Quick side note here: Kaceystar now has FOUR AU stories from different fic writers! I'm blushing! I've said this a couple of times…Kaceystar was born from boredom – very slow day at work while the boss was away. At that time all I thought of was a daughter trying to find her father. I never imagined the journey would grow and evolve into what it has today. I thank all of you fans for staying with her and her fans for writing stories about her. You have my humble thanks. Now, if any of you are interested you can read them too. There is a Prowl x Kacey fic by plenoptic called You Who Has Healed My Spark, Bee x Kacey by Juji-J called Kacey, another Bee x Kacey fic by the laughing hermit called Bewitched: A Fairytale Romance, and short little cute one shot about Kacey and Bee's daughter by CherryBlossom713 called Lena. Also, I have no problems letting fic writers borough Kacey from time to time. Just send me a PM for permission and you'll have my blessing. Thanks again!
Now, back to MBRS!
He's back! Yes, the mech wrecking, femme magnet is back! That last chapter was so freaking awesome to write. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed it. Hope some of you recognized that tid bit at the end - my little tribute to an Optimus and Megatron G1 episode. I like to stick those in there from time to time and see whose paying attention.
And of course, I'm not going to kill Kacey. So no worries there! And remember, this story arc is more emotionally driven. I'm saving all the action for the next story arc. Now on with the final chapter of this story arc! It's REALLY long so get a cushion, eye drops, snacks, drinks, and oh, maybe some tissues!
Optimus
Ratchet said I was totally insane for even daring to leave the med bay! Perhaps I was. But he knew better than anyone how much the Autobots needed me. Even at fifty percent energy levels – and that was after a couple of Ratchet's miracle mix of injections to get me there - I still had to make an appearance for them. I just hoped Megatron didn't call my bluff. Even with Roller, thanks to Wheeljack's inventive thinking, power-linked with me I did not have the energy for a fight against my brother. But at least my energy readings would indicate I was, throwing my brother off balance…I hope.
"HAVE YOU LOST A GASKET? YOU'D BETTER NOT GET HURT! NOT AFTER THE LONG HOURS I PUT INTO SAVING YOUR SORRY AFT!" my CMO screamed over a private comlink when I made my way outside the shuttle bay.
Yeah, I neglected to tell Ratchet about my little plan - confronting my brother. It was as much a necessity as letting the mechs and femmes under my command know that I'm alive and well. I needed to show my brother that his plan to kill me had failed.
"I care deeply for you too, Ratchet. Just let me know the moment Kacey's regains consciousness."
He responded with a long string of Cybertronian curses before disconnecting the communiqué. I smiled. He was in a really good mood.
My thoughts quickly returned to Kacey. I still think what I saw was all a dream or a hallucination. Perhaps my subconscious' way of visually depicting what she was doing. It was rather amazing. Even now I can still feel her essence within me. It's an odd and comforting feeling. I can feel her confidence, her fears…her love as if they were my own. Later, I'll have to talk to her and ask her what she did. Especially when Ratchet told me it made all the difference saving me.
"You look surprised my brother," I smiled. "But then again, you should have known I was still alive. You never felt the pain in your spark like we did when mother and father were killed. You never felt me die, did you?"
He growled in response. I could feel his uncontrolled anger. It was unfocused unlike all our previous encounters where he never held back his hatred of me or the Autobots. I definitely caught him…as the humans say…with his pants down.
"The next move is yours, Megatron. Do we battle it out? Or do you leave now? I should warn you…more air ships are on route as we speak. With one command from me they will drop their bombs on you and your mechs."
My brother looked to the sky and then back at Soundwave, his second in command.
"Prowl, get Trailbreaker and that force-shield of his up here on the double! Be ready to use it…just in case I order the humans to drop their bombs. And tell Lennox to keep is men inside the shuttle bay. I'll not risk their lives right now."
"Understood, Prime!"
A small smile fell upon my lips over Prowl's enthusiasm. While I have been incapacitated for three days I know he had to bear the brunt of it all – keeping the Autobots together and dealing with the Decepticons. Not an easy task when dealing with the emotions and the prospect of losing one's leader and friend. He, like the rest of the Autobots, was rejoicing at my return.
I had heard the gasps and whispers of elation as I walked through the injured that were strung about the shuttle bay. With each step I took their confidence climbed from the pits of despair. Even Ironhide, with his wounded arm, stood up tall and proud when he saw me. I had to order him to let Ratchet tend to his arm.
That order went over like oil off my backside! For he and many other Autobots were standing a short distance behind me even now. I could feel them, all of them. They were ready to fight.
"I'm waiting, brother!" I shouted. "Do we battle some more today? Or do we collect our wounded and fight another day?" I paused, waiting for an answer. "Perhaps the next time you try to kill me you should have the guts to do it yourself!"
"What, are you trying to egg him on for a fight?! Don't make me smack you?!"
"Shut up, Ratchet! Let the mech talk without you complaining in his audio receptor!" Ironhide hissed followed by a clanking sound.
"Ow…you fragger!"
"That was from me!" Elita snarled. "No one smacks Optimus! That's my job!"
My spark lifted upon hearing their high spirits. It was good to feel their confidence renewed. It gave me strength.
Boldly I walked away from them, closing the gap between my brother and myself. I could feel my brother's hesitation even as he followed suit and strode out to meet me.
"How?"
"An antivirus program," I replied, answering his implied question. "Even now it is being reproduced and will be uploaded into every Autobot. Your son will never be able to do such a vial thing again."
Pure rage instantly boiled over our bond but then it was replaced by the coldness that I had long associated with my brother.
"It is a rare thing that we ever agree on anything, dear brother. However, you were right about one thing. I should have done the job myself!" he snarled and then charged recklessly towards me.
I felt the energon rush to my systems like it always did during battle and with a surge of energy I was able to use my brother's own hurtling body against himself. With a quick sidestep and a simple maneuver Magnus taught me when fighting an opponent strong and bigger than myself, I grabbed my brother's arm and flipped him onto his back.
