I don't know where to start. First off I should start with dashing a few rumors about me being dead. It's true I am dead, but I promised myself that I would finish this story. It has been a year and a half since the last time I updated this fic. To be honest at one point I just completely lost interest and contemplated canceling. But after rereading my story, I finally realized why I loved writing this so much. Now I'm back, and hopefully back into a regularly updating. This chapter is the longest thing I've ever written ever. Hopefully it's worth the wait, but probably not. I just hope you guys can forgive me and I hope I can regain all of my loving fans.
I don't own Transformers Prime but this story is gloriously mine!
Chapter 21 *Unedited*
"Please, I beg of you! We have to go back for him!"
A desperate seeker pleaded before the council in the great halls of Iacon. Before him, standing in the middle stood an imposing figure that did not belong.
"For the last time I said no! We will not squander resources on one mech!" The figure wore a glowing orange visor and faceplate that hid all emotion, all but anger. He was all purple, had pointy audio receptors, and sharp claws. He did not belong between the elderly councilors.
"B-but councilor if money is the issue I'm willing to forlorn all of my college funds to-"
"It doesn't matter! Do you not realize what we are dealing with? We are at the very precipice of war! We cannot waste time on a petty search and rescue mission!" The councilor roared.
The seeker begged, "But sir please!"
"Begone!"
"Ratbat you do not have to be so harsh with the boy. By the sound of it he has been through quite a lot and I admire his dedication to a friend. I'm sure we could do something to help him." A wise bearded mech stated.
Ratbat turned, glaring at the mech who interrupted him, "We cannot waste mechs when we are so close to war. Next time I would advise against undermining my authority Trion. And lastly it is Chancellor Ratbat, remember it!
Ratbat turned back to the seeker and said, "I want this fool out of my sight!"
The seeker collapsed to his knees in anguish as two guards quickly flanked. They dragged him out of the court room, the seeker didn't even give up a fight. He stared blankly at the cold visor of Ratbat.
"Wake up boy! We are at the very doorsteps of war. We can't waste time on scavenger hunts. Wake up! Wake! Up!
WAKE UP!
Starscream's optics shot open, staring into the optics of a bewildered Knockout. He groaned clutching his helm feeling a processor ache coming along.
"Knockout? What are you doing here?" Starscream demanded gritting his dentas in pain.
"It's time." Was Knockout's simple answer
He checked his internal clocks, "We still have megacycles before we have to initiate the plan!"
"Yes, but both Shockwave and Airachnid were both seen leaving the Nemesis. If it's anytime to enact the plan, that time would be now."
Starscream's optics widened. Completely ignoring what occurred a few cycles ago, he immediately stood composing himself. Starscream ran to his work bench and grabbed a couple of miscellaneous objects and placed them into his subspace.
"Alright, we will enact phase one of the plan. I will head over to the bridge while you-"
"Go to the ships core, yeah yeah I know. Please, what do you take me for?" Knockout frowned crossing his arms.
Knockout and Starscream exited his room. They silently nodded to each other before running down opposite ends of the hall.
Later...
Megatron stood on the bridge of the Nemesis, a scowl adorning his face. After the news of Starscream's new madness and wish to overthrow him again. That didn't surprise him in the least, but Shockwave's attitude on the other servo. Megatron growled loudly, earning strange looks from the surrounding vehicons. Shockwave had been by his side for eons. Never had he ever questioned Megatron's logic or talked back to him. Megatron adopted a crazed look in his optics
"If I can't trust Shockwave, who can I trust?"
"Lord Megatron, I have come to serve you loyally and most humbly." Starscream bowed as the bridge doors closed behind him.
"Certainly not him," Megatron sneered as his SIC groveled at his feet. "Nothing is required of your services today, Starscream."
"Are you sure my liege? There hasn't been a lot being accomplished latel-"
"Yes everything is fine! Now leave me be to think!" Megatron roared as he turned back around, glaring into the dark recesses of space.
Starscream looked up incredulously, trying to decipher what's wrong with his master. Starscream smirked, in the end it doesn't matter. He stood up and brought his optics to the main terminal. Which was currently being typed on by none other than Soundwave. Starscream strolled towards the terminal, his smirk never leaving his face.
