Red Star Chapter 12: (3fractions split into 4mixed teams with 3 goals…. Continues)

Nautilus: Preceptor was waiting for Starscream in the small cargo bay turned lab. He was going over Skyfire and Starscream's notes about the oil pools and foliage. To the side a 'Con drone was helping repack a crate with supplies the scientist wanted.

Starscream stepped in, "You wanted to see me?"

Preceptor was pleased to see Starscream was treating him almost as an equal. "Yes, thank you. You aren't busy?"

Starscream's mouth tugs to one side, slightly amused, "Always busy, but what's up?"

"What is your plan when we arrive?"

Starscream picking up the drone he sets him outside locking him out. Then looks around the cargo bay with a device on his wrist beeping. When it makes a high pitched squeal, Starscream peers into the vent and smiles. Then squeezes something until it pops. The squeal instantly stops. Starscream continues until three devices are silenced.

Then Starscream sits down across from Preceptor and smiles at the confused scientist. "Spies. Can't trust them, can't have a successful campaign without 'em." Preceptor just smiles shaking his head. Starscream props a boot against the lab table rather arrogantly, but the way he is rubbing his neck proves he has a processor ache already. "Plan, you asked? Prime knows what I'm up to, I hope. Megatron doesn't, I hope." Preceptor's eyes go wide. Starscream smiles, "Ah, Optimus didn't tell you. Sneaky Bot, ain't he?" So the Seeker leans in, "My primary focus is Skyfire and his sparkling Igneous. Your primary is the oil pools."

"What makes you think Skyfire will come with you?"

"I don't care if he does or not. I can't have him mucking up our plans. You are to gather as much of that oil you can haul then destroy the pit."

"But the plants?"

Starscream taps the data pad, "Did you see how long it takes for the plants to ferment the oil to the right strength?"

Preceptor smiles catching on, "A very long time."

Starscream cocks a finger at the scientist, "And you want to know why Ultra Magnus has the high grade with a level one security lock in his personal quarters?" Preceptor's jaw drops. Starscream stands up and cackles, "Yeah, spies come in handy for more than just recon. Sometimes they come home with the goods, too. And it was worth it all to sit back drinking it while good old Maggy cries over his stolen contraband and can't complain to Prime about what the 'Cons have done to him personally."

Preceptor shakes his head and can't help chuckling, "Scrap you 'Con's are ruthless."

Starscream takes a bow at the door, "They don't call us Decepticons for nothing. So, Commander, I will give you the best demolition team we've got. But I'm taking Swindle, Sunstorm and those two…. The ones from Alexis team."

Preceptor is very surprised Starscream would remember one particular human's name, but then he had heard rumors that she shot him out of the sky. Yeah, he would never forget or forgive a pesky human for that, "Ah, Gigi and Rad?"

Starscream snaps his fingers, "Yeah, those two."

"Why the humans?"

"One, they won't be able to take the concussions from the explosives we brought. Second, Skyfire will be more willing to listen to them than me. I think. Finally, I hate to say this, but I may have to use them as bait if Mindwipe has turned Igneous against the humans."

Preceptor groans, "I hope you know what you are doing."

Starscream takes a moment and then rubs his face with his palms, "Yeah well, you aren't the only one. Just do me a favor. Don't let one single frag'n Morgan near that pool. And make absolutely sure there are no underground pools. If need be, blow the whole planet."

Preceptor gasps, "You can't be serious!"

Starscream pulls up to his full imposing height and flares his eyes to Lord Starscream mode, "I am absolutely serious. Do not fail this mission, Autobot!" He strides towards him pokes his finger fiercely directly beside Preceptor's and locks his targeting gaze with the scientist's blue ones, "I did not bury a Seeker's mate for nothing!"

Starscream didn't move until Preceptor meekly answers, "Understood."

With that, Nautilus' commander headed for the door, "I'm going to recharge. My processor is killing me. Wake me if you need me for anything. I don't care what it is. I want this mission to succeed."

Preceptor softly asks, "Starscream, you aren't worried about yourself, are you?"

Starscream huffs in amusement, "For once, no. I don't care what happens to me. But I'll be damned if I didn't do everything I could for my best friend's offspring."

