Author's comment: I know there are those of you who think Kacey comes off as too perfect. She's beautiful, intelligent, and a better than average skilled fighter. Remember, her protoform was built differently, more advanced than the others. Her beauty comes from her parents, naturally. Her intelligence, again from her parents and from the fact that she's been taught by Alpha Trion himself since she was still somewhat of a sparkling. Her fighting abilities are due to her upgraded protoform and programming. I have tried to show her weaknesses starting back near the end of Hope's Journey and through this story. All of which have been leading up to a sequence of scene's where we see her dark side, the side that shows that she is related to Megatron.

Now, buckle up folks and enjoy the ride for this chapter and the next…and the next.

Author's notes: italics denote comlink chatter.

Kacey

The look of absolute shock on Skyshadow's face was some what satisfying to me. Yet, it could not extinguish the overwhelming anger and hatred I felt for what he had nearly done to me the other day and what I'm sure he'd done to other femmes. No mechanism deserved to be treated as such and I felt it was my duty to bring justice for those who could not.

No quick death would be coming for this pitiful excuse for a mech. No! I wanted him to suffer as punishment! So, I jerked my blade upwards and twisted. Precious life giving energon streamed down my blade and over my forearm. The surprised looked vanished from his face. The agonizing pain he suddenly felt jolted him from his stupor. Desperation filled his optics. Fear spread across his faceplates. Panic motivated his arms and legs as he now struggled against me.

Only, I wouldn't let my prey go so easily after he pushed away and fell onto the floor. I pounced on him, knocking him to the ground. We tumbled and rolled, both shooting up to our feet at the same time.

Skyshadow grabbed his abdomen with one arm as he staggered back. Taking full advantage of his weakened condition, I charged at him. My technique and form was perfect, just like Magnus taught me as I launched myself through the air. My foot landed squarely on his injured armor, knocking him off his feet and onto his back.

Energon spewed from his mouth when he coughed on impact. His arm transformed into his weapon and I didn't hesitate to remove it. More energon splattered across the wall as it flew off my blade. And for the first time Skyshadow howled out in pain, clutching his severed arm.

"It's been a while since I enjoyed killing a Decepticon," I smirked, retracting my battle mask and kneeling before him. I held my blade under his chin, lifting his head up higher, exposing the sensitive neck plating beneath. "I'm going to enjoy killing you."

His optics widened, looking past me. And in that moment, I suddenly came back in tune with my surroundings. My sensors told me of the Decepticon coming up behind me. But only one? Curious, why didn't Skyshadow call for more reinforcements? Or was the still so arrogant to think that he and his cohort could defeat me?

At the last possible astrosecond I turned, bringing my blade up. My attacker had no time to react except for the shocked expression on his face plates after my blade pierced his spark chamber. A moment later his optics darkened and the covers closed. I retracted my blade and dropped his corpse to the ground.

Next, before Skyshadow could even think of actually calling for real back up this time I quickly extended my blade. Whirling around in one fluid movement, my blade true to its mark sliced off the fragger's head.

I watched as Skyshadow's body twitched for a few moments, the sound of his head clanging off the wall before it hit the floor and rolled sounded so distant to me. I felt no pity. No remorse. Such was the intricacies of war. Such was the hollowness of revenge.

But at least the fragger was dead and he would never harm another femme…ever.

"Kaceystar, are you ok?!"

I shook my head, coming out of the energized daze I was in.

"Kaceystar!"

Without answering Rema I left my cell and raced down the rows of empty cells to where the Quintessons were being held. Quickly retracting my blade, I then deactivated the energy barrier to free them.

I was puzzled by their horrified expressions. I retracted my battle mask and glanced down to see my Cybertronian armor was splattered with energon.

"It's not mine. I could not allow them to call for reinforcements," I said, justifying my actions. "We're at war Rema. If you and your friends want to escape then don't get squeamish on me. More energon will be spilled before his day is over, I promise you. I will get you out of here, you have my word. Just remember your end of the bargain. I'm to be returned to my true form."

"We will keep our word," Rema said, glancing up at me sadly.

I didn't have time to think on her reaction at the moment. I had five lives to protect and get the frag out of here.

"Let's move out," I ordered, allowing my plasma rifle to form on my back. Once it was ready, I retrieved it and hurried to the entrance of the cell block. "We head for the shuttle bay as discretely as possible. If we run into resistance, do as I say and keep out of the line of fire."

"We are ready, young one."

I chuckled, "I've been ready for this for a long time now."

The energon raced through my systems. My spark pulsed wildly with excitement. Even my transformation systems were humming in anticipation. Frag I truly missed the thrill of battle!

With familiarity and ease, I hacked the code and unlocked the door to freedom…and hopefully my family and friends.

Optimus

I had anxiously watched as Roller cloaked then sped down the ramp before the door to the shuttle closed. He was quite eager when I told him what we were planning. He, like the other Autobots, was anxious to do his part in this rescue attempt.

Some were even a little too anxious but I could not blame them. It has been an agonizing few days for my family and me waiting to hear any news about Kacey's whereabouts. But I must remain calm, focused. I cannot lose my edge during this upcoming battle for I will not risk losing my daughter.

