Hello again everyone! So, for those of you who have been with me since the very beguining, thank you. I know i have posted and reposted this fanfiction over and over, but those times i wasn't pleased with my work.

So, I took some time off, drank some coffee, banged my head against the wall and got into a cuddle pile with the Autobots and Decepticons, I am back! This is the last repost of this fiction.

Comments are welcomed but trolls and flames will be used to make delicious troll stir fry!

TILL ALL ARE ONE!

The war was over.

It was still hard to wrap her head around that fact, but it was that. Fact.

The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons had come to an abrupt end, but not in the way anyone could have anticipated.

In the middle of a fierce battle, Optimus Prime and Megatron had stopped dead in the midst of one of their legendary fights, staring at each other before both nodded their heads in a silent agreement. The battle was called to a halt, all brought together at the backs of their faction leader, warily eyeing those before them with a certain amount of apprehension.

And there, among the blood, smoke, and spilled energon Optimus Prime and Megatron joined servos as they came to the agreement that the war was well and done.

Enough was enough.

Five years had rolled past, and at first the peace seemed rocky at best. The war between Autobots and Decepticons had been raging for eons, and it wasn't something that could easily be forgotten; old crimes and rivalries were still open and fresh wounds.

After the war had been revealed to the world, human's startled at the idea that these aliens, these automatous robotic beings form beyond the stars had been among them for so long, waging a war that had claimed lives, were now declaring peace before the President of the United States as well as the world.

Those present had held their breath as little Annabelle, only three years old at the time, had slipped a stupefied Sarah's arms to toddle across the great lawn of the White House to settle herself happily on Megatrons massive pedde. The little golden-haired toddler had babbled up at him happily, and to everyone's absolute stunned surprise, the tyrant had nodded his helm in a serious manner as she babbled and when she paused the amassed bots and humans were stupefied when he responded in babble as well sending the little girl into fits of laughter. This event had moved everyone around the world; if the warmonger could speak babble with a human child maybe there was a true chance at peace.

Megatron and Optimus had moved on that peace, drawing up not only a peace treaty with each other, but with the people of Earth. From there, things changed. For everyone involved, and not always for the best.

The Cybertonians were allowed to stay, to make earth their home, but they were forced to maintain haloforms while they used their actual bodies as transportation, and that was not it. The bots, now holoformed humans, reformatted their beings to ingest and convert organic food as they had energon. From there, both sides were moved to bases facing each other with only a few miles of no man's land in between twenty minutes from Phoenix, Arizona. Alas, this wasn't the only thing that was changing between the two factions.

"Why the fuck should I send one of my cooks to the Decepticons? They would eat her alive the moment she stets foot into their base!"

Kattrina Leona Sunsinger sat in the corner of the kitchen, bright green eyes watching the exchange between the five-foot Margery Newday and the Decepticon liaison, Barricade. After spending half her life in the Marine Corps, Kat knew when it was simply best to step back and watch the insanity take its course without interrupting, or drawing unwanted attention to her being. That, and waiting for the right moment to step in and hold back the Georginian when she finally lost her cool. Which, judging by how she was turning purple in the face as she shouted at the towering Decepticon would be in moments.

Margery was a whopping five-foot five, and a bit on the larger side, but the Southern mama did not take kindly to being told she would have to be forced to surrender one of her cooks to the Decepticon faction. The whole reason the Decepticons had even asked for the Autobots to lend one of their own cooks from the plethora they had on base was the fact that Megatron himself had personally asked their Prime for not only a personal chef, but also someone who would be able to teach the vehicon ranks to how to cook human food for the rest of the base. Apparently, if one could believe the rumors, the vehicons had managed to give just about every one of the Decepticons some form of food born illness since they had landed the Nemesis war ship and made it land bound.

Kat took this as yet another sign of peace worming its way into the Decepticon ranks, but it was seen by Margery to be a trap to take away their second best cook and most likely kill her or use her in some dark and twisted manner.

"Chef Newday, I understand your concerns, but please, put the pan down. Megatron has personally asked for us to spare one of our own to join their ranks simply long enough to teach the vehicons how to cook for the rest of the base! He would not dare bring harm to her. If he had planned on going back on the peace treaty, I believe he would have done so by now."

Shifting herself into position to tackle the irate southern woman when the need arose, Kat had to silently hand it to her Prime. Even while being threatened by a heavy cast iron pan wielded by a royally pissed off femme; he was cool, calm and collected. What made her give him even more of her respect was the slight glint of fear in his sapphire optics. If she didn't have a strict love and respect for her chain of command, Kat would have swooned a little at how handsome her commander and chief was in human form.

Standing at a towering six foot one, Optimus Prime cut a handsome figure. Bright sapphire blue optics glinted with hidden emotion, lush lips that some of the women on base claimed, 'just begged to be kissed'. Not to mention his perpetually mussed up blue black hair that he was constantly running his hand through to push it back and away from his face. Sharp chin and high cheekbones accompanied by dimples when he smiled, the Prime was a walking women's wet dream.

Margery snarled and leapt forwards, pan raised and poised to strike; but was halted with a harking gasp of air as her forward momentum was stopped by a strong arm against her ribs. Kat had vaulted over the countertop, easily disarming the woman as well as pinning her against the counter she had just leapt over. Calmly tossing the pan into the sink, Kat addressed the two mechs who were staring at her in wide eyed awe as she kept the older woman from wriggling out of her grip, the woman stretching against the strong arm hold for her heavy cast iron weapon.

"Liaison Barricade, I accept the position. I am Kattrina Sunsinger, I have fourteen years' experience as a banquets chef and have a thorough working knowledge on how to rebuild a kitchen from scratch. I will need fifteen minutes to pack and then I will meet you in the main hangar if that is agreeable?"

Barricade slowly nodded as he and Prime watched as she easily kept the other woman from reaching for the pan once more. With one swift smack to the back of the head Kat glared down at the irate woman who had now turned her glare on her.

"Enough Margery. You're acting like a spoiled brat; I'm going, end of story."

The woman slowly nodded, a frown still on her face as she turned her glare back on the two, fists on her round hips, staring down the Decepticon that had now stepped out from where he had been hiding behind the Prime.

"I swear on my spark that no harm will come to your cook, Chef Newday. Lords Megatron and Galvatron have both instructed the whole of the Decepticon ranks of this was going to be happening and that if any harm were to come to them that there would be serious consequences."

That seemed to be the kick in the aft that Margery needed because the woman sighed gustily, her brown eyes meeting Kat's in a glare.

"Girly, take care of yourself. If anything goes down that you can't handle we are one phone call away from going Rambo on their afts!"

Kat sighed as she sent the other woman a cool look gathering up and packed away her knives, the others turning around to continue with their duties. Everyone knew that Kat didn't like showing too much emotion; she was part Marine and part Chef, neither allowing her to really show too much emotion willingly.

"If anyone should be worried, it's the con that decides to ignore a direct order and messes with me. Besides, I am not some prissy little girl who needs to hide behind and has the big guys protect them."

Slipping her knife bag over her shoulder, Kat nodded respectfully to her Prime, sent a small smirk to Barricade and strolled out of the kitchen, her arms whipping out to either side of the doors. Twin yelps rang out as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker appeared from either side of the double doors, trailing after the femme, both grousing about their impromptu punishment.

Barricade smirked up at the Prime, his eyes glinting with hidden laughter at the sight of the Primes slack jawed state.

"She will do just fine within the Decepticon ranks Prime, no question."

Prime snapped his mouth shut, nodding as well, the kitchen slowly going back into production. They still needed to feed the soldiers after all; Optimus excused himself to move back to his offices, he was sure one cook would not be missed. The base was large, and there were so many soldiers it was hard sometimes to keep track of them all. Surely one cook wouldn't be missed.

