Author's note. For those wondering, Thundercracker and Skywarp will turn up, just not yet. Suggestions about how they could react would be appreciated.

Also, when Starscream mentioned Bonding...it's because he's been abused for several weeks so this is something that's weighed on his mind as he tries to picture the future but can't. That's why he spoke to Ironhide about it, he needs reassurance that one of his worst fears won't come true, that he isn't going to become a pariah.

Suggestions are welcome.

Enjoy and please review.

Optimus's POV

"How do you think they'll take it?" Ratchet asked Optimus as they waited for Jazz and Prowl to arrive.

The night before, Optimus had requested a meeting between his two officers to discuss the matter of Starscream. Of course, he hadn't actually said it was about the Seeker but he had said it was of vital importance. Both had agreed naturally, they had no reason not to and now Optimus awaited them. He had arrived at his office far earlier than he needed to in order to prepare himself and Ratchet for the meeting.

Convincing them was the first step to getting Starscream accepted into the Autobot ranks and the Prime wanted to make sure his arguments were solid. Morally, it was the right thing to do to protect a rape victim but Starscream was no ordinary victim. Before his rape, he had been a vicious power hungry Decepticon who was not known for his mercy or empathy. He had killed many, both soldiers and civilians, had designed weapons that had been used to devastating effect and was dangerous clever.

However, Optimus thought that some of these aspects meant it was a good thing Starscream was either defecting or becoming neutral. Just the fact that he would not be hell bent on destroying the Autobot faction or the humans would be a huge boost. He knew that there would be arguments for simply locking Starscream up so that he could start paying for his crimes against Cybertron and Earth. However, while Optimus could understand this point of view, he felt that it would have more cons than pros.

"Perhaps not well at first," he now said in response to Ratchet's question. "But they are both good at seeing the bigger picture; I know I can bring them round. It is the rest of the crew that will be far harder to convince."

"Yeah," Ratchet said with a grimace, trying to picture that delightful scene and then deciding he'd rather not.

"They're here," Optimus murmured quietly as his office door buzzed and he pressed a button, allowing the door to slide open and admit his Second and Third in command.

"Prime," Prowl said respectively as Jazz offered his own salute. "You wished to see us?"

"I did," Optimus said with a nod, gesturing at the seats in front of him, he himself was sitting behind his desk. Ratchet had chosen to stand, he preferred it that way but Optimus wanted to discuss this calmly and logically with his officers. "A situation has arisen that requires your attention, a rather delicate one."

They nodded, waiting for their Prime to explain.

"You all know that Ironhide was captured by the Cons a few weeks ago and that he hasn't been the same since," Optimus began softly and they both stiffened slightly.

Ironhide's return to base had caused quite a stir, not because he'd been beaten to a scrap but because of how defeated he seemed. It was as though he were carrying some great weight on his shoulders but none of them could convince him to open up about it. Ratchet had repaired him and assured them that the only physical injuries Ironhide had received were the result of a very bad beating. There was also no evidence that he'd been hacked by Soundwave so no one could what had affected the weapons officer so badly.

Mere beatings did not faze him, even ones delivered by Megatron. So what had happened to Ironhide during his brief imprisonment on the Nemesis?

"We know now what happened to Ironhide," Optimus continued softly. "And it is all to do with a traumatic event Ironhide witness on the Nemesis."

This made the two officers pause, Ironhide was a very protective Mech and if he had witnessed something bad, they could understand a little better why he'd been so depressed. Jazz spoke up.

"Did Megatorn have an unknown prisoner on board?"

"That isn't plausible," Prowl interjected before Optimus could. "Ironhide would not keep such information from us, even if this prisoner off lined."

"True," Optimus now said thinking of his friend. "This Mech has not been off lined but they are neither Neutral nor Autobot."

This caused both Mechs to stare at their Prime and Prowl to say sharply.

"A Decepticon? Ironhide witnessed an event involving a Decepticon?"

