Here's the next chapter. This one is setting things up for the next couple of chapters.

Units of time as I use them:

Astrosecond= .273 seconds

Klik= 1 minute

Joor= 3 hours

Cycle= 1 day

Breem= 1 week

Groon= 1 month

Stellar cycle= year

Meta cycle= 5 years

Deca cycle= 10 years

Orn= century

Vorn= 5 centuries

:underline:- spark twins talking

:bold:- bonded mechs talking

:italics:- comm link

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or any affiliated characters. All I own is the plot and any OCs I added.

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 21

"Wake up, Carrier! Wake up, Sire! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" an incredible cheerful voice announced happily, jumping up and down on the berth.

Optimus and Ratchet groaned simultaneously, groaning again when they saw what time it was.

"Springer, stop shouting. You know you're not supposed to be talking so loud while indoors." Ratchet reprimanded.

"And stop jumping on the berth." Optimus added.

"Sorry, Carrier. Sorry, Sire." Springer instantly stopped before crawling between them. "But today's my creation cycle!"

Ratchet rolled over so that he could look at his son. "Yes, Springer. We know." He didn't add that Springer had talked about it a great deal the cycle before.

"So get up!" Springer smiled brightly.

:Does he always get up this early when it's his creation cycle?: Optimus asked.

Ratchet was amused, and he made sure that that feeling made it through the bond. :Just wait until Primus Cycle.:

:Why?:

Ratchet chuckled. :Because if you think this is early, then you're in for a rude awakening come Primus Cycle.:

Optimus suddenly found himself dreading Primus Cycle.

"Come on, Carrier! Get up already!" Springer continued.

"Get up!" came two more voices before Hot Rod and Lightshow joined them on the berth.

:We're out of luck, aren't we?:Optimus asked.

:What do you think?: Ratchet sat up. "All right, you three. We're up."

"Yay!" all three exclaimed.

Ratchet smiled. "But Springer, your creation day party is not for another eight joor. Getting up early won't change that fact."

All three younglings released groans of disappointment.

Optimus chuckled. "Come on. We'll have breakfast."

The three younglings jumped down from the berth and scampered off into the common room.

Optimus flopped back down. "This is way too early."

Ratchet was already getting out of the berth. "I warned you that you wouldn't be able to recharge as much now. And on holidays or creation cycles, they get up that much earlier."

Optimus sighed. "I wish we had gone into recharge sooner."

Ratchet smirked. "As I recall, you were the one that wanted to stay up late-playing." He decided to be less crude since the younglings were close by.

Optimus smirked right back. "But it was so much fun."

Ratchet rolled his optics. "Now get up before they come back." He then headed out into the common room.

Optimus sighed. The night before had been fun, and the lack of recharge was worth it. He finally made himself get out of his berth and go into the common room with his mate.

The three younglings had climbed onto the couch and had already turned the vid screen to a cartoon feed.

Optimus and Ratchet got energon for their creations and made sure that they were refueling before they got energon for themselves. Both were still tired, but figured they might as well suck it up and deal with it.

Jazz sat across from Black Storm once again.

Black Storm smirked. "Come back to see me, did you, Lieutenant."

Jazz was unamused. "We know that you were sent by Shadowstrike to try to kill the Prime's mate."

Black Storm made to speak.

Jazz continued. "We know you broke beyond the gates of the Prime's palace and were trespassing. We know that you tried to kill Elita-1, the commander of the femme unit in the military. We know that you tried to kill a youngling. All that together means some serious jail time."

Black Storm snorted. "Like a jail could hold me. I told you that before."

Jazz smirked at him. "Ya should know that we're planning ta send ya to tha maximum security prison in Kaon."

Black Storm froze. He had not been in that particular prison before, but he had heard the rumors there. The rumors were enough to make a mech like him be wary.

