Author's Note: Make yourself comfortable people, 'tis a long one! Had to do some more ''setting up'' and backstory.

P.S - some swearing and a dash of angst… Now on with it!

Chapter 165 – A Gift

Phoenix P.O.V

''Ahh, Phoenix. Your timing is excellent. I was just about to send for you to head up another mission to gather more crystals.'' Galvatron sent me a small smile as I entered the Command Room.

I nodded my helm in acknowledgment. ''Galvatron.'' His smile faded somewhat as I refrained from addressing him as ''Lord Galvatron''. I was the only one who was allowed to get away with it. /Perhaps Knockout was right, I am favoured above all others, which means…../. ''As you wish Galvatron, however, first I want you to tell me what these crystals are. I have been helping to locate and retrieve them for you for weeks now and I am curious as to what purpose they serve and why you want them.'' I came to stand before him, one servo placed on my hip and a defiant look on my features.

Galvatron gave a low chuckle as his optics narrowed. ''Oh, I bet you would like to know the answers to those questions Phoenix.''

I shifted on my pedes and gave a wry laugh. ''Well, I the way I see it Galvatron, you have one of two options.''

He arched an optic ridge and folded his arms across his chest in his own display of defiance. ''Pray, tell me Phoenix, what do you consider to be my options?''

''First option, you do as I request and tell me what those crystals are and why they are important to you, and I go on my way carrying out your orders to gather them.'' I paused and took a step closer to him, locking my optics onto his. ''The other option is, you refuse to tell me, and I walk out of here right now, ceasing all ties with the Decepticons, taking with me my unique skills and talents''. I smiled sweetly at him.

Galvatron merely smiled back before he looked thoughtful for a moment, raising his servo to his chin. ''Actually Phoenix, there is a third option.''

It was my turn to raise an optical ridge. ''And that would be?''

Galvatron took a step closer to me, so we were mere metres apart. He looked down upon me, his optics shining brightly with amusement and arrogance. ''That I give the signal to my loyal subject Soundwave here,'' he nodded in his direction and Soundwave raised his weapon towards me. ''And together we – convince you – to let the issue drop.''

My smile faded slightly, and I took a step forward towards him, so we were almost pede to pede. I stared up into his face and gave a low chuckle. ''Now I come to think of it Galvatron, there is a fourth option too.'' My frame burst into flames and with a sweep of my right servo, Soundwave was flung against the back wall and pinned. ''Reach for your cannon and I promise you, it will be the last thing you ever do.''

Galvatron growled through gritted denta. ''And what then Phoenix, is your fourth option?''

I extinguished the flames on my left servo to run one of my digits down the side of his face and onto his chest. His optics watched my digit with keen interest as I traced the Decepticon insignia, and I felt a shiver course through his frame. /Mechs!/. ''The fourth option, my Dear Galvatron, is that I become The Phoenix, level your base – and everything in it – and continue to collect the crystals for my own use.'' Galvatron's optics snapped to my own and he sneered maliciously at me. I grew thoughtful for a moment as I pretended to think what I could do with said crystals. ''Even though I don't know their uses, I am sure that crotchety, old Autobot Medic and scientist, Rachet, could work out what they are for. Perhaps he could be persuaded to tell me?''

Galvatron stared at me balefully. I could feel him strain to move and I used my powers to pin him in place, rooting him to the spot. I began to stalk around him, my digit trailing along his frame, over his shoulder, down his back and up and around his other shoulder. ''Tsk, tsk, tsk. I'm not ready to release you yet Galvatron. Not until we have reached an understanding.''

Galvatron refused to turn his helm to face me, and I felt his cables and plating tense up under my gaze and ministrations. ''Go on Phoenix. I am listening.''

''How very wise.'' I circled back around to stand before him. ''I am learning you are a great many things Galvatron. Your capacity for intelligence and adaptability are – quite impressive.'' My optics flicked over his frame again.

''Flattery will get you nowhere with me Phoenix. Save it for the feeble of mind,'' a small smile spread across his dermas, ''like Starscream – or Optimus Prime.''