Leaning against the terminal, "Heeeeyy, Soundwave how's it been?"
Soundwave stayed silent as he continued to furiously type at the keybord. Starscream examined the screen, looked to be a simple, unimportant report.
"You know, Shockwave was last seen exiting the base with Airachnid. Know anything about that?"
The sound of typing stopped for a split second before resuming.
"Something seems to be up with Megatron lately. He seems to have regained that crazed look in his optics. Makes you wonder why he sent Shockwave and that treacherous wretch out on an important scouting mission that you could have done in seconds?"
That got his attention. Of course Starscream had no idea why those two left the base so suddenly, but neither did Soundwave.
"Maybe our grand leader is hiding something from you?"
Soundwave turned and tilted his head at his master. Starscream quickly took out small circular object and placed it underneath the extended keyboard while continuing to nonchalantly lean against the terminal. Soundwave turned back around, seeing nothing was amiss, resumed typing away.
"Of course what do I know? It's not as if I'm a picture perfect example of trustworthy on this ship." Starscream smiled as he sauntered off, fully realizing Soundwave was staring back at him.
Starscream stood away from the prying optics and audio receptors of the other cons. He activated his comm link, "Knockout, are you in position?"
Meanwhile...
The red medic ran down the halls dodging vehicons left and right.
"Move it, movie it! Out of my way! Can't you see I'm in a hurry here?"
Breakdown was walking down the hall, stopping when he noticed his friend running towards him.
"Oh, hey Knockout what's the rush?"
A red streak breezed by the massive mech.
"Can't talk right now Breakdown!" the medic yelled before making a left and disappearing out of sight.
Breakdown rose his single optic ridge, with a bewildered expression he kept walking, shaking his helm.
"Everyone has been acting so weird lately."
Knockout burst through the door to the core engine room. He leaned against the door trying to catch his breath. Looking around the room, the machines that continuously supply the main engine with energon was currently inactive due to them being immobile in space. Two vehicons were currently both at the main terminal at the end of the room, staring at the medic confused.
"Sir, not to be rude, but what are you doing here?"
Knockout stood erect, smoothed his helm back (for whatever reason), and placed his hands behind his back attempting to channel his inner Starscream.
"I'm here to relieve you both of monitor duty."
The two looked to each other before the other spoke, "Not to be disrespectful, sir, but that doesn't make any sense-"
"It was Megatron's orders, if you both are so against it why don't you take it up with him? I'm sure he would love to hear your argument."
The two nervously looked at each other again. Complying, they both exited the engine room.
Smirking to himself, Knockout hurried to the terminal and took out a small circular device. He placed the object underneath the terminal's keybord.
Knockout chuckled, "Oh Knockout, not only do you have beauty, but brains to boot."
"Knockout, are you in position?"
"Yes, I placed the device. What about you?"
"I had a run in with Soundwave, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. You know what to do?" The seeker whispered.
"Please, what do you take me for? I may be no scientist, but I am a medic. Takes a lot of skill and brains to be in my position."
"I'm sure."
"Don't take that tone with me!"
"Alright, enough! It's time to enter phase two."
Ignoring the seeker, Knockout began hacking into the terminal which became ridiculously easy thanks to Starscream's invention. All of the ship's walls were down, and he was in complete control.
"Captain Knockout is behind the wheel." Knockout said as he proceeded to place new coordinates into the navigational computer. "Time for a little detour."
Knockout pressed a button to activate the ships engines and-
"WOAH!"
The ship lurched as it began its descent into Earth's atmosphere. Knockout's head poked back up from under the terminal.
"Uh oh."
Meanwhile...
As the Decepticon warlord remained deep in thought, he nearly fell over as the ship jerked to the side.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Megatron roared as he regained his footing.
"My lord, the ship's engines activated and is headed for Earth." a vehicon stated.
"I know that! I demand to know who authorized this and I want it prevented!"
"My liege, we can't override the navigation system. Someone hacked into the mainframe!" a frantic vehicon stated typing vigorously in the pilots seat.
