WARNING! THIS CHAPTER HAS REFERENCES TO PAST RAPE AND A LITTLE MECH ON MECH LOVE. DO NOT READ IF THIS OFFENDS YOU! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Patching up
After getting reports that the Steelhaven was nearly ready to depart to Earth to replace Sentinel Prime with Springer, Ultra Magnus decided it was about time he spent some personal time with Optimus Prime. He had been so busy with meetings and whatnot that he hardly had any time to have some alone time with the mech he was still fond of. Optimus had been busy too, with his therapy treatment and his check ups with Perceptor. The Magnus would go with him when he could and he would watch as the sessions would either be calm and progressive or get quite emotional. In the calm ones Optimus would talk about his team and what he was proud of. In the emotional ones Optimus would cry and cry as he blamed himself for everything that has happened up until now.
The pair of them needed a break.
So after pulling some strings and arranging some time off, he managed to book a private table at an exclusive energon bar where only the high and almighty of the Cybertronian public would go to refuel in the glitz and glamour of luxuery at it's finest. Situated in the centre of Iacon's finest district, even the poor dreamed of going in there just to sample the finely brewed energon. It provided top class entertainment and featured music that soothed one's spark. Taking someone on a date here would defintaly increase their chances of getting some action afterwards, of course Ultra Magnus was not after that.
On his visits there with work colleagues the Magnus had found the place to be very relaxing and even eliminated some of the built up stress he had developed. His colleagues explained that apart from providing fun the establishment specialized in relaxation for hard working top officials. The meals there had been specialy prepared to release calming chemicals into their bodies and tasted divine. The music was composed by a top class musician who specialized in relaxation and calming moods with his music. There were many private rooms, each with their own themes and each with their own unique style of relaxation. The Magnus had heard through gossip and small talk that there was even an erotic one in there but he never asked the staff out of fear he would embarrass them and himself. He had read small columns that many mechs and femmes who went there felt like a new 'bot. Heck, medics had sent their patients there, the ones who could afford it, to help them calm down and have fun. It may sound odd to do such a thing but the only way to describe it was to go there and experience yourself.
After telling Optimus, the young Prime was surprised at first but then he got flustered and wasn't sure if he could go but after some smooth talking the Magnus managed to convince him to come along. He had been doing well in his recovery and informed the young Prime that he deserved this little treat.
Optimus would get embaressed again and make up excuses as to why it wasn't such a good idea. It wasn't that he didn't want to go, it was just that the place they were going to was very well known even to the lesser known. It was a place where armour models, media celebrities and governors would dine in their own little world and the young Prime didn't want to spoil the atmosphere of the exclusive establishment with his mere presence. He wasn't exactly posh and exquisiet compared to the ones who would frequent the establishment. Ultra Magnus told him he was just being silly and informed him that no one would dare disturb them during their meal together.
"Don't be silly Optimus. You deserve this, you've done very well in your recovery."
"I know but it sounds like a place that I shouldn't visit."
"Yet Perceptor wants you to go. He thinks it will help you relax."
"Yes, he told me...but...oh...
He couldn't finish his sentence.
He was having mixed feelings about the whole thing.
Yes he could see why Ultra Magnus would want to reward him for he was doing well. The therapy sessions were helping him adjust to his pain and he was slowly starting to accept that the past could no longer harm him.
He was still aware that the good Magnus still cared for him. He wasn't an idiot, he could see it all. The way he looked at him and the tone he used with. It was painfully obvious that he was still trying.
This whole thing sounded like a date.
Maybe it was just to keep up appearances but the way the Magnus held his arm and the soft tone he used with him...it was like a nervous mech on his first date with someone he loved with all his spark.
"Maybe we should go somewhere else?" suggested Optimus as they stood outside the fine establishment.
"Don't worry Optimus, I've reserved a private table and I promise you no one will disturb us."
The young Prime uttered a nervous sound. Ultra Magnus sighed and patted his helm.
"I'm not trying to force you Optimus but eventually you will have to walk among the public without fear. Consider this a stepping stone towards your ultimate goal. We'll get there and I will get you there even if I have to drag you."
