The stars were starting to appear on the now clear skies of Desert City. It finally stopped raining once the Autobots had return to the base. Hot Shot, Blurr, Rad and Carlos quickly explain their encounter with this new Decepticon. Optimus was at once inquiring about this new comer. When Rad mention the different color optics he saw, that was enough to freeze everyone up. When asked about it, Optimus said they would tell them about it later once they were sure about the identity of the new threat.
Outside the base was a different matter. It was all still and quiet. Puddles of water covered all over the ground. A portal opened and out came two large figures. One was much more heavier in weight while the shorter was slimmer and figure showing.
"Are you sure?" asked the short one in a light feminine tone as her orange optics looked over the area.
"Positive," answer her partner in a gruff, elderly tone.
"I don't know," she said as she folded her arms.
"Don't worry about it girly," said her friend, "We'll be all right."
Quickly, they transform and started to drive down the hills. Dirt was coming up by their tires as they traveled down the road. Soon, they were able to reach the ground and were heading toward the mountain wall.
"Do think that they would be willing to help?" asked the Femme as she drove up beside him.
"Yeah, it right up their ally," he mumble as he transformed and was about to bang on the door, before she stopped him.
"Let me handle it," she said and then knock on the door, "Hello? Anyone home?"
Inside, Red Alert notice that there was voices outside the base. Bring up the video feed, he saw two Transformers standing right out there in the open. One was a heavy green Mech that somehow remind him of Scavenger. His paint was fading and had this steel cold glare toward the door with his golden optics. Next to him was some sight for his tired optics, a Femme. It had been a while since Alert had seen one of those. She was mostly white with a helmet similar to a hawk's beak angled down between the Femme's orange optics, blocking her nose from sight. Her chest plate protruded more than any bot here on earth for the know reason and had this red cross across it. Her shapely hips accentuated her slim waist and had what seem to be car doors on her coming from it.
"Optimus, it seems we have guests," said Red Alert over the com-link.
It took a few minutes to receive answer from the Autobot leader, "I see, tell everyone to head to the main entrance. Wait until everyone arrive then let them in."
"At once," answer Red Alert then open the PA system, "Everyone report to the main entrance, I repeat everyone report to the main entrance."
Hot Shot rubbed his optics as he stumble out of his room at the sound of Red Alert message. It was late and he had a rough day. He need to recharge his battery. This was not making him happy. Slowly walking to the door, he saw that Blurr and Smokescreen were just as clueless as him about what was going on here.
"Do you guys have a clue what going on here?" asked Hot Shot.
"No, I am just as clueless as you," answer Smokescreen with a yawn
"It seems that we have guest," said Optimus as he came up behind Hot Shot.
"So, we are just the welcoming committee,' said Blurr, "That great."
"Ok, Red Alert, open the door," said Optimus.
"What about Scavenger?" asked Hot Shot to see the giant bulldozer hadn't show up.
"He'll show," was all Optimus said as the door started to rise up.
The four of them turned to face the two Transformers. Their hands were close to their weapons in case this was a trap set up by Megatron. Once the visitor came into view, some of them were quick to draw their guns a point them towards the beings outside the base.
"Ah, you never told me this is how they greet people," whisper the Femme to her partner as they both held up their arms.
"Must be new," he mumbled as he took a steps in the light, "Hold it, we are friends!"
Just then Scavenger decide to show up. He was quite enjoying his sleep until he was rudely awoken by Red Alert's message. Slow but soon enough show up in the area.
"Optimus, what going…wait a…" said Scavenger as he spotted the newly arrive green Mech in the doorway, "…Where did you dig up that rusty bucket of scarp?" he shouted pointing a finger toward the newcomer.
The newcomer took a few steps towards Scavenger and had the same look of disgust on his face, "Why you broke-down pile of junk!" he said and made a fist toward Scavenger.
