Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or the characters contained within said verse. Hasbro does, those greedy bastards.
Author's Note: (SPOILER ALERT) It's a Father's Day/ Birthday Edition! Yep, I couldn't resist. I figured it would be interesting considering there's a "father figure" in Bee's life, and he's also pretty much the awesome Autobot dad. I hope you guys will forgive my themed stuff, but this is the last one I swear!
A quick thank you to reviewers from the last chapter: SailorMoon20114486, sissimay (thanks for all the compliments!), Shadir, and writergurl616. Thank you so much to take the time to review, I really appreciate it! Also, to all of you who've put this fic in your favorites and alerts.
And so, to all the dads out there, you're truly awesome!
An Odd Occurence: The Good Trouble
Wheeljack looked at the plans and nodded in approval, "I think I can get it to you by the end of the cycle."
"Really?" Bumblebee's face lit up with a smile, "That's so awesome, Jack! I can't believe it. Don't you have other things on higher priority, though?"
Wheeljack huffed, "If you ask me, this project is long overdue." His lights flickered on and off, displaying his processors going to work, "I'll comm you when it's done."
"You're the best, Jack!" Bumblebee hugged him around the middle, "Thank you!"
Wheeljack chuckled, "It's my pleasure, Bee."
Bumblebee ran down the hall. He hoped he could catch Sunstreaker and Sideswipe before they headed off for training. As he rounded a corner, he almost smacked right into Ironhide. The gruff instructor immediately started berating him, "And just what do you think you're doin'? Runnin' around like that, you could hurt someone!"
"Sorry, Hide." Bumblebee gave him his best innocent face, "I was just looking for the twins to, you know, go racing and stuff. Do you know where they are?"
Ironhide glared down at him, "I know that look. It's the look where you're starting trouble."
Bumblebee winced, "Well, if I told you it's the good kind of trouble, will you tell me where the twins are?"
"No such thing as 'good trouble.'" Ironhide crossed his arms, "Out with it kid. What's got you all amped up?"
Bumblebee looked from side to side, and then he sent a databurst to Ironhide via a very secure frequency (only Optimus, Chromia, Ratchet, and Bumblebee could access it). Ironhide reviewed the file. With a small smirk, Ironhide moved aside.
"Carry on, soldier."
Bumblebee quickly walked away, waiting until he was around another corner to start running again. Ironhide sent him a small databit, telling the twins' location. Lucky for Bumblebee, the twins had another useful ally in their midst.
Granted, Prowl didn't look too happy when Bee showed up. Still, the little yellow bot knew he could get the tactician to do almost anything. Prowl couldn't deny him much. Bee still kept the majority of the toys Prowl made for him as a tiny sparking.
Prowl frowned at him, "I know that look."
Bee protested, "How come everyone knows my looks? Am I really that easy to read?"
Sunstreaker piped up from behind the brig's bars, "Yeah, pretty much."
Bumblebee glared at him, "I'll deal with you later." He turned to Prowl, clasping his servos in front of him in a pleading gesture. "Can I borrow the twins for a little bit? Please?"
Prowl shook his head, "They skipped monitor duty to go play."
"We were shooting down the slagging seekers! It's in our job description, you fun destroying Decepticon!"
Prowl firmly ignored Sideswipe's outburst, "I can't bend the rules this time, Bee."
Bumblebee pouted, "But, Prowl..." He sent the databurst to the mech, "Please?"
Prowl went through the file in record time, "Alright, permission granted." He lectured, "But you've got to make sure these two get back into their cell by the end of the cycle."
Prowl deactivated the controls for energy bars. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were out of there in a nanoclick. Prowl rolled his optics at them. They merely stuck out their glossa before hightailing it out of there with Bumblebee.
"So," Sunstreaker asked as they rounded the corner, "What are we doing now?"
Bumblebee smiled, "Something worthy of your awesome stealth and skills."
Sideswipe let out a near femme-like squeal, "Yes! We're going to get to blow something up!"
Meanwhile, Optimus Prime was training with some cadets. He was teaching a new bot named Blurr the advantages of hand-to-hand combat. The mech was alright, so long as he remembered to use his adventageous speed over charging headfirst into a match. However, Optimus still got the upper hand, and flipped the poor mech over onto his back in no time.
