A/N: I'm back! Sorry for the looonnngg wait, been really busy lately. Namely moving from WV to KS, job-hunting (and in this economy finding one is about as elusive as 16 pt. buck) and doing LOTS of PT. I apologize for any grammar/spelling errors and I hope this chapter flows smoothly for you. So enjoy dear readers and don't forget to leave a review on your way out!
Chapter 10: Escalation
Alexis could only stare in wide-eyed horror at the terrifying menace before her. The scream that threatened to escape her parted lips never made it past the constricted vocal chords within her throat; she was no longer in control; the master of fear and horror controlled her body now.
She was also vaguely aware of Coldstone's body pressing against her own with such force that she was finding it difficult to breathe. She could feel him trembling uncontrollably, but whether he was shaking from fear, anger or maybe even both, she could not decide.
For what felt like an eternity, the three beings stared at one another; fear and shock on both the humans' faces while a lecherous, sneering grin slowly parted the newly re-built Seeker's face. A familiar raspy chuckle escaped the mech's lips, only this time it sounded much more resonant within the relatively tiny confines of the hangar.
"H-How? How can this be possible?" Stoner whispered, more to himself than anyone else. He slipped his hand behind his body and grasped Alexis's own in a firm grip. Everything about his world had suddenly turned upside down into a maelstrom mix of violent emotions. Anger, shock, and most predominantly fear surged through his veins like flood waters through a levy. Cold, clammy sweat made his clothing stick to his skin. Of all the fantasies he had ever entertained of confronting his father's killer, this scenario never even came close. Some would call it irony, others would say it was tough luck, but for Coldstone it was one terrifying nightmare come true.
"Surprised to see me, boy?" Starscream finally spoke; clearly he was enjoying his position of authority over the humans. His optics narrowed dangerously as he waited for the pilot's response.
"But…but…Everyone said you were dead…disappeared…" Stoner stuttered almost incomprehensibly. He then turned and confronted Alexis. "You! How could you NOT tell me about this!? About HIM!?" he accused.
"Me…Wha-Wait just one moment here, Stoner," Alexis snapped, instantly going on the defensive. "I didn't know any more than you did! All I was able to figure out was that he was a Decepticon. You're the resident evil, giant alien robot expert here! Why do you think I opened up and told you in the first place!?"
"How could you NOT know it was him!?"
"Don't try and pin this on me, Lieu--" Alexis shouted heatedly, but was quickly cut off.
"ENOUGH!" Starscream snarled, angrily slamming a fist right next to the two humans. "Cease your petty bickering this instance or so help me, I'll do it for you!"
Alexis and Coldstone felt the sharp whip of the wind and the sting of powdered concrete as the fist pulverized the floor mere feet next to them. Yeah, that was going to leave a mark. How were they going to explain that to the superiors? Oh well, more important issues were at stake here—namely their lives. An eerie silence once again filled the hangar as the two pilots fearfully waited for whatever other surprises Starscream had in store.
The Decepticon slowly removed his hand and placed it back over his bent knee joint. Then looking pointedly at Coldstone, he continued speaking, "Your captain knew not with whom she was dealing of; that I assure you, Earth filth. If she had, neither you nor she would be standing within my presence even now." He paused briefly as if thinking of what to say next. His optics then took on a sinister, malicious glow. "Besides, I don't know why you are acting so surprised at seeing me, Jerry Stoner," Starscream said a little too innocently, "One would have thought you'd be over-joyed at finally facing your father's murderer. Are we still eager to fulfill the family vendetta--hmm?"
Coldstone looked as if he wanted to say something, but all words abandoned him in light of Starscream's penetrating stare. His face, once filled with anger and resentment, became like a blank slate. All emotion, all feeling evaporating in the presence of Starscream's debilitating stare. And then like a punctured balloon, his body visibly deflated in defeat. The arrogant, self-assured, cocky pilot she both loved and hated disappeared. Alexis watched on--part of her wanting to comfort her wingmate, but another part was holding her in place. Something told her that doing so, would only bring more humiliation and shame on him.
