Invaluable Solider

by Lindsay Smith

He did not need to be told that he was an invaluable asset to the team. He knew it. His mission was clear and his function versatile. Unlike the many Mechs of Optimus Prime's inner circle, his duties extended beyond mere orders or rank. He was there when he was needed, regardless of what the situation was.

He was a fighter. When Decepticon forces began their siege of Iacon he was there on the front lines braving the assault right beside his commander, Optimus Prime.

He was a healer. When Jazz was attacked during a routine patrol come ambush, he was the first to find the gravely injured Autobot and administer emergency aid until Ratchet could arrive.

He was a tactician. When they learned of a Decepticon convoy carrying scores of Energon cubes to Kaon, he was the one who gave Prowl the idea of using the old tunnels to ambush them. Albeit the happenstance of said epiphany was mostly due to his act of accidentally knocking over a pile of carefully stacked data pads where one such pad containing the maps of the old underground flicked on.

He was a soldier, loyal and brave just as any senior officer. His duties were many and he carried them out with grace and exuberance.

Rolling down the hall with a cube of brightly glowing Energon, spiked with a bit of high grade for a little kick, he maneuvered around the larger Mechs who meandered through the halls carrying out their duties as normal. Many of them never realized he was even there as he made his way to the commander's office. Optimus Prime's office was much more humble then one would expect, but it was practical and quite. It was his personal refuge from many things; the war, pushy tacticians, insubordinate soldiers, and the general stress of living and operating out of Iacon HQ.

The door opened obediently for him as he approached.

Optimus Prime, seated in a chair and reading some report, looked up and his somber face and tired optics, world wary and distant, immediately brightened and the ancient commander looked almost young again.

"Roller!" The joy in Prime's voice was evident as he swung his chair around to greet the smaller Autobot as he rolled up next to his feet. Roller gave a short little chirp in greeting and rose up on his axels, presenting his commander with the cube of Energon.

"Oh Roller," Prime said affectionately. "You always did seem to have a sixth sensor about that kind of thing. Thank you my friend." Lifting the cube to his face, Prime took a polite first sip and his optics glowed bright in amusement as his systems registered the high grade in his drink. "Indeed you know me best that you even know how I like my Energon." In reply, Roller simply wiggled his wheels in affirmative.

Tilting his head as he considered his tiny partner, Optimus laughed and said, "Roller you're quite possibly the most invaluable member of my team. What would I do without you?"

Roller just chirped. He did not need to be told that he was an invaluable asset to the team. He knew it.

But it was nice to hear it said aloud once in a while.