Partnership
Sideways watched as both factions were being attacked. He had quickly noticed that neither ship were taking heavy damage and was confused. Why would Unicron do that? As he watched, he kept thinking about what Sideflare said. He was once an Autobot who was mortally wounded, Beachcomber. Unicron took him in and rebuilt his body. The puzzling part about it was he couldn't remember anything of being Beachcomber. He always believed he was a spawn of Unicron.
"Still confused?" Sideflare asked. "Why don't I enlighten you?"
Sideways turned from the view port to his companion. "Why is it that you know this and I don't?"
"Unicron preferred it that way. When he rebuilt your body, you tried to escape and warn Optimus Prime of Unicron. I rendered you unconscious. The next time you awoke, you were Sideways, spawn to Unicron."
"Unicron erased my memories," Sideways said to himself.
"Exactly." Behind her faceplate, Sideflare smirked. "And that happened during the final battle with the Mini-Cons as Optimus Prime sent them here to Earth. While everyone were worrying about the Mini-Cons. I went down to Cybertron and collected you."
"Why are you telling me this now?" Sideways demanded.
"To see if you'll run. See if you'll betray Unicron, our father." Sideflare looked past Sideways and watched the battle. "And for your questions about why there's no major damage on the two ships. Unicron wants to weaken them, then make them suffer."
Sideways turned back to view port and watched the Decepticons try to move as another blast hit them.
-
"Damage Report!" Megatron demanded.
"Minor hits," Demolisher answered.
Thrust quickly turned. "He's taunting us. He's firing at us and the Autobots with minimal firepower."
"He's trying to weakened us," Megatron hissed. One thing he hated more than Optimus Prime and the former human was being used as a puppet.
Suddenly the ship was no longer being thrashed. Megatron looked at the view screen and saw Mini-Cons. "What the…"
"They're coming from all directions," Wheeljack answered. "And they are not coming from the Autobot ship nor Earth."
"So they're more Mini-Cons scattered through out the solar system," Megatron mused. "They are protecting us. Move us out of range."
-
Optimus Prime and the other Autobots watched in amazement as Mini-Cons suddenly came from all directions, surrounding themselves around their ship and the Decepticons.
"Where are they coming from?" Ironhide asked.
"They're coming from all over the solar system," Scavenger informed. "There's none coming from Earth or us. But how is that possible? I thought we had them all?"
"Apparently we were wrong," Optimus said. "When Highwire said there were more Mini-Cons, I didn't want to believe but I did. Highwire combined with Sureshock and Grindor make Perceptor and he's the leader of the Mini-Cons."
"Look," Alexis pointed out. "They are also protecting the Decepticons."
"They must think that's it best if we join forces as well," Jetfire said.
"Well let's just hope Megatron will agree," Optimus said. "Take us out of range. Once out of range contact the Decepticons."
"Yes sir," Blurr said and did as ordered.
As soon as they were out of the way, Hotshot immediately did as ordered and hailed the Decepticons.
-
"Megatron, sir," Demolisher announced.
"What!"
"We're being hailed by the Autobots."
Megatron slammed his fist into on the arm of his throne. "Fine!" he snapped.
No sooner said, Megatron could see Optimus Prime. To his left was the former human, Alexis and traitor. And to his right he could see Jetfire, vice commander. "What do you want now!" Though the demand was to Optimus, he kept staring at the girl. He found her 'interesting' for a human before but now she was…beyond words.
-
Alexis noticed Megatron's stare but she ignored it for the time being. He may come after me when this is over. Starscream did say there was a Decepticon who wanted me. I wonder if it's him. Her thoughts were broken when she heard Optimus speak.
"The offer still stands. The only way to defeat Unicron is by joining forces."
"Why?" Was all Megatron asked. The one simple question was for many questions.
"You and I both know Unicron is taunting us. He is trying to weaken us before going for the kill. The only way to stop him is by working together."
-
Megatron had been thinking about this alliance since Unicron started to attack them as well. He knew all to well that the Decepticons alone would not be able to defeat Unicron. The question he was coming up with was what was making Unicron powerful? There has to be a weakness to defeat the giant planet. Then once Unicron is gone, Alexis and Optimus Prime will just be a memory to the Autobots.
"I have been giving it some thought Prime," Megatron started calmly. "And I do have to admit, as much I as don't want to, that your human friend does have a point. I don't allow my men to dictate my actions."
"Megatron what are you saying?" Thrust announced.
"Silence!" Megatron bellowed turning to his tactician. "I'm tired of hearing your annoying voice, Thrust."
Thrust quickly turned away. I got to get out of here. Why did you fire on us Unicron? The plan was to wait until I was off the ship.
