Hello Dear Readers, here is the next installment of Freedom! Just as a note, the one-shots now has 8 chapters, so if anyone wants more of the characters while I'm writing, feel free to head over there!
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers; LoveToBake, Akari. Wolf. Princess, ImpartingAbyss, TomRiddlesTwin, and lostariel0716
Chapter 48
Another day passed before Erin was allowed to leave the med bay. Prime interrogated her for details on her brief encounter with Starscream. She had to explain every decision she made and justify each injury that was obtained. He wanted to know everything about her connections with Division and her role within the organization. Jazz, helpfully, dissuaded him from going too deep in her assassination record, seeing how it wouldn't benefit him to know.
Erin was also ordered to explain how she got past Prowl's security protocols. Erin didn't have a great understanding of all the tools used but got the basics. The programs she downloaded into various devices would loop users away unless a key was presented. The user wouldn't even be aware of the program. The mechs seemed perplexed that humans were able to beat them on that level, but Erin had a simple explanation. Prowl didn't find anything because he was not looking for it.
The meaning behind her words was clear; he was overconfident and she exploited that. The mech angrily explained he had Sideswipe look into it as well. But what Erin had to explain was that Sideswipe wasn't given enough information. He didn't know what to look for. As she explained, the code couldn't be found by just scanning for it.
The answer failed to satisfy the mech, but Prime decided to move on since Erin said all she could on the matter. He then made her compose a message for both the 'cons and her Division connections. Erin lacked a direct link to the former, and she had no way of knowing which of her allies were still alive, let alone in contact with Starscream. She sent messages to 25 and 14. 25 would have taken over organizing their allies and Division's resources, should their attack have been successful. 14 was crazy enough to maintain contact with the 'cons.
The messages were simple. For 25, requesting a status update. Erin wrote the message in code so it didn't sound dictated and Prime used the decoder she had provided to check. Of course, since she never reported her condition, 25 would suspect something was off and hopefully understand she was compromised. Erin didn't do it to trick Prime but feared 25 would bring up Franky in a response. She'd decided not to tell the Autobots about him. 25 would know better than to discuss an ally when someone else was eavesdropping.
The message for 14 reported that Jazz was under close medical supervision. In it, Erin explained Ratchet had some kind of 'breakthrough' with the All Spark and it was advisable to let him continue studying it. Prime also provided some falsified reports on Autobot movements to appease Starscream and keep Erin in his good graces. He wanted her to request information from the 'cons, such as numbers and firepower. Erin thought it was a risky idea since Starscream's faith in her was fragile. Luckily, Jazz agreed.
With business done, for the time being, Erin was left to Ratchet's mercy. Even her newest defender Jazz left. She endured every scan imaginable, which caused anything from a light buzzing in her bones to nearly making Erin pass out. He paid particular attention to her right arm where the band was. It seemed her motor function was fine, but he was concerned about the long-term effects. Ratchet also tested the speed of her healing by cutting her hand. Though the wound was shallow, it only took a second for the bleeding to stop.
Ratchet theorized the All Spark was not healing her like it would a Cybertronian, but treating her like a host to be kept online. He just didn't understand why.
With that terrifying moment past, she was finally allowed to leave.
The moment Erin opened the door, she was met by two mechs. Sideswipe scooped her up and held her in a form of a hug. Erin was too tired to protest. Besides, it was kind of nice, though she wished her feet weren't dangling.
"I'm glad to see you too." She managed to mumble with her face was pressed against his armor.
"I thought you would never get out of there." The mech whined as he gave her one last gentle squeeze before placing her back on solid ground.
"I'm only allowed out because Ratchet is somewhat certain I won't explode." She joked lightly.
Sunstreaker huffed at her, "That's not funny squishy."
"It'll be fine." She tried to reassure the yellow mech. "I'm alive, and that's more than I could have asked for. And since I am out of the med bay, why don't we find someplace to talk."
A knowing look crossed the pair's faceplates. Sunstreaker kept his emotions well hidden, but Sideswipe's anticipation and concern were obvious.
"Sure thing Rin." The silver mech said as he led her across the hall.
They ended up in the twin's berthroom. Sideswipe helped Erin onto his berth but didn't plop himself down next to her as usual. Both mechs seemed to be waiting for her to say something.
Fine, she was the one who instigated things in the first place, and they had been patient for her. But the woman had no idea what she was supposed to say. "Sorry for putting this off so long, but we need to talk." She started awkwardly. This wasn't exactly a conversation she thought she'd get to have.
