This particular chapter is kind of slow yet it is very important for this a short story (each different age of Kacey is a story itself) within Beautiful Star and it also ties into the third story of the Kaceystar trilogy, Hold On Before Its Too Late. Knowing that, aren't you glad you're reading it now instead of later? Also, for those who read Hope's Journey will recall the crap Bumblebee had to put up with when he mentions it in this chapter.
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for reading Beautiful Star and for the reviews. I should point out that the more reviews I get the faster I tend to write. Sometimes I get insane ideas from a review too if someone mentions a particular character or something I missed. I think I get my most insane ideas from plenoptic and her novel long reviews. Hehe, thanks lady.
a/n: again, this is a slow chapter with a lot of information. However, the next chapter will have lots of action. I promise!
Dr. James Spielman
It had been another long night in my lab with the same failed results. I groaned loudly in frustration as I felt for certain I had everything perfect this time. I had quadrupled checked all the programs, subroutines, and algorithms before bringing the machine online.
But like all the other failed attempts I had to terminate the mechanism before it caused any destruction to my lab. Months of work all destroyed in a matter of seconds.
Sometimes I wonder why I even bother. Sometimes I don't even understand my own obsession with artificial intelligence. I've just always been fascinated by the concept since I was a small child.
Yet, through all my doubts and failures, I know I can never give up on my goal to create the perfect artificial being with the abilities to think and feel on its own. My father never liked a quitter. And I was never a quitter.
With a heavy sigh, I quickly accessed the file on my computer and started the video recording. Some of the familiar angers and resentments surface as I watch the young Autobot. If my access to NBE-1 hadn't been revoked several years ago my goal would have been achieved by now. I'm sure of that fact.
Needless to say my enthusiasm was renewed when I discovered there were more of these alien robots. Even more surprising was that they could procreate! That thought never occurred to any of us at Sector Seven. Nor did we think they lived as family units or even had emotions and free will.
How could we have concluded all that even from the complexity of the central processing unit of NBE-1? We couldn't access the CPU directly but were able to put small fiber optic cameras inside to get a really good look at the hardware. My only disappointment was that we couldn't see it active.
"You truly are remarkable machines," I muttered at the image of Kacey on the monitor.
Yes, they were complex machines with freewill and, from what I see in Kacey, strong personalities. But machines none the less. And it is my goal to create exactly what they are. I believe it possible as I have created more simple forms of artificial intelligence.
"If I can just get inside the pretty head of yours I can find the missing component."
"Creator, if you require no more of me I will power down now."
The sound of RX-134's voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn from my chair to see the small bipedal mechanism looking up at me.
"You may power down. I'm heading home."
"Very well."
I watched one of my successful creations slowly move in its bipedal form across the room to a corner. Its yellow eyes dimmed instantly as it powered down.
RX-134.
It took me 134 tries to get it right. It's simple artificial intelligence with a basic subservient program. It can think on its own to a point and is very good at keeping my office and lab cleaned and in order. My only regret was not building a larger model. RX only stands three feet in height. Still, it serves its purpose.
Although it is nothing compared to the alien machines who have made a home for themselves on our planet.
I groan and stop the video. It's almost morning and I need some sleep. Getting up, I grab my jacket and walk gingerly across the large facility. Inheriting a fortune has its advantages. I was able to construct my hidden lab to suit my needs. Even the Government doesn't know about it and I plan on keeping it that way.
Once I reach the large elevator I hit the control switch to shut off all the lights. Then I enter the elevator and head up. At the surface I'm greeted by my security guards.
"Another all nighter, Dr. Spielman?"
"Unfortunately," I sighed. "I'll be back in a week."
"Very well, Sir."
No more is said. Not much more needs to be said. I paid them well to do their jobs. And after a failed creation I always take a week off to do nothing, to allow my mind to recuperate. Once I return I'll start over from the beginning.
Inside my car I turn up the heat. The tunnel out is small. But the road is long from the tunnel entrance to the gate of my private property. Its only a dozen acres with an electric fence keeps any intruders out.
