Atonement

Chapter 12—Bridges I have burned

Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers. They officially belong to Hasbro and Takara. I'm taking them for a short spin.

Prowl entered the med bay, knowing Ratchet wasn't on shift yet. Instead, it was First Aid, just who the second in command wanted to speak with. He had a few questions for the medic, who he knew was glad to oblige when he had time. Prowl hoped he could give him some peace of mind, considering one of the questions he'd been mulling. Sometimes he had the tendency to overthink things when he had too much time on his hands, so he walked into the medic's office.

"First Aid, I hope I'm not bothering you," Prowl said.

"Anyone who comes here isn't a bother, regardless of what Ratchet might say," the medic answered.

"I know he means well," Prowl said. "And Springer and I haven't made it easy for him lately."

"You're in a difficult situation, and you're doing the best you can," First Aid said. "What can I do for you, Prowl?"

He sat down. "I have some questions," Prowl said. Springer said I should feel a bond with Echo. As her carrier, I can understand he would share that with Echo, but I haven't felt anything yet, and I'm beginning to doubt I am her sire."

"You're angry and upset," First Aid said. "That's not going to help. She was premature and underdeveloped. It will take time for a sire-sparkling bond to make itself aware. If you have doubts about her paternity, I can assure you Echo is, indeed your creation."

"How?"

"Ratchet didn't doubt the veracity of Springer's claim, or your reaction to hearing of Echo's existence, but he did run a check of her code against your own," First Aid replied. "The CNA match was to verify we had two viable sources of repair nanites if they're needed. I hope that settles any doubts you might have had."

"More than you know," Prowl said.

"Any other questions I can help with?" First Aid asked.

"When might Springer and Echo be read to leave the med bay?" Prowl said.

"Springer might be ready in another week or two," First Aid said. "But Echo will remain for the foreseeable future, at least until her systems are able to maintain her temperature and other functions without assistance."

"How long will that take?" Prowl asked.

"Ratchet assures me a month, possibly two at the most," First Aid said. "She's stable, Prowl, and doing well. Her appetite has improved, she's growing a little and getting stronger each day. She has a strong spark. She's just small and a little underdeveloped. Echo will stay here so we can monitor her development and make sure there are no setbacks."

"That's good news," Prowl said.

"Ratchet hasn't explained this himself?" First Aid asked, surprised.

"No," Prowl said.

"I apologize, Prowl," First Aid said. "Ratchet has had much to deal with, but that is no justification for not talking with you regarding your daughter's prognosis. Speaking of that, sir, I'd like to ask you a favor. . ."

Prowl raised an optic ridge in surprise. First Aid was always a consummate professional—a calm, compassionate, reassuring mech. "What would you have of me?" he said.

"Sir, I know this is inappropriate, considering the circumstances, but I don't know what to do," First Aid said. "Let me explain. . .Ratchet and I have discussed continuing my medical training on Cybertron. Iacon Medical Center has finally re-opened its teaching program, and Ratchet thinks it's an opportunity I shouldn't pass up. He's supposed to turn in the paperwork to you or Hot Rod, and I'm asking, if he turns in the transfer, could you please refuse it?"

"I'm not on active duty, but I'll pass this on to Optimus or Hot Rod," Prowl said. "But why not go? You've only had training as a field medic, so why not take advantage and learn all you can?"

"I can learn here," First Aid countered. "I helped deliver Echo, and despite the circumstances, it was an amazing experience. She's the first sparkling I've ever seen, but that's beside the point. Hoist and I have discussed this at length—though he's a trained medic, he has his hands full with the city expansion, and Ratchet can't handle all of the city's medical needs on his own. I know for certain two of Ratchet's old colleagues from Iacon, Pharma and Remedy, would like to come here, but I don't if they've made a formal request. Pharma is a trained counselor and was a family specialist. Remedy was a trauma medic before the war. The city would benefit from their experience, and with more qualified medics, we could set up a training program here, so I wouldn't have to leave."

Prowl considered the young mech's idea. It was sound, logical, and potentially beneficial.

"Put together a formal proposal and submit it to Prime," Prowl said.

"That's all I have to do?" First Aid said, surprised.

"It's up to Optimus for the final say, but it's fine idea," Prowl said.

"Thank you," First Aid said.

"Don't thank me yet," Prowl said. "I get the feeling Ratchet isn't going to be pleased about this."

"Probably not," First Aid said. "But he's not getting rid of me that easily."

Prowl knew he was probably going to regret it, and Ratchet was due on shift shortly, but he asked anyway. "Why do you think he wants to 'get rid of you?'"

