Hey! Thanks all of you, seriously, for sticking with me and my crazy updating. I'm hoping to get a schedule set up that I can start posting regularly and I'll let you guys know as soon as I can. Also, I'm thinking of starting another story here and fluctuating between the two with updates. Plot bunnies have been striking me hard, so that's an option I'm thinking about. Shout-out to Nighlover56 and Kitagura for favoriting my story! Shall we continue?

Legend: Speaking in thoughts to wolves or Edward

Thinking/Dreams

Emphasis on a thought/word

**** swear words

"Comm"

Text Message

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Transformers or Twilight, all I own is Katherine, students that were hurt/died in the attack, and the plot.

Prepping for the New Year

Now that Christmas was over, the entire base was full of anticipation of the party we'd have to celebrate this year ending and a new one beginning. It only seemed right that we would have a huge party since nobody could really go home and spend it with their families. Some lucky soldiers would get to go, but most have to stay on base in case Decepticons attacked somewhere. I was praying that there wouldn't be an attack. Terror didn't even begin to cover how I felt about my dad going back out with everyone.

He wasn't back up to 100% yet, so I couldn't be certain that he would actually go out or not. Knowing him, he would go and at least stay in the plane to make calls, but reality is that he would try and join in on the battle. I blame him for my own recklessness. Must be in our genetics. My eyes shot upon as my dad moved beside me and I instinctively grabbed him. He stopped from moving towards the bathroom and gave me a gentle smile, "Easy, angel. I've got to get ready for the day. I'll hurry and then you can get ready and go with me, okay?"

I nodded and slowly let go of him as he continued on his way. Turning my attention to my wardrobe, I dug through it to find my black yoga pants and my purple tank before claiming the bathroom as soon as my dad came out. I quickly braided my hair like Katniss from The Hunger Games and brushed my teeth after I dressed before hurrying back to my dad. We slowly made our way towards the main hangar and I grinned at all the Bots up and moving.

It looked like Bee was still in recharge as was Jazz, so I'm guessing they got stuck with the late night patrols. I followed my dad to the walkway, where Carlisle and Esme were speaking with Optimus and Elita. Not a surprise those four got along. I kinda figured they would. Thankfully, Rosalie was keeping Emmett away from Sides and Sunstreaker. Primus knows what chaos those three would cook up together and I didn't want to find out. My dad had his arm wrapped around my shoulders as he greeted everyone. I smiled to Esme and Carlisle before greeting the two Bots, "Morning, Boss Bot, Boss Lady."

The two Bots gave good-natured smiles at the nicknames Sam and I had cooked up for them. Boss Bot was a given considering who Optimus is and it was easy calling Elita Boss Lady when we found out she's his sparkmate. That was an interesting conversation since Mia had landed with Elita and proceeded to launch herself at Ironhide before any introductions could be made. I doubt the Bots wanted all of us humans to find out about sparkmates like that. My dad began saying something, but he was cut off by an alarm blaring from the computers beside us.

He let go of me and instantly went into soldier mode as I backed up to give space to the important people. Esme and Carlisle stood beside me while techs began calling out different codes to each other before my dad took control, "Maggie, what's going on?"

The blonde woman had decided to stay on as a tech analyst for NEST after she survived Hoover Dam. She was nice enough, but I never really talked to her much since we didn't have anything in common. Maggie was the head analyst on this team and she had seven others on her team that she was in charge of. I was amazed she understood all the gibberish being shouted as she explained to my dad, "Seems that there's going to be a landing in a week. No signal coming from the unknown."

My dad looked up at the Prime standing behind us, "Is it an Autobot, Prime?"

The regal Bot slightly shook his head after a minute of silence for him, "They are either ignoring my pings or their communication systems are damaged. Unfortunately, I believe it is the former, which most likely means it is a Decepticon landing."

My heart about stopped at the realization that my dad would probably go out if it was a Con. Carlisle must have had the same realization as me because he pulled me to his side as my dad continued talking with the techs and Prime. I tuned back in as they came to a decision, "Okay, Prime, you'll obviously want to go. We should probably want to take Ratchet in case there are injuries. Will Sideswipe and Sunstreaker want to go," Prime inclined his head, "Okay, we'll have them come too. I'll bring along team Alpha, so that should give us enough."

