Sorry it's taken so long. Real life troubles plus losing four pages of edited content and almost two scenes from this chapter. I kind of lost my Kacey mojo when I lost the materiel because it happened after I had received some distressing news. It was like the shit hit the fan kind of week and a couple of the scenes for this chapter were already tough enough to try and write without all the other crap. So I had to take a short break from Kacey. Sorry. Thank you all for your patience.
But I'm back. Real life is still rough but I'm coping. The movie was fucking awesome and helped me get my mojo back with a couple of inspired fics. And now…WOW…the last chapter! Well almost last. Because this chapter has gotten way too long I'm breaking it up. (That's what happens when my mojo gets an energon boost!) So there will be two more chapters. The conclusion chapter with the climatic father daughter moment that I had written well over a year ago and the Optimus Epilogue chapter to tie up this story and set up the love story.
On a side note, for those who still can't wait for Bee and Kacey to get it on, there's a lovely little M rated fic by Bunnylass called Bee's Day of Torture. It involves chains and Kacey taking full advantage of her mech. Hehe. Oh yeah, it's hot too. Bee's not the innocent bot we all thought he was! ;)
I also need to thank Bunnylass for saving Red Alert's scene and salvaging some of the work I'd lost. Thanks girl! \m/
Author's notes: tissues required. Italics denote comlink chatter, '…' bond chatter, "…" normal talk. Also, I've changed my mind which Red Alert I'm using for the remainder of the fic and for the love story. I'm using the Armada version. He's just cooler.
Megatron
Viper lay comfortably in my arms, recharging peacefully despite the chaos going on before me as I sat in the command chair. Lucky for the mechs under my command I am currently holding her, for if I wasn't they'd feel my wrath.
I do not tolerate failure.
And we failed today in more ways than one.
First we allowed the youngling to escape. Then we allowed the Autobots to land on the planet and infiltrate the base undetected! I'm still not sure how my brother pulled that off but it will not happen again.
Finally my son, Venom, failed to kill Kaceystar. As a result we lost the battle.
At this point I'm not sure what fraggin pissed me off more, the fact that my son failed to dispose of my brother's first born or the fact that his negligence nearly cost me my precious daughter's life. Because of what Kaceystar told me and per my insistence I had Soundwave check her out when I noticed her protoform seemed slightly damaged. Thankfully it was superficial and easy to repair. But I didn't like the fact that her intakes were also damaged by smoke inhalation.
I'm not sure what I would have done if I lost Viper other than kill whoever crossed my path first. I love my daughter, more than I would admit to Thunderblast. My sparkmate would not like that I favor one of our offspring more than the other. But I could not help it. I sense that Viper is much like me…aggressive, ambitious. If she wants something she does not hesitate to go for it.
"My Lord, per your instructions I was able to track Viper's movements via the sensor logs and video monitors from before the Autobots arrival to when the shuttle launch deck exploded," Soundwave spoke softly interrupting my thoughts.
"Do I even want to know the full extend of my son's blundering this time?"
"I can just tell you how Viper ended up in the young Autobot's possession instead."
I groaned bowing my head slightly, "Tell me."
"Viper was on the launch deck just before the explosion. Venom and Starscream were there as well…as was the Autobot. Yet it was the Autobot that retreated last with Viper."
I growled, waking up Viper. I instantly calmed my spark when I heard her soft whimpers and soothed her back into recharge. I didn't want to believe Kaceystar's words when she informed me that it was she who saved my daughter. But I had no choice…she is too much like my brother - honest to a fault, and Soundwave's reports are always accurate.
"Where is my brother?"
"Sensors indicate that Autobot's shuttles have powered up and they're leaving."
'Brother!' I called out, imposing my presence on him over our bond. I could feel he was surprised before he became defensive. 'Do not think that because your child saved mine I will be lenient on her! Where my son failed, I can promise you I will not. So if I was you, I'd make sure she never comes across my path again.'
'Your child wouldn't have been in danger if you had not taken mine!' he roared back at me and I felt his anger. It was potent, raw, and pure. He did nothing to hold it back which was so unlike him. 'Don't you ever dare to attack our younglings again! Do I make myself clear, brother?'
I closed down my end of the sparklink, rising to my feet. I refuse to let my little brother dictate to me!
"Keep me updated on the repairs, Soundwave. I'll be in the medbay."
"Of course, my Lord."
It didn't take me long to reach to medical bay. I ignored all my injured troops and headed straight for where Venom lay. I noticed Thunderblast had not left his side since we arrived back on the base. The concern for our son was so evident on her faceplates.
"I'm told he will make a full recovery once he's repaired," Thunderblast informed me.
Venom looked at me but said nothing. He didn't have to. I could see the shame all over his face.
"Thunder, take Viper to our quarters," I ordered, holding out the sparkling. "I'll be there shortly."
"As you wish," she said, wisely not arguing with me even though I could sense her disappointment.
"Father, I'm sorry I failed you," my son said to me once his mother was out of the room. "I won't let it happen again."
"You'd better not," I growled, making him flinch. To make sure he understood, I grabbed him by the throat and pulled him to my face. "I do not tolerate failure! Especially from my son!"
"I…promise…I will…not fail you," he choked out, grabbing hold of my wrist. "I promise!"
'I am hardest on you, Venom because you are my son,' I told him over our bond, while gently setting him back down. 'I expect more from you than from any other Decepticon, including your mother. Do you understand?'
'Yes father. I will strive to be better. I promise.'
"Good," I smiled. "Now rest. We have much to plan for."
