OMG! Major computer issues! Sorry for the delay. I've got internet back up but my computer still isnt working a full capacity yet. Enough of that crap.

We continue the next morning with Kacey as she started her day. We've got sparklings, Mojo, and lubricant! Need I say more? Hehe.

Kacey

"Kacey, you ready?"

"Almost, dad. I promised Prowl I'd have my report for him before my studies with Trion since I didn't hand it in to him last night."

"You had quite a day yesterday," he smiled, kneeling beside my desk. "You fell into recharge before you made it to your bed."

"Primus, I was so exhausted! So much happened yesterday! How do you and mom do it?!"

"You have to learn to pace yourself. But you're a youngling still. Once old enough you'll be able to handle a day like yesterday with ease."

"I didn't even know where to begin for my report. Can you look at my report and see if it's satisfactory? It's my very first one and I don't want to slag it up."

"Sure," he chuckled rubbing the top of my head.

I watched anxiously as my father read over the report.

"Informative, detailed. Much like Prowl likes. A bit lengthy but you had a lot to cover. Might want to refrain from adding your own comments about things. Just the facts about the incidents are all Prowl looks for. If he needs an opinion about something he'll ask you. Overall, not bad for you first report."

"Really?"

"I would not lie to you," he smiled. "Come on. We can deliver it on our way out."

"Thank you, dad."

"You're very welcome," he said, picking me up and holding me close.

I didn't protest as he carried me out of our quarters. Normally he just held my hand when we walked together. But after yesterday I suspected he needed me closer. I needed to be closer to him as well. It was terrifying to think of him being injured like that. I can't even bear the thought of losing him. I just can't.

During that moment, as I sat on his lap and watched the sun light up his face, was one of our closest moments we'd shared in a while. Oh, we were always close. But at times it was difficult to determine whose love was who's as the emotion flowed freely from one to the other. We've never doubted each others love since that day I ran away. Never.

"I have never forgotten our very first sun rise together," I told him, my voice a soft whisper, my hand gently caressing his face. He looked down at me with a loving smile. "It was one of the happiest days of my life when you held me in your arms as we watched the sun rise together."

On impulse I started singing the same lullaby he sang to me that day. I could feel how happy it made him. Even his optics dimmed slightly as they remained focused on me.

"You don't always have to be so strong, father. You're no longer alone. Remember what you told me? Together we are whole…together we can accomplish anything. We're a family. When one us needs strength the others will always be willing to give theirs to help."

"Where do you learn to be so wise for one so young?"

"From you, father," I smiled up at him. Then I couldn't help but add… "I also get the glitch in my vocal processor from you, my big feet that make me trip from time to time..."

"You little pit-spawn!" he exclaimed, tickling me hard, making me giggle wildly. "But you have your mother's laugh! No mistaking that giggle!"

"I'm as terrible a patient as you in Ratchet's Med Bay!" I laughed.

"You have your mother's sass!"

He was tickling me so hard I couldn't speak a comeback but he fired off a few more at me. Then he suddenly stopped and cradled me in his arms like a sparkling.

"And you have your mother's beauty…no denying that…"

"Kacey!" cheered an over excited Leo who jumped from out of no where landing in my lap.

"Primus! Leo, you scared the crap out of me!" I exclaimed.

"I'm not even going to ask," father chuckled setting me and Leo down.

"It's a human expression," I smirked, grabbing hold of Leo. "What are you doing out here, you little lugnut?"

"Be with you," he smiled, hugging me.

"I wonder if we should lock the door when I leave, father. I don't want him to accidentally step on a human."

"Might be a good idea," he said, getting to his feet then taking Leo into his arms. "And you, you little lugnut need to learn that you can't go roaming freely about the base whenever you feel like it."

Leo laughed at dad. He hardly ever took dad seriously.

"Dad, I've been meaning to ask you…why do Ratchet and Ironhide always call you lugnut? I asked mom but she said she picked it up from them."

"Well…um…I…um…oh look, here's your mother now!"

I rolled my optics as he hurried toward mom totally avoiding my question. I'll find the answer out one of these days.

"Leo, you're going to make me go into terminal stasis!" mom exclaimed taking the sparkling into her arms. "You can't go sneaking off like that."

