Chapter 18

"What are you planning Starscream?"

"I would have thought that the youngling has already told you that."

"Why?"

Starscream sniggered. "Why? Just look at me Prime, do you think I would do this to myself?"

"Wouldn't put it past you."

"Oh that is just cold."

"You were expecting something else?"

"I thought all you Autobots were cuddly with everyone."

Optimus growled softly at this. "I will ask you again, what is it you really want?"

Starscream rolled his optics and fidgeted gingerly. "In all honesty Prime, I would happily see you offlined, you and Megatron both. As it stands I will settle for Megatron. To do that I need your Matrix, it is the only thing that can destroy the machine."

"Why should I believe you? From what Trailblazer tells me, the Matrix will also power the machine. Tell me why I should trust you, why do you care if this machine works, it only threatens this planet."

"Are you so foolish Prime?" Starscream grimaced as Optimus took a threatening step toward him. "The Decepticons cannot afford to have the planet destroyed. We need its resources just like you and your merry Autobots. Megatron does not want to destroy it; he merely wishes to conquer it. I personally was not fond of his rule on Cybertron; I will enjoy it even less on this mud ball of a planet. With the weapon activated Megatron will be unstoppable and..." He paused, his red optics glaring at Optimus.

"I know where your femme is." Starscream finished threateningly. Optimus paused at this revelation. "She better be unharmed Starscream."

Starscream laughed coldly. "If she is harmed Prime it was not down to me."

"She still functions then?" Optimus asked quietly. Starscream eyed him carefully. "Yes. She is useful."

"Useful for what?"

Starscream now looked uncomfortable. Optimus glowered and approached him. "Useful for what Starscream?"

"She is a living battery." Optimus's optics widened in shock. Starscream glared at him. "Her spark is being used to power the device in order to send the Asteroids here and also the device itself, her spark is small it will only be enough to send the Asteroids, she will not have enough energy left to power the weapon itself, he needs more power for that. If Megatron succeeds in getting that monstrosity here then nothing else will matter." Optimus was taken aback by the revelation. To use someone as a battery was one of the most despicable things he'd ever known Megatron to do.

"While you mull over your morality Prime. Time is short." Optimus shot him a threatening look that actually made the jet flinch. Ratchet joined them. He watched as they sub voc'd each other. Optimus looked weary, Starscream noted. He spotted the young red Autobot hovering near to the ship's entrance watching them carefully.

Ratchet came over to Starscream. He tried to pull away instantly on edge, nervous.

"If you keep struggling I can't repair you." Ratchet stated mildly. Starscream froze, remaining very tense. Keeping his optics on Optimus the whole time as Ratchet went to work on his battered body.

"Do we have a truce?" He inquired once Ratchet backed away a little. Optimus looked at him hard for a few seconds.

"No."

"You are a fool Prime; you would rather condemn this planet than have a truce with a Decepticon."

Optimus marched over to him and they stood face to face glaring. "I have no intention of endangering this planet. I am also not foolish enough to think you aren't trying to trap us and take the Matrix in order to get your machine to work."

"Fine. I will leave you to your destruction."

"You will remain here, until we have carried out your plan ourselves." Starscream's capacitor crept up a few cycles. He was impressed by the Autobot's boldness. "What makes you think you can find him without me?" He was smug. Optimus turned back to him with a faint smile. "We already have his location. You will stay here, I can't let you warn him now can I?"

"You won't be able to destroy the device without me! Must I do everything myself? I will lead Prime, you will follow!" He growled and began to transform, Ratchet lunged at him but to his astonishment Trailblazer got in his way. "Slag it youngling!" Ratchet swore as Starscream had jumped a few paces back mid transformation. Trailblazer was pointing his weapon at both Prime and Ratchet.

"I could shoot both of you; off line you both before you even raise your weapons."

"That's true I've seen him in action." Lennox interjected concern creeping through his voice.

"I can't let him leave Trailblazer; he is not to be trusted. Put your weapon down." Optimus was firm, anxious.

"No. If you come closer I will start shooting humans." Optimus froze. "Do not harm the humans Trailblazer." His voice was hard, stern. Trailblazer huffed and outstretched his hand. "Give me the Matrix."

"You know I can't do that Trailblazer." Optimus answered his demeanour calm. "Give it to me!"

"Trailblazer you go down this path there is no going back."

Trailblazer laughed haughtily. "I am doing what you can't. You're too blinded by your prejudice that you can't even see a solution when it's presented to you! I will save this cursed planet and I will do it for all of the Autobots. I will do what you cannot." He growled fiercely, never once did his weapon waver. Starscream approached him from behind and placed his talons on the smaller 'bots shoulders. "It is alright youngling."

"Don't call me that."

"Prime isn't going to have any choice but to follow us and give us the Matrix. Megatron has his femme and he wants the device destroyed." Starscream grinned at Prime smugly from over Trailblazer's shoulder.

"You can either come willingly or I force you to follow me." Starscream finished mildly. Optimus was glaring at him angrily now, he merely smirked and leaned in to Trailblazer.

"Shoot him."

Trailblazer stared at him. "Why? We can leave."

Starscream leaned in to the Autobot "Prove yourself." He whispered. Trailblazer nodded. He lifted his weapon and fired. Optimus cried out as Ratchet slumped to the ground with a grunt. He caught him as his dead weight took them both to the ground.

"I am guessing you would rather be forced Prime." Starscream's mouth plates curled maliciously. "You only need to follow the bread crumbs. I will leave the door open for you!" Starscream shouted back as he transformed and lifted the much smaller 'bot with his talons. Trailblazer yelped with surprise as he sped off into the night sky.

Ratchet groaned, Optimus looked down, shock apparent on his face. "Ratchet... I'm sorry."

Ratchet coughed, energon seeped from his chest. Too close to his spark. "Optimus… next time you ask me to fix a 'con… I'm going to put you in stasis lock…" He spluttered painfully as he tried to laugh.

****