Ep. 2 – Cooperative Effort - (Closed)

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus somewhat wished there had been crates or other large objects they could move the maps upon as a sort of table. Something so they didn’t need to kneel on the ground looking it over. If they did? Then Fowler could stand on the crates as well, and be at a more appropriate height to speak to them. As of now? It was either kneeling down and squinting on the ground, or Fowler needing to yell up at their immense height differences. Oh well, it was just a minor inconvenience.

Once more the Prime eased down into a kneeling stance. His weight rested upon his right knee, while the left was propped up again, permitting the arm on that side to drape over the knee cap. His fingertips curled into a loose fist, while his right hand had planted its knuckles down once more for balance as he leaned forward enough to comfortably view.

He remained quiet as the other two spoke, not interrupting, not interjecting anything part way through. He simply passively absorbed everything that was said, and mulled it over in his processor. He did crook a bowline slightly when Fortress struggled oh so very hard to say Zoom Zoom's name, but other than that? He didn't show any reply.

That is, until Fowler and Fortress had both finished speaking and it was his turn to interject.

This swap in gears was almost visible as he took in another ventilation, stance changing ever so slightly, and tone of voice far more assertive and confident. He had changed gears from the quiet observer, to the Autobot leader that he was, and it showed readily. He eased his weight off of his fist, and reached forward to lightly tap at the control tower upon the map, to make it clear that this is what he was speaking of as he continued. His voice was even, and concise, cutting straight to the point with a decision already made on whom was best via their available operatives.

"Rook would be optimal for assisting Zoom Zoom. Small enough to keep low. Fast enough to keep up. Skilled enough to defend the point while Zoom Zoom disables outbound transmissions."

His hand pulled back and placed down once more to take the brunt of some of his weight, though this time had eased down with palm spread flat on the concrete bellow rather than on the knuckles. He continued to speak.

"Once secure, Zoom Zoom can be tasked to backtrack past incoming transmissions, to attempt to locate other MECH facilities that may have contacted this outpost. This can be his dedicated goal."

Once this was declared, his optics flicked up north on the map, looking at the outpost higher up. They seemed to be separate, so he assumed what Mirage would be tasked with, would not affect the happenings within the communications tower. From what he could see in the photographs? There didn’t seem to be lines connecting the two points.

"Sending Mirage to slip within is in our best interest. Cloaking should grant him no resistance. However having you follow as backup is... far less stealthy. I would conclude that a separate action would be best. A distraction."

He removed his left forearm from atop his knee, lifting it down to 'draw' a line from the south up north into the base, marking a 'direct shot'.

"Mirage entering from the front could be seen as expected, however-"

He moved his right hand down to draw a second line, running from the small void to the east of the northern outpost, west into it.

"-bridging to this location a separate assault team, would look like a far more tactically sound option. It would be the distraction needed to make Mirage's direct infiltration far more effective. Cutting power to the facility being the primary goal. Decimating generators and batteries so that they have no means to activate built in self defense, or send commands to whatever Cybertronian may be under their sway."

He paused momentarily to let it sink in, before he continued.

"It will also prevent deleting data that can aid in locating other outposts and understanding just how much MECH knows. Once this task is done, Mirage's goal would then be to protect said databanks from MECH."

It felt... weird... being sneaky, but he had served in this war even back when Sentinel was Prime, so he knew a thing or two about it.

"With the power cut, it would be a simple cleanup of personnel. Depositing them into your government's hands."

[Deleted]

Fowler had listened to Optimus' assessment in silence, his chin in his hand and his eyes upon the map. When Optimus finished speaking he nodded.

"Works for me," he said. "If you can bridge an assault team from this base to that location on the map, I can make sure they provide all the distraction Mirage needs. What do you say, Max?"

Still kneeling, Maximus lifted his optics.

