Come What May

by Phantom (phantom1313 at tfrid dot com)


Chapter Ten

“What?! My gods, are you crazy? No! Absolutely not!”

Kup winced at the tirade. “Would you calm down, Rodimus? I'm not asking you to cut off a limb here! It's just that you and Optimus are frequently exposed to dangerous situations, and we can't afford to lose either of you. I think that a bodyguard would be the best solution.”

“Kup,” Optimus explained patiently, “we've been through this before. We've both gone through extensive training, and we have had a lot of battlefield experience. Who better to guard us then ourselves?”

The Chief Security Officer shook his head. Why were the Primes so damn stubborn? “I'm afraid I have to disagree, Optimus. You two have been in many situations that resulted in severe damage or incapacitation. A bodyguard would have been invaluable in these situations. I have a list here of those instances; would you like to see it?” Neither Prime seemed to want anything to do with the data pad he held out.

Optimus frowned behind his mask, crossing his arms, a sure sign that he was dissatisfied. “Okay, Kup, I conceded that you have a point. But Rodimus and I are involved in a lot of top-secret projects. I don't doubt the integrity of your security troops, but the very concept of “top secret” is that as few people are involved as possible. I don't like adding in unknown variables.”

Kup bristled. “I'll have you know, Optimus Prime, that my security forces are fully trained to be discreet as well as efficient. Your concerns on this matter are totally unfounded.” He could see, as always, that this discussion was going nowhere. He knew the real reason: neither one wanted his privacy to be invaded. “All right, how about this. Why don't we do this on a trial basis, say a month? At least give it that long.”

Rodimus was about to protest, but Optimus held up his hand. “One month, Kup. That's all.”

Kup breathed a sigh of relief. He'd actually won! “Great. Wonderful. I'll be in touch with you both with the details very shortly.” He rose and saluted.

The Primes looked at each other in dismay. What had they gotten themselves into?

* * * * *

Several later, Optimus Prime was called to Kup's office to discuss this new unpleasant development. After the perfunctory salute, Kup gestured for him to take a seat. Optimus did so, still managing to radiate disapproval, though it was much diminished. Optimus knew better than to beat a dead horse.

“After much deliberation, I have finally selected the most appropriate candidate to be your bodyguard. She is very sharp and has proved herself to be a formidable foe in battle. I'm sure that you will be quite satisfied with her.” Kup handed Prime the personnel file.

Optimus Prime's jaw dropped underneath his mask when he caught the name at the head of the file. Primus! Was this some kind of joke? He gave the file a cursory glance, barely registering the information. “Kup, I'm afraid I have to protest.”

“I know you have misgivings about this, but please give it a chance—“

“That's not the problem,” Optimus interrupted. “I'm objecting to your choice of bodyguard.”

Kup stared at his longtime friend. “What's wrong with Andromeda? Her position as project head for the tube transport system is nearly complete, and she is ready to be reassigned. Do you think that she is not skilled to do the job?”

“No! Certainly not. She is very skilled.”

“Then you object to having a female bodyguard? Do you think they are too frail?”

Optimus rubbed his head. This was not going well at all. “Of course not, Kup. I know quite well that the femmes are a formidable force. I'm sure that Andromeda's skills permit her to use her smaller and less durable frame to her advantage.”

“Then what's the problem?”

'I can't believe this is happening!' Optimus sighed inwardly. How could he prove his point to Kup without compromising his mate? “Listen, Kup… Andromeda and I are friends. Close friends. I think that this position will create a conflict of interest for us. You know that I don't believe in mixing my public and private lives.”

Kup steepled his hands together. “I just don't understand your point, Prime. Ironhide was a longtime friend of yours, and you never protested when he was appointed your bodyguard.”

Optimus sighed in irritation. “Ironhide did not interfere with my life. He was there when I needed him in battle, and nothing more.”

