Before anything else, Starscream attended Aceflight's funeral that had been planned to take place in the morning. All of the Seekers who had worked in the Predacons' city appeared, even the one who had been expelled. No one minded the radical Seeker, Skylight, when she joined the crowd of other Seekers who had come. And for once, she kept her thoughts to herself.
Aceflight had been melted and placed into a large, decorative pot. Once cooled, the container would never again be able to be opened. So it was this colourful and peaceful pot that the Seekers gazed at while individuals spoke words for the young victim. Directly in front of it, Sunchaser sat on the ground quietly while Cloudtips knelt beside him.
Naturally, Cloudtips was the most emotional of them all, and he had barely been able to choke out his words. Everyone looked at him and patiently listened, but Starscream saw him differently than they did. For him, he imagined Thundercracker kneeling there, mourning Skywarp.
Last time, Cloudtips had not asked much about his past life. After the funeral, however, Cloudtips had pleaded for Starscream to come to his apartment. There was not much time left for Starscream, but he obliged the mourning Seeker. They sat on a short couch with only two seats, which was another reminder of Aceflight's loss. Yet Cloudtips had something else weighing on his mind, noticeable from the confusion carved into his face.
He directed his blue eyes to Starscream. "Moon… I've been thinking about what you told us about the Allspark and past lives…"
Starscream blinked back, trying to figure out where he was going with this.
"I did always feel a special connection to him. But the draw I felt to him is something I feel for you too. And I just don't understand it, after what you said to us. If it has to do with past lives, then why does my spark long to be at your side? Your spark is aberrant, indestructible, correct? And you are new… so why do I feel like we had a different life together?"
Was this the right time?
Starscream did not know, but with the way things were going, he felt that he would say everything now. In anticipation of it, his pulse quickened as clung with one hand to the metal arm of the couch.
Starscream blabbered, "You are too intelligent… of course, and with that feeling inside you, you would have figured it out…"
With a sudden warmth of fear, Starscream froze, unable to spill the truth. He thought of his next mission with Megatron and Shockwave, and how easily he could be destroyed if the truth of his identity got out.
Cloudtips asked in a low whisper, "Do you know who we were in the past?"
Starscream shut his eyes, nodding before he could restrain himself. Cloudtips stretched his thick arm out across the length of the couch behind him and leaned closer.
"So you are not a Newspark," Cloudtips murmured. "Am I right?"
Starscream peered to the side at him, then around the room. But there were no eavesdroppers, for they were completely alone. Still, Cloudtips' proximity kept him from being able to speak.
"The news wrote about you…" Cloudtips' eyebrows lowered as he pondered. "About how you were damaged at a young age and taken in by Optimus. None of that is true, is it? If you are not young, and if that story is false... then something else caused your injury. Optimus made up that story to protect you. Now, Autobots wouldn't need a cover-up story and an identity to protect themselves... They would just live on..."
Cloudtips' eyes flashed open wide.
"You were a Decepticon. You are Starscream."
For a moment, Cloudtips looked terrified. It lasted only for that second as he remembered all the tender times he had shared with Aceflight and Starscream. The red eyes looked just as scared as Cloudtips had felt, so it seemed certain that there was nothing to fear.
Recovered, the blue and white Seeker shrugged his shoulders. "Well, that would explain why everything we ever did was so easy for you… Why you seemed to have experience and wisdom beyond someone of your age."
He gave Starscream a small smile, but it appeared that Starscream was still locked with tension. His face was unmoving, frozen in one apprehensive expression.
"It doesn't matter to me," Cloudtips murmured. "Yes, I know what kind of things you have done. But you are good now. You taught us and protected us, and you were our charismatic lieutenant and commander. Clearly, Optimus trusts you as well, so how can anyone not? I will not speak of this to anyone… but I wish that you would tell our group someday."
Starscream's body fell limp in relief. "Thank you."
Cloudtips continued on another note, "Aceflight always felt like he should be a lieutenant. And if both of us were attached to you… Could that mean then, that we were your past lieutenants?"
"You were," he conceded.
"Which ones?"
"You were Thundercracker. He was Skywarp."
"I don't know much about them," Cloudtips confessed. "I suppose I should do research."
"I do not recommend it," Starscream sighed.
"I would rather know the truth than hide from its existence. I will be fine… I am just interested to know how I used to be and how I developed. I do look similar to him, do I not? Even the colour is nearly close, save for my wings. Though Skywarp was black and purple… Regardless, both Ace and I returned as fliers. Does that always happen?"