"Prowl, what is the risk of me leaving the shuttle and entering the next one over?" I asked quietly, my optics glancing at Elita who was getting ready for our up coming battle.

"Negligible. You wont be out long enough for you energy signature to register. If they're systems are like ours. If they've been upgraded…then I don't know."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take right now. Tell Magnus to have the door open for me as soon as I get there. And contact me when Roller is in position to place the first charge."

Prowl nodded and discretely contacted Magnus' shuttle. I made my way to the back of ours. Of course, Elita new right away something was up. She could sense the turmoil within my spark.

"Do not stop me," I simply said to her. "I rarely ever put my foot down with our younglings. But Leo has gone too far. I must do something. I will not risk losing our son."

"As you pointed out, Leo is our son. We should be doing this together."

"On any other issue I would agree with you. This is something between father and son. It is…" I paused, turning to face her. "It is something Sentinel had once done with me. And so it is time that I must do the same with Leo. He is much younger than I was. But he must be made to understand."

"Ok," she frowned moving away.

I sighed, feeling her hurt within. We've always been together on everything regarding our sparklings. Everything except Kacey's training with Prowl. And now with this. I knew this day would come with Leo, I just never expected it to be so soon.

'I love you,' I said to her over our bond, extending any apologies to her that might be necessary.

'I love you back,' she replied, eagerly accepting them and giving me her love.

"Prowl."

"Opening the door…now!"

The door dropped and I was out of the shuttle. I didn't need to turn back to see Prowl had closed it. Nor did I need to worry about the shuttle door on Magnus' ship opening in time or not. And in less than four astroseconds I was safely aboard the other shuttle.

"So far so good, Optimus. No indications your energy signal was picked up," Prowl said over a private comlink.

"Good, thank you."

"Blue, back with the others," Magnus ordered as he and the gunner left the shuttle pilot and co-pilot seats. Magnus paused beside me, glancing down at Leo than up at me. "Good luck, he's a rather stubborn mech, like some one I know."

"Thanks," I smiled.

Then my smile quickly faded as I sat in the pilot's seat.

'Leo, come up here please,' I asked over our bond, intending to keep our conversation as private as possible.

I felt a flicker of uncertainty. I do not blame him for that. I was furious earlier and had done my best to keep that anger to myself. I know from Elita that I wasn't as successful as I'd hoped for she repeatedly had to tell me to not lash out through our bond.

Finally my son came to join me by sitting in the co-pilots chair. I turned from the bright desert landscape to see my son looking up at me with a determination I'd seen so many times from Kacey or myself.

'Why?' I asked.

'It was something I felt I had to do. And something I would do again if necessary.'

'I can feel that, my son. I do not approve of this. But there is nothing I can do right now. I just hope you're error…'

'My error?! Since when is following one's spark an error?' he countered harshly.

'Have you thought of the consequences?' I shouted back over our bond. 'You're compromising the mechs and femmes under my command. You are putting your own creators in jeopardy because we must now worry about your well being along with our own. Your selfishness could very well cause Elita or I to lose focus on trying to save your sister!'

'Father, I…'

'No, you have gone too far Leo. If and when we get back to Earth you will be punished! Your training which, I was going to approve has now been called off until I deem you mature enough to not act so foolishly.'

"IS IT WRONG TO LOVE MY SISTER SO MUCH AND WANT TO BE A PART OF GETTING HER BACK?!" he screamed with tears rolling down his faceplates for all to hear and see.

"No, it is not wrong, Leo," Magnus spoke. "You must learn that you cannot do everything yourself. Have faith in the rest of us Autobots for that is our way. We rely on each other during battle. An Autobot does not know the meaning of me, myself, or I when on that battle field. We each look out for the others. It has served us well and will continue to serve us. It's what makes us strong."

"But what of Kacey, she's all alone," Leo countered. "I'm scared for her."

"We all are, Leo," I said. "That is why we're here."

"As am I," Leo said adamantly.

"But you've put many of us in potential danger," Magnus added. "Megatron can sense you if he reaches out. If he does, he will come after you to get to Optimus, Elita or even Kacey."

Leo blinked rapidly a few times then looked up at me for a long moment. Then his head bowed down in shame as he finally understood.

'I'm so sorry father,' he said, returning our conversation over our bond. 'I had not considered that. Is that why you ordered me to not reach out to Kacey?'

'Yes, it is why Elita or I have not reached out to her yet either. We fear Megatron may sense us if we do. But you must not, even after the battle begins. I will not risk losing you to my brother. Understand.'

'Yes, father. I understand now. You won't feel a little peep from me over our bond. I promise.'

I did not hesitate to pull my son onto my lap and hold him close. I know times like this are nearly gone now that he's a teenager. My little Leo…pfft, I cannot call him little anymore. He deserves more. Though it frightens me, Leo is going to make one extraordinary Autobot.

"I love you, my little mech," I whispered to him.

"Love you too, dad."

Cyclonis

An air of anxiousness hovered over the base. I honestly hadn't felt this anxious for battle since we attacked the Autobots on the planes of Tiger Pax. A battle we were winning up until the All Spark was abruptly blasted from Cybertron and sent hurtling through space.