"Some of tha worst perpetrators in Cybertronian history are holed up in there. An' they don' take kindly ta bots that try to hurt sparklins and younglins." Jazz stood up. "Of course, there's some in there that make you look like an amateur. Some bots there have done a lot worse than you for a lot less than you." Jazz shrugged as he stood up. "Guess ya didn't think ya'd get put some place like that when ya decided to work for Shadowstrike, and we know you are. Too bad you're paying the price for what she wanted."

"You-you can't do that." Black Storm was stunned.

"Actually, we can. Ya see, ya committed a great crime. A heinous one at that. Ya tried ta kill tha Prime's mate. Ya tried ta kill his younglin', and ya nearly killed Elita-1. I think that's more than enough." Jazz turned to leave.

"Hold it! I just did what Shadowstrike told me to do! She wanted Elita-1 dead! So I went to kill her! And how the Pit was I supposed to know Prime and Elita-1 had a creation together?! No bot ever knew that!" Black Storm was on his feet as he shouted.

Jazz turned back to him, glad that his visor hid his shocked expression. He was a master at controlling his EM field, so it didn't give off his shock. "So, ya admit ya were hired by Shadowstrike."

"Yeah. I do. I'll tell you whatever you want to know. Just don't send me to Kaon." Black Storm did not want to go to Kaon under any circumstances.

Jazz walked back over. "Start talking and we'll see."

"But that makes no sense, Jazz!" Elita was pacing Megatron's office furiously after the saboteur had revealed everything. "Why would Black Storm say that he was after Optimus's mate if his target was me? All bots know that Optimus and I never bonded. And what the Pit do you mean he thought Lightshow was mine and Optimus's?!"

Jazz held up his hands in surrender to the angry femme commander. "Hey, Ah'm just tellin' ya what Ah learned from 'im, 'Lita. Can't blame me for it."

Megatron drummed his fingers on his desk. "So, if we take what Black Storm has said at face value, his intended target was never Ratchet in the first place."

"But why me? I don't get that. I mean, she sent two different assassins, and the second assassin never even got close to where I was. He went to Optimus's quarters for Primus' sake! And he went to the room where Springer, Lightshow, and Hot Rod would have been had they not been recharging with Optimus and Ratchet." Elita pointed out.

"Perhaps if we inform Rung of what we have learned, he may be able to piece it all together. After all, who better to try to understand the mind of a psychopath like Black Storm than a psychologist?" Prowl remarked.

"Couldn't hurt." Galvatron turned to Megatron. "Since we got that out of Black Storm, can I throw him to the Dinobots now?"

Megatron glared at him. "No, you can't!"

Galvatron looked disappointed. He had been looking forward to watching the Dinobots rip Black Storm into nuts and bolts.

Elita shook her helm. "I don't understand."

"Well, maybe we'll learn a bit more from Speedstrike. Magnus is taking a turn at him, and if he doesn't get anything out of him, Soundwave and Shockwave are going to take a turn at him." Jazz stated.

The group agreed.

"I know Optimus has to be told of these developments, but I think it will wait until after Springer's creation cycle celebration." Megatron stated. He shook his helm. "Primus knows we need something good to happen right now."

No bot disagreed with that. Since Ratchet had returned, only bad things seemed to keep happening with all of the assassins that Shadowstrike seemed to be sending to the palace to do her bidding. They needed something good to happen, even if it was just for a few joor.

"Springer! Lightshow! Hot Rod! Stop running inside!" Ratchet scolded at the three younglings who were running ahead of their creators in the hall.

"Sorry, Carrier!" the three called as they stopped running.

Ratchet shook him. "How many times do I have to tell them that?"

"They're younglings, and they're excited Ratchet. You can't blame them for that." Optimus told his mate.

"I know they are, but I've been telling them since they were old enough to walk that they don't run indoors." Ratchet stated.

"Younglings will be younglings, Ratchet." Rung stated from behind.

Optimus and Ratchet stopped and turned to face Rung.

Rung smiled pleasantly. "I'm assuming the party will be starting soon."

"Of course, Rung. We are headed there now." Ratchet replied.

