I apologize for any confusion about Kacey's modifications and will quickly explain. In Hope's Journey Alpha Trion told Elita about the program modifications he did. Also, Ratchet suggested that they youngling's programs were modified because she was doing things younglings were not supposed to be doing, like transforming. And Kacey herself told her father that Trion made the modifications. So everyone knew about the modifications. Trion will explain what he did, as a refresher for my readers, to both Optimus and Elita as he talks about the side effect caused by his modifications.

a/n: These chapters about Kacey's side effect will tie into the third story in the trilogy. So take notes! Just kidding. But do keep it in mind.

Elita

It was already late morning. Optimus and I hadn't left the recharge bed. Neither one of us wanted to disturb Kacey as she recharged soundly between us. We were just both so relieved to have her back where she belonged. Plus, she looked too comfortable nestled against Optimus' chest as he lay on his side, his arms protectively cuddling her like a sparkling.

We didn't have to worry about our other sparklings as Chromia collected them earlier this morning for us so we could be with Kacey during her rehab. We had even planned on taking her to the Med Bay as Ratchet instructed. Only I didn't have the spark to wake Optimus when it was time. It was rare for him to recharge past sunrise. Plus he and Kacey were such a joy to watch as they snored softly during their recharge.

Of course my love wasn't recharging at the moment. Like me he was enjoying this quiet time with our daughter, watching her recharging. Both of us were so ecstatic and relieved that she was going to be ok. I don't want to calculate what would have happened if I lost my daughter.

My love suddenly let out a low growl. I chuckled at the annoyed look on his face.

"Ratchet again?" I asked quietly, caressing his arm.

"Yes. I told him Kacey's still recharging. He's being a persistent aft. Apparently he really needs to talk to us and said that Kacey can stay here…for now."

"I don't have the spark to leave her alone."

"Neither do I but Ratchet is being rather insistent. He wouldn't take us from Kacey unless it was something very important."

"Oh, alright," I sighed.

"Should we wake her to tell her? I don't want her to wake up all alone wondering where we are."

"She still seems to be in deep recharge," I chuckled as Kacey was snoring softly. "I'm not sure I want to disturb her."

Optimus gave me that sorrowful mechano-puppy dog look that I could never refuse.

"Kacey, sweetie, wake up," I said to her, caressing her cheek.

Kacey continued to snore oblivious to my words.

"Kacey, wake up child," Optimus' deep voice rumbled softly, his arm gently shaking her.

Her optics flickered on line. Her optic covers blinked several times as she looked up at us. I could tell she wasn't even close to being fully awake.

"What?" she yawned groggily, her hands balled up as she rubbed her optics.

"You're mother and I have a meeting with Ratchet. But you can continue to recharge, ok?"

"Ok," she yawned, her optics dimmed going offline again.

"Kacey…"

"I'm up…I'm up," she said, her optics coming online.

"We have a meeting with Ratchet. We'll be back soon, ok sweetie?"

"Ok, mom," she yawned. "Meeting…Ratchet…you'll be back soon."

"Go back into recharge," Optimus smiled, kissing her forehead.

And she did just that. Before Optimus even settled her in a comfortable position she was snoring softly again. Together we covered her with a thermal blanket. Primus, she looked so small all curled up on the rather large recharge bed all alone.

"She'll be alight," I told Optimus.

His optics didn't waver from Kacey for an astrosecond as his battle armor all slid into place. I did the same with my armor and moved to take hold of his hand. I too didn't want to leave her.

"Let's hurry and see what Ratchet wants so we can come back to her," I smiled up at him.

Hand in hand we walked to the Med Bay. Both of us were feeling relieved and thrilled. Both us were so happy and content during those moments from our quarters to the Med Bay. However, both of us suddenly had a sinking feeling in our guts when we stepped into Ratchet's office to see the deeply concerned look on his and Alpha Trion's faces.

"Please, take a seat," Ratchet told, indicating the two chairs in front of his desk.

Optimus squeezed my hand tightly leading us to our seats. I trembled within. I knew this wasn't going to be good. My love knew it as well for he never let go of my hand even after we sat down.

