Chapter 1

Jack wouldn't think things were perfect-because it wasn't-but he could admit that even tentatively, he was starting to get better. Knock Out's hold over him was gone, so he could freely think of shoving his blaster to his chest plate and firing without the forced sense of guilt. And he could touch.

Albeit, things hadn't ever went further than that one time in Jack's room a few day ago, and he was fine with that, but no longer did he react in fear whenever Starscream got too close. Though, in that same breath, Jack could also admit being able to stand one mech did not mean he was healed-but it was a start.

And it's Starscream, Jack thought, never really able to get over that particular fact. Now they were…friends still seemed too strong a word, but Jack found he couldn't call him his enemy anymore. Even if this was for his own selfish ends-and Jack had no illusions that his previous human form would sour things-Starscream was bizarrely civil at times.

'Minion' might have been Starscream's word for what this weird not-relationship was, but Jack finally found a word that might fit-companions. It was a loaded word, but without the sexual connotations it did fit them.

Currently, Jack was brought of his reflection when a scream came from inside. He flinched at the sound, but it took him a moment to realize it was not in pain or agony but…triumph? Jack blinked and jumped down to land on the platform from his perch above the Harbinger.

"Starscream?" he called and travelled further into the ship. He'd been sulky since he lost the Apex Armour, so Jack was curious to know what changed his mood. He paused in the doorway as he saw in Starscream's servo was a thin, elongated metal object with blue lines running over it. Uncomfortably he was reminded of the key to Vector Sigma. "What is that?"

"This is an Omega Key." Starscream replied. "Alone it's useless, but it could provide a valuable bargaining chip to either the Autobots or the Decepticons."

Jack winced at the mention of both factions. "Is that really necessary?"

Starscream stared at him, but frowned slowly. "True, as I could collect the other three keys and revive Cybertron on my own and reign as Starscream the First, Supreme Overlord and Emperor of Destruction!"

This time Jack stared at him. What the hell was up with these grandiose titles? Before he could say anything, Starscream kept right on talking, his tone turning bitter.

"Oh, but unlike Megatron I lack the necessary infrastructure to enforce such a reign. No warship, no army! Only my meager laboratory finds, a ground bridge remote control, a single remaining dose of red energon and you, old friend," Starscream looked to the corner, and Jack grimaced when he noticed the corpse of the clone he'd learned to ignore seeing, "but I would all too gladly trade this simply to be restored to my former glory."

Jack's grimace deepened. He was under no illusion as to what 'glory' Starscream meant. Just when he thought things were looking up, why did the Decepticons always have to weasel their way into everything? Then again, it's not like I honestly wasn't expecting this-it is Starscream. Jack cleared his throat. "Before you make any rash decisions, why don't you recharge on it? After all, you don't want to go to either faction," Jack managed to keep from shuddering at the mention, "only to get it taken and be scrapped."

Though things had changed, Jack still couldn't stop the reflex of holding his 'breath.' Starscream put up with his quips and remarks, but outright telling him what he should do?

The seeker stared at him for a long moment, but slowly began to rub his chin. "Yes, I could come up with a better plan after I've gotten some well-deserved rest."

He walked by Jack without a word, but Jack didn't care as he released his vents. Starscream could keep thinking whatever idea Jack gave him was his own, just so long as he didn't react negatively to it. But, Jack realized, this may not be enough in the end. If Starscream really were serious about returning to the Decepticons, Jack certainly wouldn't be following after him-not even if he was starting to like him.

Sleep does sound like a good idea though. Jack made his way back to his room, but stopped when he saw the seeker was waiting outside of it. "Did you lock yourself out of your room again?"

"No, I did not!" Starscream retorted. "I just happened to choose the room with the rusted lock!" he added huffily. "And as such I require your berth for recharge."

Jack furrowed his ridges. They'd slept together already-Jack hated using that phrase, but it was the only one that fit- and he hoped things could be as platonic as that time. This isn't a relationship, and neither of us are expecting it to be. "Fine, just stay on your side." He said before opening the door.

The other seeker walked in, his optics landing on the berth as a smirk appeared on his lips. "I see you managed to get it clean."

Jack snorted. "Wasn't like it was hard, Lord Starscream." The title couldn't have been more sarcastic if he tried. He lied down on his back, and didn't flinch as Starscream laid down beside him. Jack still felt nervous, but the more Knock Out became a distant, horrible nightmare, the more genuinely confident he began to feel.

Which was why, fundamentally, Jack wouldn't go back to the Decepticons willingly.

"And," Jack began hesitantly; the answer he got would make up his mind for good, "is it still in your best interest to join back up with the Decepticons?"

Starscream peered back at him through half-lidded optics. "No one will know about your previous 'job.'" His lips twisted into a sneer at the word. "You are my minion and no one would dare touch you."

Jack wanted to believe him, he really did, but he knew there would be no protection. The second he got onto that ship, Knock Out would recognize him and it'd be back to being chained up as his berth warmer.

That was something Jack would never go through again.

"I know you would protect me." Jack said, the appreciation in his voice surprising even him. But I just can't take that risk.

And so Jack waited until Starscream was deep in recharge before he quietly got up, and silently made his way through the ship, stopping only twice-once to gather up some energon crystals, and the second time at the foot of the Harbinger's entrance.

Jack glanced back inside, his gaze sad and heavy. I really wished things could be different, but thank you for helping me while it lasted.

With a running start, Jack transformed and flew off into the night.