Chapter 7

"I see," Optimus Prime said at last; Ultra Magnus had finished his debriefing of the situation and silently waited while his leader processed the information. While he waited, he accessed the security feed of Agent Fowler's office where he and the nurse were discussing the same issue. The feed was muted—a precaution to defend against any who would listen in while the agent and his superiors were discussing matters of military concern. But Ultra Magnus had been expertly trained by the Elite Guard and excelled at information gathering. It seemed they were no closer to a solution than the Prime.

Finally he spoke again, "It seems Jack has become distressed by the prospect of his mother growing closer to Agent Fowler."

"Pardon me, sir, but I fail to see how that could so drastically affect his demeanor."

Optimus merely sighed, "I do not blame you for your misunderstanding of the matter—there are many attributes of human nature I myself find enigmatic at times. The concept of family that we have adopted varies depending on the humans involved. In Jack's case, he and his mother have maintained a close love and trust formed from his biological father's departure. Since then, one can assume Jack would be wary of any man who would try to become close to his mother. And while he may trust Agent Fowler, that does not spare him from the same scrutiny."

"What do you suggest as a course of action?"

"I will speak with Jack to see if we cannot diffuse the situation peacefully."

Ultra Magnus should have left it at that but something pressed him onward. "Sir, if it is acceptable, I would like to speak with Mr. Darby myself."

Optimus raised an optic ridge at his second's request.

"As you are well aware, you assigned me the task of better understanding that native species through my interactions with the three younglings. While I have gathered sufficient information during these last few solar cycles, I feel I must interact with them on subjects too sensitive to broach. Perhaps Mr. Darby would be more likely to respond to you or Arcee but there is a chance I may be able to convince him that his behavior is unacceptable."

Once again his leader let the information run through his processer and reach numerous conclusions. He would weigh the outcomes and reach a decision; if he felt Ultra Magnus's involvement would be beneficial, he would permit him to speak with the native. But if he determined that speaking with someone he was on better terms with would help, the Commander would accept the decision. Still he felt slight nervousness as he waited for his declaration. At last Optimus said, "Very well, Ultra Magnus. I wish you luck."

Ultra Magnus nodded and departed to find the raven-haired adolescent; he'd gathered enough information to know where the three went to let their frustration's go. However he needn't search far for the boy as he found June Darby and Arcee standing in front of him. He was seated on a crate, looking miserable, while his mother scolded him on his behavior. Arcee looked concerned for her human charge's state of mind, having never bore witness to this side of his personality. She noticed his presence and grew even more concerned; she had apparently seen him speak with Optimus.

"Commander-," she began.

He raised his servo to silence whatever protest she had readied and turned to address the two humans staring at him. "Mr. Darby, please come with me."

The boy and his mother shared confusion as the latter spoke. "I'm sorry, Commander Magnus, I know this the time you usually spend with the children, but Arcee and I are discussing with Jack the need for a change in his behavior. I'm sure one day won't make a difference, so if you'll excuse us-,"

"Apologies, Nurse," he replied, "but I am certain Mr. Darby and Arcee can attest to the fact that I approach all of my assignments with utmost meticulousness. Missing even a single day could adversely affect the outcome. I have already finished my allotted time with Ms. Nakadai and Mr. Esquivel, thus I suggest your son and I embark on a patrol near the base. It may help him to clear his head over the issue you are currently discussing."

"I can appreciate a scrupulous desire to see your assignment through," the nurse began, her tell-tale edge serving as a warning. "But this is an issue concerning me and my son; Arcee is only here because she is part of our family and this concerns her to. But you haven't been here long enough for me trust with a matter as delicate as this one."

"I understand that, Nurse, but I am certain that this is an issue better discussed if Mr. Darby is allowed a brief moment of reprieve."

Arcee and Jack watched the exchange between June and Magnus, clearly afraid of what the outcome would be. Ultra Magnus would never bring harm to a human but June was clearly growing more agitated by the conversation as it dragged on. Jack felt guilty for letting the Commander fight this battle for him since he was the one responsible for this tension. Glancing at his partner, he slid off the crate and cleared his throat. "I think Commander Magnus is right. Maybe a nice drive might help me clear my head."

June turned to her son with a mixture of anger and confusion; but she relented and demanded that they remain in close proximity of the base.