I admit to no one but myself that many Decepticons were uncertain about Megatron's departure after he hastily laid down a chain of command we were to all follow. I was entrusted to be Thunderblast's protector, discretely of course. I acted as her second in command and followed her orders as if they were Megatron's.

It was a joyous day when I arrived with her on this planet the fleshlings call Mars. I did not hesitate to kneel before my Lord, vowing my allegiance to him and the Decepticon cause. I was given commendations for my loyalty and for delivering my leader's femme to him safely.

I proudly served as an officer now relishing in my greater responsibilities. I even enjoyed my shifts in the command center doing what many officers consider boring and mundane as I watched and waited for either my shift to end or for something to happen.

Nothing ever happened here on this planet. But ever since taking the daughter of Optimus Prime captive I've been on high alert…waiting for that something to occur.

"What is it, Rumble?" I asked, walking towards his station after I noticed he seemed…agitated.

"I'm not sure, Sir. There was an energy blip on the radar but only for a fraction of an astrosecond. Not long enough for the computer to determine what it was. I pulled up a visual of the area just to make certain nothing was there."

I bent over, looking at the monitor. Indeed, it showed that nothing was there. However, my sensors were tingling. Something wasn't right. Too many days had passed without a whisper from the Autobots. I knew them well. They never left a fellow bot behind. I knew sooner or later they'd make a move to retrieve the young femme.

"Send Skyshadow to check it out," I ordered.

"Yes, Sir."

I walked away, debating on bringing up this issue with Megatron. Then thought better of it. There was nothing to really report yet and my Lord did not like unnecessary interruptions.

"Cyclonis, Skyshadow is not responding to my hails!"

"Where is the fragger?" I growled, clenching my fists.

"I'm not picking up his energy signature anywhere on the base. Shall I scan for his cloaking frequency?"

"Sir, as I was heading to the command center for duty, I saw him and Reaper heading in the vicinity of the prisoner cell blocks, where we're holding the Autobot femme," Blitzwing informed me.

"That piece of slag never learns, does he?" I growled. "Rumble, continue your scans of the area. Let me know if you find anything. I'll deal with Skyshadow personally!"

Starscream

Good Primus, Shockwave could put one into permanent stasis lock with his long boring reports. I swear if Thunderblast hadn't been in the room I would have fallen into recharge long ago. And I was ever so grateful for Cyclonis' urgent message to Megatron and myself.

"What is it, Cyclonis?" Megatron asked, not looking happy about the interruption.

"Sir, I believe it best that you come see for yourself. It's with regards to the Autobot femme."

"On my way," he said, rising to his feet.

As second in command I followed without being asked. Of course Thunder followed as well. The femme was determined to extract her revenge on Elita, one way or another for killing her brother. I did nothing to stop Thunder…beautiful Thunder. Primus, the femme was rather pleasing when determined.

Before her brother's death, I tried often to gain her affections. Since she hadn't officially been claimed by Megatron I felt I still had a chance. Then her brother was killed and Megatron announced that he intended to bond with her once the war was over. His delay left a window of opportunity for me. I believed I could have still made her mine which was why I never told her the truth about her brother. I figured why bother if the traitor was dead and if there was still a possibility to win her spark.

Although, one thing did plague me, even to this day. I could never figure out why Elita had killed Stormrider when he was vital to sneaking information to the Autobots.

"Primus!" Thunderblast gasped slightly when we arrived at the holding cell where the Autobot was supposed to be. The young femme was no where to be seen yet managed to leave a lasting impression up us.

I remained unaffected upon seeing the gruesome scattered remains of Skyshadow covered with energon. His head look like it's rolled into the corner from the trail of energon left in its wake. His severed arm rested close to his offlined and shall I say, savagely gutted body. His death was not a pleasant one and I actually found myself smiling.

"I'm impressed…the young femme is ruthless," I commented.

"Reaper's death was quick…a blade penetrated his spark chamber," Cyclonis said. "As for Skyshadow…well, any one of his injuries led to his demise."

"Blade?" Thunderblast questioned.

I couldn't hold back my chuckle.

"Well, it seems our little Autobot has her transformation systems online now. And she's loose on the base. What are your orders Megatron? Shall we sound the alarms and search for her?"

Megatron looked at me, optics flashing. He was pissed! It only made my smile widen.

"No alarms. Starscream, Cyclonis put together search teams and find her and the Quintessons."

"Yes my Lord," Cyclonis bowed.

"As you wish, Megatron," I smiled and then turned to leave.

"And Starscream…I want her alive."

"I will do my best," I replied, keeping my back to him.

Of course, I had no intention of following his orders. This was my chance to get rid of Kaceystar once and for all. I was not going to waste it.

Venom

Slag! I swear to Primus my sister was going to be the death of me! I can't believe a mechanism so small could disappear so fast!

"Viper, where are you hiding this time?!" I hissed, crawling around in one of the storage rooms where I last heard her giggle.

Frag! I was so slagged. Mother was definitely going to kill be this time!

'Viper, where are you at?' I asked over our bond even though she couldn't formulate the words yet.

I distinctly felt her laughing at me though, much like she always did when she escaped from me.

'Little pit spawn!'

More giggles. This time I thought I heard them with my audio receptors too. I quickly got to my feet and ran out into the hall.

"Venom, just the mech I need!"

