THIS IS CO-WRITTEN BY WOLFSRAINRULES

TIME MEASUREMENTS:

Astrosecond: .5 seconds

Nano-klik: 1 second

Klik: 1 minute

Breem: 8 minutes

Cycle: 1 hour 15minutes

Solar-Cycle: One day (20 hours)

Lunar-Cycle: One night (20 hours)

Deca-cycle: 4 weeks (one month)

Mega-cycle: 96 hours (four days)

Meta-cycle: 12 months (one year)

Stellar Cycle: 6 months

Vorn: 83 years

Mega-vorn: 83,000 years (1000 vorns)

60 mega-vorns: 4,980,000 years

Despite the plea for him to help, Sam didn't quite know how he was going to accomplish that. But, considering the outcome of most of his efforts to save lives and planets, he probably had a good chance. Especially with the added boost of knowledge from the future and the ever helpful presence of the AllSpark in his head.

Not that all of his worries were his wonderings on how he was going to 'save them', as he had a child to care for, family to introduce himself to, enemies not to kill and that traitor who was marching towards him with a scowl marring his face and a heavy disapproval radiating from his frame.

Huh, actually that's very interesting. Emotions, rather then read by body language and facial expressions seem to be expressed through an energy field that is generated by the spark. The knowledge comes instinctual and is not a something I need to learn since apparently I am already doing it. Which is why the priestess went postal when I didn't understand her accusation.

There was an inquiring chirp, whisper soft from Songbird, right before there was a nudge form the AllSpark in his head, directing his attention to some gathering of energy...?

Oh. Oh. That's what Bee meant when he said there was a bond that could not be broken between the two of us…

Apparently there was a mental connection formed by spark energy between family…brothers and sisters, parents and children, spouses. Though Bee did once mention that forming a bond could also happen between friends who had a deep connection to each other.

Any other investigations into mental connections would have to wait until further notice, as Sentinel stood before him, his optics roaming over his frame, his disapproval bleeding into anger. Sam was happy to see that although his own frame was a fraction smaller bulk-wise, having been designed for speed and agility, he stood taller than Sentinel. He was among the tallest in the room, right down from Optimus and Megatron.

Dear Primus he wasn't ready for this! They were right there!

Now was not the time for that so Sam focused his attention on Sentinel and buried the urge to rip his head off and punt it into space. Going by the startled warble from Ironwill, he mostly suceeded. Focusing on his emotions, he bundled up a bit of the protectiveness and his concern for his sparkling's safety and gently lobbed in in his general mental direction.

Point for Sam at learning how to care for a sparkling! It worked and Ironwill settled down into Songbird's arms. Unfortunately, that drew Sentinel's attention and Janus stepped up and sideways, blocking the apprentice and his sparkling from view.

"My apologies," Janus spoke, his voice velvet-covered steel, the barest hints of warning in his tones, "Might I question as to the purpose for my presence here?"

Sam was strangely hurt and relieved that at his first movement most Cybertronians moved to a defensive stance, shifting so their weapons were in plain view. Regardless if he knew them all, either from stories or brief interactions, to them he was an unknown. A powerful unknown who wasn't concerned in the least being surrounded and outnumbered by many of the strongest fighters, if not all. One who didn't gap and stare in awe and reverence at the AllSpark.

Considering that Sam was at best grateful and at worst, irritated and annoyed in his feelings towards the Cube, all his other experience with Cyberton and Cybertronian-related incidents ensure he wasn't going to be impressed by much.

Not even by the two almost familiar mechs, one who sported a very familiar pair of cannons and right by his side, one Autobot he had only known through stories and a brief introduction.

Ironhide and Jazz.

Sam was going to be eternally grateful to the AllSpark for making his processing power so great because you could hold conversations in his head and make observations all within the space of nano-kliks. He was startled by the level of sound that registered in his audio receptors though.

"YOU DARE?! You who defile our ways, our most sacred traditions and stand there without any sense of guilt or shame?! You have not fooled anyone of us! Your appearance claims you to be an Elite, while your words claim you as an Alpha! Unacceptable!"

Whoa, he's almost frothing at the mouth. Err, intake.

Sentinel's whole frame twitched and his servos reached up to grab his sword. Janus didn't move, only sighed internally and made a mental note to gain better control of projecting his emotions. He was happy to note, that though the traitor was perfectly content to skewer him right then and there, Optimus stepped up, Megatron right on his heel.

"Sentinel!"

