This is a minor edit of splitting chapter 7 into two parts to make it easier on the readers. Nothing has been changed. Chapter 8 will be up shortly.
Bumblebee
"So…what's it like?" Leo asked breaking the long, boring silence of scanning the crew quarters sections of the new base.
"What's what like?"
"Interfacing."
"I wouldn't know. I've never interfaced," I responded, continuing on with my scans.
"Still?! Not even an overload? Slag, and I thought you were just being quiet about not revealing who you've interfaced with to Sunny."
"When I was younger of course, I've overloaded myself. But I've never been with a mech or femme. Besides, it's none of anyone's business, especially Sunstreaker's."
"I can understand not telling Sunny as he does love to gossip. But why haven't you interfaced?"
I laughed, "Primus Leo. It's not a necessity of life!"
"Sunny would say different."
"Well, I'm not Sunny," I said, turning to my friend. "When you're older you'll understand some things better. Just know that for me, I've committed myself to this war and the Autobot cause."
"I thought you were saving yourself for that special femme…like my sister," he countered, winking at me.
Yes, for Kacey. All of me was for Kacey to have. I mean, I used to overload myself while imagining I was with a beautiful femme. However, ever since I met Kacey I haven't been able to because all I see is her and I felt guilty, even dirty for having such thoughts for a femme who wasn't even of age yet. It's even worse now because she is of age and when I'm not having nightmares about Optimus, I dreaming of Kacey. Holding her, touching her, kissing her and oh yeah, interfacing with her. I figured I don't need to overload myself with all the wet dreams I've had!
"You should ask her out."
"Leo, it's not as simple as that with Kacey. She doesn't see me that way. To her I'm still her uncle, her best friend, her confidant. I'm whom she comes to when she's upset and can't talk to her father. I would be a fragging jerk for taking advantage of her trust in me."
"Bee, just tell her how you feel then. She's never going to see you any different unless you are honest with her."
"I've tried that," I sighed, doorwings dropping in defeat. "My vocal processor glitches every time I try to express my spark to her. I've spent so many years concealing these feelings it's like my body and my processor don't know what to do now that I can express them."
"That and I'm sure you're terrified of what my father would do to you," he teased.
"That thought has given me nightmares," I shuddered, making him laugh. "Leo, I just need to figure out a way to make Kacey see me as a mech and not her favorite uncle or friend."
"I'll ask around see what ideas I can get to help you," he seriously said. "Since my interface systems only just come on recently, most mechs, and even a few femmes, will be helpful. You're the only mech for my sister as far as I'm concerned. And as for dad, don't worry about him. He's all bark and no bite…unless he's with mom."
"AK! Leo!" I exclaimed, giving the laughing mech a good shove. "I don't need to hear that about your parents! Optimus was like a father to me when I was growing up."
Suddenly Leo stopped laughing and straightened up. His optics seemed to not focus on anything. I quickly realized he was communicating over his bond. On a number of occasions I'd seen him or Kacey do that very thing during a family emergency.
"Is anything wrong?" I asked when he finally turned to face me.
"Orion was just telling me that Kacey's upset about something with Dad and is on her way here to finish helping with the sensor sweeps."
"Upset? What happened?"
Leo stared at me for the longest moment before a huge smile slowly rose on his face.
"It seems my sister's interface systems finally came online," he smirked. "As to what's got her upset, Orion doesn't know. He said father won't say. Mother's not saying either. Only that Kacey just needs her space for now. So, since I'm done with my sensor sweep I'm going to report in to Magnus and leave you alone with my sister…since I just told her where you were and that you were worried about her being upset. Remember, I expect to be well informed before I become an uncle!"
"Leo!" I hissed, taking a swing at him.
I missed and he ran off laughing.
Sometimes I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing that Leo knew how I felt about Kacey. He's so young, so naïve about many things. I'm not sure he understands just how terrifying it is from my perspective when Optimus is in his dominating protective mode with a big fragging rifle cannon primed and chest flexed as large as it could be! Prime's a big guy already but I swear he doubles in size when he's ready to defend his femmes.
Then there's Ironhide who's known for a long time now too. He seems to understand my reasons for delaying. Even he tried convincing me that Optimus was harmless. Well of course he'd say that! He practically raised the mech! Still, Hide has been instrumental in helping me keep my feelings for Kacey secret.
What neither of them realized was that Optimus was one of my guardians. I've seen him in action when protecting, not a fellow Autobot, but a helpless youngling. The twins had seen it too when the three of us got corned by a Decepticon that infiltrated the base. And they both agree with me that Optimus is one awesomely powerful mech not to be trifled with!
However, I must admit both Ironhide and Leo are a valuable resource and good friends to talk to. They show the restraint the Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are incapable of. Hence, my reason as to why I've not told my best friends I'm in love with Kacey.
