A/N: I was pleasantly surprised by how well the first part of this went over. I'll admit I had some concerns but as I said to at least one reviewer, the whole scene surrounding Skyfire's accident has quite a number of possibilities where things could have gone quite differently, or even ended up the same, just taking a more roundabout way to get there. My AU is just one of those myriad possibilities, and I am glad that those of you who reviewed or alerted liked what you have seen so far. I will do my best not to disappoint, even if it means taking extra time to get it done proper.
A message for silberstreif: I did indeed like an idea or two of yours and will certainly make an effort to incorporate them in future chapters.
I was working on the second chapter at the same time I was posting the prologue. However, this is probably going to be the quickest post between chapters for this story. Chapter two is set some time after the events in the prologue.
Disclaimer: Forgot to put this in last time. Do not own Transformers. Merely love exploring the various possibilities surrounding their universe.
"Free me now to give me a place/Keep me caged and free the beast." - 3 Doors Down, Life of My Own
Iacon: 2,500 vorns later
Optimus Prime stood at the window for several long breems after Senator Mecurion left, the order he had just been given weighing heavily on his processor.
"Senator, with all due respect, I must ask if you fully realize exactly what you are proposing." Prime was uncertain he had understood the high-caste mech correctly.
The other mech stared at him, a grim expression on his face. "I do, Lord Prime. The Senate feels that this is the only way to gain soldiers for the Autobots. While much of Iacon's population has joined the Autobots, our efforts to gain mechs from outside of the city-state have been highly unsuccessful. Many have chosen to remain Neutral, while others have chosen simply to keep their options open until they can see whether the Autobots will be able to put down the threat."
"With all due respect, Senator, you must forgive me if I say that recruiting mechs from the prisons seems little better than a Decepticon tactic. You are talking about basically throwing mechs who have little or no fighting experience or skill into this war. Not to mention, their physical along with any mental condition may not allow them to be of much benefit. Considering that I have heard from my SIC that the majority of the mechs in the high security wing are the most dangerous of the lot, it would seem to me you are risking the lives of the soldiers already enlisted."
Senator Mecurion looked rather annoyed by Optimus' arguments. "We have created a device that can be implanted close to the Spark chamber, and activated by remote. Should any of them step out of line, it will be activated." A sharp tone entered the Senator's voice. "I do not think you quite realize, Prime, this is an order, not a request. Offer them a parole, a pardon, do what you will, but the Senate expects you to have these recruits in your army by the end of the cycle."
"Or?"
"Or, we shall remove the Matrix from you and seek another, more pliable, candidate for the position of Prime."
Before Optimus could respond, Mecurion turned on his heel and walked out of the room, satisfied he had made his point quite clear.
Optimus shook his head tiredly. No matter how he looked at it, he could not see that the Senate would receive much benefit from this misguided order. And to virtually lie to mechs that they would be freed, only to have a device planted into their chassis that could kill or severely incapacitate them if they did anything that could be construed as stepping out of line…
That was not freedom of any sort. And misleading them into believing that they would have all their sins forgiven…Well, that did not sit well with Optimus at all. It made them too much like their enemies. Unfortunately, the Senate, even as crippled as it was, knew just the right buttons to push. For the time being, he would have to play their game. In the meantime, he would seek out a new tactic to level the playing field.
A chime on the door broke him from his thoughts. It would seem he has received my message. This meant his other officers had likely received the data packets he had sent out. Optimus was a bit annoyed at the Senate for this as well. They didn't have to deal with the fallout that was going to ensue the moment his officers understood what this order meant. Just another reason to find a way around them.
But for now…
"Enter."
"Ya wanted to see me, Prime?" came the voice of his chief bodyguard, Ironhide.
Optimus Prime turned to face the mech. Of all mechs, he knew that Ironhide was going to like this decision least. He had an aversion towards those he considered the lowlifes of Cybertron, considering them one step up from Decepticons. The only difference was, they were confined and not an immediate threat.
Optimus took a deep intake. "Yes. The reason I have called you here is to ask you to accompany me on a special mission. I have already sent data packets to the other officers concerning this mission as well."
"Gotcha. What mission we headin' on, Prime? Another mission to ambush some Decepticon scum?" There was a tone of eagerness in the red mech's voice.
Optimus smiled inwardly. While he may not always agree with his friend about how best to deal with the Decepticons, he had to admit he was impressed with the mech's gung-ho personality.