And we both knew this meeting had everything to do with Kacey.

There was a ominous moment of silence as Ratchet took his seat behind his desk and as Trion moved, sitting on the edge of the desk before us. My spark fluttered in fear when he gave us a long sorrowful look.

"You both are aware of the program modifications I did to Kacey?" Trion asked us.

"Yes, of course," Optimus answered.

"Her protoform was the prototype of what was to be the next generation of soldiers to help in our fight against the Decepticons," he continued. "The protoform was designed to be a stronger, faster and more agile soldier once fully matured."

"When Elita showed up at my hidden base, the spark she carried was in desperate need of its own spark chamber. I could not risk Elita's life or that of the little spark with any delays. So I did not remove the basic soldier program from the protoform's central processor. Removing programs and uploading new ones is a very time consuming process. Plus, by retaining the soldier's program, I had believed it would benefit the child in helping her survive."

"But altering a program only takes a few astroseconds. The Cybertron Kacey was to be born into was dangerous. More dangerous for her because she's the first born of a Prime. I knew the war wasn't going in our favor. I knew I could not allow this sparkling to fall into enemy hands. So, I alone decided to make the program modifications that allowed some of Kacey's systems to develop more quickly than normal. Defenses, sensors, reflexes…most importantly transformations."

"Trion, I've told you time and time again that I would have agreed," I sincerely told him. "I would have done anything to protect my daughter."

"I for one am glad you did what you did," Optimus added. "My little Kacey never would have made it to Earth if you hadn't made the modifications."

Trion moved away, keeping his back to us. I had never seen him do such a thing. He was always so composed, so regal. He always looked you square in the optics.

"I'm afraid…I've failed you both and Kacey," he said turning back to us with tears in his optics, which totally surprised me and Optimus. "I didn't have time to run simulations on the program modifications because Elita needed to deliver the spark. Perhaps if I had time…I thought I my modifications were perfect. I had monitored Kacey everyday to make sure she developed normally with no defects or side effects of any kind."

"It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that my scans picked up the abnormality that hadn't been there before. Kacey has reached a critical stage in her development. I believe that's why it hasn't show up until now."

"What are you trying to tell us?" Optimus cautiously asked.

"It seems Kacey's ability to transform at such an early age has caused an unexpected side effect…her transformation systems have caused the development of her other systems to slow…actually they're development is almost at a standstill. And thus has also affected her growth rate."

"So what…she's not going to be very tall then, just like Leo?" I asked.

"No, I'm afraid it's more complicated than that," Ratchet chimed in. "With Leo all his systems are developing normally. He's just not growing very fast in height. With Kacey all her systems are affected. Their underdevelopment is what's now affecting her growth rate."

"You see, once our transformation systems come on line all of our systems are tied into them. As mature mechs or femmes our systems are fully developed and are set with no further changes. Kacey is a youngling. Her systems are in a constant state of change. Her ability to transform is causing them to stop developing normally."

"This was never an issue before when younglings used to transform," Optimus pointed out.

"That was several thousand millennia ago, Optimus," Ratchet countered. "We've evolved so much since then. Our transformations are so much more complicated than that time."

"So how do you fix this?" I asked Trion and again he avoided my optics for a long moment. I hardened my tone. I was not going to lose my daughter! "I assume this can be fixed."

"We have to take Kacey's transformation and defense systems offline," he explained. "In doing so her other systems should return to developing normally. As far as her growth rate…I'm not sure how much of that will recover."

"Should?" I countered.

"I am confident that returning the programs to their original format will nullify the side effect," Trion replied. "Her systems will respond accordingly and will develop normally."

"But you said you weren't sure how much of her growth rate would recover," Optimus commented.

"According to the last scans Ratchet and I have collected, her growth rate has slowed considerably. We will of course continue to monitor her once the procedure has been completed. I'm sorry Optimus…this…this has never happened before. I'm dealing with so many uncertainties."

