Disclaimer – "Transformers" and all related characters, events, and concepts belong to Hasbro, Takara, and any other related owners/distributors/producers. I get no monetary benefit from this. My benefit is the enjoyment of dealing with beloved characters.

"Independence Day"
by DragonDancer5150

Chapter 5

Thundercracker followed the Autobot leader a step ahead of his wingmate, all sensors on alert for any hint of betrayal, but the corridors remained empty of anyone save the present group – him and Skywarp following Prime and Ironhide, with Ratchet and Wheeljack behind them. Thundercracker couldn't help but guess that had been by design, some silent command to keep the way clear to avoid confrontations. Soon enough, his sensors picked up fresh air currents as they stepped into a main cargo bay that yawned permanently open from the underside of the ship into a shallow cavern that led outside. A moment later, the six mechs stood under the open canopy of stars.

The blue Seeker turned to Optimus Prime. He had to be sure. "You're truly just going to let us go? Just like that. Why?"

"Wouldja rather we take ya to the brig?" Ironhide asked with a scowl. "Just the two'a you alone have done enough damage in the past ta-"

"Easy, old friend." Prime laid a hand on the other's shoulder, but his optics never left the Seekers. "Do you know what day it is today?"

That had been far from an expected question, and Thundercracker had to pause to hide his surprise, snorting as he crossed his arms in disdain. "By what calendar? The humans'? What does that have to do with anything?"

"I know it's a day – a night – for more than just a few places to shoot off a lot of fireworks," Skywarp commented, looking just as confused.

"Today is July the Fourth. For the humans of this country, it is a holiday, called Independence Day – the day an event took place that was the first step on the path of their first fight for freedom from their then-oppressors." Optimus fixed his gaze on them, making sure he had their attention. "I will not dishonor it by taking captive two who came to us, essentially, in peace." He glanced at Ironhide before continuing. "It is true that you two have fought against us for a long, long time, and Skywarp, had you been shot down in combat, I would not hesitate to have your warp engines removed and you put in the brig after repairs had been made. However, that was not the case." He sighed softly. "It is no secret that I do not want this war, Decepticons, though I will fight for what I believe is right. Freedom. It is the right of all sentient beings, and I will not see that taken wrongfully from anyone. I will not take advantage of an accident that was our fault. And not on a night like this. Thundercracker, Skywarp . . . you are free to go."

Thundercracker searched the Autobot's faceplates for any sign of betrayal and found none. Finally, he offered a very small nod, his voice curt. "Thank you. 'Warp, let's go."

"Actually . . . hang on, TC." Skywarp's optics had locked on the engineer. "Hey, Wheeljack, an astro-second?" He waved and stepped off to one side.

Wheeljack gave his companions a confused and rather apprehensive look before cautiously crossing to meet with the Seeker in private. Thundercracker could only try to guess at what his wingmate had in mind, the misgivings in his manifold growing strangely heavier at a snicker from the Autobot engineer as he seemed to warm considerably to whatever idea Skywarp was presenting to him. When Wheeljack pulled a small something out of subspace and handed it to Skywarp, Thundercracker was officially concerned.

The two fighter jets adjusted their trajectory to sail into the landing bay of the docking needle that had risen from the depths of the sea to take them home, and Thundercracker had yet to get out of his wingmate what it was that Wheeljack had given him, only getting giddy snickers over his comm in reply.

Starscream was waiting for them at the base of the needle as the two emerged from the elevator. By his folded arms and the scowl on his tilted faceplates, Thundercracker could guess that they were in for one of their trine leader's usual lectures about his leadership and how they were to report in regularly so he knew where they were, and whatever else he decided to harangue them with. "Well, well, you two certainly took your sweet time getting back. Have fun?"

One thing Thundercracker had managed to get out of his wingmate was an agreement that they were not going to tell their trine leader – or anyone else – what had really happened. He shrugged nonchalantly. "There were a lot of different displays to check out. It took time."

"Hey, Starscream!" Skywarp chirped before the other could retort to Thundercracker's words or the lack of proper respect in his tone or whatever else he might have chosen to jump on. "I brought ya back somethin'."

The prospect of a gift mollified their trine leader at least long enough for him to accept the little bundle Skywarp pulled from subspace and dropped in his palm. Starscream picked up the strange package between thumb and forefinger, studying it. "What is it?"

Producing a tiny tool, Skywarp darted a hand in to light the fuse on the back of the package, close to the near end. Before Starscream could react more than to drop his hand down away from his optics, the bundle exploded, popping with a sharp bang and a shower of bright golden sparkles. It was apparently a much smaller version of the fireworks that had taken down Skywarp.

The black and purple Seeker shrieked with laughter. "Happy Fourth of July, Starscream!" And he vanished with a VOP!

Starscream didn't move for several seconds, his optics blinking and recalibrating. His face and hand were coated in black soot. Thundercracker threw up his hands when his trine leader rounded on him. "I have no idea where he got that, Starscream."

The trine leader's face contorted with rage and he whirled around, taking off down the corridor. "SKYWARP!"

Thundercracker shook his head and turned to head for the safety – and sanity – of his own quarters. He made a mental note, however, to figure out how to get an anonymous message to Wheeljack without Soundwave finding out. He had to thank the mech for the stunned, blackened, and utterly ridiculous image of his trine leader.