This chapter and the one that will follow it were definitely the hardest to write so far, not only because I'm introducing original characters but because this is the chapter that lays the groundwork for a plot explosion. Originally, this chapter and the one after it were going to be one big chapter, but I felt better splitting them up. I don't know how many times I thought I was happy with a portion of this, only to go back and completely rewrite it. That's probably why this chapter took so long to write. But now the fun begins.
Text in parenthesis is someone speaking over the com link.
All text that is italicized in bulk is a flashback.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers and don't get anything but personal entertainment from writing this.
Enjoy.
Chapter 9: Secret
"Do you know them?" Megatron asked lowly. The shocked look on his Second's face gave the answer the flier could not. Starscream had been right, they were all Seekers, most of whom looked similar to Starscream himself but with bulkier builds. Though, in the grand scheme of things, Seekers all tended to look the same anyway, so Megatron disregarded that train of thought.
The largest of the Seeker group stepped forward. He was colored a magnificent golden yellow on his chest, hips, feet, and from the elbow down on his arms. The rest was a finely polished white that reflected the yellow glow of the sun, giving him an ethereal appearance. His helm looked like a golden crown set atop his head. One of the most eye-catching features of this particular Seeker was his wide, proud wings that sat perked up high and arrogant on his back. His faceplate contrasted with the rest of his body, being charcoal black, with two sizzling amber optics. He and the other mechs behind him had bodies with sharper edges, contrasting noticeably against the streamline curves of the Air Commander and his trine Megatron was accustomed to seeing. These differences were quickly attributed to the fact that these new Seekers were from Cybertron and had not taken an Earth alt-form. However, that same fundamental Seeker build still showed through.
The golden mech approached Starscream as if Megatron didn't even exist. The Decepticon Commander frowned indignantly. Didn't that fool know who he was? Close up, the mech seemed more aged and worn than his fine paint job and polish let on. This Seeker's appearance struck Megatron as familiar all of a sudden, but he couldn't recall where he had seen him. It must have been long ago, he surmised.
"Starscream, I knew we would find you here on Earth," the large Seeker began, his voice deep and charismatic, "I had heard that you joined the Decepticons and crashed on some distant planet with them. It took a lot of searching, but eventually we thought to check this planet, seeing how it was once one a part of your scientific exploits. I thought back to you and your partner Skyfire and knew you would be here."
The six fliers behind him seemed disinterested and remained silent, not even bothering to look at Megatron or Starscream. The large mech looked down his nose at the Decepticon Second in Command expectantly. Starscream hesitated, a look of utter confusion on his faceplate. His optics darted back and forth between the mech speaking to him and the others in the background. Feeling incredibly lost, Megatron could only stand and stare, a frown on his face to mask his lack of understanding. Finally, Starscream spoke.
"You're dead!" he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at the golden flier then sweeping his hand across to point at the other fliers, "You died in the Riots of Vos before the war! You and almost all my brothers! Only Shootingstar and Nightwing weren't among the bodies! I saw it! Thundercracker, Stormshadow, and I saw it!"
Megatron perked up at the mention of the riots. For years, he assumed Starscream had been away on some scientific expedition during that time- almost all of the other survivors had been away from the city. How else would the Seeker have survived, when almost all the citizens of Vos had been eradicated in those riots? And then there was Thundercracker, who was apparently with Starscream and that mech that Megatron had seen in his Second's memory files. Megatron had assumed that the blue Seeker had been with his violet companion. After all, Skywarp was the only flier who had ever brought up the riots, and he always bragged that he simply teleported away with a friends. As far as Megatron knew, Skywarp and Thundercracker were inseparable since a very young age. But now everything Megatron thought he knew about the Riots of Vos proved to be completely inaccurate. If Starscream ever found a reason to investigate the riots, he could easily discover Megatron's involvement, which would completely devastate any progress the gun-former had made. This visitor was stirring up trouble when he was supposed to be dead.
Starscream shook almost imperceptibly, but Megatron picked up on it almost immediately. His Second feared their visitors- another reason to get them off the planet as soon as possible.
"Dead? Starscream, don't be so foolish. Do you really think that I could possibly be killed in something as silly as a riot? Now, quit being so ridiculous and give your creator a proper greeting," the mech replied calmly, a touch of malice just below the surface. Megatron's frown deepened at this exchange. This mech was Starscream's creator? This created ever more problems. Starscream took a frightened step back before he managed to steel his resolve.
