A/N: I hope the lengthiness and quality of this chapter makes up for the delay. You will quickly discover that this chapter is a turning point in this story; I only hope that I've kept Starscream in character for this fic. Please let me know how I did. I also took certain liberties introducing a minor, but integral character in this chapter; I thought he would be very appropriate for the role ;) Cookies to those who can name the movie that our mystery character references!

Chapter 14: Trust

Coldstone had watched the tense situation that Starscream's return instigated among the personnel slowly dissolve into a state of nervous readiness. He gently replaced the M16 back into the armory's one of many rifle cradles, filing out the door with the other airmen now that the crisis had been averted. He was no infantryman by any stretch of the imagination, but knowledge of firearms and major weapon systems always came in handy, especially in the military. But then a bitter smile crept onto his lips; not that any of their weapons would be of particular usefulness against a Decepticon, much less the ghost of one.

Currently, his thoughts were a swirling maelstrom of emotion. He hadn't seen Alexis's audacious jump on the runway, but word of its happening had spread like a California wildfire. At first he was dumbfounded. Seriously, who was insane enough to try and leap aboard a taxiing fighter jet? Least of all his mission commander, Alexis? But a good friend of his was one of the MPs who had tried and failed to chase her down and Coldstone knew that man would never tell a lie. After the shock had waned, anger and outrage had set in. How could she be so stupid!? What in the hell had she been thinking!? He'd been known to pull some crazy stunts in his time, but what she did was downright suicidal! And the fact that she had gone with that Decepticon scumbag made the whole fiasco ten times worse. Was his captain that blind? Did she not realize he was using her? Using humanity? And once he was finished with her he would dispatch her with no more thought than when he had killed his father. And after that…Coldstone shuddered to think what would happen to the world's citizens.

The fact that Starscream was still around, practically on free rein, made the pilot absolutely furious. What in the hell was wrong with these people? They were harboring an enemy combatant for crying out loud! Thirty years ago, the Decepticon SIC would have been annihilated for even thinking of setting foot on a US air base. Why was Brandingson even listening to him? Did they honestly think the Decepticons were making a comeback? So what if those two jets were scouts? It didn't mean that the Cons were powerful enough to mount an attack. Earth's defenses were triple what they were back in the 80s; add that to the Autobots' various outposts scattered across the globe and it seemed the blue planet had things well in hand. Besides, even if Starscream proved correct, what difference would one traitor make against an army? How was it that maybe Starscream himself was a spy? After all, a ghost would be the perfect fly on the wall. And it would not be the first time the Seeker proved traitorous. Nevertheless, if his superiors were going to be foolish enough to listen to Starscream and his lies, then it was up to someone not under the Decepticon's influence to see that justice was served. But how?

It was painfully clear that Alexis had chosen to believe Starscream over her own wingmate. It hurt him deeply. Just when he thought he was making headway with that fiery woman, she had turned her back on him and his suspicions. How could he make her see the truth? He didn't want to lose her, not now. Not after that kiss they had shared, the talks they had had. But it seemed as if the harder he tried to get closer to her, the closer Starscream pulled her into his clutches, catching her up in lies, falsehoods and soon-to-be broken promises. The looks the Decepticon gave her did not go unnoticed by the pilot either. The stares had grown longer, the gaze more intense—like a cougar eyeing a tender young calf by its mother's side. And Alexis seemed oblivious to it all. Or was she? Maybe his captain was playing the most dangerous game of all? What if she was purposefully engaging in a battle of wits with the Seeker? He swore vehemently under his breath. If that were the case, then that woman was as ballsy as hell. And all the more reason for him to try and hang onto her. When they had last seen each other, it had been in the hangar immediately after Starscream's reveal and he hadn't exactly left her on good terms; it was time to try and make amends and see exactly what she was playing at.