"Not this time, my friend," Optimus' next words were spoken in a grim tone. "I received a visit today from one of the remaining Senators, Mecurion, in fact."
"And what did the ol' slaghead want?" As much as he believed in the Autobot cause, Ironhide had never really liked Mecurion. He thought the mech looked down on the very mechs who were supposed to be helping them, and relied too much on blackmail and threats to get his way. Prior to Optimus receiving the Matrix, Ironhide had had a couple of run-ins with Mecurion where the Senator had tried to bribe him to leave Sentinel Prime and join his private guard. The first time, Ironhide had, for him, refused politely. Mecurion had not accepted that, trying again a short time later, offering a fairly large bribe and other inducements. Ironhide's response had effectively deterred any further attempts, but then, having someone standing over you with a cannon aimed at the Spark chamber would do that, he reflected.
Prime's voice brought him back to the present. "Apparently, he and the remaining Senators have decided to 'recruit' mechs for the Autobot army from the high security wing of Iacon Penitentiary, and they wish to have these mechs within the base by the end of the cycle."
"WHAT!" Ironhide could not believe his audials. "Has the Senate totally lost what's left of their fraggin' processors? The mechs in that ward are the worst scum of Cybertron! Murderers and madmechs! They'll be nothin' but trouble, not to mention they probably don't even know the first thing about fightin'…You can't agree to this!"
"I didn't," Optimus interjected tersely. "However, the Senator made it clear we have no choice in the matter. We're just going to have to work with it for now."
As Ironhide opened his mouth to object further, Prime raised a hand. "I have already attempted to convince the Senator that it was a poorly conceived idea. I was informed that they would take the Matrix if I did not comply. While I am not certain they would indeed go through with the threat, they still have enough allies in the army that I would not put it past them to make an attempt. For now, we have no option but to go along."
Ironhide shut his mouth, and shook his head. "I still don't like it, Prime."
"Nor do I, Ironhide. But until we can find a way around them, we must play by their rules. In any case, I am asking you to accompany me. I would like your opinions on these mechs we are supposed to be recruiting. You were a soldier, and I trust your judgment on their fitness for duty."
Ironhide again shook his head. He always knew he hated Mecurion, and this was just another reason why. On the other hand, he didn't just want to take the chance the Senate was bluffing. He knew at least Mecurion didn't. Prime needed his protection, and to be honest, while he may dislike the method, he knew they needed soldiers, and if they didn't do this, the Senate would probably release the mechs personally instead of waiting for Prime to do it.
"Okay, Prime," He finally said, grudgingly. "I'll go, but I don't have ta like it."
"I wouldn't have expected it of you," agreed Prime grimly.
A grim, half-amused smile came to Ironhide's face. "You know that Red Alert is goin' to have fits over this and Prowl will lock up at the thought of these convicts being here."
Optimus didn't answer for a moment, having just received a ping from his Chief Medical Officer. "According to Ratchet, they already have," he said dryly.
In spite of the seriousness of the meeting, Ironhide couldn't help but chuckle at the images that comment presented. After a moment, he said "Well, s'pose we better get this over with."
"Indeed. Let us be on our way."
Without another word, the two mechs left the base.
Iacon Penitentiary – High Security Wing – 1 ½ joors later
Inside a cramped cell, a lone prisoner sat on his berth glaring at the floor. He knew he should be recharging, but he found himself unable to. Just a little while ago, he had been awakened by that nightmare again. No matter what he did, he had never been able to escape either the memories of the storm, or its aftermath...
"We find the defendant guilty of First Degree murder."
"What, you can't…!"
"Silence!"
To the Pit with that. He wanted to scream at them, to yell at them that this verdict, this trial, was a farce, a travesty, but before he could say exactly that, plus what he thought of them and their Creators, the Judge (and may he, the jury and all his accusers burn in the Pit) continued.
"Due to the fact that there is no physical shell, nor any who witnesses to the killing (and here the Seeker thought, "Of course not you fool, you won't even consider the possibility he's not deactivated. You had your fragging minds made up from the start!"), the court is granting you the mercy of life in prison rather than execution." The Judge looked as though he couldn't decide whether to be disgusted with the idea or not. "You will be escorted to Iacon Penitentiary immediately."
Starscream just stared at the floor, seething.
"Have you any final words to say before the sentence is carried out?"
Starscream lifted his head slowly. What did they want him to say? The same thing he had been saying from the moment of his arrest? That he was no murderer? He leveled a cold glare at the Judge.
