"Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved." ~ William Jennings Bryan.

"No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently." ~ Agnes de Mille.

Chapter 2

Skyfire onlined his optics slowly, feeling so tired and worn out despite having just onlined. He slowly sat up, feeling coolant still caked on his cheekplates from having cried so hard last night. He rubbed his optics, vented a sigh, then noticed the datapad beside him. He thought nothing of it as he rose up and approached the door to his son's berthroom.

"Starfire?" He asked softly as he palmed the door open.

The room was empty, devoid of not only a Seeker but his property of well. The shuttle's optics widened, suddenly rushing into the living room.

"Starfire! Are you here?! Star!"

His processor was racing, terrified of where his precious creation could be. His optics widened some before running to the couch and snatching up the datapad. He onlined it and quickly began to read its contents.

"Hey, sire." It read. "So, you've probably noticed I'm not there right now. I couldn't just sit around and let them lock me in a cage for the rest of my life. I'm sure you were thinking of something to get around it, but I made my decision.

"I took my stuff and stole a ship. I'm going to Cybertron to be with the other Seekers. I would have made you come with me but… I don't think you're ready for this. Not being around other Seekers at least or back in the war. I'm going to be with the Seekers and I will rule them.

"I love you, sire. I love you so much and I'm sorry for putting you through everything that I did. I'm sorry I got you and carrier caught and sorry for getting in all those fights. I'll make it up to you best I can. I promise.

"I love you sire. Take good care of yourself. I'll come back for you, carrier, and my uncles once I am able to. Fly safe and true until we meet again. May the wind currents guide you safely to your destination."

Skyfire's lower lip plate trembled. In a way he was glad his son wouldn't be in a cage, but… He was heading off to that primus-forsaken war! To be with those Seekers who didn't care for him, and possibly be hurt by them! Or killed by Autobots or some psychotic Decepticons! His little, precious sparkling had gone back to the very hell he had tried to save him from. The hell that had taken away his beloved Starscream and so many others.

Now, he may lose his son to it.

He looked up when the door chime sounded, his optics narrowing. He was not in the mood to deal with these morons. And he was not going to make their morning easy for them.

The shuttle stomped to the door and opened it. "He's not here. Get off my porch."

The sheriff eyed him. "You can't keep protecting him, Skyfire. We're taking that Seeker away."

"No, he left. He's not on the planet. He's. Not. Here."

"Not on the planet? What do you mean?"

"I mean… That damn son of mine takes after his carrier and fragging left during the night. He's not here. He's on Cybertron getting into trouble there."

Starfire flew his ship over the remains of the city Vos. He was searching for somewhere to safely hide it. He remembered coming here with his carrier all those stellar cycles ago, and recalled an old hangar on the eastern side of the metropolis. He smirked when he finally spotted it and descended. Most of the ships left were no longer functioning, abandoned there to rust with everything else.

The Seeker landed it between two cargo vessels, locked it down, and shut it off. He quickly exited it, taking a moment to calm his systems. He was back on Cybertron, so much closer to his destiny of being the Alpha. He just had to find where the Seekers were.

He transformed, broke the sound barrier, and flew towards Kaon. That was the best place to start. If they weren't there, well, he could get information of where they were located.

Later:

Starfire flew into Kaon's airspace, his engines screaming as contrails lazily followed behind his wingtips. He was surprised no one tried to contact him, but he assumed they picked up on his Seeker frame and assumed him to be a Decepticon. He passed by a few other Seekers, obviously on patrol. They didn't seem to think much of him, possibly not looking twice at another Seeker flying around.

He quickly descended, transformed, and landed in the base. His wings flared, working on keeping himself calm as excitement filled his being. He remembered this base. He recalled walking with his carrier, holding his servo as Starscream went about his work. It didn't seem to have changed.

The young Seeker walked through the base, searching for any others of his kind. His wings perked when he saw a few Seekers enter what appeared to be a hangar of sorts. Perhaps that's where they would lounge when not on patrol.

He walked towards it, anticipating the welcome he would receive for his return.

Seekers laughed and engaged in palaver as they sat around tables, drinking energon from cubes and dining on energon goodies. Some flew in the rafters, their thruster heels carrying them from one metal beam to the next. They sat upon them, talking to other Seekers or minding their own business. Trinemates were kissing, jokes being said, two Seekers were getting passionate with each other, and everyone was having a good time. A temporary break from the war and the stress they were under.

The doors to the hangar suddenly were pushed aside, light from outside pouring in around the large figure entering. His wings held high, optics red as blood, his stance proud. He glanced about, observing those within before walking down the pathway before him.

Seekers began to notice, their wings perking, going silent. More and more turned their helms, optics widening, then whispers being spoken. The hangar suddenly seemed to go silent save for whispers, clopping of thruster heels, and setting down of cubes.

Yellow optics fell on him, the Seeker lifting his helm as a servo cupped the aft of the femme sitting on his lap. Other Seekers around the throne stood by, not sure what to do.

Starfire stopped halfway down the pathway to the throne, his optics scanning over everyone now watching him. He swallowed, getting anxious. He was so excited to be here, and yet scared. Nervous of what to do and say to them. Not entirely sure what to expect from those now unable to look away.

"I am Seeker Starfire of Earth. First and only son of Seeker Starscream of Vos. Alpha of the Seekers, Decepticon Air Commander and Second in Command of the Decepticon Forces. Trineleader of the Elite Trine, and the greatest Seeker warrior to ever take flight." He spoke in a loud, clear vocalizer, pausing to let it sink in. "I have returned to reclaim my right as Alpha of the Seekers in my carrier's designation."

