First off, I know I've kept a handful of you waiting - sorry for the delay, but I was too tired to edit yesterday.
So here's the last part of this that actually contains plot. (Last up will be an epilogue.) I hope you found it worth sticking around for. I'd also like to thank those that actually did stick around, especially my three most valiant reviewers.
11
Two days after the very historic event in the rec. room – though most people seemed to remember the ensuing drunken antics more than that little detail – they packed their gear into Skyfire to set their trap.
They'd found a bit of desert that could withstand a little redecorating, and, under the watchful optics of the twins and Bluestreak, the science and tech department began to set up what would look like a Space Bridge. Starscream had come with because he was to be decoy.
To the old buckethead's credit, it took less than an hour for Laserbeak to show up.
"We've got company," Sideswipe announced over the comm. "Start acting."
"You know, it's really good we finally managed to contact Ultra Magnus," Wheeljack said happily.
Starscream made a noncommittal noise.
"I didn't grasp there were Autobots besides us until we did," Skyfire mused, taking the whole thing into an unexpected direction.
"If there weren't, Shockwave would have been bored enough to try and usurp Megatron," Starscream said. Raising some doubt was never out of place.
"That may be so. I'll sure be pleased to have satisfactory resources at my disposal once again," Perceptor offered primly.
"Once we've managed to conquer Iacon and rebuilt the Academy, you mean? That's a ways off," Wheeljack said.
"Well, someone has to consider the long-term implications."
"Long-term, the universe will die from entropy," Starscream offered.
"Haha." Perceptor was less than amused. "One wonders why you even bother then."
"Maybe I've embraced Jesus Christ as my savior and believe in immortal souls and redemption now."
"Given your past that would be unwise."
Arguing with Perceptor was fun. "Good thing that I haven't, then."
"Maybe you should try to find one of those vampire things and ask it to bite you," Wheeljack interjected.
"A what?"
They continued their friendly banter with the occasional human pop culture reference from Wheeljack well after Laserbeak was gone.
Another hour later, a swarm of black dots appeared at the western horizon. Judging by the number, Megatron had brought absolutely everyone, supposedly to state an example.
That's not good, Optimus agreed to the assessment. We'll be there in a breem.
A breem was long when you were in battle.
"Everyone, take cover," Starscream ordered. "Reinforcement is on the way, so no stupid heroics."
It took a death glare and some unfriendly laser shots zipping into their general direction to make the twins comply.
"What about following your own order?" Skyfire asked via comm.
Starscream just raised his chin in response. This was his fight, something that had been a long time coming.
Megatron seemed to have the same sense of foreboding, he landed in a safe distance to Starscream, while the rest of the army alighted on the surrounding hills, as if this were an impromptu arena. Consequently, no one fired a single shot at the Autobots that had been made unwilling extras.
"Starscream!" Megatron bellowed in the exact same tone that he always used before dishing out some kind of punishment.
Starscream forced himself not to retreat, not even a step, although something inside him cringed and wanted to curl up into a ball until it was over.
"Not hiding behind anyone today, traitor?"
These confrontations always lacked originality. They'd trade a few insults, until Megatron had enough, but no more. They were both adults. "I've always wondered why you made me your second even though you think so little of me."
Megatron narrowed his optics to angry orange slits. "I was right to mistrust you, don't you think? How do you even dare to wear my colors anymore."
Starscream squared his shoulders. He was not the traitor here. "Our colors. The freedom and glory of Cybertron, remember?" Somehow, Megatron had to understand what this was about. "This war could have ended a long time ago, and we all cold be enjoying this freedom we fought for, but you're too bent on ruling the universe to even remember half of the promises you made."
Megatron roared, as if he had no words left to defend himself, angrier than Starscream remembered him being, ever, optics shining like the fires in the Pits. He stormed at Starscream, obviously too angry toeven remember the fusion cannon - angry enough to actually kill and make it close and personal and make Starscream suffer as much as possible. Each of Megatron's steps created a miniature earthquake, reverberating to Starscream's very core. He'd never wanted things to come to this.
