Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“…half a dozen struts need to be totally replaced, severe processor trauma, not to mention all the glass I’m going to have to replace! On all three of you!”

Starscream leaned over to Bumblebee’s medberth, “Are we being punished right now?”

“No, Ratchet just rants when he’s worried.”

“But you are in trouble,” Bumblebee turned away from Starscream to face the newcomer to medbay. Prowl stood in the doorway, looking very agitated before Jazz slid out from behind him. Starscream didn’t even know he was there.

“Aww come on man. All's well that ends well and all that.”

Prowl rounded on him, “He disobeyed a direct order from multiple members of high command, released an extremely dangerous and important prisoner, violated an agreement with the residents of this planet, endangered himself and everyone else on this base, and—”

Jazz cut him off, “And he single-handedly brought Prime home safe, managed to do more for Autobot-Decepticon relations in one week than the rest of us have in ten million years, and helped the humans successfully locate and take down a major threat to both our people.”

“That doesn't mean—”

“You clearly haven’t decided whether or not Bumblebee is being punished or promoted, so do me a favor and deliberate somewhere else and leave my patients in peace!” Ratchet brandished a wrench threateningly at the pair.

Prowl sighed, “Ratchet, Red Alert insisted—”

“Tell Red Alert I’m watching him. He’s not a prisoner anyway.”

Starscream didn’t appreciate being talked about like he wasn’t in the room, but he was still hesitant to draw attention to himself as First Aid ushered the two commanders out. His arrival had already gone poorly; after all, being found in the same crater as two severely injured Autobots wasn’t exactly a good look. But Skyfire had been a part of the retrieval party and had managed to talk down some of the more trigger happy Autobots with some help from the Autobot CMO Ratchet. He firmly declared all three of them his patients and ordered Starscream be left alone while he stabilized them for transport. Starscream gathered there was some degree of protection in being Ratchet’s patient, even if he didn’t yet know what the medic wanted in exchange, or what he was going to do once he no longer had that protection. More than a few Autobots had already insisted he be returned to the brig as soon as possible, or worse.

Ratchet turned back to Starscream, “Now that we’ve got some peace and quiet, I need to know what you’re planning to do.”

The question hurt more than Starscream anticipated. It was a fair assumption, since Starscream was usually running some kind of con at any given moment, but he’d had some hope not everyone would think that. He snarled at Ratchet, “You Autobots are the most ungrateful, arrogant—”

The medic had the nerve to laugh at in response to Starscream’s indignation, “Easy there nitrotiger. I just want to know whether or not you plan to stay here once you’re fixed up.”

“I… what?” That stopped Starscream short. He hadn’t thought much at all about what he was going to do after everything, being rather caught up in the moment of the rescue.

“Well to start with, are you officially defecting from the Decepticons? Or is this just another rebellious stunt before you run right back again?”

“Obviously I’m not going back to the Decepticons!” Starscream had already decided that much, “You really think Megatron would let me live after this?”

“He has plenty of other times.”

“This is different. I didn’t just rebel against Megatron, I actively aided the Autobots. Aided Optimus Prime! There’s no excuse Megatron will ever accept for that. I can’t ever go back.” Starscream grew quiet as the finality of it all set in. All his in-progress experiments, his datapads, the room he shared with Skywarp and Thundercracker, all of it was gone forever because of a single moment of weakness. Because he’d forgotten how much he missed having a friend.

“Then you will have a place here with us if you want it.” Optimus Prime’s deep voice cut through Starscream’s thoughts, “You would be welcome to join the Autobot ranks, but even if you don’t wish to, I can make sure you have a safe place here.”

Starscream wasn’t sure what surprised him more: being given the opportunity to join the Autobots or being given the option not to. His first instinct was to jump at the opportunity for protected neutrality, after all his previous misgivings about the Autobots hadn’t gone away overnight. He liked Bumblebee just fine, but he was still apprehensive about everyone else. But Optimus Prime’s promise protection could only go so far in a base full of mechs who hated him, even if he was their leader. Starscream figured his best chance at survival was to make himself indispensable as fast as possible. Not to mention his survival now depended heavily on Autobot victory. If the Decepticons managed to somehow win their never-ending war, Starscream doubted Megatron would particularly care if Starscream hadn’t ‘officially’ joined the Autobots.