The Prime heard the cadet groan, and also noted the other trainees were losing their steam as well. Optimus decided to call it a cycle, "Alright everyone, good work. I'll see you the same time next cycle. Now, go rest up and energize. That's an order."
The trainees saluted and everyone filed out, except for Blurr. "SirI'msorry! I'lldobetternexttime, Ipromise!"
Optimus chuckled, "Easy, Blurr. You're new, and I don't expect you to become a soldier overnight. It will take some time."
"Butsir! Yousaidityourself, youneedmeonthebattlefield! NoonecanmoveasfastasIcan-!"
"Indeed, Blurr, your speed is unmatched. However, I don't want to send you into battle without the proper training. I wouldn't do that to anyone, no matter how specialized they are or how much they can contribute to the battle." Optimus put his hand on the mech's shoulder, "As much as I need you out there, I also need you alive. Every cybertronian's life is worth fighting for, including yours, Blurr. You're not expendable. No one is."
Blurr felt his spark whirl like mad in his chassis. He ducked his head down and said, "Thankyou,sir."
"You're welcome. Now, go rest up." Optimus started walking away, "I'll need you ready for some intensive training tomorrow."
Blurr smiled, "Yes,sir. Iwon'tletyoudown."
When Blurr ran into the rec room, he found Bumblebee, Sunstreaker, and Sideswipe sitting at his usual table. Blurr sighed as he got his energon and walked over to them.
"So, whattroubleamIgettingintonow?" Blurr asked, smirking at them.
Bumblebee let out a small squeak of protest, "I swear! I can't be that easy to read."
Sunstreaker smiled, "Aw, it's okay, Bee. Some people just aren't born pokerfaced."
Bee stared at him, "What's pokerfaced?"
"It's an expression used by some alien race. It means you can't hide anything. You give yourself away." Sunstreaker tried to think, "What is that alien race called? Anybody know?"
Sideswipe shrugged, "There's a million gambling planets. Pick one."
Sideswipe turned to Blurr, "Bee's got a pretty good idea. We need you to go get some stuff from a neighboring merchant town and come back within the next vorn."
Blurr shrugged, "Soundseasyenough!Idoitallthetime-Imean,Idoitsometimes...whenProwl'snotonmonitorduty."
"He's got your signature memorized too?" Sunstreaker patted him on the back, "Welcome to Prowl's Top Ten. We're the best of the best!"
"Of the worst." Ironhide interrupted from behind him, "Honestly, will you all quit corrupting our cadets with your crazy antics? It's bad enough we've got you."
Bee pouted, "I'm not easy to read."
"Bee, let it go." Sideswipe said, "Just tell Blurr the master plan and let's get on with it."
"Alright, fine." Bumblebee sent the databurst to Blurr.
Blurr smiled wide, "Yes! Oh,thisisthebestideayou'veeverhad!I'llgorightnow!"
Optimus reviewed several data reports on his desk. He didn't like it. The activity around the new post had been increasing in violence between Autobot and Decepticon scouts. Prime didn't know what to make of it. Why were the Decepticons pushing for such a little piece of nothing? Optimus shook his head.
He pinged for Prowl and Jazz to come to his office. Not even a few nanoclicks later, he heard tapping on his door. Optimus shook his helm. They had obviously read the reports as well. Optimus opened the door, and both of them walked inside.
Prowl began without any formalities, "I think we should go with diplomacy first. Set up a truce of some kind and then have Jazz figure out what they're after."
"Hello, Prowl, nice to see you, too." Optimus said, "Jazz, do you agree with Prowl?"
"Of course I do!" Jazz grinned, "He's the smartest bot I know, and the best looking."
Prowl looked like he was mentally counting to ten before he spoke again. "Prime, I also suggest that we turn the outpost into a makeshift town. It may do us some good to have a small bit of stability, even if only temporary. A reminder of what could happen after the war. The morale has been getting, well, bleak."
Prime looked from Prowl, stern and focused, to Jazz, dreamy eyed and looking at Prowl. Prime decided to stay on task for the moment, "I agree. A reminder could do us all some good. I'll set up the talks with Megatron or Starscream, depending on who's closer."
"Ah," Prowl smirked, "Smart. If it's Megatron, it's just another power play, but if it's Starscream..."
"They're most definitely after something, yes." Prime turned to look at Jazz, "Anything to add?"
