ch 16
Ratchet was used to standing before Optimus for any number of reasons. It could be anything from reporting the number of casualties in a battle to providing some casual conversation after a rough day. He was Prime's support when things got too rough for the commander to handle, and Optimus had provided him with the same services a time or two. However, he had never stood before Optimus over something like this.
He'd never seen his friend look at him with betrayal in his optics.
"You've known Prowl was Meister all along, and you never told me?" Optimus's voice was flat, but Ratchet knew him too well. The medic flinched.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Ratchet sighed. "You don't know what was going on at that time, Optimus." he said softly. "Sentinel was the Prime then. Galvatron looked like he was going to overthrow Megatron, and no one knew how to deal with that. There was so much fear. All mechs who we even suspected were connected with Galvatron were executed on the spot. You put an end to that, but we didn't know you would in the beginning." Ratchet looked away. "You didn't see the damage Galvatron did to him."
It was Optimus's turn to flinch. "How bad was it?"
Ratchet wouldn't look at him. "I had to add extra armor to cover the scars that would never heal. He took severe damage to the helm – that's why he locks up on occasion. It used to be much worse, but he's learned to control it. I haven't had him come in in ages because of it." He shook his helm. "Primus, he was a mess. And there were the Twins, so fragging scared that their caretaker was going to die – Optimus, most younglings don't even know what death is at that age. They knew. Every time Prowl comes back from the battles only to wind up in my med bay, I keep hearing Sunstreaker begging me to save him."
Optimus sighed. "Prowl was in danger."
"He still is." Ratchet corrected. "You saw what Galvatron tried to do. He shot Barricade to hurt Prowl."
A scowl crossed the commander's faceplates. "You can dissolve that bond."
Ratchet lifted his chin. "You know I don't condone the practice."
"This is different. Prowl – " Optimus cut himself off, dark suspicion hovering just behind his optics. "You knew, didn't you?"
There was no point in lying. "Since we rescued them both." Ratchet said with a small sigh.
Optimus clenched his fist. "You could have dissolved it then. There would have been no complications."
"True. But I gave Prowl the option. He didn't want me to."
"Why?"
"You'd do better to ask him."
Optimus sighed. "I'm worried, Ratchet." he said softly. "Prowl has never shown any violent tendencies before this."
"Prowl is not a violent mech." Ratchet assured him. "However, that does not mean he's not dangerous. Just talk to him, Optimus. He's still the same mech you've always known." He turned to walk away, but Optimus's voice stopped him.
"What other secrets are you keeping?"
Ratchet uttered a bitter laugh. "I'm the medic, Prime. You'd be surprised at the secrets I carry. Even yours."
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"Sunstreaker!"
Prowl wasn't entirely too sure what had happened to trigger Sunstreaker's sudden bout of violence, but in the end it really didn't matter. Cliffjumper had been a handy target, and now he was hanging by his throat from the yellow Twin's hand. Prowl leaped forward, grabbing Sunny's arm and forcing him to let go of Cliffjumper. The minibot fell to the ground, gasping for air. Sunstreaker rounded on Prowl. Prowl slid back a pace, falling into a fighting stance.
"That's right, Sunny." he murmured. "Come at me."
Sunstreaker charged. Prowl stepped to the side, sending the yellow mech flying past him. Sunny grabbed his arm, using the limb as leverage to spin around and slam into Prowl's back. Prowl grunted, staggering a pace, then stiffened in utter shock as Sunstreaker plastered himself to Prowl's side, burrowing under his arm. He was trembling faintly.
Sometimes he forgot that the Twins were really still younglings, despite everything they had been forced to become. He automatically wrapped his arm around the yellow Twin and held him close. "Sunny?"
"It's his fault!" Cliffjumper snarled. "Him and his fragging twin! They're the reasons Galvatron came after us! He was looking for a set of twins! I'll bet the psycho was right up his alley! Optimus should have left him and Barricade behind when he had the chance!"
Prowl felt himself go cold. "What are you talking about?"
"Optimus wouldn't leave Barricade behind even though it was the right thing to do." Cliffjumper growled. "He should have. He should have known Barricade planned the whole thing. He made a deal with Galvatron to get the twins he wanted! All three of them should be kicked out!"
"Jumper, if'n I were ya, I'd be real careful 'bout what I say right now." Jazz drawled, approaching the mechs with Sideswipe following close behind. The red mech immediately came forward and attached himself to Prowl's other side. Prowl wrapped his free arm around the red twin and held him close. Jazz gave him an understanding look.
::Jazz? What's going on with the Twins?:: Prowl demanded over their comm. link.
::Ah, I think betw'n th' others harassin' 'em and Prime's less than enthusiastic reception of their glitch, they got it in their processors that Prime migh' kick 'em out.::
Prowl tightened his grip on the Twins. "Cliffjumper." he said coldly. "If we kicked out mechs for being an inconvenience to us, we would have left you to the 'Cons long ago." Sunstreaker barely hid a snort of laughter in Prowl's armor. Prowl smirked at the look of utter shock on the minibot's faceplates. "Come, Twins."
With that he guided the Twins away from the others. Neither let go of him the entire time.
Jumper frowned and turned to Jazz. "Did they bond without us knowing about it?"
Jazz burst out into laughter. "Nah, they didn' bond." he chuckled, barely able to speak. "Ah think they're just – closer – 'n any of us realized."
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"Barricade."
The Decepticon assassin glanced behind him. "Mirage. Keeping an optic out on me?"
"No." Mirage walked up and joined him outside of the base. "I understand the need to get away. I kept doing it not too long after I defected. It's so very different from the Decepticons here." He looked up at the sky, following Barricade's gaze. "I've known about you and Prowl for a while now."
"Longer than Prime?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because Prowl deserves to be happy." Mirage returned his gaze to Barricade. "And so do you."
Barricade snorted. "You're a trusting fool, Mirage. You know what I'm like."
"I know full well. I also know Prowl can handle anything you throw at him. He's handled the Twins long enough." Mirage reached out and touched Barricade's shoulder. "Jazz is on your side, too. He'll keep things from happening too fast. You'll see."
"You have a lot of faith in Jazz."
"No more than you have in Prowl." Mirage replied amiably. With that he walked back into the base, leaving Barricade alone with his thoughts.
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AN: Up next – Prime and Prowl have a discussion, and Barricade attempts to make things better in his own way. Two, maybe three chapters left.