Chapter 10-Dancing with the Stars
Airachnid found her Jack's behavior to be off after he began to act secretive when on the Decepticon Warship one run by Megatron and his army of Decepticons. A part of her had actually suspected he was planning to cut her out of his plan to create their own race, to one day begin conquering, and build an empire over the bodies of those they fought. But that was about as far as she thought about it and the thought itself left within a span of a few nano seconds. Her Jack was not Megatron, he was not so power hungry to the point where he would frag over the only true femme in his life who could love him like she could.
So what was he planning?
"My Queen," said Kickback with his words getting Airachnid's attention.
"Yes. What is it?" asked Airachnid with Kickback kneeling before her.
"Forgive me for interrupting your private thoughts my Queen, but your consort, and King has requested your presence on the bridge," replied Kickback while Airachnid narrowed her optics at him.
"Did he say why?" asked Airachnid with Kickback shaking his head no.
"No my Queen. All the King would say was it is a special surprise just for the two of you to enjoy," answered Kickback with Airachnid starting to become suspicious and worried her past fears were indeed real.
Was her Jack planning to betray her? Like the Autobots years ago? Like Megatron when one of his subordinates had become too powerful in some way to control?
"Thank you Kickback. I will go seem him now," replied Airachnid before she left for the bridge and felt her Spark was acting strangely at the idea of her Jack turning against her after all they had accomplished so soon since being together.
When she entered the bridge, it was mostly dark, only some of the lights on ship's various consoles were on, and so were the lights leading to the warship's controls at the end. Looking around the dark room Airachnid wondered what Jack had planned for her? An attack in the dark? Maybe he had somehow gotten the loyalty of the Insecticons away from her? Maybe they were going to team up and hold her down while Jack delivered the final blow?
"You made it. I'm glad," replied Jack before the majority of lights in the room came on, but in a dim setting of sorts.
"Was there any doubt?" asked Airachnid with Jack smirking at her from his position to her right where it had been the darkest part of the room when most of the lights had been off.
The perfect blind spot to sneak up on someone in the dark...unless Soundwave was in the room.
"No, but I am glad all the same," replied Jack before walking over to her and frowned when he saw how tense she had become.
"What did you want?" asked Airachnid while her body was getting into a semi-defensive state.
"I had a surprise for you. Something I thought you might enjoy. Why are you looking at me like I am about to attack you?" replied Jack curiously with Airachnid lowering her guard when looking into his optics.
"I thought...I thought for a moment that...that you were...that you were going to get rid of me. To betray me," answered Airachnid with Jack's eyes going wide before he moved faster then she thought possible and held her close him in a loving embrace.
"Never think that! Do you hear me Airachnid? Never think that about me!" exclaimed Jack in a semi commanding tone while holding her tightly to his form.
"Old habits my Jack," replied Airachnid softly before she looked up at him and kissed him passionately before breaking the connection.
"I would sooner rip out my own Spark before even thinking such treacherous thoughts my Queen. You are the only entity I would ever willing kneel before if you gave the command. You are my Queen. I am your sword, your shield, your King, and will do everything in my power to make you happy. No power on Earth, this Galaxy, and the Universe itself can make me raise my hands willingly against you," replied Jack with his eyes glowing with the same amount of passion in which he spoke to her.
"I know. Do you forgive your Queen for thinking such horrible thoughts my Jack?" said Airachnid with him kissing her passionately once more.
"Without hesitation. Now do you want to see what I called you here for?" asked Jack with Airachnid nodding.
"Of course. You were very vague when giving the order to Kickback so I assumed it was something...questionable," replied Airachnid with Jack smirking at her.
"Well...it is questionable to a certain extent. Tell me Airachnid, do you know what the significance of dancing?" asked Jack with Airachnid looking at him curiously.
"I know some organic species from civilizations all over the Universe do it. The more primitive ones do it to appease their so called Gods and others just do it out of tradition to the sound of music. Humans included," answered Airachnid with Jack nodding.
"Correct. I wanted to know if you've ever danced before to the sound of music? Any dance at all? From any civilization you've been to during your travels?" asked Jack while they walked to the main console on the bridge and he pressed a few buttons.
"Is that what you called me here for Jack? If I knew how to dance?" questioned Airachnid since she did not expect that.
"Yes," replied Jack with a few more buttons pressed to dim the lighting a little more and made multiple lights randomly flashing around them to make it look like the room was sparkling with glitter.
Sort of.
"For what purpose?" asked Airachnid with Jack's smirk increasing.
"To have our first dance together. A special dance, a slow dance meant for couples, and listening to music that represents it. Will you dance with me in this manner Airachnid? To dance as loving couples would when alone together without a worry or care in the world?" offered Jack with his one finger pausing over a button that would cue the music needed to start things off.
"You had me at 'dance together' my Jack," replied Airachnid before she kissed him and Jack pressed the button to cue the music after the past few days of searching for it on the Internet and illegally downloading it to the Warship.
Who was going to arrest him for it? No one that's who!