The Autobots cheers echoed loudly when he slammed hard onto the ground. I ignored them and didn't even contemplate what was going through Ratchet or Prowl's processors. I'm sure they thought I blew a logic circuit! Without a moment to spare, as my energy was already dipping to low, my arm transformed into my blade and I held it at my brother's throat with my foot heavy upon his chest.
"Order them to retreat," I growled, my optics flaring.
"Why not just kill me and be done with this war?"
"Because you are my brother," I answered honestly. "I do not hate you as you seem to hate me. I still believe that one day there can be peace between us. But until that day I will continue to fight you. I will continue to be that burden that you alone must bare. Now order the retreat!"
Megatron's optics flared along with his anger and frustration. I pressed the blade beneath the battle armor that shielded his face. A mere fraction of the tip penetrated his neck armor where the main energon line ran. While I would not kill him I would injure him by puncturing the line causing his energy levels to drop drastically.
However I hoped it did not come to that. Enough energon had been spilled on this day.
"NOW!" I growled.
"Decepticons…retreat!" he shouted and I released him instantly. As he slowly got up, he glared at me. "I should have killed you when you were a youngling!"
"Perhaps, but that's in the past. I'm here, now and I'm not going anywhere! Leave brother!"
"This isn't over Optimus!" he shouted as he rose up into the air, many of the Decepticons already high and disappearing into the clouds.
Before I could reply he transformed and rocketed off.
"No, it never is between us my brother," I whispered to myself.
With the Decepticons in full retreat I turned to face the Autobots and was greeted with a resounding cheer. I was the first to admit it was so good to see them smiling and jovial again even if they were all battered and dented from the battle.
"Glad to have you back, Sir!"
"Way to kick his aft, Prime!"
"We sure missed you, Sir!"
"Things just weren't the same without you!"
I heard from many as I made my way through the warriors. I shook hands or hugged several of them, stopped and to see how the wounded were doing. According to Prowl with only lost a handful of mechs. I fear there may be more in the coming future as Megatron now knows where the base is. He will not hesitate to attack again.
"Magnus!" I gasped in shock when I saw his still form being lifted on a stretcher.
"He's fine, Sir," Red quickly said when I rushed to my friend's side. "We stopped the bleeding and he can easily be repaired."
"Optimus?" my friend questioned in disbelief, his optics flashing briefly.
"Yes, it is me," I answered, bending down closer to him.
"You're alive," he wept, a weak arm lifting up and trying to touch me. I took hold of his hand and held onto tightly. "Thanks Primus, you're alive!"
"Rest my friend," I smiled rubbing his helm, seeing he was so drained of energy. "You've earned it."
Magnus nodded even as his optic covers closed.
"I gave him a heavy sedative and pain reliever," Red smiled as I gently lay Magnus' arm down. "He'll be as good as new, Sir."
"Here, you might want this," Ironhide said, coming up from behind me. I frowned upon seeing Magnus' mangled leg has Hide handed it to Red Alert. "It should help with his repairs."
Red Alert scanned it before saying, "Good, nothing major was damaged. We can easily repair it and then reattach it instead of building new leg for him."
"Glad I could help," Ironhide huffed out as they took Magnus away.
"How's your arm?" I asked my old friend looking at the terrible scorch mark that was in place of his cannon on his forearm.
"I'll live," he answered and I could see the sadness in his optics. They quickly filled with tears.
I said nothing but hugged him as tight as I could. Ironhide reciprocated the gesture, holding onto me so tight I could barely breathe to keep the energon flowing through my systems. But I did nothing to stop him. I can see he took my near death badly. I know if our positions had been reversed I would have been as shaken as my friend…my guardian.
"Damn youngling!" he smiled through his tears holding my head in his hands. "You scared me half to death! Don't you ever do that again!"
"I'll do my best," I smiled back, allowing him to hug me again before Chromia took pity on my denting armor and peeled him off.
"See to it that he gets medical attention," I ordered as she escorted him away.
From there I turned to see Prowl barking out orders for the wounded to be moved out per the CMO's instructions and to those not injured to start with the clean up and repairs. Autobot and human all lending a helping hand wherever needed. Even Elita was helping as she always was one of the first to help with the injured after a battle. Unless I was nearly dying on the battlefield then of course she'd be at my side worrying then yelling at me later for being all noble and brave.
Ratchet, who had forgotten about me – temporarily I figure - was busy categorizing the injuries and determining who need to be tended to first. Priority would be Magnus of course. I heard him contact Wheeljack to prep the surgery room. I was shocked and concerned to see Bumblebee injured on the ground but then laughed when he smack Sunny's hand away as if he didn't need the mech's help. Not sure I'd want Sunny's medical help either. I'd probably wake up with a hangover as his idea for fixing any kind of pain was large consumptions of high grade.
"Prowl, I see you ran things as smoothly as ever," I grinned proudly, patting my second in command on the shoulder.
"I do my best, Prime," he replied looking a bit beaten up and exhausted, even his doorwings sagged a little.
"Pfft, your best? Your best would earn you the rank of Prime if I wasn't around."
"Speaking of ranks…you're going to just love my report," he smirked at me.
Before I could question him I felt her desperation. Turning my head, my optics found her. She didn't have armor, like in my dream or hallucination. Yet she wore a blue cloak that draped over her shoulders and down her form, accentuating her beauty. Our optics met and locked on one another.
"FATHER!!" she called with her lovely voice that was beginning to sound more like Elita's with each passing year as she matured.
The entire shuttle bay fell silent and still. Many looked up and smiled upon seeing my daughter racing towards me. I know I was grinning from audio receptor to audio receptor. Kacey ignored them all with only one goal in mind as she ran around or jumped over anyone or anything to get to me. Somehow, with my strength waning and my recharge programs becoming more insistent, I managed to catch her as she jumped up into my arms. She pulled herself up my armor and wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, crying uncontrollably.