"I saw it happen! I was with Thundercracker and Stormshadow, and we came across your bodies! Someone went out of his way to go to the palace to attack our family and all but two of you died just outside the gates!" Starscream yelled.
"You were mistaken. Surely you were far too frightened to think clearly, let alone be sure of what you saw," the mech stepped forward and grabbed Starscream by the arm, pulling him close to whisper, "I am attempting to be cordial in front of your comrade over there. I can't imagine that you'd want to stir up trouble, especially since you are outnumbered, seven to two. Even a fool such as you should understand that anything but hospitality will be unwelcomed at this time."
He released his offspring's arm with a noticeable shove and took a few steps back. Megatron glanced back and forth between the two, unsure of what exactly to make of the situation. He still couldn't fully take in the fact that this golden Seeker was one of his Second's creators.
"Where is Skyfire?" the mech asked. Megatron growled lowly, becoming frustrated at being ignored. Starscream looked at him briefly before returning his gaze to his creator.
"Had you been alive after the Riots of Vos, you would know that he was lost on an expedition we went on, right before I left the Science Academy, only a few years after the riots," Starscream snapped. His creator frowned and clenched his fists, a motion that had Starscream taking an involuntary step backward.
"But he is not dead," the mech replied casually.
"How do you know that?"
"I didn't, until just now. Is he staying with the Decepticons? I need to have a word with him."
"Skyfire is a traitor, and he's certainly not here with the Decepticons."
It became incredibly apparent that the golden Seeker could barely restrain his anger. He shook slightly with rage, doing all he could to keep from striking his son. After all, he said he was trying to be cordial. Megatron briefly mused that Starscream received his short temper from this creator. The other fliers finally took to watching, all with curious amber optics.
"Well then, I suppose we'll have to take refuge here until we can find him," the golden flier replied, his voice somehow calm despite his obvious anger.
"Why do you need to find him so badly?"
"Since this ridiculous war has torn Cybertron apart, we have been forced to find other places to take residence. We Seekers have managed to stake a claim on nearby worlds. We have created a new Vos where we can live as neutrals again. We don't need these foolish Autobots or Decepticons. I plan on finding Skyfire on this world and bringing him with us. He'll make a fine bondmate for you and will hopefully correct that disgraceful attitude of yours," he turned and finally acknowledged Megatron, who was more than ready to strike this arrogant, problem causing visitor, "I assume you can provide us with quarters and Energon for the next few days."
"For strangers? You may be related to Starscream, but that doesn't mean my doors are suddenly wide open. I am Lord Megatron, and this is my base," Megatron growled, doing all he could to rein himself in. Starscream eyed his leader warily and fought the urge to yell. He and Megatron exchanged glances, but Megatron couldn't hold his Second's gaze for very long. Instead, he redirected his gaze back to his visitors. The golden Seeker frowned but prepared to reply.
"Then we shall introduce ourselves. I am the Grand Seeker of Vos, Lord Suncaller. Introduce yourselves, my sons," Suncaller ordered calmly. The remaining unidentified Seekers stood in a line ordered in color from orange to purple, their faceplates becoming gradually darker. As they arranged themselves and prepared for introductions, Megatron felt his processor stall momentarily. This was the Suncaller from Starscream's memory files? Now he had a face to match the memories. He scowled as movement captured his attention.
The first son stepped forward, his body build a replica of Suncaller's but colored orange instead of gold. He didn't quite match the height of his creator, but he was the closest of all the Seekers.
"I am the oldest son of Suncaller, and my name is Sunchaser," he said, his voice deep like his creator's, but lacking that fluid charisma his creator displayed. Sunchaser stepped back in line slowly and the second of the six stepped forward, painted a yellow-green. He was a head shorter than Sunchaser, and his helm more closely resembled Starscream's than Suncaller's. This mech possessed a long, narrow wingspan that was exclusive to him.
"I am Skyshot, kind Lord," he said politely, his voice soft, before quickly returning to his place in line. Megatron crossed his arms in disinterest as the introductions continued. The third mech didn't even bother stepping forward, certain that it was obvious he would be the next to speak. His body was almost an exact copy of his creator's in a deep green, but he had noticeably broader shoulders and looked bulkier than his brothers.
"Solarwind," the mech said gruffly before crossing his arms over his chest and shuttering his optics. The next son approached- another facsimile of Suncaller- painted teal.
"They call me Skyline," he smiled shyly before backing away, his head bowed. A navy blue flier quickly stole the attention of the gun-former. His body resembled Starscream's in that he was lithe and a little smaller than his brothers. One distinct feature he possessed was a visor he wore over his optics, which mirrored the amber glow of his family's optics.
