21. War of Words

Diego Garcia

Optimus couldn't help but wish someone other than Colonel Axelrod was in command of the demobilizing forces at Diego Garcia. The troops were all volunteers, who'd agreed to stay on and assist the Autobots for the 30 days of their time left on the base, but the colonel was, as Sideswipe would say, not a fan.

More than that, he seemed downright hostile.

"I don't think," the base commander was saying, "that we're really that interested in your proposal." He stood on the top of one of the gantries pulled from Alpha Hangar, eye-to-optic with the Autobot.

"I am merely," Optimus said, "trying to respect your wishes while still remaining prepared for all eventualities."

"All eventualities except that you Autobots are the problem." Axelrod folded his arms over his chest.

"It is highly unlikely that they will leave simply because we do."

"Have you ever tried it? Honestly? In the entire history of your wars with them, have you ever honestly given over the battlefield and watched what happened?" Axelrod squinted, skeptically. "You tell me one story, ONE story, of some planet burnt to a cinder or crushed under Decepticon dominion, and I'll grant your point."

Optimus frowned. "We have fought to victory or stalemate. We cannot allow them even one victory."

Axelrod smirked. "Right. And how great were those places after your 'stalemates'? Or even your victories?"

Optimus had no answer.

"Freedom," Axelrod sneered, "is the right of all sentient beings, right? Isn't that one of your favorite catchphrases? So. Where's our freedom to choose? Where's our freedom NOT to live under Autobot dominion?" He unfolded his arms, leaning on the gantry's railing.

"We are not a dominion, Colonel. We have no political aims. All we want is your assistance in transportation in case the Decepticons attack. And a place to base ourselves out of."

"Those sound like political aims to me," the colonel said, blandly. "A room of your own and the keys to someone else's car. With them paying for the gas."

"We can…we can reimburse you for the expense."

"With what?"

"We can…we can find your precious minerals on asteroids."

"Flood the market and make even gold valueless. So, ruin the economy. Nice."

"You must have other mineral resource needs we could fill."

"None I can think of." Axelrod raised one eyebrow in contempt, enjoying Optimus's discomfiture.

"We can repay you by our assistance in defeating the Decepticons should they attack. And helping with the rebuilding efforts. That is," Optimus lowered his optics for a moment, "something we have been remiss in. We have caused damage and not redressed that."

"Not interested."

"Major Lennox," Optimus began.

Axelrod rolled his eyes. "Soon-to-be-brought-up-on-charges Lennox, yes?"

"Charges for what?" Behind him, outside, he heard the distant boom of an aircraft taking off. It reassured him that the humans still did their drills.

Axelrod pursed his lips. "Treason, if he's discussing national security matters with an alien." A ghost of a nasty smile.

"Major Lennox feels that we can still be a valuable asset," Optimus finished, lamely.

"Major Lennox is unaware of our other assets. In short, Optimus Prime, I hate to tell you, but we don't need you any more. You have been replaced. In fact. As a gesture of goodwill, for all the good times we've had together," Axelrod's voice was flat, "You mess with us, and you'll get a taste of our latest R&D, too." That nasty smile again. It struck Optimus that Axelrod physically resembled an Earth alligator. Vicious, patient, and hungry.