Preceptor replies softly, "Good night, Starscream."

Starscream just nods and leaves. Entering the commander's quarters for the first time this trip, he groans. The place was a disaster. The last Nautilus commander, Cyclonous, lived up to his name once again. With a sweep of his arm, Starscream clears the bunk of trash, empty Energon cubes, cracked data pads, and he doesn't want to know what was on that towel. Now his processor was absolutely crushing. Going unconscious would be real nice right now. He closes his optics and dreams of Alexis. A big smile across his face he drifts off.

But the sweet dream was too short lived. Starscream shot up from his recharge gasping from a nightmare that felt way too real. Panting, he knew there had to be a way to recharge without dreaming. Even though he only got a half cycle, he knew it would be enough for now.

SIC got up and headed over to his desk. Frig'n reports. Sure Optimus and Ultra Magnus loved reports, but Megatron? Who would have thought the bucket head really wanted detailed reports about the on goings of the shuttle? Yeah, it was one way to keep everyone in line. Starscream plunked his chin down on a palm propped on an elbow on a table top. One fingered, he punched in the dreary notes. How many cubes of Energon were consumed? Just for spite he wrote in, No, we didn't celebrate your creation day with out you, Lord Bucket Head." Then quickly deleted that. Megatron would have made him retype the report in triplicate. Ugh. Rather rot in the aircraft graveyard in the Mojave Desert and become an experiment for Mythbusters!

"Where the Pit did that come from?" Starscream shook his head. He flung the data pad away and headed for the door. I need someone else to talk to so I stop listening to my own thoughts and Alexis' imprinted imagination!" He quietly strode down the hall back to Preceptor.

Nemesis: When it's Alexis turn to sleep, she finds the thrum of Nemesis' engines almost lulling. She must have been more tired that she though. As her body began to relax, she found her mind drifting into the Wild Blue Yonder. A little jet zipped right over her, did a curl and came back to wrap it's vapor trail around Alexis' red body like a ribbon. Then the jet giggled and hovered above her. "Mama, give me a nudge," the little jet begged.

Alexis gasped, "Mama?"

The little jet giggled harder and got herself just above Red Star's fuselage nose. Alexis could see her perfectly now. A jet black streak encompassed her cone nose and went straight down her white back. On her wing tips were red stars trimmed in Decepticon purple and sparkling gold. The little jet shimmied and giggled again, "Mama, nudge me. I want to go shooting up to Daddy."

"Daddy?" Alexis spark jumped. She nudged the little jet and watched her shoot straight up into the sky. Up there with the black of outer space behind his back, was Starscream proto-formed hovering with his arms outstretched and a wide smile on his face.

"Come to me, my Starlex," he encouraged his daughter.

Just as the little jet was about to reach her father's arms, Alexis saw a moon come into view. But it wasn't just any moon. It had to be one of the moons from Cybertron and it's horns were transforming out of a couple craters. Alexis screamed as another crater opened up and a beam of light shot out. Starscream's smile quickly faded and he pushes his daughter away with the palm of his hand. But it was too late for him. The beam of light sliced through his back and came out his chest. His spark was pushed from his chest and extinguished before Alexis' eyes. Their daughter was falling out of control and crying for her mother. Alexis made the dive to save their daughter, but there was nothing she could do for her mate who was being disintegrated . Harder and faster she dove for their daughter but the ground was coming up so fast.

Alexis shot up awake and gasping for breath. Looking around, she found she was still asleep inside the brig. Another human team mate, Vic, turned to her sleepily, "Alexis? You okay?"

Alexis found she was sweating horribly and her heart was racing unmercifully. "Ah, nightmare."

Vic smirks, "Yeah, well a 'Con brig was not my idea of the Ritz either."

Alexis smirks at his joke and watches him go back to sleep. But the dream was just too real for Alexis. Sleep was not going to be her friend, that's for sure. Or were these Starscream's dreams she was reading?

Axiom & Xanthium: Optimus offers Thundercracker his chair while he perches on the edge of the berth. Thundercracker starts, "What is going on?"

"What is your priority to all this?" Optimus asks.