The two Mech walked together and face each with anger on their face. Just as things seem to be ugly, they both a crack a smile and got into a friendly handshake.
"Put 'er there old-timer," said the new Mech giving Scavenger a pat on the shoulder.
"Who are you calling old-timer, you secondhand security guard," chuckle Scavenger.
"Ok, could someone please explain what is going on here?" asked Hot Shot.
The two elder Mechs looked at the group and could see the confusion on there face. "Ah, this is a old training buddy of mine, Rave. He was the head guard at Quadrant Epsilon detention banks. We were the same platoon back on…what was that planet called?" said Scavenger.
"Zephyr," said Rave with a chuckle, "I should know that where I retired too."
"Right after the riot with the Stunticons," chuckle Scavenger.
"Yeah, I was growing too old of the job," moaned Rave as he stretched his back out.
"What are you doing here, Rave?" asked Optimus, trying to get to the point.
Rave snapped his finger, "Right, hey girly, you can come in now."
The Autobots turned to see the Femme's head poke into the light. With a smile and wave she stepped inside. It was really not comfortable to be in a new place and having everyone looking at you. That one that was really looking at her was Hot Shot and Blurr. Once again, it had been a long time since they saw femmes. Both of them thought she was pretty cute.
"Um…hi everyone," she said.
"She a little young for you, isn't she?" chuckle Scavenger as he jabbed his old friend in the side.
"Nah, it isn't like that," said Rave.
"Why don't we step into the Commander Center and you two can explain why you are here," said Optimus as he started to lead the way.
The group of Autobots started to walk. The two old soldiers were really catching up on old times, old war stories and what they were doing now. Optimus and Smokescreen listen with interest as Rave told Scavenger's rookie days. The Femme was quietly walking behind the group, just keeping to herself. That when Hot Shot made his move. He slowly down his pace and landed right on her right.
"Hi," he said with a smile.
"Hello," she respond with a shy smile.
"I'm Hot Shot, what's your name?"
"It's Cross," she said in a quiet tone.
"That a nice name," answer Hot Shot.
As the two of them chatted, Blurr looked right at them out through the corner of his eye. For some reason, he was growing a little bit enrage at the moment. He didn't know why, but he just wanted to pushed Hot Shot out of the way and take over in his place. Coming to a stop, he just glared as they came up to him. Hot Shot saw the look on Blurr's face even pass the faceplate. He knew at once what this Mech was thinking about.
He returned the look right back at the white knight. Cross seem to notice something between the two when Blurr had stopped walking.
"Cross, this is Blurr," said Hot Shot having the need to introduce the white bot, "Blurr, this is Cross."
"It a pleasure to meet you," answer Blurr with a little bow.
"Oh…" said Cross somewhat embarrassed. Energon rushed to her cheeks.
"Shall I escort toward the command center?" asked Blurr as he held out his hand.
"Um…sure," she answered as she took a hold of it and they started to head away.
Hot Shot was left behind the two. He was fuming. If it could, smoke would be coming from his audio respecter. Blurr came in like that and play the gentlebot act and she fell for it. That was one cheap move, but well play. Hot Shot just glared at Blurr, a look that would launch daggers. The white Autobot looked back at the yellow and smirked at him. Now it was on! Hot Shot was more determine that he was going to be the one that won Cross' affection.
The group finally made it to the command center, with a very angry Hot Shot. Red Alert spun around in his chair to see the newcomer. It seems to him that Scavenger knew at least one of them, which was good enough to prove their trust. He looked over at the Femme and noticed the looks on Blurr and Hot Shot. The boys were sending death glares at each other while the Femme in between was trying to figure out why they were mad. This couldn't be good.
"So, Rave, what brings you and your young friend to Earth?" asked Scavenger as he got serious with his old friend.
"Well, you know that Zephyr came into Decepticon's control a while back," said Rave.
"Yes, I sorry that our troops couldn't get their in time. Megatron had step too many roadblocks and none of our ships could get through," said Optimus.
