RID-Decisions Decisions

Wow...it has been a long time hasn't it. I have been a horrible author by being gone so long. Honestly, I was going through some personal stuff in my life that affecting motivation for writing. But thanks to all the encouraging reviews and personal messages I am back in business. I'm sorry to say that I forgot how many wonderful people there were on this website. I have gotten some absolutely sweet and encouraging messages, and I thank all of you who have helped encourage me to get back into my writting. I am so sorry that it took so long. I am feeling much better about things and I am looking forward to continueing my stories for all of you. Enjoy!

"What am I gonna do?" That's the question I've been asking myself all morning. I've missed my creators like crazy and I don't want to disappoint them, but I don't want to leave my team either. What am I gonna do?

I nearly jump out of my protoform when I feel arms wrap around me. I look behind me and see Sideswipe holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Sideswipe, you scared me!"

"With the way you jumped I'd say so. Sorry about that." He replies.

"It's fine. I was lost in my head I guess." I say.

"Any place particular?" He asks.

Not wanting to concern him with my conflicting thoughts I just shake my head. "Not really."

"You sure? You look like you've got something heavy going on." He asks worriedly.

"I'm sure, but thanks for your concern." I reassure.

"Anytime." He leans in and kisses my forehead. His optics then widen and he looks around frantically as if waiting for an attack.

"What are doing?" I ask through my giggles.

"Oh, uh nothing. Nothing at all." He replies quickly.

"Then why do you look like your waiting for someone to attack you?" I ask.

"Well, I don't know how cool your creators would be with me kissing you, so I'm preparing myself for retaliation." He says seriously.

I laugh at that. "It was just a little peck on the forehead and besides they know your my mechfriend so its expected that you'd kiss me."

"...be that as it may your creators make me nervous especially your sire." Sideswipe replies.

"That's a good mind set to have." Sire suddenly says making Sideswipe jump at his unexpected arrival.

Sideswipe stands stiff in front of sire. "Excuse me sir. I'm sorry sir for kissing your daughter, but I was just showing my affection. I promise not to kiss her in front of you again. Not that we haven't-I mean not really. They were more like mini make outs-if that! I mean-I'll just stop talking now."

Sire looks at Sideswipe with the driest look imaginable. "Did anybody ever tell you you talk too much?"

Sideswipe looks even more uncomfortable. "I'm sorry."

"Sire give him a break. Your making him nervous." I say.

"Good. I need to make him nervous. Means I'm doing my job." Sire replies.

"Try to be civil please. Where's carrier?" I ask.

"She's talkin' to Bee in the command center. I think she's digging for details on what y'all have been up to." Sire replies.

"Oh its just been a little bit of this and a little bit of that." I say vaguely.

"Sure it has. Come on, lets join your carrier." Noticing Sideswipe isn't following he says, "Come on kid. Don't let me scare ya that bad."

I grab Sideswipes hand and pull him along with me towards the command center. "Good morning sweet spark." Carrier greets.

"Which one?" Sire asks cheekily.

"Well definitely not you." She replies playfully.

"Ouch. That one almost hurt." Sire says in mock hurt.

"What are y'all up to carrier?" I ask.

"Bee's been telling me about some of y'all's adventures. Kinda reminds me of the good old days." She replies.

"Well I don't know about that." Bee argues.

Suddenly a loud yell and a crash are heard. "What was that?" I ask aloud.

"Fixit, is there an intruder?" Bee asks.

"No sir. Scanners aren't picking up any signals, except for Grim-Grim-Grimlocks." Fixit stutters.

"Something tells me Grimlock had another clumsy moment." Sides comments.

"I'll go see what he did." Bee says walking off to the source of the noise. Soon after Bee calls for everyone on the com and he sounds frantic. When everyone gets there we see Bee standing in front of an open stasis pod while Grimlock is sitting in front of it rubbing his head.

"What happened?" Carrier asks.

"I swear I didn't do it on purpose!" Grimlock exclaims.

"What did you do?" Strongarm asks.

"I-uh...gravity did it!" Grimlock states. At everyone's blank stare he adds, "Okay, I may have been practicing my punching a little to close to the stasis pods...and I may have knocked one over."

"Grimlock, why were you by the stasis pods anyway?" Bee asks.

"...I don't know." Grimlock replies unsurely.

Bee sighs and says, "Well now we have an empty stasis pod that used to have a Decepticon in it. Let's get back to the command center so Fixit can tell us which one's been let loose."

