"Love that we cannot have is the one that lasts the longest, hurts the deepest, and feels the strongest." ~ Unknown
"Life is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile." ~ Mark Twain.
Chapter 12
Starscream flew towards the Decepticon base, his Seekers all obediently following him in formation behind their trineleaders, while the single Seekers formed their own V formations. The cool air never felt so wonderful before, nor the sun caressing its golden rays over his wings. A stellar cycle locked away, and now, finally, he was free. He was with his brothers, his Seekers, his faction. And this time, his family was with him. What remained of it.
The Alpha Seeker began to slow down, no longer at Mach 1, barely cruising along. Thundercracker pulled alongside of him and gently nudged him in the side with a wing tip.
"Doing alright, Star?"
"I'm just… I'm really tired. I didn't refuel at all this orbital cycle and I'm injured." Starscream replied softly.
Thundercracker flew underneath his trineleader and pushed up, pressing his top against Starscream's undercarriage. "I got you, love. We'll just take it slow until we get back."
Starscream decreased the power to his thrusters, burning them just enough so that they kept him moving forward, but his weight completely resting on his trinemate. "Thanks, Thunder."
"No need to thank."
Skywarp quickened his pace until he was beside them. "Hey, TC, Starscream has another sparkling."
"What?"
"It's a long story." Starscream said tiredly. "I'll tell you both everything after I have seen Hook and rested."
"Yes, sir." Thundercracker vented, wanting to know everything now so he could start early on lecturing his brother.
Skywarp dropped back until he was beside Skyfire, nudging him with a wingtip. "Yo, Skyfire! Kind of weird seeing you with a bunch of Seekers." He said, obviously smiling inwardly.
"Yeah… Weird and… intimidating." Skyfire quietly replied.
Skywarp flipped over, flying upside down so his cockpit was almost touching Skyfire's. "Intimidated over…?"
"Being with Decepticons. I'm an Autobot, remember? They'll all want to kill me."
"Psshht! You'll be fine. And if anyone messes with ya, just find me and I'll kick their aft. Got it?"
"Okay… Sounds… good."
Skywarp giggled. "You know, we never did go through all the steps to accept you fully into the trine."
"Um, meaning?"
Skywarp simply cackled an evil laugh before flipping back over, straightening himself out, and flying alongside his brothers.
Skyfire inwardly swallowed, not feeling very confident about this at all.
Starscream lifted himself off Thundercracker when they had arrived at their destination. He circled over the endless blue landscape with his Seekers until the lift tower rose from the watery depths. The Air Commander transformed and landed, his Seekers following suite. Skyfire touched down, opened his hull, and allowed Starfire to scramble out as he carried Skyblade. He then transformed, trying to keep from trembling from how nervous he was about entering the Nemesis.
Starscream reached over, grabbed his mate's servo, and pulled him along to the elevator. The Elite Trine, Skyfire, the Seekerlets, and a few other Seekers took the first ride down as the others waited on the landing platform for their turn. Starscream fluttered his wings when his trinemates leaned over and kissed him on the cheekplates simultaneously.
"So, when can I get you into my berth?" Skywarp giggled.
"Later, sexy. Like, an orn later. I gave birth to twins just four orbital cycles ago." Starscream answered him.
"TWINS?!" His trinemates gave an astonished squeak.
"Yes… I'll explain in detail later. Just… Let me get settled first."
"Okay, Scree…" Skywarp said softly.
The door slid open and the group exited. Starscream pulled Skyfire into the Control Room without hesitation, the shuttle's optics widening as he saw the inners of the vessel for the first time. He felt his spark dropping when he recognized some of the Decepticons, such as Soundwave, the cassettes, Onslaught, Brawl, Drag Strip, Breakdown, Bonecrusher, Shrapnel, Bombshell, Reflector, Sideways, and Rampage. They all were looking at him, red and yellow optics locking onto him, puzzled as to why an Autobot was amongst Seekers.
"Seeker Starscream: Status: Alive. Shared emotion of crewmechs: Upset." Soundwave intoned as he watched them.
"I'm not in the mood, Soundwave." Starscream grunted, his wings raising. "And you better not have made another bet on me dying."
"Action: Never. Soundwave: Betted Starscream would live. Soundwave: Joyful. Much richer now." His visor brightened for a moment, obviously smiling like an idiot under his mask.
Starscream rolled his optics before flicking off the Communications Officer. "Enjoy your riches while they last. I'll steal it again to spend on whores."
Skyfire's optics brightened at that, hoping his mate wasn't serious about spending Shanix on prostitutes. His Starscream would never do that. Starscream was faithful. Right?
Skywarp picked up his nephews, holding one on either hip as he followed his trineleader. Starscream quickly began to make his way to the door, hoping to get out of the Control Room and to his quarters as fast as possible before they could be stopped by a certain someone.
Starscream palmed the door open, leading his trine and family down the familiar corridor to where the officer quarters were located. He turned a corner and instantly stopped. His wings slowly lowered, releasing Skyfire's servo. Skyfire swallowed, fear encasing his being.
Megatron leaned calmly against the bulkhead before them, his arms crossed and a ped pressed against the wall. His face an enigma as he just eyed his Second, something dark in his optics.
Starscream offlined his optics for a bit before speaking. "Thundercracker, take Skyfire, the mechlings, and Skywarp to my quarters. I will call you if needed."
Thundercracker gave a small flick of his wings. "Yes, sir." He then turned to the others. "Follow me."
Skyfire glanced at Starscream as the other Seekers started to walk away, passing the tyrant. "Star..?" He asked barely louder than a whisper.
Starscream didn't even look at him. "Follow Thundercracker. That is an order." He said in that firm, commanding vocalizer of his.
Skyfire hesitated, glancing from his mate then to the silver tyrant. He finally nodded and trotted after Thundercracker, slowing down as he passed Megatron, the ex-gladiator barely sparing him a second glance.
Starscream waited until they were all gone before speaking. "Your quarters or torture chamber?"
"Which do you think has the best equipment?" He said almost as if he were talking about the weather.
"When fragging, your quarters. But I know this isn't because you're horny." He slowly approached his superior, keeping his wings low.
"You know why."
"I'm not sure I do, my lord." Starscream held out his arm, allowing the warlord to grasp his wrist, squeezing it tightly.
"Oh, you'll soon find out." Megatron pushed himself off the bulkhead and stomped down the corridor, roughly dragging his Seeker along.
Starscream didn't fight him, didn't beg. He silently followed, keeping up with the gunformer and biting back yelps when his arm was given savage yanks to continue. He ignored the pain pulsating from his injured arm and side, and the soreness of his entire being. He felt pain in his spark, he was absolutely exhausted, and he was weak, so much so he felt like he could just collapse right now. But, he obediently followed his leader. He was going to be punished for something he had no control over, or was something trivial, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Megatron unlocked the torture room and shoved him inside. Starscream almost toppled over, but managed to keep his balance. His wings has low as they could go, he patiently waited as Megatron locked the door then turned to him.
"What would my lord have me do?" Starscream asked almost inaudibly.
"Against the wall." Megatron pointed as he unsubspaced the multi-tailed energon whip.
