Woot! Done! This is the longest chapter yet! I know what you're thinking, an update only two days after the last one? Is the world gonna end? I felt bad making you guys wait so long that I decided to stop being lazy just this once to give you another chapter. But I was still a little lazy since this was suppose to be done yesterday. Whatever.
I do not own Transformers Prime but this story is all mine!
Chapter 14
Starscream awoke with a gasp, his blasters ready he aimed it around his room checking if the coast was clear. When he began to regain his senses he clutched his helm feeling the first sign of a processor ache arriving very soon. He checked his internal clock and to his surprise he slept well into the afternoon, he then realized that that was perfectly understandable. Last night he was plagued with visions of the last time he saw the Autobots, the last time he saw her. The horrible look of betrayal on her face when he made that final decision to rejoin the Decepticons. He tried getting rid of these foreign thoughts but they wouldn't let up.
'The past is past, you can't dwell on it. The only thing you can do is look towards the future.' Starscream thought.
Usually that was all it took for Starscream to get over whatever heinous deed or whoever he betrayed this week, but this time it was different. Starscream remembered perfectly that he admitted having feelings for a certain two-wheeler but he hoped in time she would just be another person that's in his way, like all the others. But it didn't work out that way, she's still in his head. Sure it's only been a day but Starscream's been able to get over most betrayals in less than that.
Starscream stared at his quarters, he had a simple berth in the middle of the room and a large mirror hung on a wall. His eyes wandered to a large work table full of test tubes, old notes, and formulas that have been gathering dust. He remembered requesting his own work space and supplies when he became a member of the crew on board the Nemesis, but he found his attempts at science becoming less and less. His eyes then came to the back, shelves full of awards and metals to commemorate his accomplishments in the scientific field. Before the memory incident they were simply there to help stroke his ego but now they're just representations of his failures rather than accomplishments.
Starscream locked eyes with his reflection, it became a regular thing when he woke up to find himself in the Autobot base. He always checked to make sure he had no scratches or scuffs, he made sure he was presentable and that nothing was out of place. He was confused then as he was confused now for the reason behind this, he never cared about interacting with the opposite gender before. He was always too busy with his career to worry about fems. Starscream unconsciously lifted his hand and began caressing the scar on his cheek, knowing full well where he got it.
Starscream exited his chambers and walked through the hollowed halls of the Nemesis, his destination being the cockpit. His gaze began to linger on the halls itself rather than where he was going, the halls were still dark and made sure all hope was sapped away. Vehicons made sure to solute or to get out of Starscream's way, yep nothing changed. Inspecting the unchanged interior of the Nemesis Starscream was not paying attention to where he was going, he accidentally crashed into someone.
"Hey, watch where you're going you-!"
Starscream watched his own eyes widened as he stared into the blank visor of Megatron's top intelligence officer, Soundwave. Starscream's eyes began to narrow, he let out a small growl at Soundwave's unresponsive form. A silent staring contest soon ensued, Starscream glaring holes into Soundwave's blank screen. A minute passed as neither one took their piercing gaze away from the other, the surrounding Vehicons becoming nervous wondering how this will play out. The seconds passed like hours, Starscream sneered and walked up to Soundwave until they were shoulder apart both facing away from the other.
"You know Soundwave, there is something I've always wanted to tell you," Starscream smiled at first then his mood suddenly dropped. "For someone who doesn't talk, you have a really big mouth!"
Starscream let that linger before returning to his walk down the halls, his footsteps echoing in the distance. Soundwave watched Starscream disappear in the distance before heading to his own destination, the Vehicons trying to look busy to avoid eye contact.
Meanwhile...
"Shockwave! Status report," Megatron bellowed.
"Everything on board seems to be in order but thanks to preparation for the Destabilizer and Starscream's various incursions we have received a severe drop in resources." Shockwave informed.
"What about the energon mines that you uncovered?" Megatron asked.
"It seems that Starscream already looted them first. We were only able to uncover a small amount," Shockwave said gazing at his report.
