War Paint

by Zsocca

A trio of Neutrals run into Team Prime on Earth. Getting friendly with the Autobots turns out to be a bad idea because they get stuck on the Nemesis by accident, and now have to survive among their manipulative Decepticon hosts. Megatron believes that he can make them side with his faction. But will they? - TFP canon-divergence (SWxOC, SSxOC, KOxOC) Rewritten full version -

11. Going rogue

Hi again, I'm back from the grave and brought chapter 11. Sorry for the wait….khm.

Warnings: I don't own TFP or its characters but I own my OCs. Possible wrong grammar and misspells in the text ahead.

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Chapter 11: Going rogue

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Halo POV

"Who did this to you?"

"I told you to get lost already!"

"WHO did this to you?!" I raised my voice with growing impatience, optics daring the mech to lie to me again. Although the answer was evident, he won't be able to shrug me off this time. Not until he spills the beans.

Starscream growled with bared denta, wings spreading wide. It was a miracle he didn't shoot me in the face so far or kicked me immediately out of his room. Coming to think of it, this was my first time seeing a high ranked officer's quarters, and I was let down. I expected more furniture, lots of unnecessary decoration and flashy stuff, but instead found a simple berth, a personal computer and a few shelves with perfectly organized datapads. Who knew the second in command lives in such a...simple way.

Just a while ago Megatron and Starscream disappeared for two days without a trace and while Soundwave wasn't showing any sign of worry, he certainly didn't like the fact that the two ventured away for long. I guess such excursions never meant anything good.

And when they finally showed up, lets just say they weren't exactly in their best shapes. Starscream looked like he didn't even want to be looked at and quickly disappeared towards his quarters. That was the moment I started chasing him, to his greatest annoyance.

From my point of view, our alliance has made some progress ever since I got sucked out of that stupid airlock. Fortunately my wings haven't suffered any remaining damage but I was strictly kept under doctor's supervision and even Starscream checked me once more to make sure I will cope. He explained a lot. Both me and Knock Out listened to his words with focused attention, something Starscream clearly enjoyed. He always liked to be the clever one.

As it turned out, newly created aerial bots learn flight in groups under an experienced mentor's supervision who has two or three assistants to help the greenhorns. Seekers, who only recruit the best of fliers are very strict but also very considerate with the younger generation and pay much more attention to their training than any other flying society. The best fliers show the greenhorns all the tricks and secrets and they monitor their progress. Who knew flying was a form of art...?

Starscream pointed out the importance of wingmates and how a Seeker could provide the most within their trine. That part made me question how he was coping without his wingmates then and why he doesn't want new ones.

"Do not bother him with that topic," Knock Out warned me during one of our breaks which we had together and I happened to complain to him about the Commander.

My questioning, curious expression urged him to continue.

"Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp. Every Decepticon knows these designations. They were the Elite Trine," the medic gestured as if he was painting their names into the air, his voice dramatic yet a hint of mockery was evident in his tone, "When those three were together, they were lethal to both friend and foe, as rumors say. Me myself had the opportunity to see them together only once during a raid I watched from a safe distance. Believe me, you wouldn't want to be their enemy on the battlefield."

"If they were so powerful, how did they fall eventually?" I leaned forward, captivated by Knock Out's storytelling just like always. He had a talent for bringing drama and sass into his speech which was undeniably attractive.

"There are speculations and rumors..." he smirked, pointing out knowingly, "...about their deaths. Some say Megatron started to fear the power of the three. Starscream was the most valuable, being the second in command. The other two on the other hand had the potential of betraying our Lord for their brother and while they were skilled and unparalleled soldiers, Megatron got rid of them to keep Starscream at bay."

My optics opened wide and I blinked rapidly in disbelief. No way. That would be absurd and horrific! Would our leader really go that far? And if this is true, why the hell is Starscream still a Decepticon? If my sisters were slain for the sake of status quo, I would surely avenge them. I would show no mercy.

"But of course, that is just a myth. There is no proof. Most bots say they were victims of the Quintessons," Knock Out smiled ever so brightly, enjoying how his little story had upset and baffled me.

I wanted to know more, but the medic couldn't provide more information and I realized that I have to ask Starscream himself if I truly wish to dig into this. Great.

Lets return the my present problem:

"Starscream I want to help," I changed tone, dropping my servos helplessly to my sides. He shot me a disapproving glare over his shoulder, clearly wishing me outside his doors.

"And how exactly do you plan to help? As you can see I'm in no need of you right now!"

"Just tell me what to do. I know Megatron is behind this and I'm mad. I can go and talk to him or..."

"Don't you dare!" he spun around, snarling maliciously like a wounded animal, "He almost terminated me, I don't need you to frag up the mercy I've suffered so much to gain!"

His words halted my thoughts like a crash-land as I stared at him in shock.

"Was he...trying to offline you?"

The question hung in the air heavily, for much longer than necessary or comfortable, and I saw hesitation in Starscream's posture and how he opened his mouth and then closed it quickly, optics darting to various directions as he tried to come up with either a good lie or a good explanation. None of it came.

"Just leave," he grunted, limping to his desk in resign, his shoulders slumped and strength seemed to ebb away from his frame. Whatever went down between him and Megatron had used up much of his energy.

"I will bring you some energon. Stay here, will you?" I backed off, slightly reluctant to leave him alone. Ever since I heard that story from Knock Out, I kept imagining two more mechs beside Starscream while wondering what kind of person he would be like then. I doubt that he would be mocked or humiliated like he constantly is nowadays. He seemed so miserable like this: alone, dirty from top to pedes and scarred.

Damn, I was starting to pity him.

Of course he didn't respond to me polite knocking when I arrived back. I waited for a while, kept banging on his door until I figured he must have left. So I visited the wash-racks, which was locked, like usual when the privacy-needing second in command was in there. I could have left, sulking over his attitude like I did a few times before, yet I stood cemented there, holding the glass of energon I brought with myself and waited with patience I never knew I had.

"You wait for him like a faithful dog. How touching."

That voice never ceased to send a cold, terrifying shiver down my spine. I glanced up and locked gaze with Airachnid who passed by with a meaningful smirk planted on her silver faceplate. Oh how much I hated when she picked at my relationship with others! As if she understood anything.

"I guess you must be jealous because no one would do this for you," I bit back harshly, watching as she flinched but didn't stop in her tracks. Her figure disappeared in the next crossing.

I stuck my tongue out, knowing that she can't see me anymore. She must be jealous. It's her hobby to pick on people who show any sign of care, that's the only explanation for her behavior I can think of.

Within minutes the door unlocked and slid open. Starscream sauntered out and almost bumped into the glass of energon I held up in head-level to him but he halted quickly and frowned in surprise at the blue liquid inside the glass. Then his optics fell on me and my serious expression.

I said nothing.

Starscream grimaced but took the glass and went on his way with me catching up to him as we quietly walked down the corridor. I spared a minute to gaze over his maculate clean, now shining armor. Only the scars and small dents remained permanent but Knock Out will eventually see to them later, I was pretty sure.

The mech emptied the glass within seconds, verifying my suspicion about how low he must have been on energy. Then he placed it in my servos and spared me a glance which could be passed as a short 'thanks' if I wanted to see too much into it.

"I would like to have an audience with Soundwave. Alone. Don't do anything stupid while I'm away."

"Promise!" I broke the serious atmosphere with a wide, mischievous grin to which I earned a very doubtful sigh from him.

And we parted ways. My spark felt heavy when I watched his figure disappear, my smile fell like curtains once a piece in a theater is over. It irritated me that I could do nothing for him, and even if I could, he wouldn't let me.

"He is too complicated for me to understand, sorry," Mercy shrugged a while later when we retreated into our room and shared a serving of energon sweets from a bowl.

She dropped a candy in her mouth and crunched on it quietly.

I also took a few from the bowl it was all dumped into, thanking Crossflare who took the time to bake these for us. It has been a while since we had a whole afternoon just for ourselves and we decided to chill and simply talk over things that troubled us. Just like in the past when we shared everything.

"If he doesn't need your help, you shouldn't push yourself on him," Crossflare seated herself on the edge of her berth, which she never used, and contently chewed on the blue glowing candy she took for herself.

"Nah. He is similar to you in this aspect. Neither of you trust others to help you when you struggle with something," I chuckled with a knowing smirk and she shook her head with a smile.

"I can deal with my problems myself, Halo. If I needed anything, I would call for you," she assured us, though I knew what that actually meant: probably never. Especially after the last incident.

Yeah, maybe she has a point...

"Anyway, how are you doing with your project?" I stole a palmful of sweeties and dropped myself on my berth, crossing my pedes.

"Not as brilliantly as Megatron expects me to," she rubbed her forehead with a now troubled expression, "The test results are constantly negative. I'm far from creating a super-soldier. There must be a missing key element or something I keep missing. Knock Out helps in here and there but he is not much smarter either."

"Cool, but at least you are heading somewhere. I'm still nowhere near becoming a warrior," I pouted and stuffed my mouth full of candies. Sweets are small gifts of happiness when you are not satisfied with yourself.

Mercy was oddly quiet and seemingly lost in her thoughts. My optics darted from her to Crossflare questioningly and she shook her head with a similarly helpless expression.

"Hey, don't you have any story to tell?" I encouragingly nodded in Mercy's way who looked at me with a small smile and shrugged again.

