This is another necessary character driven chapter. I have to say, the ending of this chapter is one I've been waiting a while for you all to read. I sincerely hope you like Kacey's new friend.

Phoenix13? You around? I threw in a Magnus scene for ya! Go madfangirlpower!

Again, I thank everyone for their reviews. I must admit this particular story arc has gone on longer than I had originally planned. Thanks for staying with Kacey on her journey.

We now continue with Sam and the search for Kacey.

a/n: some harsh language

Sam

Mikaela and I shared the same tired look when we glanced at each other. Two hours had gone by. A long two hours. This was going to take forever with just three of us looking up each individual shipping manifest and cross referencing it. I had a feeling it might go faster if Bumblebee could have fit into the office section of the distribution plant.

He was pretty upset when he had to stay outside in his alt form. Bee actually chose to park nearby instead of staying with Magnus and the shuttlecraft. I think my friend was hoping his help would become necessary. He would do anything to find Kacey. I know that in my heart. And, honestly, we needed him

A thought suddenly struck me.

"You know, Bee can access and get information from the computer faster than the three of us put together."

"Well too bad he can't fit into the office," Simmons smirked, somewhat triumphantly, not taking his eyes of the computer monitor.

"True, but he can in the factory. We just need a longer cable for the computer then he can access it. You wouldn't want Optimus to get mad at you? I think he'd be really pissed off if you delayed in finding any information that could lead to finding his daughter. "

A flicker of fear flashed across Simmons' eyes. I'm sure he heard about how Optimus just lost it and demolished the briefing room. I think the entire base heard him roar. I know we did and we were in Bumblebee's quarters!

"Very well, kid."

"Great, I'll get him."

"I'll talk to one of the tech guys, and see where the nearest router is to the factory," Mikaela smiled.

"I'll send one of the officers to get an Ethernet cable. I doubt they have one long enough here to reach to the factory," Simmons said, not sounding like the asshole he normally comes off as.

With each of us having a task to do I quickly made my way from the offices to the factory. Thanks to Keller, both Mikaela and I had temporary Federal ID badges so that no one would question us if we asked someone to do anything. So the foreman in the factory was more than cooperative to show me where the loading dock was. It would be the only door big enough for Bumblebee to fit through.

It took a moment to get my bearings but I quickly spotted the yellow Camero parked some fifty yards to the left of the loading docks.

"Bumblebee!" I shouted, cupping my hands so my voice would carry.

I could hear his engine roar to life before he back out of his parking spot. His engine sounded a bit anxious as he drove over to me.

"What is it, Sam?" he asked, using his speakers.

"Transform, you're coming inside to help," I smiled.

"Bout fraggin time!" he exclaimed as he was transforming.

"Holy shit!"

"What the fuck!"

"Guys, guys its ok!" I quickly said, trying to calm down some of the employees. I forgot not everyone was used to cars transforming around them. "This is an Aubotbot. His name's Bumblebee. He's here to help with our investigation."

I moved close to Bee. And for the first time I was actually able to pat him on the chest instead of the leg since I was up on the loading platform.

"See he's harmless," I smiled.

"I wouldn't say harmless," he commented. "But I will not harm any of you. I give you my word."

"It might take a while," I told my friend. "We're trying to set up a computer in the factory for you to access."

"Thank you, Sam. I didn't like sitting there, doing nothing."

The sadness was back in my friend's face.

"I'm just doing what I can to help my friends," I said in earnest.

"Sam!"

Turning I saw Mikaela running towards me.

"The foreman has a computer! They're setting it up just outside his office now so Bumblebee can access it."

My friend didn't hesitate to climb up onto the platform. He actually had to duck down a bit to get through the door but was able to stand up to his full height once inside.

I think we were all anxious waiting for the computer tech guy to finish. Bee most of all. I could hear his hands flexing behind me.

"There, it's up and running," the guy said then stepped away.

We all moved aside, giving Bumblebee some space. I wasn't exactly sure how he was going to access the computer since he couldn't use the keyboard. However, I suspected that he had other ways.

"I have all the known locations of Spielman's previous hideouts and those that Simmons suspects as possible hideouts. I will cross reference them with the shipments," Bumblebee said and the gently grabbed hold of the hard drive with his large hand.

Right away data flashed on the computer monitor. The images were changing so fast I couldn't make any of them out. Then after a few minutes they just stopped.