"No." Starscream's eyes went dull as he thought of Steve. "He could return in any form, but I believe he will come as whatever is most likely to encounter you. He may be a Seeker once again, but there is no guarantee."
"It was so important to him, being a flier and a fighter. I cannot imagine he would like being anything else."
Starscream looked down, seeming as though he did not know what to say next. The blue eyes scanning him felt like hot rays burning his metal.
"I promise," Cloudtips repeated. "I won't tell a spark about you."
Arms swept around and dragged him into a reassuring embrace. Starscream held him hesitantly, curling his black fingers around edges and waiting until most of his worry had ebbed. It would not truly fade, however, as long as Starscream knew that the world would not be this forgiving. And this coming mission would put his identity at risk, for if they failed to present Starscream as an ally, then there was a chance that the Forged's organization would expose him on the spot… if they didn't kill him first.
"I have to go," Starscream mumbled.
"Where to?"
"A mission…"
"It must be important," Cloudtips released him and rose. "And I trust that it's for the good of the people, for your spark is true now."
The large Seeker escorted him to the door, then patted him on the back.
"Good luck then," he told Starscream.
Cloudtips tapped him out, then carefully closed the door. Starscream paused with his back to it, wondering if all that had really just happened. After a strong blink, he realized that it had, then carried on.
His pulse was fast, but his face rested in a fake scowl. Starscream followed Megatron's back as the three infamous, former Decepticons descended down a tunnel in the Manganese Mountains. Undoubtedly, it was the beginning of the end- whether that be their end or that of the organization's terror, Starscream did not know.
Shockwave examined the tunnel, seeing how it had been readjusted from the shifting of plates, then he followed the recently carved-out path. The end of the tunnel possessed a single, heavy door. And with all their life signals undetectable, they were able to approach it unchallenged. There, Megatron then pushed ahead of Shockwave and opened fire upon the door.
The silence behind it erupted into a cacophony of enraged screeches.
"Predacon guards," Starscream uttered.
Megatron paused his assault. In his old, savage ring of authority, Megatron boomed, "Open this door for Lord Megatron, your leader!"
A startled silence followed. Claws scuffed by the door, there were multiple sounds of transformation, and viscous whispers that they could not make out. Finally, the door opened and four Predacon clones glowered at them. They looked completely identical to each other, gray and blue with teeth framing their faces and wings folded behind them.
Upon seeing Shockwave, they jolted and looked to each other. Yet the hostility did not leave even after seeing the founder of Predacon cloning technology. They still gazed at each other in a conniving way that prickled Starscream's nerves. At once, he felt ready for a fight, bending his fingers in preparation to fire his fresh missiles. But then, one of the clones bowed and the others followed suit.
"Welcome, our Lords," the first to bow said. "We have awaited your return."
Megatron strode in as though everything there was his by right. "Where are your leaders?"
A Predacon stared at Starscream, the claws of his hands flexing. With a hint of a growl in his voice, this clone answered, "We do not know, my Lord. You will have to wait for the agent to arrive. He knows more than we."
"Can you not summon him?"
"No," another answered. "We must wait, but not for long."
Shockwave and Megatron walked ahead, going into the back without anyone's permission. One Predacon took a step, then moved back, deciding not to challenge them. Starscream, keeping himself in character, sneered at him in passing. He knew the danger of provoking them, but if he did press them a bit, he might soon find out why Megatron and Shockwave's return irked the clones.
There was an aisle of tubes in the back, all containing fully grown Predacons unconscious within yellow liquid. Starscream counted twenty, all of them created from the same fossil though one that was different to the guards. At any time, the guards could zap them to life and release them. But they are waiting for the order, Starscream thought. The so-called 'army of thousands' must have soldiers like this on stand-by.
"Ah, more clones," Megatron observed, turning back to the hovering guards. "Tell me, how great is the army?"
"Great indeed," a Predacon muttered, and Starscream caught something dark and foreboding in his tone. "There will be two thousand."
Starscream flicked back his wrist nonchalantly. "Does this include the Predacon citizens on the surface?"
Two Predacons snarled at him. One replied, but switched into an impolite form of Cybertronian, "You, wouldn't you like to know! We know about you, we do. You are our enemy; you cannot be trusted!"
The fourth Predacon growled to Megatron, yet in the respectful form, "You should terminate him. That is no ally- that's an Autobot now."
"Was," Starscream hissed. "Those fools brainwashed me when I lacked my memories, turning me into a mindless instrument of their will! But I am in my right mind once more, thanks to Shockwave. The Autobots will pay for manipulating me as they did."
