Author's note. Back again finally with another chapter. Find out about Starscream's dark past and the reaction of Megatron to the news that his Second was abused.
As you will see, I've used the name Skywalker for a character, an obvious Star Wars reference. But I really think that makes a perfect Seeker name and I'm surprised I've never seen it used before.
Enjoy and please review.
Continued from the last chapter.
"What is all of this about Prime?"
Optimus regarded him sadly before saying.
"Starscream was abused when he was a Sparkling."
Megatron didn't exclaim or seemingly react in any way. But to Optimus's gratification, his optics did wide in shock, thus proving that the Decepticon's Spark wasn't as cold as he made out. He stared at Optimus for a long moment and then said quietly.
"What makes you say that Prime?"
"There was an incident earlier when I took Starscream on a small trip," Optimus explained softly.
"We lost him for a moment and he fell down a hole where he suffered a panic attack."
"That's hardly unusual for a Seekerling," Megatron pointed out.
"No but what he said when we found him is," Optimus said grimly. "He was begging someone, a Mech, not to put him back in the box and also pleading that he didn't want to be smacked again."
As Megatron digested this information, Optimus added.
"And last night, he suffered a nightmare and woke up, crying and pleading with someone not to smack him. All in all, I think this is a strong indicator that someone once abused him."
Megatron was utterly shocked, though his face only displayed calm. Optimus knew he was thinking and let him, the Decepticon leader couldn't be rushed on such an important issue. And thinking hard the gunformer was.
Could this be why Starscream was so mistrustful, so ready to attack even those who cared about him? He had an odd personality, elements of which seemed to clash with each other. He was brave and unafraid to let his opinions known and yet when he was threatened with punishment would be reduced to a quivering wreck.
And why was such an intelligent Mech always engaging in petty temper tantrums when he didn't get his way? This was something that had always confused Megatron, Starscream was at once so mature, and then so immature.
And when that Shuttle had gone over to the Autobots, Starscream had reacted with such uncontrollable anger, hatred that the Warlord had been taken aback. But there had also been pain, such pain and sadness.
And perhaps most of all, this explained why he'd been so desperate to remain with the Autobots. Did he wish a chance at a second with the kind Sparked Prime and his soldiers who'd never treat a Sparkling harshly?
Not that Megatron would ever abuse a Sparkling, he was just strict. He wouldn't have allowed Starscream to act up but unknowingly, he'd have brought back memories of a past long buried. And Starscream's behaviour would have only gotten worse.
Megatron blinked and brought himself out of his musings. He looked Optimus Prime squarely in the optics and said slowly.
"I...was unaware that Starscream might have had a less than suitable Sparklinghood."
Optimus inclined his head.
"I was hoping to speak to Starscream's Trine Mates, in case they knew anything about this."
Megatron frowned at this.
"If they did, they would have likely said or done something about it."
"Maybe they don't know the whole story," Optimus pointed out. "I'd at least like to know who Starscream lived with when he was a Sparkling."
"He had no Sire," Megatron suddenly said abruptly.
Optimus looked surprised, more due to the fact that Megatron knew this.
"His Sire was a Mech named Skywalker and I remember hearing a long time ago about an story about a Seeker being killed in a incident at a factory. Apparently, he was a rescue Mech and he lost his life trying to save those trapped within. Anyway, Starscream could not have been little more than a new Spark when that happened."
He shrugged.
"A friend of mine was killed in that incident as well, along with several others. I remember because Skywalker did save others, but he simply wouldn't stop going in and eventually paid the price. I heard Starscream mention his Sire when the subject of Rescue bots came up."
"So Starscream at best only had a mother," Optimus said quietly.
He wondered, Starscream had clearly been begging a Mech, who was obviously not his Sire. And so far, it seemed his mother had not hurt him. Had she known and allowed her Sparkling to be abused? Surely not but she might have been abused herself and been unable to protect her little one. Or she hadn't been in the picture at all.
"That's a start to this puzzle," Optimus said approvingly. "But we need more."
Megatron nodded before asking, almost hesitatingly.
"Where is Starscream?"
"He's asleep," Optimus said softly. "First Aid and Jazz are looking after him in the Med Bay, I'll take him to my room later."
He chuckled.
"I believe Grapple and Hoist have managed to contrast a crib specially for Starscream, he'll be able to use that."
Megatron grudgingly thought that Prime was taking care of his Second.
"How are Skywarp's Sparklings?" Optimus now asked.
"Hmm, delightful as ever," Megatron grumbled even as his tanks rumbled. Thanks to that little mink Chromia, he hadn't had his evening Energon yet.
"She even drew this charming picture for me."
He showed it to Optimus who struggled to keep from laughing. What made this hard was that Megatron had the exact same scowl on his face that the picture Megatron had.
"It's very...nice," Optimus finally said. "And I'm sure she meant well by it.
"No doubt," Megatron agreed, his lip curled. "Very well, I will call Thundercracker to come and speak to you, he is the more likely of the two to know something. And is less likely to go into hysterics over the news about Starscream."