"Just follow my lead Airachnid and relax. Let this one song portray my love for you as we dance together for a thousand years," whispered Jack, as the slow, yet romantic music he had chosen by one Frank Sinatra began playing.
Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me
Fill my heart with song
and let me sing forever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you
Fill my heart with song
Let me sing forever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you
In other words, I love you
While the song may have been short, the moment Airachnid had with Jack seemed to last a lifetime, as she closed her optics, leaned against his massive frame, and the two of them rocked back and forth in their own little world. A world where there was no Autobots, no Decepticons, no Megatron, no Optimus Prime, no Soundwave, and no Arcee to ruin it. It was their special moment in time, a moment where they didn't need to say anything, or do anything except move side to side while being intimately close to one another.
"Do we have to stop?" asked Airachnid since she didn't want to stop anytime soon.
"Only if you want to stop my Queen," replied Jack with Airachnid shaking her head no.
"Play that song again my Jack," whispered Airachnid, as she saw him reach over to the nearby console, and hit the play button.
"I love you, my Airachnid," whispered Jack with Airachnid letting out a content sound.
"And I love you, my Jack," whispered Airachnid, as she listened to the song play again, and the human singing to the tune while imaging Jack saying those words in the song.
(Autobot Outpost Omega 2-Days Later)
"What is that?" asked Dreadwing, as he heard the song being played on the primitive device while June was sitting down, and seemed to be staring at nothingness.
"An old record player. Its obsolete by today's standards in technology, but it was still quite useful back when I was a child. This song takes me back," replied June with her tone become sad in the end.
"The song sounds very...emotional. From what I know from my short time with your species, this...song speaks of the emotion you humans call...love," remarked Dreadwing with June smiling.
"This song does. Miko's choice of music, not so much," replied June with Dreadwing frowning at the mention of the Asian girl's choice of music.
The two Wreckers may like "Slash Monkey" and their way of playing, but not him.
"You said this song 'takes you back'. In what way?" asked Dreadwing curiously since he found this human femme's music far more tolerable.
"When I was younger, I use to listen to this song with my husband...well...that was before he left me shortly after Jack was born. He was nice guy at first, but being a parent is a full time job filled with responsibilities. Its considered an important duty to guide your own offspring and help them develop properly," explained June while looking depressed at this.
"And he failed to meet such expectations?" asked Dreadwing since the concept of parents raising their children was new to him since encountering the species.
"If we were to talk military speak, let's just say the man...abandoned his post if you will when it came time to take on that responsibility, and his duty to help raising Jack," said June with Dreadwing getting a better understanding when using military terms.
Duty and responsibility were the main things Dreadwing knew in his long life being a high ranking Decepticon Seeker under Megatron's command. You had your orders, your purpose, and you followed them to the best of your ability regardless of possible failure. This human male, who had helped in the creation of their now vile enemy that was Jack, had abandoned his purpose, and his orders ingrained into his body through the years past down from his sires and his sires before them. It was inexcusable!
"Something which I imagine has left its own invisible wound on young Jack when he was growing up," added Optimus, as he overheard the conversation, and walked over to the two.
"Prime," replied Dreadwing curtly while seeing Optimus look at June with sympathetic optics.
"It was difficult for him to understand at first. I had to tell him it wasn't his fault multiple times, but I knew Jack thought differently. I think deep down, Jack deeply resented every little thing in life he saw around him, but kept up a strong front for me. Everywhere he looked, kids his age had both parents, and had what he didn't. Over time, I was able to keep that resentment...that darkness I guess you could call it, at bay with my love for him. But now...now I think that darkness...that anger at the world has been freed, and Airachnid is fueling it in her own manipulative way," replied June while tears started to form along her eyes.
"Trust is not an easy thing to have June. The events surrounding Jack after his changes has made him question almost everyone in his life. When we went to get the red energon, I tried to extend my trust to him, in the hopes he would not become our future enemy," said Optimus with June nodding since she remembered.
"Yeah. We all know how that turned out. The new guy Smokescreen ruined any chance of such a thing being possible," remarked June with Optimus nodding.
"Jack look at us and sees a past history of betrayal and scorn for he has done for us in the past despite the contrary," replied Optimus with June nodding.
"Clearly Airachnid's influence over him is much stronger then even you give her credit for Optimus," added Dreadwing with Optimus not saying anything.
"Back to the original topic, this song was the same one Jack's Father, and I danced to on our wedding day. Hearing it again brought back so many memories. Back when the man I married were happy together and a little while after Jack was born before...well...you get the picture," replied June with before she turned the record player off.
"Why did this man leave? Surely he gave some reason regardless of how weak it may have been?" questioned Dreadwing with June shaking her head no.
"Nope! Not one. I was actually working the day he left. Jack was at home with him so the damage done to my son was even worse because I didn't get home until late at night to explain it to him. The sadness in his eyes. All those tears. Jack was so tired and drained when I came into the house to find only he was there. My son didn't have anything to eat the entire time after his Father left until so much later. All I could do was hold him and try to comfort my son while saying it was going to be all right. That no matter what, we would both get through this, and be stronger for it. I've never seen Jack look so lost. So frail. I actually thought for a moment that he would shattered like glass right in front of me," answered June sadly before more tears descended from her eyes.