Sunstreaker didn't hesitate to jump straight to the point. "Do you want to be mates or not?"
Sideswipe gave his brother a sideways glance, "Have some tact mech, let her speak."
"No, he's right. I've been putting things off." Erin admitted. "Yes, I want a relationship, but I don't know what's possible or practical between us."
Sideswipe finally seated himself next to Erin and smiled. "We can figure that out together." His words were gentle.
"I haven't had a successful relationship yet. Or a healthy one." She added. Erin might not be able to give the twins the entire truth, but she could be as honest as possible.
"We don't have the best track record either." He replied, sounding regretful. "But, we're already friends, so we should think of this as the next logical step." With less hesitation than earlier that day, he wrapped a servo around Erin's shoulders. The contact was reassuring.
The idea of being with the twins was alluring. Their friendship alone was coveted by her, one of the few living interactions she has been able to positively cultivate. However, Erin needed to be sure the twins, Sideswipe especially, had thought things through. "You do realize I'm only going to live a fraction of your lifetime, right?"
Sunstreaker grunted and sat on Erin's other side. "And we could be cut down any cycle now." He retorted. "This war has taken practically our entire species. Time doesn't matter that much in retrospect."
"Even though I will age faster?" she pressed.
"That's something to figure out in the future." Sideswipe stated diplomatically. "But I don't want to regret how we're living now."
Sunstreaker placed his servo at Erin's back. "Are you bothered by it?"
"Not if you aren't." She replied truthfully. That earned her a gentle squeeze from the yellow mech.
"Do you have any problems with us being inorganic?" He continued.
That surprised Erin. That had never crossed her mind that they'd be worried about what she thought of them being mechanical. After all, the Cybertronians weren't too secretive with their superiority complex. "Do you think I would?" she countered.
"Answer the question, femme."
Sunstreaker's serious tone made Erin smile. "I have no problems with it." If anything, their metallic frames looked to be hand sculpted; in a way they were. "And you don't mind that I'm organic?"
"I kissed you, didn't I?" he stated flatly.
She narrowed her eyes. "Answer the question, mech."
He grinned at that, though it was subtle. Instead of saying anything, he got off the berth. Erin only missed the contact for a moment before his faceplates were inches from her. "This should be enough of an answer." He whispered- the sound only reaching her ears thanks to the short distance- before sealing any other words with a kiss.
Erin immediately gripped onto the smooth metal of his armor, holding on as if her strength would be effective enough to keep him there. She squeezed her eyes shut and shifted into the kiss, turning her head slightly. Her lips tingled and the sensation made her shiver. Her ears were attuned to mechanical whirring coming from underneath his armor, accompanied by a half-growl, half moan. The mech leaned forward, pushing Erin further down. His servo brushed away Sideswipe's as he guided her to lie down.
Erin chanced a peak, only able to see Sunstreaker as he eclipsed the light of the room. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of his servos grip the berth by her leg, the pressure of his grasp made the metal dent under his digits. He was holding himself back. It was both frightening and exciting.
Firming her grip on the mech's faceplates, she tried to guide his helm to turn slightly, but the was unyielding. With a huff against his lip plates, she shifted away from his mouth and placed gentle kisses trailing to his neck. A clicking sound preceded what she knew to be fans activating. Erin herself was stimulated with excitement and that's why she decided to stop.
Before Sunstreaker could claim another kiss, she blocked his lip plates with her hand. "You know we have a lot that we need to figure out." She did her best to obscure her panting breath. "Like how we're going to make things work physically. This is a good start though."
Sunstreaker growled, eyeing her lips contemplatively.
"She's right. We need to take it slowly." Sideswipe interjected with a servo on Sunstreaker's shoulder. He sounded regretful. "We don't want to accidentally hurt her."
"Right. We'll take it slowly." The yellow mech relented before immediately kissing Erin the moment her hand dropped.
The contact felt warm and possessive and safe. Half of Erin's mind said they should stop and focus. The other half said fuck that and fuck him.
The first half won. "Actually," she managed to pant, getting the mech to stop again, "there is something I need to ask."
Taking the hint, Sunstreaker leaned back, allowing Erin to sit up again. "Yes?" he asked while brushing his digits over Erin's cheek. The pads of his digits were textured and rough, unlike the rest of his frame.