"I have nothing to say that you would want to hear," was his snide response.
"So be it. Guards, take him away."
Starscream barely felt it as the guards moved to 'escort' him from the room. He did, however, notice the triumphant smirks on the faces of those few Council members who were in attendance. They knew that even if they hadn't succeeded in getting him deactivated, he was effectively removed from the scene. Starscream felt both furious and helpless. All he had wanted was to help Skyfire, but now both of them were imprisoned somewhere.
Starscream barely heard the jeers and insults aimed his way by the onlookers in the halls. He didn't even glance in their direction. There was little point and he refused to give anyone the satisfaction of a response. He didn't even feel the projectiles thrown by a few members of the crowd.
All he felt was cold. As if the frigid winds on that distant world were still cutting through him.
Starscream clenched his hands into fists as he replayed the memory. He should never have returned to Cybertron. What had it gained him? Nothing. Nothing but a never-ending Pit of a life. He had been rotting away here for well over two thousand vorns while his tormentors were laughing behind his back and going on with their lives.
I should have deactivated on that planet. I nearly did. Why am I still alive? Why did Primus take Skyfire instead of me?
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, stopping just outside his cell. The energy bars hissed off a moment later.
"Prisoner 861-B-524."
Starscream looked up at the unexpected voice. There were two hulking mechs at the entrance to his cell, one of whom had stasis cuffs in his hands. Both were smirking.
He snarled, "What do you two morons want?" Like Pit he would ever make things easy for them. They had taken everything from him, including his designation.
The other guard pointed a high-energy rifle at him. "None of your lip. Got important visitors comin' to talk to all high-level prisoners and the Warden wants everyone from this ward on their best behavior. That includes you, scum."
Starscream glared, but allowed the other guard to put on the cuffs without further argument. He had to admit this was an unusual occurrence, visitors wanting to speak to the most dangerous prisoners. In fact, as far back as he could recall during his imprisonment, it had never happened before. He was also admittedly curious as to why such an event was happening.
Inwardly he shrugged, supposing he would find out soon enough. In the meantime, if the slaghead of a Warden wanted it that way, then he would be on his very best behavior.
At least for the time being, anyway.
Iacon Penitentiary Auditorium – ½ joor later
Optimus sat in a chair in the front of the semi-dark auditorium as the prisoners were being brought and seated by the guards. His gaze flickered over the room idly as he did so, pondering what had happened since he and Ironhide had arrived.
They'd arrived at the Penitentiary about a joor and a half before, much to the surprise of the Warden, a heavily built gray and beige mech. But he'd quickly recovered and started falling all over himself offering the Prime and his bodyguard refreshment, asking to show them around, hinting that if there was a specific prisoner they'd come to deal with, then he would bring the mech to them right away...Optimus had politely cut in at that moment to relay the Senate's order to the mech. He'd been startled, and had brought up the same points that the Autobot leader had tried to use to sway Mecurion, but had given in when Optimus had indicated that the Senate wished for these particular mechs and would not be swayed. He'd the guards to fetch the prisoners and had escorted Ironhide and Prime to the auditorium. Optimus had been startled by how the room had looked. The iron-gray walls were covered with a layer of filth, with several of the audience seats in a state of disrepair. The stage and chairs at the front were the only objects he could see that appeared to be in even halfway decent shape. The Warden explained that they seldom had gatherings here, and so little was done to maintain the room. Ironhide had muttered something that Optimus had been unable to catch, but he suspected was less than complimentary.
Speaking of Ironhide...::What are your impressions of these mechs so far?:: He asked his bodyguard over internal comm.
::I don't know, Prime,:: Ironhide replied with a grim tone to his voice. He had been studying the collected group of mechs with a critical eye ever since guards had started bringing the convicts into the room. All of them were in stasis cuffs and chains. Many bore signs of starvation and scars (from fights or beatings, Ironhide surmised). Most looked like they hadn't cleaned in who knew how many vorns. Even if any of them did have even an ounce of mental stability, he sure wouldn't lay good odds on their survival rates if they were put into battle, no matter how much training they had. ::None of these mechs look like they'll last long in a combat situation.::
::Are you certain?::
::Pretty much. Mosta 'em don't seem to be in real good physical shape from what I can tell. Some of 'em look pretty worn out. I doubt any will make it past their first battle.:: Then one particular mech caught Ironhide's optics. ::Correction, we may have one. I just spotted a military build here.:: Ironhide had to admit he was slightly surprised to see one here. Military builds were seldom found in Iacon, much less the prison. Those who simply visited Iacon were often subject to harsh discrimination. The majority had left the city-state long ago due to such treatment. Ironhide sometimes cursed the Senate's shortsightedness over that, considering the Decepticons now had most of those who had left, while the majority of the Autobot army consisted of those who had no tactical experience or martial skill. True, there were a few exceptions, but not nearly enough to make much of a difference...