"I didn't think so," the Seeker hissed softly. "Just like you humans, all talk and no spinal column to back it up."
"All right. You've made your point. There's no sense in humiliating him further," Alexis spoke up suddenly, stepping forward to stand beside her wingman. Maybe giving Coldstone some physical comfort was taking it a little far, but she'd be damned before she'd let Starscream run rough-shod over him about his family. The jet's optics quickly diverted to the female pilot and met her determined, green glare. Surprisingly, she didn't shrink or cringe from his gaze like she had so many times before. Bravery or foolishness? There was such a fine line between the two. Starscream leant down, his face inches from the girl's. He was so close his optics could easily see the minute definitions of color within her irises—muted colors of emerald, yellow, and lighter greens swirling together in a beautiful mosaic. But what he sought, he did not see and it pleased him.
"I don't recall inviting your input into our conversation," he purred silkily.
"Well, I'm inviting myself into your conversation," she snapped. "Now give me one good reason why we shouldn't march straight out of here and turn you in." She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, chin raised and eyes as hard as green granite. She was done with keeping secrets. She was done hiding and cringing from him. It was time to make a stand.
Starscream laughed—a cold, mirthless laugh that caused goosebumps to race down her spine. "Go ahead, little Alexis, and see how far you can get before I stop you."
"You can't do much of anything without drawing attention to yourself. Can you transform back into your disguise and dispose of our remains before the MPs get here?"
"Touché. But let us not forget our encounter that took place earlier yesterday. You humans will need my help in discovering what Thrust and Dirge are up to. After all, I was their former Air Commander and as such I was the best Seeker within the Decepticon army. None could match my areial prowess."
Alexis looked as if she was preparing a rebuttal, but Starscream quickly beat her to the punch. "And if you're thinking about the Autobots, remember that there was a reason why they could never hold dominion over the sky. Even now without me, I doubt those buffoons could maintain air superiority."
"Your word against theirs and ours," she said, although doubt was beginning to creep into her thoughts.
"History does not lie either. So I propose this: Now that I have my body back, I feel it will only be a matter of time before the secret of my return is discovered. Therefore, I want you to tell your superiors of me."
"What!?" Alexis and Coldstone both queried. They both exchanged looks and then looked back to the Seeker.
"Why in the hell would you turn yourself in now?" Coldstone challenged, speaking for the first time in a long while.
"Who says I'm turning myself in?" Starscream asked innocently, clenching and unclenching his fingers as if it were a totally new function to him. In a matter of context it was.
"So what are you implying? A truce? Like amnesty or something?" Alexis asked, disbelief lacing her voice.
"Or something. Call it an exchange of valuable assistance," the mech said nonchalantly, "Your planet may be facing a very grave danger, an enemy that we both have in common. It is my conjecture that Galvatron sent Thrust and Dirge here for a reason, now for what, your guess is as good as mine, but rest assured it will not be in your best interest."
"Yeah, 'cause we all know you have always kept our interests at heart," Stoner muttered under his breath. Starscream shot him a venomous look, but decided to ignore his comment.
"Ok, wait just one minute here," Alexis spoke up, "Galvatron. You mentioned that name yesterday in the desert. Who or what exactly is he?" she asked, cocking her head in a curious gesture. Once more Starscream lowered his helm until he was face-to-face with her. He stared at her and her at him. Within that span of time she saw a powerful wave of anger flash across his optics, like a wildfire whipped into a frenzy by the westwind. But Alexis sensed that anger was not directed at her, but at the being in question.
"Galvatron," Starscream hissed, "is the leader of the Decepticon army, or rather he was up until the time I decided to return to Earth. He is Megatron gifted with a new body—"
"Megatron!? I thought Optimus Prime killed that son of a bitch?" Stoner interrupted.
"Not hardly. He was still functional at our retreat from Autobot City."
"So did he like die later? What happened exactly?" the pilot pressed. "They never really gave us any details. Did he come back like you did?"