The drive to Colorado Springs and my home only takes me an hour. By that time the sun was now barely visible on the horizon. My modest home rests in a quiet neighborhood. I never needed the large mansions my father and mother loved to live in. I hated growing up in them.
I sigh once I shut the door behind me. I'm so looking forward to some much needed sleep.
"Working all night again Jim?" a familiar voice said, startling me. "I see some things never change."
A small light by the couch came on. But I didn't need it to identify the unwelcomed guest.
"Simmons, what the hell do you want?" I growled angrily. "And how did you get in here?"
"Do you think just because you don't work for the Government anymore we don't keep an eye on you?" Simmons countered, getting to his feet. "We've known where you relocated to all along. You did a good job at covering up your tracks. Probably why the Decepticons haven't' found you yet. I'm sure you're high on their priority list."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll explain on the way. Pack what you need for at least two weeks."
"Now…"
"You don't have a choice," he snapped.
Two security agents suddenly appeared behind me. One of them grabbed my arm roughly.
"I see," I seethed, glaring at him. "Just like before."
"That was your own doing, Jim. You made a mistake."
"To advance our technology risks are involved. Rules must be broken!"
"We don't' have time for this same old argument. Pack up! We leave in ten minutes."
"Tell me why first then I'll consider it."
"NBE-1, also known as Megatron, is killing Sector Seven scientists and personnel. He killed Tom a few days ago."
I was stunned. Tom was actually a very good friend of mine. He got me into Sector Seven. I know I disappointed him when I went behind everyone's back and tried to download a copy of the memory core from NBE-1. The download was successful. The resulting mechanoid was my first failure as it killed five lab scientists. I was left with a permanent limp from the incident from nearly being crushed to death. Still, Tom was a good friend. Instead of me getting fired he asked me to resign with some dignity over the incident.
"I'll go pack my things," I replied softly. "Where will we be going?"
"The Autobots base. They'll be safe guarding you and the others until we can relocate each of you all safely."
I hid my surprise. The Autobots…hmm…
I hurried upstairs. Before Simmons or one of his security agents decided to check on me I quickly packed my GPS tracker and a scanner. Both were small and inconspicuous. I highly doubt I'd be told exactly where the Autobot base is so the tracker will come in handy. The scanner was essential for gathering data from these machines since I know I'll never be able to work on one like I did at Sector Seven. Still, any information could be the key in helping me achieve my goal.
Major Lennox
I was given fifty men to command while at the Autobot base. Our objective? Babysitting. Well, not exactly babysitting. These guys have experience in working refuge camps. I was alright with helping getting these people settled into their temporary home. It was a chance to hang out with some of my Autobot friends.
Actually, it was Optimus' suggestion that a contingent of human troops be brought in. Not all the scientists were going to be as receptive of the Autobots and would probably prefer working with their own human counterparts. Plus, there were many things the Autobots weren't going to be able to do like cook meals and with their size it was best that the mechanoids be out of the way.
"Kacey, I'm surprised to see you away from the base without your dad!" I exclaimed when she exited the shuttlecraft.
"I'm here with my mom," she seriously said. "Prowl thought it'd be a good idea if I went over the shipping manifest to make sure we had everything before transporting it to the base."
"I'm sure we got everything. The list was very specific."
"Yes, I know. I made it," she plainly stated.
I couldn't hide my surprise to discover she made the list. But I was more surprised by how Kacey seemed to take her duties seriously at the moment. It was the first time I saw the maturity in her that Ironhide told me about. All the other times she's been a kid around me and my friends.
"Still, it couldn't hurt to double check," she continued. "I want to make sure these people are well taken care of while guests on our base."
"Well, you've got everything covered from toilet paper to ice-cream. Televisions, DVDs, Playstation 3s and Xbox 360s…the kids are going to love you for those!"
"There are twenty three families, most with children. I know how children love to play."
"Kacey, you can socialize on the trip back with the Major," Elita said as she came over to join us. "You know how Prowl gets if we fall behind schedule."