"My name is Nightwing," he smirked, placing a hand on his cocked hip. After a brief pause, he took his place back in line, the smirk never leaving his lips. Starscream scowled and crossed his arms over his chassis as he shifted his weight to one side. Briefly, Megatron could feel the strange fluctuations in his Second's energy field, and he wondered if Starscream felt jealous of his showy blue brother. The thought brought a misleading smirk to his faceplate.
The final son stepped forward, painted a vibrant purple. This Seeker's helm looked just like Starscream's though it too was painted a lively purple. He was smaller than most of his brothers- save Nightwing and Starscream.
"I am the second youngest son of Suncaller, and my name is Shootingstar," he said calmly, his voice not quite as deep as his brothers', excluding Starscream who huffed angrily at his brothers' showmanship.
Shootingstar possessed the same calculating gaze Starscream sometimes displayed, which threw Megatron off for a moment when that gaze settled on him. For a moment, Megatron and Shootingstar stared one another down, and Megatron couldn't help but feel as though the small flier was asking a million questions with his optics. He could feel the disdain rolling off his Second when his youngest brother locked optics with him. Contempt was thick in the air. He took the time to note the two brothers- Nightwing and Shootingstar- that Starscream mentioned earlier. Those were the only two Starscream didn't seem at all threatened by, and they were the two that managed to escape the riots, according to Starscream.
"Welcome to my base of operations, the Nemesis, Seekers," Megatron stated stiffly before walking toward the base. Starscream followed close behind, an aura of disdain surrounding him. On the way, Megatron contacted his Communications Officer.
"Soundwave, come in."
(Yes, Lord Megatron.)
"Prepare seven rooms as quickly as you can. We have guests. They are Starscream's family, though not even Starscream seems to trust them. They could be trouble, so watch them closely when they arrive."
(As you command, Lord Megatron.)
As they continued to walk, Megatron spoke to his Second quietly.
"I take it you don't enjoy the company of your family. I didn't know the Grand Seeker was one of your creators," the gun-former said.
"There's a good reason for that," Starscream hissed, "Suncaller all but disowned me. I don't know why he even bothered to come find me."
He shook his head in anger, certain that if he didn't get away from his family soon, he would do something incredibly stupid. The anger he felt toward them failed to subside, and he knew it would only grow worse if he didn't escape soon. He frowned deeply before transforming into his jet mode and tearing through the sky back to the base. Megatron stared after his edgy Second, slightly bothered by the fact that he was now alone with seven strange Seekers. The fact that they were related to his treacherous Second made him uncomfortable having them all behind him. Suncaller broke the gun-former from his thoughts with mocking laughter as he caught up with him.
"I see he is still too pathetic to face his own problems," the large flier smirked, "He has never been very brave. What do you have a coward like him do in your army?"
"Starscream is my Second in Command and Air Commander," Megatron stated as professionally as he could manage. Rage simmered just below the surface, threatening to boil over and wreak havoc. He wasn't stupid, though. He wasn't about to let his anger cause him to make a tactical error. Seven Seekers spelled trouble if provoked, especially when outside with so much sky available to them. Stirring up trouble now would be in no way beneficial to the warlord- a fact he knew quite well. For the moment, he would play nice and be polite to the Seeker family, at least until he could get them into his confined base.
"You make a grave mistake offering Starscream such power. It will only lead to trouble, if it hasn't already," Suncaller growled.
"He has earned his position in my army," the gun-former replied, hoping to spite Suncaller without provoking him too greatly. The Grand Seeker grew more frustrated.
"It matters not. I'm taking Starscream back to New Vos with me in a few Earth days," the flier growled. Megatron frowned, thoroughly displeased with Starscream's creator.
"That decision is ultimately Starscream's," the Decepticon Commander informed, 'And mine,' he thought possessively. Suncaller simply frowned at the gun-former's attitude as they continued toward the Nemesis. Before they made it inside the base, Suncaller turned to his second youngest son.
"Shootingstar, scour the planet for Skyfire," the old flier ordered. Without question, the purple Seeker transformed and took off in the opposite direction. The remaining seven Cybertronians walked into the base, where they met Soundwave. After brief introductions, Megatron left the Seeker family with his Third in Command and went to find Starscream.
