Warnings through the story will have flashbacks of torture
Chapter 2
(Decepticon base – Training room)
Frenzy went in with Sam, the boy's arms tightly around Frenzy. "Sam, you will be okay, but you must train, it will help you." Frenzy said, as Sam slowly gazed around him with only vague interest.
The truth of everything the boy had been through shined within those blank eyes, which held a haunted look to them. Sam shook his head quickly, his vacant expression in his eyes held fear in them now, as frenzy gently pulled away from his charge. "Sam, no one will ever hurt you ever again." Frenzy replied as he motioned toward the Con waiting for him.
Sam eyed the imposing black and white mech, but hesitantly stepped forward.
Barricade watched with shock how Frenzy was able to get the human to respond better than any of them, aside from Megatron who was able to get slight reactions from the boy as well.
He remembered when he first went after the boy and how he had that scared look, but there was a bit of something else in the boy, a sense of fight in him that most beings possessed, that bit that made someone fight to survive.
Now however, there wasn't even a faint hint of the boy's old self any longer, those human insects had taken something from him.
Sam gradually brought his gaze up and saw Barricade standing by the wall waiting for him. Sam moved toward the intimidating mech, while Barricade motioned for Frenzy to leave, per Megatron's orders, while he trained the boy.
Megatron believed that having Frenzy around would only hamper the boys ability to heal. So whenever Sam was in training, barring recharge time, he was to not be in the small mechs presence. It may seem cruel to an outsider, but even frenzy understood Megatron's reasoning's. The boy had to learn to be independent.
Within seconds the shock trooper had his holoform activated, while Sam merely watched, his eyes never changing their expressions. "Now Ladiesman217, I am going to show you some moves, and how to counter those moves. So no one can ever take you by surprise in a fight, or in a situation where you might be taken off guard." Barricade said approaching Sam, "First, trust no one, but yourself, always remember that." Barricade remarked as Sam watched as Barricade showed him the moves.
Barricade's movements were flawless; Sam watched never taking his eyes off of the Con. Sam slowly started to follow Barricade's movements, while the Con spared a glance and saw the boy following his lead.
He smirked, so the boy was not as forgone as they had feared, he could follow orders.
Sam had no idea these movements were any help in battle, they seemed a little pointless to him really, but he was used to following orders by now, He turned away and was in his own little world, Sam never saw Barricade pick up a human size sword. The idea of this exercise was for Sam to be able to deflect the sword after.
"Remember turn your back on no one even those you know and trust," Barricade said.
Sam was ready to ask why when he turned to see Barricade approaching the sword in hand, twirling it threateningly.
Sam suddenly wasn't seeing Barricade any longer, his mind had faltered and he was seeing images in his brain.
(Flashback to Sam's being a prisoner of Sector 7)
Samuel James Witwicky lay on a metal table, with several Sector 7 scientists crowded around the table.
The guards in the ward laughed cruelly, watching the boys suffering was their reward, his punishment also part of one of the endless experiments on the boy who held a part of the beings that had trashed the original sector 7 base.
Sam's frightened hazel eyes locked with the lead scientist, as a long jagged knife was brought out and used to carve the word on his chest…..TRAITOR. The boy screamed in pain as blood seeped from the wounds, and ran down from his sides onto the metal table.
(Sam's POV)
I hurt so badly, blinding pain raced all through me. I was scared, but I also hated these people. I was treated like some sort of parasite instead of a human being. I didn't deserve this; I never did anything to any of these bastards. I felt blinding agony shooting all through my body; I felt blood running down the sides of my body. The pain licked all through me like a tidal wave raging within the oceans. "Stop this please, this is wrong!" I screamed.
The lead scientist an older guy, whose looks I would later forget, one of many hands that would come to cause me suffering, merely smirked at me then pulled out a lighter my eyes widening at his intentions. I shook my head no, but as always
I received no mercy. With a smirk, the scientist held a burning brand, red hot in his hands.
The second the flame touched my skin I screamed as the smell of burning flesh, my flesh reached my nose pain as bright as the sun hit me. The pain finally so bad I could merely pass out from it.
(Flashback ends)
Sam fell to his knees screaming scrambling to the side of the room, rocking back and forth with that blank haunted look in his hazel eyes. Frenzy came running, soon after, ignoring the order that sent him away, instincts telling him that his creator and charge was in distress.
He came in, looking wildly protective of Sam once more. Barricade tried to figure out what caused the human to glitch out on him. "What did you do?" Frenzy demanded as he rushed over to the distressed boy.
"I was training him; the moves I was teaching him would eventually help him to repel an attack with blades," Barricade said looking at Sam, with confusion.
Barricade did not like being confused; found his anger filling his circuits, at how the human insects could damage one of their own so badly. Sam glanced up at the words of the Decepticon, his spark flaring, and then settling, as he realized what Barricade was saying now. Yes, this was Barricade, it wasn't the scientist with the knives or the brand. This was a Decepticon, he remembered now, They were teaching him to protect himself against Sector 7.
Sam had been hurt enough and had been a victim, but he wanted that all to end.
Sam steadily got to his feet shocking both the other little Con and the bigger Con. Sam's eyes still haunted, but something else was at a snail's pace was creeping in them. "Again…." was all Sam said, but in a firm tone.
Frenzy moved to the side watching, while Barricade nodded and reactivated his holoform. Sam's mind flashed mental images of the older man, who had carved his chest up so badly. He twitched, but locked his knee's together.
"Are you sure?" Frenzy asked.
"Yeah…" Sam answered as he nodded toward Barricade.
Barricade charged with the blade, Sam snarled, his mind flashing those images. Sam caught the blade from hitting him and swung his leg out catching the surprised Con. Sam had Barricade's holoform down, and disarmed him within minutes. Barricade stared impressively at Sam. "Not too bad, human; you took me down."
Barricade had to admit the kid learned quickly, but he wanted to know what pushed him. "You did well, but what fueled your actions?" he asked.
Sam got up, and held out his hand toward Barricade's holoform. Sam's hazel eyes shined with anger then as he spoke, hatred slowly crept into them. "The bastard who did this to me, I was seeing him in my mind." Sam hissed as he lifted the shirt up.
