Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

The Military Lord and the Hero's Creation	By : TheGatekat Category: Transformers > G1 > Slash - M/M Views: 2755 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Transformers belong to Hasbro. No money made.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
The Military Lord and the Hero's Creation 20: Political Wars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =================== ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only after the door to their suite shut behind him did Jazz allow his frame to relax, pulling the cube of enriched energon from his subspace and sipping at it slowly. He could feel the moment it hit his tank, and sighed as the energy spread through his frame.
With all three of their creations doing well and well on their way to being on their own, when the idea had arisen of kindling another Jazz had held no reservations and been a willing and enthusiastic participant in the kindling. He had been looking forward to carrying again, to feeling the new life and personality of their newest creation next to his spark, and then to hold the new life in his arms.
It had been quite the surprise when Keepsafe had informed them that there were two sparks joined to his own, and that they were now expecting twins.
It also meant that Jazz was already far more tired than he had been at this stage when carrying Bladesinger.
~It will be worth all the difficulties,~ Prowl purred as he wrapped his arms around Jazz. ~I'll be here for you, as will Steelplate. Thunderstorm too. I think he has my carrier bent.~
Jazz leaned back against his mate, smiling at the warm comfort. ~It was worth it just for the reaction when you made the formal announcement to the House. And that is probably a good thing, seeing as how Bladesinger seems to have no interest in creations of her own.~
~She's very young, and intent on being a warrior,~ Prowl nuzzled him. ~I'm not surprised she's not thinking of sparklings yet. Flashdrive isn't either, though that is more a Seeker thing. He'll settle once he has his trine.~
~I certainly wasn't at her age. And Master Zariace already speaks well of her training.~ Jazz murmured, turning his helm to kiss his mate. ~Has Flashdrive expressed an interest in anyone?~
Jazz hadn't heard the mechling mention any such interest, but he had also been rather distracted lately, with much of the attention that had been focused on their elder creations shifting to the new ones already brushing his spark with feelings and personalities.
~No one that returns the interest,~ Prowl chuckled and nudged Jazz towards a soft, large couch in the living room. ~Nothing serious either, given how he took the rejection.~
~That's good. He has time, so long as the Seeker coding doesn't kick in full force.~ Jazz mused as he obediently moved in the direction of the couch, eager for a few quiet moments with his mate.
~As I understand it, it shouldn't cause him issues until he's been a full mech for at least six hundred vorns,~ Prowl purred, drawing his mate onto the couch to curl around each other. ~He has plenty of time, and like Thunderstorm, will be sent to Vos often to spend time with those who resonate the most with their trine coding.~
Energon finished and wrapped in the warm protection of his mate Jazz relaxed completely, content. A rub from his spark made him smile, and leaned into Prowl. ~Still think you're ready for two more?~ He teased.
~Always,~ he purred, relaxing as his mate did. ~We raised three high-strung fliers. We can handle two of anything.~
That comment had his mate laughing out loud, frame shaking from helm to toe in amusement. Getting control back Jazz turned to kiss Prowl. ~These two are going to be just as much of a handful I think, love.~
~Twins frequently are,~ Prowl smiled softly.
He snuggled back down against Prowl, considering their elder creations and remembering his own fears deep in his spark when he had carried Bladesinger. ~They have turned out well though, haven't they?~
~Very well,~ Prowl assured him. ~All three are fine young members of the House. Assets.~
Conversation gave way to contented cuddling, hands running lightly over frames as warmth and love drifted across the bond. Jazz had actually began to fall into a light recharge when an exasperated huff of annoyance dragged him back to the present and demanded both mechs' attention.
"Can't you two at least go to your room for that?" Bladesinger demanded, wings flared wide and golden optics bright with annoyance from where she stood in the doorway.
Prowl flicked a sensor wing at her in dismissal. "Hush it. He was almost in recharge."
The aerial's wings snapped in against her frame, posture shrinking into one of sincere apology at the reprimand. "Sorry carrier." She murmured, optics focused on Jazz and approaching as her creator held out a hand.
Jazz drew her down to nuzzle her helm gently. "No harm done." He assured her, smiling as the edge left her field where it touched his and sending a pulse of love and affection over the faded bond between them.
"And you are hardly one to tell us to hide our pleasure," Prowl said with a faint teasing tone. "Not after what you got up to three orns ago against that wall."
The indignant squawk had Jazz laughing again as Bladesinger stood up, wings quivering in embarrassment at having been caught out. ~I wouldn't be opposed to a nap, and it would be more comfortable on our berth, if you have the time to join me.~ He added to Prowl.
~I do, for a few breems,~ Prowl nuzzled him. "Help you carrier stand," he looked at Bladesinger.
The femme held out her hands, obediently helping her carrier to his feet and accepting the hug he offered warmly, helm tilting to the side as she stepped back to look him over. While there was no ambition to have creations of her own any time soon, Bladesinger had been thoroughly delighted at the news that her carrier was expecting again, and just as excited as everyone else when it had been discovered that he was carrying twins for the House and that they were strong.
"You are well?" She asked, concerned.
"Tired." Jazz answered with a smile, "Just as I was with you. It is normal."
"You and your brothers have done well to keep him from over exerting and taking his energon while I have been busy," Prowl added, offering praise for the behavior he really did appreciate.
~You make it sound like I can't take care of myself.~ Jazz mock pouted across the bond to his mate, even as he smiled at the way Bladesinger glowed at her sire's praise.
~Worth it to see that,~ Prowl chuckled across the bond as Jazz was guided to the master berthroom and the plush berth there.
~Agreed.~ His mate murmured as they settled on the berth, Jazz back in Prowl's arms and already relaxing towards the recharge his systems were hinting they would like.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Jazz was initially roused by Prowl's movement as the Praxian got up to return to his duties and quickly drifted back to recharge after a parting kiss. Later he was roused by a sharp, quickly suppressed burst of dread-anger-frustration across the bond.
Concerned, Jazz rose from the berth, all thoughts of recharge gone as concern gave him strength and energy. He felt along the bond carefully, testing it before daring to disturb his mate. ~Prowl?~
~I am fine,~ came the tense reply. ~I will explain when I know in full.~
Jazz paused where he stood in the middle of the main living room of their suite, considering. ~Can I help?~ He asked softly.
~Not yet,~ Prowl said reluctantly. ~Sit. I will brief you soon.~
Still very uneasy, Jazz found another cube of energon and settled himself back on the couch they had abandoned earlier to wait for his mate's return, and an explanation. Against his spark both newsparks nuzzled him, affectionate and concerned by his distress.
"Shuuu." Jazz whispered, trying to calm himself so that he did not distress them newsparks more, sending love and assurance back over the steadily strengthening bond. "It will be all right."
The pair echoed the love back and all three settled to wait, Jazz singing softly to himself and the newsparks until the door slid open and Prowl stepped inside. One glance and Jazz knew this was bigger than he had thought. His mate's entire frame was tense, his sensor wings flared high and stiff. Every line of him screamed of readiness tonight.
"Prowl?" Jazz was up in an instant, crossing the room to his mate and stopping just out of reach.
"We have been attacked," Prowl said simply, a world of implications in those few words as he reached to embrace his mate. "One of our holdings in Kaon. I will be leading the rapid response force. The running of the House will fall to you while I am gone."
"Of course." Jazz agreed before he had even finished processing what was said. Frame leaning into Prowl's, the rest of the implications sunk in. "You are leaving."
"Yes," Prowl murmured, holding him close. "We will roll out within the joor. Bladesinger will come with me. Thunderstorm and Flashdrive will remain here to assist you."
In his arms Jazz's frame began to tremble, emotion swirling across the bond. He wanted, needed his mate close now. Needed the love and support, needed the safety and security that was having Prowl close.
And the House demanded the service of its Lord and his Chosen, regardless of personal issues. Anger filled Jazz, fueled by the sudden feeling of helplessness.
~Sh, sh,~ Prowl whispered. ~I will always be close, even if not in frame.~
"Make this fast." Jazz pleaded, ~Come back, and bring our creation with you. The House will be waiting.~
"I will be back as soon as I can," Prowl promised with a kiss to Jazz's forehelm. "With our creation in tow. Take care of yourself and our twins. Do not hesitate to lean on the siblings I trust for guidance and support. The House at war is a very different entity than in peace."
Jazz vented roughly, holding Prowl tightly and soaking in the love and support radiating from his mate for another moment before stepping back. "I hear and obey, my lord."
~I love you, and I trust you with caring for my House while I am gone,~ Prowl said silently, offering Jazz the greatest complement he knew how; entrusting him with what he held more dear than his own spark.
With a quiver of hesitation, Prowl stepped forward to kiss Jazz with a fierce passion that left no doubt to his desires. Then he was gone.
Focusing on each intake and ex-vent, Jazz first focused on centering himself, then on calming the once again agitated newsparks with assurances of love and joy at their presence. Finally presentable, he onlined his visor and keyed the door. If his mate was departing within the joor, there was much to be seen to before he left, and even more to ready the House for war.
