First thing, Kacey's got another AU fic as the author dubbed it 'a fanfic of a fanfic.' I swear if Kacey gets another one I'm writing an AU fic for her too! Lol Anyways, go read it. It's called Seeking for Hope. You all know who Hope is right? Go, read it. The link is on my profile page.
Also if you're into Hide angst, read Numb by Bunnylass. The link is on my profile page as well. It's an excellent fic.
Also, with the love story so close now, I've been putting up links of car pictures, aka alt forms, for the mechs and femmes in my Kaceystar universe. I swear I feel like I'm car shopping when I'm looking through pictures! I'm not done. I'll be putting up some more once I get started on the love story.
Woohoo! I finally get to show you two scenes I had written well over a year ago for the ending of this story. They're climactic and you can't miss them.
I put Kacey through a heck of a ride to get to the climatic father daughter moment of the chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Author's notes: italics denote comlink chatter, '…' denote bond talk, "…" normal talk. Also get a pillow for your aft. It's a really long chapter (my muse was in denial and didn't want it to end). Sorry! Tissues may be required.
Bumblebee
Sideswipe and I spent three days in the medical bay before Ratchet got tired of the constant disruptions Sunny caused every time he visited us. The cranky CMO figured if Sideswipe was well enough to try and prank him then he can go. I was released just to ensure the twins weren't going to return and I was ordered to return alone for regular check ups for the next four days or else.
During those three days, my processor had plenty of time to mull over my feelings for Kacey, debating on whether I should take Leo's advice or not. On one hand, I felt honor bound to wait until Kacey was of the courting age before making my intentions to her known. On the other, a part of me was eagerly agreeing with Leo to just spit it out and tell her. I've noticed how many of the young bots seemed to have a total disregard for some customs, my young friend included.
Only it's not as simple as Leo makes it out to be. Right now at this time, Kacey doesn't see me as that kind of mech. She only sees me as that friend she knows she can rely on to comfort her, to make her laugh, or to have fun with. And right now, I don't want to lose that by being selfish and acting on my feelings for her.
Besides, it wasn't like I could tell Kacey if I wanted to. While in the medbay for her daily checkups with Ratchet, she was in tears each time she came to see how Sides and I were doing. We even covered our chests up to make sure she didn't see the repair work. She even told us that she felt she was to blame for our injuries and for the loss of Autobot lives. Nothing we said could change her mind.
I even told Optimus, when he stopped by to visit us, of what she said, hoping he could make her see reason. He sadly said he had already tried and that it was something Kacey was going to have to learn to live with, much like he did when he first started fighting Decepticons. That actually gave me some comfort because Optimus turned out ok and that meant the same for Kacey.
The only thing that really bothered me during the past four days was the fact that Kacey was having nightmares. I know what she's going through. I've been a prisoner and have been tortured before. I've experienced the nightmares in the aftermath too. However, I haven't seen her because, according to Leo, not ready to face the world yet until she's stronger.
At least I had some comfort because the little lugnut delivered messages to Kacey for me. I just wanted her to know I was there for her whenever she needed me and that she still owed me that hug. Leo would also deliver her reply 'Don't worry. I wont ever forget about you, Bee.'
"You wanted to see me, Prowl?" I asked knocking on the doorframe.
"Yes, please come in," he said, not looking away from his computer monitor. "Sit down. I'm almost done with this report for Optimus."
I did as he requested wondering why he wanted to see me. I suspected that it had to do with my assignment as Sam's guardian. Why else would I be here?
"Sorry about that," Prowl said, turning off his computer monitor and focusing his attention on me. "Your presence here is of a personal nature to me. And I asked that what is said within the confines of this off is not to be spoken to Kacey under any circumstances. I will tell her when the time is right. You've been away from the base, so you are the last officer I needed to tell."
I blinked in disbelief. What the frag was he going on about and why couldn't I tell Kacey?
"Prowl…"
"Please, let me finish," he said with so much emotion in his voice and his optics. I was shocked. I'd never seen Prowl act like this. He looked so sad. "First of all, please know that I put a lot of thought into this decision over the past year or so. It was not a whim or spontaneous idea. You see Bumblebee…" he paused, tears filled his optics. "I've made the decision to join Jazz in the afterlife as is my right and the customs of a bonded couple."
The weight of his words came crashing down on me and I got mad when I realized why he didn't want me to tell Kacey yet. I know her. She'd be devastated. How could he do that to my Kacey?!
I reacted…violently.
"What the frag?!" I snapped jumping to my feet and leapt over the desk tackling Prowl to the floor, punching him in the face over and over. "You selfish son of a glitch! Do you have any idea what that's going to do to Kacey. She loves you like she loves the rest of her uncles. She wouldn't be able to bear losing you. What if something happened to Optimus and she was forced to be Prime. She needs you! You're the fucking second in command!"
"What about how I feel?!" he roared back, shoving me off with a strength I never knew he had. "You've never known what it's like to be bonded, to share emotions on such a deeply intimate level and then to have them taken away from you never to felt hem again." Again, I was stunned. Prowl just sat there and broke down, weeping as he covered his face with his hands. When he looked up at me I could see his pain and I felt ashamed. "I miss Jazz so much, Bumblebee. My spark…it hurts…physically, spiritually. The pain has become too overwhelming to ignore. I can't go on like this."
I didn't know what to say. Prowl had always been the rock everyone relied on during any situation. Even Optimus relied on the mech's calmness. To see Prowl like this…it tore me up inside. I realized that we all took his presence for granted. We knew we could always rely on Prowl. With Jazz gone, Prowl didn't have his rock, that one person he knew he could rely on during any given moment any more.
I'm a mech of few words and allowed my actions to speak for me the majority of the time. So I reached down and lifted my friend up, comforting him as best as I could.
"I'm sorry…I…I didn't know," I spoke softly to him, holding him close. "You're right I don't know what its like to be bonded. My parents were killed while off planet when I was a sparkling. I don't even remember what it felt like to feel their love."
"One day you will feel such love in your spark. I know she…or he will be one lucky mechanism," he smiled through his tears. "You're a good mech Bumblebee. I know you'll be there for Kacey when she needs a friend or a shoulder to cry on. And she will not be alone when I tell her. Optimus and Elita will be there. I insisted."
"It's not going to be the same without you. I know the twins will be spark broken."
"Yeah right," he chuckled, moving away from me. "They'll mourn me for a short while before the pranks start on the new second in command."
"I feel sorry for the fragger already," I smiled.
"Oh, I don't know," Prowl smirked. "Magnus isn't one for the brig. He's more physical than I am about punishment."
"Ouch!" I winced, imagining the pounding Sunny and Sides were going to face when they attempted to prank Magnus.
"Yo Bee! Where are you at?" Sunny suddenly pinged me over a private comlink.
"Speaking of the idiots. Idiot number one is calling me," I laughed.
"I'll let you go then," he smiled taking his seat. "Please, don't tell the twins yet either. They have no self control and will tell Kacey."
"You can count on me, Sir," I saluted. "Oh, maybe we can get together later for some poker. I need pointers on how to beat Kacey."
"We all do," he laughed.
"Cool, my quarters, 10pm sharp."
"I'll be there."
"BEE!!!"
"I'm here!" I shouted back as I left Prowl's office.
"Where the frag are you?"
"Officer meeting. Why?"
"I've got a lovely femme sitting on my lap dying to see you."
"Honestly, Sunny stop trying to hook me up."
"Ok, so should I just tell Kacey you don't want to see her and break her little spark?" he giggled.
"Ok! Ok! I'll be there in a minute!" I replied and started trotting through the halls.
No way was I going to miss a chance to see Kacey. I've been so worried for her and I was tired of hearing how she was through Leo. I needed to see her with my own optics. Hear her with my own audio receptors. It was the only way for my spark to know that she was going to be ok.
And I wasn't disappointed when I arrived.
