Chapter 11: Treacherous

The All Spark regained consciousness from the rather unfortunate visit from Primus. Shuffling to where it's human slept peacefully. It stared at the boy, now resting in its arms, as he breathed softly in and out.

Guilt filled silver eyes watched him stir and for the first time, the All Spark wanted to question its reasoning for taking the boy. Yes it could not, had never, denied what it was it felt for the boy. But…it wondered sometimes, were those feelings returned?

The boy stirred as the sun slowly peeking over the top of a building and the All Spark quickly pulled its mask of indifference back over its eyes.

Sam woke slowly, squinting against the sun beginning to filter through the clouds above. He was still here, still lying on the cold, slightly damp concrete in a world that wasn't really his own. Rolling over, he found himself face-to-face with a pair of expressionless silver eyes. Surprised and more than a little uncomfortable with the proximity in which these eyes were to his own, Sam reeled backwards.

Or, at least, he tried. There was a pair of arms preventing him from moving.

"How are you feeling Samuel?" It inquired.

"I- what? What happened?"

"Nothing happened, Samuel. You were exhausted, that is all."

"No- but you were unconscious! What was that about?" The All Sparks false heart might have fluttered a bit at his words. Was it- could it be concern the boy was feeling? For it?

Sam noticed a brief flicker of what he thought could have been emotion cross the All Sparks face. It was gone before he could figure out just what it was, the All Spark returning to its normal monotone expression.

"Ah, that. That was nothing, Samuel. Nothing you need to worry about." Not yet, anyway.

Despite the jets unmoving body, his processors were whirring, trying to, well process just what was going on. There was no way in the Pit Megatron could have returned. He had watched! Waited until he could be very, very certain he was dead. His spark chamber had melted for Primus' sake!

Starscream was lived.

First, that disgusting little Earth insect had the audacity to do the very thing he had been planning for many millennia now, and then his pathetic excuse for a Commander failed to stay dead, and now he was being mocked, (mocked!) by said Commander.

The silver mech had spent a good portion of his time here, verbally beating the Seeker down for usurping his command. While it was a sight better than being beaten within a millimetre of his life, Starscream decided that, after technically being in charge for the good part of five Earth months (this really wasn't much of a feat to boast about, but the he'd take what he could get), he would not stand here quietly.

"Yes, yes, that's all very nice. And I suppose you, my Lord, have been accomplishing so much in this time! Really, how has it been, frolicking with the local marine life?" The Seeker spat at the silver tyrant lounging on the shoddily put together throne in the center of the room, vents heaving.

Megatron went silent, slowly turning his helm to face the faintly shaking Seeker.

"…Oh? Am I finally hearing the elusive inner thoughts of my ever faithful Second? Tell me, Starscream, are we having a breakthrough now, or have you just not had anyone around to run your mouth to in my absence?"

Here Starscream gaped at Megatron, both surprised by the lack of violence his Commander was exhibiting, and weary of it. The war lord laughed deeply and turned away from his Second in Command.

"You're wondering why I haven't killed you yet." Not a question. "You see, Starscream, I have much more…important things that need taking care of at the moment. Things that I may, regrettably, need your help with in the near future."

There was a tense moment of silence between them.

"O-of course, my lord, anything you ask. I am yours to command." The Seeker sneered, bowing low.

Another day, then.

To say that both Decepticons were plotting something would be false.

It was much more like Megatron was plotting at Starscream, while said Seeker attended to whatever was left of the hatchlings. Only acknowledging the fact he was listening with the occasional scathing comment or disapproving noise.

This carried on until the larger of the two roughly tore a piece from where he was seated and lobbed it at the Seekers helm. With a resounding clang and a short lived screech, the beige jet turned on his heel, preparing an angry retort before something better came to mind. With a noise akin to clearing ones throat, the Seeker spoke sardonically.

"How may I be of assistance, Lord Megatron?"

"You," Megatron replied in the same condescending tone, "can stop behaving like a sparkling and pay attention." He stood and moved swiftly to where the Seeker was standing. Despite the Seekers earlier confidence, he struggled to disobey the instinct to shrink back. When a clawed hand was raised, he flinched.

"Lord Megatron, I-"

Instead of the violent force he had been expecting, the hand had grabbed the armour resting on the back of his neck.

"Silence."

This was when Starscream realised he was being dragged.

"What do you think you are doing?" He demanded, flailing his limbs with no avail. Megatron did not reply, so he continued, "I demand answers, you insufferable piece of tin!" A noise of frustration, "You'll pay for this! I swear it on my own sp-"

Here was when the Seeker found himself quite literally being kicked out of the small meteor base, Megatron following him a short while later. Still more than a little confused about what had just happened he could not find the words to object as Megatron huffed and pulling him further into space, away from the base.

The base which then conveniently exploded.

Bits of rubble were now floating around them.

"Ah." The Seeker decided it best to not waste precious time mourning the little monstrosities he'd been…babysitting, for lack of a better word.

Megatron had already transformed and was moving towards the small green and blue planet. Wings aching at the opportunity (he had been stuck in the meteor base, hatchlings couldn't raise themselves), he to, transformed and took off.

After many stunned looks being thrown his way, Jazz put his most serious face on and began explaining everything the voice had told him.

"So the All Spark… is corrupted?" Ratchet questioned slowly, voicing all of their hesitance. Jazz nodded smoothly.

"Tha's what th' voice said. It's corrupted and is a danger to everthin'."

"Well, the warning's not much help." Ironhide huffed, "It's not like we could do anything to bring it here. The Cube was destroyed."

"No." Optimus paused as all optics turned to him, "Not all of it."

"What do you mean, Prime?"

"There was a piece left, in Megatron's chassis. After everything that has happened, I thought it best to wait before telling the rest of you." At that, the flame-painted Prime pulled the small, jagged shard from his subspace.

Just from looking at it, they could tell it was empty, the dull grey metal held no power at the moment.

"Could we… call the All Spark back into this?" Ratchet asked.

"I don't know, but it's worth a try."

"Now?"

Jazz shook his head, gesturing behind them. The Autobots turned to see a single soldier running out of one of the hangers shouting,

"We've got incoming!"

I'm back! Oh, I'm terribly sorry for the wait, but with the combined efforts of Real Life and Writer's Block, I'd been so very stuck. Thankfully, with the holidays, I've had some time to beat down WB and bring you this. Not the longest chapter, but hopefully it will suffice for now.

Also, I've noticed that I've strayed off the more serious genres when I write Megatron and Starscream in the same room/space. Probably because they are an old married couple on a badly written sit-com in my head. Oh well, it's nice to get into a cheerier theme for the time being.

Reviews and critiques are welcome!

Treacherous: Involving hidden dangers; unstable.

~DrHooksTowingandCo