I snorted out loud, ''Not a single word I would have to say to Starscream would be ''flattering'' and as for Optimus Prime.'' I fixed Galvatron with a serious stare. ''Like you, flattery would be lost on him.'' In that moment, it dawned on me, and I almost shook my helm in wonder. ''You know Galvatron. Despite one or two glaring differences, you, and your nemesis Optimus Prime, are more alike than yo…''

''WHAT IS YOUR POINT PHOENIX!'' Galvatron bellowed at me, his optics flashing dangerously.

I smiled at him in understanding and stepped up to him, so we were almost touching. ''My point Galvatron, is that I make a far better ally than enemy and all it takes to keep me that way is a little bit of – trust from you.'' I extinguished my flames and reached out to place my servos on his chest. ''I am not one of your little minions who run around doing your bidding, kept in the dark. I am, at the very least, your equal and I deserve – and demand – that you treat me as such.''

Galvatron's optics softened slightly as he looked down upon me. His optics flicked over my face, and I could feel him relax slightly under my touch as he appeared to consider my words. ''Forgive me my Phoenix, but trust is something that has to be earned – not demanded with me.''

I sighed out loud. ''We both know I have had countless opportunities to strike at both you and your followers. We both know I am more than capable of it and yet I have chosen not to.'' I sent him a small smile. ''Surely, I have proven I am worthy of your trust Galvatron?''

He stared down at me, his optics searching mine. Yet he said nothing. Once again, I sighed out loud and stepped back from him, removing my servos and holding them up in the air. Backing up several paces, I smiled softly at him. ''Perhaps this will prove I am serious about earning your trust.'' At once I released both Galvatron and Soundwave from my hold.

Soundwave slid silently to the floor, raising his gun at me immediately, preparing to fire. Galvatron raised his servo at him, ''Soundwave, hold.''

I dipped my helm at Galvatron, ''If you like, I'll leave you both now and lead this mission to gather more crystals but when I return, I hope you will have had time to consider what I have said.'' I turned on my pedes and started to stride towards the door, ignoring Soundwave as I passed him.

I was taking a HUGE gamble. At any second either of them, or both, could have fired upon me and perhaps gotten the better of me. I was indeed giving trust to in turn, hopefully, earn it. /I had to! I NEEDED to find out what was going on so I could help Prime and the others - all of us essentially. If Unicron was indeed on his way, then the 'Cons would be wiped out too/.

I had almost reached the door when Galvatron's voice drifted across the room. ''Phoenix. Wait.'' I turned on my pedes and looked expectantly back at him. Galvatron turned to his most trusted follower. ''Soundwave, leave us.''

The menacing looking bot, dipped his helm in deference and his creepy metallic voice echoed around the room. ''As you command, Lord Galvatron.'' Soundwave walked past me as though I wasn't even in the room, exiting out into the hall and down the corridor. It was possible that Galvatron had sent him a private comm message to wait just outside the room, so I would still need to keep my wits about me. I waited until I was summoned forth.

Galvatron smiled at me and beckoned me forward, extending one of his servos. ''Come Phoenix. I believe I have reached a decision.''

I walked towards Galvatron slowly. ''Efficient. I like it.''

Galvatron's smile faded somewhat. ''I thought I told you, flattery will get you nowhere with me.''

''Who said I was flattering? It's true. You are efficient and I do appreciate it.'' I came to stand before him, a servo on one hip again.

Galvatron sent me with an indecipherable look. ''And you are brazen, beguiling and belligerent. I like that.''

I snorted derisively, ''I thought you would prefer a femme to be meek, mild and malleable?'' I paused a moment, my sense of humour, which I had almost forgotten about, made itself known again. ''I thought I would reply with some alliteration of my own,'' and I winked at him.

Galvatron shuttered his optics and tilted his helm at me. I felt my spark ache as I recalled Prime doing a similar thing when he was assessing something. ''You are indeed unique among femmes Phoenix. I have never known a femme such as yourself. It is – refreshing.''

