Chapter 5
Impatience can bring desperation
Part 1
Megatron wasn't lying, he sometimes can lie but in this moment he wasn't lying that he will take Starscream for dead, the warlord didn't wait anymore and his impatience got him, he declared Starscream dead when Thundercraker and Skywarp arrived. No one said anything since they were working on Data pads or some things that Megatron wanted done. Their leader wasn't happy, he had lost his SIC and he doesn't know what to do... Things are getting complicated.
"Lord Megatron, Starscream is not worth of our times." Shockwave said. "Let's continue our work..."
"Shockwave, it's three on the morning." Megatron grunted. "I will recharge, I don't care what will the others do."
"Whatever you say, Lord Megatron."
As he said that, Megatron turned off the screen and walked to announce Starscream's death, he didn't know if the seeker is death, but he had been lost and Megatron have no time to look for his second, at least he wouldn't be annoyed anymore. Finally, he would be leading the Decepticons without caring for a surprise attack. Smirking he said between the comn links:
"My dear soldiers, since Starscream is nowhereto be found... I declare his death as a traitor of our faction."
With relief he went to recharge.
"My dear soldiers, since Starscream is nowhere to be found... I declare his death as a traitor of our faction."
Thundercraker sighed; apparently Starscream won't be coming back. They were all used to see Starscream coming and begging for forgiveness in front of them.
"He won't be coming..." Skywarp said.
"No, but I think he's alive." Thundercraker sighed. "I know he is alive, something tells me that he won't be coming back to the Decepticons but he's alive..."
Skywarp frowned, TC still has faith on Starscream...interesting but it's quite sad.
"How do you know that?" Skywarp asked.
Thundercraker looked at him with a face of "Stop asking me questions, that I can't even answer" He could feel Skywarp smirk, Starscream is alive but he's not coming back, there are many reasons; probably he went back to Cybertron to become a neutral? No, knowing Starscream he wouldn't be a neutral, perhaps he is thinking a plan to kill Megatron!
"Because Starscream doesn't give up." Thundercraker answered. "Only in rare cases, he's outside somewhere planning an attack for Megatron."
"Optimus, I need you in the rec room." Ratchet called for him.
Optimus didn't know what Ratchet wanted from him but if he calls at 3:00 Am then it mean that it's important, he won't keep him waiting any longer since he sounded really serious. There was no way that Ratchet could be calling him for nothing. He let Starscream rest he won't be waking him up, the poor thing needs recharge. Leaving his quarters without making a noise he walked to the rec room.
"Is something the matter?" He asked as he saw Ratchet and Wheeljack waiting for him.
Ratchet nodded.
"I know it's late but Megatron has declared Starscream dead..."The medic explained with a small sigh. "Wheeljack told me after he hacked the Decepticons' data..."
Prime closed his optics, it usual from Megatron. Now what are they going to do? They have Starscream and he isn't dead...
"We can't do anything at the moment." Optimus said. "Megatron thinks Starscream is dead but he's not, we will be doing the usual."
"If they attack us?" Wheeljack asked as he looked at Ratchet with a concern look, they could see Starscream in this state and that would bring problems. "He's been hiding pretty well in our base. But, what if Megatron sends the cassettes?"
Prime huffed in return, pessimistic... he just wants to recharge but he's their leader and a leader should be an example it was a sacrifice he dared to accept. That he wanted to do. Standing here, now where they are... what are they going to do? Go to the Nemesis and attack them at this time? What if... no?
"I don't know, Starscream is now our responsibility." Prime continued. "And as our responsibility, we have to take care of him... if they attack we have no choice but to defend ourselves."
"I would like to talk about this little accident Starscream had and the cause of this, I might have the answer." Wheeljack commented.
"In the morning..."Prime showed the hour. "I'll be on your lab this morning..."
He didn't think he would find Starscream awake with a lost look, it was like if he's been thinking for too long, the little seeker frowned when their optics met, no emotions...
"I thought you were sleeping."
"I'm not anymore..." Star replied.
Prime sighed and went to sit on his berth next to Starscream, he really needed an advice from someone who had passed through situations like this, but probably he's the only one with a situation like this...Primus, not even he can control what would happen in the future, no one actually can. Should he tell Starscream the truth? He looked at the sparkling, he doesn't even know if behind that body, on his spark Starscream was an adult, he acted like one like a mature Mech with experience of life, he laughed at the thought. Starscream may be a sparkling but he's an adult inside. He would wait for the answers that probably Wheeljack has. He wanted good news or at least answers that can be helpful.
"Why don't we sleep?" Starscream murmured. "You look tired and tomorrow your soldiers might need you."
"You're right." Optimus replied. "They might need me, functional"
Starscream chuckled as he lied down; he waited for the lights to turn off. And as Optimus said, they were going to sleep. Optimus let himself rest the time left he had for himself.
When it was morning, Megatron couldn't stop thinking about his SIC disappearance. Who wouldn't? He is used to wait for Starscream and his begging to not humiliate him in front of the soldiers. The only thing Megatron remembered from the last battle was that the seeker was fighting with Bumblebee and his trine mates were taking care of the twins. But, he remembered that the seeker wasn't injured. Autobots...probably they have something to do with this. He doesn't really care if they held captive the traitor he just wanted to take this impatient out of his systems. And the only way to solve this "mystery" was to plan an attack for the Autobots...it's just simple, he would be going to their base and attack them, with the help of his Decepticons...
