Sorry it took so long. This chapter is all angst. You've been warned. And it's long. OMG! I didn't realize it was so long until I uploaded it. Hope you enjoy it.
Hound
I had two Autobots to a team. Each team was given a series of quadrants in the designated search area to explore. My only orders were to inform me immediately if they found anything out of the ordinary. I didn't have to tell them to thoroughly search each quadrant. They all knew what was at stake here and were as determined as I was to find any sign of Kacey.
And while each team was out and about I did my own tracking. I do it best when alone with no distractions. I've always done it that way. My skills were taught to me by my grandfather who raised me from a sparkling after my parents were killed in an accident at the factory they'd worked.
My grandfather used to work for Xaaron, one of the High Council Elders, at that time had only recently retired and was able to care for me. He would tell me stories about the Cybertron criminals he tracked wherever they tried to hide and how he always brought them back for punishment.
He was the best at what he did. Xaaron knew this. The High Council knew this. And on my tenth orn, my grandfather was asked to do one last mission for Xaaron and the High Council.
A young mech, a soldier, had gone missing during an intense battle on Tiger Pax. The High Council was desperate to find him. Cybertron had just lost Kalis Prime. He had no heirs; rumors had it that his bonded was a mech and not a femme so no heirs were possible. Thus, the burden of naming a new Prime rested with the High Council.
And so, it fell upon my grandfather to find this young mech for he was to be the next Prime. He above all others had the potential to be a strong military leader and more. It was a rare opportunity for me as youngling to witness the crowning of a new Prime. Since my grandfather had done his job well, he was allowed attend the ceremony and brought me along to witness history.
I remember how the new Prime came over and thanked my grandfather for saving him. I have never forgotten how Sentinel smiled down at me, asking if I was going to be a tracker like my grandfather. I honestly don't remember what I said. I was ten orns old and in awe of the entire experience.
But Sentinel never forgot my grandfather and never forgot me. I did grow to be like my grandfather and it was Sentinel who recruited me to be a scout and a tracker in his army. He even asked me if I was as good a tracker as my grandfather. I was honest, I told him I was better but only because I was taught by the best, my grandfather.
Sentinel often ordered me to track a particular Decepticon while he was Prime. And when Optimus became Prime my duties never changed. At least, not until I came to Earth. Tracking is still my job. But I'm also passing down my grandfather's gift to a few others. Kacey happens to be one of them and is my best student.
Primus, I hope she's ok. Like everyone else, I can't bear to see any harm come to her.
'What was that?'
I bent down and carefully examined the snow covered ground. My sensors detected a difference in the density of the snow in this one particular spot. My optics picked up that it was an impression in the snow that was now mostly filled with freshly fallen snowflakes.
It blended in with the fresh footprints left behind by my fellow Autobots as they all headed out. But I was able to find another and another.
Stopping, I glanced back towards the base. The tracks were in line with the small door leading in and out of the base. Looking in the other direction the tracks appeared to head towards the tree line.
I decided it was too soon to inform Optimus of my discovery. I needed more proof that these tracks were indeed Kacey's.
So I pressed on, following them. It wasn't an easy task when I reached the trees. The ground was firmer, not as much snow. The impressions were barely visible as a result. I was determined, my optics and sensors focused.
Then suddenly I came to a stop. I was some fifteen miles from the base. No mistaking the impression in the snow here. Someone tripped and fell. They slid hard enough to reveal some of the dirt beneath the snow.
Tracks were more visible now. Possible due to the fact it had stopped snowing heavily shortly after Kacey left the base. I picked up my pace, trotting along until I came to the lake. The tracks turned and followed the shoreline. Good thing, my sensors indicated the lake's surface wasn't frozen solid enough to support an Autobot of Kacey's small size.
Instinct told me to keep moving. I ran fast following Kacey's trail. I knew it was her trail. The foot impressions were her size and only she dared to walk anywhere near the lake.
Then suddenly I grounded to a halt. My processor clicked in disbelief at what my optics and sensors were telling it.
"Optimus Prime, this is Hound! You need to come to my location immediately!"
"On my way!"
"Did you find something, Hound?" Prowl asked.
I opened a private communication link to Prowl before I answered.
"You may want to be here too, Prowl. It doesn't look good."
"Understood."
It didn't take long for either shuttle craft to show up. I quickly signal where they should land and waited.
"Any sign of Decepticon activity?" Ironhide asked as he preceded Ratchet and Optimus out of one shuttle craft.
"None what so ever," I reported.
"Just tell me what you have," Optimus ordered.
"Here is where Kacey last stood," I began to explain, pointing at the foot prints in the snow. "This was obviously a meeting place. There are tire impressions from four different Earth transports. Three were over there, one…a rather large transport right here."
"Who was it?" Prowl asked.
"Humans. You can see their tracks…I'd say about…twenty of them."
"Why would Kacey go with humans?" Ironhide asked.
I sighed.
"Hound?" Optimus questioned.
"Sir, Kacey didn't go of her own accord. This part in the snow tells me she was…some how she was incapacitated and dragged into the large transport."
The silence was so thick it weighed heavily upon me. None of us wanted to believe it.
"The humans kidnapped Kacey?" Magnus questioned softly.
Autobot Liaison John Keller
It was a welcomed day off. Only it was to be short lived. I had been watching cartoons with my granddaughters when the phone rang. When my wife told me who it was I immediately headed into my study to take the call.
