After 5 years of hiatus, this fiction is back on FFnet.
Some of the chapters have been rewritten and some events were modified. This chapter starts with a summary of chapters 30-35.
English is not my first language, and the text was not beta read. In advance, thank you for your understanding.
Reminder: this story is an Alternative Universe of G1 cartoon, taking into account the season 1 and 2 only.
Summary of chapters 30-33
The Insecticons get hold of a rescue pod, survivor of the crash of the Salonian vessel that now hosts the base 0025. They blackmail Optimus Prime and Prowl, claiming the high command of the base 0025, while trying to negotiate with Commander Nyxeris.
Megatron, as soon as he has returned from the base 0022, organizes a surprise attack against the Insecticons. His Decepticons soon find themselves in trouble, while Stalkers infiltrate the unoccupied zone of the base. Megatron, who teams up with Soundwave despite his grudge against his communication officer, is seriously injured.
Awakened by Megatron's pain that he feels through their bond, Starscream orders his companions to join him for saving his future bond mate. They are soon joined by Skyfire, worried about the weakened condition of Thundercracker.
Galvatron, stayed aboard the Atlantis to give Thanatron some background about his family and his father, decides to follow his own plans and gets the prisoner out of his cell. He finally convinces Megatron's son to join the Decepticons' military operation.
Starscream's small team is quickly attacked by the Insecticons; Skyfire runs away with Thundercracker, while Skywarp is captured and joins Prowl, Dirge and Blitzwing in the Insecticons' nest. Starscream, isolated from the others, finally finds Soundwave and Megatron. Despite his misgiving, he agrees to help the Decepticon leader to take the final attack.
Megatron's new strategy is quickly successful: while a squadron of Autobots and Decepticons leads the offensive, Skywarp takes away the precious pod from the Insecticons. When he returns to the battlefield, he witnesses an unexpected scene: Thanatron saving Megatron from Bombshell's surprise attack.
From her ship, the Makahara, Commander Nyxeris - aka Dark Racer, the former lover of Galvatron and Megatron, and mother of Thanatron – witnesses the defeat of her troops. Elita-One, her prisoner and servant, announces the arrival of her two long-time accomplices: Kraken, a mysterious gladiator, and Dark Nebula, a scientist, directly responsible for the destruction of Cybertron. Dark Nebula suggests a new plan: lay an ambush for Megatron and kill him.
Summary of chapters 34 and 35
Megatron is carried in triumph to Ratchet's medibay. There, he has a conversation at daggers drawn with Optimus Prime, still recovering: the leader of the Autobots promises him to set him straight if Megatron ever got out of line again.
Shockwave symbolically suspends Galvatron for a day after he explained himself about the release of Thanatron.
Meanwhile, Cyclonus confronts Nightbird and, after a short fight that turns to his advantage, he makes her clear that she should stay away from Megatron and Starscream.
Aboard the Makahara, Nyxeris pretends to offer a truce to the base 0025, and asks Elita-One to be her spokesperson.
Back from the medical repair area, Megatron and Starscream have a good time…
The next morning, Cyclonus reports on the troops to Galvatron, and informs him that a certain Drift has become in charge of guarding the Insecticon swarm. A few times later, Galvatron discovers that Nightbird takes an unhealthy interest in Cyclonus, and asks his trusty lieutenant to do everything possible – including indulging to her whims – in order to enlist Nightbird in the Decepticon army.
Later, Starscream visits Thundercracker, still recovering. The blue Seeker explains why he does not want to be courted, while Starscream tries to lift his reservations about Skyfire.
Arcee, angry to have been rejected by Rodimus Prime, sees herself invited to Starscream and Megatron's bonding ceremony by Skywarp, more forward than ever.
Megatron visits Optimus Prime in the medical repair area, asking him to bring online all the Decepticons. Optimus refuses, allowing the awakening of only one gestalt: Menasor. Dissatisfied with the decision, Megatron orders Galvatron to see that Ratchet prepares awakening of the Stunticons...
Nota Bene:
Time units: Astrosecond = 0.283 seconds; Breems = 8.3 minutes; Joor = 1 hour; Mega-cycle = 93 hours; Orn = 13 days; Meta-cycle = 13 months; Vorn = 83 years
Length units: Klik - 1 kilometer; Mechanometer = 1 meter
Italics: scene taking place in the past
'Text': thoughts of a character
(Text): discussion through comm.-links
Chapter 36: Setback (1)
Forward Operational Headquarters 0025 of the Earth Resistance Force
Medical repair bay #22
Hook sipped a bottom of energon cube, casting from time to time a discrete glance at the screen that Ratchet consulted. The doctor had thrown himself in the analysis of Optimus Prime's damages, right after his visit to the Autobot leader. Ratchet had not made any comment about his patient, however Hook understood that the CMO had every intention of putting Optimus Prime back on his feet, within the shortest possible time.