All the pain, the suffering, the sheer sparkache my Kacey had to endure over the past three days came pouring over our bond. Wave after wave of anguish and despair. Then having gotten past that onslaught, my spark was filled with her ever lasting love, the devotion and pure joy of having me back.
Good Primus, she had a strong spark. I actually felt overwhelmed by the power of her emotions and started crying myself. It took me a few minutes to gather myself. When I did, I noticed that everyone had gone about there business. Many even cast a smile in my direction. Across the room, I saw Elita in tears.
Elita…my beautiful Elita. A beauty that only seems to get better each time I see her. I cannot begin to comprehend what she had to endure over the past few days. But I know in my spark that she can endure so much more than I. I'm not sure I could handle my own grief and that of my younglings as she had to do.
'I love you,' I told her over our bond which made her smile and cry even harder and laugh at the same time.
'I love you more,' she replied, smiling and wiping her tears away. 'We'll be together soon. Kacey needs you more now.'
'Yes, I can feel that. But please…don't stray to far my love.'
'Of course not.'
"Shh, my sparkling," I cooed, focusing again on Kacey and caressing her back. "Everything is going to be alright now. I'm here and in your arms."
Kacey sobbed harder, hiccupping, her arms squeezing my neck even more. It felt as if she were trying to make herself a permanent fixture on my armor.
"You are one amazing femme, do you know that?" I whispered into her audio receptor. "You saved my life."
"I did what I had to because of how much I love you, father," she wept onto my shoulder.
"I know my child. I love you so much too," I said, closing my optic covers and kissing the side of her head. "You are a radiant star in my spark. And you always seem to shine the brightest whenever you are needed most."
"Just like you," she smiled, leaning her head back to look at me.
I chuckled softly, rubbing my nose against hers. Her optic covers closed as she leaned into my affections, purring loudly. Next to my younglings' laughter, the sound of their content was the most beautiful sound in the universe.
"Do you see that bro? Isn't that a beautiful perfect Kodak moment?"
"Sunny, let them alone."
"You two need to get back to your assigned duties," Prowl said as looked past Kacey to see the twins grinning before me and Prowl glaring at them.
"Yeah, just one problem Prowl," Sunny said, scratching his head. "Who's Prime now? Optimus…or Kacey? Coz Kacey makes for a lovely Prime. Not that you're scrap, Optimus, Sir. But she is much more appealing to the optics."
Kacey giggled, "Be mindful of what you say Sunny. I do have my mother's temper. I may not be as lenient as my father."
Many around us laughed.
"Just what happened while I was in stasis?" I asked.
"You'll read all about it in my report," Prowl answered.
"And he does mean all!" Sunny added and then ducked when Prowl tried to grab him. "We're off bro!"
"Glad to have you back with us, Sir…err..and Ma'am," Sides said before chasing after his brother.
"Father, put me down please," Kacey requested in a mature and serious tone. One I have never heard from her before. A pang of sadness filled me briefly, followed by a sense of pure pride. My Kaceystar had grown up, just a little bit more during the past few days. Once on the floor she turned to Prowl. "Since Bumblebee is unable to complete my final request, the responsibility is yours."
Once said, she held our both her arms as if awaiting for Prowl to handcuff her. I raised an optic ridge. What the frag happened around here?
"In light of the events that have transpired today, I believe we can forego placing you under arrest," Prowl said slowly, winking at me. "However, you are not to go without punishment. For that, I will leave it up to Optimus. That is once you relinquish command back to him."
"Done!" she grinned throwing her arms around him. Then she turned and looked up at me. "I'm sorry for what I did. But it was necessary."
Again I raised an optic ridge questioningly at my second in command.
"You'll…"
"Let me guess…I'll read it in your report," I finished. I folded my arms across my chest, almost glaring at Prowl. "I do hope I will not have to wait long for this report. I am very curious as to what happened while I was on my death bed."
"I'll get right on it, Prime. As soon as we're done here," he saluted and then marched off.
"Will you tell me, my daughter?"
"I think it best you read Prowl's report first and then I'll explain my actions. Whatever punishment you see fit to hand out I will accept without complaint. I'm just so glad to have you back, father."
Her optics filled with tears again and I didn't hesitate to lift her up, holding her close to comfort her. Whatever my Kacey did, I'm sure she had good reason. I know to trust her judgment as I trust many of my officers. With that in mind, I doubt I will punish her for whatever transgression she had done.
Elita
It took great restraint to keep me from running over and doing the exact thing Kacey had done. Such actions were meant for younglings and not femme commanders. I'll not belittle my femmes or myself by acting in such a manner. At least not in public. In private I will however hold him, kiss his, do whatever I can to express my love and joy at having him back alive and well and in my arms.
For now, I'll settle for the love surges he keeps sending me over our bond. Primus how I missed them these past few days. It felt wonderful to feel his love, his strength, his very essence on the other side of our bond.
"Here are the little ones, Elita," Hound said, pulling me from my thoughts. "With all the wounded out of here I thought it time to bring them to see Optimus."
"Thank you Hound that was very thoughtful of you."
"Don't thank me…I had them taken to the Med bay," he said. I looked to see three guilty faces staring at the ground before them. Ariel was actually quietly crying and holding Orion's hand. "They were in the shuttle bay during the time of the attack."
I gasped loudly. My spark nearly stopped pulsing from the flash of fear I felt upon hearing this news. Optimus immediately came over, concerned, with Kacey in tow.
"Elita?" he questioned.
"It was my fault mother," Leo said, looking directly at me. "Please, I'm to blame. I made them come with me to the shuttle bay."
"Elita, let me handle this," Optimus said.