I laughed out loud and placed both servos on my hips. ''Oh, you have no idea how unique I am Galvatron, but I thank you.'' For a moment I stared at him and he back at me. It was a bizarre moment in time. It was almost as though we had discovered some newfound respect towards each other. I shook my helm to snap myself back to the task at hand. ''Anyway, what was the decision you had reached?''

Galvatron gestured for us to walk towards the storage cells in the lower decks. ''I have decided to tell you about the crystals. You have shown me you can be trusted and so I shall reward you with my own trust.'' We had walked but several paces, when he rapidly spun about and pinned me against the wall. His body was pressed close against mine, but his grip was not as vice-like as it was the first time. /He was simply getting my attention/. So, I let him – this time.

He stared down at me for a moment before he spoke, his voice low and gravelly as his optics swept over my form coming to rest on my own gaze. ''Do not make me regret doing this Phoenix. Despite what the Autobots may have told you about me, I am very loyal to those who are loyal to me and have earned my utmost trust.'' He moved a servo as if to run it down my cheek and I tensed, my optics narrowing as I stared back defiantly at him. He paused and lowered his servo, dipping his helm briefly. ''Forgive me. I did not mean to make any untoward advances.'' He released me and stepped back.

For a moment, I stood there against the wall, processing what had happened between us. Galvatron gestured for me to continue towards the storage cells. ''After you Phoenix.''

I pushed myself off the wall and smiled back. ''No, I insist we go together. Equals.''

He nodded. ''As you wish,'' and together we began to descend into the lower levels in strained silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

As we reached the level where the energon and crystals were kept, Galvatron keyed open the door and indicated for me to enter. Stepping into the room, I instantly became aware of the pulsing, purplish ruby glow of the crystals. They bathed the room in an ethereal glow. They were beautiful but I knew they were also deadly.

''I am sure you have heard of the Yucatán Peninsula here on Earth?'' Galvatron questioned as he stepped beside me.

I nodded. ''Of course, I have. I learned about it…'' I just managed to stop myself from admitting to learning about it in high school geography. /That would have made for an interesting conversation between us!/. ''When I first started gathering the crystals for you. I researched the area after being given the coordinates.'' I glanced towards him. ''Unless I am mistaken, that is where we have done most of our harvesting of these crystals?''

Galvatron nodded almost imperceptibly. ''Very good Phoenix, you are correct.'' He took a step towards them, his optics reflecting the purplish hue of the crystals. ''Then perhaps in your research, you came across information pertaining to the Yucatán Peninsula being the proposed site of the meteorite crash some 65 million years ago? A crash that created a mass extinction level event on your Earth.''

I could not take my optics of the glowing crystals. It was almost as though they pulsed in time with my own spark. ''Yes.'' My voice sounded distant even to my own audials. ''The Chicxulub crater on the ocean floor is believed to be the impact site of that meteorite.'' I took a step closer towards the crystals. ''Scientists and geologists who have studied it have found rock core samples from the site contained high levels of iridium, an element commonly found in asteroids and meteorites respectively, when they make landfall.'' I managed to take my gaze off the crystals and looked back towards Galvatron who was eyeing me with some interest. ''What does this have to do with the crystals?''

Galvatron held my gaze as he replied. ''The meteorite also carried within it a special substance – Dark Energon. Upon impact, this substance was both buried deep in the earth around the site and was flung far and wide. Over time, it found its way into various crystalline formations and deposits, becoming imbued within the crystals themselves. These crystals are found in various sites around the world, primarily here…''

''On the Yucatán Peninsula, where you have had the Seekers and I harvesting it for you.'' I returned my attention to the crystals, watching them pulse and shimmer. I walked over and crouched down before them. ''You mentioned Dark Energon. What is that exactly? I am assuming by its name; it is not pleasant.'' Although I had heard of it back with the Autobots, I had not heard Galvatron's side of it. I wanted to see if what I had learned matched up.