The Predacons were quiet, but there was still that strange tension in the room. The twenty Predacons hung in the tubes, eyes closed and ignorant to it all.
Megatron said, "I am curious to hear the answer to his inquiry."
Begrudgingly, they conceded.
"It does. The citizens will join us in the attack."
"Tell me about this attack," Megatron carried on. "When will it be?"
"Soon," one uttered with a glare at the wall. "We will move from this base when we are told. But we do not know much, since the information is withheld. The one-eyes know all, so speak with them."
"One comes soon," hissed a Predacon.
"I hear disdain in your tones," Starscream glowered. "You would do well to respect your masters."
The clones shot Starscream with piercing glares, growls in their throats. He had used just the right words to provoke one of them to spit, "They are no masters of us!"
Megatron cast a dangerous glare over them, keeping in character. The clones realized that they were exposing too much of what they wanted to keep secret. They faltered under his gaze, apologizing.
"We respect your authority, of course," one said.
"Yes, your deeds have earned our true respect."
"Our highest masters." One bowed again to Shockwave and Megatron.
Starscream, Megatron, and Shockwave knew the Predacons were lying through their teeth. Yet they all pretended to be satisfied with the answers, waiting with a calm air for the Forged soldier to arrive. Confidence was key here while trapped with the four Predacons. The clones stood without speaking, watching their movements as minutes passed.
It would be an hour before the door opened. A one-eyed disciple of Shockwave rushed in, worried because of the blaster marks he had seen on the door. At the sight of Shockwave and Megatron, he dropped to one knee and bowed so low that his face nearly scraped the floor.
"My esteemed Lords! We are honoured by your return, and we have been awaiting it. Please accompany me immediately."
A scar skipped over the malicious, yellow eye that flicked toward Starscream. But the soldier did not challenge the Seeker as he stood between Shockwave and Megatron. He took Starscream with them back into the tunnel where he activated a portal and led them through it.
Starscream expected another hideout deep underground. Instead, they emerged into a room clean and tiled with white squares. The lightness in his wings told him that they were very close to the surface, and a faint honk outside revealed that they were in a city. This completely shocked him and it had been against all their expectations. While they had been scavenging for the secret hideouts, the main headquarters had been in the middle of public space.
The basement room they had stepped into was guarded by more Forged, who gasped at the sight of them and dropped down to the tiles. Starscream saw not a regular Decepticon soldier among these cruel, intelligent faces. This was truly the lair of the highest in command of the elusive organization.
The feeling of dread in his spark made him realize that in another room in this basement, there was the spacebridge that he had been thrown through. Starscream had already been in the headquarters, and now he had wandered back into its hazardous claws.
"Who among you is the one in charge?" Megatron demanded.
Still kneeling, one Forged answered, "No one of us leads over the other. The Forged collaborates and organizes the Decepticons, but the highest positions of leadership have been empty, awaiting you."
Another replied, "We have worked in your absence, knowing that the War was not over. We have sought to undo all that the Autobots have done, to take back the world for the Decepticons."
"We have collected reliable officers and raised an army."
"Please observe what we have done."
As one mind, the bots rose. Without giving any orders, half of them chose to lead Megatron and Shockwave while the others remained to guard the room. Each of them knew where they were needed. In the hall, other Forged bowed at the sight of Shockwave and Megatron, praising them without halting them. With suspicious glares following him, Starscream stayed close to Megatron and Shockwave as they headed towards an elevator down the hall.
They stepped into it and stood like statues as the elevator rose in tranquil silence. The eyes of the Forged stayed focused, staring straight and now ignoring Starscream's presence. He took the time to gaze at them closely, only to discover the faintest, thinnest spiderweb of cracks over them. He would not have noticed the lines, if he hadn't just thought of the upgrades they reportedly made to themselves.
They all have Predacon parts installed into them. They appear normal on the surface, like Valor did. But they can transform into beasts now.
The floors passed by one-by-one. Then, they exited the elevator to pass through a dark hall. After entering another elevator, they rose even higher all the way to the top floor.
Bright sunlight entered through the domed, glass ceiling of the wide room. Above them, clouds floated by lazily along with a flier and a cargo-carrier. They were unable to see the figures past the glare of the sun. Even if they could, all the shapes within were warped by the glass's design.
A semicircle of technology curved around the room. Forged soldiers were seated around it, and at the front, two bots controlled the main panel. One white and pink-red bot sat and leaned over a microphone while beside him, a narrow, black shadow worked standing at the board.