"He did," Optimus confirmed. "We only discovered this yesterday, when he found Ironhide out in the desert where he'd spent several hours trying to comfort said Decepticon."

"Who's the Con?" Jazz couldn't help but ask before his Prime could continue.

"Starscream," Ratchet said gruffly. "Megatron raped him right in front of Ironhide and when Ironhide found him, he'd been raped again."

They could not see Jazz's optics due to his visor but his lower face twisted into an expression of disgusted shock. Prowl's door wings were flared and his whole body had stiffened greatly although his face was quite emotionless. Optimus knew Prowl was lightly running his battle computer, trying to compute the reasoning behind this rape and what it could mean for the war. He delicately cleared his intakes before saying.

"Starscream had been placed in the same cell as Ironhide and when Megatron made his intentions towards the Seeker clear, Ironhide attempted to defend him. That is how he received those injuries; Megatron had to beat him into near status lock before Ironhide was down. He was forced to witness Starscream being raped and unable to do a single thing."

"Primus," Jazz said, expelling a sharp gust of air from his in takes. "No wonder he's been moping."

"You go it," Ratchet said dryly. "But that isn't the best part."

As Jazz and Prowl looked curious, Optimus said.

"Because of Ironhide's actions, Starscream see him as a protector. When Ironhide discovered him in the desert, it appears Starscream literally threw himself into Ironhide's arms and told him what happened. When Ratchet and I discovered the two of them, Starscream had apparently cried himself into recharge."

"Really?" Prowl questioned, frowning heavily. "That does not sound like Starscream at all."

"As Prime said, Starscream trusts Ironhide," Ratchet stated before pausing. "And that brings us to why we needed to talk to you."

"Indeed," Optimus said softly. "Ratchet examined him at the sight and as it would go against both regulations and our ethics, we did not leave him there but brought him to the base. Ratchet patched him up as best he could and he is currently under observation."

"In the Med Bay?" Prowl asked, knowing that no one was currently occupying the brig.

"Negative," Optimus stated. "He is in secluded quarters with Ironhide and will remain until he is fit to emerge."

"Before you say anything," he added as both Mechs looked like they were about to speak. "You should know that Megatron knows where Starscream is and he has made it clear that if his SIC does not return...there will be consequences."

And the look both he and Ratchet gave the two officers left them in no doubt as to what those consequences would be. Prowl considered this new information before asking.

"What are you proposing Prime?"

"Ironhide does not want to let Starscream return," Optimus said firmly. "He believes Starscream will be destroyed if Megatron gets his servos on him. He has sworn to protect Starscream from any further attacks, he feels very strongly about this especially as he wasn't able to prevent the first rape."

"I want to give Ironhide that chance to protect and heal Starscream," Optimus continued. "That is why I've given Ironhide temporary leave and new quarters so that he can take care of Starscream."

"Why did he do it?" demanded Jazz. "Megatron I mean."

"We aren't sure," Ratchet said with a heavy sigh as Optimus indicated he could give his opinion. "From Ironhide's described of the incident, it seems Megatron just lost his temper with Starscream's continued disobedience and decided to take drastic action."

"He has shown no remorse over his actions," Optimus added with a growl. "This wasn't a onetime mistake where Megatron was simply pushed too far, we suspect Starscream might have been raped several times over the last few weeks."

"It is unfortunate," Prowl began slowly. "But Starscream is still a Decepticon and a criminal I might add."

"But how much longer will he be one?" Ratchet pointed out. "His own leader has betrayed him in the worst possible way, unless Megatron is taken out, there's nothing for Starscream there. At the very least, he'll probably end up becoming a Neutral if not an Autobot."

"Can't really see it," Jazz said, shaking his head. "Not the screaming one."

"He is already a prisoner," Ratchet persisted. "He can't bear to see anyone except Ironhide and refuses to leave his new quarters. Starscream doesn't want to face his comrades or any of us; he almost might as well be in the brig. As a medic, I can tell you that his recovery requires him to remain right where he is, safe with Ironhide."

