Well, this chapter doesn't have much for redeeming qualities either, but at least Optimus has the chance to begin to assuage Switchshade's fears. He'll probably still be skittish for a while, but he should start to get better from here. My gratitude for all the reviews, and I hope you enjoy!
"M-m-my l-lord…" Switchshade was kneeling again. It hadn't been a conscious decision on his part-instincts honed from near millennia of avoiding Megatron's rages had driven him to the dust without thought. Dark red optics flickering in fear were kept to the ground, dark helm bowed so low chinplates brushed chassis.
Despite his desire to remove himself from the common area the instant it became clear that there was no immediate threat, Switchshade had been unwilling to disobey the implied command from Lord Prime and risk worsening his anger. He had remained where he stood, hovering uncertainly in the entrance of the hall that lead to his cell, even as the Prime had turned back to speak with Ratchet for a moment. "But the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet. Would it hurt to learn more of earth by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?" The medic had scoffed quietly, muttering, "Or perhaps our 'young friends' should learn more of Cybertron…"
Optimus did not seem inclined to argue the point, however, turning from his oldest friend to face Switchshade once more. He made his way over towards the trembling mech, gesturing for the younger to follow him as he moved towards the exit of the base. "Would you come with me, Switchshade? I feel there is something we must discuss."
And so Switchshade found himself on the rocky terrain that covered and concealed the base below their pedes, nearly shaking apart at the seams as he struggled to contain his terror. "M-m-my l-lord…" It was a gamble, to speak before Lord Prime could, but perhaps, if he admitted to his known faults and showed his willingness to accept any penalty laid upon him, the damage might be mitigated, even if only marginally.
When Lord Prime made no move to stop him, Switchshade dared a brief glance up, avoiding looking directly at his optics, but noting the furrowed optic ridge and troubled frown. He instantly dropped his own optics again. "I- I know that I have acted in ways that are… not appropriate for one in my position, a-and, I know my place, please…"
He heard Lord Prime shift on his pedes slightly, but still, he made no move to interrupt, and no punishment was immediately forthcoming, so the black mech gathered his nerve, and continued. "I- Ratchet returned my weapons systems and long-range comms when I asked to accompany the humans on their mission to turn away the satellites, and I realize this was done without your permission, but-" he cut himself off, suddenly realizing how that statement could be taken, and he looked up apologetically. "Not that I am attempting to lay blame at Ratchet's pedes! I- I know that all fault is upon my helm, and I will accept any penalty you see fit…" He dropped his helm once again, his forehelm pressed into the dusty rock before Prime's pedes. "I meant no harm, I swear it. J-Just now, when I left my cell, I did not mean to threaten anyone. I heard Ratchet's call and thought the base was under attack, I never meant to…"
The continued silence from Lord Prime was unsettling, almost more so than the expected violence might be. Switchshade finally muted his vocalizer, lapsing into silence as he awaited the Prime's will. Never mind the fact that this was the mech who had only yesterday killed Megatron. Even if not by his own servo, still the Prime had emerged victorious from hand to hand combat with the powerful warlord, and had set in motions that events that had extinguished Megatron's spark. Primus, I pray thee Lord Prime does not cause greater damage in punishment than was Megatron's wont…
Silence reigned. Then, a loud crash as Lord Prime fell to his own knees, not pausing at Switchshade's violent flinch but immediately reaching out to lift the black mech's helm from the dust. "Switchshade…" The Prime's powerful voice was shaken, shocked, and when Switchshade obediently lifted his helm at his prompting, he noticed that Lord Prime's faceplates were stricken.
"Did you…? Did you follow me here, expecting me to… punish you? With physical violence?" In confusion, Switchshade dared to meet Lord Prime's gaze briefly at his troubled tone. "Yes, m-my lord? Is that not the way of the Autobots? I- I have displeased you, and in my experience, any higher ranking officer may penalize a subordinate as they see fit if mistakes are made, my lord. Here, I am only a captive, and you are not merely a commanding officer, but the Prime. I…" He trailed off again, lowering his optics.
"By the Allspark… On the Nemesis, you were beaten? You expect the same treatment here, at my servos?" Switchshade's nervous silence was answer enough. "Primus…" The Prime swore softly, a very rare occurrence. "Listen to me now, Switchshade, and listen well. However you were treated with the Decepticons, things will be different here. I do not abuse those under my command. My power is used to protect, not to punish. You have made no mistakes to warrant any penalties thus far, and if you do in the future, the penalty shall be fitting for the crime, and will not, under any circumstances, involve physical violence."
He ex-vented heavily, before moving his servos to Switchshade's shoulderplates, urging the ex-'Con to meet his optics. "Autobots do not employ physical violence to enforce command. We base our command structures by rank, yes, but it is enforced by trust and respect, not fear and pain. I did not ask you to come here so that I might harm you, but rather to gain some insight as to why you seem to fear all of us in general, and me in particular. Prime though I may be, I am still only a mech. Now, though, it seems that I have my answer."
Switchshade's optics widened in surprise, "But, my lord, you are so much more than 'only a mech'! You- you carry the matrix in your chassis, it is yours by divine right! Surely you are deserving of at least the respect and honor that L- Megatron demanded…" But Lord Prime shook his head. "Perhaps, but if I am to be respected, I would prefer to earn that respect in word and deed, not because of who I am. You need never kneel, to me or to any other Autobot, and you may address me as 'Optimus', not 'my lord'. I will not demand veneration of my Autobots, and neither will I ask it of you."
That said, the Prime rose lithely to his pedes, offering a strong servo to Switchshade, which was hesitantly accepted after a brief pause. "You need not return to that cell again, Switchshade. It may yet be some time until we can trust you fully, but until you give us reason to disbelieve you, I am willing to give you a chance. Cliffjumper can show you to open quarters; you should ask him when we return. If you have any questions, or concerns, please bring them to Ratchet if you feel uncomfortable speaking with me."
The Prime turned to go back into the base, leaving Switchshade unbound and unguarded, showing an inordinate amount of trust in doing so, and right before he moved through the entrance, he glanced back at the black mech. "We are no longer your enemies, Switchshade, and we will not harm you."
Switchshade watched him go back into the base, speechless, and then quickly transformed into his alt-mode and drove away, needing time to process all that he had just learned. He can't possibly be serious… can he?