The former Decepticon swallowed another mouthful of energon; he understood perfectly well the eagerness of Ratchet to see the former Autobot leader on a good shape again. Optimus Prime was probably the only safeguard against the ambitions of Megatron. With his victory on the Insecticons, and the return of the factions - even if it was not official - the Decepticon leader had won a leading position at this headquarters. Hook had to admit that he had questioned himself about his future course of actions: could he still remain neutral, or should he pledge allegiance to his old faction?
He swallowed the remaining energon in one gulp. The question was particularly stressful for him; if it was up to him, he would not make any change in his present life. In the absence of his companions, the Constructicons, being a warrior did not appeal to him; he was even happy to have joined the medical team, and had improved his medical skills. No, the question would become thorny if ever his companions returned to life... which would not happen anytime soon, given that Optimus Prime would not allow it. A Decepticon gestalt represented a too big a risk to the balance of forces in the base 0025.
Hook sighed, looking down at his empty cube, briefly wondering if he would go for another drink. He discarded the idea, considering that he was on duty; given that the slightest engagement tended to turn into a huge military clash, he would better stay sober in case of a medical emergency. He was to opt for an hour of recharge when the door opened on a purple mech who did not lose a second to yell orders.
"Hook, get out! I have a word or two to say to Ratchet!" Galvatron barked.
"Hook, you stay here!" Ratchet retorted without taking his optics off the screen, "Galvatron, you could do with learning some manners. We are not your minions!" he continued in a bitter voice.
The purple warlord brushed aside the reproach with a wave of the hand. "I don't need to be polite with you, or to learn good manners. I am a commander of this base; I give orders, and you obey, period," Galvatron retorted.
The Constructicon remained stoic, casting a stern look at the bearer of the golden cannon. Galvatron was another serious obstacle to any return to the ranks of the Decepticons. His obnoxious behavior did not help to restore the prestige of Megatron's army.
Meanwhile, Ratchet seemed determined to stand up to the hateful mech.
"And I am the chief physician of this base of operations; if I say that someone has nothing to do in my medibay, he must go out!" the doctor added, still refusing to lift his eyes from the screen. "Go away!"
"You know very well that I don't care what you think." Galvatron walked to the doctor, forcing him to look up. "That's enough banters; Optimus Prime has just agreed to revive a Decepticon gestalt."
"Are you kidding me?!" Ratchet exclaimed, jumping from his seat.
"Hey, hey... Everyone knows that I'm the biggest joker of this base, of course. Or maybe you're mistaking me for Skywarp." Galvatron burst out into a loud laughter and stared at the Constructicon. "A Decepticon gestalt will be brought back online by tonight, and it won't be Devastator."
Hook could not say if he felt disappointed or relieved, as the two feelings were too mingled; a part of him was delighted at the idea of reuniting with his companions, while another was afraid of having to turn against the medical team.
"And the winners are... the Stunticons!" Galvatron lay his red gaze on Ratchet, "It is they who have been selected by the Prime," he added.
"I got it. I know what I have to do..." the doctor growled through clenched teeth.
"For once, you know what to do… that is new!" Galvatron waved goodbye while a nasty smile curled his lips.
"Get out!" the doctor roared.
Ratchet waited that the despicable mech left the medibay to sit back in his chair, and sighed heavily. Hook could fully understand the doctor's reaction: Galvatron had the gift of turning every little conversation into a confrontation. This one had been short but pretty intense.
"We'd better recall the other members of the medical team; this isn't going to be a picnic," Hook finally said.
"No, definitely not..." Ratchet sighed again, and opened his comm.-link.
…..
Not far from the medical repair area
Megatron was again able to think over and examine critically the decision taken by Optimus Prime. He had to admit that his old enemy, despite his weakness, had not lost his sense of tactics by choosing the gestalt that would be awakened; it was the one that Megatron had specifically decided to exclude from his plan.
The Stunticons were – almost – loyal to him, for the good reason that he had created them. Menasor was capable of devastating violence, but was somehow flawed: the members of this specific gestalt were not able to work together in the long run. They could merge to form Menasor, but could not keep it working a long time, especially when the other four had to follow the orders of their leader. There was not such a deficiency in Devastator or Bruticus. The personality of Motormaster probably greatly explained this problem: tyrannical and violent, he terrorized the rest of his team.
Megatron stopped in the hallway and leaned against the wall, suddenly seized by doubt. No, the choice of the Stunticons was decidedly not happy. He would have hoped to quickly regain the full control of the Constructicons thanks to Hook. With the Combatticons, the promise of a double ration of energon and the carte blanche to kill as many enemies as they wanted would have been enough to ensure their dedicated services.
However, with Motormaster, the self-proclaimed king of the road who dreamed to destroy Optimus Prime to assert his title, the situation might quickly turn sour.
"Prime, you...!" he muttered angrily.
Yet he could not draw back now; renouncing to his plan would mean he recognized the superiority of Optimus Prime. On the other hand, letting Motormaster wake up without providing for a contingency plan would be irresponsible.
"We'll see who laughs last, Prime!" he growled, flashing his optics in anger.
…
Quarters of Megatron and Starscream
Starscream sat on the edge of the large berth where he had spent a sweet time with Megatron the night before. However, he could not indulge in those voluptuous – but unfortunately fragmented – memories, while too many parasite thoughts plagued his mind. His little chat with Thundercracker left him with a bitter taste, to say the least; it actually made him unhappy to see his wing mate devoured by uncertainty.