Red Alert
Ever since arriving on Earth and becoming a repair bot in Ratchet's medbay I've seen a different side of my Prime which has surprised me. I've always know he was generous by nature and rather charismatic and caring towards his fellow Autobots. But what set him apart from his adopted father Sentinel, made him…dare I say a more personable Prime…was the fact that he never delegated some duties, such as visiting the medical bay after a battle.
While Sentinel always relied on Ratchet and his reports on the injured, Optimus preferred a more intimate, more personal touch. Even here on the shuttle I can hear my Prime quietly talking to each of his troops, asking them how they're doing, joking about the usual aches and pains that follow a battle. He even talks candidly with the humans making them laugh or laughing with them.
"What's that do?" Leo asked as I gave Kacey an injection for the pain. It was all I dared give her after talking with Ratchet. I detected trace amounts of drugs in her systems. Some of which I didn't know what they were and was unsure how they'd react to the more powerful drugs medics use.
"It's for the pain," I replied, rubbing Leo on the head. He was ever observant as I tended to his sister. The little mech didn't recharge for very long. He was too worried for his sister. "Kacey will recharge more comfortably if she's not in any pain."
"Leo, let Red do his job," Optimus deep voice said softly.
"It's quite alright, Sir," I smiled. "I don't mind."
"Still, Leo, come up here," Elita said, extending her hand. "Time for you to recharge. Or try to anyway."
"How's the leg doing?" I asked, rising to my feet now that I was done with my initial exam of young Kaceystar.
"I'll be fine. Check on the lugnut here. He's still leaking."
"Elita, I'm fine," Optimus insisted.
"She's correct, Sir," I said while doing a quick scan of his mangled shoulder. "You probably ruptured a line when you carried Kacey. It'll just take me a few seconds to do a patch job. Ratchet will work on both of you once we've returned to Earth."
"And Kacey?" he questioned. It was a simple question but I suspect he was implying more than a simple answer.
"I'm sure Ratchet will ensure she has the best medical attention," I smiled, finding where the leak was and repairing it. Once that was done I decided to inject a medical gel that would ensure no more rupture incase he decided to use his shoulder again. "For now, he and I agree that we should just let her recharge for ever how long her systems need to."
My Prime sighed, frowning.
"Anything about Sides?" Leo asked.
"Ratchet is still operating," I answered truthfully.
"Don't be like your father," Ironhide huffed. "Stupid aft always worries far too much."
Several of the soldiers laughed. I didn't. I was worried too after I discretely asked Sockets for an update on Sideswipe's condition. I wasn't the trained medic he was but I had enough understanding to know that any damage to the spark chamber was bad and potentially fatal.
"Red…"
I turned when Prowl called me to see he was in some discomfort.
"I think all the aches are now settling in," he grimaced, leaning forward.
"Your doorwing?"
"Yeah."
"Those 'Cons stomped on it a few times," Chromia quietly said to me.
After a quick scan I confirmed that was some deep bruising to the wing.
"This will sting for a moment," I said, adjusting the medical device on my wrist. Once I had it on the desired settings I aimed it and shot a beam at his doorwing. It took several minutes but I was able to repair the bruising.
"Thanks Red," Prowl sighed, his doorwing noticeably more relaxed now.
"Let me know if you're still in pain."
He nodded.
When I moved to take my seat I noticed we finally broke orbit and were on route home. It was the first time I relaxed…frag, since we left Earth. Yet, I couldn't relax entirely. I had to monitor Kacey closely.
"Red please…tell me…how badly damaged is Kacey?" Optimus asked over a private comlink.
I sighed internally. I'd been expecting him to ask about Kacey and I knew exactly what he was implying.
"My sensors are not a refined as Ratchet's. I can only say that she's suffered the same amount of damage one would expect from a battle like today. My main concern is her energy levels. I'm keeping a close optic on her, Sir and I'm giving Ratchet regular reports, per his orders."
The mech stared at me intensely for a long moment before he nodded with a sigh, his attention returning to that of his daughter and family.
"Ratchet…"
"Go ahead, Red."
"Optimus is asking about Kacey. He stopped for now. But I suspect he will try and pry information from me again. I…I have been able to determine that her protoform has been damaged in…in the lower abdominal area. It is consistent with forced int…"
"Whatever you do, don't tell Optimus or Elita that!" Ratchet interrupted. "That's the last thing we need right now is Optimus going on a rampage! Say nothing. I'll deal with Optimus and Elita after I've thoroughly examined Kacey myself."
"Very well, Red Alert out."
I noticed Optimus was looking at me once again. Luckily for me a few of the mechs and femmes were calling for me to help with some of their aches and pains. It was a good excuse to not have to deal with my Prime…for a while. Like any father would be, I know he's only worried for his daughter. But I'm worried because I know I wont be able to give him an answer to calm his spark.
Lennox
Two thirds of the way home and after watching Optimus and Elita with Leo made me really miss being with my family. I didn't need to be of their species to see how much they loved their children. Even in Leo's face as he gazed up at his parents, the love and adoration for them was seen so definitively in his optics. It was comforting to see…to know that moments like these was what we continually fight for.
"Good news everyone," Magnus announced from the pilot's seat. "Ratchet says that Sideswipe did remarkable well for the surgery. He and his brother are going to be just fine."
"That will make Kacey happy when she wakes up," Leo commented, making me look at the recharging femme.
Kaceystar, as many Autobots have been calling her ever since her battle against Venom, lay curled up, recharging on the floor. I didn't see the fight myself. But I gathered from Ironhide that it was…epic. Just looking at the dings, dents, and savage claw marks in her armor was enough to tell me it was not a little kiddies fight in the sand box.
Also from what I've heard, she will be joining their ranks once she's fully recovered. So I have no doubt that I will get to see her in action. Of which I'm proud to say I've been looking forward to. I almost feel like one of her uncles since I've been one of the few humans privileged enough to watch her grow up.