I cut in, "You can't seriously be thinking of going?"

My dad was stunned I had actually cut in. I usually stayed out of all of this unless I needed to be part of it, "Of course I am, Kat. I am in charge."

"I just got you back. I won't let you!"

His eyes hardened in the same determination I had inherited from him, "Kat, I know it's tough, but you don't have a say. It is my decision."

Grounding my teeth, I practically snarled at him, "Fine, whatever. Do whatever the **** you want since you obviously don't care."

I stormed past Epps, who had arrived in time to see that last bit, and everyone else pretty much parted ways for me as I stomped to the gym. My hands were shaking with rage and hurt that he was actually going out there again, so I started running through the warm-ups Hide and Mia taught me before I started on the actual fighting moves. I whirled with my punch and just barely pulled to a stop before it landed on Prime's holoform's nose, "Your fighting is coming along nicely, Katherine."

Scoffing, I turned my back to him as I continued, "I know you're not here to discuss that. Spit it out, Prime."

He was silent and I knew he was studying me. I did my best to ignore him, but I was already angry and his silence was just making me more upset and it didn't take long for me to face him, "What? You want me to go cry or scream or hurt myself? Everyone is probably judging me and going 'Look, she's finally breaking down and losing it' or 'she's gone insane,' huh?"

His dark blue optics kindly stared me down and I felt my rage ebb away to leave only the hurt. I folded my arms across my chest when I felt my lip tremble and I stared at the wall to my left, "It's not fair, Optimus. He just got back from almost dying and who knows what else. He's still really hurt and he wants to go straight back out there. I can't lose him again."

Tears were threatening to spill and I stubbornly wiped a hand across my eyes as he finally spoke, "Unfortunately, little one, life is never fair. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but you need to speak with your father. He was hurt and upset by what you said and he is currently searching for you right now."

Sighing, I nodded and let him pull me to his side as we walked out. I leaned heavily against him until we reached his alt form and he transformed before picking me up in his hand. He carried me to the med bay before setting me next to my father on one of the berths, "Ratchet is in his office if you require him. Both of you need to clear up any misunderstandings."

My dad nodded and I mimicked his action before Optimus finally left us alone. We stood in silence for a moment before I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and mumbled, "Sorry, about what I said. It was out of line and I shouldn't have said anything."

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "It hurt, Kat, but you were right to say something. I wasn't thinking about how it would feel to you if you thought I was running out there while this injured. Remember the meds Ratchet gave you after the shooting," I nodded while wondering where the frag this was going, "He gave me a similar med as soon as we were flying home because I was on death's door. Since my injuries were so fresh, the meds worked much better for me than they did for you. That's why I'm able to go out with the next landing. Any questions?"

Rushing at him, I surprised him with a tight hug that he quickly reciprocated, "I love you, dad. I'm really sorry I said those things. I just….I don't want to lose you for good and I just got you back."

He kissed the top of my head, "I know, angel. I understand and I'm not mad, promise. I should've told you about the meds sooner, so you wouldn't have felt that way in the first place. We good?"

I grinned up at him, "We good."

Ratchet chose that moment to walk in and he watched us for a moment before scoffing, "Now that you two are done fighting, shoo. I have work I need to finish."

Laughing, my dad and I waved as we headed out. We greeted others as we passed them on our way to the rec room. That's usually where everyone hangs out in their free time, so it was safe to bet that we would find our friends there. Ironhide was sitting on the Bot couch with Bee and Jazz while the Cullens were on the table with Bella and Sam. Hide lifted us up to the table and we claimed a spot on the loveseat, "So when do you guys all leave? For Forks, I mean."

I shrugged to my boyfriend and glanced over at the Cullens cause I honestly hadn't paid attention to the tickets. Carlisle was the one to answer, "We are flying back the night of the fifth. This will give Bella and Kat time to get over any jet lag since the kids all start school on the seventh."

Sam's nose wrinkled, "You guys start before us then. We start the tenth."

I commented, "Yeah, but at least it's our last semester and then we're free….well, free from high school at least."

The others all chuckled at me before we turned back to the cooking show that was playing. My guess is that Esme and Bella had decided on the show because I know they're the only two interest in cooking. Edward gave a slight nod towards me and I had to cough to stifle my laughter at how bored he looked. The next day was the day of the party, but that wasn't set to start until 6 since there would be a huge buffet basically set up all night.

