So, did anyone find out about Kacey removing the tracking device? What trouble will Kacey get into and just how bad will it be? Hehe. Just read and find out.
Kacey
A week had gone by and no one knew I took the tracking device off. I felt confident I could go ahead with the plans I had made a few months ago. Mom and Dad would basically let me be today as it was one of my free days to do whatever I wanted.
Mom was actually busy with Chromia. Both were tutoring Firestar in the ways of a femme warrior. At nearly 19 orns, she still had another six years or so before her transformation systems came online but was at the age to start training. I was glad my friend decided she wanted to join in the fight against the Decepticons. She had the attitude and the determination to be an excellent fighter.
Of course, Nitro just about fritzed when she told him of her decision. He couldn't have been any happier. Although, he hasn't yet to tell her how he feels about her. I tease him mercilessly about it too as do a few of the others for it is so obvious he likes her.
My only worry for the day was Dad. Even though he would allow me my freedom, he sometimes had a tendency to pay me a spontaneous visit on my free days. I actually prayed to Primus that Leo would keep him too busy as it was dad's turn to take care of the little lugnut for the day.
My reason for all this, I'm anxious to interact with the humans as I have learned all I could from mere observation and research. It was time to get up close and somewhat personal with them. There was a car show at the Alameda County Fairgrounds north of San Jose, California, and was the perfect opportunity that I couldn't pass up.
"Kacey, I don't think this is a good idea," Nitro whined, pulling away from the toy I was trying to give him.
I was lucky to get it away from Leo when he was recharging in his room before dad took him to his office. I didn't need my best friend to pull this slag with me.
"I'll only be gone for a couple of hours, I promise," I told him, holding the toy robot for him to take.
"Sure, no problem!" Rox smiled as he snatched the toy from my hand. He wrapped an arm around Nitro's shoulders. "We'll cover your back."
Nitro didn't look comfortable with the situation at all. I wasn't sure I was comfortable leaving something this important to Rox. I know he means well and is trying to impress me. But I honestly think he was dropped on his head as a sparkling because he definitely has a few screws loose in his processor.
"Nitro, I'm asking…I'm begging you, as my best friend in the multiple universes from here to Cybertron. Please, help me out."
"Ok…two hours max!" he grumbled to me taking the toy from Rox.
"Thanks!" I grinned happily, hugging Nitro.
"What, no kiss?" Rox teased.
I shoved the idiot hard to the ground.
"So, you do like me!" Rox cheered.
I rolled my optics as I turned and walked away. Mechs! I moment later I glanced back upon hearing Rox complaining loudly. Nitro was sitting on him, using his full weight to pin Rox down. Nitro might complain but I knew I could count on him. We always took care of each other.
Once out of sight I cloaked and I took off. With as fast as I could fly, it didn't take me long to reach Alameda County. The trick was finding a discrete area to uncloak and transform into my vehicle mode. However, luck was on my side when I found a deserted alley way not far from the fair grounds.
Being cautious because I didn't want to get caught, I kept my energy readings shielded and made sure to obey the speed laws on the streets. Last thing I wanted was to get caught by the Decepticons or get a traffic violation citation. Not sure how'd explain a traffic ticket to mom or dad.
Yet, as I got to my intended destination I could hardly contain my excitement! There were so many humans of all shapes and sizes, all young and old, walking slowly around. Some even commented on my form as I carefully drove by them.
Apparently I was appealing to their optics!
My first hurdle was getting through the main gate and to my place with modern sports cars in the car exhibit. I had registered online, that was easy. After that, I hacked the website making the event sponsors believed that I paid for my way in too. I even have my pass which was placed on my windshield. I just hoped they didn't want to talk to the driver. My windows were tinted as dark as they could be to keep prying optics from seeing in.
Once again, luck was on my side. The gate attendant saw my pass and told me where to go, waving me through. I nearly burst into a giddy laugh but knew that wouldn't be a good idea. It took some restraint but I managed to remain calm.
Parked and situated in my position I waited until it was free of enough humans to open my doors and pop the hood. It was required for the car show.
I listened intently to the humans as they talked about each car or talked to each other. I especially was listening when they were talking about my alt form. I found it kind of tickled me when they sat inside, touching the dash, steering wheel. Some caressed my leather seats which felt oddly pleasant for some reason. I almost felt like purring.
