Chapter Six

Sunstreaker groaned as Sideswipe tripped again, causing him to stumble, which made the yellow twin's knee bump even more as he was carried on his brother's back. "Sides, do that one more time…"

"Just trying to make sure you're awake," Sideswipe replied. He paused. "But it's not my fault you're heavy."

Sunstreaker brought the muzzle of his stolen Decepticon rifle into the side of his brother's head. "Shut up!"

Sideswipe could only laugh. He'd been walking for nearly the whole day, and it was afternoon now. He knew he couldn't keep it up forever, and was already showing signs that all this activity was taking its toll. They were on a small two lane road in the middle of nowhere, after having swum to some godforsaken beach after being released from the Decepticon base. "I sure hope someone finds us soon."

"Tell me about it," Sunstreaker fidgeted. "Although, it's not like anyone's going to come after us."

The two were silent for a bit, and then a small laugh escaped Sideswipe, and was followed by a larger laugh from Sunstreaker, which was followed by a larger laugh from Sideswipe, before they both erupted into laughter.

"Oh…that hurts," Sunstreaker groaned and tried to stop laughing. "I can't believe we actually got that pinheaded overgrown moth to let us go."

"I can't believe we got them to blow up parts of their own ship," Sideswipe added.

"Or that we were invited to shoot up Starscream."

"What I can't believe is that you were able to run Megatron through," Sideswipe said, pausing in his walk. He could feel his systems crying for reprieve, but knew he had to put as much distance between themselves and the Decepticons as possible.

"If it wasn't for my leg I think I'd be the one run through."

"Do you think you killed him?"

Sunstreaker thought, bringing up the memory of the attack in the control room. He remembered where he had struck Megatron. It was close to many vital systems, and there was no doubt that Megatron would be out of commission for a long time. But…deactivate him? "No…I don't think so."

"Starscream is going to be upset."

…

"I'm listening."

Starscream held up a finger. "On one condition."

"Yeah?"

"You must destroy the Decepticon mainframe computer and provide a return of energon supply for all Decepticons."

Sideswipe thought on it. "For our freedom? That's hardly a good asking price."

Starscream pulled out the pistol. "The unfortunate bot who was in charge of disarming you is going to get a rather rude surprise when he realizes he missed one lowly pistol." He set it on the floor before him. "Don't get me wrong, it's quite refreshing to trade insults without the sound of blasters destroying the art, but the truth is, I don't want you as captives." He held up a hand as the yellow twin tried to speak. "And my colleagues don't wish to call you their colleagues."

The twins exchanged glances.

"Yes, Megatron has a plan to either brainwash or blackmail one of you, if not both of you, into Decepticon service," Starscream grimaced. "Quite frankly, the thought sickens me."

"That still doesn't even out the destruction of the mainframe computer and free energon."

"And severely injure, if not kill, Megatron."

"What?" Sideswipe scoffed. "You're joking."

"No joke. I know what damage the two of you can do firsthand, with your bare hands."

"I'm injured," Sunstreaker protested flatly. "And I'd rather hurt you instead."

Starscream folded his arms and gave a slight smile. "I've got to make it seem like a legitimate escape, do I not? It's not like I'd just walk right over to the release controls," he walked over to them and held out a finger over the release button. "And just…you know…let you go." He held up the energon again.

Sunstreaker folded his arms. "I'm down."

"Are you sure?"

"A chance to wail on Starscream?"

Sideswipe smirked. "If you insist."

"I insist."

Sideswipe eyed Starscream. "When's this supposed to go down?"

"An hour and a half before sunrise. It will give you a few hours to recharge and ensure a certain dim witted colleage of mine has also dropped off into recharge," Starscream frowned, lowering his hand. "I cannot believe I am agreeing to a plot with you."

"I can't believe you're allowing us to rough you up."

"I need to be operational. If you leave any reason for Megatron to suspect I had a hand in this, those under my command will destroy you before you reach the elevators."

Sideswipe nodded. "Besides, it'd be nice to show your newly attained troops that you can handle a crisis such as the demise of Megatron in a situation such as this."

Starscream grinned. "My thoughts exactly."

….

"Pffft," Sunstreaker scoffed. "Please tell me you aren't going to give that dumbass any energon."