Carlisle and Edward were spending the day with the human doctors to prep for any possible injuries. You never know what will happen with alcohol involved after all. I was happily spending time with Ratchet and Jolt to prep med bay for any Bot accidents since they would have some High Grade available tonight. While Jolt already knew everything Ratchet was covering with me, he stayed for me to practice on cause he would be able to pretend to be drunk.

It was almost time for the party when my mentor released me and I raced to the shower. I was covered in grease and sweat, so I needed to clean up. My shower was quick before I wrapped my hair in a towel to dry as I continued getting ready. The party was a nice casual dress code, which was always fun because people over-dressed occasionally to be funny. I dressed in the black and gray camo leggings Hide had gifted me before yanking on the purple tunic Mia had given me. All of us with guardians tended to wear their colors more, even Sam could be seen wearing more yellow than he used to.

Carefully, I poked my handgun earrings in before sliding my bullet bracelet on my right wrist and strapping my Autobot necklace on. I debated about make-up before deciding not to bother with anything besides a clear gloss. It didn't make sense to put any on since I couldn't be sure if I would end up having to help Ratchet with injuries or not. Undoing the towel, I quickly did a crown braid because I wanted something cute that wouldn't be in my face all night. Some of the shorter strands escaped to frame my face and I just had to shrug at it.

I zipped my combat boots on before opening the door to come face-to-face with Sam, who had his fist raised, "Uh, hi."

He blushed, "H-Hi. I thought we could, you know, walk to the party together."

Nodding, I looped my arm through his before we began our trek to the rec room. Everyone was pretty much just eating and mingling at this point since the party had just barely started. We grabbed plates and filled them with food as I kept an eye out for our friends. Once Sam had gotten enough food for the time being, we made our way towards Bella and the Cullens. Our guardians hadn't shown up yet, so my guess was they were with my dad and Prime since they weren't here either. Must be about the landing happening soon, "How's it going, guys?"

Bella was timidly eating and I tried not to laugh because she looked so uncomfortable in the skinny jeans and nice blouse she was wearing. Alice must have gotten to her before they got here. Sam wasted no time in chowing down as Emmett groaned, "This is boring. I thought there was supposed to be a huge party."

I shared a mischievous grin with Sam before soothing the large vampire, "There is, don't worry. The real party starts around 7:30 to 8. Right now everybody worries about eating and chatting. One corner will be set up with all the video games while another has movies playing all night. Another corner is like a huge club basically with music and dancing. Once the countdown begins for the ball drop, the huge screen shows it and we all stop whatever else is going on to join the countdown. For now, you could go mingle with the other soldiers if ya want or just stand here whining."

He rolled his eyes and stayed, but he did seem happier after my explanation. Sam quickly got into a discussion with Emmett and Jasper about video games they had played and I lovingly rolled my eyes at my boyfriend. I nibbled on my food as I chatted with Rose about the different alts the Bots had. It wasn't a shock that she was in love with the alts the twins and Jazz had taken. That reminded me what I had wanted to ask Hide and I got his attention, "Where is everyone? Shouldn't there be more Bots here?"

Hide nodded as he crouched to speak better to us, "Jazz, Prime, and your father are preparing for the landing coming. The twins are on monitor duty tonight while Ratchet and Jolt are finishing work in the med bay. Mia should be here soon with her sisters. They all wanted to clean up for tonight."

I nodded in understanding before grinning and waving as the missing Bots appeared, except for the twins obviously. We all continued to chat before people started splitting off to different corners. Jasper and Emmett made their way to the video games with their mates right behind them. Sam started to go, but then turned to me with a conflicted look, which made me laugh, "Go, have fun. I'll join you later."

He grinned and kissed my cheek before racing off after the vampires with Bee's holoform alongside him. Most of the adult Bots were enjoying a cube of High Grade, even Prime and Elita were sharing a cube. Ratchet was the only one not drinking, but that's cause he had to be ready for any emergency. My dad stood beside me to eat as we all just chatted before Bella convinced Edward to go to the movie corner. The benefit of having such a huge room as the rec room meant that the noise from each corner didn't really interfere with the others.