Jazz smiled, "Yes, sir! I want some time off."
Prowl sputtered, "Some time off? But Jazz, we can't-I mean, slag, you cant'-!"
"Permission granted." Optimus watched as Prowl's faceplates heated up, "You two should take some time to enjoy your new bond." He stood up to shake their servos, "Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir!" Jazz shook it first, "And thanks for the time off!"
"But the plan! Sir, our mission should come first!" Optimus took Prowl's servo and shook it.
Prime said, "It's part of the mission. You two will be a newly bonded couple, getting some time off in a newly built town and away from the base. It's the perfect cover that just so happens to be true." He waved them in dismissal, "Now go on and be happy."
"Sir-!" Prowl protested as Jazz practically dragged him out of the room.
"That's an order, Prowl." Optimus said merrily.
Blurr returned home within the vorn, just like he promised. In his arms, he carried the essential tools for completing his goal. As he neared the enterance, he saw Optimus Prime coming out. Quickly, he ducked into a side panel, and hoped the leader didn't see him.
Suddenly, he heard a shrill sound he knew all too well.
"Seekers," he spat. He peeked cautiously around the corner.
Starscream and his two other trine mates. Thundercracker stood to the left, and Skywarp to the right. Optimus walked up to Starscream, meeting him halfway.
Optimus said, "So, do you agree to the terms?"
"Yes, I do." Starscream smirked, "However, you do realize it's only temporary?"
"Only until you find what you're looking for, yes?"
Starscream shrugged, "What could I possibly be looking for? Nothing's here."
"Indeed." Optimus Prime tilted his head, "And so much trouble over nothing is just your style, Starscream."
The Air Commander shrugged, "I don't have to tell you anything, Prime, except that you'll lose no matter what and it's best to just surrender now."
Optimus shook his helm, "We'll never surrender, Starscream. You know that."
"A downright shame." Starscream looked mockingly depressed, "I guess we'll just have to annihilate you all."
Blurr forced himself to stay as still as possible while also trying to ignore the burning ache for revenge in his spark.
Optimus barked, "We're done here."
"Fine." Starscream smirked, "It's been fun, Optimus Prime." He warmed up his thrusters, "Do me a favor? Give my regards to Bumblebee."
Blurr gasped. What? Bumblebee? Blurr watched the other seekers chuckle evilly at Prime's death glare. Just as quick as they came, they all shot off into the darkness of Cybertron's night.
Optimus turned around to enter the base, angry footsteps indicating his bad mood. Blurr waited until he went back inside, and then he quickly ran towards the rec room.
Bee, he couldn't have been a Decepticon once, could he? Blurr shook his helm, and refused to think about it. No way, not Bee.
"Hey, Blurr!" Sunstreaker waved over to him, "Good job! Wheeljack's putting the finishing touches on the thing! We can get started any click now."
Blurr handed over the contraband, and then sat down. Sideswipe suddenly noted his sudden drooped posture, "Hey, did the run make you tired? I'll get you some energon."
"Thankyou,Sideswipe." Blurr said. He tried not to think about it, but he just couldn't stop. Bee, a Decepticon, and in the midst of the Autobot forces. Blurr clenched his fists. He had no real proof, and maybe Starscream was just messing with Prime somehow, but...
"Thank you for getting the stuff, Blurr!" Bumblebee smiled at him, "It's going to be so cool! We're heading outside now, you want to come?"
Blurr stared at the bright yellow bot, "Yeah,sure. Justgivemeaclick."
"Alright," Bee's smile faltered, "Are you okay?"
Blurr forced himself to smile, "Yeah,I'mfine." Sideswipe brought over the energon, "Justalittewornout."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Okay, rest up and I'll see you outside soon." Bee waved and then turned to run to the back of the base.
When Optimus got the ping from Ironhide, he had been ready to call it a cycle and go to his room. Ironhide told him, "Hey, Optimus, we've got a small issue with a cadet out back. Can you come help?"
Optimus thought it was odd that Ironhide didn't call Prowl first, but then he remembered he gave them time off. "Yes, I'll be right there." Still, kind of odd Ironhide knew they had time off already. It only happened a few vorns ago.
Oh well. Optimus headed towards the back of the base. He walked pretty much alone through the halls, which was a little odd, too. Normally there would be a few mechs going about from monitor duty to their rooms or training or something. Optimus made a mental note to talk to Red Alert about it later. He was in charge of shift duties, after all.