"He did ship to several of his locations but only those in the Central and the Pacific regions. And he even shipped to one of your suspected locations just over six months ago, Mr. Simmons."

"Which one?"

Bumblebee stopped. The worry on his face troubled me.

"Seattle."

"Bumblebee, what's wrong?" I quickly asked.

"Nothing, we have to go there right away!" he answered, moving to leave.

"Why?" Simmons asked.

"I can't tell you. I'll need to call this one in to Optimus. He'll want to be there too."

"Bumblebee!" I shouted, making him stop walking.

"I can't tell you," he reiterated, looking as serious as I had ever seen him.

"Is this location close to the Autobot base?" Simmons asked.

Bumblebee suddenly knelt down and spoke in a threatening manner to Simmons that shocked both Mikaela and myself.

"Don't piss me off by asking anymore questions!"

Prowl

"Kaceystar, daughter of Autobot leader Optimus Prime, has been kidnapped by renegade humans. According to the website, she has been missing for more than two days now and an intense search for her continues. We still have yet to learn of the validity of the claim. However, our own Government refuses to comment on the situation and no Autobot has been located for an interview. However, the people have spoken and they believe this is not a hoax."

"The Autobots haven't lied to us yet? Why would they start now? They're good robots."

"I think it's sick that someone would want to kidnap Kacey! What did she ever do to deserver it?"

"Hi, my name's Alice. I'm five. And I just want for Kacey to be ok. And I want her to go back home with her mommy and daddy where she belongs."

"Kacey's kid for Pete's sake! What sick monster would do such a thing to a child?"

"Pull up the website," Optimus quietly ordered.

I immediately changed the news recording to the website on the monitor for Optimus to see. His response had been the opposite of Keller when I informed them of the news broadcast about the website. John was quite…angered upon hearing that the news of Kacey's abduction was now public knowledge.

Optimus was quiet. Brooding. I wasn't sure what he was thinking as he looked over the website. One of the few times I was unable to decipher my commander's train of thought.

"They don't point out who took Kacey. Just that she's been kidnapped," Elita sighed. "I honestly don't see what Keller's so upset about. And frankly, I'll take any help we can get if it will find Kacey."

"Who set up the website, Prowl?"

I sighed, a bit reluctant to give him the answer.

"Prowl?"

"It was set up by Sam and Mikaela," I answered. "Around the time Kacey was recovering from her operation. It went live a few days ago. But it was just update only a few hours ago. I can shut the website down…"

"No," Optimus ordered. "No. I want it monitored. I'm in agreement with Elita. We could get lucky; someone could have seen something that will lead to Kacey. And this website gives them the means to give us the information."

"And Keller?"

"I'll deal with Keller."

"Bumblebee to Autobot, base. Come in Prowl."

"Prowl, here," I quickly answered after I opened the communication link on the computer. "Go ahead Bumblebee."

"We found a possible lead and are on route to a warehouse…Prowl it's a location on the outskirts of Seattle. And it's one of the locations Simmons suspected that Spielman was using. Tell Optimus, we're tracking a shipment of the liquid nitrogen there. We still don't know if it will lead to Kacey or not. Oh, and one more thing, I have not said it's so close to the base but Simmons is suspicious."

"We'll deal with Simmons once you return to base," I said then turned to address Optimus…only to see him and Elita disappear out the door of the Command Center. "Frag! Optimus heard your transmission, Bumblebee. He and Elita are on route."

"I understand, Bumblebee out."

"Hound, this is Prowl. Optimus and Elita are leaving the base. Follow them. Do your best to keep up with them. Transmitting the coordinates of the location they're heading to now."

"I got the coordinates, Prowl. I'll keep my optics on them both."

Frag it all the way to vector sigma! With as fast as Optimus and Elita can drive they'll arrive at the warehouse around the same time as Magnus and the others. But that didn't matter. What matters is I have two emotionally distraught leaders, parents who are worried more for their child then their own safety.

"Magnus…come in Magnus."

"Magnus here. Bumblebee told me. I assume you want me to chaperone Optimus and Elita from the sky?"

"You read my processor. Do it. They're both not themselves right now."

"Are any of us? Magnus out."

No. If I were to answer the question honestly, my answer would be no. We're all stretched to our limits with worry for Kacey. Each of us knows the longer she's away from the safety of the Autobots, the more her chance of survival decreases.