He walked briskly to his Second's quarters and found the door locked. He knocked strongly. A long moment passed before the door slid open. After seeing it was Megatron at the door, Starscream walked back inside without a word and returned to his workshop, leaving the door open for his leader. Megatron walked in slowly, making sure to lock the door behind him. He strode into his Second's workshop to see the flier working on his Null Rays- a sign of his simmering rage. The Seeker didn't say a word as Megatron approached him and wrapped his arms around him from behind.
"Your creator really does think you're useless," he laughed. Starscream didn't respond, much to Megatron's displeasure. Megaton took note of the flier's cold and silent demeanor.
"So I told him that I made you my Air Commander and Second in Command," he continued. Starscream still didn't respond. Megatron frowned deeply. He hated being ignored, especially by someone like Starscream. The gun-former spun the Seeker around in his arms, causing Starscream to drop the tools he held.
"What's your problem, Starscream?" he demanded.
"You want to know what my problem is? My creator, my dead creator, is here demanding that I join him and my brothers, most of whom are also dead, at this New Vos he's created! On top of all that, he wants me to bond with that traitor Skyfire! That old glitch can't let go of tradition, so he's created a new city of fliers and wants us all to go there and live under his sheltering rule. If I refuse to go, he'll force me! He'll do whatever it takes to make my life miserable! He shouldn't even be here, but somehow he's managed to go from a gray, sparkless corpse to living again! And all he wants to do is ruin my life all over again! That's what my problem is!" Starscream roared, flailing his arms in his anger. Megatron was slightly confused and surprisingly found himself unable to be angry at his Second's harsh outburst.
"Were you certain they were dead?" Megatron asked in a calm tone that surprised them both.
"Of course I was! Like I said, Thundercracker, Stormshadow, and I saw them. We were flying by and saw their corpses just outside the palace. We landed, and it was obvious that the bodies belonged to my family. The only ones that weren't present were Nightwing, Shootingstar, and their other creator, Jetstream. We checked each of the bodies and if their spark chambers weren't already completely destroyed, their sparks were gone. They were dead!" Starscream continued to yell.
"Perhaps they used doubles and it was the doubles you found outside the palace. That wasn't an uncommon practice, especially for royal families," Megatron argued, realizing at that moment that his Second in Command was technically royalty.
"I lived with them. I would know if they used doubles. Suncaller was far too arrogant to do something like that. He was so certain that he was the strongest mech to ever live. Not only that, but Suncaller's story doesn't match up at all. If he had still been alive, he would have known that Skyfire didn't make it back from Earth, especially since he paid so much attention to that traitor. I doubt he even knows I left the Science Academy to attend the War Academy," Starscream argued, taking a sharp intake before continuing, "He said he was told that I joined the Decepticons, but if he had been alive, he would have known immediately, because he hated the thought of any factions existing on Cybertron and would have done anything to keep the Seekers neutral. Not only that, but he claims that he searched for me for a little while, but then he knew that he would find me on Earth because he heard we crashed here. If that was true, he would have showed up thousands of years ago and missed us, or he would have found the Ark and either reactivated me or killed me for good because were trapped on that stupid Autobot ship for four million years."
"The main problem with that logic is the fact that your creator is alive, along with your brothers."
"Unfortunately, yes. But they died, I know they did. They're hiding something and I intend to find out what. Maybe Nightwing or Shootingstar would be willing to talk."
"Do you plan to go with them then?"
"Of course not! Suncaller is determined to have me bond to Skyfire, and I'd rather die than be forced to spend the rest of my life surrounded by Skyfire and my family."
"Suncaller plans to force you to bond with Skyfire?" Megatron asked. Suncaller had mentioned earlier that he wished for Starscream to bond with the shuttle-former, but he didn't assume he would try to force his son to do it. Not only that, but how would Suncaller even managed to force them to bond? The hateful glare the Seeker was shooting at the ground brought Megatron back his senses. He grabbed the flier close and planted a rough kiss on his lips.
"He won't be taking you anywhere," the gun-former said sternly after breaking the kiss. Starscream stared up at him, confused.
"You are my Seeker, and they won't take you from me," Megatron continued. The Air Commander wasn't sure how to respond. Surely Megatron was just toying with him again. The flier didn't want to get his hopes up, but at the same time, he wanted to enjoy what Megatron was offering, especially when his leader sounded so possessive. He tried to become angry, but he just didn't have it in him. Instead, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"He won't care that I'm your Air Commander and Second in Command. I'm his son, and he'll demand that my brothers help him take me away. He doesn't take no for an answer," the Seeker hissed, attempting to stick to his original plan to keep Megatron from seducing him any further and failing miserably.
