\\I don't know where I'm going. But I sure know where I've been. Hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday. And I've made up my mind. I ain't wasting no more time//
\\Though I keep searching for an answer. I never seem to find what I'm looking for. Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on. Coz I know what it means. To walk along the lonely street of dreams//
\\And here I go again on my own. Going down the only road I've ever known. Like a drifter I was born to walk alone. And I've made up my mind. I ain't wasting no more time.//
\\I'm just another heart in need of rescue. Waiting on loves sweet charity. And I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days. Coz I know what it means. To walk along the lonely street of dreams.//
\\And here I go again on my own. Going down the only road I've ever known. Like drifter I was born to walk alone. And I've made up my mind. I ain't wasting no more time.//
Here I Go Again – White Snake
Get used to that. Every chapter of love stories I've written always starts off with lyrics of a song. I'm also open to suggestions if any of you have favorites. You will find music will be an integral part of this story.
Now this chapter is intended for the readers to see what kind of femme Kacey has matured into over the last eleven years. So, I'm going to revert to my old form back in HJ where the entire chapter is from one POV. And I feel I must apologize because my plan to keep the chapters short went out the window. This chapter is long! Way long. Hope you have comfortable chairs. Lol.
Author's notes: italics denote comlink chatter, '…' bond talk, "…" normal talk, \\...// denotes music playing. Also, for all those G1 Jazz fans. Kacey will pull of one of my favorite combat maneuvers that I've seen Jazz do. Ten points for the first one who figures it out! Hehe.
Kaceystar
The day had started off so well when I headed out with the guys for some early morning racing fun. We'd been looking forward to this day for months because it was difficult to come up with a day when all of us would be on the base at once. Bumblebee was often out with the twins on patrol. Jazz was always with Prowl either on base in the Command Center or off base on a recon mission. And I was with father and Ironhide out on patrol.
My father.
I thought we couldn't get any closer as father and daughter. Yet we did. We developed the comradeship that comes with fighting along side someone. The 'I'll keep an optic out for you back as you keep an optic out for mine' Autobot mentality was now so deeply embedded in my processor that it was second nature. I reacted on instinct to threats to my father, Ironhide, or any Autobot that teamed up with us.
It was during an intense battle after two years of being teamed up with my father and Ironhide that I came to understand exactly why father wanted me on his team. I had come under a heavy barrage of enemy weapons' fired solely directed at me. With total disregard for his own well being my father had hurried to my side and yanked me behind him to protect me. I had been both mad and grateful at my father's actions that day.
Mad because I'm just like my mother in believing that femmes can fight just as good as the mechs and femmes don't need a mech to hover and protect them all the time. Grateful because as the Decepticon's had continued firing at me it made me realized just how much of a target I really was.
I wasn't just a femme warrior, I was the future Prime. I fully comprehended the meaning of my existence more than ever from that point on.
So who better to protect me than my father, the Autobots best mech wrecker who could intimidate the enemy into retreating without a fight just by posturing his massive frame. Once I realized this, I didn't mind too much. While father and Ironhide's purpose was to protect me, I was still given a lot of leeway in order for me to learn things on my own – father and Hide only jumped it when it was getting too hot and heavy for me, although a few times I did see Ironhide hold my father back when he was getting overprotective.
Besides the protection, it was a huge advantage having two seasoned mech wreckers teaching me while out there in the field. Between the two of them I had eons of experience to learn from. And learn I did during the past twelve years. I know there was still so much more for me to experience. But I'm at an age where I feel like I'm being held back. What the frag am I saying? I'm holding myself back because I'm so afraid of hurting father's feelings or getting hurt too badly in front of him.
He takes everything regarding me to spark so much. His love for me; his worries. The helplessness he feels when I get badly injured, resulting in a few days in the medical bay because he wasn't able to prevent it. I don't want to do that to him so I've held back in some instances. Only it's hard to do so when I know I'm capable of so much more.
This past year I've tried to test my limits every so often. Father calls them dangerous stunts. I call them…being me.
I've reached a point where I'm going to have to talk to him. I don't want to. I know I'm going to hurt his feelings. But it's a discussion we're going to have to have regardless.
That is, hopefully it's a discussion we get to have!
"Ouch! Fraggers!" I shouted when the ground in front of me was bombarded with grenades, making me change my course again! "FINE!"
I growled and cranked up the speed, hoping I could out race my pursuers.
"Kacey! You're going the wrong way!" Bumblebee exclaimed. I could hear the tension and worry in his voice.
"I don't have much choice! They're blocking my attempts to head back to you guys! Whoa!!"
I swerved hard when the 'Con came down low, transforming into his robot mode as he did so. He started shooting at me with a plasma rifle. Not to hit me but to definitely make sure I go in a certain direction.
"SEE! FRAGGING AFT!" I shouted.
"Then slow down! You're already too far ahead of us as it is!" Bumblebee exclaimed.
"Easy for you to say! I'm the one getting shot at!" I shouted as another explosion rocked my frame enough to make my wheels bounce across this desert's hard sand.
Weapons fire riddled the ground close behind me once again causing me to speed up even more. So I tried to veer left. Sand, dirt and rocks spewed upward raining down on me. I veered right and felt the heat of the weapon's impact on the ground.
"FRAG!" I growled in frustration, my spark racing.
"Fly out of here then!" Jazz ordered. "It's obvious they're targeting you specifically!"
"Ya think! Besides I'm grounded! I can't fly anywhere right now!"
"I'm giving you permission! Optimus and Elita can bust my aft later!" Jazz insisted.
"If it were only that easy…ouch!" I yelped feeling the sting from another explosion as I continued to swerve back and forth. "Mom had Ratchet deactivated my thrusters as punishment. I'm not flying anywhere."
"Prowl, you copy?"
"Reading you loud and clear, Jazz. Teletran is tracking six 'Cons in your vicinity," Prowl's calm voice informed us. "Hm, that's odd."
"What's odd?" Jazz questioned.
"They're energy signals are scrambled. I cannot tell who they are. Two are chasing Kacey the other four have veered off heading straight for you and the others, Jazz. We're working on getting a visual on your location now."
"If only the fraggers would get on the ground then we could even the playing field," Bumblebee growled.
"Air support is on standby if Optimus requests it. His ETA to you location is fifteen minutes."
"Dad? I thought he was in DC?" I exclaimed, nervously.
"My meeting ended early," my father said, not sounding too happy. "General Lennox was kind enough to redirect my transport to your location so we could discuss why you're disobeying your mother's orders!"
"Dad…I'm sorry, don't take it out on the guys," I said then let out an involuntary yelp when the ground exploded under my rear left tire.
I skidded and fishtailed wildly before I was able to regain control.
"We'll talk later; just take care until I get there," he replied in that worried fatherly tone.
"I'm trying," I huffed.
"Kacey this is Bee on a private comlink."
After muting the open battle comlink, I opened up the private link with Bumblebee.
"I wasn't only grounded. I was confined to the base for a week."
"Kacey…" he groaned. I had the distinct impression that if he was in his robot form he'd have smacked a hand over his face.
"We'd been looking forward to this day for months. I didn't want to disappoint you guys. You were all so excited about it. I figured that I could take a few more days of punishment for a few hours of fun with you guys. Besides, mom's being ridiculous and dad doesn't want to upset her right now."
"That doesn't matter, you should have told us! OW"
"I heard that explosion! I can't see you guys! What's going on back there?!"
"We'll be fine. You take care of yourself!" he said and I heard several more explosions via his comlink and then suddenly static.
"BEE!"
More static crackled from the comlink until it finally cleared.
"Fraggers!" Bumblebee growled.
"Thank Primus," I gasped with relief. "Don't scare me like that again!"
"Kacey, open your comlink back up!" Prowl ordered.
"Bee…"
"I heard. I'll get to you soon. I promise. Bee out."
"OW!! There went that wax job!!" Sunstreaker griped across the comlink.
"Kacey!" Prowl snapped.
"I'm back!" I shouted in reflex. "I'm fine."
"Jazz you've got to do something," Prowl insisted. "They're forcing Kacey even further away."
