Another whopper chapter. Get comfortable. Have some tissues for Kacey as she learns of her friends death. And we learn if Optimus and Elita are with spark! Woohoo!
Kacey
"You're still awake!" Bumblebee whispered as the movie ended for a second time.
"Yeah, too energized to recharge," I whispered back. "Dad was…shall I say, getting down with his femme for a while earlier."
"Ak, Kacey! I didn't need to hear that!" he protested making me laugh.
"Please, you're grown up enough to hear about that slag!"
"Do…do you always know when Optimus and Elita are interfacing?"
"Ever since I nearly lost my father our bond as been…extra sensitive to each other. But no, I don't always know…thank Primus. Most times dad blocks his feelings from me when they're interfacing. However, when they're spark bonding it is difficult for him or mother to entirely block what they're feeling. I recall Leo being particularly energized whenever our parents spark bonded when he was a sparkling. As I got older I learned to discretely block the sensation echoing within my spark. I've trained Orion, Ariel and Leo to do it as well. I didn't have the spark to tell our parents about it. Mother and father are still so much in love with each other."
Rox mumbled something as he continued to recharge, his head resting against my shoulder. I slowly got up and carefully laid him down. On the couch behind us were Nitro and Firestar, both recharging peacefully in each other's arms.
"Why haven't you settled down, Bee?" I asked, moving over and sitting beside him. Out of habit I curled up my legs and leaned against him. As always, he wrapped his arm around me, making me feel safe and warm. "You're a handsome mech. You should get a femme and make me an aunt."
"I just haven't found the right femme," he smiled, blushing. "What about you? Rox has matured into a fine looking mech."
"I don't know," I sighed. "When I look at Rox I don't feel anything, here," I said, rubbing my chest just over my spark. "I will always love him as a friend. But nothing more. Does that make sense?"
"Perfect sense. You follow the will of your spark, just like Optimus."
"I've actually wondered…I mean how will I know when I find the mech?"
"Oh, you'll know," he sighed with this far off look in his optics as he stared passed me. "One day, it will just hit you. You could be doing anything and then, you'll look up see him. Your spark flutters within and you can't explain why. But you just know…he's the one for you."
"Have you been watching romance movies with Mikaela?" I teased, making him laugh heartily.
"Hey, quiet down you two," Sunny yawned as he sat up from the couch he and his brother had fallen into recharge on. "Frag, it's late!"
"No, it's early," Sides correcting rubbing his optics. "It's five in the morning."
"I should try to get some recharge," I sighed. "I have some apologizing to do during the conference call with John later this morning."
"I'll walk you to your quarters," Bumblebee smiled, taking hold of my hand and helping me to my feet.
"We'll get the other three back to their rooms," Sides said, rising to his feet and stretching.
"How are you feeling, Kacey?" Sunny smirked. "Not too hung-over?"
"No, I never recharged," I answered truthfully. "The high grade just wore off as I sat and watched the movie."
"You're still young and can get away with that," Bumblebee said. "Wait until you're older. You'll be in the med bay begging Ratchet for one of his hangover remedies that I see Ironhide get all the time."
"I doubt I'll make this a regular occurrence," I chuckled. "But I do thank you guys for all you did for me on my sparkday."
"It was our pleasure, Kacey," Sunny smiled.
"See you guys later," I waved as Bumblebee and I headed for the exit. "So, when do you leave?"
"Later this morning, just before noon," he answered softly. "I should be able to visit more often now that Sam's settled into his new job. The other one had him doing a lot of traveling. That's why I couldn't see you as much as I wanted."
"It's ok. I did miss you. But I think Sunny and Sides missed you even more," I teased.
"Pfft, yeah right. They missed me being the one to make sure they got their drunken afts into their recharge beds!" he snorted.
"Ah, now it all makes sense why all those times they'd drag me to the recreation room even though I wouldn't drink with them."
"Such is the burden of being the responsible ones," he sighed, making me laugh.
And then he suddenly stiffened and stopped laughing.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm to take you to your quarters immediately, Prowl's orders," he said.
"Did he say why?" I asked.
Bumblebee hesitated and I immediately noticed the sadness in his optics.
"What's wrong?"
"Please, Kacey. Optimus will tell you."
"Tell me what? What's going on?"
When he hesitated to respond I reached out to my father. And it was at that moment that I felt the sadness from him. Such a deep sorrow that he was trying to keep from me. I didn't think. I just took off running, leaving Bumblebee behind shouting for me.
At first I didn't understand what could make my father so sad. From my spark link I could feel the strong bond with my brothers, sister, and mother. They were all fine. But when I rounded the final turn and saw Will talking with Prowl as they left my family's quarters I knew…I just knew.
"No!" I shouted.