Kat moved through the base, her left eye twitching every now and again, her fists clenching and unclenching, trying to keep her temper in check. The terror twins were trailing after her like a pair of lost pups, Sideswipe voicing his opinion on her new position loudly while his twin was glaring heatedly down at the back of her copper haired head. The silver haired mechs constant ranting had earned them more than one mechs attention, not to mention the attention of several humans.

Unbeknownst to their Prime, Kat was a fixture of their base; the femme's baking skills with energon had earned her allies with every Cybertronian that had managed to get their servos on her baked goods and candies. Humans around the base adored her for her sense of humor, the femme had stunned all her male counterparts on the training mats, easily taking down opponents three times her size and weight. She was good at distracting them when the big wigs appeared on base, keeping them distracted them all from their murderous thoughts towards them long enough that they could please them and get them the frag off their base as quickly as possible. She had been a welcomed figure around the base, every human eagerly greeting her in the mess line when she was on serving duty.

Epps was the one to finally voice what all the other humans trailing after the trio trailing behind her was dying to ask.

"Kat, your leaving? Where are you going? Does Prime know?"

With a sigh, Kat waved her hand to Sideswipe in a silent affirmation that he could explain what was going on before disappearing into her quarters, slamming the door behind her.

Pressing her forehead against the cool wood, a small smirk tugged at her lips at the collective outraged yells that sprouted up on the other side of the wooden barrier; she knew this would happen, they were just going to have to get used to the idea that she wasn't going to be on base anymore to sneak them snacks while they were on patrol.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Kat pushed away from the door and moved through the paces of stuffing what little she did have into her old rucksack, smirking at the various scars that criss crossed the canvas beneath her fingers. The old battered thing had seen just about as much as she herself had, and it was just as scared as she was, although it was a little less obvious when it came to the canvas instead of flesh.

Shaking herself, Kat tugged her ridding leathers on over her uniform, ignoring the insistent pounding of a fist on her door alongside a chorus of irate voices, the most predominant being Ratchets. Snatching up her helmet and slinging her rucksack across her back, Kat moved to the door, and without a warning, yanked it open. Her arms immediately lifted to catch the flailing blond Bumblebee as he fell forwards. Looking down into those bright and sorrowful baby blues, Kat fell back into her former self, a hardened soldier that too crap from no man. Someone who was a shadow of who she was now.

"Okay, give it a rest, all of you. I am not a damsel in distress, I volunteered. If and when shit hits the fan I will call you. Then and only then you lot can come charging in, guns a blazing to play my knights in shining armor. Until then, suck it up! Bee, I know for a damn fact your supposed to be on patrol with Bluestreak right now, Epps your supposed to be with Will and Ironhide on the obstacle course and the rest of you have your own bloody duties to attend too! This base will not come to a grinding halt just because I leave! And Ratchet, love, light of my life, wrench the terror twins extra hard for me while I'm gone. The rest of you! Git!"

The crowd disbanded, looking thoroughly chastised, glaring over their shoulders at the mahogany and gray-haired medic as he stepped forwards to ensnare the woman in his arms, the copper haired femme eagerly returning the embrace. It was well known that Ratchet and their beloved little copper haired cook had a father/ daughter type relationship since the moment they met in Mission City. The petite woman giving as good as Ratchet gave, instantly earning her the respect of the mechs around her and the affections of the grumpy Autobot CMO.

"Take care of yourself my spark daughter."

Kat nudged him softly, urging him silently to walk with her towards the hangar where she was to meet Barricade, her head resting on his shoulder as he held her close, the pair ignoring the worried glances cast their way be those they passed. It was clear that the word of her transfer had spread through the base like wildfire, and those who knew Kat on a personal level could not help but fear for the petite femmes safety, but no one dared step forwards to complain. Kat wasn't just a cook, she had been special operations in the Marine Corps, the only female in her unit. If anyone could handle anything thrown at them by the Decepticon ranks, it would be Kattrina Sunsinger.

Crosshairs looked up as they entered the huge hangar, the snipers hand resting lovingly on her Harley-Davidson Softail slim. Her Boys had gifted the motorcycle after a mission that she had managed to keep from going completely sideways while astride the exact same model. They still joked that she was a female Captain America whenever they got the chance to bring up the story. Upon her forced retirement, they had banded together to gift the bike to her, a way of always remembering her time with them, not that she would willingly allow herself to forget them. Till this day it was her most prized possession, she went nowhere without being astride the magnificent machine.

It was painted Marine Corps blue with red and gold pinstriping, her Demon Company crest seated proudly on both sides of the tank. It was her baby, her pride and joy, and thanks to Cross, her baby was in tip top shape and shining beautifully in the light of the high noon sun hanging over the hangars ceiling.

"You take care of yourself ya hear? I still wanna see this human 'Christmas'."

Smirking up at the sniper, the femme bumped fists with the mech, nodding in understanding before she swung herself onto the warm, warn leather of her baby. It felt so good to have the hulking metal beast beneath her, it brought back so many memories, some good and some bad, but welcomed all the same.

"Don't you worry 'bout me Cross, I can manage myself."

The sniper huffed, and without a word leaned over the seated woman, gently sliding something cold and solid into her ear. Having some idea as to what he was doing, Kat tilted her head to the side, allowing the mech complete access. To anyone looking onto the trio, they would think nothing of it simply that three friends were saying goodbye to each other. But to those who knew each of them, they stopped and watched on in shocked awe by the scene playing out before them.

Kat may have been a popular fixture on the Autobot base, but she was guarded, the femme didn't allow most anyone to touch her. It was well known knowledge that she had been through something very traumatic during her years in the Corps, and had been severely averse to any sort of touch. It had taken years and three alien wars to reteach her who she could trust. Crosshairs, on the other servo, did not trust most any human he came across. For this show of muted affection and trust passing between the two was earth shattering to those who knew just what they were seeing. As Crosshairs pulled away, he cradled the femmes face between his large hands, hard ice blue optics locked onto her own green, a near silent message being passed between them before the mech spoke aloud once more.

"That's your own comm. piece. Que made sure that nothing short of smelting the fragging thing could interfere. Two taps activates the comm. list. One tap sends out an SOS alert and GPS signal straight to Red Alert, and three taps links you straight to me."

Smirking, Kat leaned forwards to gently brush her lips across his own in silent thanks before pulling away to blow an air kiss towards the grumpy medic who simply crossed his arms while shaking his helm, a soft smile pulling at his lips. Pulling her full-faces helmet over her head and adjusting the chin strap, the woman kickstarted her motorcycle. Pulling away, Kat didn't see the worried glance shared between the bases resident sniper and medic. The two watched as the leather clad rider stopped beside the idling Mustang Selene, her helmeted head nodding before she took off in a cloud of exhaust and dust, Barricade gunning his engine to catch up with the new recruit.

"Ya think our femme will be okay?"

Ratchet sighed, one hand running over his face as he watched the pair disappear into the desert that separated the two bases until they were nothing but specs on the horizon.

"Honestly Crosshairs, I'm more concerned for the Decepticons. Kat has a way of worming herself deep into your spark without much effort on her part. Only Primus knows how the Decepticons are going to react to something like that. All we can do right now is keep an audio out for any SOS signals shot our way. And pray. Pray to Primus and Prima that she will return to us the same way she left us. Happy, safe, and alive."

The black and green haired mech huffed in agitation, walking out of the hangar to scale the ladder to his nest atop its structure. He may not have been able to go with Kat, but the least he could do was watch out for her as best as he could from a distance.

The no mans land between the bases was wide and remote, just how Kat liked it. It was the solitude and serenity of the emptiness that drew her to it every time. Whenever she had time to herself, she and Cross would go out into the desert and spend hours just sitting beneath the heat of the Arizona sun, laying back to enjoy the burn of the sand biting into their flesh, reminding them that they were alive.

Her musings were broken by a comm. number cropping up on the inside of her visor. Kat chuckled softly to herself as she accepted the request. Leave it to Que to think of everything. However she was not surprised to see the small screen to the right of her line of sight light up with an image of Barricade.