The Seeker on the throne chuckled as he smirked. "Seeker Starfire of Earth…" He slowly shook his helm as he devilishly smiled. "Such a title. A bastard born from an affair with a shuttle by a corrupted whore. A failed Alpha who got himself captured and executed by Autobots all because of an abominable dalliance with an inferior model. An Alpha who was never worthy or capable of the position he managed to claim."

Starfire flicked his wings. "My carrier was more than just capable. And I will continue his legacy and be a just and kind leader as he was."

"Ha! You believe he was just? Starscream was anything but. He was a slut who whored himself out to a grounder. An incompetent warrior and brought only dishonor and shame to his kind."

"And who are you to speak such enmity regarding my carrier?"

The Seeker shoved the femme off his lap and stood, his golden wings spreading outward. "I am Seeker Contrail of Vos, the Alpha of the Seekers." He began to approach Starfire. "I took leadership after Thundercracker and Skywarp disappeared. We assumed them deserters, and you perished with your carrier when we got the news of his demise."

"Thundercracker and Skywarp took their lives to join Starscream in the Well. I was taken by my sire to a colony in order to escape my carrier's killers."

Contrail stopped before him, looking up at the tall Seeker. Starfire was massive for a Seeker, being much taller than the rest of them, but not quite as tall as Megatron. He was thick, clearly taking after his sire when it came to size. He looked more like a tank than a lean fighter jet, but he still had the airline body and smooth plates for a flyer. He was still surprisingly skinny for someone his size, obviously getting that from Starscream. His faceplates were dark like his carrier's, and he held himself like the former Alpha.

"Impressive." Contrail raised an optical ridge as he scrutinized the young Seeker. "Starscream may have been an idiot, but he certainly made a fine looking Seeker." He then walked around him, studying every detail of him. "Interesting to see how you turned out. I recall when you were just a sparkling."

"I don't recall you at all."

"We didn't see each other that many times." The golden Seeker stopped in front of him, then grasped the young Seeker's mandible, pulling his face down. "Of how stupid he was, Starscream was certainly a good looker. It's a shame you didn't inherit all of his looks."

Starfire jerked his face away and flicked his wings. "It's a shame you have no decent looks to brag about."

Contrail's optics narrowed. "Watch it, youngling. I am not known for my tolerance."

"And I'm not known for giving a damn what senile bigots have to say concerning my carrier or my outer appearance." He flicked his wings again. "I came here to take back what is rightfully mine."

Contrail dryly chuckled. "You seek the Alpha position and yet you are, what, twenty stellar cycles?"

"Twenty-five."

"A sparkling still. One without a trine. The Alpha position is one that can only be taken by trineleaders. By experienced warriors who are both savage and cunning in battle. What battle prowess do you posses? You are but a virgin, hopelessly attempting to take what adults can only achieve. Leave the Alpha position to the real mechs, little sparkling." He smirked.

Starfire's engine growled. "I may not have a trine, yet, but I can still fight."

"Oh?" Contrail raised an optical ridge. "Show me this innate ability you claim to possess."

"You want me to fight you?" Starfire perked his wings.

"Right now. Prove to me that you are the warrior that you so arrogantly proclaim to be."

Starfire flicked his wings and narrowed his optics. "Fine. I'll fight you now and take leadership."

Contrail's smile grew. "Excellent. Your move."

Starfire lunged forward, but the golden Seeker expertly dodged him and grasped a wing. He swung him around and released, throwing him into a nearby table. The Seekers at the table jumped back, one saving his energon cube from spilling over like the others.

Starfire flicked his wings, his engine growling. He quickly got back up, spun around, and punched at his adversary. Contrail dodged him again, and punched back, striking him in the faceplates. In one swift move Contrail grasped Starfire's helm, yanking it down as he kicked his knee up and into the young Seeker's face. He punched him again, slamming him into the floor, then stomped on his wing. Starfire cried out, reaching back only to have his servo grabbed, twisted, and pinned behind his back.

Contrail crouched, keeping his ped on Starfire's wing and holding his wrist. "You see? You are nothing. You can't fight, you have no trine, and you are a foolish, little sparkling." He then grabbed the top of Starfire's helm and made him look up. "You are one of my Seekers. My subordinate just like the rest of them. Do as I say, and things will go well for you. Don't obey me, well… I'll do to you what I did to the rest of them." He smiled wickedly, his wings flaring.

Starfire growled his engine, looking away as his helm was released. Contrail slowly stood up.

"We all have a duty to fulfill, and yours is obeying me." He stepped off and released the Seeker. "Get out of my sight, youngling. Report back when you are ready to be a mech." He turned and walked back to his throne. The Seeker femme immediately sat on his lap once he was seated, the two soon kissing passionately on the lip plates. Contrail smirked, eyeing Starfire as he kissed, mocking him.

Starfire got to his peds, flicked his wings, balled his fists and began to stomp towards the door. He was humiliated in front of all the Seekers, pissed off, and needing to rethink his strategy. He stormed outside, wanting to punch someone, break something, anything!

"Starfire!"

The mentioned Seeker turned around, his wings lowering a little. A red, white, and blue Seeker was soon beside him and hugging him. Starfire hesitated, trying to remember who this was.

"Primus, look at you." The Seeker cupped Starfire's faceplates. "I thought you were dead. I'm so happy you're not."

"I'm sorry… I don't remember…"

"Nacelle. It's me Nacelle. I used to sparkling sit you all the time." He smiled warmly, his wings fluttering.

Starfire faintly smiled, now recalling the Seeker. "Yeah, I remember now." He hugged him back. "I missed you and the others."

"I bet. We were so scared. After we heard about… We assumed the Autobots killed you as well."

