Notes: So... It looks like updates are gonna be pretty random.
Chapter 3
Optimus turned to face three equally baffled mechs. Ironhide, Prowl, and Jazz stared back silently.
Megatron and Starscream worked together to list their demands. Even when the seeker would deliberately change something the Decepticon leader said, the two didn't argue. In fact, Megatron just let it happen, not correcting the other con's alterations.
It's Jazz who breaks the silence.
"They expect us to provide three cubes of energon for each Decepticon, and we're supposed to trust that any extra we send will be given to Gears." He sums up, tilting his helm. "What do they take us for?"
"Well, I say we set up a good ol' fashioned jailbreak. We've done it before." Ironhide interjects raising a fist to the now dark monitor.
Prowl shakes his helm, crossing his arms.
"The Decepticons have fortified their base and have upgraded their security. Jazz and Mirage haven't been able to get inside for a month now." The tactician mutters.
Jazz reluctantly agrees with a solemn nod.
Prime does his best not to sigh, the human action a habit most bots on the Ark have taken a liking to, himself included.
Three energon cubes per Decepticon every week isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, but the fact that offering more couldn't secure the return of Gears was strange.
What's even more strange were the small comments Starscream kept making. Things like:
If you ever cared for the minibot-
Not that Gears was much safer with you-
Couldn't even see what you lost-
Not that you elitists would know the value of a good mech-
The Autobots had not stood with the elitists for millions of stellarcycles now. Most had died off or changed their tune after the war effectively placed most bots on equal footing.
And the implications that they didn't care for one of their own were odd. Normally the Decepticons openly berated Optimus for being too softsparked and caring. The change is as frightening as it is fascinating.
"At least they promised proof of life." The semi-truck relents, "And as long as we can provide fuel, they said they would leave the humans be. This is the closest our factions have been to a truce since the beginning of the war."
"We can't trust those turkeys ta keep their word. They've broken the rules of every honor based law they have ever proposed since we landed on this planet!" Ironhide insists, looking to his fellow officers for support.
Jazz shrugs and nods, so who knows what that's supposed to mean.
Prowl seems to be too deep in thought to answer the red mech.
Prime's reluctance to sigh is forgotten, and he lets his posture relax slightly as he allows his vents expel air.
"We will take precautions of course. Have a team keep watch over the Decepticon base. Cosmos and the arielbots will keep an eye on the skies. Omega Supreme with stay close to the Ark. We'll think of proper questions only Gears knows the answers to." The Autobot leader says, trying to calm the three mechs.
Will the Cons break this deal they themselves pit forth? Probably.
"In the meantime, we will formulate a plan of attack should the Decepticons fall out of line." Prime finishes.
His officers finally seem to relax.
Too many times have they had to sit back and follow Megatron's petty commands in order to avoid casualties. At least now they could be doing something useful while they wait for their enemies to slip up and reveal their true intent.
Whatever the Decepticons were planning this time, they're obviously wanting to take their time with it. Time the Autobots will exploit to the fullest.