"So, Kat, tell me a bit about yourself?"

The woman rolled her eyes; that was a bullshit question if ever she heard one. If she was in a betting mood she would bet that Barricade was trying to be discreet in digging information out of her. Information about her past, figure out how big of a threat she would be on base, and more than likely, figure out how many guards would be needed to cover her 'delicate' little aft.

"I'm surprised you don't remember me. I was the one that distracted Megatron from tearing Jazz in half in Mission City. Remember the little human that nailed him in the faceplates with an RPG? That was me."

It didn't surprise her one bit that Barricade stomped his breaks in shock, allowing her to gain a bit of distance before he floored it back to her side.

"You're the human that did that? Frag, Starscream and his trine are going to be all over you when they hear! Ol' Screamer couldn't get over the fact that a human managed to nail our Lord!"

Kat glided over a hill, easily balancing herself as her beloved Harley lifted and lowered beneath her. She could never get over the feel of having such power beneath her, to have the ability to wield it like no one else could, there was nothing quite like it in the world.

"No, they won't. Because if you know what's good for you, you will keep that tidbit to yourself. The last thing I need is for Megatron to be on my aft the moment I step onto your base. I'm here to do one job and I plan on doing it while flying beneath the radar as long as I can manage. I have been through three wars with aliens and I don't wasn't to incite a fourth, thank you very much!"

Barricade's face was blank for the rest of the trip, only allowing a few questions to slip out that she willingly answered. How old she was, how long did she serve the Autobots, nothing that could really be used against her in any way or form. Alas, Kat knew better, when change came, even if it was the addition of one little human; sparks and CPU's could be turned on their sides, causing more chaos than someone tossing a hand grenade into a crowded room at the UN.

The rest of the trip to the Decepticon base was uneventful at best. The sun was lowering only slightly over their heads as they pulled through the huge gates that guarded the dark metal behemoth that was the Decepticon strong hold.

Keeping her body as loose as possible, Kat slowly guided her bike behind the police cruiser into the hangar and there, standing like a pair of gods amongst titans was a pair of mechs Kat could only assume were Megatron and his Sire, Galvatron. Galvatron had arrived late in the Third war, but had surprisingly been a driving force behind the peace between all three factions, much to everyone's shocked surprise. Most thought that Megatrons sire would restart things, but instead he was a cool headed mech that Kat herself found rather appealing. Giving herself a mental shake, the woman shut off her bike and slowly removed her helmet as Barricade jumped from his alt-mode to dash forwards, speaking in low tones to whom she concluded was Megatron while Galvatron strolled towards her, a flirtatious smile on his face.

He was a tall man at six -foot four, a head of thick dark purple hair fell almost roguishly across his forehead, easily highlighting the crows' feet at the corners of his dark garnet colored eyes His entire body, even if it was a haloform, radiated suave and power, making a rather debonair figure as he came to a stop just before her handlebars, giving her a thorough once over before he spoke.

"Welcome to the Decepticon base my dear, I am Lord Galvatron, Megatrons' sire."

Easily swinging herself off, a slight smirk tugged at her lips at the glint of heat that sparked through the mechs eyes at her little show. Offering a hand, she wasn't at all surprised when he bent over it, dragging warm if not slightly rough lips across the flesh of the back of her hand.

"Kattrina, but I prefer Kat. I'm guessing you're in dire straits if you asked an Autobot for help."

Galvatron smirked down at her as his sparkling stepped forwards, and judging by the sneer on his lips, he wasn't all that impressed with the image she made. Not that Kat was expecting any other reaction from the tyrant; she would be the first to admit it, she was a short shit. But just like nitroglycerine, big surprises came in small packages.

"Femme, the vehicons have been notified of your arrival and are waiting for you in the kitchens. I will allow you a few days to acclimate and familiarize yourself with our base and our routines before I want you to take on your duties. If I am impressed with the work you have done, then you will take on your duties as our personal chef. I do not want to hear you getting in the way of my soldiers. Are we clear?"

Megatrons greeting was harsh, gruff, accompanied with only a slight head tilt in her direction, and Kat couldn't help but feel even more at home than she had felt it a long time. The corps hadn't made life easy on her; most men she had to deal with on a daily basis hadn't liked the idea of a woman being a part of the spec ops. So having this gruff greeting, it just made her feel like she was going to be right at home here.

"Of course, sir. I am here to do one job, and that is to assess and assist as well as teach your mechs how to properly run a kitchen to the point they can feed your troops without further illness. Once I am sure your troops can run the kitchen efficiently and effectively, I will take on the duty as your personal chefs with as little muss and fuss as humanly possible. If it is clear with you, sir, I would like to check out the kitchens before I settle into my quarters."

Before Megatron could open his mouth a blur of black streaked through the hangar, dodged around Megatron and launched itself at the Autobot femme. Without even blinking, Kat lifted her arms, spread her feet and braced as the blur launched itself into her chest with a heavily accented squeal of delight.

The hangar as a whole froze, optics wide as they stared at the femme easily balancing a squirming Random, the mech having wrapped his arms and legs around the femmes form and was peppering the side of her face in kisses as he babbled.

"Frauline Kat! Frauline Kat! I has missed you!"

To her credit, the woman easily kept the squirming mech up on her hip with one arm, her face remaining professional as the mech buried his face against the side of her neck, purring contentedly. Kat sighed softly, nudging the mech to take his own feet, said mech whining in discontentment as he did so.

The entire hangar stopped to watch the femme cradle the insane mechs face between her hands, her eyes locked on his red ones, a gentle almost motherly smile pulling at her lips as she spoke in a hushed, honeyed tone.

"My sweet Random, as happy as I am to see you, I'm a little busy. Can you play the quiet game with me while the big mechs and femme talk, my sweetness?"

Galvatron coughed into his fist, clearly trying to keep himself from laughing, stepping forwards with a fond smile. He along with everyone who had witnessed the exchange were a bit stunned by the human female. She had easily slid from being a soldier with a stony face, to a soft and gentle carrier type femme.

"Well then, welcome to your new home lovely. Come! Your domain awaits! And not a moment too soon if you ask me!"

Nodding to the mech, the femme booped the squirmy mech on the nose, earning giggles and another round of peppered kisses before he happily leapt back into her arms, the woman easily catching and holding him as she fallowed Galvatron, offering a nod of respect to Megatron as she passed. It seemed that Megatron had swallowed his tongue at the show, and made no comment as the femme easily held the grown mech with a single arm.

Kat didn't know what she was looking at, but it was most certainly not anything reminiscent of food. And judging by the gagging coming from the mech still attached to her hip, he agreed.

The trip to the base kitchens had been lined with side glances and whispered conversations, Random purring as he buried his face into the bare flesh of her neck, smirking at the grunts of jealousy that cropped up after the action. After entering the kitchen, the team of eight vehicons quickly scrambled to the side, their heads bowed as the trio moved to the bubbling pot of the stove. Kat could only describe whatever the hell she was looking at as grey goo. Deftly grabbing the lid resting to one side, the Autobot femme slammed the lid down onto the disgusting concoction with an air of finality.

"I don't know what that is, but whatever it is, it needs to be declared a war crime."

Galvatron and Random snorted as the femme turned of the eight mechs standing against the wall, their forms shaking as she turned her hard green eyes on them. It didn't matter that they dwarfed her in size, and the fact that she had a squirmy mech perched on her hip, she was a force of nature and none of them were willing to face the femmes wrath.

"You lot! Spread the word! Kitchen is closed till further notice! The troops are just going to have to fend for themselves until I can somehow manage to teach you how to cook without killing anyone! And would someone throw this out? Its stinking up the entire base!"

