Disclaimer: We do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters. We do however own our OCs. Blondie-moyashi owns the lovely Skye Shelsher and Dream'sRealm owns Darkstorm, Skybreak, Drift, Shiv, Jolt, Blackout, Air Raid, Caliber, Speedway, and Jetfire.

Theme Song: Prudence by Sent by Ravens

Everyone at the base turned as Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus returned from the wreckage of the previous Autobot base to see if they could salvage anything. The damage to the base was too great. Ratchet and the others would have to do with what military supplies they had here. However, Wheeljack did manage to find something. . .

"Hey, Bulk'! Look what I found!"

Before Bulkhead could react, Wheeljack had already thrown the lobbing ball. The ball bounced of the mech's chassis and veered off course, towards Miko and Jack in front of Agent Fowler's office. Jack pushed Miko away just as the lobbing ball smashed into the door.

"What the sam hill?!" Agent Fowler exclaimed from inside. "What are you 'Bots doing out there?!"

Bulkhead ran over to see if his charge was harmed. "Are you okay, Miko?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," she said as she shakily picked herself off the floor with Jack's help.

Ultra Magnus turned towards the Wrecker with a condescending glare. "What were you thinking, soldier?"

"I was thinking Bulk could catch that lob," he retorted.

"If you are once more going to follow the pattern of disobeying my orders, then you are free to leave. Just as you did back on Cybertron."

Wheeljack's glare deepened. "I'd be happy to, sir. As soon as my ship is fixed, I'm gone," he said before stomping away.

Bulkhead watched on sadly before turning his attention to removing the lobbing ball from the wall so Agent Fowler could escape his office.

"Dar'sain, can I ask for your help on something?" The Seeker medic's attention was drawn from the commotion to her charge, who was standing on the long walkway.

She smiled. "Of course, Ski'ri." She approached the girl, gently placing a servo on the platform.

Skye motioned to the large stack of papers in the crook of her arm as she flipped through the top of the pile. "I guess you could say after the base incident I've had my share of putting my own neck on the line. But I still want to help in the field. So." She lifted the papers slightly. "I've contacted several companies from motion capture to robotics theorists and came up with a rough idea of a combat drone of sorts. Something I can control from here but can still help you. And is about two and a half times my size, so it's more practical for fighting the 'Cons." She paused. "Only trouble is that this is a bigger undertaking than I've had to date."

"A combat drone. . .?" Darkstorm mused. "I do suppose that could work." She smiled. "And I'm guessing you will require my assistance on this little project?"

The girl bore a shy smile. "If you're up for it. I don't want to pull you away from more pressing projects. In any case, it may take some time before the layout is done, and even then it'll only be a prototype . . . and probably quirky."

"Well, if it is that important to you, I am more than willing to help if I am not otherwise occupied with a mission or patients in the med bay," Darkstorm replied.

"Thank you, Dar'sain." Skye's smile dropped. "Too bad it just took losing my home for me to wise up."

Darkstorm subtly frowned. "Do not judge yourself so harshly, Ski'ri. We each have lessons to learn, even I. But we must also learn to move on from the past. . . or be consumed by it."

"I guess . . . do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Anything," she half smiled.

"Even after all that's happened, are you and 'Bee still planning on waiting until after the war? I mean, aren't you scared that something will happen? After the base attack and all . . ."

Darkstorm was silent for a few moments before she finally answered. "In truth. . . I was. . . scared, but we still believe waiting to be best. There is no time for such matters as weddings when we are still deep in the middle of war."

Skye shrugged. "One could argue that it's a great time. It's too easy to see the tunnel, the light at the end is often lost. Sometimes continuing with life's joyous occasions keep you from losing yourself in the dark." She shook her head with a slight smile. "But now I'm getting preachy, my apologies."

"There is nothing to forgive. I enjoy hearing such wisdom from you," Darkstorm smiled before whispering. "And. . . perhaps you are right. . . I shall discuss this with 'Bee."

