/Like a gift from the heavens, it was easy to tell. It was love from above that could save me from hell. She had fire in her soul it was easy to see. How the devil himself could be pulled out of me.\\
/There were drums in the air as she started to dance. Every soul in the room keeping time with their hands. And we sang…\\
/Ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay. And the voices bang like the angels sing. We're singing, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay. And we danced on into the night.\\
Into the Night by Santana
Special thanks to Bunnylass for the song suggestion! And special thanks to Dr. Oblivion for helping give an opinion on the chapter's intro. Also, anyone who has a song suggestion please do not hesitate to tell me in a review or PM me.
Once again I've had to break the chapter into two parts, maybe three as part one was getting too long and I moved two POV's to part two. This first part is the build up to the race and so far I plan on the second part revolving around the race itself. I am working on trying to finish it up and get it posted before Christmas so keep your fingers crossed!
Author's Notes: '…' bond talk
Introductions and Confrontations Part One
Nitro
"Finally!" I exclaimed as Kacey entered my quarters. "I pinged your comlink with a message hours ago."
"Sorry, Orion thought it'd be a good idea for me to entertain the younglings at the youth center while their creators or guardians were getting settled in. That way the little ones were out of harm's way. Besides, you know how I am around younglings," she smiled sheepishly. "I can never say no to them. Plus, Jetfire was with me and we kind of got carried away. Primus that mech is so funny. The sparklings and younglings love him!"
"Yeah, yeah," I grinned, knowingly. "Just remember who your best friend is."
"You know you are, silly," she grinned kissing me on the cheek before she sat down beside me. "Jet's family now."
"I know, he keeps reminding everyone. Anyways, I've got some great news for you! You need to make sure you get plenty of recharge tonight for the race tomorrow."
"Race?"
"Yeah, it's been arranged. Blaze is going to race a mech called Blurr. You know a kind of the Earth Autobots versus the Axalon Autobots. But that's not the best part!"
"It's not?" she questioned, mildly surprised.
"I got you a date with this mech called Hot Rod! All you have to do is lose the race and he wins you in the bet!"
"Come again?"
"I said I set up Blaze, aka you, on a date with Hot Rod," I answered, noticing how her doorwings lifted up and went ridged. I couldn't recall if that meant she was mad or interested so I naively continued. "He made the bet that if Blurr wins the race you or Blaze has to go out on a date with him."
The entire atmosphere in the room abruptly changed.
Oh slag! She wasn't mad. She was fragging pissed!
"YOU WHAT?"
I winced and literally cringed in my seat, leaning away from her. I realized now that I should have expected this kind of reaction from Kacey as she's a rather independent femme just like her mother. No coddling. No treating her like she's weak because she's a femme.
"Unfragging believable! I can't believe you did that! You idiot!"
"I was only trying to help you," I meekly replied.
"I'm not some sex slave you can barter with!"
"I'm sorry! For pits sake it's not that bad," I snapped back with a growl, offended that she'd think I would do such a thing when my father taught me to respect femmes. "He just said a date not to interface!"
Kacey blinked, staring at me.
I wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not but decided not to back down despite the fact that Kacey could be rather intimidating when she chose to be.
"I can't believe you just growled at me," she commented.
"Well, you were kind of…overreacting."
"I know," she groaned, holding her face in her hands. "I didn't realize my interface systems would affect my emotions so much. I feel out of control at times."
"At times?" I teased, receiving a punch in the arm. It was a gentle one so I knew she wasn't pissed anymore. "Give it another few weeks and your interface systems will have settled and be more in tune with your other systems. Be happy. You're not half as bad as Firestar when her interface systems came online."
"Don't remind me," she laughed. "I stopped being surprised each time I suddenly found you hiding in my Wheeljack's lab or my room."
"She was scary! She still can be when she's mad," I said, looking at my friend who suddenly seemed lost in thought. "Kacey, are you ok with tomorrow? If not, I'll cancel the race."
"I'm fine," she sighed. "I'm just not sure about using the name Blaze. On one hand I'm lying to these mechs and femmes, which I don't like doing. On the other hand, if they knew it was really me I doubt there'd be a race or bet."