When they didn't move, Kat pulled out her inner marine. Dropping Random onto the countertop she spun with a snarl. She didn't have the time to coddle this group of fragging idiots, not when she had too much piling up on her plate not even an hour in her new position in the network of the Nemesis. Running a kitchen wasn't just cooking, it was so much more, and at the idea of having to catalogue an entire kitchen, she wasn't exactly in the best of moods.

"Are you lot deaf? I said move maggots! Move!"

Galvatron full out laughed as the group scrambled to do what she demanded, her booming yet feminine voice rattling through the room as the group scrambled to get out of her way. Slapping a hand onto one of the slower ones shoulder as he tried to scramble past her, she turned her glare off as she met his terrified red optics.

"What's your designation?"

Blinking, the vehicon shuffled his peddes before hesitantly answering. "S-Steve ma'am."

"Okay Steve. I need you to take this, goo, out to the trash. Then come right back here and help me sort this mess out. I need to know how many we need to feed. From there find out what we have and plan how we're going to get this done. And I'm sorry for snapping at you lot. Walking into this mess is just a little frustrating."

Clearly stunned by the femmes apology, both Galvatron and Steve stared at her with wide eyes, Random giggling in the background. Steve gave her a wide smile and a nod before grabbing the pot and carefully dashed out of the kitchen, leaving the trio to themselves.

Galvatron stood there in stunned silence as the tiny femme before him easily slipped out of her uniform, Random happily taking the article of clothing and pressing his face into the cloth, purring as he took in her scent. The woman chuckled at his antics, a loving hand reached out to cup the mechs cheek before she moved confidently through the large kitchen. The older mech didn't know what to make of this little being moving around the Decepticon kitchen like she owned it, opening walk in doors only to frown at the contents before slamming it shut once more to move on with her silent inspection. She was a conundrum, one moment she was a cold and near silent femme with a soldiers' stance, stone faced. The next moment she was a ferocious little fragger about ready to tear a mechs throat out with her teeth; then there was the sweet side, a soft almost motherly side willing to pass a gentle hand and praise to those she deemed worthy of seeing that side of her being. She truly was an enigma wrapped in a mystery dipped in secret sauce.

"Well, it seems to me that you are going to be here for a while, so I will send someone to show you the way to your quarters in a few hours. If you require anything, simply write it down and give it to Soundwave."

She glanced over her shoulder at him, simply nodding with a muted "Thank you sir", before turning back to rummaging through the dry ingredients shelves. Seeing he wasn't going to rile a response out of the now stoic woman, Galvatron shrugged and left her and Random to their own devices, smirking to himself as the door closed behind him. His keen audios picking up her muttered curses and Randoms laughter. Clearly their newest addition was going to fit in just fine on the Nemesis.

When Steve came back he was slightly shocked to see the large walk in fridges door propped open by a large trashcan, his new boss tossing almost everything into it with enough force to make both the can and door rattle. She was cursing in several languages as she reappeared, her camouflage jacket rested in Randoms servos, the mech happily toying with the name patch. His boss was garbed in a tight black V-necked shirt tucked into her many pocketed camouflage pants that were tucked into the tiniest pair of combat boots he had ever seen. Even though he was a drone, Steve could tell his new boss was a very good-looking femme. Her head of copper colored hair was cropped short and close to her head, but unlike her male counterparts, she looked feminine. She was well built with curves most femmes would kill for and mechs would trip over themselves at the chance to worship. On top of that, her optics were the rare color green, she was a breathtaking creature, even if she was a native organic to this planet.

"Earth to Steve, come in Steve, do you hear me?"

Snapping out of his daze, the vehicon blushed as he realized she had stopped in her movements and had been trying to gain his attention for a moment or two, Random cackling away in the corner.

"S-Sorry ma'am. W-What were you saying?"

The femme froze, her eyes narrowing slowly before glowering sourly at him. In the background Random leapt off the counter and scampered out the door; oh how Steve wished he could follow the crazy mech.

"Don't call me ma'am. Names Kat. Now, explain to me why nearly everything in your walk in is expired or spoiled? Do you not get standard shipments?"

He stared at her, completely blank. Food expired? Energon never expired! And shipments? What kind of shipments? She seemed to catch onto his silence, the femme sighed as she ran a hand through her short hair.

"Get the others, lesson one starts now. And grab me a PADD as well! Clearly I am going to have to make a trip to Soundwave sooner than I would have liked."

Instantly her new assistant was gone in a flash, quickly returning with seven other rather reluctant vehicons trailing behind him. Once the PADD was in her hand Kat nodded to Steve with a grateful smile before turning her eyes on the rest of the group, not really caring as they flinched beneath her steady gaze.

"My name is Kattrina Sunsinger, but you will call me Kat. Do not call me ma'am, if you do your on cleaning duty for the next six months. Yes, I am an Autobot, no I wasn't recruited, I volunteered. In the next month I am your boss. I am here to get this mess of a mess up and running as a well-oiled machine. I am not here to coddle you lot. You are a hot aft mess and I don't have the patience to play nice right now."

The group flinched as a whole, but were smart enough not to speak. Nodding, Kat continued, thumbing through the PADD in her hand while she moved towards the walk in that was still propped open. Reaching a hand into the garbage can she pulled out a package and pointed to the date printed on the label.

"Lesson one starts right now. Food, human food at least, has expiration dates. These dates let us know that the food product is past its usage date. This date means that the food product is past the point we can consume it without ill effects upon our bodies. If you use food that has gone bad, as you lot have already done, you can get people seriously ill, which you lot did."

Helms bows in understanding, some looking sheepish. Seeing her lesson had hit home she nodded.

"Now, lesson number two. We need to know exactly how many mechs and femmes reside on this base. We are feeding the lot so we need to plan out what is being served as well as how much food product we need to order. Now, some products can stay fresh for several weeks, so we can order them in bulk and still have enough left to cover our afts till the next food shipment is ordered. You lot fallowing?"

Helms bobbed, and she continued.

"Good. Now, but before we do anything, this kitchen is fucking filthy. A dirty and disorganized kitchen will screw you over and get people sick. And I for one will not work in a dirty ass kitchen. So, first order of business for you lot. You lot get to sort through everything. And I mean everything! Take everything off the shelves, out of the fridge and freezer. If there is rust, throw it out! If the item is past its dates, throw it out! Organize! Spices go in one place, dry ingredients in another, everything needs to be organized in a way that if someone unfamiliar walks into our kitchen they know exactly where everything is in one glance! Everything needs labels! No mystery ingredients in any kitchen! We need to know exactly what we are using at all times! Then, we need to scrub, sweep, mop, dust, the works. You lot get started, I need to talk to Soundwave."

Kat felt a headache pounding behind her eyes as she stomped through the halls of the Nemesis, oblivious to the mechs scrambling to get out of her way, optics wide as they watched her sashay past. Fingers dug into one temple as she paused at a cross hall, eyes going one way then the other before cursing loudly. Why the hell were these halls unlabeled? Why couldn't there be like, a map somewhere so you could find where you were at least? Snarling under her breath she turned, only to slam face first into someone. Stumbling back, Kat clutched her throbbing nose, green eyes glaring up at the mech who in turn glared down at her, thick black dreads swirling around his face. Well fuck her sideways; even in human form she recognized this scrap heap.

"Crowbar. I would say it's good to see you again, but I'd be lying through my teeth."

She was admittedly unprepared for the fist that connected with her cheek, but as her back slammed into the hallways wall, she was prepared to duke it out. She and Crowbar had gone at each other over the years, the mech seemed to have been gunning for her at every turn.

Wiping away the blood that dribbled from the corner of her mouth, Kat smirked a the black skinned mech, neither noticing the crowd that formed around them, optics wide and murmurs flowing through the ranks. Lifting herself back to her feet, Kat rolled her shoulders, popping a vertebrate before grinning, not even blinking as blood trickled down from her split lip to her chin.

"Seems like you've gotten soft on me Crowbar. That didn't even tickle!"