Dreadwing snarled slightly. This human male that was Jack's other sire had abandoned his duty to his progeny. While the Decepticon Seeker did not understand fully the nature of organics and their need to reproduce, much less the connection for it, he did know it was considered sacred to many species throughout the Galaxy. It was something to be respected, cherished, and Dreadwing found himself looking back on his own life before the war when he along with his twin Skyquake had been mentored long ago. Back before they even met Megatron during his rise to power, both brothers were mentored by a great warrior also from the Kaon Gladiatorial Pits, who left the arena several cycles before the war, and taught them how to survive on the harsh streets of Cybertron. He helped them, trained them, mentored them, and ultimately educated both Decepticon Seekers in a way that set a foundation to grow. It was one of the reasons why Dreadwing and Skyquake had been drawn to Megatron in the first place. A fellow warrior, a gladiator of Kaon, and someone who hated the Caste System setup by Sentinel Prime.
To have your mentor, a teacher, or even in this human's case a sire you trusted with your life betray you without so much as an explanation made his Spark rage inside.
It was no wonder the boy turned Cybertronian had such rage inside of him toward those he knew when human. Betrayals left deep scars not even the most advanced medical technology or skills could heal.
"Jack is strong June. While scarred by his Father leaving him, his inner strength knew no bounds, and it showed when tested against certain situations," replied Optimus with June nodding.
"I will always be proud of my son. I just wish...I just wish he wasn't...well you know," said June, as she felt her world had shifted so much since learning of the existence of alien robots fighting a secret war, and using Earth as their new battleground.
"Like he is now and with Airachnid of all femmes in the Galaxy," concluded Dreadwing with June nodding.
"Yes. Even now I constantly worry about him. I worry about what Airachnid is doing to his mind? What poisonous words she's saying to him. I don't have to be alive as long as you two to know she's got a way of speaking that makes everyone nervous or susceptible to her manipulations," said June with the two Cybertronians standing above her thinking about how right she was about Airachnid.
Breakdown had learned that the hard way when Airachnid provoked him in their final confrontation.
"Your offspring is a strong warrior. Both in mind and body. Airachnid's influence maybe strong, but he is not her puppet," replied Dreadwing with June smiling a moment since it was probably the greatest compliment a Decepticon had ever given her son.
"Speak of the Devil and he shall appear!" exclaimed Miko excitedly and loudly while she sat beside Raf with his laptop open.
"What is it with you humans and your choice of words about things?" asked Knock Out before walking over to the human living area to see what the girl was talking about.
"What? They were talking about Jack and we have a fix on him right now!" protested Miko, as she had Raf bring up Jack energon signature on the main screen, and go the interest of the others in the room.
The talk with Starscream about Jack and Airachnid's energon signature being masked due to their current technorganic state had got Raf thinking about how to detect them. So the boy genius with Ratchet's help had devised a plan to find it should they leave the safety of the Warship using the samples of spilled energon the two had left from their fights. It wasn't long before all energon detection systems were updated and able to locate Jack or Airachnid should they choose to make themselves known.
"I'm also receiving a high frequency message...and its from Airachnid!" stated Ratchet in surprise.
"What does that scrapping glitch want now?" asked Arcee while frowning at the fact Airachnid was sending the message and not Jack.
She would have preferred Jack.
"It says, 'My Jack wishes to speak with Optimus Prime. In private. Concerns the source of his rebirth. He must come alone...or else,'" said Ratchet with Optimus frowning since he didn't like that last part.
"Or else what? She's going to destroy a building filled with humans?" mocked Knock Out before another high frequency message came up.
"Now this one is from Jack. It says, 'Do you really want to test me Knock Out?'" replied Ratchet with the others wondering how Jack knew what Knock Out just said.
"How the Hell did he know what you just said?" asked Miko while June glared at her for swearing and with Raf in the room.
"Either we have a spy in the room or Jack has good anticipation skills," offered Ratchet while everyone turned to look at Starscream currently on his berth in a stasis nap.
"Are we sure he's out of it?" questioned Miko while raising an eyebrow.
"As much as I hate to say this, Starscream couldn't have done anything given his current condition. Besides, even if he did, Soundwave here would have caught it by now," said Knock Out with his thumb pointing to Soundwave currently keeping his face blank.
"And as much as I loathe the opinion of any Decepticon...I'm afraid Knock Out has a point. There is little if not anything Soundwave can't pick up with his ability to spy on others whether they know it or not," added Ratchet getting a scowl from Knock Out.
"I take it you will be meeting with him Optimus?" asked Megatron with Optimus nodding to his rival and former friend.
"I have to Megatron. While Jack may not be so bloodthirsty should I refuse to meet with him, Airachnid is a different story, and with the Insecticons under her command...I fear she may use them on the human populous," replied Optimus with Megatron grimacing at the mention of the humans of this world.
"Your love for this species will be your undoing Optimus. Its bad enough that one human used one of my soldiers to create an abomination of sorts," said Megatron with Optimus narrowing his optics at him.