"I don't have time, Starscream. I lost Viper again."

"She'll be fine. I need your help. I think it's about time you saw some action."

"Really?" I asked excitedly, my plight momentarily forgotten.

I'd been begging my father for a while now to let me fight. I was more than ready. Cyclonis even said so himself.

"Yes, let's go."

"What's the mission? I'm ready!"

"Kaceystar has killed two of our brethren and escaped. It's up to us to find her."

I came to a stop and looked back.

"But what about Viper? I have a responsibility to her."

"You're a Decepticon, first and foremost," he growled at me. Even though I was taller than Starscream I felt intimidated by him much like I do around my father. "Nothing else matters. And like I said, Viper will be fine. She's probably in the command center now, looking for Megatron. She's safe."

"Well…"

"Let's go, that's an order!" he snapped.

I followed Starscream not wanting to disobey a superior officer. He was probably right though. Viper was probably either on her way or at the command center by now which meant I was going to get an audio receptor full from my mother.

Perhaps…perhaps if I captured Kaceystar that would alleviate some of the punishment my parents would give me. Yes, that's what I must do. One thing I learned from Starscream was that it was each Decepticon for themselves. It was the only way to make it up the Decepticon ranks.

Even though I was Megatron's son I was at the bottom of the ranks because I had yet to prove myself in battle. And this would be the perfect opportunity for me.

I smiled to myself knowing I could easily handle Kaceystar on my own. I was bigger and stronger and dare I say faster than any 'Con in the air, even Starscream. And she was just a silly femme. The real trick was getting her without Starscream being around so that I could take all the credit and make my father and mother proud of me.

Rema

"Why have we stopped? We're so close to achieving our objective."

"Shh," Kaceystar said to me, peering out the door. "Stay down. I'm going to cloak and see what's going on."

"We must do what she says, Rema," Klatu told me as I watched the youngling fade from my sight.

I nodded and the five of us hid. We had no choice in the matter. Besides, Kaceystar has done well in getting us this far without being discovered. Of course, it helped that we are able to hide our energy signatures much like the youngling can.

"They're looking for us," she said, her voice coming from out of nowhere. A moment later she appeared beside us, kneeling down rifle primed and resting in her hand. "It is imperative that you follow my orders from here on out. Hide when I tell you, run when I tell you."

"Have they anticipated our escape route?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid we're going to have a fire fight once we get to the shuttle crafts' launch deck. But don't worry I can get us onto a shuttle and I know how to fly using evasive maneuvers. We will get out of here, I promise."

"We trust you Kaceystar and are ready to proceed when you are."

"Thanks, Rema. Now, stay close to me, all of you."

We bunched up and stay as close to the young one as possible without interfering with her movements. At the door we waited in the shadows. And waited some more. Decepticon after Decepticon passed by. I felt the fear from the others rise by the moment.

"Let's go!" Kaceystar whispered and we all moved at once.

As instructed we stayed close to her, hugging the wall as we moved down the hallway. I preferred the darkness of the shadows in some of the rooms we hid. The hallway was so bright and we could be spotted at any moment.

"Slag," she hissed doubling back a short ways.

We did the same watching anxiously has her fingers typed code after code until the door hissed open. Kaceystar shoved each of us into the room one by one before entering herself and closing the door.

"Rema," Gorte whispered, making me turn to see we were in a rather small maintenance and cleansing room.

I froze in place. An armorless Decepticon was taking cleansing shower with his back to us. One was lying on a table nearby, recharging it seemed in his protoform.

"Don't move," she ordered us.

The others pressed themselves closer to me. And I watched the youngling as she placed her plasma rifle on her back and disappeared as she cloaked. A few moments later, the recharging mech's optics shot wide open in terror just as the soft sound of a blade quickly pierced his neck. I could see that Kaceystar twisted her blade as the slice in his neck became a horrendous hole. Energon gushed out and the brightness of his red optics faded as his life force was extinguished.

From there, Kaceystar moved on, though cloaked I could see her blade. Energon continued to drip from it. She slow advanced on the unsuspecting mech in the shower, getting closer and closer.

A part of me wanted to warn him for I abhorred violence. A part of me knew that this was our only way to freedom. Another part came to understand that Alpha Trion utilized our gift to him well. Kaceystar's protoform, her very being was meant for war.

Just then an explosion sounded. The floor rocked violently. Alarms sounded.

The mech in the shower abruptly turned, his armor sliding into place at the same time.

"What the…"

Energon suddenly gurgled and then spurt from his mouth. His optics full of fear and surprise locked on the young femme as she de-cloaked, unsheathing her blade from his neck. A moment later he fell dead to the ground.

Then time seemed to move in slow motion. It was an odd experience for us, never having been in the heat of a battle before.

Kaceystar yelled at us to fall to the ground even as she was reaching for her plasma rifle. As we fell, I looked up to see laser fire from the Decepticon that'd just entered the room behind us. Plasma fire from Kacey's rifle blasted over us repeatedly. Hot sparks showered us where we lay.

Not knowing what else do to I closed my eyes and screamed.

Megatron

"Scan all delta frequencies! I want that Autobot found!" I roared.

"I've scanned them, Sir! Twice!" Rumble answered.