Her charge's eyes went wide. "I-I don't mean to influence your decision, I was just curious. Then I got to lecturing and . . ." she facepalmed. "I'm sorry."

"You were merely giving me advice, like a true friend would," Darkstorm chuckled. "No need to be embarrassed." She grinned mischievously. "But when 'Bee and I are wed, I expect you and Smokescreen to be right behind us."

"Wha-?!" Skye's face turned red in record time. "Bu-how would that even-he's a-I'm-"

"He's a Cybertronian and you're a human? Why, it's perfectly possible. Where do you think techno-organics come from?" she smirked.

Her eyes went wider and her hands came up to cover her face, her elbow pinning the papers to her side. "Techno . . . organics? I, eh, didn't know they even-what are they?"

"The offspring of Cybertronians and an organic alien species. Airachnid is an example of a techno-organic, albeit not a good one."

"C-can this conversation be over? Like dead. Like ah man-" She buried her face in her hands. "Thank God he's not listening or I think I'd die."

Darkstorm laughed. "Forgive me. I couldn't resist."

Skye's eyes poked out from behind her fingers. "I suppose I had it coming. I guess I just didn't expect the subject to come up is all."

"I am just saying that I can see how much you two care for each other. . . as you said, continuing with life's joyous occasions can keep you from losing yourself in the dark," she smiled before turning as she heard a familiar engine. "Well, look who it is."

Smokescreen, now sporting a new yellow and blue paint job, transformed. "Hey, Skye! I just stepped out to get some new war paint like 'Bee. You like it?"

Darkstorm's cooling fans subtly activated. Oh, her scout did look fantastic in black. . .

She offered him a smile and thumbs-up, momentarily forgetting her colorful visage. "Looks good on you."

Smokescreen grinned. "Thanks. . . I-I was hoping you'd like it."

"It's your paint, though. I shouldn't have too much say what you choose. It's not like I'm the nagging wife or something." She felt her face heat up again despite her plea that it wouldn't.

Smokescreen's cooling fans activated and he rubbed the back of his helm. "R-Right…"

Skye put her hands up. "I-I appreciate that you had me in mind though!" She groaned and covered her face again. "Th-this is horrible. I'm sorry."

"N-No, it's fine! I know what you meant."

She nervously laughed. "I-if you'll excuse me, I have some reading . . . stuff I need to, uhh, go do. Now." She hurriedly walked toward an empty office similar to Fowler's that she'd claimed as her own.

Smokescreen's brow furrowed confusedly and he turned towards Darkstorm. "Did I say something wrong?"

Darkstorm chuckled and shook her helm. "You know as well as I how much she cares for you. . . She just is at a loss at what to say and do."

"I see. . ."

She smiled and placed a servo on his shoulder plating. "Be patient with her, Smokescreen. This is all so new to her. . . After all, she's never been in love before."

Smokescreen's eyes widened and his cooling fans activated loudly. Before he could stammer out a reply, Optimus, Bumblebee, and Elita returned from their scouting mission.

Darkstorm smiled and ran to embrace her scout. "It is so good to see you again. . . I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, 'Storm," Bumblebee chuckled as he returned the embrace.

"Any news, Optimus?" Ratchet asked.

"I fear we have found an interesting development in the Decepticons' plan, old friend," Optimus replied as he held out an object he had been carrying.

It was a fossil of some sort. "It is a remnant of a Predacon frame. We believe the Decepticons may be preparing to make more Predacons with remnants of CNA from these fossils," Elita One informed.

Everyone was silent for a few moments as they digested the news. "You mean, there'll be more of those things after us?" Skybreak asked.

Elita nodded. "I am afraid so."

"But. . . that would require a femme," Darkstorm interjected. "Even the great Shockwave cannot create life and as far as we know, there are no Decepticon femmes remaining on Earth and the Predacon we encountered earlier was a mech. So then how do they expect to produce more?"

Elita One's optics saddened. "It is not my place to say but-"

"Go on," Flareup interrupted. "Why don't you tell them, Elita? After all, we're just one big fragging happy family here, right? They deserve to know."

