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Chapter Text

When Starscream woke up, he didn't immediately understand where he was... He ended up realizing that he was in a forest of pines trees, leaning against a trunk. Then, that's when he remembered...

The Omega Lock and Keys destroyed by Optimus... Him attacking the Decepticons with his Null Rays, revealing him to be a Last Generation Cold Construction... His escape from the Autobot base... And, his vision , with the destruction of said base...

Was Skyfire okay? ... Of course! It was sure that his conjux was fine! The Seeker really had to stop worrying about that!

The jet decided to look at its energon reserves, and found that it was only at 19%... He had to find energon urgently! The problem was that, in his condition, he couldn't fly anymore... "That'll teach me to not abuse Null Rays in anger..." thought the aviator. He sighed, before trying to find the strength to get up...

Starscream finally managed to get to his feet, but suddenly felt dizzy... He had to hold on! He had purposely flown in the direction of the Harbinger, where there was a small reserve of energon which he had painstakingly harvested! The Seeker would be there in an hour's walk, he had to hold on!

The jet started to walk, constantly convincing himself that he could hold on... He thought about the fact that at least he hadn't had a vision, that was good enough...

Smokescreen tried to repair Prime's wounds as much as possible, with the first aid kit he had found in the ruins of the base.

"Come on, Optimus, stay with me! begged the rookie.

- Leave me... it's over for me... said the leader of the Autobots.

- No! No! I will find a solution!

- You weren't even supposed to be there... how...?

- I disobeyed you... I came back to the base, and I used the Phase Shifter, which I had managed to recover, to take you to safety...

- Smokescreen...

- I know... It's a bit insubordinate, but I couldn't let you sacrifice yourself!

- You are very brave... and you know how to make decisions in a critical situation...

- Oh... Well, thank you... I..."

The racing car scratched his cheek, all embarrassed...

“I won't survive... the truck sighed in pain.

- Don't say that ! We're going to find Ratchet, and save you!

- Smokescreen...

- What?!

- Approach..."

Optimus whispered something to Smokescreen's audio-receiver, and the latter stood up quickly, then exclaimed:

"No! I can't!!

- Smokescreen...

- I can't !

- Smokescreen...

- No!

- Soon...

- I forbid you to say that!

- You will be Prime..."

Jack and Arcee had stopped at a deserted gas station, after driving all night.

“Phew... I'm dead... the teenager sighed.

- What?! Are you hurt somewhere?! the motorbike worried.

- It's an expression, 'Cee...

- Oh...

- Apparently, I'm not the only one to be really worried...

- I hope the others are well...

- Me too..."

There was a silence, before Jack asked:

"Do you think Starscream managed to get away with?"

- How do you want that I know that?! snapped the warrior.

- Well... I'm a little worried about him... Did you see the look he had when we found out he was a Cold Construction?

- ..."

There was another silence, until Arcee broke it:

"... Cold Constructions have been through things you can't even imagine, especially the Last Generation...

- ... Do you think that when he was talking about Soundwave, he was also talking about him? Jack questioned.

- What do you mean?

- When he said that Soundwave stayed with the Decepticons out of friendship for Megatron, but also because he certainly wouldn't have joined a side that had welcomed Sentinel Prime into their ranks... You think Starscream was actually talking from him ?

- ...Maybe...I'm not sure..."

The two said nothing more, and simply enjoyed the sight of the rising sun.

Miko was sleeping soundly, while Bulkhead continued to roll, when a jolt caused her to jump slightly and hit her friend's window with her head.

“Oh! I am awake! cried out the Japanese.

- Oh... I'm sorry, Miko... I didn't mean to wake you up... the big green robot apologized.

- Nah, no problem! I wasn't sleeping! I am perfectly alert!

- We're going to take a break, I need to stretch my legs.

- A Transformer can't stay in vehicle mode forever?

- No, after a while it hurts...

- Oh I see."

The duo stopped at a small clearing, and the girl huffed:

“Fiou, I must admit that I too was tired of sitting!

- A human can't stay seated forever?" joked the green Wrecker.

Miko stuck her tongue out at him, and laughed lightly. Bulkhead smiled, then sighed sadly...

"What's wrong? the Japanese girl worried.

- I'm worried about Jacky... explained the big green robot.

- Don't worry, it's Wheeljack we're talking about, he'll will manage to get out, like he always does!"

"There, I don't see how to get out of this..." Wheeljack sighed.

He had been trying to free himself from the handcuffs all night, but without success... The white Wrecker tried to swing again to reach the control panel, but the chain was too short...

"*Sigh*... Am I really trying again something I know is impossible? Really? laughed the sports car, in a breath.

- So you have to be really desperate..." said a voice.

Wheeljack looked up, and saw a Vehicon with a small med kit.

"What do you want, Vehicon? growled the white Wrecker.

- My name is not "Vehicon"! retorted the soldier.

- So what is it? Hmm? "Drone"? "Cannon fodder"?

- It's Steve!"

The sports car looked at the drone with a hint of surprise, did he just call himself with a real name?

“Steve? Wheeljack repeated, puzzled.

- Yes! You all have to stop believing that the Vehicons are only cannon fodder! I have an identity, like the Forged!

- Well, you have a strong opinion...

- If I don't do it, no one will..."

There was a silence, before the white Wrecker asked:

"Well then, what brings you, Steve?

- ... I came to mend your wounds. answered the latter.

- Why isn't Knocky doing it?

- I forbid you to call KnockOut with a nickname! Only Breakdown has the right to do that!

- Oh? And why this?

- Shut up, Autobot! You let me heal you and that's it!

- I have a name too, you know?

- ... OK... I rephrase... Shut up, Wheeljack! You let me heal you and that's it!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! You are really not common!

- ...

- Really, you are a funny Vehicon! I like you!

- ..."

Steve said nothing, and prepared the equipment to repair the sports car's injuries. The Vehicon ends up saying:

“You're lucky you weren't hurt more, if you had been, we would have killed you.

- You kill your prisoners, if they are too wounded?! Wheeljack wondered.

- Yes, that's the rule. We can't afford to spend energon on an enemy. If one of us breaks this rule, he will be very severely punished...

- ... Well, well, thank you Primus! Thanks to him I will be able to escape!

- You are very pretentious... Typical of the Autobots...

- And you, you are very mean... Typical of the Decepticons.

- It's not true! We're not the bad guys! The Decepticons fight for a fairer world! A world where the oppressed will no longer have to live chained by the privileged like you!

- Hey!!"

The two glared at each other, then the soldier sighed, before starting to mend the white Wrecker's wounds, saying nothing more.

Raf and Bumblebee stopped near a small grove, and the bespectacled boy said:

“We have to find the others! I will try to see if they don't appear on sites talking about aliens!

- Good idea! beeped the scout.

- We will find them, and reunit together!"

Shockwave was in his new lab, in the Dark Mount, created by the Omega Lock, with the Predacon. He fumed as he thought of all the disaster that had just happened... He should be happy though, the Autobots were totally divided and at their mercy! But, Megatron resented him for his initiatives...

What had he done wrong? He had done it for the leader of the Decepticons! Why couldn't he understand it?! Really, nothing was right... Besides, they couldn't even get rid of the Vehicon 5T3V3 because his creation was still madly in love with the drone!

Also, he was the closest thing to a doctor since the trahison of KnockOut and Breakdown... The scientist hoped that these two were rotting in the rust now! It was all they deserved for betraying their Lord!

Predaking knew his Creator resented him for protecting Steve, but he had no regrets about his decision! The Vehicon had thanked him for his initiative, that can only meant that it was the right thing to do!

Dreadwing was on the bridge of the Nemesis, thinking about what would happen next... They had won against the Autobots, but on the contrary they had lost some of their own and learned great secrets...

"KnockOut, Breakdown, I sincerely hope you are well..." the tall Seeker whispered.

Soundwave had no intention of forgiving Megatron's secretiveness! He couldn't believe what he had learned with the others yesterday! Starscream was a Cold Construction, and his best friend hadn't even bothered to tell him!

Did the leader of the Decepticons know how a Cold Construction really felt?! She didn't see and treat things the way a Forged did! Having someone like them was a blessing, especially when you assumed that his entire species had been eradicated!!

The Communications Commander couldn't even appreciate the fact that he wasn't the only one of his race... His friend's betrayal was too weighty...

Megatron had sent Vehicons all over the place, looking for any trace of those Autobot cowards! He also had to find Starscream, before his enemies did! First because the Seeker had found the code that contained his Capacity 'Aftertime', his Null Rays, and his knowledge of energons, so it was essential that the Decepticons have this strike force!

But also because the leader of the Decepticons didn't really know what the Autobots would do to the jet, now that they had discovered he was a Cold Construction... He couldn't risk considering that the flyer wouldn't be in danger nothing against robots who had welcomed Sentinel Prime into their ranks!

Skyfire was still in the big hangar he had been given to hide out. He didn't like the idea of staying here doing nothing... He had to find the others! He had to find Starscream! But where to start ? ...

That's when the shuttle remembered the alien sites that Raf was talking about... Maybe he could look for them with that, and then inform Mr. Fowler and Lilwen, to bring them to the military base!

The big white robot also thought of the fact that he could continue the search for the formula of the Synthetic Energon! Yes ! He was going to do that! He wasn't going to stay with his arms crossed!

Lilwen used a machine of her invention, and rode with a soldier through the woods, in a small off-road jeep, followed by other MECH vehicles.

“My radar has picked up what we're looking for. the young woman smiled.

- Energon? the MECH agent asked with her.

- Exactly! I haven't wasted my time with the Autobots! I was able to analyze the components of the energon thanks to the one they stored, and create this wonderful radar! Unlike you, I did something constructive while you were stubbornly trying to find Silas!

- He said his name was Cylas.

- ... As you say: "his name was"! I have nothing to do with an idiot who thought he knew everything, without having really looked! His stupidity led him to death, and that's all he deserved!

- ...

- Well, this conversation is boring me, focus on the mission instead."

The group ends up arriving in front of a cave, and the scientist walks inside. The soldiers followed her, weapons in hand!

"Why are we looking for energon, Chief Lilas? asked one of the soldiers.

- You'll see." the latter smiled.

MECH soon found themself in front of energon crystals.

"We take out the equipment ! an MECH agent exclaimed. We found what we wanted!

- No! I didn't say do it! Lilwen exclaimed.

- What do you mean?

- We continue, this is not what I'm looking for!"

They kept walking for a while, until they came across some crystals... But, these crystals were purple...

"What is that? stammered one of the soldiers.

- What we are looking for! Lilas smiled. The Dark Energon!!"

Ratchet wanted to die... Optimus was dead... Everyone was separated in different states... They would never see their home again... And the cause was totally lost... He remained transformed in his alternate mode, and thought "Let me rust in peace..."

KnockOut had cauterized Breakdown's wound, caused by Megatron's cannon. But, without better care, his Sparkmate was doomed...!

The doctor did his best to dry his tears, and suddenly heard a noise not far from him, behind some pines trees! He drew his circular saw, and stayed on the lookout!

Starscream came down from a small mound, and screamed in surprise upon seeing KnockOut! He quickly drew his blasters and aimed them at the sports car! The two put themselves in a combat position, ready to fight if necessary!

Chapter Text

Starscream really felt his eternal bad luck continuing to pursue him... What were the probility for him to running into KnockOut in the middle of the forest?!

"Drop your weapon, KnockOut! Ordered the Seeker. Or I fire!

- You lower your weapons!" replied the doctor.

The two remained in combat stance, and the jet felt easly that they weren't going anywhere like that... He finally noticed Breakdown, unconscious on the ground... What had happened to him? They were attacked?! By the Autobots?! No... That burn mark, it was...

"Why did Lord Megatron attack Breakdown?" asked the flyer.

The sports car was completely silent, before suddenly starting to cry... KnockOut put away his weapon, put his hands in front of his face, and collapsed on the ground, crying... Starscream sheathed his blasters, and moved closer. from the doctor, worried...

"What happened? Hey, KnockOut…” the Seeker asked.

The sports car continued to cry, and the jet gently stroked his shoulder, saying softly:

"Hey, everything's fine...

- No! That's- sobbed KnockOut.

- Knock Out...

-...?

- Repeat with me: Everything is fine.

- E-everything is fine?

- Everything is fine.

- Everything is fine... "

The flyer nodded, and smiled. He helped the doctor to get up, and asked:

"You're not with the Decepticons anymore?"

The sports car shook his head in response. Was Starscream taking the risk of taking them with him to the Harbinger? What if it was a trap?! ... No, impossible... It's not some kind of scheme that Lord Megatron could imagine... Feelings were not a card he played to trap someone... The Seeker hesitated, then sighed to calm down...

“The Harbinger is not far, let's go." he finally said.

KnockOut looked at the jet in surprise, and stammered:

"Who are you...? What have you done to Starscream?

- Hey!! The flyer was offended.

- Sorry, but it was too tempting... And then, you can understand that I'm surprised...

- ...

- The Autobots reformatted you or something?"

The doctor tapped Starscream's head with a finger, and the Seeker was indignant:

“My processor is doing great! Stop that! Or I'll end up really leaving you here!

- Oh no! Sorry!" exclaimed the sports car.

The jet approached the still unconscious large blue robot, and carried him, much to KnockOut's surprise.

“We'll be at the Harbinger in five minutes' walk... Explained the flyer. I don't have much energon left... So you'll have to help me carry him at some point...

- O-OK..." the doctor nodded.

The two started walking, and the car was still staring at Starscream in amazement.

"What ?! cried out the Seeker, not liking the look.

- Oh nothing ! It's just that you've been surprising me for a while... KnockOut replied. Besides the fact that I forget every time you're stronger than you look.

- ... What? What do you mean?

- Well, I've already learned that before becoming a Seeker you were a scientist! Then, that you are conjuxed with a robot called Skyfire! And finally, that you are a level 7 Deviant!"

The jet stopped, and stared at the doctor with a look filled with worry and fear... His wings tightened behind his back, and the sports car felt it was important to reassure him of his intentions.

"I wouldn't do anything to you, it's not my style to study a Cold Construction." reassured KnockOut.

The flyer turned the optics away, then retorted:

"If you knew how many times I've heard that..."

The doctor nodded and said:

"I suspect so... But, if it makes you feel any better, I had a friend who was a Cold Construction."

- What a cliche sentence! sneered Starscream.

- Ha! Ha! Ha! I confess!

- ... Will you one day talk about him to me?

- Are you really interested?

- It's always good to hear the story of another survivor of his species... It's reassuring...

-...?

- It's complicated... you can't understand..."

Steve came out of Wheeljack's cell, and saw Predaking outside the door. The Vehicon saluted him, and the two began to walk together. The soldier finally asks:

"Do you think KnockOut and Breakdown are okay...? I worry about them..."

The Predacon gave a soft growl, and stroked his muzzle on the soldier's back, as if to comfort him.

"Thanks, Predaking..." Steve smiled.

Dreadwing came towards them, and the Vehicon was rather surprised to see him at the prison tower.

" Oh, hello, what brings you? asked the soldier.

- Lord Megatron wants me to make this Autobot talk, so that's what I'm going to do. explained the tall Seeker.

- Oh... I see... Don't mess him up too much, I wouldn't like to have to fix him again...

- Is he bad company?

- He talks too much!"

The big jet smiled, before breathing out a laugh:

“That's typical Wheeljack."

Dreadwing continued on his way after saying goodbye to the pair.

"Oh well... Steve stammered. So Commander Dreadwing is able to laugh and smile..."

KnockOut and Starscream wore Breakdown together, one holding him by the feet, the other by the arms. Finally, they arrived at the Harbinger, and the Seeker sighed in relief. The group quickly entered, and they set up the military car on a medical table.

“I let you do your job, doctor. said the jet.

- OK. the sports car nodded. If you ever have energy, I'm want some, Break really needs it.

- OK, I was going to get some, anyway."

The flyer left in the direction of the room where he was storing energon, and drank it quickly, unable to wait any longer! He coughed slightly, having drunk a little too quickly... He sighed in relief, then retrieved some energon cubes for the big blue robot.

The sports car had completely repaired the wound, all that remained was to transfuse energon to his Sparkmate. Starscream returned with several energon cubes, and asked:

"That's enough ?

- Yes, it's perfect." smiled KnockOut.

He quickly transfused Breakdown, and hooked him up to machines to fully stabilize him.

He noticed by looking at a machine that the military car had gone from auto-stasis to coma, and did his best to prevent tears from rising in his optics...

The Seeker noticed it, and decided not to say anything... Finally, the doctor allowed himself to cry, holding his Sparkmate's hand...

“He'll be fine, don't worry… tried to reassure the jet.

- This semblance of kindness really doesn't suit you... The sports car stung.

- ... Tss! That's what I get when I try to be nice!"

KnockOut smiled softly at him, and did his best to wipe away his tears. There was a silence, until the flyer broke it:

"...By the way, KnockOut...

- Hmm...? said the latter, continuing to wipe the tears that ran down his cheeks.

- ... I wanted to tell you that... You are really very ugly when you cry."

The doctor slapped Starscream on the shoulder, scowling as the other laughed. The sports car ends up hugging the Seeker, and smiles sobbingly:

"I missed you, moron...

"Yeah... You too..." the jet smiled, responding to the hug.

Megatron was waiting for news of the Vehicons he had sent in search of the Autobots, but so far he had received nothing... He heard the door to the main room open, and turned to see Shockwave.

"What do you want ? growled the leader of the Decepticons.

- I would like to show you my project. said the scientist.

- The one you wanted to show me when it was finished?

- I think it's time I stopped hiding things from you."

Dreadwing entered Wheeljack's cell, and the latter exclaimed:

"Well, if it isn't my good old Dreadwing! So, what's up?!

- What's up? repeated the tall Seeker, confused.

- Oh! I'm fine! Sweet of you to ask!

- ..."

The large jet scowled, while the white Wrecker smirked at him mischievously.

"So? What brings you? You miss me? sneered the sports car.

- ...I came to get some answers." Dreadwing replied.

He turned on the energon taser, then said coldly:

"And I will have them!"

Smokescreen finished fixing Optimus as best he could, but it was clear he wasn't a doctor... He might have saved some time but that was all... He didn't speak anymore of what Prime had told him, not being able to believe it! Was the leader of the Autobots serious?!

"Smokescreen... you have to get ready... the truck said, with difficulty.

- I'm not worthy to be a Prime! retorted the rookie. I have no leadership experience! I don't have your charisma! I'm not ready !

- No one is ready for this...

- No! No! I will save you! Hold on! OK?!"

The racing car got up, and activated his Phase Shifter!

"I'm going to find the Forge of Solus Prime that the Decepticons have recovered! Smokescreen exclaimed. With that, you can fix yourself, right?!

- Smokescreen... you have to stay... Optimus whispered. If I die and you're not here, the Matrix of Command will have no successor and will die with me...

- But, it will not be the case if I bring back the Forge!

- No... You mustn't... You will have to use it to create new Keys and repair the Omega Lock...

- Well, what prevents us from saving you, then from doing the rest?!

- The power of the Forge is not infinite... If you save me... There won't be enough energy for the rest, and Cybertron will be doomed...

- ... No! We'll be lost without you! We need you !

- Smokescreen...

- No! No! I refuse!"

The recruit shook his head sharply, before crossing the rock, leaving Prime alone in the cave...

Chapter Text

Shockwave and Megatron exited a ground bridge, and come to an abandoned mine.

“Why are we going here? asked the leader of the Decepticons.

- You will see." replied the scientist.

The two plunged into the cave, and it didn't take them long to find themselves in a kind of laboratory.

"But... what-" the ex-gladiator wondered.

In front of him were several rows of vats, he got closer and saw small Predacons inside!

"I didn't allow you to do this project! Megatron got angry.

- I know, but I did it in your inter- began the cybertronian tank.

- I forbid you to tell me that you did it in my interest! You're seriously starting to make me angry with this!

- I only chose the most logical initiative. You didn't need me to recover the relics, so I felt it made sense to focus on Predacon Project.

- ... That's a good argument...

- Sorry for all these secrets...

- *Sigh*... I just have to get used to the idea that your processor doesn't work like us...

- ... Am I supposed to be hurt by that remark?

- You take it as you want...

- So I'm going to take it well, I'm very happy that my processor is different from the others.

- And by that, you mean?

- Of superior intelligence."

The leader of the Decepticons laughed lightly at this statement, and the robot cyclops gently waved his antennae, happy to have succeeded in making the ex-gladiator laugh.

KnockOut huffed wearily, and Starscream approached him with an energon cube.

“Here, drink this. said the Seeker.

- Thanks. smiled the doctor.

- You're welcome."

The two sat down on the floor, and the red robot start to drank his energon cube. There was a pleasant silence, before the sports car asked:

"So you're with the Autobots or something?

- No. replied the jet.

- But, you no longer have your Decepticon symbol...

- And I don't have an Autobot symbol either.

- ... Are you like... Neutral?

- I guess... How about you two?

- ... I think so... I can't see myself joining the Autobots... And the Decepticons, let's not talk about it... It's not the cause we were fighting for anymore...

- ... No, it's true...

- Well, I'm reassured to know that you didn't join the Autobots!

- Why that?

- But, it's obvious, Scream, they are the ones who destroyed Vos! Isn't that why you joined the Decepticons originally?!

- ...

-Scream?

- ...There are a lot of things you don't know..."

The flyer got up, and left the medical bay, leaving KnockOut rather confused, with his Sparkmate.

Starscream walked down the hallway of the Harbinger, unable to help repeating to himself what the doctor had said... "They're the ones who destroyed Vos! Isn't that why you joined the Decepticons originally?!" ... The Seeker sighed heavily, before thinking "That's what I thought a long time ago..."

Skyfire had found an image on a website! The image was blurry, but there was no doubt that it was Ratchet! He poked his head slightly out of the hangar, and saw a soldier walking towards him, presumably doing his rounds.

"Excuse me, Mr. soldier." the shuttle called softly.

The soldier jumped in surprise, then stammered:

“Y-yes? ...

- I would like you to ask Mr. Fowler and Lilwen to come, tell them it's urgent."

Raf spotted a photo on a website, and found a photo that made him tilt right away!

“Bee! I found Ratchet!" exclaimed the bespectacled boy.

Bumblebee beeped in delight, and transformed into his alternate mode, to allow the child to ascend. Raf replaced the picture on the site with a monkey doing cymbals, then determined the coordinates, to give the destination to the scout. It was time to reunite!

Starscream came back to the main room, after having calmed down a bit... He felt that if he had stayed on this conversation with KnockOut, he would have exploded... The Seeker didn't want to blame the doctor for what's wrong with him...

When the jet opened the door, he saw that the sports car was asleep on a chair, his arms and head on Breakdown's medical table... The flyer huffed a laugh, before approaching the red robot. Starscream carried KnockOut, and laid him down on the nearby medical table.

The Seeker looked at the military car, before returning his gaze to the doctor. He remembered the moment he had seen those two kissing in the medical bay, and the discomfort that had followed. It was a long time ago, and he had promised to keep the secret, even if he had hesitated at first.
Before, the Jet didn't understand why the couple weren't conjuxed...

“We are waiting for peace. KnockOut had explained to him.

- Ah! As if it were possible! Wake up ! We are in reality here!" Starscream had moked.

Now that he thought about it, the flyer realized that he hadn't been very nice that day... Well, it's not as if he had really been nice to the red robot in general. .. Starscream sighed, before sitting down on the chair KnockOut had previously occupied...

The Seeker thought about the fact that he could potentially try to wake the big blue robot from his coma, by going to get him, thanks to his Capacity... Then he quickly dismissed the idea, shaking his head sharply !

No! No way! That meant revealing he had a Capacity, and the jet didn't want the couple to know more about him! Already they knew he was a Cold Construction...

Thinking of everything he had revealed, the flyer couldn't help but tremble with fear... He was so afraid for the future... He was actually in a very vulnerable position, surrounded by enemies... Being neutral wasn't really the best option, but he didn't really have a choice...

Skyfire was much safer with the Autobots! By being neutral, it could have been complicated for him... And, among the Decepticons, his kindness would have been a weakness... he would have been crushed...

Unfortunately, the current problem was that the Autobots were at their worst... If it continued like this, the Decepticons would win, and his conjux would no longer be safe!

Starscream huffed to calm himself down, and thought "One thing's for sure, I can't be completely neutral! I can't let the Decepticons win! I have to do everything I can to make the Autobots win, even if it means putting my own life on the line!!"

Fowler went to the hangar where Skyfire was, and asked:

"You called me ?

- Yes, and Lilwen too. nodded the shuttle. Where is she ?

- She's busy at the moment. But I'm here, I'm listening to you.

- I found Ratchet." the tall white robot smiled.

The moon was high in the sky as the clouds began to cover it. Ratchet heard a tire squeal, but didn't move... He didn't care who it was...

"Ratchet..." called a familiar voice.

The doctor sighed heavily, before snapping:

“Go away, Raphael!

- We have to get together! exclaimed the bespectacled boy. You're the first one we managed to find, come with us!

- No! Let me rust in peace!

- Ratchet..." Bumblebee beeped softly.

The ambulance transformed into his original mode, and shouted angrily:

“Give me a good reason to continue all this?! There are absolutely none! Cybertron is doomed! Our team divided! And Optimus joined the All-Spark!! So why continuing?!

- One more reason to fight! Raf retorted. Don't let Optimus sacrifice himself for nothing!

- Go away!!"

Ratchet transformed back into his alternate mode, and paid no further attention to the pair. They heard another car coming, and the bespectacled boy feared it was a Vehicon... But, to his surprise, and relief, it was Agent Fowler!

“Skyfire was right I see! I think he will be even happier seeing how many I bring back in true! William smiled.

- Good evening, Mr. Fowler! greeted the child.

- Good evening! Come on, come with me, I'll take you to the base!

- Do not count on me! snapped the doctor.

- What's happening to him?

- ... It's complicated... mumbled the scout.

- Yeah well tell him it's not the time to be depressed! If we do nothing it is clear that the Decepticons will not leave our planet alone! We must act quickly!

- I don't care what can happens to this planet!" retorted the ambulance.

The agent sighed in exasperation, and moved closer to Ratchet. He put a card under the doctor's windshield wiper, and the latter groaned:

“Is that a traffic ticket?

- No, the coordinates. Fowler replied. In case you change your mind.

- Don't count on it too much...

- Skyfire also asked me to tell you that he was still looking for the Synthetic Energon formula.

- ... That's all ?

- Yes.

- In that case, bye!"

They ended up go, leaving the ambulance alone...

Dreadwing electrocuted Wheeljack again, and the latter cried out in pain!

"Tell me where the other Autobots are! exclaimed the tall jet.

- As I said it three hundred times... huffed the white Wrecker. I don't know... where they are...

- ... The problem with you is that it's difficult to determine if you are telling the truth, or if you are too narrow-minded for your own well-being!

- Hm... Both I would say..." the sports car smirked.

The large Seeker growled in anger, before electrocuting Wheeljack again, with a power level above! It was going to be a long night...

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the big black space, and sighed:

"I couldn't avoid it forever..."

Now that he thought about it, maybe he should have let the vision come to him last time... Maybe it had been about the human abduction... If only he didn't was so stubborn to want avoid having visions...

He saw Arcee and Jack driving at high speed on a deserted road. Suddenly, a ship descended towards them. The ship landed, and the door swung open, as the bike moved into battle position!

The Seeker awoke abruptly as KnockOut shook him for awake him.

“Starscream! Starscream! exclaimed the doctor.

- No but, seriously?!" the jet got angry.

The flyer slapped the sports car, which get offended, before slapping him back! Starscream and KnockOut end up practically fighting, before the Seeker shouts:

"Why did you wake me up?!!

- There's movement on the Harbinger's radar!" explained the doctor.

The jet immediately understood the problem, and quickly got up from his charging table! The two ran down one of the ship's corridors, until they came to the Harbinger's control room! The flyer noticed that the ship's radars were indeed picking up movement, and he then began to tap on the buttons on the control screen, the sports car cried out:

“Why are we coming here?! If I woke you up it's so that we run away!

- And how do we transport Breakdown?! Hm?! Starscream retorted.

- We carry him, of course!

- You know perfectly well that we can't transport him!

- We're not leaving him here!

- In this case we can't leave!

- ... But you- ! May I know what are you doing?!"

A note appeared on the control screen: [Activation of the field of invisibility.]

The Seeker turned to KnockOut, and said:

"We're going to have to use all the energon we have! Go and get it !

- Don't order me! the doctor was indignant.

- You do what I tell you to do! Otherwise I'll leave you here, you and your Sparkmate!!"

The sports car groaned before leaving the room! The jet huffed in annoyance, before closing his eyes and activating his energon radar, to pinpoint the exact location of the intruders! But, strangely, his radar detected no energon signal...

"What does it mean?" thought the flyer. He hesitated to turn on the cameras, because it meant spending even more energy... Was he still taking the risk?

"Scrap!" Starscream swore, before turning on the ship's cameras.

He saw vehicles approaching, but it looked more like human cars... He saw hooded humans getting out of cars, and realized who he had in front of his cameras!

“The MECH!!" cried out the Seeker.

What?! Why was they suddenly resurfacing?! What did that mean?! KnockOut came back with energon cubes, and exclaimed:

“What do I do with these cubes?!

- Go to the ship's tank room! replied the jet. It's obvious!"

He left the control room with the doctor, and ran to get more energon cubes! The duo crowded into the tank room, and put all the energon in the treatment machine!

"Who's out there?! The Decepticons?! The Autobots?!" asked the sports car.

The flyer hesitated to answer, not particularly wishing to worry KnockOut...

"So?! the latter insisted.

- ...The MECH... Starscream huffed.

- What?!

- We have to wait for them to leave... With what we gave as energon, we can remain invisible for 10 minutes...

- That's all?!"

The Seeker said nothing, and returned to the cameras. The doctor, who had followed him, exclaimed:

“Turn off the cameras! It'll buy us time ! The radar will do just fine!

- Cameras are more reliable! replied the jet.

- They draining energon unnecessarily!

- Stop discussing my decisions! It's annoying !

- How do we do if your eternal bad decisions condemn us all?! Like you know do it so well!

- ... You know what's useless right now?! You, complaining all the time, and your fragging Sparkmate in a coma!! Maybe I should unplug him, we could use his energon like that!!"

Well here it is... the flyer had exploded his anger against KnockOut... Oh and then scrap! He asked for it!

"Get out!! You disturb me!!" snapped Starscream.

The doctor glared at the Seeker, before hurrying out of the control room! The jet activated the sound of the cameras, to capture the conversation of the soldiers.

The MECH agents stopped at the coordinates given to them by their leader, but there was nothing but rock...

"Do you think our leader got the coordinates wrong? asked one of the soldiers.

- It would be surprising... answered the other with him.

- But, there is nothing here... A ship can hardly be unnoticed...

- Anyway, why look for this ship?

- To recover material for our project! Lilas has clearly explained it to us!" snapped a third soldier.

The flyer thought he had misunderstood, but no, it was clear that this MECH agent had said Lilas... Not Silas, nor Cylas... But Lilas... Was it a passion of change name for this madman?! And then, why was he so keen on recovering equipment?! What project were these soldiers talking about?!

"Okay, let's go, there's nothing here..." huffed one of the soldiers.

The MECH agents got into their jeeps and left the scene.

Shortly after, the invisibility field deactivated. Starscream sighed in relief... Luckily these soldiers weren't very persistent... The Seeker left the control room, and passed in front of the medical bay. The door was closed, but the jet could clearly hear the doctor speaking:

“No, but if you had heard what Starscream dared to say to me, Breaky! I can't even believe I thought he had changed! He's still just as mean and nasty! And especially very rude! How could I consider him a friend?! That fragger!"

The jet hesitated in front of the door, with a cruel desire to spit his venom on the sports car! But, he withdrew... Skyfire would have told him that it was not the right thing to do...

On the other hand, his conjux would have told him to go talk to KnockOut to fix things... But the flyer felt that if he went to talk to the doctor now, nothing good would come of it...

Scrap! Why was the worst of him coming out again?! He had, however, made efforts on this point! Was it because Skyfire wasn't there to bring him to order...? "Am I incapable of being good without Skyfire? Am I fundamentally bad?" Starscream thought sadly...

Jack awoke next to Arcee recharging into her motorcycle mode. The two had slept under the stars, and the teenager felt he was definitely going to hate camping forever...

"Ourgh... My back..." Jack huffed.

He got up, and decided to walk a bit, before the long journey that awaited them. He thought walking would clear his head, but it had the opposite effect...

The teenager couldn't help worrying about his mother, about Raf and Miko, about the other Autobots, and about the couple of flyers... Were they all okay? What if something had happened to them?! Jack shook his head, and groaned:

"Talk about a relaxing walk..."

He took his phone out of his pocket and flipped it open. He clicked on the telephone logo, and scrolled until he reached his mother's number.

“No, but what am I thinking!" Jack exclaimed, snapping his phone shut.

The teenager thought about the fact that he should perhaps entrust his phone to the warrior...

June was with Fowler, in his office... The nurse sighed with concern, and the agent did not fail to notice it.

“Don't worry about Jack, he's in good hands. reassured William.

- I would like to believe you... answered the brunette.

- We managed to find Rafael and Bumblebee, we will soon find the others."

They heard footsteps coming from the hallways, and saw Lilwen walk into the office.

"Hi ! greeted the young woman. I heard that you found Raf and Bee, that's a good thing!

- Yes! Fowler smiled. Soon the Autobots will be fully reunited!

- It's awesome ! But, you still have no news from Optimus...?

- Unfortunately no...

- ... You think he's... you know...

- Transformers are not indestructible...

- ... Oh..."

Suddenly the phone rang! The agent picked up and said:

"Agent Fowler here, I'm listening!"

- Hello, Fowler. Megatron replied through the handset.

- Megatron..."

June stood up from the chair she was sitting on, and the airwoman clenched her fists. She then signaled to William to put on speakerphone, then to the nurse to remain silent.

"What do you want?! Fowler growled.

- I would like to clear things up with you. replied the leader of the Decepticons.

- ...

- You see, I admit that you have never seen the best of me so far. But, you know, it's not the sweetest who survive a war. But, now that the conflict with the Autobots is over, following the death of their leader, I have come to reassure you of the intentions of the Decepticons. Our fight has never been against you, and with our enemies defeated, my side only wishes to live... peacefully, with you. I think we can make that dream a reality, Agent Fowler."

The ex-gladiator hung up after his speech, and Lilwen growled:

“He really takes us for idiots!

- I admit... June huffed angrily.

- The problem is that we can't do anything... the agent sighed.

- We're going to fight, right?! exclaimed the young woman.

- The problem is that the castle they created with the Omega Lock is extremely well guarded... And above all very dangerous! There are cannons on each side of the tower, surely capable of destroying ten tanks with the snap of a finger!

- Did you try before saiying that?

- It's too dangerous!"

The scientist's phone rang, and she answered:

"Hello? ... Yes. ... What?! What did you mean you- *Sigh* ... Fine, I'm coming!"

Lilas hung up with a scowl, then closed the phone clapper violently!

"A problem? William asked.

- Nothing serious, don't worry! Lilwen smiled. I must leave you, see you soon!"

The young woman left the office, and began to walk towards the hangar where they stored the planes. The airwoman sighed angrily, thinking about what the MECH agents had told her... What did they mean by "no ship"?! They were blind or something?!

"Nevermind ! It's not the only Cybertronian ship on this planet!" thought Lilas. His soldiers would just have to wear warmer clothes!

Chapter Text

Megatron hung up, having said what he had to say to Fowler. He was seated on his throne, at the top of the Dark Mount, from here he had an unobstructed view of the old Autobot base. Shockwave approached him, and said:

“We could almost believe in your speech.

- I suspect that humans are wary. replied the leader of the Decepticons, standing up. But, despite their mistrust, they cannot suspect what really awaits them.

- Since we no longer have the possibility of saving Cybertron...

- Might as well take up residence here."

The two looked at each other, delighted to be on the same wavelength. Everything was so simple with the scientist. In addition, his company was rather pleasant. ... "No, but what am I thinking of...?” thought the ex-gladiator.

“Lord Megatron! a voice called out.

The pair turned, and saw Dreadwing approaching them.

"What's happening? Megatron asked.

- ... I spent the night trying to extract information from Wheeljack, but nothing to do... He keeps repeating that he knows nothing... explained the Second in Command.

- Maybe the traditional methode doesn't work on him. the Cybertronian tank suggested.

- It's a possibility... But, I'm beginning to believe that he really doesn't know anything...

- Let's check.

- You mean with-

- Yes, with the cortical psychic patch."

Skyfire was happy to see Rafael and Bumblebee again. The shuttle had been surprised at first, given that he had warned of Ratchet's position, not the other two. The latters told him about their conversation with the doctor, and the tall white robot was saddened to learn this sad news...

“Well, at least there are three of us already... Skyfire smiled.

- Yes, it's better than nothing! Raf exclaimed. We must now find a way to contact the others, to tell them to gather here!

- The question is... How? asked the scout.

- It's too risky to give them the coordinates... the shuttle huffed.

- Unless... reflects the bespectacled boy.

- Oh! Yes!

- That could work!

- Can someone explain to me? the yellow car beeped.

- Your Autobot signals give off a certain frequency, unknown to the Decepticons, right?! exclaimed the tall white robot.

- Yes, but-

- If we manage to create an Autobot signal detector...

- Then we can determine their positions! finished the child.

- Oh! I see! It's awesome! Bumblebee exclaimed.

- I do it right away!" Skyfire smiled.

Smokescreen had taken all night to get close to the horrible Decepticons' castle. To then infiltrate inside, in order to reach the Nemesis which was parked on a platform all above... All this without being detected...

The recruit was now in the ship, walking cautiously through the corridors... If he was ever spotted, it was over...

He walked towards the computers, hiding from the guards outside the door. He reentered the room, and reused the machine Starscream had given him the last time they infiltrated the Nemesis.

The race car began searching, and ends up found where the Solus Prime Forge was! He was happy to see that there was also the Star Saber! "Two birds with one stone!" smiled Smokescreen. Human expressions often had a certain charm.

He came out of the room, while avoiding being spotted, and went to look for the relics. The rookie thought about the fact that it was going to take him a while to get back to his leader, and sincerely hoped that Optimus would hold on...

Wheeljack ends up regained consciousness, and found that he was strapped to a medical table. He saw Dreadwing, Megatron and Shockwave not far from him, and could hear their conversation:

“He doesn't know anything... the scientist huffed. It's a waste of time...

- I told you! the white Wrecker scoffed.

- Silence! growled the tall Seeker.

- Oh, come on, admit it, you wanted to see what was in my head, to see if I wasn't thinking of you! You naughty bot!

- Grr! I'm going to- "

The tall jet had drawn his sword, but the leader of the Decepticons put a hand on his shoulder, to stop him.

"He's no longer of any use to us! Throw him in the fusion pit!" ordered the ex-gladiator.

Starscream thought about the fact that he should recover some energon... But, before that, he had above all to take care of making the Harbinger fully functional! It wasn't like he could count on KnockOut to do that anyway!

“There you go, I'm starting to think badly of him again... the Seeker whispered.

- Him who?" asked a voice.

The jet turned and saw the doctor against the doorstep of the control room.

"Forget it... replied the aviator.

- ... Pff... the sports car sighed.

- Why are you there?

- I was curious to know what you were doing.

- Well, as you can see, I take initiatives and decisions, which apparently you are unable to do!

- ... You're still as pleasant as I see!

- Go back and complain to Breakdown, and leave me alone!

- You heard?!

- Yes! I understood ! I'm a fragger and we're not friends! Now, go away!

- It makes you wonder how Skyfire can be in love with such a mean robot!

- Oh?! I'm mean because I'm making nasty remarks to you?! At least I have the courage to tell you to your face!

- You really want me to throw your four truths in your face?!

- Oh! Go ahead!

- You're a coward! A hypocrite ! A liar! And a traitor!

- Tss! Very original!

- ... Grrr! You wear a mask to hide your own weaknesses, but I'll tell you something, we can still see through the mask!

- ...!! You little-

- You're also rude to others because you're a fucking paranoid robot who can't trust others!

- Oh yeah?! Do you think I'm paranoid?!

- You are a completely broken robot ready to be thrown away!!

- SEND AN ENTIRE STELLAR CYCLE AT THE INSTITUTE OF DEVIANTS STUDIES AND WE'LL SEE IF YOU DON'T COME OUT BROKEN!!!!" Starscream yelled, banging his fist hard on the control panel!

KnockOut froze at this statement, and the atmosphere in the room became extremely heavy. The Seeker continued on his way, his optics burning with fiery rage:

“YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME!! SO I FORBID YOU TO JUDGE ME!!!

- Starscream... stammered the doctor.

- GET OUT!!!!"

The jet took a piece of metal on the ground, and threw it towards the sports car which narrowly dodged it! KnockOut ran out of the room, as the flyer continued to throw everything he found at him!

Starscream ended up being alone in the room, and had to hold onto the control panel, as he tried to calm down...

"You don't know anything... you don't know anything... you don't know anything..." the Seeker continued to repeat in a whisper.

He ended up collapsing, his knees on the ground, and cried softly...

Bulkhead and Miko were driving down the road, and the Japanese girl asked:

“Where are we going exactly?

- Wreckers always determine coordinates when they lose sight of each other. Explained the big green robot. If Jackie ever made it out, we'll surely find him at these coordinates.

- What if he's not here?

- Then we'll wait for him.

- Ah yes, of course!"

The girl gave herself a slight face-palm and laughed.

Wheeljack was handcuffed, and Vehicons escorted him to the fusion pit. Dreadwing hadn't been able to accompany them, being busy training the Predacon. The white Wrecker huffed, and said:

"Aww, what a pity, only Vehicons will see my great escape...

- Shut up, Autobot! shouted one of the soldiers.

- I have a name you know...

- Like if I care!"

A drone passed nearby, and one of the Vehicons greeted him:

“Hey! 5T3V3!

- Oh hi. answered the latter. But, I already told you that my name was Steve!

- Yes, yes...

- What are you doing?

- Get rid of that Autobot!

- He has a name you know...

- ... You're still so weird...

- Hey!!

- Okay, let's focus on the Autobot instead." said the other soldier.

His comrade nodded, and the sports car was forced closer to the platform, with molten lava below.

"Ooh... that's hot!" Wheeljack joked.

One of the drones pushed him violently, knocking him off the platform! But, the Wrecker didn't dismount, and caught the Vehicon in his fall! The latter transformed into his alternate mode, and flew above the lava! The sports car was perched on top of him, and he didn't seem to want to let go!

Wheeljack leaned slightly over the surface of the lava, and ran his magnetic cuffs over them to melt them! Hands free now, he grabbed the wings of the drone, to steer it! He flew past Steve, and laughed:

"See you soon, Stevy!"

The White Wrecker flew out of the Dark Mount, and caused the Vehicon to crash into the ground! He transformed into his alternate mode and drove at high speed through the desert!

"Wow..." Steve said despite himself.

Chapter Text

Smokescreen returned to Optimus, in the middle of the night. When he arrived, he exclaimed:

“Optimus! I did it ! I have the Forge! I was even able to bring back the Star Saber!"

He received no response, and called:

“Optimus?"

The rookie turned on his lights, and saw that Prime was unconscious! The racing car dropped the relics, and rushed for his leader, shouting:

“Optimus!!"

Smokescreen shook the truck briskly, in a desperate attempt to bring him back!

"Come back! Come back!" begged the rookie.

Optimus finally opened his optics, and moaned softly in pain... The race car sighed in relief, and smiled:

"You scared me...

- Smokescreen... you came back... Prime whispered.

- Yes, I brought the Forge to heal you! Hold on!

- No... you can't...

- Please! Use it!

- No...

- I forbid you to sacrifice yourself!!

- Smokescreen, be reasonable...

- No! No! No! If I brought back the Forge it's so that you can fix yourself, so you'll fix yourself!"

The leader of the Autobots shook his head gently, and smiled sadly.

"Farewell, Smokescreen..."

Optimus's optics blacked out, under the bewildered gaze of Smokescreen. Prime could no longer hear the rookie's pleas, he was... no longer there...

When the Autobots leader opened his eyes, he found himself in a large black space, similar to when he first came into contact with Alpha Trion. A white figure appeared in front of him, which was none other than the latter.

“Good evening, Optimus. I came to help you go in the All-Spark." said the specter.

Starscream was lying on his recharge table, but couldn't get to sleep... He was cursing himself for having revealed all this things to KnockOut... no but what got into him?!

"Scrap! I'm so stupid!" grumbled the Seeker.

He closed his optics, hoping more to sleep than to think of anything! “Now that I've finished making the Harbinger operational, I have to bring back some energon... Without equipment, it's going to be complicated, and take me forever! Especially since this time we need energon for three people! Even more for Breakdown who is in a coma! Not to mention that I also have to use the energon to power the ship!" thought the jet.

“What don't I understand about thinking of nothing!" the flyer got angry, sitting down on his recharging table.

Starscream stood up, huffing, sensing that it was going to be a sleepless night...

The scenery suddenly went black, much to the Seeker's surprise!

“W-What?!" the jet wondered.

