Archive of Our Own

“Starscream!!”

Hashtag ran to the Seeker within the Witwicky forest as she waved with urgency. She shouted loud to gain his attention, only to stop in her tracks as she saw there was an additional yellow Decepticon by his side.

“Hey, who invited the Terran?” asked Swindle as he stood by Starscream. Upon seeing her as a threat, he stood forward ready to attack, only to be stopped by Starscream’s raised arm.

“Lower your weapon, Swindle,” ordered Starscream. “This is a friend.”

“A friend?” Swindle mumbled, before whispering to his leader. “Oh, you mean a temporary ally.”

“No, a friend.”

“Alright, I’ll buy it,” he didn’t. Swindle figured Starscream was fooling the Terran before him with a lie. Starscream rolled his optics, he knew the yellow Decepticon would be more trouble than he’s worth at present. And Starscream found this the perfect opportunity to speak to Hashtag, alone.

“Continue with your work elsewhere, Swindle. Maybe go work with that brother of yours.”

“What? But he’ll just slow down business!”

“GO!”

With a grumble, Swindle transformed and drove off elsewhere, leaving Starscream and Hashtag alone.

“Excellent,” Starscream looked over to the leaving Decepticon, before turning to Hashtag with a small smile.

It had been at least four months since he and his Decepticons broke the truce among human, Autobot and Terran. A truce broken to gather shattered pieces of the Emberstone for his own gain, with knowledge of a tremendous weapon hidden underground. And fortunately, he was winning the fight, having a decent collection of shards to re-form the artefact. Despite turning against the Maltos however, it was nice to see one of them come in peace.

Felt strange calling her a friend though. Simply a verbal tactic to have Hashtag trust him. Right?

“Hashtag. I thank you for not attacking me on sight."

“I could say the same to you,” smiled the Terran, spinning around on her wheels. “Whoo, glad we finally got some time to ourselves! Now I can finally ask questions.”

“Oh no.”

“Ohhh yes!” Hashtag smirked.

She was glad (and proud!) to find Starscream like this during a free venture around. Her family had headed home after a day of unsuccessful Emberstone shard hunting, but the tall Terran decided to hang back to find a shard on her own. But instead, she found the very Seeker she’s been meaning to talk to in months! She trusted him more than the rest of her family did, which she understood. Starscream and the Decepticons broke their truce after all, but Hashtag believed she saw good intentions in the Seeker’s actions.

“After all, you and the Decepticons have decided to take the Embershards for yourselves, without giving us a reason why! So, why?”

“Hmph,” Starscream folded his arms and looked away. “As if you’d understand.”

Hopefully, his patience would ease Hashtag in being more relaxed around him. Granted, she should see him more as a threat, but Starscream couldn’t help but be reminded of his brief time with Hashtag months ago, assisting each other for survival. He had grown fond of the Terran, though not enough as he allowed her family to be attacked by his team. Yet, still enough to consider her sympathetic nature towards him. Children had no place in any sort of war, yet they were so persistent in fighting against him hunting Embershards that it was almost sad to Starscream. Part of him hated the fact his spark was somewhat soft for the younglings (though mostly Hashtag), knowing it could be a crutch on his plans.

But the Seeker also hypothesised on the advantages of allowing himself to care. He had been ever since embracing his much-deserved role as leader of the Decepticons.

And Hashtag’s own soft spark was determined to keep peace among her family and Starscream, someone she cared for.

“But I want to!” urged the Terran as she stepped forward. “We’re friends, aren’t we? And we were all happily helping each other recovering the Emberstone, and then all of a sudden you….”

She looked down in sadness, with Starscream glancing down at her.

“It just doesn’t make any sense…”

“You have your own life, your own culture,” Starscream fully turned his body away, curse that sad look in Hashtag’s face. Curse that girl, this wasn’t helping! “And we Decepticons have ours. In the long run, there’s no way we’d end up working with each other for much long.”

“That still doesn’t make any sense! The Autobots assist us! And…” Hashtag figured it was best to not mention Megatron. “Well, Nightshade and Tarantulas got along, so I thought…”

“Tarantulas?” Starscream spun his head around. “I was unaware he was still online. Is he… still friendly with your sibling, then?”

Hashtag shook her head. “No, he went into hiding. We actually don’t know his current status...”

“Not surprising,” Starscream decided to fully turn around, things were getting interesting. “What did I just say about Decepticons and Terrans, then? We simply don’t mix, especially with humans involved.”

“So, you decide to hurt us instead?!”

“You got in our way!!”

 Starscream then stepped back in realisation of how he was treating Hashtag. This wasn’t the right way to approach her, if she truly saw him as a friend. But if she and her family were to get into his way anymore, things would be troublesome. He let out a vent, lowering his frame to relax, letting his own guard down for the Terran’s comfort, making her feel safe.

Perhaps it was time to finally explain himself, to utilise Hashtag’s friendliness. After all, if he was to scheme to have the Maltos on his side, it couldn’t be properly form without some convincing.

“I want to... trust you, Hashtag, but there is a problem. If you want the truth, I cannot give it in full. Anyone could be listening in, like G.H.O.S.T.”

“But we defeated G.H.O.S.T., remember? Or well, they dismantled after Mandroid and Agent Croft were defeated.”

“You can never be too careful, child...” He gave a quick look at his surroundings. “They could still be around, as well as other unwelcome guests.”