Alexis gave a tired sigh as the warm sprinkling of water from the shower nozzle doused her body with tingly goodness. God, she was tired. The wild ride Starscream had given her had taken a larger toll on her body than she first realized. Hopefully after this meeting, she would be able to steal a few hours of rest. Reluctantly she cut the warm torrent of water and stepped from the shower, goosebumps pimpling her soft, creamy skin as the water quickly dried. Brown hair hung in damp, chocolate locks, clear beads of water dripping from the ends. She wrapped a soft, pastel green-colored towel around her body and proceeded to fix her hair. Once that was finished she stepped from the bathroom and walked to her modest closet where her dress blues hung. She dressed slowly, methodically, making sure that every button was clasped, and every device was straight as an arrow and centered over her breast. Every piece of metal, no matter how miniscule, shined as bright as a star. Not a hair was out of place, not a speck of dust on her uniform.

Alexis had just finished slipping on her right pump when she heard a sharp knock at her door. A frown creased her forehead. Who could that be? She walked up to the door and opened it cautiously, peering around the corner. Her green eyes widened with surprise to see Coldstone standing in the doorway, cover in hand.

"May I come in?" he asked softly.

"Sure, sure," she replied stepping to the side to allow him to pass. He entered quickly, her shutting the door gently behind him. "What brings you here?" she asked cautiously, remembering all too well his angry outburst almost a day before.

"I…I wanted to apologize, Captain," he began hesitantly, eyes lowered to the floor, "I was totally out of line last night and for that I'm sorry."

Alexis just stared, totally taken aback. Coldstone Stoner never apologized—for anything. He was above such petty humilities. His arrogance was almost as great as Starscream's. Almost. She suddenly remembered he was still standing there, waiting for her reply. She gave her head a brief shake and looked him straight in the eye.

"You were angry and it's totally understandable. Not many people could face their father's murderer and not react the way that you did. I don't think there is anything to forgive."

"That may be so, but I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. You're still my superior and there is no excuse for my behavior."

She allowed a small smile. "It's OK, Coldstone. I'm not going to discipline you if that's what you're afraid of."

Oh no. That wasn't what he was afraid of. More than anything he was afraid of losing so much more, so much, much more--but how to tell her that?

"Huh, well that's a relief," he grinned ruefully, shifting his cover from right hand to left, his manner becoming much more relaxed. At least she accepted his apology and that was better than he had anticipated.

"Come on, sit down," she motioned, "I've still got a little bit of time before the SecDef gets here."

"I heard he was coming," he paused and then added, "as well as what happened," he said neutrally, sitting easily on the old, tattered couch within Alexis's living room. She sat across from him in a plump, peach-colored chair, her ankles crossed neatly and tucked under her seat.

"I did what I thought was right, but I guess it wasn't enough," she said softly, averting her eyes.

"What you did was downright suicidal," he commented, noting how his words made her wince, "but then again, most heroic acts usually are." He watched the corner of her lips twitch, saw how her eyes were beginning to moisten. Looked as if he struck a chord. Way to go you moron! He chastised himself.

But Coldstone couldn't have known that this reaction was a long time coming. Ever since she and Starscream had discussed the affairs of war, Alexis had been withholding the torrent of emotions that had been building since losing so many of her comrades. She had tried to be strong, tried to keep the sadness, moroseness, and the horrible feeling of loss at bay, but Coldstone's words were like a password to the floodgates of emotion. Now with the adrenaline rush over and the heat of battle more than cooled, she couldn't hold back any longer.

"But it still wasn't enough," she whispered, lowering her head. "They're still dead, Jerry. Lobo, Tex, Checkers, TP…They're all still dead! What if I had told Brandingson sooner!? What if I could have done something, anything differently!? Would they still be here? Alive? I failed them, Jerry! I've failed my squadron and I've failed my friends." And then Alexis totally broke down, large tears welling up within her eyes to stream down her powdered cheeks like a gentle, summer spring. The large green irises appeared like emerald-colored blown glass and her breaths came and went like a ragged wind. "I don't think I can do this…"

Her outburst had totally taken him by surprise. Just what in the hell had happened out there? The guys were dead!? How!? He had only gleaned tidbits of information here and there, but he was sorely lacking the big picture. And it was painfully obvious Alexis was traumatized; hell, she probably hadn't even been properly debriefed. And this was post-traumatic stress if he ever saw it. What had gone on between her and Starscream? The pilot quickly left his seat and knelt before the distraught woman, taking both her hands in his. She glanced at him, trying in vain to stop the flow of tears.