"Bee!"
"Ah!" I yelped dropping my hand held sensor. "Frag Kacey! You damn near gave me a spark attack!"
"Sorry," she cringed, quickly picking up my scanner.
"Don't worry," I sighed, taking it from her hands. "Are you ok? Leo told me you were upset."
"Oh," she remarked, looking nervous. "Was that all he said?"
"I believe as Sunny would say…congratulations?" I smirked.
It did not have the desired effect I was expecting as her doorwings drooped and her head bowed down. I swear she was on the verge of tears.
"Is that why you're upset?"
"No…yes…well only a little. It was so embarrassing! I overloaded as my interface systems came online right in the middle of the command center!" she exclaimed and my optics widened in surprise then mentally slapped myself at the image of Kacey overloading that'd just popped into my processor. "What's worse is that Sunstreaker had to go blab it all over the base! So now every single mechanism knows that my interface systems are online!"
"They really overloaded…in front of…"
"Prowl and Jazz were there. Of course the twins were there. Frag, even Rox was there! And it wasn't even an overload I could enjoy, it kind of hurt. But Ratchet said that can happen when one's interface systems activate in that manner. Frag, why can't one thing in my life be normal?"
"Probably because you are anything but normal," I laughed, pulling her into embrace to comfort her. "You're an extraordinary femme, Kaceystar. This is to be a happy moment in a young mechanism's life. Something I know you've wanted to happen for a long while now."
"I know," she sighed, leaning into the embrace.
With so many years of experience, I was able to restrain myself with ease. However, my spark was fluttering madly upon feeling the warmth of her body pressed against mine. It longed to be satiated, to be joined.
"And just about every big event in your life has been…shall we say out in the open that the entire base always finds out shortly after anyways," I continued.
"Yeah," she mumbled, dropping her head again. "I suppose that's true."
With a tender finger, I lifted her chin up and smiled, "You've nothing to be embarrassed about. It's a natural part of growing up. I'm confident you'll overcome this new challenge as you do most things in your life. And if it makes you feel better, I'll beat the slag out of Sunstreaker for being inconsiderate of your feelings."
She giggled and her entire face lit up before my optics.
"Thanks Bee. You always know what to say to make me feel better."
"Anything for you Kacey, you know that. So, now do you want to tell me what has you so upset?"
"Mom and Dad…they…they arranged it so I have my own quarters. I'd be near my brothers and the twins in section one of the crew quarters."
"Ah, I see," I smiled, knowingly. "You won't have that security that Optimus' provides when you have a nightmare."
"Believe it or not, it's a natural reaction. It's called separation anxiety."
"I know," she sighed. "I just wasn't prepared. I had fully expected to be there with them. Especially once the sparkling is born."
"And you still can be."
"I guess," she frowned, biting her bottom lip component.
"Come with me. I want to show you something," I said, taking hold of her hand. As we started walking, I activated my internal communicator to open a private link with Ultra Magnus. "Magnus, this is Bumblebee. I'm done with my sweep. Nothing to report. If you need me I'll be on the officer's residential deck."
"Acknowledged. Is Kacey with you?"
"Affirmative."
"I'll let Optimus know. He's on his way with his family and should be arriving shortly."
"Understood. I'm make sure Kacey meets up with them."
"I heard about what happened. The news didn't take long to reach us here about Kacey's interface systems. You're a good friend to her, Bumblebee. Magnus out."
I glanced over to see Kacey was still in a somber mood. I hated it whenever she was upset. I hated it even more when there was nothing I could do to help her. However, in this case I believe I have the perfect solution.
"Here we are," I smiled, punching in the access code, opening the door.
"Oh wow! Nice quarters! Makes me wonder how all the other officer's suites look. Oh and you have a balcony too!"
"All the officers have a balcony," I chuckled, following her outside.
Together we looked over the railing to see the ocean far below, waves splashing against the pillars.
"This is incredible," she sighed. "Can I see the rest?"
"Go for it."
With the enthusiasm of a youngling, Kacey bounced off and explored the rest of my quarters. It wasn't as big as Optimus' or Prowl's, but it was way more than I was used to. A living area, two bedrooms, my own shower room and the balcony.
"Bumblebee, Optimus has arrived. He's requesting that Kacey be brought to his location in the crew quarters, section one."
"Sure thing Magnus. Bee out."
"You don't have much stuff moved in," Kacey commented, dropping onto a couch.
"I'm a simple mech, Kacey. I don't need much stuff…or much space. Do you know Optimus' quarters are directly across the hall from mine?"
"No. I didn't know that. This is my first visit to the officer's deck."
"How would you like it if you had your own quarters but were still close to your father?"