Barricade could feel the rage radiating from the boy, and quite frankly he could understand the rage. What they did to him was sickening and from his point of view none of those responsible should be left alive. Sam was one of them now, and they protected their own regardless of what others said about them.
Sam was breathing heavy, his hazel eyes locking with Barricade's red eyes on the holoform.
Then Sam gave a sigh and wrapped an arm around Frenzy, when a faint, crooked smile crossed his lips, the first in a long while.
"Keep training me." Sam simply said as Barricade smirked and nodded.
Frenzy eventually backed up and watched, as Barricade started once more going through steps, showing the boy how to handle himself. Sam was a quick learner, a nothing really new, improved memory was a feature of being the Allspark carrier, but he learned because for the first time, the idea of actually surviving now prodded his senses sharply. He wouldn't be a victim anymore; he would be a survivor never again to allow those people to hurt him or Frenzy ever again.
Ooo oooo ooo
Soundwave came in to get the two little Cons bringing them to his quarters once more. Barricade had trained Sam all week with learning to maneuver his body so he wouldn't be vulnerable to any other humans taking him down like that again. Sam was surprisingly good. He was agile and had disarmed Barricade every time that they sparred. Barricade had seen that determination in the boy's eyes grow, he was turning out to be quite good.
However, what Barricade didn't see while sparring with the boy was his cocky attitude, he was set and far more determined to keep from being a victim again, which was good, but he was far from healed. Barricade seemed to realize this, which also seemed to make him want to push him that much more. He was one of them now; he burned with hatred from the humans who had done this to the boy and Frenzy.
"I am pleased with how far you have come, Sam." Barricade replied, as Sam glanced up a slight smile spreading across his face at him saying his name.
"Thanks..." Sam said as he held out his hand to the holoform.
Barricade smirked, and reached for the extended hand. "You're okay, Sam." Barricade remarked.
"You're not too bad yourself, Cade." Sam said.
It still shocked Barricade how this little human managed to worm his way into his circuits. Mostly because he was once an enemy to the Decepticons on the same level as Megatron's brother Optimus Prime.
Barricade watched as Sam went to Frenzy hugging the Con. "No one will ever hurt us again, Frenzy; never." Sam said as he held the smaller Con.
Soundwave came in while they were he tilted his head glancing at Barricade.
::: Megatron wishes a report:::
Barricade looked over at Soundwave and nodded. "You are dismissed Sam." Barricade said as the human Decepticon nodded.
Soundwave scooped up both little Cons and went to their quarters; there was a cube of energon for Frenzy and human fuel for Sam. Sam had finally showed improvement on eating, which was pleasing to them. Hook and Scalpel had made remarks that Sam needed human fuel, so he didn't fall into complete weakness. Sam was very happy eating a burger, fries and chocolate shake. That of course, making his stomach happy allowed for him to easily fall into recharge with Frenzy safely in his arms.
Ooo oooo ooo
(Megatron's quarters – Barricade and Megatron)
Megatron steepled his clawed fingers, listening to Barricade's week ending report on the progress with Sam's training. Then watched as Barricade replayed the way Sam had changed after he had the flashback.
"The fleshling shows potential after all, but it seems he is still glitching, but it seems it helps him, facing these memories," the leader finally mused, "at least, that is the theory according to the medics. It makes him want to fight back stronger, once he realizes he is no longer helpless."
Silence….
"Very well, who is next to train him?" asked Megatron to the company at large.
"Starscream and his Trine are training him next," Barricade answered. The decision had been decided amongst the mechs by a vigorous game of rock, paper scissors, a human decision game that had recently taken a fad-like hold on the Cons, and something Megatron found amusing and to insane to squash.
"Very well…." Megatron replied. "It would seem he isn't a total loss after all." Megatron said, "Now leave me to my thoughts," he mumbled, as Barricade left a visual copy of what had happened and bowed out with the others.
Megatron watched and growled inwardly, as he got up and headed for his berth still growling to himself not really sure what had him so irritated.
He poured himself a little energon, then after a moment, he flicked the annoyance away mentally and settled in for a much needed recharge.
Ooo oooo ooo
(Decepticon base – Soundwave's quarters)
Soundwave onlined, noticing Sam was absent from where Frenzy was recharging, he was ready to slightly panic when he saw the boy sitting on his desk. He had a music device that Frenzy thought would be a reward of sorts for how hard he was training. Sam was sitting, just staring out into space with the headphones on his audios…err, ears. Soundwave delicately reached out with his mind to the boy and could sense that while the boy seemed calmer as he listened to the Earth music, but still bore an underline well of dark emotions that he knew the boy was still disassociating himself from. He refrained from digging further should he alert the boy to his mental probing.
Sam glanced at his hands for a moment, the action was curious to Soundwave. It was then the Con received a private comm from Megatron.
::: I will be observing his training with the Seekers today:::
::: Does Starscream know?:::
The question had distracted him, his comm. was almost laced with humor, well, as much as the stoic mech could express, but Megatron ignored it.
::: Get the boy ready::::
::: Affirmative at once, Lord Megatron:::
Soundwave glanced over at the boy; he was just staring out at nothing in particular.
"Frenzy, Starscream and his trine are waiting," Soundwave called to Frenzy, who had onlined, and was watching Sam with that intent focus that he had been using since their arrival; who nodded and went to get his human ready for the day.
"Sam?" Frenzy said.
Sam looked at Frenzy and smiled, as the little Con went into Sam's arms. Sam rested his head on Frenzy's shoulder plates and just held him. Soundwave watched, still amazed by the interaction between the human and Frenzy.
"Starscream and his trine are waiting for you, they train you this week," Frenzy replied as Sam nodded.
Ooo oooo ooo
(Training room)
Sam saw Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker waiting for him; he saw their holoforms crackle to life. Sam locked eyes with Starscream's; Sam watched as Starscream motioned to his trine.
"We shall see how agile you are; when there is more than one enemy you need to think on your pedes," Starscream explained.
Sam looked confused then, "Pedes?"
"What humans would call feet," Skywarp answered.
"Oh okay…" Sam replied.
"Now watch Skywarp and Thundercracker, and then we will spar," Starscream directed pompously.