That last part actually made Optimus smirk in an amusing way. Ultra Magnus could not resist to chuckle. It pleased the elder mech that the young Prime was slowing starting to show improved signs of recovery. He was acting more...it was like nothing bad had ever happened. With each passing sol his smiles would widen and his fears were barely visable. It would take more time until he was ready but so far he was doing extremely well. Maybe this evening would turn out alright after all.
Walking inside a steward greeted them and smiled.
"It is an honer to have you here Ultra Magnus, and to meet your potential mate to be is also a pleasure!"
Ultra Magnus bowed his head slightly and Optimus did the same. She ushered them to follow and Optimus could not help but look around in awe.
He could hear faint chattering and laughter all around him. The sounds of mechs and femmes celebrating something that must have been important and that was none of his business. None of them knew they were here and he wanted to keep it that way. He couldn't see them either, he was in some sort of long chamber that was filled with holographic lights that were very soothing. Calming music was playing and a few stewards would pass them, bowing and smiling as they were expected to.
Walking further in he could see movement behind glass walls and guessed they were the other visitors enjoying themselves. He was thankful they couldn't see them but they soon came to a walkway that passed over an exposed open floor where Optimus saw a a number of tables filled with elegant mechs and graceful femmes, all of them chatting and laughing over their finely prepared energon meals. Some of them didn't notice them walk over head but others did. Optimus and Ultra Magnus kept walking until they were hidden again.
They arrived in a small circular room with windows that looked out onto a garden filled with more elegant mechs and femmes eating their fine crusine. To the young Prime's relief it was a one way window so no one from the outside would stare. Last thing he wanted was to eat whilst nosey onlookers stared. There were dimly lit holographic lights that added a pleasant atmosphere and even some cylinder aquariums filled with small cyber-fish and miniature space slugs. A table with prepared cutlery was situated in the centre, complete with a vase filled with crystal plants.
The steward sat them down and excused herself whilst they made their decision on what to eat.
"This room is so...unique," stated Optimus.
Ultra Magnus nodded as he opened up the holographic menu.
"It's one of the best. No one can disturb us and plus we get a nice view."
True. The view, despite the over dressed mechs and femmes that littered the gardens, was quite pleasing to the optics. It was very relaxing. The lights, the music and even the smell, it was all so very soothing and the young Prime actually felt comfortable.
"Thank you...for bringing me here."
Ultra Magnus looked up with surprised optics.
"Not too long ago you were as nervous as a petro-rabbit in a petting zoo when young protoforms are about to visit."
"I-I know...it's just that...ever since I returned to Cybertron I found that I...I was too scared to be around others. Too afraid to go to a public place in case something happened. I felt like an alien on my own home world and considering I came back from a planet where I was an alien is saying something. It's starting to feel easier. I admit I made a mistake and got a little scared again but...I feel a little more safe now."
The Magnus smiled a little.
"Yes but remember you must take a step at a time Optimus. Rush it and you might fall and have to start all over and that's the last thing we want."
The Prime nodded.
Yes, he had made that mistake back in the gardens. That stupid silly mistake that almost sent him back down into his pit of misery and woe. He thought he was near the finish line of his horrid experience but the truth was he wasn't even halfway. Like Ultra Magnus said, if he rushed it everything would come apart and all of it would have been for nothing. He had to go about this slowly if he ever wanted a normal life again.
Speaking of which he never got around to thanking Longarm Prime properly.
"I have to get something for Longarm Prime, to show him that I appreciated his help."
Ultra Magnus frowned.
"I am happy that he assited you Optimus but I wish you would tell me who attempted to harm you so I can punish them accordingly."
The Prime sighed.
"I...eventually...please Ultra Magnus I'd rather not speak of it."
Ultra Magnus pulled a grim expression as Optimus began to nervoulsy play with his hands. The Prime was still hiding the name of the one who had tried to assult him back in the gardens and the only other witness was Longarm Prime. He really wanted to know who would dare harm his beloved Prime but he didn't want to stress him out like he almost did last time.
Besides he had a pretty good guess who it was anyway.