"Yeah, I can do that," he said. "I'll organize the 19th into an assault team from here and lead them through the bridge, since none of them have ever travelled through a ground bridge before. Once we're through I'll fall back to an assist role and do what I can to make a lot of noise. If Mirage can cut the power by destroying any on-site generator stations before he moves on to the data centres, it should create the confusion we need to allow the 19th to sweep in, breach defences, and start taking prisoners."

Fowler scratched his chin and eyed him.

"You ever led troops before, son?" he said.

Maximus nodded. "Yeah. But I don't want to take over from their own commanders. Just give me enough authority to get them through the bridge and then direct any action I deem necessary from the field."

"Done. I'll let the necessary units know what's going on. Now, there is one thing you've suggested that doesn't quite sit right with me, Prime..."

Fowler frowned.

"It's Rook. I know he's a good operative. He was one of our first choices. But after Ruby Hill his description will have been circulated through the evacuated MECH personnel and spread to god knows where. I'll bet you the fifty-first star that if you put him on the field, every MECH soldier with a gun will put their crosshairs on him. I don't think you want a spook out there dodging bullets intentionally. You got anyone who can take the shots needed to defend the hacker and still have enough sense not to kill potential prisoners?"

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus nodded his helm once in reply to the question that had been asked about the Ground Bridge. It would take a few extra moments to prepare to open a split bridge such as that, but it was nothing that would be truly detrimental, nor would impair the mission. It is because of this he did not bother bringing this up or making note of it. They would have the coordinates prepped long before it was time to transport the individuals.

The Prime kept quiet while the other two spoke, his attention flicking back down to peer at the maps and layout once again. He was looking for anything else that may be needed, or if on a second pass he could come up with something else as a plan. There were multiple ways all of this could go down however, and dwelling over all the 'what ifs' and 'what could be' while useful? In this case was not, for the plan put in place would be adequate for the job that was to be accomplished.

He was sorting through all of these thoughts when Fowler addressed him once more. Optimus in turn eased back slightly so he was not looming over the maps so intently, his helm leveled out to peer upon the small human. Even though he was kneeling down? He was still much taller than him, helm nearly angled as far as when he was looking at the maps.

Optimus... did not understand the first section to Agent Fowler's words. In his eyes it should not matter if MECH knew what they visually looked like would it not? Unless they had scanners that could then pick up weak points and act with tactical precision against those they have seen before, but really? Chances were that MECH would train their guns on any Cybertronian that entered the field. It could be a brand new individual, fresh from deep space that had never been seen before, and all guns would be turned to them in retaliation because of their species fighting power. But while this point wasn't fully understood, the second point was.

Having armor to just repel basic human artillery like insect bites to humans, would be beneficial, however those with such armor capabilities? Would not be as quick, and would turn the assault on the Control Tower from a surgical strike to a more... bludgeoning attack. But even if this factor was cast aside? Who would be chosen?

Fortress himself was going to be leading the humans it seemed, which Optimus approved of due to the recent interactions the tank has had with their kind. He likely knew more humans than Optimus had ever interacted with before. Thundercloud could shrug off any bullets with ease, but his presence was not only an affront to Fortress, but he was... not careful. He would 'unintentionally' obliterate any he crossed paths with while trying to catch them like he did by downright TACKLING a helicopter.

TACKLING it!

Ultra Magnus had sturdy armor, and the tactical know-how and dedication to keep Zoom Zoom in line. He would know when to pull punches and know how much force is necessary for a given situation. If anyone would try to implement the careful edge of tactics with the brute warrior's power it would be him, however? He had just arrived on earth. By now he had likely not even SEEN a human. Optimus would have to speak to him extensively before he could comfortably set him free against an enemy the Commander hadn't known of just one cycle earlier.

Many of the others on base either did not have the specific skill sets needed, specialized in other fields, or they were injured, had personality quirks that would clash with the assignment, or not really fit for the task overall. While he was sure he could stick just about anyone to the job and they would do it despite their initial function, he wasn't about to do that and would step in to fill the role himself if needed.

"My Second in Command has recently arrived to this planet."