There was a rebuke in the Prime's harmonics, but also a plea. Optimus deferred to the other once-Prime and going by Megatron's subtle shifting…he disapproved. Well, both Janus and Sam disapproved too, rather strongly at that. Perhaps, he already had an ally in booting Sentinel out of power…?

"As amusing as this is," Janus made sure to interrupt the red mech at the beginning of his retort, allowing himself a flash of amusement at his reaction, "I have work to do and since I'm already here, I might as well get it done."

Disregarding any objections, some vocal, most physical and avoiding obstacles in his path with an ease and grace he once likened to Optimus, Janus strode powerfully into the midst of semi-hostile bots to draw nearer to the AllSpark. He was barely in reaching distance when he stopped, moving to look over his shoulder, right into the narrowed optics of Bumblebee. Only he showed no sign of recognition only a hardened face of determination with a blaster aimed at his spark from behind.

It was like the saving-the-world thing. Logically, he knew there was no reason and it was impossible for his best friend to have recognized him, but a part of him had still hoped. That part quickly died and he couldn't quite stop the flare of grief he felt before smoothly switching his attention back to the object in front of him. Of course, Bee had hesitated at the touch of emotion so Janus took a moment to spare a word or five.

"Can you hear it singing?"

The yellow bot was a Sensitive, from what Sam understood and it was something of a open secret. One of the reasons why Bumblebee was always chosen for the temple guard. So an unknown bot stating he held business in the temple with the AllSpark, one who carried the designs of a High Priest all over his frame and who could hear the Cube singing?"

Bee was a smart bot, smarter than many gave him credit for considering his age, but he understood things most other missed. It was what made him a good scout and what made him one of the most related to humans. Janus was not surprised that he lowered his blaster, albeit slowly and without change to his facial expression.

He figured Sentinel would have chewed Bee out if the next series of events hadn't effective grabbed everyone's undivided attention and held it.

A single servos was placed on the surface of the AllSpark. That was all it took before the present and future energies were untied in a vibrant display of blue arcing lights and a deep and immeasurable energy. It felt pleasant across his body, the glowing lines across his face, down his shoulder plates, arms, hands, back, torso and his legs. Even his sword sheathed in between his shoulder plates were etched in AllSpark energy.

In the awestruck silence behind him, his words were clearly heard, echoing softly in the chamber.

"Hello, my old friend," he whispered with something like sorrow ringing in his tones, "It has been a while since then, has it not?"

The presence in his mind deepened and he could hear two distinct voiced singing in harmony, one in joy at a second chance to be had, one at a destruction that would have happened had it not been for Primus's intervention. A wordless query pinged against his processors, bringing an image of a Fallen-possessed Megatron, so far gone that even after the removal of his presence, there was no recovering the once Lord High Protector.

Janus smiled and didn't even try to hold back the overwhelming feelings of determination, happiness and a fury that gave the gathered mechs pause, prompting an instinctual reaction to move away from the unknown mech. It was his reply to the question only three could hear that had them following that reaction though.

"When I find him, he will scream until his vocal cords cease to function, I will rip off his every member and melt them down to use as decorative ornaments and I will sift through every memory he holds until he breaks and shatters."

There was a brief silence heighted by the horror and fear crackling through the air before Janus finished his promise.

"And then I return his spark to the others and they will judge him and decide his punishment. He will not return, not even at the command of Unicron himself nor when the stars burn out."

There was a simultaneous dimming and brightening of the blue energy. The Fallen could not be allowed to rise, either in Megatron or on Earth as he had in the Time Before. To cause such pain and to deny one of Primus's first beloved creations the peace of His Bosom…his actions had sealed his fate and there was nothing that could be done for him.

Janus shuttered his optics in empathy, before a small nudge of curiosity towards both his little sparkling and the femme carrying him manifested in his thoughts. A quirk in his expression brought a smile and he turned on his heel. Songbird was standing under the entrance gates, still cradling his sparkling in her grasp. Ignoring the heavy weight of many optics staring in terror or reverence, save for a handful who were controlled and waiting to see the outcome of his actions, he reached out and beckoned her forward.

"Songbird, come. There is one who wishes to speak with you."

Despite the terror that surged through her spark, it only took her a moment to take the first step towards him. That courage was interrupted by an enraged shout.

"I am (one-who-is-to-watch-and-lead) Sentinel Prime and I demand answers! Never in mega-vorns has any Sensitive of your power stepped forward! Not when the AllSpark was lost, not when war ravaged Cybertron, yet now?! NOW WHEN THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU?!"