His first task was to track down his creations that would be remaining, then Kriemahni. Prowl's older sibling that had bonded to Metronome after their creator's deactivation was the one he trusted the most, and particularly well suited to this situation. Unlike Jazz, who only had the formal files of what was to happen, Kriemahni had been through it many times on both sides of the active warrior line. As Prowl's most trusted sibling, and a respected warrior, Kriemahni had often been asked to oversee the reserve forces and ensure that reinforcements were there should Prowl need them, but also to hold the House and its Praxian holdings against attack.
With that task now formally falling to Jazz by Prowl's decree, Jazz knew that he would need all the help he could get, nor was he above seeking it.
::Thunderstorm, Flashdrive.:: He attempted a comm first, not having the time or the energy to spend running all over the compound actually looking for his creations.
::Yes, creator?:: Thunderstorm responded first, his voice already deep and level, much like his carrier's.
::How may we help, creator?:: Flashdrive responded shortly afterward, though there was an edge to his voice that suggested that he was not completely present yet.
::Join me as soon as you can. Main courtyard of the compound. I am looking for your uncle Kriemahni as well. Your creator and your sister depart within the joor.:: Jazz responded, falling into the clipped tones of a mech focused on the task at hand.
::Yes, creator,:: Flashdrive responded. ::Be there in a klik.::
::Kriemahni is directly below me,:: Thunderstorm responded. ::I will tell him. We will be there shortly.::
::Thank you.:: That settled, Jazz's attention turned to seeking out his mate and Bladesinger in the organized mass of movement that was well trained and drilled forces gathering to move out. She was the easiest to spot, her bright colors standing out among the generally more somber, or at least solid, colors of the other fliers. As he moved towards her it became clear that she was holding her position, likely above her commander.
Which made finding both of the mecha he was currently seeking much easier. Jazz slipped smoothly through the sea of frames to his mate's side, fascinated as he drew closer to see Prowl completely in his element. This was planning and directing a responsive population for war. Across the bond was a calm excitement and pleasure that Jazz had never felt from his mate before, but was fairly sure he recognized as what fulfilling your purpose felt like.
"Our creations are on their way, as is Kriemahni." Jazz informed Prowl as he joined the other mech, well aware of just many thought processes his mate could handle at once and not worried about disrupting him in the least.
Prowl gave him a small nod of acknowledgement. "You wish to say goodbye to Bladesinger?" he asked.
"Yes." There was no reason for Jazz to deny his intentions to his mate, with Prowl knowing how much Jazz cared for their creations.
Without a word she landed neatly, as delicately flawless as any flier they had. It was a far cry from her first landing all those vorns ago, and yet even then he had seen her inherent grace.
At the moment she was also vibrating in excitement for being chosen to go with her sire for the first military action in her functioning.
Jazz couldn't help but smile at her excitement, burying his own worry and concern at letting one of his creations go under the pride he felt in her. Reaching out he pulled her into a brief hug, not wishing to embarrass her too much in front of her peers. "Be safe, brightspark."
"We'll be back soon, carrier," she assured him, all but dancing in his arms, her pedes never completely settling on the ground. "We're prepared for them."
Jazz let her go to rise back into the air, watching as she gracefully resumed her position and began once more assisting her sire. Over the rumble of many engines, Jazz picked up the familiar sound of his other creations coming in for a landing.
Thunderstorm was the first to set down, his powerful frame and rumbling engines making a noticeable impact despite his efforts to be gentle on the ground. "What are your orders, First Chosen?"
"Pull the most recent inventory of the House supplies. Run it against the recommended wartime levels and see what we need." Jazz answered, all business again.
"Yes, First Chosen," he dipped his wings respectfully and lifted off to attend to his duty while Flashdrive looked at Jazz expectantly.
"We also need to know who all is currently residing in the compound, minus those forces leaving with your creator and sister. Go ahead and subdivide the list into warrior, combatant and infirm once you have a sparkcount." Jazz requested of his other creation.
"Yes, First Chosen," he also dipped his wings respectfully before launching into the air to attend to the database and then physically confirm those numbers and designations.
Satisfied, and trusting his creations to do as he asked quickly and competently, Jazz's attention shifted back to observing his mate for a moment, still marveling at the shift in Prowl. There was nothing that hinted he was such a loving mate and creator, nor his humor. The mech before him now was very clearly a General, dedicated to his function and troops.
It was, in a very real sense, the first time Jazz met Prowl, the mech that was known across Cybertron as The Tactical General, and far less kind things.
Now all of the rumors he had heard made sense, everything that had made him dread and fear coming to the House of Shining Sun falling into focus. He hid a smile of pride and affection at the idea that he was one of the few mecha who knew the rest of Prowl, turning to greet Kriemahni as he sensed the other mech's approach.
Prowl's older brother transformed smoothly and inclined his sensor wings politely to Jazz. "How may I be of assistance?"
"I would ask for your help in transitioning the House to war time functioning." Jazz said, guessing that Kriemahni would be able to pick up on the layers of meaning in the request-order.
"Of course, First Chosen," he inclined his helm. "If I may walk with you to the planning room?"
Jazz tipped his helm in consent, already moving as he reached out to Prowl over the bond. ~Be careful love.~
~We will,~ Prowl promised, the words distracted as most of his focus was on mobilizing his ground forces and sending the fighting wings he was sending ahead.
The walk was relatively quiet, Jazz unwilling to say how little he knew in public and Kriemahni not asking him anything that might display ignorance. When the door closed behind them to Prowl's favorite official room, a place full of data and projectors, Kriemahni finally turned to Jazz.
"I know my carrier gave you the basics, but I still remember the chaos it felt like the first time I was left in charge of the House's holdings," Kriemahni said with a simple efficiency. "Prowl has long trusted me with the House. He has told me that he is entrusting me with your success on your first time running this place in war."
"Than I am sorry for the burden he has placed on you." Jazz answered, willing to relax somewhat in private and the presences of someone he knew that Prowl trusted deeply. "Flashdrive is in the process of taking a spark count, and Thunderstorm is looking over the storerooms and their inventory. That much I figured I could at least set into motion."
"It is my honor to be trusted so by our Lord," Kriemahni said easily, and spoke it as the truth. "It is a good start. I know that we are initially in good standing. The complex always stocks three metacycles worth of war-time supplies, which is a metacycle's worth under normal usage. Fortunately you are far enough along that the twins will separate before there is any potential for true rationing and the difficult choices of who to short and how much."
The other mech twitched slightly in agreement at that truth and offered a quick prayer to Primus that the entire ordeal would be over long before that was even a consideration. "Is there much else to do before Prowl leaves?"
"Not that soon," he shook his helm. "There is much that needs to be done in the next few orns, however. How familiar are you with the shift in meals and energon usage for wartime?"
"It is not something that I have ever had to experience, nor do I have much of an idea of what it means on a scale that will be implemented here." Jazz admitted.
Kriemahni nodded. "At this stage, the primary difference will be the end of the family meal as you know it. Everyone eats in the warrior's dinning hall and serves themselves, and except for supplements such as yours and whether it's grounder or airframe grade, everyone has the same energon. Meals are once an orn, taken in shifts of one hundred mecha. For now sparklings and younglings are permitted three simple treats an orn that are prepared on site, preferably by the one giving them the treat."
"Puts a stop to potential fussing and makes sure they get everything they need. Very reasonable. Are meal shifts assigned than?"
"The warriors have always had assigned meal shifts," Kriemahni smiled slightly. "That will continue, with politicals mixed in. Almost all shifts will change as the training schedule is implemented, making it simple to integrate politicals and warriors."
Jazz sighed softly, pulling a cube of energon from his subspace and stopping to study it for a moment before taking a sip. Something so simple that he had always taken for granted, cast in a new light. "Who is responsible for overseeing the training schedule?"
"That is my duty, as the ranking warrior," he said easily. "Though as always, your input as the ranking political would be most welcome. While most politicals have some combat training, very few dedicate the time that Prowl and you do to it." He sent a databurst to Jazz. "One of my duties in peacetime is to maintain a training schedule for wartime."
Jazz studied the schedule that had been supplied for a moment. "Than we can put it into action as soon as we have Flashdrive's sparkcount. I trust what you have put together."
He thought for a moment, silent as he considered everything that had happened, and what little experience he had. Finally he looked up at Kriemahni. "I know how the House is supposed to operate during wartime, but what exactly is expected of me?"
"To be blunt, you are expected to keep the politicals in line, ensure that they train and don't take extra energon or hoard it, keep track of our supplies and handle talking with other Houses and merchants," Kriemahni said. "Control the politicals and maintenance of what allows us to go to war. If this continues your duties become more unpleasant, though I do not foresee that happening in this conflict. Prowl will either crush the attacker with overwhelming force or abandon the holding to them."
