Author's note. Starscream's first day in the Autobot base. Thundercracker becomes even more worried and yes Megatron's not in such a good mood anymore. I'm sorry once again for the bold in chapter nine, I really will make sure that doesn't happen again. As always enjoy and please review.
Skyfire sighed as he stared down at his friend who was sleeping peacefully. Such a contrast to last night when Skyfire had woken to find Starscream reliving Megatron's abuse. It had taken an hour of reassurance and comfort to calm Starscream and even then Skyfire had had to give him a sedative to help him sleep. Skyfire had reluctantly returned to his own berth, because although he wished he could watch over his friend he also knew he needed to be rested in order to look after the seeker.
He had somehow managed to sleep and as soon as he had woken up he had gone to sit by Starscream's side. Starscream was lying curled in the foetal position, clinging to his blanket. Skyfire hoped his friend wasn't dreaming, he needed his rest. Skyfire sighed again, and returned to the data pad he was reading.
Two hours later, Starscream started to stir and Skyfire quickly got up and poured a cup of Energon for him. Starscream had been sick last night.
Starscream woke slowly, still groggy from the sedative. When he was fully awake, he stared up at Skyfire and his lip trembled slightly. But Skyfire simply smiled at him, letting him know it was all right and offered him the Energon. Starscream took it and drank slowly. When he was finished he handled his empty cup back to Skyfire and said.
"I'm going to have a shower and then..I want to go out. I don't want to stay cooped up."
"Alright Starscream, but why don't we just explore the base today. It's been a while since we last had a visit from the Soundwave and his spy bots, we don't want to risk them spotting you if they're prying around." Skyfire replied with a smile.
Starscream nodded his consent and headed off to the wash room. Skyfire waited until he could hear the sound of running water and then he comm'd Ratchet.
"Ratchet here, how are you, Skyfire and how's Starscream?"
"He had a nightmare last night." Skyfire said sadly. "He dreamed Megatron came into his room and started abusing him. In several different ways. He ended up purging his tanks and I had to give him a sedative so he could sleep."
Ratchet sighed heavily before asking.
"Was it just a dream or a flashback?"
"A flashback I think as he mentioned his trine not hearing. Ratchet if he wasn't safe even in his own berth near his friends."
"I know, I know. This would explain some things about his personality. Why he's so defensive and suspicious about everything and everyone. Any thing else I need to know." Ratchet asked gravely.
"He wants to leave the room today, he's starting to feel trapped and I can't deny him." said Skyfire firmly.
"That's to be expected" said Ratchet but before he could say anything else, there came a loud beeping over the comm.
"That's Teletran 1" said Ratchet. "Looks like the Con's are finally crawling out of the woodwork. Looks like you'll have the base pretty much to your self."
"It's probably better that way" Skyfire said simply.
"Skyfire even though the Decepticons are likely to be busy, I wouldn't let him out of the base, not until we can work something out."
"Don't worry, I already mentioned to him it was unlikely we'd go out." Skyfire said reassuringly.
"I need to go" said Ratchet. "Oh by the way, Ironhide will have to go out with us, but I think you'll be okay. Don't hesitate to call me if any thing happens."
"I will, thank you Ratchet." Skyfire said as Ratchet disabled the link.
When Starscream was ready they set off out of their room. It was very quiet as they made their way through the deserted corridors.
"Where does that way lead" asked Starscream pointing down a large messy corridor that led to a large steel door.
"That's the Dinobots quarters, um probably best if we didn't go down there." said Skyfire uncertainly. Starscream laughed and said.
"Don't worry I have no intention of going any where near those prehistoric rejects."
"Now Starscream, they're very valued members of the Autobot team and if, well their not the smartest."
This made Starscream laugh harder. Pointing an accusing finger at Skyfire he chuckled.
"Admit it Skyfire. They're all brawn and no brain. They have to be constantly wheedled to do anything."
"Much like the Stunticons?" asked Skyfire chuckling. "My understanding is their intelligence isn't the highest, all they do is crash into stuff."
"I suppose they are somewhat loose canons but they suit.. Our purpose." Starscream trailed off. Skyfire could tell Starscream had been about to say something else but he let it slip. There was certainly nothing to be gained reminding Starscream of certain mechs.