The suffocating rage was keenly felt as remembered loss filtered through processors and the agony of an empty temple caused a hitch in the motions of the priests and priestess and the few Sensitives' in the room. When Sentinel whirled around, striding forward and stretched out a limb to take hold of-

"You are incorrect."

The words rolled like thunder, stilling the movements of Sentinel and the priests and priestesses who had gathered at the surge of life-energy immediately fell to their faces and prostrated themselves. All optics turned to the still unidentified mech now shining with an inner light and powers flowing visibly through him. His gaze was riveted on the old Prime, who discreetly lowered his arm, drawing himself up in self-righteousness while cloaking his form with remembered power and once earned dignity.

"You say my words are false, yet you do not even do us the courtesy of your designation! I have spoken nothing but truth! It is you who are in suspicion!"

Megatron leaned closer to his brother, who was staring in bewilderment and little anger at his teacher. While Megatron distrusted and disliked the aged Prime, there was respect for his victories and his accomplishments. That he was acting in such a matter to a mech who bore the sigils for a Prime, demonstrated an understanding of the AllSpark, calling the Cube an old friend and swearing an oath to offline a bot in one of the worst ways possible, was unthinkable! Sentinel was escalating the situation, mocking and challenging the gifted Sensitive to the point where he was glowing with Spark!

He had been keeping track of everyone's movements and most had moved to line the walls, silent and vigilant to any sudden changes to the Sensitive. (flitting-freely-from-place-to-place) Bumblebee as the last known sparked Sensitive, had granted and allowed access to the AllSpark by stepping aside and that was significant. None save him heard the words the unidentified mech had spoken, but there was potential for a way into his good graces going by how his spark had flared in old grief at the sight of the youngling.

There were possibilities here he could not see but Megatron knew deep in his spark, that something had changed and shifted and all of a sudden, it was as if a light a shown up from Primus below. It was baffling and confusing, but that stubborn glitch was ruining it. Sentinel was defensive and hostile and there was no reason to be! He shot a quick glance at (strength-that-will-fight-to-protect-those-behind) Ironhide and sent a ping for his attention. It was granted and Megatron sharply pressed the need for Sentinel to be contained or reasoned with.

There was a grudging approval and agreement but also a loss at what exactly he was supposed to do about it. The underlying retort that Megatron was the Lord High Protector of their Prime and the co-ruler of Cybertron and thus he should do something, was clearly felt.

Before either had a chance to act to prevent further issues…the Sensitive took care of the issue himself.

Bumblebee was young compared to all others that were both below his position and above it. There was some resentment, but he was needed. His type of gift was different than those of the priest and priestesses, those who held the Gift to tend and care for the AllSpark, to sense it's location from only a short distance. His gift was of communication and when he grew older he would receive some of the lost history contained in the Cube. Granted, it would be many vorns before that day, but it was necessary less the information overload his current storage capacity and destroy his processors.

It was unspoken, but every bot on Cybertron knew, the AllSpark may give life and was a blessing from Primus himself…but the amount of power it contained was dangerous and to treat the Cube as anything other than something sacred and precious was insanity. Only those who had earned the title of Priest or Priestess were allowed within a certain radius and fewer then them were allowed to guard it. High Priests were Primes. There was an issue with (one-who-will-fight-to-defend-favorable-outcomes) Optimus being a real Prime, even though he bore the name and a glyph that were carved into the tombs of previous Primes.

It wasn't mentioned, but the Priests insisted on treating him as an accepted Prime, even if Sentinel disapproved. While it would make a difference in the long run, so far Optimus being the student of Sentinel was enough for the moment. Though everyone had wondered what possessed the mech to take on a student whose status was in question? It was a question the Prime had never answered, but many were glad for his actions.

But as Bumblebee watched the events unfold around him… he could not help but feel…there was something balanced on the edge of a precipice, something that would change history and the future for eons to come. He could feel it so strongly it feel like there was a servos placed on his back, ready to push him when the moment came. As with all of the astonishing and impossible things that had happened in the last cycle, it came from the mouth of the new arrival.

Jazz was a noble. One of the Elite. His family could be traced back generations to the time when Primes still wandered with their clans. It was only one of the many reason why he chose to follow Optimus as a Prime. There was something about the mech that called to him, appealed to his senses. He wasn't especially concerned with why, there were many stories told by his carriers and their carriers about how Primes were in the Wandering Days. The fact that he held a Gift of patterns and movements that told him Optimus was something special, might have influenced his decision mostly. His Gift was known only to his carriers and a handful of others.