“Please, I’m not one to sit around idle.” Starscream responded with confidence he didn’t feel, “Besides, your forces would be lucky to have me.”

Bumblebee beamed, “So you’re really joining the Autobots?”

“I suppose so.”

“Then we are glad to have you Starscream.” The seeker couldn’t read Optimus’s expression under the faceplate, but he at least sounded genuine.

“How soon can I officially join?” Starscream asked, “Later today, perhaps?”

“Not so fast! I can get rid of these today,” Ratchet tapped the Decepticon sigils on Starscream’s crumpled wings, “But the fresh welds from your injuries will need time to settle before you can be branded.”

“How long?”

“At least ten solar cycles. Think of it as a probationary period. Make sure this is really what you want to do.”

“I agree.” Optimus said, “There’s no need to rush a decision as important as this.”

Ten solar cycles. Starscream could manage ten solar cycles without getting into trouble. Maybe.

Chapter Text

Starscream’s first solar cycle as a probationary Autobot was spent confined to the Autobot medbay. Apparently the Autobot CMO insisted that everyone who had sustained a major injury stay for observation for a full cycle. Starscream had never heard of anything like that before as a scientist or as a Decepticon, but he’d take any excuse to stay under Ratchet’s protection a little longer. Bumblebee and Optimus Prime apparently did not agree.

“I feel fine now Ratchet!” Bumblebee insisted, “I took the least damage during the fall, I promise I can get back to work! Jazz needs my reports on what happened as soon as possible!”

Ratchet glared, “Absolutely no work! Jazz can wait one cycle. And you!” Ratchet pointed a wrench at Optimus Prime, who was attempting to very gingerly get to his pedes, “Don’t think I don’t see you! Back in that berth before I strap you to it!”

Starscream flinched back instinctively, but the Prime didn’t respond other than sheepishly climbing back onto the medberth. Starscream hadn’t realized a mech that big and imposing could do anything sheepishly, “You let him speak to you like that?!”

Bumblebee laughed, “I don’t think anyone ‘let’s’ Ratchet do anything.”

“What kind of leader doesn’t have control over his own troops? You act like you’re afraid of him!” Starscream shrieked, his habit of giving unwanted feedback on leadership winning out against his fear of the new environment.

“Just the opposite, Starscream.” Optimus Prime didn’t seem at all perturbed by the seeker’s outburst, “I trust Ratchet with my life. He’s an invaluable member of the Autobots and knows more about medicine than I could ever hope to learn in a thousand vorns. I need to know Ratchet, and all my other commanders for that matter, can speak to me freely if I’m going to utilize their skills.”

“Even though you don’t listen to me when it comes to your own health.” Ratchet tacked on. That all sounded like a load of slag to Starscream. It was easy enough for mechs to claim they wanted the honest opinions of their inferiors, but he hadn’t yet found one that actually did. Of course, Optimus Prime had his morally upright reputation to uphold, so he would probably punish Ratchet later in private, rather than make a public spectacle of it the way Megatron preferred. But for now it would be better if the Prime thought he bought into all the righteous scrap, so he responded, “That sounds much better than Megatron’s style. He prefers beating the slag out of anyone who disagrees with him.”

From the ventilation shaft above Starscream’s berth, Laserbeak stopped recording. This wasn’t the first time he’d been sent to collect evidence of Starscream’s treachery, but to throw his lot in with the Autobots was a new low, even for the double-crossing second. Confident in what he gathered, the cassette flew back up the way he came, ready to return and report back to Soundwave.