When he opened the back door, he looked up to see half the base outside and smiling at him. Optimus shuttered his optics, and then everyone yelled out, "Happy Creation Day, Prime!"
Suddenly, a million little flying bombs went off, and Optimus had to stifle the urge to hit the ground. Luckily, Bumblebee had run up to hug him, so Optimus didn't even get the opportunity. Optimus finally got out of the shock and started chuckling.
"So, this is the trouble you were plotting." He patted Bee's helm, "Thank you, Bee."
Bumblebee smiled, "Thank you, wait." He frowned, "You could tell I was planning something?"
"Of course, Bee. I've known you since you were crawling. It's only natural." Optimus looked around, "Although, I never would've guessed you would plot all of this."
Wheeljack walked up, "Well, he had some help." He pointed over to Ironhide and Prowl, who smiled and presented an energon cake. "Elita-1 and Chromia made it, but as you know they're back at their base. They made it before they left, though."
Optimus put a hand over his spark, sending his bonded a warm burst of love and affection. He received one back ten fold.
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe waved from near the contraption that was shooting the bombs into the air, "We helped blow stuff up!"
"Indeed, they did." Wheeljack said, "I really just had to set it all up, they were ready to light the fires."
"Is that why they're all scorched up?" Prime asked, noticing the black marks all over their forms.
"Yes, yes it is." Wheeljack turned to Blurr, "And Blurr got the stuff."
Prime turned to Blurr, "Thank you, Blurr."
Blurr ducked his head down, "Oh,itwasnoproblem,Prime,sir. HappyCreationDay!"
Prime turned to his audience, "Thank you, everyone! I appreciate the gesture, and I want you all to know that the greatest gift I've ever received are the bots I stand before right now. Nothing I do could happen without you, so I thank you, and hope to serve you as well as you've served me."
"Now," Optimus clapped and rubbed his servos together, "Let's eat that cake!"
The crowd cheered.
In the background, Blurr cast a quick glance at Bumblebee. The yellow bot was making small talk with Jazz. Blurr sipped on his energon, thinking over what he should do.
He could just go up and ask Bee, but...Blurr wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.
Bee laughed with Jazz over something the spy said. Bee turned to look at Blurr. He exucsed himself from Jazz and jogged over to his friend.
"Hey, Blurr, you've been looking at me. Do you need something?"
Blurr hesitated, "I'mnotsure." He looked around, and realized the majority of mechs were moving towards the explosive display. "It'sjust,Starscreamsaidtotellyou'hi.' Whatdoesthatmean?"
Bumblebee gasped, and then he frowned, "It means he's trying to mess with me. He's been trying to make me a Decepticon."
Blurr frowned, "Sohetriedtorecruityou,too?"
"He tried to recruit you?" Bee thought about it, "I guess it actually makes sense. You're a pretty amazing asset to a team."
"Right,whichiswhyhetired." Blurr clapped a hand on Bee's shoulder, "Listen,everythinghesaysisalie. Takeitfromme. He'lldowhateverittakes. Staystrong,anddon'tforgetyou'reanAutobot."
"I won't." Bee smiled, "I've learned my lesson. Believe me. I'm staying with my family. No matter what."
Out by the outpost, Starscream watched the light display with a frown on his face plates. Thundercracker sighed beside him, "I thought you were going to let him go?"
"I was." Starscream turned to look at his wingmate, "But I've changed my mind."
Thundercracker shrugged, "Not surprising. You do that a lot."
Starscream smirked, "I do, don't I? Well, it's all Prime's fault, anyway."
"It is?" Thundercracker asked, "Enlighten me?"
Starscream crossed his arms, "Our little chat inspired me to think about the future. It occured to me that I need a legacy, someone to inherit the world after I conquer it. After all, I won't function forever."
Thundercracker sighed, "And so you're choosing the Bumble?"
"Yes, why not?" Starscream motioned to the vast explanse of metal before him, "Who else should get it? Dirge? Thrust? Demolisher? Hook? Shockwave? You?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Thundercracker conceded, "But you have a point. The bot could make a good leader, someday."
"Yes," Starscream waved a hand dismissively, "Let them have him, for now."
He smirked, "It'll be my turn all too soon."