It wasn't very much of a secret, more of an unspoken fact between him, Lord Megatron and Optimus Prime. They all knew if he named his gift, it would restrict his access to dangerous situations and he would be suggested to take a place at the temple. It was Sentinel's point of pride to gather those blessed by Primus with Gifts. Jazz did not want to go and he had left it to Optimus to reveal that information or not. Going by his continued freedom, he had never spoken of it to his mentor.

Jazz was grateful for his discretion and firmly devoted himself to his training. He had the skills and the drive for being a saboteur and the thrill he got from climbing the ranks to the top, the excitement from alluding his instructors and trainers, it was addicting. The ebbs and flows of the pattern and motions all around him were intoxicating and made it so easy for him to smoothly insert himself into any situation, to crack codes and hack into computers. It frustrated his peers and delighted his teachers.

He was confident in his ability, but kept himself alert. There were many cautionary warnings in his family history and Jazz did not wish to make the same mistakes. So he branched out, into politics and laws. He spent time interacting with Enforcers and Gladiators before Megatron became Lord High Protector, so he could perfect his ability to blend in.

But then, he found his true calling. Music.

Music was like living and dying in a single cycle while watching your first child being sparked and your Bonded holding them in their arms. It was happiness and sadness, rage and love in perfect harmony with one another and it was so beautiful. Jazz could listen to music every single klik of every cycle, every vorn and be content to simply listen.

Then…everything changed.

They were called to the temple for a disturbance and everyone was needed to check out all systems, all functions for everything. The message from a priestess to a priest was shared about an unknown. A scan was sent and there was no record of a mech like that anywhere. So he was careful to find a good spot to be of most use if this bot turned out hostile. When Priestess Icetrail stormed through the entrance, terror, confusion and reverence screaming with her every step, bringing in the unknown bot with Apprentice Songbird…carrying a sparkling…he was wary simply looking at the mech.

And then…he spoke.

Jazz was enraptured. The mech moved and spoke like nothing he'd ever seen before, save for the fact he could swear on his spark the previous was true, even as he stared, all he could see was Optimus. Glancing between the two did nothing. It made no sense and it was utterly baffling yet, Jazz had never been so sure of patterns and those moments before. There was Optimus in the mech, but nothing like he was, rather what he could be.

The next breems would go down in history if he had anything to say about it. But the confrontation between that one and Sentinel?

It would be legendary.

Optimus had a concern. There were several that he dealt with varying in types and levels, but right this nano-klik, Optimus had a very real concern he was going to snap and yell at Sentinel. In exactly the way he was doing to the mech who had spoken to the AllSpark, reassured it, answered its questions and made a disturbing promise to it. Questions he could have almost heard had he been closer and even then he could hear enough to understand that the AllSpark had been…strongly displeased at something done to…a Cybertonian…by another Cybertronian but was satisfied and saddened in equal measure by the punishment that would be given.

He was entirely unprepared for Sentinel to take offence to the mech's entire existence, even throwing in a class insult, which resulted in disappointment rather than surprise. He knew his mentor held a great respect for freedom of choice and of will, that it was the right of every sentient being, but there were times when Sentinel did hold himself as a superior being to his people. He spoke of the right a Prime had to rule, their Gifts were important and they as Cybertronians were different then the others who weren't sparked as they were.

To Optimus who wasn't even sure he was a Prime himself, that did not sit well within his spark. He remembered well the times of Alpha Trion and learning at his side as a scholar and a archeologist. The mysteries of their own history, of the lost languages and arts of the previous generation alone made he wish to find them and to show them to his people.

Now that he was a Prime, in name or not, he ruled with Megatron in peace. Yes, times were difficult and the classes still existed, which was something that united both himself and Megatron in their rule, but there was peace and his people were beginning to build again. Paintings, sculptures and songs were filling the empty places and while there was only a handful of sparklings being sparked, there was hope.

Sentinel was destroying that hope.

He was set in his ways, did not heed to any words Optimus spoke, nor Megatron. He did as he pleased with his authority as Prime and there was truly nothing Optimus could do about it. Sentinel was truly a Prime. He was chosen and it was witness. Optimus only had a coincidental glyph on his helm and chest plate and was tutored by Sentinel as the mech grew older.