"I know. I've got an idea!" Jazz shouted, a barrage of explosions sounded through his comlink. My instinct was to help them but the 'Cons on my aft were making it exceedingly difficult. "The twins and I will keep the attention of these fraggers here. On my mark, Bumblebee you get your aft to Kacey. Kacey, you've got to slow down, understand?"
"Understood," I replied.
"Autobots…transform!" Jazz ordered the twins and I immediately heard the familiar sounds of their weapons fire over the comlink. "Bee! GO! NOW! Sideswipe, don't let them break away and go after Bumblebee! Sunny spread out more!"
"ETA twelve minutes," father said sounding anxious.
"Ah, I see it on my radar…C17, coming from south southwest," I noted, being forced to speed up even more once again when plasma fire was too close for comfort on my rear bumper. Arg, this was pissing me off! "There's just one problem, dad. How are you getting out of the plane and onto the ground? I doubt that plane will drop low enough to the highway for you to jump out and land safely. And there's no way in pit it's gonna land."
"I am going to jump," father simply said. "I'm not the only large mechanism to get launched out the back of a C17."
"I'd give anything to be right there with you dad," I said to myself as my processor tried to come up with a way to slow down and not crash or get blown to bits.
'Hang in there child. I'll be there soon,' father said over our bond as if hearing my words.
"Kacey! Slow down!" Prowl shouted desperately. "You're pulling away from Bumblebee!"
"I'm going to try something. I'm not sure how it will work out since I don't have my thrusters. But I'm tired of this slag!"
Even as I heard my father telling me to be careful and to not do anything reckless, I dropped my hands, pushing off the ground much like I'd do if I was transforming into my jet mode and blasting off. Only this time I started to do a flip. Once I was high enough into the air I began transforming mid rotation. If I did it right, I should land on my feet and come to a stop.
That's if…
The ground suddenly erupted beneath me. Flames and sand shot at me but I was able to get my visor and battle mask up just in time. Upside down and nearly completely transformed I was helpless as the blast wave slammed into me. My audio receptors were buzzing but I could see I flipped twice, completing my transformation sequence, before belly flopping and bouncing across the ground.
"Ow, that didn't feel so good," I groaned, shaking my head.
"Kacey, are you ok?!" Bumblebee asked.
"Yeah!" I replied, quickly jumping to my feet reaching for my gun with one hand while reaching for my blade with the other. I love this blade Leo had made for me. It's a lot more fun and more maneuverable than my standard blades.
Glancing across the desert I caught a glimpse of Jazz and the twins occupying the other four 'Cons in the distance. And the dust cloud that belonged to Bumblebee was getting closer and closer by the astrosecond. But he was still a long ways away.
I was on my own until he arrived. A smirk formed on my faceplates under my mask and visor. I couldn't help it. I loved a challenge!
"Visual, confirmation…Cyclonus and Wingsaber at my location," I said as I squeezed off two quick shots at my pursuers as the descended upon me. My aim was perfect as always nailing each one in a thruster. Both were forced to transform into their bipedal modes and land quickly. They ran towards me.
"Kacey, do not engage!" Prowl ordered as I was running towards the 'Cons, closing the gap between us.
"Pfft! A little too late for that!" I scoffed as I started firing at Cyclonus and Wingsaber. They dodged and wildly started firing back at me. Lucky for me they had terrible aim when they had to fire under pressure!
"Kacey!"
"It's the only way, father! I have to give Bee a chance to reach me and to do that I need to head towards him! Don't worry. I know what I'm doing!" I told him over the comlink. But I could feel he was scared for me. 'Please father, have confidence in me. I can do this.'
'Just be careful my child,' he replied, sending me his love.
"I'll reach her in time, Sir!" Bumblebee confidently stated.
"How's that feel, fraggers?" I shouted at them when they noticeable winced and stumbled a few steps.
They continually fired at me. I ducked, leapt up and then tumbled and rolled back up onto me feet, hurling my sword at the smaller 'Con, Wingsaber. The 'Con easily ducked out of the way. It was a terrible throw anyway and my aim was too high.
"Slag, I need to work on that!" I muttered to myself.
"Silly little femme," Wingsaber grinned.
"Little? You're kind of small yourself," I countered, keeping my weapon aimed on them as they were doing the same to me. A mere ten yards now separated me from the 'Cons. Bumblebee was now less than half a mile away. I could actually hear the sweet rumble of his engine.
"Wingsaber, engage the Autobot approaching. I'll take care of young Kaceystar myself."
"Yes, Sir."
"Bee, you've got incoming…Wingsaber," I warned as Wingsaber took off sprinting towards Bumblebee.
"Acknowledged. Piece of cake."
"So Cyclonus, how's your hand to hand combat?" I smiled confidently, putting my rifle away. The 'Con glared down at me. "Oh, come on. You're almost twice my height. Surely you can 'take care' of me. Or are you afraid."
"I don't fear little femmes!" he growled putting his weapon away.
I didn't hesitate and charged at him. I knew his moves well. Magnus drilled my processor regularly so that I wouldn't forget any of my enemies combat tendencies, especially those enemies Magnus himself had gone up against. Then he'd put it to the test in the training room over and over until he was confident I could at least hold my own if I were caught in just this type of situation.
But without my thrusters to aid me, I had to improvise. And to do that I was counting on Cyclonus to do one of his patented moves.
The mech didn't disappoint me. As I got close, he latched onto my extended arms, used my momentum and flung me. While in midair, I quickly righted myself and transformed into my car mode. I easily landed on all four tires, revving my engine enough to smooth out the landing. Then I gunned it, did a hard pin point 180, and rocketed straight at him pouring every ounce of energy into my engine.
In mere seconds, I was already close to enough to drop my hands, push off the ground and launch myself. Back in the air, I transformed into my robot form not losing any of my momentum. Cyclonus, who didn't even have a chance to pull out his weapon, seemed rather stunned that I dared to engage him again. Even as he was falling backwards with me latched onto his chest armor he had a shocked expression on his faceplates.
Knowing I wouldn't have the advantage for long, I went for where I could do the most damage in the short amount of time. I reached and grabbed hold of one of his optics. Sparks of electrical currents crackled and he howled in pain when I yanked it free. And as anticipated, he recovered quickly and pitched me off.
"Ouch, that's a sensitive area," I grimaced when I bounced for a second time today on my chest armor. Then my optics widened and I smiled upon seeing my blade. "Now, we're talking!"
I grabbed my blade, clamoring to my feet as Cyclonus was rising to his.
"You'll pay for that!" he roared, lunging for me.
I whipped my blade up. Glowing embers flashed when the tip of my sword made contact with his chest armor. It was enough to make him jump back and rethink his strategy.
"You are an annoying little Autobot," he commented.
"Thank you, I try my best," I replied, standing my ground waiting for him to make a move.
"Unfortunately for you, Megatron wants you dead. Such a shame, you are quite beautiful," he sneered, one good optic roaming over my form enough to make me shuddered. He noticed it too and smiled. "Normally I would never pollute my systems by interfacing with an Autobot. But for you I think I could make an exception."
I snapped, losing my cool and growled. I wasn't sure what I was growling at! The interface comment or the fact that I'm almost thirty-six, my interface systems still haven't come online and my younger sister Ariel, who's interface systems are online, has already been interfacing like a petro-bunny with Galen for almost a full month now!
"Kacey, you've got another 'Con at your position!" Prowl suddenly announced, stopping me from charging at Cyclonus.
"Well I'm not interfacing with him either!" I snapped, retreating a few steps and picking up the new contact on my radar directly behind me.
"What?"
"Don't mind her Prowl. Kacey can't interface yet and is feeling a little left out about it," Sunny snickered.
"Poor femme's interface systems still haven't come online," Sides added.
"Oh Primus, does the entire base know?" I yelped, whirling around and engaging Wrath, a stealthy sword swinging Decepticon.
"Yes!" they all said in unison.
I groaned, even as I parried many of Wrath's advances while glancing at Cyclonus to see he was biding his time from the looking in his optic. But it was ridiculous! I was at the courting age and have been for almost a full year now and the only ones offering themselves to me were fragging Decepticons!
"AAHH!" I screamed when plasma fire grazed my leg from behind, surprising me. I quickly turned and sliced Cyclonus' plasma gun in half rendering it useless.
