Chapter 8
The cliff overlooking the military compound had become a source for gatherings when Decepticon activity was at a low. With no more Predacon fossils to be excavated, the enemy had been quiet in its movements as of late, save for their encounter with the Predaking and the protoforms they had encountered. If not for their desperate supply of energon, they would not have discovered them until it was too late. The might of the ancients beasts had been told for ages but Ultra Magnus had at times attributed such tales to exaggerated folklore. His skepticism had cost him his right servo.
Setting aside all thoughts of the beast, the Commander returned his focus to the current reason he was out on this ledge tonight. The raven-haired teen known as Jack Darby stared at the ground while waiting for Autobot to speak. The night sky was filled by the stars but not even that drew the teen's attention as the situation was far from comfortable. They were not here to relish in reprieve; Ultra Magnus had brought the boy here to discuss the tense situation with Special Agent William Fowler and Jack's mother, Nurse June Darby. Though part of the blue mech wondered why he was doing this in the first place.
Diffusing tensions amongst the ranks seemed more suited to Optimus Prime than it did to him—there contrasts in leadership only proved to increase their effectiveness as a team. But the Prime's words regarding familial aspect of Team Prime had caused a change in Magnus's views. And he was still trying to determine whether he liked this change. Normally he would appraise any tension among the unit with the scrutiny of a Commander. But this was not a matter that could be viewed with such a vision.
Despite his respectful demeanor, Jackson Darby was not a soldier in the conventional sense. He may have followed every instruction he was given, but he was not subject to the same restrictions as the rest of Team Prime, nor were any of the humans. Still, he respected authority of both Optimus Prime and the Commander himself. That was enough for Ultra Magnus—who still knew nothing of the relationship between him and his mother—to question the adolescent's behavior leading up to now. His assignment was to gather information on human nature, be it preferable or otherwise.
"Mr. Darby," Ultra Magnus broke the silence between them. "Care to explain why it is that we are out here tonight?"
Despite wanting to do otherwise, Jack looked up at the towering figure of the Autobot, shrouded in the reflection of the stars. "Because you wanted to speak with me?"
"About?"
His gaze fell to the ground once again.
This had been different from earlier that day, when he had emanated a desire to be left alone. This time, it was more of a plea that the matter be dropped; the Commander was treading into dangerous territory. But he pressed on as gently as he were able to, "Of all the children, I found you to be the most tolerable immediately, even if you did not agree with my temporary command of Team Prime."
Jack winced at the memory.
"I have taken statements from the members of Team Prime regarding you, Ms. Nakadai, and Mr. Esquivel. You three have proven to be valuable assets to the Autobot cause. In particular, I was most impressed when Ratchet informed me of your plan to infiltrate the Decepticon warship when it was at its most vulnerable and gather valuable Intel."
Some of the tension left Jack's shoulders but he sensed there was more to it than that.
"These events, and our own recent encounters, have shown me that you are a loyal comrade and friend to be trusted with utmost certainty. Your respect for protocol and ingenuity in tense situations betrays the behavior I witnessed earlier today. While I may not directly interact with Special Agent Fowler, I respect him as a fellow soldier. Thus, I cannot help but wonder what he has done to cause you such discomfort."
The boy's reply, though soft, was audible. "Nothing. It's nothing."
"I beg to differ, since your mother seems equally concerned."
"It's. . . ," he started but clicked his mouth shut. "I don't know what it is."
"Yes you do."
"I don't. . ." he replied, a little more tersely and defensive.
Ultra Magnus pressed on—he was closing in on something and could not afford the gentle approach that came so naturally to Optimus. If he was going to do this, he had to be himself. "Yes, you do, Mr. Darby. You know what it is about Agent Fowler that disturbs you. Denial will only worsen the situation at hand."
"I said I don't know!" he exploded, staring back up at the blue mech. His blue eyes were glassy with tears and his body began to shake. Ultra Magnus allowed the boy to sort through his emotions, pacing back and forth as he came to terms with them. He looked avoided meeting his gaze, feeling ashamed for allowing such a blatant display. His breathes were shaky as he sat against a rock and did his best to reign in his emotions.
With another shaky breath, he spoke, "It's. . . strange seeing my mom with another guy. I never knew my father, but I've felt like a piece of life is missing because of that. Any other piece just won't fit, no matter how much I would like it to. I like Agent Fowler, but seeing with my mom. . . It's just doesn't feel right at times. She's never needed anyone else before."
"Do you believe your mother has become dependent on Agent Fowler?"
"No," he answered. "No, I don't think so."
"Then she still does not 'need anyone else', she has merely taken to strengthening her relationship with him. It is a concept that is well beyond my own boundaries but I see no reason to dispute it. That being said, the feelings you are experiencing seem perfectly logical to me. I would suggest that you have this conversation with your mother rather than ignore her. In the meantime, wait here."
The Natives of This Planet
Ultra Magnus returned to the outskirts of Hanger E and activated the private commlink. "Arcee, please report to the Hanger E doors immediately."
Ultra Magnus had learned enough from his brief conversation with Jack—Mr. Darby, he correct himself—to realize that someone closer to matter would be helpful. But June Darby's presence may only result in another shut down of his emotions, whereas Agent Fowler would seem too awkward. The remainder of Team Prime didn't seem privy to the details. Jack had not divulged anything to Ms. Nakadai or Mr. Esquivel nor did experience suggest he had done so with any of the other Autobots. Thus he was left with no choice but to involve Arcee.
He had gathered Intel regarding the unit's operations prior to his arrival from Ratchet and knew about the closeness each human shared with their respective guardians. They had also formed friendships with the secondary figures, such as Mr. Esquivel with Ratchet, Ms. Nakadai with Wheeljack, and Mr. Darby with Smokescreen. That left himself and Optimus as tertiary confidants. He was not bothered by where he stood and knew this was a matter best handled by someone closer to Mr. Darby. The closest among Team Prime, it seemed, was Arcee.
The blue femme pushed the Hanger door opened and closed, having deduced this was meant to be a private discussion. Her optics searched for Mr. Darby and become slightly distressed by his absence. Her gaze met his as he explained, "Mr. Darby is still at the cliff overlooking the base. I wanted to have a word before I take you to see him."
"Of course, sir."
"What do you know of Mr. Darby's father?"
"Only what Jack has told me; that he doesn't really remember him. I asked June about it once and she told me she didn't know where he was and that she didn't really care. Jack doesn't seem too eager to find him either but still feels like he's missed out on something. Sir, is that what this is about?"
"It would seem he is disturbed by the newfound closeness shared by Agent Fowler and his mother. Hence why he has declined Fowler's invitations for bonding. I would surmise that he is withholding his emotions to keep from being a bother to us, in the event Optimus decided to interfere."
He could see sympathy for her human partner in the femme's optics as she looked away, clearly bothered by this newfound information. "He could have told me."
"Perhaps he feels this is a matter that does not warrant our involvement," he offered. "Normally, I would be inclined to agree, but if we are to fulfill this status of 'family' Optimus see us as, we must help each other through whatever complexities plague our minds. In this case, I believe I do not possess the necessary knowledge to fully comprehend the situation. Thus I deviate this particular assignment to you."
Arcee smiled, her optics glowing in both gratitude and admiration for his understanding. "Thank you, Commander Magnus." With that she transformed and sped off to speak with her human charge. Despite himself, Ultra Magnus felt the slightest warmth in his spark knowing that Mr. Darby would be fine.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Optimus Prime watched his second-in-command with a prideful smile.