"Mr. Weiss."
"Please, call me Paul. Only my daughter's boyfriend calls me Mr. Weiss."
"Fair enough. It's good to finally talk to you instead of getting an email," I joked. "I never got the chance to properly congratulate you on getting my old position. And please, call me John."
"Thank you, John. I appreciate that. It's been…interesting."
"I can imagine. So…what can I do for you?"
"Is there something you haven't told me about the Autobots?"
"No, I put everything in my weekly reports that I email you. Why?"
"We've received several communications from our forces working in conjunction with the Autobots across the globe…the Autobots are pulling out."
"Come again?"
"The Autobots have abandoned their posts. No word as to why."
"That can't be right. They wouldn't just abandon their posts without reason."
"Which is why I'm calling you. If anyone knew why I figured you would or you'd be able to find out for me."
"I'll contact Prowl immediately and get back to you as soon as I have something."
"Thank you John."
After hanging up, I immediately dialed the number Prowl gave me to contact the Autobots. The number was untraceable so I never had to worry about their base being discovered whenever I called them. I've been there a number of times and I still don't know where it is!
"Hello Mr. Keller, Prowl has been expecting your call. Hold on one moment, Sir."
Ok, now I was a little miffed. If Prowl had been expecting me to call why didn't he call to warn me the Autobots were leaving their posts.
"Mr. Keller…"
"Prowl, what in blazes is going on?" I demanded. "The Secretary of Defense just informed me that the Autobots are deserting their posts!"
"Sir, if you'll allow me to speak I will explain."
"I apologize," I sighed, rubbing my brow. "I was just so stunned when I was heard."
"No apologies necessary. I would have warned you sooner but my duties to my commander prevented me. It was Optimus who issued the ordered for all Autobots return to base. Those on the other continents are being picked up via shuttlecraft as we speak."
"What is it? What's happened? I mean, I know you guys wouldn't abandon your posts unless you had a good reason."
There was a long sigh from Prowl. I knew this did not bode well. I've gotten to know Prowl very well over the past several years. He's honorable, knows everything about duty and responsibility, and is more than just Optimus Prime's second in command. He is more than just my contact with the Autobots. He is also my friend.
"Optimus ordered the recall for the safety of our kind. John, Kacey has been taken from us by…humans."
I dropped into a chair, shocked. I never dared think that such a thing was possible. But for a child, even though this particular child can do so many things…I felt sick to my stomach just thinking about it.
"How?" I managed to say.
Again he sighed.
"You are aware of the change Kacey has gone through, yes?"
"You explained that she can no longer transform until she's older."
"Ever since the procedure Kacey has been in this…depression. I'm afraid in her current emotional state she was taken advantage of and lured to a location not far from the base. There, she was incapacitated and dragged into an Earth transport vehicle."
"Forgive me but can't you just track her?"
"We have been unable to locate her energy signature. Nor has she activated her emergency locator beacon. I don't understand why. I can only assume that her energy signature is being hidden. The fact that she hasn't activated her beacon means she is unconscious or unable."
"You're certain it was some of my people?"
"Yes, we found where Kacey was taken. There was no mistaking the human tracks that surrounded where Kacey had fallen. John, I do not entirely agree Optimus' orders. I believe Kacey's abduction is an isolated incident. But I must abide my commander's orders until I convince him that the recall is unnecessary, that if one of our kind were taken it would have happened long ago."
"I understand your position and appreciate you being honest with me. As a father, I can understand why Optimus made the order. Please, give my condolences to him and his family. And tell Optimus I'll get you a list of suspects who could have possibly had the means to kidnap Kacey."
"I was hoping as much. Hound was only able to track the Earth transports to the main highway. From there…they could have taken Kacey anywhere by now. Please, notify me as soon as you have something."
"Prowl, I want to give this list to Optimus personally."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea right now."
"I understand, but I want him to understand that we are doing what we can to help, that not all of us humans are like this…this asshole that took someone so sweet and enduring from us. I'm a father Prowl. I need to do this."
"Very well, I'll arrange one of the shuttles to retrieve you when you have the list. I'll be waiting for your call. Prowl out."
The moment the call ended I quickly dialed another number.
"Hello, who is it?"
"Simmons, this is Keller. I need you to do something."
"What's happened?"
"Seems that little darling Kacey has been kidnapped. I need a list of possible suspects with the means to pull that off. And I need it now."
"If you want my opinion on who…"
"I don't want an opinion right now! I need that list! You can give your opinion to Optimus Prime yourself when we see him."
"Very well, I'll have it ready within the hour."
"Thank you," I said then hung up the phone.
Shit! We didn't need something like this. These good people, though alien to our world, have done nothing to deserve this. If anything we owe them a debt of gratitude. For the first time in my people's history all the governments of the world are cooperating. A feat I never dreamed possible during my lifetime.
And all it takes is for one fucking lunatic to ruin it for the rest of us.
Well, not if I can help it. I'm not going to let one selfish asshole taint the life of one so innocent. For that's what Kacey truly is. She is a child, so innocent and pure, so naïve to how certain things in my world work.
I quickly dialed the Defense Secretary.
"Paul, we have a situation and I need you to give me anything I need to resolve it and resolve it quickly."
"What's happened?"