At Coldstone's question, Starscream began to chuckle darkly. "Not hardly, fleshling," he said between laughs and then his faceplates grew serious once more. "I. Killed. Megatron. I personally threw his rusted chassis into the black depths of space, knowing full well that unless he received repairs he would off-line in that black oblivion." He paused remembering that bittersweet victory. "But when I was finally prepared to accept leadership over the Decepticons, the being now known as Galvatron came and destroyed me, the rightful ruler of the Decepticons! After so much time I finally was able to claim my rightful place only to have that fool, Galvatron, take it from me by taking my life!" Starscream's last sentence was uttered with such poison, such venom that it made Alexis cringe.
"But if you killed Megatron then how did the bastard come back as Galvatron?" Stoner continued. "I mean how did you know that Megatron is now in fact Galvatron and not some new bastard on the block?"
"Boy, just because I spent countless cycles wandering the universe as a phosphorescent orb of energy, doesn't mean that I didn't know what was taking place around me. I am not a fool."
"But why?" Alexis interjected, "Why would you make your presence known now? What's in it for you?"
The winged Decepticon merely smirked, his eyes glowing like coals. "Why, now that I'm back to my old self, it's only a matter of time before someone else discovers my presence. I would just assume discovery is on my terms and no one else's. You humans will need help dealing with Thrust and Dirge and as for myself—well, let's just say I'm not exactly ready to hand myself over to the Autobots just yet."
Alexis studied the metal face before her. He seemed open to them—maybe a little too open. She had a funny feeling that he wasn't telling her everything. There was some other, underlying reason as well, but she just couldn't quite put her finger on it. "So that's the deal? You'll help us against the Decepticons, when and if they come back, in exchange for us not turning you over to the Autobots?"
"Essentially, yes, that is correct," Starscream affirmed.
"You do realize that just because we ask our superior officers not to turn you over, that doesn't mean they won't," Coldstone added, crossing his arms over his chest. "Personally, I would love for them to turn you over to the 'Bots and watch as they tear you apart one nut and bolt at time."
"You would like that wouldn't you, fleshling?" Starscream sneered, optics glowing brightly. "Rest assured that I would take great pleasure sending you down the same path to the Pit as your pathetic father!" he spat.
"You son of a bitch!" Coldstone cursed loudly, while taking a threatening step forward. It seemed that his courage (or rather his foolishness) had returned. Alexis saw Starscream's optics glitter with malice and she instinctively knew what was coming next. Quickly, she jumped forward just as Starscream was sweeping a massive hand down and towards them. She felt the rush of air whip past her face and when next she opened her eyes, she jumped a little at the closeness of his fingers. His hand was curled around her and Stoner both, inches from encircling them within a wall of blue metal. One of her hands was flush against Coldstone's chest; the other was pressed firmly against Starscream's massive palm. Yeah, as if I could really prevent him from turning us into human play-dough! She thought with bitter irony. But as of yet the metal hand had not clenched and she figured that if he were going to squish them, it would have already happened. Slowly she released her bated breath and raised her eyes back to Starscream's face. His eyes were narrowed slits of pure fire and his face plates were set in a nearly indiscernible mask; it almost felt as if he were seeing straight through her right to Stoner.
She cleared her throat nervously and watched as the jet's optics seemed to refocus on her. Alexis also felt Coldstone tense against her hand. This situation was getting tenser by the second. I better say something before we all end up killed! "Look now is neither the time nor the place for you two to settle your differences; it's almost 0600 and the maintenance crews will be here soon."
Silence permeated the air for several long, agonizing seconds and neither mech nor man moved within that span of time. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Starscream slowly withdrew his hand; however, his optics still blazed with adulterated hate. Alexis felt Stoner take a step back shortly after. "That's better," she murmured, slowly lowering her arms. She slowly breathed a sigh of relief as both of her counterparts fought to regain composure. She turned to Coldstone, "We need to go. The crews will be here anytime."