Hashtag noticed some discomfort not only in Starscream’s words, but also his movements. He was checking left to right, fiddling with his digits as if he was ready to activate a weapon... Subtle movements the Terran picked up on. She figured that Starscream’s capture by them must’ve been terrifying. To be jailed for all those years, it must’ve been really scary. Hashtag understood not having free will and felt for her friend’s anxiety.

“I want to help you, Starscream,” she took a few steps forward, wanting to lend a servo. Starscream simply glared at the servo, unsure of her actions. Once she lightly patted his arm, he stiffened briefly before allowing the touch. “If you can explain why you broke the truce, why you’re collecting pieces of the Emberstone for yourself, then maybe I can understand! See your POV, yeah?”

“I was... unaware you’d be willing to hear me out.”

“Of course I do!” the Terran stepped by Starscream’s side, lightly patting his arm. “We’ve understood each other before. Helped each other survive against the Dweller! Why not now?”

“I don’t mean just you,” Starscream shook his head as he pulled his arm away. “I mean your entire family. They’ve all had more negative experiences with Decepticons. And I am not including that traitor.”

Hashtag nodded, she knew he meant Megatron. While she could argue with her positive experiences with the previous leader, she believed in Starscream’s own negative ones with him. People may change, but experiences did not.

“So, unless you know an area where no one can eavesdrop on my explanations to your family, then, excuse yourself and never bother me again.”

He began to turn around and walk off, almost as if teasing the poor Terran. While he knew Hashtag was the one most friendly towards him, he’d needed to firmly convince her.

Hashtag gasped with mouth agape; she didn’t want to be completely out of Starscream’s life! No way! Before allowing herself to panic, to lose her chance at having Starscream as an ally again, she quickly raised her voice.

 “Let’s go to my place! We got this super secure room and... -!”

“Your home? A terrible risk,” Starscream asked as he looked over his shoulder, stopping in his tracks. “Allowing the leader of the Decepticons into your home, your current enemy, knowing we are hunting the same artefact is quite careless of you.”

While the Malto family home would be an excellent spot for the desired Embershards to be collected, the Seeker didn’t want Hashtag to let her defences down so easily. If things were too easy thanks to her recklessness, Starscream would’ve been disappointed in his friend.

Wait, friend? No, Starscream doesn’t have friends, only followers and allies. Anyone else is against him. Where did he get friend from?? Because of what he said to Swindle earlier? Because Hashtag sees him as one? Ridiculous!

Whatever. Trust was to be the way to secure the shards after all, he wanted the Maltos on his side. Then he could obtain the shards to complete the Emberstone.

“Ooohhh yeah good point,” agreed the Terran. “I don’t think Mom or Dad would be happy about that, anyway.”

“And we cannot use my base,” Starscream fully turned around, shaking his head. “The Decepticons would attack you on sight before I could give a single command.”

“Hmmm…”

“Hmmm…”

“Oh! Maybe Nightshade can create some sort of communications cloaking device? So, we can chill in a place like this,” Hashtag gestured to the greenery surrounding the two. “…with no one else listening but us!”

“By ‘us’, I hope you mean just you and your siblings. I’d rather not have your parents or... that Autobot Scout of yours.”

“Aw, come on,” Hashtag frowned. No Mom, Dad or Bee? That seemed unfair. “They’re my fam too!”

“With more unfortunate views on Decepticons than you children. I’m sure you understand. If anyone of them attack, or call for backup, things would only get ugly.”

“I understand,” Hashtag hummed. She wasn’t entirely sure about keeping Mom, Dad and Bee under wraps about this idea, but she also wanted Starscream to feel safe. If he trusted her, then he would surely explain his actions, right?

“Okay! I’ll make sure it’s just me and my sibs!”

“You promise?”

“Promise! Same time here tomorrow?”

Starscream briefly smirked with a quick nod, before putting on a face of concern.

“Are you so sure they will co-operate?”

“Yeah, you’ll see!”

...

“And what do you need this “communications cloaking device” for, Hashtag?”

“It’s in the name, Nightshade! It’s just so we can all have a private chat with Starscream.”

“I see!”

Wait.

“WHAT?!”

Out came the voices of Hashtag’s siblings present. Mo, Robby, Jawbreaker, Twitch, and especially Thrash.

“Starscream, seriously?!” shouted Thrash as he quickly wheeled his away over to his youngest sister.

“Yeah!” Hashtag squeaked in glee. “He said he’s willing to explain his actions once we have a secure spot where no one can listen!” As she explained her plan with Starscream, Hashtag smiled with pride. She watched as her siblings approached her quickly within the dugout. “We can’t use here nor his base, either. So, we need something to block any potential lurkers listening in.”

“Umm,” asked Jawbreaker, who gave a pensive look to his sister. “When did you and Starscream speak to each other?”

“Just earlier today!” Hashtag answered with a thumbs-up. “There wasn’t any fighting, just a simple convo. And he wasn’t sus at all!”

“You should’ve called us as soon as you saw a Decepticon!” exclaimed Robby, disappointed in his younger sister. “What if he attacked you?”

“I agree with Robby,” said Twitch as she hovered by her young sister’s frame. “Even if Starscream has been super helpful in the past. Say, did he have any Embershards on him?”