"There will be an 80% chance of a storm in the Acid Wastes tomorrow evening," the bright-coloured bot chipped into the microphone, "so better save the sunset photos for another day… or hurry on and get them tonight…"
Starscream gaped and directed his gaze out the front window past them into the city. Several hundred metres northward lay the repaired and bustling shopping centre of Kaon, packed with chatting civilians and bouncing, reusable bags. Starscream could see the shadow of the radio tower above them stretched out in the early evening sun. Yes, he knew exactly where he was now. This was the station of one of Kaon's most popular radio channels, M2 Kaon, located in view of where the bloodiest Predacon attack had taken place.
The shadow figure at the panel turned, sun glimmering over his equally dark visor. There was no doubt about who it was, even though his body had been darkened and slightly modified. Long arms left the keyboard as Soundwave stared at the silent arrivals with Laserbeak clipped to his chest. He jolted then knelt, bowing to Megatron before the other Forged had even noticed that unexpected guests had joined them. Only seconds later did the Forged start glancing back and sliding from their chairs one-by-one.
The speaker at the front did not look back yet, continuing to report the weather without distraction.
Soundwave rose, but slowly turned his head back to the panel. He waited until the report was done, then flicked a few switches. The microphone was silenced and some trendy pop music began to play, its tune bouncing cheerfully as Decepticon symbols and murderers faced them.
The radio host spun around in his seat, then gasped and knelt on the floor. He looked like any young Autobot, with a handsome, white face that glowed too brightly among the solemn ones of the Forged. Even a merry, red Autobot symbol stuck out on his polished chest. This was a popular media face, who would have attracted adoring attention out on the street. What startled Starscream the most was that this very bot had stood among journalists who had interviewed him, and he himself had asked him questions.
Cerise, was the "star of M2 Kaon", yet Starscream could see into him and recognize the evil within him. While coming closer to the front, Starscream could also see the very thin cracks on his frame. Another monster in disguise. Though it seemed that Soundwave had not accepted the same upgrade, for as hard as Starscream looked at his body, it appeared normal.
"Ah, Soundwave," Megatron greeted him now that it was permissible to speak.
Soundwave lifted his head, saying nothing. He had returned to his vow of silence, once again convinced that actions were more valuable than words. Nevertheless, it was clear enough that he was both deeply pleased and curious. Soundwave crossed the room towards Megatron and turned his head slightly in an inquiry.
"I have returned as your leader," Megatron replied. "It is true that I departed Cybertron after renouncing the Decepticon cause. However, Shockwave found me in my travels. I was disorientated after my possession by Unicron, yet he helped me regain stability of my mind. I recalled the power and glory of the Decepticon faction, thus knew that it would require its rightful leader. And so we journeyed across the vastness of space homeward, stopping only to collect energon that had been stored on distant planets by Decepticons during the War."
Megatron looked down to Starscream.
"We came for the meager supply of energon left on Chaar, and there we encountered Starscream. He clung to life and defied us until Shockwave restored his memories by removing the energy that plagued him. He has since returned to his former state, pledging to serve me, his one true master."
Soundwave stared at Starscream. It was unnerving, but Starscream had never been able to comfortably stand under his stare anyway. There was nothing outwardly suspicious when he twitched in the face of that visor, but he prayed that Soundwave could not see through his acting.
"Starscream explained that he had earned the trust and esteem of those in high command on Cybertron. He offers to report their plans to us and sabotage them."
The listeners nodded, looking content with the words Megatron said.
Cerise, if that was who he really was, grinned. "We will be strong, with you both ruling us."
He and the others double-checked Starscream, before a Forged soldier concurred, "There may indeed be an advantage in utilizing Starscream."
They saw Starscream's sharp eyes that seemed to be seeking opportunities for himself, which was exactly like the Starscream they had known. Untrustworthy yes, but far from an Autobot. His claws were unsheathed and curled together behind his back, seeming to be willing to slash or gut any enemy mercilessly. Under Megatron's strict control, Starscream could be useful to them.
When Starscream spoke, he put the devious drawl into his voice that everyone knew. He made sure to add dramatic arm tosses and claw-curling as he re-explained his goal, the one he had already told the Predacon clones.
"Well then, Starscream," the radio host smirked. "Obey our orders, and you shall survive the apocalypse. Excuse me now."
He climbed back into his seat. Soundwave turned back to the panel just as the song was nearing its end. Once the microphone was back on, Cerise purred, "Pardon, everyone. It appears that M2 Kaon is experiencing a technical difficulty. I am going to have to sign off before it can be mended! Have a lovely day, folks! Talk to you soon!"