If it was not for the situation by which he had risen to power, Optimus would have continued his life as Orion Pax in peace. But he could not sit still when the Revolutions began, to change and to make thing better, so he had done all that he could. When it had ended in the time before the fighting had restarted, only against a different enemy, his plans were to go back to his life researching the lost histories.

He didn't regret his decision to take up ruler-ship of Cybertron with the former leader of the Rebellion Megatron as his Lord High Protector…but he had found a brother in the ex-fighter and they got along well.

This was not the time for nostalgia. As the Prime that ruled he was responsible for his people and regardless if this unknown had appeared out of nowhere according to (one-who-lives-through-rhythm-and-sound) Jazz before the Priestess had brought him to the temple. There were no words to the emotions that welled up in him once he set optics on him. He did not say anything even has he brushed pasted, nor did he speak when the AllSpark began to sing and came alive in a way no one had ever seen before.

He was vibrant and solid and there was a hum that caught his audio receptors and pulsed in time to his own spark song. It was similar to the time when he and Megatron bonded as brothers, as Lord High Protector and Prime, but something so much more. But he controlled himself. There was no need to make a scene and Sentinel demanded composure so he would remain where he was.

Until a breem later when his mentor lost all of his composure and all the senses his processor possessed when he began screaming at the mech. Dropping his full name and title was a surprise, there had been no need for anything other than his title for many vorns now. But after the mech stated that Sentinel was incorrect…that was when something in Optimus finally understood.

Sam found a vindictive satisfaction when Sentinel lost his shit at his accusation. Or rather his statement as it was because the was Sentinel was saying his name, and the way his actual name was supposed to be said, where two different things. That was the go-ahead-green-light for him. Sentinel Prime might not have betrayed the Autobots on an organic planet far into the future, but he was still the same as the one who did.

How on Earth he was the one who shaped Optimus to be the one Sam had known for years, was a complete and absolute mystery to him. Despite this, it was with a smile he spoke his next words.

"(one-who-is-to-watch-and-lead) Sentinel is not your designation. Your designation is (guard-to-stand-and-keep-watch) Sentinel. Which I congratulate for doing until you screwed up in a most spectacular fashion."

Janus turned to stare at Optimus who froze like a deer in headlights. Megatron stepping up to shield him in a way the one he knew had never done brought warmth to his spark. He dipped his head ignoring the shocked and infuriated mech he had just dismissed, keeping his attention on the one in his optics.

"(guard-to-stand-and-keep-watch) Sentinel was to stand and keep watch for you, (one-who-will-fight-to-defend-favorable-outcomes) Optimus Prime. Long has your arrival been awaited. They have waited for you and now I stand before you."

Noise instantly broke out, vindication spread across faces and disbelief on others. Some who had simply believed and they who mocked and scoffed at Optimus who bore the name Prime.

"He is a Prime?"

At the soft question, Janus shot a quizzical look at Priestess Icetrail who was staring at him in horror from her position prostrating herself on the floor.

"Of course he is a Prime. When has he not been? From the creation of his Spark, no matter his designation, he is Prime."

Again, the silence at his answer of one of disbelief and awe. To that, Janus tipped his head back and laughed. Not out of amusement, but out of pity and condensation.

"The Prime who would continue the line, foretold and promised, whose existence has been sung from one end of this universe to the next and his own people did not know him?!"

Ignoring the shock covering his entire frame, Janus moved away from Optimus, returning his attention to Sentinel who remained standing still as a statue.

"Never were you meant to fall this far, Sentinel. The AllSpark disappeared beneath Cybertron in order for the next Prime to return with it. Because you were not chosen to carry the mantle on, your actions that succeeded in locating and returning It to Above were to have consequences. Had you not, of course, provided energy that it did not need and search for the next Prime yourself, you would have been destroyed. The Others argued that you knew and understood that you had made a mistake and agreed to let you fix it."

Janus paused and spoke his next words with a bite a anger.

"You did not. You were to keep watch, yes you did so and found the Prime. You taught him to be a Prime even as you yourself did not follow the teachings you gave him. But, you did not step down. Instead you stepped up and into the position of an adviser and councilor you were not meant to be. By your influence and rule, you have encouraged actions that say some are created inferior to others and that is unacceptable."

He did not raise his voice. There was no need to. The staggering amount of sheer authority and ringing tones of power were unmistakable and echoed to the crowd that had gathered outside.

"Each spark was created unique by Primus himself. Every aspect of their personality, their Gifts and knacks was given to them by Primus through the AllSpark and you have the gall to proclaim that Primus made a mistake in His creations?"