"Kaceystar has been kidnapped but one of our kind. I'm not sure who yet. Agent Simmons, former member of Sector Seven, and a member of my staff, is working on a list possible suspects. Optimus Prime has ordered the recall of all the Autobots as a precaution. He doesn't want his people at risk."
"I don't need to tell you this is a delicate matter. Our relationship with the Autobots could be in jeopardy here. I'll do what I can to make sure that it doesn't come to that. But most importantly, we need to do what we can to find his daughter."
"I understand. You'll have anything you need."
Bumblebee
"OW!" my voice boomed from the speakers of my alt form.
"Sorry, Bee!" Sam winced. "You don't have enough trunk space for mom's suitcase."
"Trying to cram it in isn't going to help make more space!" I growled.
"Strap it to the roof," Ron suggested.
I sank into my suspension. How humiliating to have a piece of luggage strapped to the roof of my alt form.
"Bee?"
"Go ahead, Sam," I sighed. At this point I'd do anything to get moving. "We should have been on the road over an hour ago! Prowl is going to have my aft if I'm late one astrosecond!"
"Did you take Mojo potty, Ron?" Judy asked.
I shuddered, praying they did. Last trip the dog had an accident on the back seat of my alt form! It was not a pleasant experience and one I do not wish to experience again.
"Let's hurry," I reiterated. "When Optimus issues an order he expects it to be followed through and quickly."
"Why were you recalled?" Sam asked as he finished strapping the suitcase down.
"It was a data burst transmission sent to all Autobots in the field. I've gotten them before. Standard procedure is to get your aft back to base as quickly as possible and then ask questions."
"Ok, we're ready," Ron announced.
Finally! I fired up my engine, revving it anxiously. Ron and Judy climbed into the back with Mojo while Sam and Mikaela sat up front. The astrosecond they all buckled up I slammed on the gas and tore down the alley. I had an hour of time to make up and not an astrosecond to lose.
I must admit I was a bit startled when I received the data burst. I was never expecting it nor was I expect to be ordered back to base. Orders were orders and the data burst indicated they came directly from Optimus. However, I couldn't leave Sam and his family behind. I'm their guardian and have a responsibility to protect them. So I made the decision to bring them with me.
I was actually looking forward to being back on the base. It was a chance to see Kacey. Sunny and Sides told me two days ago that she's been really depressed. I hope she's improved since then. If not, I'll have to see what I can do to fix that.
Primus, I miss her so much.
Racing along the highway I couldn't help but think of Kacey. It tore my spark up when I had to leave so soon after her procedure. I could barely hold it together when she cried in my arms during our goodbyes. Later, Sam and Mikaela had to console me as I broke down in tears.
Even though it wasn't my place, I felt as if I were deserting Kacey when she needed me most. It did nothing to ease my suffering knowing that she'd be well cared for by Optimus, Elita, and the others.
Primus, help me for loving her so.
"Bumblebee, come in!" Sunny's voice sounded over a private communication link interrupting my thoughts.
"Sunny, what's going on?" I immediately asked. The Witwicky's totally unaware of the communiqué continued talking. "Why did Optimus order us back to base?"
"I only have a minute but I thought you should know before you get to the base. He ordered the recall as a precaution…for the safety of the Autobots. Bee…a group of humans kidnapped our little Kacey!"
My spark stilled within its chamber as Sunny's words filled my processor. Kacey….kidnapped….no, I…I can't believe it. I suddenly slammed on my brakes, causing a chain reaction behind me. The smell of burned rubber filled the air as we came to an abrupt stop. Horns immediately sounded behind me on the highway.
I ignored them. I couldn't even hear Sunny as he kept calling me. Nor could I hear Sam and Mikaela questioning me. Kacey…kidnapped? Primus, how could that be? Not little Kacey! Who would do such a thing? Why? For what purpose?
I gasped loudly! Primus, Optimus and Elita must be going insane!
My tires squealed when I hit the gas hard. I had to get to the base fast!
"I'll be there as quickly as I can Sunny!" I told him then severed the link.
"Bee, what is it?" Sam immediately asked.
"Sam…Kacey's been kidnapped."
Silence. Nothing but silence, except for the roar of my engine as I raced along the highway. I still didn't want to believe it. Who would do such a thing to someone so young…so innocent…so…so beautiful? My anguished turned into fury and I pushed my engine even faster.
"Bee…I'm so sorry," Sam spoke softly.
"I'll find her. And when I do I'm gonna rip the aft of the human that took her from me!"
Ratchet
I couldn't believe it. My processor didn't want to believe it.
Humans kidnapped Kacey?
While part of me was in shock, the other part was enraged for I could only think of one reason why she was taken. I read some of the reports regarding the experiments on Megatron. Even though he was an enemy, and even after what he'd done to Optimus, no mechanism deserved to be treated that way. It was…barbaric and cruel. And I pray to Primus that such a thing doesn't happen to our little Kacey.
Then there was Optimus. I prayed for him too. I was so worried. The look on his face when Hound told him who took Kacey was one of pure shock and dismay. To be honest, I was too for I never would have thought the humans would try such a thing.
His surprise didn't last long.
"One of us needs to talk to him," I whispered when Optimus stormed out of the command center fuming with his second in command close behind. "He's overreacting by recalling ALL the Autobots."