Leo, the sensitive little mech he was, allowed huge tears to fill his optics. He knew he was in trouble and did the only thing he knew to do to avoid mom or dad's wrath. He got away with it too most of the time. Of course, most of the time it was harmless what he was doing. Today was a bit different, for he never came outside to look for me before.

"I'm sorry, your tears aren't going to work this time," mom said in her stern tone.

"Kacey will start locking the door when she leaves. Hopefully that will put a stop to his roaming."

"If you don't need me, I'm going to check on our guests before my studies."

"Go ahead, we'll see you later," father smiled to me.

"Be a good little mech, Leo," I told him before I headed off.

He clung to mom, crying quietly. Yup, he knew he was in big trouble. He was going to be a moody little mech today because of it. I'll have to make a point to see him to cheer him up later today.

For the moment, I was more excited about visiting the humans. I wonder if any were up yet. As a precaution, I stood quietly at the entrance and peered in. From the looks only Major Lennox and his men were up in the cafeteria eating breakfast.

There was another human up. He sat alone drinking a cup of coffee. I quietly made my way over towards him.

"Good morning, Jim," I smiled, kneeling down to his level.

"Morning Kacey. I'm glad you remembered to call me Jim. As much an honor it is to be call Dr. Spielman it never suited me."

"Of course I'd remember. I have better than average memory recall. I see you're an early riser too."

"Habit."

"Ah, we too can be creatures of habit."

"Fascinating. There's so much about your kind I'm curious about. Do you think you'd have time to answer a few questions?"

"I'm sure we can arrange that."

"How about now?" he anxiously asked.

"I'm sorry, Jim. I have my studies to attend to. I'm still a youngling. My studies take priority over my duties even while you and our other guests are here. But once done I intend to drop by. Perhaps then. I may even have time to take you on that tour I promised."

"Very well," he smiled. "I'd like that."

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to be going. Trion doesn't like it when I'm late. And I have no wish to be burden with some lengthy boring reading assignment for my tardiness."

"Ok, I'll see you later," he laughed.

Honestly, I don't mind Trion's reading assignments. They're always informative and quite interesting. It's just that I didn't want anything to interfere with the free time I had to spend with our human guests.

"Morning Trion."

"Morning, child. Punctual as always I see," he grinned at me from behind his desk.

"Of course," I responded taking my usual place as he got to his feet.

My daily ritual was to stand before Trion as he collected data through his scanner. I've never once questioned it. But today, I had one question in mind.

"When will you no longer need these scans?"

"Probably once you're fully mature," he replied reading the results.

As usual, his face gave no indication that there were any problems with my development.

"Very well, I have but one assignment for you today," he said putting down the data-pad and scanner. "You're to write an essay on what your definition of an Autobot is."

I couldn't help but smile. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how to say it. Trion noticed, giving me a thoughtful chuckle.

"It may be as long as you deem necessary and you may leave once you're done."

I quickly set about doing my assignment. It wasn't often that Trion asked me to express my own opinion in a writing assignment. He often asked what I thought of things. I always gave him my honest opinion. And as good as I was at recalling the facts of his teachings I really relished speaking my own thoughts and never hesitated to ask him a question.

So of course, I was done in less than two hours. Trion didn't look surprised at all. In fact, he gave me a long thoughtful look as he took my rather lengthy essay.

"Have fun, Kacey," he smiled warmly at me.

"I will!" I cheerfully replied then hurried on my way.

So of course, the first place I went was the human habitat. More of them should be up now. I was looking forward to interacting with them. Or even talking more with Sam and Mikaela but I suspect Bumblebee was going to keep the occupied.

"Good morning Judy. You appear as if you're looking for something," I said as I approached her carefully.

"We can't find Mojo. Major Lennox's team has already searched this place from top to bottom."

"Remain calm," I smiled reassuringly. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Kacey. You're such a dear."

"It's my pleasure to help."

After a brief discussion with Major Lennox I concluded that Mojo, with as small as he is, could have possibly escaped the secured area. Our sensors will need to be recalibrated to monitor a creature his size as it leaves the habitat. However, I had my suspicions about where the little dog may have gone.

