28: Silverstar's Journey
Chapter 28 - Persuasion
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers Prime or the franchise. All characters (except Riley/Silverstar) belong to Hasbro.
::Hello:: - Bumblebee Talking
"Hello" - Normal Talking
'Hello' - Thoughts
*Hello* - Cybertronian Talking
=Hello= - Over the phone or Comm
/Hello/ - Bond
—
(Reader's POV)
"Come on, kid. You gotta get up." Bulkhead shook Silverstar a little more.
Her faceplates scrunched up as she started groaning. "Ugghhhh, my helm. Can you make it stop pounding?"
=Ratchet, we require immediate transport back to base.= Arcee's voice suddenly rang out.
"StUaRtS...ThErE's A mAn On ThE wInG oF tHiS pLaNe." Fowler suddenly spoke up all loopy.
"What happened?" Silverstar asked, ignoring Arcee's request, so Bulkhead responded to her instead.
"Arcee?" He asked.
=Bulkhead, is everything alright? Where's Ratchet?=
Everyone, who were still regaining themselves, looked around the room. Only to find zero sign of the grumpy medic.
"Oh right..." Silver's question was answered.
"He's...He's gone." Bulkhead finally replied.
"I'll get the groundbridge." Silver got up a bit too fast and face planted back to the floor. "Nevermind." She mumbled.
Smokescreen got up instead and helped the remaining team return back.
(~With Ratchet~)
Upon coming back online, Ratchet opened his optics to the sound of Megatron's heavy pedsteps.
He was currently in the Decepticon's medbay, restrained by the wrists and ankles to a berth. Similar to Soundwave when he was the Autobot's prisoner.
The medic's face went from dazed to threatening when Megatron stood in front of him. "What do you want from me?" He asked snarky.
"Your assistance, actually. To help complete a little...science project." Megatron replied, deviously smiling.
"I will never cooperate." Ratchet spat in disgust.
"Shockwave does not need your cooperation-" Megatron stepped aside to reveal the mad scientist, holding a cortical psych patch cord. "-to siphon your knowledge, Doctor."
Shockwave brought the sparking cord right to the back of Ratchet's helm, putting him in a prison of his own mind. All while the cons could poke around and gather any intel they so desired.
(~Back with the Bots~)
Arcee held up the piece of Lazerbeak, Smokescreen had managed to shoot off in the short battle.
"Peeled some paint off Lazerbeak, but if I were a better shot, Ratchet would still be here." Smokescreen began to blame himself.
"Chin up solider. We've combed the entire floor, for the moment, that remains our only clue." Ultra Magnus reported, gesturing to the small part.
"Nothing in the groundbridge log. If they bridged Ratchet out of here, they used theirs, not ours." Bulkhead added in, joining the group.
"Why take Ratchet prisoner but leave these three behind?" Arcee questioned.
"If Megatron intends to hold our medic hostage, I find it curious that he made no demands." Ultra Magnus added on to the mystery.
"Maybe Ratchet knows of something we do not." Optimus theorized, him and Silverstar now joining the group as well.
"And the Decepticons are all over him because of it." The solider in training added.
Bulkhead pounded his fists together. "Well whatever the cons are after, Ratchet won't give it up...right?"
"He wouldn't." Arcee stated confidently.
Silver just thought of something and rushed over to the computer Ratchet worked on regularly.
"I see we caught the same drift, Princess." Jackie walked up behind her.
"Wheeljack, I swear if you call me that again-"
"Hey hey hey, just because Ratchet is out, doesn't mean you get to be him."
Silver gave up and sighed, bringing up her suspicions as she and Jackie pieced the puzzle together.
Fowler called up the military, saying he needed 'eyes in the sky and ears to the ground', alongside 24/7 satellite monitoring. That's all he could do to help aid in the search.
"Perhaps Megatron is after...Ah ha! There you are." Silver brought up the Synthen formula, showing the progress Docbot had made on it.
"Buckethead is after that techno babble?" Jackie questioned.
"Presumably. It only makes sense."
"But why would the cons need the artificial stuff if they already control this planet's energon reserves?" Smokescreen asked, jumping into the conversation.
"Greed, what else?" Bulkhead replied.
"If Megatron is truly rebuilding the Omega Lock, as Ratchet surmised, synthetic energon might be a necessary component." Optimus answered properly.
"I hate to bring lightening to a thunder storm, but there's one thing we're all ignoring! If the cons found Ratchet here, they know the location of this base!"
When that was finally dawned on the bots, everyone suddenly became on edge and nervous.
'Here we go again...' Silver thought.
(~With Docbot~) (Ratchet's POV)
At least I wasn't on that wretched berth anymore. They went through my processor, trying to find...something. I'm not sure if they had it or not, but now I had this dark and giant room to myself.