"Nothing really. I don't do anything significant like you two...My days are quite monotonous."

"You said you like it that way," Crossflare remarked with a hint of surprise. Mercy never complained about her post next to the Communications Chief.

"Yes I do. But it's still not that interesting. If there is anything, I now have permission to listen to music during work," she admitted, her mouth widening in an amused smile.

"Haha, I guess all the Vehicons under Soundwave's command are blessing you for achieving that," I laughed, aware of how the officers who report to the silent con are secretly fearing him and act serious and collected only when said con is around. Poor mechs, they got very little fun during their dull working hours. Fortunately Mercy takes vivid colors wherever she goes and never ceases to lighten the atmosphere with a simple smile. That's the strange kind of charismatic person she was.

Why couldn't I make an impact too?

I wasn't any smarter the next day though, still musing over how I should treat Starscream or if dealing with his problems was worth the time at all. But it would be unlike me to retreat from a challenge, no?

While pushing my cargo around mindlessly, I caught a glimpse of Airachnid and said Seeker heading in the opposite direction on a parallel corridor. Wheels screeching, I changed course and hurried after them as if I had anything to do in that area.

"Good morning Commander! Where are you going?" I asked cheerfully when I came in line with them on Starscream's side.

"To visit the Harbinger, an old Decepticon ship which I had scouted already but no one believes me," he grunted and shot a look full of resentment in Airachnid's way as if she was the fault of everything. She just rolled her optics but didn't add anything, and instead observed me in silence.

"Can I go?" my question was stupid itself but I decided to give it a try.

To my surprise, he just raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner and Airachnid was the one to scoff and call me insane first.
"You can't even fly! This is a scouting mission, not an amusement trip for younglings."

"Then you certainly shouldn't go," I bit back, sticking my tongue out at her.

"A greenhorn like you is nowhere needed right now. You would only be in the way," Airachnid pressed her words with growing impatience. It was evident she wished me to the smelting pits.

"She can come," Starscream's calm intervention shut both of us up for a mere second as we processed what that meant.

"Yesss!" then I swung a fist into the air, grinning widely in victory.

"Are you out of your mind? She barely walks with those wings, let alone fly!"

"She will learn along the way," Starscream purred with a malevolent grin, satisfied with Airachnid's reaction. The femme locked her lips tight, optics boring into mine with hatred. Oh yes, I will make sure she will enjoy this little mission. And I think Starscream won't mind at all.

With resentment and tension apparent in the air, we made our way to the upper deck and sudden cold wind hit us in the face when we stepped outside. The sky was grey and thick with clouds but at least no storm was anywhere to be seen and the weather forecast didn't mention anything crazy for the next few days. Yes, I've started keeping track of human meteorology since my last incident. Strange how humans could predict the weather on such a complicated planet, while my kind could barely warn the population in case of a coming acid storm.

Airachnid transformed without any warning and took off in her helicopter mode, earning a growl from Starscream who immediately complained about not giving permission to leave yet.

"I'm not going to wait for her. Catch up if you can along the way," she commed Starcrseam indifferently.

"Listen," the mech stepped closer to me, his optics dead-serious and his voice expectant, "You do what I say and follow my orders. Are we clear? Do not mess up the mission, but you can annoy that glitch till your spark's content."

"Understood!" I saluted with a wide grin. Starsceam just rolled his optics and mentally questioned his decision to let me come.

I followed after him when he jumped into the air and transformed so gracefully, I felt like a wreckage when I changed shape. My wings stretched to their full width and I activated my engine, shooting after Starscream's quickly leaving form. The first few moments were fine, really. Then when we left the Nemesis and dove into the clouds, gushes of air from various directions fought against my figure and I struggled to keep course and fly straight.

"Draw your wings back and use your tail," I heard through the comm and I followed instructions without hesitance. The pressure lightened and my position became a bit more stable.

"Thanks for the info," I commed back, drawing close behind him.

The first half hour passed by rather calmly, although for me it meant complete focus and concentration because the smallest disturbance was able to throw me off balance, which I couldn't understand. Starscream pulled up beside me more than once and barked instructions to help me out. Twice I ended up in free fall, first after panicking when a bird crossed paths with me, second time whenI lost focus and the strong wind toppled me over. I managed to get my position back, but it was quite a feat to achieve. Starscream marked my first real flight a very merciful D minus.

In the last ten minutes we finally caught sight of Airachnid and Starscream boosted forward, reaching the landing point before any of us as if that would mean anything. He expectantly waited for us from down there to do the same and I inspected the rocky terrain a bit hesitantly.

When ground came close enough I descended as slowly as possible but still managed to land on my face. It wasn't a crash-land at least. Big improvement in my opinion.

"You still land like a dead Autobot," Starscream commented asI gathered myself together.

"Every landing you can walk away from is a good landing," I huffed in relief and stretched my limbs once I stood on my pedes again.

Airachnid hopped down beside me, elegant as ever. For some reason I despised her for that.

"Although you hurried us, your chosen vehicle mode lacks thrust," fortunately Starscream liked her even less than I did and quickly grabbed the opportunity to criticize her as well. I liked it that way, he was equally awful to everyone.

"Are you going to preen or are you going to guide?" she retorted, not impressed by him at all.
"I will reveal the exact location of the Harbinger when you tell me exactly what we are looking for," Starscream's statement sounded more like a command.

Oh here it comes, the usual Decepticon banter: something for something and nothing for nothing.

"That information is need-to-know, and right now you don't," Airachnid's mouth curled into a malevolent smile as she turned from him, as if waiting for him to beg.

"Oh, you would do well to respect me Airachnid. Before I joined Megatron, I was Air Commander of a squadron of energon Seekers."

"You never mentioned that to me..." I muttered quietly, crossing my arms. This mission will be a pain in the aft if itcontinues like this. I feel like teamwork is not a word invented for the three of us.

"On Cybertron. And how many eons ago was that?" Airachnid turned to look at him disdainfully, quickly erasing the Seeker's prideful expression. The mech immediately tried to come up with something better to boast with. Typical of him.

"Just recently, I personally vanquished one of Optimus Prime's fiercest warriors, Cliffjumper," he announced, smirking.

That statement halted my thoughts. Was it him...? Miko had mentioned a fallen comrade with that name. Was killing someone truly that big of a deal to even remember the victim's designation? I thought Decepticons don't care that much. I mean, war is all about killing so one kill shouldn't be that much of a thing.

"You snuffed an Autobot?" Airachnid turned around in mild surprise, this finally caught her attention even if only for a moment.
"Yes, I did. Without mercy!" Starscream clenched his fists and proudly puffed his chest out.

"Ooh...even Megatron showed you mercy when he planned to terminate you at the mine," the femme knowningly smirked at him, then spared me a pitying glance.

"What?! He told you about that?!"
"We talk," she answered curtly and shrugged.

"Ouch," I commented with a grimace. So Megatron really wanted to kill Starscream.

"Ah, the wreckage lies just beneath where we stand," Starscream quickly covered all emotion on his face with an irritated scowl and changed the topic as he turned away from us, pretending to look over the area, "I will need to find a point of entry."

Before I could suggest anything, Airachnid disappeared into the ground like a drill machine and I blinked several times before it registered what she just did. Oh. So she can do that. Nice to know...

"Show off," Starscream rolled his optics when we both stared into the deep tunnel she created within matter of seconds.

"Like you are the one to judge," I mocked.

He shot me a glare.

"Are you with me, or with her now?"

"No need to worry, you know the answer," I grinned before jumping into the hole just to let him be the last one in line. I think I didn't have to see his expression to know how he was glaring after me.

Where we ended up was dark and wet. The only source of lights were our gleaming optics and the biolights on my armor. Starscream looked around and I followed the intense red light as he started walking into a random direction.

Small noises echoed from the walls, signing that Airachnid was not much ahead of us. The darkness slowly lightened and my optics finally adjusted to the circumstances when we reached what looked like a file room.

"Suit yourself, I conducted a thorough search of this husk years ago," Starscream remarked, his words meant to Airachnid whose attention was already pointed elsewhere, deep in search on the computer which magically worked and seemed to function just fine.

"What are you doing?!" Starscream demanded and strolled closer.

"Accessing the cargo manifest, or didn't you think to do that during your thorough search?" she bit back, continuing to type like he wasn't even there.

I looked around and figured that this ship was probably eons old from the early stages of the war. How rusty...

"Idiot. The ship's systems haven't been activated for eons. The Autobots could detect its energy signature," the mech growled in response and I questioningly returned to them.

"Is that a problem? I mean, there is nothing much here."

"Oh yes, nothing, they can just download any information they want and have access to our secret networks. Use your processor once Halo!" Starscream knocked on my head and I puffed my cheeks in a sulking manner. He had a point.

"Ah here it is," Airachnid found what she was looking for and suddenly departed from us, entering the labyrinth of corridors. Starscream reluctantly followed her and I tagged along curiously. I expected a longer journey to be honest.

"Section twenty-three should be right about...here?" the femme stopped in front of a rock wall which prevented further access to our destination.

"The ship just ends," she stated a bit in confusion, "It must have broken in half during the crash."

Starscream stopped with a hint of amusement in his smirk.

"Hm, or in the air," he corrected, "If you performed actual research you would have learned that an Autobot battalion shot the Harbinger out of the sky."