"KACEY!"
"I'm ok dad!" I exclaimed, focusing back on Wrath as he advanced on me.
My spark was pulsating rapidly from all the exertion I was putting myself through to hold my ground with Wrath and now having to deal with Cyclonus again. The fragger was being sneaky behind me and I didn't like it. Wrath had even maneuvered himself, making it almost impossible to spare a glance over my shoulder.
"THERE!" I shouted, seeing the opening I'd been striving for.
In one fluid motion, I rammed my blade hard into the Wrath's spark, killing him instantly, yanked it out and whirled around in time to see Bumblebee flying out of no where and tackling Cyclonus down hard to the ground.
"Perfect timing! Thanks Bee!"
"No problem, Kacey!"
I looked up to see four more 'Cons coming down and coming down fast.
"Dad, what's your ETA?!"
"Six minutes," he growled.
"The twins and I will be there in three!" Jazz chimed in.
"Or less!" Sunny added.
"Slag," I cursed under my breath. "BEE!"
He punched Cyclonus hard in the face before looking my way. I pointed up. His battle mask instantly dropped down as he leapt up to his feet.
"Back to mine, Kacey," he ordered, hurrying to me. "We just need to hold them at bay until Jazz and the twins get here."
"I understand," I nodded, pressing my back up against his. My doorwings twitched at the suddenly intimate contact.
"Relax Kacey. We can do this," he whispered as Cyclonus issued orders to surround us. "Just follow my lead."
"I owe you, fragger!" Wingsaber growled at Bumblebee, falling in line with the others.
"Try it and I'll remove more than your hand," Bumblebee snarled right back.
That was more than enough to set it off despite Cyclonus' orders for Wingsaber to stand down. I didn't even have time to think. I simply reacted, deflecting anything I could, throwing a punch here, a kick there. I used my sword and even my rifle, anything to fend off the Decepticons.
On my back side, I felt Bumblebee's quick, powerful movements and did my best to not interfere and stay with him. If he started rotating one way, I followed. If he yelled duck, I ducked when he did. If I yelled jump, he jumped with me.
"FRAGGER!" Bumblebee suddenly growled and I turned to see him, twisting Wingsaber's arm so violently that it ripped off.
"BEE! LOOK OUT!" I shouted, shoving Bumblebee down just as a 'Con fired his weapon.
The weapon's blast hit me right on my mask and visor. The flash blinded me. The impact knocked me to the ground. My audio receptors were buzzing loudly. My processor felt sluggish to respond as I struggled to just turn over. Bumblebee's voice sounded so muffled and far away that I thought I was losing consciousness as it faded.
First sensory input to return was my vision as I retracted my visor and battle mask. A couple of red and orange blurred streaks of armor flew over me. A familiar silver mech's face appeared above mine. His lips were moving but I couldn't hear him in my dazed state.
"Kacey!" Jazz shouted and this time I heard him.
"Ow, that's gonna leave a mark," I groaned, blinking my optic covers.
"How many fingers am I holding up?" he asked.
It took me a couple of seconds to focus but I finally saw.
"Two," I answered, becoming more aware of the fight going on around me.
"You ok?"
"I'm fine," I answered, as my visor and mask snapped back over my face. "Let's do this!"
Jazz helped me to might feet and I didn't hesitate to join in the fray, tackling a 'Con of Sunny's back. I was quick to terminate him and get to me feet.
"Hey Kacey!" Bumblebee exclaimed. "I've got a toy for you." I turned to see my friend toss a 'Con in my direction. "Try not to break him too quickly!"
"I can't promise you anything, Bee!" I grinned, watching the 'Con bounced a couple of times at my feet.
"Cyclonus! A new Autobot target on my radar! It's Optimus Prime!" one of the other Decepticons shouted, pointing to the sky.
I looked up to see my father descending from above, using of all things…a parachute. I couldn't help but smile, retracting my visor and mask. I'd seen Sunny and Sides use parachutes before but they were nowhere near the size of my father. Once he was close enough to the ground, some eight feet or so, he cut the strings and landed with a heavy thud on his two feet, battle mask over his face and a cannon in each hand.
"Slag! Retreat!" Cyclonus ordered.
"Hey, come back! I wasn't done playing!" I teased, kicking at the 'Con's aft as he tried to crawl away from me.
Like the others he was anxious to get out of here. And like that the battle was over as they cowards flew off.
"Next time, femme," Sunny smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"Thanks for the rescue guys," I gasped, relaxing for the first time in what seemed like hours, turning to them all and seeing my father striding over towards us at a fast pace, putting his weapons away.
"Any time," Sides grinned, rubbing me on top of my helm.
"You and Bee looked like you were putting on some slick dance moves they way you were fighting," Jazz complimented patting us both on the shoulders. "Well done."
"Thanks, Jazz," I said then turned to Bee and hugged him. "Thanks for getting to me just in time."
"I'm just glad it all worked out," he sighed then let me go so I could head over to my father.
"Dad, honestly, I'm embarrassed," I joked, sashaying up to him with a big smile. "You need to work on your landing. You had no style…no flare. I wasn't feelin' your flames."
Dad said nothing as he towered over me, folding his arms across his chest, not amused even a little bit. Obviously, I was in big trouble!
"We'll go get the shuttle, Optimus," Jazz said, understanding father wanted to talk to me alone.
"Good luck, Kacey!" Sunny cheered, giving me a quick thumbs up before transforming with the others.
"Thanks, I'm gonna need it," I muttered to myself watching them drive off.
"First of all, are you ok?" father asked.
"A little tired with a few scrapes and burns but I'm fine," I answered, gathering up my courage. I knew I was in trouble. No sense hiding from it. But I felt that the best time to discuss the issue with my father was now. So, I squared my shoulders up, held my head up high and made direct optic contact. "Permission to speak freely, Sir."
"Permission granted."
"First of all, before you lecture me…I'm not a youngling anymore. I'm a fully mature femme now, except that my interface systems haven't come online – something I know you're are still thrilled about so don't deny it. But the point is I'm a wrecker now. I'm a well trained fighting mechanism that can kick the skidplates off most Decepticons. Mother's punishment was…degrading. And it was costly today!"
"Second, while I immensely enjoy our time together and eagerly absorb anything you have to teach me, your presence is holding me back when on the battlefield. I can be more than what I am. I can do more than I'm capable of. Only I hold back because…"
I hesitated, feeling the hurt from my father. I knew it would happen. Still, it was upsetting to know I hurt his feelings.
"Because of what my child?" he softly asked, lowering his arms.
"Because I don't want to upset you by getting badly damaged during a fight with the Decepticons. You take it to spark so much just like I do when you get injured. Father, you can't protect me all the time."
"How long have you felt this way?" he softly asked.
"Not long," I answered truthfully. "Just a couple of months. I would have come to you sooner only I didn't know how to tell you without hurting your feelings. But fighting out here today…I felt uninhibited. And I was able to do things I'd never thought of before, even with my thrusters deactivated."
"Kacey the last thing I want to do is hold you back or make you feel like you need to hold back. I'm aware I am overly protective of you. It's a habit that will never go away I'm afraid. And I'm going to take things to spark regardless of your actions or injuries. I'm your father and I love you very much."
"I love you lots too, dad," I said, allowing him to envelop me in an embrace.
"We'll figure something out," he sighed, rubbing the back of my helm.
"What about mom?"
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. She's been extra moody this week."
"Hm, she was like that before Leo was born."
"Ratchet said the little spark still has some maturing to do before it can be delivered. She'll still insist you're to be punished."
"You can't just give me overnight monitor duty or something?"
"Kacey, you seem to love any form of duty, how is that a punishment?"
"I don't know," I shrugged my shoulders, turning at the sound of the shuttle craft's engines.
"I'll work on your mother," he smiled, keeping an arm around my shoulder, walking me to the shuttle as it landed. "Meanwhile, I want you to report to Ratchet after we return to base to get checked out and to have your thrusters reactivated."
"Thanks dad!"
"You're welcome."
"All ready, Sir?" Bumblebee asked, coming down the ramp.
"Yes, let's get back to base," father said.
"Your chariot awaits my lady," Bumblebee smirked at me, bowing down.