All went silent after those words. The radio host's fake smile vanished as he twisted back around.
"The plan," a Forged soldier uttered. They were all standing on their feet now, rigid and focused. "It has been complicated to achieve, but we are near its completion. The objective: terminate all Autobot resistance. We have taken advantage of Cybertron's now plentiful resources to complete a Predacon cloning program unlike anything that has ever been accomplished."
They dipped their heads to Shockwave.
"Not all of us perished, master," a Forged said. "Though our group was hunted and most fell at the hands of the Dinobots and other Autobot rebels. Thirty-one Forged remain, and we held the labs you have hidden from others. We were few and weak, thus we knew we needed greater strength. We began cloning Predacons with the technique you taught us, we began stockpiling our rarest resources, and we began absorbing Decepticons into our ranks. They joined willingly after realizing our competence."
"We saw potential in the emergence of natural Predacons," another carried on. "For there is great variance among them, different strengths. We have worked hard to sway the public against them, to increase the Predacons' hostility towards the bipedal race. We have full control over them now, which has raised the number of our battle-ready Predacons to nearly two thousand. The natural Predacons have also already taken over a large piece of land together, allowing us to position some of our clones among them. One thousand wait on land while the other thousand waits for the final strike."
"Once we are ready, the full Predacon army will be released. Half will cause chaos in Kaon in order to lure their attention. Then, the other half will attack the Space Station of the Hydrax Plateau with the help of our allies within. There are Autobots there that we have coerced, for it is simple to make Autobots do one's bidding if their friends' lives are at stake. The shields will be dropped for us. We will seize the planet's most powerful weapons and turn them onto the metropolises. The Predacons will have moved on by then in order to hunt and kill all Autobot survivors elsewhere."
Starscream stepped forward, putting on a haughty air. "How can you be so confident in such a plan? Do you not imagine that the might of the Predacons may turn against you?"
Megatron and Shockwave stared at them, as though Starscream had made a surprisingly logical point that they too wanted a reply to.
"We are prepared," a Forged said. "Once the mass extermination is complete, the Predacons will be terminated. We have seized a disease that causes unquenchable energon thirst, and we have refined it to be more fatal. We will supply each Predacon with armour, but within this armour will be drops of infected energon. Upon our command, the armour will inject the Predacons with the disease. They will attack and kill each other for us whilst we wait. After some time, the Predacons will weaken and starve to death, leaving the planet free of all threat."
Megatron frowned. "Have you accounted for the intelligence of these Predacons? There may be a lesson to be learned from our attempt to raise a smaller army on Earth."
The Forged listened and frowned as well.
Megatron continued, "Imagine, how easily this plan could go astray if the Predacons discovered your treachery. You will neither be able to control them or to kill them. This is no army of mere beasts you have created. This is precisely the reason why Shockwave and I wisely decided to end our project on Earth. They are self-aware, and it is dangerous to seed hatred within them of a race that is your very own."
"My liege," a Forged responded. "We realize that they are intelligent, but their boundless arrogance allows us to manipulate them. They may despise us, but they will tolerate us because they are much too excited for the ultimate strike. They will not expect to be terminated just following that strike. They will never be given the opportunity to plot against us."
"You may just be providing the Predacons with the weapons of mass destruction," Megatron uttered. "You rely upon them to take them for you. You should not give such responsibility to those not loyal to the Decepticon cause, especially when they are given such mortal power."
"What more," Starscream added, matching his tone to Megatron's, "some of these Predacons know that you have been killing their kind to refashion yourselves! These blunders will induce our destruction."
"The Predacons know of the killings now," one said. "But they believe only the traitors are killed. They do not mind it."
"Oh, but I believe that they do," Starscream hissed. "Perhaps they are only hiding their loathing of you, waiting to turn against you in the final attack! Moreover, some have seen you conducting those experiments of the disease on vehicons! I am sure that they are suspicious of you by now."
Shockwave, the one the Forged respected the most, spoke now. "Megatron and Starscream have made logical points. We cannot proceed with this plan, understanding that the Predacons are too intelligent and dangerous to be employed as weapons of our will. The project must be terminated at once."
The Forged gasped and clenched their fists.
"Master, surely!"
"We have worked so hard."
"We will prevail!"
Shockwave rumbled, "I would have never condoned this plan. I am disappointed that critical thinking is lacking in my own disciples."
They were taken back by the insult, but they cowed before his staring, red eye. Soundwave looked ahead at Megatron, unmoving.