Over all, I was having a fun time and was getting a better understanding of the humans. I was learning more about how they interacted with one another in reality as opposed to a visual recording. However, I didn't care for the youngling who spilled his drink on my rear left tire. But I couldn't do anything about the sticky fluid until later.
Then when my allotted time was over I was stuck with a major problem. There were way too many humans for me to just close up and drive off. Plus, several of the males were crowded around me talking excitedly about my engine design.
An hour passed and there was still nothing I could do about leaving when I suddenly heard terrified screams. My first thought was the Decepticons and nearly transformed on the spot. But I remained calm as I had been trained to do during a crisis. My sensors didn't detect any Decepticons. They did detect that many of the humans were running from a section of the fair grounds not far from me.
A circular slow spinning mechanism appeared to be malfunctioning. I could hear the metal creaking loudly under the strain. I didn't hesitate to take action even though I had a feeling I was going to get into big trouble for this. But I was an Autobot. It was my duty to protect the humans.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," I told the men through my vehicle's speakers.
Several of them jumped back in surprise. I shook myself to make the one inside scrambling out. They all moved back even more when I shut my doors and hood. I backed up, giving myself room, and transformed into my robotic form. I ignored their panicked shouts as I lifted into the air. I didn't want to accidentally step on one of the humans so I flew towards the danger.
There wasn't a moment to spare. The mechanism, called a Ferris wheel, if my recall is as accurate as it always is, was beginning to tilt over. By my calculations the humans below weren't going to get away in time. I flew for the top of the wheel as it was falling. I wasn't strong enough to lift it but I could slow its descent so the humans could reach safety.
"Arrgh!" I grunted as my systems were straining against the device.
Primus, it was heavier than I anticipated. One of the humans, a small youngling male it appears, lost his grip and fell. Regardless, of the danger I was in as well as the humans below me I reached out and gently caught him. I had to put a little more into my plasma burners as I pushed against the wheel with one hand now to slow its descent.
"Shh, it's alright little one," I cooed to him, holding him close to my chest. "I promise no harm will come to you."
"Mommy!" he screamed reaching towards the woman who was clinging on to her seat for life.
The woman appeared terrified as did the child. It was not my intention to cause more fear in them. But I didn't have time to deal with it now.
"EVERYONE HANG ON! I CAN'T HOLD IT UP FOR MUCH LONGER. I'M GOING TO LOWER IT DOWN SLOWLY." I paused, glancing to see the people in their seats did as instruct then looked down below my feet. "EVERYONE MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, PLEASE!"
My systems were straining to hold the keep the weight of the Ferris wheel from falling to quickly. The metal moaned and complained loudly against my efforts.
"PLEASE HURRY!" I shouted at them as I slowly started to descend.
"MICHAEL!"
"Please Ma'am," I said in earnest to the mother. "I promise on the names of my father and mother no harm will come to your child."
The woman seemed to understand but her optics remained locked on her child.
"Mommy!" the youngling wept.
"Shh, Michael. You're safe. I'm here to protect you and your kind."
"Like Superman?"
"Not exactly," I smiled. "But I am a friend. Now hang on."
I slowly descended, keeping an optic on the humans who were still holding on to their seats. As soon as my feet touched the ground they jumped down to safety. My strength was beginning to fail me but I refused to give up allowing the humans time to move away to safety.
"Here you go, Ma'am," I smiled to the mother while gently handing her the boy. "Now, please hurry."
"Thank you," she quickly smiled, clinging onto her son.
With a final sweep with my sensors I detected the area was clear. I quickly moved back as I released my grip on the Ferris wheel. It landed with a heavy metal shrieking thud.
My systems quickly recovered, returning to normal functioning parameters as I turned to see fear in some of the humans and curiosity in others. The youngling whom I had rescued was brave enough to come to me with a somewhat reluctant mother.
"Thank you for saving my mommy and me."
"Yes, thank you," an adult male said after he rushed to the woman's side, holding her close. "Thank you for saving my family."
"It was my pleasure," I smiled to them as I slowly lifted up off the ground.
"Wait! Who are you? What are you?" another adult female asked.
I immediately recognized that she was what the humans call a news reporter for she had a microphone and a camera operator with her. The camera appeared to be focused on me and I wondered if they captured what I did.
I had a sinking feeling in my aft that they did which meant I'd be getting a communiqué from father soon for Teletran 2 monitored all news broadcasts looking for the Decepticons. It picked up the few instances with Autobots too.