Sam moved toward Starscream's holoform hesitantly, and watched as Skywarp and Thundercracker let loose on each other. They would do jumps and flips over each other and disarm the other; some of the moves were quite violent. Sam watched as the sparring quickly spiraled into Sam's mind, memorizing every move. Learning was somewhat quick for him since he had come in contact with the shard, which was why Sam was given only a week with each mech.
He noticed, somewhat dispassionately, that unlike Barricades more brutish, in your face attacks, the Seekers fought in a manner that was more dance then fight, more dodge and quick strikes then real hand to hand engaging. Sam watched and glanced over at Starscream, the expression on his face could only be summed up in one word…. arrogant. Had Sam been more emotionally involved, he would have rolled his eyes at the Seekers behavior. Sam glanced back at the two other Seekers, had he been capable of it, like the old Sam, the movements of the Seekers graceful dexterity, speed, and flexibility would have amazed him. he then noticed Starscream's expectant look in his direction. He figured that voicing the vague thoughts out loud would at least satisfy his new teacher, so he commented hesitantly,
"Their movements are so graceful," Sam replied as Starscream glanced over at him, "When I trained with Barricade his style was more aggressive a head on no holds back type; but Skywarp and Thundercracker's moves are more calculated and dance like" Starscream smirked, looking satisfied and replied.
"We are Seekers; we pride ourselves on being a lot more agile; and the term you used 'graceful'. We are far more superior then grounders; they are limited in ways we aren't," his cocky attitude showing greatly.
Sam turned his attention back to the two engaging each other, his attention was reluctantly peeked.
He had never seen anything so beautiful, the way they fought. Sam glanced back at Starscream, his eyes showing a hint of interest for the first time since he was there. "I want to learn that, it's so beautiful." Starscream turned his head looking at the fleshy that had once been a hated enemy, startled for a moment by the unexpected comment.
"Very well, face me." Starscream ordered. "I want you to try and disarm me." Starscream replied.
Sam tilted his head and took the stance, that Skywarp and Thundercracker showed him.
Some hours later, after an exhaustive day of sweat, blood and bruises, no matter how hard he tried, Sam was taken down by Starscream, no matter how quickly he picked up on things. The Mech kept changing his routine so that he couldn't learn any fighting habits and predict his moves beyond just noticing particular moves just before it is too late. He heavily suspected that the mech was even holding back. The day was nearly over when Sam landed hard on his back with a grunt for hopefully the last time.
"Do you surrender?" Starscream demanded.
Sam frowned and tried to push Starscream off of his body, which he failed at naturally. Starscream was Megatron's second in command, so he wasn't an easy warrior to take down. Sam stared up at Starscream, who merely smirked at Sam with that overconfident expression.
"You can't pin me, can you?" Starscream mused as he slowly got up letting Sam up, "try again, and you keep trying until you get it right."
Sam fought down tears from forming in his eyes at the order.
Sam tried to mimic those graceful moves, that Skywarp and Thundercracker showed him. However Sam found himself pinned time and time again by Starscream, something Sam found he couldn't stop from happening.
Sam felt defeated; he would never make any kind of warrior.
"This is a waste of time," Sam finally replied his tone overwhelmed, but worst of all he felt his spirit was crushed under the weight of failure yet again.
Sam scrambled to the corner of the training room his body visibly shaking. "I am exactly what Megatron said, I am weak, I can't be turned into anything of any use. I am just a little nobody just like those people from Sector 7 said I was, I was useless and deserved everything I got." Sam finally cried as tears ran down his face.
Starscream sneered at that. He was not happy at all with how the training was going.
"Look boy, you will not start this pity fest; you will train and you will fight until you have no more body fluids to leak all over my nice clean training room. You will train harder than you're doing and you will learn to handle yourself like a Decepticon, and the number one rule in being a Decepticon is that we are never weak, do I make myself abundantly clear?" Starscream demanded as Sam merely watched the lead Seeker with wide eyes. "Well?" Starscream asked with a sneer.
Sam glanced at Starscream nervously then, "Yes sir," Sam whispered as Starscream nodded.
"Go have some fuel and we will meet back in here in one Earth hour." Starscream stated.
ooo oooo Ooo oooo
Sam sat in the designated area where he ate; Frenzy was beside him, allowed to visit since Sam was on break, and watching him knowing Sam was troubled. He knew Starscream would be hard on Sam, and as much as he hated it, he knew there wasn't anything he could do about it. Sam had to learn and train; this would be the only way he could defend himself against the fleshbags that did those things to him should anyone try to take him again. Frenzy saw Skywarp approaching in his holoform, a tall and lanky human male with devil may care smirk, ripped jeans and t-shirt, in purple and grey, and a unshaven 20 something physic to talk to Sam.
"Hey frenzy, I need to talk to the kid alone, okay?" Skywarp asked.
Frenzy gazed at Sam who nodded that it was okay, Frenzy gave the boy a quick hug and left them. Sam glanced up at Skywarp tilting his head, as he took a bite from his sandwich, noting absently that the man looked like an unkempt Aston kutcher, obviously yet another mech taking his looks from the net, reminded of Barricade's leather clad Brad Pitt and Starscream's sleek, though younger, Hugh Grant.
"I have an interesting deal for you, care to hear it?" Skywarp asked.
"Okay…" Sam said as Skywarp smiled.
"Do you like pranks?" he asked, sounding non-chalant, and startling the human at the odd and unexpected discourse.
Sam slowly answered unsurely "Yeah, I suppose."
Skywarp smiled once more, a truly self satisfied grin of expectation.
"Good, here's the deal; you help me pull off a prank on Starscream and Thundercracker and I will train you during the night starting tonight. So you can show Starscream you can take him down and pin him, alright? Do we have a deal?" Skywarp asked.
Sam stared at the mech, this coming from a Decepticon was unexpected to say the least, but he could really use the help, and he admitted that he felt the first stirrings of real interest and curiosity in a long while stir in his mind. He extended his hand toward Skywarp. "It's a deal," Sam said as they shook on it sealing their little private deal.
"Excellent!" the Seeker crowed, rubbing his servos together.
Sam glanced over at Skywarp. "What type of prank were you figuring on for them?" Sam asked.
A smirk touched the Seeker's face then. "It has to be one that they will remember for a very long time." Skywarp replied a snicker rumbling deep within him.