Once there Bee has Fixit figure out which Con is on the loose. "It appears that Springload is the one assisting-listing-missing."

"How is it that guy always gets loose?" Sideswipe asks rhetorically.

"Technically, he was let loose." Strongarm argues.

Bee sighs at this.

"I take it this isn't his first time getting loose." Carrier suggests.

"I think this one makes twice." Bee replies. "Looks like we've got to snag him again."

""I don't suppose you'd like some help with that would you?" Carrier asks.

"Are you offering?" Bee retorts.

"What do you think? It'll be be just like the good ol days. Working as a team again." Carrier replies.

"It may not be the same as blasting down vehicons, but this will do." Sire adds.

"Alright then. Since the two of you are going there no need in having everyone go." Bee tells the team.

"What!"

"Sir, I don't wish to disobey your orders, but next to you they fought in the war along side Optimus Prime. This would be a great learning experience." Strongarm argues.

"And I just want to see them in action." Sideswipe adds.

"Well?" Bee ponders.

"Oh come on Bee what will it hurt?" Carrier questions.

"Oh alright...but none of you get in their way. Understood?" Bee says.

"Yes!"

"This is so exciting! I can't believe I'm going to see the Solarstorm and Wheeljack in action." Strongarm exclaims.

Carrier and Sire laugh at her enthusiasm. "I didn't realize we were so popular." Carrier jokes.

"Soak up the attention darlin'. I'd say we deserve it." Sire states.

"Alright team. Better go after Springload...again. Let's hop to it!" Bee tries another phrase.

"What was that?" Sire asks.

"I've been trying out different rallying cries." Bee replies.

"And that's what you came up with?" Carrier asks.

"It's harder than it looks ok. Lets just go." Bee then transforms and heads towards Springloads signal. Everyone else follows along as well.

We follow his trail for a while. "Bee, I'm picking up a signal coming from a few clicks north of here."

"That must be our Con. Proceed with caution. He can be a threat when cornered." Bee states.

"How bad can he be?" Sire asks.

"He wouldn't be too threatening if it wasn't for his toxin tipped tongue, acidic armor, and powerful kicks." Bee replies.

"Plus he's delusional and thinks Doradus is a real place." Strongarm adds.

"Sounds like an interesting character." Sire comments.

"Interesting isn't the word I'd use." Bee states. "Everyone use caution."

A rustling up ahead alerts us of his possible position. Everyone transforms and lays low while sneaking up towards the source of the noise. We look through the foliage and see Springload standing in a clearing and looking up towards the sky. We're close enough so we can hear what he's saying. "Oh great spirits, direct me towards Doradus. I am the only one worthy!"

"He's a few bolts short of a full processor." Sire comments.

"You have no idea. Proceed with caution. He may not seem dangerous, but he does have a few tricks stored away when cornered." Bee warns.

"Understood." Carrier comments. "Jackie and I will sneak around to catch him from different angles and cut off as much of an escape route as possible."

"Good. The rest of us will circle around as well. Be careful." Bee replies.

Carrier and Sire move to their desired position while the rest of us complete the circle around Springload. At Bees signal we move closer, while carrier and Sire stay hidden so they will be ready to move when we came at Springload from behind. "Freeze Con!" Bee orders.

Springload whirls around to face us and looks very angry. "You dare delay me from my mission. I am to reep the wonders that are Doradus! You are not worthy as I!"

"Enough Springload. The only place your going is back to your stasis pod." Bee replies.

"You cannot stop me, not with the spirits aiding me!" Springload retorts before flicking his tongue at Bee.

Bee dodges and runs at Springload. Springload dodges and jumps over Bee and runs towards the area behind him to escape, but he is intercepted by Strongarm.

He tries another route, but I step in his path.

Another...Sideswipe.

Another...Grimlock. "Whose ready for some smashing!"

Springload looks around frantically at those of us closing in on him. "You unworthy fools shall not capture me!" He quickly turns around and jumps over us and heading towards my creators position.

Just as he is making another jump carrier leaps at him and kicks him in the side, making him fall to the ground. It stuns him a moment before he goes back to being angry. "You dare strike me?! You shall perish!" He flicks out his tongue at her but she jumps backwards to dodge.

Springload jumps at her, but Sire intercepts him by ramming his frame into Springload, making him crash to the side. Sire points his signature blades at him and says, "Threatening my spark mate? That will be the last mistake you ever make." Sire then lunges at him, but Springload jumps up and dodges the attack.

