Already?! Unbelievable but yes, chapter 62 already! Woohoo! Ok, it literally just flowed out like water when I sat down. I think because I've been dying to write these up coming action scenes for a really long time now. But please, don't expect every remaining chapter to be posted as quickly as this one.
Ok about the chapter. It's not action but it's a ride. It's kind of like foreplay. The energy builds up for the next chapter.
Author's notes: italics denote comlink chatter.
Ironhide
I swear Primus has it in for me lately. For the past several weeks each time Mia and I finally have time for a little intimacy something interrupts it! First it was Sidewinder with a system upset. Next was Prowl demanding the weapons' inventory. Then it was Optimus ordering me to actually do the weapons' inventory instead of handing in the previous month's. After that, Ratchet was pounding on the bedroom door, after letting himself into our quarters, demanding I get my aft down to the med bay for a long overdue weapon system check up. Another time it was the twins pulling a prank, or was it Kacey and they helped, I'm still not sure on that one. But I was checking the shower system in our quarters just to be safe.
Then today! Ok, I'll admit the news today was worth the interruption. But frag it to pit! I thought I was going to explode earlier! Thankful Optimus delayed the meeting until Mirage could get the shuttle into position. Which gave Chromia and me just enough time to get busy.
"You're late," Prowl said as I took my seat directly across from Elita.
"It wasn't on purpose," I smiled. "I had to beat back some Autobots just to get in the door. Optimus, I think every bot on the base is out there ready to volunteer."
"I know," Prowl groaned, pinching his nose plates.
"You didn't order Rox not to tell anyone," Bumblebee smirked.
"He's still young and has much to learn," Magnus added.
That was how Chormia and I got interrupted. Word of where the Decepticon base was spread across the base faster than Kacey could fly! Nitro and Firestar came rushing into our quarters. The mistake Mia and I made was thinking we'd be alone for a long while and didn't bother leaving the couch! I'm not sure if Firestar will recover from that. As for Nitro, he was a typical mech and took it all in stride. He did suggest we lock the door next time so Mia and I could have enough time to separate ourselves before someone walked in.
"We were all young once," Ratchet smiled. "Youthful enthusiasm is contagious."
"You were young once?" I joked to my friend, making everyone laugh. Ratchet glared at me.
"Enough everyone," Optimus ordered.
"Sorry, Optimus," I said to him.
"Mirage, continue please," Optimus said.
"The shuttle is in stealth mode…entering the atmosphere now above the northern polar region."
"Already?" I asked as my leg twitched slightly, almost as if something softly touched it. At the time I didn't think anything of it.
"I gave instructions to Mirage on how to divert energy to the engines and use the probe's energy source to power the cloaking shield of the shuttle," Wheeljack volunteered. "He got there in less than half the time. The downside was that it over exerted the engines making it a one way trip."
"Mirage is an excellent field operative. He'll be alright until we get there," Bumblebee said.
I glanced at my young friend. He looked focused, determined. I'm not sure how he's done it but Bumblebee has managed to control his emotions and feelings about Kacey rather well. I doubt anyone suspects a thing. I know I wouldn't have if I didn't already know.
After our last conversation I honestly couldn't think of a better mech for Kacey. I made the simple suggestion that he would be alright to go ahead and tell her how he felt. Only Bumblebee was adamant about abiding by the old customs. He was going to wait until Kacey was fully mature, interface systems online and all. Only then would he begin his courtship with her.
Since the war started so few of us have had the time to honor such customs. Well, except for Magnus. But I expect nothing less from his as he's deeply religious and was raised by his mother to respect the old ways. Some of that has rubbed off on the younger bots like Bumblebee. I think even Kacey prefers the old ways as well since she's more of a history geek than her father.
"Coming up on the coordinates now…holy Primus…the 'Con base is definitely here."
Excitement buzzed around the room. Actual confirmation that the base was indeed on Mars!
"Focus, Mirage," Optimus ordered the scout but I think he was talking to all of us as he looked around the table. "We only have a short time before your communication is picked up by the 'Cons."
"Sorry, Sir. It's your standard military base. Lay out, size, configuration…all match the base we attack on Tesla Six. I'm sending coordinates for an ideal location to mount our offensive, along with visuals of the area. After that I'll be going silent as the shuttle's energy levels are almost critical. I will see you all at the battle, Mirage out."
"Good luck to you, Mirage," Optimus said.
"Receiving the images now," Prowl said, tapping the console before him.