"I understand, Trion," my loved sighed. His hand tightened around mine as he continued. "Please, just do what you must to help my child."

Ratchet got up and moved to us. He took my free hand in both of his, looking earnestly at both Optimus and I.

"We need your permission to take Kacey offline to make the program modifications," Ratchet said in earnest.

I gasped. Optimus squeezed my hand so hard I couldn't feel my fingers. I felt him trembling now. We were both aware of the risks when taking a transformer offline. Most of the time it was fatal.

"Is there no other way?" I asked softly.

"I'm afraid not," Ratchet answered.

"When will this be done?" Optimus requested.

"I want to wait until Kacey's fully recovered from her injuries. So, in five days time."

"We need to tell Kacey. She has a right to know…even though…" Optimus paused, looking at me. "She's not going to like this one bit. I feel it in my spark."

"Trion and I will be there to answer any questions she has and to reiterate how important that this must be done," Ratchet said. "Do you wish to tell her now or wait until she's fully recovered?"

"Can…can we have a moment alone to decide?" I requested trying to hold my resolve as best as I could.

Ratchet nodded. He closed the door once he and Trion were out.

Optimus immediately pulled me into his arms, holding me close as I wept. My spark couldn't take this. I nearly lost my sparkling a few short days ago. Now there was a strong chance I was going to lose her.

"Shh, my love," he cooed to me. "Kacey's spark cannot be so easily extinguished. I feel that so deeply within my own."

I nodded, burying my face in his chest armor.

"We should wait to tell her," he spoke softly. "Knowing Kacey, she'll want to go racing or something once she's fully healed."

"Agreed. That was all she could talk about last night before she finally fell into recharge."

"I think…I think we should arrange for the twins to sneak her off the base. I know she has the most fun racing with them and Bumblebee."

I looked up at him, stunned that he knew about her racing with the twins and Bee.

"I only pretend to not know everything. What kind of Prime would I be if didn't?" he asked, smirking at me caressing my face.

"Only we can't tell the twins about Kacey's condition. They're too attached to her. And neither of them can keep a secret longer than five astroseconds."

"Magnus is back from patrol. I trust him to not tell. He'll do anything I ask him. Sneaking a youngling off the base is something he would do too."

I raised an optic ridge at him.

"I was a sixteen. He felt bad for kicking my aft during my hand to hand combat training and took me out for a bit of fun to cheer me up."

Leaning into him more, I wrapped my arms around his waist and simply sighed.

"Optimus, make sure Magnus understands. I want her to have a good time."

"Of course. Come on," he said, taking my hand in his. "Let's tell Ratchet what we've decided and collect the sparklings. I'm sure Leo is missing Kacey right now. I heard him calling for her during his recharge when I checked on him."

"Poor Leo. I wonder if he'll recover fully. He hasn't tried once to make an escape from his crib since the accident."

"Only time will tell, Elita. Leo has a strong spark. It may take time. But I feel he will be just fine."

His words rang true. Leo was strong. Kacey aptly named him. Kacey was strong too. Only I had no idea how this life changing news was going to fully affect her. Yes, it was life changing…for her.

Kacey

When I awoke I was alone. Then I remember mom and dad telling me they had a meeting with Ratchet. It was probably about me.

I slid across the bed and lowered my feet down to the ground. My legs felt a little sore from yesterday but they held my weight just the same. I took slow deliberate steps across the room to my parent's computer terminal. I traversed the distance much easier than I moved around yesterday.

If I was moving that well I wondered when I'd be able to transform again.

"Father, you need to come up with harder passwords," I chuckled softly when I hacked into the computer.

With a few commands I activated a communication link to Bumblebee.

"Hey Kacey! How you doing?"

"I'm on my feet now! It was scary though. I was afraid that if I couldn't walk I wasn't going to be able to ever transform again!"

"There's no stopping you now that you're on your feet again."

"I miss you Bee," I sighed.

"I've only been gone 2 days," he laughed.

"I know. I still miss you."

"I miss you too, Kacey. Remember, I'm only a communication link away."

"It's not the same as having you here. Even when you were on patrol I knew when you'd be back."