"Kacey! Stop!" Prowl said, grabbing hold of me and keeping me from running on towards the human's quarters we had set up not far from the officer's quarters.
"Let me go!" I growled, arms and legs flaying.
"Kacey, please," father's voice begged, his love trying to comfort me over our bond.
"NO! JOHN! LET ME GO YOU FRAGGER!" I screamed, breaking free from Prowl's grasp only for my father to take hold of me and lift me off the ground.
I twisted, bucked, pushed, grunted but could not break free from my father's strong hold. Because I didn't have any recharge and was still recovering from high grade in my systems I exhausted myself rather quickly and simply resorted to crying on my father's shoulder, clinging to him like a sparkling.
Both mother and father's presence could be felt strongly within me, comforting me, loving me. It only made my cry that much harder as they took me to my room.
"Shh, my sweet child. We're here for you," mother crooned, her hand caressing my dampened cheeks. "You more than anyone know the limitations of the human body."
"That didn't mean I was prepared for my friend to die!" I spat at her.
"I know," she smiled warmly unaffected by my outburst, continuing to comfort me.
"We are never truly prepared for a friend or loved one to pass on," father spoke softly. "Just know that you are not alone. Your mother and I will help you get through this, I promise."
"I didn't even get to see him…to tell him what a good friend he was," I cried and hiccupped. "I didn't even get to say goodbye."
"Mom, is Kacey ok?" I heard Leo ask from the doorway.
"Go, I got her," father said and I felt his arms shift me into a more comfortable position in his arms.
"I'll be right back, Kacey," mother whispered, kissing my audio receptor.
"I am truly sorry for your pain my child," father spoke softly to me. "If there was anything I could do to take it away, I promise you I would."
I choked and sobbed, feeling my automatic recharge systems coming online. I rebelled against them. I didn't want to recharge.
"He was a good friend and ally to us," father said, his arms gently rocking me, making it difficult to resist the call for recharge.
"Yes, he was," I sniffled, shaking my head.
"Rest my child. Your mother or I will be at your side when you wake," he said, kissing me on the forehead.
I trembled with grief as he lay me down on my recharge bed. My optic covers grew heavy and were starting to close. But I could hear my father's voice as he hummed a gently melody to comfort me as he sat down beside me, pulling a thermal blanket over me.
It was one of my favorites. A lullaby he would either sing or hum to one of us if we were upset or not feeling well. Like those times, the melody was soothing to my audio receptors, comforting to my systems. My stubbornness lost out after a short while and I fell into restless recharge.
Optimus
"Simmons has contacted the United Nations representatives and informed them about Mr. Keller," Prowl said. "The conference will be rescheduled. And protocol dictates that we'll be getting a new liaison…"
I heard my second in command but wasn't really listening as he continued with his report. My thoughts were focused on Kacey, on Elita. My child was taking Keller's death as bad as I had imagined. Elita told me a short while ago that Kacey woke up screaming from a bad dream and then fell instantly back into restless recharge.
Frag, I feel so inadequate as a father whenever Kacey has her nightmares. There's nothing I can do to take them away from her. And then I feel so bad for leaving Elita there to deal with Kacey alone, especially if she's going to be with spark in the next day or so.
I don't regret my decision in wanting to have another sparkling. But there are times when life seems so cruel when it takes one life to make room for a new one. Sometimes I wonder if Primus punishes me when I decide to be selfish about one thing that would bring me happiness.
I rarely ever ask for anything in life. I am generous by nature and out of necessity. As Prime it is my duty to put the Autobots needs before my own. As a bonded and father I gladly put my families needs before my own. It still tears my spark up when I'm forced to choose one over the other, although such occasions are rare. I have gone out of my way to ensure that I keep my duties as Prime separated from my duties as a mate and father.
I internally sigh because right now I'm forced to do my duty as Prime when my daughter needs me most.
"Prime?"
"What…sorry, can you repeat the question?" I requested, focusing back on Prowl as he stood before me.
"Are you ok?"
"I apologize. I have a lot on my processor."
"I understand. I know the answer but I must ask the question regardless. Will you be attending the funeral ceremony?"
"Of course. He was more than just the liaison but a good friend."
"I will be going to the funeral as well."
I looked past Prowl to see Kacey standing in the doorway. Grief and tiredness weighed heavily upon her lovely features. Tears clung to her optics, threatening to fall. I wanted desperately to be able hold her in my arms and take her pain away.
"Kacey, that's not…"
"It wasn't a request, Prowl!" she gritted, tears trickling down her anguished face. "Do whatever you think is necessary to protect me. He was a good friend. Always gave me good advice in life. He helped to rebuild my faith in humanity after that maniac took it away from me. I will not be disrespectful to John or his family!"
Before I or Prowl could make a rebuttal, Kacey stormed out of my office. I reached out to her through our bond, hoping to ease her suffering.
