Hammerhead.
Warnings: Violence, bad language, gore and possibly some sex.
"Through this doorway what's on the other side, never knowing exactly what I'll find, locked and loaded, voices screaming: let's go, come on do it, here we go!" – Hammerhead, the Offspring.
Timing: Post season 2 finale, set few weeks after Beauty of the Beast in my very own BotB Prime Timeline (due to ending of the series and because the first chapter was posted before the last season was aired).
Rating: M (alternative – if there will be any – or extended chapters will go MA and will be available on my Tumblr account, the address is available on my profile page).
Pairings: Megatron and June, Bumblebee and Miko, maybe some Shockwave and Arcee.
Disclaimer: Transformers Prime © Hasbro. Story's plot and OC's © me. There may be some OC's that aren't mine – they belong to their respective creators.
Spellcheck performed by Monstrous-hourglass of dA.
We didn't start the fire.
(…)
We didn't start the fire,
It was always burning,
Since the world's been turning,
We didn't start the fire,
No, we didn't light it,
But we tried to fight it. (…) – "We Didn't Start the Fire" Billy Joel
oOo
The moment Megatron disappeared in the Groundbridge and the vortex closed behind him, everyone focused their attention on June and the clamour began. Everyone was talking at the same time, picking up the same general theme of 'Just what in the name was that?'
Only five individuals didn't talk over each other. Optimus and Ratchet knew what it was, Jack was still digesting what he saw, Miko was giggling and June was just standing quietly in place with smirk plastered to her face.
After a full five minutes of the hubbub Ratchet lost his patience. "Alright, enough already cut the bedlam!" But no one paid him any attention. The Medic considered throwing a wrench for a moment, but who was he supposed to aim at? There was only one thing he could do. "I SAID ENOUGH!"
Everyone stopped and stared at Ratchet who uttered the mighty roar. It wasn't like him, but then he had five Cybertronians and one human to over – shout.
"Thank you Ratchet. Optimus quickly stepped in before the kerfuffle started anew. "While I understand your consternation and disorientation, your loud behaviour won't help to produce any answers."
"Optimus, really, this situation is truly appalling." Arcee was the first to speak. "How can we remain calm when something like this happens and knocks us sideways. How can you be so calm facing something like this?"
"I do understand what you mean, Arcee, but there is no need for excitement right now." Optimus remained stoic but his soldiers were clearly uneasy. "Both Ratchet and I knew about Megatron's evidently mutual attraction to June."
"You did? And you allowed it to happen? Didn't even warn us?" Smokescreen looked thunderstruck. His optics grew larger and his lip plates were slightly agape.
"As much as I wanted to, I promised Megatron not to say anything." Optimus explained his patience firm and inviolate. "He expressed desire to reveal his feeling for June to her by himself."
"Why didn't you stop June from seeing him?" Arcee wouldn't give up.
"Because June wanted to see him as well and neither of us has the right to interfere with emotional lives of others, especially if they didn't asked us to." Optimus face was still stoic but there was slight sign of disappointment in his voice. "Arcee, both June and Megatron are adults and are able to make decisions of their own. I spoke with Megatron to be sure about his intentions toward June. From what he said, he doesn't plan to hurt June in any way; he made it clear that he craves for stabilisation in his private life."
"Fine. Let's say I believe the old Bu… "Wheeljack halted in midsentence and eyed June. She might just ignore it, but there was a chance that she wouldn't and Wheeljack didn't want to end on the woman's receiving end. "I mean, Megatron could use it to his advantage. Think of the security breach."
"I already considered this and there is no threat. This place is only temporary setup and the new one will only be reachable with Groundbridge. Also there is no danger of Megatron turning June to his spy. First of all he wouldn't try to, knowing that there would be danger that it could cause her to reject him. And it would cause her to reject him because it would endanger her only son, who is our ally."
"So, Commander, you say that Megatron won't be able to track June thanks to the Groundbridge and there is no way he could talk June into spying for him?" Wheeljack tapped his chin. "But what about this base? I mean she lives here now."
"That is only temporary, she will move to the near town where the military hospital is set, where she will be an intern1]." This time it was Fowler who spoke, the man was still a bit shaken by the event, but he managed to overcome his shock. "After she graduates from medical school that is."
"So, this sets it, doesn't it?" Bulkhead scratched his helm.
"I still feel uneasy about the idea." Smokescreen shook his head. "I mean, it is ol' Megs."
"At least now Ratchet's comments make more sense." Raf blushed fiercely, he could know already where babies come from, the idea of adults doing 'IT' was alien to him, even though he was 13 already.
"You know, you never actually translated them, Raf." Miko stopped grinning like a maniac and focused on her younger friend.
"And I won't." Raf shook his head trying to get rid of mental images that Ratchet's comments gave him.
"Uuuh, I smell something naughty!" Miko's laughter turned darker.