Kacey blinked in surprise, her processor always quick to see what was implied.
"Bee, I can't. These are your quarters. You've earned them."
"They're too much for me. I don't need this much space. I feel too exposed. Plus, Sunny and Sides would practically live here."
"I can't."
"You can. I insist. I'll make the arrangements. You'll get my quarters and I'll get yours. I've seen the crew quarters in section one. I'd prefer them to all this. This…is way too much for me."
"But my father…"
"I'll talk to Optimus," I smiled. "I do have one condition. You must help me move my things."
"Deal!" she cheered, jumping up and hugging me.
"Good. Start packing my stuff and I'll go talk to Optimus."
"He's here already?"
"He's asking for you," I softly told her and all her happiness was gone in an instant. I smiled, taking her into my arms. "It will be ok. I promise. I have a storage bin in the bedroom. Everything should fit in that. Bring it to my new quarters when you're done."
"Ok, Bee," she nodded then I made my way to the door. "Bee!"
"Yeah, Kacey?" I asked, turning to see her, taking in her beauty as I do every time I look at her from a distance, short or far.
"Thank you," she smiled fondly.
"You're very welcome," I smiled then stepped out into the hallway.
"Oh thank Primus another bot showed up! This place is so empty! I was wondering if you can tell me which suite was mine. Optimus told me but to be honest I was only half listening. I was still in awe from seeing Autobot City! Grapple and Hoist's really outdid themselves."
"I'm sorry, I don't believe I know you," I said, looking over the rather large mech.
He stood as tall as Optimus, almost. Seemed to have a permanent smile like Jazz.
"I'm the new Air Commander, Jetfire," he smiled.
"Oh, yes! Optimus' cousin!" I cheerfully said, shaking his hand. "I'm Bumblebee."
"Pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you. I even know what you did on Tyger Pax. Marshall tells me you're a good mech to know."
"Well, I do my best," I blushed, never one for receiving high praise. "I believe your quarters are here."
"Ah, I guess I should have read the designations about the access panels," he chuckled. "Wouldn't happen to know my code would you?"
"Sorry, for that you'll have to ask Prowl."
"Or if I could hack it!" he smirked.
"I doubt you can break Prowl's locking code, unless you're skilled like Kacey."
"The Princess?"
"What?" I laughed.
"I was doing some research over this thing called the internet and Kacey's position as the next Prime kind of makes her a Princess. I thought it sounded cool."
"I wouldn't call her that if you value your life. But yes, Kacey is one of the best hackers, learned it from her mother. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get going. Kacey is in my quarters packing some stuff for me if you really need to get into your suite."
"Ok. Thanks and nice to finally meet you Bumblebee."
"Likewise."
With that I hurried on my way. Arriving in section one of the crews residence I spotted Magnus and Optimus up ahead. I could hear Leo's excitement all the way down the hall. Even Orion look thrilled to be having his quarters.
"Where's Kacey?" Magnus asked, not looking happy that the femme wasn't with me.
"She's on her way. I believe she might be helping Jetfire hack the access panel so he could get into his quarters."
"Frag, I forgot to tell him his pass-code," Optimus said.
"Optimus, Sir? May I have a word?" I asked politely. "It's rather important but will only take a moment."
"Do you need me to go?"
"No Magnus, this doesn't need to be a private conversation," I answered.
"Very well, Bumblebee," Optimus responded.
"As I'm sure you know, Kacey was rather upset finding out she was given her own quarters, away from you and Elita," I started. Optimus nodded slowly, the sadness in his optics flickered briefly. "I believe I can resolve the issue, making everyone happy. Kacey gets her own quarters and you and Elita have all your younglings out."
"One would think that Kacey would have been excited about getting her own quarters," Magnus commented.
"Kacey's just scared," I said. "As much as she likes to be spontaneous, she also enjoys routine. She enjoys her time with her family, especially with you Optimus. She's just afraid she won't get that time with you anymore, the talks, the debates, the mornings watching the sun rise, the late night poker games."
"We can still have that. I never said we couldn't. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel like I was pushing her away."
"She understands that now, Sir," I smiled. "She just loves you too much Optimus. Nothing any of us can do to change that about Kacey. Nor would any of us try. Which is why I propose that Kacey and I swap room assignments. I'm a simple mech. That suite is far too much for me. Kacey's assigned suite is more than adequate."
"After what you just told me, Optimus that might not be a bad idea," Magnus seriously said. "The officers' suites have higher security measures. With this threat looming, keeping Kacey close would be prudent."
"What threat?" I quickly asked.
"A few fanatics Jetfire warned Optimus about. Apparently they believe Kacey is some sort of savior. Optimus will have a special guard with him at all times when he's in heart of the city for fear of an assassination attempt on his life. Kacey will have one as well as a precaution."