"Your pretty agile toad." Sire comments as he continues to attack.

"You are keeping me from the wonders of Doradus, so you shall perish!" Springload jumps at Sire, but carrier kicks him, making him go off course. The two of them continue to lunge, kick, and direct Springload'smovements.

"Should we be doing something?" Strongarm asks.

"They look like they're handling it fine without us." Sideswipe states.

"Let them have this. This is probably the most excitement they've seen in a while." Bee adds.

Watching my creators fight with such synchronization was amazing. It was just like from sires story's about their time during the war. Watching them work together made me proud to be their daughter...I have the coolest creators in any galaxy.

"They are so amazing!" Strongarm comments in wonder.

"If you think that now you should have seen them during the war...they've always worked well together." Bee replies.

Springload, realizing he is outmatched, tries to jump away and manages to leap pretty high.

Carrier and Sire share a look and a smirk. Sire places a hand down by carriers foot. She places one on sires hand and he lunges her into the air. She flies past Springload. Gravity takes over and brings her back down. When she's close to Springload she brings her leg straight up and brings it down right on the top of Springloads head.

He and carrier fall to the ground, but Springload doesn't land on his feet. He falls roughly on his side. He lifts his head for a moment before going back to the ground-unconscious.

All of us look at my creators in awe as the two of them share a fist bump and then a kiss. "Reminds ya of the good ol days doesn't it?" Sire asks carrier.

"You kidding? The good ol days didn't go that easily." Carrier replies playfully.

"Nice to know you two haven't lost your touch." Bee comments.

Sire laughs. "Of course not. Can't let our reputation get sloppy now can we."

After grabbing Springload and getting back to the scrapyard everyone retails what happened to Fixit, Denny, and Russell. "That is so epic! Aww man I wish I could've see it." Russell exclaims.

"It was truly spectacular. The way you two work together is amazing." Strongarm gushes.

"And the best part was the punching!" Grimlock adds.

"We've had plenty of practice." Sire states.

"Ma'am? Sir? Would it be too forward to ask if we could hear of yours and lieutenant Bumblebee's stories?" Strongarm asks.

After pondering for a moment they all agree to regale us of their time in the war, and that is where we spend our time until the sun goes down. Even though I've heard most of them I never get tired of hearing my creators contributing to Cyertrons restoration, and everyone else is really impressed by what their hearing.

"You guys are epic!" Russell exclaims.

"Oh, thank you little one!" Carrier gushes. "Your son is absolutely adorable Mr. Denny."

"Why thank you ma'am. I'd like to think so." He replies.

"I hate to bring down a cheery atmosphere, but we've got some things to discuss with our daughter." Sire states.

"Come on team, lets give them some privacy." Bee says.

"There's no need for that Bee. It will affect everyone so they can stay." Carrier assures.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing sweetspark, but since we have to leave in the morning we need to discuss a few things." Carrier replies.

"In the morning? But I thought you said you could stay for a few days?" I ask.

"We know darlin', but we got a message from Cybertron last night. There's something going on and they need us back." Sire says.

"What's going on?" Bee asks.

"They didn't say, but I'm sure we'll hear all about it when we get back." Carrier says.

I look down at the ground at that; not only because they have to leave, but because i know what else they want to discuss. "Don't look so sad darlin'. You knew we couldn't stay for long." Sire says gently.

"I know, but I thought it would be longer than a day." I reply.

"We're sorry darlin'...but while we're talking about it-"

"I know what your gonna say sire." I interrupt politely.

He nods. "Then what will you do?"

"Um...I uh..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but what are you mean?" Sideswipe asks.

"Last night we asked her wether she was going to leave with us or stay here." Sire says.

Sideswipe tenses up at that and without thinking blurts out, "No!"

"Kid, I'd watch that tone if I were you." Sire warns.

"I'm sorry sir, but if your suggesting she leave with you I'd have to disagree." Sideswipe argues.

The air gets more tense and sire zeros his full attention on Sideswipe. "Listen kid I know you like my daughter-no surprise why because she's a great kid- but this is a family discussion."

"But she can't leave! We've been through so much together and are still getting to know one another and I can't stand the thought of her not being here." Sides argues.

"We understand where your coming from and I'm glad you care so much for our little femmling, but she is our child and we are giving her the option. We aren't going to make her come back with us. The choice is hers." Carrier eases the tension by a further explanation. "You need to respect that."