"Don't traumatize our resident hacker, Miko." Wheeljack grinned; unlike Miko he understood Ratchet's comments. "We need the kid's mind in working order."
"Sure thing, 'Jackie!" Miko only waved her hand. "Besides, he's already traumatized by Ratchet."
"I fear more about Jack's sanity at the moment." Arcee gave her partner a concerned look.
"Oh, yeah, he looks like he had a glitch." Smokescreen didn't seem worried, at least not by much. "Do humans glitch?"
"Not exactly, they can be flabbergasted though." Arcee was still observing Jack, who was simply staring at his mother without a word. It seemed that he was still processing the entire situation, though he just might went catatonic.
June herself was just standing there silently, observing the situation and taking everything very calmly. At least on the outside. On the inside her mind divided into two halves. One was the usual, responsible June who avoided any risks or adventures at any cost. The other one was, well… The other one was giggling like a school girl who pulled some naughty prank.
At last Jack's mind surfaced from the depths of this forced in suspension and allowed the poor teenager to react, it wasn't much though, shock still holding him fast.
"MUM!" He whined while piercing his mother with a stare filled with incomprehension.
June forced her more composed part to take over; her son was distressed after all. "Jack, please, calm down, everything is fine." She said in hopes to comfort him.
"Muuuum." This time it was lengthier whine.
"I know it was a shock, but really, all is good." She exclaimed while the giggling part was urging her to lick her lips to see if there was any taste of Megatron left on them, and fast before it evaporates.
"What were you thinking, mum, he's the enemy!" Jack managed to regain his ability to construct full and intelligible sentences.
"Now, Jack, I won't have you speaking this tone to me." June the mother was back, though she was now itching to lick her lips.
"Though I would like to know why." This time it was Ratchet. "I knew about this whole situation, but I don't even pretend to understand your motives or attraction to Megatron."
June considered telling Ratchet that it was none of his business, but then she remembered that the mech was simply worried, about her, his teammates and the children (though they weren't as much of children anymore, maybe Raf could be still considered a child, but not for long).
"First of all he was the very first in a very long time to consider me a woman first and secondly a mother. To the rest of you, even to Agent Fowler, I was 'Jack's Mother' then a Nurse, and then a woman.2]" She said with serious tone. "True, I didn't help you to view me as anything else, but it was a nice change when someone actually treated me as something more than an addition to my son."
"June, we didn't realize you were feeling underestimated." Optimus felt a pang of guilt. They really treated June as someone who was just part of having Jack there, and occasional medical support. He and Elita-1 didn't have any offspring but he was sure than while his mate would be a great Carrier, she would be furious if someone would treat her as just as that and nothing more. Elita was a femme and she liked everyone to remember that (or else there would be consequences), it was logical that June appreciated it as well.
"I didn't felt underestimated, Optimus, being single mother and a nurse is quite an achievement, but it is just part of what I am." June shrugged slightly; it was all so very much complicated. "I know that it dominated my life, in fact I was just that for most of my life, rarely anyone ever reminded me that I was anything more." June sighed. "When Megatron kidnapped me, he said that he was curious just what kind of a person was able to raise Jack to remind you in so many aspects. He was curious about me and what kind of a person I was. I was scared back then, and at first I was glad that he let me go, but the experience and the way Megatron treated me, talked to me, made me realize that I am an independent being, not just an addition to someone."
"I believe that your commitment and sober mind were what impressed Megatron." Optimus had to admit that Megatron was good judge of character, he was able to tell June's worth. "He is a very practical mech, he does appreciate those who are able to manage difficult situations, he especially value responsibility and resourcefulness. You represent all this."
"Thank you Optimus." June suddenly felt shy; she wasn't used to being praised.
"Yeah. Plus, the guy has it bad." Added Miko with very wide grin. "I mean, have you seen his face?"
"You were watching Megatron talking to June? Like spying?" Raf jaw went slack, Bumblebee beeped in a very unhappy way not being comfortable with Miko observing other mechs.
"I took a glance or two. I mean, Ms D was spending all her time here visiting Ol' Megs, I had a feeling there was something to it so I decided to watch and see what it was all about." Miko's grin diminished but stayed firmly plastered to her face. "All I needed was confirmation of my theory, and who would've known? I was right! The Old Buckethead, sorry Ms D, had his glims all over her! 3]"
"MUM!" Jack almost cried.
"Relax, Jack!" Miko patted his shoulder. "Nothing you can do. Besides, maybe it won't be that bad."
Jack looked at Miko with pure surprise and then again at his mother. "Muuuum!" He was close to panic now.
"Jack, calm down." June came closer to her son and put her hands on his shoulders in calming gesture. "It's not the end of the world, and no one is forcing you to like Megatron. He didn't even ask me to date him, so you have no reason to panic."