"He shared Ironhide's berth because of nightmares," Optimus added quietly. "He is no threat to Ironhide."

Prowl just frowned, he was no doubt going over the advantages and disadvantages of this situation. Finally, he said slowly.

"I am aware that if anyone can handle Starscream, it is Ironhide. And it would be a boost to have the Decepticon SIC neutralised but it still seems unfair to our troops that one of our greatest enemies is being offered solace."

"I know that the majority of troops will not take kindly to Starscream's presence," Optimus said seriously. "And that this will be a difficult transition for them but I do believe this is the right course of action. Because apart from anything else, if we treat Starscream as a prisoner or try to give him back to Megatron, Ironhide will leave the Autobots and take Starscream with him. He has made a promise and he will keep it, even if that means alienating himself from us."

"He's that serious?" Jazz said his tone full of surprise and a little curiosity. "He hates Cons just as much as the next bot."

"He does but he doesn't view Starscream as a Con anymore. Just someone that requires his care and protection but he needs our support. I do not want to lose Ironhide," Optimus said quietly. "And if Starscream could be persuaded to aid us, it would provide a great tactical advantage to us."

This really got Prowl thinking as he started processing this valid point. Jazz was leaning back in his chair, he still seemed unsure.

"Prime, you realise that Megatron will try to get him back, especially if we're not treating him like a prisoner. He won't want a loose end and he doesn't take to traitors kindly, he'll come for Starscream. Our troops will be at risk if Megatron starts trying to grab one of us in exchange for Starscream. This could turn into a major disaster," Jazz said, his voice full of emotion. As a spy and saboteur, Jazz knew the Decepticons very well and he knew how they operated.

"I know the risks," Optimus acknowledged. "And they are very real ones but I still believe this is the right thing. Besides which, if we treat Starscream well and other Decepticons are being mistreated, they may defect when they see how Starscream's doing. And again, any information Starscream could give us could be exceedingly vital."

"How long until Megatron is likely to come for Starscream," Prowl asked as Jazz continued to frown.

"He's given Starscream three cycles to return," Optimus replied as Prowl considered.

"Then we have three cycles to think on this matter," Prowl announced. "During that time, Ironhide can give us reports on Starscream and I believe that will give us a better idea on how to proceed."

Optimus inclined his head as he said.

"That is a fair proposition Prowl. In the meantime, Ironhide will be allowed to carry on as he is with Starscream?"

"He will," Prowl agreed. "But he must report in regularly and keep records of Starscream's condition and possible progress."

"I will inform Ironhide of those conditions," Optimus said, adding. "I am pleased you are giving this some thought."

Prowl just tipped his head slightly but Jazz didn't look so convinced.

"I still don't know Prime," he stated seriously. "I just can't see the crew accepting this; we're going to have problems one way or another."

He paused and then added with a slight huff.

"But I will wait a couple of cycles like Prowl to see what's happening. I do think it would help if Ironhide could at least get something out of Screamer."

"He already is," Optimus said with a secret smile, causing Prowl to raise an optic brow and Jazz to stare.

"Ironhide suggested that if we could acquire some of Starscream's personal items, it might help his transition to life on this base. Except he hasn't told Starscream this but he has said he wants to give Megatron a few distractions. To this end, he is asking Starscream for information on infiltrating the Nemesis and where best to hit. I doubt Starscream will wish to permanently disable that base due to his comrades but I believe he will give us enough to create a bit of chaos."

Optimus looked right at Jazz and said.

"He suggested you and Mirage coordinate this offensive, it could potentially give us an edge for the next few cycles. We will be able to prepare for any retaliation from Megatron while he tries to regain control."

"Anything we do, he'll lash out against," Jazz warned but he did look interested. Any information he received that could get him on board the Nemesis safely was always good.

