Author's Note: Thank you, guys, for your excellent reviews! I'm very thankful for all you taking the time to read and respond to my work, as it's a good way for me to know what I need to improve. I have to warn you, though, that this chapter and the next gets a little darker, but then it's gets lighter by chapter 4 or 5. Don't worry, things won't always be so vicious...I'm planning to have some very fluffy moments coming up, and even better, more action-packed ones as well. Well, please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 2: The Sink Hole

Starscream:

Chuckling softly, Starscream de-transformed his hand, finding it interesting that someone could be so willingly submitted by his power. That's the way it should've been in the very first place—if it wasn't for Megatron, then he would've gained all control of the Decepticons, of Cybertron. He actually enjoyed the way she was so frightened of him, the way she trembled violently in his presence. He especially loved the way she did everything she was told. Nevertheless, he continued with his work, using the primitive tools of the humans to fix himself again. Usually, his body would be able to do it for himself, but too much damage had been sustained so far. Alarm systems in his legs and that one jet booster were practically going haywire.

He would need to remain here for now.

--

After a few hours of reconstructing himself, Starscream realized that he was losing supplies. Finally, the girl would come in handy again. Smugly, he nudged her with his finger, and she groaned as a response. Growling this time, he pushed her upright and shook her somewhat. "Get up, maggot," he grunted, letting her fall over.

Startled awake, she jumped to her feet with good speed. He liked that. "I need more supplies, now," he snapped, pushing her a little.

The girl glanced at him, then glanced to the west where the sun had disappeared some few hours ago. Starscream hadn't really noticed; neither the night nor the day affected his vision much, and sleep meant nothing to him. However, for the girl, it was obvious that she was concerned about the subject. She then took something from her pocket, stared at for a second before saying, "But, sir…it's…ten o' clock."

"And that's supposed to mean something to me?" the Decepticon shot back, lowering his upper body, despite the pain, to meet her eye-to-eye. "I'm going to count to three…"

"B-but, all the stores are closed at this hour! I could go and get something right away in the morning, if you just used my clothes as a substitute!" she exclaimed, her eyes becoming wide with fear.

Starscream halted for a moment, considering the idea. Not only was she completely obedient, she was quick. The Decepticon snickered. "Very well," he stated, pointing towards the house. "Go get them."

The human nodded quickly before dashing off, not saying another word. She was quite an excellent servant to his services, and he was enjoying how much trepidation he could provoke in her. Starscream began to wonder, with a smirk, how much he could do before she fainted again. Ideas and images floated into his mind as he did so, a cruel smile crossing his lips. Chuckling to himself, he continued to work, the pain numbing a bit from the joy of squirming maggots. At least for the time he spent on this docile Earth, he could have his fun doing it.

It didn't take her but another few moments to come out with a pile of rags, already ripped and shredded by her mark. She lifted them up to him as if an offering, and he snatched it up without a thanks. However, as he began to wrap up the wounds he sustained, he glared back down at her and snarled, "Well what're you just standing there for?! Stop the bleeding!"

The girl jumped at his tone, but took no hesitation in assisting him cleanse and envelop his cuts. To his favor, she got everything he couldn't reach, which was most of the jet booster. It at least was a patch until it could heal itself. When she was done, however, she leaped down from his back and collapsed, looking awfully fatigued. Starscream rolled his eyes. Pathetic human, he mused while setting down his tool. Pathetic useful human. He grabbed her, moving near the cabin and shoving a window open. It was locked, but he broke it and tossed her on the bed that rested just beneath the clear panel. Easy enough. It was after midnight, and it wasn't surprising that she was so tired.

Even so, the Decepticon continued working through the night, getting his leg once again aligned with the rest of his body and repairing as many of the broken circuits as he was able with the ancient human tools. Starscream couldn't consider how long ago the Transformer race would've used such tools—they were so far advanced, all it took was a little aid of a few or their own tools to get him back online. Nevertheless, he was lucky they worked at all. Grunting with satisfaction, he tossed the wrench over his shoulder as he finished up some last minute patching with his leg. Attempting to test it out, he rose to his feet (slowly, of course) and maneuvered around the cabin. Whenever pain would once again wash over him, he would place a hand on the sturdy structure, thankful that it was there.