Carlisle and Esme disappeared to go wander amongst the groups, which left my dad and I with the Bots. I was fine with that because I still didn't want to leave my dad's side. Going back to Forks was going to be a nightmare, especially where they'd head to the landing after I was back in the world's rainiest town. I was starting to get tired since I had been working hard all day with Ratchet, but I perked up when the large screen turned on. Sam headed back over to me as everything else was paused and we all counted down with the announcer on TV. The following screams were deafening as everyone celebrated, "Happy New Year!"

Sam pulled me in for a kiss to bring in the New Year before releasing me since my dad wanted to give me a hug. People started leaving on their own or in groups afterwards because they would all be expected at work on time. I headed to bed with Epps and my dad as Sam stumbled alongside beside us. Us three chuckled as he basically collapsed in his room before we headed into our room. I claimed to bathroom to throw on my pjs before I fell onto the bed as the other two fought for the bathroom. My dad won and laughed at his best friend from the bathroom as Epps groaned.

My eyes were shut by the time my dad finally climbed into bed and I immediately snuggled up against him, "Happy New Year, dad. Love you."

He kissed the top of my head, "Happy New Year, angel. Love you more."

The next few days passed by way too fast and I found myself in my last in-person meeting with Prime before I would head back to Forks, "How are you doing today, Katherine?"

Swigging some Mountain Dew, I paused to think before giving an honest reply, "I feel like I'm doing good. Then something will remind me of the shooting or my dad missing or the fact that he's going back out there so soon and I feel like I'm drowning. Makes me feel like I'm crazy honestly."

He nodded and was quiet as I took another sip of Mountain Dew, "I expected as much. You are healing quite well, but there are several obstacles standing in your way right now. It will take time and hard work until you are able to move past them. We are all here for you, however, and don't be afraid to come to any of us for anything."

Smiling, I agreed before taking my leave as he needed to do some paperwork. I ended up in my room since I still needed to pack the bag of stuff I was taking back. My dad was going to take me home for a little bit tomorrow and let me grab anything I needed there since I wouldn't be back until after graduation. Forks didn't really have a Spring Break and it didn't make much sense for me to come back for three day weekends, especially since we never knew when the Bots would be here or on missions.

The next day was quiet as Hide drove my dad and I to our home. I hadn't been back since before the funeral and my dad hadn't been back since the funeral. Opening the door, I hesitated at the familiar smells of home that was covered with a layer of dust. I took a deep breath and stepped in as my dad followed right behind me. My heart dropped when I reached the bottom of the stairs and saw where my mom must have fallen. There were no physical signs of what had happened, but I just knew that that is where she had ended up.

Arms encircled me tightly and it dawned on me that I had started to hyperventilate and softly cry, "It's okay, angel. She's in a better place and she's watching over you."

We stood like that for a few moments before he managed to get me to go up the stairs. It was weird entering my room after being away for so long. I had grown up in this room, but it felt unfamiliar since it had been so long. Nothing really jumped out to me that I needed to take until I turned and saw the last family picture we had taken. My mom and dad were hugging me from each side as Hide and Mia joined in their holoforms beside my parents. A soft smile grew on my face and I gently picked it up before heading downstairs.

It had apparently take my dad and I so long that we had to head straight to the airport to meet the Cullens and Bella. It was quiet for a moment before I finally asked something that had been bugging me for a while, "Are you selling the house or keeping it, dad?"

He sighed and guilt immediately filled me at asking such a bad question, "I don't know yet. I spend most of my time on base and I figured you would too after you graduate since you'll be training under Ratchet. What do you think?"

"I don't know. That's home and where all our memories are, but we do spend most of our time at base. I mean, I guess it makes sense to sell it, but where would you put everything? You share a room with Epps and I."

My dad sighed again, "I'll keep thinking about it. Maybe one of the Bots will have some ideas later."

I nodded before he changed the topic to the upcoming school semester and we chatted until we reached the airport. Hide pulled up beside where the Cullens and Bella were waiting before his holoform stepped out with us. Hugging him tightly, he held me close, "Miss ya, sweetspark. Take care of Mia while you're out there. Got it, soldier?"

Saluting, I grinned, "Sir, yes, sir. Miss ya too, Hide. Take care of my dad until I get back."

He nodded as I turned to my dad. We hugged each other as tight as possible, "Love you, dad. Be careful, okay?"

