Spark of Bots: Iron's World, Chapter 10

Incredulously she asks again. voice shaking, "My Mother, was here?"

He swallows hard knowing she needs to know the truth in order to trust him, "Sideswipe found her there." He points to the ledge using his neutral voice of debriefing. By the dazed look on her face, he knows she has just figured out this is the place her mother was tortured during Lilly's incubation. Then he takes her shoulders adding a nudge of comforting command, "We have a mission. We have to finish it. Right?"

Lilly nods to him silently and reverently sets the piece of metal aside. Then she gets herself together. Pulling upright, Iron sees her mother's strength and her sire's determination to stay on task take over: "Give me the hook."

He only questions her ability with a look for a second. The returning scowl has him handing it over. With a curl of her wrist the hook is cast high and he pulls it taught against his heavier weight. Then, with a boost from him, uses the cable to climb her way up. He follows her close behind. The near straight up climb was not easy, but no one is going to argue: duty must be done. No other choices.

Nor was there any other choice but to land on the ledge. The restraining bolts were still evident in the rock face. Lilly can even see the stains of Cybertronian life-fluids. 'Iron can see Lilly is overcome by the horror of memories surging from her incubation trying to shield herself from her mother and Shockwave. It was like a black hole had sucked her back to that moment in time trying to tear her and her mother apart all over again. She could hear her mother's screams as Shockwave tore her armor off not even bothering to release the catches attached to the underlying soft underarmor. And Rosa Pax-Rod just snarling and egging him on with her vicious and scandalous retorts. Lilly had felt all of Rosa's silent prayers to Jesus to hide and protect her beloved's offspring.

Lilly moaned ebbing towards a wallow. Iron touches her Autobot-shield with his left hand again. This time the glow is stronger and brighter. It also seems to be just the thing to bring Lilly around. She smiles to him, still shaking from the vivid memory, but grateful for his intrusion. Curling her against his body, he warms her and sends his support and Once he sees she is centered and focused, he reels in the cable and they prepare for the final assent.

But then they hear human voices. Time was running out.

"The Decepticons are sending a bartering team. They will arrive shortly. Get it ready, but don't take any chances. You can't trust these guys," a gruff smuggler barks. "Let's go." The humans move off.

The Autobot spy team swiftly ascends the ledge and looks for cover on the cliff top. Iron points to a set of Seatrain units. Using their bond link, she nods and lets him feel the pull she gets as well.

Slipping inside the container unit, 'Iron and Lilly quickly latch the door from the inside. Once sure that the guards have left, 'Iron turns on one of his own lights. They turn towards the slab in the center of the double wide units.

Wroughtiron gasps, "By the All Spark!" Lilly can't see it, but can feel it. She kicks on her own light, just to be sure. Quickly she turns to 'Iron. The realization to the mission has just slammed him in the spark chamber reverberating through their bond. He touches his long range highly secured com, /Sir, mission accomplished./

One answer comes back from Rodimus, /Are you positive?/

Lilly pulls the shield off the center of her chest. Most reverently, she kisses it and then places it into her grandfather's helmet. The shield glows slightly. The ring on Iron's hand begins to tingle the closer he brings it to the body. /Yes./

/On my way,/ Rodimus sounds relieved.

Lilly is running her hands over her grandfather's face so tenderly. Iron can't help but just stare at the sight before him. Optimus Prime is a battered mess. Worse than when they sealed him in the mausoleum. One arm is missing. All the glass is broken. One optic is gone. He looks like he has been dragged through the universe by the point of his helmet. One helmet tip is bent backwards the other has been snapped off completely. But the dull grey color sickens Iron to the core.

Lilly on the other hand, can see where someone has been working on repairing Optimus. There are exposed new wires, electronic diagnostic machines, and welding marks. She reaches out to Iron in his stunned shape, "Iron. Wroughtiron." She gets his attention the second time. "Someone has been working on him. They will be coming back." And then they hear it. 'Con engines with weapons warming up. She turns to him, /Can you run interference? I can hide him with my shield./

Iron smiles, /I have a better idea./ She smiles with him getting playful. /Merge, I'll tell you on the way./

Quickly they merge into Ironfire and go invisible. Sneaking out of the container, they head out to the open area away from container. Iron figures if 'Cons picked up his communication signal, at least he can distract them over in this area while the Autobots extract Optimus. The planned sounded good. Now hopefully the 'Cons will fall for it and Rodimus will be quick.

The 'Cons land in the open field where several humans are waiting. Thrust unfolds, "So where is he?"

