Author's note. Well, I'm back with the sequel to 'Breaking Free' which continues the story of Starscream's escape from his abuser. If you haven't read 'Breaking Free', I would advise you to read it in order to understand this story.
This chapter features the first appearance of an OC suggested to me by Jetstorm the Sparkling, a Decepticon Medic by the name of Patches. A big thank you to all those who suggested OC's, they've been a really big help. And just so you all know, Flimsi, is like scrap paper, where transformers write quick notes that they can later write out properly onto a data pad.
This fic has been written with the help of my beta, Prowlsgirl who has been a great help and inspiration. Thanks so much.
Warnings for language and mentions of abuse and violence.
Enjoy and please review.
The day after the events of Breaking Free.
Teletran One.......Transmission.......Information Update....
Location.......Planet Earth........
North Hemisphere......
North American Continent......
State- Classified.........
Location- Autobot Base- Designation- The Ark.......
Time- 07:00 hours.
Important Information Update.
Security Breach- Ratified.
Status- Base undamaged, security system is not compromised.
Injured personnel- Dinobots- 85 percent function and recovering. Security Officer Red Alert injured but returned to duty against advice from Medical Officer First Aid. Autobots Sunstreaker and Sideswipe in severe but not life threatening condition. Awaiting further information.
Time- 10:00 hours.
Arrival of new personnel to Base. Omega Supreme- Large rocket, requires refuelling.
Decepticons Thundercracker and Skywarp. Non threatening, status to be confirmed.
Autobot SIC Femme Chromia- On leave from Cybertron.
All Ark Based Personnel returned.
Injured- Former Decepticon Starscream in comma- awaiting further information. Decepticons Thundercracker and Skywarp severely injured. Autobots Prowl and Jazz sustained minor injuries.
End of Transmission.
"How are they Ratchet?"
Ratchet wiped his wrench clean as he entered the Rec Room. He looked tired, everyone who had been on the mission was. Omega was a brilliant rocket that transported them in fantastic time but it wasn't a good place to recharge. Not to mention everyone had been too keyed up for recharge anyway. Ratchet had been kept busy trying to deal with all the injuries, so he didn't immediately answer Optimus's question. Only after he had cricked his back did he speak.
"Well, Prowl and Jazz are completely fine, they just needed a quick patch up. They've returned to duty along with Red Alert."
Ratchet sighed before saying "It was against First Aid's advice that Red's back at work, so Prowl's gone to speak with him. Jazz and First Aid are looking after the twins, they're still in a bad way, I'm afraid."
Optimus sighed heavily, he knew they weren't going to recover overnight but it was still depressing news. He mentally cursed Megatron for all the innocent Mech's he had hurt.
"I assume the same applies to Starscream as well" Optimus asked sadly. Starscream had been unconscious ever since they rescued him, and last time Optimus had seen him, had shown no signs of waking up.
Ratchet nodded.
"Yeah, he's still out of it, Skyfire's watching over him."
"Think we can help him? Ironhide asked from the table he was sitting at with Chromia.
"I just don't know," the medic said, slumping his shoulders. Looking at his leader, he said.
"Prime, I'm not sure we can do this on our own, we're going to need help. It's too much to expect Skyfire to handle on his own and then there are the twins."
"Ya know anyone, Chromia," Ironhide asked his mate, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Anyone on Cybertron who knows summit about victims o' abuse?"
"There might be" Chromia said slowly. "But I think I'd need to have summary of what you've found out over the past week before I can make a decision. I think this should be kept among as few people as possible."
"Agreed," said Optimus, now pouring a stiff drink for Ratchet who had sat down at beside him. "But let's wait until Starscream's Trine is better, they only know the bare details, they deserve to know more."
"Well there's good news on that front," Ratchet said, taking a deep swig of his drink. "Though they were badly injured, they're doing well and should make a full recovery in no time at all."
"That is good news," Optimus said, before smiling in Ironhide and Chromia's direction.
"We've had a stressful last few days, so why don't you take some time off to show Chromia Earth," Optimus suggested.
Ironhide grinned as he got up and extended an arm to Chromia, who smiling, accepted. As they made their way past Optimus and Ratchet, Ironhide said.
"Be sure ta call me, if anything happens."
"I will Ironhide, thanks you. Now go enjoy yourselves," Optimus said with a smile as they disappeared out the door. Ratchet smiled tiredly.
"Young love, always gives you a boost" he chuckled, taking another gulp of his drink.
"You make yourself sound so old, Ratchet" Optimus abolished. Ratchet chuckled.
"I am old, a grumpy old medic. It's enough for me that couples like you and Elita share such happiness."
Optimus shook his head.
"You put yourself down, my friend. One day you will find someone for yourself."
"We'll see," was Ratchet's only answer. With a sigh, he stood up and downed the last of his drink.