Almost instantly the main view screen in the briefing room activated showing the terrain surrounding the Decepticon base and several others showing a close up of the base from multiple angles. Optimus got to his feet and moved to towards the screen. Once again I felt something against my leg only before I could look Optimus started talking.
"Freeze the image Prowl. Ironhide, we'll need explosives small enough for Roller to carry but able to do some damage," he said. "With Roller's stealth capabilities he can plant explosives along the relay points here, here…and here taking out the base's long range weapons systems. Prowl, show me the other image of the terrain, the one with the mountains."
"Yes, these mountains will provide enough cover for us. We will stay in the shuttles as long as possible. The cloaking shields should keep us hidden from any Decepticon defense satellites, if they have any. We will deploy as Roller detonates the charges. Every mech and femme will immediately transform to vehicle mode as they exit the shuttles. Magnus you are in charge of assigning Autobots to units. Each unit must stay in formation as we approach the Decepticon base."
"Wheeljack will have to give me the figures and let me know exactly how many Autobots we can take in the shuttles," Magnus said.
"Working on that now," the engineer said, his optics focused on the datapad he was working on.
"What about Kacey?" Bumblebee asked.
"Once the battle begins, Prowl will be in charge," Optimus replied. "I will be going to get Kacey."
"As will I," Elita added, her tone stating that she was not to be disputed by any of us. Not that any of us would. I doubt Optimus would at this point.
"You'll need help, Chromia and I will be more than happy to volunteer," I smiled, feeling a hand, definitely a small hand touch my foot.
"Slag!" a small voice whispered that I barely heard but easily recognized.
"I agree with Ironhide, you shouldn't go without back up," Prowl said as I made optic contact with Optimus.
"We've got a visitor…under the table," I told him over a private comlink.
Optimus sighed, walked over and pulled his chair away from the table.
"You can come out now," he said.
Prowl and a couple of the others gave him a puzzled look until Leo appeared. The young mech looked up at his father for a moment before bowing his head.
"Prowl, is there anything to add?" Optimus asked.
"I've been in contact with Lennox. They're ready to be picked up."
"Good. Hound, you're in charge of assigning which Autobots will carry the humans. They'll be split up between all the shuttles accordingly."
"Understood, Prime."
"I don't need to tell you that this mission's sole purpose is to rescue my daughter," Optimus said, his optics briefly glancing down at Leo. "It must be a success. We leave in one hour. Dismissed."
Elita
Optimus returned to his seat at the head of the table as the others, expect for Prowl, filed out of the room. I remained in my seat as well, my optics moving from Leo to Optimus. I honestly couldn't tell if he was mad at Leo or not. He was keeping his emotions to himself and his face had that neutral expression that annoyed the pit out of me.
"Elita, please take Leo to our office. I will be there shortly."
I refrained from glaring at him. I knew he was going to discuss strategy and entry points into the Decepticon base with Prowl. A discussion I had every right to be a part of. However, I was concerned about Leo. It wasn't like him to disobey the rules and sneak into the briefing room.
"Very well. I expect you will brief me with Ironhide and Chromia then?"
"Of course after Prowl and I come up with a viable plan. It shouldn't take long if I know my second in command as well as I do."
"I have several strategies in mind already," Prowl smiled.
"See!" Optimus smirked, sending me his love and reassurance over our bond.
"Ok, ok, we're going," I chuckled, putting a hand on Leo's shoulder to guide him along with me.
Once out of the briefing room, my attention focused on Leo. His normally cheery attitude was gone completely. I could feel how much he missed Kacey. I empathized with him for I missed her just as much. I was grateful for Bumblebee getting my son to come out of the shell he locked himself in. I feared his bout of depression was going to be worse than I'd ever experienced with Optimus or Kacey.
"Is father angry with me?" he asked as we entered the office.
"He's not happy with you disobeying the rules. And to be honest, neither am I. Although a part of me understands why you did it. You and Kacey share a special bond, a closeness that your father and I never wanted to interfere with."
"We would do anything for each other," he said, bowing his head and dimming his optics.
"I miss her too, Leo," I said, wrapping my arms around him, holding him close. "We will bring her home. I guarantee Optimus will not leave Mars without Kacey, even if he has to destroy half the Decepticon's base to get her."
"Kacey told me once that father is both a terrifying and awe inspiring mech wrecker to watch battle. Is that true?"
"Yes. And one day, far too soon, you too will be a mech wrecker yourself. Kacey has suggested that we have Magnus start with your lessons."