"Find Igneous. That Seeker belongs with his own. Starscream told us about Onyx. I can't even imaging being in Skyfire's place." Then Thundercracker notices Optimus retract his glove and begin rubbing the palm side of his left finger with his thumb, watching each move it made. "I meant no disrespect to your loss, of course."

Optimus doesn't look up but does answer him softly, "Starscream asked a request of me. I granted it."

Thundercracker is shocked, "Oooookay."

Now Optimus looks up and smiles, "He has gone in search of Igneous. It's our job to find Skyfire. I need your help. I know Skyfire was Starscream's best friend. But after they split, you became his trine. I need you to think about where he could be. Take all the time you need. I will send Hot Rod on to join Preceptor. We can go another direction. We are to wait for a signal from Swindle or Sunstorm."

Thundercracker asks carefully, "Who else knows?"

"Cyclonous, because he is on Earth and may find a clue."

Thundercracker stands up and heads to the door, "Let me see what Skywarp and I can come up with."

Optimus nods, "Get some rest while you are there. I'm going to need you if we find him. If he tries to flee again, I'm not sure I can catch him on my own. I'm not a natural flier."

Thundercracker smiles, "Got your six Prime." Optimus just nods and watches the Seeker leave to his….mate? Wing mate or spark mate? Optimus lays back and studies his hand. Eventually he lays the engravings upon his lips and closes his optics at their touch.

Earth: Just as Prowl had predicted. Cyclonous was a bit too aggressive and had a tendency to have "accidents" with his weapons. Some of his captures had warp gate malfunctions and never arrived. Sideswipe seemed to have the same kind of "accidents."

Bee was better. He found his targets and yanked the non-humans to the jungle base to be warped out. His plants were for most part left operation. But a few met with his stinger tazzers.

Sunstreaker was having a blast. He raced the locals to the point Prowl was actually called in by the EMC.

"Have you gotten any work done?" Prowl growled.

"What do you think?" Sunstreaker smirked.

"Just give me the report." Prowl groaned again rubbing his temples.

"Alright. Two plants mysteriously lost their main power conduits. Looks like it will be weeks before another can be install. Another is having phone line problems. There for they can't order the materials they need. Still don't know what's up with that. One in Germany, wouldn't you know, somebody broke in and stole all the belts for the presses. Now what kind of a prank is that? Do you know how hard it is to find replacements?

"I went to Norway to the shipping docks. For some reason, no one can find the manifest list and the customs forms. I've got people looking into it. Now would you like to hear about the payroll issues with translation between Euros vs. the local economy? It's amazing the things you learn while racing the locals along the Audubon."

At this point Prowl just dropped his jaw. Who would have known the prankster would come up with very cleaver ways to halt production.

"Okay then there was the-"

Prowl shook his head, "Proceed Streaker. But you still have to pay your own speeding tickets."

He holds out his palm, "In Euros, credits or local currency?"

Prowl laughs, "You're the genius, you figure it out. But hurry up, I need you in Africa."

"That one is going to be hard work," he grumbles

"Yeah it is. Glad you had fun in Europe. Africa, two days and no placing bets with the locals about racing the cheetahs." With that, Prowl headed out still shaking his head.

Nemesis: Moonracer came back to the brig panting, "They're all sick!"

Everyone whips around. "What do you mean," Alexis asks.

Moonracer tries not to smirk, "The Energon processor on board Nemesis has malfunctioned. They've all been poisoned."

Vic gasps, "How bad is it?"

Moonracer now smiles, "Not that bad. They live, but wishing they were dead right about now. As soon as Knock Out identified the problem, I gave him some of our rations to distribute."

Alexis pipes up, "Who is flying? "

Cocking a hip Moonracer smirks, "Powerglide, much to Megatron's disappointment." Alexis knows they are an item and sees her pride for Powerglide.

Vic continues, "Now what?"

Moonracer points to Alexis, "We need to find the source of the contamination. Thank goodness we have the humans, because even Soundwave's mini cons are sick. We are going to need you inside the wall to help us."

Alexis hands Moonracer the coordinates, "Can Powerglide get this out?"

Moonracer smirks, "I'll find out. Come on, I need you and your team to get searching right away."