"I know it, you know, even Prowl knows it. But what are we going to do?" Ironhide responded. "Honestly, as a father how would you have reacted."
I sighed. I'd go ballistic if anyone took my son. I wouldn't be as violent as Ironhide but I'd be close. But neither of us could compare to Optimus.
I had only witnesses it once where he lost total control to his anger. This was worse than the day he killed Starscream for harming Kacey and worse than how he destroyed his quarters when he believed Elita was dead. It was a day we all learned just how much Elita meant to him.
It took Ironhide, Magnus, Prowl, and then some to hold Optimus back from charging into certain death when Elita had been taken by a group of Decepticons right before Optimus' optics. On that day everything short of putting him into stasis wasn't going to work.
Only this time Optimus was different. He was angry, one could tell by the tone of his voice and the manner of which his stomped around. Only this time he seemed to have a dangerous calm about him too when he stood still. If I didn't know any better I'd say he was like a boiling volcano waiting for the right catalyst to send him completely over the edge.
"We should both go talk to him," I insisted. "We're still his guardians."
Ironhide nodded and so we both headed off after Optimus. It wasn't hard to figure out where he'd gone. We could hear him shouting at Prowl.
"Optimus, please, be rational."
"I'm being completely rational!" Optimus shouted. He paused, quickly composing himself. "I told you it's just a precaution! Ironhide was right about the humans being far too primitive! I don't want them getting ideas. If they learn that one of us was captured they might try for another. As Prime I cannot allow my Autobots to be at risk."
"I was wrong," Ironhide chimed in as we walked through the open door to Optimus' office. "I've come to see the goodness in them that you value so highly, Optimus."
"These people would actually be on our side…they'd be as angry as us about Kacey's abduction," I added.
"Obviously not all them value my daughter as we do! Otherwise she wouldn't have been taken! My orders stand."
"Then what about our allegiance?" Prowl questioned. "Keller is on his way. I have informed him of the situation."
"You had no right to…!" Optimus growled, using his imposing height to intimidate Prowl.
"They had a right to know why we abandoned them!" he fired back, unwavering in his position before Prime.
Wow! Even I was as stunned as Optimus. Prowl has never raised his voice in anger at Optimus. He never even did to Sentinel either.
"Keller will be here within the hour," Prowl continued. "He has a list of suspects who have the means and possible motive for taking Kacey from us. It is your duty as Prime and her father to hear him out!"
Prowl turned and pushed his way through Ironhide and myself and left. Optimus sat in his chair, brewing, glaring at the monitor on his desk. Obviously, he was going to be a stubborn aft about this so I decided to try a different tact.
"Where's Elita?" I asked. "I would think she'd be at your side right now."
His anger quickly faded into sorrow.
"She's terrified, upset about Kacey and mad at me. She too thinks I over reacted. But I don't have the luxury to take risks, not when so many lives are at stake. I am responsible for all the Autobots. It's just a precaution."
"And if the Decepticons notice this? Then what?" Ironhide asked.
"I've thought of that. I do have Silverbolt monitoring the few Decepticons whose locations we know about from the sky for now." Optimus paused, leaning back in his chair, his optics focused intently on us. "Do not think I am totally irrational. I have put this scenario through my processor multiple times and this was my solution. I just never imagined my daughter would be the one taken from us. I admit I did act too quickly and was wrong for not informing the humans. All I want is for my daughter to be back where she belongs."
"We all want that, Optimus," I said.
"Ironhide, please inform me as soon as the shuttle with Mr. Keller is near the base. I'll meet him in the shuttle bay when he arrives."
"Of course," my friend nodded. "I'll see if I can get Prowl to calm down too. I never knew the fragger could get that animated."
Optimus snorted at the comment before dismissing Ironhide with a wave of his hand.
"Optimus, I'm sorry for doubting you."
"No need to apologize, Ratchet. I could have handled this situation a bit better. And I did allow my feelings to interfere with my reaction. I just…"
His head bowed down, optics dimmed as he fell silent. Recognizing the signs that he needed to talk, I discretely shut the door so we'd be alone.
"I here, Optimus," I gently insisted taking a seat across from him. "Talk to me."
"I'm scared, Ratch. I don't know where my daughter is. How can I help her if I can't find her?"
"Hope. You must always have hope, Optimus. Kacey is a strong willed little femme. She's a fighter, just like her mother and father. Pfft, she actually more stubborn than the both you put together!"
"I know," he sighed, still unable to lift his head up. "Still, in her current emotional state…I wonder…"
"Even when you had your dark depressing moments you knew when to pull finally your head out of your aft. Kacey is just like you. She will come out of it. And if she needs a little encouragement, there are more than enough Autobots here willing to help cheer her up." I reached across his desk, grabbing his hand. "Optimus, from past experiences, I know for a fact you will find Kacey."
"I hope so, Ratch."
Sam
The drive was quiet for the most part. Mom and Dad would periodically whisper to each other or Mojo. Mikaela and I would try every so often to get Bee to talk to us. But he just wasn't in his normal talkative mood.
Can't say I blame him. I know he's worrying about Kacey. I'm worried for her too. I'm also worried for my friend and wish there was something I could do to console him.
Bee's a sensitive guy…or mech as they're called. I know that much. He takes things to heart more than most humans. I honestly can't imagine what he's going through right now. Loving Kacey, not being able to express that love fully, and now losing her.
