Another long chapter. Again, there was no way to break it up. Hope you enjoy it!

Author's notes: italics denote flashbacks or one side of telephone conversation

Prowl

"The Matrix? No, Sir. I've never heard of it."

"I doubt anyone has," Sentinel said, relaxing back in his chair behind his desk. "Sit Prowl. Please."

At the behest of my leader, I took a seat across from him. My processor was still searching my databanks for any references on the Matrix. Of course, I found nothing. And I had no idea why Sentinel was bringing up something like this now.

"What exactly is the Matrix, Sir? And why have I never heard of it?"

Sentinel chuckled, "Straight and to the point as always. I thought Jazz would have loosened you up a bit by now."

"I'm second in command, Sir. I can't afford to loosen up when on duty," I replied.

Sentinel raised on optic ridge.

"Ah, so you have loosened up. Good, you can't be on duty every astrosecond of every day. Glad you finally learned that." Sentinel said then grew quiet. Before he continued, he locked his office door from the console on his desk. I didn't need to be told that what he was about to discuss was meant for my audio receptors only. "The Matrix is a closely guarded secret passed on from one Prime to the next. It must remain that way. We can never let it fall into Decepticon hands."

"What is it, Sir?"

"Knowledge," Sentinel smiled proudly. "More accurately, the accumulative knowledge of each Prime as it is passed from one to the next. Such knowledge can come in handy during those times of great necessity. I myself have used it on a couple of occasions."

"What...is it some sort of storage device?" I asked.

"Yes and no. It is difficult to explain. You see the Matrix alone is as you say, a simple storage device. What Kreeose Prime discovered after he found it was that the Matrix when linked with a mechanism and comes to life."

"It doesn't have a mind of its own. It needs to be linked in order to function. Through this…bond all one's experiences are stored. But accessing those memories is difficult. It took me a long time before I could master retrieving some of the older memories from those before me stored within the Matrix. I strained my energy levels to do it which is why I've only tried it on a couple of occasions."

"Why didn't Kreeose turn it in to the High Council?"

"First of all, he accidently linked with it and had no idea how to get the thing off. Second…and this might be far fetched….but it told him not to. I probably wouldn't have either at that time. The High Council would have just fought over it. Each member had their own political agenda and would use it for their own means. Kreeose made the decision to protect the Matrix. And who better than a Prime who is Cybertron's appointed protector and military leader."

"A Prime understands the meaning of sacrifice more than any other mech or femme. We have no ambitions or needs. Our people come first. The Matrix enables us to do this and seems to understand. Again, it is difficult to explain...its…it's just a feeling I have. The Matrix is as much a part of me as I am of it. If that makes sense."

"I'll tell you. It was a shock to me when I was first told about it too. But I know I can trust you, Prowl. This war with the Decepticons is…" he sighed heavily. "Megatron is ruthless. I fear he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. I've done everything in my power and then some to keep the All Spark hidden from him and his spies."

"Prowl, I'm afraid for my son. He just got his armor. He's in the final stage of his youngling hood. He will be a fully mature mech one day soon. He will be Prime one day…far sooner than I'd like I'm afraid. It comforts me to know that a part of me will be with him after I've gone. And I would do anything to protect that part…for Optimus."

"I understand, Sir."

"The Matrix is more important than me…than any Prime. The knowledge within the Matrix is precious and to be used wisely. But in the hands of the Decepticons can be corrupted for their own vial use. If anything were to happen to me, the Matrix must be retrieved at all costs. Can I have your word on that? Can I have your word that you would do your best to prepare Optimus for Prime when the time comes?"

"Of course, Sir. You can count on me."

"Good. You're dismissed," Sentinel said rising to his feet. "I need to see how Optimus' lessons with Magnus are going."

"Yes, Sir. Does…does anyone else know about the Matrix?"

"Ratchet is the only other mech who knows. You should have seen his face when I told him right after I appointed him my CMO. He actually had to see it to believe it. Now, if you'll excuse me."

With that, Sentinel left. I headed to my office, my processor going over what Sentinel had just told me. Primus, the implications of the Matrix falling into Megatron's hands…I didn't want to calculate how bad things could be if such a thing happened.