The lead human pirate crosses his arms over his chest, "First, where is unit I asked for?" Thrust rolls his optics and then pulls the device from his side cavity. He tosses it to the human. The human points, "He's over-"

"I'm right here!" a firm voice challenges them all.

Thrust swings around and stares at Optimus Prime in pristine condition. Thrust gasps, "You're active?" He turns to the human, "You said-"

Optimus lights his sword with one hand and twitches his servos finger with the other in the classic come & get me stance, "You wanted me, you got me. Come on!"

Thrust whips out his own gun, "You will rest in pieces when I get done with you, Optimus Prime." Three more Seekers come down and surround Optimus.

Ironfire-Optimus mutters under his breath, "Hurry up Rodimus." Thrust charges and the ruckus begins. Ironfire, presented as Optimus Prime, takes several hits, but gives many, many more.

Thrust chuckles, "This resurrection makes you fight differently. Nice change of pace."

Just when it looks like Optimus is going to get knocked down, a space bridge opens up on the field. Ultra Magnus, Rodimus, Kup and Bee come charging out. Magnus instantly fires on Thrust.

Rodimus only looks once at Optimus with glee, then instantly changes his look to a furious scowl, "Wait until we get home!" He thinks he is chiding his daughter. Rodimus fires a round off to the right at someone trying to take out his daughter disguised as his predecessor, then fires another to the left at a round directed at himself. He directs Bee, "Cover her!" Bee furrows his brow at the directions not seeing a her, but keeps firing, taking over Rodimus' position. Optimus blocks Rodimus' path and then instantly changes into his true form: Ironfire. Rodimus tilts his head in complete confusion of this new being.

Ironfire points a finger at Rodimus, "I'll get him, you get that bridge open."

Rodimus narrows his gaze, "Who are you?"

"Ironfire, Prime" Shock comes over Rodimus. Ironfire snarls (classic Ironhide style), "Just do it!" Rodimus yanks his head back at the order from this new 'Bot. Ironfire doesn't wait for an interrogation and runs off to the container unit.

Ultra Magnus chuckles. Rodimus nails him in the can with his rifle for the humorous retort. Bee decides he might be safer running cover for the new 'Bot. Swiftly, Ironfire gets the container unit open and the true Optimus lifted into his arms. Ultra Magnus has the bridge open holding cover fire. Rodimus holds the other side of the bridge covered. Kup and Bee run protection for Ironfire. In a run, all make it through.

As soon as they make it through the gate, the team rushes the real Optimus Prime to the med bay. Wroughtiron knows he is needed at this point, so he pulls back as soon as the elder Prime is carefully laid on the gurney. Ironfire is now revealed as Fire Lilly and Wroughtiron, to everyone's amazement.

Rodimus has a few seconds to stare at Lilly while Wheeljack prepares Optimus. Lilly just smiles and raises her hands in a shrug. She knows this isn't the time or place. This is her father's moment to turn to his mentor and successor. She backs out of the room and gestures for him to deal with Optimus. He tips his head in respect, but shoot her a scowl that their former conversation isn't over.

Through the glass, Lilly and several others watch the medical team huddle over Optimus. It takes hours just to get some semblance to the chest cavity into working order and the optic replaced.

And then the time comes. Wheeljack has the chest chamber open. Rodimus lifts his own and extracts the Matrix. Then with a sigh of relief and a prayer of hope, he places it inside Optimus Prime's chest. And everyone holds their breath.

Lilly is very surprised to see her father does not revert back to Hot Rod. He remains Rodimus. She is torn between watching Optimus, her father and watching 'Iron carefully.

Iron on the other hand has stayed focused on his task and kept their bond closed on his side in order to focus. Only now, glancing to the window, does he open the bond fully. He wasn't sure what he would get. Her face smiles, but her bond is euphoric. She is so proud of her mate. He blushes. She is so happy for herself and all the Autobots for the return of Prime. In response, she feels Wroughtiron's hope and all his emotions for Optimus. Most of all, she feel his gratitude of her staying and encouraging him through the surgery. He may have closed his sends, but he received all her support. Thank you, love.

She thrust a burst of a hug through the bond, Thank you right back for believing in me."

The gasp and cough from the table brings everyone's focus around. Rod reaches forward and takes Optimus' hand, "Hello, Prime. How do you feel?"

Optimus turns his head carefully, "Buzzy but good. Where am I?"