'Please…not now father,' was all she said to me before shutting me out.
"Prowl, see to it that my daughter will be protected," I ordered, rising to my feet. "I will not deny Kacey's right to be there. She has earned Mr. Keller's respect and gratitude over the years. And this will bring some closure for her during her time of mourning."
"As you wish," Prowl frowned.
"I know it will be a security nightmare. Just do your best, Prowl. And don't worry too much about Kacey. I will be there to protect my daughter."
"As will I."
I raised an optic ridge at him.
"John Keller was my friend to. I wish…"
"You don't need to request to be there," I smiled. "I assumed you would be. Just make sure our security is discrete."
"Understood, Prime. I'll bring you the details of the arrangement in an hour."
I nodded and watched as my second in command left, settling back into my chair. I reached over and pushed the button to close my office door, giving me some privacy. My thoughts started to return to my daughter and my love only to be interrupted by the door suddenly opening. Elita came rushing through, looking extremely concerned and shaken.
"Where is she?"
"She was just here and left," I answered, quickly rising to my feet and closing our office door. Moving around my desk, I took hold of my love's hand and led her to her chair. "Are you ok?"
"I only left her one minute trying to explain things to Orion, Ariel and Leo. When I went back, Kacey was gone. She wouldn't even respond over our bond."
"Shh, she's upset and wont go far," I cooed to my love caressing her face. Reaching across her desk I activated a comlink with Prowl. "Prowl, please monitor Kacey's movements. But be discrete. I think its best that she be given her space for the now."
"Understood, Optimus," he replied and then ended the link.
"Will that ease your worries?" I asked, taking hold of both her hands in mine.
"Sorry."
"Don't be my love. You're such a wonderful mother. If you're worried, it's always with good reason."
"You're…" she started and then suddenly let out a hiss, doubling over in pain. Concerned, I didn't hesitate to reach for the comlink to contact Ratchet. "No," she said, quickly grabbing hold of my hand. A smile slowly spread across her beautiful face. "We don't need Ratchet. Not yet anyway. I was just caught by surprise. I mean I've heard about it happening this way but wasn't expecting it to happen so soon."
"What?" I asked, worriedly, having no clue as to what she meant.
"It's such a shame it couldn't have happened under happier circumstances," she answered, grabbing hold of my hand and laid it flat on her abdomen armor.
"Oh," I gasped, immediately feeling the temperature was hotter than normal. "You mean…"
"Shh," she said, closing her optics.
I did as she instructed, waiting as patiently as I could. At the same time, praying to Primus to give the little spark forming within my love the strength to come into existence. My own spark, so full of fear and excitement, was doing flip flops in its chamber!
My sensors indicated that Elita's energy levels had reached critical, all normal from experience. Her coolant systems were holding steady to combat the rising heat that built up beneath my hand. And then suddenly Elita relaxed, energy levels returned to normal, her armor beneath my rapidly cooled returning to normal.
"That was intense," I smiled as she opened her optic covers.
"You're telling me," she chuckled and then grimaced. "Ow."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah," she nodded but had a worried look on her face. "It just feels…different."
"We can go to the med bay if you want."
"I thought you wanted to keep this sparkling a secret between ourselves for a day or so. The moment we both go to the med bay a rumor will start flying. Kacey doesn't need that now."
"I know. And I want to keep it a secret but not if you or our sparkling is at risk. And we're going to tell Kacey sooner or later."
"True but…"
"But it wouldn't be right to share this happiness with Kacey right now," I said, finishing my love's thought. Elita nodded. "Well, I can have Ratchet come here. And…I think we should tell Kacey after the funeral. It will help with the healing process."
"Agreed."
"I love you," I whispered, pulling her into my arms and holding her close. "Primus help me…I love you so much Elita. I'd be so lost without you."
"Silly mech, you'll never be without me, I promise."
Ratchet
Upon approaching Optimus and Elita's office door I noticed it was closed but not locked. So of course I didn't hesitate to enter since I was summoned. In retrospect, I probably should have at least knocked before entering. The two were kissing rather passionately. Such kissing usually led to interfacing or spark bonding…at least with Moonracer and myself it did.
"Is interfacing behind a closed door all you two think about?" I grumbled, arms folded across my chest watching as Optimus jerked away from Elita. "Don't look so surprised."
"I wouldn't have been surprised at all," he growled, rising to his feet. "You were annoyingly prompt for once."
"Not really, I just happened to already be on my way here to give you my report about Mr. Keller," I replied sadly.
As I moved to set the report on Optimus desk I noticed how he still hadn't let go of Elita's hand. Everyone knows how Elita barely tolerates affections in front of others. I actually think it's hilarious to watch Optimus try to get away with a kiss, a hug, or caress and then get smacked for his efforts! The poor mech has it and has always had it bad for his femme!
