Starscream awoke with a start. He could hear faint voices, but his optics were dark. Panic crept into his processor as he realized that he was strapped down to something and couldn't move. Internal system checks threw up multiple alarms, but none explained why he couldn't see. The Decepticon's last memories were of Ratchet and Wheeljack standing over him after he had asked for asylum. Had they turned him over to Megatron anyhow? 'Dammit, where am I?' he thought as he began to pull at his restraints. His movements apparently caught someone's attention, as heavy footsteps made their way to his side.
"Settle down before you hurt yourself, Starscream!" said an angry voice. "I've already put enough work into you. I've no interest in fixing you again!"
The Decepticon wasn't sure who the voice belonged to, and since he was still sightless, decided to rely on threats to hopefully intimidate his captor.
"Free me, and I may let you live. Otherwise, I will make sure that you suffer-"
"I should have turned off your optics and your vocalizer," huffed the voice beside him. Starscream felt a servo touch his helm and he squinted at the bright light that flooded his now working optics. A shadow fell over him, blocking out the light and allowing him to fully open his optics. The Autobot medic stood over him, an indignant look on his face.
"Are you finished threatening me, or should I shut you down again?" Ratchet asked.
Starscream ignored him and instead looked past Rachet at his surroundings. "This isn't the Nemesis," he murmured.
"Brilliant observation," said Rachet dryly. "Now answer my question."
"What?" asked Starscream as he again settled his optics on the medic. "Yes, yes, of course. It's not like I can do anything in my current situation, now can I?" he grumbled.
"The same situation that you were in when you threatened me 30 seconds ago?" Ratchet retorted.
Starscream slumped back onto the gurney, laying there while the doctor looked down at him.
"Of course, Doctor. I…apologize. It's just a…natural reaction. I wasn't sure where I was. I thought I was about to be tortured," he grimaced.
"We don't do that here, Starscream," answered Ratchet, his voice softening. "Now how about we get you up?" Ratchet released the shackles holding Starscream to the gurney before putting his servo under the Decepticons arm and helping him sit up.
"Go slow. You've been in stasis for weeks."
Heavy footsteps heralded the arrival of the other Autobots, Optimus Prime at the head of the group. They stood silently watching as Ratchet helped the Decepticon get his bearings while simultaneously reading the monitors that held Starscream's vitals.
"Your systems are trying to catch up," Ratchet said. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been in stasis for weeks," Starscream answered, rubbing his helm. His systems were sluggish, and the Decepticon was feeling disoriented. He felt at a huge disadvantage surrounded by Autobots, and wanted desperately to escape. But he knew that he was in no condition to do anything. He was weak and completely at their mercy.
Optimus, sensing the anxiety and apprehension in Starscream's EM field, stepped forward.
"You are safe here, Starscream," he rumbled sincerely. "Ratchet has taken excellent care of you. You will come to no harm with us. You have my word."
The other Autobots stood back, saying nothing. But Starscream could see in their faces that they didn't necessarily share Prime's sentiment. He turned his optics from them and back to Optimus.
"Thank you, Prime. And thank you, doctor," he said quietly. "I owe you my life."
"Not just me," Ratchet answered as he continued gazing at the monitors. "I had help." He looked at the walkway above Starscream's bed.
Kerri stood on the walkway, staring down at Starscream, her face emotionless. The two looked at each other, neither speaking. Ratchet put his servo out, and Kerri stepped into his palm. He set her onto his work bench, where she was eye level with the Decepticon.
"Kerri helped me save your life," Ratchet said. "She sat here every night."
Starscream shuttered his optics. For all of his strength and power, he couldn't bring himself to look the woman in the eye. He was afraid of what he would see there. Because for once, he was going to truly be face to face with the consequence of his actions. He remembered the fear and sadness in the woman's face when he had flown away, leaving her in the clutches of Knockout. For the first in a long time, he felt shame. This woman, this human, whom he had had nothing but disdain for, had helped save his life.
Starscream forced himself to online his optics and looked at Kerri.
"I am…glad to see you safe. I'm not sure how you escaped Knockout-" he started.
"Megatron killed him," she answered, not taking her eyes from his face.
"Megatron…killed Knockout?!" Starscream sat staring at the floor, stunned by her words. He didn't want to believe that the doctor was gone. For all of his vices, Knockout had been the closest thing that Starscream had to a friend. The Decepticon suddenly felt more lonely than he ever had in his life.
Kerri watched Starscream's face as he digested the news that she had just given him. He seemed…sad. She didn't think that a Decepticon could be capable of such emotion. But here one was, sitting in front of her, sad, hurt, and alone. Despite the part that he had played in everything, Kerri couldn't help but feel sympathy.
"I'm sorry, Starscream," she said. Kerri turned to face Ultra Magnus, who reached out his servo for her to climb into. She turned back towards Starscream.
"I wanted Knockout to get help. I didn't want it to end this way," she said, before Magnus turned and walked out of the medbay.
Starscream watched them walk away. This was it for him. He knew that he couldn't go back to the Decepticons. And the Autobots were never going to let him stay.
"I need to recharge," he told Ratchet. He laid back down on the berth, offlining his optics.
"I'll need to shackle you again. Although there really isn't anything that you can do, we're not going to take any chances."
"Of course, Doctor." He placed his arms at his sides as Ratchet shackled him.
"You're under 24-hour guard," he said as the Decepticon was restrained. "Get some rest."
The other Autobots turned and headed for their respective quarters. Ratchet looked at the monitors once again before turning towards his own quarters.
"Doctor," Starscream said softly.
"Yes, Starscream?"
"I'm sorry that you didn't let me die."