"Alexis, why don't you tell me what happened? From the beginning," he suggested softly, eyes never leaving her face. She nodded slightly and through gasping sobs and free-falling tears, she told the young lieutenant everything she had seen, heard, and even smelled. Even now the stench of death still filled her nostrils with its phantom scent. She told him how Starscream killed Thrust and allowed the other mech to live as a messenger; she even told him of her discussion the two of them had shared about the horrors and necessities of war. She let it all out, every horror, every moment, every feeling and every emotion. Coldstone listened quietly for once; he daren't interrupt her. She needed this release; who knew how long she had been holding it all in?

When she had finished speaking, he allowed her to cry softly into his shoulder. He rubbed her back and held her close, not at all enjoying her so upset, but at the same time, deeply glad he could be here for her. After a few minutes of listening to her soft sobs, he felt her shoulders shake. At first he thought she was crying with renewed vigor, but then he quickly realized the shaking was not from her sobs but from a soft laughter.

He pulled away to look her in the face, puzzled by this sudden turn in emotion. Alexis stared back, a sorrowful look in her crystalline green eyes. "You probably think I'm the biggest wuss in the Air Force now, don't you? A pilot who can't even handle seeing her first fatalities," she said bitterly, taking a hand to try and dry her tears.

"No, I don't think that all," he replied in the most serious voice he could muster. She looked at him dubiously.

"I'm serious, Captain. What you saw today…what happened today, I don't think very many people would have been able to handle it."

"I'm not handling it very well at all! That's the problem," she half-laughed, half-sobbed.

"Hey, at least you're talking about it, Captain. And that helps more than anything. I know we can never bring those guys back," he paused, struggling to compose himself for her sake. God! It was hard to believe they were gone! No more jokes, no more crazy pranks, no more…Stop it, Stoner! You losing it too won't help her, not one bit! He inhaled deeply, recomposing his thoughts, "We may not be able to bring them back," he repeated, "but look at the lives you saved. Me, you, Tomcat and Scorch…we could have been the only ones left of the squadron, had you not gone out there, and who knows how many more civilians would have been killed. You did the right thing, Alexis. I may not like how you did it, but ultimately you did a good thing. The best thing we can do now, is make sure TP, Shorty, and the rest of the guys don't die in vain."

She gave another soft laugh. "You sound almost exactly like Starscream. It's along the same lines as what he told me." He grimaced at her comment, but didn't deny it. But Alexis didn't miss the look that crossed his face. "Do you believe me now?" she asked.

He knew full well what she was asking. "You know I can never trust the bastard, Alexis. Some wounds just go too deep to heal."

"Do you trust me?" she asked, looking at him deeply, the remnants of her tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes. "And I'm not asking as 'friend-to-friend' either, but 'professional-to-professional,'" she added quickly.

Coldstone did not reply at first, but he did continue to look back into her eyes. It was a hard question, a deep question and though Alexis did not mean for it to affect their friendship, it did no matter his answer. She was in-effect asking whether or not he thought her leadership was effective and to be completely honest—he just wasn't sure. After all, it was through her influence that Starscream was still alive, but on the other hand and just as weighty, it was that very same reason the remainder of their squadron was still around to talk about it. Dear God! What a conundrum! But he had to give her an answer.

Coldstone sighed, the breath heavy and not even close to relating how he felt. "As my superior officer and mission commander, it is…my duty…to follow your orders and commands. I may not always agree with them, but on my honor, I will follow them."