"Soundwave! I want re-control of this ship! Find this bug and squash it! NOW!"
Soundwave nodded and began typing at the terminal.
ACCESS DENIED
Soundwave paused, never failing at something like this before. With new resolve, he released his tentacles for a more hands on approach. But still he was denied access into the ships mainframe. This proceeded to make Megatron furious.
"Who would dare hack into the Nemesis?" His eyes widened. "Starscream!" The gladiator charged the seeker and grabbed him by his neck.
"After everything that has happened you still hunger for my position as leader. If you value your miserable life, which I know you do, you will relinquish control over the Nemesis!" Megatron yelled glaring into his SIC's optics.
"Please lord Megatron, I am innocent! I've been here on the bridge the whole time! Surely Soundwave or one of the troops would've noticed me try something!" Starscream choked out.
Megatron closed the gap between himself and his second, narrowing his eyes. Trying to decipher the truth from the lies, he threw the seeker to the ground harshly.
"I want you to find the problem and exterminate it." Megatron growled out.
"Yes my lord," Starscream bowed before exiting the bridge.
"Knockout, what are you doing? This was supposed to be discreet! Make a u-turn and knocking everyone on board to the ground is not discreet!" Starscream whispered angrily into the comm.
"Well I'm sorry, but I don't have a lot of experience flying a massive warship by myself!"
"Doesn't matter now! He have to go into the next phase of the plan. How far are we from the rendezvous?"
"A couple dozen clicks."
"Good, send the signal."
Meanwhile...
Arcee was out on patrol through most of the morning into the afternoon, she decided it was best to head back to base. As she entered it seemed not a lot had changed since she left. The kids were still playing their game, although Bumblebee and Bulkhead joined them. Ratchet was currently at the terminal muttering to himself.
"Ratchet I'm back."
The medic jumped and turned around optics widened, "Oh Arcee, didn't notice you there. You wouldn't happen to know where Optimus is, would you?"
Arcee, racked confusion, said, "Uhh no, I just got back from patrol you and Optimus sent me on."
"Oh, right. Forgot. Carry on." Ratchet turned back around.
Though confused with Ratchet's odd behavior, she ignored and went to go hang out with the others.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Arcee was prevented from engaging in her downtime as a flashing red light filled the Autobot's base. Everyone's attention immediately went to the terminal. Ratchet was frantically typing, trying to decipher the issue.
"What's the problem?" Bumblebee beeped.
"It's an encoded message." Ratchet stated.
"Is it from Fowler?" Arcee asked.
"No, I don't know who it's from, but it looks like a distress signal."
"A distress signal?" Optimus, with his impeccable timing, entered the base. "From whom?"
"It is unclear whether it is of Autobot or Decepticon origin. The vessel is masking its signature, but the encoded message provides coordinates to what I believe will be the landing sight." Ratchet stated.
Optimus stroked his chin in deep thought, contemplating the pros and cons of replying to the message.
Finally, "Ratchet, activate the ground bridge."
"But Optimus, what if this is a trap?" Bulkhead asked.
"We'll have to take that risk, if there's any chance that an Autobot is in need of assistance then we must go. If it is indeed a trap, send us a few clicks away from the coordinates. Be at the ready, we will either be returning with a new ally, or in need of an escape."
"Hold on, Optimus, there is something important I have to tell you." Ratchet said.
"Whatever it is, it'll have to wait," Optimus said.
"But, it's of grave importance."
"I'm sorry old friend, but any time wasted could be used to help a new comrade. If the Decepticons get word of this distress beacon, then they could be in grave danger." Optimus said.
Ratchet hesitated, but he knew Optimus was right.
With that being said, Ratchet activated the ground bridge. The rest of the team charged through vortex.
Meanwhile...
"Lord Megatron, Soundwave has reported the hacker sent a distress message to an unknown location."
"What! Who would this assailant possible sent a message to-" Megatron's optics widened, "The AUTOBOTS!"