"Lennox, you and your men can start getting out of your armor suits," Ironhide told me. "Prowl indicates that we are in no danger of a Decepticon attack."
"Thanks, Hide," I said, not taking my eyes of Kacey. I was reminded of the day I met her, watching Optimus comfort her after a bad dream. I also recall my superior officer not being happy about the damage Optimus caused when he broke the wheel restraints to free himself. I looked up at my friend. "She's come so far, hasn't she?"
"Yes she has," Ironhide smiled down at me. "She's been through quite a lot for one so young but I have no doubt that she will make a fine office…"
He cut himself off when Red Alert suddenly stood up and moved slowly towards Kacey.
Everyone who'd been talking, which was most of us, suddenly quieted down. They and I were worried about Kacey, for it appeared that she was having a bad dream.
"Red, be careful if you're going to try and wake her," Ironhide warned. "Optimus, you might want to through your bond."
"I tried when I first sensed her fear. She's blocking me."
"And me as well," Elita added. "Leo, move up to the front with Magnus."
"Is Kacey going to be ok?" the young mech asked.
"Please Leo, go now," Optimus insisted, rising to his feet.
Just then all hell broke loose!
Kacey exploded up from where she laid. Two swords shot out, her foot came up and kicked Red Alert square in the chest knocking him back. She turned and attacked those nearest her. Thankfully Rox's shield quickly transformed and extended to protect him and several others. Ironhide and Prowl quickly blocked my men and me from the sparks that flew.
"NO! Don't try to grab her!" Ironhide shouted, holding Red Alert back. "You'll only make things worse."
"Kacey, please…you're safe. No one here will harm you. I promise," Optimus pleaded and I could see it was a strain on him to not rush to his daughter's side.
There was no recognition of her father in Kacey's optics as she spat something back at him. I didn't need to understand their language to know that that it wasn't something nice.
"What did those fucking 'Cons do to her?" Epps asked.
"I don't know," I answered, worried for my young Autobot friend.
A deep, guttural growl sounded from her. Ironhide and Prowl forced us back more and prepared themselves for a fight they didn't want. I watched Kacey lower herself closer to the ground. It appeared as if she was ready to pounce on something. Her armor rose up slightly and her legs tensed up as she rocked back.
"Optimus!" Elita exclaimed.
"KACEY, STAND DOWN!" Optimus bellowed, his voice reverberated throughout the shuttle.
I heard the familiar sound of a transformation and gasped when I noticed Kacey's plasma rifle formed on her back.
"YOUR PRIME HAS GIVEN YOU A DIRECT ORDER! STAND DOWN! NOW!" Optimus roared with full authority that made me feel like I was back at boot camp!
The femme suddenly blinked her optics a few times as if to clear away her confusion. Then she looked at her weapons and broke down. The blades retracted as she fell to her knees.
"I'm sorry, father," she wept and was immediately lifted up in Optimus arms.
Everyone returned quietly to their seats and I watched as Optimus and Elita talked quietly in their language to Kacey. Their words seemed to provide no comfort as Kacey talked fast, saying she was sorry repeatedly, and wept uncontrollably.
"Sir…"
Optimus nodded at Red Alert to proceed.
"Kacey, please retract your battle armor," Red Alert requested gently.
"I'm sorry," she sobbed to him.
"It's quite alright," he smiled. "Please, retract your armor."
She looked up at Optimus who nodded, dimming his optics slightly at her. Kacey did as requested. I watched curiously as Red Alert inserted a cable into her forearm port.
"What's he doing to her?" I asked Ironhide.
"He's putting a restriction on her transformation systems…basically taking her weapons and vehicle mode offline. I've had it done to me a few times after…well, after some an unpleasant stay with the 'Cons."
"Is she going to be ok?" I asked Ironhide quietly as Kacey seemed ready to go back to sleep in her father's arms.
"Here Kacey," Leo spoke softly holding up the blue fabric I recognized as the cloak Bumblebee had made for her.
"I thought I lost it," she wept quietly as Leo and Elita helped to cover her up with it. "Thanks Leo for keeping it safe for me."
"You're welcome," he smiled then returned to his seat.
"The healing process has just begun for her processor," he sadly said to me quietly. Then he smiled, "She'll be fine. It will be rough as it is after everyone's first time of captivity and torture. But Kacey's strong like her mother and father."
I nodded, trusting in Ironhide's words. I don't have the experience of being a prisoner or tortured. But if Ironhide says Kacey will be fine, then I believe she will be.
Ratchet
Everything was set for our arrival. Red Alert with a couple of Wheeljack's engineers were to tend to the designated injured delegated to the temporary triage set up in the shuttle bay. Jack, Sockets, and I were to tend to the high priority patients that required immediate surgery in the medical bay.
When we landed that was my very intention. However I got derailed upon seeing my sparkmate and my younglings waiting there for me. For a few moments, I wasn't a medical bot, for a few moments I had forgotten all that was around me.
"I missed you," I murmured, holding Moonracer close, burying my face in her neck, taking in her sweet scent. Then I turned to my younglings, feeling their love tugging at my spark. I held them close, kissing the top of their heads. "I missed you both too."
"I missed you too, daddy," Kayla's lovely voice whimpered as her little arms held me tight.
"Were you a good little femme for your mother while I was away?" I asked, standing back up.
"Yes," she sniffled, wiping her tears away. "Galen didn't miss you. He was doing your job while you were away."
"That's not true!" Galen exclaimed. "I did miss you very much father."
"Oh but you were doing my job?" I asked, raising an optic ridge at him.
"No..I…it…" Galen huffed getting all flustered, much like his mother when she tried to keep a secret but was found out. I swear I see more of his mother in him now a day. Thank Primus he doesn't have my temper.