By the end of the cycle Starscream understood why Optimus and Bumblebee protested their stay in the medbay so much. It was incredibly boring. Ratchet took his no work during recovery policy very seriously. Desperate for something to distract him from the damage to his frame, which still had the potential to be permanent if the repairs didn’t integrate properly, Starscream had even tried bribing the other medic, First Aid, into smuggling him a datapad with something to read. Instead, he’d gotten a lecture about how he had a helm injury and reading would be bad for his processor, and a whole bunch of other stuff that did not improve Starscream’s poor mood. So that meant there was nothing to do besides chat with his fellow detainees.

“So, what exactly is required for joining the Autobots?”

“Not a lot.” Bumblebee said, “The only really official thing is the initiation ceremony. You and Optimus get up in front of a bunch of bots, he’ll say some fancy speech, you swear to abide by the Autobot code, then you get your insignia.”

It seemed simple enough to Starscream, with only one problem, “I don’t know the Autobot code.”

“I assumed as much.” Optimus sounded almost amused. “Tomorrow I’ll have a command meeting to discuss your intention to join our ranks, and at that time I will also schedule a time for you to meet with Ultra Magnus to go over the Autobot code.”

Bumblebee grimaced, “Not Ultra Magnus. They’ll never get through everything in ten cycles.”

Optimus hesitated, “I will make sure he uses the abridged version.”

As the two continued to discuss Starscream’s Autobot education, a servo tapped Starscream on the shoulder. He turned to face Ratchet, “Roll over, I need to check the welds on your wings and back.” With slight hesitation Starscream tuned over, lying prone on the medberth. Turning his back on an Autobot like this felt wrong, but he doubted Ratchet would try anything with Optimus watching. He had been worried at first that the Autobot medics wouldn’t know how to repair flight frames properly, but he had to begrudgingly admit Ratchet knew what he was doing. He’d even had a spare set of wings lying around, he assumed for one of the aerialbots. It had taken some adjustments for them to fit his frame, but with his own wings smashed by the impact, replacement was the only option. They were a bit thinner than he was used to, and an atrocious slate grey color he’d need to get painted as soon as possible, but hopefully they were functional.

“Does everything look alright?” He didn’t want to ask outright, but he needed to know if the new wings were integrating properly. If not, he wouldn’t be able to fly, and a grounded seeker was a dead seeker as far as Starscream was concerned.

Ratchet seemed to have picked up on his unspoken worries and responded, “It looks good. Integration is coming along well, and you should be back in the air in no time.”

Starscream bit back a sigh of relief and instead snapped, “Well I should hope so! Any half decent medic can manage a limb replacement procedure.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ratchet brushed him off, “Just get some recharge. It’ll help your self-repair work faster, not to mention you clearly need it.”

Starscream didn’t really want to recharge, not when he was in such an unsecure place, but the medic had a point. In the morning he’d be out of medbay, and no longer under Ratchet’s protection. Getting his repairs as far along as possible might be crucial to his survival, so Starscream shifted onto his side to keep pressure off the new welds and shut down his optic input, resolving to be ready for whatever the next day brought.

Chapter Text

“Open your intake.”

“You’ve got to be fra—augh.” Starscream was cut off by Ratchet shoving a depressor in his intake before shining a light down his throat. He was pretty sure half of this so called ‘exit physical exam’ was total slag. What in Primus’s name did the medic need to inspect his dentae for anyway? Optimus and Bumblebee were gone by the time he woke, so he had no idea if they had to suffer the same indignity. Apparently, Starscream had been more tired than he realized, and missed most of the day cycle recharging.

“Now, are you experiencing any residual pain from your injuries?”

“Hus he aohma amah,” Ratchet pulled the depressor out of his mouth, “Just the normal amount.”

Ratchet’s optics narrowed, “Normal?”

“I just had a major chassis injury, of course there’s going to be some soreness. It’s nothing.” Starscream had dealt with enough major injuries, either from battle or Megatron’s ire, that he could tell the aches in his frame were nothing to be concerned about.