Time seemed to stretch to infinity as Starscream braced himself for the impact. Optimus would be here soon and he could survive a minute or two, until Optimus distracted Megatron enough to make him forget about Starscream…
…Not hiding behind anyone today, traitor?
No. No one besides Megatron called him a coward, called him weak, called him a traitor.
He stared right into Megatron's grimace of pure rage, so far from what he'd once admired, and everything came together, was thrown into such a clear focus that it almost hurt his optics, and everything was so eerily calm as he realized what he had to do.
Starscream raised his weapons and fired, point blank.
The silence after the shots was deafening.
After the dust had settled somewhat, Starscream cautiously approached Megatron's still, smoking form, and knelt down beside his fallen leader. The optics were a dull gray now, and a quick scan told him that he'd hit the spark with a cluster bomb.
Dead.
The odd calm clearness receded to make way to an entirely different feeling, a heaviness so intense that it seemed to drag his whole being to the ground, seemed to pull at his innards to make them join the planet's core.
It was wrong, he'd never wanted this, all he'd wanted was a leader worth following, was for his talents to be acknowledged, was, oh, he didn't know… once, he'd harbored this totally idiotic hope that Megatron would make it official, adopt him, perhaps, but instead he'd been treated like a wayward sparkling, as if even this secret hope had been discovered, his hidden weakness found and exploited for Megatron's own sick pleasure.
He'd surely never wanted Megatron dead. But… he'd never quite been able to gather up his courage and stay calm enough to make Megatron understand, and Megatron had never quite been able to let go of his pride and listen.
Starscream… Optimus said, sounding dumbfounded. You killed him.
You watched?
Yes… I thought you'd nullify him.
So did I. Not the first time I lost it around him.
I should be angry at you, for ignoring the plan and the treaty.
Starscream bowed his head. It would be nothing less than I deserve. He'd wanted to nullify Megatron, really he had, in this stupid belief that if Megatron just listened, he'd see sense and they could go back to where they had started out, the proud teacher and his brilliant pupil.
He wouldn't have listened, love, and he wouldn't be proud of someone who was able to outsmart him, Optimus said.
I know. It had been an illusion, something to hang on to when he woke up in medbay and remembered what had brought him there. But this… parent, yes, that was it, parent, naïve as it may sound, had died a long time ago, and somehow, it was only consequent to have killed the evil impostor that had taken his place.
Star, love, I know you're grieving, and I'd hold you right now if it wouldn't present the totally wrong image. Can you keep it together until tonight? Please? There are several dozen Decepticons here that need some kind of direction, now.
Starscream shook is head, touched that silvery forehead in respect and stood up. They still were staring at him, and he looked back in return, finding optics wide with disbelief and confusion. He turned around, finding the Autobots on his back, quiet, waiting. He nodded his head in Optimus's direction and turned to face his future underlings once more.
"The plan was for the Autobots to take him prisoner," Starscream announced, trying to ignore that his voice wasn't really made for big speeches. "I wasn't aware he wanted me dead that badly."
"I believe most of you remember what we once were. We set out to fight for a better life, and all we managed was to nearly destroy our homeworld. My trine and I have struck a deal with the Autobots to revive Cybertron and write a new constitution. Anyone who is still interested in freedom and equality may follow me. You'll be granted full amnesty. Anyone more intent on ruling the universe has precisely twenty four human hours to leave this planet. We will not tolerate stragglers."
There was a nearly completed shuttle in the Nemesis, if memory served him right; they'd be able to use it for two, three runs until the ultimatum ran out.
Not surprisingly, it was Soundwave who moved first, ignoring Starscream and crouching down near Megatron instead. The big stoic mech stared at his dead commander for a while, then looked up at Starscream.
