Over 800 reviews… you guys are awesome! Thank you so much everyone for your support and encouragement. Wow. I meant to comment on this when the last chapter went up, but I have been so scatter-brained the last month or so I just totally forgot. Once more, thanks to each and every one of you who have left a review. Even if I'm not able to respond personally, I do read them and each one is much appreciated.


The ease with which the Autobots dispatched of Megatron's attack troops won them a respite to recover both mentally and physically from the recent up-tic in hostilities. And it was not just in the Iacon territories that the Decepticons backed off, but all over Cybertron.

How long that tentative and unofficial ceasefire would last was not something Prowl wanted to speculate. He was rather confident it would only last until Megatron and his top advisors decided how to proceed with trying to accomplish their goals. Unfortunately, the Autobots as a whole were in no position to take advantage by pressing a widespread offensive as their entire operational outlook had been so strongly defensive in nature for so long.

In the joors immediately following the battle, Prowl found he was once again the subject of unwanted and wholly unnecessary accolades and congratulations. While he knew such things were well intended, all they truly did was remind him of how he had failed to live up to his highest moral standards in having sided with Megatron initially.

It had made him all the more relieved when he could retreat to his quarters with Bluestreak for the night.

Early the orn after the battle – while most of the base was again resting off a pleasant overcharge from the previous night's victory celebrations – Prowl attended his first full-command, senior staff briefing since assuming his new responsibilities in the tactical department. The demands on various mechs' time and attention had prevented such a complete gathering of Iacon's leading commanders since Prowl had officially joined the Autobot ranks.

What had threatened to be a less that pleasant orn began with Smokescreen calling Prowl into his office no sooner than the black and white Praxian had stepped into the tactical command center for his shift.

Not used to that particular tone being used by his student, turned senior officer, Prowl had complied with some concern.

When he stepped into Smokescreen's office, Prowl hesitated at the severe look on his department leader's faceplate.

"Is something wrong?" He asked slowly.

Smokescreen only scowled. "We are going to a full-command staff briefing. It will be your official introduction to the commanders as the second in command of this department."

Prowl nodded. He had known this day would inevitably happen, especially if he were to retain his position – as provisional as it was. He did not see why that should have Smokescreen so agitated.

Smokescreen huffed, turning away to pace the width of his office. "I wish the Prime had given me more warning to make sure you're prepared."

Prowl lifted an optic ridge as he watched his apprentice cross the small confines of the office. "This will hardly be the first command-staff briefing I have attended…"

Smokescreen whirled back to face him. "Yeah. But you were still little more than a paroled prisoner the last time. Now you are a lieutenant commander and…"

"Nor will this be my first briefing as second in command of a department." He reminded Smokescreen with a tiny, barely there smirk.

Smokescreen looked him over and then released a vent of hot air. "I suppose not."

Seeing as Smokescreen had calmed fractionally, Prowl stepped toward him, slipping a hint deeper into 'mentor-mode' rather than simply 'second in command'. "What really troubles you, Smokescreen?"

Smokescreen vented sharply yet again. "Well… it has only been three orns since you were accused of assaulting Sunstreaker and Sideswipe and… Well… There are members of the senior command staff who are still inclined to blame you first. For anything and everything."

Prowl shook his helm. "Smokescreen…"

"You don't understand." Smokescreen closed the distance between them, his voice and posture intense and almost pleading to be taken seriously. "You are going to be on display. Not officially or anything. But you will be. If you think Fusion or Trailbreaker or Tailgate are giving you a hard time, that is nothing compared to…

Smokescreen pulled a polishing cloth out of subspace and started buffing out some of the accumulated dings and nicks on Prowl's collar strut and upper chassis as he continued his verbal worrying.

The behavior was so unlike Smokescreen that Prowl did not immediately react to the invasion of his personal space. When he could move again, he gently closed his hand around Smokescreen's stilling his apprentice's movements.

When Smokescreen's lighter blue optics flicked up to meet his, Prowl spoke with equal gentleness. "I have been on display from the moment Ironhide found me in the wreckage of Praxus."

After a long moment, searching his second in command's optics, Smokescreen let his hand fall away. "You have, haven't you?" He released a vent of air, "Alright then. Lets go."

Their departure from the tactical command center was delayed long enough by that conversation that when they arrived in the briefing room most of the other mechs were already there. Prowl could easily see the ripple of awareness as each mech visually confirmed with their own optics his promotion. For a very few, those not included in the normal gossip chains and whom Prowl did not come into regular contact with, it was a new revelation.

Prowl began to feel a touch of the same unease Smokescreen had radiated earlier. But it was dispelled by the faint smile the Prime sent their direction as Smokescreen slid into his seat. Taking up his own position behind and to Smokescreen's right also put Prowl behind and to the left of Jazz.

"You all know Prowl." Optimus started without preamble once the initial reaction wore off. "For the rest of his probationary period he will be serving as Smokescreen's second in command."

There was generalized shifting of armor as those who had only heard rumors before adjusted to the announcement.

Hardstrike was the first to actually speak, not really addressing any particular individual. "I knew he was going to be coordinating all offensive strategies but…" He trailed off looking at the other team commanders sitting next to him for support.