"I have to get back, First Aid and Wheeljack have been rushed off their feet."
Optimus put his hand on Ratchet's shoulder before the white Mech could set off to the Med Bay.
"I know you won't rest while there are patients, but I'm going to contact Cybertron. We need back, Megatron's going to want revenge and under no circumstances can he be allowed to retake Starscream," Optimus said firmly.
Ratchet looked grim as he answered.
"You've got that right, he'll lose his mind if that Slagger gets his hands on him again. Call later after you've gotten some rest, Skyfire told me what happened in that pit."
Optimus put his hands up in surrender as Ratchet waggled his wrench sternly in his direction.
"Alright Ratchet. But remember we can't have you collapsing on top of everything else."
Prowl's POV.
Prowl chimed the door to Red Alert's Security Office and waited for a response. He could hear the sounds of activity coming from within and sighed, that wasn't a good sign. Red Alert always has to be in control and the quieter he was, the more 'in control' of the situation he tended to be.
There was a sudden crackling coming from the door comm. and then Prowl heard Red Alert's voice.
"Identify yourself."
"It's Prowl" Primes SIC answered and then asked "May I come in?"
There was a moment's pause, then.
"Alright, give me a second to unlock the door."
Prowl waited patiently and when the door clicked open, he let himself in. The office was a mess, there were data pads all over the place, sheets of flimsi where strewn about and every screen was on. Red Alert was feverously typing at a console, working at what looked like a schedule.
"Red" Prowl said gently and after a long moment, where only the sound of typing could be heard, Red Alert turned around.
He looked a mess, his armour was covered in stains and it was clear he hadn't cleaned himself up after being discharged from the Med Bay. His hands were flexing erratically and one of his optics was twitching. Prowl had never seen him this bad.
"What can I do for you Prowl? Do you have any recommendations for who's available to go on Patrol and who should remain? Maybe the Dinobots..."
"Red, are you alright?" Prowl interrupted gently.
"Alright? Yes, yes of course I'm alright, why shouldn't I be?, First Aid fixed me up just fine."
Red abruptly leapt to his feet and started scribbling on a sheet of flimsi. He dropped that one and picked up another as Prowl walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Red..."
"I'm fine Prowl. After all, all I did was allow Megatron to walk right into our base, attack several Autobots and kidnap Starscream, why shouldn't I be f, f, f, fine?"the red Mech choked out as his shoulders started shaking uncontrollably.
"Oh, ohhhhh Primus, what have I done?" he gasped, as he turned slightly and Prowl could see tears running down his face. But before Prowl could say or do anything to comfort, Red Alert broke down in sobs.
"I failed! I failed everyone!" he howled in aguish. "Primus, how could I have let this happen."
"You could not have foreseen this Red, don't blame yourself," Prowl said firmly still holding onto Red Alert even as the Mech collapsed onto his knees.
"Don't blame myself? Prowl I'm the Ark's Security Officer, I'm suppose to foresee this, I'm suppose to protect everyone in it!" Red Alert wailed, punching the side of his head in self loathing.
"Red, that's enough!" Prowl said sternly, grabbing Red Alert's wrists before he could hit himself again.
"I let him into the base!" Red Alert screamed. "I just stood there and let him walk right past me! I don't know why he bothered knocking me out, I would have let him leave with Starscream over his shoulder and not lifted a finger to stop it!"
"You weren't yourself," Prowl insisted as he drew the howling Mech into his arms. "You had a Cerebro chip in your processer, no one can fight that, not even Soundwave. None of us blames you, Optimus doesn't blame you. And I know that the twins and Starscream don't either."
Prowl didn't say anything more, just sat there with the sobbing Mech in his arms, gently rocking him.
Ironhide's POV.
"Well, ah think the first thing ah should show you is the outside with it's swell nature," Ironhide said as he escorted the light blue Femme through the Ark's corridors. "Earth is a really amazing planet, though o' course it took a bit o' getting used to. Totally different from Cybertron."
"Anything I'm going to enjoy on this organic planet?" Chromia asked with a grin.
"Hmm, the yellow suns nice, nothing like feeling it first thing. Oh and the open ground" Ironhide said with a smile as they neared the Ark entrance. "Ya can jus let ya self go, feel the wind rushing around ya as ya speed along."
"As ya can see, we're out in the desert so there isn't that much organic life about. But it don't take long till drive ta the forest or get ta the ocean. And the desert has a lot o' advantages."
Chromia's optics widened, as he took her around the base of the volcano the ark was located inside, and she saw what was there. It was one of Ironhide's favourite places, a fully equipped target practise area. One of the Autobots, Inferno, was already there with a crate of different blasters, and was repairing one of the targets.
"Hey there," he greeted as they approached, Chromia looking very eager now. Grinning, Inferno offered the crate of blasters, and Chromia immediately chose the largest, so large that it needed to be strapped to her chest.