Axiom: Thundercracker and Skywarp come back to Optimus' quarters. Optimus lets them in. He tries not to study them, but can't help himself. These two were as tight as Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. No, more like Casey and Sideswipe. Even though currently Thundercracker was leaning against the wall with his ankles and arms crossed, like he was forcing himself to stay away from Skywarp? Skywarp took the chairs leaning his? elbows on knees, forehelm in palm not looking at either one of them.

Optimus asks, "Are you alright Skywarp?"

Skywarp looks up to him and smiles, "Could be better. Then again, could be dead or captured." Everyone chuckles lightly. "I'm fine. So have you come up with any ideas?"

"Onyx. I didn't get to know her well," Optimus shrugs.

Thundercracker nods, "I know they were seeing each other while we were in the guard together. But it was a fleeting thing. As you know, Command doesn't leave much personal time."

Optimus ruefully smiles. "Yeah, well you just have to get more creative to find time." At this point, the two Seekers look between Prime and then each other. Optimus waves the memories away with his hand, "So what else do you know?"

Skywarp drops the head back into the palms, "I can picture the planet, but not the name. Skylynx took a delegation to a place with a red ocean and blue cliffs for a retreat."

Thundercracker snaps his fingers, "Oh yeah. We almost had to call out a search party for Skyfire at departure time."

Skywarp looks up to Thundercracker with a smile Elita used to shoot Optimus across a crowded room after one of their quick passionate couplings in unauthorized area. "Remember how silent he was?"

Thundercracker returns the smile to Skywarp, "Remember the smile on his silent mug?" He grips his arms tighter to keep from reaching out. Optimus knows that body language, had to use it many a time to keep from grabbing Elita and taking her right there on the conference table.

Prime can see the two Seekers on an internal com link. Or was it a bond link? Either way, they had tuned him out. Prime coughs lightly breaking the communiqué and his own heated memories. Two Seeker heads shoot up to him flushed with embarrassment. Prime keeps his stoic expression, "So, where was this planet?"

They both shake their heads, "Only Skyfire and Skylynx knew. Said it was to keep the place protected from commercial enterprise."

Optimus taps his fingers on his wrist, "But he knew it well?"

"Onyx had found the place. She had told Skylynx. I saw her still on the planet as Skylynx pulled away."

"Can you give me anything to go off of?"

"I heard Starscream arguing with Onyx one day. She had him by the throat demanding that he cover the next meeting because she was taking Skyfire away. Starscream finally relented on the terms that she at least give him a star system so that he could send and SOS if need be. Trogon System."

Thundercracker sighs, "There's got to be fifty habitable planets in that huge system. And they aren't close together either."

Optimus goes to his desk and fires up a chart of the Trogon System. "I have Skyfire's signature. We go there and start scanning."

"Prime, what if it's too painful for him to return and he isn't there?"

Optimus shows his palm bearing Elita and Poco's names, "Trust me Thundercracker, if it was that special to Onyx, he will at least visit." Then he hits the com, "Hot Rod, take Xanthium to Preceptor at Notora."

"Where are you going?" Hot Rod counters.

"Seeker hunting. I'll take Skywarp and Thundercracker. I'm transferring everyone else to you."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Prime smiles, "No, but it's the best one I have right now. Out." Then Optimus changes the setting on his communications console. He turns to Thundercracker, "Send the information to Starscream, I've already authenticated it. Go." Thundercracker sends the message to his commander about their friend's possible where abouts.

Nemesis: Alexis finally make it to Starscream's quarters. His room is neat, like she expected. There's a painting on the wall, but before she can go towards it, she sees a shelf above the desk. It's empty except for a plaque: Reserved for Megatron's Head

"Like that one?" Alexis looks up to sick Megatron leaning heavily on the door frame looking a little paled. He stumbles into the room and takes a seat on the bunk. Then lays back, arm across his aching optics. It's disturbing for Alexis to see her mate's foe reclined on such a personal place. Megatron cocks one optic at her, "What? You didn't seriously think I would let either a human or and Autobot alone in my SIC's personal quarters did you? Now get to work so I can go back to my own and recharge."