"No… My sire took me away. He took me to a colony to keep me safe."

"Good on him. I would have done the same."

"I wanna say hi!"

Starfire suddenly found himself being hugged by a yellow and white Seeker who was bouncing with joy.

"I was so scared you were dead! Primus has protected you and brought you safely back to us." Sunstorm said excitedly. "And made you… Like, whoa."

"Watch it, Sunshine. I'm right here and might get jealous." Bitstream piped up as he stood with crossed arms.

"I'm honestly surprised the Autobots would let you leave." Dirge said as he waited inline for a hug.

"Yeah, you'd a think they would try to take advantage having a Seeker in their clutches, or kill him." Ramjet put in.

"Probably didn't because he was such a cute sparkling." Nacelle noted.

"He really was." Bitstream nodded.

Starfire finished hugging all those who used to take care of him before speaking. "It's nice seeing you all again. Really. But, I need to… I need to think…"

"Hey, you just got back from the dead. Why don't you catch up with us and we can get you settled in." Nacelle suggested.

"Yeah, see if we can't get you some empty quarters." Bitstream added.

"Or, let you bunk with someone." Sunstorm said.

"I…" Starfire vented a sigh. "Okay. I do need to rest… I had a long trip. But, I need to… Argh!" He kicked the ground then rubbed over his faceplates in exasperation.

"What's wrong?" Nacelle perked his wings.

"Just… You saw what happened!" Starfire exclaimed as he threw his arms up. "He humiliated me back there! I came back to take my rightful place as Alpha and he just…"

"Hey, calm down." Nacelle held his servos up in a peaceful gesture. "We'll get you trained on how to fight. Every Seeker needs to know. I'm sorry you missed out on the critical training period of learning how to kill. We'll make up for it now."

"You also probably should start scouting for aft to court." Bitstream spoke. "Singles can't be Alphas if that's your endgame. Then again, if Hothelm couldn't defeat Contrail for leadership, I highly doubt you will."

"Oh, stop it, Bitsy." Sunstorm chastised him. "Hotlink came close. And even if he didn't win that doesn't mean no one else can."

"Just sayin'." Bitstream shrugged.

"Just… Take me somewhere to unpack my things." Starfire vented a sigh.

"Come with me." Nacelle took his servo and began to lead him away.

Some of the other Seekers started to follow, including Sunstorm, but Bitstream grabbed him and pulled him back.

"What?" Sunstorm perked his wings as he looked at his trinemate.

"Nothing. Just think we should do something." He began to pull him in the opposite direction.

Sunstorm lowered his wings some as he followed. He glanced back, still having a hard time believing that Starfire had returned.

Nacelle palmed open the door to his quarters and led the young Seeker within. "So, here's my place. We can find another berth for you to use, but feel free to recharge on the couch until then."

Starfire slowly nodded. "Thanks." He then sat down on the couch. "So, mind telling me all that happened during my absence?"

Nacelle sat on the couch beside him, the coneheads, Rainmakers, Elevon, and Red Wing all sat around, their wings perked.

"So, basically what happened was…" Nacelle paused. "First Thundercracker and Skywarp left and never came back. It was a couple of orbital cycles after they disappeared that the Autobots contacted us and informed how they… Executed Starscream. We were devastated. Those of us who cared for Starscream at least. We suddenly found ourselves dodging the traditional trineleaders who were at each other's throats. There was so much fighting, and us singles, half trines, and those not interested in the position constantly getting dominated, beaten, and thrown around. The fighting lasted well over a decacycle before Contrail rose to the top. Even though he lost his trinemates in the war he was still a trineleader so qualifies for the position of Alpha. He defeated everyone who was fighting for leadership, then went about dominating and beating practically everyone. Those trined got dominated and beaten, while us singles just were beaten. Once everyone was submissive to him, he finally stopped and began to make changes."

"Yeah, made it very clear that no one was to interface with non-Seekers." Red Wing pointed out.

"Unless it was raping or using prostitutes, really." Thrust added.

"Yeah, he doesn't want anymore half-breeds or bastards being created. If someone were to interface with non-Seekers we need to be extra sure we don't spark 'em." Elevon said.

"He's become very strict." Nacelle continued. "He's called all Seekers back here to Cybertron to better control us. It took him a lot of convincing to get Megatron allow him to do it. He basically tricked Megatron into believing that if the Seekers were to be controlled they had to be with their new Alpha so he could dominate them, turn them submissive, and then he could control them. But, he still hasn't sent any Seekers back out."

"He did that not only to dominate all of us but to get himself some new trinemates." Ramjet said.

"Yeah, that femme he had with him is one of them." Elevon said. "Nova, and the other trinemate is Stormrunner. Both a couple of whores if you ask me. They just wanted to get in with the Alpha so offered themselves to him."

"And do those three frag nonstop…" Ramjet grumbled. "Rumors starting to spread that Contrail might be looking to grab himself some breeding mates. He's as traditional as they get so he will want to breed as many mates as he can as soon as he can."

"Yeah, more sparklings he makes the better he looks." Thrust added.

"I thought Decepticons couldn't breed. Not when warriors." Starfire asked slowly.

"Contrail doesn't really follow all the 'Con rules. He's not a fan of Starscream's decision to join the Decepticons." Nacelle explained.

"Yeah, he always believed that going to war was one of the biggest mistakes." Nova Storm said.

"The damn fragger can't even lead an army." Acid Storm grunted. "Megatron refuses to even recognize him as the Alpha and insists on putting someone else in charge of the Seekers. He tried putting some non-Seeker as the new Air Commander. Well, it didn't work very well. Those who aren't Seekers can't keep up with us in battle or lead us into the fight. It just ended up with Seekers tearing him apart out of frustration and throwing his remains at the Autobots."