"Even before Echo, Wheeljack and I had been talking about trying for a sparkling, and when we discussed it with Ratchet, he balked," First Aid said. "He said I need to finish my training before we even seriously consider a sparkling, but I told him human medics in training have families, and they work around it, so why can't we? Ratchet said I need to experience more of life before I tie myself down with an offspring, go to Cybertron, see our home world, that kind of thing."

"Sounds to me like you've made up your mind," Prowl said.

"I have," First Aid said.

"Made up your mind about what?"

Prowl stood, turning around, finding Ratchet glaring.

"Good morning, Ratchet," Prowl said, standing, trying to slide past the medic.

"My aft," Ratchet snapped. "What trouble are you brewing?"

"Nothing," Prowl said. "I just had a few questions for First Aid, and now I'm going to see Springer and Echo."

Ratchet's optics narrowed as he watched Prowl leave his office.

"Suspicion and paranoia, Ratchet? Overworking yourself? I think I'll tell Optimus," Prowl said.

"I'm not overworking myself. I just have too many aft-head patients who aren't compliant," the medic snapped back.

Prowl answered back in Cybertronian, grinning at the Autobot CMO as he picked up Echo.

Springer, who was now awake, watched the exchange with interest. "You, of all bots, should know baiting him is the worst idea in existence," he said.

"He's being an aft, and even though I'm not on active duty, I intend on doing something about it," Prowl said, handing Echo over to Springer. "I have ammunition I can use, and actually do some good in the process."

Springer quirked an optic ridge in interest as he started feeding Echo, who hummed in contentment. "Blackmail?" he asked hopefully.

"Of a sort," Prowl said.

"Still working when you're not supposed to," Springer admonished.

"Not working," Prowl said. "I just have some information to pass on to Optimus, and the rest is in First Aid's hands. It's a good idea, but I won't bore you with the details."

"Blackmail's never boring," Springer said. "Especially when it's one officer blackmailing another."

"It's not like that," Prowl said.

"Sure," Springer said. "What were you talking about with First Aid?"

"Nothing," Prowl said. "But I do owe you an apology."

"What?" Springer asked, clearly confused.

"Just accept it," Prowl said. "Please."

"What are you apologizing for this time?" Springer asked.

"Not believing in you," Prowl said. "Or having enough trust, when it's me that has all the doubt."

There. He'd said some of the truth. He only hoped Springer believed him. And he startled when he felt Springer's hand brush against his own, let the other mech entwine their fingers.

"Apology accepted," Springer said, smiling at Prowl, a glint of his old humor in his optics. Prowl smiled back, his spark fluttering. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for them after all.

88888

Lookout Mountain, the two Primes watching the sun set. Optimus enjoyed the silence, and Hot Rod's company, but he knew they needed to talk. A little time to unwind was good, considering the day he'd had. He knew the engineering briefing Hot Rod attended went well while his own meeting had devolved into a shouting match between the humans involved. Marissa Fairborned had been one of the few not yelling. However, the other officers with her and the attorneys had not agreed. The humans wanted more of the city than the Autobots were willing to give, wanting bigger quarters for high-ranking human personnel and other supposedly deserved "perks" and even Optimus' legendary patience was tested to its limits. Marissa wasn't the problem. She was only following orders, and Optimus planned on having a meeting with her superiors as soon as he could arrange it. That meeting would go by his terms, not theirs.

Or he could just have Ultra Magnus come handle the negotiations with the EDC. Magnus' dealings had always been on better terms, and he'd taken on that responsibility when he was city commander. Optimus was a diplomat, but he couldn't be everywhere at once. He hated delegating, but with so much going on, Cybertron could do without Magnus for a couple of days. With that settled, he turned his attention to Hot Rod.

"Prowl and Springer seem to be getting along better," Optimus said.

"Yeah," Hot Rod replied. "Spring said they talked today. Really talked, worked some things out. He didn't give me any details, but he seems relieved."

"That's promising," Optimus said.

"They also got some good news," Hot Rod said. "Springer should be out of the med bay inside of two weeks, and Echo can leave when her systems can self-maintain, in about six to eight weeks."

"That is indeed good news," Optimus said, retracting his battle mask, letting Hot Rod see the smile on his face.

"I get to be an uncle," Hot Rod said. "I still can't believe that."

"I don't think Echo will lack for attention," Optimus said.

"Nope," Hot Rod said. "Springer's had a lot of visitors today since Ratchet finally let up a little. He said Mirage and Hound dropped by, along with Cliffjumper, Jazz, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. Blurr, Kup, Arcee and Sandstorm plan on coming too within the next few days, if they can arrange it."