Besides, within hours of the ceremony that was to permanently tie him to the mech he had fought against so long, his own certainties were beginning to waver. Would he be able to live up to a mech like Megatron? Would he succeed to overcome the cursed virus that poisoned him and made him so often lose his mind? For the moment, this last question found only a 'no' as an answer. Even if there was some improvement, the fact that he could not remember the last part of their conversation after their delicious session of 'relaxation' showed he still had a long road ahead of him.
Starscream resumed a little courage when his comm.-link beeped.
"Where are you? I thought you'd come join me before the ceremony!" he said in the tone of reproach, before declaring of a considerably more cheerful voice: "You know that life isn't the same when you aren't by my side."
(I know, Starscream. It's the same for me. However, I'm afraid I won't be able to join you right away.)
Starscream could not help trembling, his wings quivering slightly in a reflection of his disappointment. A feeling of anguish seized him, "What's going on, new problems?" he asked in a hushed voice.
A sigh echoed to his words, followed by a long silence.
(I negotiated with Prime that a Decepticon gestalt will be brought online shortly. Unfortunately, he has chosen the least stable of them: Menasor. I have to be there when the Stunticons awake to contain them... or should I say, to contain Motormaster.)
The Seeker clenched his jaw as a wave of anger swept over him. "Can't you postpone this? Why would someone want to do this the day of his bonding ceremony?" he protested in a toneless voice.
(Starscream, this is not an option. I am about to bring the Decepticons to a predominant position. I can't...)
"Always the Decepticon army story! Have you anything else in mind than the Decepticon army?" Starscream screamed.
(You know it cannot be otherwise: I created the Decepticons. The Decepticon cause is my reason for living!)
Megatron's response made sense in regards to the personal background of the tyrant. It would have made sense to the Seeker, given his own history in the army of Megatron, and his rank in said army. Unfortunately, Starscream was already completely under the grip of the virus, and had lost all sense of logic. His anger continued to swell, and his spark painfully pulsed in his chest.
"Not only do you spend all your time with your horrible offspring, but in addition you dare tell me that the Decepticons are all your life! What am I for you? A little distraction for the night?" he replied, delighted by the wickedness of his own words.
This time, Megatron replied in a drier tone, evidence that Starscream's accusations had hurt his pride.
(I've already told you, you mean so much to me. You're the one who has awakened a feeling I thought definitely dead for me: love. But don't ask me to choose between you and the Decepticons. You cannot win against the Decepticons.)
It was the turn of Starscream to feel his pride and feelings hurt.
"If you're not ready to sacrifice everything for me, this means that you don't really love me. You're a miserable traitor, a liar and a coward!" the Seeker barked, completely overwhelmed by anger. He jumped off the berth, and grabbed the first data pad within his reach to throw it against a wall. "You know what? I don't love you. I never want to hear from you again!"
A long silence answered him through the communication link, while Starscream reached for some furniture and decorative objects to destroy them with an unhealthy fervor. Finally, he heard the characteristic sound indicating that the comm.-link had been closed.
"Coward! Liar! Pathetic old rusty tin can!" the Seeker roared louder.
Running out of furniture to tear apart, Starscream took it out on the wall, hitting hard with his fists. His overheating systems did not allow him immediately to feel the pain reported by the sensors in his hands; a blood-red veil blinded his optics, preventing him from noticing the purple traces left by his fists every time he hit the wall. Gradually, the information reached his CPU; he stopped while the pain washed over him, making him waver. It was a sudden and dazzling pain, intense enough to lift the red veil; Starscream wobbled and looked with astonishment at his broken and bloody fists. The energon flowed from his cracked knuckles, forming long purple trails along his wrists.
"What am I doing?" he murmured in shock.
He searched in his memory bank the report on the final minutes, and was confirmed that he was in a conversation with Megatron. He tried to open the logs; the file began to play, but the words were barely audible. Starscream managed to grasp the last sentence that he had screamed to Megatron, and the long silence that had followed.
The Seeker staggered to the berth and sat down, horrified that he had thrown such insults to his lover, on the day of their bonding ceremony on top of that. He lost himself in the contemplation of his broken fists, trying to imagine the implications of his words. Suddenly a particular thought overcame the whirlwind of dark thoughts that threatened to bury him into despair.
…..
Not far from the medibay 22
(You know what? I don't love you. I never want to hear from you again!)
Megatron had always considered himself as an extraordinarily strong mech, who no arrow or sword could hurt. Yet, these few words thrown in a hoarse voice had pierced his spark with a formidable precision. The Decepticon leader stepped back, leaning against the wall in search of support, fighting against the imperceptible tremor that threatened to undermine him completely. Noises of broken objects continued to burst through the comm.-link, reflecting the Seeker's state of confusion. However, he did not find the courage to urge Starscream to calm down and stop.