"How far away is the other half?" Airachnid spun around and her spider-legs extended dangerously, making her pose appear threatening. I didn't like her commanding tone at all.
"I'm afraid that information is need-to-know," Starscream imitated her previous excuse with a malicious grin.

"Hoho, buuurn," I crooned quietly with a grin.

Maybe I shouldn't have said that because Airachnid charged in our way abruptly and before I could even react, I was stuck to the wall by something organic in a helpless position.

"HEY!" I yelled loudly in protest, watching as she beat Starscream to the ground without much effort, and wrapped him tightly in webbing.

"What are you...?!" Starscream failed to react in time just like me and his processor caught up too late to what was happening.
"You are trying to make me look like a fool before Megatron!" Airachnid walked up to him with steps of cold triumph, "Have me return empty-handed while you locate the weapon yourselves."

"How dare you accuse me?! You are nothing but a scavenger, an opportunist!" Starscream fought against the webbing, his furious high-pitched voice echoed back from the walls with a shrill sound.

"We haven't planned anything like that! Release us right now you glitch!" I kicked wildly with my pedes and tried to tear into the organic material with my only free servo but almost managed to get it stuck as well. This won't work.

Airachnid ignored every sound of protest. She leaned over Starscream, smiling ever so devilishly.

"Aren't you one to talk?" she teased.

"Perhaps, but I've changed, seen the error of my ways. I live to serve Megatron now," he quickly dodged the accusation, as if it mattered anything to the femme.

To me however, that was an unexpected turn. When did he become loyal to Megatron again?! He forgot to notice me of some changes!

"And since when is that?!" I kicked into the air, now getting angry with him, but I was completely ignored.

"You won't live to serve anyone if you don't tell me where to find the rest of the ship. Now!" Airachnid's threat was a true threat, I could see that in her optics. If we don't cooperate, she would live up to her word.

"A few clicks north of here, through a stone arch. Now release me!" Starscream gave in eventually and Airachnid left him lying on the ground for good, strolling away as if her work had been done.

"When I have the weapon in hand. That is...if I can find my way back without my guide," she looked back one more time and flashed a brilliant, evil smile.

"This is not funny Airachnid! Come back right here and cut me loose!" Starscream tried to sound serious and unforgiving but his orders dropped flat in this situation. As helpless as he was, no one would have taken him seriously. Airachnid turned around without regrets and walked out of sight into the darkness.

"Airachnid! That is an order! I'm your commanding officer!"

Again, no answer, nothing.

"I don't think she cares," I grimaced, stating the obvious.

"You don't say?!" he growled loudly and dropped his forehead against the cold floor.

"Okay, lets stay calm, I will do something!" I exhaled, then took a deep breath and strained against the webbing. No matter how much I kicked, wriggled, clawed around, my efforts remained fruitless. I was stuck.

"Hm, is it failure what I'm hearing?"

"As if you were trying at all!" I retorted in frustration. We can't be stuck here forever! That glitch must come back for us!

"Hah. This is my luck. I bring you with me to have backup if something goes wrong, but when something actually goes wrong what are you good for? Nothing!" Starscream muttered to himself and my anger only boiled further.

"I'm trying, okay?!"

Without any warning, Airachnid's hurried figure appeared again and she quickly walked over Starscream on her spider-legs and left towards the dead end as if she was being chased by something.

"Airachnid! You traitor!" Starscream shouted at her in fury, for a moment almost thinking that she had come back to release us only to realize she had no such intentions at all.

The femme drilled herself into the rock wall and disappeared out of sight without giving us a second glance. What in the name of...?

A familiar figure arrived in queue and I gasped at his sight, not expecting to meet him here. Optimus Prime.

"The Autobots!" I muttered in awe when I realized that reinforcement is coming right behind him. I just couldn't believe my optics. After spending months with the Decepticons I never thought of meeting the 'enemy' like this or in a place such as this. Was it our luck or not, I was incredibly happy to see them.

Arcee dashed past us and followed Airachnid with a maniac fury while Optimus called after her to wait, but his warning found no listeners. Without a second hesitation the Prime changed course and disappeared in an other direction. Bumblebee and Bulkhead showed up quickly afterwards, slowing their steps as they noticed us.

"I don't know if I should laugh or cry, but you have the best timing in the world!" I cheerfully waved a servo and Bee waved back with happy beeps.

"Aren't we supposed to be enemies?" Bulkhead muttered in confusion as he walked up to Starscream and pointed a blaster right into the Seeker's face who shuddered and groaned under the heat of the charging weapon.

"I kinda lent you a servo back then. What about helping us out instead of finishing us off? We are harmless," I argued and my words halted them immediately. Bulkhead withdrew his blaster and exchanged looks with Bee. They remembered well of what I meant.

"I owe you one," the big green Autobot stepped up to me and tore the webbing down without much effort. I hopped onto the floor in relief and dusted my armor off with a grateful expression.

Bumblebee immediately noticed my unusual appearance and inquired why I changed alt-mode with surprised beeps.

"Got bored of wheels. Wings are better, though they have been a pain in the aft so far," I chuckled, turning around in a circle for them to see me better.

"Hey, I'm here right below you! Release me at once as well!" Starscream whined for attention but the Autobots' kindness has run out with me.

"Who are you to speak? Stay down there Con!" Bulkhead turned his hand into a giant metal ball and threateningly loomed it over the Seeker's head who visibly shrunk and pleaded for mercy.

"Whoa, whoa, let him be!" I pushed the ball away and knelt beside my comrade, my optics sharpening as I glared at the two. I might be friendly with them but that doesn't mean I will let them hurt Starscream. No matter what, a Decepticon symbol is planted on my chest and nothing is going to change my position, we have already decided on that with the girls.

"Halo, this might be a chance for you to team up with us. You can't possibly like the Cons, you know who they are!" Bulkhead tried the same what he had tried with Crossflare before. It seems the Autobots hasn't given up hope that we would eventually betray our chosen side.

"Ever heard of no way back?" I snapped in frustration. I didn't want to say an outright no but I couldn't say yes either. Both recoiled in disappointment and disbelief. They didn't want to understand, "Once a Con, always a Con. Isn't that how it is according to you?"

Bee's wing-doors lowered, his beeps turning sad. Bulkhead on the other hand raised his wrecking balk once again, this time forcing seriousness into his expression.

"Then we have no choice but to treat you like a Con."

That's it. Fate sealed. Starscream got helped up but not released and we exited the ship in the crosshairs of Autobot blasters. I guess that's all for the good terms I had been on with the enemy. Like prisoners, we were thrust forward and Starscream couldn't stop his whines and complaints along the way, cursing Airachnid in the most colorful way. I stayed silent throughout.

Reaching the entrance to a rather thin evergreen forest, we spotted Optimus and Arcee standing near to a few large holes in the ground, probably an escaped Airachnid's handiwork. Great, they managed to let her go.

Starscream hesitated, gulping when raising his look at the Prime. Bulkhead hit the Seeker's back rather roughly and the mech fell on his knees then I followed him in line, receiving the same treatment. I hissed in pain. My back panel was still sensitive.

"Move it!"

"No need to use force!" Starscream grunted in offense.

"We found them unarmed by Airachnid's doing," Bulkhead explained and I stared at the Prime without much fear, thanks to being familiar with him, and he stared back along with Arcee. They were stunned to see me. We have never met as actual enemies before and the truth has just now dawned on everyone: I'm not a friend or an ally anymore.

"Halo?!" Arcee stepped closer while trying to keep her emotions in check.

Optimus also looked conflicted to see me like this, his hesitation visible as he thought of a way to address us correctly.

"Well, well, isn't it nice to meet again?" I tried to lighten the atmosphere with a soft chuckle but I only managed to increase tension.

Starscream shot me a disapproving but also helpless look, seeing that the Autobots are not going to go soft on us just because I used to be a friend of them.

"I will tell you anything you want to know," the Seeker finally spoke up, cowardly if I might say. I stared at him with wide optics. Is he serious? That easily? Just spill everything? And where is the devotion to the cause and Megatron he had been claiming just minutes before?! Was this a trick, betrayal, change of thoughts or what?! I don't know what's going on in his head!

"Heh, is that right? And what do you want in return?" Bulkhead chuckled in a mocking tone.

Starscream's expression changed completely, a scale of guilt I've never seen before in his posture as he looked up at Optimus as if ready to beg him.

"I...want to be on your side."

My spark literally skipped a beat. What did he just say...?

---

Mercy POV

I noticed a Vehicon typing in one rhythm with the beat , which I found funny. The room where we were now in always felt gloomy to me but ever since music filled it, even if not as loudly as I would have preferred, the atmosphere lifted significantly. Then I started humming along to the song which I played through the radio frequency. Earth music has been my obsession since my arrival here and though unspoken, the Vehicons seemed to like it as well. Especially dubstep.

I've never takenthe opportunity to sing in front of any Decepticon before. Usually I needed time to adjust to my environment and to the people around me, then after a certain form of confidence was built, I sang when I felt ready and at ease among those who heard me. I guess that point had been hit sometime nowadays because I caught myself singing along quietly when I was alone or in the company of some Vehicons. They rarely expressed their opinion but one remarked once that he likes my voice. I was always grateful for feedback, even if it embarrassed me sometimes.

While musing over where Halo had gone with Starscream so unexpectedly today and why they haven't returned yet, I sang the lyrics of the current song on the radio, drumming the rhythm with one pede while also typing and not exactly paying attention to what I was doing. Reports and requests just couldn't hold my full attention today.