Ultra Magnus steps forward and smiles down, "Home Optimus. You are back in Iacon's library. It has become our base… again." He nods over to Rod, "Rodimus Prime was able to bring it back under Autobot control."

Optimus smiles most grateful that Rod could save his home city. Then he looks at Hot Rod with a new light, "Ah, I had a feeling it would be you." Carefully he sits up, "How long has it been?"

Rod sighs with glee to be no longer in charge, "Too long. It's amazing how much the Matrix weighs. I am not sorry to give it back to it's rightful barer." Optimus lays a hand on his shoulder with a pat, "I'm sure you did fine." He looks around the room at everyone watching him. Then he looks out the window to even more. "Looks like you have some new faces." Manta, Sun Blossom, Dauber, Hope, Kegan and Electra, stand with Fire Lilly side by side.

Wheeljack growls, "You have no idea. No thanks to you!"

Optimus swiftly looks up to him, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Wheeljack narrows his gaze at frightened Rod violently shaking his head, begging him not to reveal this information yet. But Wheeljack continues with a more than pleased smirk bouncing a wrench in honor of Ratchet. He enjoys having something over both Primes' heads, "Ask your son-in-law."

Optimus snaps his head back to Rod in confusion. "Rosa!" Rod flushes and backs away carefully. Then Wheeljack taps Optimus' shoulder and points to the window, "Or your grandchildren." Optimus blinks in more shock. He looks between the smiling wiggling fingers of the lovely pink/orange female with hints of his own Rosa and flushing Rodimus backing out of harm's reach.

Ultra Magnus chuckles, "Or her mate." He narrows his gaze at Wroughtiron. Wroughtiron freezes in fear of both father and grandfather-Primes will do to him.

"WHAT?" Both Rod and Optimus bark in 'Iron's direction.

Wheeljack bonks Magnus on the head with a wrench, "Yeah well I hear Prime's grandson has been chasing your daughter around the Goren Plains tonight."

"WHAT?" Optimus, Magnus and Rod all shout back. Optimus grabs his spinning head. Rod grabs his own. Magnus growls gripping his helm as well with an evil glare in Rod's direction. Poor mech is feeling it from both sides.

Optimus squints at Rod tapping the Matrix, "Ready to take it back?"

Rod groans already feeling pretty low, "Not if you ripped off both my legs, shot me in the back and shoved it back into my chest. I'm done being Prime!" He narrows his gaze between Lilly and 'Iron, "It's hard enough being a father!"

Optimus snerks, "Yeah, tell me about it." He searches the room for Rosa, but figures maybe she is on assignment. It does make him curious why no one has said anything. Instead, Optimus looks over at Wroughtiron who he has known since incubation, "I'm a grandfather?" Wroughtiron holds up his left hand so both Rod and Optimus can see the green stemmed band with flamed leaves and the fire-lily in the center fused to his hand. Rod recognizes Rosie's band modified to represent Lilly instead.

"My daughter choose him?" Optimus and Rod ask at the same time. Then look at each other. What did the other mean?

Optimus stands up and leans on Rod, "I think we need to talk, Son." Limping he heads for the door. "I think this Matrix is too big for just one to bare, Prime."

Wheeljack tries to protest. But Optimus ignores him. Wheeljack blocks his path again, "Look it Prime, in this room 'Iron and I give the orders."

Optimus lays his only hand on Wheeljack's shoulder, "I'm not leaving the base. It will take time for you and Wroughtiron to fabricate a new arm and Ion cannon, right?" Wheeljack nods. Optimus looks towards Fire Lilly, "It's been too long. I'd like to see my family, if you don't mind. Rodimus will be my guard. If all else fails, I'll hand the Matrix back to him." Rod frowns like Pit. Optimus chuckles and winks, "We could always give it to Ultra Magnus." A string of obscenities comes from the blue General. Rod and Optimus give a hearty laugh back.

Wheeljack steps aside, "Take it easy with him, Rod." Rod nods easing Optimus toward the door.

~~ At the door Rod holds out a hand asking Lilly to join them, "We need to talk, family." Lilly comes over and looks up into the face of her living grandfather. His smile is so warm and comforting. So much like her mother's.

Rod introduces his daughter, "Optimus, I would like for you to meet Rosie's daughter, Fire Lilly."

Optimus lowers himself to one knee and smiles into his mate's green optics with the name so close to his dead sparkling. Swallowing hard, his hand strokes her cheek. They share a private conversation via closed com about Elita and their sparkling Lilly. This Lilly clings to him supporting him with the wave of his loss and yet elation of finding each other.