Galvatron ex-vented as he too walked over and crouched down beside me. ''Like so many artefacts and discoveries of our civilisation, many have been lost,'' a dark look descended on his features, ''or jettisoned into space by Optimus Prime in some misguided effort to keep me from getting them.'' I bit my dermas to prevent myself from bursting out why that may have been the case, but for now, I played dumb. ''Dark Energon was discovered back before the Great War broke out on Cybertron.'' Galvatron turned his helm towards me, the corners of his dermas curving into a small smile. ''Starscream was one the scientists who studied its properties.''

I felt my optic ridge shoot up in shock. ''Are you bloody serious!'' I shook my helm in disbelief, ''I didn't have him pegged as the type.''

''And what type is that?'' Galvatron asked.

I snorted. ''The smart type.''

The sound of Galvatron laughing heartily erupted around the room and, had I not known of his treacherous and murderous acts against countless sparks during the war as Megatron, I might have enjoyed his company. ''That amuses me Phoenix.'' His voice lowered. ''Though I caution you, Starscream, despite his obvious flaws, is very intelligent, very cunning and very persistent when he sets his processor to something.''

''Yeah, I had noticed that about him.'' I continued to stare at the crystals. /What was it with these things!/. Now that I had actually taken the time to look at them, I could feel myself being drawn to them. It was both unnerving and highly alluring.

''I know he does not trust you and is determined to prove you a spy,'' Galvatron's voice held a silent challenge to it.

I fixed him with a level gaze. ''I am aware. What do you think? Do you agree with him?''

Galvatron stared at me for a moment. His optics seemed to stare right through me. /Almost like Prime's do sometimes. It was unnerving/. His voice was low and steady when he replied. ''You are here with me now, alone, in our storage cell in front of Dark Energon. Make of that what you will.''

I looked away from his intense stare and found myself rising to my pedes. Suddenly, I felt the need to put some space between us and so I backed up a few paces. ''So, you were saying something about what Dark Energon does..''

Galvatron smirked and rose to his pedes. ''Yes, I believe I was. Dark Energon was found to be highly unstable, highly contagious, and highly dangerous.''

''Oh, is that all!'' I placed my servo on my hip again.

Galvatron smiled at me, ''Any Cybertronian that came into contact with it was almost driven mad, becoming overrun with violent and destructive urges. It was also observed to be able to bring the deceased back to life…''

''What, like the Matrix thing Optimus Prime has!?'' This was new information, intriguing and not a little disconcerting.

Galvatron sneered at the mention of his hated rival. ''Yes. But its power, and The Source of Dark Energon's power, are nothing like the Matrix, polar opposites if you will. Dark Energon was soon deemed too dangerous to use and was locked away, forbidden and forgotten about.''

I nodded my helm in understanding. ''Until now that is – I guess.''

Galvatron nodded as he began to pace about. ''Before the - events- of Chicago,'' his voice became a low growl of anger, ''that led to my demise as Megatron, in my scouting for energy, I had come across readings similar to that of energon, but somewhat more powerful and erratic. I had tasked Starscream and his Seekers with locating more and stockpiling it. I had a feeling I could use it.'' He paused a moment. ''This he continued to do during my absence, possibly because he too felt he might use it to his advantage, while that arrogant and clueless Joshua Joyce facilitated the construction of a new body for me.'' He turned to face me briefly before resuming pacing again. ''And then, of course, those horns appeared and produced similar readings. I knew what I had stumbled upon.''

''But you just said how dangerous it was. Why would you want to use it?'' I could not keep the incredulous tone out of my voice.

Galvatron stopped to stare at me, a very serious expression on his face. ''To defeat Optimus Prime and his accursed Autobots and because the benefits far outweigh the detriments. Dark Energon is a source of power, great power. It enhances your strength, your speed, your stamina. It makes you almost indestructible and impervious to damage whilst it flows through your system. It is a gift.''

I furrowed my brow in confusion. ''A gift? From whom?''

