Takes place only a few months following Proving ground, before any major Decepticon incursion. ROTF does not factor in.

Enjoy.

"No." Prowl shook his helm. "It is not a logical tactical decision to so directly involve the humans in our combat units."

All movement in the hanger came to a crashing halt. All optics and eyes instantly snapped to the stiffly standing Praxian. If the former enforcer noticed the sudden attention, he gave no outward indication.

Instead, Prowl kept his own azure gaze locked onto his Prime's brilliant cerulean one.

Optimus did not respond immediately, carefully measuring his words and taking a moment to evaluate the reactions of the human command team.

Thankfully, his human counterpart, the newly promoted Major Lennox, looked darkly amused and disbelieving rather than insulted. Epps, standing next to and slightly behind his commanding officer in a manner that was eerily similar to Ironhide's, looked irritated if not downright disgusted.

"Have you had the opportunity to review the records of Mission City?" Optimus asked calmly.

Prowl nodded sharply. "Yes. And the high level of human casualties only supports a tactical plan that ensures they remain as far away from future combat operations as possible."

Optimus looked at his second in command and released a tired vent of air. "Will you simply accept my judgment that including our human allies is not just the best option, it is also crucial to achieving victory against the Decepticons? At least accept my judgment until time and experience prove it to you?"

Prowl's vents flared as he sucked in a draft of air. He knew that tone in his leader's voice; Optimus was not going to be swayed. But their Prime was not the only Autobot with a stubborn streak. "I will follow your order if that is the one you give. However, I maintain my objections."

Prowl was not flaunting his disagreement with Optimus, he was simply being matter of fact. The risk to the humans, delicate and inexperienced as they were as a race, was too great and Prowl was not going to be part of causing even one of them to die or suffer needlessly.

"We need your tactical processor to plan our campaigns and help fine-tune our training methods." Optimus spoke quietly. He understood where his SIC was coming from. That did not mean he liked it.

Those doorwings twitched, almost a minute flutter. "You would ask me to operate contrary to my core programming to protect life in order to help craft plans that are guaranteed to result in the otherwise preventable death of a fragile organic species?"

Prowl's words were measured, not demanding or harsh, but that was the impact they had regardless. Optimus could tell by the way the humans reacted.

Epps released an irritated sigh. "Here we go again. Man, this is fragging wonderful!"

Prowl did not even acknowledge the statement, keeping his borderline challenging gaze on his leader.

Optimus carefully evaluated his newly arrived officer, working to keep the tiny smirk off of his faceplate. Prowl was one of the few among the ranks of the Autobots who could be depended on to call him on questionable decisions. Unlike Ratchet or Ironhide, Prowl could also be counted upon to do so in a respectful and mostly polite manner.

Aware of their rapt audience, Optimus answered levelly. "This is their planet, Prowl. They have a vested interest in defending it."

"A defense we are capable of, and committed to, providing without endangering them." Prowl insisted, the very slight stress of his words hinting at the depth of his convictions.

All eyes and optics flicked back to Optimus. "They are far more capable on the battlefield than I think you are giving them credit for."

All visual sensors, organic and cybernetic, flicked back to Prowl.

"Perhaps. Be that as it may, it does not change the fact that sound tactical strategy do not require their needless sacrifice of life." Prowl lifted his chin ever so slightly. He was right in this, and he knew it.

Eyes and optics shifted back to Optimus.

This time, however, Optimus said nothing. The silence hung heavy for long moments, their optics locked in a silent duel of wills. Slowly, one at a time, eyes and optics shifted back to Prowl.

Finally, Prowl's doorwings twitched again when he realized the silent stare was his Prime's response. He tried to continue meeting his leader's gaze with his own, but knew it would not last long. Once his Prime made a decision it was Prowl's nature to submit. It was another trait that made him an invaluable second in command. He would state his case, his objections, firmly and eloquently but when the decision was made, even if it was contrary to his own judgment, he would follow orders loyally and with all the essence that was his own commanding presence.