"You know you can count on the twins or myself being there to watch over Kacey. She'd be less likely to question our presence as I assume you don't want her to know about this threat."
"Correct, I don't wish to frighten my daughter. Have security plans ready for me by tomorrow afternoon's briefing, Magnus. We'll make the other officers aware at that time."
"Of course, Optimus."
"Regardless of what's going on, I would have accepted your proposal," he smiled fondly. "Anything for my daughter's happiness."
"Would you like to tell her the good news? She should be here any moment. I only promised her the outcome. However, as compensation, I'm having her move my stuff."
Optimus laughed, "Small price to pay. Very well, I'll inform her when she arrives."
"Of course, Sir. Thank you. I know Kacey will be very excited."
"No, thank you, Bumblebee. You've always had my daughter's best interests at spark. I can never thank you enough for that, my friend."
My spark twisted slightly upon his words of kindness. Yes, Optimus was a good friend and more to me. The guilt of secretly loving his daughter has become more potent now that Kacey has reached full maturity.
I wonder now more than ever, would he accept me as loving his daughter? Or would he blast me into space?
Optimus
I was enjoying the feelings I felt over our family's bond. My sons were absolutely thrilled about having their own separate quarters. Orion already had Leo helping him rearrange the furniture in his living area to accommodate having a small desk in there despite the fact he now has his own office. Leo didn't care where any of his furniture was at. He was just happy he had his own quarters and didn't have to share it with his brother.
Then there was Ariel. Outwardly she was like her mother, calm and serene. Inward, she was just as ecstatic as her brothers! And why wouldn't she be? Despite some misgivings, Ratchet and I agreed to allow both Ariel and Galen shared quarters. They were actively interfacing and there was nothing I could do to stop them. At least now they didn't have to sneak around behind my back and had a more respectable place to interface.
And despite my outward grumpiness I was happy for my daughter. She was in love with a mech who was as devoted to her as I was to Elita. I would never admit this to Elita but Ariel and Galen were a perfect fit for one another. Galen possessed a calmness (that he gets from his mother, thank Primus) that enabled him to ride out Ariel's temper.
"What's wrong my love?" I questioned upon the sudden sadness I felt waver over my bond with Elita.
"It's going to feel so empty without them all around. I'm going to miss hearing Leo and Orion bickering in the morning. The late night talks with Ariel before she went to bed. Frag, I'm even going to miss Kacey sneaking into our bed in the middle of the night, snuggling between us."
"Shh," I cooed, wiping her tears. "We are still a family. It's not like they're on another planet. Just another section of the base. And our quarters are big enough to have family get-togethers from time to time. Besides, if I know Kacey, she will still find a way to sneak into our bed and snuggle with us."
"She's not as upset as earlier. Have you talked with her?"
"No. Bumblebee did. It's all been arranged, he and Kacey are swapping assigned quarters. Kacey will be across the hall from us. She'll be able to be close if she needs us while having her space."
"Bless that mech. He does so much for Kacey. We need to thank him."
"I already have, sweetspark," I murmured, kissing her cheek.
"Hmm, can I have some more of that?" she purred, optics sparkling with mirth at me.
"Anything for you," I smiled, kissing her on the lips.
"See, I told you, Kacey. You're dad is a genuine cyber-wolf to capture a femme of Elita's beauty. I still can't believe the fragger is bonded to her."
"Get used to it," Elita grinned, snuggling against my chest as I wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Oh I will. It's just such a shame I never had the opportunity to try and win your spark," Jetfire smirked, making Elita giggle.
I reached over and smacked the back of his head for that comment.
"Ow, I'm just kidding, Opt. You and Elita belong together. It's an honor to be part of your family."
"Kiss aft," Kacey commented, making Jetfire chuckle and then he whispered something to her that made her erupt with laughter.
"We're going to have trouble with these two," I said to Elita.
"At least he's one less mech we have to worry about taking advantage of our daughter," Elita teased, knowing it would rile me up.
I narrowed my optics and growled softly at her in response.
"Jet, can you take this? I would like a word with my parent in private please."
"Sure thing, Princess."
"AK! I told you not to call me that!" she growled, making Jetfire laugh as he marched over to where Bumblebee and Magnus were talking.
"What is it child?" I asked, my love and warmth for my daughter flowing freely.
Kacey's optics dimmed and she bowed her head, her voice so soft when she spoke, "I'm still very much a child aren't I?"
"You are young with much to learn but you are not child," Elita replied. "Optimus still calls your brothers and sister child as an expression of his love for you all."
"But the way I acted earlier, was very much like a youngling," Kacey countered, looking up at me directly. "I so sorry father…mother. You presented me with a gift and I threw it back in your faces. I apologize."