I pray each moment I'm am alone that Primus will deliver our young Autobot, our future Prime…our brave little friend back to us. I pray that he gives Kacey the strength to hold out until we find her.

And even if Primus sees fit to ignore my prayers, I have faith in Kacey. For if she is anything like her father or mother, she will be a very uncooperative and stubborn captive. It was simply a matter of how long that stubbornness of hers could last.

Magnus

The situation was grim. The warehouse was empty, abandoned, void of life except for the small rodents that traveled within the walls and in the shadows. It appeared to have been deserted for some time as there were layers upon layers of dust everywhere.

My spark sank for my commander and his bonded sparkmate. I can only imagine the terrible pain they're going through at not being able to find their youngling. It is a pain I gladly share because Optimus and Elita are more than my commanders, they're my friends.

"I'm so sorry, Optimus," I speak softly, my words feeling too inadequate to provide any kind of comfort.

"I was not expecting to find my daughter so quickly, Magnus," Optimus replied, his deep voice resonating with the sadness from within. "I was…I was merely hoping for a sign."

"OVER HERE!" Simmons shouted from the far side of the warehouse.

Autobot and human hurried to Simmons' location. Each was anxious to find a clue that would lead to Kacey.

"What is it, Mr. Simmons?" Optimus asked.

Even before Simmons responded I saw it. Human boot tracks in the dust. I would guess not more than a few days old, if my training with Hound paid off that is.

"In here was where the liquid nitrogen was stored," Simmons pointed out the large freezer door.

"These tracks are fresh…four days old I would say," Hound said as he was kneeling beside them.

"I don't think it was enough to keep her incapacitated for too much longer," Simmons said. "At least, according to the shipping manifest the supply should only last a week at most."

"Optimus...a word, please?"

My commander nodded slowly and followed me a short distance away so we could be alone.

"What is it Magnus? And why couldn't you speak in front of the others?"

"For security reasons, Prime. No human must know the location of our base. They may mean well, but they have weaknesses. I've learned that much during my time on Earth. I will not compromise us or them. For this is why I must speak to you alone."

"Very well. What is it you have to say?" he said, folding his arms across his wide chest, one of the many characteristics of Optimus that meant I had his full attention.

"Sir, Spielman obviously came here for supplies he did not have."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Because our base is located less than two hundred miles to East from here. The highway, Hound tracked the vehicles to, does not lead to this city. It would be an illogical choice to come so far out of the way for some supplies unless you needed them."

Optimus paced back and forth, rubbing his chin, processing what I told him. Experience taught me to remain quiet.

"When we get back to the base, I want you to put together a small team and contact the hotels and motels in the surrounding area from here to the base. Do not tell Keller or Simmons. I'll tell Elita myself, I'm sure she'll want to help. We have a list of aliases Spielman uses, hopefully one of them will turn up."

"And with a little luck, we'll find the one that leads to Kacey," I smiled confidently.

"Pray we are that lucky, my friend."

Optimus quickly turned to the others.

"Let's move out!" Optimus ordered. "There's nothing more we can learn here. We know he has a limited supply of liquid nitrogen. That supply will be running out in less than a week."

"Which means that if the fragger plans on using more of it on my daughter he'll need a fresh supply," Elita added.

"Then we'll get him, right guys?" Sam excitedly asked.

"Right, Sam," Bee smiled.

I brought up the rear as we headed to the large door we came through. Optimus and Elita were quiet. No doubt Optimus was telling her my theory.

"How did you get here before us, Optimus?" Simmons asked.

"I told you, I called Prowl telling him of our discovery. I knew Optimus would want to be notified immediately," Bumblebee answered.

"And we were dropped off via shuttlecraft," Hound said.

"The other shuttle left knowing I would take them back to base with us," I finished.

Whether the human believed us or not we may never know. Simmons did stop asking questions and was quiet like everyone else during the ride back to base. I deliberately took a little longer, but not too long, to get there in hopes to throw Simmons off. The last thing we need was another human knowing the location of our base.

As we landed in the shuttle bay I had already contacted the twins to meet me at my quarters in thirty minutes. The over eager fraggers needed something to do to help find Kacey. I thought I was going to have to beat them up with my rifle when they were begging to go to Colorado Springs with me. They were literally clinging onto my legs!