“Nope, none. And to be fair,” Hashtag rubbed the back of her neck as she addressed her siblings. “We diiiid just kept attacking and other ‘Cons without question, so Starscream probably feels threatened by us always retaliating.”

“No,” added Thrash. “We did try to question them. But the only answers we got were blasts and punches! And they broke the truce in the first place, not us!”

“Argh!” mumbled Hashtag. “I knew I should’ve just asked for his privvy comm-link…”

“That’d be even worse! You’d be keeping secrets from us!”

“I…,” Hashtag looked away with guilt. Her and the family had been so much strife and trauma that she understood their emotions; they had been to death and back after all. But they had also learned many life lessons and felt for Starscream’s lack of security due to relating to her own, being controlled by Mandroid. And by bonding with Starscream on that day, she considered him a friend.

 “I just wanna help...”

“The Decepticons as a whole,” asked Jawbreaker. “Or just Starscream? Because you could be putting us in danger, Hashtag. That’s not very nice.”

“Sorry, JB...,” replied the purple Terran. She was feeling guilty, having hurt Jawbreaker through selfishness before. However, her determination was so strong, she wanted to prove something. To prove Starscream had good in his spark. “I just want answers. Starscream stook up for me against the Dweller, back when we were struggling in the tunnels.”

“And he helped us against Mandroid and our brainwashed friends,” added Twitch as sided with her sister, wanting to aide her. “He was very helpful, but even then...”

“That still doesn’t change the fact he betrayed us,” Thrash frowned. “What would Mom and Dad think about this?”

“They don’t have to know?” Hashtag suggested. “He wants a priv chat, FYI.”

“But that would be breaking Mom and Dad’s trust,” added Mo. “We can’t keep hurting them like that.”

“But they also know we’re capable of taking care of ourselves,” replied Twitch, pointing to herself. “If Hashtag was able to talk to Starscream privately without getting hurt, that must mean something, right?”

“Orrrrrr,” replied Thrash. “...maybe he’s trying to trick her, and by extension, us!”

“It’s done!” Nightshade suddenly exclaimed, holding out several different headpieces in their servos. They had been at their workstation during the conversation, busy working on Hashtag’s request. “Private conversational linkers for all!”

“Huh?” Robby turned around as he looked up at his Terran sibling. “When did you...?”

“Well, they’re just prototypes so they may prove faulty within the next few hours... in theory. I’ve made enough for everyone, even an extra for Starscream. I just tested one on myself, and nobody questioned why I was conversing with myself!”

While Nightshade grinned with glee, everyone stared at them in surprise. The Maltos wondered how their sibling was able to invent enough gadgets in such a short time, though wary of their enthusiasm and minimal beta testing.

The ‘private conversational linkers’ as Nightshade called them, (or PCLs for short), were small semi-circular devices to be hooked around the head, with a small microphone attached. By adjusting the frequency, Nightshade was able to ensure that only those with the headset were able to communicate with each other, with anyone without the gadget unable to pick up on any conversation.

They looked at their siblings with a headtilt, curious on the silence.

“My apologies, did I miss something while I was working?”

As all the Maltos looked at their new devices given by Nightshade, they still had mixed feelings on Hashtag’s request. But if this meet was truly going to get answers and possibly a resolution, it’d be better than not trying at all.

“Look,” spoke Robby as he and the others took a headset. “If we’re gonna do this, we better be quick when meeting with Starscream. Who knows, maybe he’ll have backup hiding in the shadows.”

“And if Starscream starts anything,” added Mo, showcasing her cyber-sleeve’s powers. “We’re ready to defend ourselves.”

“It won’t come to that, promise!” Hashtag reassured, laughing awkwardly as she waved her servos. “Besides, Starscream and I arranged to rendezvous tomorrow, same spot we met today in the forest. It’ll be like an interview, and maybe some character-development on the way...?”

“Hmm,” hummed Mo as she investigated her own headset. “I still think we should tell Mom and Dad though, he can’t keep them in the dark with something like this.”

“Alright, that’s chill,” nodded Hashtag. Surely if her siblings agreed to help, then her parents would greenlight the interview, right? “I’m sure they’d be cool with it anyway!”

...

“You want to talk things out with Starscream??” replied Alex, the Malto’s father. As a historian on all things Cybertronian, the human was quite knowledgeable on Starscream’s personality and behaviour during the war. And in the current battle of the Emberstone, the Seeker proved to be a great threat to all. “You should have consulted us after speaking with him.”

“I’m sure Starscream has his reasons! He literally said he’d be willing to explain once the sibs and I meet up with him!"

“Your father is right, Hashtag,” replied Dot, her mother. “I’m glad you didn’t keep it a secret from your siblings, but you also should’ve consulted us all together.”

“So we can organise something as a family.”

“He very specifically requested us kids though,” replied Hashtag. “No parents, no Bee.”

“Sounds suspicious to me.”

“...He’s scared, I think,” Hashtag looked down. “He said he didn’t want his own Decepticon team to listen in, but it seems he’s worried about G.H.O.S.T. or anyone on Team Autobot.”

“Sweetie,” replied Dot. “G.H.O.S.T. is no more, you know that. And if they were still around, you’re a G.H.O.S.T. van yourself, so you have the ability to pick up on their transmissions.”