"Soundwave! Continue your attempts to regain control of the ship," Megatron turned to address the troops on the bridge. "Decepticons! I want you all to track down the accursed Autobot that found his way onto my ship and destroy them! Inform any soldiers on the way of the assignment."
"Aye aye sir!"
As the vehicons charged into the halls of the Nemesis, Megatron turned to his intel officer.
"Soundwave, are you able to pinpoint the location of our unknown Autobot?"
Soundwave presented a map of the inner workings of the Nemesis. It showed every single terminal on the ship. Every single one possessing a blinking light.
Megatron growled, "How can this Autobot mask their own signature on my ship!" He grew deathly silent, "Never before have I faced an opponent with such a genius level intellect as this."
Meanwhile...
"Slag! Slag! Slag! Slag!" Knockout was frantically checking the tracking radar, weapons system, and anything else he needs for the next phase. "When are those blasted Autobots going to get here?! I don't how long I can hide out here before someone finds me. Knowing Soundwave, he could be close to figuring out how we hacked the ship." Then realization donned on him, "Oh no. I never though of what could happen if Starscream's plan failed. Not only will Megatron have his head, but mine as well. Or worse..."
Knockout examined his precious paint when suddenly the door to the engine slid open.
"Knockout, Megatron has orders to-"
The vehicon trooper paused. At the end of the room was the Decepticon medic, laying on top of the terminal in a pose similar to those models do on fashion magazines. His head was propped up by his arm as he laid on his side, his outer leg was up and bent at the knee. His hand was relaxing on his knee while the other was on the terminal. While the soldier stared at the oddity of the medics position he failed to notice the medic closing the window on the terminal.
"Yes, what would it be?" Knockout asked.
"Uhh Megatron... wants everyone on the look out for any Autobot activity."
Knockout smiled, "Oh don't worry, I'll keep an optic out for anything suspicious."
"... Right. Is everything ok?"
"Yeah of course! Couldn't be better."
"Uh-huh." The vehicon slowly walked back out the door and closed it.
"Hmmm. Maybe I should've locked the door."
Knockout collapsed to the floor at the sound of a loud beeping coming from the terminal. Kncokout released an exasperated sigh.
"Finally!"
Activating his comm, Knockout said, "They're here."
Meanwhile...
Starscream stood on the very top of the Nemesis. As chaos ensued within the confines of the ship, he stood here waiting patiently for the next phase of his plan to arrive. Everything was falling into place, soon his rightful place as leader of the Decepticons would be his. Soon the Autobots will fall as well, with no one in his way he drain this planet of its resources and reign supreme. Just him and his armada. All alone. Alone.
"They're here."
"How close?"
"A couple clicks."
"Perfect, it's time for the next phase."
"Understood."
The comm ended. Starscream stared at the planet beneath him. Images of the team he once called friend then later forsake flashed in his mind. One was more prominent than the others. A certain two-wheeler.
Starscream activated his comm, "Lord Megatron."
"What is it?"
"I found the source of the problem."
"Did you find the Autobot?"
"Autobo-? Y-yes I did. But I require assistance!"
"... What is your location?"
"I'm outside of the docking bay
"I'm on my way! I'm going to deal with this offending Autobot myself!"
"That worked out better than I expected." Starscream thought. With a foreboding look, he got into position for when Megatron arrived. "It's now or never."
Meanwhile...
The Autobots exited the ground bridge. They were in a heavily wooded area near a large clearing which looked eerily familiar.
Bulkhead looked around confused, "Hey isn't this where-
"Starscream betrayed us?" Arcee finished.
Bulkhead flinched and kept silent, hoping not to make Arcee anymore upset than she currently was.
"It seems a little odd that the coordinates would bring us here of all places." Bumblebee questioned.
"This is strange, keep alert." Optimus commanded.
They examined the skies for any ships but they got nothing. The landscape was completely barren, nothing was insight. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon. Then heard it. The dull humming of a ship they've become horribly familiar with.
"Scrap." Was the consensus thought as they watched the Decepticon battleship burst through the clouds from above.
Optimus went for his comm, "Ratchet we have a situation, we need a ground bridge."
All he received was static.
"Autobots, take cover!"