"You didn't call me here to discuss it, I take it," I commented, carefully observing them. From experience I knew they were up to something.
"No, your being here is of a personal nature," Optimus responded, reaching to lock the door behind me. His optics flicked towards Elita for a moment. A quick smile was shared between them. The femme even blushed slightly, covering her mouth. "And private, so what we discuss does not leave this room. Elita and I do not wish for anyone to know yet."
"Good Primus! Don't tell me you're pregnant…AGAIN!" I snorted.
Optimus wasn't phased in the least. In fact, the fragger stood tall and proud.
"As a matter of fact, we are," I smiled wide.
"Only I'm a little concerned," Elita said and I could hear her nervousness.
"When did the blessed interface session take place?" I asked, moving towards Elita, medical scanners promptly scanning her systems.
"Last night," she replied, one hand sliding protectively over her abdomen.
I shot Optimus a look. The big mech shifted nervously on his feet, scratching his head much like he used to do as a youngling when I caught him in the act of doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing!
"It is rare but not dangerous for a spark to form so quickly after an interface," I replied using my fingers to feel the heat of her armor over her reproduction chamber. "Does that hurt?"
"No. I…it just felt more intense than the last time with Leo."
"Please, Ratchet, can you make sure that Elita and the sparkling are ok?"
"I'm doing that, Optimus," I smiled warmly up at him. My medical scan beeps signally it was done and I started to analyze the data collected on all of Elita's systems, including her reproduction chamber and systems. "My…that's interesting."
"What?" Elita and Optimus asked.
I ran a more in depth scan just to double check.
"Yup. Unbelievable. You might want to sit down for this Optimus," I suggested.
"Why?" he asked, moving closer in a protective manner towards Elita.
Why indeed I thought to myself.
"Suit yourself," I smirked. "Congratulations, its twins…two…"
My voice trailed off and my optics followed him all the way down. I actually felt the floor vibrate beneath my feet when Optimus crashed flat on his back. I laughed of course! I couldn't help it. Someone as big and as brave as Optimus passing out upon the mentioning of little sparks never gets old.
"You could have helped him you aft!" Elita snapped at me, moving over and kneeling beside Optimus.
"I did. I told him to sit down," I cackled, trying to regain my composure. "Younglings that don't do as their told often get what they deserve."
"So do idiot medical bots that purposely let my mech crash!"
"Alright, calm down," I said. "Can't have a mother upset when she's with sparks." I knelt down, gently smacking Optimus on the face plates. "Hey, Optimus, you there? Wake up!"
"What?" he mumbled, his optic covers lazily opening. "What happened?"
"You passed out," I told him and he instantly looked embarrassed. Faceplates red, optics avoiding my gaze and that of Elita's. That look often reminded me of when he was a small youngling so unsure of himself. It was difficult at times resisting the urge to hold him and comfort him. But Sentinel wouldn't allow such things all the time. He knew, and many of us agreed, that for Optimus to gain confidence he needed to learn how to deal with things on his own. "Come on lugnut let's get you in the chair until your legs are steady again."
"Did I hear right. Elita's having twins?" I asked as I helped him into his chair.
"That's right," I smiled. "Two femmes."
"I like femmes," he commented.
"Of course you do," I retorted, rubbing the top of his helm. "Congratulations, both of you."
"Thank you, Ratchet," Elita smiled.
She and Optimus suddenly had optics only for each other, cuddling and whispering their affections to each other. I felt like I was intruding and was about to leave when my internal communicator activated.
"Ratchet, this is Magnus!"
"Go ahead," I responded over the private comlink while turning away from the happy parents as they kissed tenderly.
"You're needed in my training room immediately. It seems Kacey injured herself. I'm not sure how badly. She won't let me get near her. She's rather…upset."
"Copy that. I'm on my way. I'll bring Optimus and Elita as well."
"Good idea, Magnus out."
I softly cleared my throat after turning around to get their attention. Respectfully they gave me their full attention and simply held each other's hand.
"I would love to allow you your privacy but I thought you'd like to know that I'm heading to Magnus' training room. It seems Kacey has injured herself."
"What? How?" Optimus immediately asked, getting to his feet.
"We'll find out when we get there," I said calmly.
"I need to get back to the little ones," Elita said to Optimus as we headed out of the office. "I promised I'd only be gone a few minutes. Tell Kacey I'll be there as soon as I can?"
"Of course," he said, kissing her.
Optimus watched her go for a moment before turning to go the other way with me. Together we walked quickly in the direction of the training facilities.
"How are the younglings doing?" I asked breaking the silence after a short while.
"They're confused and upset. I can feel it," he frowned.
"Perhaps, you should spend this time with them. Prowl can handle things. Your younglings need you right now."