He nodded in agreement before turning and stalking off down the hangar towards the far exit. Alexis watched him walk away for a second before turning her attention back to Starscream. "Look, we have to get some R&R at least for a few hours, but if you're still hell bent on meeting with the colonel meet me at Donaldson Park at 1300."
"Why should I have to meet with you?" Starscream questioned suspiciously, cocking an optic ridge.
"Because proving your existence to the colonel is easier said than done and at least if you're there with me you can verify my story, or at the very least, crash and burn with me." She gave the Decepticon a side-long glance before turning on her heel and marching down the hangar. But as she neared the doorway, the captain paused and glanced over her shoulder. "Oh, and Starscream?" Bright red optics regarded her warily. "I'd change your holoform if I were you. Masquerading as one of our fallen pilots is not a good way to win allies around here." With that she exited the building, the echoes of the door slamming shut still ringing in the darkened hangar.
Alexis hurried to catch up with Coldstone; he had gotten a good start on her and she had to sprint to catch him in time. Her muscles ached painfully and she felt her side begin to cramp up into a throbbing stitch. Behind her, the sun was just beginning to break through the thin cloud cover left over by the night. Vibrant rays of red, orange and pink interlaced with darker hues of purple, blue and black as another day was born.
"Coldstone, wait!" she called, huffing from exertion as she caught his shirt sleeve. The pilot neither looked nor paused in his step as Alexis came jogging up to his side. With a brusque jerk, he yanked his sleeve from her loose grip and continued stalking up the sidewalk to his quarters, his face set in scowl.
But Alexis was not to be brushed off so easily. She jumped in front of him and planted her feet firmly, an equally determined look on her face. "What's with you!?" she challenged, moving into Coldstone's way as he tried to move past her. "Look at me! Tell me what's wrong, Stoner; that's an order!" He paused, but still did not look the captain in the eye.
"Nothing."
"Bullshit," she countered. "Now what the hell is wrong with you?"
Finally he looked up, an angry light in his light green eyes. "Permission to speak freely, ma'am?"
"Granted," she said curtly.
"All right. You wanna know what's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong! Working with that bastard is what's wrong, Captain! For God's sake, he killed a whole squadron, my father among them and who knows how many other servicemen and civilians! And now, you're willing to cut a deal with him!? What's wrong with that picture!? I won't stand for it, Captain, I won't. You can continue playing mind games with that son of a bitch all you want, but in the end he'll kill you—he'll kill me—and he'll kill every man jack among us. He might help us for a little while, but in the end he'll still be the same backstabbing, human-hating Decepticon that he was 30 years ago and I refuse to allow what happened to my father, happen to anyone else—especially you."
"You don't believe in second chances, do you Lieutenant?" Alexis asked softly.
"Why the hell should I, Captain? My father sure as hell won't get a second chance and neither will anyone else." With that Coldstone quickly side-stepped around her and continued on his way, shoulders still hunched angrily. He knew that Alexis could have him wrote-up, but at that moment he just didn't give a damn. He wanted as far away from that damn jet as he could manage. She was playing with fire. She was playing with fire and she didn't even know it. Maybe he had been a little harsh, but he hoped he got his point across. They were just starting to get along; he was just starting to respect her. Hell, he had always respected her as a pilot; she was phenomenal; they didn't call her Spades for nothing after all. No, he was just starting to respect her as a woman—a lovely, full-bodied, vivacious woman who had a passion and drive like none he'd ever seen. It was then Coldstone realized he was beginning to love her and the thought of her being taken and killed by Starscream before their relationship could even blossom was almost unfathomable. Starscream had humiliated him tonight, but that would soon change. He'd not allow that bastard to take another person he loved. He'd kill that bastard and he'd make sure that once Starscream was dead, he'd stay dead once and for all.