Besides, Sunny and Sides were both perfect for this assignment. Both of them knew Earth lingo and could talk up a storm.

"What is it Mags? Where are going?" the both asked excitedly, neither of them bothering to knock on my door and just letting themselves in.

"You're lucky I wasn't engaged in intimate activities with a femme! I'd have blasted both you afts for coming in without my permission!"

"Well…we did listen first," Sunny smirked.

Normally I would have let him have it for that remark. I lost count of the number of times I caught the twins eavesdropping on couples and had to chase them away. Only I didn't smack him. I had my orders and wasn't going to shirk my duty for one astrosecond.

"But we know you Mags," Sides continued. "There's no time for fun with you when you're working. You're too stuffy."

I chucked a datapad at him….fast and hard.

"OW!" he yelped when it hit his forehead.

"There's your assignments," I growled, tossing a datapad at Sunny who was prepared and caught his before it hit him in the head too. "I need you to call those hotels and find out if a guest by one of those names stayed at any of them."

"Ah, Mags…this is work for the femmes," Sunny whined. "We're mechs of action!"

I sat back in my chair and refrained from smiling. Boy, was he gonna get it!

"I hear anything like that come from you vocal processor again, Sunny, I will blast your aft into tiny pieces and send them back to Cybertron!" Elita barked from behind them, making them both jump. Then both instantly shrank in their place, head bowed down avoiding any optic contact with the femme Commander. "These are Optimus orders and you will follow them."

She paused, suddenly looking tired and a bit worn out. Her tone much softer. More like a worried mother instead of a fierce warrior.

"We're hoping one of these names will lead to Kacey."

"I apologize, Ma'am," Sunny humbly said. "You know we'd do anything for Kacey."

"Then let's get to it. Magnus, I assume you have a datapad for me."

"Of course," I nodded, handing one to her but I didn't let it go right away. "One way or another, we will find Kacey. I promise you."

"I just wish she wouldn't shut us out so much. Optimus says Kacey's keeping her emotions to herself right now. Primus she's so much like her father, not wanting for any of us to feel her pain whether it be emotional or physical."

"You're right, Kacey is very much like Optimus and she is very much like you. Neither one of you made a very cooperative prisoner for the Decepticons. You both either held on until help arrived or made your own way home. Even if we do not find Kacey, she will find a way home."

"You really believe that, Magnus?" Sides quietly asked.

"I do. Now, let's get to work."

Kacey

When I regained consciousness I was immediately welcomed by the cold permeating my vulnerable protoform. Next was the dull ache where my left audio receptor used to be. I fear that without the protective covering the pain will only increase. Any exposed internal structure was not good for any transformer, especially sparklings and younglings.

I moaned softly as I tried to sit up. My limbs felt stiff. It was even difficult to ball my hand up into a fist and it was almost too painful to try.

Obviously Jim sought to keep me compliant by lowering the temperature. Clever human. The freezing temperatures would slow my systems, my reflexes, my reactions. But it wouldn't slow my desire to be free. It would not stop me from trying to figure a way out.

With a grunt I labored to get myself up onto my feet. My efforts were reward with a strong, painful energy charge to all my systems. When at last my aching systems recovered I found myself lying on my side on the floor.

There was no banter from my captor. No revelry of my pain. In fact, I didn't see anyone in the window peering in to observe my suffering.

Once again, I sat up.

That's when I finally noticed the faint electrical humming noise. It appeared to be emanating from the walls. Without thinking I reached out and touched the wall near the window. An arc of energy leapt off the wall to my finger before I could pull it away fast enough.

"Argg!" I growled as the pain shot up my arm.

Obviously, the wall was rigged to disperse an energy discharge if I touched it or got too close to it. Frag! I wasn't going anywhere at the moment. At least not until I figured a way out.

So I drew my legs up into my chest, holding them close with my arms. I had to try and stay warm. This cold wasn't as cold as the void of space. But in space I was flying, I was generating heat to keep my systems functioning within normal parameters. I cannot do that in such a small, confined space.

Slow rolling tears froze to my faceplates as I wept quietly. I missed my family. I should never have left them. Even now I could feel them reaching to me. Their love was a continuous soft echo within permeating my spark. I dare not open up completely to them. I cannot allow Leo or the twins to feel my pain and suffering. And my father and mother would only worry more for me if they felt it.