Then I noticed how the Vehicon beside me scooted farther and before I could have questioned him, Soundwave stepped to the control desk and tilted his helm to the right while his visor remained blank.

"Eh-uh...sorry, got distracted a bit," I muttered and quickly straightened my posture, returning to my task. For some reason he always knew when I was spacing out or not doing my job and almost immediately appeared to warn me. Now he caught me singing. Not as if that would be a big deal normally, but it certainly disturbed me. Maybe only I imagined it but it seemed like he had an unexplained interest in my voice pattern.

Soundwave shook his head and stopped my servos, now my attention fully on him. His visor lit up and he replayed a conversation among a furious Megatron and a confused Airachnid. It had to be a recent record because I immediately knew what they were arguing about.

Halo and Starscream have been captured by the Autobots.

---

Halo POV

The absurdity of our situation reached an unbelievable level. I sat behind my supposed-to-be-ally with a sulking face, my arms folded and my knees pulled up to my chest. Starscream uncomfortably squirmed, the narrow trailer was too little for his wingspan and while I could have helped him get more comfy, I refused to do so. Let him lie and suffer, that's what he deserved right now. None of us spoke since we were thrust into this trailer.

Starscream made an attempt to change sides. I was dumbfounded. No one trusted his words of course, and I couldn't blame the Autobots for remaining careful. When it concerned Starscream there was always an unpredictable trickery to his actions. But it took me quite a while to analyze what has happened so far.

"Argh, this is so cramped!" he grunted, flinching again. His wings and wrists were cuffed. Just like my wrists. I didn't get my wings locked because I managed to convince the others that I can't use them, even if I wanted to. If I intend to fly anytime soon, I will need Starscream with me for instructions. As silly as it sounded, I was just a 'learning sparkling' when it came to flight.

We were tied up pretty well nonetheless.

"Hey, were you serious about that?" I asked suddenly, grabbing the opportunity to break the long stretched silence. With a second hesitation, a not so smart reply came:
"About what?"
"Changing sides."
He didn't answer immediately afterwards and I didn't know how I should take his silence.

"I don't know," he finally responded.

"What? You don't know?!" I snapped, "Did you lie?"

"No, it wasn't a lie. Though I doubt they would ever accept me as one of them."

I looked down at him in disbelief. All I could see in the dark were his glowing optics which were focused on the ceiling, then he closed them for a moment. So he really considered changing sides. As much as I refused to admit, the thought of him joining the good side somehow made me excited. I mean, wouldn't it be cool? The girls, me and Starscream as Autobots? Nice dream, but lets look at the facts: a pretty unrealistic vision.

"I'm upset. Starscream I just refused a direct invitation to their side in favor of you, and then you simply offered them a change of spark. Unfair."

"Did you have any better ideas?"

Silence fell on us again.

The trailer stopped the next second and we looked up, listening to the noises from the outside. We must have arrived. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the back of the trailer finally opened and Bulkhead peeked in.

"Rise and shine, Screamy!" the big lug grabbed Starscream by the pedes and pulled him out to the dirty ground. Poor Seeker landed with a loud thud and a painful groan.

It seems all friendliness and patience have evaporated along the way because the Autobots' behavior significantly changed towards rude and almost offensive. I scrambled out myself and warned Bulkhead with a glare before he could have dragged me out as well.

"We are here. Where is the ship?" Arcee stepped forward when Starscream finally got onto his knees and had a moment to look around.
"It's through the arch. Among the stones," he pointed out towards east and all gazes followed the direction.

"Bulkhead, Bumblebee you're with me. Arcee remain with our prisoners," Optimus nodded and was ready to leave with, but Arcee ran after him.

"Optimus please! For Tailgate."
The Autobot leader turned back but didn't seem to welcome her request.

"Your desire to avenge Tailgate will only continue to cloud your judgment," with that Optimus turned away, leaving a disappointed Arcee behind. What was she talking about?

Slightly confused and uncertain of what to do, I dropped my bottom on the trailer's edge and stretched my pedes with a yawn. While waiting for the others to complete whatever mission they came here to complete, I should create an escape plan or a way to create distraction while we get out of here. Looking at the terrain, it shouldn't be that hard. There are plenty canyons on our left where we could hide from the enemy once we made an escape. Everything is just a matter of timing.

Meanwhile Starscream continued to squirm and groan as he tried to free his servos from the handcuffs and his wings pressed against the lock which held them in an unnatural position. I could imagine how awful that felt.

"Is the clamp really necessary? I promise not to fly away!" Starscream finally took the courage to call out to Arcee, who glanced back over her shoulder rather coldly, "It's really giving me a crick."

"I can shove you back in the trailer," she walked closer and disdainfully stared the mech down as she placed her servos on her hips.

Narrowing my optics, I recalled my interactions with Arcee. She had never been the warm and friendly type but she wasn't known for being a jerk either. At least that's what I remembered.

Starscream sighed as he slumped his shoulders in defeat. He wasn't quite himself. I was used to seeing him always bite back, fight, if can't walk then crawl to the end of his goals. Why does he accept defeat so easily now?

My musings continued without results and I pointlessly tried to pick up a conversation with the other femme because she just raised a servo and continued to pace anyxiously, seemingly lost in thoughts. What has gotten into her?

The silence started to grow uncomfortable and fortunately Starscream spoke up in time to break it.

"I'm really not so bad you know. Megatron, he is the evil one."

"Tell it so someone who cares," Arcee finally stopped and shot him a mean glare. She wasn't up to anything he wanted to tell her.

"Like whom? Airachnid? What I wouldn't do to get my hands around her wretched throat!" Starscream imitated suffocating someone with his claws and I chuckled in amusement.

"You are not the only one," I remarked.

"So we can agree on one thing," Arcee's thoughtful look was an improvement.

"Oh, you have no idea! She showed up one day and the next thing you know she is acting like she runs the place. She whispered lies into Megatron's ear! Maneuvered to rob me of my rightful place!" he listed the mentioned femme's sins with growing fury in his voice.

"And she constantly terrorized Mercy, Crossflare and me. Thanks to her I was sucked out of an airlock," I added my own grievances. Suddenly it felt like were were a circle of gossiping femmes, as weird as that sounded.

"Well...she terminated my partner," Arcee averted her optics, her expression speaking of pain and vulnerability I've never seen of her before. Her words hung heavier than anything we have listed so far and I quickly revalued my problems.

"What?! She is taking credit for scrapping him now too?! That was my doing!" Starscream snapped all of a sudden and while Arcee just raised an eyebrow in confusion, my optics opened wide in horror. Oh for Solus' sake you idiot...!

"What? You weren't there."

"Of course he wasn't! He doesn't know what he is thinking," I quickly jumped to my pedes, raising my cuffed servos nervously in a placating gesture.

"Who are you talking about?" Arcee jabbed a finger in Starscream's direction, catching how the atmosphere just shifted and now she knew I knew something and Starscream did something bad.

"No one! Um...who are you talking about?" the mech got the message and pretended to be dumb, which of course wasn't the best card to play right now.

"Tailgate."

"Who is Tailgate?"

Arcee's eyes widened at the revelation as the pieces came together in her head. Oh no way... Starscream you are dead.

"You are the one! You extinguished Cliffjumper!"

"Cliffjumper? Wah! No, no, no!" Starscream raised his arms in self-defense as Arcee stood ready to charge against him without holding back, "You misunderstand! It wasn't like you think! That troopers mortally wounded him. I was trying to help Cliffjumper - put him out of his misery. He begged me to!"

The flow of evident lies just made everything worse and I helplessly ran to separate the two, no puppy eyes would help Stasrcream right now, but I almost bumped into Arcee's charging blaster which she pushed into my face while kicking into the mech who landed on his back from the impact and scrambled backwards.

"Arcee calm down we can talk this over...," I tried, but my words found no listeners as she angrily growled at me as if I was in the way.

"We had just enough talking!"

"Arcee please!"

She never used to act like that. I could understand her pain over a lost comrade, but still, as an Autobot with all the high morals they are so commonly known for, shouldn't she rise above her own emotions and act like a...like a good guy?

As someone who was supposedly standing on the right side, this attitude was unacceptable. Optimus wouldn't approve of this if he was here but unfortunately he wasn't. And how would anyone expect Starscream to become a faithful Autobot one day if she beat him to death in the first five minutes?

But Arcee ignored all rational reasoning.

"Okay, okay it was a mistake! I've made many! But I've changed!" Starscream was backing off and my thoughts wildly circled in my head, searching for a good way to stop the blue femme who had lost clear judgment. I couldn't sympathize with her like this. What was she even doing?!

I wish my servos were free, because I would shoot at her without hesitation that's for sure.

"You wouldn't terminate a defenseless prisoner, would you?" Starscream finally threw in the last card that would stop a rampaging Autobot and Arcee stopped momentarily, her digits twitching in irritation as her optics narrowed in fury. Maybe she will retreat...maybe there is a chance for this fight to end peacefully..

But before we could sigh in relief, a key was dropped in front of the Seeker and Arcee stepped back, her posture challenging and patient.

"What? What is that?!"
"The key to your cuff."

"What for?!"
"Cliff would have given you a fighting chance," Arcee answered coldly, freezing the energon in my tubes. She can't do this! This...this is not how an Autobot should be...!