"And someone then delivered his helm to Megatron and said, 'Try again.'" Ramjet smirked.

"So," Starfire started. "What position is Contrail in in regards to the Decepticon forces?"

"He's the same rank as all of us Seekers. Petty officers." Acid Storm answered.

"Megatron won't even let him attend meetings or know anything Starscream would know." Nacelle said.

"And speaking of the army… Things have spiraled to hell since Starscream's deactivation." Acid Storm continued. "Without him leading the Seekers we have basically become useless. Without his strategy and lack of fear towards Megatron, we have been losing battles to Autobots left and right. Megatron is never countered on plans he makes and when generals see potential flaws, they are too afraid to say something. Starscream never was. And so, now flaws get put into action and we suffer the consequences. And these generals don't know how to work us Seekers into their plans. They don't know how to strategize like Starscream could. It's all gone to hell and now it seems we are not going to win. I doubt we are. I'm ready for when the Autobots come after us and capture us. The goal is to just protect my trinemates and see if we can make it through whatever end awaits us."

"Where is Megatron?" Starfire asked.

"Why you want to know?" Nacelle inquired.

"Am I not supposed to?"

"You better not be wanting to do something stupid."

"What makes you think I would?"

"You're Starscream's son. That's all the explanation needed."

"He makes a valid argument." Dirge nodded.

Starfire rolled his optics. "My carrier wasn't insane."

The other Seekers all smiled, some chuckling.

"We still question that." Ramjet commented.

"Yeah, he was weird… Especially him going about being 'fabulous' all the time…" Acid Storm pointed out.

"And the things he did with his trinemates." Nacelle reminded.

"I still question if he was really dominant or a submissive trying to act tough…"

Starfire flicked his wings. "My carrier was a great mech. And regardless what any of you say I will become the next Alpha."

"You're forgetting something, mechling." Acid Storm crossed his arms. "You need a trine, first off, then you need to defeat Contrail in combat. You do not have a trine, nor are you capable of battle. Contrail kicked your aft like you were a newly emerge just a bit ago."

"Then I'll get a trine and train." Starfire said sternly.

"I like your determination. But determination doesn't win you the Alpha position. It can help, but you need to be able to kill."

"We will help train you." Nacelle said. "Every orbital cycle. We'll go over everything and turn you into a proper Seeker. And when you have time free from training, you can start courting. I know all the available Seekers. I can help point you out to potential trinemates."

"The sooner I can get them the better." Starfire grunted.

"No, you don't rush trining." Acid Storm snapped. "When you court you are looking for someone to spend the rest of eternity with. Not just a couple of people to frag. A trinemate is your other half, the piece of your spark that was missing. You belong to them and they belong to you. You take your damn time finding them. It can take from orns to vorns in order to get even a single trinemate. But despite how long it may take, it will always be worth it. The love, bond, connection… everything about trining is the greatest feeling you'll ever have. No one will love you and protect you like a trinemate."

"Aww…!" Ion Storm fluttered his wings as he hugged his trineleader. "We love you too, 'Cid."

"Now I'm horny." Nova Storm blurted out as he too hugged the green Seeker.

"Don't make out in my quarters." Nacelle flicked his wings. "I try to keep it clean here."

Starfire rubbed over his faceplates as he rested his elbows on his knees. "Fine… I'll find a trinemate no matter how long it may take me. Can we start now?"

"No, you rest for now. You just got here." Nacelle said strictly. "We will start in the morning with some training then scouting for potential trinemates."

Starfire vented a sigh. "Fine… Whatever gets me to my destiny."

The Next Orbital Cycle:

"And that's Stormbreaker. Traditional and bossy." Nacelle pointed as he and Starfire perched themselves on a beam in the rafters of the hangar. Their peds were hooked into it, letting them comfortably crouch, their arms resting on their knees, and wings held high. "Of course Elevon, my friend. He's nice, semi-traditional, artist. Ask him to show you his work sometime. And the most dangerous single is Slipstream. The femme in the corner there."

"The sexy one?"

Nacelle snorted. "Yeah, sexy and deadly. She'll break your arm before you could even think about courting her. Many have tried. She's an incredible warrior, very dominant, and I bet she would be amazing in berth."

Starfire's optics brightened for a moment. "So, no one can claim her?"

"Negative. She is indomitable."

The young Seeker smirked. "I might be the first then."

Nacelle gave him a "are you a fucking idiot?" glare. "No, stay away from her. I rather you not die so quickly."

"I won't die."

"Uh huh. "Focus on possible targets."

"Okay, I'm trying to think which ones to try."

"Just court all the possible ones. Most will reject you so you'll be able to narrow down pretty fast."

"Fine. Where do I get some flowers?"

"Fields outside of the city. Northeast."

"Understood."

"Just don't die."

"I won't."

"Better not. I was once a royal guard so watched your carrier. Protecting him best I could. I failed, but I'm not going to do the same with you."

"How cute." Starfire smirked.

"I kicked your aft in training this morning. You have a lot to learn, mechling."

Starfire raised an optical ridge, his wings flaring. "I'm working on it."

"Yeah, well, I'm going to overwork you." He gave the young Seeker a serious look before turning to look over the hangar. "Go get your flowers. A lot of them. Then begin your courting. I wish you luck."

Nacelle then leaped off the beam, transformed, flew a short distance, transformed again, and landed. Starfire watched him, his wings perking. He gave them a slight flick.

"Better be people worthy here…" He grumbled to himself before taking off.