He was again in this big black space, but no landscape formed... It was then that he heard a voice, not far behind him:

“Good evening, Optimus. I came to help you go in the All-Spark."

Wait! What?! The flyer turned quickly, and saw Prime with Alpha Trion! The leader of the Autobots nodded, and reached out to grab the hand that the specter extended to him.

Starscream didn't understand! "Join the All-Spark"?! Optimus was dying?! No!

"No! Don't do that!!" cried out the Seeker.

The ghost turned his head in the direction of the jet, and smiled:

"Oh, you're back. Hello."

The flyer said nothing, and Prime looked at Alpha Trion, confused.

"Who's back? asked the leader of the Autobots.

- The Traveler. answered the specter.

- Really ?!

- It seems that he doesn't want you to die...

- ... Tell him that I have no choice...

- I can hear you! Imbecile! Starscream replied. Plus, what do you mean by "I have no choice"?!

- You have to respect his decision. the ghost intervened.

- No! No! The Autobots need him! Without him they are finished! Without him Skyfire is finished!"

The Autobots leader continued to grow closer to Alpha Trion, much to the Seeker's horror! No! He had to do something! Anything ! He had to concentrate! Come on! Think! Think!

"You can't leave like this!!" cried out the jet.

Optimus saw a bright light forming, not far from him and his Creator! Particles of light gathered together, and that's when he saw:

“Starscream?!"

Skyfire continued to build the Signal Detector, while Raf and Bumblebee recharged. The shuttle was rather sad that Ratchet hadn't come with the other two... "He must be really sad about Optimus' death..." the tall white robot mused.

"Ratchet... I hope you're okay... Skyfire sighed.

- I think I am." a voice answered.

The shuttle turned around, and exclaimed, with surprise:

“Ratchet?!"

The child and the scout woke up after hearing the exclamation of the large white robot.

"What...? sputtered the yellow car, still a little sleepy.

- What is happening?" the boy asked, putting his glasses back on.

It was then that they too saw the doctor, accompanied by Fowler.

"Look who's arrived. smiled the agent.

- Ratchet! cried out Raf with joy.

- You came! beeped Bumblebee.

- Yes... nodded the ambulance. I sensed that you might need a medic, if you want to continue your fight against the Decepticons!

- You guessed right!

- Alright, no more talk! Fowler explained your idea to me, I'll help you Skyfire!"

Skyfire smiled at the announcement, and moved slightly aside to give some place for Ratchet.

Optimus couldn't believe it! What did that mean?! What was Starscream doing here?! Wait... did that mean that...

“You are the Traveler?! realized Prime.

- You... You can see me?! the Seeker wondered.

- But... How is it possible... You have... A Capacity?!"

The jet had a look that clearly reflected fear, and backed away slightly...

"Don't be afraid, Starscream... reassured the leader of the Autobots.

- ... I don't have a Capacity! It's wrong! The flyer lied defensively.

- So how can you be here?

- ... It's all just a dream! Nothing is real!

- ... You become less and less credible...

- This is what happens when I hang out with Skyfire too much...

- ...I thought Cold Constructions couldn't have Capacities...

- You also thought that they couldn't love...

- ... Right..."

There was a silence, before Starscream broke it:

“You can't leave!

- ... I have no choice... answered the truck, with a sorry look.

- ... Tell me where you are!! I... I'm going to find Ratchet, so he can fix you!

- It's too late...

- No! No! It's not too late !

- I'm sorry, Starscream...

- The Autobots need you! Ratchet needs you! Skyfire needs you!!

- ...

- Don't leave !"

Optimus looked away from the Seeker, and moved closer to Alpha Trion. The jet ran up to him, and, to his surprise, grabbed his arm! The flyer begged:

" Please! Stay!

- Why insist so much... asked Prime, confused.

- B- because... You're the only one who can stop the war! You are a Prime, frag!!

- There will be a new Prime soon, if that worries you so much...

- W- What?!

- Smokescreen...

- Smokescreen?! But he's only a child! He barely knew the war!

- Starscream, I-

- No, but you're just desperate!! Even if it means choosing a new Prime, you might do it well!

- Who would you suggest to me in this case?

- ... Well... Pff... Uh... You, of course! You're the only one worthy of a Prime!!

- Starscream, I'm not in the list of choices anymore...

- Yes! Yes you are! You just need to come back! Wake up! I beg you! Wake up! There are too many people counting on you for you to give up! You have no right to do this to us!! As only Primus could defeat Unicron, only you can defeat Lord Megatron!

- ...

- Do you think Smokescreen can do anythink against him?! It's impossible! He doesn't have your experience! He's just a rookie! He's just a kid!!"

Starscream began to feel himself disappearing, and exclaimed:

"Oh no! Not now!

- Starscream, you are disappearing! wondered the leader of the Autobots.

- I... I don't have much time here...

- Starscream... forgive me...

- I beg you... Prime, make the right choice! Stay! You can't leave! Because... Like the others... I need you! We all need you!!"

The Seeker disappeared completely, under the surprised gaze of the truck. The specter looked at Optimus, and asked:

“So what do you choose?"

The jet woke up with a start, and found that he was lying on the ground... He got up, holding his head, not having really managed to catch himself when he fell unconscious...

"Please, Prime, make the right choice..." the flyer implored.

Smokescreen decided that lost for lost, he was going to do everything possible to bring back his leader! The latter began to lose his colors, and became more and more dull, indicating that he was beginning to die!

But the rookie did not give up! He dragged the Forge of Solus Prime, and put it in the truck's hand! A great light illuminated the relic, indicating that it was activating!

Optimus looked at the outstretched hand of his Creator, and said:

“It seems my time has not come."

Suddenly, a bright energy began to run through him, and the black decor frayed little by little!

“I come back to you, my friends." Prime smiled.

An Insecticon was on guard duty in the prison tower, and passed by a cell, when suddenly, he heard whispers coming from it...

"Did... Did you hear that?" the beast asked, to Vehicons who were also doing their rounds.

- Heard what? asked one of the soldiers.

« Don't tell them! » Ordered the whisper.

- Uh... Nothing... sputtered the insect.

« Good, that's very good. »

The drones left, leaving the Insecticon alone. The latter turned towards the door of the cell, and the whisper said to him:

« Open the door! »

The beast complied, then went inside. It was then that he realized who he had in front of him!

"Queen Airachnid!" exclaimed the insect.

« Come, free your Queen. » whispered the voice.

The Insecticon moved closer to the stasis cell, and slammed into it, as the voice continued to whisper through his audio-receivers. The capsule eventually shatters completely, and Airachnid sneered:

"It's good to be back!" 

The spider approached the beast, and gently stroked his mandibles, before saying:

"Tell me, sweetie, what did I miss?"

It was then that the insect told her about everything she had missed so far. The return of Shockwave, the fact that Breakdown had survived, the departure of Breakdown and KnockOut, and the arrival of a Predacon created by the scientist.

“Breakdown is alive?! the helicopter wondered. That's surprising! Did I lose my touch? And, if I understood correctly, the Decepticons have a Predacon now... Hm... It's not very safe to attack for the moment... Especially against Soundwave and Megatron... But hey, I would have many other occasions to avenge myself! Anyway, what about Autobots?

- They are finished my Queen, we have destroyed them! the Insecticon replied.

- Oh?! Really?! So, I might not have the opportunity to get revenge against Arcee for my missing paw... Too bad... But hey, after all, it's not the only one I want to get. avenge! Tell me, my dear, where's Starscream?!"

Chapter Text

Megatron learned of Wheeljack's escape only at dawn, mainly because Soundwave was not at his post, and hadn't told anyone... The leader of the Decepticons stormed into his Communications Commander's room, and shouted:

"This is how you do your job?!!"

The cybertronian plane was lying on his charging table, with his back to him.

“Soundwave!" exclaimed the ex-gladiator.

The latter did not answer, seeming to sulk... Megatron sighed in annoyance, and huffed:

"I'm sorry for hiding the fact that Starscream is a Cold Construction, okay? I didn't think it would affect you so much...

- ...... < Well, you were wrong! > < Moron! > snapped the Cold Construction with Starscream's voice.

- Oh no! Do not start! I'm warning you !

- < You started first! >

- Soundwave, you have hidden vital information! Autobot Escape!

- < I have no regrets! > < You asked for it! >

- You have the intention to annoy me much longer?!

- < Leave me alone! >

- Explain to me at least!

- <Cold Constructions> <alive> <significant> <species eradicated> <! > < Proof > < not alone > <! > < Bond > < strong > <! > cried out Soundwave in a succession of voice recordings.

- ... How can you be sure that Starscream thinks the same thing as you?

- <You> < , > <Forged> < ! > <Us> < , > <Cold Constructions > <! > < How can you be sure that Starscream > < doesn't > < think > < not > < the same as > < me > <? >

- ...

- <Leave! >"

The leader of the Decepticons did not insist more, feeling that it was better to leave his friend alone, for the moment.

Lilwen and MECH agents rode through the freezing Antarctic backdrop on jet skis. Until the scientist woman notices something.

“Stop there!" Lilas ordered.

They stopped not far from a crevasse, and the young woman smiled:

“Here is our ship!"

It was the ship Starscream had discovered, when having fallen inside with the Predacon.

“How did you know about this ship?! one of the soldiers wondered.

- He was mentioned in one of the Autobot reports! explained the scientist woman. Alright, enough talking! We have equipment to recover!"

Megatron was sat on his throne, and sighed in exasperation at the thought that the Autobots were nowhere to be found! Always hiding like scraplets! Shockwave walked into the throne room, and said:

“Lord Megatron, I have a solution.

- I'm listening to you." replied the leader of the Decepticons.

The scientist presented a small capsule, filled with energon. The ex-gladiator didn't really understand, then the Predacon entered the room.

“This is energon I took from Wheeljack. The Predacon is a hunter, it just needs to analyze his energon, and it will find him, wherever he goes." explained the cybertronian tank.

The cyclops robot presented the capsule to the beast, its optics glowing a cold green, before analyzing the energon.

“He can go looking for Wheeljack now. Shockwave declared.

- Impressive! Megatron enthused. You really are an exceptional robot, Shockwave.

- Thanks."

The scientist felt a pleasant warmth from the Spark at the compliment, and the leader of the Decepticons ordered:

"Go find that Autobot, Predacon!"

The monster gave a slight nod, and took off out of the tower, looking for its prey!

Jack and Arcee were speeding down a deserted road. Suddenly, a ship lands in front of them! The motorbike braked hard, and reverted back to her original mode! She got into a fighting stance, as the ship's doors opened!

"Show yourself! growled the warrior.

- So that's how you talk to your superior?" asked a stern-looking voice.

Arcee immediately recognized that voice, as well as the robot descending from the ship!

“Ultra Magnus?! the motorbike wondered.

Starscream hadn't slept all night... He was too stressed... He watched the sun rise, on the roof of the ship, and thought about the fact that he should recover some energon... "Might as well do it now! No need to wait any longer! thought the Seeker. He stood up, spread his wings, and jumped, before transforming into a jet and taking off into the air!

Miko was sleeping, leaning on Bulkhead's foot, while the latter continued to stare at the horizon, the sun having already risen for a while. It was then that he heard the sound of a car engine coming towards them! The big green robot gently woke the Japanese girl, and the latter stammered, half asleep:

"What's happening...?

- Someone comes." explained the green Wrecker.

He activated his wrecking balls, while the young girl took refuge in a small cave behind him. The car that arrived was a white sports car, with green and red accents! No doubt it was...

“Wheeljack! Bulkhead exclaimed in delight.

- Hey! Bulk! greeted the white Wrecker.

-Jackie! Miko smiled.

- Hi, little one! Well, well, that's great, it seems that the Wreckers team is complete!

- Yup! Now! Let's try to find the others!

- Sounds good to me!"

Starscream was happy to find a cave with energon! He had found other deposits, but he did not have the equipment to exploit them... He landed in front of the cave, and sighed, before saying:

"Come on! It's just a cave!"

The Seeker tried to go inside, but gave up immediately afterwards... No! It was too deep! Too closed! Too... cave, actually...

“No, no, come on, that's absurd! You can do it!" the jet encouraged himself.

He took a step forward, before stepping back... He then began to imagine the worst possible scenarios:

"But, what if it fell apart...And it crushed me or locked me inside... I have no way of communicating with anyone... I would be stuck inside… for...ever…”

Or, the flyer could always ask help to KnockOut... No! No way! The last person he wanted to see right now was that stupid doctor!

“Okay, come on! We need that energon!" Starscream argued to himself.

He ventilated deeply before stepping inside the cave.

Ultra Magnus approached Arcee, and the latter exclaimed:

"But...Ultra Magnus, how can you be here?!"

- How can you be here "Sir"! corrected the Autobot Second-in-Command curtly.

- Yes, sorry...

- What is his problem ? Jack asked, not liking the strict manner of this robot.

- Jack, this is Sir Ultra Magnus, the Second in Command of the Autobots.

- What is this little thing? asked the blue robot, pointing at the teenager.

- A native of this planet, a human.

- Is Sir Optimus even okay with you being in contact with this organic being?

- Yes.

- Well, in that case, I don't see any inconvenience.

- I hope so! snapped Jack.

- ... On the other hand, tell this child to watch how he talks to me.

- Yes, sorry. the warrior nodded.

- Come, let's find the others, I have a way to detect their signals. That's how I found you, soldier Arcee."

Arcee and Jack smiled at this declaration, happy to learn that they had a chance to see their friends again.

Wheeljack, Miko and Bulkhead had managed to take a Decepticons mine, after a fierce fight against Vehicons! In fact, it was mainly the two Autobots who had attacked, while the Japanese girl had to content herself with watching, to her great dismay...

“Rhoo! But when will I be able to fight too! the young girl was indignant.

- When you're will be taller! The white Wrecker smiled.

- Yeah ! Of six good meters! added the big green robot.

- Oooh..." sulked Miko.

The sports car approached the Japanese girl, and handed her a human-sized remote control.

“Here, I leave you the honor of blowing up this mine! laughed Wheeljack.

- Yeah!! The young girl exclaimed.

- Miko, NO! panicked the green Wrecker.

- Miko, YES!"

She pressed the button, which activated the bombs inside the mine! The explosion caused a huge burst of energon, raising blue flames skyward!

“Do you think our friends will be attracted by this explosion? Miko asked.

- We hope." replied the white Wrecker.

Starscream continued walking through the cave, locating himself with his night vision, and telling himself that everything would be fine... He suddenly heard a noise behind him, and spun around quickly, his blasters drawn, and wings high, totally alert! He saw stones rolling, but nothing else...

"Maybe I'm really paranoid..." the Seeker huffed.

The jet still preferred to avoid asking if anyone was there, just in case, and closed his optics to detect where the energon was precisely. He finally opened them again, and walked in the direction his radar had indicated.

But then he felt a strange substance under his feet... It was sticky and slimy... The flyer looked down, and realized it was... Cobwebs !

Starscream had no time to do anything, his head hit the floor of the cave violently, while he was pulled up by his feet! The blow to the head was so violent that energon flowed from his helmet...

He struggled to stay conscious, while a familiar figure approached him... The Seeker finally lost consciousness completely, while Airachnid sneered:

"That's what we call prime prey!"

The spider approached the jet, and grabbed his face before smiling sinisterly:

"You'll be the perfect start for my new collection! My little Cold Construction!"

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the great black space, and saw a scene forming around him. It was a military base. The Seeker entered the base, and heard voices in a hangar with the letter "E" painted on it:

"With this signal tracker, we should be able to find the others!"

The jet immediately recognized the voice as being that of Skyfire! The flyer quickly entered the building, and was reassured by seeing his conjux, with Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Raf. It was proof that the shuttle was okay. Suddenly, he felt a violent pain in his cheek!

Starscream awoke abruptly, and heard a voice he knew only too well, sneering:

"Oh? Did I slap you a little too hard?

- Airachnid?!" The Seeker exclaimed in shock.

She was free?! He tried to attack her, but realized that he was lying on the ground and bound by webs! His arms were tied behind his back, with webbing covering his chest and back! His legs and wings were also trapped!

The jet saw that there were two Insecticons with her, as she stood in front of him, looking at him smugly. The flyer struggled to free himself, sensing that he really shouldn't stay here, and the spider sighed:

"Bombshell, lift him..."

The beast approached Starscream, and the latter shouted:

“Don't approach me!!"

The Seeker really felt fear invade him while the insect lifted him thanks to the webs that hindered him! The Techno-organic laughed, before saying:

“Come on, don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. Well, not too much."

Airachnid stuck one of his spider legs into the jet's left shoulder, which screamed in pain!

"Actually... continued the spider. I was thinking at first of killing you by torturing you, and leaving you in a state somewhat similar to Breakdown... Then, I learned something interesting from my friend here..."

She stroked the cheek of the Insecticon beside her gently, and smiled grimly.

“You know my passion for collecting rare things! So imagine my surprise, when he told me you were a Cold Construction!"

OK, that's it, the flyer was really very scared now... What the Techno-organic did not fail to notice. Starscream struggled harder, and exclaimed:

"No! It's not true! It's wrong!!

- I knew you better liar! Airachnid sneered.

- Leave me alone, you freak! You psychopath!!

- Oh, shut up a little..."

The spider swung a web over the Seeker's mouth, muffling his cries of indignation and fear!

"Leave him." ordered the Techno-Organic.

Bombshell complied, throwing the jet on the ground! The flyer continued to struggle, while Airachnid approached him! The spider cut the webs enclosing the Seeker's wings, then flipped him onto his back, and planted two sharp, hooked legs on both of the jet's wings, pinning him completely to the ground! The webs on the flyer's mouth drowned out his cries of agony as he convulsed in pain!

“Stop moving!" snapped the Techno-Organic.

Starscream obeyed, wanting to avoid the pain as much as possible... He had to contain the tears which began to rise in his optics so much his suffering was intense... He could not leave this pleasure to this psycho! Airachnid sneered wickedly:

“You see, you can be obedient when you want, we just have to know how to deal with you! But when you've got the hang of it, it's actually pretty easy! Oh, come to think of it, weren't Cold Constructions supposed to replace slaves? What a pleasure it would be to have a personal slave!"

The Seeker glared at the spider, which continued:

"I must admit that of all of them, you are the last one I would have suspected! You can sometimes be so... Sensitive! You know! Especially since, from what I understand, you are capable of being in love, and you are ready to do anything for your love! In a way, it's kinda cute."

The jet didn't understand where she was coming from... Did she intend to hurt Skyfire?! The flyer struggled again, and the Techo-organic dug her paws deeper into his wings!

"Stop that!" Airachnid ordered.

But, despite the pain, Starscream continued to struggle! The spider leaned towards the Seeker, and removed the gag!

“Why do you insist on hurting yourself? You really are a strange machine... The Techno-organic huffed.

- I forbid you to touch my conjux! You glitch! I'm going to rip your legs off one by one!! I will tear you apart!! the jet cried out, anger visible in his optics.

- Ooh, so it was true, you would really do anything for him?! It's really, adorable!"

Airachnid smiled grimly, before saying:

“The question I ask now is: is it possible to force a Cold Construction to fall in love with someone else?

- Ha! In your dreams ! snapped the flyer.

- Well, if we reformat a Cold Construction, I think that as it's possible to wash the processor to have an obedient slave, it's possible with those of your species! Hm... I was thinking of killing you, to add you to my collection, but I realize that having a slave ready to do anything for me is much more tempting!

- W-what...?! What do you mean...?! 

- With the material, and a more sterile environment to work, it should be possible!

- What exactly do you want to do?!!

- Reformatting you, by directly accessing your processor, it's obvious!

- What?!

- Soon the robot you will love will be me!"

Starscream felt the panic rise in him, while very bad memories came back!

“Don't worry, I'm an expert in this area. falsely reassured the spider, stroking the Seeker's cheek.

- No! No! No! Leave me alone!! All of you!! Leave me alone!!! shouted the jet.

- "All of you"? Well? Are you giving me a panic attack or something?"

The flyer struggled again, but more vigorously! He flapped wings, despite the fact that Techno-organic was holding them back! He started banging his head against the floor of the cave, and Airachnid sighed:

"Come on, calm down..."

She pulled out a syringe and a vial from her subspace, and ordered the two Insecticons:

“Hold him!"

The latters complied, while the spider moved away slightly, releasing her hold on Starscream's wings.

“That should calm you down a bit." the Techno-organic smiled, deceptively sympathetic.

She approached the Seeker, restrained by the two insects, and the jet screamed in terror when he saw the syringe filled with an unknown substance!

"No! No! Nooooo!!" Panicked the flyer.

Airachnid slammed Starscream's head on the ground, and stuck the syringe into the Seeker's neck! The jet's optics widened in horror as he felt the liquid seeping through his circuits!

"You'll see, you'll soon feel much better!" laughed the spider, gently stroking the flyer's head.

Starscream felt his strength leaving him little by little, as he continued to struggle... He struggled to keep the optics open, and stammered:

"No... no... never again... please... please..."

The Seeker felt completely in the dark, unable to find his bearings or to speak... He had sworn that it would never happen again... that he would never have to relive that again... never again ..."Skyfire...help..." the jet thought, in distress, before falling unconscious from the drugs...

"Don't worry... the Techno-Organic sneered. Soon you will be a very happy robot!"

Airachnid moved away from the flyer, now unconscious, and thought:

“Now I need the equipment and the room... Hm... Oh! Yes! I know where to find it!"

She turned to the Insecticons, and smiled:

“Stay with him! I'm going to scout for a few moments!"

Skyfire held his Spark as a horrible fear shot through him! Ratchet approached him, concerned.

"What wrong? The doctor worried.

"Star...Starscream... He feel bad... Very bad... He needs help..."

The shuttle collapsed to his knees, clutching his Spark, and shouted:

“We must help him! We must help him!"

The big white robot got up abruptly, and tried to get out of the hangar!

“Skyfire! No! beeped Bumblebee.

- I have to go help Starscream!!" Skyfire exclaimed.

The two robots were doing their best to hold back the shuttle, wanting to prevent him from doing something stupid!

"Stop that ! ordered the ambulance. Even though he's in danger, you don't even know where he is! In addition, your alternate mode is too conspicuous!

- I don't care ! retorted the tall white robot.

- And what will happen if you lead the Decepticons to him?! You'll just make more trouble for him!

-...!!"

Skyfire stopped, realizing that Ratchet was right... He might not even be able to help him... The shuttle began to cry, cursing his helplessness...

Ultra Magnus explained to Arcee and Jack that he came to Earth after seeing a laser beam heading towards this planet. The other two figured out that the Autobot Second-in-Command was talking about the beam caused by the Omega Lock. The leader of the Wreckers continued:

"So far I've spotted signals from five robots...

- But there are seven Autobots... You think the missing two are... you know... The teenager ventured to ask.

- They might as well be in a very deep cave. the motorbike tried to reassure.

- I spotted the signals of two robots, not far from us! declared the blue robot. Let's not waste any more time!"

As he said this, they saw flames of energon rising into the sky!

"Oh no..." Ultra Magnus huffed, knowing perfectly well which was the only robot capable of doing that...

"Looks like we're on Wheeljack's trail..." grumbled the Autobot Second-in-Command.

Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Miko were waiting for the potential arrival of an ally, when they saw something flying towards them!

“Hey! What is that?! the Japanese girl wondered.

- An ally? proposed the big green robot.

- Look a little better, Bulk." replied the white Wrecker.

Everyone watched intently, and it didn't take long for them to realize what was coming at them! The Predacon!

"Oh... Scrap..." the sports car huffed.

KnockOut was in the medical bay with Breakdown, he had noticed that Starscream wasn't there, and that suited him fine! He didn't want to talk to the Seeker right now, mostly because he wasn't sure the jet wouldn't try to throw something at him if he saw him...

The doctor heard footsteps in the hallway, and thought about the fact that he couldn't be cold with the jet forever... He had to take the first step! He got up, and arrived in front of the door, hesitating to open it... The sports car sighed, before opening the door and saying:

"Starscream, we have to-"

KnockOut froze when he saw who he had in front of him... Airachnid! The latter smiled sadistically, and sneered:

"Oh? Well, that's pretty unexpected!"

Chapter Text

The Predacon charged Wheeljack, not paying particular attention to the other two! He charged up a fireball, and spat it at the white Wrecker! The latter narrowly dodged, while Bulkhead grabbed Miko to get her to safety! The sports car drew his katanas, and charged at the beast!

“Wheeljack!! But what in the pit are you doing?!! panicked the big green robot.

- Don't worry, I handle that!" answered the latter.

But, after he said that, the monster hit him hard with its spiny tail, and threw him against a wall of the crevasse!

"You handle that... indeed..." The green Wrecker huffed.

He came out of his hiding place, after ordering the Japanese girl to stay hidden! Bulkhead drew his blasters, and started firing at the Predacon! But, it didn't seem to have much effect...

This only had the effect of angering the beast, which spat fire at the big green robot! He dodged just in time, and Wheeljack arrived as reinforcements, shooting the monster in turn! The Predacon immediately turned its attention to the white Wrecker, and rushed towards him!

“Oh, scrap!" cried out the sports car, which backed up to keep some distance from the beast, while continuing to fire!

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a ship swooped down on the monster, and hit it head-on, throwing it hard against one of the walls of the crevasse! The trio watched the ship land, and Wheeljack immediately recognized who it belonged to...

"Oh no..." The white Wrecker huffed.

The door opened, and Ultra Magnus exited the ship. He ordered :

“Come up! Quick ! Before that monster wakes up!"

Bulkhead grabbed Miko, and hurried inside! The sports car grumbled a "Don't give me orders", before climbing in turn... The ship took off, while the Predacon got up! Predaking roared in frustration, and flew after them!

Starscream found himself again in the great black space, and shouted:

"No! No! I need to get back to the real world!!"

A scene formed, and he noticed that he was inside the Harbinger! He heard a cry of agony, and recognized the voice of KnockOut! The Seeker ran towards the medical bay, and saw the doctor lying on the ground, covered in wounds, and losing energon! Airachnid was standing over him, his paws covered in energon!

"Bye, bye!" the spider sneered wickedly, before slamming one of her hooked legs right into the sports car's Spark!

The jet watched, much to his horror, KnockOut breathed one last sigh of pain before dying!

The scenery became dark again, and the flyer exclaimed:

"No! Knockout!!"

Airachnid was going to be at the Harbinger?! Unless she's already there! He had to do something!! He had to wake up! Starscream felt panic welling up inside him realizing he had no way to save the doctor in the state he was in!

"No! I need to wake up!" the Seeker exclaimed.

It wasn't that little drug that was going to stop him! He had to wake up to save his friend!

The jet opened his optics with difficulty... Everything was blurry around him... The flyer was struggling to find his bearings, but even if it was dark, he knew he was in the real world... He heard a conversation of the two Insecticons, who had their backs to him, seeming to stand guard.

"When do you think he'll wake up? one of them asked.

- Not for two, three hours from what Queen Airachnid said. answered the other.

- You want us to bet the exact time?

- ... You're really just a Sparkling...

- Oh! Come on!

- Only thirty minutes have passed! Stop bothering me! I don't want to bet and wait for one hour and a half!

- Ah! So you bet one hour and a half! 

- Primus...

- I bet two hours and a half! He's a small build, and given the dose Queen Airachnid injected him with, he's not going to wake up right away!"

While the two insects were talking, Starscream was doing his best to try to free himself... The drug was still working, but contrary to what the duo thought, it didn't knock him out! "There are much stronger drugs, morons..." the Seeker scoffed.

He felt that he would achieve nothing by struggling, especially since he was hurting himself more than anything else... His injuries to his wings, shoulder and head were really painful, and struggle on his bonds didn't help him... "I have to find another idea..." thought the jet.

He started to think, but the drugs did not help him to have clear ideas... Suddenly, he had an idea! But, he felt that he was going to be painful...

“Okay, I'm hungry! Let's get some energon! exclaimed the Insecticon, named Bombshell, if the flyer remembered correctly.

- But, and the prisoner?! the other was indignant.

- He's out anyway! Look!"

The two insects turned to Starscream, who quickly closed his optics to pretend to be unconscious. Bombshell moved closer to the Seeker, leaned over him, and shook him.

“See, completely H.S! smiled the Insecticon.

- Yeah, yeah, don't aggravate his wounds either... growled the other insect.

- Yeah, sorry..."

The jet forced himself not to panic, but all it could think of was, "Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away!!". The thought of being so close to this horrible creature terrified him more than anything else...!

The last time he had faced an Insecticon, the latter had tried to eat him under the amused gaze of that glitch of Airachnid !! So, honestly, the further he was from this beast, the better off he was!

"Well, we're in a cave with energon, let's get some! That's what we originally came here for, right? Bombshell exclaimed.

- OK! Go then! I stay here! replied his teammate.

- Oooh... Come on!

- No!"

“But go away, frag!!!" thought the flyer angrily. He couldn't break free as long as they were this close! By dint of insistence, the other Insecticon ends up giving in, much to Starscream's relief.

The two insects moved away, and the Seeker began his plan! He began to try to light his reactor slightly in the back, to burn the webs! The problem was that his arms were attached just below his reactor, so he would inevitably burn himself... The other difficulty was that in his condition, he might not pay attention to the power he would give, and melt his hands...

"No! Come on! It's my only chance!" the jet encouraged himself. He ignited his reactor, and instantly burned the webs! He ripped the now burning webs as quickly as possible, and threw them away from him! The flyer groaned in pain, as he noticed that his arms had still taken damage...

He huffed before getting up, but immediately fell forward, and screamed! Starscream slumped to the floor, face first! He huffed in pain, and looked down at his legs, noticing that they were still attached... "Scrap! I'm so stupid!" the Seeker cursed himself.

“Did you hear that?! the jet heard the voice of one of the Insecticons say.

- Yeah! What was that?!" cried out the other.

The airman realized that he was in big troubles, and tore the bonds on his legs as fast as he could! But the webs held, and he started to panic! “In what these webs are made of?!!" thought Starscream.

He heard the footsteps of insects running in his direction, and panicked "Frag! Frag! Frag!!". The Seeker finally managed to free himself, and quickly got up, trying to recover his senses, completely blurred by the drug! He rushed out of the cavity in which he was, and tried to find his way out of this cave! He saw the Insecticons rushing towards him, and Bombshell cried out:

" What ?! How is that possible?!

- Come back here, little fragger! ordered the other.

- Oh...scrap..." the jet stammered.

He started running in the direction away from the bugs, but he really couldn't see much without his night vision, which refused to activate! “Damn drugs!!" the aviator got angry, as much from anger as from stress! He fell, hitting his foot against a rock, and saw that the two Insecticons were gaining ground!

"Get up...! Get up!" Starscream gasped.

He got up with difficulty, and began to flee again! It was too dangerous to transform into his alternate mode when he was practically blind, but the others were starting to seriously catch up with him! The Seeker finally saw the light of the exit, and felt the relief rise in him, when he was suddenly pinned on the ground, face against the ground!

"I've got you!" exclaimed Bombshell, who was on top of him.

The jet struggled, and dug his claws into one of the Insecticon's legs, making him scream in pain! The insect slightly relaxed his grip on him, and the flyer took the opportunity to turn around and scratch the face of his enemy! Bombshell got up holding his face, and Starscream got up to run away!

As Bombshell moaned in pain, the other continued the pursuit! He transformed into his alternate mode, and flew towards the Seeker! The latter jumped towards the exit, and turned around, before firing a missile in the direction of the Insecticon! But, being still under the effects of the drug, his shot went too high and hit the entrance of the cave! The jet crashed into the grass, as the entrance to the cavern collapsed!

"No!" cried out the insect, as the rocks began to fall on him!

There was a great landslide, and the flyer had to cover his optics to protect himself from the dust of earth which rose due to tremors! Well... At least he was free... Starscream sighed in relief, stood up, and said:

"Hang on... KnockOut... I'm coming..."

The Seeker transformed into his alternate mode, and took off towards the Harbinger!

Chapter Text

KnockOut recoiled in fear in front of Airachnid, and the latter sneered, while entering the medical bay:

"Well? What's wrong? Are you scared?"

The doctor clenched his fists, and his fear quickly turned to hate as he remembered what the spider had done to his Sparkmate! Then, suddenly, he realized something!

"Where's Starscream?! cried out the sports car.

- ... Not here. the Techno-Organic replied simply.

- What did you do to him?!

- I didn't kill him. Reassured?"

KnockOut drew his circular saw embedded in his arm, and rushed at Airachnid, shouting:

"You little-"

But, he didn't have time to finish his sentence, the spider easily dodged his attack, and swung webs on his arms, pinning him, back against the wall!

"I'll take a real pleasure to torture you!" the Techno-Organic smiled grimly, closing in on her prey!

It was then that she heard the noise of the machines, and turned around. Airachnid saw Breakdown lying on a medical table, seemingly unconscious. She approached, intrigued.

“So you did survive?! The spider wondered. Really, it's amazing!

- Leave him alone! cried out the doctor, struggling against his bonds.

- Sorry, but I don't like shoddy work!"

The spider lifted one of her legs, ready to finish off the military car, when she heard the sound of a circular saw behind her! She spun around, and saw the red robot released from his restraints, rushing at her!

"Don't touch him! Glitch!!" shouted KnockOut in rage.

He hit the Techno-Organic with his saw, right on the cheek! Airachnid cried out in pain clutching his face, and backed away from the other two! The doctor got between his Sparkmate and the spider, then went into a defensive position!

The Techno-organic removed her hand from her face, and found that she was losing energon! A huge gash was between his audio-receiver and his cheek! Airachnid heaved herself above the ground with her sharp paws, and shouted angrily:

“You will pay for this!!"

Bulkhead, Arcee, Jack, Miko and Wheeljack were all happy to see each other again! And also reassured that they were fine, even though the Wreckers had nearly been destroyed by the Predacon. The Japanese girl exclaimed, pointing to Ultra Magnus:

“By the way, who is he?!

- I am the Second in Command of the Autobots, my name is Ultra Magnus. answered the latter.

- Oooh, I see! Pretty cool name!

- ... Thanks. Anyway, what was this beast?

- A Predacon, created by Shockwave." explained the big green robot.

The Autobot Second-in-Command was first surprised, then said:

"Shockwave is alive? Surprising... But now I understand how this Predacon can exist.

- Anyway, why didn't anyone tell me that the Predacon was a fucking dragon?! exclaimed the girl. It's sooo cool !!

- Miko, your language..." Bulkhead scolded.

The white Wrecker frowned, before asking the blue robot:

"Can I know what brings you here?"

- Can I know what brings you here "Sir". corrected the leader of the Wreckers. And, to answer your question, I followed a laser beam that led me straight to this planet."

The sports car wanted to say something about the correction, when Arcee called out:

“Sir, the radar detects movement behind us!

- We are followed by the beast. said Ultra Magnus.

- Doesn't that worry him more than that? the teenager whispered to Miko.

- Hang on!"

The Predacon spat out a fireball, which the Wrecker leader narrowly dodged! The beast continued its pursuit, determined to recover its prey! The Autobots' Second-in-Command steered the ship, and passed underneath the creature before he was behind it!

The blue robot started shooting at the Predacon, which dodged the attacks! The beast dove, before streaking straight to the underside of the ship, hitting it head-on! Everyone in the ship was shaken in all directions, but Ultra Magnus did not let himself be destabilized and regained control!

He decided that he had to lose altitude to get to a place where the monster could not follow them, and descended!

Predaking followed them, and saw that they were going towards a canyon! The Predacon knew full well that he couldn't follow them from here, since he couldn't spread his wings there, and thought of a plan! The beast retracted his wings, charged at the ship, and clung to it!

The leader of the Wreckers felt the violent turbulence caused by the monster, and was now trying to free the creature as it tore up his ship! They arrived at a dead end in the canyon, and the blue robot ordered:

“Hold on tight! It will shake!"

Ultra Magnus lifted the ship, out of the canyon, and flipped it sharply, causing the Predacon to slam into the rock wall! But, the beast did not let go, and planted its claws deeper into the metal!

"Tenacious, hm..." observed the leader of the Wreckers.

The Autobot Second-in-Command kept his ship upside down, and raced towards a rock, above the canyon! The monster couldn't do anything to dodge it, and took it head-on! Finally letting go of his grip on the ship! The blue robot pushed the ship to gain altitude, while the Predacon fell into the canyon!

"Wow... that was quite a rollercoaster... Miko stammered.

- Ourgh... I think my heart and my stomach have switched places... Jack sputtered.

- Are you sure that I am on the ground? Bulkhead asked, confused.

- Wow! It was awsome! Wheeljack smiled. But I'm sure I would have done better!

- I doubt about it!" Ultra Magnus replied.

The two glared at each other defiantly, before the big green robot coughed:

"Uuh... Anyway, how did you find us?"

- Through your Autobot signals. explained the leader of the Wreckers.

- Oh ?! Does that mean you know where the others are?!

- Yes. I spotted two other signals.

- No more?

- Unfortunately no.

- Oh...

- ... Don't worry, soldier, I'm sure we'll find those who are missing."

The green Wrecker smiled at this statement, and looked thankful to his Commander for his attempt to reassure him.

Starscream continued to fly as fast as possible in the direction of the Harbinger! Unfortunately, his injuries didn't allow him to fly very fast... The Seeker realized he was still losing energon, and he didn't know if he would hold on... Would he be still fit to fight? Not to mention that he still had drugs in his circuits...

"Scrap..." the jet swore.

He had to find energon, urgently! The flyer activated his radar, and found one of the deposits he had abandoned because it was not really accessible... He landed, and began to dig the ground, to have at least a little energon! Starscream finally squeezed out a bit, and sighed:

“I'll settle for that...”

Skyfire and Ratchet had finally finished the signal tracker, and wasted no time in turning it on! That's when they noticed something strange, there were Autobot signals coming quickly in their direction. Four signals precisely!

The two exit, followed shortly by Bumblebee and Raf. They saw a ship, rather damaged, fly towards them, and land with difficulty on the landing strip, maybe a little too small for a ship of this size...

The group watched curiously as the ship's doors opened, and couldn't hide their joy at seeing their friends! Ultra Magnus was the last to come out. The shuttle, the doctor, the scout and the child were surprised to see him, and the leader of the Wreckers was equally confused by seeing the large white robot.

"Greetings, I'm Ultra Magnus. And you, who are you? asked the Autobot Second-in-Command.

- Uh... Hello! My name is Skyfire! answered the latter. I was trapped in the ice for several star cycles, long before the war! Your friends welcomed me among them!

- I see.

- Optimus is not with you? asked the ambulance, with a hint of hope.

- No... Two signals are missing, and unfortunately I see that one of them is Mr. Optimus...

- Oh...

- But, what about Smokescreen then? The yellow car worried.

- Smokescreen? repeated the blue robot.

- A new recruit. Bulkhead explained. A young member of the Elite Guard.

- ... He is surely the second missing...

- And my conjux? Skyfire asked. Has anyone have news of him? I'm worried about him... I felt he was very bad and-

- Your conjux is on this planet?

- Yes...

- Who is this?

- Er...Ultra Magnus... began Arcee. Before you ask you should-

- My conjux is Starscream." the shuttle answered tit for tat.

There was a very heavy silence, where Ultra Magnus seemed to be processing the information, then exclaimed curtly:

“Did I hear right?!"

KnockOut charged Airachnid again, armed with his saw, but the spider dodged and stabbed his arm with one of her paws! The doctor cried out in pain, stepped back, and held his arm in reflex!

It wasn't the first wound the Techno-organic inflicted on him, his body was covered in deep cuts, all inflicted by this psychopath! Airachnid sneered wickedly as she raced towards the sports car!

She gave him a violent kick, which threw him forcefully against the bottom of Breakdown's medical table! KnockOut was leaning against the bottom of the table, and moaned in pain... The spider approached, and mocked:

"Well ?! That's all you know how to do?!"

She planted one of her paws lightly against the doctor's breastplates, and began to form a long groove dripping with energon! The sports car screamed in pain, as the Techno-organic laughed:

"Oh! That's a bad scratch you have there!"

KnockOut tried to get up, but Airachnid kicked him hard in the head, knocking him to the ground! She planted one of her paws directly into the back of the doctor, who cried out in agony! The spider removed her leg, and sneered wickedly:

"Bye, bye!"

She lifted another of her paws, ready to hit the sports car Spark! But, the Techno-organic felt her paw being held back by something behind her and she quickly spun around!

She didn't see coming the huge punch she took right on her already injured cheek, and took off against the wall opposite the door! Airachnid stood up in pain, holding his wounded face, then turned to his attacker! That's when she saw...

“Starscream?!" wondered the spider.

The Seeker stood between her and KnockOut, glaring! He slammed his fist against the palm of his other hand, with optics full of defiance and rage, and exclaimed:

"It's time to eradicate the vermin!"

Chapter Text

Starscream and Airachnid got into a fighting position, determined to do battle! The spider sped towards the Seeker, who narrowly dodged a kick with one of the legs of his enemy! He had to avoid others, then the Techno-organic screamed in frustration, and jumped at his throat, knocking them both down!

The jet pushed her away easily, kicking her in the abdomen, throwing her away from him! The flyer got up with difficulty, while the drug continued to stun him... Airachnid got up more quickly, and exclaimed:

“How can you be here?! The drug I gave you should have left you unconscious much longer!

- You think... really... that it's a little drug like that... that's going to stop me...?" Starscream challenged.

The spider understood that the drug was still working on the Seeker, and smiled. Even if he was more resistant than she thought, he was still affected! Not to mention the fact that he kept losing energon due to his injuries!

"Give up! Given your condition, you have no chance against me! scoffed the Techno-Organic.

- ... It's rather you who should give up... retorted the jet.

- Oh! Really?! Ha! ha! May I know why?!

- Because... Even in this state... I remain stronger than you...!"

Airachnid froze for a moment, before feeling the anger welling up inside her at the flyer's arrogance!

"It's time for me to teach you a lesson! cried out the spider. Megatron is right, that's the only way you learn!"

The Techno-Organic rose to her feet and charged towards Starscream! She threw one of her sharp paws, and the Seeker caught it before it touched him! He lifted Airachnid, and threw her forcefully against the hallway wall!

The priority of the jet for the moment was to get this madbot away from the other two! He jumped on the spider, and tackled her on the ground, before giving her several punches! The flyer felt a sudden pain in his left side, and realized that the Techno-organic had stabbed him with one of his paws!

While Starscream was distracted, Airachnid took the opportunity to trap his hands in webs! She brutally pushed the Seeker away, kicking him in the chest, and using a wire attached to the tethers on the jet's hands, to lift him off the ground! The spider hit the flyer several times in a row against the walls, the floor, and the ceiling of the corridor!

Starscream had to fight the pain, and pulled his arms back, while he was still in the air! The Techno-Organic left the ground, and the Seeker kicked her hard in the head, forcefully propelling Airachnid against the wall!

The jet landed gracefully on the ground, and was now struggling against his bonds! The spider was beginning to come to her senses, and the flyer decided to get out of the ship! He was not advantaged in this closed space!

The Techno-Organic saw Starscream flee, and thought "A coward is still a coward!" She went in pursuit of her prey, completely forgetting KnockOut and Breakdown!

The Seeker arrived outside, but still had his hands trapped! Airachnid came out in his turn, and laughed:

"Well?! I thought you were stronger than me!

- Oh, but I am..." the jet provoked.

The spider saw red, and launched one of her sharp legs in the direction of the chest of the flyer! Starscream placed his hands in front of his chest, and the paw tore the webs! The Seeker immediately pulled out his blasters, and fired at the Techno-Organic!

Taken by surprise, Airachnid couldn't dodge all the shots, and took several on her arms as she put them in front of her face! One of the attacks ripped a piece off one of the spider's legs, and the latter cried out in pain! The jet fired one of his missiles at her, which hit the Techno-Organic head-on, sending her flying into rocks!

"I told you that I was going to rip your legs off one by one...!" exclaimed the flyer.

He saw plasma lights, formed by blaster fire, shooting towards him, through the dust that had risen! He jumped to dodge them as the dust settled! It was then that he saw a hole! Airachinid had drilled the earth!

Starscream lands on the ground, right after realizing this, and turn around when he hears a drilling sound behind him! The spider came out of a hole behind the Seeker, and hit him on the cheek with her acid-soaked claws! The jet cried out in pain, and covered his face with a hand, out of reflex!

The Techno-organic unsheathed one of her legs, ready to strike! The flyer grabbed it with one hand, and turned the other into a blaster! He fired point-blank at Airachnid, several times in a row, badly burning one side of his tank!

The spider freed herself from Starscream's grip on her leg, slapping his still injured shoulder with another sharp appendage! The Seeker backed away, clutching his shoulder, and the Techno-Organic jumped on him to tackle him to the ground! She planted her paws again in the already bruised wings of the jet, which screamed in pain!

"You are slower than usual! Airachnid sneered. You're a pretty dumb machine, to think you can fight in your condition!

- ... I may be injured and drugged... however, that didn't stop me from causing you damage...!" replied the flyer.

The spider dug her legs deeper into Starscream's wings, causing him to convulse in pain! She grabbed the Seeker's face with one hand, forcing him to look her right into the optics, and exclaimed:

"You really are a very bad slave!

- Little lesson, Airachnid... Cold Constructions were not seen as slaves! But, like weapons!" the jet smirked.

