/Here I am, burnin' man. Singing the song of my open soul. Will time pass me? All my dreams are heaven known.\\
/I don't wanna be cheated. I can't go on in a world where love is beaten.\\
/Rise up burnin' man. Seize the wild take command. Days of thunder see me shine. All my dreams turn out fine.\\
/I know the suffering will end, my friend. When the last note of freedom is rung throughout the land. I know the hateful will burn. When the last note of freedom is heard throughout the land.\\
/I know the fear of dying. Heard it from a meltdown blast. I know the Lord have mercy. It soon will pass. I know it. I don't wanna cheated. I can't go on in a world where love is beaten.\\
/I can't go on where love is defeated. I can't go on.\\
/I know the suffering will end, my friend. When the last note of freedom is rung throughout the land. I know the hateful will burn. When the last note of freedom is heard throughout the land.\\
/I know the fear of dying. Heard from a meltdown blast. I know the Lord have mercy. It soon will pass.\\
/We need love. You gotta want it so bad. We need it now. So run for it fast.\\
/I know it. And the world will be cheated. I can't go on in a world where love is defeated.\\
/I know it. I can't gone on.\\
The Last Note of Freedomby David Coverdale
I was so excited to finally get this chapter posted! It means the 'players' have arrived and the fight for Kacey's spark is officially underway! I hope you're all excited too! Don't worry she WILL fall in love with Bumblebee. This is their love story after all. Anyone expecting anything different will be disappointed.
Once again, I humbly thank all of you for reading, for your reviews, favs and alerts.
Author's Notes: '…' bond talk, "talk" radio communications chatter. As promised the chapter was getting long so I've broken it into two parts.
Warning: Apparently tissues may be required for certain parts.
The Arrival - Part 1
Jetfire
I've only known Optimus' first born daughter, Kacey, a few Earth days now and like every bot on the base I'm drawn to her just like we are to our Prime. Like her father, and dare I say her uncle, She has a natural charisma and magnetism. She's filled with fierce determination and pure devotion to the Autobots. Her determination…her devotions…her passion inspires many of us just like Optimus has and continues to do.
However, she is also very young and naïve in many things. Highly intelligent yes with a good head on her shoulders. But still naïve for lack of experience in what I call the 'necessities of life'. I pray she be allowed to mature and grow slowly over time as Primus intended for the young. I'm not entirely sure how strong she is if the mantle of Leadership were thrust upon her young shoulders like her father before her.
I've observed that the young femme takes things to spark much more strongly than Optimus does. Again, something I attribute to her young age and lack of experience. Although it saddens me that she has experienced a few atrocities of war for one so young. I've been lucky enough to never be a prisoner of the Decepticons but I have seen the end results a few times. Some mechs and most femmes never return the same mechanism if they return at all.
I gather from what several of the officers told me and from reading the official reports that Kacey endured what she had to while in captivity and in fitting Prime fashion - a tribute to her father and mother - made her own daring escape. She emerged shaken but not broken. A true testament to her lineage and from what Jazz told me, her intense training with Prowl and the love of her family and friends that helped her during her recovery.
And as Optimus' cousin I've sworn an oath to protect his family to the best of my abilities to prevent such a thing from every occurring again to Kacey, to Optimus and Elita, and even the rest of the Prime family. So, I've made it a point to get to know each of the younglings, all of whom have welcomed me into the family with open arms. A sentiment that caught me off guard and nearly brought me to tears because it'd been far too long since I've felt like I belonged to a real family.
Elita is as beautiful as Optimus foretold and more. Also, one femme you never want to be angry at you for she is one fierce fighter. Her pure love and devotion to Optimus and their younglings shines in every interaction with my cousin and her younglings. I rarely say things like this, but Elita was meant to be with Optimus. She loves him as deeply as he loves her, as deeply as they love their younglings. And she treats me like one of her kids, which great affection of course.
Orion for such a young mech is extremely wise and ambitious. He's devoted to serving the Cybertronians as a whole and doesn't separate Autobot from Neutral. Most definitely the diplomatic type. He continually uses big words I don't even understand in any language. Of course, I still need to learn many of Earth's different languages. Still, he doesn't use them to be arrogant or try to impress a mechanism for if one does not understand he will explain himself in more simple terms, flashing a warm friendly smile that makes him look a lot like Optimus. The young mech is of pure spark and means what he says, much like his father.
