Back at the base, Ultra Magnus was outside the main bunker, leaning against the gray metal structure on the northern side where he knew he would see his target. With his new toy, the massive hammer that was once the all-powerful forge, he waited patiently for his Wreckers to return and to give a swift punishment to that incompetent soldier, Wheeljack. There was almost a devious grin threatening to cross his lips as he thought to himself about what he was going to do to him once he laid his optics on the samurai Wrecker.
While lost in thought, he hadn't noticed Optimus coming up behind him. To not see or at least hear the larger, more robust Optimus 2.0 approaching was a clear sign that he was heavily distracted with his thoughts. "You seem very distant." Optimus spoke gently.
The sudden voice of his commander snapped him out of ultra focused state. "Oh… Y-yes Sir." He quickly turned and gave a salute. He knew it wasn't good for any soldier to be caught daydreaming. "I have been having issues with my Wreckers, but no need to worry. I know exactly how to handle this." Although having just been taken by surprise, his answer was as uniform as ever and it was the truth.
Optimus didn't seem very convinced of this. Ultra Magnus getting that distracted by thought was rare, so this sent suspicion that something was wrong though all of his sensors. He also had a hard time believing that Bulkhead and Wheeljack were that much trouble. "I have worked with Bulkhead for some time now. He is a trustworthy ally and excellent soldier. The same can be said for Wheeljack, despite my lack of experience with him in the field. I know Wreckers can seem strange and unruly, but they are still Autobots and have earned some respect." It was in his nature to defend others, especially those whom he felt deserved it.
This speech was very unwelcome, but Magnus dealt with it. "Forgive me Sir, but while I agree with you that Bulkhead is a well behaved soldier, handling Wheeljack has been most exhausting."
Taking a few steps forward, Optimus frowned down at his first lieutenant. "During the war, when I placed you in charge of the Wreckers, things were very different than they are now. While upon this world, I simply want you to guide them while on missions, but allow Bulkhead to handle Wheeljack. They are very close and that friendship will allow you to reap the best results while working with them."
"You have no idea…" Magnus muttered. Although his respect for their commander was endless, this was one of those rare occasions when he questioned their leader's intelligence.
That comment obviously bothered the usually calm Optimus. "Ultra Magnus."
"Yeah, Sir?" He replied.
"What's wrong?" Optimus asked unexpectedly. The question seemed to strike a cord with Magnus. "You are not the same lieutenant I once fought beside. Something has happened to you, my friend. So if there is anything you wish to tell me, I am here to listen." His kind nature was showing itself again.
Ultra Magnus felt Optimus was completely wrong to accuse him of being any different. "Excuse me Sir, but weren't you going to speak with Agent Fowler?" He tried to change the subject.
"Agent Fowler made it clear that he wanted to spend some personal time with Ms. Darby. I do not wish to disturb them." Optimus answered, though wasn't happy to see Magnus avoiding the problem.
"Wonderful, the humans aren't above breaking war protocol. Since when is infatuation alright during these circumstances?" And now Magnus was showing his own, currently unstable nature.
Optimus grabbed Magnus's shoulder. "While it's true that at a time these matters would have been held as irresponsible during war, our circumstances aren't what they were back on Cybertron. The rules of conduct have changed and it seems that in these uncertain times, allowing relationships keeps the moral up. So long as no objectives are compromised or I say otherwise, you are not to interfere with anyone's personal matters. Is that understood, Ultra Magnus?" He was more serious now.
Magnus gripped the handle of the forge tighter and reluctantly agreed to make his commander happy. As Optimus gave him a nod and went back into the base, Magnus frowned. He knew what he was doing and how to handle the situation. Optimus must have gone soft while on this planet. Despite what he was told, Magnus fully intended on having his way with Wheeljack. Nothing could break his determination.
Just as Ultra Magnus was feeling confident again in his decision that would ultimately defy Optimus Prime's orders, a plug was pulled in the tight wiring of his neck. Before he could react to what happened, his body fell to the ground in an instant stasis sleep.