"The ark." Megatron murmured. "They aren't doing anything..."
With his plan now ready, he called for his crew. With a smirk showed on his face he went to the Ark, ready to attack.
"I suppose that the only Mech that Starscream knows more is Optimus..."Wheeljack said. "He called you by your name even thought he was transformed into a sparkling with no idea what was going on, he didn't remember us but he did remember you."
"Strange..." Ratchet added. "I thought that transformation erased all his memories..."
Optimus haven't thought of that, he thought that it was normal because it was a transformation, he didn't expect Starscream to remember them. But, he hoped that he could be with them without him making commotions and it was true, Starscream wasn't bad and he was still innocent who doesn't know that they are in war, Prime believes Starscream have forgotten...But what explain the reason that Starscream remembered Optimus and the others not? Reasons... reasons.
"What happened next? Prime"
Optimus flinched.
"Nothing else..." He answered. "I saw him injured and well I took him to Ratchet."
"So, once you saw that he was injured, you took him to the base?" Wheeljack repeated as he put his hand on his chin. "You didn't ask him any question?"
"How could I ask if he was injured? He couldn't talk!" Optimus grunted, for some reason he was upset by Wheeljack's questions, it felt like if they were accusing him.
There was small moment of silent, probably because of Prime's way to answer.
"He couldn't talk, he spoke to me but it pained him." Optimus continued with his explanation. He must give more details if they want to know the reason of Starscream transformation. "But there wasn't an explosion or a sign that transformed him into a sparkling..."
This time was Wheeljack who frowned, since Optimus didn't know why it happened, and then they must investigate more. He fears if one day Starscream transforms back to his normal self and will end up killing them. Or probably he won't they are still thinking if they should found a cure...
"Great, this doesn't take us any farther!" Wheeljack continued trying to control himself. "Starscream knows who are you but he doesn't remember all the crew! He only remembered you and that's not normal."
Ratchet sighed, then something hits him...Starscream seemed to trust Optimus and he's been acting well with Bumblebee but when Optimus goes to where they are, the sparkling forgets that's he's with Bumblebee and stay with Prime. Probably, Starscream remembered only Optimus because he was the last Mech he talked before he transformed into a Sparkling. Makes sense to him...
"I think that Starscream only remembers Optimus because he was the only Mech that he talked before the transformation." Ratchet decided to explain; if Optimus don't remember more details then he was going with logic. "He was the last one who he talked with..."
"Makes sense." Optimus commented, no one knows if Prime was being sarcastic or not. "I mean I did have to ask him if he remembered me and well he did..."
"Well, I think that's something" Wheeljack nodded.
Bumblebee didn't know if it was a good idea to go with Skyfire outside with the sparkling, they were friends before and who would like to see their friend in a situation like this one? He wouldn't but the shuttle insisted on going with him. So without arguing he went with Skyfire, Starscream didn't say anything so Bumblebee believes that he's okay with Skyfire. They were walking around the base so Starscream won't be feeling like a prisoner in the base. Not like he's one though...
"I've been here before..."Starscream said as he remembered where they were standing. They were on the roof the Ark. "I've been with Optimus..."
"Really?" Skyfire said as he looked at Bumblebee.
Starscream nodded eagerly as he remembered when he watched the sunset with Optimus, it makes him feel special.
"What were you two doing?" Bumblebee couldn't stop himself from asking; he was curious what his leader did with Starscream. He felt a little lonely when he worked that day, and wondered what Optimus was doing with Starscream. He waited impatiently for the answer.
"We watched the sunset until its end!" Starscream answered happily. "It was pretty!"
Skyfire imagined Optimus holding Starscream until falling asleep; Optimus Prime was a great leader, probably the best one that Skyfire have ever met. He admired that Mech, he sacrifice himself for others even thought he doesn't have to. Maybe, Starscream's arrival has changed him since he's new with sparkling and knows how to take care of a minor. Optimus knows how to treat Mechs but Sparklings were different they required more attention.
"Maybe we can watch the sunset someday..." Starscream murmured.
"Yeah." Bumblebee smiled.
"I think we should head inside." Skyfire said. "It's time for your food, Star"
"I thought Optimus was the only Mech who called me like that." Starscream frowned. "But, thank you"
Skyfire was taken aback by that, indeed not expecting that answer but he decided to leave it like that...
But before they could enter the base, they heard the Decepticons coming. One of them shot Bumblebee on his back making Starscream fall. The sparkling groaned with pain as his wings met the ground harder. Skyfire cursed as he activated his gun to protect Starscream, they can't let the Decepticons know that Starscream is with them. He ran to help Bumblebee to stand, the scout shouted as Soundwave appeared from behind.
"Mission: Attack Autobots." He said as usual. "Query: You have Starscream?"
Bumblebee groaned as he hid Starscream hoping that the rest wouldn't know. He activated his cannons threating Soundwave, hating that they ruined their peaceful time.