Sideswipe turns his attention to me. "So, I guess that's where your head was this morning...are you leaving?"

"I didn't want to worry you. I've been thinking it over all night and today. I'm sorry." I say.

"Sorry? Why would you be sorry...unless you really are leaving? Please say your not. I-we need you here." Sides begs.

"Kid, don't pressure or guilt trip her." Sire states.

"I wasn't!" Sides says a little too roughly.

Sire stands up on his feet at that. "You best watch that tone of yours with me kid. If your going to be this immature about it then I'll take my little femme back with me right this instant and you can consider whatever relationship you two have over."

Sideswipe flinches at the close proximity of my sire in his personal bubble. He wisely says nothing.

I run up to my sire and grab his arm and pull him back. "Sire,please stop. He was't guilt tripping me. I've been fretting over this all night and day, so please don't be mean to Sides."

"I wasn't being mean, but I'm not gonna stand by and let a punk get an attitude with me." Sire argues.

"He's not a punk!" I yell at him.

This not only surprises him and carrier, but myself as well. I have never raised my voice to my sire. "Forgive me sire. I didn't mean to disrespect you, but I can't just let you act this way with Sides. He's my mechfriend and I care about him. I've been feeling conflicted about wanting to make y'all happy by going with y'all and make him happy by staying...I know I'm going to end up making someone disappointed, but all I ask is that everyone-and I mean everyone- respects the decision that I make."

Sire just stares at me before his gaze softens and he pulls me to him in a hug. He rubs my helm while my carrier comes up and rubs my winglets. They share a look over my head, which I don't see. "There's nothing you can do that would make us disappointed in you. We know you want to make everyone happy...but the only thing that matters is what makes you happy." Carrier says gently.

"Yeah, so don't worry about what everyone else wants. Just tell us what you want...do you know what you want?" Sire asks.

I nod my helm. "Yeah. I do." I pull back so that I can look at everyone, and I even do a look over on the rest of the team watching with anticipation.

"Just remember Hope, that we will support any decision you make." Bee reassures.

I nod my head at his words. I look at Sides and he looks tense and nervous about what I'd be deciding, but he nods his head. "Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'll support whatever you chose...and it won't make me like you any less."

I smile and his selfless words. I know he wants me to stay, but he's willing to let me go if that's what I want. I turn my attention back to my creators. "Carrier...Sire...I love you both so much and I could not have asked for a better set of creators. I've missed you both so much since I've been here and I'm so glad y'all came to visit. I wish I could make everyone happy, but I know I can't. Like you said I have to do what makes me happy and I also have to do the right thing too. I took up a responsibility here by helping my team catch loose prisoners. I can't just leave them when we aren't done with that mission yet. I'm sorry creators, but I can't go with you...not yet."

I look away from my creators because I'm afraid to see any disappointment on their faces, but they surprise me by sandwiching me into a hug. "You aren't mad?" I ask.

"Of course not sweetspark. Honestly, we were expecting it." Carrier reassures.

"I'm sorry I can't go back with you. I just have responsibilities that I can't turn away from here...plus...I cant leave my team behind-certain ones have grown on me." I finish with a smile at Sideswipe.

"You sure have grown up. We sure are proud of you darlin'." Sire says.

"Y'all don't mind if I stay?" I ask my creators.

"Of course not darlin'. Like your carrier said we were expecting it. We know ya pretty well by now." Sire says.

"You are our child after all." Carrier adds.

I give them a thankful smile. "I love you guys."

"We love you too." They pull me into another hug. "We sure are gonna miss you." Carrier says.

"I'm gonna miss ya'll too." I say.

Sire wipes away a tear that I didn't know fell down my face. "Don't you be sad darlin'. It's not like you'll never see us again. We'll be sure to come back, and maybe you can come see us too."

"Your right. As always." I say.

"That was so sweet!" Grimlock exclaims.

I had actually forgotten the team was still here. "A picture perfect family for sure." Strongarm comments.

"Hard to argue with an officer of the law." Sire says playfully.

Strongarm beams at that.

"I'm proud of you Hope." Bee says.

"Thank you uncle Bee." I reply.

"You still calling him that?" Sire asks in amusement.

"Sometimes."

"Sweetspark, how about you stay with your sire and I tonight. We'll spend tonight soaking up as much family time as possible. How's that sound?" Carrier asks.

"Sounds perfect carrier."