"It made me happy when you were always there to greet Sunny, Sides and me when returned. I hope you'll do the same when I come to visit next month."

"You know I will, Bee. I intend to leave you eating my dust again when we race."

"I look forward to it!" he laughed heartily.

"Well, I should go. Mom and Dad will be back soon. Hopefully I'll be able to transform today or tomorrow. I don't like the idea of not being able to. It doesn't feel right."

"Call me and let me know the good news."

"I promise Bee. Talk to you soon. Love ya lots."

"Goodbye, Kacey. I love you too."

I severed the link feeling a bit better. Since mom and dad weren't back yet I made opened up another communication link to my friend, Jim. His cell phone rang twice before he picked it up.

"This is Jim."

"Hi Jim! It's Kacey!"

"Oh, hey Kacey! How you doing?"

"Sorry I didn't call you sooner like I said. I had an accident."

"No worries. Are you ok? You weren't injured too badly were you?"

"Well, I nearly died. But I saved Leo from certain death."

"Thank the Lord. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you or Leo."

"KACEY!" Leo shouted from the other room.

"Frag, mom and dad are back…with Leo. I gotta go Jim. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll catch up."

"Sure thing kid. Take care."

I quickly ended the communication and shut down the computer. I didn't bother hurrying back to the bed. I wasn't going to be very fast anyway. Instead I got to my feet and head slowly towards the door.

Leo came bounding in with a big grin on his face. Before mom or dad could stop him he leapt into my arms. The sudden extra weight caused me my legs to buckle and I fell. An involuntary yelped sounded from my vocal processor when I hit the ground. The pain was not from my injuries but from the fact that my body was sore from yesterday's walking around.

"It's ok Leo. I'm fine," I quickly told him when he looked at me with so much worry in his optics. Dad rushing in and picking me up didn't help. "Dad, I'm fine. I'm just sore from yesterday."

"Are you sure?" he questioned worriedly.

I could literally fell his spark tremble when he picked me up. There was no reason for that now.

"Is everything alright?" I asked him and he suddenly shielded his spark from me.

"Yes, my child," he smiled warmly. "I just worry about you is all. We need to get you back to the Med Bay where you can rest properly."

"But I'm tired of resting."

"Kacey, no whining. Ratchet's orders were to bring you back to the Med Bay first thing in the morning," mom told me. "Be lucky he hasn't come by to collect you already."

"Ok, can my brothers and sister come? It's boring in the Med Bay without them."

"We'll bring them, whether or not they can stay is up to Ratchet, sweetie."

Leo made up his mind. He was going. He climbed up dad and took his place on dad's shoulders, holding on his antenna. He even banged his feet on dad's shoulder armor, trying to get the big mech to move.

"Dada, go now!"

"Cool your jets, little lugnut," I smiled, tickling his belly.

Leo giggled uncontrollably. He had a weak spot in the center of his belly. If he was in a foul mood I could usually get him out of it by tickling him there. The only time I couldn't was if he was sick with an upset waste tank.

Dad held Ariel in his other arm and refused to put me down even though I insisted that I could walk. Even if it was slowly, at least I could walk. Mom carried Orion as we made our way to the Med Bay.

Several Autobots said their hellos and expressed how happy they were to see I was recovering well. I politely thanked them, chatting with them as I normally do. As a result we ended up in the Med Bay far later than Ratchet had wanted.

Only for once Ratchet didn't seem angry at how late I was and even let my siblings stay. It was a good thing too. I don't think I had ever seen mom or dad laugh so hard as when my brothers and sister tried imitating me as I did the leg exercises Ratchet had instructed me to do.

I however took my rehabilitation seriously. I'd do anything to get back to fully functional. Plus I always felt so vulnerable without my armor on when not in my family's quarters. Then finally, after three days of intense exercises my legs were strong enough that I could run without any discomforts whatsoever Ratchet gave me the go ahead to do my first transformation since before the accident.

"Rev your engine, Kacey, I need to check how your energy levels are holding," he ordered.