Starscream glanced at the whip, then walked to the wall. He held up his servos, allowing his superior to chain his wrists to the bulkhead, his front forced against the cold metal. He offlined his optics when he heard the whip powering on, and pressed his brow against the wall before him. He gritted his denta when the first lash landed across his back plates, leaving its cruel sting. More and more thrashes followed, raining down over his wings, back, aft, and thighs. As usual, he remained silent for a few kliks before beginning to hiss and clench his denta. Whimpers and yelps soon sounded from his vocalizer, eventually crying out from the cruel lashes, tearing into his plates. Energon flowed over his frame, dripping and gathering in puddles on the floor.
It was about three breems into the flogging when Starscream's already exhausted systems couldn't take it. He collapsed, hanging from the chains, his optics dim. He yelped from the lashes still striking him, offlining his optics and hoping Megatron would stop soon.
It was about another breem when the tyrant finally did. He subspaced the whip, stomped over to his Second, and unchained him. Starscream fell to the floor, his own energon smearing over his battered frame.
Megatron grasped a wing and dragged his Seeker to the center of the room, pushing him onto his knees. Starscream forced himself to take the position, staying still as he waited for the next part of his punishment.
"I ought to do more to you, Starscream." Megatron spoke as he selected a bucket from a table and approached. "Betraying the Decepticons, procreating with an Autobot, and then bringing one on board not as a prisoner? I honestly never expected this from you."
"I have not betrayed the Decepticons, my lord." Starscream said a little louder, watching his superior near.
Megatron roughly grasped Starscream's mandible and squeezed. "You care for an Autobot, our enemy. You managed to survive a stellar cycle when they should have executed you long ago."
"Which brings about my questioning you, Mighty Megatron. Why didn't you call? Try to rescue me?" Starscream dared to ask, his expression not changing.
Megatron glared at him, his optics glowing brightly. Suddenly, he lifted the bucket, forcing Starscream's jaws open, and pouring the disgusting contents into the Seeker's mouth. Starscream whined and gagged as the waste filled his mouth and flooded down his throat. His optics wide and glowing, reaching up and grabbing Megatron's arm to keep himself from jumping back. If he tried to escape this, he would be in for a horrible beating. He offlined his optics, filling nauseous and almost as if he was going to die.
The silver grounder tossed the bucket away once it was empty and harshly closed the flyer's mouth. "Swallow." He ordered.
Starscream did so a couple of times until everything was down. Megatron released him and returned to the table, grabbing the second bucket. Starscream covered his mouth, forcing himself to keep the waste down despite everything telling him to purge. He groaned, clutching his abdominal plates just as Megatron returned. The tyrant grasped Starscream's mandible, roughly opened his mouth, and emptied the second bucket into the Seeker's mouth.
Starscream let out a gurgled shriek as the acid burnt his glossa, mouth, throat, and insides. He twitched, tearing his servos into Megatron's arm, barely able to keep himself in position. Megatron sadistically held his Seeker until the last drop of acid had entered Starscream's mouth. Then he forced the Alpha Seeker's mouth closed, holding it shut.
"Swallow."
Starscream whined, in unbearable pain as he managed to get himself to swallow. Megatron released him and stepped back.
"Get out of my sight. We will speak later regarding the Autobot." He snapped.
Starscream curled into himself, clutching his abdominal plates. He yelped when Megatron savagely kicked him in the side, causing him to fall over.
"Get out!" The ex-gladiator barked.
Starscream slowly got to his peds, one servo holding his abdominal plates as the other covered his mouth. He opened the door, stepped out, and painfully made his way down the corridors, going to medbay. The marks from the whip burning with every step he took as the searing agony of the acid eating his insides tore through his systems.
He got about halfway to medbay when he couldn't hold it in any longer and purged his fuel tank in the middle of the corridor. Not caring who saw him, he kept trudging along, clenching his denta, his intakes rapid.
He palmed the door open to medbay and entered, signaling his arrival by purging again.
"Ah, my nemesis has returned." Hook said, grabbing a scanner and approaching.
Starscream collapsed on the nearest medberth, curling into a ball as he clutched his abdominal plates, optics offline. Hook scanned him, read the results, then grabbed a bucket.
"Sit up."
Starscream slowly did so, taking the bucket from the Constructicon and placing it on his lap, having gone through this so many times. Hook pressed his thumb against a sensory node on the front of Starscream's neck, causing the Seeker to gag then purge his tank into the bucket.
"Feel any better?"
"A bit…" Starscream groaned.
"Let's do another." He said before getting the Seeker to vomit once more.
"Ugh… I hate this…" The Air Commander moaned.
"You'll hate what I'm about to say as well."
"Don't proclaim your undying love for me…"
"You wish. No, you, my dear nemesis, are in very poor shape."
"How so…?"
"Well, besides the damage from the whip and acid… You have quite a full lacerations and bullet wounds, which I'm sure you're aware of. And your energon levels are quite concerning. Also, your spark is not as large as it should be. The pulse is also a little too slow."
"I had a hard time with the Autobots…"
"Undoubtedly."
"I had twins."
"Wait, you what?"
"I… It's a long story…" Starscream looked away.
"You're telling it as I work on you. And don't hide anything. I'm your physician and I will find out." He said sternly as he jabbed a digit at the Air Commander.
"Yes, sir…" Starscream vented a tired sigh.
Hook took the bucket and placed it on the floor. "Lie down, Commander."
Starscream slowly did so. "Molest me with your healing servos and make all the pain go away, good doctor." He groaned.
Hook just gave him a look. "Now… It's going to feel awkward touching you…"
Starscream smirked. "Touch me… Feel my body… Make me moan and writhe from your soothing caresses. Mmm, let's play patient and nurse." He seductively purred.
Hook smacked Starscream upside the held with the scanner. "Don't."
Starscream vented a sigh. "Fine…"
"Now, tell me everything." The Decepticon medic began to remove Starscream's abdominal plates, noting the new weld marks to the gestation tank.
"Well…" Starscream offlined his optics. "I did what I had to in order to survive… And it worked… somewhat."
Thundercracker palmed the door open to their quarters, allowing everyone to enter before shutting and locking the door. Skywarp set down Starfire, who immediately ran around the room, so excited to finally be back. Skywarp upsubspaced the Seekerlet's belongings and placed them on the small table before sitting on the couch. He set Skyblade on his lap, gently stroking the little helm.
Skyfire looked around the room, familiar with much of it from all the videos and pictures Starscream had sent him. He swallowed, walking over to the far back wall and touching the diploma Starscream had received from the Science Academy. He traced a digit along the frame, faintly smiling at the memories. He stopped at the shelf with the trophies Starscream had won back when he had to race in order to survive, remembering how they were once the only possessions that the Seeker had. He came to the diploma for the War Academy, stopping to read it. This was from the time when he was not in Starscream's life, frozen on this very planet. He couldn't help but smirking when he read that Starscream had received highest honors. Of course his mate would. Starscream was an over achiever when it came to his school and work.
He went to the desk, glancing over the pile of datapads and other items littering the desktop. The shuttle noticed how Starscream still organized all his work as he had when they were students in the academy.
"Hey."
Skyfire turned around, facing the blue Seeker. "Hey." He said softly.
"So…" Thundercracker paused, thinking on how he should say this. "You're living with us now."