He felt my fear. My sparklings…so close to the fight. His love and reassurance calmed my spark. Even Kacey came to my side, hugging me. When Ratchet first told me that Optimus and Kacey were both going to be ok, I nearly fritzed like Leo. I had been so focused on the battle that I had not noticed how Optimus' end of our spark bond had been strengthening. Nor did I worry about my three little younglings. I assumed they were in the safe zone with all the other younglings.
Primus…I don't want even thing about what might have happened.
"I'm sorry, mother!" Leo wept obviously feeling my fear over our bond. "I had to do something! I wanted to help fight the 'Cons for what they did to dad and Kacey."
Optimus kneel down as low as he could to get to Leo's level. His optics flaring slightly, making Leo flinch.
"I've said it countless times," my love started. "Younglings have no place in battle. I've even forbade Kacey from fighting even though she is capable of it. Did you once think of the consequences of what could have happened to you or your brother and sister?"
"No, Sir," Leo replied staring directly up at Optimus. For such a tiny mech he had so much courage. Perhaps too much if he tried to join a fight at far too young of an age. "I was just trying to be like you, father."
"My son, the day will come when you will be on that battlefield. I will not stop you from becoming the Autobot you are determined to be. However, you must learn that our war is not for revenge. It is not the Autobot way. We fight to protect those who cannot defend themselves against the Decepticons. We fight to preserve our way of life in the hope that in the generations to come there will be peace. I refuse to let any of my younglings allow themselves to be consumed with something as petty as revenge. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir," Leo wept, bowing his head.
"War is not fun, Leo. It is not pretty. It is ruthless and unbiased caring not who it takes down during the heat of battle. But know this my son, every time a transformer falls, be it Autobot or Decepticon, a small piece of who we are as Cybertronians is lost…forever. That goes for all of you, understand?"
Leo nodded, tears falling fast as he looked up to his father.
"I understand too, father," Orion replied. "And Leo is not all to blame. I am as well. I could have been more forceful in my argument to stop him. Instead, I chose to be with my brother."
"Is that so?" Optimus asked, raising an optic ridge.
"I am to blame as well," Ariel spoke up proudly. The three of them standing side by side before their father. "I too chose to be with my brothers even though I knew what we were doing was wrong. What I saw and felt was…frightening. I was really scared but I couldn't leave my brothers."
Ariel broke down in tears. Optimus was quick to pull her into his arms, whispering softly into her audio receptor. She clung to him much like Kacey did, moving her head yes or no every so often.
My spark swelled with pride at how strong the bond was between them. They definitely had their father's courage to stand together before us. Yes, I was very proud of my younglings for even though what they did was wrong they did the right thing by staying together. They have learned their father's lessons well.
"Come here, all of you," Optimus grinned, pulling his sons into his arms.
I smiled watching as they purred, basking in his affections. Tears of relief fell, giggles of pure joy sounded. The last three days had been difficult for them. Each night I had to comfort them through their tears. Not an easy task when there were four younglings all equally upset and distraught about their father's condition. Looking back, they were the only reason why I was able to hold it together.
"Mother, I'm going to go see if I can help Prowl with anything," Kacey said to me. "The poor mech looks exhausted."
"Go on," I smiled proudly at her.
Before she left, I pulled her into a hug. I was so happy she was ok too. The thought of losing two sparks I loved dearly was too much to bear.
"I love you my sparkling," I whispered to her, unable to stop my tears. "I don't know exactly what you did, but we are all grateful to have Optimus back."
"I don't know what I did either. I…I just could let dad go."
"I understand my sweetspark," I said, kissing her head and holding her close. "Now go on. I'm sure you can help."
As I watched her go I felt myself yanked by my arm into an embrace. Optimus' form was smothering and I enjoyed every astrosecond of it. The way his arms felt around me, the way he kissed me deeply…Primus I missed him so much.
"OW!" Optimus suddenly yelped.
I leaned back to see a hand had reached up and latched onto his antenna. The little ones were laughing wildly at their father.
"Quiet, youngling! Don't think I've forgotten about you for one moment! Med Bay now! Before you offline yourself overloading with your femme!"
I stifled a laugh moving out of my love's arms. It'd been a long time since I saw Ratchet do that to Optimus. It meant the CMO was in good spirits like the rest of us were.
"I'll see you in a bit, Elita," Optimus grinned.
"Not if I have anything to do with it!"
"OW! Don't twist…OW!"
"Quit whining or I'll order Roller to disengage! Then you'll be so low on energy I'll have to drag you to the med bay! And I'm not in the mood to lug your heavy aft half way across the base!"
"Nice to see things are getting back to normal," Chromia laughed coming to my side.
"Yes it is."
"Can we go watch Ratchet beat up dad?" Leo asked excitedly.
"Not today," I answered. "I think he's earned the right to keep some of his dignity today. I want you three to head to our quarters for now."
"Ah, but mom…"
"Leo, I'm not happy about what you did. I was scared when Hound told me. Just because you father isn't going to punish you doesn't mean I wont."
"Yes, mother."
"Good, Ariel, you're in charge."
"Frag that! Why does she get to be in charge?" Leo whined.
I rolled my optics. As hard as I try I've never been able to get him to stop cursing. Primus, he's a stubborn as his father!
"Because femmes are always more responsible than mechs, you lugnut!" Ariel answered grabbing Leo's hand. "Be happy you're lucky you don't have antenna like father or I'd drag you by them too!"
"Pfft, you'd have to catch me first!" he countered.
Then Leo did something that made those of us still in the shuttle bay laugh heartily. He lifted Ariel, who was at least twice his size, up over his shoulder and ran out of the shuttle bay with her screaming for him to put her down. Orion was close behind, cheering Leo on. Both my little mechs were laughing the entire time.
"Primus, it is so good to hear them laugh again," I sighed.
"You got that right," Chromia said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. "By the way, thanks for saving my aft out there."
"Anything for my best friend," I smiled.
"Mind telling me what Thunderblast was talking about?"
"Another time perhaps," I frowned, forcing those dark memories away. "Let's just say it was one mission I wish I could do all over again."