"Prowl, you look like you need to relax," Jazz's deep voice purred, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked up to see him standing in the doorway of my office, having let himself in without asking. Some days it irritated me when he did that. Other days it was a welcomed distraction. Today…I didn't know yet. My processor was too wrapped up about the Matrix.

"Don't you have a report you should be working on or something?" I asked after he stepped into my office, closed the door and started towards me.

"All done," he smirked, obviously in one of his very playful moods. "So I've come here to see if you need help with anything." He gently pulled the datapad I had been holding onto out of my hands. "Looks like I arrived just in time."

"Jazz, please not now!" I growled harshly, snatching the data pad back.

"Whoa, hey sorry…I'll let you be if that's what you want!" he said, hands raised in defense as he backed away.

I cursed myself. I didn't mean to snap at Jazz like that.

"Jazz, wait…I'm sorry. I've got a lot on my processor. Sentinel kind of dropped a bomb on me and I just need some time to sort things out."

"Anything I can help you out with?" he asked hopefully.

"Not sure. I'm not allowed to tell anyone about it, not even you," I frowned.

"Ah, all hush, hush I don't need to know bullslag."

"Something like that."

"Oh, did you hear?!"

I gave him a puzzled look. There were times I didn't fully understand Jazz. Now was one of them. Here I am with the weight of the universe on my processor and Jazz was standing there ready to explode with whatever he had to tell me.

"Hear what?" I asked, when he didn't say anything.

"Ironhide and Magnus took Optimus to the Xanix outpost last night."

"Why would they take him there? There's nothing but high grade and femmes for hire there."

"Exactly," Jazz smirked. "Optimus is s real mech now. He had his first interface. Apparently, he and the femme were at if for a long time before he passed out. At least that's what Ironhide told me. And apparently, Optimus is um…well, put it this way, he's more of a femme magnet than before. Not only does he have looks but he has a rather large interface appliance. Most pleasing to the femmes."

"Frag Jazz! I didn't need to hear that about Optimus! Primus, is interfacing all you think about?"

"Only around you…Prowlie," he grinned wickedly.

"I hate it when you call me that!"

"No you don't," he purred, smoothly moving back across the room and sitting on the corner of my desk near me. "You love it and need it. Besides, I got you to forget about what was troubling you."

I opened my mouth to argue but said nothing. The fragger was right. He distracted my processor enough to forget about the Matrix, about having to be ready to prepare Optimus for being Prime. It was not a job I was looking forward to. But as Sentinel told me, it would be necessary if anything happened to him.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Jazz smugly asked.

"Of course you are," I smiled rising to my feet. "Let's go."

"Where are we going?" he asked, eagerly following me out my office.

"Where do you think?" I smirked.

How I miss Jazz. I really could use one of his distractions right now. They helped keep me balanced, kept me from over working my processor. They relaxed me enough to see things more clearly. If he were still alive he'd be with me right now, ready to help me with Kacey.

I sighed when I reached my intended destination.

As expected, I found Kacey in Optimus' office. She'd ripped the panel off the wall where Optimus had once hidden the All Spark fragment. Not finding it there, she appeared to have ripped off a few more panels on the wall. I felt so bad for her, to see her desperation driven by the love she had for her father.

"Frag! Where is it?!" she screamed, bleeding fingers tugging and pulling on yet another panel.

"You won't find it here, Kacey," I spoke softly.

"Where is it? I have to save him!"

"Hidden, in a place where only Optimus knows," I replied, keeping as calm as I could be for her sake.

She stopped and looked at me, tears streaming down her face plates, arms at her sides, hands balled into tight fists. I hated to see her so upset. I moved to go comfort her but she turned away, keeping out of my reach.

"I can't lose him," she spoke softly. "I'm not ready. There was so much he needs to teach me."

"If it came to that you wouldn't be alone, I promise you. We are all here for you."

"What do you mean if?" she asked harshly, glaring at me, tears slowing trickling down her cheeks. "I'm not stupid. I saw the look in Ratchet's optics. He doesn't know how to save my father. And I saw how Ironhide reacted in there. Hide doesn't get that upset unless there's a reason."