He quickly activated his Null Ray cannon, and fired a 10% beam, much to his enemy's shock! The attack hit the Techno-Organic head-on, which lifted off the ground, freeing the flyer from her grasp in the process! Airachnid crashed into the earth, and did several rolls, before falling into a large canyon not far from the ship!

Starscream lay on the ground for a while, still having his senses clouded by the drugs and the lack of energon, then stood up, not without difficulty... The Seeker moved closer to the chasm, clutching his wounded side with one hand, and the wings low, to avoid the maximum contact with the wind which blew on his wounds... He noted that the bottom of the canyon was a large torrent of water, which had undoubtedly carried his enemy very far ...

"I hope she's dead...!" the jet hissed.

He returned to the Harbinger, to see how KnockOut and Breakdown was doing.

Ultra Magnus sighed heavily, after hearing the others' explanations... So Starscream was with them for a while, mainly because his conjux (an information very surprising) was staying with the Autobots. But now he was on the run, because they had discovered that the Seeker was a Cold Construction (which was even more surprising)!

"It's rather... Disconcerting... said the leader of the Wreckers.

- Yes, I grant you. nodded Ratchet.

- But he has changed for the better, it shows. added Wheeljack.

- You allow that I have a doubt. retorted the Autobot Second-in-Command.

- Why?! Because I'm the one saying it?!

- How can you be sure that Starscream is really on your side? We are actually talking about Starscream.

- My conjux is a good person! defended Skyfire.

- ... Your judgment is rather erroneous...

- No! It's wrong! I know my conjux better than you!

- We've known him for longer.

- But why you-

- That's enough ! the doctor intervened. Magnus, I understand your distrust, especially when talking about a robot like Starscream... But, he has really changed... We also ended up assuming that he mainly joined the Decepticons by default, because they at least accepted him as a Cold Construction.

- This is the case in our camp too.

- Not with Sentinel Prime...

- ... Mr. Optimus made a big mistake welcoming him...

- Yes, but now you understand better why Starscream has-

- I don't want him to make the same mistake with that Seeker! I prefer actions to words! So, as long as I haven't seen the change at Starscream with my own optics, I remain wary!

- ... I understand...

- Good."

The blue robot left the group, and entered the hangar. The others followed, not far behind, except for the shuttle. The ambulance did not fail to notice it, and approached the large white robot.

“I know you're upset, Skyfire, but you have to understand him. said Ratchet.

- Yes... I know... Skyfire answered. But, that doesn't stop me from being upset... Can you leave me alone for a while, please?

- Sure."

The doctor walked away, leaving the shuttle. The tall white robot sighed, and put a hand on his Spark... The fear was gone, and a sense of relief began to take its place. Starscream was fine, he was getting better...

Skyfire was happy to see this change in his Spark, and above all he was reassured... The feeling of distress that his conjux had originally sent him was clearly a cry for help, but the shuttle had done nothing...

The big white robot felt the guilt rising in him, when suddenly, he felt a soothing feeling in his Spark... It was Star, he was telling him that he was fine! Skyfire smiled, put both hands on his chest, and closed the optics, just enjoying the pleasant sensation Starscream gave him.

Chapter Text

Predaking had returned to the Decepticon, with the bitter taste of defeat... Megatron had been more than angry when he learned of the failure, and Shockwave had seemed disappointed... The Predacon didn't like it... He didn't feel like he had achieved anything yet...

The beast was lying on one of the large balconies of the Dark Mount, watching the sun go down while trying to think of less depressing things...

“Hey! Predaking!" called a voice.

The large robot immediately recognized Steve's voice, and turned quickly. The Vehicon sat down next to his friend, and consoled:

"Don't get depressed, it happens to everyone."

Predaking gave him a grateful little nod, and gently wrapped his tail around the soldier. Steve stroked her side, and said:

"Tomorrow is another day."

The Predacon wanted so badly to answer him, to talk to his love... But, he couldn't... How come everyone else could have two alternate modes, but not him? Why?! It wasn't fair!

KnockOut hardly came to his senses... Everything hurt him... Ah! Airachnid! Where was she?!

The doctor found that he was lying on a medical table and hooked up to machines to keep him stable. It wasn't like the spider to do that... Especially since she maybe couldn't even know what these machines were for...

The sports car sat down on the table, and looked around. He looked first at how his Sparkmate was doing! KnockOut sighed in relief as Breakdown was fine.

But now the question was: Who had repaired his wounds? Although it was not the work of an expert doctor, the repairs were relatively well done...

The red robot stood up, after unplugging himself from the machines. He noticed a shape nearby, motionless. The sports car approached cautiously, and noted with great relief that it was Starscream.

The Seeker was sitting in a chair, with his arms and head on a table, in deep recharge. KnockOut noticed the damage of the jet, and easily recognized the work of Airachnid... The aviator had done his best to repair his injuries, but it was always more difficult to do it on yourself...

The doctor heard a noise, and saw that it was an energon extractor in full swing. The machine was transforming the energon crystals into energon liquid, after processing the impurities.

"Oh...Starscream... the sports car huffed. You didn't dig up energon in your condition, did you...?"

Yes ! Of course he did! It was sure! KnockOut sighed heavily, and thought about the fact that he might have to wake up Starscream, to check if he had any more serious injuries... But, at the same time, the Seeker really needed to rest...

"Are you planning to stare at me for a long time?" asked the jet, who was looking at the doctor.

The sports car jumped slightly, and smiled:

“Oh scrap, you got me...I didn't think you'd see me ogling you.

- Tss... » huffed the flyer, in a laugh.

KnockOut laughed lightly, then said:

"I'd better check on your condition.

- And you should take care of your finish... answered Starscream.

- My finish? ...Oh Primus! My finish!"

The Seeker laughed at this reaction, as the doctor rushed to a sander on one of the tables in the medical bay. The sports car began working on his paint, and asked:

"What happened to Airachnid?

- I don't know. confessed the jet.

- What ?! You do not know?!

- I fought her, and-

- Hold on! Hold on! You fought Airachnid?! You?!"

The flyerfrowned, as KnockOut tried to take in the fact that it wasn't a joke.

“Well, that... For a surprise... the doctor smiled.

- Yeah, yeah... Starscream breathed.

- Why did you do that?

- What?

- Why did you attack Airachnid?

- ... Because... Because we had to get rid of her...

- That's all?

- She had invaded our lair, I had to get her out...

- But... You're resourceful enough to find another solution... Especially since you weren't even in the ship... You could have... gone and left us, Breakdown and me...

- I could have... Indeed...

- So why didn't you?

- ...Because... I... As surprising as it may seem... KnockOut... I see you as a friend..."

The sports car stopped his sander, and remained deeply silent, staring at the Seeker. The jet looked away, very clearly embarrassed...

KnockOut put down his equipment, and approached the flyer. Starscream looked at him in confusion, before the doctor hugged him, and smiled.

“For me too you are a friend!"

The Seeker had a moment of surprise, before responding to the hug, and laughing. The sports car eventually releases him, and says:

“Come on, I'll check to see if you don't have anything too serious.

- You're the doctor." replied the jet.

Lilas was in one of the MECH bases, and smiled seeing her work! She turned to the soldier, and picked up one of the guns on the counter.

“Gentlemen! The MECH leader said. We are moving in the right direction! Soon, the weapons you see here will allow us to save the world from itself!"

KnockOut had better repaired Starscream's injuries, and hooked him up to machines to check for any other problem.

"That's a bit of an exaggeration... the Seeker pointed out. I'm fine...

- I'm the doctor! retorted the doctor. And, I know your "I'm fine"!"

The jet sighed as the sports car looked at one of the machines. KnockOut looked at the flyer with a confused look, which the latter did not fail to notice.

"What ? Starscream ends up asking.

- Why are there drugs in your systems?

- Uh...

- Starscream...

- ... It was Airachnid who drugged me...

- What?!

- ...I found an energon deposit in a cave, and I ran into Airachnid... She grabbed me and drugged me...

- But why didn't she kill you?

- ...

- Starscream...

- She learned that I was a Cold Construction, and she..."

The Seeker couldn't finish explaining... It was too hard... Too disturbing...

“You don't have to talk about it if it's too hard. reassured the sports car.

- Thank you... answered the jet.

- But, was it that horrible?

- You said I didn't have to answer...

- Ah yes... Oops!

- It wasn't... Horrible... I would rather say it was... Hmm... I really can't say...

- Aah... You make me even more curious!

- In any case, it was anything but pleasant... Above all, a lot of negative emotions...

- Fear?

- ... Yes...

- Anger ?

- Also...

- Sadness ?

- No...

- OK! I take back what I said! I want to know! What exactly did she want to do to you?

- *Sigh*... She wanted... She wanted to reformat me, so that I would be in love with her... And be her slave...

- Urgh... So weird...

- Like you say...

- It must have been terrifying to experience such a thing!

- ... Let's say, it reminded me of a very unpleasant moment...

- ... Are you talking about the Institute?

- ..."

KnockOut noticed that the flyer's Spark was pulsing faster, and said:

"Nevermind..."

Starscream just nodded, and said nothing... He suddenly seemed much more tense... There was a heavy silence, until the doctor broke it:

"I'm sorry I said you were a liar, a coward and a traitor...

- Well... It's rather true... answered the Seeker.

- Yes... but... I shouldn't have said that you were a paranoid and broken robot either...

- ... That too, it's true...

- I'm sorry, Scream... I act like a jerk...

- Me too, I'm sorry...

-...?!"

The sports car looked at the jet with great surprise in these optics, and the flyer sighed:

"What now?!

- Did you just... Apologize? ... stammered KnockOut.

- Primus...

- Ooh! The great Starscream just apologized!! Oooooooh!!!"

The doctor started doing a strange dance, and Starscream huffed, with a smile:

"It's crazy how quickly you manage to make me regret my actions..."

The sports car laughed at this statement, and said:

"It's normal ! I am a Velocitronian after all, speed knows me! Well, I forgive you!

- Of course you forgive me! exclaimed the Seeker.

- Oh! I recognize you well here!"

The two laughed, then the jet sat down on the medical table.

"I guess you're done checking in on me. said the jet.

- Yes. It's good." nodded KnockOut.

He disconnected the flyer from the machines, and the latter descended from the medical table.

" Well I'm leaving you. announced Starscream, who was about to leave the medical bay.

- Starscream, wait!" exclaimed the doctor.

The Seeker turned to the sports car, and looked at him questioningly.

“I wanted to thank you... KnockOut smiled.

- Why? asked the jet.

- For saving me and Breakdown.

- ...You're welcome... But, I don't think I've done enough for Breakdown..."

The flyer whispered the last sentence, so the doctor didn't really hear him...

"Good night, KnockOut..." Starscream said finally, before leaving the medical bay for good.

The Seeker wondered if he should use his Capacity to help Breakdown... Wasn't it too risky, for his own safety? His Capacity was not something he should show like that... Especially now that everyone knew he was a Cold Construction... But, the red robot showed no hostility towards him...

"Don't get me wrong! It's just a facade!" shouted a voice in his head. "But no! He said he was your friend!" protested another. “He will betray you, like the others!", "He will hurt you! Like the others!", "He's not like them! He's not bad!", "Doctors are all bad!", Nope ! It's not true !"

"Shut up!" the jet cried out, putting his hands on his audio-receivers.

He sincerely hoped that KnockOut hadn't heard him... The flyer closed his optics, before ventilate, and continuing to walk to his room.

The doctor had moved closer to his Sparkmate, and gently grabbed his hand.

"Oh... Break... If you knew what a crazy day Scream and I had... It was just... Terrible..."

The sports car gently stroked the cheek of the military car, and smiled:

"At least, it will have allowed me to reconcile with Starscream... We are friends, even if he hides a lot of things from me... I would like him to be less suspicious..."

KnockOut thought about what he had seen on the machines... The drug in the Seeker's systems was at such a level that he should have been much more weakened... Yet he looked perfectly normal...

It was rather strange… How come the jet could handle the drugs so well? The doctor had a guess, but he sincerely hoped that wasn't what he was thinking...

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the great black space, and hoped that his vision would not be as horrible as the death of KnockOut...

The scene formed, and the Seeker smiled as he saw that this was the base where Skyfire was. He quickly entered in the shed, with the intense joy of seeing his conjux. That's when he saw...

“Ultra Magnus?!" the jet wondered.

Well, that was unexpected... Hm, with him, Sky was definitely safe! It was a good thing! But, knowing the Second-in-Command of the Autobots, he would never accept the flyer on the team, which could cripple Starscream to protect his love.

"Well... I'll deal with it..." the Seeker huffed.

He moved closer to listen to the conversation, and the leader of the Wreckers said:

"We can't afford to be dejected by the disappearance of Mr. Optimus! We must stop the Decepticons, before they carry out their plan against Earth, as Mr. Fowler explained to me!

- Since when are you in charge?!" retorted Wheeljack.

The blue robot and the white Wrecker glared at each other, before Ultra Magnus replied:

"I'm the Second in Command! According to rule 15-7, when the Leader is absent, it is his Commander who takes control!

- Yeah ! But you won't be forever! snapped the sports car.

- No, indeed! When Mr. Optimus comes back, I will give him back his place, as rule 15-8 stipulates! I'm not Starscream!

- *Sigh*! Ultra Magnus... Can't you stop with this stupids rules!

- The rules are the rules, soldier! And it's "Sir"!

- Do you have a plan? Ratchet interjected, sensing that they wouldn't get very far otherwise.

- Yes! We will storm the Dark Mount, destroy the turret cannons, and allow the human army to attack the castle!

- When ?

- Tomorrow ! At 4:30 p.m.! Wheeljack, Bulkhead and I will create a diversion, while Arcee and Bumblebee infiltrate the castle!"

The jet listened carefully to the plan, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either... There was a severe lack of botpower, and that could play against the Autobots...

For the infiltration it was kinda fine, but just two infiltrators to destroy the cannons was far too little... Not to mention the fact that the Decepticons had a Predacon with them...

"How are we going to do for the Predacon? Arcee asked.

- And why don't we attack now?! Wheeljack exclaimed.

- First I want us to build a ground bridge. the Autobot Second-in-Command replied.

- In so short time?! the doctor wondered.

- If we all worked on it, we'd be done tonight!

- Yes, indeed, it's doable... Skyfire nodded. But, we need the right equipment... At least recovery equipment...

- I think I have what it takes in my ship, as well as two or three things that I was able to recover from your destroyed base.

- How did you know this was our base? asked the white Wrecker.

- I had detected a signal there, which then disappeared...

- Oh ok...

- Surely the one who released the signal took refuge underground!

- Yes, it must be that ! You're maybe right, Magnus"

There was a silence, before the leader of the Wreckers felt compelled to say:

"It's "Sir".

- For Primus sake…" the sports car grumbled.

The jet had never liked this "follow the rules to the letter" side of Ultra Magnus, that was all he hated... Authority and severity...

Tch! The rules prevented to be free! And the Commander of the Autobots only lived for that! He was worse than Dreadwing! Unfortunately, the world needed rules to function properly...

The flyer woke up, and sat down on his charging table.

“Okay… Starscream breathed. I have until tomorrow, 4:30 p.m., to prepare for the fight that is about to come!"

Skyfire woke up to find that everyone was already up except the children. The shuttle closed in on the others, and Ultra Magnus announced:

“I see that everyone is awake, so much the better, I wanted to talk to you!

- We are listening. said Ratchet.

- We can't allow ourselves to be dejected by the disappearance of Mister Optimus! We must stop the Decepticons, before they carry out their plan against Earth, as Mr. Fowler explained to me!

- Since when are you in charge?!" retorted Wheeljack.

The tall white robot had sensed the tension between the Autobot Second-in-Command and the white Wrecker, and he hoped that they would one day come to an understanding...

Starscream entered the medical bay, and found that KnockOut was already up, watching the energon extractor with interest.

"You never seen an energon extractor or what? the Seeker joked.

- Pff... The doctor chuckled. No, actually, I'm intrigued how fast this energon extractor works! Normally it treats an energon crystal in an hour, but here in ten minutes it's settled!

- That's because I improved it.

- Really?!

- ... Stop being surprised by everything I do... I was a scientist before...

- Really?!"

The jet gave him a jaded look, while the sports car gave him a mischievous little smile.

"Nah, I'm teasing you! laughed the red robot. The fact that you were a scientist I learned it even before knowing that you were conjuxed!

- Ah... Yeah... said the flyer.

- Why did you hide that from me?! If things had been different, you would have told me one day?!

- Well... Uh... No...

- But! Why?!

- But because ! Why would I tell you about my presumed dead conjux?! It's weird!

- Oh yeah, said like that...

- Yes...

- In any case, bravo for the extractor of energon.

- Thank you, but I mostly did it for me.

- Why?

- Because I hate waiting!

- Pfft! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Starscream looked at KnockOut in confusion, and the doctor chuckled:

"Sorry, sorry... But, it's true that you're not known for your patience!"

The Seeker made a little miffed face, while the sports car continued to laugh.

“Moooow... Don't make that face... The red robot teased.

- And you don't say "Mooow"... You look like a cow!" retorted the jet.

KnockOut hit the flyer's uninjured shoulder, and the the latter moaned:

“Ouch!

- You shouldn't have comparing me to a cow! The doctor was offended.

- Pfft, and why not?

- Oh yeah?! Well you are... uh... Wait...

- Not even able to have repartee...

- Hey! Do not moke me!

- I'm not mocking, I'm not mocking...

- Oh no ?!

- I criticize!"

The sports car hit Starscream in the shoulder, and Starscream chuckled in response. Suddenly, the machines that were connected to Breakdown began to beep loudly! The two friends turned to the big blue robot, and saw him convulsing on the medical table! KnockOut reacted quickly, and rushed to his Sparkmate to see what the problem was!

"What is happening ?! exclaimed the Seeker.

- He's having a fit! replied the doctor.

- What?! But why?!

- His Spark is in shock! Because of the cannon shot he received!

- But why now?!

- No time to explain! I need to stabilize him! I'm going to need you!

- What?!

- You are now my medical assistant!

- What?!!

- Go on! Go get me the medical equipment!"

The sports car started making a list of all the equipment he needed, while he was already starting to work on the military car! The jet froze for a moment, wings stiff and tight, before KnockOut shouted:

“Why are you still here?! Go get the material!!

- OK! OK!" panicked the flyer.

Starscream quickly returned with the equipment, and the doctor exclaimed:

"OK ! Now bring me a syringe and-

- A syringe...?stammered the Seeker.

- Yes ! A syringe!!"

The sports car continued to make a new list, with the medicine he would need and other tools! The jet returned with the equipment, and the red robot cried out:

“And the syringe?!

- Oh! Yes! Yes!" realized the flyer.

Starscream opened several drawers, before finally finding where the syringes were! The Seeker hesitated to take one, until KnockOut yelled:

“Take that fragging syringe!!"

The jet ended up taking one of the syringes, and threw it at the doctor! The latter grabbed it narrowly, and shouted:

“Aah! Are you crazy?!

- What?! You have your syringe! Don't you?!" retorted the flyer.

The sports car did not linger on this point, and worked quickly to stabilize his Sparkmate! He injected the medecine into Breakdown's circuits, thanks to the syringe, and it was the last action that allowed him to save the military car!

After seeing that the big blue robot had become stable again, the two friends sighed with relief. The red robot looked at the monitors, and smiled:

"He's fine... He's fine... He... He..."

KnockOut suddenly began to cry, under the surprised gaze of Starscream.

“I don't know what to do to wake him up... sobbed the doctor. The material is not good enough here... I don't know what to do... I don't know what to do...”

The Seeker looked away, not particularly liking seeing the usually optimistic sports car in this state... He had to do something to help him! There was a way, but... The jet ventilated, plucked up his courage, and said:

"I...I have a way to get him out of the coma..."

Chapter Text

Dreadwing had been summoned by Megatron to go somewhere. The two flew for a while before landing in front of an abandoned mine.

“Why are we here? asked the tall Seeker.

- You will see." the leader of the Decepticons replied simply.

The duo entered into the mine, and walk for a while, until they came to a large space. The big jet then saw something that surprised him!

In front of him were at least ten vats arranged in two rows of five. Further, there was a mini-laboratory, where he saw Shockwave working. Dreadwing decided to approach one of the tanks, and noticed that there was a small Predacon!

"But... What the... stammered the tall Seeker.

- Surprising, isn't it? smiled the ex-gladiator. While we searched for the relics, Shockwave focused on expanding our army!

- Impressive!

- I'm glad to see that you like my work. said the scientist approaching the other two.

- You work really fast!

- Yes. But, now we have to wait until they have finished growing.

- That is going to take time ?

- I would say... Two more weeks."

The group heard a small growl, and saw the Predacon staring in fascination at one of the cubs in one of the vats.

“I hadn't seen the Predacon was there. said the big jet.

- I wanted to show him my work. explained the Cybertronian tank.

- Why ?

- They are Predacons, like him, he is necessarily attached to them. Especially when you assume that his entire species was extinct during the Great Cataclysm. Finding some sort of lost family inevitably strengthens the bonds."

When the cyclops robot said this, Megatron couldn't help but think of what Soundwave had said to him... "< Cold Constructions > < alive > < important > < species eradicated > < ! > < Proof > < not alone > < ! > < Bond > < strong > < ! >"

Now that he saw this, the leader of the Decepticons realized that Starscream had never been particularly hostile towards his friend, on the contrary even... The Seeker was much more patient with the Cybertronian plane than with anyone else...

The ex-gladiator thought the jet was afraid of the Communications Commander, or something... But, all things considered, there was a possibility it was deeper than that...

KnockOut looked at Starscream, with much surprise and confusion... Did he hear right? The Seeker had a way to get Breakdown out of the coma?!

“Why didn't you tell me before?! exclaimed the doctor.

- Because... because the way to do it is a bit special... explained the jet.

- But say it already !!

- ... I'm going to use my Capacity to get in contact with him..."

The sports car became more and more shocked and lost... A Capacity?! What?!

"What do you mean...? stammered the red robot. You have... A Capacity?!

- ... Yes... the flyer nodded.

- But... It's... It's impossible! A Cold Consrtruction cannot-

- I know...

- But how ?!

- I don't know! OK?! I can't even figure out how I work half the time! How do you expect me to answer your question?! It's already difficult enough for me to tell you, I don't need you to add to it!!

- ... Sorry...

- ... It's OK...

- But... What is your Capacity?

- The Capacity 'Aftertime'..."

A MECH soldier approached his leader, and exclaimed:

“Chief Lilas! We found him, thanks to the radar you created!

- Perfect! Let's get him back then!" Lilwen smiled.

The young woman and some MECH soldiers boarded jets and left for Japan!

KnockOut froze at the announcement... Really, this day was full of surprises!

“But... So... realized the doctor. Cylas was right?!

- What? Cylas? Starscream repeated, confused.

- He... He had... He had assumed that you were a diviner! But then it's true?!

- How could he...? What?!

- I swear! He had understood, without knowing anything about Capacities!

- ...

- But... How come you didn't take advantage of your Capacity before?! Like Null Rays when I think about it! Although for the Null Rays, since you were hiding that you were a Cold Construction, it was normal that you hide your cannons... But, why didn't you take advantage of such a powerful Capacity?! That doesn't make any sense!!

- It's not that simple!!"

The doctor stopped in his interrogations, and looked at the Seeker.

“Try to explain to me then. said the sports car.

- ... I... I locked my Capacity and my Functionality behind a code... explained the jet.

- A code?

- Yes... And I purposely forgot it to be sure that no one can use these powers anymore...

- But, nevertheless, you have your powers now...

- Yes...

- How is it possible?

- The code was Skyfire... If I saw Skyfire alive again, then I would get everything back...

- Oh scrap...

- Yeah... As you say...

- ... But... I don't see how your Capacity will help my Sparkmate...

- ... You know the cortical psychic patch from Shockwave, right?

- Well, yeah.

- In your opinion, from what Shockwave  inspired to make the patch?"

Steve walked quietly down the halls to the medical bay, eager for Predaking's return. "Come to think of it... why am I so looking forward to seeing him again?" thought the Vehicon. Usually, he wasn't so eager to see a friend again... And even before, at the beginning of his friendship with the Predacon, he wasn't so happy to see him again... Hm... Weird...

"Bah, it's because we're really friends, I guess..." the soldier said, shrugging his shoulders.

Suddenly, another Vehicon jostled him, and Steve shouted:

"Hey!!"

The drone didn't even pay attention to him, and kept walking, hunched over. The soldier growled in frustration, and exclaimed:

"Don't apologize at all!!"

But then again, the other didn't even glance at him.

“Tch! I don't have time to waste with a freak!" the Vehicon snarled, before stalking off.

As Steve drove off, the drone flipped over, and his visor glowed an strange dark purple...

"Army..." the soldier muttered.

KnockOut was sick and tired of being surprised by every statement Starscream made... It ended up being a bad habit...

"Hold on! Hold on! exclaimed the doctor. You're not telling me that-

- Yes... nodded the Seeker. Shockwave have been inspired by my Capacity to create the cortical psychic patch, well, one of my Capacity options...

- Ah yes, of course, because in addition your Capacity has several options...

- I'm full of surprises. tried to joke the jet.

- I see that... Well, how does it work exactly?

- ... I'm going to come into physical contact with Breakdown, to somehow get in contact with his past.

- Uh... What?

- It's hard to explain...

- But, when you say physical contact what do you mean?

- Take his hand, touch his shoulder, something like that... Why this question? the flyer asked, suspiciously.

- Oh... For nothing~...

- ... What, "for nothing"? So why do you-”

Starscream ended up understanding the implication, and blushed deeply! He hit the sports car, in the head, and shouted:

"I'm not going to kiss Breakdown! Pervert!!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! Aouch! laughed the red robot. Sorry ! It was too tempting !

- Tss!

- Anyway, I'll let you do! I trust you, Starscream!

- ... Well, you're probably the only one after Skyfire and Optimus to have said that to me...

- Three is better than none."

The Seeker smiled, and KnockOut smiled back.

June stormed into the shed and exclaimed:

“Jack! Jack!"

The concerned was on one of the platforms, and quickly descended the stairs to join his mother! The two hugged, and the nurse exclaimed:

“I was so worried! You're okay?! You have nothing?!"

The brunette started doing a full check-up of her son's condition, and Jack laughed.

"Mom, I'm fine.

- Ooh... I'm so happy to see you again! June smiled, taking the teenager back in her arms. Fowler took a long time to let me know you were back!"

The robots continued to build the ground bridge, but couldn't help but be moved by the scene.

Starscream closed in on Breakdown, and KnockOut followed, not far behind. The doctor asked:

“So, how are you going to do it concretely? You get in touch with him and that's it?

- No... chuckled the Seeker. It's not that simple...

- Forget the explanation, anyway I think you're going to lose me...

- Okay, okay. On the other hand, I don't really know how to do it anymore... The two times it happened was by accident... Until I had fully recovered all of the code, I wouldn't have total control on my powers...

- It is kind of a shame...

- Indeed...

- But, it won't kill Breakdown or something if you lose control... Right?

- My Capacity is anything but offensive...

- Really really?

- You want me to save your Sparkmate, yes or no?!

- Hey, don't talk to me like that, kid!

- Kid- What?! But hey!!

- Yup! If you're a Last Generation Cold Construction, you're definitely younger than me! Respect your elders!

- Oh! In your dreams!

- Sassy kid!

- Tss, tss..."

The sports car chuckled slightly, and said:

“Thank you for helping me save Breakdown. I know how hard it must have been for you to tell me you had a Capacity. Thank you, for all my Spark.

- Oh... Wait... That was too many thanks, I wasn't ready... The jet joked, even if there was a sad kernel of truth.

- Oh oops! It's true that you're not used to it! Let's catch that! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! OK, OK! Stop!"

The two laughed, and the flyer finally said:

"Okay, I'm going.

- OK. nodded the red robot. Good luck.

- For that I would still have to have some.

- Pfft, don't say that!"

Starscream smiled, then grabbed Breakdown's hand, closed his optics, and concentrated.

The Seeker found himself in a large city, which he recognized as the capital of Velocitron! Delta! The jet was happy to find that it had managed to use his Capacity, and began to roam the empty streets of the city, looking for the large blue robot.

The flyer passed in front of a bar, and stopped abruptly, having thought he saw the military car through the window of the bar. Starscream leaned his head against the glass, and saw that the bar was much busier than the streets.

He saw that, indeed, Breakdown was there. The big blue robot was drinking a glasse of energon-concentrate with KnockOut, Bulkhead and Wheeljack, as well as an unknown blue robot, a race car it seemed. The Seeker decided to enter the bar, and called out to the military car:

“Breakdown!"

The latter turned to the jet, and exclaimed in surprise:

“Starscream?!"

Chapter Text

Soundwave rushed into the Dark Mount's throne room, and exclaimed, in Starscream's voice:

“< Lord Megatron! > < We have a problem! >"

The leader of the Decepticons was initially surprised to see his friend, and asked:

“Are you done sulking?

- ..... < No! >" the Communications Commander snapped, still with the Seeker's voice.

It was usually that voice he used when he wanted to be disagreeable. The ex-gladiator sighed heavily, and asked:

“Okay, what's the problem?

- < Airachnid! > < escaped > < ! > announced the cybertronian plane, with a succession of voices.

- What?!!"

Megatron quickly left the room, accompanied by Soundwave, and the two ran towards the prison tower! How did the spider manage to break free?! And most importantly, for how long?!

The duo arrived in front of the Techno-Organic's cell, and the leader of the Decepticons abruptly opened it! He froze when he saw that there was only the stasis cell left, destroyed!

“< Done > < by > < Insecticon > <. > explained his friend.

- We have a big problem... huffed the ex-gladiator. If Airachnid managed to break free, then it's only a matter of time before she takes control of our Insecticon army!

- With the army of Predacons, we won't need it anymore." came a voice.

The other two turned to Shockwave, who was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed.

" What do you propose? Megatron asked.

- To permanently get rid of the Insecticons. replied the scientist.

- Shockwave, you-

- It's logic.

- It seems difficult to get rid of them without them realizing it...

- < No > < not kill > < ! > < Not their fault > < ! > < Insecticons > < innocents > < ! > interposed the Cold Construction.

- I understand your reluctance, Soundwave, but Shockwave is right...

- < Assassin! > < Fragger! > < I hate you! > cried out the cybertronian plane in Starscream's voice.

- They are not Cold Constructions as elaborate as you. the cybertronian tank intervened. Insecticons have no value."

The Communications Commander gave the cyclops robot a huge slap! The latter didn't particularly get hurt, but he couldn't hide his surprise at the hit... The leader of the Decepticons stared at his friend in astonishment, and Soundwave hissed curtly, still with the Seeker's voice:

“< You really are a fragger! >"

The Cold Construction left the group, clenching his fists.

Starscream approached Breakdown, who got up from the stool he was sitting on, and stammered:

"But… how can you be here? You're... Oh... This isn't real, isn't it...?"

- Yes, you're in a coma. nodded the Seeker. I came to get you.

- To take me to the All-Spark?! You're dead and you're taking me with you?!

- ... What ?! But of course not, you idiot!

- Hey!

- Think twice, I'm a Cold Construction, I could never join the All-Spark! How do you want me to take you there?!

- Oh yeah... It's true... I forgot...

- Unbelievable..."

The scenery around them disappeared, becoming simply a large black space.

"How's KO?! worried the military car.

- He is fine. reassured the jet. You are both fine. I took you both to the Harbinger.

- At the Harbinger?!

- Yes.

- But... I... I'm lost... I don't even understand how you're here...

- ... I have an Capacity... basically...

- What?!

- I'll explain later... OK? Don't waste time, you must get out of your coma! KnockOut is worried sick!

- But I don't know how...

- You just have to really want it... You have to want to wake up! That's the only way you'll get there!

- But... I'm not even sure that I really want to...

- What?!

- I liked the world where I was, here... Without war, on Velocitron, with my friends and my Sparkmate..."

The flyer violently slapped the big blue robot, which screamed in surprise! Breakdown held his cheek, and looked at Starscream, in shock and surprise...

“I forbid you to say that! cried out the Seeker. You will wake up! Right away! The real KnockOut awaits you! He wants you back! So you're gonna come back you selfish moron!!"

The jet continued to hit the military car, which protected himself as best he could, putting his arms above his head!

“Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! OK! OK!" exclaimed the big blue robot.

He grabbed the flyer's wrists to prevent him from continuing to hit him, and said:

" You're right...

- Of course I'm right! Starscream retorted.

- Ha! Ha! I recognize you there!"

There was a pleasant silence, and Breakdown freed the Seeker's hands.

“I want to try to come back, but how do I do it exactly? ends up asking the military car.

- I told you, you just have to want it, the rest you leave to me. explained the jet.

- Oh ok...

- That's why I need you to really want it... If you ever hesitate when I bring you back, you'll be stuck here.

- Oh ok...?

- It's good?

- Yes yes...

- I really need you to certify that it's good!

- Yes ! It's good!

- Good!"

The flyer took the hands of the large blue robot, and asked:

"Ready?

- Ready!" Breakdown replied.

Starscream closed the optics, and the military car followed suit.

Steve arrived in the Vehicons mess hall, and G4R1 waved at him, before exclaiming:

“Hey! 5T3V3!

- Steve..." corrected the soldier, before approaching the other.

He sat down on the bench, and put his arms on the table. The drone gave him an energon cube, and smiled:

"It's fresh! It has just been found by a team that left the day before yesterday.

- Oh, cool... said the Vehicon simply.

- On the other hand, there are some who are a little strange since their return.

- Really?

- Yeah, I swear! There were two that looked completely amorphous!

- I ran into one then...

- Really?!

- Yeah, at least I think so... He had his back arched, and jostled me like a mess! He didn't even apologize!

- Seriously?!

- Yeah, I hallucinated!

- What a fragger!

- Maybe they caught a virus. proposed 54M, who had embedded himself in the group.

- Oh yeah, it's possible... I hope it's not contagious...

- And otherwise, one of you wouldn't have seen Bombshell? I've been looking for him for a while, he was supposed to eat with me today...

- No, sorry...

- Pff... Thanks anyway...

- In any case, this virus thing worries me... huffed Steve. Maybe I should ausculted one of them...

- Yeah I admit...

- In any case, I see that you take your role as a doctor very seriously. laughed G4R1.

- It's a very serious job! exclaimed 5T3V3.

- I have no doubt about it.

- Alright, I'm going. said 54M. If you ever see Bombshell, tell him I'm looking for him.

- OK! See you !"

54M moved away from the group, and Steve stood up in turn, before explaining:

“I think Predaking has finished his training, I'm going to see him.

- OK! G4R1 answered. However, what are you to each other? Because, from what I understand, he sees you as a Sparkmate.

- ... Yes, but not me...

- And it will never be the case?

- ...

- 5T3V3?

- Uh... It's Steve!!"

Steve ran off, sincerely wondering why he had hesitated to answer...

KnockOut had been waiting for Breakdown and Starscream to return for two minutes now... Both looked like they were in stasis, and the doctor was checking his Sparkmate's condition every two seconds. The sports car closed his optics and huffed to de-stress...

"Well then, don't sleep." laughed a voice.

The red robot jumped up and screamed in surprise, before quickly whirling around to see the Seeker.

“Starscream?! KnockOut wondered. And Breakdown, he...

- I'm fine, KO..." said the latter.

The doctor turned and exclaimed, with tears of joy:

“Breakdown!!"

The sports car hugged up the big blue robot, still lying on the medical table, sobbing with joy.

The jet could not help but feel an unpleasant sensation in his Spark, seeing the couple reunited, while he was so far from his conjux...

Skyfire and the others continued construction of the ground bridge. Bulkhead got scolded severely by Ratchet, for breaking something they needed.

The shuttle had finally repaired the tool, and the doctor took it after thanking the tall white robot. Skyfire hoped that everything was going well for his conjux, and was rather confused when he felt a feeling of jealousy go through his Spark...

Lilas and MECH agents were driving with jeeps, in a Japanese forest, and the young woman motioned to stop in front of a cave.

"He's there? asked one of the soldiers.

- It would seem." Lilwen replied.

She got out of the vehicle and rushed into the cave. She walked for a while, with her men, armed, while scanning the cavern with her flashlight. That's when she found him, sitting on the ground, listless.

"I finally found you..." the scientist sighed.

She flashed a large blue and red robot, with yellow optics, eyeing her apprehensively.

"Hm... Look at you, you don't look like anything...Tch! A monster is still a monster I see! Lilas growled. Leland Bishopp... Or should I say, Cylas, right?"

Chapter Text

Soundwave was on the deck of the Nemesis, still moored to one of the Dark Mount platforms... He was watching the sun go down, thinking about what was going on right now... He had to find a way to protect Insecticons!

Shockwave and Megatron were right about making sure the bugs didn't attack them because of Airachnid... But there was definitely another less drastic way than slaughter!

The cybertronian plane will not tolerate such barbarism! He will not tolerate it anymore! It was out of the question! The Cold Construction refused to see another species being eradicated!

Suddenly, the Communications Commander had an idea! Yes ! It should work! At least until they intercept Airachnid! Soundwave left the deck, and entered the ship.

Starscream, KnockOut, and Breakdown sat in a circle on the floor, and the doctor still kept an arm around his Sparkmate's arm.

"Good! Now that we are a little more functional team, we have to think about what's next. said the Seeker.

- And that mean? asked the military car.

- ... Tomorrow, I will go back to the Autobots...

- What?! cried out the red robot.

- But, why? stammered the big blue robot.

- That won't stop me from coming to help you, and give you some energon. reassured the jet.

- That's not why we're worried! Imbecile! scolded the sports car. You're a Cold Construction, they're bound to hurt you!

- ... I know... There is a big risk... It's true... But I have to do my best to make them win... And I'll can't really do it in distance...

- No ! There must be another way!

- Tomorrow, at 4:30 p.m. they will attack the Decepticons' castle. I have a solution to give them a certain advantage.

- Oh ! Really?!

- KnockOut...

- Why are you doing this?!

- To protect Skyfire...

- What about you?! Who will protect you?! Eh?!

- KnockOut...

- No! No! We'll find another solution!

- Sorry, but no! If I don't intervene tomorrow, I don't think the Autobots will make it! I wouldn't risk seeing them lose, if that happened Skyfire might not make it!

- Starscream, listen, you-

- No! You, listen! I will not sit idly by! No this time! I'm not going to stand idly by! I am going to fight!

- ...

- Whatever you have to say!

- ... OK...

- ... Eh? Really?"

There was a silence before KnockOut broke it:

"I was wrong to say that you haven't changed, Starscream... You have changed, and for the better!

- KO is right! Breakdown smiled.

- Oh... Well... Uh... stammered the flyer, a little embarrassed.

- Well... huffed the doctor. Just promise me that if it ever gets too dangerous for your well-being, you won't stay!

- Don't worry. I am perfectly capable of keeping a promise.

- You'd better do!

- Ha! Ha! Ha!

- Really promise!

- I promise!

- ... Thanks...

- Uh... I don't like to interrupt you, but I would like someone to explain to me a bit what happened when I was in a coma... the military car interved.

- What do you mean?

- I'm not blind, I can see that you have recently repaired wounds! Plus, Starscream has a Capacity, for Primus sake!"

The two friends looked at each other, before returning their gazes to the large blue robot.

"It's true that you deserve some explanation..." Starscream nodded.

Lilas and the MECH agents had brought Cylas back to one of the organization's bases. The scientists had repaired the fake robot, and the young woman ended up going to see him, her hands in her coat pockets.

“Hey! greeted Lilwen. So? How is it going?

- In your opinion, idiot? growled the former MECH leader.

- You should check how you talk to the MECH leader!

- Ha! Because you think you'll still be the leader now that I'm here?!"

Cylas rose from the large platform where he was lying, and approached the scientist woman, also on a platform, but in height.

“Is this an attempt at intimidation? Lilas sneered. Because if so, that's ridiculous...

- Be careful how you talk to me, Lilwen! snapped the fake robot.

- It's Lilas!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! I see you are on the same path as me!

- No! Me, I do everything better! I succeed where you fail! I build where you destroy! I control where you go crazy! I am not you! I am better than you !

- You little- "

The former MECH leader raised his hand, ready to crush his own daughter, but was suddenly stopped by a black-purple clawed hand! Cylas turned around, and saw a Vehicon with a purple visor holding his arm!

“W-What?!" wondered the fake robot.

Lilas smiled, and exclaimed:

“I present to you my project! The Darkside Project!

- What does it mean?! exclaimed the former MECH leader.

- Just like the Transformers, we believe ourselves above the rules, but we can be sure that this conceit will end up costing the life of our planet, just as they destroyed theirs. The Transformers opened my eyes, they made me understand that we had to act before it's too late!

- ... What is your point?

- Humans are unable to get along, driven by their thirst for power and control! Wanting to dominate some, while avoiding being dominated by others! We allow ourselves to do this, because apart from ourselves, we have no real enemies! We have no reason to unite against a common danger! We apparently have no reason to protect our planet! This is why, this danger, I will create it in the species of Transformers! They will be our enemies to defeat! And the countries will realize that it is not on their side alone that they will succeed!

- Do you really think that-

- They will make the mistake at the beginning, it is inevitable... The human cannot change his stupidity in a snap of a finger! But, little by little, they will eventually understand! They will face this "alien invasion" together, and maybe even be a little less stupid than originally! You always need a dark side, to reveal the light!

- Do you really think this will work?! Ha!

- I would do without your advice, you are rather useless and worthless for this kind of things.

- How dare you, little-”

The Vehicon pulled Cylas back, and threw him violently against one of the walls of the base! The fake robot got up with difficulty, while the young woman took a machine out of her pocket, keeping her other hand always in the second.

"This lets me control the Transformers! Lilwen smiled. You must be wondering how I do it, and also how come this simple Vehicon has such strength! Right? The answer is very simple!"

She pulled out a Dark Energon crystal from her other pocket, and presented it proudly!

"The Dark Energon will be the debacle of the Transformers, and the success of the Humans!"

She approached a work plan, where various weapons were stored, she took one, and continued:

“It's with these weapons that we were able to attack two Vehicons who were watching an energon mine yesterday! The others were in the mine, they were the most exposed and the easiest to reach! When their counterparts returned, we had already attacked these two drones, and no one noticed! Pretty awesome, right?

- Not really- started the fake robot.

- It was a rhetorical question, I don't need your opinion to know that what I'm doing is right!

- Tss...

- These weapons are charged with Dark Energon, I won't explain to you how it works exactly, you wouldn't even understand! We are actually mounting some on our vehicles, soon we will have a whole armada of Transformers, ready to serve us!

- When you say "we", do you mean you and me?

- No, when I say "we", I mean the MECH!

- In case you forgot, I'm part of the MECH! I am their leader!

- No! Not anymore!"

Lilas pointed her gun in the direction of her father, and fired without the slightest hesitation! A purple ray hit Cylas' chest full force, causing him to fall backwards, screaming in pain!

The fake robot convulsed in agony, screaming in pain! The young woman watched the scene, impassive, simply lowering her weapon, as she watched her own father fight against an untouchable enemy!

The former MECH leader continued to fight for a while, then at the end, nothing, he was just there, lying on the ground, inert. There was a big silence, the MECH agents looking frantically between Cylas and their leader. Finally, Lilwen broke it, saying:

"Oh well, he's dead."

She put the gun back on the counter, and slapped her palms, as if dusting them. Then continued:

“It would seem that the human really can't stand the Dark Energon, at least if he is hit by one of our weapons loaded with this substance. Hm... That's good to know."

The scientist descended from the platform, using the stairs to her left, and ordered:

"Clean that up for me, I don't particularly want to have a giant corpse in my way!"

She ordered the Vehicon to leave the base, to return to the others robots, then returned to her laboratory, as if nothing had happened.

Chapter Text

Soundwave had discreetly returned to the Insecticons' quarters, and noticed that two were missing... Surely the two absent had already been taken away by Airachnid...

The Communications Commander couldn't help lowering his head in sadness at the idea, but quickly recovered himself thinking of the fate awaiting all those other Insecticons! He had to carry out his plan!

The Cold Construction activated several short-range space bridges below each insect, which didn't wake up fast enough to realize what was happening to them!

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the great black space, and the scene formed around him. It was the Dark Mount, no doubt! Ultra Magnus was up against Lord Megatron, and even if the Autobot Second-in-Command fought well, the leader of the Decepticons clearly had the advantage...

The Seeker hid, not particularly wanting to try to verify if he would relive the same experience as the last time when he had been near his Master during a vision... If of course it had been a vision...

The leader of the Wreckers ended up losing, and Lord Megatron crushed him unceremoniously, before dragging him by one foot into the throne room, and throwing him against a wall! Ultra Magnus tried to catch up as best he could, but without real success...!

Dreadwing had entered the room, and when the leader of the Decepticons was about to give the finishing blow to the Autobot, the great Seeker called out to the ex-gladiator:

“Lord Megatron, something is coming!"

The little jet looked in turn, in the direction the big jet was pointing, and indeed something, or rather someone, was flying towards them! Surely it was just a small speck in the sky for Lord Megatron, but for the two Seekers it was very visible that it was someone! But, who...? It was impossible to know from so far away...

"My Lord, this robot is giving off an Autobot signal! one of the Vehicons exclaimed.

