee," he insisted calmly, "We can talk later. I have some business to take care of." Blurr then looked to his sparklings, "Come on everyone," he said, putting out his hand.

Zippy was the first to take it. Lightwave took her brothers and her siblings followed the pattern. They marched, in their little line, all the way to Optimus Prime's office.

Blurr didn't knock, he just let himself in. What was etiquette anyways? In a case like this any formalities could very fairly be thrown out the nearest window. Primus knows that's what they were doing to Blurr.

Cliffjumper was there when Blurr walked in.

"Blurr," Cliffjumper greeted, surprised, but relieved at the same time. He approached the blue speedster, "Blurr-" he said again, "Please, try to understand,"

Blurr put a hand out to silence the bot, "Don't even try, Cliffjumper," he said calmly, some malice beginning to slip into his tone as he approached Optimus Prime's desk. He stopped in front of his superior officer, then took a moment to look between the two, "What did you think?" Blurr asked, "That I would just take this lying down?" his scowl deepened, "Because that's what I always do isn't it?" Blurr spat, "Let me make something very clear," he started sternly, "You do not control me. You can give me orders, fine, but this- this goes too far. That beast has no right to see me or my sparklings…" Blurr took a pause, thinking of what he was about to say, "I will not be taking part in this deal," he stood tall before his superiors, "I have been a loyal Elite Guardsman for four million years," he took a vent, and gave a solute, "I am sorry to inform you that I must now resign. I will clear out my office in the morning."

Both of the superior officers were taken aback by the statement.

Blurr turned stiffly to his sparklings, "Solute you're superiors, sweetsparks," Blurr instructed, "And say Goodbye to Agent Cliffjumper."

The sparklings, though slightly confused, did as they were told.

Blurr, who had his back to his superiors, but kept an eye on his sparklings, put out a hand for them to take when they were done. Zippy grabbed on, his siblings not far behind. They formed a line and prepared to take their leave.

Cliffjumper leaped to attention, suddenly recovering from the shock. He ran in front of the speedster, halting his progress, "Blurr, please," he almost begged, "Think about what you're doing-"

"I have," Blurr snapped, offended by the impediment of his progress, "And this is my only option." he pointed an accusing finger at Cliffjumper, "You went behind my back and created a legally binding contract with my former captor. I would use harsher words, but I prefer my sparklings not to hear it. Remember them? There's four, Lightwave, Zippy, Jazz and Bluewave. You must be aware of them, Cliffjumper, considering you've been making executive decision regarding them, as well as me." Blurr glared at the head of intelligence, "That deal doesn't go into effect until next week. If I refuse then you can fire me, or worse, have me arrested. So I'm resigning." Blurr shoved past the red bot, continuing his exit. Cliffjumper reached for the blue bot, grabbing him by the shoulder. Before Cliffjumper could say anything something grabbed his wrist and removed his hand, faster than any bot could comprehend.

Before he knew it, Cliffjumper was on his back, looking up at four small, seemingly angry, faces.

"Stand down," Blurr demanded calmly.

Zippy was the first to step away. He retreated quickly to his Carrier. Then came Jazz, and Bluewave. Lightwave was the last to remove herself.

Cliffjumper sat up with a scowl, "You're training them?" he growled, flying to his feet.

Blurr stood calm with unmatched confidence, "Oh please, you're just out of practice," he half scoffed. Blurr let out a small sigh, looking down at his sparklings, "I guess this is what happens when I let Bumblebee watch them. Come on," he urged his sparklings again, "We're leaving. Please don't attack anyone else."

"Yes Carrier," Lightwave agreed quietly.

Zippy drew something on Blurr's hand, "It's okay, sweetspark," Blurr assured, "He-" Blurr stopped himself, not sure if his next statement was necessarily true any more, "He wouldn't hurt me," he completed, "Not like that."

Optimus spoke up before he was entirely out the door, "Blurr," he called, halting the blue racer, "Please reconsider."

Blurr stood in the doorway. He'd made his decision. He half looked over his shoulder, "I'm sorry Optimus," Blurr took a second to look at his sparklings. A light smile crossed his lips as he ran a light hand over Zippy's head. A second later his smile fell, his eyes looking back to Optimus, "But this is not your decision to make." with that Blurr turned away.

"We could win, Blurr, with this. With what he could give us."

"No." Blurr said sternly, "He's going to play you. And you're going to lose."

With that Blurr took his leave.

Blurr flopped down on his bed, exhausted. Lightwave leaped onto the berth first. She kneeled next to him and looked him in the face, "So...are you not in the Elite Guard any more?" she asked, cocking her head a bit.

Before Blurr could answer the berth was invaded with the rest of the small army. Zippy laid himself on Carrier's chest, resting his head right above Blurr's spark. Bluewave snuggled himself into Blurr's side, opposite where Lightwave was kneeling. Jazz took a few turns about the room before hopping onto the bed. She laid down, but was restless. She vibrated as she laid her head down for rest, trying her hardest to stay calm.

Blurr rested a light hand on her head, relaxing her slightly. His other hand took it's place on Zippy's back as Blurr thought up an answer for Lightwave, "No," Blurr answered honestly, "I am not."

Lightwave lowered herself slightly, "Well...why not?" she asked, a bit of sorrow lacing her tone.

"I was-" Blurr searched for a suitable answer, "Unable to complete a mission. It was beyond my skill set."

"But- you're the best agent they have. What did they want you to do?"

"Nothing important," Blurr answered quickly, "Nothing you need to worry about. You should recharge. You have a big day coming up,"

"You mean school?" Lightwave asked, lifting a brow, "Did you get us in?" she inquired, getting slightly excited.

Blurr smiled, "You know I did."

"Are Jazz and Bluewave coming with us!?" Lightwave asked happily, hopping to her feet.

Blurr put a hand on her wrist and eased her down into the berth, "You'll all be in together, don't worry," he assured, "But Carrier is tired, so we're going to sleep. You can be excited in the morning."

"Okay," Lightwave agreed happily. She gave her Carrier a kiss on the cheek, "Goodnight!" with that she snuggled in and began he descent into sleep.

Blurr forced himself to recharge, knowing that if he stayed awake he would just think.

And that was never a good thing.