I shoved him over onto his aft and laughed. Only next thing I knew I was on the ground tackled by Sunny and Sides.
"Get her Bee! I'll hold her down!"
"No!" I shrieked knowing exactly what they were doing.
Sure enough…tickle torture. Bumblebee knew all my most ticklish places too and attacked them without mercy until I was wheezing heavily through my intakes from laughing so hard.
"And you say you're no longer a youngling," father commented, before he smiled. "Let's get back to base children. Playtime is over."
Like that, our morning fun was over.
"So, exactly why were you grounded again?" Jazz asked as we took our seats.
"She took Leo to a football game," Sides answered.
"It wasn't just a football game. It was the Super Bowl and I was given free passes!" I exclaimed as we lifted off. "No way was I going to miss it. I had money on that game!"
"Yeah, but you took Leo who has no armor whatsoever and Elita freaked!" Bumblebee pointed out.
"Yeah, but the little mech was packing heat!" Sunny added. "Fragger has better aim than you Bee!"
"Kacey, you should have known better," Jazz half-heartily chided me.
"She does which is why she's never doing it again, right?"
"Yes father," I smiled.
The shuttle ride back to base was short. Jazz and I talked about the play list I wanted him to put together for me. The twins were teasing Bumblebee, as usual, about not having a femme or mech to interface with. Bee would blush or get mad depending on how many shots his ego could take on a particular day.
"Guys, I'm a femme! I don't need to hear all the sordid details of your latest interface, Sunny!" I exclaimed.
"Sorry, Kacey. I get carried away sometimes."
"Sides, learn to control your brother better," I quipped.
""Sure, got any pointers for me, Kacey," he shot back making me laugh as the shuttle landed in the bay.
"Kacey…"
"I know, father. I'm heading straight to the medical bay."
"Good," Father smiled. "Jazz, Bumblebee come with me. Kacey I'll see you later this evening."
I nodded, frowning as I watched them leave. I had the distinct feeling father still wasn't too happy with me despite our little talk. But then again, he's been stretched to his limits having to keep mom happy all the time. All the while dealing with overseeing the final bits of construction on Autobot City and making sure we're getting this base ready to be dismantled once we make the move to our new home.
Our new home…Autobot City.
I've complimented Hoist and Grapple on numerous occasions during each tour of the City they've given me during the different stages of its construction. To say the City was impressive was an understatement. It's beyond anything I could have imagined. And I'm looking forward to going through the final inspection in the next week or so with my father.
"Don't worry, you're dad doesn't stay mad at you for long," Sunny smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
"Yeah, you've pulled off crazier stunts before," Sides added.
"You two are a bad influence on me!"
"True, but you love us anyway," Sunny grinned.
"Kacey! Kacey!" Leo's deep voice bellowed excitedly across the shuttle bay as he ran over to us. I never thought I'd hear a mech's voice deeper than father's until Leo entered the final stage of his younglinghood. He was already making the knees on femmes tremble. Of course, that didn't surprise me. He looks a lot like father, only much smaller and has that same effortless charm I've seen father work on mother.
"I wonder what's got the little lugnut so excited," Sides said.
"Same here," I commented, noting that Leo could barely contain his excitement. I felt it within my own spark. "What is it Leo? You'd better get it out before you…"
Too late! Leo finally fritzed and fell over.
"I thought he outgrew this," Sunny remarked managed to catch my little brother before he hit the floor. "Frag…Sides…help…he's heavy for a little mech!"
"This is Leo we're talking about," I reminded him, gently slapping my brother's faceplates. "Yo! Lugnut! Snap out of it!"
His optics covers opened and optics came online.
"Tell me now before you fritz again," I teased him making him blush shyly.
Then he flashed the biggest smile I'd ever seen on his faceplates and I felt his overwhelming joy from within.
"No," I gasped.
"Oh yeah! I get to pick my alt form today! I can transform now!" he cheered.
"That's great!" I said, excitedly hugging him.
"And…my interface systems came online too!"
"Way to go LEO!" Sunny and Sides shouted in unison, high fiving him.
"You mechs are incorrigible, this is my baby brother!"
"Who's is every bit his father…a femme magnet!" Sunny smirked, squeezing Leo's cheeks.
"That's it! I'm leaving!" I scoffed and started to walk away.
"Wait, Kacey!" Leo shouted, running to my side.
"Go with them just don't turn femmes into conquests like Sunny."
"Don't worry. Father lectured me on how to treat a femme and I have every intention of being a kind and gentle mech and treat femmes with the respect they deserve. But I need help picking my alt form. I was hoping you'd help me."
I turned and looked into my brother's face. It was hard for me to see him an almost fully mature mech now. I still see him as that little sparkling who followed me every where, my baby brother that I nearly lost. Slag, he still sneaks into my bed every so often if he thinks I need comforting.
"Please," he pleaded with that face that I could never resist.
Oh Primus, femmes beware!
"Alright," I smiled, wrapping my arm around his shoulder. "First of all, does mom know? I'm not going to risk getting in trouble again with her."
"Yes, I know."
"Oh, slag," I whispered, then turned around smiling, seeing her with Orion right behind her. "Oh, hi mom!"
Mom was fuming. Arms folder. Posture stiffer than Prowl's. Optics blazing. Oh yeah. She was pissed off. Leo was lucky enough to make a hasty retreat a few steps away and get out of the line of fire.
"Optimus says he wants to talk to me first before I punish you again," mother started, glaring down at me. Then quite abruptly her features softened and tears filled her optics. Oh Primus, it was one of those days for her. I'll be glad when this pregnancy is finally over and I have my mom back! "Are you ok? I saw some of what was going out there. I'm…sorry for being to harsh on you."
"I'm fine," I smiled, relishing in her tender caresses, as she hugged me close. "And don't worry. It all worked out ok."
Next thing I knew I was smashed between Leo and Orion, who mother started hugging to. And she was crying even more now. The three of us siblings simply hugged her back, sending her our love.
Honestly, there wasn't much else we could do because mom could suddenly change her attitude at any given moment. We learned to just go with the flow. We gave her our love whenever she seemed to need it and did out best to stay out of firing range the rest of the time. On the rare occasion when dad called for a full retreat, we hid from her for an hour or so until she calmed down or until Prowl gave dad the all clear sign.
"You're all so grown up now. Where did my sparklings go?"
"We're still your sparklings, mom," Leo smiled.
"I know," she sniffled, letting go of us. "But today is the day when my little mechs become wreckers."
"Mom," Orion weakly protested.
Orion was as equally handsome as Leo. He'd grown as tall as mother. His voice wasn't as deep as father's. He had a somewhat broad chest and shoulders and his long legs looked powerful like father's. Only Orion wasn't a soldier. He chose a different path. He has taken my place and single-handedly deals with our human allies and works diligently to keep the ongoing alliance strong between our two peoples. He is much more diplomatic than I ever could be. I tend to react like my mother at times and let my emotions get the best of me.
"You're just jealous, Orion because I can transform now and you can't!" Leo countered standing toe to toe with his big brother.
"Leo, if you pulled your head out of your aft for an astrosecond you'd be able to hear and perhaps understand what mom just articulated," Orion said.
"Wait…Orion can transform now too?" I asked.
"Yes, Kacey," he sighed. "While this event was an inevitable stage in my development, I am not as eager to brag about it as Leo."
"So that means his interface systems came online too," Leo smirked.
Orion rolled his optics confirming what Leo just said.
"This is great! I'll get Sunny to find you a femme! I think you need help as you're always reading and not that social," Leo seriously said.
"Oh Primus. It's started. Mom, can I go now? Please!" I begged as she laughed.
"Leo, just because I'm not the social miscreant that you are doesn't mean I don't know how to ask a femme out for a date."
"Well, while you two are planning your first interface conquests I need to get to the med bay."
"Wait, you have to help me pick out an alt form," Leo said.
"And I promised Orion you'd help him with his too," mother smiled.
"And I will, after…"
"Kaceystar, get yourself to my med bay now!" Ratchet's irate voice sounded over a private comlink, making me wince.
"Acknowledged!"
"Don't acknowledge me! Get your aft here now before I weld it to the ceiling or a desk!"