"She said that?" he asked, his optics brightening as he looked up at me.
"Yes, she did. You father and I have discussed it on several occasions. I think you're ready now."
"I am, mother," he said, standing tall and proud.
"You are so much like your father," I said, pulling him close again, kissing the top of his head.
"It scares you, doesn't it?"
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't. As much as I want you to always be my little sparkling, I know I cannot stop you from growing up to be the mech you're destined to be. Nor will I try. You simply must learn to choose your battles wisely, Leo. Don't rush into one you are not ready for. Unlike your father, you still have a choice. Optimus never did once Sentinel was killed."
"I promise I will train hard and make you proud of me, mother," he said, hugging me back.
"My sweet son, I am already so proud of you."
"When you were a year old and Ratchet told us you were going to be so small, I was scared. Terrified," Optimus said from the doorway, looking sadly down at Leo. Both my son and I looked over at him. "I was afraid that because you were going to be so small that you'd be so fragile. That feeling only intensified when you fell from the cliff's wall and Kacey saved you. You were such a tiny sparkling then."
"As you started to grow, it was difficult for me to watch you deal with being small. The name calling, the getting picked on. I know about all of that. Kacey said I had nothing to worry about. Still, I worried. You are my youngest son. I love you as much as I love your brother and sisters. When one of you are hurting, I'm hurting."
"But Kacey was right about you Leo. You have an inner strength that's even greater than my own. I think I was even more relieved when Ratchet calculated that you were growing faster than expected and would actually be a small mech like Jazz or Bluestreak or Huffer and not a minibot."
"However, the rest of you is just like me," Optimus continued as he moved to kneel before Leo and me, resting a hand on our son's shoulder. "You have nothing to prove to anyone Leo. Nothing. You have already proven you have strength and courage when you raised the rifle and fired at the Decepticon. Not one Autobot on this base doubts that, myself included. Now, I'm asking you to use your judgment. Think before you act."
"Funny, mother told me the same thing only a few minutes ago," Leo smiled, glancing up at me.
"Your mother is wiser than us both, so listen to her. Because if you don't, I'll be the one recharging on the couch."
Leo giggled. I simply rolled my optics at both my lugnuts.
"You still haven't punished our son for disobeying the rules," I pointed out.
"I'll figure that out later," Optimus said, rising to his feet. "We need to say our goodbyes to our younglings and get ready. Leo, go to our quarters, tell Orion and Ariel we'll be there shortly."
"Yes, father," he smiled.
The moment we were alone, Optimus wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.
"You're not going to punish him, are you?" I asked as I slipped my arms around his neck.
"No," he sighed. "I think he's punished himself enough the past few days."
"So have you," I smiled warmly, caressing his face.
"How are you feeling, my love?" he whispered, nuzzling his face against my hand.
"I'm fine. Ratchet cleared me for active duty. I'm ready for this, Optimus."
He simply stared at me. His blazing blue optics penetrating deep into my spark with his gaze. Primus, I love this mech so much.
"So, fill me in on the rescue plan," I said, leaning into him.
"I go in first, blasting everything in sight. Ironhide watches our afts and blasts anything behind us."
"And what, Chromia and I hide behind you mechs?"
"Ok, you can go in first," he smirked. "I like the view from behind you better anyway."
"Perv!" I exclaimed shoving him away. Only he held on tight, pulling me in closer. His lips were almost on mine. His smile had faded and the worry was back on his handsome features. "We'll save our daughter, Optimus."
"I'm still worried…how much of our daughter will we be saving?" he asked, optics dimming as he rested his forehead against mine.
I had no answer. I was just as worried about it as Optimus was about that. Kacey was trained. But training only carries a bot so far. And I had no idea how much torture my daughter can take.
Orion
We prayed together as a family, hoping to that mother and father would bring Kacey home safe. I missed my sister. She's only been gone a few days but my spark has felt this void within where my sister's essence used to be. Such emptiness lingered waiting, hoping to be filled.
As soon as mother and father left our quarters, Ariel went on the hunt for Galen to worry about Kacey in her own way, which was usually with Galen comforting her. Even though our parents put me in charge I couldn't tell my twin sister what to do. The femme had a mind of her own. Not like I had to worry about her anyway. I could always find her when I needed to. I'd just ask Kayla where Galen was and viola, I could find my sister.