"Yes, mom, I know all to well," Kacey replied, rolling her eyes. Then she winked at me with a smirk making me laugh. Obviously, she still has some maturing to do. "You know, mom, I think it'd be cool just once to see Prowl totally fritz out just once!"
"You're incorrigible child!"
Kacey smiled brightly at the comment.
"Get to work," Elita laughed, shaking her head. "We leave in an hour."
God, I loved the kid. She was so full of personality and spirit! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way of her. Many people thought of her that way once they saw the interview. So much so that, Keller said his office is starting to clutter up with fan mail meant for her.
Kacey was adorable, charming, witty, and had a wonderful sense of humor. There was also an innocence about her as she answered the questions during the interview. She had been through so much already in her short life. Yet, there was still so much for her to learn. Some things in life are not learned through books or from teachers but from experience. And young Kacey had so many experiences ahead of her.
I was thankful I was a part of some these experiences. I got to more of that maturity in Kacey as we moved the supplies into the temporary home for the scientists and their families. She was going to be a strong leader amongst her people one day.
Elita
My spark filled with such pride as I watched my darling Kacey perform her duties. Prowl was quick to stay out of her way as she ordered Major Lennox and his men around in the newly created room specifically designed for the humans. The smaller Autobots were there as well, all assisting in setting up tents for each of the families, a make shift eating area, and a make shift recreation area with televisions, couches and chairs.
Not a single Autobot in that room questioned why they were following the orders of a thirteen year old. Many had witnessed Kacey's arrival on Earth or had been there in Antarctica during the battle. They all knew what my Kacey was capable of.
"How's it going?" Prowl asked, as he came up beside me in the doorway.
"For frag's sake! The refrigerators and freezers should have had power an hour ago!" Kacey shouted, from the far corner of the room. "Huffer! Get your aft over here!"
"That answer your question," I chuckled, as poor Huffer saluted her and hurried about his newly assigned task.
"I see," he smirked. "I fear the day she's Prime. She's not as laid back as Optimus. She has to know anything about everything that goes on."
"Optimus used to be that way when he was much younger. You dumped too many reports on his desk. He could never read through them all."
"I was just following my Prime's orders," he responded with a slight smirk and a shrug of his shoulders. "Besides, Optimus had never hidden the fact that he hates the mundane side of being Prime. Reading reports and approving requisition orders didn't suit him. He's always been a mech of action and doesn't like sitting on his aft in his office all day."
"Well, it takes a good second in command to notice such things about his Prime and act accordingly."
Prowl bowed his head in thanks to me.
"I actually have a message from Optimus for you," he said. "A Decepticon has been spotted in the area of the Witwicky home. He and the others may not be home by this evening as planned and he apologizes to you."
"Should we be concerned?" I seriously asked.
"No. Optimus wants to interrogate the Decepticon. We need more information about their activities. They must have a base of operations somewhere. It'd be nice to know where it is. Or at least, know how many have made it into this solar system."
"I'm just glad they don't know where we're at. There are so many younglings."
"Speaking of younglings, I suggest we keep them as far away from the humans as possible. They're already curious. I don't want a human accidentally stepped on by an over excited sparkling or youngling."
"I'll talk with Moonracer and Chromia," I smiled. "I'm sure between the three of us we'll figure something out. Optimus and I will make sure to keep a close optic on Leo. He will more than likely be with one of us at all times during the duration of the humans stay here."
It was the least we could do. Leo had a tendency to get into things he wasn't supposed to when he went off looking for Kacey. But it was one of the things I loved so much about my little mech, his determination. It warmed my spark to see Leo was growing up to be just like his father.
"Prowl! Thank Primus!" Kacey called, hurrying over. She held up a data-pad for Prowl to take. "I took the liberty of assigning each family to a specific tent based on the number of children they have, giving the larger families a larger tent so they don't feel so crowded."
"Good thinking," he calmly said, looking over the list. "I'll leave it up to you to handle it the delegations then."
"Really?" she asked excitedly then quickly composed herself. "I mean, you really want me to?"
"Yes. The first three families arrive within the hour."
"Within the hour!" she gasped. "Frag!"