What he's going through was nothing like my hormonal driven desire to be with Mikaela. However, our relationship has evolved to a deeper, more meaningful one since Mission City. Bee on the other hand loves Kacey in a way I've only recently come to fully understand. I can see it in his face; hear the emotion in his voice. There is no lust involved whatsoever.
It's the purest form of love I've ever known.
I sighed wearily glancing into the rear view mirror to see Mojo standing on top of the back seat, barking out the back window.
"Mojo, will you stop with the barking," I grumbled.
For once he actually shut up. But instead of being quiet he started growling. I saw the hairs on his hind were raised too now. Mom reached up and grabbed him, quietly telling him to stop.
I was about to say something when I suddenly noticed a pair of Porche's, one deep midnight blue and the other deep dark purple, in the distance behind us. I turned around to get a better look. They seemed too familiar to be a coincidence.
"What is it?" Mikaela asked, when I turned back in my seat.
"Ah Bee…"
"I know, Sam. It's the Decepticons. I picked them up on my sensors awhile back. They had been out of my sensor range until I suddenly stopped on the freeway. They've gotten bolder since them and keep getting closer."
"So that's why you changed freeways back there? I thought you were taking a scenic route."
"Believe me, I need to get back to the base as quickly as possible but I can't lead the 'Cons to the base. Don't worry back up is on its way. We should arrive at the rendezvous coordinates in twenty minutes at my current speed."
"Will we be alright?" Mom asked nervously, hugging Mojo close.
"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Dad demanded.
"Don't worry. Bee's a kick ass driver. And I'm sure he had a good reason for not telling us, right?"
"They were keeping their distance. I didn't want to alarm any of you for no reason. I will do my best to protect all of you. You have my word on that. As a precaution, I've told my buddies to get their afts here as soon as possible. In a race, those two 'Cons are much faster than me."
I trusted Bumblebee's judgment. I didn't have much choice seat belted in his alt form blasting down the highway at one hundred and ten miles an hour. I just hoped his worry for Kacey wasn't distracting him too much at the moment.
"Bee," I sighed.
"Yes, Sam," he replied, his voice so full of sadness.
"We're here for you. We'll do whatever it takes to help get Kacey back. I promise."
"Thank you, Sam. That means so much to me."
"They're backing off," Mikaela informed us.
"Our ride is here."
Glancing up I saw the shuttlecraft above us. Bee immediately took the up coming off ramp and exited the freeway. The shuttle escorted us all the way to a clearing. There my dad and I made quick work of unloading Bee's trunk so he could transform.
"Any word on Kacey?" he immediately asked once he was standing up.
"No, nothing," the twins both sadly said.
"Keller should be arriving at the base soon. Supposedly he has a list of suspects," Magnus added.
"Then let's hurry," Bee insisted. "I want to be there for the meeting."
"Can we come to the meeting too?" I asked.
"I'm not sure, Sam," Magnus seriously answered. "I'm not even sure it's a good idea for you to be on the base right now. Some of the Autobots are a bit angry towards the humans right now."
"Not all humans are bad, Magnus," Bee countered. "Sam and his family did nothing wrong. And I'll have words with any mech or femme who says otherwise."
Magnus stood quiet for a long moment then suddenly burst into a hearty laugh.
"Primus, Bee you really have grown up. I guess I can't call you youngling anymore."
"Don't worry, Magnus, you still have Sunny and Sides to push around."
"Come on. Let's get moving. Sam, you and your family are welcomed on the base. I know Optimus will have no problem allowing you there. As for the meeting, that's not my call."
"We just want to help find Kacey," I told Magnus.
Prowl
I must be slipping in my old age to not realize Optimus would have thought about a scenario where an Autobot was captured by these humans. I know he's not naïve enough to believe they're all good.
I wasn't even angry at him when I yelled. I was angry at myself. I failed to do my job as second in command. I didn't protect Kacey, daughter of my Prime and a future leader amongst the Autobots until the day she is made Prime.
Yes, I truly believe that once Kacey is mature, she will rise through the ranks quickly and be a leader amongst us. She has all the qualities of a leader. She has all her father's qualities of a leader. Compassionate, strong willed, intelligent, resourceful, charismatic.
She like Optimus is so willing to put the Autobots' needs before her own. Even in her despair, she was willing to give up everything so that someone more able could take her place.
How wrong she was.
There isn't an Autobot alive who could take her place. I doubt any Autobot here would even dare to try. Kacey has earned their respect by how she travel alone amongst the stars and by how she escaped from Arcatraz and fled to Earth all on her own. She has their admiration and devotion for saving Bumblebee, Sunny, and Sides when they need help the most. Her actions during our battle against the Decepticons in Antarctica have firmly established her role as an Autobot in our army.
All Kacey simply must do now is grow up and claim her rightful place.
I sighed, praying that she will grow up for the sake of my friend. I hear his heavy foot steps in the shuttle bay approaching from behind. My head bows with a heavy spark, it aches for the pain I know he must be going through right now.
"Optimus, I'm sorry I yelled at you," I tell him as he comes to a stop at my side.
"No need to apologize, Prowl," he replied, his hand resting on my shoulder. I look up to see a small kind smile on his face. "We're all a little…emotional."
"Still, I had no right to raise my voice like that towards my commander."