Alexis nodded her head. It was a vague kind of answer, but probably as close to an admission of willingness to go along as she was ever going to get. She lowered her head and nodded as a sign of understanding. Then she felt a pair of strong hands gently embrace her shoulders and draw her close. Alexis didn't resist, didn't baulk but allowed him to comfort her. She rested her forehead in the hollow of his collarbone, vaguely aware as his hands slid down her shoulders and around her waist, gently pulling her body against his. It felt strange…strange and oddly enough, relieving to be comforted like this. As the squad's leader, Alexis hadn't fully realized just how heavy the burden of leadership had weighed upon her. Having Coldstone here, with her, supporting her, comforting her—she didn't feel all alone. It felt almost as if he were trying to share the burden with her. And coming from Coldstone…well, let's just say having his shoulder to cry on was the last thing she had expected.

"Where in the devil's name is she?" Brandingson muttered more to himself than to the other two individuals within the vast semi-emptiness of Hangar 3-Bravo. One of said individuals merely smirked, more than a little pleased with the Colonel's aggravation. The other man, a stocky, elder gentleman just continued to stare at the large, heap of greyed-out metal that filled almost half of the hangar's floor space.

Secretary of Defense John Keller had seen many strange and dangerous happenings during his lifetime. He had served as a career soldier in the US Army, serving as an artilleryman through much of Vietnam. Less than a year afterward, Keller crossed over to the "dark side" and became an officer, retiring from service with 22 years and the rank of colonel. Though retired, Keller was far from acquiescing to the pleas of a rocking chair. He continued to serve his country acting as diplomat, envoy, and advisor for various men of influence in the United States government, eventually working his way to Secretary of Defense. He was no stranger to the Cybertronians, Autobot or Decepticon, having seen the destruction each faction had wrought back in the early 80s. He had become intimately familiar with each major players' "fact sheet" knowing the more prominent alien soldiers as well as he would have an opposing human army's chain of command. The man had built quite a reputation for his alien diplomacy and intimate knowledge. But despite his best efforts, age was finally catching up with the former colonel, and he was approaching the tail-end of yet another career—that is until he received a phone call about a mysterious attack on the city of Caldera, and large metal giants falling from the sky.

He had dressed immediately, placed a few well-made phone calls of his own, one of which to old friend and former service member Colonel Brandingson, and flew straight to Caldwell Air Force Base.

Upon arrival he had been ushered straight to the hangar where Brandingson and one other man awaited him. Keller did not recognize the pilot that accompanied his friend, but then again there were a lot of young faces that he did not place these days. Much of his generation had already decided to draw Social Security after all. Brandingson had filled him in on the recent events, but it didn't escape Keller's attention that the colonel tacitly avoided telling him why the second man, the pilot, was present for these proceedings. He decided he would know soon enough.

Now they stood waiting patiently for the pilot who had so audaciously averted certain catastrophe. This whole wing had been seen more action in the span of a week than most units did in their lifetime. He could cut the captain some slack for tardiness just this once. So Keller continued to study the greyed body before him.

He recognized it as a Seeker, one of the Decepticon's classifications for aerial combatants. This particular one, however, had a distinct cone-shaped head and wings that trailed down the appendages. It was not one of the three most powerful lieutenants of the Decepticon Air Force. No, rumor had it those three died of injuries sustained during the Battle for Autobot City. But then again, those were rumors and they could be as rampant as stray bullets in a firing zone. Without seeing the colors it was hard for Keller to place this one's name.

"I'm sure she'll be along shortly, Jake," Keller replied after a while. "After all, this kid has just returned from a war zone; let's not forget that."

Brandingson sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I probably should have had her debriefed and checked out before calling her here." His eyes flicked nervously over to the still-silent, unflappable young man who had met him here. Seeing Starscream in human holoform gave the colonel the creeps, and seeing him so downright calm nearly gave him spasms. But he composed himself if only to not show weakness in front of the Decepticon. Inside he dreaded Keller's reaction to knowing just who that strapping young pilot actually was.

