Author's note: Warning, this chapter contains reference to rape, attempted rape, swearing and some violence. Nothing too graphic people... but the warning is there.
Chapter 162 – An Understanding
Phoenix P.O.V
I followed Soundwave obligingly along the heavily modified walkways on the rig, every sense on high alert. I felt as though I was being watched as I made my way through the shadows. The metal floor creaked and groaned under our weight and, not for the first time, I felt a flutter of concern regarding the structural integrity of the makeshift base. The thought the whole thing might suddenly collapse and topple into the waves below, briefly crossed my processor. However, that thought soon gave way to more important matters.
Before me the menacing form of Soundwave came to a sudden stop and he turned about to face me, his face was impassive yet his optics – they shone with a dangerous intelligence - and I could tell he was working me out. I stared impassively back at him.
''We have arrived at our destination. This will be your quarters for the duration of your – stay,'' his voice sent my metallic skin crawling. He spoke no more, simply walking back in the direction he had led me, presumably to report back to Galvatron.
I did not say anything. The thought of thanking him crossed my mind but then, that would seem a rather incongruous thing to do. /I doubt the ''Cons ascribe to everyday social niceties and norms, unlike the Autobots/. Despite feeling overwhelmed, alone and somewhat afraid, a small smile flashed across my dermas as I recalled Sunstreaker, the newest arrival to Earth. He seemed to lack the same manners and etiquette that the others did. /Well – most of the Autobots anyway!/. I bit back a snort of laughter as I remembered with sad fondness my first interactions with Ironhide. The laughter died inside of me, and a dull, painful ache rushed in to fill the void the momentary swell of happiness had left.
I stepped into the room, my optics scanning it quickly though not really taking it in. /It was more spartan than that of the quarters back on Diego Garcia and much less – appealing/. There was a pervasive feeling of darkness, of oppression and of fear that lurked in the shadows of every corner. /Then again, perhaps I am reading into it/. At the thought of what I had left behind, my spark began to throb painfully in my chest, and I sunk down to the edge of my berth. Lowering my helm into my servos, I squeezed my optics tightly shut, willing the pain to leave. /Optimus…./.
It wasn't just the cold, sterile environment I now found myself in that seemed to drain the warmth out of me but being so far from Optimus himself. His touch, his love, and the way his presence just seemed to wrap me in warmth. I could feel the icy chill of distance and the uncertainty of knowing when /or IF/, I would get to feel that again, settle around my spark. I ex-vented softly and tried to avoid travelling down dark roads. /You are well and truly on your own now Phoenix. You wanted this – you got it/. Perhaps there really is some credence to the saying 'be careful what you wish for.''
The sound of heavy, metallic pedefalls approaching down the corridor banished all chance of a moment to collect myself and wallow in self-pity. I rushed to my pedes; my servos held by my sides ready to react should the need arise. I knew who was approaching, my finely tuned sensors and scanners not only warned me, but the very feeling in the air smacked of something foreboding and sinister approaching. /Galvatron!/. I willed my spark to maintain a steady pulse and I forced myself to find my centre. It would not be wise to let him know how you truly feel in this moment.
The doorway to my quarters was filled with a dark shadow before the hulking form of Galvatron appeared, blocking the way. For a moment he said nothing, his optics flicking quickly over my form, noting my stance. His dermas parted into a small smile. ''I trust you have made yourself comfortable Phoenix?''
I did snort out loud then, ''I would not use the word ''comfortable'' to describe the accommodations you have appointed me Galvatron.'' I placed my servos on my hips defiantly. ''I was under the impression that you could offer me more than the Autobots, that the Decepticons were vastly superior to the Autobots in every way and yet,'' I flicked my optics around the room, disgust clearly evident in my voice. ''I am yet to see proof of that claim.''
Galvatron's form tensed and bristled in barely contained anger, his optics narrowed and for a moment, I thought I had perhaps pushed it too far, too soon. Then, just as quickly, his body relaxed and he stepped into the room, dipping his helm briefly. ''Forgive me Phoenix, I shall see what can be arranged to keep you in the manner you deserve to be kept in.'' Though his words sounded apologetic, I knew there was contempt boiling away. He stalked nearer to me and, though I wanted to step back, I held my ground.