"I wasn't consciously looking to kill him," Starscream said quietly. "But I suppose I just couldn't take it anymore. And you should have seen his face."
"Objective: slow death," Soundwave confirmed.
"I know." He crouched down, too, to be at optic level. The next part was crucial for his success. "Are you aware yet that I am bonded to Optimus Prime?"
Soundwave actually tilted his head. It was probably the first impulsive thing Starscream had seen Soundwave do. "Implication: corruption."
Optimus was bristling in the back of his mind. Starscream smirked. "I've had some time to watch them, examine them. Most of them come from fairly… normal, sheltered backgrounds. Most of them haven't really thought about why most of us ended up on the sides we are on. We need to make them think. Optimus isn't that adamant on restoring the old structures, so he's more bound to listen to me than the other way round. He doesn't have much of an ingrained mission besides peace, and 'freedom is the right of every sentient being' – You may have a look at my mind if that will put you at ease." Because he needed Soundwave.
Most people found the guy creepy, being so extremely reserved, but they also trusted that Soundwave had the most level head of the three commanders. Some might even respect him, and there was no question that his cassettes adored him.
"Conclusion: strong will to fight. Conclusion: saner than usual," Soundwave said eventually, and maybe there was a tinge of humor in there somewhere.
"So I've been told. He wasn't really doing me much good."
"No."
Soundwave moved to kneel, and over the dead body of their old leader, he pressed a hand to his chest and bowed to Starscream, pledging his loyalty without words.
"Thank you," Starscream said, feeling a pleased smile tugging at his lips, "but this kind of theatrics isn't quite needed anymore. You may stand."
Together, they rose.
Others came trickling in, first TC and Warp to pay their respects to Megatron, then the cassette twins.
"Didn't think you had the ball bearings for it," Rumble said and grinned up at Starscream insolently.
Starscream grabbed TC's arm, he really didn't need protecting from the midget's big mouth. "You're very lucky I need to keep myself on you creator's good side. However, I'd advise you to emulate him a little in terms of talkativeness. Or lack thereof."
Rumble made a face, but stayed quiet, miraculously enough.
The next ones in were the Constructicons, which was a surprise, since they were too young to remember the Decepticon origins. However, it made kind of sense, since their primary purpose was construction and Cybertron needed a rather great amount of that right now.
Eventually, the only ones missing were the Coneheads and those pesky bugs, but since the latter hadn't turned up in the first place, they couldn't know Megatron was dead – a fact they would probably rejoice greatly.
Starscream did a lot of talking, answering questions of how and why, nearly creating a mutiny when the little tidbit about the bond was revealed to the general public – until Soundwave stepped in and announced he'd known all along, and it was the Autobots who should worry.
As if on cue, Optimus came ambling up to them, to shake hands with Soundwave as new second of the Decepticons and have a look at the various sub-commanders. He managed to put them at ease around him – he did that to nearly everyone, it was really fascinating.
"I'll leave you to clean up, then," Optimus said. "Is there some kind of appropriate mourning period?"
"The usual orn so everyone can pay their respects. He didn't believe in anything, as far as I'm aware of." And Starscream had killed him, this mech of no faith… "We'll find a sarcophagus and entomb him once we have Cybertron back. It wouldn't do to have him reused."
"Of course. Do I see you tonight?"
"Probably," Starscream said. I need to return to the Nemesis for a bit. There's much to do. You know how it is, being a commander.
I know. Optimus squeezed his upper arm once and was off.
xxx
It was late when Starscream returned to the Ark, but at least he'd made it before midnight.
They'd laid Megatron out in the mess hall after cleaning him up, and after an hour or so of watching a steady stream of people come in, stare at him and walk off, as if it hadn't quite sunk in yet, Soundwave came to fetch Starscream and they went over some necessary formalities together, first dissecting the peace treaty, which didn't take too long, because Soundwave was actually quite pleased with it, second discussing necessary promotions, third contacting Shockwave with the bad news.