I grinned to myself. I loved the purr of my engine. It never sounded strained even when I hit max speed.

Ratchet proceeded with his scans. They seemed to be taking forever.

"You're killing me Ratchet! When can I go drive?!" I begged.

The urge to shift into first gear was so over powering that my vehicle form lurched slightly where it stood. The only thing keeping me in place was the brakes.

"Kacey, settle down," dad ordered me.

"Yes, dad," I sighed, my engine losing some of it gusto.

"Ok, I want you to take a quick spin up the road and back but…"

I sped off before he finished. Several Autobots had already cleared the road of snow and ice for my test run. Last thing we needed was for me to get into another accidently sliding on some ice.

"Frag it, Kacey! Slow down!" Ratchet bellowed into my communicator.

"Pfft, you're no fun! I feel fine!"

It was true. I felt fine. Better than fine. There were no fluctuations in my energy levels at all. So I dared to do more. Before the bend in the road I dropped my hands and pushed off the ground. My spark raced in excitement as I transformed from my car form to my jet form.

The cold air slipped over my jet form as I rocketed upwards creating a vapor trail behind me. My spark soared as I flew even higher. I tuned out the insistent chatter from Ratchet for me to get my aft on the ground.

He didn't understand what this meant to me. I doubt anyone could. I tried to explain it to father once. I think he has an idea of what flying and transforming means to me. But I'm not certain.

"Kacey, please come back down…before Ratchet blows a gasket," father's deep voice gently requested.

"Yes, father," I sighed.

I transformed into my robotic form and allowed myself to freefall for a bit. The air rushed up past my audio receptors. It felt a little too cold on my optics so I closed the covers, making a mental note for later that I'd need to figure a way to keep my optics open while in flight like this.

My sensors indicated the ground was rapidly getting closer. So I activated my plasma burners and slowed my descent and landed on my feet before my parents and Ratchet.

Yes, Ratchet was pissed off. I could literally see steam rising from his head as his body temperature was up a few Kelvin above normal. And he was glaring at me. Frag it! It was worth it!

"Go easy on her Ratch, she's still only a youngling," father smiled.

"Honestly, I feel great!" I told him.

"Are you a fully trained medical officer?" he asked me.

"Well, no. But…"

"Quiet youngling. Front and center," he snapped, point at the ground in front of him.

"But," I continued, undaunted yet did as he was told me. "I have studied transformer physiology in depth. I do have better than average first aid skills. And…no one knows how I feel like I do. I know how far I can push myself."

"I don't care," he countered continuing his scan. "I'm your doctor and I'll decide what's best for you."

I groaned crossing my arms across my chest.

"You're a real pain in the aft at times, Ratchet."

"Not as much as you are! Now be still!"

Of course being still was the last thing I wanted to do at the moment. I wanted to go! I wanted to do something. Being stationary was something I had been doing for over a week now and I'm tired of it.

"Dad, when we're done here can I contact Bumblebee?"

"Perhaps later," he smiled. "As long as you promise to stop hacking my passwords."

"You need to come up with better ones then," mom suggested, poking him in the side.

"If you hadn't taught her so well it wouldn't be a problem," he countered.

"Dad, I wouldn't need to hack your password on your computer if you'd give me more access on my computer so I can at least call Bumblebee and Jim."

"I'll think about it," father smiled warmly down at me.

"Are you done yet?" I grumbled at Ratchet.

"I'd have been done a long time ago if you were still. Quick fidgeting about!"

"I don't fidget!" I growled standing toe to toe with him. "It's called pent up energy and it needs to get out!"

"Don't challenge me young one, you'll regret it during your next maintenance check up," he countered smugly.

"I think that's enough for now, Ratchet," father said, gently pulling me to his side. "Don't go threatening younglings like that."

Ratchet's mouth dropped open.

"She was being defiant to me!"

"Ratchet, you're not going to win this argument," mom chuckled, grabbing hold of his arm. "Come on. They need some father-daughter time. And Leo needs a check up."