With an enraged snarl, he ducked his head and came charging, full tilt, towards her like a deranged bull. Smirking, Kat sidestepped, giving a sympathetic wince as he slammed face first into the metal wall, his body crumbling to the hallway floor as soldiers came to a stop to watch the commotion. Smirking to herself, Kat delivered a swift kick to the mechs ribs, sending the mech sliding half a yard down the hallway.

"Come on now Crowbar! After haunting my tailpipe for three years I would have thought you would put up a better fight than this!"

Before he could even right himself she was on him, using her knees to pin his shoulders to the floor as she punched him repeatedly, ignoring the shouts for her to stop and other shouts for her to take his helm off. She didn't stop her assault till a very familiar tentacle like appendage wrapped around her waist, easily lifting her away from her prone prey.

Grunting, Kat glanced over her shoulder, one brow lifting at the blank face visor she found there.

"Ah, Commander Soundwave, just the mech I needed to see."

Reaching into her pocket she offered him the PADD, uncaring that they were being stared at. The scene must have looked hilarious; Crowbar was out cold on the floor, Kat, with a developing bruise on one cheek, hung from a tentacle wrapped around her middle while she was calmly handing Commander Soundwave a PADD over her shoulder. Those who had witnessed the fight couldn't believe the complete one-eighty the human femme took while suspended in the air, her face a mask of complete calm that didn't match the near savage beating she had just delivered to Crowbar.

"Unfortunately, your kitchens are a pile of hot steaming scrap. I will need all of that within the next few days. I'll be putting in a food order shortly, but I'm not going to hold my breath. Your kitchen crew sucks."

The mech said nothing as he turned them away from the masses, those standing behind them parted like the red sea as mech and femme moved through them, Soundwave lifting the femme so that she sat on his shoulder plate instead of dangling in the air like a rag doll.

While her relationship with Crowbar had been one of battles and smack talk every time they faced one another, she and Soundwave had a very different relationship; the mech and human femme had a schedule of online chess matches every other night, the mechs cassettes gleefully filling her in on the pranks they pulled that day through the video feed they set up. Despite the fact that she was an Autobot and he a Decepticon, even during the war they had held a tenuous respect for the other despite their factions. And how could they not? Soundwave had admitted she was different than any organic he had ever met before, and she willingly admitted he was a force of nature to contend with on and off the battlefield.

"Soundwave: Pleased. Kattrina: missed."

Cooing, Kat stroked the side of the mechs faceplate as they entered his office, Ravage purring like a lawnmower at the sight of them.

"I missed you too Soundwave. Hello Ravage, how have you been my darling killing machine?"

The mech allowed her to jump from his shoulder, the woman easily bending down to the purring silver feline, laving him with affection as Frenzy and Rumble scampered forwards to latch onto her legs, both talking at once.

"We missed you Kat!"

"Are you staying with the Decepticons now?"

"Did you bring us anything?"

Chuckling at the rapid fire questioning she had become accustomed too, Kat gently rubbed their hooded heads as she responded.

"I missed you both too, yes I will be staying with the Decepticons till further notice, and I did, but I don't believe either of you behaved today. Judging by the paint splatter on your shoes and legs, I'm guessing you two were enjoying a game of paint balloon toss."

Rumble and Frenzy both looked down and away, clearly trying to act innocent while at the same time come up with a plausible excuse for the paint staining the bottoms of their pants and tops of their shoes.

Chuckling softly, the femme passed them a small baggie, both their faces lighting up at the sight of her infamous rust sticks, both eagerly diving into the bag as the femme turned her attention back to the mech.

"Like I said, your kitchens are a steaming pile of scrap. Its going to take me at least a week, three weeks max to get the kitchens up and running effectively again."

He did not acknowledge her, his helm tilted over the PADD she had given him; the femme nodded and spun on her heel, intent on seeing just how far the kitchen crew got in their cleaning duties. Before her hand could even touch the handle to the door his voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

"Kat: Report to medbay. Knockout: patch you up. Kat: Will go. Soundwave: Orders."

Kat winced, but nodded. She knew better than to even attempt to argue with the mech. If she even attempted to ignore him, Soundwave would simply grab her and haul her ass to the medical bay, and stand in front of the door till the good doctor cleared her.

"Fine. I'm going. Um, directions?"

Soundwave simply nodded towards Ravage, the huge metal cat lifting himself from the floor, leisurely stretching before he prowled forwards. He rubbed his body against her legs as she pulled the door open, the big cat leading her through the maze of hallways till they reached a pair of white doors with the unmistakable red cross printed across their surface. Rolling her shoulders, Kat pushed the doors open, one brow lifting at the sight that met her eyes.

There was a huge mech, the same height as Megatron, but built wide and strong, holding a squirming, snarling Hothead down while a shorter, lithe redheaded mech rocking a Tony Stark beard complete with crisp while lab coat and spiked hair bandaged a rather savage looking gash on his arm. The red headed mech looked up upon their entrance, a smug little smile pulling his lips as he nodded in greeting.

"Ah! You must be,"

His words were cut off by Hothead who froze, his red visor covered eyes flying to Kat, his jaw dropping at the sight of her so casually standing in the medical bay of the Nemesis. Kat smirked, offering a little wave in greeting as Ravage coiled around her legs.

"Hey H. Long time no see. Lemme guess, you got into another fight with Ice and he kicked your aft plates."

Hothead unleashed a hearty bark of laughter, the big mech holding him down released his unwounded arm which the mech reached outwards, his huge smile matched by the copper haired woman as she moved forwards, allowing the huge mech to curl it around her waist in a hug, neither noticing the startled glances shared between the two other mechs.

"It's good to see you again H. What you do this time to piss Ice off?"

Hothead shrugged, and winced, the medic snarling at him not to move. Kat chuckled, smoothing a hand over the mechs bare shoulder, her fingers tracing over a long thin scar that broke up the smooth tan of his skin with its milky complexion.

"I may have insulted his handwriting."

Kat rolled her eyes with a shake of her head. Icy was a mech of logistics, he enjoyed the paperwork. So, with Hothead telling the mech that his handwriting was bad would most defiantly spark some reaction from the usually cool, calm, and collected mech.

"And what about you? Who the frag split that pretty lip of yours?"

"Got into a scuffle with Crowbar. Trust me when I say he looks worse."

The red head snorted, jerking his head towards a still form on a medical berth tucked into the corner.

"I can attest to that. Femme, you fractured his cheekbone, cracked an eye socket and broke four ribs, not to mention the grade two concussion. With your fist. Not that I don't approve. Crowbar has been a pain in my aft for eons. Now, Hothead, your done. Ms. Sunsinger, on the table please."

Hothead didn't hesitate to leap up, yanking his white wife beater back over his head, pausing long enough to press a soft kiss to the womans cheek in a passing goodbye, Kat smirking at the startled looks that danced across both medics faces. Kat moved forwards, easily lifting herself up onto the table, tilting her face upwards so the red haired mech could inspect her face.

"I'm Knockout, that's my assistant Breakdown. Looks like you took a few good hits, nothing I can't fix easily."

Settling back, Kat said nothing as the mech applied medication to her split lip, the mech eyeing her when she didn't flinch or complain at the obvious sting of the medication.

Ravage stayed near the door, watching the entire exchange between the medic and cook. Kat remained silent as Knockout began to ramble about how much Crowbar needed to be put in his place more often, rambling about the time the mech had scratched his 'beautiful paint job'. Kat just sat still and quiet, patiently waiting till the medic was done, nodding in thanks when he declared her free to go.

Knockout and Breakdown watched the copper haired femme leap off the exam table with a grace neither had ever seen in a human before, easily and silently moving across the polished stainless-steel floor. The pair of predators moved from their medical bay, neither looking back as the doors closed behind them.

Knockout whistled long and low, his optics wide as they swiveled to Breakdown who looked like he was about to hyperventilate where he stood, his own optics locked on the twin doors that the two had disappeared through.