Starfire walked through the hangar holding a bouquet of crystal flowers. He glanced around, trying to figure out which of the Seekers Nacelle pointed out to him would be best to court first. His wings perked, approaching a turquoise Seeker. He couldn't recall the designation, but he remembered that this Seeker was submissive, non-traditional, and a bomber. Starfire held up the bouquet to him, his wings perking as he shyly smirked, feeling a little ridiculous about doing this.

The turquoise Seeker eyed the bouquet, then him. His wings perked, curious about this relatively new Seeker and the unusual size of him. Starfire was so tall, thick, and just… handsome as hell. A very nice catch, if they were to match personalities.

The other Seeker gave a slight flick of his wings, red optics roving over the other's frame. Suddenly, he punched Starfire in the abdominal plates, flicked his wings, and growled his engine. Starfire yelped, taking a few steps back. He flicked his wings, then stepped over to the other Seeker, reached over and pinched a wingtip. The other Seeker jumped away, kicked him in the codpiece, then took off on his thruster heels.

Starfire watched him go, flicked his wings, and narrowed his optics. He vented a sigh, walking away. It was normal for Seekers to reject someone many times before accepting gifts, but it just reminded him how long this process could take.

Bitstream sat at one of the tables, Sunstorm beside him. The two were kissing passionately on the lip plates, their servos holding each other and wings perked. Bitstream held Sunstorm's mandible and neck, while the yellow Seeker held his brother's hip and chestplates. The blue Seeker onlined his optics, noticing Starfire walking by. He broke the kiss to look up.

"Hey, champ. Why do you look so glum?"

Starfire hiked his wings, glancing over. "No reason." He grunted.

"Sit down. You've been working hard all orbital cycle. I saw you training earlier. Rest." He offered, gesturing towards the empty seats at the table.

Starfire hesitated, then sat down next to Sunstorm. The outlier fluttered his wings, smiling so sweetly. Bitstream pressed a kiss to his brother's cheekplates, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. Sunstorm fluttered his wings, loving being with his trinemate.

"So, what are you up to?" Sunstorm asked.

"Just trying to find a trinemate." Starfire said in the same tone.

"Awwwww! I know, it can, like, totally be difficult and pressuring, but you just gotta stay positive! Turn that frown upside down!" He giggled, his wings fluttering again.

"Not to be rude, but smiling doesn't always make situations better."

"Sure it does! A positive outlook on life is a key to success! And with Primus guiding your way, there is nothing to worry about."

"I don't believe in Primuse."

"Aw…" His wings drooped. "Well, could I perhaps pray for you so you can be successful?"

"Sunshine, he's not going to want you to slagging pray for him." Bitstream grumbled.

Sunstorm gave his brother an annoyed look. "Well, I will pray for the both of you regardless."

"I apologize for my brother. He's obsessed over fantasies."

Sunstorm rolled his optics. "You'll realize the truth soon enough. And I pray it's before it's too late."

"Uh huh." He grabbed the yellow Seeker and pulled him onto his lap, wrapping his arms around his waist. "I highly doubt that."

Sunstorm fluttered his wings, enjoying being on his brother's lap. "You'll see."

Bitstream suddenly bit Sunstorm on the neck cables hard, eliciting a yelp from the outlier. Sunstorm wriggled and squirmed, trying to get away.

"Bitstream!" He pushed back at him as more harsh bites tore into his neck stabilizers.

"Stop struggling." Bitstream growled, easily holding his trinemate in place.

Starfire raised an optical ridge. "Is this how you two usually interact?"

"No! Sometimes Bitsy treats me with love. Ouch!" He cried again when another cruel bite clamped onto the other side of his neck.

"Bitstream, stop torturing him."

Bitstream slowly did so, his wings giving a slight flick. Hotlink stopped beside them, his wings hiking.

"What are you doing here, bastard?" He demanded.

"Excuse me?" Starfire perked his wings, giving the purple Seeker a perplexed expression.

"Hottie, be nice to him!" Sunstorm piped up. "He's all lonely and needs friends. I mean, like, he totally is an orphan now. We should adopt him!" He then giggled, fluttering his wings.

Hotlink stroked Sunstorm's helm lovingly, the outlier eagerly leaning into the touch and smiling such a massive, dopey smile. "The last thing I want is a half-bred bastard interacting with my trine." He said before kissing Sunstorm oh so dearly on the lip plates.

Sunstorm's wings lowered, his smile fading. "Hottie, please, be nice. Starfire isn't a bad guy. His carrier was murdered. He needs encouragement and-and support from fellow Seekers."

"Aw, my dearest, Sunstorm." Hotlink kissed him again, holding his mandible. "You are truly the kindest, sweetest spark to have ever been created. I love you for it, and not an orbital cycle goes by that I don't smile at you for being yourself. But," His wings hiked up. "Starfire is a bastard, and his sire was a shuttle. His own carrier was a whore who brought dishonor to the Seekers, was a terrible leader, and died by a needle instead of combat. And therefore, Starfire is a nobody. He's a half-bred beast wandering hopelessly about searching for a mate he'll never find. He is beneath us, Sunstorm. And therefore must be ignored and cast out into the wilds where it belongs."

Sunstorm was silent, his lip plates slowly parting. Hotlink ran a thumb over those lip plates, then kissed them again, Sunstorm not kissing back.

"Hottie… Please, be nice to him." The Outlier said softly, his wings drooping.

"Yeah, Hothelm, he's just a mechling." Bitstream added, hugging Sunstorm and stroking his thigh.

Hotlink flicked his wings at Bitstream, then kissed Sunstorm again. Starfire flicked his own wings, not trusting Hotlink at all. Hotlink stepped away from his trinemates and walked around them towards Starfire. The young Seeker growled his engine, optics narrowing. Suddenly, Hotlink attacked. He grabbed Starfire's wings and viciously yanked him off the chair, causing it to fall over. Starfire gave a startled squawk, finding himself under the purple Seeker as he punched and tore at him.