Then he takes a deep sigh and strokes her face, "You remind me very much of Rosa's mother, my other mate Poco." Lilly smiles at the compliment and presses his hand to her cheek.

Rod chokes, "You have no idea how strong that Garcia trait runs in her."

Optimus chuckles and winks at Lilly, "I believe his time as leader has caused him to forget his own past."

Lilly smiles having an ally in teasing Hot Rod, "Yeah, tried to tell him that myself."

Optimus laughs harder and then looks around, "So, where is your mother? Where is my Rosa?"

Lilly and Rod's faces turn somber. Lilly touches her father's hand and looks to him with deep grief, "We were at the jungle base. I… I was there. There are still… pieces."

Rod shakes his head heavily and wraps his arms around his daughter nearly crushing her. Memories of Rosie's death washes over him and he lowers his face to her helm top. Lilly in turn whispers to him, "I love you, Papa. You are so brave and strong."

Rod's chest threatens to sob. His now bonded daughter is beginning to learn the strength it takes when loving some one so deeply. "Sweetspark, I am so blessed to have you. I don't miss her nearly as much with you around. And you… you were her strength at that time."

Lilly turns her head to look at her father optic to optic, "Papa, that's because I have your bravery. I knew I was a creation of love. I never let Mama forget you loved her. And she never let me forget how strong you are. It made us determined to come home to you." Rod closes his optics and presses his forehelm to hers absorbing all the essence of Rosa from his daughter.

In the silence, Optimus understands quickly, Rosie is horrifically gone. Rod finally looks up to Optimus, tears streaming down his face begging forgiveness for not protecting his mentor's daughter. Optimus, the patriarch, reaches his hand out and draws both of them into his protection. The two husbands share a look. Both of them had watched their mate's tragic deaths for duty. Optimus' voice is comforting to Rod, "It's alright, Son. It will be alright. The children are our lineage of love, aren't they?" Rod nods and sighs again in relief. Optimus has accepted him into his family. They both glance back to Wroughtiron hovered over a computer with Wheeljack making plans.

Lilly sends, Love, look at us. Wroughtiron lifts his head and turns to the Prime family in a warm embrace. The fathers have very warm and proud expressions directed at Ironhide & Chromia's lineage: Now a member of their family. They smile. My love, they are very happy I have bonded and will carry on the love they have shared with their mates. You have been accepted. Wroughtiron closes his optics and blushes deeply. Wheeljack taps his shoulder, causing him to turn back.

'Iron sends back, Let me know if you need me. I'm going to stay here and do everything I can for Optimus.

Not before I say I love you.

To which, he turns back and faces her directly, (ignoring the sires) We may have bonded in a flash, but I have to tell you, I've loved you since you were born. It has only changed and grown deeper with every vorn. Now it's Lilly's turn to blush.

Ultra Magnus comes up blocking the newly-bonded and gently prods the higher ranking commanders, "Primes, I think you should both head to the private quarters. I'll take over command and call if we need either of you. I have already paged Firelock to the quarters. Don't make me order you… just go." Silently the trio head to the Supreme Commander's personal quarters.

Firelock is already waiting inside. Sitting rather cockily on the desk edge. Optimus smiles wirily at the spunky orange 'Bot with green flames. Clearly he is his father's son. Optimus smirks at Rod. Rod shakes his head back in amused warning.

Firelock crosses his arms over his chest looks at solemn Lilly. "Hey sis, what's with the rumor about you and 'Iron? And is this really…?"

Lilly smiles proudly, "Yes, Firelock. This is mother's sire, Optimus Prime."

Optimus puts his only hand out, "Hello Firelock."

Firelock narrows his gaze, "I thought you were dead?" Then he looks over to his father, "So does this mean Hot Rod is back?"

Rodimus looks to Optimus for an answer. Optimus smiles, "That hasn't been determined. Command structure still needs to be discussed."

Firelock pouts, "Darn, I was hoping to race Hot Rod."

Rod leans back and crosses his arms, "Any time you are ready."

Optimus chuckles. Lilly looks up to him, "See what I have to deal with!"

Optimus points a finger at Rod, "Hum, reminds me of your little racing club how many a nights you spent scrubbing the hanger floors."

Rod turns back to him, "Yeah well now it's out to Goren-" quickly he clamps a hand over his mouth. Optimus raises an eyebrow. Firelock stomps on Rod's foot. Lilly cover her face with her hand in shame. Clearly too many restraints are off Rod's processor with the removal of the Matrix.