"Well scan them again!" I growled yanking him up from his seat by his neck.

"The youngling does have the capability to hide her energy signature in other ways, my Lord," Soundwave said. "When her cloaking shield in not activated she has the ability to shield her energy signature."

I dropped Rumble back in his seat then stormed back to my chair.

"Contin…"

A distant explosion interrupted me. Claxons blared. Before I could speak, three more explosions sounded one after the other.

"So, you've finally arrived my dear brother," I whispered to myself. "Blitzwing, report!"

"The main computer is still fully functional. Base energy levels, optimum. Defense systems…Sir…our long range…"

"SIR! AUTOBOTS AND LOTS OF THEM!" Rumble shouted.

"On the main view screen now!" Thunderblast ordered.

"How many, Soundwave?" I calmly asked.

"I detect about forty different Autobot energy signatures. Optimus Prime and…"

"Elita-One!" Thunderblast snarled, glaring at the monitor.

Indeed, I saw the femme was alive as Optimus had told me. She and my brother, along with two others, were veering off from the rest of the Autobot army. My femme quickly turned and headed for the exit. I knew her intentions as I knew her spark very well.

But I couldn't let her go out there yet. So, I grabbed hold of her arm, stopping her. She was furious. I felt a flicker of her anger before she reined it in and kept it from me. I said nothing but kept my optics focused on her.

"Continue Soundwave."

"They have effectively taken out our long range weapons. And are now daring us to meet them on the battle field. It is a means to distract us from a rescue attempt for the youngling. From what I can tell, all the Autobot officers…Prowl, Ultra Magnus, Ratchet, Ironhide…even the youngest, Bumblebee…are present."

Thunderblast growled. I raised an optic ridge at her defiant stare.

"I've waited long enough to take my revenge!" she said to me, wrenching her arm free. "Either let me have it or kill me now!"

With lightening reflexes I grabbed her by the neck and pulled her close. Then I loosened my grip, sending her all my love. With a single finger I traced the slender curves of her face.

"I will allow you to go my love but I'm going with you. I know I can trust you to be cruel and vicious when you kill Elita. I will make sure my brother sees you do it."

"Of course," she grinned. "And thank you."

"Soundwave, deploy the army and determine where my brother is head and give me the coordinates," I ordered. "He will not make it onto this base alive. Nor will his daughter leave. Tell Starscream and Cyclonis that when they capture Kaceystar to bring her to the battlefield. I want to see the look in my brother's face when I order her execution."

"Yes, my Lord."

Prowl

I'd never admit it to anyone, except for maybe Kacey and…well Jazz of course if he was here, but I enjoy the feeling of speeding across an open highway or desert. The faster the better too. There's nothing like the feel of the ground beneath my tires, the roar of my engine, or the feeling of weightlessness when I lift off the ground for a jump.

"Nice air, Prowl! I never knew an old rust bucket such as yourself had the speed or the skills to do that!" Sunstreaker teased.

"There is much you do not know about me Sunny. Just stay focused. All of you."

"We've got incoming," Hound informed me. "Sensors indicate Megatron and Thunderblast are heading straight for Optimus and Elita!"

"Copy that Hound, taking evasive action!" Optimus said.

"Make sure your evasive action doesn't roll on me like you did last summer when we went racing," Elita chuckled.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

I smiled inwardly at their affectionate banter. Jazz and I used to have it all the time when in battle. Primus, I miss him so much.

'Soon Jazz. I'll be joining you shortly,' I thought to the heavens above.

"Autobots, proceed to attack formation omega," I ordered.

Engines revved behind me. My sensors indicated that the Autobots formation slowly spread out as ordered until we formed a single line racing across the desert.

"Stay in formation Bumblebee!" I snapped when he started pulling ahead. "I know you're anxious. We all are my friend. We must do our part so that Optimus and the others can do theirs."

Up ahead, I saw the dust cloud. It was growing large as it raced towards us.

"Prowl!"

"I see them Magnus! Silverbolt…"

"High in the sky and awaiting your orders!"

"Bumblebee, take the twins, and Hot Shot and cover our afts! Silverbolt will support you from the air."

"On it Prowl!" the young scout said.

One by one him and the others slowed and spun around and transformed. Bumblebee has showed remarkable leadership skills. I know our back side is secure. Plus, Sunny and side had long range rifles and were excellent shots. I trusted them on the battlefield even though I may not ever trust them anywhere else! And Hot Shot, though a bit cocky was an excellent fighter and skilled warrior.

"What the frag is going on out there?"

The femme's voice startled me over our comlink frequency. I nearly put the breaks on. As it was I fished tailed about for a short distance before regaining control.

"Kacey?!" Optimus and a dozen others including myself, practically cheered over the frequency.

"Slag yeah! You guys are messing up my escape plans!" she laughed.

Escape plans? Frag, I should have known! This changes things.

"Kacey, what is your location?" I quickly asked.

"We're almost to the shuttle launch deck on the west side of the base," she replied and I distinctly heard laser fire in the back ground as well as an explosion.

"We?" Ratchet questioned.

"I've made a few friends. I promised to get them out of here with me."

"Roller, this is Optimus head to Kacey's location on the double. Ironhide and Chromia will be there shortly. Elita and I are about to be engaged in battle."