His twin sister Ariel is much like Elita from what I can tell. The young femme knows exactly what she wants and is determined to get it. At first I thought she was one of those dominating type femmes because of how I've seen Galen follow her around like a mechano-puppy. She like her father and mother is a passionate femme. A passion that drives her in her work as a medical bot. A passion that shines in the love she has for Galen. Like Optimus, she doesn't hold her affections back.
Leo is every bit his father's son. The young mech strongly resembles Optimus physically and emotionally. He's passionate, courageous, and humble. And like his brother and sisters and parents, Leo does not take anything for granted. He understands to live in the moment. A key reason why he and I hit it off the moment we met. And for a mech of his size he is able to hold his own rather well in a fight. A fact that I learned the hard way even after Kacey warned me to not underestimate Leo's strength because of his size. The little fragger is strong!
I've only seen Stardust once since she was born. But I suspect she will grow up and be much like her siblings. She's already surrounded by so much love and affection. It makes me miss my parents that much more.
"You're lucky you know that?"
"Hmm?"
"To have grown up with such loving parents and siblings."
"You make it sound like we're the perfect family, Jet. I can tell you, we're not. Mom and dad have their epic arguments from time to time where dad ends up recharging on the couch or his office. I've even had a few with my brothers. We can all be a bit stubborn and I have my mother's temper. Ariel's temper is even worse though. And Leo and Orion have had a few physical altercations when words failed them in a heated argument. Mom can't even pry them apart when the get that mad at each other."
"Still, you are lucky, Princess."
Kacey groaned, glaring at me, "Don't call me that. And I do know how lucky I am. I thank Primus every day for my family. Yes, that includes you now too, Jet."
"Thanks, kid," I smiled, rubbing her helm.
"So, you gonna tell me what's bothering my father?"
"I'm sure if it was important he'd tell either of us," I answered casually. It was my way of lying. Kacey didn't know that yet. But still I did feel bad for lying to her. I rationalized that it was for the best at this point and I did agree with Optimus the less Kacey knew the better about the threat the better. "What about you? How you doing? You look nervous."
"I'm not nervous," she replied quickly.
I stared down at her for a long moment.
"Ok, I am a bit nervous. I'll be standing there with father for all to see me. I understand why, that many of these mechanisms see me as some kind of hope. I just don't feel like I deserved to be put up on a pedestal like that. I'm not a Prime."
"You are a Prime's first born, something our people have not had in a really long time," I pointed out. "It not only gives them hope but strength to see that while we are at war we have not stopped living, that we will not be consumed by fear as the Decepticons want us to be. Continuity in our leadership is important. To know that if one of us falls, another is there to replace them."
Kacey's shoulders sagged and her optics dimmed.
"Don't worry, Princess," I smiled fondly, lifting her chin up. "I know how much you love Optimus. I promise you that while I'm around I will keep your father safe. He will be Prime for a long time to come."
"Kacey?"
"She's fine Optimus. Just a little nervous," I quickly said, seeing his optics full of so much concern for his child.
"Is it time, father?"
"Yes, the Axalon has breached the upper atmosphere without incident and is about to enter the lower atmosphere. It should be visible with our optics very soon now."
"Marshall's an excellent pilot. He'll bring them in safely," I said as we made our way down the stairs to the launch deck from the observation deck. Prime's second in command, Prowl, was quick to fall in stride with us once we reached the base of the steps.
"All defenses are on high alert, Optimus. So far no Decepticon activity of any kind to report on long range or short range scanners. Everyone is ready."
"Thank you Prowl. Give the order. Let's welcome them home," Optimus said, lifting his gaze to the sky above.
Many of us stood there watching, waiting. These were probably some of the most anxious moments of my life. So many lives aboard the Axalon and they were at their most vulnerable. With little energy left there was no room for mistakes on the landing. Plus, all the Axalon's defenses were down and they had to rely entirely on Autobot City's defenses and its human allies in the skies.
"There!" Kacey exclaimed, pointing and all heads turned.
It was a dark blip emerging from the high clouds in the distance growing larger and larger the closer it got. I had to resist the urge to fly and greet it as my wings fluttered excitedly. I noticed Kacey's doorwings flicked a couple of times beneath the cloak she wore. Even Prowl's doorwings waved back and forth for a moment before they went as rigid as his posture.
"Prowl?" Jazz asked worriedly.
"I know that vessel," Prowl frowned. "It's the Warbringer."
"It's the Axalon now," I stated defiantly. I was rather proud of it actually. After all, it'd been the only home for many of us for so long. "It was just a ship that was to be dismantled for parts and we took it and made it our own."