“But that doesn’t mean Starscream isn’t allowed to be scared!” Hashtag’s vocaliser crackled. She truly understood the Decepticon’s worries and related to them in her own way. She wanted him to feel safe, perhaps the Embershard stealing was a goal towards safety? She couldn’t think of any other reason for Starscream to go against her family, and now she finally had a reason to confirm his reasons. If he simply just wanted safety, Hashtag wanted to help.

 “And truth is... I’m still scared too, what if Mandroid is somehow still around and I...I...”

“Hashtag, honey...,” Dot opened her arms up, which her biggest daughter took in to cuddle with a kneel. “I understand your pain, I really do. You have a wonderful sympathetic spirit, something that’s to be admired.”

“I agree with your mother,” said Alex as he joined in the cuddles. He had his own suspicions on the Starscream scenario but was willing to hear out his daughter. “Did... Starscream really sound scared?”

“Yeah,” Hashtag muttered. “It wasn’t just that. It was in his optics, his fidgeting. It was subtle but... I could tell.”  

“Baby, we’re just worried because...,” continued Dot. “...Starscream has known to be a trickster of sorts. He’s deceived his own kind in the past for his own gain.”

“We just don’t want you getting hurt by someone you trust.”

“I know, but...” Hashtag stood back, taking her arms away from her parents. “I believe in Starscream. Something in my spark tells me that he’s worth trying for. I want him to give a chance like you did with Megatron, Mom. I know the story of how Swindle tricked Mo and Thrash, and I remember how Tarantulas took you two away from Nightshade... But then we learned he was misguided! Maybe Starscream needs proper guidance too!”

“In those situations, though,” added Alex. “Your siblings didn’t alert us of their plans. At least you were honest here, which we very much appreciate.”

Hashtag gasped with a squeak. “Does that mean...?!”

“Yes,” Dot nodded with a smile, though quickly furrowed her brows. “But we can’t agree on the ‘no parents’ rule. We’ll get Bumblebee and hide in his alt-mode, from a distance, so we’re not caught.”

“That’s okay, you three could... guard the house? And barn? The Embershards?”

“I’d rather you not push us away, Hashtag,” frowned Alex. “We’re coming with, and that’s final.”

“As for the house,” spoke Dot. “I’ll organise Megatron, Optimus and Elita-1 to keep watch.”

“Starscream can’t know about that!” Hashtag panicked. “And if Bee comes along to listen in... I’d be the only one without Nightshade’s comm-blocker thingamajig! You’d be found out, and I’d break Starscream’s trust!”

Dot and Alex looked to each other, worried on Hashtag’s imprint on Starscream. They’d do anything to protect their children but also wanted to give their daughter a chance. If the infamous Seeker truly co-operated with Hashtag out of his own spark on that day, just as she relayed to them before... Perhaps there was a fresh start at hand for the Decepticon. But the parents knew Decepticons, so they had to take precautions.

“Can you ask Nightshade to modify your own device, then?” asked Alex. “If the frequency can reach Bee’s radio so we can listen on your conversation, while still blocking it from any outsiders.”

“I don’t know...,” Hashtag mumbled. She did know, her sibling was a genius when it came to tech. But truth was, she truly was feeling uncomfortable at the idea of Starscream possibly finding out that her guardians were around. Starscream had his reasons! He wants to trust the Maltos sibs with information, something crucial to ending their feuds forever! But she also knew Bumblebee was stealthy, and not that anything would happen, but if there was a slight possibility that Hashtag’s friend went against her...

“Okay, let’s do this, as a family.”

...

The next day arrived, and the plan was set in motion. While Alex and Dot were parked inside of Bumblebee from a distance, the Maltos approached the open area of the forest, the very same Hashtag and Starscream met prior that day.

“Huh?” Hashtag looked around at the lack of the Seeker. “I thought Starscream would be here by now?”

“I’m right here,” approached a voice emerging from the greenery. “I was simply out for a little stroll to tame my patience.”

“Trying to find more Embershards to steal, huh?” questioned Thrash, only to be hushed by Mo.

“Sorry about that,” replied Mo, suited up in her cyber-look with Robby. While she wanted to keep the peace to finally obtain some answers, she also had the same suspicions as Thrash did.

“I see you’ve brought everyone,” he gave a pensive look to the human Maltos, who arrived in their cyber-suits.

“Please, I have lowered my defences for the sake of this meeting. Surely you humans can do the same.”

To even gain trust, Starscream lowered himself to sit onto the earthy floor, legs awkwardly crossed. “This is polite for you Earthlings, is it not?”

Robby and Mo agreed it was best to turn off their cyber-suits, reverting to their civilian appearance. They cautiously sat down to cross their legs, watching their Terran brothers and sisters do the same, although accompanied with awkwardness due to some of their builds. Meanwhile, Nightshade organised handing out the PCLs, fixing up each gadget to match radio frequencies while blocking out any other ones. All were programmed the same except Hashtag’s, which the green Terran modified to connect to Bumblebee’s comm-frequency unbeknownst to Starscream.

Once everyone was equipped and the PCLs were explained to Starscream (who was amused at the quickly developed tech), the questions came rolling in.

“Why do you keep attacking us, Starscream?” asked Jawbreaker.

“Why do you keep hoarding Embershards for yourself?” questioned Robby.

“And stealing ours?!” yelled Thrash.

“Silence!” Starscream held a servo to his helm, ugh. “Did your parents ever teach you about manners and patience?”