"The fault was mine," I admitted. "I assumed you would have wanted your own quarters just like your brothers and sister. I didn't take into consideration that you'd never once talked about having a place of your own and that you were not ready to…as the humans say, leave the nest."
"But I should have been ready," she commented, hanging her head once again.
"Kacey since you were a little sparkling, you have always done things in your own way when you were ready," Elita smiled, cupping our daughter's chin, stroking her cheek with a thumb. "As your mother, it was difficult for me to watch my little sparkling gain her independence from me. You would throw such a fit if I tried to help you with the simplest of tasks at times. But I know in my spark that you are fully capable of taking that final step to independence when you're ready."
"And my overreacting…"
"Was normal behavior for you," Elita smiled.
"Just like your mother," I couldn't help but add, receiving a swift elbow to my rib section the moment the words escaped my vocal processor. "Hey."
Elita shot me a disproving look.
"I love you both so much," Kacey smiled leaning forward and embracing both Elita and me as best as she could.
"Our door is always open to any of our younglings," I smiled. "All you need do is ask. Or…if you need, I can simply head across the hall and help you in anyway I can."
Kacey's face brightened up in an instant.
"Really?"
"Magnus has contacted Prowl. The room switch is now official."
"Thank you, father!" she said, squeezing me hard.
Finally! All of my younglings were happy. Now I know I could recharge comfortably tonight.
"You're very welcome, Kacey," I smiled triumphantly, rubbing her helm.
"Is this a bad time?"
"No, Orion. What is it?" I asked, seeing the most serious expression on his faceplates. Oh no. Now what?!
"I have an announcement I'd like to make to the family," he answered in earnest.
"Very well."
My son nodded then headed for his quarters. Leo and Ariel, with Galen in tow, were quick to follow.
"Do you know what this is about?" Elita asked Kacey.
"No idea."
"Let's find out," I said, taking hold of Elita's hand in one and Kacey's in the other. Out of the corner of my optics I noticed Jetfire standing there alone unsure. That was a rare sight. Jetfire always had confidence to spare. But then it quickly dawned on me. "Jetfire, you're family too. You may join us for Orion's announcement."
"Are you sure? I don't want to be imposing," he nervously said.
"Well you're rather big but not so imposing," Kacey smirked.
"Oh ha ha. I see you have your father's terrible sense of humor," he retorted as Kacey grabbed his hand, replacing mine with his. "You still owe me that flight."
"Tomorrow morning. It's been arranged," she smiled leading him into Orion's quarters.
"Optimus, the big sparkling is your responsibility. I thank Primus I didn't give birth to him."
"Uh?"
"Your cousin."
"Elita he's a part of this family. He's a good mech. Kacey and him have taken an instant liking to one another."
"That's what has me worried. He's a wild card by reputation. I don't want that rubbing off on Kacey."
"Give Kacey some credit. She's more responsible than that."
"But…"
"We'll discuss it later. Let's hear what Orion has to say," I whispered to her as we entered Orion's quarters.
"Thank you, all of you," Orion humbly started. "I'll be as quick as possible as I know we all still have to much work to do. Kacey…I know it was one of the proudest days for you when you witnessed me receive my Autobot insignia. For you as well, father and mother. I am honored…deeply honored by it. However, after giving it much thought, I've made the decision to remove it and give it back."
Kacey was quick to react, her doorwings twitching as she stepped forward to speak. Orion to his credit was able to silence her with a simple gesture. I was curious about Orion's reason for removing his insignia.
"I must give it back because I am no longer the representative of the Autobots," he continued and I felt my pride swell for my son. Still young but so mature and wise beyond his years. "There are so many civilians, so many neutrals arriving from the Axalon that I must represent them as well. I cannot do that if I've chosen to be an Autobot as I must represent our people as a whole. I must remain a civilian myself. However, if the day should come when I must chose, you can be assured that I chose to be an Autobot."
"I think I can speak for everyone," Kacey smiled, taking him into her arms. "We're all so very proud of you Orion. Whether you're an Autobot or a civilian, you're a member of this family and we love ya."
"Thanks," he gasped, looking relieved. "I was a little worried. I didn't know how any of you would take the news."
"You're my brother and I can still kick your aft. Makes no difference to me whether you're an Autobot or not," Leo teased.
"See silly, I told you they'd accept your decision," Ariel smiled, hugging her twin brother.
"Ariel is correct, I would have accepted any decision you made, my son," I said, moving across the room to give him the hug he rightfully deserved. "I know you will represent our people admirably."
"Thank you father. I promise to do my best."
"I'm so very proud of you," I smiled, rubbing the top of his helm.
"Optimus."