"My master," a Forged soldier said to him. "We cannot simply terminate the project. Half of our Predacons roam the surface, while many others wait for the attack, fully cultivated. Their minds have been too corrupted as well; it cannot be undone. We must proceed."
"Worry not," another proclaimed. "Everything has been successful thus far. We have the disease at least, and enough of it to infect the Predacons. If they turn against us, we can still shoot them with tipped darts to infect them. It takes but a prick into their veins."
The elevator ascended again behind them. Another eye-patched soldier strolled in, bowing and announcing, "The General has arrived. Shall we grant him access up?"
The Forged collectively started nodding.
"Yes, we shall introduce him to our Lords."
The freshly arrived Forged nodded as well. "I thought the same."
He returned into the elevator. Starscream watched the doors close, listening as the Forged explained this individual.
"General Skystalker is our military figurehead of the Predacons. He was one of the clones we created on Cybertron to hunt down the Autobot rebels. He is loyal to us and eager for the attack on the Autobots, and under him shall we have our victory."
But Starscream remembered the irritation of the Predacon clones, and how one of them had referred to the Forged as no masters of us. Megatron and Shockwave had heard it too, so the doubt in Megatron's eyes was the same as in Starscream's.
I know something is not right. The Predacons must just be pretending to be loyal… for now.
They went quiet as the elevator approached. The same Forged soldier stepped out, followed by a medium, blue Predacon. He walked on his toes, slinking forward with his wings shrunken but still spread out behind him like a soaring hawk's. The Predacon looked Megatron in the eye, for in this form, he was the same height as he. But his yellow eyes widened upon recognizing him and Shockwave beside him.
General Skystalker bowed, his wings flattening as well.
"At last," he exhaled. Then, he raised his head and smiled disarmingly at Shockwave. "My creator. Of course I remember and cherish you…"
He elegantly hopped back onto his clawed toes.
"I thank you for your brilliant mind that has created my army."
The Predacon then turned to Starscream, amusement glittering in his cruel eyes.
"Well," Skystalker chuckled. "Somehow, you live. I am quite surprised."
No acting could prevent Starscream from glaring at Skystalker with blazing hatred. This was the one who had snapped Aceflight's neck, and it was much easier to hate him for it although the Forged had also taken part in his death.
"Oh my," he smiled at him crookedly. "I do not believe he has forgiven us for trying to terminate him. Unless it is the death of the little Seeker that bothers him?"
Skystalker looked over the Forged. "Masters, why do you accept his presence? Starscream will surely seek revenge upon us for what we have done to him. It is best to finish him off."
Starscream uttered, "I understand why you all attempted to assassinate me. I was a meddling Autobot then, but with my memories restored, I am that no longer. Though I may despise you, I am obligated to collaborate with you due to my master's orders."
"Ah, so you will be a loyal Decepticon once again," Skystalker sneered. "Oh but, not truly loyal. You were ever the selfish creature, weren't you? Perhaps you are only following Megatron's leadership because you fear him. At least we can still use you that way. And it is easier than trying to dispose of you again. Resilient thing, is he not? We watched the light leave his spark chamber, yet here he is."
His intelligent eyes gleamed again, relishing the rage lighting up Starscream's eyes.
"What have you come for, Skystalker?" Cerise asked in a bored tone. "I know you have other things to do besides taunting Starscream."
"The Prime and Elita One have challenged us again," he said. "We expanded our borders, and they have threatened to post Seeker guards who will attack us if we go further. When shall we begin killing these flying pests?"
"You may begin now," a Forged replied. "But tell your most loyal Predacon that it will only be one each week, and be sure that the Seekers appear to be the aggressors. Tell the civilian Predacons that it was they who unjustly attacked you. It will be easier to convince them that their deaths are justified. Do not consume the bodies either. Leave them at the borders for now."
It took incredible willpower to not snarl and attack the Predacon and the Forged where they stood. Starscream glared venom at the floor, trying to distract himself with the lines in it.
I won't allow it to happen, he tried to calm himself. I will have the Seekers warned.
Only the thought kept himself from visibly shaking in hatred.
"Thank you." Skystalker gave another bow. "Some of my brethren have been impatient, you see. They will be pleased."
The Predacon general turned then, re-entering the elevator.
"You see," a Forged continued after he had left. "He is loyal to us, and he obeys our orders for he sees us as the only ones who can fulfill his desires."
"Have you other concerns?" one asked. "I am sure that we can please you with our answers."
Starscream tried to undo the knots in his nerves.