“Smart words,” frowned Thrash. “...coming from a thieving Decepticon who refused to talk to us beforehand!”

“You are partially at fault for that, child,” he snarked. “While my fellow Decepticons simply follow orders, which yes includes taking what should rightfully belong to us-...”

“That’s not true!”

“Let me finish!” Starscream’s voice was stern, how he abhorred interruptions. Both in speech and battle. But he then cleared his vocaliser, remembering that calmness was key to convince the children.

“Ahem, as I was saying... I do not blame you for defending yourselves when it comes to battle. But do you just assume that since I am the leader, I am not one to be bargained with?”

The Maltos simply looked at each other, unsure on how to respond.

“I know you Maltos are all about fair opportunities for others,” continued Starscream. “So, why am I any different?”

While Hashtag nodded and agreed with Starscream’s statement, the others looked confused. This Decepticon never asked for any sort of second chances and instead been antagonising the Maltos by hoarding Embershards for himself.

“Again,” replied Thrash. “You’ve been taking what’s ours. The Emberstone is a family heirloom, and we want it returned! Quintus Prime chose us, after all!”

“But you fail to realise that it’s a Cybertronian artefact, not one for Earth. It shouldn’t be in the servos of those not from Cybertron.”

“I really don’t see how that has to do with anything,” replied Jawbreaker. “It still is a part of us, and we’re a part of Cybertron through that connection.”

“The Emberstone was given to us by Quintus himself,” Mo furrowed her brows. “You have to be worthy to hold his power, not anyone can just wield it. You just can’t take what isn’t yours, Starscream.”

Starscream pinched the bridge of his noseplate, he knew this was going to be troublesome. But younglings in general could be easily impressionable, and he didn’t want them as his enemy for his grand plan. So, he tried to keep patient, leaving all threats stored inside.

“Haven’t you children had enough of despair? Don’t you want such immense, desirable power out of your servos so you can be free of troubles, of everyone trying to harm you?”

“I’m afraid that is not how it works,” Nightshade replied. “The Emberstone created us Terrans, it’s a part of who we are. Our very existence and identity are due to its very existence. It gave us the gift of life, the gift of bonds and family. It may originate from Cybertron, but why argue with what its creator wanted?”

Starscream huffed. He couldn’t exactly argue with Quintus Prime, he was nowhere to be seen. It was debatable whether or not he still existed, but challenging a Prime’s lifecycle in front of kids was probably too much. It was best to move on from the divine, a role he so obviously deserved once he could obtain such power. But that was for the future, as his plan required the Maltos to listen.

“You are all smart children, I can see that very much,” mumbled Starscream. “But this place... It’s highly uncomfortable for us Decepticons. We seek a greater power to finally be free from this backwater planet.”

“What do you mean?”

“We feel trapped. Without a space bridge, we cannot access our home planet of Cybertron, if it even still exists. And knowing how the Autobots are reigned as heroes, with a strong human alliance, as well as...-”

“Uh, Starscream?” Robby spoke up, hand raised up to garner attention. “G.H.O.S.T. doesn’t exist anymore.”

“You don’t know that!” Starscream pointed in sudden frustration, causing Robby to lower his hand. “Why did you think I requested Hashtag for a private conversation?!”

He looked to the Maltos, seeing how they were close to grabbing their weapons, sans Hashtag. Scrap, they were scared of him, still. Starscream was smart enough to see he wouldn’t win over the group of younglings so easily, and yet let his emotions envelop in his voice, making him sound irrational. Which in his mind, was not how he wanted to see himself, because his scheme to let the Decepticons rule while sparing mercy to the Maltos was nothing but rational! He just needed them to understand.

“...Do you see my dilemma, children? Surely, you have not recovered your experiences with those dreadful humans. We Decepticons just want safety.”

“I understand that...” Twitch nodded. “I really do but, why break the truce to steal Embershards then? Why couldn’t you say something earlier? Without attacking us?”

“...Call it a trust issue,” As much as he hated it, Starscream spoke the truth. Sure, he could’ve just kidnapped the Maltos and force them to live in a reformatted Earth for Transformers, but he had no desire for an alternative plan. He wanted the Maltos to trust them, as he wanted to trust them. The Seeker had no desire to be enemies with the kids in the long run, unless they opposed him. “You’re aligned with my enemies, and I don’t just mean the Autobots.”

“Megatron...” mumbled Hashtag as sympathetic optics met Starscream’s.

“Correct, Hashtag. I aspire to be a better leader than he was, one who gains respect by communication and order. While yes, power is an important factor to lead an army, one must also gain the trust of his allies, so they’re not controlled by brutal intimidation.  And as leader, it’s my job to keep the Decepticons alive and safe. No Autobots or humans to take us down.”

“I understand your problems with Autobots...,” Nightshade replied, only to be interrupted by their older sister.

“But not all humans are bad,” Twitch quickly hovered behind Robby and Mo, wrapping her arms around both of them in a tight squish. “These two are the best ever, as well as Mom and Dad.”

“Aw, Twitch...” replied Mo, grinning at her young sister.

“And we saved your butt last year, remember?” smirked Robby, pointing at the Seeker.

“I suppose that is true,” Starscream glanced away briefly before forming an idea, returning his gaze to the group. The crude comment wasn’t necessary, but he’ll let it pass. “I have nothing but gratitude for assisting the Decepticons, as well as reviving all of us from that dreaded doctor.”