Before I could chastise her for her language my daughter took off, shouting out more orders to get everyone moving faster. I decided not to lecture her this time. I don't even know why I keep trying. I seriously doubt I'll ever get her to stop using such language.
"I'd better get back to the command center," Prowl chuckled. "I'll keep you informed about Optimus."
"Thank you," I smiled.
I was grateful for Prowl's kindness. Not that I needed to know what Optimus was doing every astrosecond of everyday. But I've found myself worrying about him more than before whenever he's away from the base. If anything every happened to him, I'm not sure how I'm would be able to handle my own grief and that of our children.
Speaking of little pit spawns…
A flurry of squeaks, bleeps, and harsh chirps made me turn from watching Kacey. I groaned pinching the bridge of my nose upon seeing Hound heading in my direction with an irate Leo in his arms. I quickly moved towards him, hoping my son wouldn't spot his big sister.
"I found him in the recreation room looking for Kacey," he smiled. "Little fella made it very difficult for us to coral him. He's fast on all fours!"
"I can see he didn't like it one bit," I commented, taking my sparkling into my arms.
"No," Hound chuckled.
"AFT!" Leo shouted angrily at Hound much to my embarrassment.
"Primus, Leo! Hound I'm so sorry!"
"It's quite alright, Elita," he laughed. "I've been called worse by sparklings before and I'm not offended by it at all. I understand they don't know what they're saying at that age."
"That's right. I forgot you have a son. Marshall is his name if I recall."
Hound smiled warmly at me, silently thanking me with a slight nod of his head for not referring to his son in the past tense. There were so many here that held out hope their families or friends had heard Optimus' message and were coming to Earth. Just this past year we had eight new arrivals. A small number. But as long as they kept coming, hope was still alive.
"We got separated heading to the escape pods before the Ark exploded," he sighed but did not seem sad. "I know in my spark he's still out there. And I pray to Primus everyday to bring him safely to me. Well, if you'll excuse, Ma'am. I have a shift to get back to."
"Thank you for collecting my son," I smiled.
"It was nothing. Just glad to he's safe."
With that Hound left. Leo remained quiet. He knew he was in trouble. He looked at me with big round sorrowful optics in hopes to soften my anger. As usual, they worked. It was hard to get mad at Leo. He reminded me so much of Optimus. Plus, he's just too adorable…just like his father.
"Go see Kacey?" he asked, hoping as I moved down the hall.
"Sorry not today, my baby. Kacey is very busy today."
Busy was probably an understatement. I'm not entirely sure Kacey is aware of the kind of day ahead of her. I will have to check on her periodically throughout the day.
Kacey
For some reason my waste tanks churned restlessly. Not sure why. I shouldn't be nervous. I don't think I'm nervous. Can't remember the last time I was nervous about anything. Am I nervous?
"Relax Kacey," Prowl insisted gently. "You'll do fine."
"I just hope I didn't frag anything up," I replied, pacing and going over the list within my processor.
Bedding for the beds…check.
Meat, vegetables, deserts…check.
Did I get enough toys for the children? Frag, was I supposed to get some for the adults too? I know some of them like to play.
"Did you remember that the humans like hot water for their bathing?"
"Yes," Prowl laughed. "You remind me of Optimus on his first day as Prime. He was so nervous before he was to be officially presented to the troops."
"My father? Nervous? I can't imagine him being nervous about anything."
"He was only twenty-eight orns when he became Prime. Technically he was still a youngling. So young to be Prime. But in away, he was like you…mature beyond his orns. Ironhide and Ratchet were excellent caretakers. Still, Optimus had doubts and fears. Don't tell you father this, but I did my best to keep him from hearing the doubters who were very vocal and against having someone so young as Prime. But I, like Sentinel, knew Optimus was going to be a great leader. We could see it as he grew up. Much like I see it in you. You too have the qualities of becoming a great leader."
"Gee, thanks Prowl! Like I need the added pressure!" I harrumphed at him.
Once again, he laughed at me.
"Optimus believes in you. Otherwise he wouldn't have given you this assignment."