Crankshaft nodded. "Sudden. A little sudden."

Hardstrike grunted in agreement, as did Steelbrow and a couple of others while Silverbolt and Air Raid let their engines rev emphatically.

"Unprecedented." Silverbolt's wings shifted as he looked at the Prime. "And possibly dangerous."

Ultra Magnus nodded, leaning forward in his chair with one hand splayed on the table. "They are right, Prime. Every other defector has been on probation at least a vorn and they have never been granted such rank or responsibility. He is…is..."

He fell silent, gesturing indicatively at Prowl when words failed him.

Prowl spoke then, "I am still on probation, and all that that entails." His voice was a surprising balm on the uneasy silence.

Jazz, who had been leaning back in his chair enjoying the others' reactions sat upright, engine revving in distress. "Wait… that would mean I…" he shook his helm, looking at the Prime. "I said I wouldn't have ta scan him again."

Prowl just barely managed not to rock back at the saboteur's emphatic outburst.

Optimus gestured with one hand in a calming manner. "You won't have to, Jazz. There will be no more routine scans of his processor. Only extenuating circumstances will necessitate one."

"Like being the last one known to see the Twins online and functional?" Red Alert asked almost nervously. "Because I, uh, I… had him scanned for that."

"Indeed." Optimus looked unhappy, but he said nothing else.

Jazz shot a look at Red Alert, glanced up at Prowl's impassive faceplate and then settled back into his chair rather reluctantly. At length he nodded.

Prowl spoke into the uneasy silence again, looking down at Jazz with a cocked optic ridge. "I am surprised you did not know that already, Jazz."

Jazz looked up and back at him again, though this time with a tiny grin. Then he shrugged. "Isn't like I've been back on base for very long. 'Sides I haven't had ta do this for that many defectors. And I don't have a processor for all those lil' trivial regulations and details like ya do."

Glad to see Jazz relax again even if he did not give much outward indication of it, Prowl smirked. "In my experience, such 'little trivialities' as you call them can mean the difference between life and death."

Jazz opened his mouth to respond, his optics twinkling with mirth, even hidden by his visor. However, Ultra Magnus interrupted him, glaring at Prowl.

"You speak too brazenly for a lieutenant commander, especially one still on probation," Ultra Magnus snapped, optics flashing.

Prowl jerked back, his gaze snapping to Ultra Magnus, only to drop to his chassis as the larger mech continued. "You are addressing a department commander. Just because Jazz is not your department commander, I will not tolerate you disrespecting him with your tone or your words."

"Ultra Magnus…" Jazz started, openly upset now.

"No, Jazz." The Second in Command glanced at the saboteur. "I know you encourage informality, but Prowl is a former Decepticon. He should in no way be encouraged to show anything but the utmost respect at all times. All times."

He looked back up with blazing blue optics to all but impale the black and white tactician with his glare. "You will do well to ensure you demonstrate proper respect for every mech, especially those of higher rank. Remember; you are still on probation."

All optics flicked to Prowl.

That was a much stronger reprimand than the situation necessarily called for. And it surprised all of them to hear the usually reserved Ultra Magnus let loose at another mech like that.

Optimus was the only one who did not immediately shift his attention to the tactician, as he kept his own disaproving gaze on his Second in Command. He would not call Ultra Magnus on such a thing, not in public, because technically Ultra Magnus was correct even if he had acted in an over bearing manner. Nevertheless, The Prime waited until Ultra Magnus sent him a respectful ping acknowledging his leader's displeasure before Optimus turned his attention to Prowl as well.

Prowl knew that almost every optic was focused on him, waiting with increasing tension, to see his response. Jazz was irritated but, having also been reprimanded by the Second in Command, he stayed silent. He was carefully not looking at Prowl.

Prowl, for his part, did not look at Jazz either.

The black and white tactician had gone completely stiff, Smokescreen's warning taking on new meaning. He had hardly been disrespectful. Informal perhaps, but not disrespectful. Not intentionally and he knew his more… relaxed... relationship with Jazz allowed such comments without being inappropriate. At least that was what he had assumed, but he freely acknowledged that his new difficulty with humor might not be the only misalignment in his ability to process interpersonal communications. His judgment on such matters might have also been affected by his crash.

But then Jazz had not corrected him and had, in fact, encouraged such informality. Yet Ultra Magnus was correct in that Jazz generally tended toward casualness himself; perhaps not the best role model, Prowl could acknowledge freely.

Perhaps Ultra Magnus' method of dressing him down for his laxity was harsher than was required, but Prowl could not deny his right to do so. It was also, no doubt, a hold over of that innate tendency all Autobots had shown toward firmly establishing their authority over him whenever possible. Prowl did not doubt that other defecting Decepticons had proven troublesome in that regard. Even so, he struggled not to grow frustrated at constantly being compared to such defectors.

Regardless, Prowl knew he would yield to the larger mech. Not only would his ethical programming require it of him, logic dictated it was the best course of action under the circumstances.

It took him the mere span of several seconds for that reasoning to settle in his processors.

Prowl forced his frame to relax into a more submissive posture; that of a lower-ranking mech appealing to a much higher ranking one. He lowered his gaze to the table in front of the large blue mech and did his best to ignore the humiliation of being so publicly reprimanded.