I paused to listen to her laughing at Sunny's pathetic attempt at a joke. The sweet tone of her voice was like music when she put Rox in his place. I moved forward a few steps to see her sitting at a table with the twins, Nitro, Firestar, and of course Rox.
Kacey was in the middle of them all, wearing the cloak I had made especially for her. It was wrapped snuggly over her form and I could see she didn't have her armor on like I'd seen back on Mars. Her face and optics looked tired but didn't take away from her beauty.
"I told you!" Nitro laughed at Rox after Kacey shoved him away for trying to steal a kiss on her cheek.
"Rox, lay off," Firestar added. "Let Kacey breath for pits sake!"
"Rox, I'm going to dent your crotch plate…permanently!" Kacey warned and I knew it was time to step in.
"So, what does a bot have to do around here to get his hug?" I asked.
"BEE!" Kacey smiled, lighting her face and optics up in an instance.
I smiled in return, moving over as she hurried towards me. She started crying even before her arms wrapped tightly around me. Afraid my voice would betray my emotions, I smiled squeezed her back, rubbing her back like I always did whenever she was upset.
"Hey, why does Bee get the best hug?" Sunny whined.
"Because everyone knows Bee is Kacey's favorite uncle," Sides replied.
"How are you doing?" I asked, as we stood optic to optic now, staring at each other.
"I'm ok," she sniffled. "Mother said I needed to get out if not for my sake then for dad's. He was bringing work into our quarters just to stay near me in case I needed him."
"Nightmares?" I asked, quietly, keeping one arm wrapped around her waist as I guided her back to her seat. Nitro was kind enough to forcibly remove Rox so I could sit beside Kacey.
"Yeah," she sighed, dropping her head.
"Hey, they're nothing to be ashamed of," I said, lifting her chin up. "The important thing is that you're with family and friends now. Don't hesitate to ask one of us for help."
"I know," she smiled, leaning against me.
"That's right, Kacey," Sunny seriously said, rubbing her shoulder. "We all here for you."
"So what happened to your armor?" I asked.
"Ratchet didn't want me transforming until my power levels were maxed out. Which they are now but that armor wasn't me."
"No flare or style," Sunny commented, taking a drink of his high grade.
"Exactly," Kacey smirked.
I smiled. My spark pulsed happily upon seeing that smirk and sparkling in her optic. It had been such a long time since I'd seen either one.
"Get this Bee, Optimus picked her new alt mode," Sunny said excitedly.
"But he removed it from the computers so no one knows what it is," Sides added.
"And Kacey's not telling," Nitro said.
"Well…I'm not even sure I've grown tall enough for it," Kacey frowned. "Father's taking me soon to find out."
"It doesn't matter which alt form you choose, Kacey," I told her. "You will make it your own."
"And she'll kick all our afts in a race," Sides smiled, making her laugh.
"But she'll never be as good looking as me!" Sunny remarked.
"No, she'll be better looking!" Rox laughed.
For once I agreed with him but did nothing to stop Sunny from tackling the young mech down.
"Everything is going to be fine," I told her.
"Thanks Bumblebee," she smiled, kissing my cheek. "Oh…father's calling me. It's time."
"We'll be the first ones out there to see you in your new armor!" Sunny promised as we all got to our feet.
"Just don't drink too much. We're going racing when I get back! I don't want to hear any excuses about why you lost Sunny!" Kacey exclaimed, making us all laugh. "See you all shortly."
I smiled watching her go, recalling how excited she got when she picked a new alt form. She ran then. Now, she walked with such dignity and poise. She was no longer that youngling of long ago. She was now that much closer to becoming the mature femme I had imagined she'd be…only better.
Optimus
This was it. The 'big day' as Leo dubbed much to my amusement and Kacey's embarrassment. Primus, I had to threaten to lock Leo in the brig to make him stay behind. He was so excited about Kacey getting her new armor and was begging his mother and me to go. In the end, I had Elita put her foot down. I can never be too harsh on Leo…pfft or any of my younglings.
As for Kacey, after she had to endure Leo's drama I could feel deep within she was excited about it and a little apprehensive. My daughter and I had joked and laugh during the shuttle ride here. But when I landed Kacey grew silent and her nervousness was now dominating her excitement of the moment.
"There's nothing to be nervous about," I spoke softly, glancing to my daughter who sat in the co-pilot's seat beside me.
"How could you tell?" she asked, giving me a wavering smile.
"You're my daughter. I know your spark better than anyone."
Kacey frowned. Yes, I could feel she was very hesitant.
"Kacey, you may not have grown as tall as you wanted. But you are my daughter. There is no denying the strength of your spark. Not one Autobot doubts your or your abilities. In fact, your actions on Mars have only solidified how they perceive you."
"I suppose this is my fate, then," she commented dryly, a hand moved over her form, indicating the size of her frame.
"Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."
"I'm not sure I understand father."
"One day, you will," I smiled, caressing her face. "To be a good leader you must have two things."
"A big cannon and good SIC?" she joked, making me laugh.
"Helpful but no. To be a good leader you must be wise here," I said, tenderly touching her forehead. Then I dropped my hand lower, touching the center of her chest. "Most importantly, you must be strong here…in your spark. You must have the ability to make a decision and stand by it, right or wrong. You already possess the traits of a good leader. Now, you simply must believe in yourself."
"Ok…I'm ready," she nodded with a heavy sigh.
I smiled and handed her the datapad that contained the schematics and details of her new alt form I had picked out for her years ago. I had kept it hidden, even from Kacey although she never went looking for it. I however, would periodically look at it, imagining how this day would be. I almost couldn't believe that this day had finally arrived.
My child was no longer a youngling but a young femme. I felt my spark twisted slightly in sadness at the thought of her not being that youngling who relied on me so much to take her fears away and make her feel better. As a father, I am comforted by the fact that my sparklings need me for hugs and kisses to set their sparks at ease.
'She will still need you, my love,' Elita's voice whispered to me within.
I replied in kind with my love and gratitude. Without the support from my sparkmate I know I would be even more of a nervous wreck than Kacey right now!
"Here goes nothing," Kacey smiled nervously.
I remained quiet, watching as she accessed the information and downloaded it into her processor. From the small smile on her face I knew her transformation systems processed the schematics with no errors of any kind.
"Moment of truth," I said, taking hold of her hand and helping her to her feet. "Might want to leave that behind."
"I feel so naked without it," she chuckled, removing her cloak.
"In a sense you are," I smiled, trying not to notice how beautiful a femme my daughter had grown up to be. Still not yet fully mature but damn close. I'm already having a hard time trying not to pull out my cannon every time I notice a mech giving Kacey a long stare. Primus help me when they actually start asking her out for dates!
"Dad?"
"Sorry," I smiled, shaking my head slightly. "Got distracted for a moment. Let's go."
From there I led my child outside…and let her go.
A sighed slowly, watching her moving away. A part of me didn't want to let go. Elita constantly reminds me that just because our daughter is almost fully mature it doesn't mean she needs us any less. Her needs will have simply changed.
But as I let her go I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Kacey was my child. Her actions were not just a reflection of herself but of her mother and me. A testament to how devoted Elita and I were in raising our sparkling to be the best mechanism she could be. And to be honest, Kacey exceeded my expectations of myself as a father.
I smiled fondly, stepping back to give Kacey room and watched.
With a deep breath, she knelt down on her right knee, closing her optics. Almost instantly I heard the familiar sound of her transformation systems. For the first time in eleven years I saw the blue armor form, mold, twist, and contort over my daughter's back, her slender arms and legs.
Sunlight glinted and reflected as her alt form began to take shape. Until at last, Kacey's alt form, a 1995 McLaren F1, sat before me. It was blue of course. My blue to be exact. Sleek and aerodynamic. It looked like it could fly on the road. It was the perfect alt form for her.
"Well?" she asked, implying more that one simple word.