Optimus started calmly after a brief pause. He didn’t know if Fortress had been informed about this yet or not, but either way he didn’t look up from Fowler while he continued.

"I require time to debrief, and inform him on Earth. However. Ultra Magnus is a dedicated Commander, quick learner. I foresee no issues in assigning this role to him."

Zoom Zoom would likely hate it, but... oh well...

"Now..."

Optimus' attention pulled back to the maps, his hand lifting once again to place down onto the large layout of paper. He pointed upon the North West edge of the canyon, where the helicopter pads were located. He spoke cautiously next, not wishing to imply that he didn’t trust Fowler to have everything handled, he just wanted to make sure all their bases were covered. It was better safe than sorry when it came to addressing all elements to a plot like this.

"You will have aerial support to cut off potential flight?"

He tried to flux his voice enough to show that he indeed was just checking, but trying to add emotion to the voice was still ending up with a horribly even tone. He thought about the possibility of Thundercloud on the outmost edges, far enough to not be an issue to Fortress, but able to... actually JUST clip the wings of MECH choppers trying to evacuate. But no... The half jet half tank would probably just sky tackle them again and end with the death of those seen as important enough to be permitted to take a helicopter to safety.

[Deleted]

Startled, Maximus jerked his head up. He stared across the maps at Optimus, and was just about to say something when Fowler beat him to it.

“Yeah, we can provide air cover,” said Fowler. “Got air bases nearby we can launch from, mostly helicopters. But helicopters are all MECH has to work with themselves, so we’ll have the advantage of location and nearby services. If they try to fly out of that valley and escape we’ll intercept and bring them back down again in short order. You can count on that.”

Fowler folded his arms over his chest and looked satisfied. Then he frowned.

“And hang on,” he said. “Who in the name of Sam Hill is Ultra Magnus? Another one of your boys, Prime?”

By then Maximus had recovered from his shock.

“Our second in command,” he said. He leaned on his arm and looked down at Fowler. “And a good soldier and tactician on top of that.”

“Is he? I like the sound of him already. He’s welcome on board, if Prime can get him up to speed on things by tomorrow morning.”

Maximus nodded slowly. He looked up at Optimus again, still in a bit of a daze.

“Is it true, sir?” he said. “Magnus really did arrive here on Earth recently?”

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus was satisfied with what Fowler had to say, and as such would not even toy with the idea of needing to get the Autobot jet involved. Unless there was no other option? He would prefer to keep them grounded and away from this excursion. Nonetheless, the topic swiftly changed, and Optimus eased back fully to no longer be hovering over the papers and photographs. His spine went straight, and shoulders pulled back, taking on the formal stance despite still kneeling down.

Sometimes he had to wonder if half of what he said went completely over Fowler's head, just like how half of what Fowler said went over his own. Where they both just swinging wildly in communication hoping to hit what the other one threw? Missing out on chunks of references? Optimus had thought he said that it was his Second in Command, and was about to repeat as such when Fortress took the opportunity to speak up, filling in the missed blank effectively.

When Fortress turned to address him, Optimus' permitted a faint smile to form, the motion ever so slight yet earnest. He was very happy that Ultra Magnus was back with the team; his presence would be a huge boon to aid the Autobots as a whole. While he could be harsh, and a bit ridged with military protocol, a touch of formality would not hurt the Autobot base, which was almost spiraling down a bit into chaos.

"Indeed. Ultra Magnus arrived yesterday at 14:00 hours via personal transport that is currently idling in orbit."

He avoided saying 'war ship' less he need to deal with whatever fallout that may create with humans. Optimus knew Ultra's ship was battle ready at any given moment, and could be seen as a threatening thing if presented the wrong way to the native populace. Especially? Since the only other ship Fowler had known of was the Nemesis which could cause one to jump to conclusions. However as convenient as that would be? Ultra's ship didn't compare to that monstrosity. As such he kept quiet about that detail. It wasn't a LIE... he just... was not divulging what kind of transport it was. If asked however he would share readily.

