(Please see all previous disclaimers)

After hearing and making the plans with the other mech officers, Firestar returned to her group of strong femme fighters. They had been waiting to see if they would be welcomed. "Here she comes" announced Brightspot, a femme who was Firestar's second in command.

"So what's the verdict?" asked Stargazer, "are we going to be accepted as femme warriors or just fembots?"

"Settle down, Stargazer" Brightspot chided. "Give our commander time to inform us of what happened before you jump to conclusions."

"thank you, Brightspot. I bring good news, my warriors. We have been accepted into the Autobots and not only that, we have been accepted as equal warriors, as the new Prime will allow any bot who chooses to fight to fight. He doesn't care of they are mechs or femmes. He just doesn't want bots who feel like they are forced to fight. Now, that being said, my warriors, are there any amongst you who would prefer not to fight?" Firestar asked.

"We are trained to fight. None of us is doing this out of force, but we want to help save our planet from the disgusting cons" answered a random femme and the others agreed.

"Then you are all welcome to fight. All I ask is that you remember that the Prime is top commander of all Autobots, so if he gives you an assignment, you treat it like the assignment came from me" Firestar emphasized, knowing she had a few wild cards in the bunch who didn't always like to listen to others, especially mechs.

"We understand" they answered, and soon the troop was led to where Optimus had assigned the femmes their personal quarters, which were far from the single mechs quarters and separated by family quarters, even though no families lived at this base right now.

Back at the meeting, the other mechs had adjourned, leaving Ironhide and Optimus discussing the new recruits. "I am glad to see we have more troops" Optimus stated, glad for the new bots.

"I hope they are prepared to face a difficult enemy" Ironhide answered.

"If you are so worried about their preparedness, why don't you find someone who will train them to be prepared" Optimus retorted. "They didn't make it this far on their own by luck. And judging by Firestar, I would say that they are more prepared for battle than many of the mechs we find."

"You have a point, Prime" Ironhide answered. Hide knew Optimus was right. Hide just hoped that this new group of bots would be ready to go at a moment's notice, as that was al they had at some points.

Meanwhile, in the other base where Mirage and his sparklings were, Mirage was enjoying some alone time. He had sent the little ones off to a sitter and Mirage had given Bee and Jumper some time off. Bee didn't like it, but he wasn't about to argue. Mirage locked himself in the room and took a nap, hoping that soon, his mate would stop in.

Elsewhere, away from Mirage, Bee and Jumper were talking together, unsure as to why Mirage had sent the pair off. "I don't like this, Jumper" Bee stated, as he never liked leaving Mirage alone.

"I don't either, but Mirage ordered us to go spend time together without him" Jumper replied.

Bee sighed. He had told Mirage that Bee did indeed want a family, and Mirage had said that if bee found the right bot, Mirage would allow it. Bee wished he had never said anything to Mirage, but Mirage still seemed to pick up on something anyways. And this time, Bee started to feel something in his old spark – for the young Jumper. Bee could only hope that 1) Mirage stayed safe while they were off and 2) Jumper felt the same way about bee as Bee felt about Jumper or bee would be crushed.

"What's on your mind, Bee?" Jumper asked, his own spark starting to act up once again.

Bee wanted to say nothing, but instead asked, "What would you do if your boss gave your permission to find a mate and start a family?" Bee asked, testing the waters.

"I would find a mate that my boss could stand and start a family" Jumper replied honestly, as his spark made him answer the question. Bee smiled. Maybe Jumper felt the same way bee did.

"You would do that?" Bee asked, not as seemingly carefree as Jumper.

"Yes, if I already have permission, why should I wait any longer?" Jumper asked. Bee smiled at that, leaned over and kissed the young bot. Jumper was a bit caught off-guard by the sudden kiss, but feeling that it felt so right, Jumper kissed back with equal passion. Bee was relieved. Bee had Mirage's permission to bond, now all Bee needed was Jumper's consent.

"Jumper...I…that is… will you bond with me and be my sparkmate?" Bee asked quietly, hoping he wasn't going to get crushed.

"As long as Mirage has already approved of this, then yes" Jumper added, his own duty to Mirage showing through.

"Mirage gave me permission to bond and start a family. I am sure he would allow and approve of this bond" Bee stated. And with that reassurance, the two guardians and friends of Mirage became sparkmates.

"Now we just have to let Mirage know" Jumper stated, happy.

"I know he will be happy for us. Come, let's tell him" Bee stated and the two headed for Mirage and Optimus' quarters at this base, ready to tell Mirage the good news.