"Good." Rung chuckled. "Be prepared, though."

"Why?" Ratchet was suspicious of what his friend was up to.

"You'll see." Rung replied.

Optimus and Ratchet were floored by the number of gifts that were piled up on the gift table from Springer.

"Did our creators go nuts?" Ratchet muttered.

Rung chuckled. "Remember the trailer I had with me?"

Ratchet nodded.

"Well, those were gifts from Creon. Since most knew I was coming, they sent gifts by me." Rung explained.

Now Ratchet understood why there were so many gifts. He should have known that his friends back in Creon would want to send gifts to Springer. He figured the same thing would happen with Hot Rod and Lightshow when their creation cycle came.

Optimus now wondered just how many friends Ratchet had back in Creon, considering the number of gifts. Then again, he had no idea what his and Ratchet's creators had done as far as gifts. Then there was all of their siblings and friends here in Iacon to wonder about, too. Maybe that was an accumulation of all of the gifts Springer was getting.

Optimus turned out to be wrong.

All the gifts that had been in the room already were only those from Creon.

By the time all the gifts were brought in, there were far more gifts than Springer alone could open.

Ratchet rubbed between his optics. "I suppose I should have known this would happen."

Optimus chuckled. "Yes, you should have."

Wheeljack then slung an arm around Ratchet's shoulder. "Come on, Ratch. We're all just excited to have them here. And we're not all to blame."

Ratchet glared at him, "'Jack, everybot here combined bought him more than those in Creon."

Wheeljack shrugged. "A youngling can't have too much stuff. 'Sides, at least you got the small party that you wanted."

Ratchet knew that that much was true, but he was still annoyed at all the gifts Springer received. He looked at Optimus. "We'll have to turn one of the rooms into a playroom for them."

Optimus nodded in agreement. He had already decided that that would need to be done, but was going to have to get it set up sooner than he originally thought.

Springer, Hot Rod, Lightshow, Jetfire, and Jetstorm were currently running around the room playing with some of the toys Jetfire and Jetstorm had since the presents hadn't been opened yet. Bluestreak was also playing with the younglings since he loved younglings so much. The grey adult Praxian was having the time of his function doing so.

The adults were milling around drinking energon and talking.

"You certainly have an array of friends back in Creon, Ratchet." Starlight commented.

Ratchet chuckled. "Creon is a small town. It's one of those towns where everybot knows everybot."

"Unfortunately." Arcee muttered.

"Not all fun, I suppose." Elita remarked.

"No. You have those bots you wish you could forget. And those you loath running into." Arcee replied.

"You have that everywhere." Alpha Trion pointed out.

"Still, there are a few that drive me nuts. Like Sidetrack." Arcee stated.

Ratchet laughed. "Sidetrack is not that bad, Arcee."

"He talks about a thousand different subjects in one conversation!" Arcee retorted.

"Lives up to his designation, does he?" Swiftwind asked.

"Every time you talk to him." Ratchet agreed.

"It's just Sidetrack's personality. Just as being a short-tempered, wrench-wielding medic is Ratchet's personality." Rung remarked before taking a sip of energon.

"And just like being a calm, analytical, and nosey bot is Rung's personality." Ratchet shot back.

The group chuckled at the light banter.

"Carrier."

Ratchet turned his attention to Springer. "Yes?"

"Can we have energon cake now?" Springer, along with all the other younglings, had a pleading look in his optics.

Smokescreen, who was feeding Dropkick, snickered. "I'd love to see you say no, Carrier."

Ratchet knew he could if he needed to, but there was no need to say no. "Yes, you can." He set his energon aside and stood up to cut the cake.

Optimus, along with everybot else in the palace, had given up on getting Ratchet to stay out of the kitchen. They realized that Ratchet enjoyed some aspects of domesticity, though that mostly came from the fact he had done it for the past orn.

Once all the younglings had their slice of cake, Ratchet started handing them out to the adults.

"Should you be eating that, Chromia. You could have the sparkling at any time." Ironhide stated.