"Prowl, where is Ironhide's location please?" I asked over my internal communicator.

"He's in the command center. May I ask what you need him for?"

"Nothing, I'm just trying to find Mojo for Judy Witwicky. The little critter escaped from the habitat."

"This I have to see for myself," Prowl chuckled. "I'll meet you there."

I was as anxious as Prowl sounded and picked up my pace. I arrived right after Prowl did. And just in time to see Mojo's hind leg raised high!

"WHAT THE FRAG!" Ironhide shouted, looking down to see dog pee dripping off his foot. "YOU LITTLE RODENT!"

Mojo took off running with Ironhide giving chase. My father was trying not to laugh but failing miserably. Prowl was laughing just as hard as my father. In the flurry of excitement, several Autobots on duty turned to see what the commotion was.

Some tried to coral the small critter and ended up getting in Ironhide's way and getting barreled over. By then I was laughing at the comical display as the big mech stumbled over a few helpful Autobots and while others were tip toeing about and trying not to step on Mojo.

However as funny as it all was I didn't want anything to happen to Mojo so I hurried to intercept him before Ironhide got to him or before he accidentally got stepped on.

"Come on now, Ironhide. A little dog pee is hardly worth blowing a gasket over!" I chuckled, scooping up Mojo, protectively cradling him in one hand. "But it was funny!"

"Give me that little slag!" he growled, raising his cannon.

"No," I replied calmly. Then said something the made Ironhide's face drop. "Just be grateful he wasn't humping your leg. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to return Mojo to his owners."

"Kacey, that's one revoked free day next week!" father shouted after.

"Ok, dad!" I waved back at him sensing that he wasn't that angry with me. "It was worth it just to see the expression on Ironhide's face," I snickered at Mojo who barked up at me in agreement.

A few minutes later, Mojo was back where he belonged. Major Lennox said he'd post one of his men at the door on the chance that Mojo tries to make another escape. With that settled, I set out to keep a promise.

Dr. James Spielman aka Jim

"Thank you for the tour, Kacey," I smiled as she transformed back into her robot form. "When working on NBE-1 we never imagined your kind would need doctors or teachers. Hell, we never even imagined you could reproduce much less have fun drinking alcoholic beverages!"

"I must apologize for Sunny and Sides. The twins tend to get carried away when they drink. I felt bad for my uncle as they told stories to Sam and Mikaela about him."

"Bumblebee…is he…"

"He's not related to my father or mother in anyway. I just have what you call several uncles who are very close friends of both my mother and father."

"Ah, I see."

I glanced around noticing we weren't anywhere near the human residence the Autobots set up.

"We're at my quarters," she smiled, having noticed my confusion. "I wanted to show you some to the human items I've collected over the past couple of years. I believe I have something for you to comfortably sit in as well and we can have that conversation you wanted."

I've found it absolutely fascinating how these machines live in a similar fashion to my kind. This base is even like a military base of our own. There's the living quarters, recreation facilities, training facilities, medical services, an armory. They even have a command center and an area from which to launch their troops.

Kacey however was very clever in not revealing their true numbers to me. Whether she did it deliberately or unintentionally I may never know. I'm not even sure if these machines are capable of telling lies. They are capable of emotions, which was a surprise, so they may be capable of lying.

One thing I did find out is that Kacey is truly a child. She is very intelligent yes. She is very mature for her age as well. However, she is naïve about so many things. She is, dare I say, too trusting when it comes to us humans. In fact, many of the Autobots seem too trusting of us.

On a whim I dared to ask.

"Kacey, may I ask you a personal question? I'm just curious. You don't need to answer me if you don't want to."

"I don't mind," she replied, opening the door and lead me in.

"Have you ever lied?"

She looked down and couldn't hide her smirk.

"Well, I don't volunteer information when asked specific questions. I have not outright lied to either of my parents. But what they don't know won't hurt them."

"You're very clever, child."

"Thanks," she smiled proudly. "Here, this is my room. What do you think?"

I chuckled at her eagerness for my opinion. So innocent and sweet. To keep her happy, I inspect her collection: a tri-cycle, snow board, cherry oak bookshelves with even a few books on it, a recliner chair, rocking chair, and she even had a few rugs and a vacuum cleaner.