Keller continued to pace around the massive body, studying it in detail. Presently, the whining creak of an opening door drew everyone's attention. At the far eastern end, a tiny shaft of light split the dimness of the hangar before disappearing completely. The sharp click-click of heels bounced off the walls of the building as the newcomer approached, the sound growing louder and louder in the echoing confines.

Alexis walked straight up to Brandingson, her appearance absolutely perfect with no sign of the distress she had exhibited earlier—at least at first glance. Skulking on the edge of the shadows, Starscream regarded Alexis with studious blue eyes. Her heart rate was slightly elevated and under her immaculate facial covering, he detected the slightest hue of red within her skin. Even her eyes were slightly red and swollen, remaining evidence of a strong emotion that she had recently experienced. His human brow furrowed in puzzlement. What had happened during their brief separation?

"Captain Alexis O'Conner reporting as ordered, Sir!" The young pilot saluted smartly, waiting for her superior to return the courtesy.

"At ease, Captain," Brandingson replied. He motioned for her to follow him. "This is Secretary of Defense John Keller, both a good professional and personal friend to me."

"At ease, Captain O'Conner," Keller said, as Alexis once again saluted. "No need for courtesies here and now. I want to get straight to the issues at hand. Now Colonel Brandingson has informed me of what he knows happened today; I want to hear your take," the SecDef asked, studying the young pilot before him.

Alexis hesitated, unsure as to how to proceed. She didn't trust herself to not breakdown again; the memories were still raw and painful. She watched as both the Secretary's and the colonel's eyes averted to a point over her shoulder. Brandingson's eyes especially grew calloused. Suddenly she felt two hands lightly contact her shoulders and then slide away, the touch brief, somewhat startling, and completely spine-tingling.

"And who might you be, airman?" Keller asked, his tone sharp.

"An ally," Alexis heard the suave voice of Starscream reply. His eyes bored into Brandingson, cold and indecipherable.

Keller looked from Starscream to Brandingson in turn, brow furrowed in confusion.

The colonel sighed; he could not delay introductions anymore. "John, I'd like for you to meet someone of…great tactical importance," Brandingson said, not missing the smug arrogance flick across the Decepticon's countenance. He sighed. God help us all. "This man standing before you is Decepticon Aerial Commander Starscream, sir."

At first Keller did not respond, but then his gaze jumped from the newly introduced pilot and back to Brandingson. "Did you just say 'Starscream'? As in the Starscream?" He asked disbelief lacing his voice. "I thought he was dead?"

"So did I," Brandingson muttered.

"Good to see that you remember me, human," Starscream said, crossing his arms over his chest. Alexis remained silent next to him, watching the exchange with cautiousness.

"Jake this better not be some sort of sick joke, because if it is…"

"Your subordinate is not joking, fleshbag, and neither am I when I say you are all testing my patience." The holoform's eyes flashed a bloody crimson and he took a step forward, but a feather-light touch on his arm halted any forward motion. He glanced at Alexis, angry at her interference, but he felt his anger temper just a little at the unspoken request in her eyes. He brushed her hand from his arm and continued to stare fiercely at the two insects facing him.

"Dear God in Heaven above," Keller whispered, "It is you. But how?"

"Long story," Brandingson supplied, "I can fill you in on the details later. For now just know that what you're speaking to is a hologram—"

"A physical projection of constrained energy to help me navigate within human society more easily," Starscream interrupted, "but as the colonel stated, my presence here can be explained another time."

Keller narrowed his gaze. "No," he said evenly. "I want to know how in the hell you're here now. After all this time; it was rumored you were killed. Or is it that I am happening to be conversing with a ghost?"

The holoform grinned menacingly. He liked this human. He was not one to be put off by puny excuses. Much courage this one, but it was courage such as that as to what killed good soldiers.

"I would say that would be an accurate assessment, fleshling," he growled, the smirk never leaving his lips. "Primus has a very twisted sense of humor, it would seem. After the Great Battle, I took control of the Decepticons only to be murdered by Galvatron shortly thereafter--a filthy, decrepit slag heap, that deserves to go back to the Pit from whence he came," he paused, "And I will be the one to send him there.

