Author's note. Sorry for the delay but now I'm back and I hope you all like this chapter.

AzureStripe and Copperwire are my own characters.

In this chapter, Megatron somehow manages to pass the buck to poor old Starscream while Elita is finally reunited with her family.

Kriy is pronounced Kree.

Enjoy and please review.

Megatron's POV.

"Argh, what happened?"

Megatron asked this question as he sat up with a groan, he was totally disorientated and had no idea what had just happened. He heard a slight snort and looked over to see Starscream sitting up and leaning against the wall. As Megatron frowned at him, Starscream gave a wry smirk and said.

"Don't you remember dear Elita's visit?"

Megatron's optics widened as he suddenly recalled what had happened. He had been going over a report when Starscream had nervously comm'ed him to say there was someone to see him. The rest was a very embarrassing blur of angry pink Femme.

He growled in annoyance as he somehow managed to get to his feet, Starscream watching him. He knew that it had been the Seeker who had brought Elita abroad the underwater base, but he was a little surprised. He knew she had wanted to have a 'word' with him, but he had thought she'd want to fuss over her daughter first.

"Am I missing something Starscream?" he finally said with a soft growl. "Why did that Femme want to come here?"

Starscream raised an optic brow.

"I would have thought that was obvious, Megatron."

He glared at his SIC.

"Don't be a fool Starscream, why did she come here without first seeing her daughter and making sure she was alright?"

Starscream sighed heavily.

"You'll have to ask my two Trine mates, Megatron."

Megatron's optics narrowed.

"Your Trine mates?"

He had a feeling he wasn't going to like the answer.

"Yes, sir, they both arrived here with Arcee in tow a short while after you were, ahem, knocked out."

Megatron's optics blazed and he snarled.

"Those damn Seekers, I thought I told them not to go near her."

Starscream shrugged.

"Skywarp, it seems was very determined."

Megatron snarled again as he paced the room, just what he needed another excuse for Prime to get on his case. It wouldn't surprise him if he got an angry call later on, only now he would have two angry parents yelling at him.

"I swear I will destroy that meddlesome Seeker if he keeps this up," he snarled before suddenly coming to a stop, glaring at Starscream.

Striding over to the smug Seeker, he bent down and seized him by the neck, hoisting him up. As Starscream squawked and clutched at Megatron's choking hand, the grey Mech brought his face close to the red Mech and growled.

"He is your Trine mate Starscream, in fact both of those retched Seekers are your responsibility,"

"I didn't know what was going to happen," Starscream protested, gasping as his leader tightened his hold. "How could I have prevented this?"

"You should have more control over them," Megatron said grimly, squeezing a little more. "Skywarp should not have rushed over there in the first place."

"They're your soldiers too," Starscream said stubbornly even though his voice came out as a croak.

Megatron growled warningly so Starscream stopped talking, though he was still gasping. Then, with a sudden movement, Megatron realised the Seeker and flung him away from himself. Starscream landed heavily on his aft, staring up at his leader who now had a cold smile on his face.

"You raise a fair point Starscream, they are mine, aren't they."

He leered down at Starscream who suddenly had a very bad feeling about this. This was confirmed when Megatron continued.

"Therefore I owe Prime an apology. Which you are going to deliver in person."

"Me?" screeched Starscream, in outrage as Megatron smirked coldly.

"Yes you Starscream, as my loyal SIC will go right over there and apologise for your Trine mates careless actions."

Starscream fumed from his position on the ground but he knew that if he didn't do as told, he would be in for a serve beating. And still made to go anyway.

"Very well, oh wise and exalted leader," he growled as he got to his feet. "Need I go right now?"

"No, not yet," Megatron said kindly, a smirk still on his face. "No doubt Prime and his little woman will be having a joyous reunion which shouldn't be interrupted. No you will go later this evening."

As Starscream nodded sourly, Megatron added.

"After you have a word with your Trine mates."

"It will be a pleasure," Starscream said through gritted teeth before turning around and marching away.