Moonracer turned to her friend, surprised by her words. "But Flare, are you sure-?"

"Shut up," she hissed before walking forward.

Moonracer recoiled as if struck, optics full of pain, before venting and lowering her helm. She looked up however as a servo was placed on her shoulder plating. She stared in Dreadwing's facial plating in shock before hesitantly smiling. He was certainly was a gentlemech. . .

Meanwhile, Dreadwing's spark burned in anger. Perhaps it was because the young femme reminded him so much of Dar'sain before the war. . . so innocent, so hesitant, so care-free. . . But he could feel his very energon boil when he would see the red femme treat her friend is such a manner. Dreadwing did not understand his actions himself but he did know one thing: she deserved better.

Flareup clenched her fists, her burning optics gazing evenly at every single bot in the room. "The reason Shockwave is able to clone those fragging monsters is because of me. Back on Cybertron, I and the others went on a scouting mission to retrieve more energon. One of Shockwave's abandoned laboratories was nearby and so we investigated there. Easy pickings, right? But, it turns out the slagger was home. We were separated during the battle and I was taken. . ."

Flareup looked down and vented. Her facial plating seemed to crumble for a nano-klick before it hardened yet again, just as her optics opened. She continued. "It took the others several cycles to find me because he took me to another location. All I can remember was being strapped to a berth. . . either heavily sedated or in forced stasis. He took what he needed from me and the Predacon and then set to work. . . I was eventually rescued by Moon and Elita but the damage was already done. And I for one am determined to make things right. I will see every one of those creatures and Shockwave terminated, this I swear!"

Various emotions were written on the others facial plating. Sadness, anger, pity, and shock. "You'd kill them even if they leave the 'Cons? I know it wasn't your choice but you're practically their carrier," Arcee asked, her normally frank voice containing a soft tone.

"No, I'm not! I don't have anything to do with those monsters! And I'm certainly not their carrier," Flareup yelled in rage. "I'll terminate myself before I see them online."

"Flareup," Optimus' clear yet commanding voice interrupted. "It is the right of every sentient being to life. We would not dare harm them unless we were given no other choice."

"No other choice?" Flareup chuckled bitterly. "They're servants of Megatron now, Optimus. Just watch. They'll destroy us and this planet and then you'll wish you'd listened to me."

Predaking curled up at his place in the loading dock of the Nemesis. He softly growled, his systems still bothered from his little trip to the Antarctic. Any Cybertronian knew that being in a cold environment for very long was not wise.

I will make them pay, he silently vowed, shivering as he ignited a flame in his chest to try to regulate his inner body temperature.

He tilted his head however as his highly sensitive audio receptors picked up a conversation from the next room.

"I still do not see the point in gathering old bones, Master. Can't the mighty Shockwave clone more beasts from what he has already gathered from the first Predacon and that femme?" Predacon recognized the voice as belonging to the screechy gray Seeker. The one he wished he could terminate and just be done with but. . . he somehow knew that the other larger being would be displeased.

Not that he cared but if this other being could help him destroy those. . . Autobots and restore what he had heard to be his original home, then he was all too glad to comply.

Predaking's thoughts went back to what the Seeker stated however. Already gathered from the first Predacon and the femme? And cloning? Was he the 'first Predacon'? And the femme… The red one, perhaps? What did she have to do with this?

"More CNA strands are required for greater genetic diversity. It is also less likely for the Autobots to destroy our army if every Predacon differs from another," the one known as Shockwave replied.

Predaking's brow furrowed in thought. More of his kind would be made? So. . . he would no longer be alone. But something told him that this wasn't natural. . . There was something wrong. But what?

His attention was diverted as one of the few Vehicons remaining on the Nemesis ran towards the edge of the dock before transforming into a flight based vehicle mode.

This led Predaking to ponder something else. . . Could he be like the others?

"Prime, we got 'Cons on the move." Fowler marched out of his office and approached the railing, a paper in hand-presumably the report of said Decepticon activity. "We have signatures on two fronts. One's emanating from an oil field in the southwest, and the other's in Scotland. So don't forget to pack your kilts."