Alexis climbs inside a vent next to the Energon dispenser, "Doesn't that sign bother you?"

Megatron laughs, "What, the one about my head? No. I have one on my wall proclaiming This Spot Reserved for Starscream's WingSword. It's a game we play with each other. He will never kill me and it's just a matter of time before he dies."

Alexis shutters at the though of her now bonded spark mate dying. And how dare his superior take it so lightly. As if he could read her thoughts he answers, "Look it human, we are 'Cons. Death is a way of life for us."

Alexis can't hold back, "Have you nothing to live for Megatron?" He snorts weakly. "Has anyone ever loved you?"
"Oh there are plenty who think they love me. Some are even quiet satisfying."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. Haven't you ever loved anyone?" Megatron becomes more than silent. Almost like his spark has even stopped pulsing. "Well, Lord Megatron? Have you ever been in love?" Now she knows she has gotten to him. And maybe too far.

Abruptly he sits up, way to fast by the way he sways and hauls himself to his feet. His words bite out in pain, "Touch anything, and you die. Either by my hand or his!" Alexis knows Megatron's pain is not physical. Megatron slams his fist into the wall above the plaque and staggers out the door. So who has Megatron's spark engraved on their hand? Alexis ponders.

She turns back to examining her mate's quarters. The painting captures her. A vibrant mural. Her gaze gets sucked into it. A swirl of blue, turquoise, red dashes, and white. Smattered in the swirls of color are yellow and black stars streaking through. Not a drop of purple and the full length of the wall. It wasn't something she would have pictured in his room. But now that she's seen inside his soul, maybe it does fit. Some how she knows there is more to the story than just the "art". There is something very personal in there.

Sitting on Starscream's desk, she continues to look around the room. Above his bunk, not surprising, is a flag for the Seeker's Elite Air Command. Looks like it came from a damaged building, but for a specific reason, Starscream had left it damaged and unwashed. The rest of the cabinets are closed and locked. Wonder of all wonders, who is he trying to keep out? What does Commander Starscream hide in his quarters? But her com pages cutting that line of thought, "Paxton? Are you done in the SIC's quarters? I need you to head up to FIC's."

Alexis groans, "I'd rather not."

"He insisted on you. Don't worry, Thrust will be there."

Alexis groans, "Can't I just get spaced instead? It would be far less painful." The Captain only laughs in reply. Alexis sighs, "On my way. Out"

As she is about to leap down from the desk, she sees the drawer is just slightly open. Alexis is feeling devious now. If only she can shrug this suit fast enough.

Alexis strides down the hall after leaving a gift in her mate's desk with a note, "Practice make perfect. Try this one-handed."

Earth: It took months for Prowl's team to bring the manufacturing to a slow crawl. The General was the most reluctant and least successful in halting operations. Without the General's notice, Prowl sent Sunstreaker to finish off the United States and Canada. But on the grounds he be extremely stealthy and remain silent about his part.

Sunstreaker holds his hand up in defense, "Hey, I had nothing to do with Europe. I just went to investigate, like you said. I must just be a bad luck charm to Cybertainium plants. Are you sure you trust me around the US?"

Prowl finally grabbed his own head and yelled, "GET OUT OF HERE! LEAVE ME THE SLAG ALONE!"

Sideswipe was bowled over laughing at Sunstreaker's innocent expression. Sunstreaker turns to Manta, "Hey wanna go with me and be my good luck charm?"

Casey snatched Manta away from his uncle. For the first time in a long time, she had a huge grin across her face, "Oh no! You aren't teaching my son any of your pranks."

Sunstreaker looks to her agassed, "My pranks? Hello, where do you thing I learned them?" Pointing to his twin.

Sideswipe now looks all innocent, "Me? Don't be looking at me that way."

Prowl points to both of them, "Off this base in a nanosecond or find your self ten miles from here walking sentry for the floating brig." Meanwhile he keeps wondering if Sunstreaker did take saboteur training while his back was turned or was he just a natural?

Sideswipe leans over his giggling wife and cups her face while sending, Will you be alright alone?

Casey beams back, My processor will be fine…but my….Swipe can already feel her heated passion waving over him.