As expected, he glibly promised to think about the offer. Starscream thanked him as insincerely, because he knew Shockwave had always seen himself as heir, and he and Soundwave had some quarrel over the status of the cassettes that was several thousand vorns old.
More stuff came up – Megatron had hated paperwork, and Soundwave, after doing all of it for the last three months, expected Starscream to shoulder his fair share of it. Last was the ever increasing energy problem, and that was the only reason Starscream was able to leave at a halfway sane time.
Optimus was awake and reading when he finally arrived at their quarters.
"Evening, love."
"Evening." Starscream collected some energon from the dispenser, suddenly realizing it for the luxury it was, and plopped down on the armrest next to Optimus. "Our energy situation is depressing enough to commit suicide."
"No jokes about that, please." Optimus came across the link as positively shocked.
"Right. We either need material for a few turbines, quickly – to make use of the tides," Starscream explained at the puzzled look. "They cause currents in the sea and we could use that for power. We can hardly rob a foundry anymore. Or we move. This volcano here is producing more than enough heat to keep all of us comfortable, but I doubt your bots want us here."
Optimus reached out and caressed his arm. "We could built something – they all need to get used to each other sooner or later anyway. We'd have to ask the humans for permission, but I doubt they would object much. Their various authorities were rather pleasantly surprised at how the situation resolved itself. They asked to talk to you."
Oh, yay. Starscream downed his energon.
"They're not that bad. Now, how are you?"
"Stressed. I know why Warp doesn't want to do it."
Optimus sighed and snaked an arm around Starscream's waist. "You killed Megatron today. And I've tried very hard to be appalled or angry about it, but I don't seem to manage. You really liked him at one time, didn't you?"
Starscream looked at the wall. "I told you, it was hero worship. I… he was everything I wasn't, and I wanted nothing more than to be a little more like him."
"I'm glad you didn't manage that."
"I worked like mad so that he'd notice me, and once he did, I worked even more. I wanted him to be proud." And needy little Starscream hadn't even realized when that had been turned against him.
"Shhh." A hand came up to take the empty cube from him, and the other tugged at his hips until he complied and sat in Optimus's lap, straddling him as usual. Optimus wound careful arms around him and made Starscream rest his head on his shoulder. "He should have been proud about such devotion."
Should have, would have. Primus, he'd been such an idiot.
"No, you weren't. He shouldn't have done what he did, and you have every right to be angry."
It didn't help anymore to be angry now, did it? Megatron was dead, dead and every chance of Starscream's anger changing things was gone forever, and it was all his fault.
Optimus rocked him, whispering nonsense into his audios and swamping him in understanding until the shaking stopped and Starscream pulled himself together.
"Why do you even put up with all this slag from me?"
"Well, you do put up with my slag, as well." Optimus put a soft finger under Starscream's chin to tilt it upwards, and began to kiss him.
xxx
Starscream came to quickly, afterwards, but Optimus was still out of it. There was a small pang of guilt somewhere, Optimus had had a day that had been almost as bad as Starscream's, and he shouldn't have stayed up to wait. Carefully, Starscream stroked Optimus's helm so not to disturb him, yet eventually, Optimus's systems rebooted and he blinked at Starscream groggily.
"Go back to sleep."
"Mhh. Not yet. Star?"
"Yes?"
"If I told you I wanted to sparkbond with you, would you be very scared?"
What?
You may forget about it. Now he was hurt, great.
No. Wait. Yes, I do want you as my spark mate, once the situation is halfway stable. If Starscream thought about it, the idea filled him with a deep satisfaction and… joy. Someone wanted him, of all people, that close, and he couldn't imagine not wanting Optimus with him, always.
Optimus was apparently equally satisfied with his answer. Good. I love you.
As you keep telling me. He hefted himself up to nuzzle Optimus's cheek. Now go into recharge.