“Yeah,” frowned Thrash. “You said that last time before betraying us.”

“And I still mean every word of it,” Starscream hovered his servo above his chest, where his spark chamber was hidden. “It’s not very often I show gratitude to others, or do you not know your history?”

“There still is the question of what your act of larceny is caused by,” asked Nightshade. “You speak of distrust, but you’ve summoned all of us for an explanation. Therefore, I must ask for you to deliver your reasoning.”

“Very well,” Starscream then stood up and began to walk around the Maltos, causing them all to stand up. While keeping some secrets hidden, the Seeker was to be truthful in his words. “I did not want to jump right into my reasons and seem impatient, like some kind of demanding leader. I wanted you all comfortable first, but I see that you all are getting rather tense.”

“Well, we don’t wanna be tense...,” spoke Jawbreaker, fiddling with his digits as he watched Starscream circle his family. “And I know we’re all trying to feel comfortable here and listen.”

“Not me!” announced Thrash. “I’m only here for Hashtag’s sake!”

“Thrash...” Hashtag felt touched by her older brother’s concern, but his attitude wasn’t helping the situation.

“Look, maybe...” Hashtag chuckled awkwardly. “...Circling us like prey isn’t helping?”

Starscream stopped in his tracks, the girl had a point.

“Sorry,” Hashtag apologised. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No,” Starscream refuted. “If you don’t speak up on what makes you uncomfortable, you’ll end up having a miserable lifecycle. You’re simply taking care of yourself in this matter.”

He decided to simply walk back and forth in front of the Maltos as a substitute for circling, which did put them more at ease.

“Now, may I continue?”

“Go ahead!”

As he walked, Starscream started his explanation. While he wasn’t going to delve into his plans with one hundred percent transparency, the Seeker was going express as much honesty as possible. To convince the Maltos. To convince Hashtag.

Good grief, he was more attached to the girl than he had hoped. Perhaps this ‘friendship’ wasn’t a bad idea... Hashtag would be an appropriate protégé. She proved more than useful within the tunnels, after all.

“As I’ve mentioned before, Decepticons are not safe here. We have no access to home. Our true home of Cybertron. No ships, no space bridges... We’re stuck against our own accord. Years ago, during the War, Optimus Prime destroyed what was the last space bridge openly available, trapping us on a planet we could never call home. How could we when the inhabitants treated us like unwilling specimens, tormented while trapped in cells? And even if there are humans that you Terrans trust, like these two-...” he gestured to Robby and Mo. “...your powers received from Quintus Prime and your allegiance with the Autobots make you quite the formidable foe.”

“Um,” responded Mo, unsure whether to feel offended or not. “...thanks?”

“But perhaps we acted too rash, breaking the truce within a nanoklik with no explanation whatsoever. My comrades wouldn’t expect you Maltos to understand us, even if the plan is entirely my own.”

“And what is this plan?” asked Robby with suspicion.

Starscream ceased his steps, analysing the Maltos. He liked them, in a sense. If they weren’t getting in their way. Or was he just beginning to due to association with Hashtag? Hm. Sure, he had bias towards her, and the Terrans being Transformers, but if they needed their family... Tch, he’ll have to cater to his most preferred Malto’s needs.

“To make Decepticons feel home again, safe and away from danger.”

“Well, that’s not so bad,” Hashtag smiled, she knew Starscream had a good excuse! “But couldn’t you just... live among us like the Autobots do?”

“Impossible,” Starscream sneered, he knew this was going to be a challenge to explain to children. “As I’ve said before, there’s Autobots who’d rather see us rust away. None of us have the ability to fully trust in humanity, considering our treatment by others. And as long as Megatron flies free without retribution of how he treated me---” he cleared his vocaliser. “---I mean, my Decepticons, then how in the universe could Earth ever be safe?”

The Maltos stood uncomfortably, trying to see through Starscream’s dilemma.

“You’d have to change the entire planet to make Decepticons feel welcome. And that is no simple task.”

“There is another way, though,” added Twitch, who flew up to Starscream’s height. She figured that Starscream’s words were not literal and instead some kind of metaphor of desire, wanting to belong in a world unfamiliar to him.

“And what way is that, child?” he leaned his head back, disliking the closeness of the red Terran.

“Back when me and my sibs visited Philadelphia,” continued Twitch as she hovered around Starscream’s top half. “We all felt welcome at first. Nobody seemed bothered that Transformers were roaming around. But that didn’t last long, as we found out not every human was happy to see us...”

“I am currently not happy with you in my face,” Starscream grunted. “Desist, now.”

“Hehe, sorry!” Twitch lowered herself onto the ground, scooting next to Robby.

“I reunited with an old buddy of mine,” replied the oldest brother. “...during our visit to Philly. He seemed cool at first but, then started to say weird things about Transformers. So, I just simply stopped hanging out with him. But later I saw him online advocating for Transformers, so he clearly got better opinions along the way and changed for the better.”

“And I,” added Nightshade, “met a lovely individual who helped me realise who I was with my gender identity, though after saving them from an unfortunate human.”

“And of course,” Hashtag frowned. “Croft and Mandroid... they weren’t good people. But! That doesn’t mean one hundred percent of humanity is bad!”

“You just gotta stay with the ones you trust,” added Jawbreaker. “...you know?”

“And hopefully spread the ideology that not all Transformers are harmful.”