Sunstreaker grabs his brother's arm, "We need more wrenches and some paint. Come on lover-bot."

Casey steps forward and kisses Swipe quite warmly. The EMC in the room who had no idea how passionate 'Bots can feel, just saw with Casey's processor-blowing kiss. Before Swipe can get his arms around her waist, Streaker is physically dragging him away.

One EMC asks Manta, "So, how long have they been… what's the word?"

Manta shakes his head embarrassed by his parent's sign of affection, "Bonded. Embarrassing." The EMC laugh at the Bot-child's reaction much like any human teen.

Notora System: Starscream had received the Thundercracker/Prime's message. Then he also received the same information from Nemesis but from Powerglide. Now that was very curious when he said the information was inside the ship the whole time. Powerglide didn't go any further afraid of who was listening in. Starscream appreciated that. Armed with the information, he merely tipped his head to Preceptor.

Swindle leapt to latch onto his partner, but Starscream turned and caught him with his hand and glowered at him, "Don't link with me." Swindle was quite curious. Starscream had never refused to link before. He was hiding something. Something big and personal. Instead Starscream handed him to Sunstorm. "I want you to stay with him. When we get to a particular point, I need you to guard the humans until I send you a signal. Understood?"

Swindle shook his head, Master, what is going on? Are you sick and worried I will catch it?

Starscream smiles and pats his head, No partner. I'm trying to protect you from Soundwave and Shockwave. I'm going to do something dangerous and I don't want you involved.

Sir, we're in this together. Where ever you go, I go.

Not into this. This my soul, not yours. You will not answer to Primus for my crimes. Now be a good partner and do as I say. Go. Swindle latched onto Sunstorm's back. Instantly Sunstorm could feel Swindle's fear for their commander. They both agreed something else was going on.

Starscream turned to Rad, "Get your gear. Here we go."

Rad stares at the Decepticon, "Where are we going?"

Starscream scowls, "Shut up and hang on. I'll tell you later."

Rad turns to smiling Preceptor, "Go Rad. It will be alright. He won't hurt you." Rad and Gigi grab their gear. In a matter of seconds, Starscream and Sunstorm are through a warp gate into another galaxy.

Nemesis It took the humans nearly a weak to find all the damage done inside the bulkhead walls. But Megatron was most surprised when he found Ravage curled up in his throne. Ravage looked bad. One ear looked chewed up. Scratches on the nose, an nasty gash on his back and his tail in a horrible kink. It was almost enough for Megatron to feel sorry for him. Almost. He picked the cat up by the scruff and deposited him on Soundwave's consol, "What happened to him?"

Soundwave shakes his head, "He said there is a vermin running in the bulk head walls. Apparently it attacked him during his recharge."

Megatron scowls, "Vermin? On my ship? I don't think so."

Soundwave pets Ravage's head softly, "Tell that to Ravage."

Megatron leans down and peers into the cat's face, "Vermin? Please?" Ravage looks embarrassed but also mad. He lays his ears back, how dare Megatron call him a liar.

Soundwave taps the consol bringing up a display, "It must be organic because I find no vermin energy readings that Ravage or I would other wise recognize."

Megatron gapes feeling the damage done to Ravage's ear, "You mean to tell me an organic did this to a Cybertronian feline? Who?"

"Tasmanian Devil." Alexis says from their feet.

Megatron, Soundwave and Ravage look down at her. "What makes you say that?" Megatron scoffs.

Alexis crosses her arms, "First off by the teeth mark in the Energon lines. Second by the scat left on the toxin filter that leaked back into your Energon dispersion lines."

Soundwave narrows his gaze, "We were poisoned by an organics' waste?"

Alexis laughs, "No, not just that. Your own toxic lines were chewed into and bled into your fresh lines. Looks like you had a couple minor space vermin in here that the Tasmanian Devils liked but had problems getting to. They have insatiable appetites."

Megatron crosses his arms, "How did they get on board?"

Alexis crosses her own arms, "Don't look at me! I wouldn't go near them with a ten foot pole!"

Ravage growls, but not at her. They all turn to his focused target. There sitting on the dash of Nemesis are two very content Devils. One quite a bit rounder than the other. Alexis can't help but giggle, "Looks like our problems are going to multiply."

