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“Hey, Prowler?”
“Yes, Jazz?”
“Would you be mad at me if I decided to retire?”
Prowl set down his stylus and lifted his optics to meet Jazz’s. He straightened his shoulders and leaned back in his chair, just slightly, indicating that his mate had his full attention. “You know that I would not. The war is over, and I wish for you to persue happiness in whatever form that takes. What has prompted this question?”
“You’re right, I do know. Optimus just gave me a disappointed look when I mentioned the idea yesterday and I guess I got in my head about it.” Jazz sighed before crossing the room to sit on the edge of Prowl’s desk, facing the Praxian. “I just said it in a ‘maybe in a few years’ way, you know? And he looked like I’d kicked a puppy. And then last night, before we went to bed, I saw an ad on the base's news board. They’re looking for instructors for the new military academy, and want mechs with practical experience in hacking, intelligence gathering, and a lot of other stuff I’ve been doing for millenia. And it sounds real good, Prowl.”
“You have always been an excellent trainer,” Prowl nodded, “So I do not see why that would not carry into a more traditional classroom setting. If that is what you want, I would be more than supportive of your decision. And I will yell at Optimus about it, if necessary.”
“Thanks, babe.” Jazz smiled softly. “I knew I could count on you.”
“Always.”
“So, can I use you a job reference on the application?”
“I think it best that you use Kup or Ironhide, because I doubt the screener would trust me to be objective.”
“That would just be proof that they don’t know you well enough yet.” Jazz’s smile widened and he pulled up Kup’s contact information as he hopped off of Prowl’s desk. “I’m gonna cut out early and grab take-out, you want Vosian or something new tonight?”
“Someting new, I think. Bluestreak mentioned a cafe being run by one of the Velocitronians earlier, perhaps there?”
“Sounds good, see you at home!”
-_-_-_-_-
Greetings, Jazz of Polyhex!
Your application has been reviewed by our officers and you are extended the opportunity to interview for a position in the education department of the New Iacon Military Academy. Please reply within two days to set up an appointment.
Thank you for your interest,
Crystalline of Nova Cronum, OIC Admissions and Hiring
-_-_-_-_-
Jazz cycled his vents and counted to five to calm his nerves before knocking on the Prime’s door. It slid open immediately, and Optimus looked up at him with a smile.
“Jazz, good morning! Come in!”
“Thanks, OP.” Jazz stepped into the office and closed the door behind him. “I need to talk to you about something important.”
“Is it…” the smile fell away from Optimus’ face and he cycled his own vents. “Is it about the issue you mentioned a few days ago?”
“Retiring from the army?” Jazz waited for his friend’s nod. “Yeah, it is. I applied for a position at the academy and just finished my interview about ten minutes ago.”
Optimus nodded, cycling his vents again. “Good luck. You will be a wonderful teacher, if they choose to hire you.”
“You ain’t mad?”
“No. I will miss working with my best friend, but I’m not mad. And I wish I had said that before.” Optimus sighed before standing and crossing the room to Jazz. He put his hands on the smaller mech’s shoulders, squeezing gently. “I had a selfish reaction and I’m afraid that it left you with the worst possible impression. If you aren’t happy as the commander of my Intelligence division, then I want you to move on to something you want to do. Forgive me for making you think otherwise?”
“I forgive you,” Jazz smiled up at the other mech. “Prowl’s ready to yell, though.”
“Primus protect me,” Optimus laughed. “But if you plan to retire, we’ll need to make some plans, take some security measures, and–”
“I know, Optimus, I know.” Jazz laughed, too. It was relief that Optimus wan’t angry, and they would have time to take all the other appropriate steps for him to retire. “And we can start discussing them in the Black Lounge tonight, if you want to. Mirage and Punch will be back by then.”
“Over dinner, then.” Optimus nodded. “Now, tell me about this job you applied for.”
-_-_-_-_-
Greetings, Jazz of Polyhex!
It is with greatest pleasure that I tell you that the New Iacon Military Academy has made the decision to extend an offer of employment to you. Many others applied for the same position, but none of them had you extensive background in the field or as much practical experience both in active work and the administrative side of the field. Please see the attached forms for full employment terms, faculty expectations, wages, and job-based benefits. Several of them must be filled out and returned before you can begin working at the beginning of the next term, which is in three weeks.
Congratulations, Commander! I look forward to working with you.
Crystalline of Nova Cronum, OIC Admissions and Hiring
-_-_-_-_-
“Babe! Babe, I got it!” Jazz stepped into Prowl’s office without knocking, and ignored the angry sputter from Starscream that followed. “I got the job!”
“That is wonderful, Jazz, congratulations.” Prowl smiled. “However, I am in a meeting.”
“Yeah, I know.” Jazz grinned at Starscream for a klik, getting another angry sputter in return. “But I had to drop off a couple things for you to sign before they got lost in the shuffle. And Blue’s invited us to a celebration dinner after you get off tonight.”
“All right.” Prowl nodded and took the data pad when Jazz held it out. “Forwared the time for the dinner to my calendar please, and let me get back to work?”
“Course, babe.” Jazz leaned in to kiss Prowl’s cheek first, before turning back toward the the door. It gave him a perfect view of Starscream’s glare. “Don’t worry, Star, in another week I won’t even have the clearance to be in here anymore.”
-_-_-_-_-
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Prowl asked as Jazz settled into their bed.
“No. I thought I would be, but mostly I’m just relieved.” Jazz sighed. “I’m the best at what I do, except for maybe Ravage, but getting to put that down finally is… Well, I guess I didn’t realize how heavy it had all gotten. Those kids at the academy can’t be scarier than anything else I’ve faced, and I’m looking forward to that.”
“Then I am, too.” Prowl smiled and reached out for him. Jazz scooted closer to his mate and smiled when Prowl kissed him. “Would the retired commander like an escort tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I think he would. And he might like a request for dinner, too, since he’s going to get home early enough to cook.”
“Hm, I’ll make sure to pass that request to his sparkmate.”