"Need I remind you Megatron, it was because of one such human that your life was not struck down in a cave where you lay helpless for a time, and at the human's merciful hands," countered Optimus with Megatron snarling at him.
"Yes. The very one you considered a Prime of his species and look where that got us now that he is our shared enemy? And a powerful one at that," replied Megatron with Optimus not backing down.
"Regardless, I will be meeting with Jack, and you along with your subordinates will stay here until our conversation is finished," commanded Optimus with Megatron looking furious right now.
"You dare command me?" demanded Megatron with Optimus's optics narrowing.
"Yes. I do," replied Optimus with Megatron seething for a moment before calming down and letting out an amused chuckle.
"I'll indulge you this one time Optimus. Consider it my way of paying you back in terms of commanding Orion Pax around when he first joined my ranks," replied Megatron with Optimus's optics never leaving his red ones for a long moment before looking to Ratchet who nodded and opened the ground bridge for the Prime to enter.
"I don't like this," whispered Arcee to Bulkhead.
"Which part? The part where all the Cons stay here with us? Or Optimus is out there with Jack and possibly walking into a trap?" asked Bulkhead with Arcee glancing at Megatron and then the ground bridge.
"Both," replied Arcee while not getting use to the idea of her enemies living under the same roof.
(With Jack and Optimus)
"You came to see me after all. I'm glad," replied Jack with Optimus looking around for any threats.
Namely Airachnid or the Insecticons.
"You wanted to speak to me Jack. Now is your chance," stated Optimus firmly with Jack nodding since this was a business meeting and it was time to get down to business.
"I'm willing to offer you a trade of sorts Optimus. Something you want in exchange for something I need," replied Jack with Optimus frowning.
"And what is it that I want Jack?" asked Optimus with Jack grinning at him.
"The Forge of Solus Prime of course," said Jack before taking off his back and showing it to Optimus, who could tell it was indeed the real deal.
"And what is it you need from me in return?" asked Optimus with Jack's grin getting even bigger.
"Five Faces," answered Jack with Optimus's optics narrowing.
"Why?" asked Optimus with Jack's grin never leaving him.
"That's not your business. Besides, I would think you would want to get rid of him now that your base is infested with Decepticons. Knowing you Optimus, they don't know of his existence, or that he was the source of my rebirth. Of Airachnid's rebirth. It will only be a matter of time before they find out. Soundwave sees everything and anything that would catch Megatron's interest. A Quintesson would fall into that category, don't you think?" replied Jack with Optimus not saying anything for a moment.
"Why give away the Forge? Why not something else less dangerous yet just as valuable to us?" asked Optimus with Jack letting out a chuckle.
"Because the Forge IS the least valuable to my side. I can't use it and such an item with the power to create should belong in the hands of a Prime anyway. Besides, I would be a fool to surrender something like the Apex Armor or the red energon over to you when considering who else is living in your base. There are so many items held in the vault onboard the Nemesis that this one to me is actually considered...worthless!" answered Jack with Optimus looking from him to the Forge.
"The Quintesson is not someone I'm willing to trade. Even for a relic made by one of the Thirteen Primes," replied Optimus knowing the Quintesson could be useful to the former human and could be forced to reveal the location of the new Autobot base despite all the well kept security to prevent it from happening.
As for Jack's reaction to the Prime's response...he just shrugged.
"A shame. And to think the safety of a city filled with humans would be decided on your decision regarding this matter," replied Jack casually with Optimus's optics widening.
"What?!" asked Optimus with Jack grinning.
"You heard me Optimus. Airachnid and I had a bet. She bet that you wouldn't take the offer and I said you would. We wagered one human city filled with a couple thousand humans, give or take a couple hundred, and the winner would get to decide what was to befall the city along with the lives inside. If I won, the city, and the humans residing in it would be spared. If Airachnid won...well I don't need to spell it out for you," replied Jack with Optimus's eyes narrowing.
"If you raise a servo to one human...," Optimus threatened with his right hand turning into a sword.
"I won't...Airachnid and the Insecticons will. Don't you find it a bit strange that she nor any of the hive are here? They are in position to strike a city of her choosing. I don't even know which one she is going to strike. Though why you would turn down my offer in the first place is beyond even me Optimus. You get the Forge of Solus Prime to use how you see fit. I get Five Faces. The vast majority of the human race continues to live in a state of pure ignorance of our existence. Everybody wins!" replied Jack with Optimus looking at him with a displeased look on his face.
"Not everybody. Your Mother misses you. Arcee misses you," countered Optimus with Jack scowling at him.
"My Mother is a controlling and heavily criticizing femme. Same with Arcee. They see and point out every mistake I make in life. As if they are better then me! They have no room or right to make judgment calls about my actions after all those two did in the past. You claim they miss me? I say they miss bossing me around. They miss criticizing me at every turn. They miss being in control of my life! Those days are long over. There is only one femme I will listen to and embrace from now on. Neither of those two are her," stated Jack with Optimus knowing he was referring to Airachnid.
"I see," was all Optimus could say on the matter.