"He will end up lashing out anyway," Optimus said gravely. "It is best that we strike first, I don't think Megatron will be fully expecting that. He will be counting on the fact that Starscream will return as he has done so many times before. He will think we're too focused on keeping Starscream to bother with him."

"Perhaps," Prowl said, considering the matter. "You should talk to Ironhide Jazz, see if he's gotten any useful information."

"I'll go midday," Jazz agreed. "If that's alright, Prime?"

"It should be although I suspect you won't get to talk to Starscream," Optimus warned but Jazz just shrugged.

"I get it, as long as Ironhide will speak with me," he said simply and Optimus nodded.

"You better contact Ironhide in advance so that he can prepare," the Autobot leader now advised and Jazz nodded his consent.

"Is that all, Prime?" Prowl questioned and Optimus said with a nod.

"It is, you both may go about your duties. Thank for listening to what we had to say."

Prowl's mouth twitched slightly as he said.

"Of course, you are our Prime after all."

Optimus could order his crew and officers to do things they didn't agree with and he had in fact done that in extreme situations. However, when the situation wasn't dire, he did prefer to discuss things with his team and ask for their opinions rather than forcing his upon them like Megatron undoubtedly did. All in all, this meant they were far more likely to listen to him when it came down to it.

"I've got to get back to the Med Bay," Ratchet abruptly said. "I need to take inventory and get that completed; I know we're going low on certain supplies. If you need the bare details of Starscream's injuries, I can give them to you later."

"I would appreciate that Ratchet," Prowl said; now getting up along with Jazz. "Prime."

"Prowl...Jazz," Optimus acknowledged as the two of them headed out the door.

"That went better than I thought," Ratchet said wryly as Optimus chuckled.

"It did indeed and yet it is only the beginning," he stated as Ratchet also left his office.

Ironhide's POV

The red Mech glanced over at his roommate who was currently critically reading over some scientific journals. The interesting thing about them was that they had been penned by humans. As Starscream did not have any proper clearance, he currently was not allowed any of the science department's journals or any information on their current projects. Thankfully, a solution had been found in the form of the human literature as they weren't restricted reading material.

Starscream had been rather scathing on anything so called human scientists could have written but it was either that or Cybertronian fiction which the Seeker scorned. So with the prospect of boredom looming, Starscream had given in and started reading the journals. Ironhide was heartened to see Starscream resembling his old self, especially considering how distraught he'd been this morning.

Ironhide had had to talk very gently to him, assuring him that Jazz and his team could create so much mayhem at the Nemesis that Megatron would barely think of him. Starscream had clung to him, tearfully listening to the red Autobot as he talked. Eventually, he had made some tentative suggestions, nothing really major but it was a start. Ironhide was hoping to get a little more out of him later but he didn't want to push.

While Starscream was reading, Ironhide was going over his own reports and updating any that needed it. He often fell behind with these as he was very much an active Mech and there was always something to take care of, someone to train or some sort of emergency situation. He knew that soon he would grow very bored with all this data pad work but he had to stick it out for Starscream's sake.

"Anything good?" he asked, hearing a huff in response.

"A first year student wouldn't even touch these," Starscream sneered. "Utter drivel and so primitive, it's unbelieable."

"Hmm, that's good," Ironhide replied, a little distracted as he read that Bluestreak was having problems with his hand to hand practise. The young Praxian was primarily a long range weapon Mech but everyone needed to be prepared to deal with the enemy face to face.

"You aren't even listening to me," Starscream half screeched, clearly very offended by Ironhide's lack of attention.

"Ah am," Ironhide protested, looking over at the annoyed Seeker. "Yer not too hot on yer reading."

"I most certainly am not," Starscream said, his wings quivering in a rather ruffled way. "Why can't I have some proper reading?"

"Yah don't have the clearance yet," Ironhide replied softly.

"So my position here isn't certain?" Starscream said just as quietly.