Now that he thought about it he really didn't want to be talking about that in a place like this. It was best to drop the subject and quickly find another one.
"You could always get him a gift from the store they have in here. This is the only place in Iacon where they sell Crysalis Sweets and I have heard that Longarm has a bit of a sweet denta."
Optimus looked up with a positive expression.
"Really? That might do. He really likes sweet things?"
"Yes and I really have to thank him in person. Sadly the pair of us have been rather busy. Him with intelligence and myself with all the usual political nonsense."
The young Prime smiled slightly.
"I'm sure Cybertron appreciates it."
"Hmmmm...sometimes I think they take our efforts for granted. But there are a few who do openly appreciate what we do for them. Enough about politics for now, I do not wish to bore you with dull knowledge."
Optimus uttered a small chuckle.
"I don't mind. In fact before I joined the Autobots I..."
He paused. Ultra Magnus leaned in, curious about Optimus's life before he joined the ranks of an Autobot. He had wanted to know for some time but never pressured the young Prime into telling him. Yet now he didn't seem to mind.
"What? Tell me, I'm curious," chuckled the Magnus.
The young Prime blushed a little.
"I had a...part time job as an archives clerk."
Ultra Magnus blinked in surprise.
"I...never pictured you as a clerk Optimus."
Optimus blushed again.
"Well it helped me earn my credits and whenever I was bored I used to read the archives we had in the history section. The politics section of the history archives actually interested me. I used to read them all the time until I had covered every single data pad we had on the subject."
As the young Prime spoke of his past, Ultra Magnus smiled gently.
"You enjoyed it?"
"Oh yes, particularly the part detailing the events of the war with the Quintessons and how the council, at the time, had to make the hard choice to modify our body structure to survive the bio attacks and even had our t-cogs modified so we can assume an extra form to help our plight against our enemies which ironically only the Autobots have been able to master since..."
Optimus blushed once more when he realized he was rambling and stopped.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"Don't be," laughed Ultra Magnus.
"It is quite useful to have so much knowledge in one's CPU. Primus, even I barely understand our history at times. I am still surprised that you were a clerk though. Why the change?"
There was a small pause before Optimus explained.
"I was...inspired...by the soldiers and warriors of old. I used to sit down and read all their stories about how they won wars and destroyed evil aliens from invading our world...all for the one hope that they could protect their people. I would sit and watch archives of the great war and read the biography's of individual soldiers. How they all made a difference, how they fought for what they believed was right and all of their hopes and dreams that they wanted to keep alive. It...made me wish I was there, fighting their battles and understanding what they were going through."
As Optimus spoke Ultra Magnus could not help but gaze into the young Prime's dreamy face. The way he spoke about his interest in the history of their world made him realize there was more to Optimus than he first believed. It was also nice to know that the young mech was sharing his past with him. According to his reports on the young Prime he rarely ever spoke about his life prior to joining the Autobots. It made him feel...happy.
Happy that Optimus trusted him enough to share his past with him.
The young Prime blushed again when he found he was rambling once more. It was just that the history of their world was incredibly interesting and he had always wanted to go back in time and relive the past events. It was no wonder his social skills were poor.
"Sorry Ultra Magnus, I didn't mean to bore you."
The elder mech shook his head.
"No Optimus, I enjoyed it. In fact I am pleased that you were inspired by our history rather than joining for the glory and fame. Also I now know more about you and and I'll know what to get you for a present someday."
A present? Optimus flushed a shade of red but smiled.
"You don't have to...I'm happy with what I have now."
The Magnus desperately tried to keep his face from going red as he answered the Prime's response.
"Oh come now Optimus, it is my duty to make sure that you get what you deserve. I want to make certain that you get everything you need to make certain that you will be alright. I...don't mean to sound rash but I just want to make certain that I am achieving this."
The young Prime was still flushing pink and he had to hide his face.
"Yes you have. I truly appreciate it Ultra Magnus. For everything I mean...thank you."