My processor was screaming at me to get out of there. Logically it was the correct thing to do. I had already drawn enough attention to myself as it was. And I knew I had to get back quickly for father and mother were not going to be very happy with me.
On the other hand, this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. A chance to tell the humans that the Autobots mean them no harm and that we're here to protect them from the Decepticons. Deep in my spark I didn't want them to be frightened of us. We weren't the monsters some of the shows made us out to be.
Oh, I knew I was going to be in even deeper slag for this but I set my feet back down anyway and knelt down to femme's level as she approached.
"You got the shot?" she asked the man holding the camera.
He gave her the thumbs up and I smiled. Primus, father was going to be slaggin pissed off at me!
Optimus
I glanced over from my work to see Leo stirring on the small recharge bed we had installed in the office. I was dreading when he woke up because he'd been recharging all day since Elita left this morning and knew he was going to be a handful!
Still, watching him warmed my spark. He was mine and Elita's little fearless mech. A spirited sparkling full of so much love that it overwhelms me from time to time. I often just smile when I watch him in wonderment as there are times I still can't believe he's my son.
I smiled as he slowly uncurled and stretched out his legs. A moment later his optics flickered online and he yawned wide. He lay on his side and stared at me for the longest moment. A sigh escaped me. He was so adorable, no denying that.
"Hey there little fella," I cooed. "Are you awake now?"
His optic covers blinked a few times and he yawned again in response. I couldn't resist. I had to pick him up while he was still somewhat groggy from his recharge. It was rare to have him so calm in my arms unless he was recharging. Wide a wake he'd be wiggling about or shouting to be put down.
"Is that better?" I smiled, holding him close to my chest.
I stroked his back and was reward with an almost soft purr emanating from his vocal processor.
"Bot," he sighed.
"Bot? Oh, your toy."
Glancing down I realized I didn't bring it with me to the office. I was in a rush when I grabbed his recharging form from his crib because I wanted to escort Elita to the training room. The femme was anxious to start training young Firestar. It'd been sometime since Elita was able to train young femmes. I wasn't going to deny her that right.
"Bot?" he questioned, the tears already forming in his eyes.
"We'll go get it," I smiled, kissing he cheek. "Dada fragged up and left it behind."
Leo giggled at me.
I know I shouldn't use such language but the damage has already been done so I didn't see the harm. It's not like Kacey or I use the words as often as Ironhide does around his children. I honestly think little Sides first word was 'frag.'
"Dada…go?" he worriedly asked.
"Yes, we're going," I chuckled, heading out of the office.
"Hey Optimus, you have time for a shooting match?" Ironhide asked as I passed him in the halls. "Leo hasn't seen your lousy aim yet."
"Not at the moment. We're on very important mission. Besides, Elita would have my aft if I had Leo out there at his age."
Again Leo giggled at my language.
"And Kacey's aim more than makes up for mine," I snickered to my friend making him glare at me. "I'll see you later, Ironhide."
My weapons officer laughed heartily as he moved off.
"Bot!" Leo demanded when we continued.
"I'm hurrying, be patient little one."
Regardless of what I said, I did pick up my pace a bit. I don't like to see my sparklings upset in anyway. And Leo's optics were already full of tears by the time we reached our quarters.
"Let's see…ah yes," I muttered to myself hurrying to twins and Leo's room.
Pfft, just my luck the fraggin toy wasn't in Leo's recharge crib. Of course upon seeing that my little mech started crying.
"I'll find it, my child. Let's go check Kacey's room."
Leo nodded wiping his tears as they continued to fall.
"Primus…what the frag?" I grunted when I nearly tripped over something as I crossed the threshold. I looked down to see Kacey's tool box amongst other things scattered about the floor. "What a mess!"
I scanned the clutter of tools and data-pads that were strung about the room. The only things void of debris was the recharge bed and the desk. And worse, no toy robot was in her room.
Leo let out a long wail and started trembling.
Not knowing where the toy could be I hurried to see Moonracer who was taking care of the sparklings today as they're still too young to join the younglings. Orion often took Leo's toy without provocation. It was funny to watch Leo, half Orion's size, try to tackle his brother down. So hopefully Orion had the toy. If he didn't have it then I'd have to check Wheeljack's lab. Kacey has repaired the toy on numerous occasions as Leo has a tendency to break it.