"Do you have shapeshifters among you?" he asked.
"No, none of those. However, we have come close to modifying ourselves into such bots. Unfortunately, we cannot adjust our colours with such control, nor can we change our voice."
The speaking Forged nodded at Shockwave, a hint of excitement in his voice to now reveal this project.
"We have made superb discoveries, nonetheless, since we have never ceased continuing your experiments about the extent of our transformation ability. We have indeed added Predacon parts to ourselves, though folded up and concealed within us. But this was not all that we wished to change about ourselves. We learned how to break ourselves into smaller pieces that can detach and reattach to themselves. There are limits and weaknesses, but it allows us to assume shapes and to camouflage into scenery."
This Forged soldier transformed for demonstration. First, his limbs, middle, and chest opened up and stretched to double their length and width. Some small pieces flicked up from his frame, forming the spikes over his spine and horns. A neck and jawed face emerged around his head as he dropped onto all fours. A coiled, whip-like tail escaped his behind, snapping then flashing the curved blade at its tip. Finally, a small Predacon loomed in the centre of the room, with even the wheels in his shoulders and feet concealed now by thin metal.
The fanged mouth cracked open. The pseudo- Predacon said, "We can speak in this form, though we cannot breathe fire as of yet."
The beast then seemed to explode, a network of rods hooked onto pieces bursting out as the Forged took on a random shape. Starscream saw his organs completely exposed for a few seconds, stretched tubes and veins and even the floating eyes. Then, the Forged snapped together into the smooth shape of a huge cube. After having had demonstrated his flexibility, the soldier pulled himself back into his original bot-form.
Starscream's hand covered his mouth while he bent back in revulsion.
"We hoped that our advancements would impress you." He lowered his head to Shockwave.
"It does," Shockwave replied, his monotone voice now completely honest. "Although I see no practical use for it. You are not as powerful as Predacons in that form, for your armour becomes much too thin. Then, during the transformation into an object, you expose your vitals."
Soundwave nodded once, revealing that he agreed and why he had refused to undergo the same procedure.
"The capability of hiding among the Predacons is useful," one argued. "We can join the final attack and spy on them, to ascertain that they follow our plans. One cannot tell how thin our armour is in that form. So you see, master, we are prepared for even treachery."
"Furthermore," another chimed in, "we will not allow others to see us transforming into obscure objects."
"I see," Shockwave responded.
This was much too difficult. No matter how these Forged were critiqued, they justified themselves in some way. Worse, they claimed that the attack could not be called off now that they had their army. Starscream knew that Megatron and Shockwave were losing hope in changing their minds. But was there anything they could do about Soundwave?
He trusts Megatron's plans more than theirs. But he allowed that slaughter in the shopping centre and he is willing to kill a million bots. Soundwave does not value innocent lives. How could we hope to change him? I see now that he wouldn't just because Megatron has. Yes, I believe he would just fight on without Megatron…
But even if we arrest everyone here, it will not be enough. Those Predacons need to be convinced to stop the fight. We have to undo their brainwashing somehow… and that too seems impossible.
All Starscream wanted to do was isolate himself with Megatron and Shockwave so that they could discuss their next step. But Starscream realized that getting them alone was going to be difficult. There was no reason for Megatron and Shockwave to leave now that they were here. So it was up to Starscream to report back to the Autobots, and what a risk that could be.
If he warned the Autobots, they would prepare to thwart their plans. And if plans were thwarted, the Forged would instantly know who had betrayed them.
Megatron sensed that Starscream was itching to escape, even if he was standing still. He looked back to him and causally ordered, "Starscream, return to Vos. I want you to learn how the Seekers will defend the border of the Predacon territory. If any organized attack shall take place, inform us immediately."
"Yes, master."
Megatron cast the Forged a dark look that falsely indicated some eagerness. "We will remain behind to hear more about the future plans of this planet."
"Let us connect you to us," a soldier offered Starscream. "We can pick up communication links here. You will not have to come back here to give us information. Also, we forbid you from ever flying directly here. If we require you, Soundwave will give you a groundbridge."
Starscream consented, but felt instantly vulnerable once taken away from the other two. He was walked back to the elevator, glancing back once before being taken to the basement. There was no choice but to straighten himself up and act arrogant, like he was above the cold, dark soldiers in the halls. Each one tolerated him, but no gaze was welcoming in any way.
Taking a seat, Starscream sat very still as they opened the side of his head to install their communication device. Starscream said nothing, but simmered in suspicion. The chip might allow them to hear Starscream at all times, whether a channel was open or not. Moreover, it might be explosive. That had been something the Forged threatened their underlings with before.