When he made a full circle, he sat down with a thunderous noise. Like he cared enough, of course, only realizing how injured he really was. It wasn't just his leg that was throbbing, no, it was his entire body. The impact must've wrecked him twice as he thought before…damn atmosphere. Now that he was on this planet, it seemed impossible to drag himself away from it.

While thinking with discontent, Starscream noticed some movement from the bedroom he had placed the human in. She was up, obviously startled awake from the noise he had made. Rising, she moved around the room until she reached another door, revealing a space inside that was full with more of the clothes that the humans wore. With this, she began to remove the material upon her body, seemingly unaware of Starscream watching her. Nevertheless, curious, he inched forward and observed as she peeled the clothing away from her skin.

Considering this, he realized how pale and thin she really was. When she took off her shirt, creamy, soft flesh nearly glowed in the breaking dawn, her ribcage slightly poking through. Black, shinny hair spilled over her small shoulders and her back, like an ebony curtain. Though her frame was rather slender, he noticed that her breasts were full, and her waist was small. For a little fleshling, she didn't look half bad. He could have had it far, far worse…she could've already called the police, who would've called the pitiable human army and the Autobots. But no, she had obeyed him at every turn and never questioned his motives. To his pleasure, she was turning out to be quite the little servant indeed.

"Hurry up, you," Starscream grunted as he tapped the window.

The girl gasped and threw herself against the wall, those huge blue eyes staring at him in shock. A glowing red color filled her cheeks, only offering her more beauty. "I'll be right there. I'll go to the store," she said, her tone quivering.

"Good," the Decepticon stated as he fell back once again, not caring whether or not she was appalled by him seeing her half naked. He didn't really see the logic in it himself, why humans chose to cover their bodies. Their choice, of course, not his own. As long as he got to kill a few in the process, he didn't mind the least bit.

The girl was almost immediately dressed as she revealed herself from the cabin, a bun stuffed in her mouth and a few others gathered in her hands. How odd it was, though, what she was wearing. It was completely unlike what she had on the day previously, the blue denim and the black V-neck shirt and the trench coat. Rather, she was in dark tights with an even tighter dress wrapping around every curve and bend she had. She threw a thick wool coat as an addition, as well as a grey scarf. "I'll be back in a half an hour," she stated, gracefully moving down the dirt pathway despite the heels she wore.

"And not a minute past, understand?" Starscream growled, stabbing a finger in her direction. "Or I'll come after it myself."

The girl didn't hesitate to nod before she galloped off into a large navy truck, spinning out without another excuse to handle. Starscream liked that kind of business. Get it done now. She would end up being very useful, undeniably.

--

Optimus:

The Autobot leader rested upon the ledge, looking out into the brightening valley as the sun perched over the horizon.

Golden pools of light spilled like water over the landscape, setting it on fire, bringing it to life. Optimus smiled as he saw the scene unfold before him, watching as the sky burst into a flourished array of colors. Orange. Red. Yellow. Everything in between. It was absolutely stunning, what the almost dreamy landscape could result from just a simple sunrise. The Autobot knew that he loved the planet Earth, even from space, the moment he saw it. How natural and innocent and young it was, how green and soft and clean…and how unlike Cybertron.

Despite that Optimus missed his home planet, he also favored this one very much. It was like a breath of fresh renewal, a second chance at life. The gift they were able to receive by destroying the Allspark and the Decepticons. And it almost seemed like too much, if it weren't for Jazz's death. Of course, Prime knew that the smaller Autobot would've probably loved the Earth as much as Optimus himself did right now. He missed his comrade dearly, and would've given anything to let him live again.

"Optimus."

Except all his friends and good memories, of course.

Turning, the Autobot leader recognized his colleague, Ratchet, coming up from behind him. "My friend," Optimus replied, reaching out a hand in an inviting gesture. "Good morning. I couldn't resist seeing another one of these spectacular sunrises."

Ratchet nodded as he sat next to the other, taking in the view himself. "Very beautiful…it almost seems unreal after all of the battle we've had to face over the millennia," the doctor said quietly.

Optimus nodded. "Indeed, but worth every moment."