"Understood sir." His voice, like his expression, was predictably free of any hints of the cascade of emotions tumbling through his processor.

Prowl looked down at Jazz and dipped his helm formally. "I did not intend any disrespect, sir. I should have been more careful and I apologize."

Jazz's hands clinched in clear frustration, though he forced a smile onto his lip plates as he looked up at Prowl. Just as the tactician had done with Smokescreen after the safe house fiasco, Prowl's formal apology was designed to remind both mechs of their respective positions in the chain of command. Clearly Jazz was not pleased with that reminder.

Regardless, just like Smokescreen had been, he could not refute the apology without disgracing both of them.

Jazz nodded, his artificial smile still in place. "Accepted, Prowl. I know ya didn't."

Optimus spoke then, before another uneasy silence could fully settle over the conference room. "I understand your desire not to be the one to scan Prowl again in the future. Rest assured that, if at all possible, you will not be asked to do so."

Jazz nodded sharply, still unhappy at what Ultra Magnus had done. The subtle flare of his vents better indicated his true relief at the Prime's words.

The briefing moved on after that, each commander giving a report on the status of the mechs within that department or team and what developments had occurred since their last full-briefing. Prowl set his processor to take in and analyze each report as it was delivered. He also took the time to more fully come to grips with the emotions caused by being so publicly rebuked, to regain control over his outward reactions.

He had been more harshly treated, and more demeaningly so, while he had still been a POW and it had not stung as much. Prowl decided that perhaps it was because he has subconsciously assumed he was past such treatment that it bothered him so much.

In the end, he decided that while it stung his pride, it was probably a good thing that he was called to task. It ensured he did not forget that most of the command staff was not ready for his promotion, even now. It also reminded him to maintain strict formality.

Thoroughly chastened, he kept his gaze on the table, his doorwings flared faintly but dipped respectfully, for the remainder of the meeting. He said nothing as Smokescreen gave the tactical department's report, aware other mechs took the opportunity to study him.

Let them. He decided. I will prove to them that…

Prove what? Prowl blinked at the table, realizing he did not have an answer.

Near the end of the briefing, the topic turned to what had happened to Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. Prowl stiffened minutely when the Prime asked about them, well aware that multiple sets of optics darted to him.

Red Alert quickly outlined what they had been able to learn, detailing what Prowl had been able to help them deduce. When one of the field commanders asked about the initial indications it had been Prowl's doing, Red Alert quickly denied Prowl was in any way a suspect or even a mech of interest and that a scan of Prowl's processor had confirmed he was not involved. Jazz stiffened visibly at that, as did Optimus, which surprised Prowl as surely that was not a surprise.

Red Alert also acknowledged that the attack appeared to have been a deliberate attempt to frame Prowl in an effort to ensure he was not allowed to act in his function.

At the end of his report, Red Alert sighed a long gust of air. "Unfortunately, we are no closer to catching the true culprit."

Ratchet cut in, "I will be bringing the Twins back online early next orn. Hopefully they will remember something useful."

The assembled commanders and their seconds were dismissed soon after that.

Prowl stepped back as Smokescreen stood, but the Prime's deep baritone voice halted him. "Prowl, Ultra Magnus. A moment please."

Prowl looked at Smokescreen then straightened his shoulders with a very formal and polite "yes, sir."

Ultra Magnus said nothing, though he maintained his seat as the rest of the briefing room cleared out. No one said anything until it was just the three of them left in the chamber.

Prowl kept silent, he just faced his Prime, helm bowed respectfully. It was not Optimus' nature to rebuke in public, he had learned, though he wondered if he might be about to hear words of correction from him as well.

After a moment, the Prime finally spoke, but the words were not spoken to him.

"Ultra Magnus…" Optimus began thoughtfully. "For all that he is still on probation, Prowl is the Second in Command of our tactical department. It is hardly necessary that he be called down like an insubordinate recruit."

Ultra Magnus stiffened. "Sir."

Prowl just barely kept himself from wincing, feeling a pang of sympathy with the stress in Ultra Magnus' voice. His recent processing of the dressing down he had received granted him empathy with what the Prime's Second was experiencing now rather than pleasure. He spoke before he could change his mind.

"Prime, if I may?" Optimus glanced at him and nodded – even though Ultra Magnus flinched ever so faintly – so Prowl continued. "The Commander was right to bring my inappropriate behavior to my attention. There appears to be some… residual gaps in my ability to properly process interpersonal interactions as a result of damage I sustained from my crash. I am grateful for the reminder and will endeavor not to allow a recurrence."

Ultra Magnus just blinked at him.

Optimus likewise considered him and then sent him a tight comm. /It could have been done in a better way./

Prowl blinked at the Prime but then realized Optimus was utilizing and attempting to honor their Circuit Su relationship rather than strictly their military one. Accordingly, Prowl replied on the same frequency. /Perhaps, sir. But it is done and is not a situation you should feel the need to correct./

/But…/

Ultra Magnus spoke then; unaware of their silent conversation. "If you believe I was too harsh, Prime, I…"

He choked himself into silence, his vocalizer hissing briefly. Prowl heard the controlled disagreement in the blue mech's tone and suspected that if he had not been in the room, Ultra Magnus would have given full voice to his disagreement.