"Well I suppose we're just going to have to find more!" Megatron growled.
"... as you command my liege," Shockwave bowed before making his way to the exit.
The doors slid open revealing Starscream with a smug look on his face when he noticed Shockwave. As they walked past each other Starscream's eyes connected with Shockwave's eye for a split second before going back to their own business.
"Ahh Starscream, I trust you had a pleasant recharge?" Megatron asked politely, too politely.
Starscream unfaltering began a bow, "That you are right my lord, what do you command?"
"Rise Starscream, I do not require any assistance. There is a reason I let you sleep in, you deserve a much needed break," Megatron said.
Starscream stared at his master questioningly, "Are you sure there isn't anyway I could be of service?"
"Of course not! You just enjoy yourself, you've earned it," Megatron said with a smile which was honestly starting to creep Starscream out.
Still staring questioningly Starscream managed a slow nod of his, Starscream slowly exiting the control room wondering what just happened. He discreetly looked back to see Megatron with that creepy smile on his face, he really needed to get out of there!
As the doors slid closed Starscream found himself in sanctuary now that he was away from another one of Megatron's 'episodes'. He looked around to find himself in the empty halls yet again, but something was different this time. It was too quiet, there wasn't a single sound to be heard, it was ominous. Usually you could hear the sounds of Vehicons hard at work, but they were gone. Almost as if they were avoiding this area in particular. Then he heard it.
Starscream just barely dodged a swift sharp appendage which imbedded itself into the wall, as Starscream regained his footing he managed to dodge several more after his head. He heard a chuckle as the familiar eight-legged atrocity lowered herself from the ceiling.
"My I'm impressed Starscream, no one aside from Arcee could ever here me right before I strike," Airachnid said.
Starscream pretended to brush off dust from his shoulder and said, "Yes well, when being forced to live under the same roof as a psychotic organic freak such as yourself one makes sure to take extra precautions."
Airachnid snarled and lunged at Starscream who had an amused look on his face, no matter how hard Airachnid tried he kept dodging and reflected her strikes with his claws.
"You know pantI was just going to kill you quickly for taking my position under Megatron, grunt but after that 'freak' comment I'll make you suffer first!" Airachnid yelled still unable to hit Starscream.
"Yes I'm sure you will," Starscream said sarcasm evident.
Airachnid thrust with all her might but to her surprise instead of blocking or dodging it he grabbed it mid air, Starscream kept a strong grip not letting go. Airachnid was shocked to realize that she couldn't get out of his death grip, Starscream was actually overpowering her! With a quick flick of his wrist he snapped he appendage clean off earning a loud scream from Airachnid. Airachnid now furious didn't relent on her strikes but this time Starscream began meeting each of her blows with her own severed limb. Starscream gained a fencing posture and deflected all her blows and even dealt his own damage to her. Airachnid didn't know whether he was mocking her or just showing off, either way she was pissed. Getting bored Starscream deflected another swift strike and rammed his claws into her lower abdomen creating a sizable hole. Airachnid collapsed clutching her wound, Starscream turned around and began walking in whatever direction he pleased.
Airachnid began shaking with rage as she watched the seeker just walk away, she extended a limb at one last effort and yelled, "No one turns their back on me!"
Starscream quickly turned around and threw Airachnid's severed limb at the upcoming back stab successfully pinning her limb to the wall with her own.
"Ah ah ahhh, that's my line," Starscream smirked.
As Starscream walked away he was unknowingly being watched by a certain ex-gladiator, a sinister smirk adorned his scarred face.
'Well that was... unexpected.'
Meanwhile...
Farther up north in the state of Nevada a UAV drone was flying through the desert then transformed landing on a cliff side bringing his emotionless gaze over the cavern below. His chest piece morphed into a metallic bird and without being need to be told flew into the cavern, Soundwave took out a small holopad and gazed at a radar that appeared on the screen. He looked at the screen with disinterest until the middle dot became surrounded by various blips, Lazerbeak immediately returned reattaching himself to his master's chest. Soundwave transformed and headed back to base.