Megatron chuckled to himself, he may have been humiliated by a Femme but at least he'd managed to pass the buck to someone else. It was moments like this he was really grateful he was leader.

At the Autobot Base.

As soon as the little group arrived back at the Ark, they were immediately greeted by Prowl, Ratchet, Jazz and Hot Rod. As soon as the four of them had transformed, Hot Rod charged forward and scooped Arcee up into a tight hug. She laughed as he did this, he didn't often show her such public affection.

Elita and Optimus smiled fondly as this happened, they liked to see their children getting on so well. The others also had smiles, especially Ironhide who remembered his own kids' interactions back on Cybertron. The only bot there, who wasn't looking happy, was Ratchet who rushed forward the moment Hot Rod released his sister.

"I just knew there was going to be trouble sooner or later," he said grumpily as he scanned her.

"Look at this," he said in exasperation as he examined the results. "You're all stressed out, you're going to need bed rest for a couple of cycles, young lady."

Arcee groaned loudly but at that moment her mother came over and wrapped an arm around her.

"It's alright my darling, we can spend some time together, properly," she said with a soft smile.

"Mama...mother," Hot Rod said with growing delight as he stepped closer. "You're really here, on Earth."

In another moment, he had swept her into his arms like he had done his sister and hugged her tightly. Elita laughed and hugged both of her children as Optimus came over. He smiled, happy that his family was finally together again.

At that moment Arcee gasped and placed a hand over her chest as the intense emotions she was feeling were felt by the Spark which responded.

"Blissful."

"Oh," she exclaimed softly and as everyone looked at her, she quickly said. "It's the Spark, it feels so happy."

"Because your happy, sweetness," Optimus said placing an arm around her waist to give a small squeeze. "And when you're happy, so is the Spark."

"Those Con's had better remember that," Hot Rod growled. "I swear the next one I meet..."

"Steady on Hot Rod," Elita said gently. "While Skywarp's actions were very foolish, he is separated from his Sparkling which is very hard. Besides which, we should not blame the rest for his actions."

Arcee nodded tiredly.

"She's right Roddy, and I don't want you getting into fights with them,"

She rubbed the place on her chest where the Spark was still sending emotions.

"It doesn't seem right somehow," she murmured softly.

"Alright Cee," Hot Rod said with a soft smile, seeing the look on her face. "I'll try to resist. But if he does come round here again like that, I'm booting him out on his aft."

They all laughed at this, and Arcee allowed herself to be led into the base by Elita, Ratchet and Hot Rod. Optimus, Ironhide, Prowl and Jazz stayed outside for the moment, to discuss the situation.

"What happened, Prime?" Prowl asked without preamble.

Optimus's optics twinkled, a sure sign that he was smiling.

"Well, you know that Arcee was taken by Skywarp who had intended to take her back to his base."

Prowl and Jazz nodded.

"Well, Chromia called and told me that Elita was finally coming through. So I simply called her and told her about the situation," Optimus said, sounding very pleased with himself.

Ironhide laughed.

"She knocked out the whole crew of Constructicons and then made old Screamer take her to Megatron," he said with an evil smile. "She, heh, had a little word with him."

This made both Prowl and Jazz laugh, they knew how much Elita had been wanting a proper face to face with the Decepticon leader.

"Indeed," Optimus said proudly. "Well to sum up, Skywarp and Thundercracker arrived not long after with Arcee and Elita gave them a talk as well. I don't think they'll be trying anything like that again."

"Let's hope not," Prowl said briskly as they started to walk into the base. "I would not want that young Femme to have to go through that again."

"Not to mention that Ratchet almost had a Spark attack when he heard," Jazz chuckled. "If Elita hadn't sorted this mess out, he would have marched right over to the Nemesis and welded their afts to the ceiling."

This made them all laugh a happy image in their processors.

"Well, at least we got it sorted out," Jazz said with a smile as they walked towards the Rec Room. "They won't dare try anything with Elita around."

"If they do, we can count on the fact they'll deeply regret it," Prowl quipped, making his companions grin.