The elder mech felt his cheeks heat up and they flushed a small shade of red. Optimus hadn't noticed but he continued to smile up at the Magnus. Primus, had Optimus ever seen his own face when he smiled like that? He was adorable and the elder mech had to restrain himself before he said something stupid. He looked away and tried to calm himself down. It had been a while since Optimus had ever said anything like that to him and it felt...refreshing.
It made him see that Megatron had failed to destroy Optimus completely. He only shattered his spirit and the young Prime was slowly piecing himself together. It would take time but soon Optimus Prime would return to his full glory. There would be scars of course but everyone had to live with their scars and adapt. He was full of confidence that the young mech would get past them and eventually act like nothing had ever happened to him.
The steward soon returned with a blank data pad, ready to take their orders.
Optimus was a rather self conscious when it came to ordering so he only order the things that looked affordable. Ultra Magnus would laugh and tell him not to worry but the young mech insisted that he couldn't digest any of the expensive looking meals on the menu. Ultra Magnus gave in and ordered something similar.
Soon they were dining on a simple but well prepared meals and, much to the elder mech's joy, Optimus was enjoying it. The Magnus felt a little cheeky and convinced his dining partner to join him in a drink of fine crystal energon wine, brewed in a special way and blessed with a unique taste. He had to convince the Prime that it was cheap before he would actually allow him to buy some. Optimus tried some, knowing that drinking something like this wouldn't affect him or his sparkling. He was surprised how sweet it was and helped himself to another glass. They soon started talking about silly little things that would either make the other interested or cause them both to laugh. It was almost like the time they spent together on Earth only this time Optimus was more relaxed and not hiding anything.
A few guests did find out who was in the private booth and sent gifts of more energon wine and even offered to pay for a fancy looking dessert. Optimus did enjoy the wine that was sent but the dessert was incredibly sweet and he could only take two bites before giving up. Ultra Magnus laughed as the young Prime had to down two glasses of the wine to rid himself of the sour sweet taste.
They talked some more and the Magnus got a little concerned that Optimus had about nine glasses of the energon wine. Technically the wine wouldn't harm the health of Optimus's unborn sparkling but he was getting a little tipsy without realizing it.
The evening came to a close and Optimus was now tired and tipsy no thanks to the wine. Still, it was good to see that he was happy for he was chatting away like a rambling old man, talking about his favourite data pads and his love of history.
Unfortunately he was too tired and tipsy to walk without tripping, so the Magnus arranged to have transport ready to take them back the moment they walked out the establishment. He paid the bill, thanked the staff and gently picked the dazed Prime up. The steward giggled at the sight and wished that the Magnus's mate-to-be would recover the following sol. Optimus groaned and apologized but she laughed him off. The young Prime contined to groan and blush as the Magnus carried him through the corridors.
Thankfully there were no media 'bots outside waiting to take a picture but the Magnus quickly entered the transport and laid Optimus down on an empty seat. He didn't want to give the slaggers a chance to upset the young Prime. Soon they were on the speed ways and Optimus was trying to sober up.
"I'm...sorry," he moaned.
Ultra Magnus shook his head and patted Optimus gently on the helm.
"Don't be. I'm happy that you enjoyed yourself."
The young Prime whined but said nothing.
Soon they were back in the Magnus's estate and Ultra Magnus carried the weary Prime back to his room. He gently laid him on the berth and as soon as he landed on the soft mesh, the young Prime fell into a deep slumber. The elder mech smiled as he looked down at the sleeping Prime before leaving the room.
It wasn't exactly how he wanted their future to start out.
And he admitted that he was worried that future would never come about because of the terrible past.
But there was hope that the pair of them would get the future they wanted.
And he would make certain it would happen.
It nearly took a whole deca cycle worth of planning and organizing but at long last the Steelhaven was ready to head back to Earth. It's mission was to replace Sentinel Prime with Springer and bring the Sub-Commander home, a simple but important mission indeed. It had been a difficult time but the Magnus was pleased that he had gotten through it all with no major issues. From going to stressful meetings to sitting with Optimus during his therapy treatment, the elder mech was surprised he got it all done in the short amount of time he had.