Chromia glared at Ironhide. "A piece of energon cake isn't going to kill me, 'Hide. Now knock it off!"

"She's sparked, not crippled, Ironhide. She can eat whatever she likes." Ratchet told him.

"Thank you, Ratchet." Chromia then started to eat her cake.

Starlight then turned her attention to her son and son-in-law. "So, how are things between you two?"

"They're fine, Carrier." Ratchet stated. He was starting to understand why Bluestreak had such a nosey streak.

:Perhaps we should inform them of the fact that the bond has been restored.: Optimus suggested.

:No. That would take away from Springer, and this is supposed to be his day. I won't take that away from him.: Ratchet replied.

:Perhaps tomorrow then.: Optimus remarked.

:We'll see.:

It wasn't long before it was time for Springer to open his gifts. He had so many that it wouldn't have taken a few joor to open them all, so the other four younglings helped Springer to open everything. Once all of the gifts had been opened and all of the thank yous had been said, the younglings started playing with some of the toys that Springer had received.

Ratchet shook his helm. "And then Hot Rod and Lightshow's creation cycle is coming up in only three groon."

"And Jetfire and Jetstorm will be having theirs in only a groon." Skyfire remarked.

"At least they are all playing together so well." Nemesis stated, watching as the younglings played together.

That something Ratchet hadn't doubted. At least as far as his younglings were concerned. He had taught them to share, and they had been playing with other younglings at their school. He was glad they had Jetfire and Jetstorm to play with.

A few joor later, Optimus and Ratchet had gone to the Prime's office so that Jazz could bring them up to date on what he had learned from Black Storm. They would also hear from Rung and see what conclusions he had come to in regard to Shadowstrike.

Despite the fact that it was Springer's creation cycle, they knew that they needed to be kept up-to-date on everything involved with the investigation. Besides, Springer, Hot Rod, and Lightshow were with their grand-carriers, which freed Ratchet to come as well.

Megatron, Galvatron, Elita-1, Ultra Magnus, Prowl, and Grindor were also there to be brought up to speed on what they now knew in regards to the assassins and Shadowstrike, though they knew everything that Jazz would have to say except for Grindor.

Optimus decided that before Rung's observations about Shadowstrike could be colored in any way, he wanted to hear what the psychologist had learned about her. "Rung, please tell us what you have concluded about Shadowstrike."

"Well, considering the fact that the psychological evaluations that were done are probably forged, I paid little attention to them, though I did read over them. Shadowstrike seems to be a bot who was given everything that her spark ever desired. I highly doubt that her creators ever denied her anything, which allowed her to develop the processor-set that whatever she wanted she could get. With help from Lieutenant Jazz, I dug a little deeper into Shadowstrike's past. While officially she has no kind of run-in with the Enforcers, there were several occasions where she stepped over the line, but her sire always stepped in and got her off the hook. She doesn't believe that her actions will ever have consequences because she believes that her sire's position will get her out of any trouble she finds herself in." Rung explained.

"Even killing somebot?" Elita asked, a tinge of anger in her voice.

"Yes. If she wanted something or believed that something was hers by right, then Shadowstrike would most likely go to any lengths to get what she wanted, even committing murder, and she would see any action taken to stop her or punish her as unjustified." Rung replied.

"Would she be volatile if confronted?" Prowl asked.

Galvatron snorted. "Given what she's already done, I'd say that she's volatile."

Rung ignored the comment. "Very. I'm assuming she saw her imprisonment before she broke out as unjust."

"Definitely." Jazz agreed.

Rung nodded. "She is fixated on you, Prime. Probably because partly she believes that she's the only one that deserves to be your mate."

That simple thought sent a burst of anger through Ratchet at the thought. A feeling that made it through the bond.

:Ratchet, I don't care what she thinks. You're the one that I want.: Optimus tried to sooth his mate.

:I know, Orion. It just makes me angry that she thinks that. And that she could have killed Hot Rod and Lightshow in the process.: Ratchet replied.