I am certain that they will be listening. So I must be careful and use sign language or writing to pass messages.
They then told Starscream, "We will show you the way out."
He didn't know where he was being sent until he walked through the portal. Starscream stepped into the silence and growing darkness of the Manganese Mountains' forest. He was back, just a bit aways from the tunnel where they had found one of Shockwave's laboratories. Turning, he gazed around at the lengthening shadows as though they would creep up on him. With this chip, the organization felt much too close.
Starscream jumped and took off in the direction of Vos, trying to figure out what he could do along the way. There was no telling when he would see Shockwave and Megatron again, and he could not yet face the High Council as he was. He had to pass on information to the Autobots without appearing to be their spy.
He decided to head to Jetfire's office as planned. He was meant to be waiting there for Starscream's return, so when he entered, Starscream quickly signed to him, They might be listening.
Jetfire nodded, then reached into his drawer and continued casually, "What is it, Starscream?"
"I wanted to ask about my current position in the Air Command."
Jetfire passed him a stylus and a Datapad. Starscream opened an drawing app and began to silently write.
"I see, since you were the Air Commander of the Predacon district…" Jetfire kept talking. "If you were hoping to maintain some power, worry not. I can place you in charge of the border guard. You have experience with Predacons, and perhaps you will be able to reach out to some of the citizens."
Jetfire's eyes soaked up each word he wrote.
Headquarters: M2 Kaon radio centre
Leaders are 31 Forged
Starscream paused so that he could reply, "You wish for me to speak to them? It may be difficult to isolate individuals, with those vicious clones on the outskirts."
Starscream pressed the stylus down again as Jetfire went on, "You can get deeper into the territory by using the tunnels Arcee scouted. If you can, convince them to leave the territory or spread the message. We have to take away as many of their forces as possible. And if we are forced to strike them with our weapons, Optimus would prefer we kill only the most malicious Predacons. Saving Predacons as well would make the extermination seem like less of a race issue."
2000 Predacons including citizens. 1000 in waiting
Objective: Pred. attack Kaon. Seize Hydrax's most powerful weapons. Destroy cities. Kill all Autobots
"Wait." Starscream registered what Jefire was saying. "You want me to go in there?"
"I know it is dangerous, but as long as you don't leave the tunnels and follow Arcee, you can escape even if detected."
Starscream gazed at him and realized he was serious, not just rambling to fill in the silence as Starscream wrote.
Jetfire added, "Some of your Seekers have been dying to get into the territory. They have connections with the Predacons as well and may be able to help you. And it is better to take them there with Arcee, instead of having them flying in there and getting killed."
Jetfire read his next quick scribble.
Attack date very soon
Forged say it is too late to stop
They will infect and kill the army with the disease after
"When shall I go there then?" Starscream asked. "And how often?"
"Pick a few Seekers now, but not too many. I will contact Arcee, then you will meet her near the border… let us say at the zeroth hour. I'll have the coordinates by the time you get back here."
What should we do? Attack will happen. Evacuate civilians first?
Battle inevitable
Jetfire had never stopped reading, so he then answered in his continuation, "The more Predacons you collect, the more Predacons will be able to support Predaking once he is cured. We will attempt to install him back into the Valley, to at least sway the Predacons if he cannot lead them."
Jetfire collected everything from Starscream, then wrote to him, Evacuation likely.
"Are you close to a cure?" Starscream asked, as though he did not know.
But let's try this first, Jetfire was writing as he pretended to sigh. Then he replied, "We believe so."
Starscream nodded at the notepad.
"Well then," Jetfire concluded.
Starscream scooted back from his seat. "Yes, I will be going."
He walked backwards, signing to him, They will kill our soldiers. One every week. Warn them.
Jetfire nodded to show that he had understood.
Anything else? he signed back.
Starscream shook his head, pressing the button before passing the threshold. He had successfully given Jetfire all the necessary details he hadn't known before, and he in turn would pass them off to the rest of the High Council. Starscream did not know what they could do to stop the attack, but at least the information had gotten through.
Admittedly, he doubted Jetfire's plan or whoever's plan it had been to sway citizens to their side. Predaking would probably get no support from that feral territory ruled by Skystalker and the ancient Predacon. Hopefully, Optimus and the others would think of something better.
They are exceptional at crippling armies larger than themselves and foiling plans. Starscream thought back to all the frustrating times it had happened to the Decepticons on Earth. We will find a way, I am sure.