"When they come, you should spend time with them," Optimus said. "I think Jazz and I can manage without you."

"I might," Hot Rod said.

"No, you will," Optimus said.

"OK," Hot Rod said.

Optimus put an arm around the other mech, testing the waters. Hot Rod leaned into him.

"You know, if you and I are going to pursue a relationship, we're going to have to find a balance between our duties and personal lives," Optimus said.

"And how do we do that?" Hot Rod asked.

"We make time for each other," Optimus said. "Like now. I know you probably don't want to rush into anything, but we need to get to know one another as equals, not as we were before."

"Officer and subordinate," Hot Rod said. "Unattainable and out of my reach."

Optimus gave his companion a sidelong glance. "I was never unattainable," he said.

"How was I supposed to know that?" Hot Rod asked.

"I think it's time we stopped dwelling on the past and start thinking about the future," Optimus said. "I mean to court you, if you'll have me."

Hot Rod snorted. "Courting? Like dating, you mean?"

"Courting—as in getting to know each other, letting you know how serious my intentions are, and if things progress as I hope they should, bonding," Optimus said.

"That's serious," Hot Rod said.

"I'll have you know now I do not give lightly of my body or spark," Optimus said.

"I wouldn't expect you to," Hot Rod said. "Offer of courtship accepted, and everything that goes with it. Now can we just not talk for a while?"

Optimus wasn't ready for what came next, Hot Rod kissing him, knocking him over flat on his back with his momentum as he'd thrown himself at the other Prime. Optimus was barely able to register the fact it was a positive thing, Hot Rod showing some of his old bravado. Unexpected, but no unwelcome. But then he heard footsteps, and the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Hot Rod pulled away, and as Optimus was sitting up, he watched as Hot Rod's optics widened, and the other mech transformed and drove away so fast all he left was a could of dust. Optimus stood, seeing Ultra Magnus giving him a strange look.

"Ultra Magnus," Optimus said as he stood. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see what's so important you can't even comm me," Magnus said. "Obviously I've found the source."

"If you're insinuating my personal life is interfering with my duties, you're wrong," Optimus said. "If you'd read the messages I've sent, you'd know there were circumstances here at the city that require my presence."

"Such as?" Magnus demanded.
"Prowl's been pulled from active duty due to a personal issue requiring his attention," Optimus said. "I decided to stay until things here settle down."

"I suppose it was a breach in protocol?" Magnus asked.

"I'm not discussing this here," Optimus said. "We can talk about it in my office."

He transformed, driving down the mountain back to the city, Magnus following. On the way to his office, Optimus considered postponing their discussion until morning, but decided against it. The Prime was barely seated when Ultra Magnus didn't even give him an opening.

"There's another reason I came," Magnus said. "News you need to hear in person. Ironhide is keeping an eye on the situation while I'm here."

"What situation?" Optimus asked.

"Galvatron. He's been spending a significant amount of time in Vos of late," Magnus said. "With Starscream."

"Is it interfering with Galvatron's duties?" Optimus said.

"Not yet," Magnus answered.

"Then keep me apprised of the situation, and if Galvatron steps out of line, I will deal with it," Optimus said. "Is that all?"

"Yes," Magnus said, standing.

"Before you go, there is something you should know," Optimus said. "Springer's in the med bay. I'm sure he'd like to see you. So would Hot Rod, if you have the time. And Springer. . .he's had a sparkling."

The Prime let that news sink in, watching Magnus' face for a reaction. There was a slight twitching of his frame.

"That's unexpected news," Magnus said. "How is he?"

"Well, considering the circumstances, and Echo, his sparkling, is also doing fine," Optimus said. "He had a femme."

"Would I be wrong in inferring this is the reason Prowl isn't on active duty?" Magnus said.

"Yes," Optimus said.

"Well," Magnus said. "I should go."

"I'm sure Cyclonus misses you," Optimus said.

Magnus frowned, not expecting a barb from his Prime.

"You don't need to disparage my relationship," Magnus said.

"I'm not," Optimus said. "This formality you've adopted in my presence. . .it's unsettling, Magnus. Don't dishonor our friendship, or what we once were to each other. I can accept the choices you've made, but I do regret you didn't agree to try and rekindle what we once had."

"As do I," Magnus said. "But we can't undo the past."

"No," Optimus said.

"I'll be back in a few days," Magnus said. "Daniel asked me to come with him when he visits Hot Rod."

"I'll see you then," Optimus said.

Magnus nodded, leaving the office.