Firelock looks at her hand over her face and gasps, "The rumors are true?" He steps forward. They all admire the black band wound around her finger with sparkling blue dots.

Optimus smiles broadest of all and kneels before her stoking and examining the band, "You choose well, my dear. Wroughtiron will treat you well. Even when he was young, he was an honor to his parents' shield. I'm proud to have him apart of my family." Then with a wink, "I know his father would approve of you as well."

Rod hadn't thought about that before. What would tough Ironhide say to his daughter bound to Hot Rod's daughter? Or Chromia? Oh, he had been on the receiving of her wrath as well during his rash training days. But this moment wasn't about him, this was about Fire Lilly. Rod finally has to agree. "And by the looks of Ironfire, it was meant to be. You were something out there on the battle field. I was more proud than upset to see you in action."

Firelock nods, "Yeah I heard you guys were crazy enough to take on four 'Cons pretending to be him," shooting a thumb Optimus' direction.

Optimus' optics go wide. Lilly blushes, "I hope you don't mind, Grandfather. I have this hologram ability and surprise seemed like our best offense."

He smirks, "You used your best attribute." He taps his head. "That makes me proud." Then he feels the shield back in his forehead. Taking it out again, he presses it into her forehead, just like he had done for Rosa. "Keep it. It is yours now. Great honor you have brought to your family."

