Word of the accident spread like wildfire through the Autobot camp. Dozens of Autobots descended on medbay, trying to see if their leader was all right. Kup had to hastily deploy security forces outside the medical bay to control the crowd. Optimus had lost so much fluid during the trip to the surface that he required a second transfusion, and the waiting Autobots had nearly come to blows over who would be the donor. In an effort to mollify the restless group, the medical staff allowed every willing donor to participate to fill the fuel reserves for future donations, but in the end, the brave female who had saved Optimus was selected. The doctors patched him, fueled him up, and waited. They had put him under sedation in order to let his body heal.
Midway through the next day, Optimus Prime's optics flickered on, and he tried to sit up. A strong hand pushed him down, and he sank back against the medical berth, much weaker than he had expected. His sharp blue optics studied the group of medics around him.
Ratchet observed his patient closely. “How are you feeling?”
“How much do you remember?” First Aid asked him, his wide optic band reflecting concern.
“Bits and pieces,” Optimus replied, his gaze becoming troubled as memory fragments returned to him. “Is everyone safe?”
“They're fine,” First Aid assured him. “We've had to treat a number of dents and scrapes, but nothing serious. They all told us that you were responsible for saving them.”
“Untrue.” Optimus shook his head, then shut down his optics as a wave of dizziness passed over him. “I just pointed out the best avenue to safety, and they took it. The femme that stayed with me – she's the real hero. She tried to use a force field to save everyone.”
“Typical!” Rodimus exclaimed, pushing his way over to his friend's side. “You never want to take the credit for anything that goes right. I got a look at that femme – she's rather cute! She's been staying with you since you came in. Just left a moment ago. I should have known that it would take something drastic like burying you in a pile of rubble to get you to meet someone. Should've done it a long time ago!”
Optimus scowled at him with his optics. “Roddy, you're reading too much into the situation. She was protecting her commanding officer, nothing more.” He sighed, thinking about the accident. “The cave-in is going to set us back quite a bit. If only Driller hadn't been in such a rush! It would have been a lot easier to shore up the weak ceiling than to totally rebuild it. I'd better get working on this.” Ratchet moved to restrain him, but Rodimus held his hand up. Optimus rose and took several steps, then staggered and nearly collapsed. Rodimus reached out and easily caught the senior Prime. Optimus returned to his med berth, humbled.
“See, you're in no shape to go anywhere!” Ratchet scolded. “You're staying here for a day of observation. We nearly lost you back there, and I'm not taking any chances with your health. You need to regain your strength. That means *no* work! Doctor's orders!”
“Don't worry about a thing!” Roddy reassured his friend, patting his hand. “I can handle everything. Enjoy your vacation!”
“Some vacation!” Optimus muttered to himself, studying the clinical white-and-tan room. He could think of plenty of better ways to spend his time.
* * * * *
Optimus hummed tunelessly to himself as he sorted through the myriad data pads on his desk. He was glad to be out of that horrid medical bay! Yesterday had been an interminable bore. Ratchet had graciously allowed him to send for some holo-novels but had thrown a massive tantrum when he discovered some data pads hidden with them. Just because he was weak didn't mean he could shirk his duties! It didn't take much energy to work on a data pad, but Ratchet had insisted, threatening him with a sedative if he didn't comply.
Prime was quite pleased by the small amount of work that was left for him. Just enough to keep him busy, but not enough to stress him. Rodimus had done an admirable job in the couple of days that he'd been away. He didn't know what he'd do without his second-in-command – drown in paperwork, most likely. He set to work, determined to find a way to make up for the setback caused by the cave-in.
Several hours later, he sat back in his chair and stretched. He had an idea that would put the project back on track. Now to implement it…. He activated his comm. link.
“Optimus Prime to Lieutenant Andromeda.”
There was a slight pause. “Lieutenant Andromeda here, sir,” came the reply. Optimus could hear a slight questioning tone in her voice, which she had tried to disguise.
“Please report to my office.”
“Aye, sir. Lieutenant Andromeda out.”
