I know people are getting anxious for some Kacey and Bee stuff. I'm anxious to start writing the love story too! Keep in mind Kacey is a youngling in this fic and only sees Bee as a friend. She's not even looking at other mechs that way yet. I'm saving all the good stuff for the love story (Hold On, Before It's Too Late) between our handsome yellow mech and blue deviled femme. I am trying to have the first chapter ready to post immediately after the final chapter of MBRS is up. I ask that you all be patient just a little while long. Thank you!

Special mentions: Sorry for taking so long with 61! My muse was out of control and someone, who I will not mention at this time, was no help wtih me getting my muse under control! But I do want to thank Bunnylass for giving me feed back on a few issues I had with the chapter and previous chapters. Thanks girl!

Author's notes: This is one of those transitional chapters. The last one. After this it will be all action. For those Bumblebee fans, I tried to give you something drool worthy.

Now, on with chapter 61!

Bumblebee

My engine roared furiously, matching my mood. My tires spun in tune with my agitation, spraying mud as I slid around the turn. The same turn that I've slid through for about the tenth time now. With each turn it seemed my anger and frustration only grew deeper and deeper.

Four days!

Four days since I last saw Kacey. Four days where she was almost within my grasp. Four days now since I failed in protecting her. Four days now that she's been held in captivity.

I failed and she's the one that's suffering for I know all to well what Decepticons do to their prisoners. I know that with each passing day the Kacey I know and love was slipping away, if she hadn't already.

Primus! She wasn't ready! Not that anyone was truly ready to be tortured. But Kacey had been trained to fight. But she wasn't trained for this, not for the psychological horrors of war. Each time my processor thought of her being tortured ripped my spark up.

I revved my engine harder ignoring the pain it caused, accelerating out of the turn. I was overheating from the exertion of racing through the mud on the battlefield. The rain did little to cool me even as my own coolant systems were beyond overworked…hence the pain I felt.

It didn't matter. Pain and suffering was what I deserved. I wasn't even sure if I could forgive myself for not saving Kacey when she needed me the most. Now she's suffering and so must I.

"Bumblebee, please. Stop. I can't much more of you beating yourself up."

I mentally sighed at the sound of Sunny's voice from my communicator. He and his brother were good friends. The best. Yet, I could not tell them my secret still. They would not understand the depth of my love for Kacey. Sunny was far too overprotective of her that I was afraid he'd rip my aft apart for loving her. He and Sides always talked about what kind of mech was right for Kacey and was adamant about this mech not being like the three of us.

I came to a stop, reversed and then drove forward to their position near the base's main entrance. The two of them looked miserable in the rain. Yet, there they dutifully stood keeping their optics on me like always. Even Sunny who constantly bitched about the weather saying it affected his shine one way or another.

Of course I instantly felt bad for making them stand in the cold rain and quickly transformed.

"I'm sorry guys," I frowned, bowing my head slightly unable to meet their optics for the moment as I pushed my emotions for Kacey to the background.

"We're worried about you, Bee," Sides said.

"Nothing to worry about," I mumbled, shrugging a shoulder. "I'm fine."

"I hate to say this but you need to pull your head out of your aft and stop beating yourself up!" Sunny growled.

"You weren't there Sunny! You would beat yourself up too if you were this close to saving Kacey," I countered, glaring at Sunny. My friend did not back down.

"No one blames you for the 'Con capturing Kacey. No one but yourself!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're not the only one who's suffering you slaghead!"

My fist retaliated hitting Sunny in the face. The mech quickly recovered after stagger back a couple of steps and lunged for me, tackling me hard to the ground. Mud was flying as fast as our fists as we each struggled to gain the upper hand over the other. Only we were too evenly matched. As soon as one got the advantage the other counter attacked.

Sides tried in vain to pull me off his brother or his brother off me. It was useless as we just shoved him aside. We even ignored him and his pleas for us to stop. Of course if we hadn't done so we would have heard him shouting a warning to us. Then maybe we would have stopped before Prowl arrived.

"STOP! THAT"S AN ORDER!"