"No! Please! I-I don't want to!" Starscream turned away from the key as if it was tox-en, "What's past is past! I'm one of you now!"

"He doesn't want it! Take it back immediately!" I ran to the key, snatched it up and stood between them with optics fiercely standing the heat of Arcee's hatred.

"Out of the way! It's none of your business!" Arcee pointed her blasters at us, one at my chest, the other at Starscream. I forgot to think for a moment. Would she really shoot me? Just because I'm in her way? Deja-vu. That's what I felt, and the familiar situation cemented me to my current position.

"Stand aside and give the key to me, I will make sure he will want it," Arcee roughly shoved me aside and caught the key easily from my cuffed servos, but she was interrupted by an unexpected crack of metal and the key fell to the ground. Both of us stared at the gash made by claws on her right side along her waist-line as energon started oozing from the cuts.

Arcee backed off with unstable steps, gasping in shock and pain.

I should have expected this outcome. Starscream would never stand being humiliated for long and I had already questioned his patience with the aggressive femme. But it seems all he wanted was a small distraction and an opportunity. I just lent him one.

The femme fell on her knees, her left servo tightly pressed on the wound, and Starscream collected the key with a triumphant grin as he rose to his full height and let the handcuffs fall, then tossed the key over to me.

"Something wrong, Arcee? I thought you wanted a fight," and the tides have turned. Starscream flexed his claws and loomed over the wounded femme who was far less of a threat now than she had been a moment before. I didn't have to be smart to know what comes next and quickly freed myself with the key.

"Star, I don't think..." I started, but wasn't even allowed to finish.

The fight was inevitable. And to be honest I was confused of my position between the participants. As much as I hated Arcee for what she had just done, I didn't want to fight her. I wanted to support Starscream, but also stop him as well. None of them were innocent, they both had the right to retaliate.

So they jumped at each other, and they kicked and hit wildly, forgetting everything else. I watched helplessly as once Arcee, once Starscream seemed to be at advantage.

My shoulders slumped, unable to be more than a spectator. It's confusing when you can and can't sympathize with both parties at once. How can I have such ambivalent feelings? And why do I find it wiser to stay out of it, instead of interventing?

None fought a fair battle. Starscream kept mocking Arcee and the femme even encouraged him. Where were the morals now? What about factions? They were supposed to be in one team now. But all I could see was a battle of personal grudges and grievances. Just two bots fighting against each other because they hated the other. No noble goals, higher good, honor...none of those.

Simple hatred. That moved everything.

As the world of my beliefs fell apart from pieces to pieces, I dropped my free servos to my sides in sheer disappointment. That's it. These are the two factions acting as none of which they should represent.

Shouts, cracking metal and clashes sounded from the close distance and I still saw them but had no motivation to go and monitor the outcome. Yes, I still felt concerned for Starscream but somehow I wouldn't have minded his defeat, nor Arcee's. I just wanted them to finish.

"This...is...for Cliffjumper!" Arcee beat the mech to the ground, ready to cut his throat and finish him off. My servos twitched at the sight but I didn't move. If Starscream needed me, he would just have to call my name. I would rush there and help.

But he didn't. And everything seemed to come to a conclusion with the femme's final move, throwing all what being an Autobot meant away. But she looked up all of a sudden and froze.

Bumblebee stepped beside me, his disappointed beeps more than enough for Arcee to finally clear her mind. That's it. All it took to end this rampage was Bumblebee's appearance.

Arcee withdrew her blades and backed away from Starscream, realization and exhaustion washing over her as she limped away and collapsed right after a few weak steps. Bumblebee rushed past me to support the femme and I followed his example as I skidded down to Starscream and helped him get up.

I had no idea what to say to him so suddenly. A tired glance was all he acknowledged me with but at least he didn't refuse my help and put more of his weight on me than I was prepared for. Ugh, he is heavier than he looks.

We headed towards a narrow canyon and I looked back from time to time, fearing that we might be followed. But no one came after us as if we were forgotten. I hoped that taking care of Arcee is more important to Team Prime than pursuing two escaping prisoners.

Starscream pulled his arm away and took a few steps forward without me, clutching his side. I watched him limp and my spark clenched at the sight. What is going to happen to us? What am I gonna do? Do we simply just return? After everything he had revealed about his feelings regarding the Decepticons who had betrayed and humiliated him?

"Okay, what now?" I leaned against a large rock, waiting for him to finally say something.

"Take it off," was all he commanded and I grimaced before stepping to his back and tore the clamp down. It fell on the ground with a loud clang and he immediately flapped his wings, relief washing over his face for a moment.

"What now?" I repeated the question and Starscream turned to face me with the most mistrustful look I've ever seen.

"Well, what's your plan?" he growled, claws flexing in anticipation and I had no idea why he would be afraid of me when I helped him out.

"I will go wherever you go," I raised my servos in a placating manner and a resigned sigh escaped my lips, "I had enough of both. Autobots and Decepticons. All the same. I should have listened to Crossflare...I-I was better off Neutral."

"Maybe it's time we are aligned with no side and are servant to no one," he lowered his claws and straightened his posture, looking over me with what I could only decipher as acceptance.

"You mean...as Neutrals?" my optics opened wide, spark beating faster at the thought. Would it be possible? Can I make a step back? Back into the shadows where no one can see or hear? Without Crossflare and Mercy? What about them? What will become of them if I don't return?

"Whatever you wish to name it."

"But what about CF and Mercy..."

"You can go back to them and serve someone you've never chosen willingly. Maybe joining the Decepticons turned out to be a monumental mistake that you regret but it is not a shame to chose a different path from what you had thought was the best choice but was proven to be wrong," he raised his voice impatiently, waiting to hear my final answer.

I've never made a decision without my friends' opinion. Without their guidance. Ever since we were together, we've shared and done everything together. Good and bad. Maybe it's time I started following my own path. My own choices. Without anyone to manipulate me into decisions.

We rose into the darkening, gray sky until the ground disappeared from our view. Regrets and guilt were there in my spark, I couldn't deny. Even fear of the unknown. From this moment on I'm forced to rely on Starscream and my own strength to survive, without any faction. Just the two of us in the wild, against the whole world. Anyone would have turned back or sought mercy from the Autobots, even the Decepticons. I could have returned to the Nemesis, acting as if nothing happened. Maybe I would get a lecture from Megatron and then everything would fall back into routine. The routine of oppression and lies.

But I'm unable to obey that reality any longer.

---

Mercy POV

"What do you mean you can't pinpoint their location?! You see and hear everything and you can't find two fragging Cons?!" Crossflare practically roared Soundwave's head off whose radar couldn't pick up the energy signatures of either Starscream or Halo. We were worried more about the latter.

"If the Autobots took them, we won't find them. Not until they leave base," I tried to reason and calm her down but no logical argument would make anything right. Crossflare was out of her mind.

Halo was captured and gone and here we were, helpless and upset and uncertain about what to do. We couldn't rely on Soundwave's abilities and no message, no call reached our friend. As if the ground has swallowed her whole.

"Open me a ground-bridge! I want to scout the place myself!" my friend demanded hysterically and Soundwave didn't refuse. She stomped through and I followed her in worry, knowing that this search is doomed. The last coordinates where Halo's energy signature had been still online led to the Harbinger, an old Decepticon ship. We eventually climbed down the tunnel that led inside, sought and yelled Halo's name all over the place without results.

She was gone. I was crying halfway through. Crossflare was keeping herself together but barely. This has never happened before. Even when our free-spirited friend ventured out on her own, we always knew she would return. But here, this time there was no guarantee of her return, nor her safety.

Visions of our future without her flashed before my optics and I whimpered at the prospect. Halo was like a sister. She found me in the ruins of Praxus, she took me to Crossflare, she offered me friendship first. I loved her dearly.

Crossflare was upset when Megatron refused to send out a recon squad. He argued with the same thing everyone else did: the Autobots must have taken Starscream and Halo into custody, which means their whereabouts remain unknown and therefore there is nothing we can do for now. Our Lord was fuming, maybe even more than us, but not out of concern for Halo. He feared what knowledge could the second in command provide to the enemy.

Maybe Halo was safe. She had been friends with the Autobots for longer than us. She might even change sides. Who knows. I have to stay positive. Fortunately this train of thought managed to stop Crossflare's hysteria and she fell into a long silence after we returned to our room.

Knock Out has tried to come in several times, but CF refused to open the door for him and his attempts at soothing her ended without success. The mech had no idea what Halo's loss meant to us, but at least he was trying to understand. Even Breakdown knocked once, asking if we were alright. I opened the door for him and we shared a short conversation in a hushed voice. Crossflare had folded into her alt-mode in the back of her room and showed no sign of life ever since so I didn't want her to hear.

"It isn't the end of the world," Breakdown offered some empathy, rare among the Decepticons, "You will have to get used to being just the two of you."

"I know...I know..." I held back tears as I averted my gaze and coughed quietly, "But we are not complete without her."

"I'm not complete without my other optic but I still manage. Chin up, Halo is not dead. Autobots aren't known for hurting their prisoners anyway."

I offered him a small smile. He had a harsh way of comforting but he had a point. My friend was alive and that means we will eventually cross paths again. It's just a matter of time.

But Crossflare wasn't trying to be positive. In all honesty, she seemed to sink into depression and I had no idea how to cheer her up. My usual tactics weren't working and she was quiet and reserved whenever we were in the same place. She barely refueled during the next few days and I wasn't the only one noticing the changes.