"Ratchet," mother commented.
"Yeah. Give me an hour and I'll meet you two in our quarters. We'll have plenty of time to pick some sexy alt form for you both."
"Ok, Kacey," Leo grinned happily while Orion was blushing. "Come on Orion. Let's go talk to Sunny."
"We'll talk later," mom seriously said then grimaced running a hand over her stomach.
"You ok?"
"Yes, she's being rather irritable today that's all. I think I'll go rest for a little while, after I talk with your father."
With that mom left continually massaging her stomach plating. My processor wondered if the day would ever come when I'd have my own sparkling. If my interface systems don't come online then the likelihood of me being a mother was slim to none.
I sighed and pushed myself to head towards the medical bay.
"Kacey!"
"Primus, Ratchet's going to kill me," I muttered as I turned to see Prowl heading towards me.
Oh well, meetings with the second in command took priority. And I always had time for Prowl. He and I have stayed close friends and he continues to mentor me in ways of strategy. Plus, I'm a frequent visitor to his quarters whenever Jazz has a new music playlist for me. Although the first time Jazz was giving me a dancing lesson we made Prowl's logic circuits crash. After that, Jazz gives me lessons in my room.
"What's up?" I asked as he handed me a datapad, and took me to a quiet corner.
I looked at the datapad and was confused. It was blank.
"I need your advice for something," he said quietly, glancing to see if someone was coming.
"Oh, ok for what?" I whispered back.
"I'm not sure if you're aware but next month is Jazz and mine's bonding anniversary," he softly said, still glancing around to make sure no one was listening. I couldn't help but smile big at him. Ever since Jazz was back in his life, I've seen a new side to Prowl. He's gone out of his way to attempt to celebrate many of Jazz's favorite Earth holidays and traditions, even if Jazz embarrasses him. No one will ever for get the mistletoe incident. "Even if you don't know…"
"Say no more," I smiled. "You want to do something special for Jazz I take it?"
He gave me a short nod.
"And you want it to be a surprise?"
This time he blushed slightly but nodded.
"Ok," I started seeing someone getting close I changed my stance and tone. "I'll get right on it, Sir. Is the end of the week an appropriate deadline?"
"That will suffice," he answered, knowingly.
I nodded.
"Thanks, Kacey," he whispered before briskly walking off.
"More work? Kacey, as your best friend I'm telling you that you need to have fun," Nitro smiled heading my way.
"Oh, don't worry. We'll be having fun later. Where's Firestar?" I questioned, resuming my course for Ratchet's medical bay.
"Meeting with Chromia."
"Good then you have time. Pass the word to the gang…tonight, midnight. I'll need three strong mechs."
"Who's getting initiated?"
"My brothers," I smirked.
"Sweet! You want me to get the sedatives?"
"Nah, I'm heading to the med bay now. I'll get Sockets to give them to me. I need you and Rox to get the high grade. If you guys need help ask Mirage. Tell him Kacey needs a favor and then he's paid up."
"He lost a bet?"
"Yeah."
"Right, I'm on it! See you at midnight. Oh, how'd the racing go?"
"Don't ask," I groaned. "Decepticons showed up and now I'm in trouble with mom and dad."
"And you want to break curfew and sneak off the base tonight?! You're crazy."
"Hey, this day only comes once in a transformers life…"
"Twice for you," he grinned.
"Shut it. This is a big day for my brothers. If I get into more trouble it's worth it."
"You're still crazy," he chuckled and then headed off.
In another minute, I finally arrived at the medical bay, cautiously stepping through the door ready to duck if needs be. A few steps in I relax slightly when no wrench flew at my head.
"You're safe. He's in his office," Sockets said.
"Oh thank Primus," I sighed, heading over to my friend. "So, have you heard?"
"Yes, I was there when Ratchet confirmed Orion's transformation and interface systems were online this morning and when Leo's came online too a short time ago," he answered, reaching into the supply cabinet. I recognized to two sedative injectors. "They're ready and marked. You have to make sure you inject the proper one in Leo and Orion. Each mech requires a different dose. It should keep them out long enough to take them to our secret hideaway."
"Thanks, I will and I'll be careful," I smiled, placing the injectors in a hidden compartment in my armor. "Will you be there tonight?"
"Of course," he replied, continuing with his work.
Knowing he was busy, I made my way towards Ratchet's office. No sense putting off the inevitable yelling I was about to get. Only along the way I heard sounds coming from one of the private exam rooms. Voices to be more precise. Only they weren't talking. And one of them sounded distinctly like my little sister's.
I smirked, punching in an override code on the door. Of course it opened right up and I waltz in to find my younger sister, straddling Galen who appeared as if he was really enjoying my sister as he laid there on the exam table, hands stroking her thighs.
"Practicing maintenance check ups are we?" I quipped playfully. "Make sure you give him a thorough exam, Ariel. Are you probing her deep enough Galen?"
"Kacey, have you no sense of modesty?!" she hissed angrily at me while Galen blushed like mad at my comment. I knew he would. It was easy to embarrass him.
"This coming from the femme mounted on Galen's interface rod in an exam room of the medical bay," I countered, folding my arms across my chest.
"At least we locked the door this time," Galen smiled sheepishly, helping Ariel as she climbed off him.
"I need to teach you two how to use better codes. Kayla could have bypassed that lock," I replied, averting my optics enough to give them some privacy as they got up. I didn't look back until I heard the transformation sequences of their armor sliding into place. "Did you hear about the lugnuts?"
"Unfortunately," Ariel huffed. "Leo seemed rather proud of the fact that he is now able to make good use of his interface rod."
"Sounds like Leo," I chuckled, glancing at Galen. He was a smart mech and seemed to understand.
"I'm going to see if father needs my help with anything," he said, kissing Ariel on the cheek. "I'll be there tonight if you promise not to get me over energized, Kacey."
"Hey that was our right when your transformation systems came online. It's Leo and Orion's turn tonight."
"Then Ariel and I will be there," he smiled politely.
I waited until he was out the door before closing it to give Ariel and me some privacy.
"Thank Primus he has his mother's personality," I commented.
"I make up for his lack of temper," she countered, glaring at me. "You're just lucky I can't shoot a plasma gun that well! I'd shoot you in the aft for all the times you or Leo have barged right in while Galen and I are interfacing!"
"Don't give me that look. You owe me and Leo for all the times we've kept dad away. It's getting harder too because he knows something's going on. He's not an idiot, Ariel. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he knows you and Galen are interfacing morning, noon and night most days."
"We're not that bad," she replied bashfully.
"I know. I'm just teasing you," I frowned, leaning against the edge of the exam table. "I'm just…jealous."
"What? Why?" she asked, surprised.
"Because you have something I'll never have."
"Kacey that's not true. One day you can have it too. One day a mech will tell you the words Galen tells me."
"Can we do that again?" I smirked.
Ariel slapped my shoulder but then laughed at me.
"Sorry."
"You're just as bad as Sunny," she said, putting an arm around my shoulders. "And you will find love. Try not to look for it so hard."
"Thanks, Ariel. But I doubt I'll find the kind of love you and Galen have or what mom and dad have. Not one mech as even dared to ask me out. And before you say it, Rox doesn't count…although, he's finally moved on. He and Starbreeze frag each other more than you and Galen do."
"Kacey…"
"Not one mech, Ariel! It's depressing. Father, Prowl, Jazz, mom, they keep telling me how beautiful I am yet why hasn't a mech asked me out on a date."
"Kacey, you're upset because Leo's and Orion's interface systems came online and yours still haven't. You did this when my interface systems came online too. Try not to let it bother you so much. Your time will come. And when it does, I promise when you're interfacing with some mech I will walk in on you so you know what it feels like to get interrupted. Now, have fun tonight…I know you will. And tomorrow you'll feel better."
"THERE YOU ARE!" Ratchet shouted after the door opened, scaring the slag out of Ariel and myself. He didn't even hesitate and grabbed me by one of my antennas. "Optimus, is wondering where the frag you are and now Elita's worried."
"Don't hand me that bull…ow! Hey don't twist! Those are sensitive!"
"Be happy I don't string you up by our doorwings, get in the exam room," he growled, shoving me along.