His shout fell upon deaf audio receptors. Sunny and I were far too into our wrestling match. Frag, we were both so covered in mud that we were almost unrecognizable except for the flashes of yellow or orange armor here and there.

Then my mud covered yellow armored forearm flew wildly. Sunny ducked. And my forearm slammed into the side of Prowl's head…hard. The black and white mech went down fast and lay motionless in the mud.

"Frag!" I exclaimed, dropping fast to my knees beside. "Prowl! Prowl! Frag…he's unconscious!"

"Sides, get Ratchet!" Sunny ordered. "Don't move him Bumblebee."

Tears filled my optics. I can't believe I was hurting my friends. They were already hurting as it was and I was making things worse.

"You were right, Sunny…I'm sorry," I shuddered, forcing my tears to stop.

"You hold it all in too much, Bee," he said, lifting me to my feet and pulled me into an embrace. "I love you like a brother. But you are one stubborn aft at times."

"Yeah, I know. I can't change that," I sighed, hugging him back before pulling away from him. "I'm sorry about dirtying up your armor."

"Forget about it," he smirked. "If Ironhide can look good in mud so can I. Better in fact."

A moan sounded. I quickly knelt back down as Prowl reached up to grab his head. Again, I felt horrible. Of course I would take full responsibility and gladly accept any punishment Prowl would give me for striking a superior officer.

"Prowl?"

"I'm fine Bumblebee," he said as he sat up.

"I'm really sorry," I said, helping him to his feet. "I was out of control. Sunny and Sides were…"

"It's ok," Prowl said, patting me on the shoulder. "Many of us understand how you feel. We're all a bit frustrated right now. Waiting for a fight we know is coming is never an easy task. And I just need to be more careful when sticking my head in the middle of a brawl."

"But the longer we wait the worse it gets for Kacey. She wasn't ready for this."

"Kacey was more prepared than you know," he stated.

"What?" I asked, my optic covers blinking a few times.

"I have trained Kacey to the best of my abilities."

"You mean, you trained her just like you trained us?" Sunny asked.

"No, Kacey's training was more intense," Prowl answered.

"Why did she never tell us?" Sunny said, looking a bit hurt.

"Because she didn't want us to worry," I answered. "She always protects us when she can. Wish I could have reciprocated the gesture."

"What the slag? You guys are fighting!" Ratchet yelled as he finally joined us fuming at both Sunny and myself. His medical scanner was already activated and on me in an instant. "You need to be saving that energy for the 'Cons!"

"They'll be ready," Prowl firmly said, patting me on the back.

"What about you?" Ratchet snapped his scanner locked on Prowl.

"I'm fine. My repair systems are taking care of the damage."

"A concussion is no small matter, my med bay, now!" the CMO ordered and immediately added when Prowl opened his mouth. "Don't make me pull rank!" Prowl wisely closed his mouth but didn't look happy. Ratchet ignored the look and turned to me. "As for you youngling, you are to get some energon and recharge. Don't make me confine you to your quarters."

"He will, after he cleans up and sees Optimus," Prowl said with a smirk. "Prime's orders."

Sunny snickered and then ran for his life when Ratchet turned to smack him. One cocked optic ridge from the CMO and Sides was hot on his brother's heels.

"Go easy on them. It was my fault," I said. "They were just trying to be there for me."

"You're still young," Ratchet smiled fondly at me. "You'll learn to control your anger and frustrations."

"You are young and a bit out of control from time to time. But your spark has always been is in the right place and kept you on course," Prowl added. "That was one of the reasons Optimus suggested you be made an officer, not for your actions on Tiger Pax."

"I still would never change what I had done on Tiger Pax."

"Exactly," Prowl smiled. "Now go. Optimus is expecting you at his quarters."

"Yes, Sir."

After taking my leave of them I quickly headed to my quarters and cleaned all evidence of mud from my skirmish with Sunny. I even managed to down a quick ration of energon before heading down the hallway to Optimus' quarters.