He closed the comm.-link, and remained motionless for several minutes, waiting for the storm that ravaged his spark to stop, and enable him to regain control of himself. Once again, he had the evidence that Starscream had the amazing power to bring the worst suffering upon him by hurling just a few hateful words. The prospect of being rejected by the Seeker hurt him more than the hardest blows. Even Optimus Prime had never managed to leave him in such a state of despondency.
Slowly, Megatron managed to regain control of his body, and then came out of this state of shock. Then, after the discouragement, came the anxiety; during the conversation, it was clear that Starscream had fallen under the influence of the virus. He could not be left alone, at the mercy of his murderous impulses. However, Megatron could not visit the Seeker and stop his madness; not after this last conversation. Starscream would certainly react worse if he saw Megatron at his doorsteps.
He knew, however, who could interfere effectively with Starscream and his madness.
"Skywarp, acknowledge. It is Megatron."
(Yes, my lord?) the Seeker replied almost immediately through the comm.-link.
"I've just discussed with Starscream; he's clearly losing control over himself. I want you to go to our common quarters, and make sure that he is trying nothing untoward," Megatron declaimed, unwilling to go into details.
(Wouldn't it be more effective if it was you who went there?)
The tone of Skywarp's voice betrayed his anxiety. Megatron understood his worries: Starscream could be extremely dangerous during his fits of anger.
"I am the last mech he wants to see at this time, Skywarp," Megatron admitted. This was the only explanation he would give. "Go to our quarters, and neutralize Starscream if necessary, before he becomes a danger to himself! Do not argue with my orders!"
(I will be there right away, my Lord!)
The Seeker dared not argue further, and cut off the communication link. Megatron sighed, feeling more useless than ever in this unequal battle that Starscream fought against his death wish.
…..
Quarters of Skywarp
The purple Seeker stood there for long minutes, his wings vibrating slightly under the influence of many emotions: the annoyance to be disturbed during his resting time; the anxiety caused by the condition of his wing mate; and the perplexity as to the procedure to follow. Should he try to teleport in Starscream and Megatron's quarters, and knock out the Seeker by surprise? It was risky and even suicidal. Starscream was extremely fast, and might shoot him down, taking advantage of the few seconds of stunning that inevitably followed teleportation. A more conventional procedure, that is to say going through the door, was certainly safer.
"No, no, no! He'll shoot me in the same way," the Seeker concluded, shaking his head. He was a hothead, but his latest escapade at the heart of the Insecticon swarm was still too recent for him to take the risk of returning to the medibay so soon.
Only one option remained: try to join Starscream and start a discussion with him to assess his degree of madness. To his surprise, his wing mate almost immediately answered his call, and replied in the calmest way he could.
(Leave me alone, Warp '. This is not the time.)
"What do you mean by 'this is not the time'? Starscream, are you good?" Skywarp inquired. He was to add that Megatron had sent him to the news, but he held the information back; his leader had explicitly stated that he was the last mech whom Starscream wanted to hear about right now.
(Yes, I'm good. I'll talk to you later...)
"No, wait!"
Starscream closed the comm.-link without allowing him to continue his little interrogation. If the short explanation of his air commander had somewhat reassured him, it was far from convincing the purple Seeker that all was well in the best of worlds. Moreover, the order to ensure the good health of Starscream was coming from Megatron; he would better complete his mission if he wanted to avoid the medibay.
Skywarp resignedly decided to visit the Seeker. And he had to admit that this little escapade would allow him to drain for one or two hours another concern: his invitation, which Arcee left unanswered.
…..
High-security wing, bio-mechanics research laboratory
Perceptor looked over the pod and carefully scanned the angular face looming through the dirty glass. It was not the first time he was performing this operation; this time, he focused the lens of his microscope on the area below the right eye of the creature, verifying precisely whether lesions were apparent. As long as the body had to be kept in his cryogenic capsule, it was the only means available to ensure the good health of this mysterious figure.
He almost stomped on the pod when a shrill voice screamed in his audio receivers; his comm.-link had just been attacked by a hysterical Seeker.
(That's it, Perceptor, that's it! I think I'll finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!)
The scientist did not bother to respond immediately, checking if he had not damaged the precious pod. It was not the taste of the Seeker, who decided to scream over again in the comm.-link.
(Damn it, Perceptor! Are you listening or not?!)
"Yes, I'm listening Starscream. I don't see how I could ignore your voice... Oh, and incidentally, I'm at work," Perceptor retorted as he rolled his optics. An inner voice told him he was not going to continue his investigations immediately; on the other hand, Starscream was his regular patient. "What do you mean by 'I'll finally see the light at the end of the tunnel? I remind you that we are at the beginning of the protocol, and that we cannot hope–"
(Forget your protocol, and also what you are doing right now. I think I've already got over the virus!)
This assertion was far from convincing Perceptor who, as a mech steeped in scientific logic, suspected instead that Starscream was not actually in possession of himself.
"What makes you think that?" he asked calmly, determined to make a first remote diagnosis.
(I completely lost my mind less than a few breems ago. I hit the wall with my fists. The pain... it forced me to stop. I am once again in control of myself!)