Starfire desperately fought back, struggling to get away. Sunstorm was shouting for Hotlink to leave him alone, other Seekers just watched. Starfire managed to punch Hotlink in the faceplates, giving him a chance to wiggle free, transform, and take off, his crystal flowers being left behind on the table.

Hotlink flicked his wings as he stood, watching the young Seeker fly out of the hangar and away. He turned to his trinemates, studying them a moment before returning and sitting beside them. Sunstorm crossed his arms, not looking at his trineleader.

Hotlink reached over, grabbing Sunstorm and pulling him onto his lap. He kissed him on the cheekplates, his servos holding his waist and thigh. "Sunstorm, it's for the best. You are above that whore's creation." Hotlink said gently.

Sunstorm glared daggers at nothing in particular, staying silent a moment before speaking. "I want Bitsy."

Hotlink's wings hiked, his optics narrowing some. "Sunstorm, there's no need to get upset."

Sunstorm turned to his trineleader, his optics yellow, golden electricity zapping out of them. "I want Bitsy." He growled.

Hotlink eyed him before reluctantly releasing him. Sunstorm quickly returned to Bitstream's lap and hugged him. The blue Seeker hugged his yellow brother back, stroking his backplates. Hotlink watched them for a moment before venting a heavy sigh.

"I can tell when I'm not wanted." He grunted before getting up and stomping away.

Bitstream perked his wings, his optics on Hotlink until he left. "Hey," He turned back to Sunstorm. "How about we go to my quarters and we get some bonding in. Will that make you feel better?"

Sunstorm slowly nodded. "Yeah, let me drink some more energon so I have enough."

"Alright, love." He kissed him on the lip plates.

Nacelle sat in his quarters watching his TV, relaxing now since he had finished his patrol. He startled when the door slammed open and Starfire stormed inside. The young Seeker kicked over a table before grabbing a chair and slamming it into the wall.

"Whoa! Hey! Hey, stop it!" Nacelle leaped to his peds and ran over, grabbing Starfire's arm.

Starfire swung his fist and smashed it into Nacelle's face. The smaller Seeker cried out as he fell back, ungraciously landing on his aft. Starfire's optics widened some, his wings lowering as he realized what he had done.

"Nacelle! Oh, I'm so sorry!" He quickly crouched beside him before helping him up.

"Ugh… Slagging…" Nacelle groaned as he stood up. "The hell was that for? And the hell were you beating my furniture? All it's done is be wobbly…"

"I… It was a reaction. I'm sorry. And… I don't know… I needed to hit something."

"Next time… Go to the training room and hit drones. Why are you pissed off?"

"Hotlink attacked me."

"Why?"

"He said I was a 'half-bred bastard' and therefore couldn't be around his trinemates." He growled, wings flicking as his optics narrowed.

"Just ignore the moron." He gave a dismissive wave. "Hotlink hates everyone but Sunstorm. And even then I've seen him use a whip on him. Just avoid him and other traditional trineleaders."

"His trinemates were being friendly and invited me to sit with them. He just came out of nowhere and attacked after insulting me and my carrier." He flicked his wings.

"Be careful of Bitstream. He's… Not like other Seekers. I don't trust him. Sunstorm is fine. But Bitstream…" He slowly shook his helm as if remembering something. "Just be careful around him. And never be left alone with him."

"I can take care of myself."

"Not with Bitstream. Please, just listen to me on this. I don't want to fail Starscream in protecting you."

"Fine, whatever." Starfire stomped to his berth and sat on it. He rubbed his faceplates tiredly before exhaling. "I'm never going to find a slagging trinemate…" He groaned.

"Don't say that. You'll find one. Everyone does."

"Then where are your trinemates?"

Nacelle swallowed, his wings lowering. Starfire moaned in exasperation.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that." He said softly.

Nacelle bit his lower lip plate, then turned and walked out of the room. Starfire watched him leave, his wings flicking. He turned, punched the berthtop, then threw himself down on it in frustration. Nothing he did was ever right. He kept slagging up and now who knows if he would achieve his destiny with these stupid rules. Damn it all!

An Orn Later:

Starfire slumped on the couch, tossing the crystal flowers aside. He tiredly rubbed over his faceplates, exhausted after his long orbital cycle of courting. All he did was court. For the past orn he would court up to fifty Seekers an orbital cycle. Some made it very clear they would never consider him, a few seemed like they were curious where something could go, and others were quite uncertain, simply playing along because they had no idea what else to do at this point.

It was exhausting, tedious, and annoying. He didn't feel a connection with any of these Seekers he was courting. Yes, some were quite beautiful, and he enjoyed seeing them fly, but just… It wasn't in his spark, nor was his intimacy getting a turn on. How could he ever trine someone that he never felt connected to or aroused by?

He looked up when Nacelle entered the room, the red faced Seeker holding a bowl of energon goodies. He smirked at the younger Seeker, then sat beside him.

"So, I have acquired these munchies. Wanna watch a film?" He inquired.

Starfire shrugged. "Sure."

"How was courting?"

"Terrible."

"That bad?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry. You'll find the right person. I doubt you'll go as long as I have. You're the creation of Starscream. Many Seekers liked him. He was hot."

"Well, it would be nice if someone trined me based on myself and not on who created me."

"I court people based on who they are. I don't care who their creators are. Many hated mine so, whatevs." He shrugged dismissively.