I frowned at myself. I just realized I had not seen Optimus since the trip back to the base after Mr. Keller's funeral. The image of Kacey leaning against him recharging filled my processor. I recalled smiling at how much love he had for his daughter and wondered if I would have that same kind of love one day if I had sparklings of my own.

Guilt then filled my spark. I heard about how badly damaged Elita was. Sunny, the snoop, happened to overhear Prowl and Ratchet talking about not disclosing any information about the little sparks Elita lost for fear of Prime's younglings finding out about something they didn't need to be burdened with. Frag, I had no idea she was pregnant. No one did.

Then there's Leo. I never even saw him in the med bay. I had been so wrapped up in my own personal anguish that I neglected to even see how my little friend was doing. Sunny was right, I'm a slaghead.

Determined to rectify such neglectfulness I pressed the door chime. A moment later the door opened, granting me entrance.

First I saw Elita recharging on the couch, neatly covered with a thermal blanket. Guilt and remorse filled me.

"I'll be with you in one moment, Bumblebee," Optimus spoke quietly.

I turned to see him sitting a desk, his optics focused on the computer screen. He looked tired…worried…determined. I recalled often seeing him like that when I used to play on the floor in his office as youngling. No matter how busy he was he had always made time for me, Sunny, or Sides. He never grew tired of the endless questions I would ask.

A chuckled suddenly escaped me at the thought of one particular memory. Of course, Optimus heard it and looked my way.

"Sorry, Sir," I said clearing my vocal processor. "I was just thinking of that time I was six and asked you where sparklings come from. Each time you gave me an answer I had another question."

"Yes," he grinned, leaning back in his seat. "I recall how tempted I was to pawn you off on Ratchet. You wouldn't shut up about it."

"I don't think you ever gave me a straight answer…Sir."

"You fell into recharge…thankfully."

I glanced over at the recharging femme on the couch. Elita was without her armor. And for the first time I saw where Kacey got some of her beauty from.

"How is Elita, Sir? I…I heard about what happened. I'm truly sorry for your loss."

"We're coping," he smiled, rising to his feet. "We are sad about losing the little sparks. Yet we are grateful that Ratchet was able to fully repair Elita. When she is ready, we will try again."

"And Leo?"

Optimus sighed, his shoulders sagging.

"He is why I've asked you here my friend. He has been in Kacey's room now for two days. He won't leave. He's barely drinking enough energon. If he's not recharging he's crying on Kacey's bed. Elita and I have tried everything to console him. Nothing works. I'm afraid Leo is too much like me. He takes everything to spark. In his optics, he feels like he failed his sister. Nothing I say will persuade him otherwise."

"Then what can I say that could possibly help him? I'm only his friend."

"Yes, you are his friend. You too are suffering just as Leo is. But you are also the last mech to see my daughter."

I bowed my head in shame. Of course Optimus would notice. He notices everything. His hand on my shoulder made me look up.

"I don't blame you for anything. I know begging you to forgive yourself would be pointless. You're too are a mech who takes things to spark. I guess I didn't do too bad a job raising you."

"No, you didn't, Sir. It was an honor. You set a good example of the kind of mech I wanted to grow up to be. And I always tried to do my best for you because I wanted you to be proud of me."

"I've always been very proud of you, Bumblebee. Never forget that. But also remember, there are going to be times in your life when your best isn't going to be good enough."

"How do you deal with that, knowing your best isn't good enough? I mean I feel like I've failed you…like I've failed Kacey."

"No matter how hard we try there are some things we simply cannot control," he smiled down at me. "But you did not fail. You saved Kacey's life. Sunny told me what you told him. The only reason the 'Cons got away was because they threatened Kacey's life to force you to stop your attack. And if that still doesn't reassure you, know that I too would have done exactly the same thing. I would have done anything to spare her life."

Something clicked within me. The pressure of my own guilt was lifted almost instantaneously. I looked up at my commander and smiled.

"You're a good mech, Bumblebee," Optimus chuckled noticing that I did change. "As you get older you will learn to see these things for yourself. Until then know that my door is always open if you need me."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll have that talk with Leo now."