No, I was all alone in my prison. Alone…tired…and…

Suddenly the speakers produced a series of sounds. Not human in origin. Not words that any human could understand either. But sets of electrical beeps and warbles. A code. A simple form of communication that I could easily translate and understand.

"Are those called tears?"

Curious I looked out the window again. There had been no signs of life when I looked out a few moments ago. At least, no signs of human life. The tiny bipedal mechanism, no bigger than one of Leo's small legs, moved closer into my view.

It had gone unnoticed before; I assumed it was a piece of equipment. Now I can clearly make out its arms, legs, four digits on each hand, solid wide feet for support. The face was made to resemble humans with round bright yellow eyes, a mouth, though the mouth did not move when it spoke, ear holes, and even a nose. It almost looked like…a new born sparkling. Only it was much smaller than any sparkling I'd ever seen.

"Are you crying?"

"If you must know, yes," I answered using the same language.

"Why?"

"Because I'm sad. I miss my family."

"What's that like?"

"To be sad?"

"Yes," it answered, moving a step closer.

"You have an ache…here…in the center of your chest."

The small robot imitated my actions my tapping the center of its chest plate.

"You're Artificial Intelligence, aren't you?" I asked.

"My creator built me, that is correct. I'm to serve his needs whenever he calls upon me and whenever he does not."

"Did he send you…your creator? Did he send you to talk to me?" I angrily asked.

"Dr. Spielman is sleeping. I am here of my own accord to determine if I am…malfunctioning."

"You seem fine to me," I replied, relaxing a bit, my anger fading. "Did Spielman tell you that you had a glitch?"

"He has mentioned dismantling me on a few occasions when I was not functioning according to my programming. He does not like it when I do not function properly. I prefer not to make my creator angry."

"What an asshole," I muttered.

"I agree."

I burst into a hearty laugh. I wasn't expecting that kind of response from an Artificial Lifeform.

"Sounds to me like you've simply evolved beyond your original programming, …er…what's your name?"

"RX-134."

"Pff! That's not a proper designation. You're not an airplane or a helicopter."

Again, it moved forward even closer. I could swear it even seemed…anxious as it lifted up on its toes.

"What would you prefer to call me then?" it asked.

"I don't know. Is there anything special you can do?"

It settled back and appeared to be thinking as it turned its head slightly to the side. Primus, Spielman stuck gold and he doesn't even realize it.

"There is one thing I…I like to do," it said.

"Tell me," I smiled.

"It is easier if I show you."

Now I was anxious as I watched RX-134 reach down and grab hold of the tips of its feet. Then its form shaped into a…a ring, an almost perfect circle, I guess.

Again I laughed as it rolled around the room gaining speed before it came back to a stop and stood back up before me.

"I recognize a speed demon when I see one," I mused. "That's kind of cool how you roll around like that."

"Yes, it is more efficient when I need to travel long distances."

"You said you like to roll around?"

"Yes. Is that a malfunction?"

"For Primus sake, no. Having fun is not a malfunction! Thinking beyond your original programming is not a malfunction. You are a sentient being, Roller. And when my father and mother find me, I'm taking you with me so you can be free."

"What did you call me?"

"Roller," I smirked. "Seemed fitting since you like rolling around fast."

"Roller…I like it."

"Roller, my name is Kaceystar. My family and friends call me Kacey. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It is…"

A door slamming in another room interrupted Roller.

"Go! Hurry! I don't want you to get in trouble," I quickly told him.

Roller hesitated.

"Please," I implored him. "You can always come back to visit me when no one is around. I'm not going anywhere at the moment. We'll talk again…I promise."

"I would like that, Kaceystar. I would like that very much."

For lack of a better word, Roller transformed and disappeared down a hallway just before the guard entered the room. I had dimmed my optics to a point where they were almost offline so I could watch the guard. He sat down at a desk after giving me a long look.

But now I had more than just my self to worry about. I could not, in all good conscience, allow Roller to remain here if I escape or am rescued. I believe as my father does, freedom is the right of all sentient beings. It doesn't matter to me whether that being is of flesh and blood or is made of metal alloy with nuts and bolts. All are equal in my optics.

I hope you all liked that little surprise there with Roller. I'm anxious to know what you thought. I've been dying to get that scene out there for a long while now.