"You forget, I gave you permission long ago to do exactly that to keep me from fraggin up," he smirked.
"I don't think this situation was what you had in mind when you told me," I sincerely told him. "We are as you say, emotional."
Optimus sighed.
"Prowl, this was not your fault. Please, I'm begging you as a friend to stop beating yourself up."
"But…"
"Do I need to make it an order?"
I said nothing as I stared at him. Then I smiled and shook my head.
"I thought so," he smirked at me.
"You've gotten better at these arguments with me."
"I have you to thank for that. Now, let's see what Keller has for us and get my daughter back."
I too saw the shuttle approaching. And yes, I too was hoping Keller had some information for us that would lead to finding Kacey. More so because I didn't know how much longer Optimus or Elita were going to be able to keep it together.
Ironhide
I frowned, seeing Prime's three little ones so quiet and still. They were usually rambunctious little fraggers so full of energy and life. Orion and Leo were usually very vocal whether they were playing or not. Ariel, though not as vocal as her brothers, always participated in their play and antics.
There was none of that now. They knew something was wrong. Especially little Leo. Primus, he's so sensitive just like Optimus was when he was a youngling. Orion, ever their protector, was holding Leo while Ariel was stroking her little brother's back.
"I wish we could do more for them," Chromia sighed, sitting with them, trying to comfort them.
"There is. We can find Kacey and bring her home."
"I hope we do soon. Elita is doing her best to keep it together. But she's my friend. I can tell this is ripping her up on the inside. She didn't want to leave them here but she needs to be at this meeting with Keller."
"I think we're all a bit ripped up on the inside about Kacey's abduction, my love. Just do your best to watch over the little ones. I'll be back as soon as the meeting is over."
"Father, can I come?"
I turned to see Nitro standing near the door.
"I'm sorry son. Officers only. Prowl wont even let the Witwicky boy attend when he arrives."
"But I want to help find Kacey too," he seriously said, his soft blue optics blazing with determination.
"I know you do," I smiled, kneeling before, patting him on the head. "But it's best that you stay here and keep an optic on your brother."
"Yes, father," Nitro sighed, bowing his head down.
"I'm proud you would want to help," I told him, lifting his chin up.
He nodded blinking his optic covers.
"You're such a good little mech. You have a good spark. Although, I'm curious as to whom you get your proper manners from. You certainly don't get them from me."
"That's because you weren't there to influence him when he was a sparkling," Chromia commented. "Otherwise, he'd have a glitch in his vocal processor just like little Sides."
"I just know when to behave," he smirked up at me making me laugh.
"Well, you definitely get that from your mother. Her vocal processor is as glitched as mine but she could be proper when necessary."
"Comments like that will mean you'll be recharging on the couch."
I glanced back to see she was serious. I sent her my love over our bond, apologizing as well. I spent ten long years apart from her I never wanted to spend a night alone in our recharge bed ever again. I love her too much for that.
"Help you mother," I ordered standing back up. To my love, "I'll let you know any information as soon as the meeting is over."
"Keep an optic on Optimus. Elita's worried about him."
"I always keep an optic on him. I worry about that lugnut too. Just do you best to help the little lugnut there."
Chromia picked up a whimpering Leo. The poor little mech looked miserable. I didn't have time to console him. I knew Chromia would do better than I so I left. I like the other officers, and just about everyone on the base, were eager to find out what Keller had for us.
He'd better have something for us otherwise Optimus is going to blow a gasket. I know I will.
"Did I miss it?"
I turned to see Bumblebee running towards me.
"No, it's just about to start," I answered as he caught up with me. "How was your run in with the Decepticons?"
"They scrammed as soon as the shuttle arrived to pick me up. Has…has there been any word about Kacey?"
"No. We all hoping Keller has something for us."
"Oh."
His response wasn't what made me turn towards him but how he said it. The young mech was taking Kacey's abduction much harder than I would have imagined. Primus, he looked like his spark had been ripped in two from the pained expression on his faceplates and by how his shoulders sagged.
"Bumblebee, are you ok?"
The expression was gone in an instant. He stood up straight. His optics locked intently on mine.
"Yeah, I just want to do what I can to find Kacey."
"We all do, my friend…we all do."
Elita
It was with some reluctance that I attended this meeting. I was worried about my little sparklings. There we so upset when I left them with Chromia. Little Leo was clinging to me and refused to let go. It took all my will to not cry when I gently pried his small hands from my armor and put him on Orion's lap. I knew my oldest son would hold Leo doing what he could to comfort his little brother.
But I needed to be at this meeting. I was worried about Kacey. I had experienced the unpleasantness of not feeling her spark within my once when I was captured by the Decepticons. Once was too much for most mothers to handle. To this day I don't know how I managed to hang on.
And now, to have her taken and not feel her spark within me again…it's…almost too much for me to bear. It's worse than when I felt her life force fading when she almost died. Then at least I felt something. Now there's nothing.
Well, nothing but the turmoil of my loves spark within my own.
Sitting to the right of my love, I listened intently to Mr. Keller. I reached to hold Optimus' hand, hoping to sooth him. Across from me was Ironhide and Ratchet. Both mechs periodically would discretely glance at Optimus. Both obviously worried for him as much as I was.
Yet, we were all so worried about Kacey. I noticed how sad Bumblebee was in his seat beside Ratchet. The young mech seemed to be taking his duties as uncle a bit too seriously. I have never seen such sadness from him before.