Leo

I wasn't sure if lying on Kacey's bed was such a good idea. Her scent was all over it. Everything in the room reminded me of my sister. This in turn, made me miss her less and miss her more at the same time. I wasn't sure how such a thing was possible. I just know it made my spark ache more from my own ineptitude.

If I had only been bigger, if I had only been stronger perhaps then I could have saved my sister.

Sidewinder was right. I was a mini metallic meatball.

Fresh tears filled my optics. I clung onto Kacey's cloak tightly. Memories of that day filled my processor once again. The rifle was so heavy but all I could think about was that Kacey was in trouble and there was no one to help her. Then when I failed and the 'Con had a hold me, she kept telling me it was going to be ok and to not be scared. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I was terrified. I didn't want to die because then I couldn't help Kacey.

I wept once again. I missed my sister so much. I was afraid for her. And I was so wrapped up in my sorrow that I never heard the door open and close. Nor did I hear the bot slowly walk across the room.

"Leo."

My optic covers squeezed shut tighter. I couldn't face anyone. Not my father. Not my mother or my siblings. Not even my friend Bumblebee. How could I face them when I couldn't even face myself right now?

A weight sat beside me followed by a heavy sigh.

"The pain you feel in your spark is normal for mechanisms like you, like me, like your father…like Kacey. We take things to spark so much that it sometimes causes physical pain when someone we deeply care about is lost or hurt. We endure the pain. We need the pain as a reminder. What we perceive as mistakes…as failures drive us to be better the next time."

"Next time?" I asked, opening my optics and seeing Bumblebee smiling down at me.

"For mechanisms like us there will always be a next time. You didn't fail Leo. You did the best that you could do. I promise the next time you will do better."

"How can you promise that?"

"Because we are a lot alike," he seriously said. "You've seen how determined Kacey gets when she's made a mistake."

"She said we learn from our mistakes. That they make us stronger."

"She's right."

"What happens when you do your best and still fail?" I asked.

"A great mech once told me that some times our best isn't good enough, that there are some things we cannot control. Like with Kacey. You tried to save her as much as I did and the 'Cons took her any way. In our minds we both failed to save Kacey. But you didn't fail Leo. Because of what you did, you were partly responsible for the Decepticons not taking any of the younglings. You helped to save them. And even though you didn't save your sister know that she is still. As long as her spark is still pulsing strongly there is a fighting chance…there is always hope that we can save her. Understand?"

"I think so," I sighed, sitting up, hanging my head. My hands gently set Kacey's cloak aside. Some of what he said made sense. But I attribute the 'Cons not taking any of the younglings to Kacey. She attacked them to save us. I attacked to save her, not myself. "But I'm not sure I'll be any good next time either."

"What makes you say that?"

"Just look at me," I said gesturing towards my form. "I'm so small. How can I make a difference?"

"You've been watching too many human videos. In our world physical size does not matter. Why when Kacey was shorter than you she took on several 'Cons. In doing so she saved the lives of three mechs, one of them being mine. Besides, not many mechanisms can pick up Nitro's rifle the way you did. I don't even think I can. That thing is like a fragging cannon!" I laughed as Bumblebee got up and patted me on the head. "You're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for, my young friend."

"Thank you," I smiled, feeling infinitely better.

"Good, now what do you say we go get a big cup of energon?"

"Sure!"

"Let's go. Sunny and Sides are in the recreation room waiting for us."

"Bee…what was the mech's name who told you…you know?"

"Optimus Prime," he grinned.

My spark swelled with pride. Funny. I never considered my father a great mech. He was just…my father. I can see now that there's so much more to learn from him and about him.

"Leo?"

My optics shined brightly as I looked up to see my father standing in the doorway. The worry and concern etched deeply on his faceplates. I've been so selfish and foolish. He has enough to worry about with Kacey being gone. This on top of the fact that he's had to cope with mom's injuries and the Autobots. Then I forced him to worry about me when he's already had so much to deal with.

"I'm sorry, father," I said, marching right to him.

"No need to apologize, my son," he smiled, kneeling before me. "I'm very proud of you."

"I'm proud of you too. And even prouder to be your son."