"It is," Ironhide said, looking right at the Seeker. "But the likes of Prowl and Red Alert have to get used to the idea, yah will be cleared but they'll be worried yah want to turn on us or something."

Starscream huffed again, turning away but Ironhide was interested to note Starscream didn't smirk or make a snide comment about this fact. It was almost as though he didn't want to try and betray them or at the very least, didn't have the energy for it. Ironhide quickly noted this in a new data pad which would record his time with Starscream as requested by Prowl.

Earlier, both Prowl and Jazz had called him and made their point of view known. Prowl was interested the information Starscream could provide while Jazz was worried about retaliation. They had informed him they wouldn't form full opinions for at least three cycles and he'd thanked them for their restraint. Jazz had also said he would be calling for that vital information for infiltrating the Decepticon base.

Speaking of which...

"When are they going?" demanded Starscream. "That Saboteur and Noble?"

"Probably tonight, when most bots are powered down," Ironhide replied.

In response to their new home, nearly all the transformers had adopted Earth like recharging patterns, being most active in the day and powering down at night. One reason was that while Earth's cites were well lit, they had huge swaths of countryside in total darkness. Not to mention their vast oceans, an endless expanse of liquid black. Try flying in a storm over any body of water in the middle of the night and you'd find it wasn't a piece of oilcake.

So while you would always find a few Mechs on shift during the night, the majority simply slept. Having a regular sleeping time that corresponded with the planet's sun helped a lot to maintaining the troop's general health and state of processor which was why both Megatron and Optimus used it. Ironhide had seen how well it had worked and was content to keep using it.

"Speaking of which," Ironhide said in a more business like tone. "Jazz will want to know he and his team can get in and out safely."

Starscream gave him a sharp look as he said.

"And just what sort of information does he want?"

"Something Megatron won't be expecting preferably," Ironhide said honestly. "They won't be doing anything fatal, this is a small operation, fast but painful. If yah could even give them something to keep them safe, it would mean a lot. Ah want tah make this place safe for yah Starscream and that means keeping old Megs away from us for as long as possible."

Starscream looked a bit suspicious but the idea of distracting Megatron was very appealing to him. His hands flexed in a compulsive gesture and he said softly.

"They won't get near Megatron, he sleeps too damn night and his pet telepath's quarters are the closet to him. There are cameras everywhere monitored and controlled by Soundwave, you can't get to Megatron. I've...tried..."

His voice trailed off and he looked away, still flexing his hands. Ironhide wondered if he'd tried to attack Megatron after being raped but didn't ask. Instead he said.

"Megatron can't be in his quarters all the time, there must be a place he hangs out in that's less well guarded. Like...the Rec Room?"

Starscream considered this and slowly nodded.

"He does spend some time there, he's mostly in his Throne room...but either of those locations or the Control room is ripe for attack. If they can get past Soundwave's little pets, they'll have a chance."

"I'm sure you know a few tricks," Ironhide chuckled in a friendly way. "And if they caused a little distraction, perhaps in the main quarters, that would distract those little menaces."

"It could work," Starscream acknowledged, hesitating before saying. "I could give you a rough map, they just need to target the Gestalt teams for the most chaos...and they must swear they won't touch me Trine Mates."

Starscream had a desperate, serious look in his optics as he said this. He did care about his Trine Mates and yet Ironhide knew he hadn't confided in them. Instead of pressing this issue because Starscream was doing so well, he said.

"Ah swear they won't hurt em. Just cause lots of chaos tah keep the Cons occupied for a few cycles. Yah trust meh Starscream?"

Starscream paused before saying.

"I trust you."

And Ironhide knew that this was Jazz's one chance to prove himself to the fragile Seeker or Starscream would never trust any of the Autobots. Needless to say, Ironhide was going to make damn sure that they didn't let his charge down.

Author's note. I know this wasn't how I described the chapter would be in the last one but Ironhide and Starscream will be getting visitors next chapter, promise. Until then.