"I apologize the news had not reached here sooner."

[Deleted]

While Fowler indeed did not look at all pleased at the notion that an alien ship of unknown capabilities was lingering in the orbit of his home planet, for the time being he held his tongue.

“Better late than never,” he grunted. “All right, Prime. I think we’ve covered everything that needs to be directly covered. I’ll get on the horn with the General and let him know that the Autobots will be involved with tomorrow’s operation. If you have any further questions, Maximus can answer them. If you need to contact me specifically, you know my number.”

Fowler dug into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out his silver cell phone. He did not activate it right away, but held it in his hand and gave Maximus a questioning glance, one eyebrow raised.

Maximus noticed it. The big mech stiffened and returned the look with a slight, reluctant nod.

Whatever exchanged passed between the two remained unspoken. Satisfied, Fowler flipped open his phone and dialled it. As he walked to the side door of the hanger he nodded to Optimus.

“Take your time going over the maps and surveillance photographs,” he said. “Familiarize yourself with the area. I’ll send you a detailed document packet on the operation that will include all of these images later this morning. In the meantime Max can brief you on ingress points and any other mission–vital points of interest for both the outpost and the main facility.“

He lifted his other hand in a wave, his phone against his ear. ”I’ll see you and your Autobots here at oh–four hundred hours tomorrow morning. We’ll get our respective teams organized here at the base and then time our departure via ground bridge to arrive at the target site at precisely five hundred. See you at tonight’s briefing, Max.”

“Yes sir,” said Maximus.

He watched Fowler depart through the side door, his red gaze inscrutable. A moment later the sound of a car engine started up just outside.

A heavy silence fell over the interior of the hanger. One of the lights buzzed and flickered.

As the car drove off into the distance Maximus turned slowly back to Optimus and the maps. He did not yet stand, but remained on one knee at the edge of the maps. His expression was troubled, but in a calm voice he said, “Are there any questions or issues of concern I can address for you, sir?”

[Optimus Prime]

Something more was going on that he was not privy to. The way that Fowler looked over at Max? Was not lost to the Prime, and neither was the fact that Fortress had tensed up the moment he did so, nodding back in return with a wordless communication. This spurred up some questions, and Optimus focused in on the two intently, trying to figure out what was going on. There were no clues however, nothing to give him insight, and he was not going to ask. It was not his place to do so, and while he was curious? Unless Fortress wished to disclose it? It would likely be none of his business.

What happened next flicked by far quicker than he would have liked. He was being told that the maps and photos would be sent to them proper to review at base.... and then... bam. Fowler was leaving and already on the phone with someone else. Optimus' brows raised a bit, his lip plates parted, having had more things he was going to go over, but it was far too late for that. Next thing he knew Fowler had made it out of the hanger, and was driving off, leaving him with Fortress.

Cyan optics settled on the closed door a moment in suprise, before he glanced back to Fortress when he spoke. His expression changed gradually from the slight confusion at Fowler's spontaneous evacuation, to a far more leveled look. He decided first he had to cover what he was going to ask, and then he would move on to other matters entirely.

"As you are leading the assault team, I require knowing if you desire assistance."

Optimus understood that it seemed Fowler and Max had a good balance going on. This mission was more the human's than it was his Autobots at this point, even though it greatly involved them. As such? He took note that the human had put Fortress somewhat in charge of that subsection, and would treat it with the respect it deserved. He would not shove in and force what he thought was right, unless to not do so would result in senseless casualties.

"If you need any of the team, or myself, to aid on that front."

The Prime would like to be there, he would never feel comfortable NOT being on the primary assault team unless it was tactically unsound. It made him feel like he was shoving others forward to fill a dangerous role, without taking risks of his own. Cowardly. It is often why he would be right on the forefront of a charge, rushing in with his Autobots to the intended goal, more often than not clashing with Megatron himself to keep the warlord occupied.

He had more he wished to say, but one thing at a time.