"Kacey, we must all have faith…"

"Have faith! In what? I've prayed to Primus for my father. For nothing! My father's dying! With each hour that passes I feel a little less of him here." She pounded her chest over her spark chamber. "He can't even talk to me anymore when I reach out to him. I'm giving him all the energy I can to help him live…for what? So Ratchet can put him out of his misery! So you can have that Matrix thing Ironhide was talking about."

"Kacey, let me…"

"Don't touch me!" she yelled shoving my hands away. "I don't want your sympathy! I'm sick of it from everyone!" She paused, collecting herself. Then asked, "just answer me this, how long…how long before my father dies?"

"Seventy two hours according to Ratchet's calculations."

Kacey nodded but I notice that she had to fight back her tears.

"What else is being done to help my father?" she asked, looking directly at me.

"Ratchet and Wheeljack are working as hard as they can. And they will continue to work until they find a cure or…"

Without a word she stormed past me and left the office. I let her go. I knew Kacey well enough. I wasn't going to be able to comfort her right now. That was obvious.

"Bumblebee, report to my office," I ordered over my comlink as I left Optimus' office.

"On my way," came the quick reply.

If anyone could comfort Kacey right now, it would be Bumblebee. The two were close friends. Not as close as Nitro was with Kacey but almost. She rarely refers to Bumblebee as her uncle anymore now that she's gotten older. In fact, she rarely refers to any of us as her uncles anymore. I honestly can't recall when exactly that happened.

"Frag it to pit…she's growing up too fast," I muttered.

Bumblebee

Per Prowl's orders I retrieved the small medical kit, standard issue to all soldiers, from my quarters and was about to leave when my optics spotted the gift I had specially made for Kacey. It was neatly folded, resting on my desk. I had been trying to figure out how the heck I was going to wrap something that big, as was the Earth tradition for Christmas presents. The holiday was a month away and still I had no idea.

Perhaps now would be the best time to give it to her. It could work as a means distract her from why I was really there. Prowl said she wasn't in the best of moods. Although, I seriously doubt she'd ever get angry with me. The only time she did was when I took the high grade out of her hand before she took a sip. And we've never had a repeat episode of her running off angry and getting hurt like that ever again.

Debate over, I grabbed the gift then hurried out to find Kacey.

It wasn't hard to locate her. I didn't even need Teletran to lock onto her energy signature. Whenever Kacey was upset and needed to be alone she climbed the cliff wall and sat on the plateau contemplating, crying, thinking, or doing whatever she needed to do.

I transformed and took the road up to her. I was never good at climbing, fell down my first time trying to get up there to her and ended up in the med bay. I woke and hers was the first face I saw. Kacey made me promise to never try and climb up to her again. Of course, I agreed. I would do anything to not upset her.

When I reached her I found her sitting there in the snow. Optics dimmed slightly. Far off look in her face. The snow was starting to accumulate around her, on her shoulders, and on her bowed head. My first impulse was to rush to her side, to clean the snow from her, to make her warm by holding her in an embrace, to comfort her.

Only I didn't. I couldn't do that.

I looked down at the gift in my hands. It was a large cloak I had specially made for her. I know how much she loves to watch the sun rise even during the coldest days of winter. It was even her favorite color blue with black trim and a silver Autobot insignia sewn into the left breast.

"Kacey?" I called softly, not wanting to startle her. "May I join you?"

"Whatever you want to do," she sighed, not moving or looking at me.

I sat down beside her, keeping her gift off to the side out of her sight. Then I noticed the injuries on her hands as Prowl had indicated and quickly took out the medical kit. Kacey didn't protest when I started cleaning the dried energon off her hands. After that I tended to the small cuts on her fingers and palms. Most had already been healed by her repair systems.

"There, all done," I smiled gently letting go of her hands. She set them down on her lap.

"Bumblebee, I'm going to ask you a very serious question," she said, looking directly at me. "I would like an honest answer."

"You know you can count on me," I said, pushing the med kit aside.

"I do know," she sighed. "But sometimes I need to hear it. For this…I need to know."

"What's the question?"