I do not know how my Spark survived, but it did and I spent many stellar cycles wandering the stars before I returned here, to your pathetic, dirt-covered planet. And with the help of dear, sweet Alexis here, I was able to reclaim one of your aircraft and rebuild a body for myself." He petted the girl's shoulder for emphasis; Alexis lowered her eyes, unable to return the stare Keller gave her.

Keller crossed his arms, forehead wrinkled in thought. "And just why are you here, Starscream? Past experience tells me you never do anything for anyone else without receiving something in return--and to stoop to talking with us lowly organic life forms, I imagine you're feeling pretty desperate."

Starscream snarled, "If anything you will be the one feeling pretty desperate before too much longer!"

Keller didn't flinch although he took note of the veiled threat. On the outside he maintained his cool composure, but on the inside he was reeling from this unexpected development—Starscream alive, after all these years! One of the nastiest Decepticons he had ever studied. Deceitful, greedy, rebellious, arrogant, unscrupulous--one of the most powerful and evil enemies man had ever faced. His sudden civility had put the Secretary on edge. And just who was this Galvatron he had spoken of?

"Mr. Keller," Alexis' voice broke into the fray. "I know Starscream doesn't have a very good track record when it comes to helping humanity, but if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here speaking with you right now. He killed this Decepticon," and she pointed at Thrust's greyed body. "For what it's worth, he kept seven other men, including myself, from dying today."

The Secretary of Defense leveled the young woman with a hard, piercing stare. "If any of what has been said thus far is true, your position with humanity is somewhat doubtful as well, Captain."

Alexis was stung, deeply, by his words, but she held her tongue; now was neither the time nor the place to play the "blame game." She did not see the flash of anger flicker across Starscream's human features.

"Give me one good reason why I should not order these men to destroy you on sight," Keller demanded, eyes once more focusing on Starscream. "You've given my planet and my people nothing but grief and sorrow since you first stepped foot here; why should I expect any different?"

A very thin, veiled membrane of self control was all that stood between Starscream and his desire to rip this human apart with his hands. It appeared prudence was not in this organic's vocabulary. It certainly was being quickly erased in his own. But he held his tongue; this human's authority played a crucial role in determining whether or not his "offer" would be accepted. Finally he replied, "Galvatron."

"You mentioned him just before."

"It is my belief that Galvatron is planning a major assault against this planet. I'm not too inclined to let that happen."

"And who is this Galvatron? I don't recall his name in our database."

Starscream's normally icy blue eyes, turned into a brooding crimson, before resuming their icy hue. "You would remember him better as 'Megatron'. He has been rebuilt and reformatted into a new body. He is not as you would remember him."

John Keller mulled over this new information with hooded eyes. If Megatron was back, it spelled big trouble for all of them. "Is he as powerful as he was before?"

"More so," Starscream replied coolly. "An ionized blast from Megatron's fusion cannon at close range would have rendered me combat-ineffective for at least two solar weeks on your planet." He would know; Primus only knew how many times it had happened. "When Galvatron appeared at my coronation ceremony he disintegrated my body with one blast."

Keller was silent once more. This was very grave news indeed, but how much of this information could they trust? Confirmation with the Autobots would definitely have to be arranged, not to mention the fallout that would occur when they discovered one of their old nemeses was supposedly back from thr dead. But there were so many variables in play now. Could they trust this information? Could they afford to trust Starscream? Could they afford not to trust Starscream? If an attack was coming, how much time did they have? What would be the first target? Why was Starscream all of sudden so willing to provide aide? What did he have to gain? He voiced this last question out loud. "Why help us now? You never cared what happened to this planet before. What's in it for you, Starscream?"

"Your subtlety astounds me," Starscream sniped, but he continued, "I want reclamation, John Keller."

Reclamation? He already had a body; what else could Starscream desire? "The Decepticons?"

The holoform nodded.

"Never gonna happen. For all we know, you'll just turn around and finish whatever this Galvatron fellow starts. Unacceptable," Keller said firmly, eyeing the holoform steadily.