"That's just not any ship. The Warbringer was the first Decepticon battle cruiser," Jazz explained, rubbing Prowl's back soothingly, between drooping wings.
"So," I remarked, still confused as to why such a ship would upset Prime's second in command.
"They tested its capability on Praxus, cousin," Optimus answered softly.
I remained silent and instantly felt bad. I didn't even think about that. Not even when we stole it. We'd been struggling to stay alive and this ship was our salvation. But upon seeing how upset the Praxian had become, I did recall when Praxus fell and the mentioning of the ship. At the time I did have a few Praxian friends. They were devastated at losing their home.
One thing about Praxians that I learned then was that a Praxian never forgets…never.
"I cannot think of a better way to have saved so many lives," Optimus commented. "What was once an instrument of destruction is now a beacon of hope for those who have traveled far to come home."
The Praxian lifted his head and wings up.
"Then let us welcome them home," Prowl nodded and then turned to address the others. "Everyone take their positions!"
Like a well oiled machine, Autobots and many civilian neutrals that volunteered scattered with ordered chaos. The neutrals were unarmed and would deal with directing the flow of Axalon neutrals to the transports that would take them directly to the civilian sector of Autobot City. They would not know that they were being scanned for weapons as a precaution. Any bot suspicious in manner would be discretely detained. If a problem were to arise, forces were on standby to intercede while Magnus and I would keep Optimus and Kacey safe.
The soldiers of the Axalon would disembark on the other side of the Axalon where they'd all be given a quickly medical once over, protocol for such a lengthy journey in space. All civilians were to make appointments for their checkups unless it was an emergency at their orientation tomorrow morning. Military personnel would have their orientation would be the day after as priority was helping the civilians to settle in.
All in all, it was going to be an exhausting day, week even.
Marshall
Earth.
Our new home.
It was a curiosity for all of us. Hence why I know many of my fellow Cybertronians had all tried to get a look at this new world by packing themselves in by any available forward window to get a look. Upon first glance as we'd approached right away it looked nothing like Cybertron. Of course many organic planets looked nothing like Cybertron. No planet would ever look like home.
Still for just about all the younglings this was to be the first world they would ever set foot on. For most it was a journey's end, a chance for peace. For others it was a chance to continue fighting for the cause against the Decepticons as the war has shifted to this new sector of the galaxy. And for those lucky few, like myself, it was a chance of celebration upon being reunited with family and friends long thought to have perished in this accursed civil war.
I am eternally grateful to Primus for this opportunity to be reunited with my father and my step-brothers. They like so many others had been on the Ark when it was destroyed. An event that devastated the Autobots as the bulk of the command staff was aboard including Prime's second in command who was in charge of all our forces in Prime's absence.
Assuming all were lost in the explosion, it was Kup and myself who took control of what was left and follow through with Prowl's backup plan. Yes, the fragging mech had a backup plan for everything…thank Primus! We gathered any mech or femme who wanted to fight or flee. We fought our way through skirmishes. The majority of which were to acquire energon, medical supplies or even weapons. For vorns we scraped by hiding where we could underground.
That was the original plan anyway. To hide until we got word from our Prime or his return.
Only some of the young mechs, far too young to be fighting inspired us to be bold, Hot Rod, in particular. He had been a mere youngling of fifteen when he started fighting Decepticons and was fully capable of defending himself. It was a chance meeting when Springer and Kup found him.
Once he joined us and became part of our group the young mech's cockiness was ever apparent. He was bold and daring to the point of being reckless yet he had a following. Mech and femmes flocked to him. He was a natural born leader. Unfortunately Hot Rod had to learn the chain of command the hard way when he lost a close friend in a skirmish he started. Kup really took him under his wing then and taught him the warrior's way.
Then, thanks to some wild and bold thinking by Jetfire, Hot Rod and myself, we contemplated stealing a ship to flee to a distant solar system away from the Decepticons. Thanks to mechs like Kup, Jetfire and Hot Rod our forces grew, they had confidence. The mission was daring and brilliantly pulled off.
By some miracle of Primus one jour we received Optimus' message. Our Prime was alive! Despite the devastating news the Cybertron could not be saved, we had a home. So we doubled our efforts. Put the word out to all our spies, picked up any mechanism that wanted to come with us.
We were going home.
And right now, I prayed desperately to Primus that we landed safely on this new world called Earth.