With a release of air that did not show the full extent of his irritation, Prowl ducked his head formally. Optimus Prime had made his decision. He would accept defeat graciously.

"Very well. I will follow orders, Prime. However, my objections are on record."

"Noted." Optimus said softly, glad Prowl had yielded, but saddened it had come to that. He would have preferred to have won his SIC's favor, not just his grudging obedience.

Not that he should be surprised. He and Ironhide had protested just as strongly. And they had not given in nearly as amiably. That did not change the fact that he hated asking his Autobots to follow orders that conflicted with their ethical programming. He was about to share with his SIC the details of how the humans had convinced him of their fighting ability in an effort to reassure the troubled Praxian but did not get the chance.

As if reading his thoughts, Lennox finally spoke up. "Optimus, perhaps we should arrange a demonstration of just how well we can do, even on our own."

Now all optics and eyes shifted from Prowl's retreating form to the human, including the optics of said tactician.

"Are you sure, Major?" Optimus asked, cocking an optic ridge though he was pleased with this development.

Lennox looked from Prowl to meet Optimus' blue gaze and nodded firmly. "Might as well do it for all the new arrivals. Get it all done at once."

Prowl had turned around completely and had taken a step back toward the platform the human commander was standing on. "The statistical likelihood of a team of humans being able to successfully defeat four Cybertronians is less than one in one hundred. Significantly less." Prowl stated dryly.

Then his doorwings flicked as Ironhide, Jolt, Sideswipe, Ratchet and the idiot twins chuckled. What had he said that was funny in the least?

"Hey, boss 'Bot, I think that's a great idea." Sideswipe piped up, cutting off Prowl's speculation with another snicker.

Prowl hid his growing consternation well. Sideswipe only used that tone when he believed he was about to get something over on the tactician. But that did not seem possible in this case. Which only made it more confusing.

"Of course," Lennox continued thoughtfully, looking at Prowl appraisingly. "We haven't had as much opportunity to see them in action like we have you."

"Eh, you are an adaptive bunch." Ironhide interjected, the gleam in his optics likewise almost devious. "You'll figure it out."

"Indeed. We may consider this to also be a true test of your resourcefulness." Optimus concurred, unable to help goading his counterpart, encouraging the human's competitive streak. Cybertronians were not the only beings on this planet that were predictable. "New Decepticons are also bound to arrive on Earth as well. We need to see how you might fare against them. Unless, of course, you are not up to such a challenge."

The lighter skinned human shot Optimus a dark look, then focused on his own second in command. Lennox and Epps looked at each other for a long moment, sharing an entire conversation with only their eyes and subtle facial clues none of the Autobots were entirely sure either how to decipher or even what their significance might be. For those who had been on Earth for a while, it was a familiar phenomenon, even if they were still flummoxed by it. The new arrivals were clearly baffled. Except Prowl, who simply stared.

After several seconds the two men smiled in tandem and looked back at Optimus.

"It'll be fun." Epps spoke for both of them.

Prowl Blinked.

"Shall I brief them, or do you want that honor?" Optimus asked, secretly bemused by the consternation his SIC was now doing his best to conceal. Bluestreak's openly baffled faceplate, along with Hound's softly bemused expression were not nearly as… out of character as the look Prowl was giving the two humans. Mirage's expression of haughty disgust was more troubling, but he trusted the spy to not endanger the humans no matter what his personal feelings might be regarding them. Some prejudices die hard. Optimus only hoped Mirage would allow his automatically low appraisal of organic worth to be revised once the humans proved him wrong.

Lennox was smiling up at him. "Thank you for the offer, Prime. Though I would appreciate having some back up when I do."

Optimus cocked an optic ridge as much at the words as at the attitude behind them. "You require back-up for a mere mission briefing, but consider taking those same warriors on in combat to be enjoyable?"

Prowl's doorwings twitched slightly at that, but he was being ignored at the moment as Lennox shrugged, the smile remaining in place. "Well, you know, we each have our strengths."

Optimus chuckled softly, the sentiment heartily echoed by Lennox, Epps, Ironhide, Sideswipe and many others.