"Then he'll have to go through me. I won't let them take you away after all the trouble I've gone through," Megatron declared. The Air Commander tried to hide his excitement. He reminded himself over and over in his head that Megatron was simply taking advantage of a weakness he discovered in his Second.
"I should finish my work," Starscream said resolutely, hoping his leader would leave him alone.
"I think your work can wait," the gun-former said roguishly. The flier became nervous. He continued to try to convince himself that Megatron was simply toying with him, but he simply couldn't come up with a reasonable escape plan.
"But I have a lot of work to do," he said pathetically.
"It can wait, Starscream," the gun-former purred, "I still have to pay you back for the present you've given me."
Megatron dipped his head and captured the Seeker's lips again. He pushed his Second against the wall roughly. The Seeker yelped at the abrasiveness of the touch, completely caught off guard by his leader's impatience. Regardless of that fact, a pleased moan escaped his lip components, urging the gun-former to continue. Starscream's resolve had evaporated in a matter of seconds. The heated sensations running through his circuits were unbelievable. He loved the way Megatron stroked his wings and worshipped his cockpit with his mouth and quickly found thinking clearly impossible. The gun-former chuckled as his every touch elicited a pleasant sound from his Second. Megatron stood back to his full height and looked down at the Air Commander.
"Starscream," he began. The flier looked up, his faceplate displaying the desire they both felt. Megatron had to stifle a groan.
"I want to te-," he was cut off by a banging at the door. Starscream snapped out of his stupor.
"Ignore it, there are more important things to attend to," the gun-former smirked. The knocking continued and someone spoke from outside.
"Starscream, I suggest you open your door. That boring fellow told me this was your room and I have no issues with blowing the door down," the voice warned. Starscream cursed quietly.
"Slag, it's Suncaller," he hissed, completely sobered by his creator's appearance.
"Stay in here," he ordered his leader, though he caught himself and looked pleadingly at Megatron, "Please."
The gun-former scoffed, clearly insulted. Starscream, against his better judgment, quickly wrapped his arms around the Decepticon Commander and placed a quick kiss on his lip components.
"He can't see you in here with me, you're not a flier," he apologized before dashing out of the workshop and to his main door. In his rush, he failed to lock his side room door, which slid closed casually, leaving Megatron inside to eavesdrop, which he did shamelessly. He could hear the door to the main room slide open.
"What took you so long to open the door?" Suncaller asked gruffly.
"I was in the other room working on something that required my full attention," Starscream answered truthfully. He hoped his creator wouldn't notice the labored sound of his air intakes trying to cool down his heated body.
"And what exactly were you working on?" Suncaller probed further.
"I usually work on weapons for the other Decepticons," the Air Commander answered evenly.
"So that Megatron fellow has you stuck down here working on weapons for him? How can you allow yourself to work under such a mech? He is a groundling and has no power over you, so why do you stay with these Decepticons?"
"I did not join the Decepticons because I wanted to work for a groundling, I joined because I believe in the Decepticon cause," Starscream declared. Suncaller frowned at his youngest son.
"It doesn't matter how much you respect his cause, because he is a silly groundling not worthy of even your time. I suggest you start getting your belongings ready. We'll be leaving within the next couple of Earth days, after we find your future bondmate," the golden flier said forcefully.
"I am not bonding with Skyfire! He's gone crazy! He tried to reprogram me not to long ago! I can't be with a mech like that, especially since I don't like Skyfire, let alone love him," the Decepticon Second in Command declared defiantly. He received a backhand for his words that sent him stumbling backward.
"If I tell you to bond with him, you will bond with him, Starscream. The choice isn't yours to make, and love has nothing to do with it. You need a mech that can teach you some manners! If what you say is actually true, at the very least Skyfire would be doing me a favor by reprogramming you. You've always been so disrespectful, something I'm certain you get from your other creator," Suncaller laughed.
"Don't you dare bring him up," Starscream growled, clenching his fists.
"Still a sore spot for you, I see. You have always had a weakness for him," Suncaller laughed.
"Shut up! He is no concern of yours!"
"You took it so hard when he died," Suncaller mocked.
"I said shut up!" Starscream shouted, "And he isn't dead!"
He lunged at the Grand Seeker, throwing a wild punch in his rage. The blow was easily deflected.
"Why do you have to be so defiant, Starscream?" Suncaller growled.
"Because there is no one in this room worthy of my time or respect," Starscream spat, his crimson optics burning fiercely.