"In all honesty, I believe that her fixation comes more from the fact that she can't have you, Prime. And I believe that is the motivation behind these attacks. Now, I believe she wants to punish those she blames for what she perceives as wrongdoing against her." Rung explained.

"She's the one who caused all this." Megatron growled.

"You must understand that this is what I believe may be going on in her own processors. Not what I believe to be true or moral. Shadowstrike has her own set of rules that she lives by, and she truly doesn't care about other rules. And she doesn't believe anyone has the right to contradict her. As seen when she disobeyed orders because she thought she shouldn't be ordered around." Rung stated.

Grindor looked at him. "Is there any way to know where she might go?"

"No. Although I will say that I highly doubt that she came up with the plan to murder Ratchet." Rung stated.

THAT certainly caught everybot's attention.

"What do you mean, Rung?" Ratchet asked, his optics narrowed.

"I have seen Shadowstrike's intellectual results done by the military. While she certainly is ambitious enough and conceited enough to do something like this, I highly doubt she could have concocted such a plan. Since it was noted that she had Windstreak to back her up, it was clearly premeditated. However, I do not believe that Shadowstrike came up with the plan. She may act high and mighty, but I don't believe she would have the capability to come up with a successful plan like this. It was elaborate." Rung stated.

"She had help other than Windstreak." Prowl stated, getting angry.

Rung nodded. "Most likely whoever truly masterminded the entire plan."

"It would have to be somebot higher up. After all, only a few knew that Ratchet had been captured, and even fewer even knew about the rescue mission." Jazz stated.

Megatron growled. "I'd bet my spark that it was a member of the Senate."

"No proof, though." Prowl pointed out. The Enforcer in him as well as his battle computer made him want facts to prove this, not pure speculation.

"Whoever did plan it was probably the same bot who helped Shadowstrike escape from our custody." Ultra Magnus mused.

"Meaning they still have power and access to the base." Elita said.

"And a lot of resources." Optimus added.

"That, I'm afraid, is the best I can do." Rung said.

"Thank you, Rung. We appreciate your help." Optimus told him.

"I am glad I could help." Rung replied.

Jazz then brought those who did not know up to speed on what he had learned from Black Storm.

"So, Elita was Shadowstrike's target?" Optimus asked in disbelief.

"That's what Black Storm told meh. 'Course, could be covering his own aft by sayin' that. Although he thought Lightshow might've been yours and 'Lita's." Jazz stated.

Elita frowned. "All bots knew we never had any creations together." Frag, they never even interfaced once.

"I know. Just relaying what I know." Jazz stated.

"It's probably a lie." Prowl walked over to the vid screen that showed diagrams of the palace. "After all, the second assassin, Speedstrike, targeted the younglings. Has they been in the room, he could have gotten them." He turned to Ultra Magnus, ignoring his carrier's angered EM field. "Did you learn anything from Speedstrike?"

"No. He hasn't said anything. And I mean anything. Not one word. Soundwave and Shockwave are doing what they can to get him to talk." Ultra Magnus replied.

"It would help if we could compare their stories." Prowl stated.

"So, what now? If we don't stop her, Shadowstrike is going to attack again." Megatron stated.

That no bot had an answer to.

Ratchet studied the diagram on the vid screen, more to calm himself down when a thought occurred to him. He looked to Rung. "Rung, based on what you know of Shadowstrike, she'd try to take out anybot who was in her way. Meaning that her direct attacks through assassins is probably more her style than the covert operation that nearly killed me, right?"

"Yes. Which is why I believe that she followed another's plan in the attempt on your life." Rung replied.

Ratchet walked over to the diagram.

"What is it, Carrier?" Prowl asked, confused.

Ratchet turned back to find all optics on him. "We've looked at this under the assumption that Shadowstrike knows that I'm alive."

"Well, sure. Both assassins stated they were coming after Optimus's mate. That's you." Jazz pointed.

