Chapter 11: Rising and Falling
Rafael marveled at the new little cleaning drone he and Starscream had built as it scuttled around on the floor in search of foreign contaminants. Unbeknownst to him, however, the drone was watching far more than the floor. Starscream's optic sensors were synced to the drone's sensors so he could use the tiny inconspicuous bot to spy for him. He smirked to himself, fantasizing about what tidbits of juicy information he might acquire with his little spy bot.
"What should we call it?" Raf piped up.
Starscream's expressive brows raised, "What?"
"Well, we built it, so we've got to name it." The boy insisted.
The tall Decepticon rolled his optics, "It's a mindless drone. It doesn't need a name."
Raf looked at the drone a moment, "Scooter. How about that name?"
Starscream groaned minutely, "You can call it Junk for all I care."
The boy patted the smooth back of the cleaning drone like a dog, "Scooter it is then."
"Whatever."
…
On Cybertron in the past…
Starscream didn't see Megatron again for nearly a year. During that period of time, however, the citizens of Cybertron had seen historic events unfold. Megatron's popularity as a gladiator of Kaon had propelled him to a high standing member in the political rings of society. Cybertron's energy crisis had worsened further. So much so, that Megatron had proposed to the Cybertronian Senate that he should be given the Matrix of Leadership in an effort to alleviate the crisis. However, the Senate had soundly rejected his proposal and instead accepted his friend Orion Pax. Little did they know their decision would be the tipping point and the birth of the Decepticon faction. Soon thereafter Megatron began speaking out against the decision and rallying other like-minded Cybertronians to his cause. A clear divide was forming.
When Starscream next met with Megatron he was contacted by Soundwave, who took him into the former gladiator's expansive new home near Kaon. Starscream stared around the tall vaulted ceilings, dimly lit with purple accent lights running up the walls. Megatron was in a sort of office, standing near the wall, admiring a collection of weapons mounted there.
Starscream raised his wings impressively and bowed slightly, "Soundwave has informed me that you wished to see me?"
"Yes, Starscream. Please, come in." he said in an even voice.
Starscream drew closer to the imposing figure who gestured to a tray of high grade Energon; a luxury in such times, "Have you had Energon today?"
"Um, yes." Starscream admitted.
Megatron looked at Starscream and the Seeker blinked. The gladiator's optics had changed color. No longer were they icy blue but a burning red. Somehow… the color suited him.
"Good. Good. Feel free to help yourself. Some mechs don't get such a privilege." Megatron commented. "How long has it been since we last spoke Starscream? A year?"
"Something like that. Though…I have been following your political rising."
"Have you?" Megatron inclined his head with a slight tinge of danger in his voice, "And what do you think of my recent denial to receive the Matrix of Leadership?"
The Seeker picked up the tone and maneuvered carefully, "A most unjust denial. I believe you would've been the exact leader Cybertron would need to end this Energon crisis and bring us back to her Golden Age."
A smile ghosted across the tall mech's mouth, "I don't suppose your situation has improved much? Still being held back or are you finding ways to cope?"
"I'm…not sure I follow," Starscream's optics darted briefly which didn't go unnoticed by Megatron.
"You see, I've heard from sources that somehow or another you and your Seekers always seem to find Energon deposits. In fact, you seem to be unusually successful in that endeavor." He raised a knowing brow, "What is you secret?"
At this point Starscream was wondering what kind of trap this was. Was Megatron trying to get him to admit he'd be in essence "poaching" Energon sources from restricted planets? It was an act of rebellion and was punishable by loss of all status if discovered by the authorities.
"We are just…skilled Energon Seekers," he stated vaguely.
Megatron gave a knowing smile at his obvious subversiveness, "I see. What if I were to tell you that the Energon Crisis is a lie?"
"A lie? How can that be?" Starscream interjected.
"You see Starscream, I've come to know that the elites in the Senate and over Cybertron have been secretly hoarding away huge caches of Energon. They keep it for themselves and their opulent lifestyles, knowing full well the masses are controlled by the Energon. They keep themselves in power by controlling the flow of our life blood and holding us secretly hostage."