"Perhaps," Starscream shrugged casually. "But in any event, you will need my assistance and I am giving your people an opportunity to end this war once and for all. Without me, you may survive for a little while, but ultimately Galvatron will destroy you all. At least with me, you have one combatant that cannot die. So one way or another, I will prevail.

Our war has raged for millennia and unless Galvatron is stopped it could continue for many more millennia—a short span of time for us, an eternity of passage for you should your species even live that long. If I take over the Decepticons, I will end this conflict permanently. So long as Galvatron is on-line our two factions will fight until none are left, an outcome I do not view with favor—so take your pick John Keller. A guaranteed eternity of death, destruction, war, and bloodshed so long as Galvatron leads the Decepticons or," he paused, staring straight and unwaveringly into the human's eyes, "allow me the opportunity to reclaim my rightful place as leader."

Keller sighed heavily and turned to stare at the lifeless shell that was Thrust. So many questions, so many unknowns. "Why even help us, Starscream? You said it yourself—you cannot die. Why not take out this Galvatron yourself? Why even factor us into the picture?"

They were straight and fair questions. Questions that all of them—Brandingson, Alexis, Keller—had considered. Was there a catch and if so what would be the cost?

For the first time that evening, the Seeker hesitated in his answer. So much had changed; so much had changed so quickly, even he wasn't sure quite where he stood in the grand scheme of things. Why was it that he still existed? Was it a punishment? A second opportunity to further his former agenda? Or a prospect to start something new? Also, Keller had raised a very good point. Why ally himself with the humans? It had been a question that he had been persecuting himself over since coming here, since deciding to stay, since he had saved Alexis on their first encounter with Thrust and Dirge. Technically, he could destroy Galvatron from within, but at what cost? His former comrades would either revolt against him or cower in fear at his return to power. Though the latter action sounded as sweet as candied energon, Starscream couldn't help but feel it would be a hollow victory. And then he realized just why it was he needed the humans. It came to him as clear and crystal as the finest glass, a revelation that had always been hiding just under the surface, as if submerged in water. And the key to this revelation was Alexis. Through her Starscream had seen that though much could be accomplished through fear and coercion, so much more could be achieved when the other party was a willing constituent. Her fear of him in the beginning was the only reason she had obeyed, but now? When that fear had waned and understanding had shone through, the human girl had stuck with him, not out of fear, but out of a willingness of trust the Seeker had never before been the recipient. Thundercracker and Skywarp had tried to give him the same, only he had been too blind by greed and lust to see it. Over time their friendship had deteriorated and turned into a bitter reluctance, eventually terminated by his own hand. In the end, they had only obeyed him out of duty, not respect and certainly not from trust. The memory of what he had had and lost do to his selfishness left Starscream feeling embittered and bereft.

But now, he had a chance to right things. With the humans and potentially even the Autobots backing him, he could oust Galvatron for all to see—no subtlety, no deception, no deceitful, underhanded methods to power. He would have allies, he would have that respect and more importantly he would have honor—something that had not been associated with Seekers since before the Golden Age of Cybertron. Power wasn't honor, but honor was power in and of itself. Trust was power and trust was the foundation of alliances. Humans were weak, sure; but as he had realized through Alexis, physical strength was not the only factor for consideration.

'You trust me?'

'I want to.' Those words echoed like the gonging of a bell. No one had ever wanted to trust him before. It was a strange and unique feeling.

"Secretary Keller," Starscream began slowly, "I cannot expect you to understand how I've come to my new position in this life." His eyes glanced to Alexis. "But it is not often one is given a second chance after death. We do not know what we have truly lost until it is no longer there and even then we may still be blind. For me, it took death itself so that I could begin to understand this, and it took the faith of one of your own," he paused gazing at Alexis, "to help me realize there are other avenues to power and leadership, avenues that do not require debauchery." Alexis blushed a vivid crimson at the sudden attention Starscream had bestowed upon her.