Kacey stared at me for the longest moment. It took all my will to keep my spark rate steady. Those beautiful blue optics…that lovely face…primus she was beyond beautiful to me. And much too beautiful to be so sad.

"If I was Prime, would you and the other Autobots have the confidence in me to follow my commands?"

"Yes, we would," I replied without hesitation.

Kacey looked skeptically at me.

"Kacey, you're so much like Optimus. You have charisma. Bots are drawn to you. You're a natural leader which isn't surprising considering who your creators are."

"But I'm not my father. I will never be the leader he is."

"No, you will be your own leader. I've watched you grow up, Kacey. You make your own path. And you have nothing to prove to any of us."

She frowned and turned away.

"I would follow your orders," I added.

"I just don't know," she sighed.

"No one ever knows until they're faced with the challenge. I was terrified for my very first scouting mission."

She turned, surprised as she looked at me.

"Yeah, damn near lubricated myself. I was going solo, deep behind Decepticon lines. Jazz trained me to be a scout and had every confidence in me. It was he who believed I was ready and said so to Optimus and the other officers. After that, I was given my orders and sent me on my way."

"Primus, my spark was racing so fast. Let me tell you, training only helps you so much when you're out in the field. At least for me. I rely heavily on my spark and what it tells me."

Kacey chuckled, "My father does too."

"See and look where it's got him. Look where following my spark has gotten me. I'm an officer."

"What happened on your mission?"

"With each step I took my confidence in myself grew. As I said, I followed my spark. When I felt like I needed to hide, I did. When I felt like I needed to attack, I did. I got the information we needed and safely made it back to base. After that, I was asking for the next mission and the next. I was eager and ready to do my duty as an Autobot."

She looked uncertain.

"Kacey, you've already established yourself as an Autobot in our optics. You have nothing to prove to any of us and that includes yourself."

I saw her hand rub her chest where her Autobot insignia used to be. It still saddened my spark when I think of how she must have felt when she removed it. Obviously she still believed she didn't deserve it since she won't let Ratchet put it back on.

Perhaps now would be a good time. I picked up the gift I kept hidden off to the side. Kacey of course notice right away.

"What's that?" she asked pointing to my hands.

"A gift…for you. I was going to wait until Christmas but I felt now would be an appropriate time to give it to you. Come on, stand up."

Once to my feet, I offered my hand and helped her up. Again I had to calm down and remind myself that I was here for her and not my own needs. But it was rather difficult. Kacey stood at my height now. I noticed subtle changes in her youngling form as she now was in the final stage of her younglinghood.

Long arms and legs had barely started to thin out and would eventually be more slender like a mature femme as she grew. Her hips now had a slight curve to them that most probably didn't notice unless they looked very carefully. The most noticeable change already had been her face and neck.

Her neck was much more slender than before. Her face…her already beautiful face lost that youngling roundness in the cheek and chin area. Optics small and more narrowly set were even more alluring than before when they held your gaze. Lips that were once thin were now full and so tempting.

One could definitely see how strongly she resembled both her parents in her face alone. It was like Primus gave her all the best facial features of her mother and father and blended them seamlessly together.

With much effort I ignored my mech impulses, told my interface system to take a hike and gently brushed the snow off her shoulders and head. Then I unfolded the cloak and placed it over her shoulders. With delicate fingers I fastened the clasps together, holding it in place. Finally, I pulled the hood up over her head only leaving her face exposed.

"Since you don't have armor, it will keep you warm during those cold winter mornings when you like to watch the sun rise."

"It's nice and soft," she said with a small smile, her slender fingers feeling the fabric. "My favorite color blue too."

"Of course."

"Thank you, Bumblebee. It is very lovely. I will cherish it."

"So you like it?"

"Yes, silly," she chuckled softly at me.

I smirked at her.

"You aft," she said making me laugh.

"I'm your friend Kacey. I would do anything to make you happy."

"I want my father well," she frowned, bowing her head, tears falling fast. "That would make me very happy right now."

I caved in a bit to my emotions. I couldn't help it. She was so sad. It was breaking my spark. I took her in my arms and held her close. Kacey, not thinking anything of it, laid her head on my shoulder, clutching onto my chest armor and wept. I shuddered, every sensory input accurately describing to me how her hands felt on my chest.