Everyone groans. The two devils dash as Ravage launches.

Trogon System: Sunstorm followed his commander in an exploratory orbit of the large planet. Then Starscream com'd him, "Wait for me here."

Sunstorm, "Sir, what are you expecting?'

Starscream smirks, "Expect the worst, hope for the best." Sunstorm laughs and watches the white Seeker head straight down to the planet.

"I'll let you know if I see anything," Sunstorm calls.

Starscream groans, "Sunstorm, did you ever wonder why no one wants you as their wingman?"

"I don't need one," Sunstorm tries to answer proudly.

Starscream snorts, "Don't even try to out rank my arrogance, Sunburn." Silence. "You better be covering me or I'll strip your wings. And I don't mean from the Seekers. I mean from your body!"

Sunstorm gulps, "Yes, Commander." Starscream disappears from Sunstorm's visual sight, but is still on his radar.

The foliage is thick making it hard for Starscream to see anything. He hates flying slow, but knows he has no choice in order to be accurate. Its isn't some stupid pilfering run at Megatron's beaconing. No, this was what Onyx gave her life for. This was for a creation straight from Skyfire's spark for his mate.

Banking over a body of water, Starscream takes the time to skim the surface and look at the aquatic life directly under the surface. Then pulls up quickly at the blue colored limestone-like cliff face. What if it was Starlex? His spark pulses quicker and zooms in his focus. Look for signs of Bot activity, he mentally kicks himself to focus. There! It was just a footstep. But he would know that splayed pattern anywhere. The number of times Skyfire and he had run training sessions for the squadron for protection detail of the Elite Counsel, it was his job to try besting the FIC. As Second Commander, Starscream, he would fill in for ailing, recovering, or T.O. Seekers. He had tried to tell Skyfire that his pedprint was unique and would always give him away.

Skyfire always laughed, "Just because I left a track, doesn't mean they can catch me."

Sighing, Starscream circled and landed. Crouching, he reached out touching the foot print. This one was smaller and lighter weight than he is used to seeing. This wasn't Skyfire's. In one way he was upset, but in another way, he was elated. Then he froze.

He didn't hear it, he never would have heard this mech. He didn't smell him, this guy was way too picky about his appearance to leave a scent. Although the footsteps were light, there were two on either side of Starscream right now and the light from the two suns just got blocked out. Starscream knew better than to move a servo or glitch a circuit. But it was still a stand off.

Finally Starscream lets out a light moan, "My knees aren't what they used to be, may I stand?"

"Don't even think of warming up a weapon." The large voice chortles.

Starscream slowly stands up and turns to face the razor sharp teeth of the white mechanoid dragon's pointed snout. He smiles linking his fingers together in plain view, "Do I look stupid, Skylynx?"

The mouth smiles showing all the teeth, "You were the one to join the Decepticons, not I. So you tell me who is stupid now."

Starscream scowls at the jab. But the stupidest thing he could do right now, is have a verbal battle with a triple changer transport shuttle who's snout was inches from his own spark. So he remains silent. Skylynx decides to take on the interrogations. After all, Starscream invaded his home, not the other way round. "What do you want, Starscream? Why are you here?"

Starscream knows there is no point in lying. He needs Skylynx help and is almost a seventy percent sure he has the sparkling. "I know who killed Onyx. I know why. I want the answers to two questions." Skylynx is shocked at Starscream's brazenness. He steps aside and carefully examines this Decepticon.

Eons ago, Skylynx had been a Seeker with the whole band of fliers defending the prideful aristocrat Elite Counsel. He had been their secured transport on long range diplomatic excursions. He would also provide orbital protection. Skyfire was not above execution to protect the Counsel. As large as he was, he was still a stealthy and deadly foe. Broad firepower if need be, but also a precise sniper from high altitudes leaving everyone wondered what happened. He amazed everyone.

When it became clear the Counsel was too arrogant for their positions anymore by not listening to the rumblings of the lower class, he knew it was going to get ugly. Some of the Counsel had demanded he fly them to another planet for safety. He made it clear he would not help them shirk their duty to their constituents by running and hiding. When Megatron came to the Seekers and enticed them with his lies, Skylynx, Skyfire, Jetfire and a couple other Seekers stood together against that plan as well.