"As do the Autobots," he replied firmly. "Many know what has happened and they're uncertain as to what that means. I must be there for them, to ensure them that all is well."
I gave him a hard look.
"Don't worry. I will make the time for my younglings. I have gotten better at it over the years in case you haven't noticed."
Before I could reply I heard Kacey shout a harsh Cybertronian swear word. Optimus and I hurried the rest of the way.
"Kacey, I'm not going to harm you, I promise!" Magnus said calmly, hands raised in surrender.
From the looks of it, Kacey got herself really worked up. Spark rate high, body temperature raised, systems straining to keep their energy levels up. She looked angry as she paced furiously back and forth, her cloak almost whipped behind her each time she turned. I noticed a few drones were in pieces scattered across the floor. Amongst the debris I spotted the several splattered drops of energon.
My instinct and training to help an injured mechanism propelled me ahead. Only I was stopped by Optimus' large hand against my chest. He didn't even turn to acknowledge me. He just held me back as he moved forward. With his other hand he gently pulled Magnus behind him.
The two of us said nothing and simply waited as Optimus moved across the room towards Kacey. I was actually expecting her to start yelling at Optimus the way she had been yelling at Magnus. The young femme did have her mother's legendary temper. However, she also had her father's legendary control when it came to that temper.
And as Optimus got closer and their optics met, Kacey's anger instantly melted into remorse and she fell to her knees, burying her face in her hands. I took the moment to run a few scans on Kacey systems and to locate the injury.
"I don't know what I'm doing," she wept, against his chest as he lifted her up to her feet.
"It's understandable. You're upset. You've had almost no recharge…"
"And her energy levels are below minimum," I added. Kacey gave me an apologetic look and pulled her cloak aside to reveal the gash on her thigh. I gave her a warm smile as I knelt down to tend to the injury. "I keep telling you guys that just because drones are mindless mechanisms, it doesn't mean you should go picking fights with them."
"What can I say? The fragger snuck up on me," she said, shrugging her shoulder.
Magnus and I laughed heartily. Optimus bend down and kissed the top of her head, hugging her tight.
"I'm sorry," she whispered up at him, tears tolling down her face.
"Shh, it's ok," he smiled.
"All done," I said, getting to my feet. "No permanent damage. It won't even leave a scar. Kacey, if you want I can give you a sedative to help you recharge. You can go to your quarters and recharge in your own bed."
Kacey looked up at Optimus. I assume they were talking over their bond because neither one spoke aloud.
"We have two days until the funeral," Optimus said, looking at me. "I'm sure Kacey will get the necessary recharge on her own. We will call you if she changes her mind."
"As you wish," I smiled, caressing to top of her head. "It will get better, Kacey."
"She knows," Optimus said and then left holding his daughter close.
"It's amazing how much like Optimus she is," Magnus spoke softly. "I lost count of how many drones he obliterated whenever we lost a mech or femme."
"Yes, she does take things to spark just like him and has a lot more of his tendencies now that she's older."
"Pfft, you don't see her when she fights. She doesn't hold back and isn't afraid to hit a mech where it counts, just like her mother," he scoffed walking off.
"Believe me Magnus, I don't need or want to see. I have to repair the dents!"
Kacey reminded me of Elita when it came to dented or sore crotch plates. The femme commander was notorious for not hesitating to deliver the message that she was one femme to not be reckoned with. Thank Primus the injured mechs and their egos came to a halt once it was known that Optimus dating her. No one messed with Prime's femme.
Kacey may be Optimus' daughter which will only hold off mechs for so long. I'm sure the mechs on the base who've watched her grow won't be the problem. With new mechs landing in the years to come one can never tell. I'm just grateful Kacey knows how to handle herself and look forward to the day when she finds the right mech. Then I won't have to worry about healing dented crotch plates and bruised egos.
I wonder if Kacey be like Optimus when she meets this mech who will eventually become her sparkmate. I never believed in love at first sight until Optimus and Elita fell in love with each other. They were perfect for each other, even I will admit that. And I was so happy he finally found something in life that filled void that the loss of his parents and brother left in his spark.
I wish such happiness for Kacey. To see her grow up before my very optics was a wonderful experience. Like any father, we want what best for our little femmes. I too want what's best for Kacey. Preferably, a good honorable mech who would love her and treat her as she should be and hopefully, give her lots of sparklings.
The femme is a natural mother just like Optimus is a natural father. I laughed. Good Primus, I can already see him now juggling his grand sparklings and datapads!
Soundwave
My sensors detected the tiny femme before she entered the briefing room. It only took a few moments after that for her to find her father. I paused in my report to look down as she grabbed hold of her father's foot with her tiny hands and beeped imploringly.
My Lord, Megatron smiled looking down at his precious femme, "Escaped again, I see."