[Deleted]

Maximus knelt in a hunch, his forearm braced across his knee. He studied the maps, his gaze lowered. He seemed a little less concerned by Fowler's abrupt departure. It was possible that he simply knew more of the logistics of the operation, and thus understood what limited time-span the man had to work with in order to get things properly organized.

When Optimus spoke he quickly looked up again.

"Assistance?" he said. He ran one hand over his jaw and thought it over. "Truthfully, sir, I think I'll be fine on my own. I haven't met whatever units Agent Fowler is pulling in from the 19th, but if they're anything like the soldiers stationed on this base - and I suspect they're better, seeing as they're Special Forces - then I expect they'll be able to handle themselves. I'll mostly be there to offer support and to direct the assault based on whatever observations I make with my more advanced sensor suite. Once they breach the facility their own commanders will take over, while I coordinate. I don't think there will be much exterior resistance left for me to suppress at that point."

Maximus settled back on his heels and relaxed a little. A contemplative look passed across his face.

"Have you seen the humans in action, sir?" he said. "Their armed forces, I mean. They're good. I've had a few opportunities to sit in on their training exercises since arriving here. Agent Fowler thought it would be an eye-opening experience - and he was right. They're well-armed and well-trained. We may have technological superiority over them, but if I may speak frankly their cohesion and team tactics are far better than our own. Throw in the fact that they know the enemy they'll be facing and they know the terrain, and I'd wager this operation is going to end in rout for MECH."

He shifted his weight, spilling pressure from his knee joint. He nodded to one of the grainy photographs of the facility and added, "That all said, sir, if you wanted to join the assault I'm sure no one would complain. They'd welcome you, if anything. It won't be glamourous - we'd just be there to draw attention from Mirage and the human teams following him in to clean up - but it'll be solid work."

[Optimus Prime]

Was... he losing touch with things? Was he... regressing?

To hear that a species so primitive had so much more cohesion and team capabilities? Was not really a reassuring one. The war between Autobots and Decepticons, had been going on longer than this species was even a blip in existence, and they had more skill at it when it came to working cohesively? This coming straight from a soldier under him that he trusted and respected? And it hit perhaps a tad bit harder than it should have.

A clerk. That’s what he was supposed to be. A clerk. Organizing data, filtering it away. Intellectually skilled in a section of history or other raw patch of information. Not this, not what he had become. He was never meant for the role he now served, yet, Primus must have seen reason for it, less the Matrix would not have been presented to him. This thought almost burned in his chest, a reminder of the large object, its presence settled in front of his own spark. At times like this its weight could almost be felt, a tangible reminder that he had to trust there was reason for everything.

Despite how questionable it was, there was logic somewhere.

Without speaking in reply just yet, Optimus placed his hand flush against the ground for a moment, his weight rolling off of his pinned limb, before it raised and planted the ped down with a double clanking pop. The multi panels of the ped seemingly flared as they ground against the concrete a moment, spreading and adjusting as the multi ton mass of weight was rolled over and onto it once more. A single heave and a tightening of the cables in his legs, Optimus pushed up and to his full height a moment later.

He did not place his forearms to fold upon his lower spine though, but instead, took a single step forward to aid in balance while he reached his right arm out, offering it to Fortress if the tank wished to stand as well. He knew he didn’t NEED the help, but it was a courteous offer nonetheless.

"I believe I will attend, not because I anticipate a need for it, but more to permit me to witness that which you speak of. Perhaps I have been too encumbered by our own war and recent events, to adequately appreciate the skills of this species."

Whether Fortress took his hand or not to stand, if he even chose to stand, Optimus would take a single step back. The motion was made to put an appropriate distance between them, so he was not suffocating close within the other's field. He knew that even though his own field was a dead line, not often relaying emotion or feelings, there was still a strength behind it that had formed when he was reformatted that could be felt like a hum in the background. It was through this, he permitted some concern however to ebb out, displaying general earnest care.

"How is it you are faring?..."