Prime's voice interrupted that train of thought. ::You are sure?::
Ironhide took a second glance to make certain he had indeed seen correctly. ::Yep. A Seeker. Back row, in the right corner closest to the door.::
Prime glanced in the direction Ironhide indicated. Sure enough, a Seeker was sitting there. The mech had a layer or two of grime on him, but from what Optimus could tell, he appeared to sport the same colors that Prime himself did.
He also wore a deep scowl on his face, glaring around the room at the others. At one point he glanced at the door, as if thinking of making a break for it. The guards pointing their weapons in his direction seemed to be discouraging the idea.
A ping from Ironhide drew his attention, and as he turned to see what his friend wanted, he noticed the Warden of the prison approaching him. Apparently, the task of gathering the mechs was complete. The Warden stopped just off to the side, and spoke in a rather obsequious tone, "We are ready to begin, Lord Prime."
Optimus nodded. Time to get this over with. He stood, and faced the seated mechs. "I believe you were all informed that I was coming here today to speak to you regarding a special opportunity."
Nods and murmurs of agreement followed his words. Now for the hardest part. He stood up and began to speak.
"You may or may not have heard the rumors of war returning to Cybertron. If so, I am sorry to say that the rumors are true. A division has grown in our society, and a faction calling themselves the Decepticons has declared war on the Senate." He paused, gauging their reactions to the information. A handful seemed interested, but the majority seemed rather bored by the news. He sighed inwardly. Why am I not surprised? It was obvious he needed to get them interested, somehow, and he knew just how to do it, even if he hated the idea of misleading them even slightly.
"I can understand that this news may mean little to you, situated as you are. However, the Senate feels that desperate times require us to do whatever it takes to stop the threat that is coming. They have authorized me to offer you parole in exchange for your joining the Autobots and countering this threat before it completely destroys the planet. Your crimes will be forgiven, and you will be allowed your complete freedom."
Optimus Prime saw how most of the prisoners responded to that statement. The majority seemed truly interested, others looked like they could care less. It looked as though the Senate would get what they wanted after all, no matter what he and his officers would prefer.
However, he was so engrossed in trying to persuade them that he failed to spot the blazing, hate-filled optics of the Seeker in the back corner.
Starscream just sat there, his rage growing as he listened to Optimus Prime's words. His hands started to tremble with repressed anger, continuing even as he clenched them into fists. So even here I cannot escape the Senate's machinations. And to make it worse, they sent their most important flunky to do their bidding. The thoughts of all he had endured since that orn so long ago raced once more through his processor. Finally, he could no longer take listening to what he considered hypocritical words and leapt to his feet.
"Why don't you just tell them the truth?" he shrieked, cutting the Prime off mid-sentence. He barely saw the glares aimed in his direction by everyone else present. Vorns of simmering rage had finally reached its boiling point thanks to the Prime's speech, and he no longer cared if anyone knew how slagged off he was. "The only thing you want us for is cannon fodder for your fragging army! You could give a slag about our lives!"
The room was shocked into a brief silence at that outburst. Then all of a sudden, the other mechs present started clamoring, wanting clarification of the statement, and wondering out loud if what the Seeker spoke was the truth or if he was just trying to cause trouble as usual.
Prime was mortified, and knew he had to regain control of the audience, but before he could attempt a reply to the Seeker's statement, the Warden stepped in.
"Get him out of here!" shrieked the Warden.
As the guards dragged the mech away, struggling and cursing, Optimus felt a cold anger rise in place of his embarrassment. He barely heard the Warden's profuse apologies, and eventually cut him off, tersely pointing out that he had a crowd to calm down. As the Warden gave the orders to do just that, Optimus sat down and waited to see if any prisoners would be willing to respond to his "offer".
He would deal with the Seeker later. Personally.
Iacon Prison – Warden's Office, ½ joor later
All in all, it went better than he had expected after that outburst. A good three-quarters of the high-security prisoners actually were willing to take their chances. Optimus had his suspicions that loyalty to the Senate had little to do with their decisions to join. Ironhide shared that belief himself, muttering about how fast interest sparked in a number of the mechs at the mention of a parole, and not for any patriotic purpose.