Ratchet didn’t seem to agree with Starscream’s self-assessment, “I’m giving you a pain patch.” He pulled the microchip out of a nearby cabinet and pressed it into Starscream’s servo, “The code will dull your pain receptors for a few breems. Don’t use if more than twice a cycle because it can start to dull important senses like hunger.” Starscream had to refrain from rolling his optics. He knew how a pain patch worked, thank you very much. He also knew how easy it was to slip malignant code into one, having done so himself on more than one occasion. With no intention of ever using it, he tucked the chip into his subspace.

“That should be all for now, but I want you back in a couple of weeks for a full physical so I can get all your base reading when you haven’t been recently injured.”

“Weeks?”

“Earth time unit. Seven solar cycles.”

This time Starscream did roll his optics. Human time units were so unintuitive. “Whatever. What else?”

Ratchet turned his back on Starscream to type something in a terminal, “That’s all. Optimus said something about an escort to show you around, so just wait here until they show up.”

That couldn’t be it, “You don’t want anything else?”

“I want to be left alone to work in peace, but we can’t always get what we can’t always get what we want, can we?” Starscream was about to insist but thought better of it. He didn’t like the idea of being in Ratchet’s debt, but right now he had little bargaining power. Waiting until he was better established in the Autobots might give him better leverage if he needed it. Before the CMO could change his mind Starscream ducked out of Medbay and almost ran directly into Bumblebee in the corridor outside.

“Oh, hey Starscream! You ready to go?”

“Go where?”

The scout grinned, “I’m your escort! I asked Optimus if I could be the one to show you around while he meets with command.”

“They’re meeting now?” Starscream asked frantically.

“Shouldn’t I be there? They’re meeting about me.” Even if Starscream couldn’t advocate for himself, it would help to know who opposed him joining. That way he could know who to watch his back around.

“Command meetings are top secret, sorry.” Bumblebee put a comforting servo on Starscream’s arm. “If you’re worried they won’t let you join, don’t be. The Autobots don’t turn people away. Plus, Optimus is vouching for you.”

Starscream would need to find some other way to determine who his enemies were, “Fine. Where are we going then?”

Bumblebee started to walk as he spoke, “I’ll show you around the places you’ll have access to. Since you’ll be at the lowest clearance level it’s not much, but the longer you’re here the more access you’ll gain.”

As Bumblebee took Starscream around to various parts of the Ark, Starscream did his best to create a mental map of his new surroundings. He recognized some of the halls from when Bumblebee sneaked him off base, but it felt so long ago now. Much longer than the handful of cycles it was in reality.

When Bumblebee had finished introducing Starscream to Teletraan 1 (Starscream wouldn’t have access to the supercomputer, but Bumblebee still insisted they get acquainted) he stopped his tour in the hall outside.

“Before we keep going do you want to stop and refuel first? Repairs always make me burn through my reserves way faster than usual.”

Starscream checked his fuel levels on his HUD. Somehow he hadn’t even noticed them fall to a near critical level, “I suppose I could use some fuel.”

The moment the pair walked into the mess hall all conversation vanished. It was like everyone’s vocalizers had spontaneously disconnected, starting at the door and radiating outward. Starscream suddenly had the very alarming realization that he didn’t know whether or not his defection was common knowledge among the Autobot troops yet. He braced for any potential attack, but no one moved to get up. They just stared at him in a way that made Starscream wish they’d just get up and fight him. However, Bumblebee didn’t seem very concerned by the display and simply began dragging Starscream towards the closest dispenser.

“It’s pretty simple, this switch adjusts the energy level, but the cap is below high-grade so don’t get any ideas,” Starscream did his best to listen to Bumblebee, but the sensation of at least a dozen optics on him was very distracting, “You and I are on med-grade right now for our injuries, so just adjust it to that, put your cube here, push the button, and… there you go!”

Bumblebee thrusting the now full cube at Starscream drew his concentration back, “That’s it?”

Bumblebee turned to fill up another cube for himself, “I mean if you want any additives or anything you have to get them yourself.”

“No, I meant… so anyone can just walk up and get as much energon they want anytime?”