Eleven years…a long time for my daughter to wait. I could feel how much she missed it. Eleven years and I felt privileged to be the first to lay optics on her in her new from, to be the first to hear the purr of her engine as she revved it over and over.
"You're a beautiful sight to see my child. Now, do I need to order you to roll out?" I asked smiling.
"No, father…you don't!"
I instantly felt the joy she hadn't felt in so long as she sped off across the desert. My sensors recorded her speed. Primus, she was FAST! She hit 230 before slowing down and turning around, doing a series of maneuvers that would make Sunstreaker's mouth hit the ground with envy.
Then Kacey came straight for me. I laughed, watching as her hands dropped and she pushed off the ground. I should have known she wasn't going to stay grounded for long. She immediately began transforming into a modified jet and shot up in the air. My frame literally vibrated from the thunderous boom that reverberated across the desert.
'Kacey…?' I questioned over our bond as she continually gained altitude.
'I must know father,' she said, her spark begging me to set her free. 'I need to know.'
"Go my child," I whispered, my spark telling her to go, my optics filling with tears.
Thunder cracked from a cloudless sky as my daughter lurched forward at a phenomenal rate! The pure adrenaline pumping through her spark could be felt so acutely within my own that I almost felt as if I were with her.
"Optimus, this is Prowl. Teletran just picked an unidentified object moving at hypersonic speeds and climbing."
"That's no unidentified object," I laughed.
"She's in the upper atmosphere," Elita chimed in.
"You mean…?"
"It's Kacey," I smiled.
"Frag, I think I just blew a logic circuit!" Prowl yelped.
"Ratchet just ran into the command center screaming about Kacey being grounded?" Elita questioned me.
"Really? I guess I didn't get the memo," I replied with a huge grin.
"Wipe that smile off your face! You owe me," she said and I could hear Ratchet yelling at her in the background about me being a pit brain and a fragger.
"If she keeps gaining speed she should be coming back around to your position in about 30 minutes or less," Prowl informed me.
As usual, Prowl was accurate in his assessment. My optics spotted her slowing her descent some distance away. I even laughed when she spun on her axis and transformed into her car mode, landing perfectly on all four of her tires much like she did when she first arrived on Earth.
Her elation matched the purr of her engine as she speed towards me. When she finally came to a stop she transformed before me. Armor glided effortlessly. Gears spun smoothly. In a matter of seconds my daughter stood up before me in her robot form with the biggest smile on her faceplates that I had ever seen.
When I recall the moment I knew I wanted to be a father, I had no idea it would entail all I had to endure with Kacey. It'd been a long journey of tears, joy, sorrow, and pain. My beautiful star had risen from the pit of despair to utter elation. And I feel so honored that have been her every step of the way.
"What do you think?" she asked expectantly of me.
"Turn around for me," I said, as my optics ran over her from foot to the head. Her armor was a bit different than before. Much sleeker now and definitely more feminine than her youngling body could shape into before. And there was one difference that I immediately noticed. "What's up with your antenna? They're up just like mine now."
"Was just trying to be…taller," she smiled bashfully. "If you prefer…" Her antenna shifted and rotated to the more aerodynamic angle I'd remembered. But at the same time her battlemask slid into place and a dark visor came down completely hiding her face. "How's that?"
"What's the visor for?" I asked, crossing arms across my chest.
"Have you tried flying in robot mode without some sort of optic protection?" she said, retracting the mask and visor and returning her antenna back to their upright position. "Bugs get in there. It's annoying. Not to mention the air irritates them. Besides, it's looks cool."
I laughed heartily, taking my daughter into my arms and kissing her on the forehead.
"Thank you so much!" she said, squeezing me tight.
"You're very welcome. Come on. We'd better get back. I'm sure every one is anxious to see you."
"Can we make one stop on the way back to base, please father? I…I have a promise to keep."
Since this was her day, I gave in. She even flew the shuttle to a town just outside the Arizona desert. She made sure to land the shuttle safely away from the humans then told me to follow her.
In our vehicle modes we drove through town until we reached what Sunny called Bath and Massage. In human terms…a carwash.
"What are we doing here?"
"I can't go back looking like slag," she laughed. "My new armor has to shine!"
"You've been hanging around with Sunny too much."
"Who do you think the femmes go to when they want that extra glint on their armor to catch a mech's optics?"
I moaned, making her laugh.
"Hang back a minute," she said, then pulled up in front of what appeared to be the office of the carwash and honked her horn.
I curiously watched as she honked her horn again. This time a woman came out and let out a shriek, running back inside the small building. At first I thought Kacey had terrified the poor woman. Then a man came out with her and they both started talking excitedly to Kacey.
My daughter quickly transformed, getting the attention of a lot of humans in the area. I admit I felt nervous as they flocked to her, smiling and taking pictures of her. Yet, for the first time in a long time, I felt a calmness in my daughter's spark. This was something very familiar to her and something she missed.
"Father!" she called, beckoning me over.
I hesitated.
"It's alright to transform. Prowl can have a cow later about it. I want to introduce you to some friends of mine. I've been in contact via email ever since I first visited them just before I had my transformation systems taken offline."
It was then that I noticed the pictures hanging in the window of the office. It was Kacey when she was younger before she had her transformation systems taken offline. There was one of her with Magnus and the twins. In another picture it was just Kacey surrounded by a lot of humans all smiling right along with my daughter.
I transformed, startling a few of the humans. Most just stood there in awe, taking pictures of me and for the first time I stepped into my daughter's world and saw things through her optics.
I'd always been there to protect the humans. It was quite an experience to have them cater to my needs. I admit, it felt a little uncomfortable and embarrassed to have them wash me if in my truck mode. I was only used to Elita bathing me.
"Relax, dad. Wait until they give you a wax job!"
"A what job?!"
"Think of it as a massage," she laughed. "Humans go to massage parlors all the time for them."
"If I need a massage, Elita usually will give me one."
"Dad, enjoy yourself. You're Prime. You deserve a little primp and preen from time to time. Besides, just think of the shine you'll have for mom when we get back. You know she'll notice."
I hadn't thought of that. I'm willing to endure anything to please Elita. So I took my daughter's advice and relaxed. For an hour my daughter and I were washed, dried, and waxed. For an hour we talked to each other about nothing in particular. We just talked and had a wonderful time. It was relaxing to take a break from being Prime and just be a mech with his daughter.
'I love you my beautiful star,' I said over our bond.
My daughter's love instantly filled me within, conveying feelings and emotions that words could never express. My daughter was beyond happy. As a father, it was more than I could have hoped for.
Prowl
Primus! It was total chaos!
Ironhide had to actually prime up his canons and threaten to use them to get all nonessential Autobots out of the command center when Kacey went for a jaunt around the Earth. Everyone wanted to see how fast she was going! Then it was like a great exodus when Optimus announced they were returning to base.
It seemed like just about every Autobot with an alt form transformed and raced through the hallways to get to the shuttle bay before Optimus and Kacey made their final approach. I literally just gave up trying to ascertain who was to be reprimanded for breaking the rule of no driving in the halls, which I had to make long ago because of Kacey's youthful exuberance and pension for knocking over innocent bots when speeding by.
To be honest, I was just as excited and anxious as everyone else to see this new alt form that Optimus had picked out for Kacey. I just didn't let anyone see it, especially the young bots. This day had been a long time coming for young Kaceystar. It also saddened my spark because that meant that very soon I was going to have to tell her of my decision to be with Jazz.
I know she'll be upset. But I honestly believe that Kacey would understand my decision most of all.
"Hound, you're in charge of the Command Center," I said, abruptly standing up from the station where I was watching all the excitement in the hallways via the video monitors.
"Was wondering if you'd go or not," he smirked at me.
"I wasn't sure but something tells me I need to be there," I smiled then made my way out of the Command Center.