A pause came in between the two as they watched the huge star take its course over the valley, at last separating from the dark haven of night. Light touched everything in its path, bringing forth a new found hope. Optimus felt his Spark shine with appeasement, enjoying every single minute that passed by. He was always weak for a good sunrise, and he hadn't even known of one until he'd finally gotten the chance to see one here. On Cybertron, the thick clouds of gas and smoke and dust overshadowed their planet too thickly for any more reassuring light to filter through. Here, it seemed like nothing could stop the light from returning.

"I have some rather…darker news for you, Optimus," Ratchet then said, leaning forward as his tone lowered. "I would've talked to you about it later if I didn't think it was that important."

Simply by his voice, Prime knew the doctor was talking business. "I hope it's not too serious."

"I'm afraid it is," Ratchet continued as he glanced back at his leader. "It has to do with a certain Decepticon we somehow managed to miss."

Optimus paused for a moment before his eyes went wide with apprehension, murmuring, "Starscream."

"This has already crossed your mind," Ratchet said, more as a statement than as a question.

"I found it odd that we did not find any rubble of his defeat, or found him at all," Prime said quietly as he leaned forward.

"Oh, we found rubble of him, but very little. He's injured, Optimus, and I have good reason to believe he attempted to exit Earth's atmosphere," Ratchet stated as he rubbed his head. "But he wasn't able to pass through it."

"How do you know?" Optimus asked.

"We got news that a satellite, one of America's, was somehow damaged in the outer rim of the planet," Ratchet replied, "The government considered it might be a meteor, but with the way it was damaged and knocked off course, it is only reasonable that whatever hit was trying to escape the atmosphere. The only one who could even try to fly out of here would be Starscream, however, with him injured—no doubt moreso by the hit he took from the satellite—he probably was dragged by down to the surface by Earth's gravitational pull."

"Meaning he's somewhere on this planet," Optimus grunted with displeasure. Without the proper technological devices, it would be impossible to tell where that Decepticon would be in a good amount of time. By the time they could find him, he no doubt would be on his fair way to get more Decepticon back up and might try attacking the Autobots again. Not to mention the humans, who probably had quite enough of alien wars for now.

"Unfortunately yes," Ratchet replied, "Yet, we do have a lead."

Optimus turned to the doctor with a questioning gaze, in which Ratchet returned with, "There have been rumors in Central America that suggest that a huge and bright 'meteor' had crash-landed somewhere in Colorado. It's not specified as to where, but it's a good start."

"Excellent," Optimus stated as he rose to his feet, Ratchet doing so as well, and once again felt the rush of battle fill his circuits. "Then let's go and destroy this last Decepticon threat."

--

Iris:

Iris attempted to get her whirling thoughts under control.

Okay, so now she had a wounded residing alien, which acted quite evil on his own part, at her cabin and she was now planning to go and get supplies to help him heal. Though it was her own nature that kept her resolve going, she knew that as long as she didn't let her tongue go flapping, than she might just get through this experience alive. If she decided to tell anyone, not only would people think she was crazy, but the creature would no doubt rip her pieces before blasting off into space. Something she could easily avoid so long as she kept being good.

Luckily, it was easy on her behalf, since she had never really been 'bad' before in her life. She had never broken a rule, never went against what her parents had planned for. She might've hated it inside, but she did well not to show it just to please those around her. It was just simpler that way. It no doubt was the way now, and maybe she could even have him warm up to her a little bit. Though the idea was far-fetched, he seemed as stiff and snarling as they could get, the possibility still floated through her mind. She just had to give up a little that was hers. Of course, giving up her comfortable clothing and PJs was hard to do, but it was necessary. Now she was running around looking like she was going to a ball or something.

Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Iris arrived at the tiny town, stopping right at the gas station. There had to be lots of stuff here, and if there wasn't, she was screwed. The last thing she wanted to do was go back there and say 'They were out of stock'. That would probably be a death wish, in a good sense. Getting out, she spent no time wasted but to get everything she needed. Staring at the shelves of paper towels and other things, she decided she needed the shirts that were there, too.

"Can I help you, miss?" the old man at the counter asked, finding such a beautiful woman an oddity in his store.

"Uh, yeah," Iris replied, then waved her hand over the aisle. "I need all of this. Like, everything. And all your t-shirts, too. And oil. Do you have oil?"

"W-well, yes," he replied, obviously shocked by her request. "But whatever would you need it for?"