I was most worried about Leo. He was…different since that day he was shot. It wasn't just his attitude that changed. But the way he walked. It was like…he had purpose now with each step or action. In away, he seemed more mature for a mech his age.
"What are you doing?" I asked, walking into our room to see Leo carefully putting Kacey's cloak and weapon in a satchel.
Leo didn't respond but hurried over to his messy desk and started opening the drawers, looking for something. I decided not to push the issue. Like Ariel, Leo needed to worry in his own way.
"What's that?" I curiously asked when he held up a small flat, blue, device.
"Something I've been working on. Kacey isn't the only one who works in Wheeljack's lab for fun. And today seemed like a good day to see if it works," he answered putting it on his chest.
"Leo."
I turned upon hearing another mech's voice to see Sidewinder in the doorway. My mouth dropped open when I saw what was in his hand.
"Good, thank you Sidewinder," Leo said, moving across the room.
"I doubt my brother will even notice as he's been spending all his time with Firestar in her quarters," Sidewinder chuckled. "He can't interface yet but dad taught him things to make Firestar overload without interfacing."
"Again, thanks for letting me borrow your blaster. I'll take good care of it."
"A blaster! What the frag? Are you nuts, Leo?!" I yelled. I couldn't believe what I saw as Leo put the blaster in the satchel.
"I've thought this through, Orion," Leo said calmly as he grabbed something off his bed. "Bumblebee said the next time I will not fail. Father and mother told me to use my judgment. But Kacey always told me to follow my spark."
"I'm sure she didn't mean it during times like this!" I countered as he approached me.
"I don't have time to explain it to you brother. Just know that I need to do this. I need to be there on Mars for some reason I do not know yet. Please…forgive me."
His hand shot up and I heard the hypo-syringe hiss as he injected me with a sedative. I didn't even have time to warn mother or father through our spark bond as it happened so fast. And the last thing I saw was Leo helping me to the floor.
"I love you my brother," were his last words I heard just before I lost consciousness.
Lennox
I hated this part of the game. It wasn't that I was an impatient man. I was an experienced father. I learned to be patient because of my kids. And I have found that many of the Autobots deal with this waiting bit just like us humans do.
Most leaders, like Optimus and me, usually sit calmly yet focused. I'm sure he was thinking ahead to the upcoming battle just as I was. There were a couple of bots and men alike that even slept to pass the time. I noticed Sunny and Sides liked to listen to music just like Epps did. In fact the three of them were having an animated discussion about hip-hop a few hours ago. It would have still been going on if Ironhide and myself hadn't told them to finally shut up.
Then there were men or mechs like Ironhide and Ratchet. Those two seasoned veterans who could shoot the shit with the best of them to pass the time. This time they were talking about Moonracer. I heard she decided to remain on Earth and be near her younglings. A decision that appeared to relieve Ratchet tremendously. I don't think I'd want my wife near a battle again if she were badly injured that last time either.
A part of me still can't believe that the Decepticons would attack the Autobot femmes with the sole purpose of stealing the younglings. They're just kids! What did they do? Nothing, except be born under a different faction! It wasn't right!
"How's the armor suit holding up?" Wheeljack asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Surprisingly light and cool inside," I answered, seeing him through the suits visor.
With less than an hour before we arrive at our intended destination us humans had put on our armor in preparation for the fight.
"It's designed to adjust accordingly to the wearer's body temperature and external atmosphere temperatures," Wheeljack smiled. "Can't have you humans overheating now, can we?"
"No, that wouldn't be a good thing," I laughed.
"It kind of reminds me of Halo," Epps commented flexing his arms and hands.
In deed, the armor though metallic in color looked similar to the video game's style of the main character. I know this only because I've had to endure hours of my men playing the game during down time on the base.
"That's where I got the idea from one day when watching Kacey and Leo playing together on what they called 'Legendary' difficulty. The idea is the same, to protect you. However, the armor suits I designed do have a couple of upgraded features. The suit's shell is similar to our own armor and can withstand a certain amount of laser and plasma fire. The internal gel lining acts like a buffer enable you to survive falls from up to three times Optimus' height. It also has as chameleon like camouflage that adjusts as you change from one terrain to another. I designed the internal computer to monitor all your armor's systems alerting you of any malfunctions or damages and even monitor your vital signs sending an automated signal to your medic or ours if there's a problem. And each suit has its own unique energy signature enabling us to track you, just in case you get lost."
"Whatever, I just think it's cool," Epps replied.