"Fair enough. Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to go find where Ironhide is hiding. That mech isn't getting any interfacing tonight if he keeps avoiding the doc!"
'Are you coming to save me from Ratchet?' Optimus suddenly asked over our bond. 'I'm afraid he might take advantage of me in my weakened condition.'
'Sure…I'm on my way,' I laughed.
Bumblebee
There were others that needed far more medical attention than myself. So, I had told Moonracer that I could make it to the Med Bay on my own. My repair systems were already working on combating my aches and pains as I made the trek to the med bay.
However my solitude was short lived. But I didn't complain too much. No amount of pain could dampen my spirits right now. Optimus was back! Kacey was too! And my friends were trying to be helpful. Emphasis on trying.
"Ow! Frag! Are you two trying to kill me?" I groaned and grimaced as Sunny and Sides were helping me walk.
"Sorry, Bumblebee…when did you get so heavy?" Sunny complained.
"Just…ow…let go…I can walk the rest of the way!"
"Are you sure?" Sides asked.
I sighed…ow…even that hurt too. Frag the last time I hurt this bad was the last time Megatron handed my aft to me and crushed my vocal processor. I had spent a couple of days in the Med Bay after that. Mainly because Ratchet was doing his best to try and save my voice. I still wouldn't have it today if not for my coming into contact with the All Spark. It literally can work miracles.
"Yes, please," I pleaded.
The brothers gently unhooked my arms from around their shoulders and let go of me. My legs nearly buckled once they held my full weight. But I quickly used the wall for support with one hand. It helped…a little.
"Coming through!"
I winced when I turned my head enough to see Ratchet coming with Optimus in tow. The twins moved aside, both covering their mouths and giggling. I moved as well, as fast as my aching body would let me. Only I was afraid to laugh for fear of how much it might hurt. It was a comical sight to see!
"Honestly, you can let go, Ratch! OW!"
"Like pit I will!" Ratchet countered. "You're going to get strapped down to the med berth! What the frag were you thinking trying to fight your brother in your condition! You haven't even fully recovered!" Ratchet suddenly came to a halt, hand still firmly holding on to Optimus' antenna. "And you, why are you not in the med bay?"
"I'm not that badly damaged," I lied afraid he'd grab my some part of my head and drag me along too!
"Bull slag! Get in there pronto!" he snapped and then moved on.
"OW!"
"I see the old rust bucket is back to his normal self," Sunny smiled.
"I heard that!" the CMO shouted over his shoulder making us laugh.
"Are you sure you can make it?" Sides asked, looking very concerned.
"I'll be fine," I huffed, leaning against the wall. "Just gonna rest here for a minute then I'll move on. Go back and see what Prowl needs help with."
"Sure thing and maybe we'll hook you up with a femme!" Sunny exclaimed. "They dig the battered and brave type of mechs like you."
"I don't need a femme," I chuckled nervously my mind instantly filled with thoughts of Kacey. My spark fluttered wildly. Primus, I'm so glad she's ok.
"But you still haven't interfaced. As your best friend it is my duty to put you out of your misery and get you a femme. I even know one who thinks you are so doable too!"
I blushed. I couldn't help it. Me…doable…yeah right! I'm a mech wrecker, not a romantic. Well, not a romantic yet I should say.
"As much as I appreciate the gesture, I'm going to have to pass," I replied.
"But you don't know what you're missing out on!" Sunny pressed on.
"Unlike you, Sunny, I believe some things are worth waiting for," I smiled.
"Ah, still waiting for the one then?" Sides questioned.
"Something like that. Now get going before Ratchet drags you in for volunteer work in the med bay!"
"Frag that…let's go bro!"
"Right behind ya, Sunny!"
"While you're back there…how's my backside looking? Not to scuffed up?" Sunny asked as they moved on down the hall.
"You don't want to know."
"I should…"
"Pit no!" Sides said and I laughed as he grabbed Sunny's arm and dragged him with him. "We'll shower later, after we help with repairs. Besides, this way we look battle worn like the warriors we are."
"You're right! So we'll be getting some interfacing tonight for sure!"
"Just remember, it's my turn to use our quarters. You get the femme's or wherever else you end up."
"Yeah, yeah."
I watched as they disappeared around the corner, their voices fading fast. One day I'll understand what their talking about. Interfacing was still such a mystery to me. But I refuse to have a fling with a femme just for an overloading experience. That wouldn't be fair to the femme. Nor would it be fair to my spark.
Besides, my spark only desires one femme. One femme that is worth waiting for. One femme that I would do anything for. The mere thought of her now gets my interface systems humming.
Frag it to pit! I really need to get off this base. Just thinking about Kacey caused my internal body temperature to rise!
"Hey Bumblebee!"
"AH!" I yelped in surprise, losing my balance.
"Frag, sorry, Bee! I didn't mean to startle you!" Kacey said, her arms quickly wrapping around my chest to hold me up right.
I stoically did my best to try not to lean against her or touch her for fear of myself! It was exceedingly difficult! I was so relieved that she was ok that I wanted to hold her close and tell her everything I'd been holding in the past several years.
"You're running hot, Bee! I can feel it! That's not good, let's hurry and get you to the med bay!" she said, her optics full of concern.
Oh thank Primus she didn't have her sensors anymore! I was running hot…just not from my injuries! Despite the pain I was in I could feel every micrometer of her form against mine as she moved under my arm, supporting my weight. My spark rate increased and my processor started to haze over. I had a funny, tingly, pleasure sensation building up in my…
WHAM!
From out of nowhere a force smacked into me hard from behind sending me to the floor. I lay there dazed and confused. What the frag was that?
"IRONHIDE!"
"Sorry! I was looking behind my while running."
"Oh, Chromia chasing after you to get your arm checked out?" Kacey asked as I felt big hands grab hold of me.
"Yeah," he answered hefting me up onto my feet. Ironhide's massive frame came into view. "You ok?"