"Mother…she's…"

"Yes, I'm alive my sparkling. So is Leo," Elita answered.

"Ah thank Primus…I was so worried," Kacey said and I could hear the tremor in her voice. "I didn't know…"

"Focus, Kacey," I gently reminded her.

"I'm fine, Prowl…thank you," she sniffled. "And Bee?"

"I'm here too, Kacey," he answered.

"Do I have a big hug for you when we meet up," she laughed.

"I'll be waiting for it," Bumblebee replied.

"What about me, don't I get a hug?" Rox asked.

"And me too, I'm only one of your closest friends?" Firestar asked.

"Of course…I'll be so happy to see all of you. I've…got one heck of a surprise for you all!"

More explosions sounded over the frequency.

"Kacey, are you ok?" I quickly asked.

"I'm fine. That explosion triggered a chain reaction. Some of the fuel cells on the launch deck are catching on fire. What the frag…as much as I love chatting with you all, I've got to focus and get the frag out of here. Roller, what's your position?"

"Coming up fast on your six!"

"Excellent and just in time too. See you all very shortly, I promise! Kaceystar out!"

"Optimus, do you want me to send a team in for her?" I asked watching as he and Elita came to a stop and transformed.

Optimus pointed at Ironhide and Chromia who altered their course and headed for us.

"I trust Kacey to get out. We need to occupy as many 'Cons out here to give her that chance."

"She'll be fine Prowl" Elita added. "She promised us she was ok and ensured us that she would call for back up if necessary."

"Very well," I replied. "Magnus, your squad is the back up if Kacey calls for it."

"We'll be ready, Prowl," Magnus acknowledged.

My sensors focused on the approaching wall of 'Cons. The time for battle was upon us. Thunderblast didn't hesitate to go for Elita nor did Megatron hesitate to go for Optimus. I worried for them, as any descent second in command would do. But I also had confidence in them. They would be alright and would call for help when necessary. Until then, my task was clear and ahead of me.

"Autobots…transform and engage in battle!" I ordered.

I dropped my hands down as I started my transformation sequence and pushed hard off the ground, launching myself up into the air. My timing was perfect, as always. I completed my transformation in mid-flight and landed directly on a 'Con, ramming my fist down on his head and knocking him unconscious.

On my feet, running and weapons drawn I moved on to the next 'Con. I could hear sounds of metal crunching across the battle field as the two armies clashed. I admit it would be a glorious way for me to die out here. But I could not die just yet. I promised Optimus I would wait until Kacey was fully recovered before telling her of my decision to end my life.

I figured since Jazz has waited for me for so long now that a few extra days weren't going to matter.

Kaceystar

I don't think anything could dampen my unbelievably good mood! Mother was alive. Leo was alive. And thank Primus, Bumblebee was alive. I know I would have been devastated if I lost any one of them. But Bee…I couldn't lose Bee. He'd become far too important to me. I needed him in my life, one way or another.

"Why are you laughing?" Rema asked as we prepared to head out into the hallway.

"Because Primus has answered my prayers and I've missed this," I smiled. "Let's go!"

From there, it was a running, gunning fight all the way to the shuttle launch deck. I had one gun aimed ahead of me and the other that I pawned off a dead 'Con aimed behind me. Luckily part of the ceiling collapsed blocking off any pursuit and the fire on the launch deck seemed to scare away any 'Cons that were here to greet us.

Still, I scanned the entire deck with my sensors and kept the guns ready as I hurried through the array of shuttles. I picked one in the middle of the room, tossed the 'Cons rifle aside while placing my own on my back, bypassed its security lock and opened the door.

Once inside, I yanked a panel off the floor and pulled out the little black box that bore a unique Decepticon energy signal which enabled anyone to track the shuttle. I couldn't risk flying and getting shot at by the Autobots or the 'Cons. With the signal scrambled both sides would hesitate to fire…I hope.

While getting to my feet my optics happen to look past the Quintessons and out onto the launch deck. I couldn't believe my optics when I spotted the sparkling, Viper. She seemed to show no fear and actually looked with curiosity at the goings on around her. Regardless, of the fact that she was a born Decepticon this was no place for a sparkling. I would have to take her and put her somewhere safe.

"Get in your seats and be ready," I said as I descended the ramp.

"Where are you going?" Rema worriedly asked.

"I cannot in all good conscious leave the sparkling here to die which will happen with this out of control fire out here. With no 'Con around to collect her she's my responsibility. Plus…well…she's my cousin. I feel it's my duty."

With that I left them and walked slowly towards Viper.

'Hi Viper. Remember me?' I asked over our bond. 'Remember, I bit Starscream on the hand. It made you laugh.'

She smiled and giggled softly, red optics blinking up at me as I slowly moved closer.

"You're mine now, Kaceystar!"

I slowly turned to my right to see Venom slowly descending, wings wide spread and flapping lazily. By Earth standards he was a frightening sight to behold, almost like a gargoyle. Except he look a lot like Megatron, only with spikes on his armor on his forearms and shoulders. I didn't notice them before, they must have extended as he prepared for battle.