I turned at the sudden strained sound of Elita's voice. My optics widened in disbelief when she grimaced clutching her abdomen, falling into the nearest seat. She groaned loudly, my sensors recognized the intensity of the heat flaring with in her womb, all a tell tale sign that she'd gone into labor. And I Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, mech wrecker, and father of four reacted accordingly when my sparkmate was in labor.
I panicked.
"The sparkling can't be coming yet!" I exclaimed, quickly returning to her side. "We don't even have a name for her. I don't even know if Ratchet's done building her body yet. She can't come! Not yet!"
"You try telling her that!" Elita snapped and then cried out in pain, her hands latching on tightly to my chest armor. I massaged her back, much like it did when she had intense labor pains with Leo. Then suddenly she looked up at me, tears and fear filled her optics, real fear and panic surged over our bond. "Optimus…I'm losing her!"
I didn't think. I reacted, taking her in my arms, holding her closely.
"We are not losing this sparkling, I promise you," I said into her audio receptor, fighting to keep my own tears back. "Galen!"
"Father's on his way with the protoform. I know what to do but we must get Elita to the medical bay."
"Then let's do it," I said, scooping up Elita into my arms. Ariel and Galen already took off running, presumable to get the medical bay ready for Elita. "Kacey…Jetfire…"
"I'm on it dad. I'll get Ratchet here faster! Let's go Jetfire see if you can keep up with me."
"Right behind you Princess!"
I stood there for a moment watching them race down the hallway. Elita's body trembled in my arms. I could feel the sparkling struggling to stay alive deep within my own spark.
"Come on father, this way!" Orion shouted, moving ahead.
"Leo, I need you to focus on your baby sister…help me keep her with us."
"I understand what to do father," my youngest son said.
The worried expression on his faceplates was replaced with a look of sheer determination. And together we headed down the hallway.
"Optimus," Elita whimpered, her body curling up tighter in my arms.
"Shh, my love. Everything's going to be alright. Focus on our sparkling."
"I'm trying," she grimaced and then her entire form just went limp in my arms.
"ELITA!" I screamed, my spark racing with fear. "ORION HURRY, SHOW ME THE WAY!"
My sons and I raced as quickly as we could, turning tightly around corners, sprinting down long hallways. For the life of me I couldn't even think. I had no idea where we were in the base and was relying heavily upon Orion's guidance. It just felt like it was taking an eternity to get to the medical bay until finally Orion rushed me through the marked doorway.
"Over here!" Galen shouted, from inside the surgery room. It was about the only room free of storage bins. The entire medical bay was cluttered with them. Some opened some closed. "Sockets and Red Alert are on their way as well. They'd been working at the civilian medical bay all day trying to get it set up."
"Elita lost consciousness," I meekly said, gently laying her down on the medical berth.
"Father warned me that might happen," Galen replied calmly as if he'd been doing this job for hundreds of years. "Ariel, I think it best that you wait with your brothers outside."
"But…"
"This is not a discussion. You cannot be in here for this," he said forcefully. Then his tone softened. "You're family Ariel. I know it may be difficult. It'd be best if you were with your brothers to comfort them." Ariel nodded, leaving the room with her brothers. "Optimus, you may stay but please remain calm. If you cannot, I will have you removed for our safety."
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked as he was rapidly hooking up Elita to all kinds of machines.
"Just focus on the sparkling, giving it what you can. Elita is stable and will be fine, I promise you."
I nodded, settling in quickly beside Elita. I shuttered my optics closed and trying to tune out what Galen was doing by praying. If we lost this sparkling I know it'd be a devastating blow for the entire family. Each of us was looking forward to the new edition.
Kacey as usually was looking forward to sparkling duty as she'd done before with her brothers and sister. Orion had a busy schedule but made sure to set aside time each day to be a big brother. Ariel has done the same thing, even volunteering to handle sparkling duty when Kacey couldn't.
However, Leo who had been the youngest was probably the most excited about the new edition. He was definitely looking forward to being a big brother and wanted that closeness with his baby sister that he and Kacey had and still have to this day. He even suggested a name to me the other day for his baby sister.
"Optimus," Elita rasped weakly, emerging from unconsciousness.
"I'm here," I whispered, taking her hand and holding it close to my spark. My other hand affectionately caressed her silvery helm.
"I'm sorry."
"Shh, don't be sorry, my love," I spoke softly, kissing her audio receptor. "Galen is taking care of you until Ratchet gets here."
"He's just arrived on the flight deck," Galen announced. "It seems he wasn't happy about the landing, something about Kacey using him as landing gear."
'Ratchet's on his way to you now father! Tell him I said I was sorry!' Kacey said over our bond.
'Thank you my child. He'll get over it, I promise you.'