"Relax, son," I chuckled patting him on the shoulder. "I'll let your mother explain."
"He was helping in the med bay with minor injuries like scraps and little dents. I saw no reason why he and Ariel couldn't help since it is obvious they're going to be medical bots."
"I want to do more father," Galen firmly said with his optics intently locked on mine.
"We'll discuss it later," I smiled. "I ask that you take Kayla to our quarters now so I can tend to the injured."
"I have work to do myself," Moonracer frowned glancing towards the many mechs and femmes mourning their loved ones. "I'll see you later."
I nodded but held her close and kissed her affectionately before letting her go properly. I would have been content to watch her leave but I heard Red Alert clear his throat softly to get my attentions.
"Red, I trust your judgment. You'll do fine."
"At least leave Sockets with me for his medical sensors."
"I need him. So just do the best you can. I wish you would just take the final step towards becoming a full fledged medical bot instead of a repair bot. Then we can just upgrade your sensors and you wouldn't have to second guess yourself."
"I have given it serious thought, Sir and I've reached a decision."
I looked expectantly at him.
"I'll put in the personnel change request form with Prowl once he's returned to active duty," he smiled then turned to leave.
Thank Primus for small miracles. I've been begging him for a proper staff in my medical bay ever since more Autobots started arriving on Earth after Optimus' sparkfelt message.
With one thing finally off my processor I focused back on more pressing matters. As usual, Optimus' shuttle had to be the last to land. As usual, he and his family were the last to exit the shuttlecraft. I'm sure he ordered Magnus to ensure the other injured were tended to first. Frag, he probably kicked Red off the shuttle first to get out here and help. No wonder the mech met me so quickly.
Sockets and Wheeljack had left with the twins and Bumblebee immediately upon landing. Several volunteers helped carry any critical injured that required immediate surgery to the medical bay. And now it was my duty to deal with Optimus, Elita, Prowl and Kacey. The four most stubborn mechanisms alive whose afts I might have to tranquilize just to get into the medical bay!
"Ratchet, I'm here to offer my services wherever you deem necessary," Alpha Trion said, surprising me. However I suspected he had an ulterior motive for being here. By now I'm sure the entire base knows that Kacey's transformations systems are now online.
"Well, I could use a fresh pair of optics on re-attaching Prowl's doorwing," I replied because I was a bit desperate for the help. "It needs to be done as soon as possible before any permanent damage occurs."
"I am familiar with the delicate circuitry and will tend to it immediately," he said. Here it comes. I knew he wasn't done. "Also, if I may I would like to examine…"
"Listen, no one is examining Kacey except me right now," I said cutting him off. "Her injuries are more important than her transformation systems being online. If and when I deem it appropriate I will give you full access to my findings so that you can satisfy your scientific curiosity. Do I make myself clear?"
"My only concern is for the youngling's safety," he frowned. "To ensure there were no side effects or complications."
I sighed, rubbing my forehead. I was exhausted with still so much to do.
"I'm sorry. I will be sure to scan for any anomalies then let you know if there are any problems. Will that suffice?"
"Yes. Thank you," he said then went on his way.
I returned to my original course heading towards Optimus where the family had been reunited in full. I slowed my pace giving them time to bond as it appeared that Kacey was desperate for the contact with her siblings. Both Orion and Ariel were in tears as they held their sister as tight as she held them.
Again, I frowned at Kacey's energy levels. They're lower than before. Frag it to pit! Well, I can't get mad at Red Alert because his current sensors wouldn't be able to differentiate between recharge and some bot faking their recharge. Kacey obviously faked hers because Red told me she recharged the entire trip and woke just before landing.
"Are you ok Kacey?" Orion asked.
"I'm just tired," she sighed, tightening the cloak around her frame a bit more. Then she smiled reassuringly at her brother. "I'll be fine."
"Of course she will," I added, making my presence known, my medical scanners quickly assessing the damage to Optimus' shoulder and Elita's thigh. I quickly signaled for two femme volunteers to come over. "Help Elita get to the medical bay," I ordered, glaring at Optimus. "And no you will not carry her! You're shoulder is a fraggin mess! Ow!"
"No swearing in front of my younglings!" Elita growled after smacking the side of my helm hard.
"Please, let's just get to the medbay without incident," I pleaded and for once didn't get any attitude from Optimus or his femme. I did notice that Kacey was unusually quiet and withdrawn as we headed to the medbay. Optimus noticed too for he had Orion take Leo and Ariel to their quarters.
Primus, I hated to do this next part but I had to. I had to threaten to have both Optimus and Elita strapped to a medical berth so their injuries could be tended to and so I could give Kacey a proper medical exam without them hovering nearby. It was the only way I could get answers to some very specific questions that no parent should have to hear me ask their child. I even locked the door to the private room just in case.
"Lay down so I can run a full medical diagnostic," I ordered after helping Kacey up onto the medical berth. I gently took the cloak from her hand and neatly folded it before setting it aside. Then I activated the medical scanners. "So, are you going to tell me why you faked your recharge?"
"I was afraid to recharge," she answered, staring up at the ceiling, avoiding optic contact.
"Avoiding recharge will not make the nightmares go away."
"But then I wont accidentally hurt anyone," she whispered turning her head away from me.
"Kacey, look at me…look at me youngling," I gently said. "Red Alert told me what happened. It was my fault not yours. I should have had him take your weapons systems offline in case something like that happened. Besides, you're only a quarter as bad as Ironhide was the few times he was a prisoner. He destroyed half my medical bay one time, which is why I usually take weapon systems offline now."
The monitor beeped, signalling the diagnostic was done.