Starscream blinked, the puzzle pieces falling into place in his mind.
"Tell me, Starscream, what lengths would you go to end this injustice and return Cybertron to her Golden Age?" he pressed.
Starscream felt he was treading on very dangerous ground. His feelings on the matter were treasonous…was this a test of loyalty? He scrutinized the large mech's crimson optics for any notion this was a trap to admit his seditions. He himself was no stranger to deception and using words to coyly skirt issues to gain information. Something in Megatron's expression told him he was digging for something specific.
"Are you trying to entrap me Megatron?" he finally blurted out, unable to stand the tension of the questions.
Megatron smirked, "Not at all Starscream. You should know my feelings toward the Senate and their unjustness. Speak your mind."
Starscream stared at him for a long moment before finally saying, "I would do whatever is necessary to see that done."
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear." Megatron complimented. "Starscream, I asked you here to join me and the Decepticon cause."
Starscream's wings twitched with pride. Megatron himself was asking him to join his cause! However, a slight misgiving nagged at him. If he were to join Megatron his position as Top Wing would be forfeit. Could he give up such a lofty position so easily?
Somehow, Megatron seemed to be in his head as he said, "And if you are successful in the task I have in mind for you, I will name you my Second in Command."
A flutter of excitement flew through Starscream. Second in Command? To Megatron!
An ambitious gleam came into Starscream's optics as he bowed his head graciously, "What must I do to earn such an honor?"
Megatron's red optics flashed, "In two days' time, the Senate is scheduled to meet as one unit to discuss my recent rebellion. You and Soundwave will go to the Senate with the story that you have information vital to silence me forever. And then…you will execute all members of the Senate."
Starscream was momentarily taken aback but then understanding cloaked him, "Allowing you to seize power from the chaos and return Cybertron to her Golden Age."
Megatron nodded with a dark smile, "Do you accept?"
The Seeker raised his sharp wings high an equally dark smile lifting his mouth, "I accept."
…
A few days later (present day)…
Starscream was lying alone on his berth. To the casual observer it would appear he was absently staring at the ceiling, but in fact he was linked up with the cleaning drone taking an uninhibited tour of the Autobot base. At present the drone was making the rounds on the edge of the main atrium. He smirked as the little drone meandered past the feet of Optimus Prime, totally unobserved. The cleaning drone was the perfect little spy for him. No one noticed it any more than a broom in the corner. The diminutive perspective was rather unsettling as well as confusing for him. Is this the kind of view the humans had? No wonder they feared them so.
Finally, the drone came to the tunnel that exited the Autobot base. It scanned the opening. Almost large enough to fly out of if the opening was consistent. With little speed the cleaning drone rolled into the exit tunnel. Starscream huffed impatiently. He needed to know how far the tunnel extended and perhaps get a geographical view of the outside. Such information would be very important should he decide to escape or if he was once again captured by the Decepticons.
All at once lights began appearing from near the end of the tunnel. The Autobots Arcee and Bulkhead were returning. Starscream commanded the little cleaning drone to back up and skirt the wall to avoid getting run over as the two vehicles roared by.
Why were those two outside the base in the first place? Was there some sort of mission he wasn't aware of?
Though much slower, the cleaning drone meandered down the exit tunnel to see what the Autobots were doing. When it finally arrived, the reason became apparent and Starscream sighed with irritation. They were merely bringing in the human children. How mundane. However, it wasn't just the human children. Out of Bulkhead stepped Agent Fowler and June Darby. Starscream let a morbid smirk grace his mouth, remembering when he had that human agent strung up onboard the ship to extract information about this very base he now sat in. Pity he'd been so unceremoniously interrupted…and that he'd overestimated how much punishment a human could endure before frying their mind into incoherency.
Then Starscream saw all manners of strange objects being removed from the big green vehicle; floating, shiny balls of rubber bouncing at the end of strings, bright, colorful boxes, and some sort of human confectionary. The humans were all chattering as they carried the colorful menagerie up the metal staircase they utilized.
What was going on?