"Uh…"
"You're fine," Ironhide said not even waiting for my answer.
"I was taking Bumblebee to the med bay, he's running a fever or something."
"Since I am heading there, I'll take him. Prowl could use your help with the twins. They're heading back to the shuttle bay."
"Good Primus!" Kacey groaned. "Prowl has his plate full without those idiots. You don't mind, Bee do you? I'll stop by later to check on ya."
"He won't mind," Ironhide smiled for me.
"Ok, I'll see you both later," she smiled and then trotted off.
My optics followed her until she disappeared around a corner. I smiled…dreamily.
SMACK!
"OW!" I cried out, rubbing the top of my head.
"Stop thinking with your interface systems! I thought you were going to overload a few minutes ago. Why do you think I ran into you?"
"Was that what was happening to me?"
Ironhide blinked in surprise at me.
"You've never overloaded?" he asked in disbelief.
"No. I've never been intimate with a femme."
"Never?"
I exhaled in irritation.
"Frag, is it so bad to want to wait for the one femme my spark desires?"
"Oh Primus," he groaned, pinching his nose plates. "No wonder you can't control yourself! Well, I suggest you avoid Kacey as much as possible until you leave the base, understood?"
I reluctantly nodded. He was right. I couldn't handle myself anymore around Kacey. Especially after I poured my emotions out to her in the med bay.
"And your injured, I'm sure that doesn't help. Still, you could use a few lessons in how to treat femmes in the recharge birth."
"Sunny and Sides talk about their interfacing all the time with me."
"Bumblebee, don't listen to them! Primus help us if those to ever start procreating! No, when you're ready to actually start interfacing you come to me and I will give you the proper advice. Femmes are not conquests, they're well of pleasure to be enjoyed and…"
"HIDE!"
"And feared!" he added quietly before turning us around to face Chromia as she marched angrily towards us.
"I was just taking the young scout here to the med bay for repairs and see about getting my arm repaired as well," he innocently smiled…well as innocently as Ironhide could smile that is.
"Well then, I'll escort the both of you," she smiled, bringing up her primed rifle.
I started trembling having a flashback to one of their fights when I was a youngling. I was literally caught in the cross fire and spent a day in the med bay! Optimus was furious and had them both spend time in the brig.
I wonder…what Optimus will think of me when Kacey and I get together. Ironhide said I was an honorable mech. I've always looked up to Optimus as my role model. Will that be enough for him to allow me to date Kacey or will he blast my aft into space?
"Remember what I told you," Hide said over a private comlink interrupting some rather terrifying thoughts. "Start thinking with your processor and not your interface systems when around Kacey."
"Easier said than done…my processor very much agrees with my interface systems and my spark!"
"Then learn! I can't knock you down to the ground every time you're near Kacey!"
I didn't want him too. My aft was hurting something fierce! I wouldn't be surprised if there was a dent in it the size of his cannon. But he was right. I do need to learn to control myself.
Oh! Sam will help me! He was like me before he finally hooked up with Mikaela! I'm sure he'll have all kinds of advice for me!
"What are you smiling for?" Ironhide asked.
"It's a good day," I answered.
"That it is," Chromia grinned. Then her rifle clanked against Ironhide's armor. "Now move it!"
"Yes, dear," Ironhide smiled. "Remember Bumblebee, always keep your femme happy. Otherwise you get left recharging on the floor with no interfacing for however long she deems appropriate!"
I glanced from Ironhide to Chromia, thinking. Femmes truly are a force to be reckoned with. And I have so much more to learn before I get together with Kacey!
Prowl
With a heavy sigh I dropped into the seat behind my desk. It took two days to repair the shuttle bay. I was exhausted physically, mentally, spiritually. Everyone on the base was. We nearly lost Optimus and Kacey. Primus, I barely managed to keep it together.
But by some miracle, he made it and we survived our base's first major assault. There would be more. New security measures would have to be implemented. We'll have to start posting guards outside instead of relying solely on Teletran 2's sensors. Maybe I should recall a few of the troops back.
"Can I come in Prowl?"
"Sure," I smiled, waving for Kacey to enter, glad for the respite. She immediately did so, turned and then closed and locked my office door. I raised an optic ridge at her as she sat down. The cloak Bumblebee gave her had become a permanent fixture on her – her armor so to speak, I suppose. "You know, everyone will start talking about us…the long shuttle trips during your 'training', the long hours in my office behind a closed door while we play strategy games."
"You got the hots for me Prowl?" she asked with that smirk of hers, making me laugh heartily. "You're a good mech, Prowl. I understand it takes a long time to get over the loss of a bond mate. I would never take advantage of you."
I laughed even harder. Hardest I've laughed in a really, really long time.
"You have been hanging around Sunny and Sides too much," I finally managed to say.
"Oh yeah, I've got the entire Sunny-Sides smut dictionary downloaded into my processor."
"And Leo?"
"He has the abridged version with all the mature material edited out."
I laughed again.
"You can relax," she smiled. "I'm a long way from interfacing. Leo is still as innocent as ever, thank Primus. Much to mom and dad's relief."
"How is Optimus?"
"Ratchet released him from the Med Bay after walking in on him and mom interfacing when dad was supposed to be resting. Ratchet figured that if my dad had that amount of energy he could be released and confined to his quarters. He was recharging on the couch when I left to come see you."
"I take it you didn't come here for just a casual chat."
"No," she frowned and then exhaled loudly, bowing her head.
I remained quiet allowing her to gather her thoughts. Whatever she wanted to discuss was very important. I had never seen her look so serious before.
"Prowl, almost losing my father taught me a very valuable lesson," she began, looking directly at me, her gaze penetrating much like her father's whenever he was serious. "I'm not ready. I'm not ready to be Prime. I know I can never be the Prime that father is. But if we had lost him, I can tell you right now I am not ready to lead these people."