"Oh yes," Optimus said, optics glinting. "They certainly would."

The others nodded before they entered the Rec Room. Elita was already snuggled up on a couch with her two children either side of her. Trailblazer was heading over with a couple of cubes of Energon and handed them to the two Femmes. Arcee took hers but seemed more content to cuddle up against her mother.

With a smile, Optimus went over to them with Ironhide, Prowl and Jazz headed off to get some Energon. Elita was gently stroking her daughter's head but looked up to smile at Optimus as he stopped to one side of them.

"Hello my darling," he said lovingly causing his two children to groan.

"Daaaad, not while we're here," Arcee complained, lifting her head off her mother's chassis.

"I'm sorry Arcee," Optimus apologised, optics sparkling. "Why don't you make room for your old dad?"

"Mmm," Arcee grumbled but got up so that Optimus could sit down before sliding onto his lap.

Optimus wrapped an arm around Elita, drawing her close and then hugged Arcee to him with the other. Hot Rod meanwhile sat close to his mother but not too intimate, he was a Mechling after all.

As Ironhide sat on another chair nearby with a sigh, Elita said.

"Oh Hide, Chromia, Moonracer, AzureStripe and CopperWire send you their love,"

Ironhide smiled at the mention of his mate and three children. He, like many others on Earth, deeply missed their families. At least he had his youngest Bumblebee with him, to ease the sense of loss. But Optimus did hope they could come and visit some day, it would be good for the two Mechs to have their family with them again.

"Are you going to stay a while Mama?" Arcee asked, snuggled up against both her parents.

"I'm going to stay as long as you need me, darling," Elita said softly, tightening her hold on Arcee for just a moment.

"Thank you Mama," Arcee mumbled against Elita's chassis, making both Optimus and Elita smile.

The rest of the afternoon past happily, both Hot Rod and Arcee spent it with their parents. Elita enjoyed it thoroughly and although she was curious about Earth, she didn't leave the base as Arcee was not allowed to go out again. Instead, she and her daughter watched a holo vid together, snuggled up on the sofa.

"I want to show you everything there is to do around here," Arcee was now doing saying, making Elita chuckle.

Her little Femling didn't want her to leave her sight for a single moment. She understood, at this moment, she wanted to stay by her daughter's side. Things were going to get harder for Arcee as her pregnancy progressed, and she's need her mother there.

At that moment, Bluestreak came rushing into the room, babbling away.

"Optimus, Optimus, it's Starscream, he's outside, and he wants to talk to you, well, he wants to talk to both you and Elita, and Arcee. Jazz and Trailblazer are with him but he says he won't leave until he sees you..."

"Whoa, whoa," Optimus said from the table where he and Ironhide had been talking. Holding up his hands with a small laugh, he said.

"Slow down Bluestreak. Now, I take it that Starscream is outside?"

"Ah huh, Optimus sir," Bluestreak said nodding. "He wants to see you all, especially, something important he said."

"Hmm, I wonder what that could be?" Optimus said slowly, looking at Ironhide who shrugged.

"Ah think there's only one way teh find out Prime," Ironhide said with a grin as he stroked his old gun.

"Ah'll come and make sure there's no trouble."

Optimus chuckled before going over to his mate and daughter. Leaning over the couch, he retracted his mask and kissed their heads.

"Arcee, baby, are you up for going to see Starscream? Me and your mother will be right by your side."

Arcee considered for a moment, before looking up into her mother's face. Elita smiled encouragingly and squeezed her hand. Arcee smiled before looking up at her father.

"Okay dad, I'll go and see him."

Optimus offered his hand and she took it before getting up. Elita soon followed, taking Ironhide's arm, and the four all followed Bluestreak as he led the way to the Ark entrance. It didn't take them long before they were outside where they found a grinning Jazz and a patient Trailblazer.

And a few steps away from them was a scowling Starscream whose arms were folded as he impatiently tapped his foot. He looked up as they exited and his face relaxed slightly.

"Finally," he huffed before stepping forward.