At least the halls were almost deserted now as I headed for the shuttle bay. I groaned however, trying to ignore all the tread marks on the floors…and walls! The walls? I'm not even going to ask how? Maybe I can get Optimus to request volunteers help clean up the mess. Yeah. That's what I'll do.
"Need to move faster, Prowl!" Sunny teased, running past me interrupting my thoughts.
"Yeah, you relic!" Sides added, running close behind his brother. "Get the lead out!"
"Guys, knock it off," Bumblebee shouted at them, slowing down to my pace. Sunny and Sides made some rude noises before turning a far corner. "You know, they are going to miss you…a lot. Even though you are a favorite target to prank, believe it or not, Sunny and Sides have a deep respect for you and look up to you."
I blinked in surprise.
I lost count of how many times as little youngling deviants that they where in my office making a mess then ran screaming whenever I walked in on them. I certainly would never have guessed it from all the times they bitched at me when I threatened to toss them in the brig for their antics or being over energized.
"Don't be so surprise," Bumblebee smiled. "They've always been grateful for you saving their lives when they were sparklings. They just don't know how to…logically express themselves to you."
"So they prank me because…"
"Because they care for you, Prowl."
"MAKE A HOLE COMING THROUGH!" Leo's overjoyed voice shouted from behind us, ending our conversation.
Bumblebee and I quickly parted as Leo, Orion, Ariel, Galen, Kayla, and Sidewinder raced between us. Before we could say anything, Nitro, Firestar, Rox, Sockets, and their friends were close behind. All of them talking excitedly about who was going to get to see Kacey in her new armor first.
"Maybe we should hurry," I chuckled, shaking my head.
"Race you!" Bumblebee smirked.
I'm not sure why but I set aside my normal calm demeanor and took off running. Bumblebee was quick to catch up, laughing at me. The young mech had an infectious personality just like Jazz. Which didn't surprise me since Jazz was one of Bumblebee's favorite mechs to hang around when he was a youngling. It was a common sight see Jazz saunter into my office with little Bumblebee perched on his shoulder.
It was comforting to know that Jazz's memory would continually live on and I wondered now, if mine would as well.
Ironhide
It took some effort and a few threats for all the officers to make their way to the front of the crowd. Elita for once didn't discipline Leo for getting a little out of control. He reminds me so much of Optimus when he was a youngling, only Leo smiles and laughs a lot more than Optimus did. But then, Leo has had it better off then Optimus ever did.
"They're coming!" the young mech shouted excited pointing to the sky as if no one else noticed.
I wrapped my arm around Chromia's waist, pulling her closer. My sons and daughter to be stood with us. I noticed how Prowl and Bumblebee were talking to each other. The young scout took the news of Prowl's decision about how I'd expect it. Still, I had to laugh at the bruise on Prowl's faceplate's when he walked into the medbay. I just wish I could make the mech change his mind. I'm going to miss him.
Chromia pulled on my chest armor slightly as if to pull me out of the melancholy mood I was slipping into. I smiled, kissing her on the forehead feeling her love within as always.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" I whispered to her.
"Yes. But I never get tired of hearing it," she purred.
"Get a room," Nitro commented, glaring at us. "You two can be so embarrassing at times."
I smacked him playfully on the head. Or tried. He'd gotten wiser and ducked then flashed a slag eating grin he inherited from me. I simply pulled him into an embrace with my other arm.
"You're a good mech, my son."
"So are you, dad. Now can you let me go? I want to be there to greet Kacey," he said as the shuttle started to descend.
"Go on," I smiled, letting him go. Then I whispered to Chromia, "Excuse me, love."
"You're not going to change his mind," she said, knowing exactly what I was trying to do.
"I have to try. He's not the only stubborn fragger on the base," I smirked.
As I approached Prowl, Bumblebee went with the twins, Nitro, and Kacey's siblings to be the first to greet her. Ratchet glanced at me and joined me. Together, the two of us had Prowl between us.
"You could always change your mind," I commented so only he could hear.
"Or I could just get the dose wrong and you go down for a nice long nap," Ratchet added.
"Not going to give up?" Prowl questioned, raising an optic ridge at me.
"Nope. I didn't give up on you when you were struggling to keep your head up when you were first promoted to second in command. Everyone thought Sentinel lost his processor."
"You weren't actually his choice," Ratchet remarked. "He wanted Kup to be his second."
"I convinced him to make you his second," I continued.
Prowl stared at me, slightly shocked.
"No one really liked me because I was always quoting rules and regulations and I got pranked or picked on countless times," he said to me. "Even by you Hide, tying my arms and legs up then hoisting me up the flag pole."
"Pfft, I did that to all the new recruits," I hugged.
"More than once?"
"My point is that you never let any of that slag get to you…not once. At first I thought it was because you were stubborn. But then I realized you weren't just stubborn. You were loyal and devoted to being an Autobot. You knew how to endure."
"Was that why you started taking me out on missions with you all the time?" he asked.
"Yes, I had to be certain I wasn't imagining things," I answered. "Ratchet and I have been around a long time. We can spot potential and you had loads of it."
"What I think Ironhide is eventually trying to say is that you can never be replaced," Ratchet said. "And that we're going to miss you a whole lot."
"Yeah, something like that," I sighed.
"It's much appreciated," Prowl smiled. "But I'm afraid my decision stands."
"Well, I had to try," I grinned back, making him laugh.
Nitro
There was no way the shuttle was going to land inside the bay! No way! Not with what looked like the entire base packed in there to see Kacey's new alt form. Frag I didn't think this day would ever come for my best friend! And I couldn't wait to see the look on her face!
"So…who gets first kiss," Rox drawled out, standing beside me, wrapping on arm around my thick shoulders. "I'm better looking than you so it should be me."
I didn't hesitate in my reaction. My fist shot up, hitting him square in the noseplate and knocking him flat on his backside.
"Now who's better looking?" I smirked, standing over him while he held a hand to his nose.
Of course Rox bolted to his feet and tackled me to the ground.
"For frag's sake stop acting like sparklings!" Firestar snapped, kicking me in the leg.
It did nothing to deter Rox and I from hurling insults and fists at each other. And we would have kept going if Magnus hadn't grabbed us both by our scruff bars, yanking us up to our feet. For mech who wasn't nearly my weight or size, the fragger sure was strong!
"Don't make me beat the slag out of both of you," he growled. "Now apologize to each other and remember why you're here."
"Sorry for punching you in the nose," I said, extending my hand.
"Sorry for dirtying up your armor," Rox said, shaking my hand.
"I don't know what you two were fighting about anyway, everyone knows I'm the best looking mech around," Sunny beamed proudly only to have Bumblebee smack him in the back of the head.
"Aft," Bee simply said.
"Back off guys, I'm getting first kiss. She's my sister," Leo grinned, standing tall…well as tall as he could as the shuttle finally landed.
"Do you mechs ever learn, a femme will kiss whomever she wants first and she don't care if you're her best friend or good looking," Ariel spoke up. Galen was standing right beside her with this smirk on his face that he was trying to hide.
I shook my head, turning my attention back to the shuttle. I knew Galen had kissed Ariel from that smirk! I pray Optimus doesn't find out!
"About time!" Sunny cheered ad whistled when the shuttle's door started opened.
Everyone else was silently waiting. And no one was disappointed.
The door lowered all the way to reveal Kacey armored, head held high, smirk on her face. She sashayed her way gracefully down the ramp as only femmes can do. I snorted to myself, thinking she was over doing it a bit. I've noticed that she's picked up a few bad habits from Sunstreaker of the years.
I wasn't the only one who noticed thought. Optimus remained at the top of the ramp, chuckling to himself as he watched his daughter. There was no denying it. Kacey didn't mind being the center of attention at times.
"One would think that since my father is Prime you all would have at least save him a parking spot when we got back," she joked, making everyone laugh as she strode right over to her mother. "Mom…"
"My sweetspark," was all Elita said, taking Kacey in her arms and inspecting her armor. "You're so grown up now."