- What?! But no Autobot can fly!" the Decepticon leader wondered.

Everyone turned to the shape that was hurtling towards them at high speed, and the flyer did his best to make out who it was!

Starscream heard a huge crash, and woke up with a start, before falling off his charging table!

"Talk about an awakening…" the Seeker grumbled.

He got up with difficulty from the ground, and left his room, furious! He had been interrupted again in the middle of a vision, and he was starting to get really upset! Especially since these were visions that were most often important for the rest of the events!

The jet finally arrived in front of the closed door of the medical bay, and was sure that was where the noise was coming from! He banged hard on the button to open the door, and saw KnockOut and Breakdown picking up medical equipment from the floor... Well, at least now he knew what had woken him up...

“Can I know what the frag are you both doing?! asked the flyer unpleasantly.

- Ooouuuh... Well, seems there's one who woke up in a bad mood this morning... noticed the doctor.

- You kinda woke me up while I was in full vision, so yeah, I'm in a bad mood, actualy!

- Oops, sorry... apologized the military car. We'll be less noisy so you can continue your vision...

- ... It's not that simple... If my vision is interrupted, it's impossible to find it back...

- Oh...

- Yeah... *Sigh*... Well, anyway... CanI know what you're doing?

- We're listing the Harbinger's medical equipment. explained the sports car.

- Hm... Good idea.

- Of course!"

Starscream laughed softly, then said:

“I'm going to work on something else, if you're looking for me, I'm in the lab.

- OK. the red robot nodded, continuing to pick up the material that had fallen. But, why will you be at the lab-”

When KnockOut looked up, he saw that the Seeker was already gone...

"Pff... Still in a hurry..." laughed the doctor.

Skyfire and the others had finally completed the ground bridge. It had taken them longer than expected, but mainly because Bulkhead had broken a couple of things... Ratchet had checked that it was working, and that there were no problems, and the shuttle had fixed two, three errors that had been detected. Then, Ultra Magnus announced:

“Good, rest now! A great battle awaits us this afternoon!"

Soundwave was sleeping soundly on his recharge table. Using so many portals had exhausted him... But, at least now the Insecticons were safe...

The Communications Commander was awakened by a message on his visor, and found that it was from the datapad he had given to the bugs!

The Cold Construction quickly sat down on his charging table, and worriedly read the message!

[Hello, I'm Shrapnel. I don't really know why you sent us to the Moon, but I suspect that you didn't do it with the intention of harming us, quite the contrary. I guess there was a threat hanging over my kind, and you wanted to protect us from it, in your own way. Therefore, I say these words to you, and I specify that I speak on behalf of all Insecticons, to say to you: thank you, Soundwave.]

The cybertronian plane put his hands to his face, as it felt a sense of relief and joy flow through his Spark...

KnockOut walked into the lab, and exclaimed:

“Hey! So what are you doing?

- I'm working on signal jammers for you and Breakdown. Starscream explained.

- More efficient than the one you had I hope...

- My jammer was efficient, until the arrival of Shockwave...

- Right...

- Did you come just to ask me that?

- Yeah?

- I don't believe it...

- Damn, spotted!

- Pff... Ha, ha...

- Actually, I wanted to know... Megatron and Shockwave knew you were a Cold Construction...

- Yeah...

- Did they know about your Capacity?

- ...

-Scream?

- Yes, they know...

- Oh...

- Yeah...

- Is that why Megatron is so keen on getting you back?

- Well... Yeah... For what else?

- Ah well... I don't know... Maybe the fact that you're his Second in Command?

- "Was"... I was his Second in Command...

- Hm... right...

- ...

- Hey, if it's any consolation, you fly better than Dreadwing...

- Pfft! Of course!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! In any case you are not modest!

- No, it's true, I'm realistic, that's all!"

The two laugh softly, then the doctor asks:

"Anyway, I must admit I forgot you were strong enough to carry Breakdown...

- It's rather vexing... pointed out the Seeker.

- Oh?

- Of course I can carry Breakdown... I may not be as strong as the other jets, but I'm not that weak...

- The other jets? You mean like Dreadwing?

- No... The other jets, in my category... Dreadwing is a big jet, while I am not...

- Yeah,I know that, but what do you mean in that case.

- I am less physically strong than a jet in the same category as me...

- How is that possible?

- When you're a Cold Construction, your handicap isn't just a smaller size...

- Really?!

- Yeah...

- That must be annoying...

- Heh, heh... It's fine. But, now you understand better why Soundwave never carries anything heavy.

- Ah well yes now everything is explained... It's a good thing to know.

- Yeah...

- Oh ! That's why Blurr never helped me carry stuff that was too heavy for me!

- You were really friends with this Blurr?!

- Now It's me who's vexed...

- Oops...

- Of course he was my friend! He was even my best friend!

- ... Say... Why are you talking about him in the past tense?

- ... Because... He died... When... Cosmic Rust invaded Velocitron... He...

- I see... No need to say more if it's too hard...”

The sports car smiled weakly, and said:

“Blurr was a Second Generation Cold Construction. He was the fastest race car I've ever seen, but I think that was thanks to his super-speed functionality built into his engine.

- All the Second Generation had this Fonctionality. said the jet.

- Well he used it really well! Anyway! Blurr and I met during a race!

- Typical."

The red robot chuckled, and continued:

“We ended up getting on well, and we became friends! Cold Constructions weren't particularly abused in Velocitron, so Blurr never really had to hide!

- Luck... huffed the flyer.

- It's true... He was a Deviant, like you, but level 4.

- So unlike Soundwave, he was able to talk.

- Yup!

- Above level 3, it is rather rare. How was he?

- What do you mean?

- His personnality? His history? He was your friend, but also?

- You really want to know everything, hm?

- Yes!

- Okay, okay! Ha! Ha! So, Blurr was a Cold Construction who managed to escape from Cybertron. A good Spark had agreed to hide him during his childhood, and this robot, when he learned that Cold Constructions were better treated on Velocitron, did not hesitate for a second to send Blurr there. He arrived with little, but he still had an advantage. He was fast and quite a handsome robot~...

- KnockOut... You're rambling...

- Oops ! Yes ! Sorry ! Where was I? ... Oh yes! Blurr quickly became popular, and made a good living winning races! I met him by facing him in one of them! He was a pretty cool robot, with a bad habit of talking a little too fast... Seriously, sometimes we really didn't understand him! Ha! Ha! He was not the type to stress easily, and quickly put things into perspective. He was quick in everything actually! Rather social, and modest. In short ! A perfect robot!

- More than you ?

- Not that perfect!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! And then it's me who's not modest?!

- Pfft! Tell me about a Decepticon who is modest?!"

There was a short silence, before Starscream answered:

“Scraper.

- Oh! No! exclaimed KnockOut.

- I won!

- Curse you, Scrapper!

- Ha! Ha! Ha!"

The two continued to chat, while the Seeker continued to work on the jammers.

Megatron didn't understand where the Insecticons could be! Had Airachnid controlled them all already?! Soundwave moved closer to his friend, and the leader of the Decepticons exclaimed:

“Soundwave! Have you seen the Insecticons?!

- < No. > lied the Cold Construction, with the voice of Breakdown.

- Scrap!"

Shockwave stared at the Cybertronian plane, suspiciously... The scientist suspected something, but said nothing, it was only a doubt after all, it wasn't proven.

Chapter Text

That's it! It was time! It was 4:30 p.m.! Ultra Magnus approached his ship, and invited the others to enter it. He opened a hidden airlock in the ship, revealing a large collection of weapons!

“Soldiers, help yourself! exclaimed the Second-in-Command of the Autobots.

- There we talk!" laughed Wheeljack as he rushed to the guns.

Everyone took out a weapon, and the leader of the Wreckers turned to Skyfire and Ratchet, nodding his head to signal them to open the ground bridge! The medic opened the portal, while the others transformed into their alternate modes, and rolled towards the ground bridge! Ultra Magnus returned to his ship, and followed his teammates! It was time to take action!

Fowler was on a jet, and exclaimed over the radio:

“Remember! We attack when the Autobots will have destroy the cannons!

- Received five out of five!" Lilwen replied, in another jet.

Other voices answered in their turn in the affirmative!

Soundwave detected activity outside the castle, and found it to be the Autobots! He rushed to warn his friend of the activity! And the latter wasted no time reacting! Megatron turned to his army of Vehicons, and shouted:

“Prepare to fight, and no mercy!"

Wheeljack and Bulkhead have been doing their diversion pretty well so far! They had taken down several Vehicons, and allowed Bumblebee and Arcee to infiltrate the castle! Perfect! The weapons given to them by Ultra Magnus were particularly effective, and the two Wreckers easily led the battle to their advantage!

Arcee and Bumblebee walked quietly, trying as much as possible to avoid the enemies. They noticed a strange detail, there were no Insecticons... How it was possible? Were they hiding in ambushes somewhere? No, it was not the kind of these insects.

Shockwave saw the Vehicons' debacle against the two Wreckers, and said:

“My Lord, I suggest you send the Predacon.

- Good idea!" Megatron nodded.

Predaking left right after, ready to burn those Autobots to ashes!

Wheeljack and Bulkhead saw the Predacon charging towards them, and charging a fireball!

"It's time to play with fire!" the white Wrecker smiled, pointing his weapon in the monster's direction!

Ultra Magnus saw the beast charging at the other two, and fired the ship at it, to distract it! The monster stopped charging its flames from the shots, and turned its attention to the Autobot Second-in-Command! It screamed in rage, before chasing the ship!

Arcee and Bumblebee continued to sink deeper and deeper into the castle, and that's when they saw Dreadwing in front of them! The large Seeker drew his plasma machine gun, and growled:

“I warn you, I'm not the type to do lace!"

Ultra Magnus continued to be chased by the Predacon, then called out to Skyfire, and exclaimed:

"Now!"

Predaking saw the ship descend sharply downwards, and realized too late that a portal had formed in front of him! The beast tried to slow down, but without success! The Predacon passed through the portal, and found himself in a great white and cold plain!

Steve saw in horror his friend disappear through the portal, and cried out:

"No! Predaking!"

Shockwave lowered his antennae in frustration and anger, before leaping from the top of the throne room tower, and crashing into Bulkhead with both feet!

“You will pay for this!" the scientist hissed, pointing his cannon in Wheeljack's direction!

Arcee and Bumblebee were cornered by the Vehicons and Dreadwing, there were too many of them! The motorbike called out to the others through her communicators, and exclaimed:

"We can't reach the cannon control room!"

Ultra Magnus realized he was being chased by flying Vehicons, and easily took them down! It was then that he took a cannon shot from one of the towers, which began to crush the ship! The blue robot opened the doors of the ship, and jumped out of it, while it was completely crushed!

He landed in the cannon control room, and thought “Not bad." He took down all the Vehicons that were in the room, and was about to deactivate the cannons, when he received a violent shot in the shoulder! He faltered, and recovered, before realizing that his attacker was Megatron!

Arcee and Bumblebee were totally apprehended by Dreadwing and his troups, and the big Seeker called out to Megatron:

“We managed to intercept them!"

The leader of the Decepticons smiled upon hearing this news, and continued to aim his cannon in the direction of Ultra Magnus! He laughed:

"It looks like your plan has failed!

- Unless I beat you!" retorted the leader of the Wreckers!

He drew his weapons, and rushed towards the ex-gladiator!

Wheeljack was quickly cornered, as Shockwave continued to attack him, with Vehicons! Bulkhead was on the ground, unconscious... "I've had better days..." thought the white Wrecker.

Starscream noted the time, and exclaimed:

"Scrap! It's already 4:50 p.m.! I have to go! This is what happens when I chat with you!

- Oops! laughed Knockout.

- Take care of yourself... said Brekdown.

- I'll be fine... reassured the Seeker.

- You'd better be!" snapped the doctor.

The jet smiled, and used the Harbinger's ground bridge remote, having established the coordinates of the old Autobot base!

Ultra Magnus was up against Megatron, and even if the Autobot Second-in-Command fought well, the Decepticon leader clearly had the advantage...

The leader of the Wreckers ended up losing, and Lord Megatron crushed him unceremoniously, before dragging him by one foot into the throne room, and throwing him against a wall! The blue robot tried to catch up as best he could, but without real success...

Dreadwing entered the room, and when the leader of the Decepticons was about to give the finishing blow to the Autobot, the big Seeker noticed something in the distance... He called out to the ex-gladiator:

“Lord Megatron, something is coming!"

Megatron saw only a small dot in the sky, but indeed there was something... The big jet noticed that it was someone, but it was impossible to know from this distance...

"My Lord, this robot is giving off an Autobot signal! one of the Vehicons exclaimed.

- What ?! But no Autobot can fly!" The Decepticon leader wondered.

Everyone turned to the shape that was hurtling towards them at high speed, and the ex-gladiator ordered:

"Down him with one of the cannons!"

Vehicons replaced the others downed by Ultra Magnus, in the cannons control room, and began to put in place the protocols to take down their unknown enemy!

Starscream stepped out of his portal, and saw that one of the cannons was charging towards the flying Autobot! No! He couldn't allow him to be shot! He was definitely an ally!

The Seeker decided to carry out his plan, and activated his Null Rays at 30%, before pointing them in the direction of the cannon which was aimed at the unknown robot!

Megatron saw a mauve-pink ray swoop down on the cannon, and instantly annihilate it! The leader of the Decepticons turned his head in the direction of the attack, and saw Starscream in the distance, armed with his Null Rays!

Everyone was surprised to see the Seeker, and the ex-gladiator went from an expression of surprise to an expression of pure rage! Why the jet was doing that?! The Autobots were against Cold Constructions, it didn't make sense!

// I'm taking care of him ! \\ Shockwave exclaimed through the comm!

The scientist released Wheeljack, and transformed into his alternate mode, to annihilate the flyer for good!

Starscream continued to destroy the cannons he could see, and was about to fly to destroy the last, when he took a cannon hit in his left wing! The Seeker screamed in pain, and crashed to the ground!

The cybertronian tank transformed into his original mode and pointed his weapon in the direction of the jet, before exclaiming:

"I'm going to get rid of you for good!"

Dreadwing saw the flying enemy getting closer and closer, and froze when he saw who it was!

"No...Impossible..." realized the big Seeker.

Ratchet noticed the appearance of two Autobot signals! Including one on the ground, and the other in the air!

"But... what does that mean...?" stammered the doctor.

Wheeljack got up with difficulty, while he was surrounded by Vehicons... Suddenly, shots from nowhere brought down all the drones! The white Wrecker turned his head in the direction of the shots, and exclaimed in surprise:

“Smokescreen?!

- Hi! You missed me?" the rookie smiled.

Starscream dodged Shockwave's shots as best he could, but he didn't really have a place to hide... The scientist kept shooting at him, giving him no respite!

The Seeker threw earth in the optics of the purple robot, to blind him! Then, tried to fly away, despite his injured wing! But the cybertronian tank grabbed his leg, and kicked him hard against the ground!

The cyclops robot wiped his optics, and slammed the jet against the ground with his foot! He pointed his cannon in the face of the flyer, ready to annihilate him for good!

Megatron turned his attention back to the unknown robot, after saw Dreadwing's strange reaction. Finally, he completely saw who was rushing towards him, and froze in shock, before exclaiming:

“Optimus Prime?!"

Chapter Text

Wheeljack and Bulkhead watched in fascination as their leader soared through the sky on a jetpack, as Smokescreen smiled.

Megatron got into a fighting stance, armed with the Dark Star Saber, but Optimus was arriving at such speed that it was impossible for him to actually parry the attack! Prime rushed at the leader of the Decepticons, and kicked him hard in the face!

For everyone else, the scene seemed to take place in slow motion... They saw the ex-gladiator take off from the ground, and crash hard against his own throne!

Dreadwing unsheathed his sword, and began to fight with the leader of the Autobots, who had released the Star Saber! The big red and blue robot grabbed the arm of the big Seeker, and lifted him without problem, before throwing him violently against one of the walls, which cracked on impact!

Optimus removed his mouth mask, approached Ultra Magnus, and helped him up. His Second in Command looked at him in wonder, before saying:

"S-Sir...

- Commander. Prime replied.

- You seem more... Robust..."

And it was true! The Autobot leader had a much more robust appearance, and a little different from his original form. The most glaring change was the jet-pack behind his back!

The conversation of the two robots was interrupted by a scream of rage! Optimus put his mask back on, quickly got into a fighting stance, and gently pushed the leader of the Wreckers aside! Megatron rushed towards Prime, Dark Star Saber in hand, and the two fought a terrible battle!

Starscream pushed the cannon away from his face, before Shockwave fired! The scientist's attack shattered the ground next to the Seeker, but did no damage to the Seeker! The jet activated his reactor, and threw the cybertronian tank out of him, thanks to that!

The flyer quickly got back on his feet, while the cyclops robot caught up with difficulty! Starscream activated one of his missiles, and fired at Shockwave! The latter narrowly dodged, and activated his cannon right after!

The Seeker dodged the attack, and activated his blasters! The scientist took shots, but it was not particularly effective against him... He still covered his optic, to avoid having to relive the same thing as with Arcee, there is now so long time...

The attacks ceased, and the cybertronian tank removed his arm from his face! He then noticed that the jet had taken off!

"No!" cried out the cyclops robot.

It was just a diversion! He had been gotten!! Shockwave called Soundwave, and said:

"Soundwave, when I tell you, you will open a portal for me on the coordinates I send you."

Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Smokescreen infiltrated the castle, and went to help Bumblebee and Arcee! When they arrived, it looked like the duo didn't need any help... All the Vehicons were already down, dead or injured...

“We're coming after the party... Too bad... the white Wrecker huffed.

- Yo! Arcee, Bee! greeted the rookie.

- Smokescreen! Exclaimed the two in chorus, happy to see their teammate safe and sound.

- Come! Optimus could need some help!

- Optimus?! beeped the scout.

- Yup! He's back, and in great shape!"

The Autobots headed for the throne room, not noticing one of the purple-visored Vehicons, who had been hiding during the confrontation.

"Don't reveal yourself yet..." The Dark Energon-operated drone muttered.

Optimus and Megatron continued to clash! And when Dreadwing tried to intervene, he took a blaster hit in the shoulder! The big Seeker dropped his sword, and turned angrily in Ultra Magnus' direction! The two put themselves in a combat position, determined to do battle!

Starscream flew to the last cannon, and moved into position to destroy it! At this distance, one missile should suffice! The Seeker was about to activate his missile, and did not see a green portal forming above him! The jet was about to launch his missile, when he felt something heavy fall on top of him! The missile went off, but the shot hit one of the walls of the building, and not the cannon!

The flyer screamed as he lost altitude! His alternate mode couldn't handle such a weight! That's when he heard a cannon charging against his cockpit, and realized it was Shockwave!

The Autobots were running down one of the hallways of the castle, when one of the walls exploded towards them, knocking them into the other wall of the hallway! Wheeljack struggled to his feet, and stammered:

"Wow... what was that...?"

The others were not long in getting up in turn, and looked through the hole in the wall, to see that it led to the outside! They heard a scream, then saw Starscream fall to the ground, as the Decepticon scientist aimed his cannon at him!

The Seeker spun around to free the cybertronian tank, but that only resulted in the cyclops robot digging his claws deeper into Starscream's sides! The jet cried out in pain, before exclaiming:

"Let go of me!! You psycho!!!"

The flyer approached the walls, and Shockwave seemed to understand his intention because he grabbed Starscream's right wing, to force him to deviate from his trajectory!

The scientist suddenly took a shot at his hand, and took it off by reflex! He raised his optics in the direction of the attack, and saw Arcee, through the hole caused by the Seeker's missile, with her blaster, aimed at him!

The jet didn't hesitate any longer, and shot towards the walls! He flyed along the walls, his cockpit towards them, and the cybertronian tank had to duck to avoid being hit by the walls of the Dark Mount! The flyer moved closer and closer to the walls, before knocking into them several times!

The cyclops robot was the one that took the most damage, and he finally let go of his grip on Starscream! Shockwave caught himself as best he could, clinging to one of the beams sticking out of the wall! And, he didn't lose his chance to shoot the Seeker, while the latter was still disoriented!

The jet did not manage to dodge the shot, and took it right on his reactor! His engine stopped because of the impact, and the flyer began to be in full free fall, without any means of catching up! Starscream twirled towards the cannon higher, and fired a 30% Null Ray shot! Which hit the weapon head-on, and annihilated it!

The Seeker caught himself against the wall thanks to his claws, not without pain... From here, he could try to jump, and catch himself several times to reach the ground! But, it was without counting on the relentlessness of the cybertronian tank to want to destroy him! The latter continued to shoot at him, forcing the jet to stick against the wall to avoid being hit!

Fowler got a call from Wheeljack saying the cannons had been disabled by Starscream! The agent was initially surprised to learn of the return of the Seeker, and recovered by thinking that there was more important than his interrogations for the moment! William communicated with the other airmen, and exclaimed:

"Its good ! The way is clear ! Go! Go!"

The jets took off, while the tanks started!

Soundwave noticed the humans coming, and he knew the Decepticons couldn't rely on the magnetic cannons anymore! He contacted his friend, to warn him!

Megatron received the message, and growled in frustration as he was still confronted by Optimus! He kicked his opponent in the tank, to keep him away from him, and summoned all the flying Vehicons, to intervene against the human army!

Lilwen saw an army of Vehicons coming, taking off into the sky! She drew her Dark Energon weapon, embedded in her jet, and smiled:

"I couldn't have asked for more!"

Starscream found that there was a regular latency between each shot of Shockwave's cannon, and that he could take advantage of this interval to descend! The scientist fired a cannon, and the Seeker counted to five, before jumping out of the wall!

The scientist pointed his gun in the direction of the jet, but had to wait another five seconds before firing! This was apparently more than enough for the flyer who landed on the ground without any problem!

Starscream whirled in the direction of the cybertronian tank, and fired his missile at him! This forced the robot cyclops to descend from his perch, and he was thrown against the ground, because of the explosion caused by the missile!

Shockwave stood up, and aimed his cannon at the Seeker!

The other Autobots watched the scene, and Smokescreen exclaimed:

“We must help him!

- We can't do much from here... Bulkhead huffed.

- Oh yes! We can!" laughed Wheeljack.

The others looked at him, intrigued, and the white Wrecker took out a bomb and activated it, before throwing it in the direction of the jet, below!

“But... But Jacky, what the frag are you doing?!!" cried out the big green robot.

The flyer heard a countdown noise behind him, and immediately knew it was a bomb! Starscream dodged the explosive, which he recognized as a Wheeljack bomb! The grenade continued its course, and struck the scientist, before exploding! The cybertronian tank was violently thrown backwards, and crashed heavily on the ground!

The Seeker looked at the white Wrecker in confusion, and the latter responded with a thumbs up!

The other Autobots looked at the sports car with big judgment, and Wheeljack asked:

"What?"

The cyclops robot got up with difficulty, then continued to shoot at the jet, which kept dodging! But, what was Shockwave's problem that he wanted his dead so badly?!

“Why are you doing this?! cried out the flyer.

- Why am I doing what?! retorted the scientist.

- You're supposed to be smart, right?! So, think!"

The cybertronian tank instantly ceased the conversation, and transformed into his alternate mode, to fire a more powerful charge!

Starscream dodged, and fired a missile, right under the cyclops robot, which was thrown in the air!

Shockwave transformed back into his original mode, and did a backflip, before catch back in the ground!

“Why do you want me dead so badly?! asked the Seeker. Isn't that the complete opposite of what Lord Megatron wants?!

- Lord Megatron doesn't know what is good for him! You, you are toxic! replied the scientist.

- You have a serious problem!

- Megatron is mine! Got it, little pest?!

- "Is yours"...? Uh... Wait... Don't tell me that...”

The jet had a little lag time, before realizing:

“You are in love with Lord Megatron?!"

The cybertronian tank froze slightly, and wiggled his antennae, clearly indicating that he didn't want to reveal it... The flyer didn't understand what was the link with him, and asked:

“But is the link with me?! You do what you want, it doesn't concern me!

- You are link with it, simply because Megatron is in love with you!!"

Starscream froze in shock, unable to process the information at all... He began repeating the words Shockwave had just said to him over and over again, before exclaiming:

"WHAT??!!!"

Chapter Text

Starscream was trying to fully assimilate what he had just heard, but really couldn't! Lord Megatron, in love with him?! It was just so... Surreal! Or even impossible! What was going through Shockwave's head to have managed to think such a thing?! His jealousy had no limits?!

Plus, of all the robots, the scientist was jealous of the Seeker?! This really didn't make any sense!!

"Wait... laughed the jet nervously, flapping his wings in unease. It's a joke? Right? No, but because... Well... Ha! It's just... So... Impossible, actually!

- I am very serious. the cybertronian tank replied simply.

-There really is a problem with your processor! Go get treated!

- Don't act like you don't know!

- Act like I don't... What?! But... Ha! But yes ! It is true that it flows from source! It's so obvious! Everyone knows that the great Lord Megatron loves his favorite punching bag! the flyer retorted sarcastically.

- Exactly!

- That was sarcasm, Shockwave!! What's the frag wrong with you?!

- Stop being ignorant!

- You- ... It's incredible! Talking to you it's like... Rah! You know what?! Nevermind! I don't want to listen to your paranoid delusions!"

Starscream pointed his missiles in the direction of the cyclops robot, deeply angry!

"I don't know what you're thinking, and frankly, I don't care!" cried out the Seeker, before firing his missiles!

Shockwave manages to dodge one, but not the other! The scientist was propelled backwards, and crash against the ground! The cybertronian tank was getting tired of crashing into the earth...

The cyclops robot stood up angrily, before firing a cannon at the jet!

The two resumed their fight, and the Autobots watching the scene noticed that the pair were fighting more fiercely than originally...

“What exactly they were saying? Bulkhead asked.

- No idea. beeped Bumblebee. But apparently it made Starscream angry.

- OK! We break up! Some will help Starscream, while others will help Optimus! Wheeljack exclaimed. Bee-bee and Bulk you are going to help Screamy! 'Cee and Smoky you come with me!"

The group separated, some going down the floors they had already crossed, while the others continued their ascent!

Optimus and Megatron continued to fight each other, as did Dreadwing and Ultra Magnus! The tall Seeker heard someone call out to him, and turned to see the white Wrecker greet him, along with the blue motorcycle and race car!

The great jet growled in anger, before kicking the leader of the Wreckers in the side, knocking him against one of the walls of the room! He rushed at the sports car, sword in hand!

Starscream and Shockwave continued to shoot at each other, but failed to hit each other! This was getting particularly frustrating!

The Seeker couldn't bear that the scientist could think such a revolting thing! It disgusted him! The jet blasted the ground with his blaters, kicking up dust, and momentarily blinding his opponent!

The cybertronian tank looked around for the flyer, but the dust of dirt obstructed his view! He saw movement behind him, and quickly whirled around, to see a form emerge from the curtain of dust! The cyclops robot didn't hesitate any longer, and fired point-blank!

Shockwave then realized it was just a rectangular piece of metal! He barely had time to turn around to see Starscream coming out of the earth fog, armed with a sharp piece of metal he had ripped from the wall of the Dark Mount! The Seeker drove the sharp metal into the scientist's shoulder, cutting through his armor! Both fell to the ground, and the jet was above the purple robot!

Energon spurted from the wound, as the flyer pulled his improvised weapon from his enemy's shoulder! He continued to stab the cybertronian tank several times in a row, sending all his anger back on him!

The cyclops robot quickly thinks of a way to break free! He knew for a fact that Starscream wouldn't let go of him now that he had gained an advantage! Shockwave tried to push the Seeker away, but it only resulted in him being stabbed in the hand! The scientist quickly raised his upper chest, and headbutted the jet in the face, knocking him backwards!

The flyer dropped his weapon, and put his hands on his face! Starscream sprawled on the ground, but immediately got up, doing a backflip, as the cybertronian tank fired another cannon! The Seeker fired a missile, while still in the air, but the cyclops robot dodged it!

The jet lands on the ground, and the two run toward each other! Claws unsheathed for the flyer, and clenched fist for Shockwave! Starscream clawed at the scientist's neck, as the latter punched him hard in the jaw! The two backed up, holding their stricken parts, then came back to the charge!

Optimus saw Wheeljack and Arcee battling Dreadwing, as Ultra Magnus got back up! Vehicons were beginning to arrive as reinforcements, to help the big Seeker, and Smokescreen intercepted them! Prime parried a swing of Megatron's sword, and tried to strike him, before the latter retaliated!

The Autobots Second-in-Command turned on his comm, to summon his leader, and give him his plan, without revealing it to their enemies!

//Sir ! There is below this room, the control room of the guns now destroyed! There is a generator! If you send Megatron into that generator, then we have a chance of destroying the castle!\\

Optimus nodded, in response, and pushed the Decepticon leader away, kicking him in the chest! Prime activated his jet-pack, and took off out of the open room! And, as he expected, the ex-gladiator pursued him!

Starscream and Shockwave continued to put several blows to each other, without succeeding in putting one or the other down... The scientist noticed that the Seeker was much more resistant than what he expected... The jet clawed his already injured shoulder, and the cybertronian tank retaliated by punching the wound in the flyer's side, kicking him!

Starscream yelped in pain, and held his left side, to protect it... The robot cyclops took the opportunity to try to punch him again, but the Seeker turned around, and ducked! The action caused Shockwave's fist to slam into the void above the jet's wings!

It was then that the wings catched the scientist's arm, and the flyer pulled himself thanks to that, to find himself above the arm of the cybertronian tank, still prisoner by his wings! Starscream slammed into the cyclops robot's optics with his heels, and fired blasters at point-blank range, before releasing his grip and jumping, landing on his feet!

Shockwave stepped back holding his injured optic, but found that the Seeker's blaster blasts were much less powerful than before...

"You're low on energon... remarked the scientist, with slight difficulty, due to his own fatigue.

- You too, apparently..." the jet taunted.

The two got back into a fighting position, but this time the cybertronian tank didn't rush at his opponent... He activated a new option that he had integrated into his cannon, after it had been destroyed by the flyer, two weeks ago! “It costs a bit of energon, but it's worth it." thought the cyclops robot.

Starscream not failed to notice Shockwave's action, and activated his missile! But before he had time to fire, the scientist pointed his cannon in his direction! The cybertronian tank fired, and a multitude of energy balls took off in the direction of the Seeker! The jet began to run, while dodging the attacks, which pursued him relentlessly!

The flyer continued to dodge the charges, but there were far too many... Starscream wobbled slightly for a second as a ball of energy grazed him, and that second did him a lot of damage!

One of the attacks hit him square in the back, making him scream in pain as he felt a horrible burning sensation ripple through his wings! The other charges hit him one at a time, when he was too disoriented with the pain! The last ball of energy got the better of him, as it hit him in the back again, knocking him to the ground!

The Seeker crashed face down, barely conscious, as the pain continued to reverberate... The jet moaned softly, as Shockwave closed in on him... The scientist slammed his cannon into the flyer's head, and exclaimed:

"I would be surprised if you survived this!"

He was about to shoot, when he took a hit in the middle of his left profile! He crashed heavily to the ground, and got up quickly! He then saw Bulkhead, his hands transformed into wrecking balls, in a fighting position, and Bumblebee coming not far behind!

"Leave Screamy alone!" cried out the big green robot.

Lilwen aimed her Dark Energon cannon at one of the Vehicons, and hit him head-on! It was already ten! Lilas smiled, satisfied with her work, but she didn't see a human jet, not far from her, who had undoubtedly seen everything!

Optimus parried and dodged the cannons fired by Megatron's alternate mode, and lost altitude to find himself in front of the control room! He entered through the same gap that Ultra Magnus had used before, and stopped in front of the generator!

Prime considered the fact that he could destroy it directly, but he realized that if his Second-in-Command had come up with this other plan, it was probably because he was worried that the Autobot leader might not survive the explosion...

The ex-gladiator arrived in turn, and transformed back into his original mode, with his cannon pointed in the direction of Optimus! Prime pulled out a plasma machine gun that was stowed in his weapons bay behind his back, and fired before his enemy!

The leader of the Decepticons dodjed by jumping to the side, pushing him even further into the room! The large blue and red robot continued to shoot at him, before his weapon suddenly stopped!

The ex-gladiator smiled upon seeing this, and rushed at the leader of the Autobots! The latter dodged the sword strike, moving slightly to the side, before positioning himself behind Megatron, and putting his foot on his back! Optimus says:

"You got played!"

Ah! The red and blue robot had pretended that his machine gun stopped working! He violently pushed the leader of the Decepticons, who swung right on the generator! Prime took off from the room, as the ex-gladiator cried out in pain, when he was completely electrocuted by the generator of the, now destroyed, cannons!

Prime communicated with the entire team, including the human military, ordering them to leave the area!

Ultra Magnus called Ratchet for a ground bridge, after warding off Dreadwing and the Vehicons!

Steve was tending to the wounded, and had already carried most of them to the Nemesis medical bay, with the help of some able-bodied!

Soundwave teleported Dreadwing and the Vehicons still inside the throne room straight to their ship!

Fowler, Lilwen and the other soldiers moved away from the Dark Mount! After getting the call from Prime. To their surprise!

Bulkhead carried Starscream, and ran away from the castle, as Bumblebee transformed into his alternate mode! The scout rushed straight at Shockwave, and literally rolled over him, knocking him backwards! Then, they disappeared into a portal, leaving the purple robot alone!

The scientist saw that the whole building was little by little collapsing, and called for a ground bridge. A portal appeared not far from him, and he limped slightly towards it, as metal debris gradually fell!

Megatron was struggling to get out of the electromagnetic grip of the generator, when he saw a ground bridge forming, and Soundwave coming out!

"Soundwave get away! It's dangerous!" ordered the leader of the Decepticons.

The cybertronian plane didn't do anything about it, and pulled out his cables to get out his friend!

Optimus saw a ground bridge forming not far from him, while he was still in the air! The Nemesis was already far away, and he hadn't seen Megatron come out of the control room... He went inside the portal, and the Dark Mount exploded!

Chapter Text

Ratchet was repairing the injuries of the still unconscious Starscream. Skyfire was deeply worried, but he knew his conjux was in good hands with the doctor.

Ultra Magnus was by no means pleased to see the Seeker, unlike the others. The Autobot Second-in-Command approached the ground bridge, and activated it, deciding to ignore all of that for now.

The ambulance couldn't understand why Ultra Magnus had opened a new ground bridge, at such high coordinates, and then figured out that it must have been for the flying Autobot.

The green portal revealed a large figure, and Ratchet couldn't quite make out who this robot was... That's when he appeared in front of them, and he saw... Optimus! The doctor froze on the spot, and dropped his tool, in shock...

The big white robot was just as surprised as the ambulance, like the children! While Bumblebee and Bulkhead stared in fascination at their leader's new form!

Prime moved closer to Ratchet, and smiled peacefully at him.

"Ratchet..." Optimus said softly.

The doctor trembled slightly, before bursting into tears, and hugging his Sparkdiscover!

The Autobot leader responded to the hug, gently pulling the ambulance closer to him. The couple stayed like that for a while, under the tender gaze of their comrades.

Soundwave and Megatron were lying on the floor of the Nemesis main hall, and the leader of the Decepticons huffed:

"Sometimes you get really unconscious, Soundwave...

- < Alive > < no > <? > replied the Cold Construction, with the voice of KnockOut.

- Right, right..."

The ex-gladiator got up with difficulty, and helped his friend to do the same. They have been really close to death... A little more, and the two exploded with the Dark Mount... The cybertronian plane pointed himself, before pointing Megatron, and asked in the voice of the leader of the Decepticons:

“<Friends? >

- Always, Soundwave. Always." the ex-gladiator smiled, patting his friend on the shoulder.

Steve was doing his best to repair most of the injuried bots, but it was difficult for him, since he didn't have all the KnockOut experience...

Shockwave arrived in the medical bay, and the Vehicon helped him onto one of the medical tables. Seeing the damage, the new doctor stammered:

"I...I'll try to do my best...!

- Do not try. Just do your job. replied the scientist.

- Uh... Yes... Sorry..."

Steve began to repair the cybertronian tank, doing his best...

Starscream came to his senses with difficulty, and everything was rather hazy around him... He made out shapes like Ratchet's and Skyfire's, but there was one he couldn't recognize... Wait. .. It was... Optimus?!

"For Primus sake... I managed to join the All-Spark...? stammered the Seeker.

- No, no, you are all that is most alive." corrected the doctor.

He helped the jet to sit on the charging table, and the latter noticed that everyone was around him, looking at him...

“W- What...?" stammered the airman.

The shuttle took him in his arms, and exclaimed, smiling:

"I'm so happy to see you again, Star!"

Starscream responded to his embrace, smiling in turn, and enjoying this contact that he had missed so much...

“We were quite worried." beeped Bumblebee.

The others nodded in agreement, except for Ultra Magnus, and Miko exclaimed:

"So?! So?! How was the battle?!"

Bulkhead chuckled, while Ratchet shook his head tiredly...

KnockOut and Breakdown were together in the Harbinger's medical bay, still taking inventory of the medical material, and the doctor sighed softly...

“What's wrong, KO? asked the military car.

- I'm worried about Scream... admitted the red robot.

- Don't worry... It's true that he has a bad habit of getting into trouble, but in the end he always gets out of it!

- Yes it's true you're right."

The sports car nodded, and smiled sadly. The big blue robot approached his Sparkmate, and took him in his arms, to comfort him. KnockOut responded to the hug, then kissed Breakdown tenderly.

Starscream was with Ratchet, Skyfire, Optimus, and Ultra Magnus, in the medical bay. The doctor continued to analyze the Seeker's condition, preferring not to take any risks, after he was attacked by a prototype weapon from Shockwave. The other Autobots were telling the kids about the battle, who were just plain amazed. Prime was the first to speak:

“I'm glad to see you again, Starscream.

- And I'm glad to see that you made the right choice." smiled the jet.

The Autobot leader nodded in response, knowing full well what the flyer was talking about. He didn't fail to notice that Starscream was trying to be relaxed, but he could tell that wasn't really the case... The Seeker's wings fluttered discreetly, clearly indicating that the jet was forcing them to have a neutral stance...

"You know you have nothing to fear with us, right? said Optimus. You are one of us now.

- What?! the flyer wondered.

- Excuse me?!" the leader of the Wreckers was offended.

Everyone turned to the Autobot Second-in-Command, and he continued:

"You can't be serious, Sir! It's against all the rules! He can't be an Autobot after only two weeks! Besides, he could never be an Autobot anyway!

- If it can reassure you, I don't intend to be one! Starscream hissed. I only came back for Skyfire!"

The Seeker clenched his wings behind him, clearly showing his irritation! The shuttle flapped his wings in nervousness, as the tension growed more and more...

"I think we should try to discuss it more calmly… tried to appease Optimus."

- Sir... started the blue robot, frowning.

- I don't want to discuss with 'Mister Law'... growled the jet.

- Ha! Ha! Ha! 'Mister Law'! I like it!" laughed Wheeljack in the distance.

The flyer and Ultra Magnus glared at each other, and Prime sighed softly. The ambulance clapped his hands and exclaimed:

"This is not the moment ! Right now I need to take care of Starscream, and he needs to be calm! So, shou! Get out!"

Ratchet waved his hands, in support of his words, forcing everyone out! There were only the Seeker and the doctor left in the medical bay, even if the others were not really very far, since the new base was much smaller than the previous one...

The ambulance gave one of their rare energon cubes to the jet, which had run out of energy, and the flyer thanked him. Ratchet wasn't sure if Starscream was thanking him for the cube or for getting the leader of the Wreckers to leave, who was clearly make him angry.

Predaking continued to fly, following Shockwave's energon trail, to find the Nemesis! His wings were still numb from the cold, and it was hard to fly... The Predacon growled in anger as he continued his course, through the snowy expanses. It was going to take him some time...

Steve was resting in the medical bay, after fixing as many people as he could... He tried not to think about those he couldn't save... But, to no avail...

“I'm so lame… sobbed the Vehicon.

- Come on, don't say that." consoled a voice.

The doctor-in-training looked up, and saw 54M, G4R1, and another drone named V1V14N3. They approached Steve, and 54M said:

"We'll help you put the medical bay away, okay?

- Thank you...” 
 nodded 5T3V3.

Everyone started tidying up, while comforting their friend.

Ratchet continued his analyzes on Starscream, and the doctor sighed:

"Try to be a little more careful next time...

- ... Yeah, yeah... the Seeker replied nonchalantly.

- I'm serious !

- ... Don't worry about me, you should better make up lost time with Optimus.

- ...

- Don't you dare tell me you're not dying to.

- Of course I do! But, I can't ignore my role as a doctor!

- No, it's true... But, I'm fine, I assure you!

- That's up to me to say that!

- Pff..."

There was a silence, before the ambulance broke it:

"...When I thought Optimus was dead, I felt so empty inside...I didn't want anything anymore...He only disappeared for a week, but I... I really feel like I lost him during stellar cycles..."

The jet turned towards Ratchet, who lowered his optics with sadness... The flyer hesitated a little, before placing a comforting hand on the doctor's shoulder.

“He is safe now. smiled Starscream.

- ... How did you do... ? asked the ambulance

- Sorry, what?

- After Skyfire disappeared, how did you still have the strength to live?

- ... I made him a promise...

- A promise?

- Yes.

- During your conjuxation?

- Yes.

- What was that promise?

- I have not the right to say it, you know?

- "Not the right", don't you think you exagerate?!"

The Seeker chuckled softly, and motioned for Ratchet to come closer. The latter did it right after.

"I promised him I would live..." the jet whispered into the doctor's audio-receiver.

The ambulance looked at the flyer with a hint of surprise, and Starscream smiled. He came down from the medical table, after unplugging himself from the machines, and said:

“Go join Optimus."

The Seeker moved away from Ratchet, before the latter could retort anything.

Lilwen and the other soldiers had finished storing the jets and tanks, in a different base from where the Autobots were. Night was beginning to appear, and the young woman was watching the stars begin to unfold, as if they were being painted little by little.

There was no one left in the base except those who stood guard. But, the scientist had found a place without anyone, to calmly enjoy the show in the sky. She was leaning against a wall of one of the base's abandoned buildings. Not far away was the gentle sound of a large river.

“Agent Geal!" a voice called out.

The aviator looked in the direction of the source, and saluted:

“Good evening, Lieutenant Neven.

- I need to talk to you! Neven exclaimed.

- I'm listening to you.

- May I know what you were doing during the Dark Mount attack?!

-...? Well, I was attacking, sir.

- I've seen you!"

Lilwen looked at the lieutenant, slightly puzzled.

“Obviously you saw me, I was in the fight.

- What was that cannon?! Why was he shooting some kind of purple ray?!"

The young woman froze slightly, realizing what he had seen!

“Oh, it's a new prototype. answered the scientist, after recovering herself.

- How come I wasn't warned?! replied Carl Neven.

- I had already warned General Bryce, I thought he had told you.

- So it doesn't bother you if I call him about it?

- No, no problem."

Neven pulled out his phone, and started dialing Bryce's number. Suddenly he heard a gunshot!

The lieutenant froze for a while, before looking around to see where the shot was coming from! It was then that he felt a viscous liquid flowing from his chest, and realized that he had been shot! Carl Neven sagged on his knees, as he pressed on his wound, he stammered, while spitting blood:

"Agent Geal, call for reinforcements, we're under attack-"

When Neven turned to Lilwen, he saw her with the gun pointed at him! The young woman said nothing, and approached the lieutenant! She shot him in the head, and Carl's body sank, dead...

Lilas picked up the bullet casings, and put her pistol back in its holster. She dragged Neven's corpse, and passed under the fence, which had a hole. Before continuing to drag the body to the large river, she threw the corpse there, after having filled the lieutenant's pockets with stones.

The MECH leader returned to the abandoned building, and cleaned up the blood with equipment left abandoned in the hangar. She was satisfied with her work, and considered herself particularly lucky that there was no longer cameras in this part of the base. This place was no longer invested enough by the Government, and they were now paying a high price for it.

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in black space, and hoped to take a break from all the visions he had had so far... But, at the same time, the last time he had refused to have a vision, that had cost them the Keys and the Omega Lock, the base, and almost Optimus...

Could the Seeker afford not to have a vision? Not for the moment, no doubt... The jet sighed, and a scene formed...

It was a small forest, in the night, and he recognized the cave as the one where he had met Airachnid!

“Oh no... the flyer huffed. Don't tell me that..."

Yes... The spider was there, with her two Insecticons... Scrap! So she was alive?! It was not a spider but a cockroach! It was then that he saw jeeps, with humans inside, coming towards the Techno-Organic.

“Get up, soldier!!" ordered a voice.

Starscream jumped, and stood up quickly, only to find that the one who had been yelling at him was Ultra Magnus. The Seeker glared at him, cursing him for forcing him to wake up during a surely important vision, and for daring to give him an order!

Skyfire, who was lying on the same charging table as his conjux, got up with difficulty, and stammered:

"What's happening...?

- Nothing, just 'Sir Killjoy'... growled the jet.

- It's 'Sir', soldier! corrected the leader of the Wreckers.

- But that's what I said! 'Sir... Killjoy'!"