She held his servo there and leaned into the touch "Prime said I have to be with an Autobot at all times since you guys can help monitor what's going on with the All Spark." It was a half-lie, but a necessary one.
"We know." Sunstreaker replied with a smirk that made Erin feel suspicious.
"Don't worry, we'll be good sparkling sitters." Sideswipe piped in, shouldering against twin to get access to Erin. Sunstreaker pushed back, not taking his servo from Erin. The mechs' optics met as they seemed to speak over the bond.
Realizing they were getting distracted; Erin called their attention back, "That includes sleeping arrangements."
Sunstreaker looked back at her and nodded. "He said you'll be in the med bay." Adding with a hint of amusement, "What, you want us to visit when Ratchet's out?"
"Actually, he decided I could stay with you two," she added quickly, "if you'll allow it."
Sideswipe's optics brightened and a wide grin stretched his faceplates. "You want to share a berth with us?"
She shrugged. "I know this contradicts what we just said about taking it slow."
"Frag that." the silver mech finally nudged his brother out of the way, replacing Sunstreaker's servo with his own, "Yes you can stay with us! Use my berth."
"Why yours?" Sunstreaker knocked on his brother's helm, their armor clanging loudly.
"I called dibs." The silver mech replied in a giddy sing-song voice. He dropped to his knees and leaned forward. Realizing he must have felt left out earlier, Erin planted a kiss on his forehelm, giving him affection without escalating things again. He seemed satisfied and gently returned the gesture.
"Slag no." Sunstreaker retorted. "Quit acting like a tin-strut sparkling. Why don't we put the berths together?"
"Because you always pull me out of recharge when you get up before dawn!" Sideswipe shot back and gestured to Erin, "And Rin is a light recharger."
"If this is going to be an issue," she interrupted their sibling squabble, "I'll just bring in my old bed. You have plenty of floor space." Though, the idea of sharing a bed with the twins was comforting. She'd done it before, in the evenings when they would hang around each other late into the night. But there were a lot of new developments going on between them so separate sleeping arrangements might be the best option. Besides, she didn't want her presence to be disruptive to them.
"Please no, I promise I'll be good." Sideswipe pleaded, looking at her with wide, innocent optics.
Erin had trouble saying 'no' whenever he pulled that expression. She glanced at Sunstreaker. As expected, the look he gave her was entirely different. He seemed completely unsatisfied with her proposed compromise as his faceplates read, 'Why the frag would you suggest something so slag-helmed?'
"Fine." Erin relented; knowing her logic would fail to sway the pair. "I don't want to pick and choose, so why don't we go with Sunstreaker's idea and put the berths together?"
Sideswipe accepted the small victory and gently nuzzled the top of her head. "Whatever you want, Rin."
"Sure." She huffed, knowing full well she'll bend to the twins' wishes over and over.
Sideswipe seemed happy with their position as he placed both his servos around her in what could amount to a hug. "By the way? What should we call you now?
Confused, Erin thought what he might mean by that. "Are you talking about pet names?"
The silver mech jerked back, still holding Erin close, but looking down at her with shocked optics. "Primus sweetspark, no! We respect you more than that! Just because you're organic don't think we don't see you as our equal." He added as a second thought, "I mean… unless you're into that."
What? Erin was put off by his over-the-top reaction but slowly realized what he meant. Pets. "No, I don't mean that." The woman smiled, doing her best not to laugh at the mech's misunderstanding. "I'm talking about when you call someone a name other than their own in a relationship. Like babe or- uh- sweetspark."
"Oh, ok. Primus your language can be confusing." Sideswipe relaxed. "I guess I've already used that." He said with a hint of humor. "I was asking about status or a title. In our culture, we use the term mates while courting. I think you say date or girlfriend."
The question made sense. When Sunstreaker asked whether she wanted to be mates, if she remembered correctly, she responded with the word relationship. But their status together wasn't exactly something that any of them should be advertising, not that the mechs would want to hear that. "Sideswipe, do you realize if the upper echelon of the military catches wind of this, I'll be demoted and relocated, if not sent away with a discharge?" Her words were careful, she didn't want to sound as if she was rejecting him in any way.
"We wouldn't let that happen." Sunstreaker answered with a dangerous tone. The mech's protectiveness made Erin feel warm… and maybe something else that she would have to think about in a more intimate setting. But it didn't really help in terms of their conversation.
"And we'll be careful." Sideswipe added. "I get we can't let anyone else find out. But all the Autobots already know and I'd like to agree with what our relationship is called." He affectionately petted her hair as he spoke.
