Love in the Stars

Chapter 17

The mood aboard the Axalon was tense but filled with a quiet sense of anticipation. The Autobots and Mini-Cons were finally preparing to leave Earth and make the long-awaited journey to Cybertron. However, the uncertainty of what awaited them on their home planet loomed large in the minds of everyone on board. Hot Shot, the newly appointed commander, stood in front of the assembled Mini-Cons, trying to mask his own self-doubt with a brave face.

"We're heading to Cybertron soon," Hot Shot announced, his voice steady but his optics betraying his uncertainty. "It's up to you. You can stay here on Earth if you want, but you're welcome to come with us."

The Mini-Cons exchanged glances before stepping forward, one by one, signaling their decision to accompany the Autobots. Rad, Carlos, and Alexis watched from the back, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they likely wouldn't be joining the Autobots on this mission.

Meanwhile, Cassie sat perched on Jetfire's broad shoulder, her wings tucked behind her back, silent and contemplative. She could feel the tension in the air, not only from the upcoming battle but also from the changes within herself. She had grown stronger, her new techno-organic abilities manifesting in ways she didn't fully understand yet. And while Jetfire tried to reassure her, she knew that even he was worried about what she was becoming.

The kids approached Hot Shot, eager to plead their case. Carlos, ever the optimist, was the first to speak. "We want to come with you to Cybertron. We can help!"

Hot Shot shook his head, his voice firm. "I'm sorry, guys. It's too dangerous. You can't come."

The kids groaned in disappointment, but Cassie remained silent. Unlike them, she was the exception. As Jetfire's bondmate, she was already considered part of the Autobot team, her techno-organic nature granting her a unique status among both Autobots and humans.

"You're going, right?" Alexis asked her quietly, and Cassie nodded, her orange optics flickering softly in the dim light.

"I'm coming with them. I have to," Cassie replied, though her voice was tinged with uncertainty. She wasn't sure if she was ready for whatever awaited them on Cybertron, but there was no turning back now.

Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the Street Action Mini-Con Team suddenly combined into Perceptor, emitting a strange, high-pitched whistle that echoed through the base. The Mini-Cons began running around the room, blocking the control panels, much to the Autobots' confusion.

"What's going on?" Red Alert muttered as he tried to push a few Mini-Cons away from the launch controls.

Perceptor, in his own cryptic way, communicated that the kids needed to come along. Hot Shot let out an exasperated sigh, realizing he wasn't going to win this argument. "Fine. But if you get into trouble, it's on you," he relented.

The kids cheered in victory as they quickly grabbed their things and piled onto the ship. Cassie exchanged a small, knowing smile with Jetfire, who stood quietly observing the situation.

As everyone prepared for launch, Jetfire had a surprise for Cassie. He led her to his quarters aboard the Axalon, a sleek, private area filled with Cybertronian design and technology. Her jaw dropped in amazement as she stepped inside.

"This... this is incredible!" Cassie exclaimed, her fingers trailing along the walls.

Jetfire chuckled, his optics glowing with amusement. "If you think this is impressive, wait until you see my place on Cybertron. It's even bigger."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but before she could ask about his home, Jetfire opened a compartment and revealed a suit of custom-designed armor. "I've been working on this with Blurr. Thought you might like it."