Meanwhile...
Knockout was lounging around the med bay, his feet was propped up on his work table and he was leaning back in his chair. He let out a sigh of contempt, Knockout finally had break for once and he was taking full advantage of it. All previously damaged troopers have been fully repaired and as far as he knew there wasn't any plans for energon gathering. Yep no medical help will be required today.
The door to the med bay opened shocking Knockout and causing him to fall to the ground, he had an irritated expression and preferred to laying there rather than getting up. When he finally got up worrying about getting his paint dirty, standing in the door way was a severly ticked and battered Airachnid.
"Whoa what happened to you?" Knockout laughed.
"Starscream, that's what!" Airachnid growled.
Knockout raised an eye ridge but then sighed gesturing towards a berth.
Meanwhile...
Bored is an understatement for what Starscream was feeling, the fight with Airachnid was the pinnacle of his day so far. Which really was a disappointment, he was expecting more of a challenge. At least back with the Autobots he had something to do whether it was playing with the kids, pulling pranks with Bumblebee, lobbing with Bulkhead, sparring with Arcee, or discussing science with Ratchet. But there was nothing to do, he hated almost everyone on this ship. As he walked the corridor began to shake as something large came his way, a large one-eyed hammer wielding con stood in front of him.
"I've got a bone to pick with you Starscream," Breakdown growled slamming his hammer into his palm for emphasis.
"Oh joy," Starscream face palmed.
"It's not nice to hit a lady!"
"There must be something wrong with your other optic cause that thing is no lady."
"Why you!"
Starscream avoided the thrust of Breakdown's hammer which left a huge dent in the floor, Breakdown swung at Starscream but he ducked under the powerful swing. Breakdown was already getting frustrated unable to hit the nimble seeker.
"Hold still you little-!" Breakdown kept swinging accidentally hitting Vehicons that were unlucky to be near the skirmish.
"This display is even more pathetic than when that witch tried to extinguish me!" Starscream laughed.
The two cons charged at each other their respected weapons ready to deal some damage, the sound of metal on metal filled the halls then silence. They were back to back, they were frozen in a position with their weapons thrust out. Starscream suddenly stood straight as Breakdown collapsed clutching his side. Starscream calmly walked away listening Breakdown's groans in the distance.
"Remember, you're small and weak so you will face opponents that are bigger and stronger than you. So you are going to have to use their strength to your advantage!" Bulkhead's voice echoed through his head.
"Thanks for the advice Bulk," Starscream said to himself.
Later...
Knockout was busy patching Airachnid up and reattaching her severed limb, when he was done he was prepared to relax back into his chair. Until the doors slid open.
"OH COME ON!" Knockout exploded when seeing Breakdown, his side leaking energon.
"Knockout I-" Breakdown started.
"Don't! Just don't, sit down and we'll begin," Knockout said pointing to another berth.
Breakdown laid down on a berth placed right next to Airachnid.
"Let me guess, Starscream?" Airachnid asked.
"Yeah, I tried teaching him a lesson for hurting you," Breakdown said embarrassed.
"Well at least you tried. Thanks, that's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me," Airachnid smiled.
Breakdown smiled back.
Knockout gagged.
Meanwhile...
Soundwave walked back to the control room ready to report his findings to Megatron, the doors slid open to reveal Megatron speaking to Shockwave. Soundwave could hear them perfectly, he had trouble keeping what little emotion he had left under control for what he heard.
"A new energon source? Where?" Megatron asked.
"In the northern sector my lord," Shockwave answered.
"I commemorate you for your efforts my most loyal soldier," Megatron complimented.
"Lord Megatron you are too kind," Shockwave said gazing over to Soundwave.
Megatron followed his gaze to see Soundwave staring at them blankly, Megatron smiled, "Soundwave you've returned! Do you have anything to report?"
Soundwave continued to stare, Shockwave could easily tell that he was glaring at him from behind that screen. Soundwave suddenly shook his head and left the control room. Megatron had a confused expression on his face, wondering why Soundwave was acting so weird.