Father chuckled patting me on the shoulder. No hug. No kiss on the head. But that single gesture was more than enough for me. It indicated that I was…older…more of a mech than I was before.

"I was going with Bumblebee to the recreation room for some energon. Will you join us father?"

"Just something mechs do. You know how it is, Sir," Bumblebee added when father raised an optic ridge at him.

"All too well," father smirked.

"So, will you come then?" I asked.

"Sure, why not. I'll meet you there. I need to speak with your mother first." I shot him a crooked grin. "Get you mind out of the pit! I need to tell her you're ok."

"And where you'll be," I added.

"Get going before I regret my decision," he laughed, playfully shoving me out the door.

"Ok. See you shortly father," I laughed.

With that, Bumblebee and I left my family's quarters. Along the way and even more so when we arrived at the recreation room, mechs and femmes nodded at me when they greeted me by name.

They didn't call me little mech or little lugnut. Not even little Leo.

I was simply just Leo to the Autobots now.

Skyshadow

"This is ridiculous," I grumbled to myself kicking hard at the dirt.

It was ridiculous. I was an elite fighter flyer! Patrol duty on the ground was beneath me. Patrol duty was for the new recruits yet to prove their worth. I have proven myself loyal to the Decepticon cause and to Megatron's rule repeatedly, without fail.

And yet, here I stand.

"Fragger," I muttered, my optics narrowing at the event horizon of this desolate planet.

There far in the distance standing tall and proud was the Decepticon base. Only Decepticons worthy were brought to this rock of a planet. I and many of my seeker brethren were the first to arrive. Within its walls I served my Lord without question. Within those walls was my station and rightful place in the command center. But also within those walls was the cause for my humiliation and the reason I'm out here instead of in there where I belong.

"Fragger!" I grumbled again.

"Quit whining. Getting stuck on patrol duty isn't all that bad. It's tolerable and there could be worse things…"

"Shut up, Reaper!" I snapped grabbing a rock and throwing it.

"Ow!" he yelped when it pinged of the back of his head. He turned and growled at me. "It's your own fault. If you didn't have a weakness for pretty femmes you wouldn't be out here."

"You didn't see her, my friend," I smirked. "She would make any mech weak."

"Beauty or not, she sounds like she's more trouble than she's worth. I heard Quickfix had to repair your nose plating twice because of this femme."

I growled. It was pointless explaining to him how the fire burned deep within me. It was an inextinguishable blaze at times that I could not control. Especially when a beauty such as Kaceystar fueled it. I couldn't block the femme's beauty from my processor nor did I try. All I could think about was how her body felt pinned beneath mine. How enticing her heat felt against mine.

She was definitely a fighter. A worthy challenge. And I would have her, one way or another.

"Reaper, what are you doing day after tomorrow?"

"Nothing in particular," he responded veering off our path. "Why?"

"Megatron and Soundwave are expecting to hear from Shockwave," I answered, following him partly curious as to what's captured his attention. "They're to discuss matters of importance about Cybertron's energy supplies. I know for a fact Thunderblast and Starscream will also be in this meeting."

"Sounds boring."

"Such discussions usually are," I commented. "I need your help with something. The femme will not be in the interrogation room that day."

Reaper suddenly stopped and faced me.

"Oh no. No way! I'm not going to risk Cyclonis beating my aft the way he did yours. No!"

"You don't need to be with me. I can handle the femme. I just need to you stand guard near the entrance of the prison cell block and warn me if someone's coming. I can guarantee you won't be seen. There's a supply closet near the entrance. You can hide in there and keep watch. No one would know."

"I don't know," he frowned looking off in the direction he'd been walking.

"I'll be quick. I promise. I'll even throw in a hundred credits."

"She's really that beautiful?"

"No, she's beyond beautiful. If you want, when I'm done I'll stand guard for you. It won't be the first time we've shared a femme. And this femme is worth it. Come on, what do you say?"

"If she's that beautiful I want an extra fifty credits on top of the hundred."

"Done!" I grinned, shaking his hand.

"Good, now can we get back to work," he complained and resumed his previous course.