Of course, it'd be my rotten luck that the fraggin toy was in neither of those places. This of course disappointed Leo even further. He was near the point where he'd be inconsolable unless Elita or Kacey was with him.
"What's wrong with him?" Ratchet asked in concern, chasing me down the hall.
"I can't find his toy."
"That little toy robot Kacey made?" he shouted over Leo's cries.
"Yeah, I've noticed this past week he won't go anywhere without it and does this if we can't find it quick enough. Elita says it's just a phase and he'll outgrow it."
"Did you ask Kacey?"
"It's her free day. I didn't want to bother her. Besides, what kind of father am I if I can't find a simple toy?"
"Then try the younglings. They always seem to know about these things."
"Thanks, Ratchet," I smiled, then turned to Leo. "Shh, dada will find your toy. I promise."
"Want momma!" he wailed loudly, heavy tears streaming down his tiny faceplates.
Primus, I didn't think such a little thing could be so loud! But I remained calm, resisting the urge to run outside where the younglings were. And I did my best to calm Leo.
Once outside, I spotted them easily. Kacey wasn't with them which didn't surprise me. Nitro and Rox looked over in my direction, no doubt upon hearing Leo's wails echoing. Their optics locked on mine and widened. Then suddenly all the younglings scattered in different directions.
I didn't even get the chance to ask them a question they disappeared so fast!
"That's weird," I commented to myself.
"Bot!" Leo cheered and clapped excitedly while kicking his small legs wildly.
I sighed in relief upon seeing the toy on the ground where the younglings were standing.
"Optimus, can you come to the command center as soon as possible," Prowl's voice sounded from my internal communicator.
"On my way," I responded as I bent down and picked up the toy. I smiled handing it to an overjoyed sparkling. "There you go."
He squeezed and hugged it tightly, smiling and looking as relieved as I felt. I glanced in the general direction some of the younglings went wondering why they took off like that. I didn't have time to contemplate their actions as Prowl's call sounded rather urgent.
Once I reached the command center I hand Leo to Ratchet, who arrived as I did. I felt Prowl would need my undivided attention from the sound of his voice. Glancing around, I found my second in command with Ironhide at one of the smaller computer terminals and headed for them.
"He's gonna fritz," Ironhide mumbled.
"Who?" I asked.
"You lugnut," he answered.
"Teletran 2 picked up a live news broadcast about fifteen minutes ago," Prowl explained. "It just ended. But, you…you should just see it for yourself, Optimus."
"What's going on?" Ratchet asked.
"Prowl was just about to show Optimus something," Ironhide replied. "Good thing you're here Ratchet. We might need you to revive him after he sees it. He's gonna blow a fuse or something."
"Just show me," I growled.
I stood with my arms folder across my chest and watched the monitor intently. Why the people of this planet are so interested in catching a live accident is beyond me. People die in accidents. Death is not fun to watch having seen my share of it on the battlefield.
My optics suddenly widened in utter dismay!
"What the frag!" I exclaimed.
"Kacey!" Leo cheered clapping his hands excitedly. "Kacey, flyin! Up! Ratch! Up!"
"Sorry Leo, I can't fly," Ratchet told him as I continued to watch the action.
My processor was still trying to compute what I was witnessing. There was my daughter with the humans! And worse, on live national television talking about the Autobots!
"Oh…this is the best part!" Ironhide said excitedly.
"No, I'm not the leader of the Autobots. That would be my father, Optimus Prime."
"She says is with so much pride."
"Shut up Ironhide!" I growled at him. "She knows better than to interfere with the humans at the lake!"
"Oh, she's not at the lake," he informed me. "She's in California."
"WHAT?!" I roared loudly.
Leo burst into tears at the tone of my voice. I had never been angry around him. For his sake I quickly calmed down.
"I thought the tracking device would warn us if she went a certain range from the base."
"It does," Prowl answered. "I pulled up its location the moment I saw broadcast. According the current readings, Kacey's in this room with us."
I groaned loudly covering my optics. Elita warned me this was probably going to happen after we put the tracking device on Kacey. Of course, Kacey didn't like the idea and was very obstinate about it being a violation of her privacy. Then it suddenly hit me - the younglings scattering, looking terrified and leaving the toy on the ground. Kacey was a leader to them. They'd do anything she'd ask.
"Leo, can I see your toy for a moment?" I asked, smiling. "I promise I'll give it right back."
