Further Complications
Summary: After getting Mikaela and Optimus back into their own bodies, a kidnap attempt by Starscream leaves Sam and the Decepticon leader stuck in each other's bodies. Sequel to "Complications.
Rating: T for mech potty-mouth
Disclaimer: Transformers belongs to Hasbro and Dreamworks/Paramount, not me.
A/N When I talk about Sam, I am talking of Sam's mind in Starscream's body. When I talk of Starscream, I'm talking of Starscream's mind in Sam's body.
Further Complications.
Prologue
"Thank Primus it's dark!" said Optimus, from one side of Sam, supporting him on that side.
"Thank Primus we have night sight, and Bumblebee can get Starscream back to the Base inside his vehicle form." said Ratchet. "I've warned Ironhide of what has happened, so he's prepared. He says he'll furnish a lockable room with human furnishings. We can't let him wander around until we've explained our rules and he's used to being in a human body. I don't want Sam's body damaged because Starscream doesn't understand how frail it is."
"Neither do I." said Sam, staggering between them unevenly. "How the hell does Starscream walk on legs like this?"
"He's probably wondering the same thing about humans as we speak." Ratchet said wryly. "Think of it as walking on tiptoe. Those things you're thinking of as backwards-pointing knees are actually ankles by your standards."
"Why can't we do what you did with Mikaela in your body, and you teach me how to use this body?" Sam asked.
"For the same reason human driving instructors don't train fighter plane pilots - lack of expertise in steering and controlling the vehicle in question. Neither of us are flyers, so neither of us can give you a crash course in flying – unless 'crashing' is what you want to do."
"No thanks." muttered Sam. "My stomach – well, I suppose strictly speaking, it's now my undercarriage – still hurts from the crash-landing at the Lookout."
"Well, we're nearly there now." Ratchet said encouragingly. "I can see the Base lights from here!"
Half-an-hour later, Ratchet and Optimus helped Sam it on Ratchet's worktable with his back against the wall. Starscream was also there, eyeing the hands of the body he wore with disgust. He looked up as Sam.
"How do you fleshbags walk on these two meat sacks you dignify with the term 'legs' when the joints don't point the right way?" Starscream asked sulkily. He looked at 'his' hands again with undisguised revulsion.
"Well, how about we answer that one when we figure out what to do about this situation?" Ratchet said dryly. "That is just one of many new experiences you'll have to learn about, Starscream, along with
eating, sleeping and excreting." Hew turned his gaze on Sam, who was trying not to smirk. "Just as you, Sam, will have to learn about refuelling, recharging, and transforming." Sam stopped smirking and looked more serious.
"Don't worry, Sam." Mikaela said. "If you're like me, it'll be fun! When you learn to fly, would you take me for a ride? I'll never get the opportunity again."
"Yeah, sure, Mikaela, if I learn enough to get off the ground without crashing again straight away, before we get switched back – whenever that'll be." Said Sam
"Well, yes, that is another subject we need to discuss-what to do with you both until that moment comes." Ratchet said.