"You can sit up now," I smiled, while looking over the results.
The scan told me all what I expected to discover. Drugs designed for mental torture. The tell tale signs of physical torture and abuse. I think I let out a sigh of relief a bit too loudly when I saw her interface panel or her port wasn't damaged in anyway.
"That didn't happen," she said, hanging her head, hands fidgeting in her lap. "I was tortured mentally and physically but I can assure you that didn't happen."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really," she spoke softly.
"You can talk to me Kacey. As part of my patient – docbot confidentiality I cannot tell a single mechanism what you tell me. Not even your father or mother."
When she looked up at me I could see the pain and conflict in her optics. I'd seen it and still do see it often in Optimus' when confronted with certain horrors of the civil war. But unlike Optimus, I know Kacey will talk without being provoked or persuaded.
Tears slowly filled her optics, her body started to tremble but she opened her mouth to speak.
"You can tell my father that I was not raped to calm his spark," she said as the tears fell.
"But someone did try, didn't they?" I asked hating to do so but knowing it was necessary.
"He tried but I fought back," she wept, her hand trembling as she wiped some of the torrent of tears the flowed down her face. I remained silent as she shuddered and choked, trying to gather herself. "I was so tired…everything hurt. I swear…I can still feel his weight on me when I try to recharge." Again, I remained silent as she continually wept. This time I put an arm around her shoulder for comfort. "But I fought him, I did everything I could think to do while scared out of my mind! Prowl told me to never stop fighting. He drilled it in my processor over and over. 'You mustn't give up, Kacey! Never give up! Never!' And I didn't…I never stopped! I never gave up. I was too terrified to stop! Ratchet…I was so scared. I've never been so scared in my entire life."
"You did wonderfully, Kacey," I told her, which made her cry even more. I gently held her face in my hand and smiled. "You did better than what you were trained to do. You never gave up and you escaped. Do you know what an accomplishment that is for one so young?"
Kacey shook her head, continually crying.
"One day you will," I smiled, caressing her face. "I'm going to keep you in the medbay for a couple of days. Once your energy levels have returned to optimum levels you will start to feel better. For now I want you to take a long hot shower and then get some recharge."
"My father…" her voice trembled and I could see how afraid she was. Only in that moment I thought it was fear of her father finding out. I had no idea her fear was fueled by something else.
"Shh, don't worry. I won't tell him what you just told me. And I will send both your parents in her once I've tended to their injuries. Ok?"
She nodded, still crying.
"You will recover, I promise you," I firmly stated to her, gently taking hold of her arm and exposing the port on her forearm. With skill and ease I slid the injector into the port. "I'll be back to check on you in an hour. In the mean time, this will help clean out your systems of any remaining drugs the 'Cons injected you with and will help relieve any physical pain you're feeling. If you need something to help you recharge, call me."
With that I left her alone in the private room. Once in the main part of the med bay several pairs of optics focused on me. Sunny's hand was being attached by one of Wheeljack's engineers. Trion was working on Prowl's doorwing. Sockets was working on Elita's leg with Optimus beside her. All were probably wondering what Optimus and Elita were wondering and all were most definitely worried about young Kaceystar.
Elita
"What's wrong?" I gently asked when I heard Optimus sigh heavily beside me.
"It's Kacey. She's very upset about something," he replied sadly, optics dimming. "I kind of picked up on it when we were back on Mars. During the trip home, each time I tried to reach out to her she pulled away from me. Even more so now that we're home. I can't quite feel what's troubling her. The moment I try to gently probe at her through our bond she shuts her end of the sparkling off completely. Then she opens back up…almost begging for my forgiveness."
"Until we know all that happened to her we must be careful," I said to him, caressing hand that rested on his thigh beside me. "We don't want to do more harm than good."
"I know. I just wish there was something I could do for her."
"You will, when she's ready," I smiled. "You know she'll come to you. She always does."
"And to you, Elita my love. She needs you as well."
"Optimus I have never forced my way between the close bond the two of you share and I'm not going to start now. Besides, Kacey and I do share many mother daughter moments together when you mechs are not around."
A door hissed open and Ratchet emerged, briefly glancing our way. Only he headed straight for Wheeljack first who had emerged from the surgery room to gather some equipment. My optics followed the CMO, my processor wondering about my daughter, my spark aching to feel her close.
Optimus and I were desperate to find out about Kacey yet remained where we were. My love put his one good arm around my shoulders. I know it was more to comfort himself than me because I could feel how helpless he felt. I too felt so utterly helpless when Ratchet had first disappeared into the private room with Kacey. It didn't make either of us feel any better that she was keeping her end of the sparklink quiet for brief periods.
"Sockets, get to work on Bumblebee. I'm going to finish up with Optimus and Elita," Ratchet ordered heading in our direction. "Then help 'Jack finish up with Sides."
"Yes, Sir," Sockets responded, taking his leave. "Elita's leg actually is now done. All that requires is at least twelve hours of rest, off the leg."
"Good luck with that," Ratchet snorted, patting Sockets on the shoulder. "Good work."
Even Optimus snorted at me. I poked at him over our bond, making him hug me tight, kissing the side of my helm.
"Sorry," he whispered.
"Now, if you two will come with me into my office and we'll talk about Kacey," Ratchet seriously said. Optimus and I said nothing but followed our friend. "Optimus take a seat here on the desk so I can work on your shoulder."
"Please, tell us about Kacey," Optimus requested.
"First off all she's going to be fine," the CMO started, grabbing a few tools from the cabinet behind his desk. "She's taking a much needed shower right now and will remain in the med bay for a day or two, depending on how her energy levels recover."
"Ratchet, talk to me," Optimus requested. "How badly damaged was she? Was she tortured?"