"Hey, you'd better treat me better or I might just accidentally let my father know where Ariel and Galen are the next time they're interfacing. Ironhide upgraded dad's cannons and he's itching to try them out. Galen's interface rod will make an excellent target!"
Without another word I walked into the exam room as ordered. A few moments later, Ratchet came in, smiling.
"That was good," he chuckled, closing the door. "I think you scared them both that time."
"Think it'll work into making them stop interfacing all the time?"
"I doubt it. And they're not as bad as you think. They're simply young and at an age when interfacing is too much fun to avoid," he replied, getting me to lie down.
"Honestly, I wouldn't know," I frowned.
"What was that?"
I sighed.
"My father didn't talk to you or Alpha Trion, did he?"
"About what?" Ratchet inquired as he closely examined the burns on my helm. "Any double vision?"
"No, I see clearing. It just stings a little and I have a processor ache. But did my father tell you and Trion to keep my interface systems offline permanently?"
"You're joking!" he laughed.
I exhaled out of my vents sharply and glared at him, patiently waiting for him to compose himself.
"Done?"
"Quite. Sorry," he apologized but was still smiling as he went back to tending to my injuries. "And no, Optimus didn't tell us to keep your interface systems offline permanently. It's nature's way of keeping balance."
"Uh?"
"Kacey, some mechanisms, usually the mechs and every so often a femme, will have their interface systems come online prematurely. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for femmes, like you, who are late in that final maturation process."
"So, you're telling me to be patient."
"Exactly. They'll come online when they're good and ready," he smiled, patting my shoulder indicating I could sit up.
I did so with a heavy sigh.
"It's just so hard, Ratch. I have all these…urges and I can't do anything about them. It seems like everyone is interfacing except me! Can't you just…you know…jump start them or something?"
"Kacey, we've gone over this every year at your maintenance exams for the past six years. I've even had Alpha Trion look over the test results of your systems. You are in perfect functioning order. Your interface systems will come online when Primus sees fit for them to come online."
"Ok," I frowned, hanging my head.
"Good! Now, let's reactivate your thrusters. Optimus doesn't want you to ever get caught in a situation like you were in today. Your mother can be the most irrational femme around when she's pregnant!"
"Tell me about it," I said, propping my feet up on the exam table.
"Kacey, you're young," he said, lifting up my left foot. Then he removed a panel and inserted I cable into the port. "You have your whole life ahead of you. Try not to be in such a rush to experience everything so quickly."
"I know," I groaned, watching him do the same process with my other foot.
"Good, now off you go. Your repair systems are taking care of everything nicely. Get some energon and get some rest. I mean it. Your energy levels are low. I would highly recommend - meaning I will make it an order if I must - you wait until tomorrow before racing around with Leo and Orion. And I'll see you in the morning for a follow up."
"Ok," I sighed, knowing he was right. Plus, I was feeling a little tired as the battle fatigue and aches were now starting to settle into my systems. "Thanks Ratch. I'll see you later."
However, I couldn't recharge yet. I had a promise to keep and headed to my quarters. Honestly, I was truly happy for my brothers. They were so disappointed when Ariel's transformation and interface systems came online just over a month ago. I teased them mercilessly about it too!
Now the joke was on me as I'm the only one in the family whose interface systems haven't come online.
"You looking a little tired there Kacey," Jazz smirked as he was strolling in my direction.
"I was racing to save my aft out there, after we'd already been racing for hours," I reminded him, coming to a stop beside him. "Why don't you look so tired?"
"Because, I know how to conserve energy. You still need to learn that you don't have to go all out every astrosecond of a battle. But you're still young, you will learn. I promise."
"Thanks," I yawned, making him laugh.
"Oh, Prowl wants an incident report by the end of the day from you."
"I figured as much. I'll see that he gets it, after I help Orion and Leo chose their alt forms."
"I heard about them, interface systems too."
"Please, don't remind me," I groaned.
"Don't worry," he laughed. "Primus has a plan for these things."
"Honestly, I think He and father are in cahoots ensuring my interface systems remain offline," I said making him laugh even harder. "Keep laughing, Jazz. I'm being serious. What if I'm glitched?"
"There's more to life than just interfacing."
"Pfft! Tell Leo that! He's been hanging around Sunny way to much."
"As have you. Now, get some rest. Drop by later I'll have that new play list ready for you," he said and then turned walking for his and Prowl's quarters.
I continued on with no further delays and found Leo and Orion in my room using my computer.
"That one sucks! I wouldn't be caught dead in that alt form!" Leo exclaimed.
"I was just being practical," Orion said.
"In all honesty Leo, it's not going to matter which alt form you pick. You'll look good regardless all armored up," I smiled, coming up behind him. I laid a hand on Orion's shoulder seeing the unsure look in his optics. "As will you too. You are both very handsome mechs. And I'm not saying that as your sister."
"Thank you, Kacey," Orion smiled warmly at me, lifting his head up a little higher.
"Now, if you want I already had a couple of alt modes in mind for both of you," I said, shooing Leo out of my chair. Within a couple of moments I pulled up the alt mode I thought Leo might like. "If you don't like it we'll find something else."
"2005 Lotus Elise…and I like the color too, midnight blue!" Leo grinned. "But…what about my flight form?"
My optics widened in surprise.
"Oh yeah," he bashfully smiled. "According to Ratchet I'm a triple changer like you."
"Well then," I mused, rubbing my chin. "I'll have to talk to General Lennox. We're not allowed to scan copies of the military's top secret planes into our data base. However, as I'm told there are several fliers aboard the Axalon. Once they've arrived and settled in a bit I was taking them to Nellis Air Force Base so they could select alt forms. I see no reason why you can't come along to pick yours."
"But the ship isn't going be here for three weeks!"
"That's the best I can offer unless you convince dad differently."
"Ok," he frowned.
"Hey, you can still fly in robot form," I reminded Leo making him smile. "Now, what about you Orion."
"Sorry, I'm a one alt mech," he replied. "I prefer it to be a ground vehicle even though I have thrusters. Makes sense since I'm not a fighter."
"Ok, fair enough. Then this vehicle is for you, 2009 Cadillac Escalade."
"That's very nice," he said but I heard differently.
"You don't like the color…here, try that one."
"Can you make it a darker blue but different shade than Leo's?" he expectantly asked.
With a few commands on the keyboard I changed the color scheme from royal blue to navy blue and saw Orion's face light up.
"Ready for the uplink?"
Both of them nodded and after a few key strokes I sent them the specs for their alt forms.
"Let's go try them out!" Leo shouted, grabbing my arm and yanking me off the chair.
Of course I hurried with my brothers despite my tiredness. Once outside, I stood proudly and watched them transform for the first time, feeling how excited they both were. I kept my deviant feelings for tonight's plans deep within my spark where no one could reach, not even father.
"Just be careful!" a deep voice bellowed when Orion and Leo nearly crashed into each other as they took their first mini-test drive. "Frag it to pit! They drive worse than their father."
"Give them a break 'Hide, it's their first time," I laughed when Orion back into a tree. "Orion, use your sensors! Leo, no stunts! Learn to the basics first!"
"Like I said, they're just like their father," Ironhide grinned. "Your energy levels are low. You ok?"
"Just tired from earlier. It took more out of me than anticipated. Ratchet prescribed energon and rest. Jazz says I need to learn how to conserve my energy, try not to be so gung-ho."
"You're young. It's to be expected that you'll exhaust yourself on days such as this. But I have every confidence that you will learn," he said. "It took Optimus a couple of decades to learn. Prowl or I often found him in deep recharge in my office with his head on a stack of datapads after a long battle."
"I'll try not to take so long."
"So, Optimus told me you didn't want to be part of the team anymore."
I frowned, sagging my shoulders and doorwings.
"My feelings aren't hurt," he laughed, rubbing my helm. "It takes a lot of courage to stand up and speak your processor to your parents or your Prime. Never hesitate to do so to them or to any officer. Understand?"
I nodded.
"Good," he smiled. "When you're done here, Optimus wants to see you about your new assignment."
"Ok, thanks Ironhide, for everything. I learned a lot from you too."
"You're welcome, Kacey," he rumbled, giving me a big hug. "See you later this week for target practice."