"Hey, this was my idea. I'll take the rap if it goes to slag. But you might want to seriously think about losing," I smiled grabbing the datapad off the table and opened the file. "I managed to get a good pic of Hot Rod for you. He and a few others were trying out their new alt forms a little while ago. Plus, he was asking lots of questions about Blaze and what she's like."
Kacey groaned but took the datapad.
"Don't worry, it's all good. I didn't over do it," I smiled.
"I find that hard to believe," she countered looking at the pic file. "I see he went with a classic muscle car. The 1970 Dodge Charger. I'm not sure about the dark orange color though. And the flames…no bot does flames, only my father."
"Just go to the next pic," I smirked, keeping my optics on my friend. Of course, she didn't react the way I was hoping. Actually, she didn't react at all. Frag, she's becoming more like Prowl since we started training with him! I could never tell if he was upset or satisfied with my performance until he opened his mouth and told me. "Well?"
"He's…"
"Nitro, I just heard!" Rox said excitedly as he rushed into my quarters hot on Firestar's tail. She gave me a pained look, telling me she couldn't stop him. "One of the Axalon is racing one of our own? Smokescreen's taking bets!"
"Frag mech, don't you knock or wait to be invited in?" I said. "And yes I heard. I set it up you idiot. Blaze is racing a mech called Blurr."
"Blaze but that's…oh. Why don't you want them to know who you are?" he asked Kacey.
"You wouldn't understand," Kacey muttered, getting to her feet.
"Oh, does this have to do with the fact that you're Prime's daughter and how mechs react around you?" Rox asked expectantly and actually looked like his feelings were hurt. He reached out and grabbed hold of Kacey's hand. "You don't have to do that. Once they get to know you they'll see what a wonderful femme you are. Besides, I already know what kind of beautiful femme you are."
"Rox, get you paws off her," I snarled. "I thought you were going out with Starbreeze. Stop hitting on Kacey."
"I broke it off with Starbreeze," he answered, his optics locked on Kacey's. "I intend to prove to Kacey that I'm a worthy enough mech to date."
"Good luck with that," Firestar snorted.
"Yeah, good luck," I added, escorting him out of my quarters. "Go recharge you aft! I can't believe that mech at times!"
"He's harmless," Kacey commented. "So, where were you when your idiot popped his mouth off?"
"Believe me if I'd know he was going to pull that idiotic deal I would made sure I was there to beat him in the head in front of all those mechs!" Firestar growled, glaring at me.
I shrank where I stood and got the distinct feeling I was going to be recharging on the couch tonight!
"Oh well, what's done is done. I'll see you two in the morning."
"See you, Kacey," I smiled, escorting her to the door. "Things will work out. I know it."
She nodded with a smile and then left.
"Honestly, Nitro, what were you thinking?" Firestar asked once we were alone.
"It just sort of came out. Besides, this Hot Rod is a good looking mech. I'm sure Kacey will like him once she meets him. Plus…well, I'm doing this all for her. I hate seeing my best friend so depressed."
"You have a good spark," she smiled, caressing my face.
"Does that mean we can interface and I can recharge on the berth with you tonight?" I asked hopefully.
"Oh, no. You need to learn to think before you open that vocal processor of yours," she smiled, kissing me on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."
My ego just sank to the floor as I watched her saunter…yes saunter, teasing me with how she swayed her aft to and fro as she left me alone!
"Shut up down there," I growled when I felt my interface systems firing up. "Primus, I hope Kacey wins tomorrow. If she doesn't I'm a dead mech."
Elita
"Shh, I know, you're tired," I cooed to Stardust who was being fussy and wiggling in my arms. "As soon as I collect your father we can go recharge."
Little Stardust beeped harshly at me with attitude. It only confirmed what I felt during the pregnancy. She was going to be my most stubborn sparkling. Probably more so like me than Ariel will ever be.
"Oh shush little one," I chuckled when she made a rude noise at me. "We're almost there."
A few moments later I arrived at my destination. I didn't hesitate to bypass the lock and entered. Instantly, I shook my head at the sight of Optimus, Prowl, Jazz, Jetfire, Kup, and Marshall all playing poker. The day had gone on longer than expected so our plan for introducing the family to Optimus' new officers was put on hold until tomorrow evening. And after what happened today with this Jerik mech I knew Optimus needed to unwind.