Iris twitched at the question, not exactly thinking it through that people might question she would want oil, paper towels and shirts for. Thinking quickly, she decided that it needed to be something that people wouldn't ask questions about. "Well, one of the plumbing pipes blew out. And I need to change the oil in my truck."

The old man, startled, made a face at the sound of it. "Oh yeah," Iris continued, exaggerating as much as possible, "There's brown stuff everywhere. I really need these paper towels and t-shirts. Maybe some newer tools would help me fix it up quicker."

"Don't you just want a plumber to come…?" the elder asked, his wrinkly face scrunched up in disgust.

"No! No, don't be ridiculous, I can handle this, easy. My dad was a real fix-the-thing-yourself with this sort of stuff, taught me all about it. I just need to get all this stuff, since we lived in an auto body shop, I always had the stuff at hand, y'know?" she asked, knowing the old guy was going to be suspicious. But once things were over, she would be back on the east coast, safe and sound. Without some frightening alien being to haunt her every step. She was practically walking on eggshells whenever she was around the creature. "Besides, I've got all the money on hand right here. Why don't I give you two thousand bucks for everything and I could just throw it in the bed of the truck, eh?"

The man, shocked, simply nodded and did his business. Iris did everything she could to help, including carrying some of the heavier tools and oil buckets, until the empty shell of the truck was packed full with everything they could stuff in there. With that, Iris charged on her credit card the mass amount, only remembering once before when she had spent this much money during one time. At least it was getting near Christmas and wouldn't be bothered to ask about her money choices from her credit card company. But that didn't bother her as much as hoping that the alien creature would be pleased with her gatherings.

As Iris waved good-bye to the old man, she noticed the odd look he was giving her. She only smiled in return, and when he walked up to her and took her hands, she begged to the Heavens that he wasn't going to—"Are you all right, miss?" he asked, warm and gentle hands enfolding in her own.

Iris gulped, hating to lie to the geezer. But it was necessary. "Of course, I just need to patch up the toilet real quick and I'll be much better."

"…I mean, in anything else," he countered, making her flinch. "You're extremely pale and you look like your sick…are you positive that everything's all right?"

"Yes, I'm positive. I just lost my appetite and some sleep because of that pipe," Iris said, a bit slower. No doubt her discomfort was probably the thing making him worry, and she needed to cover that up. "Don't worry, sir, if there's any problems I'll be sure to get down to you first."

"Good," the old man said, then shook her hand. "Forgive me, my name is Tidus. Please do call me if you have any troubles, dear."

Iris nodded, taking his business card that he offered to her. Though it seemed a bit awkward to take it from a guy like him, she accepted it nevertheless. How kind of him, really…

After waving the last time, Iris clambered into the truck and took off again, apprehension once again beginning to solidify in her veins. Returning to the alien would be the worst part about it. She was absolutely terrified of him and all his capabilities, but she couldn't deny his status. Only when he was fully cooperated and strengthened again, could she run off screaming and crying like she had done before. At least, till then, she would force herself to obey ever single command. Even if the fear overtook her and the weather beat at her. She would do it.

--

Starscream:

When the human returned, Starscream found himself pleased with the things she returned with.

The bed of the truck was stocked full of oil and bandages, not to mention the newer tools she had gotten would increase his ability to get things done quicker. If not that, it was her utter obedience that caught his attention. Even when he stayed out in the chilled weather for hours on end, not stopping, she stayed with him. It ended up finally being a command from him to go and make her get some nourishment for her body. With it, she did the job as quickly as possible to return to him without making him wait too long. It was satisfying that at least one person in this damned universe could obey him and do it properly—unlike his other idiot colleagues, who were now dead.

Though as time went on and she continued to help him, Starscream found it odd that she began singing. It came out of nowhere, really, he expected her to be too frightened to even stand near him, but as she softly hummed by his side, he didn't make her stop. It was an outlandish sound that intrigued him, making him want to hear more from her. Soft, tender, the song must've been a lullaby, for it was tranquil enough to send even him asleep. And that meant much.

"Why didn't you run?" Starscream finally asked, finding himself wondering out of nowhere.

Iris stopped humming and glanced up at him, the first time she did so with amazing innocence. "You were hurt," she stated simply, as if it were nothing.