"You're doing great kid."
"Shut up, Kup!" I snapped, trying to keep the ship steady but the controls were shaking badly and it was taking all my strength to keep the Axalon straight. "I just hope we don't fly apart!"
I was not expecting the gravity of this planet to be so heavy. It literally felt like we were being dragged down and I had little control.
"Forward hull temperature is rising to critical levels!" Hot Rod shouted.
"Increasing energy to forward shields," Springer announced.
An alarm suddenly sounded.
"Hull destabilizing port side, aft!" Blurr exclaimed.
"Forcefield in place but I'm not sure for how long," Springer calmly said.
"Order an evacuation of the affected compartments," I suggested.
"Doing so now," Kup said.
"We're almost through the upper atmosphere," I said, hoping what Jetfire told me was true, that this was the worst of it and that once we were through.
"Come on Axalon, hold together," I heard someone say in the background as the ship shuddered violently. I even heard several prayers and a few curses.
"Come on!" I growled as my arms shook so hard I thought they were going to come right off.
And then suddenly the shaking stopped. I felt the pull increase and our descent increasing rapidly.
"We're through! All energy to reverse thrusters!" I ordered, keeping one hand on the steering column while the other recalibrated a few of the instruments. Energy levels were slagged but according to Wheeljack's calculations we had ample energy to land the ship safety…barring some kind of major malfunction or Decepticon attack.
Another alarm blared and the ship started to veer to one side. I quickly compensated, struggling to straighten us out.
"We just lost all portside maneuvering thrusters!" Hot Rod shouted. "We're losing control!"
"Calm down kid!" Kup chided. "We're not losing control…yet."
"Wheeljack, come in!" I called, opening a comlink.
"I'm on it Marshall! One of the power relays blew. Wreckgar and I are rerouting now. You'll have thrust control in minute."
"What is this white slag? Visibility is nil," Springer commented.
"We're inside a cloud. A weather anomaly of this planet," Kup answered, smiling.
Yes, the old fragger was smiling! Of course for him this was like a stroll through Helix Gardens compared to everything else he'd seen during his long lifetime. Me on the other hand, was wishing Jetfire had comeback to pilot the ship! As crazy a flier he is, his piloting skills have saved us so many times on our journey.
"We're right on course, kid," Kup calmly told me.
I double checked. Course was true and steady. Speed slowing. Altitude descending at a comfortable rate.
"You should have port thrust control now," Wheeljack announced.
"Thanks Jack. I'm glad you and your staff stayed with us," I huffed in relief.
"Glad to help out any way I can."
"Everybody, heads up," Kup smiled. "We're emerging from the cloud."
The entire bridge fell silent and all optics were locked on the view screen. This would be our first real look at this new world.
"I don't see any landfall," Springer grumbled.
"What do you call that?" Hot Rod countered, pointing out small land formations in the middle of a vast ocean of what I know to be called water.
"That is the Island chain of Hawaii located in what's called the Pacific Ocean," Kup answered. "Autobot City is located to the North East about fifty miles due North of Midway Island, which is some twelve hundred miles from Honolulu. Didn't you guys read the data files I gave you?"
Of course they didn't. I only skimmed through some of them. Like many of my fellow mechs and femmes I too was anxious to just get here.
"Our escort has arrived," I pointed out as several shuttles lined up in formation on both sides of the Axalon.
"Short range communications are up," Blaster announced. "I've got a solid lock on the homing beacon. Autobot City, here we come!"
I laughed at Blaster's enthusiasm. I too was equally excited.
"Axalon, come in. Can you read us? This is Bumblebee at Autobot Command, can you hear me?" a familiar voice crackled from the speakers.
"Loud and clear!" Kup smiled.
"They left a youngling like you in command, Bee?" I asked, jokingly.
"You certainly didn't expect it to be Sunny or Sides, did you?"
"No," I laughed. "I always knew you were the responsible one."
"Well one of us had to be," he chuckled. "Hold your course. The skies are clear. Our shuttles along with the human Air Forces are in the skies protecting you. Welcome to Earth."
"Thanks, Bee."
My internal comlink suddenly beeped and I activated it to receive the incoming communiqué.
"What you think so far?"
"It's nothing like home, Jetfire," I replied.
"Just wait…the city should be coming into view for you any moment now. I promise you won't be disappointed."
"Primus almighty," Kup gasped.
Everyone looked up to see a structure in the distance. It appeared small but to see it from this distance meant it was massive.