“After all, like Mom says...” responded Nightshade. “There are both good and bad Decepticons, it’s just all up to how they act and use second chances!”

Starscream frowned. These damned kids, they were trying to convince him otherwise on the state of humanity. He wasn’t some Autobot hero, he was a Decepticon, and he refused to act like a goody-two shoes like Megatron. The fact Megatron got away with all his villainy and misdeeds in the first place disgusted him, knowing that even if Starscream attempted to do the same, he’d simply be shunned among all communities except his own. How could the Terrans, oh especially the Terrans, even feel happy within communities that outnumbered Transformers? That were a threat to their kind? The Maltos were trying too hard, were they refusing to understand and instead argue with Starscream’s stance on Earth?

“A few good instances are making you all gullible,” he hissed. “You Terrans simply have a bias due to your human family.”

“That’s not true!” replied Twitch, surprised at Starscream’s claim. “It’s because Earth is our home, why would we reject humanity over a few bad eggs? Just because we were adopted into a human home?”

“No offense Starscream,” added Thrash with a threatening point. “But it almost sounds like you’re trying to convince us to join the Decepticons!”

“Not exactly,” Starscream folded his arms. “You have your own alignments, both as Terrans and Maltos. But not only do you have potential, I have great fondness for your clan. Even little Robby and Mo here, it’s not just about Transformers.”

It was a half-truth, Starscream knew there couldn’t be Terrans without the human Maltos. If he could have it his way, there’d be no human involvement whatsoever. But Hashtag and the Terrans clung onto their clan, so he’d allowed an exception for his new world to allow safe haven for the children.

“So, this is what I am proposing; A world where Decepticons and Terrans can live in unity, safe from the harms of Earth. Of course, the human Maltos are welcome, even your parents. Two clans, united as one to take care of each other,” he smirked, proud of his idea. “Not bad, eh?”

The Maltos stood in disbelief, all trying to comprehend what Starscream just offered. What on Earth was he talking about? Sure, the unity thing didn’t sound bad but... Where did the Autobots fall into this? And other humans? And the shards?

“Is... that what the Emberstone is required for?” Nightshade added, cautious. “To create a safe space for all of us?”

“I won’t how such an incredible idea would be realised,” Starscream smiled, truly thinking his plan was flawless. “And I won’t until I know for sure that you all can be trusted. But yes, for Decepticons and Maltos. No other exceptions.”

“But,” asked Jawbreaker. “What about Bumblebee...?”

“I said, no exceptions.” However, that Breakdown would whine if his buddy wasn’t around, but he can just get over it. “My perfect plan as no use for Autobots. I wish to form this world for the sake of us all, and I require the full power of the Emberstone to make that wish a reality.”

Starscream thought the plan was flawless! But of course, the Terrans must see how brilliant it was, correct? They had been through a world where they were victims of violence and manipulation, that’s no such place for younglings. Decepticons, perhaps, that’s something you couldn’t entirely reprogram. But he knew the kids, no, he knew Hashtag would want to be safe.

However, he didn’t expect the Terran to question him.

“Surely there must be some other way though, right?”

“Excuse me?” he frowned. He couldn’t believe this! “Please do not tell me you are refusing my proposal. Imagine it, a world where both of our kinds are free from the tyranny of humanity, away from Optimus and that blasted Megatron!”

“Mister Optimus is our friend though,” replied Mo. “We just can’t abandon him like that, we’d miss him.”

“And so is Megatron,” Robby added. “He’s besties with Mom, too.”

“There’s also Elita-1,” listed Twitch. “And Arcee, and especially Wheeljack...”

“I don’t care!” Starscream raised his voice as he suddenly hit a tree with his arm by accident, causing leaves and small animals to scatter. He looked over to the damage, and then back to the Maltos, who all suddenly on the defensive. He thought he was finally getting to these damned kids!

“...I see,” Starscream stood up straight, servos returning to his backside. “I try to speak my feelings and you all arm yourselves,” a look to Hashtag. “Except you, Hashtag. I see someone trusts me.”

“Starscream...,” Hashtag frowned. She sympathised with Starscream, she really did, but this wasn’t the way to a safer future. Stealing what rightfully belonged to her family to make some sort of ‘world’ without Autobots or any other humans other than those related to her? What kind of a world is that?

“I am... honoured that you thought of us and our safety but...” she shook her helm. “If this means to break away from our other relationships, and to harm humans, then...”

“Hashtag, no,” was she seriously rejecting his proposal?! “Do not do this.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t accept your offer,” she looked to her siblings, all shaking their heads.  “None of us can. It would cause more harm than good, and it would damage friendships.”

“But you’d have MY friendship,” Starscream forced a palm against his chest, looking down at the purple Terran. “Aren’t you tired of being scared? Having the world against you? You Terrans speak of good people and G.H.O.S.T. being no more, but how does that guarantee your own safety? As long as we exist, Terran and Decepticon, we’re prime targets for termination! Why do you reject a safer world for us both?!”

“You attacked us in the first place, Starscream!!”

Hashtag raised her voice, surprising even Starscream. She had stepped close, leaning up to him as he leaned down in frustration, optics narrowed at her. He slowly straightened himself up, allowing her to speak.