"It's ok, cry all you want," I whispered to her, straining to keep my voice steady. "I'm here for you."

I felt my coolant system come on as my hands slide over the soft material of her cloak, covering her back. I wasn't sure if it was the way the soft material felt or that I was suddenly acutely aware of how her body felt against mine.

I immediately looked to the heavens above, praying for forgiveness for even holding Kacey like this, to be forgiven for thinking only of this young femme when her father was dying. I closed my optics, leaning the side of my head against hers. For a brief moment, Kacey leaned her head back against mine.

"Sorry," she said and abruptly turned out of my arms and moved away from me.

It was both a relief and torture! My systems were screaming at me for more while my processor was grateful. It was getting harder to resist. A moment longer and I might have kissed her!

"It's ok," I replied calmly. "I'm here for you, Kacey. Whatever you need."

"I know," she said, serious look on her face as she turned to me. "However, now is not the time for tears. They will not help my father."

I smiled as I wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"What?" she asked.

"You're growing up to be one incredible femme. I'm proud of you."

Kacey smiled kindly to me. She no longer blushed when I praised her. A part of me missed the little femme who'd cry herself to recharge in my arms when she was upset. It was a small part after today. After today, I would eagerly await for her to mature fully.

"Thank you, Bee," she said, kissing my cheek, grabbing hold of my hand. Again I trembled and prayed she didn't notice. "I'm counting on you to be there when I call upon you."

"Of course," I said and watched her walk away.

Once she was out of sight I dropped to the ground on my aft. She was gone but the memory of her touch haunted my sensors, feeding my processor…my desires. Little did I realized that as I sat there allowing my systems to return back to normal Kacey already had something planned for me. But when the moment came I did not question her orders. I loved her and would do anything she asked of me. Anything.

John Keller

It was the day after Thanksgiving. I was relaxing, reading the paper. I heard the phone ring but didn't move to pick it up. My wife and I were still recovering from the dinner we had last night. As tradition the entire family was here at the house, my son with his family and my daughter with hers. It was a joyous time for all of us. Especially with the little ones, my grandsons. They crawled everywhere getting into everything.

I had fun holding them, feeding them and passing them off to their mothers when they needed a diaper change. I'm a grandfather after all. I don't need to change smelly diapers anymore.

"John, there's a phone call for you," my wife Elizabeth said.

"It's my day off," I grumbled, looking over the paper. "Can't you take a message."

"It's Kacey. She said it was an emergency. I put her on hold so you can pick it up in your study."

Kacey? Why would she be calling me?

I put the paper down. I knew she wouldn't call me unless it was really an emergency.

"Thank you, dear," I smiled, kissing my wife on the cheek.

Lizzy has met Kacey on a few occasions. She too found the child adorable. Kacey and that charm of hers could win over anyone's heart if she really wanted to.

"Kacey, this is John. How are you doing? You're not giving your father fits again are you?"

There was a long silence. I knew right away something was wrong. Kacey always had a comeback. Something must have happened. I took my seat, hoping whatever news she was about to tell me didn't have anything to do with her father. That child loves her father so much. I've been privileged enough to see that love grow stronger with each passing year as she matures.

"Kacey, what's happened?"

"My father is actually the reason why I'm calling you. John…" she paused and I heard her take a deep breath. "My father is dying."

"Dear God. I'm so sorry. What happened? Why wasn't I told sooner?"

"A bite from Megatron's son, Venom. The infection is like a virus, spreading to all of his systems."

"Wait…that maniac has a son now?"

"So it seems. Ratchet put father in stasis but…it has only bought time nothing more. You weren't told because Ratchet and Wheeljack are still working to find a cure."

"Right, no need to tell me what happens on the Autobot base unless it actually affects us humans."

"Correct. It's…it's not looking well for my father. Ratchet says my father has less than seventy-two hours."

I said nothing. I never thought Optimus Prime would be…

"John, please I need your help."

"How can I help?" I asked without hesitation.

"I'm counting on some of that human ingenuity here for help. How fast can you locate Maggie Madsen and Glen Witmann? I wish to bring them here and see if they can help my father."