"Y-yes…" He stuttered out, anxious about being here.
"I won't question you on what happened during Starscream's time at the Autobots. I'm going to hear his side first and if I have any questions I'll come to you. Starscream is manipulative, so I know he probably tricked you into doing something."
"He did…"
"I figured." He grunted, glancing over at Skyblade. "So, while you are with us you stay close to the trine. Don't ever go anywhere alone. And if we're all out on patrol, you stay locked up in this hab suite with the Seekerlets and whatever Seeker guard Star assigns. It's not safe for you here, but I understand it's not safe with the Autobots either."
"I… I'm really not sure who I can trust anymore…" Skyfire said quietly. "I feel… like everyone has abandoned me and… lost." He wrung his servos, looking down.
"I know that feeling." Thundercracker said softly. "Your trine hasn't abandoned you."
Skyfire looked up at him. "It sounds kind of weird when you say that to me."
"I know… You're not use to it. Skywarp and I accepted you into the trine because we know you and Starscream love each other. And we shall uphold the same vows we made to each other to you."
"Okay…" Skyfire slowly nodded.
"We'll have an official ceremony when things are a bit settled. For now, just adjust to the changes, make yourself at home, and don't be afraid to talk to us about anything. I… I don't love you, Skyfire. But I also haven't gotten a chance to really get to know you. I hope that changes quickly and I can love you like my brother. I see some of the things Star sees in you. I can't wait until I see all of it." He faintly smiled, his wings perking some.
Skyfire managed a small, sheepish grin at that. "Thanks, TC… It means a lot."
"Let me give you a quick tour." He gestured for him to follow, which he did. "So, that door leads to my room, that one is Skywarp's room, and that door is the washroom." He then turned around. "And this door is Starscream's, which will be yours as well." He palmed the door open and entered.
Skyfire followed him, looking around. Thundercracker watched him for a moment before continuing.
"So… If you need anything and can't get a hold of me, Star, or 'Warp, find another Seeker. The best Seekers are the non-traditional ones. Acid Storm and his trine, Bitstream, Sunstorm, Nacelle, Elevon, Airstrike, Ramjet and his trine, Red Wing, Stormbreaker, Nightstrike, Skymaster and his trine… Star can give you a list. The nicest Seeker is Sunstorm, and then Elevon. They are the safest ones. Avoid the traditional ones unless you have no other choice. Not all the traditional ones are bad, but most have something against Starscream."
"Got it." Skyfire nodded.
"Yeah, so… Just avoid everyone else. You can go to Hook, the medic on base, but only if you want to hear a lecture and his dark sarcasm."
"I'm use to medics who do that." Skyfire weakly smiled.
Thundercracker vented a tired sigh. "Well, if you need to rest, you may. I'm going to be waiting." He then stepped out of the room and went to the couch, sitting beside Skywarp.
Skyfire followed, not wanting to recharge despite being completely exhausted. He sat on the couch facing the one with the Seekers, silently watching them. Starfire ran over to Thundercracker and hopped onto his lap, hugging him. Thundercracker gently hugged his nephew back, giving him a kiss on the brow. He then cupped the Seekerlet's face, studying him before smirking.
"You've grown so much… Primus, six stellar cycles old." The blue Seeker said softly.
"I'll be transforming before too long!" Starfire exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, and I imagine you'll be fast like your carrier."
"No, I'm going to be faster!"
Thundercracker kissed his brow. "Maybe. I love you."
"Love you too, Uncle TC." He fluttered his little wings.
Thundercracker kissed him again before hugging him, having missed the Seekerlet so much.
Skyblade was recharging on Skywarp's lap, curled into his uncle's abdominal plates. The black Seeker lovingly caressed the tiny helm, in love with his new nephew. Skywarp turned to his brother, wings perked, optics a little wide. Thundercracker turned to him, optics cold, obviously thinking. His wings perked as Skywarp's optics decreased in size.
Skyfire watched them, obviously they were speaking via commlink. He guessed they must be discussing about Skyblade and everything that had happened. He leaned back into the sofa, tiredly rubbing over his optics. He looked down when there was pressure on his lap. Starfire was there, sitting on his thighs and curling into his abdominal plates. Skyfire faintly smiled, stroking his eldest's helm.
"Hey, sweetie." He quietly greeted.
"Hey, sire." Starfire so sweetly smiled that innocent smile of his. He hugged his creator, snuggling against him.
Skyfire rested a servo over his son's backplates, enjoying the simple comfort his creation brought him. "Love you, Starfire."
"Love you too, sire." Starfire fluttered his wings, tightening his embrace.
It was several breems later when Thundercracker suddenly perked his wings and looked into space. His optics narrowed, then stood. "Hook says he wants us all to go to medbay."
"No!" Starfire squeaked.
"You're coming, soldier." Thundercracker snapped.
"Yes, sir…" Starfire vented a pathetic sigh.
Skywarp got to his peds, holding the still recharging sparkling. Starfire trotted over to Thundercracker and took his servo, tugging it. Thundercracker rolled his optics, picked up the Seekerlet, and placed him on his hip. Skywarp grabbed his brother's servo, then reached for Skyfire's. The Autobot hesitated before giving the black Seeker his hand. Instantly they rematerialized in the medbay, Skyfire almost falling over, not use to the sensation of quick travel.
"If he's dead I'm killing him." Thundercracker dangerously growled, stomping over to the medberth where Starscream lied on his side.
"Unfortunately, he still functions." Hook intoned.
Starscream didn't move, his optics barely online, just lying there, quiet and obviously not feeling well. Skyfire swallowed, anxious about his beloved. Thundercracker set Starfire down on the medberth next to the Air Commander, the Seekerlet quickly hugging his carrier. The larger Seeker lovingly kissed his trineleader on the lip plates, whispering something to him. Starscream didn't react other then shuttering his optics. Skywarp was beside him, holding a now crying Skyblade.
"You alright, Scree?" Skywarp asked as he gently bounced Skyblade in his arms.
Starscream didn't make a sound. His optics dimmed more so, staring into space. Skyfire was genuine worried now. He brushed past the standing Seekers and got down on one knee, taking Starscream's servo in his.
"Star?" He spoke barely louder than a whisper. "My love, a-are you alright?" His free servo caressed the Air Commander's helm.
"Nah, ah, ah!" Hook tsked the Autobot, waving a digit at him. "I don't know you all that well and I rather you not touch my most frequent patient. Not in my medbay."
"I'm his mate."
"And I am his physician and have reassembled him so often that now every part of his frame is something that originated from my storage room. So, I own him. No touch."
"You can't own someone." Skyfire said slowly.
"Not legally, no, but I was never a fan of the legal system. Shoo." He waved him away.
Skyfire's optics narrowed, not liking this Decepticon medic at all. "No, I'm not-" He stopped when Thundercracker's firm servo grasped his arm.
"Skyfire, do as Hook says. He has a reason for his… oddness."
Skyfire eyed the blue Seeker for a moment before standing up and taking a single step back. Hook smirked, liking how the shuttle actually listened.