Now that sounded more reassuring to me than anything else Prowl's said to me.
I didn't have time to dwell on it any further. I could hear the sounds of the shuttlecraft's engines. A moment later it flew into the bay and landed gently. Only once the shuttle bay doors were closed did the rear door of the shuttlecraft slowly drop down.
They were slow to emerge. I can see they were a bit overwhelmed by their new surroundings. I moved slowly so as not to alarm them.
"Good morning everyone," I smiled brightly. "I trust you had a smooth flight?"
Wheeljack's one of our best pilots so I know their flight was more than satisfactory. However, I knew it was a human custom to ask such a question when taking trips.
"The flight was wonderful, Kacey."
"Oh, Mr. Keller," I said in surprise when he suddenly emerged from the shuttlecraft behind the others. "I wasn't expecting to see you today. Prowl, had you listed on tomorrow's schedule."
"I'm just doing my part to help out," he smiled. "They've been debriefed and are all yours."
"Is it true you can fly like Superman?" a small boy came up to me and asked.
I politely knelt down, closer to his level.
"Truth is…and don't say this to anyone," I whispered to him. "I'm faster than Superman."
I winked at the boy which made him smile.
This just seemed to open a floodgate that I wasn't prepared for. The other five children suddenly came over towards me.
"Can you transform for us?"
"How fast can you drive?
"How fast can you fly?
"Can you take me for a ride?"
I was bombarded by question after question, doing my best to answer them all. Of course each answer elicited another question. It was Mr. Keller who came to my rescue.
"Ok kids, lets allow Kacey to do her job. She's going to be very busy today. I'm sure tomorrow she'll have time to answer all your questions"
There was collective grumblings from the children. So I reassured them that I would see them tomorrow. This seemed to make them happy.
"We have your transports over here," I said, indicating towards where Hound and Magnus sat in the vehicle forms.
"Kacey, next shuttle in five minutes."
"Thanks Prowl. Ok, everyone, these mechs will take you to your new, temporary living quarters. Major Lennox is there and will assist with your assigned living areas. I will be there when I can to answer any questions any of you have later. Including you, little ones."
"Cool!" the younglings shouted.
Once they were all safely secured I told Hound and Magnus to take them away.
"Primus, I didn't know children can be so exhausting!" I commented, making Mr. Keller laugh wildly at me.
"Just wait until you have your own, then you'll know exactly how exhausting they can be."
"That is a long way off, Mr. Keller. And I seriously doubt I'll have the time for such things anyway."
"You're young, Kacey. So much can change between now and then."
I nodded in agreement. But seriously, I was the daughter of a Prime. My life was going to be hectic once I was mature. I don't see that I'll have time for sparklings of my own or even a sparkmate.
Simmons
I couldn't see anything, not even the sky. The shuttlecraft's main window was tinted. No doubt to keep any of us from discovering the location of the Autobot base. From what Keller told me that's how he was always transported to the Autobot base.
A wise decision…especially when dealing with certain men.
In my opinion, Dr. Spielman was one of those men. I didn't trust him. He had a tendency to bend or break the rules to suit his own personal needs. From my experience, such people were often a danger to others more than themselves.
I had tried for years to have him removed from Sector Seven, fearing one day he'd go too far. Alas, to no avail. He was a brilliant scientist. Even I would admit that. And it was too much for my superiors to resist. The advancement of our own technology took priority.
It worked for about eight years.
Then one day, Spielman went too far. It ended up costing too many lives. He nearly got himself killed as well. The incident at least resulted in his forced resignation from Sector Seven. Although, it wasn't easy convincing my superiors that he needed to be removed. In the end my persistence paid off and I was more than happy to remove him from the premises.
"Why did you come get me personally? I know you don't like me and probably wouldn't mind it if a Decepticon killed me."
"No, I don't like you," I didn't hesitate to tell him. "You're dangerous. But I have my orders. And…I owed it to Tom. He was my friend too."
Spielman turned away, rubbing his bum leg. The Doctor didn't like me either. I was fine with that.
"We're landing gentlemen. Leave your luggage, it will be tended to."