It was the only logical conclusion that Ultra Magnus restrained himself because he did not want to risk appearing to disrespect the Prime in front of a lower ranking mech. Prowl could respect that Ultra Magnus was apparently holding himself to the same standard he had demanded of Prowl.

Prowl felt the lingering edge of his own bitterness fade at that realization.

The Prime merely considered his Second in Command for a moment and then nodded. "Prowl may be a former Decepticon, but he is an Autobot now. Please remember that in the future."

Ultra Magnus managed to stiffen even further. "Yes, sir."

Optimus looked at Prowl. "I know Jazz is… lax with respect to proper decorum most of the time. As you have seen this orn, you will do well not to mimic him. At least not in public."

Prowl had the distinct feeling that the Prime's statement was more of a demonstration for Ultra Magnus' benefit, rather than a dressing down. Even so, the words – coming from the Prime – burned through him.

The tactician bowed his helm. "Yes, sir."

Ultra Magnus glanced at Prowl before looking back at Optimus. "You truly believe a former Decepticon will respect such a gentle rebuke?"

"He just did."

Engine revving, Ultra Magnus shook his helm. "But you are the Prime."

"And you are my Second in Command." The Prime's cerulean optics sharpened on his executive officer. "That alone gives your words more weight than the average mech."

Prowl kept his optics lowered, feeling very awkward at witnessing the Second in Command of the entire Autobot Army being chastised – even if in an amazingly gentle manner. He could only imagine the added humiliation Ultra Magnus must be experiencing as the one being chastised in front of a subordinate.

Thankfully, they lapsed into silence after that. Prowl knew their discussion was continuing, having switched to silent comms, and he was grateful. He really did not want to overhear it.

Then the Prime turned his attention back to the tactician. "Certain rumors concerning you have come to my attention. Would you know anything about them?"

Prowl grimaced. "Red Alert made me aware of such rumors when he questioned me regarding the assault on the Twins. All I know for certain is that they are largely baseless and that they were generated by the Twins in an attempt to smear me."

"I see." Optimus continued to consider Prowl, his optics turning concerned. "I have not had the opportunity to ask. Were you treated unfairly with regards to that incident?"

Prowl frowned. "No sir. Not at all. I was, of course, their primary suspect until I was able to confirm my innocence, but never was I treated with undo harshness."

The Prime gave a regal nod. "That is good to hear. I want you to be there when Ratchet brings the Twins online."

Prowl's shocked, "Sir?" was delivered simultaneously with Ultra Magnus' incredulous, "Prime?"

Optimus smiled faintly, addressing Prowl. "I think it will be good for them – in more ways than one. And, you discovered the Decepticon's true agenda. Perhaps you can figure out more about who is behind the assault."

Prowl sucked in a draft of air, but he nodded understanding. He was being asked to investigate the crime, not act as moral support for the Twins. He nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Prime." Ultra Magnus objected again. "I must protest. We know their relationship is already borderline hostile. Having Prowl there while they are in a position of weakness is not a good idea."

Prowl considered the other large mech as Optimus deliberated his answer. While it was clear that Ultra Magnus did not like, let alone trust him, it was also obvious that – while not a great fan of the Twins – he was genuinely concerned for them. It was a trait he could respect in a commanding officer.

Prowl had no more opportunity than to come to that realization before the Prime spoke again. "Very well. If you are concerned they will get out of hand, you can be there as well. Dismissed."

Ultra Magnus straightened, as did Prowl, at the abrupt dismissal. The Prime was irritated with them and that was not a good thing.

"Yes, sir." They answered simultaneously before both headed for the exit.

Because of where each had been positioned around the table, Prowl reached the door well before Ultra Magnus did. Instead of leaving in an attempt to flee from the commander who had been harsh with him however, Prowl drew himself up to attention and ducked his helm. He allowed Ultra Magnus to leave first in a gesture of respect, suspecting such a gesture was needed to help allay the Commander's ire.

Ultra Magnus hesitated as if caught off guard.

Prowl's gesture was more dramatic a demonstration than usually required. Then, as his surprise wore off, it was replaced by suspicion. Such a calculated move could just as easily be a spiteful attempt to 'legally' retaliate for dressing him down. It certainly succeeded in making Ultra Magnus uncomfortable.

But Prowl stayed there, helm bowed and frame absolutely still – respectful, yet not completely self-debasing – until Ultra Magnus had moved past him.

… … …

Ultra Magnus arrived at the med bay the next orn at roughly the same time Prowl did. He was a little disconcerted to see that Prowl again deliberately showed his respects by coming to attention and waiting for him to precede him into Ratchet's domain. He decided that it was the deliberateness of the gesture that threatened to unnerve him.

First Aid greeted them.

The medic glanced from former Enforcer and Second in Command, clearly aware of the tension between them, and then gestured them to follow. "Ratchet said you were both going to be here. This way."

They followed, but Ultra Magnus opted to stay at a respectable distance, determined to just be an impartial and cautious observer but not wanting to get in the way. When he stopped moving, Prowl started to walk past him and then paused. The black and white Praxian looked up at him as if for permission and, with a short nod, Ultra Magnus granted it.