The sparkling giggled, blinking her optic covers at him. Ruby red optics glowed with mischief.
"Your brother is not a very good sparkling sitter," my Lord sighed, lifting his daughter into his arms. "In fact, he has not been fulfilling his responsibilities of late."
"It is because he still has the processor of a youngling and he refuses to listen to his lessons," I remarked trying not to sound too irritated.
"Yes, I know. I'm sorry my friend. I know I have not been much help with that. I will be stricter with Venom."
"If you want my opinion…"
"If?" he laughed. "You will give it whether I want it or not!"
"True," I smiled. "But I have observed Viper. She is highly intelligent for a sparkling. Much more so then Venom. And since you are allowing her to develop naturally, I believe Viper has the potential to be a far better warrior than her brother."
"A tribute to her mother," he smiled, tickling Viper's belly making her giggle.
"Wrong…she adores her father and follows you everywhere. She isn't afraid of you like Venom was. And she loves it when you blow the slag out of target dummies."
"I admit that even though Viper wasn't planned, she has been a joy in my life these past few months. And it was she that gave me the idea of where to strike my brother and his Autobots." He lifted Viper up before his face, her feet kicked happy as she squealed and giggled at him. "That's right my precious little femme. We are going to attack my brother where he least expects it."
"The little slag!" Venom hissed from the doorway.
His fully matured frame crossed the room quickly. His hands reached for his little sister once he reached his father's side. Only Megatron held Viper close to his chest, giving Venom a disapproving look.
"How can I entrust you with responsibilities worthy of a Decepticon if you cannot even keep track of your sister?"
"But sparkling duty is for femmes, father!" the young mech whined.
"She is my daughter! And you will obey my orders, do I make myself clear?" Megatron growled, using his imposing height over Venom.
"Yes, father," the mech meekly said, avoiding optic contact with his father.
"Now go. Tell your mother I wish to see her," he ordered. "And report to Cyclonis for training! Do not disappoint me again, Venom."
Venom straightened up, saluted Megatron and me before leaving.
"Now, where were we?" my Lord asked, shifting Viper into one arm. The little femme yawned as her optic covers slowly closed.
"As I was saying, you can see the Autobot base is of the standard design," I said pointing at the large view screen on the wall that we stood in front of. "Command Center. Labs. Training facilities. Medcial Bay. Living quarters."
"So predictable, my brother," he commented.
"The only difference is this section here…its where the younglings are evacuated to when the base is attacked. It's a room designed to withstand cave-ins or direct assault."
"A blast door?"
"Uncertain, data collected from our last attack indicated that approximately sixteen younglings occupied this room for the duration of the battle. Your second in command will be in position within a day and is confident they can break through the floor and easily take all the younglings with little resistance, upon your command."
Megatron snorted, "He would be so over confident. Never under estimate an Autobot or an Autobot to be. Thunderblast will be there to ensure everything goes as planned. Give her the necessary sedatives. That should make the younglings more compliant. I'll not tolerate sniveling younglings."
He looked down at the recharging sparkling in his arms and smiled.
"My brother will lose his mind when I take his younglings."
"Are you certain he has more younglings?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh yes. I've felt them. Three from what I can tell. All filled with the same goodness and purity to fills my brother's spark."
"And Kaceystar?"
"She is there as well…somewhere. No doubt the pride and joy of my brother's life. Her spark is elusive to me just like my brother's whenever I'm on Earth. However, I suspect the loss of her siblings will be as equally devastating to her as well."
"Ah but that is only one part of your plan," I smiled, making him laugh.
"Soundwave, you know me to well!"
"True, I know taking the younglings is secondary to what you're really planning. But what the primary goal is I still don't know."
"Assemble the troops. We leave immediately for Earth and I will tell you on the way, my friend."
"As you wish, my Lord. What of your son?"
"He will remain behind here at our base on Mars. He will learn his place and be a good brother to his sister."
Leo
It was night time or predawn depending on how you looked at it. Dawn was at least three hours away. I wasn't feeling well but it wasn't anything major. I was mech enough and could handle a little discomfort. Besides, I didn't want to disturb my parents or Kacey. They needed their recharge for later this morning.
Father and Kacey were leaving the base shortly after sunrise. Mother was nervous about it no matter how many times father tried to reassure her. I even told her that she didn't need to stay behind and that I didn't need a sparkling sitter anymore.
She just smiled and hugged me telling me something about too many Autobots were already going and they didn't need another mechanism to disrupt the human's ceremony. I asked her if I could go because I was small and didn't take up much space.
That idea was shot down fast!
I only wanted to be with Kacey. She's been so upset since her human friend John died. I hated it when my sister was upset and I couldn't do anything to help. I know father wished that he could do more. So did I.