Optimus scanned the room, trying to decide which teams to send where.

"Ultra Magnus, lead the Wreckers to the location in Scotland. Bumblebee and Smokescreen will accompany the Seekers to the other site." The Prime turned to Darkstorm, the one Seeker not standing by the rest of the group. "Aside from our medic."

Skybreak and Dreadwing nodded. "Whatever you say, Optimus," Skybreak smirked.

"Now, I don't want to see any of you in the med bay when you return, alright?" Darkstorm asked with a soft smile.

"Thanks for the concern but we'll be just fine," Wheeljack smirked.

"Don't worry, 'Storm," Bumblebee smiled. "I'll keep them safe."

"In your dreams, scout," Skybreak scoffed. "I'll probably be the one pulling your aft to safety."

Dreadwing interjected, wishing to prevent another argument. "We shall return safely, Dar'sain."

"You'd better." Skye took a step towards Smokescreen. "I swear on the AllSpark, if you scare me again, I'll let Skybreak kick your aft."

Smokescreen's optics widened slightly in fear as Skybreak grinned. "Go on. Make my day, Praxian."

"I-I'll try not to," he stammered.

"That's what I like to hear." He activated his holoform, allowing for a goodbye hug before turning and joining his team near the ground bridge station. "I mean it!" Skye called to him.

"So did I," Smokescreen grinned and entered the ground bridge.

Smokescreen, Bumblebee, and the Seekers were met with a desert filled with oil derricks. "It would be more efficient for us to split into groups so as to cover more ground," Dreadwing said.

"Good idea, Dreadwing," Bumblebee replied. "Smokes and I'll cover this sector. You and Skybreak can cover the other."

Dreadwing nodded along with Skybreak. They promptly transformed and took to the skies, scanning the ground for any signs of the enemy. While they were doing so, Smokescreen and Bumblebee inched along on the ground, weapons drawn.

After a few moments, Smokescreen asked, "Hey, 'Bee?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever. . . I don't know, wanted to be a Prime?"

Bumblebee turned towards the fellow Praxian with a raised optic ridge before shaking his helm. "No, not really. Being a Prime is a lot of responsibility and I don't think I'd be cut out for it. I'm more of a warrior, anyway."

"I see. . . So why hasn't Optimus promoted you from scout yet? I mean, you can fight with the best of them," Smokescreen asked.

"It was my choice. . . I figured the promotion would be a lot more meaningful if we were back on Cybertron, you know?"

"Huh, you're one patient mech," Smokescreen half smiled. "Maybe I should take a cue."

"Patience is a skill that must be learned, young grasshopper, and I'm sure you'll learn it someday," Bumblebee smiled.

Bumblebee's attention was diverted however as he received a comm link from Skybreak. "We spotted Shockwave and a troop of Vehicons, a klick from your position."

"We're on our way, Skybreak," Bumblebee replied before turning to Smokescreen. "You ready to smash some 'Cons?"

"Don't you know it," Smokescreen grinned before transforming. They both then raced to the intended coordinates.

When they arrived, they transformed and activated their weapons. Almost immediately the Decepticons began to attack. Dreadwing and Skybreak provided air support whilst Bumblebee and Smokescreen tried to approach Shockwave through the fray.

A shot hit the ground in front of Smokescreen and he turned his helm, quickly scanning the area. There was one Vehicon on the ground and two on a nearby structure. He ran towards the one on the ground and activated the phase shifter, smirking as the shots that would have hit him phase right through. Smokescreen did a quick shoulder roll, phasing through the trooper himself. Before he had time to react Smokescreen spun to his left, grabbing the Vehicon by the arm and throwing him at the two on the structure like a frisbee. He only impacted with one, but the chain reaction of stumbling caused all three to fall. None made a move to get up.

Meanwhile, Bumblebee began to fire at Shockwave, trying to stop him from advancing through the ground bridge. Shockwave turned around and began to fire at him with his cannon. The nimble scout dodged the blows before advancing forward and grabbing ahold of the fossil.