Then Starscream pledged the Seeker's allegiance to the Decepticons over Commander Skyfire's head, it was the last straw. Skyfire turned his back on his best friend and fled through the warp gate without a single word. Jetfire followed him out. Skylynx, needing more time to figure out what he was going to do, fled another direction.

Happy here on his planet of two suns, plenty of foliage, room to swim, fly or dig Skylynx found comfort. Until a Decepticon ship landed and tried to rape his planet of its rare foliage.

Skylynx lowers his head examining the Seeker Commander bearing his enemy's logo, "Why? Who really wants the answers?"

Starscream lowers his head in past failure to his friend and tries to get his words together carefully. He had failed Skylynx as well. Skylynx shifts his weight urging Starscream on. Finally Starscream is ready and lifts his head, "I need to make things right. I owe it to Skyfire and Onyx. Their legacy and hope should not be raised in hate."

Skylynx leans in, "Nor in vengeance. The sparkling deserves peace. Can you guarantee it?"

For the first time in months, a flicker of hope comes to his face, "Do you have Igneous?" Skylynx shakes his head smirking, he won't tell. Starscream smiles back, he should have known better and raises his hands, "Alright fine! Have you heard from Skyfire?"

"Have you?" Skylynx retorts. Then tries again, "Why are you here, Starscream?"

"I'm trying to find Igneous and reunite him with his father before Megatron or the Morgans find him."

"And just how do you plan to do that?" The dragon gets comfortable laying down.

Starscream takes the hint and sits as well. "I have no idea. I'm winging it. No that's not completely true. My plan was to find either one and keep them with me until I found the other."

Skylynx shakes is head, "Terrible idea."

Starscream leans in, "Since when have you been a tactical advisor?"

Skylynx taps a claw on Starscream's helm, "Since when have you started coming up with terrible ideas?" The clawed paw lifts the Seeker and brings him closer. Close enough for him to sniff Starscream over carefully. Then chuckling lightly, the dragon sets the jet down. "So, what's her name?" Starscream merely gapes. Skyfire laughs boldly and smirks, "Oh you forget, I know exactly what was going on inside the 'stupid shuttle' on those very long quiet flights." The claw taps Starscream's chest, "But you? Other than Megatron, I figured you to be the last one to bond. Does Megatron know?" Still Starscream just gapes. Skylynx goes serious, "If you can't find Skyfire, are you planning to raise Igneous as your own with your mate?"

"Ahhhh," Starscream ponders that picture for just a moment. An Earth house with him and Alexis as humans trying to raise a black and white Seeker jet. Shaking his head, he clears the fantasy. Then it becomes clear and his head shoots up to the dragon, "How long have you had him? Where is he? I have to see him!"

Skylynx holds Starscream in place by one pointed claw on the top of the head, "You aren't going anywhere. Igneous is safe. I will turn him over to his father, not you. Traitor."

Starscream touches his helm, "Sunstorm, find Optimus. Tell him Skyfire is our priority."

"Sir, aren't you coming with me?" Sunstorm questions.

Starscream looks up to the dragon and smirks broadly crossing his arms over his chest, "I'll wait right here for Skyfire. I suggest you do not contact Megatron. It will not bode well for your spark chamber."

"Understood," the voice comes out rattled. "On my way." Skylynx scans the orbital space and sees the orange Seeker streak away. The claw comes off the head.

Starscream leans in, "So since I'll be here awhile, can I meet our newest Seeker?"

Skylynx smirks back, "Do I get to meet the femme who actually put a spark into that empty chamber of yours?

"Funny, Skylynx, very funny." Starscream returns the tone then drops to a firm answer, "No way."

Skylynx shrugs and gets up, "Well did you at least bring any sweet treats? I really like those Sticky Energon Dipped Insecticons." Starscream just shakes his head.

Sorry if this one was too long. I'm open to critique and errors. Chapter 12: Will Nemesis make it to Unicron before the Devils eat them alive or the Morgans arrive? Will Skylynx let Starscream see the offspring? Where is Skyfire?