''From him.'' Galvatron's dermas twisted into a spiteful sneer before a distant look appeared on his face. ''Though it comes at a price..''

I had my suspicions about whom he was referring to but let it slide for now. I would seek confirmation of that shortly. ''But you said no Cybertronian has been able to control it once it was injected or ingested into their body. I fail to see how it can be a gift when…'' I paused as I felt a warning thought travelled through my processor. /Primus no…/. I clenched my servos by my sides and blinked my optics once. ''Galvatron. Do you mean to tell me that…''

''I have managed to find a way to control Dark Energon?'' A conceited smile spread across his dermas. ''Yes, Phoenix. I have.'' He closed the distance between us, radiating confidence and arrogance. ''For the first time in the history of our race, I have found a way to control Dark Energon!'' He stood before me, looming over me. ''I alone can harness its powers. It does not control me I control….. ''

Without warning, Galvatron doubled over in intense pain, clutching at his helm. His face contorted in agony and his optics seemed to take on the same purplish hue as the crystals for a moment. I hated the mech, I hated what he had done to so many, to my friends, to his world, to mine. I hated him for all the pain he had caused those I loved. I hated what he stood for and what he had chosen to become.

But his face.

The look in his optics and after the way he had chosen to trust me, let me in, in spite of everything, I found myself feeling sorry for him. I began to tentatively reach out towards him. ''Galvatron? Are you..''

He rounded on me, snarling in frustration and pain. ''LEAVE ME!'' He barked the order in angry desperation. I hesitated a moment trying to understand what had led to this sudden and decidedly erratic – even for him - change in his behaviour.

''What is wron….'' I began to take a step towards him, concern etched on my face.

''NOW!'' He gave a deep guttural growl and dealt me a savage backhand across the face that sent me staggering backwards. I almost lost my balance. The blow drew a strangled cry from my dermas as I reeled from both pain and shock, and it drew energon as one of my cheek plates was cracked from the force of the blow.

As I stood there dazed and confused, a thought flashed through my processor. /Is he under the influence of Dark Energon now?/. Yet the wild look in his optics and the way he clutched desperately at his helm as if at any moment it may be rend violently in two, sent another thought whispering tentatively. /What if he is under the influence of something - or someone else?/.

I took one last look at the crazed mech who seemed to extend a servo towards me briefly, as if beseeching me to understand and forgive him for his actions, before he snarled and turned his back on me, clutching desperately at his helm.

So, I did the same to him.

I ran out of the storage cell, along corridors and around corners – ever upward. Any 'Con who managed to get in my path, immediately stepped out of the way as soon as they saw the dark scowl on my face. In the short time I had been here, I had managed to earn the begrudging respect – or fear -of most of the 'Cons, a fact I used to my advantage now.

/I have to get out of here. I need some space/. I needed to process everything I had been through, seen, heard and felt these past few months. I needed to try and put the pieces of the puzzle together quickly as time was running out. Both time before Unicron arrived and before I was eventually caught out. Galvatron's words echoed in my helm /Starscream is very intelligent, very cunning and very persistent when he sets his processor to something/. Starscream would not give up until he had exposed me, and I swear Soundwave had his suspicions too.

Reaching the deck of the oil rig I had called home for nearly three months, I initiated the transformation sequence and, turning into the Phoenix, took to the air. I beat my mighty, flamed wings and soared high in the air. I did not look back.

I had no real idea where I was headed. /Home! I want to go home to Diego Garcia, what was I thinking!/. I flew onwards towards the mainland, the coast of Texas looming ahead. One of my last missions was near the city of Houston. /But I do not think it is wise to make landfall in the middle of the same city I raided just recently/. Accessing my GPS and mapping systems, I realised there was a small barrier island nearby – Galveston Island. /Of all places!/. A quick study of the island revealed it contained a 2000-acre State Park. /I might be able to find a place where I can lay low for a moment/.