"How dare you!" Suncaller shouted, grabbing his son by the throat, "You insolent wretch, I'll teach you some respect!"
He threw the smaller flier across the room with enough force to cause Starscream's body to leave a dent in the wall. The younger Seeker fell to his hands and knees on the floor as his air intakes hitched from the force of his creator's throw. He looked up at Suncaller and narrowed his optic shutters. He crouched low, preparing to attack, but the larger Seeker could easily read him.
"Do you want me to kill you, Starscream? Is that it? Do you intend to attack me until I finally finish it? Well, I won't be doing you any favors today, you worthless pair of wings. Get up!" Suncaller demanded. Starscream stood, a grim expression on his faceplate. A muffled clatter could be heard from the side room.
"Who's in there?" the Grand Seeker growled.
"No one," Starscream stated with effort.
"We'll see about that," Suncaller stated, walking over to the side room. The Air Commander jumped up and rushed to his creator's side as the door slid open to reveal no one inside. On the floor at the foot of the door was a pistol. Suncaller picked it up and turned it over in his hands, a look of disdain on his faceplate.
"Is this the sort of weaponry you build for these soldiers? It's so primitive," the golden flier mocked. He tossed the gun aside, which Starscream caught delicately. Absentmindedly, he ran a hand along the barrel. Suncaller looked around the room briefly, frowning at everything he saw.
"They have you stuck in this tiny, sad excuse for a laboratory making primitive, inefficient weapons? This place is ridiculous. I can't stand to be in your quarters a moment longer. Out of the way," Suncaller growled, pushing Starscream aside and marching toward the exit. He turned briefly and spoke.
"I meant what I said earlier. I suggest you start packing your things, Starscream." With that, the Grand Seeker left his son's quarters. Gun still in hand, the Air Commander rushed to the door and locked it. He set the gun in an open space on the floor before retreating to his berth, grumbling Cybertronian obscenities. Megatron transformed from his place on the floor, slightly disappointed that Starscream hadn't used him to shoot Suncaller. He did however recall the light strokes he received from his Second. Those were quite pleasant.
He found the Seeker sitting on his berth, grumbling angrily. The gun-former approached the angry flier and took a seat on his berth. He placed a servo on the Seeker's back and, when Starscream made no move to push him away, Megatron began tracing small circles on his wings. It calmed the Air Commander down a bit. However, Megatron's silence unnerved the flier. He didn't know what to expect next. Was Megatron trying to get him to relax so he could surprise him with the punishment he knew was coming? After all, Starscream had brought seven unruly Seekers to the Nemesis and saw fit to boss the Decepticon Commander around. Surely Megatron wouldn't let such transgression slide- Starscream had been punished for lesser grievances.
When no blows came, the Air Commander chanced a look at his leader, who had been staring at him the whole time. The flier felt incredibly nervous. The Decepticon Commander pulled his Second into his lap suddenly and nuzzled his neck. Starscream shuddered from a mix of surprise and the pleasant sensation.
"I told you before, he won't take you from me," Megatron said sternly, tightening his hold on the Seeker. Starscream was at a loss for words. The gun-former turned and placed Starscream on his back on the berth after a few moments of silence. The flier tensed slightly, so Megatron simply kissed all along the Seeker's face and neck, smirking when his Second relaxed. Megatron began running his hands up and down the flier's form, memorizing which spots earned him the most vocal response. He shifted so that he was on his knees above his Second, a leg on either side of the Seeker's form. He leaned down, bracing himself with a hand on either side of Starscream's helm. Then he captured the jet-former's lip components in a searing kiss. Starscream wrapped his arms around his leader's neck, moaning softly but shamelessly into the Decepticon Commander's mouth.
For the millionth time, Skywarp appeared in his trine leader's room. When he realized what he was interrupting, he almost left on the spot, but he remembered why he was there in the first place. Megatron noticed the intruder first and broke his kiss with Starscream. He growled lowly.
"For the love of Primus, Skywarp, what is it this time?" he yelled. Skywarp could tell the Decepticon Commander was frustrated in a variety of ways.
"I'm sorry, but there's a serious situation at the entrance of the base that needs your attention," the teleport said quickly.
"What could possibly be that important?" the gun-former huffed. Starscream simply stared at his trine mate, slightly embarrassed. Megatron remained hovering over him, only turning his head to face Skywarp as he waited for a response.
"It's Starscream's family. One of them found Skyfire and now they're trying to get us to let him in here!" Skywarp warned. Starscream cringed- Shootingstar was an efficient tracker.