Father's chest rumbled with a deep chuckle as Ratchet continued to complain while mom escorted him back into the base.

"Let's see about using up some of that pent up energy and go for a drive," he grinned.

I didn't hesitate and transformed, revving my engine. Father laughed at me.

"Not here. I know a fun place to go…via shuttlecraft."

"Oh, sorry," I said sheepishly as I returned back to my robot form.

"If you can beat me to the shuttlebay, I'll teach you how to fly it."

"You're on!" I exclaimed and took off running.

Now everyone on the base knows I'm fast in the air and on four wheels. I'm fast on two feet too. Only I'm no where near fast enough to outrun my father's long strides. So I know when I reached the shuttlecraft first that he let me win.

He didn't have to. Either way, I love him. When he lifted me up off the ground I felt the need within him to have me close. Again, I was puzzled. He hadn't felt that way in such a long time. And again, I didn't question him. I knew my questioning would upset him.

Instead, I focused on the task at hand as he sat in the pilot's seat with me in his lap.

"Do you know anything about the controls?" he asked.

"Wheeljack explained them to me once when we were making repairs. But he never let me fly one of the shuttlecrafts."

"Wheeljack's a smart mech. Let me see what you know."

"Really?" I questioned, turning my head and looking up at me.

"My life is in your hands."

"Well now I'm nervous! Thanks, dad!"

"You'll be fine," he laughed, hugging me. "I have every confidence in your abilities as a pilot."

With that said, I took a deep breath then punched in the commands to activate the shuttles engines. From what Wheeljack told me the shuttle could almost fly itself. Still, I was nervous. The shuttlebay doors looked small suddenly as we made our way towards them.

"See you're doing fine," father complimented as we made it safely out and ascended into the atmosphere. "The coordinates are already programmed."

I nodded, making the necessary pitch and altitude adjustments putting us on course. A smile shined on my face. It was almost as fun as me flying through the clouds. Only much quieter. And the shuttle had inertial dampeners my flight form didn't have. I actually enjoyed the feel of the G forces as they tugged at my form when in flight.

"I see why you like to fly. It is a lovely view," father spoke softly.

"It's more than that…it's a wonderful view…a wonderful feeling to be free."

"Flying is not a way of living, Kacey."

"I know. But I do love it so much, father. It is a part of who I am."

"I know," he sighed.

From there father took over and landed the shuttlecraft at our intended destination, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. There we chased each other around. I discovered that father was actually very fast himself, when he wanted to be. He's just not as fast as me.

Still, it was one of the best times alone with my father. His love for me was so overwhelming for me that there were a few times I had a hard time focusing on the road. As always I returned such love back in full through our bond. I could never hold back from loving my father. Never.

Then he did something I wasn't expecting when we got back to the base. He ordered Prowl to give me access to certain communication links. Then turned me loose to go call Bumblebee. I hugged my father and Prowl before I ran to my room excited about telling him the news. Only I decided not to tell him about my adventures with father, that was something for my father and I to share.

"Kacey! It's about fragging time! I've been worried!"

"Sorry Bee! Guess what?"

"What?"

"I can transform again! Ratchet about blew a gasket because I was flying without his permission."

"That's awesome!"

"I was thinking…that maybe I could sneak off and visit you. Five weeks is a long time to wait to see you. I miss you."

"It will get easier, Kacey. I promise."

"That's what my dad tells me. It never got easier for him. I know how much he missed mother while she was gone. I felt the ache in his spark everyday since my arrival."

"Did you every tell him?"

"No, he was sad enough already. I didn't want to upset him further at that time. Odd however, there is something is troubling my father deeply right now. I've felt it the past few days."

"Kacey, your father has a lot to worry about. He's the leader of the Autobots. That is no small task. And he loves you very much, so of course he worries nonstop about you…Elita, your brothers and sister."

"I know," I sighed.

In a way Bee was right. But I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was troubling father was the reason why he shields his spark from me from time to time. Except for today, I felt his love so deeply today.

"How are Sunny and Sides? Are they staying out of trouble?"