"They will regret their actions. Prowl is not pleased." Jazz murmured, very in tune with his mate and very aware of how unhappy Prowl was on several levels. The fact that someone had dared to strike at a holding of the House of Shining Sun was insulting, and the timing could hardly have been worse.
"To put it very mildly," Kriemahni agreed. "Even if he abandons the holding, this will not be forgotten or forgiven."
Jazz nodded. "I will see to the politicals." There were a few that he could think of now that were not going to be happy with the changes, but that was hardly something that could be avoided. He was reasonably sure that he could keep them in line, even if some would require help from the allies he had.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
By the time Prowl reached the boarder of the Tankon holding in Kaon everything was quiet. The aerial forces he'd sent ahead had arrived within two joors of the first call for help and routed the attackers with the assistance of those stationed in Tankon. Despite that, and the clear visuals of his aerials flying patrols in the two orns since their arrival, there was a palpable sense of relief in those who saw the triple column of heavily armored Praxian warriors as they made their way to the base at the center of the holding.
He took note of visible damage to the holding, signs of both combat and looting. By the time he transformed inside Tankon itself to greet Coldfire, the aerial commander he'd entrusted with the first response, Prowl had a good idea what had happened.
"The holding is secured. There is a damage evaluation underway." Coldfire started, the blue mech launching into his report without bothering with pleasantries. "We've identified the origin of attack. House Sharpblade, with mercenaries on their payroll to round out their forces. What they are after has still not been determined."
"Any loss of our mecha?" Prowl asked, focusing on the one part of the damage report that should already be known and the one that mattered to him the most.
"Minor injuries, mostly. Windsail took heavy laser fire to a wing and lost several stabilizers. The unit medic has grounded him until further notice." Coldfire responded quickly, naming an aerial scout that had been on the forefront of the force's approach. "The others will be combat ready within the orn, if need be."
"Good," Prowl felt a whisper of relief wind through his spark. "Anything else to report?"
"No sir. Hold Keeper Stoneblock is available to speak with you at your convenience." Coldfire informed him.
Prowl nodded. "I will speak with Stoneblock, then check on how the troops are settling. Report to me when you have a preliminary damage report."
"Sir." Coldfire's helm inclined slightly before he turned and lifted off, already comming those at work for updates.
A quick ping to the holding computer provided Stoneblock's location, and Prowl was pleased that the mech he had left in charge, that both he and his sire trusted, was on a clear patrol route of the walls. Smoothly folding into his alt, Prowl drove an intercept course for the holder.
He was also clearly aware of what was going inside his holding, even with otherwise occupied. The gray and tan mech was waiting as Prowl caught up to him, inspecting some laser scorching to the wall that encircled the compound.
"My lord." He greeted Prowl, helm nodding respectfully as Prowl transformed.
"Hold Keeper Stoneblock," Prowl greeted politely. "I understand that casualties were light and no fatalities."
"So far, my lord. Thank Primus." Red optics turned to scan the surrounding area. "There has been much unrest as of late, but none of it appeared directed here, specifically. House Sharpblade has a reputation of being...opportunist, though."
"How likely are they to attack again?" Prowl asked, focusing on the primary concern.
"They are also stubborn, and at least half of the forces that came against us were known mercenary units. If they have gone through the trouble of hiring additional forces and set their sights on this holding, very likely." Stoneblock paused, inspecting another section of the wall and noting that it would need repairs.
"Then I will formally warn them that a second attack will face retaliation of the full House," Prowl said, well aware that his House could martial forces far beyond what House Sharpblade could, even with mercenaries. "I will need an accurate assessment of how many supplies will need to be brought in each decaorn to support the additional forces now here."
"Easily done, my lord." Stoneblock said, adding the section of wall the running repair list and moving on. "We generally reside under war conditions as standard operating procedure here. With a complete roster of the forces you have brought with you and any more in route it will be to you by the end of the orn."
Prowl databurst him the roster and the reserve roster. Though Prowl did not expect to need additional forces, they were ready if he did. "Are there any supplies that you are in critical need of?"
"No, my lord." Stoneblock replied, instantly passing on the information to the relevant individuals. "With all of the recent unrest we have been careful to maintain full stores, and the storerooms are well protected from outside attack. By my estimate we have enough to maintain the mecha stationed here and all those who came with you for a deacorn, and longer if we ration stringently."
"All the forces I brought have rations for three orns of fighting. By the end of the orn you called for assistance a decacornly resupply was in place. Barring sabotage, it should not become an issue. What can you tell me that is not in the regular reports?"
"There has been a great deal of local unrest, infighting among the Houses. Several minor Houses have merged with larger ones. And not all of the merges were...voluntary. We are the first outside holding that has been attacked. Province wide, there have been changes. Many of them quiet so the general populace is not entirely aware." Stoneblock tilted his helm. "Changes that a normal mecha wouldn't notice right away. Not as much energon available, the occasional energy blackout, some random sweeps of the lower levels, never enough to cause alarm."
Prowl hummed, putting that in place with many things he already knew, some of which Stoneblock wouldn't have access to. "We will see how this plays out. I have heard of the first signs of an organized rebellion forming in Kaon, possibly backed by the royal House, or at least a Noble House."
The Hold Keeper paused for a moment, optics flashing, before continuing with his inspection. "So that is the source of the unrest. My informants have never been able to pinpoint a possible center of origin, because of the way things shift and swirl here."
Prowl nodded. "It is little more than rumor, though for rumor to be taken seriously by the Prime there must be something substantial to it. The critical factor for us is whether House Sharpblade is part of the planned unrest, or if they are simply taking an opportunity to test my determination to hold Tankon. When do you refuel?"
"Two joor, my lord. This orn in a small mess with some of my staff. Will you join us?" Stoneblock inquired, offering the formal courtesy.
"Yes," Prowl said simply. "As will my Aerial Commander. I will see you then," he canted his wings politely and turned to begin his own customary tour, one he always preferred to do on his own.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Safe in the privacy of his own quarters, Jazz allowed his frame to sag. If Keepsafe had seen him the medic surely would have been on the verge of panic, scanning him for signs of trouble. What she would have found Jazz wasn't sure, since he wasn't entirely sure how much of it was in his processor, and how much of it was truly physical. He knew he needed to recharge. The orn had been long and exhausting, even more so with the rapidly growing sparks drawing on his, and the first hints of the protoforms beginning to assemble. But as he looked at the large berth he felt no welcome. Only dread.
Still, he needed to recharge, so he forced himself to lie down. Yet despite his frame's needs, recharge would not come. Every time the protocols initiated, he found them turning off.
The berth was too large. The room was warm but Jazz was cold. He wrapped his arms around his frame, but it did little good. He could count on one hand the number of times that he had recharged an entire cycle alone since he and Prowl had bonded, and still have several digits left over.
He had managed it since Prowl's departure through sheer exhaustion. But things were starting to settle, in a way. Orns were starting to fall back into a routine, and with its coming Jazz was loosing his ability to rest.
Rest he desperately needed.
"Jazz," Steelplate's deep voice was low, intended not to disturb even though he knew full well his charge was awake.
The smaller mech vented softly, not even trying to hide the fact that he was still conscious from the mech that knew him so well. "Steelplate." He murmured in acknowledgement, sitting up on the berth to face his old mentor and friend as Steelplate came into the room to sit on the berth.
"Are you ready to admit you need help recharging?" he asked gently.
Jazz cringed slightly, ashamed of his weakness even now, in the presence of a friend. "It shouldn't be this hard. But...I miss him."
"It is good to miss your bonded," Steelplate smiled. "It means you love him."
"Very much so." That, at least, wasn't hard for Jazz to admit.
He scrubbed at his faceplates with a sigh. "Except now I am sure that I would only be disappointing him. This isn't doing anyone any good. But the harder I try, the harder it is to recharge."
"I can give you something to help you recharge," the old mech offered. "In the long run, you may wish to take Kriemahni and Metronome up on their offer, or have the mechlings stay with you. Neither are your love, but the warmth does help. Your carrier missed your sire terribly when he was away."
"So I can recharge and avoid Keepsafe's wrath?" Jazz asked, seeking humor as best as he could, and well aware of the medic's dislike of him taking anything she didn't prescribe when he was carrying.
"Yes, that, and so you feel strong enough to lead this House and support the twins," Steelplate smiled. "You have more important things to do than avoid her wrath. Is it anything other than missing him?"
Jazz shook his helm, looking around the room that felt so empty without his mate. "The House is settling into wartime well, Kriemahni is excellent help. Soon enough he will be able to focus more on his duties, and less on making sure that I do not make a mistake, I hope."
"You are doing well," Steelplate assured him before offering a datstick. "I do not recommend it often, but it will help you recharge tonight."
Jazz took the datastick, contemplating it in silence as his free hand ran over his chest. "I will see if Thunderstorm or Flashdrive will stay with me, after tonight."
"I know Thunderstorm will," Steelplate smiled. "He'll never admit it, but he likes to snuggle. Early trine instincts, I believe. He wants to recharge in a pile of others. For tonight, I will stay until you are soundly in recharge. And know I will never be far."
