"Why should we trust a 'Con in the first place? Just because he feeds us some sob story?"
Hot Shot growled threateningly, opening his mouth to snark off at the two, though Optimus cut him off.
"We are Autobots, Blurr. I believe everyone deserves a second chance. However, that does not mean we will let our guard down." said the Prime as he watched Starscream closely with a kind gaze.
The small seeker growled and squirmed out of the Autobot's arms. "My name is Starscream. Hot Shot mentioned another one, but that is my name!" To have his own identity denounced was devestating to his already supremely damaged ego.
Hot Shot squeaked when Starscream squirmed out of his grasp, quickly stepping up beside him when Blurr crossed his arms, "You look nothing like him. What I want to know is why you chose to take his identity instead of someone higher up in the army." he said, his optics narrowing beneath his visor as he gazed at the seeker disapprovingly.
"Because I /am/ Starscream! I'm not the one you know!" He paused. Was he in a completely different world now? Bizarre. "Wait... Where am I?" These Autobots were none that he recognized and he was sure he had been the only Starscream around. What was going on?
Hot Shot frowned, scratching the back of his helm, "Well, you're on earth..." he said, getting confused, and Red Alert frowned as he thought, "It is possible that this Starscream is from another universe. It wouldn't be the first time we have seen counterparts."
Optimus nodded softly in agreement. "Starscream, do you remember anything unusual that might have led to you being sent here?" he asked curiously.
He shook his helm. "No... I was on earth in my world... I lost my t-cog to a human, ran away and just hid out in the cave Hot Shot found me in... I can't recall anything strange." Maybe now they'd believe his name was Starscream. It would make him feel better at the very least.
"How convenient." huffed Blurr, recieving a sharp glare from Hot Shot that he shrugged off.
Wrapping his arm around Starscream's waist, the young mech looked instead to Optimus. "I trust Starscream and I made a promise to protect him. I don't care what /Blurr/ or anyone else has to say about it."
Optimus shook his helm softly, "There is no need to get up in arms. I stand by my decision. Starscream will remain here, and be called by this name unless he himself informs us otherwise."
"...Call me whatever you want if you think it will be less confusing..." Starscream pressed close to Hot Shot. He felt completely defenseless. It was almost as if he were a sparkling in need of their parents' protection. Again, another blow to his pride.
Shaking his helm, Optimus spoke once more. "I feel it would be best to call you by your true name. I do not want you to feel unwelcome here, Starscream."
He smiled. "Thank you for letting me stay... I'll try not to be trouble." Starscream looked up at Hot Shot before glancing at the more hostile Autobots. He hoped he wouldn't be caught alone with Blurr. Starscream had this sinking feeling that Blurr would shoot him out of spite.
"I am faithful you will be no trouble at all." said Optimus with a soft nod before casting a light glance to the other Autobots, "And I am sure no one will give you any trouble either."
"I certainly hope so..." Starscream nodded in thanks to Optimus. It was certainly strange, being around Autobots that were willing to listen and not put stasis cuffs or a wing clamp on him.
Optimus gave a soft nod to the seeker before looking to Hot Shot and motioning to the door. "Please take Starscream to medbay to be checked out, Hot Shot. Once Red Alert does what he can for him, you can show him around or take him to an empty room."
Though Hot Shot had other plans, "Uh, I was actually thinking me and him could share my room." he said with a chuckle, rubbing the back of his helm a bit bashfully.
Blurr snorted in disgust, "Only you would be sick enough to frag a 'Con, Hot Shot." he growled, seeming ready to continue, though he was silenced by a calm glance from the Prime.
And once the mech was silent, Optimus looked back to a very irritated Hot Shot. "Whatever your reasoning for wishing to share a room, it is Starscream's decision. However, I do wish to speak with you in private while Red Alert is looking him over."
Blurr gave an angry sound at the gesture, though Hot Shot only grinned at his lover. "I'm sure Red will have ya flying in no time," he said, though looked when Red gave a sound.
"Not so fast, Hot Shot. You said his t-cog was missing... I can't repair that so easily... I will do what I can, but I can't make any promises..." he said before motioning for Starscream to follow him as he headed for medbay. "Come with me, I'll check you out."
The Seeker nodded and trailed after Red Alert, making another face at Blurr before snickering. His wings twitched slightly and he sagged once the others were out of view. "...Is there any way to get a replacement t-cog?"
Red Alert shook his helm softly. "Not really... Not unless someone traded their t-cog to you. And I can't do that, since it would take one of our warriors off the field."
"Then there isn't much need in you looking me over... That's the only thing wrong." His spark dropped at the thought of being unable to fly again. If there was one thing you should never do, it's ground a seeker.
The medic paused at that, looking back to the seeker with an understanding expression. "I will do my best, Starscream. I promise you that." he said softly.
Hot Shot seemed to be struggling with a choice. "I-I could give my t-cog to him... Until we find his." he suggested.
Red Alert shook his helm, "No, I already said why that is not an option."
Starscream also shook his helm. "Mine is in my world... Here, I'm grounded... Maybe I'll get lucky, you know?" He tried to sound optimistic, but he failed. "Thank you for the offer, Shotty, but I'll be fine as long as I can be outside or up high."
Hot Shot gave a soft sigh, nodding. "I guess that means you won't be staying with me..." he said softly, deflating sadly. He started to continue, though he was cut off by Prime's voice through the comm. link, and he gave a heavy sigh at the message. "I have to go, but I'll be back to get you soon." he said with a soft pout as he hugged the seeker tightly, not noticing the curious expression on Red's face.
Starscream returned the hug. "I'll stay with you in your room, Shotty." He smiled warmly. "I just meant during the day. Anyway, hurry on. I'll still be here." His wings twitched and he gave the yellow mech a quick kiss.
He brightened at that, smiling happily as he returned the kiss before pulling back to leave. "I'm glad you'll be staying. I'll do everything to get your t-cog back. Take care of him while I'm gone, Red!" he said as he hurried off, not wanting to keep the Prime waiting.