Keller continued to stare at Starscream intently. He could detect no form of deceit in the Seeker's words, but past experience with the Decepticon was hard to overlook. He couldn't help but feel there was an element of truth in Starscream's words, but still this negotiation would require much deliberate thought with a few more minds. It just seemed too good to be true. As he had heard in a movie, 'one good deed does not excuse a lifetime of wickedness.' On the other hand, if Starscream's information proved accurate and another assault by Decepticon forces was in the future, it would be very advantageous indeed to have a former enemy commander on their side.

"I'll tell you what, Commander Starscream, I will take your offer into consideration. This matter must be brought before the President and as you've probably considered, the Autobots." He looked to Thrust's hulking form. "Your actions over the past few days will also be deeply considered. I must be leaving now, but might I ask you to remain here on this base until we can arrange a formal meeting with the Autobots?"

Starscream visibly winced. The Autobots would be none too pleased to hear of his return. Slag, it wouldn't surprise him one iota if they tried to terminate him—not that that would do any good. Working with his old enemies would take some getting used to. "Very well, but know this, human. At the first sign of hostility from either you or the Autobots, I will not hesitate to defend myself…by any means necessary."

"Understood. I will contact Col. Brandingson as soon as I receive word back. Good day." John Keller gave a curt nod and turned to leave, Brandingson following not far behind.

As the door to the hangar closed with a loud clatter, Alexis released her breath. She hadn't even realized she had been holding it. "Well, that went better than expected," she said softly.

Starscream nodded in agreement, "So it would seem." He turned to look at her. "It appears that I am in your debt, Alexis O'Conner."

"What do you mean? The only thing I've done was allow my jet to push me around like a schoolyard bully."

He chuckled softly. "You underestimate yourself. Do you remember me asking you why it was you were helping me?"

Her brow wrinkled ever so slightly. "Yes."

"And you said that you believed it was not often we are given a second chance in life." She nodded slowly, eyes never leaving his own. "As you may know, I had two wingmates once—Skywarp and Thundercracker." Starscream's eyes took on a dream-like appearance, memories he thought he would never consider again, resurfacing. "They trusted me in the beginning, and like a true fool, I denounced their trust and attributed it to weakness. I believed that the only one I could depend on was myself and being a high-ranked official in the Decepticons, I did not want anyone to have an edge over me. As a result of my distrust and foolishness, I lost the only two mechs that I could have ever come close to calling confidants. We were wingmates for countless orns, could predict each other's movements within nanoseconds, but our comradery ended off the battlefield. It wasn't until I came here and witnessed such trust and devotion between you and your subordinates that I realized what it was I had and then lost. I know now that trust is not a weakness, but a strength."

His eyes refocused once more on the Air Force officer before him; he gripped her lightly above the elbows and perhaps for the first time, Alexis did not resist. "I will not make the same mistake again." And then he leaned down, one hand coming up from behind to gently push her into him. He kissed her lightly at first, unsure as to her reaction. But Alexis did not object and her gentle acceptance ignited a fire deep within his spark. He pressed against her harder, his grip becoming tighter and his mouth hungry for more. He kissed her deeply, passionately—relishing in the softness of her skin, the faint scent of lilac tinting her hair. Having her this close to him, so willing, only stoked the flames deep within, a passion so hot with desire that it could only compete with his love of the sky.

After several long seconds, Alexis finally broke their kiss, gasping and breathless. She looked up at Starscream with something akin to shock and wonder. Had he just kissed her? She gently placed a hand against his shoulder, feeling the taunt muscles from underneath—so real and yet surreal. The slight tingling on her lips further confirmed what had just happened. His hand gently came forward and brushed the underside of her jaw; she felt herself leaning into the touch—wanting it, craving it even. How could someone so renown for such hardness, such cruelty, be capable of such a touch? And then as quickly as it had begun, it ended. He was gone as if the whole incident never occurred, nothing before her but the dim emptiness of the hangar. But the lingering tingle on her lips and the gentle throbbing deep within her, told her otherwise.