Ratchet was already standing between the two berths, arms crossed over his chassis. He shot a heated glare at Ultra Magnus then looked more calmly at Prowl.

"Good orn, Ultra Magnus. Prowl." The CMO greeted dutifully.

Ultra Magnus just nodded, sensing the medic was specifically unhappy with him, as Prowl murmured a respectful greeting.

Ratchet shot Ultra Magnus another glare when Prowl's greeting was even more formal and cautious than normal.

Ultra Magnus just crossed his arms over his chassis, unconvinced that the Praxian's behavior was not mockery couched in respect. It was hard to tell what was going on under that mask of calm and control he affected so easily. It could be anything.

Ratchet turned away from Ultra Magnus to focus on Prowl. "Any particular one you want me to bring online first?"

The large blue mech noted that Prowl responded without hesitation. "Sideswipe. He has always been the best at managing his brother in such situations."

"True." Ratchet grunted and Ultra Magnus began to suspect that Prowl really did know the Twins.

The Praxian followed the medic to the silver front liner's berth and a moment later, Sideswipe's systems whirred to life. Light blue optics flickered and then stabilized.

The warrior groaned. "Sunny…" Then more frantically, "Sunny! Oh my Primus, Sunny!"

Sideswipe's optics constricted as they focused on Prowl as if drawn a by magnetic force, then they dilated in horror. With a scrambling of limbs and scraping of his silver aft on the metal of the med berth, Sideswipe scooted away from the tactician.

"No! It can't be. We… we haven't done anything wrong yet…" He ran out of berth and crashed to the ground hard enough it left him dazed.

"What?" Ratchet breathed the question with cocked optic ridges.

Ultra Magnus frowned. That was not typical behavior for either of the Twins.

Prowl shook his helm and walked around the berth to where Sideswipe was still trying to gather himself back together. "Sideswipe, we are not in Praxus. I am not here to apprehend you."

Sideswipe startled then shook his helm. "Oh. I mean: of course not. I must have hit my helm." He looked around, comprehension and reason slowly returning to his optics. "Um… why am I in the med bay?"

The Praxian actually knelt so that he was not looming over the silver mech. "You were assaulted five orns ago."

"Five orns?" Sideswipe stared up at the former Enforcer.

Ratchet stepped up next to Prowl. "And very badly, too."

"What is the last thing you remember?" Prowl asked with an amount of gentleness Ultra Magnus would never have suspected, even if it was well concealed.

Sideswipe eyed the former Decepticon. "We were leaving the training room and had just stepped off the lift and… Oh Primus. Sunny!"

Suddenly frantic to regain his pedes, Sideswipe started flailing his arms and legs. His anxiety made him awkward and he was unable to gain purchase, which only fed his anxiety and left him swinging wildly.

Ultra Magnus watched with borderline amazement as – even though Ratchet's expression turned worried and concerned as the level of combativeness in his patient spiked – Prowl physically interceded and took a wild, uncontrolled blow to the shoulder plating.

He had shielded the medic physically.

Ultra Magnus stared as Prowl then restrained the front line warrior with the swift, sure movements of an experienced Enforcer. His hold was firm but also as gentle as possible. He was uncompromising and yet not cruel.

Sideswipe, however, was not as generous in his evaluation of the situation. He struggled to get free, his anxiety finding vent in a string of curses and insults.

"You glitching hard-aft. You can't do this to me. You slagging pile of rust! Fragging 'Con! Get your fragging hands off me. Don't you even give a slagging pit what that fragger did to Sunny. You…"

"Sunstreaker is still in medical stasis on the next berth." Prowl's words were calm and even, not giving any indication that he had taken personally anything Sideswipe had said.

"…fragging spawn of… What?" Sideswipe blinked dumbly.

The optics that blinked up at Prowl were, for the briefest of moments, unguarded with relief blazing through them.

"He was more badly damaged than you were. Though we nearly lost both of you." Ratchet offered softly, stepping closer again, now that Sideswipe was once more in control of himself.

Sideswipe released a vent and stopped fighting Prowl's hold. "We're spark-twins, Ratch. If one of us goes, so does the other."

"Exactly." Ratchet confirmed. "Now. Please move slowly this time. Your gyroscopic systems haven't had a chance to realign yet and I don't want to be welding those seams again just because you decided to move too fast."

"I hear ya Ratchet." Sideswipe looked at Prowl who released him. He struggled to stand and, surprisingly, it was Prowl who actually hauled him to his pedes.

Sideswipe shied away from him, his frame heating and he refused to meet the tactician's optics. Even so, it was Prowl who also caught him when he over balanced.

"Um… thanks. I'm good now." The silver warrior mumbled after he had regained his stability.

Obligingly, Prowl backed off, giving him room. Medic and tactician followed Sideswipe the half dozen steps to Sunstreaker's berth. He was wobbling pretty badly by the time he got there and fell heavily against the metal slab.

Staring at his brother's inert form, Sideswipe began to speak, his voice so low Ultra Magnus had to step closer to hear clearly. "Whoever it was, was dead silent, you know? Wore a dampener too. Never saw the glitch coming. He got me fast… not sure what happened. One moment I was walking down the hall, the next I was sprawled against the wall. Sunny tried to protect me. I… I think he got a few good licks in but… then it came at me again."