My servos were tied together still but if my legs were up for it, I good make a good run out of here.
The door opened from behind me and I didn't have to guess twice who it was.
"Are you through poking around inside my head?" I turned around, confirming my suspicions and seeing two additional mechs. Starscream and Soundwave.
"You didn't find what you wanted, did you? Or else you wouldn't be here." I continued.
"What I want, apparently does not exist." Megatron was being quite honest, I think.
"And that would be?" I asked
"We would very much like for you to complete your work, on the formula for synthetic energon." Why would he want that, unless...stop that Ratchet. Don't wander into your thoughts now with your potential killer standing right there!
"Even if I were capable, do you think, that I would hand you a limitless supply of fuel and ammunition just so you can turn around and use it against the Autobots?!" I turned my back on him, showing the deal was off.
"Oh you misunderstand, dearest Ratchet..." if I wasn't tied up, I would've killed him for the name he had just given. "...I intend to use your formula for the purpose of creation. Not destruction."
I slowly started turning around, realizing what he was saying.
"We have fortuitously discovered that your Synthen, when combined with Cyber nucleic acid, may in fact form the basis for an alternative Cybermatter."
I was right! "You are attempting to rebuild the Omega Lock."
"We stand on the verge of a great moment in time, you and I. The restoration of our very home world." Megatron explained.
"Collaborate with the barbarian who essentially destroyed our planet in the first place? Who sadistically crushed Bumblebee's voice box, while looking him in the eye? The one who brainwashed a young, innocent child to get closer to their enemy? No thank you."
No matter how appealing he made it seem, I wasn't getting on board. It was tempting however, but it would take a lot to persuade me.
"Then I present you with a choice. Complete your research, or..." He gestured to Starscream, then Soundwave who walked up and displayed a picture of the children.
"Humans, always the weak link." I heard Starscream mutter in the background.
As of recently, I began appreciating our human allies. Raf was always likeable, same with Jack. Miko was another case entirely, but she has started to grow on me as well.
But I've been known not to like humans. I remember telling Optimus, right before we met the kids, that protecting them would only lead to more death. Look at me now! I've gone soft for these creatures! The cons couldn't know that though, as much as it pained me to say the next part.
"Are these...humans, supposed to mean something to me?"
Megatron, I could already tell, had another thing to use if this didn't work out.
"If not, I am certain this will." Soundwave's visor fizzled from the children to the Autobot's current location.
"As you must certainly be aware, we know the location of your current base. Accept my offer and I will allow your fellow Autobots and human pets, to remain unharmed. Think it over, good doctor."
The three mechs started to leave, allowing me to make a decision alone. Knowing the cons, no matter what choice I made, they would blow up the base. I could only hope that wasn't going to be true.
(~With Team Prime~) (Reader's POV)
Fowler looked down from the monitor and sighed. "All aerial search patterns are coming up empty."
"No comm link chatter either." Arcee added.
Jackie kept staring at the screen. "And no ground activity. It's a little too quiet out there."
"Since the Decepticons no longer seek predacon bones or Earth technology, there is no activity to track." Optimus explained to the others.
"So until Megatron makes a move, we're in a holding pattern." Bulkhead concluded.
To Silver, this reminded her a whole lot from the you-know-what 7 years back. Silence from the cons, but this time around, Ratchet was kidnapped and being forced to do Primus knows what.
Ultra Magnus looked down sadly at his claw/servo. "Ratchet didn't think this new hand he built for me wasn't good enough..." he began. "But I'll tell you what truly isn't good enough, giving up."
He ruined his own little moment by relaying commands to split up and search for Ratchet, old school style.
But even that got interrupted, by a cluster of signals approaching them. The warnings were going off like crazy, blaring loudly and flashing on every screen.
Fowler called for the assigned military air forces to hold the base the best they could.
"Our cover is holding, for the moment." Fowler reported after seeing the signals split up in every direction.
"Let's hope the plan works." Silver crossed her digits.
It was tension filled air, as everyone just remained quiet and watched the screen for details on what was happening outside.
A sudden warning popped up, saying a Hangar was in the path of incoming missiles. After a few seconds, the bots felt and heard the sudden explosion next to them.
They ran outside a minute after, once given the all clear that the threat had left. The bots stared at the fallen Hanger, labeled 'E', as troops currently were taking the fires out.
"The mess hall sure is a mess." Smokescreen joked.
Ultra Magnus agreed before saying, "We are fortunate the Decepticons can be fooled by a simple paintjob."
"And that they chose to blow up the one Hangar and not the entire Military base." Silver added.
They watched as water ran down the letter, washing the paint away and revealing the letter 'F' instead.
(~Back with our boy, Ratchet~) (Ratchet's POV)
Megatron had returned with two Vehicon troops, leading me down the halls and into the bridge, basically, the front of the ship. It had a massive screen alongside the back wall, and a catwalk leading up to, I believe, the ship's main computer and controls.