He seemed reluctant but he handed me the toy. I examined it for a few astroseconds before I found the panel on the back. After I popped it open I let out a heavy sigh.
"The little pit-spawn!" Ratchet exclaimed, looking inside and see the tracking device.
"It's actually kind of brilliant if you think about it," Ironhide commented which did nothing to calm me. "Makes you wonder how long she's been going around without it."
"I'm afraid to ask where she is now," I asked rubbing my forehead.
"She's about thirty miles from the base and heading in fast," Prowl said.
"Prowl, Defense Secretary Keller is on hold for you," Hound came over as announced. "Something about a news broadcast?"
Frag! That was the last thing I need right now!
"Thanks Hound, I'll take it in my office," Prowl quickly said.
I was beyond angry. I could forgive her for removing the tracking device because Elita and I both agreed it wasn't a good idea because it put restrictions on Kacey. We had even discussed removing it from her but leaving the sparklings tracking devices on until they got older.
However, I can not forgive my daughter for revealing who we were to the world. I just hoped Prowl can do damage control. Our relationship with the humans is already a fragile one. I pray this indiscretion of Kacey's doesn't shatter it.
I sighed to myself. She knew I was angry at her. I could sense her rising fear. I promised myself that my children would never be afraid of me. But in this instance I may have to make an exception if only to save my daughter from making such a mistake again.
Elita
"Kacey, where's the fire?" I shouted when she sprinted by me. "Primus, she's fast."
"At least she's not a klutz like…" Chromia started then cringed when Kacey tripped and skidded across the floor then quickly scrambled back up on her feet. "Ouch, I take it back; she's a klutz just like Optimus."
I watched curiously as Kacey disappear around the corner. Something was wrong. She was shielding her spark from me. Even Optimus was too.
"Chromia, I'm gonna have to catch up with you later. Something's up and I don't think it's good."
"Need back up?"
"No, but I have a feeling Kacey does."
"Primus, what did she do now?"
Exactly what I was thinking as we parted ways. Just before I reached the turn Ratchet appeared with Leo in his arms. My little mech of course started going nuts when he spotted me.
"Mamma! Mamma! Kacey flyin!" were about the only intelligible words that spewed from his vocal processor. The rest were beeps and clicks as he tried to explain what happened.
"What's going on?"
"Just getting him out of the line of fire," he smiled.
"That bad?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"I'd better go find out what happened. Can…"
"I've got Leo until you come for him. Moonracer wouldn't mind sparkling sitting him for a bit."
"No more sparklings for the two of you?" I teased.
"No, Galen is enough. We're both content for now," he smiled warmly. "You'd better hurry or you'll miss the fireworks."
"He's that mad?"
Ratchet nodded. I quickly kissed Leo, promising I'd collect him soon then hurried to the command center. Ratchet was wrong. Optimus was beyond mad. I slow crossed the threshold into the command center to see that he was down right furious.
"What if you were injured or were lost to us? Did you even think how your mother and I would feel? And what of little Leo…he'd be devastated if something happened to you!"
Kacey looked up at him. Standing tall and proud, taking her punishment like the good little soldier. I can only assume she was too far from the base and got caught.
"And what the frag were you thinking removing your tracking device?! Did you think we put it on you as a joke? It's for you protection!"
Ah. Well, I actually saw that one coming. I figured it'd only be a matter of time before she removed it. Which means she took the tracking device off and wandered a bit too far from the base and Optimus found out about it.
"Ironhide, what happened?" I whispered softly as Optimus appeared to be contemplating how to proceed.
"Kacey took the tracking device off, put it on the toy robot, and then went off to the Alameda County Fair grounds in California to a car show."
"Well, I can't say I didn't see that coming," I commented. "I knew she would sneak off one of these days."
"Oh, it gets better," he spoke softly. "Kacey transformed in front of the humans, rescued a bunch from danger, and the entire incident was broadcasted on live television across the country."
I gasped, covering my mouth. I knew that wasn't good.
"But she didn't stop there…"
"Explain yourself about the television interview to me now!"
"The humans see us as monsters, they're afraid of us. I've observed that many humans have a tendency to attack what they do not understand, what they fear. I thought that if they didn't view us as monsters that perhaps it'd save an Autobot or two from being attacked. I saw the camera and I figured that I wouldn't get this chance again so I decided to take advantage of the situation by telling the humans a little bit about us."