"Thank you." Jazz answered, the smile he offered sincere as he plugged the datastick into a port and settled on the berth, field reaching out to brush against Steelplate's and taking comfort in the nearness of the other mech. He felt his mentor's field reach out to caress him, encouraging him to give into the recharge code and get the rest he needed.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
It was subtle, and very well done. Rather like her performance the night before.
The small green femme had shown up at the front gates of the hold, clean and bright opticked, trilling softly and offering to perform for the troops the evening before. A singer, she had claimed and proven, willing to work for a place to recharge and some energon.
Allowed to stay for the orn and perform at least once more, she had spent the entire orn doing her best to catch Prowl's attention. Her interest was never blatant, she was never in his face or underfoot. But she was constantly at the corner of his vision when he was out and about, flirting and entertaining the other troops on the surface but always where he could see, the quick looks and the subtle shifts of her frame inviting and very much meant to be appealing.
It was a pattern that Prowl was long familiar with, both from his own experience and that of his elders. It was something he looked forward to, though he found as he absently calculated her value in his berth against supplies and the threat she may pose, this time he was not as eager as before. He wished for his mate, not merely a warm frame. Yet a warm frame was what he had available, so that he would accept.
He was relaxed in the simple but comfortable quarters he had been given in Tankon when she responded to his summons. Reclining on his berth, Prowl had his armor fluffed out, his wings spread in a sensually relaxed display and both his interface covers open, though his spike was still in its housing. On his berthside table was a cube of energon. While it was the grade he consumed on campaign, he knew well that even before she lost her job it would have been very good quality for her.
There was a polite ping at his door, the femme outside stepping in as it opened and stopping as it closed behind. Sharp optics swept the room in a sparkbeat before falling respectfully to the floor.
"You sent for me, my lord?"
"You have been seeking my attention all orn," he said simply. "You have it now."
Glowing amber optic rose to meet his. A slender green frame swayed as the femme approached the berth, the low light playing over the sleek form. "And what would my lord like in return for the gift of his attention?" She purred.
"Your attention to my frame," Prowl answered with a slight motion to his interface arrays.
"As my lord commands." Sliding on to the berth, field stretching out to brush against Prowl's with a willing, agreeable energy. A hand reached out, brushing lightly against the edge of one the Praxian sensor wings, still spread and on display. "So handsome." She murmured, amber optics glowing in true appreciation of the quality of the mech stretched before her on the berth.
Leaning up she nudged at his chin, submissive and inviting, before slender, skillful fingers started working their way down his frame. Firm, even touches traced transformation seams as talented fingers slipped into joints. There was a fraction of a nanoklik of hesitation as she reached the bared interface components, a single finger tracing a light figure eight around them before her helm lowered, glossa circling the bared valve with deep purr.
Prowl let out a soft sound of pleasure, his frame relaxed, spreading his legs further for her. His field was rich, warm and inviting with a steady undercurrent of arousal as her glossa slid through the thin sheen of lubricant he'd already produced. Strong hands continued to trace along his hips and thighs as her glossa spiraled inward, savoring each taste and response of the mech above her. When it reached the sensor rich edge of the valve it flickered for a moment, teasing, before delving inside.
He made an encouraging moan, his field reaching out to share the pleasure with the pleasure-giver as he relaxed fully on the berth. This wasn't the complete connection he shared with Jazz, but it felt good and an overload would do him good. The femme knew what she was doing too, as her glossa worked it's way into his valve, finding every node and sensitive spot and working it until the slightest touch would send a wave of pleasure through the large mech.
There was acceptance of the pleasure that Prowl offered back, and a sense of pride in response that this indeed felt good to him.
Encouraged by the response, Songbird shifted her frame, tilting her helm to delve deeper into the quivering the valve. A rich, soft hum filled the room, the vibration making the very air vibrate as her lips pressed against the rim of the valve and the primed receptors surrounding it.
A deep, resonant moan came as his frame stiffened with each intense jolt of pleasure she sent into him. His valve calipers cycled, trying to capture her glossa and pull it deeper inside. When flicks of electricity began to dance along his frame his hands tightened into fists on the berth, gripping it in a futile effort to ground himself.
Fingers found their way deeper into the Praxian's hip joints, stroking the receptors buried there with gentle pressure. Her glossa delved obligingly as deep into his valve as it could, the green femme focused entirely on pleasing. The charge building in his frame jumped to hers where they were close, giving her zaps of pleasure.
His hips rolled up, pressing into her as he roared his release.
The humming died away slowly, in time with the release of Prowl's frame from the lock and grip of overload. A gentle glossa glided over the still highly responsive platelets, removing the last traces of the pleasure that had just been given and received.
Songbird's field rippled and caressed Prowl's, the femme shifting her attention to his spike housing as she felt his frame relax the rest of the way. "More, my lord?"
Prowl's spike slide from his housing as his engine rumbled with desire. After a moment to consider the options he shifted and reached for her, drawing her to lay on the berth under him.
Amber optics met his, the green frame responsive to his every direction as she settled back on the berth, submissive but willing. She willingly spread her legs for him to kneel between them. Her valve cover slid open, allowing him to slide his spike along the platelets in a leisurely, teasing slide.
A purr emitted from her frame once more, optics lighting in a way that suggested that this was welcome and even more willingly offered. "All yours, my lord." Shifting her frame invitingly as one hand stroked down his chest.
With a grin he grabbed her wrists and pinned them to either side of her helm, then rolled his hips again to stimulate the platelets and rim sensor nodes. A flicker of tension ran through the small green frame as her hands hit the berth. Tension that was gone with the next brush of his spike against her, answered with a deep moan of desire that traveled through the very air.
"Good," Prowl rumbled with another roll of his hips. "You enjoy being dominated, don't you?"
"Yes my lord. Please." She begged softly, frame arching up in an attempt to meet the teasing roll of his hips. Eagerness quivered through her field where it touched Prowl, sincere and desiring, and under it the edge of something else.
His mouth found her throat, nipping and licking as he continued to slide his spike along the entrance to her valve until he judged her slick enough to enjoy being taken. With a smooth roll of his hips he drew back to line his spike up, then pressed forward to slowly stretch her valve around his thick spike.
Small whimpers and moans escaped her, soft sounds of true enjoyment as her helm fell back on the berth, offering more of her throat. The tight valve rippled around Prowl's spike, and there was no mistaking the shudders that ran through her entire frame each time he reached a new sensor node for anything but pleasure.
As always Prowl fed off that pleasure, welcoming its enhancement of his own as he set a strong pace. Each thrusting roll of his hips was smooth and deep. His sensor wings flared widely over them, the fingers separating as his pleasure built.
Across touching fields came feel of the steady build-up in the green femme beneath him, optics dimming as energy was diverted to other places. The hum of pleasure started again, but this time as an unconscious response instead of a calculated enticement.
Energy began to dance and jump between their frames, most noticeably within her valve where the highly conductive lubricant encouraged it.
Prowl moaned deeply, his mouth still against her throat as he picked the pace up and thrust harder.
Moans and whimpers gave way to louder cries of pleasure as her valve cycled down on the invading spike and her frame arched up to rub against his. Tickling teases of energy ran over and between them as her fingers tightened in Prowl's hold where he held them to the berth.
A shudder and hard thrust later and Prowl growled into roar fueled by the crackling explosion of sensations through his entire frame. Thick, heavily charged transfluid erupted into her valve to strike hypersensitive nodes with sensation and energy combined.
As though his roar was permission the green femme overloaded a sparkbeat later, driven onward by the release of the mech dominating her so thoroughly and wonderfully. The small frame bucked against him before locking up as the surge of energy overrode all motor control and the first sound of bliss died as her vocalizer cut out.
His armor fully open to vent the heat of his frame, Prowl moaned as he regained some control of his frame. Yes, he'd needed that. He could already feel his processors functioning more efficiently as the frustration of the situation was soothed by his overload. But at the moment he only wanted more. With a nuzzle to her throat he began to thrust once more with slow, smooth long strokes.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Jazz set aside the datapad he had been looking over, satisfied with the report. The supplies were still holding well, and so far no one had protested too much. Schedules had been set and the entire House has settled into wartime functioning.
With a sigh he paused, checking his energy levels and noting that he was going to have to fuel soon. Slowly he ran a hand over his midsection, feeling the shift in his plating and reaching out to touch the newsparks. They were quiet, resting, so he let them be with the lightest of checks. If Bladesinger's carry was anything to go on they would be migrating soon.
He was reaching for the next datapad when irritation flared across the bond with his mate, startling him. Frustration like this was not a normal reaction for Prowl, and Jazz instantly reached out with question-concern-ok?