"There are signs of trauma consistent with both mental and physical torture. She even confirmed as much," Ratchet answered and I shuttered my optic covers. My sparkling…tortured. I knew it would happen but to hear it. It still hurt to now know that my sparkling was abused. "Thanks to Prowl's training she endured it. Now the important thing is that she's going to be ok. She's a fighter just like the two of you."
"What about…"
Optimus' voice trailed off, his optics dimmed for a moment. I quickly reached out and took hold of his hand.
"As a father…I must know if…if she was…I need to know if my child was…"
"That did not happen," Ratchet answered. "Kacey was very adamant about it not happening and my medical scans showed no forced interface on her. Her interface systems are offline and undamaged."
Relief washed over Optimus and me. I relaxed for the first time in…frag…days. I looked to Optimus and reached up to wipe a tear from sparkmate's face. The two of us were so grateful that our sparkling was spared some of the horrors of captivity.
"Sorry, Elita…I had to know," he spoke softly to me.
"I know," I smiled through my tears. "I needed to know too."
Optimus suddenly shot up to his feet, making Ratchet stumble backwards a few steps in surprise. The my love jerked away from me and hurried out the door. My spark rate doubled as I could sense Kacey was in trouble.
"It's Kacey!" I exclaimed to Ratchet and together we chased after Optimus.
The three of us hurried into the private room after Ratchet punched in the code to unlock the door. The washroom had no door so we could see Kacey in her protoform curled up in a ball lying on the floor in the shower, crying her optics out. And I could feel she was calling for our help…finally.
"Elita, a towel," Optimus said, quickly turning the hot steaming water off. He knelt down beside Kacey, one hand resting on her shoulder. "Ratchet…"
"She's in shock," he said, looking some what confused. "I'm not sure I understand why though."
Kacey's teary face looked up at Optimus when he started to lift her up. Without any warning, she quickly turned her head away wretched and spit up whatever energon was in her tanks. It wasn't much since she didn't consume any energon on the way back to Earth.
"I'm sorry," she wept, her entire body shaking hard.
Optimus held her closer, kissing the top of her head and whispering words of love and affection to her in our language.
"I don't deserve it," Kacey sobbed, pushing my hands and the towel away, weakling struggling in Optimus arms.
"Kacey, you're our child, we're here to help you," I insisted, trying again. Only this time Optimus stopped me with a gentle hand. I nodded and watched as he lifted Kacey up and carried her to the medical berth, setting her down.
"Why do you think you don't deserve it?" Optimus asked, taking the towel and wrapping it around her shoulders.
My sparkling continued to weep and tremble.
"Kacey, does this have to do with what you told me a short time ago?" Ratchet asked.
"No," she mumbled, her bottom lip quivered. "Well…yes…kind of."
Shame. I felt this over powering sense of shame from her.
'Optimus…' I called to him over our sparklink.
'I feel it too,' he replied over our bond.
"Kacey, feeling ashamed is a normal response for what happened to you," I told her. "What you must do is remember that you were the victim."
"I understand that, mother," she said and I saw a fury flash in her optics but not directed at me. "Believe me, I feel sick to my tanks for what that fucker tried to do me!"
Kacey suddenly jumped off the medical berth and moved away from us. Ratchet held us both back. I just wanted to hold my sparkling, to tell her all was going to be ok. But I could feel the conflict within her. She was fighting against herself and I couldn't understand why.
"You killed him," Optimus spoke softly, making me gasp as such an accusation.
"You don't understand," Kacey gritted out. "I didn't just kill him…I gutted him, I cut off his arm and his head for what he tried to do to me…for what I knew he did to other femmes!"
I covered my mouth.
"And I didn't stop there!" she pressed on, tears streaming down her faceplates. "I killed several others brutally…viciously. I was so scared of being captured alive I was willing to do anything to get the hell out of there! Is that how a leader, a Prime is supposed to act? I…I don't even deserve to be your daughter right now. What right did I have to be judge, jury and executioner? Tell me father…is that how an Autobot is supposed to act? Is that what you would have done? Kill without honor…without compassion? Maybe Megatron was right when he said I'd make a good Decepticon!"
"You are MY daughter!" Optimus roared, making Kacey jump back. She stood there, blinking her optics at him; stunned. "Just because I'm Prime and an Autobot does not make me a saint. You of all mechanisms know the atrocities of war. There isn't always room for honor and compassion during a battle. You come across many instances where it's kill or be killed. I have killed using my bare hands. What makes you and I different from the 'Cons is that we remember all those we've killed because we don't enjoy it. But we all do what we must to survive."
"And that's what you did Kacey. You survived. You survived when many others would have given up. You were pushed beyond your limits and reacted upon a mechanism's most basic instinct…the desire to live. Under normal circumstances I know in my spark you wouldn't have killed so dispassionately. I know your spark as well as my own and I know you are nothing like a Decepticon. You are an Autobot and you proved that out on that battlefield by helping your fellow Autobots, by not killing Venom even when you had the opportunity…and by saving the sparkling of our enemy."
"By how I felt when so many Autobots died to save me?" she timidly asked.
"Yes," he smiled, pulling her into his arms. "You are not the sparkless mechanism you're making yourself out to be. You are the most caring, most thoughtful, loving femme I know…next to your mother of course."
Kacey chuckled softly while she wept, making me smile.
"Ratchet, can we take her home?" I implored him as Kacey continued crying in Optimus' arms.
"Well…I could use the space…sure why not," he smiled. "But I want to see her back here first thing in the morning. And Kacey, you'd better recharge. I'm ordering Elita to call me if you need help recharging."
"Why her?" Optimus asked.
"Because I'm the most responsible one in the family, lugnut," I smirked.