We walked along it as Megatron said I would fully appreciate the tour of their facilities if I was comfortable.
The Vehicon to my right deactivated the bonds on my servos, stepping back behind me with the other.
"How do you know I won't use these to amputate?" I brought both my blades out, walking slowly towards him. I wasn't planning on attacking, but merely showing I wasn't afraid to when given the opportunity.
"And pass up a chance to see our molecular masking field?" Megatron asked like I hadn't just threatened him.
What was I thinking, trying to stand my ground next to Cybertron's once top gladiator?
He moved out of the way to reveal the monitor, which peaked my interest.
"Your cloaking device?" I put my weapons away and started approaching it. Before reaching it, I mentally took a step back.
Come on Ratchet, you're better than that! Don't get so easily distracted! It's what he wants, he taking your walls downs!
"Shielding is shielding, high tech or low." I quickly said.
"Perhaps you'll be more appressed by our energon transfusion capacitor." I stood beside him as he pulled the information up on the bigger screen.
My interest was peaked but I wasn't putting my walls down, I was making them stronger.
Megatron started explaining it more. "It allows us to maximize our consumption, a 1000 fold."
"Decepticon engineering never fails to impress." I stated.
"Doctor, we may be mortal enemies, but Autobots and Decepticons do share one common goal. You would like to see the ruins of our devastated home world, restored to their former brilliance, as would I." Just as he turned around, our planet was brought up on screen. Back when it held life.
"Megatron, you would just try to conquer Cybertron all over again, and enslave anyone who refuses to pledge allegiance to you." I countered.
"Of course I would. And your comrades would attempt to stop me as ever, but at least we would once again posses a planet worth fighting over."
"Perhaps, but you wouldn't stop there, would you? Earth would be next, if not first. What assurance do I have that you would leave human kind be? And that you wouldn't instantly terminate me once you get what you need?"
Megatron turned himself back around to me. "None whatsoever. After all, we both know that as a Decepticon, any assurances I might offer would be...worthless. But that does not change the fact, that you may be Cybertron's only hope of ever seeing life again."
He began walking away, heading towards the exit and to the halls. I would've felt fine after that conversation, except for the last part.
I may be the only hope of returning life? That's...thats...absurd! Quit thinking that way, don't let him get into your helm!
(~With the Brady Bunch, Cybertronian Version~) (Reader's POV)
"So, the kid clipped the business end of Lazerbeak's transponder." Jackie said impressed.
"You're not such a bad shot after all." Arcee complimented the rookie.
Meanwhile Raf had the part hooked up to his laptop. Fowler approached the boy and the other children, who currently stood over Raf to look at the data coming in.
"We thought you might be the best one to provide an analysis, in Ratchet's absence."
"It's trying to communicate with the warship." Raf told him.
"How do you know?" Miko asked.
"It's telling us." Raf replied in an 'duh' tone.
"Uhh Raf, that's Cybertronian code." Jack told him.
Riley just noticed now that Raf was reading Cybertronian! She was so used to it, Raf reading it never crossed her mind. Raising her hand, she gave him a high five.
"Wait, first Raf understands Bumblebee, now he reads Cybertronian? Are we sure he isn't some sort of alien?" Miko asked jokingly.
"You could be reading this too, if you had learned." Riley pointed out to her.
Raf confirmed what Miko had said, about the reading...not alien. "Yeah, I've been learning for a while. In between stuff, when...Ratchet had time to teach me." He started choking up a bit so the 3 older kids immediately began comforting him.
He was the baby when it came to the group. (Baby as in youngest.) He needed them to be there, and they always would be.
"Hey, Raf, we'll bring him back." Jack was first to assure.
"If it's the last thing we do." Miko added.
Riley bear hugged him from behind. "You gotta be strong bud, Ratchet needs you to do that. Ok?"
Raf looked up at all of them, smiling a bit.
Agent Fowler suddenly got an idea. "If it's talking to its mama, can we triangulate the signal?"
"To a shielded warship?" Magnus turned around from his typing and said it like it was a dead end.
"If the transponder were still attached to Lazerbeak, we could follow it." Arcee pointed out.
Wheeljack then came up with his own idea. "Maybe we should give it wings."
"We can use spare parts from the machine shop!" Raf exclaimed.
"Then let's do it, for the doc." Jackie smiled down at Raf as the two began the plan immediately.
(~Back with grandpa Ratchet~) (Guess Who, POV)
"While your forces have put a dent in our resources, Shockwave has been invaluable in updating our laboratory. Should you choose to accept the task, you shall have unrestricted access to our equipment." Megatron motioned to a device sitting on a table.
"Is that a Quantum Cryo Inducer?" I asked with disbelief. "Only 2 were ever made."