"I'm not even going to ask where you got them all," I smiled, shaking my head.

"On Ebay," she answered truthfully. "Just don't ask how I paid, or how I got them here. I may have to lie!"

"Ok, fair enough," I laughed.

"Here…" she said, grabbing the recliner chair and setting it carefully near me. "You sit there and I'll sit on the floor."

"Thank you," I replied, eager to ask my questions and learn what I could from her in hopes of figuring out what mistakes I've made and where I need to improve my programming. "Now, before we begin, I just wanted you to know that if you feel uncomfortable about any question you don't have to answer it."

"I'm comfortable now and can sit in this position for many hours with no discomforts."

"No, I mean if I ask a question and you're unsure whether to answer it or not, you don't have to."

"Oh, ok."

"But any you answer could help in my research."

"I'm happy to help," she smiled. "Fire away!"

"Ok, first off, I've noticed you appear to be breathing."

"We do calling it breathing but it's not the same as when a human breathes. We do not need oxygen to function. What you see as breathing is our body's way of pumping the energon through."

"And energon is?"

"The equivalent of human blood except it's not organic in anyway. Yet, we need it as you need blood. It lubricates vital systems to keep them functioning properly. Any disruption can cause a systems failure or possibly terminal stasis if enough systems go offline."

"I notice you can drink, do you eat too?"

"We don't need sustenance as you do. Only our sparklings, the equivalent of human babies, need a daily nutrient as they're much too young to maintain their energy levels for normal functioning. Some younglings do as well but most are able to function without their energy levels dropping too low. If they happen to an automatic recharge system comes on forcing the youngling to…"

"Sleep."

"In a sense, yes. We must recharge so our energy levels have a chance to recover from the days activities. Much like you need sleep to recharge you own body. The matures, or adults, can go for long periods of time, days even weeks if necessary, without recharging. But that is rare and usually only done by an experience mech or femme who knows how to conserve their energy."

"So as machines, you have…how many different systems."

"We're not machines. We are much more, much more than your simple AI," she said in a serious tone.

"I meant no offense. I'm trying to understand."

"We are transformers, we're not machines. A machine doesn't have a spark."

"Spark? Oh, a soul."

"No. Each transformer comes into being as a spark when a bonded mech and femme procreate."

She paused, glancing away for a moment. I admit, I was rather confused.

"Let me try to give you a visual of what a spark is. Think of it as…a bolt of lighting that doesn't fade and is able to sustain its own energy, even has its own rhythm. The spark, created by the joining of a mech and femme, must mature within the femme's womb chamber until it can be moved into its body."

"So you're bodies are not born as ours?"

"No, our bodies are created. Basic programs are uploaded to the processor. But the spark once inserted into the body gives it life. All of whom we are, our physical attributes, our personalities, all of it is within the spark. Once housed in the spark chamber, it's a pulsating energy that relies on its body as much as the body relies on it."

"Oh, so a spark is like the human heart. Without you you'd die."

"Correct."

"Can I see yours?"

"No," she said firmly. "It's dangerous to expose a spark as young as mine without some sort of quarantine. And a spark is something sacred. I would only show the mech I would bond with my spark. Never a stranger. Not even my parents. Ratchet has never even seen my spark. The only time he would is if my spark chamber was damaged in some way. Even then it is highly unlikely for any damage to the chamber is usually fatal to a spark and thus the transformer."

"What if your body is too badly damaged, can your spark be moved to a new one?"

"No. A spark's essence is imprinted on its body at birth. It is forever entwined with it and cannot be separated."

Kacey suddenly jumped on her feet. I heard commotion coming from outside in the room.

"Primus…no!" she shouted leaping over my head.

In came in a small machine…transformer. It stood about as tall as Kacey's kneejoint. It was smiling and laughing. From it's mannerism I would guess it was what Kacey called a sparkling.

"Leo, for frags sake! Stop!"

"Toy!" Leo cheered excitedly at me, reaching for me.

I backed away. I had no desired to be picked up by that thing.