As Soundwave exited, he passed a smug looking Starscream leaning against a wall his arms crossed. Soundwave ignored him and kept on walking.
"Looks like someone's getting replaced."
Soundwave stopped in his tracks, in a blink of an eye Soundwave turned his head staring Starscream down. Starscream could tell that he was not happy. He had a look as if saying, "What are you looking at?". Soundwave quickly faced forward and walked away.
"Hmmm, touchy," Starscream said heading for the control room.
As he entered he watched Shockwave groveling at the very ground that Megatron stood on. He watched in disgust wondering if that's really how he acted before his new state of mind.
"If you will allow it, I will gladly lead the excavation," Shockwave said bowing.
"This is far beneath one of my top soldiers. Usually I would give it to someone like Breakdown, Knockout, or Airachnid but strangely enough both Breakdown and Airachnid are under Knockout's medical care." Megatron said knowing full well what happened to them.
"Yes that is very unfortunate," Megatron and Shockwave stared at the entrance as if just noticing Starscream enter. "But if I may interject, I will gladly volunteer to watching over the Vehicon's mining operation."
"But Starscream you're suppose to relax today," Megatron said.
"And relax I have. But you know us seekers, we can't stay cooped up all day. I need some fresh air and to stretch my wings, if you will allow it of course," Starscream said.
"Very well, prepare to depart in ten mega-cycles," Megatron said waving away his sub-commander.
"I will not fail you my lord," Starscream bowed before leaving.
Starscream headed for the docking bay to meet the Vehicon miners he would be stationed with, until he was abruptly stopped.
"Starscream there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you pal," Knockout said popping out of nowhere.
'Oh great,' Starscream sighed. "What do you want Knockout!"
Knockout preceded to lean on Starscream's shoulder despite him being taller and a confident smile on his face, "You remember our deal don't you? I just thought I could inform you on how to pay me back."
Knockout was slammed into a wall, a large dent was left where he crashed into the wall.
"Pay you back? Pay you back! You expect me do that after all you put me through!" Starscream leered Knockout dazed form.
"Yes, it was part of our deal, I helped you get your memories back and now you will help me. You owe me!"
"You made me lie to the Autobots, you electrocuted me and left me for dead. I owe you nothing!" Starscream said grabbing Knockout forcefully making him wince.
"I beg to differ! Thanks to your little escapades as an Autobot the med bay has been filled non stop and I haven't got a break since!" Knockout yelled getting back up.
"Oh boohoo I could come up with a better sob story than that!" Starscream said leaving.
"Wait my request will benefit you too! In fact if you take my offer it will do more for you than for me," Knockout said smirking.
Starscream stopped and stared back at him, "I'm listening."
"I want you to help me overthrow Megatron," Knockout smiled.
Starscream stared eye ridge raised, then preceded to walk away.
"Wha-? Where are you going? Knowing you you would be all up for sticking it to Megatron!" Knockout said exasperated catching up to the seeker.
"It's only been a day since I returned to the Decepticons, I don't think partaking in a ploy to betray Megatron is a very good idea," Starscream said ignoring Knockout's pleas.
"Oh come on! If everything works out you will become leader of the Decepticons just like you always wanted!"
"And what will you get out of this partnership hmm?"
"I will become your humble second in-command of course."
"I've had enough of this Knockout leave me be, I have a job to do," Starscream said leaving Knockout behind.
Knockout grumbled, "At least think it over first!"
Later...
Starscream stood in a cavern watching Vehicons drill into the once beautiful landscape for energon, the energon was instantly transported onto the Nemesis. No one was will to have another botched mission for energon retrieval to report to Megatron so instead of mining this place dry then hauling the cargo they transported whatever they could find no matter how small. Starscream was bored out of his wits, he may have fresh air but he needs to feel that air in the sky. He could faintly hear scuffling behind him then he heard loud footsteps and the sound of blasters activating. When he turned around he was greeted by four figures who were just as surprised to see him, especially a particular blue fem.
"Starscream?"