Firelock nods in agreement, not a bit jealous, "Yeah Sis. I might be fast and crazy but you got the processor and the brazenness."

~~~ Down in the med bay, Wheeljack finishes up his plans with Wroughtiron and then heads off to his own lab to do some work. 'Iron turns his own duties of repairs for Optimus' new arm. Ever so carefully he is working when another presence comes into the room. 'Iron glances up and sees Manta pick up the last tools they had used for Optimus' initial surgery. He begins cleaning them up without even being asked.

"So, I heard a rumor," Manta begins. Iron doesn't look up from his work or answer. "Oh come on, 'Iron. Is it true?"

Without looking up from the delicate work, "Which rumor are you talking about?"

"You skipped the asking the femme out and jumped her into bond hood."

Iron snaps his neck and barks, "Watch your mouth!" Manta's optics go wide at his friend's harsh response. Iron takes a moment and sighs. He should know better, Manta isn't crass, that wasn't the way his question should have been taken. "I'm sorry, Manta." He drops his optics back to his work.

Manta tries again a little softer and back to cleaning the tools, "So, tell me the truth."

Iron stills his left hand and retracts the sanitary glove. Manta can see the ring permanently bonded, melded into his underarmor. "Is that Rosa's commitment ring?" Iron bites his lower lip and slightly nods. "Does PRIME know?" Once again he sheepishly nods. This time Manta gasps, "And you're still online?!" Iron chuckles lightly, brings the glove back and resumes his work. Manta on the other hand stills his work and probes further, softly, "What happened? I mean one minute we're setting up for a game waiting for you on the court and then we hear you disappeared. Three years, nearly four, and you show back up merged with Prime's daughter, like my parents, with the legendary Optimus Prime in your arms. Then I hear through the rumor mill you are BONDED. Jeeze, Iron when I kept kicking you to make your move I didn't mean like that!"

'Iron sighs heavily. He turns Optimus' skeletal servo over and begins soldering the extra components on specifically needed for the older Prime's unique systems. "Look, I was going to come talk to you, when I had a chance. But as you can see, I have work to do. I appreciate you coming to help me clean up, but I need to concentrate. I really can't afford to screw this up."

Manta nods, "Alright, I can respect that. A lot has changed since you've been gone. Sun Blossom and Dauber are teenagers, near adults, like Electra now. In fact the four of us have a band. People are already talking about a PRIME PARTY. Should we add in a bonding celebration? And just how long have you two been bonded, may I ask?"

Wroughtiron slams the soldering gun down and turns fully to his friend, "Manta! Not! NOW! Please! I need some peace and concentration."

Manta's optics go really wide but isn't going to be pushed off so easily. They have been friends for way too long for that. Instead he leans in whispering, "Is the interfacing not compatible like we both feared?" Manta's tone is in concern for a deep fear they've both had. Not an ounce of jest or cruelty, but pure fear.

Iron drops his forehelm to the ball of Manta's shoulder and sighs confiding finally with someone who would understand, "Only a couple of days and I wouldn't know."

Manta continues to whisper, "You haven't tried?"

Iron pulls back and flicks a finger to the project before him, "Been a little busy on a mission. Now, will you please go away so MAYBE I can find out? Humm?"

Manta nods swiftly, "I'll get these clean up and put away so you have move a bit quicker."

Iron smiles to the support and then flicks a finger to another room, "Sanitation is over there."

Manta salutes, "Yes, Commander!" Iron just shakes his head and resumes his work.

~~ No sooner had Manta finished, than he silently slipped out of the sanitation room. Still consumed with his work, Iron did not see the secret nod to Wheeljack. Nor Wheeljack's secret nod back. Manta left. Wheeljack came over to Iron still focused deeply in his work. He looks it over and nods and hums his approval. "You know Iron, you've come a long way from that scrawny youngling grieving for his creator."

Iron stills his hands and looks to Wheeljack, one of his mentors, with great appreciation. Wheeljack lays a hand on his shoulder, "I sure am proud to see the mech you have become, and bonded as well. Who knows, you might be able to add sire to your list soon enough."

Iron blushes and turns away despairingly soft, "Don't place any bets on that one."

Wheeljack takes Iron's chin making him face the white older mech, "Hey, none of that, do you hear me? I heard Ironhide's tears for Chromia's tears when Ratchet brought them that news. And look at you right here before me. Son, and I mean that with all honestly, you have become the son to so many of us. Look what you have accomplished!" Wheeljack spreads his arms wide. "You were mentored by the best doctor in the whole universe! And then took what Red Alert, First Aide, Medivac, Topspin and Firestar could teach you about Transformer medicine. But was that enough for you?" Iron flushes. "No, then you asked Perceptor and I for more information. And I have gladly stood by your side letting you lead while you thought I was. Everyone knew you ran this bay. Why do you think the Tegans wanted you?" Iron drops his head.

Wheeljack chuckles and wraps an arm around the young black mech's shoulder, "You do us all proud by accepting our teaching and taking it forward and making it something honorable and wonderful. Saving lives and improving others. I know Ironhide would pound me to shrapnel for calling you my son, heh, but I didn't see him teaching you engineering."

Iron blushes a little, "Actually he did. He showed me how to build a shelter from your projects."

Wheeljack roars into laughter triggering Iron's. "And Chromia?"

"How to fine tune it."

Wheeljack laughs even heavier, "Yeah sounds like her."

"Well, looks like you almost have that done. I should let you finish so you can get to your beloved. Have you heard from her since the blow up?"

Iron rubs the back of his head tiredly, "Words, no. Comfort and support, yeah. Lots."

Wheeljack leans in, "Annnnd…."

Iron sheepishly turns away from his batchelor-mentor, "I feel guilty."

The white mech sags against the workbench a gasp, "What?"

Iron looks back to his project. The arm and hand Optimus will need to lead these Autobots. Alone. Without a mate. But at least he's had one, well two. Iron caresses the fingers, "I know there aren't very many femmes therefore not enough mates to go around…"

Wheeljack leans in and smiles, "Are you feeling guilty that you have someone who loves you enough to share your life force and some of the rest of us are just to darn scared to take a risk like that?"

Iron turns back, "'Jack, you aren't afraid of anything."

Wheeljack lays his and over Optimus', "Yes, I am. He loved and lost and keeps going, I wouldn't be able to. If I lost, I would be lost. Therefore, I have no interest in taking the chance." He smirks and pushes away from the bench, "I'll stick to breaking sparks, thank you very much." And the door closes behind him.

It takes Iron another thirty minutes to figure out, "HEY! You guys left me to man the med-bay!" Frag! He can't leave it unattended. Someone always had to be on call for the just in case. Finished with his project, he slumps down onto the berth set aside just for the poor bot stuck with graveyard 'bay duty.

~~ Medical Emergency: Ping Medical Emergency: Ping Medical Emergency:

Wroughtiron shot up so quickly, he smacked his chevron on the underside of the alcoved berth ceiling. The PA calls again, so he barks back, "I heard you!" He slams the com beside him: "Wroughtiron responding: Nature of emergency and patient?" He can already see it's coming from the rec-room.