The two glared at each other, and the shuttle coughed softly, before asking:

"There is a problem ?

- No. the Autobot Second-in-Command replied. But, there are topics we need to discuss.

- At four in the morning? questioned the big white robot, after looking at his internal clock.

- Do you question my initiatives?

- Uh... No... It's not-

- Yes I do! Totally!" snapped the flyer.

The blue robot glared at Starscream, and growled:

“Still so insolent, I see! It makes wonder how Megatron managed to put up with you!"

The Seeker flapped his wings in anger, and Skyfire looked from one robot to another, not knowing what to do to ease the tension...

“You can go back to sleep, Skyfire. I only want to talk to Starscream.

- But not me! replied the jet.

- It's an order!

- I am not at your command!

- Less loud... You both risk waking everyone..." the shuttle intervened softly.

Ultra Magnus nodded, before roughly grabbing the flyer's wrist, and dragging him out of the chamber! The big white robot followed, but the leader of the Wreckers ordered him to stay in the room!

The two robots walked along the corridors of the new base, much smaller than the previous one. There was only enough room for the robots, and for nothing else, especially now that they were more.

They arrived in the actually empty main room, made up, as in the old base, of the space for the children, who were sleeping, and of the medical bay, not far away.

The Second in Command came out of the hangar with Starscream, still holding him by the wrist! The Seeker was pulling back, in a desperate attempt to free himself from the blue robot's grasp! But that only had the effect of forcing Ultra Magnus to squeeze harder...

"Let go of me! You hurt me! cried out the Seeker.

- Silence!" ordered the leader of the Wreckers.

They kept walking, until they were apparently far enough from Building E for the Autobots' Second-in-Command. The latter pulled magnetic handcuffs out of his subspace and put them on the jet's hands, much to his dismay! The blue robot pulled out another form of cuffs, and this one made the flyer shudder... It was a winged claw!

"Don't come near me!" Starscream hissed, spreading his wings, and raising them high, to look taller!

Ultra Magnus quickly went behind the Seeker, grabbed his wings, and put the claw on them, much to Starscream's flurry!

“You fragger!" I will eviscerate you! shouted the jet.

The leader of the Wreckers carried the flyer close to him, and put his hand on the mouth of the Seeker, to prevent him from screaming. The Autobots' second-in-command dragged Starscream to another empty hangar, a little further from their base. The Seeker struggled, of course, but it was nothing the blue robot couldn't handle.

The jet suddenly bit Ultra Magnus, causing him to let out a small cry of pain, as he withdrew his hand! The flyer had bitten him so hard that there were beads of energon dripping from his hand...

The leader of the Wreckers growled in anger, and threw Starscream into the building, before closing behind him, and blocking the door with a large iron bar. The Seeker struggled to his knees, and the Second in Command turned to him, with a stern look.

“You are going to answer my questions! declared the blue robot.

- So what? Is this some kind of interrogation?! snapped the jet.

- Somehow."

If the aviator could have moved his wings, he would certainly have waved them with a mixture of anger and apprehension...

Ultra Magnus approached his prisoner, and questioned:

" First question ! Are you really a Cold Construction?

- Yes... answered the jet.

- A Level 7 Deviant?

- Yes... "

The Seeker decided to be honest, because he gained nothing by lying to the leader of the Wreckers, it could even harm him, and completely slow him down to defend his conjux!

"Skyfire is really your conjux?

- Of course!

- ...

- ...

- What is your purpose?

- ... What? Starscream asked, clearly confused.

- What do you expect from the Autobots?

- That they protect Skyfire!"

The Autobot Second-in-Command was rather surprised by this answer, and decided to move on to the next question:

"Why didn't you stay neutral on your side, and let the Autobots protect your conjux?

- ... Because... I could clearly see that you were losing! I'm counting on you to protect Sky, but that doesn't mean I'm leaving him completely in your hands!

- Why don't you want to be totally an Autobot?

- Because I don't trust you!

- Why be with us if you don't trust us a little?

- For Skyfire! I just said it! I don't trust you, it's true, but Sky needs me, like I need him! I can't be that far from him when he could be in danger at any moment!"

There was another silence, and the blue robot decided not to be shaken. Although seeing the most treacherous and selfish Decepticon he knew worrying about another robot was kind of... puzzling... He continued his questioning anyway:

"From what I understand you defected to the Decepticons, why?

- It's none of your business!

- Answer!

- No! It does not concern you! It's my choice, and you don't need to know why I did it!"

The Seeker wanted to be cooperative, but not that much!

Ultra Magnus growled in displeasure, and exclaimed:

"I advise you to be cooperative if you want me to consider you at least as a help for the team!"

He waved his fist in frustration, and the jet recoiled in fear at the action, putting his bound hands in front of his face! The leader of the Wreckers did not fail to notice his reaction, and lowered his hand...

The flyer looked at him suspiciously, before doing the same... He tried to force his body to stop shaking, but with no real success... This feeling of helplessness and weakness disgusted him so much... Why is he had to be so... Miserable!

"Why don't you trust us? the Second in Command finally asked.

- Because... Even though Optimus says he's not against the existence of Cold Constructions, I know that all Autobots aren't in the same tought... How can I be sure that none of you won't try to hurt me...? Starscream replied, eyeing the blue robot warily.

- ... We are on the side of Sir Optimus, not Sentinel Prime!"

The Seeker's gaze changed from distrust to confusion, as Ultra Magnus continued:

"I agree with a lot of Sir Optimus' decisions, but there are some that I didn't agree with... First, his reluctance to kill Megatron, letting his own feelings take over! Then, his choice to have hidden the All-Spark, in a place that no one knows, except him!

- It's sure that given his propensity to want to sacrifice himself, he should have perhaps at least told you... The jet huffed.

- ...Or at least to Ratchet..."

There was a silence, before the leader of the Wreckers broke it:

"His other bad choice was to welcome Sentinel Prime into our ranks..."

The flyer looked at the Autobot Second-in-Command with interest, as well as a little troubled... What did the blue robot mean? Do he really regret it?

The blue robot did not fail to notice Starscream's gaze... Ultra Magnus sighed, before saying:

"Maybe I should explain it a little better...

- Maybe yes... nodded the Seeker.

- When Sentinel Prime joined our ranks, Sir Optimus was happy to be able to give him a second chance... He really hoped to be able to change Sentinel's opinion on his caste system, because he knew that deep down, Sentinel had done so in an attempt to restore order on Cybertron.

- Hm...

- I know this must be hard to conceive of for a Cold Construction, given that you were the most oppressed... But there's one thing you need to know, Sentinel's goal was never that the others castes that were not privileged, to be discriminated.

- ..."

The jet scowled, seemingly unconvinced, and the leader of the Wreckers decided to continue:

“His goal was for the most useful military and vehicle modes to be the most efficient and operational, in case the Quintessons returned. So they had privileges, to always be optimal. Don't forget either, that along with the now deceased members of the Senate, it was he who waged the War of Wrath, against the Quintessons.

- So why do you regret that he joined the Autobots, if he was as nice as you claim?! hissed the flyer.

- Because he tried to take the place of Sir Optimus, as leader of the Autobots, by creating his own group! To restore what our true leader was fighting against! And for that, I would never forgive him!"

Chapter Text

Starscream looked at Ultra Magnus in complete confusion! Sentinel try to take Optimus' place?! There were two Autobot factions?! What was that story?!

"What does it mean...? I don't understand... stammered the Seeker. I thought Optimus and Sentinel were on the same side...

- No, they weren't. the Autobot Second-in-Command replied.

- But, explain!!

- First, I want to know, how did you see the Autobot faction, exactly?

- ... Like robots who wanted to get rid of the caste system, but unlike the Decepticons, would do nothing for the Slaves and Cold Constructions...

- Then why did you try to join them at one point?

- When?

-...? When Airachnid left you in the lurch, of course.

- How do you know that?!

- Bumblebee tried to explain to me what I missed."

The jet cursed discreetly, before answering nonchalantly:

"Oh yeah... This moment...

- Did you see others? asked the leader of the Wreckers.

- No no. lied the flyer.

- ... So.

- *Sigh*... I thought maybe it was better to be with them than with the Decepticons...

- Why?

- ... I told you, it's none of your business!

- ...Why join a camp that you consider dangerous for you? Wouldn't you have been safer with the Decepticons?

- Safer?!"

Starscream burst out laughing at this statement, then noticed that the blue robot looked very serious...

“Oh? Wait, Ultra Magnus, you were serious? asked the Seeker, rather surprised.

- Yes! And it's "Sir"! Ultra Magnus retorted.

- Yeah, yeah, as you want..."

The Second in Command had to contain his anger at the insolence of the jet... He really hated that part of the flyer... Always going against the rules! It was intolerable!

"Well, I told you what you wanted to know! Now it’s you turn to explain! Starscream exclaimed.

- I'm the one asking the questions here! replied the leader of the Wreckers.

- Tss! Yeah, yeah!

- ... Keep being so insolent, and I won't tell you anything!

- In that case, I would ask Optimus!

-...?!

- Anyway, I'd rather have him explain it to me than you!"

The two glared at each other, and the blue robot huffed:

"Alright, I'll tell you!

- Good! I see that you can be cooperative ! sneered the Seeker.

- Be careful not to push either!

- ...

- ... When Sir Optimus proposed to Sentinel to join the movement, he immediately accepted! Thinking that since Sir Optimus was against Megatron, he was necessarily against the movement of change!"

Ultra Magnus was next to Optimus, who was talking with Sentinel about upcoming plans. The Second-in-Command of the Autobots was suspicious of the oldest Prime... He knew that the latter sometimes had more than dubious methods, and even against the law... He didn't like it in any way...

The truck seemed to trust him completely, but that was no wonder, considering he was a form of mentor to the younger Prime.

Time passed, without incident... The Autobots tried to push back the Decepticons force as best they could... Then, one day, Vos was destroyed... Ultra Magnus had initially suspected the Decepticons, but the Seekers had joined their side... Therefore, it couldn't possibly be them... So who?

"I'll stop you there right now. the jet intervened. It was the Decepticons who destroyed Vos.

- What?! the leader of the Wreckers wondered.

- Yes. They made us believe it was the Autobots, so that we joined their camp.

- ... How do you know it was the Decepticons?

- ... How I found out is not important... Just know that the other Seekers, like Dreadwing, are convinced that it’s you!

- Why didn't you tell the other Seekers?!

- ..."

The flyer looked away... Apparently, it was too hard to explain... Or else to talk about it... The blue robot didn't insist, and continued:

"Even if it wasn't him... Know that it was with this suspicion that I found out that Sentinel was plotting behind Sir Optimus's back...The Decepticons didn't know Sentinel was on our side, so, he had all the freedom to act!

- Well... How ironic... Starscream huffed. Something of which he was not guilty will have caused his loss, bad luck... But hey, he deserves it anyway!

- You don't like him, huh?

- It would be surprising if I liked him!

- ... Indeed...

- Okay, go on...

- I found evidence that showed that he had created another camp of Autobots, inside our! Robots had joined him, and listened to his orders, instead of those of Sir Optimus... I revealed the truth in broad daylight, and the camp totally divided! Those being on Sentinel's side, and the others on our leader's side... The Decepticons later learned that Sentinel was "with us"...

- Do you regret reporting him?

- What?! No!

- It did put the Autobots at a disadvantage... didn't it?

- ... Yes... It's true... But justice comes first! That was wrong!

- Hmm...

- ...

- ... So, if I sum it up correctly... What you want to tell me is that while the Decepticons thought they were fighting only one Autobot camp, they were fighting against two?!

- Yes that's right...

- Well, it’s really surprise... Well, that explains why your methods were sometimes so different...

-...? What do you mean ?

- Well... When a Decepticon was captured by your side, he either managed to come back, with almost no damage... Or sometimes, well... I guess he fell on the wrong group...

- ... Primus... Anyway, it's surprising that you didn't understand...

- Well, it's not as if we really communicated either... I don't think that during a battle you said to your opponent: "Oh, in fact, before killing you, I have to tell you that there has two Autobot camps now!"

- ... Right...

- But, that explains why your attacks were sometimes so muddled... As if you didn't have the same informations...

- ...Hm... Ultra Magnus nodded.

- ... I feel very stupid for not having understood it earlier... It was obvious in fact...

- As you said, we didn't really communicate... And, fortunately for us, you didn't understand...

- It is sure that you would have been even worse... Fortunately for you, Sentinel is dead!

- In a way yes... It was better that way... But I would have preferred to bring him to justice...

- Pfft! Justice! Ha! Ha! Wake up! It doesn’t exist!

- Sorry, what?! How dare you?!

- I'm telling the truth, that's all! True justice doesn’t exist! It's even rarer than the Dark Energon!

- Grr! I don't allow you to insult justice like that, you little-

- Hey! Can we find out what's going on in there?!" a voice called out from the other side of the closed door.

The two robots looked at the door, with a hint of surprise. The Seeker had immediately recognized Bulkhead's voice, maybe it was his chance to get out!

“Skyfire woke us up, to tell us there might be a problem! We've been looking for you for eons! Everything is fine ?! exclaimed the big green robot.

- Yeah, everything's is- started the Second-in-Command of the Autobots.

- Ultra Magnus, what's going on? Another voice asked, which was none other than Optimus.

- Damn..." the leader of the Wreckers muttered.

He approached the door, removed the iron bar, and opened it. Prime, the green Wrecker, and Wheeljack entered the hangar, and were rather shocked to see that the jet was attached! The sports car glared at the blue robot, before reaching out for the key of the handcuffs.

Ultra Magnus was reluctant at first, until the Autobot leader nodded, telling him to comply. His Second in Command obeyed, although a little reluctantly, still considering that the flyer was too dangerous to be free of his movements...

The white Wrecker moved closer to Starscream, and released his hands and wings. The wings fanned out instantly, almost hitting Wheeljack, by accident! The Seeker sighed in relief, and began massaging his shoulder with his hand, now having terrible back pain...

" It hurts? asked the sports car.

- Of course it hurts!" snapped the jet.

The white Wrecker jumped in a bit of surprise at the sudden explosion, and the flyer realized he'd been a bit curt... He stammered:

"S- Sorry...

- Nah, it's good, don't worry." Wheeljack smiled.

As the sports car helped Starscream up, the Autobot leader looked sternly at the blue robot.

"I don't want you to take such extreme initiatives anymore! said Optimus.

- Yes, Sir... Ultra Magnus nodded, saddened to have disappointed Prime.

- Just don't do it again...

- Yes, Sir...

- Get to know him better, I assure you he's not such a bad robot... He's just young and a bit lost...

- ...Young and lost? ... If you say so...

- You don't seem convinced...

- I would say he's cheeky and stubborn.

- It's also true...

- I don't think we'll ever get along... Our opinions are too divergent... He’s practically like Wheeljack...

- Practically it's not like him...

- No, it's true... Starscream is worse than Wheeljack! I didn't even think that was possible!

- Hey! We heard that!" exclaimed those concerned.

The Autobot leader smiled at that, while the green Wrecker laughed outright. The other members of the group entered the hangar in turn, and Bumblebee beeped:

“What did we miss?

- Everything is fine? Arcee asked.

- Is everyone alive?! Smokescreen exclaimed.

- Is Starscream okay?!" cried out Skyfire, who was running so fast that he had a hard time slowing his speed and not falling...

The Seeker laughed lightly at that, and reassured:

“Don't worry Sky, I'm fine.

- Oh... Phew..." The shuttle ventilated in relief.

The big white robot approached his conjux, and took him in his arms... Reassured that the jet had nothing.

The SIC of the Autobots looked at the couple with a hint of surprise, it was still a little disturbing for him... He whispered to Optimus:

“I am surprised that their couple was accepted at the time.

- I don't think he was... But, knowing Starscream, I don't think he cared... Prime confessed, in a whisper.

- Hum... You're probably right."

The two said nothing more, simply enjoying the sunrise, which presented the start of a whole new day. 

Chapter Text

Shockwave was on the bridge of the Nemesis, setting new defenses on the ship, to avoid having another Autobot invasion, or against the Insecticons if Airachnid ever tried to attack.

The scientist thought about the fact that he should never have used the spider's ANC to create the Insecticons, seeing how it was harming them now... But hey, at the same time, he couldn't have known that the Techno-organic could control them...

The cybertronian tank finished installing the weapons, and thought that maybe he should create some against the Null Rays... Even if, he would have to have access to these Null Rays to study them... Which would mean that he had to have Starscream... But in that case there was no point in creating machines against Null Rays, since he would have already killed this little pest before!

The cyclops robot heard a loud flapping of wings, and turned to see his Predacon land in front of him!

Predaking moved closer to his Creator, and rubbed his muzzle against him, purring softly, happy to see Shockwave. The latter replied by gently stroking the top of the head of his creation, then said:

"Lord Megatron was very upset about your failure, try to do better next time. OK ?"

The beast nodded, and gave a small, sorry moan.

“You must be tired, rest a bit. »

After saying this, the scientist left the outer deck, leaving the Predacon alone. The big robot thought about going to visit Steve. He wondered if his love had been worried about him... 

Well, he would think about it later... For the moment he had to do something else! He had wanted to check something for a while, but for that he had to do two or three searches.

Predaking walked over to one of the bridge's control pads, and tapped on it with his claws, writing the word [ Predacon ] in the search bar. He wanted to know more about his species, as well as other subjects, and he would do all the necessary research for that!

Smokescreen had apologized to the others for having sacrificed the Forge for Optimus, while the latter had asked him to use it to repair the Keys and the Lock... The others bore him no grudge, quite the contrary, most said he had made the right choice. Miko intervened in the conversation, to talk about something totally off topic:

“Hey! When do we resume training with Starscream?!

- What do you mean by "training with Starscream"?! Ultra Magnus was offended.

- I asked Starscream if he would train the less experienced ones. Prime explained.

- B- But, Sir...

- I know you don't trust him, but he seems to be a good teacher.

- Of course I am! incrusted Starscream.

- ... Oh? Why this?

- Well... The Commander of the Seekers must initiate new recruits for a while, to see which ones are suitable!

- Oh! Oh! Oh! Does that mean you gave us Seeker rookie training last time?! The Japanese exclaimed. Sooo cooool!!

- Half a rookie training... corrected the Seeker.

- Ah... Less cool...”

The jet huffed a laugh, and answered:

“You are still young, that's normal. Besides, you are by no means military frames, especially you little human.

- Hey! the young girl was indignant.

- But, I was part of the Autobot Elite Guard! Smokescreen exclaimed.

- Right... agreed the flyer. But, it's harder to be a Seeker! If you want to know everything, not all flyers can be Seekers!

- Yeah, yeah, because they're not military frames...

- No, no, even among the military frames. "Seeker" is a special title! It is given to the best flyers, after an exam considered very difficult!

- What is the percentage of success? beeped Bumblebee.

- 3%!

- WHAAATTT??!! Cried the rookie, the scout and Miko.

-Holly cow! It's even more elitist than Harvard! cried out the Japanese girl.

- You are marked during this exam, or something? Raf asked.

- Yes. Starscream nodded. We are judged for our ability to fly, to shoot, to work alone and in trine.

- In trine?

- Seekers work in a group of three. In each group there is a leader. During a mission, the trine listens to their leader.

- And the Commander in all this? Jack questioned.

- He leads all the Seekers.

- No, but look at him throwing flowers! laughed Wheeljack.

- And I assume ! Commander of the Seekers is a high title!

- No more than the Winglord!

- Well no, of course!"

The white Wrecker laughed at this remark, and the bespectacled boy asked:

"What is a Winglord?"

The Seeker did a heavy sigh, before telling the Autobots:

"You really haven't taught them anything...

- Ah, I admit... The yellow car admitted, scratching his cheek.

- Well, to answer your question, Rafael! Winglord was the one who ruled Vos! ...And before you ask, Vos was my City-State...

- Oh ! Thanks ! The child smiled, before becoming more serious again. But, why are you talking about it in the past tense?

- ...Vos was destroyed in the war, it's just a pile of ashes now..."

There was a heavy silence, before the jet exclaimed:

“But, like most City-States! Vos is just no exception!

- Okay, I see..." Raf answered, knowingly.

The Autobots were silent on the true details of the destruction of the flyer's house, which had been much more violent than Starscream had let the children know... But, at the same time, there were sometimes things that an audience too young could not hear...

Fowler arrived at the base, and greeted them. Optimus turned to him, and said:

“Hello Agent Fowler, you arrived just in time. I need your help for something.

- I'm listening to you. nodded William.

- Do you have a place large enough for my teammates to train?

- Well... Yes, maybe...

- Where's Lilwen?! Asked Miko. I miss her!

- She's at another base at the moment.

- Oooooooh..."

The Japanese girl made a small disappointed pout, and the agent continued:

"I'll see if I find a place big enough, I'll be back!"

He left the shed, as Skyfire approached his conjux, to hug him.

Shockwave went into the main room, and called out:

“Lord Megatron, the Predacon has returned!

- Really?! Megatron wondered.

- Yes.

- But, how did he find his way?

- He knows my energon trace.

- And he managed to follow you from that far?!

- Yes !

- ... Do you think if he analyzed Starscream's energon, he could track him?!"

The scientist waved his antennae in displeasure, and said rather curtly:

“Yes, he could."

The leader of the Decepticons did not fail to notice the annoyance of the cybertronian tank, and replied:

"You know what? Forget...”

The robot cyclops looked at his Lord with a hint of surprise... That was new... Was the ex-gladiator paying a little more attention to Shockwave?

"Very well." The scientist nodded, with a small movement of his antennae, which clearly indicated that he was happy.

Megatron let the cybertronian tank go, and thought "What in the Pit is wrong with me?! I broke down ?!" Why did he do that?! It was absurd! It was... It... It made no sense!!

“Aaaah! Scrap!" the leader of the Decepticons shouted, startling a few Vehicons who were present in the room.

Starscream, Bumblebee, Skyfire, Smokescreen and Miko were in a large tar space, empty of buildings! It was perfect! The Japanese girl was on a moving platform, slightly raised, to avoid an unfortunate accident. The Seeker exclaimed:

"Good ! We'll pick up where we left off! First, I would like to see if you haven't forgotten anything since the last time! Show me the moves we've learned so far!"

Everyone complied, but the jet had to intervene for Smokescreen and Skyfire several times, and once for Miko and Bumblebee.

About twenty soldiers, who were watching the training, approached, and the flyer did not fail to notice them. He says :

"It's dangerous... You should back off...

- To tell you the truth... began a soldier.

- We would love to take your lessons! finished another.

- Oh?" Starscream wondered.

The Seeker glanced at Optimus who was nearby, trying to calm an argument between Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack. Prime finally caught the jet's gaze, and turned to him questioningly. Before approaching, accompanied by the other two.

" What's going on? asked the leader of the Autobots.

- They want to attend the classes. Explained the flyer, pointing the finger at the soldiers.

- Oh? ... Well...

- I don't see any disadvantages. Fowler encrusted himself.

- Are you okay with that, Starscream?

- Uh... Are you really asking my opinion? asked the concerned, with a point of surprise.

- I already told you, I'm not Megatron. Optimus smiled softly.

- Oh... yeah... It's true... Well... It's okay! But, we going to need a lot of platforms..."

The soldiers went to get some, and Wheeljack, who was next to the leader of the Wreckers, joked:

“Primus! He’s creating a little army of Seekers!"

Steve was cataloging the equipment he had left, after all the repairs he had to carry out, as KnockOut had taught him.

Thinking about the doctor, he couldn't help worrying about him... He sincerely hoped he and Breakdown were fine...

The Vehicon was brought out of his thoughts with a small growl, and turned to see Predaking entering the medical bay.

“Predaking!" the new doctor exclaimed in delight, before embracing the long neck of the Predacon.

The beast purred softly, before slightly pushing his love, to have place.

"Oh? What's wrong?" Steve asked, confused.

Predaking made small movements, before suddenly starting a process of transformation, under the amazed gaze of the Vehicon!

The Predacon had turned into a robot! He was a little smaller than his beast mode but still big and imposing! He kept the same colors, and had his wings hidden behind his back.

His shoulders were adorned with large spikes, as were his back and head. He had large hands with masterful, sharp claws. His horns on his head resembled a large crown, and his still intense yellow optics now had small white pupils.

The big robot lowered slightly, to bring his face closer to the new doctor, who was looking at him with a look of amazement!

Steve was analyzing his friend from every angle, trying to register the fact that he had turned into a robot, and the Vehicon couldn't help but think about the fact that the Predacon was really handsome!

Predaking smiled, revealing rather sharp teeth, and said, in a deep voice:

“Steve, I love you. Do you want to be my Sparkmate?"

Chapter Text

Steve stood frozen in place, still processing the fact that Predaking had turned into a robot! There, in front of him, was the Predacon, but no longer in beast mode! Was it possible?! Really ?!

Then, after coming out of his stupor, the new doctor picked up the big robot's request...

“Steve, I love you. Do you want to be my Sparkmate?"

The Vehicon raised his head slightly, to look at Predaking, in his big yellow optics. Steve sighed a little, to collect himself, and stammered:

"Predaking, I-

- What does that mean?!" came a voice, with a hint of surprise.

The two robots looked towards the door, and saw Shockwave there. The Predacon moved away from the face of the new doctor, and rose to his full grandeur. He smiled at the scientist, and said:

“Hello, Creator Shockwave."

The latter had a slight pause, apparently trying to process the information too... He wiggled his antennae, before hesitating:

« Predacon ? ...

- It's Predaking now. corrected the tall robot.

The cybertronian tank remained silent, before exhaling:

"Yes, of course... because now you have also a name..."

He approached his creation, before thinking:

"How is it possible? I didn't know you were able to transform...

- I noticed that you could all transform, and I wondered why I couldn't... explained Predaking. I started to do research, and I also learned a lot more about my species!

- Fascinating."

The Vehicon saw Soundwave pass the medical bay, then stop upon seeing the Predacon. The Communications Commander stood still for a moment, before resuming his walk, as if nothing had happened.

Practice was over, and everyone, both human and robot, was lying on the ground, totally exhausted. Skyfire seemed the least tired, but mainly because the shuttles were more durable. So even though the big white robot wasn't used to it, he could handle the training pretty well.

Starscream was the only one still standing, and couldn't help laughing at the state of the others. The Seeker says:

"Good ! That'll be enough for today!"

Most heaved a huge sigh of relief, and Miko exclaimed, standing up:

"No! It’s good! I can continue! I- Wooow”

The Japanese girl suddenly felt dizzy, and the jet prevented her from slumping on the platform, gently catching her with his hand.

"Rest... scolded the airman.

- Yeah... good idea…" nodded the young girl.

She sat down on the platform, emitting a small breath of fatigue. Skyfire approached his conjux, and smiled:

"Well, that was intense, most of them are completely drained...

- Do you think I exaggerated? Starscream asked.

- I can't tell you...I don't know anything about military training..."

The soldiers got up and left, clearly exhausted. They said goodbye to the robots, and told them they would come back next time. The Seeker was relieved that he hadn't disgust them off the training, which might have been a possibility...

He noticed that Bumblebee and Smokescreen also got up, and the jet closed in on the younger two. The pair looked at him curiously, and the flyer said:

"Smokescreen, can I talk to you? In private."

The rookie nodded, but was by no means reassured to stay alone with Starscream... The episode of the Nemesis being still a little too fresh in his head... He came despite everything with the Seeker, who took him to one of the many abandoned sheds. 

The jet waved the race car in, before entering as well. The flyer closed the door, much to the shock of Smokescreen, who began to feel again that terrible fear in his Spark.

"I brought you here to tell you something important..." Starscream began.

He turned to face the recruit, and continued:

"It's about what happened in the Nemesis..."

The racing car felt like his Spark wanted to come out of his chassis, and thought: "That's it...I'm dead...!"

"I'm sorry..." the Seeker finally said.

Smokescreen had a latent time, before fully understanding what he had just heard... He slightly lowered his shoulders, which had been tense until now due to stress, and widened his optics of surprise.

“W-What…? stammered the rookie.

- ... I'm sorry... repeated the jet. I hurt you... I should never have done that... Please forgive me...”

The flyer lowered his wings in shame and sadness, and avoided the gaze of the racing car.

Smokescreen didn't know how to react... He could see that Starscream was ashamed of his behavior, and that he regretted it... The rookie really wanted to forgive him, but... It was still too fresh...

"I... sputtered the sports car. I can't forgive you right now..."

The Seeker looked up and saw Smokescreen's severe optics. That look hurt Starscream’s Spark even more, but he understood... The rookie continued:

"Starscream...I'm not saying this to be mean...But, that day...You behaved exactly like Megatron..."

This remark was like a violent punch for the jet... And it really hurt... But, the most painful thing was the fact that it was terribly true...

"I know you were scared, and that's why you reacted like that... the racing car continued. I know that you must have lived through moments that must have made you believe that you had to react like that... I understand why you behaved like this... But, I still can't forgive you..."

The flyer nodded slowly, and kept his optics focused on the ground... He held back the rising tears, and his wings drooped a little lower...

Starscream moved away from the door, to allow Smokescreen to pass, and didn't look at him when the latter passed the doorstep...

The rookie turned to the Seeker, but noticed that the latter had his back to him... The racing car hesitated for a while, before leaving the place definitively.

The jet emitted a small sigh of sadness, and left the hangar in turn. He raised his wings and his head, preferring to avoid showing his grief to others.

Skyfire saw his conjux walk to the base, and was saddened to see that Starscream was hiding his emotions again...

Bumblebee noticed the shuttle's worried gaze, and looked in the direction of what he was observing, to see the Seeker there. The scout felt that if the big white robot was so worried, it was probably because something was wrong with the jet...

Megatron was particularly surprised when Soundwave told him about the Predacon that had turned into a robot! Shockwave had never told him about that! ... Surely he didn't know it himself...

The leader of the Decepticons was now in the medical bay, facing the beast, which said his name was Predaking.

"So since when do you hide from us that you know how to transform? asked the ex-gladiator.

- My goal was never to hide it from you. replied the Predacon. I only discovered it recently.

- Hmm... I see...

- It's really fascinating. Shockwave said.

- I have to admit...

- I am happy to serve you, Lord Megatron. smiled the big robot. You have all my loyalty."

Megatron nodded in response, then exclaimed:

"Good!

- I have a request to make of you. said Predaking.

- ... I'm listening to you.

- I would like to be at the command of my brothers. I want to guide them under your coat of arms."

The leader of the Decepticons seemed to be thinking, and the scientist did not fail to notice hesitation in his Lord's optics. The ex-gladiator ends up answering:

"Very well, you will be their Commander!

- Thank you, my Lord!" The Predacon smiled fully.

Steve had so far remained deeply silent, but was happy for his friend, who beamed with joy.

Predaking caught the Vehicon's gaze, and gave him a sweet smile. The new doctor looked away, as he felt a strange sensation in his Spark.

Megatron took his leave, accompanied by Soundwave and Shockwave. He told the scientist that he wanted to speak privately with him. The pair separated from the Communications Commander, and went to the cybertronian tank's lab.

The big robot approached Steve, and said:

"So you still haven't answered my question.

- Uh... I... sputtered the Vehicon. Uuh... You know… uh…

- You still don't want to be my Sparkmate...?"

The Predacon lowered his optics in sadness, and continued:

"I thought you didn't like me, because you only saw me as an animal...

- No! It's not for that! exclaimed the new doctor.

- So why?

- I already told you, Predaking... I already love someone...

- Is your love reciprocated at least?

- No... And it never will be...

- ... So why do you persist?

- Love is not simple, Predaking...

- ... Steve...

- Yes?

- Do you at least allow me to seduce you?

- ... Sorry, what?

- ... I want to make you happy! I told you, I love you! Do you allow me to try to make you forget this robot who will never love you?!

- ... I... I..."

Steve backed away slightly, as Predaking closed in on him. The Vehicon froze, before running away, under the surprised, then chagrined gaze of the Predacon.

Megatron and Shockwave were in the lab, and the scientist was the first to speak:

"What did you want to talk to me about, my Lord?

- It's about the Predacon... huffed the leader of the Decepticons.

- There is a problem ?

- I had never considered that he could have a conscience...

- Neither do I...

- It changes a lot of things...

- What do you mean?

- Isn't it too dangerous to have an army of these beasts, now that we know they can transform into robots?

- Oh... I see what you mean...

- If the Predacons turned against us, it would be a real disaster!

- Do you think that...

- Unfortunately, yes... We have to get rid of all the clones!!"

Chapter Text

The sun was slowly setting, as Ultra Magnus had summoned all Autobots (and non-Autobots) to gather at the base. He announced:

" Good ! After this day of rest, I would like to hear your reports of the battle that took place!

- You call that a day of rest?!" Smokescreen exclaimed.

Most laughed at the remark, as the Autobot Second-in-Command gave the recruit a stern look.

It was true that for the race car, Bumblebee, Miko and Skyfire it was by no means a rest day. Smokescreen coughed lightly, before saying:

"But... yeah... uh... go on, please...

- Well, Soldier Smokescreen, you seem so eager to talk, I'm listening to your report. the leader of the Wreckers replied curtly.

- Oh... Well... I arrived in the middle of the battle, and I came to lend a hand to Wheeljack and Bulkhead! Then I fought with Wheeljack, Arcee and you!

- ... A very empty report for someone so talkative..."

The rookie scratched the back of his head, before smiling in embarrassment...

"Soldier Arcee, do you have anything to add?

- Well... thinks the latter. Oh yes ! When we arrived in the Dark Mount, there wasn't a single Insecticon!

- Not one?! Starscream wondered.

- Yes!

- ..."

The Seeker began to think... It couldn't be Airachnid... At least, not yet... In his vision she only had two Insecticons... Thinking about this, he realized that he absolutely had to tell the Autobots about the spider!

"Uh... I have something important to say..." the jet called out.

The others turned their heads in his direction, and the flyer jumped slightly as the robots had turned their heads a little too abruptly for him...

"I…Starscream coughed to collect himself, and continued. I met Airachnid, three days ago now...

- WHAT??!!!" shouted the others in chorus.

The Seeker jumped again, and panicked:

“I-I meant to tell you, I assure you! But... But, I never found the right moment to do it! I am sorry!"

Optimus raised his hand, to calm the others down, and said softly:

"Continue."

The jet then saw that there was no real hostility, and relaxed a little. Then he explained:

"Well... When I went to get some energon, I came across a cave where I could get some. That's when I fell into one of Araichnid's traps. I finally managed to escape, but empty-handed..."

The flyer did not tell everything in the smallest details. He decided to stay rather evasive, and hid parts like the fact that he had taken refuge in the Harbinger, as well as about KnockOut and Breakdown. Starscream also omitted his confrontation with the Techno-Organic, as he was pretty sure the others wouldn't believe him (aside from Skyfire)...

“She had two Insecticons with her. continued the Seeker. But, I don't think she has the others...

- How can you be so sure? Three days have passed, I remind you! Ultra Magnus retorted, eyeing him suspiciously.

- ...She would have attacked Lord Megatron a long time ago now, if she had! I think that the Decepticons got rid of the Insecticons...

- Oh? It's a good thing for us, isn't it?" Bulkhead asked.

The others nodded in response, and the jet answered:

"... Yes, that means their army strength is going back to what you experienced last year. So it's much more manageable. But, you forgot one detail...

- What? Arcee asked.

- The army of Predacons..."

Everyone blanched when they remembered that they had left Shockwave to make his army, to concentrate on the Omega Keys... Now they were paying a high price... The leader of the Wreckers questioned:

"You let the Decepticons make an army of Predacons? Why ?!

- That was Starscream's plan! replied the motorbike. He wanted us to focus on getting the keys rather than stopping our enemies from creating a new army!!

- When I proposed it, I don't remember that you were against it!! replied the flyer.

- Yeah well I should have! Everyone knows your plans never work! It's not an idiot like you who could have found a real solution! Except for getting us in trouble, you're useless!!"

Starscream froze in place after hearing the warrior's last statement, he wanted to retort something, then he realized how right Arcee was... It was his fault... It was all his fault... It was always his fault! 

Suddenly looks of hatred and contempt surrounded the Seeker... "He's only a burden!" cried out a voice. "We should get rid of him! Why isn't it done already?!" "Afterall, killing a Cold Construction isn't murder, since they're not robots!" "He’s useless!" "Worthless! “Pathetic !”  

The jet began to recule, optics wide with fear... It was then that he saw a larger shadow forming behind the Autobots... It was... It was... Lord Megatron!

“Wretched useless robot! shouted his Master. It makes wonder why I keep a worthless robot like you in our ranks! So what?! All you're good at is running away?! Pathetic! It's all entirely your fault!"

The shadow of the leader of the Decepticons approached the flyer, who retreated more and more...

“Can't you see, Starscream. Lord Megatron smiled. Despite the fact that you tried to get away from me, deep down, I'm still with you! Look, you behave like me! Do you really think Smokescreen will ever forgive you?! No, he will hate you! He will hate you like you hate me! The difference is that he didn't deserve it! Whereas you... You deserved everything that happened to you!"

Starscream put his hands on his audio receivers, before screaming and running out of the hangar!

"But... Hey! Starscream!" Wheeljack called out.

He thought about catching up with the Seeker, but the latter had disappeared from his field of vision...

"What happened to him? Bulkhead asked. Did you see his look?"

Skyfire clenched his hand into a fist against his Spark, as he tried not to flinch at the fear that tugged at him... Bumblebee shot a stern look at Arcee, before walking out of the base, after be transformed into his alternate mode. The motorbike scratched the back of her head, puzzled...

Steve was in the dorm with the other Vehicons, still thinking about what Predaking had told him... He saw 54M and G4R1 approaching him, and G4R1 asked:

"Well, what's wrong?

- Oh... I don't think you can help me on that... 5T3V3 huffed.

- No?

- No...

- ...

- Hey... You remember I'm always looking for Bombshell, right? said 54M.

- Yeah, did you find him?

- No... And now H4R1 is missing, along with other Vehicons... V1V14N3 is starting to get worried...

- Hey, didn't you notice that some of us were acting really weird?

- Yes, I noticed the same thing. Steve nodded.

- You should really work on this...

- I know... But not now... First I have to give the KnockOut data on the Synthetic Energon to Shockwave...

- Why didn't you do it before?

- ...Because I don't want to see Shockwave...

- That seems to me to be a good motive... 54M incrusted himself.

- Yeah, but don't delay too much... G4R1 sighed.

- I know, I know... huffed 5T3V3.

- Hey! Have you heard of the Predacon being able to transform into a robot?! called out another drone, named 3MM4.

- Eh ?! Serious ?! G4R1 wondered.

- Yeah ! Isn't that crazy?!

- It's mostly terrifying...

- I don't see how Predaking is terrifying! growled Steve.

- ...I don't see how you can be friends with such a monster, 5T3V3...

- ...For the last time... My. Name. Is. STEVE!!!"

The new doctor came out of the dormitory, furious!

Bumblebee kept rolling around the base, and finally found what he was looking for! He transformed back into his original mode, and approached Starscream. The latter had hidden behind another abandoned shed, and was sitting on the ground, his back against the wall... 

His wings were lowered, and his arms were wrapped around his legs... He had his head on his knees, and the scout couldn't really see his face... The yellow car came a little closer, and called :

"Starscream..."

The latter jumped, and stood up abruptly, before transforming his hands into blasters! Bumblebee quickly raised his arms, to show that he had no intention of hurting the Seeker, and beeped softly:

"Don't worry... It's just me..."

The jet relaxed slightly, and lowered his weapons, before transforming his hands again...

"What do you want? asked the flyer, curtly.

- Just talking to you. replied the scout.

- ..."

Starscream sat back against the wall, and returned to the position he was in when the yellow car found him... Bumblebee sat down next to him, and he did not fail to notice that the Seeker flinched when he did it...

“ I just want to know what's wrong. explained the scout. I can see that you are not okay...

- ... I should never have come back to you...! I should have taken Sky with me, and let you with your stupid war...!" the jet growled.

The yellow car did not fail to hear the fatigue in the flyer's voice, and thought of the fact that apparently everyone was tired of this war...

" ... I don't think that would have been beneficial for Skyfire... Bumblebee remarked.

- I know!! snapped Starscream, raising his head and glaring at the scout. I know it! OK?! Anyway, whatever I do, it's never beneficial for anyone!!

- ... What do you mean…?

- ...Arcee was right...I only bring you trouble..."

The Seeker lowered his head, and wrapped his arms around his legs...

"Lord Megatron was right...I'm worthless... the jet said sadly. I'm...so useless..."

The scout clenched his fists, before beeping, with a hint of anger:

“Don't think that!"

The flyer jumped slightly, and cast a confused look at the yellow car. Bumblebee continued:

"Don't think you're useless when you're so wrong!"

- W- What...? Starscream stammered.

- You are far from useless! Quite the contrary! Do you realize how many times you have helped us?! By finding energon! By bringing back relics!

- ... I only did it because you made me do it...

- And when you saved Optimus! And the children! Or when you gave us a plan to save Smokescreen from Megatron! Or when you saved him from Soundwave! Like when you helped us find the Nemesis, so we could collect the Omega Keys! All of this, you did it yourself! You have decided to help us!

- ...

- Not to mention all the times you saved Skyfire!

- ..."

The Seeker closed his optics hard, and turned his head away... He ventilated, in a voice broken by grief:

"I'm no better than Lord Megatron...I'm a brute... like him... I… I'm a monster... like him...

- No, it's not true... answered the scout. You are better than him!

- And how can you be so sure?!

- Because you are trying to change… ”

The jet turned his head in the direction of the yellow car, and looked at him in surprise...

“It's even more than trying! beeped Bumblebee. You change ! For the better!"

The flyer looked away, but that didn't stop the scout:

“You are not useless, because you are invaluable to our team! You are not a monster, because you are capable of being ashamed of your bad deeds! You are not Megatron, because you are capable of changing and questioning yourself! You are Starscream, and nobody else!"

Starscream felt tears roll down his cheeks, as he slowly released all the tension he had inside... The Seeker began to wipe away his tears, and sobbed:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you..."

The yellow car approached the jet, and took him by the waist, to give him a hug... The flyer jumped slightly at the sudden contact, before finally accepting it, and responding to the hug...

Chapter Text

Shrapnel and the other Insecticons had all set up the human base, to live there properly. Shrapnel was happy with their new base, they could almost feel at home. 

The temperatures were pretty extreme outside the base, but nothing his species couldn't handle. The bug was just happy that the energon hadn't exploded from the heat. 

But that was thanks to Soundwave putting it in special cubes. Too bad these cubes deteriorated quickly... They had to store the energon in other tanks, but fortunately had not lost a drop.

The other Insecticons had appointed Shrapnel as their leader, mainly because he was able to make decisions quickly... He didn't expect it, but agreed. Someone had to direct all of this, otherwise it could quickly become unmanageable...

Shrapnel sighed softly... He wondered how things were going on Earth, and he hoped that Bombshell and Kickback were fine... Shrapnel wished he could see them again soon...

Bumblebee and Starscream had stayed behind the abandoned hangar, mainly because the Seeker had no desire to see judgment and despise in others, if they returned to base...

“I don't think they despise you... tried to reassure the scout.

- ... No, it's true... huffed the jet. They hate me, it's not the same...

- I don't hate you! And I know that's not the case with Optimus either, and Skyfire!

- Arcee hates me...

- No... I think it’s just still hard for her, that's all, you have to understand her... And then, look, you were also fully accepted by Bulkhead and Wheeljack!

- But not by that idiot Ultra Magnus...

- He just arrived, give him some time... And then there's also Ratchet (even if he won't admit it) and Smokescreen who like you!

- Smokescreen hates me even more than Arcee...

- What? But what are you saying... ?

- ... Nevermind...

- No! I would like you to explain to me!

- ...I guess Smokescreen told you he learned for me, right? On the fact that I was a Cold Construction...

- Yes, and?

- ...

- Starscream ?

- ...I... I attacked him...When I saw he found out what I was...I was going to kill him...Bumblebee...if you and Arcee hadn’t… If you hadn't arrived in time, I would have murdered him in this room, at the Nemesis..."

The yellow car got up, as he looked at the flyer in surprise... Starscream got up too, and started walking in the opposite direction to Bumblebee... The scout grabbed his hand, and exclaimed:

“Wait! Do not run away !"

It was the Seeker's turn to stare at the scout in surprise, as the scout continued to hold him back!

"What the... what are you doing?! the jet wondered.

- I want you to explain to me! the yellow car beeped.

- But what do I explain to you?!

- I want you to explain to me why you felt obliged to react like that!

- ... I can't...

- What?! You can't because you have no valid reason, or because it's too hard to explain?!

- The... The second option...

- ...

- But it's not hard in the sense that it's complicated to summarize clearly... It's just that... it's too hard...

- ... Oh... OK...

- I was so scared... you can't know...

- No, it's true... I can't... But, I understand that you could have been afraid... I know what happened to your kind... I never knew the Purge, but I imagine it must have been awful...

- What was the most horrible, it was not the fact that one of us could be killed in the middle of the street, it was especially the fact that nobody did anything against... No one gave a frag… They were even happy about it for the most part...

- ...

- And... when I heard Smokescreen's remarks about my species, it made me so angry... I was so angry! And I was also so scared... So, when Smokescreen found out the truth, I remembered everything he said, and it just went away... I don't really know what happened... I felt like I was in my body, but not completely... It was really strange...