Sideswipe shrugged as best he could with his brother's arms clasped over his shoulders. "I never renege on a deal."

"That's a lie, Sides, and you know it."

"Well…I'll give him energon."

"But?"

Sideswipe grinned.

"Hey, but? C'mon, I know you got a 'but' in there."

"I can't tell. I don't know if it will work."

"C'mon Sides, you tell me everything."

"Nah, I think I'll keep this one a secret."

"Sides!"

"Besides…do you think Starscream was right?"

"Huh? About what?"

"That…you know. He could be dead already."

Sunstreaker thought silently. "I don't remember how badly damaged he was."

"I do. He was bad."

"Well…if…he did die…then maybe it was…"

His words stopped, and he failed to finish his sentence. Sunstreaker didn't know what to say in those kinds of situations, and had never forced himself to think of something. His brother knew where he was going with it though. Maybe it was worth it.

Maybe it was a good revenge.

Or maybe not good enough.

Sideswipe continued walking in silence, his footfalls irregular and his paces becoming smaller.

"Hey bro, why don't you stop? It's getting to be evening."

"I can keep going."

"Like hell."

"No, I can…I just need a breather…"

Sunstreaker began to speak, but stopped when he heard something. An engine. "What's that?"

"Is it a seeker?"

"No, it's a car engine," he listened again as the motor came closer, and soon recognized the sound of the engine. "A Porsche."

Sideswipe looked up at Sunstreaker, and they exclaimed at the same time. "Jazz!"

….

"And…that's how we got out," Sideswipe finished. Jazz stood before the twins as they sat on the side of the road – or rather, Sideswipe sat and Sunstreaker lay sprawled on the grass. Jazz donned a grin.

"Heh, I kinda wish I was there," Jazz said. "Although, not for the damages."

"Are they almost here yet?" Sunstreaker piped weakly.

"What, you don't like my storytelling, Sunny?" Sideswipe asked.

"Not if I was there."

Jazz looked up the road. He could see something glimmering in the distance. "There they are. And we brought ya a little surprise."

"Is it Starscream's head on a stick? That'd be real nice," Sunstreaker muttered. The pain in his leg was becoming unbearable. If they didn't hurry up, he'd be forced to shut down for the time being.

Sideswipe looked up at the glimmering automobiles in the distance, and recognized Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Prowl, with Optimus Prime at the lead. Jazz made sure to step off the road as they pulled up and transformed, all but Prime. Ratchet immediately ran to the twins and the others fairly picked them up off the ground and to Prime's trailer. Hardly a word was said; they knew they were still fairly close to the Decepticon's base, and didn't want to run any chances.

The door to the trailer was opened, revealing a blue figure lying inside. The figure grinned sheepishly despite signs of recent repairs and waved weakly as the twins were loaded in, along with Ratchet. "Hey guys."

The twins exchanged glances and smirked.

"Alright, we're in!" Ratchet banged the side of the trailer as the doors were shut, and soon they were on their way once more. He looked at the twins, who were in turn looking at Bluestreak. Ratchet sighed. "Can you believe he threatened me? He threatened to 'get me back', with your help, if I didn't let him come." He turned to Sunstreaker, shaking his head, and began work on his mangled leg. "Did someone chew on this?"

"Very funny."

Sideswipe grinned at the blue bot, lowering his voice, "Impressive. Most impressive. But you are not a Jedi yet."

Bluestreak grinned. "I hadta come and see that you guys escaped. I wanna hear about it!"

"No," Sunstreaker protested weakly, his characteristic glare faded with fatigue. "Not again." Something popped and sizzled in Ratchet's work, causing him to wince. "Watch it!"

"Sorry, senseless jabber distracts me," Ratchet looked over at Bluestreak with a glare. "I thought I told you to be still and not talk!"

The four became silent. Bluestreak covered his mouth and shook with silent laughter. Sideswipe grinned.

"Once upon a time, there were two Autobot twins..."

Sunstreaker groaned. "Oh hell…"

"One was a genius, the other was in love with himself…"

"Ratchet, make him shut up."

A muffled giggle escaped Bluestreak.

"And this is the tale of when they made the biggest fool out of a Decepticon named Starscream…"

Note: Yes, there's more…