'Jetfire's still on route with the protoform body.'
'Understood.'
"Do you hear that? Ratchet's on his way, Elita. Kacey gave him a rough ride to get him over here as quick as possible."
"I can imagine it wasn't a pretty landing," she chuckled softly up at me with a funny smile on her face.
I looked up at Galen, concerned because Elita doesn't smile that way unless she's over energized on high grade.
"It's an overload of energy mixed with a mild pain reliever," he smiled. "She should be feeling really good about now."
"What about the little spark?"
"Its vital signs are stabilizing but we're still not out of danger. Elita is going to deliver this spark prematurely, there's no stopping it."
I nodded, focusing my attention back on Elita. I sighed taking the lovely features of her face as she seemed relaxed for the moment.
"You're so beautiful, you know that?" I whispered to her, kissing her cheek, making her smiled. "I thank Primus every day for you being in my life."
"I can't believe I was a fool to even try to end our relationship before it ever really started," she wept. I reached to tenderly wipe away her tears as they fell. "Look at where we are now? Our love for each other is stronger than ever, our four sparklings are all grown up and soon will have their own sparklings."
"Primus, don't remind me we're on the verge of becoming grandparents," I groaned, feeling her hand grab hold tight as she experienced another intense heat flare from the spark.
"She's a very demanding sparkling already," Elita panted, trying to cool her systems.
"And she'll be as lovely as her mother, I know it."
"Galen, report!" Ratchet demanded as he rushed into the room, heading directly to Elita's side.
Galen was telling filling Ratchet in on the details when I noticed the scuffs and scrapes on his armor and chuckled.
"Laugh all you want now. I'm going to weld Kacey's wings to the ceiling for pulling a stunt like that!"
"You will do no such thing to my sparkling," Elita growled. "Ow!"
"Galen, slowly increase the energy. We need to overcharge the spark for transference. Elita, I need you to remain calm. The spark will feel very anxious and want to be freed. You must do what you can to keep her calm."
"I've been through something similar with Kacey. She was a most insistent spark that wanted to be born," Elita grimaced.
A wave of sadness washed over me briefly. After so many years, I still feel as if I have not paid my debt to Elita for not being there when she was pregnant and for missing out on the first ten years of our Kacey's life.
"Optimus just keep doing what you're doing," Ratchet smiled, patting me on top of my helm. "Everything will be alright."
I nodded. My nervousness from earlier coming back with full vengeance now as the time of our sparkling's berth grew nearer.
"Remind me the next time you have want another sparkling to tell you to shove that idea up your aft!" Elita groaned, turning on her side.
"Whoa…Elita, you need to lay still, we can't have you coming disconnected from the overcharged capacitor. It's what's keeping the sparkling stable," Ratchet said, trying to get her to lie on her back.
"Don't touch me!" she snarled, smacking Ratchet's hand. "Fragging mechs always thinking with their interface rods!!"
"Elita, relax and lay back down, love."
"Better yet, Ratchet retro-fit this fragger with a femme's reproduction chamber so he knows what its like to give birth!" she moaned, pushing my hands away. "I said don't touch me!"
"Elita, be calm."
"FRAG OFF!" she shouted.
"Wow, are all femmes like this when they deliver?" Galen asked.
"Yes!" both Ratchet and I replied in unison.
"And this is exactly what you have to look forward to when you get my daughter pregnant," I smirked evilly at Galen.
His optics widened out of sheer fright! Oh yeah, payback!
"We have the sparkling's body!" Sockets announced as he and Red Alert raced in.
"Get it unpacked, fast!" Ratchet ordered. "Galen, help them. Elita can't hold back much longer. Optimus, try holding her still."
Just then - I'm not sure if it was deliberate or an accident and I doubt I'd ever find out the truth of the matter - one of Elita's elbows or knee – again, I'll probably never know which – struck me hard square on the crotch plate. The entire room went blank for a long moment. When the swelling pain finally kicked in and my optics opened I saw I was lying on my side on the floor.
"You'll live," Ratchet said, nudging me with his foot. "Now get up if you want to help with the spark's delivery."
I groaned and coughed. The pain finally subsiding…a little. Primus that hurt!
"Optimus?"
I looked up to see those bright cobalt orbs framed by a Cybertronian seraph staring down at me apologetically. It didn't last as she started giggling at my demise.
"Femme, for you my dignity will suffer. But only for you," I said, slowly getting to my feet. "Ow."
"I'm sorry. Are you ok?"
"I'll be fine," I answered, checking the damage. "No dents. That's good."
"Mechs!" she scoffed but continued grinning at me. Of course her smile quickly turned into a grimace.
"Ratchet!" I shouted, hearing the faint sounds of a transformation sequence.