"But I'm Prime."
"She just has more will power than you do when it comes to me, father," Kacey sniffled up at Optimus.
"When did that happen?" he asked.
"Oh…what…the day I was awake enough to meet Ratchet and the others after I had arrived on Earth," Kacey replied, leaning against her father. I could see she wasn't willing to break contact with him any time soon. "That sound about right, Ratch?"
"Something like that," Ratchet smiled. "Now first things first, Optimus let me tend to your shoulder. Then you can leave."
'Optimus…' I pleaded over our bond more with an emotion than words to be alone with our daughter. There are some things only a femme can do for another femme. Unless the femme is bonded to a mech.
"Ratchet, you can work on me out there," Optimus smiled warmly at me, guiding our daughter into my waiting arms. My child didn't hesitate to lean into me for comfort. "Let's allow them some time together while you make repairs."
Ratchet smiled and nodded before following Optimus out. Once the door was shut I leaned back, looking down at the sad, exhausted face of my sparkling Kacey. Even when not at her best she was still quite a specimen to behold. Such delicate features that are more beautiful than my own with more of her father's characteristics in the way her optics and mouth are set.
Optimus often said that when she's sad she looks like him and when she's happy she looks like me. He's so wrong.
"Come on let's get you cleaned up," I spoke softly, helping her towards the shower.
"Is father disappointed in me?" she asked after I turned the solvent and hot water on.
"No my sweetspark. He loves you dearly and only wants you to get well. As do I."
Kacey sighed after stepping into the shower, trying to take the wash cloth from me, "I'm not a sparkling any more mom."
"No you are not. But you are still my daughter," I insisted and started cleaning her shoulders and back. "I remember what a pain in the aft you always were when it came to bath time as a sparkling."
"I remember some of it," Kacey chuckled gently. "Didn't you fall on your aft one time, slipping on the solvent in the washroom?"
"Yes and you started rolling around laughing. You were so adorable though," I smiled fondly at the memory. "'No, mama! I can do it myself!' was your favorite thing to say. You were such an independent sparkling. Now look at you. You've got your armor and you're almost a mature femme."
"But I still need you, mother," she said, glancing at me, tears in her optics again. "I'll always need you. I love you just as much as I love father."
"I know. I've never doubted that," I cooed, wiping away her tears. "I feel it everyday in my spark."
For the first time since Mars, Kacey opened her spark up completely to me and Optimus in that moment. We could feel her fear…her pain. She was desperate for our love and our comfort. She even allowed Ratchet to give her a sedative which she fought against the entire time it took for Optimus to carry her to our quarters. Even after Optimus and I got Kacey settled comfortably between us on our recharge bed, she continually shook her head, fighting the sedative.
"Shh, recharge," Optimus cooed and started humming a favorite lullaby.
"I'm scared," Kacey whimpered.
"Your mother and I are right here. Nothing will harm you. Rest," he whispered, lulling her into recharge.
Neither Optimus nor I could recharge. Our optics were focused on our daughter. Every so often my love would caress Kacey's face with soft fingers or he'd whisper comforting words when she grew restless during her recharge.
We were essentially waiting for the moment to come when Kacey would need us most. We weren't even sure it would happen tonight. But we were ready none the less.
Then it happened just before dawn.
Kacey started talking hurriedly in her recharge. Her arms and legs thrashed about as if struggling. It took a concerted effort by both Optimus and myself to reach Kacey through our spark bond to wake her. Our daughter instantly broke down in tears, clinging to Optimus.
"It will help the nightmares go away if you talk about it," I spoke softly, pulling the thermal blanket up around her trembling form.
"But you don't have to unless you're ready," Optimus added.
"I think I'm going to be sick," she choked.
Optimus' reflexes were quicker than mine as he swiftly maneuver Kacey towards the waste receptacle and allowed her to throw up. I quickly retrieved a damp wash cloth from the wash room before they sat back down on the bed.
"I can still smell him on me," she spoke softly. "I can feel his hand over my mouth…his weight on my body." She paused, shuddering as she closed her optics. "He…touched me…I…I felt his leg moving between my legs. I couldn't move at first. I didn't want to believe it was happening. Then I just snapped and started fighting him. I even got in a few good punches before Megatron happen to show up and put a stop to it all."
"Megatron?" I questioned, noticing the hard, cold look on Optimus face. I tried to sooth him over our bond but he'd shut himself off from me.
"He doesn't tolerate that sort of behavior," Kacey responded. "Sky…" she paused and forced the mech's name out. "Skyshadow tried it again." She suddenly broke down crying again. "If my transformation systems hadn't of come online…I wouldn't have been able to keep him off me that second time."
I heard the deep low growl rumbling through Optimus' chest before I felt his anger. Unfortunately, Kacey heard it too and started shaking harder than before. And unfortunately, she took it the wrong way.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she yelped, flinching and jumping away from us.
"Shh, sweetspark!" I cooed, rising up and holding her close, my optics looking towards Optimus.
His entire form was trembling. His handsome features darkened and he seemed to grow in mass as he stood up to his full height, fists clenched tightly at his side. I could feel his rage swelling even more and that he was on the verge of losing control.
"I'm sorry, father! Please, don't be mad at me!" Kacey wept, clinging to me like a frightened sparkling, her fear growing with Optimus' rage.
Primus, they were two of the most emotionally powerful sparks and I was caught between, literally drowning in their emotions. The only thought keeping me afloat was that my daughter needed me. I knew Optimus wouldn't harm us. Even in an uncontrollable rage, his processor is focused enough to never physically harm the ones he cares about.