"It doesn't make that much of a difference to me if you have a preference." She answered honestly. If it was important to Sideswipe, then he should get to choose a label he was satisfied with. "Publicly we could stick with partner. It works for those in a team and at all stages of a romantic relationship. I don't mind going with mates privately."
"Mates it is." Sideswipe stated, his beaming smile made her suddenly wish she could use the title anywhere and everywhere.
She was met with another kiss, but this one ended just as quickly as it began. Erin, eyes still closed for a moment, groped the air for the silver mech before realizing he wasn't even looking at her. The expression of annoyance on his faceplates told Erin he was distracted by something else.
"Sorry, Sweetspark. Prowl's getting on our afts about the duty schedule." He added with a mutter, "It's not even his job anymore."
"It's alright," she assured regretfully, "just because I'm off duty doesn't mean I should be a distraction from your jobs. What's up for you?"
"Sunny's on patrol and I have monitor room." He added with a glint in his optics, "Looks like you get to choose who you want to go with."
Sunstreaker managed to interject his quick, "Don't call me that."
Right. Erin was to be watched at all times. She had a feeling it was more symbolic than anything. Since most of the Autobots knew nothing of her real identity, sneaking around them wouldn't be difficult. She just didn't have any intention of doing so. "I guess I'll go to the monitor room this time." She turned to Sunstreaker to add, "Can I hang out with you next round?"
"Of course, squishy." He answered with far more grace than Sideswipe would have.
"Come on, sweetspark." The silver mech happily chirped as he helped her onto the ground.
Erin followed him through the halls. Still tired from the day's events, she found herself trailing behind the 'bot. Instead of picking her up, he slowed his pace to what amounted to a near crawl to a Cybertronian. She appreciated that he didn't mention anything, and forced herself to speed up.
Before the pair rounded the corner, Erin could hear the distinctive loud pedesteps of a certain weapons specialist.
"Erin." He called as soon as they were in sight of each other. "How are you feeling?"
She smiled at the concern in his optics. She'd hardly seen the mech since before she went to the Netherlands and plenty happened since. "I'm doing well Ironhide. Sorry I didn't look for you after waking up."
"Don't apologize youngling. I'm just grateful you're safe." The genuine relief in his tone was comforting for Erin. While the twins provided her with a safe recluse from the stress of being a double agent, Ironhide was like a rock for her. He was always there, not demanding her attention but providing support regardless. Jazz told her Ironhide spent much of the two weeks she was unconscious at her bedside, often taking turns with the twins in a vigil of sorts. The mech was a natural guardian after all. "If you two don't have anything important to do together," he shot Sideswipe a look before focusing back on Erin, "would you like to accompany me?"
Erin glanced up at Sideswipe who frowned. It was clear he didn't want her to leave but wouldn't stop her. "I'll meet you and Sunstreaker later, k?"
"Alright." The mech slouched petulantly. "I'll just be a comm away."
She snorted at his behavior. How could a twenty-foot person look so cute? Quickly, she signed in their code -See you soon-.
Sideswipe grinned widely at that and signed back -Looking forward to it-
Waving him off, she stepped in line with Ironhide and noticed his raised optic ridges and knowing look. The mech walked slower than the other Autobots, making him the easiest to keep up with. When they were out of audioshot she asked, "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Nothing in particular, youngling." He replied, "Just wanted to gauge how you're getting along."
She found he was leading her outside. Even with the coming winter, the sun still beat down on them. Cool days were few and far between. The oppressive humidity and distant black spots in the sky promised a storm. It was likely a few hours out though.
Ironhide transformed, opening his driver's side door for her. She seated herself quietly and closed the door for him. As he started driving, the mech finally got to what was on his processor; "How are you holding up?"
"In terms of what?" she questioned, looking at his steering wheel for lack of eye contact.
He hummed and said, "Let's start with the All Spark." It was clear the topic of the twins would be coming up shortly.
"Honestly, I'm not sure." She admitted. "Physically speaking, I feel fine."
"And mentally?" the mech probed.
"Anxious." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about what this thing will do to me."
"I wish I could reassure you and say Ratchet has a handle on everything," Ironhide said as he turned through the tree line, "but you know just about as much as we do."
"I don't want reassurances." Erin stated firmly, "I just want answers. I also want this thing out of me. Mostly because it does you no good while I'm its host."
