Author's Note: Thanks to Exactlywhat and Answerthcall for their reviews and thanks to Exactlywhat for pointing out a typo in the last chapter. While writing this chapter I enjoyed writing an slightly overprotective Starscream (definitely entertaining). Enjoy and I own nothing but Shadow and her brothers and my Jetfire (that statement makes a little more sense if you've read Aggressive Negotiations and paid attention to my author's notes)
Shades of Grey-Furious and Frantic
Shadow had slipped into recharge in TC's arms and now the large and slightly sadistic Seeker paced back and forth nervously as he waited for Starscream's com to clear. Thundercracker was not afraid to admit that Starscream terrified him when the SIC was searching for Shadow. Starscream may not have truly been Shadow's creator but he sure acted like it and he was overprotective as possible about her safety. Jetfire and Soundwave were the only ones allowed to have Shadow around without his say so. Right now Jetfire was in Kaon with Shadow's brothers and Soundwave was busy rebooting the security grid before the Autobots arranged another strike so TC was stuck with youngling watch duty which wouldn't be so bad if Starscream wouldn't yell at him in the end. Finally the SIC's com cleared and TC was able to get a link established. ::I have Shadow. She's unharmed but Soundwave said to inform you that he can't watch her right now:: "Please don't explode about this," TC whispered quietly as he waited for Starscream to respond.
::Fine:: Starscream replied after a moment sounding tired and strained. ::I have to go see Hook and then I'll come get her. Where are you?::
::Main flight deck:: TC replied hoping he didn't sound as relieved as he felt. Starscream hadn't completely lost it or at least didn't have the energy to. It was nice not to get a full scale rant for having the youngling around without permission.
A few silent breems later loud voices echoed through the empty flight deck. Megatron and Starscream were arguing again. The pair entered; Starscream recently patched up and Megatron dripping energon everywhere from a wound caused by someone's lucky, or not so lucky, shot. The SIC gently took Shadow's from TC's arms and said, "Thundercracker would you mind taking Megatron to the med bay before her drains out?"
"I will not be escorted to the med bay until I find out what happened," the Decepticon leader growled menacingly but Starscream ignored his leader and TC winced slightly. Footsteps echoed once again through the not so empty flight deck and Soundwave came into view limping slightly.
The communication director looked over the group and then snapped, "Megatron go to the med bay. TC you need to find Skywarp before he drains out running around like an idiot." TC went but Megatron began to protest.
"I will not go until..." the massive 'Con began but he never got to finish.
"You won't know what happened until I get the security grid online again and that will take a few joors at the least. Go get fixed up before there's no one to tell," Soundwave snapped. Megatron went.
"What happened? Why was she with TC instead of you?" Starscream growled as soon as they were alone.
"I had to bring the power back on and left her with Ravage. While I was on my way there I noticed several sensors were tripped and told Ravage to get her out of the communication room," Soundwave explained patiently. "He took her to TC under my direction. I needed him in the communication room." Starscream vented a heavy sigh before turning to leave. His progress was abruptly halted by Soundwave's next words. "Ravage said one of them had a hold of her long enough to get a good look."
"What?" Starscream screeched, furious. "How could he allow..." Soundwave's blow to Starscream's injured shoulder abruptly silenced the SIC.
"There were three of them and only one Ravage. I don't think any harm will come of it but I wanted to warn you."
"What did they look like?" Starscream asked after a moment, furious hysteria echoing in his voice as he spoke. Soundwave pitied any of the three mechs that Starscream saw next battle.
"Two dark blue and one silver. None of them were exceptionally large thankfully," Soundwave said. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to go work on the system again." With that said the cold and supposedly emotionless communication director exited the flight deck leaving Starscream alone with a recharging youngling and murderous thoughts.