Frankly I was surprised he let Kacey go on the transport into the civilian section when Orion asked if she'd help out with the younglings. But then I wasn't surprised when he had Jetfire go with her. Still, if Optimus isn't careful Kacey's going to find out she's under guard twenty-four seven. And I know she's not going to be happy about it at all.
"Hey! Don't you knock?"
"Stow it Jetfire. Have Jazz teach you how to enable better codes. Stardust could have hacked that one," I said bringing a chuckled from the saboteur.
A saboteur who was obsessed with sparklings!
"Here, let me work my magic on her," he grinned, holding his hands out towards a whimpering Stardust. "I'm out this round and you can take my place in the game next round if you want."
"Just keep her away from your bonded. I don't want Prowl corrupting another one of my sparklings," I remarked, giving the SIC a pointed look.
"It was designed to teach Kacey one of the finer arts of military tactics. The ability to bluff or call one's bluff with confidence can be crucial as a commander," Prowl smiled. "I cannot help it if Kacey's mastered the art rather well."
"He's rather proud of that fact too," Jazz added.
"I am too," Optimus added with a smiled. "I can't bluff her anymore. And I still can't tell if she's bluffing or not."
"Where is the kid? I still haven't seen her yet," Kup chimed in.
"The Princess had duties to attend Kup," Jetfire smirked, wings fluttering as he looked at his cards. "She's just like Optimus and Prowl here. Doesn't know when to take a break."
"Princess?" Marshall asked, giving Jetfire a look.
"Look it up on the internet," Jetfire said, pushing all his betting tokens into the pile at the center of the table. "Time to see who has the real ball bearings. I raise everything I have."
"Pfft! Fold," Marshall chuckled, tossing his cards down.
"I know when to quit while I'm ahead," Kup smirked. "Fold."
"Optimus?" Jetfire asked, teasingly.
"He'll fold," I chimed in already knowing he didn't have squat to play. Oh yes, I do know how to play.
"I will fold as my lovely bondmate suggested," my love said, smiling fondly at me opening up the connection of our bond more. 'This is the last hand. I promise.'
'Its fine,' I sighed, returning my love to him over our bond.
"Prowl, it's just you and me," Jetfire smirked.
I couldn't see Prowl's cards as he lifted them up just enough for his optics to see. Frag, I couldn't even tell if he was bluffing or not. Kacey learned very well how to play this game only because she had an excellent teacher.
"Come on Prowl, we don't have all night!" Jetfire exclaimed, wings twitching anxiously.
I shook my head smothering a laugh.
I can see why Kacey likes Jetfire a lot. He is quite the character. He acts young but knows when to act responsible. And he is funny though I will never tell him that to his face. Also, Stardust seems to trust him enough to not cry when he holds her so he can't be all that bad. And I know Optimus loves him and readily accepts Jetfire as part of the family. Therefore I do as well.
"Call," Prowl said.
"Ha! Straight flush! You can't beat that, fragger!" Jetfire instantly grinned as the tossed down his cards. Then he reached for the pile of tokens with both hands.
"Hold on Jet, at least let Prowl show his hand," Marshall said.
Jetfire let out a heavy, dramatic sigh but pulled his hands back.
"Come on, mech show them so I can collect my winnings."
"Hmm, that's a very nice hand Jetfire. However I believe this fragger can beat that," Prowl stated in his usual calm manner and then casually flipped over his cards, revealing them one at a time.
"What the frag? A royal flush!" Jetfire cried, flopping back unceremoniously in his seat making us all laugh. Then he shot forward pointing an accusing finger at Prowl. "Your doorwings didn't even twitch!"
"But that would be my tell if they did. Just as your wings are your tell," Prowl explained, pulling the tokens over. "Your wings twitch far too much when you have a good hand."
"Be happy you're not betting with real credits," I pointed out, glancing over to see why Stardust was suddenly so quiet. A fond smile formed on my lips as her optic covers were closed and she seemed rather content in Jazz's arms. "Jazz, you can sparkling-sit anytime, if you can get little Star to recharge like that every night."
"Sure, whenever you need me. Provided I'm not getting busy with Prowler," he winked.
"Speaking of credits and bets. Have you heard about tomorrow morning?" Marshall grinned. "It seems we have our first little competition between the Axalon Autobots and the Earth Autobots."
"We're all Autobots," Prowl frowned as he paused in stacking his tokens.