They used the surrounding trees and rock formations, preparing for an imminent battle. The Nemesis flew closer and closer to their location until it stopped above the massive clearing. It stopped.
"So uhh what do we do now?" Bulkhead asked.
"We retreat, for now." Optimus stepped back cautiously.
The rest of the team complied, trailing their blasters at the warship.
Meanwhile...
The Decepticon warlord readied his fusion cannon as he entered the hangar. It was mostly empty save for the cruiser Shockwave arrived in all those solar cycles ago. As he crept closer to the end of the hangar he noticed something peculiar, it was quiet. He couldn't hear any sounds of gunfire or a skirmish. He prepared one of two possibilities, either Starscream took care of the problem or he got the scrap kicked out of him. He was definitely prepared for the latter.
Megatron stepped out of the hangar and was on the empty roof of his ship. Checking over the edge of the ship. He could see the ground several hundred feet away, it seems the Autobot brought the ship to its intended destination. But where is the bot? And his SIC?
"Starscream?"
"Right behind you, my liege."
Megatron turned and saw the seeker he was looking for, standing on top of the entrance of the hanger. He was smirking and held his hands behind his back with an air of confidence. A look that Megatron was all too familiar with.
"I'm impressed Starscream, even after all these stellar cycles your acting skills are as impeccable as ever. I actually believed you when you said you had nothing to do with this. I have to say, this is probably your most ambitious plan yet. Cause if you fail in offlining me, you better hope I offline you quickly." Megatron said with a crazed smirk.
"Oh I plan to." Starscream simply stated.
"With what? You are sorely outmatched. Did you forget what happened last time you challenged me? Oh wait!" Megatron laughed at the seekers expense.
"Trust me, I learned from my last mistake."
"You? Learn? Don't make me laugh." The warlord bared his teeth angrily.
Starscream activated his comm, "NOW!"
Megatron raised a brow ridge. He readied his cannon to finally end this when he heard a hum of machinery powering up. The iconic sound of transforming metal filled his audio receptors. Long cylinder of many shapes and sizes jutted out from the edges of the ship. All aimed at the gladiator.
His attention was back on the seeker who was now standing in a one manned cannon.
"FIRE!"
Meanwhile...
The Autobots were making some head way trying to get away from the warship, but despite the progress they still couldn't get a signal to call for a ground bridge. They reached the top of a hill for a better vantage point when a huge explosion brought their attention back to the ship. They watched in shock and awe as hundreds of laser fire came from the top of the ship aiming at the sky. They could see a vessel in the sky that looked like a familiar cybertronian ship.
Arcee faced her leader, "You don't think?"
Optimus just had a grim look on his face.
Meanwhile...
It was like a war zone. Megatron was zipping through the air, doing everything he could to dodge the fire. Megatron spun in the air to avoid a couple of missiles, but nearly lost control. He aimed at the ground and flew down as fast as he could, avoiding fire while firing upon the deranged seeker. Despite the massive strain he pushed his cone back up and flew back into the sky. His alt-mode wasn't meant for all of this fancy flying. For all the fire he dodges successfully twice as many lasers managed to graze and nick him. Having to dodge hundreds of laser fire and simultaneously try to put a stop to Starscream. Who was currently firing at him with a cannon and cackling like a madmech. He needs to put a stop to this or that seeker just might win this.
"Uhmm Starscream, we've got a problem." Knockout commed in.
"What do you mean problem?!"
"Well it seems the Autobots have been attempting to retreat. They're almost at the edge of the signal jammers range."
"Then move the ship!"
Meanwhile...
Soundwave slammed his fists against the terminal. Showing any emotion is a rarity from the faceless mech, but he was at his limit. He tried everything! Never has Soundwave ever failed so miserably at dealing with a lowly hacker. What could he be doing wrong. No one can out smart Soundwave!
"Soundwave!"
Soundwave jumped when he heard his master comm-in.
"Starscream fabricated this whole thing! He took over the weapons system! If you could nice enough to regain control that would be great!" Megatron yelled before disconnecting.