“Times are changing, Optimus, and your duties are as well. You are called upon to travel often and meet with many alien species. There could be a threat lurking anywhere. A bodyguard will anticipate and prepare for such threats. You have yet to prove to me that Lieutenant Andromeda cannot perform such duties.”

Prime scowled inwardly, knowing that he could not make Kup understand without putting the relationship at risk. They had managed to keep it a secret for nearly three years now, and that was the way it should stay. “Fine, Kup. I will accept her as my bodyguard. Just remember that I protested her assignment.”

“I'll send her to your office immediately so that you can get acquainted. Take heart, Optimus. One month is not so long.”

Prime discovered when he had returned to his office that Rodimus' bodyguard was already in position. Instead of entering his office, he walked over to the mech curiously. The robot saluted him snappily. “Sir! Optimus Prime, sir!”

“What is your name and rank, soldier?”

“Sergeant Protector, sir! My assignment is to protect Rodimus Prime at all costs, sir!”

Optimus allowed himself a private smirk. This Protector seemed to want to do everything by the book. He stood at attention until it seemed that he would turn to stone. Rodimus would hate him on sight.

“Carry on, Sergeant.”

No sooner had he entered his office than the chime sounded. He opened the door and there stood a very familiar femme. “Ah, Lieutenant Andromeda. I've been expecting you. Please, come in.”

Optimus dropped the pretense as soon as the doors were closed. “I'm sorry, Ani,” he sighed, using his pet name for her. “I tried to explain things to Kup without giving too much away, but he wouldn't listen to reason.”

She sat down heavily in a chair, and he took the one next to her, not wanting to impose his rank on her by sitting behind the desk. “What happens now?” she asked.

He patted her arm encouragingly. “It's only for a month. That's not so long. Besides, we'll have a lot more time together. We'll just have to be extra careful to not be found out.”

Andromeda just looked at him, worry written over her features. She hoped he was right.


* * * * *

Optimus smiled at his beloved held tightly in his arms as they lay on the recharge berth in his quarters. “Is this in your job description?” he teased.

Andromeda laughed, slapping his broad chest. “I'm your bodyguard. The best way to guard your body is to be on top of it.”

“I'm sure Kup would approve,” Prime laughed.

Andromeda's communicator crackled to life. “Kup to Lieutenant Andromeda.”

The femme sat up, optics wide. Speak of the devil…. “Andromeda here, sir.”

“What is your location, Lieutenant?”

“Optimus Prime's quarters.”

There was a foreboding silence. “I'm outside right now. You are nowhere in sight.”

At those words, the couple sprang apart and hastened to replace their coverings. “Uhh… Optimus Prime invited me in for a bit of Energon, sir…” she stammered. A quick check revealed that their armor was crooked! After some quick rearranging, Optimus shooed the femme onto the sofa while he headed for the door.

The door opened to reveal a very irritated Security Chief. “Hello, Kup,” Optimus greeted him cordially. “Won't you come in?”

Kup stepped inside suspiciously. There sat Andromeda, looking at him expectantly. “Prime was just about to get me a cube of Energon.”

The grizzled warrior turned his sharp gaze to the Autobot leader. “What's this all about, Prime?”

Optimus mentally quailed under the look but replied evenly, “I thought that she could use a break. Standing up for such a long time must be tiring. You're welcome to join us, if you like,” though nothing could be further from the truth.

Kup scowled. “The lieutenant has been trained to endure much worse in your service. Do not worry about her welfare.”

“Kup, she's my friend. I don't want her to be uncomfortable. She is still guarding me. Is there something wrong with that?”

“I suppose not,” the old warrior said grudgingly. “Just don't make a habit of it.”

The lovers exchanged a glance as the security chief departed. That was close!

A week into the bodyguard trial, Optimus met Rodimus in his quarters to discuss matters. “How's the bodyguard working out?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

“Terrible,” his young friend spat. “I can't stand the sight of him. Always so damn serious about his duty. I wish he'd crack a smile once in a while. I've come up with an entertaining new game called 'Lose the Bodyguard'. I find it very amusing.”