"I will take up your offer, Prime," Megatron smirked. "We will defeat Unicron together but once this is over, the alliance will be severed."
"I wouldn't have any other way," Optimus agreed. "We'll align our ship with yours."
"We'll be waiting." Megatron turned away as the screen went blank. "Alright men. We are joining forces with the Autobots. You will not fire upon them until this alliance is over. Anyone who fires upon the Autobots will not live to see the end of Unicron."
-
Alexis looked at the blank screen and slightly shivered. She did not like the way Megatron was smirking when he agreed to the alliance. She turned to Optimus.
"How do we know he'll keep up with his end of the bargain?" she asked. "He has gone back on his word before."
She thought back to the day when Billy and Fred were taken hostage by Cyclonus and held for ransom. Her, Rad and Carlos also ended being held hostage.
Knowing full well that Optimus would do anything for the kids, Megatron gave them the off, the kids freedom for the Mini-cons. But once Megatron took the Autobots' Mini-Cons, he decided that he was going to keep the kids for future needs.
"That day he was in control," Optimus said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Today no one has the control except for Unicron. We don't know how powerful Unicron is but I'm sure Unicron could defeat us. Especially since he has the three Mini-Con weapons."
"I still don't like the way he smirked when agreed."
Optimus sighed. He had seen Megatron was looking at Alexis and he didn't like it. He turned back to his men. "Blurr. Align us with Megatron's ship. Prepare to board their ship."
"Great," Powerglide mumbled. "But this is the only to stop that monstrosity of a robot." He turned to leave the bridge. "I'll go to the airlock."
"Good idea. Alexis. Starscream. Why don't you accompany Powerglide," Optimus suggested.
Alexis nodded and walked towards Starscream. When she reached him, he turned and began to follow Powerglide to the airlock. While on their way there, Starscream gently grabbed her hand and gave it gentle squeeze.
Alexis looked up as he was looking at her. She gave him a slight smile.
"Am I missing something?" Powerglide asked when they reached the airlock.
Starscream snapped. "What's it to you?"
"Sorry, I asked," Powerglide answered. "In a way you haven't changed.
"Starscream," Alexis said quietly. "Powerglide. What do you think is going on?" Alexis figured it was time to have everyone stop tiptoeing around her and Starscream.
"Ah…you two are going out?"
"Then don't ask silly questions," Alexis said.
Powerglide looked up at her dumbfound. "I got a lot to learn about humans."
Alexis giggled.
Suddenly Optimus's voice was heard through out the whole ship. "All hands. We are about to join an alliance with the Decepticons to defeat Unicron. In a matter of minutes there will be a jolt. We are linking our ship to the Decepticons."
"Why would Optimus speak all over the ship? Everyone is on the bridge except for the three of us," Powerglide asked.
"He was more talking to the Mini-Cons that are all over the ship," Alexis said.
-
"Prepare docking procedures," Optimus commanded.
"Docking clamps ready, sir," Ironhide said.
"Take us over slowly." Blurr slowly got the ship into position. When there was jolt, indicating the clamps were secure, Optimus moved from his station. "Secure all stations. The Deceptions are waiting."
-
Megatron and the rest of his men were waiting patiently. When the Autobots docked with theirs, the Decepticons quickly left for the hanger to greet their 'new' allies. When the entered, Megatron could clearly see Optimus leading his team. Directly behind him were Jetfire and Red Alert. From behind them, he couldn't see all of them. Though he was able to make out the traitor and…Alexis.
Optimus Prime stopped right in front of Megatron. The two stared at each other for a couple minutes. No one dared to say a word.
Just as Alexis thought that maybe Megatron might have changed his mind, he raised his hand. She noticed Optimus doing the same. The two shock hands in front of everyone. She sighed in relief.
"I, Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, state that with the this hand shake it signifies the union of this alliance."
"I, Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, state with this union we will work together as a team to defeat Unicron."
Suddenly one of the Mini-Cons quickly came running from the direction from where the Autobots entered. He was speaking so fast, that no one, but Alexis was able to comprehend. She bent over to listen closer.
"What did he just blundered?" Megatron asked rudely, letting go of Optimus's hand.
"He said," Alexis said as she stood back up and approached the two leaders. "Unicron is changing."
"What!" Both Optimus and Megatron yelled.
Optimus quickly turned and rushed back to his ship where he could get a good look at what Alexis just said. Alexis wasn't far behind him.
When Optimus entered the bridge he watched in horror as Unicron changed. The ring around the planet moved from position. Legs began to form and stretch out. Arms uncurled from around the center. He quickly heard Alexis gasped in horror and noticed that the two of them weren't the only ones there. Everyone rushed to the bridge. The ring turned into skeleton wings.
When the arms were completely out, hands began to emerge. After watching and seeing Unicron's body take form, it didn't take long before the head appeared slowly from the back.