The ship was replenished with energon and fuel, with a new transmitter added when Ultra Magnus found that their own one was missing. A small crew was formed to take the ship to and from Earth and Ultra Magnus made sure they were well trained Autobots just in case they ran into trouble. All of the computers and machinery were updated and tuned to exceptional standards. The green mech himself was now prepared to leave Cybertron and head out to a whole new world even though the Magnus had repeatedly asked him if he was certain that he wanted to take this mission due to his relasionship problem. Springer had replied every time that he was certain and he was in fact doing this for his ex lover so he had no regret. In fact he seemed to be happy about it.
Walking around the main docking station where the Steelhaven was getting the finishing touches, Ultra Magnus complimented Kup on a job well done. The old veteran had assited in getting the Steelhaven ready and the pair of them were pleased with what had been accomplished.
"A job well done if I do say so myself," laughed Kup.
"Indeed," replied Ultra Magnus.
"We even made sure we have enough energon for both the crew and the 'bots on that organic planet. Everything should be fine under Springer's leadership...can't say what it will be like when Sentinel takes over the ships command."
"Let's just hope he doesn't do anything silly and comes home safely," sighed the elder mech.
Only for the Magnus to rip him a new exhaust when he returned.
As the time drew near for the Steelhaven to depart for Earth, Ultra Magnus prepared himself for the leaving ceromony. It wasn't going to be grand or anything but it was of the many duties of being a Magnus. Only a few 'bots would be there, including a media 'bot who would record the event. He even brought Optimus along to see the ship off, the young mech carrying a small box with him. A box he held close to his spark and for good reason.
There were two reasons why he was bringing the young Prime with him. The first was that Perceptor beileved that they did need some more time being seen together in the spotlight of the public. They didn't have to do anything, just be seen together and all. The other was because Optimus had put together a collection of data pads where he had written many letters to his team mates back on Earth, hoping that they would read them.
The moment Optimus Prime heard that the Steelhaven would be leaving for Earth soon he started writing many letters to each of his team mates and even added a few gifts he hoped would make them happy. Something to remind them of Cybertron. He had missed them and felt bad for how he left them without even giving them a proper farewell. The elder mech could not blame him for wanting to let his team mates know that he was alright. In fact it distracted the young Prime from his troubles and he even laughed as he wrote them. Of course Ultra Magnus had to check them all to make sure that Optimus didn't mention anything about his condition and thankfully there were none. He did feel a little strange inside when he read them, Each of them were unique depending who it was for.
In the one for Ratchet he had told him that he was doing fine and that he had missed his nagging. He even mentioned that if he had the chance he would replace the great Perceptor for him. As a gift he had sent the latest issue of a popular Medic data pad that Ratchet liked to read and a coupon, that would never expire, to the old medic's favorite energon stop.
The letter to Bulkhead was pretty much the same but included a spark felt apology about the whole oil incident back on Earth. He even promised he would buy Bulkhead a whole barrel of energon when he came home to make up for it and as a gift he was sending a 'grow your own energon crystal' kit and a data pad about the wonders of the space bridges. A hobby that the big green mech enjoyed.
It was the same with Bumblebee's letter including a promise that he would do anything to get him to smile for him and a plea to behave for Ratchet's sake. He was sending him some sort of toy that was hip with the younger crowd at the moment.
For Prowl it was even more apologizing and talking about how he missed the nature of Earth and he hoped the ninja 'bot would do his best to protect it. He was sending a similar gift that he had given Bulkhead but it was a crystal planet that was popular with cyber ninja's.
He even wrote one for the young human named Sari. It in he expressed how he hoped that Sari was behaving and not causing mischief with her key. He hoped she had matured whilst he was away and promised they would meet again once he had gotten better. Apparently Optimus had quite the task to find her a gift so he gave her something simple, a holo tape with pictures of Cybertron. It looked tacky for any Cybertronian but the Prime explained that this would be an incredible gift for a primitive creature like Sari.
All of them sealed within the box in his hands, the young Prime was planning to hand it over to Springer so he could give it to his friends on Earth. He also wanted to meet with Springer to see what he was like and ask him to take care of his team mates in his place. It was sort of an unofficial hand over of sorts, even though it was technically Sentinel who he would be doing the hand over with. He had heard from Ultra Magnus what he was like but he had to meet him to make sure that this mech would take care of his team mates.
