Precipitous

Chapter 44-Amends

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.

Prowl sat in his office, signing off on assignments for the next two weeks. It could have waited, but he decided it would be one less thing to worry about later. The task also allowed him to work Bluestreak's punishment into the duty roster. That simple act struck Blue silent. Prowl smiled at the image of Blue's jaw hanging open, for exactly 2.55 seconds before launching into a multitude of reasons why he shouldn't be trusted in the lab and why Perceptor wouldn't allow it.

Prowl was so distracted with his work and thoughts he didn't hear footsteps.

"I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time, Prowler. Havin' Blue back a couple of days has already made a world of difference, eh?"

Prowl's head snapped up. He saw Jazz leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, a crooked grin on his face.

"I'm sure he'd like to see you if he hasn't already," Prowl said.

"Saw 'em for a few minutes earlier," Jazz said. "Didn't have much chance to talk because I was working on my report for Rodimus, which, by the way, is done."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate your promptness," Prowl said. "Now if you don't mind, I have work to do."

He picked up a data pad, willing the other mech to leave.

"Prowler, we need to talk," Jazz said.

"I think we said everything needed before you left," Prowl said. "If you're here to say 'I told you so,' I'll save you the trouble. You were right, so you can leave now."

Jazz frowned. "Right about what? I just wanted to apologize for what I said that night," he said. "I'm sorry, all right? And look--if you're really interested in Sideswipe, that's fine by me. I know I should've talked things over with you long before now. . ."

"Jazz, I really don't have time to discuss this," Prowl said.

Jazz took the hint, leaving the other Autobot alone.

-----

Hot Rod entered the access code to Optimus Prime's quarters, entered as the doors opened. Optimus was pacing, but stopped, seeing the other Autobot.

"If you had anything to do with. . ." the Autobot leader started, watched Hot Rod back away.

"I take it Ratchet was here?"

"He left a few minutes go," Optimus said. "So you did know."

"I didn't give him permission, if that's what you're asking," Hot Rod said. "In his defense, Ratchet was only doing what he thinks is best for you, and personally, I'm inclined to agree."

Optimus frowned, started to retort, but Hot Rod spoke first.

"It's temporary," Hot Rod said.

"Ratchet could keep me from returning to active duty for a very long time," Optimus said.

"Then get it through that thick head of yours if you do what he says, it won't be long before you're back on duty," Hot Rod said.

Optimus stopped to consider that, sat down on his berth. "You're right," he said. "Only I do not look forward to having nothing to do. And I've already been warned about 'getting in the way' tomorrow."

Hot Rod sat down beside him.

"I am not looking forward to Galloway's arrival," he said. "But we're as ready as can be. My report's done, and Prowl said all we can do now is wait."

"And hope nothing happens in between," Optimus said. He met Hot Rod's optics. "Speaking of Galloway, I would like to apologize for trying to tell you how to deal with him. I should trust your judgment--I've turned over my duties to you, so I should be able to trust you to handle one human on top of everything else."

Hot Rod regarded him with curiosity, wondering at Optimus' change of heart, considering how insistent he'd been about how he thought the issue should be handled.

"Apology accepted, but what brought this on?" Hot Rod asked.

"Kup helped set me straight about a few things today," Optimus said. "Regarding you and the way I've treated you. For that, I'm sorry. I also regret I haven't been completely honest with you about some matters, but it's late, and you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. . ."

"How about we consider things even?" Hot Rod said.

"All right," Optimus said. "But I do have something I must ask, something not just as a favor to me, but for our people."

He reached toward Hot Rod's chest, hesitated, hand hovering over his spark, where the Matrix was also held within.

"Promise me this--that you will protect the Matrix," Optimus said. "It is precious, a link to our past, the legacy of the fallen Primes."

"If you're afraid something might happen to it, why not take it back?" Hot Rod asked.

"Because Ratchet made me promise you would carry it until I am able to have it returned to me," Optimus said. "Yet another matter you and I need to discuss. . ."

"Then why not put the Matrix in a safe place?" Hot Rod said.

"Our attempt at trying to keep the Allspark hidden failed," Optimus said. "The Matrix is meant to be carried by a Prime. For now, that is you, Rodimus. This is no small task I'm asking. I've trusted you with taking over my duty, and now I'm asking you to trust me on this. Please."

"All right," Hot Rod said.