"Nah, that ok, these things happen," said Rave as he waved it off, "Anyway, what is unknown about the take over is that is limited."
"Limited? What do you mean by that?" asked Smokescreen.
"Just what it means. You see, according to Cross here, Megatron had made an agreement with someone I know for the freedom of Zephyr and not a very good one."
Now, the older Mech had their attention. They wanted to know what kind of deal would Megatron make with a local. He wouldn't give up a planet without gaining something major in return. So, the question in their head was what was the deal.
"What kind of deal was it, Rave?" asked Scavenger.
"500,000, the death of five hundred thousand Autobots," said Rave in a grave voice.
The Autobots were shock at the news. The death of 500,000 Autobots for the freedom of Zephyr! What kind of guy would agree to that kind of deal? It was hard to tell it this being really care for his home or if just hated them. Optimus nodded his head in understand. Somehow that would be the kind of deal Megatron would make to some that was desperate to save his home. The Decepticon always knew how to use the pain of others to his advantage. It just was his kind of low.
"What would process a guy to agree to that," comment Hot Shot, "It just stupid."
"It was my fault," said a quiet voice.
They all turned to see that it was Cross that said. Tears were being formed in her optics as the memory of that day came back to her. Hot Shot really felt great at that moment. He should have been careful what he had said. Blurr placed his arm around her shoulder and tried to make her feel better.
"Now, I am sure it wasn't your fault," he said, much to Hot Shot's dislike.
"You don't understand…They attack us and destroy our home. They killed everyone. It was only he and I left, then they attacked us. He tried to protect me, but they were too strong…I couldn't do anything…I was just weak," sobbed Cross into her hands.
"Cross here was the only one left in the area when I came by. She explain everything to me once I got he calm down," explain Rave.
"Then why are you here? I don't understand," said Smokescreen.
"A mole we have in the Decepticon had told us that he came here. We here to bring him home," comment Rave.
"Its Strike you're after, isn't it?" asked Optimus.
The Autobots just stared at their leader. He knew who this Mech was. How could that be when they were never told the name of this guy. Scavenger seem to nodded his head in agreement.
"Yeah, but most know him by Red-Eye," answer Rave, "Stupid Transformers couldn't tell if it was his real name or just a fake one."
"It that new Decepticon, isn't?" asked Red Alert.
"That jerk! He nearly killed us and the kids!" shouted Hot Shot.
"He is not a jerk! Strike is the nicest Mech I know," cried Cross as she glared at Hot Shot. He just scored another bad point with her. Yeah, he had to keep his mouth shut.
"You know, this maybe explains that thing with the kid," said Smokescreen, "If this is the same Mech, then he wouldn't want to hurt the innocents, just…kill us. I mean, if I were in his place, I would just get the job down without getting anymore blood on my hands."
Now, they were all in silence. This situation was not a good one. If this new Decepticon was this Strike, then they could be in trouble. He wouldn't rest until he had finished his part of the deal. That would be until he had killed them all. There was no way around it.
"Why don't we all have a good night sleep," said Optimus, "I sure our guests had a long trip."
"You got that right, my poor circuits," moaned Rave.
"I see you hadn't change," mumble Scavenger, "Come on, I'll show you to a room."
"I'll show you to where you can recharge for the night, Cross," said Blurr.
"Um…"
"No, I'll show you," said Hot Shot as he came up on her other side and glared at Blurr.
Now, Cross was shuck in the middle of this two guys. She couldn't help but feel a little pressure at the moment. Red Alert noticed her distress and just moaned. This two were just too hotheaded for their good. He just had to take care of it now. Coming up he held out his hand toward Cross as a lifeline. Hot Shot and Blurr were too busy death glaring each other to notice. Cross quickly grabbed a hold of it and the medic pulled her out.
"Thank you," whisper Cross as they quickly walked away.
"No problem," answer Red Alert as they left the room.