"Slag, mom always gets first kiss," Sunny pouted as the two femmes whispered to each other, hugging each other close. Sure enough, Elita kissed Kacey on the forehead.
"But we'll get first race," Sides whispered, cheering up his brother.
"Oh yeah," Sunny giggled as Kacey came over to us.
"So, what do you guys think?" she anxiously asked, looking at me first.
"Not to bad," I grinned.
"Aft," she laughed, playfully shoving me.
"Very beautiful as always," Bumblebee said, making her blush.
"I'm up for a rematch anytime for that kiss, Kacey," Rox challenged her. "Now that you have armor, I don't have to hold back."
Kacey broke out laughing. We all did.
"Rox, you're an idiot!" I teased.
"Enough! Come on Kacey show us your wheels!" Sunny insisted. "We're dying to see the new you!"
"Fine," she rolled her optics in mock irritation.
"Back up and give her some space!" I shouted, holding my arms up, to wave people back. "It's been a while since she's transformed. I'm not sure if she remembers how!"
Everyone laughed. I smiled proudly while she glared at me with that 'you are so going to get it' look.
"Transform this, Nitro!" she exclaimed and in mere astroseconds her form shifted and reshaped into the sleekest sports car I'd ever laid optics on! And the purr of her engine…frag she sounded fast and she wasn't even moving!
"Shiny, sleek and ssexxxy!" Sunny whistled, getting another smack form Bumblebee.
"And her engine purrs beautifully!" Sides added then got immediately smacked by Bumblebee.
"I can hear you all," Optimus said, narrowing his optics at the twins as Kacey transformed back into her robot mode.
They both hid behind Bumblebee who shook his head, glancing upwards to the heavens.
"You look amazing, Kacey," I smiled, hugging her. "You're sure to give those 'Cons an aft whooping when you're out there."
"So will you when it's your time," she said, hugging me back tightly. "We're going to be a team, remember."
"I remember."
"Maybe I can teach you to shoot better than your father," she giggled, pulling away from me slightly.
"He has been a bit off lately during target practice," I whispered…loud enough for my father to hear me.
"I heard that! I'm getting up there in years but I'm not deaf!" he growled at me.
"Do you still remember our moves?" she asked.
"Oh yeah, I've been working on some new ones too."
"Oh really," she smirked, raising an optic ridge.
A moment later her battle mask slide into place and we suddenly started sparring, much like we used when we were younglings. Only now, I was much bigger than Kacey and she was much faster.
I was equally slagged now just like I was then!
Ratchet
Many of us watched as a few of Kacey's closest friends challenged her after she basically whipped Nitro's aft. The young mech never had a chance. Kacey has had advanced training in hand to hand combat and Nitro was just starting his.
It was all in good fun. No one was hurt. A couple of egos were bruised, mainly Rox and the twins. Overall, the hour was good for moral amongst the Autobots. And it was good to see Kacey's recovery had progressed much better than I first anticipated.
Optimus, in his concern for his daughter, has kept me well informed.
Kacey continually has nightmares every night and has yet to sleep in her own bed. The nightmares are expected. Not much I can do about them. I'm not worried either because she talks about them with Optimus and Elita.
The kid wanted to get better.
For the next hour I watched the crowd finally dispersing, leaving Optimus with his family, Hide with his family, and me with mine. Of course the twins and Bumblebee were hanging around, hoping to go racing. Prowl was keeping a close optic on them.
In the meantime, Kacey talked with any Autobot that approached her, never rushing any of them. If all of them were going to take up her time then she was going to let them. Young Kaceystar was going to be a leader like her father one day. That much was apparent.
"So, how are you feeling?" I asked.
"Great," she smiled brightly.
"Great enough to go…vroom, vroom?" Sunny asked.
"It's too late to go racing," Prowl chastised the young mech.
"We'll go in the morning," Kacey smiled. "Hide is letting Nitro go with us, right? I need my best friend out there too."
"Please father!"
"Your mother and I will discuss it," Ironhide said.
"What's to discuss, of course he can go," Chromia huffed, elbowing Ironhide in the ribs. "We already promised him that long ago."
"Sweet," Kacey and Nitro cheered, high fiving each other much like I used to see them do after they pulled a successful prank on me.
"Perhaps we should get inside," Elita sighed, caressing the top of Leo's head. "It's been quite a day."
"That sounds like a good idea," I concurred, feeling the tug of my sparkmate within.
However, before I could move towards Moonracer and my children Kacey suddenly shot up in the air.
"Kacey, warn a bot before you do that!" I shouted at her.
"A ship is approaching," she said. "Father, I've contacted Hound for confirmation. But I believe it's the Quintessons!"
"The Quintessons? Are you sure?" I questioned and happen to turn towards our second in command at the right moment. "Prowl!"
The mech just suddenly collapsed. I barely managed to grab hold of him just in time before he fell to the ground. That's odd. He's limbs were usually a bit ridged when his CPU locked up. Then I realized his CPU didn't lock up. He was still conscious but I could see he want all there…almost as if he was over energized or dazed. And his spark…it was reacting almost as if he was in spark shock.
"Is he alright?" Ironhide asked, helping me to hold the mech up.
"I'm alright," Prowl managed to say, trying to stand up on wobbly legs.
"I think I should be the judge of that," I commented dryly, holding him up. "Let's get him to the medbay."
"No," he said, shaking his head, trying to focus his optics. He pushed away from me. "I'm fine."
"Prowl, I think it best that you go with Ratchet," Optimus said, concern etched deeply into faceplates.
"I can't…something…" Prowl mumbled, shaking his head, one hand rubbed his chest.
The stubborn mech took two steps and fell to a knee. I was instantly at his side.
"Ratchet, what's wrong with him?" Optimus asked.
"I don't know. It's like his in a mild form of spark shock. I need to get him to the medbay to run a diagnostic on his systems."
"That won't be necessary," Kacey's voice sounded from above.
She quickly descended from the sky landing before us. The shuttle craft landed a short distance away from us.
"I believe your medical skills are required elsewhere," she smirked. Then she helped Prowl up to his feet with a warm and gentle smile. "This concerns you too my friend."
Ok. My curiosity was peaked and I felt compelled to follow her. What the frag was she going on about?
"Optimus?" I questioned him. He always knew what Kacey was up to.
"I have no idea," he replied truthfully and appeared just as curious as myself.
"Wait here," she spoke softly to Prowl. "Father, help him…please."
The mech was visibly shaking and probably would have fallen on his aft if Optimus wasn't there to help steady him.
I looked over to see the back door of the shuttle was now opened. Only I couldn't see inside because of the way it had landed. Then one of the Quintessons appeared and approached Kacey.
"Rema, it's good to see you," Kacey said, bowing her head in respect.
"It is good to see you as well. I see you have your new armor. It suits you admirably, young one."
"Thanks," Kacey blushed.
Then Rema smiled, "I'm here to inform you that our debt to you is paid…in full."
Kacey shot a quick grin at us before disappearing inside the shuttle with Rema. A few moments later, the young femme emerged supporting a protoformed mechanism…a mech to be exact.
He stood at least a head shorter than her with a smile that I had not seen in some time now.
"It can't be," I muttered to myself, trying to process what I was actually seeing.
"Jazz?" Prowl whispered, taking a few tentative steps forward, one hand clutching his chestplate.
I heard Optimus, Ironhide and Bumblebee whisper Jazz's name in disbelief.
"Primus Almighty!" I grinned when my medical sensors confirmed what my optics were telling me. "It is Jazz!"
"Is…is it really you, Jazz?" Prowl asked, taking another step closer, seeming to grow stronger by the second.
"You bet your cute aft it's me, Prowler," he tiredly smiled, leaning heavily against Kacey.