Content, I followed him. I almost couldn't wait to feel her frame against mine, to hear her muffled screams of terror!

"What is that?" Reaper asked, getting my attention.

I looked to what he was pointing at.

It was a mechanical device. Rather puny by our standards. Much too small to be an Autobot probe. And then it suddenly dawned on me what it was.

With a snort I marched over and smashed the mechanism with my foot.

"What did you do that for?" Reaper asked.

"Because it is of little consequence to us," I replied.

"How do you know? What was it?"

"Human technology. Nothing important. More of an annoyance which I squashed like a mechano-bug."

"Still, we should report it."

"Why? The fleshlings are insignificant slag. They won't take Megatron down with one of these puny devices. It didn't even have weapons." Reaper still seemed unconvinced so I changed tactics and catered to his predominantly lazy side. "Besides, that would just mean more work if we reported it. I want to spend as little time out here as possible. Don't you?"

"I agree this sun is killing my optic nerves and the sooner we're done the better."

"Good, let's finish our round. If we find another one I'll let you step on it."

"Ok," he laughed as we marched on.

Rox

The mood was solemn, quiet across the base. Even here in the command center it was quiet. Too quiet. No chattering. No laughter, even though Prowl wasn't here to keep his optics on us. In a word, it was…depressing.

It was like the light was taken from us once everyone learned that Kaceystar had been abducted by the Decepticons. I know my spark has been saddened by her absence. It was always a joy to see her at least once a day if my duties permitted it.

She was always so enchanting when she laughed. One could easily be captivated by her beauty when she smiled at you. The femme could fill a room with life by her mere presence and turn the head of every single mech and a few femmes with her graceful walk.

Primus I missed that femme. I was so worried for her too. I shuddered to think what the 'Cons could be doing to her right now.

"You'll never have her. You do know that, right?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, turning to see my best friend Sockets standing beside me.

"You know what I'm talking about," he said, pulling over the empty chair.

"We'll get her from the 'Cons, don't you worry about that," I smirked.

"That's not what I meant and you know it, Rox. Kacey is the kind of femme that deserves more than what us simple mechs can offer. And she will have it. Only she will choose her sparkmate, my friend. Kacey will not let any mech dictate anything to her."

"Why are you telling me this?" I angrily asked.

"Because you are my friend. I don't want you to waste you life pining for a femme you can never have. There are other femmes out there, all beautiful."

"I can't help it. I think I love her."

"It's not love Rox. Love doesn't start with your interface systems. It start here…with the spark. Kacey is not a conquest…although once she is of age I have a feeling many mechs will see her as such. Thankfully, she's her mother's daughter."

"You saw the video too of Kacey fighting the 'Cons too?"

"Yes. So stop worrying so much about her my friend. She's as tough as they come. I even heard that Prowl trained her to withstand torture."

"No slag! Magnus hasn't even gotten to that part of my training yet!"

"It's not exactly something you want to rush into," he said, getting to his feet. And I agreed with him. I wasn't looking forward to that particular part of my training at all. "Anyways, I need to get to the med bay. Don't want to be late for my shift. But I wanted to hand Prowl my very first report. Do you know where he is?"

"He's in the med bay with Ratchet. Seems Prowl and Bumblebee got into some kind of scrape a short while ago. And by the way, congratulations on your promotion. You deserved it."

"Thanks, grats to you too. I hear Magnus gave you high praise for your actions on the battlefield and said you're well on your way to being part of the Elite guard."

"It's an obtainable goal for a simple mech like me. I'll never be officer material. But Elite guard has a nice ring to it."

"I'll see you later, Rox," Sockets chuckled and then turned and walked away.

Almost immediately after my friend walked away my terminal beeped at me. Part of my duty today was to monitor human communications. Mainly waiting for the humans to call us regarding a Decepticon attack.

Only this in coming call was different. It was a direct call from our liaison. I quickly answered it, activating the video monitor as all calls from the US Government were visual as well.

"Hello, Mr. Simmoms. This is Roxsolid, how can I assist you?"

"I need to speak with Optimus Prime. I have valuable intel he will want to see and discuss with me."