“I refused to believe it at first but, you made us all unsafe by stealing Embershards and attacking in the first place...,” she tried to look away, but had to focus on Starscream, to make a point. “And honestly, it kinda sounds like you’re more concerned with Terrans joining forces with you than our human family,” Hashtag didn’t want to believe in Starscream’s selfishness, but...

“Hashtag, be reasonable!”

“I am! You want me to sacrifice my family’s bonds with others just for us to align with you? I’m really sorry Starscream, but things don’t work that way!” Hashtag sighed, as her siblings approached to be by her sides.

“As long as I have my family, I won’t be scared easily. And even when I am, they’ll have my back. And frankly, we don’t want you to change the world for simply Decepticons if it involves using the power of the Emberstone, especially when you won’t share how you’d use it. But I’d be more than happy to find some other way to---”

“How DARE you reject me!”

While Starscream had no chance to bring out his weapons, what the eavesdroppers heard was enough.

Quickly emerging from the bushes was Bumblebee and Dot with their signature blasters, and Alex holding his bastons, ready to protect their kids from Starscream.

“Step away from the Maltobots, Starscream!” ordered Bee as he aimed his stinger at the Seeker.

Starscream didn’t expect company, looking at Bumblebee in anger before glaring at who he wanted to call his friend in the end.

“Oh. I see.”

It took a lot of strength to not reveal either null-ray or buzzsaw to attack the Autobot on the spot, but the betrayal by Hashtag was too heavy on his spark. He thought they could be something, friends, comrades, Transformers that understood each other.

But no, Decepticons were simply just the enemy to everyone’s eyes who wasn’t one. Typical.

“I see you not only rejected my offer,” spoke Starscream, his voice lowering with a mix of upset and frustration. “...but you also broke our trust. Broke our promise. I was going to attempt future communication in order for us to remain civil, but you’ve given me no choice!”

He ripped off the private conversational linkers off his head, crushing it with great might. He let the remains of the device scatter onto the floor, having lost respect for the Maltos before him.

“I thought you were better than this, Hashtag. I truly did.”

Instead of attacking like everyone feared, Starscream simply turned around as he slowly hovered into the air.

“Starscream, wait!” Hashtag called out as the Seeker ascended higher.

“No," he turned to face his so-called friend, revealing a mix of disappointment and sorrow. "Do not give me such false hope! I thought you could understand me, but I was wrong. I was foolish to think you’d join my side.”

“We can work this out, as friends?! There's other options!”

"No there is NOT! You’ve shattered any meaning to the word ‘friendship’ by having a spy!” Starscream snarled, now high in the air, null-ray present.  “By finding reliance in a species that’s willing to harm you more than love! I could’ve provided a utopia for us all, but no! You rejected my open servo, to give you a safe world you-, we deserve! I cannot believe I even cared about you!”

“But..!!”

Hashtag quickly jumped back as she dodged a blast from Starscream, with Thrash’s shield defending her. A warning shot.

“I hope you remember my words of advice to you, Hashtag. To take care of yourself... Because from now on, we’re enemies.”

And with that, Starscream transformed into his jet alt-mode to leave at max speeds, refusing to look back.

As the Maltos and Bee all gathered around, Hashtag stared into the sky, where Starscream was nowhere to be seen.

“Hashtag...,” spoke Mo as she reached for her youngest sister’s servo. “I’m really sorry...”

With a heavy ‘THUD!’, the purple Terran fell to her knees from mental exhaustion. She was unable to grasp what just occurred, as if her processor refused to believe that Starscream ended their friendship. After all her efforts, no, this couldn’t be happening! Why did Starscream have to reject their friendship, being one-sided on his own thoughts? Why couldn’t there be a compromise? She only wanted to help him! To be there for each other!

Her family soon surrounded her, enveloping in a group cuddle as Hashtag began to cry. Her spark was heavy with despair and sadness, the weight preventing her from letting out a scream.

“I tried, Mom... I-I really tried...”

“I know baby, I know...”

Hashtag had her friendship rejected by Starscream, the last thing she ever wanted. But it was either her family and friends over one sole Decepticon, who’s selfish acts broke everything. If only she had another chance to talk to Starscream, if only Starscream gave her more time...

But Starscream’s views on friendship weren’t as open as his, caring for himself came first. As much as he wanted Hashtag to care for herself, the Decepticon leader followed his own advice... With or without the Maltos.

...

As he arrived back at the Decepticon base, Starscream flew into the command centre. After taking a deep vent, the Seeker harshly kicked some heavy boxes of ammo in frustration. He truly wanted those damn kids to join him, he really did! And he thought at least the Terrans would understand, he thought Hashtag would understand! Who wouldn’t want a world without suffering, without ruthless leaders or mind-controlling fiends?! To live as free as you’d want, under Decepticon rule where the world could finally be free of those damned Autobots! The Decepticon way was the only way, the correct way, under his rule! And he had offered sanctuary!!

But those Maltos... Those fools! They chose Earth over the future of Cybertronians! Hashtag rejected Starscream’s own friendship! Something that should be considered an honour! He used a rare opportunity of opening his spark, to offer something truly tremendous! They rejected his damned kindness, couldn’t they see what a waste that was?!

Yes, he wanted a friendship with the child! And to have her siblings join them if it made her happy! To guide her into a better future, so what? None of that mattered now.

Truly, they were the selfish ones here. Now that they were officially enemies, New Cybertron would simply have to exist without them.

Children were more trouble than they're worth.