I thought for sure that Prowl's processor was going to crash. Only it didn't. I think he was coming close to it by the way he kept look from Kacey to Jazz and back to Kacey…then to Jazz. I'm sure the mech was still trying to compute that what he was seeing was real or not as one trembling hand reached out…daring to hope, daring to believe the impossible.
When Jazz leaned into Prowl's hand the mech broke down weeping, speaking in broken sentences. So many years of pent up grief for his lost bondmate came pouring out of Prowl in a flood of words, emotions, and affectionate touches.
Kacey carefully transferred Jazz into Prowl's anxious arms, giving the reunited pair a moment alone.
"I can't believe you're really here," Prowl murmured, shuddering his optics, affectionately nuzzling his nose against Jazz's face.
"Believe it, babe," Jazz whispered, leaning into Prowl, allowing the black and white mech to envelop him in an embrace.
"I've missed you so much," Prowl sobbed.
"I know…I can feel that you did. But I'm here now. And I'm never leaving you again. I promise."
"I'm going to hold you to that promise," Prowl smiled through his tears then pressed his lips to Jazz's.
Those of us there suddenly felt like we were intruding. Me included. So I turned my attention to the smiling femme who had no shame in watching the two mechs. We all did.
"Kacey, how? And what debt was Rema talking about?" Optimus asked.
"It doesn't matter anymore," Kacey simply smiled, continuing to watch Prowl and Jazz. "Besides, they are what matters."
We turned to see Prowl and Jazz still whispering to each other. Kacey was right.
"Ratchet, I believe Jazz is in need of medical attention," Prowl stated firmly, turning towards us.
"Nice to know some things never change," Jazz grinned, happily leaning against Prowl, allowing the taller mech to support him.
"Rema said that Jazz will need to rest for a couple of weeks while his spark regains its strength," Kacey smiled. "She also said that Prowl's presence will help in his recovery."
"I have no problems with that remedy," Prowl smiled, having only optics for Jazz at the moment.
"Have we met before?" Jazz asked Kacey. "You look familiar."
"You know my father," she smiled, glancing up at Optimus.
"Father? Oh slag, Optimus you sparked!" Jazz said excitedly.
"I sparked, but he helped…a little," Elita added, making Jazz laugh softly.
"I helped few times," Optimus beamed proudly. "These are our children, the twins Orion, Ariel, and our youngest Leo."
"And I'm Kaceystar, a regular speed demon on the road and a terror in the sky."
"Wow, I'm dead for a little while and you go and have an entire family, boss bot!" Jazz exclaimed. "I'm all crapped out for words!"
"Not just me," Optimus said. "Ratchet's bonded too. He and Moonracer have a mech and femme of their own."
"No shit!" Jazz exclaimed and I had to laugh when Prowl rolled his optics. "Some femme finally realized his bark was worse than his bite."
"I did," Moonracer smiled, taking hold of my hand.
"Ironhide and Chormia have two sons!" Kacey pointed out.
"What the frag is the universe coming too," he gasped, looking at Hide and his family. Then Jazz looked over at the young scout. "Bumblebee…please don't tell me, you too?"
"What? Pfft, no way, Jazz!" Bumblebee laughed.
"Are you kidding me?! Bee's waiting for the love of his life before he even interfaces!" Sunny said and was immediately tackled to the ground by Bumblebee.
"At least some things have remained constant," Jazz smiled, watching the twins and Bumblebee wrestling on the ground. "I think my CPU would crash if the twins and Bumblebee had sparklings too."
"Yours and mine, both," Prowl added.
I shuddered. I honestly don't think the universe as we know it could handle the twins and Bumblebee with sparklings. Maybe Bumblebee, but definitely not the twins.
Kaceystar
I emerged from recharge, slowly stretching and yawning. It'd been a full week now since I donned my new armor. During that week I only had one night where I was troubled enough to crawl into bed with my father and mother. I did so again last night just because I wanted to, not because I needed to.
"Father?" I called quietly, not sure if he was awake or not.
"What?" he mumbled, still half in recharge.
"Never mind. Get some recharge," I smiled.
With that I quietly slipped out from between my parents. As if sensing the void, they both snuggled together. I left before they started getting to snuggly. It never took much for the passion to ignite between them.
If my brothers, sister and I were anything like our parents when it came to relationships, we were all doomed to be love starved, horny mechanisms! It was something I wasn't sure I was looking forward to but knew it was something I wasn't looking for right now.
I couldn't do much about it right now anyway with my interface systems still offline for another few years or so. I heard how ecstatic father was about that one! He was so afraid they would come online premature like his did.
"Leo, you're such a slob," I whispered, fixing my baby brother's thermal blanket. Then I turned my attention to Orion. As usual he fell asleep with several datapads on the bed with him. I arranged them neatly on his desk.
From there I checked on Ariel to see she was recharging peacefully as usual.
I don't spend as much time with Ariel as I probably should. She's a lot like mother. Has her agenda of things to do each day and does them. We love each other as sisters do. But I do not have that closeness with her that I have with Leo or father.
"I'll have to work on that," I whispered to myself, kissing her on the forehead.
"Are you going to watch the sunrise today, Kacey?" Roller asked as I walked into my room.
"Yes. I have not done so in a long time."
"Will you be needing your cloak? I made sure it was cleaned and ready for you today."
"Perhaps later," I smirked, allowing my armor to extend and cover my protoform. "I think I'm going to go for a quick flight."
"Very well. I'll be in Wheeljack's workshop today if you need me."
"Thank you my friend."
"You are most welcome."
After double checking when my appointment time was with Ratchet and Alpha Trion this morning, I left my family's quarters and made my way through the quiet base to the outdoors. I didn't hesitate to angle my antenna, drop my visor, and extend my battlemask as I lifted up into the sky.
I didn't fly far. But I did stay under the radar, hugging the terrain as I glided over it in my robotic form. My spark soared. Primus, I missed flying so much. I missed the freedom, the wind, the feel of the air slipping over my armor as I maneuvered through the sky.
It was with great reluctance that I finally landed on the plateau to I could watch the sunrise. Only to my surprise, I wasn't alone this morning.
"And what the frag are you doing up so early?" I asked Bumblebee who was a little startled by my sudden appearance so close to him.
"I…well, I come up here from time to time to watch the sunrise. It…comforts me for some reason."
"Oh."
"How are you doing, Kacey?" he asked with so much compassion that it knocked me off balance slightly. I'd never heard that tone in his voice before. I quickly shook it off, realizing that Bee and many others had risked their lives to come rescue me, so of course he'd be deeply concerned about my recovery.
"I'm doing well," I smiled brightly. "Would you like some company for the sunrise?"
"I'd love it," he chuckled, taking hold of my hand much like he always did when I was a youngling. He led me over to a large rock where we sat down together, side by side.
"My father once told me that 'With each new day brings new life and new hope.' I feel it today, for the first time in a long time."
"Good," he simply smiled.
It was true. Once chapter of my life was closing and a new one had begun. I watched the sunrise with the same eagerness I did long ago when my father held me in his arms and hummed a lullaby to me. I was eager to see what challenges, what adventures were ahead of me.
"You're the best Bee," I suddenly told him. "I mean that."
"Thanks, Kacey," he blushed.
"Come on, I'll give you a lift down."
"No thanks, I see how you fly."
"Aft!" I exclaimed, shoving him off the rock.
"Sorry!" he laughed, picking himself up of the ground. "Another time perhaps. I was going to go for a drive anyways."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded.
"Ok, I'll see you later then. I've got a new prank lined up for Sunny and Sides."
"You're incorrigible!" he laughed.
"Bet your cute aft I am," I grinned then descended down the cliff face, landing softly on the ground below.
The base was more alive now. Mechs and femmes hustled to get their morning energon before their shifts started. I headed to the medical bay for my appointment. I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect or why Trion was to be present.
"Morning Sockets," I greeted as I strolled casually into the medbay.
"Hey Kacey," he smiled brightly. "On time as usual. Ratchet's in his office waiting for you."