Seeing Bumblebee struggling, Smokescreen ran to aide him. He too grabbed ahold of the fossil and began to pull it away from Shockwave. A massive game of tug-of-war ensued. The two Praxians were eventually able to apprehend the fossil but a small piece of it broke off, plummeting to the desert floor.

Skybreak swooped downwards, attempting to grab it, but was stopped as Laserbeak flew beside him, shocking him with electricity. The Seeker yelled as he convulsed and began to fall.

"Skri'brak!" Dreadwing yelled as he followed, stopping his fall just before he hit the ground.

The fragment was caught in a separate ground bridge as Shockwave fired at Smokescreen and Bumblebee, going into a ground bridge of his own.

Bumblebee vented before deactivating his weapons systems. He looked downwards to the bottom of the ravine. "Skybreak, Dreadwing, are you two alright?"

"We will be just fine, but Skybreak requires medical attention," Dreadwing called.

"Come on, I'm fine," Skybreak waved his friend away as he shakily transformed and attempted to stand. He staggered and fell backwards.

"One ground bridge coming up," Bumblebee chuckled before comming the base. Two separate ground bridges were sent as the entire team went through back to the base.

Darkstorm looked up from a datapad once she heard the whirr of the ground bridge. Her optics widened in shock as she saw her brother. "Bruda, what in the pits of Kaon happened to you?"

"Eh, Laserbeak just gave me a little shock, nothing to be too worried about," Skybreak encouraged, one of his optics glitching the entire while.

She vented. "Well. . . I suppose it cannot be helped. Let's get you fixed up, shall we?"

"But, really, Sister. I feel fine-"

She gave him a serious look. "From the way your optic keeps on glitching, it seems you've been hit with over ten thousand Hertz of raw electricity. You are lucky your receptors are still functioning. Now go into the med bay before I sedate you."

Skybreak vented before grumbling as he made his way over to the med bay.

Skye ran up to Smokescreen as best she could, still getting used to the new prosthetic. "Are you alright? What happened out there?"

"We met Shockwave and a group of Vehicons that weren't on our side. Skybreak was about to take a fragment of the fossil before Laserbeak attacked him with electricity," Smokescreen replied before half smiling. "But yeah, I'm alright."

"Good." She hugged his pedde. "It's just good to see you walk through that bridge. After the past few times, well . . . I'm just glad you're home."

"Ditto." He activated his holoform and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before a tight hug.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hmmm?" Her tone and relaxed state made it sound more like a purr than a lazy question.

"Why do you like hugs? I don't mind, but there are more . . . personal interactions. Why hugs?"

She took a second to figure out how to word it. "There's just something comforting about feeling the heart beating, like it's the strongest reassurance that someone's alive and okay. It . . . it might be partially because of my wreck, but I just find it comforting."

"The wreck?"

Skye swallowed, thinking back to that night. "The rescuer who got me out of the car had to carry me up the hill. Amidst that pain, I remember hearing and feeling his heart pounding and it seemed like it helped keep mine going. So now . . . it's reassuring."

Smokescreen forced a small smile. "Works for me."

Later, when Darkstorm had finished repairing her brother, she went out in search of Bumblebee. She found him near the base's training area with Raf.

Well. . . here goes nothing, she thought nervously as she cleared her throat. The two of them looked towards her and smiled.

"Hey, 'Storm!" Raf exclaimed as he waved.

"Hello, Raf," Darkstorm smiled fondly. "And what may I ask are you up to?"

"Me and 'Bee were just talking. Would you like to join us?"

"I would love to, but. . . I believe 'Bee and I need to discuss something first," Darkstorm replied, fiddling with her digits nervously.

"Oh, okay," Raf said, getting up from his seat. He was curious to know what they were discussing but he wasn't Miko. They deserved to have their privacy.

When Raf was inside, Bumblebee turned to Darkstorm questioningly. "Why do we need to talk, 'Storm? Are you alright?"