"But we're getting off track. I can still call off the attack on the vulnerable city Airachnid has chosen to attack, but only if you agree to the trade," replied Jack with Optimus now thinking things over in his processor.
"I need to talk to the others about this," said Optimus while knowing it would stall for time.
"Talk to them while out here. If Megatron is listening in, I don't give a scrap. Just know you are on a time limit of 10 minutes. After that, the deal is gone, and Airachnid leads her army of Insecticons onto a innocent human city. Once that happens, say bye bye to covert actions and start saying hello to open war. Between the Nemesis attacking from space to the Insecticon hive attacking on the ground...the casualties will be in the millions before the week is out," said Jack with Optimus knowing he had a point.
"I need a moment to...consult the others," replied Optimus before making contact with the Autobot base and told them about the deal being offered.
"He wants to what?!" exclaimed Ratchet in shocked tone.
"He wants to trade Ratchet. The Forge of Solus Prime...for the Quintesson," answered Optimus while knowing Megatron was listening in.
"And what exactly is a Quintesson?" asked Megatron in the background.
"Something you didn't need to know about," came Arcee's voice in the background now and Optimus heard Megatron growling at her.
"Considering how your precious Jack wants this Quintesson and is offering Optimus the Forge of Solus Prime...I disagree," countered Megatron in a menacing tone.
"We don't have time to argue. Jack has threatened the destruction of a random human city by Airachnid's hands and bringing our existence into the light of the human populace if I do not agree to the trade. We have less than 10 minutes to decide," replied Optimus with a loud "WHAT?!" being yelled into his receptor hearing system.
"A threat worthy of a Decepticon," remarked Megatron with Optimus hearing a form of praise in the Warlord's voice.
"Time is ticking away here Optimus. Do I hear a yes? A no? Speak now or forever hold your peace and possibly bring a human city down upon itself in pieces," said Jack with a chuckle.
"Optimus, I know the Forge of Solus Prime is a vital relic of the Primes. Maybe even THE relic of the Primes above all others, but the Quintesson...he predates the Primes. Even Primus himself! Even Unicron! If you release him into Jack's care, I fear it will be the end of us in the future," replied Ratchet with Optimus sighing.
"And if we do not go through with this trade Ratchet, the innocent lives of this world will be exposed to our war. Countless deaths will be on our hands because we refused to make this one trade with Jack. Could you honestly do that to another sentient race?" countered Optimus with Ratchet not saying anything for a moment.
No doubt looking at the human charges with them and imagining the lives of this world being destroyed by their secret war.
"No Optimus. I couldn't," replied Ratchet knowing their was only one option open to them and he didn't like it.
"Prepare the Quintesson for the trade. I'll expect him shortly," replied Optimus with Jack smiling at him.
"Wise choice Optimus. It looks like the human race stays ignorant of our existence a little while longer," said Jack before a ground bridge opened up moments later and Five Faces appeared with an unhappy look on his...well what was one of his multiple faces.
"I do this under extreme protest," replied Five Faces before his face shifted.
"This was not part of our calculations. We did not anticipate this would happen," said the second face before changing.
"You should know better then to think with just numbers and calculations Five Faces," replied Jack before throwing the Forge of Solus Prime onto the ground between himself and waited for Five Faces to move toward him.
"We will have to make a note of that for future reference," Five Faces mumbled mostly to himself before hovering over to Jack.
With Five Faces standing beside him, Jack watched Optimus slowly take the Forge of Solus Prime, and saw how it came alive in his hands. The Prime looked at it before he looked at Jack, his face unreadable at the moment.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you Optimus. Now if you will excuse Five Faces and myself, I have to return to our constantly moving base to calm the growing bloodlust within my lovely Queen. She can be quite a handful when in that kind of mood and if I don't return soon...well who knows what Airachnid will do," said Jack with Optimus not liking the sound of that.
"You can still walk away from this Jack. Turn away from this war and start over. You don't have to fight us," said Optimus in the hopes Jack would listen.
"The last time you mentioned that, your new golden Autobot came out of a ground bridge, and attacked my side. He even had the nerve to shoot Airachnid! In the back! Like a coward! Like a Decepticon!" exclaimed Jack angrily with Optimus staying quiet due to the fact his words seemed to bring about past events that upset the former human.
"I did not approve of that. The offer I made to you then was honest and true. I'm willing to make the same offer again. Please consider it," said Optimus with Jack saying nothing at first, his eyes seemed to take on a calmer, yet sadder feel to them.
"I'm sorry Optimus. The Jack you know is gone. The Jack you want is not me. My loyalty and duty is to Airachnid. To join you is to betray my Queen. I will not betray her. Not to you, Megatron, Arcee, Primus, or even Unicron himself," replied Jack with his tone of voice going from sad to angry and determined.
"If that is your decision," said Optimus with Jack nodding.
"It is Optimus," replied Jack with Optimus nodding and ordered Ratchet to open a ground bridge for him.
