[TF] Consortium 6/10

Consortium
Chapter Six

“You look pleased. Care to share why?” Ultra Magnus asks as he leans in toward Optimus, the soft comment hidden to the overall chatter at the dinner table.

Optimus lifts a glass of engex and sips it, feigning nonchalance. “I completed my spark bond with Prowl earlier today,” he says, behind the glass. “And judging by the looks Ratchet’s giving me, I’m likely to connect with him as well.”

Ultra Magnus’ orbital ridges lift. “So soon? I’m impressed by your diplomacy, Optimus.”

“I relied on their practicality. I don’t know if it’s really diplomacy,” Optimus says with a little laugh. “One might even call it manipulation.”

“Playing to your strengths and their interests is hardly manipulation,” Ultra Magnus says with a snort. “It’s called negotiation. There’s a difference. I’m sure both of them would agree. Neither seem the type easily manipulated.”

He has a point. Prowl is far too keen, and would read through double-speech in a sparkbeat. Ratchet wouldn’t stand for it either, because if there’s one thing Ratchet does not do, it’s hold his glossa. He speaks his mind without an ounce of tact.

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