"Increasing magnification," Springer stated and the image on the main view screen changed.
Jetfire was right, we weren't disappointed. Several gasps sounded along with many thankful prayers. I think I even heard a few femmes crying. I myself smiled, feeling as if a part of my spark had been mended over losing our home.
Autobot City wasn't just a city. It was a tribute to all Cybertronians.
One could easily recognize the striking pillars that rose up much like the ones that dominated the cityscape of Iacon. Then there were the popular architect domes of Kaon that topped so many of their structures. Primus, even though they weren't the actual crystals, the windows sparkled much like those of Praxus. Kalis, Crystal City, Polyhex, Vos…each city had its own distinct architecture and could be seen in Autobot City.
Autobot City was an architectural masterpiece and more importantly…it was home.
"Primus," Kup gasped again.
"My thoughts exactly," I smiled.
'Son.'
'Father! Primus…'
'Shh, I know,' he replied, calming my spark over our bond.
It'd been so long since I felt my father's presence within my spark. Tears filled my optics as I was overcome by my emotions. I never thought I'd be reunited with my father again when I heard the Ark had been destroyed. Then to learn he was alive and on Earth and to hear his voice…still, nothing could have prepared me for the rush of emotions over our bond.
"Marshall?"
"I'm ok, Kup," I smiled shakily, wiping my tears away. "It's my father. I can feel him."
"I understand kid," he grinned, rubbing the top of my helm.
'Sorry, Marshall…I…'
'No apologies father. I was having a hard time waiting as well.'
'I'll be there when you get off the ship.'
'I can't wait.'
Leo
I'd only seen a few data-pics of Cybertronian space cruisers and battle ships. But to see one with my own optics was definitely an experience I wouldn't forget for a long time to come.
The Axalon was…massive! It almost seemed illogical that something so large could defy gravity. Yet it appeared to glide effortlessly through the sky. Even when it veered to one side suddenly, it righted itself quickly and held true to its course. Then as it drew nearer I could see rushing air bursts from the maneuvering thrusts shooting out from the sides and underbelly. The only indication that there may have been any problems was the sound of the main thrusters roaring and sputtering intermittently.
Thanks to General Lennox and many of his staff who all volunteered to cover key operating systems, the majority of the Autobots from the Command Center were now outside on the observation deck, getting their glimpse of our brethren coming to their new home.
I'd glanced over at the faceplates of my good friends Bumblebee, Sunstreaker, and Sideswipe. They did not appear to have the same awed expression I know I was showing. But then I'm sure they've seen many battle ships in action.
"The Axalon has seen a lot of action," Sideswipe commented.
"How can you tell?" I asked.
"The hull is scarred from plasma blasts," Bumblebee replied. "There are a lot of welding lines too made from repairs."
"Their artist could use a few lessons though. They didn't do a good job at covering up the Decepticon Insignia," Sunstreaker pointed out.
I squinted my optics trying to ascertain what he was talking about. I had to actually zoom in so I could see the barely visible outline of the Decepticon insignia beneath the bold, bright red Autobot Insignia. Even as the Axalon moved closer and closer original symbol was scarcely there to be seen by the casual observer.
"You're being too critical," I snorted.
"I was just making a comment," Sunstreaker smirked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Come on, let's get a better spot."
"This is perfect," I exclaimed even as I was being dragged.
"If you want to watch the ship yes, but we need to get a better spot when the crew and passengers disembark."
"In other words, Sunny wants to see what new femmes there are to chose from," Bumblebee chuckled.
"Where's your brother?" Sideswipe asked me.
"He has to greet the neutral representative once they disembark, so he's working," I answered, my optics still locked on the Axalon as it maneuvered into its final position.
The main thrusters were silenced now as the landing gear extended out and lowered. Sunny kept shoving me along while arguing with his brother over where the best spot was. I heard Bumblebee smack them both before calling them afts which as usual did no good. All of them shut up when we heard the metal of the landing gear groaned in protest upon taking on the full weight of the cruiser.
The launch deck erupted into boisterous cheers and clapping as the cruiser sank into its final resting position. I even felt this immense sense of relief over my bond from my father. He and the rest of the command staff have been somewhat on edge these past few days as we anxiously waited for the Axalon to finally arrive.
And now they were here.
We'd gotten as closer as we could see the entire port side of the cruiser. Prowl and Jazz were below us a short distance away shouting out orders. I even saw Ariel and Galen with all of Ratchet's medical technicians and engineers all lined up and prepared to give the new Autobot arrivals a routine medical scan.