"Lets get to it then." Sire says before leading carrier and I to the Jackhammer.

"Oh, wait!" I run back to Sideswipe and give him a hug. "Goodnight Sides."

"Night Hope. I'm glad your staying." He says.

"I couldn't leave you. I'd miss you too much." I reply. I lean up and kiss his cheek. "See you in the morning." I rush back to my creators.

"You really like that mech don't ya?" Sire asks when we reach his ship.

"I really do sire. He's great. He's really good to me." I say.

"Well there's a point in his favor."

"Y'all like him right? I don't want my creators and mechfriend to not like each other." I ask worriedly.

"I think he's a fine young mech as far as I can tell. He obviously cares about you...plus, if he's willing to stand up to your sire that shows he's brave enough to look out for you." Carrier reassures.

"What about you sire?" I ask.

"I'll never like any mech that thinks he's good enough for my daughter, but this mech is slowly working his way towards tolerate." Sire says.

"Sire." I say dryly.

"I'm kidding...partially. He's not a bad kid, and like your carrier said if he's willing to stand up to me I've gotta give him props for that." He replies. "So long as he treats you like the jewel you are and protects you then he and I wont have any problems."

The three of us don't get much sleep. We spend all the time we have left just enjoying each other's company. It will be a while before we see each other again so we soak up as much family time as possible. Before we know it morning is here and its time for my family to leave. "I sure wish y'all could stay longer."

"I know, but the high council is wanting to see us. No telling what its about." Carrier says.

"We'll be back to visit. Just be careful until then." Sire adds.

"I will."

My creators walk up to Sideswipe, who tenses up. "It was nice to meet you." He says politely.

"You too Sideswipe. You'll look out for our little femme for us wont you?" Carrier replies.

"Yes ma'am. You can count on me." He then looks at my sire straight in the optic. "Sir, I promise to protect your daughter with everything I have, and I promise to take good care of her."

Sire is quiet for a minute, making Sideswipe nervous, but then he smiles and sticks out his hand. "Your alright kid."

Sideswipe smiles back and takes sires hand. "Thank you sir."

"I'm trusting you with my daughter." Sire adds.

"That trust won't be misplaced sir. I promise." Sideswipe replies.

"I'm sure it wont be...Jackie, we should be heading out." Carrier says.

I hug my creators one last time. "I love y'all."

"I love you too. My darling Hope." Carrier says.

"Love you darlin'...watch out for that mechfriend of yours." Sire adds playfully.

"I will." They both give me one last kiss on my forehead.

"Safe travels you two." Bee says.

"Thanks Bee. Keep up the good work. Optimus would be proud." Carrier praises.

Bee smiles at that, and gives hugs to his old friends.

After one last hug from me my creators get onto the Jackhammer and lift off. We all watch as their ship takes off and is out of our sights. "Hope? I'm proud of you, and I know your creators are too. I know that wasn't an easy decision to make." Bee says.

"It wasn't all that hard actually. I know where I'm needed, and its here with my team." I reply.

"And we're glad that your staying." Strongarm says.

"Really?" I ask. "Even you?"

"Of course. I know I give you a hard time when it comes to rules and regulations, but I would like to think of us as comrades." She replies.

"Comrades? No. We're not." I say.

Strongarm flinches at that, but before she can be too upset I add, "I was thinking more along the lines of friends."

She smiles at that. "Really?"

"Really."

"Admit it. You would have missed us too much." Grimlock says.

"Of course I would have. You are the coolest group I've ever known. No one else has a punching expert Dinobot." I reply.

Grimlock beams. "I knew it! We are awesome aren't we, and I am an expert at punching!"

"Well, congratulations Sideswipe. You've made it through the meeting the parents stage." Bee says.

"That was the most terrifying thing I've ever been through." He says.

"But I'm proud of you. I told you they'd like you." I say.

"Just imagine how nervous you'll be if you two make it to the bonding stage, and your asking her creators for her hand." Bee teases.

"I would love to be present for that conversation." Strongarm adds.

A tease fest breaks out with everyone taking playful jabs. I sure will miss my creators, but I couldn't possible leave my team...or Sideswipe. I know I made the right decision...and I'm happy about it too.

I hope yall liked it! I absolutely love Solarstorm and Wheeljack and it felt good to be writing with them again, especially my OC Solarstorm. Once again, I am so sorry about the huge delay, but I am ready to continue my stories! Also, I have updated my Among the Stars story as well. So check it out!