Prowl, Bluestreak, Hound and Mirage stared between them as if they had unanimously taken leave of their logic systems. This, of course, only made the others laugh harder. Optimus, however, looked at his second in command with an understanding sympathy that only served to puzzle the Praxian tactician even further.

With a final shake of his head, Lennox looked at Prowl, drawing himself up. Prowl found himself impressed by the command presence the human radiated, even with his tiny stature. He wondered that he had never seen it before. "Alright, Commander. Mission briefing tomorrow at 16:00."

Not having much of a choice, Prowl simply nodded. "Acknowledged, Major."

Straightening, Prowl turned and walked out, doorwings stiff.

After a moment, Sideswipe grinned. "Major?"

Lennox looked up at the silver frontliner. "Yes, Sideswipe?"

"I think I should brief you and your team later tonight." The prankster was grinning with far more glee than normal. Too much to be ignored.

"Sideswipe…" Optimus warned.

Sideswipe raised both hands in a defensive yet simultaneously consoling gesture he had learned from the humans. "Standard briefing, Boss 'Bot. Honest."

Optimus let his engine rumble in warning. "Ironhide and I will take care of that briefing, Sideswipe."

Sideswipe looked as if he was going to press the issue, but wisely changed his mind when Optimus narrowed his optics. Ducking his head slightly, Sideswipe mumbled something that sounded like 'yes, sir' and quickly skated out of the hanger.

… … …

As 16:00 local planetary time neared, Prowl looked at the other three Autobots standing around the raised platform utilized by the humans. Bluestreak shifted uneasily from pede to pede, his doorwings flicking nervously. Hound stood at a lazy parade rest, simply waiting for Lennox to arrive. Mirage stood stiffly, almost arrogantly, a little ways away from anyone else.

No one present failed to turn or at least glance at the human sized door as it opened. Next to it, the larger Autobot-sized door likewise rolled open to admit their leader. Lennox headed immediately for the platform while Optimus chose to stand near the back of the hanger, so as not to distract from the forthcoming briefing.

Prowl nodded once to his Prime, who returned the gesture of respect.

Looking back at the human military commander as he climbed the scaffolding, Prowl assessed the man once again. Humans were, like all organics, often difficult to understand. Then his optics fell on the weapon the human held. Its appearance was decidedly different than any he had seen a human carry before. Briefly he wondered how its function differed from their standard weapons and why the soldier was bringing it to the briefing.

Regardless, he politely returned his attention to the man himself, waiting for him to speak.

Lennox glanced at all of them, as if making sure he had their attention. Which, of course, he did. "Alright. The name of the game is 'Capture the Flag.' We will be divided into two teams, human and Autobot. The goal, as implied by the title, is to capture the opposing team's flag while successfully defending yours."

He held up a hand. "Before you ask, the flag is just a symbol. It represents whatever the target might be: A P.O.W., a piece of Intel, whatever. Got it?"

Prowl nodded sharply. The motion echoed by the others.

"Rules." The soldier continued, counting each off on his fingers. "Once a soldier on either side is eliminated, they are required to notify their commander. No other information is to be exchanged. No further communications with active participants is allowed. Once eliminated, everyone will rendezvous at the designated staging area. You guys will be using your weapons set to… training level three… am I right?" Lennox looked up at Optimus.

"You are correct." Optimus confirmed.

Major Lennox slid his gaze back to those he was briefing, a tiny smile on his face that belied the seriousness of the situation from Prowl's perspective. He hefted the weapon he was holding and pat it almost affectionately, reminding Prowl of Ironhide. "We will be using these babies and other weapons like them comparable to real weapons in our usual arsenal. When fired, it looks like this."

Lennox pulled the trigger without even seeming to aim it. Obnoxiously bright pink paint splattered on the nearest wall.

Prowl stared at the mess, then looked back at Lennox. "Projectiles of paint?" He asked dubiously.