"He's gigantic," Alexis breathed.
Beside her was Megatron. He was dumbfounded to see this change. He now was grateful that he decided to join with the Autobots. It was going to take all their power and more to stop this menace.
"We're going to need reinforcements," Thrust said slowly. He couldn't believe what Unicron was. Never in his wildest dreams could he image this of Unicron. They betrayed me. There goes my way of ruling the Decepticons. He looked over at his leader. No sense in trying to continue with the original plan. Unicron you are in for a sorry surprise. We will defeat you.
"I agree," Megatron answered. "Demolisher!"
"Wait!" Red Alert shouted.
"What now?" Megatron snapped turning to the science officer.
"Unicron isn't doing anything," Red Alert answered.
"What's he waiting for?" Scavenger questioned.
The view screen suddenly went fuzzy and a face began to appear. It was Sideflare. "You have three days to send in reinforcements before we crush you and Earth. Unicron wants to see your fire power."
Before anyone had a chance to utter a word, Sideflare was gone and it was back to seeing Unicron.
"Well men," Optimus said, clenching his fists. "We have work to do. If we don't stop him now, Cybertron will be next."
"I agree," Megatron said. "We must contact Cybertron and call as many forces as possible."
Alexis looked to the Decepticon leader.
"I don't care about Earth." Megatron looked at her. "But I will not sit around and allow that monstrosity of a robot to devour Cybertron."
"We need to find as much information about him as possible," Optimus answered. "Powerglide, Ironhide, Blaster, Springer, Seaspray, Tracks, Cliffjumper and Jazz. You will stay here and keep a close eye on Unicron. If he fires, protect Earth at all costs."
"The rest of the Autobots are going back to Earth to call for help."
"We're coming along," Megatron said. "Allow your men to be in our ship and we'll take yours down."
"That is a good idea," Starscream said. "Megatron's ship is too large to fit in the hanger."
"Wheeljack, you'll stay with them," Megatron commanded.
"Yes, sir," he saluted.
"Let's get busy."
-
"What are they doing now?" Sideflare asked.
"For once you don't have all the answers," Sideways said. He ignored the glare from her as he continued. "Isn't it obvious. They are heeding our offer and are heading back to Earth for reinforcements. One ship will stay and watch us."
"Why can't they contact help from here?"
"They do not have a strong enough warp gate on either ship. Only the warp gate in the Autobot base is strong enough to get help in the required time. The Decepticons destroyed their base when they launched their ship."
"And you know this by being with them?"
"Yes. That was my mission. I have one question for you. How come you can sense Unicron's thoughts?"
"You can't?" Sideflare seemed quite surprised. "Well this is great. I'm a full spawn and you actually have a mind of your own."
"Didn't you once tell me that Unicron will punish those you disrespect him? If that were the case, I'd watch what you say. Since I do know he knows your thoughts."
"Shut up!" Sideflare snapped.
"Why should I," Sideways turned to his companion. "Afraid that I can't be harmed and you can."
Sideflare clenched her fists and was about to attack Sideways but suddenly her circuits began to overheat and she felt like something was stabbing her in the chest. She crashed to the floor.
Sideways watched in fascination as Sideflare was being disciplined. Well now I am glad that I'm not part of Unicron. He can't sense my thoughts. As I once thought he did. I think he did for a time but severed the link not too long ago.
Just as quickly as it came, the sudden overheating circuits and the pain coming from her chest ceased. She took a few quick gasps as the pain dissipated. When she knew she could stand, she weakly stood back up.
"I guess you are linked to Unicron and I'm not," Sideways taunted. "I'm going to have fun with this."
"Unicron will get tired of you and then dispose of you." She quickly stopped and for several minutes she didn't speak.
"What new orders are from Unicron?" Sideways asked.
"Thrust. He must be eliminated before reinforcements arrive. Thrust has valued data stored in his memory banks. Weaknesses, Strengths, you. But right now he doesn't remember. When you bargained with him, you placed all that data within him. The chip must be destroyed."
"And he wants to send me, does he. Well I'm up to the challenge."
-
When the Autobot ship was back in the hanger, Optimus had the ship vacuum out the water and the flood valves closed. As soon as the water was gone, everyone exited the ship.
For a few quick moments, Alexis felt relieved to be back on the ground but that soon was gone at seeing Megatron look around the hanger. Oh no. He may find the lake. I can't let that happened.
Her thoughts were dashed away as a hand rested on her shoulder. She looked to see Starscream. She faintly smiled and walked out of the hanger.
Her smile did not go unnoticed by Cyclonus. He walked over to Megatron. "Sir," he spoke quietly. "It seems Starscream has gotten quite chummy with the former human."