As Arcee clutched her father's arm, Optimus said sternly.

"Well Starscream. Bluestreak said you had something important to discuss with us."

Starscream nodded curtly before stiffly moving forward.

Ironhide cocked his gun at this, and the Seeker paused for just a moment. But then he squared his shoulders and kept moving until he was barely a few metres in front of them. But before any of them could say anything, Starscream suddenly dropped to his knees, his head bowed.

"Starscream?" Elita started to say but he suddenly spoke.

"I apologise for my Trine mate's actions," he said seriously. "He acted in haste and emotion, and caused you much distress in the process."

Just about everyone's jaws dropped at this, they couldn't believe the proud Seeker was actually apologising. Especially when it was his Trine mate's folly, and not his.

"I assure you such a thing will not happen again Arcee," Starscream continued. "I will see to it that he takes your welfare into concern from now on."

He finished, still staring at the ground as they all continued to stare at him. As Arcee wondered what to say to this statement, Starscream gave a small cough and said.

"Do you accept my apology, Arcee?"

"Y-yes," she stuttered, still in shock before clearing her throat and saying.

"I mean, yes, of course I do Starscream. And you can tell Skywarp that I forgive him, I understand he's going through a rough patch."

"That is no excuse," Starscream said firmly before Ironhide could voice this sentiment.

"You are going through something none of us can experience, something very hard. You did not ask for this, so the least we can do is leave you in peace when you need it."

He looked up now, right into Arcee's optics, and his mouth quirked slightly in a smile.

"But I will pass on your forgiveness, and I know Skywarp will appreciate it. And I thank you for your kind Spark, you've done so much already."

"You're welcome," Arcee said with a small smile.

"Um, you can get up now if you like."

He did so but slowly until he was standing, towering above her. Even though she knew he was no threat at this moment, Arcee was glad for her father's presense.

Elita now spoke.

"Just don't you forget Starscream," she said gently but firmly. "That Arcee is carrying your Trine mates Sparkling and anything that happens to her, good or bad, affects it."

He nodded.

"I will, and I will pass that message onto my trine mates."

He suddenly withdrew something from sub space, it was a container wrapped with a bow. He held it out for Arcee.

"A gift," he said softly. "From my Trine mates, to say sorry."

She opened it and gasped, it was a ball glowing of Kriy with small red cubes surrounding it. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen let alone tasted this rare and expensive sweet from Cybertron. This must have been a precious keepsake, something to save for a very special occasion.

"I-I don't know what to say," she said finally, looking up into his face. "Thank you so much, but I can't accept this..."

"Accept it," Starscream said firmly before adding. "They had planned to give it to you at some point, but we thought now would be a good time to show our commitment to you and the Sparkling."

She looked down at her wonderful gift, suddenly feeling very emotional. He smiled, and said gently.

"It's alright, I understand."

He glanced at Optimus and Elita and said.

"Contact us when Arcee is ready to meet Skywarp and Thundercracker again, we will wait until then and not disturb you."

"Thank you Starscream," Elita said softly with a smile. "I'm sure you and your Trine mates won't have to wait long, tell them not to worry. I do know about Carrying after all."

Optimus squeezed her waist, smiling behind his mask.

"Thank you," he said before stepping back and saluting Arcee and then Optimus and Elita.

He then shot into the air, calling down as his jets activated.

"Rest well, lady Arcee,"

And then he was gone, shooting of into the inky black night sky.

"Wow," Arcee said softly, staring at her lovely gift.

"Indeed," Optimus said wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her back into the base.

"Ah sure wasn't expecting that," Ironhide said with a grin as they all made their way in.

"You got that right," Jazz commented on as they walked. "Who knew ole Screamer had it in him to apologise."

"I have a feeling we'll be in for several more surprises," Optimus said as he led Arcee and Elita away to their quarters.

"As time goes on."

To be continued.

Author's note. In the next chapter, Arcee enjoys some time with her family but is it but my upheavals in her systems. And worst of all, she get Cravings. Find out how that goes, until then.