So it was Starscream. Soundwave had his suspicions. But how did he manage to hack into the system without a terminal? The optics behind his faceplate widened. Starscream must've had help. Someone somewhere on the Nemesis hacked into the system while Starscream brought up additional firewalls in the bridge. But the question still is; how? Then he remembered.
"Of course what do I know? It's not as if I'm a picture perfect example of trustworthy on this ship." Starscream's mocking tone echoed through his processor.
Soundwave moved his fingertips against the underside of the terminal's keyboard until he felt a little bump. Removing it, Soundwave looked curiously at the round object. A mainframe inhibitor. A device that changed the input of everything Soundwave did with this terminal while, most likely, protecting and powering another inhibitor attached to another terminal. Very intricate stuff. That seeker is smarter than Soundwave took him credit for. Crushing the device in his hand, Soundwave proceeded to regain control of the Nemesis.
Meanwhile...
"Starscream! Surrender now and I just mind forgive you for your latest transgression!" Megatron yelled over the sound of battle.
"Are you bargaining? Hahaha! Oh how you have fallen master! Let's see you fall farther!" Stopping to focus on his target, Starscream fired. A ball of read energy shot out of the cannon on a direct path toward Megatron's engine.
"AUGHHH!"
Starscream watched with satisfaction as the smoking form of the soon to be ex leader of the Decepticons plummet to the ground.
The warlord nearly crashed into the forest. Trying to right himself, Megatron dodged tree after tree. Making it above the treeline, he thought he was in the clear. A stray blast from one of the lower cannons managed a direct hit to his right wing. Spinning out of control, he crashed into the ground. Digging into the ground, he finally slowed down at the foot of a hill. Right before the gaze of the Autobots.
Meanwhile...
Knockout stood wide eyed and slack jawed as he watched the Decepticon warlord shot out of the sky, twice!
"He did it. That pompous bag of bolts actually did it!" The medic couldn't believe it, Starscream's plan actually worked. Knockout had his doubts, but he couldn't deny it anymore.
"I'm going to become second-in-command! I'll finally get some respect around here!" Knockout cheered. "Commander Knockout. Oh yeah, I like the sound of that."
As Knockout began to strut his money maker, he was distracted by a noise coming from the terminal. He observed as a large loading bar took up most of the screen. As he read the cybertronian letters describing the problem, his optics widened in horror.
Panicking, Knockout activated his commlink, "Uhm Starscream? We have a situation!"
"What is it? Can't you see I'm busy?"
"It appears Soundwave has become wise of what we're doing. What should I do?"
"Let him."
"What?! B-but-"
"It'll take him some time to hack back into the system. By the time that happens it'll already be too late. Meet me on the ground. We'll finish Megatron, personally."
As Starscream disconnected the conversation, Knockout sprinted out of the engine room.
Meanwhile...
The Autobots observed the still body of Megatron.
"Is he offline?" Bulkhead asked.
The slow labored transformation into robot mode answered that question. The warlord collapsed to the ground in pain, but very much alive.
"This doesn't make sense. Why would the Decepticons fire on their own leader?" Optimus mused to himself.
"This says Starscream all over it." Arcee said bitterly.
Bumblebee beeped in agreement as he brought everyone's gaze towards the Nemesis as it finally caught up to them. A yellow cylinder descended from the ship, a gray fighter jet circled around it as it made its descent. When it reached the ground, the seeker transformed in front of the prone form of Megatron. Knockout exited the cylinder, standing next to the seeker.
"Oh, how the mighty have fallen." Starscream laughed, planting his foot on Megatron's back.
"It was truly an impressive feat, Commander Starscream. Now that Megatron is out of the way, we will rule the Decepticons with an iron fist!" Knockout bowed, a familiar picture that disgusted the seeker.
"Oh, but you forgot one thing Knockout." Starscream glowered.
"What would that be?"
" It. Is. LORD!"
With surprising speed, Starscream slashed a deep gash across Knockout's chest plate. Knockout gasped and clutched his chest. He stumbled back and collapsed to the ground.
"Why- is it a-always t-the... finish." the medice said before going into stasis.