"Wonder how much convincing I would need to do to get that wild cat into our berth?"

Strolling through the halls once more, Kat blinked as a resounding slap of skin on skin and sharp yelp that fallow echoed down the hall as she moved back towards the kitchens. As much as she hated to admit it, she really wished Ravage had tagged along with her to inspect the mess that was going to be the kitchens. She didn't trust the crew of eight mechs as far as she could spit. Growling softly under her breath, she felt more then heard the mech closing in behind her, one huge hand landing on her aft in a full-on hand open grab of her left buttcheek through her camouflaged pants.

In a flash she had the offending hand in her grip, planted her heel firmly as she used her forward momentum to pull the offender over her back to slam him onto his own back onto the floor in front of her, arm twisted painfully as he stared into the barrel of her Glock semi-automatic.

"If I were you I would pick who you grope a little more carefully in the future. Most Marines would shoot first ask questions later."

The mech beneath her blinked up at her almost owlishly, laughter spilling from his lips earning a frown from his captor. While he regained his breath, Kat took the time to really look at the mech beneath her gun. He was olive skinned, army green colored hair trimmed in a standard high and tight, muscles rippling beneath his Decepticon camouflage uniform. Bright yellow optics, even from his position beneath the barrel of her gun eyed her up and down appraisingly, his tongue lapping at scared lips before finally meeting her unimpressed gaze once more.

"Can't blame a mech for trying pretty femme. Skyquake, at your service."

Grunting, Kat reengaged the safety on her weapon, stepping back as she slipped in back into the holster at the small of her back, scowling as the mech scrambled back to his peddes, towering over her slight form as he gazed down at her with an all too familiar hunger in his optics. Frag.

"Kat, and get it through your helm right now, I don't want and am not interested in anything that you can offer."

"Awe come on little femme, you can't tell me you're not the least bit interested in all this."

He struck a pose, arms flexing, chest puffed out, trying to look impressive. Kat rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms across her chest as she stared him down. It was mechs like this what were going to make her work here damn near impossible. A smirk tugged her lips as she stepped forwards, pressing her front against his, her hands dancing down the front of his chest. She held back an eye roll as he puffed up even more, looking smug as all pit. Tilting her head back, her breath ghosting over his stubble covered chin as she danced her fingers over the front of his uniform, her eyes half-mast as she locked onto his, her tongue peeking out to lap at her full bottom lip before she husked out in her best seduction voice.

"I'd frag Lugnut before I even thought about touching you."

Pushing him with enough force to send the sputtering mech onto his aft in the hallway, Kat sneered down at him before spinning on her heels and moved to her kitchen once more, unawares of the two mechs who had seen the entire encounter.

Megatron snapped his jaw shut, optics wide at the small show the copper haired femme had just put on. He had been completely convinced she was going to accept Skyquakes offer, the way she pressed her slight form against his, her optics burning with a smoldering fire that sent the energon in his veins boiling. He had seen her as nothing more than a weak organic Autobot, but from reports, she was anything but. He had been informed of her brutal beating of Crowbar, seen the aftermath of her rage, and now he saw a fierce, sexy femme fatale with the ability to seduce any mech then turn on a dime.

"I believe we have misunderstood this little Autobot my son."

He couldn't form words, still too stunned by what he had just witnessed so Megatron simply nodded his helm dumbly as they watched Skyquake lift himself back up to dash after her, only to receive a truly brutal upper cut punch to the jaw, sending him sprawling onto the floor once more, passed out cold.

Megatron knew in that moment he needed to know more about the little femme that now controlled his kitchens, as well as his attention.

Kat moved back into the kitchens, slightly surprised at the sight that met her eyes. All eight mechs were standing in a row, hands behind their backs in parade rest, doing the thousand mile stare. Frowning, she looked around the kitchen in a thorough sweep, her eyebrows hitting her hairline as a surprised whistle escaped her lips. She could hardly believe her eyes; the kitchen she was now standing in was not the one she had left two hours ago. This one was practically sparkling, shelving clean and arranged perfectly, labels on everything written in English as well as Cybertronian, everything was pristine.

"Holy hell guys. To say I am impressed would be a gross understatement! Nice job!"

She caught their chests puffing up while a few had a faint tint of blue to their cheeks in a pleased blush that made her smile a little. While other Decepticons might not have said a damn thing, Kat was more than willing to pay a compliment when it was earned, and her crew had damn well earned it!

"Since you boys did such a great job, you lot can take the rest of the day off. However, I want you to get onto youtube and watch some videos on food safety and kitchen safety. We won't be getting any supplies for a few days, but I still want you in this kitchen every morning at 0400 hours. Get your internal clocks used to waking up and working. Dismissed."

They slipped from parade rest, but they didn't scatter like she assumed they would, instead they gathered around each other, whispering and murmuring before one was shoved forwards, his red visor blinking rapidly in shock and embarrassment. She lifted an eyebrow as he shuffled his peddes, looking anywhere but at her as he spoke in a nervous voice.

"W-Would you do us the honor of joining us for a cube of energon? Miss. Sunsinger?"

Kat blinked slowly, slightly surprised by the offer. Normally she would be going back to her quarters, not willing to associate with the people she worked with. The cooks at the Autobot base, aside from Chef Marcom, were a bunch of prissy bitches too full of themselves and far to infatuated with different bots with the insane hope of one-day crawling into their berths and staying there.

Running a hand through her hair, Kat sighed. These guys seemed different from those whores, and she was trying to turn over a new leaf after everything she had been through. Jedidiah Hawk had made a point of contacting her everyday just to see if she had slipped a little more out of her shell. Looking back up at the group who were looking even more nervous, she smiled softly as she nodded.

"Sure guys, why not? I've never had energon before."

The boys had gone all out, in fact more than a few Decepticons had slipped into their own stashes to offer up different types of energon for their resident Autobot to try. So, Kat sat in the middle of the rec room, surrounded by different cubes of different colored energon, starring at the mini cubes the seeker Skywarp had just deposited.

"What the heck are those?"

"These are of my own creation. Amazing thing gelatin. Don't worry, I didn't use the animal product, I used that plant one."

Kat grimaced but dutifully popped one into her mouth, her eyes widening as she bit down and energon flowed over her tongue, a lot like a Gusher from when she was a child. The flavor was strange, a mix of strawberry and something she couldn't place, tingling as it sloshed around her mouth. Swallowing, Kat hummed.

"Not bad, reminds me of a fruit snack from when I was a kid. What's next?"

Steve, the vehicon that had suggested this whole mess pushed a small cube forwards, this one a pale-yellow color, swirling with a glitter like look to it.

"This one, it's a super concentrated high-grade, sort of like you humans moonshine. This stuff knocked Knockout on his aft with one sip!"

Chuckles rang from the small crowd as Kat lifted the cube, waving it softly under her nose, scenting it before she took a deep swig. Steve balked, the others gasped, and Kat just blinked as she swallowed. Looking down at the cube then back at Steve, Kat huffed softly at their stricken faces. Clearly the crowd thought she was going to keel over like Knockout.

"Knockout's a light weight then. This stuff tastes like stale beer. Not even a tingle."

The crowd gapped at her as she moved on to a recognizable purple cube. She had seen the terror twins smuggle to Jazz and Crosshairs. Taking a swig, she hummed at the sparking that danced over her tongue. Now this was high-grade! Taking another swig, Kat blinked as the crowd around her parted to emit a rather interesting sight. A tall mech, arms folded behind his back dressed in a pristine uniform, tucked in and rank all in pristine condition, boots shined to a mirror like shine as he moved forwards.

Kat leaned forwards in her chair, resting her elbows on the table top as she laced her fingers together, resting her chin onto as she settled herself. She had been through plenty of situations in her day, and on more than one she had to play BBTFC, Bad Bitch on Top of Food Chain, the unmovable mountain. This was just another of those situations.