"Give me twenty minutes to find them. Is there a specific location you need me to take them for retrieval?"

"No, I just need to know where the shuttle can pick them up."

"I understand. Anything else you need?"

"Yes…I need you here. I have information to discuss with you and it must be done in person."

"Of course. You know you can rely on me."

"I was counting on you to agree. Bumblebee is already on the way to your house. He should be there shortly."

"I'll be ready," I said rising to my feet.

"Good," she sighed. "Call me directly when you have the location of the others."

I was about to question why she wanted me to call her directly but she hung up before I could ask. I've never called her directly even though I had a number where I could reach only her. I had always felt it proper to go through Prowl or even Optimus before I spoke to Kacey.

Still, for Kacey to go behind their back means something. For now I'll do as she says. She's a very intelligent young femme who puts a lot of thought into many of her actions now as she's gotten older. I know I can trust her judgment.

Leaving my study, I quickly dialed a number to get what I needed on my cell phone.

As predicted, it didn't take long to locate Ms. Madsen and Mr. Witmann. Both were actually working in Georgetown. After Mission City the Government was quick to hire them and put their talents to use. Both were our resident experts on Cybertronian technology, or what little of it we've been able to get our hands on.

I know the Autobots still see us as technologically inferior so they don't volunteer their technology over to us. Not that I blame them. During the beginning of Earth's relationship with them some of the world leaders wanted weapons. Optimus Prime was quick to say no to such a demand.

Still, I wondered how we were going to be able to help Optimus?

"John, what's going on?" my wife asked when she entered the bedroom and saw I had packed a small suitcase.

"There's a situation at the Autobot base, I'm needed there. Please, don't tell anyone, this is under the radar so to speak."

"How long will you be gone?"

"A few days, hopefully. Just pray all goes well."

"Can you at least tell me what I'm praying for?" she asked, sounding a bit aggravated. She hated it when I was vague about my work.

"Kacey's father is sick…that's all I can tell you right now."

"I understand," she smiled, getting my coat out of the closet. "I've been married to you so long I know when not to press you and when not to say anything to anyone."

"And it has been a privilege to have been married to you for so long. I look forward to many more years."

"Go," she smirked, give me a push. "Stop kissing ass. Send me flowers later to apologize for leaving me for the holiday weekend."

I kissed her on the cheek, giving her my love as always and did as she said. After I called Kacey with the information she needed I called the flower shop. Bumblebee arrived shortly after that. Perhaps I can get answers from him.

"I take it Prowl doesn't know about any of this," I commented taking a seat specially made for us humans on the Autobot shuttle. "He hasn't told me anything about Optimus. And the fact that Kacey wanted me to call her directly tells me she's doing something behind everyone backs."

"You are correct, Sir. Prowl does not know. None of the officers know. I don't even know what Kacey has planned. She asked me to pick you and a couple of other humans up."

I looked carefully at Bumblebee as he piloted the shuttle. For all the Autobots, he had the most expressive eyes…or rather optics as Kacey reminds me repeatedly. I learned that from seeing him around Kacey whenever I visited the base. He was never to far away.

"You would do anything for her, wouldn't you?" I asked.

"Of course without hesitation," he quickly said, glancing down at me.

There it was. The familiar look I'd seen often in men's faces. I myself have shared that look.

"You love her, don't you?" I asked and he immediately got flustered.

His hand slipped and the shuttle dropped slightly. I laughed as he corrected our altitude. Youth. They think they know everything.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone," I chuckled as he nervously glanced over at me. "You just better not take advantage of her. I know for a fact she's not a grown up yet."

"You sound like a father saying that."

"I am a father. Father's can be very protective of their daughters. And in this country we have rules…"

"I promise you, Mr. Keller," Bumblebee interrupted, staring down at me the most serious expression on his face. "I am waiting until she is fully mature before I approach her. I am an honorable mech. I would never take advantage of her. Never!"

"I know you wouldn't. Kacey speaks very highly of you. But I just had to say it. I love her too, as I do my own children and grandchildren."

"Kacey has a way of sneaking into your spark," he smiled. "Or in your case, your heart."