"Focus less on us and more on yourself." The old mech responded firmly.
They arrived at the rocky outcropping over the beach where Erin and Sunstreaker had their 'date'. The spot made her want to bring the mechs on a real date, both of them. But what were the dating- or courting- customs for Cybertronians? Was there something specific for those from Kaon? Mechs? Twins? Damn, there was so much she didn't know.
Ironhide opened the door for her and she jumped out so he could transform. He gestured for her to join him by the cliffside; him hanging his legs over the edge and her a respectable distance away from the twenty-foot drop.
Out of one of his subspaces, he pulled a pink cube of high grade. From another, he retrieved a bottle and offered it to Erin. She accepted it but not before giving him a look of surprise. It was whiskey with what appeared to be a shot glass for a cap.
"Are we celebrating, or mourning?" she asked, half-serious.
"You are courting the twins." He deadpanned. "Figured you could use a drink."
Ah. "Still think I'm crazy?"
"We both know you are," the mech said with a good-humored chuckle, "and don't try denying it. But what matters is that they make you happy."
That was more acceptance than she was expecting out of nearly anybody. It was a good reminder that Erin had another mech in her corner. "Thanks, Ironhide." She said. "That means a lot."
He grumbled to himself- probably embarrassed from the emotional display- before taking a chug from his cube. "They treating you well?"
"Yes, they are." She reported seriously.
He gave her a sidelong look. "They aren't pushing you into anything, erm… uncomfortable?"
"They aren't sexual deviants." She defended. "No, we're taking things slow."
"Slow and the twins aren't exactly synonymous." He retorted with narrowed optics.
"You sound like you speak from experience." She teased.
"Primus, no." Ironhide shuttered at the implication. "I've told you before they have a reputation."
"I don't exactly have a good track record with relationships either." She admitted. "Honestly this is the first time I've been with someone, or someones, I've genuinely cared about."
"Ah, alright. Enough of the mushy slag." He waved the air as if pushing away the 'soft feelings'. The mech had a reputation to uphold, after all. "Take a shot already. It's good to hear things are working out. If either of those cog-grinders upset you, Ratchet would have to pick them up piece by piece."
Erin knew the threat was serious and smiled because of it. "Thanks for having my back."
"Anytime." The mech rumbled. "You're a real special youngling and those two are lucky to have you."
Erin felt like the lucky one.
"Now, this might sound a bit odd, coming from me," he started, rubbing the back of his helm, "but don't be afraid to ask questions. Aside from your slagging twins. Have you discussed things with Ratchet yet?"
Erin easily spotted Ironhide's discomfort. "Not yet, but I have the sense he's going to give me plenty of lectures." She took another shot at that.
Despite the mech's apparent embarrassment, he soldiered on; "It might feel agonizing at the time, but he's just looking out for you. It's not like anymech has ever tried mating with a human before."
"As I said, we've been taking it slow." She assured him, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. "The twins are concerned for my safety. We'll never be able to have a traditional relationship and we've all accepted that." She felt like a middle school kid not allowed to say 'sex' in class. It was awkward, talking with Ironhide about the twins, but who else could she turn to? At least he cared. "Actually, I was wondering something. You don't have to answer, but I don't have anyone else to ask."
"Would it be something better for Ratchet?" he questioned apprehensively.
"God, no!" The woman shouted before forcing her volume back under control. "It's just. I was wondering… how do Cybertronians court?" She repeated quickly, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, though."
"No," the mech paused to pull his optics away from the nearly empty high-grade cube and focus on her, "actually I'm glad you're asking me and not the twins." He added under his vent, "primus forbid" before continuing with the same professionalism he'd give during their language lessons; "Cybertronian and human courting rituals aren't so different, from what I've seen. Dates were a thing on our planet. Cybertronians would go on excursions and refuel together. Flirting, I'd say is the greatest difference. Cybertronians have different standards for attraction, after all. I'm certain you've seen such displays from the twins."
Erin guessed being called sweetspark would count. But she couldn't think of much else unless sparring was a traditional Cybertronian courting ritual. "Like what?"
The mech rose a digit for each point he listed, "Shined armor, engine revving, and armor flaring are the most common."
Thinking back, Erin had noticed all those things. She's suspected the twins did it to catch her attention but didn't realize that counted as actual flirting.
"I guess those are easy to spot… um." It frustrated Erin that there weren't more universal indicators. "But I can't exactly reciprocate."