"Here, this is good spot," Sunny said, stopping abruptly midway down a flight of stairs.
"This area is restricted until everyone has disembarked," Bumblebee said.
"But it's got the best view. Besides Prowl is too busy to lecture us right now."
"For once, Sunny is right, Bee," I said, pointing down below where Prowl was pouring over lists on his datapad at a rate the made my head spin.
"Fine, but if he turns and orders us to leave we…," Bee insisted but was interrupted.
Everyone fell silent when several side panels suddenly hissed loudly. Steam wafted from the underneath side of the vessel and ozone filled the air. The faint sounds of a transformation sequence sounded and four large panels retreated inwards and then slid aside. At the same time long ramps extend and the first Autobot arrivals emerged from the openings, all them looking curiously at their new home.
None of them had colored armor like mine or any of the Earth bound Cybertronians. They'd later take Earth alt forms to replace their Cybertronian battle armored look. Still, I did admire the look being an aspiring wrecker. The Cybertronian armor appeared more jagged and savage. Each mechanisms armor was different and unique from each others. And fragging leave it to Sunny and Sides to quickly spot the femmes. They were much like the Cybertronian femmes here on Earth with slimmer and smaller figures than the bulkier and larger mechs.
"Look Leo! Femmes your size!" Sunstreaker laughed when an unusually small femme emerged from the ship.
"Shut up Sunny!" I growled, folding my arms tightly over my chest, resisting the urge to smack him.
"Maybe I'll get her room number for you," Sunny teased. "OW! What the frag, Bee!"
"Thanks Bee," I smirked, watching Sunny rubbing his arm where Bumblebee punched him.
"Anytime, Leo."
When my gaze returned, I saw the petite femme looking this way, no doubt having heard Sunny's shrieking. And suddenly like that, her optics locked on mine briefly. My spark stilled within its chamber and everything else around me no longer existed. I gasped, dropping my arms to my side.
I mean I literally gasped out loud!
She was stunning…beautiful…gorgeous! I'd never seen faceplates appear so delicately soft and smooth.
My spark thumped hard within my sparkchamber with a need I'd never felt before. It wasn't lust, not that I'd know because I've never interfaced. But the desire was potently strong. I had to meet her. I just had to!
Primus above granted me the means.
Something fell from her satchel and no one but me noticed. With grace and ease I hopped over the railing, landing lightly on my feet. With swiftness and agility I race right between Prowl and Jazz over to retrieve the datapad that fell from her bag. Like a prized possession, I held it very carefully and approached this Cybertronian beauty.
"Excuse me, ma'am," I spoke softly in fluent Cybertronian, tentatively touching her elbow to get her attention. She turned, looking up at me, my touch still lingered. Once again I gasped. I swear my processor even stalled for all coherent thought disappeared on me. All I managed to do was hold out the datapad for her to take, giving her a timid smile. Her optics spotted it instantly and she smiled.
I swear to Primus my spark just melted its casing!
"Oh, thank…"
"Don't you touch her! Did you learn any manners on this planet?" a large mech snarled, shoving me to the ground, moving in front of the femme as if to protect her.
"Hot Rod!" another mech's voice shouted and the large mech stood at attention. I laid there dazed and confused until this other mech came into view. His armor was scarred and definitely looked more worn, showing his years. "He wasn't doing anything wrong."
"Honestly, Hot Rod! I can take care of myself," the small femme huffed, throwing a hard elbow at Hot Rod's thigh connecting with a solid thunk.
"OW!"
The femme growled up at him and started giving him the 3rd degree…femme style. I'd witnessed it before from my mother and both my sisters. It was an experience I never wished upon any mechanism and usually ran for cover just to get out of the line of fire, literally. Except this time I couldn't move. I was hypnotized, unable to take my optics off the fiery femme!
"Alright, stow it and get your afts moving!" Kup ordered.
"Sure thing, Kup," Hot Rod saluted, smirking but gave me a parting glare.
The femme's optics lingered on me for a moment. She appeared unsure whether to help me or do as ordered. The elder mech shooing her away decided for her.
"Are you ok, kid?" Kup asked, helping me up to my feet.
"Wow," I whispered.
That was all I could say as I watched the femme disappear into the crowd.
"Primus Almighty. You must be Leo. You look just like him."
"Excuse me?" I questioned, my befuddled mind becoming somewhat responsive again.
"Your father. You look just like him."