"That she does, my friend," I agreed, settling in for the ride. "That she does."

Nitro

My father was upset. I could feel it through our spark bond. I had never felt him like this before. But I knew to let mom handle him. Only she would be able to anyway. Mom had a special way with my father. I learned that shortly after we arrived on Earth.

I don't know what happened to Optimus out on the battlefield. Whatever happened was really bad. Both my parents and just about every Autobot on the base were worried. I wish I could do something to help my father. I love him so much.

I came to a stop as I reached Firestar's quarters and pushed the buzzer. Of course, she immediately opened the door and let me in.

"Did you find out anything?" she asked me, helping me to sit in a chair.

"No," I frowned. "Mom left to go help my father. He was so upset that we could feel it through our spark bond. She wouldn't tell me what was going on."

"Optimus is very sick from what I overheard."

"Yeah, I've gathered that much. But none of the matures will talk about it when I ask. Not even my mother."

The door buzzed. When Fire answered it I was surprised to see Kacey. I noticed she was wearing the gift Bumblebee had specially made for her. I told him she'd like it. I was considering having one made for Firestar because she likes that sort of thing. Flame red though to match her armor and her fiery temper!

"Kacey, what's going on?" I asked rising to my feet.

"I need your help my friend and yours too Fire."

"Of course, anything," Firestar quickly said.

"Before you agree, you must know. I'm sure you've heard that my father is sick."

Firestar and I both nodded.

"Truth is my father is dying. He has less than seventy-two hours."

It took a brief moment for what Kacey said to sink in. Optimus can't die. He's indestructible, isn't he? I frowned for I now understood why father was so upset.

"Ratchet and Wheeljack will cure him," I said confidently.

"They don't know how," she told me. "I saw it in their faces. They don't know if they can."

"Then…what can we do to help?" I asked.

"I've talked to Rox and a couple of the others. They've all volunteered to help protect my father just in case Ratchet decides to offline him before the deadline. I doubt he would but I'm not going to take a chance. I already know he's not going to like the idea that I'm bringing in outside help. What I need from you…"

"Is weapons," I interrupted.

"Yes. I need Rox and the others armed and the two of you if you volunteer to help me."

I stared at Kacey. Something was different about her. She seemed…older.

"What's this outside help?" I asked her.

"The humans."

"What can they do? They're technology is so primitive compared to ours," Firestar commented.

"That is my concern, not yours," Kacey responded sharply. She sighed, softening her tone. "I'm doing what I must to try and help my father. I promised my brothers and sister I would do all I could. I will not break that promise."

"You need not worry about your careers. If my father survives I will assume full responsibility for everything and place myself under arrest. If he does not survive, well…then you have simply followed the orders of your Prime."

"Right now, I'm just asking for help from my friends. If you don't want to help then I'm not going to force you. I can easily hack into the armory if I must."

"That won't be necessary. I'll help," I said. I grabbed Fire's hand and looked down at her. She nodded, squeezing my hand. "We both will."

Megatron

Thunderblast finally broke down in tears. She couldn't take Venom's cries of pain any longer. It troubled her greatly that she could do nothing to help our son. It troubled me as well. But I was able to push aside my feelings of helplessness for I knew the pain was necessary.

I actually found it difficult not to look away as my son made an unexpected jump in his growth rate. The Quintessons assured me that my son was going to be fine and to expect these sudden growth spurts over the next five years. It was a miracle of technology to watch how his arms and legs lengthen, how his torso grew in width. His entire form grew from that of a five year old to an eight year old before my very optics.

I smiled, thinking how wonderful it would be to lay waste to the Autobots with my son at my side. A dream I've had ever since Venom received his first injection was now on the verge of becoming a reality.

Venom's cries suddenly died down. His form grew still on the medical recharge bed. Concerned, both Thunder and I reached to touch our son.

"He simply lost consciousness, my Lord," Soundwave quickly said. "Energy levels are returning to normal. All systems functioning within normal parameters. It appears the transformation is complete, my Lord. He should recharge comfortably now for the rest of the day."

"Thank you…please, leave us," I ordered him.

"Of course," he nodded and then left.