"Thank you Megatron," Optimus said seriously. "Your help is really appreciated."
Megatron gave him a brief smirk as he activated his comm.
"Thundercracker, I need you to come to the Communication Room, now."
He listened to the response and then said.
"Well, be quick about it, Prime want to speak with you."
Then was another pause and then he snapped.
"He wants advice about Seeker Sparklings, Skywarp, get off this channel."
Optimus chuckled again but was impressed with Megatron's response. He managed to get throw Skywarp off the scent without outright lying.
Megatron growled and then ordered Thundercracker to stop dithering and to get over here. He then switched off the comm. and looked back at Optimus.
"Thundercracker should be here soon, he was helping Skywarp with those little brats."
Optimus frowned slightly at the term but didn't comment on it. The two Mechs sat in silence, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Would the blue Seeker be able to reveal Starscream's mysterious and dark past?
Ten minutes later, Thundercracker strolled into the Communication Room, a slight frown on his face.
"Sir," he said to Megatron who had shifted a bit so the blue Seeker could talk to Prime.
He looked at Optimus.
"You need advice about looking after Starscream?"
"Not exactly," Optimus said softly. "I need to know about his past."
At this, Thundercracker stiffened.
"Why do you want to know that?"
"Because I believe he was abused when he was a Sparkling," Optimus said sadly before adding firmly. "And if his abuser still functions, I intend to do something about it."
Thundercracker looked very serious a he said.
"I always wondered but he refused to answer any questions I had," he said softly.
"And the only reason I really know something was wrong in his childhood was because of an incident when we first became a Trine."
He described how they'd gone for a night out on the town to celebrate the new Bond.
"But in the middle of it all, we bumped into this Mech"
Thundercracker looked very sad as he said.
"Starscream's reaction to him was incredible, he went from laughing to a frightened Mechling and it was when he spotted that Mech. He got worse when that Mech came over and spoke to us, we learned he'd taken care of Sparkling when he was younger."
He shook his head, an expression of disgust on his features.
"I didn't like the look of him at all, he was clearly drunk and the way he spoke to Starscream, like he was an idiot and the way he looked, no leered at him. It was all too much and I had to make an excuse to get Starscream away."
Thundercracker now looked angry as he said.
"You should have heard what he was saying to Starscream, every word was a carefully veiled insult. I couldn't stand it but I couldn't do anything, Starscream was too upset. And then later I found him sobbing."
As Megatron looked shocked, Thundercracker said miserably.
"I knew something was wrong but he refused to tell me anything. He said it was in the past and he just wanted to forget about it. He forbad me to do anything so I was forced to let the matter drop."
"It's alright Thundercracker," Optimus said gently. "I understand why you couldn't find out more, I think we all know how insistent Starscream can be."
As Thundercracker nodded, Optimus asked.
"Do you know why that Mech looked after Starscream? What happened to his mother, we already know his Sire was off-lined."
"His mother was a Medic," Thundercracker said softly. "Her name was Starshine and she specialised in viruses. But one day, she herself caught a virus and became very ill. She had to stay within the hospital while Starscream was looked after by an old family friend."
"And that family friend must have been Starscream's abuser," Megarton now said as he turned to his Seeker.
"Did you catch his name?"
"No, I'm sorry, my lord," Thundercracker said unhappily. "It was loud in that night club, all I got was something shooter but I didn't hear the first part. Starscream never spoke of him so I never learned the name."
"Does his mother still function?" Optimus now asked quietly.
"I...I'm not sure," Thundercracker said slowly. "I do know she fell into status lock eventually but I've no idea whether she then off-lined. I'm certain she hasn't recovered though."
"Thank you Thundercracker," Optimus said softly. "You've been a big help to us."
"My pleasure Prime, anything for a Trine mate," Thundercracker replied stiffly.
"What do you propose to do now, Prime?" Megaron questioned.
"Help Starscream to get over what happened to him," Optimus said simply. "He is still amazed when he gets fed at regular intervals, I need him to know that's how Sparklings should be treated."
"But he saw how Skywarp treats his," Thundercracker started to say but Optimus gently cut across him.
"He thinks Skywarp is the exception to the rule."
This silenced Thundercracker who looked even sadder than ever. Megatron sighed and then said.
"See what you can find out Prime, call again in a couple of days unless something happens."
"I will," Optimus promised as he glanced over his shoulder at someone.
He nodded and then turned back to the screen.
"I have to go now, but I will keep you informed."
"Thank you," Thundercracker said as Megatron nodded.
"Very well, farewell for now," Optimus said, reaching to cut the connection.
"Prime," Megatron suddenly said.
Optimus stared at the grey Mech who for a moment didn't say anything. And then.
"Take care of Starscream."
And the connection was broken.
Author's note. In the next chapter, the Sparklings watch videos at the Nemesis, what's their verdict on Disney Classics? Also, how's Starscream doing? Find out next time, until then.