With a fire shining in his optics, Janus pivoted once again to face Optimus, striding forward uncaring of his once greatest enemy's protective stance. He reached out and delicately laid a hand over the glyph stamped on his chest plate. If Optimus had been human, he would have sucked in a breath in absolute shock and awe.

"Optimus…Prime. Even you doubt the legitimacy of your claim?"

At the telltale widening of his optics, Janus held back a displeased frown. His digits clenched and he pulled his fellow Prime (who was unaware of being a Prime), forcing him to move his legs, and started towards the entrance.

"You! What do you think you're doing with my Prime?"

Good ol' Ironhide.

Janus tossed an approving look over his shoulder to the small group of once-future Autobots with the inclusion of Megatron. Save for Bumblebee and Jazz, they all held servos on weapons, swords, blasters and cannons. It was Ironhide who faltered first at the visible approval emanating from the still unidentified mech, but it was Megatron who broken into a jog to keep his place by Optimus's side.

So Janus successfully bullied an overwhelmed newly-confirmed Prime to the temple's stairs to place him on display for an extremely large gathering of mechs and femme of all age groups and classes, including seekers and grounders. No one at the foot knew what was happening, but at the sight of both of their leaders, even if one was being handled by an unknown, they calmed enough for Janus's voice to easily carry.

"By the Will of Primus I have come to this place to set right to wrongs! Your ignorance is offensive and it will be remedied! It is by the Will of Primus that each and every one of you were given sparks, given life! To hold yourself superior above another simply for your Gifts, your quirks or your talents is unacceptable! You are all created equal in the Sight of Primus by His Will through his vessel, the AllSpark! It is not your place to decide worth for another! Freedom is the right of every sentient being!"

For a moment there was complete and utter silence. For a nano-klik before every voice was raised either in fury or joy. Janus allowed the screams, shouts, cries to continue for a moment before he raised his voice and infused it with a smidgen of AllSpark energy.

"SILENCE!"

Every intake clicked shut instantaneously as Janus stood tall, power radiating from every inch of his form.

"I am (beginnings-and-endings-past-and-future-of-gateways) Janus Prime and I am here to correct your ignorance! He was promised of the line that would continue, yet when he came no one recognized him! A Prime given to lead you to new stars, far away galaxies and a Lord High Protector he would choose for himself! Lost history would be found! Arts and songs, languages long forgotten! A Golden Age to last eons! Yet this hangs in the balance, under attack from enemies and races reduced to myths and legends!"

With the practiced ease of a rebellious teenager, Sam ignored the questioning murmurings and voices, both panicked and confused and turned to Optimus and Megatron. They both noticed a shift in his stance, though it took the Prime a moment and gave him their attention. He only smiled, projecting amusement, relief and lingering traces of grief. He had no idea if this was to work, but he was trying. That had to count for something.

Janus moved his hand to Optimus's shoulder and proclaimed for everyone to hear.

"He is Optimus Prime! From when his spark first came, to the time when it will return to the Matrix, he is Prime forever more! By his side stands Lord High Protector Megatron, long may they rule!"

The thundering and nearly deafening roar of cheers almost surprised him, with the force of their renewed devotion and he could feel the AllSpark light up in happiness as a blue glow began to shine from within the temple. He removed himself from the scene, glancing back to take in the glittering forms of Megatron and Optimus reflecting the light. They look strong. Unbroken and no less weary than a recharge would fix. There in this city that had once been reduced into ruins and wastelands.

He turned and his optics found Songbird's who stepped closer, allowing his sparkling to crawl into his embrace. The young femme smiled, which he returned at feeling the lightness surrounding her.

"Please, " she spoke over the noise of the crowd, "I will come with you and serve you. If you will have me."

Her optics pleaded earnestly with him and Ironwill chattered hopefully in his audio receptors. He only inclined his head, watching as those he used to know walked past him to stand behind their leaders. Oh, they didn't ignore him, regardless of giving his designation they didn't trust him. They gave respectful nods, probing stares or, in the case of Bumblebee, an almost apology and a wordless desire to see him again.

For that alone, Sam would stay.

Okay. That got away from me. Like so much. I've enrolled in the spring term of a nearby college so I should be working on getting my course material…but I can totally do that later. Our dogs tracked in so much mud so I should sweep and vacuum…but I can do that tomorrow. NO idea why I can write SO MUCH of this, yet barely a sentence on everything else. Ugh.

Enjoy!

Until next time!