''And while I am apologising for the state of your lodgings, I would also like to extend an apology for the Commander of my Seekers – Starscream. His actions have been – dealt with.'' That smile of his twisted into something sadistic and I brought my servos down by my side, clenching my fists. ''He is not to be trusted Phoenix. But then you will learn that for yourself. Whom to trust and whom not to.''
He had closed the distance between us and was circling me like a massive, metallic shark. I could feel his optics flicking appreciatively over my frame and it was all I could do to keep a shiver of disgust at bay. I stood to my full height and eyed him scornfully. ''Are you suggesting I can trust YOU?''
His voice drifted into my audial from over my left shoulder, it was low and filled with a veiled threat. ''I am actually still deciding, my dear Phoenix, if I can trust YOU.''
I snorted angrily and began to turn about preparing to challenge him when without warning, my left servo was grabbed in a crushing, vice-like grip and wrenched behind my back, almost snapping it at my elbow joint. My body was slammed forward against the wall of my quarters, and I felt his other servo grab hold of my right arm and pin it above my helm. I grunted out loud from the force of the impact and the weight of Galvatron's body pressed fully and forcefully against my own, almost pushing me through the wall.
An ice-cold tremor of fear and a raging fire of hatred alternatively threatened to consume me as I felt his dermas grazing my left audials. ''You see my dear Phoenix; I find myself in an unusual position.'' As the words left his dermas, he slid his body suggestively against mine and I fought the urge to scream out in anger and disgust. A low chuckle erupted from his dermas, ''not an unpleasant position mind you, but an unusual one.'' He reefed my arm even tighter, and I gasped. Though I wanted to scream, I would not give this fucking bastard the satisfaction of letting him know he was hurting me.
His voice now drifted menacingly into my right audial. ''The position I find myself in Phoenix, is that I have a new and powerful addition to my Decepticons, BUT she has been an Autobot for an undisclosed period of time.'' His voice dropped to a deep rumble, yet it lacked the appeal of Prime's. ''It has been brought to my attention that we know nothing about you Phoenix. That you could indeed be a spy sent here to infiltrate our ranks.'' His grip tightened to the point I felt my wrist might shatter and a small gasp escaped my dermas.
I growled out defiantly through the pain. I made no move to free myself. ''Perhaps you need to heed your own advice Galvatron and learn for yourself whom you can trust.'' I felt him ex-vent as I used his own words against him. ''If that is how you truly feel about me Galvatron, then end me right now while you have the chance because I promise you, you will never get another!'' There was a pause as he deliberated what I had said, and his grip loosened slightly, as if he indeed intended to take me up on my suggestion. Out of nowhere the words erupted as a wave of rage, fear and defiance swept through me. ''DO IT!''
''Then again,'' his voice had risen to an almost contemplative tone, giving no indication he had taken note of my challenge. ''It would make no sense for Optimus Prime to willingly send someone such as - yourself,'' again I felt his optics roam over my body, ''to me, especially not after what my Decepticons and I did to his precious Elita One.'' A sadistic chuckle fell from his dermas. ''Oh, what fun we had with her. I can see why Prime chose her as his bond mate. So many wonderful – qualities.''
The energon in my lines boiled and I growled like a feral animal against the metal surface, scratching it as I fought the overwhelming urge to explode into flames and incinerate him.
''Oh! Touched a nerve I see; did you know her?'' He once again gripped my limbs painfully and leant in to place his dermas beside my audials, ''or do you disagree with my methods?''
''I do not know of this Elita you speak of,'' I lied through gritted denta, ''she is of no consequence to me and if she was so important to Optimus Prime, he should have taken better care of her.'' I chanced pushing back against him. ''Besides, you would do well to remember I was not sent anywhere, I chose to come here after I shot that self-righteous, controlling slagger down and denounced the Autobots.'' I felt my spark breaking apart all over again as the lies tumbled from my dermas. ''I do not need to be protected by the likes of that snivelling coward! I am more than capable of looking after myself!''
Galvatron laughed out loud. ''Oh, I can see that Phoenix!''