"Though he probably will very soon." Miko jabbed Jack with her elbow.
"Miko, you're not helping." June glared at the girl.
"But it's true. Jack may as well accept it before it happens." Miko just shrugged.
"Neither of us have any love for Megatron." Optimus boomed from where he stood few paces from the catwalk. "But I firmly believe that it may be for the better. Having someone to care for may actually do Megatron much good and change his way of thinking."
"You don't know that, Prime." Wheeljack stirred his winglets in annoyance.
"Yes I do."
"Really?" Wheeljack almost bristled part of his armour.
"Really." Optimus allowed himself to sound slightly more gruffly than usually.
Wheeljack was about to retort in the same manner but he received a short text message from Miko, who in turn received one from Bumblebee; which caused the mech to bite his glossa. "I'm sorry Prime, I forgot about her." He said in instead.
"It is alright. You had no way of knowing, not many can remember that I am bonded, even less knows that she is still alive."
"She? Of what are you talking about Prime?" Fowler's face expressed utter confusion.
"Optimus' consort." Ratchet said with unusual calmness to his voice.
"Having a mate changes one's view." Continued Prime. "I have my bonded, but Megatron is alone. He has no one, neither bonded nor living relatives."
"He has Soundwave." Raf pointed out. "Isn't he Megatron's best friend?"
"He is Megatron's most trusted follower; I do not know if Megatron sees him as friend, it is possible since they both were Gladiators. Perhaps they're even Brothers in Arms, but they're also Decepticons. Megatron may see Soundwave as friend and trust him, but Decepticons prefer to keep distance to each other and cultivate rather cold relationships. I know that he is fond of Soundwave and wouldn't allow his trusted follower to be harmed if he could prevent it, so would Soundwave, but Decepticons don't show their feelings openly toward each other as they see it as a sign of weakness." Optimus patiently explained Decepticon ethos. "They only seek comfort and reassurance in their relatives or mates, and they only show it to them."
"So, basically, when you're a 'Con, it means that 'This is Spartaaaaa!'?" Asked Miko.
"It's a phrase from a movie." Bulkhead said quickly seeing Optimus' confused stare. "It basically means that you have to be though, that it isn't the place or time for being soft."
"Then yes, it is just so. I have you, my team and Elita-1, but Megatron has no one. He can't go to Soundwave, and he has no family left." Optimus shook his head sadly. "Megatron is a power hungry Decepticon Overlord, but he is also just a single mech with an entire faction to lead and a war resting heavily on his shoulders, it has to be hard for him and he works that out by increasing his aggression and lashing out on others. If he had someone to talk to, to seek comfort in them, find tranquillity with, it would do him a lot of good. I do not fool myself that he would instantly call for peace, but I believe he would act less violently to everyone."
At this moment everyone focused on June again as they recalled just how gentle Megatron was with her. There was a chance that Optimus was right.
oOo
At the same time on Nemesis.
The blue and green swirl cast eerie light on the floor and walls of the dark room and single form emerged from its centre. The moment the figure stomped out of it, the vortex disappeared without a trace.
There were two figures inside of the room, one rather uneasy and the other perfectly calm. Both noticed arrival of the third individual and straightened instantly.
"Lord Megatron, it took you a while!" Starscream exclaimed as his wings twitched with nervousness.
"I had to bid my farewells." Answered the Tyrant. "I expect that you managed to keep order in my base."
"Yes, Master, we had no trouble." The Seeker seemed too nervous so Megatron shot him an angry glare. "Except for few incidents, but it was nothing serious, just few Insecticons getting bored." This was met with risen optic brow. Last time Insecticons got themselves involved with 'incident' Knockout came to complain. 4] "Nothing bad, really, all is under control."
Megatron gave the second mech questioning look.
"It was just few pranks, my Liege." Knockout winced slightly remembering the banana cream pie incident, but confirmed Starscream's words. "They were punished accordingly."
"Punished?" Megatron turned his gaze back to Starscream.
"They are currently cleaning Nemesis' hull, Master." Starscream smiled weakly. "It keeps them occupied. After they're done, they will clean all corridors, brig, mess hall and common use facilities such as wash racks and waste disposal rooms. It was Soundwave's idea actually."
"What exactly they did?" Megatron hid his surprise with a snarl.
"Ah, they, uh…" Starscream squirmed under Warlord's hard glare. "There is no point in hiding it, Soundwave will provide you with detailed report, I am sure." The jet-former vented heavy sigh. "They wielded one of them to the ceiling by his aft; he in turn welded the faceplates of one of them to the aft of the other one… And then things went more spectacular.5]"
"More spectacular you say?" Megatron grinned, now he didn't hide his amusement. He hoped that Soundwave will include footage in his detailed report. "You certainly weren't bored then."