"Barely!" I laughed. "They got drunk on high grade the other day and decided to practice their Judo. Primus, they made a mess in the recreation room. Of course, Prowl wasn't very happy about the entire situation when he walked in. He actually had them tossed in the brig until they sobered up."

"Not the first time that's happened!" he laughed.

"Oh guess what! Magnus said since you were gone and he's taken over your spot in your patrol group he'd sneak me off the base with the twins and we'd go racing! He said to come see him as soon as Ratchet gave me the all clear."

"Primus Almighty! Be careful! Magnus is crazier than Sunny, Sides, and me put together. He even snuck the twins and I off base once for some fun. We were around your age and he took us to watch underground sparring matches. I think he participated in one. Where do you think the twins get their wacky fight ideas from?"

"Oh and like yours aren't totally wacked?!" I countered making him laugh.

"Kacey, time to wrap it up. Remember, Prowl doesn't like the communication links tied up for too long."

"Yes, father. I understand," I frowned. "Sorry Bumblebee. I have to go before Prowl's main energon line gets tied in a knot. I'll talk to you again soon."

"I look forward to it, Kacey. Don't worry, Magnus will take good care of you."

"Thanks, Bee."

The communication link was severed and I stared at the idle computer monitor for a long moment. I was about to get up from my desk when my internal communicator beeped. It wasn't from father or any Autobot. I smiled.

"Hey Jim!"

"Hi Kacey. I was just calling to check up and see how you're doing?"

"I'm fine…better than fine! I can transform again!"

"That's good to hear. I was worried about you."

"Ah, thanks Jim. That's very kind of you," I replied.

"Are you busy?"

"Nope. Doctor's orders were to rest for the day. And that's what I'm doing. What can I help you with?"

"I was wondering if you'd look over my new algorithms and tell me what you think."

"No problem," I smiled. "You can email them to me."

"Already did," he chuckled.

I shook my head activating my computer monitor and pulling up my email. It only took me a few astroseconds to spot his mathematical errors in the new formulas I told him to try. For a human he learned them rather quickly and made good use of the applications.

"Ok, Jim. I sent it back with the corrections. I wish I could be there to see your creation."

"Perhaps you can…one day."

"Perhaps, but then you'd have to tell me where you lab is so I could sneak there."

"Sorry Kacey…that's top secret information."

"As I understand it, Simmons doesn't even know where your lab is. You're very adept at keeping parts of your life secret."

"I just don't want the Government barging in on my work and taking it from me. I've seen it happen before."

"Kacey."

I turned at the sound of Leo's voice to see him standing in my doorway crying his optics out. He looked a bit disorientated and was definitely upset about something. I hurried to him taking him in my arms, feeling his small form tremble.

"Jim, I have to go. I'm sorry. I think my little brother just woke up from recharge. He's crying and needs me right now. I'll talk to you later."

"I totally understand. Take care. And thanks again, Kacey," he replied then severed the line.

"Did you have a bad dream?" I asked Leo, cradling him in my arms.

He nodded, big tears rolling slowly down his faceplates.

"Everything's ok now," I cooed to him, kissing his forehead.

Leo took advantage by wrapping his arms around my neck and held me close. I could feel the relief within him. He didn't have to tell me what his dream was about. I had a good idea it was about the accident.

I was never so relieved in my entire short life that he was ok. I had feared the worst when I heard him scream when he fell. I blame myself for the entire incident. I was too busy standing on the cliff with my processor in the clouds to notice he was climbing up the cliff wall.

But what's done is done, as mother likes to tell me. Primus has a purpose for everything that happens, as father likes to tell me. The reason for Leo falling, for me getting hurt has yet to be revealed. But I do not think about it too much. There's too much in the present to enjoy without worrying about what the future may hold.

Ok, sorry. I know I said we were going to get Kacey's reaction. And we will. I just had to break the chapter up into two sections! Sorry. Plus, I had an idea and figured out a way to work it into the next part. So up next, Magnus take Kacey for her last joy ride. Then Optimus has chosen to tell his daughter of her condition and what's to be done about it.