Once Optimus had made the arrangements to transfer the prisoners to the base where they would be trained, he requested to have a certain mech brought to him. He was going to make sure the Seeker knew the consequences of that scene he had created.
At first, the Warden refused. The flier was a troublesome prisoner, the mech said, had been one for nearly the entire length of his stay there. If there were any problems, he would deal with them personally. Ironhide agreed with the Warden, but Optimus had cut both mechs off before they could argue any further.
"I am the leader of our people, chosen by the Matrix itself. Do either of you doubt my ability to deal with one Seeker prisoner?"
The Warden had sighed, reluctantly conceding that point, and gave the order to the two guards present to bring Prisoner 861-B-524 to his office, and escorted Optimus and Ironhide there. Once inside, he supplied Optimus with a datapad detailing the charges leveled at the mech and the record of his stay at the prison. Once the Seeker was brought in, stasis cuffs on his wrists and ankles, the Warden offered to stay there with his guards, "just in case." Optimus wasn't sure who he was more annoyed with at this point, the rude Seeker or the obsequious Warden. In any case, he ordered the Warden and the guards out. When the Warden protested, Ironhide said that he would take the responsibility if anything happened to the Prime. The Warden seemed less than pleased, but a cannon aimed his way shut him up and he left with the guards, warning that it was "on your own heads, then, if he kills you."
After their departure, Optimus turned a stern optic to the Seeker sitting in front of him.
"Now, do you want to explain that outburst of yours in the auditorium?"
Starscream sneered. After his experiences, he had no love for Senate lackeys and as far as he was concerned they could all go jump in the Pit. This Optimus Prime was little better than the rest, as far as he was concerned, and Starscream wasn't about to make things easy for him.
"Not particularly," was his acid response. "I have no interest in talking with Senate flunkies."
Optimus narrowed his optics, but before he could say a word, Ironhide exploded.
"Now, see here, ya fragger! Do you have any idea of who you're disrespectin'?"
Starscream gave a smirk, and said very smoothly, "Of course I do, Optimus Prime, successor to Sentinel Prime, lately deactivated and little mourned from what I hear the guards say. I also hear tell that he is as much the flunky of the Senate as Sentinel was." He leaned back in the chair. "The guards say a lot when they think no one is paying any notice."
Ironhide's own optics narrowed. "You're a mouthy fragger, ain't ya?"
Starscream's smirk grew wider. "What I'm known best for."
Just as Ironhide was about to explode, Optimus spoke up. "That's enough, Ironhide. Back down." He turned back to Starscream. "While you may not have any respect for Sentinel or the Senate, the prospect of release is an opportunity that few prisoners would fail to accept."
He looked down at the datapad in front of him. "Starscream, is it? According to this record, you were sentenced to life for the murder of your exploratory partner. And during your early time here, you were reprimanded two hundred times for instigating fights, put into solitary confinement ninety-seven times for severely injuring other prisoners, and were finally remanded to the higher security level nineteen hundred vorns ago after it was discovered you had rewired the energon dispensers in the guards' rec room to spray acid."
Optimus looked back up, locking his gaze on Starscream, who was now glaring at him. "Given the circumstances, you are lucky to even be offered this chance."
Starscream's optics narrowed. Lucky? Lucky for what? Being used as cannon fodder? His fists clenched. For twenty-five hundred vorns he had been imprisoned, beaten, and starved for a crime he hadn't committed. He had only been able to hold on to his sanity by running analyses on the information gathered on the various geological and organic life which existed on the planets he and Skyfire had visited or making up schematics for experiments and other projects, fully aware he would never get the chance to do them. Besides that, his only real entertainment was listening to the gossip the guards exchanged. Oh, yes, he was "lucky" all right. He had a strong suspicion that the decision for him to be brought to that auditorium for the "recruitment" spiel had been very far from chance.
He hissed, "You know nothing of the situations that led to those fights or attacks. I never went after someone who didn't come after me first. As for the dispenser incident, those guards came into my cell one too many times to beat me, and they also let some of the prisoners get away with that as well." A bitter laugh. "Of course, the security cameras were 'mysteriously malfunctioning' at those times, so I couldn't prove anything."
The narrowed optics were glowing bright red now. "They all got what they deserved, as far as I'm concerned." It had infuriated him when he realized just how heavily he was being singled out for punishment while his tormentors went free. The Seeker felt that every ounce of payback he had issued was more than well-deserved.