"Good. Now, how about you all remain quiet as I explain what's wrong with my nemesis." The Constructicon held up a datapad to his faceplates. "So, pain-in-the-skidplates has quite a list here." He rested his free servo on the side of Starscream's helm, rubbing circles with his thumb. Something he only did when he was feeling sympathy and concern for the Seeker. "He is low on energon, but is on a drip for that right now so will be fine in a bit. But, when he came to me it was very dangerous. He could have fallen into stasis lock at any klik. He has several bullet wounds and lacerations, but I dealt with them. They will be sore for a few orbital cycles, but it's nothing threatening. His organs were a bit of a mess. The gestation tank was poorly repaired, but I'm guessing that's from the Autobots not expecting him to live much longer after what he told me. There were a couple of bullet holes that had penetrated his engine, thankfully they were to the edges. I repaired the whip injuries, the acid and waste has been removed from his fuel tank, and the usual soreness and nausea shall remain. Now, the two primary concerns: When the Autobots were trying to execute him via lethal injection, it appears that some of it did manage to get inside of his systems, but nothing fatal. I would like to keep him in medbay for the night to be monitored. Someone will be online around the clock to watch him. Moving on from that…" He paused. "His spark is not has large as it should be."
"How come?" Thundercracker questioned immediately.
"Starscream had twins while he was a prisoner, and the Autobots failed to properly care for him. That caused a severe amount of stress on his spark. His spark had to sacrifice some of its mass to keep the sparklings' sparks alive. That along with the extreme stress, depression, anxiety, and lack of energon weakened him quite a bit. Losing his daughter did not help. So, I want Starscream to take the next orn easy. No interfacing, no spark bonding, no flying, no fighting, nothing. He is to rest, and only rest. I don't want him even touching a datapad unless it's to watch a movie or read a story. He's in pain, not only from the injuries, but his spark is burning. He may require some spark boosts, but I would like to see how his spark heals in the next few orbital cycles." He glanced down at his quiet patient before facing Thundercracker again. "He's very tired. His adrenaline boost has burned out and now he feels the affects of his weakened spark and damage fully. Just let him rest, don't stress him out, and be gentle with him. He's not… in a very stable place emotionally." He said the last sentence quietly.
Thundercracker nodded. "Understood. We'll let him heal."
"And don't question him regarding his time with the Autobots. Let him heal a bit from that. I don't need you idiots breaking him further."
"We'll be careful. Thank you, Hook."
"Mhmm. You may roll him away into an isolation room and stay with him. But first, set the newest spawn of the nemesis down here." He gestured to another medberth.
Skywarp did as commanded, placing the little one on the medberth. Hook ran his scanner over the sparkling, then viewed the results.
"Hmm, spark is unusually large for a sparkling his age. Very little formation of the cerebral unit… Not to sound harsh, but his processor is quite small." He held Skyblade's chin, inspecting his optics.
"Is… there anything you can do about that?" Thundercracker inquired.
"I am not a neurologist. And this type of ailment is not… It's different from someone who's processor is normal, and then damaged in battle. Nothing has been formed there, and it's risky to add to his brain module without causing his spark to panic and cause more damage. There has been research in this type of condition, but I'm not the one to talk to about that. He would need an expert, but even then I doubt anything can be done. Not for some time, at least. A cure may be found at some point." He patted Skyblade's helm as the little one chewed on a fist as his other arm jerked back and forth, his right optic brighter than the left one. "Skyblade… will certainly have difficulty retaining information, learning, and socializing. He won't be able to fight, and I worry about how well his speech will be. But we'll have to just wait and see about that." He turned to Starfire. "Come over here, Starfire. Let me check you over.
Starfire groaned, slipping off the medberth and going over to the other. He sat beside his brother and held still as he was scanned.
"Hmm, a little low on energon but nothing concerning other than being the creation of Starscream. Big Guy, come hither." Hook gestured him over with a single digit.
Skyfire cautiously approached him, servos slowly wringing. Hook reached up and ran his scanner over the Autobot, then read through it.
"You're clear. Slightly low on energon, but I'm sure you'll rectify that. Now, take the nemesis to the isolation room. And don't let him nurse the sparkling. Skyblade will be on formula until Starscream is stronger and doesn't have acid in his systems." He shooed them away.
Skywarp picked up the Seekerlets and placed them on the medberth with their carrier. Thundercracker pushed the medberth along, wheeling him to the back. Skyfire followed, noticing the other Constructicons watching him from a corner of the medbay where they sat around a table. His frame tensed, nervous around all of these Decepticons he knew hated him simply because of the insignia he wore.
Thundercracker placed the medberth in an isolation room, then climbed onto it. Starscream lied on his back, his sons on top of him. Skywarp got on the other side, him and Thundercracker hugging their trineleader, covering as much of him as they could with their frame and wings. Starscream embraced his sons as they lied on his torso, both tired and offlining their optics for recharge.
"Love you, Star." Thundercracker quietly said to his brother.
"Love you as well, Scree." Skywarp added.
Starscream didn't say anything, instead swallowing and offlining his optics.
Skyfire closed the door, and sat on the other medberth in the room. He watched the Seekers, knowing this was how trines protected an injured trinemate. There were many things in Seeker culture he disliked, but this was one of the practices he thought was very special. If only everyone showed such love and dedication to each other as Seekers trine did.
"Just recharge, love. 'Warp and I are here if you need anything." Thundercracker kissed his trineleader. "You're so perfect, Star. We're so lucky to have been able to trine you."
"Yeah, you are the greatest, Scree." Skywarp added, snuggling against him. "And your aft is perfect in everyway as well."
Starscream still didn't speak, his optics now dimly online, stroking Skyblade's helm. Coolant pooled in his optics, rivulets running down the sides of his helm. He hugged his living creations closer, recalling the last moments of Aurora's precious, short life. Feeling her frame become cold, the confusion and weakness in her optics, and her limp body, so helpless in her final moments. And it was all because he had been so stressed and poorly cared for.
"Oh, sweetie." Thundercracker softly said as he held Starscream tighter. "I'm sorry… Just let it out. We're here. Forever and always."
"Till the bitter end." Skywarp finished.
"Deactivated?"
"Two."
"Wounded?"
"Twenty-three."
"And how are the severely wounded?"
"They will all make it."
"And Prowl?"
"Wheeljack got to him in the nick of time. Any longer and there would be one less Praxian in the world."
"May I see him?"
"You may."
Ratchet led Optimus Prime through the medbay, passing by the wounded as they lied on medberths. Optimus eyed the Lamborghini twins as they passed, the two recharging on the same medberth, Sideswipe having left his to join his brother. The CMO palmed open the door to the back and walked by several CR chambers before stopping at one.
"Here he is." Ratchet gestured to the CR chamber that held Prowl, the tactician's face completely removed, his neck barely held together, and many wires connected to him as he floated. "The bullet just grazed his central spinal cord. If it had been an inch over, there would be no Prowl. He had barely enough energon in him to keep his organs functioning."
"How long will he be in here?"
"A couple of orns. I'll perform facial surgery on him in an orn. I have also learned that there is a petition to make him look like a Megatron. I believe Rodimus started it. It already has over a hundred signatures."
Optimus pinched the bridge of his olfactory sensor, wishing his Autobots could be more serious over such matters. "I'll handle that. How soon will Prowl be returned to active duty?"
"As soon as he's better. There's a small chance he'll need some physical therapy, and depending on how long that takes will effect his release date."