Starscream's jerky speech only confirmed to him that the Seeker was too excited to be totally under control. Besides, a particular point was tickling him, especially now that he had checked the position of the Seeker in the headquarters; the monitor showed him the plans of Starscream and Megatron's quarters. A single energy signature was reported.
"Starscream, is Megatron here?" he asked.
(No. He had business to attend to before our bonding ceremony.)
"I see." Perceptor was already thinking about the sermon he would inflict on the Slag Maker. He was aware of the new ambitions of the Decepticon leader, and had for the moment no opinion on them. By cons, he had a clear opinion on the mechs who accepted to be a caretaker, and discharged their responsibility because they 'had business to attend to'.
Megatron, however future commander that he might be, was going to get a good telling-off. But before that, Perceptor was to ascertain the exact condition of his patient, even if it was delaying the analysis of the emergency pod. Anyway, until he got the permission from Shockwave to extract the body from his pod, he would have no chance to start the serious work.
"All right, Starscream. I want you to join me now in my laboratory near medibay 22. You need a check-up," he offered.
(Yes, it's a great idea, but...)
"But what?" Perceptor suddenly had a bad feeling. "What's going on, Starscream? What are you not telling me?"
(I'll have to recharge a little. Just a little! And I come!)
The latter information finished rousing Perceptor's suspicion; there was something wrong in Starscream's voice, as if he felt guilty of something. He entered a code in Teletran II, which activated a spy program. It was a trick that Prowl had taught him, asking him to use it carefully; it allowed to catch the Transformers in the privacy of their quarters. Blaster and the tactician had developed it following the launch of Megatron's resurrection project.
The image of Starscream appeared on the screen; the Decepticon was a little haggard, standing in a room where every piece of furniture had been broken; his hands were bleeding energon. The situation was actually worse than he had imagined. Despite what he saw, Perceptor decided not to rush his patient.
"All right, Starscream. Take some time to recharge a little. But I want you to be there, say within a joor. I need to trace the fluctuations of your energy field."
(Yes, yes, absolutely. I'm coming!)
The almost joyful response of Starscream startled the scientist; there was sincerity in that joy, something that was not like the neurotic Seeker. Was it possible that Starscream was indeed on the mend, faster than he had expected? The rational mind of Perceptor recovered quickly on it, bringing this possibility to the rank of hypothesis.
He took one last look at the dark figure who was sleeping in the pod before heading to the exit. He left an enigma... to go and meet another.
…..
Main command room
Absorbed in the study of the map of the forbidden area, Prowl did not pay attention immediately at the door, which opened with a whizzing. It was only when he heard footsteps that he realized he was not alone anymore. It was neither Jazz nor Blurr, who had left to take a rest in their quarters. It was a confident stride - although a little less than usual – that matched perfectly with the information saved in the tactician's database; Prowl easily recognized the mech who had just entered.
"Well, Rodimus, it's not like you to not announce yourself!" he observed.
The mech stopped a few meters from him and rubbed the top of his helmet bleakly. "No, you're right, Prowl. Excuse me if I caught you."
The tactician gave a slightly amused smile. "You know I'm rarely surprised. Yet I am, but not because I didn't hear you coming in, but because you apologized for doing so. Something is bothering you, I would say," he remarked.
The young commander clenched his fists, obviously trying to channel his nervousness before embarking in his explanations. "I came to see you, because I need your help to fight Megatron!" he blurted.
Prowl flashed his optics under the surprise. "Um, excuse me?" he asked.
"You heard me very well, Prowl. I want to put a halt to the rise of Megatron in this headquarters. This tyrant is taking advantage of Optimus Prime's weakness to seize power and restore the Decepticon army as the dominant force among the Cybertronians. As a Prime, I cannot let that happen, staying idly!"
Prowl opened his mouth, but given that the words that came to his mind were not appropriate, he decided first to be quiet. "Please, Rodimus, have a seat!" he finally articulated.
"That's all you have to answer me?" Rodimus barely hid his surprise.
"No. And that's precisely why I suggest you take a seat."
"You're not going to help me, aren't you?"
Since Rodimus refused to sit down, Prowl stood up so that they could look at each other's optics. "No. And worse than that, I intend to dissuade you from standing up against Megatron," he admitted.
"Don't tell me you've decided to switch sides!" Rodimus roared.
"Not at all; I remain faithful to Optimus Prime. If he had decided that Megatron had to be shot to death, he would have given me the order. And I would have provided the means to kill Megatron," Prowl replied calmly.
"Optimus is rooted to his berth, and is barely online a few joors in a day. How can you expect him to make such a decision?"
"I don't mean to be disrespectful, Rodimus, but you don't know Optimus as well as I know him. Believe me: he uses every Astrosecond of consciousness to make decisions," the tactician said.
Prowl understood that he would have to be more convincing when Rodimus gave him a suspicious and reproachful look. He folded his hands behind his back and began to pace in front of the young Prime. "Can you tell me how you're going to get rid of Megatron exactly?" he asked.
The question did not unsettle Rodimus the least. "I plan to meet him in a single combat. A duel!" he replied confidently.