"I saw her cry today. I've never seen her cry before...and I had believed she can't do such a thing," Knock Out admitted, awkwardly scratching the edge of his glass. My friend wasn't with us this time in the mess hall and I reluctantly refueled with the knowledge that CF is hurting and I am no support to her. I should be. But how?

"Anyone can. We all cry for our loved ones," I sighed, voice wavering.

"Ah, there is nothing worse than a crying femme. I never know what to do," Breakdown muttered.

"I had no idea what to do either," Knock Out shook his head and questioningly stared at me as if I could provide guidance.

"She doesn't like to be comforted. Whenever she hurts, she tries to hide it. That's the kind of person she is. The only way to help her is taking her mind off the problem. Nothing else works," I explained, recalling when have I ever managed to cheer her up with simple gestures of comfort. Never.

"More work perhaps?" Breakdown dropped his chin in his large palm.

"Perhaps..."

Knock Out spaced out, seemingly lost in thought and he spoke only after I questioningly leaned into his view.

"It's still not clear for me. Halo isn't dead. Why cry for her then? Why all this depression and drama?"

"If it was that easy Knock Out," I smiled gently, not blaming him for not understanding, "Not only the dead are lost. She blames herself for Halo's disappearance. She always does when something bad happens. CF wants the best for her loved ones and when she fails, she can't take it. She let herself down and that's what hurts her the most. She cares too much."

Knock Out stared at his glass of energon for a few moments longer and we sat in silence for a while, digesting what has been said. Things were just not the same without Halo and Starscream around.

---

Crossflare POV

"What?"

"You heard me well. I will make you my apprentice," Knock Out pushed his face so close that I had to step back. Millions of question marks popped up in my head and to be honest this was the last thing I expected from him to come up with all of a sudden.

"I'm satisfied with my current job," was all I said but he looked more persistent than ever before.

"You are good with medicine, that is a good starting point. What you need to learn is some practical knowledge. No challenge for you, is it?"

"I have no idea where you want to go with this, but I don't think I have what it takes to be a..."

"If I say you are good enough then you are good enough. Medical knowledge always comes useful in emergency situations."

Did I have a saying in this? Or he just made a decision in my place and we already start the first lesson right away? As appealing as it sounded to stretch my knowledge - medic training would truly come in handy at times - I wasn't up to anything new these days. My mind was constantly circling around one question: what did I do wrong?

Halo's disappearance was a failure. My failure. All my bad choices led us here and now we are separated and who knows what is happening to her right now. And I can do absolutely nothing. Nothing. The slightest thought of my helplessness was driving me crazy.

Mercy tried to stay positive and while I would have liked to hope, I barely saw everything with optimism these days.

And here was Knock Out, pushing this thing as if I wasn't messed up enough. Even if I say no, he would convince me anyway. I raised my servos as a request for a little time out and I thought it carefully over. Then upon further consideration, my logical side won. I let out a resigned sigh.

"Fine."

"Great!" he clapped his servos together and a big grin spread on his brilliant white face, "You are in the best servos sweet cherry!"

"I couldn't be more sour right now," I muttered, quickly regretting my decision. I regret lots of things these days.

"No reason to be negative. We can start the first lesson anytime you want."

"Then start right now before I change my mind."

---

Mercy POV

I tried to find an opportunity to talk to Crossflare about a certain topic but ever since Knock Out talked her into becoming a medic, she has been busy with her new studies. It did her good to focus her attention on something else other than Halo. She regained her grip on her mental and emotional composure and it was good to see her smile once in a while. I wanted to help her move on as soon as possible. I needed her to be strong, for the both of us.

But it was hard to shake Knock Out off when he was all around her. In the end she noticed my small attempts at trying to get her attention and she was the one who got upset and demanded some free time from her pushy superior. Offended, the poor mech raised his servos, saying that she had every right to have breaks but she always refused to. Crossflare didn't want to admit that he was right in a sense.

So we went for a small trip on the upper deck, just the two of us walking, and I nervously fiddled with my digits, uncertain about where to start. I turned my gaze towards the bright clouds and the sun which rested at its highest position, shining ever so bright and sharp.

"Just spit it out," Crossflare gave me a meaningful glance, in belief I was about to say bad news, "I know you want to tell me something that bugs you."

"You know me too well," I chuckled awkwardly, "Well...it's mostly about Knock Out."

"Knock Out?" she blinked in surprise, "What's with him? Did he do something bad to you? I will hunt him down if..."

"No, no, no. It's not related to me. Him and you."

"Ah, again? I know he is pushy, can't help it. He is persistent I must say but there is nothing you should worry about," she assured me, something I was in no need of at all.

"CF, don't you see?"

"See what?"

"Everything he does he does to impress you. He likes you. Why do you keep being blind to that?"

My optics never left her features and I watched as she gasped quietly and averted her optics from me, hesitant to answer or just uncertain about what to say.

"Mercy, he is searching at the wrong place. He doesn't know who I am. If he knew, he wouldn't be interested at all."

"What are you talking about, he asks so many things that concern you."

"I am a failure! I can't even keep my friends safe, let alone myself together!" she snapped all of a sudden and threw her servos up in frustration, "Look at him! He is perfect! He is self-confident, skilled and beautiful! I wouldn't ever live up to his expectations!"

"Do you lack any of those? I don't think so," I quickly dodged, my voice becoming more serious. Why would she doubt herself so much when I've seen her stand against the current and in the face of danger so many times? The Crossflare I knew would shoulder the whole world with the sense of responsibility she had, and she would never leave the weak in need, would never let those she loves get hurt. She would heal others' wounds while abandoning hers and she would take a bullet for Halo or me anytime. She was the strongest person I've ever met in my life.

Crossflare looked perplexed and lost at words for a moment.

"What if the expectations you think you have to live up to only exist in your mind?" I pointed out, watching as she mentally revised herself.

"Would someone like him pursue you if he found nothing worthy of his time and effort?" I continued. All I had to do was ask her these questions and I knew that she would answer them for herself sincerely.

"I see your conflicts, but he still hasn't given up. That surely means something? CF why are you afraid of showing yourself? You are a good person. And more people need you than you imagine. Not just me and Halo."

Crossflare's shoulders slumped, small droplets of tears forming in her optics, but I couldn't regret making her cry. She has to know that she is more worthy of love than she believes.

"I keep letting people down Mercy...I would only cause disappointment, I know," she managed to get out, fighting against her own emotions.

"You can't keep thinking that way," I stepped to her and pulled her into a comforting embrace, something she never liked but needed the most.

---

Halo POV

The wind kept tearing into me and the rain did everything to pound me into the ground. Starscream walked not so far in front of me but showed no sign of exhaustion. We left large footsteps in the mud and I shivered again when a lightning flashed across the sky. A nearby cave I spotted was the first good sign in a while and we found shelter in there from the crazy weather that rampaged outside.

"Finally! It's dry in here," I sighed in relief and immediately dropped my bottom on a smaller rock. After an hour of flight and two another spent walking and searching for some kind of shelter for the night, I was worn out to the extreme. Not to mention my crash-land I majestically performed. Yeah, flying wasn't one of my strongest suites yet.

Starscream wandered deeper into the cave and checked the place to make sure we were alone, then sat down on the opposite side of where I rested and leaned against the wall. Only now could I see the exhaustion on him.

"Damned Airachnid...damned Autobots...damned Megatron...frag you all!" he closed his optics and cursed for a good while until sleepiness caught up to him. We should conserve our energy until we find some energon. Heh, irony of life: I'm back to scavenging again. Just where I started, but at least I was familiar with the procedure without the help of any technology.

Lying down on my side, I squirmed until I found the most comfortable position and yawned, suddenly too tired. My optics fell on Starscream's figure once again and I questioned my decisions for the hundredth time today.

"Good night."

Starscream muttered something incomprehensible but I was fine with not knowing. I powered down sooner than I expected. I feared that I might awaken alone and left for scrap, but my unpredictable ally was still there in the morning, already up and probably have just returned from a quick and short morning flight.

"Whaaa! What's today's program?" I yawned loudly and stretched my limbs, something he didn't appreciate, saying that my morning yawn was the most irritating sound he has ever heard. He had no idea he just gave me a reason to continue doing it louder.

Starscream had recovered fast during just one night because his expression was determined when he looked out of the cave. A little nap almost put him back in shape.

"First we have to find a good hideout. Then energon to live. After that we can think of some kind of revenge," he listed on his digits just to emphasize.

"Um...the first two is okay but is the third necessary?"

"Megatron will learn to fear my wrath," Starscream growled and walked out into the open. The forest was bright with sunshine - the exact opposite view of yesterday's storm - and my optics needed a few clicks to adjust to the new circumstances.

I ran after him and considered his words. We walked in silence through the woods and my thoughts wandered back to the Nemesis and what I had left there. Or rather who I had left behind. Doubts still lingered in my spark, but my path had been chosen.

---

Mercy POV

It had been a while since that conversation with Crossflare on the upper deck. Yet I couldn't shake the image of her crying out of my head. She looked so broken. Why would she never trust me with her burdens? If she just spoke about what hurt her all the time, what overwhelmed her spark...I would do anything to help her. But how can you help someone who doesn't think they need help?

My worry for her just grew day by day and others started to notice how my smile often dropped and I spaced out with evident concern on my face. Soundwave was the first to note on it, with his observant nature that I loved and disliked at the same time sometimes.