"Yes we are. But there's no escaping the inevitable. There's going to be a few heads out there butting against one another for a while as the Axalon crew settles in," Kup chimed in. "It always happens with transfers to a new base. A little competition is good for morale and healthy for the mechanisms."
"So long as there isn't any property damage and that it doesn't interfere with everyone's duties then I have no problem with it," Prowl seriously said. "But we are one army here. The sooner they get accustomed to Earth and their new base the smoother we will function as a whole."
"Hence the reason for orientations," Jazz chimed in.
"Do I really have to go to this orientation thing?" Jetfire asked.
"Remember Jetfire, this is not our planet," Optimus spoke up. "We are guests. The humans have been generous in giving us a part of their planet we can call home. But still there are conflicts. Not all the human factions want us here. The orientation is mandatory for all Autobots."
"Plus, there's the Decepticons to deal with as well," I added.
"So we're basically here to protect the humans from the Decepticons and in exchange they've given us a place of our own?" Marshall asked.
"Yes. But it's not just the 'Cons we protect them from. Not if Kacey has her way," I remarked. "You will find my eldest has a kind and generous spark. She does what she can to help the humans all on her own time. I know if we were to leave this planet it would be difficult for her."
"Sounds just like her Sire," Kup smirked.
Optimus smiled proudly with a nod.
"So what is this competition anyways?" I curiously asked, getting us back on topic.
"A race," Jetfire smiled. "I've got 100 credits on Blurr. That mech is fast! No bot in any universe can catch him."
"I know Blurr is our mech but Smokescreen was telling me about this Blaze," Marshall said and I instantly felt a twinge of emotion from Optimus. Prowl, as usual, showed no reaction and Jazz showed no response either. "I was wondering if you could give as a little more info on the femme?"
"Optimus, you ok?" Jetfire asked.
"I'm fine. Blaze is indeed a fast femme. I'm sure she and Blurr will be able to provide some form of entertainment that you won't be disappointed in," Optimus said, aiming his optics at Prowl, then me and Jazz.
We each understood to keep quiet. Still, I knew my love was hurting that our daughter would choose to use a false name. A part of me was disappointed. Another part understood why Kacey felt she needed to do so. I had similar issues being referred to as 'Prime's Femme'. I too didn't like being treated different. Like Kacey, I'm not any more special than any other mech or femme on this base.
"I take it Smokey's taking the bets?" Jazz asked.
Marshall nodded.
"I'm down for 100 credits…on Blaze. I've had experience racing with her…or just trying to keep up," Jazz chuckled.
"Are those your credits or mine? I seemed to recall you still owing me some credits," Prowl teased.
Stardust suddenly started crying loudly.
"That's our queue, Optimus," I said rising to me feet.
"Sorry, Elita."
"No need to apologize, Jazz. She's been rather fussy this evening. Too much going on today and she can't settle down."
"I think Jazz and I will call it an evening as well," Prowl smiled politely, standing. "Thank you for the game, Jetfire. Better luck next time?"
"You're on and we'll play with real credits," Jetfire smirked.
"Jetfire, Prowl is a tactician, it's the reason he rarely loses," I pointed out.
"I'll take my gut instinct over his processor any day," Jetfire countered.
"Let's go Prowl!" Jazz suddenly exclaimed, running across the room and grabbed hold of Prowl before he could even turn back towards Jetfire.
"See even Jazz is scared!" Jetfire shouted as Jazz dragged Prowl out the door.
"Jazz did that to save your aft," I snorted, handing Stardust over to Optimus anxious hands. "Don't ever challenge Prowl. You'll lose. Now if you excuse us. I wish you all a good night."
Optimus
"Sir, I apologize. I was going to bring the issue up with you when I first learned of it," Prowl said as he and Jazz had obviously waited for Elita and me. Together we all slowly headed down the hall towards our quarters.
"Yeah, Blaster was telling me about the race," Jazz chimed in. "I had no idea Blaze was Kacey until Prowl clued me in. We didn't say anything to Blaster. None of the Axalon crew knows it's her. Apparently, it was Nitro who brought up the issue of racing. So, I had a little talk with him once I found out. It was his idea for Kacey to use the name Blaze and he's been keeping it on the down low so only a few know who is racing Blurr. Since we don't have a lot of intermingling yet, the 'Earth' Autobots have no idea who is racing Blurr. Hasn't stopped them from placing bets for Blaze though."