- ...

- Heh... You must think I'm crazy...

- No, I don't think you're crazy... I just think you're scared, and it’s hard for you…"

The flyer smiled softly, and Bumblebee moved closer to him, before saying:

"Come on, let's join the others."

Starscream nodded in response, and the two headed back to base.

Ultra Magnus was with Optimus, in one of the empty docs, which would soon be used to store energon, and he couldn't help but see the worried look in his leader's optics. The leader of the Wreckers says:

"I'm sure you don't have to worry...

- ... I'm really worried about Starscream... Prime sighed. I would like to help him, but I feel like no matter what I do, it's never enough...

- ... I will try to make an effort on my side, Sir...

- Thanks...

- But that doesn't mean I'll succeed...

- I know..."

The Autobot Second-in-Command nodded, and a slight silence settled. The blue robot ends up breaking it, saying:

“I have something important to tell you.

- I'm listening to you. Optimus replied.

- ... Starscream spoke to me of important things, when I...

- Kidnapped and interrogated him? ...

- ... Yes...

- ...

- He told me who destroyed Vos...

- The Autobots of Sentinel Prime.

- No, it was the Decepticons…”

Prime looked at Ultra Magnus, and his optics reflected amazement, bewilderment, and a hint of anger. The Autobot leader struggled to control his voice as he asked:

" ... What... ?!

- ... Starscream thought it was us... Then he found out it was the Decepticons... explained the leader of the Wreckers.

- ... When?

- Sorry?

- When did he find out?

- I don't know... But, I understand better why he decided to leave them...

- ... I..."

They heard exclamations coming from the main hall, and mainly Wheeljack:

“Hey! Screamy! We worried about you, you know!

- Oh...uh..." the latter stammered.

Optimus and Ultra Magnus arrived as Ratchet approached the group, and scolded:

"Give him some space!" »

He waved his arms briskly, and the others moved away. Skyfire gently took his conjux’s hand, and smiled at him. Starscream smiled back, and tightened his grip on the shuttle's hand...

Arcee approached the couple, and the tall white robot gave her a stern look, while the Seeker moved back slightly behind his conjux... It was clear that the jet had no desire to speak to her...

"I came to apologize... the motorbike sighed. I should never have said that...

- ... Well... it was rather true... answered the flyer.

- Nope ! It... It wasn't... *Sigh*... Listen! I was just looking for a culprit for our problems, okay?! I took revenge on you, but I shouldn't have, and I know it! I... I'm sorry!"

The warrior reached out to Starscream, and he looked at her in confusion...

"Hey, then you're supposed to shake my hand... Arcee scolded falsely.

- Oh! Uh, yes!" the Seeker nodded.

He hesitated a bit, before finally shaking hands with the motorbike. The two smiled at each other slightly, happy to have managed to find some potential common ground. The children watched from afar, and Jack smiled, seeing this improvement.

Steve had been riding the halls for a while, before being scolded by Dreadwing about rolling through the corridors at such a late hour of the night... The Vehicon was now walking to the dorm, and was glad that rolling gave him some time to think... He thought about the fact that he had to quickly clear things up with Predaking, and that's when he thought that, that he saw the latter in front of his dormitory.

“Predaking?! The new doctor wondered. But, what are you doing here so late?!

- ...I wanted to talk to you... the Predacon explained, looking away, and scratching the back of his head.

- I'm listening to you.

- It's... it's about what I told you earlier... I... I know you must have found that very weird so-

- I accept."

There was a short silence, before the big robot turned his attention to Steve, and asked:

"Sorry , what?

- ... I accept ! repeated the Vehicon. I accept that you seduce me!"

Predaking had a slight lag time, before literally beaming with joy! The Predacon smiled broadly, and the new doctor continued:

“But, I prefer to warn you, I am not a robot easy to seduce!

- I have no doubt about it ! nodded the Predacon. You'll see, Steve, I would do anything to prove myself worthy of you!"

Steve couldn't help but feel a pleasant sensation in his Spark, but he didn't know if it was due to his big friend, soon to be Sparkdiscover, putting him on such a pedestal, or if it was due to a new emerging feeling.

Further from the Nemesis, in a small forest plunged into the night, Airachnid came out of the cave where she had holed up to recover from her injuries, accompanied by her two Insecticons. The spider fumed in anger, as she thought back to her defeat against Starscream! This cursed machine will pay for this!

The Techno-Organic was considering how she would destroy this miserable Cold Construction, both physically and mentally!

It was then that she saw jeeps, with humans inside, coming in her direction. Airachnid recognized the vehicles as MECH, and she smiled thinking that she might be able to take revenge on two or three humans tonight.

Bombshell and Kickback groaned slightly, as they felt bad energy emanating from the weapons built into the cars... And, the spider did not fail to feel it in turn... It was... Dark Energon!

The Techno-organic heard several different vehicles, and did not fail to notice that they were Vehicons! Other Vehicons, but flying this time, arrived by air, and completely surrounded the trio!

What?! What did that mean?! Was Megatron behind this attack?! Did he make a deal with MECH?! No! It made no sense! So what, it was just a weird coincidence?!

“You must be asking yourself a lot of questions! Know already that these Vehicons are on my side!" a voice exclaimed.

Airachnid looked in the direction of the human vehicles, and saw a human woman get out of a jeep, gun in hand!

"So are you the director of all this? asked the spider.

- Yes. the young woman nodded. I'm Lilas, the leader of the MECH.

-...? If I remember correctly, the leader of the MECH was Silas.

- He’s dead!

- Really ?

- Yes, let's say that I helped him a little to leave for good!

- Hm... I see. But tell me, what are you doing here? And above all, how do you manage to control these drones?

- Oh, you'll know soon enough!"

Lilwen pointed her weapon in the direction of the Techno-organic, but the latter immediately felt that it was important not to be hit by this weapon, and dodged the shot!

Airachnid transformed into a helicopter, but was suddenly hit by a kind of purple ray that struck her on the spot! The spider screamed in pain, and crashed heavily to the ground! She gradually felt that she was losing control of her own body, as the Dark Energon seeped into her circuitry! The Techno-Organic looked in the direction of the Insecticons, and found that they had already been gotten!

The MECH leader approached the downed robot, and smiled grimly, before exclaiming:

"Welcome to the team, Airachnid!"

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the large black space, and when the scene formed, he found himself in front of a big hangar. He saw vehicles parked outside, mostly jeeps and helicopters. They were MECH vehicles, that was undeniable!

The Seeker decided to enter the hangar, and froze on the spot when he saw that there was Dark Energon inside, a lot of Dark Energon!

“W-What?! The jet wondered. But, what does that mean?!"

Why did the MECH have so much Dark Energon?! To do what ?! It was of no use! The flyer heard the hangar door open, and turned to see... A Vehicon?!

Starscream awoke with a start, as he heard Ratchet screaming from the medical bay! Apparently Bulkhead had broken something again that the doctor needed.

The Seeker sat down on the charging table with a sigh, and Skyfire followed not far behind. The shuttle took the jet in his arms, and kissed him gently, before smiling, and exclaiming:

"Hi!

- Hi!" the flyer said, responding to his smile.

The couple came out of the bedroom, and saw that most of the Autobots were already there. Smokescreen and Bumblebee arrived with the duo, and they greeted each other, before closing in on the rest of the group. Ultra Magnus spoke, after waiting for Optimus' approval, with a knowing look.

“We are actualy low on energon! declared the Autobot Commander.

- Wow... Thanks Captain Obvious!" sneered Wheeljack.

The leader of the Wreckers decided to ignore him, and continued:

"The little energon we had came from Ratchet's medical supplies, and that's now gone! It is important to recover quickly! We're going to split teams! Some will take care of the base, while others will collect energon!

- Please, everything but not the storage of the base... begged the recruit discreetly.

- Smokescreen and Bumblebee you take care of the base!

- Oh nooo ...

- Skyfire and Ratchet, I'll let you take care of the Synthetic Energon formula!

- Y- Yes! answered the big white robot.

- Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Sir Optimus, you will return to the old base to recover energon that could have survived the explosion.

- That seems alright to me. said Prime.

- Thank you Primus I'm not with Magnus... whispered the white Wrecker.

- Jackie..." Bulkhead scolded quietly.

- And finally! the blue robot exclaimed, cutting off the spurious conversations. Arcee, Starscream, and I will pick up a Decepticon mine after Starscream gives us the coordinates!

- ... I don't want to go with you! snapped Starscream.

- Oh, but you have no choice!

- Starscream, Ultra Magnus... called to order the leader of the Autobots.

- Yes sir."

Ultra Magnus sighed slightly, before exclaiming:

"Do you all understand?!"

All answered in the affirmative, but the Seeker clenched his fists, having no desire to go there... Especially near a Decepticon mine! What was he going to do if he found himself facing Lord Megatron?!

“Why not just have your own mine?! suddenly offered the jet.

- Why this sudden proposal? the Autobot Second-in-Command bewared.

- Because, it would be much better for the group!

- We don't have the equipment!

- It’s possible to build it!

- Do you think we can-

- I can build it!!"

The leader of the Wreckers looked at the flyer with a hint of surprise, then remembered that Bumblebee had explained to him that Starscream was a scientist before being a Seeker. The blue robot sighed... An effort, he had to make an effort...

"Very well!" Ultra Magnus conceded.

The Seeker stared at him in confusion, before saying:

"Oh ?

- Yes! The Autobots Second-in-Command replied. We'll already find a source to exploit, and then you, Starsc- you'll build the weapons, soldier Starscream!"

The latter nodded in response, and couldn't help but flap his wings of satisfaction. It was rather nice to be listened to.

The groups separated, and the jet gave the coordinates of a source he had been tracking for a while now.

Dreadwing arrived in the main room, and called out to his leader, who was chatting with Soundwave:

"My Lord !

- Yes, Dreadwing? Megatron replied.

- We're out of energon... Most of the cubes were in the Dark Mount...

- Primus...

- And most of the mines are empty, or infected with Black Energon...

- ...

- We have to find others...

- I can create an energon radar a little better than the ones you have. suggested Shockwave, who had arrived with Predaking.

- Good! Created that Shockwave! It's perfect! nodded the ex-gladiator.

- Very well!"

The scientist greeted the people present in the room, before taking his leave. The Predacon approached the group, and the big Seeker huffed:

"If I expected you to be able to transform...

- I just came to talk to you, Commander Dreadwing. answered the big robot.

- I'm listening to you.

- I would like us to resume my training, but differently.

- Hm... Yes, I see! OK!

- Thanks.

- I must leave you, Lord Megatron.

- Go!" said the latter.

The pair left the room, and Megatron turned to his friend, before announcing:

"When Shockwave creates the radar, you can send us to the source!"

The Communications Commander nodded in response. The ex-gladiator sighed discreetly, hoping that Shockwave's new radar could be as good as Starscream's...

Starscream, Ultra Magnus, and Arcee arrive at a cave, and the leader of the Wreckers asks:

"So is that where the energon is?

- Yes ! confirmed the Seeker.

- Good! Show us the way in this case!

- W- What?

- To find the energon!

- ...You...you don't need me for that..."

The Autobot Second-in-Command stared warily at the jet, and questioned:

“Why this sudden reluctance?"

The flyer immediately felt the aura of suspicion of the leader of the Wreckers, and waved his wings in nervousness...

"I just don't want to... go into this cave... Starscream explained, rather evasively.

- That's an order, soldier! exclaimed the blue robot.

- Well, I contest this order!

- The rules state that you cannot dispute an order from one of your superio-.

- You know what, go frag yourself with your rules and shove it deep in your exhaust pipe!"

Ultra Magnus froze in place, and seethed with rage inside! OK ! It was no longer the time to make efforts! The leader of the Wreckers exclaimed:

"Your insolence is out of bounds, Starscream!

- Oh?! You think I'm overstepping the bounds?! Well get ready, mech, because you haven't seen anything yet! retorted the Seeker.

- OH!" shouted Arcee.

The other two turned to the motorcycle, and the latter continued:

"Did you finished ?! Because that's really not how we're going to move forward! We just have to check if the energon is recoverable with low quality equipment, because of our more than precarious situation! We don't need to be three in the cave! It's even better that one of us stands guard! Starscream just has to do it!

- But, who will guide us in the cave?! the Autobots Second-in-Command replied.

- We don't need him to find energon in the cave! The radars we have with us are perhaps much less powerful, but can be used! the warrior pulled out of her subspace the radar that Ratchet had built, long ago now, and continued. You just don't trust him (which I can understand)! But he makes efforts, so you must also make some efforts!"

The blue robot remained deeply silent, and sighed heavily, before answering:

"Very well ! Starscream, you stand guard!"

The jet nodded in response, reassured that he didn't have to enter that damned cave! He couldn't help but stare at Arcee with great surprise, and the latter didn't fail to notice the flyer's gaze.

" What? asked the motorbike.

- Oh nothing... said Starscream shrugging. I'm just surprised you're coming to my defense...

- There’s a first time for everything."

The Seeker smiled at that remark, and the warrior smiled back, before heading deeper into the cave with Ultra Magnus. She decided not to tell the jet that she had seen that his hands were shaking... But she was still curious to know why the flyer was so afraid of going into a cave...

Shockwave returned with coordinates, and gave them to Megatron. The latter thanked him, and the scientist explained that he now had to go see the Predacons who were still in the tanks. The leader of the Decepticons was not sure, but it seemed that the scientist was sad to soon have to destroy his creations... Otherwise, why would he go to see them... He was snapped out of his thoughts, by a voice that called out:

"My Lord, excuse me, but have you seen Commander Shockwave?"

The ex-gladiator recognized the Vehicon who said his name was Steve, and growled:

“He just left!

- Oh... Alright, thank you..." Steve replied.

The new doctor left as quickly as he had come, and wondered when he could give the notes on the Synthetic Energon to Shockwave...

Megatron asked Soundwave to establish the coordinates for a ground bridge, and explained that he was going to check if the deposit found was exploitable.

“< Alone > < ? > asked his friend, with an unfamiliar but worried voice.

- What? You're worried?" laughed the leader of the Decepticons.

The Cybertronian plane nodded in response, and the ex-gladiator smiled.

“I'll call you for coming back."

Megatron walked through the portal, then disappeared entirely from Soundwave's vision.

Starscream sighed softly, as he began to get slightly impatient... Was it so hard to find energon?!

The Seeker then noticed the formation of a ground bridge, and thought "But... We didn't call a bridge..."  Scrap! So it could only be the Decepticons!! The jet saw a large and familiar form emerge from the portal, and froze in place as he and Lord Megatron faced each other!

“Starscream! smiled his Master. What a surprise!"

The leader of the Decepticons approached the flyer, smiling at him with a carnivorous air, and with a look that gave Starscream the impression that he was sinking into the ground...!

Chapter Text

Starscream's wings slammed against his back and drooped extremely... The Seeker flinched back as Lord Megatron continued to advance towards him... The jet felt his Spark pulsate at a frantic and uncontrollable speed in his spark chamber...

The flyer stumbled over a rock, and fell back! He crashed his back against the ground, and tried to get up, but without real success... He was shaking too much! Starscream backed up on the ground, before finding himself wedged against the rock wall next to the entrance to the cave!

The Seeker slammed into the rock wall, in huge panic! His Master was now extremely close, and knelt in front of the jet, to be at the same height as him... The flyer screamed in mad terror, until the leader of the Decepticons clapped his hand over Starscream's mouth to silence him! The Seeker trembled frantically, as Lord Megatron signaled him to be quiet!

The jet tried to hold back the tears of fear welling up in his optics, as his Master whispered to him in his audio-receiver:

"We're going back home!"

The flyer began to emit small deaf cries, and desperately tried to free himself from the iron fist of the leader of the Decepticons! Starscream clawed at Lord Megatron's arm, but with no real success in escaping... His Master tightened his grip tighter against his face, causing the Seeker to scream in muffled pain!

The leader of the Decepticons slammed the head of the jet hard against the rock wall, practically knocking him out! He released his grip on the flyer's mouth, who moaned softly in pain... Starscream's body sagged, as he struggled to stay conscious...

"We're going home! It's an order! Is that clear?! Lord Megatron exclaimed.

- Y-yes..." moaned the Seeker.

The ex-gladiator smiled wickedly, before getting up, and proclaiming:

"Come on! Get up!"

The jet tried to get up, but without success... His Master lost patience, and grabbed him abruptly by the forearm, before lifting him out of the ground!

“Are you dumb enough to forget how get up?! Cried out the leader of the Decepticons.

- S- sorry... sputtered the flyer

- I don't think you've finished your sentence!

- ... Sorry... Master...

- Good!"

Lord Megatron allowed Starscream to touch the ground with his feet, but kept a hard grip on his arm!

The Seeker felt panic rising within him, as he thought of what would await him back on the Nemesis! Since KnockOut was no longer with the Decepticons, who was going to fix him?! And then... Oh no... The code... His Master knew that the jet had recovered what he had locked behind his code!!

The leader of the Decepticons called Soundwave for a ground bridge, and the fler began to struggle again as best he could, despite still being disoriented from the hit he had received in the head!

"You never learn…" growled Lord Megatron.

He crushed Starscream's arm, tightening his grip extremely, and the Seeker screamed in pain! The jet dropped to one knee, as he flinched at the pain inflicted on his arm!

"Get up!" his Master ordered.

The leader of the Decepticons didn't see the fist coming straight to his head, and was thrown back slightly! The blow forced him to release his grip on the flyer, who held his bruised arm close to his chest, remaining down, his wings tight and his knees on the ground...

Megatron saw that the one who had hit him was none other than Ultra Magnus, who was now in a combat position, in front of Starscream, as if to protect him!

Arcee moved closer to the Seeker, and gently put her hand on his shoulder, as the jet couldn't help shaking... The flyer jumped and screamed, then the motorbike said softly:

"It's alright, it's me, Arcee..."

She helped Starscream up by putting the intact arm of the jet on her shoulders, to walk away, just as the Autobots Second-in-Command and the ex-Gladiator were ready to begin the confrontation! Megatron growled in anger, before exclaiming:

“Leave him!

- It's more up to me to tell you that!" retorted the leader of the Wreckers.

The two rushed on it, and engaged in a brutal fight!

The warrior took the Seeker to the entrance of the cave, and placed him gently against one of the rock walls, so that he could sit properly on the ground... Arcee noticed that the jet did not stop trembling, and hyperventilating, with the optics closed... She used her communicator to make an emergency call to the base!

“Now is not the time! Ratchet replied through the communicator.

- We have a big problem! Megatron is here, and he attacked Starscream! Ultra Magnus is taking care of him for now, but I don't know how long he will hold on! quickly explained the motorcycle, trying to contain her concern.

- Oh?! Scrap! That explains Skyfire's behavior...

- We must open a ground bridge! cried out the shuttle from the other side of the handset.

- ...What state is Starscream in?!" the doctor asked the warrior, ignoring the large white robot.

Arcee could hear a struggling noise on the other side of her communicator, and Bumblebee and Smokescreen yelling at Skyfire to calm down!

“What state is Starscream in?! repeated the ambulance.

- Oh yes ! realized Arcee. Well... He's got his right arm crushed and a wound on the back of his head...

- Nothing else?

- ... I don't know if he’s unconscious, but in any case his optics are closed... On the other hand, he doesn’t stop shaking and hyperventilating...

- Scrap!!

- But, what's going on?!

- Wait!"

The motorbike heard Ratchet yelling at Raf to call Optimus and open a bridge for him to return to base, and quickly returned to the comm.

" OK! OK! I need you to listen to me carefully, Arcee!

- Yes! The latter nodded.

- Starscream is in shock state, I'll help you stabilize him!

- M- Me?! But, why don't you come?!

- Megatron could see me coming, and then we'll be really bad, because he will for sure find your hiding place! Above all, this must not happen!

- OK...! OK...!

- Good ! Now, listen! First, check if he’s conscious!

- How do I do that?!

- Ask him if he hears you, and to respond with a simple action, like shaking your hand!

- OK!"

The warrior took the flyer's hand, and said, trying to control her panic:

"Starscream, if you can hear me, shake my hand!"

She received no reaction, and yelled to the doctor:

"He doesn’t answer !

- Don't panic Arcee! ordered the ambulance. It's not going to help him! Well, lay him on the ground, in the lateral safety position, you know how to do that?!

- Y- Yes!

- And stop panicking!

- It's not easy, okay?!"

Arcee laid Starscream on the ground, and put him in the correct position! "Don't panic...don't panic...don't panic..." the motorbike repeated to herself.

" OK! Now what do I do?! she exclaimed.

- Are his temperature regulators working properly? Ratchet asked.

- But... I don't know!

- Is he hot or cold?!

- Oh...wait..."

The warrior really wondered why she was panicking so much, it wasn't like she liked the Seeker... But, at the same time, things had changed... She touched the cheek of the jet, and stepped back. his hand quickly!

“Oh! He’s burning hot !

- ... Okay! understood the doctor. Are you in the shade?

- Um yes!

- On this point, you can do nothing more for the moment...

- OK..."

The comm abruptly cut off, as if Ratchet had interrupted it, and Arcee exclaimed:

"Ratchet ?! Ratchet ?!!"

Why wasn't he answering anymore?! Something had happened at their base?!

"Well, it looks like you're alone now!" taunted a voice the motorbike knew only too well...

The warrior looked up to see Megatron in front of the cave entrance! He had two or three wounds, but it didn't seem to bother him! She got up quickly, and got into a fighting position, between the leader of the Decepticons and the flyer, still unconscious... Where was Ultra Magnus?!

“Where is Ultra Magnus?! Arcee exclaimed.

- He's taking a break. nonchalantly answered the ex-gladiator while approaching.

- Don't come any closer!! hissed the motorbike, getting into a position to protect Starscream!

- Well? You are protecting your teammates' killers now? Megatron sneered. Did you also befriend Airachnid?

- Starscream is not Airachnid!"

The warrior unsheathed her blades, and leapt towards the leader of the Decepticons! The latter dodged without problem, and gave a violent knee in the tank of Arcee! She spat energon from the impact, and took off until she crashed into a wall! The motorcycle slid along the wall, before collapsing hard on the ground!

The ex-gladiator approached the Seeker, who was slowly beginning to regain consciousness... Megatron knelt down in front of his former Second-in-Command and put a hand on the shoulder of the jet, then shook him slightly to wake him up.

The flyer blinked his optics several times, not understanding where he was... He was lying on rock? Why? And... why was it... so... dark... Starscream met his Master's crimson optics, and froze in place, unable to move... The Seeker wanted to scream, but no sound came out... His Spark squeezed so hard, that he started to have a lot of pain in his chest... It was crushing him! It crushed him!

The leader of the Decepticons felt the jet tremble at the touch of his hand, and tightened his grip on the little traitor's shoulder, to lift him!

The flyer suddenly found himself on his feet, and yelped in pain and fright! He was pulled out of the cave, as Lord Megatron began to crush his shoulder! Starscream couldn't keep up with the all-too-fast pace of his Master's long strides, and stumbled several times, much to his shoulder's dismay...

The leader of the Decepticons received a blow from a blaster in the hand that held the Seeker, and let go of him by reflex! The jet crashed back against the ground, and curled up on himself! Megatron turned his head to see Ultra Magnus, barely standing, weapon drawn!

The leader of the Wreckers had a large gash on his right side, which was losing a lot of energon, as well as several marks of hard blows on his face! His left arm was twisted in a completely unnatural way, and one of his optics was covered in energon that was leaking from a wound in his forehead!

“The lesson I gave you wasn't enough for you?! The ex-gladiator scoffed.

- You don't hit that hard... challenged the Autobots Second-in-Command.

- You think you have a chance alone?!

- An Autobot is never alone!" a voice claimed.

The two turned towards the source and saw Optimus coming out of a portal, accompanied by Bulkhead and Wheeljack! Prime had his mouth mask on, but his optics reflected clear anger, as he continued, unsheathing his blades embedded in his arms:

"And know that if you go against one of us, the whole group will be against you!"

Chapter Text

Megatron glared at Optimus in mad rage, but he decided to focus on Starscream, and rushed at him! Prime ran in his direction, and stabbed his ennemy hard in the chest!

"I warned you not to hurt my family!" snapped the Autobot leader.

The ex-gladiator took a few steps back from the impact and put a hand on his injured chest...

“You consider this little traitor a member of your family?! Ha! What a good joke! the leader of the Decepticons scoffed.

- All members of my team are members of my family, it's something you can't understand!" retorted Optimus.

Megatron glared at Prime in real hate, before unsheathing the blade embedded in his right arm, and rushing at him! The two engaged in a terrible fight, uprooting some trees in the conflict!

Wheeljack moved closer to Ultra Magnus, and helped him up, wrapping one of the Wrecker leader's arms around his shoulders.

"Hold on 'Mister Law'!" ‘Grumpet’ will fix you! exclaimed the sports car.

- ‘Grumpet’...? stammered the Second-in-Command of the Autobots.

- Ratchet.

- Oh... I see... And also, Wheeljack...

- Yeah?

- It's "Sir"…

- Even on the verge of death you can't help it, hm?"

The white Wrecker walked through the portal back to base, as Bulkhead approached the Seeker who was still curled up on the ground, optics closed and hands on his audio-receivers...

The big green robot knelt down and gently shook the still intact shoulder of the jet, which yelped in fear, and tensed even more! The green Wrecker couldn't help but feel how hot and shaking the airman was!

"Hey, Screamy, calm down, it's Bulkhead..." the latter reassured.

Starscream relaxed upon hearing Bulkhead's voice, and opened his optics, to see that the big green robot was right next to him... The Seeker took his hands off his audio-receivers, but put them back on immediately afterwards and closed his eyes, hearing a terrible crash, caused by the fierce struggle between Optimus and Megatron!

The green Wrecker called Ratchet, and the doctor replied:

" What's the matter ?! Why don't you come back?!

- I... I don't know how to deal with Scream... Bulkhead explained. He doesn't want to move and panics as soon as I touch him...! Also, I can't find Arcee...!

- The cave…" the jet stammered.

The big green robot lowered his optics in the direction of the flyer, and the latter repeated:

"The cave... She was with me in the cave...

- How is she?! cried out the green Wrecker.

- I don’t know! I don’t know! Starscream panicked, tensing even more.

- Don't yell at him, you fool! scolded the doctor, through Bulkhead's comm.

- Oh yeah... Sorry... Bulkhead stammered.

- Good! Carry Starscream and transport him to a position he can feel good in! Not like an energon cube like you do all the time!

- OK! OK!"

The big green robot started thinking, and remembered how relaxed the Seeker was when Skyfire carried him a certain way. But the problem was that he wasn't the shuttle, so it probably wouldn't be the same... Nevermind ! It was better than nothing! The green Wrecker put one arm under the jet's wings, and another under the flyer's knees, before lifting him up and pressing him against his chest.

Starscream still had his optics closed and his hands on his audio receivers, and flinched when he felt someone grab him and lift him off the ground! The stranger was carrying him... But, there was only Skyfire who carryed him like that... But, it wasn't Sky!

"Sorry Screamy, we'll be going back to base soon, I promise!" apologized a voice that the Seeker immediately recognized as Bulkhead's.

The big green robot felt the jet relax in his arms, and the flyer let out a small sigh of relief, mixed with a light sob... The green Wrecker had a twinge in his Spark, as he looked more closely at the state of Starscream… Bulkhead was brought out of his thoughts by the appearance of a portal, and saw Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Smokescreen come out of it.

The white Wrecker approached his friend, and reassured:

"Bring him quickly to Ratchet, we'll get Arcee and help Optimus!"

The big green robot nodded in response, before exclaiming:

"Arcee is in the cave over there, and Optimus is still fighting the other fragger!"

He nodded toward the cave, then toward the uprooted trees, before stepping through the portal!

Skyfire practically received a punch from the Spark when he saw his conjux's condition! It wasn't as horrible as the last time Starscream fell to Megatron, but what worried him the most was the Seeker's emotional state!

“Star!!" the shuttle cried in concern, rushing towards the green Wrecker, who was carrying the jet.

The tall white robot struggled to hold back the tears welling up in his optics as he hugged the flyer to replace Bulkhead. Skyfire flinched at how overheated his conjux's body was! He quickly brought him to Ratchet, who had managed to stabilize Ultra Magnus, with the energon that Optimus' team had managed to save from their old base!

The shuttle landed Starscream on the second medical table, and the doctor came quickly, to repair the Seeker's injuries! The ambulance closed the wound on the head of the jet, and began to put a splint on the forearm of the flyer, while paying attention to the missile which had also been damaged... It would be a shame to activate it by accident... It could be terribly disastrous...

But it wasn't easy, because Starscream still had his optics off, and kept shaking and jumping every time Ratchet touched him... Not to mention his system was still overheating!

“Rah! I can't do anything there!" growled the doctor.

He motioned Skyfire closer, and said:

"Make sure to reassure him, I won't be able to completely fix him as long as he stays in this state..."

The shuttle nodded, and approached his conjux. The children followed from the platforms, and had very worried expressions on their faces...

The tall white robot gently placed a hand on the Seeker's cheek, trying to ignore the heat... The jet shuddered at the sudden contact, and Skyfire whispered softly:

"It's alright, Star, you're safe now... It's me, Skyfire, you're at base, it's alright... Okay? I'm here, I'm with you, you're safe..."

The flyer ventured to open his optics, and sobbed with relief as he realized that it was indeed his conjux that he had in front of him... It was not a hallucination... He was really there...

"Sky...Sky...Sky..." Starscream moaned, reaching for the shuttle.

The tall white robot softly seated the Seeker on the medical table, before gently hugging him... Skyfire began to make soothing circles on the jet's back, whispering:

"It's alright... It's alright... It's alright..."

The flyer rested his head against his conjux's chest, and wept softly... Ratchet moved closer and began his work on Starscream's forearm, while the shuttle continued to reassure him.

Optimus continued to fight against Megatron, and the two were in for a pretty even fight! Prime punched the leader of the Decepticons in the jaw, and the latter retaliated by kicking him in the chest, pushing him hard against a tree trunk, which broke in the impact!

The ex-gladiator was suddenly shot from all sides, and had to protect his face! He realized that the Autobots were duplicating the plan Starscream had given them during the fight in Egypt! Scrap!

“Soundwave! I need a ground bridge! Now!" Megatron exclaimed through his communicator.

A portal formed, and Soundwave appeared, cables out! The Communications Commander dispatched Laserbeak, who began firing at the enemy ambushes!

Wheeljack and Arcee were forced to dodge the shots, but the bike was still too damaged to go fast enough! The warrior was about to take a hit when she felt herself being pulled back by a strong grip! She turned to see Bulkhead, and he greeted her.

"Yo!

- You hang out with Miko too much..." Arcee joked.

The trio went for cover, as Soundwave's minicon continued to fire at them!

Smokescreeen and Bumblebee continued their attacks against Megatron, and did not see a ground bridge appear right behind them!

"It's over!" growled a voice.

The two robots turned to see Dreadwing, plasma machine gun in hand!

The leader of the Autobots saw his two youngest teammates come out of hiding, screaming as they dodged the bursts of fire from the large Seeker's weapon! A new bridge formed next to the Communications Commander, and an army of Vehicons emerged from it!

Optimus realized they had to retreat and abandon the energon field... He called Raf for a portal, and ordered the other Autobots to follow him! They all transformed into their alternate modes, and quickly rolled towards the ground bridge, except for Prime who was going backwards, firing at the drones that were getting too close! He ended up go into the portal, and the ground bridge reabsorbed before a Laserbeak shot through it!

Megatron moved closer to Soundwave, and smiled at him, as Dreadwing walked towards them.

"Good work!" congratulated the leader of the Decepticons.

He decided not to mention the fact that he had again failed to recover Starscream, but the Cybertronian plane did not fail to notice his friend's clenched fists...

Chapter Text

Starscream found himself in the great black space, and clenched his fists in anger! “Stupid and useless visions!! shouted the Seeker. You really are useless!! What good are you if you can't even protect me from Lord Megatron?! Stupid Capacity! I never wanted to have you! You only create problems for me! I hate you!!"

The jet fumed with rage, as he quickly ventilated... He finally collapsed, knees on the ground, and cried...

The flyer opened his optics, and found that he was lying on the charging table in Skyfire's room and he... He sat up, raising himself with his arms resting on the table, and yelped in pain as he felt an ardent tugging in his right forearm! 

Starscream looked at his bruised member, supported by a splint, and remembered everything that had happened... He shook his head sharply, not wanting to think about it! But, it only had the effect of reminding him of his head injury...

The Seeker climbed down from his bunk, but suddenly felt dizzy! He somehow caught himself on the charging table, which awoke his pain in his left shoulder, before kneeling on the ground!

The jet closed his optics, and ventilated deeply, trying to stop the room spinning around him... Where was Skyfire?! He needed him!!

It was when the flyer thought that he heard the door open suddenly, which made him jump! Starscream looked up, and saw his conjux there with an expression that mixed worry and relief...

"Star..." the shuttle smiled.

The big white robot approached the Seeker, and took him gently in his arms... The jet responded to the embrace, and moaned:

"Where were you ?

- Sorry... Skyfire answered. Ratchet told me that you needed to rest, and that my presence would prevent you from doing it properly...

- What an idiot...

- I'm the doctor here!" Ratchet scolded falsely, walking into the bedroom.

The flyer noticed that all the others were at the doorway, both robots and humans, children and adults. Miko rushed into the room, and grabbed Starscream's heel, to hug him!

“Gah! What are you doing ?! the Seeker yelped in disgust.

- A hug, smart guy! replied the Japanese. And then it's good, cool, I don't have scabies!"

Bulkhead and Smokescreen approached in turn, and exclaimed in chorus:

“You're better, aren't you?!

- But give him space, for Primus sake! scolded the doctor.

- Maybe we should go somewhere more open! Lilwen offered.

- Good idea..." approved the jet.

Everyone left the base, to enjoy the fresh air, and to have more space...

The flyer immediately felt much better feeling the wind caressing his wings... It was much more pleasant than in this stuffy room, filled with robots too close together...

Ultra Magnus moved closer to Starscream, and the Seeker couldn't help but feel guilty seeing the state of the Wrecker leader... He had a weld mark on his right side, and a splint that held his entire arm left... Not to mention the traces of blows still visible...

“I am- began the jet.

- Don't apologize for that. cut off the Second-in-Command of the Autobots.

- But-

- It wasn't your fault... No, it wasn't your fault, soldier Starscream. It was impossible to predict Megatron's arrival. And, it’s intolerable to blame someone innocent.

- ... I'm not innocent... I never was...

- Soldier Starscream, your existence is no longer a crime."

The jet froze and looked at the blue robot in surprise, as he remembered Alpha Trion's words, a moment ago now...

“Don't be afraid to show who you are. There are no more castes now. Your existence is no longer a crime."

The flyer lowered his optics, and smiled softly.

Predaking and Steve were outside Shockwave's lab in the Nemesis, awaiting his return, to give him the samples and notes on the Synthetic Energon.

"He takes time... sighed the new doctor.

- ... And if we were going to do something else in the meantime? offered the Predacon.

- Oh? Like what ?

- Come with me."

The tall robot took the Vehicon's hand, and walked towards the outer deck of the ship.

Steve felt his Spark pulse rapidly, as Predaking's large hand held his. He and the Predacon arrived on deck, and his friend transformed into his beast mode! The new doctor looked at the tall robot in confusion, and the latter nodded toward his back.

“You want me to ride on you?!" the Vehicon wondered.

Predaking replied with a nod, and Steve hesitated for a moment, before climbing onto the Predacon's back, a little in front of his wings.

“Why do you want me to- WOOOW!!"

The beast had spread his wings, and quickly took off above the clouds, surprising the new doctor!

The Vehicon clung to Predaking, screaming! The Predacon finally slows down, flying softly, and allowing Steve to relax.

The new doctor saw then the great infinite landscape which was offered to him, and admired the sun which seemed to be the only spectator of their journey above the clouds.

"Wow..." the Vehicon marveled.

The tall robot squealed approvingly as he approached the shimmering white clouds.

Steve leaned down slightly, and plunged his hand into the clouds, little white bits breaking off at his touch. He noticed that his hand was beading light drops of water, and the sun made them shine like small golden pearls.

Predaking broke through the clouds, dragging small tears of water onto their armor. They arrived in front of a whole new landscape, a mixture of blue and green. At this height, everything seemed even smaller. Below them the scenery was dotted with tall trees and mountains, and wide rivers glistening in the sun. The new doctor stared at the sight before him, as the Predacon slowly descended to the ground.

The large robot landed near a large lake, and allowed the Vehicon to descend. Predaking transformed back into robot mode, while Steve approached the lake and said:

"Wow...

- I'm glad you like it. the Predacon smiled.

- It's awesome ! And I loved flying with you too! It was great!"

The big robot smiled wider, and moved closer to the lake, too. The new doctor watched him walk towards the water, and go inside!

" Oh ?! But what are you doing ?! the Vehicon wondered.

- You never tried to go in the water? Predaking asked.

- ... No never...

- Then this is the opportunity to try! You'll see, it's very nice!"

The Predacon held out his hand to the new doctor, and the latter accepted it.

The tall robot gently pulled Steve towards him, and the Vehicon couldn't help but let out a gasp of surprise as he felt the cold water caress his feet. It was weird... But not unpleasant!

They sank deeper into the lake, until the water reached the new doctor's stomach, and Predaking's hips. The Predacon lowered slightly to be level with Steve, and smiled at him. Then, he suddenly spurted a spurt of water onto the Vehicon's visor!

"Oh!" exclaimed the new doctor.

He stared at the large robot as he laughed, before exclaiming:

"OK ! You ask for it!"

Steve in turn threw water in Predaking's face, and the latter gasped in surprise! The two started to play throwing water at each other, and laughing like Sparklings.

The Autobots had made a list of what they had recovered from the old base, and Ultra Magnus summarized:

"So! We have nine energon cubes (mainly because some were spent on repairing me...)! A ball of... *sighs* a ball of play...

- It's very important! Wheeljack argued.

- Yeah, nevermind... Then we have medical equipment!

- It's practical because the one I actually had I built it myself, but it wasn't as efficient... Ratchet huffed.

- And finally, Sir Optimus was able to recover the Forge of Solus Prime, by going to the cave under the base, thanks to the Phase Shifter!"

Optimus nodded in response, and sighed:

"On the other hand, it is completely drained of it energy... 

- I'm sure we can still make it an effective weapon. replied the leader of the Wreckers.

- But it is much too heavy!" Smokescreen exclaimed.

The Autobot Second-in-Command approached the relic, and lifted it up with his good arm without a hitch! He turned to the recruit, and said:

"Not that much.

- Put it down! You will aggravate your injuries!" scolded the doctor.

The blue robot complied, while the racing car looked at him, captivated by this show of force. Miko laughed:

"Reminds me of the scene in Avengers 2 when Vision manages to lift Thor's hammer!

- Ah yes, absolutely! realized Lilwen.

- *Sigh*...Youngs..." Fowler whispered.

The two laughed at that remark, and the robots didn't fail to hear it either.

"*Kof* Too old *Kof*..." Starscream sneered.

Smokescreen, Miko and Wheeljack snickered, while June, Jack, Raf, and Lilwen laughed quietly, even Bulkhead and Bumblebee following them. William pouted angrily, and grumbled in displeasure.

"Well! Anyway, how are you going to recover energon now?! exclaimed the agent, to change the subject.

- We are going to search for a new deposit. Ultra Magnus replied. But, for now, I think we have to recover..."

The leader of the Wreckers couldn't help but throwing an optic in the direction of the Seeker, who even if his face showed nothing, his trembling hands betrayed him... Fowler did not fail to notice it in turn, like Lilwen...

Lilas clenched her fists in anger as she realized how much worse some Transformers could be than humans! The young woman swore that if she met Megatron, she would kill him for what he had dared to do to Starscream!

Chapter Text

Steve and Predaking returned to the Nemesis, and entered the ship. They walked quietly through the ship, preferring to avoid being spotted as they returned from their little getaway.

"May I know where you were, Predaking?" asked a voice.

The pair stopped and turned to see Shockwave. The Predacon looked in all directions, as if the answer to the question was hidden somewhere in the hallway, and the Vehicon finally replied:

“We were looking for you.

- Really ? asked the scientist.

- I was supposed to give you KnockOut's studies on Synthetic Energon.

- I see. Give them to me then.

- They're in the medical bay with the samples.

- Well, go get them.

- Um yes! Sorry!

- And, Predaking, Dreadwing has been looking for you for a while now. Focus on the important things.

- Yes... nodded the big robot.

- I'll be waiting for you at my lab, 5T3V3.

- It's Steve..." the new doctor whispered.

The cybertronian tank pulled away, and the other two sighed in relief... It could have been worse...

They headed for the medical bay, and passed the room that kept the Dark Energon. Predaking let out a low growl, as he took Steve by the shoulder, and took him away from the door of the room.

"What's the matter? asked the Vehicon.

- I don't like this room... All the black magic that emanates from it is unhealthy... growled the Predacon.

- It's just energon...

- Demonic energon... It hurts..."

The new doctor couldn't find anything wrong with that, because it was terribly true...

KnockOut and Breakdown had managed to arrange the Harbinger, to be well there. Their signal jammers were working properly, allowing them to occasionally exit the ship. There was still enough energon for now, but they would soon have to go get some...

The doctor was fixing an energon detector they had found in the lab, but not being an engineer, the sports car wasn't even sure he could fix it...

The large blue robot assisted him in his work, mainly by passing the tools his Sparkmate needed.

KnockOut touched a wire with his tool, and took a slight electric shock, which caused sparks!

“Oh! exclaimed the doctor.

- Are you OK? worried the military car.

- Yes, it's good...

- Let's take a break.

- Good idea "

The couple exited the base, and watched the sun begin to set. KnockOut and Breakdown climbed onto the Harbinger's roof, and enjoyed the view.

Starscream was with Ultra Magnus and Optimus, and told them about another source of energon he had detected before. He gave them the coordinates, and Prime thanked him.

“I will build the equipment to extract and process the energon. said the Seeker.

- You better rest... answered the leader of the Autobots.

- And you're the one who told him that?! Ratchet exclaimed.

- Ratchet is right, you should rest too, sir... agreed the leader of the Wreckers.

- ... Don't worry about me... Reassured Optimus.

- In that case, don't do it for me either... retorted the jet.

- Soldier Starscream, you- The Autobot Second-in-Command was offended.

- I'll rest if you do, Optimus." the flyer cut in.

Starscream looked at the Prime seriously, and the latter nodded in response.

"Very well. The Autobot leader agreed.

- In that case, we'll get the energon tomorrow morning at 6:30. Everyone should rest now! declared the blue robot to the other Autobots.

- But, it's 6:00 p.m.! Isn't it a bit early to sleep?! Miko exclaimed.

- I admit... nodded Jack.

- We didn't tell you, but in fact we are chickens! Wheeljack joked.

- *Gasp*! No way! exclaimed in false surprise the Japanese girl.

- Yes!

- Unbelievable !

- It's the magic of evolution! laughed Raf.

- What’s a chiken?" Skyfire and Smokecreen asked in unison.

The others laughed at this, before the bespectacled boy showed them a video on the Internet, from the base's large computer screen. The recruit looked in confusion at the animal, and said:

"It's really... weird..."

The next video played automatically, and the others came closer to watch as well. They saw a chiken held by the neck, by a human with a hatchet, and the chiken suddenly had its head cut off! All the robots screamed in shock, and even more so when blood gushed from the animal's neck! Their bewilderment reached its maximal when they saw the chiken running headless!

"Oh Primus!!" Ratchet exclaimed, with a clear expression of disgust.

Rafael quickly removed the video from the screen, before removing it from his own computer!

“Sorry... Raf mumbled.

- Argh! My optics!" moaned the doctor, putting his hands over his eyes.

The bespectacled boy scratched his cheek, and smiled apologetically.

Shockwave had received from 5T3V3 all of KnockOut's studies on Synthetic Energon, and quickly found that the formula was not complete... It would have been practical to have Starscream, to recover the complete formula... The scientist shook his head and growled:

"I don't need him to find the formula!"

He thought about moving the samples to his other lab in the old mine, where he keeps the Predacons. Since, soon, there would be no more of his creations, this laboratory would have to be used for something!

Dreadwing and Predaking had been training for a long time, and the moon was now high in the sky.

The big Seeker gazed at the small satellite of the Earth, and sighed discreetly... Looking at the Moon always made him think of Skyquake... He remembered how much his brother liked to fly at night, and had even bet that one day he would fly to one of their many satellites that orbited Cybertron... The pain in his Spark grew more violent when he realized this was something Skyquake could never accomplish...

The Predacon did not fail to notice the glint of sadness in the optics of the large jet. But felt that the latter did not want to be disturbed... He signed a goodbye to Dreadwing, before leaving the outer deck.

The large Seeker moved closer to the edge of the ship, and stared at the clouds that paraded under the ship. He spread his wings, before dropping into the void! The big jet transformed into his alternate mode, and flew to the Moon!

Starscream was outside the base, leaning against the wall behind the hangar, gazing at the Moon and the stars shining around it... The Seeker huffed and cursed his insomnia... He had been a while he had one... But surely recent events weren't really helping him sleep...