"Count on it!" I smirked as he walked off. Then I turned my attention back to my brothers. "Ok, come here for inspection!"
Leo's engine revved high then sputtered as he came to an abrupt stop. I laughed heartily feeling his annoyance at me over our spark bond.
"Just transform idiot," I suggested.
Orion quickly did so, inspecting his armor. The navy blue armor fitted his from rather nicely. He was sure to capture a few femmes' optics as he walked by. His calm mannerisms showed in how his armor formed too. He was tall but not so imposing that one would fear his presence. He didn't have the antennas like father. His face was open with no indication that he'd cover it with a battle mask.
"Well?" he anxiously asked.
"Very nice bro," I grinned affectionately at him, making him blush. "Come on Leo. Don't be bashful."
Leo transformed into his bipedal mode. As expected he took on many of father's armor features, including a mask and surprisingly he took on the visor like I have. The mask and visor retracted to show the big smile on his handsome face. Yes, he was even more like father now, with a few differences. His antenna seemed to be permanently angled back. Despite his size, everything about his posture implied he was definitely a mech one didn't want to take lightly on the battle field.
"You both are going to melt femmes' sparks," I smiled. "Now let's get inside. I need to see father, turn in a report and get some recharge. Ratchet will want to check you out as a precaution. I want you both to get a good night's recharge. We'll go out tomorrow for a drive and I'll give you your first robot flying lessons."
"Woohoo!" Leo cheered nearly jumping up and down.
Orion attempted to shove him. Leo was a rock despite his size and didn't budge. However, he was able to knock Orion over and the two started wrestling around like younglings.
"Well, whenever you're done playing. I'll see you both later," I chuckled and then headed inside the base.
"Love you Kacey!" they both shouted, chasing me down.
"I love you both too. Do as I told you."
"Yes Ma'am," Leo saluted as he kept running down the hall.
"AFT!" I shouted at him.
With my brothers' excitement still buzzing my processor I headed to father's office with a smile on my face. I was curious what my new assignment was.
"I know, Jazz told me," I cut in as Prowl opened his mouth.
"You can get it to my by morning. Ratchet informed me you're supposed to be recharging."
"I know. I had to help the lugnuts. After talking with father I'm getting some energon then heading to bed for a few hours."
"Good," I smiled then disappeared into his office.
Father's office door was wide open and I could see he was busy reading a datapad.
"Ironhide said you wanted to see me father," I said, announcing my presence while respectfully waiting at the door's entrance.
"Yes, come in," he said, putting the datapad down and picking up another one. "I'll only keep you a few minutes. I know you need to rest."
"Ratchet said recharge."
"I know what that means, you'll be reading or listening to your music for a few hours instead of recharging," he smirked. "Just make sure you rest."
"I promise, I will," I said while thinking I needed to rest up for tonight's party! I didn't want to pass out after one drink!
"So with my presence needed more at Autobot City once we move in and you're desire to learn more I've disbanded our team for the time being. You will be teaming up with Prowl. He's going to run you through a series of drills before you go out in the field," he said, handing me a datapad. "Familiarize yourself with his list of requirements. He'll test you on them."
"Understood," I replied, looking over the long list. Frag Prowl could be thorough! But it was a new challenge and I was eager for it. "So, who's the third team member?"
"There was much debate," he seriously said but then smiled. "Ironhide and I agreed it was time you and Nitro got your wish to team up together."
"That's great! Primus! Thank you, father!"
"You're welcome. Now, here's a datapad for Nitro," he said handing me another one. "I trust you will inform him of the good news?"
"Yes, Sir!" I happily saluted.
"You do realize I'm not entirely for this," mother's voice sounded behind me. I stood up as she entered the room and moved to father's side. "But I will defer to your father's judgment. And I apologize to you Kacey for…overreacting when punishing you. You're right, you are no longer a youngling."
"Don't fret too much. No permanent damage was done to my psyche."
"Get going before I change my mind," mother chided while smiling.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'll see you later or in the morning. Depending on when I wake from recharge."
"Recharge well," they said to me.
I took that as my time to leave. However, I paused at the doorway and turned back to see mother sitting in father's lap. They were cuddling together and whispering to each other. Their joy and love filtered through our family bond. With a knowing smile, I closed the door and locked it for them…just in case.
"Nitro, what's your location?"
"Recreation room getting energon with Firestar. We just sat down."
"Get me a cup please? I'm on my way."
"Consider it done."
Nitro and Firestar.
Two of my closest friends. The three of us were often inseparable when not on duty. However, at times, it has been rather frustrating when they start kissing and I'm sitting right there with them. Most times I discretely leave to give them privacy. Other times I smack them both on the heads for being rude and inconsiderate.
I know they're very much in love and I'm happy for them. But slag! They interface a lot!
Frag it to pit! I think I'm obsessing way too much lately because my interface systems haven't come online. But it seems like I noticed more than I did a few years ago.
I've noticed more of the intimate subtle touches between father and mother that I never spotted before. I've noticed how when Ironhide walks holding Chromia close with one hand, that hand isn't just on her aft, he's actually stroking it or squeezing it. I've seen how Akima looks at Magnus when they're together in the recreation room; that look seemed more intimate now than the day we celebrated their bond ceremony six years ago. And holy Primus, I've even noticed the affectionate caresses Prowl gives to Jazz every so often when he thinks no one's looking.
And then there are the mechs on the base.
Oh, I've taken notice to them lately. Their different shapes. Their range in sizes. Their armored afts. I actually caught myself comparing every mech's aft I saw to my father's one day when sitting in the recreation room with Bumblebee and the twins. It was rather embarrassing when I actually slapped myself to stop my optics from roaming and received quizzical looks from Bee and the twins. To this day I have never told them exactly why I did that.
"Are you ok, Kacey?"
Startled, I blinked in surprise just before I walked into Bumblebee.
"What? Oh, sorry. Hi Bumblebee," I smiled, looking around and realizing I arrived at the recreation room. "I'm just tired. Here to get some energon."
"Want to join me with Sunny and Sides for some?" he asked, smiling brightly as he always did.
"Sorry. I'll have to take a rain check," I answered, noticing how his doorwings drooped every so slightly. Doorwings…Primus, I never thought of them before but lately…I'm in agreement with Jazz! They are mesmerizing and tantalizing at times. I shook my head ever so slightly. "Nitro already has mine ready and I need to talk to him. Then I'm heading off for some much needed recharge."
"Ok, next time," he smiled, patting me on the shoulder.
"I promise," I said, following him in.
I watched as he headed over to where Sunny, Sides and Leo were. I immediately gave Leo a look like he'd better get his aft moving to the med bay or else. He nodded, conveying he was going. I let it go after that knowing he was still very excited and simply wanted to share such wonderful news with his best friends.
My best friends spotted me and waved me over. I was somewhat relieved to see they weren't sitting side by side. That meant no groping of Firestar's leg or Nitro's leg for that matter underneath the table. No kissing too, hopefully.
"You look like shit," Nitro commented as I dropped into the chair across from him.
"Gee thanks for making me feel so much better," I grumbled, staring at the noticeably empty spot on the table before me as I set the datapads down. I growled. Typical mech. Forgets the simplest things.
"Oh slag! I'm sorry, Kacey I forgot."
"It's my fault," Firestar said, rising to her feet while pushing Nitro back down. "We got to talking. I'll get your energon."
I nodded as she left. Relaxing into my seat, I groaned softly, massaging my faceplates briefly.
"Are you sure you're ok?" he worriedly asked.
"I just need some energon and recharge. Then I'll be fine."
"Come on Kacey, talk to me. I can tell when something's bothering you. You look depressed more than tired."
"I'm fine. I'm just being grumpy," I admitted which was somewhat true.
"Oh, right," he smiled, leaning back in his seat. "I heard about Leo's interface systems being online."
"Orion's too," I added.
"Ouch, Kacey, you poor femme," he chuckled.
"Shut up before I weld your interface panel shut."
"Wow, you really are grumpy! That was low blow for you."
"Kacey needs a mech that's all," Firestar said putting a large cup of energon in front of me.
"Fire, that's not nice. You know her interface systems aren't online," he continually teased me. I glared at him.
