[Jan 9] [G1 Transformers (AU)] For The Sake of An Innocent

[amethystlight.livejournal.com]

Title: For The Sake of An Innocent
Day/Theme: Jan 9 / What child? There was no child.
Series: G1 Transformers (AU)
Characters: Rodimus Prime, Tracks, some human kid
Rating: G
Notes: Credit to koh4711 for creative consultation.


Rodimus Prime watched Tracks, weighing his numerous responses carefully. The older Autobot glared right back, arms folded over his chest. Rodimus refused to let him intimidate him. "My decision remains the same. I understand all of the proof you presented, but I can't with clear conscience agree."

"What about--"

Rodimus held up a hand. "I know what you're going to say. Don't forget, those people are already trained military and they volunteered because of their duty. Not because of brash heroics."

"As if you should talk of brash heroics."

Rodimus bit back a retort. That barb was practically required by all the veterans who had known him as the rookie Hot Rod. It would take years for some of them to accept him as a Prime. "Then maybe that makes me the authority on the subject. Hence, I know it's not a good idea."

"This isn't about heroics, Rodimus. I believe he is perfectly capable of this task."

"I'm not questioning his ability. It's the general principle of endangering a civilian."

"And Daniel Witwicky? He is a former civilian, and he specifically saved the lives of not only his father but several Autobots."

"He had an exosuit."

"He didn't train in it for weeks ahead of time."

Rodimus studied Tracks; it didn't look like he was going to relent until he was given an order on the matter. Prime had preferred to merely reason with him -- and secretly he had hoped there would be another solution altogether. He did agree, the point about Daniel tipping the scales. The human in question was just as much involved with the Transformers as the Witwicky boy. He leaned closer to Tracks, lowering his voice. "I would say yes under other circumstances. But something tells me it's a mistake. He's just a kid."

"Joey is not just some kid. He is in my charge for the time being. You called me to Autobot City and you will have to accept that it's a packaged deal."

Rodimus could tell Tracks was a nanoklik away from shouting despite how calm he had started. Things had taken a turn toward more than the opposition he had been receiving so far. "Tracks, I understand you're frustrated about how limited you were. My sympathy does lie with Raoul and Talia. However, I had no choice but to recall you...and I wish you could have found a better option than bringing Joseph with you."

Tracks' expression darkened. "There were no other options."

Prime cleared his vocalizer and stepped back. "You aren't leaving me too many of them, you know."

~*~

Tracks returned to his quarters in a surly mood. He flicked on the light to see a pajama-clad Hispanic boy sitting on the edge of the desk, looking over expectantly. The Corvette's face softened immediately. "Were you sitting there in the dark this entire time? I thought you were asleep..."

"There was enough light." The boy pointed to the dim little nightlight beside a makeshift bed in the center of the desk. He swung his legs and tilted his head. "What'd he say?"

"He needs another day to think about it." Tracks sat down heavily on his recharge berth. "He said he agrees with me on the personal end of the matter but in regard to duty he refuses to allow it."

"But you can't just leave me here alone!" The boy's face scrunched up, tears welling in his eyes.

"I know, Joey, I don't want to." Tracks got up and knelt by the desk, placing his hand beside the boy to offer comfort. "Your parents knew I would watch out for you until they returned...But none of us expected I would be ordered to return to active duty after all this time. I couldn't refuse or wait, however, due to what happened when Optimus fell..." He frowned. "But that doesn't give Rodimus the right to ignore my agreement with Optimus. I came here to hear him out in person, but he asks too much. I have become just as much a civilian as you. My duty is to your family -- my family -- not to this war anymore."

Joey rubbed at his eyes. "I wish the war would stop."

Tracks closed his hand so his fingers gently rested on the boy's back. "So do I."