I made no move for my weapon. I did not know Venom's fighting capabilities, other than biting unsuspecting mechanisms. He could fly, that was obvious. No weapon in his hand which meant he was skilled at hand to hand combat or over confident. Knowing the 'Cons the way I do, probably the latter. Plus, he was not a seasoned vet. No marks of battle on his armor.

"Venom," I smirked, deciding to feel him out through witty banter. "Honestly, you're new to this game. So let me explain to you how it is. I am not yours. I am not anyone's. Just because I'm a femme doesn't make me a slave. Didn't your mother teach you about femmes like me?"

"She taught me enough," he said as I slowly stepped back, keeping my sensors locked on the sparkling that was watching my every move and that of her brother's from beneath her hiding spot.

My sensor alarm sounded. Another 'Con was sneaking up behind me. Only problem was I wasted a lot of energy to get to this point. I was running on reserves and needed a boost.

"Roller, ETA!"

"Cloaked and right behind you!"

"You ready?"

"For what?"

"Our first powerlink."

"I have been waiting for a long time Kacey. I am yours to command."

"Let's do this!" I said retrieving my rifle.

I initiated the command, exposing the power module in the center of my back. Roller de-cloaked, activated his boosters and shot up, clamping on to me. Almost instantly I felt my energy levels rocked up to optimum levels as he linked his power module to mine.

"Whoa, Wheeljack made a few improvements!"

"Yes. He increased the energy out put levels during the link up. All systems functioning properly, Kacey."

"Then hang on tight my friend," I said, activating my plasma burners.

I shot up into the air above the shuttle and turned to face Starscream as he approached.

"You two really need to come up with a better plan if you think you're going to capture me!" I snarled, firing my plasma rifle at him.

"Who said I wanted to capture you?" Starscream smirked evilly as he dodged my weapons fire.

I may have missed my intended target but the weapon's blast hit a shuttle's fuel cell and exploded. This room, though larger than the Autobot's launch bay was still heating up. The fires were spreading faster. I quickly put my rifle away as the air was getting thicker and heavier, saturated with heat and fumes. It was only a matter of time before the entire launch deck exploded. I didn't want to risk another weapon's blast to expedite such a cataclysmic reaction.

Turning I flew straight at Venom, the lesser experienced of the two. His red optics widened in surprise and his response to take flight was delayed. Surprisingly, he was quick to recover! As quick as myself with his reaction as he was able to elude my efforts to take him down.

Another explosion rocked the room. A fireball nearly engulfed us both causing us to rocket towards the floor. We landed side by side running until the heat wave from the blast knocked us forward and onto our faces.

For the first time I could feel the sparkling Viper was truly scared. I heard her crying. Looking up I could see she was terrified.

"Viper!" Venom exclaimed looking up and seeing her too.

"DON'T FORGET YOUR DUTY! GET THE AUTOBOT, VENOM!" Starscream ordered.

"WAIT!" I shouted jumping to my feet. "We need to get the frag out of here! NOW!"

"Don't listen to her Venom! She…whoa!"

Another explosion, close to Starscream this time shot a shuttle into the air, clipping one of his extended wings. The fragger managed to get out of the way in time before it came down, landing in a crumpled mess. Explosion after explosion erupted. I noticed the two 'Cons making a break for the launch deck's opened doors to the outside. I made my way to the sparkling.

Viper clung to my armor once I lifted her up. She did not know I was the enemy. She gladly accepted what comfort I gave over our family's bond. Laser fire erupted from a couple of 'Cons that ran into the room from the hallway. I did my best to shield the sparkling as I ran for the shuttle I'd prepared for our escape.

"Here, take her," I ordered, handing Viper over to Rema. "Can you pilot the shuttle?"

"Yes."

"Then do it and get the frag out of here! Now! I've removed the transponder box. The shuttle no longer has a distinguishable energy signature."

"What about you?" Rema asked. "We had an agreement. We cannot fulfill our end if you do not come with us."

I pushed them down, covering them from the laser fire. My armor easily deflected the blasts.

"I'll cover your escape. I will join you after the battle. I will not abandon the Autobots. They might need me from the air."

"I understand. You can contact us when you deem it safe using your communicator's frequency. We will hide using one of the planet's Polar Regions to mask the ship."

"Very well. Now go!" I shouted and then ran out the back of the shuttle.

I risked it and used my own rifle to fire back. A beam collapsed. Half the launch deck was buried in debris and flames. My attackers were buried alive beneath the heated rubble.

"I have something for you, Kaceystar. Alpha Trion said you might need it."

Instantly my transformation systems received and processed the data stream Roller sent to me. A smile spread across my lips beneath my mask. Without a moment to spare, I lifted into the air and initiated the one transformation sequence I had been dying to initiate for so long.

Bumblebee

We effectively had taken care of the first wave of 'Cons trying to attack the Autobots from behind when the explosion captured just about everyone's attention. It was so loud and huge, one couldn't miss it! I turned in time to see this massive black, orange fireball plume erupt into the sky. Then if that wasn't impressive enough, thunder cracked across the desert plane as this oddly familiar looking space jet literally rocketed out of the fireball, leaving a vapor trail in its wake.

"Holy slag! Kacey! You got your wings back!" Sunny cheered.

"You bet your cute aft I did!"