080
"I see your first mission on Earth didn't go well," chuckle Starscream.
Strike sneered at the seeker as he stepped out of the CR chamber. The wounds that he had gain were all heal up, as well as the old ones. Now, his armor didn't have a signal marking on it at all. That is what he got for not doing the job himself. The problem was this slagging place didn't have the equipment he need. He couldn't understand how they got this far without the stuff. Now, finally done with the machine, he had the stupid seeker on him.
"I was distracted," answer Strike as he started to walk by Starscream.
"By what? The humans?"
That was enough to stop Strike in his place. He turned around and saw that Starscream was smirking at him. He knew about the humans, but how did he actually know. He walked back some and came face to face with the seeker. His red optic was flashing in fury, while the blue one remain calm.
"What about the humans?" asked Strike.
"That humans that were with the Autobots. I know you could have dodge those shots, but didn't. You were protecting those humans and their Minicon," comment Starscream.
Strike folded his arms, "I hurt my knee and couldn't go that fast. That's why I got hit. Those kids were just there, nothing more, nothing less," he said before turning around to leave.
"Not the way Megatron see it," answer Starscream.
Again, Strike stopped. This was just getting better with each second. "And what way does our fearless leader see it?" he asked.
"He thinks that you did it on purpose. Can't blame him for once, with your track record," commented the red seeker.
"So, what of my record, Seeker," hissed Strike.
"It seems to show you have saved quite a number of neutrals over the years, quite many,"
"So," wondered Strike, "I have no business with them. What would be the point of hurting neutrals?"
"I see your point, but others aren't so quick to agree. They find it a sign of weakness," chuckle Starscream
Strike just growled at the seeker. One day, his head was going to be on pike. That will be a fine day indeed. Seeing no more point in talking to Starscream, Strike turned and left the room. So what if he didn't move so he could protect the humans, big deal. It was his aft on the line not theirs. It wasn't a crime to do that. Sure, the one of the major points of the Decepticons is that to make as much destruction as possible before the Autobots show up.
"Augr…I don't need their approval," growled Strike as he smashed his fist into the wall.
"I don't think Megatron will like you ruining his base," came a voice from behind him.
Strike again growled and saw that Sideways was standing behind him. Now, he was really not in the mood for this slag now. Sideways just stood there staring at him, acting all calm and cool. Strike returned the look with one of this own.
"I really could care less," hissed Strike as he lean into Sideways' face.
"I see," said Sideways, "But, he is the one who holds the cards, isn't he?"
"He may hold them, but not forever he won't," said Strike as he walked way.
Strike frown. What was with everyone and getting into his business? He didn't want their noses or hands all over it. There was the chance they would screw it up. That was something that he wouldn't allow. This deal would go through, then he would go back home. There would nothing that would stop him. No Autobots, Decepticon or Neutrals. They wouldn't stop him.
Slumming to his room, he opened the door and just crashed out on the recharger. Man, he felt that this day wasn't going to end. First, that slagging alarm woke him up, then heading down to that mud ball planet, not getting those two Autobots onto his list. Then when Megatron called back that retreat, he had to wait until the rest of the Decepticons were finish with the CR chambers before he could use it. Something called new guy lasts in the words of that slagging Cyclonus. That stupid chopper was next on his death list. In fact, every Decepticon in this base was on his death list.
"I really need a hobby," he mumbled to himself as he fell into a deep sleep.
080
"Right! Left! Come on! Pick up the pace!"
This was the sounding coming for the Training room as Hot Shot walked past it. It was early in the morning. For the action from the last night, he had too much energy to go to bed just yet. Getting just a few hours, the yellow Mech decide to get something to drink. The kitchen was just past the Training Room. His interest was picked up as he poked his head inside.