"I see. How about the twins?"
"They'll be fine. Sunstreaker's injuries weren't too severe, and Sideswipe mostly obtained damage to his fuel tank and fuel pump. Easy fixes."
The Prime looked up at the Praxian then slowly nodded. "Thank you, Ratchet. Let me know if you require anything."
"I shall."
Optimus gave him a curt nod before turning and walking out, needing to see to other business. He exited medbay, proceeded down the corridors, and soon entered the Control Room. Rodimus and Jazz were in the midst of a discussion, the consoles all having an Autobot working at them. The Prime approached Red Alert, stopping beside him.
"Have you found anything out about Skyfire?"
"The last location the cameras captured him was outside of his hab suite." The Lamborghini pointed as he brought the footage up. "He enters and closes it behind him. But, Starscream is inside. Look." He reversed the footage until it showed Starfire opening the door and Starscream running down the corridor leaving a trail of his energon behind him. Red Alert paused it just after the Seeker entered the room and shut the door. "Skyfire was in the room with Starscream, I sent a team to secure the room, and no one was inside. The footage shows no one leaving the room, and there are no windows in that hab suite."
"Was Skywarp on the battlefield?"
"No one noticed him. I reviewed the security cameras but couldn't find him. And we weren't able to pick up on any radio frequencies leaving the ship from that location."
"Assume Skyfire has been taken hostage by the Decepticons."
"Want us to call them?"
"Not just yet. We'll give them a chance to contact us for demands. If we hear nothing by the morning we will. I don't think Starscream will allow him to be hurt."
"Yes, sir. Also, before you leave. Jazz hacked Prowl's files again. He discovered something he shouldn't have and it leaked."
"What is this time?" The Prime sighed, clearly tired of Jazz taking advantage of his Special Ops training.
"Secret files that were originally on Skyfire's computer. They… have become rather popular pretty quickly and even have been uploaded online."
Optimus' optics widened some. "Please tell me it's not the files I'm thinking of."
"I won't then."
"I'll speak to Jazz."
"Primus speed you." He said before sipping from his large cube of energon.
Starscream onlined his optics the next morning, still feeling absolutely exhausted. All of his strength just felt completely drained out of him. He didn't even have the mental energy to want to get up and do anything. His optics shuttered when his trinemates simultaneously planted loving kisses on his cheekplates, their warm frames pressed against his. That's when he noticed there were vocalizers speaking. It took him a moment to identify them as Hook and Skyfire. He recognized Hook's servo touching the top of his helm, then a light being shined in his optics as the doctor checked them. The Seeker took the chance to browse through his HUD, noting the necessities.
His fuel was at 100%, all organs fully functional, and no outer damage, other than what was self repair was finishing up. Well, that was good. No warnings, everything was good, and his HUD still identified his brothers as "Lovable Slagger 1" and "Lovable Slagger 2." At least no one messed with his memory settings while he was out.
He stopped when the readings for his spark appeared. It was still weak, but he couldn't get enough details. He needed a scanner for that. He vented a sigh, the action earning him more kisses from his doting trinemates. Why did he love these two perfect fraggers so much? He managed to get his wings to flutter a little when the luscious, gentle lip plates met his, mouthing him as glossas licked his mouth, silently asking for entry. Someone nipped his lip plates, obviously Skywarp, causing the Air Commander to part his lip plates and allow access to inside of his mouth. His mouth was instantly invaded by his trinemates' glossas, their kissing becoming more passionate.
Starscream offlined his optics, kissing back best he could as his lip plates were ravaged. His wings fluttered again as a servo cupped his aft, giving it a playful squeeze. That familiar tingling sensation in his valve took over his senses, making him squeeze his thighs together as his valve clamped on nothing.
Primus, he needed them to love on him, to take him, to feel them inside of him. But, alas, his valve was still healing and thus a hard pounding would only bring pain. Slag this giving birth nightmare. Maybe he could cheat the system and get a frag in before an orn had past? It had been five orbital cycles since he had given birth so he was almost halfway there.
He scrunched up his faceplates when he felt that smooth, warm glossa of Skywarp's licking over his cheekplates, the heated breath caressing the delicate sensory nodes. Thundercracker's glossa soon followed on the other side, until both were licking like happy turbofoxes, drowning the Alpha Seeker's faceplates in the sloppy kisses.
He giggled, a small smile etching itself over his handsome visage. He loved this. It was the simple love and shower of affection from his brothers that made him the happiest mech in the world. His wings fluttered when he received an olfactory sensor nuzzling against his. He squeaked and squealed a little when his crotch was grasped as he had some very rough kisses pecked to his cheekplates.
Could his trinemates get any better?
"Guys, please, don't do that in front of the sparklings."
Damn that overly sensitive and abstinent mate of his! Starscream needed some of that crotch grabbing! Maybe some more body parts could have been molested, but nooooooooooo! Slagging Autobots had kept his mate too pure… He was trying to break that out of him.
"Hey! He's my plaything to rape and ravage!" Skywarp shouted, flicking his wings.
"It's alright, 'Warp." Starscream softly spoke. "Skyfire is right. No such touches when the younglings are around. Besides, I'm unable to even partake in such strenuous activities."
"How do you feel, nemesis?" Hook questioned as he examined Skyblade.
"Tired."
"Mhmm. Your spark is still smaller than what it should be. Good news: I'm kicking you out of my medbay. Bad news: You are berthridden. I want you staying in your berth and resting. I've cleared your energon, so you may nurse Skyblade as needed. Just make sure you drink plenty of energon and additives. And once it's been an orn since you've given birth, come see me. I want to make sure you're healthy enough to engage in intercourse. I know you are quite eager for that."
"You know me too well, Hook."
"Yes, I unfortunately do, nemesis. I could take you apart and put you back together blindfolded, with my servos tied behind my back, using my peds, while in the middle of a battle... in space."
"And I believe you."
"Is it alright to warp him?" Skywarp inquired.
"Yes, that should be fine."
"Can we go now?"
Hook finished checking over Skyblade, then placed him back onto Starscream's abdominal plates, right next to Starfire. "Yes, you may. Thundercracker, follow my instructions. You're the only one I can trust."
"I will. He won't be allowed to leave his room until he's all better." Thundercracker said strictly.
"And if I break out before then?" Starscream inquired.
"I'll tie you to the berth and beat your aft with a metal cable until there's nothing left to beat." He flicked his wings, optics narrowing.
"Yes, sir…" Starscream vented a sigh, knowing it most certainly would happen if he did break the rules.
Skywarp hugged his trinemates, gesturing for Skyfire to come over. The shuttle did so, allowing Thundercracker to grab his servo and hold him. The group disappeared in a flash of purple, rematerializing on Starscream's berth.
"Oh, dammit…" Starscream quietly cursed, hugging a whimpering Skyblade. "Shh, shh, sweetie. It's okay. I know, it's scary at first. You'll get use to it."
Skyblade didn't believe him, instead crying harder as he wrapped his arms around his carrier's neck. Starscream stroked his backplates, kissing him lovingly on the cheekplates.
"Skywarp, Thundercracker, can you go get some more energon, goodies, and take care of some things. I would like some time alone with Skyfire and my creations." The Air Commander ordered softly.