An instant apology flickered back and the bond carefully slid open. ~House Sharpblade is being unreasonable,~ Prowl grumbled. ~I will be calling for the reserve units soon for a full offensive.~
~From the feel of it they are being slightly more than 'unreasonable'.~ Jazz commented, offering his mate love and affection since there was little else that he could do from where he was. ~And they will be ready depart the joor that you call for them.~
~Good,~ Prowl returned the affection and thanks that Jazz was doing what was needed at home so Prowl could focus on his duties. A sudden sputter of outrage flared as Prowl received a report. ~I must go. They've attacked again.~
Jazz just kept from flinching as the bond snapped shut again, cutting him off from his mate once more. After a metacycle he should be used it, he was sure, but being cut off from Prowl like this was not something that he was ever going to handle well. Offering a prayer to Primus for his mate's well-being, he focused on what he could do to help immediately. ::Kriemahni.::
::Yes, First Chosen?:: the elder warrior responded immediately.
::I just spoke with Lord Prowl. I would say there is a very good chance that the ready reserves will be called up this orn. Our lord is...irritated...with the House that dares to challenge him.:: Jazz warned.
::Lord Prowl is irritated?:: Kriemahni repeated, his tone speaking volumes of his understanding of how difficult that was. ::I will begin mobilizing the units.::
::Thank you.:: Jazz responded, confident that there was nothing to worry about and trusting the warrior mech implicitly. Sure that he had done all he could for the moment Jazz reached put for the datapad he had abandoned earlier and settled back to work.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Dinner was going to be a lonely affair, Jazz knew. Not only was Prowl gone with a tenth of the House's warriors, but now Kriemahni was gone with another eighty percent of them. Only a token force of full warriors were left in the compound, and meals had been restructured once more. No longer was refueling done in multiple shifts. Now there were only two. Not because of space, but because it was a bad idea to take all the guards off duty at once.
As he stepped in the door Jazz's gaze scanned the room reflexively, even as his pedes carried him in the direction of the energon dispensers and the rationed additives specifically doled out for growing sparklings and younglings and the handful of active carriers like Jazz. Thunderstorm, like the other mechlings, had the standard adult ration for their frametype.
It wasn't lost on Jazz that one of his creations was always nearby, and both had spent every night snuggled with him in his berth. It had surprised him how much the pair liked snuggling. He had long known that Seekers were partial to trines and that even as mechlings his three tended to share a berth to recharge in, but to feel it in his creations' fields how much recharging with two others helped was an optic-opener for him. Not that he was going to try and discourage them in any way. It still wasn't as good as being in his mate's arms, with the soothing presence that was the center of his spark. But it was warm and comforting, and between their two frames he could at least find the recharge he needed to keep functioning efficiently for everyone that depended on him.
Energon in one hand and additives in the other, he turned and looked around the room for a quiet place to settle, only momentarily distracted by the light brush of Thunderstorm's wing against his shoulder. "Don't forget to pick up your second cube of energon before you leave. Keepsafe's orders."
"I won't." He promised with a chuckled, looking up in his creation's optics. "We don't want her to be mad at you, since she ordered you to remind me. Anyway-."
Whatever else he was going to add was forgotten at the momentary flare of raised voices, drawing that attention of both mechs to a small knot of frames gathered in one corner. Thunderstorm flicked his wings.
"They're talking about sire," he rumbled, his voice low.
"What are they saying?" Jazz asked quietly, already moving with silent grace in that general direction, energon in hand and all but forgotten.
The agitation in the mechling's field was clue enough. "That he is unfit, using such resources for a holding in Kaon."
By now they were close enough to hear, and Jazz split his attention between listening to what was being said and working to identify the speaker.
"To drain the House for a holding that has little financial value, to make the rest of us have to suffer when we are not directly under attack, what good reason is there?" The speaker demanded. "To call our mates up and draw this out? Our lord is a fool and a worse!"
"He's too young to lead," another femme hissed. "He doesn't know the value of peace."
"A general, not a lord." The other femme agreed. "And certainly not my lord."
That statement caused a ripple to run through her audience, fields flaring in mixed reactions but mostly shock. Suddenly someone made a terrified sound and bolted from the small gathering.
At Jazz's side Thunderstorm flared wings and armor, his ruby optics flashing brightly as he growled. "Let me kill her," the mechling half pleaded, half demanded. "That's treason!"
"They are words." Jazz said, loudly enough to catch the attention of everyone else present. His tone was cold, even and deadly as he continued. "And in wartime, they can be a thing of treason."
He could feel all of the optics on him, feel the fear radiating off of many just from being caught in the company of one who had spoken so rashly of the Lord of the House. They drew away from the small golden femme, even the one who had been standing at her side.
Jeweltone met his optics, trembling slightly but not backing down from the First Chosen or the enraged mechling seeker-kin at his shoulder. Gathering her courage she spoke again. "Treason or not, it is the truth. I-"
"Will not speak another word." Jazz growled, interrupting her sputtering and cutting her off mid sentence. "In a time of war such words are treason to the House, a crime punishable by deactivation."
He paused, judging the effect of his words and opening a comm line to Thunderstorm. ::Send for enough guards to escort these two, and Keepsafe.::
::Yes, First Chosen,:: he responded instantly before shifting his attention to the order.
Jazz saw the moment the potential repercussion of her words registered, both in the fearful brightening of her optics and in the way she cringed back.
"Being new to the ways of this House does not excuse your actions." Jazz continued, well aware that Jeweltone had been bonded into the House less than two vorns. Even if she wished to claim ignorance, the dark femme standing beside her had no such defense. "You are bonded to warriors, and for that reason alone you will live to see another orn. You will do so in isolation, with your vocalizers and comms deactivated, and you will subside on survival level rations as determined by the House medic. Your final fate will be decided when the Lord returns."
The dark femme simply nodded her acceptance to her fate and dipped her sensor wings in submission and waited for the guards, or rather guard, to arrive.
Jeweltone was staring at Jazz in disbelief. "You cannot!"
"I can. I will. I have done so." Jazz countered evenly, drawing to his full height and staring her down. "I am First Chosen of the Lord of the House of Shining Sun, and it is in my care that he had left the House in his absence."
"He is within his rights to have us both executed where we stand," the dark femme at her side said quietly but sharply. "Take the gift of your life and have some dignity."
Neither really noticed when Keepsafe walked in with one of the few warriors still in the complex, a youth only just in his adult frame.
"Keepsafe." Jazz acknowledged her presence first, sure that the femmes wouldn't cause any more fuss.
"How may I serve, First Chosen?" she used his title, sensing the tension in the room.
"Jeweltone and Nightshadow stand accused of treason. They will remain isolated from the rest of the House and exist on survival level energon rations. They will also have their vocalizers and comms silenced, so that they cannot stir up more trouble. You will see to their silence and determine their ration needs." Jazz ordered, quiet but firm.
"As you command, First Chosen," Keepsafe inclined her helm to him and stepped up to Jeweltone to do the work.
It was quiet as Keepsafe worked, broken only by the uncomfortable shifting of those still gathered around. The medic was quick and efficient, and both femmes were soon fully silenced.
"You understand your task?" Jazz asked, focusing in the guard for a moment.
"Yes, First Chosen," the young mech bowed his helm. "They are to be placed in separate cells, side by side. No visitors. Keepsafe will order energon when they are to receive it."
"Good." Acknowledgement and subtle praise together, Jazz signaled for him to lead the femmes away. The pair headed off obediently, the fight gone out of them as the full weight of their actions sunk in. Keepsafe bowed respectfully to Jazz before following the small party out after his nod.
Once they were gone Jazz turned to regard the rest of the mecha still gathered in the corner of the small mess. "Lord Prowl leads the House of Shining Sun, by the grace and will of Primus." He reminded them all, letting what they had just witnessed be lesson enough as he turned away, leaving them to process that.
His creation was at his side, a subtle but insistent guide to one of the tables.
"Drink, creator," Thunderstorm said quietly as he sat down. "You need your strength for the twins."
Jazz looked at him, then down at the energon in his hands. He nodded, dumping in the additives and watching as the energon swirled and changed color. "Thank you."
He paused, smiling a little. "They thank you too." He added softly.
Medium blue wings fluttered happily, the thick stripe of light red down their center blurring slightly. "You are welcome."
"The guard schedule will have to altered again, to accommodate the new post." Jazz commented as he worked his way through the cube, easily hiding his reaction to the unpleasant taste of the raw additives after so many orns of consuming them.
"Those two are hardly dangerous, physically," Thunderstorm hummed. "Something younger mechlings or invalids could handle, rather than taking a fit mecha off guard duty."
Jazz pondered this, then nodded in approval of the idea. "Perhaps between you and Flashdrive you can compile a list of mecha able to perform that function."
"Of course," The young Seeker-kin flicked his wings in easy agreement. "It will be done before shift change."
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
In Tankon the reinforcements had arrived some orns before, turning the already cramped base into a sea of heavily armed and armored warriors of predominantly Praxian design. Warned well in advance, they had prepared the small holding for the influx as best they could, but there was still only so much land the holding controlled. In all, it made Songbird's orns easy to pass as there were always new mecha to meet and entertain, and unlike so many in Kaon, Praxians seemed to love her light voice.