The jet had done everything he could not to wake Skyfire, and hoped he hadn't bothered him... Pfft... Of course he had bothered him... He was bothering him all the time...

The flyer shook his head, in a vain attempt to banish his bad thoughts... No! He could be useful! He could help! He had helped KnockOut and Breakdown, right!

Starscream inevitably thought of the couple, and thought that he would have to get them some energon soon... The Seeker hoped they were okay...

Suddenly, he heard a noise coming from his right, and got up quickly, wings high and alert! Ratchet appeared from behind the wall, and the jet gave a small sigh of relief, his wings following his shoulders in a more relaxed position... He sat back against the wall, as the other robot moved a little closer.

"I knew I would find you here! said the doctor, arms crossed and with a look that indicated a sermon shortly.

- ... Why were you looking for me? asked the flyer.

- You need to rest, and the fact that I didn't see you in your room with Skyfire worried me.

- ...I'm not a Sparkling anymore, I can take care of myself...

- Still, you don't sleep...

- Ratchet... You either, I'll tell you...

- ... Touché...

- And then, you look in the rooms of the others to see if they sleep? It's a little weird...

- What ?! Pfft! No it's not- ... Well, now that you say it out loud it's true that it's a little weird...

- A true Creator! sneered Starscream.

- Eh!

- What?! It's true!

- ... Go recharge instead of talking nonsense!

- ... I don’t want to sleep...

- But, how can you-

- I have simple insomnia, as usual, that's all...

- Really ?

- Yes...

- Do you often have it?

- What?

- Insomnia, do you often have it?

- Why do you care?

- I'm a doctor, Starscream. And then, it is notgood to leave aside a member of the team.

- ...I'm not a member of the team...

- It's what you say.

- ...

- Look, insomnia is often caused by stress, anxiety, or depression. Statements that would not surprise me coming from you...

- Nice... said the Seeker ironically.

- When was the last time you had one?

- Four days ago I would say... Which is rather surprising, because usually it was more often...

- More often like...

- Three times per week..."

The ambulance approached the jet, and sat down beside him, with his back to the base wall.

“Well, you suffered for a long time from chronic insomnia. Ratchet explained. I guess Skyfire's return helped stabilize your troubles, but now there's something bothering you, and it's making you fall back into your bad habits...

- Maybe... huffed the flyer.

- So tell me.

- What?

- What's bothering you.

- No need to talk about it...

- Why?

- ...I've already shown you a good number of my fears, I don't want you to consider me completely useless...

- ... Showing your fears is a proof of strength!

- ... Eh?

- That means you're not afraid to show them! That it will not change your strength, and that you are able to face it!

- Lord Megatron said that showing his fears was a proof of weakness...

- Stop...

- What?

- To repeat what Megatron told you... I know he was probably one of the only adult role models you had, but don't take him as an example! Also, stop calling him Lord, he is no longer your Master...

- ... I called him like that…?

- Didn't you realize that?

- ... No I... "

Starscream put his hands in front of his face, and wailed:

“What's wrong with me? ..."

The doctor gently patted the Seeker's shoulder, and said:

"I think talking might help you...

- I... tomorrow... not now... the jet mumbled.

- ... Alright... But, tomorrow, without fail!

- OK..." the flyer smiled.

The ambulance got up, and held out a hand in Starscream's direction.

"Come on, let's go home, you have to try to get some sleep. Ratchet huffed.

- ... I... I want to stay here..." the Seeker apologized.

The doctor nodded knowingly, and bade the jet good night, before leaving.

The flyer returned his attention to the stars above him, and closed his optics, simply enjoying of the light breeze which surrounded him. 

Chapter Text

Starscream of course hadn't slept all night, and was now looking at the first gleams of the sun appearing in front of him... The Seeker sighed with slight fatigue, but still enjoyed the show.

It was highly unlikely that the others would be awake at the moment, but surely it would be soon, since Ultra Magnus had claimed that they would be going to get energon at 6:30 a.m.... And since the leader des Wreckers was as much attached to schedules as to rules...

“Get up everyone!" the Autobot Second-in-Command exclaimed.

The jet couldn't help but smile at this, and decided to join the others, before Skyfire panicked upon finding that the flyer was no longer in their room.

When he arrived in the base, everyone present turned to him, the only one absent was Lilwen! Starscream jumped slightly, and said:

"Uh... Hi?"

- Where were you?! Miko exclaimed.

- Went for a walk.

- Why?!

- Because I wanted to...

- Why?!

- Well, isn't this interrogation over soon?!

- I was worried when I woke up without you, Star... Skyfire entered.

- ... Sorry...

- It's good... I'm not going to forbid you to walk around whenever you want...

- Starscream, you could still have warned Skyfire... June scolded lightly.

- He's my conjux, not my Creator! retorted the Seeker.

- Anyway, let's focus on the topic of the day!" Ultra Magnus interjected.

All turned their attention to him, and he continued:

“Some of us will be fetching energon, thanks to the coordinates given to us by Starscream. Arcee and Starscream need to recover, so they'll stay at base, along with Ratchet and Skyfire! Sir Optimus, Bulkhead and I will go get some energon, while Bumblebee, Smokescreen and Wheeljack will stay here to watch our base for potential enemies!

- Ep! Ep! Ep! What does it mean ?! There's no way you're going on a mission, Ultra Magnus! Cried out Ratchet.

- I'm perfectly capable of-

- No! You stay! Wheeljack can go for you!

- But-

- No buts! It's a doctor's order!

- ..."

The doctor gave the leader of the Wreckers a stern look, and the latter resigned himself.

"Very well... I'll stay here...

- I can't even believe I had to argue... the ambulance sighed.

- We'll go then. said Prime.

- Wait, Optimus! Bumblebee called out.

- Yes?

- I noticed that you didn't transform last time, why?

- ... It seems that my alternate mode is no longer a truck... My T-cog probably needs to analyze a new vehicle mode to adapt...

- No problem! Fowler said. I'll go get a vehicle that I'm sure will fit you!

- Thank you, Mr. Fowler.

- But, in this case, you can't go on a mission! Smokescreen encrusted. I can replace you !

- Seriously, Smokescreen... ? the jet sneered.

- What…?

- I'm sure this new vehicle mode can wait for my return from the mission. the Autobot leader replied.

- Rhoo... But, I want to go on a mission!!

- A little restraint, soldier Smokescreen!" scolded the Autobot Second-in-Command.

The rookie fell silent, and scratched the back of his head...

"It's not a bit risky, Optimus… Ratchet worried.

- I'll be fine. reassured the latter.

- You'd better!" warned the flyer.

Prime smiled at that, and nodded in response. Raf opened a ground bridge, at the request of the Autobot leader, then he, Bulkhead and Wheeljack walked through the portal.

Soundwave opened a small space bridge, with energon in a cart. He crossed it and arrived on the Moon.

He scanned the surroundings, looking for the Insecticons, but saw that not a single one was outside, surely they were all in the base.

The Communications Commander entered the base, and several Insecticons were in the hallways. Everyone turned in the direction of the Cold Construction, and stared at him intently.

“Hey! It's Soundwave! one of the insects exclaimed.

- Someone get Shrapnel! shouted another.

- Oh! He has energon! marveled an Insecticon.

- Awesome!" enjoined another.

Everyone began to crowd around the cybertronian plane and his energon, and a voice ordered:

"Everyone, calm down!"

Everyone calmed down instantly, and moved aside to let the insect that had given the order pass.

“Hello, Soundwave, I'm Shrapnel. the Insecticon introduced himself.

- <Oh! > < Yes! > < Shrapnel > <! >" Soundwave nodded, with a succession of recordings.

He held out a cube of energon in the direction of Shrapnel, and said:

"< For you > < and > < your > < kind! >

- Thanks. answered the insect, taking the cube. Do you want to stay a bit?

- < Would like > < but > < cannot > < ... >

- I see... I won't keep you any longer then..."

The Communications Commander nodded in response, and formed a space bridge beside him, back to Earth.

“< Take > < care > < of > < you > < ! >” exclaimed the Cold Construction, still with a succession of recordings.

The cybertronian plane go through the portal, and disappeared from the Insecticons' vision.

Shockwave was aided by Predaking in storing the Synthetic Energon samples in the underground lab that kept the Predacons in vats. They had finished storing all the cubes, and the Predacon was now looking at his brothers, with a gleam in his optics, which unfortunately the scientist recognized right away... Brotherly love...

“I can't wait for them to wake up! smiled the big robot.

- I see... answered the cybertronian tank.

- By the way, what are you going to do with this Synthetic Energon?

- I will complete the formula, thanks to this, our army will never run out of energon again.

- That's great!

- Yes."

There was a silence, before the cyclops robot broke it:

"Predaking, about what I said to you when I thought you couldn't transform...

- Which? asked the latter. You told me a lot of things...

- ... Right...

- Is it about the fact that you are in love with Lord Megatron?

-...!! No! Shut your mouth!

- Oh...? I'm sorry... I thought you had told him a long time ago...

- I can’t talk so easly about my fellings like you do...

- Well, you should...

- ...

- Do you want me to give you advice?

- What?! ... NO! Instead of saying nonsense, put away the Synthetic Energon samples!

- But... They are already put away...

- Well put away them again!"

Shockwave pointed the cubes, and left for another part of the lab, his antennae slightly back, which the Predacon immediately recognized as vexation...

The scientist really hoped that his creation wouldn't make the mistake of talking about the fact that the cybertronian tank had asked him to kill Starscream! Otherwise, it would be really bad!

Predaking thought about the fact that he could soon return to see Steve, and he couldn't wait for that moment to arrive!

Steve was walking to the medical bay, with new equipment, and was suddenly pushed around!

“Hey!" exclaimed the Vehicon.

He managed to catch up with his equipment, and turned angrily in the direction of his attacker! It was a drone, and he had his back to the new doctor...

Steve then remembered everything that 54M and G4R1 had told him and thought that it was time he looked into this problem! He grabbed the soldier's hand, and exclaimed:

"Come with me, we'll- AAAH!"

5T3V3 couldn't help jumping back, noticing that his counterpart's visor was purple!

"Oh?! You've been infected with Dark Energon?! Is that why you're so weird?!" supposed the new doctor.

The other didn't answer, and Steve took his hand, before saying:

“We are going to analyze this more closely, come on!"

The two walked towards the medical bay, and 5T3V3 invited the other to sit down, while he put away the equipment. The strange drone didn't do anything, and just stared at the new doctor...

"Can you stop staring at me like that? That's weird…” Steve stammered.

The Vehicon grabbed 5T3V3's hand, and said hoarsely:

"Come...

- Eh? ... No... I have to check you here... answered the new doctor.

- Come...

- Where?

- Location, reason...

- It's not because of the Dark Energon which is stored in the big room?

- ... No...

- So where?

- Come...

- Well... okay..."

The soldier took Steve's hand, and dragged him to the ground bridge control room. He established coordinates, and entered the portal with 5T3V3.

Dreadwing landed on the outer deck of the Nemesis, and was happy to find that this flight had benefited him... The tall Seeker couldn't help but smile a little, thinking about KnockOut who would have told him to sleep at night...

The large jet heard a noise, and noticed that several flying Vehicons were gathered on the other part of the bridge. “But what are they doing?" thought the Second-in-Command of the Decepticons.

“Hey! May I know why you are not at your posts?!" Dreadwing called out, moving closer to the group.

All the drones turned towards him, and immediately took off! The big Seeker jumped slightly, because he was sure that he saw that the visors of the soldiers were... purple? Was the lack of sleep playing tricks on him?

The big jet shook his head, and went after the Vehicons! But, he couldn't fly very quickly, since he had been flying all night, and he would soon have to recharge on energon...

Chapter Text

Starscream was building the hardware to extract the energon. He was grateful that there was more material on the base than at the Harbinger. This allowed him to build tools to extract energon that would normally be inaccessible...

The Seeker had already finished building some tools, and were now making the energon extractor, to be able to process the crystals.

Ratchet and Skyfire were working on the Synthetic Energon formula, but the shuttle couldn't help glancing at his conjux from time to time as he worked.

The tall white robot smiled, admiring the concentration the jet could show when he was working on something.

"Instead of admiring your conjux, stay focus... The doctor lectured discreetly.

- Oh ! Yes... Sorry... Skyfire apologized, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

- Moow! If it's not cute! Miko laughed.

- In any case, Starscream is very concentrated, he doesn't even hear Miko's horrible cries... Jack smiled.

- Hey! get falsely offended the Japanese girl, punching the teenager in the shoulder.

- Ha! Ha! Ha! Ouch!

- Yeah well, maybe he doesn't mind, but it bothers me! Go play outside! grumbled the ambulance.

- Yes, "Grumpet"! sneered the girl.

- Oh no! Not you too!

- I believe that it spread very quickly... The shuttle smiled with a sorry air.

- Primus!

- Come on! It's funny ! Miko exclaimed.

- Talk for you ! Alright, come on, shou!

- But... Wait, I want to ask Starscream when we'll start training again!

- Not right away, you can imagine!

- That's not an answer!

- Go outside!"

Ratchet grabbed the children in his hand, and put them outside the shed, despite the protests of the Japanese girl, who started pounding on the door.

The children saw Bumblebee and Smokescreen training together, under the supervision of Ultra Magnus, and the young girl then quickly moved on, wanting to participate in the fight!

Predaking returned to the Nemesis with Shockwave, after the latter called Soundwave for a ground bridge. The Predacon wasted no more time, and after a quick salute to his Creator, he set off towards the medical bay. The big robot entered the room, and exclaimed:

"Steve, you know what, my brothers are going to wake up soon! That's great ! I'm sure you and my brothers will get along grea- Steve?"

Predaking scanned the room, but found that his love was not there... Where could he be? With the other Vehicons? Hadn't he told the Predacon he'd be at the med bay when he will come back? Weird...

The large robot exited the medical bay, and began pacing the halls, looking for Steve.

Megatron was rather bothered because the Insecticons were still nowhere to be found... Who knew what Airachnid was up to right now... Although at the same time, it was rather surprising that she hadn't attacked already... Normally, she would have jumped at the first opportunity... Something really abnormal was going on...

The leader of the Decepticons was brought out of his thoughts when Shockwave's voice called out to him. He turned to the scientist, and the latter said:

“I stored all the Synthetic Energon in my laboratory, I came to see you to find out when we were starting the procedure.

- ... I'll take care of it tomorrow. answered the ex-gladiator.

- Why that ?

- For the moment we have to concentrate on the recovery of the energon in this new mine.

- Yes you are right.

- Let's go.

- Together?

- Yes."

The cybertronian tank waved his antennae in contentment, as Megatron called Soundwave for a ground bridge.

The leader of the Decepticons was really wondering why he took the time to be with Shockwave right now... It wasn't... No, impossible! He liked spend time with him, that's all! Because he was a pleasant company! Well, pleasant company in the sense that he was not unpleasant... No ! Uh... Oh, nevermind…

Starscream had finally finished building the energon extractor, as well as the tools needed to collect the energon. The Seeker began to put away the equipment, and to classify the tools he had built. Ratchet left his counter with Skyfire, and approached the jet.

“You promised me you would talk to me. whispered the doctor.

- Ah... Uh... I haven't finished working..." lied the flyer, quickly replacing the material on the table.

The ambulance grabbed Starscream's intact hand, stopping him in his tracks, and scolded softly:

" Do not lie to me...

- ... No... Not now... protested the Seeker.

- I think I've already been patient enough... Besides, I shouldn't have let it go for so long...

- But...

- You'll never be ready, Starscream, if that's what you're waiting for...

- ..."

The jet sighed quietly, before nodding his head, and responding:

"OK..."

Ratchet smiled slightly at this response, and turned to the shuttle, which had been watching them curiously for a while.

"Can you please leave us alone, Skyfire? asked the doctor.

- Uh...yes..." the tall white robot answered, slightly confused.

Skyfire walked towards the exit, and waved goodbye to his conjux, before leaving.

The ambulance turned to the flyer, and told him to come with him to the medical bay. The two sat down in chairs facing each other, and Ratchet said:

"Okay, let's start with something simple. Why did you have insomnia yesterday?

- ... We start like this...? Starscream stammered, not serenely.

- We have to start somewhere...

- Yeah... but...

- I know you don't feel ready to talk about it, but you're going to have to... Maybe it's not with me that you want to do it... Skyfire maybe?

- No! Surely not !

- Oh? Why not?

- Because... Because I don't want to bother him with this... He already have to get used by the fact that he woke up thousands of star cycles later, on another planet, with his species at war... I don't want to be an other thing he had to worry...

- Do you consider yourself a burden to him?

- Not just to him... to everyone...

- Why ?

- Did you see what happened to Ultra Magnus and Arcee?! It's because of me if they are in this state! All because they wanted to protect me from Lor- from Megatron!

- Starscream...

- ...

- It's not your fault, it's Megatron's... He's the one who hurt them, not you...

- But... It's because they intervened that he hurt them...

- Arcee and Ultra Magnus knew the risks, they made their choice...

- ... They shouldn't protect a robot they hate... it doesn't make any sense...

- Maybe they don't hate you as much as you think...

- ... How could Arcee not hate me? I killed Cliffjumper I remind you...

- ... You didn't apologize to her?

- Yes but-

- Was your apology sincere?

- Of course!

- And, Arcee accepted your apology?

- I don’t know...

- ... Why did you kill him?

- What?

- Why did you kill Cliffjumper?

- ... It's war, Ratchet... There are deaths... Cliffjumper was unlucky...

- ... Do you think Skywarp and Thundercraker were also unlucky?

- Don't mention their names!"

Starscream waved his wings in anger, before they settled into a more static position, wide and high above his shoulders!

“Cliffjumper died because he was injured and already almost dying! I finished the job because we weren't keeping too badly damaged prisoners! I made the mistake once of deviating from this rule, and I paid a high price for it! So, no, I didn't really want to start over! Also, Arcee made it clear to me that it was more because of the fact that Cliffjumper had been infected by the Dark Energon that she was angry with me, not specifically the fact that I killed him!

- Why did you do that? Ratchet asked.

- Do what?!

- Infect Cliffjumper's body with Dark Energon...

- It was not me! It was Megatron! Well... it was... it was me who gave the corpse to Megatron, but it was mainly because it was Cliffjumper or me! Megatron originally intended me to be the first experience! So, even if I regret condemning Cliffjumper to such a terrible fate, I wouldn't change what happened! He was dead anyway, and I would have suffered just more pain! Between an enemy and my own well-being, the choice was easy!"

The Seeker put his hand over his mouth after saying that, especially seeing the saddened looks of the doctor...

"S- Sorry...I shouldn't have said that...I...I have to go!" sputtered the jet, rising quickly, and flapping his wings in nervousness.

He rushed out of the shed, before giving the ambulance time to say anything...

What the two didn't know was that Arcee was still in the base at the time, and she had heard everything... The motorbike was hidden behind a wall opposite the medical bay, and squeezed his fists, pressed against his body...

Dreadwing continued to follow the flying Vehicons, and even if drones had seen him, the big Seeker knew that they could not lose him! After all, a flying Vehicon could not go beyond Mach 1!

It was after he thought that, that all the soldiers suddenly pushed their engines to the maximum, and went up to Mach 2, under the flabbergasted gaze of the big jet!

Dreadwing transformed back into his original mode, hovering in the sky, and scanning his surroundings in all directions! The soldiers had simply disappeared from his vision! What did that mean?!

Steve and the purple-visored Vehicon pulled up in front of a large hangar. The new doctor saw that there were human vehicles parked outside, mostly jeeps and helicopters.

Why was this strange drone taking him here?

The soldier pointed to the door of the building at the new doctor, and 5T3V3 asked:

"Do you want me to open the door?"

The Vehicon nodded in response, and Steve approached the door. He hesitated for a second, before opening it.

The new doctor froze in place, as he realized what was in front of him was Dark Energon! Lots of Dark Energon!

“I see that my Vehicon has done a good job! a voice exclaimed.

5T3V3 quickly spun around, and came face to face with humans and drones, grounders and flyers! The person who had spoken was a human with extensions of a very light color on the head, longer than the other beings of flesh. The human was wearing a different outfit than the others, who all had guns pointed at Steve!

The new medic quickly drew his blasters, immediately recognizing the MECH clothes, and was suddenly shot by a purple ray!

5T3V3 had no time to understand what was happening to him that he already felt a horrible pain tearing his circuits! Steve slumped backwards, clutching his Spark, and the last thing he saw was the purple-visored Vehicon that had brought him here...

Chapter Text

Optimus, Wheeljack, and Bulkhead finally returned from their scouting mission, and the others wasted no time accompanying them in extracting the energon, except for Ultra Magnus, Arcee, and Starscream, who were still recovering.

Fowler had arrived with the new vehicle for Prime, but the Autobots' Second-in-Command explained that their leader had already left. William grumbled a little, before saying that he would wait for his return.

The Seeker was happy to have finished the tools in time, to allow a quick extraction. Surely he could bring some energon to KnockOut and Breakdown tomorrow. The jet couldn't help but be happy to see... his friends? Yes! They were friends, it was undeniable!

The motorcycle approached the flyer, and exclaimed:

"We need to talk!"

Starscream was not too serene because of the tone the warrior had used, but accepted to follow her... She warned the leader of the Wreckers of their departure, and the latter asked them not to go too far away.

Arcee and the Seeker exited the base, and the motorbike took them to the abandoned hangar that Ultra Magnus had used to interrogate the jet three days ago.

The motorcycle opened the door of the building, and invited the flyer to enter. The latter indicated a rather reluctant expression, especially at the idea of being alone with the warrior, in a completely closed place...

Starscream suddenly understood how Smokescreen must have felt when he told him he wanted them to talk privately... The difference was that the rookie hadn't deserved anything from what had happened to him... But the Seeker...

The jet sighed quietly, before heading back into the hangar, his wings tight in stress.

"I wanted to talk to you because I wanted you to know that I heard all about your conversation with Ratchet." Arcee said.

Starscream's stress reached fever pitch, as he slowly turned towards the motorbike... She didn't express any form of hostility, but it could very well be hidden...

"...Wha- What exactly did you hear...? The jet sputtered.

- Everything. The warrior replied simply.

- E- Everything…?

- Yes."

The flyer began to back away, before exclaiming:

"I… I never meant to say that Cliffjumper was worth less than me! It's... It came out on its own! I mean… No! I did not mean it! That's not what i meant!"

Starscream had his hands in front of him, in a barrier position between his body and Arcee... The motorbike just stared at him, his expression still remaining neutral.

“You said you regretted your action." the warrior finally said.

The Seeker stared at Arcee with a hint of surprise and a lot of confusion in the optics...

“W-What? the jet stuttered.

- You said you regretted your action, right? repeated the motorbike.

- Y- Yes! But... but I also said that I would do it again if necessary...

- I can't blame you for wanting to avoid getting infected by Dark Energon... Or for not wanting to take a beating from Megatron... I took a hit on his part, and I felt it really hard... You're pretty solid I think!

- ... Is that a form of compliment?

- Looks like...

- ... What exactly do you want to tell me...? Why did you bring me here, if not to kick my aft to avenge your friend?

- What language...

- Don't criticize my way of speaking.

- And then, you're wrong, Cliff was not my friend.

- Oh?

- He was my Sparkmate..."

The flyer froze on the spot, and stammered:

"But... But how can you still talk to me after that…?"

- Starscream... started the warrior.

- Oh, Primus... I take away your Sparkmate..."

Starscream put a hand over his mouth, to stifle a gasp of shock, and turned his back on Arcee. The motorbike and the Seeker remained profoundly silent, and the jet dared not even look at the warrior...

"Starscream, I forgive you..." Arcee said finally.

The flyer waved his wings, before answering:

" You should not...

- Starscream... huffed the motorbike.

- There is nothing worse than losing the one you love... I never wished this feeling even on Airachnid... However, I made you suffer it... I ... I am really sorry... "

The warrior moved closer to Starscream, and put a hand on his intact shoulder. The Seeker threw an optic at Arcee, and she smiled.

"I forgive you..."

The jet nodded shyly in response, before muttering:

"Thanks..."

Optimus and the rest of the team continued to extract energon from the cave, and Starscream's tools were helping with that task. Ratchet approached Prime, and said:

“We are moving pretty fast! But then we have to process the energon, and I'm afraid it will take a little time...

- Don't worry, old friend..." reassured the leader of the Autobots.

The doctor nodded, before taking Optimus's hand. The latter looked at him in surprise, while the ambulance looked away, blushing. Prime smiled, and finally responded to the hug of his hand.

Ratchet blushed even more, before saying:

"Even if Cybertron hasn't been restored, do you want to be my Sparkmate?"

The Autobot leader looked surprised again, and the doctor exclaimed:

“Forget! Forget!

- Yes. finally replied Optimus.

- Eh? "Yes" in the sense of "Yes let's be Sparkmates"? Or "Yes" in the sense of "OK I forget"?

- The first option. Prime chuckled softly.

- Oooooh!" a voice exclaimed.

The couple turned to see Skyfire, with a bewildered smile on his face.

“Star told me, but it's still a surprise! the shuttle smiled.

- Because he told you?! Cried out the ambulance.

- So it’s serious?! Wheeljack wondered, appearing from behind the tall white robot.

- Miko is going to hallucinate! Bulkhead exclaimed, appearing in turn.

- Are you going to get conjuxed soon?! Smokescreen enthused, revealing himself from behind Skyfire as well.

- How long have you been together?! Bumblebee beeped in curiosity, next to the rookie.

- Primus…" Ratchet whispered.

There began to be a cacophony of exclamations and questions, under the embarrassed smile of the leader of the Autobots, and the scowl of the doctor.

Predaking continued to roam the corridors of the Nemesis in search of Steve, but without any success... Where could his love have gone? The Predacon couldn't help but have this bad feeling at the Spark, even though he kept telling himself that everything was fine...

The tall robot finally made it to the outer deck of the ship, and saw Dreadwing land nearby. Predaking approached the big Seeker, and said:

"Excuse me, haven't you seen Steve?

-Steve? repeated the big jet. Ah! The doctor? No... I haven't seen him, sorry...

- Oh...

- Well I'm leaving you...

- Where are you going?

- Sleep... I think I really need it, I'm starting to have hallucinations...

- It would be better then, indeed..."

The Decepticons' Second-in-Command pushed away from the Predacon, and crashed into the wall next to the door, before finally entering the ship. The big robot couldn't help wondering how long Dreadwing hadn't slept...

Shockwave and Megatron were overseeing the extraction of energon in the new mine, and the scientist found that there was still the damage from the fight with the Autobots. It was really a coincidence to have come across their enemies...

"Are you thinking of something, Shockwave? asked the leader of the Decepticons.

- Well, I was wondering how the Autobots found this energon deposit. replied the scientist.

- Undoubtedly thanks to Starscream... growled the ex-gladiator.

- He was there ?

- Who?

- Starscream.

- .... No..."

The cybertronian tank didn't insist, and Megatron was relieved that the cyclops robot was so bad at detecting lies. The leader of the Decepticons knew how much Shockwave couldn't stand the Seeker, so it probably wasn't the best thing to mention him... But... Why is the ex-gladiator bother of that anyway?

The scientist couldn't stop thinking about what Predaking had told him... It kept coming back into his processor, over and over again... It was hard to be so enterprising, his creation allowed himself to do that. because it was not his learder he was in love with! Things weren't always so simple...

Arcee and Starscream sat in the hangar, facing each other. The two said nothing, mainly because it was rather awkward...

"Would you... Would you like to tell me about Cliffjumper...? Finally said the Seeker, not very serene.

- Eh?! the warrior wondered.

- No! Sorry ! Forget!

- ... What do you want to know about him?

- Uh... I don't really know... It's not as if I really knew him... for me he was only an enemy...

- He was a very talkative robot, and always with the desire to do something, he never stayed in place.

- The talkative side I had seen indeed...

- Heh! He had a knack for managing to annoy you easily!

- Indeed! This arrogant robot!

- But with good reason to be!

- ... It's true... "

Arcee smiled at the remark, and the jet looked away in embarrassment.

"On the other hand, he was too unconscious..." the motorbike sighed sadly.

The flyer didn't answer, and waved his wings in nervousness...

"He was an altruistic robot, and even if he often spoke without saying anything, he sometimes gave good advice... the warrior said softly. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing him again in Smokescreen...

- Ah... Now that you mention it... realized Starscream.

- It may be silly, but he has a lot of personality traits that resemble him...

- Hm... It's true... Arrogant, reckless, and a bit stupid around the edges!

- Eh!

- Just a little bit...

- Well, it's true...

- The only difference is that Smokescreen is too young to really give good advice...

- You can talk!

- Oh, but I am well aware of it!"

Arcee smiled, and finally said:

"Would you mind telling me about Thundercraker and Skywarp?"

The Seeker looked at the motorcycle in surprise, and opened his mouth to say something, before closing it immediately afterwards...

"...You shouldn't force yourself to talk to your Sparkmate's killer... the jet huffed sadly. Especially on a topic like my family...

- I'm not forcing myself! I want to know ! affirmed the warrior.

- But why?

- To get to know you better.

- ...

- Thundercraker and Skywarp were your family?

- Yes...

- Your Creators?

- No.

-...?

- Cold Constructions have no Creators... Besides, they wouldn't be able to fulfill this role even with all the effort in the world!"

The flyer smiled at his statement, but immediately lost it, correcting himself:

"Well... They couldn't have fulfilled that role...

- ... What were they to you? Arcee asked.

- Big brothers I guess... Although sometimes we could wonder about Skywarp... Hey! He wasn't very smart... He was a old Sparkling...

- How were they?

- What?

- What were their characters?

- Are you really interested?

- I told you, I want to know you better...

- Thundercraker I would say he was a mix between Ratchet and Ultra Magnus... Always worried about Warp and me, and never broke the rules...

- In the name of Primus...

- Terrible, really..."

But the motorbike didn't fail to notice that Starscream was smiling as he said that. The Seeker continued:

"He was quite strict, sometimes even a little too much... But, he was not authoritarian enough to fully play the role of Creator... He didn't care about the injustice of the caste system, because he cared only about our well-being and not those of others... Even if, this caste system was more than dangerous for me... He told me that as long as I stay wise, everything would be fine...

- And obviously since you never listen... the warrior giggled.

- I don’t stay wise at all! smiled the jet. I refused to be a Seeker, and I passed the contest to be a scientist at the Academy of Iacon! Despite the disapproval of my brothers!

- Even Skywarp?!

- He showed it less, but he too was against it... Maybe he was still a Sparkling in his head, but he was aware of the danger... Heh ! Imagine how they looked when I started dating Sky!

- Ha! Ha! Ha! I imagine!"

There was a silence before Arcee broke it:

"But why did you become a Seeker in the end? If you wanted so much to be a scientist…”

The flyer froze, and his wings flapped together several times...

“Starscream? called the motorcycle.

- I... started the latter.

- Starscream... You're shaking..."

Starscream clenched his hands together, and looked at the warrior... The latter didn't fail to notice the gleam of mad fear in the Seeker's optics...

"What happened to you…? ventured to ask Arcee.

- I was accused of Sky's murder, and I stopped being a scientist... I ran away and I went back to Vos to be a Seeker... the jet ends up answering.

- That's all ?

- Yes...

- Is that what puts you in this state?

- I...I have to go..."

The flyer suddenly got up, his wings high in fear, and hurriedly left the hangar!

The motorcycle felt that Starscream was not telling her everything... Most the contrary... He was hiding something deep, which had managed to traumatize him enough for that even thinking about it was terrifying him... 

Chapter Text

Predaking continued to look for Steve, but without success... He saw two Vehicons chatting together, and quickly approached them, calling out to them:

“Hey, you!"

The two soldiers jumped, and ran away!

"No! Come back!" cried out the Predacon.

He ran after the drones, who screamed in fear! The large robot transformed into his beast mode, and gained momentum, before jumping onto one of the Vehicons! The other did not ask for his rest, and continued his flight!

“G4R1! You traitor! cried the captured soldier.

- Farewell, 54M, it’s sad, I actually liked you!" replied G4R1.

Predaking and 54M found themselves alone in the hallway, and the Predacon transformed into his robot mode! He took the drone by the waist, and lifted him off the ground!

“Where is Steve?! exclaimed the big robot.

- But I don't know! I don't know! panicked the Vehicon.

- Really?!

- Yes! Yes!

- OK..."

Predaking sighed sadly, and put the soldier back on the ground... 54M stared at him in great confusion, and mumbled:

"Y-You're not going to eat me…?"

- No! Why would I do that?! the Predacon exclaimed.

- Well... That's what your kind does, isn't it?

- Yes, but... Only when we don't have access to processed energon... Our bodies can't take pure energon, so my ancestors fed on Transformers who had already processed energon in their systems.

- Oh ! OK, OK... Well, you know a lot about your species!

- I did some research !

- I see!"

There was a silence, before the drone asked:

"How come you can't find Steve, did you really look everywhere?

- Yes! Everywhere he could have gone! affirmed the big robot.

- Do you want me to help you look for him?

- It doesn’t bother you?!

- Well, actually I'm sulking at G4R1, and I don't like being alone! Besides, it's not the kind of Steve to disappear like that, I'm a little worried I admit!

- Thank you, really!"

The two walked down the halls, calling Steve.

Starscream had gone to take refuge behind the old hangar where he had hidden the last time, where he had talked with Bumblebee... The Seeker was trying to calm himself as best he could, while his Spark continued to pulse erratically...

"Calm down... Calm down... Calm down..." the jet whispered.

He was no longer there! It was in the past! The past! They wouldn't send him back there! No! They wouldn't!

“Starscream?" a voice called out.

The flyer jumped, and scanned the surroundings frantically! But, nothing, there was nobody... Did he hear voices?

“No, just look down!" laughed the voice.

Starscream lowered his optics, and saw that it was Lilwen...

"I said that out loud, didn't I? sighed the Seeker.

- Yeah! But hey, I must admit that I should have said it was me, sorry! the young woman smiled.

- What are you doing here ?

- I saw you leave hastily from another hangar, and it really looked like you had the devil on your heels!

- The devil ?

- A human thing! Uh… You know what, nevermind…

- Oh... OK...

- So, what's wrong?

- Why is everyone asking me that?! I’m fine!

- Do not allow yourself to say that while your wings betray you!"

The jet then noticed that his wings were flapping nervously, and he forced himself to stop them!

"Like you understand the body language of winged flyers anyway! snapped Starscream.

- It's not that hard to understand. replied the agent.

- ...

- Is it because of Megatron that you are in this state?

- No...

- So why?

- I don’t want to talk about it...

- If you don't talk about it, you will never be able to move forward...

- It's too hard... it's too hard... And then, showing your fears is a proof of weakness!

- Did Megatron tell you that?

- ...

- Know that it's really not the right thing to do... Stop listening to this moron!

- It's not easy! He's always there telling me not to trust anyone! Always judging my choices! I'm never really alone! He’s still there, haunting me! Whatever I do, he judges me and reminds me of how useless and worthless I am!"

The Seeker's wings were shaking and flying all over the place, as they expressed a hundred emotions a second! Anger, guilt, shame, grief... He felt something warm land on one of his claws, and saw that it was Lilwen who had put her hand on his. The young woman smiled softly, and said:

"You're not alone now! You have your conjux, the Autobots and even the humans with you! And, Starscream, know one thing... The airwoman's expression grew more serious. I promise I'll help you get revenge for what Megatron did to you!"

The jet looked at the little human, intrigued and curious... He shook his head, and sighed:

“And what do you plan to do against a robot of almost eleven meters?

- You know, it's not because I'm small that I can't represent a threat!" Lilwen smiled.

The flyer didn't know why, but he thought the young woman's smile was a little too confident...

"Well... What determination… Starscream smiled slightly.

- Always to kick ass! exclaimed the agent.

- ...

- Well, the others are back. Shall we go?"

Lilwen started to leave, and the Seeker called out to her:

"Eh, Lilwen!"

She turned around and replied:

"Yes?

- ... Thank you... said the jet.

- You're welcome!" the young woman smiled.

After returning, Optimus had analyzed his new vehicle mode. It was an all-terrain military vehicle. Fowler explained to him that it was an experimental secret vehicle.

Ratchet complimented Prime's alternate mode, and the other robots either smirked or giggled, even Ultra Magnus hid his smile.

Starscream arrived just then, and asked Skyfire why he was smiling like that. The shuttle approached the audio-receiver of his conjux, and whispered to him:

"Ratchet and Optimus are Sparkmates!"

The Seeker looked at the large white robot in surprise, before exclaiming:

"No!

- Yes! Skyfire exclaimed.

- So you finally made it?!"

The doctor blushed deeply as the Autobot leader gave a small, embarrassed, smile.

"But, if you know, why didn't you tell us, Starscream?! cried out Wheeljack. You little secret bot!"

The jet responded with a shrug, and smirked.

"What?! What?! But why are we only learning about it now?! Miko stirred. It's not fair! Why didn't we know first?! How long have you been together?!

- Are you definitely Sparkmates?! Jack wondered.

- But since when?! Raf exclaimed.

- Can someone explain to me?! Fowler encrusted himself.

- Oh! So you were Sparkdiscovers all this time?! supposed Lilwen.

- Are they a couple?! June get surprised.

There was a new cacophony around the couple of Ratchet and Optimus, but from the humans this time.

Shockwave had returned from the mine, and saw that Predaking and another Vehicon were pacing the halls calling for Steve. The scientist approached the duo, and scolded:

“Predaking, what are you doing here instead of training with Dreadwing?!

- He’s sleeping. replied the Predacon.

- What?!"

The cybertronian tank was rather surprised, it was not the kind of Dreadwing... He was going to have to talk to Megatron about it!

"By the way, Creator Shockwave, have you seen Steve? asked the big robot.

- No. Why? questionned the cyclops robot.

- We can’t find him...

- ... Ah."

Shockwave just walked away, not particularly worried about 5T3V3.

Arcee moved closer to Ratchet, who was in the medical bay, and said:

“Ratchet, I need to talk to you about something.

- I listen. replied the doctor.

- It's about Starscream.

- Oh?

- Actually, I heard your conversation earlier."

The ambulance froze, and turned to the motorbike, he stammered:

"I'm sure that's not what he meant when he said that-

- I'll stop you right away, we've already discussed this subject. cut off the warrior.

- Really?! And he's still alive?!

- *Sigh*... I assure you that yes... We discussed...

- About what?

- The one we lost.

- What a great topic to start a conversation...

- Hey, don't judge!

- I don't judge, I don't judge... I'm glad you managed to find common ground.

- Yeah...

- It's a good thing you talked, really!

- I know, but there are several things that bother me about Starscream's behavior...

- Only now? Ratchet chuckled.

- I'm serious...

- Really?

- Yes...

- I'm listening to you...

- Well, already when we were in front of the cave, he was super panicked just at the thought of going inside, he didn't show it, but his body was saying a lot...

- He must be claustrophobic. It's a common phobia among flyers, especially jets.

- Really?

- Yes. Dreadwing should be no exception.

- I see...

- Something else?

- That's when we discussed... He show me how much he wanted to be a scientist, and so I asked him why he didn't continue...

- He was arrested for the murder of Skyfire, he surely couldn't continue to exercise...

- Yeah... that's what he told me... But I swear there was something else!

- Something else ?

- You didn't see his look, Ratchet! But I did... And I can tell you that he was hiding something much deeper... Much darker... Really... It was chilling..."

Soundwave was with Megatron, and the latter asked him:

"Do everything you can to find the Insecticons, it's important!"

- < Yes. > nodded the Cybertronian plane, in Dreadwing's voice.

- Good!

-<Also> <Vehicons> <say> <some> <of them> <are> <weird> <or> <missing> <...> Added the Communications Commander, with a succession of voices.

- The Vehicons too?!

- < Yes. >

- ... It's less serious than the Insecticons... Concentrate on them.

- < But > < Vehicons > < missing > < ... >

- They're just Vehicons...

- < Vehicons are not simple machines!! >” cried out the Cold Construction, in Starscream's voice.

The leader of the Decepticons realized his mistake, and began:

"Soundwave..."

The latter shook his head sharply, before hurriedly leaving the main room, as Shockwave arrived.

"What is it, Shockwave? sighed the ex-gladiator.

- Dreadwing is not at his post. replied the scientist.

- What?!

- Predaking told me he was sleeping.

- He’s sleeping?!

- Yes.

- But...

- I saw him several times taking care of his tasks during the night, I guess his body decided to stop on its own.

- *Sigh*... He'll have to go see the new doctor...

- 5T3V3?

- Yes...

- Predaking told me he was nowhere to be found.

- What ?! But... Pfft! Rhaa! *Sigh*... OK, OK...

- Are we going to look for him?

- No! You just have to replace him!

- Me ? But I'm not a doctor...

- KnockOut either, and yet he managed to be! You're smarter than him, I'm sure you can do it!"

The cybertronian tank extended his antennae at the compliment, and gave a sober salute, before leaving the room.

Megatron sighed in displeasure! Frankly, nothing was going right, it was getting worse and worse!

Chapter Text

Dreadwing finally woke up, and got up quickly realizing it was dark now! Damn, he had slept all day!

The tall Seeker decided to catch up by working now, so he wouldn't have a problem the next day.

The big jet came out of his room, and noticed that the Vehicon Steve was not rolling in the corridors, as he usually did. It was usually in the morning, of course, but he also happened to do it during the night. Maybe that wouldn't be the case tonight.

He walked towards the main hall to do his work, and encountered a few Vehicons who were on guard duty.

The Decepticons' Second-in-Command walked past the medical bay, and was called out by a voice. Dreadwing turned, and saw Shockwave in the doorway.

“Shockwave? What are you doing here? asked the tall Seeker.

- I replace 5T3V3. answered the latter.

- Oh?

- He left his post and is nowhere to be found.

- It's true that Predaking was looking for him, he seemed rather worried.

- *Sigh*... It's just a Vehicon!

- Nevertheless, your creation is in love with him...

- He'll soon forget him.

- If you say so.

- Well, come on, I have to see if you have anything.

- Sorry, what?

- Come on. I have no time to waste."

The large jet nodded in response, and entered the medical bay. His wings fluttered slightly, as he didn't particularly like being with the scientist... Especially after their little argument about Starscream's Null Rays secret...

The cybertronian tank invited him to sit on one of the medical tables, and handed him a cube of energon. The Decepticons' Second-in-Command accepted the cube, realizing that it was only at 15% energon. He really wondered how the cyclops robot had found out.

“You should be careful how you use your energy. Shockwave scolded lightly.

- Yes." Dreadwing nodded.

He quickly drank his energon, and get down from the medical table.

"Where are you going? asked the scientist.

- Well, I'm going to my duty. replied the tall Seeker.

- No, go to sleep. You're overworking yourself, it's bad for your systems."

“How can you know that without a diagnosis?!"  the big jet thought curtly. He sighed slightly, before saying:

"Very well..."

The Decepticons' Second-in-Command emerged from the medical bay, and walked towards his room. He felt the cybertronian tank's single optic stare at him as he walked down the hall... As if Shockwave was checking that Dreadwing was really going to his room...

Starscream had gone back behind the base, like last night. He sighed softly, searching for the source of his insomnia... Why couldn't he still sleep?! The Seeker had reconciled with Arcee! The Autobots showed him no hostility despite knowing he was a Cold Construction! And he had finally found his conjux! What more did he need?!

The jet heard noises coming from his right, and quickly turned his head, wings high and alert. He was about to get up when Ratchet appeared. The doctor moved closer, and the flyer relaxed slightly.

"You still don’t sleep! scolded the ambulance.

- I'm not tired... Starscream nonchalantly replied, shrugging.

- How is it possible? You didn't sleep last night either...

- I didn't do much during the day.

- You've built tools to extract energon, and you've also created an energon extractor that processes it at a speed I didn't even think possible! If it's not much for you, I worry when you decide to go all out!

- ...

- *Sigh*..."

Ratchet sat down next to the Seeker, and said:

"We need to talk...

- Again?! exclaimed the jet.

- You will not solve all your problems by speaking vaguely only once about some of your many worries...

- It's more than worries at this point...

- You have to talk to me, Starscream... What's bothering you this time?

- ... I... I don't really know... In fact... I sincerely believe that I still have a hard time believing that you all accept Cold Constructions...

- ...

- I demonized the Autobots for so long... I... I think the fact that you know my secret always scares me, subconsciously... I feel like it was easier when you see me as one of you, and not just like a machine...

- Starscream... You're a robot, like us. From the moment you have a Spark and a conscience, you are a robot like us. You are a living being like us. None of us see you as a machine or a tool to be used...

- R- Really?

- Yes really.

- Oh..."

The flyer felt tears roll down his cheeks, and quickly turned his head away from the doctor, putting a hand to his face...

"S- Sorry..." Starscream sobbed.

The ambulance said nothing, and just looked at him with reassuring and patient eyes. The Seeker continued:

"It's just...it's so weird to see robots caring... it's... it's really... it's so... unexpected... I don't… don't know what to say..."

The jet stifled a sob, and Ratchet gently took his head, and rested him on his shoulder.

"It's okay, you don't need to explain yourself..."

The doctor stroked the flyer's head soothingly, as Starscream continued to cry on his shoulder.