“I'll bet you do!” Optimus had seen Protector on his way in, standing ever at alert, yet there was a tortured look in his optics. Roddy was going to drive him mad before this was over.

“And how are things with your bodyguard? As if I had to guess!” Roddy laughed. Close to a year had passed since the fateful Valentine's Day, but Roddy knew that his friend had not let his recharge berth get cold. Luckily for both of them, Rodimus had managed to get some information on mental shielding from the Betazoids, and it had proved invaluable.

“They're not as good as you think,” Optimus grumbled. “We've got a lot more time together, but we have to keep things on a professional level when we're not alone, and it can be a strain. I'm constantly afraid that we'll get caught. I can't wait until this month is over, so things can get back to normal.”

“I hear you.” Rodimus was seriously contemplating shoving his omnipresent bodyguard in the nearest trash compactor. And Kup was next on the list. He was never letting that old coot talk him into this again!

* * * * *

“It took forever to arrive, but here it is. Today is the last day I'm your bodyguard!” Andromeda crowed. She was so relieved. She loved being around Optimus, but they couldn't connect on a personal level while she was guarding him. He was preoccupied when he was in his office, and they both feared discovery, which had put a strain on their relationship.

“Amen to that.” Optimus rubbed her shoulder. “I think that I will recommend to Kup not to repeat this exercise in futility.” Rodimus' bodyguard had to be replaced after the second week due to a systems crash. Rodimus had succeeded in driving the poor 'bot to collapse. The young Prime was only marginally happier with the replacement. He had jokingly asked Kup to get him a female bodyguard, but Kup knew better than to let Rodimus near a femme for such a long period of time. The grizzled Autobot knew that if Rodimus were to make a pass at any of his soldiers, they would put him in stasis.

Prime looked around at the empty conference room. There was not another meeting scheduled for twenty minutes. Not very much time, but he wanted to grab a few moments alone with his lady. “Let's celebrate. Just with a few kisses,” he whispered, drawing her close. She giggled softly and removed his battle mask.

Kup frowned at the red light above the conference room door. Could the scheduled meeting have run late? He didn't think so – he knew who was supposed to be attending the meeting, and he had passed them on the way here. Some dim bulb of an Autobot must've forgotten to turn off the privacy light after everyone had gone.

He opened the door and stood transfixed in shock. Before his very wide optics sat Optimus Prime, holding his bodyguard in a rather passionate embrace. He had the femme sitting on his lap as he gave her a very heated, open-mouthed kiss. “Stop that! Stop that right now!” he yelled.

Optimus Prime pulled away and hastily replaced his battle mask. Andromeda jumped off of his lap and clumsily saluted. Optimus rose slowly to his feet as well. “Kup, please stay calm—“ he began.

Kup was absolutely furious. “I will not stay calm!” he roared. “I trust you to work together professionally, and look what happens! You can't keep your hands off each other! How dare you! A slip of concentration like this, and the Decepticons will pick you off in no time! Hell, I may just do the job for them!”

The dark blue femme cringed and tried to say something. “Silence!” Kup thundered. “Young lady, you have absolutely failed me! I'll bust you down to private so fast your head will spin!” She covered her face and held back tears with force of will.

“And you!” he hissed, turning his attention to the Autobot commander. “You ought to know better! You lead this entire damn army, and yet you can't manage to keep your hands to yourself for one month? What is the name of Primus is wrong with you?” He was so furious that he was sure that smoke was ready to pour out of his audials. “You have no right to treat one of my officers that way! I'll make sure that you won't get away with what you've done. I'll see you court-martialed for this!”

Optimus Prime stiffened at the inflammatory words. “On what grounds?” he growled.

The Security Chief held his head high. “Conduct unbecoming an officer, and abuse of rank. Believe me, I have more than enough evidence to convict you.” He spared the quaking femme a glance. “Lass, you'd better wait outside. This is not for you to hear.”