"You know my father?" I asked, surprised, the femme temporarily forgotten.
"Yeah…hang on….Get moving before I have ole Ratchet reformat your afts!" he ordered when the line was loitering to see what was going on.
Again my thoughts returned to the femme, her image burned into my processor. I scanned the crowd wondering where she'd gone.
"Are you alright, kid?" Kup asked when he turned his attention back towards me.
"I'm not a kid," I responded impulsively hating the fact that I was technically still a youngling but not wanting to acknowledge it.
"I see, trying to grow up too fast like your father as well, ok?" he smirked, patting me on the shoulder.
I nodded.
"Leo!" Prowl shouted, beckoning me over and not looking too happy.
I glanced back in the direction the femme disappeared feeling disappointed. When I turned to ask this mech Kup who she was he'd already been called away. With a heavy sigh, I turned and headed towards Prowl and Jazz. Jazz appeared to be showing something to Prowl on a datapad. Prowl almost instantly rolled his optics while Jazz was just grinning as I approached.
"I'm sorry, Prowl. She dropped something. I was only trying to help," I explained.
"That was very kind of you. But I need you to return to where you came from. Optimus gave specific orders for you to not be down here unless you have an escort."
"Yes, Sir," I sighed. "I'm sorry."
"It's quite alright. Now get going," Prowl smiled, patting me on the shoulder.
I nodded and took two steps, my mind still buzzing about the femme.
"Leo…" I paused and turned back to see why Jazz called me. "Her name is Sapphire."
"Sapphire," I repeated and my spark fluttered wildly.
I smiled, like I'd never smiled before.
Hound
I must have pinched myself a dozen times within the last hour. I still couldn't believe the gift Primus bestowed up me by returning my son to me. Even after I saw the Axalon land safely I still felt as if I'd been dreaming that it was all too good to be true.
Only it wasn't a dream.
Marshall was here.
And he's alive and well!
"There you are!" I exclaimed hurrying down the only staircase that was supposed to be kept clear in case of an emergency. "I should have known you two would get as close as possible."
"Guilty as charged," Sunny smirked.
"Bumblebee, I'm surprised you let them," I jokingly chided. "This is a restricted area."
"Sorry, Hound," he smiled. "After General Lennox's staff come in and take over some of the duties in the Command Center I knew I had to keep my optics on these two."
"Fair enough," I laughed.
"What'd you want us for?" Sideswipe asked.
"A family reunion," I exclaimed, slapping them affectionately on the shoulders. "Prowl said it was alright to greet Marshall as he came off the ship. One of the privileges of being an officer."
"Oh, we figured to give you two that chance to do it alone," Sunstreaker meekly said.
"Nonsense. You're part of my family and I know Marshall would want to see you two there," I smiled warmly, hugging them both. "You too, Bumblebee. Now let's go. He's heading to the exit now!"
In my excitement I didn't wait them to respond. I didn't have to anyways. I knew the twins were just as excited about being reunited with Marshall as I was and they were quick to follow me down the stairs and onto the launch deck. While approaching Prowl and Jazz's location I noticed they were talking to Leo.
"What's Leo doing down here?" I asked, concerned as I know Optimus specifically told Leo he was to stay out of the way, meaning somewhere safe.
"Not sure," Bumblebee answered. "He suddenly hopped over the rail and took off running."
"It was the petite femme," Sunny snickered.
"Femme?" I questioned, quirking an optic ridge.
"Oh no," Sides suddenly groaned when Leo started coming our direction.
One look at the dopey grin on Leo's faceplates spoke volumes! I'd seen it many times on a mech or femme's face during my long lifetime. I understood it completely as I'd had it myself when I'd fallen in love with Marshall's mother.
"He's lost to us bro," Sides commented.
"No, say it isn't so, Leo!" Sunny exclaimed. "Leo?"
"Earth to Leo, come in Leo," Sides said, snapping his fingers in front of Leo's dazed optics.
"Oh, hey guys," Leo replied, still smiling.
"Did you get her name Leo?" I knowingly asked.
"Sapphire," he sighed, grinning from audio receptor to audio receptor.
"I think I'd better take care of Leo," Bumblebee suggested, putting an arm around the young mech's shoulders. "Catch you mechs later. Say hi to Marshall for me."
"Sure thing, Bee," Sides said as we watch Bee steer Leo away. "Frag."
"Exactly," Sunny frowned.
"You both make it sound like loving a femme is a bad thing," I commented.