"Thank you…" I started but wasn't sure of the Autobot's name.
"Wheeljack is my name."
"Thank you, Wheeljack."
A moment later the rear door opened. A single Autobot stood there, smiling at as.
"Ah, finally, Mr. Simmons and Dr. Spielman," she said, then grew concerned as the doctor and I strode down the ramp. "You're injured Dr. Spielman, I can get…"
"No, it's an old injury," he quickly explained. "I just refuse to use a cane to walk around. My grandfather did. I'm not that old yet. I thank you for your concern."
"It's my job. My name's…"
"Kaceystar, the daughter of Optimus Prime," Spielman smiled. "I saw the interview."
"And you are Dr. James Spielman, expert in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. You were even on the cover of Forbes magazine."
I noticed how Spielman looked a bit surprised by what she knew. It didn't surprise me as I'm told these Autobots have the capability of hacking into computer systems to gather information.
"I did my own research too," she smiled. "You can call me Kacey."
"I prefer to be called Jim."
"Very well," she said then turned to me with a smirk on her face. "I was warned about you, Mr. Simmons."
"Really?" I swallowed nervously.
"Yes, Bumblebee told me all about you."
"The Camero?" I questioned, glancing around the shuttle bay.
"You need not worry," she laughed. "He's not here to lubricate on you."
"You're not going to…are you?"
"Primus no!" she laughed even harder. "It's a very mech thing to do. Us femmes aren't so vulgar."
"Mech…femme…ah, the male and female genders of your species."
"That is correct, Jim. Now, I know you must be tired from your trip so I'll take you to habitat we've put together. Please, stand back."
Both Spielman and I did as instructed. Still, after all I've seen I find it amazing how they can transform. The car doors opened and her voice emanated from the speakers.
"Please, hop in gentlemen."
As Kacey drove us I learned that Keller was right. She was witty, charming, with a wonderful sense of humor as she talked to us. I didn't see the interview but I see now why so many Americans have taken a liking to her.
"Does it bother you when we sit…er..inside you?" Jim asked. "Actually, do you feel anything?"
"No, it doesn't bother me. And yes, I do have a sense of feeling."
"Really, tactile sensors? Or is it something else?"
Kacey's laughed rumbled from the speakers.
"You ask a lot of questions, Jim!"
"I'm curious, that's all. Besides, how are we to learn if we don't ask questions?"
"That's what I keep telling my mother and father! You see, Jim, I too am curious by nature. I think the two of us will be good friends."
"I'd like that Kacey," he smiled.
I remained quiet, listening to them talk excitedly about science that was way beyond my knowledge. I was not curious by nature. I was however very cautious about everything. A habit I learned from my job. If I didn't trust it, I didn't like it.
Perhaps I didn't have much to fear here at the Autobot base. No, I didn't trust Dr. Spielman nor did I like him. Yet, I was comforted by the fact that there wasn't anything he could do to harm these alien robots.
Bumblebee
The four of us mechs were excited about being reunited with Sam. In fact, we sped well above the speed limit to make the journey to Helena, Montana as short as possible. The few Highway Patrol cars we blasted by gave chase for only a few astroseconds. Once they realized who we were they dropped their pursuit.
Optimus warned me to not get any ideas about racing with Sunny and Sides. Prowl has already put a red flag warning on the three of us if the Highway Patrol spots us speeding. I didn't argue with him. There were other places, not on the main highways, were we could go racing. Kacey discovered a few of them for us not wanting her uncles to get in trouble for sneaking her off the base for some fun.
Primus, I love that kid for finding Sam for me. I was going to have to thank her from the bottom of my spark. I had tried in vain to find Sam. I wasn't just his guardian, I was his friend. I'll never forget how he fought against my capture or how he convinced my captures to free me. And I know Optimus has never forgotten how Sam risked his own life to protect the All Spark.
When we arrived at the Witwicky residence just before sunrise I could hardly contain my excitement. I nearly transformed in front of Sam's home with the intention of waking him through the window of his bedroom.
Only, Optimus stopped me.