"Promise me, Megatron. Promise me you will not do this to our next sparkling," she said, caressing Venom's head.

"I have already made that promise to you once."

"Just promise me!" she growled, glaring at me.

I roared angrily at her, yanking her hands away from our son. With sheer brute strength I pinned her against the wall.

"Don't you ever talk to me that way again!" I snarled at her, grabbing her face tightly in my hand. "Do I have to remind you of your place?"

"No, my Lord," she replied, showing no fear even as my grip tightened.

In fact, she defiantly stared back at me. If she was afraid of me she did not show it. Although, I could feel a tinge of trepidation through our bond. It was all that was need to prevent me from beating her in her place. But she was not to go without punishment.

Growling, I kissed her roughly, forcing my tongue in her mouth whether she wanted it or not. She resisted, as expected. I slammed my body hard against hers, pressing her into the wall. She was to know I would not be denied my kiss. I would not be denied what was rightfully mine to take.

Then I felt it though our bond…the submission. It even showed on her faceplates.

My hand caressed her face as I pulled her into my form and away from the wall. I kissed her more affectionately now and was reward with her returning the favor.

"I did promise you once before," I murmured, my lips traveling from her lips to her neck. She moaned, tilting her head back, her hands moving over my chest enticing me. "But if it will ease your processor, you have my word that our next sparkling will be allowed to develop naturally."

"Thank you, my Lord," she timidly whispered before I covered her mouth with mine again.

I grinned, continuing to kiss her, touch her, stroke her. Thunder was definitely a strong willed femme. I loved the challenge of breaking her from time to time. She had more courage to stand against me than most of the mechs under my command. While I would never admit it to her, I did admire her for that. It was one of the characteristics that deemed her worthy of being my mate.

"I do love you, Thunder," I whispered, nuzzling her audio receptor.

"And I love you."

We kissed her again, passionately, deeply. Our sparks pulsing like mad within our chests. The desire to spark bond with her so strong. Strongest I'd felt in a while. My chest plates were actually on the verge of opening up. All it took was one…

"My Lord, forgive the intrusion," Soundwave's calm voice sounded behind us.

"WHAT IS IT?!" I growled loudly, not turning to acknowledge him.

I would stand for no interruptions of any kind right now!

"I believe I have located the Autobot's base," he replied, not the least bit phased by my tone.

Not that Soundwave was ever bothered by anything I did or where I did it. He was rather good at making sure I had my privacy whenever I was with a femme. And he only interrupted me with important news that he knew I'd want to know about right away.

This was important news. Even Thunder smiled at me, caressing my face. I could feel the eagerness over our bond. She was ready to take her revenge.

"Well, this is wonderful news," I smiled, taking hold of her hand as I turned. "Prepare a small battalion. We leave for Earth immediately and attack in three days time."

"My Lord, may I ask…why the delay?"

I permitted Soundwave the luxury of questioning me from time to time. He was a good second in command. Probably the only mech I trust other than myself.

"On that day my brother fell, the Autobots would have fought valiantly to protect my brother. I would not risk us losing good soldiers or risk my son's life when he was so near the battle. According to the Quintensson's calculations, my brother should be dead in a couple of days, that's even taking in to consideration that Ratchet would have placed my brother into stasis. Better to strike them then, when their sparks are grieving and without their beloved leader inspire them. Now go."

"Yes my Lord."

I turned to Thunder, caressing her face and smiled.

"Soon my beloved, you will have your revenge. I will ensure that Elita is unharmed so that you may do as you will to her."

"Thank you," she smiled, overjoyed at hearing the news. "Do…do we have time to finish what you started?"

"I am the leader of the Decepticon army, we have time when I say we have time," I smirked to her. I kissed her softly on the lips. "Go to our quarters, I'll be there shortly."

She obediently did as I asked her. My optics following her form as she left. Once alone, I moved to my son. His form was relaxed and in deep recharge. Again, my spark swelled with such pride. Venom was everything I hoped and more.

"A shame you are still too young for this battle. Still, one day very soon you will at my side, fighting against our enemies, I promise you my son."

Up next: Tensions run high as Kacey does what she feels she must do to help save her father.