"Yes, sir." Thundercracker kissed him. "Call us if you need anything."
Starscream nodded, watching his newest creation as his trinemates got up and walked out. Skyfire sat on the berth next to his mate, petting the Seeker's thigh. Starfire leaped off the berth, grabbed a datapad from a shelf, and climbed back on, snuggling against his carrier as he onlined the tablet.
"How are you doing, Star?" The shuttle asked, concerned about his lover.
"Tired… Just slagging tired." Starscream muttered, opening his chest plates and allowing Skyblade to nurse, the little one having a bit of trouble getting the tube into his mouth.
"How do you feel other than that?"
"Like slag." Starscream carefully sat up, adjusting himself so his back leaned against the head of the berth, holding Skyblade against his chest. The Seekerlet contently suckled, his left arm jerking back and forth as it always did when he was excited.
"I'm sorry." Skyfire gave Starscream's knee a gentle squeeze.
Starscream watched his younger son, studying him. He was still his son, his beautiful creation, but he could see in his faceplates that he was different. His one optic was brighter than the other, his smile was askew, the shape of his brow just not right. He was… special. His special little creation that he still loved so much even if he required extra attention. He felt bad, knowing that it was all the stress and mistreatment that caused his son to be like this, but at least he was alive, safe, and happy. That was all that mattered. Traditional Seekers would normally kill Seekerlets like this, but Starscream would never even entertain the idea. This was his son, and he would die defending him from whatever dangers the world brought. And if he had to care for his son like an infant for the rest of his life, so be it. He would not abandon this precious, innocent sparkling all because he was a little different than the rest.
He stroked his son's helm, protectively hugging him as the thoughts of the future came weighing down on him. There would be so many things that Skyblade would probably never have. So many things he deserved to have, to experience, to be… but depending on how severe his disability was, he may not get.
"Starscream? What's wrong, sweetie?" Skyfire asked softly when he noticed some coolant leaking from Starscream's optics.
Starscream didn't even look up, watching his son still nursing, making a complete mess as energon dribbled from the corners of his mouth, falling onto his abdominal plates and inside of his frame. Skyblade's lip plates and even some of his cheekplates had energon over it, a miniscule servo reaching up and grasping at the tube, trying to get all the energon to stay inside of his tiny mouth instead of half falling out.
"I-I just…" He swallowed. "Just thinking about Skyblade…" Was the quiet reply.
"What about him?" He asked in that same soft tone.
"He just… He's beautiful. So beautiful… I love him… I don't care if he's… different. He's mine, and I'll do everything I must to protect him and care for him. I just… H-he'll never be… like the others. H-he'll probably never find a trine, a-a mate… F-fly… Become a warrior… A trineleader… He'll… He won't be a scientist, o-or…" He swallowed as his vocalizer started to become brittle. "He's different. I-I don't know what will happen or if he'll be able to overcome this obstacle. I know he's smart. He has us for creators. I just… What if he can't speak? What if he can't socialize? What if-"
"Star…" Skyfire cupped his mate's cheekplates, forcing him to look up at him. "That time will come, but it won't be for a while. Right now, we do our best as creators and raise our son. Skyblade is a blessing. He's different, yes, but he's still our son, we love him, he loves us, and no matter what we'll make sure he's happy. He may not get a trine, he may not find a mate, but he will always have us with him to protect him, guide him, care for him, and see to it that all his needs are met. And Starfire is here to help as well and so are your trinemates." Skyfire assured him, pausing to kiss his brow. "Skyblade is happy, Star. And that's all we should be concerned about."
"I know… I just…" He looked down, chewing his lower lip plate for a moment before continuing. "I'm going to be challenged…"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean… I'm mated to someone who isn't a Seeker… I'm a carrier… Trineleaders and Alphas shouldn't be carriers unless they are femme. And I was captured by the enemy, and I have a… disabled creation. Who wants to follow someone who is easily captured, is the breeding mate, and makes sickly sparklings? I should have mates that I spark, and all of my sparklings are strong, healthy, and great warriors. And I should be breeding with Seekers… not you."
"But, that's all the traditional stuff. You're not traditional."
"No… I'm not. But many of my Seekers are and they don't want to follow me for breaking so many rules. Most of them already hate me… And now…" He trailed off, moving his helm away from Skyfire's servos, and looking down at his nursing son. "I don't know what's going to happen. And with my spark being weak as it is… I can't fight like this. I need to be strong, I need to be able to fight. If I lose a fight… Most likely I'll be killed. If I die, there's a chance that Starfire would be killed in order to ensure he wouldn't pose a threat to the new Alpha. Skyblade would most certainly be killed since he's… not strong enough. As for my trinemates… They'll follow me. I know they would. And you would be next if you were left with a swarm of pissed off Seekers. Unless TC and Warp are able to get you and our sons away…" He wrapped an arm around Starfire, holding both his sons protectively.
"That won't happen, Star."
"Says you."
"My love… You need to think positive thoughts. Let's look at all the good things. You're alive and well. Our sons are alive and well. Your trinemates are alive and well. I'm alive and well. We have energon, a roof over our helms, and we're together."
Starscream was silent a moment, musing through everything. He finally vented a sigh as he leaned his helm back. Skyblade pushed away from his carrier's chest, finished with his suckling. He jerked his one arm back and forth, smiling contently, his fuel tank happy to finally have his carrier's low grade energon in it instead of formula. Skyfire got up, grabbed one of the washcloths off of a shelf, and returned to his family. He gently wiped Skyblade's mouth clean, then started on Starscream's chest plates.
"I can do that." Starscream said.
"No, you rest. I got this."
"Why are you so good to me?" The Alpha Seeker faintly smiled.
"Because," Skyfire paused as he finished up wiping the chest plates clean. "You are my perfect mate." He leaned his faceplates into Starscream's. "My world. The one mech I could never live without."
Starscream's visage was quickly dominated by a sheepish smirk, his optics darting down. His wings fluttered when his beloved kissed him on the cheekplates.
"I love you, Starscream." Skyfire said softly.
"I love you, Skyfire." Starscream looked up, blood red optics locking onto cerulean ones.
Skyfire moved his helm in close, his optics slowly offlining until his lip plates met those of his mate's. Starscream's optics offlined as well, kissing the shuttle back. Skyfire held his Seeker's mandible as Starscream snaked a servo to grasp the back of the white mech's helm. Autobot and Decepticon locked their lip plates together for a searing, passionate kiss, holding each other close. Everything else forgotten for this one moment. This one, brief moment where they could just throw away all the hatred, stress, and trials of their life to be together. To love one another. To cherish the little they had: Each other.
Starscream onlined the next morning, his optics shining their dull glow onto the Autobot insignia before his faceplates. He felt someone holding him… Someone large and very strong. His first thought was Megatron, as he associated such powerful limbs holding him with his superior. It wasn't too uncommon to online in the silver grounder's berth feeling tired and sore between his legs.
But this wasn't Megatron.