Here she was safer than she could ever remember being. No meant no, and without hard feelings, if she was not interested in more than a conversation and song.
Here she was allowed enough fuel to keep her tanks from complaining, and for the first time since she had lost her last job that her frame was consistently in good repair.
All in all it was reason enough for her to work to stay.
"Songbird, would you refuel with me?" a serious voice she had known as one of the early arrivals, a mech that was given much respect by those around him despite his relative youth.
The small green femme stopped at the sound of her designation, turning with a welcome smile. "Of course sir."
"My designation is Manchet," he introduced himself as they turned towards the main hall that had been given over to a mess hall. "I believe it is well past time someone gave you a full briefing on being a camp follower to the House."
Amber optics flared in surprise, quickly hidden as she offered another smile and fell into step beside him. "I would appreciate any advice you would wish to offer." She murmured.
He nodded in acceptance as they walked. "The first thing you should understand is that Lord Prowl has never kept anyone who warmed his berth on campaign. Now that he is happily bonded he is much less likely to entertain such an idea. If your hope is to escape Kaon, you should court the unbonded mecha. One of them is much more likely to pay for you to come with us." He could see as that hope died in her, and then her firm nod of acceptance of his suggestion.
Pleasing Lord Prowl would still be her top priority, but there had been more than a few mecha that she had crossed paths with, at least one of which she knew was currently unbonded, that would be worth courting. At least she already knew that Lord Prowl did not care who else she spent time with or interfaced with, so long as she was ready to attend him when he wished.
"Since your skill at singing and social nature are two things valued in Praxus it should not be difficult to attach yourself to one of the young, low ranking warriors. I do recommend being up front with your desires. Depending on what you wish in the long run will determine who is most suited to spend your energon on getting close to."
A small shiver ran through her frame. "I wish most to escape this city." She admitted quietly. "Safe transportation so that I could seek employment elsewhere was the most I had honestly hoped for."
"That should not be too difficult," Manchet told her as they got their rations, her much smaller than his as her needs were far less. "Most will expect you to remain with them for a few vorns, or some other form of repayment, as you negotiate with them. Approaching it as a business deal will provide the best results and the least possibility of a misunderstanding."
They settled in as much of an out of the way corner as they could find in the crowded conditions of the hold. Even at a time like this were most mecha were recharging the place still felt overrun.
"I shall remember that when I find someone to approach." Songbird said as she started on her energon, contentment rolling off of her as the simple but quality fuel hit her tanks. After Menchet had started on his she spoke again. "Are there other things I should know about residing here?"
"Everyone is going to assume you are here to buy safety, energon and escape with your frame," he said simply. "As you have likely noticed, most will assume your attentions come with a price and are ready to pay it. I know you are already aware that you are free to refuse attention you do not desire." He paused for a sip of energon. "This House typically arranges bondings for the strength of the next generation; love matches are rare so few of us look for them. That means if you desire more with a given mecha it will require more than making him like you to get that thought process going."
Another pause for a sip of energon. "If all else fails, approach Lord Prowl before he leaves and simply ask him for a contract for transportation to Praxus. The terms will not be as favorable as someone who wishes your company to continue, but it will get you to Praxus and keep you off the street."
"I doubt the price of escape will be worse than the consequences of remaining here." Songbird murmured, optics swirling in a way that said she had seen enough that she never wanted to see again. "I would enjoy being able to sing for a living again. Especially in a place where my singing is appreciated."
"That I believe you can find in Praxus. Continue as you have and you will prove to Lord Prowl, or anyone else, you are able to repay the price of your relocation," Menchet told her.
"Thank you." She tilted her helm, optics studying him curiously. "So what kind of performances do you do enjoy watching?"
He chuckled softly. "I'm young. Erotic dancing and sparring."
"Hmmm." She hummed, nodding and filing it away his answer with other similar responses she had gotten from other warriors. His weren't unusual, but it wasn't typical either. Far more preferred music and singing, especially that could be danced to.
"If you have no other questions, I have duties to return to," he said politely before standing.
"I do not. But I thank you for your time and the information." She said, tipping her helm respectfully.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Jazz grunted, forcing himself to relax as one of the sparklings lashed out, striking his fuel tank. He focused on the bond with the newsparks, preparing to try and settle them so he could work again, when the first warnings flared on his HUD.
"No..." He protested quietly and focused on the sparklings. ~No. Not now, you two. A little longer.~
~I need out,~ Sideswipe snarled back, his spark rate and every system jacked to the limit as his own systems screamed at him to get out and into the open air.
~Your sire.~ Jazz protested, even as he focused on the sparklings and the strain they were both under. His frame was taxed to the limit supporting them and getting Jazz through the orn. He refused to show any weakness in front of the House. He couldn't afford to. ~I need him home.~
There was a pause and Jazz felt both sparklings reach out for Prowl on the weaker sire-bond, calling for him to rescue them.
~Too tight.~ Jazz felt the Sunstreaker shift, pushing against Jazz's internals and his own twin to emphasize the point. ~Waited long enough already.~
Prowl responded to the call from his unseperated sparklings by nudging the bond with Jazz.
~Love.~ Jazz answered, frame slumping back in the chair and running a hand over his abdominal plating, easing a little as the twins stopped pushing for the moment.
~What is wrong?~ Prowl demanded with a flare of concern that drew more of his attention from whatever he was doing.
~They are done waiting.~ Jazz sighed. ~I don't think I can convince them to hold off any longer.~
~Then do not try,~ Prowl said with a wash of regret and sadness. ~I am orns away from being done with the peace negotiations.~
A shudder ran through Jazz's frame, his spark screaming and twisting in his chest. He wanted Prowl. He needed Prowl. Instead...~Love-the House will be in Thunderstorm's care.~
~Understood,~ Prowl responded with a wash of love, support and trust. ~I will be with you as much as I can,~ he promised even as the bond dimmed.
~Now we get out!~ Sideswipe growled, his struggling renewed, driven by the warnings his HUD was giving him.
~Easy, please. Give me another klik.~ Jazz pleaded with them even as he opened lines of communication. His first was to Thunderstorm, pinging the mechling with an urgent comm. With a tingle of relief he felt the twins settle a bit.
::Yes, creator?:: the response was nearly instant.
::Your brothers are refusing to wait any longer. I do not know how this is going to go, but the House is in your care if I am unavailable. Keep it well.:: Jazz informed him.
::Yes creator,:: Thunderstorm said with a tone of assurance. ::Keepsafe has been notified. I will be there momentarily.::
The other mech couldn't help but smile as the connection cut out. His creation, so concerned and together. The House medic had been his next call, only he found himself beat to the punch. With a sigh he resigned himself to waiting, only to hear Thunderstorm's powerful engines roar in for a hard landing a moment later. He still wasn't used to how fast his creations could be when motivated.
The door opened to Thunderstorm's code and wide medium blue wings with a thick pale red stripe down the center blocked the light as he moved quickly and smoothly into the office.
"Thunderstorm." Jazz greeted him softly, accepting the hand that helped him to his feet and the protectively supportive embrace of the mechling already taller than he was. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be, creator," he said firmly as he guided the very sparkling heavy mech from the room. "I will be there when creator can not be. Flashdrive can tend to the House as well as I for a few orns."
Personally relieved with how empty the house was at the moment Jazz leaned heavily on his creation on the way to the medical bay. He could feel things starting to shift already, and the restless motions of the sparklings determined to be free.
He squeezed Thunderstorm's arm gently as they arrived. "I told your creator you would be caring for the House. We trust you, both of you."
"Caring for the House includes caring for you," Thunderstorm said firmly. "If Flashdrive needs me, he'll comm. We're used to sharing authority."
Jazz's expression mixed the smile for his second creation and a grimace for the discomfort of his frame as they made their way to Keepsafe's domain. She was already there, and one look told Jazz that he was in for the lecture of a lifetime when she was no longer fixated on keeping the three of them functioning.
"I know." He said, acknowledging the look as he eased his hold on Thunderstorm as the mechling helped him on to the same berth Bladesinger had separated on.
"How long have the warnings been going on?" she spoke in the clipped tone and with the authority that only existed in times like this were it was more important that the patient do as they are told than any social order.
Jazz sighed, knowing she wasn't going to be pleased with him but knowing that there was only harm in lying to her. "The first one was eleven orns ago. The second was three orns ago. I managed to delay them both. The first warning this time appeared a joor before Thunderstorm carried me down here."
He paused as one of the twins shifted again in their cramped space, Keepsafe sputtered and Thunderstorm scowled down at him. "They are very eager to be out. Especially Sideswipe. I couldn't make them wait any longer."
"No doubt," the healer said tartly. "What in Primus' designation could make you think that was a good idea?"
"It wasn't." Jazz said, knowing that none of his reasons- some of them quite selfish, some of them legitimate concerns of the House, and some just the deep coding of a carrier- were going to placate the irate medic or the scowling mechling standing over him.