Starscream allowed the cleaning drone to go about its usual programming just so it wouldn't look suspicious just sitting in one spot. For several minutes it cleaned, allowing him to watch the goings on. It was a flurry of activity and excitement on the humans' part with the Autobots joining in sporadically. The colorful orbs were tied down all around the metal railing while other bright paper strings were strung from the stairs.
Something was definitely going on…but what?
All at once the roar of Bumblebee's engine echoed down the tunnel.
"Here they come! Places everyone!" June shouted.
All was silence until the yellow sports car skidded to a halt and the door opened.
Raf stepped out and everyone shouted, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
What was all this?
Starscream was at a loss. All he could tell was it appeared to be some sort of celebration for the boy.
How disappointing. He thought something interesting was about to happen.
He disconnected from the drone, deciding it wasn't worth the effort.
…
Rafael was very surprised to see his friends having a party for him considering his birthday wasn't for another couple days. Smiling he let Bumblebee lift him past the stairs to the metal platform where the humans resided on the base. There were balloons, streamers, presents, and a cool tech-looking cake. No one, besides his family, had thrown him a party before. He never had many friends until after he met Jack and Bumblebee. His human friends were already singing to him as the candles were being quickly lit. He was officially a teenager: the big 1-3.
"Make a wish teenager!" Agent Fowler encouraged as the short boy stood before the glowing cake.
Raf truly didn't know what to wish for but blew out the candles anyway. Everyone clapped.
"So…what is the significance of this ritual?" Bumblebee asked him through beeps and buzzes.
"I don't really know…humans just do it on their birthday. I guess it's for good luck." Raf explained. "Mostly it's just so we can eat cake."
June began cutting the cake, whilst Miko removed the candles, sucking the frosting from each one. Raf of course got a nice big piece and the party proceeded as birthdays do.
Somewhere between cutting the cake and before opening his presents Raf spotted Scooter tootling around on the floor. He smiled and then noticed that Starscream wasn't present. Though he was pretty sure it was by choice, Raf wondered if he'd even been invited. Familiarity with that scenario struck a chord with him. How many times had kids had a party and he wasn't even asked to come?
He pushed his half-eaten portion of cake aside and said, "I'll be right back. Then I'd like to open those presents!"
Everyone acknowledged his announcement and he trotted down the stairs and out of the main atrium. There was a bathroom nearby so everyone probably assumed that's why Raf left but he diverted to the corridor where he knew Starscream would most likely be.
Rafael crept closer to the door that belonged to Starscream's quarters. He knew he wasn't allowed there but he just couldn't help but feel sorry for the former Con, all alone in what was essentially the "basement" of the Autobot base. Everyone was in the main foyer celebrating his birthday except for him so it didn't feel right to not at least extend him an invitation.
With a ginger hand, he knocked on the large door. There was no answer. He knocked louder and more determined.
"Yes, yes. What is it?" the Con's coarse voice asked with annoyance.
Rafael swallowed the nervous lump in his throat. He should've been used to Starscream by now, but to be truthful no one really was used to him. His abrasive nature was not the type many clung to.
"Um…Starscream?"
"What do you want human? Don't you know you're not allowed in this corridor?" he replied snappishly.
"Uh…yeah. But umm…do you want to come to my party? Everyone else is there."
There was a long pause until he replied, "I have no interest in your insect customs human. Now begone."
"Well…I just thought…you know…we're celebrating my birthday in the main atrium and I thought you'd want to come join the rest of us?" the boy offered.
He could hear Starscream moving and then approach the door. Red optics flashed behind one of the small windows.
"I don't know if you've noticed or not human, but NO ONE in this base wants me to join their festivities." Starscream stated with all bluntness. "Nor would I WISH to."
"I do." the boy replied honestly.
The lighter centers of Starscream's optics flicked back and forth a moment before settling on the small boy intensely, "What are you playing at human?"
"Huh?"
"You're trying to get me into trouble aren't you?" the Seeker accused in a hissing voice.
"What? No!" Rafael shook his head adamantly.
Starscream gestured, "Oh yes. Lure me out of my cell when you know full well I'm not allowed. Then I'll be accused of trying to escape and it's off to the scrap heap with me!"
Raf waved his arms, "No! No! You've got it all wrong!"