It was not long before the door chime was activated. “Enter,” he ordered, and the doors parted to reveal the lithe female. She was a shade of blue so dark that it was nearly black. Her hands, shoulders, feet, and armor seams were adorned in silver trim. A slim pair of wings were folded along her back, and jets were mounted on her heels. Her transformation mode was obviously some kind of aerial craft. Her head was smooth, except for a small diamond mark on her forehead, and two triangular protrusions on either side of the top of her head. Optimus caught himself staring and realized with a jolt that he found her rather attractive! He hadn't given any females more than a passing glance since… since…. He tore his thoughts away from the painful subject and focused his attention on the matter at hand.
“Andromeda,” he nodded, acknowledging her presence.
“Lieutenant Andromeda reporting as ordered, sir,” she said, saluting smartly.
'Impressive…' Optimus thought as he returned the salute, unsure if the random thought referred to her military bearing or her good looks. Aloud he said, “Please have a seat.” He waited politely for the femme to seat herself, still managing to seem at attention, before continuing. “I've been looking over your personnel file. It says here that you are actually a member of Kup's security force. I was curious how you had come to be involved with the tube project.”
“Well, sir,” she explained, trying not to seem nervous, “I've always been interested in architecture. In fact, I studied with Grapple for a short while, but it soon became apparent that I was more skilled in destroying things than building them. So I joined Kup's security force as an espionage and demolitions expert.”
Optimus nodded, his expression inscrutable. “And so you signed on to the project as part of the demolitions team. But as part of this team, was it not your duty to ensure that the area was stable?”
Andromeda shifted uncomfortably in her chair, her gaze drifting, unwilling to meet her commander's gaze. She forced herself to face him squarely. “I noticed that this particular tunnel seemed in ill-repair and tried to explain it to the project head, but he refused to listen. All he was interested in was making headway, even if it meant cutting corners. He was not interested in my opinion.” A guilty look stole across her face. “Perhaps I should have tried harder. Someone could have easily been killed in the collapse. You, sir, suffered a near-fatal injury. As the highest-ranking member of the demolitions team, I accept full responsibility for the accident.”
Optimus Prime radiated a smile at her with his optics. “That will not be necessary, Lieutenant. You have answered my questions satisfactorily. I hold Driller, the project head, to blame for this accident. You provided the necessary warning, and it was his responsibility to act on it. That he did not proves that he is unfit for such a position, and he must be replaced. Since you have demonstrated a working knowledge of architecture and the pressure points necessary for demolition, I am extending the position to you.”
“Me?” the femme squeaked, then mentally kicked herself for sounding so ridiculous. “But… sir… there are others that are more qualified… more experienced in this area….”
“But you are the one I have selected,” the Autobot leader said firmly. “It is your decision whether or not to accept the offer. If anyone else has a problem with my selection, they may bring it up with me personally. Now, I need to know if you are interested.”
“Interested! Of course I'm interested!” she exclaimed, a little too eagerly. She forced herself to calm down. “Erm, I accept the offer to become project head, sir. It's a wonderful opportunity.”
“I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job,” he replied reassuringly. “But that's not the only thing I called you here to discuss.”
The femme's expression was one of polite confusion. “Sir?”
Optimus looked at her kindly. “I wanted to thank you for helping me back in the tunnel. Ratchet tells me that I would have most likely died if you had not intervened.”
She shrugged uncomfortably. “I was just doing what I thought was right. It's not like I did anything special.”
“But you did!” he insisted. “Not many Autobots would know what to do in such a situation. Many would have panicked, or have been too intimidated by me to help. But you did what was necessary, even risking insubordination in order to keep me conscious. You are a very special Autobot, Andromeda, and this army could use a lot more like you.”
Andromeda stared at him dumbly, unsure how to respond to such a compliment. Her gaze fell on a cream-colored folded slip of paper on her commander's desk. “Is that an invitation to the tube construction celebration?”
“It is,” he confirmed, sensing her discomfiture and allowing the change of subject. “I was thinking about not going, but since this is essentially my project, I feel obligated to attend.” The myriad ambassadors and politicians wanted to celebrate this effort to improve Cybertron, and while Optimus really had no interest in it, he felt compelled to participate.