A very calm voice responds, "Spark Arrest. I think they said Prime."

"Scrap! On my way! Out!"

Iron leaps from the berth and snags the med bag designated for spark-arrest from the cove by the door. Into the halls he leaps, tosses the case into the air, flips to his truck mode and lets the case land in his bed. Then peals rubber down the hall.

Frag, not Prime. They just got him back. Scrap, what could I have missed?

So focused on the emergency and berating himself for not being a better medic, Iron completely forgot about his sparkmate, until she sends to him, Hey, you're a nervous fit. What's wrong?

Startled by her send, Iron careened into the turn, nearly taking out another bot, "Sorry, medic en route, clear the way!" But he just couldn't find it within himself to tell her he failed her family by screwing up and letting Prime die… again. Pouring on the power, he was NOT going to let that happen. He had too many years of experience to wimp out now.

Seeing the doorway just ahead, he flips to his proto-form, catching the case on his way. He dashes into the room. It's a full fledged party, just like Manta had promised.

"I'll take that," two armed Optimus says, taking the med case.

Iron gasps, "You're…."

Optimus smiles, "Just fine, son. Just fine." Wiggling his fingers, he smiles, "And it feels great. Thank you ."

A second arm grabs Iron's elbow and drags him towards the center of the room. Turning, he sees it's grinning Wheeljack, "You're needed over here."

The room is crowded and bewildered Iron just gapes like a fish out of water. Wheeljack stops him, "Stand right here."

Arcee comes by and puts an elegantly crystal cut flute of vintage bubbling Energon into his hands, "You need this and-"

Rodimus coming up behind Wheeljack, "And this." Rodimus tugs Lilly's arm to get her to stop talking to Hope. It takes both of his hands on her shoulder to make her turn and face her mate. "There. Much better."

Lilly smiles seeing her mate, "Hey."

Iron, still baffled just whispers, "Hey."

Hope, seeing them, giggles, "Really, Lilly, that's all you have to say to your mate? And you Iron, jeeese what a pick up line."

Do I dare kiss you like I want in front of everyone?

Why don't you just hold me for now, we'll see about a spark-blowing kiss later, she sends back to him. Smiling, he does as she asked and reaches a hand to her waist. As soon as his arm encloses the circle of her waist, and her head is tucked against his chest, they both sigh in contentment. Home. They were home at last. Rodimus puts a flute into his daughter's hand as well and strides away.

And then the tinkling of metal against glass is heard. Hope leans into Iron, "You know this one don't you?"

Iron flushes, "You… you can't… can't be serious?"

Iron looks over to Optimus for clarification. Prime's voice rises above the tinkling of servo tips against crystal, "Do you need me to make it an order, soldier?" Iron's optics go wide in disbelief. Optimus narrows that scowl in warning.

"Um, Lilly, I've been ordered to kiss you in front of everyone."

Lilly lifts her head and faces him, "I know, I suggested it." Once again he just gapes at her. "Kiss me you, loose nut."

Oh, she did no just challenge him. He downs the flute in one shot, holding the empty crystal to Hope who accepts it. Then he takes Lilly's as well and downs that as well, grimacing while the bubbles tickle his nose. Hope takes that one as well. Lilly's optics go wide this time with the vicarious send pulses. One arm still supporting her waist, the other hand cups the side of her neck, thumbing her jaw.

What the older bots saw, was a classic Ironhide/Chromia lip-lock-pounce. Iron takes her mouth with his own, bending her over his arm slipping s thought between hers.

Optimus and Rod's sparks still seeing a nearly identical Poco/Rosa response. Her hands grasp any thing she can. In this case, helm buds. Not letting him get away with being the dominator, she pushes back into the kiss, letting a leg rise from the floor and press her knee to his hip. He moans, she pushes back.

And the room erupts in cheers. Iron pulls back with a sweet kiss to her lips and then press them to her forehelm. Lilly curls her body against his.

Sorry, I shouldn't have been so forceful.

Lilly giggles back and slaps him lightly in the lower back, I asked for it.

Now he giggles back stroking her painted back, So you did, so you did.

Manta comes over and slaps Iron on the back, "Jeeze buddy, I thought you were going to do the horizontal tango on the dance floor." Iron only sends Lilly another wicked send. She replies with one of her own. "Okay, I'm going to guess by the silence and the facial expressions your' bond-link works," Manta is full of sincerity.

Lilly smiles and nods. (Her own parents were never able to make a full bond-link.) Manta smiles and soothes her helm, "Good." Then he looks over, the rest of the group is assembled, "Ah, excuse me, a special request from my fans."

Both helms watch him stride away knowing that this party isn't over yet. Manta, Sun Blossom, Dauber, Electra, Casey and Rodimus are on the stage. And then the music begins. Casey picks up one mic and Rod the other.

Casey starts:

In a flash of fire and mech became a sire,

In a flash of light and femme's prayer came to life.

In a flash of honor and duty

A prayer became a work of duty.

Here before us all is Iron & Chrome loved by all

Rod tries not to choke on his words looking to his precious daughter:

One time ago I held your tiny hand

But look at you today and where you stand

You are no longer my sparkling-dear

Oh no, you area warrior who brings the fear!

A flower of strength and a fire of grace

It's no wonder that mech has taken my place.

I could not be more proud than to see you with him in this crowd.

Casey joins Rod:

Before us now in this very crowd stands a bonded pair

Not

Neither Primus or Pit will tear them to bits.

The music doesn't get a chance to finish. The base PA overrides the recreational broadcast: "I'm sorry, but there's been another pirate attack. Hostages. Team one, report to Hangar 2 Axiom is waiting." Ultra Magnus orders.

Wroughtiron cups his mate's face tenderly, "Want me to come with you?"

She shakes her head, "No, you are needed here. Right?" He nods softly and sadly. "Alright. This bond isn't going to stop or duties, right? It didn't stop our parents, did it?" He smiles. Instead, he leans in and kiss her warmly. Her fingers curl into his armor.

With that, she leaves with Springer, Leadfoot, reluctant Rod, Roadbuster, Topspin and Wheeljack.

Wroughtiron goes back to the doorway and picks up the med kit beside the door, "Wroughtiron-"

Iron turns to the soothing voice of Optimus but cuts him off weary, "If it's all the same to you sir, I'd just like to go back to the med bay. I have a few projects I left in stasis when I was sent to find… you."

Optimus stays silent. He knows that look all to well. It stared him back in the mirror for too many eons. Duty stepping it's foot between he and his mate. Optimus only gives him a nod and watches Iron slump down the hall.

Arcee comes to Optimus, "Is everything alright?"

Optimus shakes his head sadly, "Unfortunately, the curse of pride to duty has been passed down to both of them."

Softly Arcee tells him, "I finally accepted Springer's spark."

Optimus smiles down to her, "I know that was hard for you to accept. I'm very proud of you. And how do you like being bonded?"

Arcee blushes, "I'm an idiot." The senior mech raises an optic ridge swiftly. She smirks, "I should have let the stupid bot in a long, long time ago." Optimus rumbles happily for his Wreaker Commander and near-favorite femme warrior. He pulls her into a loose hug. She warmly accepts it.