"You don't need to interface to enjoy a mech's company you idiot," Firestar chided, smacking him on the back of the head.
"Funny Fire. That's not what you say when we're alone together."
"Yeah, it's usually something like 'Oh that's the spot, Nitro! Touch me there!'" I mimicked, actually having heard them interface more than I ever wanted to, making Nitro laugh. Firestar punched me in the arm.
"OW!" she yelped clenching her fist which of course made both Nitro and me laugh wildly.
"Frag you both," she growled but then ended up laughing with us.
"We need to stop using Kacey as look out for us," Nitro said taking a drink of his energon.
"That will all change when we get our own quarters in Autobot City," she added.
"Well, at least you have each other," I frowned, tracing my finger around the rim of my cup. "I'll be all by myself, as usual."
"Don't say that. You'll find someone."
"Fire, that's not likely to happen anytime soon. Do you see mechs lining up to ask me out?"
"What's that mean?" she asked.
"It means no mech is interested in having a relationship with me. There are only two reasons that I can think of why they're not. One my interface systems aren't online and two…my father."
"Or you're just too beautiful that they're afraid of you," Nitro seriously said.
"I can't help the way I look! And that is the most ridiculous excuse I've ever heard of! Still, you're partly right I suppose. I'm Kaceystar, daughter of Optimus Prime and Elita One, the future Prime. That's quite intimidating when you think about it."
"Kacey, you're just frustrated," Firestar said, resting a reassuring hand on my forearm. "I know you had expectations once you hit thirty-five. You told me how significant that age was. And I know it's been a disappointing year for you. But you must remember, just about every mech on this base watched you grow up. Sure some of them are afraid of your father. Most still see you as that little youngling who first arrived on Earth."
"Primus, I never thought I'd say this but I actually miss Rox pining for me," I groaned.
"Oh frag it to pit! I did not just hear you say that!" Nitro exclaimed, looking as if he swallowed a bad batch of high grade. "You deserve way better than that aft."
"Why don't you ask a mech out?"
"I can't do that," I replied bashfully. "That'd be so weird. Besides can you imagine what my father would think if I went chasing after mechs? He'd probably lock me up in the brig!"
"Well, what about the mechs on the Axalon? I'm sure there are a lot of single and available mechs our age," Firestar suggested.
"Yes, that's it!" Nitro cheered, slapping the table.
"No, that won't work either. I'll be in the same situation then as I am now."
"Why?"
"Because I'm Kaceystar, the daughter of Optimus Prime. Many of the ship's inhabitants are looking forward to meeting me. Father is expecting me to be there with him too when the ship arrives to meet the officers of the Axalon."
"Well, I'm sure some of the mechs will have the courage to ask you out," Firestar smiled confidently.
"Oh…oh no! Oh Primus. It might just work!" Nitro babbled on looking as if he had a short circuit in his processor. "Frag, it's got to work!"
"I'm not sure I want to hear this," I said, finally taking a drink of my energon.
"You want mechs to meet you and get to know you, no intimidation, right?" he asked, leaning over the table and talking in a low voice so only Fire and I could hear.
"Yeah," I replied slowly, noticing he had this crazy look in his optics that matched the one his father always got whenever he used Decepticons as target practice.
"So, this is what we do," he continued. "When the ship arrives I'll scope out some of the mechs and try to make friends with ones that might be worthy of dating you."
"Nitro…"
"Hang on, I'm not done," he interrupted me. "This is the best part. Give me a day and then I'll introduce them to my girlfriend Firestar and my best friend…Blaze!"
I sat quietly, reflecting on his words. Maybe…
"The idiot might be on to something," Firestar mused. "A mech would be less intimidated by Blaze and you are her. Plus, they've never seen you so you could pull it off. At least for short while."
"And I know mechs, that short while would be enough for them to get over the intimidation thing," Nitro added. "Once they realize you're just a femme I'm sure a few of them will be fighting each other to ask you out!"
"But what about when they're disembarking," I reminded them. "Father wants me at his side so they can see me."
"Don't worry. I've got that figured out too," Nitro smirked.
I gave him a look of disbelief. But before I could say anything my baby brother dropped in the empty chair at our table.
"Hey, what's up?!" he asked, big grin on his face.
"Nothing that concerns you," Nitro snarled.
"Whatever," Leo scoffed, ignoring Nitro and focusing on me. "Are you ok, Kacey? I felt you were kind of upset."
"I'm fine Leo. I just need to recharge," I said, draining the rest of my cup. "Which I am going to do right now."
I gave Leo a look.
"Right, I can take a hint. I'm off to see the Hatchet. See you later, Kacey. Nitro…you and me…sparring room…it's on dude! You are so going down!"
Leo took off running and laughing after that.
"Yeah! You'd better run, Leo!" Nitro shouted.
"I'd watch it Nitro. Leo's a lot stronger than he looks," I warned, smiling. I had could easily imagine Leo taking Nitro down. I'd better make sure I'm there when it happens so I could laugh my aft off! "Besides, you have more important matters to attend to." I slid the datapad for him across the table. "Check it out."
"What the slag is this?" he asked, reading the list of requirements. "Wait, you have one too?"
I smiled and nodded.
"This is so cool!" he exclaimed, hugging me and then Firestar. "Check it out Fire! Kacey and I are teaming up! We're gonna kick Decepticon aft together! Oh Primus, I've been begging my father for this day. Slag, we have to celebrate!"
"And we will. But later tonight, after I get some recharge."
"Oh about that, Rox, Sockets, Derail, and myself will be ready. All you have to do is comm us."
"Fire, will you be there?" I asked. "You have to come. This is our last chance to party in our secret hideaway. It will be a blast! I promise."
"Of course," she smiled.
"It's settled then," I said, rising to my feet. "I'll see you later."
With my datapad in hand I headed out. Luckily I made it to my room with no more detours along the way. My recharge bed never looked so inviting. I quickly tossed the datapad on my desk, dimmed the lights, set my internal chronometer to wake me at 11 pm, retracted my armor, and curled up underneath a thermal blanket.
Before I initiated my recharge program I reached over and turned my stereo on, scanning for the song I wanted to hear. Once I found it I hit play.
\\Can anybody find me somebody to love?//
\\Each morning I get up I die a little. Can barely stand on my feet. Take a look in the mirror and cry. Lord what you're doing to me. I have spent all my years in believing in you. But I just can't get no relief, Lord! Somebody, somebody. Can anybody find me somebody to love?//
\\I work hard every day of my life. I work till I ache my bones. At the end I take home my hard earned pay all on my own – I get down on my knees. And I start to pray. Till the tears run down from my eyes. Lord – somebody – somebody. Can anybody find me – somebody to love?//
\\Everyday – I try and I try and I try – But everybody wants to put me down. They say I'm going crazy. They say I got a lot of water in my brain. Got no common sense. I got nobody left to believe. Yeah – yeah yeah yeah.//
\\Oh Lord. Somebody – somebody. Can anybody find me somebody to love?//
\\Got not feel I got no rhythm. I just keep losing my beat. I'm ok. I'm alright. Aint gonna face no defeat. I just gotta get out of this prison cell. Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord!//
\\Find me somebody to love. Can anybody find me somebody to love?//
"Nitro, you're plan might just work," I whispered, as I rolled onto my back staring up at the ceiling.
I wasn't specifically looking for an interface partner. Not that I could do that anyway. And even if I could I really had no idea what to do! But like anything in my life, I wanted to experience things…that included mechs. It was the only way to learn. The only way to find him.
Him being the mech I'm destined to spend the rest of my life with. I'm hoping he and I will be able to experience the same kind of ever lasting love my parents have for one another.
Frag, I don't even know who he is yet and I'm thinking of my future! I'm not even sure exactly what attributes he'll have yet. Well actually, that's not true. I do know two attributes that catch my optics - a cute aft and doorwings. Still, I relish the idea of learning what else I like most in a mech.
Bottom line, I'm looking forward to falling in love…with him.
With a sigh, I smiled then fell into recharge.
Omg! The never ending chapter ended! Lol! I do apologize for the length. Hopefully, the rest wont be as long.
That last song there was Somebody to Love by Queen.
Up next: It's party time! Woohoo!