Beside him sat Magnus. The mech looked determined to do whatever was required of him to find Kacey. A good friend to Optimus, Magnus was always there to lend a hand whenever needed. I knew we'd be able to count on him in this situation. Like the others, he to has gotten attached to Kacey.
And Prowl. From the way his from sat beside me I could tell he was upset with himself, blaming himself for something that wasn't his fault. At times I believed he took his duty as second in command too seriously. Then I remind myself that Prowl's duty is the most important for he has to take care of Optimus and the Autobots. Prowl sees to it that the Autobots do their jobs well so that Optimus can focus on his. Still, I wish he wouldn't take things to spark so much when something goes wrong and it's not his fault. He'd too good of a mech to suffer so much like that.
I couldn't see Wheeljack on Prowl's other side. He's another mech who likes to beat himself up when something goes wrong. Wheeljack was there in the shuttle bay when Optimus told me that Kacey was kidnapped. The mech was distressed yet eager to help.
Hound too was determined to help. He came to me alone, apologizing, nearly in tears because he couldn't follow the trail any further than the highway he'd tracked it to. He understands all to well what it is like to be separated from a loved one. I truly hope that one day he and his son, Marshall, will be reunited.
"All these names are meaningless to us," Ironhide commented bluntly. "At this point, I don't give a slag who took Kacey! We all know why she was taken. You fraggin…"
"Ironhide," Prowl hissed, silencing the weapons officer. "Please, continue Mr. Keller. Any information you have can be relevant. No clue must be overlooked."
"Agreed," I said, glancing at Ironhide.
He looked apologetic towards me and I bowed my head back at him. I know he's only trying to help. He's just one to let his temper get the better of him during these kinds of situations.
"Right, Mr. Simmons as a theory, one I know you will all want to closely look into," Keller explained.
"Thank you," the man nodded from his seat beside Keller at the end of the table.
Wheeljack managed to fix it so the humans can sit at our large table in the briefing room. Although, two of them took up one spot for us.
"There is one name I did not give to you yet, Ironhide," he continued. "I believe he is the only one with the means and the motive for kidnapping Kacey. Dr. James Spielman."
"What? He's Kacey's friend," Bumblebee said in disbelief.
I too was even a bit shocked. Kacey talked very highly of Jim.
"He was the lead scientist who worked closely on Megatron for years at Sector Seven," Simmons countered. "He is one of the top minds with regards to Artificial Intelligence and robotics. He has the money to buy whatever he needs. And, he is also the kind of guy who would stoop to any level to get what he wants."
"Just because you have a personal grudge against him doesn't mean he took Kacey," Prowl said.
Now that surprised me. I wonder how Prowl learned of that.
"Is this true? You dislike Dr. Spielman?" I asked.
"We do not see eye to eye, I will admit that," Simmons answered.
"Then you are referring to the deaths that occurred at Sector Seven as a result of an accident," Optimus suggested and a felt a small tinge of anger smoldering within him.
I glanced at my love to see he had no emotion on his face plates. He pulled his hand away from mind.
"That is correct," Simmons said. "He takes unnecessary risks for his ego. He will stop at nothing to achieve his own personal goals. I believed that then and I do now."
"There's only one way to confirm this. We ask him," Prowl suggested.
"We would…if we can find him," Keller grimly said. "He has gone into hiding. I have teams searching his previous locations now, hoping to find a clue as to his current whereabouts."
"When Spielman doesn't want to be found, he can make it very difficult to track him," Simmons added. "After we relocated him in his new home he disappeared several days later and has been missing ever since."
"That can't be," I said, facing Simmons in total disbelief. "Kacey has talked to him on a number of occasions since he left."
My processor couldn't calculate such a betrayal. This human appeared to care for Kacey and yet…
"I'm sorry, but you're daughter is the only one who has then. She was probably the only one who knew where he was. And now…well, I stake my life on the theory that he probably has Kacey right now."
"We're doing what we can to find him and hopefully Kacey," Keller sincerely said, his face full of sorrow. "I'm afraid it may take some time."
"Kacey probably doesn't have time!" Ironhide grumbled.
Several of the other agreed with him, voicing the opinions, their disbeliefs. And during those few minutes I felt my love's anger festering, boiling to a point where he finally let it out.
"I JUST WANT MY DAUGHTER FOUND!" Optimus suddenly roared, pounding his fists so hard on the table it cracked down the middle.
Magnus and Hound quickly moved the humans to safety. All the others, myself include, moved away just before the table collapsed.
"I DON'T CARE HOW! JUST FIND MY DAUGHTER!"
No one dared move or speak to Optimus at the moment. His entire frame shook with anger as he stood to his full intimidating height. His optics flared at anyone how dared make optic contact with him. Even Ironhide and Ratchet shied away from him. Not even Prowl dared to glance at Optimus.
This was not their place to. It was mine. I glanced at Prowl. He nodded understanding my silent orders and indicated for the others to leave.
I moved before my love, my hand reaching to caress his face, my voice a soft hushed whisper as I spoke to him in our language, telling him how much I love him, how much I'm here for him.
His anger quickly faded. Instead, before me stood a mech who appeared as any father would…sorrowful, hurt…afraid. My spark ached for him.