Oooooooooooooo ooooo
Sam, making good on his end of the deal, had made a list of some things he would need and Skywarp went off and retrieved the items. Sam saw Starscream and Soundwave watching him oddly; he simply held onto Frenzy and rested his head on the small Con. They both gained strength from each other, Frenzy held Sam tightly against him until it was time to return to training.
(Training Room)
Sam walked back into the training room, watching as the three seekers were entertaining each other by sparring. Sam sat on the floor and observed them, eyeing Starscream as the grey Seeker flipped and dove over Thundercracker's side arching kick. He was curious about the second in command now, he found he wanted to learn everything about him and his trine not just training but war stories.
He watched as both Skywarp and Thundercracker took turns disarming their wing commander each at least once. "That was by luck!" Starscream snapped, getting up as his intakes cycled hard and fast.
"Hey Starscream, can I ask you something?" Sam asked as the Seeker glanced down at the boy, whom he had just noticed was watching them.
"What is it?" he demanded clearly annoyed his trine had gotten the better of him and in front of the fleshy.
"I am curious about you and your trine; I want to know everything not just training but old war stories too," Sam said, again unexpectedly.
This shocked Starscream slightly, it was quite evident by the look on his faceplates. Starscream sat down on the floor followed by Skywarp and Thundercracker, they watched as Starscream merely watched Sam at first.
"What would you like to know?" Starscream asked.
"How did Megatron come to pick you as his second in command?" Sam asked.
A smile crossed Starscream's face then. "He and Starscream have a colorful past." Thundercracker mused.
Starscream huffed. "Megatron knows a superior warrior when he sees one; I have won more victories for him in some of the lesser battles." Starscream said as he could see for himself Sam was truly interested in his battle stories.
A smug expression crossed the vain jet's face; he loved talking about his favorite subject himself. He talked about several battles that took place on Cybertron against the Autobots. Sam cringed at the violent details of several Autobots he had killed and was sorry he asked about the battle stories. But he couldn't help the interest in learning about them all of them. He should have done the same with Barricade, and reminded himself he could go to see Barricade later; and ask him about his war stories too.
When Sam's training was done for the day, Starscream's holoform pulled him to the side.
"What did you think of my past battles I told you about?" he asked smugly.
Sam smiled. "You are a true warrior and have earned that title as Megatron's second in command." Sam replied as he saw the jet's holoform nod and smile with smugness only Starscream could show.
(Much later that night)
Sam was in Skywarp's hand fixing a nuzzle in the wash racks, Skywarp snickered at this prank the boy came up with. "Okay, it's all set, Skywarp." Sam replied.
"Good, now remember tomorrow I will start your private training, alright?" Skywarp reminded the boy.
"Yeah I remember and Skywarp?" Sam asked.
"Yes…."
"Thank you." Sam said as Skywarp merely nodded with a quick smile.
Skywarp returned back to the quarters he shared with Starscream and Thundercracker. "Where did you disappear too?" Starscream demanded.
"Nowhere, why?" he asked as Starscream narrowed his optics at him.
"You better not be lying to me, Skywarp." Starscream mumbled.
"Why would I lie, Screamer?" Skywarp asked lying down on his berth.
"I don't know why don't you tell me?" Starscream mumbled.
Skywarp smirked and turned over onto his side, while he tried to hold in a snicker as he thought about the prank he and Sam thought up.
He was going to pull one over on his trine mates regardless of anything else and do it with Sam's help.
(Diego Garcia – Autobot base)
Optimus, Ironhide and Ratchet watched Bumblebee pace back and forth making a sad whining sound. Optimus for his part felt to blame for the boy's disappearance, and cursed his brother up and down for it. He had been going to ask General Morshower to allow Sam to stay at the base with them. He never got the chance, because the General was so busy, and then this happened and the Autobot leader was sick about it.
Optimus used Jetfire's jets that Ratchet and Jolt had fixed; he searched all over for the boy. Optimus shared a special bond with their Sam, as did Bumblebee, and there for a while both Autobots could feel agony in their sparks. They knew at some point he was being tortured, they could feel it in their sparks. Then it just stopped and neither bot wanted to say what the other was thinking.
Optimus walked over to the fence and stared out at nothing in particular, energon tears slid down his face as his guilt hammered inside his chest.
Ratchet shook his head in despair; Ironhide glanced over at the CMO. "What….? I've seen that look before on your face plates." Ironhide said as Sideswipe and his newly arrived brother Sunstreaker rolled up.
"He is too distracted; he doesn't recharge right or barely refuels. It's like he just doesn't care anymore." Ratchet replied.
Sunstreaker frowned. "All that over a fleshy, why bother….?" Sunstreaker mumbled as out of nowhere Bumblebee hearing those words charged Sunstreaker.
Bumblebee had tackled Sunstreaker landing Sunstreaker onto his back. "TAKE IT BACK!" Bumblebee yelled.
"GET OFF ME!" snapped Sunstreaker.
"No, you take it back first, he was my boy!"Bumblebee growled using his fixed vocal processor.
"You're insane, get off me!" Sunstreaker snarled.
"BUMBLEBEE, ENOUGH…..!" Ironhide ordered as Bumblebee slowly got off of Sunstreaker.
Bumblebee was furious with Sunstreaker; the little scout's blue optics flashed brightening with fury. Sam was special to Bumblebee as well as to Optimus Prime; Optimus loved the boy like a sparkling. He had saved his life twice; he held great respect and love for the boy.
Bumblebee snarled and stalked over toward Optimus staying close to his leader.
"I miss him so badly, Optimus." whispered Bumblebee.
Optimus made a sad whining sound his optics misting once more. "Forgive me, Bumblebee; please someday forgive me for failing you." Optimus begged as he walked away from his scout his spark flaring in pain and loss.
"There was only two other times Optimus was so lost like this…." Ratchet replied.
Silence…..
"When he lost Megatron and when Elita was killed." Ironhide and Sideswipe mumbled.
"Yes…." was all Ratchet could say then.
(Optimus' POV)
I felt my spark being torn apart, that human boy was the world to me. I remembered how I have watched that human grow from awkward human to a soldier, that I was proud to call my friend. I felt my scout's optics on me as he walked up beside me his optics leaking energon as well as mine. There was a time I would never allow my emotions to show in front of my men, but I didn't care now. I felt as humans would say hollow inside like a part of my soul had been ripped apart. I had lost so much in this slagging war, Megatron, Elita, family, comrades, friends and now Sam. How much more must I lose, how much more grief must happen before it ends?