His optics widened to see Rave and Cross were inside the room. It seem they were already hard at work by the sheen on Cross' face. She was delivering kick after punch towards Rave with perfect timing. Rave held up the blockers and countered each one of her attacks. Hot Shot just couldn't help but stare at her. If he thought she was cute last night, watching her work out was way better.
"Come on, girly! Show me what yer got!" drilled Rave.
Cross' optics flashed in determination as she charge toward the elder Mech. Just at it seems she was about to punch him, the Femme front flip right over the Mech. Rave never saw it coming as before she landed did a spin kick to his head. Crashing to the floor, Rave fell on his back in defeat. Cross stood there in front of him with concern on her face.
"Are you ok? I didn't hit you too hard?" she asked as she gave him a hand up.
"Not at all, girly," chuckle Rave coming back on to his feet, "Yer did good."
Hot Shot just stood there for a while and watched. He knew he was kind of being a pervert at the moment. It just he couldn't help it. She was just so hot. It wasn't his fault that he was a male and this was the first time in a long while since he had seen a Femme. Now, here was one in their base. How could he help but not drool? Now, if only he could just get rid of Blurr.
"Hot Shot, what are you doing?"
The yellow Mech turned around to see Smokescreen standing above him. There standing behind him was Smokescreen. The orange tow truck just look down at the rookie that was kneeling by the open door. This was how the kids would say busted. Hot Shot quickly stood back on to his feet and started to walk away from Smokescreen, backwards.
"It is not what it looks like," said Hot Shot, hoping that somehow he would be able to redeem himself.
Smokescreen looked at his younger friend and then inside the Training Room. There was Rave placing Cross into a headlock. This even made things clearer to him. Hot Shot chuckle to himself as he could see that he was busted in so many ways, he really couldn't count.
"What it looks like you want to take some lessons from Rave over there," chuckle Smokescreen.
"Huh...?" said Hot Shot. He didn't understand what Smokescreen was saying to him.
"Hey, how are you guys doing?" asked Smokescreen as he stepped into the Training room.
Rave and Cross looked up to see the two Autobots watching them. Rave let go of Cross, dropping her to the ground. He walked over to see Smokescreen as Hot Shot ran over to help Cross get back on to her feet.
"What can I help with ya folks this fine morning?" asked Rave.
"Hot Shot was just wondering if he might be able to join in this lesson," said Smokescreen.
"He is?" asked Rave.
"I am?" question Hot Shot.
"You are?" asked Cross.
"Yes, he is," said Smokescreen as he sent a look towards Hot Shot.
"Well, it great to have some fresh meat," said Rave with a chuckle as he started to crack his knuckles, "I want to see how my old sparing partner is shaping yer young folks."
Hot Shot couldn't help but gulp back some energon. What did he just get himself into? He was just about to say no when he felt something on his arm. There was Cross, who had her hand on his shoulder. She was just looking at him with cyber puppy optics and a small smile on her face. He just couldn't help but melt a bit at the sight. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. She was here and Blurr was still asleep. Point him!
"Yeah, sure, why not," Hot Shot said with a chuckle.
"That's great!" cheered Cross and clapped her hands, "I hadn't train with anyone that was younger then Rave before."
"Hey, I ain't that old," said Rave with frown behind his facemask, "Why don't you two do a warm-up exercises, while I talk to Smokescreen."
"Sure, Rave," said Cross as she turned to face Hot Shot with that smile of hers, "Ready?"
"When ever you are," he responded with a smile of his own and got into battle position
"Well, don't go soft on me because I'm a Femme," she said.
"All right," he said. He didn't think this was going to be so bad. He lived through Scavenger's training, so Rave couldn't be that bad. Beside, he didn't want to sound like he disrespect femmes or something but they were design was weaker then a Mech. It wouldn't be so tough.
As the two younger Transformers got ready for their training session, Rave and Smokescreen were off to the side. The two older Mechs just stood there watching Hot Shot trying to hit Cross, but she kept on ducking. Smokescreen couldn't help but chuckle as she deliver a kick into his face and quickly apologize as Hot Shot crashed onto the floor on his back.