The tactician shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint you, but… I doubt that Megatron pays any importance to this duel offer!" Prowl kept a straight face when Rodimus clenched his fists, barely containing his anger. "And if by chance he accepted, he would humiliate you with the ease that his long experience as a gladiator and a warlord allows him," he bluntly added.
"You don't know anything!"
"Oh, yes, I know things all too well. The only ones who had once managed to challenge Megatron were Optimus Prime, and... his son. Galvatron and Starscream once followed them in the list of his most serious enemies. Do you feel strong enough to compete with their strength, determination and – save Optimus – their twisted mind?"
Prowl paused, carefully observing his counterpart; Rodimus was still not convinced, but the pout on his face showed he was obviously pondering on the merits of his plan. It was time to take control and sweep definitely his ambitions to duel with the Slag Maker.
"I would add that there is a more effective way to restrict the future evil deeds of Megatron: unite the Cybertronians," the tactician concluded. "There is actually one person that I was going to contact, and who can help us effectively."
The curiosity of Rodimus obviously was piqued. "Who is he?" he asked.
"I give you the frequency of his comm.-link. You are going to call him."
The Dark Serenity, between base 0022 and base 0025
Grimlock nervously tapped his fingers on the console that was in front of him; he hated long periods of inactivity, yet inevitable during long trips. However, he stopped when his counterpart gave him an exasperated look.
"Me, Grimlock, am tired of waiting!" he growled.
The big blue mech nodded. "I know, I don't like to wait either. Especially when Optimus is injured and unable to defend himself; this just creates a window of opportunities to Megatron in his rise to power," he stated.
Grimlock was to express how much he was looking forward to confront the Decepticon leader, and make him shut up using brute force, when his communication link beeped.
(Grimlock, do you read me?)
The leader of the Dinobots grunted in annoyance. "Me, Grimlock, wants to know what you want," he replied.
(What is your position?)
"Me Grimlock, is aboard the Dark Serenity, with Ultra Magnus. Estimated time of arrival: less than two joors. "
(Great. I want your ship to dock in the utmost discretion. Use your embedded comm.-link to contact us, Prowl and me. Megatron doesn't know you're back to base. Got it?)
Grimlock replied with a grunt again, more contemptuous than the first. Rodimus Prime must have judged that it was not necessary to react, and merely cut the connection.
"You weren't very nice to him. He is a Prime, though," Ultra Magnus pointed out.
The Dinobot shrugged and quickly dismissed the remark. "Me Grimlock, don't have to be nice to this little upstart. Rodimus Prime is weak, not living up to his rank."
"He will become as strong as Optimus. Just give him time."
This last remark seemed to unnerve Grimlock, who smashed his fist angrily on the console.
"Me Grimlock, said that is precisely the problem. We don't have time to wait for Rodimus to become a real Prime. We will have to clean up the mess without him."
Forward Operational Headquarters 0025 of the Earth Resistance Force
Somewhere in Base 0025
The Seeker slowed down, feeling already exhausted; the pain was gone, fortunately, but his condition was still far from optimum. He finally came to an airlock, and sat in a container, taking time to wind down and take stock of the reasons that had pushed him out of his quarters.
Thundercracker had to admit that Starscream's words had not remained unheard. After the departure of his wing mate, he had tried to return to recharge, but many questions had begun to torment him. The most pressing - and even irritating – came back and forth in his mind: was he wrong to keep Skyfire at bay? Another question was also beginning to go on a loop: did he really want to be alone?
He had to face reality: every minute that went by, his certainties were crumbling one by one. The greatest evidence of his confusion was that he had left his quarters to find the one he had striven to avoid for an entire day. Thundercracker recognized that he was not consistent anymore with himself, or at least, with the conduct he had initially vowed to follow.
"Thundercracker? What are you doing here? You should be taking some rest in your quarters!"
The deep voice echoing above him made him shiver from head to thrusters in spite of himself. His wings quivered as he looked over, slightly embarrassed, at the white face that monopolized his thoughts a few minutes earlier.
"Skyfire... I could ask you the same question," he managed to say.
The large white Transformer gave him a warm smile. "I am close to my quarters. I was going back home when I saw you," he replied.
Thundercracker felt he was shrinking on himself while he realized that his question was not only stupid, but that he had betrayed his intentions. He still decided to lie. "Then, I guess I've lost my way. I thought I was near my quarters," he said in a low voice.
"No, I don't think you've lost your way. I rather believe that you wanted to discuss with me," Skyfire retorted with a self-assurance that surprised the blue Seeker.
Starscream's words came back to his memory: "He'd better be self-confident if he wants to seduce a Decepticon. I'm sure that you wouldn't like being courted by a shy and nice Autobot." Thundercracker remembered he had retorted that he did not want to be courted at all. He was no longer certain of this last point.
The blue Seeker was silent for long minutes, during which Skyfire gazed intently at him.
"That doesn't matter, Thundercracker. I can help you to return to your quarters if you want... or call a member of the medical team, if you prefer," the white Transformer finally offered.
Thundercracker looked up, almost shocked that Skyfire did not try to insist to discuss with him.
