Author's Note: Thanks again to Aussie Guest for your kind reviews, so very appreciated and helps motivate me to keep going. Thank you also to anyone else who continues to come back for more or has favourited and followed. You've lasted this long; you might as well stay 'till the end. 😉

Chapter 154 – Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the Statue

Prime P.O.V

''Some days you're the pigeon. Some days you're the statue.''

I suppressed a chuckle as I observed one of the off-duty soldiers walking past me, the saying emblazoned on their t-shirt. I watched as they eagerly made their way across the tarmac from Hanger 1 towards their car and the freedoms that awaited them. /So very true/, I thought to myself as I ex-vented deeply, a part of me jealous they were able to put a hold on the demands of their job to relax and unwind.

We had just finished our meeting with General Morshower and while I divulged how old we believed the specimen Ironhide and Jazz found and that we were still conducting tests to see what else we could learn, I did not tell them everything. I did not tell them whom I thought was coming, I did not think they were ready to hear that just yet. I also refrained from telling them of Phoenix's new mission. However, as I looked over at Lennox hunched over the various computer monitors up on the catwalk, I had a feeling I needed to let him in on our plan. I could not help but smile wryly to myself. /Tonight, I was most definitely the statue/.

''Lennox?'' I took a step forward and lightly placed a servo on the rail. ''Might I have a word with you about some… developments?'' I shuttered my optics.

Lennox cast a quick, confused glance back in my direction, though hearing the tone in my voice, he straightened up and walked over, his eyebrows knitted together in concern. ''Yeah Prime? What's up?''

''There is something I wish to discuss with you - off the record.'' I removed my servo and stepped back from the railing.

Lennox eyed me carefully, nodding his head slowly. ''Okay Prime.'' He walked over to the railing and placed his hands on the top rail, leaning forward conspiratorially. ''What's up? I mean, we just finished our meeting with Morshower, so I am guessing what you are about to tell me was something you weren't ready to tell him?''

''Affirmative Lennox. Might we take this conversation outside where there may be less chance of someone overhearing the contents of our discussion?''

Lennox nodded curtly and made towards the stairs without a word. Descending them rapidly, he strode towards the Hanger doors, and I turned to follow. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the stuffy and strained environment within the Hanger. Having walked a reasonable distance away from any prying eyes and ears, Lennox came to a stop and turned about to face me. ''Shoot Prime! What's on your processor?'' A quick smile flashed across his lips. ''Trouble with that femme of yours already?'' He folded his arms across his chest and stood at ease. ''Femmes. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em hey?'' he chuckled as he teased me about Phoenix.

I carefully lowered myself so I might converse with him, a small smile on my dermas in reply. ''You might say something like that Lennox – yes.'' I shuttered my optics yet again. ''That is what I wanted to discuss with you. The fact I will be living without my femme again very shortly.'' My spark lurched painfully at the thought of what Phoenix was about to do and I looked away to try and contain my emotions.

''Hunh? What do you mean?'' Lennox's arms flew off his chest and he took a small step back as he processed my meaning. ''Is Phoenix taking off again? Why? What did you do this time?'' His voice had a hard edge to it, and he had taken a step towards me, his fists clenching. While Lennox took great delight in teasing Phoenix, and vice versa, he cared deeply for her, viewing her as a kind of older sister and he the protective brother.

I held up a servo in supplication. ''Easy Lennox. It is nothing of my doing and it is something I am very loathed to allow happen, but it is something Phoenix believes she must do to help us learn more about the impending danger we face.'' I looked away again. ''And to be honest Lennox, if there is a chance she may learn something that will give us an advantage, then we must take the opportunity, no matter how dangerous it is.''

Lennox unclenched his fists and squared his jaw towards me. ''Alright Prime. I'll bite. What is it she is planning on doing? It can't be any good if you are dead against it!'' He scoffed. ''She planning on challenging Galvatron or something?''

I stared at him. ''No. She plans on joining him.'' My voice was devoid of emotion.

''SHE FUCKING WHAT?'' Lennox exploded. His hands flew into the air in shock as he stared up at me in utter disbelief. ''You can NOT be serious Prime. No – no way!'' He was pacing now, his hands on his hips, his voice had a high pitched almost crazed tone to it. He spun on the spot and fixed me with an accusatory stare. ''How can YOU let her do it! After everything you have both been through, all the time you have been apart. You just get back together again and now she is going to leave to go to him! Don't you know what he….''

''LENNOX!'' I barked at him, and he ceased his tirade. With great effort, I lowered my voice before I continued as calmly as possible. ''I am very aware of what HE is capable of, of what Phoenix is heading in to – even if she isn't. Every fibre of my being is against this idea, but I must let her go.'' I lowered myself closer to my friend. ''There is more at stake here than my relationship with Phoenix. So much more.''

Lennox stared at me for a spark beat, his eyes flicking over my face. ''You know, don't you? You know what those horns are, or what they are about – don't you?''

A part of me felt relieved that he had deduced what troubled me and a part of me was pained that this was the beginning of the end. It was now only a matter of time before news of what peril faced Earth filtered down through the various Governments of the World. Any illusions that Earth could somehow manage to avoid harm in its little corner of the Universe, save for the interference of some alien robots, would be shattered. I sighed out loud and nodded my helm. ''Yes Lennox. I believe I do.''

''Why didn't you say anything to Morshower Prime?! If you know what it is we are facing, why didn't you say anything? Don't you trust us?'' the hurt in Lennox's voice tore at my spark.