"I'm sorry. I have orders not to disturb my Prime. I can however possible put you in contact with Prowl if he's available. Otherwise I can get Ultra Magnus for…"

"Listen punk, Kacey told me about you!" he said, point at me. I blinked in surprise. What the frag is a punk? "Yeah, that's right, Rox. I know all about you. Now this is a matter of life and death. I'm sending you an image our Mars rover sent to us a short while ago. Then you decide how you want to tell Optimus you delayed in getting him this information."

I was about to back talk to him when his image disappeared and was replaced with…

"Frag!" I yelped jumping up from my seat.

I started to run and then realized I still had Simmons on the line.

"I'm putting you on hold while I get Prowl, Sir!"

After punching in a few commands the call was placed on hold. Then I raced out of the command center. I was tempted to transform and pull a 'Kacey' by racing in my alt form through the hallways. Only I didn't. Even with this news I could still get tossed in the brig. Kacey got away with it because she was cute at the time. I am not cute! I'm wrecker!

"MAKE A HOLE!!! MOVE!" I shouted ahead.

"Whoa! Hey!" Sockets yelped, barely getting out of the way in time as I sped around him. "Rox! Where's the fire?!"

"Hurry! Follow me!" I shouted over my shoulder.

My friend had almost as longs strides as I did. Only with a lighter frame than mine. So he was able to catch up to me quickly.

"What is it?"

"Wait…" I said just as we entered the med bay. "Prowl, Sir! Communiqué from Mr. Simmons. Sir! I believe the humans might have located the Decepticon base!"

"What?" he and Ratchet asked at the same time.

I immediately went over to the nearest computer terminal and accessed the call. I didn't even look to see if they followed me. I was just so excited!

"Mr. Simmons, Prowl is here, now, Sir. Show him the image you showed me."

Again Mr. Simmons' image changed to picture of a Decepticon approaching. It was rather clear, only a little bit grainy.

"I'd recognize that 'Con anywhere, Sir," I said pointing at the image. "That's Skyshadow."

"I believe you are correct, Rox," Prowl said. He hit a button and the human's face reappeared. "Mr. Simmons where was this image taken."

"Transmitting you the last known coordinates of our Mars rover now."

"Did you say Mars?" Ratchet asked, rare excitement in his voice. Even the old fragger got his spark pulsing as quick as mine!

"Our probe is still four hours from being launched from the shuttle, Mirage is piloting. This new information changes things," Prowl mused and then activated the comlink on the computer terminal. "Akima, this is Prowl. Contact Mirage. Have him to stop. I will contact him shortly with new orders."

"Acknowledged."

"Can you give me any other information, Mr. Simmons?" Prowl asked.

"I gave you all we had. However, I do have about thirty volunteers ready to go fight with you. Lennox and his unit are itching to try out their new armor suits that Wheeljack came up with for them. And they're all anxious to help get Kacey back."

"I'll let Prime know about it, Sir. That decision will be up to him. But please, have Lennox and his men on standby."

"They're already prepping as we speak," Simmons smiled.

"I'll contact you shortly. Prowl out," he said and then terminated the connection.

"So we're going to go to Mars, right, Sir? We're going to go save Kacey!"

"Rox, calm down," Prowl ordered.

"Yes, Sir. Sorry Sir. I…I just got excited and carried away…Sir."

"Well, the next time calm yourself," Prowl said in a deadly serious tone. Then he gave me a very small smile. "You didn't have to run all this way. You could have simply transferred the call to the med bay."

My mouth dropped. I hadn't even thought of that!

"Young bots," Ratchet chuckled, patting me on the shoulder. "Can't keep them, can't trade them in for spare parts."

"Hey, I'm no bots spare parts!"

"Sure you are, kid."

"Return to your post, Rox," Prowl ordered. "I'm going to go tell Optimus the good news."

"And I'm going with you," Ratchet said, following Prowl. The two of them talking animatedly about this wonderful news.

I waited until they were out of sight.

"Pack up your med kits, Sockets. Coz we're going to Mars!" I cheered.