She hesitated, looking to Optimus for confirmation. “Go, Andromeda. This is going to get ugly.” Andromeda practically fled, unwilling to abandon her mate but wanting to be anywhere but there.

Once she had departed, Optimus Prime leaned over the conference room table, fixing his old friend with an icy glare. “Kup, if you dare accuse me of such things, then you are a hypocrite. I know all about your track record. You have a penchant for young femmes, don't you?” Kup looked surprised, and some of his anger faded. “If you bring me down, I swear I will take you down with me.”

The old Autobot straightened up, strengthening his resolve. “You can't prove a thing. I've caught you red-handed, Prime, and there's no way out of this. Trust me, your days as Autobot leader are numbered.”

Optimus Prime's optics flashed dangerously. His tone was low but filled with icy fury. “Don't screw with me, Kup. I'll screw you twice as fast. You may be a powerful Autobot, but I've got you beat in that department. I can make life very difficult for you.”

Kup wondered if he could possibly be dreaming. Could this really be his old friend, whom he had trained from the very onset of the war? The Optimus Prime that he had known would never make such threats. Somehow he had changed, and Kup didn't like it one bit. “That remains to be seen. Prepare yourself, Optimus Prime. You may not have such influence much longer.” With that he turned on his heel and left.

Hesitantly, Andromeda entered the conference room. Optimus sat in a chair, his head in his hands. “That was thoroughly unpleasant,” he growled. He took her hand as she sank down wearily into the seat beside him.

“Is it true?” she whispered. “Could Kup really court-martial you for our relationship?”

“He can,” Optimus sighed, “but the burden of proof is on him. He has to prove that I've acted inappropriately.”

“And if he can? What's the worst that could come out of this?”

The mech rubbed his head, feeling an ache beginning. “I could lose my position as Autobot leader.”

“NO!” Andromeda exclaimed. “All because of me? That can't be true!” A choked sob escaped her. “I had no idea I could cause you so much trouble!”

Optimus took her in his arms, holding her. “Don't you worry about it. I knew the risks when I began this relationship. I have always felt that you were worth the risk.”

She still felt terrible beyond words. Optimus Prime had been Autobot leader for over nine million years, and now he would lose his position because of her!

He soothed her the best that he could, rubbing her back gently. “As for the court martial, it may not come to pass. It will be a messy affair, and Kup may think twice about entangling himself in it.”

“I won't let you take the fall for this!” she swore. “I know – I'll just say that I seduced you. I'll convince them that you were blameless for this whole thing.”

“Don't do that!” Prime said fiercely, surprising her. “Don't compromise yourself to save me. Don't betray the love that we feel for each other. I will face the charges head-on, if need be. I will not lie about what has happened between us, for I feel that it is too precious to deny. If I am to be faulted for falling in love, then so be it.”

“Couldn't you plea-bargain?” she asked nervously.

“I could,” he conceded, “but I won't. I refuse to admit to any wrong-doing in this matter. I will argue my innocence, and if I am found guilty, at least I will know that I did not lie to save myself.”

The two held each other close, wondering why they couldn't just be left alone to be happy.

* * * * *

Kup wasted no time in hunting down Rodimus Prime. He would need three high-ranking officers to stand in judgment at the court-martial, and he knew that he had to get to them before Optimus could influence them. As hoped, Rodimus was in his office, working industriously at his computer.

“Kup!” he greeted as the warrior seated himself. “Take a load off. What's up?”

Kup scowled, showing that the news was far from good. “Rodimus, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. Optimus Prime has been having relations with the bodyguard that I appointed. I've seen them with my own optics! I think that we should schedule a court-martial right away, before this goes any further.”

Roddy's optics darkened. He sat back and folded his arms together. “And just why should we do that?”

“Because!” Kup exploded. “Because it's not right! Because she's one of my soldiers! Because they are expected to remain professionally detached. Because they have no damn right!”