"Kacey, you have all of us for support…"
"No. I must be able to step up to the plate…to make the big decisions. And I'm not. We are not on Cybertron. The Autobots are scattered all over and only Primus knows where they are. There are so few of us here on Earth. And we don't know how many more are coming. We are in a fragile state. The Autobots on this base depend upon my father's strength to hold them together."
"The attack on my father proved that Megatron will stop at nothing to break us. He failed this time. We were lucky to save my father. We might not have that luck next time. I have to be ready…I have to be strong for all of us. And right now…I'm not. I was too emotional…I acted out of pure desperation and fear. Those are not how a leader acts. I'm asking you to help me through my training. You can help me be stronger up here," she said pointing to her processor. "So that I can be stronger here," she said pointing to her spark. She reached across and handed me a datapad. "This is my training schedule. Please, add two more sessions wherever you have time. I will not take no for an answer."
"I can see that," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Very well." I added two times on her schedule and handed it back to her. "Will that be sufficient?"
"Of course," she smiled. "Thank you…for everything."
"I'm just doing my duty, Ma'am," I grinned back.
"Oh, ha ha," she said, playfully narrowing her optics at me. "I expected something like that from Sunny and Sides, never from you Prowl."
"What? Did you think that Jazz became my bonded solely on my rugged looks?"
Kacey got to her feet, chuckling and shaking her head.
"Just don't let the twins know you actually have a sense of humor," she warned. "They believe that your logic circuits make you incapable of handling a joke."
"Well, if they were smarter they'd realized that the reason why they can't fry my logic circuits, and they've tried repeatedly with their pranks, is because I can not only handle a joke but can get the punch line right. However, as second in command I simply do not have the luxuries that many mechs have. Thus, such things are shared in private with those close to my spark."
Kacey blushed slightly and smiled, "I'm honored. Now if you'll excuse me, Sir. I need to say goodbye to Bumblebee before he leaves. He's been avoiding me the past couple of days."
"Really?" I questioned.
"Yeah. I think he believes I'm angry with him for returning to his post and Sam's guardian. I'm not. I fully understand that with Megatron knowing where are base is does put our human allies at an even greater risk. Besides, it would be selfish of me to not want him to go."
I burst into laughter.
"I'm sorry Kacey but next to your father, you are the most selfless mechanism I know."
"That may be," she frowned. "But I will miss Bumblebee's constant presence on the base."
"Then go say your good byes. I'll see you tomorrow morning for your lesson then," I said, unlocking the door from the panel on my desk.
"I won't be late," she said as she headed out.
Once alone, I leaned back in my chair and looked at the pile of data pads on my desk. They needed to be taken care of…but not today. Rising to my feet I then left my office and headed outside to the main road leading from the base.
I may be one of Kacey's mentors but I have learned many things from her as well. Perhaps, the one I enjoy the most, one I know Jazz probably enjoyed the most as well, was going for a drive…and even exceeding the speed limit from time to time.
Kacey
I walked slowly from Prowl's office heading for the shuttle bay. Many of the Autobots said their good mornings to me as I passed them. As always I reciprocated the greeting with my usual smile. It was so good to seem them as the once were. Even with the threat of an imminent attack from the Decepticons looming overhead, the Autobots resolve was strong once again.
From the looks of things, some relationships have gotten stronger as a result of the events that occurred the past several days. I must admit, it's good to see a couple so happy.
"Magnus, aren't you supposed to stay off the leg until it fully heals?" I asked.
"Ratchet also said I needed to get some exercise so it would return to being fully functional," he smiled, his weight leaning heavily upon Akima. She was his crutch as he gimped slowly along the hallway. "Just don't think this stops me from giving you lessons. We're still scheduled for this afternoon."
"I haven't forgotten," I smiled. "Just make sure you have someone durable enough to handle an aft whipping."
"Oh I do," he chuckled as if it were some kind of inside joke that I had no idea about.
I gave him a puzzled look.
"Magnus you're evil at times," Akima chided and then looked to me. "He has the twins scheduled as your sparring partners for today."
"Ah, payback," I commented.
"Of course," he smiled proudly.
"Well, it is good to see you on your feet again."
"Thank you, Kacey. I'll see you later."
Moving aside, I let Magnus and Akima move by. I watched them for a few moments. And for the first time in my life I wondered if I would find an honorable mech like Magnus. Ever since having the 'talk' with dad I started seeing the mechs on the base a bit…differently.
"Pfft! Who am I kidding?" I chuckled to myself, returning to my journey.
First of all, the mech would have to be brave enough to withstand my father's wrath. Yes, I can easily see my father blasting any mech that so much as glanced my way. Then if the mech survives that he'll have to pass a multitude of parameters I'm sure my 'uncles' would deem appropriate. This means I probably won't get to go on my first date until the next millennium!
I think Bumblebee would be the most protective of me, next to my father. I see the roll in Bee's optics and annoyed look on his faceplates when Rox hangs his arms around my shoulders like I'm his femme. Then he laughs when I put Rox in his place.
Honestly, I am Elita One's daughter too. I can handle mechs like Rox. I'm just not sure how I'll act when I met that one mech, the right mech, the mech my spark desires. Oh well, only time will tell.
"So, were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" I asked quietly as Bumblebee had his back to me.
I noticed his head bow for a moment before he turned to face me. My throat tightened unexpectedly as tears filled my optics. Frag! I'm not a little youngling anymore!
"Kacey, you know I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," he smiled warmly.
"I know," I sighed, forcing the tears away.
It was difficult though. My spark was aching because I was going to miss Bee so much.
"I'll be back to visit. You can even contact me day or night if you just need to talk."
I nodded, a single tear rolled down my cheek. His hand reached to wipe the tear away and lifted my chin up.
"You are much stronger than you think, Kacey. What you did to save Optimus proved that. You are going to be just fine without me here."
"I know. I'm still going to miss you," I smiled.