It seems we weren't the only ones to have found Sam and his family. Teletran 2 picked up a single Decepticon arriving in the area shortly after we did. I was grateful it wasn't Megatron. Still, Optimus ordered Ratchet and Ironhide to patrol the city streets. I was to watch Sam but not let him or his family see me.
My commander's plan, seize the Decepticon with the intention of interrogating him. I didn't like it because Sam was essentially the bait. But Optimus swore on the sparks of his children that he wouldn't let anything happen to the boy or his family.
That was enough for me. But I wouldn't hesitate to protect my friend even if it meant disobeying Optimus' orders. I'd disobeyed him a few times over my career. Most times I was fortunate enough it turned out for the best.
The one time it didn't work out for all involved I ended up being imprisoned by the humans of Sector Seven. I put Optimus in the precarious spot of having to choose between saving a single life or that of the entire human race. I wasn't mad at his decision to not rescue me. I did it to myself and would do so again if it meant saving Sam and Mikaela.
I know how to endure torture. And I, like Optimus, would endure any torture brought upon me if it meant saving a precious life.
Sitting there, parked, I waited patiently and watched the residence the housed those precious to me. It wasn't until early afternoon that Sam and Mikaela exited the home.
Again, my excitement almost got the better of me. Sometimes being young really did suck. I have yet to learn to have the patience Optimus has. Pfft, I doubt I'll ever be that patient!
The poor mech waited ten orns to see his bonded again! I doubt I could ever do that. I've never interfaced yet…but I can't imagine waiting ten orns to do it with a sparkmate!
"Optimus, Sam and Mikaela left the house. Shall I follow them?"
"Yes, stay out of sight. Ironhide is parked at a supermarket waiting for the father to return to his vehicle. Ratchet, head to the residence and watch over it."
"What are you doing?" Ratchet asked.
"I'm following the Decepticon, staying just out of his sensor range. I've identified him. It's Barricade. As soon as the family is back together we'll make our move on Barricade."
I growled to myself. That piece of slag. I should have finished his aft off when I had the chance!
Calming myself, I slowly pulled away from the curb as the couple turned the corner. No traffic was behind me as I stopped at the intersection. Once they were three quarters of the way down the block I pulled onto the street. A police cruiser passed me slowly. I damn near transformed and pounced on it thinking it was Barricade. Thankfully, I recognized it wasn't just in time.
"Optimus, it appears Sam and Mikaela are heading into a movie theatre. Shall I wait outside?"
"Yes, make sure you're parked legally. Last thing we need is for you to get a parking ticket. Bad enough Elita got two speeding tickets in one day last week!"
I laughed quietly to myself, acknowledging his orders. I now know where Kacey gets her love for racing from. And here I thought it was Optimus. Wow, was I wrong!
"The father has returned home," Ironhide announced over our communications link.
"Head towards Bumblebee's position and wait with him."
"What's wrong Optimus?" Ironhide asked.
"I feel like I'm getting jerked around following this Decepticon. Keep your optics open everyone."
"Hide, how did you know something was troubling Optimus?" I asked, over a private communication link.
"When you raise a youngling from such a young age you recognize the stress levels in the tone of their voice."
"Really? He didn't sound different to me. Sounded like the same Prime."
"You wouldn't understand until you have a sparkling of your own," he gently told me. "Until then, just trust that I know Prime as if he were my own son."
Sparklings! I trembled at the thought of having one of my own. Being a sparkling sitter to those eleven pit-spawns turned me off to the idea of having my own sparkling. They were and still are terrors!
"Autobots, be on alert!" Optimus suddenly ordered.
This time I heard the stress in his voice. I knew it all to well. He always had that particular tone before an upcoming battle.
"What is it, Optimus?" I asked.
There was a long moment of silence. Then Optimus growled a single name….Megatron.
I want to humbly apologize for not having Bumblebee and Sam reunited officially yet. I did have a nice reunion planned but felt I needed an action chapter so I changed it up a bit. The next chapter is totally devoted to the reunion and I promise no harm will come to Sam, Mikaela, or Bumblebee.