"What!" Starscream yelled. Megatron took that as his cue to get off the Seeker.
"Take me to them," the gun-former ordered. Skywarp nodded.
"I'm coming too!" the Air Commander demanded as he rushed from the berth to his wing mate. Megatron was not in the mood to argue with his Second. He grabbed the red and blue flier around the waist and pulled him close.
"Stay close to me," he ordered. Starscream simply nodded. Skywarp watched the scene carefully but said nothing. Instead, he placed a hand on the Decepticon Commander's shoulder and teleported to the entrance of the base. When Megatron appeared with his arm around Starscream, the others turned and stared. The gun-former shot them all a look, which scared them off. Megatron pushed Starscream gently behind him and approached Suncaller, who glared at him angrily.
"What are you doing with my son?" the Grand Seeker demanded. The mix of Decepticons and Starscream's family watched the scene silently.
"Wasn't it obvious?" Megatron said snidely.
"It looks like you think yourself worthy to lay your hands on a Seeker," Suncaller growled.
"You think I'm not worthy to touch Starscream?" Megatron asked calmly. A few Decepticons wondered what exactly their leader meant by that.
"You aren't a flier. You could never be worthy to touch any Seeker, even Starscream," the old flier declared. Starscream huffed and stepped around his leader, intending to give his creator a piece of his mind.
Sudden movement cut the conversation short. Shootingstar stepped forward, a taller figure following close behind him. Starscream narrowed his optic shutters and hissed angrily.
"You aren't welcome here, Skyfire!" he shouted. The other Decepticons readied their weapons in the Autobot's presence. Suncaller's sons, save Starscream, reacted in kind by pointing their weapons at the Decepticons.
"Now Starscream, that's no way to treat your future bondmate," the Grand Seeker laughed. Skyfire stepped forward, smiling at Starscream. The situation just begged for a wrong look or word.
"I was so happy when your brother found me, Starscream. We can finally be together," Skyfire said with excitement, ignoring the hostility around him. The Seeker frowned deeply, his most recent interaction with the shuttle-former still fresh in his mind.
"We aren't going to be together, Skyfire," the Air Commander roared. Everyone stiffened further.
"Suncaller has given me his blessing! We're going to be together," the shuttle-former said, more forcefully this time.
"I won't go with you! I don't care about New Vos and I don't care about you, Skyfire!" Starscream cried. Suncaller frowned and marched toward his son. The Decepticons weren't certain if they should fire. He raised his hand to strike the smaller Seeker down. Megatron could tell his Second was too distracted to react effectively. Megatron grabbed Suncaller by the wrist as he swung, causing the Grand Seeker to let out an indignant huff. The Decepticons and oldest sons of Suncaller stared one another down as the situation grew worse.
"How dare you!" Suncaller yelled. Megatron smirked.
"This is my soldier, and you are not allowed to lay a hand on him so long as he is under my command. If you have a problem with him, I suggest you take it up with me," the gun-former growled as fiercely as he could manage. The golden flier tore his hand from the Decepticon Commander's grasp.
"You have no right to touch me, groundling. I suggest you hand my son over and let us leave without question. Otherwise, I will have no other choice but to use force," Suncaller warned. The Grand Seeker knew the cramped area they stood in wouldn't allow for flight for many mechs, let alone room for them to maneuver. He hoped Megatron wouldn't call his bluff, but the look in the gun-former's optics mirrored his determination.
"Try me," Megatron challenged, "If you want to take Starscream from me, you'll have to kill me. I won't give him up without a fight."
The two mechs stared one another down for what seemed like an eternity before Suncaller finally lowered his gaze.
"My sons, let us leave for now. We'll come back for Starscream when the time is right. Skyfire, I expect you to accompany us," he said, narrowing his optic shutters at Megatron, "Groundling, I care not that you have this small force under your command. Starscream is my creation and I will take him, one way or another," the large flier threatened before turning his back and leaving briskly. His sons and Skyfire left quickly behind him, though they did not turn their backs on the anxious Decepticon forces. Starscream relaxed noticeably. Megatron turned to his Second.
"We won't let him take you," he said lowly. The Decepticons looked at Starscream in shock.
"Starscream, your creator is very rude. Why did he come for you anyway?" Blitzwing asked curiously. Astrotrain walked in closer, clearly wondering the same thing. The others gathered around as well, crowding the Air Commander. They bombarded him with questions, most of which were unintelligible since everyone spoke at once. Starscream took a step back, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. He looked around frantically. Megatron noted his Second's flighty movements and knew what was coming. He approached the flier and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Starscream, you need to calm down," Megatron said quietly. The Seeker gripped his helm in his hands and shook his head.