I felt him kiss the top of my head, "Love you too, angel. I promise I'll be as careful as possible. Stay safe in Forks and let us know if you catch any wind of the Olivers."

I agreed before grabbing my stuff and following the others to the counter. Glancing back, I smiled and waved to my dad and Hide before heading to security. The Cullens and Bella were all in first class while I was more in the middle of the plane. I didn't really care though. Bella and I were definitely similar in our dislike of spending a ton of money. Once we reached Forks, Bella eagerly greeted her dad while I headed up to my room to unpack. The picture of my family was softly placed on my nightstand and I smiled, "Love you, momma. I'll make you proud."

Turning around, I started to unpack my bag when my phone rang, "Weird, dad doesn't usually call this late," answering the call, I greeted him, "Hey, dad. What's up?"

"Katherine? This is Agent Nelson from the FBI in California. Sorry to be calling so late."

My eyes widened as fear started to fill my body. Agent Caroline Nelson is the agent that had been assigned to my case from the very beginning and we'd gotten fairly close through this whole thing, "What's happening? You weren't supposed to call unless something went wrong."

Her voice was heavy as she explained, "I know, but I didn't have any other option. I've already talked to your father and he is explaining to your uncle while I talk to you. As you know, the shooter was hired by the Olivers and it wasn't difficult to get him to talk. Everything was recorded in interviews and by his signed statements, but he was murdered in jail the other day. There isn't any evidence saying that the Olivers did it. However, you and I both know that this is how they take care of any loose ties. I want you to be extra careful until the trial happens. I know you are armed, so make sure to take your weapons when you leave the house. Unless you're going to school of course. We were also able to find out that the Olivers have a relative in Forks and that's most likely how they find you. We're not sure who it is, but we believe it is a student in your school. I'll let you know if we figure anything else out, but be careful."

She hung up and the silence was deafening as the blood pumped in my ears. My hands shook before I chucked my phone at the wall and cursed, "******!"

I was still raging as my uncle threw open the door with his gun drawn before relaxing when he saw it was only me in the room. He gently set his gun down before pulling me in for an awkward hug, "Will explained everything. Don't worry, we'll find them. I told Bella and she's promised to watch out too," he pulled away slightly to look into my eyes, "Listen to me carefully. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself safe, understand? Your dad has a bodyguard, Mia, on her way here and she'll also be training you in more fighting. She can't go to school with you, but she'll be with you the rest of the time."

Nodding, I couldn't stop the relief that filled me at the fact that my guardian had a cover story to constantly be with me. She'd probably drive me nuts occasionally, but I'll take that over dying any day. With a last awkward squeeze, Uncle Charlie disappeared back downstairs as Bella poked her head in, "Hey, dad told me and I told the Cullens. They're all on protective detail at school with you and they're going to take turns feeding instead of going at once," I gave her a short nod to show I heard her, "It's going to be okay, Kat. We'll protect you."

She disappeared as fast as she came and I plopped onto my bed. My dad tried calling me, as did several of the Bots, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. I didn't want to hear the empty promises of how I would be safe and that nothing would happen. That's what was promised before I was shot and look how that turned out. It was pitch black outside by the time I finally looked down at my phone, which somehow didn't even get a scratch. There were a ton of calls and messages about calling and that I'd be okay and begging me to respond to someone.

Glancing at the time, I cringed when I realized it was 2 in the morning at base, but I continued to dial the familiar number, "Katherine, are you okay?"

I laid down on my bed as I sighed, "I think so. Daddy, I'm scared."

"I know, angel. Believe me, I know because I'm just as scared. Mia is going to 'land' soon and she will always be with you, even in her alt at school. I know you don't want to come back and stay only on base, but you will be straight back here if there is even a hint of trouble. Keep your gun and taser on you no matter where you go, even school. I don't care how illegal it is, just do it. I'd rather you have to protect yourself than have to bury you too. Understand," I murmured agreement, "When Mia gets there, she's going to continue training you to fight. I also spoke with Jasper and he's willing to teach you as well. Do whatever you have to do to stay safe. I love you, angel."

"Love you too, daddy."

I rolled onto my side and stared out the window. Troubling thoughts flew through my mind before I finally sank into a restless sleep, A kid at school sold me out to the Olivers. Wonder if they even know what damage they've caused. Who could it possibly be?