Alexis stayed where she was, watching Coldstone's back grow smaller and smaller until he eventually disappeared around a building and out of sight. His outburst had startled her, but what could she do? Sure they could deny Starscream's assistance and try to take him on, but to what end? Many people would be injured, even killed and there was still no guarantee that the military could restrain him. If they brought in the Autobots, well, that might work, but they'd still have the other Decepticons to deal with. There were only a few Autobots stationed on Earth and getting the word out about a possible assault would take time and resources—things which were in short supply right now. But what could one ex-Decepticon do that a whole team of Autobots couldn't?
She turned and began her own walk back to her quarters. Her body and mind were screaming for rest, but still she mulled over the situation. Did Starscream still have powers that he had as a ghost? If he did, he would be immensely more powerful now than he was back then and there would be little anyone could do to stop him. But the real question was--was Starscream willing to use that power to the detriment of humanity? She honestly couldn't answer that question. It seemed as if he only desired revenge against the Decepticon leader who killed him, but if he succeeded what would Starscream do afterwards? And what of Stoner? She knew that if those two had to spend any amount of time alone together one would see to the deactivation of the other. She knew he had feelings for her; their kiss earlier that night had proved it. But she wasn't sure how she felt--how she should feel.
Up ahead her quarters were just beginning to be kissed by the morning's light. Oh God, she couldn't wait to crawl into bed and sleep! She quickly mounted the stairs, unlocked the door and slipped inside. Clarissa was already passed-out in her bed, snoring quite soundly. Soundlessly, Alexis began undressing her mind still trying to wind down from this morning's events.
But in all honesty, Alexis felt justified in giving Starscream the benefit of the doubt, despite Stoner's misgivings. He had yet to cause her physical harm and had even gone so far as to save her life, selfish intentions aside. But there was more. Whenever she was around him, there would be other things—a look, a gesture, a touch. Things that left her mind reeling and more often than not, her heart pounding. Was he really messing with her mind as Coldstone had implied or did it go deeper than that?
The echoes of the slamming door slowly faded in the nearly empty hangar bay. Still Starscream's optics lingered on the door where he had last seen Alexis. He was still somewhat baffled by her audacity. How dare she! How dare she tell him, Starscream, what he should and shouldn't do! And if it hadn't been for her, that annoying protoplasmic worm who has the nerve to call himself a pilot would have been nothing more than a fleshy bag of pulverized calcium by now! But much to his chagrin, deep down in his logic core he knew she was right. Now is not the time or the place to tie up little loose ends like Lt. Jerry Stoner; he could be dealt with later.
There were more important matters that needed his attention--namely reclaiming his throne as the supreme leader of the Decepticons. With a silent chuckle he folded himself back down into his alt form and allowed his vibrant color scheme to be replaced by the flat Air Force grey of the other human jets. It pained him greatly to have to continue to hide and be used like any other human machine. He wanted nothing more than to watch the humans cower in fear at his renewed presence. But there was an old human saying he remembered coming across back in the day that said 'to everything there is a season' and he could wait. He had waited this long and it wouldn't kill him to wait a little longer—after all, he had already died once.
As for Alexis…her behavior this morning was puzzling and dare he say enlivening. He hadn't expected her to interfere as she had. His thoughts drifted back to their short encounter within the desert. She was the first thing he had felt after regaining his senses. And as much as it dismayed him to dwell on it he had loved the feel of her. He wanted more. Much more.
But he was at war within himself. One part of him was utterly disgusted with humans—disgusting, stinking, wretched organic germs killing their own planet and not worth the soil they trod upon. On the other servo, there was Alexis--soft, spirited, calculating Alexis. She had been onto him from the start, knowing something was off since he first inhabited her jet. Each interaction, each conversation she had grown bolder, more confident, and more curious. Even after their "introduction" she had shown fear, but she still continued to listen to him. She was like a moth drawn to a flame. And now that she truly knew who he was she was still willing to comply on some level. Why was that? Did she enjoy toying with danger? There most certainly had to be an ulterior motive or was there?
Across the hangar blinding sunlight spilt into the building as the maintenance crews opened the doors to begin another day. It was time to settle in and wait. He could do with a few hours of recharge himself. After all, building yourself from the inside out was more than a little taxing on a new body.