"That some fighter you trained here, Rave," said Smokescreen.
"Yup, Girly is really one of a kind. Fast on her feet and can see a opening a mile wide," chuckle Rave, "Only problem is her spark really isn't in it."
"Then why does she fight like this?" asked Smokescreen as he watch Hot Shot crashed head first into the wall and Cross running over to see if he is ok.
"Strike, that why," said Rave with venom in his voice, "He was trying to protect her when he made that pact with that piece of slag. She thinks it was her fault he is in this mess, that she was weak. So, when I found her after the Cons stopped attacking, she pretty much begged me to teach her how to fight."
"Wow, that some story," said Smokescreen with his optics widen.
"Story of our lives so far," Rave said, "Anyway, that young up start ya brought in."
"Hot Shot,"
"Yeah, he didn't want lessons did he?" asked Rave, a glimmer in his left optic shone forth.
Smokescreen couldn't help but chuckle at the older green Mech, "Saw him on the ground, watching a certain Femme training if that what's you mean."
"Yea, that what's I figure," said Rave, "Happens with a lot of the younger Mechs. I always take Girly to an out post or a small base, for supplies or a nice night recharge. Those younger fellers have their optics coming out of their sockets at the sight of her."
Smokescreen shook his head and let out a snigger at the thought. He figured as much. A lot of the femmes were always in the neutral cities or suck in those disgusting brothel houses the Decepticons had. Of course, they had a few Femme fighters, just not many. So, yeah some of the younger Mechs would drool over a Femme their own age.
"Ya what to know what really sad about it," whisper Rave.
"What?"
Rave looked over at Hot Shot and Cross to see if they would be able to over heard. It seems they wouldn't. Cross was trying to see if Hot Shot was ok after she kicked him where no Mech should be kicked. So, it was clear for them to talk.
"Girly doesn't even know she has that affect on a Mech. Thinks that the way they always act," whisper Rave.
Smokescreen shook his head in disbelief, "No way, she doesn't have a clue?"
"Yup, clueless to the whole thing," said Rave, "But one day, I am sure she will find that someone to bond with that luck person."
080
"Strike, get in here!" bellow Megatron loud enough for the whole moon could heard.
The silver Mech slowly enter the room. By the look on his commander's face, this wasn't a pleasure call. Then again, what more could he guess. Whenever someone calls out his name like that, it was never good news. So, he was standing in front of the horn Decepticon in the throne room. Right beside him was that bodyguard tank boy, Demolisher. He just had this neutral look on his face, while Megatron had a face of fury.
"You bellow?" asked Strike.
"I want you to explain something to me, Strike," said Megatron.
"And what would that be?" asked Strike as he folded his arms.
"Where does your loyalty lie?" asked Megatron as he pushed back in his chair and began calmer.
Strike formed a puzzle look on his face. He was glad once again for the facemask. That was so he wouldn't give Megatron the pleasure of seeing him look like a newbie. Still, he couldn't help but wonder what was with that slagging question. He had been working for the slagging Decepticons and their stupid cause for years. This never came up before. Then again, he hadn't spent this much time near Megatron since the Branding Pit…
FLASHBACK
Strike looked down where the Decepticons were taking him. It has been three days, three days in the Pit. They had him repair in no time flat, even better then new. He used to have this problem with his right shoulder gear, but after sometime in something in the med-bay called a CR Chamber. It only took an hour or two and by the time he came out, he was all fixed.
His hand reach up and touched his new optic. They had to replace the whole thing still his battle with Warp and Cracker. He looked in a mirror and saw they didn't kept it blue, it was red now. At first, he really didn't know what to think. All the Mechs Strike saw that had red optics were evil, cruel, and vicious. Then again, that was the Decepticons. They wanted to change his remaining optic. They kept saying that it show weakness. Boy, did Strike had a hard time tell them not to touch him again with their needles. Of course, he did cut off one of the medic's hands with a scalpel to prove a point. Strike kind of like the thought of having different colors optics. It made him different in a place full of drones.