"Do you want me to put a stop to it?" Prowl asked.
"No," I sighed, gently rocking Stardust who was stubbornly fighting off her recharge. "Kup is right. This sort of thing is inevitable and good for morale. I wouldn't want to put a damper on our new Autobots' fun. I'm just at a loss as to why Kacey would use her false name."
"If you look at it from her perspective, it makes logical sense," Prowl replied. "Blaze is not Optimus Prime's daughter. She's no one important and therefore has no pressures attached."
"In other words, a mech would be more inclined to ask Blaze out on a date more than he would Kacey," Jazz smirked. "Blaze doesn't have an oversized father with an equally impressive canon primed and ready to protect her virtue."
I stiffened in place making Elita laugh.
"You are rather over protective, dear," she smiled snuggled against my side. "I've heard you growling when Kacey's across the room in the rec room and Rox is hanging on her. She may not hear it but she picks up on it though the bond."
"I do want Kacey to have a normal life as much as possible."
"Optimus, Kacey's life is anything but normal," Prowl, of all mechs, laughed. "I'm afraid it will never be normal. From the moment of her arrival on Earth to her interface systems coming online her life has been wildly extraordinary. She's experienced things some mature mechanism have never experienced."
"And Kacey knows her life will never be normal. She's accepted it in her own way. The problem is she's still too young. She gets impatient. She anxious to experience life as we know it…falling in love, interfacing. In a way, she simply wants to emulate what she sees between you and Elita."
I was silent, allowing Prowl's words to sink it. He was right. Frag, he's always right.
"It's kind of scary," Jazz suddenly commented.
"How so?" Elita asked.
"Well, it means you're going to be grandparents if Kacey gets what she wants," he answered. "And we know Kacey will get what she wants. It's simply a matter of time."
"Whose side are you on, Jazz?" I asked, smirking.
"I've often asked myself that same question on many occasions," Prowl said. "It's best to not answer it unless you want your logic centers locking up."
"Hey, I'm not that bad!" Jazz exclaimed.
"Yes you are," the three of us said in unison towards the silver mech.
The saboteur simply grinned and shrugged, "Ok, maybe I am."
"And I wouldn't want you any other way," Prowl purred, wrapping an arm around Jazz's waist and pulling him closer. "Good night Optimus, Elita."
"Good night," Elita smiled.
I chuckled softly to myself watching my two friends disappear into their quarters with nothing but optics for each other. I could feel Elita's amusement over our bond. Even Stardust giggled.
"You're supposed to be on my side little one," I cooed, making Star smile and giggle some more up at me.
"Just think by the time Stardust is fully mature you'll be able to handle it better," Elita said as she punched in the access code to our quarters. "I'll get her a bottle. You get her settled in her berth"
I looked at the beautiful little femme in my arms as she yawned. Her love for me was unconditional and unchecked. I know I'm over proactive of my sparklings, the femmes more so. I can't help it. All my femmes are so beautiful to me. As much as I do trust many mechs under my command, I still do not know what is in their sparks. I never know when one may be out to harm one of my sparklings.
Oh I know I may be worrying for nothing. I pray I worry for nothing. Still, as their father I will never stop worrying. I love my sparklings far too much and have vowed to always protect them to the best of my abilities.
However, I have learned when to step back and not intercede. Restraint is still something I struggle with. And I know my restraint is going to be tested in the upcoming months especially with so many new mechs on the base.
"Recharge well my little Stardust," I smiled, gently covering her up. "I suspect we're going to need our rest for tomorrow."
Kacey
I made sure I was up early and on the launch deck before anyone got out there. It was actually one of the rare sunrises I watched alone. Father had sent a quick apology over our bond about Stardust still being cranky from yesterday. I'd even felt my baby sister's distress and tried to sooth her over the bond. As usual she recoiled and rejected me.
I sincerely hope that's not an omen of what's to come today. I really want this to work especially after what happened with both my brothers yesterday. I haven't seen either of them since before Axalon's arrival but I could feel their excitement over the femmes they've met. I've felt it for years from Ariel whenever she's with Galen and of course from father and mother.