Time was coming close to evening break and my typing grew impatient. This time no music entertained us in the Communications Room and Soundwave was away as well. I needed to let my thoughts wander freely. Too many troublesome things have happened in the last three weeks and Decepticons weren't the type to give anyone time to recover. I just wished our life could fall back to normal.

I missed being Neutral.

Suddenly a nice rhythm and a calm melody hit my audio receptors and I looked up in surprise to see Soundwave walk up to my station with a radio frequency displayed upon his visor. The song was slow but comforting and I flashed a grateful smile at him. I guess he noticed how distracted I was again and came to cheer me up.

"I like this song," I remarked and he took his place beside me with a nod, returning to his task while letting the music flow. He had no idea how much I appreciated his attention and his choice of method to lift my mood. The atmosphere lightened and I wondered why I refused to listen to music today. It heals me faster than any medicine in the world.

I caught myself nodding in sync with the rhythm of the next song which had stronger beats than the previous one, and I smiled when I noticed he does the same. Subtly, I started swaying my hips and he imitated. We exchanged looks, mine slightly flustered but also amused and his invisible as always, but he managed to make me laugh. We must have looked silly.

"Khm..."

The music stopped at once and our attention immediately turned towards the source of the cough, Crossflare. She stood a few meters in front of the platform and her optics darted from Soundwave to me and back. Uh-oh. What have I done now?

"Hi CF, dinner time?" I asked just to pretend like she saw nothing but she crossed her arms. That never meant anything good.

"Yes. Please go ahead, I will catch up to you."

"But..."

"I will catch up to you. Just a few nanoclicks," she repeated, her words sounding more like a command this time, leaving no room for negotiations.

I sent an apologetic look in Soundwave's way and walked off the platform then left the room to head to the mess hall. With my processor full with nervous question marks, I failed to notice that a certain femme had been standing beside the door with her back casually resting against the wall. Her pink optics followed my leaving figure asI sighed in concern. I think Crossflare had finally caught up to me and Soundwave. I can only hope that she will be merciful with him.

---

Crossflare POV

I had a feeling Soundwave suspected why I sent Mercy away and patiently waited for me to speak up, his invisible optics observing every inch of my figure, seeing things no one else did. That's the kind of person he was: he knew you better than you yourself but you had no idea who he really was. Mercy made a mistake when she decided to trust him and welcome his advances. His intentions could be misleading, and maybe not what she believes them to be. He might be an entirely different person, who would know for sure?

This certain worry came to my mind when I started picking apart why Mercy came to me to talk about my relationship with Knock Out. Maybe there was more to it. Maybe she was stuck in her own trouble with a certain dark armored mech who she spent most of her time with. I might be late with investigation but it's better later than never.

"I know you take good care of Mercy, and you are quite lenient with her. But I wonder why the third in command would show such courtesy to a simple greenhorn underling. What do you want from her?" my question was direct and on point, sharp and heavy with unspoken suspicions.

Silence was my answer, the most irritating thing in the world. He made no move, not even a twitch or a tilt of head. Nothing.

"It would be nice if you answered my question, Soundwave."

It felt like he was mocking me with his continuous refusal to react or answer.

"Why is she of any interest to you? Do you know who she is? You know nothing of her."

Soundwave simply turned back to his keyboard and continued typing as if I was air.

"Do not ignore me when I'm talking to you!" I snapped, earning a small shake of his head but nothing more. I hated how difficult it was to communicate with him. His ignorance made nothing easier. One of the many reason why I didn't like to interact with him too much.

"Mercy is young and naive at spark. You do better realize that. Her welcoming and trustful nature is not something you can play around with. If I get to know you exploit her trust, you will have to answer to me!" I jabbed a finger his way but didn't seem to achieve any impact. His patience and collected nature was unbreakable.

"Who said I was playing?" Knock Out's words echoed from his records and I shuddered at the voice, knowing that my threats fell flat, empty in the face of his confidence.

---

Mercy POV

Crossflare looked more concerned than I expected when she joined me in the messhall.

"What did you tell him?" I nervously folded my hands on the table while she emptied two glasses in record time.

"Just asked a few questions. But he wasn't very cooperative."

"He has...a certain approach to some things," I mumbled, avoiding her heavy gaze.

"Yes, I noticed. Please keep caution. I know you like him, but you can't trust someone you've never seen."

Crossflare didn't trust Soundwave and I often wondered why. Yes, he was silent, had no face and his thoughts were shrouded in mystery. But why would she hate someone for such things? No one seemed to have a problem with his overall demeanor except her and Airachnid. The other femme also showed signs of disapproval whenever she was around the mute mech. As if they had no patience for him. Or were they just unable to decipher his preferred method of communication? Who knows.

While I could see why she would want me to be cautious, I have already seen that there is no need to be. We certainly shared some things in common and he had already admitted that my wish to get to know each other was not one sided. I was eager to get closer to him, even if it was against Crossflare's wishes. She didn't know Soundwave like I did.

My new assigned duty threw my train of thoughts off though, and I grimaced at the datapad in my servo, which displayed a message I would have rather ignored. Transport monitor duty, with Airachnid. After the last time we worked together, I've sought ways to prevent another shared shift but it seems fate wasn't on my side.

Changing my course, I headed towards the central elevator, noting that the ship had approached the ground and the transport squad had lined up with trailers, ready to travel down to the mine and load the precious cargo. Halo wasn't among them. She used to be part of the squad, one of the supervisors. Only rarely was I or Airachnid needed for such duty. Usually Halo or Starscream fulfilled the task and now that they were gone, it's more likely I will be needed more often.

I stepped onto the yellow floor of the elevator, Airachnid following with her usual meaningful smile. There was silence during our way down and once we exited, the new second in command raised her voice and sorted out orders, her authority was unquestionable. My worst nightmares came true when it was announced that she will take Starscream's position. Why her? Why would Megatron give her such a title after her obvious failure at her last mission? Soundwave didn't voice his disapproval but it was evident he wasn't fond of the idea either.

Vehicons beckoned to me when I passed by and I offered them an appreciative smile in return. One of them, 7D7E if I remember his code right, grabbed the opportunity to talk to me while loading his trailer.

"I'm sorry for Halo," he said empathically, disappointment evident in his voice, "She was troublesome but funny. And she treated us equally. What a shame to lose her."

"She will fight her way out of whatever trouble she is in right now," I tried to sound hopeful while watching him and his teammates hurry with their work.

"Do not hope," he sighed in resign and I frowned in confusion.

"Why not? It's not impossible for her to return."

"Ah, my apologies. We lose comrades and friends almost every day, we are used to it too much. People come and go in our lives, we try not to hope they return once they go on a mission. It would just...hurt," he admitted, his voice trailing off and his movements slowed, then he just shook his head, "Nevermind. Don't be that kind of person. You are different."

Pity and sorrow clenched my spark when I parted from them and mentally replayed what they had said. A Vehicon's life is not a happy one. They were created and cloned solely for the purpose of war, nothing else. Although they had individual sparks their only relevance in this world was being a Decepticon and fighting for the cause blindly. Halo had realized this sooner than any of us and offered them friendship. It's a shame they can't look forward to see her again sometime in the future. Not like the way I hope I will.

"I might be a little bit late but accept my sparkfelt condolences for your loss."

Her voice never ceased to freeze the energon in my tubes and I halted in my track in fright as if got caught doing something bad. Airachnid slowly walked up to me and I visibly shrunk beside her. She was able to make me feel small even though I was the taller one in stature.

"Um..." I gulped. The worst thing that can happen to you among the Decepticons is sparking Airachnid's interest. I had no idea why she continued to monitor me with such special attention, "It's not exactly a loss. She is not dead."

"Ah yes. Autobots don't have the courage to terminate their prisoners. What a pity. Lucky for her."

I couldn't come up with a good reply because I had no idea what she expected of me, what she wanted to hear.

"Fortunately we can manage without her. Imagine what would happen if you disappeared," seeing my hesitation she continued and I whipped my head up, perplexed by her words. What is she trying to hint at again?

"I-I don't understand...probably nothing, considering that I am no one significant in the system," I replied, my words making her chuckle as she stepped closer and we walked on as if she was about to say something private.

"No one significant, hm? How blind of you, how naive. It's almost hilarious," she crooned, her optics hiding an unexplainable knowledge and I felt like I should know what she knows.

"Hilarious or not, I don't know where you are heading with this."

Airachnid's mischievous smirk only made me feel like I'm a fool she can make fun of for her own entertainment.

"You are right about one thing, Mercy," the tone of her voice changed and I shivered, the feeling of danger quickened my sparkbeat, "You are nothing of significance. You are not a Decepticon, nor a useful instrument. You are just a slut."

I stopped abruptly and stared at her with wide optics, shocked, confused and offended at once. My throat felt dry when I asked:

"A what...?"

"A slut. A whore. Whatever you wish to name it. It's your function, dear. Do not act as if you don't know," her devilish smile grew wider and I felt as if the ground was shaking under my pedes and I was grabbed by the throat. Why would she say that? Why, when I gave her no reason to call me such names...!

From the corner of my optics I noticed how some workers stopped in their tracks and turned their attention towards us. As secretive as Airachnid looked when she spoke, her voice remained loud and clear for everybody to hear. Was that her intention? To let everybody know her malicious accusations I can't defy quickly enough?