Starscream flicked his hand, removing it from energon.
"That's for everything you put me through." Starscream growled out before bringing his attention to the incoming Autobots. "Ahh, Optimus Prime, I've been expecting you."
"Starscream, what have you done?" Optimus questioned.
"What does it look like?" Starscream asked planting his foot on Megatron's head.
"After everything that's happened, you're still obsessed with power?" Arcee demanded.
"Well what did you expect?" Starscream stepped off the warlord walked towards the fem. Their faces inches apart, the rest of the Autobots trailed their blasters on the seeker. "Do you honestly still think that because I was once on your side I would honestly come back?"
Arcee merely looked away in shame.
"Even now, you still carry hope that I would rejoin you? See the error of my ways?" He demanded.
Arcee glared back, "You were good once. You can still make the right decision. I know you still care, about all of us!"
Starscream stepped back, his face emotionless.
"I'm afraid, you're wrong."
Stepping farther back, the seeker addressed Optimus, "I have a proposition for you, Prime."
Optimus remained silent, nodding to let him continue.
"I know we are all exhausted from this war. Which is why I am giving you a limited offer. If you promise to surrender, to get out of the Decepticons way, and to give us no resistance in harvesting energon than you and your Autobots will receive full amnesty. We can work together to rebuild Cybertron and bring us back into a Golden Age."
The team were honestly surprised that Starscream would offer a truce, but they knew it was too good to be true.
"You know I can't let you do that. If we let you rebuild Cybertron in the Decepticons image, there will never truly be piece." Optimus said.
"Is that your final decision?"
The teams silence was all he needed. Starscream observed their expressions, from Optimus stoic one to Bumblebee and Bulkhead's angry ones. Arcee had mixed look of anger and... disappointment.
"I can't say I'm not disappointed. I was hoping to avoid fighting you. You are free to go, Autobots. But next time we meet, remember, you've forced my hand." Starscream said as he continued stepping back.
"And you've forced mine." Said a voice behind him.
Before Starscream could turn around, he was shot in the helm by a green laser. Green electricity crackled through the seekers head. He collapsed to the ground, screaming in pain as he clawed at his head. He rolled on the ground trying, begging for the pain to stop.
"Starscream!" Arcee yelled as she attempted to comfort the seeker.
"Ah ah ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you." Megatron smirked, aiming a green grappling hook/ laser looking device.
"The Processor Destabolizer." Optimus said astonished.
"In its fully complete glory!" Megatron roared with mirth.
"What is it doing to him?" Arcee demanded.
"Oh, you'll see."
Arcee was forced to watch as Starscream continued to writhe in agony. Until everything went quiet. The seeker laid still for so long that they almost thought he was dead. Everyone held their breath. The seeker slowly stood back, opening his optics. Instead of the deep red optics that everyone was used, they were meat with met with a putrid green.
Arcee's optics widened in horror, "No!"
"Oh yes! He is under my complete control. I was hoping to use the full power of the Destabolizer on you Autobots first, but Starscream's betrayal was the final straw." Megatron activated his comm. "Soundwave, have you regain control of the ship?... Good. Prepare the med bay, Knockout and I will be in need of repairs."
Megatron brought his gaze back to the Autobots, "You're lucky, Prime! If Starscream's little coup didn't leave me worse for wear than I would finish you all right now. Come Starscream, and bring Knockout with you."
Megatron limped back to the yellow cylinder that was still down. Starscream followed without hesitation. With rigid, robot-like movements, picked up the unconscious medic and stepped into the cylinder. The tube slowly began its ascend back into the Nemesis.
Arcee watched, not believing what was happening. Transforming, she sped up the hill they were previously on. She was not going to loose him again! She jumped the hill, she practically flew in the air and she was on a direct course to the elevator platform. She transformed mid jump, her hand was out forward trying to reach the seeker. Starscream lifted his arm, his hand reaching out to her. As Arcee regained hope, Starscream balled his fist. Aiming his missile, he shot Arcee directly in the chest.
As she fell back to Earth, the last thing saw before going into stasis lock was Starscream's emotionless expression and horrid green optics.