"I don't know what are you talking about, deceptiscum!" Bumblebee grunted. "Why don't you go back with your leader and cry?"
Soundwave ignored Bumblebee as he commanded Rumble and Frenzy, the two casseticons laughed evilly as they were launched to them. The two mini bots started to attack.
"But, what do we have here?" Rumble said as he noticed a small figure with wings on his back, frowning he sneaked from Bumblebee's legs. "Holy Primus! Starscream?"
Starscream frowned as he looked at the new bot...He didn't say anything but he stared at him. The seeker just stood there watching Rumble's move, with caution. If his friends were scared from those people then it means that Starscream should be scared, should be worried.
"Why do you look different? Hey Frenzy take a look!" Rumble shouted. "It's Starscream and he's alive!"
"What? It's impossible!" The other casseticons replied. "Soundwave check that out, would ya?"
Bumblebee and Skyfire gulped, they know! Bumblebee grunted and punched Soundwave's face so he couldn't see what the casseticons saw, but they didn't expect Megatron from coming. The warlord was with Thundercraker and Skywarp, flying until they landed in front of them.
"We must take Starscream inside!" Skyfire advised between a private comn-link. "It's not safe"
"And how we are going to do that?"
Skyfire groaned, how?! They are surrounded and if they escaped the Decepticons would get them anyways; they should be calling for backups. They need it...
"Well, what are you two hiding?" Megatron commanded as he dodged Bumblebee's attacks. "It looks small..."
"Go away, old scrap!" Bumblebee insulted between punches.
"Me? Old scrap? Hah" Megatron laughed. "You are out of names, fool"
As the tyrant said that, Bumblebee received a kick on his chest, feeling pain he tried to walk away from Megatron. He was stronger than before and there was no way the Decepticon leader will retreat not if they found a way to scare him. His vision blurred as he received more brutal punches, it felt like ages when the warlord stop hitting him. So, this is how it felts when Megatron beats you? This is the pain that Starscream feels when he's with Megatron. Now he understands it.
"Go away!" Skyfire shouted as he shot back, Rumble and Frenzy were running through his legs, feeling a little awkward the shuttle grunted and kicked Frenzy. "Leave!"
"Just let me see!" Frenzy argued as he was thrown backwards.
They must do something! Since Bumblebee was keeping Megatron distracted he decided to grab Starscream and ran away from them, the little seeker was actually clinging to the shuttle trying not to fall, Starscream gasped when he saw that Rumble and Frenzy were following them inside. He could hear Skyfire grumbling as he noticed them.
"Stop him Rumble!" Frenzy ordered.
With a smirk, he transformed his hands on his piledrivers making the ground shake Skyfire tumbled and Starscream fell with him.
"C'mon grab him and let's go!" As Frenzy talked, Rumble grabbed Starscream and took him with him.
The only thing that Skyfire remembered was seeing the two casseticons take Starscream to where Megatron was, and Bumblebee falling unconscious to the ground. Things can't go so well can they?
"Who is he?" Megatron asked as he saw the little form of a seeker on Rumble's arms, the warlord ordered him to see his face to make sure if that seeker was... "Starscream?"
Tired and confused, little Starscream looked at Megatron but didn't say anything; he wanted his friends back... Why they were beating Bumblebee? Who are they? And how do they know his name?
"Well, this is a surprise..." Megatron murmured but looked at the Ark. "Decepticons, let's head to the Nemesis."
Optimus was worried very worried; Blaster had told him that the Decepticons attacked Bumblebee and Skyfire and Megatron have Starscream, they were in the Med Bay with Ratchet who told him that Bumblebee is on a delicate state. With a groan, the Prime felt like he was about to throw up, his tanks were feeling heavy and that wasn't good. He was walking to the Med Bay, not sure if he should go...
"I tried so hard..." Skyfire cried as he was patched by Ratchet. "But, I couldn't do much."
"Calm down." Ratchet reassured him. "Tell this to Optimus."
Skyfire shook his helmet and looked away when Optimus entered, the Prime looked a little disappointed but he tried to dissimulate. Optimus didn't blame them, it was a surprise attack and they had Starscream.
"Prime, I'm sorry..." The flier apologized again. "Rumble and Frenzy were following me everywhere, Megatron was beating Bumblebee without mercy and Soundwave commanded the casseticons! I tried."
Optimus nodded, Optimus calmed him by putting a hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him to let him know that he didn't blame him. He looked at Bumblebee, the bot looked tired and really beaten, he was bleeding too much and he was connected to something that gives him energy, it pained the Prime to see Bumblebee like that, the yellow bot was loyal and respectful, he doesn't deserves this...no one does.
"And Starscream... they get him." Skyfire murmured. "Megatron... got him."
It was a nightmare, a terrible one. Optimus cannot imagine what will the tyrant do with the sparkling Megatron can hurt him! Starscream would suffer if Optimus don't save him.
" Ratchet... fix them" Optimus said. "Ironhide, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker you will be coming with me...we are going to save Starscream."
He won't let Megatron hurt Starscream he will not let him. Even if he have to risk his life he will do it... only for Starscream.