NOTE: Once again, many thanks to The_Broken_Bird! You can't even imagine how much she helps me.

Origin

Chapter 4.

'Who will take him?'

---

Jazz had to admit that may be the situation was not as bad as he had expected...

Yes, Autobots managed to find others. But now Jazz and all other younglings were together - Autobots had not separated them...

One more thing- energon. They offered fuel younglings could not resist. No tricks and bargains. It was clean energon and 'Bots just handed it to them.

They even got cleaned up in the washing racks!

What those Autobots would want in return Jazz did not know and did not care. It was not like he had to pay them back.

As long as he could see, his friends were not in danger... For now. They were not Decepticons like him and as long as he was still fine, they would be too.

Autobots? They acted... oddly. Yet again, he did not care.

They were now in the med bay, going through extra scans.

Havingnfelt the change in atmosphere and not being blinded by feelings Jazz observed... It felt weird that the base in which he was used to see Decepticon, was now full with Autobot mechs. After the incident the most displeasing thing that happened was those stares directed at him - some just interested, in others Jazz could feel accusing and displeasure towards his being. But as a whole, it felt not as dangerous as he hadpredicted. The Autobots they did interact with seemed non aggressive and even acted patiently... Jazz's rage and outbursts would lead to now good, now he could see it. Yet the moment Bumblebee had fallen in the opening, Jazz just could not help himself.

Now he could see clearer. And so Jazz smirked - it was time to try new tactics

He sat on the medical table, 'Bot scanning him for what felt as the two-hundredth time. And behind the medic stood that mech - Prowl. The 'Bot followed everywhere they have been to and almost all time kept silent, observing. Same as Jazz. Their optics have met not once and every time the Autobot's face kept still, and annoyingly calm. He would just watch them and would not even bother pretending not being so direct when Jazz would give him a glance. And it was Jazz usually the object of observation. That was annoying. However, mechling finally let it go deciding to see what will come out of that. This bot seemed different.

Mechling could not feel aggression coming from him, nor did the mech act over-kindly as that Blaster 'Bot tried. That could probably work with 'Bee or 'Blue. But not with Jazz...

"Done. Free, for now."

"Thank you, Ratchet."

Prowl moved, finally, and approached Jazz... With the same calm look identifying nothing.

"I need you to answer some question..."

Jazz gave what seemed as a disgusted grin, not surprised at mech's statement, "Ouch, interrogation? And Ah though you guys wanted to play nice."

"That is not interrogation, Jazz."

"Then I am nat' talkin'." He looked around trying to find something more interesting. Medic was checking FirstAid again. Seriously?! His other friends sat a bit further. After these final procedures they were told to wait for now.

"And yet you'd better do. This might greatly affect your future and the future of your friends."

Jazz purposely avoided facing the mech, "Ain't Prime coming? Or big bot doesn't do tuff talks?"

Prowl ignored the comment.

"He has important duties to perform. But I hope that my rank will be high enough to convince you for a talk-"

"-I want my knife."

"Hah!" Ratchet gave a harsh laugh from behind, "That is definitely out of question-"

"You will get it."

That took mechling's attention and he even raised his optic-ridge in surprise.

"Wait, what?!- Prowl-" Ratchet started to argue but Prowl went on.

"Fine, you will get your knife. That is, if you talk. Deal?"

The medic stared optics wide, "Prowl, y-ou-h can't be-h serious." but seeing Prowl's expression CMO realized that the tactician was not joking.

"Guaranties?" Jazz asked after a moment of thinking, knowing this kind of job.

Prowl almost smirked, "You don't have them."

The youngling studied him. This 'Bot was tricky... Well, Jazz was fine with that. He leaned back at his servos, frame relaxed, expression carefree, "What ya want ta know?"

---

"Council decided to try sparking new protoforms in Kaon, as it was cheaper. Seems that someone manipulated the finances and there were no credits left for Jazz's transition to other cities." Prowl explained.

Prime, Ratchet, Blaster, Ironhide and Mirage were all present on the meeting. Ultra Magnus, Santinal and Red Alert were each communicating through the screens from their own location. They had not taken part in the last battle. Prime was not supposed too, yet he had insisted on his presence and was now glad for the decision he made.

"And he was left in Kaon?"

"It was cheap enough to raise him there, yes."

"Kaon does not have centers for sparklings..." Blaster reminded confused.

"That is why he was sent to a 'preparation center'."

"Wait a click," RedAlert processed, "He lived with almost mature mechs?"

"That is what Jazz said."

"Has he mentioned the reason of his presence on the base?"

"He did. As soon as Kaon claimed itself Decepticon territory, militarization officially started. Some officer that was responsible for Jazz's unit realized that he was still too young and sent him here. Jazz seems not sure but based on his claims I believe it had been a symbolic act aiming to demonstrate that even younglings of Decepticons are superior and warriors by spark."

"That is an odd way of propaganda..."

"At least they have not offlined him for his lack of abilities." Ironhide noted.

Prime went on, "Did he have a guardian of some kind?"

The tactician recalled the frigid answer Jazz had given him, 'Ain't got one.'

Unfortunately, Prowl had not been surprised by that information, neither by the mechling's unconcerned tone...

"Negative, he was under command of a unit leader but it looks like 'Cons ignored his presence almost completely."

"I have scanned some base security recording they had. Saw him on some, mostly in the reck room or outside. Not much. He must have started sneaking around long ago."

"Ratchet, can you add anything?"

"The structure is mostly standard... But he has four digited servo, with ability of adaptation: smaller elements' transformation capability-"

"He can implement directly into the computer system?"

