Precipitous
Part 4-Misunderstanding
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.
"Have you talked to him?"
Optimus Prime's head snapped up, optics locked on the mech who'd managed to sneak into his office despite his size.
"If you're referring to Rodimus, no, I haven't," Optimus said.
"Why?"
"A pair of nasty threats from Ratchet and Red Alert," Optimus said.
"Since when do you heed empty threats from Ratchet?"
"It's not Ratchet I'm afraid of this time," Optimus said.
"The femme? What did she say?" Ironhide asked, interested now.
"I'm not repeating it," Optimus said.
"That bad?"
Optimus raised an optic ridge. "Do you have a reason to be here, or are you just making idle conversation?"
"I have a reason, and you know it," Ironhide said. "You're not going to try to talk to Rodimus before we leave?"
"Ironhide, it's late, and he's recovering from injuries," Optimus said.
"If you're not going to talk to him about how his mission went, at least show some decency and go see how he is," Ironhide said.
Optimus sat back, crossed his arms.
"I've received a full report of his injuries and his expected recovery," he said.
"If you don't get off that stubborn aft of yours and go see him, I'll drag you there myself if necessary," Ironhide said. "He's been by himself all day wondering if you're going to punish him for what he considers a failed mission."
"Rodimus' mission was not a failure," Optimus said. "He did quite well, considering the circumstances they were fighting under."
"Then go tell him that," Ironhide said. "And Jazz told me you're planning on making Rodimus his second while we're gone. I'm glad to see you have such confidence in Rodimus' abilities, but again, have you told him this?"
"No," Optimus said.
"Then do it. Now," Ironhide said.
-----
Springer greeted Optimus when he showed up at the door to the quarters he shared with Hot Rod. The triple changer hastily excused himself, knowing business when he saw it.
:I'll be back later: Springer commed Hot Rod. :I'll be with 'Hide if you need me, helping prep for the mission. And I will stop by before the plane leaves:
:You better: Hot Rod said, turning his attention to the other Prime.
"What do you want?"
Optimus sighed. So much for an easy conversation. . .
"I came to see how you are," Optimus said. "And I'm sure by now you know I'm leaving in a few hours, taking a team with Major Lennox to follow up on the new intel we have from Singapore. . ."
"I'm fine, and I know about the mission," Hot Rod said. "So you can leave without lecturing me and now you can go clean up the mess I made."
"Rodimus, that's just it," Optimus said. "You didn't make a mess. Quite the contrary. Octane and Kickback did get away, but their presence and that of your NEST team remained undetected by the general public and you lost no one on your team. I would consider that a success. You did very well."
Hot Rod frowned. "Really?"
"Yes," Optimus said.
"But what about Prowl. . ."
"Graham and Ironhide have both assured me that you and Graham allowed Prowl to make his own decision based upon the data he had," Optimus said. "Rodimus, if I didn't trust your judgment, I would not have allowed you to be put in command of a mission. Also, that is why while I'm gone I'm leaving Jazz in charge and you're backing him up."
-----
Against Ratchet's orders, Optimus had dragged Rodimus from his quarters to his own to go over a few things before leaving for the mission. Threats aside, he had a job to do. Also, Ironhide was right. Rodimus did need a little reassurance. That the usually cocky, hot-tempered young Autobot needed such assurance was a little disconcerting to the Autobot leader. But then again, Rodimus had been thrown to the wolves, as the humans said, when it came to his new position among the Autobots.
At the moment, Rodimus was recharging on his berth, no doubt still exhausted from his own mission and injuries. A little high grade while they were going over the details he needed to impart to Rodimus helped put the young Prime out cold.
For a second, Optimus had the notion that it wouldn't be a bad idea to crawl into that berth next to Rodimus and get some rest himself before leaving. But that was crazy. He knew Rodimus would knock him on his aft if he even tried.
The Autobot leader sighed, knowing his time would be better spent rounding up the members of his team.
-----
0445. Graham knew it was 0445 because he was awake, sparing his alarm clock an occasional glance when his gaze wasn't locked on Maj. William Lennox, his commanding officer, the man in charge of NEST.
". . .and remember, I don't think I have to remind you, but light duty for you only the next few days. Run the drills yourself if you've gotta, but we should be back before then," Lennox said. "Optimus approved my request to keep Skids and Mudflap on the Xantium a few more days, so at least you're spared having to deal with them on top of everything else. Any questions?"
"No sir," Graham said, wishing Lennox would just leave already. He liked and respected his commanding officer, but thoughts of mutiny were running through the soldier's head. For a few seconds. Still, it was a nice thought. Then he snapped himself out of it. What was he thinking? A couple of pain pills and a few more hours rest would help cure that. Hopefully.
"Graham, you all right?" Lennox asked.
"Yes sir."
"Don't 'sir' me," Lennox said. "Look, I'm sorry I woke you up but. . ."
"It's all right," Graham said. "It's our job."
"Still doesn't make it right," Lennox said. "You shouldn't have any trouble with Jazz in charge. We'll be back as soon as we can."
"Safe hunting, sir," Graham said, willing the other soldier to leave.
"Wait--one more thing, before I forget," Lennox said. "I was just over at the Autobot hangar looking for Ironhide and it was the weirdest thing. . .thought I was seeing things, but I caught him coming out of Rodimus' quarters. Are they. . .involved or something? I'd ask, but, you know, it's kinda personal."
No, so you're asking me, Graham thought. "Sir. . ."
"I know, I know. . .I need to ask him myself," Lennox said. "Just make sure we have a base to come back to, will you?"
Graham nodded, fell back on his bed after Lennox was gone, smacking his forehead. At least the other soldier had finally noticed *something* was going on with Ironhide.