"Got that right," a few of the other men on the shuttle said.
"Optimus, I'm getting a communication from Magnus' shuttle," Prowl said from the pilot's seat. "You need to see what he has to show you."
The Autobot leader had been relatively quiet after he explained the mission to us back on Earth and thanked us for volunteering to help rescue his daughter. Being a father myself I can empathize with him. Our children are everything to us. Our world is shaken when something happens to just one of them.
Optimus suddenly shouted something in his language as he looked over Prowl's shoulder. I couldn't see the monitor on the console but whatever it was got Prime pissed off. When Elita joined him I knew this couldn't be good at all as both of them were now yelling at the monitor.
"Hide, what's going on?" I quietly asked, elbowing his shin.
"Seem Leo snuck aboard Magnus' shuttle using some type of personal cloaking device that ran out of power," my friend answered.
"No shit."
"Yes, shit. This is not good. Leo has no armor and no business doing what he did. And we've come too far to take him back home."
"Honestly, it doesn't surprise me," I commented. "Leo and Kacey are tight. They'd do anything for each other no matter the risk."
"Yes, I agree. Leo is growing to be more like his father with each passing day."
"What will happen when we land?"
"Prime assigned Bluestreak to stay with Leo on the shuttle," Hide answered as Elita sat back down.
I watched, a little bit nervously, as the powerful Autobot leader glared out the window of the shuttle. Another nifty trick the suits can do is gauge surface temperatures. And right now, Optimus Prime was running RED hot.
Magnus
"Leo, you shouldn't have done what you did," I said as gently as I could, figuring that the young mech had enough of being yelled at by both his father and mother. I don't think I have ever scene Optimus so angry before.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Magnus," he replied, sitting on the floor, arms folded tight across his chest. "You have no brother or sister. You do not share a bond like I do with my family."
"True, but I did once with my mother. She taught be the importance of common sense and when to use it before she passed on. That is something you seem to be lacking of late."
Leo turned his face away, glaring at nothing. I noticed his optics glistening with fresh tears. I sighed and moved to kneel down next to him.
"I understand your desire to rescue your sister. No one doubts the love you have for her. But you need to ask yourself, what would she think if she knew you were here, risking your life? How would she feel if you got hurt?"
He turned his head. Blazing blue orbs locked intensely on me. I nearly shivered as he reminded me so much of Optimus with that gaze.
"Kacey would understand most of all why I must do this. She understands the desires of the spark better than anyone," he said and then turned his face away from me once again.
I knew then there was nothing I could say to sway him. I knew his type of mech well. Stubborn. Deep feeling. Loyal to the end. Sometimes there was no use talking sense to a mech or femme that followed their spark. It was what drove them.
"Bluestreak, guard him with your life and protect him from himself when necessary. Even if you have to use a sedative to knock him out," I said over a private comlink with the blue scout.
"Understood, Sir."
In the meantime, I prayed to Primus to give Leo the wisdom he'd needed. I know that if anything happened to the young mech, it might affect how Optimus and Elita fight in this rescue mission. I didn't want that. We couldn't afford that. More importantly, Kacey couldn't afford that.
I too wanted desperately to save Kacey from the Decepticons and would do anything within my power to ensure the success of this mission.
The Quintessons' Alpha Q
"How are you doing young one?" I asked.
"As well as can be expected. This morning's sessions was…painful…but brief. I think Megatron had something more important to tend to for they never bring me back to my cell until the end of the day. I'll be fine after some recharge. You don't need to worry about me."
"I cannot help but worry for you."
The youngling laughed, "You sound like my mother."
"In a way, the alpha q is mother or father. We keep the others balanced, serene, organized."
"Are…are you the alpha q, Rema?"
"I am, Kaceystar. Now rest young one."
"One more question? Please?"
"Very well, you may ask your question."
"I know my transformation systems came online already but…um…"
"As promised, we will restore you to your true form."
"May I ask how?"
"First we must repair the glitch in your program. Then we must do a thorough scan of all your systems. You still have a one or two more orns left to grow which makes the next step possible - accelerated growth. It was what we did to Venom to bring him from sparkling to maturity in only a few short years. However, the serum will have to be modified to accommodate your systems. I anticipate only two injections will be sufficient to restore you to your true self."
"You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to that," the youngling said. "If I'm ever to be Prime one day, I would prefer that the Autobots be able to look up to me and know I can lead them rather than look down at me and wonder if I'm even capable of leading them. My father is one of the tallest Primes our people have had. The Autobots can easily see him on the battlefield. He's not only their leader, but their strength and hope out there. I cannot be that if I'm lost in the fray."