Chuckling, as he selected a rifle, Ironhide said fondly. "That's ma girl."
"I don't doubt that," Inferno laughed as he left them to it, he needed to check up the bases perimeter defences.
The couple spent an enjoyable ten minutes blasting targets, going straight for the more difficult ones, just to show the other they weren't sloppy. Just as they were getting to the stage where they both would go manic with their weapons, there came a voice.
"Hey Ironhide."
Ironhide and Chromia looked around at the sound of the voice and saw three humans running over. Chromia knew what a human was and looked like, thanks to pictures Teletran-One had sent to the Autobot Femmes on Cybertron. The humans before her were a young male, a young female and an older male who were all grinning at the sight of her.
"Well hello Spike," Ironhide greeted before slinging an arm round Chromia and saying to her. "Ah don't think any o' you have ever met each other. Allow me to introduce my mate, Chromia."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am," said the older male to which Ironhide replied.
"This is Sparkplug, Spike's father."
"The pleasure's all mine," Chromia said, grinning at Sparkplug's formal tone.
"An' this is Carly, Spike's girl."
Both Carly and Chromia laughed at the blush on Spike's face as Ironhide said this.
"An' this is of course Spike, he hangs around Bumblebee," Ironhide finished as Spike said.
"We've been looking forward to meeting you ma'am, old Hide's told us a lot about you."
"All bad no doubt," Chromia laughed, playfully elbowing Ironhide who also laughed before scowling.
"That ole Slagger Megatron got both Spike and Bumblebee when he raided us," he said grimly causing Chromia to scowl as well.
"Ah, it wasn't that bad," Spike said as Carly hugged him and his dad laid a hand on his shoulder. "I mean it was awful but he didn't actually hurt us. Not like Sunny and Sides." He finished sadly.
"He's a real jerk," Carly declared, her eyes flashing. She looked up at Chromia and said fiercely.
"I hope you kick his ass, next time you see him."
"Top of my lis,t" Chromia said, gripping her gun in a threatening way that foretold doom for the Decepticon leader.
"Good" declared Spike as he suddenly looked sad.
"Why'd he have to do that to Starscream? I never thought I'd say this, but Starscream's a really cool guy, he was pretty friendly towards me and I know he didn't have to be."
"Because he's a bastard," Ironhide said firmly before saying kindly. "Hey, don't take it hard Spike, he'll get better, ah know it. All you have to do is keep being friendly towards him, ah know he appreciated it."
"I will," promised Spike before he and Carly and Sparkplug took their leave, apparently they were going for a drive with Bumblebee.
"Ah missed this so much," Ironhide said as he and Chromia aimed their guns.
"Really?" Chromia cocked an optic brow as she blasted a target. "But surely you could do this with your comrades."
"Yeah but it isn't the same without ma gal," Ironhide replied doing the same. "Especially as there are something's ah can't do with ma friends. Things ah can only do with ma gal."
Chromia grinned slyly at him, and deliberately turned giving him a tantalising view of her aft. Ironhide felt himself start to heat up, a feeling he hadn't experienced in too long a time. But then he remembered she hadn't been in status lock for over three million years, how had she managed? She looked around as she felt his regret over their bond, he could feel she have been faithful which meant she had been forced to be celibate. Ironhide shuddered at the thought, as he stared shamefully at the ground. But then he felt a hand touch his chin and he looked up into Chromia's beautiful face.
"Well, why don't we fix that," she said with a smile. "After all there's a lot of time to make up, so we shouldn't waste a moment."
"Whatever my lady commands," Ironhide said kissing her hand making her laugh. As Ironhide put his large rifle down, Chromia started to take her off.
"No wait!" Ironhide stopped her as he stepping up to her as she looked at him in slight confusion. He grinned widely, lust entering his optics.
"Leave it on."
And now Chromia grinned, even wider than Ironhide. She causally stroked the long wide gun strapped to her front very slowly, causing her mate to moan in anticipation. Unable to stand it any longer, he grabbed hold of her and scooped her into his arms in order to dash straight into the Ark. Mech's were forced to dodge out the way as Ironhide charged straight for his quarters, the light blue Femme laughing in his arms.
Skyfire's POV.
Skyfire sat on one of the Medical Bay's chairs beside Starscream's berth, tired but ever vigilant. His beloved was still in his comma, hooked up to numerous wires and a computer showing his vital signs which was quietly beeping. On the other side of Starscream's berth were his trine, sharing a berth together, needing to be close to each other. They were still quite injured but were not in any danger and so were content to watch their Trine mate.
Sadly, the three of them looked over to the other side of the Med Bay were Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were huddled together on a berth, both in medically induced recharge. But it still wasn't an easy sleep as every now and then one of them would twitch or grimace. It was awful to see the usually exuberant twins like this.