One hand reached out to brush Sunstreaker's plating, then curled into a fist and slammed into the berth. "It was a one-opticed beast, not even a proper mech."

As if not wanting to intrude on the private moment, Prowl spoke softly. "How so?"

Sideswipe shook his helm. "It didn't even walk on two legs, but four. Had a tail and everything. Looked sorta like those organic creatures found on Plexus III before the war. The one's the Game Keepers brought back to use in the pre-shows in the fighting pits of Kaon."

Air hissed through Prowl's vents. "Ravage."

Sideswipe huffed air, his armor bristling, "Good designation. A friend of yours?"

The tactician gave the warrior a disapproving look, but glanced at Ratchet and then at Ultra Magnus and explained. "One of Soundwave's symbiots."

Ultra Magnus felt his armor flare with alarm. "Soundwave?"

Prowl nodded and Sideswipe finally looked up at him. "Why would he attack us? Or were we just lucky? Again."

Ultra Magnus exchanged a look with Ratchet and knew the CMO was wondering the same thing as he: how would they explain what had happened without Sideswipe loosing his temper?

Prowl spoke before either of them could figure out how to proceed. "We believe it was in a bid to frame me."

Sideswipe blinked, considering the tactician. "Ah." Then he returned his gaze to his brother before casting a sideways look at the black and white mech. "Did it work?"

Then Sideswipe winced, one hand going to his helm as a wrench ricocheted off it to land on the floor, sliding several meters before coming to rest at the foot of another berth. "Ow! Ratch! What was that for?"

Ratchet bent over to snatch up the wrench he had chucked at the silver twin. " 'Did it work?'"

Sideswipe ducked his helm, looking back at his brother. His reply was in a subdued murmur. "It was a legitimate question. But… since he's standing here asking questions rather than in a holding cell… probably not."

Looking almost bemused by Sideswipe's behavior, Prowl spoke then. "Initially it did." He glanced at Ratchet. "A processor scan was able to provide sufficient evidence to clear me of suspicion."

"Oh. Yeah." Sideswipe's optics darted up briefly to see Prowl before focusing back on Sunstreaker. "I guess so. Unpleasant that."

One of Prowl's doorwings inched upwards in a careful, deliberate shrug. "But something I have experienced frequently enough since coming to Iacon that it was no more so than expected."

Sideswipe started visibly at that, looking up at Prowl as if seeing him for the first time. Then he averted his gaze. "I guess that would be true."

There was a moment of silence and, as it settled around them, Sideswipe's helm dropped lower and he glanced guiltily at the spot on his armor that Prowl had grabbed to keep him from falling earlier. Then, with a little shake, he looked back at Ratchet.

"When ya gonna bring him online?"

Ratchet only growled, shifting his hold on the wrench to make it easier to throw again. "How about when you give Prowl the apology he deserves."

Sideswipe's optics bulged with sudden fear as he physically recoiled at the idea.

Prowl turned his placid gaze from the upstart soldier to the medic. His words were far gentler than Ultra Magnus would have expected. The fact that he touched Sideswipe's arm very briefly in an unspoken gesture of reassurance was even less expected.

"Unnecessary, Ratchet." Prowl spoke calmly. "The Twins and I have an agreement."

Sideswipe looked up at him, startled and then lurched away, as if the touch on his arm had burned straight through his armor. Even so, he did not leave his brother's side.

Ratchet just snarled. "Just what type of agreement?"

Prowl hesitated at that, glancing at the now hunched form of Sideswipe. He looked back at Ratchet. "One that covers our… social responsibilities to each other."

"Social responsibilities?" Ratchet scoffed. "They have been spreading derogatory and libelous rumors about you."

Sideswipe hunched even further away from the former Enforcer standing next to him.

Prowl merely nodded. "I know. But they are of a personal nature. Therefore I have no cause to demand recompense."

Ultra Magnus just stared, playing what the Praxian had said through his processor again. From the blank look on his faceplate, Ratchet was having to do the same thing.

Sideswipe was likewise staring. He was the first one to break the disbelieving silence. "But… you did say you, you know, expected the same level of decency we'd show any other mech."

Prowl looked at Sideswipe and arched an optic ridge. "I did. And my previous experience has shown that such behavior is typical behavior for you two." He paused for a spark beat. "Are you claiming your behavior has improved significantly since becoming Autobots?"

Sideswipe flinched away as if those words had been a physical swat. He looked down, sounding miserable. "We aren't 'criminal miscreants.' Not any more."

Ratchet just huffed at that claim, but Prowl considered Sideswipe for a long moment. When he spoke he did so very softly. "And I remain willing to let you prove that."

Sideswipe's entire frame froze, then his optics darted up to look at Prowl for a period of time that stretched. Then he lowered his optics in a way that almost indicated respect. He nodded his understanding of whatever Prowl was referring to.