“No right?!” Rodimus yelled, losing the small measure of cool that he had been holding on to. “Who are you to determine that? You know nothing about this! Do you think this is just some little fling? That Optimus got tempted and decided to help himself? If so, then you're a lot less intelligent than I gave you credit for.”

“Don't you question my intelligence or my judgment, lad! I know what I saw!”

Roddy felt his fists clench. “You see nothing, Kup! You can't see past the end of your nose! Do you know how long Optimus and Andromeda have been together? Nearly three years now! Think about that! Sure beats that piddly one-month assignment you gave her, doesn't it? You think you're so smart, that you know everything that goes on around here? You don't know slag! Everyone knows about them but you!”

Kup sensed that this was a losing proposition. “I never should have expected you to understand, lad. You're just too headstrong.”

“Damn you to the inferno, Kup!” Roddy practically roared at him, practically crawling over the desk. “I've worked a hundred years to get Optimus to start dating again, and here you come and ruin whatever chance of happiness he has! Are you really that selfish that you would rather drag his name through the mud just because you feel he did something behind your back? I've lost all respect for you, Kup. If you go through with this, I swear I will never speak to you again.”

To his utter astonishment, Kup realized that Rodimus was dead serious. “I expected better from you, Rodimus. You need to learn to be objective, or you will never make it as a Prime.” With that he exited the office, already mentally preparing a priority-one message for Ultra Magnus.

Ultra Magnus must've commandeered a shuttle instead of waiting for the hourly transport, for he showed up in Kup's office in no time flat. “What's this all about?” he asked without preamble, throwing his bulk into a chair. The chair groaned in protest.

Kup told the story, keeping a sharp optic on the City Commander. Unlike Rodimus, Magnus did not seem angry. “Is that all?” Magnus asked patiently when Kup was finished.

“Yes.” Kup breathed a sigh of relief. Here at last was someone who was listening.

Magnus sat back in the chair and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I hate to tell you, Kup, but I don't think you stand a snowball's chance in hell. I won't help you.”

“What? Why the hell not?”

Magnus remained as calm as ever. “Because I don't think you have a case, that's why not. Look, I've known about this relationship since the first date. If I thought that there was something improper about it, I would have said something. Optimus loves her, Kup. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm sorry, but you can't court-martial a guy for having feelings.”

“But she was his bodyguard! It was wrong of them! They both violated the understanding that the arrangement brought.”

Magnus held up a hand. “I see what you're saying, Kup, and I agree that you would have a case if that is where it started and ended. But it doesn't. Optimus and Andromeda were together long before this arrangement was made. And frankly, Kup, that's your fault. You should never have paired them up. I'm sure Optimus tried to tell you somehow, even if he didn't come right out and say it.”

The ancient Autobot grumbled, “How was I to know? Dammit, he should have just come out and told me!”

Magnus narrowed his optics. “And what would you have done? You would have condemned him for having chosen someone so young and comparatively lower in rank. You would not have understood his feelings. Either way, Optimus can't win.” He stood. “Let's go see Rodimus. We need to work this out before it becomes a major disaster.”

Rodimus welcomed them into his office with a stony stare. “Hello, Mags. Glad to see ya,” he said as nicely as he could, all the while glaring daggers at Kup.

Once everyone was seated, there was an uncomfortable silence. Magnus shifted uncomfortably, finally deciding to break the oppressive atmosphere. “Kup, what do we have to do to convince you that this is a bad idea?”

Kup shook his head. “I refuse to let such a thing go unpunished!”

“And what would you suggest?” Roddy snapped. “That you go ahead and smear Optimus in a court martial? That you take his private life and examine it with a microscope, picking him apart? That you put him on the stand and force him to discuss every minute he has spent with the woman he loves? That's just wrong, Kup! What do you think such a thing will do to him? It would tear him apart to discuss his private life in such a manner! Can't you just leave the poor guy alone?”

“No!” Kup exclaimed. “Dammit, he threatened me! Said he knew things about me!”