The man stopped right in front of her, hard yellow optics glaring down into her own green as she stared up at him, silence reigning through the entire room as they stared down each other. There was a literal breath hold on the entire room, tension so thick Kat swore she could see it in the air about her head, thick ropes of it that curled around every being.

"You attacked my brother. I want to know why."

Kat blinked slowly as she spoke, "And, pray tell, just who is your brother? I have attacked quite a few people in my life time, the faces, all start to blur after a while."

The room froze as the mech growled softly, his optics narrowing as he glared down at her before grunting a response.

"I am Dreadwing, my brother is Skyquake."

Kat blinked, honestly shocked. Skyquake looked like the usual gruff and rough Decepticon, complete with the jackaft attitude that came standard. But Dreadwing looked completely different. He held himself in the way that screamed of an honor bound mech who would follow you into the pits of hell if he gave you his loyalty. Frowning, Kat straightened as she spoke.

"Dreadwing I swear to you that I didn't attack your brother without provocation. He grabbed my ass, I said that the was no way I would occupy his bed he came after me and I laid him out. He attacked first and I defended myself. If you wish to confirm this, Soundwave would have the security footage as proof of my words. I know I'm human and my species doesn't have a great track record with honor and truth, but I am not like my species."

Dreadwing stared down at her for a few long sparkbeats before he sighed and waved his hand to the table in silent question. Kat nodded, pushing the cube of high-grade towards him as he sat. At the lift of a questioning brow Kat just shrugged while offering an understanding smile.

"Looks like you could use it. So, what exactly did Skyquake say about the whole thing to make you look ready to tear my head off and stuff my body into the nearest foot locker?"

Dreadwing blinked before a small smile pulled at his lips.

"You do not mince words. I was told that you propositioned my brother to join you in your berth. When he refused, you attacked him in a fit of rage. I now see that the situation was reversed. I apologize for assuming my brother was speaking the truth."

Kat chuckled as he sipped from the cube, sliding it back across the table for her to take. Lifting the cube to her lips, she glanced around; finding the crowd had dispersed to their own tables but were watching avidly. She surmised that this did not happen often, so she simply lowered the cube to push it back to Dreadwing.

"Trust me, its not the first time and it won't be the last. Nature of my work."

The mech tilted his head in silent question making the woman pause. She wasn't sure if telling anyone else about just what she did before she became a cook. Her subconscious spoke up, reminding her of what Hawk had told her to do. Groaning silently to herself she sighed.

"I was a Marine, still am. Once a Marine, always a Marine as we like to say. I got volunteered for seduction missions quite a lot so I learned quickly how to deal with shit like this while maintaining a cool head throughout the mission."

Dreadwing stared at her, his golden optics telling her without words he was unsure how to take her words. She knew from experience, that men rarely believed a woman could pull the wool over a powerful man's eyes. With a glance over his shoulder she spied Megatron haunting the doorway, watching them with a stony face. A sudden idea struck Kat, the woman smiling silkily as she leaned forwards, crossing her arms on the table, making sure that her arms pressed her breasts forwards. She saw Dreadwings' optics widen, pupils dilating as his pulse quicken beneath the flesh of his neck.

"Come now Commander Dreadwing,"

She saw Megatrons optics widen at her voice, how it had lowered into a husky, silken tone as one hand creeped across the table top, long fingers toying softly with the back of the Decepticons hand.

"I may be a little organic, but take me to your berth, and I will Rock. Your. World."

Both mechs flinched, their optics widening almost comically at the sultry purr that slipped past her lips as her eyes became half lidded, giving both a smoldering look that made both mechs blink in shock. Seeing that she had made her point, Kat sat back easily switching back to her usual self as she grabbed the cube of high-grade from where it sat in front of the now stunned commander.

"I believe I have just proven my point. I may be a weak organic femme, but I can pull the wool over anyone optics, be it Decepticon, Autobot or organic."

Kat hid her smirk behind the rim of the cube as she met Megatrons optics across the room, sending the tyrant a raised brow, not moving as his face became stony before he spun and stalked away. Unsure how to take his reaction, Kat took a deep gulp from her cube. So long as he didn't try to start something with her, Kat couldn't care less about what the tyrant thought of her. She was more than just an organic Autobot femme who could cook, not that anyone needed to know that just yet. She was going to play her cards close to her chest and wait and see. There was so much more to her than any of them really knew, not that she was going to let any of them in on that little fact.

She and Dread sat there for hours, Kat motioning her kitchen crew back over to join them, smirking when Dread finally became affected by the high-grade and loosened the hell up from his staunch 'leader' persona. He was laughing and joking with her eight mechs, Steve happily retelling a story that had everyone chuckling. The chuckles died down as another mech stepped towards the table, this one smiling nervously as he met her gaze with his own red. A shiver went down her spine in recognition, she recognized this mech, hard not too with the insignia for a Heelo squad stitched over his left breast pocket. Blackout, the chopper that had helped decimate Will's encampment. Holding her growl down, Kat forced herself to remember that he had been under Megatrons orders to do it, it was war after all. Shaking herself mentally, Kat offered a smile up at the nervous mech as he shuffled his feet where he stood, just out of striking distance she absently noticed.

"Forgive the interruption, but I was sent to escort the Autobot to her quarters."

Dreadwing growled while the others glared, Kat slightly surprised when Steve rested a protective servo onto her shoulder, his body tensing, as if readying himself to leap to her defense, but it was Dreadwing that spoke with that superior voice and aura he wore like a second skin.

"We will only forgive you if you address said 'Autobot' correctly. She may be an Autobot, but she is still a member of our ranks. She outranks you, so show some respect."

Blackout looked surprised for a moment, but to Kat's furthering surprise, he bowed his head.

"Forgive me ma'am. I was sent by Lord Megatron to escort you, ma'am, to your newly assigned quarters. If you would follow me?"

Shooting a wink to Dreadwing and a slight nudge with her elbow to Steve, Kat stood.

"Make sure you watch those videos! I want to gauge your skills in a few days. But until then I want all of you in the kitchen at 0400 tomorrow. Night boys."

There was a chorus of voices throughout the room, Blackout offering his crooked arm with a soft almost apologetic smile when she hesitantly took it.

Once out into the hallway, the mech turned his head down towards her, his red optics flashing with recognition. She herself felt a slight chill race down her spine, her back tensing. She prepared herself for what may or may not take place; she wasn't all that sure of the reaction to her presence this mech would have, and she wasn't positive it would be good.

"I remember you, from Mission City. I want to apologize ma'am. I was fallowing orders. I'm honestly happy that Lord Megatron finally accepted peace with Prime."

That was the last thing Kat was expecting to hear, not that it wasn't a good thing. She was silently pleased that this mech was truly sorry for what he had done. She could see it in the lines of his body, the sorrow painting every inch of his face, and the deep regret glinting in his red eyes.

Gently squeezing his arm, Kat rested her head against his bicep as they moved slowly through the base, its halls seeming to take on a ghostly presence as her mind flashed back to moments throughout the wars she partook in, everything she had seen. Everything she had done to stay alive, and to keep those beneath her protection alive. She understood why he had done what he had done. She herself had been in his position, ordered to do something that went against every fiber of her being, but she had done them, the regret a heavy weight in her gut and in her mind.

"I forgive you Blackout. Believe me when I say that I have been where you have been. It's not easy to have to go through with something like that when it is ordered of you. But, I agree. Peace between these two factions has long been coming. Honestly, if we hadn't reached that peace when we did, I don't know if I could have carried on with the Autobots."

She felt his eyes boring into the top of her head, a silent question being asked, but he didn't have the confidence to ask it. Kat sighed gustily as they turned a corner to a hall lined with doors, each one baring names. Clearly, they had reached the sleeping quarters.