"What are you...talking about?" my voice sounded strained, wavering and quiet, optics darting in various directions as I tried not to get distracted by the obvious listeners in the background. As friendly as Vehicons could be, they were terribly excited gossipers and whatever one of them heard, would soon get into everybody's audio receptor.

"Just look at yourself. You look like one."

"I-I don't!"

"Oh dear. Have you ever questioned why people like you automatically? Why you get along with everybody? Especially mechs? Of course not. Do you think anybody cares about who you are? You are disposable. But everybody likes an eye candy. And you make a very good one."

Why did it feel like anything she said hurt like blades stabbed through my chest? The amusement in her smile, the way she enjoyed my visible distress would have been able to make me run out of the world if I wasn't cemented to my current position, mouth opening and closing in a pointless attempt to deny what had been thrown at me. I was ashamed. Humiliated in front of so many people.

"W-what do you want from me?" my voice trembled and I was truly about to run off.

She chuckled menacingly and leaned into my face as her gaze bore into my very spark.

"Don't play dumb little girl. You are living in a dream. It's time to wake up."

Her voice paralyzed me like a dark charm. A helpless desperate fly caught in a spider's webbing.

Then I moved. Maybe the shock or the cruelty of her words hit me hard enough to break free of her hold, I don't know. But I stepped back, whispered a desperate 'No, you are wrong' and then dashed away. I won't be able to spend a single minute in her presence anymore. Whenever we spoke, her only purpose was to hurt me. Me a whore? Have I ever I seduced a mech? Have I ever manipulated someone? Never, yet here it was, the accusation heard by practically everyone.

She succeeded.

Vehicons hurried out of my way when I ran past them and raised a servo to my audio receptor, opening my comm-link and fighting stupid tears of a weak personality at the same time.

"Soundwave, I need a bridge to my room...immediately."

There were no questions, no voice from the end of the line but I almost felt his invisible, questioning gaze. The last thing I wanted right now was him seeing me in such a miserable condition, crying over something others like Crossflare or Halo would just easily shrug off.

The portal opened right in front of me. Soundwave kept track of my position like usual, and I soon found myself in the safety of my room, alone and stressed. For a moment I only circulated air through my system, in and out, convincing myself that Airachnid was only being sadistic and nothing she said had actual value.

But then my gaze wandered to the only mirror in the room and I walked up to it slowly, staring at myself and questioning what she meant when she criticized my appearance. What was wrong with me? What bothered her so much that she chose me to insult all the time? What was there that I couldn't see?!

I fell on my knees and cried like a little sparkling. My reflection in the mirror was all I was: a helpless mess. Not a Decepticon, nor a useful instrument. Then what? Nothing of significance.

My conscience fought to believe the opposite. Airachnid doesn't know me, therefore whatever she says has no base but then again...the more I repeated her words in my head, the firmer they sounded. As if anything she claimed had been etched into iron and stone. It would never leave my processor.

Suddenly somebody knocked on my door and I caught my servos to cover my mouth, silencing every sound to pretend I'm not even there. I didn't want anyone to come in. Vanishing for a while sounded better. Another knock, then nothing. Whoever it was - probably Soundwave - must have left.

Then the door hissed open and I gasped, startled, when light entered the relatively dark room and I was found on the floor, still sobbing with a face messy of leaking energon, and emotions storming inside wilder than ever before. Instinctively, I scrambled into safety behind my berth and feverishly tried to wipe my face clean without starting to cry again.

Soundwave of all people saw me in the worst moment of my life and I won't be able to live with this thought.

Something touched my shoulder and I jumped in fright, only to meet a tentacle's clamped end which gently poked me as if questioning what was wrong with me.

"Please leave, I...I don't feel well right now..." was my pitiful excuse and I shoved the tentacle away. Not as if that deterred Soundwave whose steps sounded thousand times louder and slower than usual and when I raised my head, he was staring down at me through his expressionless visor.

"What happened?" Starscream's impatient voice sounded from his record banks and I flinched uncomfortably. Under investigation again. Not what I needed right now.

Silence stretched and no matter how I tried keeping my focus on the floor in stubborn denial to his question, he proved to be persistent until I talked.

"I don't want to work with Airachnid again. Never. That's all I ask. She...she..." my voice trailed off and tears formed in my optics again. How could the simple thought of her make me so weak and vulnerable? I hated it. Hated it with all my spark.

Soundwave listened in complete silence, then seeing that I'm unable to finish what I wanted to tell, he simply held a servo out and patiently waited. I glanced at his servo, hesitating to take it. Nice gesture but the floor seemed to be the safest place to be right now. But he waited.

"On my way to the wash racks - wanna join?" two different voices spoke, first Knock Out then Halo, and hearing her voice made my spark skip a beat. If she was here she would be upset and would go and find Airachnid and maybe even pick up a fight with her to get revenge. I would be grateful. But she wasn't here and I was unable to stand up for myself. How miserable.

I took the servo and Soundwave helped me up. We exited the room but I failed to recognize the direction we were going. Accusations and evil mockery continued to circle in my head, and no matter how many times I shook it, the voice didn't want to leave. So I followed Soundwave blindly, arms tightly pressed against my sides and gaze focused on his figure walking calmly in front of me. An unrealistically solid point in the uncontrollable mess I was currently in.

When I finally began questioning what in Praxus I was doing was when we stepped into the wash racks and a few Vehicons who were currently inside looked up and exchanged confused looks at the sight of the two of us entering at once. Soundwave only needed to cast an invisible glare towards each one of them and they quickly put everything down and excused themselves as quietly as possible.

What in Solus' name was I doing.

Soundwave went to the back of the room, choosing the farthest stall and opened the case on the wall. Then he looked up in my direction and questioningly tilted his head. I was still standing exactly where I stepped in, making no move either way. If Crossflare was here, she would yell at me and drag me out. Part of me considered changing my mind, excusing myself and simply leave. Part of me wished to stay and let the water wash my tears away.

Laserbeak detached suddenly, made a circle in the room then landed on the case and impatiently chirped.

My pedes moved almost by their own will when I walked up to them and stood into the next stall, opening a case for myself. While knowing well my every move was intently watched, I took a soft sponge out and then closed the case and reached for the button that would open the water tap above me.

Soundwave averted his attention towards Laserbeak and turned on the tap above himself, tending to the minicon first. My rapidly hammering sparkbeat has slowed down now that the two of them were focused on each other but the tension in my frame didn't ease. This was the first time we engaged in a relatively intimate activity and many wild thoughts crossed my mind all at once, only to be drowned out when I recalled how I ended up here.

Airachnid's words echoed in my mind again and I fought to keep my composure, lips pressed tightly together and servos clenched the sponge as if I was about to suffocate the lifeless object. Am I just verifying everything Airachnid had accused me with? I've never been the type of femme who randomly showered with any mech. Not even considering the mech I had a massive crush on currently.

Yet here I am now.

A wet sponge touched the top of my spine and I shivered, catching my gaze up to see Soundwave who somehow managed to get behind me without me noticing. He questioningly waited for permission and I hesitated, armor trembling and my face hot like iron put in the heart of fire.

A small grateful nod was all I managed and I quickly directed my gaze at the wall in front of me. The sponge rubbed my back gently, Soundwave's touch was light as if he was afraid that pressing against my armor would shatter me somehow. At first it felt like my receptors were going haywire as if I was electrocuted by the simplest contact, then I took a deep breath and gradually accepted the fact that I'm not treated by any of my friends right now and still have no reason to be nervous.

Crossflare would tear his servos off for this.

My frame slowly eased under the cold water, small bubbles flew in the air and I poked one, making it burst into nothing. If Soundwave's intention was to get my mind off of whatever problems I had, well, he succeeded. Practically every single sensor I had in my body was directed towards him with full capacity and attention. If I knew I can get riled up so much just by standing in the same shower with him, I would have politely refused the offer.

Now all I could do was secretly hush my spark and watch what I was doing.

Roles were reversed when he stepped away, returning to Laserbeak once again who flapped his wings in satisfaction when his master tidied him up with care. This time I was the one raising my sponge in question and a silent nod gave me permission. It should have been evident, with only the two of us being in here, but I still felt the need to follow the unwritten social rules.

The sharp edged thorns on Soundwave's back flattened against his plates, making it safer to work my way through the most complicated places, like the part where his wide range detector antennae rested, folded softly into his back panel. My thoughts were occupied with my small observations, doing me good to keep my emotions at bay and push bad memories into the back of my mind.

A strange kind of peace spread in my spark whenever he was around.

Soundwave didn't ask any more questions nor did he try to shed my tears. He was just simply there. Was it a sin to love him for doing this for me?

I jumped in surprise and dropped the sponge when the thorns on his back shot up without a warning. Soundwave looked up at the same time, his gaze directed towards the entrance door and I listened quietly, hearing faint approaching then dying footsteps from the outside. When the suspected 'threat' left, Soundwave tilted his helm in my way and I couldn't hold back a soft giggle.

"You startled me!"

I received no apology, just a series of chirps from Laserbeak. He actually laughed at my clumsiness!

Crossflare could say anything she wanted, I knew Soundwave cared.

---

Starscream and Halo are playing duo from now on. Cheer for them. Also past is catching up with Mercy faaast. ;)

Airachnid is a sadist, I have no regrets.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to review! Believe me, comments do wonders to my speed.

See ya all in the next chap!