"He is a good Autobot Optimus. He will ensure that your team is safe and trained for combat."
"I know Ultra Magnus but...I just want to meet him face to face and I have to ask him something," replied the Prime.
That he could understand and thought it wouldn't hurt to let Optimus speak to Springer.
Entering the main dock they found Kup, Perceptor, a few council mechs, the crew, the media 'bot and the mech himself, Springer waiting for them. The Steelhaven loomed behind them, ready to take off and head for the organic world. Docking bay mechs were running around and making sure everything was in place. The main doors were already open and the ship's engines hummed loudly as if it were anxious to fly off.
The 'bots saluted as Ultra Magnus walked over to greet them and Optimus followed behind him, looking at the green mech as he moved. Springer smiled back at him and even bowed his head. Optimus remembered something that Prowl had told him, that 'bots who trained at the dojo were also taught how to respect others and the green mech was merely showing his respect to the Prime. Optimus bowed his head back as Ultra Magnus spoke.
"I see everything as been made ready. You've all done a satisfactory job getting the Steelhaven prepared on time and I hope you all have a safe journey. I'm sure Kup has already informed you all that Springer will be in charge until you reach the planet Earth. Upon leaving Earth you will under Sentinel Prime's command."
Hearing this set off a few groans and Optimus could not help but smirk.
"We had a new engine installed upon the Steelhaven to help move this task quicker so this mission should only take three orbital cycles to complete where it would normally take six. There are no space bridges near this planet until we have one installed so it will have to be done the old fashioned way."
He then turned his attention to Springer.
"Springer, until you arrive at Earth you will be responsible for the ship and it's crew. Never let your gaurd down, not even for a moment. For if Megatron is on Earth than you can be certain his Decepticons won't be far behind, ready to strike from any dark corner. You must reach Earth and take over command of Sentinel Prime's team and continue to fight the Decepticon threat in his place and defend our human allies. Do not fail them and do not fail the Autobots. Is that clear?"
Springer saluted.
"I will sir, with my very life!"
The rest of the crew saluted behind him.
"Very good then. Make us all proud,"ordered the Magnus.
Optimus made a small sound and the elder mech smirked a little.
"Now Springer before you depart...would you mind listening to Optimus Prime's request?"
The green mech blinked in surprise but nodded. Optimus flushed a little as he stepped forward and handed Springer the box of letters.
"Springer, I never got the chance to say good bye to my team. This box just contains some letters I wrote to them and a few small gifts. Could you please make sure that they get them and tell them that I truly regret not being able to see them off? Also...please take care of them for me...Bumblebee and Bulkhead might cause you some trouble but they're good 'bots...and Prowl seems cold but that's just the way he is. Ratchet likes to complain a lot so please prepare yourself for that. We were also taking care of a human child named Sari and you best keep your optic on her, she's a mischivious sort. That and the humans are a little strange but don't be too alarmed with them..."
As Optimus rambled on and on, Ultra Magnus could not help but smile as he watched the young Prime attempting to give every little bit of information about his old team, the human child and the planet Earth to the mech who would take over the leadership of his team. Springer looked like he was trying to keep up with him and even seemed alarmed when the Prime mentioned something about a AllSpark infused key that the human child used for her own amusement. It was amusing but it was nice to see that Optimus was acting more relaxed than he normally was. Lately he had been nervous and jumping at every shadow he saw but now he had been getting better. Maybe it was the idea that he was going to get into contact with his team that made him feel braver than normal.
The Magnus didn't mind, it was a good thing to see Optimus acting as normal as he could get.
"I promise you Optimus I'll give these to them. I'm actually looking forward to seeing this world," said Springer, holding the box in his hands.
"Prowl will make an excellent guide when you get the chance to explore the Earth. I swear he knows that whole planet like the back of his servo by now. Just watch out because he gets moody without warning. I should warn you about the tree in his room and the things that live in it. I mean they cause you no harm but I...think I...?"