A cautious question, one deviating from the war plans. But with Fowler gone? And the two having a brief moment where everything seemed to be settled? He felt it would be acceptable to do a light check in. His voice showed this as well, the deep power behind it trying to ease back into earnest curiosity. They had less than twenty four hours, but really? He did not need that much to prepare, and could spare a second to make sure one of his own was doing well. If he could not even offer this? He didn't think he'd be doing his job as Prime.

[Deleted]

Though he looked surprised at the offer, Maximus accepted the hand up with a murmured word of gratitude. He was careful not to lean all of his weight against the Prime as he rose to his feet. Once standing he took a moment to stretch out a sore kink, his hand cupping the back of his neck as he tilted his head back and forth.

"We'd be glad to have you there, sir," he said. "I think many of the humans would be keen to meet you. Most haven't had the opportunity to see a Cybertronian in action yet, much less the leader of the Autobots. I think they'll work that much harder just to impress you. And, ah..."

Maximus faltered.

He slowly rubbed his hand across his neck, working his fingers into the stiff cables. He did not reply to the solemn question right away, but lapsed into silence to consider how to respond to it. The lights above him cast sharp shadows across his frame and picked out all of the tiny scuffs and scratches in his paint. His hand fell back to his side.

Something about the genuine concern in Optimus' field made an honest answer natural.

"I'm - all right, sir," he said. "Better. They've treated me well here. Respectfully. Mostly they leave me alone, unless it's for something that Agent Fowler has cleared first. I - appreciate that."

He spoke quietly, as if speaking aloud of his state pained him. "I've rested better. Better than back at the base. Cleared my head a bit. Being here has given a chance to think about a few things. And make a few decisions. I-"

Maximus opened his mouth. He closed it. He grimaced and shifted on his feet, his manner suddenly apprehensive.

[Optimus Prime]

It was exceptionally good to hear that Fortress wasn't being pestered or bothered repeatedly by the multitude of soldiers on site. Then again, maybe that could have also been a good thing, to distract him and pull him from the void of darker inner thoughts? He was no psychiatrist; he didn’t adequately know how to handle the tank's situation really. Sure he could make educated guesses, he could try to calculate it to the best of his abilities, but anything could go wrong.

Too much noise and motion could trigger unwanted memories. Too much silence could sink him into darker thoughts. There didn't seem to be a direct right or wrong answer, when everything could be spun wrong by viewing it a certain way. Whatever the case? It was good that what was happening seemed to be the correct answer that was getting him the rest he needed.

But there was more.

Optimus carefully watched the way Fortress moved, picking up on tiny details, and working hard to read into the emotions to guess what could be going on. The quiet tones screamed that something about the situation, whether this base as a whole, or Optimus himself, was not really making him comfortable, or that it was something he didn't wish for others to overhear, even though the area seemed abandoned and vacant save for them.

Lack of eye contact, a shifting in posture, whatever it was that plagued him; it had to be something of note. Optimus had seen enough to act on it, and in turn he eased forward some, planting his open hand upon Fortress' shoulder armor carefully. It was a motion to catch his attention, while subsequently silencing his need to speak for the moment, trying to draw him out of whatever slope he was sliding down to make his mood change as it did.

"Whatever is burdening you, be aware I am here to help any way I can. You need not speak of it now, if ever, so long as you do not wish of it."

Optimus eased back a bit once more, his hand pulling away to fall back down to his own side. He continued to speak, his voice falling to a lower volume to pair with Fortress', the calm confidence still in play as he tried to reassure one of his warriors. His words were still earnest, there no ulterior motive, no plan, just exactly what he wanted really for all Cybertronians as a whole. This goal? Something he had been fighting for for countless years.

"All I wish is for you to be in good health and happy."

[Deleted]

Beneath Optimus' hand the shoulder was tense. But the gesture served its purpose. Maximus startled, then grew still and took a minute to compose his thoughts.

He breathed in deeply.