I hadn't noticed the helicopter coming; Bumblebee was gently stroking my arm making a keening sound.
It wasn't until I heard a female voice that I turned, and looked toward the ground. I saw Mikaela. I lowered my hand slowly toward her; I needed to tell her I was sorry for bringing pain into her life.
"I am sorry Mikaela for bringing pain into your life, if we weren't in your lives Sam might still be alive." I said as I couldn't help the tears that flooded down my face at that moment.
"Optimus, what are you talking about? If it weren't for you I would never have met Sam, we will find him and he will be alive." she said as she touched my face hugging me. "You died for Sam; you gave your life force to protect him. You are a true friend to him. There is no greater friend than one who is willing to lie down his life for him. Your sacrifice for Sam meant something to him, it always will no matter what happens, there will always be a part of you inside of Sam." Mikaela said to me as she kissed my cheek plates.
I could feel her tiny little hands caressing my face as my spark raced. "He loved you, Optimus." She said to me as Bumblebee moved closer making a whining sound.
Bumblebee leaned closer and Mikaela caressed my scout's face as well. "He loved you too, Bee." she replied caressing his face from my hand.
"I didn't protect him, I failed Sam and Optimus." Bumblebee whispered as energon fell from his optics.
"You could never fail me, Bumblebee." I answer softly.
"And neither one of you failed Sam, so stop thinking that, okay?" she replied.
I merely look at my scout who returns the expression; this human is stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for. It was no wonder Sam feel in love with her, she was strong, confident and full of strength. In many ways, she reminded me of Elita-1; Elita was filled with strength and she was a fierce warrior as well as a lover. I shivered as I was reminded of her, I missed her so much. It was during times of great grief when her strength was needed, but now it was a little human who was giving me strength. My thumb gently rubbing her back, my optics shuttered as she looked from me to my scout.
"We will get Sam back, I know we will." Mikaela replied with strong confidence in her voice.
"Thank you, Mikaela; I am grateful for your strength and friendship." I said.
"Anytime for you Optimus and you too Bumblebee." she replied kissing Bumblebee as well.
Her tiny human hands circled first my chest plates, and then Bumblebee's trying to make our grief and guilt melt away. "Easy guys, things will get better…I promise you." she whispered.
Silence…..
"My girlfriends and I have been searching too; we will find him we have to have faith, guys." Mikaela said.
I knew she was right, it was just having him torn from our grasp was like a mockery to me. Lennox, Epps and Graham walked up to us; I could tell Lennox wanted to address me about something.
"Yes major, what is it?" I asked.
"Optimus, Mikaela is right this is in no way your fault none of it." Lennox said.
It's funny how such small fragile creatures could have such big hearts, when they wanted to. I was touched by this show of concern that they showed my scout and myself.
"Thank you major, that means a lot to me." I replied as he nodded.
"Well, it's true I only speak the truth." Lennox answered as my spark seemed to race with less chaos at their words.
"Megatron needs to be turned into a toaster, seriously…" Epps said as I felt a smile touch my lip plates.
Epps could be rather humorous without even trying at times, I liked the human very much. But regardless of anything else my brother had taken Sam, and if Sam was alive I will get him back that I swore my honor on.
"Optimus Prime!" exclaimed a human female.
I cringed and knew who it was Judy Witwicky, Sam's femme creator and she held a bat in her hand.
"WHERE IS MEGATRON, WHAT HAS HE DONE TO OUR BOY?" she demanded. "HE BETTER RETURN OUR SON OR I AM GOING TO BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF HIM!" she yelled as Graham tried to take the bat from her. "GET OFF ME!" she snarled pushing Graham away.
As quickly as she had gotten angry, she slid to the ground in tears. "Find him, Optimus; please find my baby." she cried as Bumblebee went to her and carefully lifted her into his hands, and nuzzled her against his face.
"I give you my word we will track down Sam and find him on my honor." I said.
"Judy you can call me Judy, Optimus." she answered, as I felt my spark tighten.
Sam didn't really realize it, but his courage came from this courageous femme, she was willing to go up against Megatron with only a bat in tow. Megatron wouldn't think twice of stepping on her or using his fusion cannon. But yet this little femme didn't care, all she cared about was retrieving her youngling.
(Many hours later)
Mikaela and Sam's parents left the Autobot base, Mikaela telling Optimus and others she would keep in touch. If she saw or heard anything she would get a ride on helicopter there again, this pleasing Optimus and the others knowing she was keeping them in the loop.
Optimus and Bumblebee were becoming more and more determined to find Samuel, now that they had a newer stronger faith thanks to Mikaela and Judy.
(Soundwave's Quarters)
Sam couldn't sleep no matter how hard he had tried; he was too keyed up about training with Skywarp. He glanced at Frenzy, and then at Soundwave both were recharging. Sam frowned, he had to figure out a way to leave Soundwave's quarters without anyone onlining, as a result. He just was at a loss as to how it would be done.
Frenzy onlined as Sam was shifting to get up. "Where are you going, Sam?" Frenzy asked curiously.
"I have to go see Skywarp; he is going to teach me some extra stuff." Sam explained as the little hacker watched Sam intently.
"Really….?" Frenzy asked.
"Yes, I can't seem to pin Starscream; I feel like exactly what Megatron used to call me before weak and useless, when I can't learn something right and it frustrates me." Sam said.
"But you are not useless or weak, Sam." Frenzy remarked.
Frenzy felt bad for Sam, he remembered the old Sam. Sam with the help of that feisty human femme bested him, when they first met with Barricade. Barricade had approached the boy alone at first, and then revealed his true identity; and the boy screamed trying to run away from Barricade. That was his first mistake NEVER run or turn your back on the Decepticon hunter, he was a deadly foe to come in contact with. Frenzy noticed how different Sam's personality was now; it was almost like he was as humans would say 'Acted like a whipped dog.' His lack of confidence and defiance seemed to also bother Megatron, even though he tried to hide it. However Frenzy was still overprotective of the boy, and would show it in every way he could.
Frenzy tilted his head a look of pure concern on his face.