"But on more than one occasion, senators and newscasters have referred to Elita as Optimus's mate." Ratchet pointed out.

Elita was worried her brother was hurt and started to reassure him.

"What if we're wrong? What if Shadowstrike doesn't know I'm alive?" Ratchet asked.

"But-" Optimus stared.

"Just hear me out." Ratchet said, a little irritated.

No bot was going to question him as no bot wanted wrenches to fly.

"Suppose Shadowstrike doesn't know I'm alive." Ratchet looked at Rung. "Under that assumption, would Shadowstrike go after Elita?"

Rung considered it. "It's probable. Shadowstrike would see Elita-1 as the one who got between her and her goal After all, she committed attempted murder and treason to get what she wanted."

"But she went after the younglings." Ultra Magnus pointed out.

Ratchet looked at Elita. "I know you shared Optimus's quarters while you were his consort. Which room did you use?"

Elita was startled, but thought about it. "The one that…the younglings…are in." She hesitated as realization dawned on her.

"Elita is the target." Galvatron said, shocked.

"Shadowstrike has no idea I'm alive. And the assassin probably thought Lightshow was yours because she has Optimus's color scheme." Ratchet stated.

"That is plausible." Rung agreed.

"Okay. If Shadowstrike doesn't know that Ratchet is really alive, that means he's not a target." Jazz said.

"But I still am." Elita shook her head. "I wish that Shadowstrike would just come at me directly. I'd take care of her myself that way."

Ratchet started to get an idea. "You know, I think I might know who to draw Shadowstrike out and end this once and for all."

"NO!" Optimus, Megatron, Galvatron, Elita, Prowl, and Jazz all shouted at once with such vehemence that it caused Ratchet to jump.

"What?" Ratchet was bewildered at their reaction. Was he not allowed to help to end this?

Optimus stood up. "There is no way in the Pit you are putting your life on the line, Ratchet, and I know that you would do that to end this. I lost you once. I am not losing you a second time." He'd rather kill himself than go through that pain again.

"Optimus, I have no intention of leaving you or our creations anytime soon." Ratchet replied.

"Carrier, there is no way we are doing anything that could endanger your life." Prowl said with finality.

Ratchet glared at Prowl. "Prowl, if you will remember correctly, I'm the one who brought you into this world, and I can just as easily take your out of this world!"

Prowl flinched at that. He knew he'd crossed a line. After all, using that type of tone with his carrier was never going to be acceptable.

"And perhaps if you would listen to my idea, you would realize that I would not be in the danger you believe. It's not like I'm suggesting I go out into Iacon alone." Ratchet stated.

Rung was curious. "So, what is your idea?"

"My idea is to let the general public know that I am alive." Ratchet stated.

The protests were about to come.

Ratchet raised his hand to stop them. "Let me finish." Once he knew no one would interrupt, he continued. "Yes, I know that means letting all those who hate me know that I'm alive as well, but it would happen sooner or later. If my understanding is correct, then the senators and other high class bots would expect there to be some kind of celebration held here at the palace to celebrate the fact I'm alive, and bots would come to give their thanks that I'm alive, or fake the fact that they're glad I'm alive."

"Yes, they would." Grindor agreed.

"Ah see where ya goin' wit' this, doc. Ya think that if Shadowstrike knows ya alive, then she'll become enraged that she didn't kill you. She'll probably snap and come at you here at the palace where you're heavily guarded." Jazz stated.

Ratchet nodded. "Yes. And I'm here where we do have a lot of guards, meaning it would be hard for her to get to me. Also, if she were to strike out during the celebration, which I bet she will, then I would be near Optimus at all times." Ratchet was under no illusions that the Prime would not allow him to stray far from him if at all.

"So, you're plan is to virtually let Shadowstrike know you're alive so that she'll get pissed off and come straight to us." Optimus mused.

"Where we'll have bots you trust ready for when Shadowstrike does make an appearance." Ratchet then looked at Rung. "Do you believe she would come straight at us if she knows I'm alive?"