"Thank you, sir," he said. "But I should tell you that I don't go looking for that kind of contentment in life. Doing my job competently is good enough for me. But lately I haven't been able to do even that, not to my satisfaction. I don't mean recently either. This goes all the way back to my - to when I was medically released back into active duty. That was when I first noticed it."

Bitterness crept into his gaze. Maximus glanced aside with narrowed optics, and for a moment he looked reluctant to continue talking. Then he did.

"That the army I had left was not the one I returned to. The Exodus happened. The Autobots were broken up and scattered. I get that an event of that magnitude has an impact. It changes things. I get it. But what our forces have changed into is not something I can reconcile with. Maybe the others like the lack of military protocol and informality. But frankly, sir... I can't stand it. I wasn't built for it, I wasn't trained for it, and I no longer have the patience for it. Maybe I once did. Not any more."

Maximus drew upright and stood at rest, his hands folded behind his back. His optics focused on a point somewhere behind Optimus. "I'm not asking you or the other Autobots to do things differently, sir. But I'm going to have to. And you don't need me, not really. Red Alert has got security under control. And now Ultra Magnus is here to provide you with some heavier firepower and tactical strategy. I'll be blunt: I'm the hardest hitter you've got. But at this point I'm also redundant. Each of your Autobots can do half a dozen things I can't. And without any - personal issues impeding their judgement to the point where they present a threat to their own team."

His jaw rippled. But in a calm voice he said, "So, I've thought it over. I'll participate in this assault against MECH. And then I will turn in my badge. After this is over I will be leaving the Autobot forces."

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus listened carefully, focusing his full attention down to whatever Fortress had to say. He tried to pick up on the other mech's body language, and tried to look into the words that were said, without becoming blind to the obvious statements themselves. He wanted to be able to assist, but what was being said? Was sounding like it wasn't really anything he could directly help with. Not with his training, not with what he knew. It was a delicate balance of psychological trauma meeting with a personality trait and a wish to perform a task that is robbed of them.

Then things started to slide downhill at an abrupt pace.

Cyan optics flicked across Fortress' features, trying to keep up with the words he was saying. He heard them, he understood what this was leading towards, but his processor was scrambling in realization and trying to figure out if he was jumping to conclusions, or if this was really what was happening here. Fortress had worked with him for so many years, to a point having him available was just... second nature in a way, but now? What he was leading too? Seemed to imply this was no longer going to be the case.

Back up. He was jumping ahead, he had to let the tank finish, had to not rush to try to cut off the punch line in his own thoughts. What Fortress was saying was all true though, one could not ignore the blunt facts of it all. The tank was a heavy hitter, but with Red Alert and the others? That was almost all he offered that wasn't overlap. Strength. Power. That was no life for one with his skills. Then the unreliability... the risk... the reason he had to send them out to this base to begin with, an action? That just exposed him to true formal military once more, likely making the decis-

And there it was.

This was not like Wheeljack bailing, or even if one of the new convicts or Zoom Zoom decided to leave. With them? It was... always a risk. They seemed unstable, upon shaky grounds. Just flaky in personality or uncomfortable as a whole on base. To hear if they wanted to depart? Would be no surprise to the Prime. But this? This was Fortress, one who had been loyal for so very long. It cut into him, ripping a line in its wake of surprise and partial alarm.

His tactical side shrieked in protest, that he needed him, that he had to find a way to stop this, while his sympathetic side pulled back and tried to urge him to step away so he didn’t cause issues. It was all of this that shot through him instantly, a flicker of shock spiking through his field momentarily in a fraction of a second before it flattened out.

"I see."

This was all he managed to state at first, tone the same, normal, but the lack of a proper reply betrayed how he was trying to still chew over the revelation. A few seconds passed, before he continued, easing back seamlessly into the calm acceptance he had been relaying before, suffocating and strangling his alarm and burying it down with skilled practice tot he Prime that everyone recognized.