“I told you before, we’ve had plenty of energon since we’ve started working with the humans. It can be synthesized as a byproduct of most of their energy producing methods. Plus, keeping up with everyone’s fuel requirements would make rationing way too much work. I’m pretty sure Grimlock drinks my entire weight in energon every day! It’s much easier to just let everyone take what they need.” During his explanation, Bumblebee had drifted toward one of the less occupied tables, and Starscream had unconsciously followed. His spark sank as Bumblebee slid into one of the unoccupied seats. He’d hoped maybe they’d take their cubes with them and finish up the tour instead of staying here where everyone was still staring at him.

“Hey Bluestreak! Cliffjumper! How’s it going?”

“Oh, uh… hey Bumblebee! It’s going… busy! Yep, I’m busy! Gotta burn rubber, sorry!” The Praxian sniper nearly bolted for the exit while the red minibot muttered something about, “Not refueling with no fragging cons,” and followed after him. Starscream was tempted to hurl some insults at the retreating mechs but decided not to when he thought of all the eyes on him. A base full of Autobots seemed to be the one situation where Starscream would prefer to not be the center of attention, but of course Starscream never got what he wanted. As the pair sipped on their cubes, conversation began to slowly waft around the room again, but now Starscream had the distinct impression most of that conversation was about him. He did his best not to look too hurried to leave once they’d finished their cubes, but leaving the mess hall felt like a weight being lifted off his wings.

“I’m sorry about that.” Bumblebee spoke softly after a few moments walking in silence, “It’s just new for all of them. Command only announced your defection this morning and the details of my ‘mission’ are still classified. They don’t know what you’ve done for me and Optimus yet. Don’t worry though, they’ll come around. They just need some time to get used to you.”

“And if they don’t get used to me?”

“You could always try handcuffing yourself to them? That worked on me.” Starscream broke into laughter at that. He’d found himself doing that more often lately. “I mean it though, Starscream. I know things are new for you too, so if you need anything let me know. We’re friends now, and friends help each other out, okay?”

Normally Starscream would scoff at the sentiment, but coming from Bumblebee it somehow felt genuine. He smiled, “Okay.”

No one ever bothered to look for Starscream when he went missing. He always came back eventually, usually with his tail between his legs after whatever scheme he’d cooked up inevitably blew up in his face, so most mechs chose to simply enjoy the peace and quiet for a while. Soundwave would monitor the situation as necessary, but with all intelligence this time indicating Starscream was in Autobot custody, he didn’t think it worth the effort. That changed the second Starscream blocked Soundwave.

The preceding conversation had been suspicious enough, with Starscream asking about practically ancient battle records, but then he cut communication mid conversation and blocked Soundwave’s frequency. He’d decided to send a few of the cassettes to look into things, including Laserbeak, who had just returned from the Autobot base. The footage he brought had been… disquieting to say the least. Soundwave wished he could have been there in person so he could sense whether or not Starscream was being genuine (for once) or if he was attempting to manipulate the Autobots for another one of his schemes. Wither way, Megatron needed to be made aware.

“Ah, Soundwave.” Megatron acknowledged him as he entered the command center, but did not look up from the console he was at. “Any news?”

“Laserbeak: Retrieved evidence. Starscream: betrayed the Decepticons.”

“I asked for news soundwave.”

“Starscream: appears to be joining the Autobots.”

That got Megatron’s attention, “Impossible! That miserable little scraplet wouldn’t dare!” Soundwave would normally be inclined to agree, the dangerous nature of defection went against Starscream’s cowardly sensibilities, but he couldn’t ignore the evidence Laserbeak had presented him. He played the recording for Megatron now. With each word played, the warlord’s expression darkened. When Starscream made mention of saving Optimus Prime’s life, he slammed a fist down onto his computer terminal, crumpling it. “Traitorous wretch! I will not stand for this disrespect!”

“Starscream: may be feigning—”

“I don’t care!” Megatron cut off Soundwave, “Mark my words, Soundwave. Starscream will return to the Decepticons, even if I have to drag his deactivated husk back!”