“I was going to avoid it too,” she confessed, “but since I am the new project head, it would be unforgivable for me to skip it.”
Prime seemed pleased by her decision. “At least I'll have someone interesting to talk to! I can't drag Roddy within ten feet of these functions.”
The femme flushed inwardly with pleasure. He thought she was interesting…!! “Now that you're going, sir – I look forward to it.”
“As do I,” he confirmed. “Now, if you will excuse me, Lieutenant, I have to attend to other matters.”
“Of course, commander. Thank you for taking time to see me. I'll take over the project immediately. I won't let you down!”
“I'm sure you won't,” Optimus reassured her. “I'll see you tonight.”
They saluted one another, and the femme turned to go, butterflies fluttering inside her. *She* was the new project head! Her! And Optimus wanted to see her tonight!
Back in the office, Optimus chuckled to himself as he picked up a data pad. He had found the young femme's company to be quite enjoyable, and he found himself suddenly looking forward to the dreary function that night.
A knock sounded at the side door. “Come in!” Optimus called. The door connecting his office to Rodimus' slid open, and the robot in question bounced in, looking more exuberant than ever. “Hi, Op!” he yelled. “What's going on? Feeling alright?”
“Just fine, Roddy. I've been working on the tube project again. I've decided to get rid of that incompetent fool Driller and appoint Lieutenant Andromeda as the project head. She seems to have a better handle on things.”
“Ah,” Roddy nodded wisely. “The cute chick that played nursemaid for you. So,” he smirked, “did you ask her out yet?”
“And just why would I do such a thing?”
“Because you like her!” the young Autobot exclaimed. “Come on, I can tell! It's even in the way you say her name.”
“She'll be at the celebration tonight. Is that good enough for you?” Optimus grumbled.
“Oh, slag, those things are enough to put anyone to sleep! You need to ask her out on a real date. You know, just you and her.” Roddy's grin turned wicked. “You'd better, or else I'll implement my emergency plan.”
“Emergency plan?” Prime echoed, a feeling of dread filling him.
“Yup!” the young 'bot exclaimed, enjoying himself immensely. “If you refuse to start dating, I'll have to use my last resort. I'll tie you up and invite every Autobot femme in the galaxy to have a go at you.”
“You wouldn't dare!” Optimus growled. Even he couldn't be that evil!
“I might!” Roddy warned him gleefully. Trouble was, the junior Prime was capable of anything when it came to harassing his friend into finding a mate. He would stop at nothing to see that Optimus started some kind of relationship. Prime still had not forgiven his son for the last prank he'd pulled. On its own accord, his mind flashed back to the events of several months ago….
/ / / / /
“I've made all the arrangements for the Zz'taxan trade negotiations,” Rodimus informed his friend. “You'll be leaving in just a few days.”
“Me?” Optimus asked in surprise. “But this is really just a minor issue. Couldn't Magnus handle it?”
“Nope!” the younger Prime exclaimed. “He's got other matters to worry about. You should go, you need a vacation anyway. I can hold down the fort here.”
“Vacation…?” the red Autobot said, a dangerous note entering his voice. What could this negotiation have to do with a vacation? This mission was expected to go smoothly, but it was hardly a vacation!
“Oh, did I forget to tell you?” Roddy said far too innocently for his father's liking. “I've arranged for the negotiations to be held on Risa! You'll have plenty of time to kick back and relax.”
“RISA!!!!” Optimus thundered. “Roddy, have you lost your mind? That is hardly the place for a trade negotiation!” This was the last time he let Rodimus handle the arrangements! Let the boy take some responsibility, and look what happens – he chooses the most notorious pleasure planet in the quadrant! Optimus smelled a set-up. “You planned this, didn't you?”
“You got me!” the flame-colored Autobot grinned, spreading his hands. “I just thought you could use some time away from this dump. Trust me, you'll feel like a new 'bot!”
Several days later, the door chime sounded as Optimus was packing. “Enter,” he called.