"But Sam, you need to recharge when all three Seekers will be training you tomorrow." Frenzy replied. "Rest now…." Frenzy said as Soundwave spoke startling both Frenzy and Sam.
"Frenzy is right, it is more logical for you to recharge, and save strength for training in the morning." Soundwave remarked in that strange monotone he always used.
"Yes sir….." Sam finally answered, as he was forced to settle down with Frenzy.
Ooooooo oooooo ooooo
Sam made sure to hurry and meet Skywarp, who was recharging in the training room.
"Skywarp, I am so sorry I couldn't get out last night." Sam replied as the jet onlined his optics, and smirked.
"I figured as much, I just stayed in here and practiced; then recharged here." Skywarp explained.
"So, you're not mad at me?" Sam asked.
Skywarp glanced down at the human, and then tilted his head. This little human really didn't have much self esteem at all, but with what Megatron had said about him before. The little human was cocky and insubordinate and mouthed off at Megatron every chance he got.
"No not a chance, you have potential like Megatron said; it just has to be properly channeled is all." Skywarp said.
Sam smiled at that, he liked when he received positive feedback. It helped him, when the others said positive things to him giving back very slowly what Sector Seven took from him.
"Can you show me some moves while we're waiting?" Sam asked.
"Alright…." Skywarp replied activating his holoform.
Sam watching Skywarp as he moved, and like before the moves were so graceful and beautiful. They never looked like battle moves when the Seekers moved it looked like dance moves. It always amazed Sam, when he watched them.
Sam took his position, and the two started sparring; Skywarp was shocked how each time he went at Sam the boy blocked each advance.
"Very good, Sam….." Skywarp replied his tone letting Sam know he was being truthful.
Neither of them realized Megatron was watching with Soundwave, Soundwave seemed pleased with the boy's progress. But whether Megatron was pleased it was hard to tell; because said mech was keeping his face plates unreadable as they watched.
Sam used Skywarp's weight against him, and when he did the jet went down once more. Skywarp chuckled then. "You're getting good…." he said.
Sam smiled, but sighed.
"It's only good when I can pin Starscream, he is really good and I need to pin him. I mean he is Megatron's second in command, Megatron wouldn't have chosen him if he wasn't the best, right?" Sam said.
"This is true, but I wouldn't tell Screamer that, he has an ego the size of this planet." Skywarp replied.
Sam grew silent then. He felt his thoughts drifting to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, he missed them especially Bumblebee. He also missed Mikaela and his family. He wanted to see them, but he also wondered what Optimus would say about him becoming a Decepticon. He lowered his gaze toward the floor; he guessed he let everyone down. His thoughts once more drifted to those of helplessness and being a loser. A silent tear ran down his face, Skywarp caught this but said nothing.
Skywarp instead decided to distract the boy by talking to him.
"I never got the chance before, but I wanted to thank you." Skywarp replied.
Sam glanced over at Skywarp looking confused.
"Thank me for what?" he asked.
"You healed me, remember?"
"Oh yeah, you were hurting I had too." Sam replied shrugging.
Sam frowned.
"I miss them…." was all Sam said.
"The Autobots…?" Skywarp asked.
"Everyone…. I used to tell Optimus all I wanted was a normal life, but I know now that will never happen. Mikaela she told me she loved me, and I loved her too. I was scared…" he admitted.
"Of what…?" Skywarp asked.
Megatron nodded to Soundwave, and Soundwave turned the intercom systems on; so they could hear the conversation.
Sam laughed, but it wasn't his usual laugh. It was a tired laugh one that Megatron was not used to hearing from the boy.
"Her leaving me, she was used to jocks; you know guys half my size. I got picked on constantly especially by her ex jock boyfriend Trent." Sam said.
Skywarp frowned.
"Did you kick his aft?" Skywarp asked.
"Guys like me, they don't kick ass; they get their asses kicked." Sam explained. "I think Megatron nailed it, when he said I was pathetic and useless." Sam remarked.
Silence…
"The only time I did anything of any importance was when I revived Optimus saving his life." Sam said.
"The Autobots and other fleshies would have said you were a hero keeping the Allspark from Megatron." Skywarp said trying to understand the boy's mental frame better.
Sam shrugged, and then his eyes turning haunted once more; this was something both Megatron and Soundwave noticed.
"At what cost, your race was screwed then at that point; I mean I single handedly messed it up. I mean what Megatron wanted was wrong, but at the same time what I did was wrong too. Our actions have consequences, and now mine seem to be catching up with me." Sam replied. "I am not a hero, if anyone is a hero it's Optimus. He doesn't like killing I know he doesn't; he wants peace and wants his brother back." Sam whispered.
Soundwave turned toward Megatron, who merely growled and snarled stalking away. Megatron had heard enough Soundwave had figured, he glanced slowly back toward Skywarp and Sam. Then he went after his leader to find where he had disappeared too.
Sam glanced over at Skywarp and shrugged.
"Do you think I am weak?" he asked the jet.
"No, I don't think you are weak, well maybe in the beginning I did. But Sam if you were weak, you wouldn't be showing some signs of wanting to fight. After everything that was done to you, you are showing signs of slight improvement." Skywarp replied as the boy searched his face realizing he was telling him the truth.
Sam out of instinct grabbed Skywarp hugging him, which suddenly shocked the jet.
"Thanks Skywarp…" Sam replied softly.
Skywarp tensed, but slowly allowed the boy to continue to hug him. Skywarp slowly slid his arms around Sam, and held the boy against him.
Ooooooo ooooo oooooo ooo oooo oooooo
Starscream and Thundercracker headed for the wash racks, as they always did before training and found Skywarp hadn't arrived. They didn't think anything about it, because he always tended to lag behind with certain things.
Thundercracker turned the water on and both he and Starscream were rewarded with florescent orange paint shooting all over them.
"What the slag is going on?" demanded Starscream in a rather screechy high pitched tone.
"Primus…! What is this glitching stuff?" Thundercracker exclaimed as the two jets got out of the wash racks just in time for Barricade, Shockwave, Soundwave and Megatron to be standing there trying to figure out what was going on now.
"SKYWARP…!" Starscream yelled screechy tone.