"You thought…you decided. You told the humans about us."
"Father, I…"
"No, Kacey, frag it! You made a decision that was not yours to make! And in doing so you have violated the trust we built with the Governments of this world! Who is the leader of the Autobots?"
"You are, father," she replied softly, her proud posture bent and her head bowed down in shame as she finally realized the mistake she made.
"Do you think I am incapable of taking care of my own people?"
"No, father."
"Did you even consider that I too am aware of how the humans may treat us?"
"No, father."
"I want you to go to your room and seriously think about what you did! You'd better pray that Prowl can undo the damage you did. And I want your room cleaned and ready for inspection when I get back! Is that understood?"
"Yes, father."
Kacey hurried out not bothering to glance at me for support. I had the sense she knew she was wrong and accepted her punishment but it didn't stop her tears from falling.
"She brought up a good point, Optimus," Ironhide said. "One we've neglected to talk about."
"That's no excuse for what she did!"
"But Kacey does seem to have a better understanding of the humans than we do," I countered. "I've been on this planet for nearly three years now and some of their ways still baffle me."
"And you can't ignore the fact that she saved all those lives," Ironhide added.
"Yes, I am fully aware of her actions," he frowned, softening his tone. "But I can't allow her to make this kind of mistake again. She jeopardized all of us! I just hope Prowl is able to do damage control."
"Where are you going?" I asked as he pushed past me.
"I need to calm down. I can't be near my children when I'm this angry. Ironhide, have Prowl contact me as soon as he's done with the Defense Secretary."
I pulled back, refraining from questioning him further. He was still angry. I knew him well enough to let him be. I thanked Primus it was a rare occasion for I knew it tore him up when his anger got the better of him. He never wanted to be anything like his brother.
"Ironhide, let me see the broadcast. I need to know exactly what Kacey said about us."
"Sure. Here, this is the original broadcast."
The monitor switched to one of the human's news broadcasts. The female reporter was surprisingly calm as she described the panicked people fleeing from the danger. Then Kacey suddenly appeared, catching the rather large circular mechanism as it was tipping over. She even caught a small human that had fallen, saving him.
"Oh my God! What is that? Please, tell me you got that shot of it catching the little boy!" the reported spewed out excitedly. "We are live from the Alameda County Fair grounds. What you're seeing is a…a robot…a large robot attempting to save these people. I think, yes it's trying to get people out of the way so it could safely lower the Ferris wheel."
"This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it. There are people running in fear while others watch with wonderment. We've heard rumors and seen brief images of large robots fighting in various cities around the world. Could this be one of those robots?"
My Kacey, was so much like Optimus, not caring for her own safety but more so for others. I could see her straining to control the Ferris wheel's descent until her feet finally touched down.
"Amazing! It did it. As you can see, everyone was able to get down safely. Get that…the man thanking the robot for saving his wife and son. Come on!"
The female was moving quickly towards Kacey. I saw Kacey doing the right thing my starting to leave.
"Wait! Who are you? What are you?"
I watched intently as Kacey's hovered in the air contemplating what to do. I recognized the intensity in her optics. I had seen it on countless occasions in Optimus' optics. On each of those instances he ignored logic and did what he felt he had to do.
Kacey dropped to the ground and knelt down.
"Please, do not fear me," she smiled. "My name is Kaceystar. We mean you no harm."
"We? So there are more of you?"
"Yes. We're called Autobots. You can recognize us from this symbol. We're what you would call the good guys."
"Are you a robot?"
"Something close to a robot but not a robot. We are much more than you're simple Artificial Intelligence. We come from a planet far, far away, called Cybertron."
"What are you doing on Earth?"
"Protecting you from the Decepticons, our sworn enemy."
Kacey stood up and looked apologetically towards the people.
"It was an accident that brought our war to your world. As the noble and just mechanisms we are, we feel it is our duty to do what we must to protect the humans of this world from the evil Decepticons."
"There are rumors of a US Government cover up. Can you explain anything about that?"
"No, I cannot. It is not my place to discuss such things. I just wanted the people of this world to understand that not all of the 'robots' you see are monsters. We have feelings just as you do. And we are doing our best to protect you. I've learned many things about your species. You are truly a remarkable race. Now, if you excuse me, it is time for me to go."
"Wait…so are you the leader of these…Autobots?"
I watched as my Kacey stood tall and proud.