'OPTIMUS SHE DOESN'T NEED THIS NOW! STOP IT, YOU'RE SCARING HER!' I screamed at him from within, hoping to snap him out of it. 'THE FRAGGER IS DEAD! THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO! YOU'RE HURTING OUR DAUGHTER!'
"Mom…" her voice quivered.
"Shh, he's not angry at you only himself," I said, sending a desperate plea to Optimus over our spark bond. "You know that your father loves you so much that it causes him pain when he cannot protect you."
"OPTIMUS!" I screamed just as Kacey collapsed in my arms.
Kaceystar
The first thing I was aware of was my father's love flowing freely within my spark, comforting me, soothing my fears away. It was what brought me out of recharge. Then I felt the dull ache of my processor and how heavy my arms and legs felt. Slowly as my senses grew more alert I became aware of the heat emanating from a large body wrapped around mine.
Opening my optics I saw the familiar scars that lightly marked my father's unarmored chest. When I was much younger I'd often traced those scars with my fingers when he was recharging deeply, wondering what epic battle caused the injuries that tattooed his protoform. From the slow, methodical way he was breathing I assumed he was recharging. So I reached up like I used to long ago.
"Hey…that tickles," he murmured softly with a sigh.
"Sorry," I frowned, tucking my hands back up against my chest.
"I'm so sorry about earlier, my child," he sighed, tightening his arms around me. "I was doing my best to keep my anger from you and Elita. Ratchet said it kind of…overwhelmed your spark and caused you to pass out. Both he and Elita chewed me a new aft for being an idiot."
"Mother said you were angry at yourself."
"I was," he admitted, pulling the thermal blanket over my shoulder, massaging my back, kissing the top of my head. "It's difficult for me to let you go, Kacey. Whenever you're hurting I always see that helpless little youngling I first held, crying in pain from your arm being torn off, so vulnerable…so innocent. I hadn't even met you yet and already you were the joy of my life. It is the same joy I have for your mother for Orion, Ariel, and Leo. It is something I cling to, refusing to allow it to be taken away from me. I would do anything to protect it…anything."
"I love you very much too, father," I sniffled, unable to stop my tears.
"Now you've made her cry," mother said, sounding only slightly irritated.
"But they're happy tears, mother," I smiled, feeling her warmth press up against my back.
It was then that I noticed another weight on me. When I craned my head up I saw Leo lying in the most uncomfortable position on his back, sprawled out on me and mom, snoring softly.
"Frag, when did Leo get so heavy?" I asked, nudging him more onto mom's legs.
"I'm not sure but he's just like his father when he recharges," mom groaned. "No sense of modesty in the way he lays on his back…taking up half the bed," she grunted pushing Leo off her legs.
"It's a huge bed!" father countered. "More than enough room for you and the rest of the family no matter how I lay."
"He hogs the covers too," mother continued as I rolled onto my back, smiling, enjoying their playful banter.
"I'll get you your own blanket then," he remarked.
"And after a good overload he lets loose the worst exhaust fumes," mother said.
"Mom, TMI!" I groaned.
"Well its true," she insisted. "I mean my optics start watering some times."
"Pfft! Like femmes don't have exhaust fumes," he said, narrowing his optics, pointing at her. "You have some of the smelliest too."
"Femmes don't clear a room nor are they proud of their farts," mother defended.
"Kacey can clear a room," Leo yawned, rising up and worming his way between mother and me. "Her and Sunny have muffler fart contests sometimes. This one time, she made Bee laugh so hard with one he fell out of his chair!"
"I think he was laughing more from the high grade and the fact that Sunny lost his balance and fell on his face when he tried to fart on his brother's head," I commented.
"Oh Primus. Well at least Ariel is still a proper femme."
"Wrong mom, hers are silent but deadly," Leo chuckled.
"Are not!" Ariel exclaimed, coming up over mom and punching Leo hard in the shoulder.
"Didn't hurt!" Leo grinned, sticking his tongue out at her.
"Yeah, just like her mother…a proper femme," dad sarcastically said. "Elita, do all proper femmes resort to physical violence?"
Mom glared at him which only made him laugh heartily.
"Mother, you'll never win this argument," Orion chimed in sitting up from behind her head with a serious look on his face. "I read an article in Medical Journal of Internal Systems Analysis Issue five that it's better to let exhaust fumes out than keep them held in. Apparently, holding them in can corrupt your waste systems."
"For frags sake! Optimus, I'm leaving for some energon. Enjoy your…fart fest with your younglings! Because they're definitely your pit spawns and nothing to do with me!"
"Is she mad?" Ariel asked as mother disappeared out the door.
"No," father smiled, caressing her face. "She'll be back in a minute."
"You really are a geek, aren't you, Orion?" Leo commented. "Is there any datapad you haven't read?"
I looked at Orion who had a small smirk on his face.
"You smart aft! You made that exhaust slag up!" I exclaimed, yanking him down and holding him in a weak head lock, tickling him and making him laugh wildly.
I wasn't sure who started it on me…probably Leo. But I suddenly found myself the victim of a tickle war. It was mainly Orion and Leo but Ariel got in a few sneaky ones on me. But I got them all just as good right back.
In the midst of my optics watering and sides aching from laughing so hard, I caught a glimpse of my mother sitting on my father's lap, his arms wrapped around her as they watched us play. Their love for each other never ceased to amaze me.
It was their love and the love from my brothers and sister that worked better than any medicine or therapy I could receive during my recovery. Alpha Trion once told me the power of love was immeasurable.
During moments like this, with my family, I'm inclined to believe him.
Up next: Bumblebee has an intense talk with Prowl and a warm moment with Kacey. Remember, Kacey only sees Bee as a friend in this fic. All the good stuff for them will happen in the love story. :) Also, the big father daughter moment I've been building to…Kacey dons her new alt form and armor!