Ooooooo oooo ooo oooo ooo oooo oooooo
Sam and Skywarp pulled away from each other, and both started to laugh wildly. Sam put his hand up and Skywarp understand what he was waiting for. They high fived each other and went heading for the wash racks. Skywarp put Sam on his shoulder, and then they headed out to the wash racks.
"You bellowed…" Skywarp replied as Starscream's optics narrowed.
"You are behind this, aren't you?" Starscream demanded as he noticed where Sam was, but ignored it.
Megatron took notice of this as well; he also noticed the way the boy was smiling. Thundercracker saw the expression on Sam's face, and knew without a shadow of a doubt the boy was in league with Skywarp.
"The human is in on it, look at it!" Thundercracker complained pointing at Sam.
Starscream snarled, and stuck his face close to Sam's.
"Boy, you do remember the week isn't up with your training with me, right?" Starscream asked in a sinister way.
Sam's slight smile faded then, this gave Starscream a rather satisfied smug expression.
"I think the color suits you, Screamer." Skywarp mused.
"ENOUGH….!" Megatron roared. "Boy, you will repaint Starscream, and you Skywarp will repaint Thundercracker." Megatron ordered as Barricade couldn't hold back any longer.
He howled with laughter, Starscream snarled and lunged for Barricade. The two fought with each other as Megatron snarled glancing at Screamer and Cade.
"Why am I surrounded by idiots?" Megatron growled.
"Just lucky I guess." Skywarp remarked as Megatron looked at him sharply.
"What did you just say?" Megatron demanded.
Skywarp jumped then.
"Slag, did I say that out loud?" Skywarp asked, as Sam nodded.
Megatron glanced at Sam.
"You better make sure you pass your entire training boy; because soon you train with ME." Megatron snarled.
Sam nodded, but inside was a little concerned; he had to train well with the others. Megatron was a battle hardened warlord; he also could learn a lot from him.
Ooooooo oooooo ooooo Oooo ooo ooooo
Sam spent the next several hours painting Starscream, and he learned how picky the arrogant jet was. He had to make the symbols perfect, and much to his distaste Starscream wasn't about to let him nor Skywarp forget what they had pulled.
"Remember boy, paybacks a bitch." Starscream mused
Sam looked startled for a minute, but Starscream merely chuckled.
"Don't go losing your lubricants, boy." Starscream remarked.
Sam shrugged, and finished his repainting job on Starscream trying to understand the crazy narcissistic Seeker's words.
Oooooooo ooooo oooooo Oooooooo ooooo
Sam saw Barricade waving at him; the hunter knelt down to Sam's level.
"What…?" Barricade asked.
"Can I talk to you tomorrow sometime just you and me?" Sam asked.
"About what….?"
"Your war stories, you know how you became a con and all." Sam said as Barricade seemed slightly shocked at the request.
"Really…?"
"Yeah, I should have asked you while you were training me, but I didn't think about it then." Sam said honestly.
Silence…..
"Okay, I'll fit you into my busy schedule." the hunter said with a smirk.
"Thanks, Cade." Sam said heading for the training room with the Seekers.
Barricade couldn't help but be slightly impressed, whether the human realized it or not he was changing. He wondered how long it would last however, if it would stay intact or fade away. The boy's mood swings and attitude switched like the wind, which was no doubt due to his capture, and imprisonment with Sector Seven.
It was apparent that Skywarp found a soft spark for the boy, but then some of the Seeker's were known to be soft sparks. However he had to admit the human was growing on him as well, he dare he think it felt sorry for the boy. He wouldn't wish that fate even on an Autobot what Sam and Frenzy went through, but one thing was certain those insects would pay. Cons protect their own and when not one by two of their own were directly misused the wrath of their leader would be swift and deadly.
(Second to the last day of the Seekers training week)
Sam walked into the Training room, and found no one but Starscream in the room. He felt rather nervous knowing that he was facing Starscream today, but he knew he had the extra training under his belt.
"Are you ready, boy?" Starscream asked in a snarky tone.
"Yes sir…" Sam replied.
Starscream didn't wait, he went into his moves; but to his amazement Sam was ready for him. Sam flipped up into the air, moving his body exactly how the Seekers had shown him. He landed perfectly on his feet, swinging his leg under the cocky jet's holoform legs knocking him off balance.
Starscream was able to stop him from pinning him, but Sam was up and moving first. He did the stance like Skywarp had shown him in their private training; Starscream was quick to pick up this particular stance.
"That's Skywarp's own signature stance that only he uses in battle, how'd you learn that one?" Starscream asked.
Sam merely smiled.
"He's been teaching you on the side, hasn't he?" Starscream demanded.
Sam tried to stop smiling, but the look on Starscream's face was just too funny.
"He came to you for the prank, you agreed in exchange for him helping you to take me down?" Starscream asked as a frown hit his face. "Well boy, let's see how you are, when the kid gloves come off." Starscream growled, as he went after Sam using harder moves he never showed Sam.
Sam realized he could counter each move with the ones Skywarp showed him. He didn't hesitate once; he flipped over Starscream, using his feet to wrap around Starscream's waist taking him down.
"GET OFF ME!" Starscream snarled pushing Sam off of his body.
Sam flipped up and against the wall, using it as leverage he pushed his legs away, and once more wrapped his legs around the cocky jet. Only this time, he snagged a pin on the jet.
Starscream hated to admit the fleshling got one over on him, but he did. Oh and of course the cocky jet took the credit for Sam being so well trained.
"Very good, I am not a bad teacher, am I boy?" Starscream replied as Sam merely smirked.
"If you say so, but Skywarp and Thundercracker taught me too." Sam replied as Starscream growled.
"Who taught you boy?" Starscream demanded.
Sam was ready to open his mouth, when Starscream gave him THAT look, making the boy think twice about saying what he was going to say.
"Yes okay, you're a wonderful teacher." Sam finally said, as he gave the jet a quick hug. "Thanks Starscream….." Sam said.
"Why do you human insist on being so touchy feely, it's disgusting." mumbled Starscream.
"What would you rather I do?" Sam asked tilting his head.
"I don't know, boy…." Starscream mumbled as Sam punched him in the arm.
"Better….." Sam asked as Starscream narrowed his eyes at him.
"No, it is not better!" Starscream grumbled.
"Rub some dirt on it, suck it up and be a man." Sam finally said.