"No, I guess you can't." he chuckled, probably imagining what a shiny human would look like. "I don't think those two expect you to act like a Cybertronian." He paused before gently adding, "Does that bother you?"
Erin took another shot. "I just want Sideswipe and Sunstreaker to know how much I appreciate them. And I might…" she mumbled the rest, half knowing the mech wouldn't be able to hear.
"Speak up, youngling." He said in a commanding, but kind tone.
A bit too loudly she replied, "I want them to be attracted to me." After pausing she forced herself to relax. "I know they aren't, at least not in the way I am to them. I don't meet any Cybertronian beauty standard."
"I never pegged you for frame-image issues." The mech responded in a surprised tone.
"Neither did I." she admitted with a hint of defeat.
"The twins didn't fall for a Cybertronian," Ironhide countered, "they fell for you, a human. Besides, even if you don't match the image of what our culture views as attractive, it does not mean that they don't find you to be beautiful."
"Thanks." She smiled weakly.
The mech finished off his high grade before continuing, "So, I take it you wanted to make up for this imagined handicap with action?"
"I guess so." Erin shrugged. She wasn't sure exactly where she meant to go with the conversation. Partly she was looking for a solution, but the woman may have needed to vent a bit. Talking things through with Ironhide helped make things seem clearer.
"Like human males, mechs can be simple-minded." The black 'bot stated with a hint of amusement. "We like compliments. Armor condition, engine sound, alt form, crests, and optic brightness are some things we like to show off. Compliment those things and I bet you a tankard of high grade the twins will be all over it."
"Well, it's worth a shot." Erin smiled at the mech. "Thanks, Ironhide. I feel a lot better now." She took another shot. The liquor was doing its job, she felt warm and relaxed. Ironhide had certainly helped as well, awkwardness aside.
"Any time. You know that." He said warmly before adding, "They are making you happy, right?"
She had to stop and think. She spent almost all her time with the twins. Whether it was exploring their interests in comics and art, sparring, or simply being in each other's presence. It was always comforting to have them around as friends. But the prospect of them being her lovers? Yes, it made her immeasurably happy. And she hoped she could pay it back in full. "Yes." Erin stated simply.
Thundercracker clutched his energon cube. Since the raid on Division, they had more to spare. Which was good, considering the blue seeker had been sharing part of his rations with Dead End. The grounder was finally permitted to properly refuel since Starscream was satisfied all the flyers had enough. It had been a while since Thundercracker had a full tank. Their reserves were still low, but there was the potential for more, thanks to their human allies.
Most of them disappeared after their joint attack, but some created a base near the Decepticon satellite location, which was an abandoned factory, out of view from organics. That's where Thundercracker was stationed with Dead End. The others spend most of their time at the main base, the coordinates of which were withheld from the humans.
The few organics that remained kept to themselves, only giving small updates on supplies they could share and the movements of the surviving part of Division. The organization was larger than Thundercracker had initially realized, and he suspected Starscream hadn't known either. Their raid may have destroyed three locations, but there were ten more.
According to their allies, Division was holding back any retribution against the Decepticons. It seemed they didn't find a fight to be worth it since they had lost their grip on the country where the 'cons resided. If Starscream led another attack, it would certainly lead to a strong response. That left them at a stalemate of sorts.
Laying low was fine, but Thundercracker wished for better company.
"So, when's 56 getting here?" the tiny human asked… again.
The femme, 14 as she called herself, was fearless around the Decepticons. Thus, she had no qualms about following Thundercracker around, pestering him with questions he had few answers to. "She's at the Autobot base," he stated for the third time, "what makes you think she's coming here?" To add to the strangeness of an organic willingly chatting him up, she was hanging upside down by her legs. Thundercracker guessed the fall would lead to her helm being crushed, so he chose not to make any quick movements. Startling her into falling would be messy.
"Starscream said she's going to bring the All Spark." 14 stated matter-of-factly.
"He said she would get it to us, not carry it here." The seeker sighed, watching the femme dangle precariously while he all but forgot the cube in his servo. "Besides, you reported yourself that she's delayed."
"Maybe I can sneak in the Autobot base to see her." The sparkling-like delight with which she spoke was odd. Was this just a game in her mind?
"And risk getting your friend caught?" Thundercracker questioned. "Starscream wants her to stay there and gather intel."
"She's not my friend." 14 said as she swung back upright and sat on the pipe. "She's my favorite fuck-buddy and I want a good screw."