"No, he's not a toy!" Kacey firmly stated, pointing at the sparkling.

To my dismay and amusement, Leo burst into tears and flung himself onto the floor. It seemed to be throwing a tantrum like I've seen human babies do.

"That's a sparkling, right?"

"Unfortunately, yes," she sighed, lifting the sparkling up onto its feet. "I apologize for my little brother, Leo. He does tend get overdramatic if he doesn't get his toy or if Orion takes his toy from him."

"Orion?"

"My other brother."

As if on queue two larger sparklings came running in.

"Orion…Ariel…stop!" Kacey ordered.

The pair had no intention of stopping. Instead, they collided with Leo. All three then slammed into Kacey who stepped back to retain her balance.

The pain was instance and intense in my leg. Thank God it was brief as I instantly blacked out.

Ratchet

Primus almighty, I had never seen Kacey so distressed before. She was in a near panicked state as she came rushing in to the med bay cradling a human in her arm. Immediately I started scanning the frail being as she spoke quickly.

"Ratchet! I think he's dead!"

"No, he's not dead," I said calmly, gently removing the human from her arm. "He's unconscious and it appears his leg is broken. I told Optimus Leo would step on one of the humans."

Kacey burst into tears.

"Leo didn't…I did," she managed to choke out between her sobs. "I didn't mean to. Orion and Ariel slammed into Leo, then into me and I nearly fell over."

"It was an accident," I smiled.

Of course this only made her cry even harder. I rolled my optics and activated my communicator.

"Optimus, do you have a moment?"

"Yeah. What's up, Ratchet?"

"Kacey's here in my Med Bay crying her optics out. She accidently stepped on one of the humans. He's fine, a broken leg. But Kacey…" I glanced at her. Her body shook and trembled as she wept. "She's totally inconsolable at the moment. I think she might shut down if she doesn't calm herself down soon."

"On my way."

"Kacey, try to calm down. Everything's going to be ok."

Why I thought that would help was beyond me as I did my best to reset the bones. If anything, the poor youngling only wept harder.

Thankfully, Optimus showed up. Rather quickly too. I shook my head knowing he must have sprinted the way here. Funny, I can never get him in here for his maintenance check ups as quickly.

"Kacey, my child, you're breaking my spark," he cooed, lifting her into his arms and holding her close. "Try to calm down."

"I…can't…I stepped on a human."

"I'm sure it was an accident."

"I'm supposed to protect them from harm!" she hiccupped out.

"Kacey, he's going to be ok. His leg was merely broken in three places. It's not like you crushed him to death," I commented.

"Way to make her feel better you stupid aft!" Optimus growled angrily at me as Kacey choked and sobbed even harder than before.

"Sorry," I winced but it was already too late.

Kacey finally shut down from being over stressed. I immediately got a menacing glare from Optimus. He doesn't hesitate to show that look to anyone, friend or not, when his sparklings are involved. I can't blame him. And I felt bad for causing Kacey to pass out.

"Where's Kacey?" Elita shouted in a panic as she rushed in.

"She's here," Optimus answered.

"She called me…she sounded so terrified. I found the twins and Leo locked in our quarters. The pit-spawns escaped from Moonracer's watch."

"Apparently, the three pit-spawns ran into Kacey which caused her to lose her balance," I explained. "As a result, she stepped on this human, breaking his leg."

"She passed out because the dumb aft here didn't do anything to make her feel better!"

I glared at him. Being called a dumb or stupid aft once was more than enough.

"I've been wondering and now I know," I said.

"Know what?" Elita asked.

"I now know where Leo and Kacey get their overreacting from," I replied glaring right at Optimus.

"I do not overreact to things!"

"You're shouting…that's overreacting," I smirked at him.

"Primus, just tend to the human. Is my daughter going to be ok?"

"She'll wake up in a few minutes. Now, shoo, out of my way so I can tend to the human."

Optimus

We had just made it back to our quarters. And of course when my child woke up she continued crying.

"Please, Kacey stop crying," I begged, cradling her in my arms like I would a sparkling. "It was an accident. I know you didn't mean it. I'm sure the human…"

"Jim. He's name's Jim."

"I'm sure Jim understands that."