"3, actually. You are holding the original prototype."
Not only was it shocking that Megatron had obtained one of these, but he knew more about them than I did.
He was becoming harder and harder to resist against...
(~I am so sorry for switching so much XD~) (Reader's POV, again)
Wheeljack was doing the building part while Raf programmed it's controls. Miko stood out of the way and watched.
"The frequency modulator keeps shorting out!" Raf said frustrated.
"Easy champ, let me try uncrossing a few wires." Jackie told him, with a surprising amount of patience.
"Now there's something you don't see everyday." Smokescreen commented.
"Jackie wasn't always a loner, you know. Being a wrecker was all about the team." Bulk told Smokey.
Their attention was drawn back to a sudden but small crash near Raf and Miko.
"Yip yip yip! Miko, I needed that!" Raf shouted exactly like Ratchet.
"I was just trying to tighten up that thingamajig." Miko said.
"Pfft, puh-lease." Raf put his hand up and everything.
"Excuse me, are you Rafael or Ratchet?" Riley shouted from where she and Fowler stood on the catwalk.
Raf turned around smiling before going back to work.
"Agent Fowler, everything alright?" Jack asked, walking up to the man.
Riley still stood there and listened in.
"Just preoccupied, thinking about the close calls we humans have had with the cons lately. Smack down by Soundwave, stuck in Knockout's trunk with your mom."
"That was not a fun night, just so you know." Riley pointed right at Fowler.
"Moving on!" Jack quickly intervened. Fowler saw Jack's behaviour and did indeed move on with the conversation.
"The uncomfortable reality is, the bots might not always be here."
"Hey! I'm gonna stay." Riley interjected.
"Apologies, but even if you or they are, you can't be everywhere at once, as we've learned." Then Fowler looked down at the Apex Armour.
"This armour is the only thing that stood between Miko and that Predacon, the reason she came back without a scratch. Cyber tech like that could be just what we need to give our agents on the front lines a fighting chance. Agents like, maybe you someday, Jack."
"What?" Jack suddenly questioned, not at all expecting that.
"You'll be of age soon, and you're Prime material, son. Your mom thought you might be a good fit, seeing as you've been wishy washy about future plans."
"Go for it Jack! You'd be amazing at it. Agent Darby." Riley tested the name and found it super fitting.
Jack completely skipped over the whole Agent stuff. "Wait a minute, you've been talking to my mom, about me?"
The question was never answered as the three heard a noise behind them. The looked near the area Raf was working and saw a device flying up into the air.
It headed directly for them, and Fowler reacted quicker than they did. He grabbed both Riley and Jack and brought them down with him to the ground.
"Custard's Moustache!" He exclaimed.
"You have the weirdest things to say, Will." Riley laughed a bit.
They watched the thing fly around the room for a bit, almost graceful but still shaky. It landed back down roughly in front of Miko and Raf after it's test flight.
"Sorry, Agent Fowler." Raf apologized.
"I...think I need to change my star spangled shorts." Fowler said, grossing both Miko and Riley out a bit.
"I'm still fine tuning Chip's remote." Raf fumbled around with said remote in his hand.
"Chip?" Arcee questioned the name.
"So we're gonna let this doohickey fly back to con central-"
"-And lead us right to Ratchet." Jack finished Smokey's sentence off.
(~Final switch, I promise!~) (Ratchet's POV)
"Even if you managed to reconstruct the Omega Lock, it is a mystic force. I've come to my senses, the notion of scientifically replicating it's capability is pure folly! Madness even." I told him.
We stopped our pace in front of a large door. As it opened up for Megatron, it revealed the biggest room yet upon this ship.
"But how will we ever know for certain, Doctor. If we do not try?" He asked.
He pushed a button that sat on the wall, opening the middle of the room like a human camera lens.
"And how can we not try, when the means finally lie within our reach?" He continued on.
I. Was. Shocked.
The Omega Lock was attached from below the ship, being worked on by several con troops. Everything was already hooked up, it was the frame that needed finishing touches by the looks of it.
From here, you could even see half of Earth!
"By the allspark..." I breathed out astounded. "You've actually done it!"
"Decepticon engineering. It would not take long, for this Omega Lock strives to be operational. All that is still needed to restore our home, is the Cyber matter to launch through it."
"Which requires a stabilized formula for the production of synthetic energon."
"I have every confidence in you, doctor."
From seeing the Omega Lock and the opportunity Optimus once faced himself...
I would figure out a way to shift the balance of power, but for now...I remained persuaded.
My walls had crumbled. And I felt my feelings of betrayal towards the Autobots take over.
"I'll do it. But then you already knew that, didn't you?" I glared up at him, seeing his toothy smile from here.
What have I just agreed to do...
—
The Infinity War for the series is coming up...👀
I'm kinda nervous XD
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