Now, they were taking somewhere else. Strike didn't have a clue. These Cons wouldn't tell him anything. The only information they would give him is that he would have to wait and see. That really boosted his confidence level in these jerks. They came into the room. There was only one light and it was coming into the center of the room. Strike couldn't help but notice this large control panel off to the side and couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this whole thing.
"Go in the center of the room," order on the Decepticons as he pushed Strike.
"Fine, whatever," growled Strike as he walked into the center of the room, "Happy?"
"Ah, very happy," chuckle a dark voice.
Strike looked over to see Megatron himself had show up for the party. He really knew that something was wrong. If that jerk was here, it would be wrong. Still, Strike just stood his ground, folding his arms and just glaring at Megatron. He would not break them. The powerful Decepticon might have conquered thousands of planets, killing and brainwashed ten times that amount but Strike was not going to bow down to him. . Creators gave him loyalty, battle programs and – involuntary – extremely strong personality, but they didn't gave him ideals – good, evil, love, justice were empty words at one time. But he learned about them, and knew that they were ideals in this world. Now, his loyalty to his home world was being put on the line. What was really important was only Zephyr's freedom
"Nice to see you again," sneered Strike, "Care to explain this?"
Megatron just frown his dislike towards the tone Strike used on him. He would beat it out of the young Mech or he would die in battle, whatever came first. Megatron hit a button on the control panel after Strike had moved into position. Quickly, various robot arms swung out from the walls and clamped onto Strike, holding him firmly in
place. Small hovering drones and additional arms came out of the walls and glided over to the Strike. Torches and cutters started up and began hacking through Strike's armor, probing into the circuitry underneath. Strike's face was in shock as they began to take him apart before his optics
Megatron smiled as the process began. He was always interested in seeing how subjects would react to the immense pain of being taken apart while conscious. Of course there was an alternative motive to all of this. He was quite a genius in creating the concept of the branding pit. The various arms and drones were also probing and scanning Strike, and making a few modifications, adjusting comm frequencies and friend or foe recognition to Decepticon ones and recording a complete record of his design. When the process was done, they would have a perfect recording of the young Transformer's body to access. It made for easier repairs, and also allowed high command to know the strength and weaknesses of each of their soldiers. The pain was simply a side effect, but it seemed to make the process a more personal and bonding type experience. Either way, Megatron enjoyed it.
This was something Strike didn't predicted. He suddenly found himself being held down in place and being taking part. What was this? He wanted to scream out in pain, roar out a death cry. If only he was the last being on the planet. He would not yield in front of Megatron or his other Decepticons goons. So, he just grind his teeth as the arms probing his body. Couldn't they do this while he was in the medical lab or where these Cons just sick? Finally, after what seems to be years of pain, they stopped. They stop looking at his inners. Just as he thought things couldn't be any worst they did. Megatron pressed around set of buttons and another set of arms and tools appear.
"Now, just need to add one more touch," chuckle Megatron as he brought the arms over above Strike's left shoulder.
"Oh…great," struggle Strike as he could feel energon sweating down his face after all that.
Megatron didn't answer him. The arms did for him. Strike weakly looked over as he could feel something burning into his shoulder. There the robotic arms were welding something to his armor. After a minute, the arms let got of him and Strike felled on his knees to the ground. His shoulder still hurt him. Strike then heard heavy metal footsteps coming towards him. Looking up, Megatron was towering over him with two of his lackeys next to him.
Optics blazing, Megatron turned towards Strike, seething, "You belong to me now. I expect you to behave like a soldier. You are no longer a Neutral. Every Decepticon earns their position in the army and you are no different from others."