"It seems to be one of his primary functions, yes. Red optics, obviously. No signs of intervention - he is 100% Koaninan. Sensitive sensors and... Rather developed ones. It means they were improved by time. He seems to have used them actively and, well, he surely knows how to use them for his advantage - explains why you haven't found many recordings of the mechling, Blaster. Size - standard for his age. Protoform has a surprisingly good stamina... Strength? More energon would have done a better job but his elements have good flexibility and potential for speed..."

"What do you think, Mirage. Nice spy we've got here?" Blaster grinned.

"Anything else?"

"...Well. There is one more thing. Considering the protoform structure and spark readings... Plus he was constructed in Kaon and it was cheaper... So, I made a deeper scan, just to be sure. He is constructed cold."

"Great, another political issue. Just what we needed." Ironhide complained.

"You've got something against that?" Blaster narrowed his optics, "May I remind, I was constructed cold too."

"Yeh, but you're-"

"That was a short political issue, Ironhide. Constructed cold mech are no longer considered different. All proved - they are same as Cybertronian's whose spark came from planet's core."

"Yeh, yeh, I got it. Their spark energy exists that proves their right to be. I know. Forget it."

"Back to the point." Ultra Magnus' voice came from the screen speaker,"As I can tell, we are dealing with a 'constructed cold' Decepticon youngster with poor education and so reckless that he has not even followed Decepticon rules?"

"Well, straightly speking, yes..." Blaster mumbled unsurely. Mechs around exchanged looks and Ironhide was one to say, "Soooo... Who will take him?"

Here it was - the questioned some hoped to avoid... Yet, it was better to deal with the most complicated matter now and then continue and choose guardians for other younglings.

"Ah still insist we send him back to cons."

"I support." Sentinal voiced, receiving a questioning look from Mirage, who moved his thoughtful gaze, "And let them raise another Decepticon?"

"That is if he survives at all."

"Oh, this one will..."

"Prowl," tactician looked at his leader, whose voice paused the discussion, "What does the mechling himself think on that matter?"

"Jazz stated that he did not care, yet I am not sure how true it is."

Everyone silenced once again.

"Optimus, please, we cannot -"

"As Autobots we protect young generation, no matter the origin-"

It was not Prime's usual calm voice. He sounded displeased by some of his comrades' and friends' position. He was not angry but troubled himself. He had seen much and even for him it was sometimes very difficult to believe in a Decepticon's ability to change. To believe that there could be goodness hidden but true.

But here was a chance.

A chance to prove that a fraction did not dictate who you were. However, even Optimus had this uncertainty in him and fear that the hope would parish should they fail.

"The life has not yet offered him a chance to choose-"

"He was RAISED as one of them-"

"But somehow decided and managed to save neutrals by going against all Deceptcion ideals."

"So they were doomed to wonder hiding in a DECEPTICON base. What would have happened if 'Cons were the ones who found these sparkling? They would not have been able to hide forever."

"... and I heard Jazz mention that he did that 'cause breaking rules is fun'..." Blaster mumbled once more, almost hopping that no one heard his comment. The mech was not enjoying the fact that he spoke against the kid but Jazz had said so. What if that had been ideed a true reason of his action...

Santinal followed Magnus' lead ,"That is one more proof. That mechling is a revel, reckless and ruthless."

Prime listened. He understood why they were speaking that way and could not blame anyone.

"If he is already like that, do you believe that we can change him?"

Optimus gave a deep sign and then his voice sounded tired, saddened even, proving his understanding of how complicated the situation and the decision was.

"We are most likely choosing this mechling fate right now..."

It was not enough to change their minds but at least encourage to consider different decision.

Mirage spoke, "Sending him back to Decepticons would be equivalent signing him a death sentence."

"They will not offline him-"

"Yet they surely won't care either, 'Hide." Blaster stated Ratchet continuing," He will either not survive the offered condition, get himself off-lined by making something reckless or be sent to a battle too young and face his end from our own soldiers."

"I got it! Okay! We are giving him a chance." Ironhide agreed. He had not wanted any harm towards any youngling but that one was just different. A Deception. This was just too much for him to simply accept the mechling so quickly. Ultra Magnus' face was serious when he asked the troublesome question again,

"But who will take him, then?"

And here was the deafing silence again. Even the ones who were not against Jazz felt uneasy. Refusing to hand him to 'Cons was one thing, taking a responsibility for everything that would be expected from a guardian was a different matter. Especially when it came to your charge being of a Decepticon origin.

Prime watched his comrades. He could not afford raising the mechling. There was simply no time - he wouldn't have been able to perform his duties as a guardian. Not telling that others had less responsibilities but they were a better choice. In addition, all mechs present were of high a command. Their duties were not as connected to the battle field as other possible confides' they could find, so the risk was lower. Unfortunately, no one seemed to know what to do with a Decepticon youngling on their servos...

"I will."

Attention flinched in the direction voice's owner. He had been quite after the report and had not said a word during the arguments. Prowl stood straight, his one servo lying on the table. Tactician's sight left the desk and he met Prime's optics. Mech's faceplate revealing no hesitation or uncertainly assured the Autobot leader of Prowl's intention and Optimus' spark flickered with relief.

Optimus nodded,"Very well."

The difficult part was dune. Now they needed to decide about others...

---

Your reviews make me soooo happy!

How do you like Jazz, by the way.

And Prowl is as always: no useless arguments. Straight to the topic and act as a mech - make difficult decisions.