"Bumblebee, we have clearance to leave whenever you're ready," Bluestreak spoke softly.
"Thanks, I'll be there in a minute."
"Of course, Sir."
I smiled, "I often forget you're an officer. You don't always act like one around me."
"Enjoy it," he countered. "One day soon I will be your superior and you will have to call me Sir."
"Whatever, you'll always just be Bee to me!"
He moaned, rolling his optics, "I have to put up with that regularly with the other officers. They still call me youngling."
"It's better than old rust bucket!" I said making him laugh.
"That is true."
"Seriously, Bumblebee, I want to thank you with all my spark. I couldn't have pulled off my little coup without your help. You are truly good and a loyal friend."
I held out my hand for him to shake. He stared at it for a moment before grabbing hold and pulled me into an embrace. I put my arms around him as well, holding him equally as tight. I chuckled at a fond memory.
"I remember when you used to have to pick me up to hug me," I told him, my arms tightened around him, not want to let go.
"Soon you'll be taller than me. Just remember Kacey, I will always be your friend no matter when on this Earth that I may be," he whispered into my audio receptor. "And…I too will miss seeing you, especially your smile."
'Kacey, is everything ok?' father asked, sensing sadness.
'I'm ok, father. Just saying goodbye to Bumblebee. I'll be there soon.'
'Ok, child. Take your time.'
"It's time for me to let you go," I grinned as we parted, no tears, no regrets.
"Yeah, Sam has called me a dozen times already, asking me when I was going to arrive," he chuckled. "He can't wait for me to get there. He said he has some big news to tell me about Mikaela."
"I'm sure you'll love it whatever it is. Tell him and his family I said hi. Talk to you soon, Bee."
"Not soon enough," he responded making me laugh.
I felt my father's love comforting me. Yes, I was sad seeing my good friend leave. But not as sad as I thought I'd really be. I guess that means I've grown up a little, right?
'On my way, father,' I told him over out bond after the shuttle departed the bay.
I was looking forward to the day when I'd be taking orders from Bumblebee and the other officers, including my father and mother. But unlike before when I was younger, I still wanted to enjoy my time now with my family and my friends for I knew how precious each moment of every day was.
I know that once a soldier again I will not have such close moments with my father anymore. That eventually I will not be able to climb into the recharge bed and snuggle between him and my mother. That eventually I will be a fully mature femme possibly with a family of my own.
I sighed. Such times seemed so far away right now. As they should, I suppose. I was still so young with so much of my life before me.
"Ah, good, I just finished shuffling the deck," father smiled as I walked into our quarters. I raised an optic ridge at him as he sat at the small table in the main living quarters. "I thought we'd play a game of poker while Elita was out. You know…give you a chance to see if beating me was a fluke or not."
I smirked at him, "I'm up for the challenge. Do you have enough of your strength back to handle it if you lose?"
"I'm sure I do. I have you beside me."
I laughed taking my seat across from him. Seeing him much better and in good spirits made me decide that now would be a good time to ask him the questions I've been needing to ask him.
"Does it get easier?" I asked as he passed out the cards. "Giving orders, being in command."
"It is never easy putting your friends or even loved ones in harms way."
"No, I suppose that would never get easy. What about doubts or regrets?"
"There are always doubts and regrets, my daughter. But you can never dwell on them. If you do it might affect the decisions you make in the future. One piece of advice that Sentinel taught me, and one I've lived by as my time as Prime is when you make a decision and give that command, you stick with it be it right or wrong. You must always have confidence in the choices you make and trust that those around you have the skills to see their orders through."
I frowned looking at my cards as he finished.
"Not everyone is meant to be a leader," he spoke sorting his cards out. Then he looked over at me. "But you are a natural leader, Kacey. You had the courage to take command. Yes it was out of pure desperation and love for me. But to make that decision and see it through no matter how difficult took guts."
"Just because you were terrified or purged your tanks doesn't make you any less of a leader. As you grow older you will learn to control your fears. We need our fears. They keep us focused, determined. Yes you will make mistakes but it is how you handle those mistakes that will shape you as a leader. Understand?"
"Yes, father."
"Good," he smiled. "Thus ends the lesson for today. Now, let's play. I'm in one hundred."
I didn't even glance at my cards and grabbed a few poker chips.
"One hundred, dad? I bet that much when I'm playing with Leo and Orion. Here's five…what the big mechs play with."
Dad laughed heartily adding more of his chips to the pile.
"You're on…femme."
I smiled back at him thanking Primus I had my father back. And at least for the moment, all was right in the universe. Even when mother showed up with my brothers and sister, she didn't get mad at us playing poker. However, she was shocked to find out that her little innocent mechs knew how to play!
When she demanded an explanation, father suddenly got really tired and left the room for the bedroom. I said I had a project that needed my attention and quickly left our quarters before she could protest. Besides, I knew she'd pry it out of father. He always cracked under her interrogations. He did it on purpose as it was part of the game they played. But he loved to prolong it for as long as possible.
"KACEY!!!!!"
"Oops, my bad!" I shouted back over my shoulder at Ratchet and took of running down the hallway…laughing!
"Yippy! Daddy's all pink again!!!" Kayla shouted excitedly bouncing up and down as I ran by her, Galen and Moonracer.
Oh yeah, all was right in the universe.
Up next: The final interlude with Optimus as we begin the final story arc. Yes, I know, sorry. Don't worry, I promise lots of action in the final story arc, including the big showdowns between Optimus and Megatron, Elita and Thunderblast, and of course, Kacey and Venom. Woohoo! I can't wait!
Author's notes: I want to give my thanks to everyone again. Also I need to give props to plenoptic for that Prowl x Kacey scene. One of my lines from a previous chapter had inspired her to write a small fic where they kissed and that inspired me to poke fun at the possibility of them being a couple. Honestly, I really just wanted to use the Sunny-Sides smut dictionary line from her fic and that's how that scene evolved! I actually wrote it just after reading her fic.