Ultra Magnus cleared his own vents quietly as he realized Prowl had dealt with Sideswipe not just as a former Enforcer, but as a commanding officer as well. It had been so natural; he had missed it earlier. Just because of Prowl's history as a Decepticon, he was inclined to call him on presuming to speak like that. But the Prime's reminder that Prowl was a lieutenant commander and second in command of a department stayed him. That and, Ultra Magnus had to admit, Prowl had been remarkably fair with Sideswipe. And the tactician had gotten a more positive reaction from the impetuous Twin than he had ever seen before.

At length, Prowl turned to the Medic. "Ratchet, please bring Sunstreaker online."

Still visibly upset, Ratchet nonetheless did as he was asked.

Sunstreaker's systems booted up just as quickly as his brother's had. Then his optics flickered on. "Whoa…. What hit me? Sideswipe?"

Sideswipe leaned over his brother's prone form. "I'm here, bro. I'm here. We're in med bay and have been under Ratchet's tender care for five orns."

Ratchet chucked his wrench at Sideswipe again, this time hitting him on the after-platting, the tool clinging harmlessly of his armor.

Sideswipe grinned down at his brother. "See?"

Sunstreaker shook his helm, struggling to push himself into a sitting position. "Five orns… that's a record for something that happened on base. Um… what…" the golden twin's optics finally landed on Prowl. "You!"

Sunstreaker tried to lunge at Prowl, but Sideswipe interceded, physically restraining his other half. "It wasn't him."

"So he sent one of his Decepticon friends after us," Sunstreaker snarled. "So much for keeping your word, slagging scrap heap!"

Ultra Magnus was amazed that Prowl just stood there watching; seemingly undisturbed by Sunstreaker's accusation.

Sideswipe shifted, interposing his own frame between the tactician and his twin. "No, bro… they scanned him, okay? He didn't have any part in it. In fact, apparently, it was an effort to frame him. Probably 'cause the glitching 'Con saw how antagonistic we were toward him and figured no one would question it."

Ratchet harrumphed. "There was an attack a mere three orns after it happened. If Prowl hadn't been cleared, he would have been in the brig and we would have lost the battle. Would have lost Iacon most likely."

The medic's voice was tinged with accusation, as if he still believed the Twins might have been nefariously involved.

Sideswipe blinked at Ratchet and then looked back at his brother. "Sunny, we probably made ourselves a target. The beast's designation was Ravage. Prowl recognized my description of him."

Sunstreaker's engine growled as he glared at Prowl. "That doesn't mean that…"

"No," Sideswipe leaned over and put his hand on Sunstreaker's chassis, right over his spark. "No. Bro, listen to me."

They went silent, communicating either over silent comms or through their shared spark.

A moment of time elapsed and then Sunstreaker looked at Ratchet. "Sideswipe said a scan cleared him? I want to see it."

It was a sharp demand that had Ultra Magnus blinking even as Ratchet bristled. "That scan is…"

"A matter of public record," Prowl interrupted gently, though he did not move from where he had been standing, "because it was done in conjunction to an official investigation of a crime. As the victim of said crime, Sunstreaker is well within his rights to make such a request."

Ultra Magnus might have been imagining it, but he would have sworn that last bit was said a touch grudgingly. The Twins glanced at each other, lip plates hanging open fractionally as they stared dumbly at the tactician.

Ratchet growled deep in his chassis. "Fine. I just hope you don't come to regret giving such a thing to these two troublemakers."

Prowl's lip plates quirked upward in a way that almost hinted at borderline amusement, "They are trying to prove they are more than criminal miscreants, Ratchet. I too hope they are able to do so." Prowl's deep blue optics zeroed in on the two mechs in question. "At the very least, I can imagine they would want to prove me wrong."

Seeming truly taken aback by this turn in the conversation, Sunstreaker started to shake his helm. "Um… never mind."

Gaze sharpening so quickly it was almost frightening; Prowl's tone took on a more commanding bite. "No. Review the file. Then there will be no question in your processors."

Ratchet blinked and then grinned as understanding lit his optics. He looked back at the Twins. It was not a nice expression. "And no question you are knowingly lying if rumors suddenly start up that he did have something to do with it."

Sunstreaker's engine revved unhappily. "Fine."

Ratchet shot another look at Prowl and then nodded. The Twins' optics unfocused as they reviewed the file and Prowl waited patiently.

Ultra Magnus watched the Praxian carefully. As much as he had feared how this confrontation could have gone, the Praxian had surprised him. In fact, Prowl's handling of the Twins had been… faultless. He had been professional and firm, but not without compassion.

Considering the tactician's history, it was remarkable.

Yet Ultra Magnus could not dismiss the possibility that had only been because of his presence in the med bay as an observer.

Sunstreaker's armor slowly flattened against his frame as he drew back, putting as much distance as he could between himself and the Praxian without actually having to get off the berth. The look the golden twin turned up to Prowl was almost chagrinned.

"You… you were serious about giving us a chance, weren't you?" He asked quietly.

Sideswipe ducked his helm, rubbing the back of it with one hand. "We blew that one didn't we?"

Prowl did not respond for a long handful of seconds, considering both front line warriors. It was a long enough delay that said warriors started to squirm a little. Then the Praxian straightened.