Presently they came to Wheeljack's lab which was near the Dinobots quarters. Since Wheeljack had been one of the main creators of the Dinobots, he had wanted them to be close. Starscream frowned at what looked like a human traffic light outside Wheeljack's lab. Skyfire laughed at Starscream's bemused expression and knew an explanation was in order.
"Since Wheeljack's inventions have an unfortunate habit of blowing up, we divised this system where we know when it safe to enter. Green, every things completely fine. Yellow, be cautious when you enter and red, don't go in."
"An interesting way of doing things" Starscream mused. "There's a green light on at the moment."
"Your right, shall we see if he's up to anything?" Skyfire suggested. Starscream shrugged a yes. As they made their way over, Starscream said.
"It is very quiet"
"Most of the Autobots are out defending a power plant" said Skyfire as they walked through Wheeljacks lab door. They saw the Autobot inventer was pouring over some diagrams. As they came in he looked up.
"Hey there" he greeted cheerfully as they approached. Starscream glanced at Skyfire. Wheeljack name wasn't one of the ones Skyfire had mention about knowing his secret. Still he wasn't sure what to make of the friendly greeting. But Skyfire smiled to let him know it was alright.
"What are you up to Wheeljack" Skyfire asked seeing as Starscream was still a bit unsure.
"I'm actually working on something for Starscream here"
Seeing Starscream's surprised look, he continued.
"If the two of you is going to be coming for flights and stuff, we need to make sure the Decepticons don't pick you up."
"You are working on a cloaking device" said Starscream, his interest caught.
"Sure am" said Wheeljack, delighted at Starscream's interest. "Course there are some catches, it'll only be a short range with the main generator in my lab so I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to go very far. But still it'll be something and you won't be cooped up in here. I can't imagine if I was locked out of my lab I'd go crazy."
"May I take a look" asked Starscream in a polite and very interested voice.
"Sure pull up a seat and go ahead." said Wheeljack happily.
Skyfire sighed once again that day, but this time happily as Starscream settled beside Wheeljack and the inventor started going over his invention. Skyfire just hoped that Starscream got on this well with the other Autobots because maybe, just maybe he would want to stay with them for good.
Much later.
Aboard the Nemesis.
Megatron glared at seekers Thundercracker and Skywarp. He wasn't in a particularly good mood. It was bad enough that Prime and his team had fought with extra enthusiasm today but Starscream had failed to turn up and apparently had been missing for the last couple of days.
Megatron scowled inwardly. Did his wayward young seeker really think hiding would help? When he got his hands on him.
"So you have no idea where your trine leader is?" he growled as he looked at each seeker in turn. They shook their heads and then Skywarp spoke up.
"Can't understand it sir."
"Sir" said Thundercracker cautiously, he didn't want to annoy Megatron further.
"I'm worried, sir. What if he's injured and unable to call for help. Neither me or Skywarp have been able to reach him on his comm. I'd like for permission for me and Skyarp to go search for him." said Thundercracker.
"Very well, you can search for him tomorrow if he doesn't turn up tonight." Megatron conceded before adding. "Unless he is injured, once you find him you are to bring him to me immediately."
The two seekers thanked him, bowed and headed out of his office. Megatron leaned back in his chair, fingers joined together. He would have to keep a closer eye on his second in command to ensure Starscream didn't try anything. Of course soon that wouldn't be necessary, once he'd taken care of certain things on Cybertron. Megatron smiled, soon Starscream would be completely within his power. Soon.
Author's note. What's Megatron up to now?. What ever it is, it can't bode well for Starscream. Next chapter Starscream gets into trouble with some of the Autobots and a horrible secret is revealed. Also his trine begin their search for him. The following Autobots have been suggested as troublemakers for Starscream, Huffer, Cliffjumper, Bluestreak and the twins. (Fraid I'm not going to use Kup as he's G2 and I'm sticking to G1 characters). Thing is I'm not very familiar with these Autobots except for the twins. Could someone tell me what kind of personalities Huffer, Cliffjumper and Bluestreak have and then I can think about using them. Thanks.