"Considering her personality, yes, I believe she would. Shadowstrike would come fast and with everything she had." Rung replied.

"An' we'd be ready fer when she made her strike." Jazz finished.

Prowl considered it. "It is possible that it would work. We could have guards mixed in with the crowd so that if anybot spotted Shadowstrike, they could stop her before she caused too much trouble."

Ratchet bit back the retort that that was his point. It's not like he had a death wish. Nearly dying once was enough for him.

"It'll take a few cycles to get things ready." Ultra Magnus stated.

Grindor considered it. "Perhaps it would be wise to keep the fact that you have three younglings out of the news for the time being. I don't want Shadowstrike making any attempt to go after them."

That was a thought that sent a chill through every bot in the room.

"While we're at the party, I think that it would be wise to have Sideswipe and Sunstreaker remain with the younglings. Just to be safe." Ratchet stated.

Optimus nodded his agreement. He knew that the two would take special care of Hot Rod, Springer, and Lightshow.

"I had better get to work on drafting a speech." Prowl muttered before leaving.

Ratchet turned to face Optimus. "He writes your speeches."
Optimus looked a bit sheepish. "What can I say? Prowl has a way with writing words. He just doesn't express with the appropriate emotion."

"Luckily OP does, which means that they make the perfect commander and SIC. Prowl writes 'em, and OP says 'em." Jazz stated.

"I had better prepare myself for the way the Senate will react." Grindor shook his helm. "This is going cause quite a shakeup. And I'll need to have my response speech ready as well." The head of the Senate then left the Prime's office.

"Galvatron, better find the most loyal you can in the army. We'll need them close by from now on." Megatron stated.

"I already have several in mind." Galvatron stated.

Ratchet hoped that his idea worked. He wanted the assassins to stop coming after them because of this deranged femme's warped mentality.

"We'll have to tell them now." Ratchet mused.

Optimus looked up from his datapad. He had been reading the speech that Prowl had drafted and was startled by his mate's sudden statement. "What do you mean?" He looked to where Ratchet was stretched out on their berth.

"The fact that we're bonded. We have to tell them all now. After all, I don't want to have to deal with that processor-less Senate trying to come up with ways that we can't stay together. Besides, our family ought to know first." Ratchet replied.

Optimus set the datapad aside and moved to sit with Ratchet. "So, you're all right with everybot knowing?"

Ratchet turned to look at his mate. "Of course I am. We haven't before this because neither of us really thought about it, and I didn't want to earlier because it would have taken the attention off of Springer, which is where their attention needed to be."

"Good." Optimus pulled his mate up and kissed him soundly on the lips. "Because I want all of Cybertron to know that I'm already taken."

Ratchet smirked. "And I'll make sure that anybot that thinks otherwise knows that fact."

Optimus chuckled. "I'm sure you will." He then kissed his mate again. "It'll be good for everybot to know that."

Ratchet nodded in agreement. "And all our family members will finally stop asking me if we plan on bonding again. I've had several ask me that questions."

Optimus chuckled. "That's true." He then smirked. "Although I'm sure our creators will start bugging us soon about when we're having more creations. I know Starlight was starting to get on Wheeljack about that."

"We'll have them when we do. I'm not getting sparked against just to satisfy her desire for grand-creations." Ratchet muttered.

"Of course not. Just a warning." Optimus told him.

Ratchet nodded. "Don't you have a speech to get ready for."

Optimus sighed. "I suppose so." He then moved to get back to read over the speech that Prowl had prepared.

Ratchet smiled. He would be glad that all bots knew that Optimus belonged to him. There was no way in the Pit that he was going to let anybot change that fact.

More than that, he would be glad to get the deal with Shadowstrike taken care of so they could all get back to their lives.

Let me know what you thought.

Note 1: Black Storm was the first assassin is you forgot. I know it's been a while since that part of the story.

Note 2: I know NOTHING about psychology, so I have no idea if what I had Rung say was true psychology or not. Just go with it.

See you next chapter!