"I will be saddened to see you go Fortress Maximus, but I do respect and honor the decision. Please be aware that you will always be welcomed back within the Autobots if you so choose to do so. If I do not find opportunity to do so again, I will state it was a privilege to have you serve under my lead."

As he stated this, he held out his hand towards the other. It was a sort of final shake where Fortress would no longer be a soldier under his command, but a free individual that could choose their own path. He would not try to persuade him otherwise, for the tank very well knew this world enough to make an informed decision.

Optimus understood this was likely thought about for some time.

[Deleted]

Maximus stood stiffly, as if he had sensed Optimus' surge of alarm and was braced for an argument. But when the Prime merely held out his hand the big mech's optics widened.

For a moment he was too taken aback to respond. Then he slowly raised one of his own hands and flexed his fingers uncertainly.

He clasped Optimus' hand.

"Thank you, sir," he said hoarsely. "I - appreciate that. It has been an honour serving under you for all these years. I don't regret them. This wasn't a decision I made lightly. It took a long time to arrive at it. I just want you to know that."

Maximus' handshake was firm, and his expression was grim. But when he released Optimus' hand and stepped back there was something akin to relief in his optics.

"I'll be remaining here for the time being," he said. "After the attack on MECH, I mean. Agent Fowler suggested it was the safest option, and it will allow me to work alongside his men as a consultant while still remaining under the protection of his government. If you or the Autobots ever require my assistance, I will be glad to provide it. Please believe that."

Maximus hesitated, as if there was more he wanted to say. But after a pause he only shook his head slightly and drew up into a parade stance, lifted his hand -

And saluted.

[Optimus Prime]

"I do not presume it was."

This was all Optimus had to say in reply to the way Fortress reassured him it was not a decision made lightly. He had known the other mech long enough to be certain, positive, that this sort of conclusion? Was most likely innumerable years in the making. Bubbling in the background, seething, waiting until it boiled over and was finally presented to the open. He just had no clue, Fortress hid it so well, or he himself was blind. It was possibly the first option though? He didn't want to think he was neglecting the emotions of his followers to that degree.

Whatever the case, he looked upon the other mech with understanding. The Prime himself seemed to relax when Fortress appeared to display relief, picking up on the fact that this had to have likely been a massive weight off of his shoulders. A freedom now presented to him, new doors opened, new opportunities to find out exactly what will mend that which ailed him. No longer chained down to a situation that brought turmoil.

Optimus was pleased to hear Fowler would continue to provide haven for Fortress after this. He had been nervous on just where the tank would go, but he had to try to trust him to not be truly hasty. He was a Security Chief for some time, and was not a slave to carelessness and disregard. As such? His helm rose when he was saluted.

A somber yet somehow still pleased aura was about Optimus, motions judged and careful as his own arm rose somewhat. This motion flowed into a salute of his own to the larger mech, the action a final show of respect for the decision they had made concrete this night. Once this display was made, his arm dropped back down gradually, before he turned, starting to stride in the direction the Ground Bridge had been some time prior.

His hand raised up one final time for this encounter, gingerly pressing down on the side of his helm to depress the proper points on the armor. It connected him back to the Autobot base and in turn, Wash. He merely said the other Autobot's name, a short request for the portal to be opened once more. Not but a moment later? The recognizable vortex soon took shape, spiraling into formation. Long flickers of green and blue lapped across the darkened environment, cutting into the yellow light to cause the shadows of the overhead beams to lurch.

Optimus spoke once more then, turning his upper torso towards Fortress as the Ground Bridge curled and writhed behind him. He cut back to how things were before, retracting to the tones and mood that had been in place prior to Fortress' withdrawal from the Autobot Ranks.

"I will have the team prepped and ready at the designated time. Until then."

This was not a true goodbye, not yet, they would both be upon the field the next morning against MECH. As such? The Prime looked away and walked through the ground bridge in an at-ease pace, not in any particular rush to breach through the gateway to the other side. Once he did pass the barrier however? The Ground Bridge collapsed in upon itself with a hiss that dissipated to silence.