"Do not doubt yourself young one. You are wiser and stronger than you realize."
"Rema, some one is coming," Klatu urgently whispered to me.
I immediately calmed the others down as we all huddled together. Then we watched quietly as the dark gold armored mech slowly walked by. I easily recognized him from the other day.
"Beware Kaceystar, he's back!" I told her.
"Good," she replied. "This is the moment I've been waiting for. Be ready."
"We will be."
Skyshadow
It was a good day. Everything was going my way today. My shift in the command center ended shortly after Megatron's communication meeting started in the briefing room. Cyclonis had the young femme taken back to her cell while he took his station as commander in the command center.
Now only one thing remained. I needed to find Reaper.
That lazy piece of slag better not ruin this for me. This will probably be my only chance to do this. Primus, my interface systems were itching to be activated. I swear I could almost smell her scent up.
"REAPER! GET ONLINE YOU MISERABLE FRAGGER!" I shouted pounding on the door of his quarters.
It took a moment but his door finally opened.
"Sorry, Skyshadow, I was recharging. Up late last night drinking high grade," he yawned.
I grabbed him by his chest armor and pinned him against the wall.
"You'd better not frag this up for me!" I growled at him.
"I'm fine," he snarled back, shoving me away. "Let's just get this over and done with. You have the credits?"
"Here, half now, half later when I'm done."
"Fine," he grumbled taking the currency out of my hand. "Let's go."
Together we made quick time reaching our intended destination. As instructed, Reaper hid in the supply closet. After a quick look back and forth down the halls I opened the door to the cell block section and entered, locking the door behind me. Just in case the femme escaped from my grasp she couldn't get out.
My spark pulsed wildly in anticipation as I marched down the long row of cells. I didn't even bother acknowledging the Quintessons. They were not important. All that mattered was the femme.
"So pretty," I whispered, peering into her cell.
Like before she was recharging on the bed. No doubt exhausted from her latest session. I heard she screamed a few times for Starscream as he was rather smug about it before heading into the meeting with Megatron.
I drank in her beauty committing each supple curve, slender appendage, and delicate feature to memory. This femme was one to remember for a long time to come. Only once I had my fill of taking in her beauty did I reach over and deactivate the energy field that was locking me out. As I stepped into the room my cooling systems came on to counteract the heat from my interface systems which just skyrocketed up.
Ever so slowly I climbed onto the recharge bed, being extra careful to not touch her just yet. It took a few moments to position myself in just the right spot above her laid out frame while she recharged away, oblivious to my presence.
I smiled.
Soon she'd know me. Soon she'd feel my presence over take her.
Funny, almost without my commanding it, my interface panel retracted and my appliance extended itself fully as if anticipating what was to come.
I was more than ready.
"I'd put that away if I were you," she suddenly said, her tone threatening as her optic covers slowly opened.
"Nothing you can do about it, femme," I smirked, daring to caress her face with my fingertips.
Her blue optics flared in response and narrowed at me, yet she did not move from my touch.
"So be it. Have it your way."
"Thanks, I will," I responded.
And that's when my good day fell into the pit.
The faint sound of a transformation system filled my audio receptor for barely an astrosecond before I heard a blade piece a metallic alloy. It took another astrosecond or two for my systems to send me an alert that there was a breach in my armor.
I look between us for visual confirmation.
It was the oddest feeling during that long moment. I didn't really feel any pain yet which should have surprised me as I don't like pain. In that moment, I actually wasn't sure what was more surprising.
Seeing the extended blade from her right forearm inserted into my abdomen.
Or watching as Kaceystar's Cybertronian armor slowly extended and slide into place, covering each beautiful curve of her body. Even a mask came up over her face, leaving only her optics there for me to see.
Or, maybe perhaps it was the look in those optics that was most surprising.
Yes, that was it. I never expected that look from this femme at all. Yet, I had seen that look on a number of occasions. Only I had not witnessed such an intense, cold gaze such as this on the battlefield when facing an opponent. No, I have seen this look on numerous occasions from my Lord Megatron usually just before he made a kill…Decepticon or Autobot.
Odd, that in this moment of realization, I wasn't at all surprised that I was about to die.
Up next: We pick right up with Kacey and Skyshadow. I suggest you get a seat belt for your chairs. It's going to be a wild ride.