I banked towards the coordinates, extinguishing my flames. I wanted to draw as little attention to myself as possible. /Fucking no worries when you are a massive metallic bird with a 200ft wingspan! /. Avoiding the built-up, populated areas, and seeking as much solitude as possible, I made my way to the Northern side of the island that jutted out into West Bay the furthest. /Hopefully not too many people here/.

I landed and folded my wings up behind me, transforming back into my bi-pedal mode. I sat down hard upon the ground and brought my knees up to my helm as I watched the sun sink below the horizon. I felt my chest begin to heave as I fought back great sobs and I began to rock back and forth to comfort myself. For the millionth time since I had become a Transformer, I wished I could cry! I had so many emotions swirling around inside me that all I wanted to do was leech them out of me in a veritable cascade of tears. Instead, I had to be content with ex-venting over and over and maintaining a steady rocking motion to sooth myself.

''Optimus! I need you. I'm so alone, I'm so confused. I'm so sorry!'' I whispered to the sky and the sea birds that foraged offshore. I didn't know what I was sorry for, all I knew was that I felt like I needed to apologise to him. /For leaving him – again/, my processor supplied. But my spark wasn't so sure.

A million questions and thoughts tore through my processor. What I had seen, what I had done, what I had felt. The image of Galvatron reaching out to me as he was gripped by some unseen torment, or tormentor, sent a chill through me and I closed my optics in an effort to banish the image and the thoughts.

I ex-vented slowly and steadily. /Focus Phoenix, revise the facts/. Muttering to myself, I recalled what I had learned so far. ''The Decepticons had a large quantity of energon and Dark Energon crystals. They were certainly in a better position than the Autobots in that regard. Dark Energon could be used to revive the dead and Galvatron had somehow managed to find a way to survive and control Dark Energon,'' /or so he claimed/. ''If this was indeed true, then this was a great concern and something I needed to notify Optimus and Rachet about immediately.''

I removed my helm from my knees and sat upright, gingerly touching my cheek. ''Galvatron referred to Dark Energon being a gift from him.'' Rising to my pedes, I dusted the sand off as best I could and began to pace along the beach. ''I did not get the chance to confirm who him was, but I had the feeling I knew.'' /Unicron!/. ''Starscream suspected my treachery and was determined to find proof for Galvatron and when, or if he did...'' /No! I will not travel down that path!/. I continued pacing. ''Finally, Galvatron was definitely under the influence or control of something or someone. Whether this would be a good thing or a bad thing, I could not be certain.''

I looked to the West again and watched as the sun slipped further below the horizon. The sky was bathed in reds, oranges, pinks, and purples. /The same purplish colour of those crystals/. I turned around to look out over the direction I had flown. /I had best be heading back. No doubt Soundwave, or even Galvatron himself, will be wondering where I am given my sudden departure/. A flash of concern for Galvatron caught me off guard and I felt myself falter as I began to walk back along the beach. I physically shook my helm to chase away the errant thought.

Reaching into my subspace, I withdrew the item I was after and recorded my thoughts and findings. As I activated the homing beacon, I heard something I was not expecting but was relieved beyond measure to hear! The rev of a familiar engine.

Snapping my helm up, I scanned the area around me, my spark filling with hope. There, sitting back further long the walking trail, sat an unmistakable yellow Camaro with black stripes. ''BUMBLEBEE!'' I yelled out loud and my friend honked excitedly in return, before he made a sad whirring noise. /Maybe he noticed my cracked cheek plate?/. All I wanted to do was run over to him and engulf him in a hug, but I knew I could not. The fact I was even this close to him was danger enough. And Bee knew it too, refraining from approaching any closer.

I held the data pad up for a split second and dropped it on the ground. I then tapped the place above my spark twice and blew the young scout a kiss before I transformed and leaped into the air. Once again, I did not look back. I could not, for I knew if I did, I would not have the strength to return to what awaited me.

Had I looked above me however, I might have seen a Raptor 22 jet flying stealthily at high altitude, logging my coordinates, and capturing evidence of a certain yellow scout. Had I but looked above me, I might have seen the jet circling around to follow me back to base, keeping a wary distance.