I felt an icy cold, calm settle about me as I replied. ''You doubt me? So very unwise Galvatron.''
His laughter returned for a moment and his voice took on a strange tone to it, he sounded almost appreciative and respectful. ''I do admire your spirit Phoenix.'' He paused a moment to slide his body suggestively and lustfully once more again against mine. ''It would be a shame to have to break it.'' He thrust his hips hard against my aft as he spoke and I felt the icy rage building as my tanks churned.
It was my turn to laugh coolly, ''Be warned Galvatron. I won't break so easy.''
''Oh, you make it sound so appealing, almost like a challenge my dear Phoenix.'' He removed my left arm from behind my back, slamming it into the wall above my helm next to my right, quickly gripping both tightly. He pressed them so hard into the wall, I felt the metal on my wrist casing buckle. His body covered mine and once again, I fought back a groan of pain and a growl of rage. /Not yet, I would not act yet/. ''Be careful I do not take you up on it.''
Galvatron pushed his body forcefully against mine, giving a low moan. All thoughts of pain were forgotten as I felt one of his digits from his right servo trail down along the back of my right arm, ''It has been – quite some time - since the Decepticons had a femme in their ranks – especially one as appealing as yourself.'' The digit continued down my shoulder and my back struts.
I snorted out loud, ''Oh, I seriously doubt your Decepticons have ever had a femme like me in their ranks,'' the words were ground out through gritted denta.
A growl of annoyance that I continued to dare contradict him erupted from his dermas and his vice like grip tightened, I heard something snap on my left wrist and I grunted in pain, stifling a scream. He pressed his body harder against mine, seeking to dominate and intimidate me. His growl gave way to a chuckle and the thought that perhaps Galvatron wasn't quite stable, crossed my processor. ''Your ''talents'' are wasted on the likes of Optimus Prime.''
His optics once again travelled over my body and I closed mine tightly for a moment, gathering the strength I would need. /Soon!/. ''He wouldn't know how to use you as effectively as I would.'' His servo now roamed lower, over my aft and down my thigh. I almost shrieked in shock and disgust as the feeling of his glossa began to trace a path along my neck towards my audials. I could not contain the tremor that swept over my body, and he laughed. ''Yesss…''
Without warning he lunged at me, and I did cry out in pain as his denta bit painfully into the junction of my neck and shoulder. At the same time, his digits mauled deep gouges into my right thigh, drawing energon. He was marking me, trying to claim me for his own. The thought revolted me and, though I felt sick to the pits of my tank, a seething fire of rebellion burned away deep within me. /I was NOT some object to be claimed! There was only ONE mech who could lay claim to my spark and this body. Him and him alone!/.
I forced myself to stifle further cries of pain and shock as he bit down harder. The anger and hatred built within me as rivulets of energon began to trickle down along my shoulder and back. Yet I did not retaliate – not yet.
''Mmm… so good, we could be so good together,'' he rumbled into my right audial as his glossa gently lapped at the wound he had inflicted before once again tracing a path up along my neck. Images of Optimus; his dermas on mine, his body pressed against mine, his servos pinning mine above my head as he smiled down at me flashed through my processor and my spark twisted painfully. /NO! FOCUS – SURVIVE/, I mentally screamed at myself.
I gave a low, throaty chuckle of my own. ''Perhaps – we could be - Galvatron…'' I let out a moan and arched back into his body.
He behaved exactly as I predicted he would.
Loosening his hold for a moment, he reacted to my unexpected response to his advances, and I took advantage of it. I snapped my helm back, delighting in the sickening crunch of mental. In the same moment I spun about and landed a series of hard right crosses and hooks to his face, me left servo hung limply, having been snapped at the wrist. I lashed out with my right leg and kicked him hard in the abdomen, causing him to momentarily double over from the force of my strike. As he bent forward, I grabbed his helm and slammed my left knee into his face, sending him staggering back a few paces.
I immediately unsheathed my energon sword and my sai, thoughts of my damaged servo were forgotten as I set upon him. My whole body was engulfed in flames as the anger I had held back exploded. I wanted to scream at him, I wanted to impale him and rip out his miserable spark, but I knew I stood on the threshold of failure. If I took the wrong course of action now, all Prime and I have been through already, all our plans, the future of my planet – wasted, destroyed.