Prime was silent for a klik or two as he digested this information. The mech in front of him seemed to carry a very large grudge against authority. Being stern would not work on him, apparently. It was time to try a new tactic.
"Ironhide…"
Ironhide immediately snapped to attention. "Yes, Prime? Ya want me to take care of this Seeker filth for ya?"
Prime watched as the Seeker started to rise from his chair at those words, likely with the intention of attacking Ironhide. That was something Optimus had no intention of allowing.
"No, I'm asking you to leave. I would like a few words alone with this mech."
"But Prime, this mech is a cold-Sparked murderer! I can't just leave ya alone with…"
"Now, Ironhide."
Ironhide glared, first at Prime, then at the Seeker. "Fine, but if he attacks ya, I'm shootin' first, askin' questions later."
In spite of the tenseness of the situation, Prime chuckled. "I'll be fine, old friend. Go."
Ironhide spared one last glare for the Seeker, and stormed out of the room.
Starscream, meanwhile, had been watching the exchange with a keen optic, and in doing so, noticed a few things that didn't quite mesh with what he overheard the guards say. It seemed that this Prime commanded respect from at least one mech, something that not even Sentinel was ever able to manage in the last few thousand vorns of his tenure. In fact, the former Prime was considered very much inconsequential and a joke. The attitude and tone with which this Prime addressed his apparent bodyguard, plus the fact he seemed willing to be left alone in the room with a mech considered by the whole system to be a cold-Sparked murderer and troublemaker, suggested he had a mind of his own and possibly was not as easily swayed as some would like to think. After all, he reasoned, inexperience does not mean one is stupid. It only means that there is room for the individual to learn. And it seemed that Prime, while he may indeed have a bit to learn, as some thought, it didn't necessarily mean that he would let himself be led by the nose.
But none of that meant Starscream was willing to trust him. He had survived far too much to be able to trust anyone easily again. Especially those in positions of authority.
As Prime turned back to him, Starscream sneered once more. "Oh, I'm surprised you're willing to be left alone with me. After all, I am a hardened criminal, one who would have no qualms about..."
"That's enough." Prime interjected firmly. He was not going to let the Seeker take control. "Now, I can imagine that you have some grudge with the Senate and with the former Prime. However, I am not any of those individuals, nor will I tolerate any abuses towards those under my protection."
He paused. "Further, I cannot deny I am not fond of the idea of taking criminals into the Autobots. In my opinion, that is a Decepticon tactic and we become no better than those we fight by adopting them. Judging from what I and Ironhide have seen so far, most of these mechs have likely forgotten how to fight, and no doubt many have no real wish to fight, and only desire to be released."
Starscream snorted in response. "Even I know that the Senate is not just going to allow us to have free reign. Let me guess, there is a monitor of some sort or some device that will be installed and activated the moment we step out of line too far." He shot a cold glare at Optimus. "Freedom, my aft. I'd prefer to take my chances here."
Optimus was startled by the unexpected perception, considering that the Seeker would have no actual knowledge of that method being suggested by the Senate representative. While Optimus personally didn't approve of such methods, he could understand the reasoning behind them. However, he privately planned during his discussion with Ratchet later to come up with a method to counter it should the prisoners prove to be loyal.
"And let me guess, they aren't going to be told until after the fact," the Seeker's raspy voice broke into his thoughts. "Don't look so surprised that I guessed correctly, Optimus Prime. I may be a Seeker, but I am very far from stupid."
That was certainly an assessment the Prime found himself willing to believe, in spite of the first impressions the mech had left. He decided to indulge the Seeker a bit, more curious now than angry. "Would you mind telling me why you are so against this? And why you seem to resent the Senate so much?"
"Why would you care?" Starscream shot back petulantly.
"Let's just say, I am trying to understand," was Optimus' calm answer.
Starscream said nothing for several kliks, looking down at his hands. While he could admit that this Prime was different from what he had come to believe, he was uncertain just how far he was willing to trust him. But still…
He had let his resentment boil away a long time, allowed it to eat at him. And if this Prime was as different as he suspected, than maybe…
Starscream looked up, decision made, even knowing it was entirely possible he would regret it later.
"Very well," he began. "You wish to know, I will tell you."
Prime nodded. Progress of a sort. "Proceed."