"Leo, are you ok?" Kacey asked from the doorway of my brother's and mine room.
Orion was still recharging deeply and didn't stir even as the light came on dimly. As usual he fell into recharge with several datapads in the bed with him.
"Yeah," I quickly said, wiping my tears away.
I rolled over to see Kacey coming towards me. I sat up as she sat down on the bed beside me. She had that look she gave me whenever I did something wrong and was hiding it. She always seemed to know when I was hiding something. And like on many occasion waited for me to confess.
I grimaced as the burning pain came back again.
"Leo?"
"Not sure…it hurts here," I said grabbing my lower stomach and doubled over.
"I'm getting mom."
"No!" I yelped grabbing hold of her arm. "It will pass in a moment."
"In the beginning yes, it does that. But it will only get worse if you don't get it tended to," she seriously said. "Trust me, I know."
"Does that mean I have to go to the Med Bay?"
"Unfortunately. But we don't have to wake father and mother. I'll take you."
"You will?" I asked, surprised.
"Of course," she smiled, lifting me up in her arms.
"Aren't I getting heavy?" I asked as we left our quarters.
"Yeah, you must weigh as much as Sidewinder now," she joked, rubbing her nose against mine.
I giggled, leaning against her. I've missed our moments together like this. Even though we were heading to the Med Bay it was only Kacey and me.
"Ratchet? You're up?" Kacey asked as we entered the Med Bay.
"I might ask the same of you two," he countered, sounding as grumpy as always.
"I couldn't recharge," Kacey answered. "I happen to check on Leo and found him in some discomfort. I think it's his waste system."
I cringed. Waste system problems meant a tail pipe flushing!
"Set him here, I'll check him out," Ratchet said, patting the main exam table in the center of the med bay.
It only took him a few moments to confirm that I did need my tail pipe cleaned. Frag, I was so not looking forward to that!
"Will you stay?" I asked, holding tightly to her hand as Ratchet went to get the proper medical instruments.
"I'm not going anywhere," she smiled, caressing my face. "You've never had your tail pipe flushed before, have you."
I shook my head, glancing around nervously.
"Are you ready, Leo?" Ratchet asked.
I looked imploringly up at my sister. No was my answer. I heard horror stories about getting your tail pipe flushed from Sunny!
"Ratchet, give me a minute with him. This is his first tail pipe flushing."
"Sure," he chuckled moving away from us.
"You know you're much braver than I am about your tail pipe getting flushed for the first time," she said to me. "I was six. It was like the universe was coming to an end."
My optics widened.
"Yup," she smiled. "I cried my optics out. Screamed for mother to not let Trion do it. And I cried the entire time. Mom had to hold me down. But you're not crying. And I'm only holding your hand. And to be honest, it's not as bad as it seems. It is a little uncomfortable. But nothing like the pain you're feeling now."
"Ok…I'm ready," I said, holding onto her hand tighter than before.
As usual, Kacey was right. It wasn't as bad as Sunny described it to me. That fragger! I'll get him later! There was some discomfort as Kacey had promised. I think it was more embarrassing than anything. The only thing that troubled me was when it was over and we were heading back to our quarters. It meant that our time together was over.
"Leo, what's troubling your? I can feel you're upset about something," she said as I climbed onto my bed.
I sighed, staring at the floor, unable to look her in the optics. My tears started up again.
"What's going to happen when you get your armor?" I asked.
"I'll take my place in the ranks. Do what I can for our cause."
"So, you're have many more responsibilities and duties?"
"Yes, I suppose."
"Then you'll be with your friends more and wont have time for me," I frowned. "You won't have time to do things like this anymore."
"That's not true," she said, sitting beside me and wrapping her arm around my shoulders. "I'll always have time for you, Orion and Ariel. I admit that it may not be as much as before. But I'll always be there whenever you need me most."
"Just like dad."
"More so than dad," she snorted. "I won't be an officer for a long time so I will have more down time than father or mother. I'll be sure to include some you and me time to do whatever you want."
"Really?"
"Yes, now let's get some recharge," she sighed lying down on my bed.
"Thanks," I whispered, cover her up.
"For what?"
"For being my big sister."
"I love you little brother," she smiled, holding the thermal blanket up for me to snuggle under with her.
I watched my sister fall into recharge knowing that this may be one of the last times we'd recharge together. I was getting to old for such things. And Kacey was developing into a femme that looked as beautiful as my mother and my sister, Ariel.
Orion and I have discussed the issue of looking after our sisters once we have armor. We both agreed it was going to be necessary. Maybe not so much for Ariel because we doubted that she and Galen would ever break up. They're love for each other is much stronger than it's ever been.
However, Kacey did not have a mech in her life. I'm not naïve. Father and mother have discussed the topic of mechs and femmes with me – much sooner than they'd planned only because they didn't want Sunny corrupting my too much. And I see how mechs look at her when she's not looking.