I held his gaze for a moment before I continued. ''In light of the past few years Lennox, I believe I have good reason to be somewhat dubious and hesitant in totally trusting your government, their actions and reactions. Would you not agree?''

Lennox shuffled on his feet awkwardly for a moment before he slowly nodded his head in agreeance. ''Yeah. I suppose so Prime. But what about ME? Don't you trust me?''

''Why do you think I am having this conversation with you first Lennox?'' A small amount of frustration and amusement leeched through into my words and Lennox had the grace to look embarrassed for a moment. ''I wanted you to know what was going on as your support and understanding is of great importance to us Autobots. I had also hoped that you, and the newly reformed N.E.S.T operatives, might be able to help Phoenix successfully defect so she might be able to carry out her plan.'' I paused a moment, ''and help to extricate her – as safely as possible - when the time comes.''

Lennox nodded his head, ''Of course Prime. You know I am down to help Phoenix, all of you, in any way I can, any time.''

I nodded my helm in thanks. ''A fact I am most grateful for Lennox.''

Lennox folded his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at me. ''You know Morshower is going to have to hear about this too Prime. Both Phoenix's plan and whatever it is you think is behind those horns. We might be able to stall him for a little bit, but he has earned a right to know as well. He is one of the good guys.''

''I understand Lennox and I agree. However, I feel until I know for certain what is coming and until Phoenix has an opportunity to perhaps gain intel from Galvatron and report back to us, I feel it would be a wise course of action to keep what we know to ourselves – for now.''

''Okay Prime. You're the boss. But I can only do so much before I will capture the attention of those further up the food chain - if you catch my meaning.'' Lennox sighed out loud in frustration.

''I understand Lennnox. I had also hoped that by sharing what we know with you first, you might help impress upon the other military channels and officials the importance of listening to what we advise and working together if we are to stand any chance of facing this foe.''

''I'll do my best Prime but having Morshower in your corner will stand you in better stead. I'd ask you what it is you think we are facing, but something tells me you are not yet ready to divulge that to me. So, instead I'll ask when does Phoenix leave and how is she going to infiltrate the Decepticon ranks?''

I rose slowly to my pedes. It was now well after midnight, and I had promised Phoenix I would meet her on our beach to spend a few precious moments together while we still could. I sighed once more as I set my gaze towards the beach where I knew she would be waiting. ''She leaves at the end of the week, so five days' time.'' My spark throbbed painfully, and I almost raised my servo to my chest to ease the pain. ''As for how she is going to infiltrate the Decepticon ranks, your guess is as good as mine at this stage. Ironhide, Jazz, Rachet and Phoenix are still working on a plan.''

''Well let me know what I can do to help,'' Lennox offered.

''Thank you, Lennox, I will.'' I sent Lennox a brief smile. ''I had best let you resume your duties. I have taken enough of your time.''

''No worries Prime. I am glad you told me,'' Lennox smiled and then turned to walk back towards the Hanger, but he paused and looked back. ''How are you dealing with it all anyway Prime? I'm sure Phoenix will be okay.''

I smiled fondly at my friend. ''I am dealing with it as best I can Lennox. I have no choice but to deal with it as I said to you before, more than my spark is at stake. Often in life what cannot be helped must be endured and, like a great many things I have had to deal with in life, I will endure it as best I can. Like you, I choose to believe Phoenix will be okay because I can not bear the thought of any other outcome.''

Lennox nodded and sent me an understanding smile. ''Well Prime, just remember I'm here if you need me.''

''Thank you, Lennox, I appreciate your gesture.''

Lennox nodded quietly and turned to walk back towards the Hanger. I watched him disappear into the night before I too turned on my pedes and began to make my way towards the beach where Phoenix would be waiting patiently for me.

I had not gotten far when I noticed a familiar figure walking towards me. ''Elita! What are you doing out here this late? I thought you had headed for recharge joors ago?''

Elita gave me a quick smile. ''I am on my way there now Optimus. I just went for a walk. It was such a lovely evening.''

Her optics – there was something that flashed in them briefly. /Sadness? Concern?/. ''Indeed, it is.'' I hesitated a moment. ''Is something wrong Elita?''

She shook her helm slowly. ''No… and yes.'' Reaching out, she gave my arm a quick, reassuring pat. ''Nothing to worry about.''

I tilted my helm at her, trying to ascertain the truth of her words. ''Are you sure? You know you can still talk to me Elita, about anything, anytime. Just remember that.''

Elita smiled brightly at me and some of my concern melted away. ''I know Optimus. And I will talk to you soon. You have my word.''

I felt a worrying feeling begin to churn in the pit of my tanks, though I simply nodded in reply. ''Very well Elita. I shall hold you to that.''

She dipped her helm towards me and smiled once more. ''Well, I had best go and try and get some recharge. Phoenix is still waiting for you Prime.'' She smirked at me. ''It's not polite to keep a femme waiting too long.'' I felt myself shift awkwardly on my pedes at her little dig, but she simply gave a small laugh and patted my arm once more. ''I won't detain you any longer. Enjoy your evening.'' And with that, she turned and walked towards the Hanger.

As I watched her form disappear through the Hanger doors, I felt the smile she had brought to my dermas fade. There was something about her demeanor, her optics, that had me concerned. While I could not quite work out what it was that trouble me, I had a feeling when she did come to talk to me, I would not like what she had to say.

As I resumed my trek towards the beach and the femme who had come to mean everything to me, I could not shake the feeling I was about to lose someone I once loved all over again.