~~~ Iron makes it to the med bay and pulls up his personal messages. Ugh, three years worth of stuff to sort through. Well, no time like the present. There is one that keeps coming and pretty persistent, the Teagans needed him. They were desperate for his help. The virus that had infected them last time was coming back and it looked like a new strain this time.

He has no idea how long he had been modifying and coming up with a solution. But soon enough, he had his cases packed and contacted Skyfire for transport. The Teagans were very selective of their visitors. For reasons just as this.

Wroughtiron turned to a new bot coming into the med bay. Red Alert. "Hey Red."

Red Alert smiles, "What are you doing here? I would have thought you and Lilly would be … well, you know. Somewhere else?"

Iron shrugs, "She is. She went with the Wreakers and Rod."

Red Alert motions to the cases, "And what's this?"

"Teagans. Another virus outbreak. They're asking for help. Skyfire should be arriving any moment and I'll head out."

Red Alert rubs his neck, "Iron, he's bringing the Wreakers back from their mission. They just pinged. Twenty minutes."

Iron's whole body sags with defeat. Looking at his chronometer, he didn't realize he had been in the bay for days. Sure he'd refueled when he got hungry (he wasn't as bad at Ratchet in that regard) but just had lost complete track of time. He took a few moments to clench his fists on the work bench, but not allow his tired body to cry. That just wouldn't do at this moment.

Feeling calmed, he picked up his data pad and the two cases he had been working with. "Well, I better go welcome my mate home before I take off."

"Iron, don't-" Red Alert tries to help. But Iron pushes the rest of the sentence aside and heads for the Hangar Deck.

Red Alert sends a swift message to the lead command team about Lilly and Iron. "Someone needs to intervene. This is ludicrous!"

{more coming}

This chapter has been dedicated to all our service people, under cover law enforcement, CIA & FBI & NSA agents that spend long periods of time away from their families and loved ones in order to protect them and me. When I think about what they do: dangerous situations with very real dangerous situations, hiding their identities and pretend to be "bad people" in order to catch the real ones so silly people like me can enjoy the freedoms of this country to type silly stories and tuck my sons in bed at night….

If any of you ever see this: THANK YOU and I pray for you. I pray that you will be able to spend time with your loved ones.