"So it seems. When this is over, Starscream will be destroyed as well as Optimus." Megatron watched the other Autobots leave the hanger. He nodded to his men to follow.
"What about her?" Cyclonus asked when it was just Optimus, Alexis, Starscream and the two of them in the hanger. Starscream and Alexis were speaking quietly to Optimus in a corner by the hanger doors.
"She'll be turned to a Decepticon. She's a Transformer now. It will make it much easier now."
"You are still willing to go with your original plan?"
Megatron turned to Cyclonus. "Don't ever question my decisions. I will have that girl and she will learn to love being a Decepticon."
-
Over in the corner Alexis was speaking to Optimus. "Optimus. I need to tell Rad and the others what's going on? But…"
"I know, the lake," Optimus interrupted. He turned to Starscream. "Why would Megatron want Alexis?"
Starscream shrugged. "I'd have to say that he's always wanted her."
"Wanted me? Is this about last week when Thrust gave you an ultimatum."
"Yes. Since the first day Megatron met you," Starscream started. "He's had a fascination about you. Especially after you and the boys started to work with the Autobots. I could be wrong but I think Megatron has been wanting to plan to kidnap you and make you a Decepticon."
"How could he do that? I was human."
"Cyclonus had made a mind transfer machine. A device that can switch a human's mind to a robot body."
"Alexis you need to warn the boys. Starscream take her to the lake and be sure you're not followed. At least for the next little bit, Megatron will be contacting Cybertron. That will be your perfect time."
Starscream nodded. He turned away from Optimus and began to walk out of the room. Alexis was not far behind.
Megatron noticed this. He turned back from Cyclonus and walked toward the door as well. "Well Prime, might as well lead the way to your command center. We only have three days."
Optimus nodded and began to walk towards the command center with the others in tow. Upon reaching there, Starscream walked over to the main computer and plugged in coordinates. "It will take a few minutes to reach Cybertron on this frequency. I coded it so Unicron won't pick up on it."
"Good idea," Megatron agreed.
Starscream moved away from computer and walked over to Alexis. He placed an arm around her shoulders and waited. Just as soon as Megatron or Cyclonus weren't looking, they dashed out making their way to the lake.
"Alexis," Starscream said. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her around before she had a chance to enter the water. "Once we get back up, one of the Decepticons may see you."
"I know. Just as long as they don't find this cavern, I'll be fine."
Alexis moved her arms to wrap around his body and leaned her hand against his shoulder. "I love you."
"As I love you."
He pushed her back a bit and just as she was about to protest, his lips were on hers.
"When you get to the others, contact me. By then I'll see what Optimus says about having the kids back here," he said as he moved away and released her.
"I will." She moved away from him and walked into the water.
Starscream watched as she merged into the water. When her head was completely under, he moved fast to the edge waiting for her to surface as a human. In those moments waiting for her, he reflected back to when he was a Decepticon.
Megatron wasn't the only one with the fascination with Alexis he was as well. But he knew that it was wishful thinking to be around her. That was until the day he went to the Autobots and asked for help.
She was the first one to stop him from leaving when he figured no one would help him. When he first got to know her, he didn't know what to make of her. She was a kid who was willing to let bygones be bygones. She wasn't going hold his past against him.
Starscream's thoughts were interrupted when he heard a splash. He looked down to see Alexis swimming over to the shore.
"Here," he said. He opened his subspace pocket and produced something to help dry her off. He bent down to hand it to her.
"Thanks." When she looked at it, she noticed it was the chamois that was made for him. But wasn't it ruined when she was injured in the pyramid. "I don't get it."
Starscream chuckled. "After you were injured, Rad took the chamois and had it cleaned."
"That little sneak. I didn't know you still had this. I thought you got rid of it after you had Swindle stop my bleeding leg."
"Now, let's hope you can get out of here without being detected." He placed his hand on the ground, which she quickly climbed in.
"I'll have to come back here. Mom is no longer in the state."
"I'll let Optimus know that."
When Starscream reached the main part of the base, he carefully looked to see if anyone was around. He was glad to find no one. He quickly moved towards the exit of the base. Just before he got there, another Transformer was coming his way.
To their surprise, it was Jetfire.
"Why are sneaking around?" Jetfire asked. He quickly looked to Starscream's hand and saw his answer. "Never mind I asked. You going to see the boys?"
"Yes. They should know what's going on. We're hoping to get out before the Decepticons notice my appearance."
"Gotcha. That's why Sureshock is waiting at the doors. Well you better get going."
"Thanks. I'll see you guys before night fall."
Jetfire looked at the girl. "Why?"
"I'll explain," Starscream offered. "We better get her the exit."
Quick Notes: Thank you to all my readers who like this fic.