O
Skyfire tried not to place any hope in this unexpected encounter. Seeing Thundercracker a few meters from his own quarters, he had hoped that the Seeker had gone looking for him. That hope had been immediately annihilated, only to be revived after a few seconds. The Decepticon seemed even surprised – if not shocked – of his last answer. Skyfire thought that the Seeker wanted only one thing: that he stopped trying to visit him. Wasn't it the case anymore? Decidedly, Thundercracker had the gift to make him lose his bearings.
"No, you're right. I wanted to talk to you," the blue Seeker finally confessed.
Skyfire could not help feeling a kind of pride; it was exactly the words he had dreamed of hearing these days. This feeling diminished somewhat when he saw the Seeker leaning against the wall. He was obviously exhausted.
"I thank you for your attention. However, you shouldn't be here, but rather in your quarters to rest," he breathed.
The remark seemed to upset Thundercracker somewhat. "I've rested enough!" he protested.
"I'm not so sure of this. Remember the last time you overreached yourself?"
"Oh yes. Thank you, I remember it very well; that's when you decided to retrieve me from the battlefield, leaving Skywarp and Starscream behind!"
Despite his fatigue, the blue Seeker began to stomp his feet like Starscream used to do when he was angry.
"I did this for your good," the white shuttle pleaded.
"You could have asked me my opinion!"
"I doubt that you were able to understand what I told you at that time..." Skyfire commented, not knowing if he had gone too far with this last remark, until his doubts were temporarily swept by a little mocking laugh.
Thundercracker turned his blazing optics off him to glare at the purple Seeker who had just appeared in the hallway.
"This is not funny, 'Warp!"
O
The angered voice of his wing mate was not enough to spoil Skywarp's amusement. An amusement that turned into frank hilarity when the two mechs looked at each other.
"Do you know you look like an old squabbling couple?" he finally giggled.
Skywarp stepped back a little when Thundercracker threw him a furious look. Skyfire's wings fluttered nervously, but he did not move.
'Warp', don't you have anything else to do than interfering in a conversation you have no business in?" Thundercracker's words rang out in his audio receivers; not loudly enough to scare him, but enough to make him understand that he had struck a nerve.
The situation was definitely fun. Skywarp decided to answer back in his favorite way; he raised his arms, and pretended to be surprised. And innocent.
"For Primus' Sake, TC! Truth hurts; even me, I know that. Anyway, I've got the message: my presence is unwanted. You both have to talk, in private!" he declaimed, making a theatrical gesture of farewell. "Get you a room, you two!" he mocked.
He ran in order to avoid Thundercracker's eventual wrath, laughing out loud. In any case, the blue Seeker's reaction was reassuring; he had pulled himself together again. And the last "Warp'! You're an idiot!" that Thundercracker screamed comforted him in this opinion. It was rather a nice news, better than the one about Starscream.
This last thought forced Skywarp to get serious again; he had a mission to complete. And the sooner the better, if he wanted to return to more personal matters.
…..
Quarters of Megatron and Starscream
It took a little less than a few minutes for Skywarp to find himself in front of the door of the quarters that had been fitted for the two Decepticons. Putting aside his last hesitations, he pressed the button of the communicator to announce his presence.
"I don't need anyone to help me with the preparations!" The hoarse voice of Starscream echoed from the other side of the reinforced door.
"Screamer it's me, Warp'! Let me in!"
The door opened after a few seconds, allowing him to discover a devastated room in the middle of which stood a Seeker slightly weakened. Skywarp literally jumped inside, alarmed by the bleeding hands of Starscream.
"Calm down, Warp', I'm good," the tricolor Seeker assured. He moved his fingers to prove that they were not damaged, and grimaced in pain.
"Calm down, Warp'? You're kidding me! Do you realize you've devastated your quarters? What's got into you?" Skywarp held back the name of Megatron, and decided not to speak about his mission. The warlord had suspected a new fit of anger; he had been right about this. What could have happened between the two to trigger Starscream's hysteria? He was not sure he actually wanted to know the truth. "Come, I'll walk you to Ratchet's medibay. He will fix your hands and run a checkup," Skywarp finally blurted.
Starscream dismissed the offer with a wave of the hand, causing him to wince again, in addition to throwing a few drops of energon on Skywarp's cockpit. "It's Perceptor who I need to see, not Ratchet. Besides, I was getting ready to go to his laboratory," Starscream informed.
Skywarp swept the few pink drops streaming down his yellow glass cockpit and shook his head disapprovingly. "Well, well, I will escort you all the same," he retorted.
"I don't need your help!"
"I don't care that you don't need my help. I'm not asking for your opinion!" And to show that he had no intention of letting go, Skywarp folded his arms across his chest, and stood upright, widely spreading his wings. In this way, he became a real obstacle that Starscream would struggle to get around if he tried to reach the door.
This display of determination had to convince Starscream, who seemed to resign himself; or maybe he was starting to feel tired due to the loss of energon, and realized that he needed to be escorted.
"Okay, fine, you can come with me. Let's don't waste any more time; Perceptor asked me to come as soon as possible," Starscream conceded, before making his so characteristic pout.