"Technically, you were assaulted immediately following our discussion and did not have time to spread the rumors that have already circulated." Prowl began formally, "I am willing to overlook those specific rumors as they predate our agreement and consider said agreement still valid and still in effect."

"All aspects of that agreement?" Sunstreaker asked cautiously.

"Yes."

The two Twins looked at each other and then back at Prowl, seeming almost freaked out, as if they expected the world to implode around them.

"Uh… thank you." Sideswipe sounded uncertain.

"Yeah, thanks." Sunstreaker echoed.

Prowl gave them a formal nod. "We will do what we can to prevent something like this from happening again."

Sunstreaker's gaze snapped up from where it had fallen to his lap. His optics blazed at the tactician. "Oh, they are going to go after you again. Hopefully they won't be involving us."

Ultra Magnus thought he might have seen the black and white tactician flinch. Prowl answered quietly, "Yes. For what it is worth, it was always my preference that any Decepticon attempts to get me not involve others."

Sunstreaker blinked and then averted his gaze. "Yeah."

Ultra Magnus thought it was just possible that the golden warrior was willing to believe Prowl's claim. Knowing the Twins, that in itself was unexpected.

As if sensing the same thing, Prowl straightened. "Thank you for your cooperation in this ongoing investigation. I shall leave you to your convalescence."

Prowl left them and them paused as he neared Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus considered him briefly and then preceded him into the hall. The large blue mech glanced back at the former Enforcer before turning away to resume his other duties when Prowl addressed him.

"Permission to speak, Commander?" Prowl's voice was carefully respectful.

Ultra Magnus froze and he turned back warily. "Yes?"

The black and white mech was stiff, his gaze dutifully lowered to Ultra Magnus' chassis. "I… please do not take this as coming across as to brazen sir, but…"

"You are in no position to protest how I talk to you!" Ultra Magnus snapped reflexively, engine revving with remembered shame; Prowl's word choice reminded him of how he had been dressed down in front of this particular mech.

Prowl's doorwings instantly tucked downward at his sharp tone. "No sir, nor would I. You are the Second in Command and may speak to me however you wish."

Ultra Magnus was unable to ignore the quick flash of hurt that had been hidden just as quickly. The mask of stoic neutrality was now an almost tangible wall between them and he realized he had probably jumped to conclusions concerning what Prowl had planned on saying. A part of his processor taunted him that there might have been other things he had jumped to conclusions on about this mech.

Prowl was not a Decepticon any more. He knew that, had decided to believe that some time ago, and the Prime had still had to remind him. Even so, it was too early for a mech like Prowl to be so high ranking in the Autobot forces. He would stay firm on that.

He would.

And yet when the silence stretched, the nibbling guilt deepened.

"Yes?" Ultra Magnus finally demanded, wanting the mech to get on with saying what ever it was he was going to say.

Prowl hesitated, and then his gaze dropped even further. "I beg your pardon, Commander, I did not mean to impose. May you have a good orn."

Ultra Magnus just stared at the helm now bowed before him in clear deference if not a touch of trepidation. Apparently Prowl had made the decision not to share what was on his processor. The Commander's own ethical programming kicked in with a vengence and he felt an acute spike of guilt stab through his spark.

Former Decepticon Prowl might be, but he was also a mech under Ultra Magnus' command. Never before had he made a mech under his command afraid to speak with him.

And the very fact he had managed to do so with such ease illustrated very clearly Prowl did not have the typical mindset of most defectors. It illustrated that the Prime had been right to caution him to remember Prowl was an Autobot.

Unfortunately, if Ultra Magnus told the Praxian to say whatever he had originally intended to say, it would only make matters worse.

If it were any other mech of Prowl's rank that this type of misunderstanding had happened with, Ultra Magnus would apologize. But with a former Decepticon… it would put him in too much of a position of weakness. Too many instincts concerning dealing with such mechs threw warnings across his CPU. He just could not. Not yet.

"Um… yes," Ultra Magnus shifted his weight from one pede to the other. "Thank you. Good orn, Prowl."

He watched as Prowl gave him a stiff, formal half-bow – one that was far more deferential than was required by Autobot regulations – before turning and retreating down the hall. Never once, he realized, had Prowl met his optics.

The large mech remembered with a start that the only mechs who insisted on such displays on a regular basis these orns were the higher-ranking members of Megatron's forces.

It made Ultra Magnus sick; his tanks roiling in protest, that Prowl had instinctively sought safety in such formal displays based on his experience serving under Megatron. Was it an intentional insult… or a true instinctual action of self-preservation?

Ultra Magnus hoped it was not the former and yet dreaded it was the latter.

Yet he dared not call the Praxian back to ask.

He would just have to be more careful in the future.


Yes, I know this one was a long time in coming. I really, really did not intend for it to take this long. But real life has been beating me over the head. Repeatedly and with great abandon. But I'm back and I'm still alive so no real complaints… except that it took so long to get this up. Ugh. Good news is, the next one shouldn't take this long, at least in theory.

I know, everyone is missing Bluestreak and Elita One, never fear, both are returning in the next chapter… as is more Sensei Prowl! Until then, please let me know what you are thinking. I'm planning on throwing a party and will have a gift for everyone when this gets over 1,000 reviews… and a special surprise for the person who writes the 1,000th review!