"Thanks," I said, faltering slightly.
"Don't worry, it's all good," he winked at me then went back to organizing the supply cabinet.
I nodded nervously. With a deep inhale, I steeled myself up and marched into Ratchet's office. Both he and Trion were already there.
"Ah good, you're here," Ratchet said much too professionally which didn't calm my nerves. He didn't even look up at me as his optics were focused on his computer monitor. The look on Trion's face didn't help either. "Take a seat, Kacey."
Silently, I obliged, my tank churned and my spark rate increased.
"You can relax child," Trion smiled warmly at me.
"How can I? When you and Ratchet are in the same room with me, the news has never been good," I countered.
"Ratchet…"
"Oh alright! I'll put the femme out of her misery," Ratchet grumbled sounding angry, except the smile on his face said otherwise. "After much deliberation, Trion and I have seen no side affects whatsoever to your transformation systems being online. You have been given a clean bill of health and I've noted that you are cleared for active duty."
"Really?!" I jumped up but then quickly composed myself and sat back down. "I mean, really?"
"Yes, now go!" I smiled, pointing at the door. I didn't hesitate. "Oh, Kacey…" I stopped in the doorway and turned. "Congratulations."
"Thank you!" I said excited, running over and hugging him unable to contain my joy. "Thanks again!"
First thing I did was run to my family's quarters. I wanted to share the news with my family first. They've all been unusually quiet on their end of our family's bond. Whenever my emotions get the better of me, father never hesitates to reach out to me.
"Oh hi, Kacey!" Ariel smiled as she entered the living room.
"Mom and Dad still in?"
"No, I heard dad say something about an emergency meeting with the department of Defense. Mom went with him because Prowl is still off duty."
"Guess what?"
"You've been cleared for duty. I know. Galen told me," she said taking the joy right out of me wanting to tell her. "I gotta go. Red Alert is showing Galen and me how to do transfusions today. Did you know Red's a medical bot now?"
"No, I didn't know," I frowned.
"Well, he is. See you later."
And like that I was alone. Orion and Leo were no where to be seen. I found out that Sunny and Sides went driving with Bumblebee. I could have commed them but I really wanted to tell them in person.
With a sigh I exited out into the hallway and walked to Prowl's quar…Prowl and Jazz's quarters. Prowl was in charge of personnel changes. He either approved them or not. And I know that even though he is off duty, he still receives reports. So I'm sure he's been informed that I've been cleared for duty.
After a quick inspection of my armor, I stood up tall and pressed the door chime. Now that I'm cleared for duty I'd better start acting like an Autobot on duty.
"Oh, good morning Kacey," Prowl smiled after he opened the door. "Come in. I've been expecting you."
"Yes, Sir," I said, following him inside.
"Relax," he chuckled. "I'm off duty. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like some energon?"
"No thanks," I replied, taking a seat in an empty chair.
"So, what can I do for you?" he asked, sitting across from me on a couch.
"As I'm sure you know or will soon know, I'm cleared for active duty and since you have final say in schedules and personnel changes, I was kind of hoping I could put in a request to get my post back in the Command Center."
"I'm sorry Kacey but that position has been filled," he said and I could feel my doorwings drop with disappointment. "However, let me see what we do have available."
I anxiously watched him grab a datapad off the table beside him. I sat still, trying to be patient. It was hard. I just wanted to get back into the game and do my part.
"For frag's sake, Prowl, stop tormenting her!" Jazz said from the bedroom doorway just as a datapad zipped through the air, hitting Prowl in the head.
"Jazz!" Prowl yelped, rubbing his head.
"Ignore him. He'll get over it," Jazz smiled, walking slowly across the room, making his way towards Prowl. I could see the mech still hadn't fully recovered by how he walked and because he still had no armor on. "Prowl has told me everything about you, young Kaceystar or is it just Kacey."
"I still prefer to just be called Kacey," I smiled politely as Jazz sat beside Prowl.
"Optimus aptly named you. You are quite beautiful. But then I always knew Optimus and Elita would have beautiful sparklings. Right Prowl?"
"Yes, you've often told me," Prowl sighed, rubbing Jazz's back.
"And you are just like your father," Jazz said, pointing at me. "Strong, brave…selfless. Yes, Kacey I know what you gave up to have me brought back."
I blinked in surprise. I told no one about what the Quintessons promised me. Then it dawned on me.
"Rema told me about the deal she made with you," Jazz continued. "Prowl filled me in on the why you would want such a thing. I can easily imagine what it was like for you to lose all your abilities. What I want to know is what made you change your mind."
I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on my knees as I collected my thoughts on how to answer Jazz's question.
"From what I've gathered listening to stories about you," I started, choosing my words carefully. "You are a passionate mech in everything you do. It drives you. I'm the same way. For as long as I can remember, being an Autobot was all I ever wanted to be. It was what I was born to be. It was all I knew."
"When I lost my transformation abilities I thought that meant I couldn't be an Autobot anymore. And it killed me that I couldn't be there for my fellow Autobots. Everyone tried to comfort me. 'It's only temporary' 'You'll be flying soon enough.' 'You are more than the some of your parts' 'Believe in yourself'."
"I admit I was very selfish when I made that deal with the Quintessons. I was desperate to be all I could be for my father, for the Autobots…for myself. I freely admit I do have a bit of an ego. It's a hereditary thing. I get it from my father's side of the family."
They both chuckled at that comment.
"Anyway, to answer your question," I said, dimming my optics slightly at the memory of the battlefield. "It suddenly dawned on me on that shuttlecraft, after reflecting on what I had done, on what other's had done for me that day…saving my friend's life was more important to me than my ego."
I paused looking directly at Prowl.
"I'm not some simple bot. I saw how much it hurt you to be without Jazz. I understand pain of the spark, Prowl. I know exactly what it does to a mechanism. I couldn't let you go on like that because I knew it was slowly killing you. You deserved better."
"You are much more perceptive than I believed," Prowl said, narrowing his optics at me. "But I'm eternally grateful for it and for what you did for me."
"And me too," Jazz added brightly.
"Well, it was worth it even if I had to learn the hard way that it doesn't matter how tall or short I am. I'm still me," I smiled. "Besides I couldn't go with it now anyways. I'm rather fond of my alt form. It totally rocks!"
"I can't wait to see you in action myself," Jazz said.
"I can't wait for you to be out there again, Jazz," I smiled. "That is if I have an assignment."
Jazz elbowed Prowl in the side…hard.
"Ow…oh, right," Prowl said clearing his throat and rising to his feet. I got up too, wondering what post I was going to get. "One of our patrol teams has an opening. One of the officer left to lead their own team and I have yet to fill their vacated position."
"A patrol team?" I questioned, barely able to contain my excitement.
"Yes. The position yours if you want it."
"Sure! I mean, I would be honored, Sir."
"In that case, you'd better hurry. They're waiting in the shuttle bay for their new team member to report for duty."
"Yes, Sir!" I saluted.
I did my best to not run. I was officially back! I had to act dignified.
"Kacey!"
Pfft! So much for dignified!
"Mom, guess what! Guess what! You're not going to believe it!" I said sounding like a human child on a sugar rush. "I got my first assignment!"
"I know," she laughed.
"What the frag, did everyone know but me?" I frowned.
"No just the officers. We all agreed to let Prowl surprise you. He asked. He knew you'd go to him first to request a post."
I glared at her making her laugh even harder.
"Go on. You don't want to be late. Just take care out there, ok?"
"Ok, mom," I said, hugging her. "What about dad?"
"He's still in a meeting. But he knows and will contact you via a private comlink later. Now hurry up. Prowl does not like tardiness. Its official now and any reprimand will stay on your record."
"Yes, ma'am," I smirked.
"Brat!"
"Give Orion, Ariel and Leo my love!" I shouted over my shoulder and hurrying along.
