Inspiration hit me once again.
Inspiration came from Pachelbel's Canon in D major. One of the most beautiful pieces of artful music ever created, with the flow of the tones. For me it is both sad and happy and the combination causes me to enter an marvelous state of mind.
Silverwing manages to stabilize Starscream enough for transport and Thundercracker looks on as the tricolored seeker is transferred from the temporary emergency triage the medic has set up at their location and into Skyflare's cargo hold. His displeasure at not being able to be almost glued to the tricolored seeker shows in his wings where he hovers in the air above the working mechs on the ground. He would have preferred to be the one to carry Starscream back to base, but with the Air Commander this gravely wounded Silverwing need to keep constant track of his vitals and be able to act should anything happen during their flight, and the medic can only do so if Starscream is inside the larger shuttle.
"He is going to be okay Thundercracker. We got him now. You got to him in time." Novaflare murmurs reassuringly when the squadron leader moves to hover behind the blue seeker, hesitating to put a servo on the tense blue wings.
"I know, but it is still my fault he got caught in the first place." Thundercracker replies in a voice showing all the raging emotions inside him.
"He decided to follow you because he cares about you. If he hadn't done so, then what would have happened to you all alone with no one aware of your capture? I know it is custom to trade low ranking prisoners, but you could risk being killed instead. Trading isn't a rule between our factions. Don't punish yourself for this Thundercracker, Starscream wouldn't wish to hear and see you like this." Novaflare sternly answers and finally touches the blue wings, sensing the faint trembles running along their surfaces.
A deep sigh escapes Thundercracker at the words and finally he seems to relax. He moves his wings into the gentle touch from the black and green seeker and follows Skyflare with the optics as the shuttle takes off with his trineleader safely inside the cargo hold.
He is aware that nothing is decided yet between them, but this trial has inevitable bound him closer to the stern and strict Air Commander. In processor and spark he is already Starscream's, now it is just to be seen if Starscream and Skywarp also will be his.
"Once again you are right 'flare. He wouldn't want me to pity myself like this." He replies before he gently shrugs off the touch to his wings and turns to face the other seeker with a little smile. "Come with me. I need to see him safely home." He then adds and offers Novaflare the choice to follow him as he flares his thrusters and closely trails after the departing shuttle to make sure Starscream safely reaches his destination.
Behind him Novaflare slowly follows and with him every single one of their troops, the slower shuttle in the lead setting the pace of their procession. Their mission is accomplished and now everything that remains is up to Starscream and the team of medics awaiting his arrival to proceed with the repairs Silverwing has started.
Thundercracker sighs deeply as he stares worried at the door into the intensive care unit where the team of six trauma surgeons currently is fighting against time to save his Air Commander's life.
The trip back to base hadn't gone as expected.
Starscream's vitals had dropped dangerously three times during their flight, one time so much that his spark had threatened to extinguish and Silverwing had fought to the edge of his capabilities to make sure that the Air Commander would survive long enough for him to get into the surgery that would save his life.
"There is no need to worry, Sir. They have proceeded to close him up now. He is going to survive."
The words spoken softly into his audio jolts Thundercracker from his reverie and he turns his helm sharply to stare at the medical assistant speaking to him. The first he sees are the compassionate red optics and then his optics follows the outline of the small hesitant smile meant to reassure him and he realizes that he stares at something rare for their faction.
Honest and sincere care.
"Thank you for telling me that, but why are you addressing me like this?" Thundercracker asks startled by how the assistant addresses him. Despite Starscream courting him, he doesn't advance in ranking before he is accepted into the Air Commander's trine. When that time comes, if it comes, he will reach the rank of lieutenant and be equal with Skywarp. But until then he is still a lowly grunt among many in the army and holds no power.
"I'm sorry Sir, I thought you already knew." The assistant blushes embarrassed and flustered looks away as he tries to gather his wit to reply.
"Knew what?" Thundercracker urges, spark pulsing increasing.
"Megatron made it official that you are promoted to lieutenant acting under Skywarp's lead until Starscream recovers enough to take up duties of Air Commander again. Skywarp need to recover from his own injuries and the stress Starscream's state puts on him. He is no longer caught up in madness, but yet not ready to be released from the medical ward." The assistant hurriedly explains and Thundercracker frowns as he listens intently.
That means he right now is acting Air Commander in the absence of both Starscream and Skywarp.
What is Megatron thinking?! He has absolutely no knowledge about how to lead their air force into battle. The mission to rescue Starscream only went this well thanks to Novaflare's invaluable knowledge. Without him Thundercracker would have been unable to lead and now he is to lead all their seekers?!
It is an impossible task and he collapses when the strain on his spark from the unhealthy increase of stress levels activates emergency procedures and shuts down all essential systems to protect them from damage.