Galvatron had landed heavily against the wall beside the door he had entered. The tip of my sai was pressed against his spark casing and my sword blade was biting into vital cables in his neck. Ironically, only moments ago, I had pinned Starscream in a similar position.
Galvatron, surprisingly, made no move to retaliate. He simply stared at me with two red optics that burned brightly, a mixture of emotions swirling inside them. Shock, appreciation, annoyance, and anger. Indignant, outrage that a femme should have the mighty Galvatron in such a position.
I took a steadying breath and fixed him with a very serious, emotionless gaze. ''As you can see, my dear Galvatron, I have but to plunge my sai into your spark and slice my sword across your neck and I will end your life.'' He stared at me; his own face unreadable. I held his gaze. For a moment neither of us backed down.
I was about to retract my weapons to try and prove my trustworthiness, when slowly, ever so slowly, a small smile spread across his face. His voice was low and gravelly, a hint of amusement rang in it. ''Then end me right now while you have the chance my dear Phoenix because I promise you, you will never get another!''
This time I felt myself hesitate, taken aback by his parroting of my own threat. His optics filled with a sudden intense, almost pleading expression and his words erupted with equal ferocity, ''DO IT!'' He surged forward, effectively drawing the tip of the sai further into his chest.
I retracted my sai and backhanded him savagely across the face with my right servo, grunting with the effort. His helm was snapped violently to the side as spittle and energon sprayed across the wall.
That did it.
The blow knocked sense into him, and he growled out loud, his optics burning in incandescent rage as he lunged at me. ''YOU SLAGGING BITCH! HOW DARE YOU! I'LL KILL YOU!''
/NOW!/. Using my psychokinesis, I flung Galvatron hard against the wall, pinning him there. Flames once more burst to life along my frame. A small, slightly unhinged smile that mirrored his own, spread across my dermas. ''You are literally playing with fire when it comes to me Galvatron. You have no idea the power I am capable of!'' Indeed, in this moment, I vaguely wondered if even I had any idea what I was capable of. He stared down at me transfixed for a moment, rendered speechless by what had just happened. ''As I said before, I do not NEED any of you! I am more powerful than any of you – Autobot OR Decepticon!''
Galvatron's optics began to gleam in delight, as though he had just set his optics on a prized possession - a solution to a problem. A small part of me wondered if I had just made a stupid mistake, but it was too late now. ''I chose to come here, upon your invitation, to see if you and the mighty Decepticons, could afford me even greater powers.'' I snorted contemptuously, ''Or at the very least, let me use my powers as I saw fit without keeping me under control.''
He began to chuckle in delight, and I allowed him to slide slowly down the wall to the ground. ''Excellent.'' It was one word and he repeated it several times in between bouts of laughter.
I stalked towards him. ''Make no mistake Galvatron, I am more than capable of ending your life, I simply chose not to – this time.'' My own optics flashed dangerously, and I lowered my voice menacingly as I closed the distance between us. ''But if you EVER lay your servos on me, if you EVER touch me like that again without my permission, I. Will. End. You!'' Without warning, I lunged forward and plunged the tip of my sai deep into his left shoulder, taking perverse delight in the sound of metal piercing metal and the look of shock and momentary pain that flickered across his features. ''You would do well to remember that this ''slagging bitch'' bites back. Do we have an understanding?''
I retracted my sai and, though he grunted, he did not react in any other way. A small part of me was impressed. I stood before Galvatron, flames swirling around me, mirroring the blazing hatred I felt coursing through me as I stared into his optics. He stared back at me and dipped his helm, raising his right servo to lay it across his chest. ''My dear Phoenix, I believe we have come to an understanding.'' He raised his helm again, his optics burning brightly as he once again sized me up – this time in a different light. ''I believe I have made the right decision.''
I raised an optic ridge at him in confusion, the flames continuing to leap about me. ''And what decision would that be?''
The corners of his dermas twisted into a smirk. ''I have decided to name you the new Commander of my Seekers.'' His smile broadened as surprise registered on my face. ''Welcome - to the Decepticons.''