Any Autobot I passed was greeted with bright smile. I just couldn't wipe the grin off my faceplates! I don't even think a Decepticon attack on the base right now could dampen my mood.
"Hey Ironhide! Ratchet chasing you down for that weapons system diagnostic?" I questioned approaching the two mechs standing near a shuttlecraft.
"Ah, here comes the femme now," Ironhide huffed and I slowed in my approach when I saw my father exit the shuttlecraft.
After quickly glancing around I realized what was going on. My smile got bigger.
"Reporting for duty, father…Sir," I said, standing at attention before them.
"Hmm, I'm not sure if you're quite ready," father mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "What do you think Ironhide?"
"I agree, she's not ready."
"Ratchet gave me the go ahead and Prowl said the assignment was mine if I accepted," I said in my defense.
"Sorry, Kacey but I can't disobey my Prime," Ratchet said.
My doorwings and my head drooped.
"You can't go out there and represent the Autobots yet Kacey," father said. "At least, not without this."
I looked up to see his balled up fist extend outwards. His long fingers uncurled to reveal my Autobot insignia. Over come by the emotion of the moment, tears filled my optics. For the first time in so long I felt like I earned the right to wear that symbol.
"Ratchet, will you do the honors please," father ordered.
"Of course," Ratchet smiled. "Retract your chest armor. This will only take a moment so stand still, Kacey."
I did as I was ordered. I couldn't help but hold my head high, my form standing as tall as I possibly could feeling my father's pride swell up within me.
I was an Autobot.
"There, all done," Ratchet said, stepping back.
My armor slid back into place and my fingers traced my Autobot insignia.
"About time," Ironhide grinned just as proudly as my own father. "It looks good on you, Kacey."
"You deserve it," Ratchet added, equally as proud.
"Thank you," I replied humbly. "I promise to do my best to represent the Autobots to the best of my abilities."
"Of that I have no doubt," father smiled.
"Optimus!!" I heard Hound shout. We all turned to see him, Wheeljack and Prowl coming running towards us. Jack was waving datapad in the air. He immediately handed over a datapad to my father as Hound grinned, "You're not going to believe this! We just received a deep space transmission from an old friend of ours."
"It was coded but its all there and accurate," Wheeljack added excitedly. "I had Prowl double check to be certain."
"Kup!" Optimus said in disbelief looking over the information.
"And Marshall!" Hound cheered.
"Your son?" I asked in disbelief.
The mech nodded, appearing slightly overcome by his emotions. From what I've heard from other mechs, is that it's been a long since Hound heard from his son. Many of these mech weren't sure if the steadfast, reliable Marshall was alive or not.
"Congratulations!" Ratchet exclaimed, patting Hound on the shoulder.
"What's it say Optimus?" Ironhide asked.
"Apparently our friends have been busy back on Cybertron. They received my message and having been gathering forces, picking up any refugees they could find. And have finally managed to acquire a ship large enough to bring...oh slag…"
"What?" Ratchet asked and Optimus handed him the datapad. The CMO's optics widened at whatever it was he read then held out the datapad for someone to take, which I of course took. "We're going to need a bigger base!"
"A much bigger base," I added, while reading. "Autobot regiment of two hundred. Some forty family units…many of them neutrals. Nearly a hundred younglings and sparklings with more sparklings on the way. Holy frag!"
"According to their pilot it will take them roughly about the same time it took you to reach Earth for you mission, Optimus," Wheeljack said.
"Ten years!" Ironhide shuddered.
I can't blame him. Bumblebee told me about that long trip with my father, Hide, Ratchet and Jazz. Five mechs in tight quarters. Bee said it was a wonder they even made it to Earth between Ironhide and Optimus' exhaust fumes!
"It's an old ship from what I understand," Wheeljack replied. "But apparently, First Aid is proving to be as good as a mechanic as he is a medical bot."
"Thank Primus, I could used more medical bots, especially with that figure of mechanisms heading our way," Ratchet said.
"Are you sure the pilot knows what he's talking about?" Ironhide asked.
"Kup said he doesn't doubt Jetfire's calculations," Prowl replied.
"Jetfire!" Ratchet and Ironhide barked out then laughed at the look on Optimus' face.
"Who's Jetfire?" I asked, handing the datapad to Prowl.
"You're father's infamous cousin," Ironhide snickered instantly getting a glare from my dad. "You'll just love him, Kacey. He's a crazy flier like you."
"Sweet!" I grinned.
"I'll call Simmons," Prowl said to my father. "It will take a couple of weeks to set up a meeting with the United Nations."
"I'll speak for us," I said. "I'll get the humans to give us the land we need to build a proper place for us to live."
"Are you sure, Kacey?" father asked.
"I messed up last time. I promised John I'd do better next time. I intend to keep my promise to honor him," I firmly stated.
"Optimus and I will attend as well," Prowl said. "We'll have to come up with something to offer the humans in return for land and resources for building."
"Father, I think Orion should be there as well."
"Oh?"
"Trust me," I smiled. "I'm not the political type. He knows every single human and Cybertronian law ever written. Such knowledge can be of use to us. And I have confidence that Orion could one day be our voice. He's not prone to emotional outburst like I am."
"We could arrange to have the meeting here, Prime," Prowl suggested. "Something of this magnitude needs to be addressed in person."
"Good, set it for six weeks from today," father said. "And keep me informed."
"Understood," Prowl said, bowing his head then he left with Hound and Wheeljack.
"You young femme, keep an optic on your father's back," Ratchet smiled, patting me on the head.
"I will, promise."
"Good, Kacey will you take us out?" father said, indicating for Ironhide and I to get on the shuttle.
I immediately complied, confidently striding in and taking my seat in the pilot's seat and initiated the shuttle's start up sequence. I glanced over to the co-pilots seat, expecting my father to sit in it. But I was pleasantly surprised to see my small friend climb up into it.
"So Roller, are you ready to see how a real pilot can fly?" I asked, glancing back to see Ironhide and my father taking their seats. Ironhide glared at me.
"Anything has to be an improvement over Ironhide's flying," Roller commented as I fired up the shuttles engines.
"Hey! I heard that you little tin can!"
"Tin can? This coming from a rust bucket that can't fly straight or land a shuttle properly!" Roller countered.
"Tell me about it. I lost count of how many hydraulic hoses and landing gear I had to repair because of Hide and my father's flying," I said. I pushed the communication activation switch. "This is Kacey, awaiting clearance to depart."
"You are cleared to head out," mom's voice sounded from the speaker. "Optimus, you just keep our sparkling safe or so help me I will weld your interface panel shut! And Kacey, don't try to be as heroic as your father or I will weld your aft to a chair in an office!"
"What's that mom?" I asked, making static noises with my vocal processor. "You're…breakin…up. Must be…solar flares."
"Solar flares my aft! You heard me! Just…be safe."
"I will, Kacey out."
"You do know your mother is going to let us both have it when we get back," father said to me, making me smile.
"I have every confidence that you'll sweet talk her out of it father. If not, I know I can at least drive faster than her."
"This is going to be a fun assignment," Ironhide said sarcastically. "I'm stuck with a lugnut and a smart aft."
Father countered with a witty remark of his own. I smiled listening to the two friends bickering in jest. It was a comradeship I was used to hearing between mech wreckers like my father and Ironhide. I was eager to be a part of. I was eager to be a wrecker too. Perhaps not like my father, but I did have my own style.
My name is Kaceystar. I am the proud daughter of Optimus Prime and Elita-One. But I am also an Autobot, the future Prime, if anything were to happen to my father. My job is to protect the defenseless and give hope to those in need. I've risen from the darkness to see my future is the brightest it has ever been.
I am Kaceystar and I am ready for any new challenges the universe dares to throw my way.
So how was that? I hope you all enjoy it. There's more that sets up the love story as we'll hear from Optimus and final thoughts of the past and the future in the epilogue.