After the Prime left, Jack turned to look at Five Faces before grabbing the squid like Cybertronian by the top of his body that was also his head, and brought the Quintesson up to stare at him. The Quintesson flailed its tentacle like appendages at first, protesting Jack's actions, but the glare shut Five Faces up.
"In case you are wondering, I have no intention of fleeing," said Five Faces with Jack nodding.
"I know you won't Quintesson. The moment you try to run, the moment you try to betray me, and Airachnid in your own twisted way...I'm going to see to it that you will have to change your name from Five Faces to Four Faces," threatened Jack with the Quintesson meant.
"I understand," replied Five Faces with Jack grinning.
"Airachnid, open a ground bridge," said Jack with a ground bridge opening seconds later with the two walking into it.
(The Nemesis)
"Hello Five Faces. So glad you could join us," remarked Airachnid while walking toward her Jack and kissing him before giving the Quintesson a snarling glare.
"The feeling is mutual. Though why do you both need me on your ship and on your side baffles even my intellectually superior mind," replied Five Face with Jack grinning.
"That's because you deal with mathematics, numbers, and calculations. You never once took in the emotional aspect of others. As for why you are here Five Face...we have a job befitting one with your talents and as you said...a intellectually superior mind," answered Jack with the Quintesson frowning at him.
"And what job could you offer me that I would even remotely consider taking willingly?" asked Five Faces with Airachnid hissing at him and seemed ready to strike if not for Jack staying her hand.
"For one, we need a proper Medic of sorts to help make necessary repairs to our forces when injured," stated Jack with Five Faces not liking this.
"I'm a scientist. Not a doctor," replied Five Faces with Jack nodding.
"True, but your own expertise in knowing Cybertronian bodies does make you qualified to make repairs to them. Hence your knew position in that field. Second, I need your help to decode the Iakon database to find the Omega Keys. From what we have gathered, it is something of great importance considering there is more then one key, and there is no telling how many more there are on this planet. You are a Cybertronian who predates everything we know about Cybertron, which includes the Iakon database, and the relics found so far. With the Decepticon technology at your...fingertips, you could decode the Iakon database in no time," countered Jack with Five Faces considered that part of his new job to be more tolerable.
"That is much more...acceptable to us," replied Five Face with Jack smirking.
"Good, because at the same time, we also felt that to keep you loyal to us, the idea of keeping your research alive would sweeten the deal," replied Jack with Five Faces now looking confused.
"In what way?" asked Five Faces with Airachnid smirking.
"Why, seeing your research go into the next phase of course. To see our numbers grow. I am a female technorganic Cybertronian and my here Jack is a male Cybertronian. All male I might add. To that end, we have been consummating our relationship repeatedly ever since it began for us, and we all know sooner or later I will be carrying offspring. My Jack's offspring," said Airachnid with Five Faces looking intrigued.
Truth be told, it was part of his research to see the two initiate the plan to "mate" as the organics of this world would say, and eventually multiply their numbers. They were the only two of their kind around at the moment and would need to expand their numbers to truly make a new race. Now here he was, given a chance to see his research reach the key pinnacle moment where Airachnid would one day give birth, and produce Cybertronian life outside of the Well of Allsparks. Something only Primus himself had done and even then it had been a long complicated process built out of sub-routine system commands.
What Airachnid would be doing was far more...natural in a sense when the time came to reproduce.
"I accept your terms," said Five Faces, knowing he was getting a much better deal then previous anticipated, and was not about to pass this opportunity up for anything.
"Good. Know that you will be treated fairly on this ship and be given the respect worthy of your station. All I ask for in return is your intellect, skills, and loyalty while serving the two of us," replied Jack with Airachnid not liking the idea all things considered, but she knew her lover knew what he was doing.
"That is more then fair. I calculate there is a seventy five percent chance the Autobots and the Decepticons believe you are forcing us into submission," replied Five Faces with his face changing.
"Not everything can be calculated. I'll show you where you need to go and where the lab is located. We took things from our previous base along with several other things from another key location where we acquired some cloning technology. You might be able to use for any other additional experiments, provided I approve of them of course," said Jack, as he led the Quintesson away from the bridge, and missed the scowl on Airachnid's face.
She didn't really approve of the plan, much less like the idea of it when he told her how they were going to find the Omega Keys, and possibly the secrets they held. The very idea of the Quintesson near her future offspring made Airachnid want to lash out at the squid, but her Jack had assured the Spider Bot nothing bad would come about from this decision.
If it did, Jack would drag Five Faces before her to unleash a femme's fury down upon the Quintesson.
"Make sure at least three Insecticons are watching Five Faces at all times. Jack may have given him an offer too good to pass up, but I am not so optimistic the Quintesson will be a loyal follower during any darker days ahead we may have in the future," commanded Airachnid to Kickback, who nodded at her command, and knew she didn't trust the squid like Cybertronian for a reason.
"Yes my Queen. He will not be able to make a move without one of the hive knowing," said Kickback, as he sent a mental command to three Insecticons chosen for the given assignment, and made sure the hive as a whole knew of her orders in case they needed to take over the job.