"I need her back," he murmured softly, optics cast downwards towards the floor. "It hurts so much, Elita. I feel as if someone's reached in and rip a part of my spark out."
"Shh, I know," I said, pulling his forehead down against mine. "Mine hurts too."
"It's all my fault," he wept.
"How is this your fault, my love?"
"I didn't love her enough…I didn't protect her enough."
"That's slag and you know it. You…"
Optimus suddenly staggered back away from me. Mixed emotions spread across his face plates.
"What is it?" I quickly asked.
"It's Kacey," he gasped. "I can feel her through my bond."
"Where is she?"
"She doesn't know," he replied as he appeared to be concentrating on the link with our daughter.
I did nothing to interfere. The bond between father and daughter is much stronger than my bond with Kacey. Otherwise I too would feel what he's feeling.
"She's so faint…I can barely hear her," he wept. "Primus…she's so frightened."
"Her beacon, can she activate it?"
A few astroseconds went by before he answered.
"No, she says it's damaged. So is her communicator."
"Who took her?" I asked, afraid that I already knew the answer.
Optimus' optics suddenly widened in fear, a pained flashed briefly on his face plates and then his optics narrowed…dangerously.
"What is it?" I quietly asked.
I got an answer. Just one I wasn't prepared for.
Optimus exploded into a fit of rage before me, bellowing so loud I had to cover my audio receptors. I quickly moved towards the door in tears as my love grabbed his chair. I watched him smash it against the floor over and over until it broke. He roared again as he grabbed one broken half of the tabled and heaved it at the wall.
"What's is it? What's going on?" Ironhide asked.
Through my tears I could see him, Ratchet, Prowl, Magnus, Bee, Wheeljack, and Hound. Only Ironhide dared to go into the room a short ways.
"Optimus, stop! Don't do this to yourself!" Ironhide shouted.
"THAT FRAGGER SPIELMAN INFLICTED PAIN UPON MY CHILD! AND THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO TO PROTECT HER! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO REACT TO THAT?!"
A chair flew across the room and then another and another. And all the while Optimus was cursing and growling.
"Ratchet, please, do something," I begged. "I don't want him to hurt himself."
"Right, Hide, Prowl, the rest of you. It's going to take all of you to hold him down so I can sedate him. Elita, you…you may want to stay out here."
"I'll go first," Ironhide said. "Prowl, you and the others are right behind me."
"Got it," Prowl nodded.
"Go!"
Ironhide charged in with the others right behind him. I slid down the wall, covering my face with my hands and wept. The commotion of curses, bangs, and growls in the room did nothing to ease my spark.
I couldn't blame Optimus for reacting the way he did. If I had felt the pain my child was experiencing I too would have gone into a fit of rage. I would have blasted anyone who was in my way and not thought twice about it. The same will go for Spielman if he ever comes across my path. I will not hesitate to shoot him for hurting my child.
Megatron
My sparkling dangled upside down from the side of my command chair, giggling and having a good time. I leaned over watching Venom for a while before safely letting him to the floor. Then I smiled as he crawled across the room.
It had become a normal sight now to have my son with me in the command center. I figured why wait. Better for him to start learning now how to rule the Decepticons. My son learned quickly how to take advantage of the fact that those Decepticons in the commander center did very little to stop him from play wherever he chose to. And he was quick heed my words if I told him he wasn't to be in a certain area, mainly on a computer console.
His tears did not sway me like they did his mother. He learned that quickly too. As I recall, my own father never allowed tears when I was young. Even when Optimus was a sparkling father did his best to discourage any tears. Perhaps, I made the mistake by not being as strict as father with Optimus. Perhaps things could have been different between us.
Still, I cannot change the past. I can merely shape the future. I will not make the same mistake with Venom. He will not grow up to be a pathetic weakling like my brother.
"Lord Megatron, I have news to report," Soundwave said, as he bowed his head respectfully before me.
"Go ahead. And be mindful of Venom," I said seeing that Venom was crawling back this way.
"Of course," my friend smiled. "Shade and Nighthawk have indicated that the Witwicky boy has been taken by the Autobots again. We can assume it's their base which we still have not been able to locate."
"Are you sure the two lovers weren't just interfacing instead of doing their job?" I grumbled, bending over and picking up Venom.
"Who knows, with those two anything is possible. They did say the family loaded supplied into the Autobot's alt form before speeding off. Since Witwicky boy is untraceable at the moment, I have given Shade and Nighthawk a new mission."
I was about to open my mouth and protest but the smirk on Soundwave's face stopped me.
"Please, continue," I said, noticing that Venom was yawning.
"I have found a new lead and may have finally located Spielman. I sent the femmes for confirmation. This human is most difficult to track. He uses false names and companies to set up his secret labs. I believe I found his most recent one."
"Where?"
"It is located about fifty Earth miles to the northwest of a city called Colorado Springs."
"Excellent," I smiled, rising to my feet with the sleeping sparkling in my arms. "Let me know the moment Shade and Nighthawk confirm Spielman is there. I'm anxious to get reacquainted with the good Doctor."
Up next: We head to Spielman's secret lab.
For those who haven't read it. There is a Mother's Day one shot story involving Kacey. It's called A Daughter's Gift. It's a bonus short story for my dedicated readers of the Kaceystar Trilogy. Go read it. There is going to be a scene in the next chapter or so involving Elita and this gift she received from Kacey.