"I came to Crystal City from Vos. Although I received basic training as a war mech, I found I wanted something more, and my intelligence levels as well as scientific aptitude set me apart from my own frame-kind. Eventually, the Emirate of Vos learned of my abilities and became my sponsor for the Science Academy in Crystal City." A bitter smile. "It didn't take me long to learn that I wasn't welcome there. I was constantly accused of cheating and causing mischief; some of my work would go missing once my back was turned; I was bullied by others constantly, most of them calling insults on my frame type and telling me to go back to Vos."
He shook his head. "Resentment followed wherever I went. Granted, it probably didn't help that I did let my temper get the better of me at times and retaliated. There were orns I did seriously think about giving up. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to find an instructor who actually treated me like I had a functioning processor."
"And that was…?"
"Skyfire. He saw my potential, and helped me build it. Honestly, I was surprised by his actions at first. He kept giving me encouragement against the bullies, even coming to my aid. He defended me whenever I was accused of cheating." Here, Starscream paused, suddenly looking thoughtful. "You know, looking back, in spite of how respected he was, it wouldn't surprise me if he made enemies by defending me, considering what followed. In any case, it was thanks to his help I graduated, and shortly afterward he asked me if I would be willing to be his assistant in the lab. I had not forgotten his kind treatment of me, such a contrast to the way others behaved, so when I wasn't working on my own projects, I was more than willing to assist him. Over time, besides him being my mentor, we eventually became friends. He was actually the first mech I found I could really work with and trust."
Starscream was silent for a moment. "I'm not sure how it developed, but eventually over the course of our discussions, the idea of exploring other worlds came up, where the two of us could gather information that may be a help to Cybertron in forming alliances or finding ways to deal with the shrinking sources of energon." He snorted. "I know I wasn't averse to the idea. Given how nearly everyone else surrounding me behaved towards me, I was more than willing to escape the planet for a while."
Prime did not respond, although this story was raising some questions in his mind about what was in Starscream's record. His story about his relationship with Skyfire did not match what was written there. The trial record stated it was acrimonious, even violent at times, but Starscream seemed to be saying that this was, in fact, far from the case.
He frowned behind his mask. Something was not adding up.
Bitter laughter broke into his thoughts. "We should have known nothing would ever be that simple. The Science Academy kept giving us the more dangerous assignments. Eventually, I got suspicious about why that was happening and mentioned my suspicions to Skyfire. I felt we were being marginalized, and they considered us expendable. Skyfire didn't really believe me, though. He thought I was being paranoid. I think there were times he did question it privately, but hoped he was wrong."
Starscream grimaced. If only that were the case.
Prime did not like where this story was going. "What ended up happening?"
Starscream's face twisted in anger. "That slagging expedition is what ended up happening! That fool's errand to find sources of energon to halt the growing shortage on Cybertron!"
"Explain." There was a commanding tone in Prime's voice now.
Starscream caught it. No turning back now.
"We were sent to discover and chart worlds that might have adequate sources of energon for Cybertron's needs. Over the course of the expedition, I believe we found at least seven that had excellent potential..."
"And?"
"Our final stop was an organic world in a nearly uncharted galaxy. I don't believe the world even had a designation. Skyfire and I came in over the Northern Polar region. While examining the area, a storm came up and we were separated. I got a message from him indicating he was in trouble, but it was broken, and due to weather conditions I couldn't trace its exact coordinates. Somehow, I eventually was able to break free of the storm, and waited on the fringes, hoping that Skyfire had managed to escape as well."
He shook his head. "Neither of us was that lucky. Skyfire didn't make it out. As soon as I realized this, I searched for him. I hunted that entire region about ten times over, going over the area as carefully as I could. Finally I realized that my fuel levels wouldn't allow me to return to Cybertron if I kept searching, and that wouldn't help him. So I ceased my search and left the system."
A look of hate now appeared on his face. "No sooner was I within transmission range than I submitted my report on the incident. I was told to report to the medical center near Iacon for treatment, and wait for instructions there. I thought it was strange, but I complied." Starscream again shook his head. "That was the most foolish action I have ever committed. The Enforcers were waiting for me. The moment I reached the medical center, I was arrested and charged with Skyfire's murder. I wasn't even allowed to speak a word in my own defense at the trial. They had their minds made up and called witnesses neither I nor Skyfire ever met in our lives who said I behaved viciously towards him, and the Council even made sure to point out that military types were prone to be violent. The verdict was a foregone conclusion, based mostly on hearsay. The only mercy I was granted was being sentenced to life in prison, and that was only because they knew there was no physical shell to confirm the death."