"But he's my friend. He's a human. I'm an Autobot! He trusts me to protect him and I hurt him. I'm not supposed to do that. What kind of Autobot does that make me?"

I chuckled softly at her.

"You are an Autobot. And a wonderful one at that. But we Autobots are not perfect mechanoids. Accidents do happen and there's nothing you or I can do about them."

"But…what if he hates me now?"

"I'll talk with Jim. I'll make him understand that it was an accident and that you feel terribly about it. Will that make you feel better?"

Kacey nodded up at me.

"Good," I smiled, kissing her forehead then headed for her room. There I settled her down on her bed. "I want you to rest for a bit now. You've had an exciting two days in a row. That's a lot for a youngling."

"Might be why I overreacted," she frowned, the last of her sniffles receding.

"Probably," I sighed, caressing her head.

I quickly covered her then sat down on the bed beside her.

"I am very proud of you…my little Autobot," I spoke fondly to her, making her smiled. "You have such compassion and drive to look after these humans. I commend you for that."

"Thanks father."

"Now get some rest."

Kacey allowed her armor to retract as she took her optics offline. Within moments she was already in deep recharge. As I suspected, the two days was a bit too much for her. While I made my way back to the Med Bay I knew I was going to have to limit her time with the humans. I couldn't have my child exhausting herself everyday.

"How is he?"

"I'm almost done mending the bones," Ratchet answered, standing hunched over the exam table where the human remained unconscious. "It was a little tricky calibrating the medical device but with persistence it paid off."

I sighed out loud.

"Optimus, I truly am sorry. I didn't mean to upset Kacey further."

"She got overworked…too much excitement for her. And for the record, I do not overreact to things."

"I know," he smirked at me. "But I couldn't blame it on Elita. She would have blasted my aft back to Cybertron."

I rolled my optics shaking my head.

"There, he should be coming to any moment now. I'll want to keep him here for observation for a few hours though."

"Thank you, Ratchet. I'll call if I need anything."

My good friend respectfully left me alone with the human. Jim I should say. From what Prowl told me Kacey and Jim were fast friends. Understandably from what I've learned after reading his personnel file. He too is a curious creature just like my daughter.

Yet, I was disturbed to learn of the black mark on his record and why he was forced to resign from Sector Seven. I've read some of these people's histories that some humans tend to push the boundaries for the advancement of human kind. Sometimes to do so is necessary. But to do so when there are so many risks involved is reckless in my opinion.

I do not know this man. Only that he's my daughter's friend. I cannot deny her access to the humans entirely. But I will limit it to protect her…and them.

"Good, you're awake," I smiled down as Jim sat up grabbing his leg. "Ratchet has mended your broken leg."

"Really?" he asked in disbelief.

"See for yourself."

Jim got up and slowly flexed and straightened his leg.

"Amazing!" he grinned. "I must thank…Ratchet." Jim glanced around. "Where's Kacey? Is she ok? I hope she didn't get too upset about stepping on me."

"She's resting. But yes, she was rather upset. She's worried her friendship with you is in jeopardy."

"She is such a sweet child," he smiled warmly. "You must be very proud of her."

"I am. I am also very protective of her. I know you are friends with her. I'm not going to get in the way of that. But…"

"Say no more," he said, raising his hands. "I understand. She is a child after all. She should be with other children and not us humans. I'm sure I and the others will understand if she spends less time with us. Would you tell her that I am fine and I look forward to seeing her whenever she can drop by?"

"Of course," I replied. "When Ratchet releases you from his care he'll you escorted back to the habitat. In the meantime, I will convey your message to my daughter in the morning when she wakes."

I watched from a distance for a few moments as Ratchet returned and was questioning Jim. Perhaps I misjudged the human. He seems to genuinely care for Kacey truly understands what she means to me. Still, it couldn't hurt to limit my daughter's time with the humans just to ease my processor for now.

Up next: Megatron gets a frustrated at not being able to find the humans he wasn't so kill for revenge. We get to see Venom once again. Bumblebee makes a confession to Sam. Kacey breaks one of Prowl's strict security rules with regards to the humans on the base. (I know it's a lot. It may end up being two chapters)