"Do I? Then why, oh WHY, would you want ME to join your festivities?" Starscream snarled from behind the door.
Raf straightened his back bravely, "Because…because I know what it's like to be left out. I don't like it, and I'll bet you don't either."
A long silence reigned after his statement until Starscream moved away from the door and replied, "Just begone with you human. Go rejoin your festivities and leave me alone."
Raf looked down with a sigh of disappointment and walked back toward the main atrium. He was almost there when Bumblebee poked his head around the corner. He beeped questioningly but noticed his human friend's dejected look.
"What's wrong Raf?" he buzzed. "You know…you're not supposed to be down here."
The small boy frowned and made a slight gesture back down the hall, "I thought maybe I could invite Starscream to the party. Guess I shouldn't have bothered."
Bumblebee quirked his head, "You asked Starscream to join us?"
Raf shrugged, "I thought he might be lonely down here all by himself."
"And what did he say?"
"He thought I was trying to trick him. Then he more or less told me to get lost."
Bumblebee honestly wasn't surprised by that. Starscream always did have a nasty temperament. But maybe Raf was essentially right?
"Go on. I'll be right behind you." Bumblebee clicked.
…
Starscream resumed his recline on his berth and muttered to himself, "The gall of that human, thinking I actually wanted to join their little merry making. Ha! I'd rather be eaten alive by Scraplets than endure that mess."
The Con was nearly startled to death when the door to his quarters was lifted up. He sat up and looked to see the yellow scout standing there.
Starscream glowered at him and relaxed his flinching stance, "What do YOU want?"
Bumblebee buzzed and chirped at him, "Come on Starscream. We're having a party."
The Seeker groaned and rolled his optics, "I already TOLD your human that I don't want any part of these…festivities."
Bumblebee moved over to him and lifted him up by his thin arm.
"Hey! What are you doing? Unhand me!" Starscream struggled a bit.
"Come on Starscream. It'll be fun." The yellow bot beeped, ignoring the former Con's protests.
"Fun?! What part of being dragged to a celebration that I have no wish to attend is fun?"
"Gets you out for a bit?"
Starscream protested more but Bumblebee's persistence dragged him to the entrance of the atrium where he released him. Starscream flashed his optics angrily but noticed he could almost be seen and straightened his back aristocratically. If he was to be forced into this situation he would do so with dignity. Right after Bumblebee he strode out, wings up and eyes forward, not aimed at anyone in particular. Of course, the same couldn't be said for the room since all eyes and optics fell on him. Normally he relished being the center of attention, but this was very awkward indeed.
"Hey Starscream!" Raf greeted cheerfully from the stairs.
He lifted his chin slightly and said flatly, "Hello."
"I'm glad you decided to come after all," the boy said over the awkwardly quiet room.
I'm not… Starscream thought bitterly to himself taking note that no one but Raf seemed very pleased to see him; least of all the two human adults. Jack's mother was already fearfully touching her son's shoulder as if to pull him back as far from the former Con as possible. Agent Fowler looked dumbfounded and outraged at the same time.
Starscream's crimson optics roved the room slowly before he decided to simply nod to the boy.
Raf smiled at him and resumed his trek up the stairs saying, "Ok! On to those presents!"
His jovial demeanor seemed to snap everyone out of their uncomfortable stares and resume the birthday festivities. However, Agent Fowler made a motion to Optimus and the Autobot leader knew immediately what he wanted. So, discreetly, the two left the room to talk. June was still keeping an eye on Starscream, but he remained on the far side of the room, unmoving but watching. Everyone else was watching Raf open his gifts.
June turned to Jack, "What is going on Jack? Isn't that a Decepticon?"
Her son sighed realizing she was going into 'protection mode', "Used to be Mom. He's defected to the Autobots."
"You're sure?"
"No one is." Jack confirmed.
Of course, Starscream could hear them. Funnily enough, he was thinking the same thing. Was this defection even working? What was he even doing? Amongst the Autobots there were no beatings for failure or being made an example of. But…there were no options for advancement, and he held no sway whatsoever. The only one who treated him better than a prisoner was a puny human child and what good had that done him?