Starscream took a deep intake. Even now, it still angered him, the injustice of it all. But he forced himself to finish. "I sent appeal after appeal to the Senate, and when that failed, to Sentinel Prime. I was either ignored or the responses I received accused me of outright lying. Oh, no, the esteemed Crystal City Science Council couldn't possibly have made a mistake, so just shut up and take your well-deserved punishment, Seeker." The last words were laced with sarcasm.
Starscream concluded his tale. "As for my scientific history, I have no idea of the actions they took in that regard. In the end, it really didn't matter. Whether they suppressed or deleted my records, the result is the same: they got rid of one they hated."
He looked Optimus square in the face. "So now you know. Satisfied?"
No, Prime was not satisfied. That was brutal injustice if ever he heard it, and worse, he understood the file record was so ingrained in other Cybertronians' minds by now that it was highly unlikely that Starscream would ever be able to clear his name. The only way would be for Skyfire to return, and from what Starscream had just related, it wasn't likely to happen any time soon.
On the other hand, there was one thing he could rectify…And it didn't hurt that it he could consider this action a mild revenge on the Senate for forcing their order on him.
"Let me ask you one question."
"Go ahead."
"Would you be willing to do anything you had to in order to get out of here?"
Starscream suddenly looked very wary. Suspicious, he asked, "What exactly would that entail?"
Optimus took a deep intake, fully aware that Starscream was not going to like his next words. "Joining the Autobots."
He was correct. Starscream bolted up from his chair, furious. "WHAT! After all I told you about why I don't trust the Senate, why I can't trust anyone...Even knowing what they are planning on doing, you still ask me to betray my principles?"
The Seeker snarled. "How can you even ask me that?"
Optimus rose and looked straight at Starscream. "When was the last time you slept peacefully in a berth? When you ate your fill? When was the last time you had even a smidgen of freedom to go where you chose when you chose?" Starscream didn't need to answer. The way the Seeker's face changed said it all. Prime asked one more question, knowing it to be the decisive one. "When was the last time you flew?"
Starscream just stared, those last words stunning him into silence. Optimus, aware he had the mech's full attention now, pressed his advantage. "You say you have heard the guards speak. I am assuming you know something of what the Decepticons have done and what they are capable of." Starscream just nodded, numbly, still shaken by the last question. Prime just looked at him calmly. "I also assume you would like to prove that military builds are capable of more than cruelty, correct?" Another nod. Optimus looked at Starscream straight in the optic. "If you join the Autobots, you will not only have some freedom, and be able to fly again, you will also have the opportunity to prove the assumptions wrong."
Prime sighed. "I won't lie to you, Starscream. Eventually, word will get out about your past. It will be inevitable, considering my SIC was of the Enforcers. I will do what I can to control my men, but I suspect Prowl will not be as quick to let things slide and may find ways to circumvent me somehow. But if you are willing to prove yourself capable of something more than what others have seen you as, perhaps you can convince those others, as you have convinced me, to take a chance. However, should others attack you in any way I will not condone your retaliating unless your life is truly at risk. Inform me of what happened, and I will make certain to deal with the offenders. Do we have an understanding?"
Starscream sank back down in his seat, the anger drained from him. He looked straight at the facts. He didn't like the notion of the Senate having any amount of control of him. Never would like it, in fact. But he honestly couldn't remember the last time he had even been allowed to walk around outside, even with the guards standing by. Usually, he was confined to his cell. The most he saw of the sky anymore was when he looked out the small window. And certainly, he was constantly hungry. What he hadn't mentioned to Prime was how much less he got in his rations than the other prisoners. It would be good to have a bit more to eat. And to have the chance to fly again, even if only to fight, well…the idea was definitely compelling.
That last part, though…He was uncertain. Agreeing with Prime meant Starscream wouldn't be able to fight back once the trouble started, especially if what the Autobot leader was saying about his SIC was the truth. More than anything, Starscream wanted to defend what was left of his honor.
But given all that had happened to him, was it even worth defending anymore? No one seemed to believe him when he swore his innocence. And at least he was being given a choice, something he suspected the Decepticons wouldn't even give him the luxury of, a luxury he hadn't had for a very long time and sorely missed.
After a few kliks of pondering, Starscream made his decision. He raised his head and looking straight at Optimus Prime, spoke two words.
"I accept."
For better or worse, his choice was made.
Starscream just hoped he wouldn't come to regret it.