"Doesn't mean I wouldn't have hurt you," the Decepticon grunted in response.

"…Doesn't mean you would've," the girl countered.

The response made him turn sharply towards her, and she glanced down with embarrassment. "Forgive me," she stated hastily, backing up a little in cowardice.

Starscream paused a moment as he fiddled with the tool in his hand with consideration. The very moment he thought she was gutless, out of the blue would be that spurt of courage. Or thoughtlessness. Whatever the case, it took no harm so long as he didn't go off of it. Not like he cared about how she felt, but it didn't seem like it was necessary to dwell on. Therefore, he returned to his work without another word, fixing up any cuts or dents that he might've missed prior.

"Do you have a name…?" the girl then asked quietly, once again catching his attention.

Starscream considered for a moment, then replied with a smug grin, "Master."

The human said nothing, only nodding with agreement. It was perfectly suitable for the situation as it was, and she didn't seem the type to call him by his name. However, not like it mattered, he asked her in return, "And yours, maggot?"

"Iris. Iris Von Schroeder."

Starscream shifted his optics towards her, a small gesture that she probably didn't notice. Iris. What an odd name…still, it somewhat matched her complexity. Her beauty, certainly, but he would never admit to that. Not like he needed to, anyways. Concentrating back on his work, Starscream ignored the girl for awhile. She could freeze for now. The only problem was how he was going to resolve fixing his back. Letting the booster heal naturally would take at least a month, or so, as long as it wasn't exposed to any more damage and washed daily. That at least would relieve any rusting or infections that could possibly arise. For now, it seemed the most appropriate action to take. It only needed this Iris's cooperation to handle with.

Deep within thought, Starscream began to consider bonding the girl to him. She seemed willing enough to obey him, and if the opportunity arose, he could use her as a spy or a gopher. If his luck became truly worse, like Optimus showing up or something, he could use her as a detainee. It was quite easy enough, and she would no doubt make a great pet if he decided to take her into space. His resolve then settled, he would take her in the night when her guard was down as she couldn't run as fast. Starscream was never gentle when claiming mates back on Cybertron, and he wouldn't bother changing now. So long as he didn't kill her, things would be fine.

--

Iris:

It wasn't easy being a hostage.

Especially when the terrorist was a forty-foot or so tall alien creature with guns the size of cannons. Swallowing, Iris let her head fall back against the bed frame as she let the warmth of the house sink in her skin. It was dark, the sun leaving with good riddance. It was absolutely freezing outside, and spending all day out there was no good for her health. But, as usual, it was necessary for her life. At any minute he could simply get pissed at her and squash her like the bug she was. It wasn't an interesting outcome for her life to end, despite him being an alien race, so she would simply just have to stick it out until she had the chance to escape or for him to let her go.

Gulping, she forced herself under the covers and into bed. Tomorrow would no doubt be just as long and brooding as today, and she wasn't about to lose her energy to dwelling thoughts like those. She had already made up her mind, and it would be essential for her life to be ensured. Pulling the thick covers over herself, she wondered what she could possibly wear tomorrow. Luckily, the 'Master' had left over some shirts he wasn't using and thrown them at her like a reciprocal for her work. It was enough for her, honestly, she hadn't expected anything in return from his attitude as it was. That would probably be the best and warmest solution she could muster at this point.

Sighing, she let her muscles relax as her conscious slip off into the welcoming darkness. Eating was tensing enough, but with sleep, she could be stared at all night long and wouldn't notice a thing.

However, as she closed her eyes, she could very well hear the Master coming towards her house. At first, she ignored it, considering that he had walked all around the premises yesterday, and didn't deem much about it. Though, as he stopped abruptly, Iris could tell that he was right next to her window, blood-red optics staring down at her. Swallowing down her fear, the girl attempted to ignore the sounds of his breaking and entering of her window. A shiver went down her spine as the harsh, bitter wind swept through the room and the shadow of his hand went over her body…

With this, she had had enough. Shoving herself off the bed, Iris rolled down onto the floor with a rush of adrenaline making her body become alive. A soft, mocking laughter filled the silence and it only made her tremble with terror. "You think that will stop me?" he snarled, pushing forward again and breaking the wall, the window, the wood and everything until his hand caught her tiny figure. "You're mine!"

--

A/N: Read and review, please.