The arms were holding him almost like a hug, he felt tired in a different way, and it was sore between his legs but not from rough interface. He looked up, a smile spreading itself over his dark faceplates. Skyfire was there holding him, his optics offline as he quietly recharged. The Air Commander's wings fluttered, snuggling into his mate's embrace. He looked down, their sons were recharging between them, both clutching their carrier. Starscream's wings fluttered again, not having onlined in Skyfire's arms since their academy cycle. And it hadn't been like this. Not with their creations between them or their love as strong as it was now.
This was heaven. He just needed his trinemates cuddling with them and for him to be supreme ruler of Cybertron. That would be perfect. And maybe eight sparklings with them. Yeah, lots and lots of sparklings!
The tri-colored Seeker perked his wings when an incoming call reached him. He pressed his brow into the Autobot insignia on his mate's chestpiece, flicked his wings, then answered it, keeping his optics offline.
"Commander Starscream to the sad, lonely dweeb: The hell you want?" He grunted, being careful not to say something very insulting incase Starfire was online.
::Seeker Starscream: Presence required in Control Room. Immediately.:: Soundwave's vocalizer droned.
"Ugh… I'll be there, but it won't be instantaneous."
::Immediately.::
"Frag, I get it, afthat… Give me a couple of kliks."
::Instantly. Now. Promptly. Straightaway. Posthaste. Forthwith. Hastily. Speedily. This klik. Get your-::
Starscream rolled his optics as he sat up. "I get it! I'm coming, fragface! Shove it up your tailpipe! Say another word and I'll shove Rumble down your throat!" He was silent as he began to slowly step off the berth, feeling his legs almost give out from under him. Skyfire was online now, watching him mate. "Oh, stop laughing at me. I heard that." The Air Commander smirked. "Oh, the mental image of me shoving Rumble down your throat came to me. It's beautiful, actually. I'll be sure to actually keep that threat one of these orbital cycles. I'll make sure to dip the runt in some sweet energon for you." He looked back at his mate, then carefully picked up Skyblade, trying not to online him. "I'm coming. Cool your thrusters. Starscream out. Slagger."
"What's going on?" Skyfire asked.
"Soundwave says I'm needed in the Control Room. Wanna come with?" He perked his wings.
"Y-you sure it's fine if I came?"
"You'll be fine. Megatron usually isn't in there at this joor. He always spends some time to himself first thing in the morning. It's his preferred time to write." The Seeker explained as he placed Skyblade on his hip and gently shook Starfire's shoulder.
"Write?"
"Don't tell anyone, but Megatron usually writes poems and slag like that before he has to go out and be a grouch to everyone. I know this because I r-ahem, I bother him at all joors for the past several thousand vorns."
"W-what..?" Starfire groaned as he onlined.
"We're going to the Control Room. Go grab yourself a cube and let's go." Starscream said gently to his elder son.
"Okay." Starfire nodded, hopping off the berth and walking out of the berthroom.
"I thought Hook said for you to stay in berth?" Skyfire reminded him.
"Psshht!" Starscream gave a dismissive wave. "Screw Hook. He thinks he knows better but he doesn't."
"He's a trained physician."
"And I'm a master at not listening to those."
"Star, you should obey your doctor."
"No. I worked hard to become his number one nemesis. Have you seen my competition? I'm not forfeiting that title anytime soon." He flicked his wings.
Skyfire rolled his optics as he slid off the berth. "Is this how it always is on this ship?"
"No, usually the Stunticons are racing through the corridors, the Insecticons are eating the bulkheads, Rumble and Frenzy are pranking people, Skywarp is being chased by pissed off Combaticons, Swindle is selling illegal goods, the Constructicons are building something, Soundwave is spying on the entire universe, and Megatron is yelling at me as I yell at him. Oh, and Shockwave calling constantly to talk to Lord Megatron. And Blackshadow. He calls a lot too."
"And constant fights, people murdering each other, and drunken brawls?"
Starscream gave his mate a feigned hurt expression as he placed a servo over his chest plates. "What do you take us for? Savages?! Please, Skyfire, the only brawls we have on a regular basis is when someone loses a bet. But as long as I keep those rigged, I won't be getting involved in any."
"Wait, you what?"
"Oh, look at the time! We're running late!" The adult Seeker said quickly as he hastily exited the berthroom.
Skyfire rolled his optics, hating how his beloved avoided questions. He followed the Seeker out of the room and into the main area. The Decepticon Second grabbed some datapads from his desk, subspaced them, then took the proffered cube from Starfire and subspaced it as well. He then took his son's servo and walked to the door.
"Come on, Sky! Don't want to keep Soundwave waiting any longer. I mean, I do, but if I continue to do so he allows his demented creations to prank me." He palmed the door open and trotted out.
Skyfire followed, keeping up with his odd mate. He bit his lower lip plate as they passed other Decepticons, all who gave the Autobot dirty looks. It was rather early so very few were up, which made the shuttle quite thankful for.
Starscream opened the door to the Control Room and marched inside. Starfire released his carrier's servo and ran over to Soundwave, not even hesitating as he climbed onto his lap and shoved a hissing Ravage aside. The robotic feline flicked his tail, jumped onto the console, and sat down, licking a paw.
"Soundwave!" Starfire exclaimed, poking at the tapedeck's Decepticon insignia. "I missed you." He then hugged him.
"D'awww!" Rumble and Frenzy voiced at the same time.
Soundwave glanced at them as he patted Starfire's helm. He then looked up at Starscream as the Seeker stopped beside him.
"What is it, Soundwave?" The Alpha Seeker inquired, adjusting Skyblade on his hip, the little one having finally onlined.
"Seeker Starscream: Received message. Optimus Prime: Wishes to speak to Seeker Starscream. Inquiry: Starscream's demands."
"Demands for what?" He raised an optical ridge.
"Him." Soundwave pointed at Skyfire.
"He can't have him." Starscream flicked his wing resolutely.
"Inform the Prime, that. Prime: Placed on hold."
"Did you play the annoying elevator music?"
"Affirmative."
"Good. We must never miss the opportunity to do that to any Autobot." Starscream looked back at Skyfire. "If you don't want to talk you don't have to. I can handle this."
Skyfire nodded, feeling suddenly anxious about talking to any of his old comrades. What if they were calling to say they hated him and were labeling him as an enemy?
"Put him through."
Soundwave did so, the Prime and some other members of the Autobot brass appearing on the vid screen before them. Starscream flared his wings, giving them a steely glare. Skyblade stuffed his tiny fist into his mouth, his other servo holding onto his carrier's chest plates as he curiously looked around the room.
"Greetings, Prime. And what do I owe the pleasure?" The Air Commander said in that usual commanding, calm vocalizer of his.
"Hello, Starscream," Optimus started, keeping his vocalizer professional as well. His optics turned to Skyfire. "Skyfire." He gave him a single nod. "Are you alright?"
Skyfire swallowed, feeling so uncomfortable. "Y-yes, Optimus. I'm… I'm alright. I'm not hurt." He managed to stutter, his servos wringing as he stood just behind Soundwave.
"Good." Optimus then turned to Starscream. "I can't say I'm pleased to see you alive and well."
Starscream smirked that infamous smirk of his. "You almost got me that time, Prime. Fear not. It won't happen again. And how is Prowl?"
"That doesn't concern you."
"He's alive, then. Dammit. I was hoping I had finished him off. Hmm, guess there's always next time. Think he would enjoy a recharge over at my place? I know some games we could play." He winked.