I want to experience it too. Is that too much to ask?
"Primus, I hope this plan of Nitro's works," I muttered, arms resting on the guardrail overlooking the race track.
"Of course it will work."
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Not long," Nitro answered, moving to my side. "There's still time to call it off if you want me to."
"I can't back out now," I smirked. "I checked in with Smokescreen last night before I went to bed. Just about all of the Earth Autobots have placed a bet even though they don't know whose racing. The fact that is us versus them was all the incentive they needed. Plus, the fact that the Axalon Autobots have been secluded since their arrival has kept Blaze's name from circulating. At least for the start of the race this should work. Of course once those who know me see my alt form…"
"Don't worry. Sunny and Sides are gonna help me out when the time comes. Now, we need to do something about you're look."
I gave him a confused look. As always, my armor was immaculate and shined brilliantly so I had no idea what he was talking about or why he was staring at my helm.
"Hmm, battlemask or visor," he mused pursing his lips to a finger. "Visor. Gives you an aura of mystery because they can't see your optics. And make your antenna slant back."
"Want me to wear a pink tutu as well?" I countered, not amused for one moment.
"Just do it, Kacey. I'm doing this for you, remember?"
"Fine," I huffed and allow my visor to drop down over my optics and adjust my antenna. "Is there anything else that needs adjusting…other than your processor?"
"No. Just be yourself," he smiled. "They'll be here any minute now."
"What?" I exclaimed, jerking up right.
"They wanted to meet you before the race," he smiled. "Kacey, don't get cold feet now! This is what you wanted. A chance to meet these mechs without them knowing you're really the daughter of Optimus Prime. A chance for them to see the real you."
"I know. But I feel terrible about deceiving them. Plus…well…I think my father knows. He's side of the bond has been rather silent. I think he's disappointed in me."
"Kacey, you've done far worse," he snorted. "Your father will understand. Just talk to him later. Now relax. I've got everything covered. We know for a fact this Blurr would never race Kaceystar or at least give it his all. Right?"
"I suppose."
"You know I'm right."
"Fine," I groaned, rolling my optics.
"Hey! It's the fastest femme alive!" Sunstreaker cheered as he and Sideswipe trotted over. "Kacey…I mean Blaze!"
"We bet $300 credits…each that you'd win," Sideswipe said, putting his arm around my shoulders.
"Great…no pressure. Thanks guys," I quipped.
"Smokescreen says mechs and femmes are just placing bets without even bothering to ask whose racing!" Sunny exclaimed. "It's crazy!"
"What about Bee?" I asked.
"Well…we kind of didn't tell him…yet," Sideswipe winced.
"He knows there's a race but not that you're in it," Sunny added.
"Here he comes!" Nitro whispered, grabbing my arm and turning me around quickly.
"Here who comes?" Sunny asked.
"Could be Kacey's possible sparkmate," Nitro teased, giving me a playful shove.
I rolled my optics under my visor. Who knows right? I'll never know unless I give it a try.
'It's now or never,' I thought to myself, taking in this group of mechs all clad in their new armor, with Jazz leading them.
"Does Jazz know?" I asked over my shoulder.
"He cornered me," Nitro confessed and I shot him a glare. "I didn't know Blaster was his cousin!"
"Oh well, it doesn't matter now," I mumbled.
Of course I immediately recognized Hot Rod from the pic that Nitro showed me. Honestly, the picture didn't do him justice. He was rather handsome. He exuded confidence or with his age it was probably cockiness. Yeah, definitely a cocky fragger with that swaggered in his gait.
I snorted to myself.
Do mechs think femmes will fall for that slag?
"So who are these other mechs?" I asked, narrowing my optics behind my visor.
"Hot Rod you recognize. The big army green colored mech is Springer. He's an officer and a mentor and friend of Hot Rod. The bright orange and yellow mech is Jazz's cousin, Blaster. And lastly, the pale silver one with the wheels for feet is Blurr."
I smirked as my competitive side emerged. Honestly, I do love a good challenge. And it's been a long while since anyone challenged me in race. A really long time.
"Kacey! Try not to break them until after the race," Sunny whispered to me.
"Relax guys, it's me," I grinned innocently and turned to greet the new comers.
"That's what we're afraid of," Sideswipe snorted, making me smile.
Up next: The Race!