Rodimus fixed him with a cold smile. “He did, didn't he? Well, gee, Kup, I know things too. What do you say we arrange a little court martial? We can't let this sort of thing go unpunished, right? No? Well, what makes you so different from Optimus? At least he's faithful to Andromeda! You were just looking for a little action!”

“You have no right to judge me, lad!” Kup roared.

“Exactly.” Magnus sat forward, trying to argue his point. “You have no right to judge Optimus either. None of us do. Please think about this rationally, Kup. Suppose you could pick out a mate for Optimus. Who would it be? Who could possibly come close to him in rank? You know that Alita's position as femme commander was eliminated after the Unicron war when the femmes were integrated with the main Autobot army. The only choice is ol' Roddy there, and somehow I don't think Prime's tastes run that way.”

“Shame,” Rodimus pouted, accepting the moment of levity. “He's so cute too!”

Kup looked at Ultra Magnus gravely. “I hadn't considered that.”

“Come on now,” Rodimus said, trying to keep his temper in check. “You don't expect Optimus to be a hermit, do you? He needs love, probably more than any of us. I think it's a miracle that he's survived this long. Don't deny him the happiness that he deserves.”

“Optimus loves Andromeda,” Magnus explained patiently. “He would never hurt her or betray her. This isn't some passing fancy, Kup. He's loved her long before you thought up this assignment. You're not really being fair to him – you didn't listen when he protested your selection of bodyguard, and now you want to blame him for your mistake.”

“My mistake…?” Kup echoed his words. “So now this is my fault, is it?”

“You should never have put them in that position,” Rodimus argued. “Look, Kup, let me ask you a question. How many females do you think Optimus Prime has had a relationship with? Let's count them, shall we?”

Kup looked skyward as if awaiting divine assistance. “Fine, Roddy, I'll play your game. Alita is one.”

“That's a given.” Roddy nodded. “Anyone else?”

“Andromeda.” Kup fairly spat the word.

“Okay, there's two. Anyone else?” Kup wracked his CPU, trying to think of others. Roddy pressed him. “Can't think of anyone else? How about you, Magnus?”

“Your mother, Roddy. Phantasma.”

“Good, there's three.” Rodimus seemed satisfied. “Anyone else? Come on, guys, you sure we aren't missing anyone? Kup? Magnus?” Both Autobots shrugged. “Good! Because there isn't anyone else. Over nine million years, Optimus has chosen to be with only three females. I don't know about you guys, but I'd say I'm impressed by his fidelity.”

“And I'm sure you he told you this,” Kup snarled. “How do we know there isn't anyone else?”

“Because he told me!” Rodimus snapped, losing his cool once more. “He told me, dammit! He had no reason to lie to me!”

Magnus' optics flashed in surprise. Optimus had actually told him about such things? He was quite astonished; Optimus wasn't given to sharing personal information. He frowned as something occurred to him. “Kup, there's another matter I want you to think about. Suppose this does result in a court martial. And suppose, just suppose, that Optimus is convicted and loses his rank. What then? Can we really afford to lose him? Just think of what that would do to the morale of our troops! I doubt they'll be in much fighting spirit when word of this gets out. And what of Prime's unique skills? He does so many things as Autobot leader that cannot be easily learned or transferred to others. Rodimus is doing a wonderful job, but this really is a job for two people, and I doubt he could handle Optimus' workload on top of his own.”

“Don't you dare!” Rodimus cried. “I have a hard time keeping up as it is! If Optimus is out of here, then so am I. You'll have to replace both of us.”

“There, Kup. You see? It's not just you and your wounded honor. It's not even just about Optimus and Andromeda. The fate of the entire Autobot army is at stake here. Take this to court-martial and I guarantee that you will regret it.” Magnus' tone was quiet but the gravity of his words could not be denied.

“I'll think about it,” Kup said grudgingly. Rodimus and Magnus exchanged a look. They'd as good as won. Things would need to be smoothed out between Optimus Prime and the grizzled old campaigner, but at least the crisis had been averted.


end of Chapter Ten

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