She muttered darkly as her hands moved along his abdominal plates, feeling with touch as well as more complex sensors, then looked up at Thunderstorm. "It would be good if you stay. This will not be an easy separation, even for twins. Delaying so long will make this very unpleasant for all of them."
"I intend to remain," the mechling said firmly. "Flashdrive is seeing to the House."
"Good," she relaxed a fraction and returned her attention to hooking Jazz up to several instruments and multiple IVs for various fluids.
~Want out,~ Sideswipe insisted, pressing outward again.
A shudder ran through Jazz's frame, plates shifting visibly with the sparkling's strength and determination. ~I know boldspark, I know.~ Jazz soothed. ~Just going to have to be patient a little longer. Then you can see light, and meet...meet your brothers.~
~Sire?~ Sunstreaker demanded, pushing his was into the conversation abruptly.
Jazz's spark twisted again. ~Soon.~ Was all he could promise as he prayed.
~I will be there as soon as I can be,~ Prowl promised through the bond with Jazz. He also offered a wave of support for his mate. ~I have a few breems all for you. We are taking a short break.~
It was enough to still both sparklings for a moment, giving Jazz's frame a bit of time to shift plating and parts before Sideswipe started to push again.
~Wish you were here love.~ Jazz murmured across the bond, taking advantage the of the short respite and the offer of his mate's attention while he had it. It was not the same as having his mate at his side, the knowing that he was safe and protected when he felt so vulnerable that only Prowl could offer, but it was still better than nothing. He knew Prowl was doing all he could.
~Easy boldspark.~ Jazz nudged Sideswipe gently over the bond as the sparkling began to struggle again. ~If you damage something so I can't shift it out of your way it is only going to slow you down.~
That got both the sparklings' attention and they stilled, allowing the plating to move unhindered once more.
"You're doing well," Thunderstorm encouraged Jazz, doing his best to play the supportive mate.
"As if you would know." Jazz grumbled softly at his creation, the affectionate field brushing against Thunderstorm's reassuring that Jazz was only teasing and trying to distract himself from the discomfort and stress.
"I studied for this duty extensively since sire left," Thunderstorm told him. "I know as much as he did when Bladesinger separated."
~Your fault.~ Sunstreaker growled at his creator. ~We wanted out long ago.~
~I know bravespark, I know. I'm sorry.~ Jazz tried to soothe him and his twin, attention turning mostly to the sparklings to in an attempt the gauge the level of strain this was placing on them. All his readouts said they were physically fine. Spark rates were high, but within an acceptable range. They were stressed but not to any danger.
Plus Keepsafe had settled into her normal mood, efficiently assisting the plates, cables and wiring to move more quickly. "This will be far more painful than before," she warned him. "Your systems are in confusion because of the delays, and theirs are pushing them to move more quickly than normal."
"I know." Jazz had already resigned himself to the pain and strain. He had known it was going to be bad when he felt a system shifting before the other had moved out of it's way. "Just as long as they're all right."
"You are monitoring them, as am I," she assured him. "If it comes to it I will tear your abdominal cavity apart. They are complete and ready to emerge, even if your systems aren't quite ready to let go yet. I can fix you after they are safe."
"Might be the easiest on everyone." Permission and understanding as Jazz settled on the berth, caught between the restless shifting of the twin sparklings and the abnormal movements of his own armor and plating. It was both easier and harder than last time. He now knew what to expect, but knowing somehow still didn't prepare him for what was happening inside his frame.
If the twins were anything like their sister, at the first sign of light and the freedom it offered he was in for some pain and repairs anyway.
He felt both their sparkrates and systems spike sharply with a plate move that Jazz calculated meant just that; they saw for the first time. Even if it was just fuzzy light penetrating the darkness of their construction chambers both surged towards it on pure reflex, driven by protocols unique to separating sparklings.
The simultaneous, abrupt shift by both of them left Jazz hissing in pain, the monitors hooked into him spiking in response to readings from his systems as they desperately tried to compensate for the strain being placed on them.
There was a logical order to everything that took place during separation. The exertion required of a sparkling to climb free of their carrier initiating and engaging the systems that would support them for the rest of their functioning, helping to make the transition to no longer being supported by their carrier. Energy stores stockpiled in the orns before separation gave them the strength to be free, directed by protocols that would only ever be utilized once in their lifetime.
Jazz was now facing the consequences of tampering with that order as sparklings that had been granted extra orns to grow and build up energy reserves directed all of it to obey the protocols directing them to free themselves. Sideswipe in particular was determined, and though the net results were much the same, the feel of his struggles was very different from Bladesinger's. She had been frantic, nearly panicked in her need to reach the light and open air. He was simply too eager and not fully grasping the consequences of his actions.
Something important tore inside Jazz's abdominal cavity as his systems struggled to synch with the sparkling's efforts and found themselves lacking.
"Do you wish to be in stasis?" Keepsafe's voice demanded a response.
"No." The answer was instant, gritted out around the pain swelling through his frame, backed by determination. He would see his sparklings emerge, and he would greet them, even if their sire could not be there to do so.
"As you wish," she murmured as she set to work cutting and using her medical overrides to force his plating to move too fast. It would cause damage, but Jazz was fit and would recover. The sparklings took priority when the carrier wouldn't be crippled, and better for her to choose how and where the damage would occur, instead of leaving it to chance.
Sensing freedom growing closer Sunstreaker joined his brother, pulling free of many of the connections still linking him to his carrier and making his own path towards the growing light. Instead of directly challenging his brother, he pushed at Sideswipe to shift him over as he pulled and kicked his way towards the light at Sideswipe's side.
Pain tore through Jazz's awareness, enough to cause his visual processors to fritz, along with much of his awareness.
It was all he could do for a moment to stay online, surrendering watch over his creations to the medic as struggled to focus through the pain and having the very fleeting thought that if they were moving this quickly hopefully it wouldn't last long.
"Focus, creator," Thunderstorm's deep voice, so resonant of his carrier's, reached Jazz and helped him as he felt Keepsafe tear a large chunk of his armor completely off, taking more than a few cables and wires with it.
That voice- his creation. His creations, now making hash of his insides as Keepsafe simply removed many of the obstacles in their path.
His creations, all the same, and he reached out with welcome and encouragement. They were not going to be careful, in reality they were incapable of it in the grip of separation protocols, but they were willing to be quick, and right now that was a compromise he was willing to accept.
He felt the first flare of excitement from Sideswipe as the sparkling caught his first real glimpse of the outside world, unfiltered by his carrier. That excitement spread to Sunstreaker through their twin-bond, then exploded with a completely different kind of reaction as he experienced the first view and ventilation on his own.
While Sideswipe was excited simply to be free and experiencing something new, Sunstreaker was excited by the way the new environment played across his sensors.
It was a revealing insight into how different the pair were, despite the bond between them, and even the intense pain faded into the background as his attention centered completely on the bonds he shared with them. He welcomed the difference, equal affection flowing to them as he felt them pause, processing these new sensations. The light striking their optics. Ventilation systems processing air all on their own. Sound vibrations striking soft and vulnerable protoform directly and traveling unmuffled through their audios.
He also felt Keepsafe remove yet another section of his armor, and take advantage of the same pause to tidy cables and lines out of the way instead of cutting or tearing them at convenient break points. His frame was a mess, he was sure. As bad as any training accident he'd been witness to. Maybe worse. A tiny corner of his mind wondered if Prowl would react the way he would to a wound or if it would be different because it was his mate and their creations separating in the middle of the mess of internals.
"Don't fade out on us," Thunderstorm said firmly, squeezing Jazz's hands. "They're almost out."
He squeezed back, using the motion to help him ground and process, focusing for a moment on where the twins were and the shape he was in. They were free, or free enough, and he gently touched them both over the bonds. ~There's more. Come on.~
Sunstreaker was the first to respond this time, bracing himself against Jazz's insides and pushing up as his hands scrambled for a hold to pull him the rest of the way free. That handhold turned out to be one of Keepsafe's hands, while Sideswipe used Jazz's hip joint to finish pulling/crawling out of his carrier's frame.
Jazz felt their relief at being free, the calm as they looked around, and struggled to raise up enough for a good look, only to be frustrated as his frame responded jerkily, if at all. "Here, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker." He called softly. To his immense relief it was enough to draw both sparkling's attention. Keepsafe helped them crawl up to their carrier's chest, into his arms and above his spark.
"Try to keep them settled there while I put you back together," Keepsafe told him with a glance at Thunderstorm as well.
Jazz chirred softly, nuzzling at them both as Thunderstorm helped to clean them up, gently wiping separation reside and their carrier's energon and fluids from their frames.
Sunstreaker was exhausted, stretching out over his carrier's spark and safe in the warmth and calm that pulsed in it. Sideswipe still had enough energy to prop himself partway up and look around, his helm turning this way and that every time someone moved.
Jazz reached up, wrapping an arm around his creations to support them both as Thunderstorm finished. "Energon." He prompted his elder creation gently; the sound of his voice drew both sparklings attention.