The nefarious one himself entered. “Hiya! Just wanted to wish you luck and all. Didn't think I'd have time to see you later.”
“Thanks, Roddy. I hope things go well.”
“I'm sure they will,” Roddy nodded. “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. There's a souvenir sculpture sold on Risa called a horgon. You should buy one and carry it around with you. It's a display of good will and friendliness. Just don't bring it to the trade negotiations – it would seem unprofessional.”
“Is that what that sculpture is in your quarters?”
“That's right!” Roddy, unsurprisingly, had been to Risa quite a number of times and knew the culture very well. “I gotta go now. You have fun, alright? Or else!”
“I'm sure I will, Roddy.”
Several days later, Optimus was relaxing by the side of a large, shimmering pool. It was much too small for him, of course, but he liked to dip his feet in it and soak up the rays of the sun. He lounged on the ground, reading a holo-novel and generally enjoying the peace and quiet. The horgon, purchased just minutes before, sat by his side. Roddy was a nuisance, but he was right – he had really needed a vacation. He sometimes wondered if Rodimus was a genius – the idea to have the trade negotiations on Risa was a stroke of brilliance. The Zz'taxans had been eager to explore Risa and the delights it offered and were thus eager to wrap up the negotiations and had proved unusually accepting of the Autobots' terms. Just a few more short hours, and everything should be finalized. Nearly a week ahead of schedule.
“Hi there!” a voice spoke, breaking his concentration. Optimus looked down curiously to see a tall blue humanoid female with yellow hair. “You look lonely. Mind some company?”
“Um, no thanks,” Optimus declined politely. “I'm just trying to catch up on some reading.”
The blue woman's brow furrowed in confusion. “Okaaay… if you say so… but if you change your mind, I'll be in the pool, okay?” She strutted off, swaying her body side-to-side, attracting a lot of appreciative stares.
Optimus shook his head and returned his attention to the holo-novel, only to be interrupted again, this time by a silicon-based creature. She was considerably bigger than the blue female, but she only stood as high as Prime's waist. “Hello there,” she purred, ruffling her silicon scales. “Reading something? Why don't you put that away and join me. I'm sure we can think of something better to do.”
Optimus, once again, was confused and politely but firmly declined. All he really wanted to do was sit in solitude and read. But that seemed to not be possible, for he was interrupted time and again, each time by women asking him to spend time with them. He knew that Risa attracted a lot of unattached beings looking for a good time, but surely it was possible to relax and enjoy the planet by himself! Looking around, he saw plenty of lone beings. He just didn't get it. Where were all these women coming from, and what did they want from him?
“Hello,” another woman purred as she sidled up to him. She was a female robot, of which classification, Optimus couldn't tell. She didn't seem to be a Transformer. She was a polished silver color that glinted in the sun. A cloud of fine blonde synthetic hair hung down her back. “You seem lonely over here all by yourself. Care for some company?”
Optimus put down the holo-novel, getting rather irritated by this point. “You know, you're the eighth woman who's asked me that in less than a half-hour. Honestly, I'm not interested in companionship. I just don't understand. Nobody else is being approached here but me, and I doubt I'm the best prospect here. This has never happened to me before.”
“You mean you don't know…?” the woman gaped, then covered her mouth to try and contain the giggles that escaped. She gestured to the sculpture at Prime's side. “The horgon is a symbol of sexuality and availability. Essentially, it's an advertisement for female companionship.” She watched the Autobot's expression darken.
“Rodimus!” he spat angrily. “I'm going to absolutely kill him! This is unbelievable! I can't believe he did this to me!” He blustered out an apology to the female, then grabbed the horgon, determined to get rid of it, even if he had to jettison it into space!
/ / / / /
“So, are you going to ask her out, or do I have to get Blaster to ask her for you, over the loudspeaker?”
Optimus felt himself jerked back to the present. “I'll think about it, alright? Now leave me in peace – I'm nervous as it is!”
“Sure thing! I'm gonna hold you to it!” Roddy cheerfully bounced back into his own office. Mission accomplished!