Starfire studied Nacelle for a moment, remaining silent. He was a good looking Seeker, smart, friendly, and a good warrior. He had only ever been kind to him, since he was a tiny, helpless sparkling to now where he had no one around. And poor Nacelle had courted and been rejected by every single half trine and single Seeker. He literally had no one else to court. It was so odd when he was such a great mech. Why would no one want to be with him? And to top all of that, he did look like he would be good in berth. He was semi-dominant as well, which should work out just fine with a high dominant like Starfire.

No, Nacelle was a good choice. One he probably shouldn't overlook if he wanted trinemates fast.

Starfire picked up the bouquet of crystal flowers and proffered them to the older Seeker. Nacelle looked at them, then his optics widened as he turned to Starfire. If he had been organic he would have been blushing, his wings lowering some.

"You're…" He bit his lower lip plate. "Y-you're courting me?" He asked in complete bewilderment. "I've… Ahem… I've never been courted before."

"Really?" He raised an optical ridge. "I find that hard to believe."

Nacelle's face would have been even redder if he had been organic. He hesitated, then took the bouquet and held it close, his first gift from a potential trinemate. Starfire gave a small smirk, looking so much like his carrier. Nacelle was the first to accept any of his courting, and honestly, he felt the most compatible.

"So, what are we watching?" The larger Seeker asked.

Nacelle shrugged, his optics never leaving his new bouquet. "I don't know. Whatever you feel like watching."

"I'll put something on, I guess."

Nacelle didn't say anything, just fluttered his wings, his optics still locked on the crystal flowers.

One Orn and Four Orbital Cycles Later:

Starfire had given up on courting more than half the Seekers he had been. And he was about to quit on even more. They just weren't working, and he felt like he was being forced to deal with them. He wanted to court someone he enjoyed courting. That didn't feel like labor to him. And so far the only one was Nacelle.

Nacelle fluttered his wings as he took the small box Starfire held out to him. He opened it, smiled broadly when he saw it filled with energon goodies, then proceeded to eat them. Normally, a Seeker wouldn't be accepting and eating goodies from the one courting until stellar cycles into the routine. But, Nacelle was eager for a trinemate, he did like Starfire, and he just was tired of being alone. Tired of seeing all his friends trining, making love, and having a family. He wanted to know what that felt like. To interface, to have two people who loved you so much, and… In the future to have a daughter. He wanted one so bad. Starfire was strong and certainly would give him lots of creations, especially if he became Alpha. He was totally fine with that idea.

Starfire leaned closer and kissed Nacelle on the cheekplates. Nacelle quickly shoved him away, not ready for accepting any of that. He still needed to see if they would work out. Last thing he wanted was to have gone too fast into this and end up with what Hotlink and Bitstream had. Hatred and resentment in the trine, but unable to split because of Sunstorm. They both loved him, and anyone of them leaving would only cause Sunstorm's condition to worsen. And he was already very bad.

Starfire silently watched Nacelle finish his energon goodies, then leaned forward and nuzzled olfactory sensors. Nacelle giggled, pushing the larger Seeker away and quickly looking down sheepishly.

"Stop." He said barely louder than a whisper, trying to hide his smile.

Starfire fluttered his wings, wanting to make Nacelle happy. If he was happy with Starfire, he would accept him sooner. And, let's face it, Starfire was eager to find out what interface felt like. He wanted to bond with his trinemate. He wanted to no longer be single.

Nacelle perked his wings as he looked up. Starfire did the same, curious as to what caught Nacelle's attention. Contrail stood before their table, his trinemate's in formation behind him. A servo rested on his hip as he raised an optical ridge, watching the two closely.

Starfire flicked his wings, his optics narrowing some before he reached down and grasped Nacelle's codpiece. Nacelle jumped a little, quickly pushing the groping servo away. He flicked his wings, growled his engine, and shoved Starfire some.

"How is the courting going?" Contrail inquired, his free servo resting the tips on the tabletop.

Starfire didn't answer immediately. "Since when did my courting concern you?"

Contrail's wings gave a slight flick. "Watch how you speak to me, youngling. You don't want to see me angry."

"I don't want to see you period." Starfire grunted, not noticing Nacelle's widening optics.

Contrail stomped around the table, grabbed Starfire, and yanked him out of his seat. The younger Seeker instinctively fought back, grasping and punching at the Alpha. Contrail fought back, the two suddenly on the ground wrestling, tearing at each other, and leaking energon from olfactory sensors and damaged plating.

Seekers were quickly gathering, curious to watch this battle with the Alpha. Hotlink flicked his wings, keeping his trinemates with him at their table and away from the action. Other traditional trineleaders did the same, not wanting their trinemates to bother with any of that.

Nacelle was now standing amongst the crowd, Elevon soon beside him. Seekers were shouting, some cheering, some laughing. Vibrant wings flicking, the energy getting the crowd restless and a few punches and hits thrown at each other.

Contrail slammed Starfire's faceplates into the ground several times before pulling him up and throwing him against the table. Starfire started to get up when Contrail grasped his nape and wing, pinning him down.

"You are just like your carrier." Contrail panted softly, his engine growling furiously and optics glowing brightly. "Never knowing when to quit and constantly pissing off the wrong people."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Starfire snapped back.

Contrail flicked his wings as he snarled. "Since you are still new, I'll go easy on you for this punishment." He pushed Starfire down. "Stay." He then slowly removed his servos. Starfire started to get up, but Contrail pinned him back down. "Stay put." He growled into Starfire's audio receptor. "You have been defeated, you submit to your punishment, then once I am done with you, you may leave. Got it?" He flicked his wings.

Starfire narrowed his optics, remaining silent. Contrail hesitated, then slowly released him and stood straight. Starfire stayed in position, just wanting whatever Contrail was going to do to be over so he could go back to courting Nacelle.