Why did she need to tell Thundercracker that? Thinking of organic mating rituals was the last thing he wanted while consuming energon. It made his tank churn. "You have plenty of humans to choose from at your base, so why are you here?"
"They're all boring. You guys are much more fun." She stood on the pipe- which was thinner than her pedes- and walked along it towards the human-sized ladder she had used to get up there.
"We aren't here for your entertainment. Besides," he added "it could be dangerous for you. Not all Cybertronians are tolerant of organics." Thundercracker wouldn't offline a human for no reason, but Vortex and Hardshell would.
"I'll take my chances." She said casually, skipping the ladder and using another pipe to pole down. Thundercracker had to keep himself from jumping forward to catch her. "Besides," 14 continued in a giddy high-pitched tone as she landed, "giant robot would be a fucking epic way to go out."
"There is something really wrong with you." Thundercracker muttered.
Light pedesteps alerted the mech that Starscream was entering the corridor.
"You, human." The Decepticon leader pointed at 14, "Where is the energon you promised?"
"89 was in charge of the delivery." She replied, not even looking at him. "I just tagged along for shits and giggles."
The seeker growled low. "Such a waste of my time. Which one is 89? You all look the same." Despite his best efforts, his namesake screeching vocalizations showed themselves like a wailing cyberhound.
"He's the only other human that came." 14 said casually, not seeming to care much for Starscream's presence. "Last I saw him, that depressed robot was guiding him to your storage room."
"Dead End." Thundercracker supplied
"If you have no useful business here, then leave." Starscream said, his vocalization still rising shrilly. Turning on his heel struts, he marched out, likely going to find the energon.
"Well fuck you too." 14 declared, loud enough for the silver seeker to still hear her.
Thundercracker decided the femme was insane. And 56, who seemed to be on-off mates with her according to 14, had to be equally unhinged. "You really should go." He told the human before following his leader out.
The mech may have been shorter, but his stride was longer so Thundercracker had to hurry to catch up. "What are we going to do now?" He asked, knowing Starscream would understand what he meant.
"The All Spark will be the end-all to this war," he responded, "and the Autobots are fools to not rip it out of that little grounder." Starscream clenched his servo as if imagining the 'bot's crushed spark. "But Shockwave is convinced that it is best to allow the Autobot medic to study it as long as possible. When we take it back, we'll steal his research as well." The look on the mech's faceplates reminded Thundercracker of all the times he schemed behind Megatron's back. Sometimes the results were exemplary, other times they were disastrous. "But that doesn't mean I am willing to sit idly. Shockwave has been putting much time into the study of twin bonds. We will facilitate that while we allow Ratchet to do his work."
Uneasiness leaked into Thundercracker's spark, but he tried not to show too much concern. "Why twins?" he asked.
"That should be clear, my friend." Starscream replied with a devious grin. "Even twin ground dwellers are incredible soldiers. Shockwave believes he can create an artificial twin bond by splitting a spark. I could have an army of fellow Starscreams at my command."
"You'd let him experiment on your spark?" The blue seeker asked, disturbed.
"I would wait until he refines the process of course." Starscream said as if having his spark mutilated was as simple as getting a metal patch. "Skyquake and Dreadwing were the only twins he managed to study so far."
Thundercracker didn't have the words. Experimenting on his soldiers? It was bad enough when Megatron used POWs, but Starscream would use the mechs who swore an oath to their cause?
Not recognizing Thundercracker's disgust, Starscream continued. "Shockwave is working on poor Octane as we speak."
Horrified. That was what Thundercracker was feeling. He stopped, unable to move. "What?"
Finally seeing the fellow seeker's reaction, Starscream sighed, as if disappointed. "Treason has a high price. He's no better than an Autobot in my mind. But I doubt he'll be enough to refine Shockwave's method. If we could capture the Autobot twins, our dear scientist would have another set of test subjects."
It was all wrong. That was not the cause Thundercracker signed up for. He didn't admit that of course. "The twins are the Autobot's strongest front liners." He said tensely. "You can't get them that easily."
"Remember, friend," Starscream emphasized that last word, "the human they work closely with serves me."
Thundercracker didn't think the femme would agree with that phrasing. "You plan for her to lure the twins out?" Sunstreaker and Sideswipe may cooperate with a human, as hard as it was for Thundercracker to imagine, but trust her enough to lead them into a trap?
"In time," The Decepticon leader replied cryptically, "Shockwave still has much work to do with Octane."