Lennox nodded, that tiny smile still caressing his lips. "For us there is no question. One hit from your weapons and we'd be reduced to our constituent parts. So, my guys know if they are tagged they are out. Now, for you, on the other hand, I'm assuming you are all aware of the specs for our weapons?"

Four confirming nods, Prowl feeling his logic systems strain at the surreal turn this briefing had just taken. Were the humans really planning to take on trained warriors with far more firepower than they could hope to conceive of with nothing more than paint?

Lennox was continuing, ignorant of Prowl's internal struggle. "Treat each of these as a sabot type projectile. It's on the honor system here. If we manage to hit an area with enough relative force to take you down, you're out."

"Do you honestly believe you will be able to defeat us?" Mirage demanded haughtily, though Prowl was silently asking the same question. The man seemed overly confident.

Lennox looked at the spy and Prowl suspected the human was about to get angry. Instead the corner of his lips twitched slightly. "We'll see now, won't we, Mirage?"

Behind them, Optimus' engine gave a brief stutter. When Prowl and the others looked at him, his expression was hidden behind his battle mask. "My apologies, Major. Please continue."

Prowl frowned. The Prime sounded far from apologetic.

"Right." Lennox deadpanned, apparently coming to the same conclusion. "Moving on. Optimus has the downloads of the island with your landing pier, our landing zone and the staging area delineated along with basic topographical information."

Major Lennox drew himself up again. "The exercise is scheduled to take place in three days. There is a tropical wave expected to strike the area, but unless it strengthens to a hurricane, we are not cancelling." The major's lips stretched into an almost predatory smile. "So long as no one steps on us, it'll be fun. We are rather easily squished, after all."

With that, the human military commander grinned and slid down the railing to land on the ground with a rather graceful leap. Then he looked up at Optimus. "I guess that wasn't too bad, after all."

Optimus chuckled. "After having survived giving that briefing to Ratchet and Ironhide, I had no doubt you would do fine."

"Good point. See you in the main hanger." With a wave, Lennox walked out into the blazing tropical afternoon.

Optimus watched his counterpart leave, then looked at the assembled Autobots and sent them the same geographical data he had been given and which he had researched on his own prior to the original team's round against the humans. "Here is the file on the target area. Do not expect any additional insight or briefing from any of us who have been here longer. You will be approaching this just like any newly arrived Cybertronian would. Just like the humans will be approaching it as they would any newly arriving threat. Once the exercise begins, your only communication will be with other combatants, though Ratchet and myself will be serving as referees."

Prowl nodded. Surely, when the Prime saw how easily the humans were defeated, he would reconsider his stance on allowing them in active combat roles alongside Autobots.

He watched as Optimus walked out, leaving the four new arrivals to their own devices.

Silence hung in the hanger for a few precious moments before it was broken, Bluestreak wringing his hands. "Are we really going to have simulated combat with the humans? Because that really, really seams like a bad idea. What if one of them gets hurt? They'd hate us… and I'd never be able to forgive myself if I accidently stepped on one, or hurt them in any way. Why is Prime agreeing to this?"

"Prime is simply giving these humans a chance to prove their ability on the battlefield." Mirage said archly. "They will fail and that will be the end of it."

"I dunno." Hound sounded almost languid. "Prime was arguing pretty strongly yesterday. I can't help but think there is a reason for it. Just say'n"

"Well, he did mention Mission City, but a lot of humans died there. That doesn't sound like much of a recommendation as to their battlefield abilities. I mean, several hundred and they were only facing a handful of Decepticons and they also had Prime's advance team fighting with them." Bluestreak was glancing frantically between Prowl and Hound, as if looking for reassurance.

"According to Ironhide, the humans did kill Blackout." Hound countered.

"A fluke of luck, surely." Mirage examined the paint on the back of his hand for nicks that were nonexistent. "Prowl, you do not think they are on the same par with us, do you?"

Prowl did not move, his arms crossed over his chassis, his battle computer already working on the data he had been given. "While they may be skilled fighters in their own right, it is not wise to directly involve them in our combat. We shall prove this in three days."

Yes, as requested, a sequel to Proving Ground.

Please tell me what you think.