"No, I am not the leader of the Autobots. That would be my father, Optimus Prime."
Kacey took off before the report could ask anymore questions.
"It could have been worse," I said. "She didn't reveal where we were or how many of us there were. And she was sincere about not wanting the humans to view us as monsters. I've seen video recordings the show us as exactly that."
"Yes, she has too as have many of us," Ironhide said. "It really bothers her. Prowl and Kacey have had long debates about how we're being treated by the humans and how things need to change. She's very adamant about stating her opinions. Gets it from her mother."
I smiled at him.
"She gets her sass from me. But the worrying and caring for the rest of us from Optimus. She's only trying to do what's best for us. I can understand that."
"Sounds like a Prime to me," he commented.
"She has a long way to go but she's on the right path," I smiled. "Well, I'd better go check on her."
With that I left and head to our family's quarters. I found Kacey quickly clearing up the mess off her floor. Wheeljack's been a good and bad influence on her. Her room kind of looked like his lab – a cluttered mess. It was amazing that he knew exactly where everything was at. Kacey was the same way.
"What a stupid idea," she muttered to herself unaware I was in the doorway. "I can't believe I did that. Pfft, the humans probably didn't even believe me. What a fraggin waste."
"I thought I talked to you about your language."
"Mom!" Kacey yelped dropping the large stack of data-pads she had just finished picking up.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," I smiled.
"It's ok," Kacey frowned. "Are you mad at me too?"
"I think Optimus is more than mad for both of us," I replied, moving across the room and helping her pick up the data-pads.
"Yeah, he was really angry with me. I knew he would be and yet I…"
Kacey's shoulders sagged as her optics filled with tears.
"I'm sorry, mother."
"You did what you thought was right in your spark. I can't blame you for that. You're so much like your father. However, it was wrong of you."
Kacey nodded unable to meet my optics with hers.
"I suppose if you were less like me than you're vocal processor wouldn't be getting you in trouble so much."
"I didn't mean to make father so angry at me," she wept.
"I know you didn't," I cooed, pulling her into my arms. "Your father knows too." I leaned back, holding her sorrowful face in my hands. "He loves you so much, Kacey. He just doesn't want you to grow up too fast."
"But he can't protect me everyday of my life."
I chuckled softly, wiping her tears away, "That's not going to stop him from trying. Optimus will never give up trying." I quickly kissed her forehead. "Now, finish up. I have to go get your brothers and sister. I'll be back soon."
I glanced back when I reached the door, watching her for a long moment. I too didn't want her to grow up so fast. I didn't want any of my sparklings too. But it was inevitable and there was nothing I could do about it.
It's kind of ironic and spark warming to me to watch her. When I was a young femme I only wanted to make a difference in the war against the Decepticons. The thought of having a sparkling never entered my mind even after I fell in love with Optimus. Now, I can't imagine my life without my four precious babes. And there's my Kacey, so young and already so eager to make a difference.
After I collected Orion, Ariel, and Leo I just sat and played with them. It was rare for me to have this much time and knew to make the most of it. Kacey remained in her room per Optimus' instructions. But after a while, I found Leo lingering outside her door making long mournful beeping noises at her. I felt it to. Kacey was still really upset and sorry for what she did.
Leo looked up at me when I came over to him. His optics pleaded with me as he rattled off a few soft bleeps.
"Go on in then," I told him.
I watched from the door as he cautiously moved across the room. Kacey was at her desk working on something and didn't notice him yet. To get her attention, Leo gently touched her arm.
"Hey, Leo," she sniffled, quickly wiping her tears.
Leo took that as an invitation and climbed up onto Kacey's lap. My little tender loving mech merely wrapped his arms around his sister's neck, squeezing her as hard as his little arms could. Kacey returned the gesture in full.
I nearly cried myself at the affection they had for each other. Leo's bond with Kacey was strong. Perhaps not as strong as Optimus' bond with her but strong enough that I could feel the love they had for each other.
"Ok, come on Leo. It's time for bed."
"Goodnight," Kacey smiled to him.
"Night, Kacey," he sighed getting to the ground.
"Mother, can you give this to father please?" she asked, walking over and handing me a data-pad. "It's an apology letter to the President, Secretary Defense Keller, and…and to father."
"Would you like to wait up and give it to your father? You can if you want to."
"Ok."
"He should be home soon," I smiled handing her the data-pad back. "You can go sit on the couch and wait. He won't mind, I promise."