"My Liege, why won't you lay on the berth and I will give you evaluation?" Knockout interjected. "We will see if the Autobot Medic's repairs are healing as well as he claims."
Megatron glared at Knockout but climbed on the medical berth while wincing as his welds stung in protest of being stretched, but said nothing. Knockout produced his medical scanner and proceeded with checking out his Master's vitals, scanning for repair traces and everything else he could think of. It took a while before Knockout read all the results and then downloaded them to the computer to compare them with Megatron's previous scan.
The results were a bit off, energon level was good, EM field strong and sparkpulse even. But the Decepticon Medic noted the welding marks and the extent of the repairs and had to take a double take. This was huge. He suddenly realised just how serious Megatron's state was and just in how much pain the Warlord had to be after being shot at.
"What is it, Knockout?" Starscream noticed Knockout's stunned face.
"I will have to contact Autobots and ask their Medic to send me copies of his medical files regarding Lord Megatron" He said flatly.
"Why?" This time it was Megatron.
"Because I have never seen a mech with such extent damage making it alive and walking so fast after being shot at." The Medic explained. "Though I suspect that the Dark Energon made a huge difference, I also can't believe that you are on your feet so fast, my Liege. It is amazing, especially that the repair marks are still visible but almost healed over."
"So, what is your diagnosis, Doctor?" Megatron pierced Knockout with impatient stare. "How are my repairs?"
"They are excellent, my Liege," answered Knockout. "But you're unfit for any strenuous activity for a few more days. If you do not follow through it will slow the healing process or even rupture your welds; you should avoid putting any strain on yourself, and certainly no transforming for now."
"Anything that I do not know about already?"
"No, Lord Megatron. A light 'duty' would be the best option, until you recover fully. Nothing much, just spend some time sitting on your throne reading reports."
"Very well." Megatron slowly stepped off the berth. "Anything else?"
"No my Liege." Knockout bowed his head.
"Good. Starscream!" Megatron moved his attention on his SIC. "You've heard Autobots; we are to send a few mixed patrols to seek for M.E.C.H. We will have five, maybe four Autobots to deal with so find me four to five mech that won't start any brawls with the Autobots and that Autobots will be able to accept as temporary partners. You have time until tomorrow morning."
"Yes Master." Starscream bowed and placed his right servo over his spark chamber. Megatron noticed that for some odd reason Starscream seemed relieved.
"My Liege." Knockout started shyly. "I advise you to clean yourself to get rid of the sand and marks on your armour. Also… "Knockout gave Megatron small polishing rag. "You may want to use this now."
Megatron carefully took the rag. "What's this?" He asked with confusion.
"To, uh, to remove that lipstick mark made by your organic… friend, from you lip plates, my Liege. " Sputtered Knockout.
Megatron bared his denta and before Knockout knew the mech was in his face with fury in his optics.
"My Liege, I'm not saying anything, just giving you a polishing rag." The Medic felt that he was about to panic, or leak transmission fluid.
Megatron growled but left Knockout alone, then turned to Starscream. "By tomorrow morning I want to have complete list of possible patrol matched for every Autobot." And with that the Warmonger was out, making his slow way to his personal quarters.
As the door slide close behind Megatron, both Knockout and Starscream gave each other hard stare. Starscream started first.
"How do you know it was organic lipstick?"
"Because I had it on my scanner and because Cybertronian femmes never use organic lipstick." Came the answer.
"Who do you think it was?" Starscream seemed genuinely confused by entire situation.
"I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find sooner or later." Knockout shrugged. "Anyway, any chances I could call the Autobots?"
"Go to the command centre and call them, Soundwave or whoever is on duty will give you security clearance." Starscream lost any interest and left the medical bay, he had more important things to do than just stand there idly and chat.
TBC
Last chapter was a killer! It was two week worth of typing my head (and other body parts) off. No more! Next time I will simply cut the chapter into two or even three parts and be done with it. Sorry guys, I know you prefer longer chapters but it's just too much for me, they will have to be shorter. But even then, they will be written with love. 3
Also, the next chapter may be shorter; it will be sort of a transition from talking and planning to acting.
1] Intern is US term for doctor in training; the UK equivalent is a houseman/housewoman, while Australian is resident. Normally I prefer British spelling and terms over American or Australian (because in school I was taught British English, though through the years I caught quite a lot of American vocabulary), but since June is an American and lives in US, she will be called an Intern, this will be her occupation.
2] In my Fic Fowler is still married, not divorced like in the show.
3] Slang for eyes, I learned it reading Glen Cook's "Petty Pewter Gods", original line goes: "Lay your glims on this bimbo! Hooters deluxe!" and is spoken by a parrot that was taught very naughty language.
Miko strikes me as the kind of a person who likes slang.
4] Season 2 ep. 16 "Hurt".
5] Chapters: 14 "July Morning", 17 "Hush, hush", 19 "Turn from Green to Red".