{Bumblebee 7 orns (months) old}

Optimus tried his very best to balance the data-pads in one arm, with Bumblebee in his other tucked against his side. His health had improved to the point that he was able to return to his own housing unit and to work. The rule about having another Autobot with him at all times at work still stood though, and Ironhide happily took that job.

Bumblebee wasn't heavy, but it was hard to try and keep the sparkling from slipping. One yellow leg was on either side of Optimus, and the sparkling did the same with his arms. Bumblebee's optics darted from place to place as he tried to absorb everything. Many of the Autobots would stop and coo at him, but Bumblebee grew tired of it quickly. He would look up at his sire and chirp sadly, and Optimus would smile at the bot staring at Bumblebee before politely saying that he needed to get back to work.

A little silver servo knocked against the metal of Optimus' side, and the Autobot leader looked down at Bumblebee. The sparkling clicked at Optimus. "Be patient, little one. I'm almost at my office where I can get you some Energon," Optimus said. He continued to walk to his office when Jazz caught him.

"Prime! When were ya plannin' on lettin' me meet your sparklin'?" Jazz asked. Optimus sighed as he faced Jazz.

"Jazz, this is Bumblebee," Optimus said. He stopped talking since he wasn't quite sure about what else to say. Jazz grinned and watched Bumblebee. He cooed at the sparkling. Bumblebee reached out and grabbed the visor covering Jazz's optics. He pulled on it. "Bumblebee! Don't do that." He pried the tiny servo's off. "I'm so sorry." Jazz laughed.

"He didn't mean it. It's fine, Prime. No worries," Jazz said. He patted Optimus' arm. "Pleasure to meet ya, Bee. Welcome to the Autobots." Bumblebee giggled at the funny bot.

"I need to head to my office. You're welcome to join us," Optimus offered. Jazz fell in step beside him as they walked down the hall. Bumblebee began to fuss as his tanks demanded fuel. Ironhide opened the door for Optimus but clipped Jazz with it.

"Hey, what was that for?" Jazz yelped. Ironhide just laughed and took a seat beside Optimus. Bumblebee was placed in his lap as Optimus left the room to get some Energon for his sparkling. "Bee's cute."

"Yeah, he is. Prime's lucky, but not as much as me," Ironhide responded.

"Yeah you're lucky. But Chromia ain't. She's bonded to you," Jazz joked. Ironhide growled.

Optimus returned and took Bumblebee back. He didn't miss the sound that came from Ironhide. It had been close to a whine. Bumblebee sucked on the cube as hard as he could when it was placed in his mouth but Optimus pulled it away enough that Bumblebee eased up. "Ironhide, how long until Chromia delivers your sparkling?" Optimus asked. Ironhide recalled the informationn from his memory banks before responding,

"Two orns. Prime, I was wonderin' if I could take some time off closer to then."

"Of course. Would a deca-cycle before and after the delivery work?" Ironhide nodded.

"Thanks Prime."

"While Hide's off, who's gonna watch you?" Jazz asked. Optimus frowned at the phrasing. He sighed.

"I shouldn't need to be constantly watched by that time. Chromia's being taken off active duty in two deca-cycles. Ironhide, if you need more time off later, please let me know. I'll try to help out in any way possible. Jazz, have there been any signs of the Decepticons lately?"

"Yeah. They've been movin' around a lot, but haven't attacked a single bot yet," Jazz replied. Optimus nodded. He looked down at Bumblebee when the yellow sparkling struggled to be put down. He shakily began to crawl to Ironhide. Jazz had to stand to be able to watch, but each bot couldn't tear their optics away from the sight of Bumblebee moving to Ironhide then putting his arms up to say that he wanted Ironhide to hold him. Ironhide happily complied and scooped Bumblebee into his arms. He tickled Bumblebee's stomach (for lack of a better Transformer sounding word) and the sparkling clicked, chirped, whistled, and laughed.

Optimus jumped when his comm-link went off. Reluctantly, he stood and left the room. In the hallway he opened the comm-link message.

::Prowl to Optimus Prime::

::Optimus here::

::The Decepticons have attacked a group of femmes on patrol:: Prowl

::I'm on my way to the command center. Can you fill me in on the way?:: Optimus

::I'm sending the coordinates to you now. No injuries have been reported yet. From what one of the femmes said, there are five or more Decepticons for each femme:: Prowl

::Send a group of Autobots as soon as you can. I'm going to go straight there:: Optimus

::Sir, Chromia was among the femmes attacked:: Prowl

Optimus' body jerked to a stop. Horror filled him for a moment.

::I... I'm on my way. Don't tell Ironhide until I tell you. We don't need him snapping and slaughtering everything in his path. If he asks where I am, just tell him something came up and for him to watch Bumblebee. Understood?:: Optimus

::Affirmative. Good luck, Prowl out::

Optimus swore with every swear word known to him in his mind. He had to get there before anything happened to her. Otherwise no one would be safe from Ironhide's wrath. That was the only thing on his mind as he transformed and sped from the base.


Chromia dodged another shot from the Decepticon that was set on deactivating her and her alone. He ignored every other femme on the battlefield as he focused on the navy blue femme. She growled as he approached and lashed out with a blade. She jumped back as the sharp double-edged sword nearly caught the metal of her thigh. His fist connected with her face and she recoiled in pain. With a snarl, she smashed his face in response. "Go pick on someone your own size!" She screamed as he picked her up and she fought against him. "Let me go!" Her wish was granted when Optimus Prime transformed and slashed the cables giving strength to the Decepticons arm. She was released, but Optimus scooped her up before she hit the ground.

"Find some cover Chromia!"

"No! I'm not leaving my team to fight alone!" Chromia snapped. She stepped in front of Optimus as the next group of Decepticons began to attack. Both Chromia and Optimus ducked as one of the cannons fired with their helms as the target. "Slag! Why are they all going for me?"

"I think in that case, they were actually aiming for me. If you won't find cover, than please, at least fight with one of the other femmes beside you," Optimus said. Chromia gave a nod as Optimus ran to provide cover fire for one of the younger femmes who was trapped by one of the Decepticons. She fired at the next Decepticon that thought that she would be a good target. She dashed towards a young femme by the name of Arcee, since the pink youngling had been attacked by a group of 'Cons. "Chromia, watch out!" Optimus' voice cried out.

Chromia looked up at the same time as a blast of light caught her straight in the chest. She screeched as she fell backwards. Pain coursed through her circuts as she saw through distorted vision the shape of a mech coming to her rescue. The flashes of red and blue made her fight to keep her optics online. Her processor ached as she struggled to find such as simple peice of information such as the mech's name. It was there, floating just out of reach. The sound of several transformations met her pained audios and she felt herself being lifted into strong arms. "Easy, Chromia. I'll get you to Ratchet. Just hold on," he said. He shouted a few orders as he began to run. His rich baritone seemed familiar, but she couldn't put a name to who it was. What was wrong with her?