"Good. Report to me anything suspicious. And make sure there is hard proof should he prove to be disloyal. My Jack may trust me without question, but the Quintesson will no doubt try to explain his actions if brought before us," replied Airachnid, as she knew her Jack would believe her if she ever accused Five Faces of treachery.
But why take chances without proof?
"Should we scan him for any potential tracking devices?" asked Kickback with Airachnid nodding while frowning.
"Yes and do it quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if the Autobots or the Decepticons tried such a ploy to launch a surprise attack before we got behind the moon. Inform the rest of the hive to be on alert until we know for certain," commanded Airachnid with Kickback nodding before mentally commanding a member of the hive to carry out the order.
(With Jack and Five Faces)
"Is everything here to your liking Five Faces?" asked Jack with Five Faces staring at the laboratory he would be working in.
"Yes. While not as advanced as my previous lab I used to make you into the Cybertronian you are now, it is far superior to the one at the Autobot base. I have had the displeasure of using human technology and it was most of it was outdated even by their standards. It was very...disturbing," replied Five Faces before turning to face Jack.
"I understand. Your main priority for the moment will be the Iakon database. While we have you and the Decepticon technology on our side, the Autobots have a former Iakon Archivist, and Soundwave who is a Master Decryption expert in his own right. While our enemies have two such skilled individuals on their side, they are using human technology to crack the coding. We may have a slight advantage, but I won't leave things to chance, and I want to know the moment you crack the codes in the database," commanded Jack with Five Faces nodding (in his own way) toward the Cybertronian warrior in front of him.
"Forgive me my King, but Queen Airachnid commands we scan the Quintesson for any tracking beacons, or any other spying devices they may have put on him," replied an Insecticon holding a scanner in its clawed hands.
"None of the Autobots or the Decepticons there were able to do that during my time there while living at the base," stated Five Faces firmly while Jack frowned.
"What about humans? What about Agent Fowler?" asked Jack since he knew from his own memories and experiences of Miko that she had the uncanny ability to sneak around without anyone seeing her.
Five Faces remained silent.
Jack's eyes widened in realization and looked at the Insecticon, who understood before he quickly began scanning the Quintesson.
"He's tagged my King! He's transmitting a signal from a tracking beacon!" exclaimed the Insecticon while Five Faces looking shocked.
"I didn't know! I swear!" exclaimed Five Faces fear fearfully.
"Damn it! All hands, defensive positions until we reach the Moon. Guard all key sections of the ship from the armory to the engines, the bridge, the relic room, and every other part of the ship they would target. Be mindful of the hallways too!" commanded Jack for all of the Insecticons and Airachnid to hear.
"My King, we have enemies located on multiple level of the ship!" exclaimed one of the Insecticons with the sound of fighting being heard and the alarm raised.
"Repel them! Airachnid, pilot the ship toward the dark side of the Moon!" commanded Jack knowing it would disrupt the beacon long enough to have it removed.
"I'm doing that now my Jack. I hear fighting near the bridge. I have small force of our Insecticons protecting me, but the fighting is getting closer, and there are reports of multiple attack all over the Warship" warned Airachnid with Jack's optics widening in realization.
They were either going to take control of the ship or possibly capture Airachnid.
"They must have used the beacon on the Quintesson to triangulate different points of entry onto the ship. Raf always was the genius of the group. Hell, he must have gotten the idea from when he ground bridged Miko, and myself onto a moving train to get them here," said Jack before letting out a chuckle at how he underestimated the young boy that was his former friend.
"Megatron is here and so is Soundwave. They are heading toward the bridge my Jack and given Soundwave's abilities...they know we know they are coming. Please hurry. We need to turn them away," said Airachnid with Jack nodding.
"Stay here with the Quintesson. Once you locate where the tracking beacon, see if it can removed either by him, or yourself but do not harm our new guest. He must not be taken back by the enemy," commanded Jack to the Insecticon, who bowed to him, and went back to finding the beacon while he headed toward the bridge.
He needed to protect his Queen.
(The Nemesis-Elsewhere)
"Do you really think this distraction will work?" asked Bulkhead while trying to fight off the Insecticons.
"Considering the overall plan Prime cooked up with Megatron? I really do hope so Bulk," answered Wheeljack with his back to his friend.
"I still don't like the idea of Dreadwing stay at the base with Ratchet and Knock Out. Sure Bee is there, but he's no match for him and Ratchet isn't really one for combat like Knock Out," commented Bulkhead with Wheeljack nodding in agreement.
"Don't worry Bulk. They both know the score when it comes to this mission. Besides, the Scout is no slouch in a fight. He can watch both Cons easily and he did help Prime take down Dreadwing's twin brother," remarked Wheeljack after being told how things went down with the Seeker's twin crashing to the ground.
"Not to mention Smokescreen is there. Though I just hope he doesn't drop his guard or get trigger happy. He maybe trained by the Elite Guard, but the Rookie is still very much a Rookie," commented Bulkhead with Wheeljack agreeing with him on that.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"They are getting closer my Queen. My brothers say Megatron, Soundwave, Optimus Prime, and the one you hate known as Arcee are nearly here!" exclaimed Kickback while his brother had either been badly injured or slain my the four of them.