"I have little tolerance for troublemakers and failures." Megatron sneered, giving Strike a cold glance. "Don't think that because of our agreements makes you special in anyway. I will kill you if you step out of line."
Strike just growled deep in his throat. He really couldn't talk back at Megatron. He had to free Zephyr, so his pride had to be put into check. Thinking Strike understood his new place with the Empire, Megatron snapped his fingers. The two Decepticons grabbed Strike on both his sides and lifted him off the ground. He really didn't have any more energy to move his own feet. This was really the beginning of the end.
END FLASHBACK
"Why do you asked?" wonder Strike as he just remained cool.
"Some of us are just wondering about how loyal you are to the Decepticons," said Megatron as in conversational tone, "Of course, there was the humans for the battle the other…"
"Is this what that about! That you think I save those humans!" shouted Strike as he forgot to get his cool. He threw his arms to his side and form fists, "I just couldn't get out the way fast enough! They were just there!"
Megatron hit his fist against his armrest, loud enough for everyone in the room to jump. By the look in his optics, he wasn't very please by Strike's outburst towards him. He stood up from his seat and took a few steps. Now, he was face to face with Strike. Demolisher was still there, watching as the scene unfolded. While he usually kept his opinions to himself, he hoped that Strike was going to get slag. There was no room for big mouths within their organization.
"You never take that tone with me," sneered Megatron as he grabbed a hold of Strike's neck, "You should be thankful I even spared your pitiful spark."
Strike didn't say anything. He was trying hard to get some air into his systems. Megatron was cutting off his supply. Seeing that Strike was have trouble, Megatron tighten his grip harder around the silver Mech. Strike looked up to see Megatron was raging in fury with his optics but had this satanic grin on his face.
"Listen to me careful. If you even want that pitiful planet back, then do as you are told. I tell you to go kill, you asked how many. I give you a mission; you asked how long you have. Do you understand, you piece of slag?" growled Megatron.
Strike nodded his head. Why wouldn't he let go of him already? Spots of different colors were coming before his optics. Megatron just frown at Strike. That wasn't an acceptable answer.
"I said do you understand!" roared Megatron.
"Yes…I do," struggle Strike.
"Who is your commander?" asked Megatron.
Energon was starting to spill from Strike's neck as Megatron continue his death grip on him. How long did he except him to last like this? Strike was starting to not feel his feet. As well, his vision was getting a little hazily. He really didn't know how much longer he would last.
"You…are," hissed Strike as he narrow down his optics at Megatron. This was just humiliating.
"Who is your lord and master?" asked Megatron as his optics began a dangerous shade of red when they narrow down on to Strike.
Ok, he could only take so much pain deliver at once. Megatron knew that his neck joint was one of the weakest points in his armor. That's why he was choking him to death. Strike could feel small traces of energon slipping down his arms and legs. It would only take the right answer to free Strike from this nightmare. So once again, he would have to swallow his pride again for the sake of Planet Zephyr.
"You are!" shouted Strike. His answer seemed to echo out within the hollow hallways of the Moon Base.
Finally, Megatron was satisfied. His hand release Strike from his grip. The silver Mech felled to the ground with a thud. He never had been gladder in his whole life in that. He gripped his chest and started to take deep breaths to get his systems back to normal. Megatron just smirked down at him and motion for Demolisher to follow him.
"Let this be a lesson, Strike," said Megatron as he turned his back to the younger Mech, "And I don't give seconds chances."
Strike just sat there on his knees as he watched Megatron and Demolisher walk out of the room. His optics narrowed down into little slits. He never felt so much angry within in his spark until this moment. What Megatron did was unforgettable. To make him say those things, like some kind of sniveling rookie. His fist jabbed itself into the ground that left a mark from his anger. Strike let out an animal-like growl from inside his vocal box, as he stood up weakly back on to his feet.
"This won't last forever, Megatron," he thought in his head, "I will finish my part of the deal and once you done your part, your head will be mine!"