"Leave me alone!" he screeched, shaking the hand from his shoulder, transforming into his jet mode, and tearing through the base away from the crowd. They all assumed he was throwing yet another fit and just going to his quarters to calm down.
Starscream flew into a deep, dark corner of the base, transforming back into his bipedal mode when he reached a dusted over storage closet. The Seeker entered in the code for the lock, stepped inside, and locked the door behind him. Then found a clear spot on the floor to lie on and forced himself into recharge, unwilling to think about the mess that was currently his life. The rest of the Decepticons forces went about their daily routines. Megatron ordered Soundwave to take special care in monitoring the area for Starscream's family.
When night fell and most of the Decepticons were off to recharge, Megatron walked briskly to the control room. He put up the strongest mental barriers he could manage before approaching his Communications Officer.
"Soundwave," he began, "Do you remember the Riots of Vos?"
The tape-deck simply nodded once, having prepared for this since he saw his leader earlier during his introduction of Starscream's family. The riots were at the front of Megatron's mind then.
"So you recognized those other mechs, too?" Megatron continued.
"Affirmative. Suncaller: Killed along with four of his offspring in front of the Palace of the Grand Seeker. Killer: Megatron," Soundwave replied.
"I see," Megatron mumbled. He knew he recognized that face. He remembered killing that very mech.
"I remember. Do you think Starscream suspects anything?" Megatron asked.
"Negative. Starscream: Thought only of removing his creator from the Nemesis. He lacks suspicion at this point."
"Did you get a read on Suncaller or the others?"
"Negative. Their minds were unreadable."
"Hmm," was all Megatron managed to say before a heavy silence hung in the air as both mechs tried to make sense of the information. Neither made any progress, so Megatron decided to work with something he knew could be dealt with.
"Locate Starscream," he ordered.
"As you command, Lord Megatron," the tape-deck answered. He had read his leader's mind earlier during the confrontation with Suncaller. The Decepticon Commander had wanted nothing more than to tear the Grand Seeker apart. So many overwhelming thoughts had passed through the gun-former's mind, Soundwave had trouble keeping up. Megatron didn't even know what to make of the thought of Starscream discovering that most of his family had been murdered by the very mech he claimed to love. Starscream was clearly one of the silver mech's focuses then. The tape-deck snapped out of his trance when his leader placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I told you to locate Starscream. What are you doing?" Megatron asked. His Third in Command had just sat there, staring off into space for a moment.
"Apologies: Slight relapse into past events," Soundwave stated. He checked for the Decepticon Second in Command and found him in an unusual place, "Starscream: Located in storage block 47 on floor six. Observation: Storage facility unused and unlikely place for him to be. Theory: Starscream desires privacy to work through issues plaguing his mind. Overactive thought processes will lead to greater paranoia in Starscream."
"Overactive thought processes?" the gun-former asked curiously.
"Affirmative. Note: Flight capable Cybertronians possess the ability to run through vast amounts of scenarios in short periods of time to make constant flight corrections in the air. Theory: Starscream is over thinking recent events that have transpired, coming up with far too many scenarios to sort through. May lead to a CPU fault if he's not careful," Soundwave said, the last portion being an attempted joke. Megatron didn't seem to take it that way. He barged out of the room and made his way to Starscream's hideout as quickly as he could. He passed a few lingering Decepticons who jumped out of his way in fright as he stomped past them and further into the depths of the Nemesis.
When he arrived at the storage room, he punched in the access code angrily. The door slid open, and Megatron expected to see Starscream pacing around anxiously or cursing in the room or both. Instead, he found his Second asleep on the floor, a deep frown set on his lips. Megatron certainly hadn't been expecting that. For a moment, he struggled not to chuckle at the thought of Soundwave being so incredibly wrong about Starscream. He walked in quietly and locked the door behind him.
If it had been any other mech, Megatron would have kicked him at the very least, but when he looked down at Starscream he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Was he going soft? Was Starscream making him weak? His pride said yes, but his spark disagreed loudly. He didn't know how to handle a situation like this. He knelt down next to the sleeping form of his Air Commander, placed a hand on the flier's shoulder, and shook him until his optics flickered on. Starscream jumped up and scooted back until he hit the wall when he realized someone had found him in the dark room.