…..
Quarters of Soundwave
The communications officer verified once again that his Cassettes were still asleep, and spent a smooth recharge. Rumble and Frenzy had persuaded the other three Cassettes to recharge their batteries in anticipation of the evening celebration. Soundwave had tried to explain that, because the solemn ceremony involved the union of two Cybertronians, and that he had no intention – and was not in a position – to play the boom box, no, the evening was not to turn into a heavy drinking party. But both of the small Transformers refused to listen to him.
Something told Soundwave that he would have to closely watch the duo - and even the quintet - if he did not want the Cassettes to put Megatron and Starscream's bonding ceremony upside down. He was less than certain that the two Decepticons would appreciate the initiative.
A slight commotion at the entrance of his quarters made him flinch; someone had just entered the main room without even the delicacy to announce himself. Soundwave immediately identified the energy field that radiated through the thick walls; knowing the mech, he was not surprised at the rude manners.
Considering that it had no choice but to show up, Soundwave was careful to lock the door behind him, isolating his Cassettes from the main room. He looked at the crimson mech that stood in the entrance; although he displayed his arrogant smile, Galvatron had done him the favor not to yell him orders.
"I have a job for you, Soundwave: I want you to dig some information about a certain Drift and his men," Galvatron curtly informed in a low voice.
For once, the warlord did not waste his time in vain provocations. Although his speech was not enough to bend Soundwave to his will, or even impress him, it aroused his curiosity. The name of Drift was not unknown to him.
"Fact: Soundwave obeys only the orders of Megatron," he replied in his robotic voice.
Galvatron threw his hands up, looking bored. "Spare me your droning voice; everyone in this base knows that you can speak like a normal bot!" he mocked.
Soundwave stiffened; Galvatron's response was too quiet compared to what he was capable of. This did not bode well.
"Very well, in that case, I repeat: I only obey the orders of Megatron, who is my only master. I will not do this research without his consent," he replied in his normal voice, showing evident skills for public speaking.
Galvatron grunted in dissatisfaction, then crossed his arms over his powerful chest; he fixed his red gaze on the communication officer, and stared at him without saying a word during long minutes. Such long minutes that Soundwave felt discomfort win over him. His previous reply should have angered Galvatron, but yet, he could detect only a vague annoyance in the energy field of Megatron's brother. There was no trace of the devastating madness that Galvatron had so often displayed in the past few days.
The purple Decepticon suddenly decided to break the heavy silence.
"I advise you to contact Megatron, and ask him to explain you the new hierarchy in the Decepticon army. I await your report within two joors."
Before Soundwave had time to retort something, Galvatron turned heel and left the room, without even throwing a look back. Soundwave felt somewhat relieved of that: although he had expected to be attacked by the warlord, and be severely beaten, he remained untouched. Yet, in a few words, Galvatron had managed to destroy every self-confidence.
O
Galvatron walked a hundred meters before bursting into a loud guffaw. He could imagine Soundwave's expression under his mask; the wild pulse in his energy field had betrayed him. Soundwave dreaded to contact with Megatron; asking him to precise his new rank in the revived Decepticon army was an ordeal for him. No doubt that Megatron had already bluntly told him that he would never be again third-in-command, without clarifying his exact rank.
What was Soundwave's rank, already? Fifth? Sixth in the chain of command? Galvatron knew very well one of Megatron's faults; grudge. It was a feeling he was familiar with. However, he somewhat disagreed with Soundwave's disgrace; the communication officer remained a high-potential mech. And Galvatron intended to use his skills to maintain his own rank in the army.
The Makahara, mother ship on Earth of the Salonian Empire
Elita One felt nauseated, almost ready to empty her fuel tank. She hated what she was about to do, but had to admit that she had no choice. She suspected that the intentions of Nyxeris were not as noble as what the femme had been willing to profess. The commander had certainly in mind to set a trap for Optimus Prime and Megatron, and had chosen her, Elita-one, as the instrument of her dark plans. Another thing was certain: Nyxeris did not care at all about the whereabouts of his son.
So why had she agreed to join in this parody of negotiation, becoming the voice of Nyxeris? It would be so easy to refuse, even at the cost of being executed for disobedience. She had not felt any joy being online for a very long time; deactivation would be a deliverance. At one point, however, she felt entitled of a mission: spying on Nyxeris to discover a way to destroy her, and maybe, save the Cybertronians resisting on Earth.
"Um, excuse me..."
Elita-One looked down at the Salonian who had called her; the communications officer watched her, obviously starting to get impatient.
"I am ready. Put me through to the base 0025," she informed him of her most neutral voice.
"At your command." The communications officer nodded and hurried to his command board. "You can talk," he finally announced.
Elita-One stiffened and stared at the camera; she would have to be persuasive in case a visual contact was established. That was the most difficult part of her mission, but she was now used to pretend to believe in the Salonian cause.
"I am Elita-One, spokesperson of Commander Nyxeris of the Empire of Salonia. I request to speak to Megatron and Optimus Prime!"
To be continued