Darkstorm bit her bottom lip component and nodded. "I am well, actually. I just. . . wished to talk to you about. . . the wedding."

Bumblebee's helm immediately fell. "If you don't want to go through with it, I'll understand."

His helm was raised by Darkstorm's servo. "Oh, my beloved scout. Why wouldn't I wish to be with you?" She asked softly before kissing him.

It was then that all of Bumblebee's fears melted away and his spark soared. They eventually pulled away and Darkstorm smiled, some of her nervousness melting away as well. "I wished to ask you if we. . . could be wed at the first opportunity presented to us."

"But, 'Storm, we're in the middle of the war and I'm scared that-"

"I am even more frightened of not getting the chance to do this," Darkstorm interrupted. "I love you, Bumblebee. With all my spark. . . So why shouldn't we do this sooner rather than later?"

Bumblebee was silent for a few moments before he whispered, "But what if I am offlined? And we've already bonded? You will feel every nano-klick of my pain and you'll feel as if your very spark is dying. That is what it feels like, a broken bond. Would you really take that chance?"

"For you, my dear scout, I would risk anything," Darkstorm replied, caressing his facial plating with a servo. "It would cause me even greater pain if you had been terminated and we had never bonded."

Bumblebee pondered this before hesitantly smiling. "Alright. . . As soon as we get the chance, we'll do it."

Darkstorm's facial plating brightened as she grinned and embraced her scout. "Thank you," she whispered.

Bumblebee held her close to him, spark pounding in both nervousness and joy. He never thought a femme like her could ever love a mech like him. . . "For you, my light, I'd risk anything."

D/N: AW! Tons of dramah and romance for you all, our loyal followers. We do hope you enjoyed this chapter and remember, don't be afraid to give us your thoughts and feedback. We greatly value anything y'all have to say.

To Savvy Orion: Bumblebee: *beeps and waves hello* And you found my Bayverse Ironhide reference! XD I know I said I didn't like Michael Bay but I admit, Colonel Lennox and Ironhide? Loads of awesomeness! And I absolutely agree. Love is the most powerful force in this world. After all, Jesus loved us so much that He died for us and gave us eternal life and freedom and joy. Now, that is powerful! Happy New Year to you as well, my dear friend, from both blondie and me.

To Guest 1: I can't help but agree with you. *looks to see if Flareup is listening before continuing* She has major anger issues but… I don't blame her as you can see in this chappie. Take it easy on her, eh?

To Guest 2: I see. We thank you so much for the suggestion! But I don't think we could change them into Cybertronians.

(from Who You Gonna Call? By Barbara Johnson)

When you have a problem with life, it's a special blessing to have a friend you can call and vent your feelings to, someone who knows you well enough to understand how you're feeling and who always manages to say just the right words that will give you hope. A friend who, just by listening and talking, has the ability to help you face your problem with a better attitude and stronger resolve.

And then there's the real source of all hope. How fortunate we are that we don't even need a telephone to reach Him. There's no number to look up. He's always there, always alert, always listening, always helpful. So at any moment we can cry out to Him, just as the psalmist did: "Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 70:1). And amazingly, we say "Amen" with a better attitude and stronger resolve because we've lost ourselves in Him.

Dear Father, thank You for my fellow sailors on life's seas- friends who give me hope and help. And thank You for being the ultimate Friend to me. Amen.

And if y'all could pray for my friend Becca. She has a close friend of hers in the hospital right now and she heard that he might not make it. Please keep them both in your prayers and the boy's family.

Thank you again for all the support you guys and may God bless you! We love y'all so much!

Until next time, Dream'sRealm

B/N: Skye, m'dear, you had this chapter coming. After all the time everyone got to tease Bee and Storm, Skye included, it was nice to see the tables turned *mwahahaha* I know I should be on her side, but as all my charas can attest, I am not a kind master :'D I hope I'm not the only one totally stoked for teh special day, 'twill be awesome and lovely and feely indeed. And to see the evolving relationships between everyone else too. And every feely or otherwise remarkable event to come :3 as always, thank you so much for the love and reviews 8D