"I have been a soldier since I turned eighteen. I have seen and done things that I honestly am not proud of. Shit happened that I wish I could go back in time to stop myself from doing, but at the same time I am happy I was pushed to do what I did. I forgive you Blackout, just as soon as you can forgive me."

The mech said nothing, but she knew he did forgive her as his free hand came up to rest on the crown of her head as they stopped in front of a door without a name plate, clearly hers since she had just arrived that afternoon. They stood there for a few breaths, just soaking up the others silent forgiveness, Kats senses picking up on the mechs scent, her nose twitching pleasantly at his scent. He smelled like the air after a heavy rain, crisp and clean. It raised more pleasant memories into her mind, memories of her and her team, resting on the mountainside, breathing in the crisp morning air as they watched the sun rise over the mountaintops, snow glittering as flowers slowly opened beneath the gentle fingers that danced across their buds. It was one of the few peaceful moments they had been able to enjoy and to this day it went a long way to calm her mind when it became to hectic.

"These are your quarters, just be warned, Lord Megatrons' quarters are on the left, Lord Galvatrons' is on the right."

Well, that could complicate things.

Gritting her teeth, Kat shook her head in disgust as she pressed her hand to the biometric lock, the computers voice speaking up that her code was acknowledged and accepted before the metal door swished open. As they stepped in, Kat felt her jaw drop to the hardwood floor beneath her boots at the pure opulence that made up her quarters.

It was clearly an officer's quarters, but it was more than anything she had ever seen before. It was laid out as a flat, the kitchen and living room were separated by a breakfast bar. With a glance around Kat found a massive flat screen tv set before a large white suede couch and low glass top coffee table. The kitchen, with one quick glance, was stocked with a coffee maker, stove, microwave, and huge dual door fridge. The room was cut in half by a floor to ceiling gauzy wall of cloth, sheer enough to move with the air flow of the room but solid enough that prying eyes wouldn't see anything. All in all, the quarters were better than anything she ever expected to have.

"Me and Barricade share quarters just down the hall; last door on the right. If you need anything don't hesitate to join us."

Blackouts voice snapped Kat from her mindscape, shooting the mech a soft smile and nod over her shoulder.

"Thanks Blackout."

The mech nodded, offered one last gentle hand on the crown of her head before he left her to slowly explore her new surroundings. To anyone looking in, it would seem that she was checking out her lavish new quarters, but in truth she was carefully sweeping the room for bugs. Trust was a rare commodity, and Kat knew it was extinct within the Decepticon ranks. Her suspicions were confirmed as she located at least four bugs. One each in the kitchen and living room as well as two in the bedroom. Huffing softly, the woman moved to unpack the small amount of clothing she owned. The bedroom part of the quarters was just as opulent as the rest of her quarters. Huge fourposter bed bedecked in black satin sheets, a massive bathroom complete with fully stocked sunken tub with jets and separate rain shower. She would admit she was slightly tempted by the shelves full of bath oils, salts and bombs. She may be a soldier, but sometimes a girl just needed to pamper herself every once in a while.

She shoved those thoughts away, instead opted for a shower instead, her hands dancing over her tortured flesh, fingertips grazing over bullet and knife wounds, wiggling her feet, smirking at the malted flesh of her left foot and three missing toes. She did feel strange not having three of her five toes, but she wouldn't change it for the world. Her flesh was a road map of where she had been and what she had been through in her short lifespan. Ratchet hated that she refused to get surgery to fix half her scars, but accepted that she liked having them. Ironhide had been an aft towards her till they had ran into each other in the showers after a mission. She still chuckled remembering the mechs face as his eyes danced to each scar, just jaw slowly dropping as he counted them. His respect towards her had jumped overnight, Will Lennox more than a little suspicious of his grouchy partners turnabout when it came to her. Kat had simply shrugged and stated, "Showed him my battle scars", and that had been that. Slowly stepping back into her quarters she was slightly surprised to see Blackout standing at the edge of her bedroom, looking at his boots, shoulders scrunched up to his ears and cheeks blue with an energon blush.

"Blackout? What the hell are you doing here again?"

The mech shuffled his feet like a child that knew he was in trouble, peeking up at her for a moment before looking away again. He was smart enough to step back out of the curtain and flick it closed so she could change from a wet towel to something a little more appropriate.

"Barricade is, urm, having relations and I don't want to sleep in the rec-room again. Would it be too much to ask to sleep on your couch, ma'am?"

Shuddering at the idea of Barricade of all mechs having relations with some mech was enough to make her nod her head.

"Hell yes. If you swear to keep your hands to yourself, we can share the bed. Bet it would be more comfortable for you. And before you ask, my back would have a riot if I even thought about sleeping on that damn thing."

She smiled at the mechs gruff chuckle as she stepped out of the curtain in a tank and flannel pants to pad to the kitchen, inspecting the fully stocked fridge before preparing her new coffee maker to go off fifteen minutes before she would wake up. Even Optimus knew not to approach her in the mornings before she had at least her second cup of the elixir of the gods of coffee. To say she was a grouchy in the morning would be like calling Ratchet the biggest softest teddy bear of a mech in the galaxy.

Returning to her new room she smiled to find Blackout had shucked his boots to rest them neatly at the foot of the bed, and had traded his uniform for a muscle shirt and loose sleep pants. The covers were already folded down, but he was waiting patiently for her to join him.

"Didn't know which side you preferred."

Nodding, Kat paused at her empty duffle bag to remove her twin Desert Eagles and twelve-inch buck knife from the canvas. Ignoring the mechs wide eyed stare, she tucked one gun beneath her pillow before stowing its twin and knife in the nightstand.

"I like the left side, first line of defense. Get comfortable; I wake up at three am to prep the kitchen for the new crew. Once you wake make sure to relock the doors."

The pair climbed in, Blackout turning off the lights for them as they settled down, Kat sighting in comfort as the mech beside her dropped instantly to sleep. His rumbling snores set her at ease; she couldn't sleep unless the crickets were singing, or in this case Blackout was comfortable enough to drop so deep into sleep he snored. It was an old habit she didn't feel the need to stop; it had saved her life before. As sleep claimed her, she had no idea the events unfolding halfway across the world.

An agent scrambled through the underground base, racing through the dimly light halls towards the main headquarters, a file clenched in his fist as he moved as fast as his booted feet could take him.

Crashing through the doors, the agent scrambled to a stop while saluting and calling out.

"Sir! We have found her!"

All movement stopped, heads turned to their leader as the man slowly turned around to face the voice that spoke up. Hard eyes glared the agent down, but with a gulp of courage the man stepped forwards with the file outstretched.

"She is now a member of the Autobots, but recent intel says she has been recruited by the Decepticons, sir. She is Lords Megatron and Galvatrons' personal chef sir!"

Heads swiveled to their leader, each silently taking in the powerful man as he slowly stepped forwards to take the file, easily flipping it open as he looked over its contents. The room as a whole held their breath as he silently perused the information, a slow smile pulling at the mans lips.

"Well done agent."

The tension in the room slipped away, the agents shoulders slumping only slightly in relief before snapping a salute and racing away, leaving their leader to wander back to his command post, his fingers running over the glossy photo clipped to the file.

"Finally, finally I have found you again. I promise you my dear little Kattrina, I will not allow you to slip through my hands again. You will be mine, in life, or in death my little kitty Kat. I promise you that."

The men around their leader shifted in their seats, their spines chilled at the tone of their leader's voice.

Whoever their leader was so desperate to find wouldn't know how to get away from the determined man. Their leader had been searching for this 'Kitty Kat' for years. His obsession with her had bordered on demonic, so obsessed with finding her that it had nearly ruined them as a whole. Whoever brought their leader the dossier on her current whereabouts was most likely going to be rewarded generously for somehow managing to find the bitch.

No one hid from Leland Bishop, and if they did, they had no idea the hell the man would go through to find them and claim them as his own.

Dead or alive.

So? Thoughts? Please comment and let me know what you think!