"Do you think he'll ever forgive us?"
Skyfire looked up at Thundercracker's quiet question. Like his mate, Thundercracker's face was full of pain, the pain of seeing his friend hurt and thinking it was all his fault. They blamed themselves for not knowing that Starscream was being abused.
"He already has," Skyfire said softly.
Seeing their disbelieving looks, he continued.
"He was really keen on talking to you, telling you want had happened and his greatest hope was you would join the Autobots. He hid what happened, so that you were protected from Megatron, he never blamed you. I hope you can believe that."
They were silent for a long moment, digesting this information. Finally with a cough, Skywarp said.
"My throats really itchy, got anything around here for it?"
"I'll get you some oil," Skyfire said but as he stood up, a wave of dizziness washed over him and he swayed dangerously on the spot. He dimly heard the two Seekers call out as blackness swept over him.
The first thing he saw when he woke was First Aid's worried face, the Medic was bent over him. He realised he had blacked out for a moment due to the lack of recharge and the fact he was still recovering from injuries Megatron had inflicted several days ago. The next thing he heard was a very angry voice, which made him wince.
"Right, that's it," Ratchet said sternly marching over. "IN...TO...BED...NOW."
"Bad time," Blaster said cheerfully as he poked his head into the Med Bay as Ratchet herded Skyfire onto a berth with his wrench.
"Not at all," said Ratchet dryly as he made Skyfire lie down. "What is it?"
"Oh I was just wondering if I could talk with you, when you're not busy obviously," Blaster said leaning on the doorframe.
"Come back in an hour," was Ratchet 's reply. "I'll be happy to talk then as long as you haven't done anything silly."
"Silly? No of course not, you have my word," Blaster said sauntering off, knowing that Ratchet would not see it that way when he learned what had happened between Blaster and Soundwave.
Megatron's POV.
He had known there was something wrong the moment Prime had touched him. He had known something was missing when that Medic scanned him. Prime being the sentimental fool that he was had saved him, and none of the Autobots had tried to stop him. And now he knew why.
Damn them, damn them all to the pit, oh he would make them pay for what they had done to him. When he was back to full power, he would take the first Autobot he came across and leave their broken body on Prime's doorstep. Oh, he'd make sure they were still alive, alive to provide a very clear warning to Prime and the rest of his miserable band, he would have his revenge.
There was still some feeling, he hadn't lost everything down there. But that was the thing, emotionally he was the same but physically he could barely feel a thing. That fucking Unicron cursed Shuttle had taken his arousal, meaning he could not interface until it was fixed. And as much as he hated it, he was forced to concede it might be quite a while before the problem was fixed.
"My Lord, I have repaired all the major damage that Shockwave sustained, he should wake up soon"
Megatron looked up at the Medic standing before him. Once he had flown away from the Autobots, he had gone straight to Shockwave, unwilling to believe there was something wrong with himself. He had found his loyal solider lying unconscious on the floor of his Control Room, meaning he'd been forced to call a Medic.
The one before him was named Patches and he was the antonym of the Autobot Medic Ratchet. Ratchet cursed and threw stuff whereas Patched was soft spoken and calm. Both were teased that they belonged on opposites sides but the reason they weren't was that in their Sparks they were absolutely loyal to their cause. Patches for oddly coloured, he was a sandy with black spots on his back and arms. It was uncommon for Transformers to have stripes or spots and it made Patches stick out.
But his colour didn't matter, what mattered was that he was a competent Medic who was loyal. And that's all he cared about.
He hadn't allowed the spotted Mech to scan him, only letting him patch up his minor injuries. There was no way he was letting anyone except Shockwave find out what had happened, there had to be a way to reverse it, there just had to. And when he got it sorted he was going to fuck Starscream until he begged for mercy. And those two treacherous Trine mates of his weren't going to escape his wrath either.
Of course now he would need a new Seeker Eilte, which meant he'd have to pay a trip to Vos and do some recruiting. That was unlikely to be hard, as miserably pathetic as the humans were, they had undeniably wonderful planet full of resources. It was rare for the Transformers on Earth to go hungry, but rare on Cybertron for them not to be. No, he knew plenty would jump at the chance but he wasn't going to take just anyone, they had to be just as good if not better than Starscream's Trine.
Megatron growled softly as he thought of Starscream, his toy which the Autobots had stolen from him. The only consolation was that Starscream was so weak and the Autobots so soft, that it was highly unlikely anyone was going to be touching him any time soon. So with any luck, the next Mech that did would be him.
He didn't care how it happened, one way or another, Starscream would be his again.
Author's note. Well, I hope everyone enjoyed that, at least it's a nice long chapter.
Next time, Blaster has some news for the Ark, and Ironhide and Chromia enjoy a little alone time together. Till next time.