After a couple more stops on their tour of the Autobot facilities Bumblebee announced the next stop was Starscream’s own quarters. Starscream was very relieved to hear that, as even though he’d spent almost half the day recharging, he was still exhausted, most likely due to his self repair still working on overdrive.

However, his plans to turn in early were interrupted by a large red and blue waiting in the corridor. “Hello Bumblebee. Starscream. I was hoping to run into you here.”

“Hey Optimus.” Bumblebee said, “What’s up?”

“I just need to have a word with Starscream, thank you for showing him around.”

“No problem!” Bumblebee turned to Starscream, “See you later!” He then transformed and sped back the way he came, leaving Starscream and Optimus alone.

“Well?” Starscream asked.

“You’ve officially been granted first level clearance, and your first meeting with Ultra Magnus has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to see how you might feel about beginning your official duties tomorrow.”

“Does that mean I’m officially cleared to join the Autobots?”

Optimus looked confused, “Starscream, that was never in doubt. High command doesn’t have the authority to bar anyone who is sincere from joining our ranks. No one does.”

“And you think I’m sincere?” Starscream said.

“I think I have known Megatron for a very long time, and he is not a mech one incurs the wrath of lightly.”

“I’ve done so plenty of times before.”

“And I’m sure the consequences were severe each time.” They were. And painful. “Besides, after hearing Bumblebee’s rather impressive tale, I find it difficult to believe you orchestrated circumstances for the chance to spy on us.”

“Yes, well…” Starscream did his best to brush off the Prime’s words. Faith like that sounded like stupid Autobot sentimentality, but Starscream supposed he was about to be one of those stupid Autobots, so he’d better get used to it. “You were saying something about official duties?”

“Yes, a few of the command staff wanted you to start taking on some entry level responsibilities tomorrow. However, if you need more time to recover from your injuries that can definitely be arranged.”

“No!” Starscream shrieked, “I mean— I’m fine. I’d much rather be working than sitting around all day cycle.”

Optimus’s helm tilted to the side, and Starscream once again mentally cursed not being able to read the Prime’s expression past the mask. “Alright… as long as you’re certain.”

“I’m sure.” He wasn’t. He still ached all over and even Bumblebee’s little tour had exhausted him, but Starscream couldn’t risk it. Even if they couldn’t bar him from joining, there was certain to be plenty of Autobots looking for any reason to cast him out. He couldn’t show any weakness.

“Then I will send you your schedule. I look forward to working with you Starscream.” Taking Optimus’s words as a dismissal, Starscream ducked through the door to his now accommodations.

The room was typical of military accommodations. Much smaller than Starscream’s previous room, but that had been shared with two other mechs. The furnishings were basic: just a standard berth and desk and, Starscream was dismayed to note, no windows. To be fair, the window in his old room hadn’t shown much of anything, on account of being on the bottom of the ocean and all, but it at least made the room feel less like a cell. Or a cave.

Starscream turned back to the door and engaged the keypad lock and the deadbolt lock. Then, after a moment’s thought, he slid the desk in front of the door as well. It wouldn’t do much but might at least slow any intruders down long enough for him to react. He took note of the room’s ventilation shaft, but it looked clear. After a once over for listening devices, Starscream was satisfied with his impromptu security arrangements and decided to finally get some rest. His plans were disrupted, however, by the discovery that the berth was attached to the wall in the corner of the room and was too small to fit his wings. The only way he could recharge comfortably would be on his side, with his wings hanging off the berth and his back to the door. There was no way Starscream was going to sleep with his back to the door, which meant he was forced to cram his wings uncomfortably against the wall and leave most of his front hanging off the side of the berth. His new wings wouldn’t thank him for it, but he’d rather be sore than dead. He hoped to slip into recharge as smoothly as he had in the medbay, but he was still sleepless hours later. Maybe it was the pain, the enclosed space, the uncomfortable sleeping position, his paranoia, or that this was his first time recharging without his trine since before the war, but Starscream could not sleep.