"Sorry Optimus, she won't wait any longer," Elita grunted and I could see her abdomen plating starting to shift and slide.
"Frag! Sockets, Red, is the chamber charged?"
"Only seventy-five percent," Sockets replied.
"If the spark chamber is charged to at least eighty-five percent the spark will have the same chances of survival as if it were charged to full capacity," Red Alert said.
"Do it."
"Ratchet?"
"The spark is premature Optimus, we giving her as much power as we can to aid her in giving her protoform life. It's all we can do I'm afraid."
"I understand," he said, taking hold of Elita's hand.
"Elita, try to hold out. Just a few minutes longer," Ratchet pleaded with her, his optics taking in the medical monitor's readings.
"I'm trying," she gritted, her abdomen plating trembling as she fought against her nature instinct to expose the womb chamber.
"Eighty percent!"
The outer armor plating retracted despite Elita's efforts.
"Eighty-two percent!"
The inner armor plating retracted exposing her protoform belly. And Elita's grip on my hand tightened enough to pop a bolt loose!
"Eighty-four percent!"
"Ratchet!" Elita cried out.
"We're only going to get one shot at this," he said, leaning over with the polarized rod hovering as Elita's womb chamber was now fully exposed and slowly opening.
My spark stilled with anticipation as I watched.
"Eighty-five percent!"
"Now!" Ratchet ordered and the womb chamber snapped open revealing the tiny spark inside.
With speed and experience, Ratchet was quick to retrieve the bright glowing spark. At the same time Sockets hurried over with the tiny protoformed body. In a matter of seconds the spark disappeared into its new and permanent chamber.
"The rest is up to her now," Ratchet said, quickly wrapping the little body in a thermal blanket.
Elita sat up armor all back in place, arms reaching for the sparkling.
"Give her to me," she begged.
Ratchet obliged. She was our sparkling. Live or die her place was with us.
"Come on my little Stardust," I whispered, my large hand smoothing over the tiny sparking's head, cradling it in my palm.
"Stardust?"
"Leo came up with the name. I rather like it."
Elita smiled, her arms starting to rock the still lifeless protoform.
"You can do it my sparkling," Elita wept softly. "I believe in your spark's strength. I've felt it from the time of conception. You're strong like your sisters and brothers before you…like your father who loves you so very much."
My optics dimmed at Elita's sparkfelt words.
It was then that my hand felt the small tremble. The elation from Elita mingled with my own as the little sparklings optics fluttered open and shined brightly and the first wails of our newborn daughter filled the room.
"Shh, little Stardust, you're where you belong," Elita cooed, getting the sparkling to quiet down to soft whimpering warbles.
"We thank Primus he's blessed us with you little one," I smiled, leaning closer.
I chuckled softly when her optics shifted and gazed up at me for the very first time.
"Optimus, take her to meet her brothers and sisters," Elita smiled, holding Stardust up for me to take.
"Ratchet?"
"It's ok for a few minutes Optimus. Her energy levels are steady and strong. She will have to stay in the medical bay for a few days as a precaution," he smiled.
I looked to Elita who nodded, her love filling me within.
Without further hesitation, with much ease I took my new born sparkling into my arm, cradling her close to my chest. Again, she warbled, looking a bit unsure. I reassured her giving her my love gently over our bond. With pride and pure happiness I strode out of the surgery room and into the main room of the medical bay where my family and a few friends were gathered.
"Come, I want you to meet your little sister," I smiled and then was surrounded by my anxious and excited younglings.
"She's perfect," Kacey smiled.
"Better than perfect," Leo beamed.
"What's her name?" Orion asked, his optics still locked on his baby sister.
"Stardust."
"YES!" Leo cheered, pumping a fist up into the air. But then looked totally embarrassed. "Oops, sorry."
"That's a beautiful name for a beautiful femme," Jetfire smiled, patting me on the shoulder. "Congratulations cousin."
"Thank you, Jetfire," I sighed. "It's better than beautiful…it's perfect for my little femme."
"Congratulations, Optimus," Prowl said, with Jazz at his side. "You can be sure I'll take care of things for as long as you need."
"I'll help him, of course," Jazz added.
"Thank you, all of you. Now, I must get her back to Elita. I can feel she's getting anxious and little Stardust needs her rest."
As if on queue, Stardust yawned and stretched in my arm. A soft collective of awe sounded from everyone in the room. And my spark literally soared from how happy I was at this very moment.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my day…my little Stardust," I whispered, kissing her on the forehead as her optics shuttered closed.
Up Next: The Decepticons! Chapter 8 will be the final set up chapter. Chapter 9 the story starts moving forward with the arrival of the Axalon.
Merry Christmas, Happy HOlidays and Happy New Years to all of you!