Springer seemed to be ignoring him at this point and appeared to be peering over his shoulder. The Prime trailed off from what he was saying and saw that Springer optics had widened with a glimmer of faint hope. Optimus looked over his own shoulder to see what the green mech was looking at.
Standing at the entrance to the docking bay stood a brightly coloured mech, his blue optics staring in their direction. Optimus didn't recognize him, he was too far off to see him clearly but his red, yellow and orange frame made him stand out like a sore digit. No one else had noticed him yet despite his brightly coloured frame but he stood there as if he was a statue. He was staring back at them with an bitter look, almost as if he wasn't pleased with what he saw. When others started to notice his presence he fled without looking back. He had vanished as quickly as he had come.
Who was that?
Optimus turned back to Springer to see that the green mech had a look of defeat in his optics. Almost as if someone had slapped him in the face and left him there with a care in the universe. Was that his friend or something? Had he come to say good bye but got scared at the last click?
"Was he your friend?" asked Optimus, trying to sound sympathetic.
The green mech forced on a smile.
"In...more ways then one."
Ah, that explained it.
"I'm sure he just couldn't say good bye."
Springer nodded.
"Yeah...maybe."
The young Prime could not help but notice the pained look in the green mech's optics after that mech dissapeared. It was unsettling considering he was so cheerful not so long ago. Springer's face seemed to be expressing a pained...regret. He must have cared for that mech quite a bit. Was he sad that he was going to leave him? Did he truly want to say good bye to him just in case?
"If you want I could pass on a message?"
"No...but..."
The green mech sighed and bit his lower derma.
"Never mind...but thank you Optimus Prime. I'll take care of your team."
As the green mech bowed once again and left him to have a final word with Ultra Magnus, Optimus could not help but feel like there was something more to what he had just witnessed. Turning back to the docking bay entrance he could of sworn he spotted the brightly coloured mech again. A strange emotion filled him for some reason as he wondered about the relasionship between Springer and that mech trying to hide. He knew he had only just met them but there was something farmilar about the way the green mech acted.
Looking back at the spot where the brightly coloured mech once stood he wondered if he would be able to meet him...maybe even help him?
From the observation deck Ultra Magnus and Kup watched as the Steelhaven departed from their world and was already vanishing from their sight. Optimus had to leave with Perceptor so he couldn't see the ship off but the young Prime was happy that he was able to send off some mementos to his friends. Ultra Magnus was pleased that he had managed to assemble a crew and a suitable replacement for Sentinel Prime. It would be three orbital cycles before he would return but that didn't mean he was going to forget that he was under suspicion of drugging a Prime.
Both Sentinel and Jazz were going to spend an eventful sol in his office once he returned.
Speaking of Jazz, the cyber ninja was now living back at his dojo under the watchful optics of his fellow ninjas. He was depressed and not talking to anyone and the elder mech still felt a ping of guilt for putting him in that position. However if he found out that it was Jazz who had drugged Optimus then he would show no quarter when he would deal with him.
Kup chewed on his cy-gar as he watched the Steelhaven leave.
"Thanks for this Ultra Magnus. The lad needed to get away from here for a while and focus his attention on something else. Trust me, he'll show those 'cons a thing or two and he'll keep an optic on the Autobots positioned there."
The Magnus looked down at him.
"There is no need to thank me...but I regret to tell you that I am curious as to why he needed to leave Cybertron?"
Kup sighed.
"Sorry Magnus...it won't be right coming from me."
"I understand, I won't say anything else on the matter."
"Thanks...just understand it is one of those things that needs to be left alone."
As the two elder mechs watched the Steelhaven vanish into the heavens with mixed feelings shared between the pair of them, someone else watched from a vacant viewing platform not too far away from their position. He was alone and he liked it that way but he couldn't care less if anyone walked in on him watching the Steelhaven depart from Cybertron. His brightly coloured armour usually made others notice him but thankfully their attention was focused on the departing ship.
He quietly hugged himself and looked down at his pedes, a painful urge swelling within him, a need to cry growing deep within him.
"Of all the times you had to listen to me, you chose now...you slagging idiot," he bitterly sobbed.