"What do you want." The Prime went straight to it.
"Pardon?"
"What do you want in exchange for Skyfire?"
Starscream flicked his wings. "Skyfire came with me of his own accord, Prime. I'm not keeping him prisoner and I will not trade him. If he wishes to leave… That is his own decision. He has free reign within this ship."
Skyfire swallowed, anxious as to what the others would say.
Optimus didn't speak immediately, turning to Skyfire. "Is this true, Skyfire? Are you there of your own accord?"
Skyfire quickly nodded. "Y-yes, Optimus. I…" He looked down at his mate, remembering everything that had happened to his beloved at the servos of the Autobots. He turned back to the Prime. "I-I can't… I can't stay with those who would take my mate a-and treat him as you all did. Starscream is my life. I love him, I need him, I… I won't abandon him ever again. A-and I can't stay with those w-who would do everything in their power to harm a-and kill him." He paused. "And try their best to ensure my own creations died as well."
Optimus was silent a moment, his optics not changing, but somehow his expression became… hard. "If that is your choice."
"Are you fragging serious?" Rodimus threw his servos up incredulously. "You are leaving us to stay with your murderous, rapist mech-friend?!"
"You heard him." Starscream flicked his wings, placing a servo on a hip.
"Fine! But you better not dare wear that symbol on your chest! Let them brand you with their own since you rather be with the worst of the lot." He sneered.
"Rodimus, please… I-I-" Skyfire stammered, suddenly feeling so uneasy.
"He'll be happier here. He can frag me whenever he so wishes." Starscream smiled broadly.
"Go slag yourself." Rodimus snapped.
"Language, Autobot. My creations are present. Soundwave, hang up on them." The tri-colored Seeker said before raising his servo to flip the Autobots off. "I'm keeping the sexy shuttle, fragfaces."
The screen then went black and the Alpha Seeker twirled around to face his mate. His wings fluttered, pressing himself against Skyfire's frame. Skyfire remained silent, feeling his spark dropping. All the friends he had made… Now hated him or if any cared for him still, he would never see again. Well, he may not see them again for a long time depending on how the war went.
"Let's go get some energon, sexy aft, before Megs comes this way." Starscream took Skyfire's servo. "Starfire, let's go."
"Okay!" Starfire gave Soundwave another hug, then hopped off his lap, trotting alongside his carrier as the Decepticon Second pulled his mate with him.
Skyfire dumbly followed, feeling so numb and confused. Part of him told him that he had made the right choice in going with Starscream, while the other part told him this was a huge, astronomically, big mistake.
Starscream led his mate into the hallway before abruptly stopping and turning around. His wings fluttering as he gave his mate a one arm hug. "I love you, you big fatty."
Skyfire sheepishly smiled, getting down on one knee to hug his beloved back. "Love you, too, Star."
Starscream kissed Skyfire on the lip plates, then nuzzled olfactory sensors. "Maybe things will get better?" He said barely louder than a whisper, his optics offline.
"Yeah… Maybe."
"I'm still exhausted, Sky. Let's go back to the hab suite, refuel, and relax together. I want to sit on your lap. I haven't in so long. And I want you to just hold me, and we do something as a family. The first time we can all be together, safe, and not scared of who may catch us."
"What do you want to do?"
"I'm going to take a break from being the boss. But only this one time. I just want to do whatever you and our sons want to do."
"Starfire, what do you want to do?" Skyfire inquired of his son.
"Horror movie." Was the abrupt reply.
Starscream chuckled while Skyfire seemed a little concerned. Skyblade had fallen back into recharge, his little arms wrapped around his carrier's neck.
"I'm fine with a horror movie. But, if my trinemates join us know that Skywarp may cry."
Starfire giggled evilly, his wing stubs fluttering, eager to see his uncle reduced to tears over something on a videscreen. Again, Skyfire was concerned.
"And," Starscream said quietly to Skyfire so only he heard. "Once I'm healed in the spark and between the legs… I want you to be the first to enter me. Understood?" He gave his mate such a smug, sexy smirk.
That look certainly made something become firm on the shuttle as his cooling fans suddenly worked harder. He swallowed. "Y-yeah, Star. S-sure." He stuttered, feeling that desire and lust that only his mate could make him feel. Damn, how did he get so lucky with having Starscream as his?
Starscream chuckled, kissing his mate silent. "Carry me away, handsome hunk. I'm feeling lazy."
Skyfire sheepishly smiled, trying to ignore the hardness between his legs as he stood up. Starscream seemed to notice, flashing a hungry glance at the Autobot's codpiece, then salaciously licking his lip plates.
Skyfire picked up the Air Commander bridal style, allowing Starfire to climb on. Their sons rested on Starscream's torso as they were carried. Starscream curled into his lover's embrace, holding the Seekerlets on top of him.
"Best. Mate. Ever." Starscream fluttered his wings, optics offline. "And best part… He's big, strong, and sexy! Make a note, Starfire. Whenever you find yourself a mate or a trinemate… Make sure they can easily carry you around. Walking is for peasants."
Skyfire rolled his optics. He didn't care if he ended up carrying Starscream everywhere for the rest of his life. Starscream deserved it. Starscream deserved all the love and care he could ever get, and then some.
Things would never be the same for him and his family, but he would do everything he could to protect and care for them. He may not be a warrior like his mate, but he wasn't afraid to fight if it meant keeping his family safe.
He just prayed that he would never have to do such a thing.
I just read IDW More Than Meets the Eye #55. It was hard writing about that one character... :'( Yes, Megatron forces Starscream to drink waste (robot feces/urine) when he's being punished. I got that idea from someone I used to work with who was abused by her father. He would force her to eat his shit when he was mad at her. Literary.
Megatron is beating Starscream because he is being a traitor by being with Skyfire, and for being captured so easily.
Starscream's spark is weak from the parasitic sparkling sparks being so weak. They just sapped everything out of him and he's really feeling it.
Yes, Hook owns Starscream. I mean, he owns all the pieces he has used to rebuilt the Seeker a billion times over. :P
So many fat jokes with Skyfire... Not being mean towards larger individuals, just... Starscream is a mean asshole. Deal with it.
Duh, Jazz hacks Prowl (or tries to) often. Why do you think Prowl is always pissed off at him and changing his passwords? Damn those special ops... Yes, Jazz found the personal interface videos Starscream had sent Skyfire. XD
Starscream and Soundwave's relationship is interesting. Both hate each other, and yet respect each other in a way. I also imagine the would find some things to joke about since they are stuck dealing with each other all the time. Such as Soudnwave betting if Star lived or died... And them always insulting and threatening each other. I'm sure after 4 million years of working with someone like that you would find some one to make each other laugh in order to keep yourselves from murdering the other. If not for those laughs and getting a little close in some areas, they would just punch each other, and that wouldn't be good.
Yes, playing evil elevator music while on hold. The Decepticons are true masterminds.
Next chapter will have a lot of fighting. This was basically just a filler. Poor Skyfire... :/
Fav, review, share, PM me. I don't care... And feel free to leave a review with a simple, "I hate you, you robot baby killer and Starscream torturer. Go burn in whatever place people like you burn in. Fuck you." I know you all have a hate/love relationship with me at this point. :P