"Thank you, mother."
Another couple of hours had passed. The sparklings were tucked in and recharging. Kacey was sitting quietly on a couch in the main room. She had retracted her battle armor in preparation for recharge which was soon for her.
I refrained from calling Optimus despite the fact that I thought he'd been gone too long. I didn't want to upset him anymore than he already was.
I was working on some reports for Prowl when I noticed Kacey had fallen into recharge while sitting up. But before I could go to her Optimus came in.
"She was waiting up for you," I told him as his optics looked sorrowfully upon his daughter's form.
"I didn't mean to be gone so long," he sighed.
"We shouldn't have put the tracking device on her. This entire situation could have been avoided."
"I know. But I can't ignore the fact that she exposed us to the rest of the world. They're not ready for us."
I watched as my beloved sparkmate gently sat beside Kacey. His hand affectionately caressing her head as she recharged.
"Optimus, what is it?" I gently asked him, sensing the turmoil within him.
Optimus lifted his head locking he brilliant blue optics on mine.
"She scares me too much at times," he spoke softly. "Because of the things she can do she takes risks. Sometimes…sometimes I wish she couldn't do the things she can do. Other times I'm grateful for she wouldn't be here with us if she couldn't. Does that make me a horrible father?"
"No, you're a wonderful father. You love your children. Worrying about them is part of the job. And you always worry too much about everyone, your children most of all."
He sighed and reached for the data-pad that lay on Kacey's lap.
"What's this?" he asked, looking at it.
"Kacey wrote an apology to the President, to Secretary Keller, and to you. She wanted you to read it."
"Have you?"
"I was waiting for you to," I smiled at him.
"To the President and other Government bodies of this world I beg of you to not view this incident as a reflection upon all Autobots. I acted alone and out of selfishness without thinking of the ramifications. For that, I deeply regret the incident. And I have no excuses to give you. Nor will I ask for your forgiveness for it is undeserved. I am young. I still have much to learn. I only hope to learn from this so that I will grow to be as wise and as caring as our leader, Optimus Prime. I do not say this because he is my father. I speak as an Autobot."
"And to my Prime, I apologize for putting you and my fellow Autobots in this position. It was reckless and showed my lack of understanding of what it takes to be a leader. Today, I realized for the first time that if I am to follow in your footsteps, that if I ever hope to become a descent leader, I must learn to not be so selfish. I must learn that the Autobots as a whole are to always come before me. What I believe does not matter but what is best for them does. I know I will never be the great leader you are Optimus Prime. But I will strive to be the best that I can through your guidance and your love."
Optimus set the data-pad aside and lifted Kacey into his arms.
"What are we going to do?" he asked staring directly at me. "How can I punish her for saving those humans? How can I punish her after she wrote this? She's punishing herself so much as it is."
"We take a few of her free days away and make her read her apology the humans. I highly doubt she will ever make this mistake again, nor will she stray too far from the base."
"Agreed, I'll wake her in the morning and tell her."
I followed Optimus as he carried Kacey to her room. Together we tucked her in before heading to our own room. We had barely snuggled in each others arms for our own recharge when we heard Kacey's quiet voice from the open door of our room. I had a feeling she'd be coming so I purposely left it open.
"Father?" she called again.
I caressed his face and moved aside making room for our daughter.
"Come on up," he told her.
"I'm sorry," she wept snuggling in his waiting arms. "I didn't mean to disappoint you."
"I'm not disappointed in you. I read your apology letter. I am very proud of you, Kacey. Very proud. Now, go back into recharge. We'll talk in the morning."
I lay quietly, watching them both fall into recharge. It was probably one of the most content moments of my life as I watched them recharging. And amusing too, as I heard them both softly snoring.
Just before I drifted off into recharge myself, I felt a small form climb up onto the bed. I smiled, shaking my head. I honestly don't know why we even bother putting Leo in a crib since he can get out of it whenever he wants to.
"You little pit-spawn," I smiled, caressing his head as managed to balance himself on Kacey's form.
Leo yawned and his optics flickered offline as he fell back into recharge instantly. Then soon after, he started snoring too. The sound was comforting to my audio receptors helping me fall into a deep and peaceful recharge.
Up next: Kacey is given a new job. And I know they've been absent so far, as was my intention, but finally we will get a peak at what Megatron and the Decepticons are up to.