Predaking was on the outer deck of the Nemesis, continuing to search for Steve. 54M apologized, explaining that he was tired, and abandoned the search. But not the Predacon, he would keep looking until he found him!

The big robot sighed thinking of the fact that he should have analyzed the energon of his love, so he could have found him without problem...

"Steve...Where are you?" Predaking huffed softly, with a lot of concern in his voice.

Starscream had finally calmed down, and looked away from Ratchet, after stepping away from him, very clearly embarrassed...

"Sorry… the Seeker stammered. It's really too much shame... I... Sorry...

- Don't apologize for that. reassured the doctor.

- The last time I had this reaction was when Lor- when Megatron promised me that he would defend the Cold Constructions...

- Oh yes ?

- Yes...

- And it was not true?

- No! It was true! It was absolutely true! He wasn't like that before! He was... he was... he was so different... He was better... Honest... Strong and powerful, but in a good way... His cause was just... The cause was so right... so true...

- ...

- Do you know what the Decepticons symbol means?

- I have to say no...

- It represents a Cold Construction...

- What?!

- Our symbol represents the visor of a Cold Construction of the First Generation, but angry... It represents the anger of the oppressed and their revolt... The cause was just... the cause was so just...

- ...

- I lied to Sky...

- What?

- I lied when I told him that I had joined the Decepticons because I was scared...

- Explain...

- The one who destroyed Vos, it's not Sentinel Prime...

- Eh?!

- It's Megatron...

- But... You were with the Decepticons, you-

- No... Not at that time... I was neutral... Vos was neutral...

- ...

- But, when my house was destroyed, I saw ships with the symbol of the Autobots... I had this feeling of vengeance that was already in me, and at that moment, it just exploded... With my Seekers, we destroyed them all... Lor- Megatron offered us to join him... I already knew him, I trusted him... He was my friend... so I accepted...

- Starscream...

- Then, I found out the truth... I found out who destroyed Vos... I wanted revenge... I wanted to join the Autobots... But, I saw Sentinel... I saw him with you!"

The jet clenched his fists and teeth in rage, before ventilating to calm himself... He continued to stare into the void, avoiding the gaze of the ambulance. Then continued:

"I wanted to go neutral again...but... Megatron didn’t allow it... I ended up agreeing to be with the Decepticons... Because after all, the cause was still the same… It was still just... But... I didn't want Megatron to be my leader! I didn't want the one who murdered my people to be my leader! I didn't want the one who murdered Thundercraker and Skywarp to be my leader! I didn't want the one who hurt me so much to be my leader!! For me, he’s not better than all those who oppressed me before!"

The flyer calmed down again, and found that he had clenched his fists so hard that he had hurt his hands with his claws... Starscream closed his optics hard, and continued:

"... Without even realizing it, he became like them..."

The Seeker ventured to glance at Ratchet, and noticed that the latter had an expression of sadness on his face... But, it was not pity... It was compassion... The jet lowered his wings, and huffed:

"I can't be one of you, simply because I still believe in the Decepticon cause... Despite all of this... I still believe in it... I still believe in it..."

- Starscream... began the doctor.

- The cause is just, Ratchet! But, his leader is lost... he lost himself...

- If you believe in it so much, why didn't you join them before?

- ...

- Starscream?

- ...I didn't join them before, because... When I saw Megatron's way, I...

- You disapproved...

- No... I agreed... That was all those fraggers deserved! And, even if innocent people were caught in it, I told myself that it was the price to pay... I even ended up convincing myself that they weren't so innocent anyway, since they participated in the destruction of my kind, and to the oppression of the poorest!

- So why?

- Because... when I realized what I was thinking... When I realized that my feelings of revenge and resentments were starting to come out so violently... I get scared... I was scared of what I could become... And I was right... Look what I've become, Ratchet... I've become a monster! I've become something even Skyfire once feared! I... I lost myself too...

- ... But, you managed to find your way back... You managed to get out of it...

- But at the cost of how many lives? At the cost of how many sacrifices? At the cost of how many time? If it were only me who had suffered... But no... I get other people into my misfortune, and let them sink for me...

- ...

- Why did such a just cause manage to turn out so badly? How?! What did we miss?! Why isn't this the cause that gave me hope anymore? Why did this cause end up stealing it from me?

- It gave you hope?

- Yes ! Yes, it had! Before knowing this cause, I was... I was dead inside... I only looked like I was alive... *Sigh*... I even did some not great things to forget my problems...

- ... Like taking drugs?"

Starscream stared at Ratchet in surprise, and flapped his wings nervously, before stammering:

“H- How do you-

- I'm a doctor, it wouldn't have gone unnoticed forever for me... explained the ambulance. I actually found out, when I was giving you painkillers, after Megatron's attack, when we got the Star Saber back... Your system was processing it too fast... And, since the drug treatment is equivalent to our regenerative system...

- Ratchet... You don't know the whole story...

- No... it's true... Your system treats it way too well... Starscream... What happened to you?

- ...I can't...I can't..."

The Seeker rose quickly, shaking his head briskly, and shouted:

" I can't! I can't!"

The doctor grabbed him by the shoulders and exclaimed:

“Calm down, Starscream! What's happening to you all of a sudden?!"

Ratchet encountered the crazy optics of the jet, and immediately understood what Arcee had meant, now that he saw it with his own eyes... The flyer suddenly lost consciousness, and collapsed on the ground!

“Star!" shouted a voice.

The ambulance spun around, and saw Skyfire come out from behind the wall, and rush towards his conjux!

“Skyfire?! The doctor wondered. B-But since when are you here?!

- From the beginning... sorry... answered the shuttle.

- What?! But-

- Nevermind! What's wrong with him?! Why is he in this state?!

- ... He's done too much... Too much stress and effort... His system is focused on recovering from his injuries, and he's not resting enough to fully recover...

- That's not all, isn’t it?

- ... No...

- ... I see...

- Skyfire, I-

- Thank you for helping him... I could see that he was hiding things from me, and if he doesn't want to talk to me about it, I'm already happy that he is doing it with someone..."

The big white robot carried Starscream close to him, and continued:

"I see he's not well... Not well at all... He's very evasive about what happened to him when he was arrested, but I'm not fooled... If Smokescreen has could find out he was a Cold Construction from his files, that means the Enforcers found out too... And you must know like me that high level Deviants don't go to jail or at the Foundry...

-...! You mean that...

- Yes... "

Skyfire hugged his conjux, and groaned, as his Spark pulsed angrily:

"They sent Starscream to the IDS!"

Chapter Text

Starscream was in the big black space, and sighed softly as he remembered the outburst of panic he'd had in front of Ratchet... Really, what a shame... Scenery formed around him, and the Seeker saw that he was in the Autobot base, and that it was daylight. Everyone was gathered in a circle, and the doctor spoke:

"If I gathered you here it's to talk about Starscream...

- We listen to you. said Optimus.

- I think I'll let Skyfire speak..."

The latter took a deep breath, and the jet did not fail to notice that his conjux was doing everything possible to control his anger... Oh no! Did the flyer made Skyfire angry?! Did he not want him anymore?! Why?! Had he done something wrong?! ... Apart from all the crimes he had committed during the war... Well, stupid question...

"I'm worried about Star... the shuttle sighed.

- We all saw that he’s not well, no need to have a meeting for that! Fowler interjected.

- No... You don't understand...

- Explain to us then! Wheeljack exclaimed.

- I... Starscream is still very evasive about what happened to him after I disappeared... He told Ratchet a little more clearly about it, and I heard them by accident... While I was looking for Starscream...

- And so?

- Ratchet commented on Starscream's condition...

- What’s the matter with his condition? Bulkhead asked, confused.

- There a possibility that Starscream had taking drugs for a long time." explained the ambulance.

Everyone looked at Ratchet in surprise, and Miko wondered:

"Eh?! It’s possible?!

- A robot can be drugged?! Jack get surprised.

- How did you know? Raf asked.

- ... When I gave him the painkillers, he treated him far too well... summed up the doctor.

- So what? Asked the Japanese.

- Our drug treatment system works like our regeneration system... The more you receive, the better you bear...

- Oh... Lilwen understood.

- But, he treats it in a much too fast way... And Skyfire has a hypothesis..."

Everyone turned to the big white robot, and the latter hesitated, before saying:

"I think Star was sent to the IDS..."

The other robots gasped in shock, except for Smokescreen.

“You don't look very surprised, soldier Smokescreen. remarked Ultra Magnus.

- In fact... I already knew it... explained the recruit.

- What?! Skyfire exclaimed. But, why didn't you say it before?!

- I... I’m...

- Smokescreen is too young to really know what IDS is, Skyfire..." Ratchet intervened.

The shuttle huffed in anger, and clenched his fists... The children looked at the scene in confusion, and Miko questioned:

“What is IDS?"

The robots looked at each other, before Arcee answered:

“It was the Institute of Deviants Studies. They were studying Cold Constructions, to understand where their "deviations" came from, and thus be able to create a 4th Generation without Deviants...

- The Institute used Deviants experimentation. explained the doctor. Sometimes they used them to study other subjects, which needed robots. Generally, when a Cold Construction was in this Institut, they never came out... And would die there after three months, at most...

- It was a real hospice of horrors! Wheeljack hissed.

- Of course, it was hidden from the general public... Optimus sighed. But Megatron blew the truth out into the open during the war. He destroyed the IDS, and killed everyone who worked there.

- He really cared..." the doctor muttered, so low that no one heard him except Starscream.

The Seeker didn't like the turn of events at all... No one was supposed to know! And especially not his conjux!!

But now, everyone knew it... Everyone knew it!! No! No! The jet should never have spoken to Ratchet! He should have kept it all to himself!!

" How can we help him? beeped Bumblebee.

- I must confess that I don't really know... The ambulance huffed. This is the first time I've met an IDS survivor...

- Especially since it's no longer a hypothesis, since Smokescreen confirmed it... Wheeljack remarked.

- Yes, it's true... By the way, how do you know that, Smokescreen?

- Uh... He told me... summed up the rookie. But I sincerely believe that he did it by accident, in the panic...

- ... I see...

- That explains his panic attacks when we only mention his past... noticed Arcee.

- Yes indeed...

- Is there really nothing to do? Bulkhead asked.

- It's not that there's nothing to do... It's just that I didn't think it was that bad... I also need to know how long he have been there...

- Probably less than three months. Fowler guessed.

- Yes... That would explain how he manages to live after that... Probably three weeks... No more..."

The flyer clenched his fists, and slowly shook his head... No... It was wrong... it was so wrong...

Starscream woke up, and found that he was alone in the room...which meant that the others were probably discussing what he had seen in his vision...

... The Seeker didn't want to leave the room... He didn't want to see the worried and pityful looks from the others... It was too hard... He didn't want to... He couldn't !

The jet thought he could always sneak out, and bring some energon to KnockOut and Breakdown! That would give him a good reason to run away from his problems... No! He wasn’t running away from them! He was... postpone them for later... Yes! That was it ! He just postpone them for later, that was all!

But... KnockOut also knew about the IDS... But he hadn't mentioned it again! Surely it was better to be with the couple at the Harbinger, than with the Autobots and his conjux, for now!

The flyer discreetly left the room, went to the doc which was storing energon, and took some to put it in his subspace. Then he went out the back door. It was a bit small compared to the main door, but Starscream could easily squeeze through it, as long as he was careful how he placed his wings.

The Seeker transformed into his alternate mode, and took off into the air, without saying a goodbye to anyone...

Megatron and Shockwave was ready to go to the lab, to permanently destroy the other Predacons. Predaking was actually in training with Dreadwing, and the leader of the Decepticons hadn't told Soundwave where they were going.

The scientist used a remote ground bridge, so he didn't have to ask the Communications Commander to do it for them. They also didn't use the largest ground bridge, the coordinates of which were too easy to pick up.

Skyfire noticed that Starscream hadn't left their room, and was starting to really worry… The shuttle went in the direction of the rooms, and when he entered to theirs he noted with horror that his conjux was no longer there!

Megatron and Shockwave arrived at the lab, and the leader of the Decepticons gave the scientist a knowing look, before raising his cannon in the direction of the tanks, and blowing them all up!

An outpouring of preservative liquid and energon squirted out in a great torrent, as the ex-gladiator continued to fire on each vat! The little Predacons screeched as they were slowly swept away by death...

Megatron finally stopped the massacre, noting that there was not a single vat left standing... Shockwave hid his sadness as best he could at this waste of work, but it was not easy...

Skyfire called out to the others in panic, explaining to them that Starscream was not in their room! All split up, to go in search of the Seeker, even the humans.

KnockOut was still fixing the energon detector, and realized he was now on the right way. He could do it!

“Breaky! I'm almost there! exclaimed the doctor.

- Great!" Breakdown smiled.

The sports car remained fully focused on the machine, determined to succeed!

Predaking had finished training with Dreadwing, and wasn't very focused, mainly because he couldn't help worrying about Steve...

The Predacon decided to go see his brothers, to calm his nerves a bit... Even if they weren't completely complete, the big robot sometimes had the impression that his brothers were talking to him.

Predaking transformed into his beast mode, and flew towards his Creator's secret laboratory.

Starscream continued to fly towards the Harbinger, and would soon arrive at place. It was only a matter of time.

Fowler and Lilwen continued to search for Starscream, and William exclaimed:

"Damn it ! How could a giant robot disappear like that?!

- Maybe he's not in the base anymore. simply suggested the young woman.

- Oh yes... It's totally possible..."

The airwoman laughed lightly at this statement, and the two continued walking. The agent went to a shed, and Lilwen called out:

"I don't think he's hiding in there...

- It costs me nothing to check! Fowler replied.

- Mr. Fowler-"

William slightly opened the main door of the building, and froze in horror when he saw the sight in front of him! All the soldiers on the base were lying on the ground, dead!

The agent heard a sudden gunshot, and saw that he had been shot in the back, when the pain lacerated his side! Fowler collapsed on the floor, and Lilas huffed.

"I would had wish hadn't have to do this to you..."

William looked at her with shock and surprise, before stammering:

“W-Why…?

- It's not against you, Mr. Fowler. the young woman smiled sadly. But sacrifices have to be made... I sincerely regret that you have to be one..."

Several MECH soldiers emerged from the other hangars, armed with strange weapons. As well as grounders Vehicons with purple visors! More Vehicons, flyers this time, landed in the base, and Lilas said:

"My army will change this world, Mr. Fowler! Unfortunately, I regret to tell you that you will not be part of it!"

The scientist closed the hangar door, and led her army in the direction of her new targets: the Autobots! 

Chapter Text

Starscream had been flying for a while now, still heading for the Harbinger. He would be there in 10 minutes, if he kept flying at this speed. He had decided not to go to the maximum of what he could achieve, mainly because he wanted to fly a little... All the recent events were too hard right now...

KnockOut had finally finished repairing the energon detector. He proudly presented it to Breakdown, and exclaimed:

“Look, Breakdown, I made it!

- Does it at least works? asked the military car.

- Of course it works!

- Check anyway...

- Well... Okay!"

The doctor activated the detector, and it wasted no time in spotting the energon stored in the Harbinger.

“Ah! You see ?! the sports car smiles.

- I see, I see." the big blue robot chuckled softly.

It was then that the machine detected a new energon signal. But moving... Maybe it was Starscream that brought them energon? On the other hand, this energon signal gave off a strange energy on the machine...

The detector suddenly began to sizzle, and the screen distorted as it showed several signals at different locations around the ship!

" What does it mean... ?" stammered the doctor.

Dreadwing was about to do his duties in the main room, when he walked past the ground bridge room. He noticed that there was a small light flashing on the control machine, and the large Seeker approached curiously.

The big jet noticed that there were coordinates that had been established on the machine, and thought "That… This is weird..." Surely he should warn Soundwave... But, besides, where was he?

Soundwave had joined the Insecticons, after receiving a message from Shrapnel.

The Communications Commander entered the base and said:

“< You > < have > < call >< ? >

- Yes. nodded the insect leader. I worry about friends, who are not with us on the moon.

- < Friends > < ? >

- Yes... They are called Bombshell and Kickback... You wouldn't have seen them by chance?

- < No > < sorry > < ... >

- Do you think they're doing well?

-.......

- Soundwave, tell me what's going on...

- < Airachnid > < is > < back! >

- Eh?! Really?!

- < Yes! >

- Well, I understand better what youd one this... But, why doesn't Lord Megatron take news from us?

- .......

- Soundwave ?

- < Busy >

- To what?

- < Find > < Airachnid > < . >

- Oh! I see!"

The cybertronian plane nodded in response, and Shrapnel sighed.

"You think Airachnid got my friends?

- ........

- Of course... What a question... Thanks anyway...

- < I > < will > < look for them! >

- Really ?!

- < Yes! >

- Thanks! Thanks a lot!"

The Insecticon hugged the Cold Construction, and Soundwave beeped in surprise!

"Uh...sorry... Shrapnel stammered, releasing the Communications Commander.

- < It's good. > answered the Cybertronian plane.

- Would you like to stay a bit?"

The Cold Construction seemed to think, then exclaimed:

“< Yes! >"

Starscream arrived at the Harbinger, and rushed inside, eager to see his friends again! The Seeker exclaimed:

« KnockOut, Breakdown! I’m- "

He froze on the spot when he saw what state the medical bay was in! It was covered in blaster fire, and scratches! As well as... Cobwebs! Airachnid...!

“No... Realized the jet. No, no, no, no!"

The flyer began to run up and down the corridors, and shouted:

“Knockout! Breakdown! Where are you ?! Knockout!! Breakdown!!"

Starscream felt panic welling up inside him as he realized he was still losing people he cared about...

The ship seemed to revolve around him, as he remembered the words of someone he would probably never see again...

"You are dangerous to others, Starscream! Anyone who gets too close to you ends up terribly badly! You look like something harmless, but you're actually a terribly toxic poison! You are cursed! Frankly, you should disappear, you would be doing everyone a favor!"

"Shut up!  Shut up!! SHUT UP!!!" yelled the Seeker, covering his audio-receivers.

"It's your fault they're in danger!" "You always bring misfortune on others!" "Look at the consequences of your actions!"

The jet shook his head sharply, while keeping his hands on his audio-receivers, and cried out:

"I can save them! I can save them! I just need to find them! I will find them!"

The flyer rushed out of the Harbinger, and took off into the air, activating his energon radar! Starscream was going to find them! He was going to save KnockOut and Breakdown!

Dreadwing called Soundwave several times via his comm, but received no response... It wasn't like the Communications Commander to turn off his comm... Maybe he was... Too far away? But he would have to be in space for that...

The tall Seeker then thought that maybe the cybertronian plane was at the coordinates indicated on the bridge... No, it didn't make any sense... Soundwave was perfectly capable of creating his own bridges... It was usually the Vehicons who was using the bridge... Oh! Maybe he would find Steve!

The big jet thought that this would surely make Predaking happy, and allow him to concentrate better during training... Well, he only had to check that his hypothesis was correct!

Dreadwing activated the ground bridge, and entered the portal, to go to the indicated coordinates.

Shockwave and Megatron walked through the forest, having no choice but to return to the Nemesis on their own, after the ground bridge remote control discharged...

The leader of the Decepticons weren't too worried about his absence, as Dreadwing and Soundwave should be able to easily handle the Nemesis during this time. It was better not to call the Communications Commander, otherwise it would be necessary to explain why they were so close to the purple robot's underground laboratory.

The scientist was thinking that this day was really not terrible... First he had been forced to get off his work... And now, even the remote control wasn’t working well...

“I'm sorry that my remote control discharged at such a time... the cybertronian tank apologized.

- It's not that serious. reassured the ex-gladiator. After all, it allows me to spend time with you.

-...?!

- I mean... To discuss how we will explain the disappearance of the other Predacons to Predaking!! Megatron caught up quickly.

- ...Oh... yes... of course..." replied the cyclops robot, with a touch of disappointment.

The leader of the Decepticons walked a little faster, trying to forget his strange slip...

Dreadwing arrived in front of a large hangar, with human vehicles parked in front.

"What does it mean...?" the tall Seeker said, confused.

It was then that he saw a Vehicon, not far away, but which had his back to him, he approached the drone, and called out:

“Hey! Can I know what's going on here!"

The soldier turned to the large jet, and the Decepticons Second-in-Command jumped and recoiled slightly when he saw that the Vehicon's visor was purple!

“W-What?!" wondered Dreadwing.

He saw several other drones come out of the hangar, as well as out of the forest, and point their guns at him!

The tall Seeker drew his plasma machine gun, and began firing into the crowd, before the grounders soldiers attacked him!

The great jet felt a sudden sharp pain shoot through him, and screamed in pain as he dropped his weapon! He collapsed on the ground, and struggled to stay conscious, as he felt something circulating inside him...

"Wha... what tha... that?" sputtered the Second-in-Command of the Decepitcons.

He saw movement behind him, and found that they were humans with strange outfits in a jeep, equipped with a strange weapon...

Dreadwing saw them circling around him, and suddenly heard someone in the distance...

"Dreadwing!"

The tall Seeker couldn't get up, but still managed to look straight ahead, where the voice was coming from! A voice he never thought he would hear again...

"Skyquake..." realized the big jet, his voice breaking as he saw his brother standing, not far from him, in the forest...

“Why can't you manage without me?! hissed Skyquake.

- N- no... I... the Decepticons Second-in-Command spluttered.

- It's because of you that I'm dead! I always had to be there for you, but as soon as I needed help, of course, you were absent!

- Skyquake...

- Let yourself go, Dreadwing... it's better..."

Dreadwing felt the strange substance slowly seep into his circuitry, and his originally red optics turned purple, as he whispered:

"I'm a very bad brother...I understand that you can't forgive me...Skyquake..."

Starscream continued to search for his friends, but without any real success... It was then that he detected several energon signals, including a rather strange one! The Seeker wasted no more time, and shot towards the signals!

The jet arrived in front of a cave, but did not hesitate to go inside! KnockOut and Breakdown were more important than his own well-being! The flyer sank deeper and deeper, ignoring the searing fear that ran through his Spark!

His energon radar rattled more and more, and the way his radar rattled there was energon spilled on the floor! Lots of energy!

"No... KnockOut ! Breakdown!" called out Starscream.

He arrived in front of a large cavity, but it was not his friends that he found sprawled on the ground, their energon flowing into the dirt! It was... The Predacons!

Predaking continued to fly in direction of his brothers, and was eager to see them again! Maybe they had already woken up, and they could help him find Steve!

Starscream surveyed the remains of the laboratory, cautiously... Even if his radar did not detect any form of Cybertronian life, he preferred to remain cautious... The Seeker approached one of the tanks, and noted with sadness that the little Predacon was dead ...

The jet did not like these beasts, on the contrary even! But... despite everything... it reminded him of something... The disappearance of a species... By an outside attack...

The flyer found that the strange energon signal he had detected was the beginning of the Synthetic Energon formula... Formula which he would soon recover in six days...

But, how did Shockwave manage to gain access to this formula?!

Starscream shook his head, thinking he should focus on more important things! The Seeker picked up a piece of glass, and looked at it with sorrow, noticing that it was coated with the energon of that poor little Predacon...

The jet suddenly found himself in the big black space, and looked around in surprise! The scene formed, and he found himself in Shockwave's laboratory, on the Nemesis!

Megatron and Shockwave were in the lab, and the scientist was the first to speak:

“What did you want to talk to me about, my Lord?

- It's about the Predacon... huffed the leader of the Decepticons.

- There is a problem?

- I had never considered that he could have a conscience...

- Neither do I...

- It changes a lot of things...

- What do you mean ?

- Isn't it too dangerous to have an army of these beasts, now that we know they can transform into robots?

- Oh... I see what you mean...

- If the Predacons turned against us, it would be a real disaster!

- Do you think that...

- Unfortunately yes... We have to get rid of all the clones!! »

The vision stopped, and the flyer froze in shock! What ?! It was Lor-... Megatron who decided to destroy the Predacons?! Because the first had taken a... A conscience?

Starscream didn't know if he should be bubbling with rage at the behavior of his Mas-... The ex-gladiator! Or if he were to be disturbed by the statement that the Predacons were perhaps more than just beasts...

A new setting formed, and this time it was the laboratory the Seeker was in!

Megatron and Shockwave arrived in the laboratory, via a portal, and the leader of the Decepticons gave the scientist a knowing look, before raising his cannon in the direction of the tanks, and exploding them all!

An outpouring of preservative liquid and energon squirted out in a great torrent, as the ex-gladiator continued to fire on each vat! The little Predacons were screeching as they were slowly swept away by death...

Megatron finally stopped the massacre, noting that not a single vat was left standing...

The jet recoiled in horror at the carnage...

The flyer snapped back to reality, and quickly ventilated, as memories flooded back into him...

A big hangar... The whole Last Generation was gathered... The Council and the Prime promised change... They offered a solution... Then, they pointed their blasters at them...

Starscream shook his head sharply to collect himself, and let go of the piece of glass. It was then that he heard a heart-rending cry coming from the entrance to the laboratory!

The Seeker looked up, and saw in horror that it was the Predacon! The beast continued to yelled in grief, before suddenly flailing, and starting a process of... Transformation?! Suddenly, a large robot found himself in the place of the monster!

Predaking finished transforming, and glared deathly at the little winged robot, as he screamed in rage:

"You!!! What have you done to my brothers?!!!"

Chapter Text

Starscream froze upon seeing the Predacon! But his bewilderment had several reasons! First because the beast was there! Then because the monster thought it was the Seeker who had destroyed the other Predacons! And finally... The frag?! The Predacon could transform?!

Predaking screamed in rage, before rushing towards the small winged robot! Creator Shockwave was right, this robot had to be destroyed!

The jet narrowly dodged one of the beast's large claws, and raced towards the exit!

“You will not escape me! Killer!!" shouted the big robot.

He transformed into beast mode, and started chasing the flyer! The Predacon jumped, then blocked his exit, and Starscream screamed in terror!

The Seeker transformed into his jet mode, and flew above the beast! The monster spat out a huge load of flames that pushed the flyer away from his escape!

Starscream flew over the Synthetic Energon samples, and in his rage, Predaking paid no attention to how he fired his fireball! The flames hit the energon head-on, which wasted no time reacting to the intense heat!

The Synthetic Energon exploded on the two robots, which were propelled to different places! The Seeker was thrown against the ceiling of the cave, forcing him to transform back into his original mode, while the Predacon was thrown against one of the rock faces!

The jet crashed against the ground, and struggled to stay conscious... He got up quickly when he saw that the beast was rushing at him again, not seeming at all shaken by the explosion!

The flyer jumped to dodge the monster's fangs, and transformed back into his alternate mode! Starscream had no intention of staying any longer or of explaining himself in the face of the terrible misunderstanding! It would be useless!

The cavity was beginning to shake slightly, which clearly indicated that if they continued like this, the whole cavern was going to collapse!

The Seeker quickly activated his engines, and rocketed towards the exit, while the Predacon cried out in fury!

Predaking felt his Spark pulse rapidly as his brothers' assassin escaped! No! No way! That damn little winged robot was going to pay for what he did!!

The jet dodged all the fireballs the beast spat at him, while being careful how he flew to avoid hitting a rock face in that tight spot! This situation was terribly familiar to him...

Lord Megatron fired a cannon ball, as Starscream fled, to avoid being killed by his Master! The floor of the cave exploded beneath him, and the Seeker transformed into his alternate mode, while dodging the shots of the Decepticon leader, and the pieces of rock that were breaking out of the cavern!

The flyer managed to get out of the cave, and flew into the air, without throwing an optic back!

Predaking scrambled out of the cave, and yelled in rage as he began to spread his wings in pursuit of that pest! It was then that he heard a noise coming from the woods, and quickly turned around to see the origin of the sound! 

There was a Vehicon, with his head down, coming out of a ground bridge... But, the Predacon didn't need to see the face of the drone to know who was in front of him! The beast transformed into his robot mode, and exclaimed with a smile:

“Steve!"

Predaking rushed towards his love, deciding that he could destroy the winged robot later! The Predacon suddenly had a strange feeling, as he felt something strange coming out of Steve...

"But... what the..." the big robot stammered.

It was then that he realized what it was...

"The Dark Energon!" realized Predaking.

The new doctor was infected with the Dark Energon! The Predacon took his love in his arms, and stammered:

"D-Don't worry! I'm sure Creator Shockwave would be able to heal you!"

It was then that he heard several noises coming from the portal, and human jets and flying Vehicons came out! The big robot looked at them in confusion, before all the drones pointed their guns at him! Predaking hugged Steve in a protective gesture, and growled at the soldiers!

"I don't know you! exclaimed a voice in a jet.

- I'm Predaking! declared the Predacon. And you, who are you ?!

- I'm Lilas!

- Lilas?!

- Yes !

- What did you do to Steve?!

- He’s part of the army that will save the humans from themselves! And you too will join my team!"

The MECH leader pulled a cannon out from under her jet, and fired a heavy blow at the large robot, which was propelled backwards by the force of the beam! The shock caused him to let go of his love's grip, and he slammed into several trees, destroying them in his path!

Predaking felt something cold and dark spread through him... It was sticky, vile, evil... The Predacon crawled towarrds Steve, and held out his hand in his direction, muttering:

"S-Steve...Steve...

- You abandoned me !  hissed the Vehicon.

- N- No... I...

- You abandoned us!"  shouted voices.

The big robot looked around to see all the Predacons came out of the cave, dragging themselves painfully on the ground!

“You abandoned us! You were unable to protect us!"

Predaking kept his hand outstretched in the direction of his love, who continued to stare at him with his dark purple visor...

“I don't love you! Leave me alone!"  hissed Steve.

"Steve..." the Predacon sobbed, before finally completely collapsing to the ground, as his originally brilliant yellow optics turned to a dark purple...

Starscream continued to fly at full speed, preferring to get as far away from this horrible beast as possible! The Seeker received a message on his radio, and listened:

"Starscream, it's Lilwen! the young woman exclaimed through the radio.

- Don't stand there! There's the Predacon nearby! panicked the jet.

- I am behind you, and I see no enemy!

- Really?!

- Yes!"

The flyer slowed his speed, and the airwoman was able to get level with him, she was also in an F-16 jet, and waved at him. There were other jets around Starscream, and the Seeker was rather reassured that he had managed to outrun the Predacon, otherwise he could have been put in danger the humans...

It was then that he detected movement below the clouds, thanks to his radar of movement. There were several other planes... But they were going really fast...

Suddenly, flying Vehicons came out of the clouds, and circled the jets! The flyer quickly thinks of a plan to fight off the enemies with the humans, but that's when the other jets fly away from Starscream, to join the drones!

“W-What?!" the Seeker wondered.

His energon radar went wild, as it detected... Dark Energon?! The jet narrowly dodged a shot from one of the human jets!

“Lilwen why are humans attacking us?! the flyer exclaimed in shock.

- They're not attacking me!" Lilwen replied simply.

The young woman's jet passed behind Starscream, and the Seeker's radar detected a discharge of Dark Energon coming from the aviator's woman plane! Too much taken by surprise by the sudden attack of the one he thought was an ally, the jet did not manage to dodge the violent discharge which lacerated him!

The flyer screamed in pure pain, as he felt the horrible substance rush through his circuitry!

Starscream struggled against an invisible enemy as he returned to his original mode!

They had injected him something unknown... It hurt! It hurt!!

The Seeker lost his senses from the pain, and began to go into total freefall! He was falling! He was falling!

The pain didn’t go away! They added other things! Mixed them together!

The jet crashed into the trees, which barely slowed his fall! He crashed on the ground, and took off towards a small crevasse!

The substances continued to circulate in him! To devour him from the inside!! It had to stop! Stop that!!

The flyer made several rolls in the crevasse, hitting several rocks in his fall!

The pain from the shocks added to the pain he already had from the substances!

Starscream violently hit a rock with his head, before finally landing in the small crevasse! The Seeker was losing his senses... everything was blurry...

The pain... the pain... the pain...

The jet's optics flickered from red to purple, over and over...

The shadows were above him, smiling grimly at him... He couldn't move! He was helpless! He tried to call for help, but the pain prevented him from saying anything coherent...

The flyer felt his conscience leave him little by little, while a hot liquid spread on his helmet...

Energon... So much energon...

Starscream heard the jets and the flying Vehicons landed nearby!

"Vehicons, go get him!" Lilwen ordered.

The Autobots had to be warned... The Seeker had to warn them that the new agent was a traitor! The jet was struggling more and more to keep his optics open...

Everything was blurry... It was too much... it was too much...

The silhouettes were above him... Reality and memories mixed... The flyer was between two worlds, while the Vehicons were getting closer and closer...

They stretched out their hands towards him... They checked if he was still alive... Yes, still! He would live! For Skyfire!

Skyfire... Starscream hadn't even said goodbye...

The Seeker lost consciousness more and more, as he felt the hands of his torturers lifting him off the operating table ...

Reality and memories intermingled... the jet finally left reality...

Everything was dark around Starscream...

Chapter Text

Starscream was in the big black space... But, something was wrong... The black space was turning... purple...

The Seeker started to back away, as he saw the purple spreading towards him!

“Starscream!" called a voice.

The jet froze... There was someone behind him... Someone he thought he would never see again... The flyer turned around slowly, and fell in front of the blue optics with small red circles of one of those he had lost... Of one of those he had killed...

A blue jet came out of the darkness, and found himself face to face with Starscream. The jet had rather oddly shaped wings, as if split in two, but not completely. However, it wasn't due to injury, it was just the way his wings were. There were a few red lines in places instead of the blue on the jet armor. He had a stern but gentle gaze, and a strict face. He seemed squarer, his frame seeming stiffer and less flexible.

"T-Thundercraker..." the Seeker stammered.

The silver jet backed up, while his big brother approached his... The flyer finally touched the purple area, and jumped when he felt something cling to his shoulders, behind him! He let out a scream, and quickly jumped back! That's when Starscream heard a laugh...

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Relax! It was just a joke!"

A black jet was in the purple space, and had a childish little smile on his face, as he continued to laugh innocently. The jet opened his large light purple optics, with black pupils, to look the Seeker in the eyes. He flapped his big, wide black wings, expressing his amusement. Small shades of mauve dotted the jet's armor, and he had a much rounder, suppler face.

"Skywarp..." sputtered the silver jet, as his voice cracked...

His two brothers were there... in front of him... Skywarp teleported next to Thundercraker, thanks to his Capacity, and the flyer approached them, stretching out his arms... He had missed them so much... So much, so much...

"Thundercraker...Skywarp..." Starscream sobbed, smiling.

The faces of the other two jets suddenly turned hard and rigid, as they glared at the Seeker.

“You killed us, Starscream! Thundercraker hissed.

- No... I... stammered the silver jet.

- TC is right! Skywarp snapped. Killer! You killed us all!

- A- All?"

The word began to repeat like an echo, as flames rose around the flyer! Starscream heard thousands of cries of agony and pain rising into the sky, as the great towers of Vos crumbled! Vossians fought against the flames that devoured them, before death came to take them!

A robot clung to the arm of the Seeker, and looked up at him, revealing a face already almost melted, while his optics were nothing but dark, gaping holes!

"Heeeelllp meeeee..." moaned the robot.

The silver jet looked at him in horror, as the robot continued to repeat the same phrase, but screaming:

"HeeEEEEEeelLLlp meeEEEEeee…!!!" 

He practically melted in front of the flyer, as the blazing fires continued to consume him! The screams continued around Starscream, who put his hands on his audio-receivers! Vos were nothing but ruins! He wanted to flee, to fly very far!

"Yeah! Keep running away, as you know do so well!!" Thundercraker blamed.

The Seeker looked up at his brothers, and saw with horror that they were eaten by the flames too!

“You have always been a burden! Skywarp reproached. Even I was useful a little! But... You!"

There was so much venom in the way the black jet had said "you", that the Spark of the silver jet couldn't help but clench...

“You are a burden for everyone!" growled another voice.

The airman turned to see Skyfire, who was giving him a look full of hate! The decor of Vos was replaced by a large ice desert! Starscream and his conjux were alone in the snow! Ice spilled over the shuttle as he raised his large blue optics in the direction of the Seeker.

"Look what you did to me...Starscream..." sobbed the tall white robot softly.

- Skyfire! No!!" the silver jet shouted, running towards Skyfire.

The flyer tried to catch his conjux, but he disappeared mixing with the blizzard which rose suddenly!

"You killed me! You should have stayed at the Institute!" cried out the voice of the shuttle in the frozen white desert!

The blizzard gave way to a huge court, and Starscream saw tall figures, sitting before him, on top of the assembly!

"Starscream of Vos, you are accused of murdering your partner and conjux: Skyfire!

- No! He is still alive ! You must return to save him! cried out the Seeker.

- You are guilty of murder!

- Skyfire is still alive!

- We don't care about the opinion of a miserable Cold Construction!"

The shadow slammed his hammer against the board, and the jet heard the noise echoing all around him!

The scenery changed again, and Starscream was violently grabbed by large hard hands, then dragged down a dark hallway! The lights flickered, as the ceiling seemed to sink towards him... 

The robots that held him were only silhouettes, shadows that surrounded him little by little... The Seeker was taken to a room, with an operating table in the middle... No! No! No! One of the silhouettes turned towards the silver jet, with a syringe in the hand!

“Matriculation 574-R, Level 7 Deviant. said the shadow. Day: 365th. Procedure of the new operation. Objective: reformatting!

- No! No! Nooooo!!!" the flyer screamed in terror, struggling with all his might.

Another figure clapped his dark hand over Starscream's mouth, and snapped:

“A Cold Construction does not speak!!"

The Seeker continued to struggle, and cried, unable to control the panic that invaded his Spark! He received a violent electric shock, from a taser, which made him scream in pain! They put him on the operating table, and tied him there, encasing his hands in metal, to prevent him from activating his Null Ray cannons!

The shadow with the syringe came closer and closer, as the jet struggle! A new shadow formed, he was tall and imposing, he made spikes appear from his fingers!

Starscream activated his Null Rays, causing total destruction around him!

He was now above the ruins of a large hangar... The Enforcers who had assembled the Last Generation in the building were all dead in front of the flyer...

His kind lay in a pile of bodies, lower down...

Energon flowed around the Seeker... The Enforcers lay inert on the ground, the Null Rays had killed them instantly... The Last Generation Cold Constructions were just gray frames... They had all massacred all of them...

The Enforcers... Sentinel Prime... The Council! They were guilty! They were all guilty!!

A fine rain of acid began to fall, mixing with the tears of the silver jet...

The scenery of the evening of the massacre of his species disappeared, giving way to a purple void... A large robot had his back to him... Megatron!

The flyer couldn't help but feel fear mixed with mad rage lacerating his Spark! Him! Him! Him! Him! It was all his fault ! He had promised to help him, but he didn't!! He didn't want Him as a leader! Never! Never!! Starscream would lead the Decepticons to true victory! He didn't need Him for that!

“You're nothing without me, Starscream. growled the hoarse voice of the leader of the Decepticons.

- I don't need you to exist!" hissed the Seeker.

Megatron turned to the silver jet, staring at him with his fiery purple optics! The flyer continued:

" You are crazy ! You have gone mad! Enough to plant Dark Energon straight into your fragging Spark!! You are not the robot that I have followed and admired! You have destroyed Vos! You killed Thundercraker and Skywarp! It’s you who are nothing! You are nothing!

- And you, Starscream, do you think you're worth anything without your wings? said the leader of the Decepticons darkly.

- My wi-?!"

Starscream felt the energon slide down his back, and drip little by little onto the purple floor... The Seeker slowly turned his head, and saw with horror that his wings had been ripped off! The silver jet whirled around, only to see his Master holding his wings in his energon-covered hands! He threw them on the ground, and growled:

"You can't escape me, Starscream! I wouldn't let you do that!"

Lord Megatron advanced towards the flyer, who began to back away, as he felt the searing pain in his back! No! No!

Starscream remembered everything the leader of the Decepticons had done to him, and fear gave way to hate! The Seeker turned his hands into cannons, and yelled:

“Murderer! Fragger! I hate you !! Die!!!"

The silver jet fired, and Megatron disappeared in a burst of dust! It was then that the flyer heard applause, slow and steady, coming from behind him.

Starscream cautiously turned around, and was relieved to find that he had regained his wings. But, his relief was short-lived when he saw who he had in front of him... It was him! Starscream! But, with purple optics!

His other was staring at him mischievously, and smirked as he approached. The Seeker backed away from his double, and the latter sneered:

“Well what? You're not going to try to run away from yourself... Right?

- W - Who are you? stammered the silver jet.

- What? Isn’t it obvious?"

His clone smiled sinisterly, before claming:

“I am Starscream!"

The flyer looked at his counterpart in shock, before retorting:

“N- No! I am Starscream! You are just an impostor!

- Who is the impostor here? replied the double. The one who is himself, or the one who pretends to be someone else?

- I am me!

- I'm the one who killed Skyfire!

- What?!

- I'm the one who killed Thundercraker and Skywarp!

-...!!

- I'm the one who condemned Vos!

- Stop! It’s not me!"

The clone smiled wider, as his optics burned a fiery purple! Energon spread on the floor, and the more the copy repeated, the more the energon imposed itself and spread...

"I am the one who destroyed Iacon! I'm the one who killed the Enforcers! I'm the one who killed Red Alert! I'm the one who killed Brawn! I'm the one who killed Powerglide! I'm the one who killed Tracks!

- Stop! Stop! Stop!!" Starscream begged, putting his hands on his audio-receivers!

But his counterpart didn't stop... He continued to recite the names of all those who had fallen under the Seeker's claws, and the double shouted loud enough for the silver jet to hear him declare:

"I'm the one who killed Cliffjumper!"

The flyer looked up at his clone, with an expression of shock, and the other sneered:

"I'm the one who killed Sentinel Prime!

- ...!!

- I'm the one who destroyed the Council!

- ...

- I'm Starscream! Lord of the Decepticons! Master of chaos and destruction!

- No! That's Megatron!

- What the difference ? We did everything to look like him! Can’t you see ?

- N- No!"

Starscream tipped back, and fell into the waves of energon!

"Look at all that energon! the double smile. It's theirs! The one of all those we have killed!

- No!

- Don't deny the facts! They are right in front of you!"

The energon began to stir, and hands came out! There they were, the dead! Skyfire, Thundercraker, Skywarp, AcideStorm, Skyquake, Cliffjumper, the people of Vos, the other Seekers, the people of Iacon, Sentinel Prime, Red Alert, Brawn, Powerglide, Tracks, other Autobots, other robots! The copy laughed, continuing to recite:

"I'm the one who killed Skyfire! I'm the one who killed Thundercraker! I'm the one who killed Skywarp! I am the one who condemned Vos! I'm the one who killed the Prime! I'm the one who killed Cliffjumper!"

The dead clung to the silver jet, trying to pull him into the energon with them!

The clone approached the flyer, and grabbed his face, to force him to look at him in his optics of an incandescent and crazy purple! The double exclaimed, with a sadistic smile:

“I am Starscream! The one who screamed for revenge and got it! One of the most dangerous Decepticon! One of the deadliest! And, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm proud of it!"

Starscream tried to free himself, but without success... The grips on him tightened more and more tightly, leaving marks on his armor...

Suddenly, he felt himself pulled back, and wrapped around comforting arms!

« No...! It's not him! » exclaimed a voice the Seeker knew very well.

The silver jet looked up to see Skyfire holding him close! The shuttle had an expression of anger, but not towards him! His anger was directed in the direction of the double!

« That's not Starscream! The one you're describing is the robot created by the Council! It's the robot created by Megatron! »

The two Starscreams looked at the tall white robot in surprise as the latter continued:

« Starscream is not a destroyer! He is a scientist! He does not destroy! He creates! »

"He's not Starscream!" hissed the copy.

Skyfire grabbed the face of the Seeker he was holding in his arms, and forced him to stare into his reassuringly large blue optics.

« You are Starscream ! »

"No!"

« You are the one who protected me from those who hurt me! »

"Do not listen to him!"

« You were the one who protected Skywarp when the others bothered him! »

"Shut up!"

« You're the one who helped Thundercraker when he was in trouble! »

“I say shut up!!"

« You're the one who defended the Decepticon cause when no one believed in it! »

"..."

« You are the one who cared about others! »

"Enough!!!"

The double fired a missile straight at Skyfire, who disappeared in pearls of light!

Starscream collapsed on the ground, and watched his conjux disappear! It was then that he understood... The Seeker got up, and faced his clone!

“W-What are you doing?!"

The silver jet spread his wings, defiantly, and glared boldly at his copy! Then said:

“I am Starscream!

- No!

- I would never have hurt Skyfire! Never! You are not me! You have never been!!

-...!!"

Starscream clenched his fists, and stood straight, then exclaimed:

"I'm the one who cares about his family! I am the one who cherishes his conjux! I am the one who cares about his people! I'm the one who leads the Seekers! I am the one who protects the oppressed! I am the one who defends a just cause! I'm one of Iacon's greatest scientists! I am the Commander of the Seekers! I am the Prince of Vos!! ... I am Starscream! And nobody else!!"

Chapter Text

Starscream's double's expression went from bewilderment to pure rage! He rushed towards the Seeker, claws outstretched, and shouted:

"Where do you think you have control here?!"