Contrail unsubspaced a thick, metal cable and doubled it over in his servos. "Since you are a mere sparkling, I won't use a whip on you. This time. But I make no promises for the next time should you act up again."

Starfire rolled his optics, not having the patience to deal with this moron. Contrail stood beside Starfire, tapping his aft with the cable.

"Keep this up." He ordered.

Starfire glowered back at him, thinking this utterly ridiculous. He remembered seeing his carrier get these sort of beatings from his uncles, but they couldn't have been that bad if Starscream always seemed wanting more every night. He slowly lifted his aft higher into the air, his wings flared out. He flicked them when some Seekers started to chuckle, mocking him for his current position.

"Look ahead and don't move."

Starfire did so, engine growling a bit louder. Contrail raised his arm, then brought the cable down hard on Starfire's aft. The young Seeker's optics widened just before he leaped back, crying out as he instinctively covered his aft. He took a couple of steps back as the other Seekers laughed at his reaction, most of them having gone through this and knowing they had been tougher throughout it.

"Get back over the table." Contrail growled with clenched denta, pointing to said furniture with the cable.

Starfire didn't move. "This isn't necessary, Contrail!" He exclaimed, not wanting anymore of that.

"You will not obey me! I am the Alpha! And as long as you disobey and disrespect me, you will be punished. Get back over the table or else you will be chained down and a whip will be used instead."

"What makes you think you can boss me around!?"

"I'M THE ALPHA! I am the leader of the Seekers. Now, LEAN OVER!"

"Make me!"

Contrail grabbed him and threw him over the table, fighting him as he struggled. He wasted no time in beginning to lash Starfire's aft as hard as he could, as his free servo pinned Starfire down by the nape. Starfire yelped and cried out from the blows, not use to pain like this, or really any pain at all. He started to try and wrestle free, when Nova and Stormrunner grabbed his arms and held him down. His frame kept screaming at him to escape, so he continued struggling, kicking his legs, needing to get away, but it only brought more brutal blows to his aft, lower back, and wings.

"I can do this all night, bastard." Contrail grunted as he kept beating him.

Starfire reset his optics, not wanting to cry in front of everyone. He had to be strong. He was going to be Alpha, and he would not bring shame to his carrier's designation by acting like a sparkling. But it hurt so much, and he just wanted to get away. Everything was screaming at him to get up and run.

Starfire clenched his denta, clawing at the tabletop, fighting off the sobs threatening to escape. He could hear those watching chuckling and talking between the sounds of the cable striking his body. It seemed to never stop. Lash after lash after cruel, stinging lash rained down upon him. His back arched, instinctively trying to pull his aft away from the pain, but he couldn't escape. It was the worst pain he had ever felt. No, when Megatron had flogged him when he was a sparkling had been the worst pain. This was the second worst pain. Not even the fights he was in hurt as much as this. And at least then he could do something about it. Here, he had to just suffer through it all because the idiot was the Alpha. For now, at least.

It was over two breems before Contrail rained down the last few of the hardest blows he could muster on Starfire's burning aft. He subspaced the cable just before grabbing Starfire's aft and squeezing. Starfire swallowed, not use to anyone touching him like that. He suddenly noticed that his wings were lowered in submission, not recalling ever doing that. He swallowed as Contrail's servo rubbed over his aft before giving it a light slap.

"You have a nice aft. Like your carrier's. And like his, it's only causing trouble." The golden Seeker commented before grasping a wing and yanking Starfire up. "Act out again and you'll receive much worst." He paused to study Starfire's faceplates, but he managed to keep them an enigma. He looked so much like Starscream right now, and that angered Contrail even more. "Get out of my sight." He growled.

Starfire didn't feel like fighting back at that. He just wanted to get away from everyone. He turned, shoved past everyone, and ran out of the hangar, ignoring the laughter that followed.

Nacelle lowered his wings and quickly walked out of the hangar himself. Contrail flicked his wings, then smirked, grabbing his trinemates and kissing them both on the lip plates.

"Mmm, punishing people just makes me hard." He purred to them. "Remove your codpieces and turn around for me.

Nova and Stormrunner lustfully smiled back, quickly doing as ordered.

Nacelle palmed open the door to his quarters, his wings perking for a moment before drooping back down. He locked the door behind him, then approached Starfire's berth. The young Seeker was lying on it, sobbing into his arms. It was a mixture of crying from the terrible pain, the humiliation, and just the failure of being unable to get what he was meant to be getting. Why did the universe hate him so much?

Nacelle sat beside him, placing a servo on his shoulder. "I'm sorry that happened…" He said quietly. "You need to be careful with him. He's traditional. They are quick to punishment."

Starfire took a bit before he was able to lift his helm and speak. "I r-really don't want to talk right now, Nacelle. Please, just… Leave me be."

Nacelle slowly nodded. "Alright. Let me know if you need anything." He gently stroked Starfire's wing before getting up and walking away.

Starfire swallowed, offlining his optics. How was he ever going to become Alpha like this?

Skyfire's baby all grown up and off to destroy people. :'( Sad panda Skyfire.

Yeah, Starfire is being bratty, but he's gone through a lot. Give him a break.

Isn't Sunstorm adorable!? So Kawaii! Much puppy!

Sorry for taking a while to post. Been trying to get the last artworks on my to do list drawn and completed before college starts back up. At this point I have 22 left to go! The new year has started leaving a shitty year behind. Fuck you 2016. You took my cat's life, the lives of many others, and Trump got elected. Fuck you. Let's hope 2017 is better.

More Seeker drama and violence to come!