There were not desperate need of it, but the fuel would still be good for them before they dropped into recharge, a state Jazz was still stubbornly resisting himself.
Thunderstorm nodded and turned to get the two small cubes. He handed one to Jazz while he helped Sunstreaker sit up partway to drink.
Both sparklings latched onto the energon, figuring out how to drink it quickly and still driven by the same survival protocols. Jazz sighed softly, watching as they drank their fill and settled back onto his chest, curling together as heavy tanks and recent energy expenditure pushed them into recharge.
"Now will you go under while I put you back together?" Keepsafe asked.
There was a sense of struggle from Jazz, visor going offline as he forced himself to actually think through everything and argue with the carrier coding that made his first response instant refusal.
"Yes." It was a grudging agreement, but it was agreement.
SxSxSxSxSxSxSxSx S===================S SxSxSxSxSxSxSxS
Three orns after the twins separated Jazz was still confined to Keepsafe's care. He'd been brought out of stasis ten joors earlier, though he'd done little more than nuzzle the recharging twins on his chest, drink a cube of medical energon and drop into recharge himself. Despite all the damage done in the separation, when Lord Prowl looked into the room he saw his mate whole and in recharge with two healthy-looking sparklings curled up on his chest.
"It was a difficult separation," Keepsafe kept her voice low. "I'm ready to release him to rest and recover in your quarters when he boots up. Please keep the activity very light for the next half decaorn at least. The twins are thankfully very healthy and strong. They will make fine warriors when they mature. Your bonded is an excellent carrier."
"Yes, he is an excellent creator and mentor as well," Prowl smiled softly, a look few things drew from him. "May I sit with them until he wakes?"
"Yes," she nodded. "I expect him to wake, and go directly back into recharge once he is in his own berth."
Prowl inclined his helm in understanding and entered the room silently to pull a chair up next to the berth and sit quietly, simply watching his mate and the new lives they had created together.
One of the twins stirred on Jazz's chest, a leg escaping the tight, tucked posture that mimicked the safe confines of being inside their carrier that their frames had yet to forget. The leg was pulled back, then allowed to relax once more with a soft, sleepy sound.
Slowly, gently, Prowl extended his EM field to weave with his mate's, then caress the two sparklings. Jazz's field responded to the touch with the speed of long familiarity, latching on and melding with Prowl's to find a deeper peace, even in his current state.
Both sparklings stirred slightly at the familiar but unfamiliar touch, Sideswipes optics even lighting for a brief moment as he helm lifted with a soft chirp. Prowl hummed softly in reply, reassuring the nearly helpless being that he was safe.
The sparkling regarded him for a moment before apparently deciding that he was all right and burrowing back in beside his twin, striking into his carrier's arms as he settled once more. Even the small impact was enough to rouse his carrier, Jazz's field flickering as visor flashed dimly, checking on the newsparks before settling on Prowl.
Joy-surprise flared across the bond as Jazz pushed against it, wanting to believe what he was seeing. ~Love?~
~I am here,~ Prowl responded with a caress across the bond and a gentle hand on along Jazz's helm. ~It is over.~
Jazz turned his helm, following the caress to nuzzle against Prowl's hand as mixture of emotions swirled across the bond. Relief that Prowl had returned safe, joy that his mate was with him once more. Then sadness, regret, as Jazz's attention turned to the newsparks on his chest, strong and smart and perfect. ~I'm sorry. I tried...wanted you to be here. But they're as stubborn and determined as the rest....~
~I know love,~ Prowl gently chastised him for risking his own health to have Prowl there. ~I am sorry I could not come. They are healthy. You will recover. That is what matters. Do not risk yourself again,~ he ordered, though it was more like a plea.
Carefully Jazz shifted the recharging sparklings, freeing a hand and reaching for Prowl, wanting the contact and needing more reassurance that his bonded was indeed sitting as his side.
~I won't.~ He promised as their hands clasped. ~Though by Primus' mercy I won't have to make the choice again.~
~By His mercy,~ Prowl agreed, though he was highly doubtful they would be so fortunate. ~Keepsafe said that when you woke you could move to our quarters to continue recovering.~
~Now?~ The hopefulness in the question was clear, Jazz wanting very much to be back in the safety and familiarity of their quarters.
~If you feel strong enough to walk there,~ Prowl nodded, caressing Jazz's horn with one finger.
~With some help.~ Jazz admitted, the undertone implying that he would find the strength if it meant being able to rest in their berth. His fingers curled lightly around his mate's. ~Bladesinger?~
~She did well,~ he smiled. ~She is currently in charge of packing up for the units to come home.~
Relief and pride flooded back across the bond, tension that had gripped Jazz's frame easing away once more. ~Good. I am sure I will hear all about when she is home again.~
~Yes, I am quite sure,~ Prowl chuckled softly, rousing the sparklings briefly.
Jazz sighed. ~If Keepsafe is willing to release me, I am ready to be back in our berth.~
~As am I,~ Prowl leaned in to kiss him softly. ~It is not the same without you by my side.~
The flare of need and love across the bond at the gentle contact revealed just how much Jazz had missed his mate. ~Thunderstorm and Flashdrive were watched over me when you were gone, but I missed you.~
Prowl tried to sooth that flare of need, knowing he couldn't do more than kiss and hold for several more orns. ~Would you rather lean on Thunderstorm, or have him help carry the twins?~
~Would rather lean on you. Though our creation did an impressive job of getting me to Keepsafe when those two decided it was time to separate.~ Jazz said with a touch of his old humor.
~He is a good creation, and a fine mechling,~ Prowl didn't hide his approval for the creation he had carried. ~Then he can carry the twins while I tend to you?~
Jazz nodded. ~Need to move soon though.~ He added, already feeling his energy begin to wane once more.
~Energon?~ Prowl asked even as he pinged Thunderstorm to come to medical.
~Please.~ It wouldn't fix the problem, but it would help getting him where he needed to go.
Prowl unsubspaced a cube and held it to his mate's lips. ~Drink,~ he urged, not turning to look when Thunderstorm stepped into the room. "Jazz will finish his recovery in our quarters. I will support him. I understand the twins like you."
"Yes, creator," Thunderstorm smiled and walked up to the berth to carefully collect the recharging pair.
Rumbling growls and whines of protest issued from both sparklings as they were gently lifted from Jazz's chest, only to taper off as they were wrapped in their brother's familiar field and cradled safely in his arms.
Jazz had finished most of the cube Prowl was pushing at him by the time the pair were settled, pushing the rest away and struggling to rise. ~I'll finish it later. Probably going to need after the walk.~
With a small nod Prowl helped him to his pedes, encouraging his mate to lean heavily against him. The progress to their quarters in the main building was slow despite the fact that there was no one to meet. Even in the much reduced population, that was rather unusual.
~Flashdrive is probably clearing the way so no one sees the twins,~ Prowl commented. ~If that reduces your embarrassment, all the better.~
It wasn't so much embarrassment as a deep need to appear strong before the House no matter what, to try and inspire some of the trust they had in Prowl and to do honor to the designation of his mate and the trust Prowl had placed in him. Jazz was still thankful though, allowing Prowl to take even more of his weight and steady his frame as he moved.
Keepsafe had seen to all of the major repairs, but the extent of the damage was pushing his self-repair systems hard as they struggled to align, adjust and recalibrate most of his insides and a good part of his frame core. It was also the first time Jazz could recall being thankful for the strictly enforced tradition that kept newsparks of the House out of the public optics until their first armor appeared.
~It helps.~ He agreed, truth and trying to distract himself from just how weak he was.
~We're almost there,~ Prowl slid and arm further around his mate, gripping and armor plate edge to give himself a firm hold, and spread that sensor wing widely to shield his mate from any prying optics that may come from behind.
This may not embarrass Jazz, but it stirred deep-set protocols in Prowl to shield his mate's weakness from any who might take advantage of it. ~You did very well, love.~
~Good thing,~ was the answer, even the short walk draining Jazz to the point that his awareness of the world around him was fading, the energy traded for the strength to simply keep going forward. ~Going to recharge better though.~ He added.
~Good....~ Prowl paused as they entered the last hallway, their door in sight. ~I can carry you.~
That suggested was answered with a flare of shame, and the very real knowledge that Jazz needed the help being offered. With a soothing wash of affection and support Prowl scooped Jazz up, careful of his still-healing frame, and walked smoothly behind Thunderstorm into their quarters, to their berthroom, where Jazz was gently settled on the large, soft berth.
Prowl climbed in and snuggled against his side before Thunderstorm settled the twins on Jazz's chest.
Jazz nuzzled them both, settling them with ease before looking up at Thunderstorm. "Thank you." He murmured, visor starting to go dim.
"Recharge well, creators," Thunderstorm smiled before slipping from the room.
"Recharge well," Prowl nuzzled him, watching his mate drift into recharge with their healthy twin sparklings on his chest.
- 19
- 20
- 21
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Military Lord and the Hero's Creation