"We must hold out. Defend this area. Fight harder!" commanded Airachnid, as she knew the combined might of those four would be able to combat a small army of her minions.
"Your King is on his way my Queen. He should be here shortly!" exclaimed Hardshell, as he had entered the bridge to further strengthen its defense, and protect his Queen from the enemy.
"Good! My Jack will be able to turn the tide of the battle and help us repel the enemy from this Warship," stated Airachnid before she put the ship on autopilot and moved to defend the bridge from its soon to be unwanted guests.
An explosion at the door shook the room slightly before the sight of her enemies walked in with weapons ready to be used.
"Hello Airachnid. I find it interesting this place keeps being the source of battle when it comes to fighting traitors that were once among my ranks," remarked Megatron with a grin on his face.
"Maybe its cursed. Or maybe its you Lord Megatron. You never really did have a way with the troops to inspire loyalty. Not like my Jack. He knows what it means to command respect and loyalty to those around him," commented Airachnid with Megatron snarling at her.
"Your Jack isn't here to save you now Airachnid. I am going to enjoy ripping your Spark out and making sure he sees it before crushing the thing in my hand," replied Megatron with Airachnid smirking at him.
"Look behind you," remarked Airachnid with the group turning to see Jack there looking very angry.
"I underestimated you Optimus. You too Megatron. I would have thought you would have stayed away a little while longer after the beating I gave you not that long ago. I was mistaken. Something I will have to rectify here and now," said Jack with his sword now drawn from his wrist.
"Soundwave, take out Airachnid. This one is mine to fight. And once you do...get me control of my ship!" commanded Megatron with his full attention now on Jack.
"Arcee, you will help Soundwave. I will help Megatron," commanded Optimus with his own blade ready to do battle against Jack.
"With pleasure," remarked Arcee with a grin on her face.
"With pleasure," added Soundwave using Arcee's voice.
Airachnid hissed at her two enemies while Jack growled at his own.
"Die!" exclaimed Airachnid with the Insecticons beside her before charging forward and Jack doing the same.
The battle was on.
It happened so fast, it was almost a blur to the combatants, as swords, claws, and blasters were used in the attempt to vanquish the other. The Insecticons had teamed up to battle Soundwave wile Arcee fought Airachnid to settle their long standing feud after so many Mega Cycles. Megatron and Optimus were both fighting Jack at the same time with the two trying to push the technorganic back. During that time, Airachnid gotten a clean shot with one of her appendages into the torso of Arcee, before slamming the blue femme down, moving in for the killing blow, and finally end the Autobot's life. However, such a move did not happen, as a surprising save made by Soundwave had stopped it, as the silent Con used his tentacles to attack Airachnid from behind, and shock her with a loud screech of pain following the move. Jack had just knocked Megatron back and clashing his blade with Optimus when he heard the cry of pain from his beloved Queen. He also saw Soundwave turn his tentacles into drills and was about to use them on Airachnid and quickly acted to save her. Punching Optimus in the face, Jack disengaged from his duel with the Prime, and tackled Soundwave before running his blade through the silent Con's torso.
"You dare to strike my Queen!" exclaimed Jack while taking great pleasure in seeing his target jerking violently in pain.
Jack was enjoying it so much that he failed to notice Arcee striking him from behind with a sharp spin kick to the side of his head. Dazed, Jack looked at a wounded Arcee before his battle instincts told him to dodge a strike to his left in the form of Megatron's blade. However, in doing just that, the technorganic Cybertronian was open to Optimus stabbing him on his right, and pinning his right arm down in the process. Before Jack could fight the Prime off, Megatron stabbed him in his left, and pinned his left arm down with the two forcing the former human to his knees.
"Arcee! The cuffs! Hurry!" commanded Optimus, as he saw Arcee move quickly, and put the cuffs on Jack's wrists.
"Soundwave! Bridge us out!" commanded Megatron with Soundwave quickly using the pre saved coordinates they chose for this part of the plan and opened up a ground bridge after a quick hack into the ship's systems.
"NO! BRING ME BACK MY JACK!" yelled Airachnid, as she struggled to get up, and stop them from leaving but was stalled by the attack made by Laserbeak striking her from above before flying toward Soundwave when the injured Con entered the ground bridge.
"My Queen, reports from the others say ground bridges opened where they were, and all the Autobots have left the Warship," stated Kickback while Airachnid just stared where the empty space had been and her Jack had been quickly carried away by her enemies into a ground bridge to their base.
"They will pay for this! DO YOU HEAR ME OPTIMUS! MEGATRON! ARCEE! YOU WILL ALL PAY FOR TAKING MY JACK!" yelled Airachnid before letting out a very primal shrill based scream that echoed throughout the entire Warship and into space itself that made all the Insecticons tremble in fear.
For they knew their Queen well, her infamous temper, and they knew she would unleash a fury upon their enemies no sane being would want to face.
(A/N: YAY! A long awaited update for my fans of this fic. I felt it was a bit overdue to a certain extent. I hope you liked it. Until next time...PEACE!)