"See, told you I was the cute one!" Sunny snickered to his brother.

Ignored them, watching in awe as she banked around towards the Autobot army. Once she straightened out she did a few barrel rolls making me laugh. Many of us even cheered.

"She's having fun now!" Sides commented.

Then to my sheer surprise, Kacey made a pass over the Decepticon army and opened fire at them…while in her jet form!

"Whoa! She was never able to do that before!" I gasped.

"She was just a youngling before, Bee! Look at her now!" Sunny said and then yelped.

I ran and tackled the 'Con off him and efficiently made sure he was offline permanently this time. Two more thunderous eruptions sounded making me look up.

"Kacey, watch your aft!" I quickly warned when two fast Decepticon fliers rocketed towards her.

One I recognized as Starscream the other was…odd looking. He had wings…just like that little pit spawn Venom that nearly killed Optimus! Yet, this couldn't be Venom. This was a fully mature mech. And even though he wasn't as aerodynamic as Kacey or Starscream, he was fast. Faster than Starscream as he pulled away and gained on Kacey.

"I've got them both on my radar, thanks Bumblebee! Don't worry. I can handle Starscream and Venom in the sky."

"Venom?!"

"I'll explain later. You just take care of things on the ground."

"You're a beautiful sight to see, Kaceystar. Glad you got your wings back!"

"I'm blushing Bee! Thanks. See you guys later! We'll all get over energized on high grade!"

"It's a date!" Sunny added.

"Bumblebee, we got incoming!" Hot Shot shouted pointing up to the sky.

A dozen Decepticons were in the sky headed straight for us with their weapons locked on us. The fraggers didn't hesitate to fire either.

"Transform and follow me!" I ordered. "Silverbolt, try to draw a couple of them away towards our long range shooters."

"Copy that!"

Silverbolt fired at a couple of the 'Cons, getting their attention. It worked too for two of them transformed into their jet forms and chased after him.

"Nice work, Silver! Although, I thought we could have easily taken them all on!"

"Another time, Hot Shot," I chuckled at him as I started to line myself up. "Get into formation behind me."

"Oh, I see the plan!" Hot Shot exclaimed.

"Ready for some jet judo, Sunny?"

"Anytime bro!"

I pumped more power into my engine so I could go faster. I needed the right velocity to reach the required height.

"Hey! What's the paint job you fraggers!" Sunny shouted when weapons fire landed just beside him.

"Take evasive action but stay on course guys!" I ordered, having to swerve myself to avoid getting hit. Sand spewed into the air just to my left…then to my right and just in front of me. Hot sand pelted my armor. "Stay the course! We're almost there!"

I adjusted my alt form accordingly picking up speed as we ascended the hill. Then once we reached its peek, I hit the make shift rocky ramp that nature provided and launched myself high into the air…straight at a 'Con. It was a brief but successful flight.

"Yippy kiya mother fucker!" I shouted, using one of Sunny and Sides' favorite lines as I transformed.

My hands latched on the surprised 'Con's neck. With one quick twist I severed the main energon line and main feed from his processor to his spark chamber, instantly killing him. As quick as possible, I brought my legs up and pushed, jettisoning myself towards the 'Con to my left.

"Hey, get your own!" Sunny shouted.

"Whoa!" we yelped as our combined weight was too much for the 'Con to handle causing us to fall fast towards the ground.

"Get off me you fraggin Autobots!"

"Ok!" Sunny smirked. "Shoot him Bee!"

"With pleasure!" I said, transforming my arm and taking aim.

"NO! Wait!" he cried out.

I fired.

"Too late…sucker!" Sunny laughed, grabbing hold of my arm.

I released the dead 'Con just as Sunny deployed his chute. We momentarily floated up in the air before slowly making our descent.

"I'll never make fun of you or your brother's parachutes," I laughed.

"Sides and I may be crazy but we're not crazy enough to kill ourselves," he counted. "We learned to be innovative when fighting the 'Cons."

"Wow, I didn't know you guys could use your processors that way," I smiled.

"Haha, remember who's holding on to who here."

"Right…AAAHH!"

Searing white hot pain ripped through my chest from my backside. Warning alarms sounded, many of my internal systems strained to compensate for the breach in my armor. I could feel the warm thick flow of energon down my backside.

"Ow…this is not good, Sunny," I gritted, straining to keep conscious. My automatic recharge system wanted to shut me down so my repair systems could begin repairs. I fought it off for I knew I would need a medic to fix these repairs. My own would make little difference.

"Hang on Bee!" Sunny shouted down at me. "I called for Ratchet. Bluestreak spotted the sniper and is on his way!"

I blinked a few times as I looked down I saw the exit wound of a plasma shell just to the right of my spark chamber. This definitely wasn't good. Then things went from bad to worse.

Sunny cry out. Energon splattered on my battle mask. And I suddenly started falling fast. I glanced up and my optics saw that Sunny's hand still had a hold of mine.

Only problem was his hand was no longer attached to his body.

Up next: More from the battle from multiple POVs and we discover why Leo was meant to be there on Mars. Also upcoming either in the next or following chapter the long awaited Elita and Thunderblast showdown and another Optimus and Megatron showdown. Kacey and Venom will have a chapter all to themselves for their showdown.