These are mechs that I've trusted my whole life. Most just glance at her as she walks by. A few have optics that linger on her form much longer than I'd like. I was even a bit surprised when Bumblebee, of all mechs, was even captured by Kacey's beauty and gave her such long, wanting looks from across a room.
As Primus as my witness, I will do whatever I can to protect my sister. Not just because I owe her for saving my life. I love her as deeply as a brother could love his sister. And as I've learned from father, it's the mechs in the family that must look after the femmes, whether said femmes want it or not.
"Love you too, Kacey," I whispered and closed my optics covers.
Colonel Lennox
It was a beautiful, clear and sunny day. Such a shame I was here under such sad circumstances. Still, I wouldn't want to be any where else right now, except maybe with my family. John Keller wasn't just the liaison to the Autobots or a Government official but a good friend to many, including myself.
I glanced back at the elite officers of the Autobots that were attending. Prowl, Ironhide, Ratchet, and Bumblebee. Each stood in their robotic form. There were at least a dozen other Autobots present from what Simmons told me. They would remain in vehicle form and were here simply as a precaution.
Simmons and I agreed that the fewer humans that knew they were here the better. We didn't want to frighten anyone by taking such precautions against a possible Decepticon attack. We knew Optimus Prime's presence was going to make people nervous enough as it was.
The Autobot leader was an intimidating presence by his size alone. Just about every human on Earth knew that he was also a prime target of the Decepticons. We did our best to keep the news of this funeral ceremony as quiet as possible so as not to draw attention from the Decepticons.
Normally, Optimus and the others stay away from such gatherings for fear of the human's safety. The President and even Keller's surviving family members felt we could risk it for this one exception. John Keller had done so much for both our peoples he deserved to have all his friends attending.
"Colonel, can you come with me please?" Simmons requested. "The ceremony is about to start and I need to greet Optimus Prime."
"No need to be so nervous," I said, noticing how he kept fidgeting with his tie.
"Easy for you to say, I have to start working with the guy day after tomorrow!"
"So, Keller convinced you to take his place after all," I commented.
"Yeah, I guess he did," he smiled at me. "One question, the big guy isn't prone to lubricating on humans when something doesn't go his way, is he?"
I refrained from laughing. I heard about what Bumblebee did to Simmons. My men and I thought it was hilarious.
"When you're as big as Optimus, do you think any human in their right mind would go against him?" I countered, keeping the most serious look on my face while laughing on the inside.
"No, I suppose they wouldn't," he replied looking up.
A small smile slipped on my face as I looked up too to see the shuttle uncloaking and making its descent. It was sure going to be an interesting first week for the Autobots and for Simmons. That was for certain. I have to hand it to John too; the man always had a sense of humor.
"Good afternoon, Colonel Lennox."
"Oh, hey Prowl. Sorry, I would have said hello earlier but you and Ironhide looked to be having a serious discussion."
"Yes, we were discussing the security detail we have at strategic points throughout the cemetery."
"Understandable," I mused. "If you need help protecting the big guy we do have troops on standby as well."
"Thank you for your concern, Colonel," he nodded as the shuttle landed a short distance away. "But the security is not for Optimus' safety."
Before I could ask who the security was for I got my answer as the shuttle door lowered. Out stepped Optimus, his arm around the familiar hooded and cloaked figure of Kacey. With them was Magnus obviously meant to guard both Optimus and Kacey.
"The area is secure, Prime," Prowl said as they reached us. "Hound has Teletran 2 closely monitoring the area."
"Thank you, Prowl. Colonel Lennox. It is good to see you again."
"Like wise, Optimus."
"I'd like to say it is an honor to have you here, Optimus," Simmons said.
"The honor is mine," the Autobot leader said humbly. "I believe you know my daughter, Kacey?"
"Yes. I am truly sorry Kacey. John was a good friend to many."
"That he was," she simply said.
"This way," Simmons said, leading Optimus and Kacey to their places with the other Autobots.
I noticed how each mech stood on guard near Kacey and Optimus. Each one was on high alert. For a human, even I knew this was very dangerous for Kacey to be so exposed because she didn't have her armor yet.
However, if I were in Optimus place I would probably do the same thing for my daughter. I would do anything to help with the healing process. Even now, my heart went out to my young friend. I saw how upset she was when she found out about John's death.
As the ceremony progressed I could see Kacey was struggling with her tears until she finally cried in her father's arms. She wasn't the only one. I saw John's children and their families also in tears. Each of us grieving in our own way for our dear friend.
Knowing John Keller the way I did, this was the way he would have wanted it – for Autobot and human alike sharing their grief, their goodbyes…their hope.
Up next: The Decepticons arrive on Earth to make a mess of things.