Starscream shook his head; he hated to admit this human was starting to grow on him. He saw Sam flinch as the boy's smile faded.
"Sorry….." Sam said as he turned away from Starscream, who balked at the boy's actions once more.
Starscream found himself wanting to get the boy to loosen up; this slagging pity fest always reared its ugly head sooner or later. And he was growing tired of it. The boy had the makings to be a good warrior, but he lacked the ego to pull it off.
"You deserve a night out with me as a reward of sorts." Starscream mused.
Sam looked at Starscream not fully sure, if he understood what he was saying.
"We're going to do something together?" Sam asked.
Silence…
"Yes, I will use my holoform, and take you to what you humans call a nightclub." Starscream said smugly.
Sam frowned then.
"What's wrong?" Starscream asked in an odd tone.
"Well, you should lose the actor holoform; it will attract too much attention to us." Sam advised.
Starscream rolled his eyes.
"Whatever….."
"Can you sing?" Sam asked.
"I can do anything, I am Starscream Wing Lord to the Seekers!" he stated firmly and in the most ostentatious way.
"Okay, just asking." Sam said.
Silence…
"So, when are we going out clubbing?" Sam asked.
"Tomorrow and make sure you are ready by six sharp….. I must go give Megatron a report on your progress now." Starscream replied.
"Hey where's Barricade?" Sam asked.
"His quarters I would assume, why…?" Starscream asked.
"I wanted to talk to him." Sam said, as the jet nodded. "Am I excused now?" Sam asked.
"Yes….." Starscream answered, as he watched the boy leaving the training room.
(Megatron's quarters)
Starscream walked into Megatron's quarters without knocking, which caused Megatron to snarl at him.
"Do you ever knock?" Megatron snapped.
"My apologies, Lord Megatron I bring news of the boy's training." Starscream said.
"Very well, how is he doing?" Megatron asked, as Starscream handed him the datapad.
Megatron scanned the datapad, and appeared pleased by the progress he was making.
"So, he took you down, that is quite amusing." Megatron replied.
"Yes Master, I suppose you would see it that way." mumbled Starscream. "He has gotten quite better."
"Where is the boy now?" Megatron asked.
"He went to talk to Barricade; I believe he wants to ask him questions battle techniques and war stories. He asked me questions as well; he seemed to really be interested in what I had to say." Starscream said. "Although he seemed cringe worthy when I mentioned killing of Autobots, he still has a soft spot for them it would seem." Starscream replied sourly.
Megatron growled then.
"I do not understand how my slagging noble and weak minded brother could allow the boy to be taken by those insects." Megatron snarled.
"Perhaps, he truly didn't know what happened to the boy, we were under the same impression that the Sector Seven insects were disbanded. Optimus Prime had insisted they be disbanded; it would seem the human flesh bags will do as they please no matter what." Starscream remarked with a sneer.
"The boy had been here for a long time, he has shown great strides I do not want this to be interfered with." Megatron replied.
"Yes master, I understand." Starscream replied.
"You had better understand, Starscream." Megatron replied.
Starscream almost snarled back at Megatron, but held his processors.
"I want the boy trained in weapons next week." Megatron ordered.
"Yes Master…" Starscream replied.
"Shockwave and Barricade can train the boy in weapons; I want him ready to train with me." Megatron replied.
"Yes master, understood." Starscream answered, his optics brightening slightly as he bowed his head.
(Barricade's quarters)
Sam knocked on the door.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"It's Sam, got a minute."
The door opened and Sam walked into the darkened room, where Barricade's optics glowed eerily in the dark. Sam glanced up at Barricade, and then smiled uneasily at the intimidating Decepticon.
"Hey Cade…." Sam replied as Barricade sat up.
"Ladiesman217…..What can I do for you?" the Con asked.
"Sam…it's Sam."
"Yeah, I know, what do you want?" he chuckled.
"I was hoping you could tell me your war stories and how you became a Con." Sam said, with a hopeful look in his eyes.
He sighed.
"Very well, the truth I suppose you want?" he asked sarcastically.
"Yeah sure of course, why not…?" Sam asked, as he used the wall to do a flip to get up onto the berth to sit with Barricade.
"You learned that from the Seekers, didn't you?" he asked.
"Yeah, I took down Starscream in a pin." Sam replied.
"Slagging time, he got put in his place." Barricade remarked.
Silence…
"You know, I use to be neutral right?" Barricade asked.
"No not really, I figured you were always friends with some of the Cons." Sam said as Barricade snorted.
"No, the bug and I were friends for a long time; we used to drag race a lot on Cybertron. We used to have a slagging blast seeing who could beat the other's record in racing….." Barricade replied.
"Who would win?" Sam asked.
"It was always a tie; we could both win the same amount of races. The bug is fast and even faster as a Earth vehicle Camaro, that's for sure." Barricade said his voice went low for a minute as he thought of Bumblebee.
But as fast as it came, it left and Sam noticed it but said nothing. He knew Decepticons were not like Autobots, they didn't want others to see emotions that might show any kind of weakness in them.
"So, Megatron singled you out for his spy?" Sam asked.
"The correct term is Scout just like your Autobot guardian; though I do prefer Hunter against the term Scout." Barricade replied.
Sam sat on the berth, and listened as Barricade told him about how he had single handedly ripped apart the lives of a dozen or more Autobots. The boy was pale after the details of that, the Con glanced at him and smirked.
"You know, since the beginning of this slagging war no one has been able to kill Optimus Prime; except of course when Megatron got him in the back." Barricade replied as Sam cringed.
"Can we change the subject please?" Sam asked.
"Still care about the Autobots, do you?" Barricade asked.
"Yes, they are my friends; they had no idea about what happened to me. They were under the impression Sector Seven was disbanded, besides they probably are under the impression you guys took me." Sam remarked.
"Yeah well, technically this time we didn't we are trying to help you." Barricade answered.
"I know that you are…." Sam replied glancing up, as he yawned and stretched.
Sam stretched out on the berth, Barricade watched as the human fell into recharge. Barricade narrowed his eyes, and growled, because he was finding he was forming some sort of slagging attachment to the human. He hated that. He grumbled as he cast a glance at the recharging boy, this boy was making him think of things, he hadn't thought of before and that slagging bug!