"Don't get us wrong Hound," Sunny immediately defended himself. "We love the femmes. We just love are freedom that much more."
"You shouldn't talk that way," I chided. "I raised you both better than that. Besides, you never know what fate has in store for you. Your future sparkmates could be on that ship."
"Hah! Falling in love and bonding is not in our future!" Sides snorted. "Trust me!"
"Cyber-wolves forever," Sunny added, making me shake my head. "Besides, no femme can outshine me."
"Except Kacey," Sides pointed out.
"Well yeah, but she learned it from me."
"You two are incorrigible," I laughed.
'Father.'
I stopped laughing instantly and looked towards the ship. Tears instantly filled my optics when I saw my son standing at the top of the ramp scanning the crowd. His excitement matched my own as our love for each other flowed strongly over our bond. I amplified my feelings for him, giving him an indication of which direction to look.
"FATHER!" he shouted, spotting me in an instant.
Tears rolled down my cheeks watching him leap down and make his way towards me. I had endured so much spark ache when I lost his mother, then to think my son might have been lost to me was almost too much to bear. But there he was huge grin on his face, tears in his optics.
I always loved it when Marshall smiled. He had his mother's gentle look and wonderful smile.
"Father," he panted, hesitant before me, unsure whether to shake my hand or hug me.
My vocal processor failed me for a moment as a choked sob was all that sounded. I didn't have to say anything and threw my arms around him, holding him so tight I was probably bending his armor.
"I missed you so much," he wept, clinging to me just as firmly.
"I missed you too my son. Primus I've missed you so much," I cried, trembling not wanting to let go.
Marshall didn't want to let go either as our tears mingled, as we spoke affectionate words as a father and son, something we haven't done in far too long. And the two of us would have probably stayed there if Jazz hadn't come over and gently asked us to move as they needed to unload heavy storage units from the ship's cargo hold.
"It's ok Jazz, no need to apologize," I smiled, unwilling to break physical contact with my son just yet by keeping my arm around his shoulders.
"Prowl and I just didn't want to see either of you get hurt if something happened," the silver mech smiled apologetically, leading us to a safer location at the front of the ship and then he raced off to help some other mechs or femmes.
"Primus, look at you!" Marshall exclaimed, squaring up in front of me. "You look good, father. I like this new armored look."
"Pfft," Sunstreaker snorted behind me. "No one wears the new armored look as good as me."
"Sunny?" Marshall questioned.
"The one and only!"
"Recognize me?" Sides asked.
"Frag it to pit! I still can't believe you two are alive as well!" my son smiled, hugging Sunny and the Sides. "Still causing trouble?"
"Everywhere we go," Sides answered, making Marshall laugh.
Oh how I've missed the sound of my child's laughter. I smiled, crying again at my good fortune.
"Father, please stop crying. I'm safe now and we're together as a family again."
"That we are," I smiled through my tears. Reaching up, I grabbed his head and pulled it down pressing an affectionate kiss on his forehead. "I almost can't believe you're here."
"Believe it father. I'm here to stay," he grinned, hugging me tightly. "Is that Prime?"
"Yes," I answered.
"He looks…different."
"We all do, bro," Sides said, throwing an arm around Marshall's shoulders.
"But in a good way," Sunny added. "Don't worry, Marshall, we'll find you an alt for that will have femmes begging for your company."
"One tracked processor as usual, Sunny?"
"Who do you think I learned from?" he counted.
Marshall laughed, "Well, I've matured. I'm not like that anymore."
"You were never like that, I thought you better," I jokingly chided.
"You're right, father," he said as his optics shift, brightening ever so slightly. "Is…is that her?"
"Oh yeah, that's Kacey," Sunny replied.
"She's…"
"Beautiful?" Sunny teased.
"Not what I was expecting," Marshall answered, clearing taken by the young femme. He shook his head, smiling. "I guess I should have expected that she'd be fully mature. After all, according to reports, she was merely a youngling when she escaped from Mechanar through a wormhole."
"That she was," I sighed recalling that day she arrived on Earth and how she changed Optimus and the rest of us. "She's an incredible femme. You'll meet her and her siblings later. Optimus wants all the officers to meet his family once everyone is settled in."
"I look forward to it. First, we have a lot of catching up to do," my son smiled at me.
"That we do," I said, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Welcome home, Marshall."
AN: That last POV from Hound was a last minute addition. I hope you liked it.
Up Next: Part 2 of The Arrival